cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling Binding Kinetics at the QA Site in Bacterial Reaction Centers

Bacterial reaction centers (RCs) catalyze a series of electron-transfer reactions reducing a neutral quinone to a bound, anionic semiquinone. The dissociation constants and association rates of 13 tailless neutral and anionic benzo- and naphthoquinones for the QA site were measured and compared. The Kd values for these quinones range from 0.08 to 90 μM. For the eight neutral quinones, including duroquinone (DQ) and 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (UQ0), the quinone concentration and solvent viscosity dependence of the association rate indicate a second-order rate-determining step. The association rate constants (kon) range from 105 to 107 M-1 s-1. Association and dissociation rate constants were determined at pH values above the hydroxyl pKa for five hydroxyl naphthoquinones. These negatively charged compounds are competitive inhibitors for the QA site. While the neutral quinones reach equilibrium in milliseconds, anionic hydroxyl quinones with similar Kd values take minutes to bind or dissociate....
Aesthetic Suggestiveness in Chinese Thought: A Symphony of Metaphysics and Aesthetics

Suggestiveness is a major theoretical category in Chinese aesthetic thought. Within the broader context of Chinese tradition, it is a product of the interpenetration of and exchanges between philosophical and artistic discourses. Despite its prevalence in Chinese aesthetic thought, suggestiveness has never been examined as an aesthetic category in its own right, nor have its implications been explored in relation to contemporary theories. This essay reexamines suggestiveness and its seminal ideas as an aesthetic category in Chinese tradition, exploring their relation to philosophical thought and reconceptualizing their implications in terms of the postmodern idea of literary openness. As a preliminary attempt to pioneer an approach to Chinese aesthetic theory that may emancipate it from intellectual stagnation and at the same time preserve its characteristic features, this essay also intends to inquire whether insights of Chinese aesthetics, often characterized as gems of "Oriental mysticism," can be understood in terms of reflective analysis and have a meaningful dialogue with contemporary Western literary thought.
Robust regeneration of adult zebrafish lateral line hair cells reflects continued precursor pool maintenance

We have examined lateral line hair cell and support cell maintenance in adult zebrafish when growth is largely complete. We demonstrate that adult zebrafish not only replenish hair cells after a single instance of hair cell damage, but also maintain hair cells and support cells after multiple rounds of damage and regeneration. We find that hair cells undergo continuous turnover in adult zebrafish in the absence of damage. We identify mitotically-distinct support cell populations and show that hair cells regenerate from underlying support cells in a region-specific manner. Our results demonstrate that there are two distinct support cell populations in the lateral line, which may help explain why zebrafish hair cell regeneration is extremely robust, retained throughout life, and potentially unlimited in regenerative capacity.
Wake formation in large hydrocarbon molecules

Abstract Continuum electron cusp spectra collected at 0° for ∼ MeV/u H+ and He2+ projectiles on CmHn gases show an alteration of the cusp shape and yield for m ≥ 4 molecules. The shape of this new contribution to the cusp has a smaller width and different skew than the electron-capture-to-continuum (ECC) cusps and a yield and width dependent on projectile Z. Measurements of cusp spectra for He+ projectiles (dominated by electron-loss-to-continuum processes (ELC)) show a cusp shape difference that disappears for m ≥ 4 and a normalized cusp yield that is insensitive to projectile energy. These experimental results, compared either to previous results for forward-directed continuum electron production by ECC and ELC processes or to predictions of Wake theory, are consistent only with wake production.
New nerve transfers following peripheral nerve injuries

High nerve injuries in the upper extremity present the surgeon with challenging reconstructive situations. The relatively slow rate of peripheral nerve regeneration and the inexorable pace of motor end-plate loss create physiological limitations to restoration of extremity function by high anatomic reconstruction. The concept of nerve transfer seeks to avoid the time/distance constraints on anatomic reconstruction by transferring distal donor motor or sensory axons to injured nerves close to the affected end organs. Several nerve transfer options and the authors' experience with motor and sensory restoration are presented.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for Treatment of Sinus Arrest in Postherpetic Neuralgia

A 64-year-old woman presented with bradycardia from sinus pauses during exacerbations of postherpetic trigeminal distribution neuralgia. She had underlying systemic lupus erythematosus. Sphenopalatine ganglion blockade was employed to treat her pain. The episodes of bradycardia resolved with successful alleviation of pain. This report emphasizes that a sphenopalatine ganglion blockade can be employed in the treatment and prevention of sinus arrest associated with postherpetic trigeminal distribution neuralgia.
Ontogenetic Color Change and Mating Cues in Largus californicus (Hemiptera: Largidae)

Largus californicus (Van Duzee) individuals undergo two ontogenetic color changes. First instars are bright red, second through fifth instars are shiny blue-black, and adults are black with orange markings. Adult male mating behavior suggested that the change in color from fifth instars to adults might enable males to discriminate between nymphs and adults. Males mount adults and persist if they have mounted a female, but quickly release if they have mounted another male. Males were never observed to mount nymphs. Female color patterns were altered and male's copulatory attempts were recorded to determine if color pattern was used by males in mating decisions. The null hypothesis that dorsal color pattern does not affect male mating behavior could not be rejected; therefore the significance of the color change from nymph to adult must be sought elsewhere.
Radioassay of Aqueous Solutions mixed with Solid Crystalline Fluors

I HAVE previously described a new approach to direct radioassay of aqueous solutions of weak betaray emitting isotopes in the liquid scintillation spectrometer1. The aqueous solution was intimately mixed with a mass of finely divided beads of clear plastic into which a fluor (diphenylstilbene) has been incorporated (Pilot B-Beads, Pilot Chemicals, Inc., Watertown, Mass.). We wish to report that a number of crystalline fluors, more efficient, less expensive and more generally available, can be substituted for the plastic and used in an analogous fashion despite their poorer light-transmitting qualities2. For example, in a slurry made up of 0.7 ml. Na2 14CO3 and 0.5 gm. diphenyloxazole the carbon-14 was counted with 27 per cent efficiency. Instead of trying to hold the solid fluor in stable suspension, which can be done with the help of thickeners such as glycerol, it has proved more satisfactory to let the fluor settle to the bottom of the vial. Addition of a detergent is essential to ensure prompt and uniform wetting of the crystals. The performance of a fluor depends not only on its inherent fluorescence efficiency but also on the size and shape of the crystals, since the closeness of packing determines the mean free path of beta-particles through the solution before they encounter a fluor crystal. Best results thus far have been obtained using blue-violet fluorescence-grade anthracene crystals (Distillation Products Industries. Rochester, N.Y.). This highly purified material was three times as efficient as ordinary ‘chemically pure’ anthracene. The difference may in part reflect the presence of trace impurities in the latter, known to shift the fluorescence to higher wave-lengths. Even different lots of fluorescence-grade anthracene may differ by 20–30 per cent in efficiency, but the material in any given lot gave excellent reproducibility without further treatment. A routine technique currently used in our laboratories for carbon-14 and tritium is described.
Alloantigen-Mediated Adherence of Sat Hepatocytes to Antibody-Coated Polystyrene Dishes

Rat alloantigens expressed on normal hepatocytes have been utilized in a cell “panning” procedure to mediate the haplotype-specific adherence of collagenase-isolated hepatocytes to antibody-coated polystyrene dishes. A polyvalent F344 anti-WF alloantiserum was prepared by immunizing F344 rats with WF tissue. The alloantibody IgG purified from the alloantiserum, when reacted with either WF or (WF x F344)F1 hybrid rat hepatocytes, caused the adherence of these hepatocytes to bacteriological-grade polystyrene dishes coated non-specifically with a xenoantibody, rabbit anti-rat IgG. Similarly-treated hepatocytes of the F344 strain, which lack WF alloantigenic determinants, failed to be adsorbed above background level to the coated dishes.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIRECT FLUORESCENCE, ZENON LABELING, AND QUANTUM DOT NANOCRYSTAL TECHNOLOGY IN IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE STAINING

A comparative analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity and efficiency of three fluorescent labeling techniques, including direct fluorescent-antibody staining (FA), Zenon labeling, and quantum dot (QD) nanocrystal technology. Two varicella-zoster virus immunoglobin (Ig) G forms, mAb 4F9 and mAb g62, were selected for these studies. The results indicated that: (1) All three methods demonstrated similar brightness and photostability; (2) the time required to conjugate the antibody varied, with Zenon labeling being the quickest; and (3) the stability of each conjugated complex was different, with FITC/rhodamine-conjugated antibody being the most stable.
Malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction: a survey of urologists and medical oncologists regarding treatment patterns and preferences.

OBJECTIVES To investigate and compare practice patterns regarding malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction among urologists (GU) and oncologists (ONC). METHODS We invited members of the American Urological Association and the American Society of Clinical Oncologists to participate in a web-based survey. Participants gave recommendations in clinical scenarios, as well as opinions regarding use of ureteral stents and nephrostomy tubes (PCN). RESULTS The survey was randomly sent to 1500 GU and 1500 ONC, of whom 226 (15%) and 191 (12.4%) responded, respectively. The groups significantly varied in treatment preferences in all clinical scenarios. Regarding stent failure, ONC preferred PCN (79% versus GU 62%); GU (18% versus 5%) next preferred stent manipulation (eg, increase stent size, dual stents) (P <0.0001). The greatest risk of stents per GU was decreased quality of life (65% versus 13%), whereas ONC were most concerned about infection (43% versus 3%) (P <0.0001). The greatest risk of PCN per GU was dislodgement (48% versus 18%), whereas ONC were most concerned about infection (40% versus 8%) (P <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Practice patterns vary significantly between GU and ONC in the treatment of malignant extrinsic ureteral obstruction. Further investigation and collaboration are necessary to determine which interventions are best for these patients and how to ensure consistency in their care.
Three-pulse photon-echo spectroscopy as a probe of the photoexcited electronic state manifold in coupled electron-phonon systems

We demonstrate that a three-pulse photon-echo technique is capable of eliminating the effect of the absorption band broadening associated with intrinsic electron-phonon coupling, and revealing its structure determined by the optical transitions between the ground and excited electronic states dressed with vibrational quanta. This is important for the spectroscopic probing of photoexcited dynamics in low-dimensional materials with strong electron-phonon coupling. As a minimal model for our calculations, we use a two-electron, two-site Holstein Hamiltonian accounting for the vibrational degree of freedom fully quantum mechanically.
On striking variation in impact toughness of polyethylene–clay and polypropylene–clay nanocomposite systems: The effect of clay–polymer interaction

Abstract The reinforcement of polyethylene and polypropylene with 4 wt.% nanoclay exhibits a striking variation in impact toughness behavior in the temperature range of −40 to +70 °C under identical processing conditions. The reinforcement of polypropylene with nanoclay increases the impact strength, while polyethylene experiences a decrease in the impact strength. To explain this dissimilar and contrasting behavior, we discuss here the possibility of clay–polymer interaction based on conclusions derived from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The observations suggest the possibility of a strong polypropylene–clay interaction, whereas the polyethylene–clay interaction is weak. The strong interaction in polypropylene–clay system is responsible for significant change in physical and mechanical properties.
Turn-on transient dynamics in a multimode, compound-cavity laser

The turn-on-time statistics for an individual longitudinal mode and the total intensity of a multimode laser are shown to be very different. In both experiment and theory we find that the differences are due mainly to transitory modes that decay as a result of frequency-dependent losses and gains. Associated with this phenomenon is a kink in the time evolution of the mode intensity, but not in the total intensity, that represents a transition in the dynamics from domination by independent growth of all modes to domination by competition between modes with different net gains. This unequal competition increases the average and the standard deviation of the individual mode turn-on time. The experimental dye-laser system has a thin gain medium (100 µm) that is strongly coupled to a short cavity (2.5 cm) and is adjacent to one of the cavity mirrors. The opposite cavity mirror serves as a relatively weak output coupler. The presence of the thin gain medium in the cavity causes the effective pump and loss rates to be frequency dependent. The result is a transient spectrum in which the cavity modes that have the highest net gain dominate the system more as the turn-on transient progresses. The gain spectrum is found to be strongly affected by the frequency dependence of the compound-cavity modes. Using realistic laser parameters, numerical simulations of a multimode laser model {developed in companion paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B14, 191 (1997)]} yield turn-on dynamics and statistics that agree well with those measured experimentally.
The Psychological Sources of Partisan-leaning Independence

In the traditional 7-point scale of partisanship, individuals classified as partisan leaners present a unique anomaly. These individuals self-classify themselves as politically independent, yet admit to preferring one political party over the other when probed. Previous research has shown that these partisan leaners are not demonstrably different from avowed partisans in either the attitudinal or behavioral support for their preferred party. Why these individuals should be partisan in attitudes and behaviors yet still consider themselves independents has not been adequately examined and raises important questions about our current understanding of partisanship. Using a unique psychological survey of voting-age adults, I find that leaners are different from true partisans in four areas: relatively less emphasis on affect and more emphasis on cognition in partisan attitudes; less partisan social identity, but heightened independent social identity; different paterns of parental socialization; and more negat...
Pediatric thyroid-associated orbitopathy: the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia experience and literature review.

Background: As Graves' disease is uncommon in children, Graves' eye disease should be even more unusual. Here we report our experience with Graves' eye disease at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and review the literature on ophthalmic findings in children with Graves' disease. Summary: A retrospective review identified 152 children with Graves' disease seen in the endocrinology clinic of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia over a 3-year period. Of this cohort, only 26 (17%) were referred to ophthalmology because of prominent ophthalmic manifestations. The ages of the patients ranged from 4 months to 17 years. Sixteen of 26 patients were female. Most patients had mild findings consistent with Graves' disease. Proptosis was noted in 10 of 26 (38%). Lid retraction was present in 6 of 26 (23%). Mild corneal punctuate staining was identified in only 3 of the 26 patients (12%). No patients had strabismus or optic neuropathy. Three newly diagnosed Graves' patients who were seen as the retrospective r...
Focal cortical dysplasias in eloquent cortex : functional characteristics and correlation with MRI and histopathologic changes

Summary: Purpose: Focal cortical dysplasia (CD) is increasingly recognized as a common pathologic substrate of medically intractable epilepsy. As these lesions are often localized in the frontal lobe (therefore in potentially eloquent cortex), an understanding of the functional status of the involved region(s) and of its anatomic and pathologic correlates is of prime importance. The purpose of this study is to assess the function of focal CD in relation to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathologic features. Methods: Eight patients operated on for medically intractable epilepsy with histologically proven focal CD involving putative eloquent cortex in the frontal lobe (perirolandic and Broca's areas) were included in the study. Functional regions (motor and language) and epileptogenic areas were assessed by extraoperative electrocorticographic recording and electrical cortical mapping. Cortical functions were correlated with the extent of epileptogenicity on electrocorticographic recordings, MRI features, and histologic characteristics. Results: Language or motor areas were colocalized with epileptogenic regions (n = 6 of 8, 75%), but were not mapped in regions of increased signal on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI (when they were identified) on preoperative MRI (n = 5 of 5, 100%). Histologically, balloon cells were almost exclusively found in nonfunctional regions with FLAIR MRI abnormalities. When resected, regions of motor cortex were characterized by cortical dyslamination, columnar disorganization, and dysmorphic neurons, but were devoid of balloon cells. Conclusions: We found an absence of language or motor functions in perirolandic and Broca's areas that showed decreased epileptogenicity, histopathological evidence of CD with balloon cells and FLAIR MRI signal increase. Language and motor functions were present in epileptogenic and dysplastic areas with no balloon cells and no FLAIR signal abnormalities. These findings have implications on options for epilepsy surgery in patients with CD.
Sleep-Dependent Learning and Practice-Dependent Deterioration in an Orientation Discrimination Task

Learning new information requires practice. The degree of learning can be influenced by the amount of practice and whether subjects sleep between sessions. Over-practice, however, can lead to performance deterioration. The interaction between practice-dependent deterioration and sleep-dependent learning needs more study. We examine whether the amount of practice before sleep alters learning, and whether prior sleep protects against deterioration. Two groups (N = 33) were tested three times across two days on an orientation discrimination task. The High practice group was tested twice before a night of sleep and once after, at 9 a.m., 7 p.m., and 9 a.m. The Low practice group was tested once before a night of sleep and twice after, at 7 p.m., 9 a.m., and 7 p.m. Overall, both groups showed (1) deterioration with repeated, within-day testing, (2) performance improvement only after a night of sleep, (3) similar amounts of sleep-dependent learning and practice-dependent deterioration. In summary, we found that sleep resets visual contrast thresholds to a lower baseline (i.e., produces learning), but does not prevent over-practice deterioration effects. Likewise, over-practice deterioration does not influence the magnitude of overnight learning on this task.
Clustering association rules

The authors consider the problem of clustering two-dimensional association rules in large databases. They present a geometric-based algorithm, BitOp, for performing the clustering, embedded within an association rule clustering system, ARCS. Association rule clustering is useful when the user desires to segment the data. They measure the quality of the segmentation generated by ARCS using the minimum description length (MDL) principle of encoding the clusters on several databases including noise and errors. Scale-up experiments show that ARCS, using the BitOp algorithm, scales linearly with the amount of data.
Oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria during embryonic development.

P:O ratios have been determined in mitochondria from the liver and skeletal muscle of chicks ranging in age from eight days of incubation through hatching. The values obtained remain constant throughout development and are the same as those of mitochondria from corresponding tissues of the adult. Developmental changes in respiratory control (RC) show variations depending on the tissue and the substrate oxidized. RC is constant in liver mitochondria with all substrates; in muscle mitochondria, RC increases with glutamate and αketoglutarate, while with malate, RC shows a marked decrease prior to hatching. Similarly, changes in specific activity of oxidation and phosphorylation in mitochondria vary with tissue and developmental stage. In liver mitochondria, specific activities of oxidation and phosphorylation with glutamate and αketoglutarate decrease during development; in muscle mitochondria, specific activities with these substrates increase. With malate, specific activities increase in liver, but decrease in muscle mitochondria; in the latter tissue this occurs at about the time of hatching. Added cytochrome c increases oxidation rate of muscle mitochondria, the increase being progressively greater the older the animals from which the mitochondria are derived.
Higher order hybrid method of moments-physical optics modeling technique for radiation and scattering from large perfectly conducting surfaces

An efficient and accurate higher order, large-domain hybrid computational technique based on the method of moments (MoM) and physical optics (PO) is proposed for analysis of large antennas and scatterers composed of perfectly conducting surfaces of arbitrary shapes. The technique utilizes large generalized curvilinear quadrilaterals of arbitrary geometrical orders in both the MoM and PO regions. It employs higher order divergence-conforming hierarchical polynomial basis functions in the context of the Galerkin method in the MoM region and higher order divergence-conforming interpolatory Chebyshev-type polynomial basis functions in conjunction with a point-matching method in the PO region. The results obtained by the higher order MoM-PO are validated against the results of the full MoM analysis in three characteristic realistic examples. The truly higher order and large-domain nature of the technique in both MoM and PO regions enables a very substantial reduction in the number of unknowns and increase in accuracy and efficiency when compared to the low-order, small-domain MoM-PO solutions. The PO part of the proposed technique, on the other hand, allows for a dramatic reduction in the computation time and memory with respect to the pure MoM higher order technique, which greatly extends the practicality of the higher order MoM with a smooth transition between low- and high-frequency applications.
Relations between trophic state indicators and plant biomass in Florida lakes

We collected quantitative data on macrophyte abundance and water quality in 319 mostly shallow, polymictic, Florida lakes to look for relationships between trophic state indicators and the biomasses of plankton algae, periphyton, and macrophytes. The lakes ranged from oligotrophic to hypereutrophic with total algal chlorophylls ranging from 1 to 241 mg m −3 . There were strong positive correlations between planktonic chlorophylls and total phosphorus and total nitrogen, but there were weak inverse relationships between the densities of periphyton and the trophic state indicators total phosphorus, total nitrogen and algal chlorophyll and a positive relationship with Secchi depth. There was no predictable relationship between the abundance of emergent, floating-leaved, and submersed aquatic vegetation and the trophic state indicators. It was only at the highest levels of nutrient concentrations that submersed macrophytes were predictably absent and the lakes were algal dominated. Below these levels, macrophyte abundance could be high or low. The phosphorus–chlorophyll and phosphorus–Secchi depth relationships were not influenced by the amounts of aquatic vegetation present indicating that the role of macrophytes in clearing lakes may be primarily to reduce nutrient concentrations for a given level of loading. Rather than nutrient concentrations controlling macrophyte abundance, it seems that macrophytes acted to modify nutrient concentrations.
The kinematics and pattern of escarpment retreat across the rifted continental margin of SE Australia

Rifted continental margins generally display an interior, low-relief, highly weathered upland area and a deeply incised, high-relief coastal area. The boundary between the two zones is commonly demarcated by an abrupt, seaward-facing escarpment. We investigate the rate and pattern of escarpment erosion and landscape evolution along the passive margin of south-east Australia, in the region of the New England Tableland. The process of rifting is shown to initiate an escarpment across which rivers flow, resulting in an escarpment that takes the form of dramatic, elongated gorges. Using a mass balance approach, we estimate the volume/unit length of continental material eroded seaward of the escarpment to be between 41 and 68 km2, approximately an order of magnitude less than the 339 km2 of terrigenous sediments calculated to have been deposited offshore, but consistent with earlier denudation estimates based on apatite fission track data. On the bedrock rivers draining the New England Tableland region, the escarpment is manifested as a series of sharp knickpoints punctuating the river longitudinal profiles. The knickpoints are situated the same distance upstream along the different channels and uniform escarpment retreat rates on the order of 2 km Ma−1are estimated, despite some differences in bedrock lithologies. Gorge head migration appears to be very important as a bedrock incision mechanism. Field observations indicate a coupling between escarpment retreat and knickpoint propagation, bedrock channel incision, and hillslope development.
Condition, Survival, and Cause-Specific Mortality of Adult Female Mule Deer in North-Central New Mexico

Abstract From December 2001 to December 2004 we monitored 30–44 adult female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) annually to assess the factors affecting survival and cause-specific mortality. We found adult female survival of 0.63 (SE = 0.08), 0.90 (SE = 0.05), and 0.91 (SE = 0.04), 2002–2004, respectively. Starvation was the most common cause of mortality, accounting for 11/23 mortalities. Mean ingesta-free body fat (IFBF) levels of adult females in December were low (6–9%), despite few (0–13%) lactating adult females, indicative of extremely nutritionally deficient summer–autumn ranges throughout the study site. A priori levels of IFBF and rump body condition scores (rBCS) were higher in deer that survived the following year regardless of cause of mortality. Logistical analysis indicated that models containing individual body fat, rBCS, mean population body fat, winter precipitation, precipitation during mid- to late gestation, and total annual precipitation were related (χ2 ≥ 9.1; P ≤ 0.003) to deer survi...
Context based word prediction for texting language

The use of digital mobile phones has led to a tremendous increase in communication using SMS. On a phone keypad, multiple words are mapped to same numeric code. We propose a Context Based Word Prediction system for SMS messaging in which context is used to predict the most appropriate word for a given code. We extend this system to allow informal words (short forms for proper English words). The mapping from informal word to its proper English words is done using Double Metaphone Encoding based on their phonetic similarity. The results show 31% improvement over the traditional frequency based word estimation.
Is Radiographic Vertebral Fracture a Risk Factor for Mortality

Clinical fractures predict increased mortality risk, but few studies report mortality based on prevalent radiographically defined vertebral fracture. This study examined whether radiographically defined vertebral fracture is a risk factor for mortality in older adults. The 1,580 participants in California (631 men, 949 women) were aged � 50 years in 1992–1996. Lateral spine radiographs, and information about medical history and behaviors, were obtained. Overall, 55 (8.7%) men and 123 (13%) women had at least one prevalent fracture at baseline; of these, 48 women and 14 men had two or more. Over 7.6 years, 460 participants died, 27.6% without and 41.0% with prevalent fractures (p < 0.001). Prevalent vertebral fracture was not associated with all-cause mortality in both sexes combined (adjusted hazard ratio ¼ 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 0.84, 1.42) or sex-specific analyses (women: adjusted hazard ratio ¼ 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.83, 1.59; men: adjusted hazard ratio ¼ 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.55, 1.46). However, women with two or more prevalent fractures had increased risk of allcause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio ¼ 1.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 2.40; p ¼ 0.04). Women with any prevalent vertebral fractures also had increased mortality risk from ‘‘other’’ causes (adjusted hazard ratio ¼ 1.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 2.45; p ¼ 0.04) but not cardiovascular disease or cancer. A single radiographic vertebral fracture is not a risk for mortality in older women; larger, longer studies of men and those with two or more radiographic vertebral fractures are needed. cohort studies; fractures, bone; mortality; osteoporosis; radiography; spinal fracture
Large zeolites - Why and how to grow in space

The growth of zeolite crystals which are considered to be the most valuable catalytic and adsorbent materials of the chemical processing industry are discussed. It is proposed to use triethanolamine as a nucleation control agent to control the time release of Al in a zeolite A solution and to increase the average and maximum crystal size by 25-50 times. Large zeolites could be utilized to make membranes for reactors/separators which will substantially increase their efficiency.
Peritoneal Cavity B Cells Are Precursors of Splenic IgM Natural Antibody-Producing Cells

Peritoneal cavity B-1 cells are believed to produce IgM natural Abs. We have used α1,3-galactosyltransferase-deficient ( GalT −/− ) mice, which, like humans, produce IgM natural Abs against the carbohydrate epitope Galα1,3Gal (Gal), to demonstrate that peritoneal cavity B-1b cells with anti-Gal receptors produce anti-Gal IgM Abs only after LPS stimulation. Likewise, peritoneal cavity cells of GalT −/− and wild-type mice do not produce IgM Abs of other specificities without LPS stimulation. Development of Ab-secreting capacity is associated with loss of CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) expression. In contrast, there are large numbers of cells producing anti-Gal and other IgM Abs in fresh splenocyte preparations from GalT −/− and (for non-Gal specificities) wild-type mice. These cells are Mac-1 − but otherwise B-1b-like in their phenotype. We therefore hypothesized a pathway wherein peritoneal cavity B cells migrate into the spleen after activation in vivo and lose Mac-1 expression to become IgM Ab-producing cells. Consistent with this possibility, splenectomy reduced anti-Gal Ab production after immunization of GalT −/− mice with Gal-positive rabbit RBC. Furthermore, splenectomized B6 GalT −/− , Ig μ -chain mutant (μ −/− ) (both Gal- and B cell-deficient) mice produced less anti-Gal IgM than nonsplenectomized controls after adoptive transfer of peritoneal cavity cells from B6 GalT −/− mice. When sorted GalT −/− Mac-1 + peritoneal cavity B cells were adoptively transferred to B6 GalT −/− , μ −/− mice, IgM Abs including anti-Gal appeared, and IgM-producing and Mac1 − B cells were present in the spleen 5 wk after transfer. These findings demonstrate that peritoneal cavity Mac-1 + B-1 cells are precursors of Mac-1 − splenic IgM Ab-secreting cells.
Creoles of Color of the Gulf South

Creoles of Color of the Gulf South, James H. Dormon. ed. Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1996. 190 pp.
Forging The Graphs: A Low Rank and Positive Semidefinite Graph Learning Approach

In many graph-based machine learning and data mining approaches, the quality of the graph is critical. However, in real-world applications, especially in semi-supervised learning and unsupervised learning, the evaluation of the quality of a graph is often expensive and sometimes even impossible, due the cost or the unavailability of ground truth. In this paper, we proposed a robust approach with convex optimization to "forge" a graph: with an input of a graph, to learn a graph with higher quality. Our major concern is that an ideal graph shall satisfy all the following constraints: non-negative, symmetric, low rank, and positive semidefinite. We develop a graph learning algorithm by solving a convex optimization problem and further develop an efficient optimization to obtain global optimal solutions with theoretical guarantees. With only one non-sensitive parameter, our method is shown by experimental results to be robust and achieve higher accuracy in semi-supervised learning and clustering under various settings. As a preprocessing of graphs, our method has a wide range of potential applications machine learning and data mining.
Transparency as a catalyst for interaction and participation in open learning environments

This article argues that transparency promotes interactivity and participation in collaborative Web 2.0 learning environments. Teaching with transparency requires a learner-centered pedagogy for research, writing, and the production of new knowledge in open communities. Transparency is a catalyst for interaction and participation that supports open learning in multiple disciplines and institutional contexts. Transparent design influences the development of wikis, Open Educational Resources (OERs), and mobile applications. The wiki is a flexible, social, and easy to use technology for collaborative authorship and for sharing information. OERs are transparent educational materials for teaching and learning and mobile technologies expand the scope of when and how transparent learning takes place.
Autoimmunity in Dry Eye Is Due to Resistance of Th17 to Treg Suppression

Dry eye disease (DED), an inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting the ocular surface, degrades visual performance and the quality of life of >10 million people in the United States alone. The primary limitation in the effective treatment of DED is an incomplete understanding of its specific cellular and molecular pathogenic elements. Using a validated mouse model of DED, herein we functionally characterize the different T cell subsets, including regulatory T cells (Tregs) and pathogenic effector T cells, and determine their contribution to the pathogenesis of DED. Our data demonstrate the presence of dysfunctional Tregs and the resistance of pathogenic T cells, particularly Th17 cells, to Treg suppression in DED. In addition, we clearly show that in vivo blockade of IL-17 significantly reduces the severity and progression of disease, which is paralleled by a reduction in the expansion of Th17 cells and restoration of Treg function. Our findings elucidate involvement of a previously unknown pathogenic T cell subset (Th17) in DED that is associated specifically with Treg dysfunction and disease pathogenesis and suggest a new target for dry eye therapy.
Compared with warfarin, high-dose dabigatran might be cost-effective for preventing stroke in older patients with nonvalvular AF

Source Citation Freeman JV, Zhu RP, Owens DK, et al. Cost-effectiveness of dabigatran compared with warfarin for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. Ann Intern Med. 2011;154:1-11. 21041570
Crankshaft position measurement for engine testing, control, and diagnosis

The authors present several applications of a precise, moderate sampling rate measurement of the crankshaft angular position of a reciprocating internal combustion engine. It is shown that the measurement can be made with a relatively inexpensive noncontacting sensor. Given sufficient precision and sampling rate, the various applications include crankshaft reference position measurements for ignition timing (gasoline fueled engines) or injector timing (for electronically controlled diesel engines); and crankshaft angular speed and acceleration measurements for estimating instantaneous indicated torque and for diagnosing engine malfunctions. The torque estimate is potentially useful for engine control, to improve engine performance with respect to reducing cycle-to-cycle and cylinder-to-cylinder nonuniformity and with respect to fuel economy. The crankshaft angular speed measurement also provides an input to a computationally efficient diagnosis method for detecting failures in any sensor or actuator on the vehicle. The theory and experimental verification of the applications are discussed. >
Acculturation and Healthy Lifestyle Among Latinos With Diabetes

PURPOSE Latinos have a high prevalence of diabetes and disproportionately experience diabetic complications. We sought to examine the association of acculturation on healthy lifestyle habits among the Latino population in the United States with diabetes. METHODS We studied Latino adults (aged ≥20 years) with previously diagnosed diabetes in the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (unweighted N = 467; weighted N = 1,957,778). Healthy lifestyle habits were those consistent with recommendations of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) regarding exercise, smoking, obesity, and diet. Acculturation was measured with the Short Acculturation Scale, a validated 5-item scale assessing use of the Spanish language. Logistic regression analyses of acculturation and healthy behaviors were computed controlling for access to care, demographics, and disease characteristics. RESULTS In bivariate analyses, compared with their less-acculturated counterparts, individuals who were more-acculturated to any extent were less likely to have a higher fiber intake (9.4% vs 35.4%, P = .001) and lower saturated fat intake (17.2% vs 46.5%, P = .03). More-acculturated individuals were more likely to report leisure time exercise (59.2% vs 19.3%, P CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that acculturation among diabetic Latinos to the general US culture is associated with adoption of some less desirable dietary habits.
Innovative Financial Technologies To Facilitate Trade With Eastern Europe

The European Economic Community is overshadowing the great market potential of the emerging, newly liberated Eastern Bloc countries. Entering these formerly communist markets is challenging because of a lack of sound economies and weak currencies. This paper develops a model whereby North American businesses enter these markets and accept local currencies for products and services, purchase local goods with the local currency and then sell these goods through international commodity exchanges.
Initial study on high pressure jet processing using a modified waterjet on physicochemical and rennet coagulation properties of pasteurized skim milk

Developments in material science and engineering have enabled high pressure jet (HPJ) processing at >500 MPa. The objective of this study was to characterize the physicochemical properties of pasteurized skim milk processed at pressures from 0 to 500 MPa using waterjet technology, to explore novel uses of this technology for milk. The apparent particle size of casein micelles increased from approximately 180–220 nm in milk processed from 0 to 200 MPa to approximately 280 nm in milk treated at 500 MPa. All milk samples were shelf-stable up to 14 days at 4 °C. The viscosity of skim milk processed at 400 and 500 MPa almost doubled (4.2 mPa s) when compared with control unprocessed milk (2.2 mPa s). Increasing HPJ processing pressure changed the structure–function properties of the casein micelles and no rennet-induced coagulation was observed for milk processed at 500 MPa.
The evolution of parathyroid carcinoma in the United States: increased incidence and improved survival

METHODS: Between 1990-2014, 198 pheochromocytoma patients were operated. 30 patients were found to be having normotensive pheochromocytoma. Data regarding preoperative alpha blockade and intraopertive hemodynamic instability in terms of extremely high (SBP>180mmHg) or low (SBP 120/min) and bradycardic episodes (HR<60min), maximum and minimum HR & BP, arrhythmias & need of treatment for hyper or hypotension was evaluated retrospectively
A 2.4 GHz 4 mW Integer-N Inductorless RF Synthesizer

The high phase noise of ring oscillators has generally discouraged their use in RF synthesis. This paper introduces an integer-N synthesizer that employs a type-I loop to achieve a wide bandwidth, allowing the use of ring oscillators, and a master-slave sampling loop filter along with harmonic traps to suppress spurs. A 2.4 GHz prototype fabricated in 45 nm digital CMOS technology provides a loop bandwidth of 10 MHz and a spur level of $-\text{65}\;\text{dBc}$ . The phase noise is $-\text{114}\;\text{dBc}/\text{Hz}$ at 1 MHz offset.
Distribution and excretion of radioactivity after administration of morphine-N-methyl C14 to rats.

SummaryAfter the administration of morphine-N-methyl-C14 to rats, radioactivity concentrated chiefly in the urinary and intestinal tracts with only minimal amounts in the central nervous system. Urinary excretion predominated but there is evidence for an enterohepatic circulation of morphine or its metabolites following initial excretion by the liver in the bile. Male rats excreted significantly more radioactivity via the pulmonary route than did females. Treatment of females with cyclopentyl testosterone increased their pulmonary excretion to the male level. Liberation of C14O2 by liver slices from male and female rats to which morphine-N-methyl-C14 was added in vitro followed the same pattern.
A New Yeast Hydrolysate-Borax Bait for Trapping the Caribbean Fruit Fly

In Florida, baits of 3% hydrolyzed torula yeast + 4% borax premixed in water in invaginated glass traps proved 2-40 times as attractive as the standard (pellets of enzymatic cottonseed hydrolysate + borax) in water as a bait for Anastrepha suspense (Loew). In 2- to 4-week surveys, it caught 5-6.8 times more flies than the standard, and in 1 month (March) it caught flies in 5 counties, where the standard did not catch any. The new bait could be used for 14 days without replenishment and was not less attractive than 0- to 1-day old baits until after the 10th day. Also, the new bait, like most protein hydrolysates, caught 2 or more times as many females as males. Traps containing the new bait were not competitive with one another for 5 days when they were used at a density of 10/acre, but some interaction occurred when they were used at a density of 25/acre. When the solid components of the bait were pelletized (1:1:33 ratio of yeast and borax) for convenience in handling, the catches were ⅓ less the 1st week; when the pellets were made up with a 1:2 ratio of yeast and borax, they were about 50% as effective. However, when the components were added dry (in loose form) to the trap before the water was added, the solution was as effective as the premixed solution.
Vibration characteristics of composite fan blades and comparison with measured data

The vibration characteristics of a composite fan blade for high-tip-speed applications were determined theoretically and the results compared with measured data. The theoretical results were obtained using a computerized capability consisting of NASTRAN coupled with composite mechanics by way of pre- and postprocessors. The predicted vibration frequencies and mode shapes were in reasonable agreement with the measured data. Theoretical results showed that different laminate configurations from the same composite system had only small effects on the blade frequency. However, the use of adhesively bonded titanium/beryllium laminar composites may improve considerably the blade vibration characteristics.
Genetic Implications of the Interaction of Two Types of Beta-Thalassemia Genes in a Patient With Thalassemia Major

A patient with thalassemia major is described in which two types of thalassemia genes are present, one that reduces β-chain synthesis and the other that suppresses it completely. The identification of these two types of β-thalassemia genes is based on the presence or absence of HbA in other members of the same family who are also HbC carriers. The genetic implications of the interaction of these two thalassemia genes are discussed in view of recent theories on the nature of the molecular defect characteristic of each type of thalassemia.
Bioprospecting Chemical Diversity and Bioactivity in a Marine Derived Aspergillus terreus

A comparative metabolomic study of a marine derived fungus (Aspergillus terreus) grown under various culture conditions is presented. The fungus was grown in eleven different culture conditions using solid agar, broth cultures, or grain based media (OSMAC). Multivariate analysis of LC/MS data from the organic extracts revealed drastic differences in the metabolic profiles and guided our subsequent isolation efforts. The compound 7-desmethylcitreoviridin was isolated and identified, and is fully described for the first time. In addition, 16 known fungal metabolites were also isolated and identified. All compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analysis and tested for antibacterial activities against five human pathogens and tested for cytotoxicity. This study demonstrates that LC/MS based multivariate analysis provides a simple yet powerful tool to analyze the metabolome of a single fungal strain grown under various conditions. This approach allows environmentally-induced changes in metabolite expression to be rapidly visualized, and uses these differences to guide the discovery of new bioactive molecules.
Survey of Dog-injured Patients' Cognition on Rabies in Chengdu

objective To understand the current situation of the dog-injured patients' knowledge about hydrophobia.Methods Descriptive studies were employed on 977 patients from 21 dog-bite clinics of Chengdu,who were interviewed face to face according to a standard questionnaire in dog injury clinics,including history of exposure,knowledge on rabies et al.Results The major injury was at limbs and in ways of biting.And the municipal-level clinics held the highest exposure rate of degree Ⅲ(76.56%) and the major portion(54.69%) injured by personal pets.Statistical differences(P0.05) were found on 9 questions of 12 for rabies.The highest and the lowest awareness rate for rabies were "Whether the vaccine could prevent rabies"(89.52%-91.25%) and "Rabies can be cured"(19.0%-47.3%),respectively.The patients mainly acquired the knowledge though means of doctors,friends,website and television.Conclusion Further improvement is needed for the clinic patients' cognition on dog injury clinics in Chengdu.Comprehensive measures on health education should be adopted in time.