cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive impairment burden in older and younger adults across the kidney transplant care continuum.

BACKGROUND Younger kidney transplant (KT) candidates and recipients may have cognitive impairment due to chronic diseases and reliance on dialysis. METHODS To quantify cognitive impairment burden by age across the KT care continuum, we leveraged a two-center cohort study of 3854 KT candidates at evaluation, 1114 recipients at admission, and 405 recipients at 1-year post-KT with measured global cognitive performance (3MS) or executive function (Trail Making Test). We also estimated burden of severe cognitive impairment that affects functional dependence (activities of daily living [ADL] < 6 or instrumental activities of daily living [IADL] < 8). RESULTS Among KT candidates, global cognitive impairment (18-34 years: 11.1%; 35-49 years: 14.0%; 50-64 years: 19.5%; ≥65 years: 22.0%) and severe cognitive impairment burden (18-34 years: 1.1%; 35-49 years: 3.0%; 50-64 years: 6.2%; ≥65 years: 7.7%) increased linearly with age. Among KT recipients at admission, global cognitive impairment (18-34 years: 9.1%; 35-49 years: 6.1%; 50-64 years: 9.3%; ≥65 years: 15.7%) and severe cognitive impairment burden (18-34 years: 1.4%; 35-49 years: 1.4%; 50-64 years: 2.2%; ≥65 years: 4.6%) was lower. Despite lowest burden of cognitive impairment among KT recipients at 1-year post-KT across all ages (18-34 years: 1.7%; 35-49 years: 3.4%; 50-64 years: 4.3%; ≥65 years: 6.5%), many still exhibited severe cognitive impairment (18-34 years: .0%; 35-49 years: 1.9%; 50-64 years: 2.4%; ≥65 years: 3.5%). CONCLUSION Findings were consistent for executive function impairment. While cognitive impairment increases with age, younger KT candidates have a high burden comparable to community-dwelling older adults, with some potentially suffering from severe forms. Transplant centers should consider routinely screening patients during clinical care encounters regardless of age.
Unique Solutions to Discontinuous Hamilton-Jacobi Equations in Shape-From-Shading

We consider two shape from shading equations that have similar physical motivation but correspond to significantly different Hamilton-Jacobi equations. One is the eikonal equation and has a convex Hamiltonian; the other has a time dependent form and the Hamiltonian is not convex. We analyze both cases when the Hamiltonian is discontinuous with respect to its spatial data by considering solutions to sequences of equations with continuous Hamiltonian that converge from below and above to the discontinuous Hamiltonian. When the corresponding solutions converge to a common limit, we define this limit to be the unique solution to the discontinuous problem. We discuss when the unique solution can be established, its behavior, and the convergence of monotone schemes to this notion of solution.
Reading Selections. The place of the verb

In a Dutch declarative sentence, the main conjugated verb must stand second. If anything but the subject of the verb—usually an adverb or phrase—comes first in the sentence, the order of subject and verb is reversed so that the verb may stand in second place. Note carefully in the following readings how this important rule is illustrated.
Take a minute to complete the loop: using electronic Classroom Assessment Techniques in computer science labs

Laboratory assignments play a critical role in the study of introductory programming, allowing students to put into practice the concepts and theories presented in class. However, it is not always clear that students come away from labs with an adequate understanding of the focal concept(s) they are intended to reinforce. In this paper we describe a pilot project designed to evaluate the usefulness of the Minute Paper for facilitating a feedback loop from computer science labs back to the classroom. The Minute Paper is a simple and widely used Classroom Assessment Technique (CAT) that is traditionally implemented in a classroom setting using pencil-and-paper. Our study compares minute paper responses obtained during data structures closed labs via traditional means with those obtained using a database enabled web implementation. While our results show a higher response rate for the pencil-and-paper version, the electronic Minute Papers were superior in that students provided longer responses, they allowed the instructor greater flexibility when replying to students, and they were automatically archived for future use. We performed an informal content analysis of students' minute paper responses which tended to fall broadly into three categories: those in anticipation of completing some portion of the lab, those asking for clarification of an already accomplished task, and those that inquired about an advanced or peripheral topic. We also conducted a short mid-course survey that revealed students found the Minute Papers useful regardless of modality and suggested they increased students' awareness of their peers' learning.
Phase-incoherent superconducting pairs in the normal state of Ba(Fe(1-x)Co(x))₂As₂.

The normal state properties of the recently discovered ferropnictide superconductors might hold the key to understanding their exotic superconductivity. Using point-contact spectroscopy we show that Andreev reflection between an epitaxial thin film of $\mathrm{Ba}({\mathrm{Fe}}_{0.92}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.08}{)}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ and a silver tip can be seen in the normal state of the film up to temperature $T\ensuremath{\sim}1.3{T}_{c}$, where ${T}_{c}$ is the critical temperature of the superconductor. Andreev reflection far above ${T}_{c}$ can be understood only when superconducting pairs arising from strong fluctuation of the phase of the complex superconducting order parameter exist in the normal state. Our results provide spectroscopic evidence of phase-incoherent superconducting pairs in the normal state of the ferropnictide superconductors.
Assessing the Probable Regulatory Structures and Dynamics of the Metazoan Genome

In the previous chapter I sketched several molar behaviors of cells during metazoan ontogeny. The purpose of the present chapter is to discuss an approach to relating the observed molar behaviors to the behaviors of the underlying coupled system of genes and products which regulate one anothers activities. We cannot in the near future expect to work through the control connections among so many components. However, we can hope to characterize a number of local, small scale properties of the organization of cellular control systems, such as specifying the typical number of molecular variables controlling any given process and specifying the ways variations in the regulating processes affect the controlled process.
Effects of luminal hyperosmolality on cellular and paracellular ion transport pathways in necturus antrum.

Abstract Using microelectrode techniques, the electrical properties of the cell membranes and paracellular pathway of the surface epithelium in Necturus antrum were studied under control conditions and during exposure to mucosal solutions made hyperosmotic by addition of sucrose or urea. Sucrose (500 mmol/kg) significantly decreased apical membrane resistances ( R a , from 5501 ± 841 to 3789 ± 597 Ω · cm 2 , p R b , from 3805 ± 646 to 2594 ± 429 Ω · cm 2 , p R s ) increased significantly from 720 ± 57 to 822 ± 71 Ω · cm 2 (p R a , from 4303 ± 663 to 1914 ± 286 Ω · cm 2 , p R b , from 2600 ± 474 to 1034 ± 213, p R s (from 682 ± 78 to 398 ± 57 Ω · cm 2 , p
Kinematic and static characterization of wrist joints and their optimal design

The instantaneous kinematic and static characteristics of wrist joints are analyzed. Velocity ratio and mechanical advantage have been used for characterizing single-input-single-output mechanisms. These concepts are extended to multi-input-multi-output mechanisms in order to analyze robotic devices, specifically, wrist joints. The kinematic and static performance of wrist joints and their singularities are analyzed in terms of the generalized velocity ratio and the generalized mechanical advantage. Methods for avoiding singularities and improving the kinematic and static performances are then presented. The kinematic and static performance is optimized by varying the kinematic structure and the geometry of wrist joints. In particular the geometry of the last link, on which the end effector is mounted, is modified so that the singular points are moved from the middle of the workspace to its boundaries. The kinematic and static performance is further improved by determining the optimal configuration for performing a given task. An optimization method is developed to find the configuration that provides the most uniform velocity ratio and an adequate mechanical advantage in all directions. The kinematic and static performance of two different wrist joints are then evaluated and improved using this design methodology.
T-Ω technique applied to three-dimensional eddy current problems using the boundary integral equation

The T-Ω method is presented in a general format, along with a discussion of implications of various assumptions employed here to date. A general methodology for using the T-Ω method is laid out for use using the boundary integral technique. The method is applied and tested on the unbounded wedge problem. Asymptotic limits and empirical results show the technique to be extremely accurate.
Clinical studies show no effects of soy protein or isoflavones on reproductive hormones in men: results of a meta-analysis

Objective To determine whether isoflavones exert estrogen-like effects in men by lowering bioavailable T through evaluation of the effects of soy protein or isoflavone intake on T, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), free T, and free androgen index (FAI) in men. Design PubMed and CAB Abstracts databases were searched through July 1, 2008, with use of controlled vocabulary specific to the databases, such as soy, isoflavones, genistein, phytoestrogens, red clover, androgen, testosterone, and SHBG . Peer-reviewed studies published in English were selected if [1] adult men consumed soy foods, isolated soy protein, or isoflavone extracts (from soy or red clover) and [2] circulating T, SHBG, free T, or calculated FAI was assessed. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Isoflavone exposure was abstracted directly from studies. Main Outcome Measure(s) Fifteen placebo-controlled treatment groups with baseline and ending measures were analyzed. In addition, 32 reports involving 36 treatment groups were assessed in simpler models to ascertain the results. Result(s) No significant effects of soy protein or isoflavone intake on T, SHBG, free T, or FAI were detected regardless of statistical model. Conclusion(s) The results of this meta-analysis suggest that neither soy foods nor isoflavone supplements alter measures of bioavailable T concentrations in men.
Racial oppression and social research: Field work under racial conflict in South Africa

An understanding of the relationship between social researcher and subjects is crucial not only for the design and execution of one's own fieldwork but also in assessing the research of others. The paper systematically examines the practice of fieldwork under the adverse conditions of racial oppression in South Africa during the heydays of Apartheid. Under conditions of oppression the fieldworker, more than in any other situation faces the question: “On whose side are you on?” Partisanship is closely linked to the issue of trust. Drawing on a series of field experiences including his own, the author constructs a typology of social relationships in which the fieldworker is either trusted or distrusted, on the one hand, by his, mostly black subjects and, on the other, by an oppressive white government. The effects of these qualitatively different relationships on the production of descriptive material are analyzed.
Numerical study of the stability regions for half-quantum vortices in superconducting Sr 2 RuO 4

We numerically solve the coupled Landau-Ginzburg-Maxwell equations for a model of a spin triplet ${p}_{x}+i{p}_{y}$ superconductor in which whole or half-quanta of flux thread through a hole. We recover the pattern of stable and unstable regions for the half-flux quanta observed in a recent experiment. We also examine a scenario with bent, Abrikosov integer vortices and find it implausible for the thin, mesoscopic ring geometry considered.
Metal Ion Binding: An Electronic Structure Study of M+(Dimethyl Ether)n, M = Cu, Ag, and Au and (n = 1−4), Complexes

The structures and incremental binding enthalpies of cation−ligand complexes formed from a single coinage metal cation (Cu+, Ag+, and Au+) and as many as four dimethyl ether (DME) ligands are studied with second-order perturbation theory (MP2) and coupled cluster theory (CCSD(T)). Basis sets of up to augmented quintuple zeta quality were used in an effort to minimize basis set truncation error. The present results are compared with recent collision-induced dissociation measurements for the Cu+(DME)n complexes, as well as with related complexes in which water either replaces dimethyl ether as the ligand or alkali metal cations (Li+, Na+, and K+) replace the coinage metals. Agreement between the theoretical and experimental incremental binding enthalpies is good for the two larger copper complexes: ΔH0(Cu+(DME)3) = 13.9 (theory) vs 13.1 ± 0.9 kcal/mol (expt) and ΔH0(Cu+(DME)4) =11.5 (theory) vs 10.8 ± 2.3 (expt), where values are expressed in kcal/mol. For the two smaller, more tightly bound copper complex...
Intravitreal Kinetics of Hesperidin, Hesperetin, and Hesperidin G: Effect of Dose and Physicochemical Properties

Hesperidin, a flavanone glycoside, and its aglycone hesperetin are potential candidates for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. The objective of this study was to delineate vitreal pharmacokinetics of hesperidin and hesperetin and the hydrophilic derivative glucosyl hesperidin (hesperidin G) following intravitreal administration in anaesthetized rabbits. Concentration changes in vitreous humor were monitored using microdialysis sampling procedure. All three molecules were administered intravitreally at three dose levels (50 µL injection volume containing 1.5, 4.5, and 15 µg of the drug, resulting in a final vitreal concentration of 1, 3, and 10 µg/mL). Vitreal microdialysis samples were collected every 20 min over a period of 10 h. All three molecules exhibited linear pharmacokinetics within the dose range tested because area under the curve and maximum concentration (C(max) ) increased linearly with increasing dose and a significant difference in the elimination parameters such as clearance or half-life was not observed. The vitreal elimination half-life of these three compounds was observed to correlate with the molecular weight and lipophilicity of the molecules. The findings from this study provide practical information that will be useful in the future design of ocular drug delivery strategies for bioflavonoids.
A comparison of the F-test, Friedman’s test, and several aligned rank tests for the analysis of randomized complete blocks

Several tests for randomized complete block designs are compared, including the F-test, Friedman’s test, and a few aligned rank tests. An additive model was used in this simulation study with random errors that were generated independently from one of nine distributions. These distributions included the uniform, normal, double exponential, and six skewed distributions from the generalized lambda family. The simulations showed that Friedman’s test has low power compared with the aligned rank tests if the number of treatments does not exceed six. A new aligned rank F-test is proposed that maintains its significance level and has relatively high power. The simulations also showed that the proposed aligned rank test has higher power than the F-test for the double exponential and the skewed distributions if there is a large number of experimental units. If the number of experimental units exceeds 30, the proposed aligned rank test is recommended for skewed or long-tailed distributions. If the number of experimental units does not exceed 30, the normal theory F-test is recommended.
Nm23-H1 Metastasis Suppressor Phosphorylation of Kinase Suppressor of Ras via a Histidine Protein Kinase Pathway

The metastasis-suppressive activity of Nm23-H1 was previously correlated with its in vitro histidine protein kinase activity, but physiological substrates have not been identified. We hypothesized that proteins that interact with histidine kinases throughout evolution may represent partners for Nm23-H1 and focused on the interaction of Arabidopsis "two-component" histidine kinase ERS with CTR1. A mammalian homolog of CTR1 was previously reported to be c-Raf; we now report that CTR1 also exhibits homology to the kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR), a scaffold protein for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. Nm23-H1 co-immunoprecipitated KSR from lysates of transiently transfected 293T cells and at endogenous protein expression levels in MDA-MB-435 breast carcinoma cells. Autophosphorylated recombinant Nm23-H1 phosphorylated KSR in vitro. Phosphoamino acid analysis identified serine as the major target, and two peaks of Nm23-H1 phosphorylation were identified upon high performance liquid chromatography analysis of KSR tryptic peptides. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that Nm23-H1 phosphorylated KSR serine 392, a 14-3-3-binding site, as well as serine 434 when serine 392 was mutated. Phosphorylated MAPK but not total MAPK levels were reduced in an nm23-H1 transfectant of MDA-MB-435 cells. The data identify a complex in vitro histidine-to-serine protein kinase pathway, which may contribute to signal transduction and metastasis.
A refined nonlinear theory of plates with transverse shear deformation

A higher-order shear deformation theory of plates accounting for the von Karman strains is presented. The theory contains the same dependent unknowns as in the Hencky-Mindlin type first-order shear deformation theory and accounts for parabolic distribution of the transverse shear strains through the thickness of the plate. Exact solutions of simply supported plates are obtained using the linear theory and the results are compared with the exact solutions of three-dimensional elasticity theory, the first order shear deformation theory, and the classical plate theory. The present theory predicts the deflections, stresses, and frequencies more accurately when compared to the first-order theory and the classical plate theory.
Labor supply and the double-dividend

Abstract A series of recent articles have argued that environmental taxes and cap-and-trade permit systems generate large distortions in the labor market. The claim is made that the higher prices for dirty goods induced by these incentive-based systems generate a ‘tax interaction effect’ leading to reductions in labor supply that are generally, on net, welfare reducing. For this reason, it is argued, a double-dividend seldom exists. However, price level increases, both by lowering family income and by reducing cross-spousal wage substitution effects, will tend to have offsetting positive impacts on labor supply. These effects are large enough to convert negative labor supply responses to rising prices into positive ones. The empirical literature also supports a positive relationship between price level increases and labor supply. These observations cast doubt on a central, critical assumption underlying the critique of the double-dividend in the ‘tax interaction effect’ literature.
Electroluminescence yield in donor-acceptor copolymers and diblock polymers: A comparative theoretical study

The recombination of an electron and hole injected into a nondegenerate π-conjugated polymer is simulated as a relaxation in the excited electronic state space. The rates of the spontaneous one-photon and one-phonon processes are derived within a diabatic model adjusted to the electron−vibrational spectroscopy of PPV. It is shown that the formation of the emissive singlet exciton is accelerated in a regular acceptor−donor copolymer because of the removal of the charge-transfer states. However, the acceptor−donor junction in a diblock heterostructure gives rise to a low-lying polar state that furnishes a nonemissive decay channel. An applied electric field is shown to reduce the luminescence efficiency in the homopolymer and copolymer by polarizing the exciton. In contrast, the quantum yield for the diblock polymer increases with forward bias because of the mixing of the polar exciplex-like state and the exciton.
Safety and efficacy of misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination: Effect of prior cesarean section

TERMINATION: EFFECT OF PRIOR CESAREAN SECTION LARA FRIEL, MEREDITH ROCHON, CYNTHIA GYAMFI, ADAM JACOBS, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, New York, New York OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of misoprostol for secondtrimester pregnancy termination in patients with a prior cesarean section using a meta-analysis of published studies. STUDY DESIGN: Studies were identified using a medline search from 19662004, limited to english language and human subjects.
Haptic Interface Technique in Large-Scale Virtual Environment

ABSTRACTThe CAD modeling system based on virtual reality (VR) techniques enables the user to create, modify and manipulate 3D CAD models intuitively, and at the same time allows the user to visualize CAD models immersively. This paper presents the research work on the development of haptic interface in the large-scale virtual environment and the integration of such a haptic interface in the VR based CAD modeling system. The haptic device has limited physical workspace compared to the large stereoscopic screen of the virtual environment. There is a mismatch between the workspace of the haptic device and the large-scale virtual environment. The haptic rendering algorithm presented in this paper consists of three parts: haptic workspace moving algorithm, collision detection, and collision response.
Quantum error correction of a qubit loss in an addressable atomic system

We present a scheme for correcting qubit loss error while quantum computing with neutral atoms in an addressable optical lattice. The qubit loss is first detected using a quantum nondemolition measurement and then transformed into a standard qubit error by inserting a new atom in the vacated lattice site. The logical qubit, encoded here into four physical qubits with the Grassl-Beth-Pellizzari code, is reconstructed via a sequence of one projective measurement, two single-qubit gates, and three controlled-NOT operations. No ancillary qubits are required. Both quantum nondemolition and projective measurements are implemented using a cavity quantum electrodynamics system which can also detect a general leakage error and thus allow qubit loss to be corrected within the same framework. The scheme can also be applied in quantum computation with trapped ions or with photons.
Sensitivity and Coding of Opportunistic ALOHA in Sensor Networks with Mobile Access

We consider a distributed medium access protocol, Opportunistic ALOHA, for reachback in sensor networks with mobile access points (AP). We briefly discuss some properties of the protocol, like throughput and transmission control for an orthogonal CDMA physical layer. We then consider the incorporation of necessary side information like location into the transmission control and numerically demonstrate the loss in throughput in the absence of such information. Through simulations, we discuss the robustness and sensitivity of the protocol under various modeling errors and propose strategies to allow for errors in estimation of some parameters without reduction in the throughput. For networks, where the sensors are allowed to collaborate, we consider three coding schemes for reliable transmission: spreading code independent, spreading code dependent transmission and coding across sensors. These schemes are compared in terms of achievable rates and random coding error exponents. The coding across sensors scheme has comparable achievable rates to the spreading code dependent scheme, but requires the additional transmission of sensor ID. However, the scheme does not require the mobile AP to send data through the beacon unlike the other two schemes. The use of these coding schemes to overcome sensitivity is demonstrated through simulations.
Examination of Performance Validity Test Failure in Relation to Number of Tests Administered

This study examined the relationship among performance validity test (PVT) failure, number of PVTs administered, and participant characteristics including demographic, diagnostic, functional, and contextual factors in a clinical sample (N = 158) of outpatient physiatry referrals. The number of PVTs failed and the number administered showed a small non-significant correlation (rs = .13, p = .10). Participant characteristics showed associations with PVT failure consistent with prior research. A negative binomial regression model was fitted using number of PVTs failed as outcome and age, education, number of PVTs administered, clinical versus medico-legal context, and functional status as predictors. Although education and functional status were significant predictors of number of PVTs failed, the number of PVTs administered was not. A second analytic approach focused on observed false positive rates in a neurologic no-incentive (NNI) sample subset (n = 87). In contrast to a recent proposal based on statisti...
Land application of domestic wastewater, wood production, and sludge composting: An economic and energy production analysis

Abstract An innovative wastewater treatment system was analyzed for system costs, energy requirements, and energy production. The system integrates the land application of wastewater on poplar trees with composting of the primary sludge using woodchips from the poplars. System outputs, from which revenue can be generated, include firewood and compost. Costs and energy use were compared with those associated with a traditional system using trickling filters and land disposal of sludge. Additionally, the sensitivity of costs to the discount rate, to revenues from the compost and firewood, and to land prices was evaluated. Results indicated that the innovative system could be economically competitive with the conventional system if some revenues were obtained from the firewood and compost. And, energy use by the innovative system was 35% less than for the conventional system. Comparative costs were most sensitive to land prices and compost revenues, less sensitive to firewood revenues, and showed almost no sensitivity to the discount rate.
Navigating the digital divide: a systematic review of eHealth literacy in underserved populations in the United States

eHealth provides an important mechanism to connect medically underserved populations with health information, but little is known about gaps in eHealth literacy research in underserved adult populations within the U.S. Between June and July 2013, three systematic literature reviews of five databases were conducted and a subsequent hand search was completed. Identified literature was screened and studies meeting exclusion and inclusion criteria were synthesized and analyzed for common themes. Of the 221 articles critically appraised, 15 met these criteria. Thirty-five of these studies were excluded due to international origin. Of the articles meeting the inclusion criteria, underserved populations assessed included immigrant women, the elderly, low-income, the un- and underemployed, and African-American and Hispanic populations. eHealth literacy assessments utilized included one or two item screeners, the eHEALS scale, health information competence and cognitive task analysis. Factors examined in relation to eHealth literacy included age, experience, overall health literacy, education, income and culture. The majority did not assess the impact of locality and those that did were predominately urban. These data suggest that there is a gap in the literature regarding eHealth literacy knowledge for underserved populations, and specifically those in rural locations, within the U.S.
Donepezil 23 mg: Is it more advantageous compared to the original?

The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil has been in clinical use for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease since 1996. The patent on the medication expired in November 2010, and at approximately the same time, a new dosage form of donepezil was FDA approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. This article discusses the benefits and risks of the new 23 mg sustained-release dosage form compared with donepezil 10 mg, based on the clinical trial data.
Expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A, PDGF-B and the PDGF-alpha receptor, but not the PDGF-beta receptor, in human malignant melanoma in vivo

There has been considerable interest in the potential role of growth factors in the initiation and development of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown to be secreted by melanoma cell lines and by metastatic melanoma in vivo. PDGF also has been reported to stimulate the development of tumour stroma and new blood vessels. We studied the expression of PDGF and its receptors by both immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) in primary and metastatic melanoma and in normal skin specimens. Cryostat sections were incubated with 35S-labelled riboprobes and antibodies for PDGF-AA, PDGF-alpha receptor, PDGF-BB and PDGF-beta receptor. Both primary and metastatic melanoma exhibited significant expression of PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB and PDGF-alpha receptor by both IHC and ISH, compared with only background expression in normal skin. We did not observe expression of PDGF-beta receptor in melanoma. Our results suggest that PDGF may function as an autocrine growth factor, as well as an angiogenesis factor, in CMM tumour development. This expression of the PDGF-alpha receptor rather than the beta receptor may be unique among solid tumours.
Uses and Limitations of the Balance Technique

Classical balance techniques are a powerful, sensitive, and usually accurate technique for assessing the nutritional or metabolic response to changes in nutritional intake or to metabolic or physiological perturbations. Balances are particularly sensitive for examining transient or short-term responses to nutritional or metabolic stimuli. A major factor responsible for the precision and sensitivity of this technique is the precise control of the activities and environment of an individual during a classical metabolic balance study (eg, the carefully defined dietary intake, degree of exercise, and environmental temperature to prevent sweating); these same factors may enhance the precision and sensitivity of other metabolic or nutritional investigations that may be carried out concurrently with a balance study. Finally, for nitrogen balance studies, the measurement of nitrogen (eg, by the Kjeldahl technique) can be very accurate and sensitive. Despite these advantages, there are important limitations and errors that are inherent in the balance technique. The errors tend to overestimate intake and underestimate output, thereby leading to erroneously positive balances. These errors include losses of food on cooking and eating utensils and dishware, losses of feces or urine on toilet paper or in collection containers, and losses through sweat, exfoliated skin, hair and nail growth, saliva, menses, blood sampling, toothbrushing, semen, and, for nitrogen, from flatus and respiration. Cumulative balance measurements are particularly likely to be falsely positive. The magnitude of unmeasured losses vary among healthy individuals, with the magnitude of the nitrogen intake (for nitrogen), in altered environmental conditions (eg, with sweating), and possibly in disease states. Balance studies are also expensive and time consuming.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Spoilage characteristics of ground beef with added lactic acid bacteria and rosemary oleoresin packaged in a modified-atmosphere package and displayed at abusive temperatures

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. in ground beef during storage. Furthermore, the addition of rosemary oleoresin (RO), a natural antioxidant, to ground beef has been shown to increase shelf life and is commonly used in modified-atmosphere packaged (MAP) ground beef. This study evaluated the effects of LAB and RO treatment on the shelf life and stability of MAP ground beef displayed at abusive (10°C) temperatures for 36 h. Subjective and objective sensory analyses were conducted to determine spoilage endpoints. Trained and consumer panel responses and Hunter lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values were not affected (P = 0.62, 0.66, 0.45) by LAB addition, although RO inclusion improved (P < 0.05) lean color. Ground beef with LAB and RO had significantly less (P < 0.0001) thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values than control ground beef, indicating decreased lipid oxidation. Additionally, RO inclusion reduced (P < 0.0001) off odors, as determined by trained and consumer odor panelists. Overall, the addition of LAB did not negatively affect beef color, odor, or oxidative rancidity, suggesting that LAB can be added to ground beef in MAP packaging as a processing intervention without detrimentally affecting shelf life or stability.
Topochemical formation of mesoporous MnO crystals

Heating hausmanite ZnMn 2 O 4 in a reducing atmosphere results in the formation of rock salt MnO with significant Zn substitution. Further heating at elevated temperatures under reducing conditions results in Zn being reduced and expelled in the vapor phase, leaving behind nearly pure rock salt MnO. Used judiciously, the volume loss associated with such vapor-phase leaching can be employed for the formation of mesoporous MnO crystals with connected 30-60 nm pores, through a process of topochemical conversion. In this contribution we examine in detail the driving forces which induce vapor-phase leaching as well as the interplay between crystallography and crystal morphology which permit these unusual materials to be formed.
A bicovariant differential algebra of a quantum group

Abstract A bicovariant differential algebra of four basic objects (coordinate functions, differential 1-forms, Lie derivatives and inner derivations) within a differential calculus on a quantum group is shown to be produced by a direct application of the cross-product construction to the Woronowicz differential complex, whose Hopf algebra properties account for the bicovariance of the algebra. A correspondence with classical differential calculus, including Cartan identity, and some other useful relations are considered. An explicit construction of a bicovariant differential algebra on GL q ( N ) is given and its (co)module properties are discussed.
Histology and histopathology of the feeding lesions byCyrtopeltis tenuis Rent. (Hemiptera: Miridae) onLycopersicon esculentum Mill. (Solanaceae)

Aspects of histology and histochemistry of injured tissues ofLycopersicon esculentum Mill due to feeding by the mirid,Cyrtopeltis tenuis Reut. based on increased activities of proteins, tannins, peroxidases, polyphenol oxidases and acid phosphatases are discussed.
Stimulation of sexual reproduction in Phytophthora cactorum by phospholipids is not due to sterol contamination

Phytophthora cactorum did not form oospores on basal medium unless phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) or phosphatidylethanolamine (cephalin) was added. After removal of putative sterols by aminopropyl column chromatography, the activities of lecithin and cephalin were increased 47- and 2.8-fold, respectively, thus confirming the previous reports that sterols are not essential for sexual reproduction in this organism. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) of the commercial lecithin revealed the presence of an unknown inhibitory substance which, when added to the purified lecithin, caused a 50% reduction of oospore formation. Commercial cephalin also showed a twofold increase in activity after removal of putative sterols and the existence of an unknown inhibitor when it was subjected to TLC. Addition of the inhibitor to the purified cephalin completely inhibited the growth of the test organism. One sample of lecithin tested was not stimulatory to oospore formation. However, after washing with deionized water or NaCl solution, it induced the production of 17300 and 24450 oospores (100 μg)-1, respectively. The ability of cephalin to induce oospore formation was increased 2.3-fold by washing with deionized water and 8.3-fold by washing with NaCl solution. Like sterols, the digitonin precipitable component (digitonide) of the non-phospholipid fraction of commercial lecithin or cephalin was stimulatory to oospore formation of P. cactorum but not Phytophthora parasitica. However, the non-digitonide component was not only more active than the digitonide component, but also stimulatory to P. parasitica. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the digitonide component from lecithin failed to detect any putative sterol contaminant. The amount of the putative sterol contaminant in the digitonide component from cephalin was also below the detection limit of GC-MS. When 0.01-10 ng cholesterol was added to basal medium discs each containing 100 fig cephalin, the numbers of oospores produced by P. cactorum and P. parasitica were not significantly changed. It is concluded that, in the fungi tested, sterols did not play any significant role in the stimulation of sexual reproduction by highly purified phospholipids.
Embracing the Open-Source Movement for Managing Spatial Data: A Case Study of African Trypanosomiasis in Kenya

The past decade has seen an explosion in the availability of spatial data, not only for researchers, but the public as well. As the quantity of data increases, the ability to effectively navigate and understand the data becomes more challenging. Here we detail a conceptual model for a spatially explicit database management system that addresses the issues raised with the growing data management problem. We demonstrate utility with a case study in disease ecology: to develop a multiscale predictive model of African trypanosomiasis in Kenya. International collaborations and varying technical expertise necessitate a modular open-source software solution. Finally, we address three recurring problems with data management: scalability, reliability, and security.
Intralist differentiation and the isolation effect in serial learning: a test of the S-R competition hypothesis

Each of 120 college Ss learned two 7-item serial lists of high-m′ trigrams, one with item 4 isolated by color and the other a control list, by the anticipation method, at a 2-sec presentation rate with a 4-sec intertrial interval, to a criterion of 2 successive errorless trials or 15 trials. Half of the Ss learned items sharing 2 letters, whereas the others learned items sharing no letters. A significantly greater relative percentage of correct responses and a significantly smaller relative percentage of intrusions were obtained on the items isolated in the letter-sharing lists. A significantly greater relative percentage of correct responses and a significantly smaller relative percentage of intrusions were also obtained on the responses to the isolated items in the letter-sharing lists. Finally, the isolated items and their responses were emitted as intrusions a significantly smaller relative percentage of the time in the letter-sharing lists. The results were interpreted as supporting the explanation of the isolation effect in serial learning by the principles of stimulus and response generalization.
Vertical Class Mobility in England, France, and Sweden

This paper presents new findings about English, French, and Swedish mobility tables from the early 1970s that were previously analyzed by Enkson, Gold thorpe & Portocarero and by Hope. The former analysis focused on nonvertical aspects of mobility, while the latter gave priority to vertical mobility. The reanalysis shows that the vertical dimension of mobility is stronger and more autonomous than one would conclude from earlier analyses. At the same time, it is necessary to introduce several parameters for class inheritance in order to fit the data, and these parameters account for more of the association between class origins and destinations than does the vertical aspect of class mobility Educational attainment accounts for part of the vertical aspect of mobility, but income and occupational prestige do not help to explain it. The new models provide direct evidence of a gradient in immobility across the three nations The present findings suggest complementarities between vertical and nonvertical models ...
Orthodontics and orthognathic surgery: adjuncts to restorative and periodontal therapy.

The planning and treatment of a variety of adult malocclusion problems can be made simpler by using conjoint orthodontic and orthognathic treatment. Orthognathic surgical treatment may seem radical—but sometimes it’s more conservative than the alternatives.
The Liberating Effects of Interpersonal Influence: An Empirical Investigation of Disinhibitory Contagion

Abstract The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the dynamics underlying disinhibitory contagion, a particular case of social contagion in which a recipient who is in an approach-avoidance conflict experiences a reduction in restraints as a consequence of observing an initiator perform the desired behavior. Naive subjects (American undergraduates) and an experimental confederate completed a series of questionnaires for a study that was purported to be an investigation of attitudes and perceptions. During the testing session, the experimenter requested subjects to volunteer for tedious tasks during the subsequent week. The confederate either refused (disinhibitory contagion condition) or complied (conformity condition) with the request. Results showed that subjects in the disinhibitory contagion condition volunteered for less time and experienced less conflict than did subjects in the conformity condition.
Visualizing networks of mobility in proteins

An algorithm called CONTACT identifies correlated side-chain motions in proteins from X-ray crystallographic data, providing insights into dynamics and function.
Pulmonary Metastases from Prostate Cancer

Background. Lung metastases are rarely a significant factor in the management of prostate cancer. The usual pattern of spread is via lymphatic pathways, with pulmonary metastases virtually always occurring with osseous metastases. Previous reports suggest that androgen deprivation often fails to produce significant improvement in patients with pulmonary metastases; however, in the authors’ experience, it has been successful in achieving objective responses. Methods. A retrospective review of a large prostate cancer data base was performed to identify patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate and radiographic evidence of pulmonary metastases. A unique case of isolated pulmonary metastases with exsanguinating hemoptysis is described to illustrate the dramatic response to androgen deprivation. Results. Of 1290 patients with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate, in 47 (3.6%) patients radiologic evidence of pulmonary metastases was observed. Twenty-six (2.0%) patients demonstrated pulmonary metastases at the time of initial detection of metastatic disease. The radiographic appearance of pulmonary metastases was consistent with lymphangitic spread in the majority of patients. Of patients who received no hormonal therapy before the development of pulmonary metastases, 76.5% showed improvement in the appearance of their pulmonary lesions with androgen deprivation. As expected, survival was longer for those patients presenting with hormone-naive disease and pulmonary metastases than for patients with hormone-refractory disease and pulmonary metastases. The difference in survival, however, was not statistically significant. Conclusions. Pulmonary metastases are not encountered commonly in patients with prostate cancer. Androgen deprivation remains the most effective treatment and, among hormone-naive patients, objective response is common. The prognosis for patients with hormone-naive
Coalescence of immiscible polymer blends in chaotic mixers

The study evaluated if excellent mixing conditions prevailing in chaotic mixers also promote droplet coalescence in the mixing of immiscible polymers. A combined approach of experiments and simplified modeling was used to understand the effects of the degree of chaotic mixing, shear rate, and viscosity ratio on coalescence rates. It was found experimentally that the extent of coalescence was substantially reduced when the bulk of the fluid in the mixer experienced chaotic mixing. In addition, coalescence was subdued at higher rates of shear and for higher viscosity ratio droplets. Pseudo-steady state droplet size distributions were reached faster with higher droplet volume fractions and for higher viscosity ratio droplets. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
A leanness measure of manufacturing systems for quantifying impacts of lean initiatives

Various lean tools and techniques have been developed for process improvement. In order to track the progress, lean metrics were developed correspondingly. However, an integrated and quantitative measure of overall leanness level has not been established. This paper proposes a unit-invariant leanness measure with a self-contained benchmark to quantify the leanness level of manufacturing systems. Evolved from the concept of data envelopment analysis (DEA), the leanness measure extracts the value-adding investments from a production process to determine the leanness frontier as a benchmark. A linear program based on slacks-based measure (SBM) derives the leanness score that indicates how lean the system is and how much waste exists. Using the score, impacts of various lean initiatives can be quantified as decision support information complementing the existing lean metrics.