cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clonal Atlantic salmon × brown trout hybrids produced by gynogenesis

Clonal full-sib progeny groups of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar× brown trout Salmo trutta hybrids were produced by gynogenesis. Eggs obtained from two 3-year-old Atlantic salmon (female) × brown trout (male) F1 hybrids were activated with UV-irradiated rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss sperm. Fecundity, percentage egg activation and percentage survival to completion of yolk-sac absorption were similar for the two females, and averaged 800 eggs kg−1, 90 and 65%, respectively. Flow cytometric and protein electrophoretic analyses confirmed the progeny to be diploid hybrids. Isogenicity within progeny groups and to the maternal parent was indicated by identical DNA fingerprint patterns detected with multilocus oligonucleotide probes–GATA(5) and ACTG(n). Isogenicity was also observed in the gynogenetic progeny of a third female spawned the following year. It appeared that a large portion of the oocytes in females of this hybrid underwent a premeiotic chromosome doubling, or possibly a complete suppression of meiosis. The result was ovulation of diploid eggs, each possessing a full set of both Atlantic salmon and brown trout chromosomes identical to those in the maternal somatic cells. Lines of clonal hybrids could therefore be perpetuated by gynogenesis and would have potential both as experimental animals and in commercial aquaculture.
Reaction of nitrite with ascorbic acid and its significant role in nitrite-cured food.

The decrease in concentration of free nitrite in an aqueous reaction solution made by mixing nitrite and ascorbic acid was studied. This decrease resulted information of a reaction product which transferred NO to ferricytochrome c to form ferrocytochrome c nitroso compound. From the solution containing the reaction product, nitrite could be regenerated spontaneously and suddenly by physical agitation. Oxygen was apparently not necessary for regeneration nitrite from the reaction solution. It does not seem that the regeneration of nitrite was responsible for a bimolecular dismutation of nitrosoascorbic acid in a reverse direction proposed by Fox and Thomson (Biochemistry2, 465; 1963). Heating of the reaction solution at less than 100°C resulted in a loss of nitrite from the solution, which was greater with increasing concentration of ascorbic acid. The reaction product formed between nitrite and ascorbic acid is probably responsible not only for nitrosation reactions, but also for the loss of nitrite observed during curing of meat.
Investing Mediums for Pour Resins

Twenty-five dentures were processed with a reversible hydrocolloid, and 25 other dentures with alginate as the investing medium. The complete upper dentures were studied to determine the differences in linear dimensional change and vertical occlusal relationships resulting from use of the two investing mediums. Use of the reversible hydrocolloid is shown to be superior to use of the alginate for the pour technique of denture base processing.
New evidence of heterosis in naturally occurring inversion heterozygotes in Drosophila pseudoobscura

New evidence of heterosis in naturally occurring inversion heterozygotes in Drosophila pseudoobscura
Oxygen requirements of larvae of the smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieui Lacépède

Smallmouth bass larvae became highly sensitive to oxygen deficiency on the second day after hatching and continued so to the 10th day. During this period they could not survive exposure to 1 mg O2 l–1 for 3 h at 20° C, and many were killed within 1 h. At 2 mg O2 l–1 half the larvae survived 3 h at 20° C; at 2.5 mg l–1 most survived, and at 3.5 mg l–1 all survived. Resistance to oxygen deficiency was regained by the 11th day, the majority of the larvae withstanding a 3-h exposure at 1 mg O2 l–1. At 25° C the effects of low oxygen concentration were intensified. At 3 and 4 mg O2 l–1 and 20° C the normally quiescent larvae became very active, even swimming to the surface 5 or 6 cm above the substrate. Increasing the temperature increased this response. Smallmouth larvae were more sensitive than large-mouth bass larvae to oxygen deficiency.
Particle contamination in implanters

Abstract Continuing trends in VLSI processing toward smaller feature sizes and larger die sizes require that lower levels of particle contamination must be sustained in the production environment for cost-effective manufacturing. This means that the particle performance of implanters is now a crucial part of the overall process specification. By considering various yield models, the imperative need for low defect densities with large die sizes is demonstrated. A brief review of particle contamination studies in implanters which have been made in recent years is given. Similarities and differences when making comparisons with other vacuum processes are discussed. An overview of the present levels of performance of both implanters and measuring equipment is given, along with estimates of improvements required for future applications.
The forgotten educational needs of the house staff: training internal medicine residents to address end-of-life issues.

An intervention was conducted, aimed at providing residents in internal medicine with communication skills to address end-of-life issues with patients. Residents participated in two 1-hour educational sessions designed to teach a communication protocol, enhance listening skills, and to provide practice in effective communication in a safe, small-group format. An anonymous on-line survey assessed the effectiveness of the intervention. Twenty-five residents completed the intervention. There was a trend toward increased comfort level in addressing end-of-life issues among residents who completed the intervention, versus a comparison group. Residents who completed the intervention reported that using the words “death” and “dying” with patients and families was an important teaching point.
The effect of dietary casein and soybean protein on plasma lipid levels in cebus monkeys fed cholesterol-free or cholesterol-enriched semipurified diets

Abstract Two groups of six cebus monkeys were alternately fed semipurified diets containing either casein or soybean protein for periods of 8–10 weeks. The type of protein in the diet had little effect on the plasma cholesterol levels when cholesterol-free diets were fed. However, when 0.2% cholesterol was added to the diets, transferring the monkeys from a soybean protein diet to a casein diet resulted in a significant increase in plasma cholesterol levels (7.97 ± 1.09 versus 9.33 ± 1.31 mmol/L, n = 6, mean ± SD). On the other hand, changing the monkeys from a casein diet to a soybean protein diet significantly lowered the plasma cholesterol levels (9.64 ± 0.58 versus 7.41 ± 1.07 mmol/L, n = 6, mean ± SD). These changes in plasma cholesterol concentrations were attributed to changes in very-low and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. The results of his study suggest that the differential cholesterolemic effect of dietary casein and soybean protein in cebus monkeys becomes more pronounced when cholesterol-enriched diets are fed.
Longitudinal muscle of the esophagus: its role in esophageal health and disease.

Purpose of review The muscularis propria of the esophagus is organized into circular and longitudinal muscle layers. The function of the longitudinal muscle and its role in bolus propulsion are not clear. The goal of this review is to summarize what is known of the role of the longitudinal muscle in health, as well as in sensory and motor disorders of the esophagus. Recent findings Simultaneous manometry and ultrasound imaging reveal that, during peristalsis, the two muscle layers of the esophagus contract in perfect synchrony. On the contrary, during transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation, longitudinal muscle contracts independent of the circular muscle. Recent studies have provided novel insights into the role of the longitudinal muscle in LES relaxation and descending relaxation of the esophagus. In certain diseases (e.g. some motility disorders of the esophagus), there is discoordination between the two muscle layers, which likely plays an important role in the genesis of dysphagia and delayed esophageal emptying. There is close temporal correlation between prolonged contractions of the longitudinal muscles of the esophagus and esophageal 'angina-like' pain. Novel techniques to record longitudinal muscle contraction are reviewed. Summary Longitudinal muscles of the esophagus play a key role in the physiology and pathophysiology of esophageal sensory and motor function. Neuro-pharmacologic controls of circular and longitudinal muscle are different, which provides an opportunity for the development of novel pharmacological therapies in the treatment of esophageal sensory and motor disorders.
THE AGGREGATE PERMANENT INCOME CONSUMPTION FUNCTION

This paper presents new evidence on the aggregate (timeseries) variant of the permanent income hypothesis. Using flexible-lag procedures, estimates are derived that suggest that permanent income depends largely upon recent income receipts, thus calling into question a central assumption of the original Friedman theory. The results of the study also raise doubts about the empirical validity of other elements of the aggregate variant of the permanent income theory.
Production and purification of recombinant human inhibin and activin

Inhibin and activin are protein hormones with diverse physiological roles including the regulation of pituitary FSH secretion. Like other members of the transforming growth factor-beta gene family, they undergo processing from larger precursor molecules as well as assembly into functional dimers. Isolation of inhibin and activin from natural sources can only produce limited quantities of bioactive protein. To purify large-scale quantities of recombinant human inhibin and activin, we have utilized stably transfected cell lines in self-contained bioreactors to produce protein. These cells produce approximately 200 microg/ml per day total recombinant human inhibin. Conditioned cell media can be purified through column chromatography resulting in dimeric mature 32-34 kDa inhibin A and 28 kDa activin A. The purified recombinant proteins maintain their biological activity as measured by traditional in vitro assays including the regulation of FSH in rat anterior pituitary cultures and the regulation of promoter activity of the activin-responsive promoter p3TP-luc in tissue culture cells. These proteins will be valuable for future analysis of inhibin and activin function and have been distributed to the US National Hormone and Peptide Program.
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Hot Flashes

Hot flashes affect about three fourths of postmenopausal women and are one of the most common health problems in this demographic group. Dysfunction of central thermoregulatory centers caused by changes in estrogen levels at the time of menopause has long been postulated to be the cause of hot flashes. Treatment should begin with a careful patient history, with specific attention to the frequency and severity of hot flashes and their effect on the individual's function. For mild symptoms that do not interfere with sleep or daily function, behavioral changes in conjunction with vitamin E (800 IU/d) use is a reasonable initial approach. For more severe symptoms, the next step is to determine whether there is a contraindication or a personal reservation to estrogen replacement therapy. For women who are able and willing to use estrogen, it will successfully relieve symptoms by about 80% to 90%. In patients with a history of breast or uterine cancer, treatment with the progestational agent megesterol acetate appears to be a safe alternative that also decreases hot flashes by approximately 80%. For women unwilling or unable to use hormone therapy, one of the newer antidepressant agents can be prescribed. Venlafaxine decreases hot flashes by about 60%. Gabapentin is another drug that appears promising as therapy for women unable or unwilling to use estrogen, and the results of ongoing trials to determine its efficacy are eagerly awaited. The use of clonidine, methyldopa, and belladonna should be discouraged because of their modest efficacy and adverse effects.
Recent Advances in the Development of Nonpeptide Somatostatin Receptor Ligands

Somatostatin (SRIF) is a cyclic peptide that occurs in two biologically active forms, SRIF-14 and SRIF-28. These peptides inhibit the secretion of many other peptides, including insulin and glucagon, function as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators, and exhibit potent antiproliferative activity. Recent research has led to the development of nonpeptide SRIF ligands with high affinity and selectivity at all SRIF receptor subtypes. Additionally, the newly discovered sst(2)and sst(3) antagonists will greatly facilitate our understanding of these receptors. These novel nonpeptide SRIF agonists and antagonists may have therapeutic potential in a variety of disease states.
High efficiency wireless electrochemical actuators: Design, fabrication and characterization by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

A wirelessly-actuated high efficiency Nafion®-coated MEMS electrochemical actuator is presented. For the first time, high flow rates were achieved (up to 141µL/min, 13mA) under wireless operation and high efficiency pumping (up to 97%) was obtained with Nafion®-coated electrodes; coating further prevented previously reported current-induced damage to electrodes [1]. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used for electrode characterization, electrochemical cleaning, as well as investigation of delamination, electrode polymer coating and surface activation. Parylene and PEEK were investigated as flexible substrate substitutes for soda lime glass. As a result of the combined effect of the rough PEEK surface (increased electrode surface area) and the Nafion® coating, higher efficiency was achieved compared to glass.
A detailed predictive model of the mammalian circadian clock

Experimental data on the circadian (≈24-h) clock in mammalian cells are vast, diverse, and detailed. Mathematical models are therefore needed to piece these data together and to study overall clock behavior. Previous models have focused on Neurospora or Drosophila or can be converted to a Drosophila model simply by renaming variables. Those models used Hill-type terms for transcription regulation and Michaelis–Menten type or delay terms for posttranslation regulation. Recent mammalian experimental data call into question some of the assumptions in these approaches. Moreover, gene duplication has led to more proteins in the mammalian system than in lower organisms. Here we develop a detailed distinctly mammalian model by using mass action kinetics. Parameters for our model are found from experimental data by using a coordinate search method. The model accurately predicts the phase of entrainment, amplitude of oscillation, and shape of time profiles of clock mRNAs and proteins and is also robust to parameter changes and mutations.
Jun N-terminal kinase pathway enhances signaling of monocytic differentiation of human leukemia cells induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

Recent studies revealed that the MEK/ERK module of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades is up-regulated in the early stages of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D(3))-induced monocytic differentiation of human leukemia cells HL60. In the present study, we investigated whether another MAPK module, the JNK pathway, also participates in this form of differentiation. We found that the dependence on the concentration of the inducer, the vitamin-hormone 1,25D(3), in two types of human leukemia cells, HL60 and U937, and the kinetics of monocytic differentiation in HL60 cells, parallel the degree of the activation of the JNK pathway. A blockade of JNK signaling by a stable expression of dominant negative (dn) JNK1 mutant in U937 cells resulted in reduced c-jun phosphorylation, and the differentiation of these cells was markedly decreased. Similarly, inhibition of JNK1 and JNK2 activities by the selective inhibitor SP600125 led to both dose-dependent reduction of c-jun and ATF-2 phosphorylation, and of the differentiation of HL60 cells. In addition, we found that JNK activity is essential for the AP-1 DNA binding induced by 1,25D(3) in HL60 and U937 cells. The results indicate that in cultured human leukemia cells, the JNK pathway participates in the induction of monocytic differentiation by 1,25D(3), probably by activating the AP-1 transcription factor.
One-dimensional traveling-wave tube analyses and the effect of radial electric field variations

The equivalence of the differential-equation and integral-equation approaches to the solution of the nonlinear traveling-wave amplifier problem is shown rigorously. The equations can be transformed one into the other without making any additional assumptions. The space-charge expression developed on the basis of considering the electron distribution in phase space is shown to give the same form for the space-charge weighting function as a space-charge expression based on the electron distribution in space. Efficiency calculations are compared for the two methods and the agreement is excellent. Corrections to earlier calculations are included. The effect of radial electric field variations due to the circuit is considered and it is shown that the efficiency for large streams is reduced in direct proportion to the square of the field reduction function.
TWO DCF APPROACHES FOR VALUING COMPANIES UNDER ALTERNATIVE FINANCING STRATEGIES (AND HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM)

This is the sequel to the authors' 1989 article discussing the two basic discounted cash flow approaches for valuing debt-financed transactions and corporations: weighted average cost of capital (WACC) and adjusted present value (APV). The WACC method discounts all after-tax (but pre-interest) cash flows at the company's weighted average cost of capital. The APV method treats the value of a levered firm as the value of the same firm if financed entirely with equity plus the discounted value of the interest tax shields from the debt its assets will support. The authors argue that the WACC approach is more practical if the firm intends to hold its (market) leverage ratio relatively constant over time, but that the APV technique is the preferred method if the firm plans to reduce its leverage ratio according to a pre-determined schedule (as tends to be the case in highly leveraged transactions).
Metrology automation reliability

At Motorola's MOS-12 facility automated measurements on 200- mm diameter wafers proceed in a hands-off 'load-and-go' mode requiring only wafer loading, measurement recipe loading, and a 'run' command for processing. Upon completion of all sample measurements, the data is uploaded to the factory's data collection software system via a SECS II interface, eliminating the requirement of manual data entry. The scope of in-line measurement automation has been extended to the entire metrology scheme from job file generation to measurement and data collection. Data analysis and comparison to part specification limits is also carried out automatically. Successful integration of automated metrology into the factory measurement system requires that automated functions, such as autofocus and pattern recognition algorithms, display a high degree of reliability. In the 24- hour factory reliability data can be collected automatically on every part measured. This reliability data is then uploaded to the factory data collection software system at the same time as the measurement data. Analysis of the metrology reliability data permits improvements to be made as needed, and provides an accurate accounting of automation reliability. This reliability data has so far been collected for the CD-SEM (critical dimension scanning electron microscope) metrology tool, and examples are presented. This analysis method can be applied to such automated in-line measurements as CD, overlay, particle and film thickness measurements.
Mitochondrial Membrane Biogenesis: Phospholipids and Proteins Go Hand in Hand

Mitochondrial membrane biogenesis requires the import and synthesis of proteins as well as phospholipids. How the mitochondrion regulates phospholipid levels and maintains a tight protein-to-phospholipid ratio is not well understood. Two recent papers (Kutik, S., M. Rissler, X.L. Guan, B. Guiard, G. Shui, N. Gebert, P.N. Heacock, P. Rehling, W. Dowhan, M.R. Wenk, et al. 2008. J. Cell Biol. 183:1213–1221; Osman, C., M. Haag, C. Potting, J. Rodenfels, P.V. Dip, F.T. Wieland, B. Brugger, B. Westermann, and T. Langer. 2009. J. Cell Biol. 184:583–596) identify novel regulators of mitochondrial phospholipid biosynthesis. The biochemical approach of Kutik et al. (2008) uncovered an unexpected role of the mitochondrial translocator assembly and maintenance protein, Tam41, in the biosynthesis of cardiolipin (CL), the signature phospholipid of mitochondria. The genetic analyses of Osman et al. (2009) led to the discovery of a new class of mitochondrial proteins that coordinately regulate CL and phosphatidylethanolamine, another key mitochondrial phospholipid. These elegant studies highlight overlapping functions and interdependent roles of mitochondrial phospholipid biosynthesis and protein import and assembly.
Variability assessment of LC-MS experiments and its application to experimental design and difference detection

In quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC- MS) experiments, variability assessment helps improve experimental design and detect true differences in ion abundance. A peak-level mixed effects model is considered to estimate the variability due to heterogeneity of the biological samples, inconsistency in sample preparation, and instrument variation. We focus on determining the optimal number of replicates to achieve adequate statistical power. We perform two simulation studies to demonstrate important factors in replication assignment, sample size calculation and difference detection. The parameters of the simulation studies are derived based on analysis of an in-house LC-MS data set. Sensitivity and false discovery rate of the mixed effects model are compared to those of t-test and fixed effects model.
Robust sensing of arc length

During arc welding, the arc heats and melts the workpiece as heat flux. When the welding current is given, the distribution and the intensity of the heat flux are determined by the length of the are. The measurement and control of the are length are fundamental in robotic and automated welding operations. Length of welding arc determines the distribution of the arc energy and thus the heat input and width of the weld. This work aims at improving the measurement accuracy of arc length using the spectrum of are light at a particular wavelength during gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) with argon shield. To this end, effects of welding parameters on spectral distributions were studied. To verify the effects of base metal and arc length, the arc column was also sampled horizontally as Layers for spectral analysis. Results show that spectral lines of argon atoms are determined by are length, independent of welding parameters other than the current. Based on these findings, a compact arc light sensor has been designed to measure the arc length with adequate accuracy. A closed-loop arc length control system has been developed with the proposed sensor.
Model predictive control of blood glucose in type I diabetics using subcutaneous glucose measurements

A constrained model predictive controller is implemented on a simulated type I diabetic patient. A Kalman filter is used to estimate the blood glucose concentration based on a subcutaneous glucose measurement. The model predictive controller returns blood glucose to normoglycemic ranges when subjected to a meal disturbance. The settling time is similar to that of a non-diabetic.
MAD data collection – current trends

The multiwavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD) method of protein structure determination is becoming a routine technique in protein crystallography. The increased number of wavelength-tuneable synchrotron beamlines capable of performing challenging MAD experiments, coupled with the widespread availability of charge-coupled device (CCD) based X-ray detectors with fast read-out times have brought MAD structure determination to a new exciting level. Ultrafast MAD data collection is now possible and, with the widespread use of selenium in the form of selenomethionine for phase determination, the method is growing in popularity. Recent developments in crystallographic software are complementing the above advances, paving the way for rapid protein structure determination. An overview of a typical MAD experiment is described, with emphasis on the rates and quality of data acquisition now achievable at third-generation synchrotron sources.
Growth rate dispersion in seeded batch sucrose crystallization

The object of this study was to compare the results of batch suspension and photomicroscopic cell experiments on growth rate dispersion of sucrose seed crystals to determine the relative effects of ...
Economic Growth Issues in Africa

This paper examine the Africa economic growth in different dimension: it tries to analysis the factors responsible for slow economic growth in Africa and how these factors affect the economic growth issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. By focusing on the initial growth condition on how they affect growth in Africa at different times. Using regression analysis to explain why different economic parameters affect growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Economic Benefits of Investing in Women's Health: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Globally the status of womens health falls short of its potential. In addition to the deleterious ethical and human rights implications of this deficit the negative economic impact may also be consequential but these mechanisms are poorly understood. Building on the literature that highlights health as a driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation we aim to systematically investigate the broader economic benefits of investing in womens health. METHODS: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines we systematically reviewed health gender and economic literature to identify studies that investigate the impact of womens health on micro- and macroeconomic outcomes. We developed an extensive search algorithm and conducted searches using 10 unique databases spanning the timeframe 01/01/1970 to 01/04/2013. Articles were included if they reported on economic impacts stemming from changes in womens health (table of outcome measures included in full review Table 1). In total the two lead investigators independently screened 20832 abstracts and extracted 438 records for full text review. The final review reflects the inclusion of 124 articles. RESULTS: The existing literature indicates that healthier women and their children contribute to more productive and better-educated societies. This study documents an extensive literature confirming that womens health is tied to long-term productivity: the development and economic performance of nations depends in part upon how each country protects and promotes the health of women. Providing opportunities for deliberate family planning; healthy mothers before during and after childbirth and the health and productivity of subsequent generations can catalyze a cycle of positive societal development. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the untapped potential of initiatives that aim to address womens health. Societies that prioritize womens health will likely have better population health overall and will remain more productive for generations to come.
The Pluses and Minuses of Branding Agricultural Products

Differentiation of homogeneous agricultural products through branding is a difficult and costly undertaking for a firm. How successful has this been, and what are the possibilities for additional b...
Paper 1: Physiological Lubrication

Physiological lubrication differs from normal engineering practice in the materials used, and in the type of service to which the bearings are subjected. These permit or require—it is dangerous to specify which—at least two mechanisms which are outside conventional engineering.The first is weeping, or self-pressurized hydrostatic lubrication. This occurs because the bearing material is microporous and easily deformed, and because the service is always intermittent. The second is a form of boundary lubrication which can support only very small unit loading. Unlike the boundary lubricants of industry which adsorb as close-packed layers upon the bearing surfaces, the synovial mucin molecules are inherently dilute, each extending through a large volume of solution, and any adsorbed layer is likely also to be dilute. Such a swollen layer should, nevertheless, be able to support small loadings, because any attempt to compress it will be resisted by a pressure which is, broadly, of osmotic origin.
A review of complications and outcomes following vertebral column resection in adults

The correction of rigid spinal deformities in adult patients can require a three-column osteotomy (pedicle subtraction osteotomy [PSO] or vertebral column resection [VCR]) to obtain spinal balance. Unfortunately, the existing adult deformity literature frequently reports the outcomes and complications of these procedures together even though VCR is a more extensive procedure with potentially higher rates of complications. We sought to address this shortcoming and provide clinicians with an overview of the existing literature regarding VCR in adult patients. The goals of this review are: to determine the rate of overall and neurologic complications following VCR, the rate of complications with VCR compared to PSO, and the impact of VCR on clinical and radiographic outcomes. An electronic literature search was used to identify studies reporting outcomes or complications following VCR in adult patients. Raw data on patient demographics, case information, radiographic outcomes, complications and clinical outcomes were extracted. Data were pooled to report a rate of overall complications and neurologic complications. A pooled relative risk of complications following PSO vs. VCR was also calculated. Eleven retrospective studies (Level IV) met our inclusion criteria. The overall rate of complications was 69.2%. The reoperation rate was 9.6%. The rate of neurologic complications was 13.3% (range, 6.3% to 15.8%) with most cases being transient. The rate of permanent neurologic deficits was 2.0%. We found a significantly higher rate of all complications with VCR compared to PSO (relative risk, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.49; p<0.001). All studies reporting clinical outcomes showed significant improvements in functional outcome postoperatively.
Synthesis of the Stereoisomeric Clusters 1,2-Os3(CO)10(trans-dpmn) and 1,2-Os3(CO)10(cis-dpmn) [where dpmn = 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-5-norbornene]: DFT Evaluation of the Isomeric Clusters 1,2-Os3(CO)10(dpmn) and Isomer-Dependent Diphosphine Ligand Activation

The bicyclic diphosphines trans- and cis-2,3-bis(diphenylphosphinomethyl)-5-norbornene (dpmn) react with 1,2-Os3(CO)10(MeCN)2 (1) to furnish the corresponding ligand-bridged clusters Os3(CO)10(trans-dpmn) (2) and Os3(CO)10(cis-dpmn) (3). Both new products have been isolated and the molecular structures established by X-ray diffraction analyses. The dihydroxyl-bridged cluster 1,2-Os3(CO)8(µ-OH)2(cis-dpmn) (4), which accompanied the formation of 3 in one reaction, has been isolated and characterized by mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. Whereas cluster 2 is stable in toluene at 373 K, 3 is thermally sensitive under identical conditions and undergoes loss of CO (2 equiv), coupled with the activation of three norbornene C–H bonds and one P–C(phenyl) bond, to furnish the dihydride cluster H2Os3(CO)8[µ3-2-PhPC-3-endo-Ph2PCH2(C7H7)] (5). The solid-state structure of 5 confirms the multiple activation of the cis-dpmn ligand and accompanying formation of the face-capping 2-PhPC-3-endo-Ph2PCH2(C7H7) moiety in the product. DFT calculations on 2 and 3 indicate that the former cluster is the thermodynamically more stable isomer, and the conversion of 3 → 5 + 2CO + benzene is computed to be exergonic by 12.7 kcal/mol and is entropically favored due to the release of the CO and benzene by-products.
Molecular Engineering of Cell and Tissue Surfaces with Polymer Thin Films

Engineering of polymer thin films has long provided a powerful approach for exquisitely controlling the interfacial properties of diverse materials, and, hence, offers enormous potential as a tool for cell surface engineering. However, most conventional film fabrication methods and polymeric constituents impose a number of barriers, notably cytotoxicity and surface instability, which limit the formation of polymer films on living cellular supports. This chapter focuses on the molecular engineering of polymer films that circumvent some of these major barriers and, in doing so, have facilitated the translation of thin film technology from abiotic substrates to the cell surface. Established and cutting-edge approaches to generating cell surface polymer thin films are discussed and emerging biomedical applications of thin films are reviewed.
Genetic factors that affect nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic clinical review.

AIM: To investigate roles of genetic polymorphisms in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) onset, severity, and outcome through systematic literature review. METHODS: The authors conducted both systematic and specific searches of PubMed through December 2015 with special emphasis on more recent data (from 2012 onward) while still drawing from more historical data for background. We identified several specific genetic polymorphisms that have been most researched and, at this time, appear to have the greatest clinical significance on NAFLD and similar hepatic diseases. These were further investigated to assess their specific effects on disease onset and progression and the mechanisms by which these effects occur. RESULTS: We focus particularly on genetic polymorphisms of the following genes: PNPLA3, particularly the p. I148M variant, TM6SF2, particularly the p. E167K variant, and on variants in FTO, LIPA, IFNλ4, and iron metabolism, specifically focusing on HFE, and HMOX-1. We discuss the effect of these genetic variations and their resultant protein variants on the onset of fatty liver disease and its severity, including the effect on likelihood of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. While our principal focus is on NAFLD, we also discuss briefly effects of some of the variants on development and severity of other hepatic diseases, including hepatitis C and alcoholic liver disease. These results are briefly discussed in terms of clinical application and future potential for personalized medicine. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms and genetic factors of several genes contribute to NAFLD and its end results. These genes hold keys to future improvements in diagnosis and management.
Associations of Neighborhood Crime and Safety and with Changes in Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference

Using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), we evaluated associations of neighborhood crime and safety with changes in adiposity (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference). MESA is a longitudinal study of cardiovascular disease among adults aged 45-84 years at baseline in 2000-2002, from 6 US sites, with follow-up for MESA participants until 2012. Data for this study were limited to Chicago, Illinois, participants in the MESA Neighborhood Ancillary Study, for whom police-recorded crime data were available, and who had complete baseline data (n = 673). We estimated associations of individual-level safety, aggregated neighborhood-level safety, and police-recorded crime with baseline levels and trajectories of BMI and waist circumference over time using linear mixed modeling with random effects. We also estimated how changes in these factors related to changes in BMI and waist circumference using econometric fixed-effects models. At baseline, greater individual-level safety was associated with more adiposity. Increasing individual- and neighborhood-level safety over time were associated with decreasing BMI over the 10-year period, with a more pronounced effect observed in women for individual-level safety and men for neighborhood-level safety. Police-recorded crime was not associated with adiposity. Neighborhood-level safety likely influences adiposity change and subsequent cardiovascular risk in multiethnic populations.
Effects of Light, Shock, and Goal Box Conditions on Runway Performance of the Earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris

The possibility of learning an instrumental runway response was investigated in 80 earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris, using a factoral design. Eight groups of Ss were given 10 days of training, 5 trials per day, with red or red and white light in the alley, plain or moss filled goal boxes, and shock or no shock in the start box. Results indicated no changes over trials that could be interpreted as acquisition of the runway response.
Age, Pulse Pressure and Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure Increase the Risk of Death in Normal and Hypertensive Humans.

36 We recently ascertained 376 initially normotensive (N) and 197 initially hypertensive (H) subjects among a group of 544 studied for the assessment of salt sensitivity (SS) at least 25 years ago to identify factors associated with morbidity and mortality. The age range when initially studied was 18-80 years. For this report we analyzed demographic factors as well as pulse pressure (PP), SS and renin status based on the response to sodium and volume depletion. Of the total ascertained, 108 (42 N, 66 H) have died. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that total death was associated with each 1 mmHg increase in PP (odds ratio-OR 1.04,p
Cavitation behind a circular micro pillar

Abstract An experimental study of hydrodynamic cavitation was conducted in a rectangular microchannel with a pillar. Distilled water was used as working fluid in an open fluid loop, and cavitation was obtained by applying a range of pressure differences between inlet and outlet tanks. High speed camera captured the flow patterns from inception to fully developed cavitating flow. A minimum delay of 10 min in the formation of cavitation was recorded in all experiments, which is due to the stochastic nature of phenomenon. Cavitation inception conditions were obtained in terms of the cavitation numbers, and a flow map was developed for subsequent cavitation flow. By analyzing time series of gray scale intensity of pixels inside the cavity, dominant frequencies were identified. Transient single phase numerical simulations were performed to gain a better understanding of the flow field in the microchannel, verify pressure measurements, and to relate the separation angle to the attached cavitation angle around the pillar. Emphasis was placed on characterizing the wake region downstream the pillar as it is closely related to the occurrence of the cavitation phenomena.
Capturing Relative Importance of Customer Satisfaction Drivers Using Bayesian Dominance Hierarchy

Customer satisfaction (CS) research traditionally focuses on large data sets collected over long periods of time across several business units. Business unit managers or property managers have a di...
Cruel Dispositions: Queer Literature, the Contemporary Puerto Rican Literary Field and Luis Negrón’s Mundo Cruel (2010)

This chapter offers an account of the rise and institutionalization of queer literature in the contemporary Puerto Rican literary field during the last quarter of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first. To do so, it charts and studies three key moments in the field’s history of positions and positionings—the twin birth of the contemporary Puerto Rican state and literary field in the 1950s and its elaboration of a heteronormative and homophobic cultural grammar; the rearticulation of the literary field in the 1970s by the members of the literary magazine Zona. Carga y Descarga and Manuel Ramos Otero, who were responsible for the expansion of the field’s horizons of the possible; and, finally, the constitution of a local queer literary space during the 2000s and the cultural life of Luis Negron’s short story collection Mundo cruel (2010), arguably the most successful book in the island in recent memory.
Something for Something: How and Why Direct Democracy Impacts Service Quality

Does direct democracy affect the quality of government services? Numerous studies find that direct democracy reduces government revenues, but whether this reflects lower quality services, or simply reduced waste, is unknown. I use a local government reform to estimate the effect of mandatory tax referendums on both revenues and service quality, here measured using fire department response times. The introduction of referendums reduces revenue growth by 1.8%, while also increasing response times by half a minute. An analysis of precinct-level service utilization and electoral behavior suggests that this effect is driven not by voter myopia, but by selfinterest. Poor precincts, which are six times as likely to experience a structure fire, are also six times as likely to vote to increase taxes. Consistent with the precinct-level results, the effects of referendums are smallest in the poorest districts, and are largest in the wealthiest districts.
The Significance of Risk under Incomplete Markets

The efficiency of complete competitive markets is well known (e.g., Allais 1943, 1981, Arrow and Debreu 1954, Debreu 1959, Mas-Colell, Whinston, and Green 1995, Luenberger 1995). Efficiency results apply as well to the allocation of risk (e.g., Debreu 1959). Yet markets (and especially risk markets) are typically incomplete. This is particularly true in the agricultural sector where weather uncertainty and unstable commodity markets can generate significant income risk, often borne by farmers. This has stimulated a policy debate on the efficiency of risk allocation and the relative role of market mechanisms versus government interventions. This is a complex issue. The limitations of alternative approaches have been pointed out. Market failures have been contrasted with government failures. In addition, the prevalence of both incomplete markets and incomplete contracts has made the economic analysis of risk allocation somewhat difficult.
Upright Integrated Relaxation Pressure Facilitates Characterization of Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Background & Aims Under the Chicago Classification of esophageal motility disorders, esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) includes a varied clinical spectrum that results in diagnostic and management difficulties. We aimed to demonstrate that including upright swallows during high-resolution manometry (HRM) helps identify patients with clinically significant EGJOO. Methods We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients diagnosed with EGJOO on HRM from January 2015 through July 2017. HRM studies included 10 supine and 5 upright 5-ml liquid swallows. HRM values, esophagrams, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated to identify factors associated with objective EGJOO (defined by esophagram) and symptomatic dysphagia (brief esophageal dysphagia questionnaire scores, >10). Results Of the 1911 patients who had HRM during the study period, 16.2% (310) were diagnosed with EGJOO; 155 patients completed an esophagram and 227 completed the brief esophageal dysphagia questionnaire. Of these patients, 30.3% (47/155) had radiographic evidence of EGJOO and 52.4% (119/227) had symptomatic dysphagia. The median upright integrated relaxation pressure for patients with radiographic evidence of EGJOO or symptomatic dysphagia was higher than for patients without. An upright integrated relaxation pressure >12 mmHg identified patients with radiographic evidence of EGJOO with 97.9% sensitivity and 15.7% specificity; for symptomatic dysphagia these values were 88.2% and 23.1%, respectively. Conclusion An upright integrated relaxation pressure of >12 mmHg identifies patients with clinically significant esophageal outflow obstruction or dysphagia with a high level of sensitivity. This simple manometric maneuver (upright swallows) should be added to the standard manometric protocol.
Invasive species and carbon flux: the case of invasive beavers (Castor canadensis) in riparian Nothofagus forests of Tierra del Fuego, Chile

Forests are important moderators of global atmospheric CO2 emissions, making them a key focus of terrestrial C-cycling research. The 5th assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change explicitly calls upon nations to enhance C-stock accounting and mitigate losses of global forest C sinks, which inherently will require more accurate and higher spatial resolution carbon accounting. Monitoring and predicting how disturbances, such as invasive species, influence forest C stocks and the transfer of C from live to dead pools remains a high priority both in the scientific and policy communities. We documented the effects of invasive North American beavers (Castor canadensis) on C-sequestration of riparian Nothofagus forests in Tierra del Fuego, Chile. Our paired plot sampling design quantified significant losses from beaver invasion in total aboveground, live standing, dead standing, and dead and downed C stocks (P < 0.001, paired t tests). We extrapolated stand-level C losses to the entire study area using a Maxent habitat suitability model and estimated that 1.177 (± 0.103) Tg C would be lost if all of the predicted 18,384 ha of invasible habitat (14% of the total forested area) were colonized by beavers. These results document the impacts of invasive mammals on large terrestrial C sinks and highlight the need for understanding the magnitude of such effects across both landscape- and regional-scales.
The social impact of natural hazards: a multi-level analysis of disasters and forms of trust in mainland China

This study aimed to assess the multi-level effects of natural hazards on trust in Chinese society. Drawing on the Chinese General Social Survey conducted in 2012 and provincial disaster damage records, it examined the association between individuals' past experiences of disasters and province-level damage (measured by the number of affected people, deaths, and economic loss) and various forms of trust: in-group; out-group; generalised; and political. The findings indicate that Chinese individuals with experience of disasters have higher levels of out-group trust but lower levels of political trust. Similarly, at the province level, damage owing to disasters over the past three years (2009-11) positively impacted on residents' out-group trust while negatively affecting their political trust. However, when provincial damage was aggregated for disasters over the past five years (2007-11), which included the devastating Sichuan earthquake on 12 May 2008, only total deaths had a positive effect on generalised trust.
Identifying antecedents and consequences of well-being: The case of cruise passengers

Abstract Although recent studies have focused on the role of well-being in tourism, there is limited knowledge about its specific contribution for marketing practitioners. This study focuses on how cruise companies can develop a solid relationship with their passengers by examining four dimensions of experiential value and their impact on well-being and passengers' value co-creation behavior. Experiential value consists of four dimensions: playfulness, aesthetics, consumer return on investment, and service excellence. A structural equation model delineating relationships among experiential value, well-being, and value co-creation was developed and tested with 292 luxury cruise passengers. Well-being was found to play a significant role in linking the theoretical concepts of experiential value and value co-creation, with brand prestige playing a moderating role.