cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional interrelationships in aging processes: alterations and reversibility☆

Abstract The problem of assessing the relevance of the reversibility of age-related functional alterations for aging studies has been presented. Transduction mechanisms of adrenergic stimulation have been chosen as the target of age-related changes and thymus as the effector of some corrective interventions performed at advanced age. Both alterations of adrenoceptor characteristics and their reversibility have been reviewed. β-adrenoceptors have been studied in organs bearing only one subtype of receptors or both, revealing an age-related decrease in density only in the β1-subtype. It has been shown that a similar age-related decrease is present in α1-adrenoceptor density. Such alterations are corrected by grafting a neonatal thymus into old mice. On the contrary, thymus fails to correct the alteration of T4-induced upregulation of β-adrenoceptors indicating some limits to its corrective effect when the net of functional interrelationships becomes relatively complex. Both failures and successes of thymic grafts and thymic extracts in reversing age-related changes are discussed taking into account the effects induced on the life span of the animals. Different unsolved problems stemming from the previous considerations are also presented. Among them the controversial question about linearity and non-linearity of biological parameters presumed to be good indices of aging is discussed, with the aid of a simple model as a schematic example.
A THEORETICAL AND EMPIRICAL MODEL OF TRIP CHAINING BEHAVIOR

Abstract This paper addresses the theoretical and empirical issues involved in modeling complex travel patterns. Existing models have the shortcoming of not representing the interdependencies among trip links in trip chains with multiple non-home stops. A theoretical model based on utility theory and explicitly accounting for the trade-offs involved in the choice of multiple-stop chains is developed. Using this theoretical model, utility maximizing conditions for a household's choice of a daily travel pattern are derived. The optimum travel pattern is described in terms of the number of chairs (tours) traveled on a given day and in terms of the number of stops (sojourns) made on each of those chains. For a given household, the form of the optimum pattern is a function of the transportation expenditures (time, cost) required to reach potential destinations. Constraints on the conditions of optimality due to the limited and discrete nature of travel pattern alternatives are also considered. Parameters of the general utility function were estimated empirically using actual travel data derived from a home interview survey taken in Washington, D.C. The multinomial logit model is used to relate utility scores for the alternative travel patterns to choice probabilities. The resulting parameter estimates agree with theoretical expectations and with empirical results obtained in other studies. In order to demonstrate the empirical and theoretical implications of the model, forecasts for various transportation policies (e.g., gasoline price increases, transit fare reductions), as made by this model and by other less complex models, are compared. The results of these comparisons indicate the need for expanding the scope of existing travel forecasting models to explicit considerations of trip chaining behavior.
A New approach to Ginsparg-Wilson fermions

We expand the most general lattice Dirac operator D in a basis of simple operators. The Ginsparg-Wilson equation turns into a system of coupled quadratic equations for the expansion coefficients. Our expansion of D allows for a natural cutoff and the remaining quadratic equations can be solved numerically. The procedure allows us to find Dirac operators which obey the Ginpsparg-Wilson equation with arbitrary precision.
RURAL-URBAN LOCATIONAL PREFERENCES OF SOUTHERN MANUFACTURERS

ABSTRACT An understanding of the rural-urban preferences of manufacturers is important for those concerned with alleviating regional imbalances in income levels and job opportunities. Unfortunately, studies of the locational tendencies of manufacturing plants on a regional scale have generally used counties or states as areal units. To avoid this coarse areal screen, a mail survey of the rural-urban locational preferences of manufacturing plants in ten Southern states was conducted. Southern plants are much more oriented to small towns and rural areas than is true nationally, and this tendency is becoming even more pronounced, but there is considerable variation among the ten states studied. Light industry was found in cities more often than heavy industry; however, many of the newer plants, regardless of industry type, were located outside municipal boundaries.
A multivariate Linnik distribution

We propose a definition of a multivariate Linnik distribution based upon closure under geometric compounding. The characteristic function of the multivariate Linnik model is 1/(1 + (∑mi = 1s'Ωis)α/2, where 0 < α ⩽ 2, the Ωi's are r × r positive semi definite matrices and no two of Ωi's are proportional. The specific case of α = 2 yields a multivariate LaPlace distribution. Estimation methods analogous to those used in estimating the parameters of the stable distribution are presented.
Slip weakening in rocks and analog materials at co-seismic slip rates

Abstract Determination of co-seismic slip resistance in earth faults is critical for understanding the magnitude of shear-stress reduction and hence the near-fault acceleration that can occur during earthquakes. Also, knowledge of shear resistance dependency on slip velocity, slip distance, normal stress, and surface roughness is fundamental information for understanding earthquake physics and the energy released during such events. In the present study, plate-impact pressure-shear friction experiments are employed to investigate the frictional resistance in fine-grained Arkansas novaculite rock and an analog material (soda-lime glass), under relevant interfacial conditions. The results of the experiments indicate that a wide range of frictional slip conditions can exist during a single slip event. These conditions range from initial no-slip followed by slip weakening, strengthening, and seizure at the frictional interface. For the case of glass vs. glass experiments, the first slip-weakening, with μ in the range of 0.4–0.2, is understood to be most likely due to thermal-induced flash heating and incipient melting at asperity junctions, while the slip-strengthening, with μ in the range of 0.1–0.4, is understood to be a result of coalescence and solidification of local melt patches. For the case of the fine grain Arkansas Novaculite rocks a similar range of slip conditions is observed.
Nicotine-mediated improvement in l-dopa-induced dyskinesias in MPTP-lesioned monkeys is dependent on dopamine nerve terminal function

L-dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) are abnormal involuntary movements that develop with long term L-dopa therapy for Parkinson's disease. Studies show that nicotine administration reduced LIDs in several parkinsonian animal models. The present work was done to understand the factors that regulate the nicotine-mediated reduction in LIDs in MPTP-lesioned nonhuman primates. To approach this, we used two groups of monkeys, one with mild-moderate and the other with more severe parkinsonism rendered dyskinetic using L-dopa. In mild-moderately parkinsonian monkeys, nicotine pretreatment (300 μg/ml via drinking water) prevented the development of LIDs by ~75%. This improvement was maintained when the nicotine dose was lowered to 50 μg/ml but was lost with nicotine removal. Nicotine re-exposure again decreased LIDs. By contrast, nicotine treatment did not reduce LIDs in monkeys with more severe parkinsonism. We next determined how nicotine's ability to reduce LIDs correlated with lesion-induced changes in the striatal dopamine transporter and (3)H-dopamine release in these two groups of monkeys. The striatal dopamine transporter was reduced to 54% and 28% of control in mild-moderately and more severely parkinsonian monkeys, respectively. However, basal, K(+), α4β2* and α6β2* nAChR-evoked (3)H-dopamine release were near control levels in striatum of mild-moderately parkinsonian monkeys. By contrast, these same release measures were reduced to a significantly greater extent in striatum of more severely parkinsonian monkeys. Thus, nicotine best improves LIDs in lesioned monkeys in which striatal dopamine transmission is still relatively intact. These data suggest that nicotine treatment would most effectively reduce LIDs in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease.
Comparative analysis of three user equilibrium models under stochastic demand

Recent empirical studies on the value of time and reliability reveal that travel time variability plays an important role on travelers' route choice decision process. It can be considered as a risk to travelers making a trip. Therefore, travelers are not only interested in saving their travel time but also in reducing their risk. Typically, risk can be represented by two different aspects: acceptable risk and unacceptable risk. Acceptable risk refers to the reliability aspect of acceptable travel time, which is defined as the average travel time plus the acceptable additional time (or buffer time) needed to ensure more frequent on-time arrivals, while unacceptable risk refers to the unreliability aspect of unacceptable late arrivals (though infrequent) that have a travel time excessively higher than the acceptable travel time. Most research in the network equilibrium based approach to modeling travel time variability ignores the unreliability aspect of unacceptable late arrivals. This paper examines the effects of both reliability and unreliability aspects in a network equilibrium framework. Specifically, the traditional user equilibrium model, the demand driven travel time reliability-based user equilibrium model, and the α-reliable mean-excess travel time user equilibrium model are considered in the investigation under an uncertain environment due to stochastic travel demand. Numerical results are presented to examine how these models handle risk under travel time variability.
The Toggle Switch of Institutions: Religion and Art in the U.S. in the Nineteenth and Early Twentieth Centuries

L'A. souligne que la perspective qui envisage ordinairement l'art comme un element a part entiere de l'ordre social est erronee en ce sens qu'elle ne peut rendre compte des oppositions qui se developpent entre les differents domaines culturels. Il s'est interesse plus particulierement au processus de secularisation et d'autonomisation de l'art au cours du 19 e siecle aux Etats-Unis. Il montre comment la religion et l'art se sont alors opposes. Il retrace l'evolution de l'art ainsi que la situation religieuse aux Etats-Unis a cette periode et examine les facteurs qui ont favorise l'autonomisation de l'art
Three Views of Organ Procurement Policy: Moving Ahead or Giving Up?

The supply of organs for transplant remains inadequate to meet the needs of waiting patients, in spite of many programs and approaches to increase rates of donation. Over the years there have been numerous proposals to intro- duce schemes that would move toward the outright sale of organs. Three articles in this issue of the Journal propose methods for increasing organ supply—two by moving toward a market approach and the third by advocating a change in so- cial culture. All three suffer from shortcomings, including the endorsement and encouragement of the exploitation of those who may offer organs. Although the shortage of organs must be addressed, the social price of a market in organs is too high, and proposals to encourage a rethinking of social responsibility are unlikely to be effective. T he three articles on organ procurement policy in this issue of the Journal propose different but related approaches to dealing with the persistent and widening shortage of solid organs for trans- plant. Two advocate programs that would lift the ban on monetary or other valuable offers in return for organs, and the third makes an argu- ment for thinking differently about our responsibilities vis a vis organ donation. For me, the proposals advocating a move toward what amount to the sale of organs (by Veatch and Bartz) represent flawed policy ap- proaches for a number of reasons, and Etzioni's call for a change in the culture of organ donation sounds more like a subtle change than a new approach to our current system. First, I agree with the three authors in their implicit and explicit claims that new approaches are called for due to what is effectively a failure of the organ donation system. After years of efforts focused on public and professional education, the existing approach of voluntary and altruistic
3-β-Hydroxysterol synthesis by the liver☆

Incorporation of 3H from [3H]H2O was used to measure 3-β-hydroxysterol synthesis in rat liver. The amount of 3H incorporated has been related to the amount of carbon incorporated by measuring the incorporation of [14C]glucose and correcting for the dilution in specific activity of the labeled carbon by endogenous carbon compounds. 3-β-Hydroxysterol is inhibited in starvation and by (−)-hydroxycitrate.
On the local structure of time-optimal bang-bang trajectories in R 3

We consider the problem of time-optimal control for systems of the form $\dot x = f(x) + ug(x)$ where f and g are smooth vector fields and admissible controls are measurable functions u with values in $ - 1 \leqq u \leqq 1$. Under the assumption that f, g and $[f,g]$ are independent, we prove that generically every point has a neighborhood $\mathcal{U}$ such that bang-bang trajectories that lie in $\mathcal{U}$ and have more than 7 switchings are not time-optimal.
In defense of corporal punishment.

In defense of corporal punishment four criteria for punishment are enumerated and side effects both specific to a punishment and common to all procedures are commented on.
Chloroplast autonomy in pigment synthesis

An experimental design developed usingAcetabularia permits a novel approach to studies of cytoplasmic genetic functions. The site of the genes for the enzymes of the plastid pigment pathways were examined by 1. determining pigment content per cell and per chloroplast in intact cells and during long periods of enucleate cell growth, 2. comparing pigment synthetic activities of plastids isolated from intact and enucleate cells at various times postenucleation and 3. comparing the ability of intact and enucleate cells to modulate pigment content in response to various light regimens.
System A amino acid transport in cultured human tumor cells: implications for tumor imaging with PET.

Abstract The A system of amino acid transport is concentrative and thought to be a regulator of cell growth. The [ 11 C]methyl α-aminoisobutyric acid (MeAIB) is prospectively an ideal tracer for transport measurements with PET, as it is not metabolized and concentrates in cells only via System A transport. We examined the factors governing [ 14 C]MeAIB accumulation by cultured human erythroleukemic (K562) cells. Experiments were performed in growth medium and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) ± cycloheximide (an inhibitor of protein synthesis) on logarithmically growing cells, as well as cells that had reached a growth plateau. Both inward transport rate and net uptake of MeAIB were positively correlated with cell growth rate and showed a strong inverse relationship to amino acid supply. The observations are consistent with a body of evidence from animal tumor cells, and they suggest that the correlation between System A transport and tumor cell proliferation may be obscured in vivo by variations in amino acid supply. Thus, while [ 11 C]MeAIB might be useful as a PET radiotracer of System A transport per se, this compound may be limited in its ability to provide measurements of tumor growth rate.
Social capital and migration: How do similar resources lead to divergent outcomes?

This article investigates how migrant social capital differentially influences individuals’ migration and cumulatively generates divergent outcomes for communities. To combine the fragmented findings in the literature, the article proposes a framework that decomposes migrant social capital into resources (information about or assistance with migration), sources (prior migrants), and recipients (potential migrants). Analysis of multilevel and longitudinal data from 22 rural villages in Thailand shows that the probability of internal migration increases with the available resources, yet the magnitude of increase depends on recipients’ characteristics and the strength of their ties to sources. Specifically, individuals become more likely to migrate if migrant social capital resources are greater and more accessible. The diversity of resources by occupation increases the likelihood of migration, while diversity by destination inhibits it. Resources from weakly tied sources, such as village members, have a higher effect on migration than resources from strongly tied sources in the household. Finally, the importance of resources for migration declines with recipients’ own migration experience. These findings challenge the mainstream account of migrant social capital as a uniform resource that generates similar migration outcomes for different groups of individuals or in different settings. In Nang Rong villages, depending on the configuration of resources, sources, and recipients, migrant social capital leads to differential migration outcomes for individuals and divergent cumulative migration patterns in communities.
Comparison of DNA histograms by standard flow cytometry and image cytometry on sections in Barrett's adenocarcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to compare DNA histograms obtained by standard flow cytometry (FC) and high fidelity image cytometry on sections (ICS) in normal gastrointestinal mucosa and Barrett's adenocarcinoma (BAC). Archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 10 normal controls from 10 subjects and 42 BAC tissues from 17 patients were examined. DNA FC was performed using standard techniques and ICS was carried out by Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS). DNA ploidy histograms were classified into diploid with peak DNA index (DI) at 0.9–1.1, and aneuploid with peak DI > 1.1. DI values of aneuploid peaks were determined. Additionally, for DNA ICS, heterogeneity index (HI) representing DNA content heterogeneity, and histograms containing cells with DI > G2 were also identified. All control samples were diploid by both FC and ICS analyses. In BAC, FC showed diploid peaks in 29%, diploid peaks with additional aneuploid or tetraploid peaks in 57%, and 14% of the samples, respectively. In contrast, ICS showed aneuploid peaks in all the cases with peak DI > 1.25; 37 cases had peak DI between 1.25 and 2.25; and 5 cases had peak DI > 2.25. HI values (mean ± SD) were 11.3 ± 1.1 in controls and 32.4 ± 8.5 in BAC (p < 0.05). Controls had no G2 exceeding cells. However, 19/37 (51%) of the cases with primary peak DI < 2.25 had cells exceeding 9N. ICS detects DNA aneuploidy in all BAC samples while FC missed the diagnosis of aneuploidy in 29%. In addition, ICS provides more information on HI and G2 exceeding rates.
Nitrogen-induced increase of the maximum electron concentration in group III-N-V alloys

The maximum free-electron concentration is observed to increase dramatically with the nitrogen content $x$ in heavily Se-doped ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\ensuremath{-}3x}{\mathrm{In}}_{3x}{\mathrm{N}}_{x}{\mathrm{As}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$ $(0l~xl0.033)$ films. For example, an electron concentration of $7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{19} {\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$ was observed at $x=0.033;$ a value more than 20 times larger than that observed in GaAs films grown under similar conditions. It is shown that the increase is caused by a combination of two effects: (1) a downward shift of the conduction band and (2) an increase of the electron effective mass caused by flattening of the conduction-band minimum. Both these effects are due to modifications to the conduction-band structure caused by an anticrossing interaction of a localized $N$ state and the conduction band of the III-V host.
Identifying Baseline Covariates for Use in Propensity Scores: A Novel Approach Illustrated for a Nonrandomized Study of Recovery High Schools

There are many situations where random assignment of participants to treatment and comparison conditions may be unethical or impractical. This article provides an overview of propensity score techniques that can be used for estimating treatment effects in nonrandomized quasi-experimental studies. After reviewing the logic of propensity score methods, we call attention to the importance of the strong ignorability assumption and its implications. We then discuss the importance of identifying and measuring a sufficient set of baseline covariates upon which to base the propensity scores and illustrate approaches to that task in the design of a study of recovery high schools for adolescents treated for substance abuse. One novel approach for identifying important covariates that we suggest and demonstrate is to draw on the predictor-outcome correlations compiled in meta-analyses of prospective longitudinal correlations.
A supplementary adaptive VAr unit controller for power system damping

A multivariable adaptive LQ control strategy for static VAr compensators is described which can be added to an existing fixed controller to enhance the robustness and effectiveness of the VAr unit in damping power system oscillations. The control strategy uses only local network information to damp oscillations between machines in the network. Simulation results are presented for a nine-bus network. The controller is effective in reducing local machine oscillations even in cases where the oscillatory disturbance is not controllable. >
Ocean Wave Energy Conversion - A Survey

Ocean energy conversion has been of interest for many years. Recent developments such as concern over global warming have renewed interest in the topic. This paper gives a systematic and comprehensive overview of wave energy converters (WEC) as opposed to ocean current energy converters. The point absorber and oscillating water column WEC devices are addressed with regards to commercial prospects, environmental concerns, current state-of-the art, and further research areas. Thereby, the paper seeks to enhance investigation of results obtained in other fields in the ocean wave energy conversion setting and to stimulate research on topics that have not been in the focus so far.
Staining abnormalities of dermal collagen in cats with cutaneous asthenia or acquired skin fragility as demonstrated with Masson's trichrome stain.

This retrospective study compared the Masson's trichrome staining properties of collagen in the skin of normal cats and cats with cutaneous asthenia or acquired skin fragility. A Masson's trichrome staining abnormality was seen in all (n= 8) cats with cutaneous asthenia, three of four cats with acquired skin fragility, and none (n= 10) of the normal cats. A grading system developed to classify the intensity and distribution of abnormally stained collagen fibres indicated that cats with cutaneous asthenia had higher scores (P < 0.001) than normal cats. Cats with acquired skin fragility had intermediate scores that were not significantly different from either of the other two groups.
Classification of occupational activity categories using accelerometry: NHANES 2003–2004

An individual’s occupational activity (OA) may contribute significantly to daily physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). However, there is little consensus about which occupational categories involve high OA or low OA, and the majority of categories are unclassifiable with current methods. The purpose of this study was to present population estimates of accelerometer-derived PA and SB variables for adults (n = 1112, 20–60 years) working the 40 occupational categories collected during the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). ActiGraph accelerometer-derived total activity counts/day (TAC), activity counts/minute, and proportion of wear time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA], lifestyle, and light PA organized by occupational category were ranked in ascending order and SB was ranked in descending order. Summing the ranks of the six accelerometer-derived variables generated a summary score for each occupational category, which was re-ranked in ascending order. Higher rankings indicated higher levels of OA, lower rankings indicated lower levels of OA. Tertiles of the summary score were used to establish three mutually exclusive accelerometer-determined OA groupings: high OA, intermediate OA, and low OA. According to their summary score, ‘farm and nursery workers’ were classified as high OA and ‘secretaries, stenographers, and typists’ were classified as low OA. Consistent with previous research, some low OA occupational categories (e.g., ‘engineers, architects, and scientists’, ‘technicians and related support occupations’, ‘management related occupations’, ‘executives, administrators, and managers’, ‘protective services’, and ‘writers, artists, entertainers, and athletes’) associated with higher education and income had relatively greater amounts of MVPA compared to other low OA occupational categories, likely due to the greater percentage of men in those occupations and/or the influence of higher levels of leisure time PA. Men had more TAC, activity counts/minute and time in MVPA, but similar proportions of SB compared to women in all three OA groupings. Objectively measured PA allowed for a more precise estimate of the amount of PA and SB associated with different occupations and facilitated systematic classification of the 40 different occupational categories into three distinct OA groupings. This information provides new opportunities to explore the relationship between OA and health outcomes.
Ultrasonically encoded wavefront shaping for focusing into random media

Phase distortions due to scattering in random media restrict optical focusing beyond one transport mean free path. However, scattering can be compensated for by applying a correction to the illumination wavefront using spatial light modulators. One method of obtaining the wavefront correction is by iterative determination using an optimization algorithm. In the past, obtaining a feedback signal required either direct optical access to the target region, or invasive embedding of molecular probes within the random media. Here, we propose using ultrasonically encoded light as feedback to guide the optimization dynamically and non-invasively. In our proof-of-principle demonstration, diffuse light was refocused to the ultrasound focal zone, with a focus-to-background ratio of more than one order of magnitude after 600 iterations. With further improvements, especially in optimization speed, the proposed method should find broad applications in deep tissue optical imaging and therapy.
The East China Sea Issue: Japan-China Talks for Oil and Gas

Japan and China argued for oil and gas in the East China Sea. The issue flared up in 2003. Between 2004 and 2007 the two sides held 11 rounds of official talks in order to resolve the issue. They sought demarcation of the sea and joint development in the disputed area. The gap between positions remained wide. China claims its continental shelf; Japan proposes a median line. By closely monitoring different rounds of talks, remarks, developments, maneuvers, negotiators and dates, it is possible to construct a broad picture of the issue to measure progress and predict outcomes. It is found that improving relations not only facilitate negotiations but somehow exert pressure for a settlement. The general relationship did affect the pace of talks, which could produce a partial solution.
A behavioral switch: cGMP and PKC signaling in olfactory neurons reverses odor preference in C. elegans.

Summary Innate chemosensory preferences are often encoded by sensory neurons that are specialized for attractive or avoidance behaviors. Here, we show that one olfactory neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans, AWC ON , has the potential to direct both attraction and repulsion. Attraction, the typical AWC ON behavior, requires a receptor-like guanylate cyclase GCY-28 that acts in adults and localizes to AWC ON axons. gcy-28 mutants avoid AWC ON -sensed odors; they have normal odor-evoked calcium responses in AWC ON but reversed turning biases in odor gradients. In addition to gcy-28 , a diacylglycerol/protein kinase C pathway that regulates neurotransmission switches AWC ON odor preferences. A behavioral switch in AWC ON may be part of normal olfactory plasticity, as odor conditioning can induce odor avoidance in wild-type animals. Genetic interactions, acute rescue, and calcium imaging suggest that the behavioral reversal results from presynaptic changes in AWC ON . These results suggest that alternative modes of neurotransmission can couple one sensory neuron to opposite behavioral outputs.
“Posts” Perspectives on Anti-Oppressive Education in Social Studies, English, Mathematics, and Science Classrooms

What could it mean for educators within the “core disciplines” to teach in ways that challenge multiple forms of oppression? This article explores the implications of various “posts” perspectives on anti-oppressive education—especially poststructuralist perspectives—for social studies, English, mathematics, and science classrooms. The author focuses on two main theoretical constructs: unknowability, multiplicity, and looking beyond the known; and resistance, crisis, and resignifying the self. Implications for teacher education conclude the article.
Exploring Query Optimization in Programming Codes by Reducing Run-Time Execution

Object querying is an abstraction of operations over collections, whereas manual implementations are performed at low level which forces the developers to specify how a task must be done. Some object-oriented languages allow the programmers to express queries explicitly in the code, which are optimized using the query optimization techniques from the database domain. In this regard, Java Query Language has been developed that allows object querying and performs the query optimization at run-time. Therefore, only one problem is how to reduce the task of query optimization at run-time as much as possible within the Java Query Language system. In this paper, we have developed a technique that performs query optimization at compile-time to reduce the burden of optimization at run-time to improve the performance of the code execution. The proposed approach uses histograms that are computed from the data and these histograms are used to get the estimate of selectivity for query joins and predicates in a query at compile-time. With these estimates, a query plan is constructed at compile-time and executed it at run-time. The experimental trials show that our method performs better in terms of run time comparisons than the existing query optimization techniques used in the Java Query Language.
Prospective study of dietary fat and risk of uterine leiomyomata

Background: Uterine leiomyomata (UL) are the primary indication for hysterectomy and are 2–3 times more common in black than white women. High dietary fat intake has been associated with increased endogenous concentrations of estradiol, a sex steroid hormone that is known to influence UL risk. Objective: We assessed the relation of dietary fat intake (total, subtypes, and selected food sources) with UL incidence. Design: Data were from the Black Women's Health Study, a prospective cohort study. Over an 8-y period (2001–2009), 12,044 premenopausal women were followed for a first diagnosis of UL. Diet was assessed via a food-frequency questionnaire in 2001. Cox regression models were used to compute incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs with adjustment for potential confounders. Results: During 75,687 person-years of follow-up, there were 2695 incident UL cases diagnosed by ultrasound (n = 2191) or surgery (n = 504). Intakes of total fat and fat subtypes were not appreciably associated with UL risk overall, although statistically significant associations were observed for specific saturated (inverse) and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated (positive) fatty acids. With respect to polyunsaturated fats, the IRR for the highest compared with lowest quintiles of marine fatty acid intake [the sum of omega-3 (n−3) polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid] was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.34; P-trend = 0.005). The IRR for the highest compared with lowest categories of dark-meat fish consumption was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.28). Conclusions: In US black women, the most consistent associations of fat intake with UL were small increases in risk associated with intakes of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate which components of fatty foods, if any, are related to UL risk.
Assessing left ventricular systolic dysfunction after myocardial infarction: are ejection fraction and dP/dtmax complementary or redundant?

Among the various cardiac contractility parameters, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and maximum dP/dt (dP/dtmax) are the simplest and most used. However, these parameters are often rep...
Methamphetamine dependence increases risk of neuropsychological impairment in HIV infected persons.

Both HIV infection and methamphetamine dependence can be associated with brain dysfunction. Little is known, however, about the cognitive effects of concurrent HIV infection and methamphetamine dependence. The present study included 200 participants in 4 groups: HIV infected/methamphetamine dependent (HIV+/METH+), HIV negative/methamphetamine dependent (HIV−/METH+), HIV infected/methamphetamine nondependent (HIV+/METH−), and HIV negative/methamphetamine nondependent (HIV−/METH−). Study groups were comparable for age, education, and ethnicity, although the HIV−/METH− group had significantly more females. A comprehensive, demographically corrected neuropsychological battery was administered yielding a global performance score and scores for seven neurobehavioral domains. Rates of neuropsychological impairment were determined by cutoff scores derived from performances of a separate control group and validated with larger samples of HIV+ and HIV− participants from an independent cohort. Rates of global neuropsychological impairment were higher in the HIV+/METH+ (58%), HIV−/METH+ (40%) and HIV+/METH− (38%) groups compared to the HIV−/METH− (18%) group. Nonparametric analyses revealed a significant monotonic trend for global cognitive status across groups, with least impairment in the control group and highest prevalence of impairment in the group with concurrent HIV infection and methamphetamine dependence. The results indicate that HIV infection and methamphetamine dependence are each associated with neuropsychological deficits, and suggest that these factors in combination are associated with additive deleterious cognitive effects. This additivity may reflect common pathways to neural injury involving both cytotoxic and apoptotic mechanisms. (JINS, 2004, 10, 1–14.)Note: Dr. Erin D. Bigler served as action editor during the course of this review.
Negative Charges at Protein Kinase C Sites of Troponin I Stabilize the Inactive State of Actin

Alterations in the troponin complex can lead to increases or decreases in contractile activity. Most mutations of troponin that cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy increase the activity of cardiac muscle fibers. In at least some cases these mutants stabilize the active state of regulated actin. In contrast, phosphorylation of troponin I at residues 43, 45, and 144 inhibits muscle contractility. To determine if alterations of troponin I that reduce activity do stabilize the inactive state of actin, we introduced negative charges at residues 43, 45, and 144 of troponin I to mimic a constitutively phosphorylated state. At saturating calcium, all mutants decreased ATPase rates relative to wild-type actin-tropomyosin-troponin. Reduced activation of ATPase activity was seen with a single mutation at S45E and was not further altered by mutating the other two sites. In the presence of low concentrations of NEM-S1, wild-type troponin was more active than the mutants. At high NEM-S1, the rates of wild-type and mutants approached the same limiting value. Changes in Ca2+ affinity also support the idea that the equilibrium between states of actin-tropomyosin-troponin was shifted to the inactive state by mutations that mimic troponin I phosphorylation.
Timing of pre-dose baseline electrocardiograms in clinical trials: increased sampling over a prolonged baseline period worsens variance of QTc.

Abstract Background and Purpose The US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) currently recommends recording of electrocardiograms (ECGs) prior to drug administration in thorough QT studies over an hour or more time to improve reliability of baseline ECG values. However, the baseline period is usually in the morning during a period of intense trial activity and rapid circadian change in QTc. The purpose of this study was to determine if the practice of recording an extended baseline does, in fact, decrease QTc variance at baseline. Methods ECG data from three thorough QT studies (TQTS) in which three ECGs (commonly referred to as triplicates) were recorded at each of three pre-specified time points during the 60 to 90 minutes before drug administration were analyzed by determining the intra-subject and inter-subject standard deviation (SD) of QTcF (Fridericia-correct QT) for each of the three pre-drug time points and for the three time points combined. Results QTcF was relatively normally distributed in each study. Intra-subject variability of QTcF was greater for the combined triplicate recordings than for the individual triplicates at baseline treatment time points in 39 of 42 cases (93%). This was the case in 48% of the comparisons in the inter-subject analysis. Conclusions The practice of recording three sets of triplicate ECGs over an hour or more before drug administration in a TQTS increases variability of baseline QTcF consistently in cross-over designed trials, and in roughly half of parallel comparisons. Higher variability suggests that the three-triplicate approach does not provide a more reliable baseline value. Less variability of QTcF can be obtained by simply recording one triplicate prior to drug administration. This principal may apply to other ECG and other physiological variables that have a monotonic circadian trend or that may be affected by intense trial activity during the pre-drug hour.
Analysis of fluid flow and reaction kinetics in a flow injection analysis biosensor

Abstract This paper presents the development of a convection–diffusion-reaction model to simulate the behavior of a flow injection analysis (FIA) biosensor with respect to its design and operational parameters, such as flow rate, fluidic channel dimensions, flow cell geometry and volume of substrate and enzyme injected. The problem is described by the steady-state incompressible Navier–Stokes equations for fluid flow, and transient convection–diffusion-reaction equations for the different dissolved species. The enzyme–substrate interaction is described by Michaelis–Menten kinetics. The model was successfully validated on a glucose FIA-biosensor by comparing measured and simulated H 2 O 2 concentration versus time profiles. Both peaks matched well, however, a slightly longer tailing was observed in the measurements due to simplifications in the geometrical model of the flow cell. The simulated and measured calibration curves for glucose closely matched in the range between 0 and 2.5 mM. The model was also applied to simulate the substrate, enzyme and product concentration profiles in the fluidic channels and the flow cell as a function of time. A parabolic velocity profile obtained from a pressure driven flow resulted in more peak broadening in the flow cell than a uniform velocity profile that occurs in packed column flow. Given the specified set of parameters, the concentration profiles of substrate, enzyme and product illustrated that not all substrate was converted into product when the flow reached the inlet of the flow cell, indicating a suboptimal sensitivity of the designed biosensor. This modeling approach has a high potential in the design and development of high accuracy FIA-biosensors, regardless of the chosen enzyme substrate system.
Some Studies of Effect of High Pressure on a Lithia‐Alumina‐Silica Glass

The effect of near-hydrostatic pressure on the synthesis of a lithia-alumina-silca glass was studied. It was found that the fusion of the oxides to form a glass melt was seriously impeded. A study also was made of the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the crystallization of a previously synthesized glass of similar composition. The approach to equilibrium in the system was found to be more rapid than at atmospheric pressure. In addition, a minor amount of a phase which could not be synthesized directly from the melt (α-spodumene) was found.
A case study of Ethernet anomalies in a distributed computing environment

Fault detection and diagnosis depend critically on good fault definitions, but the dynamic, noisy, and nonstationary character of networks makes it hard to define what a fault is in a network environment. The authors take the position that a fault or failure is a violation of expectations. In accordance with empirically based expectations, operating behaviors of networks (and other devices) can be classified as being either normal or anomalous. Because network failures most frequently manifest themselves as performance degradations or deviations from expected behavior, periods of anomalous performance can be attributed to causes assignable as network faults. The half-year case study presented used a system in which observations of distributed-computing network behavior were automatically and systematically classified as normal or anomalous. Anomalous behaviors were traced to faulty conditions. In a preliminary effort to understand and catalog how networks behave under various conditions, two cases of anomalous behavior are analyzed in detail. Examples are taken from the distributed file-system network at Carnegie Mellon University. >
When your cap matters: structural insights into self vs non-self recognition of 5′ RNA by immunomodulatory host proteins

Cytosolic recognition of viral RNA is important for host innate immune responses. Differential recognition of self vs non-self RNA is a considerable challenge as the inability to differentiate may trigger aberrant immune responses. Recent work identified the composition of the RNA 5', including the 5' cap and its methylation state, as an important determinant of recognition by the host. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the modified 5' RNA recognition and viral antagonism of RNA receptors. Here, we will discuss RIG-I and IFIT proteins as examples of host proteins that detect dsRNA and ssRNA, respectively.
Optimum age for vaccinating chickens against Marek's disease.

Abstract THE etiologic agent of Marek’s disease (M.D.) has been readily transmitted among chickens by direct and indirect contact (Sevoian et al., 1962, 1963) and may survive in the environment for many weeks (Witter et al., 1968). Initial attempts to propagate the M.D. agent in vitro were unsuccessful, but Churchill and Biggs (1967) and Solomon et al. (1968) were successful in propagating the M.D. agent in cell culture. Churchill and Biggs (1967) and Nazerian et al. (1968) identified the etiologic agent as a cell-associated group B herpesvirus. Eidson et al. (1969), Nazerian and Witter (1970) and Calnek et al. (1970) found that a cell free preparation of the M.D. virus (M.D.V.) is infectious for chickens. Churchill et al. (1969) found that a highly pathogenic strain of M.D.V. became attenuated after passage in cell culture, and when administered to chicks it protected against the development of M.D. tumors. Kawamura et al. (1969)…
Two viruses from the Lucké tumor isolated in a frog pronephric cell line.

SummaryThe first established frog pronephric cell line was exposed to tumor cell fractions of the oncogenic (nuclear inclusion body) phase of the Lucke renal adenocarcinoma. A mixed infection of the herpes virus and adeno-like virus was obtained. When tested by embryonic bioassay, the original tumor fractions and the first passages of the viruses in tissue culture produced subdermal hemorrhage, turgid edema and total deaths in 3-6 weeks. In subsequent passages the adeno-like virus appeared to abort and the herpes virus predominated. Bioassay of these and later passages produced no trauma within 3 months.
Solvent Effects on the Electronic Transitions of p-Nitroaniline: A QM/EFP Study

Solvatochromic shifts of the electronic states of a chromophore can be used as a measure of solute-solvent interactions. The shifts of the electronic states of a model organic chromophore, p-nitroaniline (pNA), embedded in solvents with different polarities (water, 1,4-dioxane, and cyclohexane) are studied using a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular-mechanics-type technique in which the chromophore is described by the configuration interaction singles with perturbative doubles (CIS(D)) method while the solvent is treated by the effective fragment potential (EFP) method. This newly developed CIS(D)/EFP scheme includes the quantum-mechanical coupling of the Coulomb and polarization terms; however, short-range dispersion and exchange-repulsion terms of EFP are not included in the quantum Hamiltonian. The CIS(D)/EFP model is benchmarked against the more accurate equation of motion coupled cluster with singles and doubles (EOM-CCSD)/EFP method on a set of small pNA-water clusters. CIS(D)/EFP accurately predicts the red solvatochromic shift of the charge-transfer π → π* state of pNA in polar water. The shift is underestimated in less polar dioxane and cyclohexane probably because of the omission of the explicit quantum-mechanical treatment of the short-range terms. Different solvation of singlet and triplet states of pNA results in different probabilities of intersystem crossing (ISC) and internal conversion (IC) pathways of energy relaxation in solvents of different polarity. Computed singlet-triplet splittings in water and dioxane qualitatively explain the active ISC channel in dioxane and predict almost no conversion to the triplet manifold in water, in agreement with experimental findings.
Evaluation of Some Organic Phosphate and Carbamate Insecticides Against Third-Instar Green June Beetle Larvae

Carbaryl, diazinon, dimethoate, parathion, Bayer 39007 (o-isopropoxyphenyl methylcarbamate), and Zectran® (4-dimethylamino-3,5-xylyl methylcarbamate) were evaluated for the control of 3rd-instar larvae of the green June bettle, Cotinis nitida (L.), in a pasture and golf-course fairway. Carbaryl gave excellent larval control and proved superior to Zectran; whereas the other materials were ineffective at the low fall temperature in North Carolina. In laboratory test larvae were ineffective. At 65°F, 100% control larvae was obtained after 7 days' exposure to a soil-surface spray of carbaryl and diazinon at 2 lb per acre and parathion at 1 lb per acre.
Self-synchronization Theory of a Vibrating System with Two-motor Drives Rotating in Opposite Directions

The relation between the electromagnetic torque and the rotor speed of an induction motor is derived in the synchronous frame of the stator voltage.The dynamic characteristic of a vibrating system with two-motor drives rotating in opposite directions is analyzed by using the dynamic theory and the equations of frequency capture are established.The conditions for implementing frequency capture and the equations of calculating capturing frequency and the phase difference are obtained.The stable equations of implementing frequency capture in the system are deduced by using nonlinear dynamics theory and the condition for system stability is obtained by using Routh-Hurwitz criterion.