cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating the proportions of closely related species: performance of the two-phase ratio estimator.

In many ecological field contexts, accurately classifying closely related species based on phenotypic characteristics may be difficult. In such cases, definitive classification of species may require expensive genetic analysis of tissues or extensive quantitative measurements. If inexpensive phenotype-based species classifications are highly correlated with expensive but definitive classifications, however, then estimating the proportion of a target species in a mixed species complex using a two-phase ratio estimator may prove cost-efficient. In two-phase ratio estimation, a first-phase sample is randomly selected, and phenotype is used to classify all individuals in the sample. A smaller, second-phase sample is then randomly selected from the first-phase sample, and a definitive method is used to classify the individuals in this subsample. Net relative efficiency (i.e., cost-effectiveness) of the optimally allocated two-phase ratio estimator of a proportion depends on the relative costs of classification at the first and second phases, on the phenotypic classification accuracy for the target species (sensitivity) and nontarget species (specificity), and on the magnitude of the target species proportion. Results are presented that allow assessment of the circumstances in which this two-phase estimation approach can be recommended over an equal-cost single-phase approach based only on expensive but definitive classification. An illustrative application of these methods is provided using an example of two closely related, sympatric, anadromous salmonid species: steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and coastal cutthroat trout (O. clarki clarki).
Daily rhythm of prolactin and corticosterone in unrestrained, incubating turkey hens

Plasma concentrations of prolactin and corticosterone were determined in hourly samples collected over a 25-hr period from unrestrained turkey hens exhibiting incubation (broody) behavior. Hens were maintained in cages on a 14 hr light: 10 hr dark photoperiod. Mean plasma prolactin concentration increased significantly late in the dark period to reach maximum daily levels of 496 ng/ml at the start of the photophase. However, a well-defined daily rhythm in prolactin secretion was not evident. Plasma corticosterone concentration showed a significant daily rhythm characterized by a major secretory peak (7.14 ng/ml) in the middle of the light period and a smaller, less well-defined peak (4.11 ng/ml) during the dark period. Both prolactin and corticosterone secretion ranged widely throughout the day in individual hens in a manner suggestive of pulsatile hormone secretion. This study demonstrates that the extremely high prolactin concentrations characteristic of the incubating turkey hen reflect large, dynamic changes in plasma prolactin concentrations occurring throughout the photoperiod, rather than a constantly high level of prolactin secretion.
Sinus node recovery time related to paced cycle length in normals and patients with sinoatrial dysfunction

Abstract Depressed conduction in the sinoatrial junction, common in the sick sinus syndrome (SSS), should decrease the maximum pacing rate at which 1:1 capture of the SA node occurs. This may result in shorter than expected sinus recovery times (SRT) and maximal prolongation of SRT at relatively slow pacing rates. To test this hypothesis we evaluated the range of pacing rates necessary to demonstrate maximal SRT in 34 patients with and 20 patients without sinus node dysfunction. Atrial pacing was performed at multiple paced cycle lengths (PCL) between 400 and ≥ 1000 msec, four times at each. A mean corrected SRT (CSRT) was determined at each PCL, and the PCL of the longest CSRT was determined (PCL p ). PCL p varied linearly with sinus cycle length, was dependent on sinoatrial conduction time, and was longer in patients with SSS than in normal persons. Only 2 of 20 normal persons, but 21 of 34 patients with SSS, had a PCL p > 600 msec. A long PCL p (> 600 msec) suggests the possibility of recovery times that have been limited by A-S entrance block and appears to be indicative of sinus node dysfunction.
Immunization against Plasmodium chabaudi malaria using combined formulations of apical membrane antigen-1 and merozoite surface protein-1

Abstract The control of Plasmodium falciparum malaria by vaccination will require immunization with multiple parasite antigens effectively formulated in combination. In this regard, proteins expressed on the surface of blood-stage merozoites are attractive as vaccine targets given their functional importance in the invasion of erythrocytes and accessibility to serum antibodies. We have utilized a Plasmodium chabaudi vaccine model to begin to evaluate the efficacy of immunization with combined formulations of apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) and merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1). Using a pET/T7 RNA polymerase bacterial expression system, we have expressed, purified and refolded recombinant antigens representing the 54 kDa ectodomain of Pc AMA-1 and the 42 kDa C-terminus of Pc MSP-1. Immunization with recombinant Pc AMA-1+ Pc MSP-1 42 induced a high level of protection against P. chabaudi malaria with protective efficacy varying with antigen dose, choice of adjuvant, and immunization protocol. Based on the reduction of P. chabaudi parasitemia, Alum proved effective for use with the combination of Pc AMA-1 and Pc MSP-1 42 . The use of Quil A was similarly effective with single or combined antigen immunizations, particularly with low antigen dose. In general, serological analysis of prechallenge sera indicated a dominant IgG1 response. For a given formulation, immunization with the combination of Pc AMA-1 and Pc MSP-1 42 elicited IgG responses comparable to those observed following immunization with each antigen alone. However, prechallenge antibody titers alone were not predictive of protective efficacy. While Pc AMA-1 and Pc MSP-1 42 can be effectively formulated in combination, further study is needed to define measurable parameters of protective T cell and B cell responses induced by Pc AMA-1+ Pc MSP-1 42 that are predictive of vaccine efficacy.
Quantum-chemical studies of CN on copper surfaces

The chemisorption of CN on the (111), (100), and (110) surfaces of Cu has been studied with semi-empirical quantum-mechanical calculations (INDO/2 and INDO/S) of the interaction of CN with Cu clusters. Only perpendicular bonding geometries with the carbon atom down are considered here. The results indicate that the CN chemisorption bond is formed by net π-donation of electrons from CN to the metal and net σ-backdonation of electrons from the metal to CN. The bond between CN and the copper surface is very ionic, and energetically it is dominated by the transfer of electron density from the metal to CN. For Cu(100) and Cu(110), CN adsorption on bridge sites appears as more stable than on top sites. Upon CN adsorption, it is found that the C-N bond order increases on top sites and decreases on bridge sites (relative to the free CN radical). The total bond-order index between adsorbed CN and the clusters is larger on bridge sites than on top sites. Peak assignments for the ultraviolet photoemission spectrum of CN on Cu(110) and for the energy loss spectrum of CN on Cu(111) and on Cu(100) are discussed based on these results. The possible effects of electronic changes in the metal surface upon the adsorbed CN species are analysed in light of the molecular-orbital description of the chemisorption bond.
Exposure of BEAS-2B cells to secondary organic aerosol coated on magnetic nanoparticles.

Toxicological investigation suggests that exposures to complex secondary organic aerosol (SOA) products can result in adverse health effects in biological systems. However, the mechanism of adverse...
The role of eosinophils and their ribonucleases in respiratory viral infections

Eosinophil major basic protein mRNA 8?12 Eosinophil Charcot-Leyden crystal protein mRNA 2?98 UDP-GalNAc: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase mRNA 1?31 Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin mRNA 1?26 MBP homolog mRNA 1?14 Secretory granule proteoglycan core gene 1?09 Elongation factor EF-1-gene 1?06 Eosinophil peroxidase gene 0?95 Osteopontin mRNA 0?92 Ferritin light subunit mRNA 0?89 Cathepsin B mRNA 0?83 Transcription factor Sp1 mRNA 0?78 CpG island DNA genomic MseI fragment 0?72 Interferon-inducible mRNA 0?66 HLA-DR antigen-chain mRNA 0?54 Cathepsin D mRNA 0?50 Cytoplasmic-actin gene 0?49 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase mRNA 0?47 NMB mRNA 0?47 -Interferon-inducible protein mRNA 0?40 Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene 0?40 Ribosomal protein S3a gene 0?40 Ia-associated invariant-chain gene 0?40
The planned Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission L-band radar/radiometer instrument

The Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP) mission is a NASA mission identified by the NRC “decadal survey” to measure both soil moisture and freeze/thaw state from space. The mission will use both active radar and passive radiometer instruments at L-Band. In order to achieve a wide swath at sufficiently high resolution for both active and passive channels, an instrument architecture that uses a large rotating reflector is employed. The instrument system has completed the preliminary design review (PDR) stage, and detailed instrument design has begun. In addition to providing an overview of the instrument design, two recent design modifications are discussed: 1) The addition of active thermal control to the instrument spun side to provide a more stable, settable thermal environment for the radiometer electronics, and 2) A “sequential transmit” strategy for the two radar polarization channels which allows a single high-power amplifier to be used.
Adenoviral Infections in Transplant Recipients

Adenovirus (ADV) was first associated with severe morbidity and mortality in bone marrow transplant recipients in 1985. Numerous reports since then have confirmed the importance of ADV in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). The immunosuppression involved with solid organ transplantation (SOT) also predisposes recipients to severe initial or reactivation ADV infections. This chapter describes the emerging importance of ADV in both HSCT and SOT recipients. A retrospective review of pediatric liver transplant recipients noted infection in 10%, with evidence of invasive disease occurring in 4.1%; most disease occurred in the immediate posttransplant period. Nuclear enlargement and intranuclear inclusions develop and contain adenovirions as seen by electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (technically challenging and not widely available) may further improve the sensitivity over that of histopathology and may be particularly helpful in differentiating rejection from ADV disease, particularly among small bowel transplant recipients. Treatment of ADV in HSCT and SOT recipients can be broken down into two major issues: whom to treat and how best to treat them. A wide variety of antiviral drugs have been used to treat ADV disease. Vidarabine has limited availability and significant toxicity but may have a role in the management of hemorrhagic cystitis. At present, only cidofovir appears to have significant antiviral efficacy. Future treatment strategies might include analogs of cidofovir and ex vivo generation of ADV-specific cytotoxic T cells with subsequent transplantation into patients suffering from or at high risk for ADV disease.
An Evaluation of Mathematical Software That Solves Systems of Nonlinear Equations

The "state of the art" of mathematical software that solves systems of nonlinear equations is evaluated. The evaluation is based on a comparison of eight readily available FORTRAN codes. Theoretmal and software aspects of the codes, as well as their performance on a carefully designed set of test problems, are used m the evaluation.
GAU-8 Projectile Afterbody Drag Reduction by Boattailing and Heated Gas Injection

An experimental investigation was performed on a GAU-8 projectile model in order to determine whether base injection of different gases at a temperature of up to 900°R, which simulates the effects of fumers, would produce a reduction in the afterbody drag. Wind tunnel tests were performed at Mach 3, using different boattail angles and two different gases—air and helium. Pressure data were taken together with schlieren photographs illustrating the flowfield. Results show that afterbody drag reduction of 30-40% is obtained by small gas injection. Afterbody boattail angles of 4-7 deg additionally reduce the afterbody drag by about 15%. Heating the injected gas to 700°R does not further reduce the afterbody drag, but increasing its temperature up to 900°R produces an afterbody drag reduction of approximately 15%. For the same mass injection rates, helium injection is more efficient than air.
Formation and encapsulation of gold nanoparticles using a polymeric amine reducing agent

We report on the use of poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH) as a reducing agent for the controlled formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the size range of 5–50 nm. The formation of AuNPs using this polymer matrix allows for the AuNPs to be imbedded in the polymer matrix, once formed. The kinetics of AuNP formation are shown to be pseudo first-order in [HAuCl4] at room temperature. The kinetics of AuNP formation are controlled by the ratio of reducing agent to HAuCl4 as well as the overall concentration of the PAH and HAuCl4. Additionally, at low PAH:HAuCl4 mole ratios, the plasmon resonance wavelength can be controlled through the ratio of the reactants. This plamson resonance shift is shown to be related to AuNP size by means of TEM imaging data on the AuNPs.
Considering the Air Quality Impacts of Bioenergy Crop Production: A Case Study Involving Arundo donax

The expanding production of bioenergy crops may impact regional air quality through the production of volatile organic compounds such as isoprene. To investigate the effects of isoprene-emitting crops on air quality, specifically ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, we performed a series of model runs using the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF/Chem) coupled with the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) simulating a proposed cropland conversion to the giant cane Arundo donax for biomass production. Cultivation of A. donax in the relatively clean air of northeastern Oregon resulted in an average increase in 8 h O3 levels of 0.52 ppb, while SOA was largely unaffected (<+0.01 μg m–3). Conversions in U.S. regions with reduced air quality (eastern Texas and northern Illinois) resulted in average 8 h O3 increases of 2.46 and 3.97 ppb, respectively, with daily increases up to 15 ppb in the Illinois case, and daytime SOA increases up to 0.57 μg...
Ebola in Sierra Leone: a call for action.

www.thelancet.com Published online July 5, 2014 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61119-3 1 found in local markets and villages, even if demand has decreased. What is certain is that these policies (and the ways that they were communicated) raised anxiety and, in some places, fuelled rumours that led to counter-productive behaviours. Improved communication by health offi cials with the media, community leaders, health professionals, and the general public is necessary to reduce misinformation and improve compliance with prevention and control measures that have been proven eff ective. The ongoing west African Ebola outbreak serves as a call to ensure access to needed diagnostic technologies and health-care resources, to accelerate the implementation of smartphone-based health applications in developing countries, and to improve regional and global surveillance and health communication.
IV. Dielectric constant of paraffins

(1902). IV. Dielectric constant of paraffins. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 3, No. 13, pp. 52-67.
Word recognition using ideal word patterns

The word shape analysis approach to text recognition is motivated by discoveries in psychological studies of the human reading process. It attempts to describe and compare the shape of the word as a whole object without trying to segment and recognize the individual characters, so it bypasses the errors committed in character segmentation and classification. However, the large number of classes and large variation and distortion expected in all patterns belonging to the same class make it difficult for conventional, accurate, pattern recognition approaches. A word shape analysis approach using ideal word patterns to overcome the difficulty and improve recognition performance is described in this paper. A special word pattern which characterizes a word class is extracted from different sample patterns of the word class and stored in memory. Recognition of a new word pattern is achieved by comparing it with the special pattern of each word class called ideal word pattern. The process of generating the ideal word pattern of each word class is proposed. The algorithm was tested on a set of machine printed gray scale word images which included a wide range of print types and qualities.
Long-wavelength magnetic dipole lines of highly ionized nickel measured in Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor plasmas

New or improved wavelengths are given for several long-wavelength magnetic dipole lines in highly ionized nickel, which have been observed in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor plasmas, as well as the 2s22p4(3P0–3P1) line in Cu xxii.
Conjugate duality and its implications in dynamic programming

Duality is one of the most elegant and useful concepts in mathematics. However, there have been very limited duality results for dynamic programming. We develop a duality for finite dynamic programming problems with linear transitions and separable cost functions by the application of conjugate functions and convolution. Examples are given to show how this duality can be used to mitigate the dimensionality problems inherent to dynamic programming.
The clinical and economic significance of atherosclerosis.

The clinical and economic impact of cardiovascular disease is tremendous. Of the four major cardiovascular diseases, coronary artery disease caused by atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is also a major cause of morbidity. The cost of treating heart disease continues to spiral, from $128 billion in 1994 to an estimated $151 billion in 1996. Studies have shown that treating risk Factors for coronary disease—e.g., cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, and elevated low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and blood-pressure levels—can significantly reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes. Studies have also shown that risk-factor reduction results in cost savings. Today's challenge is to effectively incorporate risk-reduction strategies into daily clinical practice and reduce the personal and societal burden of cardiovascular disease.
A solid-phase screen for protein kinase substrate selectivity

Cassette mutagenesis was used to synthesize an Escherichia coli expression library of unique phosphorylation sites. The cassette encodes a central serine residue surrounded by every combination of Ala, Arg, Gln, Glu, Gly, and Pro residues over a 7-residue segment (a total of 6(7) approximately 2.8 x 10(5) sequences). The cassette was inserted into the gene of a suitable carrier protein and expressed in E. coli with the T7 expression system, and the resultant library was subjected to solid-phase protein phosphorylation assays on nitrocellulose filters. When the library was screened with TPK1 delta, the modified catalytic subunit of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cAMP-dependent protein kinase, individual colonies that expressed substrates for this kinase were identified. By DNA sequencing through the cassette region of positive clones, the consensus recognition sequence for TPK1 delta was deduced and found to conform with the well-established substrate selectivity of its mammalian homolog (Arg-Arg-Xaa-Ser). Because a large number of clones can be sequenced rapidly, and the positions of invariant residues composing a recognition site identified, this approach may be useful as a general screen of protein kinase substrate selectivity.
Pattern of Restenosis after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty of Bifurcation Stenoses

Bifurcation stenoses have been recognized to be at a “high risk” for acute closure during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Development of advanced techniques using simultaneous (“kissing”) balloon inflation or sequential balloon inflations, using two guidewires to preserve access to both branches while avoiding the trauma produced by inflating two balloons in a small artery simultaneously, has allowed safe and effective dilatation of bifurcation stenoses. Little is known, however, about the restenosis rate and pattern of bifurcation stenoses. This article reports on 44 patients who were treated successfully using the sequential inflation technique on their bifurcation stenoses. A total of 88 lesions were dilated. Restenosis occurred in 25 of the 88 lesions (28%) within 8.5 ± 2.25 months. Eleven patients had restenosis in one vessel while seven patients had restenosis in both branches (18 of 44–41%). All 18 underwent a second PTCA attempt and 15 patients had successful repeat PTCA. Thus, the primary restenosis rate in bifurcation stenosis is acceptably low, occurring in both branches in a minority of cases (7/18). The total restenosis rate is no greater than expected with single vessel PTCA. Repeat PTCA is usually easily accomplished with good secondary success, aided by the fact that the majority of the restenoses involve only one rather than both branches of the bifurcation stenosis. (J Interven Cardiol 1989:2:3)
Phase transitions and their thermal hysteresis in anhydrous potassium acetate

Abstract The two phase transitions in potassium acetate that occur at 331.7 K and 429.5 K have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Both transitions were found to be fully reversible. The apparent Δ H values are dependent on the heating/cooling rate. Both transitions exhibit considerable thermal hysteresis which also depends on the rate of cooling.
Globalization and ageing workers: constructing a global life course

Purpose – Globalization has speeded the flow of development across borders, encouraging the movement of both labour and capital. Although it has been well‐documented that labour is less flexible than capital and that unskilled labour is disadvantaged by these trends, the impact of globalization on older workers has been largely ignored. The critical gerontology perspective can contribute through its focus on globalization's effects on labour market opportunities and social welfare benefits. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approach – This is a theoretical paper on ageing.Findings – This paper examines four issues faced by older workers in an international context in order to more fully understand the differential impact of globalization by age. First, the paradigm of globalization assumes a youthful labour force willing and able to relocate search of employment opportunities, criteria inapplicable to many older workers. Second, human capital inequalities produce differing opportu...
Locus of Control and Success as a Professional Money Collector

Etude mettant a l'epreuve aupres de 61 employes d'un etablissement financier l'hypothese d'un lien positif entre plusieurs mesures du locus de controle interne et les performances professionnelles
Cholinergic microvillous cells in the mouse main olfactory epithelium and effect of acetylcholine on olfactory sensory neurons and supporting cells

The mammalian olfactory epithelium is made up of ciliated olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), supporting cells, basal cells, and microvillous cells. Previously, we reported that a population of nonne...
A meta-analysis of topical amphotericin B for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis

Background Fungal species have been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Based on this observation, some clinicians have employed topical antifungal therapy with amphotericin B (AMB); however, its efficacy has not been consistently supported by the literature. Methods A comprehensive review of the English-language literature on the role of topical AMB therapy in CRS treatment was performed. Search criteria included placebo-controlled trials between the years of 2000 and 2009. Studies that reported outcomes based on computed tomography (CT), nasal endoscopy (NE), and symptom scores (SS) were included. Results Three published studies reported CT outcomes. After pooling patients from these 3 studies, meta-analysis revealed no significant difference between AMB-treated and control groups (p = 0.07). Four studies reported NE outcomes, in which central tendency (mean or median) and variance were identified. Among these 4 studies, combining AMB-treated patients did not reveal any significant effect when compared to the small control group (p = 0.53). Only 2 studies reported SS; no significant differences in symptoms were noted (p = 0.33). Conclusion A systematic review of the literature does not support the use of topical AMB for the treatment of CRS. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
TRPV4 activation in mouse submandibular gland modulates Ca2+ influx and salivation

Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 (TRPV4) is a ligand-gated nonselective cation channel that participates in the transduction of mechanical and osmotic stimuli in different tissues. TRPV4 is activated by endogenous arachidonic acid metabolites, 4α-phorbol-12,13 didecanoate, GSK1016790A, moderate heat, and mechanical stress. TRPV4 is expressed in the salivary glands, but its expression pattern and function are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional role of TRPV4 channels in the mouse submandibular gland. Using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we detected expression of TRPV4 message and protein, respectively, in the submandibular gland. Immunolocalization studies showed that TRPV4 targeted to the basolateral membrane of mouse submandibular gland acinar cells. Pharmacological TRPV4 activation using the selective agonist GSK1016790A caused Ca2+ influx in isolated acinar cells in a basal-to-apical wave. Consistent with these observations, GSK1016790A elicited salivation in the perfused submandibular gland that was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. In summary, we report that activation of TRPV4 channels induced Ca2+ influx and salivation and, thus, may contribute a novel nonadrenergic, noncholinergic secretion pathway in the mouse submandibular gland.
Interpersonal Violence Victimization and Sexual Harassment: A Prospective Study of Revictimization

This study examined associations between past interpersonal victimization (including both child and adult victimization) and sexual harassment (SH); and it examined intervening and moderating variables of the association of past victimization with SH, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and job-gender context. In addition, we examined an alternative hypothesis for revictimization that abuse survivors are hyper-sensitive to perceptions of sexual harassment. Employed women residing in Kentucky (U.S.) who had received an order of protection from a male partner and who were followed-up 12 months later (n = 445, 78 % White, mean age = 31.98, SD = 8.60) were selected for this analysis. SH experienced between baseline and follow-up interviews was associated with baseline assessments of child nonsexual assault experiences (r = 0.24, p < 0.001) and intimate partner violence victimization (r = 0.20, p < 0.000), demonstrating a revictimization effect. PTSS mediated the relationship between child sexual assault, child nonsexual assault and subsequent SH. Further, working in a job with a male supervisor or in a male-dominated workgroup increased associations between child nonsexual abuse and subsequent SH. No support was found for the hyper-sensitivity hypothesis. Findings are consistent with prior research that identifies sexual harassment as a form of interpersonal violence that mental health and victim service providers and researchers should include in their assessment and treatment strategies. Employers should also understand that working in male-dominated work environments compound the risk of sexual harassment for those with prior abuse histories and should be vigilant to reducing these risks.
The Fourth Gospel and the Jesus of History

In the ‘quest for the historical Jesus’ it has become axiomatic that the Fourth Gospel, with a few notable exceptions (e.g. certain elements in the passion narrative), has little to offer attempts to trace the person and activity of the pre-Easter Jesus. A study of the Johannine presentation of the beginnings of Jesus' ministry, his relationship with the Baptist, the calling of disciples and his presence in the Jerusalem Temple, suggests otherwise. Given the Markan imposition of a ‘framework’ upon the Synoptic tradition, the Johannine tradition may more accurately recall those early events.
The Resist Diabetes trial: Rationale, design, and methods of a hybrid efficacy/effectiveness intervention trial for resistance training maintenance to improve glucose homeostasis in older prediabetic adults

Advancing age is associated with reduced levels of physical activity, increased body weight and fat, decreased lean body mass, and a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Resistance training (RT) increases muscle strength and lean body mass, and reduces risk of T2D among older adults. The Resist Diabetes trial will determine if a social cognitive theory (SCT)-based intervention improves RT maintenance in older, prediabetic adults, using a hybrid efficacy/effectiveness approach. Sedentary, overweight/obese (BMI: 25-39.9 kg/m(2)) adults aged 50-69 (N = 170) with prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) completed a supervised 3-month RT (2×/wk) initiation phase and were then randomly assigned (N = 159; 94% retention) to one of two 6-month maintenance conditions: SCT or standard care. The SCT intervention consisted of faded contacts compared to standard care. Participants continue RT at an approved, self-selected community facility during maintenance. A subsequent 6-month period involves no contact for both conditions. Assessments occur at baseline and months 3 (post-initiation), 9 (post-intervention), and 15 (six months after no contact). Primary outcomes are prediabetes indices (i.e., impaired fasting and 2-hour glucose concentration) and strength. Secondary measures include insulin sensitivity, beta-cell responsiveness, and disposition index (oral glucose and C-peptide minimal model); adherence; body composition; and SCT measures. Resist Diabetes is the first trial to examine the effectiveness of a high fidelity SCT-based intervention for maintaining RT in older adults with prediabetes to improve glucose homeostasis. Successful application of SCT constructs for RT maintenance may support translation of our RT program for diabetes prevention into community settings.
Self-calibrating measurement of polarization-dependent frequency shifts from Rb-3He collisions.

We have studied the frequency shift in the Rb electron-paramagnetic-resonance (EPR) line due to the presence of nuclear polarized $^{3}\mathrm{He}$. By measuring the resonant frequency in a cylindrical cell oriented both parallel and perpendicular to an applied magnetic field, we determined the classical EPR shift due to long-range macroscopic fields. We thus calibrated the larger, geometry-independent shift, due to the Fermi-contact interaction between the Rb electron and the $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ nucleus, to 2.5%. The EPR frequency shift can be used to determine the $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ nuclear polarization.
Modeling the grating-formation process in thick bacteriorhodopsin films

We model the grating-formation process in bacteriorhodopsin films for the interference of two plane waves. We simulate the temporal dependence of grating recording and readout, and we examine the behavior of the diffraction efficiency with respect to exposure, write and read wavelengths, and film parameters such as initial optical density and lifetime of the upper state. Gratings written in thick bacteriorhodopsin films are generally nonuniform and nonsinusoidal owing to the absorption and saturation properties of the material. The simulations also show that one can often obtain optimization of hologram recording and readout by writing and reading at wavelengths far off the peak of the ground-state absorbance spectrum, especially for films with high values of the peak optical density.
DYNAMIC CONTACT BETWEEN A SPHERICAL INCLUSION AND A MATRIX UPON INCIDENCE OF AN ELASTIC WAVE

UDC 539.3 Using the boundary element method, we have studied the dynamic displacements and stresses in an infinite elastic matrix with a spherical elastic inclusion, caused by the propagation of an elastic wave. The original problem has been reduced to a system of boundary integral equations for the contact displacements and tractions on the interface between the inclusion and matrix. Based on the numerical solution of these equations, we have analyzed the influence of the direction of wave propagation and frequency on the important physical parameters, depending on the elastic characteristics of composite constituents.
Optimal selection of media vehicles using customer databases

This paper investigates the problem where an organization must select among multiple media vehicles for a marketing campaign, and determine how many names from each vehicle to impress (the contact depth). The organization can estimate the return from contacting each prospective customer, and this return decreases as depth increases. Different vehicles have different marginal costs per impression, and may have minimum-spend requirements or activation costs to use the vehicle. Decisions are to be made to maximize profit subject to a constraint on the total amount spent. We proposed an optimization model and two computationally efficient methods that often lead to global optimal solutions under practical assumptions. The model is illustrated with two data sets.
Discrete averaging effects of a strain gage at a crack tip

The paper attempts to quantify some of the general attributes of the strain averaging process near a crack tip. The discrete averaging effect of a strain gage is considered in the assessment of the errors due to placement of the gage, gage length, gage width and number of filaments. Graphs are presented to show the effects of the aforesaid variables.
Engineered split in Pfu DNA polymerase fingers domain improves incorporation of nucleotide γ-phosphate derivative

Using compartmentalized self-replication (CSR), we evolved a version of Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu) DNA polymerase that tolerates modification of the γ-phosphate of an incoming nucleotide. A Q484R mutation in α-helix P of the fingers domain, coupled with an unintended translational termination-reinitiation (split) near the finger tip, dramatically improve incorporation of a bulky γ-phosphate-O-linker-dabcyl substituent. Whether synthesized by coupled translation from a bicistronic (-1 frameshift) clone, or reconstituted from separately expressed and purified fragments, split Pfu mutant behaves identically to wild-type DNA polymerase with respect to chromatographic behavior, steady-state kinetic parameters (for dCTP), and PCR performance. Although naturally-occurring splits have been identified previously in the finger tip region of T4 gp43 variants, this is the first time a split (in combination with a point mutation) has been shown to broaden substrate utilization. Moreover, this latest example of a split hyperthermophilic archaeal DNA polymerase further illustrates the modular nature of the Family B DNA polymerase structure.
Promoting Trimerization of Soluble Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) Env through the Use of HIV-1/Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Chimeras

The envelope proteins (Env) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) form homo-oligomers in the endoplasmic reticulum. The oligomeric structure of Env is maintained, but is less stable, after cleavage in a Golgi compartment and transport to the surface of infected cells. Functional, virion-associated HIV-1 and SIV Env have an almost exclusively trimeric structure. In addition, a soluble form of SIV Env (gp140) forms a nearly homogeneous population of trimers. Here, we describe the oligomeric structure of soluble, uncleaved HIV-1 gp140 and modifications that promote a stable trimeric structure. Biochemical and biophysical analyses, including sedimentation equilibrium and scanning transmission electron microscopy, revealed that unmodified HIV-1 gp140 purified as a heterogeneous range of oligomeric species, including dimers and aggregates. Deletion of the V2 domain alone or, especially, both the V1 and V2 domains reduced dimer formation but promoted aggregation rather than trimerization. Expressing gp140 with mannose-only oligosaccharides did not eliminate heterogeneity. Replacement of the entire gp41 segment of HIV-1 gp140 or just the N-terminal half (85 amino acids) of this segment with the corresponding region of SIV was sufficient to confer efficient trimerization for gp140 derived from clade B and C isolates. Importantly, the relatively small segment of the HIV Env replaced by SIV sequences contains no known targets of neutralizing antibody. The soluble trimeric form of HIV-1 Env should prove useful for assessment of antigenic structure and immunogenicity.
Nasal Rhinosporidiosis in the Dog

Rhinosporidiosis was diagnosed in six dogs from the southeastern United States. All six dogs had unilateral nasal polyps with multiple small white sporangia visible beneath the surface. Microscopically, the polyps consisted of organisms and fibrovascular tissue with a surface of columnar or squamous epithelium. Juvenile sporangia were unilamellar, 15-75 microns in diameter, nucleated, and accounted for about 65% of sporangia seen. Approximately 5% of the sporangia were in intermediate stages of maturation, were bilamellar, 100-150 microns in diameter, and contained immature endospores. Mature sporangia comprised about 30% of the total, were usually unilamellar, 100-400 microns in diameter, and contained a mixture of immature and mature endospores. The inner layer of the wall of the intermediate sporangia and the single wall of the mature sporangia were argyrophilic and carminophilic. Ultrastructurally, the earliest stage contained a nucleus and many ribosomes, lipid droplets, and phagolysosomes. Maturing sporangia contained discrete membrane-bound, round clevage products. These structures subsequently matured to spores, each of which had a wall and contained a nucleus and many lipid droplets. The organism from one dog was cultured and grown in vitro for 7 months and is the first successful cultivation of Rhinosporidium seeberi.
Is the fast Hankel transform faster than quadrature

The fast Hankel transform (FHT) implemented with digital filters has been the algorithm of choice in EM geophysics for a few decades. However, other disciplines have predominantly relied on methods that break up the Hankel transform integral into a sum of partial integrals that are each evaluated with quadrature. The convergence of the partial sums is then accelerated through a nonlinear sequence transformation. While such a method was proposed for geophysics nearly three decades ago, it was demonstrated to be much slower than the FHT. This work revisits this problem by presenting a new algorithm named quadrature-with-extrapolation (QWE). The QWE method recasts the quadrature sum into a form conceptually similar to the FHTapproach by using a fixed-point quadrature rule. The sum of partial integrals is efficiently accelerated using the Shanks transformation computed with Wynn’s ϵ algorithm. A Matlab implementation of the QWE algorithm is compared with the FHT method for accuracy and speed on a suite of relevant modeling problems including frequency-domain controlledsource EM, time-domain EM, and a large-loop magnetic source problem. Surprisingly, the QWE method is faster than the FHT for all three problems. However, when the integral needs to be evaluated at many offsets and the lagged convolution variant of the FHT is applicable, the FHT is significantly faster than the QWE method. For divergent integrals such as those encountered in the large loop problem, the QWE method can provide an accurate answer when the FHT method fails.
Phylogenetic revision of the Strophomenida, a diverse and ecologically important Palaeozoic brachiopod order

The order Strophomenida was an ecologically abundant and taxonomically diverse group of Palaeozoic brachiopods that originated in the earliest Ordovician and went extinct in the Carboniferous. During their long geological range, the Strophomenida survived two of the ‘Big Five’ mass extinction events, the Late Ordovician and the Late Devonian, suggesting that they are potentially informative taxa for studying the evolutionary effects of these two distinct mass extinctions, each with drastically different forcing mechanisms. However, while there have been previous phylogenetic studies on smaller groups within the Strophomenida, the phylogenetic relationships of the whole group are still largely unknown. The group has been divided into two major superfamilies, the Strophomenoidea (strophomenoids) and the Plectambonitoidea (plectambonitoids). Despite being treated as separate clades, the plectambonitoids may form a paraphyletic grade into the strophomenoids. We present a detailed higher-level parsimony-based phylogenetic analysis of the Strophomenida, consisting of 69 characters and 62 exemplar species sampled from the majority of the taxonomically defined families/subfamilies. Several species of basal chonetids (strophochonetids) were also included in this analysis, as they may be closely related to the Strophomenida and share several characters with both the plectambonitoids and strophomenoids. The phylogenetic analysis suggests the plectambonitoids, as originally defined, are paraphyletic to the monophyletic strophomenoids. The basal chonetids are reconstructed as a monophyletic group that is sister to the strophomenoids, suggesting that their proper placement might be within the Strophomenida. The topology also suggests that at least 17 of the taxonomically defined strophomenoid and plectambonitoid families are likely to be monophyletic. The Plectambonitidae and the Taffiidae as defined are paraphyletic, and the Grorudiidae and Leptostrophiidae are polyphyletic. Furthermore, subfamilies Leptodontellinae, Dicoelostrophiinae, Palaeostrophomeninae and Aegiromeninae are raised to the level of family. When analysed within this phylogenetic context, the Late Ordovician mass extinction event had little effect on the large-scale evolution of the group.
THE CROSS-LINGUISTIC STUDY OF LANGUAGE ACQUISITION. VOL. 5: EXPANDING THE CONTEXTS. Dan Isaac Slobin (Ed.) . Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 1997. Pp. xiii + 339. $89.95 cloth.

This is the fifth volume in a renowned series edited by Dan Slobin, focusing on cross-linguistic studies of children acquiring their first language. The series is seminal for its focus on languages other than English and for addressing the astonishing diversity and complexity of the language acquisition task. Slobin notes that, in contrast to Chomskyan models that consider core grammar to be the main topic of interest, the series was conceived with the notion of showing “how much fruit there is beyond the core” (p. 14). The goal of Volume 5 is to explore themes that were relatively backgrounded in the others. Specifically, these themes include: typological analysis, semantic systems, phonology and prosody, individual differences, and diachronic processes.
Permanent mechanical circulatory support with an implantable left ventricular assist device

A 67-year-old man had end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy. He had had two previous coronary bypass operations and a previous left ventricular aneurysmectomy. In December 1995 he underwent vented-electric HeartMate LVAD insertion as an alternative to transplantation. He was discharged from the hospital 13 days after the operation, and 5 months postoperatively he had returned to New York Heart Association functional class II.
New perspectives on mechanisms underlying chronic allergic inflammation and asthma in 2007

This review summarizes selected articles appearing from January to December 2007 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Articles were chosen that related to advances in mechanisms of chronic allergic inflammation and asthma, including those describing gene association studies, mast cells, IgE, eosinophils, cytokines, the inception of allergy, airway remodeling, preclinical therapeutic targets, and virally induced asthma.
A digital control strategy for brushless DC generators

Control of BLDC drives in four-quadrant operation has been an area of active interest. One of the main challenges in generating mode applications is to allow a wide operating range for shaft speeds. This paper proposes a digital control strategy for BLDC generators that offers low maintenance costs, requires no additional hardware and is simple enough to allow implementation on an FPGA device instead of signal processors. This control strategy can either be part of existing control scheme/code, or as an embedded control module. Simulation results are validated and backed up by experimental results.
Ultraviolet Radiation as a Risk Factor for Cataract and Macular Degeneration

The human eye is constantly exposed to sunlight and artificial lighting. Light transmission through the eye is fundamental to its unique biological functions of directing vision and circadian rhythm, and therefore, light absorbed by the eye must be benign. However, exposure to the intense ambient radiation can pose a hazard particularly if the recipient is over 40 years of age. This radiation exposure can lead to impaired vision and transient or permanent blindness. Both ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and UV-B induce cataract formation and are not necessary for sight. Ultraviolet radiation is also a risk factor for damage to the retinas of children. The removal of these wavelengths from ocular exposure will greatly reduce the risk of early cataract and retinal damage. One way this may be easily done is by wearing sunglasses that block wavelengths below 400 nm (marked 400 on the glasses). However, because of the geometry of the eye, these glasses must be wraparound sunglasses to prevent reflective UV radiation from reaching the eye. Additional protection may be offered by contact lenses that absorb significant amounts of UV radiation. In addition to UV radiation, short blue visible light (400-440 nm) is a risk factor for the adult human retina. This wavelength of light is not essential for sight and not necessary for a circadian rhythm response. For those over 50 years old, it would be of value to remove these wavelengths of light with specially designed sunglasses or contact lenses to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
“HEY, WHY DON'T YOU WEAR A SHORTER SKIRT?” Structural Vulnerability and the Organization of Sexual Harassment in Temporary Clerical Employment

Research on sexual harassment in the workplace has followed several trajectories: the extent of sexual harassment, labeling sexual harassment, responses to sexual harassment, and contributing factors to sexual harassment. Much of this research has been necessarily applied, leaving theoretical frameworks concerning sexual harassment underdeveloped. This research uses the case of the sexual harassment of temporary workers to develop grounded theory to provide a more structural understanding of sexual harassment. While temporary employment has increased dramatically in the past 15 years, researchers have only recently begun to document the effects of this trend. This research is based on 68 in-depth interviews from two broader studies on clerical temporary work in Chicago and Los Angeles. The researchers find that the organization of temporary work fosters sexual harassment through the magnification of asymmetrical power relationships.