cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative Bioavailability of L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate in Broiler Chickens

Broiler chick diets and drinking water were supplemented with two sources of vitamin C: crystalline L-ascorbic acid (AsA) or L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (APP) to provide 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, and 3,200 ppm (mg/kg) AsA. The bioavailability of APP relative to AsA, as estimated by the change in plasma AsA concentration, was evaluated during 24-h periods of supplementation. When provided in the feed, no differences in dietary AsA content were attributed to vitamin source. In contrast, APP administration at 25 and 50 ppm, resulted in higher (P < .001) AsA values in drinking water when compared with AsA supplementation. Plasma AsA values were elevated (P < .05) above baseline when either AsA or APP were supplemented in the feed or water at a level of 400 ppm or greater. Plasma AsA concentrations, following supplementation of the diets, were higher (P < .05) in AsA-treated (800 ppm) chicks when compared with APP-supplemented chicks. During water supplementation, AsA (800 ppm) and APP (3,200 ppm) administration resulted in higher plasma AsA values when compared with their alternate vitamin source. At all other levels of water supplementation, no differences in plasma AsA were associated with vitamin source. The absence of a consistent difference in plasma AsA, relative to vitamin source, suggests that the isolated differences observed may be due to chance. It was concluded that APP was of similar bioavailability to that of AsA, as estimated by the ability to elevate plasma AsA concentrations in broiler chicks.
New instrumentation for the investigation of sediment suspension processes in the shallow marine environment

Abstract An instrumentation system has been developed that continuously measures: flow velocity, water depth, and suspended sediment concentration profiles in the nearshore zone. The system consists of four components: (1) an array of electronic sensors, including: an electromagnetic current meter, a surface-piercing resistance wave gauge, and a five-element array of optical back-scatterance sensors; (2) a signal processing electronics unit; (3) a guyed mast support structure; and (4) a data acquisition system. The small size of the sensors and their response characteristics make the array suitable for monitoring sediment transport to within a few centimeters of the bed under moderately large breaking waves (∼2 m). Results from an experiment on an exposed ocean beach on the coast of Washington, U.S.A., indicate that sand suspension events of long duration (15–40 sec) relative to the period of incident waves contribute a significant quantity of sand to the total littoral drift. Work is now in progress to modify the system for self-contained operation on the continental shelf. Field investigations with the modified system will focus on the acquisition of a data set to test the validity of the suspended sediment distribution equation.
A Calculation of the Elastic Constants of a Nematic Liquid Crystal

Abstract A calculation of the Frank elastic contants based on the latice model of liquid crystals is presented. The calculated temperature dependence of K11, K22 and K33 is is agreement with experment. The X-ray structue data for p-azoxyanisole is employed to caculated themanitude of 1/2 (K11 + K22) and the result is found to agree with experiment.
Testing Parametric Correlations for Wind Waves in the Great Lakes

A large number of wind and wave data recorded from eight NOMAD buoys in the Great Lakes during 1981 were used to examine correlations of wind wave parameters—nondimensional energy ɛ, nondimensional peak energy frequency ν, non-dimensional fetch ξ, and significant wave slope ss, among others—in detail for their universality. The results show no precise universal relations among the parameters. The correlations show that all the points are clustered around a distinct region rather than a linear regression line. The variations within the region can be up to one order of magnitude. It has been found that there are no clear seasonal or atmospheric stability effects on the correlations. Distinctive correlations are exhibited by lower and higher wind speeds. High values of ɛ are actually caused by low winds speeds rather than high waves. Individual episodes are examined. The correlations vary significantly among episodes. In practical applications, the only correlation that shows consistency and a smaller clustered region is that of ɛ versus ν, which has been used successfully in numerical parametric wave model development.
A readout system utilizing the APV25 ASIC for the Forward GEM Tracker in STAR

We have developed a modular readout system for the 30,720 channel Forward GEM Tracker recently installed in the STAR Experiment at RHIC, BNL. The modular architecture is based on a passive compact PCI backplane running a custom protocol, not PCI, connecting 6 readout modules to a readout controller module. The readout modules provide all necessary functions, including isolated power supplies, to operate up to 24 APV25 chips per module with high-impedance ground isolation. The front-end boards contain a minimal set of components as they are located inside the STAR TPC inner field cage and are inaccessible except during long shutdown periods. The front-end boards connect to the readout modules with cables up to 24 m in length, carrying unbuffered analog readout signals from the APV25 as well as power, trigger, clock and control. The readout module digitizes the APV analog samples to 12 bits at 37.532 MHz, and zero suppresses and buffers the data. The readout controller distributes trigger and clock from the central trigger system, gathers the data over the backplane, and ships it to a linux PC via a 2.125 Gbps optical data link (Detector Data Link (DDL) from ALICE). The PC gathers data from multiple readout controllers and dispatches it to the STAR event builders. The readout modules, controllers, and backplanes are housed in a common crate together with the GEM HV bias power supplies.
The archaeological structure of a bedouin camp

Abstract Ethnoarchaeological studies of hunter-gatherer site structure are compared to a case of semi-nomadic pastoralists, the Bedul Bedouin of Petra, Jordan. Findings/hypotheses include: refuse is not deposited where activities took place; hearth contents represent the terminal activities at sites and are not a general indicator of diet; duration of occupation is reflected in the distribution and density of small refuse; locations of structures or use areas have relationships to refuse location; a possible archaeological indicator (rock, “laban” platforms) of dairying/animal domestication is identified; there are cross-cultural relationships between the segregation of activities and food storage strategies; excavations need to be areally broad and located according to ethnoarchaeological hypotheses.
Cosmic-ray antiprotons as a probe of a photino-dominated universe

Observational tests of the hypothesis that the universe is flat and dominated by dark matter in the form of massive photinos include the production of significant fluxes of cosmic rays and gamma rays in our galactic halo. Specification of the cosmological photino density and the masses of scalar quarks and leptons determines the present annihilation rate. The predicted number of low-energy cosmic-ray antiprotons is comparable to the observed flux.
The pulmonary interstitium in capillary exchange.

When capillaries filter excessive fluid, tissue fluid pressure increases, tissue colloid osmotic pressure decreases, and lymph flow increases. The change in tissue forces and flows have been termed edema safety factors since they act to oppose alterations in pulmonary capillary pressure. It is well known that pulmonary capillary pressure can be acutely increased by approximately 20 mm Hg before fluid enters the alveoli, and that the changes in the tissue forces are responsible for this phenomenon. The decrease in interstitial colloid osmotic pressure appears to account for approximately 50% of the tissue's ability to oppose increases in pulmonary capillary pressure. The tissue colloids change because the capillaries filter a protein-poor fluid, and the exclusion of plasma proteins decreases with increasing interstitial volume. Tissue pressure, at least in the perivascular regions, increases with tissue hydration and provides another major tissue force opposing capillary filtration. The contribution of lymph flow to the overall edema safety factor is difficult to estimate at the present time. However, it is possible that the pressure drop associated with the flow of interstitial fluid between the alveolar septal interstitium and the larger perivascular spaces could serve as an edema safety factor, rather than the standard lymphatic flow pressure drop across the capillary membrane. To calculate the standard lymph flow contribution to the total edema safety factor, total lymph flow [LF] and the filtration coefficient of the capillaries [Kf,c] must be known, i.e., Capillary Wall Drop = LF/Kf,c. For normal lung lymph flows and Kf,c's, it would appear that this factor is small. However, if the total pressure drop for fluid movement through the entire lung tissue is used to estimate the lymphatic factor, then it may represent a major portion of the edema safety factor, i.e., Total Pressure Drop = LF/[Kf,cKf,t]/Kf,c + Kf,t] where Kf,t is the filtration coefficient of the tissues. Tissue forces at different site within the lung tissue are presently under intense investigation in serveral laboratories. The next years should provide the necessary information to discuss fluid accumulation in lung tissue in terms of local transcapillary forces rather than the average forces that are now the "present state of the art."
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation in cancer patients: Successful establishment and feasibility of a multidisciplinary collaboration

Background As advancements in cancer therapies have led to dramatic improvements in long term survival, there has been increasing interest in methods to expand fertility preservation options for cancer patients.
Standby letters of credit and large bank capital: An empirical analysis

Abstract A recent trend in commercial banking has been the rapid growth in the issuance of off-balance, sheet guarantees. Revised capital standards presume that banks are increasing the issuance of off-balance sheet guarantees to generate fee income and conserve primary capital while shifting out of low risk assets. The relationship between standby letters of credit, an off-balance sheet guarantee, and large bank capital is tested using Granger causality, and then estimated in a structural model. To accurately estimate the relationship, a simultaneous equation model is required to capture the positive effect of bank capital on standby letter of credit issuance.
On the Wilson coefficient of the penguin operator.

Recently an additional contribution to the real part of the Wilson coefficient function c/sub 5/ of the dominant penguin operator O/sub 5/ in K..-->..2..pi.. decay was found by Bardeen, Buras, and Gerard. We show that in the effective-Hamiltonian approach used by Gilman and Wise with the ''heavy''-charm-quark approximation, the additional contribution to c/sub 5/ originates from the penguin diagrams with u-quark loops which are left after the charm quark is integrated out. For ..mu..approx.1 GeV (..mu.. being the renormalization scale), the inclusion of the u-quark loop diagram amounts to adding a contribution (5/3..cap alpha../sub s/(..mu..)/12..pi.. to the standard estimate of c/sub 5/. Penguin diagrams at the low-momentum scale are briefly discussed.
Designing a Service-Learning Design Project for a First-Year Engineering Course

The creation of an appropriate, meaningful design experience for a first-year engineering design course is challenging as the instructor must balance resource constraints with broad learning objectives and a diverse, and often very large, enrollment. In this paper, the authors present the task of developing a design project for a first-year engineering course as a problem of design. Following a structured design process, the authors articulate the requirements for a successful first-year design project including: learning objectives that are appropriate for a multi-disciplinary group of first-year students and common budgetary and time constraints. Several project alternatives are generated and evaluated in a conceptual design phase. In their description of the embodiment and detail design phases, the authors present the implementation of the selected project concept: ROXIE (“Real Outreach eXperiences In Engineering”). The ROXIE project, a service-learning themed project, tasks first-year students with serving as design consultants to not-for-profit community partners. Through this partnership, students are able to practice principles and tools of design methodology and project management. Preliminary survey data and excerpts of student reflection essays are provided as a means of supporting the instructors’ project selection.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The solar flare plasma: Observation and interpretation

In the past several years, X-ray observations of the Sun made from rockets and satellites have demonstrated the existence of high temperature (∼20 × 106 – ∼100 × 106 K), low density plasmas associated with solar flare phenomena. In the hard X-ray range (λ < 1 A), spectra of the flaring plasma have been obtained using proportional and scintillation counter detectors. It is possible from these data to determine the evolution of the hard X-ray flare spectrum as the burst progresses; and by assuming either a non-thermal or thermal (Maxwellian) electron distribution function, characteristic plasma parameters such as emission measure and temperature (for a thermal interpretation) can be determined. Thermal interpretations of hard X-ray data require temperatures of ∼ 100 × 106 K.
Using stable isotope compositions of animal tissues to infer trophic interactions in Gulf of Mexico lower slope seep communities.

We analyzed the tissue carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotope contents of macrofaunal communities associated with vestimentiferan tubeworms and bathymodiolin mussels from the Gulf of Mexico lower continental slope (970-2800 m). Shrimp in the genus Alvinocaris associated with vestimentiferans from shallow (530 m) and deep (1400-2800 m) sites were used to test the hypothesis that seep animals derive a greater proportion of their nutrition from seeps (i.e. a lower proportion from the surface) at greater depths. To account for spatial variability in the inorganic source pool, we used the differences between the mean tissue δ13C and δ15N of the shrimp in each collection and the mean δ 13C and δ15N values of the vestimentiferans from the same collection, since vestimentiferans are functionally autotrophic and serve as a baseline for environmental isotopic variation. There was a significant negative relationship between this difference and depth for both δ13C and δ15N (p=0.02 and 0.007, respectively), which supports the hypothesis of higher dependence on seep nutrition with depth. The small polychaete worm Protomystides sp. was hypothesized to be a blood parasite of the vestimentiferan Escarpialaminata. There was a highly significant linear relationship between the δ13C values of Protomystides sp. and the E. laminata individuals to which they were attached across all collections (p < 0.001) and within a single collection (p = 0.01), although this relationship was not significant for δ15N and δ34S. We made several other qualitative inferences with respect to the feeding biology of the taxa occurring in these lower slope seeps, some of which have not been described prior to this study.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES DURING GERMINATION OF PITHOPHORA OEDOGONIA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) AKINETES1

Akinetes of Pithophora oedogonia (Mont.) Wittrock, formed in stationary phase cultures, were induced to germinate by transfer to fresh media. Changes in various physiological parameters were monitored during the first 20 d of germination. Ungerminated akinetes contained a greater percentage of lipid, starch, and dry matter and exhibited lower photosynthetic rates than did vegetative cells. Germination consisted of four phases. Phase I (day-0 to day-1) was marked by a rapid increase in respiratory rates. Phase II (day-2 to day-6) involved protrusion of the germination tube and was insensitive to cyanide, a respiratory inhibitor, and simazine, a photosynthetic inhibitor. Phase III (day-7 to day-14) was marked by rapid elongation of the germination tube, increasing photosynthetic rate, increasing chlorophyll and water content and declining levels of lipid and starch. Germination tube elongation during phase III was not inhibited by simazine, but was cyanide sensitive. Phase IV (day-15 to day-20) was characterized by a reduction in respiratory rate and an abrupt increase in the ratio of photosynthesis to respiration. Germination tube elongation during phase IV was inhibited by simazine. The data indicate that germination in Pithophora oedogonia akinetes consists of an extensive period (phases I, II and III) during which reserve materials are respired. Utilization of internal food reserves apparently permits akinetes to germinate and supports the initial growth of the germination tube in light limited microenvironments.
Some aspects of the variational principles problem in elasticity

We give a brief survey of the subject, from a personal point of view. An attempt has been made to clarify historical and motivational aspects, in particular with reference to the differences between infinitesimal and finite elasticity, and with reference to implicit or explicit moment equilibrium considerations. The writing of this paper was occasioned by the preparation of an Opening Address for the Second International Conference on Variational Methods in Engineering, 17–19 July 1985, at the University of Southampton, England.
Factors affecting alternate pathways of corticosteroid excretion: Possible catabolite repression phenomena in man

Abstract By employing a method of sequential extraction of β-glucuronidase hydrolyzed urine it was possible to quantitate the excretion of “less polar” 17-OH, 20, 21-ketols (tetrahydrocortisol and tetrahydrocortisone) and of polar 17-OH, 20, 21-ketols. In normal subjects the excretion of the less polar fraction exceeds the polar fraction by a 2 1 ratio. In a patient with a recent infarction of a pituitary tumor and subsequent removal of the tumor, the urinary excretion pattern was found to be abnormal, with a greater excretion of polar 17-OH, 20, 21-ketols and essentially zero levels of the less polar 17-OH, 20, 21-ketols. While the patient was maintained on replacement dosages of dexamethasone, intermittent measured doses of cortisol were also found to lead to the urinary excretion of more 17-OH, 20, 21-ketols in the polar fraction than in the less-polar fraction. After the patient was given an infusion of glucose and a small amount of insulin it was found that the excretion pattern after ingestion of cortisol became essentially normal. The change was due to a 63 per cent decrease in the polar steroid pathway and a 23 per cent increase in the less-polar steroid pathway. On substitution of daily cortisol for replacement it was found that the excretion pattern was essentially normal. The alternate pathways described are dependent on two different enzyme systems, the pathway to the “less-polar” steroids is dependent on reduction of the Δ4, 3-ketone structure by a hepatic Δ4, 5 hydrogenase and a 3α hydrogenase. The formation of the polar metabolites is dependent on certain hepatic microsomal hydroxylases. The glucose effect and the effect of maintenance doses of cortisol on these alternate pathways are discussed in terms of enzyme induction and repression. The possibility that the glucose effect noted here is an example of the “catabolite repression” phenomena affecting corticosteroid metabolism is considered.
The reproducibility of depressive and hypomanic symptoms across repeated episodes in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder

The purpose of this study is to determine the stability of symptoms of hypomania and depression across repeated affective episodes in patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. Nine patients had a total of 30 depressive episodes and 31 hypomanic episodes during the period of observation. Standardized observer ratings indicated that the three symptoms most consistently reported during depressive episodes were fatiguability, decreased work activities and hypersomnia. These results as well as those from the standardized observer ratings of hypomania indicate that depression in this population consists of a lethargic, hypoactive state while hypomania may be a heightened state of activation. The clinical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Computerized analysis of enzyme cascade reactions using continuous rate data obtained with an ELISA reader

Two programs have been written which permit analysis of multiple continuous-rate enzyme-cascade assays conducted with the use of an ELISA spectrophotometer and a synthetic chromogenic substrate. Because the product of the first reaction functions as the enzyme in the second reaction, production of chromophore continuously accelerates and it is the rate of acceleration which serves to measure the rate of the initial reaction in the system. The first program determines the rate of acceleration using linear regression to analyze the reaction curves as a function of the square of time. The second program, using a Simplex algorithm, determines the parameters which establish the assay standard curve by fitting the rate data to the Hill equation. Used together, these programs facilitate the analysis of many kinetic experiments conducted simultaneously.
Planning and organizing an annual conference

Holding a successful conference year after year constitutes a hallmark of excellence for a professional society. While many factors contribute to the success of such a meeting, a key factor is careful planning and organization. To aid the first-time conference chairperson, this paper describes a systematic approach to conference planning and organization: (1) making preliminary analyses and assessments; (2) obtaining the agreement of cosponsors; (3) selecting key conference officers; (4) organizing conference committees; (5) selecting the conference site, hotel, and dates; (6) developing the conference master plan; (7) following through and implementing planning decisions; (8) anticipating and managing contingencies; and (9) coordinating post-conference activities. Using a systematic approach simplifies the task and makes it possible to run an annual meeting successfully.
Differential Nucleic Acid Metabolism of Planarial Segments.

SummaryIncorporation of cytidine-C14 into the RNA of the “head” segment of plan-aria is inhibited by tricyanoaminopropene whereas other nucleic acid bases are unaffected. This may be related to the content in this segment of neurons with short processes.
Variation in mesh placement for ventral hernia repair: an opportunity for process improvement?

Abstract Background Incisional hernia repair (IHR) with mesh has been associated with decreased hernia recurrence. We analyzed variation in mesh use for IHR. Methods A cohort undergoing IHR from 16 Veterans' Administration (VA) Hospitals was identified. Patient-specific variables were obtained from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data. Operative variables were obtained from physician-abstracted operative notes. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to model mesh implantation predictors. Results A total of 1,123 IHR cases were analyzed; Mesh was implanted in 69.6% (n = 781). Regression models demonstrated repair at a high performing facility was associated with a nearly 4-fold increase in mesh utilization. Other significant predictors include repair of recurrent hernia, chronic steroid use, and multiple fascial defects. Conclusions There is variation in the rate of mesh placement for IHR by VA facility, even after accounting for key explanatory variables. Patterns of mesh placement in IHR appear to be based on practice style.
Sensory Threshold of Light‐Oxidized Flavor Defects in Milk

: Reduced fat (2%) milk in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers was exposed to fluorescent light in a 6 °C walk-in cooler. Samples were evaluated by 10 trained panelists and by 94 consumers to assess the presence and intensity of sensory differences from unexposed control samples using the semi-ascending paired difference method. Trained panelists detected flavor defects following 15 to 30 min of light exposure; consumers detected defects between 54 min and 2 h. As approximately 50% of plastic containers remain in dairy cases for at least 8 h, these results suggest that the majority of milk on the market in light-transmissible containers is vulnerable to development of detectable light-oxidized flavor defects.
The international society for heart and lung transplantation working formulation for heart transplant rejection: Is it making the grade?

The cardinal criterion of a classification is utility. It provides one means in an attempt to give order to what would otherwise be a hopeless jumble of disconnected facts. As such it is of the first importance in any field of scholarly endeavor.
Precocious, selective and successful feeding of larval billfishes in the oceanic Straits of Florida

The oligotrophic open ocean of low latitudes is larval fish habitat for a diversity of resi- dent and migratory species. It is hypothesized that these waters, relative to coastal regions, yield reduced predation mortality, but little is known regarding the feeding and feeding environment of these larvae and the extent to which a nutritional tradeoff may exist, whereby lower predation mor- tality is accompanied by poor feeding conditions. Monthly sampling of larval billfishes (Istiophoridae) across the Straits of Florida over 2 yr allowed for an investigation of the temporal, spatial and ontoge- netic variability in the feeding of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus and blue marlin Makaira nigricans. Consumed prey were numerically dominated (90%) by 2 crustaceans: a copepod (Farranula; mainly F. gracilis) and a cladoceran (Evadne; mainly E. tergestina), with relative proportions displaying marked spatial variability. These prey were consumed throughout early larval ontogeny, from first feeding through piscivorous lengths (>5 mm), until piscivory became exclusive near 12 mm. High daytime feeding incidence (0.94) and rapid digestion (~3.5 h) support generally frequent and success- ful feeding by billfish larvae. Prey selectivity was illustrated by preference for Evadne over Farranula and a near absence of calanoid copepods from diets despite high environmental concentrations. Gut fullness exhibited a distinct sunset peak and also differed significantly with larval length and year, but not with season or location. A gut evacuation rate was used to estimate a daily ration of 29 to 75% of gut-free body weight, varying greatly with model selection but also with daylight length. Although potentially unique to the Straits of Florida and larval billfishes, these results contradict the general presumption that the subtropical open ocean is nutritionally constraining for larval fish.
Gene–environment interactions between JAZF1 and occupational and household lead exposure in prostate cancer among African American men

A single nucleotide polymorphism, rs10486567, in JAZF1 has consistently been associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. The physical interaction of zinc finger proteins, such as JAZF1, with heavy metals may play a role in carcinogenesis. This study assessed potential gene–environment statistical interactions (G×E) between rs10486567 and heavy metals in prostate cancer. In a case-only study of 228 African American prostate cancer cases, G×E between rs10486567 and sources of cadmium and lead (Pb) were assessed. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate interaction odds ratios (IORs), and generalized estimating equations were used for models containing nested data. Case–control validation of IORs was performed, using 82 controls frequency matched to cases on age–race. Among cases, a potential G×E interaction was observed between rs10486567 CC genotype and living in a Census tract with a high proportion of housing built before 1950, a proxy for household Pb exposure, when compared to CT or TT carriers (OR 1.81; 95 % CI 1.04–3.16; p = 0.036). A stronger G×E interaction was observed when both housing and occupational Pb exposure were taken into account (OR 2.62; 95 % CI 1.03–6.68; p = 0.04). Case–control stratified analyses showed the odds of being a CC carrier were higher in cases compared to controls among men living in areas with older housing (OR 2.03; CI 0.99–4.19; p = 0.05) or having high occupational Pb exposure (OR 2.50; CI 1.01–6.18; p = 0.05). In African American men, the association between JAZF1 rs10486567 and prostate cancer may be modified by exposure to heavy metals such as Pb.
Calcified amorphous tumor of the heart (cardiac CAT)

Eleven cases of poorly characterized nonneoplastic endocardially based intracavitary cardiac masses have been seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1965 and 1994. They occurred in 7 women and 4 men from age 16 to 75 years (mean, 52 years). The patients presented with a wide variety of symptoms and underlying diseases. The lesions were diagnosed as a primary cardiac neoplasm in 6 of 8 patients having echocardiography. Surgical excision was the treatment of choice in 10 patients; the 11th patient died of noncardiac causes 30 days after the mass was discovered. Grossly, the lesions were firm, yellow-white, and partially calcified, and arose in any of the four chambers. Microscopically, all lesions were characterized by nodular calcium in a background of degenerating blood elements and chronic inflammation. All patients had a benign course relative to their cardiac lesion. Repeat echocardiogram in two patients showed residual calcium in the region of the initial tumor. Although these lesions may represent calcified thrombi, the clinical presentation did not suggest thrombosis as the most likely explanation for their occurrence. Based on the combined clinical presentation and microscopic appearance, the authors propose the descriptive name calcified amorphous tumors (cardiac CAT) to describe this group to nonneoplastic cardiac masses.
Making Strides in Peptide-Based Therapeutics

In a recent report published in PNAS, Gellman and coworkers describe the design, characterization, and potent activity of α/β-peptides that mimic a long α helix involved in HIV viral entry.
Surveying extended GMSB models with m h = 125 GeV

In order to achieve maximal stop mixing and m h = 125 GeV, we consider extensions of minimal GMSB that include marginal MSSM-messenger superpotential interactions. Using a new approach to analytic continuation in superspace, we derive general formulas for the soft masses in the presence of such interactions, correctly taking into account the role of MSSM-messenger mixing in a general framework for the first time. We classify and catalog all possible such interactions consistent with perturbative SU(5) unification, and we survey the impact of turning on one interaction at a time, from the point of view of fine tuning, spectrum and phenomenology. We find that the best models are fine-tuned to the sub-percent level and are accessible at the 14 TeV LHC. We highlight potential search strategies that can probe the characteristic spectra of these models.
Vibrissaeless mutant rats with a modular representation of innervated sinus hair follicles in the cerebral cortex.

Abstract Specialized areas in the cerebral cortex are essential to mediate the various sensory modalities and are crucial to their recovery in disease. We recently observed that prenatal photoreceptor cues are not indispensable for the development of the elaborate modular organization of the primate primary visual (striate) cortex (Kuljis, R. O. and P. Rakic. 1990. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87: 5303–5306). By contrast, the elegant experiments of Woolsey, Van der Loos, and collaborators (Van der Loos, H., and T. A. Woolsey. 1973. Science 179: 395–398; Van der Loos, H. and J. Dorfl. 1978. Neurosci Lett. 7: 23–30; Woolsey, T. A. 1967. John Hopkins Med. J. 121: 91–112; Woolsey, T. A. and H. Van der Loos. 1970. Brain Res. 17: 205–242) indicate that postnatal vibrissal receptor input is necessary for the development of modular organization in the posteromedial barrel subfield (PMBSF) of the rodent somatosensory cortex. The present report is part of a series of studies designed to address the variables that result in seemingly different results in these two models. Here, I address the role of pre- and postnatal tactile experience in the development of the rat homologue of the mouse PMBSF using mutants that lack vibrissae. Mutants exhibit cytoarchitectonic units in layer IV similar to those in controls, as revealed by Nissl stains and histochemistry for succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase. Sections from flat mounts of the vibrissal pad reveal that all mutants contain vibrissal follicles with stumps of sinus hairs in a geometric array and number similar to that in controls, and that the follicles are innervated heavily by fascicles of fibers from the infraorbital nerve. These findings demonstrate that (a) the absence of vibrissae in mutant animals does not necessarily imply the absence of their sinus hair follicles, and (b) stimulation of the vibrissal receptors through normal vibrissae is not essential for the pre- and postnatal development and short-term maintenance of their modular representation in the somatosensory cortex.
A comparison of the impact of U.S. and Canadian cigarette pack warning label requirements on tobacco industry profitability and the public health

Abstract Objectives Since the early 1980s, neo-liberals have argued that command and control regulation (such as modern tobacco control programs) are costly in supporting corporate markets and profits. Some recent social constructionists have also argued that weak and symbolic command and control polices are necessary to maintain corporate productivity. This paper examines whether the command and control-oriented United States cigarette warning label law is symbolic thus helping to maintain corporate profitability. Methods This paper compares United States and Canadian requirements that promote significant smoking cessation such as color pictures or graphics on cigarette packs. This paper also provides a detailed overview of the respective cigarette pack warning label laws through an archival and content analysis of tobacco industry documents, LexisNexis, web pages, and peer reviewed journal articles. Results Cigarette pack warning label requirements under the command and control United States Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act are currently fairly symbolic and weak in promoting tobacco cessation when compared with the much stronger Canadian warning label requirements. Conclusions Contrary to the arguments of neo-liberals, symbolic command and control policies can actually support corporate private profit making, which for the tobacco industry occurs at the expense of the public health.
English language proficiency and mental health service use among Latino and Asian Americans with mental disorders.

Objective:The impact of language proficiency as a potential contributor to ethnic disparities in mental health care has received less attention than other factors. Data from the National Latino and Asian American Study were examined to assess the impact of limited English proficiency (LEP) on access
Linear Regression Models for Predicting Liquefaction during Cyclic Triaxial Testing

Cyclic triaxial tests are commonly used in research and engineering practice to evaluate soil liquefaction potential and the factors that influence it. During testing it is necessary to estimate the level of loading to be applied to the specimen. This can be a difficult task unless the engineer has previously acquired a reasonable amount of experience with this type of testing. In order to provide guidance in selecting an appropriate level of loading, a series of four linear regression models have been developed to predict liquefaction in sands and soils with nonplastic silts. The models were separated by the soil type and the method of specimen preparation. These models were developed using the data from over 750 tests collected from the author’s files and the literature. The validity of each model was assessed by examining the statistical parameters of the model, an analysis of residuals, and predictions made using additional data obtained from the literature.
Gallium arsenide integrated optical devices for high-speed diagnostic systems

GALLIUM ARSENIDE INTEGRATED OPTICAL DEVICESFOR HIGH -SPEED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMSG. McWright, M. Lowry, E. Takeuchi, G. Murphy,W. Tindall, J. Koo, and F. RoeskeLawrence Livermore National LaboratoryP.O. Box 5508Livermore, California 94550AbstractWe discuss the design, fabrication, and evaluation of waveguide electro -opticmodulators in gallium arsenide for application to high -speed diagnostic systems. We focusspecifically on high bandwidth, single event analog modulation, and radiationsusceptibility of these devices.IntroductionIntegrated optical circuits have found a wide variety of signal processingapplications in telecommunication networks (1). Typically, these devices are employed inhigh data rate systems, and the research emphasis is thus not on a single event analogmodulation. It is only recently that integrated optical instrumentation techniques havebeen used in diagnostic systems which require analysis of high bandwidth, nonrecurring
"TOF2H": A precision toolbox for rapid, high density/high coverage hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry via an LC-MALDI approach, covering the data pipeline from spectral acquisition to HDX rate analysis

Background Protein-amide proton hydrogen-deuterium exchange (HDX) is used to investigate protein conformation, conformational changes and surface binding sites for other molecules. To our knowledge, software tools to automate data processing and analysis from sample fractionating (LC-MALDI) mass-spectrometry-based HDX workflows are not publicly available.
Naturalistic assessment of everyday activities and prompting technologies in mild cognitive impairment.

Older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often have difficulty performing complex instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), which are critical to independent living. In this study, amnestic multi-domain MCI (N = 29), amnestic single-domain MCI (N = 18), and healthy older participants (N = 47) completed eight scripted IADLs (e.g., cook oatmeal on the stove) in a smart apartment testbed. We developed and experimented with a graded hierarchy of technology-based prompts to investigate both the amount of prompting and type of prompts required to assist individuals with MCI in completing the activities. When task errors occurred, progressive levels of assistance were provided, starting with the lowest level needed to adjust performance. Results showed that the multi-domain MCI group made more errors and required more prompts than the single-domain MCI and healthy older adult groups. Similar to the other two groups, the multi-domain MCI group responded well to the indirect prompts and did not need a higher level of prompting to get back on track successfully with the tasks. Need for prompting assistance was best predicted by verbal memory abilities in multi-domain amnestic MCI. Participants across groups indicated that they perceived the prompting technology to be very helpful. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–11)
The computer clubhouse: preparing for life in a digital world

The gap between the technological "haves" and "have-nots" is widening, leading to dangerous economic and cultural rifts in our society. But access to technology alone is not enough to bridge this gap. This paper describes a new model of a learning community, called the computer clubhouse, that breaks away from the traditional computer lab. at the clubhouse, inner-city youth become designers and creators-not just consumers-of computer-based products. the authors explore the four core principles of the clubhouse educational approach, and discuss how the clubhouse helps prepare today's youth for life and work in tomorrow's world.
Estimation of crosstalk among multiple stripline traces crossing a split by compressed sensing

In printed circuit board (PCB) designs, it is common to split power/ground planes into different partitions, which leads to more crosstalk among signal traces that route crossing a split. It is of general interest to develop a crosstalk model for various geometric parameters. However, the long time required to simulate the structure with any given set of geometric parameters renders general modelling approaches such as interpolation inefficient. In this paper, we develop an empirical model based upon the compressed sensing technique to characterize the crosstalk among traces as a function of geometric parameters. A good agreement between the empirical model and full-wave simulations is observed for various test examples, with an exceptionally small number of samples.
Pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus-induced neurological disease

Infection of the central nervous system by the type 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) commonly results in a number of neurological impairments known, in their most severe form, as HIV-associated dementia (HAD). The persistence of HIV encephalitis (HIVE), the pathological correlate of HAD, in spite of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) underscores the importance of continued research focused on the neurobiology of HIV. To elucidate direct and indirect mechanisms of HIV neuropathogenesis, current investigation is focused on neuroinvasion, HIV-1-mediated mechanisms of neuronal damage and apoptosis, and compartmentalized evolution of virus in the brain. The aim of this review is to provide a selective overview of the most recent research on the neurobiology of HIV, adding only a brief introduction regarding established principles.
A novel stroke therapy of pharmacologically induced hypothermia after focal cerebral ischemia in mice

Compelling evidence from preclinical and clinical studies has shown that mild to moderate hypothermia is neuroprotective against ischemic stroke. Clinical applications of hypothermia therapy, however, have been hindered by current methods of physical cooling, which is generally inefficient and impractical in clinical situations. In this report, we demonstrate the potential of pharmacologically induced hypothermia (PIH) by the novel neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) agonist ABS-201 in a focal ischemic model of adult mice. ABS-201 (1.5-2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) reduces body and brain temperature by 2-5°C in 15-30 min in a dose-dependent manner without causing shivering or altering physiological parameters. Infarct volumes at 24 h after stroke are reduced by ∼30-40% when PIH therapy is initiated either immediately after stroke induction or after 30-60 min delay. ABS-201 treatment increases bcl-2 expression, decreases caspase-3 activation, and TUNEL-positive cells in the peri-infarct region, and suppresses autophagic cell death compared to stroke controls. The PIH therapy using ABS-201 improves recovery of sensorimotor function as tested 21 d after stroke. These results suggest that PIH induced by neurotensin analogs represented by ABS-201 are promising candidates for treatment of ischemic stroke and possibly for other ischemic or traumatic injuries.
Household Language Use and Health Care Access, Unmet Need, and Family Impact Among CSHCN

OBJECTIVES: We examined the association of household language use and access to care among children with special health care needs (CSHCN). From this study we describe the demographics of children and the prevalence of selected access characteristics according to their primary household language and examine the independent effects of household language on health care access, unmet needs, and family impact while controlling for confounding variables. METHODS: Data from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs, a nationally representative telephone survey of 40723 CSHCN, were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to examine disparities and estimate adjusted odds ratios of health care access, satisfaction, and family-impact measures for CSHCN from non–English-primary-language (NEPL) versus English-primary-language (EPL) households. RESULTS: Nearly 14% of all US children live in NEPL households. NEPL CSHCN were significantly more likely to be Hispanic or other race, be poor, have less educated parents, and reside in metropolitan areas and larger households and yet were less likely to be on cash assistance from welfare. Logistic regression showed that NEPL CSHCN were twice as likely to lack access to a medical home, a usual source of care, and family-centered care. They were 4 times as likely to lack health insurance, and their family members were also more likely to lack adequate insurance. Family members of NEPL children were almost twice as likely to have to stop employment as a result of their child9s condition. CONCLUSIONS: Although limited by program eligibility contingent on immigrant status and state policies, increased referrals to programs such as the State Children9s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid can improve access while utilization can be improved by the availability of interpreters, community health workers, linguistically concordant providers, and outreach education efforts of NEPL parents.
The population pharmacokinetics of theophylline during the early postnatal period

The following conclusions may be drawn from this study's results: 1. Apriori estimates of theophylline clearance may be improved by consideration of other patient factors beyond patient weight. By modeling clearance with weight (exponentially) and postnatal age, along with a factor for patients receiving parenteral nutrition, estimates of theophylline clearance may be optimized. 2. Gender, gestational age, maternal smoking, birth asphyxia, breastmilk feedings, short-term phenobarbital administration, oral dosing, and outpatient status do not appear to significantly influence theophylline clearance in this study population. 3. When estimating a neonate's or young infant's volume of distribution for theophylline, considering the patient's weight alone appears to allow an adequate estimation. 4. The interindividual variability of theophylline clearance in neonates and young infants is small relative to that seen in children and adults. 5. Residual error variability may be relatively high at low serum theophylline concentrations, but it appears to be modest (<15%) at concentrations above 8 mcg/mL.
Using SIM for Double Star Astronomy

The SIM (Planet Quest) mission is a space-based long-baseline stellar interferometer designed for ultra-precise astrometry. This paper describes how SIM can be used for double star research. There are several regimes of operation. For binary stars separated by more than 1″.5, SIM treats these as distinct objects. Double stars less than ∼10 milliarcsec in separation are seen as a single object and SIM measures the photocenter of the composite object. Between 10 mas and 1″.15, SIM is able to see the double star as two distinct objects, but because photons from both stars are detected there is the possibility of increased noise and measurement bias. This paper describes how double stars are observed with SIM and what information can be derived.