cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cerebral infarctions and the relationship of depression symptoms to level of cognitive functioning in older persons.

Objective Recent studies report an association between depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment in old age. The neurobiologic basis of this association is unknown. The authors examined whether cerebral infarcts (present in 55 persons) accounted for the association of depressive symptoms with cognitive impairment in a group of 153 older Catholic nuns, priests, and brothers (67 with dementia and 86 without dementia). Methods Subjects underwent detailed clinical evaluations and brain autopsy at death. Results Mean values for depressive symptoms during the time of participation were associated with level of cognitive functioning proximate to death in analyses that controlled for age, sex, education, and Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology. The association of depressive symptoms with cognitive functioning was essentially unchanged after controlling for cerebral infarctions, which suggests that depressive symptoms, cerebral infarctions, and AD pathology were independently related to cognitive function. Similar results were found in analyses with episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, perceptual speed, and visual-spatial ability. The results did not change in analyses examining the volume or location of cerebral infarctions. Conclusions These data suggest that cerebral infarctions do not account for the association of depressive symptoms with level of cognitive functioning. The neurobiologic basis for this association remains to be elucidated.
Applications of capillary electrophoresis in corrosion science and engineering

Abstract Four applications of capillary electrophoresis of inorganic ions to the study of corrosion processes are presented. Analyses were conducted of solutions formed on high surface area carbon papers during exposure to corrosive gases, solutions extracted from corroding regions under organic coatings on an aluminum alloy, leachate from chromate conversion coatings on an aluminum alloy, and solutions reconstituted from corrosion products removed from aging aircraft. The flexibility, sensitivity, and robustness of the CE techniques were critical in the analyses required, as was the development of solution extraction methods that were able to retain the important characteristics of the solutions of interest. Analyses for a range of inorganic anions as well as metal cations, including Al 3+ , Mg 2+ and Cu 2+ , are presented.
A Comparison of Implicit and Explicit Parallel Programming

The impact of the parallel programming model on scientific computing is examined. A comparison is made between Sisal, a functional language with implicit parallelism, and SR, an imperative language with explicit parallelism. Both languages are modern, high-level, concurrent programming languages. Five different scientific applications were programmed in each language, and evaluated for programmability and performance. The performance of these two concurrent languages on a shared-memory multiprocessor is compared to each other and to programs written in C with parallelism provided by library calls.
Strategies to prevent N-acetyltransferase-mediated metabolism in a series of piperazine-containing pyrazalopyrimidine compounds

1. (1-Methyl-5-piperazin-1-yl-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)-(5-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)-amine (UK-469,413) was identified as a lead compound in a new medicinal chemistry programme. UK-469,413 had good physicochemical properties and was slowly metabolized by cytochromes P450 in rat and human liver microsomes.2. In the rat in vivo the compound was rapidly cleared. Subsequent studies showed that UK-469,413 was rapidly acetylated in rat liver cytosol to an N-acetylpiperazine metabolite that was the major circulating metabolite in rat plasma in vivo.3. Analogues of UK-469,413 containing the unsubstituted piperazine moiety were rapidly acetylated in rat liver cytosol and had high plasma clearance in the rat in vivo. These compounds were also acetylated in human liver cytosol and the N-acetyl metabolite was a major metabolite formed in incubations with cryopreserved human hepatocytes.4. Using specific inhibitors, correlation analysis and expressed human N-acetyltransferase (NAT) enzymes the compounds we...
Estimating urban travel times: A comparative study

Abstract This paper develops estimating equations for urban travel times. It extends Kolesar's work on urban travel times of emergency fire engine units. Multiple regression and piecewise least-squares curve fit analysis yield useful equations for predicting travel time between any two points within an urban area for automobiles and large trucks. Comparisons on real world data indicate that the simple equations yield significantly better results than those derived from standard Federal Highway Administration software.
Changes in plasma and brain tryptophan and brain serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid after footshock stress.

Abstract Brain concentrations of tryptophan, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and plasma amino acids were measured after 15 or 30 minutes of intermittent footshock. Footshock treatment significantly decreased the content of 5-HT in prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus, but not brainstem at 15 min, but the decreases were reversed by 30 min. 5-HIAA, the major catabolite of 5-HT, increased in prefrontal cortex after 15 min, and in prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus after 30 min footshock. 5-HIAA:5-HT ratios were increased at both timepoints in all three brain regions. Concomitant changes in the ratios of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) to dopamine and 3-methoxy,-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (MHPG) to norepinephrine were also observed. Brain concentrations of tryptophan increased progressively during the footshock in all three brain regions. Plasma concentrations of both tryptophan and tyrosine were also significantly increased, while those of histidine and lysine were decreased. It is possible that the stressrelated changes in 5-HT metabolism are due to increased plasma tryptophan, in turn causing increased brain tryptophan and 5-HT synthesis. However, the transient decreases in 5-HT suggest a footshock-induced increase of 5-HT release, depleting existing stores of 5-HT, that are replenished by the increased systemic availability of tryptophan
Consensus Building among Social Educators: A Delphi Study

The field of social studies education has long suffered from the absence of a consensus regarding a number of issues fundamental to the profession. It has also lacked well refined methodological tools for resolving such issues. A three-phase project was undertaken to create a consensus concerning major issues within the field of social studies using the Delphi technique as a methodological tool for facilitating dialog among anonymous experts. A second purpose of the project was to assess the impact of structured feedback on the priorities social educators assigned to the issues over a series of rounds. A third purpose of the project was to test the degree of cohesiveness of the consensus over sets of issues and rounds. Results indicated respondents were able to arrive at a consensus and assign priorities for professional issues and that the Delphi technique was a feasible tool for this task. They also revealed several aspects of the patterns of judgments that subjects made.
An in‐depth examination of China's advertising regulation system

Purpose – This paper seeks to propose a framework for systematically investigating international advertising regulation; to provide an in‐depth understanding of the Chinese advertising regulation system; and to use China as a case study to examine how various global and local forces interact and negotiate the landscape of international advertising regulation.Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs historical analysis; and textual analysis to achieve its purpose.Findings – Chinese advertising regulation relies largely on government regulation, and self‐regulation plays a much subdued and marginal role. The Chinese regulator aims to control the negative effects of advertising through rigorous regulation as well as certification and censorship programs, but its various advertising laws and regulations are invariably phrased in vague and general terms, so that enforcement and compliance become a major issue. The lack of autonomous trade and consumer organizations combined with minimal public participa...
Eating Quality and Composition of Spent Hens Processed With or Without Immersion Chilling

Abstract Eighteen White Leghorn spent hens, obtained from a local producer, were transported to the Kansas State University poultry department and processed according to commercial practices. Nine were cooked (2 ½ hr. in boiling water) immediately (without chilling) and the remaining nine were cooked after overnight chilling in ice slush. Cooked hens were hand-deboned and mechanically chopped. Yields, composition, and thiamin were determined; and an experienced taste panel scored tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Bone-in cooked yield (71.5 and 72.8%) and edible yield (42.8 and 43.2%) were similar for the two treatments. Percentages of protein, fat, and moisture of the chopped meat did not differ significantly for the two treatments. Percentages of ash and thiamin were greater for meat from hens cooked without chilling. Meat from the birds cooked without chilling was less tender but juicier than meat from birds chilled overnight. Scores for chicken flavor did not differ significantly.
Persistent bacterial infections: the interface of the pathogen and the host immune system

Persistent bacterial infections involving Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) and Helicobacter pylori pose significant public-health problems. Multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis and S. typhi are on the increase, and M. tuberculosis and S. typhi infections are often associated with HIV infection. This review discusses the strategies used by these bacteria during persistent infections that allow them to colonize specific sites in the host and evade immune surveillance. The nature of the host immune response to this type of infection and the balance between clearance of the pathogen and avoidance of damage to host tissues are also discussed.
Effect of immunization with the mannose-induced Acanthamoeba protein and Acanthamoeba plasminogen activator in mitigating Acanthamoeba keratitis.

PURPOSE. The mannose-induced cytopathic protein (MIP-133) and Acanthamoeba plasminogen activator (aPA) play key roles in the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis by inducing a cytopathic effect on the corneal epithelial and stromal cells and by production of proteolytic enzymes that facilitate the invasion of trophozoites through the basement membrane. The goal of the present study was to gain insight into the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba infection as well as to determine whether oral immunization with aPA and MIP-133 produce an additive protection against Acanthamoeba keratitis. METHODS. MIP-133 and aPA were isolated by chromatography. The purity of the concentrated MIP-133 and aPA was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and fibrinolytic activity, respectively. aPA activity of Acanthamoeba cultures was quantitated by radial diffusion in fibrin-agarose gel. The capacity of aPA and MIP-133 to induce cytolysis of corneal epithelial cells was tested in vitro. Chinese hamsters were orally immunized with four weekly doses of aPA or MIP-133 conjugated with cholera toxin. The animals were immunized before infection to determine the prophylactic effect of oral immunization. The therapeutic effect of oral immunization with aPA and MIP-133 was determined after corneal infection had been established. The animals were then infected via Acanthamoeba castellanii-laden contact lenses. RESULTS. aPA was characterized in pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains of Acanthamoeba spp. Oral immunization with MIP-133 before and after infection with Acanthamoeba significantly reduced the severity of corneal infection which includes infiltration and ulceration (P 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. These data suggest that once trophozoites invade the cornea, MIP-133 production is necessary to initiate corneal disease and plays an important role in the subsequent steps of the pathogenic cascade of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Subcutaneous plasmacytomas with tropism to sites of previous trauma in a multiple myeloma patient treated with an autologous bone marrow transplant

We report the case of a 59-year-old woman with Durie-Salmon stage IIIB IgGkappa multiple myeloma (MM), who presented 83 days after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) with multiple subcutaneous plasmacytomas. These lesions were confined exclusively to sites where the patient had sustained local trauma. The patient had no pre-transplant history of extramedullary disease and no evidence of plasma cells in the peripheral blood at any time throughout the course of her disease. This case represents the first report of refractory MM presenting as multiple subcutaneous plasmacytomas with specific tropism to sites of previous trauma. Selection of tumor cell subclones with unique chemokine receptor expression profiles that may explain this clinical observation is discussed.
Determinants of Pharmacists' Satisfaction with Drug Wholesalers: A National Study

ABSTRACTA trend toward broad, vital pharmacy-drug wholesaler relationships makes the satisfaction with a drug wholesaler essential to a pharmacy. Using a political economy framework, we conceptualized the constructs that are related to pharmacists' satisfaction with a drug wholesaler. Hypothesized relationships were tested using measures obtained from a random sample of 600 pharmacies in 5 states. A total of 334 responses were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression. Constructs significantly related to pharmacist satisfaction were interfirm trust, transaction structure, resolution of conflict, and customer service levels.
Toward a Doctoral Degree by Distance in Computers and Writing: Promise and Possibilities.

Abstract This article explores the possibility of a doctoral degree program in computers and writing by distance. We begin by reporting current developments in graduate education by distance with particular attention to the types of students best served by such programs. Next, we report the results of an empirical study we conducted of the job market for computers and writing scholars emerging from graduate programs, assessing the potential of the results to inform program development. We conclude with a proposal for a doctoral degree by distance that unites adult returning graduate students with prospective mentors around the world and that sees directed research as the core of the program.
CONTINUOUS-WAVE PHASE CONJUGATION WITH F-AGGREGATE COLOR CENTERS IN LiF

We report the first observation of continuous degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) with color centers in LiF. Using a new technique which permits subkilohertz resolution, we have also observed the nearly degenerate four-wave mixing (NDFWM) spectrum in the visible spectral region.
A COMPRESSIBLE CONTINUUM MODEL STUDY OF THE CHLORIDE PLUS METHYL CHLORIDE REACTION IN SUPERCRITICAL WATER

The recently introduced compressible electrostatic continuum solvation model [J. Phys. Chem. 1996, 100, 1165] is found to accurately reproduce molecular simulation predictions [Flanagin et al. J. P...
PHYLOGENETIC IMPLICATIONS OF PHYCOCYANOBILIN AND C‐PHYCOCYANIN

C-phycocyanin has been prepared from algae representative of various orders and families in the Cyanophyceae and Rhodophyceae. The chromophore phycocyanobilin has been cleaved, purified and crystallized as the dimethyl ester. Each sample was compared with reference phycocyanobilin dimethyl ester and found to be identical on the basis of absorption spectral (ultraviolet, visible and infrared) and chromatographic properties. The phylogenetic implications of these results are discussed. PHYCOCYANOBILIN (Chapman, Cole, and Siegelman, in press; Cole, Chapman, and Siegelman, 1967) is the bilitriene chromophore of the photosynthetically active blue biliproteins, the phycocyanins. C-phycocyanin is the blue pigment of the Cyanophyceae and certain Rhodophyceae. It has genierally been accepted that C-phycocyanin is the same regardless of the algal species (reviewed by O'hEocha, 1965) and that the chromophore and protein also are the same. These inferences are based on similarities in the absorption spectra. Early amino acid analyses (O'hEocha, 1965) did not indicate any marked differences in the protein. Two recent independent investigations in -which amino acid analyses (Berns, Scott, and O'Reilly, 1964) and optical rotatory dispersion (Boucher, Crespi, and Katz, 1966) were used have indicated that the protein moiety of the C-phycocyanin of Synechococcus lividus is different from that of Phormidium luridum and Plectonema calothricoides. Fujimori and Pecci (1966) suggested on the basis of dissociation phenomena (induced by p-mercuriphenyl sulfonic acid) of C-phycocyanin that more than one chromophore might be present. We have compared phycocyanobilin dimethyl ester prepared from C-phycocyanin obtained from a wide variety of algal sources. Regardless of the source, C-phycocyanin yielded only phycocyanobilin on chromophore cleavage.
Selective immunotoxic effects in mice treated with the adenosine deaminase inhibitor 2'-deoxycoformycin.

Abstract Mice were administered the adenosine deaminase inhibitor 2′-deoxycoformycin by daily intraperitoneal injection for five days and evaluated 24 h, 72 h and 6 days after the final dose. Spleen weight was decreased in treated mice for up to 6 days after treatment whereas body weight was significantly affected only at 24 h in mice administered 4 μg 2′-deoxycoformycin/g of body weight. The number and relative percentage of circulating lymphocytes were decreased 24 and 72 h after the last injection. Lymphoproliferative responses to T cell mitogens were suppressed for at least 72 h post-treatment whereas the mixed lymphocyte response was normal at 24 h but was depressed at 72 h post-treatment. Conversely, natural killer cell activity was greater in treated mice than in controls for the entire observation period. Data from cell surface marker analysis provided indirect evidence that natural killer effector cells lack sensitivity to 2′-deoxycoformycin. The antibody responses of mice treated with 2 or 4 μg 2′-deoxycoformycin/g over four days prior to or after immunization with sheep erythrocytes were suppressed or enhanced, respectively, compared to controls. These results indicate selective effects of 2′-deoxycoformycin on immune function and suggest that subpopulations of lymphocytes differ in the degree of sensitivity to 2′-deoxycoformycin.
Improvements in SPECT technology for cerebral imaging

Advancements in three major areas of SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) technology have resulted in improved image quality for cerebral studies. In the first area, single-crystal camera electronics, extensive use of microprocessors, custom digital circuitry, and data bus architecture have allowed precise external control of all gantry motions and improved signal processing. The new digital circuitry permits energy, uniformity, and linearity corrections to be an integral part of the processing electronics. Calibration of these corrections is controlled by algorithms stored in the camera's memory. In addition, digital signals can be routed directly to interface circuitry of auxiliary computer systems without analog-to-digital conversion. Look-up tables, downloaded to the interface from the central processing unit (CPU), permit computer-controlled real-time processing of coordinate signals, including truncation, magnification, and spatial calibration. The second area of improved SPECT technology is camera collimation and related imaging techniques. In this area, system resolution has been improved without loss of sensitivity by decreasing the air gap between patient and collimator surface. Rotating the detector in close apposition to the head has required various stratagems to avoid detectorshoulder contact: the selective reduction of camera shielding, the use of long bore collimators, and the 30° angulation of the camera head for slant hole collimation. Since cerebral studies characteristically image high-contrast regions 123 I-labled pharmaceuticals with 3% to 4% 124 I contamination. Such studies acquired with low energy or medium energy collimation and a window centered on the 159 keV 123 I photopeak contain appreciable septal breakthrough signals originating from Compton scatter of high energy photons primarily from 124 I. The third area of advacements in technology, multidetector instrumentation, offers the promise of increased sensitivity and resolution. For the dynamic computer-assisted tomograph (DCAT) system, which was especially designed for regional blood flow studies with 123 Xe or 127 Xe, a count rate of 170,000 counts per μCi/cc for three slices has been achieved. This system consists of four detector banks each with 16 rectangular Nal crystals. An alternative system at Harvard uses an array of 12 moving detectors with focused collimatiors to acquire a single slice. The single photon ring tomograph (SPRINT) system uses the novel technique of stationary Nal detectors and a rotating lead ring containing eight slits. In general, multidetector SPECT systems offer the advantage of high sensitivity and rapid data acquisition, but current systems are limited to single, or at most a few, tomographic slices. In comparison, single crystal SPECT systems, while limited in sensitivity, can acquire multiple contiguous slices as well as planar images.
Stroke Health and Risk Education (SHARE): design, methods, and theoretical basis.

Background Stroke is a disease with tremendous individual, family, and societal impact across all race/ethnic groups. Mexican Americans, the largest subgroup of Hispanic Americans, are at even higher risk of stroke than European Americans.
The Use of the Risky Sex Scale among Adolescents Receiving Treatment Services for Substance Use Problems: Factor Structure and Predictive Validity

This study evaluated the use of the Risky Sex Scale (RSS; T. O'Hare, 2001) among youth in outpatient treatment for substance use problems. An ethnically diverse sample of 394 adolescents (280 males; Mage = 16.33 years, SDage = 1.15) was recruited from 2 treatment sites. The study was guided by two aims. First, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on RSS item responses. Findings replicated the factor structure identified in previous studies of undergraduate students cited for campus alcohol violations. Second, structural equation modeling was used to document associations between RSS subscales and self-reported substance use and sexual risk behaviors. The risky sex expectancies subscale was significantly associated with co-occurring alcohol use and sex, alcohol use at last intercourse, and alcohol use during the prior 30 days. The risky sexual behaviors subscale was significantly associated with co-occurring drug use and sex, condom use at last intercourse, and unprotected intercourse during the prior 30 days. The factor structure of the RSS was consistent across age group (12–16 and 16–18 years) and across gender, and the links between the RSS subscales and health risk behaviors varied somewhat by gender but not by age group. These findings suggest that the RSS is an appropriate brief screening tool for predicting health risk behaviors among adolescents in substance abuse treatment. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Predicting academic success in the first year of chiropractic college.

Abstract Purpose: To determine if any existent preadmission academic or personal variables predict academic success in the first year of the Palmer College of Chiropractic West (PCCW) program. Participants: One hundred ninety-two students at PCCW who had completed the first year of the program. Methods: One-way analysis of variance and stepwise linear multiple regression. Results: Men had a significantly higher mean matriculating grade point average (MatGPA) than women, but no such relationship existed in the cumulative year-1 GPA (Y1GPA). There was no statistically significant difference in MatGPA for students possessing a degree compared to those without a degree, but degree-holding students had a significantly higher Y1GPA. There was no statistically significant difference in MatGPA for students born in English-speaking countries compared to students born in non–English-speaking countries, but those born in English-speaking countries had a significantly higher Y1GPA. MatGPA, physics GPA, and chemistry GPA provided the strongest regression model, eliciting an R 2 value of 0.327. Conclusions: Student characteristics on entering PCCW may help predict student performance in the first academic year. A relatively strong and statistically significant prediction model for Y1GPA ( R 2 = 0.327) exists for PCCW. Used in conjunction with other available empirical data, this regression model may allow the institution to make more informed decisions when selecting students for admission. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2003;26:40-46)
The value of health interventions: evaluating asthma case management using matching

Despite large public investments in asthma interventions, there are few rigorous assessments of these programmes and little understanding of what comprises an effective intervention. There is a lack of appropriate data, little technical support is provided, and the programs themselves have little incentive to conduct these analyses. In this study, we apply optimal full matching using propensity scores to estimate the impact of an asthma intervention programme across a range of health outcomes. Our participation model is derived using the Deletion, Substitution and Addition (DSA) algorithm, a method used in epidemiology for model selection. We find that the asthma programme in question has no significant effect on participants that distinguishes them from matched nonparticipants, but it is not clear whether this is due to the effectiveness of the programme, heterogeneity of effects or barriers outside the programme's control. Our findings do show how current programmes could be modified to increase their e...
Controlled investigations in baboons (Papio cynocephalus) on transmission of SV-5 virus by contact.

THE intranasal infection of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) with SV-5 virus, which belongs to the parainfluenza 2 group1, has been reported to result in a disease pattern usually observed in naturally occurring parainfluenza virus infections of man2,3. It was suggested, therefore, that this experimental model was potentially useful for the evaluation of appropriate antiviral drugs and also for investigation of the pathology and pathogenesis of acute respiratory viral disease.
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) anti-tumors response by activating DC and NK cell crosstalk

Intracellular bacterial, Listeria monocytogenes generates cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) can active interferon regulatory factor3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer (NF-κB) and induces B cell and macrophage secretion of IFN-β [1]. Cyclic diguanylic acid (c-di-GMP) also acts as an important signaling molecule in a variety of bacterial species infection functions. IFN-β actives NK cells through Tyk2-STAT1 signal pathway. Our studied showed CDNs anti-tumor effective dependent IFNα/β receptors (IFNAR1/IFNAR2) on the cell plasma membrane. Some study showed c-di-GMP significantly inhibited the proliferation of human colon cancer cells in vitro [2]. Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs, c-di-AMP and c-di-GMP) are sensed by STING (stimulator of interferon genes). But CDNs were developed for prevent and therapeutic cancers, it was a novel method. We combined GM-CSF-producing tumor vaccine and TLR agonists enhanced systemic anti-tumor immunity. Our studied showed the regimen significantly inhibition mice tumors growth in B16 melanoma and colon cancer in vivo.
Transcriptome profiling of Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants lacking C2H2 zinc finger proteins

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a eukaryotic organism with extensive genetic redundancy. Large-scale gene deletion analysis has shown that over 80% of the ~6200 predicted genes are nonessential and that the functions of 30% of all ORFs remain unclassified, implying that yeast cells can tolerate deletion of a substantial number of individual genes. For example, a class of zinc finger proteins containing C2H2 zinc fingers in tandem arrays of two or three is predicted to be transcription factors; however, seven of the thirty-one predicted genes of this class are nonessential, and their functions are poorly understood. In this study we completed a transcriptomic profiling of three mutants lacking C2H2 zinc finger proteins, ypr013cΔ, ypr015cΔ and ypr013cΔypr015cΔ. Gene expression patterns were remarkably different between wild type and the mutants. The results indicate altered expression of 79 genes in ypr013 cΔ, 185 genes in ypr015 cΔ and 426 genes in the double mutant when compared with that of the wild type strain. More than 80% of the alterations in the double mutants were not observed in either one of the single deletion mutants. Functional categorization based on Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences (MIPS) revealed up-regulation of genes related to transcription and down-regulation of genes involving cell rescue and defense, suggesting a decreased response to stress conditions. Genes related to cell cycle and DNA processing whose expression was affected by single or double deletions were also identified. Our results suggest that microarray analysis can define the biological roles of zinc finger proteins with unknown functions and identify target genes that are regulated by these putative transcriptional factors. These findings also suggest that both YPR013C and YPR015C have biological processes in common, in addition to their own regulatory pathways.
A Review of Health-Related Workplace Productivity Loss Instruments

The objective of this review was to identify health-related workplace productivity loss survey instruments, with particular emphasis on those that capture a metric suitable for direct translation into a monetary figure. A literature search using Medline, HealthSTAR, PsycINFO and Econlit databases between 1966 and 2002, and a telephone-administered survey of business leaders and researchers, were conducted to identify health-related workplace productivity measurement survey instruments. This review was conducted from the societal perspective. Each identified instrument was reviewed for the following: (i) reliability; (ii) content validity; (iii) construct validity; (iv) criterion validity; (v) productivity metric(s); (vi) instrument scoring technique; (vii) suitability for direct translation into a monetary figure; (viii) number of items; (ix) mode(s) of administration; and (x) disease state(s) in which it had been tested. Reliability and validity testing have been performed for 8 of the 11 identified surveys. Of the 11 instruments identified, six captured metrics that are suitable for direct translation into a monetary figure. Of those six, one instrument measured absenteeism, while the other five measured both absenteeism and presenteeism. All of the identified instruments except for one were available as paper, self-administered questionnaires and many were available in languages other than English. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the published, peerreviewed survey instruments available to measure health-related workplace productivity loss. As the field of productivity measurement matures, tools may be developed that will allow researchers to accurately calculate lost productivity costs when performing cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses. Using data captured by these instruments, society and healthcare decision makers will be able to make better informed decisions concerning the value of the medications, disease management and health promotion programmes that individuals receive.
Economic Evaluation of Farm Efficiency Rates for Integrated-Broiler and Contract-Grower Operations in Georgia, by Type of Housing System

Abstract The present study was initiated in order to compare efficiency rates, physical and economic, for broiler production between housing systems (open, curtain-sided and enclosed) for integrated operations and contract growers in Georgia. A secondary objective was to estimate the rate differences for housing efficiency between contract growers and company-owned production systems in order to determine overall efficiency rates for the poultry industry. Production, financial, and labor input data were obtained directly from 150 contract-broiler growers and nine integrated-broiler-production firms located in North Georgia. Overall, the analysis indicated only minor differences in the economic efficiency rate in terms of annual farm-production costs between the two housing systems. However, significant seasonal production differences were evident between housing systems. The enclosed housing system was more efficient for both contract growers and integrated operations in the summer and fall. The open-curtain housing system was more efficient in the winter and spring both for the contract growers and the integrated operations. However, variations in seasonal broiler markets among companies may also have a significant bearing on the selection of housing systems for individual firms.
Real-time software-defined dynamic resource allocation using OpenFlow for next-generation OFDM-based optical access networks

We demonstrate the first software-defined dynamic resource allocation of OFDM subcarriers and modulation formats using the OpenFlow protocol and real-time DSP. Dynamic resource allocation for HD video and text is achieved for 20km SSMF transmission.
Using a fine root extraction device to quantify small diameter corn roots (≥0.025 mm) in field soils

The study of fine roots growing under field conditions is limited by the techniques currently available for separating these roots from soil. This study had two objectives: to measure the total root length of field grown corn (Zea mays L.) by root diameter class, and to develop an inexpensive and efficient root washing device that would effectively capture all of the roots in a field soil sample. An inexpensive Fine Root Extraction Device (FRED) was constructed from readily available materials and was successful at extracting all roots, including very fine diameter roots (≥0.025 mm), from field soil samples. Greater than 99.7% of marked roots introduced to the FRED were recaptured by the device. Soil samples from three depths, and on three dates, from field grown corn were placed in the FRED. We found that more than 56% of total root length occurred in roots whose diameters were smaller than 0.175 mm, and more than 35% of root length occurred in roots smaller than 0.125 mm in diameter. Corn roots of the diameters described here have not been reported in field soils prior to this study. Root researchers who fail to measure these very fine roots will significantly underestimate root length density. Widespread use of the FRED should improve our understanding of root distribution in field soils.
Probing the global and local dynamics of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases using all-atom and coarse-grained simulations

Coarse-grained simulations have emerged as invaluable tools for studying conformational changes in biomolecules. To evaluate the effectiveness of computationally inexpensive coarse-grained models in studying global and local dynamics of large protein systems like aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, we have performed coarse-grained normal mode analysis, as well as principle component analysis on trajectories of all-atom and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations for three aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases—Escherichia coli methionyl-tRNA synthetase, Thermus thermophilus leucyl-tRNA synthetase, and Enterococcus faecium prolyl-tRNA synthetase. In the present study, comparison of predicted dynamics based on B-factor and overlap calculations revealed that coarse-grained methods are comparable to the all-atom simulations in depicting the intrinsic global dynamics of the three enzymes. However, the principal component analyses of the motions obtained from the all-atom molecular dynamics simulations provide a superior description of the local fluctuations of these enzymes. In particular, the all-atom model was able to capture the functionally relevant substrate-induced dynamical changes in prolyl-tRNA synthetase. The alteration in the coupled dynamics between the catalytically important proline-binding loop and its neighboring structural elements due to substrate binding has been characterized and reported for the first time. Taken together, the study portrays comparable and contrasting situations in studying the functional dynamics of large multi-domain aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases using coarse-grained and all-atom simulation methods.
An ultra-compact Marx-type high-voltage generator

This paper discusses the design of an ultra-compact, Marx-type, high-voltage generator. This system incorporates high-performance components that are closely coupled and integrated into an extremely compact assembly. Low profile, custom ceramic capacitors with coplanar extended electrodes provide primary energy storage. Low-inductance, spark-gap switches incorporate miniature gas cavities imbedded within the central region of the annular shaped capacitors, with very thin dielectric sections separating the energy storage capacitors. Carefully shaped electrodes and insulator surfaces are used throughout to minimize field enhancements, reduce fields at triple-point regions, and enable operation at stress levels closer to the intrinsic breakdown limits of the dielectric materials. Specially shaped resistors and inductors are used for charging and isolation during operation. Forward-coupling ceramic capacitors are connected across successive switch-capacitor-switch stages to assist in switching. Pressurized SF/sub 6/ gas is used for electrical insulation in the spark-gap switches and throughout the unit. The pressure housing is constructed entirely of dielectric materials, with segments that interlock with the low-profile switch bodies to provide an integrated support structure for all of the components. This ultra-compact Marx generator employs a modular design that can be sized as needed for a particular application. Units have been assembled with 4, 10, and 30 stages and operated at levels up to 100 kV per stage.
Modeling environmental condition with indices: a case study of sustainability and soil resources

The authors present a framework that illustrates how a resource quality index can be used to examine policy relevant questions regarding environmental condition, the management of a resource as a production output, and sustainability. The framework demonstrates that heterogeneous endowments of a resource can change over time in different ways. By evaluating these changes using substitution, reversibility and uncertainty criteria, we can suggest four general guidelines for managing an environmental resource in a single production process. This framework was applied in a case study to three soil types (stable, neutral and susceptible) used in agricultural production in the Midwestern United States. By evaluating the economic and environmental impacts of managing soil quality under different sustainability and profit objectives, we uncovered policy relevant information including: which soils need to be preserved; when public intervention is needed to attain sustainability; and what perceptions of sustainability may be worth pursuing at all. The accuracy of these insights is highly dependent upon the reliability of the assessment of resource quality. An index was useful in this resource assessment because it could adapt to many of the complexities of environmental condition. We offer three lessons in refining resource indicators so that they may be used in the framework to better achieve optimal resource management and a greater understanding of what sustainability really means.
Small Mammal Inventories in the East and West Usambara and South Pare Mountains, Tanzania. 3. Chiroptera

Abstract Whereas the terrestrial mammal fauna of the East and West Usambara Mountains have been the subject of numerous investigations, the local bat fauna remains poorly documented, as is the case for bats of the South Pare Mountains. During mammal surveys of these three massifs, we used mist nets to collect local bats, documenting 20 bat species in total. In the Usambara Mountains, 161 individual bats representing 19 species were documented during the three years of the survey between 1991 and 1993. In the East and West Usambara Mountains, 17 and 12 species, respectively, were recorded. Most animals were taken in net sets placed outside or at the edge of forested habitats. In the South Pare Mountains, 67 bats representing six species were collected during the two surveys, including 62 bats of six species at 1100 m (surveyed 17–29 July 1993) and five bats representing three species at 2000 m (surveyed 19–28 August 2004). Based on our morphological studies, no evidence of undescribed taxa in these collect...
Demographic and clinical features of inclusion body myositis in North America.

Introduction: Few studies of the demographics, natural history, and clinical management of inclusion body myo- sitis (IBM) have been performed in a large patient population. To more accurately define these characteristics, we developed and distributed a questionnaire to patients with IBM. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-reporting survey was conducted. Results: The mean age of the 916 participants was 70.4 years, the male-to-female ratio was 2:1, and the majority reported difficulty with ambulation and activities of daily living. The earliest symp- toms included impaired use and weakness of arms and legs. The mean time from first symptoms to diagnosis was 4.7 years. Half reported that IBM was their initial diagnosis. A composite functional index negatively associated with age and disease duration, and positively associated with participation in exercise. Conclusions: These data are valuable for informing patients how IBM manifestations are expected to impair daily living and indicate that self-reporting could be used to establish outcome measures in clinical trials. Muscle Nerve 52: 527-533, 2015
Structural and Functional Divergence of MutS2 from Bacterial MutS1 and Eukaryotic MSH4-MSH5 Homologs

MutS homologs, identified in nearly all bacteria and eukaryotes, include the bacterial proteins MutS1 and MutS2 and the eukaryotic MutS homologs 1 to 7, and they often are involved in recognition and repair of mismatched bases and small insertion/deletions, thereby limiting illegitimate recombination and spontaneous mutation. To explore the relationship of MutS2 to other MutS homologs, we examined conserved protein domains. Fundamental differences in structure between MutS2 and other MutS homologs suggest that MutS1 and MutS2 diverged early during evolution, with all eukaryotic homologs arising from a MutS1 ancestor. Data from MutS1 crystal structures, biochemical results from MutS2 analyses, and our phylogenetic studies suggest that MutS2 has functions distinct from other members of the MutS family. A mutS2 mutant was constructed in Helicobacter pylori, which lacks mutS1 and mismatch repair genes mutL and mutH. We show that MutS2 plays no role in mismatch or recombinational repair or deletion between direct DNA repeats. In contrast, MutS2 plays a significant role in limiting intergenomic recombination across a range of donor DNA tested. This phenotypic analysis is consistent with the phylogenetic and biochemical data suggesting that MutS1 and MutS2 have divergent functions.
In-line frequency-nondegenerate phase-sensitive fiber-optical parametric amplifier

We demonstrate a phase-sensitive fiber-optical parametric amplifier based on frequency-nondegenerate four-wave mixing in the telecom band. An input signal is phase-sensitively amplified and the measured gain response complies well with the theory. Efficient phase-sensitive amplification can be achieved even after transmitting an optical double-sideband signal over 25 km of single-mode fiber.
Asymptotic Properties Of Markov Modulated Sequences With Fast And Slow Time Scales

This work is concerned with asymptotic properties of Markov-modulated random processes having two timescales. The model contains a number of mixing sequences modulated by a switching process that is a discrete-time Markov chain. The motivation of our study stems from applications in manufacturing systems, communication networks and economic systems, in which regime-switching models are used. This paper focuses on asymptotic properties of the Markov-modulated processes under suitable scaling. Our main effort focuses on obtaining a strong approximation result.
Differences in Visual Function and Optic Nerve Structure Between Healthy Eyes of Blacks and Whites

Objective To investigate differences in visual function, optic disc topography, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness between healthy eyes of blacks and whites. Methods Visual function was assessed in healthy eyes of 50 blacks and 50 whites using standard automated perimetry, short-wavelength automated perimetry, and frequency doubling technology perimetry. Optic disc topography and RNFL thickness were measured using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph and the optical coherence tomograph. Results Mean standard automated perimetry mean deviations were within the normal range for both groups. Blacks had worse mean deviation values than whites using frequency doubling technology perimetry (mean ± SD, −1.8 ± 3.2 dB vs −0.1 ± 2.4 dB), blacks had larger optic disc areas than whites using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (mean ± SD, 2.1 ± 0.4 mm 2 vs 1.7 ± 0.4 mm 2 ), the RNFL of blacks was thicker than that of whites by 16.91 μm superiorly and 10.10 μm inferiorly using optical coherence tomography, and blacks had slightly higher intraocular pressures than whites (mean ± SD, 16.5 ± 2.5 mm Hg vs 15.2 ± 3.2 mm Hg) and thinner central corneas (mean ± SD, 540.5 ± 43.2 μm vs 560.9 ± 35.5 μm). No racial differences were found in mean RNFL thickness, pattern standard deviation on all tests, or any of the short-wavelength automated perimetry variables. Conclusions Minimal racial differences in visual function were found, but race significantly affected optic disc topography and superior and inferior RNFL thickness measurements in healthy eyes. The racial differences observed for intraocular pressure could theoretically increase after correcting for central corneal thickness. Prospective studies are needed to further investigate these findings.
Hurdles to clear before clinical translation of ischemic postconditioning against stroke.

Ischemic postconditioning has been established for its protective effects against stroke in animal models. It is performed after post-stroke reperfusion and refers to a series of induced ischemia or a single brief one. This review article addresses major hurdles in clinical translation of ischemic postconditioning to stroke patients, including potential hazards, the lack of well-defined protective paradigms, and the paucity of deeply understood protective mechanisms. A hormetic model, often used in toxicology to describe a dose-dependent response to a toxic agent, is suggested to study both beneficial and detrimental effects of ischemic postconditioning. Experimental strategies are discussed, including how to define the hazards of ischemic (homologous) postconditioning and the possibility of employing non-ischemic (heterologous) postconditioning to facilitate clinical translation. This review concludes that a more detailed assessment of ischemic postconditioning and studies of a broad range of heterologous postconditioning models are warranted for future clinical translation.