cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P088: Perceptions of Alcohol as Heart Healthy: The Health eHeart Study

Background: Moderate consumption of alcohol may provide protection against myocardial infarction and mortality, but also likely increases blood pressure and incidence of atrial fibrillation. Despite the absence of rigorous controlled trials on the actual cardiovascular benefits of alcohol, the lay press frequently portrays alcohol as “heart healthy” (HH). No study to date has described individuals’ perceptions regarding the health effects of alcohol, how they gained this perception, nor how that perception may influence behavior. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained between March 8, 2013 to September 29, 2014 from consecutive participants enrolled in the Health eHeart Study, a prospective, internet-based cohort study. The characteristics of participants that reported alcohol as HH were determined. Results: A total of 5,417 participants answered questions regarding their perception of alcohol. Thirty percent (n=1,707) viewed alcohol as HH, 39% (n=2,157) viewed it as bad for the heart, and 31% (n=1,718) were unsure. Of those reporting alcohol as HH, 78% cited lay press as a source of their knowledge, 14% cited their doctor, and 92% reported that red wine exclusively was HH. In adjusted analyses, older age, higher education, higher income, and United States residence were associated with a perception of alcohol as HH (Figure). Those with a history of heart failure (HF) were significantly less likely to cite alcohol as HH. Compared to those who did not report alcohol as HH, those who perceived alcohol as HH consumed more alcohol (median 5 drinks per week, IQR 2-8 vs. median 3 drinks, IQR 1-7, p=0.001; adjusted: 10% more alcohol per week, 95% CI 1-20% more, p=0.02). Conclusions: Among more than 5,000 consecutive Health eHeart participants, approximately one third believe alcohol is HH and one third believes it is not. Those who believe alcohol is HH were of higher socioeconomic status, more likely to be American, less likely to have HF, and reported drinking more alcohol.
SNAPPE II Score As a Predictor of Survival in Neonates with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: A Single Center Experience.

Introduction Prediction of mortality and morbidity in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is too complex for practical use and may not be accurate. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the CDH Study Group equation and Score of Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE) II score to predict short-term outcomes of newborns with CDH. Materials and Methods Fifty-two neonates were admitted with CDH at Children's Hospital of Michigan from November 2001 to July 2009. Retrospective chart analysis was performed. Predicted survival rates were calculated using the equation published by the CDH Study Group in 2001. SNAPPE II scores were also obtained within 12 hours of admission. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical package. Results Thirty out of 52 (58%) neonates survived to discharge. SNAPPE II score was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in survivors (20 ± 15) versus nonsurvivors (41 ± 16). When neonates were stratified according to the CDH Study Group, low-risk patients had a survival rate of 68% (predicted 84%), moderate-risk patients had a survival rate of 43% (predicted 57%), and high-risk patients had a survival rate of 33% (predicted 36%). A total of 83% of the newborns who survived were operated within 48 hours of life, while only 17% of the nonsurvivors were operated within 48 hours of life. Conclusion SNAPPE II scores were better predictors of mortality than the CDH Study Group equation published in 2001. Further exploration is warranted to evaluate validity of survival advantage for those who were operated within 48 hours of life. A future study of combination of prenatal and postnatal factors may help in improved outcomes of the newborns with CDH.
Enhanced T Cell Proliferation in Mice Lacking the p85β Subunit of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase activation is important for lymphocyte proliferation and survival. Disrupting the gene that encodes the major phosphoinositide 3-kinase regulatory isoform p85α impairs B cell development and proliferation. However, T cell functions are intact in the absence of p85α. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the related isoform p85β is an essential regulatory subunit for T cell signaling. Unexpectedly, T cells lacking p85β showed a marked increase in proliferation and decreased death when stimulated with anti-CD3 plus IL-2. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells completed more cell divisions. Transcriptional profiling revealed reduced levels of caspase-6 mRNA in p85β-deficient T cells, which was paralleled by reduced caspase-6 enzyme activity. Increased T cell accumulation was also observed in vivo following infection of p85β-deficient mice with mouse hepatitis virus. Together, these results suggest a unique role for p85β in limiting T cell expansion.
Channel variations and effects on attitudes toward physically disabled individuals

Although much research has focused on relationships between channel variations and learning, few investigations have attempted to assess the relative effectiveness of modalities on attitudinal change. The results of two of the limited number of studies in this area are equivocal (Croft, Stimpson, Ross, Bray, & Breglio, 1969; Wall & Boyd, 1971). With limited and inconclusive data evidenced in the literature, further empirical investigation of channel variations and effects on attitudes seemed important. In addition to limited data with respect to the relative merits of modalities in effecting attitudes and the examination of underlying theoretical concepts, relatively few attitudinal studies have focused on changing perceptions related to real societal issues, including the problem of prejudicial and stereotypic attitudes toward minority groups (Kutner, 1971). An attempt was made in the present study to effect attitudes toward a minority group in our society-the physically disabled-while assessing the differential effects of modalities. In addition, a further investigation of the theoretical assumptions of Croft et al. (1969) was made. Croft and his associates developed the theory on which
Chapter 4 – Communication Skills

Publisher Summary Communication is a skill that influences the adaptive ability of an individual in every facet of life. The Adaptive Behavior Assessment System-II (ABAS-II) is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of adaptive functioning and an assessment of the degree to which individuals, ages 0–89, independently display functional skills in everyday living. It assesses 10 adaptive skill areas, including communication, emphasizing the importance of this adaptive skill area. The communication items of the ABAS-II allow evaluators to assess the areas of receptive language, expressive language, and nonverbal communication and the use of these adaptive skills in everyday situations. This chapter provides a discussion of the ABAS-II as it relates to communication. A brief discussion of the definition and measurement of the communication adaptive skill area of the ABAS-II, additional communication assessments, and interventions connected to the ABAS-II and other assessments are provided. Finally, a case study example using the ABAS-II is also discussed.
Analysis of a plate with a localized piezoelectric patch

We first describe an approach for the modeling of piezoelectric beams and plates that leads to a well-posed system of partial differential equations that retain the coupling between the mechanical system and a potential equation for the electrical components. We then describe how the same approach can be used to analyze a plate with a localized piezoelectric patch. In particular, since the higher order electrical terms have been retained, it is possible to deduce the proper sets of boundary conditions that should apply to an arbitrarily shaped patch.
How spacey can they get? Space overhead for storage and indexing with object-oriented databases

The impact of physical storage model choice on the performance of an object-oriented database is studied. It is examined how each of six physical storage models' space overhead reacts to changes in database parameters such as directed acrylic graph (DAG) shape, number of instances per class, and distribution of instances over the DAG. Home-class, leaf-overlap, and split-instance physical models consistently require the least storage, whereas repeat-classes, universal-class, and value-triple models require the most. For all models, the depth of the DAG has the strongest impact on space overhead. A set of analytic formulas is developed that allow a database designer to estimate database size for each physical model. >
Global Sex Differences in Stress-Induced Activation of Cerebral Metabolism Revealed by 2-Deoxyglucose Autoradiography

Abstract Although it is well known that there are sex differences in stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, it is not known if there are also gender-related differences in stress-induced neural activity. In this study, restraint and formalin injections into a forelimb were used as stressors and 2-[ 14 C]deoxyglucose (2DG) autoradiography was used to evaluate regional brain glucose metabolism, an index of neural activity. Analysis of blood samples collected during the 2DG procedure confirmed that stress elevates plasma glucose levels signficantly more in females than in males. Moreover, females show higher brain glucose utilization in all regions examined, including sex hormone-responsive regions such as the medial amygdala, medial preoptic nucleus, ventromedial nucleus, and arcuate nucleus, as well as the CA1 layer and dentate region of the hippocampus, the posterior parietal (sensorimotor) cortex, medial and lateral habenula, and splenium of the corpus callosum. The sex differences are apparent regardless of whether animals were injected with saline or formalin. Interestingly, the medial preoptic area, which shows robust neuroanatomical sex differences, demonstrates greater activation in response to formalin than to saline only in females. In some regions of both males and females, glucose utilization was higher on the side of the brain contralateral to the saline or formalin injection site. These findings suggest that there are widespread, gender-related differences in neuronal as well as endocrine activation in response to highly stressful conditions.
The Conduct of Program Evaluation Reviews in the General Accounting Office.

Abstract Professional behavior during the General Accounting Office's (GAO's) present era of oversight can best be understood by reviewing the audit types that populate village life in the GAO and the repertoire the office uses in conducting program evaluation audits. Four types of auditors are present, each of which has a role to play in the audit repertoire. This repertoire focuses on finding faults in government programs in order to catch or sustain congressional interest in GAO's work. The “audit trail” of each report may last up to 3 years and involves considerable organizational strife and conflict with outside groups. To sustain themselves through this arduous auditing process, auditors have developed a creed through which they conceptualize themselves as an elite with a mission to insure good government.
Initial validation of a Convective Weather Avoidance Model (CWAM) in departure airspace

The Convective Weather Avoidance Model (CWAM) translates gridded, deterministic weather observations and forecasts into Weather Avoidance Fields (WAF). The WAF gives the probability, at each point in the grid, that a pilot will choose to deviate around convective weather at that location. CWAM have been developed and validated for en route, high altitude, level flight [1,2], low altitude level flight [3], and for descending arrivals [4]. A heuristic CWAM for departures was also developed and deployed as part of the Route Availability Planning Tool (RAPT) prototype development in New York and Chicago [5,6]. This paper presents an evaluation of the departure CWAM that is currently deployed as part of RAPT, based on an analysis of departure traffic in the Chicago terminal area during convective weather events. The validation of the CWAM in departure airspace is challenging, since it requires the inference of pilot intent from flight track and weather data. This task is particularly difficult in terminal airspace, because of the high degree of flexibility that pilots and air traffic controllers have in vectoring aircraft around storms and through the airspace. We describe our approach in solving 3 problems: • Automation of weather avoidance detection in terminal airspace • Validation of the WAF for departure flights between 20 and 120 km from the airport • Interpretation of results to identify potential sources of error in the CWAM and weather avoidance strategies employed in departure airspace To validate WAF, we automatically classify trajectory avoidances and intersections of WAF contours, determine the WAF probability associated with the weather that is avoided and intersected for each flight, and compare the observed probability of weather avoidance to the avoidance probability predicted by the WAF. The validation is based on the analysis of several test days from the summer of 2010 in the Chicago O'Hare departure airspace (Figure 1). In addition to the calibration of WAF avoidance probabilities, this paper will present an analysis of WAF-based deviation prediction errors, and observed weather avoiding tactics in the departure airspace.
External currency market data: An application from BIS series

Abstract The Bank for International Settlements, in its Annual Report , has provided the most-used data source for statistical work by international financial researchers concerned with the Eurodollar market and with other external currency markets. Unfortunately, the often-confusing and complicated published series have been used indiscriminately. This paper develops an approach for identifying foreign private non-bank ownership of US dollars held in offshore markets. Explicit consideration of the types and strength of assumptions necessary makes evident the care that should be exercised in the use and interpretation of the various BIS data series.
Angiotensin II plays a role in acute murine experimental autoimmune cystitis.

OBJECTIVES To investigate whether angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonism decreases the inflammation and oedema in acute murine experimental autoimmune cystitis (EAC), as interstitial cystitis (IC) might have an autoimmune component and AII has been implicated in autoimmune-mediated vascular congestion, oedema and scarring. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female Balb/cAN mice were divided into three treatment groups (eight in each group) that were autoimmunized with bladder homogenate to induce EAC. One group received an AII type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonist, one group an AII type 2 receptor (AT2) antagonist, and one group remained untreated (EAC). A control and sham-injected group were also included. After 10 weeks, bladders were removed, sectioned, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. RESULTS Grossly, there was no thickening or adhesions in the bladders of the control or sham-injected mice. In five of seven surviving EAC bladders, there were dense adhesions to surrounding peritoneal structures. There were also adhesions and bladder thickening in all of the AT2 antagonist-treated mice (though in a milder form) but in only two of seven surviving AT1 antagonist-treated mice. There was no inflammation or oedema in the sham and control groups. All the EAC bladders were inflamed, with submucosal oedema and urothelial detachment from the lamina propria. In the AT1 antagonist-treated mice there was no inflammation or oedema. By contrast, all AT2 antagonist-treated mice had moderate inflammation and minor detachment of the urothelium from the lamina propria. CONCLUSIONS AT1 receptor blockade ameliorated the inflammatory infiltration, submucosal oedema, and urothelial detachment associated with EAC in mice. This was achieved to a lesser extent by AT2 receptor blockade. If some patients with IC have a pathophysiology similar to that of EAC mice, there might be potential benefit from AII receptor blockade.
DDT as an accelerator of limb regeneration and molting in fiddler crabs

Abstract Regeneration in the fiddler crabs, Uca pugilator and Uca pugnax was studied after single and multiple autotomy of limbs and exposure to DDT at 10 and 25 parts/10 9 . DDT accelerated the rate of limb regeneration and, in the case of animals with multiple autotomy, shortened the time to ecdysis as well. These responses may be a result of heightened excitation of the nervous system produced by DDT and the resulting secretion of neuroendocrine factors promoting limb regeneration and molting. Sevin, malation and parathion had no effects on regeneration or molting.
KR01 Product Life-Cycle Modeling Utilizing SysML Modeling

Functional modeling and SysML/UML are defined communication languages that engineers and related disciplines use to communicate the nature of engineering products. We often see functional modeling and SysML/UML used to describe large, physical entities, such as airplanes or space craft. Systems engineers use functional modeling to decompose these large systems into subsystems. Each subsystem has defined requirements, defined roles and responsibilities (functions), and definable interfaces. Each subsystem consists of electrical hardware, mechanical hardware, and computer software. Functional modeling and SysML/UML can also be used for modeling program/project management processes, systems engineering processes, and manufacturing processes. Many organizations use an array of flow charts, organization charts, network diagrams, and spreadsheets to define engineering processes. This paper presents how Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) used functional modeling and SysML/UML to define the design and development processes and procedures for a product realization process (PRP) called the Integrated Phase Gate (IPG) Process. The use of functional modeling helped the organization more readily accept the use of systematic modeling for developing PRP. Additionally, this paper will explore the value of using SysML/UML over functional modeling in order to completely specify process and process artifacts.
A valine421 to methionine mutation in IS6 of the hscp voltage-gated sodium channel associated with pyrethroid resistance in Heliothis virescens F.

Multiple mutations in a locus encoding a voltage-gated sodium channel have been predicted for pyrethroid resistance in insects. Previously we reported a mutation associated with pyrethroid resistance, Leu1029 to His, in domain II transmembrane segment S6 (IIS6) of theHeliothis virescensF. sodium channel (parahomologue)hscplocus. Sequence analysis of additional resistance haplotypes 5′ to this mutation in thehscplocus has uncovered a G to A transition leading to a Val to Met mutation at amino acid position 421 in IS6 (V421M, numbering fromDrosophila para). The V421M mutation is found only in a unique resistant haplotype, but not in two susceptible and a distinct resistant haplotype carrying the L1029H mutation. Implications of this finding in the evolution and mechanisms of pyrethroid resistance are discussed.
Handedness of atoms and parity non-conservation

Experiments to test the existence of parity non-conserving interactions in atoms are described. Such experiments have been done in heavy atoms, but their theoretical interpretation is difficult. Prospective experiments in hydrogen and deuterium should clarify the situation, and determine which unified gauge theory can describe weak and electromagnetic interactions.
Endoscopic Vertical Partial Laryngectomy

Objective: To explain the significant difference between microlaryngoscopy with cordectomy and endoscopic vertical partial laryngectomy (EVPL), to describe the efficacy of EVPL on T 1 b and T 2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma, and to evaluate EVPL with postoperative irradiation in T 2 glottic cancer with impaired true vocal cord mobility. Study Design: Retrospective review. Methods: Twenty-six patients seen at the University of Utah Health Science Center between 1987 and 2000 with bilateral T 1 (T 1 b) or T 2 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx underwent EVPL. T 2 cancers were classified as follows: a = unilateral disease, b = bilateral disease; i = impaired mobility. T 1 b and T 2 a glottic cancer patients received surgery alone, whereas impaired mobility patients (T 2 ai + T 2 bi) patients received surgery followed by planned postoperative irradiation. Patients were assessed for primary site control, perioperative and long-term complications, and ultimate cancer control. Results: Survival in the total group was 88.5%, with local control at 92.3%. The two recurrent patients were salvaged by total laryngectomy. For the whole group, anterior commissure involvement was present in 57.7% (15 of 26). Thirteen T 2 (5 T 2 ai + 8 T 2 bi) carcinoma patients underwent combined therapy, with 8 (61.5%) of these patients having anterior commissure involvement. Two of these patients were upstaged at surgery, one to T 3 and one to T 4 . Local control was 84.5%. Thirteen patients were treated by surgery only, with five of these patients having failed previous irradiation. Survival was 92.3% and local control 100%. This group included two T 2 bi patients, two patients upstaged to T 4 on the basis of extension beyond the subglottis to the anterior wall of the trachea, 3 T 2 b, and 6 T 2 a patients. Anterior commissure involvement was seen in 7 (53.8%) of these patients. Conclusions: EVPL alone controlled all T 1 b and T 2 a glottic cancer patients, even in the presence of greater than 50% anterior commissure involvement. The significant difference between EVPL and classical microlaryngoscopy with cordectomy was carefully described. EVPL with planned postoperative irradiation resulted in an 85% local control rate in clinically staged T 2 ai and T 2 bi cancer patients, including the three upstaged patients.
Nucleolar activity of haemocytes in the adult firebug as an alternative animal model

Firebug haemocytes are a newly developed alternative animal model, but data on their physiology are deficient. We examined the nucleolar activity, which reflects the intensity of cellular proteosynthesis, using toluidine blue and AgNOR stain technology. Prohaemocytes, granulocytes and plasmatocytes contain on an average two nucleoli, whereas spherulocytes have on average six. The number of compact nucleoli, which are the attribute of intensive proteosynthetic activity, was significantly higher in prohaemocytes. Our data support the hypothesis that prohaemocytes have a physiology similar to mammalian haematopoietic stem cells.
Lymphatic absorption of glucose and fatty acids as determined by direct measurement

Abstract Background/Purpose: Treatment of chylous leaks using enteral feeds supplemented with medium chain triglycerides (MCT) is used widely but often ineffective Few studies have examined the conventional dogma that MCTs and simple sugars are absorbed directly via the portal system. This study tests the hypothesis that significant absorption of MCTs and simple sugars occurs via the lymphatics. Methods: A stable, awake rat model with cannulation of the mesenteric lymph duct, portal and jugular veins, and duodenum was used. Venous catheters were infused with saline at 2.5 mL/hr, while the duodenal tube was infused with emulsified fatty acids at 3 mL/hr (0.3% palmitic acid [C16:0] + 0.35% of test nutrient: either Lauric acid [C12:0; n=5] octanoic acid [C8:0; n=6] or 3-0-methylglucose, [n = 5].) After 4 hours of stabilization, the animals were given a differentially radiolabeled pulse of palmitic acid plus test nutrient and the subsequent appearance in lymphatic, portal, and jugular systems was measured. Total lymphatic appearance was measured directly; appearance in the portal and jugular systems was measured using the area under the curve method. Results: Results are expressed as mean ± SD. Palmitic acid: lymphatic absorption (LA), 49.2 ± 7.4%; portal venous absorption (PA), 19.8 ± 15%; total absorption (TA), 69 ± 12.4%. Lauric acid: LA, 32.9 ± 6.7%; PA, 7.5 ± 2.9%; TA, 40.4 ± 6.3%. Octanoic acid: LA, 5.6 ± 2.1%; PA, 27.3 ± 6.5%; TA, 32.9 ± 4.8%. 3-0 methylglucose: LA, 8.6 ± 2.2%; PA 69 ± 39%; TA, 76.6 ± 39.5. Total lymphatic flow: palmitic plus lauric group, 14 ± 2 mL; palmitic plus octanoic, 12.5 ± 4.4 mL; palmitic plus 3-0 methylglucose, 12.8 ± 2.9 mL. (Total volume measure over 4 hours after giving the radiolabeled pulse.) Conclusions: The portal venous uptake of the medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), octanoic acid, was not significantly greater than the uptake of the long-chain palmitic acid, but the absorption of lauric acid was less. There are different absorption patterns between different medium-chain fatty acids; however, lymphatic absorption of MCFAs and simple sugars does occur. Total measured absorption of MCFAs is less than that of long-chain fatty acids or sugars. Further work is required to demonstrate the utility of MCT supplementation on nutritional status and lymphatic flow rates in chylous leak syndromes, and to examine the factors that control the results of absorption of fatty acids of varying chain lengths, both in normal and pathological states.
Taxol induces tyrosine phosphorylation of SHC and its association with GRB2 in murine raw 264.7 cells

Taxol, a natural product with significant anti-tumor activity, stabilizes microtubules and arrests cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. It has been reported that taxol has additional effects in cells, including an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins and activation of MAP kinase. We investigated a possible effect of taxol on tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and on formation of the Shc/Grb-2 complex in the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW 264.7. Shc, an SH2 domain containing adaptor protein, was immunoprecipitated from lysates of taxol-treated cells with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody and its identity determined by Western blotting with anti-Shc antibody. Non-denatured Shc containing protein complexes were immunoprecipitated with anti-Shc antibody, and analysis with an anti-Grb2 antibody revealed the presence of the 24-kDa Grb2 protein. Taxol also activated Raf-1 kinase and ERK1/ERK2 MAP kinases in these cells. These results demonstrate that taxol affects tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and this may result in the activation of the Raf-1/MAPK cascade.
Weight gain recommendations in pregnancy

The prevalence of obesity in the USA and in most European countries is 30–40% [1]. The growing prevalence of obesity and related comorbidities has brought into question the current recommendations ...
Evolution and gene transfer in purple photosynthetic bacteria

A concern voiced in connection with recent sequencing of cytochrome c from the Rhodospirillaceae or purple non-sulphur photosynthetic bacteria1–3 is that molecular information might be of little use in deciphering bacterial phylogeny because of the possibility of lateral transfer of genes and the consequent scrambling of the genetic record. This could be true for many proteins, of course, but the immediate question is, is it true for cytochromes c, for which extensive primary sequence1–3 and X-ray structure4–10 information is available for comparison? The evidence suggests that this is probably not so. The disagreement between cytochrome c sequences and the standard taxonomy of the Rhodospirillaceae in Bergey's Manual11 is not a problem. That reference, as its title indicates, is a manual of determinative rather than evolutionary bacteriology. Its goal is a reproducible system for identification of bacteria. If one claims that these determinative categories also have phylogenetic or evolutionary meaning, this is an assertion that must be proven. The argument outlined below suggests that molecular traits may eventually become more a dependable basis for classification of the Rhodospirillaceae than is gross morphology.
Activation of focal adhesion kinase and JNK contributes to the extracellular matrix and cAMP-GEF mediated survival from bile acid induced apoptosis in rat hepatocytes.

Background/Aims Adherence to an extracellular matrix (ECM) rescues hepatocytes from apoptosis, but how hepatocytes adhered to different ECM and respond to apoptotic and cytoprotective stimuli is unknown. Methods Rat hepatocytes were plated on type 1 collagen (CI), laminin (LM) or polylysine (PL) and the amount of apoptosis induced by glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC), deoxycholate (DCA), Fas ligand or serum withdrawal was determined by Hoechst staining. The response to cytoprotection by cAMP-guanine exchange factor (cAMP-GEF) activation was determined. Kinase activation was determined by immunoblotting with phosphospecific antibodies. Results Hepatocytes on LM and PL had more apoptosis in response to all apoptotic stimuli. GCDC increased c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation 2-fold in hepatocytes on CI, but 15- and 30-fold in hepatocytes on PL or LM. SP-600125, a JNK inhibitor, prevented LM and PL potentiation of bile acid apoptosis. GCDC induced dephosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was prevented by cAMP-GEF activation. Cytochalasin B which decreased FAK phosphorylation prevented cAMP-GEF cytoprotection. Conclusions JNK activation augments apoptosis in hepatocytes plated on PL and LM. Decreased FAK phosphorylation as seen in cells treated with bile acids or attached to PL and LM promotes hepatocyte apoptosis.
Bluetooth communication using a touchscreen interface with the Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi is a low cost single-board computer which has recently become very popular. In this paper we showcase our attempt at building a low cost stand-alone device which transmits data using the Raspberry Pi with Bluetooth and has a resistive touch screen display providing a user interface. The Raspberry Pi is controlled by a modified version of Debian Linux optimized for the ARM architecture. The display contains a graphical user interface which provides various fields for data entry via an onscreen keyboard. Also, various fields were provided to display data obtained from a remote host.
A Wide-Range Static Inverter Suitable for AC Induction Motor Drives

A dc to ac, variable voltage, variable frequency, three-phase, external impulse commutated inverter, rated at 200 kVA, is described that controls the speed of an induction motor that is suitable for traction applications. The inverter is supplied from a variable voltage dc source for the load circuit and a fixed voltage dc source for the commutation circuit. Isolation between the two sources is provided by a high-frequency pulse transformer. The output ac voltage is controlled from 0 to 250 volts; the output frequency is controlled from 4 to 400 Hz. The load is a low-slip, 12 000 r/min induction motor with a continuous rating of 15 hp over a 10:1 speed range, and 60 hp over a 2:1 speed range. The theory of operation and design equations for the inverter power circuit, the design and construction of the motor, and the test results of the inverter-motor combination are presented.
Rethinking Kant—Again

This is a highly interesting book, and one that is, in its own way, most important. The Structure of Experience is well written and effectively argued. It shows Gordon Nagel to be a rigorous and independent thinker who is as well acquainted with Kant's Critique of Pure Reason as he is with modern analytic philosophy. Because he has been successful in avoiding “to presuppose a background in Kant studies”, the book can indeed “be read by anyone interested in perception, cognition, or the philosophy of mind” (vii). In fact, it is to be recommended as an introduction to recent epistemology as well as to Kant. And this is perhaps as it should be, as the study of Kant has deeply influenced the broader developments of contemporary philosophy. P. F. Strawson, Jonathan Bennett, Richard Rorty, and Barry Stroud, to name only a few of the best-known figures, all developed their own views in conscious dependence upon and/or opposition to Kant. Since Nagel is firmly rooted in this tradition, his book may be taken as a contribution to both the study of Kant and the discussion of contemporary philosophieal issues.
Field Tests with the HD-1 Formulation of the δ-Endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis Against the Cabbage Looper on Cabbage

The HD-1 formulation of the δ-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner was effective against the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner), on cabbage in field tests when between 1.1 and 4.5×109 international units (IU) were applied once a week throughout the season. Applications of 2.2 and 4.5×109 IU/acre were equally effective whether they were applied once a week or every 10 days.
50 Bilirubin Nephropathy in the Gunn Rat

Homozygous, jaundiced, Gunn rats (jj) were compared with heterozygous control rats (jJ) for their capacity to concentrate their urine after water deprivation. Animals of comparable weights (5 jj and 6 jJ) were pair fed 7 days and then subjected to a 36-hour fast and thirst. Urine was collected for the last 6 hours, and the mean flow rates were 50 and 149 μl/100 g/h in the jJ and jj animals, respectively. The corresponding urine milli-osmolalities were 1909 and 815. Total solute loads excreted were comparable but the jj animals lost 3 times as much Na in the urine, and had a 30 % greater loss of body weight. Glomerular filtration rates were similar in hydrated jj and jJ animals. The concentrations of Na, K, Cl, NH3 and urea in the renal cortex were similar in the two groups of animals. The concentrations of K and NH3 of the medulla were also similar, but the concentrations of Na, Cl and urea in the medulla of the jj animals were only 1/3 that found in the jJ animals.
An empirical study of COBOL programs via a style analyzer: the benefits of good programming style

Abstract Despite its prominence as the most widely used programming language in industry, there are only a small number of publications on software metrics applied to COBOL [1]. COBSTYLE, a one-pass, line-by-line style analyzer, written in PL/I, is used to analyze 638 COBOL programs. COBSTYLE differs from other style analyzers [2–4] in that it assesses penalty points for abuses in style, and considers to a larger degree, overall program structure. Mean style scores for 23 style characteristics are obtained. The data produced by COBSTYLE, together with programmer efficiency data, are statistically analyzed, yielding results which empirically demonstrate the benefits of good programming style. COBSTYLE scores are shown to have statistically significant correlations with the following: 1. (a) overall performance (as measured by students' final course grade)—at the 0.005 significance level; 2. (b) program correctness—at the 0.01 significance level; 3. (c) total debugging time—at the 0.05 significance level. An important aspect of this study is the “after-the-fact” nature of the methodology; i.e., none of the participants in this experiment were aware that the programs were to be submitted to a style analyzer for analysis.
Environmental control for asthma: Recent evidence

Purpose of reviewTo review and interpret recent literature related to the role of environmental control in prevention and treatment of asthma.Recent findingsEnvironmental control has a clearly established role in the management of asthma, but its role as a primary prevention tool is not supported by
New techniques for large area high resolution gamma ray telescopes

Abstract We review the need for high resolution gamma ray telescopes operating in the MeV and GeV energy range. Two specific goals are the detection of radiation from cosmic strings and narrow lines from Cold Dark Matter Annihilation. In addition, the detection of angular fluctuations in the diffuse spectrum can signal the mechanism of formation. We discuss two types of high resolution telescopes; liquid Argon and Xenon and warm liquid electron drift detectors.
Structural comparison of lactate dehydrogenase homologs differing in sensitivity to hydrostatic pressure

Abstract The muscle-type (M4) lactate dehydrogenases ( l -lactate:NAD+ oxidoreductase EC 1.1.1.27) of two teleost fishes, Sebastolobus alascanus and Sebastolobus altivelis, differ in the susceptibility of ligand binding to perturbation by moderate hydrostatic pressures. The enzyme homologs were purufied by affinity chromatography. The amino-acid compositions of these enzymes are virtually identical. The proteins were digested with trypsin and the peptide mixtures mapped using reverse-phase HPLC. Although there was variation in elution times of some peaks, the amino-acid compositions of the fractions from the two profiles were highly similar. Only one clear difference in amino-acid composition was found and this peptide was sequenced using the manual dansyl-Edman method. The enzyme of S. alascanus, which is susceptible to pressure-perturbation, had a histidine at position 115; the S. altivelis enzyme had an asparagine. Ionization of histidine is affected by pressure and may be involved in the differences between the two lactate dehydrogenase homologs. There is no covalently bound phosphate associated with either enzyme, and thus phosphorylation cannot account for the differences between the enzyme homologs. Acquisition of pressure-tolerance appears to involve only minor changes in primary structure.
Pathway Specificity by the Bifunctional Receptor Frizzled Is Determined by Affinity for Wingless

The Frizzled (Fz) protein in Drosophila is a bifunctional receptor that acts through a GTPase pathway in planar polarity signaling and as a receptor for Wingless (Wg) using the canonical Wnt pathway. We found that the ligand-binding domain (CRD) of Fz has an approximately 10-fold lower affinity for Wg than the CRD of DFz2, a Wg receptor without polarity activity. When the Fz CRD is replaced by the high-affinity CRD of DFz2, the resulting chimeric protein gains Wg signaling activity, yet also retains polarity signaling activity. In contrast, the reciprocal exchange of the Fz CRD onto DFz2 is not sufficient to confer polarity activity to DFz2. This suggests that Fz has an intrinsic capacity for polarity signaling and that high-affinity interaction with Wg couples it to the Wnt pathway.
Ro-vibrational excitation of HCl by electron impact

Ab initio calculations of cross sections for simultaneous rotational and vibrational excitation of HCl by low-energy electrons have been made in the multipole-extracted adiabatic-nuclei (MEAN) approximation. These calculations employed a free-electron-gas model of the exchange interaction, and represent the first application of a new parameter-free model of the correlation-polarization interaction to vibrational excitation. The cross sections increase by an order of magnitude with the inclusion of this interaction, which is much more important for vibrationally inelastic than elastic collisions.
Novel use of a perfluorocarbon for supplying oxygen to aerobic submerged cultures

A novel method for supplying oxygen by using a perfluorocarbon as an oxygen carrier in submerged cultures was demonstrated. Oxygen was transferred to the aqueous phase by liquid-liquid contacting in a spray column fermentor. Advantages of using such a system for supplying oxygen are discussed.
On common factors appearing in inversion of matrix transfer functions

On demontre deux identites apparaissant dans l'inversion de la fonction de transfert matricielle T(s)=C(SI-A) −1 B. Ces identites conduisent a une simplification du calcul de T −1 (s)
Relationship of pre- and postanesthetic EEG abnormalities to enflurane-induced seizure activity.

In 12 subjects, serial electroencephalograms (EEGs) following a standard exposure to enflurane anesthesia were evaluated with respect to (1) preanesthetic baseline EEGs, and (2) the occurrence of clinical or electrographic epileptiform EEG activity during anesthesia. There were no consistent predictors of enflurane-induced seizure activity in the preanesthetic EEG recordings, although the one patient of the group with a marginal preanesthetic EEG abnormality manifested the largest number of seizures during anesthesia (but none subsequently). No specific relationship was found between the duration of postanesthetic EEG changes and the occurrence of a seizure during anesthesia. Postanesthetic EEGs from all subjects showed diffuse slowing. Three specific electrographic alterations were also found: (1) In all 12 subjects, the alpha frequency decreased by 1 to 4 Hz for 2 to 6 days after anesthesia. (2) In 8 subjects, posterior intermittent rhythmic delta activity persisted for 6 to more than 30 days after enflurane. (3) An increased amplitude and incidence of benign incidental preanesthetic focal EEG findings seen in 6 subjects could be demonstrated for 2 to 30 days after anesthesia. In general, EEG changes were seen for 6 to 30 days after anesthesia, but at no point did de-novo EEG epileptiform activity appear in any subject following anesthesia.
Scanning electrochemical microscopy in the 21st century

The fundamentals of and recent advances in scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) are described. The focus is on applications of this method to studies of systems and processes of active current interest ranging from nanoelectrochemistry to electron transfer reactions and electrocatalysis to biological imaging.
The Role of Meter in Compositional Style in 19th Century French and German Art Song

Abstract This study extends prior research on the influence of linguistic rhythm on musical rhythm to 19th century French and German art songs. Results indicate that the measurement of rhythmic variability used in prior studies, the nPVI, or normalized Pairwise Variability Index, may be of use in studying individual compositional style even when a significant correlation with spoken language characteristics is not present in the repertoire. By modifying and focusing the results of the nPVI, and studying the relationship between rhythmic variability and notated meter, it is possible to determine musically meaningful information about individual composer's rhythmic characteristics.
Contrast nephropathy in azotemic diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Abstract purpose: To evaluate the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcome of contrast nephropathy in azotemic diabetic patients undergoing coronary angiography. patients and methods: Fifty-nine insulin-dependent diabetics with a mean serum creatinine level of 522 μmol/L (5.9 mg/dL) underwent coronary angiography as part of a pretransplant evaluation. Twenty-four azotemic diabetics undergoing inpatient evaluation not including angiography for transplantation formed the control group. Serum creatinine measurements obtained at baseline and after radiocontrast exposure were compared in patients and control subjects. Risk factors for contrast nephropathy were evaluated in patients with a 25% or greater increase in serum creatinine. results: Serum creatinine was significantly elevated 24 hours after radiocontrast exposure in patients (557 ± 141 μmol/L versus 522 ± 141 μmol/L, mean ± SD; p p = 0.002), mean arterial pressure less than 100 mm Hg ( p = 0.02), and ejection fraction less than 50% ( p = 0.04). Stepwise logistic regression verified the independence of dye quantity and low mean arterial pressure but not low ejection fraction as risk factors for contrast nephropathy. Follow-up serum creatinine values were not significantly different in patients and control subjects. conclusions: Azotemic patients with diabetes are at high risk of developing contrast nephropathy even when less than 100 mL of radiocontrast agent is used. The acute renal failure is reversible but precipitates the need for short-term dialysis in some patients. Radiocontrast quantity is an important risk factor not previously noted. The incidence of contrast nephropathy can be minimized by using less than 30 mL of radiocontrast agent.
Adaptive term frequency normalization for BM25

A key component of BM25 contributing to its success is its sub linear term frequency (TF) normalization formula. The scale and shape of this TF normalization component is controlled by a parameter k1, which is generally set to a term-independent constant. We hypothesize and show empirically that in order to optimize retrieval performance, this parameter should be set in a term-specific way. Following this intuition, we propose an information gain measure to directly estimate the contributions of repeated term occurrences, which is then exploited to fit the BM25 function to predict a term-specific k1. Our experiment results show that the proposed approach, without needing any training data, can efficiently and automatically estimate a term-specific k1, and is more effective and robust than the standard BM25.
Comparative studies on mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes of Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Physico-chemical properties of Tetrahymena mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes and their components, rRNA† and proteins were investigated. The mitochondrial and cytoplasmic ribosomes were 80 s and indistinguishable in sedimentation analysis at 10−2m-Mg2+. However, these ribosomes exhibit different sensitivity to Mg2+ concentrations. The cytoplasmic ribosomes consist of 60 and 40 s subunits, while the mitochondrial ribosomes produced only one sedimenting species 55 s in low Mg2+- or EDTA-containing buffer. Buoyant densities of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic 80 s ribosomes and respective subunits after formaldehyde fixation showed reproducible differences. Mitochondrial 80 s showed a density 1.46 g/cm3, and two density species, I = 1.52 g/cm3 and II = 1.46 g/cm3 were obtained in a ratio of 1:2 in amount from the 55 s subunit, while the cytoplasmic 80 s ribosomes had a density 1.56 g/cm3 and their subunits 60 and 40 s had densities 1.57 and 1.53 g/cm3, respectively. Electrophoretic differences exist between proteins isolated from mitochondrial and cytoplasmic 80 s ribosomes in polyacrylamide gel columns. Mitochondrial and cytoplasmic rRNA's isolated from their respective 80 s ribosomes were 21 and 14 s, and 26 and 17 s, respectively. 5 and 4 s RNA's were also present. Base compositions of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic rRNA's were different. Furthermore, the 21 and 14 s mitochondrial rRNA's were complementary to 3.8 and 1.9% of the mitochondrial DNA, respectively. No significant complementarity exists between mitochondrial DNA and cytoplasmic rRNA's. These results established that Tetrahymena mitochondria contain unique ribosomes separate from the cytoplasmic ribosomes.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the elderly -- a geriatrician's perspective.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming increasingly prevalent among many different populations all over the world, including the US and Europe. Its multitude of complications with devastating outcomes leads to a significantly higher risk for cardio-vascular and all-cause mortality in an individual. However, it is clear now that early detection of CKD might not only delay some of the complications but also prevent them. Therefore, various important public health organizations all over the world have turned their focus and attention to CKD and its risk factors, early detection and early intervention. Nevertheless, the general goals in preventing the increase in CKD and its complications are far from being completely achieved. Why is this so? What is the magnitude and complexity of the problem? How is it affecting the population – are there differences in its affection by age, gender or frail elderly versus the robust? Are we modifying the risk factors appropriately and aggressively? Are there subtle diffe...