cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymer systems designed specifically for DNA sequencing by microchip electrophoresis: A comparison with commercially available materials

Electrophoresis-based DNA sequencing is the only proven technology for the de novo sequencing of large and complex genomes. Miniaturization of capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) instruments can increase sequencing throughput and decrease cost while maintaining the high quality and long read lengths that has made CAE so successful for de novo sequencing. The limited availability of high-performance polymer matrices and wall coatings designed specifically for microchip-sequencing platforms continues to be a major barrier to the successful development of a commercial microchip-sequencing instrument. It has been generally assumed that the matrices and wall coatings that have been developed for use in commercial CAE instruments will be able to be implemented directly into microchip devices with little to no change in sequencing performance. Here, we show that sequencing matrices developed specifically for microchip electrophoresis systems can deliver read lengths that are 150-300 bases longer on chip than some of the most widely used polymer-sequencing matrices available commercially. Additionally, we show that the coating ability of commercial matrices is much less effective in the borosilicate chips used in this study. These results lead to the conclusion that new materials must be developed to make high-performance microfabricated DNA-sequencing instruments a reality.
The Concept of Health Promotion and the Prevention of Adolescent Drug Abuse

A three-dimensional conceptual model for health promotion interventions to prevent adolescent drug abuse is elaborated. The model is based on an analysis of the concept of health into four domains--physical, psychological, social, and personal; an analysis of intervention approaches to change behavior into two major strategies--introducing/strengthening health-enhancing behavior, and weakening/eliminating health-compromising behavior; and an analysis of the foci of interventions into three levels--environmental, personality, and behavior. Components of a specific health promotion program, the Minnesota Heart Health Program, that are designed to prevent adolescent drug abuse are described. These include health behavior campaigns, educational interventions, and community organization. The theoretical content of the components is shown to be linked logically to the health promotion model.
Performance Driven Switching Control

This paper presents a variable structure control designed to improve the behavior of the controlled variable when compared with the behavior of a fixed state feedback. The approach introduces an alternative state feedback control law and establishes a switching strategy that is guaranteed to improve performance, measured by the L 2 norm of the controlled variable. The design of the alternative feedback offers significant flexibility; it can be, for example, an optimal regulator with very low penalty in the manipulated variable, or it can be designed to use unstable behavior to advantage. Regardless of the way the alternative control is selected, the paper shows that, in the absence of sliding mode, the switching strategy guarantees asymptotic stability of the control system
A flat-kinded demand function for oligopolistic sellers of homogeneous products

Through half a century of controversy over the complexities of oligopolies and their kinked demand functions one simple aspect of the kinkiness has been by-passed. Invariably the kinked demand functions are represented as lines sloping away from the starting price even though some oligopolies are sellers of homogeneous products. Competition among sellers of identical goods demands variations in the standard kinked demand device to adequately explain their market behavior. A flat-kinked function is logically necessary to illustrate the marker for the homogeneous products of oligopolistic sellers.
Partial Molar Volumes and Refractions of Aqueous Solutions of Poly[vinyl alcohol]

The partial molar volumes (V2) and refractions (R2) for poly[vinyl alcohol] (PVOH) in water were determined at 0.00, 5.00, 15.00, 20.00, and 25.00 °C. Each of the partial molar quantities exhibits a small but significant dependence upon concentration which is analyzed using a previously reported model of solvation. This study concludes that the water in the regions surrounding the solute molecules exhibits less hydrogen bonding and as a consequence is denser than the bulk water. In addition, the study finds that the partial molar volume of PVOH at infinite dilution is the simple sum of contributions from its monomer units (–CH2–CHOH–).
Effective constraints for relativistic quantum systems

Determining the physical Hilbert space is often considered the most difficult but crucial part of completing the quantization of a constrained system. In such a situation it can be more economical to use effective constraint methods, which are extended here to relativistic systems as they arise for instance in quantum cosmology. By sidestepping explicit constructions of states, such tools allow one to arrive much more feasibly at results for physical observables at least in semiclassical regimes. Several questions discussed recently regarding effective equations and state properties in quantum cosmology, including the spreading of states and quantum backreaction, are addressed by the examples studied here.
Cyclic Concentration Measurements for Characterizing Pulsating Flow

Slurry mixed in vessels via pulse jet mixers has a periodic, rather than steady, concentration profile. Measurements of local concentration taken at the center of the tank at a range of elevations within the mixed region were analyzed to obtain a greater understanding of how the periodic pulse jet mixing cycle affects the local concentration. Data were obtained at the critical suspension velocity, when all solids are suspended at the end of the pulse. The data at a range of solids loadings are analyzed to observe the effect of solids concentration during the suspension and settling portions of the mixing cycle.
How to be a Normative Expressivist

. Expressivism can make space for normative objectivity by treating normative stances as pro or con attitudes that can be correct or incorrect. And it can answer the logical challenges that bedevil it by treating a simple normative assertion not merely as an expression of a normative stance, but as an expression of the endorsement of a proposition that is true if and only if that normative stance is correct. Although this position has superficial similarities to normative realism, it does full justice to the core expressivist thesis that, at bottom, a normative assertion expresses a normative stance rather than a factual belief.
Matrix metalloproteinases in diabetic retinopathy: potential role of MMP-9

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy remains one of the most feared complications of diabetes. Despite extensive research in the field, the molecular mechanism responsible for the development of this slow progressing disease remains unclear. In the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, mitochondria are damaged and inflammatory mediators are elevated before the histopathology associated with the disease can be observed. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulate a variety of cellular functions including apoptosis and angiogenesis. Diabetic environment stimulates the secretion of several MMPs that are considered to participate in complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy and cardiomyopathy. Patients with diabetic retinopathy and also animal models have shown increased MMP-9 and MMP-2 in their retina and vitreous. Recent research has shown that MMPs have dual role in the development of diabetic retinopathy; in the early stages of the disease (pre-neovascularization), MMP-2 and MMP-9 facilitate the apopt...
Qur’ānic Constitutionalism and Moral Governmentality: Further Notes on the Founding Principles of Islamic Society and Polity

A sequel to earlier publications on the subject, this article argues that the Qur’?n not only saw itself and was seen as exclusively authorized to adjudicate matters in the social realm but also that it was directly responsible for the origination of constitutive epistemic and political structures in the Shar?‘a. Specifically, through a study of certain paradigmatic concepts, it attempts to show that the Qur’?n laid the foundations for three constitutive features of the Shar?‘a, namely, (1) its constitutional organization and the practice of the rule of law; (2) its landmark features of jurists’ law and ijtih?dic apparatus; and (3) its moral governmentality.
Overproduction and purification of initiation factor IF2 and pNUSA proteins from a recombinant plasmid bearing strain.

Resume Les genes de la proteine du demarrage de la traduction IF2 et de la proteine pNusA ont ete clones dans un vecteur plasmidique sous le controle du promoteur inductible λpL et du represseur c1857 thermosensible. Quand une souche contenant ce plasmide est induite a 42°C, IF2α, IF2β et pNusA sont surproduits de 15 a 20 fois. Cela nous a permis de purifier les proteines IF2 et NusA en grande quantite.
Effect of ohmic contacts on buffer leakage of GaN transistors

The effect of ohmic contacts on the buffer leakage of GaN transistors is presented. The buffer leakage for AlGaN/GaN high-electron mobility transistors and GaN MESFETs grown on the same underlying buffer was observed to be different. Controlled experiments show that the increased buffer leakage is due to the nature of the alloyed ohmic contacts and can be minimized if they are screened by the Si doping or by the two-dimensional electron gas.
PhoneCon: Voice-driven SmartPhone Controllable Wireless Sensor Networks

With the widespread use of wireless sensor networks (WSN), more types of applications are emerging. However, controlling a deployed wireless sensor network after deployment still requires expertise on embedded system programming and administration. In this paper, we study how to exploit the widely available smartphones to reduce these restrictions on users' expertise. In particular, we present a system called PhoneCon, which stands for Voice-driven SmartPhone Controllable Wireless Sensor Networks. Through PhoneCon, users may simply speak to their phones to operate a deployed wireless sensor network, such as getting the status of deployed motes, without being exposed to any of system or programming level details. We have implemented PhoneCon on Android phones for a testbed of MicaZ sensor nodes. Our evaluation results show that PhoneCon can interpret users' intentions well enough through the microphone and perform corresponding actions with acceptable delays.
On bounding the errors in three Runge-Kutta type formulations

Abstract Total error bounds are established for three of the Runge—Kutta type numerical integration formulas. These are (a) the Heun third-order formula, (b) the Kutta—Simpson three-eighths formula, and (c) the Kutta—Simpson one-third formula. For (a) and (b), it is established that when analyzing for equations of the sort y′(x) = ƒ(x,y) , the total error at any step i is of the form | E i | ≤ E (e ihM − 1)/(e hm − 1) where h is the step size and E and M are certain constants. It is found that a system of two equations, y′(x) = ƒ(x, y, z) and z ′( g ) = ( g )( x , y , z ), have a joint error given by max (| E i |, | D i |) ≤ E (e 2 ihM − 1)/(e 2 hM − 1) when analyzed by method (c). In addition to error bounds, conditions under which the i th step result is valid are derived for each procedure.
Parallelization of local search for Euclidean Steiner tree problem

The Euclidean Steiner tree problem is to find the tree with minimal Euclidean length spanning a given fixed points in the plane, allowing the addition of auxiliary points known as Steiner points. Parallel implementations of local search algorithm are an effective technique to speed up the search for a solution of Steiner tree problem. This technique not only allows to solve larger Steiner tree problem or to find improved solutions with respect to their sequential counterparts, but also it leads to further robustness in the algorithm. In this paper, we concentrate on the problem of finding a Euclidean Steiner tree using parallel local search technique. The main contribution of this work is the O(n2 log2 n+log n log(n/log n)) parallel local search algorithm for computing Steiner tree on the Euclidean plane. The main advantage of the algorithm is that it does not need synchronization. As a result, it has no communication overhead.
Domestic violence awareness in the perianesthesia setting

Abstract Identification of victims of domestic violence is the first phase in the intervention of stopping the cycle of violence. Phase two is acting on that information and assisting the victims to help themselves. Nurses have the unique opportunity of being "present" at the bedside for the victim of abuse. This article reviews the signs and symptoms of domestic violence. Keen patient assessment tools and support can make a world of difference in the outcome of abuse.
Use of Ulva Lactuca to distinguish pH-dependent toxicants in marine waters and sediments

Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce) is a cosmopolitan marine attached green seaweed capable of sequestering high environmental levels of ammonia. Ammonia can be acutely toxic to marine organisms and is often found in dredged sediments from highly industrial areas or from areas with high carbon inputs. For the purposes of dredged sediment disposal as well as in determining causes of toxicity in complex mixtures, it is important to distinguish ammonia toxicity from the toxicity of other compounds. The use of U. lactuca to selectively remove ammonia from waters and sediments as part of a toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) procedure was evaluated. Ulva lactuca lowered concentrations of total ammonia from 75 to 17 mg/L in <8 h in water-only exposures. This treatment also reduced 48-h amphipod mortality from 75 to 20%. In whole sediments. U. lactuca lowered interstitial water concentrations of ammonia from 60 to 20 mg/L, while keeping overlying water concentrations below detectable limits (< I mg/L). To determine the limitations of the U. lactuca method to selectively remove ammonia from solution, metal and organic accumulation experiments were performed. Ulva lactuca generally took up <15% of metals present, with most of the exposures resulting in less than a 10% uptake. In contrast, U. lactuca removed 77% of lindane and 95% of fluoranthene. Results of a TIE conducted on sediments from an industrial marine harbor indicated U. lactuca was useful, in conjunction with other procedures, in categorizing ammonia as a sediment toxicant.
Image annotations by combining multiple evidence & wordNet

The development of technology generates huge amounts of non-textual information, such as images. An efficient image annotation and retrieval system is highly desired. Clustering algorithms make it possible to represent visual features of images with finite symbols. Based on this, many statistical models, which analyze correspondence between visual features and words and discover hidden semantics, have been published. These models improve the annotation and retrieval of large image databases. However, current state of the art including our previous work produces too many irrelevant keywords for images during annotation. In this paper, we propose a novel approach that augments the classical model with generic knowledge-based, WordNet. Our novel approach strives to prune irrelevant keywords by the usage of WordNet. To identify irrelevant keywords, we investigate various semantic similarity measures between keywords and finally fuse outcomes of all these measures together to make a final decision using Dempster-Shafer evidence combination. We have implemented various models to link visual tokens with keywords based on knowledge-based, WordNet and evaluated performance using precision, and recall using benchmark dataset. The results show that by augmenting knowledge-based with classical model we can improve annotation accuracy by removing irrelevant keywords.
Heat Transfer in Hot Pressing of Saturated Fiber Suspensions

This paper presents a three-dimensional numerical framework based on lattice Boltzman method combined with the energy equation for predicting the thermal properties of saturated fiber networks. Heat transfer in fiber suspensions during hot pressing in paper making process is investigated. The effects of efficient preheating on overall energy savings are discussed. The accuracy of the analytical solution based on the assumption of semi-infinite solid body is also investigated. The results show that the thermal properties change significantly depending on the wood fiber types. The effective thermal conductivities of fiber suspensions for three different fiber types are calculated. The predictions compare well with existing experimental and analytical data.
Local constraints in either the GluN1 or GluN2 subunit equally impair NMDA receptor pore opening

The defining functional feature of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is activation gating, the energetic coupling of ligand binding into opening of the associated ion channel pore. NMDA receptors are obligate heterotetramers typically composed of glycine-binding GluN1 and glutamate-binding GluN2 subunits that gate in a concerted fashion, requiring all four ligands to bind for subsequent opening of the channel pore. In an individual subunit, the extracellular ligand-binding domain, composed of discontinuous polypeptide segments S1 and S2, and the transmembrane channel–forming domain, composed of M1–M4 segments, are connected by three linkers: S1–M1, M3–S2, and S2–M4. To study subunit-specific events during pore opening in NMDA receptors, we impaired activation gating via intrasubunit disulfide bonds connecting the M3–S2 and S2–M4 in either the GluN1 or GluN2A subunit, thereby interfering with the movement of the M3 segment, the major pore-lining and channel-gating element. NMDA receptors with gating impairments in either the GluN1 or GluN2A subunit were dramatically resistant to channel opening, but when they did open, they showed only a single-conductance level indistinguishable from wild type. Importantly, the late gating steps comprising pore opening to its main long-duration open state were equivalently affected regardless of which subunit was constrained. Thus, the NMDA receptor ion channel undergoes a pore-opening mechanism in which the intrasubunit conformational dynamics at the level of the ligand-binding/transmembrane domain (TMD) linkers are tightly coupled across the four subunits. Our results further indicate that conformational freedom of the linkers between the ligand-binding and TMDs is critical to the activation gating process.
SW-Store: a vertically partitioned DBMS for Semantic Web data management

Efficient management of RDF data is an important prerequisite for realizing the Semantic Web vision. Performance and scalability issues are becoming increasingly pressing as Semantic Web technology is applied to real-world applications. In this paper, we examine the reasons why current data management solutions for RDF data scale poorly, and explore the fundamental scalability limitations of these approaches. We review the state of the art for improving performance of RDF databases and consider a recent suggestion, "property tables". We then discuss practically and empirically why this solution has undesirable features. As an improvement, we propose an alternative solution: vertically partitioning the RDF data. We compare the performance of vertical partitioning with prior art on queries generated by a Web-based RDF browser over a large-scale (more than 50 million triples) catalog of library data. Our results show that a vertically partitioned schema achieves similar performance to the property table technique while being much simpler to design. Further, if a column-oriented DBMS (a database architected specially for the vertically partitioned case) is used instead of a row-oriented DBMS, another order of magnitude performance improvement is observed, with query times dropping from minutes to several seconds. Encouraged by these results, we describe the architecture of SW-Store, a new DBMS we are actively building that implements these techniques to achieve high performance RDF data management.
In Vivo Assessment of Local Phosphodiesterase Activity Using Tailored Cyclic Nucleotide–Gated Channels as Camp Sensors

Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) catalyze the hydrolysis of the second messengers cAMP and cGMP. However, little is known about how PDE activity regulates cyclic nucleotide signals in vivo because, outside of specialized cells, there are few methods with the appropriate spatial and temporal resolution to measure cyclic nucleotide concentrations. We have previously demonstrated that adenovirus-expressed, olfactory cyclic nucleotide–gated channels provide real-time sensors for cAMP produced in subcellular compartments of restricted diffusion near the plasma membrane (Rich, T.C., K.A. Fagan, H. Nakata, J. Schaack, D.M.F. Cooper, and J.W. Karpen. 2000. J. Gen. Physiol. 116:147–161). To increase the utility of this method, we have modified the channel, increasing both its cAMP sensitivity and specificity, as well as removing regulation by Ca2+-calmodulin. We verified the increased sensitivity of these constructs in excised membrane patches, and in vivo by monitoring cAMP-induced Ca2+ influx through the channels in cell populations. The improved cAMP sensors were used to monitor changes in local cAMP concentration induced by adenylyl cyclase activators in the presence and absence of PDE inhibitors. This approach allowed us to identify localized PDE types in both nonexcitable HEK-293 and excitable GH4C1 cells. We have also developed a quantitative framework for estimating the KI of PDE inhibitors in vivo. The results indicate that PDE type IV regulates local cAMP levels in HEK-293 cells. In GH4C1 cells, inhibitors specific to PDE types I and IV increased local cAMP levels. The results suggest that in these cells PDE type IV has a high Km for cAMP, whereas PDE type I has a low Km for cAMP. Furthermore, in GH4C1 cells, basal adenylyl cyclase activity was readily observable after application of PDE type I inhibitors, indicating that there is a constant synthesis and hydrolysis of cAMP in subcellular compartments near the plasma membrane. Modulation of constitutively active adenylyl cyclase and PDE would allow for rapid control of cAMP-regulated processes such as cellular excitability.
Primary Care Provider Evaluation of Cancer Survivorship Care Plans Developed for Patients in their Practice.

Abstract Objective: Survivorship care plans (SCP), which describe a cancer survivor’s diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, are recommended. The study objective was to evaluate primary care providers’ (PCP) responses to SCPs developed for breast and colorectal cancer survivors in their practice and to determine whether PCP response to the SCPs varied according to characteristics of the practitioner and their practice. Method: SCPs were created using the Journey Forward® Care Plan for breast and colorectal cancer patients in rural and urban settings. The SCP and a survey were sent to PCPs. Participants: Primary care physicians. Main Measures: Attitudes regarding survivorship care plans. Results: Thirty-nine (70.9% response rate) surveys were completed. Most felt the SCP was useful (90%), that it enhanced understanding (75%) and that detail was sufficient (>80%). However, 15% disagreed that the care plan helped them understand their role, a perception especially prevalent among PCPs in the rural setting. Among PCPs with ≤ 18 years in practice, 95% agreed that the SCP would improve communication with patients, contrasted with 60% of those with >21 years in practice. The most common barrier to providing follow-up care was limited access to survivors. Conclusions: While SCPs appear to improve PCPs understanding of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, clear delineation of each provider’s role in follow-up care is needed. Additional detail on which tests are needed and education on late and long term effects of cancer may improve coordination of care.
In Vitro Susceptibilities of Nonfermentative Gram-Negative Bacilli Other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa to 32 Antimicrobial Agents

The minimal inhibitory concentrations of 32 antimicrobial agents for 322 strains of nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli, representing 30 species and unnamed groups other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were determined in cation-supplemented Mueller-Hinton broth with use of a microdilution method. The activities of 3-lactam antibiotics varied, but azlocillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, and moxalactam consistently were more active than were available penicillins and cephalosporins; the penicillin-like antibiotic mecillinam was less active. The activities of the aminoglycoside antibiotics were similar to each other although streptomycin and sometimes kanamycin were less active than the other aminoglycosides. Although minocycline and doxycycline usually were more active than tetracycline, the percentages of strains susceptible to the first two drugs at concentrations achievable in vivo were only occasionally higher than the percentage of strains susceptible to tetracycline. The activity of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was variable. Chloramphenicol, erythromycin, clindamycin, and vancomycin were relatively inactive against most of the organisms tested, but the high degrees of activity of these drugs against specific species or strains, particularly those that were resistant to many drugs, indicated potential clinical usefulness of these agents. Nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa generally are saprophytic in nature but are etiologic agents in a significant number of infections, particularly those acquired in the hospital or that occur in compromised hosts. Susceptibilities of these bacilli to antimicrobial agents often are different from those of Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa, and many of these organisms are multi-drug resistant [1-4]. A number of studies [3-9] have surveyed the patterns of susceptibility of nonfermenters to antimicrobial agents with use of the disk diffusion method [10]. The results of these susceptibility tests were used primarily for identification of the organisms, rather than for selection of therapeutic
Computation of regions of transient stability of multimachine power systems

A major difficulty in applying Lyapunov theory to the problem of specifying transient stability regions of n -machine power systems is computational complexity, which increases markedly with n . This note outlines a method, requiring only a nominal amount of computation, to determine such regions.
A preliminary model of secession, ethnic conflict and violence in Tatarstan and Chechnya: The role of the state

Scholars do not fully understand why violence is so prevalent in some secessions but not in others. The comparison between Tatarstan and Chechnya attempts to answer this question. Although there are several similarities between the two situations, violence was absent in Tatarstan and so prevalent in Chechnya. The Russian state invaded Chechnya and signed a bilateral treaty with Tatarstan. A model focusing on the role of the state in post‐communist settings and state decision‐making is asserted. Several additional factors influenced the decisions of the state including geography, demographics, the historical relationship with Russia, the domestic context and the international context.
Sexual outcomes and satisfaction with hysterectomy: influence of patient education.

Introduction Many women experience improved sexual function after hysterectomy. However, a sizeable minority of women report worsened sexual function after the surgery, and concerns about the effect of surgery on sexual function are common among women planning to undergo hysterectomy.
The β-agonist isoproterenol attenuates EGF-stimulated wound closure in human airway epithelial cells

Asthma is a disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction. An additional hallmark of chronic asthma is altered wound healing that leads to airway remodeling. Although β-agonists are effect...
Patient portal doldrums: does an exam room promotional video during an office visit increase patient portal registrations and portal use?

The patient portal is a web service which allows patients to view their electronic health record, communicate online with their care teams, and manage healthcare appointments and medications. Despite advantages of the patient portal, registrations for portal use have often been slow. Using a secure video system on our existing exam room electronic health record displays during regular office visits, the authors showed patients a video which promoted use of the patient portal. The authors compared portal registrations and portal use following the video to providing a paper instruction sheet and to a control (no additional portal promotion). From the 12 050 office appointments examined, portal registrations within 45 days of the appointment were 11.7%, 7.1%, and 2.5% for video, paper instructions, and control respectively (p<0.0001). Within 6 months following the interventions, 3.5% in the video cohort, 1.2% in the paper, and 0.75% of the control patients demonstrated portal use by initiating portal messages to their providers (p<0.0001).
A debugger and assertion checker for the Awk programming language

The paper describes the design and implementation of our Awk User Interface (AUI). AUI is a graphical programming environment for editing, running, testing and debugging of Awk programs. The AUI environment supports tracing of Awk programs, setting of breakpoints, and inspection of variable values. An assertion language to describe relationships between input and output of Awk programs is provided. Assertions can be checked after the program has run, and if violated, informative and readable messages can be generated. The assertions and debugging rules for the Awk program are written in a separate text file. Assertions are useful not only for testing and debugging but can be considered as a tool for formal program specification and documentation.
Oxidation Kinetics Of Crystalline Silicon Oxynitride

Oxidation stability of silicon oxynitride is a property of great technological significance. In this study, the oxidation behavior of stoichiometric polycrystalline Si2N2O was investigated in 1 and 0.5 atm flowing dry oxygen at 1000°-1300°C. The oxidized Si2N2O samples were characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The oxidation kinetics were determined using profilometry in conjunction with patterned etching. Oxidation of Si2N2O resulted in the formation of amorphous SiO2. The SiO2-Si2N2O interface was chemically and structurally abrupt. A parabolic rate law was followed during oxidation with apparent activation energies ranging from 43 to 52 kcal/mol. The relatively high activation energy values compared to that for silicon oxidation suggest that oxidation of Si2N2O is rate-controlled by a more complex process than molecular oxygen diffusion in amorphous SiO2.
THE FUTURE OF ACADEMIC UROLOGISTS

Urologists are trained to care for patients with urological diseases. Often they are called upon to perform research projects to solve a clinical problem or to improve the current practice in urology. Consequently, there will be a need for urologists to conduct research. However, with the current managed health care system, urologists find it increasingly difficult to devote a significant amount of time to research.
STABILITY OF PENTOSIDINE CONCENTRATIONS IN MUSEUM STUDY SKINS

Abstract Accumulation of the advanced glycation endproduct pentosidine (Ps) in skin collagen is strongly correlated with age of adult birds. This allows age estimates to be made without use of banding data. We examined the stability of Ps in museum study skins. We took skin samples from six Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) study skins at three-month intervals over the course of one year. The data revealed no significant variation in Ps concentrations within individual birds, which indicates that Ps is stable in study skins for at least 12 months. These data suggest that inferences concerning age might be made from similarly prepared specimens from collections around the world. Additionally, we found significant variations in Ps concentrations in skin collagen among six different locations on the study skins. This suggests that care and consistency are important when excising skin for Ps measurement and age estimation in birds. Estabilidad de las Concentraciones de Pentosidina en Pieles de Estudio de Museo
Enhanced Bioavailability of EPA From Emulsified Fish Oil Preparations Versus Capsular Triacylglycerol

For those individuals who are unable to consume adequate long chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn3) from dietary sources, fish oil supplementation is an attractive alternative Pre-emulsified fish oil supplements, an alternative to capsular triacylglycerol, may enhance the uptake of LCn3 fatty acids it contains. A randomized, Latin-square crossover design was used to compare the effects of four fish oil supplement preparations (Emulsions S, B and N) on phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) concentrations in ten healthy volunteers compared to oil capsules over 48 h after a single dose and chylomicron fatty acid (CMFA) was evaluated over 8 h. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 24 and 48 h and fatty acid concentrations of PLFA and CMFA were determined by gas chromatography and the integrated area under the curve over 40 h (iAUC0-48) was determined. Emulsion S and Emulsion N promoted increased uptake of EPA into PLFA over 48 h when evaluating by iAUC0-48 or individual time points of assessment. No differences were observed between supplements in the CMFA concentrations.
Impact of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy-linked mutations in the NH2 terminus of the RLC on β-myosin cross-bridge mechanics

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with mutations in sarcomeric proteins, including the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC). Here we studied the impact of three HCM mutations ...
Pressor effects of fat and salt in rats.

AbstractThe role of dietary lipids in the development of salt-induced hypertension was studied. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat (HSAT) (5% corn oil-15% coconut oil), a high-carbohydrate (HCARB) (5% corn oil), or a commercial rat diet. Within the HSAT and HCARB groups, subgroups were randomly chosen and the level of salt was varied in the following progression: high salt (HS) (8% NaCl); medium salt (MS) (6% NaCl); and basal salt (BS) (0.15% NaCl). Rats were maintained at each level of salt for 2 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured from the tail artery using an electrosphygmomanometer. No significant elevation in blood pressure was demonstrated by rats maintained on the HCARB—BS or commercial laboratory diet during a 6-week experimental period. An intermediate elevation in blood pressure was seen in rats fed the HCARB—HS or HSAT—BS diets. Rats fed the HSAT—HS diet demonstrated the most significant elevation in blood pressure, becoming hypertensive within 1 week of diet introduction. Blood pr...
Effects of Long-Term Feeding of Vegetable Fats on Atherosclerosis.

SummaryWhite Carneau pigeons were maintained for 26 1/2 months on cholesterol-free diets (pigeon pellets). When such diets were supplemented with 10% Crisco, aortic atherosclerosis and the level of aorta cholesterol were less than in birds receiving no supplement, or 10% safflower oil. Serum cholesterol levels were not different in these 3 groups. When other groups were maintained on diets containing 1% cholesterol for 6 months, the severity of atherosclerosis was increased, and inclusion of 10% safflower oil in the diets exerted no prophylactic effect. When cholesterol was removed from the diets, and the birds were maintained for an additional 12 months on either pellets alone, or pellets plus 10% safflower oil, there was no decrease in the level of aorta cholesterol and a slight decrease in aortic atherosclerosis.
Nitrate framework directive and cross compliance: two case studies from the MO.NA.CO. monitoring network

The Act A4 refers to Articles 4 and 5 of Directive 91/676 / EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. The A4 Act applies to farms that have land within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ); it also applies to farms, with or without herds, that participate in measure 214 of the Rural Development Plans. The monitoring was performed in two experimental farms belonging to CREA-FLC. Both monitoring sites are located in vulnerable areas designated by the Lombardy Region. In the monitoring period MO.NA.CO., the regional standard of reference were the Decrees of the Regional Government DGR5868 / 2007 and DGR2208 / 2011. The average cost attributable to administrative requirements was about € 600 / year / company and was mainly due to a professional agronomist who prepared the Agronomic Utilization Plan (PUA), assisted the farm in preparing its communication, provided advice and informed farm managers on regulatory updates. An informal, not systematic survey made possible to detect that the cost to fulfil the obligations of communication can be very variable depending on the farm’s characteristics (size, production, size of the herd) and the type of consultant assisting the breeder (freelancer, association, cooperative). For example, in some cases the cost is based on the area of the farm, in others on the number of animals in the herd; and in other situations, the associations and freelance agronomist apply a flat rate for the compilation of the PUAs which is unaffected by farm characteristics and ranging from a minimum of € 100 / year / company practiced by some farmers’ association to a maximum of € 800 / year / company required by some freelance agronomist. At Baroncina farm the storage capacity of the slurry, during the monitoring period, was not compliant with the law because the volumes produced could not be stocked for 120 days as required by the standard. New storage facilities have been designed and built; the overall cost of implementation of new tanks was about € 50 / m 3 .
Serum elastase inhibitor; levels in animal and human sera, including selected disease states.

SummaryA study of certain variables involved in measuring elastase-inhibitor activity of animal and human serum is presented, with particular emphasis upon time of incubation of the system. The inhibitor is shown to reside at the alpha1-globulin/albumin junction of electrophoretically fractionated serum, but is not itself directly proportional to absolute values of either of these fractions. Inhibitor level in humans is probably independent of age. Mean value for males is about 56.6% under the experimental conditions outlined in this report. Value for females is somewhat higher. Representative levels for sera of chicken, rabbit, guinea-pig, rat, mouse, sheep, dog, and monkey are given. Inhibitor is greatly elevated in sera of human females during the third trimester of pregnancy. In a number of selected disease states the inhibitor was found usually to be moderately elevated, although no consistent pattern was noted. The inhibitor was not diminished in sera of patients with arteriosclerosis.
Voting and democracy

L'A. confronte les approches preferentielle et declarative du vote a une serie de tests qui doit determiner la conception adequate du vote. L'A. rejette les approches agregationniste et rousseauiste de la democratie et privilegie la definition du vote en terme de ressource, comprise dans la cadre d'une conception egalitariste de la democratie
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infections:multiple factors analysis

OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of Helicobacter pylori(Hp) infections in the young white-collar workers in Ningbo,and to analyze the risk factors for Hp infections so as to put forward the control strategies.METHODS The cluster sampling was conducted in 12 companies in six districts of Ningbo,2 companies in each district.A total of 269 subjects were investigated accumulatively,including 134 cases of males and 133 cases of females,the subjects were with the age between 22 and 43 years with the median age of 27 years.A questionnaire survey was conducted.The serum Hp antibodies were measured by ELISA method,and the field breath test and the detection of stool Hp antigens were performed to evaluate the current status of infections.RESULTS Hp infections occurred in 114 young workers with the incidence rate of 42.4%,the male of 39.0%,the female of 45.9%,the research indicated that the Hp infection was related to the living conditions,work intensity,dining environment,smoking and alcohol drinking,and exercise intensity.Hp infection was highly correlated with smoking and alcohol drinking as well as long work overtime.CONCLUSION The young white-collar workers in this area are at high risk of Hp infections,thus it is necessary to improve the living condition,develop good eating and health habit,and strengthen the physical exercise so as to reduce the incidence of Hp infections in the adult.
Calculation of the loop closing steady-state current in radial power distribution network

Calculating and analyzing to the steady-state current caused by loop closing operations in radial power distribution networks are extraordinary important to the safe operations. This paper studies the calculation method of loop closing steady-state current in radial distribution networks. The voltage and current iterative method based on associated matrix is introduced to calculate the power flow distributed in each branch before the loop closing operation, and then the superposition principle is involved to obtain the current distribution after the loop closing operation. To the typical example in Macau-CEM 11kV power distribution networks, of which the current distribution before and after loop closing operation is calculated, the accuracy and practicability of the method proposed are certified by the comparisons between calculation results and measurement results. Finally, this paper analyzes the influence to the current value after operations led by the variations of bus node voltage phase angle difference and amplitude difference.
Analysis of Clinical Features and Follow-up of Urolithiasis in 139 Infants Fed by Melamine-Contained Powdered Formula

Objective To explore the clinical features,influencing factor and prognosis of urolithiasis in infants fed by melamine-contained powdered formula.Methods The clinical features,curative effects and follow-up data of urolithiasis in 139 infants fed by melamine-contained powdered formula,diagnosed from Sep.2008 to Oct.2008 in Jiangxi Children′s Hospital,were retrospectively analyzed.Among the children,less than 6 months were 8 cases,6-12 months were 60 cases,12-24 months were 58 cases,24-36 months were 13 cases.Results Of the 139 children,the ratio between male and female was 1.51,and the duration of feeding melamine-powdered was 1 month to 36 months,and 49.64%(69 cases) appeared symptoms included dysuria,crying on urination,hypourocrinia,abnormal color of urine.The morbidity of multiple urinary stones was 60% in 6-12 months group,higher than other age groups(P0.05).The morbidity of hydronephrosis were similar at different age groups(P0.05).After the treatment of intravenous sodium bicarbonate and fluid infusion for stones dissolution for 28 days,the effect was evaluated,76 cases(54.67%) were cured,41 cases(29.50%) got better,22 cases(15.83%) were unrecovered.One-year follow-up study among 131 of 139 cases,121 cases(92.37%) didn′t have stones,and 10 cases(7.63%) remained urinary stones,and 2 cases(1.53%) had hydronephrosis.Conclusions Urinary stones would be detected in infants for 4-6 weeks feeding melamine-contained powdered formula.The morbidity of multiple urinary stones and obstructive renal failure are high and the ratio of surgical treatment is increased in 6-12 months group.Treatment of intravenous sodium bicarbonate and fluid infusion are effective and safe.After the infants stop taking melamine-contained powdered formula,most of urinary stones are discharged in 1 year.
Differential transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression of the colony-stimulating factors by interleukin-1 and fetal bovine serum in murine fibroblasts

Colony-stimulating factors (CSF) are important factors in the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC), and in the survival and activation of mature blood cells. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) combined with fetal bovine serum (FBS) strongly induces the expression of macrophage-CSF (M-CSF), granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF), and granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF) in fibroblasts. Here, we report on the regulation of CSF gene expression in murine fibroblasts following IL-1 and FBS stimulation. We demonstrate that 10T1/2 murine fibroblasts induced by FBS or IL-1 accumulate M-CSF messenger RNA (mRNA). G-CSF mRNA expression was induced by IL-1, and not by FBS. For GM-CSF expression, induction with both FBS and IL-1 was required. Blocking studies with actinomycin-D showed that active transcription is essential for accumulation of all three CSF mRNAs. After blocking protein synthesis with cycloheximide, IL-1- or FBS-induced M-CSF expression and IL-1 plus FBS-induced GM-CSF expression still occurred and was increased. IL-1-induced G-CSF expression was completely prevented in these cells by pretreatment with cycloheximide, illustrating that, for this effect, intermediate protein synthesis was required. The half-lives of M-CSF transcripts were not substantially altered by addition of IL-1, FBS, or FBS plus IL-1. Using nuclear run-on assays, we demonstrated that the transcription rate of M-CSF was increased up to 20-fold by the addition of FBS, IL-1, or FBS plus IL-1. After blocking protein synthesis with cycloheximide, IL-1-or FBS-induced increase in M-CSF transcription rate was also observed. GM-CSF transcription increased up to fourfold after induction with FBS or IL-1. G-CSF transcription rate was not altered by FBS or IL-1. Our results indicate that M-CSF expression induced by FBS or IL-1 in these fibroblasts is primarily regulated at the transcriptional level. GM-CSF expression appears to be regulated both transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally, and G-CSF expression is regulated mainly at the posttranscriptional level.