cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MapJAX: data structure abstractions for asynchronous web applications

The current approach to developing rich, interactive web applications relies on asynchronous RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls) to fetch new data to be displayed by the client. We argue that for the majority of web applications, this RPC-based model is not the correct abstraction: it forces programmers to use an awkward continuation-passing style of programming and to expend too much effort manually transferring data. We propose a new programming model, MapJAX, to remedy these problems. MapJAX provides the abstraction of data structures shared between the browser and the server, based on the familiar primitives of objects, locks, and threads. MapJAX also provides additional features (parallel for loops and prefetching) that help developers minimize response times in their applications. Map-JAX thus allows developers to focus on what they do best-writing compelling applications-rather than worrying about systems issues of data transfer and callback management. We describe the design and implementation of the MapJAX framework and show its use in three prototypical web applications: a mapping application, an email client, and a search-autocomplete application. We evaluate the performance of these applications under realistic Internet latency and bandwidth constraints and find that the unoptimized MapJAX versions perform comparably to the standard AJAX versions, while MapJAX performance optimizations can dramatically improve performance, by close to a factor of 2 relative to non-MapJAX code in some cases.
Myocardial metastasis or benign brown fat

Noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of cell glucose metabolism has become an essential tool for assessing tissue viability in cardiac (hibernating myocardium) and malignant disease (tumor regression or recurrence). However, PET studies alone provide information regarding tissue and organ metabolism but may not provide enough spatial resolution for accurate assessment of critical structural changes that are the cause or consequence of metabolic perturbations. The following case illustrates the pitfalls of relying on a single cardiac imaging modality and demonstrates how integration of metabolic data from PET with structural data from echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), or MRI studies can be used to correctly identify and manage a diagnostic dilemma. A 63-year-old woman with a medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and tobacco use was diagnosed with a left lung mass on a chest x-ray examination. A combined CT/fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET scan at another institution revealed the left lung mass (Figure 1) as well as a cardiac mass with increased uptake of radiotracer concerning for a cardiac metastasis (Figure 2). The CT Hounsfield unit (HU) density in the cardiac mass was −57 HU. She was referred for transesophageal echocardiography to further assess the cardiac mass (Figure 3). She had marked thickening of the interatrial septum with sparing of the fossa ovalis. A cardiac MRI (Figure …
DLH1 is a Functional Candida albicans Homologue of the Meiosis-Specific Gene DMC1

DMC1/LIM15 homologue 1 (DLH1), a gene related to meiosis-specific genes, has been isolated from Candida albicans, a fungus thought not to undergo meiosis. The deduced protein sequence of DLH1 contains 74% amino acid identity with Dmc1p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and 63% with Lim15p from the plant Lilium longiflorum, meiosis-specific homologues of Escherichia coli RecA. Candida DLH1 complements a dmc1/dmc1 null mutant in S. cerevisiae. High copy expression of DLH1 restores both sporulation and meiotic recombination to a Saccharomyces dmc1Δ/dmc1Δ strain. Unlike the DMC1 gene, which is transcribed only in meiotic cells, the heterologous Candida DLH1 gene is transcribed in both vegetative and meiotic cells of S. cerevisiae. Transcription of DLH1 is not detected or induced in C. albicans under conditions that induce DMC1 and meiosis in S. cerevisiae. The presence of an intact homologue of a meiosis-specific gene in C. albicans raises the possibility that this organism has a cryptic meiotic pathway.
SORBIC ACID LOSS FROM HIGH MOISTURE PRUNES

Sorbic acid is lost from treated prunes rapidly during the first 2 days after treatment with a gradual loss occurring during storage, with the rate dependent on storage time, storage temperature, prune moisture level, and sorbic acid content. The loss mechanism appears to be mainly chemical and not microbial and is not first-order. A sorbic acid gradient existed in treated prunes, with the skin always containing a larger amount.
Effects of transcranial focal electrical stimulation via tripolar concentric ring electrodes on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats

Tripolar concentric ring electrode; TCRE; EEG; PTZ; Seizure; Epilepsy Summary Purpose: To study the effects of noninvasive transcranial focal electrical stimulation (TFS) via tripolar concentric ring electrodes (TCRE) on the electrographic and behavioral activity from pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats. Methods: The TCREs were attached to the rat scalp. PTZ was administered and, after the first myoclonic jerk was observed, TFS was applied to the TFS treated group. The electroencephalogram (EEG) and behavioral activity were recorded and studied.
Understanding the Experience of College Graduates during Their First Year of Employment.

A company's college recruitment practices, as well as its socialization processes for graduates once they have joined the organization, can be improved when there is understanding of college graduates' experience during the first year of employment. This study recorded the experiences of eight college graduates who were employed by a medical device manufacturer in the Midwest. Nine themes common to all participants are identified and grouped into three categories: work environment, friendship, and performance. Related research on college graduates and first-job experiences, Generations X and Y, job expectations, and new-hire socialization is also reviewed. Recommendations are offered for consideration by the organization that employs the study's participants to improve college graduates' experience. Further research implications are also discussed.
Developing, Implementing, and Evaluating a Multifaceted Quality Improvement Intervention to Promote Sleep in an ICU

Critically ill patients commonly experience poor sleep quality in the intensive care unit (ICU) because of various modifiable factors. To address this issue, an ICU-wide, multifaceted quality improvement (QI) project was undertaken to promote sleep in the Johns Hopkins Hospital Medical ICU (MICU). To supplement previously published results of this QI intervention, the present article describes the specific QI framework used to develop and implement this intervention, which consists of 4 steps: (a) summarizing the evidence to create a list of sleep-promoting interventions, (b) identifying and addressing local barriers to implementation, (c) selecting performance measures to assess intervention adherence and patient outcomes, and (d) ensuring that all patients receive the interventions through staff engagement and education and regular project evaluation. Measures of performance included daily completion rates of daytime and nighttime sleep improvement checklists and completion rates of individual interventions. Although long-term adherence and sustainability pose ongoing challenges, this model provides a foundation for future ICU sleep promotion initiatives.
Use of a relational database to manage an automated periodical use study

(1998). Use of a relational database to manage an automated periodical use study. Serials Review: Vol. 24, No. 3-4, pp. 21-32.
The business model: Present and future—beyond a skeumorph

In this essay, we address the research question of when is the business model idea useful? We argue that the use of the term “business model” as a “description” of how a traditional venture operates is strong on redundancy and weak on theoretical grounding. We argue that the idea behind a “model” of value creation, especially involving nonmonetary exchanges is, however, of great importance moving forward. Up to this point, there has been a quite practical approach used in understanding the idea and its effects. But now, there is a need to transition from the “idea-as-given” perspective to a “not-given” perspective in order to place the business model in a theoretical perspective where it can be understood in more abstract terms and then applied in new ways. That transition leads to new research questions, a new determination of the idea’s value in nontraditional contexts, and new effects on existing related theories and on policies to control potential effects.
Motor adaptation to a small force field superimposed on a large background force

The human motor system adapts to novel force field perturbations during reaching by forming an internal model of the external dynamics and by modulating arm impedance. We studied whether it uses similar strategies when the perturbation is superimposed on a much larger background force. Consistent with the Weber-Fechner law for force perception, subjects had greater difficulty consciously perceiving the force field perturbation when it was superimposed on the large background force. However, they still adapted to the perturbation, decreasing trajectory distortion with repeated reaching and demonstrating kinematic after effects when the perturbation was unexpectedly removed. They also adapted by increasing their arm impedance when the background force was not present, but did not vary the arm impedance when the background force was present. The identified parameters of a previously proposed mathematical model of motor adaptation changed significantly with the presence of the background force. These results indicate that the motor system maintains its sensitivity for internal model formation even when there are large background forces that mask perception. Further, the motor system modulates arm impedance differently in response to the same perturbation depending on the background force onto which that perturbation is superimposed. Finally, these results suggest that computational models of motor adaptation will likely need to include force-dependent parameters to accurately predict errors.
Global metabolomic responses of Nitrosomonas europaea 19718 to cold stress and altered ammonia feeding patterns

The model ammonia-oxidizing bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea represents one of the environmentally and biotechnologically significant microorganisms. Genome-based studies over the last decade have led to many intriguing discoveries about its cellular biochemistry and physiology. However, knowledge regarding the regulation of overall metabolic routes in response to various environmental stresses is limited due to a lack of comprehensive, time-resolved metabolomic analyses. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolic profiling was performed to characterize the temporal variations of N. europaea 19718 intercellular metabolites in response to varied temperature (23 and 10 °C) and ammonia feeding patterns (shock loading and continuous feeding of 20 mg N/L). Approximately 87 metabolites were successfully identified and mapped to the existing pathways of N. europaea 19718, allowing interpretation of the influence of temperature and feeding pattern on metabolite levels. In general, varied temperature had a more profound influence on the overall metabolism than varied feeding patterns. Total extracellular metabolite concentrations (relative to internal standards and normalized to biomass weight) were lower under cold stress and shock loading conditions compared with the control (continuous feeding at 23 °C). Cold stress caused the widespread downregulation of metabolites involved in central carbon metabolism, amino acid, and lipid synthesis (e.g., malonic acid, succinic acid, putrescine, and phosphonolpyruvate). Metabolites that showed differences under varied feeding patterns were mainly involved in nucleotide acid, amino acid, and lipid metabolism (e.g., adenine, uracil, and spermidine). This study highlighted the roles of central carbon and nitrogen metabolism in countering cold stress and altered ammonia availability. In addition, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data from three studies on N. europaea were compared to achieve a holistic view of some important synergy and interconnectivity among different cellular components (RNA, protein, and metabolites) during ammonia starvation.
Mono- and Trivalent Ions around DNA: A Small-Angle Scattering Study of Competition and Interactions

The presence of small numbers of multivalent ions in DNA-containing solutions results in strong attractive forces between DNA strands. Despite the biological importance of this interaction, e.g., DNA condensation, its physical origin remains elusive. We carried out a series of experiments to probe interactions between short DNA strands as small numbers of trivalent ions are included in a solution containing DNA and monovalent ions. Using resonant (anomalous) and nonresonant small angle x-ray scattering, we coordinated measurements of the number and distribution of each ion species around the DNA with the onset of attractive forces between DNA strands. DNA-DNA interactions occur as the number of trivalent ions increases. Surprisingly good agreement is found between data and size-corrected numerical Poisson-Boltzmann predictions of ion competition for non- and weakly interacting DNAs. We also obtained an estimate for the minimum number of trivalent ions needed to initiate DNA-DNA attraction.
Microphase separation in block‐random copolymers of styrene, 4‐acetoxystyrene, and 4‐hydroxystyrene

“Block-random” copolymers—where one or more blocks are themselves random copolymers—offer a flexible modification to the usual block copolymer architecture. For example, in a poly(A)-poly(A-ran-B) diblock consisting of monomer units A and B, the interblock segregation strength can be continuously tuned through the B content of the random block, allowing the design of block copolymers with accessible order-disorder transitions at arbitrarily high molecular weights. Moreover, the development of controlled radical polymerizations has greatly expanded the palette of accessible monomer units A and B, including units with strongly interacting functional groups. We synthesize a range of copolymers consisting of styrene (S) and acetoxystyrene (AS) units, including copolymers where one block is P(S-ran-AS), through nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization. At sufficiently high molecular weights, near-symmetric PS-PAS diblocks show well-ordered lamellar morphologies, while dilution of the repulsive S-AS interactions in PS-P(S-ran-AS) diblocks yields a phase-mixed morphology. Cleavage of a sufficient fraction of the AS units in a phase-mixed PS-P(S-ran-AS) diblock to hydrogen-bonding hydroxystyrene (HS) units yields, in turn, a microphase-separated melt. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 47:2106–2113, 2009.
Reliability Qualification of CoSi2 Electrical Fuse for 90Nm Technology

The reliability of CoSi2/p-poly Si electrical fuse (eFUSE) programmed by electromigration for 90nm technology will be presented. Both programmed and unprogrammed fuse elements were shown to be stable through extensive reliability evaluations. A qualification methodology is demonstrated to define an optimized reliable electrical fuse programming window by combining fuse resistance measurements, physical analysis, and functional sensing data. This methodology addresses the impact on electrical fuse reliability caused by process variation and device degradation (e.g., NBTI) in the sensing circuit and allows an adequate margin to ensure electrical fuse reliability over the chip lifetime.
Distribution and interaction of white-tailed deer and cattle in a semi-arid grazing system

In order to optimize production, range managers need to understand and manage the spatial distribution of free-ranging herbivores, although this task becomes increasingly difficult as ranching operations diversify to include management of wildlife for recreational hunting. White-tailed deer are sympatric with cattle throughout much of their range and are a valuable commodity in southern rangelands. The spatial distribution of deer and cattle was monitored over 1 year during four trials each lasting 12 days. In each trial six white-tailed deer (three bucks, three does) and nine cows were fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Collars were scheduled to take a position location every 5 min to determine animal location. These data were analyzed to study animal-to-animal interactions. To minimize problems of spatial autocorrelation, data were thinned to hourly locations for assessing animal home ranges and distributions. Although there was extensive overlap in spatial distributions of deer and cattle the species exhibited strong temporal separation. The mechanism was probably a combination of avoidance of cattle by deer and different habitat requirements. Close interactions were rare, however, individual deer did not show avoidance of cattle until they were within 50 m of each other. Species distributions overlapped mainly on the most productive ecological sites such as clay loam soils and riparian areas which were favored by both species. Cattle avoided rocky terrain, so deer had almost exclusive use of rocky areas including the productive deep soil drainage areas within them. Does particularly favored these areas and the riparian areas while bucks favored the more open clay loam sites. In this shrub-dominated system both deer and cattle were often located close to ranch roads, and cattle especially used roads as paths of least resistance. Cattle were closely associated with water sources, but deer did not stay long near water or at supplemental feeding sites. Concerns that cattle will displace deer into marginal habitats, or that deer will over utilize vegetation near water and feeders, were not supported.
Program Control Structures

The sections in this article are 1 Repetition Control Structures 2 Parallelization of do Loops 3 Parallelizing Conditional Cyclic Loops 4 An Interprocedural Array Data-Flow Analysis 5 Further Reading
Neuroimaging as a New Tool in the Toolbox of Psychological Science

During the past quarter century, advances in imaging technology have helped transform scientific fields. As important as the data made available by these new technologies have been, equally important have been the guides provided by existing theories and the converging evidence provided by other methodologies. The field of psychological science is no exception. Neuroimaging is an important new tool in the toolbox of psychological science, but it is most productive when its use is guided by psychological theories and complemented by converging methodologies including (but not limited to) lesion, electrophysiological, computational, and behavioral studies. Based on this approach, the articles in this special issue specify neural mechanisms involved in perception, attention, categorization, memory, recognition, attitudes, social cognition, language, motor coordination, emotional regulation, executive function, decision making, and depression. Understanding the contributions of individual and functionally con...
Rent-To-Own Agreements: Purchases Or Rentals?

The rent-to-own (RTO) business has emerged as an important component of the retailing sector. By offering immediate access to household goods for a small periodic fee without a credit check or down payment, RTO has strong appeal to low income and financially distressed consumers. A common perception of RTO is that they are disguised, high-interest installment agreements as most consumers eventually acquire the contracted merchandise by making all scheduled payments. We examine the nature of these agreements by using a unique data set of more than 350 thousand transactions drawn from 100 RTO stores in 46 states. Our main result, derived from an analysis of disposition and duration, is that RTO agreements are more frequently used for short-term needs rather than as a method of acquisition. Legislative and legal efforts to classify RTO agreements as primarily installment contracts cannot be justified by their pattern of use in the marketplace.
Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes has a profound impact on the cardiovascular system, and oxidative stress is likely an important mechanism through which diabetes adversely affects that system. Numerous animal and some human studies support the role of oxidative stress as a unifying hypothesis linking hyperglycemia to distinct cardiovascular pathophysiologic processes. The ultimate mechanism of excess production of ROS in diabetes likely involves multiple enzymatic sources of ROS that are both convergent upon common cellular and molecular targets and interrelated with positive feedback loops occurring between these different enzymatic systems. Particular roles of mitochondrial electron transport chain, Nox family NADPH oxidases, and uncoupled NO synthase(s) have been documented. While the experimental data linking oxidative stress to the cardiovascular complications of diabetes are quite extensive, as is the case in many other settings, there is a lack of convincing data in humans demonstrating a protective effect of antioxidants on diabetic cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, strategies to reduce disrupted redox cell signaling and oxidative stress may find applicability regarding the treatment and prevention of the cardiovascular complications of diabetes.
What Does Innocence Have to Do with it? A Commentary on Wrongful Convictions and Rationality

This essay explores the interplay between rationality and wrongful convictions in light of presentations made at a symposium on Visions of Rationality and Evidence Law held at Michigan State University College of Law. The motivation for this inquiry arose from the author's role as co-chair of an American Bar Association (ABA) Criminal Justice Section Committee, which was developing policies to strengthen the integrity of the criminal trial process in light of the DNA exonerations. Questions are raised about how to present probabilistic and forensic evidence at trial so that jurors understand, but do not overvalue expert testimony, and whether the pro admissibility approach of the federal rules of evidence can have an unintended negative effect on jury decision-making. The author recognizes that rationality does not imply empirical accuracy, since one can reason from incorrect premises. Finally, a number of other evidentiary issues are addressed in the context of suggesting how we can lessen the possibility of wrongful convictions.
Relationship between compliance by adolescent orthodontic patients and performance on psychological tests

Two hundred and fifty-two adolescent orthodontic patients were categorized according to their general level of compliance during orthodontic treatment. Each patient completed three standardized psychological tests, (1) The Comprehensive Personal Assessment System: Self-Report Inventory, by Oliver H. Bown, (2) The Adolescent Alienation Index, by F. K. Heussenstamm, and (3) The Home Index, by Harrison Gough. The most important variable in predicting compliance was the sex of the patient. Females were more compliant than males. The psychological tests indicated that more compliant patients scored higher on self-esteem, derived self-satisfaction from personal achievement, were optimistic regarding the future, had higher socioeconomic status and had a low degree of general alienation from society. These easy-to-administer, brief psychological inventories could be helpful to clinicians in anticipating compliance problems during orthodontic treatment.
Carpel development, anatomy, and function in the reproductive process in Ornithogalum caudatum (Liliaceae)

Summary In Ornithogalum, carpel development begins with the initiation by a basal meristem of domeshaped carpel primordia. These primordia grow primarily by cell expansions rather than by cell division and addition of new cells. Centripetal infolding and fusion of carpels along, their abaxial surface forms septa which define the ovarian locules. Fusion does not occur along the entire suture, however, and septal nectaries develop in the chambers where the two epidermal layers do not fuse. These septal nectaries then secrete exudate at anthesis. The distal portion of the carpels develops into a hollow style terminated by a dry, papillate stigma. In the carpels proper, three types of idioblastic cells occur: one type contains calcium oxalate raphide crystals, another one contains a carbohydrate-protein complex, and the third type, found only in cells of the abaxial epidermis, contains lipotubuloids. Carpellary vasculature consists of one dorsal, two ventral, and two lateral veins, plus numerous small interconnecting veins which differentiate shortly after fertilization and mature during embyogenesis. Stomates and a multi-layered chlorenchyma develop during embryogenesis also. Carbohydrate-protein storage complexes and lipotubuloids are catabolized during later stages of seed maturation, presumably to be used in seed development. Also at this time, the outer wall of the adaxial epidermal cells thickens extensively. As dehiscence approaches, remaining contents of carpellary cells, including raphide crystals, are catabolized and mobilized out of the carpels leaving a reticulum of cell walls. Walls eventually dry and, when stress becomes great enough, thickened inner walls of adaxial epidermis cells roll inward causing the carpels to separate along their suture lines.
Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man, 6th Edition. Randall Baselt. Foster City, CA: Biomedical Publications, 2002, 1150 pp., $135.00. ISBN 0-9626523-5-0.

My laboratory has an older copy of this book, which I have used as a reference many times. Thus I was pleased to be able to evaluate the newest release of this book. This latest edition has been expanded significantly in both coverage and size; it provides information for 599 substances encountered in human poisonings—up considerably from the 482 compounds covered in the previous edition. Human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, solvents, inhalants, insecticides, metals, natural toxins, household chemicals, homeopathic compounds, dietary supplements, anabolic steroids, and chemical warfare agents are all included. Individual compounds are covered alphabetically in the book, with essential information summarized in two to three pages. The format is similar for …
PYY and GLP-1 contribute to feedback inhibition from the canine ileum and colon

To explore mechanisms whereby unabsorbed nutrients in the ileum inhibit the upper gut ("ileal brake"), we perfused the canine ileum or colon and monitored phase 3 in the duodenum. Fasting motility was recorded when the ileum or colon was perfused with 154 mM NaCl, a mixed isotonic nutrient solution (Ensure), or individual nutrients (maltose, casein hydrolysates, or sodium oleate). Blood samples were collected before and during the perfusions. The ileum was also perfused with 154 mM NaCl while peptide YY (PYY) was infused by vein. In both sets of experiments, plasma levels of PYY, neurotensin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were measured. Ileal or colonic perfusion of Ensure delayed phase 3 [migrating motor complexes (MMC)] in the duodenum, inhibited ileal motility, and increased plasma levels of PYY and GLP-1. Ileal casein and oleate and colonic casein also delayed the duodenal MMC. The MMC cycle length and plasma levels of PYY were closely correlated. Intravenous PYY prolonged the MMC cycle; an intravenous dose of 100 pmol.kg-1.h-1 of PYY mimicked the effects of ileal Ensure. These results support the hypothesis that PYY, and possibly GLP-1, participate in the ileal brake. This negative feedback loop also affects the distal small bowel. The proximal colon also triggers the feedback inhibition of gut motility (colonic brake).
Second Language Reading and Instruction

Reading comprehension is a process in which words are interpreted and meaning is created. We read for a variety of reasons: to obtain information, to communicate, and for enjoyment. In order to comprehend or assign meaning to a text, various linguistic, conceptual, reasoning, and metacognitive abilities must work efficiently and simultaneously within the reader (Grabe, 1991; Grabe & Stoller, 2011). Views on second language reading have been greatly influenced by research on first language reading. Second language reading research strives to understand what ‘good’ first language readers do and tries to guide second language instructors, learners, and readers in that direction (Catts & Kamhi, 2005; Grabe, 1991; Grabe & Stoller, 2011). However, in order to effectively do so, it is essential to understand what reading is and its multifaceted nature, both in a reader’s first as well as second language.
Conflation and Integration of Archived Geologic Maps and Associated Uncertainties

Old, archived geologic maps are often available with little or no associated metadata. This creates special problems in terms of extracting their data to use with a modern database. This research focuses on some problems and uncertainties associated with conflating older geologic maps in regions where modern geologic maps are, as yet, non-existent as well as vertically integrating the conflated maps with layers of modern GIS data (in this case, The National Map of the U.S. Geological Survey). Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri was chosen as the test area. It is covered by six archived geologic maps constructed in the years between 1928 and 1994. Conflating these maps results in a map that is internally consistent with these six maps, is digitally integrated with hydrography, elevation and orthoimagery data, and has a 95% confidence interval useful for further data set integration.
Lipolysis of serum-activated triacylglycerol at the surface of J774.1 macrophages. A biochemical--electron-microscopic study.

Cultured mouse (J774.1) macrophages accumulated triacylglycerol, but no cholesteryl ester or cholesterol, when incubated in albumin-poor medium with serum-activated lipid particles containing 84 mol% trioleoylglycerol and 9 mol% cholesteryl oleate. Accumulation of triacylglycerol by cells was associated with hydrolysis of particulate triacylglycerol to fatty acid and glycerol. Both acyl and glyceryl moieties of particulate triacylglycerol were recovered in cellular triacylglycerol with a molar ratio of 3.6. The cells also accumulated fatty acid and monoacylglycerol. Whether acylglycerol was taken up as a single molecular species, such as monoacylglycerol, or as several species can not be determined by the present findings. Macrophages incubated with lipid particles for 24 h had many lipid particles attached to cell surfaces and numerous intracellular lipid droplets. The surface film of attached particles was continuous with the outer leaflet of plasma membrane of the cells. Particles partially depleted of core triacylglycerol and collapsed surface films were found attached to surfaces of macrophages. There was no morphological evidence that lipid particles were taken up intact by cells, through endocytosis or phagocytosis. Macrophages incubated with lipid particles also contained intracellular lamellar structures. They varied in size and shape, and were located in the periphery of cells, sometimes near lipid droplets and endoplasmic reticulum. Only 3% of the lamellar structures were associated with lysosomes, indicating they probably were not of lysosomal origin. Lipid particles attached to cells decreased in size and number, and lamellar structures developed at the surface of particles, or replaced the particles, when glutaraldehyde-fixed specimens were incubated at 25° C, demonstrating lipolytic activity at the surface of macrophages. Our findings suggest that particulate triacylglycerol was hydrolyzed by lipoprotein lipase at the surface of macrophages, and that fatty acid and monoacylglycerol formed by lipolysis were transported directly into the cells to be reesterified. When lipolytic products were taken up faster than they could be utilized, they accumulated as lamellar structures in the cells.
Doppler treadmill studies in coronary patients: Angiographic correlates

Doppler echocardiography in the 1980’s has become one of the cornerstones of noninvasive testing in the evaluation of valvular heart disease. Because more of the population has coronary artery disease than valvular heart disease, investigators have searched for a use of Doppler echocardiography in this population. In addition, there has been a continuing search for improved sensitivity and specificity of exercise testing the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Because of these combined needs, investigators have used Doppler derived parameters of aortic flow to assess for abnormalities during exercise.
Survey on Status of Obesity Among Urban Pupils in Lengshuitan District of Yongzhou City

Objective To investigate the status of obesity in urban primary school students of Lengshuitan District, to analyze the influencing factors, and to formulate intervention measures. Methods The objects were enrolled by cluster random sampling method. The obesity status of the pupils was surveyed through the data of the pupils’ health examinations and was analyzed on gender and age basis. Results A total of 9,096 pupils were surveyed in 2010. The detection rate of obesity was 12.5%, 20.1% for boys and 3.1% for girls. A total of 8,766 pupils were surveyed in 2011. The detection rate of obesity was 13.7%, 21.2% for boys and 3.9% for girls. The detection rate of obesity in boys was significantly higher than that in girls (P0.01). Conclusions The detection rate of obesity in male pupils of Lengshuitan District is higher. Scientific and targeted health education and health promotion activities should be conducted in primary schools through a variety of communication methods so as to improve health literacy about reducing the incidence of obesity in teachers, parents and pupils.
Generation of neutrophil chemoattractants by phagocytosing bovine mammary macrophages.

Macrophages from bovine mammary gland were cultured in vitro and the growth medium collected at intervals. Using an in vitro system in which neutrophils migrated under agarose, both chemotactic and chemokinetic activity for bovine neutrophils was detected in supernatants of macrophage cultures to which heat killed preopsonised Staphylococcus aureus had been added. The suspensions of killed bacteria were not themselves chemotactic for neutrophils and no chemotactic activity was present either in supernatants from unstimulated macrophage cultures or in sonicated macrophages. The chemo-taxin(s) was generated within two hours of the addition of staphylococci to the cultures and was largely stable to heating at 56°C for 45 minutes, although its activity was reduced by boiling for 15 minutes. Traces of proteolytic activity were also detected in some supernatants. Substantial proteolytic activity was found in lysates of neutrophils. Unlike chemotaxis, proteolytic activity was suppressed by addition of milk from early lactation and containing high natural levels of protease inhibitors. Proteolytic activity was destroyed by boiling for 15 minutes.
Differential Expression of Na + /K + -ATPase Isoforms in Cultured Rodent Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Cells

Cardiac and skeletal muscle are both known to express more than one isoform of the catalytic subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase (rev. in 6). Moreover, both types of myocytes exhibit changes in a isoform expression as they mature in vivo. In the rat, where the difference between isoforms in ouabain affinity is the most pronounced, the α1 isoform (low-affinity receptor) is the major alpha subunit gene product in the heart (at mRNA and protein levels) throughout all developmental stages, whereas expression of α2 and α3 isoforms is more plastic. The alpha 3 isoform is found primarily in fetal and neonatal heart, and it is replaced by the alpha 2 isoform during postnatal maturation of the animal (2). Expression of Na+/K+-ATPase isoforms in rat skeletal muscle is also complex and plastic in response to various stimuli. Two isoforms of sodium pump with different affinities for ouabain — α1 and α2 — undergo changes in level of expression during development and under some physiological circumstances (1,3).
Should All Hepatic Arteriovenous Fistulas Be Embolized

Hepatic arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are rare but increasingly encountered clinical entities. Due to their poorly understood natural history and multiple underlying etiologies, treatment currently represents a clinical quandary. There are no definitive studies regarding management, but rather, only small published case series. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of AVF formation, factors affecting clinical significance, and knowledge of the risks and benefits of treatment can help guide physicians in their management of this complex clinical dilemma.
Abstract 8: Global and targeted metabolomic profiling of colorectal cancer progression

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in the world. The development of improved and robust biomarkers to enable screening, surveillance, and early detection of CRC continues to be a challenge. Patients with colorectal adenoma are at higher risk of developing colon cancer; however, noninvasive methods to identify these patients are still on demand. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of CRC disease progression by using metabolomic profiling of human serum samples in a multistep approach. Methods: We performed global metabolomic profiling on 30 human serum samples from patients with colorectal adenoma, 30 CRC patients and 30 healthy controls who were matched by age, gender and ethnicity. For validation, we measured the three top differentially expressed metabolites in an additional set of 50 adenoma, 50 CRC and 50 healthy controls. Results: Global biochemical profiles of 404 metabolites were detected, with 301 metabolites remaining after quality control procedures. In discovery phase, 50 metabolites had differential levels between colorectal adenoma, CRC and controls (P for trend Conclusions: Our results suggest the potential utility of the identified metabolites as new valuable biomarkers for early detection of CRC. Citation Format: Beatriz Sanchez-Espiridion, Lindsey White, Lopa Mishra, Gottumukkala S. Raju, Scott Kopetz, Jian Gu, Yuanquing Ye, Xifeng Wu, Dong Liang. Global and targeted metabolomic profiling of colorectal cancer progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 8.
Aromatase Inhibitors for Breast Cancer Prevention

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) offer a new treatment option for breast cancer prevention without increased risks of venous thromboembolism and endometrial cancer. Compared to placebo, both exemestane and anastrozole significantly reduced the risk of not only invasive breast cancer but also non-invasive lesions. AIs are associated with unique side effects, particularly musculoskeletal symptoms, vasomotor symptoms, and bone loss. However, these side effects are manageable. There appeared to be no difference in the incidence of cardiovascular disease and the difference in quality of life is numerically small.
The Measurement of Growth

THIS survey is concerned with recent research into the nature of economic growth in the United States. One of the first tasks in the analysis of growth is its measurement, and this survey begins with that.
FTIR/NIR ASSESSMENT OF ISCHEMIC DAMAGE IN THE RAT HEART

The utility of combined near- and mid-infrared spectroscopic measurements to monitor short-term changes in the heart subjected to ischemia-reperfusion and the ability to assess long-term modifications to the extracellular matrix following an ischemic insult to the heart is presented.
ETP in the Discrimination of Liver Disease from DIC.

Abstract Introduction Endogenous Thrombin Potential (ETP) is felt to offer a global assessment of coagulation status using continuous photometric measurement of fluorescence emitted, followed by cleavage of a synthetic thrombin substrate. In this study we sought to explore differences in the ETP profile of patients diagnosed with Dissemintated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and to examine whether ETP can aid in the discrimination of patients with DIC or End Stage Liver Disease, who can often display similar testing profiles. Methods Patients with test results interpreted as diagnostic for DIC, Liver Disease (LD), and neither DIC nor Liver Disease (NCD) were selected for evaluation. A total of 55 potential patients were identified and, of these, 45 (82%) were suitable for testing. Samples for testing had been collected in trisodium citrate, double centrifuged, and stored at −70° C for a mean of 15 months. The ETP test (Dade Behring, Marburg, Germany) was performed utilizing the BCS instrument according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Results for T Lag, T Max, C Max, and AUC were compared between patient groups using two tailed T-test with a P value of Results Tests were uninterpretable in 9/45 samples (20%) and therefore the total patient data set included 36 samples (10 in the LD group, 14 in the DIC group, and 12 in the NCD group). There were 7 female and 13 male controls (NC). Liver disease patients express lower values for T Lag and T Max than do DIC patients and lower C Max and AUC than either NCD or NC groups. All ETP variables are significantly lower in the DIC group vs either NCD or NC. NCD and NC groups exhibit minor, but significant differences in all variables, the greatest differences being lower C Max and AUC in NCD vs NC (see Figure 1). Similar differences were observed in gender specific analysis. Conclusion While ETP determination may be helpful as an additional piece of information in distinguishing between DIC and End Stage Liver Disease patients, differences between the two groups were minor and there was considerable overlap. Paradoxically, the T Max (time to peak thrombin generation) was longer, and both the C Max (which represents the slope of the rise in thrombin generation) and AUC (total thrombin generation) lower, in DIC than in all other groups compared. This is possibly the result of inhibition from significantly higher levels of fibrinogen degradation products and D-Dimers in the DIC vs Liver Disease and non-DIC groups (data not shown). Additional studies using ETP in DIC, Liver Disease, and other hyper- and hypo-coagulable states are necessary. Download : Download high-res image (193KB) Download : Download full-size image ETP Variables in Various Patient Groups
The challenges of prisoner reentry faced by Native American returning offenders

ABSTRACTThis article examines the economic, social, and cultural challenges American Indian1 inmates face as they reintegrate back into a rural reservation community. Utilizing surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with a variety of stakeholder groups, including community corrections, law enforcement, treatment providers, and tribal leaders, this research explores the reentry challenges faced by Native American returning offenders. Findings indicated that although similarities exist with other reentry populations, especially other minority groups, several unique challenges appear. The possible policy implications of these findings for the reentry process are also discussed.
Acute effect of active video games on older children's mood change

Although the benefits of physical activity are well acknowledged, many inactive yet unfit children perceive physical activity as unpleasant, which may be one of the contributing factors to childhood obesity rate. Active video games (AVGs) are an innovative, fun approach to promote children's physical activity. This study investigated the acute effect of playing a single bout of AVGs on children's mood change and whether mood change differed by gender and age group (grade). Sixty-eight third and 66 fourth grade children completed the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) immediately before and after attending a 30-min AVGs session. Results revealed a short bout of AVGs significantly reduced anger/depression and vigor, and fourth grade children had greater vigor than the third graders. AVGs can be an effective physical activity that could reduce negative mood state, however several factors may need to be considered to increase positive mood. Thirty-minute AVGs session could have an acute effect on children's mood.Thirty-minute AVGs can reduce negative mood on children.Positive mood may depend on autonomy in selecting the intensity of the play.AVGs have the same mood effect on both gender in children.Older children demonstrated higher, yet a greater drop in vigor than younger ones.
On the coding and reporting of race and ethnicity in New Hampshire for purposes of cancer reporting.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to investigate how data on race and ethnicity are collected by hospitals reporting to the New Hampshire State Cancer Registry (NHSCR). METHOD: NHSCR surveyed hospitals asking how information on race and ethnicity were collected. A review of relevant legal mandates and national guidelines was undertaken. RESULTS: Many hospitals lack policies on collection, computer systems fail to support national guidelines, and staff rely on visual inspection. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital staffs are not now culturally equipped to collect race and ethnicity in a meaningful way. The numerator in cancer incidence rates is most likely not accurate and for some smaller populations very biased. A new framework is needed that takes into account the needs of the democracy.
SHH E176/E177-Zn2+ conformation is required for signaling at endogenous sites

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a master developmental regulator. In 1995, the SHH crystal structure predicted that SHH-E176 (human)/E177 (mouse) regulates signaling through a Zn2+-dependent mechanism. While Zn2+ is known to be required for SHH protein stability, a regulatory role for SHH-E176 or Zn2+ has not been described. Here, we show that SHH-E176/177 modulates Zn2+-dependent cross-linking in vitro and is required for endogenous signaling, in vivo. While ectopically expressed SHH-E176A is highly active, mice expressing SHH-E177A at endogenous sites (ShhE177A/-) are morphologically indistinguishable from mice lacking SHH (Shh-/-), with patterning defects in both embryonic spinal cord and forebrain. SHH-E177A distribution along the embryonic spinal cord ventricle is unaltered, suggesting that E177 does not control long-range transport. While SHH-E177A association with cilia basal bodies increases in embryonic ventral spinal cord, diffusely distributed SHH-E177A is not detected. Together, these results reveal a novel role for E177-Zn2+ in regulating SHH signaling that may involve critical, cilia basal-body localized changes in cross-linking and/or conformation.
Effects of Self-Talk on Academic Engagement and Academic Responding

The conceptual frameworks of self-management and correspondence training are combined to develop a self-talk intervention to improve academic performances of four students with emotional or behavio...
Creating Accountability with Interstate Cooperation: Unauthorized Water Use Enforcement on the Klamath River

While lacking coercive power to compel enforcement, interstate compacts create accountability through multiple sources and layers connecting enforcement behavior to oversight. Using logistic regression, we test a model of accountability and enforcement of unauthorized water usage on the Klamath River. Findings indicate unauthorized water usage is far more likely to be reported and enforced on the Klamath River than on neighboring rivers in the same counties. Conclusions indicate the increased institutional layers of interstate compacts lead to more accountability and stringent enforcement and reporting of unauthorized water use.
Teaching Chinese as a Second Language: From Taiwan to the United States

Author(s): Hsu, Shuliang | Abstract: Teaching Chinese as a second language in Taiwan vs. in the United States.How are they different?What are the challenges to teachers?This article will bring to you interesting findings from the perspective of a native speaking Chinese teacher.