cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A25: Collecting gut microbiome in the 10,000 Families Study

The 10,000 Families Study (10KFS) is a family-based prospective cohort study, the goal of which is to collect information about health-related outcomes, including cancer, in multigeneration families. Since 2017, we have been conducting a pilot feasibility study to prepare for the implementation of 10KFS. At baseline, eligible participants answer a questionnaire about demographics and lifestyle factors and attend a health fair during which trained staff measure their blood pressure, vision, hearing, and several other characteristics, as well as collect blood, urine, and saliva. Also, during the heath fair participants receive easy-to-use kits that enable them to collect stool samples in the convenience of their home. The method for stool collection to characterize gut microbiome in this study was chosen based on a small pilot of three methods: (1) Omnigene Gut (DNA Genotek), (2) iSWAB-Microbiome Collection Kit (Mawi Corporation), and (3) a homemade kit including a BD culture swab and vial with RNAlater preservative. The second method (iSWAB) was unanimously chosen by the volunteers as most acceptable due to the ease of stool collection. The acceptability and reduction of the participant’s burden are of primary importance in this study, since an adult participant often collects stool samples from one or more of their children. The quality of DNA assessed by spectrophotometry (based on 260/280 and 260/230 ratios) was similar for the iSWAB and the Omnigene kits (gold standard), and the quantity using the iSWAB kit was sufficient to characterize gut microbiome. Thus, in our study, stool samples are collected by participants using iSWAB kits and then returned by mail within four days of collection to the central laboratory biorepository at the University of Minnesota – Advanced Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, where they are immediately frozen and stored at -80°C. To date, stool samples from 62 participants aged 0 to over 90 years have been returned (out of 139 kits that were given to participants). This collection method meets the requirements necessary for stool collection in large population studies: (1) it is fast and easy for participants to use; (2) a preservative in the tube allows stool samples to be kept without freezing for up to 8 weeks while maintaining intact and viable bacteria; (3) samples use little space during shipment and storage; and (4) the method is cost efficient. Citation Format: Anna Prizment, Deanna Gabrielson, DeAnn Lazovich, Sharon Minnerath, Heather H. Nelson, Jenny N. Poynter, Cavan Reilly, Michelle Roesler, Logan G. Spector, Bharat Thyagarajan. Collecting gut microbiome in the 10,000 Families Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Modernizing Population Sciences in the Digital Age; 2019 Feb 19-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A25.
Transparent reporting of hypotheses and analyses in behavioral medicine research: an audit of publications in 2018 and 2008

We aimed to document the use of transparent reporting of hypotheses and analyses in behavioral medicine journals in 2018 and 2008. Design: We examined a randomly selected portion of articles publis...
Examining the Use of Nonverbal Communication in Virtual Agents

Virtual agents are systems that add a social dimension to computing, often featuring not only natural language input but also an embodiment or avatar. This allows them to take on a more social role...
Surveying Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents About Their Residency Applications, Interviews, and Ranking

Background Residency applications have increased in the last decade, creating growing challenges for applicants and programs. Objective We evaluated factors associated with application and match into obstetrics and gynecology residency. Methods During the annual in-training examination administered to all obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States, residents were surveyed on the residency application process. Results Ninety-five percent (5094 of 5347) residents responded to the survey. Thirty-six percent reported applying to 30 or fewer programs, 26.7% applied to more than 31 programs, and 37.1% opted not to answer this question. Forty-nine percent of residents received honors in their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship and 37.1% did not. The majority of residents (88.6%) reported scoring between 200 and 250 on USMLE Step 1. Eighty-six percent matched into one of their top 5 programs. The only factor associated with matching in residents' top 5 programs was receiving honors in their clerkship (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.08-1.54; P < .005). The only factor associated with matching below the top 5 programs was a couples match (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.43-0.72; P < .001). In choosing where to apply, residents identified program location and reputation as the most important factors, while for ranking, location and residency culture were the most important. Conclusions Most obstetrics and gynecology residents reported matching into their top 5 choices. Receiving an honors grade in the clerkship was the only factor associated with matching in applicants' top 5 programs. Location was the most important factor for applying to and ranking of programs.
Urinary bladder paraganglioma metastatic to the lung in a patient with SDHB gene mutation: A case report

Introduction: Paragangliomas are tumors originating from the neural crest. Most of them are benign and arise from various locations in the body. Extra-adrenal paragangliomas arise as sporadic cases in most settings or as part of heredofamilial syndromes in about one-quarter of cases. Succinate dehydrogenase subunit B ( SDHB ) gene mutations are associated with an aggressive clinical disease course of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Methods: We present a 41-year-old male former smoker with a history of a growing right upper lung nodule on chest imaging. He had no cough or respiratory symptoms. Twenty-seven months prior, the patient underwent a cystoprostatectomy due to paraganglioma of the bladder. Genetic testing identified a pathogenic mutation in SDHB gene, c.166_170delCCTCA (p.Pro56Tyrfs*5). He underwent a wedge resection of the lung nodule. Results: Sectioning of the lung wedge revealed a well-circumscribed, firm tan nodule. Microscopically there were nests of large neoplastic cells with round nuclei and eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin and negative for pan-cytokeratin. S-100 protein highlighted sustentacular cells. Morphologically, the pulmonary neoplasm was similar to the primary tumor of the bladder. These features are consistent with a bladder paraganglioma metastatic to the lung, in a background of a hereditary paraganglioma syndrome. Conclusion: Extra-adrenal paraganglioma occurring in a setting of hereditary paraganglioma syndrome has a high risk of metastasis. Lifelong surveillance even after prompt resection of the primary tumor with negative margins is required to ensure early detection of metastasis and prevent complications associated with it.
Resource Complementarities, Trade-Offs, and Undercapitalization in Technology-Based Ventures: An Empirical Analysis

Undercapitalization is one of the most challenging obstacles to success facing early-stage technology-based ventures. However, most research on the topic tends to be atheoretical with a lack of general agreement on the definition of key concepts. In this study we define undercapitalization as the failure of young ventures to procure enough capital to meet the organization's strategic priorities, and theoretically ground this definition by extending recent work on the payments perspective in resource-based theory. Based on these theoretical arguments, we develop and test of series of hypotheses using hierarchical lognormal survival analysis and two-limit tobit regression to examine how underlying value of and trade-offs among a venture's core set of resources affect its risk of undercapitalization, and how undercapitalization affects new venture survival rates. Implications of these findings and several directions for future research are discussed as well.
The Distributional Impact of the Sharing Economy on the Housing Market

What is the impact of the sharing economy, pioneered by companies such as Airbnb, on the housing market? In this paper, I estimate the welfare and distributional impact of Airbnb on the residents of New York City. I develop a model of an integrated housing market, in which a landlord can offer a housing unit for rent either on the traditional long-term rental market or on the newly available short-term rental market. By estimating a structural model of residential choice and linking it to detailed Airbnb usage data, I estimate the effect of such reallocation on the equilibrium rents across different housing types and demographic groups. In addition, to evaluate the gains from direct home-sharing, I estimate a supply system featuring heterogeneous costs. Overall, renters in New York City suffer a loss of $178mm per annum, as the losses from the rent channel dominate the gains from the host channel. I find that the increased rent burden falls most heavily on high-income, educated, and white renters because they prefer housing and location amenities that are most desirable to tourists. Moreover, there is a divergence between the median and the tail, where a few enterprising low-income households obtain substantial gains from home-sharing. Thus, this paper delivers a nuanced characterization of the winners and losers of the sharing economy and provides a framework for understanding the consequences of regulating such technological innovations.
The Full “Alpha-Tensor” Due to Supernovae and Superbubbles in the Galactic Disk

We provide a simple and realistic expression for the alpha-tensor in the Galactic disk, when turbulence is driven by supernova explosions and superbubbles.
Beyond Magnetic Storage: Atoms and Molecules

As magnetic storage densities continue to increase, the fundamental limits of this technology are rapidly being approached. Decreasing bit size reduces the volume of magnetic material that constitutes the bit. At the super-paramagnetic limit, thermal energy becomes sufficient to randomize these magnetic moments. Concurrently, semiconductor technologies are also reaching their limits. Analogous to magnetic storage, as semiconductor dimensions become smaller, their energy bands become discreet states— at this point we enter the quantum regime. Alternative storage systems will be required to maintain the rapid increase in storage density expected from the industry. Several technologies are currently being developed for future storage options. Scanning Probe technologies based on Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) or Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) methods are currently under development in industry and at universities. An alternative probe storage technology, called Field Emission Storage, is also under development. A brief overview of these technologies will be presented, with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages inherent in each system.
Development of an antiserum to rat-brain A1 adenosine receptor: Application for immunological and structural comparison of A1 adenosine receptors from various tissues and species

Abstract An antiserum was developed in a rabbit against rat-brain A1 adenosine receptor. This antiserum recognized the denatured form of the purified rat-brain A1 adenosine receptor in immunoblot analysis and the native form of the receptor in the immunoprecipitation analysis. Immunoblot analysis of unpurified or purified adenosine receptor preparations from rat-brain membranes revealed a major immunoreactive band at a position of molecular mass of approx. 35 kDa, which corresponds to the position of purified rat-brain A1 adenosine receptor. Although A1 adenosine receptors from other rat tissues such as testis and adipocyte were also found to be immunoreactive with this antiserum by immunoblot analysis, purified human-brain A1 adenosine receptors showed a poor reactivity with this antibody. The order of the relative immunoreactivity of these A1 adenosine receptors with the antiserum was found to be brain > adipocyte ≧ testis . Moreover, the immunoreactivity of these receptors significantly increased after these receptor preparations were deglycosylated by endoglycosidase F. After the deglycosylation, no significant differences in both the immunoreactivity and molecular mass among these receptor preparations were found on the immunoblot. These results suggest that the differences in the molecular mass or immunoreactivity among the A1 adenosine receptor preparations from three rat tissues were mainly due to the difference of sugar moiety present in each receptor molecule. These data are the first to provide analyses of immunological characteristics of A1 adenosine receptors from different tissues and species.
Protracted construction of gabbroic crust at a slow spreading ridge: Constraints from 206Pb/238U zircon ages from Atlantis Massif and IODP Hole U1309D (30°N, MAR)

Sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U-Pb zircon ages of 24 samples from oceanic crust recovered in Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Hole U1309D and from the surface of Atlantis Massif, Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) (30°N) document a protracted history of accretion in the footwall to an oceanic detachment fault. Ages for 18 samples of evolved Fe-Ti oxide gabbro and felsic dikes collected 40–1415 m below seafloor in U1309D yield a weighted mean of 1.20 ± 0.03 Ma (mean square of weighted deviates = 7.1). However, the ages range from 1.08 ± 0.07 Ma and 1.28 ± 0.05 Ma indicating crustal construction occurred over a minimum of 100–200 ka. The zircon ages, along with petrologic observations, indicate at least 2 major periods of intrusive activity with age peaks separated by 70 ka. The oldest ages are observed below 600 mbsf, an observation inconsistent with models requiring constant depth melt intrusion beneath a detachment fault. The data are most consistent with a “multiple sill” model whereby sills intrude at random depths below the ridge axis over a length scale greater than 1.4 km. Zircon ages from broadly spaced samples collected along the southern ridge of Atlantis Massif yield a detachment fault slip rate of 28.7 ± 6.7 mm/a and imply significant asymmetric plate spreading (up to 100% on the North American plate) for at least 200 ka during core complex formation.
Apparent Amoxapine Nephrotoxicity: Dependence on Rhabdomyolysis and Acidosis

The tricyclic antidepressant, amoxapine, has been released for distribution in the USA and in Europe. Acute renal failure has sometimes followed (Pumariega et al, 1982) attempts at suicide using this drug, but the incidence has been unpredictable and ranged from 10–15%, which suggests that other factors in addition to high doses of amoxapine and seizures may be involved. The available data in the literature shows that severe acidosis was frequently associated with amoxapine overdose. Goldberg and Spector (1982) described a patient whose blood pH dropped to 6.78 within 2 hr of ingesting nearly 60 mg/kg of amoxapine. Similarly, Rogol et al (1984) reported a blood pH of 6. 83 in an infant considered to be overdosed with amoxapine. Shepard (1983) reported a profound acidosis in a 15 month child that had accidentally ingested 25 mg/kg of the drug and developed a blood pH of 6. 91. In light of the frequent occurrence of acidosis following overdosage with amoxapine, the possibility exists that it may serve as a major contributing factor in the development of amoxapine-associated renal impairment. We therefore determined the effect of acidosis on the ability of high dosage amoxapine and seizures to produce apparent renal impairment in the rat. Because of the central role of muscle injury in atraumatic rhabdomyolytic acute renal failure in vivo, we also examined the potential of amoxapine to directly produce muscle injury in vitro.
Optimization of Spares in a Maintenance Scenario

This paper deals with a method for optimizing the allocation of spare parts used in the maintenance of a hardware system. Spares allocation can be optimized in either of two ways: (1) maximization of system operational availability for a certain maximum spares cost; and (2) minimization of spares cost for a certain minimum system operational availability. The mathematical theory behind this method is discussed and computer outputs of sample runs are shown.
SU‐FF‐J‐53: Evaluation of Image‐Guidance Strategies in the Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancers

Purpose: To compare different image‐guidance (IG) strategies in the alignment of prostate cancer patients. Using data from patients that were treated with daily IG, the remaining set‐up errors for several different strategies were retrospectively calculated. Method and Materials: Alignment data from 74 patients treated with helical tomotherapy were analyzed, resulting in a dataset of 2252 fractions during which a megavoltage CTimage was used for image‐guidance. Given the daily positional adjustments, a variety of protocols differing in imaging frequency and methodology were studied retrospectively. The residual set‐up errors on days imaging would not have been performed were determined for each protocol. Results: As expected, systematic errors were effectively reduced with increasing imaging frequency. However, the random errors were unaffected. Even when image guidance was performed every other day with a running mean of the prior displacements, residual set‐up errors exceeding 5 mm occurred in 24% of instances. This frequency increases to about 40% if setup errors larger than 3 mm are scored. Conclusion: Set‐up errors increased with decreasing frequency of image guidance. However, residual errors are still significant even at the 5 mm level if the patient is imaged every other day. This suggests that it is beneficial to use daily IG in the set up of prostate cancer patients during a course of external beam radiotherapy. Conflict of Interest: This study was funded in part by TomoTherapy Inc., Madison, WI.
A Process for the Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction of Corn Oil from Dry Milled Corn Germ and Enzymatic Wet Milled Corn Germ (E-Germ)

A bench-scale aqueous enzymatic method was developed to extract corn oil from corn germ from either a commercial corn dry mill or corn germ from a newly-developed experimental enzymatic wet milling process (E-Germ). With both types of germs, no oil was extracted when acidic cellulase was the only enzyme used. Pre-treating dry milled corn germ by heating it in boiling water or microwave pretreatment, followed by enzymatic extraction with the acidic cellulase resulted in oil yields of about 43% and 57%, respectively. A two-step process, combining both acidic cellulase and alkaline protease treatments, with no heat pretreatment, achieved oil yields of 50–65% from dry milled corn germ and 80–90% from E-Germ.
Siderite ‘clumped’ isotope thermometry: A new paleoclimate proxy for humid continental environments

Abstract Clumped isotope measurements can be used to exploit the paleoclimatic potential of pedogenic siderite (FeCO3); however, the applicability of this method is held back by the lack of clumped isotope calibrations of mineralogies other than calcite and aragonite. Here we present an inorganic calibration of siderites grown in the laboratory between 21 and 51 °C. Linear regression of Δ47 values and temperature (106/T2, K) yields the following relationship (r2 = 0.997): Δ 47 -RF = ( 0.0356 ± 0.0018 ) × 10 6 T 2 + ( 0.172 ± 0.019 ) We demonstrate that this calibration is indistinguishable from calcite at current levels of analytical precision. Our observations suggest that there is likely no large systematic bias in the clumped isotope acid fractionation factors between the two different carbonate minerals. We also present clumped isotope measurements of a natural siderite collected from Holocene sediments of the Mississippi River Delta. We find that siderites record warm season marsh water temperatures instead of mean annual temperatures as it has long been presumed. This finding has important implications for the accuracy of siderite stable isotope and clumped isotope based climate reconstructions.
The fallout of Chernobyl radioactivity in Central Ontario, Canada

Abstract The levels of Chernobyl-derived 103 Ru, 106 Ru, 134 Cs and 137 Cs were measured in Algoma, Ontario rain samples collected as weekly composites until September 30, 1986. The radionuclides were consistently measurable until about mid-June. The data, when analyzed in conjunction with 7 Be measurements, yield a mean tropospheric residence time of about 14 days for the four radionuclides. This value is significantly lower than the previous estimates based on nuclear explosion-derived radionuclides but is within the range of values reported using radon daughters.
Large blue shifts in band gaps of antimonide-based multiple quantum-wells based on ion-implantation

Realization of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) requires spatially selective control over the optical and electrical characteristics of the multiple quantum well (QW) material. One of the simplest and most promising approaches to integration based on QW active layers is selective modification of the bandgap, after growth, by intermixing the well and barrier materials to form an alloy. This process causes rounding of the initially square QW bandgap profile and generally increasing the band gap [1]. The amount of blue shift is of great importance for heterogeneous, monolithic integration of optoelectronic devices, examples of which are equalizers/amplifiers for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) applications in general, and Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) applications in particular, where operation band may span over several hundred nanometers.
Monte Carlo/RRKM/classical trajectories modeling of collisional excitation and dissociation of n-butylbenzene ion in multipole collision cells of tandem mass spectrometers.

The two-channel reaction of collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the n-butylbenzene cation under the conditions of multipole collision cells of tandem mass spectrometers was studied computationally. The results were compared with the experimental data from earlier CID studies. The Monte Carlo method used includes simulation of the trajectories of flight of the parent (n-C4H9C6H5+) and the product (C7H7+ and C7H8+) ions in the electromagnetic field of multipole ion guides and collision cells, classical trajectory modeling of collisional activation and scattering of ions, and RRKM modeling of the parent ion decomposition. Experimental information on the energy dependences of the rates of the n-butylbenzene cation dissociation via two channels was used to create an RRKM model of the reaction. Effects of uncertainties in the critical parameters of the model of the reaction and the collision cells on the results of calculations were evaluated and shown to be minor. The results of modeling demonstrate a good...
The epidemiology of maize streak disease in relation to population densities of Cicadulina spp

SUMMARY The effect of population density of Cicadulina spp. in maize on the epidemiology of maize streak disease was investigated for irrigated crops planted in March or July at Salisbury, Rhodesia, from 1967 to 1969. Experimental plots of maize were invaded for 2–3 months following germination by Cicadulina adults leaving drying veld grasses. When there were few immigrant leaf-hoppers, incidence of maize streak increased arithmetically through transient settling and feeding of previously infective adults. Infection rates increased when infected plants were removed daily, presumably because of the disturbance of vectors. By comparison, large immigration populations (one leaf-hopper per three maize plants) resulted in an exponential increase in the incidence of maize streak infection. Aldicarb granules (10%) at 38 g per 12 m row length, applied into a furrow before planting the maize, gave almost complete protection from infection.
Regional hydrologic and carbon balance responses of forests resulting from potential climate change

The projected response of coniferous forests to a climatic change scenario of doubled atmospheric CO2, air temperature of +4 °C, and +10% precipitation was studied using a computer simulation model of forest ecosystem processes. A topographically complex forested region of Montana was simulated to study regional climate change induced forest responses. In general, increases of 10–20% in LAI, and 20–30% in evapotranspiration (ET) and photosynthesis (PSN) were projected. Snowpack duration decreased by 19–69 days depending on location, and growing season length increased proportionally. However, hydrologic outflow, primarily fed by snowmelt in this region, was projected to decrease by as much as 30%, which could virtually dry up rivers and irrigation water in the future.
The Derivation of Synchrotron Orbit Perturbations from Orbit Measurements

A general method whereby orbit deflection measurements are converted to perturbations. When applied to accelerator structure displacements, all deviations from arbitrary plane are detected and localized.
The Prothoracicotropic Hormone Bombyxin has Specific Receptors on Insect Ovarian Cells

Bombyxin II, a product of the brain of the adult silkmoth, Bombyx mori, binds to ovarian cells of three different species of lepidoptera, i.e. B. mori (silkmoth), Samia cynthia ricini (ailanthus moth), and an ovarian cell line of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) (fall armyworm). Crude Sf9 cell membrane preparations were used to show that the purported bombyxin receptor binds its ligand in a specific, saturable, and reversible manner. The dissociation constant of the bombyxin-receptor complex is 260+/-90 pM. Quantitative binding studies and Scatchard analysis suggest that every Sf9 cell displays 20000 receptors on the surface. The cross-linked bombyxin-receptor ligand complex has an apparent molecular mass of about 300 kDa as determined by SDS/PAGE. Reduction causes the bombyxin receptor to dissociate into two subunits with molecular masses of 90 kDa and 116 kDa. The size and subunit structure of the putative bombyxin receptor on Sf9 cells show some similarities to the mammalian insulin receptor.
Far-Infrared Group Frequencies. I. Aliphatic Alcohols

The far-infrared spectra of a number of aliphatic alcohols have been recorded as dilute solutions in cyclohexane. A characteristic band is present at 210±5 cm−1 and is assigned to the hydroxyl torsion on the basis of the deuterium shifts. The position of the band is not sensitive to steric effects but is very sensitive to proximity of electron rich systems. The hydroxyl torsion shifts to ∼300 cm−1 in benzene. Uses of this group frequency for spectra structure correlations are discussed.
Using GMM to flatten the option volatility smile

Abstract By using an over-identified generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation procedure with careful consideration for data biases existing in the previous literature, parameters are estimated for a stochastic volatility jump diffusion option pricing (SVJ) model. The estimated parameters indicate a statistically significant highly negative infrequent jump process in the underlying security return distribution consistent with market crashes. When comparing to a stochastic volatility (SV) option pricing model, the SVJ is more robust but not always the superior model. The robustness of the models is further gauged by evaluating performance up to a year beyond the estimation data.
Cyst Fluid Proteases

The precise origin of breast cyst fluid remains obscure. Molina has presented evidence that type II cysts (high Na/K ratio) may be transudative, that is, partly derived from plasma elements which enter through gap junctions, while Type I cysts (high K/Na ratio) are primarily secretory. In transudative cysts, plasma protease inhibitors may be present, but the balance between protease and its inhibitors may fluctuate as a result of as yet undetermined circumstances. An imbalance between the protease activity of cyst fluid and its inhibitors may be involved in the pathogenesis of breast gross cystic disease. Accumulation of protein fragments with resistant bonds would produce an elevated oncotic pressure causing a shift of fluid into the cyst capsule. Albumin is a good substrate for the protease, which may account for its low concentration in cyst fluid. The major protease fraction closely corresponds to the progesterone binding protein (GCDFP-24) described by Haagensen. Affinity columns containing aprotinin or benzamidine ligands retain the protease which can then be eluted with 0.5 M NaCl. The HD1 protease and progesterone binding protein are either tightly complexed or are the same protein. Cyst fluid is a complex mixture of biomolecules. If the progesterone binding protein is a protease, many questions must be answered concerning the influence of cyst fluid steroids, lipids, anions, and cations on enzyme action. Determination of the amino acid sequence of HD1 may help elucidate the source of the enzyme and its relationship to other tissue proteases. Human plasma contains inhibitors of this protease activity. When pooled, dialyzed plasma was mixed with pooled, dialyzed cyst fluid, the ratio of plasma/cyst fluid at which all activity was inhibited was 6/1. A comparison of the rate of cleavage of three 14C-protein substrates shows that cyst fluid proteases cleave in a characteristic manner, distinct from either trypsin or calpain. A simple method for semiquantitative estimation of protease activity in cyst fluid is described which utilizes prestained Coomassie blue-albumin containing agarose gel plates. All cyst fluids tested had protease activity but showed variability in their ability to cleave 14C-albumin by a factor of 4. There is much direct and indirect evidence that proteases are involved in the cancer process. In view of the higher than normal incidence of breast cancer in women who have had gross cystic breast disease, the possibility exists that an imbalance between these proteases and their inhibitors is somehow involved.
CDM Projects of Renewable Energy(Case Study)

Abstract Since the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol the 16 February 2005, the clean development mechanism (CDM) has seen an edifying development internationally allowing developing countries, to participate in the fight against climate change, by the realization of projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GGE). Algeria has installed in July 2, 2006, the Commission of the Designated National Authority (DNA), responsible for the implementation of the CDM. In the context of development of a portfolio of projects eligible for a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a Workshop was organized by the Central Directorate HSE (health, Safety and Environment) in June 9, 2008 at the headquarters of the Directorate General of Sonatrach in Algeria. The main objective of this meeting is to present the project MASDAR and identify projects to be eligible for CDM. It should be noted that the Masdar Initiative was launched in April 2006 by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which consists to invest in the development of energy future, including clean energy, renewable and alternative. At the institutional level, Tunisia has established its Designated National Authority (DNA) since December 2004 for approval of CDM projects. In addition, the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Small and Medium Enterprises has created in December 2005 a CDM Task Force which aims to promote the realization of CDM projects in the areas of energy and industry. A portfolio of 76 projects including several renewable energy projects potentially eligible under the CDM were launched specifically for the period 2007-2011.
Infrared spectra and electronic structure calculations for the group 2 metal M(OH)2 dihydroxide molecules.

Reactions of laser-ablated Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba atoms with O2 and H2 in excess argon give new absorptions in the O−H and O−M−O stretching regions, which increase together upon UV photolysis and are d...
The effects of aspartic acid‐bond isomerization on in vitro properties of the amyloid β‐peptide as modeled with N‐terminal decapeptide fragments

The 42-amino acid A beta, the major constituent of the senile plaque deposits of the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity at its N-terminus. Isomerization of aspartic acid bonds at residues 1 and 7 renders A beta more prone to aggregate and form extended structure as it was shown by in vivo and in vitro studies. We recently demonstrated the ability of mid-chain aspartic acid-bond isomerization to break the dominant helical structure of the N-terminal decapeptide fragment by CD. In the current study we use molecular modeling to show that insertion of the extra -CH2-group into the decapeptide backbone results in the formation of stable reverse-turns and destabilizes the helical conformer that competes with the extended structure at the full-sized peptide level. The molecular modeling also reveals a limited propensity of the diisomerized peptide to form extended structure directly. Anti-A beta pAb 2332 is more sensitive for the non-isomerized status of the decapeptide than that of the full-sized peptide. mAb 6E10, raised against unmodified A beta recognizes only the unmodified decapeptide or the peptide isomerized at the first aspartic acid in a conformation-dependent manner, but does not recognize the mid-chain isomerized or diisomerized decapeptide in any circumstance. The diisomerized decapeptide was used as immunogen to generate polyclonal antibody 14943 that is not selective for the isomerized status of either the full-size peptide or the decapeptide, but recognizes the isomerized peptides preferentially when the peptide antigen structures are conserved during the enzyme-linked immunoassay procedure. Owing to the aberrant behavior of the full-sized A beta peptide during standard RP-HPLC, serum stability studies that indicate extracellular stability can be more effectively performed on the decapeptide fragments. Remarkably, the diisomerized peptide exhibits a significantly increased stability towards serum peptidases compared with the unmodified or monoisomerized peptides, suggesting a possible mechanism of the retention of the isomerized A beta peptide in the affected brains.
Accurate three-dimensional quantum scattering calculations for Ne + H+2 → NeH+ + H

Abstract Accurate 3D coupled channel calculations are presented for the reaction Ne + H+2 → NeH+ + H computed with the diatomics-in-molecules potential of Hayes and co-workers. Reaction probabilities for total angular momentum J = 0 and total energies up to 1.1 eV are reported. The hyperspherical formulation of Pack and Parker is used, and the adiabatic basis functions are generated using the discrete variable representation (DVR). The total reaction probabilities show much structure as a function of total energy, structure that is indicative of quantum dynamical resonances. The trend in the results agrees with that observed experimentally: vibrational energy is more effective than an equivalent amount of translational energy for promoting the reaction.
Zinc and copper nutritional studies in very low birth weight infants: comparison of stable isotopic extrinsic tag and chemical balance methods

Measurements of dietary zinc and copper absorption obtained after administration of a single dose of the extrinsic stable isotopic tags 70Zn and 65Cu were compared to measurements made with standard chemical balance methods in 41 appropriate for gestational age premature infants [body wt 1267 +/- 258 g, gestational age 29.8 +/- 1.9 wk (mean +/- SD), 4 to 83 postnatal d of age]. Fifty studies were performed; 33 with premature formula, five with term formula, seven with preterm human milk (PTHM), and five with fortified-PTHM. The percentages of net zinc and 70Zn absorption were found to be significantly greater from PTHM (66.4 +/- 15.2, 68.6 +/- 9.8) than from premature formula (14.0 +/- 29.9, 31.6 +/- 22.4), and term formula (23.6 +/- 18.5, 17.6 +/- 5.6). The percentages of net copper and 65Cu absorption were also found to be significantly greater from PTHM (61.5 +/- 14.0, 69.8 +/- 14.0) than from premature formula (16.6 +/- 20.6, 39.6 +/- 21.6) and term formula (20.6 +/- 24.1, 26.5 +/- 6.9). The percentages of net zinc and 70Zn absorption (35.9 +/- 29.1, 48.4 +/- 9.6) and net copper and 65Cu absorption (38.7 +/- 10.2 and 57.4 +/- 13.1) from fortified PTHM were similar to values from PTHM. Absorption of zinc and copper determined with extrinsic stable isotopic tag and standard nutrient balance methods were significantly correlated. Estimates of endogenous fecal losses of zinc and copper were substantial with each diet, but lower with PTHM. Stepwise, multiple linear regression analysis accounted for, at most, 58% of the variability in the measures of zinc and copper availability. We conclude that extrinsic 70Zn and 65Cu tags can be used to study absorption of dietary zinc and copper by very low birth wt infants.
Characterization of a neutralization-sensitive epitope on the Am 105 surface protein of Anaplasma marginale.

Purified immunoglobulin from each of two hybridoma cell lines (ANA 15D2 and ANA 22B1) significantly neutralized the infectivity of 108Anaplasma marginale initial bodies for cattle. Both cell lines produce antibody to the same Am 105 epitope as they inhibited the binding of each other to Am 105 in a competition radioimmunoassay. Complete digestion of Am 105 with proteinase K, pronase, or trypsin prevented monoclonal antibody binding indicating that the epitope was protein in nature rather than surface polysaccharide. In addition, evidence that the neutralization-sensitive epitope was not membrane-protein-bound polysaccharide included: [1] 35S-methionine, but not 3H-glucosamine, was metabolically incorporated into Am 105 during short-term in vitro culture; [2] Am 105 was surface radiolabeled using 125I in a lactoperoxidase mediated reaction, but not labeled using a galactose oxidase-NaB[3H]4 mediated reaction with or without neuraminidase pretreatment; and [3] Am 105 did not bind to concanavalin A, Helix pomatia lectin, peanut lectin, soybean lectin, or wheat germ lectin.
A Pre‐Columbian map of the world, circa 1489 1

(1963). A Pre‐Columbian map of the world, circa 1489. Imago Mundi: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 95-96.
The correlation of cognitive flexibility with pain intensity and magnitude of disability in upper extremity illness.

Cognitive flexibility – the ability to restructure one’s knowledge, incorporate new facts, widen perspective, and adapt to the demands of new and unexpected conditions - can help one adapt to illness. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between cognitive flexibility and hand and upper extremity specific disability in patients presenting to a hand surgeon. Secondarily, we determined predictors of cognitive flexibility and pain. Eighty-nine consecutive outpatients completed the Cognitive flexibility questionnaire (CFS), Short Health Anxiety Inventory-5 (SHAI-5), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand, short form (QuickDASH), and Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression-2 (PHQ-2) in a cross-sectional study. CFS did not correlate with disability or pain intensity. Disability correlated with PSEQ (r = −0.66, p < 0.01), PHQ-2 (r = 0.38, p = <0.01), and SHAI-5 (r = 0.33, p < 0.01). Pain intensity correlated with PSEQ (r = −0.51 p < 0.01) and PHQ-2 (r = 0.41 p < 0.01). There was a small correlation between the CFS and PSEQ (r = 0.25, p = 0.02). The best multivariable models for QuickDASH and pain intensity included PSEQ and PHQ and explained 35 % and 28 % of the variability respectively. Upper extremity specific disability and pain intensity are limited more by self-efficacy than cognitive flexibility. Interventions to improve self-efficacy might help patients with upper extremity illness.
Natural catastrophes in Arctic populations: the 1878–1880 famine on Saint Lawrence Island, Alaska

Abstract This study draws on data from recent settlement surveys and new demographic data derived from repatriation-related assessments of human remains in museums to examine the circumstances of the 1878–1880 famine on Saint Lawrence Island, Alaska. The human data consist of a biased sample of individuals dying at these settlements. We compare this sample to an Arctic-specific model of population structure in order to identify and estimate segments of the population missing from the sample. The settlement-specific population estimates from the human remains are combined with population estimates derived from settlement data to give an island-wide population projection. The pre-famine population estimates indicate that the 1878–1880 famine mortality was over 90%. This tragic reduction in human population necessitated adoption of new hunting strategies that changed settlement patterns on the island. Migration of Yup’ik families from the Chukotka Peninsula after the famine is correlated with changes in house designs. This study suggests that cultural change was a significant feature of recovery from the famine and is an important factor in understanding cultural change in the archaeological record in the arctic.
Oxidative injury in the nervous system

A free radical is a highly reactive chemical species that can react with organic macromolecules leading to cell and tissue damage and consequent functional disruption. Free radical or oxidative injury is increasingly recognized as an important factor in the pathophysiology of many human diseases, including those that affect the nervous system. This review summarizes important evidence implicating oxidative injury in the pathogenesis and progression of many important neurological disorders, including cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Results of controlled clinical trials of various antioxidant therapies in neurological disease performed to date are also highlighted.
An Investigation of the Tropical Cyclogenesis of Arlene (2005) Using ERA-Interim Reanalysis and the WRF Model Simulation

The process and development sequence of meso-beta-scale vortices at multiple levels and the synoptic-scale environmental conditions for the genesis of Tropical Storm Arlene (2005) were analyzed using ERA-Interim Reanalysis data and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations. Results from the two agree in that although the confluence of low-level westerly winds from the eastern North Pacific and low-level easterly winds from the North Atlantic preceded tropical cyclogenesis over the western Caribbean Sea, midlevel enhanced wind surges over Lake Nicaragua were also important in the pregenesis period. A closer examination of the WRF simulation revealed that the midlevel enhanced wind surges were produced by the interactions between the 500 hPa anticyclone over Mexico and a wind stream from northern South America. The 500 hPa surges augmented the vorticity of the incipient storm as it passed over Lake Nicaragua. Due to the subsequent influxes of strong westerly and easterly winds in the lower at...
A controlled trial of physician counseling to promote the adoption of physical activity.

Background.In accordance with one of the Year 2000 Health Objectives, the current study tests the efficacy of brief physician-based counseling to increase physical activity in sedentary patients in a nonrandomized controlled trial. Methods.Control and intervention physicians were matched on medical practice variables. Two hundred fifty-five apparently healthy, sedentary, adult patients were recruited from 17 physician offices (mean age = 39 years, 84% female, 28% ethnic minority). Intervention physicians delivered 3 to 5 min of structured physical activity counseling during a well visit or follow-up for a chronic condition. A health educator made a brief booster phone call to patients 2 weeks after receiving physician counseling. Self-reported physical activity and stage of change (i.e., behavioral readiness to adopt or maintain activity) were collected at baseline and at 4- to 6-week follow-up. Objective activity monitoring was conducted on a subsample. Results.Intervention patients reported increased walking more than control patients (+37 min/week vs. +7 min/week). There was a significant intervention effect on the activity monitor. Intervention participants also demonstrated a greater increase in readiness to adopt activity than control subjects. Conclusions.Physician-based counseling for physical activity is efficacious in producing short-term increases in moderate physical activity among previously sedentary patients.
Sociological Justice and Jurisprudential Nihilism

Sociological Justice both fascinates and repels. Donald Black argues that '[a] scientific version of legal sociology has emerged and flourished' since the early 1970s and, in Sociological Justice, he explores its application in three areas: 'in the practice of law, in the reform of the legal process, and in jurisprudence and social policy' (4; see also vii, 102). Black hails the entrance of law into 'an age of sociology' as 'a new stage in evolution' where 'life will inevitably change' (4), proclaiming in his conclusion:
Overlapping nucleotide determinants for specific aminoacylation of RNA microhelices

A seven-base pair microhelix that recapitulates a glycine transfer RNA (tRNA) acceptor helix can be specifically aminoacylated with glycine. A single base pair and the single-stranded discriminator base near the attachment site are essential for aminoacylation. These nucleotide sequence elements, and those in microhelices that can be charged with histidine and alanine, occur in the same positions and therefore overlap. Studies on a systematic set of sequence variants showed that no microhelix could be charged with more than one amino acid. Also, none of the three cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) gave a detectable amount of aminoacylation of the CCA trinucleotide that is common to the 3' ends of all tRNAs, showing that the specific acceptor stem nucleotide bases confer aminoacylation. An analysis of the relative contributions of these microhelices to overall tRNA recognition indicated that their interaction with aaRSs constitutes a substantial part of the recognition of the whole tRNAs.
Concept Mapping as a Form of Student Assessment and Instruction in the Domain of Bioengineering

This paper describes two pilot studies investigating the use of concept mapping for assessing students' conceptual knowledge at a given point and over time. In Study 1, three groups constructed concept maps in response to the question, “What are the 10–20 most important concepts in biomedical engineering and how are they related?” Group differences were consistent with expert-novice distinctions in structural knowledge: faculty generated dense networks of higher-order principles and their applications while students generated fewer connections among concepts pertaining largely to domain content. Study 2 assessed students' conceptual understanding of the biomedical engineering design process in a yearlong design course at three different time points. Later maps contained a greater number of concepts, more precise vocabulary, and were more valid. These findings are discussed in terms of their implications for theories about the structure of knowledge and identification of the skills associated with a culture of practice.