cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Approaches to Boar Semen Evaluation, Processing and Improvement

The improvement of boar reproductive performance may be the next frontier in reproductive management of swine herd in Unites States, facilitated by better understanding of boar sperm function and by the introduction of new advanced instrumentation in the andrology field. Objective single ejaculate evaluation and individual boar fertility prediction may be possible by introducing automated flow cytometric semen analysis with vital stains (e.g. acrosomal integrity and mito-potential), DNA fragmentation analysis and biomarkers (ubiquitin, PAWP, ALOX15, aggresome) associated with normal or defective sperm phenotypes. Measurement of sperm-produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a helpful indicator of normal semen sample. Semen ROS levels could be managed by the addition of ROS-scavenging antioxidants. Alternative energy regeneration substrates and sperm stimulants such as inorganic pyrophosphate and caffeine could increase sperm lifespan in extended semen and within the female reproductive system. Such technology could be combined with timed sperm release in the female reproductive system after artificial insemination. Sperm phenotype analysis by the image-based flow cytometry will go hand in hand with the advancement of swine genomics, linking aberrant sperm phenotype to the fertility influencing gene polymorphisms. Finally, poor-quality ejaculates could be rescued and acceptable ejaculates improved by semen purification methods such as the nanoparticle-based semen purification and magnetic-activated sperm sorting. Altogether, these scientific and technological advances could benefit swine industry, provided that the challenges of new technology adoption, dissemination and cost reduction are met.
Preservice Counselors' Initial Perceptions of Client Grief Style An Analogue Study

This analogue study examined the influence of client grief style (intuitive or instrumental) on initial preservice counselor perceptions of the client. Three hypotheses were tested: (a) that counse...
Rewriting with Equivalence Relations in ACL2

Traditionally, a conditional rewrite rule directs replacement of one term by another term that is provably equal to it, perhaps under some hypotheses. This paper generalizes the notion of rewrite rule to permit the connecting relation to be merely an equivalence relation. We then extend the algorithm for applying rewrite rules. Applications of these generalized rewrite rules are only admissible in certain equivalential contexts, so the algorithm tracks which equivalence relations are to be preserved and admissible generalized rewrite rules are selected according to this context. We introduce the notions of congruence rule and refinement rule. We also introduce the idea of generated equivalences, corresponding to a new equivalence relation generated by a set of pre-existing ones. Generated equivalences are used to give the rewriter broad access to admissible generalized rewrite rules. We discuss the implementation of these notions in the ACL2 theorem prover. However, the discussion does not assume familiarity with ACL2, and these ideas can be applied to other reasoning systems as well.
Cuckoo Filter: Practically Better Than Bloom

In many networking systems, Bloom filters are used for high-speed set membership tests. They permit a small fraction of false positive answers with very good space efficiency. However, they do not permit deletion of items from the set, and previous attempts to extend "standard" Bloom filters to support deletion all degrade either space or performance. We propose a new data structure called the cuckoo filter that can replace Bloom filters for approximate set membership tests. Cuckoo filters support adding and removing items dynamically while achieving even higher performance than Bloom filters. For applications that store many items and target moderately low false positive rates, cuckoo filters have lower space overhead than space-optimized Bloom filters. Our experimental results also show that cuckoo filters outperform previous data structures that extend Bloom filters to support deletions substantially in both time and space.
Instructional Leadership Influence on Collective Teacher Efficacy to Improve School Achievement

The purpose of this study was to examine whether instructional leadership functions, as defined in Hallinger's Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale, positively influence collective teacher efficacy to improve school achievement. Teachers from sample schools provided data for measures of collective teacher efficacy and instructional leadership, while school report cards provided data for measures of socioeconomic status and school achievement. The authors used these data to test their hypothesized model of school achievement via path analysis. They identified school socioeconomic status as a stronger predictor of student achievement than either instructional leadership or collective teacher efficacy.
The roots of coronal structure in the Sun's surface

We have compared the structures seen on X-ray images obtained by a flight of the NIXT sounding rocket payload on July 11, 1991 with near-simultaneous photospheric and chromospheric structures and magnetic fields observed at Big Bear. The X-ray images reflect emission of both Mgx and Fexvi, formed at 1 × 106 K and 3 × 106 K, respectively. The brightest Hα sources correspond to a dying sub-flare and other active region components, all of which reveal coronal enhancements situated spatially well above the Hα emission. The largest set of X-ray arches connected plages of opposite polarity in a large bipolar active region. The arches appear to lie in a small range of angle in the meridian plane connecting their footpoints. Sunspots are dark on the surface and in the corona. For the first time we see an emerging flux region in X-rays and find the emission extends twice as high as the Hα arches. Many features which we believe to correspond to ‘X-ray bright points’ (XBPs) were observed. Whether by resolution or spectral band, the number detected greatly exceeds that from previous work. All of the brighter XBPs correspond to bipolar Hα features, while unipolar Hα bright points are the base of more diffuse comet-like coronal arches, generally vertical. These diverge from individual features by less than 30°, and give a good measure of what the ‘canopies’ must do. The Hα data shows that all the Hα features were present the entire day, so they are not clearly disappearing or reappearing. We find a new class of XBPs which we call ‘satellite points’, elements of opposite polarity linked to nearby umbrae by invisible field lines. The satellite points change rapidly in X-ray brightness during the flight. An M1.9 flare occurred four hours after the flight; examination of the pre-flare structures reveals nothing unusual.
A Non-cooperative Equilibrium for Supergames

Presents a non-cooperative equilibrium concept, applicable to supergames, which fits John Nash's non-cooperative equilibrium and also has some features resembling the Nash cooperative solution. Description of an ordinary game; Definition and discussion of a non-cooperative equilibrium for supergames; Description of supergame and supergame strategies; Information on the Cournot strategy.
Surfactant-induced interactions and hydraulic conductivity changes in soil

Abstract The use of surfactants for the removal of hydrophobic organics from soil by in situ flushing techniques shows great potential. Sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS), an anionic surfactant, is often chosen for soil flushing processes. The relationship between the aqueous equilibrium concentration and the loss of SDS from solution with and without the presence of an electrolyte (NaCl) was established using batch and column experiments. The results indicate that the maximum amount of SDS adsorption and precipitation was observed when the concentration of SDS was in the region of the critical micelle concentration (CMC), and this amount was even higher in the presence of the electrolyte. The interactions such as adsorption, cation exchange between soil and Na + leading to the release of Ca 2+ and subsequent precipitation of Ca(DS) 2 are discussed. Column experiments were also conducted to investigate the change in hydraulic conductivity due to the interactions between soil and surfactant. Injection of surfactants to a soil matrix decreases the hydraulic conductivity, and this change is related to the clay content of the soil, the type and concentration of the surfactant, and the presence of electrolyte. The mechanisms which could be responsible for the change in hydraulic conductivity are clay expansion, sodium dispersion, fine particle mobilization and precipitation of calcium and magnesium dodecylsulfate. For the soil used in this experiment, the precipitation of divalent salts of surfactants appears to be the primary reason for the reduction of hydraulic conductivity.
Preparation of lymphocyte-activating factor from continuous murine macrophage cell lines☆

Abstract Lymphocyte-activating factor (LAF), a mitogen for thymocytes and T lymphocytes, is released into the culture medium by human mononuclear cells and mouse peritoneal exudate cells following treatment with various macrophage stimulants. Experiments were performed to determine if recently described mouse macrophage cell lines released LAF in response to stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Four continuous cell lines (P388-D 1 , J774, WEHI 3, and PU5-1.8) were found to release LAF in serum-free medium following endotoxin stimulation. The results of partial purification indicated that LAF obtained from cell lines had a higher molecular weight and lower isoelectric point than LAF from human mononuclear cells.
Hypogonadism in the Aging Male Diagnosis, Potential Benefits, and Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Hypogonadism in older men is a syndrome characterized by low serum testosterone levels and clinical symptoms often seen in hypogonadal men of younger age. These symptoms include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased vitality, decreased muscle mass, increased adiposity, depressed mood, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Hypogonadism is a common disorder in aging men with a significant percentage of men over 60 years of age having serum testosterone levels below the lower limits of young male adults. There are a variety of testosterone formulations available for treatment of hypogonadism. Data from many small studies indicate that testosterone therapy offers several potential benefits to older hypogonadal men. A large multicenter NIH supported double blind, placebo controlled study is ongoing, and this study should greatly enhance the information available on efficacy and side effects of treatment. While safety data is available across many age groups, there are still unresolved concerns associated with testosterone therapy. We have reviewed the diagnostic methods as well as benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadism in aging men.
The Development of High Efficiency Multijunction Photovoltaic Devices using a Novel Modeling Technique

In this paper a new method for developing a realistic model of any type of solar cell is presented. Taking into account the high cost of research and experimentation involved with the development of advanced cells, we present here this novel methodology. In our opinion, the introduction of this modeling technique to the Photovoltaic community will prove to be of great importance in aiding the design and developing of advanced solar cells. A model of an InGaP/GaAs/Ge multi-junction solar cell is prepared and is fully simulated. The major stages of the process are explained and the simulation results are compared to published experimental data. An optimization stage concludes this paper. The flexibility of the proposed methodology is demonstrated and example results are shown throughout the whole process.
Prosthodontic Program Directors' Perceptions Regarding Implant Placement by Prosthodontic Residents: A 2004 Survey Conducted by the Educational Policy Subcommittee of the American College of Prosthodontists

Purpose: In 2004, a survey regarding implant placement by prosthodontic residents was conducted by the Educational Policy Subcommittee of the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP). The aim of the survey was to assess the current trends in implant curricula at advanced graduate prosthodontics programs in the United States and Canada and determine the issues surrounding surgical implant training for prosthodontic residents. Materials and Methods: The survey was mailed to the prosthodontic/maxillofacial prosthetic program directors of the 59 prosthodontic graduate programs in the United States and Canada in 2004. Of these, 27 program directors replied, yielding a response rate of 46%. Results: Of the replying programs, 43% either required residents to place or offered the option to have residents place implants. Forty-four percent reported that residents participate by functioning as first assistants for some of their implant patients, 40% have a specific curriculum to train residents in implant placement, 50% reported not having any institutional barriers that prevent program directors from training prosthodontic residents in implant placement, 51% provide implant training using plastic jaws, and 66% of the programs required residents to observe implant surgery in the clinic before they are permitted to place implants. Of prosthodontic residents who treated implant-related patients, the majority treated 11 to 20 patients during their residency. In 2004, 40% of program directors were not trained in the placement of dental implants, and if they did have the implant training, the majority (82%) stated that the nature of their training was 1- to 3-day course(s). Conclusions: This survey showed that implant dentistry has become an integral part of the postgraduate prosthodontic curriculum. The trends to incorporate implant placement into the postgraduate prosthodontic curriculum were already evident prior to 2004. To address the demand for implant treatment in patient care and enhance surgical implant knowledge, the ACP in 2005 added placement of implants to its Accreditation Standards for Advanced Specialty Education Programs in Prosthodontics.
Arthroscopic Treatment of Labral Tears and Concurrent Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head in Young Adults

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a progressive disease affecting young adults that results in collapse of the femoral head and subsequent degenerative joint disease. Although precollapse stages of AVN can be successfully treated with core decompression, making the diagnosis is often difficult given alternative sources of hip pain in this age group. We propose that arthroscopic-assisted core decompression of the femoral head offers an effective method of addressing AVN of the femoral head as well as coexistent hip disorders in the same operation. This article describes in detail the technique used to perform an arthroscopic-assisted core decompression of the femoral head, and a companion video demonstrating the procedure is included. Our experience suggests that arthroscopic-assisted core decompression can be used as an alternative to open core decompression, while simultaneously addressing other sources of hip pain, with successful outcomes.
Experimental determination of the viscosity and thermal conductivity of fluids

Abstract The paper reviews the author's experience gained by his research on viscosity and thermal conductivity. The paper begins with a general discussion of the principles which must govern an experimenter who wishes to organize precise and accurate measurements of a transport property of a fluid. Emphasis is placed on the need to maintain a state close to equilibrium, to secure hydrodynamic stability, to formulate a faithful mathematical model of the process and to secure a high degree of resolution in the apparatus. The paper then proceeds to establish the principles which govern the measurement of viscosity in an oscillating-body instrument and briefly describes three such apparatus from the author's experience and one constructed in Trondheim by Torklep and Oye. The section on thermal conductivity concentrates on the author's hot-wire, transient instrument, and discusses the principle of its operation and its potential for use in liquids. The last section describes the contribution that the creation of a large body of accurate data on viscosity and thermal conductivity has made to the development of a completely reliable method of calculating these quantities for low-density monatomic gases and their multicomponent mixtures. This development is recounted here to serve as a possible model for the creation of a similar schema for the calculation of the transport properties of solutions.
Particle deposition on ideal collectors from dilute flowing suspensions: Mathematical formulation, numerical solution, and simulations

Abstract This paper presents the quantitative formulation of the convective diffusion equation for particle deposition in ideal deposition systems. Collectors considered include the rotating disk, stagnation-point flow, parallel-plate channel, isolated sphere, and a porous medium composed of uniform spheres. For each collector, the complete particle transport equation, proper boundary conditions, and expressions for the particle deposition rate are formulated. Also presented are numerical procedures for solving the convective diffusion equation. Simulations for the effect of various physical and chemical-colloidal variables on the rate of particle deposition are presented and discussed. The theories presented apply to particle deposition from dilute suspensions in which interparticle interactions are negligible.
Utilizing acidic sprays for eliminating Salmonella enterica on raw almonds

In-shell or shelled almonds inoculated with Salmonella were sprayed with water, acetic acid, citric acid, acidified sodium chlorite, peroxyacetic acid, or a mixture of citric, hydrochloric, and phosphoric acids before testing for Salmonella on xylose-lysine-deoxycholate (XLD) agar and tryptic soy agar (TSA). Spraying acids on in-shell almonds reduced about 0.48 to 1.88 and 0.22 to 0.67 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g of Salmonella on XLD agar and TSA counts, respectively, on the in-shell almonds but had no effect on the edible portion of the almonds (shelled almonds). When spraying acids on shelled almonds, a single spray application (1.6 mL acid solution/25 g of shelled almonds) with 1 min holding caused 0.72 to 1.93 and 0.38 to 1.35 log CFU/ g reductions of Salmonella counts on XLD agar and TSA, respectively. Increasing the holding time to 5 min did not enhance the reductions. When spraying shelled almonds, increasing the number of application (1 to 3 times) enhanced Salmonella reduction. Except for the peroxyacetic acids, increasing total holding time (5 to 120 min) improved the efficacies. Furthermore, increasing acid concentrations improved the efficacies of acetic, citric, and peroxyacetic acid treatments. Estimated 5-log reductions on both TSA and XLD counts can be achieved under laboratory conditions using 10% citric acid by (1) the combination of shelling, 1 spraying, and 3 d of storage, (2) the combination of shelling, 2 sprayings, and 1 d of storage, or (3) the combination of shelling and 3 sprayings. Acidic sprays may be utilized for enhancing the microbiological safety of raw nuts.
Effects of encoding variability and spacing on frequency discrimination

Abstract Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effects of encoding variability on memory for frequency. A series of experiments is reported here using a frequency-discrimination task. In all of the experiments, when repetitions were massed on the list, frequency discrimination was improved when repeated items were studied in a different encoding context at each presentation. In contrast, when repetitions were spaced, frequency discrimination tended to improve when repeated items were studied in identical contexts at each of their presentations. However, this latter trend was weak and was not found when the items had been learned incidentally.
An intercalated and thermally stable FAPY adduct of aflatoxin B1 in a DNA duplex: structural refinement from 1H NMR.

The structure of a formamidopyrimidine (FAPY) adduct arising from imidazole ring opening of the initially formed trans-8,9-dihydro-8-(N7-guanyl)-9-hydroxyaflatoxin B1 adduct under basic conditions and positioned in the 5‘-d(CTATFAPYGATTCA)-3‘•5‘-d(TGAATCATAG)-3‘ oligodeoxynucleotide was determined. The FAPY adduct may be a major progenitor of aflatoxin B1-induced mutations in DNA. The freshly prepared sample showed biphasic melting, with transitions at 28 and 56 °C. NMR initially showed multiple subspectra. Over a period of several days at 4 °C, the sample converted to a single species with a Tm of 56 °C, 15 °C greater than the unmodified duplex. The deoxyribose was in the β configuration about the anomeric carbon, evidenced by NOEs between FAPYG5 H3‘, H2‘, H2‘ ‘, and H1‘. FAPY formation resulted in the loss of the guanine H8 proton, and the introduction of the formyl proton, which showed NOEs to FAPYG5 H1‘ and A6 N6Ha. A total of 31 NOEs from AFB1 to DNA protons were observed, mostly to the 5‘-neighborin...
Contributors to adjustment problems of adoptees: A review of the longitudinal research

Retrospective studies of adoptive families have identified ways in which members of the adoptive family may be at risk of behavior and adjustment problems, but it is prospective research which can link those difficulties to factors which exist early in the placement. This review of prospective adoption research finds that most studies, but not all, report that adopted children are indeed at increased risk of behavior problems and decreased selfesteem. These studies, taken in sum, caution that unrealistic parental expectations and other parental misconceptions about the child, particularly regarding academic achievement, often lead to these difficulties in adjustment. Implications for practive are discussed.
An Online Stress Management Support Group for Social Workers

SUMMARY This article describes the use of a listserv to make a contribution to that sector of the human service profession which struggles with burnout. The author develops, conducts and evaluates an online support group for social workers.
Continuous variable stepsize explicit pseudo two-step RK methods

Abstract The aim of this paper is to apply a class of constant stepsize explicit pseudo two-step Runge-Kutta methods of arbitrarily high order to nonstiff problems for systems of first-order differential equations with variable stepsize strategy. Embedded formulas are provided for giving a cheap error estimate used in stepsize control. Continuous approximation formulas are also considered for use in an eventual implementation of the methods with dense output. By a few widely used test problems, we compare the efficiency of two pseudo two-step Runge-Kutta methods of orders 5 and 8 with the codes DOPRI5, DOP853 and PIRK8. This comparison shows that in terms of ƒ-evaluations on a parallel computer, these two pseudo two-step Runge-Kutta methods are a factor ranging from 3 to 8 cheaper than DOPRI5, DOP853 and PIRK8. Even in a sequential implementation mode, fifth-order new method beats DOPRI5 by a factor more than 1.5 with stringent error tolerances.
Nutrient release rates from the sediments of Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron

Direct measurements of net production rates and pore water profiles of solutes in the fine-grained sediments of Saginaw Bay, imply corresponding steady-state fluxes to the overlying water of 1.1–1.3 (I), 450–1010 (NH4+), 1250–2650 (Si(OH)4), 3000–3400 (Ca2+), 440–1330 (Mg2+), 1.5–728 (Fe2+), and 179–281 (Mn2+) μmoles/m2/day and 11.0–11.8 (alkalinity) meq/m2/day at 17.5 °C. Silica production rates in sediments apparently follow first order kinetics with a rate coefficient of ∼0.09/day and a steady-state silica concentration of 1.2 mM at 23.5°C. The remaining solutes follow kinetics approximately independent of solute concentration over the range of concentrations observed. Measured solute production rates are consistent with observed solute profiles only if lateral diffusion gradients are maintained in the sediments by the burrowing and irrigation activity of benthic organisms such asChironomous, the dominant burrower in Saginaw Bay. Assuming that solute fluxes from Saginaw Bay are representative of all of the post-glacial sediments of Lake Huron, the iodine flux from sediments is comparable to the total fluvial input of iodine. The extrapolated silica fluxes from Lake Huron sediments balance the estimated biogenic silica flux to the sediments.
Carotid artery atherosclerosis, MRI indices of brain ischemia, aging, and cognitive impairment: the Framingham study.

Background and Purpose— Carotid atherosclerosis has been associated with increased risk of stroke and poorer cognitive performance in older adults. The relation of carotid atherosclerosis to cognitive impairment and MRI indices of ischemia and aging in midlife is less clear. Methods— We studied 1975 Framingham Offspring Study participants free of stroke and dementia with available carotid ultrasound, brain MRI, and neuropsychological testing. We related common and internal carotid artery intima-media thickness and internal carotid stenosis to large white matter hyperintensity (>1 SD above age-specific mean), total brain volume, hippocampal volume, silent cerebral infarcts, and neuropsychological measures of verbal memory, executive function, and nonverbal memory measures. Results— We observed that internal carotid artery intima-media thickness, but not common carotid artery intima-media thickness, was associated with higher prevalence of silent cerebral infarcts (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03–1.43; P<0.05), larg...
Predictors of fat stereotypes among 9-year-old girls and their parents.

Objective:To assess familial links in fat stereotypes and predictors of stereotypes among girls and their parents. Research Methods and Procedures:Fat stereotypes were assessed using a questionnaire developed for this study. Participants indicated the extent to which they agreed with nine statements about thin people (e.g., thin people are smart) and the same statements about fat people (e.g., fat people are smart). Predictors of fat stereotypes that were examined include weight status (BMI; girls and parents), education (parents), income (parents), self-investment in physical appearance (parents), maladaptive eating attitudes (girls), and parenting practices and peer interactions focused on body shape and weight loss (girls). Results:Girls and parents exhibited fat stereotypes. Fathers who were more educated and had a higher family income were more likely to endorse fat stereotypes, as were mothers and fathers with a high investment in their physical appearance. Although no associations were found between girls’ and parents’ fat stereotypes, girls were more likely to endorse fat stereotypes when interactions with parents and peers focused on body shape and weight loss. Girls were also more likely to endorse fat stereotypes when they reported higher levels of maladaptive eating attitudes. No associations were found between weight status and fat stereotypes. Discussion:Although there was no association between girls’ and parents’ fat stereotypes, girls were more likely to express negative attitudes about obesity and obese persons when parenting practices and interactions with peers promoted a lean body type, suggesting that there may be an implicit link between the lean ideal and fat stereotypes.
Endothelial Cell Senescence Increases Traction Forces due to Age-Associated Changes in the Glycocalyx and SIRT1

Endothelial cell (EC) aging and senescence are key events in atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease development. Age-associated changes in the local mechanical environment of blood vessels have also been linked to atherosclerosis. However, the extent to which cell senescence affects mechanical forces generated by the cell is unclear. In this study, we sought to determine whether EC senescence increases traction forces through age-associated changes in the glycocalyx and antioxidant regulator deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), which is downregulated during aging. Traction forces were higher in cells that had undergone more population doublings and changes in traction force were associated with altered actin localization. Older cells also had increased actin filament thickness. Depletion of heparan sulfate in young ECs elevated traction forces and actin filament thickness, while addition of heparan sulfate to the surface of aged ECs by treatment with angiopoietin-1 had the opposite effect. While inhibition of SIRT1 had no significant effect on traction forces or actin organization for young cells, activation of SIRT1 did reduce traction forces and increase peripheral actin in aged ECs. These results show that EC senescence increases traction forces and alters actin localization through changes to SIRT1 and the glycocalyx.
Complete solutions to a family of cubic Diophantine equations

Abstract The following theorem is proved: If n ≥ 1.365 × 107, then the Diophantine equation x 3 −(n−1)x 2 y−(n+2)xy 2 −y 3 =±1 has only the “trivial” solutions (±1,0), (0,±1), (±1,∓1) . Moreover, we show that for 0 ≤ n ≤ 1000, (∗) has non-trivial solutions if, and only if, n = 0, 1, 3. Finally, we conjecture that if n > 3, then (∗) has only trivial solutions.
Enhanced proportion of small adipose cells in insulin-resistant vs insulin-sensitive obese individuals implicates impaired adipogenesis

The biological mechanism by which obesity predisposes to insulin resistance is unclear. One hypothesis is that larger adipose cells disturb metabolism via increased lipolysis. While studies have demonstrated that cell size increases in proportion to BMI, it has not been clearly shown that adipose cell size, independent of BMI, is associated with insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to test this widely held assumption by comparing adipose cell size distribution in 28 equally obese, otherwise healthy individuals who represented extreme ends of the spectrum of insulin sensitivity, as defined by the modified insulin suppression test. Subcutaneous periumbilical adipose tissue biopsy samples were fixed in osmium tetroxide and passed through the Beckman Coulter Multisizer to obtain cell size distributions. Insulin sensitivity was quantified by the modified insulin suppression test. Quantitative real-time PCR for adipose cell differentiation genes was performed for 11 subjects. All individuals exhibited a bimodal cell size distribution. Contrary to expectations, the mean diameter of the larger cells was not significantly different between the insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant individuals. Moreover, insulin resistance was associated with a higher ratio of small to large cells (1.66 ± 1.03 vs 0.94 ± 0.50, p = 0.01). Similar cell size distributions were observed for isolated adipose cells. The real-time PCR results showed two- to threefold lower expression of genes encoding markers of adipose cell differentiation (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ1 [PPARγ1], PPARγ2, GLUT4, adiponectin, sterol receptor element binding protein 1c) in insulin-resistant compared with insulin-sensitive individuals. These results suggest that after controlling for obesity, insulin resistance is associated with an expanded population of small adipose cells and decreased expression of differentiation markers, suggesting that impairment in adipose cell differentiation may contribute to obesity-associated insulin resistance.
Multiple RNA Interaction: Beyond Two

The interaction of two RNA molecules involves a complex interplay between folding and binding that warranted recent developments in RNA-RNA interaction algorithms. However, biological mechanisms in which more than two RNAs take part in an interaction also exist. It is reasonable to believe that interactions involving multiple RNAs are generally more complex to be treated pairwise. In addition, given a pool of RNAs, it is not trivial to predict which RNAs interact without sufficient biological knowledge. Therefore, structures resulting from multiple RNA interactions often cannot be predicted by the existing algorithms that handle RNAs pairwise and may simply favor the best interacting pair. We propose a system for multiple RNA interaction that overcomes the difficulties mentioned above by formulating a combinatorial optimization problem called Pegs and Rubber Bands. A solution to this problem encodes a structure of interacting RNAs. The problem, not surprisingly, is NP-hard. However, our experiments with approximation algorithms and heuristics for the problem suggest that this formulation is adequate to predict known interaction patterns of multiple RNAs. In general, however, the optimal solution obtained does not necessarily correspond to the actual structure observed in biological experiments. Moreover, a structure produced by interacting RNAs may not be unique. We extend our approach to generate multiple suboptimal solutions. By clustering these solutions, we are able to reveal representatives that correspond to realistic structures. Specifically, our results on the U2-U6 complex with introns in the spliceosome of human/yeast and the CopA-CopT complex in E. coli are consistent with published biological structures.
Review: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and functional adaptation of the placenta

The placenta regulates fetal growth and development via transport of nutrients and gases, and synthesis and secretion of steroid and peptide hormones. These functions are determined by vascular development and blood flow and by growth and differentiation of the trophoblast, which contains receptors, transporters and enzymes. The placenta generates reactive oxygen species which may contribute to the oxidative stress seen even in normal pregnancy but this is increased in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, IUGR and pregestational diabetes where oxidative and nitrative stress have been clearly documented. Nitrative stress is the covalent modification of proteins and DNA by peroxynitrite formed by the interaction of superoxide and nitric oxide. We have demonstrated nitrative stress by localizing nitrotyrosine residues in these placentas and found increased expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzyme isoforms 1 and 5 as a potential source of superoxide generation. The presence of nitrative stress was associated with diminished vascular reactivity of the fetal placental circulation, a situation that could be reproduced by treatment with peroxynitrite in vitro. We find many nitrated proteins in the placenta, including p38 MAP kinase which has a role in development of the villous vasculature. Nitration of p38 MAPK was increased in the preeclamptic placenta and associated with loss of catalytic activity. We hypothesize that nitration of proteins in the placenta including receptors, transporters, enzymes and structural proteins can alter protein and placental function and this influences fetal growth and development. Increasing nitrative stress but a decrease in oxidative stress, measured as protein carbonylation, is found in the placenta with increasing BMI. Formation of peroxynitrite may then consume superoxide, decreasing nitrative stress. As protein carbonylation is a covalent modification at Lys, Arg, Pro and Thr residues the switch from carbonylation to nitration at tyrosine residues may alter protein function and hence placental function.
The relationship between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressures and laboratory measures of cardiovascular reactivity

The relationship between 24-hour ambulatory blood pressures (ABP) and blood pressures (BP) obtained during laboratory stressors was examined. Thirty normotensives (equal males and females) underwent ABP monitoring on three occasions separated by a week. They also underwent a laboratory assessment which included standard stressors (i.e., mental arithmetic, cold pressor, orthostatic response, treadmill exercise). Correlational analyses found laboratory pressures to be significantly correlated with ambulatory pressures, with laboratory baseline BPs showing higher correlations to the ambulatory BPs than the BPs obtained during laboratory stressors. In addition, gender effects were examined. In the correlational analyses between ABPs and laboratory BPs, males and females did not differ significantly in the strength of the correlations. In terms of absolute values, males were found to have significantly higher SBP during ambulatory monitoring, random-zero recordings, calibration readings, and during baselines of the laboratory assessment. There were no gender effects for these measures with respect to diastolic blood pressure or heart rate. There were also no gender effects on reactivity to laboratory stressors as measured by change scores. Exploratory analyses found no significant effect of history of familial hypertension on either the ABPs or the laboratory pressures.
Portable EKG Telephone Transmitter

An inexpensive EKG telephone transmitter is described that can facilitate remote monitoring of potential cardiac patients. It can be particularly useful in automated mass-screening programs, battery-life pacemaker studies, and routine but short-term rhythm sampling. An alternate version incorporates touch-tone capability to allow operation with an unattended computerized monitoring facility.
Continuity of care and its effect on prescription drug use among Medicare beneficiaries with hypertension.

BackgroundContinuity of care is one of the pillars of primary care; yet, it is unclear whether having a regular physician influences the use of prescription drugs among the elderly.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of continuity of care on prescription drug use for Medicare beneficiaries with hypertensi
Fluorescence approaches to the study of protein-DNA interactions

mechanism of the activation of the repressor by tryptophan binding, these structures have raised evenmore questions concerning the basis for the affinity changes observed. DNA binding studies of thisprotein using a number of biochemical techniques have brought to light the existence of repressormultimer-DNA complexes at physiological concentrations46, although these have not been wellcharacterized. Recently, we have demonstrated using fluorescence polarization techniques, that therepressor oligomerizes in absence of DNA and that co-repressor binding destabilizes the oligomers7.Clearly, in this case, as in many others, there are subtle thermodynamic relationships between protein-protein, protein-ligand and protein-DNA interactions. The role of these energetic couplings in theallosteric regulation of the repressor by tryptophan is however, not understood. Because of the non-equilibrium nature of filter-binding, gel mobility shift, and nuclease protection assays, it is notpossible to fully explore these different binding phenomena over broad concentration ranges of eachcomponent and under different solution conditions. Fluorescence methodologies provide observablesof the multiple binding equilibria in solution between nanomolar and micromolar concentrations.Variables such as the protein and ligand concentration dependence of repressor-DNA interactions, aswell as different solution conditions (i.e. ,
Agricultural Output and Consumption of Basic Foods in Egypt, 1886/87-1967/68

This paper reports the outcome of computations of indexes for total agricultural output and for apparent consumption of basic food: cereals and pulses in Egypt during the period 1886/87–1967/68.
78. Increased glucose metabolism during acute stress in emotional neural circuitry, assessed with FDG-PET, predicts airway inflammation and psychological symptoms in asthma

Although psychological stress contributes to frequency, severity, and burden of asthma symptoms, the role of the brain in the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease is unknown. To examine the neural mechanisms through which stress contributes to airway inflammation, asthmatic subjects high or low in chronic life stress underwent an acute stressor. [18F]Fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) was used to identify neural circuits active during performance of a social stress task or a matched control condition. Sputum was collected to assess markers of airway inflammation, including expression of genes in the IL-17 pathway, products of which can contribute to both inflammation and depression. Preliminary results indicate that, during an acute stressor, activation in the anterior and mid-cingulate cortex, as well as the inferior frontal gyrus is greater in those with high vs. low chronic stress. These increases in regional glucose metabolism also predicted increased gene expression in the IL-17 pathway, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. Moreover, those subjects high in chronic stress showed increased gene expression in the IL-17 pathway following an acute stressor, as well as increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, relative to those with low chronic stress levels. These data suggest potential neural pathways through which psychological stress may influence airway inflammation, thus leading to an increase in asthma symptoms, disease severity, and uncovering novel targets for future treatment.
Hardware design and validation of pitching control for micro air vehicles using only pressure information

Micro air vehicles are small, light-weight aircraft that fly at low Reynolds numbers. They are used for information collection, especially in situations that are either hazardous for human or inaccessible for larger aerial vehicles. However, it is challenging for micro air vehicles to achieve stable flight and perform agile maneuvers in complex environments with unsteady flow. In this paper, the design and validation of pitching control for micro air vehicles using only pressure information is discussed.
The observation of helical dislocations in sapphire

Abstract : Helical dislocations have been found in sapphire for the first time. Lang X-ray diffraction topographs, including a stereotopograph revealing such helical dislocations are shown. The Burgers vectors, in all cases, have been found to be parallel to the (2)(-1)(-1)(0) directions as well as with the axes of the helical dislocations.
Spin shift register from a one-dimensional atomic chain.

A spin shift register is described. It is composed of a one-dimensional chain of $N$ identical atoms which each have an electronic spin state with $S=1/2$. When an additional electron is conducted down the chain, it shifts the spin information by one atom. The spin shift register (SSR) can be used as a computer memory device.
Experimental Ocular Angiogenesis

In 29 experiments, vascular autologous retina from the contralateral rabbit eye was implanted into corneal pockets in New Zealand white rabbits. The implants induced a neovascular growth of limbal vessels that anastomosed with the vessels of the implant in 15 of the cases. Implantation of vascular autologous iris, choroid, optic nerve extraocular muscle, and conjunctiva also induced neovascularization. Avascular peripheral retina, cornea, and scleral implants did not cause a neovascular response, nor did boiled vascular retina, boiled iris, and boiled choroid. Neovascularization from the retinal and iris intracorneal implants was induced by V2 carcinoma.
Gray-matter volume in methamphetamine dependence: Cigarette smoking and changes with abstinence from methamphetamine

Abstract Background Group differences in brain structure between methamphetamine-dependent and healthy research participants have been reported, but findings in the literature present discrepancies. Although most methamphetamine-abusing individuals also smoke cigarettes, the effects of smoking on brain structure have not been distinguished from those of methamphetamine. Changes with abstinence from methamphetamine have also been relatively unexplored. This study, therefore, attempted to account for effects of smoking and brief abstinence from methamphetamine on gray-matter measures in methamphetamine-dependent research participants. Methods Gray matter was measured using voxel-based morphometry in three groups: 18 Control Nonsmokers, 25 Control Smokers, and 39 Methamphetamine-dependent Smokers (methamphetamine-abstinent 4–7 days). Subgroups of methamphetamine-dependent and control participants ( n = 12/group) were scanned twice to determine change in gray matter over the first month of methamphetamine abstinence. Results Compared with Control Nonsmokers, Control Smokers and Methamphetamine-dependent Smokers had smaller gray-matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus. Methamphetamine-dependent Smokers also had smaller gray-matter volumes in frontal, parietal and temporal cortices than Control Nonsmokers or Smokers, and smaller gray-matter volume in insula than Control Nonsmokers. Longitudinal assessment revealed gray matter increases in cortical regions (inferior frontal, angular, and superior temporal gyri, precuneus, insula, occipital pole) in methamphetamine-dependent but not control participants; the cerebellum showed a decrease. Conclusions Gray-matter volume deficits in the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate of methamphetamine-dependent individuals may be in part attributable to cigarette smoking or pre-morbid conditions. Increase in gray matter with methamphetamine abstinence suggests that some gray-matter deficits are partially attributable to methamphetamine abuse.
Putative mechanism through which N-cadherin-mediated cell contact maintains calcium homeostasis and thereby prevents ovarian cells from undergoing apoptosis

To date most of the studies involving the maintenance of ovarian cell viability have focused on the endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors that inhibit these cells from undergoing programmed cell death or apoptosis. Recently, studies have demonstrated that cell contact also prevents ovarian cells from dying via an apoptotic mechanism. In this commentary, the role that homophilic binding of the cell adhesion molecule, N-cadherin, plays in maintaining ovarian cell viability is presented. These studies showed that N-cadherin homophilic binding (1) is part of the mechanism through which cell contact maintains cell viability, (2) results in the activation (i.e. tyrosine phosphorylation) of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor, and (3) prevents a sustained elevation in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) which triggers apoptosis. These studies also revealed that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), also known as scatter factor (SF), disrupts cell contact, which leads to a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i levels and ultimately to cell death. Based on these studies, this commentary presents a putative mechanism that relates the cellular and molecular mechanism through which basic FGF, N-cadherin, and HGF/SF interact to regulate [Ca2+]i levels and ultimately ovarian cell survival.
Using spreadsheet languages to understand sequence analysis algorithms

Spreadsheet languages have gained enormous popularity for simple numerical computations, but their power in non-numerical contexts has not been widely recognized. This paper presents spreadsheet implementations of several familiar sequence analysis tools. In many cases, spreadsheet notation clarifies the underlying algorithm, facilitating understanding of existing algorithms and promoting spontaneous experimentation. Spreadsheets also reveal, through their visible parallelism, opportunities for applying parallel processors to computationally challenging problems.