cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Dynamics and Heat Transfer Associated With a Single Bubble in Subcooled Boiling and in the Presence of Noncondensables

During phase change at the bubble-liquid interface, under subcooled boiling conditions, noncondensable gases dissolved in the liquid will be injected into the bubble along with vapor. Due to heat transfer into subcooled liquid, vapor will condense in the upper regions of the bubble while noncondensables will continue to accumulate. Subsequently, thermocapillary convection caused by nonuniform saturation temperature at the interface may occur. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of noncondensables on heat transfer and bubble dynamics. The numerical results show that the effects of noncondensables on 5°C subcooled boiling of water are minor in terms of the equilibrium bubble diameter and overall Nusselt number. However, induced flow pattern around the bubble is altered, especially under reduced gravity conditions.
Modeling and control of a heated air intake homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine

In this paper a statistical physics based mean value model (MVM) is introduced for a heated intake homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine based on a previously developed crank angle resolved model [1] and validated. In this HCCI engine, regulation of combustion timing is based on manipulating the cylinder charge temperature through the cold and hot throttle actuators. This two-input and single-output (TISO) system offers an input redundancy which is utilized to separately account for the fast fuel loading changes and the slower variations in the hot inlet (heated air) temperatures via appropriate actuator authority allocation. All the available experimental data sets suggest that the combustion duration Δθ comb between the crank angle of 10% and 90% fuel burned (θ CA10 and θ CA90 ) can be used as the combustion timing regulation variable. This choice is shown to guarantee both combustion stability and fuel efficiency in terms of covariance of indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) and indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) respectively. Simulations of the linear controller with the nonlinear plant demonstrate the closed loop performance.
Thymic carcinoid tumors with bone metastases: a report of two cases

Abstract Two patients with thymic carcinoid tumor with vertebral metastases are described, and clinical, pathological, and radiological features of the tumor are reviewed
Quantitative membrane proteomics reveals new cellular targets of viral immune modulators.

Immunomodulators of pathogens frequently affect multiple cellular targets, thus preventing recognition by different immune cells. For instance, the K5 modulator of immune recognition (MIR2) from Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus prevents activation of cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells by downregulating major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, the MHC-like molecule CD1, the cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and PECAM, and the co-stimulatory molecule B7.2. K5 belongs to a family of viral- and cellular-membrane-spanning RING ubiquitin ligases. While a limited number of transmembrane proteins have been shown to be targeted for degradation by this family, it is unknown whether additional targets exist. We now describe a quantitative proteomics approach to identify novel targets of this protein family. Using stable isotope labeling by amino acids, we compared the proteome of plasma, Golgi, and endoplasmic reticulum membranes in the presence and absence of K5. Mass spectrometric protein identification revealed four proteins that were consistently underrepresented in the plasma membrane of K5 expression cells: MHC I (as expected), bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2, CD316), activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM, CD166) and Syntaxin-4. Downregulation of each of these proteins was independently confirmed by immunoblotting with specific antibodies. We further demonstrate that ALCAM is a bona fide target of both K5 and the myxomavirus homolog M153R. Upon exiting the endoplasmic reticulum, ALCAM is ubiquitinated in the presence of wild-type, but not RING-deficient or acidic motif–deficient, K5, and is targeted for lysosomal degradation via the multivesicular body pathway. Since ALCAM is the ligand for CD6, a member of the immunological synapse of T cells, its removal by viral immune modulators implies a role for CD6 in the recognition of pathogens by T cells. The unbiased global proteome analysis therefore revealed novel immunomodulatory functions of pathogen proteins.
Clinical Prediction from Structural Brain MRI Scans: A Large-Scale Empirical Study

Multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) methods have become an important tool in neuroimaging, revealing complex associations and yielding powerful prediction models. Despite methodological developments and novel application domains, there has been little effort to compile benchmark results that researchers can reference and compare against. This study takes a significant step in this direction. We employed three classes of state-of-the-art MVPA algorithms and common types of structural measurements from brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans to predict an array of clinically relevant variables (diagnosis of Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, autism, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder; age, cerebrospinal fluid derived amyloid-β levels and mini-mental state exam score). We analyzed data from over 2,800 subjects, compiled from six publicly available datasets. The employed data and computational tools are freely distributed ( https://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/lab/mripredict), making this the largest, most comprehensive, reproducible benchmark image-based prediction experiment to date in structural neuroimaging. Finally, we make several observations regarding the factors that influence prediction performance and point to future research directions. Unsurprisingly, our results suggest that the biological footprint (effect size) has a dramatic influence on prediction performance. Though the choice of image measurement and MVPA algorithm can impact the result, there was no universally optimal selection. Intriguingly, the choice of algorithm seemed to be less critical than the choice of measurement type. Finally, our results showed that cross-validation estimates of performance, while generally optimistic, correlate well with generalization accuracy on a new dataset.
Defect-Aware High-Level Synthesis and Module Placement for Microfluidic Biochips

Recent advances in microfluidics technology have led to the emergence of miniaturized biochip devices, also referred to as lab-on-a-chip, for biochemical analysis. A promising category of microfluidic biochips relies on the principle of electrowetting-on-dielectric, whereby discrete droplets of nanoliter volumes can be manipulated using an array of electrodes. As chemists adapt more bioassays for concurrent execution on such ldquodigitalrdquo droplet-based microfluidic platforms, system integration, design complexity, and the need for defect tolerance are expected to increase rapidly. Automated design tools for defect-tolerant and multifunctional biochips are important for the emerging marketplace, especially for low-cost, portable, and disposable devices for clinical diagnostics. We present a unified synthesis method that combines defect-tolerant architectural synthesis with defect-aware physical design. The proposed approach allows architectural-level design choices and defect-tolerant physical design decisions to be made simultaneously. We use a large-scale protein assay and the polymerase chain reaction procedure as case studies to evaluate the proposed synthesis method. We also carry out simulations based on defect injection to evaluate the robustness of the synthesized biochip designs.
The Will of Polydore Vergil

Twenty-five years ago Cardinal Gasquet in a paper read before the Royal Historical Society pointed out the desirability of a new edition of Polydore Vergil's Historia Anglica based on an as yet unpublished manuscript in the Vatican Library. In this paper he referred to the important differences between the Vatican manuscript and the published versions of the Historia, and suggested certain significant possibilities in regard to some of the facts of Polydore Vergil's life. In the course of researches preliminary to the preparation of a critical edition of the Historia, the will of Polydore was discovered in the municipal archives of his birthplace, Urbino. The publication of this document provides a suitable opportunity for further comment upon the life and importance of “le premier historien humaniste en Angleterre.”
De-regulated electric power markets and operating nuclear power plants : the case of British energy

Abstract One issue addressed in almost all electric power restructuring/de-regulation plans in both the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) was the recovery of operating nuclear power plant's spent fuel disposal costs and the expenditures to decommission the units when they are retired. Prior to restructuring, in theory at least, in both countries, electricity consumers were paying for the back end costs from operating nuclear power plants. Moreover, in virtually all cases in the US, states included special provisions to insure that consumers would continue to do so after power markets were de-regulated. When power markets in the UK were initially restructured/de-regulated and nuclear power privatized, the shareholders of British Energy (BE) were initially responsible for these costs. However, after electricity prices fell and BE collapsed, the British government shifted many of the costs to future taxpayers, as much as a century forward. If this was not done, the book value of BE's equity would have been about −3.5 billion pounds. That is, BE's liabilities would have been about −3.5 billion pounds greater than their assets. It is difficult to see how BE could remain viable under such circumstances.
Abnormal intracellular calcium handling in acute and chronic heart failure: role in systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

Acute or chronic heart failure may be caused by one or more of a variety of abnormalities including changes in excitation-contraction coupling processes (i.e. decreased availability of activator Ca2+ or a change in myofilament Ca2+ responsiveness), a change in myocardial energetics, or a change in extracellular factors, such as connective tissue content. Most of the animal and human models of acute cardiac failure that we have studied in our laboratory (i.e. negative inotropic responses to drugs, hypoxia, acidosis and ischaemia) appear to involve changes in excitation-contraction coupling as the predominant cause of dysfunction. On the other hand, the models of chronic cardiac dysfunction that we have studied (i.e. chronic right ventricular pressure overload in ferrets, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Syrian hamsters, hypertensive cardiomyopathy in rats, hypothyroidism in ferrets, end-stage dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in man) predominantly appear to reflect a combination of changes involving abnormalities in both excitation-contraction coupling and ertracellular factors involving myocyte drop-out and increases in connective tissue content. However. In most of these models of acute and chronic heart failure, abnormal intracellular Ca2+ handling appears to be a major cause of both systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
China’s Reform in the Eyes of Chinese Political Elite

As one of the most influential China watchers, David Lampton specializes in Chinese leadership study. This book is another masterpiece of his scholarly work on Chinese political elite. Based on 558 personal interviews and conversations with political, military, and academic leaders from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan over a course of more than four decades, Lampton gives us a fresh insider look—through interviewees’ own assessments and personal accounts—of the mind-set of many political elites and helps to humanize China’s reform era starting from Deng Xiaoping. He incorporates these interviews and conversations into his own interpretation of the political development in China, and as a result, the book is not merely a compilation of these dialogues. Instead, he illustrates the changes and continuities mostly through his own lens of observations. His effort benefits greatly through the qualitative opinion research and reinterpreting the perceptions and views Chinese top leaders held over reforms and critical issues facing China. As a living witness of the dynamic changes taking place in China since the 1970s, the author sets out his goal to ‘‘humanize China’s extraordinary course of development’’ through revealing the frustrations, nightmares, and challenges leaders in China have been facing (pp. 1–3). He has done so gracefully. The time span of the study and the ranks and status of the interviewees are truly remarkable. One has to admire the ability of the author in gaining access to such an impressive list of high-ranking political celebrities, including Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping, Zhao Ziyang, and Jiang Zemin. The author’s leading academic and administrative roles or affiliations, such as Asia Foundation, National Committee on United States and China Relations, the Nixon Center and the American Enterprise
The Muscular Dystrophies: From Genes to Therapies

The genetic basis of many muscular disorders, including many of the more common muscular dystrophies, is now known. Clinically, the recent genetic advances have improved diagnostic capabilities, but they have not yet provided clues about treatment or management. Thanks to better management strategies and therapeutic interventions, however, many patients with a muscular dystrophy are more active and are living longer. Physical therapists, therefore, are more likely to see a patient with a muscular dystrophy, so understanding these muscle disorders and their management is essential. Physical therapy offers the most promise in caring for the majority of patients with these conditions, because it is unlikely that advances in gene therapy will significantly alter their clinical treatment in the near future. This perspective covers some of the basic molecular biological advances together with the clinical manifestations of the muscular dystrophies and the latest approaches to their management.
Biological and Analytic Components of Variation in Long-Term Studies of Serum Constituents in Normal Subjects II. Estimating Biological Components of Variation

Standard statistical analysis of variance has been used on data from weekly determinations of 15 blood constituents in each of 68 normal subjects, our purpose being to isolate and estimate biological components of observed variation. These components include intra-individual, or "personal" variation, and inter-individual, or "group" variation. The most critical problem, that of separating personal variation from long-term analytic deviations in each individual9s data record, was resolved with the aid of concurrent analysis of a constant "pooled" serum. Comparison of isolated personal variation with inter-individual variation indicates that many common blood tests—e.g., magnesium, calcium, total protein, uric acid, serum enzymes, and cholesterol—could contribute to an individually distinctive blood "profile" if substantial improvements were made in analytic precision. Presently, only cholesterol (among older women) and uric acid (in males) appear to possess strong capabilities for distinguishing among normal individuals.
Nicaraguan Narratives of Development, Nationhood, and the Body

Anthropological studies of development in Latin America generally have taken political economic approaches, though a few have raised important cultural questions as well. This work con tributes to the latter project by approaching two subjects rarely discussed together: discourses of development and body politics. In Nicaragua during the last decade, contentious political economic differences have often played out in discursive practices, as the nation makes a transition from die revolutionary Sandinista period to the neoliberal era. Here I examine discussions of microenteiprises and the informal sector as development issues in die remaking of the nation. Then I present the more personal, visceral narratives of working class and poor urban residents. These nondominant discourses that invoke gender and the body as sites on which current conditions are inscribed may point the way toward alternative approaches and critiques
Empire and Allegory in Henry James's The Europeans

My article argues for reading the novel as political allegory. America's efforts in the early and mid-nineteenth century are represented by Robert Acton trying to compete with a “European family” for international colonizing privileges. A blend of British and French empire can be seen in the person of Eugenia, the Baroness Munster – originally American by birth, who has, though her years as European nobility, adopted the policy of expansionism. To fully understand James's caustic comment on imperialistic ventures – most notably as he pits the pernicious nature of European exploits against the more humanistic pursuit of art for art's sake – we can read Eugenia's brother, Felix, as a proponent of aestheticism, committed to seeking beauty in all life pursuits. In sum, I suggest that the novel need not be dismissed (as it largely has been for so many decades) as a simplistic, insignificant part of James's oeuvre. I use historical research, literary analyses of other scholars, statements made by James in his letters, and critical statements by James in such commentaries as his biography of Nathaniel Hawthorne in order to support my views. Of course, I use the primary text, The Europeans, for much of my support.
Running Out of Time: Physician Management of Behavioral Health Concerns in Rural Pediatric Primary Care

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work was to examine pediatricians' responses to behavioral health concerns raised in the context of rural primary care visits with particular focus on time spent. METHODS Research assistants directly observed 302 patient visits in 2 rural pediatric primary care offices. The length of the visit, concerns raised, and physicians' responses were recorded. Interrater reliability, scored for 25% of observed visits, was strong. RESULTS Behavioral, emotional, or developmental concerns were raised by either the parent or physician in 23.6% of all primary care visits observed. Approximately 9% of all visits were identified as a psychological consultation before the visit and lasted approximately 7 minutes longer than visits for other reasons. Behavioral concerns were raised during approximately 18% of visits not originally identified as a psychological consultation. In these cases, visit length increased by >5 minutes on average, a statistically significant difference. In addition, during these visits, discussion of behavioral concerns often consumed more than half of the visit. Data suggested that physicians were responsive to behavioral, developmental, or emotional concerns, engaging in further assessment, supportive statements, treatment, or referral in approximately 97% of the visits when such concerns were raised. CONCLUSIONS Findings converge with previous research, showing that approximately one quarter of all primary care visits involve a discussion of behavioral, developmental, or emotional concerns. Moreover, this study is the first to document the specific impact of such concerns on pediatricians' time, often sited as a key reason why they struggle to effectively identify and treat behavioral concerns presenting in primary care. These data provide a starting point for controlled studies, including comparisons of rural versus urban samples and the impact of various collaborative models of care.
Clinical and Laboratory Tests of Venous Circulation

Pathologic changes in the superficial and deep venous systems, particularly of the lower extremities, are relatively common complications of orthopedic difficulties (see Chapters 17–20). For this reason, it is important to be acquainted with the various clinical and laboratory tests that are useful in the study of such abnormalities.
Growth Hormone (GH)-dependent Expression of a Natural Antisense Transcript Induces Zinc Finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) in the Glomerular Podocyte: a novel action of GH with implications for the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy

Growth hormone (GH) excess results in structural and functional changes in the kidney and is implicated as a causative factor in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Glomerular podocytes are the major barrier to the filtration of serum proteins, and altered podocyte function and/or reduced podocyte number is a key event in the pathogenesis of DN. We have previously shown that podocytes are a target for GH action. To elucidate the molecular basis for the effects of GH on the podocyte, we conducted microarray and RT-quantitative PCR analyses of immortalized human podocytes and identified zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) to be up-regulated in a GH dose- and time-dependent manner. We established that the GH-dependent increase in ZEB2 levels is associated with increased transcription of a ZEB2 natural antisense transcript required for efficient translation of the ZEB2 transcript. GH down-regulated expression of E- and P-cadherins, targets of ZEB2, and inhibited E-cadherin promoter activity. Mutation of ZEB2 binding sites on the E-cadherin promoter abolished this effect of GH on the E-cadherin promoter. Whereas GH increased podocyte permeability to albumin in a paracellular albumin influx assay, shRNA-mediated knockdown of ZEB2 expression abrogated this effect. We conclude that GH increases expression of ZEB2 in part by increasing expression of a ZEB2 natural antisense transcript. GH-dependent increase in ZEB2 expression results in loss of P- and E-cadherins in podocytes and increased podocyte permeability to albumin. Decreased expression of P- and E-cadherins is implicated in podocyte dysfunction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition observed in DN. We speculate that the actions of GH on ZEB2 and P- and E-cadherin expression play a role in the pathogenesis of microalbuminuria of DN.
X-Ray Emission from Distant Stellar Clusters

Observations with the Einstein Observatory indicated that stellar X-ray activity diminishes in clusters older than 70 Myr (Pleiades). ROSAT observations of older clusters also support this result (see Caillault 1995 and references therein). The timescales over which young stars diminish in X-ray luminosity depends on spectral type (Randich et al. 1996), leading to the conclusion that X-ray activity in late type PMS depends on age and stellar mass. F and G-stars approach the main sequence much faster and more distant clusters that are younger overall than those considered by Kastner et al. and also including earlier spectral types.
Building XML statistics for the hidden web

There have been several techniques proposed for building statistics for static XML data. However, very little work has been done in the area of building XML statistics for data sources that export XML views of data that is stored in relational or other databases. For such data sources, we need statistics that are built in an on-line manner, by observing the XML queries to the data sources and their results. In this paper, we present a technique for building on-line XML statistics by observing the XPath queries issued to a data source and their result sizes. These XPath queries select parts of the virtual XML document representing the XML view of the data at the data source. We convert these XPath queries to a more abstract and generalized form that we call annotated path expressions. We present a technique for storing these annotated path expressions and information about their selectivity for use in estimating the selectivity of future XPath queries. We also present an experimental evaluation of our proposed approach.
Perceptions and Behavior: Analyzing Wage Arrears in Russia

We investigate the link between perceptions and behavior using the wage arrears phenomenon in Russia as our case study. To measure perception, we utilize assessments of 'marketability' - what we call perceived demand. For behavior, we first consider the behavior of managers in the allocation of wage arrears, and second, the response by workers to wage arrears. Using Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey data collected between 1994 and 2004 and controlling for regional macroeconomic conditions, firm characteristics and worker characteristics in the probit and Poisson regressions, we find that managers avoid allocating wage arrears to workers with high perceived demand. We argue that this happens because workers with high perceived demand tend to have more employment options and consequently are more likely to quit their jobs. Managers try to retain these workers by reducing their wage arrears. Our empirical results support this argument, as we find that job change is reduced by lowering arrears.
From cyberspace to DigiPlace: Visibility in an age of information and mobility

The information age is increasingly mobile with ever finer webs of potential connectivity overlaying the physical spaces we inhabit. While commentators have long argued that cyberspace can only be understood in reference to material places (Castells, 1996; Graham, 1998; Zook, 2000), this chapter analyzes a particularly striking example of the connections between electronic data, physicality and mobility, i.e., Google’s localization products. In fact, we argue that services such as GoogleLocal engender a type of hybrid space (Couclelis, 1996), which we term DigiPlace, in which digital data and physical places are continually re-combined into lived, subjective space as one negotiates through time, space and information. Particularly novel factors behind the construction and experience of DigiPlace are: the ability to access it in real time and on the move, and the impact of this electronic visibility on perceptions of physical accessibility. This chapter briefly outlines a theoretical lens through which this phenomenon can be viewed and presents a case study based on mobile access to GoogleLocal to explore changes to the way people experience and move through data, space and place.
A semiparametric multivariate and multisite weather generator

[1] We propose a semiparametric multivariate weather generator with greater ability to reproduce the historical statistics, especially the wet and dry spells. The proposed approach has two steps: (1) a Markov Chain for generating the precipitation state (i.e., no rain, rain, or heavy rain), and (2) a k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) bootstrap resampler for generating the multivariate weather variables. The Markov Chain captures the spell statistics while the k-NN bootstrap captures the distributional and lag-dependence statistics of the weather variables. Traditional k-NN generators tend to under-simulate the wet and dry spells that are keys to watershed and agricultural modeling for water planning and management; hence the motivation for this research. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed approach and its improvement over the traditional k-NN approach through an application to daily weather data from Pergamino in the Pampas region of Argentina. We show the applicability of the proposed framework in simulating weather scenarios conditional on the seasonal climate forecast and also at multiple sites in the Pampas region.
Compression-dependent viscoelastic behavior of human cervix tissue.

We have characterized the viscoelastic properties of human cervical tissue through a range of pre-compressional loads and testing frequencies. Mechanical testing is necessary to develop robust elasticity-based techniques for the diagnosis of cervical abnormalities. The storage modulus (E′) and material damping (tan δ) were measured in 13 patients, 40 to 76 years old. Our results showed that E′ increased monotonically from approximately 4.7 to 6.3 kPa over the precompression range (1–6%) for a testing frequency of 1 Hz. Increases in precompressions of 4% or greater significantly increased E′ obtained after dynamic compression testing when data were normalized to 1% precompression. Tan δ remained fairly constant (∼0.35) and was not significantly affected by changes in precompression. E′ and tan δ increased significantly with frequency. E′ monotonically increased from 4.7 to 7.9 kPa for the 1–3% compression range (lowest precompression for 2% amplitude) and from 6.3 to 10.3 kPa for the 6–8% range (highest pr...
Prediction of Coronary Heart Disease Preventive Behaviors in Women: A Test of the Health Belief Model

Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk increases with age, and this increase is more dramatic in women than men. The incidence of CHD is lower in premenopausal women compared with men. After menopause, the risk of mortality from CHD increases in women. The purpose of this study was to test predictors of CHD preventive behaviors using an adapted form of the Health Belief Model (HBM) in a sample of 178 women. The predictor variables were perceptions of susceptibility to CHD, perceptions of seriousness of CHD, general health motivation, social support, and knowledge of risk factors of CHD. Regression results revealed that susceptibility to CHD, seriousness of CHD, knowledge of risk factors of CHD, and general health motivation together explained 76% of the variance of CHD behaviors. Implications for future research and for improving education about consistent adoption of CHD preventive behaviors are discussed.
A Play-Focused Intervention Involving Mothers of Preschoolers

Objectives This study examined the effect of an occupational therapy intervention program for mothers of preschoolers. It was designed to enhance mother-child interaction through play, reduce mothers' perceived stress, and increase mothers' knowledge about child development. Method Maternal causal attributions for parent-child interaction outcomes, stress, self-concept as educator, and children's temperament and behavior were measured with standardized questionnaires before, after, and at 18 months follow-up to the intervention program. The intervention comprised a 2.5-hr, 10-week activity-based program that involved 35 mothers and their 2-year-old to 3.5-year-old children in toy making and toy demonstrations. Subjects were assigned to two intervention program (experimental) groups and one control group, which was administered questionnaires but whose members did not attend a program. Results No group changes were detected on conclusion of, or follow-up to, the program according to measures of attributions for parent-child interaction outcomes, perceived stress, self-concept as educator, or child temperament and behavior. However, some subjects had substantial score increases in their self-concept as educators of their children. Subjects' evaluations for each session and the overall program were positive. Feedback from community nurses confirmed that several subjects subsequently used the skills they had learned through the intervention about use of toys and child development to conduct playgroups in the community. Previously undetected developmental or behavioral problems were identified for 8 (23%) of the 35 subjects. Conclusion Subjects' positive responses to the program, the skills they acquired and shared, and identification of problems needing treatment supported the value of the intervention. Lack of quantifiable group changes suggested that qualitative, single-case design evaluations, or both may have been more appropriate methods to assess outcomes.
Inter- and intraindividual variability of urinary dextromethorphan/dextrorphan (DM/DX) ratios in CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers (EMS) with one or two active alleles

There is significant inter- and intraindividual variability of urinary DM/DX ratios. Distinguishing between CYP2D6 EMs with one or two active alleles may explain a portion of the observed variability. This study evaluated DM/DX ratios in CYP2D6 EMs for 1) differences by genotype and 2) intraindividual variability. Data from four previous studies were used. 62 healthy Caucasian adults genotyped and phenotyped as CYP2D6 EMs (38.6+7.6 yrs, 19M/40F) were administered oral DM≥2 times. 12-16 hour urine collections were assayed for DM and DX by HPLC. An unpaired t-test was used to evaluate differences in log-transformed DM/DX ratios by genotype. Coefficients of variation (CV%) were calculated to examine intraindividual variability of DM/DX ratios and were compared by Wilcoxon rank-sum test. 38 subjects had 2 active alleles (*1, *2) and 21 had 1 active and 1 null allele (*3, *4, *5). 3 subjects had 1 decreased activity allele (*10) and were not included. After 30mg of oral DM, there was no difference in DM/DX ratios [geometric mean (SD)] between subjects with 2 vs 1 active allele [0.0047 (0.0105, 0.0021) vs 0.0065 (0.0180, 0.0023); p=0.23]. After repeated doses of oral DM, CV% (median, range) of DM/DX ratios were not statistically different for those with 2 (41.0%, 4.3-136.6%) vs 1 active allele (44.5%, 6.0–105.5%) (p=0.90). Urinary DM/DX ratios cannot distinguish between CYP2D6 EMs with one or two active alleles. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P18–P18; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.069
Theory of Lattice Resolution in High-angle Annular Dark-field Images

Abstract: The theoretical interpretation of lattice resolution in high-angle annular dark-field images produced in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) has been a subject of controversy. A first-order perturbation theoretical analysis is presented here, which shows that the contrast in the image arises from large-angle multiphonon, incoherent scattering, which is atomic number dependent. The lattice resolution is a consequence of coherently filling the objective aperture, and dynamical elastic diffraction preceding the large-angle multiphonon scattering is not a necessary requirement. Elastic scattering to the higher order Laue zone (HOLZ) is also shown to be negligible, compared with the incoherent scattering. Calculations from application of the theory are also presented. They show that lattice images formed using the high-angle annular dark-field detector are sensitive to atomic number and are relatively insensitive to defocus. Although high-angle annular dark-field lattice imaging appears to be simple, scattering into the high-angle detector can only be approximately described by an incoherent imaging model.
Identification of Marine‐Derived Lipids in Juvenile Coho Salmon and Aquatic Insects through Fatty Acid Analysis

Abstract The energetic benefits enjoyed by consumers in streams with salmon runs depend on how those benefits are accrued. Adult Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. deliver significant amounts of nutrients (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorus) and carbon to streams when they spawn and die; these nutrient additions can have demonstrable effects on primary production in streams. Consumption of carcass tissues or eggs provides for direct energy subsidies to consumers and may have significant effects on their condition. In this study, comparisons of juvenile coho salmon O. kisutch and aquatic insects exposed to terrestrial and marine energy sources demonstrated that direct consumption of marine-derived lipids had a significant effect on the lipid reserves of consumers. Direct consumption of marine-derived tissues was verified through fatty acid analysis. Selected aquatic insects and juvenile coho salmon were reared for 6 weeks in experimental streams supplied with terrestrial or marine energy sources. Chironomid midge...
Systematic Position and Relationships of Paracreptotrematina limi, based on Partial Sequences of 28S rRNA and Cytochrome c oxidase Subunit 1 Genes

Paracreptotrematina limi Amin and Myer, 1982 (Trematoda), an intestinal fluke specific to the mudminnow, Umbra limi, is conventionally classified within the papillose Allocreadiidae. Its unusual morphology (lack of identifiable vitellaria, large fully embryonated terminal eggs), assumptions of homology of its 2 atypical muscular oral ‘papillae’ (lobes) with those of the Bunoderinae, and its unknown life cycle make this classification tenuous. Previous phylogenetic analyses of the papillose allocreadiids, based on morphology, placed P. limi as a basal papillose allocreadiid. We tested this hypothesis with a phylogenetic analysis by using partial sequences of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene from several plagiorchiiform taxa, including reportedly related allocreadiids as well as selected species of Plagiorchiidae, Haematoloechidae, and Macroderoididae. Results of phylogenetic analyses of the 28S rRNA gene fragments by using parsimony criteria support the classification ...
Determination of long-chain base in glycosphingolipids with fluorescamine

A method is described for determining the long-chain base content of glycosphingolipids after acid hydrolysis, using the new reagent fluorescamine. The reaction is sensitive and can be used to characterize or measure glycosphingolipids in quantities routinely separated by thin-layer chromatography.
Past, Future and Presents: Meeting New Online Challenges with Primal Marketing Solutions

This study approaches educational marketing from the perspective of the customers, the students. Instructors and instructional designers have designed online learning using a process that revolves around delivery. The process addresses meeting the needs of administrators and aligns well with the growing demands of the educational marketplace. But the growing failure of students to successfully complete online courses warrants further exploration than simply adding more interactivities or instructor interaction. The authors pose that advertising and marketing have addressed complex consumer relationships for almost a century and have created long term successful customer relationships which could provide insights to help with higher education student retention issues. A look at design development research and marketing semiotics could provide greater understanding and student involvement to help marketing semiotics provide a deeper understanding of the importance of inclusion of students' life experiences and cultural histories.
The Heterogeneity of the High Molecular Weight B12 Binder in Serum

The binding of vitamin B12 by serum proteins was studied by separating Co57B12-enriched serum by Sephadex gel filtration, column chromatography with DEAE-cellulose, and paper electrophoresis. Each method of separation yielded two discrete B12-binding fractions. However, the analysis of each serum by all three separation technics indicated that one of the fractions was, in each case, bipartite. The "high" molecular weight B12-binding fraction defined by Sephadex gel filtration consisted of transcobalamin I and just part of the transcobalamin II fraction. The remaining portion of transcobalamin II was eluted from Sephadex gel in a "low" molecular weight fraction. Thus, transcobalamin II, equivalent to the β-globulin B12-binder, consisted of both "high" and "low" molecular weight components. This suggests that there are at least three serum proteins that can bind vitamin B12: two β-globulins, together comprising the transcobalamin II fraction and differing in molecular weight; and transcobalamin I.
Variation in Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis (Michaux) MacMillan): A potential perennial grain legume

Illinois bundleflower, Desmanthus illinoensis (Michaux) MacMillan, is an herbaceous perennial legume native to the central and southeastern USA. It has been identified as a potential perennial grain legume. To describe variation among natural populations for agriculturally desirable characteristics, 141 accessions of D. illinoensis and one of D. leptolobus were evaluated in common garden plantings established in 1988 and 1990. Characteristics showing diversity among populations included seed yield, plant height, growth habit, days to maturity, 100 seed weight, and shatter resistance. Eight characteristics were analyzed by principal components and cluster analysis. The resulting four clusters accounted for 56% of the variation among accessions. One cluster was distinctive in having plants with vigorous, prostrate first year growth, poor winter hardiness, and large seed. Three accessions also had indehiscent legumes useful for breeding shatter resistance. There appears to be sufficient variation to support genetic improvement of agricultural characteristics of Illinois bundleflower.
The Onion Capsid, Orthotylus translucens Tucker

The onion Capsid, Orthotylus translucens, occurs in Illinois on wild garlic and attacks onions. The life-cycle is briefly summarized and spraying with whale oil soap recommended, Burning over garlic fields and fall plowing are excellent preventives.
Life System Analysis of the Autumn Population of Myzus persicae on Peach Trees

The external agencies influencing the size of autumn populations of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), were studied. The additive processes that influenced the potential size of the populations were the natality rate, the number of actively reproducing adults, and the number of immigrating reproductives. The reductive processes were predation, emigrating reproductives, leaf fall, and weather. Leaf fall and weather (high winds, low temperatures, and rain) were the major reductive processes that determined whether the population of aphids would attain their potential size. Syrphid larvae were the primary biological control agent, and they were most effective during the peak and decline of the population of aphids. Only about one ovipara per twig survived to lay overwintering eggs from hundreds of immature oviparae found per peach twig.
Red Imported Fire Ant Predation on the Alfalfa Weevil and Pea Aphid

Foraging red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, reduced the infestation of alfalfa weevil larvae, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), by 99.6% in greenhouse experiments. Pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), were not found on plants after exposure to foraging ants for 7 days. S. invicta workers did not feed on alfalfa plants.
Egg Production and Body Weight Changes of Japanese Quail and Leghorn Hens Following Deprivation of Either Supplementary Calcium or Vitamin D3

Abstract Dietary deprivation of supplementary calcium or vitamin D3 did not affect the body weight of female or male coturnix or Leghorn hens, even though feed consumption was significantly reduced. The egg production was reduced from about 74% to about 10% and 20% in the calcium deprived and the vitamin D3 deprived coturnix hens, respectively. Leghorn hens reduced their egg production from about 60% to about 25% on vitamin D3 deprivation, but virtually ceased egg production on calcium deprivation. The dietary deficiencies resulted in reduced egg weight, shell thickness, and female tibia ash of coturnix while not influencing ovarian and oviductal weights or testis weights and tibia ash of males. Each of Leghorn hens deprived of dietary calcium had thinner shells within 2 weeks, whereas in the vitamin D3 deprived hens shell thinning occurred within 3 weeks, but yolk weights were significantly heavier in this group. Plasma calcium, ovary weight, and oviduct weight were significantly reduced in Leghorn hens deprived of calcium, but not vitamin D3.
The Bible as Transformational Object: The Psychoanalytic Theories of Christopher Bollas and Their Relevance for Religious Educators

AbstractThis article examines the psychoanalytic concepts of object-relations theorist Christopher Bollas, applying them to a view of the Bible as “transformational object.” Emphasizing the connection between psychological process and religious experience, this article suggests that each person's innate ability to choose and use objects is a key factor in their ability to appropriate the Bible for constructive use. By offering religious objects with psychological awareness, religious educators may come to appreciate that silence, empathy, and open-ended lesson plans are important incubators of transformation; and that aggression has a potentially positive role in the healthy development of worship communities.
Literature Review on Cool Pavement Research

This chapter summarizes an extensive literature on heat island effects and cool pavements to identify: potential technologies and strategies for cool pavements, key questions and what research has addressed them, and gaps in research and knowledge. Several potential strategies to make pavements cooler with various cooling mechanisms are summarized based on the review of existing research and literature. Economic analysis and environmental assessment are discussed, which should be performed over the entire life cycle of cool pavements with appropriate system boundaries to ensure a net benefit, both economically and environmentally. A number of major research and knowledge gaps regarding the environmental and engineering performance of cool pavements, as well as economic performance and implementation and policy issues, are identified from the literature review and summarized.
Traumatic Brain Injury Induces Alterations in Cortical Glutamate Uptake without a Reduction in Glutamate Transporter-1 Protein Expression.

Abstract We hypothesize that the primary mechanism for removal of glutamate from the extracellular space is altered after traumatic brain injury (TBI). To evaluate this hypothesis, we initiated TBI in adult male rats using a 2.0 atm lateral fluid percussion injury (LFPI) model. In the ipsilateral cortex and hippocampus, we found no differences in expression of the primary glutamate transporter in the brain (GLT-1) 24 h after TBI. In contrast, we found a decrease in glutamate uptake in the cortex, but not the hippocampus, 24 h after injury. Because glutamate uptake is potently regulated by protein kinases, we assessed global serine-threonine protein kinase activity using a kinome array platform. Twenty-five kinome array peptide substrates were differentially phoshorylated between LFPI and controls in the cortex, whereas 19 peptide substrates were differentially phosphorylated in the hippocampus (fold change ≥ ± 1.15). We identified several kinases as likely to be involved in acute TBI, including protein ki...
Immediate Reconstruction in Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Challenging Current Care

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive disease that is treated with trimodality therapy consisting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). Traditionally, modified radical mastectomy without reconstruction has been the operation of choice for patients with IBC due to fears of high rates of margin positivity, risk of local recurrence, and the need for PMRT. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate women with IBC at our institution from 2006 to 2014 who completed trimodality therapy. Patients were identified as undergoing reconstruction or no reconstruction (NR), with reconstruction being further classified as immediate (IR) if reconstruction occurred at the initial surgery, or delayed (DR) if initial reconstruction occurred after PMRT. Sixty women with IBC were identified using inclusion criteria. The median follow-up was 2.3 years (range 1.4–4.6). Patients with IR had a statistically significant increased risk (p = 0.006) in postoperative complication rates compared with DR (0 %) and NR (2.6 %). Two patients had positive skin margins on final pathology (one IR, one NR), with both eventually having recurrence. Time to PMRT was delayed 10 days in patients with IR compared with those without IR. No statistically significant difference in recurrence rates was observed (p = 0.86) when comparing patients with IR and those with NR, and no difference in survival was observed between patients who had reconstruction and those without (p = 0.91). Performing IR with mastectomy for IBC is associated with increased complications, but is not associated with decreased survival or increased recurrence in selected patients. IR in selected IBC patients can facilitate successful breast reconstruction.