cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of four resting metabolic rate prediction equations: effects of sex, body mass index, age, and race/ethnicity.

Abstract Objective: This study compared the accuracy of four commonly used RMR prediction equations to measured RMR obtained from the MedGem ® metabolic analyzer. Design and Methods: Height, weight and RMR were measured in 362 healthy individuals [51% female; body mass index (BMI): 17.6–50.6 kg m −2 ; ages: 18–60 years; 17.4% non-white]. Following a 4 h fast, participants rested in the supine position after which RMR was measured. RMR was estimated using four commonly used prediction equations: Harris–Benedict, Mifflin–St. Jeor, Owen, and WHO/FAO/UNU. Accuracy was determined by calculating the percentage of predicted RMR values that were within ±10% of measured RMR values. Main effects of sex, BMI, age, and race/ethnicity were assessed using repeated measures ANCOVAs. Results: For all participants combined, the Harris–Benedict, Mifflin, and WHO/FAU/UNU equations similarly predicted RMR values within ±10% of measured RMR values (57.5, 56.4, and 55.2% of the sample, respectively). When participant data were stratified by sex, BMI, age, and race/ethnicity, the accuracy of each regression equation varied dramatically. The Harris–Benedict equation over-predicted RMR in 18–29 year olds. The Owen equation under-predicted RMR in both sexes, all three BMI categories, 18–49 year olds and White participants. The Mifflin under-predicted RMR in both sexes, normal weight individuals, 40–60 year olds, and non-Hispanic White participants. The WHO/FAO/UNU over-predicted RMR in males, overweight participants, and 50–60 year olds. Conclusions: When examining the entire sample, the Harris–Benedict, Mifflin, and WHO/FAU/UNU equations yielded similar levels of agreement with the MedGem ® measured RMR. However, clinical judgment and caution should be used when applying these prediction equations to special populations or small groups.
Dipositronium and other Two-Positronium Compounds

Dipositronium, Ps2, was recently prepared [1]. This is significant because: • It is the first laboratory observation of a molecule that contains more than one positron; • It is the most symmetrical molecule possible; • It is the most non-rigid (floppiest) molecule possible; • The interval between the theoretical establishment of its existence [2] and its laboratory observation [1] is inordinately long – 60 years; and • An extension of the technology developed for the Ps2 observation may soon lead to an observation of the Bose-Einstein condensation of positronium and the development of a gamma ray laser. We briefly discuss the symmetry of Ps2 and how an understanding of it will underlie its characterization in the future. Ps2O and CPs2 might be the next two-positron compounds to be prepared and characterized in the laboratory. A discussion of the contrasting eigenstates of these two molecules is given. An understanding of these states is required in order to identify them.
Evaluation of Data Generated from Lake Samples Collected by Volunteers

ABSTRACT The goals of the Lakes of Missouri Volunteer Program are to involve citizens in the collection of water samples to monitor lake trophic state and to provide outreach education about lake water quality. Results indicate data generated with volunteer help are of the same quality as that generated by a research laboratory. This conclusion is based on three different methods of evaluation: (1) Comparisons of volunteer and University collected samples showed trophic state classifications were the same for 74% of lakes based on total phosphorus, 84% for total nitrogen and 89% for chlorophyll; (2) Agreement between paired chlorophyll filters was assessed to gauge volunteer processing technique; 88% of the filter pairs was considered good or excellent based on a rating scale developed for this program; (3) Split sampling showed no significant differences for total suspended solids, chlorophyll or total nitrogen. Total phosphorus analysis showed a significant difference with volunteer samples being consis...
Computerized analysis and duplication of mandibular motion

Summary A new digital system has been devised to analyze and duplicate jaw motion. The arrangement of the electronic system offers a range of versatility which includes graphic as well as numerical data analysis. The duplicator linkage is identical to the sensor linkage which, together with an accurate model transfer system, results in an encouraging level of accuracy in jaw-motion duplication. The data collected from normal subjects should offer some new knowledge in the normal motions of the mandible as well as establish a reference for comparison with abnormal masticatory function.
Pressure dependence of the Néel temperature of f.c.c. stainless steel

Abstract The Neel temperature T N of f.c.c. stainless steel has been measured as a function of pressure using the Mossbauer effect. A sample with approximately 74 wt.% Fe, doped with 57Co , and having T N = 58.4 ± 0.1 K at zero pressure, shows T N rising with pressure with increasing slope. Our results indicate that T N is raised to room temperature by a pressure of 175 ± 5 kbar.
EFFECT OF ALPHA-METHYL DOPA AND RESERPINE IN HUNTINGTON'S CHOREA, PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND OTHER MOVEMENT DISORDERS.

Abstract Alpha-methyl DOPA was administered orally to 10 patients with Huntington's chorea, 14 patients with other dyskinesias including 6 patients with Parkinson's disease. No response was seen except for mild benefit in one case of Huntington's chorea, in contrast to considerable benefit produced by reserpine in this disease.
Immunoregulation and tolerance

T-regulatory cells (Tregs), a subset of CD4(+)CD25(+) lymphocytes, have the functional ability to suppress alloimmune responses in vitro and in vivo. Conditions that promote their development and enhance their biological function may be attractive for promoting unresponsiveness to organ transplants. Among the various mechanistic influences of sirolimus, one of its properties as an in vivo agent is to enhance Treg development and function. Therefore, sirolimus is being evaluated as a component of strategies to promote tolerance in organ transplant recipients. On the other hand, Treg promotion by sirolimus may be offset by other properties such as its influence on T-memory cells and B-cell activation. Other immunosuppressive agents will likely need to be used in combination with sirolimus to control the B-cell response. The development of novel genotypic markers of tolerance for liver and kidney transplant recipients should enhance our ability to measure the impact of immunosuppressive strategies with respect to their ability to promote tolerance in the clinical setting.
Why can't Europe save itself? A note on a structural failure

Europe's Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) has been struck by one financial crisis after another. Yes despite many bold new initiatives, instability and uncertainty persist. Why can't Europe save itself? The answer, this chapter argues, lies in a structural failure. EMU lacks a credible mechanism to cope with the threat of imbalances within the group – a framework to manage the European region's internal payments problems. The challenge was foreseen from the beginning. How could a regional monetary union manage the risk of fiscal imbalances among its members? Europe might have turned to the USA for inspiration. For analytical purposes, the USA too can be considered as a regional monetary union comparable to EMU, facing the same fundamental challenge. America's solution was to create a permanent ‘transfer union’, featuring more or less automatic flows of funds through the federal budget at the centre. But European policy-makers chose otherwise, for reasons that go to the very heart of their ongoing integra...
Immigrant Mothers of Color, Pastoral Theology, and the Law

The idealization of motherhood is based on a white, heterosexual, middle-class, and married woman. This has caused problems for most women, especially for women of color. I examine these problems and how the law should address the expectations that are associated with the status of motherhood. I also introduce the current conversation on caretaking among feminist legal theorists. I focus on Martha Fineman’s arguments on the public nature of caretaking work, which includes public assistance to women who care for children as well as dismantling the institution of marriage. I argue that a feminist pastoral and legal theoretical analysis also needs to engage in a patri-kyriarchal analysis that examines issues of citizenship for immigrant women of color.
Feasibility of a low-fat/high-fiber diet intervention with soy supplementation in prostate cancer patients after prostatectomy.

To evaluate the feasibility and long-term compliance with a low-fat diet supplemented with soy protein in men at increased risk for recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Randomized, control study. Academic center in USA. Forty men who had undergone radical prostatectomy and were at increased risk for recurrence. Low-fat (15% fat), high-fiber (18 g/1000 kcal) diet supplemented with 40 g soy protein isolate (n=26) was compared to USDA recommended diet (n=14). Over 4 years, subjects in the intervention group but not in the control group made and sustained significant changes in their diet as measured by the dietary assessment instruments and urinary isoflavone excretion. In the intervention group, dietary fat intake was reduced from 33.46±1.27% energy/day to 21.04±1.74% (P<0.05), fiber intake increased from 14.6±1.06 to 21.05±2.29 g/day. The insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level was decreased from 260.4±8.6 ng/ml at baseline to 220.5±7.9 ng/ml at 6 months (P<0.05) in the intervention group with no significant change in the control group. An ex vivo assay demonstrated inhibition of LNCaP cell growth (−20.0±7.7%, P<0.05) by sera from patients in the intervention group after 6 months of dietary change compared to baseline. These data suggest that long-term low-fat dietary interventions as part of prospective randomized trials in prostate cancer survivors are feasible, and lead to reductions in circulating hormones or other growth factors stimulating prostate cancer growth ex vivo.
Drive-based recording analyses at >800 Gfc/in2 using shingled recording

Abstract Since the introduction of perpendicular recording, conventional perpendicular scaling has enabled the hard disk drive industry to deliver products ranging from ∼130 to well over 500 Gb/in 2 in a little over 4 years. The incredible areal density growth spurt enabled by perpendicular recording is now endangered by an inability to effectively balance writeability with erasure effects at the system level. Shingled magnetic recording (SMR) offers an effective means to continue perpendicular areal density growth using conventional heads and tuned media designs. The use of specially designed edge-write head structures (also known as ‘corner writers’) should further increase the AD gain potential for shingled recording. In this paper, we will demonstrate the drive-based recording performance characteristics of a shingled recording system at areal densities in excess of 800 Gb/in 2 using a conventional head. Using a production drive base, developmental heads/media and a number of sophisticated analytical routines, we have studied the recording performance of a shingled magnetic recording subsystem. Our observations confirm excellent writeability in excess of 400 ktpi and a perpendicular system with acceptable noise balance, especially at extreme ID and OD skews where the benefits of SMR are quite pronounced. We believe that this demonstration illustrates that SMR is not only capable of productization, but is likely the path of least resistance toward production drive areal density closer to 1 Tb/in 2 and beyond.
Interplay between Ribosomal Protein S27a and MDM2 Protein in p53 Activation in Response to Ribosomal Stress

Ribosomal proteins play a critical role in tightly coordinating p53 signaling with ribosomal biogenesis. Several ribosomal proteins have been shown to induce and activate p53 via inhibition of MDM2. Here, we report that S27a, a small subunit ribosomal protein synthesized as an 80-amino acid ubiquitin C-terminal extension protein (CEP80), functions as a novel regulator of the MDM2-p53 loop. S27a interacts with MDM2 at the central acidic domain of MDM2 and suppresses MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination, leading to p53 activation and cell cycle arrest. Knockdown of S27a significantly attenuates the p53 activation in cells in response to treatment with ribosomal stress-inducing agent actinomycin D or 5-fluorouracil. Interestingly, MDM2 in turn ubiquitinates S27a and promotes proteasomal degradation of S27a in response to actinomycin D treatment, thus forming a mutual-regulatory loop. Altogether, our results reveal that S27a plays a non-redundant role in mediating p53 activation in response to ribosomal stress via interplaying with MDM2.
Integrated Sensing and Processing—Acoustic Resonance Spectrometry (ISP-ARS) in Differentiating d-Tagatose and Other Toll Manufactured Drugs

Integrated sensing and processing acoustic resonance spectroscopy (ISP-ARS) is a novel approach to acoustic spectroscopy that can be implemented using instruments as simple as an MP3 player. In ISP-ARS, an ISP acoustic excitation waveform is created that comprises only the distinguishing spectral details associated with an analyte. Fourier transform acoustic resonance spectroscopy (FTARS) is used to develop ISP acoustic waveforms employed in differentiating d-tagatose, a new oral drug in phase 3 clinical trials for treatment of type 2 diabetes, from other toll-manufactured drugs. ISP-ARS reduces the time required for processing that is normally observed with full spectrum FTARS. The ISP detector output is a voltage that can be read immediately and corresponds only to the analyte under investigation. ISP acoustic waveforms composed of 10, 100, and 1,000 frequencies were used to identify several drugs. The tablets used in this study were aspirin, acetaminophen, d-tagatose, ibuprofen, vitamin B, and vitamin C. It was found that a mixture of as few as ten frequencies with the largest factor loadings were required to properly classify each pill used in this study. Intra-cluster distances were calculated to be less than three multidimensional standard deviations (MSD) for each pill type. The average accuracy of prediction was 98.47, 97.45, and 95.41% for the 10-, 100-, and 1,000-frequency component acoustic waveforms, respectively.
Using a Modified Social Story to Decrease Disruptive Behavior of a Child With Autism.

Despite the popularity of Social StoriesTM as an intervention for disruptive behavior in children with autism, there have been few investigations on the effectiveness of Social Stories. Scattone, Wilczynski, EdWards, and Rabian (2002) found that Social Stories decreased challenging behaviors in children With autism, but they identified verbal prompts as a source of variability to be examined in future study. The current study examined the effects of a modified social story, with and without verbal prompts, on the disruptive behavior of a student with autism in his preschool classroom. A reversal design Was used to compare the effectiveness of the modified social story With and Without verbal prompts. The disruptive behavior decreased during both phases of the intervention but to a greater degree when the story was paired with prompting. Maintenance probes conducted 2 weeks after intervention revealed that the modified social story had become a regular instructional routine for the student. Results are dis...
Metabolism and distribution of bromodichloromethane in rats after single and multiple oral doses.

The disposition of [14C]bromodichloromethane (BDCM) was studied in male Fischer rats after single oral doses of 1, 10, 32, or 100 mg/kg and 10‐d repeat oral dosing of 10 or 100 mg/kg/d. Methods were developed to quantitate exhaled 14CO and 14CO2. Bromodichloromethane was extensively (∼80–90%) metabolized within 24 h postdosing with ∼70–80% of the administered dose appearing as 14CO2 and ∼3–5% as 14CO. Urinary and fecal elimination were low, accounting for 4–5% and 1–3% of the dose, respectively. Oral administration of BDCM at a level of 10 mg/kg/d for 10 d did not result in the bioaccumulation or altered disposition of the test chemical, but during the course of the repeat 100 mg/kg/d dosing the rate of production of 14CO2 increased, suggesting that this dose of BDCM induced its own metabolism. Persistence of radiolabeled residues in tissues collected 24 h after single‐dose administration was low (3–4% of dose), with the most marked accumulation (1–3% of dose) in liver. Kidney tissue, particularly the cor...
HABITAT FRAGMENTATION INFLUENCES SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF TRANSPLANTED NORTHERN QUAHOG (MERCENARIA MERCENARIA LINNÉ) IN BIG LAGOON, FLORIDA

Abstract To test the effects of habitat fragmentation per se on the survival and growth of the northern quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria Linne), we stocked juvenile quahogs in 10 seagrass patches (Halodule wrightii Ascherson) ranging in size from 0.5–1,750 m2 for two consecutive months during the summer of 2004. As a control, additional quahogs were stocked in cages located in seagrass patches that spanned the same size range. We tested for changes in shell growth, somatic growth, and mortality between caged and non-caged treatments and we estimated the strength of linear relationships between all three measures of growth and mortality with patch area, perimeter, perimeter: area ratio, seagrass aboveground biomass, and epiphyte biomass. Shell and somatic growth were each significantly greater in cages, whereas mortality was significantly less than in uncaged treatments. There were no significant relationships between clam mortality and either patch perimeter, seagrass above ground biomass, or epiphyte biomas...
Assessment of Healthy Start Fetal and Infant Mortality Review recommendations.

Objectives: We examine the scope and nature of the recommendations that emerged from the Healthy Start Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) projects and explore their use to promote systems change. Methods: The FIMR process of 16 of the 22 federal Healthy Start projects was reviewed. We analyzed data from a June 1996 survey developed and administered by the MCH Bureau which gathered information about recommendations produced by the FIMRs. We supplemented these data with information gathered through follow-up telephone interviews and by abstracting information from grant documents. Results: The 16 Healthy Start FIMRs reviewed approximately 1300 cases between 1991 and 1996. A total of 303 specific action strategies were recommended, reflecting eighteen specific substantive areas of concern. Overall, 65% of recommendations fell under the rubric of “program” functions, 31% under “practice,” and 4% under “policy.” Healthy Start itself was most commonly targeted for action. The second most frequent target for action were public and private provider institutions. Public policymaking entities were rarely targeted. Conclusions: In the first several years of implementation, with few exceptions these FIMRs sought limited change. They worked almost exclusively within their own span of control to effect important, but limited changes in systems serving women and their infants. As public health professionals seek to monitor population health, the field must strengthen any and all vehicles that draw upon collaborative structures at the community level to not only uncover problems, but to address them as well.
Structure of Peptides Associated with Class I and Class II MHC Molecules

Class I and class II molecules encoded by genes within the major histocompatibility complex play a central role in regulation of immune responses through their ability to bind and display small peptides derived from foreign antigens. Within the last few years, considerable progress has been made in understanding the structures of class I and class II MHC molecules, as well as the features of the peptides that are their principal ligands. This review summarizes this information and describes how it accounts for both the specificity and degeneracy of peptide binding. It also considers how the origin and structural features of peptides that have been isolated from MHC molecules, so-called “naturally processed” peptides, have provided insight into the pathways through which the peptides are produced. Finally, the use of new structural information and techniques for peptide characterization for the identification of peptides that comprise epitopes for individual antigen-specific T cells are considered.
Role of protons in activation of cardiac sympathetic C-fibre afferents during ischaemia in cats.

1Chest pain caused by myocardial ischaemia is mediated by cardiac sympathetic afferents. The mechanisms of activation of cardiac afferents during ischaemia remain poorly understood. Increased lactic acid production is associated closely with myocardial ischaemia. The present study examined the role of protons generated during ischaemia in activation of cardiac sympathetic C-fibre afferents. 2Single-unit activity of cardiac afferents innervating both ventricles was recorded from the left sympathetic chain in anaesthetized cats. Epicardial tissue pH was measured within 1-1.5 mm of the surface by a pH-sensitive needle electrode. Responses of cardiac afferents to myocardial ischaemia, lactic acid, sodium lactate, acidic phosphate buffer and hypercapnia were determined. 3Occlusion of the coronary artery for 5 min decreased epicardial tissue pH from 7.35 ± 0.21 to 6.98 ± 0.22 (P < 0.05). Epicardial placement of isotonic neutral phosphate buffer, but not saline, prevented the ischaemia-induced decrease in epicardial pH. This manoeuvre significantly attenuated the response of 16 afferents to 5 min of ischaemia (1.56 ± 0.23 pre-treatment vs. 0.67 ± 0.18 impulses s−1). Topical application of 10-100 μg ml−1 of lactic acid, but not sodium lactate, concentration-dependently stimulated 18 cardiac afferents. Inhalation with high-CO2 gas failed to activate 12 separate cardiac afferents. Furthermore, lactic acid stimulated cardiac afferents to a greater extent than acidic phosphate buffer solution, applied at a similar pH to the same afferents. 4Collectively, this study provides important in vivo evidence that protons contribute to activation/sensitization of cardiac sympathetic C-fibre afferents during myocardial ischaemia.
The electrostatic interaction of charged, dust-particle pairs in plasmas

Abstract We report the results of a study of the electrostatic interaction between negatively charged particles in a plasma. The goal of the study was to investigate the possibility of an attractive interaction which would make possible the formation of “molecules” of particles. For all approximations relating the positive ion density to the local electrostatic potential that we examined, we find that the interaction is repulsive for all particle separations.
A decomposition of near-optimum regulators for systems with slow and fast modes

For systems with slow and fast subsystems a near-optimum state regulator is composed of two subsystem regulators. Conditions for complete separation of slow and fast regulator designs are formulated. A second order approximation of the optimal performance is achieved without the Knowledge of the small singular perturbation parameter.
Narrative vs Historical Truth: Insights from Field Work in Right-Wing Popular Consciousness in Israel

The case of Dorit, a right-wing recent convert to Judaism and immigrant to Israel from the United States, is examined in an attempt to show how the need of one woman to dramatize in the performance of life history might forge a truth that is better held together by the force of narrative rhetoric and metaphor than by fact. Batya Weinbaum teaches multicultural literature, oral history and feminism in the Department of English at Cleveland State University. Her work on women in Palestine/Israel has appeared in such publications as Peace Review, Biography and
Achalasia: A New Clinically Relevant Classification by High-Resolution Manometry

Background & Aims: Although the diagnosis of achalasia hinges on demonstrating impaired esophagogastric junction (EGJ) relaxation and aperistalsis, 3 distinct patterns of aperistalsis are discernable with high-resolution manometry (HRM). This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and treatment response of these 3 subtypes. Methods: One thousand clinical HRM studies were reviewed, and 213 patients with impaired EGJ relaxation were identified. These were categorized into 4 groups: achalasia with minimal esophageal pressurization (type I, classic), achalasia with esophageal compression (type II), achalasia with spasm (type III), and functional obstruction with some preserved peristalsis. Clinical and manometric variables including treatment response were compared among the 3 achalasia subtypes. Logistic regression analysis was performed using treatment success as the dichotomous dependent variable controlling for independent manometric and clinical variables. Results: Ninetynine patients were newly diagnosed with achalasia (21 type I, 49 type II, 29 type III), and 83 of these had sufficient follow-up to analyze treatment response. Type II patients were significantly more likely to respond to any therapy (BoTox [71%], pneumatic dilation [91%], or Heller myotomy [100%]) than type I (56% overall) or type III (29% overall) patients. Logistic regression analysis found type II to be a predictor of positive treatment response, whereas type III and pretreatment esophageal dilatation were predictive of negative treatment response. Conclusions: Achalasia can be categorized into 3 subtypes that are distinct in terms of their responsiveness to medical or surgical therapies. Utilizing these subclassifications would likely strengthen future prospective studies of treatment efficacy in achalasia.
SPEECH RECOGNITION FOR ON-SITE COLLECTION OF LICENSE PLATE DATA: EXPLORATORY APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING

The collection of traffic data in the field, both from manual and automated methods, is vital to the management and maintenance of the transportation infrastructure. Historically, many methods for manual data collection have been utilized, ranging from pencil and paper to portable computers. At present, with advances in computing performance and technology over the last several years, speech recognition technology has emerged as a potentially viable tool for data collection, a tool with very distinct advantages over some existing methods of manual data collection. This paper discusses the development and testing of a speech recognition enabled software program for data collection in the field. The specific program developed was designed to enable the collection of vehicular license plate data from roadside observation locations. This particular application proved to be a very demanding test for speech recognition due to several factors—loud backgound noise conditions at roadside locations, the need for high accuracy rates, and the need for sufficient computational speed to handle potential high sampling rates. Many field tests were conducted and key measures of effectiveness were compared between the speech entry method and a method utilizing portable computer keyboard-based data entry. Overall, the results showed promise that speech recognition could become a method that will improve the ease and efficienicy of collecting transportation data in the field, which should also lead to increased data quantity and quality.
Problem-based anatomy for surgical residents.

Abstract Graduating medical students who enter surgery residencies frequently have limited anatomic experiences during their undergraduate training. Throughout the 5 years of surgical training residents are exposed to the anatomy as it relates to the operative procedures performed. Frequently, however, many of the complex anatomic areas of the body escape the experience of a surgery resident in training. The American Board of Surgery requires that surgeons have comprehensive experience with problems located in the head and neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities. In an effort to provide an experience in the critical anatomic areas, the Michigan State University (MSU) Integrated General Surgery Residency developed a problem-based anatomy course that focuses on some of the most difficult anatomic areas in which surgeons are expected to provide lifesaving procedures. A program was developed that would present a series of clinical scenarios focusing on critical anatomic approaches and related structures in the head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, perineum, upper extremity, and lower extremity. The program involved 61 individual clinical scenarios, each requiring specific dissections. The course is directed by a surgeon and anatomist, with the discussion focused entirely on surgical approaches, related anatomic structures, and the options of therapy. The course has been taught for 4 years with great success. The program is now being extended to all affiliated general surgery residencies in the MSU system. A problem-based anatomy course has been developed that addresses many of the complex anatomic areas in which surgeons are expected to provide safe operative intervention. A problem-based approach has provided opportunities for surgical residents to consider operative approaches necessary to perform procedures in a safe, competent manner. The success of this approach would lend credence to expanding its utility to other specialties and even medical student training. (Curr Surg 57:377–380. © 2000 by the Association of Program Directors in Surgery.)
CHEMOSENSITIVITY OF WALKING LEGS OF THE LOBSTER HOMARUS AMERICANUS: NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE SPECTRUM AND THRESHOLDS

SUMMARY Responses of chemoreceptors in the walking legs of the lobster Homarus americanus to 35 individual compounds and 3 mixtures (prey odours and extracts) were studied using extracellular recording techniques. Compared against a standard mussel (Mytilus edulis) extract, these receptors were most sensitive to the amino acids L-glutamate, hydroxy-L-proline, L-aspartate, L-arginine, glycine, taurine, and L-alanine, as well as such other compounds as ammonium chloride, betaine, and the tripeptide glutathione. Most of these excitants are among those compounds most prevalent in the prey of lobsters. Some proteins and odours from live prey were also effective stimuli. In general, carbohydrates, alcohols, nucleosides, and nucleotides were only slightly excitatory. The lowest thresholds for 10 compounds ranged from 3-5x10"* to 3'5XIO~ U M; these thresholds are lower than previously reported for crustacean taste receptors.
Shear- and Tension-Type Tests to Evaluate Bonding of Hot-Mix Asphalt Layers with Different Tack Coat Application Rates

Bonding between adjacent pavement layers is an important factor affecting overlay service life. Poor bonding between adjacent layers of hot-mix asphalt can lead to distresses in the pavement system, such as slippage cracking, top-down cracking, premature fatigue, and, in some cases, complete delamination. Although interface behavior between different pavement layers is important, there is no consensus about the best testing technique for bonding. Interface bonding is usually assessed for shear strength. Considering that interface debonding can be caused by both shear and tension loading and that the optimum tack coats obtained from shear-type and tension-type interface tests may differ, a study to compare shear and tension testing results was conceived and carried out. When optimum tack coat rates as obtained from shear-type and tension-type interface tests were obtained and compared, a significantly higher tack coat rate was needed to create a strong adhesive bond between layers than the optimum rate sug...
Presurgical localization of the artery of Adamkiewicz with time-resolved 3.0-T MR angiography

We used 3.0-T time-resolved-MR angiography, double-dose gadobenate dimeglumine, and oral nitroglycerine, to identify the artery of Adamkiewicz and differentiate it from the radiculomedullary vein, eliminating the need for a timing bolus in patients with substantial aortic disease prior to aortic surgery.
Time domain reflectometry (TDR) applications in Earth sciences

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is becoming the method of choice for measurement of water content and electrical conductivity in Earth materials. New TDR devices designed specifically for measurements in porous media are cheap, robust, and amenable to automation for continuous monitoring. TDR probes are often designed for direct insertion into soil or rock using only a few conductors to minimize disturbance while providing a representative sampling volume. Permittivity measurement and interpretation is often affected by ambient conditions and media physical properties. Solid surfaces hinder the rotational freedom of water at a greater extent with increasing surface area of the porous material and are also influenced by temperature. Saline soils are electrically conductive to the point of completely attenuating the TDR signal using conventional probe designs (e.g., 15 cm length). Innovative techniques for reducing signal attenuation or otherwise preserving waveform information, thereby extending the range of permittivity measurements in lossy porous media are presented.
Between Religious Marketplace and Spiritual Wasteland: Religion in the British Atlantic World1

The predominant metaphors in use for describing religion in the British Atlantic world are marketplace and wasteland – the first presenting religion as a product to be sold and consumed, the second asserting that religion was not successfully planted in colonies (at least not outside of New England). Both of these constructs for understanding religion's nature and role rely heavily on the perspective of clergymen. Although they left us much that was written on religious belief and practice for the period to 1800, clergy have a particular perspective and the sources they penned skew the presentation of religion toward competition and absence. These two ways of looking at faith are in fact two sides of the same clerical coin, and ought to be accepted only with caution, if at all. This article argues that we must read these denunciations with a critical eye and look beyond them to appreciate the vibrancy of lay religious faith and practice even in those very places that the clergy vociferously criticized.
Noradrenergic inhibition of synaptic transmission between mitral and granule cells in mammalian olfactory bulb cultures.

Noradrenergic modulation of the glutamatergic-GABAergic synapses between mitral/tufted (M/T) and granule cells has been implicated in some forms of olfactory learning (Brennan et al., 1990). Norepinephrine (NE) has been shown to disinhibit mitral cells (Jahr and Nicoll, 1982), but its site of action is not well defined. The effects of NE on synaptic transmission between monosynaptically coupled pairs of mitral and granule cells have been examined using primary culture and whole- cell recording techniques. Intracellular stimulation of M/T cells evoked dual-component EPSPs in granule cells consisting of both NMDA and AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid) receptor-mediated mechanisms. The EPSPs were reversibly inhibited by approximately 50% during application of 30 microM NE. NE had no effect, however, on the membrane current evoked by exogenous application of glutamate, indicating a presynaptic site of action. The effect of NE on EPSPs was mimicked by the alpha-adrenergic agonist clonidine but not by the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. NE had no significant effect on either accommodation or macroscopic currents in either M/T or granule cells. NE also inhibited spontaneous GABAergic IPSPs recorded in M/T cells, by a presynaptic alpha-adrenergic-mediated mechanism. These results support previous results suggesting a disinhibitory role for NE in the olfactory bulb. This action, however, is at least in part mediated by a reduction in mitral cell-mediated granule cell excitation.
Effect of freezer programs on real-time storage results of dissolution profiles

AbstractCarstensen and Rhodes1 have suggested that when, in stability programs, assays cannot be performed immediately after the protocol-designated storage time, then freezing them until such a time when assays can be performed would be a reasonable manner to retain the protocol schedule. They caution, however, that such a procedure may not be valid for dissolution data. The article to follow deals with real-time data showing that such a process is feasible for Nalidixic Acid tablets (and presumably for other tablets as well), and that, furthermore, the dissolution pattern would seem to be “frozen” as well.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 kindred with novel tandem RET mutations: Case report with an applied in silico mutational tolerance analysis

Background The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has established guidelines for prophylactic thyroidectomy in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) based on rearranged during transfection (RET) mutations. In silico analysis, which uses computer modeling to predict alterations in protein structure, is a new method for studying these mutations. Methods We describe a kindred with MEN2A, all sharing a well-documented RET mutation, p.C634Y, as well as a mutation of undetermined significance, p.I852M, which we analyzed via in silico analysis. Results The p.C634Y mutation resulted in severe predicted RET alterations, whereas the p.I852M resulted in only modest changes. Both mutations together resulted in only a small additional disruptive effect in protein structure beyond that which occurred with p.C634Y alone. Conclusion Although in silico analysis may be helpful in quantitating changes in protein structure that occur in patients who have novel RET mutations (single or multiple), additional factors must account for the highly variable aggressiveness of the disease (C-cell hyperplasia/medullary thyroid carcinoma [MTC]) noted in our kindred. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016
nu. i/sub 13/2/ and. nu. h/sub 9/2/ isomers in odd-A Pt nuclei

${\frac{13}{2}}^{+}$ isomers with half-lives of 311 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 15, 143 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 5, and 95 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 5 \ensuremath{\mu}s in $^{187}\mathrm{Pt}$, $^{189}\mathrm{Pt}$, and $^{191}\mathrm{Pt}$, respectively, have been observed in ($\ensuremath{\alpha},3n\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reactions on isotopically enriched Os targets. Isomeric decay schemes based on the present measurements and on $^{189}\mathrm{Au}$ and $^{191}\mathrm{Au}$ decay data are presented. It is proposed that the $^{187,189,191}\mathrm{Pt}{\frac{13}{2}}^{+}$ isomers deexcite by $M2$ transitions to ${\frac{9}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ intrinsic states of $\ensuremath{\nu}{h}_{\frac{9}{2}}$ character. In $A\ensuremath{\ge}193$ Pt nuclei the corresponding ${\frac{9}{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ states must lie above the known $\ensuremath{\nu}{i}_{\frac{13}{2}}$ isomers, which have much longer half-lives.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{186,188,190,192}\mathrm{Os}(\ensuremath{\alpha},3n\ensuremath{\gamma})$, $E=30\ensuremath{-}50$ MeV, enriched targets; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}(E)$, ${E}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, ${I}_{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$, $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ coin, $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})\ensuremath{\gamma}$, ${T}_{\frac{1}{2}}$, deduced $^{187}\mathrm{Pt}$, $^{189}\mathrm{Pt}$, $^{191}\mathrm{Pt}$ isomeric decay schemes, $J$, $\ensuremath{\pi}$.
Ion Channel Blockers and Nicotinic Agonists and Antagonists to Probe Brain Nicotinic Receptors

In an effort to investigate the nature of brain nicotinic receptors receptor binding studies have been undertaken using nicotinic radioligands. With 3H-nicotine or the 3H-azetidine analogue of nicotine the Scatchard plot yielded a high and lower affinity site; whereas, with 3H-methylcarbamylcholine (3H-MCC) only the lower affinity site was observed. Based on the observation that the addition of a methyl group on carbamylcholine yielded a potent and specific nicotinic agonist, a number of nicotinic agonists and antagonists have been synthesized and their structure-activity relationships described. Studies are described using 3H-mecamylamine as a ligand for investigating the ion channel associated with brain nicotinic receptors. A good correlation was observed between the Ki values of a variety of mecamylamine and pempidinge analogues and their ability to antagonize the psychotropic effects of nicotine. Since nicotine competed for 3H-mecamylamine binding, it was inferred that nicotine may be interacting with the ion channel as well as with the recognition site.
Measurement of Ion Energy Distributions Produced within an NSTAR Discharge Chamber

*† Measurements are presented of ion energy distributions produced within a prototype NSTAR discharge chamber as a function of its operational parameters. The goal of this effort is to document the ion energy distribution characteristics and determine features that could cause rapid sputter erosion of discharge chamber components. Ion energy distributions were measured with a Comstock model AC-901 electrostatic analyzer (ESA) that was located outside of the discharge chamber and sighted through a slit that was cut in the side of the anode and along a diameter across the pseudo-screen grid. Important results are that, at some locations within the discharge chamber at high discharge current operating conditions, high energy ion groups (with drift energies of order 100 eV that are separate and distinct from groups at the discharge energy) can be produced that would cause rapid sputter erosion to most discharge chamber thruster components comprised of molybdenum, stainless steel, tantalum, and tungsten. Under nominal operating conditions, no significant high-energy groups (separate from the discharge ion signal) are detected. However, high energy tails on the discharge ion signal are detected that display effective temperatures of order 10 eV. An additional result is that the discharge ion signal appears to be Maxwellian and ion temperatures of 3 to 4 eV have been measured. In some situations, the discharge ion signal is much stronger than high energy ion groups present to the extent that the discharge ion group tail would cause more sputter erosion than the high energy group (at the location of the ESA).
Esophageal self-expandable metal stent for an anastomotic colorectal stricture.

required total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in November 2009. She subsequently developed partial bowel obstruction requiring multiple balloon dilations of a pinpoint anastomotic stricture. A repeat endoscopy was performed and the stricture was first dilated up to 10mm with a CRE balloon dilator (Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts, USA; ●" Fig. 1a,b). A fully covered, metal, 18 × 80-mm esophageal Bonastent (Standard Sci Tech Inc., Seoul, South Korea) was then deployed across the stricture (●" Fig. 1c,d) under fluoroscopic guidance (●" Fig. 2). The patient tolerated the procedure well, without any complications. She was continuing to do extremely well when she returned for follow-up visits 1 month and 3 months later, with a barium enema showing a patent stent. She has declined to have the stent removed because she is finally symptom free. This case is unusual in that an esophageal stent was used to treat a colonic stricture. In patients with advanced malignancies, colonic stenting can provide palliative care by relieving acute colonic obstruction [1]. More recently, self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have been placed in patients with benign colorectal disease [2]. The use of SEMS may be associated with a longer lasting dilatation and a lower rate of recurrence in cases of anastomotic stricture [2]. The majority of the previously reported cases have used colonic stents, either covered or uncovered [3]. However, for rectosigmoid lesions, esophageal stents may be another useful option because they are covered and the relatively short distance from the anus offers greater mechanical advantage in terms of manipulation of the stents [3,4]. One clinical trial that compared the migration rates of several stents in malignant colonic strictures reported that the Bonastent had the lowest rate of migration. This was attributed to its larger diameter and flared ends [4]. In conclusion, covered SEMS with flared ends can be used to relieve obstructions caused by anastomotic strictures. Further experience with these novel SEMS is required before they can be recommended for more generalized use.
Partial thoracic aortic occlusion in blunt trauma.

This case raises some interesting points. First, it allows a review of Poiseuille's Law and its application to vascular disease. It raises the question of whether or not some CT and MRI findings are of clinical significance. Finally, one must question whether or not intervention is indicated based on these "high tech" findings. Only the passage of time and accumulation of further data will give us the correct answers. Language: en
CHARACTERIZATIONS OF GAMMA DISTRIBUTION VIA SUB-INDEPENDENT RANDOM VARIABLES

The concept of sub-independence is based on the convolution of the distributions of the random variables. It is much weaker than that of independence, but is shown to be sufficient to yield the conclusions of important theorems and results in probability and statistics. It also provides a measure of dissociation between two random variables which is much stronger than uncorrelatedness. Inspired by the excellent work of Jin and Lee (2014), we present certain characterizations of gamma distribution based on the concept of sub-independence.
Cultural values reflected in the adoption of social networking sites

This study investigates the impact of two dimensions of Hofstede's cultural framework, namely, individualism and masculinity, on the adoption of social networking sites across countries, controlling for social-economic factors such as mobile internet penetration, a country's median age and urban population. Hierarchical regressions are conducted to test the hypothesised effects using a large-scale secondary dataset for 23 countries. Our findings reveal that both individualism and masculinity have significant impact on nations' adoption levels of social networking sites above and beyond the effects of the social-economic factors. Since little can be found in the extant literature about the influence of national culture on the use of social media, our study is among the first to provide a theoretical framework and supporting empirical evidence to establish the importance of understanding how culture impacts consumers' social networking sites adoption behaviour across countries. Limitations and implications, along with directions for future research are discussed.