cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A method for determination of changes in radioactive adenine nucleotide composition in complex enzymic systems.

Abstract A simple and rapid electrophoretic procedure has been developed using adenine-C14 nucleotides and a recording scanning system for quantitation of the adenine nucleotide distribution ratios (ATP/ADP/AMP). The procedure utilizes a “sandwich” type of electrophoretic cell and a citrate buffer at pH 5.0–5.3. The operating potential is 400–600 v at 4°C for 5–6 hr. Applications of the procedure to several types of enzymic systems are described.
Chromatin remodeling: a marriage between two families

The compaction of the eukaryotic genome into a highly folded chromatin structure necessitates cellular mechanisms for allowing access of regulatory proteins to the DNA template. Recent advances in the fields of gene silencing, transcription, recombination, and DNA repair have led to the identification of two distinct families of chromatin remodeling enzymes--nuclear histone acetyltransferases and multisubunit complexes that harbor a SWI2/SNF2 ATPase family member. This paper reviews the current notion of how these enzymes function in remodeling chromatin; we then discuss some tantalizing lines of evidence that lead to the hypothesis that members of both families may actually function in concert to facilitate cellular processes in the context of chromatin.
A pricing approach for bandwidth allocation in differentiated service networks

We present a decentralized auction-based scheme for bandwidth allocation and pricing in a differentiated service-based network. Different classes of clients provide their own expected bandwidth price and required amount of bandwidth. A service provider decides the admission price and differentiated service provided for each class of clients. We introduce mathematical formulations and provide a solution approach to maximize the service provider's revenue. For a single bottleneck link case, a polynomial-time algorithm is developed to obtain an optimal solution. For a multiple bottleneck link case, a heuristic algorithm is developed to solve the problem. The effectiveness of our solution approach is validated by simulation results, which compare our algorithms against the traditional flat-rate pricing approach.
Dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine reproduces the antiapoptotic actions of polyenylphosphatidylcholine against ethanol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis.

Background: Polyenylphosphatidylcholine (PPC), a mixture of polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholines extracted from soybeans, attenuates hepatocyte apoptosis induced by ethanol feeding of rats. Our aims were to evaluate whether dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC), the main component of PPC, reproduces the antiapoptotic actions of PPC against alcohol-induced apoptosis and to identify the apoptotic proteins that are affected by PPC and DLPC. Methods: Rats were fed Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets containing ethanol (35% of energy) or an isocaloric amount of carbohydrate for 4 weeks. Another group of rats were given the ethanol diet supplemented with PPC (3 g/liter) or DLPC (1.5 and 3 g/liter). Hepatocyte apoptosis was assessed by terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining and by caspase 3 enzyme activity. Activity of caspases 3 and 9 was assayed by using fluorogenic peptide substrates. Cytochrome c was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein contents of cytochrome c, procaspase 3, caspase 3, Bcl-xL, and Bax were analyzed by Western blot and quantified by densitometry. Lobular localization of active caspase 3 was examined by immunoperoxidase staining. Results: PPC and DLPC decreased ethanol-induced increases in hepatocyte apoptosis, cytosolic cytochrome c, and caspase 3 content and its activity. Caspase 3 activity correlated with the number of apoptotic hepatocytes. Active caspase 3 was present predominantly in perivenular hepatocytes, and ethanol feeding extended it to lobular hepatocytes; this ethanol effect was reduced by PPC and DLPC. Ethanol significantly decreased Bcl-xL in homogenate, mitochondria, and cytosol, and there was a trend for increased Bcl-xL in these fractions after PPC and DLPC supplementation. Microsomal Bcl-xL did not differ between treatment groups. Bax was detected in homogenate and cytosol, and its level was not affected by ethanol. Conclusions: DLPC, at a dose contained in PPC, reproduces the antiapoptotic actions of PPC through a reduction in cytosolic cytochrome c concentration and caspase 3 activity, possibly in association with up-regulation of Bcl-xL expression. Because DLPC is a pure and well defined compound, it may be more suitable than PPC for intervention against alcohol-induced apoptosis.
Duplication of interim speech aid for definitive impression tray fabrication.

Abstract A wax tray is stable and easily relieved if overextended. Unusual tray undercuts or angles needed for the partial resection patient need not be eliminated before the impression procedure. Relief of these undercuts is necessary with acrylic resin trays to ensure separation from the final stone cast. Because the wax tray is separated easily from the prosthesis during the boil-out, it is not necessary to “burn” or grind acrylic resin from the framework. The tray shape is duplicated from the existing interim prosthesis on the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal side. An arbitrarily shaped acrylic resin tray may be grossly overextended and require time-consuming clinical adjustments. An underextended tray on the nasopharyngeal side will not carry or support the impression, material around or through the residual soft palate remnant. A tray that closely approximates the final prosthesis will allow use of a tissue conditioner final impression without need for border molding (Fig. 2). Duplicating the oropharyngeal side of the interim speech aid duplicates the previously established plane that is compatible with the tongue. The author has used this technique successfully for eight total and five partial soft palate resections. A cleft palate speech aid prosthesis has also been made with this technique.
Fine‐needle aspiration versus large‐needle biopsy or cutting biopsy in evaluation of thyroid nodules

This report describes our experience with both fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies and large-needle biopsies (LNB) or core biopsies (CB) performed at the same time on 23 patients out of a series of 309 patients examined by the FNA technique. There was no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy of tissue obtained with the FNA technique when compared with the LNB or CB biopsy technique. While FNA always yielded tissue adequate for diagnosis, the LNB, and/or CB technique yielded tissue insufficient for diagnosis in four of 26 biopsies (15.4%). We believe that the FNA is better able to sample a mass with fewer insufficient specimens. Using FNA, the diagnosis can be rendered more rapidly, at lower cost, and with decreased potential for complications. The adequacy of the FNA biopsies can be assessed immediately using a modified Wright stain (Diff-Quik®). Repeat biopsies can be performed that better sample the lesions with increased patient acceptance. Diagn Cytopathol 1986;2:25-30.
Ablative Rayleigh-Taylor instability in three dimensions.

A fully three-dimensional (3D) laser-matter interaction code is developed and used to investigate 3D mixing mechanisms in planar targets accelerated by single-sided laser illumination. While linear Rayleigh-Taylor growth rates from 3D perturbed simulations are identical to those obtained from 2D simulations, nonlinear evolution differs significantly. Vortex stretching alters the ablative flow pattern. Subsequently, the 3D Rayleigh-Taylor spikes are larger in cross section than the 2D spikes, indicating a higher rate of mixing.
Microwave determination of the molecular structure of chlorosilane

The second rotational transition, J=1 to J=2, of SiH 3 Cl35 and SiH 3 Cl37 has been measured and analysed. The Hughes-Wilson Stark modulation technique was used for detection of the absorption lines; and absorption frequencies were determined by comparison with a crystal-controlled secondary frequency standard.
Writing Experiences, Attitudes, and Achievement of First to Sixth Graders

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of writing achievement and attitude toward writing as well as the relationship of grade level and gender to attitude toward writing. Subjects were 430 first- to sixth-grade students. Results of the analysis of students' writing competence and their attitudes toward writing support findings of prior research, namely, that grade level, gender, and attitude toward writing are very good predictors of writing achievement. Specifically, students who are in upper grades, are female, and who have more positive attitudes toward writing are more likely to be above-average writers. As a follow-up, 12 students at each grade level were randomly selected to be interviewed regarding writing tasks and activities. Results indicate that children begin school seeing writing as drawing, move to seeing it as printing, and by Grade 6 identify writing as cursive writing; and that students would improve their writing in Grade 1 by attending to surface-level fea...
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α and the Glycolytic Phenotype in Tumors

Metastatic tumors generally exhibit aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect). The advent of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging, coupled with recent findings linking hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) overexpression to aggressive cancers, has rekindled an interest in this aspect of tumor metabolism. These studies explore the role of HIF-1α in human breast cancer lines and its relationship to glycolytic regulation. Here we demonstrate that, under normal oxygen conditions, nonmetastatic cells consume less glucose and express low HIF-1α, whereas metastatic cells constitutively express high glycolysis and HIF-1α, suggesting that dysregulation of HIF-1α may induce the Warburg effect. This hypothesis was tested by renormalizing HIF-1α levels in renal carcinoma cells, leading to inhibition of aerobic glycolysis.
Selection Rules Imposed by Charge Conjugation and Charge Symmetry

It is found that the invariance with respect to charge conjugation and charge symmetry combined leads to selection rules, additional to those following from covariance and gauge invariance arguments. Besides rigorous selection rules which hold for certain processes involving neutral particles (mesons and photons) only, there exist weak selection rules according to which certain boson-boson transitions are less probable by a factor $\frac{{e}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}c}$ than the corresponding transitions in which an additional photon is emitted. The rules are stated in Sec. III, and some examples are given.
On the role of acetylcholine in regulating the rate of the early chick embryo heart.

A study has been made of the effect of acetylcholine upon the heart rate of the early chick embryo, and it has been noted that under certain experimental conditions acetylcholine stimulates the heart rate during the period of vagal innervation, while depressing the heart rate after the nerve supply is established. Isolated chick embryo hearts freely suspended in a phosphate-buffered (bicarbonate-free) medium beat at only about one-third their in ovo rates, and acetylcholine produces biphasic effects of stimulation and inhibition of the heart rate depending upon the concentration of the drug and the age of the hearts, the maximal stimulation occurring at five days. When suspended in Krebs bicarbonate medium the hearts beat at rates of about 72 to 74% their in ovo rates, and acetylcholine produces only slowing of the heart rate. This effect of acetylcholine can be diminished or reversed when an inhibitor of endogenous acetylcholine, hemicholinium-3 is added. We have postulated that both inhibitory and stimulatory receptors for acetylcholine exist in the early chick embryo heart and that the response to added acetylcholine depends in part on levels of endogenous acetylcholine already present in the heart. The role of endogenous acetylcholine in regulating heart rate is discussed.
Will You Accept the Government's Friend Request? Social Networks and Privacy Concerns

Participating in social network websites entails voluntarily sharing private information, and the explosive growth of social network websites over the last decade suggests shifting views on privacy. Concurrently, new anti-terrorism laws, such as the USA Patriot Act, ask citizens to surrender substantial claim to privacy in the name of greater security. I address two important questions regarding individuals' views on privacy raised by these trends. First, how does prompting individuals to consider security concerns affect their views on government actions that jeopardize privacy? Second, does the use of social network websites alter the effect of prompted security concerns? I posit that prompting individuals to consider security concerns does lead to an increased willingness to accept government actions that jeopardize privacy, but that frequent users of websites like Facebook are less likely to be swayed by prompted security concerns. An embedded survey experiment provides support for both parts of my claim.
Regularizing 3D medial axis using medial scaffold transforms

This paper addresses a key bottleneck in the use of the 3D medial axis (MA) representation, namely, how the complex MA structure can be regularized so that similar, within-category 3D shapes yield similar 3D MA that are distinct from the non-category shapes. We rely on previous work which (i) constructs a hierarchical MA hypergraph, the medial scaffold (MS), and (ii) the theoretical classification of the instabilities of this structure, or transitions (sudden topological changes due to a small perturbation). The shapes at transition point are degenerate. Our approach is to recognize the transitions which are close-by to a given shape and transform the shape to this transition point, and repeat until no close-by transitions exists. This move towards degeneracy is the basis of simplification of shape. We derive 11 transforms from 7 transitions and follow a greedy scheme in applying the transform. The results show that the simplified MA preserves with-in-category similarity, thus indicating its potential use in various applications including shape analysis, manipulation, and matching.
Strain variation with progressive deformation in basement-involved trishear structures

Abstract Basement-involved structures associated with reverse, vertical and normal faults commonly involve non-parallel shear within a triangular deformation (trishear) zone located on the front limbs of the structures. Deformation within the trishear zone is characterized by shear gradients and an associated decrease in the dips of the beds in stratigraphically higher units. Geometric models suggest that the layer-parallel strain within the trishear zone depends on the type of fault (normal, reverse, or vertical), the dip and throw of the fault, the dip of the anticlinal or synclinal axial surfaces, and the distance of any unit above the initial tip of the trishear zone, located at the basement-sediment contact. At any given location, reverse faults typically show increasing layer parallel shortening, followed by decreasing layer parallel shortening and a transition to extension, with increasing throw. The transition from contraction to extension occurs at lower values of throw for stratigraphically lower units and also for faults with smaller dips. Vertical and normal faults exhibit increasing layer-parallel extension of all units with increasing throw, with larger extension for stratigraphically lower units. Experimental models suggest that the trishear zone can expand with increasing fault throw. The strain within the trishear zones is accommodated largely by secondary faults, which are rotated with progressive deformation. The strain variations in the experiments closely mimic those predicted by the geometric models for reverse, vertical, and normal faults.
The d-Level Nested Logit Model: Assortment and Price Optimization Problems

We consider assortment and price optimization problems under the d-level nested logit model. In the assortment optimization problem, the goal is to find the revenue-maximizing assortment of products to offer, when the prices of the products are fixed. Using a novel formulation of the d-level nested logit model as a tree of depth d, we provide an efficient algorithm to find the optimal assortment. For a d-level nested logit model with n products, the algorithm runs in O(d n log n) time. In the price optimization problem, the goal is to find the revenue-maximizing prices for the products, when the assortment of offered products is fixed. Although the expected revenue is not concave in the product prices, we develop an iterative algorithm that generates a sequence of prices converging to a stationary point. Numerical experiments show that our method converges faster than gradient-based methods, by many orders of magnitude. In addition to providing solutions for the assortment and price optimization problems,...
Finite Element Analysis of Screw-Plate Systems for Fixation of Parasymphyseal Fractures of the Mandible

Finite Element Modeling was used to compare the efficacy of common screw-plate configurations used for fixation of parasymphyseal fractures of the mandible. Measures of Von Mises stress on the screw bone interface, as well as principal strain in the reduced fracture region, were used in this comparison. This study also explored differences between orthotropic and isotropic modeling practices and compared the effect of mastication forces on both the fractured and intact halves of the mandible. The results of this analysis showed no major differences between configurations from a mechanistic point of view. This suggests that the use of any of the studied screw-plate configurations will not increase chances for post-operative complications. Furthermore, little difference is seen between analyses with either orthotropic or isotropic material properties. The inclusion of orthotropic properties can thus be avoided in future studies with similar boundary and plating conditions. Mastication ipsilateral to the fracture increases Von Mises stress 2 to 4 times, and should be avoided during early healing periods. These recommendations only apply to patients whose fractures mimic the finite-element model.
Insulin signaling in health and disease.

The signaling pathways used by insulin have been identified [M. White, Insulin Signaling Pathway, Sci. STKE (Connections Map, as seen November 2003), http://stke.sciencemag.org/cgi/cm/cmp_12069]. Now our challenge is to understand how the failure of these signals is associated with obesity and the progressive failure of pancreatic beta cells that leads to diabetes. Whether better management of chronic inflammation can improve insulin action is an important area of investigation. Drugs that stimulate IRS2 (insulin receptor substrate protein 2) synthesis or signaling might be a good starting point. This knowledge will lead to rational strategies that prevent or cure diabetes.
Effects of sex hormones on some T and B cell functions, evidenced by differential immune expression between male and female mice and cyclic pattern of immune responsiveness during the estrous cycle in female mice.

: The responses of spleen cells from male and female BALB/c mice were evaluated to determine if sex-related variations in immune expression could be found. The immunologic assays used included blastogenic responses to mitogens, and direct and indirect measurement of plaque-forming cells against particulate antigens. The results indicated that responses of spleen cells from young adult female mice were higher than those of males in all comparative tests. Newborn mice did not demonstrate the sex-associated immune differences; and among the weanling mice slight differences between male and female spleen cells responsiveness to mitogenic agents were observed. The blastogenic responsiveness of spleens from female BALB/c was greater at proestrus and metestrus, as compared to estrus and diestrus. The peaks of responsiveness corresponded to reported elevated levels of estrogen and pregnenolone during these phases of the cycle. Similar results were obtained with the IgM plaque-forming cell responses, which were also increased at proestrus and metestrus. This study supports a role of sex hormones in modulation of immune expression.
Higher education reform in Japan: the tension between public good and commodification 1

Ever since the Imperial Ordinance of 1886 laid the foundations for Japan's university system and Mori Arinori declared that the fundamental purpose of the university was to serve the interests of the state and contribute to national strength, Japan's higher education system has been inextricably linked to national interests. This, however, does not necessarily mean it served the public interest, as our paper will demonstrate. We will approach this topic historically focusing first on the pre-Meiji historical legacies, the development of higher education in Japan will then be detailed with the beginnings of Western influence in higher education, especially the role played by Germany and France, and the consequent strong role of the state. A third reform stage will be examined, focusing on the post-Second World War role of the USA and the expansion of both public and private universities. Finally, the major reforms of the 1990s will be discussed, the new Standards for the Establishment of Universities (SEU)...
Synthesis and characterization of novel crosslinked PEG-graft-chitosan/hyaluronic acid hydrogel

A novel hydrogel was synthesized by crosslinking hyaluronic acid (HA) with poly(ethylene glycol)-graft-Chitosan (PEG-g-chitosan) using EDCI and NHS. Rheological and Fourier-transformed infrared characterization of the copolymer was done to confirm crosslinkage. Gelation time, elasticity and swelling ratio were also noted for future copolymer composition optimization. As HA, PEG, and chitosan are known to be biocompatible and bioresorbable, this novel hydrogel has great potential for a wide variety of biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, gene delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing.
Profiles of sedentary behavior in children and adolescents: the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2006.

Objective. To describe the prevalence of time spent in sedentary behaviors (e.g., TV/video and computer use) among youth in the US. Methods. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (20...
Detecting carotid occlusive disease by thermography.

The ability of facial thermography to detect disease in the internal carotid artery was evaluated. Unilateral forehead cooling of 0.7°C or greater was observed in 57% of 30 cases with angiographically proved stenosis. Two provocative tests, facial cooling and a head clamp, increased the sensitivity rate to 83% The greatest overall sensitivity and specificity was obtained by using a head clamp especially designed to bilaterally occlude superficial temporal arteries. Facial thermography is a useful screening device in detecting carotid occlusive disease. However, the necessity to use a provocative test to increase the sensitivity to acceptable levels will probably limit its use to the screening of high-risk asymptomatic patients. It does not appear to be economically feasible in the mass screening of healthy individuals.
THE AMERICAN PUBLIC'S DEFENSE SPENDING PREFERENCES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

The end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union have produced marked changes in the defense spending preferences of politically informed Americans, but rela- tively little change among the 60 percent or so of the public least informed about politics. The overall level of defense spending preferred by well-informed citizens is significantly lower than during the Cold War and significantly less related to ideology and isolationism. Willingness to use force in the international arena remains the primary determinant of defense spending preferences among both well-informed and relatively uninformed citizens. Willingness to use force is in turn primarily related to basic social and cultural values, including trust in people and symbolic patrio- tism. How do the policy preferences of ordinary citizens change in response to dramatic political events? The end of the Cold War with the Soviet Union-and of the Soviet Union itself-provides a remarkable oppor- tunity to examine the dynamics of opinion change in the face of funda- mental changes in the context and political underpinnings of U.S. de- fense policy. My aims here are to identify the most important determinants of defense spending preferences in the post-Cold War period and to examine how the determinants of defense spending pref- erences have changed since the early 1980s. Some previous analysts have used aggregated time series data to
An improved iterative design for powers-of-two coefficient FIR filters

An iterative design technique for sum of powers-of-two (SOPOT) coefficient filters which uses two complementary filters in cascade is developed. These filters are designed to equalize each other's errors in the frequency domain, and thus when cascaded yield near-optimum frequency response. The technique is universal in the sense that it can be used to design filters in the minimax or the least-square-error sense. The initial SOPOT coefficients for the complementary filters are obtained by simple rounding to SOPOT values from an optimum real coefficient design. A localized search scheme is used to adjust the response of each of the filters such that the overall error from the ideal design is minimized. This process is repeated until convergence is reached. The cascaded complement design not only provides error equalization, but it also brings the SOPOT coefficients closer to optimum real values due to the convolution taking place between coefficients in the cascaded model. >
Compliance With Institutional Antimicrobial Dosing Guidelines in Patients Receiving Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis.

Objective:Describe the rate of compliance with institutional antimicrobial dosing guidelines in patients on concomitant continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD).Methods:This single-center retrospective chart review evaluated adult patients receiving concomitant intravenous antimicrobials and CVVHD for at least 24 hours over a 2-month period.Results:A total of 42 patients, 76 antimicrobial courses, and 208 study days (24 hours of concomitant therapy) were evaluated. Overall, antimicrobials were dosed according to the institutional guidelines on 162 (78%) of 208 study days. All nonconcordant doses were below recommendations. The recommended dose was never received prior to antibiotic or CVVHD discontinuation in 22% of the cases. In cases where antimicrobials were initiated when the patient was already on CVVHD, 74% of the initial doses met guideline criteria. Pharmacist recommendation was associated with increased dosing compliance (94% vs 73% of study days, P = .001). During transition from CVVHD to inte...
Arterial endothelial dysfunction in baboons fed a high-cholesterol, high-fat diet

BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction signals the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Elevated LDL-cholesterol concentrations have been suggested to induce endothelial dysfunction, but direct in vivo evidence for the relation is still lacking. OBJECTIVE We examined the hypothesis that a high-cholesterol, high-fat (HCHF) diet can directly cause endothelial dysfunction in vivo. DESIGN We measured inflammatory and endothelial dysfunctional markers in circulating blood and directly in endothelial cells, which were collected by femoral artery biopsies, in 10 baboons before and after a 7-wk HCHF dietary challenge. RESULTS We found that the HCHF diet induced a high inflammatory status, as indicated by increased concentrations of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. Although the concentrations of endothelial dysfunctional markers, such as soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, were not increased by the HCHF diet, membrane-bound VCAM-1 and membrane-bound E-selectin on endothelial cells were highly increased after 7 wk of the HCHF diet (P < 0.01). In contrast, the concentrations of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in endothelial cells were significantly reduced by the 7-wk HCHF diet (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the dietary challenge attenuated endothelial cell responses to TNF-alpha, lipopolysaccharide, native LDL cholesterol, and oxidized LDL-cholesterol stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that an HCHF diet can directly induce inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Prior in vivo exposure to an HCHF diet attenuates the in vitro responses of endothelial cells to atherogenic risk factors. This preconditioning phenomenon may have significant clinical relevance.
Liver x receptors stimulate lipogenesis in bovine mammary epithelial cell culture but do not appear to be involved in diet‐induced milk fat depression in cows

Abstract Milk fat synthesis of ruminants can be inhibited by intermediates of ruminal fatty acid biohydrogenation including trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These biohydrogenation intermediates signal a coordinated downregulation of genes involved in mammary FA synthesis, transport, and esterification. We have previously reported decreased mammary expression of sterol response element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), SREBP1-activating proteins, and thyroid hormone-responsive spot 14 (S14) in the cow during diet-induced milk fat depression (MFD), and treatment with trans-10, cis-12 CLA. Liver x receptors (LXR) and retinoid x receptors (RXR) regulate lipogenesis and are known to bind polyunsaturated FA and LXR agonist increases lipid synthesis in mammary epithelial cell culture. The current studies investigated if biohydrogenation products of rumen origin inhibit mammary lipogenesis through LXR and/or RXR. Expression of LXRs was not different in lactating compared to nonlactating bovine mammary tissue, and expression of LXRs, RXRα, and selected LXR and RXR target genes was not changed in mammary tissue during diet-induced or CLA-induced MFD in the cow. In bovine mammary epithelial cell culture, LXR agonist stimulated lipogenesis and expression of LXRs, ATP-binding cassette 1 (ABCA1), SREBP1c, and S14, but LXR activation did not overcome CLA inhibition of lipogenesis and downregulation of LXRs, SREBP1c, and S14 expression. Lastly, expression of the LXR-regulated carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) was higher in lactating than nonlactating tissue and was decreased during CLA-induced MFD. We conclude that changes in mammary LXR expression in dairy cows are not involved in MFD and that trans-10, cis-12 CLA inhibition of lipogenesis and diet-induced MFD appears independent of direct LXR signaling.
Optimal Design of Opamps for Oversampled Modulators

Oversampled A/D converters are widely used in instrumentation, data acquisition, telecommunication, and consumer electronics. Advantages of oversampled A/D converters include a higher dynamic range and a larger signal-to-noise ratio than traditional architectures. Additionally, in these converters the requirement for precisely matched components is relaxed. In these converters the operational amplifier within the modulator is the most critical component. For instance finite gain, bandwidth and slew rate of the opamp cause an incomplete transfer of charge in the integrator which in turn causes nonlinearities. To show this effect, in Figure 3.1 we plot the error voltage, (the output voltage minus the input voltage), versus the input voltage for a first order delta-sigma converter. The gray curve shows the ideal behavior while the dark curve shows the effect of finite settling of the opamp. The sharp peaks in both curves are the result of tones [Candy and Benjamin, 1981]. Previous research [Medeiro and Perez-Verdu, 1994] has shown that some amount of harmonic distortion is inevitable. Additionally, it has been shown that the amount of distortion is input signal dependent. While a perfect opamp is not feasible, we can design an opamp to settle sufficiently for any given resolution. This accuracy in settling directly translates into a minimum bound on the power dissipated by the opamp. In [Castello and Gray, 1985b], Castello et al. addressed the issue of minimum power dissipation in a general SC filter for sine wave inputs. However, their method can not be extended to delta-sigma modulators directly due to the existence of the large feedback reference voltage in delta-sigma modulators. In [Degrauwe and Salchi, 1984], Degrauwe et al developed an expression for the minimum transconductance for the opamp used in a micropower SC filter. However, in their paper the input signals are always assumed to be small such that there is no slewing. This is not true for opamps in delta-sigma modulators.
What Institutional Corruption Shares with Obscenity

The devastating economic collapse of 2008 produced the worst downturn since the Great Depression and revealed the high price to society when institutions designed to serve and protect the public fail. Clearly, preventing a repeat of that catastrophe requires better tools for detecting institutional corruption and reducing its influence on public policy. This paper uses the banking crisis as a template for identifying situations that appear to potentially nurture institutional corruption. Although the paper primarily focuses on banking and related regulatory agencies, similar concerns apply to other industries. Thus, the hope is that this Working Paper can provide a useful framework for investigating institutional corruption in non-financial fields as well.
FDA Regulation of Biosimilars

The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) was enacted in March 2010 as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The objective of the BPCIA, like the Hatch-Waxman Amendments of 1984 for generic copies of non-biological drugs, was to increase price competition and generate cost savings by authorizing approval of follow-on products that rely on pioneer research while at the same time maintaining incentives for innovation. This essay, in the just-released "FDA in the 21st Century" (Columbia University Press), explores the new biosimilar licensure scheme. Among other things, it concludes that obtaining licensure for a biosimilar biological product will require a significantly greater investment of time and resources than is required for obtaining approval of a generic drug, and that this – when combined with the fact that biosimilars will not automatically be deemed interchangeable – is likely to mean there will be fewer biosimilar market entrants per biological product than there are generic market entrants per drug. It also means that for the foreseeable future, the biosimilar marketplace is more likely to resemble the brand-to-brand competitive marketplace than the generic drug marketplace. The essay also discusses the impact of possible scientific advances (including the ability to demonstrate “fingerprint-like” similarity of biosimilars and their reference products) on cost savings, competition, and innovation, and it addresses several key open issues (such as nonproprietary names for biosimilars, and the issue whether and to what extent FDA will permit extrapolation of effectiveness from one indication to another) the resolution of which could similarly have a profound impact on cost savings, the nature of competition in the market, and incentives to innovate.
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention improves stimulant use among adults with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder

Aims:Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of preventable death, and addiction to nicotine produces long-lasting, stable changes in brain synaptic physiology thatmight contribute to thevulnerability to relapse. Existing smoking cessation treatments are insufficient as relapse rates remain high. Thus, we examined the ability of Nacetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, to inhibit relapse, restore glial glutamateuptake, and inhibit relapse-associatedsynapticplasticity in the nucleus accumbens core. Methods: We examined the ability of NAC to reduce reinstatement of cue-induced nicotine seeking in a preclinical model nicotine relapse. NAC (30mg/kg, i.p.) was given chronically for 5 days duringwithdrawalwith extinction training fromnicotine selfadministration (0.02mg/kg/infusion for 10days). Following the last injection, animals were either sacrificed for sodiumdependent (via the glial glutamate transporter, GLT-1) or independent (via the cystine-glutamate exchanger) glutamate uptake, or animals were given a 15min cue-induced reinstatement session and sacrificed for dendritic spine or electrophysiological analysis. Results: NAC given chronically during withdrawal with extinction training from nicotine self-administration inhibited both cue-induced nicotine seeking and relapse-associated rapid, transient synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens core measured via dendritic spine head diameter and AMPA/NMDA ratios in medium spiny neurons. In addition, we found reduced sodiumdependentglial glutamateuptake (viaGLT-1) followingwithdrawal from nicotine self-administration, and NAC restored nucleus accumbenscoreglutamateuptake innicotine-withdrawnrats compared to drug-naive controls. Conclusions: These results show that NACmay be an important pharmacotherapeutic avenue in restoring glutamate homeostasis and in reducing nicotine relapse vulnerability. Financial support: NIH grants K99 DA036569 (CDG) and DA015369 (PWK).
The geological selection of drilling fluids in horizontal wells

The drilling of horizontal wells has led to new demands on drilling fluid design. Less damaging drill-in fluids are formulated after extensive geological testing of the productive formation. This paper describes the main tests undertaken and some of the fluids commercially available. Geological analysis of the formation is followed by the testing of a proposed fluid, including extended exposures of the formation and fluid in conditions imitating those found downhole. Potential production impact is assessed by a return permeability test. With a clear understanding of what causes formation damage, drill-in fluid chemistry and properties can be engineered to prevent damage. Glycol, formate and sized calcium carbonate particle technologies are described.
Structural Determinants for Selectivity of the Positive KCa Channel Gating Modulator, SKA-121

Small-conductance (KCa2) and intermediate-conductance (KCa3.1) calcium-activated K+ channels are voltage-independent and share a common calcium/calmodulin mediated gating mechanism. Existing positive gating modulators like EBIO, NS309 or SKA-31 activate both KCa2 and KCa3.1 channels with similar potency. We recently performed a structure activity relationship (SAR) study with the aim of optimizing the benzothiazole pharmacophore of SKA-31 towards KCa3.1 selectivity and have identified SKA-121 (5-methylnaphtho[2,1-d]oxazol-2-amine), which displays 41-fold selectivity for KCa3.1 (EC50 109 nM ± 14 nM) over KCa2.3 (EC50 4.4 ± 1.6 μM). SKA-121 is a typical positive-gating modulator, which shift the calcium-concentration response curves of KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 to the left but also increases open probability at saturating Ca2+ concentrations. In order to understand why introduction of a “simple” CH3 group in 5-position of the benzothiazole/oxazol system could achieve such a significant gain in selectivity for KCa3.1 over KCa2.3 we are currently performing site-directed mutagenesis of the calmodulin binding domain (CaMBD) guided by the crystal structure of the KCa2.2 CAMBD and structural modeling. We used the RosettaLigand method to generate models of SKA-121 binding to both the KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 C-terminal CaMBD in complex with calmodulin and then mutated channel residues suggested to be within 4A of SKA-121. Based on the results of the mutagenesis and the model we hypothesize that an extensive hydrogen bond network is responsible for the selectivity of SKA-121 for KCa3.1 over KCa2.3. The NH2 group of SKA-121 forms hydrogen bonds with M51 and E54 on calmodulin. E54 is part of a hydrogen bond network including R362, E295 and N300 of the KCa3.1 channel. Mutation of R362 to S breaks this hydrogen bond network and significantly reduces SKA-121 activity on KCa3.1.Supported by U54NS079202 and T32-HL086350 from NIH.
Important Activities Among Justice-Involved Individuals with Substance Use Disorders in Posttreatment Aftercare Settings

ABSTRACTThis study gathered data using the Important Persons and Activities instrument to record changes in popular activities over a 2-year study of 270 justice-involved individuals randomized into three aftercare conditions: self-run Oxford Houses, a staffed therapeutic community (TC), or usual aftercare (UA). Participants listed important activities during the 2-year study at baseline and at four subsequent 6-month intervals. Categorization of these activities and a descriptive analysis were conducted for Wave 1 (baseline), at Wave 3 (Year 1), and Wave 5 (Year 2). Standardized scores were computed to test differences in proportions of the #1 most favored activity across conditions. Descriptive results also demonstrated that Reading/Writing activities, and Exercise/Sports activities, were most reported at baseline. By Wave 5, Education/Work and Interacting with Others were the most reported activities. These findings indicated that solitary activities, such as Reading/Writing, may play a predominant rol...
Commentary on the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children’s position paper on allegations of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence in divorce/parental relationship dissolution

ABSTRACTIn January, 2016, the Board of Directors of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children approved a position paper on allegations of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence in divorce/parental relationship dissolution. This commentary describes the range of dynamics that can lead to allegations of interpersonal violence in divorce/relationship dissolution, outlines the process employed in developing the position paper, and provides a description of the contents of the position paper.
Beyond the Guidelines, or Better Access to Access Projects

The term “grantsmanship” has not yet made its way into the Oxford English Dictionary , but the concept does appear in most rare books and special collections librarians’ job descriptions. It is not called “grantsmanship”; rather, “responsibility for the solicitation of outside support” or “responsibility for the preparation of grant proposals” are common circumlocutions. Given the present limitations of federal funding, much emphasis now falls on grantsmanship in the private sector. Federal support remains, however, a major potential resource for many research institutions. Many librarians still need to seek outside support in the structured national competition that is part and parcel . . .
Control of plasmon resonance by mode coupling in metal-dielectric nanostructures

We present an approach to control the spectral response of plasmonic metal-dielectric nanostructure through resonant scattering. The resonant coupling scheme is based on mixing of a broad surface state with a narrow resonant state. The spectral response of the Au-Si nanostructure is highly tunable by controlling the coupling strength of the two states. The nanostructure also shows a highly asymmetric and narrow resonance profile in the reflection spectrum. The calculated quality factor of a resonant mode in the proposed structure is about 93 around λ0 = 750 nm. The proposed metal-dielectric nanostructure has great potential to improve the quality factor of the existing surface plasmon resonance systems.
Low-Recombination Thieno[3,4-b]thiophene-Based Photosensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Panchromatic Photoresponses.

We report four NIR photosensitizers employing a low-recombination donor and a thieno[3,4-b]thiophene (3,4-TT) π bridge for use in dye-sensitized solar cells. The inclusion of electron rich π spacers red-shifts the dye absorbance with solution absorption onsets reaching 700 nm. Dyes were found to have suitable energy levels for rapid electron transfers using cyclic voltammetry and UV/Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. Computationally optimized ground-state geometries show an increased torsional angle between π spacer and π bridge brought about by an added alkyl chain. This results in a widened optical band gap and increased oxidation potentials owing to a weakening of the electron-accepting ability of 3,4-TT for solution-state measurements. Interestingly in terms of device parameters, the alkylated π spacer had a nearly identical incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) curve onset when compared to a non-alkylated analogue, suggesting more similar dye geometries on the surface of TiO2 . Elevated short-circuit current density (JSC ) values and comparable open-circuit voltage (VOC ) values were observed in the alkylated-π-spacer-dye-based devices with power conversion efficiencies up to 6.8 % observed with IPCE onsets exceeding 800 nm.
A Correlation-Driven Reactive Layer for Situation-Aware BDI Agent Architecture

This paper proposes a new model of situation management in distributed dynamic systems, such as telecommunication networks, modern battlespaces, and disaster relief operations. The proposed model is based a multi-agent systems approach, where the Belief-Desire-Intension agent architecture has been expanded by an advanced interpretation cycle. The critical feature of the advancement is the replacement of the traditional event-plan paradigm with a new event-situation-plan paradigm, which allows recognition of more complex operational situations.
Authentic Kyrgyzstan: top down politics meet bottom up heritage

Over the past twelve years I have collaborated with Kyrgyz citizens to promote a national conversation about heritage, based on grass roots interest and sentiment. Countering polarising political r...
Optical Designs for Large Detector Arrays on Spherical-Primary Orbital/Sub-Orbital Telescopes

We discuss the guidelines to the optical design for relatively small-aperture sub-millimeter telescopes employing a spherical primary and large-format bolometer arrays. Although optical solutions for large ground optical telescopes using a spherical primary are discussed in the literature, these configurations are not acceptable for orbital or sub-orbital platforms. As a baseline telescope design we will use BLAST, the “Balloon-borne Large-Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope”, which will be employing bolometer arrays at 250 μm, 350μm and 500 μm, and will carry a 2.0 m spherical primary mirror during the first flight. We examine two different sets of optical solutions that might be used on future spherical-primary small aperture telescopes: first, we discuss configurations employing on-axis optical elements to correct the spherical aberration introduced by the primary. Then, we present several optical solutions using off-axis, cooled mirrors. These configurations are discussed in relation to optical performance and various operational design constraints. A preliminary optical design for BLAST is also discussed.
Langmuir-Blodgett Films of Donor-Sigma-Acceptor Molecules and Prospects for Organic Rectifiers

Our goal is to assemble and test a unimolecular rectifier of electrical current, which could be part of a very thin (5 nm thick) electronic device. This idea, originated by Aviram in 1973, depends on the asymmetry of molecules D-σ-A, where D is a good one-electron donor (but poor acceptor), A is a good one-electron acceptor (but poor donor), and σ is a covalent bridge that keeps the molecular orbitals of D separate from those of A. We have found five molecules which self-assemble as monolayers; three contain the TCNQ moiety; three contain “greasy” dodecyl groups on the donor end (which helps in monolayer formation), but one contains only hexyl groups. All of them can be transferred to a glass or Al substrate as Langmuir-Blodgett films. Recent FTIR data for a single monolayer are presented.