cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Knowledge of Health Conditions on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Varies Among US Adults

Purpose:This study examined associations between knowledge of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB)-related health conditions and SSB intake among US adults.Design:Quantitative, cross-sectional study.Subject:The 2014 SummerStyles survey data for 4163 US adults (≥18 years) were used.Measures:The outcome measure was frequency of SSB intake (regular soda, fruit drinks, sports or energy drinks, sweetened coffee/tea drinks). Exposure measures were knowledge of 6 SSB-related health conditions: weight gain, diabetes, cavities, high cholesterol, heart disease, and hypertension.Analysis:Six logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for consuming SSBs ≥2 times/d according to knowledge of SSB-related health conditions.Results:Overall, 37.8% of adults reported consuming SSBs ≥2 times/d. Although most adults identified that weight gain (80.2%), diabetes (73.6%), and cavities (71.8%) are related to drinking SSBs, fewer adults identified high cholesterol (24.1%), heart disease (31.5%), and hyp...
Direct coupling of tomography and ptychography

A generalization of the ptychographic phase problem is presented for recovering refractive properties of a three-dimensional object in a tomography setting. This approach, which ignores the lateral overlapping probe requirements in existing ptychography algorithms, can enable the reconstruction of objects using highly flexible acquisition patterns and pave the way for sparse and rapid data collection with lower radiation exposure.
Extrascleral Tumor Extension Associated with Localized Scleral Melt following Plaque Brachytherapy for Uveal Melanoma: Clinical and Histologic Findings.

Background/aims Our study aims to better characterize the clinical and histopathologic features of eyes with extrascleral uveal melanoma associated with scleral melt following brachytherapy. Methods A retrospective review was performed on patients who had undergone 125I (iodine-125) brachytherapy for uveal melanoma at our institution between 1992 and 2015. Patients with postradiation scleral necrosis who required enucleation were identified, and an analysis including a review of histopathology results was performed on those cases. Results A total of 301 patients underwent plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma, of whom 31 required eventual enucleation. The histologic analysis showed extraocular extension through full-thickness scleral discontinuities in 6 cases. All but 1 (5 of 6) of these eyes exhibited either mitotic figures or Ki-67 positivity. Mitotic figures were noted in 4 specimens, including 3 eyes exhibiting mitoses within or adjacent to the extrascleral portion of the tumor. Two eyes exhibiting mitoses, as well as the case with Ki-67 positivity, also had clinical evidence of tumor regrowth. Conclusion We found evidence of mitotic activity at the area of scleral discontinuity in some eyes with and in some without clinical evidence of tumor regrowth. Protruding pigmented material in areas of scleral necrosis after plaque brachytherapy may represent actively proliferating tumors even without internal evidence of tumor regrowth.
Investigation of inter- and intramolecular dynamics of disaccharides by temperature-dependent terahertz spectrum

Terahertz spectra of various disaccharides, including cellobiose which is not well investigated previously, were measured. Terahertz spectrum was successfully obtained in wide temperature range from 98 K to 298 K. The origins of the spectrum were discussed by analysis of their temperature dependence, and comparing related disaccharides.
2D AND 3D KINEMATICS DURING LATERAL STEP-DOWN TESTING IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

Background The lateral step-down test is an established clinical evaluation tool to assess quality of movement in patients with knee disorders. However, this test has not been investigated in individuals after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in association with quantitative 3D motion analysis. Purposes The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of association between visually-assessed quality of movement during the lateral step-down test and 3D lower limb kinematics in patients with history of ACLR. A second purpose was to compare kinematics between subgroups based on the presence or absence of faulty alignments during the task. The final purpose was to compare visually-assessed quality of movement scores between box heights during lateral step-down testing. Methods Twenty subjects at least one year status post-ACLR (18 females, age of 24.5 ± 4.6 years and body mass index of 23.4 ± 2.3 kg/m2) performed the lateral step-down test unilaterally on the surgical limb atop four and six inch boxes. A board-certified orthopedic physical therapist scored overall quality of movement during the lateral step-down test using established criteria during 2D video playback. Lower limb kinematics were simultaneously collected using 3D motion capture. An alpha level of 0.05 was used for all statistical treatments. Results Overall 2D quality of movement score significantly correlated (r =0.47-0.57) with 3D hip adduction and hip internal rotation across box heights. Across box heights, the presence of faulty pelvic alignment differentiated a subgroup exhibiting less peak knee flexion, and the presence of faulty knee alignment differentiated a subgroup exhibiting greater peak hip adduction. The six inch box elicited worse quality of movement compared to the four inch box. Conclusions These results suggest that visually-assessed quality of movement is associated with several kinematic variables after ACLR. 2D movement deviations at the pelvis appear to consistently relate to less knee flexion, and 2D deviations at the knee appear to suggest greater hip adduction. Generally, poorer quality of movement was observed for the six inch box height. Clinically, these data suggest that interventions targeting hip abductor and knee extensor strength and neuromuscular control may be useful in the presence of poor quality of movement during lateral step-down testing. Level of evidence 2b.
Decoupled active and reactive power predictive control of impedance source microinverter with LVRT capability

This paper presents a decoupled active and reactive power predictive control for quasi-Z-source (qZS) single-phase grid connected photovoltaic (PV) microinverter with low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability. The control algorithm structure is based on model predictive control (MPC) framework to facilitate switching between modes of operation: maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and LVRT modes. The proposed controller extracts the maximum power from the PV panels during the normal grid condition. The system is capable of injecting reactive power based on LVRT requirements by the grid codes based on commanded reactive power injection strategy. The proposed algorithm has simple structure with less complexity and computational time for easier and effective implementation. It can respond to rapidly changing PV ambient and grid conditions and appropriately alter the current injection. The performance of the controller is verified experimentally for three reactive power injection strategies.
Evolution of magnetic and orbital properties in the magnetically diluted A -site spinel Cu 1 -x Zn x Rh 2 O 4

In frustrated spinel antiferromagnets, dilution with nonmagnetic ions can be a powerful strategy for probing unconventional spin states or uncovering interesting phenomena. Here, we present x-ray, neutron scattering, and thermodynamic studies of the effects of magnetic dilution of the tetragonally distorted $A$-site spinel antiferromagnet, ${\mathrm{CuRh}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, with nonmagnetic ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{2+}$ ions. Our data confirm the helical spin order recently identified at low temperatures in this material, and further demonstrate a systematic suppression of the associated N\'eel temperature with increasing site dilution towards a continuous transition with critical doping of ${x}_{\mathrm{spin}}\ensuremath{\sim}0.44$. Interestingly, this critical doping is demonstrably distinct from a second structural critical point at ${x}_{JT}\ensuremath{\sim}0.6$, which is consistent with the suppression of orbital order on the $A$ site through a classical percolative mechanism. This anomalously low value for ${x}_{\mathrm{spin}}$ is confirmed via multiple measurements, and is inconsistent with predictions of classical percolation theory, suggesting that the spin transition in this material is driven by an enhancement of preexisting spin fluctuations with weak dilution.
The Techniques of Simple Structure Rotation

The preceding chapter has stated the general aims and styles of rotation. In this chapter we shall concentrate entirely on the practical techniques of obtaining a resolution on the simple structure principle, because, until confactor rotation is perfected, it is likely to remain the sole dependable principle in hypothesis-producing factor analysis. In any case, where the obtaining of suitable mutually related groups for confactor is not possible, and wherever for any reason one is confined to a single experiment, simple structure remains the one dependable everyday method of reaching the hidden unique resolution.
Dialectics of Race Criticality: Studies in Racial Stratification and Education

This chapter delineates the criteria for a critical study of race in education. In particular, it poses the central problem of whiteness in education within a general critical study of race. In doing this, the chapter does not engage race paradigmatically. It is an affirmation of criticality that does not locate it in any particular school of thought and subject to its assumptions but instead recruits multiple positions on the matter of race. It is guided by the spirit and claim that race in education is a complex issue that requires a critical framework that testifies to this very complexity. It is an attempt to build a project around race criticality that is less possessive and more dialogic. First, it introduces the main frameworks for a critical study of race, mainly Critical Race Theory, Critical Theory of Race, and Race Critical Theory. Second, it frames race work as the dialectic between explaining racial oppression and projecting racial utopia. Third, it presents a synthesis between particularities in racial experience and the universal features of racial oppression. Finally, it ends by arguing that race scholars immerse ourselves in critically understanding the racial formation as a prerequisite to any attempt to abolish it. As such, the ultimate sign of race criticality is imagining the disappearance of one’s craft, the eventual obsolescence of one’s racial interventions.
Abstract 5057: CXCR4 Antagonist AMD3100 Preserves Cardiac Function After Myocardial Infarction (MI) via CXCR4 Dependent and Independent Pathways

Background: Recent studies have been shown that CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 rapidly mobilizes stem/progenitor cells from BM and prior studies suggested a potential therapeutic effect in MI. This study was performed to explore the mechanisms of this effect in a mouse ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury model. Methods and Results: 8- to 12-week-old wild-type (WT) mice were treated with single sc injections of either AMD3100 (5 mg/kg) or saline immediately after IR injury (60 min-LAD occlusion followed by reperfusion). FACS analyses identified a significant increase in the number of circulating EPCs(culture method; Day7: 76.0±23.9 vs 34.6±6.1 cells/uL PB, p <0.05) in AMD-treated mice on days 3–7 after IR, and ELISA indicated that AMD increased levels of MMP-9 and soluble Kit ligand in BM(Day 3 MMP-9: 88.6±12.7 vs 53.9±24.5 ug/mL, p <0.05; sKitL: 20.4±3.3 vs 13.0±4.1 vs. pg/mL, p <0.05). On day 3 after IR histo analyses revealed a lower ratio of infarct area/area at risk (AAR) (15.8±2.2% vs 31.9±9.4, p <0.05) in AMD-treated mice. On day 28 AMD-treated mice had greater capillary density in AAR (188.7±52.5 vs 113.5±13.4/HPF, p <0.05) and less fibrosis(27.6±10.9 vs 43.3±17.0%, p <0.05). 4 wks after IR, echocardiograpy showed better LV function in AMD-treated mice (Day28 LVFS: 38.3±6.1% vs. 28.0±5.0, p <0.05). To determine whether favorable effect of AMD on recovery after IR is dependent on CXCR4 expression on BM cells, we induced IR injury in WT mice transplanted with BM from CXCR4 conditional KO donor mice. In BM-transplanted mice, AMD continued to increase EPC mobilization from BM after IR, as well as increasing levels of MMP-9 and sKit ligand in BM(all p<.05). However, the enhanced cardiac functional recovery observed in mice with WT BM was lost in mice with CXCR4 null BM. These results indicate that the EPC mobilizing effect of AMD is CXCR4 independent, while the BM CXCR4 is essential for AMD mediated preservation of cardiac function after IR. Conclusions: This study provides novel mechanistic insights into the cardioprotective effects of CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 indicating that MMP-9 and Kit ligand contribute to AMD-induced EPC mobilization independent of CXCR4 but that the receptor is essential for AMD mediated myocardial protection.
Concluding Thoughts: What We Know, What It Means

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the mathematics test results. The amount of information in Second International Mathematics Study (SIMS) about cognitive achievement is the most substantial ever collected in a comparative study. It is found that not only is the item pool larger, but also the tests were administered on two occasions, and numerous sorts of contexts are available to help interpret them. The descriptions can be about levels of achievement and amounts of learning during a year, both placed in a context of the curriculum and what teachers say was taught, how it was taught, and the structural characteristics of the system. The performance of the Japanese on the cognitive test is, of course, exemplary. Two crucial features of that system, facets in which the system is more comprehensive than are the others, may explain the performance. First, given the SIMS test, the Japanese curriculum includes the most content of the eight systems. Secondly, the Japanese curriculum is comprehensive is that it is experienced by virtually all students.
The Streptococcus pyogenes fibronectin/tenascin-binding protein PrtF.2 contributes to virulence in an influenza superinfection

Influenza A virus (IAV) and Streptococcus pyogenes (the group A Streptococcus; GAS) are important contributors to viral-bacterial superinfections, which result from incompletely defined mechanisms. We identified changes in gene expression following IAV infection of A549 cells. Changes included an increase in transcripts encoding proteins with fibronectin-type III (FnIII) domains, such as fibronectin (Fn), tenascin N (TNN), and tenascin C (TNC). We tested the idea that increased expression of TNC may affect the outcome of an IAV-GAS superinfection. To do so, we created a GAS strain that lacked the Fn-binding protein PrtF.2. We found that the wild-type GAS strain, but not the mutant, co-localized with TNC and bound to purified TNC. In addition, adherence of the wild-type strain to IAV-infected A549 cells was greater compared to the prtF.2 mutant. The wild-type strain was also more abundant in the lungs of mice 24 hours after superinfection compared to the mutant strain. Finally, all mice infected with IAV and the prtF.2 mutant strain survived superinfection compared to only 42% infected with IAV and the parental GAS strain, indicating that PrtF.2 contributes to virulence in a murine model of IAV-GAS superinfection.
A low-energy high-bandwidth interconnects based on opto-plasmonic capacitors

A plasmonic structure is introduced with a capacitance that is three orders of magnitude smaller than that of typical copper line. Furthermore, it can encode optical signal into binary states, making it suitable for on-chip optically enabled computation.
SNZ3 Encodes a PLP Synthase Involved in Thiamine Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (the active form of vitamin B6) is a cofactor that is important for a broad number of biochemical reactions and is essential for all forms of life. Organisms that can synthesize pyridoxal 5′-phosphate use either the deoxyxylulose phosphate-dependent or -independent pathway, the latter is encoded by a two-component pyridoxal 5′-phosphate synthase. Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains three paralogs of the two-component SNZ/SNO pyridoxal 5′-phosphate synthase. Past work identified the biochemical activity of Snz1p, Sno1p and provided in vivo data that SNZ1 was involved in pyridoxal 5′-phosphate biosynthesis. Snz2p and Snz3p were considered redundant isozymes and no growth condition requiring their activity was reported. Genetic data herein showed that either SNZ2 or SNZ3 are required for efficient thiamine biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further, SNZ2 or SNZ3 alone could satisfy the cellular requirement for pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (and thiamine), while SNZ1 was sufficient for pyridoxal 5′-phosphate synthesis only if thiamine was provided. qRT-PCR analysis determined that SNZ2,3 are repressed ten-fold by the presence thiamine. In total, the data were consistent with a requirement for PLP in thiamine synthesis, perhaps in the Thi5p enzyme, that could only be satisfied by SNZ2 or SNZ3. Additional data showed that Snz3p is a pyridoxal 5′-phosphate synthase in vitro and is sufficient to satisfy the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate requirement in Salmonella enterica when the medium has excess ammonia.
Fluxless Bonding Technique of Diamond to Copper Using Silver-Indium Multilayer Structure

In this study we report on successful bonding of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown diamond to Cu using a multi-layer Ag-In structure. To manage the large coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch between copper and diamond, Ag-rich Ag-In solution is chosen as the final phase in joint. In our previous investigations, we have shown that Ag-In solid solution exhibit superior mechanical properties, such as low yield strength, high tensile strength, and large elongation. Here, we show that by using a fluxless process at vacuum, mechanically robust joints can be formed at 180 °C between copper and diamond. Numerous samples that were bonded with proposed structure show acceptable shear strength and by performing a post bond annealing at 250 °C for 192 hours, we were able to achieve a joint almost fully composed of Ag solid solution with In, with significantly increased shear strength. The deposited multi-layer structure is examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with focused ion beam (FIB) prior to bonding. Following the bonding, samples are sheared and fracture surfaces are examined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Our studies show that Cr/diamond interface, which is the metallization scheme on diamond is a weak interface in the bond design and as the joint becomes stronger by conversion of Ag-In intermetallic compounds into (Ag), more delamination occurs in the Cr/diamond interface. Additionally, it is reported that annealing the Cr/diamond interface can effectively improve its adhesion.
State Legislators' Support for Behavioral Health Parity Laws: The Influence of Mutable and Fixed Factors at Multiple Levels.

Policy Points When communicating with state legislators, advocates for state behavioral health parity laws should emphasize that the laws do not increase insurance premiums. Legislators' opinions about the impacts of state behavioral health parity laws and the effectiveness of behavioral health treatment have more influence on support for the laws than do their political party affiliation or state-level contextual factors. Reducing legislators' stigma toward people with mental illness could increase their support for state behavioral health parity laws CONTEXT: Comprehensive state behavioral health parity legislation (C-SBHPL) is an evidence-based policy that improves access and adherence to behavioral health treatments. However, adoption of C-SBHPL by state legislators is low. Little is known about how C-SBHPL evidence might be most effectively disseminated to legislators or how legislators' fixed characteristics (eg, ideology), mutable characteristics (eg, beliefs about the policy's impact), and state-level contextual factors might influence their support for behavioral health policies. The purpose of our study is (1) to describe the associations between legislators' fixed and mutable characteristics, state-level contextual factors, and support for C-SBHPL; and (2) to identify the mutable characteristics of legislators independently associated with C-SBHPL support. METHODS We conducted a multimodal (post mail, email, telephone) survey of US state legislators in 2017 (N = 475). The dependent variable was strong support for C-SBHPL, and the independent variables included legislators' fixed and mutable characteristics and state-level contextual factors. We conducted multivariable, multilevel (legislator, state) logistic regression. FINDINGS Thirty-nine percent of the legislators strongly supported C-SBHPL. After adjustment, the strongest predictors of C-SBHPL support were beliefs that C-SBHPL increases access to behavioral health treatments (aOR = 5.85; 95% CI = 2.41, 14.20) and does not increase insurance premiums (aOR = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.24, 5.90). Stigma toward people with mental illness was inversely associated with support (aOR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.78, 0.95). After adjustment, ideology was the only fixed characteristic significantly associated with support for C-SBHPL. State-level contextual factors did not moderate associations between mutable characteristics and support for C-SBHPL. CONCLUSIONS Legislators' mutable characteristics are stronger predictors of C-SBHPL support than are most of their fixed characteristics and all state-level contextual factors, and thus should be targeted by dissemination efforts.
Impact of sleep restriction on affective functioning in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Background Shortened sleep and affective disturbances are both prevalent in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), yet the causal link between these domains has not been examined. This study investigated whether shortened sleep duration is causally linked to affective functioning in adolescents with ADHD. Methods Participants were 48 adolescents (75% male) aged 14-17 years with ADHD who successfully completed a three-week sleep protocol using an experimental crossover design. The protocol included a phase stabilization week, followed, in randomized counterbalanced order, by one week of sleep restriction (6.5 hr in bed) and one week of sleep extension (9.5 hr in bed). Sleep was monitored with objective actigraphy, and all participants included in this study obtained ≥1 hr actigraphy-measured sleep duration during extension compared to restriction. Parents and adolescents provided daily ratings of positive and negative affect during the extension and restriction conditions. Ratings of affect, internalizing symptoms, and emotion regulation were collected at laboratory visits conducted at the end of each week. Results Both parents and adolescents reported greater depressive symptoms and lower positive affect during restriction compared to extension. Parents also reported greater negative affect and emotion dysregulation among adolescents during sleep restriction than extension. No effects were found for parent- or adolescent-reported anxiety symptoms or for adolescent-reported emotion regulation or negative affect. Conclusions Findings from this study provide the first evidence that shortened sleep duration is a causal contributor to the affect and mood disturbances frequently experienced by adolescents with ADHD, particularly as observed by parents. Targeting sleep may be important to reduce affective disturbances in adolescents with ADHD.
Green and Pro-Poor? Analysing Social Benefits of Small Hydropower in Yunnan, China

Historically, China’s central government has promoted small hydropower (SHP) as a pro-poor technology for rural electrification in the mountainous southwest of the country. Since the early 2000s, when SHP construction began to boom, the government has also framed it as a green technology that replaces fuelwood with electricity. This chapter analyses whether the larger, grid-connected SHP plants built during the boom deliver on these claims, using data from a 2015 survey of 122 households in eight village clusters in Xinping County, Yunnan. We find that electricity use and fuelwood collection and use are correlated with the price of electricity—which SHP plants have no role in setting. Thus, most Xinping households report no benefits from SHP. However, a minority of households that receive electricity from the one subsidised plant in the county do report benefits from SHP, because their electricity is cheaper. These results reveal that it is only the few subsidised contemporary SHP plants in Yunnan that are green and pro-poor; the vast majority of unsubsidised plants are not.
Incorporating family history of disease improves polygenic risk scores in diverse populations

Polygenic risk scores derived from genotype data (PRS) and family history of disease (FH) both provide valuable information for predicting disease risk, enhancing prospects for clinical utility. PRS perform poorly when applied to diverse populations, but FH does not suffer this limitation. Here, we explore methods for combining both types of information (PRS-FH). We analyzed 10 complex diseases from the UK Biobank for which family history (parental and sibling history) was available for most target samples. PRS were trained using all British individuals (N=409K), and target samples consisted of unrelated non-British Europeans (N=42K), South Asians (N=7K), or Africans (N=7K). We evaluated PRS, FH, and PRS-FH using liability-scale R2, focusing on three well-powered diseases (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, depression) with R2 > 0.05 for PRS and/or FH in each target population. Averaging across these three diseases, PRS attained average prediction R2 of 5.8%, 4.0%, and 0.53% in non-British Europeans, South Asians, and Africans, confirming poor cross-population transferability. In contrast, PRS-FH attained average prediction R2 of 13%, 12%, and 10%, respectively, representing a large improvement in Europeans and an extremely large improvement in Africans; for each disease and each target population, the improvement was highly statistically significant. PRS-FH methods based on a logistic model and a liability threshold model performed similarly when covariates were not included in predictions (consistent with simulations), but the logistic model outperformed the liability threshold model when covariates were included. In conclusion, including family history greatly improves the accuracy of polygenic risk scores, particularly in diverse populations.
Safety Stock Allocation in an Online Retailing Network: A Stochastic Optimization Approach

Online retailers utilize lateral transshipment to meet the immediate shortage of demand at one location from surplus at another location within their retailing network. One option to reduce such potentially expensive transshipment is to hold additional safety stock at each location. We investigate the allocation of safety stock in a network of fulfillment centers with the possibility of lateral transshipment. Our problem setting is motivated by online retailers who operate multi-node retailing networks of fulfillment centers under a periodic review and order-up-to policy. We formulate the safety stock allocation problem as a stochastic optimization model with uncertain demand, and optimally solve the model for a network with up to six fulfillment centers. The optimization model quickly becomes intractable, with an increase in problem size. Therefore, for larger networks, we propose a novel hub-and-spoke approach where the fulfillment centers are first clustered and then connected as a Minimal Spanning Tree, followed by a system-wide safety stock allocation via stochastic optimization. The hub-and-spoke approach performs quite favorably in our extensive computational experiments, and demonstrates the potential to save millions of dollars in outbound shipping costs for an online retailer. Our study provides online retailers with an easily implementable and efficient safety stock allocation mechanism across a complex and geographically distributed network of fulfillment centers.
Light for all? Evaluating Brazil's rural electrification progress, 2000–2010

Abstract In an ideal world, rural electrification would serve the goal of socio-economic development. Improved electricity access can power rural industries, enhance agricultural productivity, and provide households with more productive time for study and work at night. Brazil's national rural electrification program has promised to target poor and remote rural communities, but has this goal been met? We analyze statistically representative data from Brazil's Census of 2000 and 2010. While Brazil has reached municipalities with low initial electricity access rates, rural electrification has not targeted the least developed municipalities. Furthermore, we find that the government has not reached the most remote and sparsely populated rural communities. Primary policy implications include more precise targeting of the least developed municipalities, complementary interventions to promote rural development, and increasing investments into distributed energy, such as off-grid solar power. With these strategies, Brazil and other countries facing similar issues can enhance the socio-economic benefit of rural electrification.
Mutation of the two carboxyl-terminal tyrosines results in an insulin receptor with normal metabolic signaling but enhanced mitogenic signaling properties.

Our previous studies have shown that the deletion of the insulin receptor carboxyl terminus impairs metabolic, but augments mitogenic, signaling (McClain, D. A., Maegawa, H., Levy, J., Huecksteadt, T., Dull, T. J., Lee, J., Ullrich, A., and Olefsky, J. M. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 8904-8911; Thies, R.S., Ulrich, A., and McClain, D. A. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 12820-12825). To explore further the regulatory role of the insulin receptor carboxyl terminus, a mutant insulin receptor was constructed in which the two tyrosines (Y1316 and Y1322) on the carboxyl terminus were replaced with phenylalanines. Rat 1 fibroblasts expressing high levels of this mutant receptor (Y/F2 cells) exhibited normal insulin binding and normal insulin internalization. The absence of the two tyrosines in the carboxyl terminus did not affect the phosphotransferase activity of the beta-subunit and insulin-stimulated glucose transport. However, the Y/F2 cells showed markedly enhanced sensitivity for insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis. Dose-response curves for both insulin-stimulated thymidine uptake and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation in the Y/F2 cell lines were shifted to the left (4-10-fold) compared with those observed in the cells expressing similar numbers of wild type receptors. Thus, the two tyrosines of the insulin receptor carboxyl terminus do not modulate the kinase function of the insulin receptor, although they are autophosphorylated in native receptors. Moreover, these tyrosines are not necessary for stimulation of glucose transport. On the other hand, these results suggest that the two carboxyl-terminal tyrosine residues exert an inhibitory effect on mitogenic signaling in native insulin receptors.
Asynchronous Trasfer Mode (ATM)

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) is a cell-oriented switching and multiplexing technology that uses fixed-length (53 byte; 48 bytes of data, and 5 bytes of header information) packets — called cells — to carry various types of traffic, such as data, voice, video, multimedia, and so on, through multiple classes of services. ATM is a 1 connection-oriented technology, in which a connection is established between the two endpoints before the actual data exchange begins. ATM provides a highly complex technology, with features intended for applications ranging from global telco networks to private local area computer networks. ATM has been a partial success as a technology, with widespread deployment, but generally only used as a transport for IP traffic; its goal of providing a single integrated end-to-end technology for LANs, public networks, and user services has largely failed. However, as it often happens in technology development, various important ATM concepts have been inherited by other technologies, such as MPLS. To accelerate the deployment of ATM technology, the ATM Forum, a consortium of service providers and equipment vendors in the communication industries was created to develop implementation and specification agreements. Later, ATM Forum was merged with other industry forums to form MPLS Frame Relay ATM (MFA) forum [23]. In this chapter, we present a brief overview on ATM protocol layers, the current status on Traffic Management, and discuss related technologies such as MPLS, as well as technologies using the ATM protocol layer stack, such as DSL, FTTP, and UMTS.
Correlating Sustainabilty and Financial Performance - What Measures Matter? a Study in the Pulp and Paper Industry

A meta analysis of key performance indicators (KPI) for a wide range of companies across the paper industry value chain was performed to understand whether disclosure- or performance-based sustainability metrics were better indicators for financial performance of the firms. The study aimed to contribute to theory development on the link between sustainability and competitiveness of the firm, by conducting a multivariate statistical analysis of a wide range of financial and sustainability metrics. Correlation matrices and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated: (i) a slight positive correlation between GHG emissions and disclosure score (e.g. ESG), (ii) a negative correlation between GHG emissions and financial performance (e.g. ROA, stock price, valuation), and (iii) disclosure based measures are better predictors or corporate sustainability performance (CSP) than are performance-based metrics. Targeted correlation analysis using three principal component indicator variables from four models were inconclusive as to links between sustainability and financial indicators. Even though companies clustered along the ESG score spectrum, there was no relationship with financial metrics. Then performance-based CSP scores were used, no clustering was observed. The lack of validation of the results from the meta analysis using the targeted KPIs was likely due to the loss of resolution of environmental sustainability data in the ESG or CSP scores, which mask trends as the result of decreased sensitivity. Future work should focus on preserving higher granularity of metrics and increased use of multivariate statistical tools to increase the ‘signal-to-noise ratio’ for sustainability-financial performance trends.
Dialysis Fermentor Systems for Concentrated Culture of Microorganisms.

Abstract Cell-mass production of Serratia marcescens was studied in dialysis systems in which growth was managed in a fermentor remote from, but connected by conduits and pumps with, a nutrient reservoir. Dialysis was accomplished with membrane tubing in either the fermentor or the reservoir, or best with membrane sheet in a plate-and-frame dialyzer that was remote from but connected with both vessels. Growth trials with these systems demonstrated their ability to produce virtually unlimited population density in a liquid culture, viable counts in excess of 1012 cells/ml and partial cell volume of 50% being attained. The system used for growth also may be used, after the growth cycle, to concentrate cells still further by osmotic dehydration with a hydrophilic colloid. The dialyzer-dialysis system that was evolved permits independent control of the component operations and is believed to be adaptable to any desired scale of size.
The Accumulation and Structure of Comets

The evidence for the accumulation of the terrestrial planets and comets from solid grains is reviewed briefly. The various proposals for formation of cometary nuclei are described and commented upon. With three exceptions, all hypotheses conclude or imply that a single compact object forms. It has been almost universally assumed that grain accretion produced compact aggregates as is the case with liquid drops, and that this process continued. Several hypotheses start with Goldreich-Ward-type gravitational instabilities. The collapse for this case also occurs at low velocities in the cm·s-1 to m·s-1 range. Experiment and theory show that under these conditions, low-density, filamentary clusters form that are fractal aggregates with a fractal dimension approximately equal to two. Agglomeration of these clusters produces larger, compressible planetesimals or cometesimals, which efficiently combine upon colliding. In order to form cometary nuclei, the initial temperature must be about 50 K and not undergo a significant temperature rise during the accumulation process. The collision process can be analyzed with some simplifying assumptions using the limited experimental data available for the compaction of low-density powders. The calculations show that accumulation will occur at low temperatures. For a more refined analysis, experiments to study impacts on low-density powders are required. Models of cometary nuclei are reviewed, and a simple model of the structure that results from the accumulation of fluffy aggregates is described.
Ramping ensemble activity in dorsal anterior cingulate neurons during persistent commitment to a decision

We frequently need to commit to a choice to achieve our goals; however, the neural processes that keep us motivated in pursuit of delayed goals remain obscure. We examined ensemble responses of neurons in macaque dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), an area previously implicated in self-control and persistence, in a task that requires commitment to a choice to obtain a reward. After reward receipt, dACC neurons signaled reward amount with characteristic ensemble firing rate patterns; during the delay in anticipation of the reward, ensemble activity smoothly and gradually came to resemble the postreward pattern. On the subset of risky trials, in which a reward was anticipated with 50% certainty, ramping ensemble activity evolved to the pattern associated with the anticipated reward (and not with the anticipated loss) and then, on loss trials, took on an inverted form anticorrelated with the form associated with a win. These findings enrich our knowledge of reward processing in dACC and may have broader implications for our understanding of persistence and self-control.
Comparison of the biliproteins from two strains of the thermophilic cyanophyte Synechococcus lividus

C-Phycocyanins from two thermophilic strains of Synechococcus lividus that grow within different temperature ranges have been shown to be unalike. The aggregation ability of these two C-phycocyanins in sedimentation-velocity experiments varied dramatically. Surprisingly, the aggregation properties of mesophilic C-phycocyanins were found to lie between those of the two thermophilic proteins. Under identical conditions at pH7.0, one thermophilic protein (Sy I) was composed of 17S and larger aggregates, whereas the other (Sy III) was an almost homogeneous 6S aggregate. Mesophilic C-phycocyanins have a mixture of 6S, 11S and less stable 17S aggregates under these conditions. Amino acid analysis, absorption spectra, immunochemistry and fluorescence polarization all indicated differences in the composition and properties of the thermophilic proteins, which suggest that they have different modes of adaptation to very high temperatures. Allophycocyanins from the two strains of S. lividus were also purified and studied, but unlike the C-phycocyanins no major differences were found between them. Allophycocyanin was homogeneous at pH6.0, with a sedimentation coefficient of 5.54S and mol.wt. 1.03×105, as determined by sedimentation-equilibrium measurements.
Introduction to Modern Climate Change: Is the climate changing?

In Chapter 1, I defined climate change as a change in the statistics of the weather (changes in averages and extremes of temperature and precipitation and other meteorological parameters of interest) over a period of several decades. In this chapter, I address the question of whether the Earth's climate is currently changing and how it has changed in the past. We will see the overwhelming evidence that the climate is indeed changing – and that it has changed significantly over the Earth's entire history. In Chapter 7, I will discuss what causes climate change and whether humans are to blame for the present warming. Although there are many statistics that we could examine, the discussion in this chapter focuses on temperature for two reasons. First, as I will discuss in Chapter 4, the most direct impact from the addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere is a warming planet. Changes in other variables, such as precipitation or sea level, arise as a response to the temperature change. Second, we have the best data for temperature. The technology for measuring it is centuries old, and people have been measuring and recording the temperature with reasonable global coverage since the middle of the 19th century. In addition to direct measurements of temperature, there are other techniques, such as studying the chemical composition of rocks, which allow us to indirectly infer the temperature of the Earth over nearly its entire 4.5-billion-year history.
Diabetic gastroparesis‐associated bezoar resolution via “cola‐lysis”

Phytobezoars associated with diabetic gastroparesis are often sources of diminished quality of life for patients. Poor blood sugar control has been associated with increasing gastroparesis. For recipients of pancreas transplants to correct diabetes, phytobezoar treatment post-transplant can typically be limited to invasive procedures and prokinetic agents. We present the case of an alternative treatment to phytobezoar, cola libation, i.e., "cola-lysis."
El uso de la evaluación docente: entre la incertidumbre y la refl exión

A partir de de tres vertientes, se analiza la tension existente en las universidades cuando los estudiantes evaluan al docente. La primera es la descripcion del proceso de la evaluacion, lo cual genera en el docente y directivos inquietudes particulares. La segunda relata las percepciones y finalidades de la evaluacion docente, vista desde la institucion y los docentes y directivos, para poder recrear los efectos de su aplicacion. Por ultimo, estan las conclusiones de estas dos posiciones, que propenden a un desarrollo profesional del docente, pero que no reconocen que en el instrumento de la evaluacion esten las claves, para que docentes, directivos e institucion puedan considerar la evaluacion una herramienta con posibilidades de desarrollo.
β‐Lactamase‐producing bacteria in mixed infections

β-Lactamase-producing bacteria (BLPB) can play an important role in polymicrobial infections. They can have a direct pathogenic impact in causing infections, as well as an indirect effect through their ability to produce the β-lactamase. BLPB may not only survive penicillin therapy themselves, but can also protect other penicillin-susceptible bacteria from penicillin by releasing free β-lactamase into their immediate environment. This phenomenon occurs in upper respiratory tract, skin, soft tissue, surgical and other infections. The in-vitro and in-vivo clinical evidence supporting the role of BLPB in the increasing failure of penicillin to resolve such infections, and the implications of this phenomenon for the management of infections, are discussed.
Usefulness of oral dipyridamole suspension for stress thallium imaging without exercise in the detection of coronary artery disease

Abstract Stress thallium imaging with intravenous dipyridamole permits assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) without the need for exercise. However, intravenous dipyridamole is available in the United States only on an experimental basis. To study the use of oral dipyridamole as a clinically available alternative to intravenous dipyridamole for this purpose, 100 patients underwent thallium imaging with oral dipyridamole. Each patient received 300 mg of pulverized tablets in a 30-ml suspension. Maximal increase in mean heart rate and decrease in mean blood pressure occurred 30 minutes after ingestion. At 45 minutes, 2 mCi of thallium was given intravenously and serial imaging was begun within 7 minutes. The serum dipyridamole level (mean ± standard deviation) 45 minutes after 300 mg was administered orally (3.7 ± 2.2 μg/ml) was similar to that 5 minutes after 0.56 mg/kg was given intravenously (4.6 ± 1.3 μg/ml). Fifty-five patients had some adverse effects between 15 and 75 minutes after oral ingestion, including nausea, headache, dizziness, chest pain (25 patients) and electrocardiographic changes (14 patients). Intravenous aminophylline was used to resolve these adverse effects in 21 patients. There were no severe arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions or deaths. Of the 43 patients with angiographically documented CAD, 39 had an initial perfusion defect that redistributed on the delayed images. When the results in patients who had undergone catheterization were analyzed by individual segment, the presence of thallium redistribution was associated with normal or hypokinetic contrast left ventriculographic wall motion of that segment, whereas the presence of a persistent defect was associated with akinesia or dyskinesia (Fisher's standardized Z = 9.14). In conclusion, stress thallium imaging without exercise is feasible with a clinically available form of dipyridamole—the oral suspension. It is safe and may be used for evaluation of CAD to unmask regions of hypoperfused viable myocardium.
Comparisons of Experimental and Theoretical Arc Column Characteristics

The integration of the energy equation for air flow through an arc column is conducted for the inlet vortex chamber of a constricted arc. The resulting relationships among temperature, flow rate, current, voltage gradient and arc geometry are compared with the measured quantities. The temperatures were obtained spectrographically while the other parameters were measured in more routine fashion. The correlation between theory and experiment is fair to good but requires further refinement.
Design of a Wideband Millimeter Wave Micromachined Rotman Lens

Design, fabrication, and performance of a micromachined millimeter wave Rotman lens are presented. To achieve wide instantaneous bandwidth with $\pm 30^\circ $ scan range, five different transmission lines with carefully designed transitions are monolithically integrated within the same process. Theoretical bandwidth of over 70 GHz is verified with a narrower bandwidth W-band measurements of VSWR ( $ ), and 65–115 GHz measurements of realized gain (5–11 dBi), 3 dB beamwidth (20°–40°), and beam-peak locations in E-plane. Demonstrated results indicate that wideband Rotman lenses can now be engineered for emerging millimeter and submillimeter wave applications.