cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The recognition and management of gastroesophageal reflux without hiatal hernia.

Since 1969, 40 additional patients with gastroesophageal reflux without demonstrable hiatal hernia have been identified, treated, and followed. Diagnosis is established from the clinical history of posturally aggravated symptoms plus the identification of a relaxed and incompetent lower esophageal sphincter on esophagoscopy. Esophageal pH studies and manometry may provide supporting evidence when necessary. Twenty-five of the 31 patients treated by the Mark IV Belsey procedure had a good to excellent result when scored on the basis of durable relief from preoperative reflux symptoms, as well as the ability to swallow easily, belch, and, when necessary, vomit.
Differential Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

SUMMARY. Objectives: This review examines diagnostic factors of myofascial pain syndrome [MPS] and fibromyalgia [FMS], and their differential diagnosis. Findings: A base of electrophysiologic and anatomic data exists that supports the clinical identification of myofascial trigger point [TrP] features. Included are electrical characteristics of the TrP, visualization of the taut band and strong support for a model of the TrP. The widespread nature of chronic MPS mimics FMS. Fibromyalgia has been found to be associated with a host of clinical and biochemical markers. Objective markers besides widespread tenderness are needed to distinguish FMS from other conditions. It is not clear if either response to electrical stimulation of the parietal tissues or the skin rolling test will provide the necessary specificity. Biochemical markers such as substance P elevation in spinal fluid may be sensitive for FMS, but the specificity of the finding is unknown. The possibility is raised that some findings may be related to the severity of chronic widespread pain, and non-specific. Conclusion: A variety of clinical tests are available to assess both MPS and FMS. However, tests that are based primarily on the identifica
Magnetic field effects on the excitation spectra of neutral group II double acceptors in germanium

Abstract Excitation spectra in the presence of a magnetic field are presented for zinc and mercury double acceptors in germanium. Despite the fact that the ground state binding energies of zinc and mercury in germanium are different by a factor of almost three, the splittings with a magnetic field applied are almost identical. The observed spectra are compared with theoretical spectra for double acceptors. An analysis of the theoretical calculations indicates that the impurity state wave functions are not sufficiently accurate to be used in perturbation calculations of the effects of magnetic fields on these states.
Detection of Phytonadione in Vegetable Oil

A simple detection test for phytonadione (vitamin K1) in vegetable oil is presented. A saturated sodium ethoxide solution was used to saponify vegetable oil and react with the freed phytonadione to form a blue compound. The specificity and mechanism of the colored compound formation is discussed.
Durability of truncal valve repair.

Background Truncus arteriosus associated with truncal valve dysfunction has been shown to increase the mortality and morbidity associated with repair and the various techniques employed for truncal valve repair continue to evolve. We sought to examine the durability of truncal valve repair in truncus arteriosus. Methods We reviewed all patients who underwent truncal valve repair at our institution from 1995 to 2008. Repair techniques included leaflet delamination, bicuspidization, commissuroplasty, annuloplasty, and leaflet augmentation. We examined long-term valve durability, function and need for valve replacement. Results A total of 17 patients underwent truncal valve repair, including 3 for predominant stenosis (>70 mm Hg gradient), 2 for mixed moderate stenosis (40 mm Hg gradient) and moderate regurgitation, and 12 for moderate or greater regurgitation. Of these, 14 patients (14 of 17, 82%) underwent valvuloplasty at the time of the initial truncus arteriosus repair. The median age at truncal valve repair was 24 days (range, 4 days to 42 years). Thirteen patients had 1 valvuloplasty, 3 patients had 2 valvuloplasties, and 1 patient had 3 valvuloplasties before undergoing a prosthetic valve replacement at age 13 years. Actuarial freedom from repeat truncal valve operation was 70% at 5 years and 50% at 7 years. Freedom from truncal valve replacement was 100% at 10 years. To date, only 1 patient (6%) has required a prosthetic valve. Echocardiography at 48 ± 33 (mean ± SD) months postoperatively showed a peak gradient of 11 ± 13 mm Hg; 6 patients have moderate regurgitation, and the rest have mild or less regurgitation. Conclusions Truncal valve repair is a durable option with an acceptable reoperation rate, good function, and a low likelihood of needing truncal valve replacement. This is one of the largest series of truncal valve repairs and emphasizes that valve repair should remain the primary option.
Discovery of PSI-353661, a Novel Purine Nucleotide Prodrug for the Treatment of HCV Infection.

Hepatitis C virus afflicts approximately 180 million people worldwide, and the development of direct acting antivirals may offer substantial benefit compared to the current standard of care. Accordingly, prodrugs of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′-C-methylguanosine monophosphate analogues were prepared and evaluated for their anti-HCV efficacy and tolerability. These prodrugs demonstrated >1000 fold greater potency than the parent nucleoside in a cell-based replicon assay as a result of higher intracellular triphosphate levels. Further optimization led to the discovery of the clinical candidate PSI-353661, which has demonstrated strong in vitro inhibition against HCV without cytotoxicity and equipotent activity against both the wild type and the known S282T nucleoside/tide resistant replicon. PSI-353661 is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of HCV.
Maximum entropy regressions

Abstract Maximum entropy (ME) regression is compared to ordinary regression in the case of two observations on two normally distributed variables (one dependent and one explanatory) with correlation coefficient ρ. ME regressions have the smaller risk under quadratic loss if ϱ lies in the interval ±0.95. In the case of two explanatory variables and two observations, ordinary regression is not possible but ME regressions do exist and have finite risk.
Gas chromatography-based method for assigning the configurations of allylic and benzylic alcohols and for determining their optical purities.

On identifie l'enantiomere predominant et on analyse l'espece enantiomerique d'un grand nombre d'alcools allyliques et benzyliques par esterification avec l'acide (−)-camphanique et separation des diastereoisomeres resultants sur une colonne capillaire de chromatographie en phase gazeuse
A Genome-Wide Analysis of Open Chromatin in Human Epididymis Epithelial Cells Reveals Candidate Regulatory Elements for Genes Coordinating Epididymal Function

The epithelium lining the epididymis has a pivotal role in ensuring a luminal environment that can support normal sperm maturation. Many of the individual genes that encode proteins involved in establishing the epididymal luminal fluid are well characterized. They include ion channels, ion exchangers, transporters, and solute carriers. However, the molecular mechanisms that coordinate expression of these genes and modulate their activities in response to biological stimuli are less well understood. To identify cis-regulatory elements for genes expressed in human epididymis epithelial cells, we generated genome-wide maps of open chromatin by DNase-seq. This analysis identified 33,542 epididymis-selective DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS), which were not evident in five cell types of different lineages. Identification of genes with epididymis-selective DHS at their promoters revealed gene pathways that are active in immature epididymis epithelial cells. These include processes correlating with epithelial function and also others with specific roles in the epididymis, including retinol metabolism and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. Peaks of epididymis-selective chromatin were seen in the androgen receptor gene and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which has a critical role in regulating ion transport across the epididymis epithelium. In silico prediction of transcription factor binding sites that were overrepresented in epididymis-selective DHS identified epithelial transcription factors, including ELF5 and ELF3, the androgen receptor, Pax2, and Sox9, as components of epididymis transcriptional networks. Active genes, which are targets of each transcription factor, reveal important biological processes in the epididymis epithelium.
Thrombopoietin: Biology, clinical applications, role in the donor setting

Thrombopoietin (c-Mpl ligand) is the hematopoietic growth factor that is responsible for regulating the production of platelets from bone marrow megakaryocytes. This approximately 90 kd protein has recently been isolated and is comprised of an erythropoietin domain that is approximately 50% homologous to erythropoietin and a carbohydrate domain that is highly glycosylated and appears to stabilize the protein in the circulation. Thrombopoietin is produced in the liver and blood levels are determined by the mass of circulating platelets. However, there is no platelet "sensor." Rather platelets contain high affinity thrombopoietin receptors that bind and remove thrombopoietin from the circulation and thereby directly determine circulating levels. In vitro thrombopoietin stimulates both early and late megakaryocyte precursors as well as some erythroid and multipotential progenitor cells. When administered to normal animals, it stimulates platelet production up to six-fold without affecting other lineages. However, when given to animals following chemotherapy or irradiation, it stimulates erythroid and myeloid as well as platelet recovery. Several different recombinant thrombopoietin proteins are now entering clinical trials in humans and all preliminary reports confirm a potent thrombopoietic stimulus and apparent lack of toxicity. Thrombopoietin shows great promise in preventing the thrombocytopenia associated with chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and other acute or chronic thrombocytopenic disorders. In transfusion medicine, thrombopoietin may help mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells, stimulate donors for plateletpheresis, and enhance platelet survival and function during storage, Many studies are currently underway in all these areas and should soon establish the role of thrombopoietin in clinical medicine.
Franz Reuleaux: Contributions to 19th century kinematics and theory of machines

This review surveys late 19 th century kinematics and the theory of machines as seen through the contributions of the German engineering scientist, Franz Reuleaux (1829-1905), often called the “father of kinematics”. Extremely famous in his time and one of the first honorary members of ASME, he has largely been forgotten in much of modern mechanics literature in English until recently as some of his work has been rediscovered. In addition to his contributions to kinematics, we review Reuleaux’s ideas about design synthesis, optimization and aesthetics in design, engineering education as well as his early contributions to biomechanics. A unique aspect of this review has been the use of original copies of Reuleaux’s kinematic models at Cornell University and in the Deutsches Museum as a tool to rediscover lost engineering and kinematic knowledge of the 19 th century history of machines.
The Effects of Touch in the Geriatric Population

The current study investigated the effects of touch in a population of nursing home residents. Thirty individuals were randomly chosen to participate in a craft session. Sixteen participants were touched while fourteen were not touched. Participants completed a questionnaire immediately after the craft session. Responses to the questionnaire were statistically analyzed by means of chi square. Results found that tactile stimulation positively impacts attitude and motivation in the elderly. The touch group participants indicated strong, positive responses regarding attitude toward the task and the instructor. The touch group showed greater willingness to work for the instructor and complete a task. Touching is a positive influence on the geriatric person's attitudes and behaviors toward both a task and therapist. More sensitive instruments are needed to determine the relationship between touch and mood since it was not significant in this study.
Fundamental difference in the reactivity of the blood vessels in skin compared with those in muscle; blood flow response in these two beds to ischemia, and to intra-arterial injections of methacholine, epinephrine and noradrenalin before and after administration of antiadrenergic drugs.

Blood flow was measured with the electromagnetic flowmeter in the saphenous artery bed (cutaneous) and in the distal femoral and popliteal beds (muscle). The effects of ischemia and of intra-arterial injection with methacholine, l-epinephrine and l-norepinephrine were studied before and again after each injection of progressively increased doses of antiadrenergic drugs. These studies indicate a fundamental difference between the reactivity of cutaneous and muscular vascular beds.
Protomagalhaensia cerastes n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinida: Blabericolidae) Parasitizing the Pallid Cockroach, Phoetalia pallida (Dictyoptera: Blaberidae)

Protomagalhaensia cerastes n. sp. is described from nymphs and adults of the Pallid cockroach, Phoetalia pallida. Gamonts of Protomagalhaensia species are elongate and serpentine in general shape, but associated gamonts of P. cerastes are considerably smaller than those of other species of Protomagalhaensia. Primites and satellites of P. cerastes average total lengths of 323.1 mm and 317.9 mm, respectively; whereas similar stages range from 400.0 mm to 650.0 mm in the other 4 species within the genus. All species of Protomagalhaensia possess dolioform oocysts. Oocysts of Protomagalhaensia granulosae and Protomagalhaensia serpentula also possess apical corner spines or knobs that are absent in the oocysts of Protomagalhaensia wolfi, Protomagalhaensia blaberae, and P. cerastes. The oocysts of P. granulosae possess a lateral depression unique among members of the genus, while P. cerastes and P. wolfi possess distinct polar plates absent in other members of the genus. Oocysts of P. cerastes are notably smaller than those of P. wolfi in both length (7.3 mm vs. 9.2 mm) and width (4.5 mm vs. 5.5 mm).
Strategies for Community/School Collaborations to Prevent Youth Substance Abuse

Within communities across the United States, collaborations have developed between community-based organizations (CBOs) and schools to plan and implement unified approaches to prevent youth substance abuse. This article describes challenges and workable strategies reported by a diverse group of 11 community-based organizations (CBOs) for developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with schools. Strategies recommended by CBOs for effective CBO/school collaborations are described within four categories: (1) establishing the collaboration; (2) maintaining cooperation with schools during program implementation; (3) addressing cultural issues; and (4) institutionalizing the collaborative programs. The need to tailor community prevention efforts to the specific context of each community is emphasized.
Visual interpretation of hand gestures for human-computer interaction: a review

The use of hand gestures provides an attractive alternative to cumbersome interface devices for human-computer interaction (HCI). In particular, visual interpretation of hand gestures can help in achieving the ease and naturalness desired for HCI. This has motivated a very active research area concerned with computer vision-based analysis and interpretation of hand gestures. We survey the literature on visual interpretation of hand gestures in the context of its role in HCI. This discussion is organized on the basis of the method used for modeling, analyzing, and recognizing gestures. Important differences in the gesture interpretation approaches arise depending on whether a 3D model of the human hand or an image appearance model of the human hand is used. 3D hand models offer a way of more elaborate modeling of hand gestures but lead to computational hurdles that have not been overcome given the real-time requirements of HCI. Appearance-based models lead to computationally efficient "purposive" approaches that work well under constrained situations but seem to lack the generality desirable for HCI. We also discuss implemented gestural systems as well as other potential applications of vision-based gesture recognition. Although the current progress is encouraging, further theoretical as well as computational advances are needed before gestures can be widely used for HCI. We discuss directions of future research in gesture recognition, including its integration with other natural modes of human-computer interaction.
Moderately severe osteogenesis imperfecta associated with substitutions of serine for glycine in the α1(I) chain of type I collagen

We have examined the type I collagen protein, RNA, and cDNA of 2 children with moderately severe (type IV) osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). They have in common a non-lethal form of OI with ambulatory potential, over-modification of type I collagen protein, and a substitution of serine for glycine in the collagen chain produced by one α1(I) allele. The first child (Marini et al.: J Biol Chem 264:11893-11900, 1989) is now 7 years old, with the height of a 3-year-old. Her course includes significant remodeling of lower long bones and 4 femur fractures. She walks independently
When Do Clinical Decision Rules Improve Patient Care

Clinical decision rules are everywhere in medicine today. These impressive-looking decision algorithms and scoring systems are widely promoted as tools to either improve diagnosis or decrease expensive testing. As clinicians, we find decision rules psychologically appealing because they would appear to create order out of disorder. Medicine is inherently subjective; however, decision rules strive to transform such murky complexity into structured and tangible tools. Certainly a scientific decision instrument statistically derived from 10,000 or more patients must be superior to the frailty and variability of clinician judgment, mustn’t it? Many would assume so. Despite their many strengths, decision rules can also have important limitations. Before adoption, I suggest that readers scrutinize each such rule on the following questions. Three high-quality articles in this issue of Annals will help illustrate the principles discussed—the first a derivation of a rule to decrease abdominal computed tomography (CT) in children with blunt torso trauma, the second a contrast of the relative accuracy of decision rules for pulmonary embolism risk stratification when compared with unstructured clinical judgment, and the third an attempted validation of the modified Alvarado score—a previously described decision rule for appendicitis.
When Bits Bite

Columnist Charles Day compares real life to science fiction as he takes a closer look at "Species."
On the performance of a hybrid genetic algorithm in dynamic environments

The ability to track the optimum of dynamic environments is important in many practical applications. In this paper, the capability of a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) to track the optimum in some dynamic environments is investigated for different functional dimensions, update frequencies, and displacement strengths in different types of dynamic environments. Experimental results are reported by using the HGA and some other existing evolutionary algorithms in the literature. The results show that the HGA has better capability to track the dynamic optimum than some other existing algorithms.
WEAK IDEAL INVARIANCE AND ORDERS IN ARTINIAN RINGS

It is known that a ring R with Krull dimension is an order in an Artinian ring if R is X-homogeneous and the prime radical N of R is weakly ideal invariant. The notion of weak ideal invariance can be interpreted in torsion theoretic terms, yielding a shorter and more conceptual proof of this result. In addition, it is shown that the orders in Artinian rings which arise in this fashion are precisely those for which R/N is X-homogeneous.
Effects of resection on absorption and secretion of divalent cations by small intestine of rat

Resection increases villus height and crypt depth of remaining intestine. We examined functional conse- quences ofresection by measuring absorption ofstrontium and secretion of calcium and magnesium by proximal and distal segments remaining after resecting 70% ofmid small intestine. Compared with the transected control group, resection de- creased strontium absorption per unit weight of mucosa (spe- cific absorption) in the proximal segment. The decreased spe- cific absorption was compensated by increased mucosal growth in the resected group so that absorption per unit length of seg- ment (per cm) was the same in both groups. Resection in- creased secretion of calcium and magnesium by 66% per unit weight ofmucosa and by 145%/cm in the distal segment. Com- paring proximal with distal segments in the resected group, se- cretion was greater in distal for calcium and in proximal for magnesium. Intestinal resection causes responses in absorption and secretion of divalent cations important in mineral homeostasis. Am J Clin Nutr l990;52:867-7 1.
Equivalence of focusing conditions for holographic and varied line-space grating systems

The focal conditions for diffraction grating systems that employ holographic and varied line-space gratings are shown to be formally identical. An example is given in which the recording geometry of a holographic grating is derived that provides the same imaging (to lowest order) as a ruled grating whose grooves, while straight and parallel, vary in spacing across the surface of the grating.
Radioimmunoassay of phytochrome content in green, light‐grown oats

Abstract. We measured phytochrome content by radioimmunoassay in green, light-grown oats (Avena sativa L., cv. Garry) grown under several light regimes. Phytochrome content increased linearly to six times the light-grown level during a 24-h dark incubation and to fifty times the light-grown level after 48 h darkness. Phytochrome content, in response to a cycle of 12-h light, 12-h dark photoperiods, increased to three times the light-grown level in darkness and returned to the light-grown level during the subsequent light period. Plants given far-red light immediately prior to a 12-h dark period contained about four-fold more phytochrome than light-grown oats, compared with a three-fold increase in plants treated identically except given no far-red light. We also attempted, unsuccessfully, to eliminate a general nonspecific interference by crude plant extracts with the radioimmunoassay.
To ARC or not to ARC

Cache replacement algorithms have focused on managing caches that are in the datapath. In datapath caches, every cache miss results in a cache update. Cache updates are expensive because they induce cache insertion and cache eviction overheads which can be detrimental to both cache performance and cache device lifetime. Nondatapath caches, such as host-side flash caches, allow the flexibility of not having to update the cache on each miss. We propose the multi-modal adaptive replacement cache (mARC), a new cache replacement algorithm that extends the adaptive replacement cache (ARC) algorithm for non-datapath caches. Our initial trace-driven simulation experiments suggest that mARC improves the cache performance over ARC while significantly reducing the number of cache updates for two sets of storage I/O workloads from MSR Cambridge and FIU.
K2: Brotherhood of the Rope (B)

Chris Warner led a team of experienced mountain climbers on an expedition to reach the summit of K2--the second-highest in the world. After failing to succeed on their first few attempts, Warner and his team brought together other teams hoping to reach the summit, and representing eight different countries, to work together for success. Their story is a narrative full of examples, where in some instances, a leadership point of view was taken, and other times it was not. The successes and failures of the expedition’s approach makes for a story bursting with real-world examples and offers an exciting framework to house theoretical concepts about team-building and leadership. Although grounded in the written cases, the series also includes an optional a multimedia supplement offers compelling photos and video for students and instructors. After working together with several other international teams to reach the K2 summit, the descent becomes extremely dangerous. The B case finds the climbers in the midst of a raging blizzard. With a missing Italian mountaineer, a Czech climber suffering from hypothermia and cerebral edema, and the theft of a critical survival tool, Warner must decide whether to go look for the missing climber or try to get his expedition off K2 safely.
Solemn and Ancient Farce: New York Judicial Liens on Personal Property

This article concludes the first detailed study of judicial liens under New York law in over forty years, and the very first since New York inacted the CPLR in 1963. The study concludes that New York law on this matter is highly absurd and arbitrary. The article includes a detailed look at how New York judicial liens on personal property interact with Article 9 security interests, tax liens and bankruptcy proceedings.
Lipid Synthesis from Acetate-1-C14 by the Cereal Leaf Beetle, Oulema melanopus

Adult summer prediapause Oulema melanopus (L.), were fed acetate- 1-C14. On analysis, the beetles incorporated 2 times as much acetate into fatty acids as into the unsaponifiable lipids. About 74% of the radioactivity in the unsaponifiable lipids behaved like hydrocarbons when fractionated by column chromatography. Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of the fatty acids showed that 25% of the total radioactivity in the fatty acids was palmitic acid and 60% was oleic acid.
From rape to sexual assault: Legal provisions and mental health implications

Sexual assault in various forms has been recognized as a crime by almost all religions and cultures throughout the recorded history. It is a crime against basic human rights of an individual and a most common crime against women in India. In India, rape laws began with the enactment of Indian Penal Code in 1860. There have been subsequent amendments, and the main issue of focus remained the definition of rape which has been recently broadened to include a wide range of sexual activities. The inclusion of marital rape in the ambit of rape remains a matter of debate. With a long history, the sexual offence in the form of sexual assault has been discussed from legal and mental health perspective in this presentation. Social and psychological impact of sexual assault on the victim has also been discussed.
Non-coding RNAs in Uterine Development, Function and Disease

The major function of the uterus is to accept and provide a suitable environment for an embryo, ultimately leading the birth of offspring and successful propagation of the species. For this occur, there must be precise coordination of hormonal signalling within both the endometrial and myometrial components of this organ. Non-coding RNAs, specifically, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be essential for normal uterine development and function. Within this organ, miRNAs are proposed to fine-tune the actions of the female steroid hormones estradiol and progesterone. Not surprising, mis-expression of miRNAs has been documented in diseases of the endometrium and myometrium such as endometriosis and leiomyomas, respectively. In this chapter, I will review the current understanding on the role, regulation and function of non-coding RNAs focusing on miRNAs in both the normal physiology of the endometrium and myometrium as well as in pathologies of these tissues, namely endometriosis and leiomyomas.
The Power of Teachers' Writing Stories: Exploring Multiple Layers of Reflective Inquiry in Writing Process Education.

The purpose of this theoretical mixed-method study is to examine teachers’ self-assessments of their perceptions about writing development and instruction. One hundred and fifty teachers participated in a multiple-method data collection utilizing a Likert survey, extended narrative response, and sociometric networking of literacy identity (sociogram). Results indicated that there is a contradiction between the stated beliefs, self-perceptions and descriptions of practice. This article is an explication of why examining teachers’ self-perceptions concerning themselves as writers and exploring the ways in which this self-perspective phenomenon influences the teaching of writing in their classrooms, through multiple methods, will lead to greater educational clarity of identity and practice.
Analysis on trends of incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer among residents in Changshu City

[Objective]To understand the status of incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer among residents in Changshu City, analyze its trends,and provide scientific evidence for developing the prevention and control strategies of colorectal cancer. [Methods]The data of incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer were obtained from Changshu CDC,to analyze the incidence, mortality,truncate adjusted incidence rate,cumulative rate and PYLL rate of colorectal cancer among residents in Changshu City. The trends of incidence and mortality on colorectal cancer were estimated by linear regression and logarithmic curve fitting( Logarithmic model). [Results]The crude incidence and standardized incidence of colorectal cancer in the period from 2004 to 2010 showed the rising trend( P 0. 05),and the incidence in males was higher than that in females( P 0. 05). The main parts of colorectal cancer were the colon and rectum( 97. 46%). The trend of the crude mortality on colorectal cancer was erratic in the period from 1973 to 2012. But the standardized mortality,truncate adjusted incidence rate,cumulative rate,PYLL rate and standardized PYLL rate showed a steady downward trend,which decreased by 57. 75%,71. 14%,69. 86%,58. 21%,60. 00% and 79. 04%,respectively( P 0. 05). [Conclusion]The epidemic situation of colorectal cancer is serious in Changshu City. It is necessary to strengthen the malignant tumor monitoring and comprehensive prevention,to reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer among residents.
The Era of the Functional Consumer

ABSTRACTA discrete choice experiment was conducted to analyze consumer preferences for fruit and vegetable attributes in the context of the 2010 MyPlate Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations and to consider the role of health benefits and potential tradeoffs among fruit and vegetable quantity and quality attributes. Higher willingness to pay for fruit and vegetable attributes by the medium-high income respondents compared to low-income respondents may reflect the reality of a greater ability to pay. The magnitude of WTP toward satisfying MyPlate recommendations is substantially below the cost; therefore, it is not surprising that current consumption levels are well below the recommendation. Organic products had a stigmatizing effect for low-income respondents.
Radiofrequency spectroscopy of trapped neutral atoms

We have recently demonstrated rf resonance experiments on Na atoms contained in a magnetic trap.1,2 Sequential rf pulses with appropriate frequencies were applied to a sample of ~2×1010 Na atoms (confined in an ~100-cm3 volume) to transfer population between the four trapped magnetic substates. The relative populations of the magnetic substates were detected by sending a weak narrowly collimated probe laser beam along the axis of the trap and monitoring the induced fluorescence with a photodiode (placed along the wall of the trap enclosure) located at the longitudinal magnetic field minimum. Hence we are sensitive only to light emanating from the small fraction of atoms near the magnetic field minimum.
Sequence impedances for high phase order power transmission systems

High phase order technologies have been proposed, studied, and tested for overhead AC transmission systems. While the interest level may have been high, various hobbles have led to the fact that there are no high phase order transmission systems in service today. Nonetheless, there is interest in this alternative technology for the purpose of more effectively using transmission rights of way for bulk power transfer. This paper focuses on one aspect of high phase order designs, namely the modeling and the design of impedances in a high phase order transmission system. If high phase order technologies are to be implemented in practice, the line impedance models would be of considerable importance.
Active multienzyme assemblies for long-chain olefinic hydrocarbon biosynthesis

Bacteria from different phyla produce long-chain olefinic hydrocarbons derived from an OleA-catalyzed Claisen condensation of two fatty acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) substrates, followed by reduction and oxygen elimination reactions catalyzed by the proteins OleB, OleC, and OleD. In this report, OleA, OleB, OleC, and OleD were individually purified as soluble proteins, and all were found to be essential for reconstituting hydrocarbon biosynthesis. Recombinant coexpression of tagged OleABCD proteins from Xanthomonas campestris in Escherichia coli and purification over His6 and FLAG columns resulted in OleA separating, while OleBCD purified together, irrespective of which of the four Ole proteins were tagged. Hydrocarbon biosynthetic activity of copurified OleBCD assemblies could be reconstituted by adding separately purified OleA. Immunoblots of nondenaturing gels using anti-OleC reacted with X. campestris crude protein lysate indicated the presence of a large protein assembly containing OleC in the native host. Negative-stain electron microscopy of recombinant OleBCD revealed distinct large structures with diameters primarily between 24 and 40 nm. Assembling OleB, OleC, and OleD into a complex may be important to maintain stereochemical integrity of intermediates, facilitate the movement of hydrophobic metabolites between enzyme active sites, and protect the cell against the highly reactive β-lactone intermediate produced by the OleC-catalyzed reaction.IMPORTANCE Bacteria biosynthesize hydrophobic molecules to maintain a membrane, store carbon, and for antibiotics that help them survive in their niche. The hydrophobic compounds are often synthesized by a multidomain protein or by large multienzyme assemblies. The present study reports on the discovery that long-chain olefinic hydrocarbons made by bacteria from different phyla are produced by multienzyme assemblies in X. campestris The OleBCD multienzyme assemblies are thought to compartmentalize and sequester olefin biosynthesis from the rest of the cell. This system provides additional insights into how bacteria control specific biosynthetic pathways.
A rapid micro-molding process for fabricating polymeric biodegradable 3D structures using hydrophobic elastomeric molds

We have developed an aqueous-solvent-based micro-molding technique for creating polymeric, bio-degradable micro-structures which can be loaded with delicate bio-active therapeutic agents. The process enables the incorporation of emerging protein-or DNA-based vaccines into sophisticated micro structures, e.g., microneedles, without damaging their biological efficacy as conventional (UV-or temperature-based) micro-molding processes would. As a demonstration, we successfully fabricated gelatin microneedles loaded with a DNA complex using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold. The process is proven to be capable of molding microneedles with sufficient sharpness (down to 17 μm radius of curvature at the tips) to penetrate porcine skin and exhibit transfection of DNA complexes.
OSSpal: Finding and Evaluating Open Source Software

This paper describes the OSSpal project, which is aimed at helping companies, government agencies, and other organizations find high quality free and open source software (FOSS) that meets their needs. OSSpal is a successor to the Business Readiness Rating (BRR), combining quantitative and qualitative evaluation measures for software in various categories. Instead of a purely numeric calculated score OSSpal adds curation of high-quality FOSS projects and individual user reviews of these criteria. Unlike the BRR project, for which there was no automated support, OSSpal has an operational, publicly available website where users may search by project name or category, and enter ratings and reviews for projects.
Managing Joint Software Research Between Industry and Academia

Abstract This paper reports a strategy for developing and managing a joint software research project between industry and academia. It is suggested that such an effort begins with a dialogue between the academic faculty and software management in the industry. If a joint research contract is feasible, a role called visiting scholar dispatched from the industry will enter the scene. This paper specifically defines the responsibilities of the visiting scholar, who will stay in the research laboratory housed in the academic institution and contribute to the joint work for a period of time. The philosophy of the proposed strategy is to benefit all parties involved. In many instances, such a joint research program will involve joint software development. This paper also points out several legal concerns in that area.
Game over? Assessing the impact of the emergence of a profitable wagering strategy in Major League Baseball wagering markets.

Testing the impact of profitable investment strategies is often hampered by the practical difficulties of determining who knew what, and when. This study examines the impact of the publication of a...
Two-dimensional grid optimization for sedimentation velocity analysis in the analytical ultracentrifuge

Sedimentation velocity experiments performed in the analytical ultracentrifuge are modeled using finite-element solutions of the Lamm equation. During modeling, three fundamental parameters are optimized: the sedimentation coefficients, the diffusion coefficients, and the partial concentrations of all solutes present in a mixture. A general modeling approach consists of fitting the partial concentrations of solutes defined in a two-dimensional grid of sedimentation and diffusion coefficient combinations that cover the range of possible solutes for a given mixture. An increasing number of grid points increase the resolution of the model produced by the subsequent analysis, with denser grids giving rise to a very large system of equations. Here, we evaluate the efficiency and resolution of several regular grids and show that traditionally defined grids tend to provide inadequate coverage in one region of the grid, while at the same time being computationally wasteful in other sections of the grid. We describe a rapid and systematic approach for generating efficient two-dimensional analysis grids that balance optimal information content and model resolution for a given signal-to-noise ratio with improved calculation efficiency. These findings are general and apply to one- and two-dimensional grids, although they no longer represent regular grids. We provide a recipe for an improved grid-point spacing in both directions which eliminates unnecessary points, while at the same time providing a more uniform resolution that can be scaled based on the stochastic noise in the experimental data.
Recent Studies of Toll Demand

As noted in Chapter 1, concerns with the effect on residential subscribers of rising local-service rates led to a sharp shift in emphasis in the early 1980s to research on access demand. The analysis of toll demand not only ceased being center stage in terms of resources devoted to it, but the nature of toll-demand research shifted as well. Prior to divestiture, the toll market in the U.S. was split, for regulatory reasons, between intrastate and interstate. Intrastate rates were regulated by state PUCs, while interstate rates were regulated by the FCC. With divestiture came the creation of LATAs (local access transport areas), which are within-state geographical areas consisting of a single population center and its environs. The terms of the divestiture stipulated that the only toll service that local exchange carriers can provide is in the LATAs within which they operate. The post-divestiture toll market thus came to entail three segments: intraLATA, interLATA-intrastate, and interLATA-interstate. Intrastate rates (both intraLATA and interLATA) continued to be regulated by the states, while interstate rates continued under FCC jurisdiction.
NEUTRAL BEAM HEATING EXPERIMENTS ON PDX AND PLT

Results are presented from studies of intensely beam heated plasmas in the PDX and PLT tokamaks. PDX has established that the ion heating quality factor n i = ne δT i /P abs cm -3 keV/MW, where P abs refers to absorbed beam power, is approximately the same for the near perpendicular injection of PDX as for the tangential injection geometry of PLT. The comparison however must be made at similar plasma currents, as n i is found to depend on I p . Electron heating on PDX and a “clean” PLT is quite similar at ~ 0.5 eV/kW for medium densities of ~ 3–4 · 10 13 cm -3 and moderate beam power. We have achieved a poloidal β θ ≈ 1.7 on PDX giving β θ ≈ 0.5 R/a at q(a) = 7.5. Initial results in low-q discharges appear promising, giving β T = 1.3–1.4% with 1.9 MW of absorbed beam power.
Production of High-Titer RCAS Retrovirus

RCAS (B/P) is a replication-competent avian retrovirus engineered by Hughes et al. (J Virol 61:3004-3012, 1987) and is referred to in this chapter as RCAS for simplicity. The RCAS retrovirus has been widely used as a vehicle for stable transduction of a gene into cells both in the developing chick embryo and tissue/cell culture. It can be used for both gain- and loss-function experiments. The ability of this virus to spread among proliferating cells makes it possible to achieve widespread gene transduction in the developing retina. The transduction efficiency of RCAS is highly depending on the titer of the viral stock, particularly for experiments involving solid tissues such as the developing retina. Here, we describe the procedure that we have used for 15 years to generate RCAS viral stocks with a titer of 1-5 × 10(8) pfu/ml.
Predicting Nanoparticle Suspension Viscoelasticity for Multimaterial 3D Printing of Silica–Titania Glass

A lack of predictive methodology is frequently a major bottleneck in materials development for additive manufacturing. Hence, exploration of new printable materials often relies on the serendipity ...
Epidemiology of Obesity in Adults: Latest Trends

An increasing trend in obesity prevalence since the early 1980s has posed a significant population health burden across the globe. We conducted a systematic review for studies using measured anthropometry to examine trends in obesity in the USA published from 2012 to 2018 and for systematic reviews to document trends in obesity across the globe published from 2014 to 2018. For the USA, the only nationally representative data source capturing trends in obesity in this period was the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which uses repeated cross-sectional data to document national trends in obesity in the USA. For global trends, the only systematic reviews of obesity across the globe were the Global Burden of Disease Obesity study and the Non-communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration study. In general, the population distribution of body mass index (BMI) in the USA has shifted towards the upper end of its distribution over the past three decades. The global distribution has similarly increased, albeit with large regional differences. US and global studies suggest an increasing trend in obesity since the 1980s, and there is a dearth of nationally representative longitudinal studies using measured anthropometry to capture trends in adult obesity in the USA for the same individuals over time. Greater efforts are needed to identify factors contributing to the continued increases in obesity.
The Indian Graphic Novel: Nation, History and Critique

The contemporary global recognition of comics as a serious aesthetic medium has been the outcome of a hard-fought battle; for years, western comics scholars and practitioners have advocated for the...
Safety of transfer, type of procedure, and factors predictive of limb salvage in a modern series of acute limb ischemia.

Abstract Objective The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of transfer, type of procedure, and factors associated with limb salvage in patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) treated at a quaternary referral center. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with ALI secondary to thrombotic or embolic occlusion at a quaternary referral hospital from 2013 to 2016 was conducted. Patients were transferred from throughout Washington and Alaska by ambulance, helicopter, or fixed-wing modes of transportation. Demographics, transport and operative timing, Rutherford classification, level of occlusion, procedural information, and fasciotomy characteristics were reviewed. Outcomes measured included limb salvage rates, discharge disposition, and mortality. Results One hundred twelve patients with ALI were identified, with 82% due to thrombosis and 18% due to arterial embolization. Fifty-seven percent of patients were transferred from a referring hospital with low mean transfer times (1.9 hours for embolic, 2.7 hours for thrombotic). Although the initial operative strategy varied according to the etiology, with 50% of thrombotic occlusions treated with endovascular therapies and 80% of embolic occlusions treated with open thrombectomy, the rates of limb salvage did not vary based on operative approach (92% endovascular first, 90% open first). Further, limb salvage rates were identical between transferred and nontransferred patients (77%). Limb salvage was successful in 91% of patients with Rutherford class 1 and 2 disease, but only 8% in patients with Rutherford class 3 disease. In-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were not different based on ischemic etiology (5%), although patients with Rutherford class 3 disease had significantly higher mortality rates (15%) compared with patients with class 1 (6%), class 2a (6%), and class 2b (2%) disease. Fasciotomy was performed in 29% of patients, with 59% of fasciotomy wounds closed primarily. Predictors of amputation include multiple attempts at limb salvage, higher Rutherford class, multilevel occlusion, more proximal levels of occlusion, and nonviable muscle seen after fasciotomy, with ischemic times trending toward higher amputation rates without statistical significance. There was no difference in discharge disposition based on ischemic etiology. Conclusions The modern treatment of patients with ALI is effective, with high rates of limb salvage and low mortality regardless of transfer status, etiology, or initial operation performed. In situations where compartment syndrome is unclear, fasciotomy should not be withheld because it provides valuable predictive information regarding limb salvage.
Acquiring PDF Scores for the Music Library: A Progress Report

ABSTRACTMusic librarians want to include digital scores in their collections, made available to patrons as digital files or printouts of those files. However, difficulties with the processes of dis...
Systemic Approach to Successful Quality Improvement in Behavioral Health

Organizations delivering behavioral health care are under increasing pressure from their patients, the community, The Joint Commission, and other stakeholders to provide care safely, efficiently, a...