cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of centrally acting angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor on the exercise-induced increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity

KEY POINTS The arterial baroreflex's operating point pressure is reset upwards and rightwards from rest in direct relation to the increases in dynamic exercise intensity. The intraneural pathways and signalling mechanisms that lead to upwards and rightwards resetting of the operating point pressure, and hence the increases in central sympathetic outflow during exercise, remain to be identified. We tested the hypothesis that the central production of angiotensin II during dynamic exercise mediates the increases in sympathetic outflow and, therefore, the arterial baroreflex operating point pressure resetting during acute and prolonged dynamic exercise. The results identify that perindopril, a centrally acting angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, markedly attenuates the central sympathetic outflow during acute and prolonged dynamic exercise. ABSTRACT We tested the hypothesis that the signalling mechanisms associated with the dynamic exercise intensity related increases in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and arterial baroreflex resetting during exercise are located within the central nervous system. Participants performed three randomly ordered trials of 70° upright back-supported dynamic leg cycling after ingestion of placebo and two different lipid soluble angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi): perindopril (high lipid solubility), captopril (low lipid solubility). Repeated measurements of whole venous blood (n = 8), MSNA (n = 7) and arterial blood pressures (n = 14) were obtained at rest and during an acute (SS1) and prolonged (SS2) bout of steady state dynamic exercise. Arterial baroreflex function curves were modelled at rest and during exercise. Peripheral venous superoxide concentrations measured by electron spin resonance spectroscopy were elevated during exercise and were not altered by ACEi at rest (P ≥ 0.4) or during exercise (P ≥ 0.3). Baseline MSNA and mean arterial pressure were unchanged at rest (P ≥ 0.1; P ≥ 0.8, respectively). However, during both SS1 and SS2, the centrally acting ACEi perindopril attenuated MSNA compared to captopril and the placebo (P < 0.05). Arterial pressures at the operating point and threshold pressures were decreased with perindopril from baseline to SS1 with no further changes in the operating point pressure during SS2 under all three conditions. These data suggest that centrally acting ACEi is significantly more effective at attenuating the increase in the acute and prolonged exercise-induced increases in MSNA.
Assessment and Characterization of Writing Exercises in Core Engineering Textbooks

AbstractWriting has been identified as a critical skill and element of the engineering profession, yet it is rarely included in sophomore-level and junior-level courses. Textbooks often influence h...
Mast cells and basophils.

That mast cells and allergic mechanisms play at least some role in bronchial asthma has been suggested for at least 75 years [92]. The incidence of these mechanisms in a cross section of all asthmatics [31, 77], and the importance of allergic mechanisms as compared with neural mechanisms is controversial, however, and has been discussed and debated for at least as long [16, 113].
Approaches to the Modelling of Aids

The spread of AIDS in Africa, Europe, North America and elsewhere in the world is causing considerable concern. It is known that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks T-4lymphocytes in the bloodstream, thus causing a decline in the immune system. Serious infection by organisms usually kept under control follows: patients develop Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, Kaposi’s sarcoma, chronic lymphadenopathy, dementia and various opportunistic infections. Infection by the HIV almost always leads to overt AIDS symptoms, which appear to be inevitably fatal; one problem of interest is the length of the incubation period, that is the time between HIV infection and the diagnosis of AIDS.
Spill site investigation in environmental forensic investigations

The first step in all forensic investigations surrounding surface oil spills is to characterize the spill site and the affected area to determine the nature and scale of the problem and to identify acute safety issues. There is a fundamental difference between the behavior of oil spilled on land and on water that determines the speed at which spilled oil moves or spreads and the resulting size of the affected area. This difference has a significant influence on the scale and character of the site investigation. An early challenge for spill site investigation is the competing demand and need for emergency response. The chapter provides the objectives for site characterization and reconnaissance surveys. Key themes in safe site entry following an oil release include site security and management, risk assessment and characterization, chemical toxicity of the spilled material(s), work environment safety, and personal protective equipment. Determination of the geographic boundaries and zones for spills are important to establish safety zones (hot, warm, and cold) for operational concerns, priorities for initial cleanup, and to provide a spatial reference for decision making relative to cleanup, monitoring, and remediation. The collection of adequate data following an oil spill is integral to characterizing the nature and extent of the release and its potential impacts. A systematic and well-designed study approach is key to successful forensic oil spill investigations.
Theoretical implications of recent electron—Positron colliding beam experiments

The theoretical consequences of recent electron—positron colliding beam experiments are summarized from the point of view of tests of pure quantum electrodynamics, the study of the vector mesons ϱ, щ, ф and the frontier region beyond the ϱ, щ and ф.
Self-Perception Theory and the Treatment of Shyness

For many people, the feeling of uncertainty, apprehension, and awkwardness in interpersonal situations is a common problem. Surveys indicate that at least 90% of Americans report feeling shy occasionally; and 50% indicate that shyness sometimes constitutes a significant problem for them (Zimbardo, 1977). Although a variety of theoretical approaches have been employed to date to help individuals overcome this problem, (Curran, 1977; Leary, 1983), Bem’s (1972), selfperception theory, a potentially important perspective, has received little attention. In fact, except for an earlier review paper by Kopel and Arkowitz (1975) and a series of studies (Haemmerlie, 1983; Haemmerlie and Montgomery, 1982; Haemmerlie and Montgomery, in press) by the present authors, this approach has received hardly any attention at all in the therapy or treatment literature.
Constructal law: Pleasure, golden ratio, animal locomotion and the design of pedestrian evacuation: Comment on "The emergence of design in pedestrian dynamics: Locomotion, self-organization, walking paths and the constructal law" by A. Miguel

Antonio Miguel’s article [1] is a timely review of the research on pedestrian movement and its basis in a law ofphysics: the constructal law of design and evolution in nature [2–4].Here I make several additional connections between Miguel’s observations (shown in quotations) and the broaderconstructal-law ﬁeld. To begin with, the “comfortable and desired” walking speed and “cooperativity” are perceivedas pleasant (attractive) because they are an integral part of the constructal design of animal locomotion. For humans,these feelings are of the same nature as the pleasure derived from beauty, and from understanding something easilyand fast, in order to get moving to safety and better life in general. This is why humans are attracted by images that ﬁtin golden-proportion rectangles, because these shapes are scanned the fastest by the two eyes aligned on the horizontal[4,5].All these attractions are why animal locomotion is “guided locomotion”, with design–it is efﬁcient, economical,safe, fast and purposefully straight. This is the constructal design of animal and human locomotion, and it is thecomplete opposite of Brownian motion. The constructal design of animal locomotion is much more complicated andperfected than the thermodynamics of balancing two work efforts, on the vertical (lifting weight) and the horizontal(getting the environment out of the way), which led to the discovery of the allometric relation between all animalspeeds, body frequencies and body mass [6–9].Second, the view of the movement of the body weight on one stiff leg as an “inverted pendulum” is equivalentto the view of walking and running as falling-forward locomotion [9–11]. The legs are the two spokes of the humanwheel from which the other spokes are missing, and which make the animal wheel the lightest wheel.The Froude number (Fr) is a concept from the mechanics of water waves, and the fact that walking has a con-stant Froude number and is no coincidence. The oneness of animal locomotion and water waves as a falling-forwardmovement was established based on the constructal law [9,10]. The value of the Fr constant speaks of falling-forwardmovement. To see this, consider the movement on one leg (a stick of body length
Constrained Tensor Decomposition Optimization With Applications To Fmri Data Analysis

Signal estimation from functional magnetic resonance imaging data (fMRI) is a difficult and challenging task that involves carefully chosen models that can be validated by domain experts. This paper explores constrained tensor decomposition methods for model-free estimation of signals from task fMRI. Using a number of constrained tensor decompositions, the signals are estimated as Rank -1 tensor(s). The mutli-subject fMRI data is stored as a three-way tensor (voxel $\times$ time $\times$ subject). First, the signal is decomposed using traditional PARAFAC modeling. Second, the spatio-temporal maps in the PARAFAC formulation are constrained to be non-negative. Third, using domain knowledge of brain activation pattern in spatial domain for fMRI and loading of the spatio-temporal maps of each individual the paper proposes an optimization model for solving the signal estimation problem from task fMRI data. Three different optimization techniques are also used for solving the optimization problems. The decomposed signal portion includes the brain spatial activation maps and corresponding time courses for each individual during task. The solutions of the optimization are evaluated based on similarity of the task signal (the ground truth) to time courses of the decomposed signal as well as by inspecting the spatial maps visually.
Combustion Dynamics in a Single-Element Lean Direct Injection Gas Turbine Combustor

A concurrent computational and experimental study of self-excited combustion dynamics in a model configuration of a lean direct injection (LDI) gas turbine combustor is described. Both acoustically...
Time-optimal feedrate algorithm for non-uniform rational B-spline tool paths with process and machine tool constraints

Feedrate planning is crucial for CNC machine tools to generate a smooth and efficient machining. In this paper, a feedrate optimization method is proposed for NURBS tool path with process constraints and machine tool constraints. The proposed feedrate profile is expressed in the cubic spline form which is a function of parameter u, and the optimal feedrate is achieved by iteratively modulating the feed control points of the cubic spline. Because the feedrate is designed in terms of u,there is no need to monitor the distance when the tool is accelerating and decelerating. In addition, the machining time can be calculated in advance, a proportional adjustment strategy can be used to improve the final interpolation accuracy. The performances of the proposed method are validated by performing simulations on a Star-shaped NURBS curve. The results show the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed feedrate optimization method.
More than just availability: Who has access and who administers take-home naloxone in Baltimore, MD

Background Fatal opioid overdose is a pressing public health concern in the United States. Addressing barriers and augmenting facilitators to take-home naloxone (THN) access and administration could expand program reach in preventing fatal overdoses. Methods THN access (i.e., being prescribed or receiving THN) was assessed in a Baltimore, Maryland-based sample of 577 people who use opioids (PWUO) and had a history of injecting drugs. A sub-analysis examined correlates of THN administration among those with THN access and who witnessed an overdose (N = 345). Logistic generalized estimating equations with robust standard errors were used to identify facilitators and barriers to accessing and using THN. Results The majority of PWUO (66%) reported THN access. In the multivariable model, decreased THN access was associated with the fear that a person may become aggressive after being revived with THN (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35-0.85), police threaten people at an overdose event (aOR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.36-1.00), and insufficient overdose training (aOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28-0.68). Enrollment in medication-assisted treatment, personally experiencing an overdose, and graduating from high school were associated with higher access. About half (49%) of PWUO with THN access and who had witnessed an overdose reported having administered THN. THN use was positively associated with "often" or "always" carrying THN (aOR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.99-6.06), witnessing more overdoses (aOR:5.18, 95% CI: 2.22-12.07), experiencing recent homelessness, and injecting in the past year. THN use was reduced among participants who did not feel that they had sufficient overdose training (aOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.96). Conclusion THN programs must bolster confidence in administering THN and address barriers to use, such as fear of a THN recipient becoming aggressive. Normative change around carrying THN is an important component in an overdose prevention strategy.
Uterine Preservation after Vaginal Delivery with Manual Extraction of Focal Placenta Accreta.

Placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PASD) is the adherence of the placenta caused by an abnormal trophoblast invasion into the myometrium. It is classified as placenta accreta, placenta increta, and placenta percreta depending on the extent of the invasion. Placenta accreta, defined as the superficial invasion of the placenta to the myometrium, accounts for 75% of PASD. Placenta increta is characterized by chorionic villi invasion deep into the myometrium. Placenta percreta involves placental invasion through the uterus and serosa and into the peritoneal cavity or surrounding viscera. Maternal morbidity and mortality can occur secondary to hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation, risks associated with blood transfusion, and pelvic and abdominal viscera injury. The standard of care in a known diagnosis of PASD is a cesarean delivery followed by hysterectomy with the placenta in situ. We report a case in which the diagnosis of focal PASD was not known antenatally but suspected after vaginal delivery. The patient subsequently underwent conservative management with uterine preservation and did not require laparotomy.
Effect of solvent type on emulsion formation in steam and solvent-steam flooding processes for heavy oil recovery

Abstract In this study, a series of steam and solvent-steam flooding experiments are conducted to study the produced oil quality in terms of water-oil emulsions. A set of seven experiments are performed, beginning with steam flooding, and solvent-steam flooding using propane, n-butane, n-pentane, n-hexane, and n-heptane as paraffinic solvents that are insoluble in asphaltenes, and toluene, which is a polar solvent soluble in asphaltenes. Co-injection of solvents along with steam improves the cumulative oil recovery and produced oil quality by promoting less water migration into the bulk oil phase, hence reducing water-asphaltenes polar interactions. Asphaltene content in the produced oil and the displaced residual oil is found to generally increase with increasing carbon number of paraffinic solvent. Hexane is found to be the most effective hydrocarbon solvent in solvent-steam flooding for bitumen recovery, with optimum amount of asphaltene content and dispersion in produced oil, and minimum amount of water trapped in the oil phase, hence alleviating emulsion complexity. This is a first attempt to assess the efficiency of a wide range of solvent-steam flooding performances in terms of obtained oil emulsion quality, which will be very influential for field applications in selecting a solvent for a particular reservoir.
Perilesional neurodegenerative injury in multiple sclerosis: Relation to focal lesions and impact on disability.

Abstract Background Axonal injury is the primary source of irreversible neurological decline in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Identifying and quantifying myelin and axonal loss in lesional and perilesional tissue in vivo is fundamental for a better understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) outcomes and patient impairment. Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods, consisting of selective inversion recovery quantitative magnetization transfer imaging (SIR-qMT) and multi-compartment diffusion MRI with the spherical mean technique (SMT), we conducted a cross-sectional pilot study to assess myelin and axonal damage in the normal appearing white matter (NAWM) surrounding chronic black holes (cBHs) and how this pathology correlates with disability in vivo. We hypothesized that lesional axonal transection propagates tissue injury in the surrounding NAWM and that the degree of this injury is related to patient disability. Methods Eighteen pwMS underwent a 3.0 Tesla conventional clinical MRI, inclusive of T1 and T2 weighted protocols, as well as SIR-qMT and SMT. Regions of interests (ROIs) were manually delineated in cBHs, NAWM neighboring cBHs (perilesional NAWM), distant ipsilateral NAWM and contra-lateral distant NAWM. SIR-qMT-derived macromolecular-to-free pool size ratio (PSR) and SMT-derived apparent axonal volume fraction (Vax) were extracted to infer on myelin and axonal content, respectively. Group differences were assessed using mixed-effects regression models and correlation analyses were obtained by bootstrapping 95% confidence interval. Results In comparison to perilesional NAWM, both PSR and Vax values were reduced in cBHs (p Conclusions Our results show that myelin and axonal content, detected by PSR and Vax, are reduced in perilesional NAWM, as a function of the degree of focal cBH axonal injury. This finding is indicative of an ongoing anterograde/retrograde degeneration and suggests that treatment prevention of cBH development is a key factor for preserving NAWM integrity in surrounding tissue. It also suggests that measuring changes in perilesional areas over time may be a useful measure of outcome for proof-of-concept clinical trials on neuroprotection and repair. PSR and Vax largely failed to capture associations with clinical and MRI characteristics, likely as a result of the small sample size and cross-sectional design, however, longitudinal assessment of a larger cohort may unravel the impact of this pathology on disease progression.
Transcending the Criminal Law's "One Size Fits All" Response to Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is no longer a private matter confined within the four walls of the home. The shift from private to public is connected with marked progress within the legal system, which strives to protect victims and hold batterers accountable through a myriad of specific responses that have ranged from attitudinal and logistical shifts from law enforcement to increased attention within legal education to a general acknowledgment of the impact of domestic violence on individual victims, children, families, and the broader community to the passage of federal and state legislation. The state legislative landscape has historically centered around a very narrow subset of laws that mandate or encourage arrest and criminalize domestic violence-related acts. Research demonstrates both compelling support for and against the effectiveness of these laws, making it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions about their actual impact. Scholars and advocates have also expressed diverging opinions about the desirability of this response. This article takes a different approach to exploring the criminalization of domestic violence by transcending the pervasive either/or dichotomy that dominates the field. It builds on my previous body of work that examines how mandatory arrest laws are often incorrectly categorized into a uniform classification scheme, leading to a complexity of problems like different research outcomes. Despite the actual variance in these laws, however, there remains a problematic uniformity that is characteristic of the current approach: many of the existing laws, policies, and practices tend to impose a “one size fits all” solution to a problem that is incredibly complex. The current singular approach might be necessary as a matter of practicality and public welfare, but it does not adequately respond to all of a particular victim’s needs or to the needs of all victims. Many never * Lecturer in Law & Co-Director, Kelley Institute of Ethics & the Legal Profession, Michigan State University (MSU) College of Law. J.D., University of Iowa, 1998. Thanks to Lumen Mulligan, Melanie Wilson, Laura Hines, and the faculty at the University of Kansas Law School who provided helpful comments on this paper as part of a faculty workshop. I am grateful to Cynthia Grant Bowman, Catherine Grosso, David Thronson, and Wenona Singel for their insights on earlier drafts. Laura Johnson, Jane Meland, Maggie Kiel-Morse, and the MSU Law Library staff provided invaluable research support.
Loss of KDM4B exacerbates bone-fat imbalance and mesenchymal stromal cell exhaustion in skeletal aging

Skeletal aging is a complex process, characterized by a decrease in bone formation, an increase in marrow fat, and stem cell exhaustion. Loss of H3K9me3, a heterochromatin mark, has been proposed to be associated with aging. Here, we report that loss of KDM4B in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exacerbated skeletal aging and osteoporosis by reducing bone formation and increasing marrow adiposity via increasing H3K9me3. KDM4B epigenetically coordinated β-catenin/Smad1-mediated transcription by removing repressive H3K9me3. Importantly, KDM4B ablation impaired MSC self-renewal and promoted MSC exhaustion by inducing senescence-associated heterochromatin foci formation, providing a mechanistic explanation for stem cell exhaustion with aging. Moreover, while KDM4B was required for parathyroid hormone-mediated bone anabolism, KDM4B depletion accelerated bone loss and marrow adiposity induced by a high-fat diet. Our results suggest that the epigenetic rejuvenation and reversing bone-fat imbalance might be new strategies for preventing and treating skeletal aging and osteoporosis by activating KDM4B in MSCs.
Challenging Case of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate after Prior Prostatic Focal Laser Ablations and Rezum.

Background Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an effective, size independent procedure for management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 1 Additionally, HoLEP is able to be performed successfully after prior surgical BPH treatments without complication and a low rate of long term retreatment. 2 Objectives To demonstrate challenging case of HoLEP in a patient with multiple, prior ablative BPH surgeries. Material A 63 year old male with refractory lower urinary tract symptoms after 2 focal laser ablations, one Rezum treatment, and medications (silodosin 8 mg and tadalfil 5 mg) presented to our clinic with obstructive lateral lobe BPH. The prostate was approximately 50 ml on digital rectal exam and preoperative cystoscopy demonstrated prostatic urethral calcifications and lateral lobe hypertrophy. Preoperative AUA symptom score (AUAss) was 12, peak urinary flow was 5.3 ml/s. A HoLEP was performed to alleviate the patients lower urinary tract symptoms and allow him to stop his medications. Results Total procedure time was 44 minutes, with enucleation time of 20 minutes and morcellation time of 1 minute. The HoLEP was started as a 2-cut technique, however due to poor surgical planes we changed to top-down technique. 3 There was a small, posterior, nonclinically significant capsular perforation. Five grams of benign adenoma were removed. Patient was discharged on the day of surgery. Catheter was removed on postoperative day four due to patient desiring to return home (over 150 miles away) for catheter removal, instead of having it done in our clinic on postoperative day one. At most recent follow-up, AUAss was 5 and peak urinary flow was 13.2 ml/s. Conclusion HoLEP can be performed after prior, multiple BPH treatments successfully. These can prove to be more challenging cases. Prior ablative techniques can lead to fibrosis of transition zone tissue and distort the natural plane between adenoma and surgical capsule.
Introducing uncertainty quantification to techno-economic models of manufacturing field-grown plant-made products

Abstract There is a growing demand for large-market natural and biotechnological products driven by shifting consumer preferences in food and calls for decentralized vaccine and medication production capabilities. The current paradigm of bioreactor-based biomanufacturing faces difficulties of scalability and a high entry barrier of capital intensity and workforce specialization. Field-grown plant-based manufacturing, as an inexpensive and readily scalable platform, is a promising strategy to meet this call. Despite some successes in field-grown bioproducts manufacturing, concerns, including process variability, have largely stymied adoption. Here we report on the development of techno-economic modeling coupled with Monte Carlo simulation as an effective tool to quantify, and mitigate, the impact of variation in field-grown plant-based manufacturing on profitability-related (internal rate of return, cost of goods) and process performance (product purity, annual throughput) forecast variables. In the base case, we observe 80.8% certainty of meeting all forecast variable specifications, defined generically to represent those of a high-volume food-grade commodity product. We observe an internal rate of return (with a selling price of $2275/kg bioproduct) as low as 10.7% and as high as 47.9% across facility scenarios. We also demonstrate optimization under uncertainty in a facility retrofitting to find a profitability-optimal chromatography column diameter of 1.2 m.
Another Crack in the Thin Skull Plaintiff Rule: Why Women with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Who Suffer Physical Harm from Abusive Environments at Work or School Should Recover from Employers and Educators

One tragic effect of childhood sexual abuse is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, which affects millions of women in the United States. Recent medical research shows that PTSD is a physical injury, not “just” a psychological one, and when its source is childhood sexual abuse it affects twice as many women as men. Abusive behavior at work and in school causes physical injury to the victims, and exposes the employer or educator to tort liability under the well-established “thin skull” plaintiff rule. Employers and educators should be able to reasonably foresee that large numbers of female students and employees already suffer from PTSD as a result of childhood abuse, and that abusive environments at work or at school will cause additional physical injuries to these women. Negligent employers and educators risk liability in tort under the “thin skull” plaintiff doctrine, and would be well advised to establish environments at work and at school that protect those who suffer from PTSD from further injury while simultaneously protecting the employer and educational institution from liability in tort.
Competing Risks and Limited Failure

In engineering, biomedical, or other studies involving time-to-event outcomes, a fraction of the units or subjects in a limited failure population may continue to survive a risk. This may happen, for example, if a subject is cured of cancer or if a unit is immune from the risk of infant mortality. Another common occurrence is the setting of competing risks where subjects or units are exposed to multiple risks one of which may eventually cause the occurrence of the event, such as failure or recurrence or death. This article considers and reviews the limited failure competing risks model where a fraction of the units or subjects can be failure-free from only one of the competing risks but not from the others. The case of masking, when the causes of events for some of the items are not exactly identified or recorded, is also considered. Keywords: Bayesian analysis; cause-specific hazard; cure rate; masked cause; mixture cure
Sustainability and Entrepreneurship

The intersection of entrepreneurship and sustainable development represents an exciting domain that promises to apply the innovative power of entrepreneurship to some of the most intractable problems of our time. Sustainable entrepreneurship emphasizes the processes of innovation and venture creation, and may be viewed as the process of discovering, evaluating, and exploiting economic opportunities present in the transition to a more ecologically and socially sustainable economy. Coined as a result of increasing belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the need for sustainable development, sustainable entrepreneurship is viewed by many as the means by which society will achieve intergenerational equity and preserve the productive capacity of the earth and its human societies. Keywords: sustainability; sustainable development; entrepreneurship; social; environmental; market failure; sustainable entrepreneurship
The metabolism of nicotinic acid. II. 2,5-dihydroxypyridine oxidation, product formation, and oxygen 18 incorporation.

Abstract The oxidation of 2,5-dihydroxypyridine has been studied with a highly purified oxygenase obtained in crystalline form. The reaction consumes 1 mole of oxygen and yields 1 mole of formate per mole of substrate. Maleamate is a second product of the reaction. N-Formylmaleamic acid could not be detected as an intermediate of the reaction and synthetic N-formylmaleamate was not a substrate for the enzyme. The distribution of oxygen 18 from 18O2 and H218O in the products confirmed the dioxygenase nature of the enzyme. The data indicate that addition of molecular oxygen and hydrolytic cleavage of the N-formyl group are catalyzed by a single enzyme.
Market Price of Variance Risk and Performance of Hedge Funds

This paper implements a model-free approach to measure the market price of the variance risk. In this approach, the value of the variance contract is estimated from prices of traded options. We find that the variance risk is priced, its risk premium is negative and economically very large. In the application to hedge funds, we argue that the variance return is a key determinant in explaining performance of hedge funds. Most hedge funds exhibit negative exposure to the variance return, implying that they routinely “sell” the variance risk. The variance risk factor accounts for a considerable portion of hedge fund historical returns.
Adaptive fuzzy logic controller based on parameter estimation

Introduces a novel adaptive fuzzy controller based on fuzzy inference in each layer of the fuzzy controller. An adaptive mechanism is proposed to approximate the parameters of the system based on the system response. The adaptive control is implemented by a new layer of fuzzy inference. Computer simulation results demonstrate the ability to apply multiple layers of fuzzy logic and the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive fuzzy controller. >
An Experimental Assessment of Continuum Models of Dendritic Growth

Experimental evidence pertinent to theories of needle crystals (dendrites) based on continuum models is reviewed and assessed critically. Some predictions, such as the dependence of the growth state on crystalline anisotropy, have not been convincingly demonstrated, and the models may not be appropriate in all cases, for example when kinetic effects are important. On the other hand, the continuum models provide an internally consistent explanation for many of the observations, including some related to sidebranching.
The impact of moderate daily alcohol consumption on aggression and the formation of dominance hierarchies in rats

Rationale and objective Group-housed male rats form social hierarchies, and under these conditions, it has been reported that subordinate (SUB) rats consume more alcohol than dominant (DOM) rats. We tested the hypothesis that a history of drinking alcohol would cause SUB rats to consume even greater amounts of alcohol.
Comparison of computed tomographic angiography with digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms: a meta-analysis.

Objective To compare a novel diagnostic radiological technique, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), with the standard method, namely digital subtraction angiography (DSA), in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms. Methods A comprehensive search of the world literature on CTA was performed. Articles that reported on prospective comparisons of CTA and DSA in the evaluation of patients suspected of harboring cerebral aneurysms were selected for data extraction. Suitable statistical methods were applied to the extracted data for meta-analysis. Results Twenty-one references met the criteria for use in the meta-analysis. Unweighted calculations based on data for 1251 patients resulted in a sensitivity of 0.933 (93.3%; range, 75.4-100%) and a specificity of 0.878 (87.8%; range, 0-100%). When the studies were weighted for the number of patients in each study, the sensitivity decreased slightly, to 0.927 (92.7%), and the specificity decreased more substantially, to 0.772 (77.2%). Conclusion On the basis of this meta-analysis, DSA remains the standard method. However, many who use CTA have reported it to be as good as or better than DSA in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral aneurysms, as well as being of less risk and discomfort to their patients and easier and less expensive to perform.
Testing the effectiveness of an abbreviated version of the Nutrition Detectives program.

Introduction Obese or overweight children have an increased risk for chronic diseases. Targeting diet and exercise in schools could help prevent childhood obesity. We have previously shown the effectiveness of a 90-minute nutrition program in improving elementary school students’ food-label literacy. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 45-minute version of the program.
A combined tracer and back-calculation method for determining particulate breakage functions in ball milling. Part I. Rationale and description of the proposed method

Abstract A new technique for determining particulate breakage functions is devised. It essentially consists of combining the tracer and back-calculation methods so that both efficiency and accuracy are obtained. A random number (Monte Carlo) method for evaluating the compounded error due to statistical fluctuations in the breakage process, sampling, and the sizing method in back-calculation methods is devised and sample results are given for a particular back-calculation method.
The Relationship Among Diet, Exercise, and Perimenstrual Symptoms

Abstract Research has shown that 30-90% of women suffer from mild to moderate perimenstrual symptoms while 2-10% experience severe symptoms. Yet, after decades of study, neither a definite etiology for symptom development, nor an encompassing and effective treatment has been found. To reduce symptom severity and prevalence researchers are currently suggesting a combination of lifestyle modifications including, moderate exercise, stress management, education and a balanced diet high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat, refined products, alcohol, caffeine and sodium rich foods. This study evaluated the impact of diet and exercise on perimenstrual symptom prevalence and severity. Forty-nine volunteer women completed an exercise questionnaire, one 3-day food record, and a prospective menstrual symptom calendar of 27 symptoms for one cycle. Mean daily dietary intake was as follows: (% of kcals) % CHO=55 +/-9.5%, % fat=28 +/-8.6%, % protein=15 +/- 3.2%, alcohol=6 +/- 12.9 gm, caffeine=102.5 +/- 112.7mg, sodium=2854 +/- 1074mg. Mean weekly exercise times included: 241 +/- 288 mins. for light exercise, 150 +/- 140.5 mins. for moderate exercise, 101 +/- 146 mins. for vigorous exercise, and 25 +/- 44.7 mins. for weight lifting. Symptom prevalence ranged from 6.1% for dizziness to 61.2% for cramps arid back ache. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary and exercise factors and pre-established symptom groups. Results showed that lifestyle variables played the strongest role in development of the premenstrual tension symptom group (PMTD) which includes the symptoms depression, confusion, crying, forgetfulness and insomnia. In this analysis (R 2 =.497) the factors most strongly associated with exacerbating symptoms were weight lifting (p=.002), moderate exercise (p=.02) and protein (p =.008). High CHO intake was associated with less severe symptoms (p=.036). Thus, it appears that a low carbohydrate, high protein diet may play a significant role in development of the PMTD symptoms. However, the impact of exercise remains in question. While exercise is expected to reduce symptoms, this study showed the opposite. Limitations of this study prevent determining whether the significant relationship between moderate exercise, weight lifting and symptoms exists because exercise exacerbates symptoms or women with symptoms are already implementing exercise for self-treatment. The results of this study support the proposition that dietary and exercise factors can influence perimenstrual symptoms. Further research involving monitored behavior and dietary changes will help clarify the importance of independent factors in perimenstrual symptom occurrence and the direction of cause and effect
Mortality salience and namesaking: Does thinking about death make people want to name their children after themselves?

Abstract According to terror management theory, people cope with the awareness of death by investing in practices that lead to symbolic immortality. The purpose of the present research was to investigate whether naming children after oneself stems from a desire to symbolically extend one’s life. Participants were primed with thoughts of death or a control topic and then asked the likelihood that they would name future offspring after themselves or relatives. Results showed that people in the mortality salience condition reported a greater likelihood of naming their children after themselves, but not after relatives. Attachment orientation moderated this effect in that anxious individuals in the mortality salience condition expressed an even greater desire to name their children after themselves.
Multifaceted Roles for IGFBP-1 in Human Endometrium during Implantation and Pregnancy

IGFBP-1 is a major protein product of nonpregnant endometrium during the mid-late secretory phase and occurs in abundance in decidua. Its roles as an IGF-binding protein and as a trophoblast integrin ligand suggest that it may have multiple roles in endometrial development and in interactions between the decidua and the invading trophoblast. IGFBP-1 in vaginal/cervical secretions has already had clinical application as a predictor of premature rupture of fetal membranes. The future awaits elucidation of the potential utility of IGFBP-1 in serum and in decidua in predicting fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia and perhaps implantation failure.
The generalized expansion method for open finite queueing networks

Abstract Blocking makes the exact analytical analysis of open queueing networks with finite capacities intractable except for very small networks, therefore, approximation approaches are needed to analyze these types of networks. For exponential open finite queueing networks, some methods have been proposed but little has been done so far on nonexponential open finite queueing networks. This paper introduces a new approximation technique for the analysis of general open finite queueing networks. Extensive numerical examples are performed for different network topologies and the results are compared with simulation.
In Vivo Gene Delivery with L-Tyrosine Polyphosphate Nanoparticles

The concept of gene therapy is promising; however, the perceived risks and side effects associated with this technology have severely dampened the researchers’ enthusiasm.(1-3) Thus, the development of a nonviral gene vector without immunological effects and with high transfection efficiency is necessary. Currently, most nonviral vectors have failed to achieve the in vivo transfection efficiencies of viral vectors due to their toxicity,(4) rapid clearance,(5, 6) and/or inappropriate release rates.(7) Although our previous studies have successfully demonstrated the controlled-release of plasmid DNA (pDNA) polyplexes encapsulated into nanoparticles formulated with l-tyrosine polyphosphate (LTP-pDNA nanoparticles),(8, 9) the in vivo transfection capabilities and immunogenicity of this delivery system have yet to be examined. Thus, we evaluate LTP-pDNA nanoparticles in an in vivo setting via injection into rodent uterine tissue. Our results demonstrate through X-gal staining and immunohistochemistry of uterin...
The Economic Consequences of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 150

SFAS No. 150, “Accounting For Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity” (SFAS 150), requires companies to report mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (MRPS) as a liability, and the dividends on these securities as interest expense. The purpose of this study is to examine the economic consequences of SFAS 150’s adoption on a sample of public companies. Our analysis indicates that adoption resulted in both intended and possible unintended economic consequences. Specifically: (1) the impact of SFAS 150 on non-public companies caused the FASB to review its position on the disclosures concerning MRPS; (2) some companies redeemed their MRPS prior to the adoption date of the standard; and (3) approximately 4% of sample firms were required to disclose MRPS as a liability.
The effects of creatine and whey protein supplementation on body composition in men aged 48 to 72 years during resistance training.

Objectives: Creatine and whey protein are supplements believed to have an ergogenic effect. Very little is known regarding the effects of these dietary supplements in older men. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of creatine and whey protein supplements, consumed independently and in combination, on total and regional body composition in middle-aged men during a resistance-training program.Design, Setting,Participants: Forty-two men were randomly assigned to four groups to receive supplements according to a double-blind protocol. Groups consumed their supplements three times per week immediately following their resistance training sessions. The groups were: 1) placebo (480 ml of Gatorade®); 2) creatine (480 ml of Gatorade® plus 5 grams of creatine); 3) whey protein (480 ml of Gatorade® plus 35 grams of whey protein powder); and 4) whey protein/creatine (480 ml of Gatorade® plus 5 grams of creatine and 35 grams of whey protein powder). All groups participated in resistance training 3 times per week for 14 weeks.Measurements: At the beginning and end of the study, total and regional measures of body composition (DXA) and total (TBW), intracellular (ICW), and extracellular (ECW) body water (Multifrequency BIA) were measured and 3-day diet records were completed.Results: There were significant training effects for regional arm fat (decrease), regional arm bone free-fat free mass (BF-FFM-increase), total body BF-FFM (increase), ICW (increase), and ECW (increase) but no significant group effects and only one significant group by training interaction (ECW). There were no significant changes for total calorie, carbohydrate, fat or protein intake for any of the groups from prestudy to post-study testing.Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that supplementation with creatine, whey protein, or a combination of creatine and whey protein, when combined with resistance training in middle-aged men, have no added benefit to changes that occur to body composition due to resistance training alone.
The contraction of control implementations

Abstract The implementation of a high level language which provides higher control forms such as concurrency and coroutines along with the more traditional recursive procedures is obligated to support all control forms in a reasonably efficient manner. In particular, the implementation of a general purpose language (such as Simula or Ada) should contract gracefully into a scheme incurring overhead approximately the same amount as a simple stack when presented with programs which employ control forms no more general than recursive procedures. This study is a quantitative investigation into the contraction of implementations capable of supporting higher control forms into an environment in which recursive procedures are the most complex control form. A technique called the stack-heap is shown to contract most fully.
Embryonic development of the heart. I. A light and electron microscopic study of myocardial development in the early chick embryo

Embryonic chick myocardium (stages 8+ to 12−) was studied by light and electron microscopy. The myocardium, which is initially comprised of radially oriented cells with large intercellular spaces gradually becomes more tightly packed. Intercellular spaces decrease and the cells assume a circumferential orientation. Myocardial cells remain epithelial throughout formation of the functional tubular heart and specialized epithelial junctions (apical junctional complex or terminal bars) undergo modification to form intercalated discs. Embryonic myocardial cells contain large amounts of free ribosomes and particulate glycogen, the latter often associated with portions of granular reticulum. Unlike developing skeletal muscle. The amount of granular reticulum contained in the myocardial cell cytoplasm is large and, along with a hypertrophied Golgi apparatus, suggests that these cells may have a secretory function. These organelles persist during the initial period of fibril formation. Myofibrils apparently form from non filamentous precursor material and not by alignment of sequentially synthesized components.
Health implications of war in Uganda and Sudan

Civil war disrupted agriculture and trade in Uganda and Sudan. This reduced tax revenues and drained scarce resources away from health budgets to finance increased military expenditures. Hundreds and thousands of people were driven from their homes either as internally displaced people or as refugees. Normal health service delivery systems were broken down forcing doctors, nurses and other health professionals into towns, cities or neighbouring countries in search of peace and employment. Scores of hospitals, health centres and dispensaries were abandoned, destroyed or looted, rendering even the limited physical facilities useless. Preventive public health services such as immunization and provision of potable drinking water were discontinued leaving huge populations susceptible to controllable infectious diseases and epidemics.