cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement and prediction of the rates of spontaneous transfer of phospholipids between plasma lipoproteins.

Abstract The purpose of this report is to develop a correlation between the hydrophobicity of a phospholipid as measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid Chromatography and its rate of spontaneous transfer and to use this correlation to predict the rate of transfer of any homologous lipid from any lipoprotein. We have studied the mechanism of transfer of a series of fluorescent or radiolabeled phospholipids among natural and reassembled serum lipoproteins. Fluorescent phosphatidylcholines included those with 9-(1-pyrenyl)non-anoic acid in the sn-2 position and lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic or linoleic acid at sn-1. The radioactive phosphatidylcholines contained [3H]oleic acid in the sn-2 position and lauric, myristic, or palmitic acid at sn-1. The kinetics of transfer of the pyrene-labeled lipid were followed by changes in the excimer fluorescence, and that of the radioactive lipids by separation of the donor (lipid-apolipoprotein recombinant) from the acceptor (single bilayer vesicles) on a column of Sephacryl S-200. The retention time of each lipid was measured by high-performance hydrophobic chromatography through a Waters radially compressed C18 column eluted with 75% isopropanol and 25% triethylammonium phosphate (0.15 M). A linear relationship was observed between the rate-constant of transfer and the retention time which suggest that the rate of desorption of phosphatidylcholines from lipoproteins and vesicles is controlled predominately by the hydrophobic effect. For a homologous series of lipids, the rate of transfer can be predicted from retention times obtained from hydrophobic chromatography. The kinetics of transfer of 1-lauroyl-2-[9-(1-pyrenyl)non-anoyl] phosphatidylcholine between isolated human serum lipoproteins exhibits a linear correlation between the transfer half-time and the size of the donor lipoproteins. As a consequence, transfer from very-low-density lipoprotein is 10-times slower than that observed from high-density lipoproteins. The observed correlations between phospholipid transfer rates and both the Stokes radius of the donor and the retention time of the phospholipid on a hydrophobic column permit one to calculate the rate of transfer of homologous molecules between lipid-protein complexes. The results predict that the spontaneous transfer of phospholipids between plasma lipoproteins would be too slow to be a physiologically important phenomena.
Karyotype of Cuphea lanceolata Ait. and Cuphea viscosissima Jacq.

Cuphea lanceolata Aiton and C. viscosissima Jacq. are potential germplasm sources of medium-chain fatty acids. The fertile hybrid between these two species is being used to develop improved cultivars as a domestic source of these important oils. A total of 1401 Giemsa C-banded chromosomes from 145 root-tip cells of these two species are karyotyped with the assistance of computer imaging techniques. Karyotype was defined by measuring individual chromosomes, computing the relative chromosome length and arm ratios, and identifying specific heterochromatic and euchromatic regions of individual chromosomes. The karyotype of these two species (2n = 12) consists of one pair of satellited chromosomes, two pairs of metacentric chromosomes, and two pairs of submetacentric chromosomes. Chromosome 2 is submetacentric in C. viscosissima but metacentric in C. lanceolata. The differences in relative chromosome length between homologous chromosomea of C. viscosissima and C. lanceolata were not significant. Karyotype asymmetry indices are the numerical expression for the general morphology of plant karyotypes. The intrachromosomal asymmetry index is 0.43 and 0.47 and the interchromosomal asymmetry index is 0.25 and 0.26 for C. lanceolata and C. viscosissima, respectively. The similarity of homologous chromosomes and C-banding patterns indicate a close phylogenetic relationship between C. viscosissima and C. lanceolata
A combined fluorescent and electron microscopic stain for elastic tissue.

A histochemical procedure for fluorescent and electron microscopic observations of elastic tissue has been developed. This was accomplished by combining thein vivo andin vitro staining properties of non-metallic tetraphenylporphine sulphonate and its silver derivative. The non-metallic porphyrin gives a bright red fluorescence to elastica after injection, but it does not make the tissue electron dense. However, the metallic derivative imparts a specific electron density to elastica afterin vitro staining, but it does not render elastica either fluorescent or electron dense after injection. Thus, elastic tissue can be viewed with the fluorescence microscope after injection of the nonmetallic porphyrin. Sections from the same block can be stainedin vitro with silver tetraphenylporphine sulphonate and observed in the electron microscope. The nonmetallic porphyrin readily crosses the placental barrier and, therefore, can be used to study the elastica in foetuses by fluorescence microscopy.
Isolation of the Ochromanas danica plasma membrane and identification of several membrane enzymes.

Abstract Ochromonas danica cell homogenate can be fractionated by differential centrifugation into chloroplast, mitochondrial, ribosome, lysosomal, plasma membrane and soluble fractions. The plasma membrane fraction was further purified by discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation and was found to be enriched 4–16-fold in the following enzymes: β-galactosidase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, 5′-nucleotidase, and (Na+, K+)-ATPase. The role of plasma membrane phosphatase in the phosphate metabolism of plants is discussed.
A New Writing Environment and an Old Culture: A Situated Evaluation of Computer Networking to Teach Writing.

Abstract When an educational innovation is implemented in a classroom setting, it is re‐created by the teachers and students who actually use it. This recreation is an essential element in the process of educational change. In this article we analyze the implementation of ENFI, an innovation that uses computers and local‐area networks in the teaching of writing. We present first its idealization in terms of its technological features and original visions for its use, and then its realizations. We identify 16 distinct realizations, and discuss 2 of them in detail, relating each to characteristics of the setting in which it appeared.
Operationalizing and Detecting Disengagement Within Online Science Microworlds

In recent years, there has been increased interest in engagement during learning. This is of particular interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics domains, in which many students struggle and where the United States needs skilled workers. This article lays out some issues important for framing research on this topic and provides a review of some existing work with similar goals on engagement in science learning. Specifically, here we seek to help better concretize engagement, a fuzzy construct, by operationalizing and detecting (i.e., identifying using a computational method) disengaged behaviors that are antithetical to engagement. We, in turn, describe our real-time detector (i.e., machine learned model) of disengaged behavior and how it was developed. Last, we address our ongoing research on how our detector of disengaged behavior will be used to intervene in real time to better support students' science inquiry learning in Inq-ITS (Inquiry-Intelligent Tutoring System; Gobert, Sa...
Artificial light and quantum order in systems of screened dipoles

The origin of light is an unsolved mystery in nature. Recently, it was suggested that light may originate from a new kind of order, quantum order. To test this idea in experiments, we study systems of screened magnetic/electric dipoles in two-dimensional (2D) and 3D lattices. We show that our models contain an artificial light--a photonlike collective excitation. We discuss how to design realistic devices that realize our models. We show that the ``speed of light'' and the ``fine-structure constant'' of the artificial light can be tuned in our models. The properties of artificial atoms (bound states of pairs of artificial charges) are also discussed. The existence of artificial light (as well as artificial electron) in condensed-matter systems suggests that elementary particles, such as light and electron, may not be elementary. They may be collective excitations of quantum order in our vacuum. In our model, light is realized as a fluctuation of string-nets and charges as the ends of open strings (or nodes of string nets).
Mapping American Adolescent Subjective Religiosity and Attitudes of Alienation Toward Religion: A Research Report

Sociolo~sts know surprisingly little about the reli~~us attitudes and practices of adolescents in the Un/t.ed States. This article be~rts to redress that laek of knowledge by examining descriptive findings on adolescent religiosi~ and attitudes toward religion from two recent, reputable national surveys of American :youth. We present descriptive statistics on three fundamental aspects of subjective youth reli~osiO (importance of reli~on, frequency of pra~er, boro again status) and four measures of youth attitudes of alienation toward reli~ ( agreemem with ~rents, approval of churches, desired influence of churches, financial donations to churches ). We also examine the irrfluences of gender, race, age, and re~n on most of these reli~~us outcomes. This de.scriptive irutuiry should help to increase understanding of and to help lay down a baseline of essential descriptive information about American adolescent reli~osit'y. Further research is needed to investigate the social in… of different kinds of reli~osity on various outcomes in the lives of Arnerican youth.
Atomistic design of thermoelectric properties of silicon nanowires.

We present predictions of the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of Si nanowires with diameter up to 3 nm, based upon the Boltzman transport equation and ab initio electronic structure calculations. We find that ZT depends significantly on the wire growth direction and surface reconstruction, and we discuss how these properties can be tuned to select silicon based nanostructures with combined n-type and p-type optimal ZT. Our calculations show that only by reducing the ionic thermal conductivity by about 2 or 3 orders of magnitudes with respect to bulk values, one may attain ZT larger than 1, for 1 or 3 nm wires, respectively. We also find that ZT of p-doped wires is considerably smaller than that of their n-doped counterparts with the same size and geometry.
Regulation of transcription through light-activation and light-deactivation of triplex-forming oligonucleotides in mammalian cells.

Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) are efficient tools to regulate gene expression through the inhibition of transcription. Here, nucleobase-caging technology was applied to the temporal regulation of transcription through light-activated TFOs. Through site-specific incorporation of caged thymidine nucleotides, the TFO:DNA triplex formation is blocked, rendering the TFO inactive. However, after a brief UV irradiation, the caging groups are removed, activating the TFO and leading to the inhibition of transcription. Furthermore, the synthesis and site-specific incorporation of caged deoxycytidine nucleotides within TFO inhibitor sequences was developed, allowing for the light-deactivation of TFO function and thus photochemical activation of gene expression. After UV-induced removal of the caging groups, the TFO forms a DNA dumbbell structure, rendering it inactive, releasing it from the DNA, and activating transcription. These are the first examples of light-regulated TFOs and their application in the ...
A phase I study of bortezomib in combination with standard 5-fluorouracil and external-beam radiation therapy for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic rectal cancer.

Background Standard therapy for stage II/III rectal cancer consists of a fluoropyrimidine and radiation therapy followed by surgery. Preclinical data demonstrated that bortezomib functions as a radiosensitizer in colorectal cancer models. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of bortezomib in combination with chemotherapy and radiation.
Size-Induced Effects on the Superconducting Properties of Mo2C Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of molybdenum carbide in two different phases were synthesized by the pyrolysis of a Mo-derived inorganic-organic hybrid system. The size and structure of the Mo 2 C nanoparticles were found to be uniquely influenced by the pyrolytic conditions: 2-4 nm particles were produced in the α-Mo 2 C phase at 850 °C, and larger particles with diameters ∼50-150 nm were formed in the β-Mo 2 C phase at temperatures above 850 °C, with a minor amount of the β-Mo 2 C phase being formed at this temperature. Resistivity measurements indicated that the samples containing the 50-150 nm particles were metallic with T c 's above 4 K and the sample containing the 2-4 nm particles, including a minor contaminant fraction of the 50-150 nm particles, was insulating in behavior. During magnetic measurements, the samples with 50-150 nm particles appeared to be strongly diamagnetic and the sample with a majority of 2-4 nm particles was observed to be weakly diamagnetic.
Interactive Effects of Reading Mode, Production Format, and Structural Importance of Text among LD Pupils

This study assessed the effects of reading mode (oral vs. silent), production format (oral vs. written), and structural importance of text on the reading comprehension of LD pupils. Subjects were 4...
Esophageal obstruction from a tonic bottle screw-on cap.

Occasionally, patients will present to an emergency room with esophageal obstruction secondary to a foreign body. Most often the foreign body is a food bolus, fish or chicken bone, or coin. Recently, there have been reports of obstruction of the esophagus secondary to beer bottle caps. I, 2 We report a case of esophageal obstruction due to a screw-on bottle cap from a non-alcohol containing carbonated beverage. A 22-year-old man was seen in the emergency room of D.C. General Hospital after opening a bottle of tonic water with his teeth. In removing the screw-on cap, the force of compressed gas in the bottle pushed the loosened cap into the proximal esophagus where it lodged. There was no respiratory distress but the patient could not swallow his oral secretions. Roentgenograms confirmed the position of the foreign body. The patient was taken to the operating room where under general anesthesia the bottle cap was removed via a rigid esophagoscope. His recovery was uneventful. The patient presented here had no predisposing factors for esophageal obstruction by a bottle cap including stricture, neuromuscular disturbance, or intoxication. The smooth non-serrated edge of the screw-on bottle cap made it less likely to cause esophageal perforation. The large lumen of the rigid esophagoscope facilitated grasping and withdrawal ofthe foreign body. Bottles of carbonated drinks including non-alcohol containing beverages with screw-on caps should not be opened with the teeth and may be marketed most safely in cans.
Derivatives of (3S)-N-(biphenyl-2-ylmethyl)pyrrolidin-3-amine as selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors: Reducing P-gp mediated efflux by modulation of H-bond acceptor capacity

Derivatives of (3S)-N-(biphenyl-2-ylmethyl)pyrrolidin-3-amine are disclosed as a new series of noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (NRI). Carboxamide 9e, carbamate 11b and sulfonamide 13a were identified as potent NRIs with excellent selectivity over SRI and DRI, good in vitro metabolic stability and weak CYP inhibition. Carbamate 11b demonstrated superior transit performance in MDCK-mdr1 cell lines with minimal P-gp efflux which was attributed to reduced HBA capacity of the carbamate group. Evaluation in vivo, in rat microdialysis experiments, showed 11b increased noradrenaline levels by 400% confirming good CNS penetration.
Structure of industrial or corporate sustainability programmes

The 15 years up until 2008 have seen an escalating growth in corporate or industrial sustainability programmes to a current level of about 25% of the Fortune 1000 firms. This preliminary study of corporate sustainability programmes yielded a repeatable structure of these programmes that may be unique to industry in the broader sustainability field. These corporate sustainability programmes are different from the prior corporate social responsibility programmes and also are a subset of the vast current use of the word sustainable. The corporate sustainability model is built on four pillars (business excellence, innovation, human contribution and environment) that offer important directions for long-term decision making. In-depth sustainability programme studies revealed recurring principles that reflect current industry or corporate sustainability programmes.
Generalized Capacity Estimation Model for Weaving Areas

Weaving areas are one of the major highway facilities that have long been investigated by researchers. Their capacities are currently estimated based on the density 27 pc/km/ln. There is no specific reason why this method can produce accurate estimates. In addition, no data collection has been performed to validate them. This study develops a generalized capacity estimation model for weaving areas, which is applicable to the entire range of configurations of weaving areas, and compares the resulting capacity estimates to field estimates. The proposed methodology is based on gap acceptance theory and linear programming techniques. Speed and flow data over several days were obtained and analyzed to extract the capacity of three study sites along the QE Expressway, Toronto. It was found that, for the three study sites, the proposed methodology provides capacity estimates that are closer to the field-observed capacity values than the Highway Capacity Manual (2000) estimates.
Convexification procedures and decomposition methods for nonconvex optimization problems

In order for primal-dual methods to be applicable to a constrained minimization problem, it is necessary that restrictive convexity conditions are satisfied. In this paper, we consider a procedure by means of which a nonconvex problem is convexified and transformed into one which can be solved with the aid of primal-dual methods. Under this transformation, separability of the type necessary for application of decomposition algorithms is preserved. This feature extends the range of applicability of such algorithms to nonconvex problems. Relations with multiplier methods are explored with the aid of a local version of the notion of a conjugate convex function.
Phylogeny and Comparative Anatomy of Oral Ectodermal-Ectomesenchymal Inductive Interactions

Odontogenesis is the earliest expression of ectodermal-ectomesenchymal inductive interaction in the vertebrate fossil record. Other vertebrate integumental skeletal structures are later expressions of homologous interactions, which differ in details but use similar developmental processes. These interactions are specific examples of a more generalized interrelationship between epithelium and mesoderm, which may have phylogenetically preceded the origin of odontogenesis.
A Yeast Gene that is Essential for Release from Glucose Repression Encodes a Protein Kinase

The SNF1 gene plays a central role in carbon catabolite repression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, namely that SNF1 function is required for expression of glucose-repressible genes. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned SNF1 gene was determined, and the predicted amino acid sequence shows that SNF1 encodes a 72,040-dalton polypeptide that has significant homology to the conserved catalytic domain of mammalian protein kinases. Specific antisera were prepared and used to identify the SNF1 protein. The protein was shown to transfer phosphate from adenosine triphosphate to serine and threonine residues in an in vitro autophosphorylation reaction. These findings indicate that SNF1 encodes a protein kinase and suggest that protein phosphorylation plays a critical role in regulation by carbon catabolite repression in eukaryotic cells.
On the continuation and boundedness of solutions of a nonlinear differential equation

Abstract Sufficient conditions are given so that all solutions of the nonlinear differential equation u ″ + φ ( t , u , u ′) u ′ + p ( t ) gf ( u ) g ( u ′) = h ( t , u , u ′) are continuable to the right of an initial t -value t 0 ⩾ 0. These conditions are then extended so that all solutions u of the equation in question together with their derivative u ′ are bounded for t ⩾ t 0 .
Recovery of function after brain damage: Support for the compensation theory of the behavioral deficit

It has recently been suggested that the behavioral deficit following brain injury is not exclusively the result of the neurological loss of the system components that had subserved the behavior in the normal animal. Rather, the behavioral deficit is viewed as the result of an under-utilization of what is spared of the affected neural system. According to this view, an overt behavioral deficit occurs because the residual spared functioning of the damaged system is suppressed, masked, or dominated by the functioning of the neural systems that remain intact. The present series of studies supports this interpretation by demonstrating that prior to recovering a visual behavior, a visual decorticate rat, in contrast to a normal rat, will ignore visual cues and respond to nonvisual cues when attempting to avoid and/or escape mild footshock.
Evaluation of two new coupling agents for incorporation of α,α-dialkylamino acids, such as α-methylalanine, in solid-phase peptide synthesis

The introduction of solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) has greatly facilitated the preparation of peptides containing proteinaceous amino acids. Less common, sterically hindered α,α-dialkylamino acids, such as α-methylalanine (MeA, aminoisobutyric acid, Aib), have proven a synthetic challenge for incorporation by this approach, especially when present in contiguous sequences. Solution protocols, utilizing highly reactive intermediates such as oxazalones, are generally used during the preparation of peptaibol antibiotics such as alamethicin, emerimicin, etc. which contain such contiguous sequences. Two recently developed coupling strategies (O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate, HATU, and Fmoc-protected amino acid fluorides) allow peptides comprising contiguous sequences of α,α-dialkylamino acids to be prepared using SPPS. The present study evaluates the relative merits of these two methods on a set of difficult peptides containing oligo-MeA sequences.
Mars lander robotics and machine vision capabilities for in-situ planetary science

We overview our recent progress in lander-based robotics for Mars planetary science. Utilizing a 1:1 scale laboratory replica of the NASA Mar Surveyor '98 mission, JPL engineers and Mars science colleagues have demonstrated approaches to lander science functions such as robotic sample acquisition and deposition, end-effector based microscopic viewing, hand- carried science instrument data collection, and science instrument emplacement by a robot. Some of the significant technical advances underlying this simulated Mars flight capability include JPL's innovation of a new lightweight, mechanically stiff, gas deployed telescopic two meter robot arm, and cooperative engineering work with Michigan Tech colleagues on automated visual positioning control of robotic sampling. University of Arizona and JPL have further developed complementary advances in lander-based imaging spectroscopy and its robotic enablement. We outline this work, summarizing its key technical features, and illustrating experimental progress with photographs and an accompanying conference videotape.
Research Gaps Related to Forest Management and Stream Sediment in the United States

Water quality from forested landscapes tends to be very high but can deteriorate during and after silvicultural activities. Practices such as forest harvesting, site preparation, road construction/use, and stream crossings have been shown to contribute sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants to adjacent streams. Although advances in forest management accompanied with Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been very effective at reducing water quality impacts from forest operations, projected increases in demand for forest products may result in unintended environmental degradation. Through a review of the pertinent literature, we identified several research gaps related to water yield, aquatic habitat, sediment source and delivery, and BMP effectiveness that should be addressed for streams in the United States to better understand and address the environmental ramifications of current and future levels of timber production. We explored the current understanding of these topics based on relevant literature and the possible implications of increased demand for forest products in the United States.
Los cuestionamientos de Jean-Paul Sartre a Freud ¿son aún válidos?: Filosofía y psicoanálisis en el nuevo siglo

El filosofo Jean-Paul Sartre sometio a un analisis ontologico los supuestos implicitos de Freud. Rechazo la nocion de inconciente y la sustituyo por el de conciencia y agrego los conceptos de libertad, eleccion originaria y mala fe para entender mejor las neurosis. Estas resultan de proyectos de mala fe libremente escogidos aunque no asumidos. Al proponer el Psicoanalisis existencial intento contribuir a una profundizacion en la teoria y practica del psicoanalisis freudiano. Su esbozo ha sido poco estudiado y profundizado. Binswanger, Heidegger, Boss y Ricoeur han buscado proseguir los pasos de Sartre aunque de manera indirecta, apoyados en sus respectivas metafisicas. Martin-Santos ha sido la excepcion y su aporte se centro en los fundamentos de la psicoterapia existencial. Todavia faltan analisis de psiquiatras que aprovechen creativamente las intuiciones de Sartre y sus detractores.
Facilitating and interfering effects of stimulus naming on children's motor paired-associate learning

Abstract Two experiments investigated the effects of stimulus naming on the concurrent acquisition of motor responses to the stimuli. In Experiment 1, similar names were either familiar or nonfamilar; in Experiment 2, names were either dissimilar and familiar or similar and nonfamiliar. In both experiments, conditional probabilities provide strong evidence that verbal and motor responses are learned in pairs, with resultant facilitating and interfering effects on motor performance. These effects are attributed to the development of name-button associations that tend to produce mediated correct responses and erros. Comparison of naming conditions suggests that name-button associations develop faster when the names are familiar and dissimilar. The results are also discussed in terms of their implications for an alternative interpretation of stimulus pretraining effects in more traditional transfer experiments.
Back to the Future: Performative Architecture:

The paper addresses performative architecture as an emerging design paradigm in which building performance, broadly understood, becomes a guiding design principle. It traces the origins of this approach to design to Tom Maver's visionary work in early seventies, discusses the inadequacy of existing building performance simulation tools in conceptual design, and proposes the development of software that can provide dynamic processes of formation based on specific performance objectives.
The Potential Economic Impact of Constructing and Operating Solar Power Generation Facilities in Nevada

Nevada has a vast potential for electricity generation using solar power. An examination of the stock of renewable resources in Nevada proves that the state has the potential to be a leader in renewable-electric generation--one of the best in the world. This study provides estimates on the economic impact in terms of employment, personal income, and gross state product (GSP) of developing a portion of Nevada's solar energy generation resources.
Miniature Sapphire Acoustic Resonator (MSAR)

We present recent progress towards a Miniature Sapphire Acoustic Resonator (MSAR). Our goal is to develop an ultra-stable oscillator with a high Q room temperature sapphire resonator and low noise Quartz electronics with a stability better than 1×10−14 @ 1s. Specific experimental plans are to demonstrate a high Q (≫1×108) sapphire acoustic resonator at room temperature in bulk acoustic modes near 5 or 10MHz. Initial acoustic resonator studies are being carried out with both Sapphire (Al 2 O 3 ) and Calcium Fluoride (CaF 2 ).
Moderate folate deficiency does not cause global hypomethylation of hepatic and colonic DNA or c-myc-specific hypomethylation of colonic DNA in rats.

Global and gene-specific DNA hypomethyla- tion is considered to be an important early epigenetic event in several human neoplasms. A growing body of evidence has suggested that DNA methylation can be altered by dietary manipulation of methyl group donors. This study investigated whether moderate depletion of folate, a dietary component needed for the synthesis of methyl groups, would cause de- creased hepatic and colonic S-adenosylmethionine concentra- tions, and thereby lead to global and/or protooncogene-specific DNA hypomethylation. Weanling rats were fed an amino acid- defined diet containing either 0 or 8 mg folatefkg diet for 15 or 24 wk. Significantly lower systemic, hepatic and colonic folate concentrations were observed in the moderately folate-depleted rats than in controls at both 15 and 24 wk (P < 0.005). Although hepatic S-adenosylmethionine was significantly lower in the moderately folate-depleted rats than in controls at the two time points (P < 0.03), colonic S-adenosylmethionine concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups at either time point. No significant differences between the folate-depleted and control animals could be detected with regard to global DNA methylation in the liver or colonic mucosa. Furthermore, c-mvc protooncogene-specific DNA methylation in the colonic mucosa was not significantly dif- ferent between these two groups of animals. These results indicate that moderate folate depletion does not cause a signif- icant reduction in global DNA methylation in liver or colonic mucosa or in c-myc-specific colonic mucosal DNA methyl- ation in this rat model. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61:1083-90.
Fat modification of animal products for human consumption

Abstract Animals have fat and fatty acids in their products that typify the species. Differences among the farm species occur because of their nature of food, manner by which the gastrointestinal system handles dietary fat, extent of de novo fatty acid synthesis, and the contributions of feed and synthesis to fat in the final product. Lean has fat largely deposited late in production, and ability to either reduce content or alter constituent fatty acid is limited. Any increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids depends wholly on level in the feed, and poultry are at advantage to best effect these changes. Health benefits from modifying the fat in animal products is less than certain. A reduction in total fat content solely permits the consumer improved ability to control body weight. Increasing the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids is costly while its advantage to well-being has not been resolved. On the contrary, many threats to product quality are known, particularly because of peroxidation. Perhaps broad increases in polyunsaturated levels in meat, milk and eggs for the public-at-large may be premature; however to accommodate niche markets specially products are well warranted.
Improving DBMS Performance through Diverse Redundancy

Database replication is widely used to improve both fault tolerance and DBMS performance. Non-diverse database replication has a significant limitation - it is effective against crash failures only. Diverse redundancy is an effective mechanism of tolerating a wider range of failures, including many non-crash failures. However it has not been adopted in practice because many see DBMS performance as the main concern. In this paper we show experimental evidence that diverse redundancy (diverse replication) can bring benefits in terms of DBMS performance, too. We report on experimental results with an optimistic architecture built with two diverse DBMSs under a load derived from TPC-C benchmark, which show that a diverse pair performs faster not only than non-diverse pairs but also than the individual copies of the DBMSs used. This result is important because it shows potential for DBMS performance better than anything achievable with the available off-the-shelf servers.
Improving brick-to-mortar bond strength by the addition of carbon fibers to the mortar

The addition of short carbon fibers in the optimum amount of 0.5% of the cement weight to mortar increased the brick-to-mortar bond strength by 150% under tension and 110% under shear when the gap between the adjoining bricks was fixed, and by 50% under tension and 44% under shear when this gap was allowed to freely decrease due to the weight of the brick above the joint. This effect is attributed to a decrease of the drying shrinkage by the fiber addition. The drying shrinkage decrease was particularly large at 2 to 24 h of curing. At 24 h, the shrinkage was decreased by 50% by the addition of fibers in the amount of 0.5% of the cement weight. Fibers in excess of the optimum amount gave less bond strengthening due to increased porosity in the mortar.
Cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin alone and in combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

A beta-lactam plus an aminoglycoside is the standard for treating severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. However, the fluoroquinolones are safer and have been widely used as an alternative to the aminoglycosides in this setting. In this study we compared the synergistic activities of piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime when either drug was combined with gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, or levofloxacin against P. aeruginosa. Susceptibility testing and time-kill curves were performed against 12 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. All combinations were bactericidal and retained this activity over the 24 hr period except for piperacillin/tazobactam in combination with levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin against 2 isolates and cefepime in combination with levofloxacin against 1 isolate. None of the combinations were antagonistic. No statistical difference in the frequency of synergy exists between the beta-lactam plus gentamicin (79%) and the beta-lactams plus either ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin combinations (58%, 67%). Furthermore, no differences in synergistic activity were noted between ciprofloxacin combinations (58%) and levofloxacin combinations (67%). In conclusion, the degree of synergy between a beta-lactam plus aminoglycoside and a beta-lactam plus fluoroquinolone seem to be comparable. Furthermore, there is a similar rate of synergy among different fluoroquinolone-based combinations. However, faster killing, less regrowth, and decrease in the development of resistance were seen with the beta-lactam plus aminoglycoside combination.
A Grateful Dead analysis: The relationship between concert and listening behavior analysis

The Grateful Dead was an American band born out of the 1960s San Francisco, California psychedelic movement, that played music together from 1965 to 1995. Despite relatively little popular radio airtime, while on tour the Grateful Dead enjoyed a cult-like following from a fan base that numbered in the millions. Still today, some ten years after dissolution, the band remains popular according to online music services, such as last.fm. This article presents a comparative analysis between 1,590 of the Grateful Dead's live concert set lists from 1972 to 1995 and 2,616,990 Grateful Dead listening events by last.fm users from August 2005 to October 2007. While there is a strong correlation between how songs were played in concert and how they were listened to by last.fm members, the outlying songs in this trend identify interesting aspects of the band and their present-day fans.
Demonstrating a Bottom-Up Framework for Evaluating Energy and Emissions Performance of Electric Rail Transit Options

Current frameworks for analyzing emissions performance of public transportation systems use top-down approaches that can often provide useful information at the network level but can be uninformative at the project level at which the influence of route and vehicle characteristics can significantly impact emission profiles of candidate transit options. This paper describes an alternative bottom-up framework that uses second-by-second travel activity data to estimate total power consumption and related emissions for propulsion purposes with application to electric rail transit systems. The model was developed and calibrated with data from Portland, Oregon, and was supplemented with activity data from Chicago, Illinois. The results showed a predicted 1% to 8% difference in expected power consumption relative to estimates derived from the national transit database. In addition, the results highlighted how the speed profile, configuration of the train in number of cars, and mix of power generation sources coul...
Sample size for post-marketing safety studies based on historical controls.

Purpose As part of a drug's entire life cycle, post-marketing studies are an important part in the identification of rare, serious adverse events. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun to implement new post-marketing safety mandates as a consequence of increased emphasis on safety. The purpose of this research is to provide exact sample size formula for the proposed hybrid design, based on a two-group cohort study with incorporation of historical external data. Methods Exact sample size formula based on the Poisson distribution is developed, because the detection of rare events is our outcome of interest. Performance of exact method is compared to its approximate large-sample theory counterpart. Results The proposed hybrid design requires a smaller sample size compared to the standard, two-group prospective study design. In addition, the exact method reduces the number of subjects required in the treatment group by up to 30% compared to the approximate method for the study scenarios examined. Conclusions The proposed hybrid design satisfies the advantages and rationale of the two-group design with smaller sample sizes generally required. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Piezoelectric thin film stress sensors for metal-forming operations

Sensor arrays are being developed to determine the friction distribution of the die (metal-working tool)-work material interface during metal forming operations. The basic element of the sensors are thin films of piezoelectric ZnO and AlN. Normal (compressive) stress sensors use films having their C-axis normal to their interface and shear-stress sensors use films having their C-axis ideally (for zero compressional stress response) inclined at 40 degrees to the interface normal. The details of the RF-diode sputter deposition of the films and the characterization of the piezoelectric properties of the films are described. A prototype multi-element normal stress sensor having 125- mu m feature size has been fabricated on a silicon wafer, and preliminary test results are described. >
Computer-mediated parenting education: Digital family service provision

Abstract Computer-mediated family service provision holds the promise of equal efficacy, lower cost, and higher accessibility than traditional parent education groups that require parents to travel to a service venue, thereby alleviating often-cited pragmatic barriers to participation in parenting programs. Hence, examinations of which populations are attracted to particular service modalities are a necessary step in building a reliable evidence base. The scant computer-mediated parent education literature indicates that online parenting programs are beneficial to indicated or secondary prevention programs seeking to bolster specific parent, child, or dyadic outcomes; it is reasonable to ask, then, if this service provision mechanism would be equally effective for all parents, outside of targeted intervention designs. The current paper describes the provision of computer-mediated parenting services to a large sample of parents (N = 192, 89.6% female, average age 40 years; 27% racial/ethnic minority) with no shared prevention indicator through an employer-based program. Our research questions on service provision and utilization include: Who is served by primary prevention programs like this? Do participants report satisfaction with computer-mediated services commensurate with traditional face-to face services? In addition to significant differences in perceived social support by gender, marital status, and number of children younger than 18 living in the home, results from three measures of parenting attitudes and behaviors (e.g., discipline style, sense of competence, and locus of control), indicate that this sample has some confidence in their general abilities as parents, but struggle to feel an internal sense of control over their children's behavior, with the greatest number of parents tending towards overreactive discipline. Associations between these indicate a consistent pattern such that dysfunctional parenting practices tend to co-occur, and parents who do employ dysfunctional strategies feel less competent as parents. Participants report high satisfaction with these services, at equal or better rates than reported in the parent education literature. This work provides evidence that computer-mediated parenting services can attract and exceed expectations of participants with clinical and subclinical but moderate parenting needs, indicating that this service delivery mode has the potential to reach a wide number of individuals ideally situated for prevention services.
Howling for Justice: New Perspectives on Leslie Marmon Silko's Almanac of the Dead (Rebecca Tillett, ed.)

Review of Howling for Justice: New Perspectives on Leslie Marmon Silko's Almanac of the Dead edited by Rebecca Tillett
Kritische Bemerkungen zur Genese der Osteoporose

Aufgrund der dargelegten Ergebnisse mus die Calciummangeltheorie der Osteoporose in ihrer Allgemeingultigkeit abgelehnt werden.
Dynamic Labor Scheduling in Japan: Underemployment Reduction and Karoshi Avoidance Through Optimal Tracking Control

AbstractThis study uses an optimal tracking control framework to design a dynamic labor schedule that determines the optimal balance between labor, leisure, and consumption. The analysis generates proactive policy rules through deterministic, stochastic, robust, and compromise specifications of a Linear-Quadratic tracking model. Our model allows workers to optimally transition away from karoshi overwork and away from underemployment. Our study provides guidance for labor scheduling by quantitatively addressing the conflicts between health, work-life balance (WLB), and productivity. In Japan, this approach can be utilized by discussion bases and WLB initiatives, whereas the previous regulatory proposals for karoshi relief have created adversarial relationships that have not merged firm objectives with worker motives.
Influence of Digilanid on creatine reserve of normal, thyrotoxic and hypothyroid rat ventricle.

SummaryUnder the conditions of these experiments Digilanid (0.2 mg per day for 28 days) exerted no direct effect on the concentration of creatine in rat ventricle. However, in the animals with altered thyroid states, Digilanid brought about an actual decrease in ventricular mass which was reflected in a relative or absolute fall in the total creatine content.
Lower Abdominal Pain

Although most frequently presenting with lower abdominal pain, appendicitis, colitis, and diverticulitis can cause pain throughout the abdomen and can cause peritoneal and retroperitoneal symptoms. Evaluation and management of lower intestinal disease requires a nuanced approach by the emergency physician, sometimes requiring computed tomography, ultrasonography, MRI, layered imaging, shared decision making, serial examination, and/or close follow-up. Once a presumed or confirmed diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment is initiated, and may include surgery, antibiotics, and/or steroids. Appendicitis patients should be admitted. Diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease can frequently be managed on an outpatient basis, but may require admission and surgical consultation.
Investigation on the Promotion of the Medical Device Postmarket Safety Surveillance in China

The recent progress in medical device adverse events monitoring in China was reviewed, the existing barriers and challenges were assessed, and the future trend in the medical device postmarket safety surveillance was discussed.
Evaluating the Efficiency of Hedge Fund Replication: Return and Diversification Effects

This article analyzes the benefits of adding hedge fund replication products (clones) to an existing portfolio in comparison to adding actual hedge funds as represented by hedge fund indexes. The authors employ the marginal Sharpe methodology to evaluate the benefit of adding an investment to an existing long-only portfolio. The marginal Sharpe is decomposed into a return component and a diversification component, and the authors conduct separate tests on the two components and compare clones with hedge fund indexes. Hedge fund clones, which are liquid trading strategies, seem to be able to replicate the benefit stemming from the diversification component. With respect to the return component, the benefits of adding a hedge fund index to an existing portfolio are significantly higher than those obtained by the clones. However, these results are mitigated after accounting for fees and hedge fund premiums.
Low Diagnostic Utility of Rechecking Hemoglobins Within 24 Hours in Hospitalized Patients.

Abstract Background Clinicians often repeat hemoglobin tests within a 24 hour period to detect or monitor anemia. We sought to determine the percentage of hemoglobin tests repeated within a single hospital day that were at least 1.0 g/dL lower than the first test. Methods We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of hospitalized adults on medical or surgical services over 1 year at a single academic hospital. Using patient and laboratory data in the electronic health record, we analyzed the proportion of repeated hemoglobin test results that were at least 1 g/dL less than the initial hemoglobin value of that day, excluding days when transfusions were administered. Results A total of 88,722 hemoglobin tests were obtained from 12,877 unique patients, who contributed a total of 86,859 hospitalization days. In 12,230 (14.1%) of those days, 2 or more hemoglobin tests were obtained within a single day. In the 6969 days with 2 hemoglobin tests obtained and no transfusions given, 949 (13.5%) were ≥1 g/dL lower than the initial hemoglobin value of that day, and 260 (3.7%) were ≥2 g/dL lower. Repeated tests did not often reach transfusion thresholds: 482 (6.9%) of repeat hemoglobin values were Conclusions Hemoglobin tests were repeated in 14% of hospital days. For patients who had 2 hemoglobin tests obtained on the same day, 13.5% demonstrated a clinically significant drop. This information may be helpful to clinicians when considering whether repeat testing is appropriate.