cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Architecture and software support in IBM S/390 parallel enterprise servers for IEEE floating-point arithmetic

IEEE Binary Floating-Point is an industry-standard architecture. The IBM System/360™ hexadecimal floating-point architecture predates the IEEE standard and has been carried forward through the System/370™ to current System/390® processors. The growing importance of industry standards and floating-point combined to produce a need for IEEE Floating-Point on System/390. At the same time, customer investment in IBM floating-point had to be preserved. This paper describes the architecture, hardware, and software efforts that combined to produce a conforming implementation of IEEE Floating-Point on System/390 while retaining compatibility with the original IBM architecture.
A Generalized Gehan and Gilbert Test for Paired Observations that are Subject to Arbitrary Right Censorship

Abstract An asymptotically distribution-free test, along the line of Gehan (1965) and Gilbert (1962), for paired observations that are subject to arbitrary right censorship is proposed. This test is shown to be more powerful than the sign test under a bivariate exponential model.
Long-term exposure to dietary sources of genistein induces estrogen-independence in the human breast cancer (MCF-7) xenograft model.

SCOPE The long-term effect of exposure to relevant dietary levels of genistein (GEN) on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) human breast cancer (MCF-7) progression after GEN withdrawal in athymic mice xenograft model was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS Feeding studies were conducted to determine the estrogenic effect of diets on MCF-7 tumor growth: (1) implantation (19 weeks) and withdrawal (6 weeks) of 17β-estradiol (E2 ); (2) dietary GEN 500 and 750 ppm during treatment/withdrawal for 23/10 and 15/9 weeks, respectively; and, (3) dietary soy protein isolate (SPI) containing GEN 180 ppm for 31/9 weeks of treatment/withdrawal. MCF-7 tumors grew fast in the presence of E2 implantation and abruptly regressed completely after E2 withdrawal. At different rates, dietary GEN alone (500 and 750 ppm) and GEN (180 ppm)-containing SPI stimulated MCF-7 tumor growth. After removal of the stimulus diet, tumors induced by 750 ppm GEN, but not 500 ppm GEN or SPI, regressed completely. The protein expression of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was higher in the GEN- and SPI-induced nonregressing (GINR) tumors compared to MCF-7 and E2 controls. CONCLUSION Long-term consumption of low GEN doses (≤500 ppm) promotes MCF-7 tumor growth and results in GINR tumors with more aggressive and advanced growth phenotypes.
Proactive inhibition in short-term memory

Summary Two experiments investigating short-time retention of individual verbal items were performed. In the first, 72 Ss were tested for retention of each of a series of 12 CCC trigrams after intervals of 9, 18 and 27 sec. In the second, three groups of 24 Ss each were presented a series of 24 trigrams. For one group, retention of each item was measured after 3 sec, for a second group after 9 sec, and for the third group after 18 sec. At 3-week intervals Ss returned to learn additional series of trigrams which were tested at the remaining retention intervals. In both experiments, retention of the first trigram of a series remained constant over all retention intervals, while retention of the second trigram decreased as the length of the retention interval increased. Beyond the second trigram interpretation is complicated by the development of a practice effect. Results support the contention that PI operates in a similar fashion in short-term and in long-term memory and indicate that much of the forgetting observed in experiments using the Peterson technique of presenting and testing single verbal items can be attributed to the development of PI.
Role of zinc in the pathogenesis and treatment of prostate cancer: critical issues to resolve

The most consistent and persistent biochemical characteristic of prostate cancer (PCa) is the marked decrease in zinc and citrate levels in the malignant cells. This relationship provides compelling evidence that the lost ability of the malignant cells to accumulate zinc is an important factor in the development and progression of prostate malignancy. In addition, this relationship provides a rational basis for the concept that restoration of high zinc levels in malignant cells could be efficacious in the treatment and prevention of PCa. Epidemiological studies regarding dietary zinc effects on PCa have been conflicting and confusing. The purpose of this presentation is to present a current state of information regarding zinc relationships in the pathogenesis and treatment of PCa. We also hope to bring more attention to the medical and research community of the critical need for concerted clinical and basic research regarding zinc and PCa.
Levels of cis- and trans-Resveratrol and Their Glucosides in White and Rosé Vitis vinifera Wines from Spain

The resveratrol monomers (trans-piceid, cis-piceid, trans-resveratrol, and cis-resveratrol) have been previously identified and quantified in red wines. Here, the levels of these compounds in Spanish white and rose wines are described. For white wines, a concentration step was needed to quantify the four resveratrol isomers. The recovery and reproducibility of this procedure were very good. These white wines had levels between 0.051 and 1.801 mg/L. Rose wines had an average level of 2.15 mg/L, in between those of red and white wines. Keywords: Resveratrol; piceid; glucosides; white wine; rose wine
The roles of dispositional optimism and pessimism in HIV disease progression.

Relationships between dispositional optimism and pessimism and the course of HIV infection, determined by changes in viral load and CD4 counts, were studied in a longitudinal cohort of 412 patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Multiple regression analyses controlling for baseline levels of disease status, ethnicity, and depressive symptoms demonstrated that higher pessimism at baseline was associated with higher viral load at follow-up (average of 18 months later). Optimism at baseline had a curvilinear relationship with CD4 counts at follow-up. Moderate levels of optimism at baseline predicted the highest CD4 counts at follow-up. Although optimism and pessimism were associated with specific health behaviors (e.g., ART adherence, cigarette use, drug use, dietary practices), none of these behaviors mediated the optimism/pessimism effects. The biologic and behavioral mediators of associations of personality variables with the course of treated HIV infection deserve continued investigation.
Serial Pleasures: The Influence of Television on the Victorian Novel

The contemporary success of serial television as a dominant long-form narrative artwork presents both perils and possibilities for critics interested in analogous forms in previous eras. TV dramas that viewers can follow from season to season generate a sustained, often years-long, engagement between viewer and depicted world, a very different relationship between viewer and artwork from that which governed viewer relations to pre-TV Hollywood film—or indeed to the Victorian novel, even when serialized. Broad issues of contingency and intention, as well as more nuanced questions of ensemble participation and commercial broadcasting logic separate serial TV from the long-form narratives of the nineteenth century. In offering up parallels between how serialization worked in long-form narrative arts of previous eras and how serial television works now we risk overlooking how those structural differences shape the meaning of any particular work.
Transport of neutral solute in articular cartilage: Effect of microstructure anisotropy

Due to the avascular nature of articular cartilage, solute transport through its extracellular matrix is critical for the maintenance and the functioning of the tissue. What is more, diffusion of macromolecules may be affected by the microstructure of the extracellular matrix in both undeformed and deformed cartilage and experiments demonstrate diffusion anisotropy in the case of large solute. However, these phenomena have not received sufficient theoretical attention to date. We hypothesize here that the diffusion anisotropy of macromolecules is brought about by the particular microstructure of the cartilage network. Based on this hypothesis, we then propose a mathematical model that correlates the diffusion coefficient tensor with the structural orientation tensor of the network. This model is shown to be successful in describing anisotropic diffusion of macromolecules in undeformed tissue and is capable of clarifying the effects of network reorientation as the tissue deforms under mechanical load. Additionally, our model explains the anomaly that at large strain, in a cylindrical plug under unconfined compression, solute diffusion in the radial direction increases with strain. Our results indicate that in cartilage the degree of diffusion anisotropy is site specific, but depends also on the size of the diffusing molecule. Mechanical loading initiates and/or further exacerbates this anisotropy. At small deformation, solute diffusion is near isotropic in a tissue that is isotropic in its unstressed state, becoming anisotropic as loading progresses. Mechanical loading leads to an attenuation of solute diffusion in all directions when deformation is small. However, loading, if it is high enough, enhances solute transport in the direction perpendicular to the load line, instead of inhibiting it.
In vivo analysis of protein sumoylation induced by a viral protein: Detection of HCMV pp71-induced Daxx sumoylation

Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMOs) are covalently conjugated to target proteins to regulate numerous biological processes, including subcellular localization, protein-protein interactions, and transactivational activities. While the majority of identified SUMO targets are cellular proteins, SUMO modified viral proteins have also been identified. In addition, there are a growing number of examples where viruses alter the sumoylation status of host cell proteins. Work from our laboratory has previously demonstrated that the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) virion tegument protein pp71 binds to Daxx, a cellular transcriptional co-repressor, and promotes its sumoylation. Here we describe the in vivo techniques used to detect pp71-induced sumoylation of Daxx in a cotransfection system as well as the endogenous SUMO modified form of Daxx in HCMV-infected cells. The approaches we describe can be easily adapted to infections with other viruses and for the detection of sumoylation of other proteins.
Clinicopathological predictors of systemic progression and prostate cancer mortality in patients with a positive surgical margin at radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND: Although a positive surgical margin (PSM) at radical prostatectomy (RRP) has been consistently linked to an increased risk of biochemical recurrence, the impact of margin status on patient survival continues to be debated. We evaluated long-term outcomes of patients with a PSM at RRP and determined predictors of systemic progression (SP) and mortality in these men. METHODS: We reviewed our institutional registry of 16749 patients who underwent RRP between 1990 and 2008 to identify 2895 patients with a PSM. Median follow-up was 10.6 years. Postoperative survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze clinicopathological variables associated with SP and death from prostate cancer. RESULTS: A 15-year SP-free and cancer-specific survival was 90 and 93%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, higher tumor volume, increased pathological Gleason score and advanced pathological tumor stage were associated with significantly increased risks of SP and death from prostate cancer, whereas number and location of PSM did not predict mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The risks of SP and prostate cancer death in patients with a PSM remain low on long-term follow-up. Tumor variables are the primary determinants of cancer death. These results should be considered when evaluating patients with a PSM for adjuvant therapy.
Thermodynamic prediction of structural determinants of the molten globule state of barnase

Abstract Recently, it has been demonstrated that the enthalpy and heat capacity changes for protein folding/unfolding can be predicted rather accurately from the crystallographic or NMR solution structure of a protein. (K.P. Murphy, V. Bhakuni, D. Xie and E. Freire, Mol. Biol. 227 (1992) 293–306.) Under some conditions proteins do not unfold completely, giving rise to states in which the molecule remains in a compact configuration after denaturation. These compact denatured or molten globule states retain a hydrophobic core, exhibit residual structure and a compactness close to that of the native state. This phenomenon is reflected in the thermodynamics of the process. By using the structural parametrization of the energetics, it is possible to develop an algorithm aimed at selecting partly folded states that conform to the experimental thermodynamic constraints of the molten globule. We have applied our molten globule search algorithm to the globular protein barnase. This approach has allowed a structure based selection of a unique family of structural states that satisfy the experimental criteria of the molten globule. The prediction of the molten globule search algorithm indicates that the first helix together with most of the β-sheet structure (β2,β3–5) and loop 5 constitute the main determinants of the molten globule intermediate, in agreement with the NMR data. These results open the prospect for an automated search of the structural determinants of the molten globule state of proteins and suggest that salvation parameters can be effectively used to probe structural states of proteins.
High SOX2 Levels Predict Better Outcome in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinomas

Background SOX2 is an embryonic developmental transcription factor, which is important in the development of the respiratory tract. SOX2 overexpression is associated with aggressive disease in several tumor types. However, SOX2 overexpression and gene amplification associates with favorable outcome in lung squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and dissimilar results have been reported in lung adenocarcinomas (ADC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate SOX2 expression in NSCLC and determine the relationship with clinico-pathological variables and outcome.
Nanoscale Molding Model for Bulk Metallic Glass Features

Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) has been molded against silicon dies to fabricate both microstructures and nanostructures. At the microscale, geometrically complex, high aspect ratio microfeatures have been developed into controlled geometries [1–4]. A demand exists to control the nanofeatures in a similar manner. In past research, a thin film model was presented to predict the pressure distribution across the BMG during the molding process when it is in the supercooled liquid state [5]. In this paper, a flow model is presented to predict the achievable nanoscale feature sizes and aspect ratios. This model contains a viscous term to account for the required force to produce flow, and a capillary pressure term to account for the required energy to overcome surface effects. Silicon molds are being produced with various trench sizes over a relatively large area in order to validate these models.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Acoustic emission signal processing technique to characterize reactor in-pile phenomena

Existing and developing advanced sensor technologies and instrumentation will allow non-intrusive in-pile measurement of temperature, extension, and fission gases when coupled with advanced signal processing algorithms. The transmitted measured sensor signals from inside to the outside of containment structure are corrupted by noise and are attenuated, thereby reducing the signal strength and the signal-to-noise ratio. Identification and extraction of actual signal (representative of an in-pile phenomenon) is a challenging and complicated process. In the paper, empirical mode decomposition technique is utilized to reconstruct actual sensor signal by partially combining intrinsic mode functions. Reconstructed signal will correspond to phenomena and/or failure modes occurring inside the reactor. In addition, it allows accurate non-intrusive monitoring and trending of in-pile phenomena.
An EPR study of the addition of oxy-radicals to sulphur tetraflouride

Abstract EPR spectra observed during the photolysis of certain peroxides and hypoflourites containing dissolved SF 4 are ascribed to radicals of the type XSF 4 , where X = F, CF 3 O, SF 6 O and tert -butoxy, in which the unpaired electron and bonding orbitals are distributed octahedrally about S.
Exploration of the Role of Heat Activation in Enhancing Serpentine Carbon Sequestration Reactions

As compared with other candidate carbon sequestration technologies, mineral carbonation offers the unique advantage of permanent disposal via geologically stable and environmentally benign carbonates. The primary challenge is the development of an economically viable process. Enhancing feedstock carbonation reactivity is key. Heat activation dramatically enhances aqueous serpentine carbonation reactivity. Although the present process is too expensive to implement, the materials characteristics and mechanisms that enhance carbonation are of keen interest for further reducing cost. Simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) of the serpentine mineral lizardite was used to isolate a series of heat-activated materials as a function of residual hydroxide content at progressively higher temperatures. Their structure and composition are evaluated via TGA/DTA, X-ray powder diffraction (including phase analysis), and infrared analysis. The meta-serpentine materials that were observed...
A Primer in Cytokines

The host response to injury or infection is a complex interplay of endocrine, metabolic, and immunological alterations designed to promote wound healing and restore the system to a state of homeostasis. Cytokines are the primary mediators of the inflammatory response to injury. This article serves as an introduction to this important class of inflammatory mediators. The major pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as the chemokines are discussed. Results from laboratory and clinical attempts at manipulation of these mediators are discussed and recommendations for future research in anticytokine therapy are made.
Electrophoresis with continuous scanning densitometry: separation of cells in a density gradient.

Abstract An instrument and procedure for electrophoresis with continuous optical scanping densitometry, automated data processing, and related methodology are described for the continuous analysis of electrophoresis and unity gravity sedimentation of macromolecules or cells in a static density gradient system. The instrument consists of a dual-beam spectrophotometer, a scanning stage and scanner control unit, an electrophoresis cell cassette, a filling/purging/cooling module, an analog-to-digital converter, and a digital data-logger. The distribution of cells is monitored repetitively during migration by absorbance measurements at any wavelength in the 200–800-nm range. A computer program provides the statistical analysis of each peak (baseline correction, smoothing, area, mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) which can be further utilized for computing additional parameters, such as resolution and heterogeneity. A mixture of human and rabbit erythrocytes were used as a model system to evaluate the performance of the instrument and demonstrate some of its capabilities.
The Language of Love: The Difference a Preposition Makes

The terms love and in love are often used in common discourse. A social categorical approach, whereby the actual members of an individual's social categories are examined, was used to investigate the differential meaning of these terms. It was hypothesized that (a) the membership of the love category would be larger than that of the in love category; (b) the membership of the in love category would be encapsulated within the love category membership, indicating that love is the higher order generic term; (c) that the membership of the in love category, but not the love category, would be encapsulated within a sexual attraction/desire category membership; (d) although these effects would be observed for both men and women, certain gender differences would be observed. All hypotheses were confirmed. The implications of these findings for a taxonomy of love as well as for understanding and predicting love phenomena are discussed.
Individualization of eating

Individualization of eating occurs when people consume foods and beverages differently from their mealtime companions. Types of individualization include: (1) Collective eating, (2) Individualized eating, (3) Individualistic eating, and (4) Individual eating. Collective eating involves consuming the same foods as eating companions, which occurs when a commensal group eats shared foods in a uniform way. Collective eating may be imposed by others or elected by groups of eaters. Individualized eating involves consuming shared but modified foods with others at the same meal. Individualized eating involves personalizing foods in volume, seasoning, preparation, and type, as well as adding, exchanging, or omitting meal components or varying eating behaviors. Individualistic eating involves consuming different meals than those of meal companions, which occurs when someone exerts dietary independence but maintains commensal sociability. Individualistic eating uses health, moral, taste, convenience, and other rationales to account for consumption differences. Individual eating involves consuming food alone, which occurs when someone ingests food and drink not in the company of others. Individual eating may be imposed or elected. Individualization of eating is enacted in social relationships and social structures, particularly the family meal, and has many implications for nutrition and health.
Third-order small-perturbation method for scattering from dielectric rough surfaces

The small-perturbation method (SPM) for rough surface scattering, originally derived by Rice [Commun. Pure Appl. Math.4, 361 (1951)], has been applied extensively to problems in optics, remote sensing, and propagation. Typical uses of the theory involve only the first- or second-order scattered fields in surface height, owing to increasing complexity of the SPM equations as order increases. The SPM equations are solved in a systematic manner that permits third order in surface-height terms to be determined apparently for the first time for scattering from a dielectric surface rough in two directions. Sample results for both periodic and nonperiodic surfaces show that third-order field terms can contribute to fourth-order scattered power and also to a third-order specular-reflection coefficient correction for surfaces with nonvanishing bispectra. The latter case is of particular interest in passive remote sensing of the ocean, since these third-order terms contribute to the first prediction of a first azimuthal harmonic of ocean brightness temperatures.
Detoxification of a lignocellulosic biomass slurry by soluble polyelectrolyte adsorption for improved fermentation efficiency

This study investigated the detoxification of a dilute acid pretreated Ponderosa pine slurry using the polyelectrolyte polyethyleneimine (PEI). The addition of polyelectrolyte to remove enzymatic and/or fermentation inhibitory compounds, that is, acetic acid, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), was performed either before or after enzymatic hydrolysis to determine the optimal process sequence. Negligible acetic acid, glucose, and xylose were removed regardless of where in the process the polymer addition was made. Maximum furfural and HMF separation was achieved with the addition of PEI to a clarified pre-enzymatic hydrolysis liquor, which showed that 88.3% of furfural and 66.4% of HMF could be removed. On the other hand, only 23.1% and 13.4% of furfural and HMF, respectively, were removed from a post-enzymatic hydrolysis sample; thus, the effects of enzymes, glucose, and wood solids on inhibitor removal were also investigated. The presence of solid particles >0.2 µm and unknown soluble components <10 kDa reduced inhibitory compound removal, but the presence of elevated glucose levels and enzymes (cellulases) did not affect the separation. The fermentability of detoxified versus undetoxified hydrolysate was also investigated. An ethanol yield of 92.6% of theoretical was achieved with Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermenting the detoxified hydrolyzate, while no significant ethanol was produced in the undetoxified hydrolyzate. These results indicate that PEI may provide a practical alternative for furan removal and detoxification of lignocellolosic hydrolysates, and that application before enzymatic hydrolysis minimizes separation interferences. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108:2053–2060. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction of Ethyl Alcohol Vapor with Sulfuric Acid Solutions

We investigated the uptake of ethyl alcohol (ethanol) vapor by sulfuric acid solutions over the range approx.40 to approx.80 wt % H2SO4 and temperatures of 193-273 K. Laboratory studies used a fast flow-tube reactor coupled to an electron-impact ionization mass spectrometer for detection of ethanol and reaction products. The uptake coefficients ((gamma)) were measured and found to vary from 0.019 to 0.072, depending upon the acid composition and temperature. At concentrations greater than approx.70 wt % and in dilute solutions colder than 220 K, the values approached approx.0.07. We also determined the effective solubility constant of ethanol in approx.40 wt % H2SO4 in the temperature range 203-223 K. The potential implications to the budget of ethanol in the global troposphere are briefly discussed.
Effect of copper deficiency on the hepatic synthesis and rate of plasma release of cholesterol

Abstract The relative rates of hepatic 3 H incorporation into digitonin-precipitable sterols (DPS) and release of labeled DPS into the plasma were compared between copper-deficient (CuD) and copper-adequate (CuA) rats. Following intravenous injection of 3 H 2 O and Triton WR 1339, the liver and plasma 3 H-DPS radioactivities were measured at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr, and the net total accumulation of plasma cholesterol (CH) and triglyceride (TG) was determined during the 8-hr period. In both groups, the liver synthesis of 3 H-DPS displayed a biphasic curve, with an initial slow rate up to 4 hr, followed by a rapid increase starting at 6 hr. During the latter phase, a notable increase in liver 3 H-DPS radioactivity was observed in CuD rats, but the plasma release of 3 H-DPS did not significantly change, despite the increased synthesis of 3 H-DPS in the liver. In both groups, the net total accumulation of CH in the plasma, as expressed in mmol CH/100 g body weight, increased steadily from 1.2 mmol at 2 hr to 4.7 mmol at 8 hr, while plasma TG accumulated at a much greater rate ranging from 3.3 mmol at 2 hr to 13.6 mmol at 8 hr. There was no significant difference in net total accumulation of CH or Tg in the plasma between the groups at any given interval. The results provide evidence that copper deficiency stimulates the liver synthesis of cholesterol, but that it does not result in an accelerated release of newly synthesized cholesterol from the liver involving very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Thus, the present findings suggest that the hypercholesterolemia induced in copper deficiency is not attributable to a stimulation of the hepatic release of VLDL cholesterol into the plasma.
High-resolution reticle inspection technique providing a complete reticle qualification solution in advanced 90-nm node wafer fabs

High-resolution contamination inspection for advanced reticles remains crucial in light of the increasing trend of progressive defects such as crystal growth, etc., introduced with DUV lithography, especially for low k1 processes. In most fab environments, routine incoming and re-qualification inspections for photomasks have been implemented. But although this high-resolution inspection provides necessary high-sensitivity, on advanced photomasks it often introduces inspection challenges. Aggressive OPCs and dense primary and secondary geometries are some of the many factors that can result in false-defect problems for the inspection systems. Thus, inspection needs to be desensitized. As an effort to identify a methodology to provide the inspectability while maintaining the necessary high-sensitivity, a characterization has been performed to evaluate a new combination- mode inspection. This technical paper will list the details of this special contamination inspection technique that will allow users to maintain the same high inspection throughput while providing similar or higher resolution inspection for these advanced reticles with superior inspectability.
Formation of Supramolecular Assemblies by Modulating Self-Assembling Properties of Diacetylenic Phosphocholines

Diacetylenic phospholipid dispersions in water produce tubules (500 nm diameter) and helices from their initial vesicular morphology as a function of temperature and concentration. A binary mixture consisting of diacetylenic phospholipid, 1, 2 bis (tricosa-10, 12-diynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and a short chain phospholipid, 1, 2-dinonanoyl -sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine was studied to explore the morphological transformation of lipids into tubules to develop an approach to control and produce tubules of different diameters. Circular dichroic spectra not only indicated the chiral nature of these tubules, but also provided distinct spectral signatures differentiating micro- and nanotubules. The effects of temperature and lipid concentration on the formation and stability of tubules were also explored. An equimolar lipid mixture provided structures with uniform morphology, which were stable for several hours up to 36 °C. The thermal stability of nanotubules makes them an attractive candidate for many practical applications including controlled release technology.
10 Cholestasis and end-stage liver disease

Abstract Protein-energy malnutrition is an inevitable consequence of chronic liver disease, particularly in the developing infant. Severe malnutrition with loss of fat stores and muscle wasting affects between 60% and 80% of infants with liver disease ( Beath, 1993a ; Holt et al, 1997 ). Reduced energy intake secondary to anorexia, vomiting and fat malabsorption, in association with a disordered metabolism of carbohydrate and protein, increased energy requirements and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, contributes towards growth failure. Reversal of malnutrition is one of the key aims of liver transplantation and is achieved in the majority of long-term survivors. The aetiology of persistent growth failure posttransplantation is multifactorial and is related to pre-operative malnutrition, glucocorticoid administration, feeding problems and post-operative complications. Strategies to prevent pre- and post-transplant growth failure include early referral for liver transplantation and a multidisciplinary approach to nutritional support, which may increase survival and improve the quality of life and outcome of liver transplantation.
The loop technique: a novel incision and drainage technique in the treatment of skin abscesses in a pediatric ED

Abstract Objective This study assesses outcome in pediatric patients with skin abscess using the LOOP compared to the standard incision and drainage (ID as were patients with abscesses on the face, scalp, hands or feet. The primary outcome was failure rate, defined as those requiring admission, intravenous antibiotics, or repeat drainage. Results Over a 1-year period there were 233 pediatric abscesses identified: 79 cases (34%) treated with the LOOP technique and 154 cases with standard ID however they had a similar gender distribution and mean temperature. Of the cases identified by chart review, clinical outcome could be assessed in 143 patients (61%): 52 (36%) patients with LOOP vs 91 (64%) with I&D. Failure rate was 1.4% in the LOOP group and 10.5% in the standard I&D ( P Conclusion There was a significant difference in failure rate between the LOOP and the standard I&D groups. A prospective randomized trial is needed to confirm these results, but this novel technique shows promise as an alternative to I&D with packing in the management of skin abscesses in pediatric ED patients.
Cardioprotection with adenosine: 'a riddle wrapped in a mystery'.

Review of the published literature on adenosine and cardioprotection could lead one to paraphrase the famous words of Sir Winston Churchill (Radio broadcast, 1 October 1939 (in reference to Russia)) and conclude: ‘I cannot forecast to you the action ofadenosine. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’. That is, although it is well-established that adenosine can render cardiomyocytes resistant to lethal ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury, new and intriguing insights continue to emerge as to the mechanisms by which adenosine might limit myocardial infarct size. British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 699–700. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706261
The Association Between Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption, Nutrient Intakes of the Canadian Population 12 Years and Older and Body Weight Measures: Results From a Nationally Representative Canadian Population

Background: To examine the relationship between ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal consumption habits and body mass index (BMI) of a nationally representative sample of Canadians. Methods: Population-based survey of Canadians aged 12 years and older. Participants provided 7-day self-reported food diary records during the data collection period of October 2003 through September 2004. Height and weight of the respondents was also reported. Main outcome measures included frequency of RTE cereal consumption, Body Mass Index (BMI), and nutrient intakes. The sample population of 2926 aged 12 years and older was divided into three groups by frequency of RTE cereal consumption over the 7-day period: 0-1 serving, 2-3 servings and 4+ servings. Results: The RTE cereal intake ranged from 0 to greater than 8 servings over the 7 days. Males who consumed 4+ servings of RTE Cereal had significantly lower mean BMI measures than the ones who consumed 0-1 serving (P < 0.006). Significantly lower proportion of Canadians who consumed 4+ serving of RTE cereal were classified as overweight or obese than those who consumed 0-1 servings in seven days (p = 0.011). Higher cereal intake group also had favourable nutrient intake profiles than the lower cereal intake group and were more likely to meet micronutrient intake recommendations. Conclusion: Self-reported RTE cereal consumption is related to lower BMI and improved nutrient intake in Canadians aged 12 years and older.
Lay Health Advisor Activity Levels: Definitions from the Field:

One type of lay health advisor model assumes that an effective mechanism for reaching the underserved is through informal advice-givers called natural helpers. Despite the growing use of this approach, few programs have defined what an active lay health advisor does within the natural helping process. To explore perceptions and definitions of lay health advisors' activity, we conducted semistructured, in-person interviews with four field staff who coordinate the advisors' activities in a breast cancer screening program. These staff viewed lay health advisor activity as fluctuating over the course of a year, occurring along a continuum of participation (inactive, moderately active, active, and superactive), and reflecting varying degrees of proactivity and participation in multiple activities. These results suggest an empirical process for refining the definition of an active lay health advisor, improving advisors' productivity in achieving outreach objectives, and managing and monitoring their ongoing activities.
Multiple effects of ventromedial hypothalamic lesions in the white-throated sparrow,Zonotrichia albicollis

Effects of ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesions were studied in a migratory bird. A single lesion resulted in various combinations of physiological and behavioral responses, the most frequent being marked body weight gain, polydipsia and a failure to display gonadal development, prenuptial molt and Zugunruhe (nocturnal migratory restlessness). This variability in response implies that neural control mechanisms for each effect may be anatomically separable. Specific studies showed that water intake in one population was ten times control levels and was persistently greater for ten months. Locomotor activity was monitored before and after hypothalamic lesions. Ventromedial hypothalamic lesions selectively eliminated Zugunruhe. Termination of nocturnal activity was immediate, occurring the night following surgery.
Biochemical properties of genetic recombinant xylanase II.

The aim of this study was to overexpress the xylanase II gene of Trichoderma reesei in Escherichia coli and determine the characteristics of the recombinant enzyme. Recombinant xylanase II gene was constructed by ligating the cDNA of xylanase, obtained from reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and fused with NusA protein of pET-431b plasmid. An Ni2+-NTA affinity column was used to further purify the recombinant xylanase II. The molecular mass of the recombinant enzyme measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was approx 76 kDa (including 55 kDa of NusA and 21 kDa of xylanase II), and the isoelectric point and specific activity were 7.5 and 225 U/mg, respectively. The optimal reaction temperature and pH for the recombinant enzyme were 50°C and 4.0, respectively. The recombinant enzyme was stable at a pH range of 5.0–10.0 and maintained 95% residual activity after incubating at 30–35°C for 30 min. The kinetic parameters K M and V max of the recombinant xylanase II were 13.8 mg/mL and 336 μmol/(mg·min), respectively, using birchwood xylan as the substrate.
Phonon scattering at silicon crystal surfaces.

We have studied phonon scattering by films of metals, nonmetals, and condensed gases, 2 A\r{} to ${10}^{4}$ A\r{} thick, deposited onto polished faces of Si crystals, through measurements of the thermal conductivity of these crystals in the boundary scattering regime, between 0.05 and 2.0 K. No evidence has been found for scattering by interface states or individual atoms or molecules adsorbed at the surface. Phonons are, however, strongly scattered by thin, discontinuous films and also by thick continuous ones, independent of the type of bonding to the substrate. Scattering by the islands of discontinuous thin films, or by microscopic disorder like grain boundaries, voids, or surface roughness in the thicker films can explain the observations. The model we develop to explain our findings is based on that for scattering by rough surfaces. Our experiments indicate that the high degree of disorder on the length scale of several hundred A\r{} is not restricted to evaporated films, but also occurs in thermally grown oxide layers, Ni silicide films grown by surface reaction and even in layers of boron-ion-implanted silicon. It is concluded that thermal phonons in the frequency regime of 10\char21{}100 GHz (quantum energies ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ to ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ eV, corresponding to measuring temperatures 0.1 to 1.0 K) are very sensitive probes of surface film perfection on the submicrometer length scale.
Predominance of Ehrlichia ewingii in Missouri dogs.

To investigate the species distribution of Ehrlichia present in Missouri dogs, we tested 78 dogs suspected of having acute ehrlichiosis and 10 healthy dogs. Blood from each dog was screened with a broad-range 16S rRNA gene PCR assay that detects known pathogenic species of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma. The species was determined by using species-specific PCR assays and nucleotide sequencing. Ehrlichia antibody testing was performed by using an indirect immunofluorescence assay with Ehrlichia chaffeensis as the antigenic substrate. The broad-range assay detected Ehrlichia or Anaplasma DNA in 20 (26%) of the symptomatic dogs and 2 (20%) of the asymptomatic dogs. E. ewingii accounted for 20 (91%), and E. chaffeensis accounted for 1 (5%) of the positives. Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected in one dog, and the sequences of regions of the 16S rRNA gene and the groESL operon amplified from the blood of this dog matched the published sequences of this organism. Antibodies reactive with E. chaffeensis were detected in 14 (67%) of the 21 PCR-positive dogs and in 12 (19%) of the 64 PCR-negative dogs. Combining the results of PCR and serology indicated that 33 (39%) of 85 evaluable dogs had evidence of past or current Ehrlichia infection. We conclude that E. ewingii is the predominant etiologic agent of canine ehrlichiosis in the areas of Missouri included in this survey. E. canis, a widely recognized agent of canine ehrlichiosis, was not detected in any animal. The finding of E. ewingii in asymptomatic dogs suggests that dogs could be a reservoir for this Ehrlichia species.
TSH and Bone Loss

We have recently challenged the view that the bone loss associated with hyperthyroidism is solely due to elevated thyroid hormone levels. We find that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), derived from the anterior pituitary gland, inhibits bone resorption by the osteoclast. Mice haploinsufficient in the TSH receptor show reduced bone density and evidence of enhanced bone resorption in the face of normal thyroid function. In humans, TSH inhibits markers of bone resorption with a single administration, and low TSH levels correlate with increased fracture risk. The evidence that low TSH levels predispose to osteoporosis in hyperthyroidism is discussed in view of the emerging role of pituitary hormones in bone biology.
Psychological testing, IQ, and evolutionary fitness

Individual, group, and ethnic differences in behavior have been an object of long, continuing, and contentious interest, both in the sciences and in popular culture. For well over 2,000 years, psychological traits, particularly those described as ‘intelligence’, have generally been considered the major factors in fitness in humans. After reviewing contemporary scientific thinking on intelligence, the psychometric methods used for the construction of psychological tests are presented and examined in the context of natural selection and metric characters. There are essential differences between the disciplines of genetics and psychology such that the concepts of the two are more divergent than might superficially appear to be the case. The analysis leads to the conclusion that standard psychometric methodology cannot yield tests appropriate for measurement of evolutionary fitness characters.
Rate of Absorption of Carotene and of Vitamin A from the Alimentary Tract of Dairy Calves. II. Effects of Methods of Dispersion and of Administration

Summary Different dispersions and methods of administration of vitamin A-active supplements on their apparent absorption by calves were studied. Vitamin A in an oily menstruum, an homogenized emulsion, and an aqueous dispersion—and carotenoids—in an oily solution and an emulsion—were mixed in a filled milk and fed via nipple. Vitamin A supplements, as an oily medium and as an aqueous dispersion, also in milk, were administered by a stomach tube. The rate of administration was 1,000 I.U/lb body weight. Changes in concentrations of vitamin A and of carotenoids in blood plasma, collected at 3-hr. intervals during a 15-hr. period after feeding the supplements, were the criteria of absorption. Concentrations of vitamin A in blood plasma increased and subsequently decreased more rapidly than did those of carotenoids. Emulsifying oily supplements in milk by homogenization significantly enhanced the apparent absorption of carotenoids but did not improve markedly the absorption of vitamin A. Aqueous dispersion of vitamin A effected more rapid passage into the blood and a higher maximum level than did either the emulsion or the oily solution. Ingestion of vitamin A by nipple resulted in more rapid absorption and higher concentrations in the plasma than did administration by stomach tube.
Finding Birds of a Feather: Multiple Memberships and Diversity Without Divisiveness in Communication Research

Communication scholars have continually worked to resolve the well-attested fragmentation of the field. This article breaks away from the usual modes of parsing out research by disciplinary grounding, topic of investigation, or even school of thought, arguing that these older modes of mapping result in divisive academic speciation. Instead, the author proposes analyzing the similarities and differences in scholarship along three axes: methodology, ontology/epistemology, and axiology. This systemic mode produces a flexible and responsive way of viewing commonalities and tensions between scholars and approaches, suggesting productive combinations in which to flock together. Resume Les chercheurs en communication ont continuellement œuvrea resoudre la fragmentation bien connue de la discipline. Cet article s’eloigne des modes habituels de decoupage de la litterature par fondement disciplinaire, par sujet de recherche ou meme par ecole de pensee, soutenant que ces anciens modes de schematisation creent une speciation universitaire qui seme la discorde. Plutot, l’auteur propose d’analyser les similitudes et les differences au sein de la litterature selon trois axes : la methodologie, l’ontologie/l’epistemologie et l’axiologie. Cette methode systemique fournit une maniere flexible et receptive de voir les points communs et les tensions entre les chercheurs et entre les approches, ce qui suggere des combinaisons productives dans lesquelles se rassembler. Gleichgesinnte Kommunikationswissenschaftler arbeiten fortwahrend daran, die gut dokumentierte Fragmentierung des Faches aufzulosen. Dieser Artikel wendet sich von den herkommlichen Verfahren der Zergliederung der Forschung nach dem Ursprung der Disziplin, Thema der Untersuchung oder sogar Denkschule ab und argumentiert stattdessen, dass diese alteren Verfahren der Zuordnung entzweienden Charakter haben. Stattdessen schlagt der Autor vor, die Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede der Forschungsarbeiten entlang dreier Dimensionen zu analysieren: Methodologie, Ontologie/Epistemologie und Axiologie. Dieses System resultiert in einer flexiblen und responsiven Art, Gemeinsamkeiten und Spannungsfelder zwischen Forschern und Ansatzen zu sehen und bietet Vorschlage fur produktive Zusammenschlusse. La Bandada de Pajaros Resumen Los eruditos de la comunicacion han trabajado en forma continua para resolver la—bien puesta a prueba fragmentacion del campo. Este articulo se aleja de los modos usuales de analizar la investigacion separandola por disciplinas, tema de investigacion, o aun por escuela de pensamiento, argumentando que estos modelos viejos de mapeo resultan en una especializacion academica divisiva. En cambio, el autor propone analizar las similitudes y diferencias de la erudicion a lo largo de tres ejes: la metodologia, la ontologia/epistemologia, y la axiologia. Este modo sistematico produce una forma flexible y receptiva de ver las cosas que tienen en comun y las tensiones entre los eruditos y las perspectivas, sugiriendo combinaciones productivas para volar en bandada.
Higher-order statistics: laying a myth to rest

The property of the bispectrum that relates to random processes with symmetric probability density functions (PDFs) has often been interpreted to mean that the bispectrum of a stationary random process is zero if the marginal PDF is symmetric regardless of whether the random process is white or colored. It is shown that if the random process is not white, it can still have a non-zero bispectrum even if the marginal PDF is a symmetric function such as the Laplacian PDF or a nearly Gaussian function. Symmetry conditions expressed in terms of the marginal and joint PDFs that guarantee a zero bispectrum are postulated. >