cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract A96: Breast tumor subtypes and survival outcomes in African American and Latina patients in South Los Angeles

Background: Recent studies have shown that minority women, in particular African American are more likely to express Triple Negative (TN) tumors compared to Non-Hispanic Whites. TN tumors are more difficult to treat this may be one of the factors contributing to disparities in disease outcome and overall survival. In our study, we have studied a cohort of African American and Latina women with equal socio-economic status (SES) and access to care. The purpose of this study was to determine if these two ethnic groups with equal SES and access to care had differences in disease outcome and if this difference was related to tumor subtypes. We have also examined cellular and molecular markers associated with tumor subtypes and disease outcome. Methods: A total of 300 subjects were retrospectively selected. 156 were African American and 144 Latina. Demographic, pathologic, and clinical follow-up information were collected from existing database. The prevalence of breast cancer subtypes within racial and menopausal subsets was examined and the associations with tumor size, lymph nodal status, staging, and histologic grade were determined by logistic regression. Disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank test. Gene and protein signatures associated with PI3kinase/Akt and the CD44/CD24 expression profiles were analyzed by immunohistochemistry analysis (IHC) in different tumor subtypes. Results: The TN or basal-like breast cancer subtype (ER/PR/HER2 negative) was more prevalent among premenopausal African American women (36%) compared to postmenopausal African Americans (28.1); premenopausal Latina women (31 %); and postmenopausal Latinas (17%) (p=0.05). The HER2+/ER-subtype was more prevalent among premenopausal Latina women (17%) than postmenopausal Latinas (14%), postmenopausal African American women (9%), and premenopausal African American women (3%) (p=0.046). Prevalence of Luminal A and Luminal B breast cancer subtypes were similar with race and menopausal status. Compared to Luminal A, basal-like tumors were more poorly differentiated (OR=6.4, p Conclusions: Our study suggests a highest prevalence of basal-like tumors (triple negative) in premenopausal African American women, followed by premenopausal Latina women. Premenopausal Latina women also had a higher prevalence of HER2+/ER-tumors. DFS was poor in both ethnic groups with either basal like tumors or those with HER2+/ER-tumors. Activation of pAkt in the tumor tissue was a significant contributor to the poor disease outcome. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A96.
Review of Regional Project NE62: Relationship between Genetic Markers and Performance in Dairy Cattle

Abstract Ten stations have cooperated to utilize genetic markers to permit selection of animals at an early age. Data from 47 Holstein herds from 1960 to 1973 included 22,000 lactations, genetic markers on 8600 cows, 4,800 first lactations with associated marker data, and 30,000 services with marker information on both the cow and service sire. Genetic markers were 10 loci for blood groups (A, B, C, FV, J, L, M, S, Z, and R′ S′), one locus for serum protein (transferrin), and four loci for milk protein ( β -lactoglobulin, α s1 -casein, β -casein, and κ -casein). Production variables were milk yield and percentages of fat, solids-not-fat, and protein. Reproduction data included dates of service, service sire, and a conception code. Linkage among caseins was extremely close. Phenotypic frequencies of combinations of J and β -lactoglobulin differed significantly from expected, and there was evidence of other nonrandom frequencies within and between systems. Preliminary analysis of relationships between markers and production in first lactation indicated that evaluation of effects should be on models containing several markers and interactions to determine additivity of effects. Preliminary results suggest the probability that some effects will have economic importance. Analysis of reproduction data has been started.
Investigating the Effects of Acylated Lactoferricin Peptides on the Properties of Lipid Bilayers Using Gramicidin A Channels as Probes

Lactoferricin is an anti-bacterial peptide that is released from the iron-binding glycoprotein lactoferrin through enzymatic cleavage by pepsin. Lactoferricin is found mainly in milk and secreted fluids such as tears, saliva, bronchial mucus and seminal fluid, and it plays an important and multi-functional role in host defense, as it is part of the body's primary defense against bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. It also has antitumor and immunological effects. Previous studies show that lactoferricin may inhibit bacterial growth by two different mechanisms: by sequestering the iron necessary for bacterial nutrition; and by adsorbing to bacterial plasma membranes, which may disrupt the membrane barrier properties or some other membrane function. Lactoferricin indeed permeabilizes bacterial membranes, but it remains unclear whether this is the primary mechanism by which it exerts its anti-bacterial activity. We therefore explored whether lactoferricin analogues could alter other bilayer properties, using gramicidin A (gA) channels of different lengths as probes. Specifically, could the lactoferricins alter lipid bilayer elasticity or intrinsic curvature. We tested two amino acylated lactoferricin derivatives, NC2-LfB-1MeTrp5 and NC4-LfB-1MeTrp5 (with the sequences Ac-R-R-W-Q-MeW-R-NH2 and Bu-R-R-W-Q-MeW-R-NH2). Both compounds increase gA channel appearance rates and lifetimes, meaning that they decrease bilayer stiffness, at concentrations (1-10 μM) where they do not cause a breakdown of lipid bilayer barrier properties. Because they had similar effects on the lifetimes of the long and short channels, we conclude that the lactoferricins alter lipid intrinsic curvature.
Hormonal control of adrenal RNA polymerase activities.

Two forms of DNA-dependent RNA polymerase have been identified in purified guinea pig adrenal nuclei. The two RNA polymerase activities can be distinguished in nuclei by the use of a-amanitin and varying concentrations of ammonium sulfate. Chromatography of the solubilized nuclear polymerases on DEAE-Sephadex resolves two peaks of RNA polymerase corresponding to the α-amanitin resistant (RNA polymerase I) form and one peak of RNA polymerase corresponding to the a-amanitin sensitive (RNA polymerase II) form. ACTH or dibutyryl cAMP administration to intact or hypophysectomized animals resulted in a 2-to 3.5-fold increase in RNA polymerase I activity at 14 hr of hormone treatment. This increase occurred both with and without exogenous DNA template additions to the nuclear assay. No change in RNA polymerase II activity occurred when nuclei were assayed in the presence of exogenous DNA; however, endogenous RNA polymerase II activity increased 50% at 14 hr of treatment. The stimulation of RNA polymerase I activ...
Immunological similarity of milk sulfhydryl oxidase and kidney glutathione oxidase

A radioimmunoassay for sulfhydryl oxidase, a membrane enzyme, was developed using antibodies raised to the bovine milk enzyme which had been purified by transient covalent affinity chromatography on a cysteinylsuccinamidopropyl-glass matrix. Bovine milk sulfhydryl oxidase and bovine kidney sulfhydryl oxidase ("glutathione oxidase") appear to be immunologically identical as evidenced by parallel responses in radioimmunoassays. Antibodies raised to the purified milk sulfhydryl oxidase can immunoprecipitate glutathione oxidase activity, but not gamma-glutamyltransferase ("transpeptidase") activity, from bovine kidney preparations.
Family interaction and the course of adolescent psychopathology: an analysis of adolescent and parent effects.

This study focused on evaluating the utility of three family measures for predicting outcome in a sample of disturbed but nonpsychotic adolescents: (a) the affective quality of the adolescents' voice tone when communicating with his/her parents; (b) the predominant affective quality of the parents' voice tones when communicating with the adolescent, and (c) the affective quality of the content of the parents' verbalizations to the adolescent. These measures were derived from 5-minute face to face discussions between parents and their disturbed adolescent. Results indicated that adolescents using positive or neutral voice tones during emotionally laden discussions with their parents tended to show relatively adequate levels of psychosocial adjustment as young adults, while adolescents using exclusively negative voice tones tended to show sufficient adjustment difficulties in early adulthood to warrant diagnoses within the extended schizophrenia spectrum. Although adolescent voice tone was associated with outcome, considering both adolescent and parent affective response led to improved prediction, with consideration of adolescent and parent variables leading to accurate prediction of outcome for 30 of the 33 sample cases.
Promoter characterization and transcriptional regulation of Ncb5or, a novel reductase necessary for pancreatic β-cell maintenance

Ncb5or is a ubiquitously expressed gene required for beta-cell survival in mice. Examination of mouse tissues demonstrated high levels of expression in the pancreas, heart and kidney. A transcription start site was identified 149 bp upstream from the start codon and transient expression analysis in betaTC3 cells indicated the presence of a core promoter located within 348 bp upstream of this site. Deletion of Region C (-216/-157) resulted in a significant decrease in promoter activity and specific nucleotides located in a region designated C2 were demonstrated to be critical for complex binding. Deletion of Region D (-60/-33), which contains multiple consensus Sp1 sites, resulted in an additional loss of promoter activity. The data presented here identify and characterize the previously unknown promoter of Ncb5or, a reductase critical for beta-cell survival.
A Dance of Extrasolar Planets

Launched in March 2009, the Kepler mission is tasked with searching for extrasolar planets. It continuously monitors 156,000 stars in a ∼100-squaredegree patch of sky covering a portion of the galactic disk centered on a direction lying in the constellation Cygnus ( 1 ). On page 47 of this issue, Holman et al. ( 2 ) report the discovery of a transiting planet whose orbit of 38.9 days varies by up to 1 hour due to the interaction with other planets in the system. This Saturn-sized world, known as Kepler-9c, circles a Sun-like star 2300 light-years away in the direction of the constellation Lyra, and is part of a bizarre system containing three transiting planets, whose mutual gravitational tugs generate an exquisitely choreographed orbital dance. Far from being mere curiosities, the planets of the Kepler-9 system may provide vital clues to the mechanisms of planetary formation and orbital evolution.
Metabolism of C14-labeled ascorbic, dehydroascorbic and diketogulonic acids in guinea pigs☆

Abstract Experiments were carried out in guinea pigs with l -ascorbic acid-1-C14, l -ascorbic acid-6-C14, dehydroascorbic acid-1-C14, dehydroascorbic acid-6-C14, diketogulonic acid-1-C14, and diketogulonic acid-6-C14. The results obtained by measuring the incorporation of C14 in expired CO2, urinary oxalate, and liver glycogen are in accord with a pathway of metabolism of the vitamin via dehydroascorbic acid and diketogulonic acid. The labeling pattern observed in liver glycogen after administration of l -ascorbic acid-6-C14, dehydroascorbic acid-6-C14, and diketogulonic acid-6-C14 was different from that obtained with l -gulonolactone-6-C13. These results, along with those showing no detectable conversion of l -ascorbic acid-1-C14 to urinary l -gulonic acid, indicate that l -gulonic acid is not a major intermediate in the metabolism of the vitamin in guinea pigs. Possible mechanisms for the conversion of l -ascorbic acid to glycogen through l -xylulose and trioses are considered.
Effects of variable irradiance on phytoplankton productivity in shallow estuaries

Primary productivity in estuaries is profoundly affected by water-column mixing which can be attributed to currents, tides, and wind. Mixing in shallow systems has the dual effect of increasing light attenuation in the water column through resuspension of particulate matter, while allowing entrained phytoplankton cells to experience a constantly varying light regime. We investigated the latter effect during a 7-month period in the lower Neuse River, North Carolina, a well-mixed, coastal plain estuary. A rotating light-field simulator was devised to assess phytoplankton productivity while considering the problems of mixing and light attenuation. This technique was compared to a fixed-light level (static) incubation method. We found that constantly varying irradiance stimulated phytoplankton productivity by both reducing photoinhibition and mitigating the growth-limiting effects of turbidity-induced light limitation found under static incubation conditions. Our results demonstrate that static incubations may, at times, significantly underestimate true phytoplankton productivity in shallow, well-mixed aquatic systems. Water-column mixing can cause concomitant changes in the light field that entrained phytoplankton cells experience over time. As a result, vertical mixing can significantly affect phytoplankton productivity in aquatic systems. Because of the importance of variable light effects on productivity measurements in any given system, this relationship has been examined in various ways. Analyses have been conducted in coastal and offshore marine waters (Yoder and Bishop 1985), lakes and impoundments (Elser and Kimmel 198 5), and estuaries (Randall and Day 1987). Investigators have subjected phytoplankton samples to variable light regimes by rotating bottles through the water column (Marra 1978; Randall and Day 1987), mixing samples in tubes, and varying artificial light either at the source (Harris and Lott 1973; Walsh and Legendre 1983)
Optimization of dynamic languages using hierarchical layering of virtual machines

Creating an interpreter is a simple and fast way to implement a dynamic programming language. With this ease also come major drawbacks. Interpreters are significantly slower than compiled machine code because they have a high dispatch overhead and cannot perform optimizations. To overcome these limitations, interpreters are commonly combined with just-in-time compilers to improve the overall performance. However, this means that a just-in-time compiler has to be implemented for each language.We explore the approach of taking an interpreter of a dynamic language and running it on top of an optimizing trace-based virtual machine, i.e., we run a guest VM on top of a host VM. The host VM uses trace recording to observe the guest VM executing the application program. Each recorded trace represents a sequence of guest VM bytecodes corresponding to a given execution path through the application program. The host VM optimizes and compiles these traces to machine code, thus eliminating the need for a custom just-in-time compiler for the guest VM. The guest VM only needs to provide basic information about its interpreter loop to the host VM.
Compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) for decontamination of biomaterials and tissue scaffolds

Abstract Biomaterials must be both sterile and free of contaminants prior to use, and this is particularly critical for the next generation of implants based on tissue engineering. With increasing complexity of tissue engineering scaffolds and multifunctional devices, there is a need for new approaches to decontamination, i.e. cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization. This work presents our recent results on several aspects of decontamination of both metallic and polymeric biomaterials using compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) technology. We demonstrate the removal of a lubricant oil from titanium surfaces with supercritical CO2. In another application, high level disinfection of a model hydrogel contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus has been achieved with liquid CO2.
Swimming upstream: institutional dimensions of asymmetrical problems in two salmon management regimes

Abstract In this article I examine the institutional dimensions of asymmetrical resource-based problems, focusing on the role of resources, institutions, technologies and markets in structuring and transforming these problems. I draw results from a comparative analysis of two case studies in Alaska and Washington, both involving the co-management of Pacific Salmon. The findings support the notion that the functional, spatial and social dimensions of an institution must match both the range of human behavior and activity as well as the biophysical contours of the system. In addition, management institutions should have built-in flexibility in order to respond effectively to the new dimensions of problems in a constantly changing world.
Automatic Determination of Feature Interactions in Design-for-Manufacturing Analysis

The current paper discusses a fundamentally new approach to defining and finding interactions in computer-aided design (CAD) forms or features. Feature classes are defined using a high-level abstract entity called a loop. Loops define features in a general manner and aid in the definition of feature boundaries as well. Interactions between features exist due to interactions between their boundaries. Several types of interactions are defined and automatically determined from the boundary representation solid model of the part subsequent to performing feature extraction
Korean students’ minority schooling experience in Japan

A qualitative study conducted in western Japan examined the perceptions of Korean students in Japanese junior high school to identify factors contributing to a consistently low high school advancement rate compared to mainstream Japanese students. Fourteen people were interviewed about their Korean students’ experiences in Japan. The findings of this study suggest that factors contributing to the low high school advancement rate among Korean students cluster around three themes: (1) discrimination experienced in society at large and at school, (2) assimilation to become more like the Japanese, and (3) inconsistent cultural and insufficient academic support given by the school and teachers. Findings from this study indicate how the power structure in a social context of schooling influences minority students’ learning and also confirmed in part Ogbu and Cummins’ theories of how power relations between the subordinated and the dominant affect minority students’ schooling experiences and learning.
Location of the first excited states of fluorinated ethers, E143a (CH3OCF3), E134 (CHF2OCHF2), and E125 (CHF2OCF3)

Abstract The first excited states for dimethyl ether, E143a (CH 3 OCF 3 ), E134 (CHF 2 OCHF 2 ), and E125 (CHF 2 OCF 3 ) have been located using the state-averaged CASSCF method. The first excited states have been found to lie at 185, 138, 122, and 114 nm for dimethyl ether, E143a, E134 and E125, respectively. The value for dimethyl ether is in good agreement with literature values. The effect of fluorinating dimethyl ether to form E143a is to blue shift the position of the first excited state by over 40 nm. These results are consistent with the methanol system, which sees an analogous shift of approximately 40 nm as methanol is fluorinated to form CF 3 OH. Implications for the photolysis of these fluorinated ethers in the atmosphere is discussed.
A Dialectical Social Psychology? Comments on a Symposium

In discussion of four symposium papers in "dialectical social psychology", a specifically dialectical approach is distinguished from a more general Marxist approach. The dialectical emphasis on self-transforming interactive process is seen as highly appropriate to social psychology. To the extent that such a program is carried out, the "contradiction" between social psychology as science and social psychology as history is resolved to recognize that social psychology must be developmental and historical if it is to be adequately scientific.
Establishment of reentry intervals for organophosphate-treated cotton fields based on human data: I. Ethyl-and methyl parathion

In each of two studies, two human volunteers entered methyl- or methyl-ethyl parathion-treated cotton fields for 30-minute periods at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment; foliage residues, and skin, clothing, inhalation, and biomedical data were obtained. The hands are probably the greatest source of absorbed pesticide chemical while the respiratory system is an insignificant source. Trousers collect the largest amounts of residue but the residue on them does not necessarily undergo absorption by the skin. There is not any evidence of plasma- or red-cell cholinesterase depression or a detectable amount ofpara-nitrophenol, following one-day, single, 30-min exposure. It is estimated that an individual can absorb up to 6.0 milligrams of parathion from cotton 24 hours after treatment with parathion and up to 3.0 milligrams 48 hours after such treatment, during an actual 5-hour work day field exposure. Skin-, and clothing contamination data are inadequate bases for evaluating hazard of possible parathion poisoning. Far more useful are measurements of serum parathion, serum-, and cell cholinesterase activities, and urinary excretion ofpara-nitrophenol in exposed individuals.
The geography of mortality in the Atlanta metropolitan area

Abstract From exploratory spatial data analyses and geographically weighted regression (GWR), we found that previously hypothesized relationships between socioeconomic status (SES), race, urbanization and mortality were present and significant in the Atlanta metropolitan area for 1995–1999 and that the relationships between these predictors and mortality varied spatially, such that distinctive geographic patterns emerged. These patterns reflect the spatial processes operating in Atlanta for the past few decades, namely, rapid residential and commercial development in the outer portions of the metropolitan area and a concurrent movement of the affluent white population away from the central city, leaving behind a predominantly African American population with low SES. We also found that the relative influence of each predictor on mortality varied spatially, with SES demonstrating the most dominant influence in the majority of the study area and race demonstrating the most dominant influence in and near the City of Atlanta.
Imaging the Sialome during Zebrafish Development with Copper-Free Click Chemistry

The sialome comprises sialylated glycoproteins and glycolipids that play essential roles in cell-cell communication. Using azide-modified molecular precursors of sialic acids and copper-free click chemistry, we visualized the spatiotemporal dynamics of the sialome in live zebrafish embryos.
Suicidal behavior in adolescents: Relationship to weight status, weight control behaviors, and body dissatisfaction†

OBJECTIVE:: Suicide is associated with full syndromal eating disorders, but it is unclear whether subsyndromal eating disorders carry the same risk. This study examined associations between suicidal behaviors and extreme and less extreme weight control behaviors (EWCB and LWCB, such as fasting, vomiting, meal skipping, etc.), body dissatisfaction, and weight status in adolescents. METHOD:: Data on body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and attempts, and body mass index (BMI) were drawn from Project EAT, a survey of 4,746 7th-12th grade students. Multivariate logistic regression examined associations between eating- and weight-related variables and suicidality. RESULTS:: Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were more commonly observed in adolescents with EWCB (boys: ideation OR = 2.12, attempts OR = 4.10; girls: ideation OR = 1.66, attempts OR = 2.29), LWCB (boys: ideation OR = 1.33, attempts OR = 1.76; girls: ideation OR = 1.77, attempts OR = 1.80), as well as body dissatisfaction (boys: ideation OR = 1.75, attempts OR = 2.23; girls: ideation OR = 1.77, attempts OR = 1.81), even after controlling for depressive symptoms. No association was observed between BMI and suicidal attempts or ideation. CONCLUSION:: Thus, it appears that suicidal behavior in adolescents is associated even with low-level eating disorder symptoms. ( Language: en
A note on the penetration of a circular tube by an aerosol with a log-normal size distribution

Abstract The equation of Gormley and Kennedy is used to calculate the penetration of log-normally distributed aerosols through circular tubes. Computer solutions are presented for aerosols of geometric mean radius from 10−7 to 10−5 cm and with standard geometric deviations of 1·00, 1·59, 2·00 and 2·51.
True and false recall and dissociation among maltreated children: the role of self-schema.

The current investigation addresses the manner through which trauma affects basic memory and self-system processes. True and false recall for self-referent stimuli were assessed in conjunction with dissociative symptomatology among abused (N = 76), neglected (N = 92), and nonmaltreated (N = 116) school-aged children. Abused, neglected, and nonmaltreated children did not differ in the level of processing self-schema effect or in the occurrence and frequency of false recall. Rather, differences in the affective valence of false recall emerged as a function of maltreatment subtype and age. Regarding dissociation, the abused children displayed higher levels of dissociative symptomatology than did the nonmaltreated children. Although abused, neglected, and nonmaltreated children did not exhibit differences in the valence of their self-schemas, positive and negative self-schemas were related to self-integration differently among the subgroups of maltreatment. Negative self-schemas were associated with increased dissociation among the abused children, whereas positive self-schemas were related to increased dissociation for the neglected children. Thus, positive self-schemas displayed by the younger neglected children were related to higher dissociation, suggestive of defensive self-processing. Implications for clinical intervention are underscored.
Theory of two-center transport in photorefractive media for low-intensity, continuous-wave illumination in the quasi-steady-state limit

A two-center photorefractive model permitting all center-to-band transitions and electron–hole charge transport unifies several models describing subsets of these transitions. Using the quasi-steady-state approximation for low continuous-wave illumination, the model derives the first-order Fourier harmonic of the steady-state space-charge distribution and fields and the corresponding response rates. The model describes electron–hole competition, complementary gratings, double-exponential time-dependent behavior, and nonlinear dependence of response rates on intensity. The model can be used to make new predictions of photorefractive behavior of crystals in which two species of impurity center are present; an example is presented for BaTiO3.
Cognitive Functioning and Delinquency: Property versus Violent Offenses

This study compares means on property and violent offenses broken down by verbal IQ levels among a sample of 256 juvenile delinquents. Low IQ delinquents were present in the sample in significantly higher proportions than would be expected in comparison to population IQ norms. Within the sample, it was found that there was an inverse relationship between IQ levels and violent crime and a positive relationship between IQ levels and property crime. Low IQ apparently predisposes delinquents to impulsive and spontaneous crimes which offer instant gratification. High IQ apparently predisposes delinquents to crimes which require planning and offer deferred gratification. These findings underscore the complexity of the relationship between IQ and delinquency.
A methodology for creating a statistically derived shape grammar composed of non-obvious shape chunks

A shape grammar is a production system that can be used to create new product designs. Traditionally, a product shape grammar’s rules are created by a skilled person that understands the language of the design. In this paper the results of a principal component analysis of vehicles are used to create a vehicle shape grammar by basing the rules upon the determined shape relationships. The advantages are that: rules can be created according the results of a statistical analysis, and not according to a designer’s subjective observations; class specific vehicles can be created with fewer rule applications; and those rule applications encourage divergent designs. Using the principal component analysis based shape grammar, unique vehicles are created to demonstrate the potential of statistically based concept creation for the generation of product forms.
Rembrandt’s Pupil

Book reviewed in this article: Ronni Baer Gerrit Dou 1613–1675. Master Painter in the Age of Rembrandt
RAPID CALIBRATION OF WATERSHEDS FOR HYDROLOGIC STUDIES

Abstract A method is suggested whereby two or more watersheds may be calibrated for hydrologic studies within a period of 2 to 3 years. The method is based on comparative reactions of the watersheds to the same storm. The comparison is made by regression analysis; the reaction is measured in two ways: (1) by noting the change in stage or flow in each watershed from the time each hydrograph starts rising until it reaches its peak, and (2) by noting the elapsed time for the period of hydrograph rise. Since in any one year the number of storms may be rather large and the size of storms quite varied, the technique yields a regression line with a standard error of great precision and capable of being used to detect even small differences resulting from minor treatments. The technique is illustrated by an example in which increases in streamflow are caused primarily by rainfall and is used to detect hydrologic effects of road construction in a watershed.
Activated Charcoal Decreases Plasma Bilirubin Levels in the Hyperbilirubinemic Rat

The effectiveness of phototherapy and activated charcoal feeding for reducing plasma bilirubin concentrations was studied in the hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rat. The feeding of charcoal alone was just as effective in reducing plasma bilirubin concentrations as continuous phototherapy. An additive effect on reducing plasma bilirubin concentration was observed when phototherapy and the feeding of charcoal were administered together. The feeding of a 5% charcoal diet to weanling Gunn rats for 8 wk had no effect on growth rate.
The Maternity Clinical Specialist: An Academic Viewpoint

Educating graduate nursing students and medical residents together is, in practice, a rather new idea. The following is a report of the principles, philosophy, and implementation of such a program, the goal of which is to enhance the autonomy and efficacy of a Master's –level maternity nurse.
Real-time correction of three-dimensional nonlinearities for a laser rangefinder

Three-dimensional data derived from sensors utilizing a single point of view exhibit a high degree of nonlinearity. This nonlinearity, in the form of interrelated range, or radiometric, and geometric distortions, is corrected in real time without imposing any severe restrictions on the type of distortion laws to which the particular sensor adheres. This general correction technique is experimentally verified and shown to produce accurate 3-D images for a very broad class of distortion. A simple hardware implementation is also proposed.
Invasion of a multitude of genetic niches by mobile endonuclease genes

Persistence of a mobile DNA element in a population reflects a balance between the ability of the host to eliminate the element and the ability of the element to survive and to disseminate to other individuals. In each of the three biological kingdoms, several families of a mobile DNA element have been identified which encode a single protein that acts on nucleic acids. Collectively termed homing endonuclease genes (HEGs), these elements employ varied strategies to ensure their survival. Some members of the HEG families have a minimal impact on host fitness because they associate with genes having self-splicing introns or inteins that remove the HEGs at the RNA or protein level. The HEG and the intron/intein gene spread throughout the population by a gene conversion process initiated by the HEG-encoded endonuclease called ‘homing’ in which the HEG and intron/intein genes are copied to cognate alleles that lack them. The endonuclease activity also contributes to a high frequency of lateral transmission of HEGs between species as has been documented in plants and other systems. Other HEGs have positive selection value because the proteins have evolved activities that benefit their host organisms. The success of HEGs in colonizing diverse genetic niches results from the flexibility of the encoded endonucleases in adopting new specificities.
Discussion of "Computer Experiments with Qualitative and Quantitative Variables: A Review and Reexamination"

This article is a discussion of an article by Yulei Zhang and William I. Notz, "Computer Experiments with Qualitative and Quantitative Variables: A Review and Reexamination," Quality Engineering, Volume 27, Number 1 (January 2015), pages 2-13.
Guided random walks for solving Hamiltonian lattice gauge theories

Abstract Motivated by developments for many-particle quantum systems, a Monte Carlo method for solving Hamiltonian lattice gauge theories without fermions is presented in which a stochastic random walk is guided by a trial wave function. To the extent that a substantial portion of the local structure of the theory can be incorporated in the trial function, the method offers significant advantages relative to existing techniques. The method is applicable to the study of SU ( N ) lattice gauge theories, and its utility is demonstrated by solving the compact U (1) gauge theory in three spatial dimensions.
A switchable-core SiGe HBT low-noise amplifier for millimeter-wave radiometer applications

This work presents a switchable-core SiGe HBT low-noise amplifier topology that can greatly improve the performance of millimeter-wave Dicke radiometer front-ends. In the presented topology, instead of implementing a Dicke switch preceding the amplifier, a switchable core is proposed that enables Dicke radiometer operation without any insertion loss penalty and substantially improved isolation. A prototype amplifier is realized in a 90 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The measured results indicate the switchable amplifier core can provide Dicke radiometer functionality with minimum performance degradation.
Temperature-induced changes in the NIR spectra of hydrous albitic and rhyolitic glasses between 300 and 100 K

Near-infrared (NIR) absorption bands related to total water (4000 and 7050 cm−1), OH groups (4500 cm−1) and molecular H2O (5200 cm−1) were studied in two polymerised glasses, a synthetic albitic composition and a natural obsidian. The water contents of the glasses were determined using Karl Fischer titration. Molar absorption coefficients were calculated for each of the bands using albitic glasses containing between 0.54 and 9.16 wt.% H2O and rhyolitic glasses containing between 0.97 and 9.20 wt.% H2O. Different combinations of baseline type and intensity measure (peak height/area) for the combination bands at 4500 and 5200 cm−1 were used to investigate the effect of evaluation procedure on calculated hydrous species concentrations. Total water contents calculated using each of the baseline/molar absorption coefficient combinations agree to within 5.8% relative for rhyolitic and 6.5% relative for albitic glasses (maximum absolute differences of 0.08 and 0.15 wt.% H2O, respectively). In glasses with water contents >1 wt.%, calculated hydrous species concentrations vary by up to 17% relative for OH and 11% relative for H2O (maximum absolute differences of 0.33 and 0.43 wt.% H2O, respectively). This variation in calculated species concentrations is typically greater in rhyolitic glasses than albitic. In situ, micro-FTIR analysis at 300 and 100 K was used to investigate the effect of varying temperature on the NIR spectra of the glasses. The linear and integral molar absorption coefficients for each of the bands were recalculated from the 100 K spectra, and were found to vary systematically from the 300 K values. Linear molar absorption coefficients for the 4000 and 7050 cm−1 bands decrease by 16–20% and integral molar absorption coefficients by up to 30%. Depending on glass composition and baseline type, the integral molar absorption coefficients for the absorption bands related to OH groups and molecular H2O change by up to −5.8 and +7.4%, respectively, while linear molar absorption coefficients show less variation, with a maximum change of ∼4%. Using the new molar absorption coefficients for the combination bands to calculate species concentrations at 100 K, the maximum change in species concentration is 0.08 wt.% H2O, compared with 0.39 wt.% which would be calculated if constant values were assumed for the combination band molar absorption coefficients. Almost all the changes in the spectra can therefore be interpreted in terms of changing molar absorption coefficient, rather than interconversion between hydrous species.
Vestal Virgins and Engineering Ethics

Professional engineers are bound by their code of ethics to place paramount the health, safety, and welfare of the public. If the "public" includes future people, then the engineer is also morally responsible for not destroying the supporting environment that will make future generations possible. In this essay I suggest that the present engineering codes of ethics are inadequate in addressing the problem of maintaining environmental quality. Engineers can, while staying well within the bounds of the present codes of ethics, destroy or modify the environments that support the global ecosystem and in such manner kill future humans on a grand scale. The moral responsibilities of engineers must therefore include the commitment to provide a high quality and sustainable environment for future generations and this requires that the engineering codes of ethics be modified to encourage engineers to make decisions that promote environmental stability and sustainability.
Equilibrium properties at very low aspect ratio in the Pegasus toroidal experiment

Equilibrium reconstructions of low-aspect ratio (A < 1.3) discharges in the Pegasus toroidal experiment have been performed. Magnetic diagnostics are used for equilibrium constraint and a filament code is used to estimate the significant currents flowing in the vacuum vessel walls. This technique is able to fit the global plasma parameters of plasma current and major radius to within 5%, internal inductance to within 10% and plasma pressure to within 15% as determined by Monte Carlo estimation of the uncertainties in the fit parameters. Determination of the equilibrium properties of the plasma allows an understanding of the dynamics of internal tearing modes and external ideal kink modes that limit plasma performance. Internal tearing modes were found to degrade plasma confinement when rational surfaces are located in regions of low magnetic shear early in the discharge when temperature is lower and resistivity is higher. This confinement degradation limits the maximum achievable plasma current and pressure. Disruptions with precursors growing with a time of ~90 µs have been found to be consistent with ideal external kink modes with a hybrid growth time.
Synthesis of a vinylog of p-aminobenzoylglutamic acid.

In an attempt to prepare a folic acid vinylog, a vinylog of p-nitrobenzoylglutamic acid has been prepared using an alkyl carbonic-carboxylic acid-mixed anhydride. This intermediate nitro vinylog was reduced in the presence of Raney nickel to give a vinylog ofp-aminobenzoylglutamic acid.
Radiation-Induced Trapped Charging Effects in SiC Power MOSFETs

Commercial SiC MOSFETs were exposed to ionizing radiation to characterize the radiation response and to compare the observed threshold voltage (VT) instability post-radiation exposure, with the VT instability following bias temperature stress (BTS) testing. As expected, a large number of positively charged oxide traps were present in these devices following irradiation, resulting in a significant negative VT shift. However, the observed VT instability following irradiation was much smaller than that for similarly processed devices exposed to a BTS. Irradiated devices subjected to unbiased thermal treatments experienced a significant annealing of trapped holes above 100 °C. However, isochronal annealing treatments did not significantly alter the number of switching oxide traps, suggesting that a large portion of the traps activated by irradiation may lie deeper within the SiO2, beyond the tunneling distance from the SiC.
Vocal Patterns in Male and Female Groups

Ten male and ten female five-person groups spent 20 minutes talking and getting acquainted. Subjects wore lavaliere microphones, and their voices were monitored continuously by a microcomputer system that detected patterns of speech and silence. Raw vocal data were transformed into codes representing conversational states that can occur in a group discussion (e.g., individual turn, pause, simultaneous speech, group turn), and these codes were related to peer ratings and to overall ratings of the group. Talking was generally associated with positive evaluations, though the pattern varied with different speech codes and differed for males and females. Females reported enjoying group interaction more than males did, and females vocalized more within their turns and paused less between their turns.
Constraint-driven generation of model structures

This article presents a framework for generating model structures with respect to a set of constraints and modelling requirements. The framework is based on multifacetted modelling and artificial intelligence concepts. Two knowledge representations, the system entity structure and the production rule formalism are incorporated into an automatic procedure for generating model configurations. The procedure is implemented in the Turbo Prolog environment. A simple case study based on a local area network (LAN) modelling problem is discussed to illustrate the conceptual framework.
Hydrodesulfurization properties of cobalt–nickel phosphide catalysts: Ni-rich materials are highly active

Abstract The HDS properties of a series of Co x Ni 2 − x P y /SiO 2 catalysts have been investigated as a function of the Co/Ni molar ratio (for a fixed P/Me molar ratio) and of the P/Me molar ratio (for a fixed Co/Ni molar ratio). An oxidic precursor composition of Co 0.08 Ni 1.92 P 2.00 on the silica support yielded the bimetallic phosphide phase having the highest HDS activity, 34% higher than that of an optimized nickel phosphide catalyst prepared from an oxidic precursor having a composition of Ni 2.00 P 1.60 . X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed Ni-rich Co x Ni 2 − x P y /SiO 2 catalysts to have surface enrichment of P (relative to Ni 2.00 P 1.60 /SiO 2 and Co 2.00 P 1.00 /SiO 2 catalysts) and to incorporate remarkably low amounts of S during HDS testing. The high activity of these Co x Ni 2 − x P y /SiO 2 catalysts is attributed to surface enrichment of P relative to nickel phosphide, which results in improved resistance to S incorporation under HDS conditions. Consistent with these findings and the solid-state chemistry evidence that suggests that Ni atoms in Ni-rich Co x Ni 2 − x P y /SiO 2 catalysts occupy disproportionately more pyramidal M(2) sites than tetrahedral M(1) sites, we conclude that the high site densities of these catalysts are due to Ni atoms in surface M(2) sites, which results in P-enriched surfaces that are resistant to site blockage due to S incorporation.
Relativistic Three-Body Theory with Applications to π − N Scattering

Linear relativistic three-body equations for the scattering of a particle from a bound state or correlated pair of the others are constructed by combining the quasiparticle or isobar idea with two- and three-body unitarity as suggested by Blankenbecler and Sugar. After a partial-wave decomposition, the equations turn out to be one-dimensional, and hence are easily solved numerically. Any exchange mechanism and any number of isobars or separable two-body interactions can be included in the equations without violating two- and three-body unitarity and Lorentz invariance. Higher integer-spin separable interactions or isobars are included, in very close analogy to the nonrelativistic case. Applying the equation to the $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}N$ system with pseudoscalar coupling, that is, with only nucleon exchange and no $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}$ interaction or $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}{N}^{*}$ intermediate state, gives a (3,3) resonance but no other interesting structure. That is just what one would expect from such a simple mechanism and encourages us to go on to richer input. Analyzing the answers as a function of nucleon mass shows that the static-model expansion converges very slowly.
3-Coloring graphs embedded in surfaces

In this article, we show that there exists an integer k(Σ) ≥ 5 such that, if G is a graph embedded in a surface Σ without i-circuits, 4 ≤ i ≤ k(Σ), then G is 3-colorable. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 33: 140143, 2000
Analysis of carminomycin in human serum by fluorometric high-performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract A method is given for the determination of carminomycin (CMM) and a major metabolite carminomycinol (CMMOH) in serum from cancer patients after intravenous administration of carminomycin as the free drug. CMM and CMMOH are extracted from serum with chloroform, the extract evaporated and the residue dissolved in methanol. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis utilized a C 18 μBondapak reversed-phase column eluted with 0.1 mol/l acetate buffer (pH 4) — acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) with fluorescence detection. The assay is linear, reproducible, and precise with a limit of detection of 2 ng/ml. Representative serum levels of CMM and CMMOH in a cancer patient are presented.
Silwet L-77 improves the efficacy of horticultral oils for control of boisduval scale Diaspis boisduvalii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and the flat mite Tenuipalpus pacificus (Arachnida: Acari: Tenuipalpidae) on orchids.

ABSTRACT Pest management of insects and mites on orchids has been based on the use of synthetic organic pesticides. However, less-toxic chemical control is needed by hobbyists and small growers. Orchids from 8 genera were treated with Silwet L-77 alone and no evidence of phytotoxicity was seen. Subsequently, 3 petroleum oils in combination with Silwet L-77 were tested to determine efficacy in suppressing Boisduval scale Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) and the flat mite Tenuipalpus pacificus Baker (Arachnida: Acari: Tenuipalpidae). The results indicate Silwet L-77 increased toxicity of the oils and increased removal of the scales and mites from foliage over oil alone, yet no phytotoxicity was observed in any of the plants treated. Petroleum oil + Silwet L-77 is considered low-toxic, may be less expensive than some pesticides, and may conserve natural enemies, making it a potential addition to an integrated pest management program for orchids.
Ammonium chloride prevents lytic growth of reovirus and helps to establish persistent infection in mouse L cells

Ammonium chloride, a lysosomotropic agent that raises intralysosomal pH, reduces the yield of reovirus during infection of mouse L cells. Subsequent removal of ammonium chloride results in the rapid establishment of a persistent infection.