cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of chronic viral hepatitis on prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Inflammation and the immune system significantly impact the development, progression, and treatment response of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This retrospective study investigated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic biomarker in Western patients with HCC in the setting of chronic viral hepatitis. METHODS Patients diagnosed with HCC from 2005 to 2016 were selected from a tertiary care institution. NLR was calculated within 30 days prior to treatment and dichotomized at the median. Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) curves and Cox hazard proportional models were utilized. Tumor and liver reserve parameters were included in multivariable analyses (MVA). RESULTS A total of 581 patients met inclusion criteria (median age 61.0 yr; 78.3% male; 66.3% Caucasian) with median OS = 34.9 mo. 371 patients (63.9%) had viral hepatitis, of which 350 had hepatitis C (94.3%). The low-NLR group (<median NLR = 2.45) demonstrated higher median OS of 45.6 mo versus the high-NLR group (median OS 23.9 mo, p < 0.0001). Log-transformed NLR was associated with decreased OS, after multivariable adjustment for confounders (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34, p = 0.0033). Viral hepatitis was identified as an NLR effect modifier: in nonviral hepatitis (n = 210), low NLR was associated with higher median OS versus high NLR (56.7 mo vs. 17.6 mo, p < 0.0001). This was decreased in viral hepatitis (n = 371) (low vs. high NLR: 41.9 mo vs. 35.2 mo, p = 0.0109). Further, the interaction term between hepatitis and log-transformed NLR was significant (p = 0.0274) on MVA. CONCLUSIONS Lower baseline NLR was associated with increased overall survival in HCC. Viral hepatitis serves as an effect modifier of NLR, attenuating its prognostic relevance in this hepatitis C-predominant population.
Sex differences in parental response to offspring begging are associated with pair bond strength across birds

Mothers, fathers, and offspring regularly clash over how much care offspring receive. Offspring beg to solicit for more resources--but how much begging is rewarded can depend on who is listening. While both parents benefit from provisioning offspring, each would benefit from their partner shouldering more of the burden of care, leading to sexual conflict. Additionally, if the costs and benefits of provisioning differ by sex, parent-offspring conflict should vary by sex. How these evolutionary conflicts influence sex differences in parent-offspring communication is unknown. To determine whether the sexes differ in their response to offspring signals, we conducted a meta-analysis on 30 bird species, comparing responsiveness to social and physiological traits affecting conflict. We found that a species9 typical pair bond strength predicts whether males or females respond more to offspring begging. In species with stable and/or monogamous bonds, and thus lower sexual and paternal-offspring conflict, males9 provisioning effort is more strongly correlated with offspring begging than females9. The opposite holds for species with weak pair bonds: females respond more to begging, perhaps compensating for males9 lower responsiveness. These results demonstrate that sex differences in parental care can arise via sex differences in parent-offspring communication, driven by evolutionary conflicts.
Equilibrium centrifugation of proteins in acidic solutions. Beta-lactoglobulin A in aqueous acetic, propionic, and butyric acids.

Abstract Short chain aliphatic acids are almost neutrally buoyant in aqueous solutions, and preferential interaction of macromolecules with these solvent components should not greatly affect apparent molecular weights determined by equilibrium ultracentrifugation. The feasibility of molecular weight estimations using native, neutral pH values of partial specific volume has been tested: equilibrium ultracentrifugation of β-lactoglobulin A (β-LgA) has been carried out in aqueous acetic, propionic, and butyric acids in the absence of any other added electrolyte. These solutions are highly nonideal because of the extreme Donnan effect. Apparent molecular weights estimated at infinite dilution using the native neutral pH value of the partial specific volume, v p , differed by less than 5% from the monomer formula weight. The 10 m acids appear to be least effective as dissociating agents for β-LgA, with a weak reversible monomer-dimer association suggested in 10 m acetic acid, with significant heterogeneity apparent in 10 m propionic acid, and with a lack of direct solubility in 10 m butyric acid. All the 0.1 m acids and all the 1 m acids were essentially equally effective as dissociating agents, with the exception of 1 m butyric acid which dissolved β-LgA only slowly to give significantly heterogeneous solutions. From these results and from our previous experiments with aldolase (6), it appears feasible to use the native values of v p to obtain estimates of molecular weights of proteins in aqueous organic acids as dissociating agents.
Efficient generation of 1/f/sup /spl alpha// noise using a multi-rate filter bank

We propose a low-complexity 1/f/sup /spl alpha// noise generation scheme based on a multi-rate filter bank. In this scheme, each branch in the filter bank processes signals in a different frequency band and allows arbitrary selection of /spl alpha/ in each branch. This scheme greatly reduces computation when compared to the traditional noise generation approach of using a single noise shaping filter. Furthermore, it allows selecting different combinations of noise frequency response in different frequency bands, thus allowing calibration of noise generated in simulation to the one measured in the laboratory from test chips. A comparison of various noise generation schemes is also presented.
Evaluation of impedance cardiac output in children.

In 20 children without shunts or valvular insufficiency, duplicate dye dilution and impedance cardiac outputs (ICO) were carried out. The duplicate dye dilutions had a standard deviation 0.259 L/min/m2, while duplicate ICO had a standard deviation 0.192 L/min/m2 (F = 1.82, p In 21 subjects with left to right shunts, the ICO related well with pulmonary blood flow (r = 0.92) rather than systemic flow (r = 0.21). In 13 subjects with aortic insufficiency, sequential Fick and ICO had a 50% mean difference; the impedance measurement was found to be higher in every case. These data indicate that the impedance cardiograph can provide a noninvasive measure of cardiac output when there are no shunts or valvular insufficiencies. In subjects with left to right shunts the impedance cardiograph provides a measure of the pulmonary blood flow. When aortic insufficiency exists the impedance cardiograph is distorted such that it is consistently higher than Fick cardiac output.
Swallowed by a Snake: The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing by Golden, T. R.

Grief, in its many forms, has a way of taking us from our comfort zones of familiarity and routine to states of loss, chaos, and instability. Expressions of grief, according to the author, are clos...
Are There Trends in Local Finance? A Comparative Look at Data and Normative Models of Local Government Finance

There is little evidence of regional, let alone worldwide, trends in local finances, although trends within particular countries certainly exist. Given the path-dependent and context-specific nature of country experiences, one must be very careful both in categorizing the local finance systems found in different countries and in making cross-country empirical studies of local finances. In analyzing and comparing country experiences, it is important to be clear about the different (implicit or explicit) normative models to be found in the literature and exemplified in practice in different countries.
Computational Connections between Robust Multivariate Analysis and Clustering

In this paper we examine some of the relationships between two important optimization problems that arise in statistics: robust estimation of multivariate location and shape parameters and maximum likelihood assignment of multivariate data to clusters. We offer a synthesis and generalization of computational methods reported in the literature. These connections are important because they can be exploited to support effective robust analysis of large data sets.
Bioinformatics Challenges in Translational Research

The basic goal of translational research, from a boinformatics perspective, is to relate data acquired from basic research to an outcome in a patient. The relation of data may be following the drug discovery process, where biochemical and protein structure data is linked all the way through to data collected during the clinical trial process and onward. The relation of data can also be associate with better patient care, through techniques like data mining, where data from the research environment is combined with data from the clinical environment and used for hypothesis generation, testing and potential outcomes are implemented. Translation research also requires collaboration between various clinical investigators, physicians, scientists and teams, creating a need for secure data sharing. Inherent to the nature of translational research is the integration of data from multiple systems. Data used for research resides in EMRs, LIMSs, CTMS, and other source systems. For example at the University of Miami, The Miller school and its affiliate Institutes (e.g., Jackson Hospital), have established a number of information systems to support various operational needs. These current systems include Velos (for clinical trials management) Cerner (the Jackson EMR), MetaDatach, (UMH) and IDX. The Miller School is also in the process of implementing a EPIC EMR system. We are developing a system to address the above outlined needs and challenges. It is an integration infrastructure to support translational research, but may also be applied to other data sharing and integration needs throughout UM. The system is currently referred to as UTRIX (UM Translational Research Information eXchange). More specifically, UTRIX features a utility data storage environment (FUSE), a service oriented architecture (SOA), an organization currently referred to as the "honest broker" (HB) to control access to data, and standard tools and educational programs to support data analysis. FUSE (Flexible Utility Storage Environment) is intended to meet the data storage needs described above. The SOA and HB together address the challenges posed by data access and authorization. FUSE, the SOA and HB together provide a context in which to make available tools and educational programs to enable the data analysis and advance data mining of research data.
Reduction of Bone Assessments Necessary for the Skeletal Age Determination of Boys

Abstract In this study, the skeletal ages of the individual bones comprising the wrist and hand were intercorrelated and correlated with the total-hand skeletal ages based on 30 osseous assessments of 273 boys 9 through 15 years of age. No intercorrelation between individual bones was less than .9456 (distal end of ulna and lunate bone) and no correlation of a single bone with over-all skeletal age was lower than .9718 (distal end of ulna). The wrist-hand skeletal age of an adolescent boy can be determined with a satisfactory degree of accuracy from the skeletal age of metacarpal IV alone, since the correlation of this bone with skeletal age of the total hand was .9960. Using the following four bones, the multiple correlation with the total hand was .9989: capitate, metacarpal III, proximal phalanx III, and middle phalanx III.
Whither the Neanderthals

Thousands of Neanderthal fossils and artifacts are known, making Neanderthals the best-characterized fossil humans. It is becoming increasingly clear that the Neanderthals and their modern human successors did not mix and that the Neanderthals are an extinct side branch of humanity. Yet, as [Klein][1] explains in his Perspective, it remains unclear why they disappeared shortly after modern humans arrived in Europe and west Asia. Archaeological studies show that Neanderthals shared many advanced behaviors with modern humans, but that they were not as culturally advanced. Neither archaeology nor fossils can reveal Neanderthal cognitive capacity, but genetic studies may shed light on whether the demise of the Neanderthals can be attributed to limited cognitive ability. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/299/5612/1525
Recent PET radioligands with optimal brain kinetics for imaging nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Cerebral neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are implicated in various neurophysiological processes and in the pathophysiology and/or treatment strategies of various disorders. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of nAChR and, especially, the most prominent cerebral subtype α4β2-nAChR is important in smoking, epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, schizophrenia, cognition, behavior, memory, and in research involving aging, cognitive impairments, and dementia. Most human α4β2-nAChR PET imaging has been performed with 2-[(18) F]FA, but slow brain kinetics is the substantial drawback of 2-[(18) F]FA that precludes widespread PET imaging research of nAChR in humans. Development of a better PET radioligand for α4β2-nAChR was a focus of substantial investigation that has been thoroughly reviewed (up to 2009) previously. This article attempts to summarize the peer-reviewed publications of the most recent development and preclinical studies of novel α4β2-nAChR PET radioligands with improved brain kinetics and first human studies with one of these radioligands ([(18) F]AZAN).
Compression ignition engine performance and emission evaluation of industrial oilseed biofuel feedstocks camelina, carinata, and pennycress across three fuel pathways

Abstract Industrial oilseeds camelina ( Camelina sativa L.), carinata ( Brassica carinata ), and pennycress ( Thlaspi arvense L.) offer great potential as biofuel feedstocks due to their non-food nature and positive agronomic attributes. This research focused on compression ignition (CI) engine performance and emissions of these industrial oilseeds as compared to both traditional feedstocks and petroleum diesel. A John Deere 4.5 L test engine was used to evaluate these oils using three fuel pathways (triglyceride blends, biodiesel, and renewable diesel). This engine research represents the first direct comparison of these new biofuel feedstocks to each other and to conventional sources. For some industrial oilseed feedstock and fuel pathway combinations, this study also represents the first engine performance data available. The results were promising, with camelina, carinata, and pennycress engine performance very similar to the traditional oils for each fuel pathway. Fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, and emissions were all were typical as compared to traditional oilseed feedstocks. Average brake specific fuel consumption (bsfc) for the industrial oilseed biofuels was within ±1.3% of the conventional oilseed biofuels for each fuel type. Initial research with triglyceride blends (TGB), formed by blending straight vegetable oil with gasoline, indicate it may be an ideal fuel pathway for farm-scale fuel production, and was compatible with a direct injection CI engine without modification. TGB had lower fuel consumption and a higher thermal efficiency than biodiesel for each feedstock tested. For several categories, TGB performed similar to petroleum diesel. TGB volumetric bsfc was only 1.9% higher than the petroleum runs. TGB combustion characteristics were similar to biodiesel. Biodiesel runs had several emission benefits such as reductions in carbon monoxide (CO), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and formaldehyde (CH 2 0) emissions as compared to TGB runs. The renewable diesels had petroleum-like engine performance and combustion characteristics, while still maintaining some of the benefits of biodiesel such as reduced CO emissions. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions were also 6% lower for renewable diesel runs than petroleum. Both crude and refined oil was used as feedstock, and did not significantly affect engine performance or emissions in a modern CI engine.
Structure of the Personality Beliefs Questionnaire-Short-Form: Smallest Space Analysis

Butler et al. (Cognitive Therapy and Research 31:357–370, 2007) developed the Personality Beliefs Questionnaire-Short Form (PBQ-SF), from an earlier longer version (Beck and Beck 1991), to assess the types of schemata associated with different personality disorders. This study explored the structure of PBQ-SF using Guttman’s Smallest Space Analysis. Participants were 228 students who volunteered for the study. The two facets (each with two subsets) suggested by the analysis to characterize the structure of the personality disorder subscales were Ego Concerns (self-enhancement versus self-protection) and Control Concerns (feelings lack of control versus need for control). Clinical implications of the findings include targeting major dysfunctional thinking, as suggested by the aforementioned two facets and their subsets, in the treatment of personality disorders.
Mild renal dysfunction and long-term adverse outcomes in women with chest pain: Results from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute–sponsored Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE)

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that mild CKD independently predicts adverse outcomes in women with symptoms and signs of ischemia. Methods We categorized 876 women from the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation cohort according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (eGFR ≥90 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 [normal], 60-89 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 [mild CKD], ≤59 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 [severe CKD]). Time to death from all-cause and cardiovascular causes and major adverse outcomes were assessed by multivariate regression adjusted for baseline covariates. Results Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) was present only in few patients (39%). Even after adjusting for CAD severity, renal function remained a strong independent predictor of all-cause and cardiac mortality ( P P P P = .002). Conclusions Even mild CKD is a strong independent predictor of all-cause and cardiac mortality in women with symptoms/signs of ischemia, regardless of underlying obstructive CAD severity, underscoring the need to better understand the interactions between ischemic heart disease and CKD.
Anti-tumor pyrimidinylpiperazines bind to the prosurvival Bcl-2 protein family member Bcl-XL.

Abstract Overexpression of prosurvival or underexpression of pro-death Bcl-2 family proteins can lead to cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Inhibition of the prosurvival Bcl-2 family proteins has become a strategy for cancer therapy and inhibitors are currently being evaluated in the clinic both as single agents and in combination with established drugs. Here we describe the design, synthesis, and evaluation of pyrimidylpiperazines that were discovered to be inhibitors of the prosurvival Bcl-2 protein family member Bcl-XL. This study identified compound 21 which demonstrated a GI50 value of 8.4 μM against A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells and a binding affinity Ki value for Bcl-XL of 127 nM.
Asymmetry of protein peaks in capillary zone electrophoresis: effect of starting zone length and presence of polymer

Abstract The asymmetry of R-phycoerythrin (Mr=240 000) peaks in capillary zone electrophoresis measured as ln[(tm−t1)/(t2−tm)], where tm, t1 and t2 are migration times of the peak mode and at the intersection of the peak width at half-height with the ascending and descending limbs, respectively, was found to undergo a transition from negative to positive values with increasing starting zone length. The transition is compatible with a mathematical model of peak dispersion which assumes that an interaction of protein with the capillary walls governs the evolution of the peak during capillary zone electrophoresis. Models assuming a final peak shape defined solely by longitudinal diffusion, or by a heterogeneity with regard to mobility or by a conductivity difference between analyte zone and background electrolyte, have failed to give rise to a change in the sign of peak asymmetry when the starting zone length is varied. The presence of polyethylene glycol in the buffer within a concentration range up to 4% does not appreciably affect the peak asymmetry regardless of whether the concentration regime is dilute or semi-dilute. Above 4% of polyethylene glycol, the asymmetry becomes nearly independent of starting zone length, and progressively negative with increasing polymer concentration. The concentration range at which the transition from negative to positive asymmetry disappears coincides with that at which the average mesh size of the polymer network falls below the size of the protein.
Heterogeneous creditors and the market value of bank LDC loan portfolios

Abstract A standard proposition used in many empirical studies is that the value of an LDC loan does not depend on the identity of the lender. I test this proposition using bank securities prices and prices for LDC loans trading in the secondary market. I find significant cross-sectional differences in the sensitivity of bank stocks to changes in the price of LDC loans. Differences in sensitivity appear to be related to changes in bank exposure to LDCs. I also find evidence consistent with the hypothesis that CDs are implicitly insured.
A methodology to analyze treatment zone geometry and variability of percutaneous thermal ablation

A major challenge for image guided tumor ablation is the high treatment variability due to heterogeneous tissue characteristics and thermal sinks. In this work, we present a methodology to analyze the geometry of the treatment zones and treatment zone variability. Our first contribution is an applicator centric co-ordinate system which enables us to compare treatment zones and vendor specifications across patients. Our second contribution is the analysis of the shape of the ablation zone using applicator centric longitudinal 2D cross sections. We present initial results of applying this methodology to analyze the geometry and variability in synthetic examples like ellipsoid, sphere and real microwave ablation zones in lung and liver.
Electrophoretic analysis of cell surface proteins of preimplantation mouse embryos

Abstract Cell surface proteins expressed during mouse preimplantation development have been labeled by lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results reveal that embryonic surface proteins are labeled at all stages tested and that the major qualitative changes in surface protein composition occur following fertilization and coincident with blastocyst formation.
Teaching the reading of connected text through sight-word instruction to students with moderate intellectual disabilities

Sight-word instruction is the most common method of reading instruction for students with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities reported in the research literature. The purpose of this study was to go beyond instruction of single word units to instruction of multiple-word phrases. This study demonstrated the instruction of reading and comprehending individual words and connected text through the use of simultaneous prompting. Instruction progressed through a series of phases which systematically introduced various parts of speech and combinations of parts of speech. Following acquisition, students demonstrated generalization across connected text found in community environments and leisure-reading materials.
Sampling and characterization of air for organic compounds

Computerized gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was applied to the analysis of organic compounds in air at a National Air Surveillance Network station in Kansas City. Sampling approaches used included particulate sampling, adsorption on XAD-2 resin followed by solvent elution, and adsorption on Tenax GC followed by direct desorption onto a gas chromatography column. Eighty-two compounds were identified. Unusually large amounts of phenol and phenolformaldehyde resin intermediates were found.
A general purpose code for Monte Carlo simulations

Abstract A general-purpose computer code MONTHY has been written to perform Monte Carlo simulations of physical systems. To achieve a high degree of flexibility the code is organized like a general purpose computer, operating on a vector describing the time dependent state of the system under simulation. The instruction set of the “computer” is defined by the user and is therefore adaptable in the particular problem studied. The organization of MONTHY allows iterative and conditional execution of operations.
Investigations of H-Mode Plasmas Triggered Directly by Pellet Injection in the DIII-D Tokamak

The transition from low-confinement (L-mode) to high-confinement (H-mode) plasmas has been directly produced by injecting frozen deuterium pellets in the DIII-D tokamak. H-mode transitions were produced at edge electron and ion temperatures below the L-mode values. This implies that a critical edge temperature is not necessary for H-mode transitions. The experimentally determined edge plasma parameters were well below those predicted by several theories of the H-mode transition to trigger the H-mode, indicating a need for revision of these theories.
The induction and maintenance of T cell anergy.

Abstract While the “true” role of T cell anergy in promoting peripheral tolerance continues to be debated, it is clear that studying the various models of anergy have led to important insight in terms of understanding the pathways and molecules responsible for T cell activation and inhibition. This review will examine our current understanding of CD4+ T cell anergy. In particular, it will focus on the signaling pathways responsible for both the induction and maintenance of anergy. Furthermore, it will examine how specifically targeting these pathways can be exploited clinically in terms of promoting tolerance in transplantation and autoimmunity and inhibiting tumor-induced tolerance in the case of tumor-immunotherapy.
Clinical review of physical activity and functional considerations in head and neck cancer patients

Patients facing head and neck cancer treatment are profoundly vulnerable to physiologic and functional disability. Exercise and nutrition have been shown to have many benefits in cancer patients, but much of this work has been performed in groups of breast, colon, and prostate cancer patients. Limited data exists regarding the role of exercise and nutrition in the management of head and neck cancer patients given their unique set of challenges relating to the cancer as well as its treatment. In this paper, we review the existing literature about general or recreational physical exercise as well as nutrition in this patient population as it pertains to lean muscle body composition, functional well-being, and overall quality of life.
Mechanical Modulation of Enzyme Activity by Rationally Designed DNA Tweezers: From the Ensemble to the Single-Molecule Level

Switchable nanomachines provide a platform to control dynamic functional states by altering distances at the nanoscale on demand. Recently, a tweezers-like DNA device was used to control the activity of an enzyme/cofactor pair juxtaposed on the two arms of the tweezers. Initial studies focused on bulk properties of the tweezers-mediated reactions, and hence lacked insight into the mechanism of enzymatic activation. Here, we used site-specific fluorophore labeling of the tweezers to monitor the arm-to-arm distance through single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET). Consistent with AFM measurements, smFRET showed that the tweezers only partially close in the proposed “closed” state and exhibit conformational sub-states. MD simulations showed bending and twisting of the tweezers arms, rationalizing the sub-states. Additionally, smFRET experiments on the isolated Holliday junction hinge suggested that the isomer resulting in the tightest closing of the tweezers (isomer-I) is relatively disfavored, further explaining the only partial closing. We rationally improved the closing by increasing the stem length of the DNA hairpin bridging and actuating the tweezers from 3 to 4 base pairs, and by redesigning Holliday junction(s) of the tweezers to favor the optimal isomer-I. The performance of the new tweezers was quantitatively assessed by juxtaposing glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6pDH) with its cofactor NAD+ on the tweezers arms and measuring the G6pDH activity through a coupled enzymatic cascade. Using our optimized tweezers, we were able to enhance the bulk activity of G6pDH upon tweezers closure to up to ∼12-fold. Currently, we are exploring the tweezers-manipulated enzymatic reaction at the single-molecule level. Our results suggest that G6pDH stochastically fluctuates between active—inactive states, favoring the active state upon closure of the tweezers. Our discovery may represent a general approach for refining nanodevices for advanced applications.
8-Alkoxyquinolinium and 8-Alkoxy-N-alkylquinolinium Salts and Their Antibacterial Activity

A series of 8-alkoxyquinolinium hydrobromides and 8-alkoxy- N -alkylquinolinium quaternary iodides has been synthesized. Quaternization of the 8-alkoxy ethers was difficult or impossible with alkyl groups larger than ethyl. The quaternary salts showed characteristic antibacterial activities lower than that from 8-hydroxy-quinoline itself. The lower ethers had antibacterial activities which showed more variation with liposolubility and may be attributed to metal ion complexation.
Thermodynamic characterization of boltwoodite and uranophane: Enthalpy of formation and aqueous solubility

Abstract Boltwoodite and uranophane are uranyl silicates common in oxidized zones of uranium ore deposits. An understanding of processes that impact uranium transport in the environment, especially pertaining to the distribution of uranium between solid phases and aqueous solutions, ultimately requires determination of thermodynamic parameters for such crystalline materials. We measured formation enthalpies of synthetic boltwoodites, K(UO 2 )(HSiO 4 )·H 2 O and Na(UO 2 )(HSiO 4 )·H 2 O, and uranophane, Ca(UO 2 ) 2 (HSiO 4 ) 2 ·5H 2 O, by high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. We also studied the aqueous solubility of these phases from both saturated and undersaturated conditions at a variety of pH. The combined data permit the determination of standard enthalpies, entropies and Gibbs free energies of formation for each phase and analysis of its potential geological impact from a thermodynamic point of view.
Court Testimony, Child Welfare and Justice Systems, and the Emergency Physician

Emergency physicians, because of their frequent role in evaluating child victims of abuse and neglect, are likely to come into contact with child protective services (CPS) and law enforcement and may be called to testify in court. It is important that pediatric emergency medicine physicians have an understanding of CPS and criminal justice systems as they pertain to child abuse and neglect, as well as skills in effectively providing court testimony. This article, using case illustrations, will discuss the CPS and criminal justice systems, as well as provide strategies to facilitate comfort and effectiveness as a court witness.
Flat-field postobjective polygon scanner

A general two-dimensional ray-trace analysis is presented for the motion of a geometric focal point over a flat surface provided by a postobjective rotating polygon laser beam scanner. The exact defocus equation is derived for any value of the neutral scan position deflection angle and the polygon rotation angle. The scan nonlinearity is derived for the special case of a zero neutral scan deflection angle. Geometric parameters were found that reduce the peak-to-peak defocus by more than an order of magnitude from that found in previous design approaches. Conditions were also found that reduce scan nonlinearity to less than 2 × 10−4. Practical limitations, such as large polygons and beam obscurations, encountered in the implementation of postobjective scanning are discussed.
Macromolecular Synthesis in Bacterial Recovery from Ultra-violet Light

Doudney and Haas1 reported a marked increase in survival (‘recovery’) of Escherichia coli strain B when incubated following exposure to ultra-violet light in a nitrogen-free medium. This effect is similar to that described by Roberts and Aldous2 in 1949. In 1958, these workers3 reported that chloramphenicol, added to E. coli strain B cultures after 30 min. incubation following exposure to ultra-violet radiation, promotes a marked increase in survival. However, if the chloramphenicol is added immediately following irradiation, no increase in survival is observed with incubation. The results suggested that protein synthesis is necessary to bacterial recovery initially but is detrimental with subsequent incubation. Recently Gillies and Alper4 confirmed these basic findings with ultra-violet radiation and extended them to X-rays. This communication presents evidence which relates bacterial recovery to metabolic repair of the mechanism for the synthesis of deoxy-ribonucleic acid after damage by irradiation.
Control of transport in a chaotic lattice

Abstract We examine a mechanism for the elimination of vertical transport in a square, isotropic chaotic lattice. We find that applying a shear “jet” along a line of symmetry in the lattice can completely impede chaotic transport across a specified barrier. This is accomplished through a change in allegiance of heteroclinic connections within the lattice. This mechanism is relatively insensitive to details such as amplitude or shape of the applied shear. It depends quite sensitively, however, on the precise location of the shear. This suggests that the placement of flow control devices in physical situations may be much more critical to transport behavior than are other control parameters. In addition, we develop a necessary condition for the existence of boundary circles in non-twist maps. Using this condition we find that transport across a barrier can be eliminated for all practical purposes without evidence for an invariant boundary circle.
Process Simulation and Control Center: An automated pilot plant laboratory

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Michigan Technological University (MTU), with technical and financial assistance from its industrial partners, has incorporated the concepts of distributed control and process management into the curriculum via the Process Simulation and Control Center (PSCC). The PSCC includes two highly instrumented pilot plants (a siloxane polymerization batch reactor and a solvent recovery distillation process), controlled by a Honeywell TPS® distributed control system. The TUTOR 3000® computer-based training program prepares the students to run the two pilot plants. Process data are compressed and archived by OSI Software's PI® data management system and then are imported directly into spreadsheets and other computer applications on the departmental student network for analysis and reporting. The PSCC is a state-of-the-art facility that prepares MTU chemical engineering students for the computer-based industrial environment that they will encounter when they graduate. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 6: 145–150, 1998
Some Remarks on “Language-Created Entities”

Some entities, such as fictional characters, propositions, properties, events and numbers are prima facie promising candidates for owing their existence to our linguistic and conceptual practices. However, it is notoriously hard to pin down just what sets such allegedly “language-created” entities apart from ordinary entities. The present paper considers some of the features that are supposed to distinguish between entities of the two kinds and argues that, on an independently plausible account of what it takes to individuate objects, the criteria let in more than friends of the strategy might be happy with.
Differential sensing of protein influences by NO and CO vibrations in heme adducts

Heme proteins bind the gaseous ligands XO (X = C, N, O) via backbonding from Fe d(pi) electrons. Backbonding is modulated by distal interactions of the bound ligand with the surrounding protein and by variations in the strength of the trans proximal ligand. Vibrational modes associated with FeX and XO bond stretching coordinates report on these interactions, but the interpretive framework developed for CO adducts, involving anticorrelations of nuFeC and nuCO, has seemed not to apply to NO adducts. We have now obtained an excellent anticorrelation of nuFeN and nuNO, via resonance Raman spectroscopy on (N-methylimidazole)Fe(II)TPP-Y(NO), where TPP-Y is tetraphenylporphine with electron-donating or -withdrawing substituents, Y, that modulate the backbonding; the problem of laser-induced dissociation of the axial base was circumvented by using frozen solutions. New data are also reported for CO adducts. The anticorrelations are supported by DFT calculations of structures and spectra. When protein data are examined, the NO adducts show large deviations from the modeled anticorrelation when there are distal H-bonds or positive charges. These deviations are proposed to result from closing of the FeNO angle due to a shift in the valence isomer equilibrium toward the Fe(III)(NO-) form, an effect that is absent in CO adducts. The differing vibrational patterns of CO and NO adducts provide complementary information with respect to protein interactions, which may help to elucidate the mechanisms of ligand discrimination and signaling in heme sensor proteins.
Control of phenotypic expression in cultured chondrocytes: Investigations on the mechanism☆

Abstract When grown in a suitable medium, chick chondrocytes retain the morphology characteristic of cartilage tissue and synthesize a matrix whose main constituent is chondroitin sulfate. If chick embryo serum is added to the culture medium, the cells attain a fibroblastlike morphology and stop synthesizing chondroitin sulfate. A study of the metabolic fate of radioactive glucosamine in whole cells has revealed a block at the level of UDP-NAG-pyrophosphorylase reaction in the fibroblastlike cultures. This block can explain the cessation of chondroitin sulfate formation, since UDP-NAG is an important substrate in the polymerization of this glycosaminoglycan. A considerable level of UDP-NAG-pyrophosphorylase was demonstrated in the homogenates of the fibroblastic cells. Various possibilities are discussed concerning the mechanism of this block and its relation to the inhibition of matrix formation.
Human peritoneal macrophage and T lymphocyte populations in mild and severe endometriosis.

Backer JL, Widen RH, Mahan CS, Yeko TR, Parsons AK, Spellacy WN. Human peritoneal macrophage and T lymphocytic population in mild and severe endometriosis. AJRI 1995 ; 34 :179-187 © Munksgaard, Copenhagen PROBLEM : The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of peritoneal lymphocyte and macrophage populations in mild versus severe endometriosis. METHOD : Using dual staining, antigen expression on peritoneal leukocytes from 24 women with endometriosis and 21 control patients was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS : All groups had CD4 :CD8 ratios of 0.6, with subpopulations of CD8+ cells expressing cytotoxic marker S6Fl. Mild and severe endometriosis patients had increased CD3/DR+ cells, relative to controls. Two populations of macrophages were identified by size in all groups. Mild endometriosis patients had increased percentages of small macrophages expressing CD14 and HLA DQ, compared to controls and severe disease patients. In severe disease patients, antigen expression on small macrophages did not differ from controls, but decreased percentages of large macrophages expressed CD14 relative to controls and mild disease patients. CONCLUSION : All women with endometriosis exhibit activated peritoneal lymphocytes, whereas macrophage expression of CD14 is differentially expressed as a function of disease stage. Alterations in the functional capacity of these cells may contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease.
Balloon and aircraft measurements of stratospheric sulfate mixing ratio following the El Chichon eruption

Profiles of sulfate mixing ratio versus altitude over the range 15-28 km were obtained from filter samples collected aboard balloons and U-2 aircraft. Observations were made in the summer, fall, and winter following the March-April 1982, El Chichon eruption. Observed sulfate mixing ratios were approximately two orders of magnitude greater than typical background (not volcanically augmented) mixing ratios. The sulfate mixing ratios obtained form the aircraft filter measurements were in good agreement with the results from a wire impactor and a particle counter flown simultaneously. Computations of the amount of sulfate contained in a vertical column of sq m were in agreement with similar calculations from airborne lidar, balloon-borne particle counters, and Solar Mesosphere Explorer satellite radiance retrievals.
Steady-state characteristics based model for centrifugal pump transient analysis

Abstract A simple phenomenological model to simulate fast transients expected in centrifugal pumps in nuclear power plants, is developed. The model, which is based on steady-state characteristics of the pump, has been used successfully to simulate extremely fast startup and stopping of centrifugal pumps relevant to nuclear reactor safety studies. Comparison with experimental data shows very good agreement.
Lack of FDG Uptake in Small Cell Carcinoma Associated with ANNA-1 Positive Paraneoplastic Autonomic Neuropathy

A 76-year-old smoker presented with profound weight loss due to gastrointestinal dysmotility associated with high levels of the paraneoplastic antibody ANNA-1. Serial computed tomography scans showed regressing subcarinal adenopathy, and positron emission tomography imaging showed mild fluorodeoxy-d-glucose uptake in subcarinal nodes, suggestive of benign disease. Diagnosis of small cell carcinoma was established by biopsy of mediastinal nodes. This case highlights the importance of a thorough search for malignancy in patients with high levels of circulating autoantibodies and suggests that benign-appearing imaging studies be interpreted with caution in patients with paraneoplastic autoimmune syndromes.
Bilateral Vestibular Deficiency: Quality of Life and Economic Implications

RESULTS Fifteen patients with BVD, 22 with UVD, and 23 healthy controls participated. In comparison with patients with UVD and controls, patients with BVD had significantly worse DHI (P < .001) and HUI3 scores. Statistically significant between-group differences were observed for overall HUI3 score (P < .001) and for specific attributes including vision, hearing, ambulation, emotion, and pain (P < .001 for all). Generalized linear model analysis of clinical variables associated with HUI3 scores after adjustment for other variables (including sex, race, education, age, and frequency of dizziness-related outpatient clinic visits) showed that the presence of UVD (P < .001) or BVD (P < .001), increased dizziness-related emergency room visits (P = .002), and increased dizziness-related missed work days (P < .001) were independently associated with worse HUI3 scores. Patients with BVD and UVD incurred estimated mean (range) annual economic burdens of $13 019 ($0-$48 830) and $3531 ($0-$48 442) per patient, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Bilateral vestibular deficiency significantly decreases quality of life and imposes substantial economic burdens on individuals and society. These results underscore the limits of adaptation and compensation in BVD. Furthermore, they quantify the potential benefits of prosthetic restoration of vestibular function both to these individuals and to society.
Is chronic suppurative otitis media a neglected tropical disease

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the most common childhood diseases worldwide, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it affects anywhere between 65 and 330 million people worldwide, but mainly in the developing countries [1,2,3]. A recent epidemiological study estimated that countries with the highest incidence rates of CSOM resided in impoverished tropical and subtropical regions, although there is also an abnormally high prevalence of CSOM among vulnerable populations in high-income countries such as Aboriginal and indigenous peoples living in Australia and Alaska, United States, respectively [2,4] (Fig. 1). Although the exact definition of CSOM is still under debate, WHO currently defines it as a chronic inflammation of the middle ear cavity with recurrent discharge through tympanic perforation for a period of three months or greater [2] (Fig. 2). CSOM is believed to occur most frequently within the first six years of childhood, often following poor management of acute otitis media (AOM) [2,5,6]. Because the exact point in time as to when AOM becomes CSOM is still heavily debated, accurate diagnosis of CSOM remains a difficult task. Overall, the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 assigned 4.68 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) to otitis media, a disease burden that is almost as high as the intestinal helminth infections [7].
French Canada: An Example of What America Is Learning

Author's summary.— This article is an attempt to summarize briefly and accurately, the historical background and present day situation of the Province of Quebec, the modern incarnation of New France of Colonial days. While the author makes no effort to idealize French Canadians, she does aim at correcting some of the most glaring errors which are currently made concerning French Canadians.
Heavy cation effect on intersystem crossing between triplet and singlet phenylacyl and benzyl geminate radical pairs within zeolites

The difference in product selectivity observed between dibenzyl ketones and naphthyl esters in zeolites is due to the difference in spin of the radical pairs formed from these precursors. Heavy cations present in zeolites can enhance intersystem crossing between triplet and singlet geminate radical pairs.
Novel odors evoke risk assessment and suppress appetitive behaviors in mice

The effects of four novel odors on risk assessment by mice (i. e., flat back approach, stretched attention, immobility) and the suppression of appetitive behaviors were examined in two experiments. When novel odors were presented in a straight runway, subjects spent significantly less time in the odor compartment, relative to controls, when it contained sheep wool, chocolate, or citronella (but not cat fur) odors. Risk assessment behaviors occurred at similar levels among all groups and appetitive behaviors were not suppressed by the novel odors. When odorants were scattered over one half of the subjects' home cage floor in Experiment 2, all novel odors increased the duration of at least on e risk assessment measure and/or suppressed appetitive behaviors (i. e., eating, grooming, rearing). The results clearly reveal that a reasonably wide range of novel odors evoke at least some level of risk assessment which presumably reflects increased fearfulness. The odors of sheep wool and cat fur induced a wider range of such responses than did chocolate or cinnamon suggesting that mammalian odors may be particularly effective stimuli. If so, however, it is clear that predator odors are not uniquely effective in this regard. Experiment 1 also underscores the importance of the testing environment in assessing the behavioral effects of novel odors in mice. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.