cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring HPV vaccine impact on cervical disease: Status and future directions for the era of cervical cancer elimination

Post-licensure monitoring of the impact of HPV vaccines is critical to track the progress being made toward cervical cancer elimination and to identify areas where further progress can accelerate the achievement of this important public health goal. Over the past decade, a large body of evidence has revealed convincing benefits of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical infections and precancers at the individual-level (i.e., direct effectiveness) as well as in reducing the population-level burden of disease (i.e., overall effectiveness). At this time, effectiveness of the vaccines on preventing cervical cancer is just beginning to emerge given that there is a prolonged latency period for invasive disease. As we enter the era of cervical cancer elimination, these early and promising results may be expected in other countries in the near future. Thus, monitoring the direct and overall effectiveness for cervical cancer is an urgent research priority. In this article, we summarize what is known about the effectiveness of HPV vaccines on precancerous outcomes, and we highlight considerations for continuing these important public health activities going forward to monitor progress toward cervical cancer elimination.
The Memristor Laser

Here we demonstrate the first-ever semiconductor laser with non-volatile tuning functionality. A GaAs-on Silicon quantum dot laser is integrated with an Al 2 O 3 memristor, which results in lasing mode being manipulated by memristor states. The memristor controls the microring laser output wavelength in a non-volatile manner.
Miniaturized, wireless multi-channel potentiostat platform for wearable sensing and monitoring applications

A miniaturized potentiostat integrated with a three-electrode system to monitor different analytes is presented. The potentiostat circuit has been designed to have the feature of four-channel multiplexing to operate different electrochemical cells simultaneously. It is Bluetooth-connected to a user-controlled mobile app through which the system is wirelessly controlled and data is acquired. The personalized data from the analysis are displayed and analyzed in the mobile app. The system is comprised of four units: digital to analog converter (DAC), multiplexing unit, control unit, and current to voltage converter (CVC). The circuit is run by Arduino NANO 33 BLE. The Arduino's digital pulse width modulator (PWM) signal is converted into an analog signal through the DAC unit to run the scanning in the voltage range of -1V to 2V. This output of the DAC unit is then fed into the multiplexing unit to distribute it to all four control units one at a time. Later, each control unit of the respective cells performs scanning through the three-electrode system connected to the control unit. The real-time scanning data collected from the cell, sent to the CVC unit, and converted into a voltage to be readable by the Arduino. With its small form factor, low power, and low cost the presented system can be used wearable health monitoring platforms.
Flexible fiber-based CO 2 laser vs monopolar cautery for resection of oral cavity lesions: A single center randomized controlled trial assessing pain and quality of life following surgery.

Importance This study reports the impact of laser surgery on quality of life in patients with oral cavity lesions. Objective To compare postoperative pain and quality of life in patients treated with flexible fiberoptic CO2 laser vs electrocautery in patients with oral cavity precancerous lesions and early stage cancers. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Single center. Participants Patients with premalignant oral cavity lesions and early stage oral cancer. Intervention Patients were randomized to have surgical resection using either flexible fiber carbon dioxide laser (Laser) or electrocautery (EC). The patients were then followed over a period of 28 days to assess for outcomes including pain, quality of life, performance status, return to work, and return to diet. Quality of life was measured by the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire and the performance status score (PSS). Main outcome measure The primary endpoint for this study was the numerical pain rating on postoperative day (POD) 7. Results Sixty-two patients were randomized (32 laser and 30 electrocautery). Lesions excised were carcinoma in 30(48%), dysplasia in 31(50%) and benign in 1(2%). There was no difference in the location of lesion, size of lesion, defect size, type of closure, resection time, and blood loss between Laser and EC arms. Patients who had Laser had less pain compared to EC (mean pain score on POD 7 L = 2.84 vs EC = 3.83, P = 0.11). better UW QOL scores and PSS scores, quicker return to normal diet (median days L = 26.0 vs EC = 28.5, P = 0.17) and faster return to work (median days L = 13.0 vs EC = 16.5, P = 0.14). However, these results were not statistically significant. Conclusion There was a trend for patients treated with laser to have less pain and better quality of life scores but these result were not statistically significant. Based on the actual observed difference, a large multicenter RCT with 90 patients in each arm is required to determine the clinical relevance of our results.
Medicaid Expansion Associated With Some Improvements In Perinatal Mental Health.

Poor perinatal mental health is a common pregnancy-related morbidity with potentially serious impacts that extend beyond the individual to their family. A possible contributing factor to poor perin...
The Year in Review: Economics at the Antitrust Division, 2020–2021

Challenging anticompetitive acquisitions of nascent competitors is a top priority of the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. It is especially important that competition agencies remain vigilant of such acquisitions in platform markets, where indirect network effects and other market forces tend to preserve the status quo at the expense of smaller, more innovative rivals and potentially final consumers. This article discusses two such attempted acquisitions: (1) Visa’s acquisition of technology firm Plaid that threatened to disrupt Visa’s monopoly power in online debit; and (2) Sabre’s acquisition of Farelogix, which is a firm that allows airlines to connect directly to travel agencies and thereby disintermediates Sabre and other global distribution systems.
Mathematical Model for Water Pollution Control Studies

A methodology is proposed for studying the physical, economic, and administrative interrelationships of water-pollution control programs. A mathematical model is constructed for a stretch of river where bordering populations and industries use the flowing water for municipal water supply, procedures are used for evaluation of characteristics to facilitate repetitive calculations. The model is programmed for the electronic computer, which processes data efficiently and at low cost. Techniques are developed to obtain water pollution control plans that are optimal or nonoptimal with respect to cost. Based on examples examined in the paper, it appears that objectives for river water quality can be met at lower basin cost with various levels of sewage treatment for plants at different locations, than with a uniform requirement.
The fate of the unconscious in future psychotherapy.

It is important in these changing times to reconsider the psychoanalytic conception of the unconscious and the phantasmal mental life that occupies it—so that we can recalibrate our clinical work w...
Can Corrupt Countries Attract Foreign Direct Investment? A Comparison Of FDI Inflows Between Corrupt And Non-Corrupt Countries

Globalization and technological innovations create investment opportunities for enterprises worldwide. While firms pursue foreign direct investment opportunities on a global basis, countries compete to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. Recent studies suggest that corruption negatively impacts FDI inflows and may act as a “tax” on foreign direct investment. Transparency International, a non-profit organization, publishes an annual index measuring the “perceived” level of corruption in countries all over the world. Countries competing for FDI inflows are ranked from least-corrupt to most-corrupt. This paper analyses FDI inflows between the least corrupt and most corrupt countries as determined by Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Using UNCTAD’s Inward FDI Potential Index and Inward FDI Performance Index this paper assesses and draws conclusions regarding the absolute amount of FDI inflows, FDI inflows adjusted for country size, and FDI inflow potential.
Asymmetric Warfare: The Strait of Hormuz and Future Crises

JURIST Guest Columnist Kevin Govern of the Ave Maria School of Law says that the recent confrontation between a US warship and a foreign vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is the most recent in a history of incidents where time-tested tactics have shaped the economic and political security of the Gulf region.
Recombinant F′ Factors from Escherichia coli K-12 Strains Carrying recB or recC

The frequency of genetic exchanges between F' factors and the bacterial chromosome was studied in recombination-deficient Escherichia coli mutants under conditions in which the recombinant F' factors were immediately transferred to new hosts. In a series of double matings, F101-1 thr(+)leu(-) episomes were first transferred into each of four intermediate F(-)thr(-)leu(+) strains carrying various rec alleles. After the original F' donors were killed with phage T6, the F101-1 episomes were then transferred from the intermediate cells to F(-)thr(-)leu(-)Str(R)recA(-) females. Recipients of nonrecombinant episomes formed Thr(+) (Str(R)) colonies, and recipients of recombinant episomes formed Leu(+)(Str(R)) colonies. A comparison of the numbers of Leu(+)(Str(R)) and Thr(+)(Str(R)) colonies shows that recB(-) males formed 18 to 21% and recC(-) formed 47 to 60% of the wild-type level of recombinant episomes that could be detected after transfer. No recombinant episomes were detected using a recA(-) intermediate strain. If the intermediate strains harboring the F101 episomes were purified, allowed to grow for 50 generations, and then mated with the recA(-) recipient, recombinant episomes were transferred at 8% of the wild-type level for recB(-) and 13% for recC(-). In contrast, only 0.4 and 0.6% of the normal number of recombinants were obtained from crosses between Hfr Cavalli donors and the same recB(-) and recC(-) strains. Recombinant episomes were detected with greater frequency among newly formed rec(+), recB(-), and recC(-) partial diploids than in those which were 50 generations old.
Thyrocervical vertebral artery anastomosis: An experimental evaluation

Following the favorable experience with carotid surgery for occlusive disease, there is increasing surgical interest in extracranial vertebral artery lesions. Such lesions are now frequently encountered in hospital practice. The hospital incidence has increased in recent years, probably due to the ready availability of arteriography in many hospitals and also because of increased awareness of vertebral-basilar insufficiency syndromes. In the joint stroke study [5], the incidence of vertebral lesions was substantial and second only in frequency to carotid lesions. The true incidence may be even higher [6, lo]. Despite the frequency of incidence, vertebral arterial surgery has been slow to evolve because surgical indications are not as well defined [lo] and perhaps because of misapprehension toward small vessel surgery. However, institutions with experience in vertebral arterial surgery are enthusiastic about its clinical benefits [2, 4, 8, 111. The most widely utilized surgical procedure is vertebral artery endarterectomy, sometimes combined with a vein patch angioplasty [2, 31, even though a wide variety of other procedures have been attempted [8, 10, 111. Endarterectomy is an inferior procedure in small vessels due to problems with intimal flap and distal dissection, both of which can easily cause occlusion of a small caliber vessel. It is generally agreed that bypass of occlusive lesions with autogenous blood vessel grafts (arterial grafts are better than venous grafts) is superior to endarterectomy in treating small vessel lesions. The recent
New Immigrant Destinations in Small-Town America Mexican American Youth in Junior High

Research on new immigrant incorporation and schooling inequalities has almost entirely neglected the experiences of schooling for children of immigrants in new destinations. Additionally, while the ethnographic literature on children of immigrants focuses on high school students, recent studies show that patterns of minority achievement deficit become set in significant ways by middle school. Using participant observation, this study investigates the experiences of immigrant and second-generation Mexican American youth in a small-town Pacific Northwest junior high school in order to understand their low academic achievement when compared with the U.S.-born Anglo youth at the school. Building on the segmented assimilation model and stratification literature on minority youth in school, this study finds that the school community marginalizes Mexican American students. This study highlights how marginalization in school for Mexican American youth is not limited to the urban high school setting, and that scho...
The formation of island ecosystems

Island ecosystems are formed from the same generic building blocks as continental ecosystems. These can be reduced to five: (1) the terrestrial habitat (soil-parent material and topography), (2) the regional and local climate, (3) the regional biota with differential restrictions of accessibility, (4) the ecological roles assumed by the species including their potential for adaptation, and (5) the overriding dimensions of space and time. Unique to island ecosystems are various limitations that can lead to a peculiar ecology. These do not relate to the first two abiotic components mentioned above, but to the biotic components (3) and (4) and their interaction with space and time. Accessibility of species to the island habitat is a primary limitation that prevents many species of the regional biota from becoming established. This in turn results in further restrictions in the ecological types of species coming together. Limited space puts restrictions on population sizes, and time, together with isolation, is setting limits on the evolution of diversity. The paper gives examples by comparing vegetation processes in the Krakatau islands with those in Hawaii.
Sex differences among children 2-13 years of age presenting at the emergency department with acute asthma

Hospitalization rates for asthma have been reported to be higher in males than females in children under age 15, but it is not clear whether this disparity reflects gender differences in prevalence, severity, or treatment. We performed a prospective cohort study as part of the Emergency Medicine Network. Patients aged 2-13 years who presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute asthma underwent a structured interview in the ED and another by telephone 2 weeks later. Of 1,602 patients, 61% (95% CI, 59-64%) were boys. Girls were slightly older than boys, although no material differences existed in acute presentation, chronic asthma characteristics, ED treatment, or ED course. There was no difference in admission rates for boys or girls (20% vs. 22%; P = 0.48). This finding persisted when adjusting for other factors in a multivariate logistic regression model. No sex differences were observed for relapse or ongoing exacerbation on univariate or multivariate analysis. These data suggest that asthma is not inherently more severe in boys with asthma compared to girls, and that the increased rate of hospitalizations in boys under age 13 is due to differences in prevalence, not severity.
EXTINCTION PROBABILITIES IN MICROBIAL PREDATION: A BIRTH AND DEATH APPROACH

The problem of extinction of the prey population in a microbial predator-prey interaction in a chemostat has been examined. Usual deterministic lumped parameter models were used for the dynamics of the chemostat for large numbers of the two populations; the generalized birth and death stochastic process was employed for the description of the random variations at small prey numbers. Extinction probabilities of the prey population were calculated for different holding times and chemostat volumes, and their dependence upon the growth parameters of the two populations was studied. It was found that extinction was possible when the Monod model was used for the specific growth rate of the predators as a function of the prey number density. On the other hand, the decrease of the feeding activity of the predators at low prey densities predicted by the multiple saturation model acts as a regulatory factor that prevents extinction of the prey. In view of the fact that extinction of the prey has never been observed in the laboratory, the latter model seems more appropriate to describe the dynamics of microbial predation.
Effect of fly ash replacement level on the shear strength of high-volume fly ash concrete beams

Abstract The production of Portland cement – the key ingredient in concrete – generates a significant amount of carbon dioxide. However, due to its incredible versatility, availability, and relatively low cost, concrete is the most consumed manmade material on the planet. One method of reducing concrete's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is the use of fly ash to replace a significant amount of the cement. An experimental investigation was conducted to study the shear strength of full-scale beams constructed with high-volume fly ash concrete (HVFAC) – concrete with at least 50% of the cement replaced with fly ash – and conventional concrete (CC). This study includes two HVFAC mixes and one CC mix. The two HVFAC mixes are identical except for the amount of Class C fly ash replacement of cement, with one mix replacing 50% of the cement with fly ash and the other replacing 70%. This experimental program consisted of 18 beams without stirrups with three different longitudinal reinforcement ratios. The beams were tested under a simply supported four-point loading condition. The experimental shear strengths of the beams were compared with the shear provisions of both U.S. and international design codes (U.S. [ACI-318 and AASHTO LRFD], Australia, Canada, Europe, and Japan). Furthermore, the shear strengths of the beams were evaluated based on fracture mechanics approaches, modified compression field theory (MCFT), and a shear database of CC specimens. In addition, statistical data analyses (parametric and non-parametric) were performed to evaluate whether or not there is any statistically significant difference between the shear strength of the HVFAC and CC beams. Results of this study show that the HVFAC mix with 70% Class C fly ash has higher shear strength compared with the HVFAC mix with 50% Class C fly ash and the CC.
Magnetic structure in Dy/Sc superlattices

We have investigated magnetic order in superlattices of Dy and Sc grown along the hcp c axis by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) techniques. Our neutron diffraction experiments reveal that individual Dy layers order ferromagnetically below Tc∼150 K. The magnetic coherence length along the growth direction is less than the Dy‐layer thickness. Previous studies of rare‐earth superlattices with Y or Lu as spacer layers have shown that magnetic coherence propagates through sufficiently thin nonmagnetic interlayers. This arises from the long‐range exchange interaction that originates from nesting features in the Fermi surface of the spacer material. The lack of coupling in Dy/Sc superlattices reflects the very different Fermi surface of Sc, with much weaker nesting than Y and Lu.
Increased stability of airflow following botulinum toxin injection.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether stability of airflow, as well as mean airflow, increased following botulinum toxin injection to laryngeal and extralaryngeal muscles in persons with spasmodic dysphonia (SD), some with associated vocal tremor (VT). Study Design: Aerodynamic data were collected from five subjects before and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after they received treatment by each of two different arms in an injection protocol in a crossover study. One arm of the protocol involved treatment of the thyroarytenoid muscles only. The other arm involved treatment of both the thyroarytenoid muscles and the strap muscles. Methods: Measures of mean airflow and coefficient of variation (COV) of airflow during phonation were obtained. A decrease in the COV of airflow would indicate increased stability of phonatory airflow. Results: Before treatment, all subjects with SD/VT exhibited mean airflows that were similar to controls. The COV of airflow ranged from normal to substantially elevated. Following botulinum injection, mean airflow characteristically increased and COV of airflow decreased. Conclusions: This finding suggests there is a change in the type, as well as the level, of activity in the muscles of speech production following botulinum toxin injection. The increase in airflow stability identified could be due to increased stability of the laryngeal system and possibly of the respiratory system as well.
Reaction kinetics of gold dissolution in acid thiourea solution using ferric sulfate as oxidant

Abstract Reaction kinetics of gold dissolution in acid (pH 1–2) thiourea solutions using ferric sulfate as the oxidant were investigated with the rotating disk technique. Experiments for the kinetic study on the intrinsic reaction of gold dissolution were designed to measure the influence of system variables on the rate of gold dissolution and to determine the important parameters which govern the kinetic response of the gold leaching system. The variables tested included gold disk rotational speed, ferric sulfate concentration, thiourea concentration, pH, and temperature. Reaction control regions for the kinetics of gold dissolution were clarified under certain conditions. In the region of mass transfer control by ferric ion, the diffusion coefficient of ferric ion in acid thiourea solution was determined from the Levich theory and found to be 4.67 × 10– 6 cm2/s. When the dissolution reaction was in the region controlled by a surface reaction, the dissolution rate was found to be approximately one-fourth order with respect to thiourea concentration, zero order with respect to ferric concentration, and minus one-fifth order with respect to hydrogen ion concentration within the pH range from pH 1 to pH 2. The empirical kinetic expression under the surface reaction control has the following form: d C Au ( I ) d t = k [ Tu ] 0.25 [ H + ] − 0.2 The surface reaction had a reaction constant, k, at 25 °C of 5.93 × 10− 7 mol0.95/l0.95 min (or 3.58 × 10− 7 mol0.95 l0.05/cm2 min) and an apparent activation energy of 13.9 kcal/mol or 58.1 kJ/mol.
RF Measurements for Broadband Networks

This talk is to set the stage for what should be sound carriers at levels 15 to 17 dB lower than an interesting series of papers focused on the their associated video carriers. technical challenges associated with the deployment, performance and maintenance of various aspects of broadband networks.
A complete mapping of the positions of the proteins in the small ribosomal subunit of escherichia coli

The relative positions of the centers of mass of the 21 proteins of the 30S ribosomal subunit from Escherichia coli have been determined by triangulation using neutron scattering measurements in solution. This mapping is the first complete account of the quaternary structure of the small ribosomal subunit to be obtained by any method.
Genome wide association study of SNP-, gene-, and pathway-based approaches to identify genes influencing susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Background: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify specific genetic variants that underlie susceptibility to disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus in humans. Methods: Cases (n=309) and controls (n=2,925) were genotyped at 508,921 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Cases had at least one laboratory and clinician confirmed disease caused by S. aureus whereas controls did not. R-package (for SNP association), EIGENSOFT (to estimate and adjust for population stratification) and gene- (VEGAS) and pathway-based (DAVID, PANTHER, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) analyses were performed.Results: No SNP reached genome-wide significance. Four SNPs exceeded the pConclusion: We identified potential susceptibility genes for S. aureus diseases in this preliminary study but confirmation by other studies is needed. The observed associations could be relevant given the complexity of S. aureus as a pathogen and its ability to exploit multiple biological pathways to cause infections in humans.
Cavitation-induced erosion of ordered and disordered Cu3Au☆

Abstract The effect of the order-disorder transformation on the resistance of Cu3Au to cavitation-induced erosion has been studied. The general weight loss rate vs. time behavior is similar for the alloy in both the initially-ordered and initially-disordered conditions; however, after the initial stage the erosion rate of the initially-ordered alloy is only about one-half that for the disordered alloy. Analysis by X-ray diffraction shows that the surface layers of the ordered alloy are disordered by mechanical deformation prior to material removal. It is suggested that the homogeneous nature of the slip process in ordered alloy causes it to erode at a lower rate than the disordered alloy which deforms by inhomogeneous slip. In both the ordered and disordered conditions the final material removal appears to involve contributions from intergranular failure.
The relationship between sex role stereotypes and requisite management characteristics among college students

The relationship between sex role stereotypes and characteristics perceived as necessary for management success was examined among male and female undergraduate management students and compared with results of managers today as well as with those of managers studied 15 years ago. Male management students, similar to their managerial counterparts in the 1980s and 1970s, still adhere to the male managerial stereotype and perceive that successful middle managers possess characteristics, attitudes, and temperaments more commonly ascribed to men in general than to women in general. Female management students, similar to today's female managers, no longer sex type the managerial job, a change from the female managers of the 1970s. Implications of these outcomes for undergraduate management education are discussed.
Modified ray-mode (phase) theory: Understanding counter-wind propagation effects from atmospheric explosions

Abstract We have incorporated horizontal winds into ray-mode theory including the full spectrum of acoustic–gravity waves for a perfectly stratified, range-independent, steady-state model atmosphere for frequencies from 10 −4 to ∼10 Hz. This approach has also been applied to a specific atmospheric propagation problem that has long defied a solution, namely counter-wind propagation arrivals at a location ∼300 km up-wind of the source. Our modified ray-mode theory predicts reliable up-wind solutions, but only if small-scale sound speed fluctuations were added to the mean seasonal sound speed profiles. Since full-waveguide theory and modified ray-mode mode theory incorporate diffraction and scattering propagation effects, we have performed additional analyses to determine the mechanism through which these fluctuations produce the up-wind signals. We have concluded that the dominant mechanism is through diffraction due to the presence of semi-permanent turbulence and internal gravity waves located near the stratopause.
The tilt effect for Saturn's rings

Multiple-scattering computations are carried out to explain the variation of the observed brightness of the A and B rings of Saturn with declination of the earth and sun. These computations are performed by a doubling scheme for a homogeneous plane-parallel scattering medium. A range of choices is tested for the phase function, albedo for single scattering, and optical depth of both the rings. Isotropic scattering and several other simple phase functions are ruled out, and it is found that the phase function must be moderately peaked in both the forward and backward directions. The tilt effect can be explained by multiple scattering in a homogeneous layer, but, for ring B, this requires a single-scattering albedo in excess of 0.8. The brightest part of ring B must have an optical depth greater than 0.9. It is found that the tilt effect for ring A can be reproduced by particles having the same properties as those in ring B with the optical depth for the A ring in the range 0.4 to 0.6.
Transition from laminar to turbulent flow in liquid filled microtubes

The transition to turbulent flow is studied for liquids of different polarities in glass microtubes having diameters between 50 and 247 µm. The onset of transition occurs at Reynolds numbers of ~1,800–2,000, as indicated by greater-than-laminar pressure drop and micro-PIV measurements of mean velocity and rms velocity fluctuations at the centerline. Transition at anomalously low values of Reynolds number was never observed. Additionally, the results of more than 1,500 measurements of pressure drop versus flow rate confirm the macroscopic Poiseuille flow result for laminar flow resistance to within −1% systematic and ±2.5% rms random error for Reynolds numbers less than 1,800.
Strategies to increase CdTe solar-cell voltage

Abstract There is a significant difference in performance between today's highest efficiency of CdTe solar cells and single-crystal cells of comparable band gap. The largest contribution to this difference is the voltage, where the values for the best CdTe cells are about 230 mV below the best GaAs cells when an appropriate adjustment is made for band gap. CdTe voltage and fill-factor are currently compromised by low recombination lifetime (near 1 ns), low hole density (near 1014 cm− 3), and in some cases an excessive back-contact barrier. Numerical simulation is used to evaluate how combinations of lifetime, carrier density, back electron reflection, and interfacial properties affect voltage and cell performance. Two different strategies for improving voltage and performance are explored.
G-protein distribution in canine cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and sarcolemma: Comparison to rabbit skeletal muscle membranes and to brain and erythrocyte G-proteins☆

Herein we describe the distribution of G-proteins in canine cardiac sarcolemma (SL) and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and in rabbit skeletal muscle SL, T-tubules, and junctional and longitudinal SR in comparison to G-proteins of human erythrocyte and bovine brain. G-proteins were unequivocally present in cardiac SL and SR and in skeletal T-tubules. Both cardiac fractions had two substrates specifically ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxin migrating on a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel at about 42 and 45 kDa. In skeletal muscle membranes, cholera toxi-labeled substrates migrated at about 42 and 62 kDa. Three substrates for pertussis toxin were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate/urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in cardiac SL at about 38, 40, and 43 kDa. Only the two higher molecular weight substrates were detected in cardiac SR and in any of several skeletal muscle membrane fractions. Comparison of G-proteins in muscle membrane fractions with G-proteins isolated from bovine brain and human erythrocyte as well as their reaction with antisera to either a common sequence of alpha subunits of G-proteins (G alpha common antibody) or to a unique sequence of the alpha subunit of Go (G alpha o antibody) indicated that the two lower molecular weight bands in cardiac SL are Go or Go-like, and therefore the upper band is probably Gi. These data demonstrate that pertussis toxin substrates are more heterogeneous than previously described and have implications for studies attempting to attribute physiological functions to G-protein isolates.
Sequential enzyme-catalyzed metabolism of 4-nitrotoluene to S-(4-nitrobenzyl)glutathione

[14C]-4-Nitrotoluene was metabolized by rat liver postmitochondrial supernatant containing NADPH, reduced glutathione and a sulfate activating system to 4-nitrobenzyl alcohol, 4-nitrobenzyl sulfate, and S-(4-nitrobenzyl) glutathione. Formation of both sulfur-containing metabolites was dependent on the presence of a sulfate activating system. These results suggest that the glutathione conjugate was derived from 4-nitrobenzyl sulfate. Reaction of 4-nitrobenzyl sulfate with glutathione was not detected in pH 7.4 buffer, but rat liver cytosol catalyzed the formation of the glutathione conjugate from 4-nitrobenzyl sulfate. These results show that 4-nitrotoluene is metabolized in rat liver by sequential side chain oxidation, sulfation, and glutathione conjugation. Furthermore, they indicate that, unlike certain other arylmethyl sulfates, 4-nitrobenzyl sulfate is not highly reactive.
The reverse flow-metabolism mismatch pattern seen in myocardial viability PET scans reflects altered substrate utilization

Abstract Background: Cardiac PET utilizing N-13 ammonia (NH3) to quantify flow and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to assess metabolism is often used to assess for viable myocardium in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The flow-metabolism patterns characteristic of normal (NL) [normal NH3/ normal FDG] and hibernating (HIB) [↓ NH3/ normal or ↑ FDG], and infarcted (INF) [↓ NH3/ ↓ FDG] myocardium are well established. However, a fourth “reverse mismatch” pattern (RMM) [normal NH3 / ↑ FDG] is often seen, but its etiology is not well understood. We postulated that RMM does not result from improper scaling of PET images, but reflects a true defect in FDG uptake in normally perfused, dysfunctional regions. Methods: The PET scans from 18 patients showing both NL and RMM regions were quantitatively analyzed. Tracer activity (counts/pixel) and MBF (ml/g/min) were measured in identical 1-cm regions of interest (ROI's), selected in myocardial segments identified by experienced readers as NL, RMM, HIB or INF. Values were normalized to the most normal ROI for that patient. Results: A total of 81 ROI's were analyzed. Compared to NL, flow in RMM was somewhat decreased (p = 0.03), but was significantly greater than in HIB and INF (p * . NL (n = 23) RMM (n = 27) HIB (n = 10) INF (n = 21) Normalized MBF 0.95 ± 0.12 0.84 ± 0.22 * 0.55 ± 0.20 * , # 0.40 ± 0.18 * , # Normalized FDG Activity 0.97 ± 0.08 0.66 ± 0.12 * 1.07 ± 0.35 * 0.47 ± 0.16 * , # Normalized NH3 Activity 0.97 ± 0.07 0.94 ± 0.08 0.63 ± 0.18 * , # 0.47 ± 0.15 * , # Normalized FDG:NH3 Ratio 0.99 ± 0.08 0.71 ± 0.13 * 1.77 ± 0.53 * , # 1.06 ± 0.40 # Data are mean ± SD of ROI values as % of corresponding value measured in the most normal ROI for the same patient: * p # p Conclusions: The RMM pattern often seen in PET viability studies can be mathematically described by an FDG:NH3ratio
A Communication Competence Approach to Healthcare Worker Conflict, Job Stress, Job Burnout, and Job Satisfaction

The purpose of the current study was to examine the role of communication competence in terms of predicting conflict style, job satisfaction, job stress, and job burnout among 221 healthcare workers. The results indicated that higher communication competence scores were predictive of integrating and obliging conflict styles among healthcare workers although lower communication competence scores were predictive of dominating and avoiding conflict styles. In addition, an integrating conflict style was predictive of reduced stress and increased job satisfaction whereas dominating and avoiding conflict styles were predictive of increased job burnout among the participants. The implications of these findings as well as study limitations are discussed.
The Patient as an Information Source

(1970). The Patient as an Information Source. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 195-203.
Characterization of glutathione S-transferase activity in tissues of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus

Abstract 1. Specific activities and kinetic parameters of glutathione S-transferase(s) toward several model substrates were determined on 12, 500 g supernatants from tissues of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. 2. Using classic aryl, aralkyl and epoxide substrates, measurable quantities of glutathione S-transferase activity were detected in gill, hepatopancreas and excretory gland. 3. Specific activity was generally highest in hepatopancreas and excretory gland.
Least squares estimator for discretely observed Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes with small Levy noises

Abstract We study the problem of parameter estimation for generalized Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes with small Levy noises, observed at n regularly spaced time points t i = i / n , i = 1 , … , n on [0, 1]. Least squares method is used to obtain an estimator of the drift parameter. The consistency and the rate of convergence of the least squares estimator (LSE) are established when a small dispersion parameter e → 0 and n → ∞ simultaneously. The asymptotic distribution of the LSE in our general setting is shown to be the convolution of a normal distribution and a stable distribution. The obtained results are different from the classical cases where asymptotic distributions are normal.
Sediment Contamination of Residential Streams in the Metropolitan Kansas City Area, USA: Part I. Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Pesticide-Related Compounds

This is the first part of a study that evaluates the influence of nonpoint-source contaminants on the sediment quality of five streams within the metropolitan Kansas City area, central United States. Surficial sediment was collected in 2003 from 29 sites along five streams with watersheds that extend from the core of the metropolitan area to its development fringe. Sediment was analyzed for 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 3 common polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures (Aroclors), and 25 pesticide-related compounds of eight chemical classes. Multiple PAHs were detected at more than 50% of the sites, and concentrations of total PAHs ranged from 290 to 82,150 μg/kg (dry weight). The concentration and frequency of detection of PAHs increased with increasing urbanization of the residential watersheds. Four- and five-ring PAH compounds predominated the PAH composition (73–100%), especially fluoranthene and pyrene. The PAH composition profiles along with the diagnostic isomer ratios [e.g., anthracene/(anthracene + phenanthrene), 0.16 ± 0.03; fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene), 0.55 ± 0.01)] indicate that pyrogenic sources (i.e., coal-tar-related operations or materials and traffic-related particles) may be common PAH contributors to these residential streams. Historical-use organochlorine insecticides and their degradates dominated the occurrences of pesticide-related compounds, with chlordane and dieldrin detected in over or nearly 50% of the samples. The occurrence of these historical organic compounds was associated with past urban applications, which may continue to be nonpoint sources replenishing local streams. Concentrations of low molecular weight (LMW; two or three rings) and high molecular weight (HMW; four to six rings) PAHs covaried along individual streams but showed dissimilar distribution patterns between the streams, while the historical pesticide-related compounds generally increased in concentration downstream. Correlations were noted between LMW and HMW PAHs for most of the streams and between historical-use organochlorine compounds and total organic carbon and clay content of sediments for one of the streams (Brush Creek). Stormwater runoff transport modes are proposed to describe how the two groups of contaminants migrated and distributed in the streambed.
Fumigants and related chemicals in foods: Review of residue findings, contamination sources, and analytical methods

Public concern over chemical residues in foods increased in the United States during the early 1980s. Potentially hazardous levels of ethylene dibromide (EDB), a relatively non-volatile fumigant, were detected in several finished grain-based products by governmental food-monitoring laboratories. As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of EDB as a fumigant in 1983. Commercial fumigators then began using more of the highly volatile chemicals such as methyl bromide and phosphine. These chemicals are less likely to leave residues on stored crops than the previously used fumigants such as EDB, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. However, trace residues of many pest-control fumigants and related industrial chemicals are currently found in assorted foods. This contamination may come from the original fumigation of stored crops, or from the industrial chemicals occurring in the environment and in food processing chains. No potential health problem is indicated at this time. Yet scientists continue to uncover the sources of this chemical contamination, and to develop better methods to monitor foods for it. They also seek better ways to protect foodstuffs from pests prior to human consumption.
Toward a 256-Pixel Array of Gamma-Ray Microcalorimeters for Nuclear-Materials Analysis

We are developing a gamma-ray spectrometer for the analysis of nuclear materials based on an array of superconducting transition-edge-sensor microcalorimeters. The instrument will include eight columns of time-division-SQUID multiplexing circuitry capable of reading out 256 sensors. Our most recent sensors are bulk (1.5 mm square×0.25 mm thick) superconducting Sn absorbers glued to Mo/Cu bilayer thermometers. When fully populated, the active area of the spectrometer will be 5.76 cm2, and the maximum count rate of the array will approach 20 kHz. Thus, our spectrometer will be comparable to the state-of-the-art 100 keV high-purity-Ge detector in count rate and collecting area, but with an order of magnitude better energy resolution. Half the detectors will be optimized for operation up to 100 keV, and the other half for operation up to 200 keV. A version of the spectrometer with a partially populated detector array was delivered to Los Alamos National Laboratory in June, 2007. We describe the present status of that instrument. In addition, we review results from a prototype array of 14 detectors that achieved 47 eV average energy resolution (full width at half maximum at 103 keV) and 25 eV resolution in the best detector. An important application of this technology is determining the total Pu content in spent reactor fuel without detailed knowledge of the reactor’s operating history.
Transient motions of bi-lattices

Abstract We develop formal solutions for the propagation of transient pulses on a variety of bi-lattice models. The lattices are composed of a finite homogeneous chain connected in series with a different semi-infinite homogeneous chain at a common location occupied by a single mass which is different from the masses of both chains. Exact analytic solutions of this general case are not possible. Some analytic solutions are, however, possible for a variety of special cases. The general solutions are illustrated by numerically inverting the Laplace transform functions. The exact solutions are found to correlate very well with the numerical inversion scheme. Such correlations give confidence in the numerical scheme's predictions of the solutions of the more complicated chains.
Cooperative control of multiple vehicles with limited sensing

A navigation function based cooperative control is developed in this paper for the navigation of multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the presence of known stationary obstacles and unknown enemy assets (EAs). Specifically, the motion of UAVs are planned in a centralized fashion. The standard navigation function approach is extended to a multiple navigation strategy with an analytical switch among different cases due to the limited sensing zone of the UAVs. A differentiable controller is proposed based on this navigation function that yields asymptotic convergence. A discussion for avoiding moving EAs is presented. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the performance of the proposed control strategy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Did the great masters use optical projections while painting? Perspective comparison of paintings and photographs of Renaissance chandeliers

It has been claimed that as early as 1420 some European artists constructed their paintings by optically projecting images onto their supports (canvas, oak panel, etc.) and then tracing or painting over these projections. Because projected images obey the laws of perspective, a powerful test of this claim centers on analyzing the geometric accuracy of key Renaissance paintings. This paper investigates new techniques for analyzing the perspective accuracy of paintings. Notably, we focus on a portion of a painting central to debate the theory: the chandelier in Jan van Eyck's "Portrait of Arnolfmi and his wife". Despite the high level of visual realism of the painting, the technique proposed here highlights the large geometric inaccuracies that are very hard to explain in the optical projection route. The contribution of this paper is two fold: i) we present a projective geometry-based technique for detecting and measuring the geometric inaccuracies in paintings, and ii) we demonstrate that in the Arnolfmi portrait, the source of those inaccuracies lies in the imaging process, as opposed to the manufacture of the actual chandelier. The results presented in this paper cast serious doubts on the validity of the claim that optical tools were employed in painting the Arnolfmi portrait.
Gas sensing characteristics of ultrathin TiO2-x films investigated with XPS, TPD and in situ resistance measurements

Ultrathin Pt/TiO 2-x sensing films are characterized to investigate the adsorption and reaction processes that cause resistance changes. The films are prepared by oxidizing films with a nominal thickness of 65 A Pt on top of 65 A Ti at temperatures of 800-900 K. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that after the high-temperature oxidation the film structure becomes discontinuous. The film resistance is very responsive to oxygen exposure in the 500-700 K range, giving an increase in the film resistance. Thermal desorption studies suggest that oxygen exposure in this temperature range causes the incorporation of surface and lattice oxygen. The sensitivity to reducing gases such as hydrogen or propylene becomes very pronounced after subjecting the Pt/TiO 2-x films to thermal treatment in oxygen in the 500-700 K range. Exposure to hydrogen or propylene at elevated temperatures leads to partial removal of surface oxygen and a decrease in film resistance. The trends in the relative resistance changes of Pt/TiO 2-x films as a function of gas exposure confirm that both platinum and TiO 2-x surface sites contribute to high gas sensitivity. Thermal treatment under a controlled atmosphere alters the interaction between platinum and titania, modifying the relative sensitivity of the discontinuous film to oxidizing and reducing gases.