cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitor Use is Associated with a Reduced Risk of Heart Failure Hospitalization in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Real-World Study on a Diverse Urban Population

Limited evidence-based therapies exist for the management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use in patients with systolic heart failure (HFrEF) and type-2-diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with improved cardiovascular (CV) and renal outcomes. We sought to examine whether there is an association of SGLT2i use with improved CV outcomes in patients with HFpEF. We conducted a single-center, retrospective review of patients with HFpEF and T2DM. The cohort was divided into two groups based on prescription of a SGLT2i or sitagliptin. The primary outcome was heart failure hospitalization (HFH); secondary outcomes were all-cause hospitalization and acute kidney injury (AKI). After propensity score matching, there were 250 patients (89 in the SGLT2i group, 161 in the sitagliptin group), with a mean follow-up of 295 days. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the SGLT2i group had a reduced risk of HFH versus the sitagliptin group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.05–0.36); p < 0.001). The SGLT2i group had a decreased risk of all-cause hospitalization (HR 0.48; 95% CI (0.33–0.70); p < 0.001) and SGLT2i had a lower risk of AKI (HR 0.39; 95% CI (0.20–0.74); p = 0.004). The use of SGLT2is is associated with a reduced incidence of HFH and AKI in patients with HFpEF and T2DM.
Therapeutic perspectives of extracellular vesicles and extracellular microRNAs in atherosclerosis

Extracellular signaling molecules, such as growth factors, cytokines, and hormones, regulate cell behaviors and fate through endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine actions and play essential roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis. MicroRNAs, an important class of posttranscriptional modulators, could stably present in extracellular space and body fluids and participate in intercellular communication in health and diseases. Indeed, recent studies demonstrated that microRNAs could be secreted through vesicular and non-vesicular routes, transported in body fluids, and then transmitted to recipient cells to regulate target gene expression and signaling events. Over the past decade, a great deal of effort has been made to investigate the functional roles of extracellular vesicles and extracellular microRNAs in pathological conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that altered levels of extracellular vesicles and extracellular microRNAs in body fluids, as part of the cellular responses to atherogenic factors, are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. This review article provides a brief overview of extracellular vesicles and perspectives of their applications as therapeutic tools for cardiovascular pathologies. In addition, we highlight the role of extracellular microRNAs in atherogenesis and offer a summary of circulating microRNAs in liquid biopsies associated with atherosclerosis.
Removal of a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, triclosan, in wastewater treatment systems: A short review

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) including endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceuticals and personal care product chemicals (PPCPs) have recently received more attention because of their occurrence in water bodies and harmful impacts on human health and aquatic organisms. Triclosan is widely used as a synthetic broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent due to its antimicrobial efficacy. However, triclosan detected in aquatic environment has been recently considered as one of CECs, because of the potential for endocrine disruption, the formation of toxic by-products and the development of cross-resistance to antibiotics in aquatic environment. This comprehensive review focuses on the regulations, toxicology, fate and transport, occurrence and removal efficiency of triclosan. Overall, this review aims to provide better understanding of triclosan and insight into application of biological treatment process as an efficient method for triclosan removal.
The effect of CO2, H2O and SO2 on the kinetics of NO reduction by CH4 over La2O3

Abstract The effect of CO 2 , H 2 O and SO 2 on the kinetics of NO reduction by CH 4 over unsupported La 2 O 3 has been examined between 773 and 973 K in the presence of O 2 in the feed. La 2 O 3 can maintain a stable, high specific activity (mol/(s m 2 )) for NO reduction with high concentrations of CO 2 and H 2 O in the feed; however, either of these two products reversibly inhibits the activity by about one-half in the presence of excess O 2 . The catalyst is poisoned by SO 2 at these temperatures and an oxysulfate phase is formed, but partial regeneration can be achieved at 1023 K. CO 2 in the feed causes the formation of lanthanum oxycarbonate, which reverts to La 2 O 3 when CO 2 is removed, but no bulk La oxyhydroxide is detected after quenching with H 2 O in the feed. The influence of CO 2 and H 2 O on kinetic behavior can be described by assuming they compete with reactants for adsorption on surface sites, including them in the site balance equation, and using the rate expression proposed previously for NO reduction by CH 4 in excess O 2 . With O 2 in the feed, integral conversions of CH 4 and O 2 frequently occurred due to the direct combustion of CH 4 by O 2 , although NO conversions remained differential; thus, an integral reactor model was chosen to analyze the data which utilized a recently determined rate equation for CH 4 combustion on La 2 O 3 in conjunction with a previously proposed model for NO reduction by CH 4 . The following rate expression described the rate of N 2 formation: r N 2 T = k ′ NO P NO P CH 4 P O 2 0.5 /(1+ K NO P NO + K CH 4 P CH 4 + K O 2 0.5 P O 2 0.5 + K CO 2 P CO 2 + K H 2 O P H 2 O ) 2 . It gave a good fit to the experimental rate data for NO reduction, as well as providing enthalpies and entropies of adsorption obtained from the fitting parameters that demonstrated thermodynamic consistency and were similar to previous values. The heats of adsorption were altered somewhat when either CO 2 or H 2 O was added to the feed, and the following ranges of values (kcal/mol) were obtained for the different components: NO (31–43), CH 4 (16–32), O 2 (35–54), and H 2 O (37). Apparent activation energies were typically near 30 kcal/mol.
States and Civilizations, Archaeology of

This article begins by defining ‘civilization’ and ‘states’ and tracing the intellectual history of these two concepts in Western thought. It then introduces the term ‘agrarian state’ as a less biased, more informative designation for these ancient societies. The key characteristics of agrarian states are described. For the economy, key characteristics include: intensive agriculture, taxes or tribute, craft specialization, long-distance trade, and (sometimes) markets. For social life, the key characterisitcs include social division by class, gender, and ethnicity; coercive institutions including law courts, police, and armies; and (sometimes) cities. For cultural life the key characteristics include: an elite ideology expressed in religious ritual, monumental architecture, and writing, and ideologies of resistance expressed in traditionalism, ethnicity, and revitalization movements. The article concludes with a discussion of theories for the rise of agrarian states (functionalist and conflict theories) and for the fall of agrarian states (external and internal causes).
Erectile dysfunction after plaque incision and grafting: short-term assessment of incidence and predictors.

ABSTRACT Introduction Plaque incision and grafting (PIG) surgery for Peyronie's disease (PD) is a recognized management strategy. One of the recognized complications of PIG surgery is the development of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim To determine the incidence of ED after PIG surgery and attempt to define predictors of ED development. Methods All patients underwent preoperative cavernosometry. Grafting was performed with either cadaveric pericardium (Tutoplast) or intestinal submucosa (Surgisis). Prior to 2006, the procedure used an H‐type incision, whereas after this date, the Egydio approach has been used. Main Outcome Measures Men undergoing PIG completed preoperative and 6‐month postoperative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires. Results 56 patients were analyzed. Mean patient and partner ages were 57 ± 22 and 54 ± 18 years, respectively. Mean duration of PD at the time of PIG was 22 ± 9 months. Seventy‐five percent had curvature alone, 11% had hourglass/indentation deformity, and the remainder had combined curvature/indentation. Mean preoperative curvature was 52 ± 23°. Fifty‐two had grafting with Tutoplast, while four had grafting with Surgisis. All men at baseline were capable of generating a penetration rigidity erection. Preoperatively, 50% of men had cavernosal insufficiency and 21% had venous leak (baseline and postoperative erectile function [EF] domain scores were 23 ± 4 and 17 ± 9, respectively [ P Conclusions Almost one‐half of men had significant reduction in their erectile rigidity after PIG. Reduction was predicted by larger baseline curvature, the Egydio plaque incision technique, older patient age, and the presence of venous leak at baseline. Based on these data, we discourage older men, those with venous leak, and those with profound curvature from considering PIG surgery. Flores S, Choi J, Alex B, and Mulhall JP. Erectile dysfunction after plaque incision and grafting: Short‐term assessment of incidence and predictors. J Sex Med 2011;8:2031–2037.
Pros and cons of laser C2 reflow process by high power diode laser

As the I/O density and speed of electronic devices increase dramatically, fine pitch copper-pillar flip chip becomes a very popular choice of technology for high density interconnects. The bonding processes for these packages are classified as post-applied underfill bonding processes and pre-applied underfill bonding processes [1-3]. These bonding processes have been studied intensely. Robustness of the bonding process and integrity of resulting solder joints are critical to ensure high assembly yield and high product reliability. On the other hand, these assembly processes have to achieve reasonable throughput in order to lower the assembly cost.
Incidence and characteristics of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and non‐obstructive coronary artery disease

Objectives This study aimed to characterize the etiologies of patients presenting with myocardial infarction (MI) and found to have non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD) and compare risk factors and in-hospital mortality to those with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Background Patients presenting with an MI are often found to have NOCAD defined as less than 50% luminal diameter reduction by visual estimation on coronary angiography. Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of a total of 2,038 patients that presented to NorthShore University HealthSystem with MI and underwent coronary angiography from 2010 to 2013. Results 1,822 patients (89%) had CAD and 216 (11%) had NOCAD. Of the NOCAD patients, the most common etiologies were Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (28%), no alternative explanation (26%), demand ischemia (21%), myopericarditis (7%), coronary artery vasospasm (5%), and coronary artery dissection (3%). NOCAD patients were more likely to be younger and female. There was no significant difference between NOCAD and CAD patients in terms of in-hospital mortality (3.7% vs. 4.0% respectively, OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.5–2.3, P = 0.83 by univariate logistic regression, OR = 1.2, 95% CI 0.5–3.1, P = 0.74 by multivariable analysis). Conclusions CAD patients were more likely to have traditional risk factors of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, previous MI, previous revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Patients presenting with MI and NOCAD were found to have several different etiologies on coronary angiography with the most common being Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infrastructure investments under uncertainty with the possibility of retrofit : theory and simulations

Investments in large, long-lived, energy-intensive infrastructure investments using fossil fuels increase longer-term energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, unless the plant is shut down early or undergoes costly retrofit later. These investments will depend on expectations of retrofit costs and future energy costs, including energy cost increases from tighter controls on carbon emissions. Simulation analysis shows that the retrofit option can significantly reduce anticipated future energy consumption as of the time of initial investment, and total future energy plus retrofit costs. The more uncertain are the costs, the greater the value of this option. However, the future retrofit option also induces more energy-intensive infrastructure choices, partly offsetting the direct effect of having the option on anticipated energy use. Efficient, forward-looking infrastructure investments have high potential for reducing long-term energy consumption. Particularly if energy prices are expected to rise, however, the potential for reduced energy consumption will be eroded if expectations of energy prices do not include environmental costs or future retrofit possibilities and technologies are not adequately developed.
Sustainable tall buildings: toward a comprehensive design approach

This paper presents a comprehensive design approach to sustainable tall buildings development. It argues that the true efficiency and success of tall buildings are heightened by their overall relationship with their urban setting and infrastructure. Tall and supertall buildings are mini-cities and their social, economic, and environmental impacts extend throughout the neighbourhood and the city at large. A new sustainable approach should not only consider incorporating sustainable features, such as photovoltaic panels and wind turbines; but should also consider an overall approach that balances multiple issues, including the environmental, economic, social, construction, operational, and building’s functional adaptability for future market changes. This paper serves to illustrate this view by providing a detailed account on a comprehensive approach to sustainable tall buildings development. While there is an increasing pace of constructing tall buildings worldwide, currently, there are no sustainability assessment tools for tall buildings. It is hoped that this paper will serve as a foundation to develop such tools.
Procedural justice in mental health courts: Judicial practices, participant perceptions, and outcomes related to mental health recovery

Research on mental health courts (MHCs) to date has been disproportionately focused on the study of recidivism and reincarceration over the potential of these problem solving courts to facilitate the recovery process and affect the slope of recovery. This study attempts to shift the focal point of interest from well-established criminal justice outcomes to the experiences and perceptions of MHC participants. The authors hypothesize that the actions of MHC judges that are consistent with procedural justice theory will engender high perceptions of procedural justice among this sample of divertees with SMI. Defendant perceptions of procedural justice in 4 NYC-area MHCs were also compared to those of uninvolved observers. Results suggest that defendant perceptions are distinct from observer perceptions, which tended to be more sensitive to the differences in judges between the four courts. Overall, participants' perceptions of procedural justice were moderate and increased between baseline and 4-month follow-up. Procedural justice was negatively correlated with symptoms at baseline and was positively correlated with participant's attitudes toward their own recovery. Between baseline and 4-month follow-up, participants in our sample tended to increase in perceptions of procedural justice; interestingly, the increase in procedural justice was associated with a decrease in symptoms but not to an increase in attitudes toward the recovery. Implications and future directions are discussed.
A Response to “Measuring Students’ Writing Ability on a Computer Analytic Developmental Scale: An Exploratory Validity Study”

We appreciate the LRI editors’ and authors’ solicitation of, and welcome the opportunity to comment on, “Measuring Students’ Writing Ability on a Computer-Analytic Developmental Scale: An Explorato...
DELAMINATED BEAM NONLINEAR DYNAMIC RESPONSE CALCULATION AND VISUALIZATION

In this paper, a nonlinear dynamic response computation of delaminated composite beams and their computer simulated visualizations are presented. Analytical and experimental investigations by several authors have proven that delamination opening modes exist in a delaminated composite beam. To calculate the dynamic response of such structures, one needs to consider the nonlinear effect introduced by the delamination opening and closing during a dynamic excitation. In this paper, based on the analytical model proposed by the authors, a piecewise modal expansion technique is used to calculate the dynamic response of the delaminated beam with external loading and free response. The calculated responses are then visualized by a vibration animation program coded by the authors.
The West Virginia University tree fruit harvester

Abstract A slope-frame, shake-catch harvester was developed at West Virginia University (WVU) in co-operation with a commercial manufacturer to give harvest capabilities not present in existing harvesters. The harvester was developed to be low in cost, have a capacity and yet be able to handle the fruit gently. In addition, the machine was able to harvest both large conventional trees and size-controlled trees in closer spaced plantings. Special conveying and bin filling systems were developed for the harvester. The harvester was also capable of storing 6 fruit bins and unloading them on the orchard floor.
The renormalization of sin2θw in gauge hierarchies

Abstract I explain the renormalization of the coupling constants, especially sin 2 θw , in grand unified theories with complicated gauge hierarchies. The necessary techniques are illustrated in an SU (16) model.
Wisconsin Card Sorting activated regional cerebral blood flow in first break and chronic schizophrenic patients and normal controls

Dynamic 133Xe single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was used to measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during the Wisconsin Card Sorting test (WCS) and the Number Matching task (NM) in six never-medicated first break schizophrenic and schizophreniform patients, seven chronic schizophrenic patients, and seven normal controls. Because of a difference in mean age between first break patients and normals, we adjusted rCBF data for age effects using ANCOVA. For age-adjusted absolute superior and middle frontal rCBF bilaterally, we found significantly less activation from NM to WCS in first break patients compared to normals. Similarly, for age-adjusted absolute and relative left middle frontal rCBF, we found significantly less activation in chronics compared to normals. Changes in age-adjusted global cerebral blood flow (gCBF) were not statistically significant among the three groups, but were in the same direction as activated absolute frontal rCBF. Because of the small number of subjects in each group, the results of this study should be regarded as preliminary and interpreted cautiously.
Not all differences are created equal : Not all should be managed the same : The diversity challenge in pharmaceutical R&D

The concept of diversity is broadened herein to include a wide range of differences among individuals and groups that influence behavior and can impact the effectiveness of drug R&D. A model is presented that includes four levels of differences. These range from personal characteristics that people are born with to differences that are created by organizational policies and practices. Each of the levels is discussed in relation to drug R&D. The article explores how drug R&D leaders can deal with differences in ways that encourage the creativity needed for drug discovery and the discipline and unity of purpose so important for R&D success. The conclusion is that different kinds of differences should be managed in different ways. R&D managers and leaders should recognize individual differences and try to deal more openly and honestly with people about their personalities, abilities, and predispositions. They should be more active in their organization's efforts to deal with traditional dimensions of diversity. They need to recognize both the necessity for, and problems that can result from, having different disciplines in the R&D process. They should be liaisons and need to develop soft skills in areas like group development and conflict resolution. R&D leaders are also encouraged to examine their organization's policies and practices around organizational design, levels, titles, and perquisites, as these may create perceived differences among individuals and groups that can diminish the effectiveness of R&D.
Automatic generation of linear-time algorithms from predicate calculus descriptions of problems on recursively constructed graph families

This paper describes a predicate calculus in which graph problems can be expressed. Any problem possessing such an expression can be solved in linear time on any recursively constructed graph, once its decomposition tree is known. Moreover, the linear-time algorithm can be generatedautomatically from the expression, because all our theorems are proved constructively. The calculus is founded upon a short list of particularly primitive predicates, which in turn are combined by fundamental logical operations. This framework is rich enough to include the vast majority of known linear-time solvable problems. We have obtained these results independently of similar results by Courcelle [11], [12], through utilization of the framework of Bernet al. [6]. We believe our formalism is more practical for programmers who would implement the automatic generation machinery, and more readily understood by many theorists.
A role for surface reactivity in TiO2 and quartz-related nanoparticle pulmonary toxicity

A variety of pulmonary hazard studies in rats have demonstrated that exposures to ultrafine or nanoparticles (generally defined as particles in the size range < 100 nm) produce more intensive inflammatory responses when compared with bulk-sized particle-types of similar chemical composition. However, this common perception of greater nanoparticle toxicity is based on a limited number of studies, conducted primarily with titanium dioxide and carbon black particle-types. Apart from variables such as particle size and surface area, it is conceivable that several additional physicochemical particle characteristics could play more significant roles in facilitating the development of nanoparticle-related toxicity; particularly when considering particle surface-cell interactions. These include but are not limited to: (i) Surface reactivity of particle-types; (ii) surface coatings; (iii) aggregation/disaggregation potential; and (iv) the method of nanoparticle synthesis. We present results of pulmonary bioassay h...
The Du Pont Experiments in Scientific Management: Efficiency and Safety, 1911–1919

In this article, Professor Stabile examines the experimentation with Frederick Taylor's principles of scientific management by managers at the E. I. du Pont de Nemours Powder Company. Despite their initial interest in efficiency, those managers quickly recognized that there was a direct relationship between efficiency and safety, an issue Taylor had not considered. When it was alleged that the efficiency methods had been a factor in two explosions, the emphasis in the company shifted to a more systematic approach to promoting safety. As a consequence, the company was able to manage a full-scale expansion of its production during the First World War with little disruption resulting from safety problems.
Methods for culturing human femur tissue explants to study breast cancer cell colonization of the metastatic niche.

Bone is the most common site of breast cancer metastasis. Although it is widely accepted that the microenvironment influences cancer cell behavior, little is known about breast cancer cell properties and behaviors within the native microenvironment of human bone tissue.We have developed approaches to track, quantify and modulate human breast cancer cells within the microenvironment of cultured human bone tissue fragments isolated from discarded femoral heads following total hip replacement surgeries. Using breast cancer cells engineered for luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression, we are able to reproducibly quantitate migration and proliferation patterns using bioluminescence imaging (BLI), track cell interactions within the bone fragments using fluorescence microscopy, and evaluate breast cells after colonization with flow cytometry. The key advantages of this model include: 1) a native, architecturally intact tissue microenvironment that includes relevant human cell types, and 2) direct access to the microenvironment, which facilitates rapid quantitative and qualitative monitoring and perturbation of breast and bone cell properties, behaviors and interactions. A primary limitation, at present, is the finite viability of the tissue fragments, which confines the window of study to short-term culture. Applications of the model system include studying the basic biology of breast cancer and other bone-seeking malignancies within the metastatic niche, and developing therapeutic strategies to effectively target breast cancer cells in bone tissues.
The geometry of a synaptic intermediate in a pathway of bacteriophage λ site-specific recombination

Bacteriophage lambda uses site-specific recombination to move its DNA into and out of the Escherichia coli genome. The recombination event is mediated by the phage-encoded integrase (Int) at short DNA sequences known as attachment ( att ) sites. Int catalyzes recombination via at least four distinct pathways, distinguishable by their requirements for accessory proteins and by the sequence of their substrates. The simplest recombination reaction catalyzed by Int does not require any accessory proteins and takes place between two attL sites. This reaction proceeds through an intermediate known as the straight-L bimolecular complex (SL-BMC), a stable complex which contains two attL sites synapsed by Int. We have investigated the orientation of the two substrates in the SL-BMC with respect to each other using two independent direct methods, a ligation assay and visualization by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both show that the two DNA substrates in the complex are arranged in a tetrahedral or nearly square planar alignment skewed towards parallel. The DNA molecules in the complex are bent.
Design, development, and evaluation of monovinyl acrylates characterized by secondary functionalities as reactive diluents to diacrylates

This study focuses on the design and development of novel monovinylic (meth)acrylate monomers with enhanced polymerization kinetics and the evaluation of their performance as reactive diluents in diacrylate systems. Novel (meth)acrylic monomers characterized by several new secondary functionalities are developed in this study and are shown to exhibit reactivities 10−70 fold greater than traditional monoacrylates such as hexyl acrylate. These monomers were designed based on our understanding of interactions between monomer structure, polymerizations kinetics, and polymer properties. Performance of these monovinyl monomers as reactive diluents is also investigated in this study. Copolymerization of these monomers with diacrylates enhanced both the reactivity and the mechanical properties of the diacrylate system. Specifically, while copolymerization of a diacrylate system with traditional monoacrylates such as hexyl acrylate decreases the overall reactivity of the system, its copolymerization with the novel...
Wideband photonic and compressive sampling analog-to-digital converter: architecture, device requirements, and applications

In this work, an analog-to-digital converter architecture utilizing the precision timing and wide bandwidth capability of photonics technology and the versatility and efficient data processing of compressive sampling techniques is explored. The generation, control and transfer of the precision timing and sampled resolution to the final digitization stage is a key technical challenge to realizing the potential of the architecture; involving significant component, sub-system and interface developments as well as optimizations to capitalize on the unique benefits of compressive sampling techniques. Concept demonstration experiments, device and subsystem requirements and potential applications will be discussed.
Kinetics and mechanisms of styrene monomer recovery from waste polystyrene by supercritical water partial oxidation

Abstract Waste polystyrene is becoming a major environmental concern, due to its large production quantities and non-biodegradable nature. Provided that the high molecular-weight material can be broken down into useful low molecular-weight hydrocarbons, waste polystyrene can be viewed as a highly valuable feedstock. This processing step can be accomplished by using supercritical water partial oxidation (SCWPO) technology. This technology uses the unique properties of supercritical water in an oxygen-deficient environment to partially oxidize the polymer. By using this technique, polystyrene has been successfully depolymerized into monomer, oligomer, and other useful hydrocarbons in a relatively short residence time with high efficiency. The kinetics and feasibility of the supercritical water partial oxidation process were experimentally investigated using four different oxygen-feed conditions. The styrene selectivity of the process, based on the product mass versus the feed mass, was determined to be as high as 71%, and was found to depend very strongly on the polymer/oxygen ratio. While the styrene selectivity was very high, the selectivity for benzene, toluene, and other hydrocarbons was substantially lower. The process was also compared with pyrolysis in supercritical water at the same temperature and pressure.
A revision of phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in the Continental United States

Keys, descriptions, and distribution maps are presented for the 12 spontaneously growing U.S. species ofPhyllanthus (four of these are naturalized). These are discussed under the subgeneric taxa to which they belong—Subg.Isocladus sect.Paraphyllanthus: P. polygonoides, P. liebmannianus, P. ericoides; subg.Isocladus sect.Loxopodium: P. caroliniensis, P. pudens; subg.Kirganelia sect.Pentandra: P. tenellus; subg.Phyllanthus sect.Urinaria: P. urinaria; subg.Phyllanthus sect.Phyllanthus: P. niruri, P. fraternus, P. amarus, P. abnormis, andP. pentaphyllus. Only one new name,Phyllanthus liebmannianus ssp.platylepis, is proposed. The distribution patterns of the species are analyzed, and it is concluded that several of them, especiallyP. liebmannianus, P. niruri, andP. abnormis, show the effects of fragmentation of range presumably brought about during the Pleistocene glaciations.
Limitations to significant information in biological electron microscopy as a result of radiation damage

Quantitative measurements of radiation damage in crystalline specimens of l-valine, adenosine, and catalase (uranyl acetate stained) have been made by observing the loss of the electron diffraction pattern. Reciprocity of specimen lifetime and current density at the specimen demonstrates the absence of any dose-rate effect, such as specimen heating, as a cause of specimen damage within the range 10−3 to 10−5 amperes/cm2 current density at the specimen. Specimen lifetimes at high voltages are about two and a half times greater than at conventional voltages, and it is shown that this is consistent with the dependence of linear energy loss upon accelerating voltage. The limiting resolution for meaningful observation is considered in terms of the statistics of observation at partticle fluxes that are specified from the specimen lifetime data. The best values are probably not better than 50 A for l-valine, 20 A for adenosine, and 15 A for catalase.
On the convection velocity of turbulent structures in supersonic shear layers

An ansatz, complemented by appropriate selection rules, is proposed to estimate the convection velocity U_c of turbulent vortical structures in supersonic shear layers. The proposed scheme assumes that, for supersonic convective Mach numbers, shocks will form in one of the two shear layer free streams. The strength of the shocks is estimated by assuming that the flow configuration is stationary with respect to perturbations in the mean flow quantities caused by the turbulent fluctuations. Given the shock strength, the convection velocity U_c, and the associated convective Mach numbers are calculated by matching the estimated total pressure at the stagnation points in the convected frame. The data indicate a convection velocity U_c that is close to that of one of the free streams. That appears to be well accounted for by the proposed scheme, which also suggests that the flow can undergo large jumps in configuration with small changes in the flow parameters. This has important implications for supersonic mixing and hypersonic propulsion applications.
A model for two types of calcium silicate hydrate in the microstructure of Portland cement pastes

A new physical basis for a previously published model for the structure of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) as measured by nitrogen sorption is described. This refined model provides a method of predicting the density, the nitrogen accessible gel porosity, and associated surface area of C-S-H in Portland cement pastes. The basis for the model is that C-S-H forms as one of two types, high- or low-density C-S-H. This provides a promising tool for characterizing the microstructure in a way that can be applied to understanding properties of engineering significance.
Minority‐carrier properties of thin epitaxial silicon films fabricated by limited reaction processing

Generation lifetimes and diode properties have been measured in epitaxial silicon films grown by limited reaction processing. Generation lifetimes from 1.4 to 94 μs were measured by observing the recovery of MOS capacitors from deep depletion. Planar diodes fabricated in both n‐ and p‐type epitaxial films show excellent behavior in both forward and reverse bias. p‐n junctions formed by growing p‐type epitaxial silicon directly on an n‐type substrate show no evidence of excessive interface defects or traps.
Equivalent Blur Of Intensifying Screens

AbstractIntensifying screens are a significant source of blur in most medical x -ray imaging systems. In the analysis of x -ray system performance it is desirable to specify intensi-fying screen blur in terms of a single parameter which can be easily combined with focal -spot blur. This is achieved by describing screen performance in terms of equivalent blur,which is defined as the dimension of a square blur pattern which has a uniform intensitydistribution. This paper describes a simple method for obtaining equivalent blur valuesfrom the MTF of intensifying screens and gives the values for representative screens.IntroductionThere are generally three sources of image blur in an x -ray system. These are(1) motion of the object being imaged, (2) the finite size of the x- ray -tube focal spot,and (3) the inherent receptor (intensifying screen) blur. When analyzing x -ray systemperformance it is necessary to combine the blur values from the three sources to arrive ata composite blur value. This can be considered as a two -step process. Since blur is sub-ject to geometric magnification it is necessary to translate the blur values to a commonlocation, such as the object plane, before they can be combined. In a previous publica-tion(i) it was shown that blur values can be translated to the object plane by simplelinear relationships when the object location is specified by a parameter, s, which is theratio of the object- receptor distance to the focal spot- receptor distance. The second stepis to combine the blur patterns by a convolution process. However, if the blur from thedifferent sources can be represented by patterns or spread functions of the same type theblur values can be combined by a simple algebraic relationship.Describing x -ray screen performance in terms of a single blur parameter has several ad-vantages over using modulation transfer functions (MTF) or other expressions of resolution.It is a quantity which can be used in the same context as focal spot size. Also, theconcept of blur means more to the radiologist because it has a direct relationship to theappearance of an x -ray image.
The effect of hypoxia, reoxygenation, ischemia, and reperfusion on hydraulic permeability in rat mesenteric venules.

Little is known regarding the effects of I/R on hydraulic permeability (Lp). We sought to compare the individual influences of hypoxia, ischemia, reoxygenation, and reperfusion on Lp. We hypothesized that (1) hypoxia increases Lp; (2) reoxygenation further increases Lp; (3) ischemia results in greater increases in Lp compared with hypoxia; (4) reperfusion causes additional increases in Lp compared with hypoxia, ischemia, and reoxygenation; and (5) xanthine oxidase (XO) and white blood cell adherence play important roles in hypoxia, ischemia, and reperfusion. Hydraulic permeability was measured by an in vivo microcannulation technique during hypoxia, reoxygenation, ischemia, and reperfusion in rat mesenteric postcapillary venules. Additional rats were fed a Tungsten-enriched diet to inhibit XO activity, and the studies were repeated. White blood cell adherence was also documented. Hypoxia and ischemia both increased Lp 2-fold from baseline levels (P 0.07). Reperfusion after hypoxia increased Lp 6-fold (P < 0.001). Reperfusion after ischemia also increased Lp 6-fold (P < 0.001). Inhibition of XO had no effect on the increase in Lp after both hypoxia and ischemia. However, inhibition of XO attenuated the 6-fold increase in Lp observed during reperfusion after both hypoxia and ischemia by approximately 50% (P < 0.001). White blood cell adherence increased during reperfusion but not hypoxia or ischemia. The complexity of I/R injury makes it a difficult clinical scenario to model for research. We have demonstrated in an in vivo model that hypoxia and ischemia increase Lp similarly, and that reperfusion has a profound deleterious effect on Lp. These changes in Lp seem to be XO and white blood cell dependent.
Alteration of Different Domains in AFLR Affects Aflatoxin Pathway Metabolism inAspergillus parasiticusTransformants

Abstract AFLR, a zinc binuclear cluster DNA-binding protein, is required for activation of genes comprising the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway in Aspergillus spp. Transformation of Aspergillus parasiticus with plasmids containing the intact aflR gene gave clones that produced fivefold more aflatoxin pathway metabolites than did the untransformed strain. When a 13-bp region in the aflR promoter (positions −102 to −115 with respect to the ATG) was deleted, including a portion of a palindromic site previously shown to bind recombinant AFLR, metabolite production was 40% that of transformants with intact aflR. This result provides further evidence that this site may be involved in the autoregulation of aflR. Overexpression of pathway genes could also result from increased quantities of AFLR titrating out a putative repressor protein. In AFLR, a 20-amino-acid acidic region near its carboxy-terminus resembles the region in yeast GAL4 required for GAL80 repressor binding. When 3 of the acidic amino acids in this region were deleted, levels of metabolites were even higher than those produced by transformants with intact aflR, as would be expected if repressor binding was suppressed in transformants containing this altered protein. Transformation with plasmids mutated at the AFLR zinc cluster (Cys to Trp at amino acid position 49) or at a putative nuclear localization signal region (RRARK deleted) gave clones with one-fifth the metabolite production of the untransformed fungus in spite of the transformants making the same or more aflR mRNA. Since these transformants retained a copy of intact aflR, the latter results can be explained best by assuming that AFLR activates genes involved in aflatoxin production as a dimeric protein and that heterodimers containing both mutant and intact AFLR strands are inactive.
A travel-cost method of evaluating household hazardous waste disposal services

This paper demonstrates the use of the zonal travel cost method to develop a demand curve and consumer surplus estimate for household hazardous waste collection and disposal services in King County, Washington. The travel cost derived consumer surplus estimate is compared to a consumer surplus estimate derived from a preliminary contingent valuation survey. The travel cost estimate of consumer surplus is found to be more than the contingent valuation estimate and significantly less than the cost of household hazardous waste collection in King County during 1993. This result raises questions about the value of household hazardous waste collection services and their contribution to public welfare.
Applying Alternating Structure Optimization to Word Sense Disambiguation

This paper presents a new application of the recently proposed machine learning method Alternating Structure Optimization (ASO), to word sense disambiguation (WSD). Given a set of WSD problems and their respective labeled examples, we seek to improve overall performance on that set by using all the labeled examples (irrespective of target words) for the entire set in learning a disambiguator for each individual problem. Thus, in effect, on each individual problem (e.g., disambiguation of "art") we benefit from training examples for other problems (e.g., disambiguation of "bar", "canal", and so forth). We empirically study the effective use of ASO for this purpose in the multitask and semi-supervised learning configurations. Our performance results rival or exceed those of the previous best systems on several Senseval lexical sample task data sets.
A comparison of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Category Test.

An important clinical question is whether the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Category Test, two tests of abstraction and concept formation, are interchangeable. This study attempted to answer this question by correlating results on the two tests and comparing their diagnostic accuracy in large groups of brain-damaged patients (N = 207) and normal controls (N = 150). It was concluded that these tests are not clinically interchangeable and that both can make important contributions to a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.
Application of a Self-consistent Thermal Balance and Radiative Transfer Model to Study the Observed 183 GHz Masing Emission from Water in Orion

A detailed theoretical model for the thermal balance, chemistry, and radiative transfer within centrally heated, quiescent molecular cloud cores (Doty & Neufeld) is used to predict the properties of the 183 GHz 313-220 rotational masing transition of para-H2O in Orion. The model suggests weak masing for this transition, with maximum negative optical depths at line center in the range 0.12 < -τmax < 0.34. The ensuing maser gain is a nonmonotonic function of the water abundance, peaking at intermediate values. The model results are compared with the observations of Cernicharo et al. for this transition. Fits to their data suggest there are two components: a "narrow" (Δv = 2.47 km s-1) feature consistent with previous studies of relatively quiescent gas and a "broad" (Δv = 10.5 km s-1) feature consistent with the well-known shocks in Orion. Both chemical and uniform abundance models are compared with these data. The gas-phase chemical models are inconsistent with the observed constraints on the peak temperature and total source luminosity—confirming that the role of shock and/or grain mantle chemistry is important. If uniform abundances are assumed, the water abundance is conservatively constrained to the range 3 × 10-6 < x(H2O) < 3 × 10-5.
Association of (2)proPSA with Biopsy Reclassification During Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested an association between [−2]proPSA expression and prostate cancer detection. Less is known about the usefulness of this marker in following patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance. Thus, we examined the relationship between [−2]proPSA and biopsy results in men enrolled in an active surveillance program.Materials and Methods: In 167 men from our institutional active surveillance program we used Cox proportional hazards models to examine the relationship between [−2]proPSA and annual surveillance biopsy results. The outcome of interest was biopsy reclassification (Gleason score 7 or greater, more than 2 positive biopsy cores or more than 50% involvement of any core with cancer). We also examined the association of biopsy results with total prostate specific antigen, %fPSA, [−2]proPSA/%fPSA and the Beckman Coulter Prostate Health Index phi ([−2]proPSA/free prostate specific antigen) × (total prostate specific antigen)½).Results: While on active surveillanc...
Molecular characterization of a 20.8-kDa Schistosoma mansoni antigen. Sequence similarity to tegumental associated antigens and dynein light chains

Survival of Schistosoma mansoni within the infected host requires the parasite to actively maintain its protective tegument. The components responsible for this maintenance are therefore attractive targets for immunoprophylaxis or chemotherapy. Here we report the molecular characterization of a 20.8-kDa tegumental antigen with sequence similarity to dynein light chains and tegumental associated antigens. A cDNA encoding the 20.8-kDa polypeptide contains an open reading frame of 181 amino acids and predicts an isoelectric point of 7.27. Expression of the 20.8-kDa antigen is developmentally regulated, with the highest concentration found in cercariae. Our data show that the 20.8-kDa polypeptide specifically interacts with a S. mansoni 10.4-kDa dynein light chain that we have previously described (Hoffmann, K. F., and Strand, M. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 26117-26123). Velocity sedimentation analysis of a parasite extract demonstrated that this 10.4-kDa dynein light chain and the 20.8-kDa polypeptide were present in a complex that sedimented at 4.4 Svedberg units. We have also shown by antibody cross-reactivity that a 20.8-kDa homolog of the S. mansoni antigen is present in Schistosoma japonicum, but not in Schistosoma hematobium or Fasciola hepatica. Because the 20.8-kDa polypeptide displays ideal characteristics of a potential vaccine candidate, including (i) expression in the tegument, (ii) significant divergence from mammalian brain cytoplasmic dynein, and (iii) a conserved homolog in S. japonicum, we are currently evaluating its immunoprophylactic efficacy.