cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interpreting the electron temperature inferred from x-ray continuum emission for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion implosions on OMEGA

In this paper, we present a theoretical framework for interpreting the hot-spot electron temperature (Te) inferred from hard (10- to 20-keV) x-ray continuum emission for inertial confinement fusion implosions on OMEGA. We first show that the inferred Te represents the emission-weighted, harmonic mean of the hot-spot Te distribution, both spatially and temporally. A scheme is then provided for selecting a photon energy of which the emission weighting approximates neutron weighting. Simulations are then used to quantify the predicted relationship between the inferred Te, neutron-weighted Ti, and implosion performance on OMEGA. In an ensemble of 1-D simulations, it was observed that hot-spot thermal nonequilibrium precluded a sufficiently unique mapping between the inferred Te and neutron-weighted Ti. The inferred Te and hard x-ray yield's sensitivity to implosion asymmetry was studied using a 3-D simulation case study with low-harmonic-mode perturbations (i.e., laser beam power imbalance, target offset, and beam port geometry departures from spherical symmetry) and laser imprint (lmax = 200).
Culture, Race, and Health: Implications for Racial Inequities and Population Health

Policy Points Racism is a fundamental cause of health inequities and disease, which requires policy solutions that address this cause directly rather than only targeting mechanisms. Cultural systems, such as cultural racism, undergird the social conditions that shape racial inequities in health, including social and health policy decision making, governance, practice, and public reception. Policies targeting racial health equity benefit from integrating social theory and meaningful assessments of the social context concerning race, racism, and health. Context Improving the health of the total population may be insufficient in eliminating racial disparities in population health. An expanding commitment to understanding social determinants of health aims to address the social conditions that produce racialized patterns in health inequity. There is also a resurging and evolving interest in the influence of cultural barriers and assets in shaping racial inequities in health. The meaning and function of culture, however, remains underspecified. Methods This paper synthesizes analogous but fragmented concepts of cultural threat related to social and racial inequity as examined in public and population health, psychology, sociology, communications, media studies, and law. It draws on an existing typology of culture and social inequity to organize concepts related to cultural racism. Employing a transdisciplinary approach, the paper integrates multiple scholarly perspectives on cultural threat to frame cultural racism as cultural systems that promote false presumptions of white superiority relative to non-whites. Findings The lack of shared conceptual grounding and language regarding cultural threats to health hinders a more precise identification and measurement of cultural processes as well as comparisons of relative prevalence and influence of pathways linking cultural processes and social inequity. Evaluating intersections among culture, structures, and racism is a valuable analytical tool for understanding the production of social and racial inequities in health. To adequately address health inequities rooted in systemic racism, it is imperative to discuss the function of cultural racism in shaping population health in the United States. Conclusions Building a culture of health and achieving health equity requires that we assess cultural racism in a more meaningful way. Cultural processes are commonly referenced in health inequity scholarship, but the empirical literature generally lags behind the conceptual emphasis. A rich literature across disciplines has substantively engaged conceptualizations of culture and cultural processes, the importance of these processes as part of a system of racism, and mechanisms that may link cultural threats to health. When integrated, this literature offers essential insights for ways population health may address the complex issue of eradicating racial disparities in health.
Disrupting the status quo of senior living: a mindshift

This thought-provoking volume by the President and CEO of the Eden Alternative, Jill Vitale-Aussem, lays out a case for re-thinking many current practices in senior living. Co-published by AARP, th...
Calcium-sensing receptor deletion in the mouse esophagus alters barrier function

The esophageal stratified squamous epithelium maintains its integrity by continuous proliferation and differentiation of the basal cells. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of the calcium-sensing r...
Safe Site and Seed Limitation in Cytisus Scoparius (Scotch Broom): Invasibility, Disturbance, and the Role of Cryptogams in a Glacial Outwash Prairie

In all plant populations, establishment is controlled by two factors: the supply of propagules and their access to ‘safe sites’ for growth. An infestation of invading pest plants results in a seed-production gradient, from the edge where seeds are limiting, to the center where seeds may be in excess. Do invaded sites become ‘saturated’ with seeds? How rapidly does this occur, and how does the process depend on the availability of safe sites? Are safe sites, and consequently invasion, promoted by disturbance? I quantified the response of seedling establishment to seed input and disturbance in Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom), an exotic shrub invading glacial outwash prairie remnants in western Washington, USA. I used disturbance treatments to investigate the role of the thick cryptogamic layer in these prairies, disturbing cryptogams by scraping or by fire. The effect of fire was partitioned into two factors: burning of the background vegetation/substrate versus breaking C. scoparius seed dormancy, by adding seeds either before or after the burn. Seed treatments ranged from 20 to 1000 seeds per m2. Both seed number and surface treatment showed significant effects on seedling density, along with a significant interaction between the two factors. Disturbance did not promote C. scoparius establishment; undisturbed plots produced more seedlings than burned or scraped plots. Within the burned plots, fire scarification appeared to increase germination but this effect was not significant. For germinated seedlings, mortality through the dry season (June–August) was not significantly different among surface treatments, nor did survivorship depend on density, with the result that initial differences in germination among the treatments persisted. The message that the undisturbed cryptogam layer facilitates C. scoparius establishment suggests that ‘ecosystem management’ strategies promoting healthy, undisturbed sites will not always be effective against invasive pest species.
An alternative measure of positive correlation for bivariate time series

Nadarajah et al. (2018) have recently proposed an alternative measure for positive correlation between two variables of interest say X and Y. This takes into account the idea of concordance or asso...
A COMPOSITE METRIC TO IDENTIFY HFPEF PATIENTS LIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM SPIRONOLACTONE

The TOPCAT trial, overall, showed no benefit for spironolactone in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Post-hoc, spironolactone helped participants from the Americas but not Eastern Europe, potentially due to differences in baseline characteristics or adherence. We
1 – Block Copolymers

A block copolymer is defined as a polymer comprising molecules in which there is a linear arrangement of blocks, a block being defined as a portion of a polymer molecule in which the monomeric units have at least one constitutional or configurational feature absent from the adjacent portions.1, 2 In a block copolymer, the distinguishing feature is constitutional, i.e. each of the blocks comprises units derived from a characteristic species of monomer. This definition excludes branched structures in which the branches are composed of blocks, i.e. star or radical block copolymers. This review will consider the synthesis, characterization and morphology of both linear and star block copolymers with well-defined structures.
Patient preferences for GI cancer surveillance and telemedical follow-up.

Abstract Introduction Surveillance care including routine physical exams and testing following gastrointestinal (GI) cancer treatment can be fiscally and emotionally burdensome for patients. Emerging technology platforms may provide a resource-wise surveillance strategy. However, effective implementation of GI cancer surveillance is limited by a lack of patient level perspective regarding surveillance. This study aimed to describe patient attitudes toward GI cancer surveillance and which care modalities such as telemedicine and care team composition best meet the patient's needs for follow-up care. Methods Focused interviews were conducted with 15 GI cancer patients undergoing surveillance following curative-intent surgery. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and uploaded to NVivo. Study personnel trained in qualitative methods consensus coded 10% of data inductively and iteratively developed a codebook and code descriptions. Using all transcripts, data matrices were developed to identify themes inherent in the transcripts. Results Qualitative analysis revealed three overarching themes. First, increasing ease of access to surveillance care through telemedicine follow-up services may interfere with patients’ preferred follow-up routine, which is an in-office visit. Second, specialist providers were trusted by patients to deliver surveillance care more than primary care providers (PCPs). Thirdly, patients desired improved psychosocial health support during the surveillance period. Conclusion These novel patient-level qualitative data demonstrate that replacing conventional in-office GI cancer surveillance care with telemedicine is not what many patients desire. These data also demonstrate that his cohort of patients prefer to see specialists for GI cancer surveillance care rather than PCPs. Future efforts to enhance surveillance should include increased psychosocial support. Telemedicine implementation should be personalized toward specific populations who may be interested in fewer in-office surveillance visits.
Perceptions of violations by artificial and human actors across moral foundations

Abstract Artificial agents such as robots, chatbots, and artificial intelligence systems can be the perpetrators of a range of moral violations traditionally limited to human actors. This paper explores how people perceive the same moral violations differently for artificial agent and human perpetrators by addressing three research questions: How wrong are moral foundation violations by artificial agents compared to human perpetrators? Which moral foundations do artificial agents violate compared to human perpetrators? What leads to increased blame for moral foundation violations by artificial agents compared to human perpetrators? We adapt 18 human-perpetrated moral violation scenarios that differ by the moral foundation violated (harm, unfairness, betrayal, subversion, degradation, and oppression) to create 18 agent-perpetrated moral violation scenarios. Two studies compare human-perpetrated to agent-perpetrated scenarios. They reveal that agent-perpetrated violations are more often perceived as not wrong or violating a different foundation than their human counterparts. People are less likely to classify violations by artificial agents as oppression and subversion, the foundations that deal the most with group hierarchy. Finally, artificial agents are blamed less than humans across moral foundations, and this blame is based more on the agent's ability and intention for every moral foundation except harm.
Infinite Series of Real Numbers

The sums $$\sum\limits_{k = 1}^n {{a_k} = {a_1} + \cdot \cdot \cdot + {a_n},\,\,\,\,\,\sum\limits_{k = 0}^n {{a_k} = {a_0} + \cdot \cdot \cdot + {a_n},} }$$ where n is some positive integer, were defined in Chapter II. They are examples of finite sums. Now we define the “sum” of the infinite series $$\sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {{a_n} = {a_1} + {a_2} + \cdot \cdot \cdot \,\,\,or\,\,\,\,\,\sum\limits_{k = 0}^\infty {{a_k} = {a_0} + {a_1} + \cdot \cdot \cdot \,\,.} }$$
Application of the Tritium Remote Control and Monitoring System (TRECAMS) to TFTR's Tritium Inventory Management Program

TFTR has a stringent program to manage and account for its tritium inventory. In support of this a tritium inventory accounting capability has been implemented on TRECAMS. This was an ideal approach because TRECAMS is a high reliability system that monitors the necessary parameters, i.e. temperatures, pressures, valve positions, etc., to track the movement of tritium. It also has a powerful set of utilities which support such an application. This paper describes the application of TRECAMS to monitor the transfer of tritium between the Uranium Beds (UBEDs), the Tritium Gas Delivery Manifold (TGDM), 14 Tritium Use Point holding volumes, and the TFTR torus. Peal time data is presented to the TFTR operators using graphical displays and trends. An event driven program automatically collects the data before and after tritium transfers, calculates differences and sums, tabulates the data and provides printed reports. The reports include summaries of tritium deliveries, bleedback operations, injections, a daily summary of delivery/bleedback activities, and a daily summary of injection activities. All reference data is archived and can be reproduced in a plotted or tabular format. This data can be displayed or printed by the TFTR Shift Supervisor's VAX workstation or by anyone with an account on the laboratory's VAX cluster.
Detection of illicit drugs on surfaces using direct analysis in real time (DART) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Methamphetamine (meth) from meth syntheses or habitual meth smoking deposited on household surfaces poses human health hazards. The U.S. State Departments of Health require decontamination of sites where meth was synthesized (meth labs) before they are sold. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) methods for meth analysis require wipe sampling, extraction, clean‐up, solvent exchange, derivatization, and/or mass spectral analysis using selected ion monitoring. Rapid and inexpensive analyses could screen for drug‐contamination within structures with greater spatial resolution, provide real‐time analyses during decontamination, and provide thorough documentation of successful clean ups. Herein an autosampler/open‐air ion source time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric technique is described that required only direct sampling using cotton‐swab wipes. Each wipe sample collection required 2min and data acquisition required only 13s per sample. Optimum collision‐induced dissociation voltages, desorption gas temperatures, and wipe sample solvents were determined for 11 drugs. Peaks were observed in analyte‐ion traces for 0.025µg/100cm 2 of meth and seven other drugs. This level is half the detection limit of NIOSH methods and one‐fourth of the lowest U.S. state decontamination limit for meth. Dynamic ranges of 100 in concentration were demonstrated for eight drugs, which is sufficient for a screening technique. The volatilities of 11 drugs deposited on glass were determined. The pick up of the drugs by solvent‐soaked cotton‐swab wipes from glass relative to acrylic latex paint was also compared. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bias as a threat to the validity of cancer molecular-marker research

Claims that molecular markers can accurately diagnose cancer have recently been disputed; some prominent results have not been reproduced and bias has been proposed to explain the original observations. As new '-omics' fields are explored to assess molecular markers for cancer, bias will increasingly be recognized as the most important 'threat to validity' that must be addressed in the design, conduct and interpretation of such research.
Influence of early trauma on features of schizophrenia.

Aim This proof-of-concept study examined if early trauma influences features of schizophrenia, consistent with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Methods Early trauma and current perceived stress were assessed in 28 treated schizophrenia cases, along with salivary cortisol, brain volumes, cognition and symptoms. Results Early trauma predicted more positive (r = .66, P = .005) and dysthymia symptoms (r –.65, P = .007), but less negative symptoms (r = −.56, P = .023), as well as reduced whole brain volumes (r = .50, P = .040) and increased amygdala to whole brain volume ratios (r = .56, P = .018). Larger volume reductions accompanied cortisol levels: evening values predicted smaller whole brain and hippocampal volumes whereas afternoon levels only significantly predicted smaller brain volumes in women. Sex differences were demonstrated between early trauma and cognition, with better cognition in traumatized women than other women and no male effects. Current perceived stress was related to dysthymia (especially in women) and diminished sense of purpose and social drive (especially in men). Conclusions These results suggest that early trauma and current stress impact features of schizophrenia, consistent with stress sensitization and increased dopamine activity for treatment refractory positive symptoms, as well as the cascade of increased morning cortisol, reduced brain volumes, and depressive and deficit symptoms. Conversely, cognitive deficits and negative symptoms may arise from a distinct diathesis. The sex differences accord with the literature on human HPA function and stress responses. Early trauma may be a stressor in the aetiopathophysiology of schizophrenia, particularly for cases with treatment refractory positive symptoms, and may guide future treatment development.
Robust factory wireless communications: a performance appraisal of the Bluetooth/spl trade/ and the ZigBee/spl trade/ colocated on an industrial floor

The Bluetooth/spl trade/ and the ZigBee/spl trade/ are state-of- the-art short-range wireless systems advocated for factory communications. But the associated radio-frequency (RF) links when placed in operation on an industrial floor face harsh electromagnetic ambient as well as are subjected to mutual interference from systems that are colocated in the same premises and operated at the same frequency band. For example, the prescribed RF spectrum for the Bluetooth/spl trade/ and the ZigBee/spl trade/ is the ISM-band centered at 2.4 GHz. Despite of distinct modulations used, there is a possibility of mutual interference when these systems are operated in the same factory locale. The present study addresses methods of evaluating the performance of such systems when deployed for factory communications. Simulation results are presented and mitigations against interference so as to realize robust RF links are indicated.
Stop! In the name of transforming growth factor-β: keeping estrogen receptor-α-positive mammary epithelial cells from proliferating

Recent genetic and cell biological studies illustrate the importance of active transforming growth factor-β signaling in preventing the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive cells in the normal mammary gland, and suggest how the loss of this inhibition may be important in early breast cancer progression.
Nonparametric CUSUM Control Charts and Their Use in Two-Stage SPC Applications

The authors develop a nonparametric cumulative sum (CUSUM) for sequential monitoring of independent, identically distributed observations when the underlying in-control density is arbitrary and unknown but can be estimated from historical in-control data.
Brain Imaging in Migraine Research

Understanding the pathophysiology and pharmacology of migraine has been driven by astute clinical observations, elegant experimental medicine studies, and importantly by studying highly effective anti-migraine agents in the laboratory and the clinic. Significant progress has been made in the use of functional brain imaging to compliment observational studies of migraine phenotypes by highlighting pathways within the brain that may be involved in predisposition to migraine, modulating migraine pain or that could be sensitive to pharmacological or behavioral therapeutic intervention. In drug discovery, molecular imaging approaches compliment functional neuroimaging by visualizing migraine drug targets within the brain. Molecular imaging enables the selection and evaluation of drug candidates by confirming that they engage their targets sufficiently at well tolerated doses to test our therapeutic hypotheses. Migraine is a progressive disorder. Developing our knowledge of where drugs act in the brain and of how the brain is altered in both episodic migraine (interictal state and ictal state) and chronic migraine are important steps to understanding why there is such differential responsiveness to therapeutics among migraine patients and to improving how they are evaluated and treated.
Lasers for Medical Applications: Diagnostics, Therapy, and Surgery

Lasers are part of our everyday life. They are used from manufacturing to entertainment, warfare (laser-guided weapons), construction, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, communication, education, medicine, robotics, automotive, aviation, space, and more. Since their invention over five decades ago, the field of medicine has been a major beneficiary of laser technology. The book Lasers for Medical Applications: Diagnostics, Therapy and Surgery describes this subject in detail. This book is edited by Prof. Helena Jelinkova of the Czech Technical University of the Czech Republic in Eastern Europe.
A simple contact mapping algorithm for identifying potential peptide mimetics in protein-protein interaction partners.

A simple, static contact mapping algorithm has been developed as a first step at identifying potential peptide biomimetics from protein interaction partner structure files. This rapid and simple mapping algorithm, “OpenContact” provides screened or parsed protein interaction files based on specified criteria for interatomic separation distances and interatomic potential interactions. The algorithm, which uses all-atom Amber03 force field models, was blindly tested on several unrelated cases from the literature where potential peptide mimetics have been experimentally developed to varying degrees of success. In all cases, the screening algorithm efficiently predicted proposed or potential peptide biomimetics, or close variations thereof, and provided complete atom-atom interaction data necessary for further detailed analysis and drug development. In addition, we used the static parsing/mapping method to develop a peptide mimetic to the cancer protein target, epidermal growth factor receptor. In this case, secondary, loop structure for the peptide was indicated from the intra-protein mapping, and the peptide was subsequently synthesized and shown to exhibit successful binding to the target protein. The case studies, which all involved experimental peptide drug advancement, illustrate many of the challenges associated with the development of peptide biomimetics, in general. Proteins 2014; 82:2253–2262. © 2014 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA degradation, UV sensitivity and SOS-mediated mutagenesis in strains of Escherichia coli deficient in single-strand DNA binding protein: Effects of mutations and treatments that alter levels of exonuclease V or RecA protein

Certain strains suppress the temperature-sensitivity caused by ssb-1, which encodes a mutant ssDNA binding protein (SSB). At 42 degrees C, such strains are extremely UV-sensitive, degrade their DNA extensively after UV irradiation, and are deficient in UV mutability and UV induction of recA protein synthesis. We transduced recC22, which eliminates Exonuclease V activity, and recAo281, which causes operator-constitutive synthesis of recA protein, into such an ssb-1 strain. Both double mutants degraded their DNA extensively at 42 degrees C after UV irradiation, and both were even more UV-sensitive than the ssb-1 single mutant. We conclude that one or more nucleases other than Exonuclease V degrades DNA in the ssb recC strain, and that recA protein, even if synthesized copiously, can function efficiently in recombinational DNA repair and in control of post-UV DNA degradation only if normal SSB is also present. Pretreatment with nalidixic acid at 30 degrees C restored normal UV mutability at 42 degrees C, but did not increase UV resistance, in an ssb-1 strain. Another ssb allele, ssb-113, which blocks SOS induction at 30 degrees C, increases spontaneous mutability more than tenfold. The ssb-113 allele was transduced into the SOS-constitutive recA730 strain SC30. This double mutant expressed the same elevated spontaneous and UV-induced mutability at 30 degrees C as the ssb+ recA730 strain, and was three times more UV-resistant than its ssb-113 recA+ parent. We conclude that ssb-1 at 42 degrees C and ssb-113 at 30 degrees C block UV-induced activation of recA protease, but that neither allele interferes with subsequent steps in SOS-mediated mutagenesis.
First Mesa Hopi in 1900: A Demographic Reconstruction

Detailed information for unacculturated Native American societies is very rare. The existence of maps, unpublished field notes from the 1890s and the manuscript U.S. census of 1900 makes it possible to examine the Hopi Indians of First Mesa, Arizona in 1900 in ways that are seldom possible. The location of individuals within each village, the size of the home and the number of residents and changes in village morphology can be determined with considerable accuracy.
Magda B. Arnold's life and work in context

This paper provides a biographical and historical context for understanding and appreciating Magda B. Arnold's (1903–2002) theory and research on emotion. It situates Arnold's work in the context of mid-century emotion theory, the status of women psychologists, and pre-Cognitive Revolution psychology more generally. In considering Arnold's life and work, three themes stand out and deserve emphasis: (1) Arnold's lifelong passion and commitment to her project of grounding the psychology of emotion in brain processes; (2) the tensions and complementarities between her identity as a hardnosed scientist and a person of deep religious faith; and (3) the larger scientific and scholarly context within which her long and complex life and career unfolded.
Cross-sectional and high resolution TEM studies of structural phase transitions in MeV-ion-implanted InP crystals

Cross-sectional and high resolution transmission electon microscopy (XTEM and HRTEM0 have been applied to investigate radiation damage and structural phase transitions in MeV-ion-implanted InP compound semiconductors. It has been found that the crystalline-amorphous transition in the implanted layer occurs at an implant dose over 1 × 10^(15)/cm^2, with the buried amorphous layer extending towards the sample surface as the implant dose increases. The recrystallization in the buried layer was stimulated through solid-phase epitaxy and homogeneous nucleation processes during thermal annealing at 500°C, resulting in a highly disordered structure. The results have led to a comprehensive understanding of mechecanisms of phase transitions in MeV-ion-implanted InP and complement the results of other characterization techniques.
Trance and Shamanism: What's in a Name?

This article considers the implications of the definitions and typologies of trance and shamanism for the development and testing of cross-cultural hypotheses through a review of definitions, typologies, and use of key terms and related concepts in anthropology. Authors vary widely in their definitions and applications of terms: some uses are based on reasoned criteria, others on traditional practice; some establish typologies, others prefer continua. Classifications range from narrow and highly specific to broad and inclusive coverage. Some restrict the usage to traditional societies, while others seek applications to Western phenomena, whether faith healers and mediums, or poets, such as Walt Whitman. The concept of control, with a variety of meanings assigned to it, emerges as a significant variable in the comparative study of "trance" and "shamanism" as these terms are used by different authors in widely different manners.
Professional Development Implications of Teachers' Beliefs and Attitudes toward English Language Learners.

Abstract Research-based professional development is essential for districts and teachers across the nation that face the challenge of providing a quality education for increasingly diverse student populations. In this study, the researchers surveyed 729 teachers in one midwestern suburban district recently impacted by high numbers of immigrant and refugee English language learners (ELLs) about the teachers' beliefs, attitudes, practices, and needs related to ELLs. Results focused on: (a) overall trends and typical responses and (b) differences between teachers with more positive attitudes versus those with less positive attitudes toward having ELLs in their classes. In general, teachers held positive attitudes toward ELLs, bilingual education, and bilingualism; however, there was considerable variability, with sizeable proportions of teachers holding less supportive beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Teachers more accepting of ELLs in their classes were more likely to believe that an ELL's first language ...
Children's exposures to farm worksite hazards on management-intensive grazing operations.

ABSTRACT Agricultural injuries continue to be an important source of childhood mortality and morbidity. There is an agreement within the injury prevention community that environmental modification is the most effective strategy for injury prevention. A growing trend among dairy farmers in the upper Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States is the adoption of management-intensive grazing (MIG) as a new technique for dairy management that actually encompasses environmental modification, decreasing the reliance on and use of tractors and machinery (major sources of fatal and nonfatal injuries to children). The purpose of this study was to explore how restructuring the work and the work environment through the use of MIG may affect children's exposure to farm worksite hazards. The study specifically focused on the most hazardous farm worksite exposures for children based on injury surveillance data (tractors, machinery, large animals, heights, and water sources). An online survey was sent to 68 Wisco...
The effect of glutathione depletion by buthionine sulphoximine on 1-cyano-3,4-epithiobutane toxicity

The effect of glutathione (GSH) depletion by buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) on the nephrotoxicity and GSH-enhancing effect of the naturally occurring, crucifer-derived nitrile 1-cyano-3.4-epithiobutane (CEB), was investigated. Male Fischer 344 rats were administered 50 or 125 mg CEB/kg body weight by gavage with or without prior ip treatment with 550 mg/kg body weight L-BSO. One group of control animals was treated with water only by gavage, while another group was pretreated with BSO and then given water by gavage. Liver and kidney samples were taken 48 hr after CEB treatment for GSH determinations and histological examination. The high-dose CEB without BSO resulted in increased GSH in liver and kidney, marked karyomegaly in the pars recta of renal proximal tubules and tubular epithelial necrosis, which was limited to a few renal tubules. The low-dose CEB alone resulted in increased hepatic GSH and mild karyomegaly. Pretreatment with BSO abrogated the tubular necrosis and karyomegaly induced by either CEB dose. BSO pretreatment inhibited low-dose CEB-induced GSH enhancement in the liver. The combined BSO and high-dose CEB treatment still resulted in increased hepatic GSH, although the increase was less than that observed with high-dose CEB alone. In the kidney, BSO pretreatment abrogated the high-dose CEB-induced increase in GSH, but GSH content was not significantly different from that with high- or low-dose CEB alone. These results provide evidence that CEB conjugation may be a bioactivation reaction with the conjugate involved in nephrotoxicity. The conjugate may also be involved in increasing renal and hepatic GSH.
Novel DNA-sepharose purification of the FadR transcription factor

Abstract A DNA sequence bound by the FadR transcription factor of Escherichia coli was covalently attached to Sepharose by two different approaches: by chem
Granular flow and dielectrophoresis: The effect of electrostatic forces on adhesion and flow of dielectric granular materials

Electrostatic forces can significantly alter flow properties of granular materials and can adversely affect many industrial particulate processes in unpredictable ways. We investigate here the effect of higher order dielectric electrostatic forces, which are created by non-uniform electric fields, on the agglomeration, adhesion and flow of several granular materials, including pharmaceutical powders. We find that materials can adhere consistently and reproducibly to a metallic rod in a sufficiently strong electric field, which can be produced by either a DC source or tribocharged surfaces. These results provide a simple way to characterize material susceptibility to electrostatic agglomeration. The effect of applied non-uniform fields on the flow of grains falling from a cylindrical hopper is studied and found to significantly reduce the particle flow rate. The effects of humidity, particle size, coatings, and the grounding of equipment are also tested. Finally, contrary to common intuition, we find that grounding a metallic surface can actually exacerbate particle adhesion and agglomeration.
Shear-enhanced compaction and permeability reduction: Triaxial extension tests on porous sandstone

Abstract Triaxial extension experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of radial stress on porosity and permeability (for hydraulic flow along the axial direction) in three porous sandstones. The effective mean stresses were sufficiently high that the samples failed by cataclastic flow, with development of strain hardening and shear-enhanced compaction. Comparison of the new data with triaxial compression data from a previous study shows that the critical stress states for the onset of shear-enhanced compaction are comparable for the two different loading paths. The initial yield stress data for each sandstone map out an approximately elliptic envelope in the stress space. Stress-induced permeability anisotropy was inferred from synthesis of the triaxial compression and extension data. Before the onset of shear-enhanced compaction, permeability and porosity reduction are primarily controlled by the effective mean stress and stress-induced anisotropy is negligible. With the onset of shear-enhanced compaction and development of cataclastic flow, coupling of the deviatoric and hydrostatic stresses induces considerable permeability and porosity reduction. The permeability for flow along the direction of the maximum (compressive) principal stress is greater than that along the minimum principal stress. Microstructural observations on the shear-compacted samples show appreciable increase of grain crushing and pore collapse, which explain the overall decrease in permeability. The damage from grain crushing is highly anisotropic, with the stress-induced microcracks preferentially aligned with the maximum principal stress direction. Because more microcrack conduits are available to focus the flow in this direction, the permeability is relatively enhanced.
Operating the hanford reactors

A considerable amount of valuable information has been obtained as the result of 13 years' operating experience at Hanford. This article, after a brief plant description, discusses personnel requirements, operating procedures, and maintenance problems of a Hanford reactor. The items covered are indicative of the types of problems to be faced by the managers of future nuclear power plants.
Safety, tolerability and effectiveness of HIV non-occupational prophylaxis in Taiwan

Introduction: Increasing numbers of new HIV infection is an important issue of public health in Taiwan. We aim to evaluate the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of HIV non-occupational prophylaxis (nPEP) in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort observational study between March 2011 and May 2014. Three-combined antiretroviral agents were prescribed for all the persons who sought for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis after high risk sexual behaviour. HIV screening, health education and consultation were done before initiation of nPEP. Adverse effects were evaluated at Weeks 1, 2 and 4 and effectiveness was evaluated at Weeks 12 and 24. We also assessed adherence by pill count and regimen completion rates. Results: During the study periods, 255 persons were enrolled. Among the enrolled cases, 43.9% (112/255) of them received zidovudine (AZT)-based regimen while the others received tenofovir (TDF)-based regimen and the third agent was composed of mostly lopinavir/ritonavir (81.4%). The completion rate of nPEP was 85.9% (219/255), and discontinuation rate of nPEP among AZT-based regimen is higher than TDF-based regimen (17.0% vs 8.2%). Any grade adverse effects are higher among AZT-based regimen than TDF-based regimen (62.5% vs 32.1%) although most adverse effects were grade 1–2. After a 24-week follow-up, only one person experienced HIV seroconversion and he had primary syphilis at the moment when he sought for nPEP. Conclusions: NPEP could be an effective prevention method in a part of HIV prevention strategy and TDF-based regimen had better tolerability in Taiwan. (Published: 2 November 2014) Citation Abstracts of the HIV Drug Therapy Glasgow Congress 2014 Li H-C et al. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2014, 17(Suppl 3): 19736 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/19736 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.17.4.19736
The Rural Nursing Home Industry: A National Description

Although the rural component of the nursing home industry is an $11 billion per year enterprise, very little is known about the unique character and structure of rural nursing homes. Using data from a 1991 national census of nursing homes, this investigation compares facilities (N = 13,081) in nine different county types. Significant variation by geographic location was observed in the availability, size, and character of long-term care facilities. Such differences have important implications for the role rural nursing homes may assume in a health care system that m the future will be dominated by managed care principles and the creation of integrated health care systems that include a wide range of patient care services.
On Auctions with Withdrawable Winning Bids

This paper considers sealed bidding in which bidders may submit two or more bids and after the bids are opened may, perhaps at a cost, withdraw bids that are more aggressive than would be necessary to win. Such withdrawal strategies are sometimes followed, but currently are surreptitious. However, legitimization of them would create potentially useful market mechanisms of potential interest to government agencies. These market mechanisms are also of theoretical interest since they are intermediate between first-price and second-price auctions. This paper presents models of such auctions. Both decision-theoretic models applicable to surreptitious use of withdrawal strategies and game theoretic models appropriate for openly withdrawable bid situations are developed. We describe a particular auction in which a winning bid was withdrawn and fit one of our decision theoretic models to data from it.
Steel furnace slag aggregate expansion and hardened concrete properties

Abstract Steel furnace slag (SFS) is an industrial by-product that is not commonly utilized in bound applications because of its potential to contain high contents of free calcium and magnesium oxides, which expand when hydrated. In this study, a process was developed to quickly screen SFS aggregates for free oxide contents and expansion potential using complexometric titration, thermogravimetric analysis, and an autoclave expansion test. Two of the three SFS aggregate sources (high and low expansion) were selected for testing as a coarse aggregate in concrete. It was confirmed that SFS aggregates in concrete can produce acceptable strength properties, suitable freeze/thaw durability, and exceptional fracture properties. However, these SFS aggregates produced greater free drying shrinkage than concrete with dolomite aggregates. For SFS aggregates having low expansion potential, the hardened property tests indicate that SFS may be a suitable aggregate for concrete.
Sexual and social maturity versus social conformity in restricting anorectic, bulimic, and borderline women

Sexual and social maturity and social conformity among eating disordered women were explored through a descriptive sexual questionnaire and a test for ego development administered to 10 women with restricting anorexia nervosa and 15 women with bulimia. However, in contrast to other such studies, data were compared not only between these two groups and, for social conformity, to normative values, but also with data obtained from a matched group of 15 women diagnosed as having borderline personality disorder but no eating disorder. The results suggest that, although restrictors are the least mature, most withdrawn, and most inhibited group in their sexual lives and social relationships, they surpass not only the other two groups but also normal women in the capacity for social conformity. Bulimics, by comparison, although less withdrawn and more varied than the restrictors in their sexual and social lives, were comparable to normals in social conformity. Overall, both eating-disordered subgroups presented major limitations in their sexual and social maturity, actually even greater than those seen in certain areas among borderline women; but the clinical presentation of restricting anorexics may be disguised and compensated for as a consequence of their exceptional sensitivity to social expectations.
Age Discrimination in Personnel Decisions: A Reexamination1

Rosen and Jerdee's (1976a) classic study on age discrimination, conducted over 25 years ago, was replicated in the present study. In the original study, participants rated older targets as being less desirable and suitable in a variety of work-related scenarios. In contrast, participants in the current study rated older and younger targets as similarly qualified and suitable for promotion, training, and hiring. The discontinuity between the results of the 2 studies is discussed, and explanations involving both social change and methodological factors are suggested.
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferases from elasmobranchs reveal structural conservation within vertebrates.

The DNA polymerase (pol) X family is an ancient group of enzymes that function in DNA replication and repair (pol β), translesion synthesis (pol λ and pol μ) and terminal addition of non-templated nucleotides. This latter terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activity performs the unique function of providing diversity at coding joins of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor genes. The first isolated full-length TdT genes from shark and skate are reported here. Comparisons with the three-dimensional structure of mouse TdT indicate structural similarity with elasmobranch orthologues that supports both a template-independent mode of replication and a lack of strong nucleotide bias. The vertebrate TdTs appear more closely related to pol μ and fungal polymerases than to pol λ and pol β. Thus, unlike other molecules of adaptive immunity, TdT is a member of an ancient gene family with a clear gene phylogeny and a high degree of similarity, which implies the existence of TdT ancestors in jawless fishes and invertebrates.
Shell thinning in avian eggs by environmental pollutants

Abstract Literature has been reviewed concerning shell thinning in avian eggs by environmental pollutants. Field evidence indicates that the declines in shell thickness observed in certain species in North America and Great Britain since the Second World War have been largely caused by residues of pp′-DDE or other compounds or metabolites of the DDT group. In North America, polychlorinated biphenyls and cyclodiene insecticides have played no more than minor roles, although in Britain cyclodienes have probably made a significant contribution. Mercury compounds are not apparently associated with the shell thickness declines. Results from controlled experiments, in which laying birds have been exposed to pollutants, generally support these suggestions. Laboratory investigations indicate an interspecific difference in shell thinning response, gallinaceous species tending to be the most resistant and falcons the most susceptible. In a laying bird, organochlorine residues affect many biochemical mechanisms known to be essential for proper shell formation and the extent of the contribution of each affected mechanism towards decreasing shell thickness probably depends on variables such as species and environmental conditions. There is no evidence to suggest that one mechanism is always dominant irrespective of the conditions. In North America shell thinning has often been associated with population decreases, but in Britain declines in shell thickness are not thought to be responsible for the population decreases observed in certain raptor species.
Light-induced seizures**

Review of 20,000 electroencephalograms obtained during an 11 year period revealedrecords of 250 patients with abnormal patterns following photic stimulation. Of this number, 25subjects exhibited overt convulsions in association with photic stimulation. Seven had definite evidence of mental retardation, and in two the light-sensitive seizures were self-induced. Clinical and electroencephalographic findings of several patients are described. The remaining 225 children had electroencephalographic evidence of seizure discharge in response to light-stimulation, but without overt convulsive activity. The mechanism of convulsive activity, relationship to cerebral damage, genetic aspects, causative factors, and management are reviewed.
Therapies for venous thromboembolism.

The review by Dr Wells and colleagues1 on the treatment of venous thromboembolism requires some clarifications. Table 1 in the article summarized new oral anticoagulants as treatment options for venous thromboembolism. However, only rivaroxaban is currently approved in both the United States and Europe, dabigatran was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and apixaban awaits approval by both the FDA and the European Medicines Agency.
Design and implementation of the UIMA common analysis system

The Common Analysis System (CAS) is the subsystem in the Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA) that handles data exchanges between the various UIMA components, such as analysis engines and unstructured information management applications. CAS supports data modeling via a type system independent of programming language, provides data access through a powerful indexing mechanism, and provides support for creating annotations on text data. In this paper we cover the CAS design philosophy, discuss the major design decisions, and describe some of the implementation details.