cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tree Induction for Probability-Based Ranking

Tree induction is one of the most effective and widely used methods for building classification models. However, many applications require cases to be ranked by the probability of class membership. Probability estimation trees (PETs) have the same attractive features as classification trees (e.g., comprehensibility, accuracy and efficiency in high dimensions and on large data sets). Unfortunately, decision trees have been found to provide poor probability estimates. Several techniques have been proposed to build more accurate PETs, but, to our knowledge, there has not been a systematic experimental analysis of which techniques actually improve the probability-based rankings, and by how much. In this paper we first discuss why the decision-tree representation is not intrinsically inadequate for probability estimation. Inaccurate probabilities are partially the result of decision-tree induction algorithms that focus on maximizing classification accuracy and minimizing tree size (for example via reduced-error pruning). Larger trees can be better for probability estimation, even if the extra size is superfluous for accuracy maximization. We then present the results of a comprehensive set of experiments, testing some straightforward methods for improving probability-based rankings. We show that using a simple, common smoothing method—the Laplace correction—uniformly improves probability-based rankings. In addition, bagging substantially improves the rankings, and is even more effective for this purpose than for improving accuracy. We conclude that PETs, with these simple modifications, should be considered when rankings based on class-membership probability are required.
Mining, the environment, and indigenous development conflicts

Examines environmental conflicts between mining companies and indigenous communities and offers a comparative study of the factors leading to those conflicts. Ali presents four cases from the United States and Canada that exemplify different historical relationships with government and industry and provide an instance of high and low levels of Native resistance in each country. Through these cases, Ali analyzes why and under what circumstances tribes agree to negotiated mining agreements on their lands, and why some negotiations are successful and others not. It is refreshing to find a strong work grounded in social science theory that is also engaging for casual readers.? ?Montana, the Magazine of Western History An important contribution to our understanding of the factors influencing decision making among these groups in both nations.? ?Ken Pepion, Harvard University Native American Studies Program
“Nonclassical” Approaches to Wave Scattering at Rough Surfaces

As was seen in Chap. 5, both classical approaches to our problem — the small perturbation method and the tangent plane approximation — cannot cover the whole range of practical problems. The combination of these two methods, or the two-scale model, outlined in Sect. 5.5, extends the potential of the calculations, but has a drawback: some arbitrary parameter arises which divides roughness into two classes — large- and small-scale. For the continuous spectrum of roughness this parameter cannot be uniquely determined and its choice may affect the results of the calculations.
Should Convicted Felons be Denied Admission to a Social Work Education Program

(2000). Should Convicted Felons be Denied Admission to a Social Work Education Program? No! Journal of Social Work Education: Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 409-411.
Can mission statements plant the "seeds" of dysfunctional behaviors in an organization's memory?

Mission statements, one component of an organization's culture, espouse the "official" and fundamental ideologies of the organization. Organizational culture, a component of organizational memory (OM), influences the members' behavior including the production of both functional and dysfunctional outcomes. This research uses a model from cognitive therapy to examine formal mission statements for potentially dysfunctional beliefs. Exploratory analysis suggests that some mission statements may plant the "seeds" for dysfunctional behaviors in an organization's memory through the introduction of disturbed beliefs into the organization's culture. This paper's research model provides managers and OMIS designers with a labeled list of disturbed thinking patterns that facilitates recognition and discovery of "irrational" beliefs. After discovery, omission or mitigation of extreme beliefs is possible.
Coupled-cluster response theory: parallel algorithms and novel applications

The parallel implementation of coupled-cluster response theory within NWChem and its subsequent application to novel chemical problems is reported. Linear-response dipole polarizabilities of polyacenes, the 60-carbon buckyball, and larger water clusters were computed with coupled-cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) and compared to density-functional results. The complete treatment of coupled-cluster response theory including up to triples (CCSDT) was applied to diatomic molecules using large basis sets and this method was used to evaluate a newly-developed perturbative approximation for triples. Hyperpolarizabilities and Lennard-Jones coefficients were implemented at the CCSD level of theory by extending the linear response code in two different ways. Benchmark hyperpolarizabilities are reported for molecules as large as para-nitroaniline using large basis sets. Tensor transpose algorithms are shown to be an important component in a coupled-cluster property code and automatic code generation successfully identified faster algorithms for these.
A new scalable fault tolerant routing algorithm for networks-on-chip

In this paper we propose a distributed routing algorithm for networks-on-chip (NoCs) that can dynamically detect permanent failures in NoC links and recalculate routing paths using healthy links. What sets the proposed methodology apart from the previous works is that it provides a better tradeoff point between the improvement in fault tolerance and performance penalty due to the required redundancy and extra logic. An NoC prototype is implemented and simulated in Verilog-HDL to show the correct operation of the proposed adaptive routing.
Application of coarse-grid computational fluid dynamics on indoor environment modeling: Optimizing the trade-off between grid resolution and simulation accuracy

Computational fluid dynamics has been playing an important role in building design and indoor environment study for decades. However, the computing cost of grid-independent computational fluid dynamics prevents its application from real-time simulation in many areas, such as building emergency evacuation and hourly-based energy simulation. Although coarse-grid computational fluid dynamics has the potential of being as fast as or faster than real time and can provide valuable information for decision making, the credibility of coarse-grid computational fluid dynamics results is questioned due to the unknown error scale it brings. This study investigates the grid-induced error, evaluates the potential computing cost saving by using a coarse grid, and provides a guideline for optimizing the trade-off between grid resolution and computing cost. The numerical error caused by coarse grid can be minimized by appropriately adapting the distribution of grid size. Following the guideline of coarse-grid specificatio...
Lysophosphatidic acid signaling is required for NADPH oxidase activation during agonist stimulation in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (1153.8)

The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity of peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) is required for NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) activation in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC; JBC 286:1196, 2011). Lysophosphatidylcholine is a major product of the PLA2 activity of Prdx6 that is readily metabolized to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is a bioactive lipid that signals through distinct G protein-coupled receptors (LPA receptors 1-5). LPA receptor activation results in the stimulation of signaling pathways regulated by small GTPases, such as the Nox2 cytosolic activator Rac1. We propose that LPA receptor signaling activates Nox2 by stimulating Rac1 in PMVEC. Treatment with Ki16425, a selective antagonist of the LPA receptors 1/3, decreased Rac1 translocation to the plasma membrane during phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) stimulation in PMVEC; as demonstrated by in situ proximity ligation assays (Duolink®) and western blotting of isolated plasma membrane proteins. In the same way, LPA receptor blockade decreased sup...
Characteristics of Cytophaga psychrophila (Borg) Isolated from Outbreaks of Bacterial Cold-Water Disease

Abstract Characteristics of 10 strains of Cytophaga psychrophila isolated during a number of epizootics of bacterial cold-water disease were compared. Morphological, cultural, biochemical, and serological data showed that the organisms were very closely related. The isolates exhibited gliding motility, formed neither fruiting bodies nor microcysts, were actively proteolytic, and grew only at low temperatures. Data presented extend the description of C. psychrophila.
Social desirability bias in relation to academic cheating behaviors of nursing students

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between academic cheating and a series of academic and demographic characteristics, as well as the relationship between the various characteristics and social desirability bias. The population for the study was comprised of 626 nursing students (pre-nursing, baccalaureate students formally admitted into the program, and graduate students) attending a regional comprehensive university located in the Midwest. The results of the study revealed that 53.8% of undergraduate students and 36.5% of graduate students self-reported having engaged in at least one of the 16 forms of academic cheating during the previous semester, primarily in acts classified as plagiarism. The current study further explored misconduct among students seeking a BSN and found that 35.2% of students participated in at least one act of professional misconduct in the clinical setting. There were statistically significant differences between the characteristics of age and prevalence of plagiarism-related academic cheating, planned cheating, spontaneous cheating, and professional misconduct, implying that older students cheat less frequently. Likewise, the more credits a student completed the less likely they were to plagiarize or engage in spontaneous cheating. Additionally, older students and students having completed higher number of credits received higher scores on the social desirability scale, implying they had a higher tendency to display social desirability bias.
Time-of-flight intracranial MR venography: evaluation of the sequential oblique section technique.

PURPOSE To implement a time-of-flight MR angiographic technique using the oblique acquisition of thin gradient-echo sections to evaluate the intracranial venous system, and to assess the feasibility of application of this technique in a routine clinical setting. METHODS The MR angiographic technique consisted of a two-dimensional gradient-echo technique with sequential overlapped sections obtained with an oblique orientation, angled from the sagittal toward the coronal plane. Parameters were evaluated during 41 measurements in 21 healthy volunteers with the section orientation varying from direct sagittal to direct coronal, followed by 64 examinations in 53 patients with an angle of obliquity of 15 degrees to 20 degrees from the sagittal toward the coronal plane. Confirmation of MR venographic findings was through correlation with clinical data and imaging studies. RESULTS The volunteer data demonstrated optimal visibility of the smaller midline structures with an angle of obliquity of 15 degrees or greater. Patient examinations with this angle demonstrated sinus obstruction or thrombosis (n = 11), sinus compression (n = 2), and apparent sinus stenosis (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS Oblique-acquisition time-of-flight MR venography seems to provide a rapid, robust technique for intracranial venous examination and can be applied as a useful adjunct to parenchymal MR in the evaluation of suspected venoocclusive disease. This oblique technique demonstrated improved vessel contrast over direct sagittal acquisition, required significantly fewer sections and thus a shorter acquisition time than direct coronal acquisition, and was applied without difficulty in the vast majority of patients in the clinical setting.
Mechanical Energy Flow in Crystal Lattices

A detailed study of the mechanical energy transported through a completely general crystal lattice in the classical temperature range is presented. Both a mechanical "Poynting" vector and the corresponding mechanical "Poynting" theorem are established for an arbitrary, 3-dimensional, anisotropic, anharmonic crystal lattice, containing many atoms per cell, inclusive of substitutional impurities, and possessing an arbitrary range of atomic interactions. The extension of the energy-flow procedures to a quantum treatment is discussed, and the resulting quantum-mechanical form of the mechanical "Poynting" vector is given. In addition, a mechanical energy theorem, linking the average mechanical energy flow to the group velocity for the restricted case of a perfectly periodic and harmonic but otherwise completely general, crystal is derived for the classical temperature range.
Contamination and Recovery of Commercially-Reared Mussels Exposed to Diesel Fuel from a Sunken Fishing Vessel

ABSTRACT Following the sinking of a derelict fishing vessel near a commercial mussel farm in Penn Cove, Washington, mussels ((Mytilus trossulus), suspended 1-3 m below the sea surface, were sampled...
Zero sets of polynomials in finite rings

In a field, of course, ann-th degree polynomial has at mostn zeros. Is there anything like this in rings? We find: ann-th degree polynomial in a finite ringA, ofr elements, that is not zero everywhere inA is non-zero at leastr/2n times. This is sharp for alln, even in commutative rings; perhaps also in unitary rings, though examples are lacking beyond the cubic case. However, the best such result for commutative unitary rings (not determined pastn=3) is better; (2/2n)r is proved, and the best coefficient is between that and its square root.
Electrical properties and redox stability of tantalum-doped strontium titanate for SOFC anodes

Abstract SrTa x Ti 1 − x O 3 (STT) with x = 0.01, 0.05, and 0.10, has been investigated as a potential electron conductor for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes. STT was found to be chemically stable under oxidizing and reducing conditions and chemically compatible with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was near that of YSZ, ranging from 11.3 to 11.8 × 10 − 6 K − 1 . The conductive properties of bulk STT and porous STT–YSZ composites were studied under relevant SOFC operating temperatures and redox cycling conditions. In order to achieve reasonable conductivities, samples were initially reduced at 1673 K. Conductivity after redox cycling was higher for lower dopant concentrations. The redox stable conductivity of a porous composite with x = 0.01 was 1.1 S/cm at 1073 K in humidified H 2 (3% H 2 O). Fuel cell tests indicated an anode impedance of 0.4 Ω cm 2 at 973 K in humidified H 2 for STT–YSZ anodes infiltrated with 3 wt.% CeO 2 and 1 wt.% Pd.
The development of sphagnum bogs in north America

A considerable amount of new and significant information in regard to the development of sphagnum bogs on the North American continent has been made available since publication of the earlier paper (Rigg, 1940). Geographically our knowledge has been extended by field work in both northern and southern regions. This field work emphasizes the wide-spread occurrence of some features of bog development, many of which were already known in some localities. There is also some new information on bog development in a few parts of the United States in which the general course of the development of sphagnum bogs was already known. A few papers published before 1940 also merit attention. The use of layers of volcanic ash ("volcanic glass") in bogs as a means of dating approximately and relatively the age of bogs has made notable advance during the last ten years. During the course of field work in 1949 sponsored by the Division of Mines and Geology in Washington State Department of Conservation and Development the writer had opportunity for more extensive and detailed field work on the bogs of that State than he previously had. The objective of this project is to obtain data on the peat resources of the State and publish them in a forthcoming bulletin. The writer is indebted to Mr. Sheldon L. Glover, Supervisor of the Division, for permission to use data from this field work. It has not been possible to quote from all papers that have appeared since 1940 which give information on stages of sphagnum bog development in North America or to quote from all of the letters which have been so kindly written by botanists in reply to inquiries by the writer. It is believed, however, that sufficient
TIMP-2 Is Required for Efficient Activation of proMMP-2 in Vivo

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are synthesized as latent proenzymes. A proteolytic cleavage event involving processing of the cysteine-rich N-terminal propeptide is required for their full activation. Previous in vitro studies indicated that activation of proMMP-2 can occur through formation of a trimolecular complex between MMP-14, TIMP-2, and proMMP-2 at the cell surface. Using TIMP-2-deficient mice and cells derived from them, TIMP-2 was shown to be required for efficient proMMP-2 activation both in vivoand in vitro. The requirement for TIMP-2 was not cell-autonomous as exogenously added TIMP-2 could restore activation of proMMP-2 to TIMP-2-deficient cells. Mutant mice were overtly normal, viable, and fertile on the C57BL/6 background, indicating that both TIMP-2 and activated proMMP-2 are dispensable for normal development.
Low-Temperature H2S Removal from Steam-Containing Gas Mixtures with ZnO for Fuel Cell Application. 1. ZnO Particles and Extrudates

Sulfur removal is important for a fuel cell that uses a hydrocarbon fuel, such as natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and gasoline, to prevent the downstream sulfur poisoning of catalysts in the fuel processor and in the fuel cell anode. Although most sulfur species are removed prior to reforming, the reducing environment of the reforming stage (such as autothermal reforming) converts residual sulfur to hydrogen sulfide (H2S). H2S in the reformate must be removed to ensure longevity of the catalysts in downstream processing and in the anode chamber of fuel cell systems. A unique modified ZnO sample with a different morphology has been prepared and comparatively studied together with a commercially available ZnO sample under various conditions. Extremely low H2S outlet concentrationsas low as 20 parts per billion by volume (ppbv)have been observed over the modified ZnO sample for extended periods of times. The sulfur-trap capacity (the amount of H2S trapped before breakthrough) also is dependent on space...
Evaluation of Learning Efficiency and Efficacy in a Multi-User Virtual Environment

AbstractThis study evaluated the multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) known as Second Life, integrated with Moodle and SLOODLE technologies, as an exploratory course delivery platform and for its ability to enable teachers to meet elements of NETS•T. Graduate student participants (N = 17) interacted, constructed simulated schools, and attended classes in the MUVE. The researcher used pre- and posttest measures of self-efficacy and learning efficiency to understand the effects of the MUVE on participants and their rate of learning to make educational use of the environment. Findings imply that the technologies have potential as a distance-learning platform and as a tool to meet elements of NETS•T. Preparing teachers to use the MUVE for these purposes is likely to require a significant amount of scaffolding.
Isolation of bodies containing the cyanide-insensitive glycerophosphate oxidase of Trypanosoma equiperdum

Abstract 1. 1. Differential mitochondrial fractions collected from Trypanosoma conorhini homogenates exhibited glycerophosphate oxidase (GPO) activities that were inhibited by cyanide, but mitochondrial fractions from T. equiperdum contained a cyanide-insensitive GPO. 2. 2. Gel-filtration chromatography and disc electrophoresis separated T. conorhini sodium dodecylsulfate-soluble mitochondrial proteins into twelve fractions and T. equiperdum into five fractions. 3. 3. Sucrose density-gradient centrifugation of the T. equiperdum mitochondrial fractions resolved two sub-fractions: a “heavy” DNA-containing fraction and a “light” GPO-containing fraction. 4. 4. Electron micrographic inspecteion of the “light” fraction showed it was composed of flagella and spherical bodies that are abundant in teh cytoplasm of T. equiperdum .
Learning a probabilistic model mixing 3D and 2D primitives for view invariant object recognition

This paper presents a method learning mixed templates for view invariant object recognition. The template is composed of 3D and 2D primitives which are stick-like elements defined in 3D and 2D spaces respectively. The primitives are allowed to perturb within a local range to account for instance variations of an object category. When projected onto images, the appearance of these primitives are represented by Gabor filters. Both 3D and 2D primitives have parameters describing their visible range in a viewing hemisphere. Our algorithm sequentially selects primitives and builds a probabilistic model using the selected primitives. The order of this sequential selection is decided by the information gains of primitives, which can be estimated together with the visible range parameter efficiently. In experiments, we evaluate performance of the learned 3D templates on car recognition and pose estimation. We also show that the algorithm can learn intuitive mixed templates on various object categories, which suggests that our method could be used as a numerical method to justify the debate over viewer-centered and object-centered representations.
The effects of computer use in science and mathematics education upon the computer literacy of preservice elementary teachers

This study investigated the effects of computer use upon the computer literacy of preservice elementary teachers using two methods of instruction: computer assisted instruction in an earth science course and computer programming in a mathematics education course. Computer literacy was measured by the Minnesota Computer Literacy and Awareness Assessment (MCLAA). For each component of computer literacy, differences in group posttest scores were compared using an analysis of covariance with pretest scores used as the covariate. Pre- to posttest increases in scores for each group were also examined. The results indicated that the treatment given to the computer programming group had little or no effect upon the students' computer literacy, while the treatment given to the computer assisted instruction group had a significant effect upon the affective subscale of the MCLAA. A positive effect was also indicated on the cognitive subscale of the MCLAA. Thus, it appears that an effective method for improving preservice elementary teachers' computer literacy is to involve them in computer assisted instruction, possibly through a science course.
Synthesis of trifluoromethyl- and methylphosphazene polymers: differences between polymerization and initiator/terminator properties

A new polyphosphazene, [N=PPh(CF 3 )] n , has been prepared via the PCl 5 -induced cationic polymerization of Me 3 SiN=P(CF 3 )(Ph)Br. In addition, the cationic route has been used to produce [N= PPh(Me)] n with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersities. By contrast, the new monomer Me 3 SiN=P(t-Bu)(Ph)F failed to polymerize under any conditions but was used as an initiator and terminator to prepare both mono- and ditelechelic polymers. This monomer was also used to prepare [F(Ph)(t-Bu)P=N(PCl 2 =N)P(t-Bu)(Ph)F] + , which was used as a substrate for reactions with alkoxy and aryloxy groups to yield the hydrolytically stable materials, [R(Ph)(t-Bu)P=N(PR 2 =N)P(t-Bu)(Ph)R 2 ].
The Cytokines IL-21 and GM-CSF have Opposing Regulatory Roles in the Apoptosis of Conventional Dendritic Cells

Interleukin-21 (IL-21) has broad actions on T and B cells, but its actions in innate immunity are poorly understood. Here we show that IL-21 induced apoptosis of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) via STAT3 and Bim, and this was inhibited by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). ChIP-Seq analysis revealed genome-wide binding competition between GM-CSF-induced STAT5 and IL-21-induced STAT3. Expression of IL-21 in vivo decreased cDC numbers, and this was prevented by GM-CSF. Moreover, repetitive α-galactosylceramide injection of mice induced IL-21 but decreased GM-CSF production by natural killer T (NKT) cells, correlating with decreased cDC numbers. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of wild-type CD4+ T cells caused more severe colitis with increased DCs and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+ T cells in Il21r(-/-)Rag2(-/-) mice (which lack T cells and have IL-21-unresponsive DCs) than in Rag2(-/-) mice. Thus, IL-21 and GM-CSF exhibit cross-regulatory actions on gene regulation and apoptosis, regulating cDC numbers and thereby the magnitude of the immune response.
Effects of rapid and slow potassium repolarization currents and calcium dynamics on hysteresis in restitution of action potential duration.

Abstract We used a mathematical model to investigate effects of repolarizing currents I kr and I ks , calcium (Ca) current I CaL , and Ca dynamics in network sarcoplasmic reticulum and junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (JSR) on hysteresis in restitution of action potential duration. Enhanced I kr increased slope of restitution, hysteresis loop thickness, and delay between peaks of diastolic intervals and action potential duration. Increase in I ks decreased loop thickness and peak delay. Decrease in I CaL had effects similar to increasing I kr , except slope of restitution decreased markedly. Uptake of Ca into the network sarcoplasmic reticulum had less effect on hysteresis than transfer of Ca into JSR. Faster transfer of Ca into JSR markedly decreased loop thickness and peak delay. Our results provide insight into mechanisms responsible for this newly identified property of restitution. Such information will be valuable in studies where modification of hysteresis is used to investigate its role in arrhythmogenesis.
High-? SQUIDs fabricated by inhibiting ion implantation

We have fabricated YBaCuO superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) using an inhibiting ion implantation method. The devices were patterned by implanting silicon or boron ions through photoresist masks to locally inhibit the conductivity. The implantation was performed at energies of 40 - 120 keV and doses of . The DC SQUIDs consist of step-edge junctions on substrates. Operational SQUIDs fabricated with this new patterning method were demonstrated at 77 K. Line widths of have been achieved and sharp superconducting - normal boundaries were observed. The surface of the patterned device remained planar.
Determinants of Seeking Timely and Necessary Pediatric Care

Ninety mothers were interviewed in a pediatrician’s waiting room about their reasons for seeking care. We compared their answers, and the pediatrician’s judgment of the visit’s necessity and timeliness to a model which distinguishes appraisal, illness, and utilization stages in seeking medical treatment. Clearly defined symptoms and the use of few home treatments predicted a more rapid assessment that one’s child was ill. No factors predicted how quickly a mother would decide that her child needed professional care, nor how rapidly she would then seek that care. The pediatrician judged visits to be necessary when the child had many physical symptoms, pain, and/or fever, and when the child’s mother was employed. He judged visits to be delayed for mothers who reported that cost of treatment may influence their decisions to seek care. He indicated that only 39% of the visits were both necessary and on time. We discuss ways to encourage appropriate utilization of pediatric visits.
Cerebral air embolism after central venous catheter removal

A 43-year-old right-handed man was admitted to the hospital after 3 days of progressive back pain with numbness and weakness in the extremities. He was areflexic on admission and the diagnosis of Guillain–Barre syndrome was made. His CSF analysis on admission was unremarkable, but a follow-up nerve conduction study confirmed the diagnosis of acute demyelinating polyneuropathy. His weakness was worse the next day and he was unable to stand without assistance. With informed consent, the patient chose plasmapheresis over IV immunoglobulin because of the fear of infection from receiving pooled blood products. After three sessions of plasmapheresis, his strength had improved to independent ambulation, and his cardiorespiratory status was stable. However, he developed a spiking fever. Blood cultures from his IV catheter were persistently positive for β-hemolytic streptococcal infection. He was treated with antibiotics and plasmapheresis …
Grating polarizers in waveguide miter bends

Rectangular grooved gratings have been fabricated on mirrors of waveguide miter bends. When the HE11 mode was propagated in corrugated waveguide with diameter equal to approximately 12 wavelengths, these gratings performed in the same manner as predicted using plane wave theory. Two gratings with different groove depths in successive miter bends are sufficient to generate a rather wide range of polarizations. These gratings are particularly convenient in waveguide, which offers ease of alignment, compact transverse dimensions, and the possibility of vacuum operation.
Nutritional support in the cancer-bearing host: Effects on host and tumor

Cancer patients have the highest prevalence of malnutrition of any group of hospitalized patients. The potential causes of this malnutrition are numerous, as elements of both starvation and stress are evident in the cancer-bearing host. The presence of the tumor alone may lead to reduced intake of nutrients and treatment modalities of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy further exacerbate nutritional deficits. It is clear that the tumor requires energy substrates to grow, and that these substrates are exacted from the host. Animal studies identify progressive nutritional depletion concommitant with increasing tumor growth during ingestion of a regular diet. This appears predominantly due to reduced dietary intake in addition to host metabolic alterations. In animal/tumor models deliberate dietary protein depletion results in severe host weight loss, but also causes diminished tumor growth rates. Dietary manipulation in these animal/tumor models have demonstrated methods of improving tumor response to chemotherapy by manipulation of tumor growth rates. In addition, drug-pharmacokinetics have been altered by dietary manipulation. However, data from animal/tumor models are not directly applicable to man since the tumor in animals usually results in the death of the host within six to eight weeks. Nevertheless, controlled laboratory studies in animals provide basic metabolic information which promotes understanding of host/tumor relationships in man. In cancer patients malnutrition has prognostic value, leads to a distortion of body composition with erosion of body protein and fat stores, and compromises the delivery of adequate therapy. There is no direct objective evidence of accelerated tumor growth in humans with cancer who receive nutritional support as part of their treatment regimen. The host benefits to the extent that body composition is at least maintained during the period of nutritional repletion. Thus, nutritional support provides support to the patient during periods of treatment and dietary deprivation. No improvement in the tumor's response to therapy, however, has been demonstrated by this approach.
Update on oncogenes and relevance in urology.

Although the concept of an association between genes and cancer is not a new one, the precise mechanism by which genes are responsible for cancer development has remained elusive for decades. Recent developments in microbiology and genetic engineering possibly have put us on the brink of understanding these mechanisms. The identification and characterization of socalled “oncogenes,” genes presumably involved in the regulation of cell growth and in the loss of growth regulation, have refired intense study of genetic factors that may determine tumor development . The purpose of this article is to review recent evidence that has enhanced our understanding of the genetic basis of cancer development and to describe current directions in which such work is leading. We shall attempt to present this work in the context of tumors of the genitourinary tract. In so doing, we will also attempt to describe the clinical relevance of these exciting advances to urologic oncology and possibly also to our approach in the treatment of urologic neoplasia. Historical Perspectives The association between oncogenes and cancer is based on the recent convergence of several independent lines of investigation. It is important to understand that the observations underlying these associations occurred as isolated and often unrelated findings rather than in related sequence, and that their relevance to the genetic basis of cancer represents in many instances only a retrospective assessment.
Prehistoric Human Impacts on Waterbirds at Watmough Bay, Washington, USA

ABSTRACT The well-preserved faunal remains from shell middens in the Pacific Northwest of North America provide a unique opportunity for investigation of the long-term history of human and animal interactions in coastal settings. Recent analysis of a large sample of birds from the Watmough Bay site (45-SJ-280) in the Gulf of Georgia reveals dramatic changes in hunting practices between ca. AD 300–700. Initially the site occupants hunted Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) chicks from nearby nesting colonies. Subsequently, diving ducks were hunted more intensively. The most likely hypothesis is that the cormorants moved their nesting colonies farther away from Watmough Bay in response to repeated human hunting, and people living at the site switched instead to hunting sea ducks, possibly using submerged netting technology. In addition to adding to our knowledge about the impacts of pre-industrial human hunting, the evidence from Watmough Bay provides data about past breeding distributions and ...
Protein Coated Adsorbents for use in Potential Barrier Chromatography: Fouling Chromatography

Fouling is employed as a method of obtaining adsorbents suitable for use in Potential Barrier Chromatography. A relatively inexpensive hydrophobic adsorbent, which is initially unsuitable for protein separations, is intentionally fouled with protein. The packing slowly evolves from an adsorbent which binds proteins strongly, due to strong hydrophobic interactions, to a protein coated adsorbent in which weaker hydrophobic interactions are opposed by enhanced double layer repulsion. As a result, an adsorbent which is suitable for protein separations evolves. Details regarding the fouling process, the chromatographic separation of two model proteins and the physical forces involved are outlined.
Effect of Age Gender and Repeated Measures on Intraoral Air Pressure in Normal Adults

The effect of age gender and repeated measures on intraoral air pressure (P0) was examined. Sixty adults comprised of ten males and ten females in each of three age groups (i.e. 20 to 39 40 to 59 and 60 to 83 years) participated. P0 was assessed during voiceless stop plosive /p/ productions in repeated vowel/consonant syllables. The three medial plosives of a seven syllable train were averaged to comprise a token. Five tokens were obtained and averaged for each of three trials. Thus each participant contributed 105 syllables and a subsequent three P0s for analyses. There was no statistically significant difference in P0 as a function of age or gender (p>.05). These findings support the conception that P0 remains stable throughout adulthood and is not dependent on gender. Differences in repeated measures of P0 attained statistical significance (p = .03) however the mean differences between trials (.23 cm H20) were negligible and deemed to be clinically insignificant. Thus across a short sampling session P0 is a relatively stable measurement and does not change as a function of age or gender.
MYOPIA AND NIGHT-TIME LIGHTING DURING SLEEP IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS '

Summary.-This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between different lighting conditions experienced during sleep in the first two years of life and development of myopia after age two as reported retrospectively by parents in a total of 469 individuals, including 252 children aged 2-16 yr., and 217 adults aged 17-40 yr. There were no significant differences in incidence of myopia in children who had slept from 0-2 yr. in darkness, with a night light, room lighc, or hall lighc. Adults who were reported by their parents to have slept with a night light on from G2 yr. were significantly more Likely to be myopic than those who were reported to have slept from 0-2 yr. in any other Lighting condition. In a study of 479 children whose median age was 8 yr., Quinn, Shin, ~Maguire, and Stone (1999) found that only 10% of children who had slepr in darkness from 0-2 years of age became myopic between 2 and 16 years of age, compared to 34% of children who had slept with a night light on, and 55% of children who had slept with full room lighting on. Given this finding, Quinn, et al. concluded that ". . . it seems prudent that infants and young children sleep at night without artificial lighting in the bedroom. . ." (p. 113). This controversial study has been concradicted by several subsequent reports. Zadnik, Jones, Irvin, Kleinstein, Manny, Shin, and Mutti (2000) replicated Quinn, el 01,'s study in a sample of 1,220 children whose median age was 10 yr. and found no significant ddFerences in the percentages of children who became nearsighted after sleeping from 0-2 years in darkness (20%), with a night light (17%) or with room light (22%). In a study of 213 people with a mean age of 11 yr., Gwiazda, Ong, Held, and Thorne (2000) also found that the same percentage of children who slept for the first two years of life with a night light or in darkness became myopic (20%). The current study replicated Quinn, et 01,'s 1999 study, comparing the percentages of a sample of 252 children (M age 9.4 yr.) who were reported by their parents to be myopic or not myopic at 2-16 years of age after sleeping from 0-2 years in darkness, with a night light, or with room Lighting. In addition, parents of participants were asked if their children had slept with a hall light on and a bedroom door left slightly open. Quinn, et al. reported that 15.7% of their sample had slept with a room light on from 0-2 years of age. Zadnlk, et al. (2000) reported that less than 4% of their sample had slept with room lighting. In this study, less than 4% also slept with room Lighting. By contrast, 23% were reported by their parents as having slept with a hall light on and a bedroom door left slightly open. The focus of che studies by Quinn, et al., Zadnik, et al., and Gwiazda, et al. was on the development of myopia in children from 2-16 years of age. In this cross-sectional investigation,
The High Speed Photicon

We review recent progress in the development of the photicon, a photon counting two dimensional array imaging detector for visible light. Data are presented on its resolution and other imaging characteristics, quantum efficiency, counting rate linearity and dark count behavior. Some key properties of the high speed photicon are: quantum efficiency 10% at 4000 A; background counting rate-50 per second; maximum counting rate-6 x 104 per second; resolution-30?m; field of view-25 mm diameter; format-2048 x 2048 pixels.
Imidazolate bridged heterobinuclear complexes of zinc(II)tetraphenylporphyrin. Modeling cytochrome c oxidase.

Abstract The reaction of a copper(II) or nickel(II) imidazolate complex (M[CBP-PHEN-4-CHO-Im]) 1 with zinc(II)tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) in toluene results in the formation of an imidazolate bridged heterobinuclear axial adduct. Conversion of the four-coordinated Zn(TPP) to the five-coordinated species is followed in the visible region between 700 and 500 nm. Isosbestic behavior is exhibited at 523, 556, 588, and 638 nm by solutions of Zn(TPP) to which varying amounts of the metal imidazolate complex are added, indicating the existence of an equilibrium between Zn(TPP) and its axial adduct. The products exhibit maxima β and α bands at 566 and 606 nm, respectively, which are red-shifted from 548 and 588 nm for Zn(TPP) and yield ϵ ga /ϵ gb ratios of 0.57 and 0.55 for the Ni(II) and Cu(II) adducts, respectively. The binding of the metal imidazolate complexes is thought to closely resemble that of N -methylimidazole, N -CH 3 Im, rather than imidazolate, owing to the close spectral similarities with the adduct of the former and significant differences from the latter. Formation constants were determined using the 548-nm β band of Zn(TPP) in the 293–308 K range by the method of Rose and Drago. At 25° C, K = 152,000 M −1 and 110,000 M -1 for the copper and nickel adducts, respectively. Comparison of these values to that of 54,100 M −1 for N-CH 3 Im indicates that the metal-imidazolate complexes are considerably more reactive. Van't Hoff plots for the two series are very similar with enthalpies of −41.9 and −43.3 kJ/mole respectively. The structural core of these complexes is similar to the imidazolate bridged model of cytochrome c oxidase in that they contain a metal imidazolate axially adducted to a metalloporphyrin.
Photo-ionization efficiency curves of alkali nanoclusters in a beam and determination of metal work functions

We produced free beams of cold nanometer-sized particles of lithium, sodium and potassium and measured the three corresponding photo-ionization yield curves. Quadratic (Fowler) plots, originally developed for bulk surfaces, were found to provide a good fit to the threshold shape and were used to obtain the particle ionization potentials. The latter match precisely the bulk work functions cited in the literature, suggesting that photo-ionization of free nanoclusters may form a useful complement to traditional photoelectron studies of surfaces. Within 0.25–1 eV above the threshold, the ionization efficiency begins to drop. This effect, which has parallels in bulk-surface and small-cluster photoemission, is presently not well understood but may be related to an interplay between electron emission and collective surface plasma excitations.
Analysis of the chemiluminescence from electronically excited lead oxide generated in a flow tube reactor

Abstract The chemiluminescence from electronically excited lead oxide formed during the reaction between lead vapor and either 3 Σ O 2 or 1 Δ O 2 has been studied. The reactions were accomplished in a flow tube reactor. A microwave discharge was used to generate 1 Δ O 2 . The vibronic spectrum was analyzed and the band head assignments were used in a linear least-squares calculation to obtain the vibronic molecular constants for the X, a, b, A, B, C, C′, D, and E electronic states of lead oxide. Based on these and other molecular constants, Franck-Condon factors were calculated for the transitions to the ground state and also for the A-a and D-a transitions. Evidence was presented to support a kinetic analysis of the mechanism leading to chemiluminescence under the experimental conditions encountered in the flow tube reactor. Mechanisms presented earlier were verified by the present data.
Finite element modeling of friction stir welding—thermal and thermomechanical analysis

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a relatively new welding process that may have significant advantages compared to the fusion processes as follow: joining of conventionally non-fusion weldable alloys, reduced distortion and improved mechanical properties of weldable alloys joints due to the pure solid-state joining of metals. In this paper, a three-dimensional model based on finite element analysis is used to study the thermal history and thermomechanical process in the butt-welding of aluminum alloy 6061-T6. The model incorporates the mechanical reaction of the tool and thermomechanical process of the welded material. The heat source incorporated in the model involves the friction between the material and the probe and the shoulder. In order to provide a quantitative framework for understanding the dynamics of the FSW thermomechanical process, the thermal history and the evolution of longitudinal, lateral, and through-thickness stress in the friction stirred weld are simulated numerically. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is used to measure the residual stress of the welded plate, and the measured results are used to validate the efficiency of the proposed model. The relationship between the calculated residual stresses of the weld and the process parameters such as tool traverse speed is presented. It is anticipated that the model can be extended to optimize the FSW process in order to minimize the residual stress of the weld.
Sexual Function in Chronic Kidney Disease

Endocrine abnormalities are common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and lead to sexual dysfunction, anemia, hyperparathyroidism, and altered mineral metabolism. Common clinical problems include disturbances in menstruation in women, erectile dysfunction in men, and decreased libido and infertility in both sexes. Organic factors tend to be prominent and are related to uremia and other comorbid illnesses. Psychological factors and depression may exacerbate the primary problem. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis are seen early in CKD and tend to worsen after patients start dialysis. Hypogonadism plays a dominant role in male sexual function, whereas changes in hypothalamic-pituitary function predominate in female sexual dysfunction. In patients on dialysis, treatment strategies include optimizing dose of dialysis, correction of anemia with erythropoietin, and correction of hyperparathyroidism. Successful kidney transplantation may restore normal sexual function, especially in younger patients.
Statutory Responsibility for Fixing Tuition and Fees: Community Colleges and Undergraduate Institutions

The increased difference in tuition and fees between public community colleges and undergraduate institutions has increased significantly since 1950, with changes being most distinct in the past decade. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship of tuition differential between public institution types (TUDI) to governing entities statutorily responsible for the development of tuition and fee policy. In discussing descriptive differences, it was observed that, on average, states' systems were promoting affordable entry points to postsecondary education. This was done via both the lowest prices and the smallest difference in price when compared to other governing entities. Findings and implications were discussed.