cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Book Review: The Task of Hope in Kierkegaard:

The Task of Hope in Kierkegaard. By Mark Bernier. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015. xiv + 220 pp. $110.00 (cloth).In this, his first book, Mark Bernier has written a compelling account of a neglected topic: hope. There has been a paucity of theoretical reflection on hope in recent years, an observation that applies equally to philosophy, theology, and Kierkegaard scholarship (with important exceptions in the work of Ernst Bloch and Jurgen Moltmann, and-in Kierkegaard studies-John Davenport). The particular burden of Berniers book is to remedy the neglect of hope as an important concept in Kierkegaard's thought, though this monograph goes some way toward offering a convincing depiction of hope in general, leading us through Kierkegaard to the thing itself.Bernier starts with a problem that hope can answer. Many a reader of Kierkegaard's profound psychological text, The Sickness unto Death, has been simultaneously intrigued and confounded by the fact that he opposes despair with faith. How exactly would faith solve the problem of despair? Bernier's answer to this perennial question demonstrates how directing our attention to the role hope plays in Kierkegaard can solve difficult issues. The tripartite proposal he offers is elegant: (a) consider despair an unwillingness to hope; (b) understand faith as what grounds hope, thus faith as trust in the Divine is what leads the individual toward willingness to hope; (c) therefore faith opposes despair in that it undercuts the fundamental nature of despair, which is an unwillingness to hope.What the willingness to hope gives us is an entree into the process of self-formation. As Bernier so neatly puts it, "hope is constitutive of the task of the self' (p. 7). No hope, no self: in a kind of Augustinian fashion, the self without hope is caught in cycles of dispersion that tend toward nothingness (or complete incoherence). Seeing the self as a task that is in some sense constituted by hope is an assertion that takes some explaining, and thankfully (primarily in the second chapter of his work) Bernier is a sure guide. There we see how the task of self-formation is the drawing together of the eternal and temporal elements of the self in a synthesis, something only possible if one orients one's life towards the ultimate good. Hope is what gives the synthesis traction; it is what allows the self existing in temporality to know that the eternal good has been given to it as a gift and hence to live a life based on this/actum. …
Building ZOOB Models to Help Students Learn about Nucleic Acid Structure and Function

This paper describes a collaborative activity for students, which allows them to build simplified models of individual nucleotides, DNA, and RNA using ZOOB building blocks. These models help students learn about nucleic acid structure and the process of transcription. In addition, students learn how to work in groups as well as practice critical thinking and deductive reasoning while building these models.
The Binding of Fenrir: Children in an Emerging Age of Transhumanist Technology

The meaning of "children's technology" is poised for imminent and radical change, as a variety of technologies are developed whose goal is to expand or augment the biological limitations of human functioning. These transhumanist technologies (including sensory augmentation, robotic bodily extensions, brain-machine interfaces, and genetic alteration) pose urgent questions for the community of designers of children's artifacts. This paper discusses the questions that transhumanist technologies raise for children's design specifically; we then present suggested heuristics for design in this new space, and outline plausible research projects consistent with those heuristics.
The Culture of Despair

I was born in south-eastern Morocco in an oasis at the foot of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. My parents are illiterate and my oldest brother was one of the first villagers to attend a secular public school not only in my extended family but also in the whole province of Tata. My father is from a low social group locally known as the Haratine. Unlike the maraboutic families (shorfa), the Haratine do not claim descent from the Prophet Mohammed’s family lineage. Their inferior status limits their social mobility and economic improvement.
CD30 Expression in Monomorphic Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Correlates With Greater Regulatory T-Cell Infiltration.

Objectives CD30 is a protein thought to promote cell proliferation/survival and downregulate the immune response. Twenty percent to 40% of de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) express CD30, and some patients have been treated with the anti-CD30 agent brentuximab. In the solid organ transplant setting, allograft regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be modulated via CD30 signaling. Methods Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of lymphomas, and since CD30 expression has been rarely formally assessed in PTLDs, we analyzed a cohort of PTLDs. Results We found that 26 (79%) of 33 PTLDs were CD30+. Of these, 17 (77%) of 22 DLBCL monomorphic PTLDs were CD30+ compared with 56 (38%) of 148 de novo DLBCLs (P = .009). The median FoxP3+ Treg count was higher in CD30+ than in CD30- PTLDs, 3.0 vs 0 (P = .012). Conclusions These findings suggest a pathophysiologic link between CD30 activity and Tregs and may indicate differential expression of CD30 in B-cell lymphomas arising in the setting of immune dysregulation.
Genomes for Individual Ability (Features)

The study of heredity has a long tradition. In the time of the Greeks, Hippocrates described the inherited head shape of the Macrocephalics. It was known for millennia that some traits were passed from generation to generation. The study of genetics usually begins with Mendel and his study of pea plants and the inheritance of a few known characteristics. But the field of genetics exploded in the twentieth century with the rise of molecular biology, which became big science with the genome project and the mapping of human genome. Genetics at the molecular level has changed the study of inheritance.
A Perspective on Paleoindian Research from the Opposite End of the Foraging Spectrum

This essay is a perspective on Paleoindian research examining the nature of this body of scholarship and how it is perceived by outside scholars. The discussion revolves around three different trop...
Stigmasterol accumulation causes cardiac injury and promotes mortality

Cardiovascular disease is expected to remain the leading cause of death worldwide despite the introduction of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors that effectively control cholesterol. Identifying residual risk factors for cardiovascular disease remains an important step for preventing and clinically managing the disease. Here we report cardiac injury and increased mortality occurring despite a 50% reduction in plasma cholesterol in a mouse model of phytosterolemia, a disease characterized by elevated levels of dietary plant sterols in the blood. Our studies show accumulation of stigmasterol, one of phytosterol species, leads to left ventricle dysfunction, cardiac interstitial fibrosis and macrophage infiltration without atherosclerosis, and increased mortality. A pharmacological inhibitor of sterol absorption prevents cardiac fibrogenesis. We propose that the pathological mechanism linking clinical sitosterolemia to the cardiovascular outcomes primarily involves phytosterols-induced cardiac fibrosis rather than cholesterol-driven atherosclerosis. Our studies suggest stigmasterol is a potent and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Automated grading of template-based R programming assignments using swirl-tbp

The R programming language provides an environment for statistical computing, data analysis, and visualization. As demand for data scientists increases, there is an increasing need to teach students how to analyze data by writing programs in R. The package swirl provides students with interactive tutorials where students can learn R by completing lessons in the R console. The package swirl-tbp (https://gdancik.github.io/bioinformatics/swirl-tbp/), which I have developed, is an extension of the package swirl that allows the instructor to create 'template-based problems' where features such as object names or values are dynamically generated at runtime. For example, the same template could be used to generate the following two problems (underlined terms are randomly generated): "Find the median age of males " and " Find the mean GPA of all individuals ". As a result, a student can repeatedly practice a concept by completing variant versions of a problem, and can also practice problems in random order, to help maximize learning. Personalized feedback based on the student's response can also be provided. Here, I describe the package swirl-tbp and introduce an extension that allows instructors to generate assignments that can be automatically graded.
VACUUM-ASSISTED VEGETATION REMOVAL PRIOR TO PERCUTANEOUS LEAD EXTRACTION: A META-ANALYSIS

Percutaneous transvenous lead extraction is preferred in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) in the setting of endocarditis, but those with large vegetations are at higher risk for complications. We performed a meta-analysis of studies in which the novel Angiovac system was
Household Food Insecurity Is Associated with Higher BMI in a US Cohort of Infants (OR02-03-19)

Infancy represents a critical period for growth and development, and food insecurity during this time may impact later health. Few previous studies have assessed food insecurity and obesity in young children in the US, and even fewer have targeted infants. Moreover, the ability of federal food assistance programs to affect this relation remains unclear. We examined 666 infants in the US-based Nurture birth cohort. We conducted home visits when infants were 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. We measured household food insecurity via maternal report using the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form. We categorized infants as living in full, marginal, low, or very low food security households. We calculated infant body mass index (BMI) z-score from measured lengths and weights using World Health Organization reference standards. We documented participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at each home visit. We used repeated-measures linear regression models with imputed data to examine covariate-adjusted associations between household food security and BMI z-score throughout infancy. Nearly 70% of infants were black and 49% were female. At 3 months, 32.8% of infants were from households with low or very low food security. Infant BMI increased from months 3 to 12 in all food security groups (Figure). However, after adjustment for potential confounders, low household food insecurity (0.18; 95% CI 0.05, 0.32; P = 0.01) and very low household food insecurity (0.22; 95% CI 0.05, 0.38; P = 0.01) were associated with higher infant BMI z-score throughout infancy but marginal household food security was not (0.001; 95% CI −0.13, 0.13; P = 0.99). There was no evidence of effect modification by participation in either WIC (P = 0.36) or SNAP (P = 0.67). Infants from food insecure households had higher BMIs throughout infancy, and this association was not attenuated by WIC or SNAP participation. About one-third of infants in this cohort were living in food insecure households, which raises substantial concern from both a public health and obesity prevention perspective. NIDDK, National Institutes of Health.
Playing dirty to survive: the vulnerability of civilian targets within U.S. military aid recipient states

ABSTRACTU.S. military aid provides recipient governments the fighting capability they require to undermine domestic militant groups, which can undermine groups’ leadership structures and trigger gr...
The evolution of hemodynamics during stroke recovery: from early hours to subsequent weeks

By obtaining structural and functional information such as changes in tissue properties, cerebral blood flow, and hemodynamics through optical imaging, we aim to better interpret human MRI data and guide therapeutic interventions following stroke.
Prediction of maximum algal productivity in membrane bioreactors with a light-dependent growth model.

Abstract Algal productivity in steady-state cultivation systems depends on important factors such as biomass concentration, solids retention time (SRT), and light intensity. Current modeling of algal growth often ignores light distribution in algal cultivation systems and does not consider all these factors simultaneously. We developed a new algal growth model using a first principles approach to incorporate the effect of light intensity on algal growth while simultaneously considering biomass concentration and SRT. We first measured light attenuation (decay) with depth in an indoor algal membrane bioreactor (A-MBR) cultivating Chlorella sp. We then simulated the light decay using a multi-layer approach and correlated the decay with biomass concentration and SRT in model development. The model was calibrated by delineating specific light absorptivity and half-saturation constant to match the algal biomass concentration in the A-MBR operated at a target SRT. We finally applied the model to predict the maximum algal productivity in both indoor and outdoor A-MBRs. The predicted maximum algal productivities in indoor and outdoor A-MBRs were 6.7 g·m−2·d−1 (incident light intensity 5732 lx, SRT approximately 8 d) and 28 g·m−2·d−1 (sunlight intensity 28,660 lx, SRT approximately 4 d), respectively. The model can be extended to include other factors (e.g., water temperature and carbon dioxide bubbling) and such a modeling framework can be applied to full-scale, continuous flow outdoor systems to improve algal productivity.
Abstract 17363: Cardiac Output and Valve Orientation Affect Blood Flow Patterns Local to Bioprosthetic Pulmonary Valves in Tetralogy of Fallot

Introduction: Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) typically requires surgical repair of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and subsequent placement of an artificial pulmonary valve. Bioprosthetic val...
Examining the Use of Alternative Data in Underwriting and Credit Scoring to Expand Access to Credit

Over the last several years, a body of sophisticated algorithms commonly described as artificial intelligence (“AI”) and distributed ledger technologies have altered the financial market ecosystem, creating a new class of financial institutions – Fintech firms. Supplementing traditional credit underwriting data inputs and processes, fintech firms employ newer modeling techniques and consider a broader range of source data referred to descriptively (rather than normatively) as alternative data. These new inputs include information regarding consumers’ financial transactions, recurring payments history and a behavioral score based on social networking and digital-interface. Fintech firms include both the non-depository digital platforms that operate independently and platforms that partner with legacy banks to originate loans. Fintech firms servicing credit scoring and underwriting markets offer great promise but also present unique concerns.
Atypical Non-Enhancing Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (P3.6-003)

Objective: To report two cases of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) with pure motor deficits mimicking demyelinating or neuromuscular disease Background: PCNSL in immunocompetent patients typically present with CNS mass-like symptoms. MRI brain often shows homogenous enhancing solitary or multifocal masses with diffusion restriction. However, presentation of PCNSL may mimic any type of CNS disease including motor neuron disease, demyelinating disease, stroke and brain MRIs can be non-enhancing in rare cases. Here we discuss two patients who presented with primarily upper motor neuron (UMN) findings which led to the diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma. Design/Methods: Patient 1 was a 54 year old male who developed gradual onset of right leg weakness, dysarthria, dysphagia and blurred vision. MRI showed T2/FLAIR hyperintensities with scattered enhancement along bilateral corticospinal tracts radiating from the centrum semiovale into bilateral thalami. CSF was unremarkable. His symptoms were attributed to an autoimmune etiology and initially improved with plasmapharesis and corticosteroids however symptoms worsened. Biopsy was performed confirming diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He received high-dose methotrexate with complete resolution of the corticospinal enhancement. Patient 2 is a 46 year old male who presented with episodic alternating left and right sided weakness with headache and slurred speech. MRI showed mild left white matter T2/FLAIR hyperintensities. CSF showed monocytic pleocytosis with oligoclonal bands concerning for multiple sclerosis. He initially improved with steroids but declined after steroids were tapered. ESR and CRP were elevated suggesting vasculitis. Cerebral conventional angiography was unremarkable. Biopsy was then performed off steroids which confirmed diagnosis of CNS lymphoma. He improved after treatment with whole brain radiation and rituximab. Results: N/A Conclusions: CNS lymphoma can present with pure motor deficits and atypical MRI findings. It can mimic vasculitis, neuromuscular or autoimmune disease due to responsiveness to steroids. Clinical suspicion and early biopsy is vital for definitive diagnosis and proper treatment. Disclosure: Dr. Valenti has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kong has nothing to disclose.
How does a prebiopsy mri approach for prostate cancer diagnosis affect prostatectomy upgrade rates

Abstract Background To compare the pathologic upgrade and downgrade rates after radical prostatectomy (RP) between patients diagnosed by prebiopsy prostate MRI followed by a combination of systematic and fusion biopsy (ComBx) versus patients undergoing systematic biopsy only (SBx). Methods A retrospective review of men undergoing RP at our institution between Jan 2014 and Mar 2020 was performed. These patients were separated into two independent cohorts based on two approaches: Patients receiving prebiopsy prostate MRI during initial evaluation and those who did not receive MRI. Patients with positive MRI findings underwent subsequent ComBx to confirm diagnosis while those without MRI underwent standard trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided systematic 12-core biopsy (SBx). Primary outcomes were rates of pathological upgrade (prostatectomy grade higher than grade determined at time of biopsy) and downgrade (prostatectomy grade lower than biopsy grade). Results A total of 213 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, 91 diagnosed via a prebiopsy MRI and ComBx approach and 122 diagnosed by a traditional SBx approach, were included in the study. There was no significant difference between age, PSA, or positive family history between the two cohorts. Of the 91 patients who received prebiopsy MRI, 88 patients were determined to have a PIRADS 4 or 5 lesion. Patients who received MRI and subsequent ComBx had a lower rate of any pathological upgrade after RP (9.89% vs. 22.13%, P = 0.018) without a significant difference in pathologic downgrade rate (28.57% vs. 18.85%, P = 0.095). On multivariable logistic regression, receiving prebiopsy MRI during initial evaluation was the single negative independent predictor of pathologic upgrade (OR = 0.23, P = 0.017). A prebiopsy MRI approach was also the single predictor of pathologic downgrade (OR = 3.13, P = 0.041). Conclusions Patients receiving prebiopsy MRI during prostate cancer evaluation were less likely to have their PCa upgraded. Furthermore, although diagnosis via MRI and subsequent ComBx was associated with an increased rate of downgrades after RP, relatively few resulted in a downgrade from clinically significant to clinically insignificant cancer.
Impact of Personal, Job Related, and Organizational Factors on Respiratory Therapists' Professional Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory therapists (RTs) were faced with many unpredicted challenges and exposed to higher levels of stress, including risk for their own safety while managing critically ill patients with COVID-19. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue among RTs in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a cross sectional, descriptive, survey-based study conducted from July 2020- August 2020. A survey was administered to all active members of the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC) via AARConnect. RT characteristics including personal factors, job specific factors and organization factors were collected. Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL Version V) was used to assess compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress (STS). The survey results were analyzed using descriptive, Chi-square and Kruskal Wallis statistics. Results: A total 218 participants fully completed the survey, 142 (65.1%) were females and 39 (17.9%) were 55 y old. Work experience was >12 y for 144 (66%) RTs. Burnout score was low in 90 (41.3%), moderate in 127 (58.3%), and high in 1 (0.5%) RTs. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) was low in 106 (48.6%) and moderate in 112 (51.4%) RTs. Compassion satisfaction was low in 2 (0.9%), moderate in 123 (56.4%) and high in 93 (42.7%) RTs. Higher burnout was found among RTs with Conclusions: The study identified various factors associated with increased compassion satisfaction such as working daytime shifts, overtime, advanced roles, and departmental environment. Factors associated with compassion fatigue were less job experience, lower salary, female sex, and education level. This knowledge may help guide future strategies and interventions to improve respiratory therapists’ professional quality of life.
Internal and external catalysis in boronic ester networks

In dynamic materials, the reversible condensation between boronic acids and diols provides adaptability, self-healing ability, and responsiveness to small molecules and pH. Recent work has shown that the thermodynamics and kinetics of bond exchange determine the mechanical properties of dynamic polymer networks. However, prior studies have focused on how structural and environmental factors influence boronic acid–diol binding affinity, and design rules for tuning the kinetics of this dynamic bond are lacking. In this work, we investigate the effects of diol (or polyol) structure and salt additives on the rate of bond exchange, binding affinity, and the mechanical properties of the corresponding polymer networks. To better mimic the environment of polymer networks in our small-molecule model systems, we incorporated proximal amide groups, which are used to conjugate diols to polymers, and included salts commonly found in buffers. Using one-dimensional selective exchange spectroscopy (1D EXSY), we find that both proximal amides and buffering anions induce significant rate acceleration consistent with internal and external catalysis, respectively. This rate acceleration is reflected in the stress relaxation of gels formed using PEG modified with different alcohols, and in the presence of salts containing acetate or phosphate. These findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of the boronic ester dynamic bond and offer new molecular strategies to tune the macromolecular properties of dynamic materials.
High Efficiency Recombinant Protein Purification Using mCherry and YFP Nanobody Affinity Matrices

Mammalian cell lines are important expression systems for large proteins and protein complexes, particularly when the acquisition of post-translational modifications in the proteins native environment is desired. However, low or variable transfection efficiencies are challenges that must be overcome to use such an expression system. Expression of recombinant proteins as a fluorescent protein fusion enables real-time monitoring of protein expression, and also provides an affinity handle for one-step protein purification using a suitable affinity reagent. Here we describe a panel of anti-GFP and anti-mCherry nanobody affinity matrices and their efficacy for purification of GFP/YFP or mCherry fusion proteins. We define the molecular basis by which they bind their target protein using X-ray crystallography. From these analyses we define an optimal pair of nanobodies for purification of recombinant protein tagged with GFP/YFP or mCherry, and demonstrate these nanobody-sepharose supports are stable to many rounds of cleaning and extended incubation in denaturing conditions. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of the mCherry-tag system by using it to purify recombinant human Topoisomerase 2α expressed in HEK293F cells. The mCherry-tag and GFP/YFP-tag expression systems can be utilized for recombinant protein expression individually or in tandem for mammalian protein expression systems where real-time monitoring of protein expression levels and a high-efficiency purification step is needed.
Protein synthesis during aging of human cells in culture. Direction by polio virus.

Abstract The previously described age-associated increase in altered cellular proteins is not accompanied by proportionate change in viral replication processes. The former alterations are probably not due to errors in protein synthesis.
High-order attention-shifting networks for relational structure matching

The Hopfield-Tank optimization network has been applied to the model-image matching problem in computer vision using a graph matching formulation. However, the network has been criticized for unreliable convergence to feasible solutions and for poor solution quality, and the graph matching formulation is unable to represent matching problems with multiple object types, and multiple relations, and high-order relations. The Hopfield-Tank network dynamics is generalized to provide a basis for reliable convergence to feasible solutions, for finding high-quality solutions, and for solving a broad class of optimization problems. The extensions include a new technique called attention-shifting, the introduction of high-order connections in the network, and relaxation of the unit hypercube restriction. >
The toxic action of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis in Aedes aegypti in vivo: I. The relevance of midgut lesions to its poisoning syndrome

Abstract The relevance of midgut lesions to the in vivo toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis crystal toxin (BTI) ingested by Aedes aegypti larvae has been examined. Progressive poisoning of mosquito larvae by BTI (4 μg/ml) is characterized by cessation of feeding within 1 hr, reduced activity by 2 hr, extreme sluggishness by 4 hr, and general body paralysis by 6 hr. The effect of BTI on the posterior midgut ultrastructure was detected as early as 1 hr when the epithelial striated border was damaged. This was followed by swelling of epithelial cells and destruction of cellular organelles. Midgut circular and longitudinal muscles were also damaged by BTI treatment, as indicated by their swelling and separation from the basement lamina. Six hours after BTI treatment the midgut wall was severely ruptured with the peritrophic membrane and basement lamina broken, making open channels between the gut lumen and hemocoel. Of these lesions, disruption of microvilli and epithelial swelling in the midgut coincided with the cessation of feeding. The sluggish behavior and paralysis of insects occurred only at advanced stages of BTI poisoning when the midgut was severely disrupted. The cellular lesions that follow initial BTI action upon midgut epithelial may be crucial to the general body paralysis observed after ingestion of this toxin.
STOICHIOMETRIC AIR-FUEL RATIO CONTROL ANALYSIS

Mitigation of emissions is enhanced in a three-way catalyst system when the system air-fuel ratio is in proximity to ideal burning or stoichiometry. This paper is concerned with extending methods used for determining engine calibrations to closed-loop systems with three-way catalysts. The paper presents a simulation model that employs experimentally obtained data to characterize the A/F control loop.
Financing the German Mittelstand

This paper describes how the German Mittelstand, or small- and medium-sized enterprises, are financed in Germany. The role of the German Mittelstand, both in a static and in a dynamic framework, is described and contrasted with that of the same size group in other leading industrialised countries. We find that in general, the Mittelstand has played a mmore important role in Germany than in other industrialised nations, such as the United States or the United Kingdom. The traditional success of the German Mittelstand is partly attributable to a system of finance that is richly layered by complementary institutions designed to meet the financial needs of both large and smaller enterprises. However, we find evidence that even under the German system of finance liquidity constraints exist and are greater for smaller firms. The German system of finance moreover seems particularly deficient in the channeling of funds to new firm startups in the newer industries.
Options Analysts' Recommendations and Market Efficiency

This study examines call option recommendations of analysts quoted weekly in Barron's . Results show that stock prices rose prior to the publication date and fell thereafter. Calls purchased by the public on the publication date or by clients at the time the recommendations were identified earned insignificant returns if held to expiration. Calls purchased by clients at the time of the recommendations and sold on the publication date earned a significant mean return of ten percent, which is not annualized and generated over at most five days. However, these returns appeared to be consumed by the risk inherent in call option buying.
On the Effects of Roughness on Structures, Solvation Forces and Shear of Molecular Films in a Nano- Confinement

Investigations of surface roughness effects on the structure, dynamics and rheology of a molecular fluid (hexadecane) confined between solid (gold) surfaces, through the use of large - scale molecular dynamics simulations, reveal a remarkable sensitivity to the confining surface morphology. A most significant reduction of the ordering propensity is found in films confined by stationary rough surfaces with a consequent strong suppression of solvation forces and the development of liquid-like dynamic and response characteristics. When the rough-surface boundaries are set in motion at a high shear rate, the interfacial layers of the film stick to the adjacent solid boundaries, resulting in partial slip inside the film with the development of shear stress in the viscous molecular fluid, unlike the case of atomically flat crystalline boundaries where slip of the confined film at the boundaries is accompanied by vanishingly small shear stress in the film. These results are discussed in the context of the effect of roughness on the boundary conditions used in modeling fluid flow past surfaces, and they suggest that morphological patterning of surfaces could provide ways for controlled modifications of frictional processes in thin-film lubricated nanotribological systems.
The epithelia of the pregnant cervix.

Biopses of the stratified squamous epithelium and endocervical epithelium of 96 pregnant women were studied; 64 appeared normal and 32 had some gross lesion on the cervix. For stratified squamous epithelium of normal cervixes 1) the relative thickness was slightly or moderately more than the average nonpregnant in more than half of the cases; 2) architecture and polarity was normal in 54 of 60 cases; 3) an increase in the basal-cell layer and frequency of mitosis was noted; and 4) nuclei nucleoli and chromatin were normal. For the epithelium of the endocervical canal and glands of normal cervixes: 1) epidermization occurred in 54.2% in which the extent and thickness of metaplastic epithelium varied greatly and nuclear polarity was only fairly well maintained; 2) endocervical epithelium exhibited a variation from simple tall columnar to stratified columnar epithelium in 32% of the cases; and 3) a greater than usual abundance of endocervical glands was seen with intraglandular hyperplasia occurring in 23.7% of the cases. These findings were similar for the epithelium of the endocervical canal and glands of cervixes with gross lesions. It is concluded that there are no changes specific to pregnancy which would invalidate a diagnosis of carcinoma of the cervix.
Comparison of stability-indicating assay methods: ultraviolet, high pressure liquid chromatography and acid dye

Three techniques--ultraviolet, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and acid dye--were compared as stability-indicating assay methods. Investigations on six drugs (codeine phosphate, ephedrine hydrochloride, morphine sulfate, procaine hydrochloride, pyrilamine maleate and thiamine hydrochloride) indicate that HPLC is the most reliable method.
Thermal oxidation-induced strain in silicon nanobeams

Single crystal silicon beams of sub-micron thickness were fabricated from the device layer of SIMOX type silicon-on-insulator wafers. The beams were thermally oxidized at 950/spl deg/C in dry oxygen and the oxide was subsequently removed. As a result of the oxidation, there is a small but measurable accumulation of strain, which increases with the reduction of the beams' thickness. The cause of this strain is not presently known, but A model is proposed based on the injection of self-interstitial silicon atoms from the oxidation front.
Using mindfulness meditation to promote holistic health in individuals with HIV/AIDS

There is clearly a need for effective stress management programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS given their increased susceptibility to illness and disease progression as a result of the immunosuppressive effect of stress. Mindfulness meditation is a relatively new holistic approach to health promotion and is associated with improved stress management along with reductions in negative affect and improvements in well-being. Surprisingly, empirical studies or theoretical discussions of the usefulness of mindfulness meditation with HIV-positive individuals are limited. After briefly reviewing existing data, a rationale for incorporating mindfulness meditation into treatment programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS is presented.
The relative importance of atmospheric sulfates and nitrates in visibility reduction

Atmospheric visibility is largely determined by the concentration, size distribution and chemical composition of the ambient aerosol. In the present paper, total extinction coefficients were calculated for mixed NH4NO3-(NH4)2SO4 aerosols of two different compositions under various humidity conditions. Pertinent thermodynamic and optical properties were measured at 25° C and incorporated into a computer model for droplet growth and Mie calculations. Log-normal particle size distributions with mass median diameters characteristic of the Los Angeles aerosol were assumed throughout the study. The results show that the extent of light extinction by aerosol particles depends on whether the aerosol is present as a multicomponent solution droplets of identical composition (internal mixture) or as a mixture of single-salt aerosols (external mixture|. The extinction coefficients calculated for externally mixed sulfate — nitrate aerosols compare remarkably well with published statistical correlations derived from the Los Angeles visibility data. In addition, it is shown that, for externally mixed sulfate-nitrate aerosols, the sulfate indeed contributes overwhelmingly to visibility reduction, a finding in agreement with general observations for atmospheric aerosols.
Outcome of patients with cardiac sarcoidosis undergoing cardiac transplantation—Single-center retrospective analysis

Abstract Background Controversy exists whether heart transplantation (HTx) is an appropriate treatment option for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis due to its potential recurrence and multi-organ involvement. Recent data from the United Network for Organ Sharing dataset suggest that the clinical outcome of cardiac sarcoidosis patients is equivalent or even better than that of the general HTx population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of 14 patients with cardiac sarcoidosis among a total of 825 patients who underwent HTx at Columbia University Medical Center between 1997 and 2010. Post-transplant survival of patients with sarcoidosis was compared with that of non-sarcoidosis patients. Results More than half of cardiac sarcoidosis patients were initially diagnosed after HTx by tissue analysis of the explanted heart. While only 2/14 cases showed recurrence of cardiac sarcoidosis, the clinical outcome of sarcoid patients showed a trend toward higher mortality than that of non-sarcoidosis patients following HTx (1- and 5-year survival, 78.5 versus 87.2%, 52.4 versus 76.2%, respectively, p = 0.09). Conclusions Although this is a single-center, retrospective analysis of a small number of cardiac sarcoidosis patients who underwent HTx, a concerning trend toward a higher mortality of patients with cardiac sarcoidosis was noted. A careful candidate selection in patients with known cardiac sarcoidosis should be discussed.
GW quasiparticle calculations in atoms.

We present quasiparticle calculations done in atoms using various versions of Hedin's GW approximation. The performance of GW in major-group elements is illustrated by calculations of first and second ionization energies from the same initial configuration, along with various promotion energies. The results significantly improve Hartree-Fock eigenvalues and are comparable, in accuracy, to Hartree-Fock, total-energy differences. In the 3d (iron-series) transition metals, there are also significant improvements in the 4s- and 3d-state electron addition energies in the first half of the series. In the second half of the series, we find that strong correlations among 3d electrons of opposite spin are not accounted for by GW. We also study the screening effects by cores on valence-electron addition and removal energies. In particular, we examine the ``alkalilike'' problem of one valence electron bound to a closed-shell core. Extensive tests show that here the generalized GW approximation describes quantitatively important effects of core-relexation and core-valence correlation on the valence electrons. In the following paper it is shown that these core-relaxation and core-valence correlation effects can be incorporated into an effective potential suitable for use in calculations of valence properties of atoms, molecules, and solids.
Iterative interim techniques for reduced costs and a better mammography workstation: an opinion.

The promise of digital mammography has focused considerable resources on the challenges of mammography workstations, but the risk of wasted time and resources in such efforts is very high. Although final testing of the workstation’s image quality and ergonomics is common, a number of interim evaluation and refinement techniques can be applied throughout the design and development process. The use of such techniques holds potential not only to save time and money but also to produce a superior workstation.
Activation of subconductance states by gamma-aminobutyric acid and its analogs in chick cerebral neurons.

The action of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the GABAA-receptor agonists muscimol, isoguvacine and 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo [5,4−c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP) were studied at the single-channel level in outside-out membrane patches from cultured chick cerebral neurons. All agonists activated channels with multiple-conductance states. The main-state conductance activated by all agonists had a value around 26 pS in symmetrical TRIS/Cl solutions. Subconductance states of around 13 pS and 18 pS were seen with application of each agonist. Muscimol and isoguvacine tended preferentially to activate subconductance states. Gating by all agonists was complex. Open-time distributions for main-state activity gated by GABA, isoguvacine and THIP were best described by the sum of two exponential curves with similar time constants. Muscimol-gated activity was best described by the sum of three exponentials indicating the presence of an additional longer open state. These results indicate that certain GABAA-receptor agonists are capable of preferentially activating subconductance states.
Haloferax sp. D1227, a halophilic Archaeon capable of growth on aromatic compounds

A pink-pigmented halophilic Archaeon, Strain D1227, was isolated from soil contaminated with oil brine and shown to be a member of the genus Haloferax, based on: (1) its hybridization with a 16S rRNA probe universal for the Archaea; (2) its resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics that affect Bacteria; (3) its requirement for at least 0.86 M NaCl and 25 mM Mg2+ for growth; (4) its possession of C50-carotenoids characteristic of the halophilic Arachaea; (5) the thin layer chromatographic pattern of its polar lipids, which was identical to that of other species of Haloferax; and (6) its pleomorphic cell morphology. However, in contrast to the known species of Archaea, Haloferax strain D1227 was able to use aromatic substrates (e.g., benzoate, cinnamate, and phenylpropanoate) as sole carbon and energy sources for growth. Physiologically similar organisms, such as Haloferax volcanii, Haloferax mediterrani, Haloarcula vallismortis, and Haloarcula hispanica, could not grow on these aromatic substrates. When grown on 14C-benzoate, strain D1227 mineralized 70% of the substrate and assimilated 19% of the 14C-label into cell biomass. In addition to growth on aromatic substrates, D1227 was also capable of growth on a variety of carbohydrates and organic acids. Optimum growth of strain D1227 occurred at 45°C in media containing 1.7–2.6 M NaCl and 100 mM Mg2+. Under optimum growth conditions, the cell shape varied from that of an oblate spheroid on mineral salts medium alone, to discshaped, irregular or triangular cells on the same medium amended with yeast extract and tryptone. To our knowledge, this is the first unequivocal demonstration of the ability of an Archacon to grow by mineralization of aromatic substrates, and it adds a new dimension to our appreciation of the physiological diversity of this group of prokaryotes.
Invariant Imbedding and Diffuse Reflection from a Two-Dimensional Flat Layer

Abstract In the present paper the angular distributions of radiation diffusely refleted by an inhomogeneous, plane-parallel, nonemitting, and anisotropically scattering atmosphere of finite thickness are obtained exactly with the aid of the invariant imbedding technique, allowing for an albedo for single scattering which varies both with the depth and the horizontal distance. When the albedo depends only upon the depth and the scattering is isotropic, the solution reduces to that given by Bellman and Kalaba (1956) , Busbridge (1961) , and Ueno (1960) , respectively.
RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE TRIAL TO COMPARE NORMAL URINE SUPERSATURATION IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

ABSTRACT Purpose: Urinary stone disease is relatively rare in children but is often due to metabolic abnormalities. Urinary supersaturation (SS) indices have been suggested as more precise predictors of stone recurrence. We previously reported urinary metabolic evaluations in stone-forming children using adult references. We now assess normal SS values in children. Material and Methods: A prospective trial was performed to assess urinary metabolic profiles in children with no personal or family history of urinary calculi. The 24-hour urine collections were performed and evaluated at an outside central laboratory. Urine chemistries were adjusted for urine creatinine. Urine pH and SS for calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate and uric acid were also assessed. The data were compared to a cohort of normal adults. Results: A total of 168 samples from 168 adults (58% males) and 51 samples from 30 children (59% males) were evaluated. The mean age of the children was 8.8 years (range 5 to 18). Calcium oxalate SS was similar between children and adults, and urine pH was the major cause of differences seen in the calcium phosphate and uric acid SS indices. Children had a much higher excretion of calcium, oxalate and citrate when adjusted for creatinine. Conclusions: There are significant differences in the normal ranges of urine chemistries in children and adults. An understanding of normal supersaturation values may allow metabolic abnormalities in stone-forming children to be more precisely diagnosed and treated.
On carleman's differential inequality and the equation for gaussian curvature

The equation for Gaussian curvature of a conformal metric is a special case of the classical differential equation. δu = f(u) for u ∈C 2(ω), where ω⊂R 2. We will use a technique introduced by Carleman to find restrictions on f and the set where a subharmonic function u can satisfy the above equation. This result will generate a relationship between the curvature and the metric of a nonpositively curved surface.
Future Directions in Adult Bereavement Research

The primary purpose of this article is to stimulate interest in conducting research related to adult bereavement and provide suggestions for improving the quality of these studies and the application of their findings. Future research needs to generate new knowledge about grief and bereavement but it also needs to examine issues and questions that will make us more confident about what we already believe. Three general suggestions deal with the importance of integrating both theory and practice into future studies, issues related to types and designs of studies, and measurement issues that should be considered. Bereavement is a long-term, multidimensional process of adjustment and future research needs to be consistent with these defining features.
ESI-MS investigation of solvent effects on the chiral recognition capacity of tartar emetic towards neutral side-chain amino acids.

The effect of solvent systems on previously-reported ESI-MS based proton-assisted enantioselective molecular recognition phenomena of tartar emetic, L-antimony(III)-tartrate, was evaluated. This was achieved by carrying out a series of competitive binding experiments using chiral selectors, bis(sodium) D- and -L-antimony(III)-tartrates with chiral selectands, neutral side-chain amino acid enantiomeric isotopomers of alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu) and phenylalanine (Phe), in three different solvent systems, ACN/H2O (75/25 v/v), H2O (100%) and H2O/MeOH (25/75 v/v). Observations from these experiments suggest that the effect of solvent systems on previously reported proton-assisted chiral recognition capacity of D,L-antimony(III)-tartrates is small, but not negligible. It was observed that an ACN/H2O (75/25 v/v) solvent system facilitates and enhances the chiral discrimination capacity of protonated {[D,L-Sb2-tar2][H]}− ionic species. Further, amino acid enantiomers showed a general trend of increasing selectivity order, Val ≤ Ala < Leu ≈ Phe towards the protonated {[D,L-Sb2-tar2][H]}− ionic species which was independent of the solvent system employed. The lack of enantioselective binding for {[D,L-Sb2-tar2]}2− ionic species was consistently recorded in respective mass spectra from all performed experiments, which suggests that ESI-friendly solvent systems have no effect and do not influence this phenomenon. Chirality, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modeling scalar irradiance

A Monte Carlo method was employed to calculate scalar irradiance at 1 meter depth intervals, as a function of solar zenith angle and the ratio of scattering to absorption coefficients. Calculations were made for two angular scattering functions. Analysis yielded empirical equations by which scalar irradiance can be calculated at any depth with an error almost always less than 10%.