cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robustness of radiomic breast features of benign lesions and luminal A cancers across MR magnet strengths

Radiomics features extracted from breast lesion images have shown potential in diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. As clinical institutions transition from 1.5 T to 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it is helpful to identify robust features across these field strengths. In this study, dynamic contrast-enhanced MR images were acquired retrospectively under IRB/HIPAA compliance, yielding 738 cases: 241 and 124 benign lesions imaged at 1.5 T and 3.0 T and 231 and 142 luminal A cancers imaged at 1.5 T and 3.0 T, respectively. Lesions were segmented using a fuzzy C-means method. Extracted radiomic values for each group of lesions by cancer status and field strength of acquisition were compared using a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for the null hypothesis that two groups being compared came from the same distribution, with p-values being corrected for multiple comparisons by the Holm-Bonferroni method. Two shape features, one texture feature, and three enhancement variance kinetics features were found to be potentially robust. All potentially robust features had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) statistically greater than 0.5 in the task of distinguishing between lesion types (range of means 0.57-0.78). The significant difference in voxel size between field strength of acquisition limits the ability to affirm more features as robust or not robust according to field strength alone, and inhomogeneities in static field strength and radiofrequency field could also have affected the assessment of kinetic curve features as robust or not. Vendor-specific image scaling could have also been a factor. These findings will contribute to the development of radiomic signatures that use features identified as robust across field strength.
On Optimal Lattice Decompositions

A lattice decomposition lemma by H. Rosenthal is given an optimal refinement, both in the real and in the complex valued setting.
Ultrastructure of coelomic organization in annelids

A comparative ultrastructural study of trunk segments of a variety of small polychaetes (body diameter less than 250 μrn) was undertaken to determine whether small body size is correlated with deviations from the typical annelid pattern of coelomic organization. Peritoneum is never found covering oblique or parapodial muscles traversing the body cavity. Aside from this, two major patterns of body cavity organization are seen: 1. spacious body cavity with varying extent of peritoneal lining (complete, partial, absent) and 2. the body tending toward the acoelomate condition, as a result of the expansion of lining cells or the lack of initial cavity formation. The significance of these anatomical variations is discussed with respect to functional and phylogenetic considerations.
The Rational Explanation of Historical Discoveries

[The panelists, in speaking order, were: Noretta Koertge, Indiana University (moderator); Mary Hesse, University of Cambridge; Ian Hacking, Stanford University; Maurice Finocchiaro, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ernan McMullin, University of Notre Dame; and Robert Westman, University of California, Los Angeles. Their remarks have been revised and edited somewhat for publication but not so much as to destroy the spontaneity and the conversational tone of the proceedings.]
A Lagrangian framework for exploring complexities of mixed-size sediment transport in gravel-bedded river networks

Abstract The movement of sediment from source to sink in a watershed is a complex process with multiple interactions and feedbacks across scales. At small scales, the size characteristics of a sediment mixture affect the transport of that sediment through hiding and through the nonlinear effect of sand content on gravel transport. At large scales, the channel network itself, through network geometry and the spatial pattern of transport capacity, adds additional complexity in organizing sediment moving through the system such that aggradational hotspots can emerge. The purpose of this paper is to present a Lagrangian framework for exploring complexities of mixed-size sediment transport in gravel-bedded river networks. The present model builds off of previous network-based, bed-material sediment transport models; but key advancements presented herein (i) allow for a mixture of sediment sizes in the river network, (ii) incorporate a mixed-size sediment transport equation, and (iii) utilize a daily flow hydrograph to drive intermittent transport. The model is applied to the roughly 4700 km2 Methow River Basin in Washington State, USA, using simplified model inputs with the goal of illustrating the utility of the model for motivating future work.
Heart-lung transplantation over the past 10 years: an up-to-date concept.

OBJECTIVES Heart-lung transplantation has been established as an effective treatment for patients with advanced cardiopulmonary failure. Over the years, the number of operations performed has declined. In 2015, only 38 adult heart-lung transplants were reported worldwide. Since then, we have performed 16 operations in high-acuity patients with excellent postoperative outcomes. Herein, we review our single-centre experience with heart-lung transplantation over the past 10 years. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 49 heart-lung transplant recipients between 2008 and 2018 to investigate the patient characteristics and outcomes while comparing those results across 2 cohorts (2008-2015, Era I, n = 30 and 2016-2018, Era II, n = 19). RESULTS Our patient demographics and waitlist time did not significantly change over time. However, the lung allocation score was significantly higher in Era II compared to Era I (51.1 ± 19.8 in Era II and 41.6 ± 19.5 in Era I; P = 0.006). We also observed a higher rate-while not statistically significant-of preoperative and postoperative use of mechanical circulatory support in the present era. Although there is a trend of higher acuity in the present era, we continue to have excellent outcomes with 100% 30-day and 1-year survival. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that in a high-volume heart-lung transplant programme, excellent postoperative outcomes can be achieved even in patients with rapid and severe cardiopulmonary decline and that, to this day, heart-lung transplantation remains a viable option for patients with advanced cardiopulmonary disease.
Retrospective, cohort study evaluating empiric dose-reduced nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A single institution experience.

456Background: The phase III MPACT trial was conducted to assess OS in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPAC) receiving nab-paclitaxel (nab-P) 125 mg/m2 + gemcitabine (G) 1000 mg...
Exploring and Benchmarking High Performance & Scientific Computing using R R HPC Packages and Lower level compiled languages A Comparative Study.

R is a robust open-source programming language mainly used for statistical computing . Many areas of statistical research are experiencing rapid growth in the size of data sets. Methodological advances drive increased use of simulations. A common approach is to use parallel/concurrent computing. This paper presents an overview of techniques for parallel computing with R on ACI (a PSU Infrastructure) and benchmark it with C/C++. We review the scalabilty concern of R, and look at the simplicity of using R as a primary language in Coding for HPC. We will look at the various R packages for HPC like Rmpi, Rcpp, snow and snowfall. We utilize a series of algorithms to benchmark and will illustrate each benchmark with a representative graph for ease of understanding. The paper concludes with a better understanding of which language to use when in high performance computing .
Renal insufficiency and bone loss.

Purpose of review Patients with chronic kidney disease have a high risk of fractures and no established treatments that have been shown to prevent the bone disease. The physiology of renal osteodystrophy is complex and recently more factors have been found that complicate the mineral metabolism. The recognition that vascular calcifications are related to bone disease has made treatment even more challenging. Recent findings The most exciting new findings relate to the signaling pathways that are seen in kidney disease and how they cause abnormalities in bone physiology. In particular, wnt and activin signaling pathways are seen early in the course of renal disease. The bones react by increasing FGF-23, which targets both renal phosphate secretion and a variety of other systemic effects. Secreted klotho is another newly described hormone with effects on several systems.Clinical studies have focused on treatments for hyperparathyroidism and phosphate, and frustrating limitations of the treatments used for ordinary osteoporosis. Summary Treatment of bone disease in patients with chronic kidney disease is challenging, and understanding the physiological pathways could lead to novel therapies.
Deletion of Kir5.1 Impairs Renal Ability to Excrete Potassium During Increased Dietary Potassium Intake

Background The basolateral potassium channel in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), comprising the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1/Kir5.1 heterotetramer, plays a key role in mediating the effect of dietary potassium intake on the thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC). The role of Kir5.1 (encoded by Kcnj16) in mediating effects of dietary potassium intake on the NCC and renal potassium excretion is unknown. Methods We used electrophysiology, renal clearance, and immunoblotting to study Kir4.1 in the DCT and NCC in Kir5.1 knockout (Kcnj16-/- ) and wild-type (Kcnj16+/+ ) mice fed with normal, high, or low potassium diets. Results We detected a 40-pS and 20-pS potassium channel in the basolateral membrane of the DCT in wild-type and knockout mice, respectively. Compared with wild-type, Kcnj16-/- mice fed a normal potassium diet had higher basolateral potassium conductance, a more negative DCT membrane potential, higher expression of phosphorylated NCC (pNCC) and total NCC (tNCC), and augmented thiazide-induced natriuresis. Neither high- nor low-potassium diets affected the basolateral DCT's potassium conductance and membrane potential in Kcnj16-/- mice. Although high potassium reduced and low potassium increased the expression of pNCC and tNCC in wild-type mice, these effects were absent in Kcnj16-/- mice. High potassium intake inhibited and low intake augmented thiazide-induced natriuresis in wild-type but not in Kcnj16-/- mice. Compared with wild-type, Kcnj16-/- mice with normal potassium intake had slightly lower plasma potassium but were more hyperkalemic with prolonged high potassium intake and more hypokalemic during potassium restriction. Conclusions Kir5.1 is essential for dietary potassium's effect on NCC and for maintaining potassium homeostasis.
INFORMAL SECTOR RETAIL START-UPS IN A CARIBBEAN CONTEXT

Retailing dominates the informal environment where activities occur in private and public spaces. Notwithstanding the contributions from informal retailing entrepreneurs (IRE), a paucity of researc...
Mitigation of scan strategy effects and material anisotropy through supersolvus annealing in LPBF IN718

Abstract The nickel-based superalloy Inconel 718 (IN718) is an excellent candidate among the existing aerospace alloys for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) manufacturing. LPBF IN718 has a preference for (001) growth, resulting in a non-uniform, anisotropic microstructure which translates into orthotropic mechanical behavior. The most common heat treatment applied to IN718 is AMS 5662. This treatment was developed 60 years ago for wrought and cast metal forming processes. The small grains and columnar grain structure of LPBF IN718 are not affected by treatments per AMS 5662. Recrystallization and the removal of scan strategy effects have big implications for the acceptance of AM parts. If parts can be heat treated to remove any OEM-related microstructural differences, then parts fabricated on different machines can be printed in any orientation and possess the same properties. This research studies the microstructure of LPBF IN718 as it evolves under an annealing treatment of 1160 ∘C for up to 8 hours. It was hypothesized and later confirmed that this higher-temperature annealing would mitigate the scan strategy effects and anisotropy resulting from the LPBF process. The grain size, shape, and recrystallization are compared throughout the evolution. Additionally, the X–Y and X–Z planes are compared to find a point at which the annealing process results in equiaxed, isotropic grains and the scan strategy effects are mitigated. An equiaxed microstructure was successfully achieved through recrystallization and grain growth, resulting in isotropic microstructure for each scan strategy that was considered. Isotropic mechanical properties were achieved following a modified annealing treatment at 1160 ∘C for 4 hours and validated via nanoindentation and tensile testing.
Impact of an enhanced recovery pathway on length of stay and complications in elective radical cystectomy: a before and after cohort study

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways aim to standardize and integrate perioperative care, incorporating the best available evidence-based practice throughout the perioperative period targeted at attenuating the surgical stress response while optimizing physiologic function, with the goal of facilitating recovery. Radical cystectomy is associated with significant postoperative morbidity, but comprehensive ERAS pathways have not been well studied in this population. This is a before and after cohort study of an ERAS pathway for radical cystectomy at a large academic medical center. Following introduction of the ERAS pathway and a wash in period, we prospectively collected data from the next 100 consecutive subjects undergoing radical cystectomy with the ERAS pathway. This cohort was compared to a retrospective cohort of 100 consecutive patients undergoing radical cystectomy with traditional care. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes included perioperative management, time to recovery milestones, complications, and costs. Implementation of an ERAS pathway for radical cystectomy was associated with reduced hospital length of stay (median LOS 10 days (IQR = 8–18) vs 7 days (IQR = 6–11); p < 0.0001), reduced time to key recovery milestones, including days to first stool (5.83 vs 3.99; p < 0.001) and days to first solid food (9.68 vs 3.2; p < 0.001), reductions in some complications, and a 26.6% reduction in overall costs (p < 0.001). Our data support the use of an ERAS pathway for radical cystectomy and add to the increasing body of literature supporting enhanced recovery over a wide variety of procedures. Not applicable.
[ 11 C]Carbon monoxide: advances in production and application to PET radiotracer development over the past 15 years

[11C]Carbon monoxide is an appealing synthon for introducing carbon-11 at a carbonyl position (C=O) in a wide variety of chemotypes (e.g., amides, ketones, acids, esters, and ureas). The prevalence of the carbonyl group in drug molecules and the present-day broad versatility of carbonylation reactions have led to an upsurge in the production of this synthon and in its application to PET radiotracer development. This review focuses on the major advances of the past 15 years.
Taxonomy design methodologies: Emergent research for knowledge management domains:

A knowledge management research study was integrated into a consulting internship for three students in an MLIS programme, working under the direction of a faculty member. The project scope was to ...
Gender differences in performance under time constraint: Evidence from chess tournaments

Abstract The economic literature on time-pressured decisions is slim and has mainly relied on laboratory collected data. Within this literature, only few studies have investigated the gender differences in the effects of time constraint on decision making. The World Chess Federation reports the official player ratings in Standard, Rapid and Blitz Chess. Standard, Rapid, and Blitz Chess only differ from each other in the stringency of the time constraint they impose on the players. While Standard Chess can last several hours, Rapid (Blitz) Chess allocates each player (30) 10 min or less for the entire game. The present paper uses 2012 to 2019 chess tournament data of the World Chess Federation to investigate the gender differences in the effects of time constraint on performance. These data, containing more than 1.8 million individual observations, are analyzed using several approaches to ensure the robustness of the findings. The results indicate that the Rapid and Blitz ratings of female chess players are below the ratings of male chess players of the same skills. While female underperformance is largely robust even at the country level, its magnitude is rather small. Finally, reexamining the question by chess skill thresholds produces evidence that female underperformance is greater among the elite players. The findings are discussed in light of the past literature.
Humeral Shaft Fractures

The majority of humeral shaft fractures are successfully managed nonoperatively. Indications for surgery include open fractures, associated adjacent articular fractures, ipsilateral forearm fractures, vascular injuries requiring repair, and those with nerve injuries due to high-energy penetrating trauma. Polytrauma patients requiring recumbent positioning are better served with fixation of the humerus. Patients with associated pelvic or lower extremity injuries may use a stabilized humerus shaft for weight bearing. The radial nerve should be identified and protected during reduction and fixation. Plate fixation is effective via anterolateral, lateral, or posterior approaches with the posterior approach favored for distal fractures. Large fragment plate fixation is most common. Shortening of up to 3 cm is acceptable and without resultant dysfunction, if needed to address extensive comminution or bone loss. Intramedullary nails may be advantageous for pathological fractures secondary to neoplasm as well as for segmental fractures. Meticulous dissection of the starting point and protection of the rotator cuff will minimize subsequent shoulder pain. Interlocking bolts should be placed through incisions and with instruments that permit protection of adjacent nerves.
A transition clinic intervention to improve follow-up rates in adolescents and young adults with congenital heart disease.

Background:Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) require lifelong cardiology follow-up. Many experience gaps in care around the age of transition to adult-oriented care with associated comorbidity. We describe the impact of a clinic-based intervention on follow-up rates in this high-risk population.Methods:Patients ≥11 years seen in a paediatric outpatient CHD Transition Clinic completed self-assessment questionnaires, underwent focused teaching, and were followed on a clinic registry with assessment of care continuation. The cohort “lost to follow-up” rate, defined as absence from care at least 6 months beyond the recommended timeframe, was compared with a control group. Secondary outcomes included questionnaire scores and adult cardiology referral trends.Results:Over 26 months, 53 participants completed an initial Transition Clinic visit; 43% (23/53) underwent a second visit. Median participant age was 18.0 years (interquartile range 16.0, 22.0). The cohort’s “lost to follow-up” rate was 7.3%, which was significantly lower than the control rate (25.9%, p < 0.01). Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated clinic participation as the only factor independently associated with follow-up rates (p = 0.048). Transition readiness was associated with older age (p = 0.01) but not sex, univentricular heart, interventional history, or surgical complexity. One-third of adult participants transferred to adult care.Conclusions:A CHD Transition Clinic intervention can improve follow-up rates in adolescents and young adults. Age is an important factor in transition readiness, and retention of adults in paediatric care appears multi-factorial. We postulate that serial assessments of self-management, focused education, and registry utilisation may improve patient outcomes by reducing lapses in care.
Tunable FPGA Bitstream Obfuscation with Boolean Satisfiability Attack Countermeasure

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are seeing a surge in usage in many emerging application domains, where the in-field reconfigurability is an attractive characteristic for diverse applications with dynamic design requirements, such as cloud computing, automotive, IoT, and aerospace. The security of the FPGA configuration file, or bitstream, is critical, especially for devices with long in-field lifetimes, where attackers may attempt to extract valuable Intellectual Property (IP) from within. In this article, we propose a tunable obfuscation approach that protects IP from typical bitstream attacks while enabling designers to trade off security with acceptable overhead. We also consider two potential attacks on this protection mechanism: Boolean SAT Attacks on the obfuscation and removal attacks on the protection circuitry. The obfuscation and SAT countermeasure are integrated in a custom CAD framework within a commercial FPGA toolflow and together provide mathematically strong protection against common bitstream attacks. Further, we quantify the difficulty of a removal attack on the protection circuitry through pattern matching and direct bitstream manipulation. The average area, power, and delay overhead for obfuscation with 95% mismatch probability are 18%, 16%, and 8%, respectively, for small combinational circuits, and 1%, 2%, and 5% for larger arithmetic modules.
Health Care Today: Whom Do We Really Care About?

Health services in the United States, driven by moral relativism, technology, financial algorithms, present draconian threats to the ability of these services to respond to the health care needs of...
Pilot-scale production of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate from fermented dairy manure: Process performance, polymer characterization, and scale-up implications

Abstract Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production from waste feedstocks using mixed microbial consortia (MMCs) is a promising alternative to conventional commercial production from refined feedstocks with axenic cultures. Prior work has reinforced this potential with nutrient-limited waste feedstocks and stringently controlled operation. The process would be more competitive, however, without these restrictions. To that end, a pilot-scale three-stage feast-famine MMC PHA system using dairy manure was operated with relaxed control for 87 days. All three stages absorbed operational fluctuations and exhibited stable performance comparable to tightly controlled analogs. PHA mass fractions (0.29 to 0.40 g/g; volatile solids basis) approached commercial viability and the purified PHA (21 ± 3% 3-hydroxyvalerate; mole basis) exhibited similarly stable material properties. Finally, characterization of the MMC's PHA synthesizing capability suggested an innate potential for medium-chain-length monomers. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential for PHA production from a feedstock without a strict nutrient limitation and the process's resilience against operational variability.
Trends in content development and licensing of electronic resources

Academic libraries face the dual challenges of decreasing budgets and increasing demand for electronic resources. Librarians at three midwestern US public research universities discuss the electron...
Contextualization of Relational Connectedness Construct in Relationship Marketing

Relational connectedness is an important factor for identifying requirements of and building long-term customer–organization relationships. This research investigates how the relational connectedne...
Induced pluripotent stem cells for modeling of spinal muscular atrophy

Abstract Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the disruption of the survival of motor neuron-1 (SMN1) gene, which leads to motor neuron cell death, skeletal muscle wasting, and premature death. Encouragingly, therapies have been developed in recent years providing the first forms of treatment for SMA patients. However, further research into the disease etiology, onset of disease progression, and the impact of wide-spread SMN disruption across different cell types is still needed to better define disease mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a clinically relevant, ethical, and highly scalable cell source for use in human in vitro model systems for multiple applications. In this book chapter, we highlight the progress that has been made using SMA iPSC-derived culture systems to investigate motor neuron vulnerability, to characterize dysfunction in other disease relevant cells, for therapeutic testing and for potential use in cell transplantation therapies. We will also comment on the advances in iPSC technology, such as organoid and assembloid culture systems, and how these can facilitate novel discoveries in SMA disease modeling and therapy development for future research.
Expression of HuR, a mRNA-binding protein in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) correlates with COX-2, MVD and tumor progression

4534 HuR, a member of the embryonic-lethal abnormal vision (ELAV)-like protein family is an mRNA binding protein that specifically binds to AU rich elements (ARE) at the 3’ end of mRNA. MRNA’s of several cellular proteins that include COX-2, VEGF, and BCl-2 have been shown to have ARE sites and bound by HuR. Binding of HuR to the mRNA of these proteins has been shown to play a role in protein stabilization and increased protein translation. Recent clinical studies in breast, colon, gastric and ovarian cancer have shown a direct correlation between increased HuR expression and expression of COX-2 and VEGF and a direct correlation with tumor progression and survival. Based on these reports we investigated the expression levels of HuR in 236 resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and its correlation with patient survival. Immunohistochemical analysis showed HuR expression in the nucleus of both tumor cells and normal alveolar cells; however the intensity of staining was higher in tumor cells compared to alveolar cells. Analysis for cytoplasmic HuR expression showed tumor cells but not normal expressed the protein in the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic HuR expression in the tumor cells significantly correlated with tumor progression (incidence of HuR-positive patients, 39%, 62%, 68% in stage I, II, IIIA diseases, respectively; P=0.001), whereas nuclear HuR expression in tumor cells was not significantly correlated (p=0.204). Both, nuclear HuR expression and cytoplasmic HuR expression were positively correlated with COX-2 expression (P
Sericea Lespedeza Biomass Composition for Bioenergy in the Southeastern USA

© 2010 IFVC Summary: Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don) is used for forage or as a soil conservation plant that has shown potential for the production of ligno-cellulosic biomass in the Southeastern USA. Four genotypes of sericea lespedeza were grown at Tallassee, Alabama. Plant canopy of those genotypes was divided into three 10-cm strata. Year of harvest affected NDF, protein and hemicellulose content of leaves and stems. Cut affected NDF, cellulose and hemicellulose content and protein of leaves. No differences were measured among the four genotypes except for protein content in the stems. Leaves had a much higher protein content than stems which makes them undesirable for biofuel use. Large strata effects on stem composition were measured on all traits except lignin which had the same value across the strata. Values of NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose increased from the top of the stem to the base whereas protein content was reduced.
Evaluation of clay aggregates in perennial offshoot production.

Abstract In an effort to compare yield and time required to remove substrate from roots of liners, Ophiopogon japonicus and Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nana’ (lilyturf) bare root bibs were potted into 100% aged pine bark, 8: 2 (v: v) pine bark: peat moss, 100% perlite, 100% fine grade Profile™ porous ceramic (Profile™ products LLC, Buffalo Grove, IL), or 100% course grade Profile™ porous ceramic. In a second study Ophiopogon japonicus was potted into 100% aged pine bark, 100% 3/16-inch HydRocks® (Big River Industries Alpharetta, GA), fine grade 100% Profile™, 100% perlite, 100% sand, 8: 2 (v: v) pine bark: peat moss, and 3: 1 (v: v) 3/16 HydRocks®: sand. In the second study, fine grade Profile™ produced the highest number of total bibs per container and bib production was similar to 8: 2 pine bark: peat moss. HydRocks® was similar to pine bark in total bibs per container but was more efficiently removed from roots. Removal of the HydRocks® substrate from plant roots required 50% less time than removal of pine b...
Performance and Emissions of Ethanol and Ethanol-Diesel Blends in Direct-Injected and Pre-Chamber Diesel Engines

Performances et emissions polluantes de l'ethanol et de melanges ethanol-carburant diesel dans des moteurs diesel a injection directe et prechambre de combustion
On the Measurement of Protein Turnover in Animal Cells

The double isotope technique of Arias, Doyle, and Schimke ((1969) J. Biol. Chem. 244, 3303) with radioactive leucine as precursor has been modified to yield accurate values for rate constants of protein degradation. The advantages of the method are that it is both rapid and reproducible in that the protein whose half-life is being measured is isolated only once from one experimental organism and that the values obtained for the rate constants of degradation are comparable to those measured with [guanidino-14C]arginine, and that unlike the latter precursor, radioactive leucine is extensively incorporated into liver protein. The turnover of the population of total soluble proteins and six proteins isolated in homogeneous form from rat liver was studied by means of the double isotope method. The majority of liver proteins are degraded with half-lives between 2 and 8 days. There is a general correlation between subunit size and rate of degradation. The subunits of the multimeric proteins δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase, catalase, ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase are degraded at the same rate as the protein in its quaternary configuration. No intermediate states in the degradation of the subunits were found in the biologically active proteins.
16α-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase of Rat Kidney PURIFICATION, ASSAY, AND PROPERTIES

Abstract 16α-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an estrogen-induced, soluble enzyme from rat kidneys, has been concentrated, partially purified, and separated from 16β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities by a carboxymethyl cellulose column fractionation procedure. Spectrophotometric measurement of the reduction of 3,17β-dihydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-one to estriol by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide has been employed to assay and characterize the purified enzyme. This preparation catalyzes the specific interconversion of 16α-hydroxy- and 16-ketosteroids. Its pH optimum for steroid reduction is 6.1 to 6.2, and it is inhibited by low concentrations of heavy metal ions, reagents which modify sulfhydryl groups, and metal chelators. At the present state of enzyme purity, a number of phenolic C18 and neutral C19 steroids can serve as substrates, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate can replace nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide as cofactor. This enzyme is distinguished by its specificity from similar hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases previously characterized and has been utilized as a stereospecific reagent for substrate synthesis.
Effect of transracial/transethnic adoption on children's racial and ethnic identity and self-esteem : A meta-analytic review

SUMMARY This paper reports the results of a meta-analytic review of comparative studies of racial identity and self-esteem in transra-cially/transethnically-adopted, inracially-adopted/same ethnic group, and biologic African-American and Mexican-American children. Six studies, including one longitudinal study with four phases, met the established criteria. Study level effect sizes were calculated. Twenty-nine dependent measure effect sizes were also calculated. There was an overall effect, in the negative direction, of transracial adoption on a combined variable of racial/ethnic identity and self-esteem (d = −0.3775, p = .001). The effect size increased when racial identity was considered separately (d = −0.5220, p < .01). Effect size associated with self-esteem was not statistically significant, although a positive direction was noted. Tests failed to achieve homogeneity among included studies. Age of study participant was a moderating variable. Several other potential moderators were also identified. Re...
‘The one who bears the scars remembers’: Haiti and the historical geography of US militarized development

Abstract During the early twentieth century US occupation of Haiti, marines turned to education and public health in the face of international criticism of the occupation's brutality. Drawing on primary archival research in Haiti and the US, this article discusses the Service Technique – an agricultural and vocational education and training program that marked the US occupation's turn toward development and humanitarianism as weapons. This previously unexamined archival material illustrates how militarized development projects provided fertile terrain for the acceleration of anti-occupation movements rather than recuperating occupation as intended. This discussion makes key contributions to Haitian historiographies, which largely neglect the period after the occupation's transition to development, as well as to literature on the cultural and historical geographies of militarism and development more broadly. The story of the Service Technique changes existing periodizations of development's birth out of colonial counterinsurgency, pointing to the neglected geography of Haiti, the earlier period of the 1920s, and the role of US imperialism in the historical geography of militarized development.
Doping Evolution of the Cuprate Superconductors from High-Resolution ARPES

Recent advances in both materials synthesis and state-of-the-art instru- mentation have led to an understanding of how the electronic structure of the high- temperature cuprate superconductors first evolve away from the parent Mott insu- lating state. In this chapter, we describe ARPES studies of the La2−xSrxCuO4 and Ca2−xNaxCuO2Cl2 compounds which track the growth of the nodal quasiparticles, and the doping evolution of the chemical potential and Fermi surface. These results indicate that the consideration of strong electron-boson interactions are essential for an adequate description of the first doped hole states, and also suggest a relationship between the momentum anisotropy of the low-energy states and competing orders in the underdoped regime.
Caregiver Needs from Elder Care Assistive Smart Homes: Nursing Assessment:

With the elderly population on the rise, assistive smart technology is positioned to help the assisted living community take on the upcoming age wave. Even with the notable volume of sensor data co...
Long-Term Valproate Prophylaxis in Refractory Affective Disorders

AbstractTwenty-six patients with refractory affective disorders who were taking valproate after failing on standard psycho-pharmacological regimens were followed in an open-label fashion for an average of 4 years. Valproate, frequently in combination with lithium, carbamazepine, or other previously partially effective medications, reduced the number and severity of affective episodes over the study period. The results indicate that valporate shares with lithium and carbamazepine a tendency towards overall mitigation of the frequency and amplitude of affective cycles. Psycho-pharmacological combinational strategies were employed in a majority of the patients. Overall improvement in illness index and global assessment scales over the study period supports the use of systematic medication trials, and the model of an “emotion regulation circuit” conceptualized psychopharmacologically.
Modeling of the dynamics of a slug of liquid oxygen in a magnetic field and experimental verification

Abstract This study presents the theoretical basis for the dynamics of a slug of liquid oxygen in a quartz tube when displaced by a pulsed magnetic field. The theoretical model calculated slug movement by balancing the forces due to magnetism, pressure, and damping and was verified with experimental data for a slug 1.3 cm long and 1.9 mm in diameter. During the experiments, the hidden slug length and damping factor were unknown, but quantifiable through the numerical solution. The hidden slug length accounted for the mass of LOX which cannot be seen during the experiment and was calculated as 10–14.5 cm. The damping factor was an empirical augmentation to represent increased damping from various phenomena and was calculated as 5.76–6.3. The experiments generated damped pressure waves of 6–8 Hz with maximum amplitudes of 0.8–1.3 kPa. Outside these ranges, the model indicated that the oscillation frequency decreased logarithmically with the hidden slug length, and the maximum amplitude decreased logarithmically with the damping factor. Measurement uncertainties of the visible length and slug initial position (0.8 mm) were also evaluated for their effects on the frequency and amplitude of the oscillations. The visible slug length did not seem to significantly affect the pressure waves, but the initial position strongly altered the amplitudes and mean of the oscillations. The predictive model matched the experiment well and could be used to design advanced flow control systems for cryogenic applications.
Cycling-Induced Changes in the Entropy Profiles of Lithium Cobalt Oxide Electrodes

Entropy profiles of lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) electrodes were measured at various stages in the cycle life to examine performance degradation and cycling-induced changes, or lack thereof, in thermodynamics. LiCoO2 electrodes were cycled at C/2 rate in half-cells (vs. lithium anodes) up to 20 cycles or C/5 rate in full cells (vs. MCMB anodes) up to 500 cycles. The electrodes were then subjected to entropy measurements (∂E/∂T, where E is open-circuit potential and T is temperature) in half-cells at regular intervals over the approximate range 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1 in LixCoO2. Despite significant losses in capacity upon cycling, neither cycling rate resulted in any change to the overall shape of the entropy profile relative to an uncycled electrode, indicating retention of the basic LiCoO2 structure, lithium insertion mechanism, and thermodynamics. This confirms that cycling-induced performance degradation in LiCoO2 electrodes is primarily caused by kinetic barriers that increase with cycling. In the case of electrodes cycled at C/5, there was a subtle, quantitative, and gradual change in the entropy profile in the narrow potential range of the hexagonal-to-monoclinic phase transition. The observed change is indicative of a decrease in the intralayer lithium ordering that occurs at these potentials, and itmore » demonstrates that a cyclinginduced structural disorder accompanies the kinetic degradation mechanisms.« less
Individual variation in patterns of benzo[a]pyrene metabolism in the marine fish scup (Stenotomus chrysops)

Abstract The metabolism at specific sites on carcinogenic hydrocarbons such as benzo[ a ]pyrene (BP) is responsible for activation to the ultimate mutagens and carcinogens, and patterns of metabolism can thus influence the biological effect of such compounds. Marine fish are known to efficiently metabolize BP at the benzo-ring, forming high percentages of the 9,10-dihydrodiol (DHD) and 7,8-DHD, the latter including the penultimate carcinogen. 1,2 Hydrocarbon-induced cytochrome P-450 in fish is responsible for initiating metabolism on the benzo-ring, but epoxide hydrolase (EH) activity is required for DHD formation. 3,4 Both factors could influence formation of the DHD leading to the ultimate carcinogenic diol-epoxide. In the present study, patterns of BP metabolism were evaluated in a number of individual scup Stenotomus chrysops sampled from local Woods Hole waters, and a correlation is described between variation in the DHD formation and EH activity in these feral fish.
The relationship between duodenal mucosal iron concentration and iron absorption in human subjects.

Non-haem iron concentrations of duodenal mucosa obtained by peroral capsule biopsy were determined in normal, iron-deficient, and iron-overloaded human subjects. Intestinal iron concentrations of normal subjects did not differ significantly from those of the iron-deficient or iron-overloaded subjects. No significant variation could be detected in iron concentration of mucosa obtained from different anatomical segments of duodenums removed at autopsy. Intestinal non-haem iron concentrations showed no significant correlation with simultaneous measurements of serum iron concentration nor with radioiron absorption in a group of 25 patients (including normal, iron-deficient, and iron-overloaded subjects). Radioiron absorption was significantly correlated with severity of anaemia but not with serum iron concentration or per cent transferrin saturation. Failure to confirm previous studies in animals suggests that species differences exist in the regulation of gastrointestinal iron absorption and points up the need for additional studies of the control of iron absorption in man.
2',3'-cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase activity determined using an image analyzer detection system.

Abstract The activity of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide phosphohydrolase (CNPase) was assayed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and an image analyzer detection system. The assay system was used to study a possible inhibitory effect by aminoguanidine on CNPase specific activity. One advantage of using a fixed-time HPTLC system over a real-time spectrophotometric system for an enzyme activity study was that apparent inhibition of the enzyme due to interference of the assay system (chromophore inhibition, etc.) was avoided. In addition, due to the increased accuracy of the image analyzer over conventional methods of TLC plate analysis, a rapid and more accurate measurement of HPTLC plates was possible which required only nanomole amounts of substrate. Also, a digital image of each plate analyzed was stored indefinately in the computer's memory for future reference. The measurements of CNPase specific activity made using this system compared favorably to those found in recent literature.
Physical basis of coastal productivity: The SEEP and MASAR experiments

Two major cooperative experiments, code-named Shelf Edge Exchange Processes (SEEP) I and II, were carried out on the northeast U.S. continental shelf and slope by an interdisciplinary group of scientists in the past decade. The work, supported by the Department of Energy, Office of Health and Environmental Research, had the broad aim of determining whether or to what extent energy-related human activities interfere with the high biological productivity of coastal waters. Much of SEEP I work was reported in a dedicated issue of Continental Shelf Research, including a summary article on the experiment as a whole [Walsh et al., 1988[. A parallel experiment, supported by the Minerals Management Service and code-named Mid Atlantic Slope and Rise (MASAR), had the objective of exploring physical processes over the continental slope and rise, including especially currents in the upper part of the water column. A good deal of MASAR work was also reported in the SEEP issue just mentioned, mainly in an article by Csanady and Hamilton (1988). There have been other papers and publications on these experiments, and more are forthcoming. While many questions remain, our horizons have broadened considerably after a decade of work on this problem, as if our aeroplane had just emerged from clouds to expose an interesting landscape. In this article I shall try to describe the physical (-oceanographic) features of that landscape, not in the chronological order in which we have espied them, but as the logic of the subject dictates.
Alcohol cosurfactants in hydrate antiagglomeration.

Because of availability, as well as economical and environmental considerations, natural gas is projected to be the premium fuel of the 21st century. Natural gas production involves risk of the shut down of onshore and offshore operations because of blockage from hydrates formed from coproduced water and hydrate-forming species in natural gas. Industry practice has been usage of thermodynamic inhibitors such as alcohols often in significant amounts, which have undesirable environmental and safety impacts. Thermodynamic inhibitors affect bulk-phase properties and inhibit hydrate formation. An alternative is changing surface properties through usage of polymers and surfactants, effective at 0.5 to 3 weight % of coproduced water. One group of low dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHI) are kinetic inhibitors, which affect nucleation rate and growth. A second group of LDHI are antiagglomerants, which prevent agglomeration of small hydrate crystallites. Despite great potential, work on hydrate antiagglomeration is ve...
Economic effects of first generation state antitakeover statutes on target firm shareholders

Abstract The presumption in the legal and economics literature has been that first generation state antitakeover statutes had a significant impact on the takeover process. This paper examines the effect of the first generation state antitakeover statutes by estimating the impact of these laws on gains to target firms in a sample of 232 target firms that received tender offers. The empirical results indicate that state antitakeover laws may have delayed the takeover process, but the delays did not result in significant increases in gains to target shareholders. This result may have obtained because the Federal antitakeover law (i.e., the Williams Act) provides target management with an effective delaying mechanism that most probably renders the delays available through the state regulatory process redundant.
Coexistence of two flux-line species in superconducting slabs.

Within the London approximation, we show that in anisotropic, strongly type II superconducting slabs two species'' of vortices can coexist simultaneously when the external magnetic field is applied at an angle with respect to the crystal principal axes. Simple thermodynamic arguments are used to prove that the appropriate thermodynamic potential is minimum when some of the vortices lie parallel to the [ital c] axis while others lie at an angle with respect to the [ital c] axis.