cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solidification/stabilization of flue gas desulfurization brine and coal fly ash for heavy metals and chloride immobilization: Effects of S/S conditions and zero-valent-iron pretreatment

Abstract Effective management of flue-gas-desulfurization (FGD) wastewater and coal-combustion-residues (CCRs) are major challenges in the coal-fired power industry. The zero-liquid-discharge (ZLD) method of combining FGD brines and CCRs in solidification/stabilization (S/S) is promising due to its potential of treating both wastes in the same process. This study evaluated the performance of such a ZLD method for immobilizing heavy metals (Se, As, Cd and Cr) and chloride in FGD wastewater and/or CCRs. Effects of different coal fly ash (bituminous (BCFA) and sub-bituminous (SCFA)), activating agent (Portland cement (PC) and lime) and pretreatment of brines by zero valent iron (ZVI) on the S/S process were evaluated. Short-term and long-term leaching tests were conducted to evaluate performance of the S/S solids in pollutant retainment. The pre-treatment of FGD brine by ZVI enhanced the retainment of heavy metals when BCFA was used, but not when SCFA was used since it already performed quite well without ZVI pretreatment. Quantitative X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses strongly indicated the formation of Friedel’s salt, Ca2Al(OH)6(Cl,OH)·2H2O, is critical in the retainment of heavy metals and chloride. SCFA contained higher lime and reactive aluminate contents than BCFA; thus, S/S solids made with SCFA contained higher amounts of Friedel’s salt.
The Influence of Indentation Deformity on Outcomes with Intralesional Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Monotherapy for Peyronie's Disease

Abstract Objective To identify patient-specific factors associated with patient-reported improvements in functional outcomes after intralesional Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) for Peyronie's Disease (PD). Methods We retrospectively explored our prospectively maintained CCH registry. We sought to identify patient-specific factors that prevented the need for surgical straightening and/or improved ability to engage in penetrative intercourse. Results Eighty-six patients underwent CCH monotherapy and had objective follow-up data available. Mean PD symptom duration was 25 months (SD 44) and baseline curvature was 65o (SD 24). Prominent indentation/hourglass deformities (defined as girth discrepancy >10%) were present in 40 patients (47%). Mean objective curve improvement was 19o (SD 20), and 60% achieved improvement ≥15o. Greater baseline curvature was associated with greater absolute improvements in curvature, although there was no association between baseline curvature and relative (%) improvement. Three of 40 patients (8%) with indentation achieved girth improvement. Patients with baseline indentation/hourglass were less likely to report that CCH prevented the need for surgery (35% vs 64%, P = .018). Patients with curve improvement Conclusion Baseline indentation/hourglass deformity and curve improvement
Modeling the transmittance of anisotropic diffuse radiation towards estimating energy losses in solar panel coverings

Abstract The performance assessment of photovoltaic arrays involves estimating the energy that is lost due to different sources, such as optical losses in the protective coverings. These transparent coatings do not transmit all incoming solar radiation due to partial reflections and absorptions that intensify with the angle of solar incidence. In the case of beam radiation, which consists of parallel rays with a deterministic incidence, the transmittance can be assessed with well-known analytical models. Alternately, more complex diffuse radiation consists of scattered rays with stochastic and anisotropic distributions. Consequently, the transmittance of diffuse radiation is commonly ignored or oversimplified with limited models. This work presents a new set of general models for estimating the transmittance of anisotropic diffuse radiation. Transmittance was determined from surface integrals models solved over the geometrical regions corresponding to the diffuse radiation components, i.e., sky isotropic, circumsolar, horizon brightening, and albedo. This approach was validated against stochastic rays simulations, which converged with RMSE below 0.05% transmittance. The surface integrals were then solved for the relevant discretized input ranges, and regression models were fitted to capture the resulting behavior. With high flexibility, the inputs of these regression models allow for specifying the covering characteristics and the sun and panel angular positions. The proposed models allowed us to incorporate the estimation of transmittance losses to a broader energy harvesting analysis. In a case study, the effect on annual energy was calculated comparing four transmittance modeling approaches with three different covering specifications, three panel inclinations, three sky models, and in two locations. The range of variation due to the covering specifications can result in energy losses of 16.33% compared to using a covering with the highest transmittance. The findings and methods presented in this work have implications in areas ranging from the modeling of energy harvesting to the design and development of solar panels and protective transparent coatings.
A New Subtractive Clustering Based ANFIS System for Residential Load Forecasting

The load forecasting plays a pivotal role for buildings' energy management system to schedule and control loads effectively while maintaining the reliability, stability and quality of the utilized power within the buildings. This work proposes a new subtractive clustering based adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for residential load forecasting. The proposed ANFIS prediction system considers the temperature and a new variable calculated based on occupancy and week/special days for predicting the building's energy consumption. The performance of the proposed ANFIS system has been compared with that of the artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction method. Both ANFIS and ANN predicted data are simulated in MATLAB and results are tabulated in terms of performance indices. Simulations results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed ANFIS system for residential load forecasting. Also, the performance of the proposed ANFIS method outperforms the ANN approach.
Pulsating white dwarfs and convection

Convection is a highly turbulent, three dimensional process that is traditionally treated using a simple, local, time independent description. Convection is one of the largest sources of theoretical uncertainty in stellar modeling. We outline recent progress in studies using pulsating white dwarfs to constrain convection and calibrate mixing length theory.
"Summer hypokalemia" as an initial presentation of cystic fibrosis in a morbidly obese African American adult: case report.

Most patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) present with respiratory or digestive symptoms. About 3% of patients have electrolyte disturbances at the time of diagnosis, but most of the described cases presenting with this manifestation have been in children. Only 3 adult patients are identified in the literature who first presented with hypokalemia. We describe a morbidly obese African American adult who presented with severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis, which eventually led to the diagnosis of CF after multiple hospitalizations over 4 consecutive summers. Besides being the first African American adult with this presentation, he had the highest BMI, lowest serum potassium, highest pH, and highest bicarbonate level. In the summer of 2015, a 26 year-old African American man presented to the hospital for generalized weakness. His BMI was 54 kg/M2, and he had been on a special diet for a few months with a weight loss of 50 pounds. He sweated profusely while working as a chef. Laboratory tests showed severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Further work-up pointed toward extrarenal losses of potassium. He was treated with intravenous normal saline and potassium chloride. After discharge, his potassium level remained normal through the winter while the potassium was tapered off. However, over the following three summers, he repeatedly presented to hospitals for the same problems. Cystic fibrosis was suspected and confirmed by an abnormal pilocarpine sweat test. Gene test revealed two mutations of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Thereafter, his potassium level remained normal with potassium replacement during summertime. Unexpectedly, however, his BMI rose to 83 kg/M2 after he stopped the special diet for weight reduction. The reason for the delayed diagnosis is discussed. We present an exceedingly rare case of CF in a morbidly obese African American adult male whose only manifestation of CF was hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Clinicians should keep an open mind to the diagnosis of CF in ethnically diverse populations, even if it seems unlikely at first glance. For “summer hypokalemia”, consider cystic fibrosis.
Open Endoaneurysmorrhaphy of 9-cm Ruptured Popliteal Aneurysm 7 Years after Initial Repair.

Background A previously repaired right popliteal artery aneurysm via a medial approach with proximal and distal ligation and interval bypass re-presented 7 years after the initial repair with a ruptured 9 × 25.5 cm right popliteal aneurysm. Methods Surgical repair was complex due to the large size of the aneurysm. Technique and management of popliteal aneurysm repair are discussed, along with a review of the current literature. Results A 58-year-old male with a 3.5 cm popliteal artery aneurysm was initially treated with end-to-end prosthetic bypass and proximal/distal aneurysm ligation from a medial-approach without complication. Seven years later, he presented with a 9-cm popliteal aneurysm rupture. Posterior approach endoaneurysmorrhaphy repair was far more complicated than expected with massive blood loss. Despite this, he was discharged without complication POD #5, but on POD #19 presented with cellulitis and underwent incision and drainage of retained hematoma with cultures positive for Strep dysgalactiae. With appropriate treatment, he was healed in 3 months. Conclusions Surgical repair of large popliteal aneurysms can be challenging, but continued aneurysmal degeneration is a potential consequence if the sac continues to be pressurized from patent geniculate arteries. Surgical repair of large popliteal artery aneurysms is complex and requires adjunctive techniques to maximize success. A posterior approach is described and the literature reviewed to support recommendations for primary popliteal artery aneurysm repair and repair of large degenerated popliteal artery aneurysms. We recommend primary popliteal artery aneurysm repair from a posterior approach with endoaneurysmorrhaphy and an interposition bypass. For ruptured large popliteal artery aneurysms, there is a high risk of hemorrhage and wound complications. Therefore, we recommend the use of a tourniquet, surgical drain and to consider the collection of intraoperative cultures to guide potential antibiotic management.
Considerations for Transgender People With Diabetes

This article offers clinicians resources and an overview for supporting gender-diverse individuals with diabetes. Creating a supportive office environment is crucial to providing optimal diabetes care for patients who identify as transgender.
A bipedal walking robot that can fly, slackline, and skateboard.

Numerous mobile robots in various forms specialize in either ground or aerial locomotion, whereas very few robots can perform complex locomotion tasks beyond simple walking and flying. We present t...
Providing feedback and planning follow-up services

This chapter discusses the final stage of the neuropsychological evaluation: the provision of feedback to the patient and others concerning the findings of the evaluation and the planning of treatment interventions and follow-up services. The feedback session may be emotionally charged, and the psychologist may find it necessary to manage not only the emotional responses of the patient and others but also her own reactions to the issues facing them. In this session, the psychologist describes the patient's neuropsychological strengths and weaknesses and the relation of these to the neuropsychological, personality, and other behavioral changes that have been observed. He or she provides information concerning the reason for the changes and discusses treatment and support interventions that may relieve the symptoms of concern and contribute to the patient's independence, safety, and comfort. He or she also identifies psychological issues affecting both the patient and others that may be exacerbated by or emerge from the patient's illness and to plan interventions for relieving these. It is recommended that the patient attend the feedback session accompanied by significant persons in his support system and this typically includes family members but may also involve close friends or companions. Although the psychologist leads the session, it should be interactive such that the patient and family feel comfortable responding to the psychologist's comments, asking questions, and voicing their concerns.
Histoplasmosis. Report of a case in an infant and experimental observations.

Summary 1. A case of generalized histoplasmosis in a male infant, 11 months of age, with autopsy, mycologic, and experimental studies is reported. Lesions were found in the lungs, liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, colon, appendix, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and blood vessels. 2. Macroscopically visible colonies of Histoplasma capsulatum were observed on blood agar plates (indubated aerobically at room temperature) on the fourth day following inoculation with blood taken from the heart at autopsy. 3. Yeast like forms of the fungus were observed in blood films prepared post mortem. 4. Experiments indicate that Histoplasma capsulatum is resistant to drying and to low temperatures (from 5 to 8° C.). 5. Histoplasma capsulatum is destroyed in milk by heating at from 62 to 63° C. for twenty minutes. 6. Infection of guinea pigs, normal and vitamin C deficient, could not be established by oral feedings with large numbers of organisms.
Symbolic Model Checking Using Algebraic Geometry

In this paper, I show that methods from computational algebraic geometry can be used to carry out symbolic model checking using an encoding of Boolean sets as the common zeros of sets of polynomials. This approach could serve as a useful supplement to symbolic model checking methods based on Ordered Binary Decision Diagrams and may provide important theoretical insights by bringing the powerful mathematical machinery of algebraic geometry to bear on the model checking problem.
Aggregation of test statistics

Abstract In the preceding paper Christie provides three tests to facilitate formal inferences in survey papers that examine related empirical studies. Those tests reinforce the view that accounting technique choice is related to variables that may proxy for contracting and monitoring costs in the market and political processes. However, the contribution of the tests is limited because the fundamental question of the relation between the empirical regularities and the theory remains unexamined.
Chapter 1 Ribonucleoside Analysis by Reversed-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces standard reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography and UV-photodiode array detection (RPLC-UV) methodologies for the analysis of nucleosides and nucleoside composition in RNAs. The chromatographic protocols and standard nucleoside columns are presented and the essential requirements for the HPLC instrumentation are described. Three optimized RPLC systems are developed, with particular emphasis on—resolution, speed, or sensitivity. Three unfractionated transfer RNA (tRNA) are selected as sources of the reference nucleosides and for the assessment of the performance of chromatography. From these, a large array of nucleosides are characterized from the hydrolysates of these three reference tRNAs that are used in standardization and calibration of the method. The chapter discusses the use of adiode-array detector for the detection of nucleosides for enhancement of the reliability of nucleoside identification and accuracy of measurement, and an extended enzymatic hydrolysis protocol for the liberation of exotically modified nucleosides in transfer RNA (tRNA). A chromatographic performance test is included to reproduce nucleoside chromatography protocols on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instrumentation. This test provides information on the true gradient delay time, slope of the gradient tramps, pump pulsation, and mixing of the buffers.
A linear programming duality approach to analyzing strictly nonblocking d-ary multilog networks under general crosstalk constraints

When a switching network topology is used for constructing optical cross-connects, as in the circuit switching case, no two routes are allowed to share a link. However, if two routes share too many switching elements, then crosstalk introduced at those switching elements degrades signal quality. Vaez and Lea (IEEE Trans. Commun. 48:(2)316---323, 2000) introduced a parameter c which is the maximum number of distinct switching elements a route can share with other routes in the network. This is called the general crosstalk constraint. This paper presents a new method of analyzing strictly nonblocking multi-log networks under this general crosstalk constraint using linear programming duality. We improve known results on several fronts: (a) our sufficient conditions are better than known sufficient conditions for log� d (N,0,m) to be strictly nonblocking under general crosstalk constraints, (b) our results are on d-ary multi-log networks while known results are on binary networks, and (c) for several ranges of the parameter c, we give the first known necessary conditions for this problem which also match our sufficient conditions from the LP-duality approach. One important advantage of the LP-duality approach is the ease and brevity of sufficiency proofs. All one has to do is to verify that a solution is indeed dual-feasible and the dual-objective value automatically gives us a sufficient condition. Earlier works on this problem relied on combinatorial arguments which are quite intricate and somewhat error-prone.
THAT WHICH WE CALL WELFARE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL SWEETER AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF QUESTION WORDING ON RESPONSE PATTERNS

Responses to survey questions are dependent on the words used in the questions. Sometimes the alteration of words can completely change the response distribution without obviously changing the meaning or intent of the question. This situation occurs when "welfare" is used instead of "poor." In all contexts examined "welfare" produced much more negative and less generous responses than "poor." In addition the two terms appear to tap slightly different dimensions with "welfare" accessing notions of waste and bureaucracy that are untapped or tapped much less by "poor." Although the order of words in a question and the alteration of "small, simple" words in the query and response categories can alter the perceived meaning and response distribution of a question (Schuman and Presser, 1981; Payne, 1951), it is generally believed that abstract "concept" words that specify the object being evaluated or the state along which the object is being evaluated are particularly susceptible to variation. Fee (1979, 1981), for example, has shown that abstract words in common use in the mass media often mean very different things to different people. "Big government," for example, tapped four major definitional clusters: (1) welfare-statism, (2) corporatism, (3) federal control, and (4) bureaucracy. Similarly Smith (1981) found that "confidence" was defined in four distinct ways as (1) trust, (2) capability, (3) attention to common good, and (4) following respondent's self-interest. TOM W. SMITH iS Senior Study Director at the National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago. This research was done for the General Social Survey project directed by James A. Davis and Tom W. Smith. The project is supported by the National Science Foundation, Grant No. SES-8118731. Public Opinion Quarterly Volume 51:75-83 ( 1987 by the American Association for Public Opinion Research Published by The University of Chicago Press / 0033-362X/87/0051-01/$2.50 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.78 on Tue, 21 Jun 2016 07:06:27 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
A rapid method for identifying the thymidine kinase genes of avipoxviruses

The thymidine kinase (TK) genes of poxviruses can be rapidly located without using TK- mutants or having to restriction map and clone the viral genomes. Identification of the TK gene is based on in situ gel hybridization with an end-labelled degenerate oligonucleotide probe, representing a consensus sequence near the 3' end of the gene. Restriction fragments of the viral DNAs are electrophoresed in agarose gels and annealed with the probe. Using this method, the TK genes of fowl pox (FPV) and quail pox (QPV) viruses were initially localized to HindIII fragments of approximately 3.8 and 6.7 kb, respectively. After inserting these fragments into pUC 19, recombinant plasmids containing the TK genes were screened by a modified in situ gel annealing procedure. Restriction mapping of the two cloned fragments and subsequent hybridization analysis more precisely placed at least the 3' portion of the FPV and QPV TK genes within a 1.4 kb ClaI-XbaI and 1.7 kb ClaI-PstI fragment, respectively. The site of the FPV TK gene was verified by comparison to the mapped position of the similar gene in an Australian FPV. The location of the QPV TK gene was confirmed by hybridization with the FPV TK gene, despite the apparent divergency of these two genes.
Synergistic effect of a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-transduced tumor vaccine and systemic interleukin-2 in the treatment of murine colorectal cancer hepatic metastases.

Background: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor–transduced tumor cell vaccines are less effective against cancer as the interval between metastasis and the initial vaccination increases. Methods: Hepatic metastases were generated in BALB/c mice by using a syngeneic colorectal cancer line (CT26) with a splenic injection model. Irradiated CT26 cells transduced to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were used as vaccine. Treatment groups received vaccine, systemic interleukin (IL-2), or both. Livers were examined for gross metastases 21 days after tumor challenge. Splenocytes were analyzed for in vitro activity against CT26 by using an enzyme-linked immunospot assay and a cytotoxic T lymphocyte assay. Results: Eighty-eight percent of mice treated with vaccines and IL-2 were tumor free on day 21 (P ≤ .001 vs. control). Treatment with vaccines or IL-2 alone did not result in a significant treatment effect. Splenocytes from mice treated with both vaccines and IL-2 showed greater CT26 lysis than splenocytes from mice treated with vaccines alone at effector:target ratios of 100, 30, and 10 (P < .05 for all). More splenocytes from these mice released interferon-γ in response to stimulation with the CT26 tumor antigen AH1 compared with mice treated with vaccines alone (P = .05). Conclusions: Systemic IL-2 augments tumor vaccine efficacy in the treatment of microscopic murine colorectal hepatic metastases.
Subtype-specific increase in G-protein α-subunit mRNA by interleukin 1β

Abstract The guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G-proteins) which are substrates for ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin (αi−1, αi−2, αi−3 and α0) transduce a variety of hormonal signals. Endothelial cells express mRNA for three αi subtypes although the level of αi−1 mRNA is very low. Interleukin 1β (IL1β), a pleiotropic inflammatory mediator which stimulates a complex series of responses in human endothelial cells leading to increased coagulation and platelet adhesion, increases expression of one subtype of αi (αi−2) mRNA in human endothelial cells as determined by Northern blot analysis without affecting the level of mRNA for other α-subunits. These studies show that mRNA levels for αi subtypes are independently regulated, suggesting that there may be subtype specificity in the cell's requirements for the Gi class of signal-transducing proteins.
Mixing Bodily Fluids: Hobbes’s Stoic God

The pantheon of seventeenth-century European philosophy includes some remarkably heterodox deities, perhaps most famously Spinoza’s deus-sive-natura. As in ethics and natural philosophy, early modern philosophical theology drew inspiration from classical sources outside the mainstream of Christianized Aristotelianism, such as the highly immanentist, naturalistic theology of Greek and Roman Stoicism. While the Stoic background to Spinoza’s pantheist God has been more thoroughly explored, I maintain that Hobbes’s corporeal God is the true modern heir to the Stoic theology. The Stoic and Hobbesian gods are necessitarian, entirely corporeal, and thoroughly intermixed with ordinary bodies, while also supremely intelligent, providential, and good. And both gods serve as the ultimate source of diversity and change in a material world divested of Aristotelian forms and causes. Unfortunately, scholars on both sides of the long debate about the sincerity of Hobbes’s theism have not taken very seriously his late articulation of a corporeal theology. One probable reason for this dismissive attitude is a lack of thorough investigation of the historical precedents for such an unusual godhead available to Hobbes. The first part of this article attempts to establish a close congruence between the Stoic and Hobbesian gods. The second part traces the likely sources for Hobbes’s Stoic theology in his intellectual context.
Alternative mate-finding tactics in a non-territorial damselfly (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

Males of the non-territorial damselfly Enallagma hageni have two alternative tactics for finding mates: (1) they search the banks of the pond for unmated females (searching tactic), or (2) wait at oviposition sites for females that resurface prematurely from underwater oviposition (waiting tactic). Although the searching tactic yielded more fertilizations than the waiting tactic, for time invested, the waiting tactic became increasingly successful later in the reproductive season due to changes in female oviposition behaviour. The two tactics can be maintained in the population because males can mate by the waiting tactic during the afternoon when few females are available to searchers. Among males visiting the breeding site an equal number of times, males mating by a mixture of tactics were as successful as males mating only by the main tactic. Because marked males were found to use both tactics, these behaviours are interpreted as evidence of behavioural plasticity within individuals, representing one conditional evolutionary strategy.
Zinc toxicity in corn as a result of a geochemical anomaly

Corn grown on zinc-rich soil (adjacent to an abandoned zinc mine) showed severe chlorosis and stunting. Soil zinc content was positively correlated with leaf zinc content, but not correlated with leaf iron content. Soil zinc was negatively correlated, and soil iron positively correlated, with chlorophyll content. Excess zinc may interfere with iron metabolism in the plant, but does not appear to affect the iron supply to the leaf.
Spectroscopic modeling and characterization of a collisionally confined laser-ablated plasma plume

Plasma plumes produced by laser ablation are an established method for manufacturing the high quality stoichiometrically complex thin films used for a variety of optical, photoelectric, and superconducting applications. The state and reproducibility of the plasma close to the surface of the irradiated target plays a critical role in producing high quality thin films. Unfortunately, this dense plasma has historically eluded quantifiable characterization. The difficulty in modeling the plume formation arises in the accounting for the small amount of energy deposited into the target when physical properties of these exotic target materials are not known. In this work we obtain the high density state of the plasma plume through the use of an experimental spectroscopic technique and a custom spectroscopic model. In addition to obtaining detailed temperature and density profiles, issues regarding line broadening and opacity for spectroscopic characterization will be addressed for this unique environment.
Incidence, Prevalence, and Management of Opioid Bowel Dysfunction

Opioid bowel dysfunction (OBD) is a common adverse effect associated with opioid therapy. OBD is commonly described as constipation; however, it is a constellation of adverse gastrointestinal (GI) effects, which also includes abdominal cramping, bloating, and gastroesophageal reflux. The mechanism for these effects is mediated primarily by stimulation of opioid receptors in the GI tract. In patients with pain, uncontrolled symptoms of OBD can add to their discomfort and may serve as a barrier to effective pain management, limiting therapy, or prompting discontinuation. Patients with cancer may have disease-related constipation, which is usually worsened by opioid therapy. However, OBD is not limited to cancer patients. A recent survey of patients taking opioid therapy for pain of noncancer origin found that approximately 40% of patients experienced constipation related to opioid therapy ( 50% of the time. Laxatives prescribed prophylactically and throughout opioid therapy may improve bowel movements in many patients. Nevertheless, a substantial number of patients will not obtain adequate relief of OBD because of its refractory nature. Naloxone and other tertiary opioid receptor antagonists effectively reduce the symptoms of constipation in opioid-treated patients. However, because they also act centrally, they may provoke opioid withdrawal symptoms or reverse analgesia in some patients. There are 2 peripherally selective opioid receptor antagonists, methylnaltrexone and ADL 8-2698 (Adolor Corporation, Exton, PA, USA), that are currently under investigation for their use in treating OBD. Early studies confirm that they are effective at normalizing bowel function in opioid-treated patients without entering the central nervous system and affecting analgesia. With a better understanding of the prevalence of OBD and its pathophysiology, a more aggressive approach to preventing and treating OBD is possible and will likely improve the quality of life of patients with pain.
Inhibition of Translocation of Nascent Apolipoprotein B across the Endoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Is Associated with Selective Inhibition of the Synthesis of Apolipoprotein B

In HepG2 cells, inhibition of apolipoprotein B100 (apoB) translocation across the endoplasmic reticulum by an microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor (CP-10447) in the presence ofN-acetyl-leucinyl-norleucinal, a proteasomal inhibitor, results in accumulation of newly synthesized apoB in the translocation channel. Here we demonstrated that such accumulation led to a specific reduction of apoB synthesis. ApoB mRNA levels remained unchanged, but we observed reduced rates of elongation of nascent apoB in puromycin-synchronized cells pretreated with MTP inhibitor. This observation was consistent with a longer half-ribosome transit time for the synthesis of apoB in MTP-inhibited cells. Initiation of translation of apoB mRNA was not impaired by MTP inhibition. Overall, these findings suggest that translocation arrest of apoB in the endoplasmic reticulum channel can exert a selective and negative effect on the synthesis of apoB at the stage of elongation.
Estimation of Permeability of Disturbed Halite using Inverse Modeling

The numerical modeling tool ITOUGH2 was examined to determine its effectiveness in parameter estimation for the small scale seals performance tests (SSSPT) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Gas flow injection tests were performed at various distances inward from the wall of Room D to estimate the effects of creeping of the disturbed rock zone (DRZ) since excavation of Room D and boreholes, and to estimate the amount of healing of the DRZ that has taken place due to an emplaced concrete seal. Salt creeping into an excavation is expected to show increased porosity and absolute permeability values compared to undisturbed halite. Healed halite is expected to show porosity and absolute permeability values comparable to that of undisturbed halite. Single-phase flow estimates of absolute permeability were made using ITOUGH2. Estimates of DRZ absolute permeability ranged from 10−11 near Room D to 10−21 m2 at the seal. Simultaneous estimates of absolute permeability and porosity were calculated for the disturbed rock zone in halite, and the effects of salt creep and healing were seen in the estimates of porosity and absolute permeability, as evidenced by the differences in absolute permeability and porosity with distance inward from the rib of Room D. Estimate of porosity were 0.04 near Room D, and the locations near the seal showed porosities of around 0.03. ITOUGH2 proved effective in interpreting test data seen in the SSSPT, especially test data with constant injection pressure.
Dynamic weight in intelligent transportation systems: A comparison based on two exit scenarios

Abstract Proposing a good exit scenario can make great contributions to improving road conditions. The influence of two exit scenarios, which depend on the dynamic behavior of the last vehicle (that closest to the exit), on the route flux, vehicle number, and speed by using two feedback strategies with different arrival rates ( V p ) was studied. We find that the weight of the route is dynamic instead of static, which depends on the real route conditions. In our case study, we find that the flux threshold value with respect to the necessity of applying information feedback strategy is 0.32 (which corresponds to V p ≈ 0.65 ). Further, we illustrate the velocity distribution plots of each route, which provide us with most of the important information we need, when adopting different feedback strategies and exit scenarios with two arrival rates ( V p ).
[1.1.1]Propellane, bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane and the effects of “inverted” carbons

Abstract The stabilities and reactive properties of [1.1.1]propellane and bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane are analyzed by means of calculated electrostatic potentials and bond deviation indices. These were computed from ab initio SCF minimum-basis-set molecular wave functions, using geometries determined by optimization at the 6-31G* level. [1.1.1] Propellane has rather unusual regions of relatively strong negative electrostatic potential to the outsides of the bridgehead carbons, those commonly described as “inverted”. These carbons are viewed here as being somewhat unsaturated, with no direct bonding between them. They should be attractive sites for electrophilic attack, and it is suggested that they may also be reactive toward radicals. Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane has a less strained structure, and the electrostatic potentials and bond deviation indices reveal the CC bonds to have some similarity to those in cubane.
Collecting and evaluating the CUNY ASL corpus for research on American Sign Language animation

Automated synthesis of American Sign Language (ASL) animations will benefit people who are deaf with low English literacy.Annotated ASL motion-capture corpora enable researchers to produce animations with complex spatial and linguistic phenomena.We built the first large, annotated, motion-capture, unscripted ASL corpus, which enables new animation synthesis research.We evaluated our corpus quality in several ways, including user-based animation-comprehension studies by native ASL signers. While there is great potential for sign language animation generation software to improve the accessibility of information for deaf individuals with low written-language literacy, the understandability of current sign language animation systems is limited. Data-driven methodologies using annotated sign language corpora encoding detailed human movement have enabled some researchers to address several key linguistic challenges in ASL generation. This article motivates and describes our current research on collecting a motion-capture corpus of American Sign Language (ASL). As an evaluation of our motion-capture configuration, calibration, and recording protocol, we have conducted several rounds of evaluation studies with native ASL signers, and we have made use of our collected data to synthesize novel animations of ASL, which have also been evaluated in experimental studies with native signers.
Patient-Reported and Physician-Reported Depressive Conditions in Relation to Asthma Severity and Control

Background Depressive conditions in asthma patients have been described mostly from patient reports and less often from physician reports. While patient reports can encompass multiple symptoms, physician assessments can attribute symptoms to a mental health etiology. Our objectives were to identify associations between patient- and physician-reported depressive conditions and asthma severity and control. Methods Patient-reported depressive symptoms were obtained using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) [possible score 0 to 30; higher score indicates more depressive symptoms]. Patients were categorized as having a physician-reported depressive disorder if they had the following: a diagnosis of depression, depressive symptoms described in medical charts, or were prescribed antidepressants at doses used to treat depression. Patients also completed the Severity of Asthma Scale (SOA) [possible score 0 to 28; higher score indicates more severe] and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) [possible score 0 to 6; higher score indicates worse control]. Results Two hundred fifty-seven patients were included in this analysis (mean age, 42 years; 75% women). Mean SOA and ACQ (± SD) scores were 5.9 ± 4.2 and 1.4 ± 1.2, respectively; and mean GDS score was 6.3 ± 6.4. After adjusting for age, sex, race, Latino ethnicity, education, medication adherence, body mass index, and smoking status, patient-reported depressive symptoms were associated with asthma severity (p = 0.007) and with asthma control (p = 0.0007). In contrast, physician-reported depressive disorders were associated with asthma severity (p = 0.04) but not with asthma control (p = 0.22) after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions Physician- and patient-reported depressive conditions were associated with asthma severity. In contrast, patient-reported depressive symptoms were more closely associated with asthma control than were physician-reported depressive disorders. Identifying associations between depressive conditions and asthma severity and control is necessary to concurrently treat these conditions in this population. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00195117.
Non-LTE spectral absorption coefficients for electronic band systems of diatomic molecules

Abstract Analytical expressions have been derived for the average non-LTE spectral absorption coefficients and the associated spontaneous spectral emission coefficients for electronic bands of anharmonic oscillators. Relatively simple differential expressions are provided for the important practical conditions under which the smeared-rotational-line approximation is applicable and for which individual rotational temperatures exist for the populations in each pair of the vibrational levels of interest. Further simplifications are given for the cases in which also vibrational temperatures exist for the populations of the two electronic states considered and in which the displacement of the band-heads from the band-centers can be neglected.
Embryo-lethal mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana : Evidence for gametophytic expression of the mutant genes

Normal and aborted seeds from two recessive embryo-lethal mutants (79A and 124D) of Arabidopsis thaliana were shown to be distributed nonrandomly along the length of heterozygous siliques. Significantly more than half of the aborted seeds in these two mutants were located in the top half of the silique, in the region closest to the stigma surface. Segregation ratios (percent aborted seeds) were unusually low at the base of the silique, and slightly higher than expected at the tip. In contrast, aborted seeds from four other embryo-lethal mutants (87A, 123B, 50B, and 71E) were distributed randomly along the length of the silique. These results suggest that the mutant genes in 79A and 124D are expressed during both the gametophytic (n) and sporophytic (2n) phases of development. These two mutants provide further evidence for the hypothesis that many genes expressed prior to fertilization also perform a critical function during growth and development of the sporophyte. Embryo-lethal mutants of Arabidopsis may therefore be useful in future studies of gametophytic gene expression and the regulation of pollen-tube growth in higher plants.
Ethanol induction of acetaminophen toxicity and metabolism.

Chronic consumption of moderate amounts of ethanol (10% solution in the drinking water) dramatically enhances the toxicity of acetaminophen in CF-1 mice as demonstrated by a significant decrease in the LD50. The increased toxicity appears to result from an acceleration in the microsomal biotransformation of acetaminophen to a reactive intermediate. Accelerated acetaminophen metabolism in ethanol-treated animals, in turn, causes more rapid depletion of glutathione. These studies suggest a mechanism to account for the toxic synergism between chronic alcohol consumption and acute acetaminophen intake.
Teaching Wedding Rules: How Bridal Workers Negotiate Control Over their Customers

Salespeople must educate their customers and teach them to be good consumers of products. To maximize sales and minimize potential problems, salespeople must also develop strategies to control their customer's behavior. To examine the “generic social process” of gaining control over customers, the author focuses on the bridal shop to show how workers attempt to establish themselves as professionals. In the world of bridal wear, workers and brides must maintain extensive contact over many months. Bridal workers strive to gain control over their brides' behavior by presenting a professional self. By establishing familiarity with their clients and demonstrating their expertise, bridal workers can give orders to their customers and chastise them when they deviate from appropriate behavior without fear that the customer will not return.
Anomalous transport from plasma waves

One of the principle manifestations of instability in plasma is the presence of anomalous transport. The problem then is how to describe and/or predict plasma behavior when the transport is dominated by unstable plasma waves. This paper describes a systematic approach to this problem and examines what knowledge of the instability is needed. Depending on the situation, the necessary information can be as little as the stability threshold, or as much as a full nonlinear description of the turbulent spectrum, with several intermediate possi- bilities. In all cases, this description of the instability is used to derive a set of anomalous transport coefficients for use in a nu~d formulation. Description of the plasma then comes frbm a numerical solution of these fluid equations. Scaling laws can often be derived from these numerical solutions, however in general, scaling laws cannot be simply derived from first principles.
Drainage of low anterior anastomoses

Abstract Sixty-two low anterior anastomoses have been carried out over a five year period. The mortality was 1.6 per cent, the complication rate 14.5 per cent, and the leakage rate 8 per cent. Only two patients required proximal colostomy because of disruption of the anastomosis. Good results in this difficult group of patients are attributed to careful surgical technic and the use of dependent drainings of the presacral space through an incision placed in the perianal area, an adjunct so safe and simple that it has been used on all such patients for the past twenty years.
The effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment of panic disorder on emergency room and laboratory resource utilization.

Background: While it has been well documented that patients with untreated panic disorder frequently utilize emergency room (ER) and laboratory services, no published data evaluate whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment of patients with panic disorder is associated with decreased use of these services in the managed care organization setting. Method: A medical and pharmacy claims database representing individuals from several managed care organizations was used to analyze ER and laboratory resource utilization and cost for 120 patients with panic disorder (ICD-9-CM criteria) who received SSRI treatment. Results: SSRI treatment was associated with a reduction in the mean number of ER and laboratory visits and costs in the 6-month period following therapy initiation compared with the 6-month period prior to therapy initiation (sertraline: visits, -79.5%; costs, -85.2%; p <.05; fluoxetine: visits, -25.0%; costs, -69.5%; p = NS; and paroxetine: visits, -8.6%; costs, -30.8%; p = NS). Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that appropriate treatment of panic disorder may decrease unnecessary resource utilization for the medical symptoms associated with panic disorder.
Nonassociation of hyperamylasemia and prostatic disease

Abstract The possible correlation of hyperanullascmia and prostatic disease was investigated in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, adenocarcinoma of the prostate, and in patients without clinical c,ridence of prostatic lesion. Our results indicate that prostatic lesions whether benign or malignant are not associated with either elevation o f serum amylase or abnormal isozyme zymograms.
Characteristics of folic acid transport in the L1210 leukemia cell.

Abstract Uptake of folic acid was studied in L1210 leukemia cells. Folic acid was rapidly metabolized in this cell system and the metabolites appeared to be exchangeable across the cell membrane. Metabolism was partially reduced when cells were pretreated with methotrexate (4-amino-4-doxy-10-methylpteroylglutamic acid) to inhibit dihydrofolate reductase. The energy dependence of folic acid transport was investigated in cells pretreated with methotrexate to minimize metabolism. These studies suggested an energy-dependent efflux mechanisms for folic acid, since (1) the ratio of intracellular to extracellular folic acid at the steady state was far below that predicted for a passive equilibrating transport system and (2) inhibition of energy metabolism resulted in a decrease in the unidirectional efflux of folic acid and a marked rise in the net uptake velocity. Although interpretation of the data is complicated by residual metabolism of folic acid, many of the findings for folic acid are similar to those observed for methotrexate—a compound which shares, at least in part, the same transport mechanism as folic acid and is not metabolized under the conditions of these experiments. Compatible with an active efflux mechanism was the observation that net uptake of [3H]folic acid is a complex process in which back flux of label becomes significant within 30 sec after the addition of folic acid to the extracellular medium and at cell folate levels far below the steady state. Following this, the rate slows to an essentially constant velocity for the remainder of the period of observation and represents a very small difference between much larger unidirectional influx and efflux rates. Net uptake is highly temperature dependent (Q10 of 5) and is markedly inhibited by methotrexate and folinic acid. Addition of these substances to the extracellular medium during uptake of folic acid results in net efflux of essentially all intracellular label.