cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Matter of Time: Faster Percolator Analysis via Efficient SVM Learning for Large-Scale Proteomics.

Percolator is an important tool for greatly improving the results of a database search and subsequent downstream analysis. Using support vector machines (SVMs), Percolator recalibrates peptide–spectrum matches based on the learned decision boundary between targets and decoys. To improve analysis time for large-scale data sets, we update Percolator’s SVM learning engine through software and algorithmic optimizations rather than heuristic approaches that necessitate the careful study of their impact on learned parameters across different search settings and data sets. We show that by optimizing Percolator’s original learning algorithm, l2-SVM-MFN, large-scale SVM learning requires nearly only a third of the original runtime. Furthermore, we show that by employing the widely used Trust Region Newton (TRON) algorithm instead of l2-SVM-MFN, large-scale Percolator SVM learning is reduced to nearly only a fifth of the original runtime. Importantly, these speedups only affect the speed at which Percolator converg...
An Essay to the Festschrift in Honor of Patricia Werhane

This is an introductory essay to the festschrift celebrating the work of Patricia H. Werhane. The first part of the essay describes Werhane’s outstanding career as a scholar, her great accomplishments on the way, and her personality traits that made the experience of working with her always exciting and gratifying. It also outlines Werhane’s influential contributions to the scholarship in business ethics and beyond, as well as her essential role in the development of the field of business ethics. The second part of the essay provides the overview of the content of the festschrift overall, and of each of its chapters in particular.
De novo Assembly of the Burying Beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis (Coleoptera: Silphidae) Transcriptome Across Developmental Stages with Identification of Key Immune Transcripts

Burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) are among the relatively few insects that provide parental care while not belonging to the eusocial insects such as ants or bees. This behavior incurs energy costs as evidenced by immune deficits and shorter life-spans in reproducing beetles. In the absence of an assembled transcriptome, relatively little is known concerning the molecular biology of these beetles. This work details the assembly and analysis of the Nicrophorus orbicollis transcriptome at multiple developmental stages. RNA-Seq reads were obtained by next-generation sequencing and the transcriptome was assembled using the Trinity assembler. Validation of the assembly was performed by functional characterization using Gene Ontology (GO), Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Differential expression analysis highlights developmental stage-specific expression patterns, and immunity-related transcripts are discussed. The data presented provides a valuable molecular resource to aid further investigation into immunocompetence throughout this organism's sexual development.
Imaging spectrometer emulates Landsat: A case study with Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) data

Abstract Remote sensing data are most useful if they are available with sufficient precision, accuracy, spatiotemporal and spectral sampling, as well as continuity across decades. The Landsat and Sentinel series, as well other satellites are currently covering significant parts of this observational trade space. It can be expected that growing demands and budget constraints will require new capabilities in orbit that can address as many observables as possible with a single instrument. Recent optical performance improvements of imaging spectrometers make them true alternatives to traditional multispectral imagers. However, they are much more adaptable to a wide range of Earth observation needs due to the combination of continuous high spectral sampling with spatial sampling consistent with previous sensors (e.g., Landsat). Unfortunately, there is a knowledge gap in demonstrating that imaging spectroscopy data can substitute for multi-spectral data while sustaining the long-term record. Thus, the objective of this analysis is to test the hypothesis that imaging spectroscopy data compare radiometrically with multi-spectral data to within 5%. Using a coincident Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) flight with over-passing Operational Land Imager (OLI) data on Landsat 8, we document a procedure for simulating OLI multi-spectral bands from AVIRIS data, evaluate influencing factors on the observed radiance, and assess the difference in top-of-atmosphere radiance as compared to OLI. The procedure for simulating OLI data include spectral convolution, accounting for the minimal atmospheric effects between the two sensors, and spatial resampling. The remaining differences between the simulated and the real OLI data result mainly from differences in sensor calibration, surface bi-directional reflectance, and spatial sampling. The median relative radiometric difference for each band ranges from −8.3% to 0.6%. After bias-correction to minimize potential calibration discrepancies, we find no more than a 1.2% relative difference. This analysis therefore successfully demonstrates that imaging spectrometer data can contribute to Landsat-type or other multi-spectral data records. It also shows that cross-calibration from a spectrometer to a radiometer can be easily performed as a result of the imaging spectrometer high spectral sampling and its ability to recreate multi-spectral response functions.
Systematic review of dynamization vs exchange nailing for delayed/non-union femoral fractures.

Systematic review of dynamization vs exchange nailing for delayed/non-union femoral fractures
Validation of the Procalcitonin Assay on the Abbott Architect i1000.

Background: Procalcitonin (PCT) is an emerging biomarker for detecting sepsis. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration cleared the expanded use of this biomarker for guiding clinicians regarding antibiotic treatment. To our knowledge, there are no published method validations for the Abbott Architect PCT assay. This article will discuss the process of method validation of the B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay on the Abbott Architect platform. Methods: We studied the precision, accuracy, and linearity of the Architect method following the guidance of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP5-A2 document. Furthermore, we also tested the impact of major sources of interference from hemolysate, lipoproteins, and bilirubin. To validate the Architect method, we compared patients9 serum PCT measurements with our previously established Mini VIDAS (bioMerieux) PCT assay. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the 2 assays have good correlation (r > 0.99), slope of 1.023, and intercept of −0.760. The calculated bias is −7.435%. The Architect method showed good precision with %CV 10% was observed with the Architect method when pooled serum samples were spiked with interferants. The turnaround time for both platforms was the same (20 min); however, in contrast with Mini VIDAS, the Architect system has automated pipetting of samples and can perform multiple assays simultaneously. Conclusion: These results showed that the Architect B·R·A·H·M·S PCT assay has analytical characteristics conducive for diagnostic use in clinical laboratories. Our method validation report will be beneficial for other institutions to adapt this assay on existing Abbott Architect i1000 immunoassay analyzers.
Dry matter loss, fermentation profile, and aerobic stability of wet brewers grains ensiled with various amounts of dry ground corn

ABSTRACT Storage of wet brewers grain (WBG) for longer periods is challenging, and alternative techniques are required. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the fermentation profile, dry matter loss, and aerobic stability of WBG ensiled alone or with various concentrations of dry ground corn (DGC). Samples of DGC and WBG were weighed separately and mixed forming 3 treatments: WBG alone (23% DM), a mixture of 25% DGC and 75% WBG (as-fed basis) to achieve a DM concentration of 35%, and a mixture of 46% DGC and 54% WBG (as-fed basis) to achieve 50% of DM. Samples were allowed to ferment for 0, 14, or 28 d in triplicate laboratory silos (3.78 L per bucket). Concentration (DM basis) of CP decreased (P = 0.001) with both the inclusion and the level of inclusion of DGC in the mixture. Concentration (DM basis) of water-soluble carbohydrates decreased (P = 0.001) with the inclusion of DGC in the mixture. A treatment × storage length interaction was observed (P = 0.001) for pH, but the change in patterns differed among treatments. Both, the inclusion (P = 0.01) and greater amounts of inclusion of DGC to the mixture (P = 0.001) decreased lactic acid concentration. Mixing WBG with DGC increased (P = 0.02) acetic acid concentration. Aerobic stability tended (P = 0.08) to be 12 h longer for both mixtures of WBG and DGC. Under the conditions of the present study, averaged across storage lengths, mixing WBG with DGC did not significantly speed acidification, decrease the final pH, or prolong aerobic stability of WBG.
Caught in the middle: Songhay bidirectional case-marker *nà and its likely Mande origin

Abstract The relationship between the Songhay and Mande language families has fascinated West Africanists. The typological similarities run deep, but the respective lexicons are noncognate. I focus here on a typological rarity, a bidirectional case marker (BCM), namely Proto-Songhay *na and its descendants, and argue that it was most likely borrowed from Mande as part of the adoption by Songhay of the equally typologically rare Mande-type S(‑infl)‑O‑V‑X syntax, which reduces to S‑O‑V‑X when there is no post-subject inflectional morpheme (predicative marker). Apparently Songhay had little choice but to borrow the morpheme on the grounds that it did not previously possess the S(‑infl)‑O‑V‑X construction of which it is a key component, especially since a buffer between S and O prevents real-time mis-parsing of two adjacent NPs as possessor-possessum. The medial (‘caught in the middle’) position of the morpheme in the S‑BCM‑O sequence favored the borrowing, in spite of its abstract relational function which in some theoretical models should block borrowing.
Coherent States and Generalized Hermite Polynomials for fractional statistics -- interpolating from fermions to bosons

This article develops the algebraic structure that results from the $\theta$-commutator $\alpha \beta - e^{i \theta} \beta \alpha = 1 $ that provides a continuous interpolation between the Clifford and Heisenberg algebras. We first demonstrate the most general geometrical picture, applicable to all values of $N$. After listing the properties of this Hilbert space, we study the generalized coherent states that result when $\xi^N=0$, for $N \ge 2$. We also solve the generalized harmonic oscillator problem and derive generalized versions of the Hermite polynomials for general $N$. Some remarks are made to connect this study to the case of anyons. This study represents the first steps towards developing an anyonic field theory.
Analysis of laboratory proficiency testing results of fluoride in drinking water

Objective To find out the situation of laboratory testing capacity of fluoride in drinking water in Guizhou Province.Method Assessment of fluoride detection capabilities in nine cities (states) and 31 countylevel laboratories of the province in 2010 was carried out,the test results of individual indicators were evaluated using a single Z-score method,and the determination was based on the fluoride ion selective electrode method of "Drinking Water Saritary Standard Test Method" (GB/T 5750.5-2006) or fluorine reagent spectrophotometry.Results The feedback rate of fluoride measurement results was 100％,the satisfactory rate of laboratory results was 82.5％,the suspicious rate of results was 7.5％(33/40),and the unsatisfied rate was 10.0％(3/40).Conclusion The fluoride detection capability of most laboratories that participated in the proficiency test has met the requirements,and 10 percent of the laboratory's capacity needs to be improved. Key words: Drinking water; Fluoride ; Proficiency testing
U2AF1 is a haplo-essential gene required for cancer cell survival

Abstract Somatic mutations in the spliceosome gene U2AF1 are common in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. U2AF1 mutations that code for the most common amino acid substitutions are always heterozygous, and the retained wild-type allele is expressed, suggesting that mutant hematopoietic cells may require the residual wild-type allele to be viable and cause disease. We show that hematopoiesis and RNA splicing in U2af1 heterozygous knock-out mice was similar to control mice, but that deletion of the wild-type allele in U2AF1(S34F) heterozygous mutant expressing hematopoietic cells (i.e., hemizygous mutant) was lethal. These results confirm that U2AF1 mutant hematopoietic cells are dependent on the expression of wild-type U2AF1 for survival in vivo and that U2AF1 is a haplo-essential cancer gene. Mutant U2AF1 (S34F) expressing cells were also more sensitive to reduced, but not absent, expression of wild-type U2AF1 than non-mutant cells. Furthermore, mice transplanted with leukemia cells expressing mutant U2AF1 had significantly reduced tumor burden and improved survival after the wild-type U2af1 allele was deleted compared to when it was not deleted. These results suggest that selectively targeting the wild-type U2AF1 allele in heterozygous mutant cells could induce cancer cell death and be a therapeutic strategy for patients harboring U2AF1 mutations.
Abstract 13527: Inhibition of With-No-Lysine Kinase Improves Right Ventricular Function by Blunting Excess Protein O-GlcNAcylation

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is caused by obstructive remodeling of the pulmonary arteries which ultimately causes right ventricle (RV) failure and death. Increased expressio...
Gqα/G11α deficiency in dorsomedial hypothalamus leads to obesity resulting from decreased energy expenditure and impaired sympathetic nerve activity.

This paper demonstrates that signaling within the dorsomedial hypothalamus via the G proteins Gqα and G11α, which couple cell surface receptors to the stimulation of phospholipase C, is critical fo...
Cost evaluation of tobacco control interventions in clinical settings: A systematic review.

Abstract Elucidating the cost implications of tobacco control interventions is a prerequisite to their adoption in clinical settings. This review fills a knowledge gap in characterizing the extent to which cost is measured in tobacco control studies. A search of English literature was conducted in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EconLit, PsychINFO, and CINAHL using MeSH terms from 2009 to 2018. Studies were reviewed by two independent reviewers and included if they were conducted in U.S. inpatient or outpatient facilities and reported costs associated with a tobacco control intervention. They were categorized according to evaluation type, clinical setting, target population, cost measures, and stakeholder perspective. Bias risk was evaluated for RCTs. Seventeen publications were included, representing counseling interventions (n = 8) and combination (i.e., counseling and pharmacotherapy) interventions (n = 9). Studies were categorized by evaluation type: cost-effectiveness analysis (n = 10), cost utility analysis (n = 3) and cost identification (n = 4). The selected studies targeted the following populations: general adults (n = 6), hospitalized/inpatient (n = 4), military/veterans (n = 4), individuals with low socioeconomic status (n = 4), mental health or medical comorbidities (n = 2), and pregnant women (n = 2). Intervention costs included personnel, medication, education material, technology, and overhead costs. Stakeholder perspectives included: healthcare organization (n = 10), payer (n = 8), patient (n = 2), and societal (n = 1). Few studies have reported the cost of tobacco control interventions in clinical settings. Cost is a critical outcome that should be consistently measured in evaluations of tobacco control interventions to promote their uptake in clinical settings.
Large Firms and the Effect of Trends in Market Structure on Long-run Technology Growth

Recent studies have documented several trends in the U.S. market structure since the 1980s, such as the rise of large firms' markups and their profit margins. An important but not emphasized trend is the rise of the fixed operating costs of large firms. This trend is so salient that the sales-to-fixed operating costs ratio is decreasing. This paper proposes a Schumpeterian model to study the effect of these changes in market structure on growth. Each product line contains a dominant (large) firm with a competitive fringe. We estimate the parameters and then, a time series of fixed operating costs that matches the dynamics of the market share of dominant firms. The estimated sales-to-fixed operating costs ratio has an 81.1% correlation with the data. The model associates about a 0.5 percentage point increase in productivity growth in the 1980s to the changes in market structure. Importantly, a combination of strong technology spillovers and business stealing effects -- endogenously driven by the fixed operating cost -- can capture the trends in market structure.
Infantile spasm: an overview

Infantile spasm (IS) is the archetypal catastrophic childhood epilepsy syndrome. It is catastrophic for two reasons: first, it is difficult to control and second, it is strongly associated with mental retardation. In some cases, profound mental retardation is an inevitable consequence of the underlying disease; for example, lissencephaly. In other cases, the developmental outcome may be improved by controlling the seizures. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment is important. IS has a characteristic clinical presentation with flexor spasms beginning in the first year of life. The diagnosis of IS is confirmed by the electroencephalogram (EEG), which typically demonstrated hypsarrhythmia, modified hypsarrhythmia or multifocal spikewave discharges. A normal EEG should raise the possibility of one of the benign infantile seizure disorders such as benign neonatal convulsions, benign infantile familial convulsions or benign infantile myoclonus. Having identified IS clinically and confirmed
One-bit dithering in delta-sigma modulator-based D/A conversion

The requantization error of delta-sigma modulators used in oversampling digital-analog converters can contain discrete tones that are objectionable in high-fidelity audio applications. The asymptotic second-order statistics and ergodicity of the requantization error are investigated, and it is shown that such tones can be eliminated in a class of delta-sigma modulators with least significant bit dithering. >
Design challenges for high-performance SOI digital CMOS VLSI

This paper reviews the recent advances of SOI for high-performance digital CMOS VLSI applications. The technology/device requirements and design issues/challenges for high-performance, general-purpose microprocessor applications are differentiated with respect to low-power portable applications. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of floating-body in partially-depleted devices on the circuit operation, stability, and functionality. Unique SOI design aspects such as the parasitic bipolar effect and hysteretic V/sub T/ variation are addressed. Circuit techniques to improve the noise immunity and global design issues are discussed.
The benefit of amplification on auditory working memory function in middle-aged and young-older hearing impaired adults.

Untreated hearing loss can interfere with an individual’s cognitive abilities and intellectual function. Specifically, hearing loss has been shown to negatively impact working memory function, which is important for speech understanding, especially in difficult or noisy listening conditions. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of hearing aid use on auditory working memory function in middle-aged and young-older adults with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Participants completed two objective measures of auditory working memory in aided and unaided listening conditions. An aged matched control group followed the same experimental protocol except they were not fit with hearing aids. All participants’ aided scores on the auditory working memory tests were significantly improved while wearing hearing aids. Thus, hearing aids worn during the early stages of an age-related hearing loss can improve a person’s performance on auditory working memory tests.
The Corporate Elite Goes To Washington: Presidential Campaign Contributions of Corporate Officers

Abstract This research uses data on campaign contributions to evaluate the political participation and partisanship of corporate officers in the 1972 and 1984 presidential elections. It is found that total contributions by the corporate elite declined substantially from 1972 to 1984. More unexpectedly, the proportion of corporate executives who contributed in 1984 also declined. As expected, members of the "inner circle" were more likely than other corporate executives to contribute to these campaigns. However, contrary to inner circle theory, members of the inner circle were more likely than other executives to contribute to the Republican party. Senior executives of Sunbelt firms were more likely than Frostbelt executives to support the Democratic party in 1984. The regulatory environment had little consistent effect on the political partisanship of the corporate elite.
Correlating cation ordering and voltage fade in a lithium–manganese-rich lithium-ion battery cathode oxide: a joint magnetic susceptibility and TEM study

Structure–electrochemical property correlation is presented for lithium–manganese-rich layered–layered nickel manganese cobalt oxide (LMR–NMC) having composition Li1.2Co0.1Mn0.55Ni0.15O2 (TODA HE5050) in order to examine the possible reasons for voltage fade during short-to-mid-term electrochemical cycling. The Li1.2Co0.1Mn0.55Ni0.15O2 based cathodes were cycled at two different upper cutoff voltages (UCV), 4.2 V and 4.8 V, for 1, 10, and 125 cycles; voltage fade was observed after 10 and 125 cycles only when the UCV was 4.8 V. Magnetic susceptibility and selected-area electron diffraction data showed the presence of cation ordering in the pristine material, which remained after 125 cycles when the UCV was 4.2 V. When cycled at 4.8 V, the magnetic susceptibility results showed the suppression of cation ordering after one cycle; the cation ordering diminished upon further cycling and was not observed after 125 cycles. Selected-area electron diffraction data from oxides oriented towards the [0001] zone axis revealed a decrease in the intensity of cation-ordering reflections after one cycle and an introduction of spinel-type reflections after 10 cycles at 4.8 V; after 125 cycles, only the spinel-type reflections and the fundamental O3 layered oxide reflections were observed. A significant decrease in the effective magnetic moment of the compound after one cycle at 4.8 V indicated the presence of lithium and/or oxygen vacancies; analysis showed a reduction of Mn4+ (high spin/low spin) in the pristine oxide to Mn3+ (low spin) after one cycle. The effective magnetic moment was higher after 10 and 125 cycles at 4.8 V, suggesting the presence of Mn3+ in a high spin state, which is believed to originate from distorted spinel (Li2Mn2O4) and/or spinel (LiMn2O4) compounds. The increase in effective magnetic moments was not observed when the oxide was cycled at 4.2 V, indicating the stability of the structure under these conditions. This study shows that structural rearrangements in the LMR–NMC oxide happen only at higher potentials (4.8 V, for example) and provides evidence of a direct correlation between cation ordering and voltage fade.
Absorption of LiIO3 in the infrared for the ordinary direction of propagation

Abstract The absorption coefficient for α-LiIO 3 in the ordinary direction of propagation has been determined in its mid-infrared transmission range (2.75−8.0μm) at a temperature of 298 K.
BiblioFemina: A panel discussion on women in publishing, bookselling, and libraries

A panel discussion was held at the University of Minnesota to explore how librarians, publishers, and booksellers advance access to women's literature. Using the Twin Cities area of Minnesota as a model, the program brought together five professionals representing university and public libraries and socially conscious publishing and bookselling. The group addressed issues associated with the production, selection, and access to women's literature. Three conditions came to light, revealing the complexities of each function, the impact of contemporary trends, and the necessity of cooperation among publishers, booksellers, and librarians.
Computer—assisted approach for teaching statistical concepts

(1999). Computer-Assisted Approach for Teaching Statistical Concepts. Computers in the Schools: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 193-208.
The effect of protein relaxation on charge-charge interactions and dielectric constants of proteins

Abstract The effect of the reorganization of the protein polar groups on charge-charge interaction and the corresponding effective dielectric constant (∈ eff ) is examined by the semimicroscopic version of the Protein Dipole Langevin Dipoles (PDLD/S) method within the framework of the Linear Response Approximation (LRA). This is done by evaluating the interactions between ionized residues in the reaction center of Rhodobacter sphaeroides , while taking into account the protein reorganization energy. It is found that an explicit consideration of the protein relaxation leads to a significant increase in ∈ eff and that semimicroscopic models that do not take this relaxation into account force one to use a large value for the so-called "protein dielectric constant," ∈ p , of the Poisson-Boltzmann model or for the corresponding ∈ in in the PDLD/S model. An additional increase in ∈ eff is expected from the reorganization of ionized residues and from changes in the degree of water penetration. This finding provides further support for the idea that ∈ in (or ∈ p ) represents contributions that are not considered explicitly. The present study also provides a systematic illustration of the nature of ∈ eff , supporting our previously reported view that charge-charge interactions correspond to a large value of this "dielectric constant," even in protein interiors. It is also pointed out that ∈ eff for the interaction between ionizable groups in proteins is very different from the effective dielectric constant, ∈′ eff , that determines the free energy of ion pairs in proteins (∈′ eff reflects the effect of preoriented protein dipoles). Finally, the problems associated with the search for a general ∈ in are discussed. It is clarified that the ∈ in that reproduces the effect of protein relaxation on charge-charge interaction is not equal to the ∈ in that reproduces the corresponding effect upon formation of individual charges. This reflects fundamental inconsistencies in attempts to cast microscopic concepts in a macroscopic model. Thus one should either use a large ∈ in for charge-charge interactions and a small ∈ in for charge-dipole interactions or consider the protein relaxation microscopically.
Changes in gastric and lung microflora with acid suppression: acid suppression and bacterial growth.

Importance The use of acid suppression has been associated with an increased risk of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in the outpatient setting but the mechanism behind this increased risk is unknown. We hypothesize that this infection risk results from gastric bacterial overgrowth with subsequent seeding of the lungs. Objectives To determine if acid-suppression use results in gastric bacterial overgrowth, if there are changes in lung microflora associated with the use of acid suppression, and if changes in lung microflora are related to full-column nonacid gastroesophageal reflux. Design, Setting, and Participants A 5-year prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center where children ages 1 to 18 years were undergoing bronchoscopy and endoscopy for the evaluation of chronic cough. Acid-suppression use was assessed through questionnaires with confirmation using an electronic medical record review. Main Outcomes and Measures Our primary outcome was to compare differences in concentration and prevalence of gastric and lung bacteria between patients who were and were not receiving acid-suppression therapy. We compared medians using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and determined prevalence ratios using asymptotic standard errors and 95% confidence intervals. We determined correlations between continuous variables using Pearson correlation coefficients and compared categorical variables using the Fisher exact test. Results Forty-six percent of patients taking acid-suppression medication had gastric bacterial growth compared with 18% of untreated patients (P = .003).Staphylococcus(prevalence ratio, 12.75 [95% CI, 1.72-94.36]),Streptococcus(prevalence ratio, 6.91 [95% CI, 1.64-29.02]),Veillonella(prevalence ratio, 9.56 [95% CI, 1.26-72.67]),Dermabacter(prevalence ratio, 4.78 [95% CI, 1.09-21.02]), andRothia(prevalence ratio, 6.38 [95% CI, 1.50-27.02]) were found more commonly in the gastric fluid of treated patients. The median bacterial concentration was higher in treated patients than in untreated patients (P = .001). There was no difference in the prevalence (P > .23) of different bacterial genera or the median concentration of total bacteria (P = .85) in the lungs between treated and untreated patients. There were significant positive correlations between proximal nonacid reflux burden and lung concentrations ofBacillus(r = 0.47,P = .005),Dermabacter(r = 0.37,P = .008),Lactobacillus(r = 0.45,P = .001),Peptostreptococcus(r = 0.37,P = .008), andCapnocytophagia(r = 0.37,P = .008). Conclusions and Relevance Acid-suppression use results in gastric bacterial overgrowth of genera includingStaphylococcusandStreptococcus. Full-column nonacid reflux is associated with greater concentrations of bacteria in the lung. Additional studies are needed to determine if acid suppression–related microflora changes predict clinical infection risk; these results suggest that acid suppression use may need to be limited in patients at risk for infections.
Time-dependent distortion in calculations of K -shell ionization for incident protons and helium and lithium ions

Time-dependent distortion of the initial electronic state in response to the motion of the projectile is employed in calculations of total and differential cross sections for the direct-Coulomb, K-shell-ionization process within the semiclassical approximation. Selected targets are chosen from Al through Ag for incident protons and helium and lithium ions in the velocity region that corresponds to energies of 0.175 through 5.0 MeV/u for a Cu target. The distortion is taken to include both energy and wave function (via polarization) of the initial-state K-shell electron. Discussion is presented with regard to the appearance of nonorthogonal basis states. The results of calculations for the total K-shell-ionization cross section in comparison with experimental data show good agreement for protons incident on targets from Ti through Cu. Some differences are noted for Al and Ag targets, and systematically larger discrepancies with projectile atomic number are obtained for He and Li projectiles. It is found that the introduction of temporally dependent distortion causes drastic changes in the behavior of the scattering amplitude at low velocities that have not been generally appreciated. Time-dependent binding gives rise to a large suppression of the cross section (over that induced by the well-known introduction of a constant increase in binding), while time-dependent polarization leads to a large enhancement. An explanation of this behavior is suggested. Possible causes of the differences between theoretical and experimental values of the cross section are considered. Some observations apropos of the introduction of temporally dependent quantities in approximate calculations are made.
Submandibular gland MALT lymphoma associated with Sjögren's syndrome: case report.

Lymphoma is a common disease of the head and neck. Mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma constitutes a rare type of extranodal lymphoma. The Waldeyer's ring is one of the most common sites of occurrence, but MALT lymphoma may also arise in salivary glands, lung, stomach, or lacrimal glands. In the oral cavity, it may be confused with swellings from dental infection or sinus inflammation. Often, the patient will seek a dentist because of mobile teeth or because a denture no longer fits. We report a case of a female patient with salivary gland dysfunction and pain of several years' duration, who, after numerous tests and hospitalizations, was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome. She later developed mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma. We discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this entity. MALT lymphoma is rare in salivary glands. In primary-Sjogren's syndrome, predisposition of the patient for development of malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (4% to 10%) is well established. In this case, long-standing sialadenitis and Sjogren's syndrome seem to be the etiological factors. In cases of chronic infection of salivary glands and the presence of autoimmune syndromes, MALT lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Consults should be called to ophthalmology, rheumatology, and head and neck oncologists for proper workup, staging, and treatment.
The binding of calcium by chymotrypsinogen A.

Abstract Chymotrypsinogen A and α-chymotrypsin possess a single strong binding site for calcium ions. From the pH-dependence of binding, it appears that the titration of a histidine or an α-amino group results in a loss of binding ability. The binding site is not in proximity to the catalytic site. The binding of calcium eliminates the self-association of the chymotrypsinogen monomer.
Use of a Multiple Diffusion Chamber Unit in Culture Studies. Application to Gomphosphaeria Aponina

Abstract The application of an apparatus with multiple diffusion chamber (EcoloGen) to studies of the Florida red tide is indicated. The unit consists of four growth chambers mounted radially to a central reservoir and separated from the central chamber by means of membrane filters (pore size 0.5 μ). A mixed culture system using three types of plankton indicated symbiotic-antibiotic effects. Ectocrine interrelationships were further examined using multiple diffusion chambers, and it was found that the metabolic products of a ciliate stimulated growth of colonial blue-green alga, G. aponina.
Viscoelastic properties of adsorbed and cross-linked polypeptide and protein layers at a solid-liquid interface.

Abstract The real-time changes in viscoelasticity of adsorbed poly(L-lysine) (PLL) and adsorbed histone (lysine rich fraction) due to cross-linking by glutaraldehyde and corresponding release of associated water were investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FTIR). The kinetics of PLL and histone adsorption were measured through changes in mass adsorbed onto a gold-coated quartz surface from changes in frequency and dissipation and using the Voigt viscoelastic model. Prior to cross-linking, the shear viscosity and shear modulus of the adsorbed PLL layer were ∼ 3.0 × 10 −3 Pa s and ∼ 2.5 × 10 5 Pa , respectively, while after cross-linking, they increased to ∼ 17.5 × 10 −3 Pa s and ∼ 2.5 × 10 6 Pa , respectively. For the adsorbed histone layer, shear viscosity and shear modulus increased modestly from ∼ 1.3 × 10 −3 to ∼ 2.0 × 10 −3 Pa s and from ∼ 1.2 × 10 4 to ∼ 1.6 × 10 4 Pa , respectively. The adsorbed mass estimated from the Sauerbrey equation (perfectly elastic) and the Voigt viscoelastic model differ appreciably prior to cross-linking whereas after cross-linking they converged. This is because trapped water molecules were released during cross-linking. This was confirmed experimentally via ATR/FTIR measurements. The variation in viscoelastic properties increased substantially after cross-linking presumably due to fluctuation of the randomly cross-linked network structure. An increase in fluctuation of the viscoelastic properties and the loss of imbibed water could be used as a signature of the formation of a cross-linked network and the amount of cross-linking, respectively.
The myostatin null mutation and clenbuterol administration elicit additive effects in mice

In mice, the myostatin (Mstn) null mutation and treatment with clenbuterol both increase muscle growth and decrease fat mass. Our objective was to determine whether mechanistic overlap exists by administering clenbuterol to Mstn null mice. Male Mstn null and wild-type mice of similar genetic backgrounds received either 0 (control) or 20 p.p.m. clenbuterol in tap water free choice for 14 days. Several traits were measured to estimate muscle and fat growth. The Mstn null mutation resulted in increased body and empty carcass weight, increased muscle weights and decreased fat pad weights. Fat content was reduced and protein content was increased in the empty carcasses of Mstn null mice. Similarly, treatment with clenbuterol resulted in increased body and empty carcass weight, increased muscle weights and reduced fat pad weights. Fat content of empty carcasses and viscera was reduced and protein content of empty carcasses was increased with clenbuterol treatment. A significant interaction of genotype and clenbuterol treatment would indicate an altered responsiveness of Mstn null mice to clenbuterol. However, only the weight of gastrocnemius muscles exhibited a significant (P = 0.01) interaction of genotype and clenbuterol treatment, indicating that Mstn null mice were less responsive to clenbuterol compared with wild-type mice. Thus, for all other traits, the impact of Mstn null mutation and clenbuterol treatment was completely additive. These data suggest that disruption of Mstn function does not alter the response of mice to β-adrenergic agonists.
Homogeneous quantum phase slippage in bulk charge-density-wave systems.

We study the dynamic process of homogeneous quantum phase slippage in bulk charge-density-wave systems. A topological singularity, namely, a ``vortex shell'' in 3+1 dimensions is proposed as a trial wave function of the saddle-point field. The quantum tunneling rate is roughly \ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\sim}exp(-const/${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varepsilon}}}^{2}$) as a function of applied electric field \ensuremath{\varepsilon}. The physics is qualitatively different from previous works.
Glial-derived neurotrophic factor rescues calbindin-D28k-immunoreactive neurons in alcohol-treated cerebellar explant cultures.

Ethanol exposure during development leads to alterations in neuronal differentiation and profound neuronal loss in multiple regions of the developing brain. Although differentiating Purkinje cells of the cerebellum are particularly vulnerable to ethanol exposure, the mechanisms that ameliorate ethanol-induced Purkinje cell loss have not been well defined. Previous research indicates that glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a member of the transforming growth factor-β family, promotes the survival of several neuronal populations, including cerebellar Purkinje cells. Therefore, we examined whether GDNF could attenuate ethanol-induced Purkinje cell loss in an in vitro model system using calbindin-D28k-immunoreactivity as a specific marker for Purkinje cells. We found that ethanol led to a significant dose-related decline in calbindin-D28k-immunoreactive cells in explant cultures of the developing cerebellum. However, concurrent administration of GDNF led to a significant rescue of calbindin-D28k-immunoreactive cells. Therefore, our results suggest that GDNF prevents ethanol-associated Purkinje cell loss. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 33: 835–847, 1997
Sonographic Appearance of Angioedema in Local Allergic Reactions to Insect Bites and Stings

Soft tissue infections and angioedema from insect bites and stings may be difficult to differentiate by inspection. We present sonographic findings of 4 cases of soft tissue swelling from insect bites and stings suggestive of angioedema. Sonographic features of soft tissue angioedema consist of thickened subcutaneous tissue layers with multiple linear, horizontal, striated, and hypoechoic lines following the tissue planes between soft tissue layers. In addition to the history and physical examination, sonographic findings may assist in differentiating between local allergic reactions and cellulitis in patients with insect bites and stings. Further study is warranted for clinical application.
Selective protonation of terminally bound η3-allyls on (η3-allyl)2(μ2-η3-allyl)2dimolybdenum(II) by β-diketones forming(μ2-η3a-allyl)2(η2-β-diketonate)2 dimolybdenum(II) complexes

Abstract The β-diketones, R(CO)CH2(CO)R′ [where R = R′= Me (acac); R = Me, R′= CF3 (tfac); or R = R′ = CF3 (hfac)] selectively protonate the terminally bound η3-allyls on Mo2(μ2-η3-allyl)2(η3-allyl)2 (A) leaving the Mo2(μ2-η3-allyl)2 core intact. The molybdenum(II) dimers, Mo2(μ2-η3-allyl)2(η2-L)2[where L = acac (B), tfac (C) or hfac (D)] are formed from this reaction. From 1H, 13C and 19F NMR data, it is evident that the two bridging allyls in each complex, B-D, are bound in a cis arrangement with endo and exo conformations, respectively. Thus, a plane of symmetry bisects the MoMo bond axis and the two bridging allyls in B and D, but is absent parallel to the MoMo bond axis and bisecting each of the chelating β-diketonate ligands. The complex, C, exists primarily as the isomer in which the bulky trifluoromethyl groups on the two tfac ligands are as far apart as possible from each other. As the electron-donating ability of the terminally bound ligands in A-D decreases, allyl > acac > tfac > hfac, an upfield shift in the proton resonances of the bridging allyls is observed.
Determination of solid-propellant transient regression rates using a microwave Doppler shift technique

A microwave Doppler shift system, with increased resolution over earlier microwave techniques, was developed for the purpose of measuring the regression rates of solid propellants during rapid pressure transients. A continuous microwave beam is transmitted to the base of a burning propellant sample cast in a metal waveguide tube. A portion of the wave is reflected from the regressing propellant-flame zone interface. The phase angle difference between the incident and reflected signals and its time differential are continuously measured using a high resolution microwave network analyzer and related instrumentation. The apparent propellant regression rate is directly proportional to this latter differential measurement. Experiments were conducted to verify the (1) spatial and time resolution of the system, (2) effect of propellant surface irregularities and compressibility on the measurements, and (3) accuracy of the system for quasi-steady-state regression rate measurements. The microwave system was also used in two different transient combustion experiments: in a rapid depressurization bomb, and in the high-frequency acoustic pressure environment of a T-burner.
Intravenous cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC).

Abstract Thirty patients with uterine papillary serous carcinoma were treated with intravenous cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (CAP) chemotherapy, a combination with proven efficacy against ovarian carcinoma. Nineteen patients were given CAP as an adjuvant soon after surgery. Eleven patients were treated after recurrence or failure of other first-line therapy. Of the patients treated adjuvantly, 11 (58%) were alive without evidence of disease with a median follow-up of 24 months. Eight patients (42%), all with metastatic disease at diagnosis, were dead of disease (DOD) with a median survival of 14 months. In the salvage group, all patients were DOD with a median survival of 21 months from diagnosis and a median survival from initiation of CAP of 7 months. Toxicity was observed in all patients, and there was one treatment-related death from cardiotoxicity. In the salvage group there were two partial responses and one complete response (response rate = 27%). We conclude that intravenous CAP was ineffective in the treatment of metastatic or recurrent uterine papillary serous carcinoma, but deserves study as an adjuvant in patients without metastatic or with only microscopic extrauterine disease.
Policies and practices in the delivery of HIV services in correctional agencies and facilities: results from a multisite survey.

HIV risk is disproportionately high among incarcerated individuals. Corrections agencies have been slow to implement evidence-based guidelines and interventions for HIV prevention, testing, and tre...
Technique for shortening angioplasty guide catheter length when therapeutic catheter fails to reach target stenosis.

Occasionally, the usable length of a balloon angioplasty or other therapeutic catheter is insufficient to reach the target stenosis. We describe a technique of shortening the guide catheter from the proximal end in vivo without removing the coronary guidewire. This permits greater projection of the therapeutic catheter to reach distal stenoses.© 1993 Wlley-Liss, Inc
Survival among pediatric liver transplant recipients: Impact of segmental grafts

Segmental liver transplantation with living donor (LD), reduced cadaveric (Reduced), and split cadaveric (Split) allografts has expanded the availability of size-appropriate organs for pediatric recipients. The relevance of recipient age to the selection of graft type has not been fully explored, but could offer the potential to maximize recipient outcome and donor utilization. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among children 12 years of age or less utilizing the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) database. Cox proportional-hazards analysis was used to explore the association of recipient age and graft type to graft and patient survival. Among children <1 year of age and those 1 to 2 years of age, 3-year LD graft survival was superior to whole cadaveric (CAD) organs, Split grafts, and Reduced grafts (for children <1 year of age: 79.4 vs. 61.5, 66.0, and 61.1%, respectively, P = .0003; and for children 1-2 years of age: 79.2 vs 66.9, 57.1, and 63.9%, respectively, P = .02). However, in children 3 to 12 years of age, after controlling for multiple donor and recipient factors, LD grafts failed to offer a survival advantage (hazard ratio = .61; 95% confidence interval = .37-1.02) compared to CAD organs. In an adjusted analysis examining patient survival, there appeared to be minimal association between recipient age and graft type. Much of the difference in graft survival could be attributed to events in the perioperative period. In conclusion, LD liver transplantation provides improved graft survival in children 2 years of age or less.