cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micro RNA sequencing for myocardial infarction screening

Abstract With an increasing life time risk of developing coronary artery disease, and associated mortality in patients greater than 40 years, earlier diagnosis is essential for administering personalized therapy based on their risk status. Despite secondary preventive therapy, a significant proportion of coronary artery disease patients develop subsequent events, with recurrent hospitalizations and associated mortality. Recently, miRNAs have been considered as biomarkers for diagnosis of unstable angina and myocardial infarction, due to their favorable features such as cardiac tissue specificity, rapid release kinetics, and stability in blood. Studies have revealed that miRNAs are involved in underlying pathogenic mechanisms, such as autophagy, endothelial reticulum stress response, atherosclerosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and left ventricular remodeling. Few important miRNAs such as miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, miR-208a, miR-208b, and miR-499 have been considered for diagnostic and prognostic purposes of acute myocardial infarction, in recently conducted clinical studies. To be useful as reliable biomarkers, future research is needed in areas of miRNA regulation, targets, and function. Currently available tests for quantification of miRNA are very time-consuming, and a rapid and convenient test is needed.
Abstract ES3-1: Targeted approach to breast cancer surveillance in high risk women: update of the newest technologies and how to use them

In multiple prospective randomized trials, screening mammography alone has been demonstrated to reduce breast cancer mortality by approximately 30%. These studies did not account for differences in breast cancer risk. With increasing knowledge of factors that increase breast cancer risk including pathologic mutations, thoracic radiation at a young age, strong family history and incidence of some high-risk lesions, it has become clear that supplemental breast imaging might be necessary to improve early breast cancer detection and outcomes in women at increased risk. Additionally, it has become clear that different high-risk categories are associated with different types and presentations of breast cancer and that these differences might also translate into different imaging strategies. This presentation will address the standard breast cancer imaging tools such as Digital Mammography and Ultrasound and compare them with the newest imaging techniques in breast cancer imaging including Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, and physiologic imaging with a relatively new technology for screening: Contrast Enhanced Digital Mammography and Contrast Enhanced Breast MRI to include the most recent data on Abbreviated Breast MRI. There will be a discussion of fine-tuning the screening strategies based on the specific risk factors which will address the ideal frequency of screening, when screening should start and end and the utility of mammography and ultrasound in women undergoing breast MRI. Citation Format: M Jochelson. Targeted approach to breast cancer surveillance in high risk women: update of the newest technologies and how to use them [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES3-1.
The changes of cerebrospinal fluid non-protein-bound iron and malondialdehyde(MDA) in preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) after serial lumbar punctures

Objective To investigate the changes and clinical significance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) non-protein-bound iron and malondialdehyde(MDA) in preterm infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) after serial lumbar punctures.Methods Non-protein-bound iron and MDA of CSF in twenty severe IVH preterm infants with first and end lumbar puncture were examined respectively.The control samples were determined for once from first to second week after birth.Results Both Non-protein-bound iron and MDA levels of the first CSF sample in twenty severe IVH preterm infants were higher than that in control[(0.66±0.38)μmol/L vs (0.24±0.12)μmol/L(P<0.01);(1.21±0.41)μmol/L vs (0.89±0.35)μmol/L(P<0.05)].Non-protein-bound iron levels of first and end CSF sample in severe IVH with posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) were both higher than those without PHVD [(0.75±0.34)μmol/L vs (0.54±0.31)μmol/L;(0.57±0.21)μmol/L vs (0.35±0.18)μmol/L](P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in MDA levels between both groups.The levels of non-protein-bound iron of end CSF in severe IVH with and without PHVD were significantly lower than those of the first CSF samples (P<0.05),while,there was no significant difference in MDA levels between the end and first CSF samples.Conclusion The non-protein-bound iron and MDA of CSF in severe IVH preterm infants were both significantly increased,non-protein-bound iron and oxygen free radicals may be involved in the preterm brain injury.Serial lumbar punctures can lower the levels of non-protein-bound iron in CSF. Key words: Intraventricular hemorrhage; Posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation; Non-protein-bound iron; Malondialdehyde; Serial lumbar punctures; Preterm infant
Increased Risk of COVID-19 Among Users of Proton Pump Inhibitors.

Introduction Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the risk for enteric infections that is likely related to PPI-induced hypochlorhydria. Although the impact of acid suppression on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is unknown thus far, previous data revealed that pH ≤3 impairs the infectivity of the similar severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1. Thus, we aimed to determine whether use of PPIs increases the odds for acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among community-dwelling Americans. Methods From May 3 to June 24, 2020, we performed an online survey described to participating adults as a "national health survey." A multivariable logistic regression was performed on reporting a positive COVID-19 test to adjust for a wide range of confounding factors and to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Of 53,130 participants, 3,386 (6.4%) reported a positive COVID-19 test. In regression analysis, individuals using PPIs up to once daily (aOR 2.15; 95% CI, 1.90-2.44) or twice daily (aOR 3.67; 95% CI, 2.93-4.60) had significantly increased odds for reporting a positive COVID-19 test when compared with those not taking PPIs. Individuals taking histamine-2 receptor antagonists were not at elevated risk. Discussion We found evidence of an independent, dose-response relationship between the use of antisecretory medications and COVID-19 positivity; individuals taking PPIs twice daily have higher odds for reporting a positive test when compared with those using lower-dose PPIs up to once daily, and those taking the less potent histamine-2 receptor antagonists are not at increased risk. These findings emphasize good clinical practice that PPIs should only be used when indicated at the lowest effective dose, such as the approved once-daily label dosage of over-the-counter and prescription PPIs. Further studies examining the association between PPIs and COVID-19 are needed.
The nuclear cap-binding complex as choreographer of gene transcription and pre-mRNA processing

The largely nuclear cap-binding complex (CBC) binds to the 5' caps of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-synthesized transcripts and serves as a dynamic interaction platform for a myriad of RNA processing factors that regulate gene expression. While influence of the CBC can extend into the cytoplasm, here we review the roles of the CBC in the nucleus, with a focus on protein-coding genes. We discuss differences between CBC function in yeast and mammals, covering the steps of transcription initiation, release of RNAPII from pausing, transcription elongation, cotranscriptional pre-mRNA splicing, transcription termination, and consequences of spurious transcription. We describe parameters known to control the binding of generic or gene-specific cofactors that regulate CBC activities depending on the process(es) targeted, illustrating how the CBC is an ever-changing choreographer of gene expression.
The Varieties of Pain: Re-examining the Setting and Purpose of 2 Corinthians with Paul’s λυπ- Words:

Most interpreters assume that the pain (λύπη) created by Paul’s previous visit and letter (2 Cor. 2.1-7) has ceased because it appears indistinguishable from the fleeting ‘godly grief’ (7.5-16). Th...
Mutual Information Constraints for Monte-Carlo Objectives.

A common failure mode of density models trained as variational autoencoders is to model the data without relying on their latent variables, rendering these variables useless. Two contributing factors, the underspecification of the model and the looseness of the variational lower bound, have been studied separately in the literature. We weave these two strands of research together, specifically the tighter bounds of Monte-Carlo objectives and constraints on the mutual information between the observable and the latent variables. Estimating the mutual information as the average Kullback-Leibler divergence between the easily available variational posterior $q(z|x)$ and the prior does not work with Monte-Carlo objectives because $q(z|x)$ is no longer a direct approximation to the model's true posterior $p(z|x)$. Hence, we construct estimators of the Kullback-Leibler divergence of the true posterior from the prior by recycling samples used in the objective, with which we train models of continuous and discrete latents at much improved rate-distortion and no posterior collapse. While alleviated, the tradeoff between modelling the data and using the latents still remains, and we urge for evaluating inference methods across a range of mutual information values.
Nonparametric Inference of Heterogeneous Treatment Effects with Two-Scale Distributional Nearest Neighbors

Understanding heterogeneous treatment effects (HTE) plays a key role in many contemporary causal inference applications arising from different areas. Most of the existing works have focused on the estimation of HTE. Yet the statistical inference aspect of the problem remains relatively undeveloped. In this paper we investigate the inference of HTE in a nonparametric setting for randomized experiments. We formulate the problem as two separate nonparametric mean regressions, one for control group and the other for treatment group. For each mean regression, we extend the tool of $k$-nearest neighbors to the framework of distributional nearest neighbors (DNN). We show that the DNN estimator has two equivalent representations of L-statistic and U-statistic, where the former endorses easy and fast implementation, and the latter enables us to obtain higher-order asymptotic expansion of bias and establish the asymptotic normality. To reduce the finite sample bias of DNN, we further suggest a new method of two-scale distributional nearest neighbors (TDNN). Under some regularity conditions, we show through delicate higher-order asymptotic expansions that the TDNN heterogeneous treatment effect estimator is asymptotically normal. We further establish the consistency of the variance estimates of the TDNN estimator with both jackknife and bootstrap, enabling user-friendly inference tools for heterogeneous treatment effects. The theoretical results and appealing finite-sample performance of the suggested TDNN method are illustrated with several simulation examples and a children's birth weight application.
The Masked Snap, The Snapped Mask: Mask, Power, and Betrayal in African Cultures

The mask, an interesting artifact, and a profound cultural relic have very weighty implications for historical and contemporary experiences. Humanity deploys it in many ways to convey simple to very complex ideas. Apart from its use for play and display, mask or masking express nuances and idiosyncrasies of persons and communities, connections and dissonance. In this essay, I explore the literal and metaphorical ideas about mask and masking traditions in African locations, unite knowledge about them with historical and contemporary personalities to explain phenomena and circumstances that are both stunning and instructive. I will argue that the mask as artifact and as a metaphor offers a veneer for sinister behavior, a concealment for dysfunctional, mental health, and ominous intentions and that understanding the many layers and configurations help humans to calibrate and negotiate social contracts. The human face, in and of itself, is a mask—a repository for the multitude of intentions both good and bad that lurks behind it. Intentions are hard to decode just as the masked person in a masquerade spectacle becomes inscrutable to the observer. Underneath the beautiful facade that appears in public lurks layers of mysteries. Just as one is encouraged not to take masquerading and masqueraders in traditional spaces on mere face value but to approach them with restraints because they essentialize capriciousness and embody the inscrutable metaphysical other, one must also approach humanity with caution and calibrate human relationships with attentiveness. This does not call for excessive paranoia, rather a measured vigilance necessary to avert grave circumstances like those that befell historical and contemporary figures in proximate societies. Case studies on the transcendental notion of the mask and its interface with politics, power, treachery, and other layers of human interactions are drawn from two African locations—Nigeria and Burkina Faso. For illustrative purposes, I will reference the masks, masking, and oral traditions of the Yoruba, the Mossi of Burkina Faso, and some of the post-modern Gelede portrait paintings of Wole Lagunju, a New African Diaspora Artist (NADA).
From treadmill to trails: predicting performance of runners

Abstract Previous laboratory studies have measured the energetic costs to humans of running at uphill and downhill slopes on a treadmill. This work investigates the extension of those results to the prediction of relative performance of athletes running on flat, hilly, or very mountainous outdoor courses. Publicly available race results in the Los Angeles area provided a set of 109,000 times, with 2200 runners participating in more than one race, so that their times could be compared under different conditions. I compare with the results of a traditional model in which the only parameters considered are total distance and elevation gain. Both the treadmill-based model and the gain-based model have some shortcomings, leading to the creation of a hybrid model that combines the best features of each. Author summary Running a race on a road allows absolute measures of performance. Trail running, however, has traditionally been thought of as a sport in which the only valid comparison is between different runners competing on the same course on the same day. Even the exact measurement of distance is considered to be unimportant, since courses and conditions vary so much. An extreme example is the relatively new genre of “vertical” races, in which runners race up a mountain. In a typical example, the competitors cover a horizontal distance of 5 km, while climbing about 1000 m. The winner in one such race had a time almost triple that expected for a state-champion high school runner in a 5k road race. Clearly no comparison can be made here without taking into account the amount of climbing. In noncompetitive contexts, many runners venture onto mountain trails, lightly dressed and with little equipment, so that it becomes important to be able to anticipate whether they will have the endurance needed to be able to safely complete a planned route. Again, this is impossible without some model of the effect of hill climbing.
Promoting Inclusive Environments: In-group Organizational Endorsement as a Tool to Increase Feelings of Identity-Safety among Black Women

Black women face unique and harmful biases because of their intersecting and multiple marginalized identities, which are different from those experienced by Black men and White women (Crenshaw in s. Cal. l. Rev., 65, 1467., 1991). As organizations work to create more inclusive environments for minoritized employees, it is important to test effective messaging and identity-safe cues (i.e., cues that enhance feelings of identity acceptance) for Black women. In the current research, we investigate a new identity-safe cue — in-group organizational endorsement. This technique involves two components: (a) learning about the successful experiences of a former Black female employee and (b) a persuasive message asserting that out-group employees can be supportive role models and mentors within the organization. In a pilot experiment (N = 182) and Study 1 (N = 236), Black female participants were more likely to believe role models and mentors can have different identities, to anticipate more identity-safety, and to have higher attraction to an organization that was endorsed by a former Black female employee compared to a White woman employee. Study 2 (N = 214) further demonstrated that in-group organizational endorsement was effective among Black female students early in their college career. Relative to a control group, Black female students in their 1st – 3rd year who received the in-group endorsement intervention indicated higher identity-safety at their university and were more likely to pursue professional interactions with out-group members. For institutions that are actively working to promote inclusivity and pro-diversity norms among their employees, in-group organizational endorsement is one effective identity-safety signal for communicating such environments.
Triple H Therapy

The combination of induced hypertension, hypervolemia, and hemodilution constitutes triple H therapy is an option for preventing and treating cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although strong clinical evidence is lacking, this therapy may be appropriate for selected cases.
The roles of reification and reflective abstraction in the development of abstract thought: Transitions from arithmetic to algebra

This study utilized a psychological constructivist perspective to examine the transitions that students make from arithmetic to algebra in the context of problems, that from the expert's perspective, involve the concept of linear inequality. Unstructured interviews were used to gather data that were used to develop an explanation concerning student understanding. Thirteen college students were interviewed individually and asked to solve nine related tasks. The interviews were videotaped and the protocols were analyzed to document student conceptions. Five case studies were used to develop and substantiate an explanation regarding students' transitions from arithmetic to algebra. Cifarelli's (1988) levels of reflective abstraction and Sfard and Linchevski's (1994) theory of reification provided a framework for this explanation. This paper discusses an integration of Cifarelli and Sfard's constructs. Students who completed a transition to algebra operated at higher levels of reflective abstraction than students who were unable to complete such a transition. Operating at higher levels of reflective abstraction enabled these students to consider concepts as both processes and abstract objects. Developing this ability was found to be critical in achieving a transition to using algebraic methods.
Ribonucleic acid synthesis in vaccinia virus. I. The mechanism of synthesis and release of RNA in vaccinia cores.

Abstract Messenger RNA synthesis and release by vaccinia subviral particles (cores) was studied in vitro using in part a nitrocellulose filter binding assay for the detection of core-bound, nascent messenger RNA. During steady-state synthesis of RNA approximately one-half of the particle-bound RNA is sensitive to ribonuclease, and is, presumably, external to the core protein coat. The other half of the nascent RNA is ribonuclease resistant and is probably internal to the viral protein coat. Both ribonuclease-sensitive and resistant core-bound messenger RNA is continuously released as synthesis progresses. Synthesis of RNA by cores is linear for extended periods of time following a lag of approximately 1.5 minutes. This lag can be eliminated by pre-incubation of cores with a combination of ATP and CTP but not with UTP or GTP. Incorporation of γ- 32 P-labeled nucleoside triphosphates indicated that only ATP and CTP were capable of initiating RNA chains in vaccinia cores in vitro . The maximum rate of RNA chain elongation was estimated at 17 nucleotides per second per chain. A minimum of 40 RNA-chain growing-points occur per subviral particle. Part of a nascent RNA chain is extruded to the exterior of the core protein coat shortly after initiation of chain elongation. DNA-RNA hybridization experiments indicate that a restricted portion, only 7%, of the viral DNA is transcribed by cores in vitro .
Two-Dimensional Simulation

This chapter introduces two-dimensional simulation. It begins with the basic two-dimensional formulation in FDTD and a simple example using a point source. Then the absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs) are described, along with their implementation into the FDTD program. The most flexible and efficient ABC is the perfectly matched layer (PML). Finally, the generation of electromagnetic plane waves using FDTD is described. In order to simulate a plane wave in a two-dimensional FDTD program, the problem space will be divided into two regions, the total field and the scattered field. The two primary reasons for doing this are (i) the propagating plane wave should not interact with the ABCs and (ii) the load on the ABCs should be minimized.
Psicologia profunda e exegese: a interpretação bíblica de Eugen Drewermann

Este artigo descreve e examina criticamente a proposta de exegese do controvertido biblista catolico Eugen Drewermann. O autor apresenta essa concepcao em quatro passos: 1) A critica de Drewermann a exegese historico-critica; 2) o sonho como chave hermeneutica; 3) a relacao do arquetipico com a Historia; 4) o problema psicologico de arquetipo, individuo e sociedade. Por fim, a guisa de conclusao, o autor esboca um modelo proprio de interpretacao biblica psicanalitica, que e exemplificada a partir de do texto do Evangelho segundo Marcos sobre a tentacao de Jesus.
On the use of finite elements and dynamic programming for prediction of electromagnetic device geometries

The author presents a novel technique for the design of a transformer using a numerical synthesis method which utilizes finite elements and dynamic programming for predicting the core and winding geometries of magnetic circuits. This technique is applicable to both low- and high-frequency designs, as well as in handling the materials's nonlinearity. The designed transformer was placed in a DC-DC converter circuit used in an energy-producing medical device to verify the numerical design results. This converter was inserted in such a device and was used to boost the voltage from a low-voltage implanted battery to high-voltage energy storage capacitors in a short period of time. The stored energy is then delivered, when needed, through an energy delivery circuit to stimulate of defibrillate the heart. The final transformer design satisfied the performance criteria and provided means for selecting the various converter components. The performance results obtained for the transformer and the complete DC-DC converter circuit were in excellent agreement with laboratory performance tests. >
Quantifying the Effects of Mask Metadata Disclosure and Multiple Releases on the Confidentiality of Geographically Masked Health Data

The availability of individual-level health data presents opportunities for monitoring the distribution and spread of emergent, acute, and chronic conditions, as well as challenges with respect to maintaining the anonymity of persons with health conditions. Particularly when such data are mapped as point locations, concerns arise regarding the ease with which individual identities may be determined by linking geographic coordinates to digital street networks, then determining residential addresses and, finally, names of occupants at specific addresses. The utility of such data sets must therefore be balanced against the requirements of protecting the confidentiality of individuals whose identities might be revealed through the availability of precise and accurate locational data. Recent literature has pointed toward geographic masking as a means for striking an appropriate balance between data utility and confidentiality. However, questions remain as to whether certain characteristics of the mask (mask metadata) should be disclosed to data users and whether two or more distinct masked versions of the data can be released without breaching confidentiality. In this article, we address these questions by quantifying the extent to which the disclosure of mask metadata and the release of multiple masked versions may affect confidentiality, with a view toward providing guidance to custodians of health data sets. The masks considered include perturbation, areal aggregation, and their combination. Confidentiality is measured by the areas of confidence regions for individuals' locations, which are derived under the probability models governing the masks, conditioned on the disclosed mask metadata.
SPICE compatible averaged models of PWM full-bridge DC-DC converter

A novel systematic method is presented for modeling power stages with parasitics of multiswitch and/or transformer pulse-width-modulation (PWM) DC-DC power converters which operate in continuous conduction mode. The ideal switching part, which consists of ideal switches, ideal diodes, and an ideal transformer, is modeled by dependent current and voltage sources such that the DC current and voltage transfer functions are preserved. The validity range of the resulting bilinear model is addressed. The circuit models of the actual switching part are obtained by the addition of equivalent averaged parasitic components. The principle of energy conservation is used to derive equations for equivalent averaged resistances and equivalent averaged voltage sources of parasitic components. A reflection rule is introduced which allows simplification of circuit models. As an example, a procedure for modeling the full-bridge converter is given. >
Managing and Sustaining Your Juvenile Drug Court

Since the introduction and subsequent growth of the juvenile drug court movement in the mid-1990s, practitioners have struggled to fully implement the Juvenile Drug Courts: Strategies in Practice. This struggle may lead to weaker outcomes for youth and a dysfunctional team atmosphere. Originally written as a two-part technical assistance brief, this article will guide readers through the Juvenile Drug Court Development Cycle in order to help re-direct practitioners to a more “back-to-basics” approach that focuses on collaboration, team dynamics, and decision making.
Frequency of B cells committed to the production of antibodies to insulin in newly diagnosed patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and generation of high affinity human monoclonal IgG to insulin.

Circulating autoantibodies to insulin can be detected in patients with insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes mellitus (IDDM) at the onset of the clinical disease. To characterize the autoantibody response in IDDM patients, we determined the frequency of circulating B cells committed to the production of IgM, IgG, and IgA to insulin in 12 newly diagnosed IDDM patients and, for comparison, in 9 healthy subjects and 17 insulin-treated IDDM patients. We found that B cells committed to the production of anti-insulin IgG, but not IgM, autoantibodies are present at much higher frequency in the circulation of newly diagnosed IDDM patients before insulin treatment (0.209 +/- 0.142%, mean value +/- SD of total IgG-producing cell precursors) as compared with age-matched healthy controls (0.032 +/- 0.030% of total IgG-producing cell precursors). In IDDM patients who had been treated with insulin, cells producing IgG antibody to insulin were 0.177 +/- 0.139% of total IgG-producing cell precursors. Generation of IgG mAb from B cells of IDDM patients revealed that they were monoreactive, i.e., they bound to insulin, but to none of the other Ag tested, and displayed a high affinity for insulin (Kd approximately 10(-7) moles/liter). In contrast, the IgG mAb derived from healthy subjects were polyreactive, i.e., they bound to all Ag tested, and displayed a low to moderate affinity for insulin (Kd approximately 10(-5) to 10(-6) moles/liter). These findings show that lymphocytes committed to the production of high affinity IgG autoantibodies to insulin are common in the B cell repertoire at the onset of IDDM.
Determination of Temperature Profiles of Self-Deflagrating RDX by UV/Visible Absorption Spectroscopy and Fine-Wire Thermocouples

Temperature profiles of self-deflagrating RDX in a nitrogen environment at pressures up to 0.79 MPa were determined using Uv/Visible absorption spectroscopy and fine-wire thermocouples (TCs). The burning surface of RDX was covered by a very dynamic two-phase foam zone, and the thickness of the foam zone decreases very rapidly with an increase of pressure. The temperatures within the foam zone were readily identified in the thermocouple traces, especially at low pressures. Depending upon the pressure, the temperature was found to be around 500-520 K at the bottom surface of the foam zone, and around 590-690 K at the lop surface of the foam zone. These temperatures are higher than the RDX melting temperature (477 K at one atmosphere). A relationship between RDX burning surface temperature and pressure was developed for pressures between I and 90 atm using data from this study and Zenin's TC data. The final flame temperature of RDX increases with an increase of pressure: 2,950K at 0.17MPa, 3,002K at 0.45 MPa...
Standardized test mixture for the characterization of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography columns: the Phillips mix.

Abstract A novel column characterization test mixture is developed for use in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). This mixture has been named the “Phillips mix” in honor of the late professor John B. Phillips, the father of GC×GC. The mixture comprises a series of homologous compounds from structural groups that cover a volatility and polarity range that is similar to the Grob mix, and includes saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes), unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes and alkynes), carbonyls (ketones and aldehydes), primary alcohols, fatty acid methyl esters, alkyl ethers, carboxylic acids, aromatics, as well as other unique functional groups (such as amines, etc.). Similarly to the Grob mix in conventional one-dimensional GC, the Phillips mix can be used as a standardized test for performance characterization of GC×GC column sets. Unlike the Grob mix, however, the Phillips mix’s most important use is as a practical guideline for column users. This paper addresses some qualitative aspects of the use of the Phillips mix through an investigation of the chromatographic fingerprints of two different GC×GC column combinations.
Regret, substance abuse, and readiness to change in a dually diagnosed sample

The transtheoretical stages of change model posits that increased readiness to change is associated with greater awareness of the negative consequences of substance use. Experiencing regrets implies a greater awareness of these consequences. Eighty dually diagnosed patients completed a 22-item Measure of Substance-Related Regret (MSR) that assessed the intensity, type, idiographic importance of, and emotions associated with regrets related to substance use and the Brief Readiness to Change Questionnaire. The MSR yielded a global measure of regret that accounted for statistically significant amounts of variance in total readiness-to-change scores (R2 = .30). Global scores also predicted precontemplation and contemplation stage scores, whereas total fear scores associated with regrets predicted action scores. Regret seems to play a complex yet important role in the decision to change substance abuse.
Low-grade osteosarcoma of the jaw

Abstract We describe a case of low-grade osteosarcoma of the jaw. The patient is a 25-year-old woman who presented with large, nontender, slowly progressive, expansile left mandibular mass. X-ray showed a predominantly hypodense mass with erosive growth pattern affecting the angle, posterior body, and ramus of the left mandible. The patient underwent left hemimandibulectomy. The tumor was a white-tan, well-circumscribed, multinodular, firm mass that measure 7.0 cm. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of bland spindle cells, with minimal cellular atypia, absent mitotic figures, very focal osteoid formation with extensive bone destruction, and soft tissue infiltration. Immunhistochemical stains for a large panel of antibodies were noncontributory. At present the patient is alive and well 7 months after surgery. Ann Diagn Pathol 6:373-377, 2002.
The Unit Distance Problem for Centrally Symmetric Convex Polygons

Let f(n) be the maximum number of unit distances determined by the vertices of a convex n -gon. Erdos and Moser conjectured that this function is linear. Supporting this conjecture we prove that f sym (n) $\sim$ 2n where f sym (n) is the restriction of f(n) to centrally symmetric convex n -gons. We also present two applications of this result. Given a strictly convex domain K with smooth boundary, if f K (n) denotes the maximum number of unit segments spanned by n points in the boundary of K , then f K (n)=O(n) whenever K is centrally symmetric or has width >1.
Effects of higher sub-band occupation in (100) Si inversion layers

At low temperatures and for moderate surface charge densities, electrons in inversion layers on (100) $p$-type Si are two-dimensional in character; i.e., they occupy only one electric quantum level, or sub-band. For electron densities greater than about 6 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{12}$ per ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, depending upon substrate doping, we have observed deviations from two-dimensional behavior in oscillatory magnetoconductance (Shubnikov-de Haas) measurements, which are interpreted as evidence of the onset of occupation of a higher sub-band. The effects of such occupation of higher sub-bands have been calculated for the four different resistivities used in the experiments. The observed change in effective density of states [(10-20)%] and its dependence upon substrate resistivity are in good agreement with theory. The experimental values for the threshold charge densities for higher sub-band occupation are higher than the theoretical values by a factor of about 1.5.
The Effect Of Ultrasonic Energy On The Flow Of Fluids In Porous Media

The results are summarized of a preliminary investigation into the possible utilization of ultrasonics to promote the flow of fluids in porous media. A series of controlled tests was made on a sixteen-inch diameter by 1.82-in. thick piece of torpedo sandstone using diesel oil, SAE 10 oil and core test fluid as the hydrocarbons. These fluids were displaced by saline water in a series of ''flood tests'' designed to characterize the behavior of the system with and without the addition of sonic energy. the results of these tests serve to show that the addition of sonic energy increases displacement efficiency. Several reasons are hypothesized for this result. It is likewise indicated that the desired selective injectivity was feasible. Although the results of these experiments cannot be directly translated to field practice they serve as a basis for future studies. (23 refs.)
Malignant melanoma of the penis: a report of two cases.

SUMMARY Two cases of primary malignant melanoma of the penis are presented, one with a four-and-a-half-year follow-up. A review of the literature reveals only 25 previously reported cases. Diagnosis is made by biopsy, and therapy consists of partial or radical amputation of the penis with bilateral inguinal node dissection. The prognosis is poor, with the majority of patients surviving only one to three years.
Evaluation of the polyurethane foam (PUF) disk passive air sampler: Computational modeling and experimental measurements

Abstract Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations coupled with wind tunnel-experiments were used to determine the sampling rate (SR) of the widely used polyurethane foam (PUF) disk passive sampler. In the wind-tunnel experiments, water evaporation rates from a water saturated PUF disk installed in the sampler housing were determined by measuring weight loss over time. In addition, a modified passive sampler designed to collect elemental mercury (Hg0) with gold-coated filters was used. Experiments were carried out at different wind speeds and various sampler angles. The SRs obtained from wind-tunnel experiments were compared to those obtained from the field by scaling the values by the ratios of air diffusivities. Three-dimensional (3D) CFD simulations were also used to generate SRs for both polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Hg0. Overall, the modeled and measured SRs agree well and are consistent with the values obtained from field studies. As previously observed, the SRs increased linearly with increasing wind speed. In addition, it was determined that the SR was strongly dependent on the angle of the ambient wind. The SRs increased when the base was tilted up pointing into the wind and when the base was tilted down (i.e., such that the top of the sampler was facing the wind) the SR decreased initially and then increased. The results suggest that there may be significant uncertainty in concentrations obtained from passive sampler measurements without knowledge of wind speed and wind angle relative to the sampler.
Paired-Ion High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Assay for Sulfinpyrazone in Plasma

A specific and sensitive liquid chromatographic method is reported for the assay of sulfinpyrazone in plasma utilizing ion pairing between the tetrabutylammonium cation and the sulfinpyrazone anion. The method is rapid in that conventional extraction procedures are avoided in favor of using disposable cartridges packed with an octade-cylsilane bonded phase as a means of separating the drug from plasma. The samples were chromatographed on a C18 reversed-phase column using a mobile phase consisting of 0.005 M tetrabutylammonium phosphate in methanol-water (56:44). The coefficient of variation obtained was 4.5% and the response was linear over a range of 0.2-80 micrograms/ml.
Parallel side-docking technique for gynecologic procedures utilizing the da Vinci robot

Minimally invasive approaches to gynecologic surgery have quickly gained favor. The da Vinci surgical system robot as an option for minimally invasive surgery offers many advantages. As the placement of the system between the legs can be prohibitive, we propose a modification of the standard docking procedure by aligning the system parallel to the operating room table. Our experience is that parallel side-docking allows access to the perineum without compromising docking time and range of motion.
Antioxidant Mechanisms of Enzymatic Hydrolysates of Beta-Lactoglobulin in Food Lipid Dispersions

The antioxidant activities of aqueous phase beta-lactoglobulin (beta-Lg) and its chymotryptic hydrolysates (CTH) were compared in this study. Proteins and peptides have been shown to inhibit lipid oxidation reactions in oil-in-water emulsions; however, a more fundamental understanding of the antioxidant activity of these compounds in dispersed food lipid systems is lacking. CTH was more effective than an equivalent concentration of beta-Lg in retarding lipid oxidation reactions when dispersed in the continuous phase of Brij-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions (pH 7). Furthermore, it was observed that CTH had higher peroxyl radical scavenging and iron-binding values than beta-Lg. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to measure the rate of oxidation of three oxidatively labile amino acid residues (Tyr, Met, and Phe) in certain CTH peptide fragments. Significant oxidation of specific Tyr and Met residues present in two separate 12 amino acid peptide fragments was observed in the days preceding lipid oxidation (39 and 55% of Tyr and Met were oxidized, respectively, by day 4 of the study); however, no significant oxidation of the Phe residue present in a specific 14 amino acid peptide fragment could be observed during the same time period. These data could suggest that Met and Tyr residues are capable of scavenging radical species and have the potential to improve the oxidative stability dispersed food lipids.
Somatosensory cortical unit responses of long duration.

SINGLE cortical neurones have been reported to yield a short, high-frequency burst of action potentials in response to electrical stimulation of the contralateral body surface1–4. We have found, however, that cortical neurones so excited usually respond with a long complex pattern of action potentials lasting from 140–2,000 ms.
Broadband quantum well infrared photodetectors

Typical quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) exhibit rather narrow spectral bandwidth of 1 to 2 micrometer. For certain applications, such as spectroscopy, sensing of a broader range of infrared radiation is highly desirable. In this work, we report the design of five broadband (BB-) QWIPs sensitive over the 7 to 14 micrometer spectral range. Three n- type BB-QWIPs consisting of three, four, and five quantum wells of different thickness and/or composition in a unit cell, which are then repeated 20 times for the three and four quantum wells (QW) devices and 3 times for the five QWs device to create the BB-QWIP structures, are demonstrated. The three- well n-type In x Ga 1-x As/Al y Ga 1-y As BB-QWIP is designed to have a response peak at 10 micrometer, with a FWHM bandwidth that varies with the applied bias. A maximum bandwidth of (Delta) (lambda) /(lambda) p equals 21% was obtained for this device at V b equals -2 V. The four- well n-type In x Ga 1-x As/GaAs BB-QWIP not only exhibits a very large responsivity of 2.31 A/W at 10.3 micrometer and V b equals +4.5 V, but also achieves a broader bandwidth of (Delta) (lambda) /(lambda) p equals 29% than the three-well device. The five-well n-type In x Ga 1- x As/GaAs BB-QWIP has achieved a FWHM bandwidth of (Delta) (lambda) /(lambda) p equals 28% at V b equals 1.75 V. In addition, two p-type In x Ga 1-x As/GaAs BB-QWIPs with variable well thickness and composition, sensitive in the 7 - 14 micrometer spectral range, are also demonstrated. The variable composition p-type BB-QWIP has a very large FWHM bandwidth of (Delta) (lambda) /(lambda) p equals 48% at V b equals -1.5 V and T equals 40 K. The variable thickness p- type BB-QWIP was found to have an even broader FWHM bandwidth of (Delta) (lambda) /(lambda) p equals 63% at V b equals 1.1 V and T equals 40 K, with a corresponding peak responsivity of 25 mA/W at 10.2 micrometer. The results reveal that p-type BB- QWIPs have a broader and flatter spectral bandwidth but lower responsivity than that of n-type BB-QWIPs under similar operating conditions.
Novel perovskite-based catalysts for autothermal JP-8 fuel reforming

Autothermal reforming is an attractive method for on-site production of hydrogen for use in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The use of liquid hydrocarbons as feedstock, however, remains a challenge as these fuels cause severe coking of the currently available catalysts. In this work, cerium- and nickel-substituted LaFeO3 perovskites were investigated as potential low cost coking resistant catalysts for autothermal reforming of a JP-8 fuel surrogate. The high surface area complex oxides were prepared using aqueous (solution) combustion synthesis at fuel-rich conditions and characterized by BET and XRD techniques. The catalysts exhibited excellent stability during autothermal reforming at 775∘C and 1 atm, with near-equilibrium hydrogen yield even at high GHSV values (130,000h-1). The addition of cerium significantly improved coking resistance, attributed to improved oxygen ion conductivity, resulting in carbon oxidation on the catalyst surface.
Virtual prototyping of embedded microcontroller-based DSP systems

We propose a hardware-software codesign process based on a design methodology called virtual prototyping. With this process, we integrate VHDL models of hardware components with application, control and diagnostic software to rapidly prototype complex, multiboard, embedded microcontroller-based DSP systems. In the virtual prototyping of a demonstration avionics system, in collaboration with Lockheed Sanders, Hughes, and Motorola RASSP teams, we reduced hardware-software integration and system test times from the typical industry figure of 10-24 months to less than a month. >
A Path of Counselor Self‐Awareness

This article explores self-reflection and self-awareness from an ethical standpoint, proposing that counselors have a responsibility to themselves, their clients, and the profession to engage in these practices. The authors propose a path to counselor self-awareness and a 2nd process that assumes counselor mastery.
Is the safety of contrast agents an issue in body computed tomography

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. To investigate the comparative safety profiles of nonionic and ionic contrast agents in body computed tomography (CT) studies. METHODS. A literature search was conducted to examine the following variables: image quality, repeat or aborted studies, and the cost of nonionic agents versus benefits. Data are presented that address the following questions: Does administering nonionic agents save time? Are nonionic agents more likely to provide an adequate study? Does an adequate study necessarily ensure an improved detection rate? RESULTS. The administration of nonionic contrast does not save time during the body CT studies. There is little significant difference between the sensitivity for making a diagnosis when using an ionic or nonionic agent. CONCLUSION. The lack of difference in diagnostic sensitivity or time to perform a study between ionic and nonionic agents does not warrant the conversion to nonionic agents in body CT.
On Dimensionalizing Roll Call Votes in the U.S. Congress

Two related issues have developed in the scale analysis of voting in the U. S. Congress. One is methodological; it concerns the appropriate dimensionalizing model. The other is more substantive, entailing interpretation of the extent to which voting dimensions carry an ideological component. Kenneth Koford contributed to consideration of these issues in his research note, “Dimensions in Congressional Voting,” in the September 1989 issue of this Review. In this controversy, his claims are challenged vigorously by Keith T. Poole and Howard Rosenthal. In turn, Koford defends his argument that “much roll call voting in Congress does not fit a single dimension.”
Thermodynamic properties of n-pentane

Specific volumes and isobaric heat capacity measurements are reported for n-pentane. The measurements were made in the liquid and vapor phases at temperatures ranging from the triple point (173 K) to the onset of dissociation temperature (700 K) and pressures up to 100 MPa including a wide region around the critical point. We are able to fit our data, as well as those of a number of other authors, to a single equation of state with 30 constants. This equation yields the density of n-pentane in the temperature range from 280 to 650 K at pressures up to 80 MPa and the caloric properties up to 500 K. Additional experimental investigations of the thermodynamic properties are required for temperatures above 500 K. Interpolating equations for the caloric properties on the saturated line and in the critical region are also presented.