cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Geostatistical Solution to Estimating Groundwater Inflows in Deep Rock Tunnels with Validation Through Case Studies

Estimating groundwater inflows in rock deep tunnels is critical to the safety of personnel constructing the tunnel and the cost of construction. This paper presents two case studies for estimating steady-state groundwater inflows into deep rock tunnels. The case studies included the Chattahoochee and Nancy Creek tunnels. In this paper, statistical methods were applied to packer test data obtained from exploratory borings during geotechnical site investigations. A semi-empirical procedure was utilized for estimating groundwater inflows into these deep rock tunnels. It is the most widely used method/procedure in the tunnel industry. The Chattahoochee and Nancy Creek tunnels are deep rock tunnels which exhibit radial flow conditions. For the radial flow condition, a statistical analysis presented in this paper indicates that the semi-empirical procedure works well; however, variations in the procedure and/or an insufficient amount of testing could lead to underestimations of the inflow quantities. Packer test data plotted in histograms were observed in all cases to be log-normally distributed for the radial flow condition. Modeling using Monte Carlo simulations was observed to be an effective tool for removing irregularities in the distribution of the data and incorporating high-end permeability data to derive reasonable groundwater inflow estimates. This paper is based on the PhD thesis entitled “Improvements to the Current State of the Practice in Steady-State, Groundwater Inflow Estimates into Rock Tunnels based on the Application of Statistical Analysis Methods of Packer Test Data obtained from Exploratory Borings During Geotechnical Site Investigations.”
Machine Learning Methods for Discriminating Strain and Temperature Effects on FBG-Based Sensors

The biggest challenge of using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based sensors is the cross-sensitivity between the strain and temperature effects on FBG. In this letter, we demonstrate the ability of machine learning (ML) methods to discriminate between the strain and temperature effects on FBG sensors on a single measurement of change in the Bragg wavelength. Spectral data are collected using an FBG interrogation system at various strain and temperature conditions and are applied to different ML methods to determine the strain and temperature effects. We further simulate FBG with the same strain and temperature conditions using VPIphotonics. For comparison, the same ML methods are applied to both simulated and experimentally collected data. The experimental results reveal that our proposed model can predict strain and temperature with 90% accuracy on a single measurement of Bragg wavelength. We also demonstrate the stability of the model by comparing the testing and training errors of the applied ML methods. Therefore, our proposed technique reduces the cost and complexity associated with the existing FBG-based sensor system.
Predictive Value of Preprocedural Computed Tomography Angiography for the Technical Success of Transarterial Embolization of Type II Endoleaks Arising from the Lumbar Arteries

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the ability of preprocedural computed tomography angiography (CTA) to predict the technical success of embolization of type II endoleak arising from a lumbar artery after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Materials and Methods All patients at a single academic institution who underwent angiography with possible embolization for a post-EVAR lumbar-supplied type II endoleak from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who did not undergo CTA before the procedure were excluded. CTAs were reviewed for the ability to trace the entire course of a feeding vessel from the internal iliac artery (IIA) to the lumbar artery at the site of the endoleak. Procedural imaging was reviewed for technical success, defined as the catheterization and embolization of the aneurysm sac through a lumbar artery. Results Fifty-seven angiograms with a type II endoleak and suspected feeding lumbar artery were identified. On CTA acquired before the procedure, the arterial path supplying this lumbar artery could be traced from the IIA to the aneurysm sac in 18 (32%) patients. Embolization was technically successful in 16 of these 18 (89%) procedures compared with 10 of 39 (26%) procedures in which the supplying artery could not be traced using CTA (P Conclusions A potential catheter path from the IIA through the iliolumbar and lumbar arteries to the aneurysm sac can be traced on preprocedural CTA in the minority of lumbar-supplied type II endoleaks. The ability to trace these inflow vessels may predict technical success during embolization. The low rate of technical success when the feeding vessel could not be traced using CTA suggests that these patients should be considered for percutaneous or transcaval sac puncture.
Implications of cancer prior to and after heart transplantation.

Cancer and cardiovascular disease share many risk factors. Due to improved survival of patients with cancer, the cohort of cancer survivors with heart failure referred for heart transplantation (HT) is growing. Specific considerations include time interval between cancer treatment and HT, risk for recurrence and risk for de novo malignancy (dnM). dnM is an important cause of post-HT morbidity and mortality, with nearly a third diagnosed with malignancy by 10 years post-HT. Compared with the age-matched general population, HT recipients have an approximately 2.5-fold to 4-fold increased risk of developing cancer. HT recipients with prior malignancy show variable cancer recurrence rates, depending on years in remission before HT: 5% recurrence if >5 years in remission, 26% recurrence if 1-5 years in remission and 63% recurrence if <1 year in remission. A myriad of mechanisms influence oncogenesis following HT, including reduced host immunosurveillance from chronic immunosuppression, influence of oncogenic viruses, and the cumulative intensity and duration of immunosuppression. Conversely, protective factors include acyclovir prophylaxis, use of proliferation signal inhibitors (PSI) and female gender. Management involves reducing immunosuppression, incorporating a PSI for immunosuppression and heightened surveillance for allograft rejection. Cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, may be cardiotoxic and lead to graft failure or rejection. Additionally, there exists a competing risk to reduce immunosuppression to improve cancer outcomes, which may increase risk for rejection. A multidisciplinary cardio-oncology team approach is recommended to optimise care and should include an oncologist, transplant cardiologist, transplant pharmacist, palliative care, transplant coordinator and cardio-oncologist.
The Roy Orbison Connection: 34 Roots and Covers of Roy Orbison

Rock-and-roll kingmaker Sam Phillips couldn’t get it done. He was unable to generate recording stardom for the multi-talented Roy Orbison. Granted, the singer/songwriter/guitarist from Vernon, Texa...
A call for discovery: Re-envisioning The Cancer Genome Atlas as a blueprint for a TCGA2.0—The COVID-19 Genome Atlas

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the health of millions and had a myriad of devastating consequences for global societies since its emergence in 2019. Noting parallels between the impact of COVID-19 and cancer as diseases of global health significance, and as a way of building off the successes of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) as a comprehensive, multiomics approach to understand and combat cancer, this Call For Discovery provides a vision for creating a new TCGA2.0 (The COVID-19 Genome Atlas) as a tool that will benefit researchers, clinicians, and patients alike as the scientific community works to better understand not only the various determinants of COVID-19 disease outcome but also the most effective ways to manage and treat COVID-19 disease complications.
Master lineage transcription factors anchor trans mega transcriptional complexes at highly accessible enhancer sites to promote long-range chromatin clustering and transcription of distal target genes

The term 'super enhancers' (SE) has been widely used to describe stretches of closely localized enhancers that are occupied collectively by large numbers of transcription factors (TFs) and co-factors, and control the transcription of highly-expressed genes. Through integrated analysis of >600 DNase-seq, ChIP-seq, GRO-seq, STARR-seq, RNA-seq, Hi-C and ChIA-PET data in five human cancer cell lines, we identified a new class of autonomous SEs (aSEs) that are excluded from classic SE calls by the widely used Rank Ordering of Super-Enhancers (ROSE) method. TF footprint analysis revealed that compared to classic SEs and regular enhancers, aSEs are tightly bound by a dense array of master lineage TFs, which serve as anchors to recruit additional TFs and co-factors in trans. In addition, aSEs are preferentially enriched for Cohesins, which likely involve in stabilizing long-distance interactions between aSEs and their distal target genes. Finally, we showed that aSEs can be reliably predicted using a single DNase-seq data or combined with Mediator and/or P300 ChIP-seq. Overall, our study demonstrates that aSEs represent a unique class of functionally important enhancer elements that distally regulate the transcription of highly expressed genes.
Rapid Isolation of ADP-Ribosyl Transferase by Specific Precipitation and Partial Sequencing of its DNA-Binding Domain

ADP-ribosyl transferase is a specific DNA-associating nuclear protein, whose enzymatic activity depends on DNA-binding, probably to certain DNA sequences (1, 2). The study of molecular and biochemical mechanisms involving ADP-ribosyl transferase depends on experimentally efficient isolation of the enzyme. We present here a method that yields 8–9 mg of 95% homogeneous enzyme per kg starting material (calf thymus) within 3 days. In order to determine the polypeptide structure of ADP- ribosyl transferase, (with special reference to catalytically active and binding domains), we prepared stable polypeptides from ADP-ribosyl transferase by digestion with plasmin. We also report here on the partial sequencing of a polypeptide (36 kDa) that participates in the DNA-binding function of ADP- ribosyl transferase.
Exosomes from human saliva as a source of microRNA biomarkers.

Objective To examine the presence of microRNAs within exosomes isolated from human saliva and to optimize and test methods for successful downstream applications.
Quantitation of Markers for Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Endotoxins in Work Environment and as Contaminants in Pharmaceutical Products Using Gas Chromatogaphy–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin present only in gram-negative bacterial outer membranes, while peptidoglycan (PG), which displays endotoxin-like activity, is present in the cell wall of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Substances are found in LPS and PG that are rarely found elsewhere in nature and serve as chemical markers. This article focuses on detection of the markers for LPS and PG using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). Keywords: lipopolysaccharide (LPS); peptidoglycan (PG); chemical markers; cell wall; gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS)
Comparison of radiation-induced passive and dynamic responses in two erbium-doped fiber lasers

Erbium-doped fiber lasers (EDFLs) may soon find applications in space as high bit rate optical communication systems and photonic analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). The rapid advancement in digital signal processing systems has led to an increased interest in the direct digitization of high-frequency analog signals. The potential high bandwidth, reduced weight, and reduced power requirements makes photonics an attractive technology for wide-band signal conversion as well as for use in space-based platforms. It is anticipated that photonic ADCs will be able to operate at sampling rates and resolutions far greater than current electronic ADCs. The high repetition rates and narrow pulse widths produced by EDFLs allow for high-speed impulse sampling of analog signals thus making it a vital component of a photonic ADC. In this paper we compare the results of exposing two differently constructed erbium-doped mode-locked fiber lasers (EDFLs) to gamma-rays. Each experiment is fully explained. The performance of EDFL1 was characterized in a passive fashion, i.e. before and after the irradiation. EDFL2's performance was monitored in situ. The onset, growth and extent of ionization induced damage under time-resolved operational conditions is presented. The in situ studies clearly revealed ionization induced shifts of the EDFL optical spectrum to shorter wavelengths and with corresponding changes to the emission spectral width. The results of the evaluation will allow for further optimization of an EDFL for use in space-based architectures and applications.
Power, Position and Autonomy: Student Conflict in a Communicative Language Classroom

Foreign language educators dedicated to facilitating a communicative classroom often express their satisfaction when their learners actively engage the target language with minimal teacher interference. However, with the nearly ubiquitous implementation of pair-and group-work activities in the language classroom, it is virtually impossible for even the most perceptive teachers to be cognizant of the dynamics of every conversation. Even in what may appear to be cooperative, equal participation in the completion of the task, conflicts, domination and marginalization of participants can emerge. In this study, a semi-autonomous learning environment in which students were placed in pairs to complete a learning task without the teacher present to mediate the student interaction was examined using Conversation Analysis (CA). It was found that the participants each attempted to be in control of the task and their partner by competing for the position of “the dominant knower,” resulting in a prolonged power struggle. The fact that the teacher was called in to settle their disagreements even inadvertently reinforced one student’s claim to the dominant position.
Spectral reconstruction analysis for enhancing signal-to-noise in time-resolved spectroscopies

We demonstrate a new spectral analysis for the enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in time-resolved spectroscopies. Unlike the simple linear average which produces a single representative spectrum with enhanced SNR, this Spectral Reconstruction analysis (SRa) improves the SNR (by a factor of ca. 0.6n) for all n experimentally recorded time-resolved spectra. SRa operates by eliminating noise in the temporal domain, thereby attenuating noise in the spectral domain, as follows: Temporal profiles at each measured frequency are fit to a generic mathematical function that best represents the temporal evolution; spectra at each time are then reconstructed with data points from the fitted profiles. The SRa method is validated with simulated control spectral data sets. Finally, we apply SRa to two distinct experimentally measured sets of time-resolved IR emission spectra: (1) UV photolysis of carbonyl cyanide and (2) UV photolysis of vinyl cyanide.
Visualizing trends and clusters in ranked time-series data

There are many systems that provide visualizations for time-oriented data. Of those, few provide the means of finding patterns in time-series data in which rankings are also important. Fewer still have the fine granularity necessary to visually follow individual data points through time. We propose the Ranking Timeline, a novel visualization method for modestly-sized multivariate data sets that include the top ten rankings over time. The system includes two main visualization components: a ranking over time and a cluster analysis. The ranking visualization, loosely based on line plots, allows the user to track individual data points so as to facilitate comparisons within a given time frame. Glyphs represent additional attributes within the framework of the overall system. The user has control over many aspects of the visualization, including viewing a subset of the data and/or focusing on a desired time frame. The cluster analysis tool shows the relative importance of individual items in conjunction with a visualization showing the connection(s) to other, similar items, while maintaining the aforementioned glyphs and user interaction. The user controls the clustering according to a similarity threshold. The system has been implemented as a Web application, and has been tested with data showing the top ten actors/actresses from 1929-2010. The experiments have revealed patterns in the data heretofore not explored.
A Comparison of Unresolved versus Resolved Status and its Relationship to Behaviour in Maltreated Adolescents

This exploratory investigation sought both to gain a better understanding of the mental representations of attachment in high-risk, maltreated adolescents and to explain how, if at all, unresolved attachment representations are related to behavioural maladjustment. Parent ratings, self-report ratings and attachment state of mind were obtained from 34 adolescents with a history of maltreatment. Results showed that maltreated adolescents with unresolved states of mind in regard to attachment were rated higher on maladaptive behaviour and lower on adaptive behaviour than maltreated adolescents who were resolved. Implications for school-based mental health intervention and future research are discussed.
Novel method for synthesis of Fe core and C shell magnetic nanoparticles

Abstract Using a newly developed method, carbon-encapsulated iron (Fe) nanoparticles were synthesized by plasma due to ultrasonication in toluene. Fe core with carbon shell nanoparticles were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). Fe nanoparticles of diameter 7–115 nm are encapsulated by 7–8 nm thick carbon layers. There was no iron carbide formation observed between the Fe core and the carbon shell. The Fe nanoparticles have body centered cubic (bcc) crystal structure. Synthesized nanoparticles showed a saturation magnetization of 9 A m 2 /kg at room temperature. After thermal treatment crystalline order of the nanoparticles improved and saturation magnetization increased to 24 A m 2 /kg. We foresee that the carbon-encapsulated Fe nanoparticles are biologically friendly and could have potential applications in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and photothermal cancer therapy.
Feasibility of using microbiological indicator assays to detect temperature abuse in refrigerated meat, poultry, and seafood products

The feasibility of using commonly employed microbiological indicator tests to determine if a product has been temperature abused was evaluated in raw and ready-to-eat meat, poultry, and seafood products. Twelve retail products were purchased, subdivided into three subsamples, and stored at 5 °C (adequate refrigeration), 12 °C (moderate abuse), and 19 °C (gross abuse). They were periodically sampled for aerobic plate counts (plates incubated at 28, 37, and 42 °C), presumptive coliforms, confirmed coliforms, thermal tolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. No single indicator test was effective in all of the foods examined, but different assays were able to differentiate temperature abused versus adequately refrigerated samples in a number of the products. The results suggest that the characterization of how different microbiological indicators respond to storage temperatures in various products may be an approach for developing more effective microbiological criteria for refrigerated foods of animal origin.
A model for temperature-dependent collisional quenching of NO A 2 Σ +

A model for the temperature-dependent electronic quenching of NO A 2 Σ+ is presented. The model is appropriate for collision partners having stable negative ions, which are predicted to have large quenching cross-sections. Colliders with relatively large negative electron affinities are predicted to have cross-sections that are near-zero at room temperature and can increase dramatically at very high temperatures. A negligibly small electronic quenching cross-section is predicted for collision partners having negative ions that are unstable on a collisional timescale. Results of the model are compared to experimentally measured cross-sections for a number of species of interest in combustion and aerothermodynamic applications.
One-Pot Synthesis of Urchin-like FePd–Fe3O4 and Their Conversion into Exchange-Coupled L10–FePd–Fe Nanocomposite Magnets

We report a one-pot synthesis of urchin-like FePd–Fe3O4 nanocomposites, spherical clusters of FePd nanoparticles (NPs) with spikes of Fe3O4 nanorods (NRs), via controlled thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)5 and reduction of Pd(acac)2. The FePd NPs with sizes between 6 and 9 nm self-aggregate into 60 nm superparticles (SPs), and Fe3O4 NRs grow on the surface of these SPs. Reductive annealing at 500 °C converts the FePd–Fe3O4 into exchange-coupled nanocomposites L10–FePd–Fe with their Hc tunable from 0.8 to 2.6 kOe and Ms controlled from 90 to 190 emu/g. The work provides a general approach to L10–FePd–Fe nanocomposite magnets for understanding exchange coupling at the nanoscale. The concept may be extended to other magnetic nanocomposite systems and may help to build superstrong magnets for magnetic applications.
Reduced chemical shift-induced phase errors at 3T using novel PC-MRI encoding gradients

Background Cardiovascular MRI benefits from improved SNR-efficiency at ≥3T [1,]2, but is subject to other sources of error, which require careful consideration when transitioning from primary use of 1.5T scanners. For example, chemical shift-induced PC-MRI errors [3] are increased at 3T compared to 1.5T. Chemical shift causes the complex perivascular fat signal to chemically shift into the vessel lumen and superposes with the complex blood (water) signal, thereby corrupting the phase (velocity) estimate. Chemical shift errors can be minimized by increasing the bandwidth (reduces the magnitude of the shifted fat signal), and by using an in-phase TE (TEIN, ensures fat and water are in-phase). Shorter TEs improve SNR, therefore it is advantageous that the minimum TEIN (TEIN,MIN) at 3T is 2.46ms, which is substantially shorter than TEIN,MIN=4.92ms at 1.5T, but such short TEs cannot be attained with conventional flowcompensated/flow-encoded (FCFE) velocity encoding strategies. The objective was to design a velocity encoding strategy void of conventional FCFE gradients that instead achieves through-plane velocity sensitivity using the slice select gradient, which yields a non-zero first gradient moment (M1 )f or the first PC-MRI TR: M1,1=X. The slice-select refocusing gradient (SSRG) lobe is time-shifted for the second TR to produce M1,2=X+Y, such that ΔM1=Y=πg -1 VENC -1 .W e hypothesize that the proposed SSRG velocity encoding scheme, will permit the use of TEIN,MIN for chemical shift insensitive PC-MRI measures at 3T that are both faster and have improved SNR. Methods
A high-voltage pulse monitor system for a flash-chamber neutrino detector

Abstract We describe a system used to monitor the output of 640 high voltage pulsers in a flash chamber neutrino detector. The device is designed to detect the most common failure modes of spark gap switched high voltage pulsers: failed capacitors and misfiring spark gaps.
Research Integrity in Communication Sciences and Disorders: Preface

Purpose A joint program on Research on Research Integrity sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the Office of Research Integrity encouraged the examination of...
Approximation by functions having restricted ranges: Equality case

In this paper an alternation theorem is developed for approximating with functions having restricted ranges where equality is allowed to occur between the restraining curves.
Family membership past and present

Changes in household composition, in the demography of kinship and in the relationship between the family and other institutions have contributed, through their impact on the socialization process, to the greater emotional significance of the family in the present compared to the past. Changes in ideology have also reinforced the belief that family relationships have become more important for individual development, self-definition and satisfaction in life. In showing the causes for this development, however, I do not support either a sentimental view of the contemporary family nor indicate that the family is successful in satisfying the demands which its increased importance imposes upon it. It is precisely this disparity—between expectations structurally and normatively encouraged and the ability to satisfy them—which is central to understanding the contradictions in contemporary family life in both its traditional and non-traditional forms.
A collagen enhancer‐promoter construct in transgenic mice is markedly stimulated by ethanol administration

Type I collagen synthesis and deposition is generally indicative of irreversible damage in alcohol-induced cirrhosis in humans. However, in rodents, ethanol alone does not readily cause hepatic fibrosis. To determine whether this is because of a lack of ethanol-responsive elements, an artificial enhancer construct controlling rat type I collagen gene transcription was prepared in transgenic mice. The gene construct, ColCAT3.6, was a chimeric sequence containing the marker chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene linked to 3.5 kb of the rat alpha 1(I) 5'-flanking DNA, and 115 base pairs (bp) of transcribed collagen gene. Groups of transgenic mice were given 4 g/kg ethanol orally, twice daily for 4 weeks. As a positive control for hepatic fibrosis, transgenic mice were given intraperitoneal injections of CCl4, twice weekly for 4 weeks. Livers were assayed for CAT activity. Endogenous mouse collagen alpha 1(I) messenger RNA (mRNA) and transgene CAT mRNA were measured by RNase protection assays. Collagen synthesis in livers from the transgenic mice treated with ethanol were increased over controls, but the levels were not significantly different. Endogenous collagen alpha 1(I) steady-state mRNA levels in ethanol-treated mice were not significantly different compared with saline-treated controls. However, the transgene mRNA levels in ethanol-treated animals increased approximately 21-fold compared with saline-treated controls, as measured by RNase protection assays. Furthermore, the transgene product as measured by CAT activity in ethanol-treated mice was significantly increased threefold over saline-treated controls. We conclude that the 5'-flanking region of the rat alpha 1(I) collagen gene does contain regulatory elements that are strongly responsive to ethanol administration.
Another theorem on using market demands to determine willingness to pay for non-traded goods

Abstract This paper contains a proof of the following theorem: Let E1 and E1 denote an agent's expenditures on two groups of goods which are substitutes and complements to a non-traded good. Suppose that both the agent's income and the quantity of the non-traded good provided him have a positive effect on these two amounts. Then these effects can be used to place upper and lower bounds on the agent's marginal willingness to pay for the non-traded good.
APPLICATION OF MULTIVARIABLE ADAPTIVE CONTROL TO AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

ABSTRACT This paper presents the application of a multivariable adaptive control strategy to a typical automotive air conditioning system. First, an experimentally validated physical model for the air conditioning cycle is introduced. This is followed by the application of a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) parameter estimation algorithm to recursively identify an equivalent discrete time state space model of the system. A Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) design is implemented on the estimated model with the objectives of reference tracking and disturbance rejection. Simulation studies are performed to explore the idea of modulating the electronic expansion valve opening and air flow rate over the evaporator for controlling the efficiency and capacity of a general automotive air conditioning unit. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the MIMO controller for these objectives. 1. NOMENCLATURE Variable Definition Variable Definition A,B,C State Space Matrices h Enthalpy J Cost Function k Discrete Time Step K State Feedback gain p Pressure L Kalman Gain Matrix t Time P Covariance Matrix u Input Q , R Weighing Matrices x States T Temperature y Output U Fluid Velocity
The Obesity Paradox: Fact or Fiction?

Although the adverse health consequences of obesity in the general population have been well documented, recent evidence suggests that obesity is associated with better outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Studies of patients with HF that specifically examined the impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes have suggested the existence of an "obesity paradox." However, closer examination of these studies raises important questions on the validity of the paradox. First, the diagnosis of HF in obese patients, particularly when made using clinical variables, may not be accurate; the obese patients in these studies may actually be "healthier" than their nonobese comparators. Second, the deleterious effects of cachexia, rather than the salutary ones of obesity, are likely the main reason for the inverse correlation between BMI and HF outcome, especially once the underlying biologic mechanisms behind cachexia and obesity in patients with HF are considered. Furthermore, few studies have specifically examined the more severely obese population (BMI >35 kg/m 2 ) when assessing outcomes, and those that have suggest that severely obese patients may have worse outcomes than patients with normal weights or those who are mildly obese. Therefore, a "U-shaped" outcome curve according to BMI for patients with HF may actually exist, in which mortality is greatest in cachectic patients; lower in normal, overweight, and mildly obese patients; but higher again in more severely obese patients. Further prospective studies assessing the impact of more marked degrees of obesity on outcomes in patients with HF are needed to more conclusively determine whether the obesity paradox truly exists.
Can the Laboratory Help Me? Toxicology Laboratory Testing in the Possibly Poisoned Pediatric Patient

The laboratory is an important adjunct to clinical care. Increased sophistication and specialization has largely removed this analytic component from the clinical setting. Even the so-called bedside tests or point-of-care testing provide simplified qualitative or quantitative indicators; the chemical reactions themselves and potential confounders are obscured. It is important to interpret the result of a particular laboratory test in the clinical setting. This is especially true in the evaluation of the poisoned patient, where much of the laboratory testing is qualitative or adapted from therapeutic drug monitoring. This article presents a rationale for various types of toxicological testing in several known or potential pediatric poisoning scenarios. A useful testing strategy focuses first on the clinical presentation, then on the various laboratory testing available, and finally on interpretation of the test results. Although all tests or testing modalities will not be covered, the framework presented can be applied to other situations.
Chromosome structure inside the nucleus

Recent in situ three-dimensional structural studies have provided a new model for the 30 nm chromatin fiber. In addition, research during the past year has revealed some of the molecular complexity of non-histone chromosomal proteins. Still to come is the unification of molecular insights with chromosomal architecture.
Conformational changes of purified (Na+ + K+)-ATPase detected by a sulfhydryl fluorescence probe.

Abstract The fluorescent sulfhydryl reagent S -mercuric- N -dansyl cysteine (Dn-Cys-Hg + ) has been used to label a purified preparation of the (Na + + K + )-ATPase obtained from the electric organ of Electrophorous electricus . The labelled (Na + + K + )-ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3), although reversibly inhibited, was capable of undergoing conformational changes associated with the active enzyme that could be monitored fluorometrically. The presence of ligands (Na + + Mg 2+ + ATP or Mg 2+ + P i ) which are known to convert the enzyme from the E-1 state to the E -2- P state brought about large (97–100%) increases in fluorescence of the dimethylaminonaphthalene sulfonyl (Dn) label. An E-2 state could be achieved by the addition of Mg 2+ which caused only a 32.3% increase in fluorescence over the E-1 state. Neither AMP nor TTP with or without Mg 2+ or Na + or P i added without Mg 2+ had any effect on the Dn fluorescence. If the enzyme was denatured, no fluorescence changes were observed. Small changes in the polariztion of fluorescence of the Dn moiety were observed under all the conditions used. These small polarization changes and the large increases in the fluorescence intensity suggest that the enzyme can change conformational states in the presence of appropriate ligands and these conformational changes may take place in a relatively limited region of the protein's structure.
Ética, o cómo tratar democráticamente los problemas tecnosociales

In this paper, it is argued for a particular approach —progressive democratic social action— to the solution of the social problems associated with our technological society. The case is made through a process of elimination, showing how this approach has better prospects than others: technology assessment, the proposal of ethical rules as limits on technology, or the political control of technology. The author argues for a social activism focused on specific cases and local settings as the most adequate way of dealing with technosocial problems.
A Common Copy Number Variation on Chromosome 6 Association With the Gene Expression Level of Endothelin 1 in Transformed B Lymphocytes From Three Racial Groups

Background— Previous studies indicate that the endothelin system is involved in hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. To explore the potential genetic effects of copy number variations (CNVs) on the endothelin system, which underlie these diseases, we studied the association of genome-wide CNVs with gene expression levels of 7 genes involved in the endothelin system using independent HapMap subjects including 90 Asians (45 Han Chinese and 45 Japanese), 60 whites, and 60 blacks. Methods and Results— For each subject, the genome-wide variations were measured using the Affymetrix 6.0 chip that includes measurements of 906 000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 946 000 CNV probes. The gene expression profiles of the transformed B lymphocytes were measured for the same subjects. Among the 210 subjects, we identified 1529 CNV regions on 22 autosomes. By testing the association between CNVs and the gene expression levels in each racial group using linear regression, we identified 4 statistically significant CNV associations in all 3 groups (α=0.05). The strongest association was between a 66 kbp CNV region located on chromosome 6 and endothelin-1 ( EDN1 ) expression. The effects of the CNV- EDN1 association in the 3 racial groups were in the same direction and explained 7% to 14% of the variation in EDN1 expression. Conclusions— Although the biological function of the chromosome 6 CNV is unclear, the significant and consistent association found in 3 racial groups suggests that CNVs may contribute to variation in underlying risks of common disease through their effects on key molecular signaling pathways. Received January 7, 2009; accepted July 23, 2009. # CLINICAL PERSPECTIVE {#article-title-2}
Water level variations in the Neuse and Pamlico Estuaries, North Carolina due to local and remote forcing

Abstract Water level time series records from the Neuse and Pamlico River Estuaries were statistically compared to local and distant wind field data, water level records within the Pamlico Sound and also coastal ocean sites to determine the relative contribution of each time series to water levels in the Neuse and Pamlico Estuaries. The objectives of this study were to examine these time series data using various statistical methods (i.e. autoregressive, empirical orthogonal function analysis (EOF), exploratory data analysis (EDA)) to determine short- and long-time-scale variability, and to develop predictive statistical models that can be used to estimate past water level fluctuations in both the Neuse Estuary (NE) and Pamlico Estuary (PE). Short- and long-time-scale similarities were observed in all time series of estuarine, Pamlico Sound and subtidal coastal ocean water level and wind component data, due to events (nor'easters, fronts and tropical systems) and seasonality. Empirical orthogonal function analyses revealed a strong coastal ocean and wind field contribution to water level in the NE and PE. Approximately 95% of the variation was captured in the first two EOF components for water level data from the NE, sound and coastal ocean, and 70% for the PE, sound and coastal ocean. Spectral density plots revealed strong diurnal signals in both wind and water level data, and a strong cross correlation and coherency between the NE water level and the North/South wind component. There was good agreement between data and predictions using autoregressive statistical models for the NE (R2 = 0.92) and PE (R2 = 0.76). These methods also revealed significant autoregressive lags for the NE (days 1 and 3) and for the PE (days 1, 2 and 3). Significant departures from predictions are attributed to local meteorological and hydrological events. The autoregressive techniques showed significant predictive improvement over ordinary least squares methods. The results are considered within the context of providing long time-scale hindcast data for the two estuaries, and the importance of these data for multidisciplinary researchers and managers.
Toxicology and pharmacology of some ruthenium compounds: Vascular smooth muscle relaxation by nitrosyl derivatives of ruthenium and iridium

A series of compounds were synthesized from ruthenium trichloride, and their ip LDSOs were determined in mice: pentamminenitrosylruthenium(II) chloride, 8.9; chloronitrobis(2,2'‐dipyridyl)ruthenium(II), 55;dichlorobis(2,2'‐dipyridyl)ruthenium(II), 63; ruthenium trichloride, 108; and potassium pentachloronitrosylruthenate(II), 127 mg/kg. The two bis‐bipyridyl complexes produced death in convulsions within minutes, whereas the remaining compounds resulted in long, debilitating courses with death occurring in 4–7 d. When given in massive overdoses, however, the compounds with inorganic ligands also produced rapid convulsive death in mice, and when given iv to anesthetized cats, they produced respiratory arrest. The major toxic effects of all the complexes appeared to be due to the metal and not to its associated ligands. Only complexes having a nitrosyl ligand specifically relaxed vascular smooth muscle. Potassium pentabromoiridate(III) also relaxed rabbit aortic strips that had been contracted by adrenergic...
Molecular hepatic carcinogenesis: impact of inflammation

Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) represents one of the most rapidly spreading cancers in the world. Most HCC develops in cirrhotic livers after prolonged inflammation, supporting the hypothesis that inflammation contributes to cancer development. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory cell recruitment and activation is an important contributor to promoting cancerous malformation in hepatocytes. Intracellular signaling pathways involved in classical inflammatory pathway activation can be altered in parenchymal cells, hepatocytes, in the liver to promote HCC development. Inflammation is triggered by pathogen-derived or endogenous danger-associated molecular patterns via pattern recognition receptors. Activation of the pattern recognition receptors triggers downstream signaling cascades to induce proinflammatory cytokine production, release of reactive oxygen species and modulate cellular responses. Many of these inflammatory mediators have adverse effects on DNA repair and induce DNA methylation, both of which are important elements in HCC development. This review summarizes the key points and discusses recent findings related to the role of inflammation in cancer and HCC development.
Methods for the recovery of a model virus from healthcare personal protective equipment

Aims: To develop methods for recovering a model virus (bacteriophage MS2) from healthcare personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods and Results: Nine eluents were evaluated for recovery of infectious MS2 from PPE: 1·5% beef extract (BE) pH 7·5 with and without 0·1% Tween 80, 1·5% BE pH 9·0 with and without 0·1% Tween 80, 3% BE pH 7·5 with and without 0·1% Tween 80, 3% BE pH 9·0 with and without 0·1% Tween 80 and PBS with 0·1% Tween 80. Methods were applied to experimentally contaminated PPE. Elution followed by two-step enrichment assay could recover virus inputs as low as 1·5 log10, and could recover >90% of inoculated virus from used items of experimentally contaminated PPE worn by human volunteers. Conclusions: BE was effective for recovering infectious viruses from a range of PPE materials. Significance and Impact of the Study: PPE plays a crucial role in interrupting transmission of infectious agents from patients to healthcare workers (HCWs). The fate of micro-organisms when PPE is removed and disposed of has important consequences for infection control. Methods described here can be used to conduct rigorous studies of viral survival and transfer on PPE for risk assessments in infection control and HCW protection.
Zebrafish nodal-related 2 encodes an early mesendodermal inducer signaling from the extraembryonic yolk syncytial layer

Nodal-related factors have been implicated in mesodermal and neural patterning, and left-right asymmetry, in mouse, frog, and chicken embryos. We describe the isolation and characterization of zebrafish nodal-related 2 (znr2). znr2 is expressed at low levels maternally, and zygotic transcripts localize to dorsal blastomeres at MBT. Slightly later, znr2 is also expressed dorsally in the extraembryonic yolk syncytial layer (YSL). During early gastrulation, znr2 expression expands to include deep and superficial cells in the entire marginal zone and YSL. During shield stages, expression is primarily localized to superficial noninvoluting cells of the organizer called dorsal forerunners. Znr2 misexpression in whole fish embryos expands or duplicates dorsoanterior and axial cell fates. Furthermore, Znr2 overexpression exclusively in the YSL, a region implicated in endogenous mesodermal induction, causes broadened or duplicated gsc expression in the overlying blastoderm. Functional comparison of Znr2 and another recently identified zebrafish nodal-related factor, Znr1/Cyclops, reveals distinct inductive properties of each ligand. Znr2 efficiently induces organizer-type dorsoanterior mesodermal and endodermal markers, but only weakly, if at all, neural markers. In contrast, while Znr1/Cyclops reproducibly induces mesodermal and neural markers, it is an inefficient inducer of organizer-type mesoderm. Our results suggest that znr2 encodes a robust mesendodermal inducer that signals nonautonomously during the earliest stages of embryonic patterning, and that part of this activity arises from within the YSL.
JOHN WILLIAMS: ENTREPRENEUR

The process of small business establishment is examined in a step by step approach with reference to John Williams. Initially, the entrepreneurial focus is considered and the case study leads to the examination of entrepreneurial traits. Some facts relating to the owners personal situation are given. As opportunities appear they are also presented for decision‐making purposes and these lead into marketing issues such as customer identification, environmental influences and the marketing mix variables. As the case study concludes, it establishes a focus on the future direction of the firm, bearing in mind a record of sales 23% above target for the first year. There are four assignment stages, each of which is free‐standing: the start‐up decision; preparation of a business plan; marketing planning; and planning for growth. The learning experience of this case study is broad and it has been specifically developed to suit a wide range of readers from academic and non‐academic backgrounds.
Proving properties of continuous systems: qualitative simulation and temporal logic

We demonstrate an automated method for proving temporal logic statements about solutions to ordinary differential equations (ODEs), even in the face of an incomplete specification of the ODE. The method combines an implemented, on-the-fly, model-checking algorithm for statements in the temporal logic CTL* [3, 7, 8] with the output of the qualitative simulation algorithm QSIM [13, 16]. Based on the QSIM Guaranteed Coverage Theorem, we prove that for certain CTL* statements, ~), if ~ is true for the temporal structure produced by QSIM, then a corresponding temporal statement, ~'', holds for the solution of any ODE consistent with the qualitative differential equation (QDE) that QSIM used to generate the temporal structure.
Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride in Tissue Culture

tidis, and Sporotrichum schenckii) incubated on the horse serum agar (pH 7.0) at 370 C also were inhibited by L.0-mg/mil concentrations of di-phenyl-pyraline and pyribenzamine. The growth of C. albicans was not affected by either drug. Results obtained from these preliminary studies suggest that both di-phenyl-pyraline and pyribenzamine possess properties which are inhibitory to pathogenic fungus species and that their activities, therefore, are not limited to the alleviation of allergic manifestations incited by these organisms. The results also suggest that further clinical study is imperative to determine the effectiveness of these drugs in vivo.
Persistence of Invariant Sets for Dissipative Evolution Equations

We show that results concerning the persistence of invariant sets of ordinary differential equations under perturbation may be applied directly to a certain class of partial differential equations. Our framework is particularly well-suited to encompass numerical approximations of these partial differential equations. Specifically, we show that for a class of PDEs with aC^1 inertial form, certain natural numerical approximations possess an inertial form close to that of the underlying PDE in theC^1 norm.
Brain activation patterns in schizophrenic and comparison volunteers during a matched-performance auditory recognition task.

OBJECTIVE: The biological characteristics of schizophrenia are often studied by using functional imaging techniques. However, since volunteers with schizophrenia routinely fail to perform as accurately or as quickly as healthy volunteers, it is difficult to ascertain whether a particular deficit in blood flow to a brain region is due to behavior or to the underlying illness. In this report, investigators used an auditory recognition task to assess brain blood flow patterns and behavioral correlates of schizophrenic patient volunteers trained on the task. METHOD: Twelve healthy volunteers and 18 volunteers with schizophrenia were trained to make tone frequency recognitions. Accuracy and stimuli were matched between groups. Participants were required to press a button to indicate whether a briefly presented tone was the high-frequency (1500 Hz) reference tone or one of a lower frequency level (level chosen to elicit an 80% accuracy score). Subjects underwent bolus [15O]H2O blood flow positron emission tomog...