cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reverse chemical mutagenesis: identification of the mutagenic lesions resulting from reactive oxygen species-mediated damage to DNA

Abstract An understanding of the contribution of reactive oxygen species to mutagenesis has been hampered by the vast number of different chemical modifications they cause in DNA. Even though many of these DNA alterations have been catalogued, the identification of specific lesions that cause mutations has depended on testing one modification at a time. In this study we present another approach to identify key mutagenic lesions from a pool of oxidatively modified nucleotides. dCTP was treated with an oxygen radical-generating system containing FeSO4, H2O2, and ascorbic acid. The modification products were separated by reverse-phase and anion-exchange HPLC and then incorporated by human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase into a DNA that contains a target gene for scoring for mutations. One of the mutagenic species isolated was identified as 5-hydroxy-2'-deoxycytidine. It is incorporated efficiently into DNA and causes C-->T transitions in Escherichia coli at a frequency of 2.5%, which is more mutagenic than any previously identified oxidative DNA lesion.
Efficacy of Positively Charged Ion Exchange Beads in Radiation- Impaired Models of Wound Healing

We have previously demonstrated in a rat surgical incision model that charged dextran beads enhance wound repair in a charge-specific manner : positively charged beads increased wound breaking strength (WBS), whereas neutral or negatively charged beads were ineffective. The present work extends these observations into two models of radiation-impaired healing. One hundred five rats were divided into three groups : group 1, controls, no irradiation ; group 2, total body irradiation ; group 3, surface irradiation. Three days after irradiation, 0.1 ml of a suspension of either positively charged beads, neutral beads, or vehicle alone was applied to paired 6-cm incisions on the dorsum of the rats. Ten days later, wounds were excised and sample strips were harvested for determination of WBS and for histological analysis. Following total body irradiation, positively charged beads enhanced WBS 84% compared to beadless controls. When results with positively charged beads were compared to those with neutral beads, a 39% increase in WBS was noted. Healing, as measured by WBS, was more impaired in surface-irradiated animals, but when results with positively charged beads were compared with those obtained with neutral beads, a similar degree of healing (+38%) was noted. Neutral beads proved ineffective. Histology revealed that neutral beads evoked a modest foreign body response, yet there was a consistently greater clustering of giant cells around positively charged beads in wound sites. This paralleled in vitro experiments demonstrating increased monocyte aggregation around positively charged beads in tissue culture. The results suggest that positively charged ion exchangers, such as these positively charged beads, perhaps through their recruitment and/or activation of wound macrophages, may have a potential clinical role in the treatment of impaired wounds.
Characteristics of CFRP–concrete interface subjected to cold region environments including three-dimensional topography

Abstract This paper presents an experimental program to examine the interfacial behavior of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite sheets bonded to concrete substrate when subjected to cold region environments. A total of 53 specimens are exposed to 150 cycles of freezing–wet–dry and wet–dry as well as constant low temperature effects ranging from 0 °C to − 30 °C for 2000 h. A novel sensing technology, based on three-dimensional micro-topography, is presented using an instantaneous laser scanner to quantitatively examine the characteristic size of damage-band along the CFRP–concrete interface. Test results show that the effects of freezing–wet–dry are more detrimental than those of wet–dry, in particular noticeable when the temperature is below − 20 °C. The low temperature increases the local brittleness of the interface and thus stress-softening is not observed for the specimens subjected to freezing–wet–dry. The specimens in wet–dry, however, exhibited such softening responses. The characteristic size of damage-band along the CFRP–concrete interface is found to be 14.5 mm; however, the size changes when the environmental loads are applied. Damage concentrations are observed in the damage-band with the presence of low temperature effects.
The Peabody Individual Achievement Test with normal and special school populations.

Since the publication of the Peabody Individual Achievement Test, it has become a frequent part of many educational batteries. However, a serious drawback in its evaluation has been the lack of ava...
INTEGRATED FINITE ELEMENT MODEL FOR TRANSIENT FLUID FLOW AND THERMAL STRESSES DURING CONTINUOUS CASTING

A finite element computational methodology is presented for predicting the temperature distribution, fluid flow, and thermal stresses evolving in a solidifying ingot, which itself is growing in length, during the start-up phase of a continuous casting process, with a particular reference to aluminum casting. The approach is based on the coupling of a thermal and flow model with a stress model, The thermal flow model is developed using a deforming finite element method with an Eulerian-Lagrangian transformation to account for the fact that the ingot itself is also growing at a prescribed casting speed. The stress model is developed also by the finite element method, with mechanical deformations in the solidifying materials described by a hypoelastic-viscoplastic constitutive relation. The integrated model has been applied to study the dynamic development of temperature, flow, and stresses in the solidifying ingot during the start-up phase for continuous casting of aluminum. The results show that the fluid ...
The ICAAP Project, Part Two: The Web Architecture

Outlines the goals and objectives of the Inter Committee on Insitutional Co‐operation Authentication and Authorisation project (ICAAP) project in relation to the infrastructure. Aims to ‘demonstrate a secure and interoperable authentication and authorization architecture that allows the members of the CIC both inter‐ and intra‐institutional access to restricted materials and distributed computing resources’. Presents initial findings.
Swimming pools as heat sinks for air conditioners: California feasibility analysis

Abstract Earlier studies used field testing of swimming pool temperatures to validate a mathematical model for predicting the temperature of an unheated pool. Combining those results with manufacturers’ data on the performance of vapor-compression air conditioners as a function of heat rejection temperature, the analyses in the paper suggest that rejecting air conditioning heat to a swimming pool can save approximately 25–30% of single-family residential cooling electricity use and reduce cooling electricity demand during peak conditions by 30–35%, as compared to using the same compressor to reject the heat to ambient air. The savings is expected to vary depending on the severity of the climate, as well as the pool temperature experienced during the summer. The original model was refined so as to accommodate air-conditioner heat rejection to predict pool temperatures based on weather data, pool size, shading of the pool, and air-conditioner heat rejection to the pool. The results of an experimental validation of the augmented pool thermal model are presented here. In addition, the model of a pool-coupled air conditioning system was used to develop a design tool for determining the pool size needed to absorb realistic heat rejection from air conditioners in various California climate zones.
Assessing the Economic Impact of Paternal Involvement: A Comparison of the Generalized Linear Model Versus Decision Analysis Trees

Lack of paternal involvement has been shown to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including infant morbidity and mortality, but the impact on health care costs is unknown. Various methodological approaches have been used in cost minimization and cost effectiveness analyses and it remains unclear how cost estimates vary according to the analytic strategy adopted. We illustrate a methodological comparison of decision analysis modeling and generalized linear modeling (GLM) techniques using a case study that assesses the cost-effectiveness of potential father involvement interventions. We conducted a 12-year retrospective cohort study using a statewide enhanced maternal-infant database that contains both clinical and nonclinical information. A missing name for the father on the infant’s birth certificate was used as a proxy for lack of paternal involvement, the main exposure of this study. Using decision analysis modeling and GLM, we compared all infant inpatient hospitalization costs over the first year of life. Costs were calculated from hospital charges using department-level cost-to-charge ratios and were adjusted for inflation. In our cohort of 2,243,891 infants, 9.2 % had a father uninvolved during pregnancy. Lack of paternal involvement was associated with higher rates of preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, and infant morbidity and mortality. Both analytic approaches estimate significantly higher per-infant costs for father uninvolved pregnancies (decision analysis model: $1,827, GLM: $1,139). This paper provides sufficient evidence that healthcare costs could be significantly reduced through enhanced father involvement during pregnancy, and buttresses the call for a national program to involve fathers in antenatal care.
Global existence for a class of strongly coupled parabolic systems

A class of strongly coupled parabolic systems is investigated. Sufficient conditions on the structure of the systems are found to assure that weak solutions are bounded and that they are Holder continuous. Together, these results give the global existence of solutions. The theory is then applied to the general Shigesada–Kawasaki–Teramoto model in population dynamics.
Phase I trial of intraperitoneal chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and citrovorum factor.

A Phase I trial of intraperitoneally administered 5-FU and citrovorum factor was performed in eight patients with a variety of malignancies. Both drugs were given according to a single weekly dose schedule in a volume estimated to be 2000 cc, including residual ascites. Citrovorum factor 50 mg was given first, immediately followed by 5-FU 1000–3400 mg, according to a dose-escalating schedule. Myelosuppression proved to be the dose-limiting toxicity, though mucositis, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain were also produced. Six patients failed to respond to therapy. One patient with malignant mesothelioma showed a significant decrease in the production of malignant ascites and a transient conversion of peritoneal fluid cytologies from positive to negative, while a second patient with pancreatic cancer showed conversion of peritoneal fluid cytologies from positive to negative and demonstrated an objective partial response of an hepatic metastasis. Dosage adjustment according to body surface area would seem indicated by the toxicity data, with a 5-FU dose of 1200 mg/m2 body surface area and citrovorum factor 50 mg/m2 being recommended for Phase II trials of this combination of drugs given according to this weekly schedule.
Economic Effects and Structural Determinants of Capital Controls

This paper studies determinants and effects of capital controls using a panel of 61 developed and developing countries. The results suggest that capital account restrictions are more likely to be in place in countries with low income, a large share of government, and where the central bank is not independent. Other determinants of controls include the exchange rate regime, current account imbalances and the degree of openness of the economy. We also find that capital controls and other foreign exchange restrictions are associated with higher inflation and lower real interest rates. We do not find any robust correlation between our measures of controls and the rate of growth, although there is evidence that countries with large black market premia grow more slowly.
STABILITY OF THE PLANE WAVE HARTREE-FOCK GROUND STATE

The condition that the plane wave state is the lowest Hartree-Fock state of a large fermion system with repulsive interactions, is generally investigated and applied to the systems with $\ensuremath{\delta}$-type interactions, finite-range interactions, and long-range Coulomb interactions. It is found that for finite-range interactions the plane wave state is stable in both the high-density and low-density regions, but may become unstable in the intermediate-density region. The high-density stable region disappears for $\ensuremath{\delta}$-type interactions, while the low-density stable region vanishes for long-range Coulomb interactions. Especially for an electron gas, the critical value ${r}_{s}$ is smaller than 4.5. A speculation concerning the transition of the true ground state is discussed.
Superconducting and Normal Specific Heats of a Single Crystal of Niobium

The anomalous specific heat found in a polycrystalline sample of niobium and previously reported from this laboratory by Hirshfeld, Leupold, and Boorse (HLB) prompted complete remeasurements both in the normal and superconducting phases on a single crystal with lower tantalum content. The thermal constants of the single crystal show only small differences from the polycrystal in the same temperature range, the single-crystal values being ${T}_{c}=9.20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K and $\ensuremath{\bigominus}=241\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K between about 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The normal-state single-crystal measurements agree with measurements on the HLB polycrystal made both in this laboratory and by van der Hoeven and Keesom at Purdue University. The latter measurements were carried to about 0.4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in a field of 17 kG. As a result of their investigation, they report a Debye \ensuremath{\bigominus} of 275\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K in the region below 3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. With this value of \ensuremath{\bigominus}, the anomaly in the specific heat disappears. As both the single-crystal results and the van der Hoeven and Keesom values agree in the mutually measured ranges, \ensuremath{\bigominus} is taken to be 275\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The corresponding value of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is found to be 7.80 mJ/mole ${\mathrm{deg}}^{2}$. The usual exponential behavior of the electronic specific heat $\frac{{C}_{\mathrm{es}}}{\ensuremath{\gamma}{T}_{c}}=a{e}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{b{T}_{c}}{T}}$ with $a=8.21$ and $b=1.52$, is observed over a restricted temperature range. Below $t=5$ the data exhibit larger values than predicted by the exponential in agreement with a number of other superconductors. The value of the energy gap at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K was found to be $3.69 k{T}_{c}$. Overall comparisons are made with the BCS theory and a modification due to Swihart.
THE SYSTEM SODIUM DISILICATE‐BARIUM DISILICATE*

The sodium disilicate-barium disilicate join of the ternary system, Na2O-BaO-SiO2, has been studied by means of the quenching method, and the phase-equilibrium diagram has been determined. The two compounds form a binary system without intermediate compounds and without appreciable solid solution. The eutectic occurs at approximately 32% of barium disilicate by weight and at a temperature of 797° C. The melting point of barium disilicate was determined as 1418° C. The glasses in the field of stability of barium disilicate show a marked tendency toward devitrification. The refractive indices of the glasses for sodium light were measured by the microscopic immersion method. These varied regularly from 1.505 for sodium disilicate glass to 1.610 for barium disilicate glass. The refractive index-composition curve plotted on a weight percentage basis is definitely convex downward, whereas on a mol percentage basis it is slightly convex upward.
Behind the Burnt Cork Mask: Early Blackface Minstrelsy and Antebellum American Popular Culture

Promises to redefine the study of blackface minstrelsy, charting new directions for future inquiries by scholars in American studies, popular culture, and musicology
Applicability of the second derivative photoplethysmogram for non-invasive blood pressure estimation during exercise

The objective of this pilot study is to propose an adaptable approach for automated generation of personalized estimation equations for blood pressure (BP) monitoring during home exercise. We investigated both population-based and individual-based bivariate correlations between blood pressure (BP) and possible BP predictors derived from electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG). The predicting parameters consisted of pulse transit time (PTT) obtained from characteristic points of original raw PPG signal, as well as the first and second PPG derivatives. The population-based parameter that showed the most prominent association with systolic blood pressure (SBP) was PTT Peak (R=-0.787, p<;0.01) for the all analyzed cases (N=45), and R-A - for all bivariate correlations (R=-0.805, p<;0.01). The individual-based results showed similar associations as in population-based analysis. However, the strength of association between BP and ECG/PPG derivatives varied from participant to participant. We concluded that automated generation of BP prediction equations should be based on different ECG/PPG derivatives in different persons depending on individualized bivariate analyses of all possible BP predictors.
The clathrin adaptor complex 1 directly binds to a sorting signal in Ste13p to reduce the rate of its trafficking to the late endosome of yeast.

Yeast trans-Golgi network (TGN) membrane proteins maintain steady-state localization by constantly cycling to and from endosomes. In this study, we examined the trafficking itinerary and molecular requirements for delivery of a model TGN protein A(F→A)–alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to the prevacuolar/endosomal compartment (PVC). A(F→A)-ALP was found to reach the PVC via early endosomes (EEs) with a half-time of ∼60 min. Delivery of A(F→A)-ALP to the PVC was not dependent on either the GGA or adaptor protein 1 (AP-1) type of clathrin adaptors, which are thought to function in TGN to PVC and TGN to EE transport, respectively. Surprisingly, in cells lacking the function of both GGA and AP-1 adaptors, A(F→A)-ALP transport to the PVC was dramatically accelerated. A 12-residue cytosolic domain motif of A(F→A)-ALP was found to mediate direct binding to AP-1 and was sufficient to slow TGN→EE→PVC trafficking. These results suggest a model in which this novel sorting signal targets A(F→A)-ALP into clathrin/AP-1 vesicles at the EE for retrieval back to the TGN.
Prominent frontiers of coal science : past, present and future

Abstract More fundamental knowledge of coal in terms of its structure and behaviour during various conversion processes is essential for generating the new technologies that will be required for the efficient and clean uses of coal as an energy source in the future. In this paper, the current state-of-the-science in each of several areas including coal characterization, combustion and liquefaction is discussed, along with suggested research opportunities in each area. These suggestions are coupled with an assessment of the impact such research programmes could have if successful.
Using Wavelet Analysis to Assess Turbulence/Rotor Interactions

Large loading events on wind turbine rotor blades are often associated with transient bursts of coherent turbulent energy in the turbine inflow. These coherent turbulent structures are identified as peaks in the three-dimensional, instantaneous, turbulent shearing stress field. Such organized inflow structures and the accompanying rotor aeroelastic responses typically have timescales of only a few seconds and therefore do not lend themselves to analysis by conventional Fourier spectral techniques. Wavelet analysis offers the ability to study more closely the spectral decomposition of short-period events such as the interaction of coherent turbulence with a moving rotor blade. In this paper we discuss our initial progress in the application of wavelet analysis techniques to the decomposition and interpretation of turbulence/rotor interaction. We discuss the results of using both continuous and discrete wavelet transforms for our application. Several examples are given of the techniques applied to both observed turbulence and turbine responses and those generated using numerical simulations. We found that the presence of coherent turbulent structures, as revealed by the inflow Reynolds stress field, is a major contributor to large load excursions. These bursts of coherent turbulent energy induce a broadband aeroelastic response in the turbine rotor as it passes through them. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning, preparation, and chance in occupational entry

Abstract An eight category model for classifying the degree of preparation, planning and chance in occupational entry was developed. The career histories of 60 men representing professional, skilled, and semiskilled occupational levels were evaluated and tested against the model. A relationship was found to exist between occupational level and planned determinants of occupational entry. Most men at the professional level entered their occupations primarily through planning and preparation. At the skilled level, some men entered their occupations through planning while many others were primarily influenced by chance events. Entry into the semiskilled level occupations generally involved unplanned chance events. Results suggest that occupational theory and vocational counseling should place greater emphasis on unplanned situational events, particularly for the skilled and semiskilled workers.
The effect of estradiol-17β and estrone administration on GnRH-induced LH release during the early postpartum in dairy cattle

Abstract The effect of high plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β or estrone, similar to those observed in late gestation, on the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) 3 -induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release was studied in early postpartum dairy cows. Twenty dairy cows in late gestation were assigned to four groups of five cows each. Treatment groups were 1) no exogenous estrogens, 2) 20 mg estradiol-17β (E2β) daily, 3) 30 mg estrone (E1) daily and 4) 20 mg E2β and 30 mg E1 daily. Steroids were dissolved in ethanol (vehicle). Injections of the vehicle or steroids were given in two daily subcutaneous injections for seven consecutive days starting immediately following parturition. All cows (Groups 1–4) were given 100 μg GnRH intramuscularly on days 2, 10, 18 and 26 postpartum. Blood for plasma determination of E2β, E1, progesterone (P) and LH was collected daily from parturition to completion of vehicle or steroid injection and on alternate days thereafter. In addition, blood was collected on GnRH treatment days prior to GnRH and at 30-min intervals thereafter for four hours. Concentrations of hormones were determined by validated radioimmunoassays (RIA's). Effects of treatment (T), days postpartum (D) and the interaction between T and D (T × D) on the amount of LH released (area under the curve) in response to GnRH were significant (P
The history of differential forms from Clairaut to Poincaré

Abstract The history of differential forms is examined from its origins in the work of Clairaut on the theory of differential equations through the end of the 19th century. In particular, we explore the developments leading to the concept of the exterior derivative, the Poincare lemma and its converse, and the notion of the period of an exact differential. We also note that whereas the original motivation for the idea of the integral of an n-form lay in the theory of complex variables, much of its development was done by physicists.
Geomagnetic Sq variation at satellite altitudes: Is Sq correction important in Magsat data analysis?

By a spherical harmonic expansion of the magnetic potential the geomagnetic Sq variation is shown to have peak-to-peak amplitudes of a few tens of nanotesla at 400 km altitude. It is shown, in particular, that for harmonics of degree n up to about 4, with which Sq can be well represented, the vertical component of the magnetic field at altitudes to about 400 km is virtually the same as on the ground. Even though the NASA's Magnetic Field Satellite (Magsat), scheduled for launch in September 1979, is planned to be placed in a twilight sun-synchronous orbit, Sq over certain areas of the earth can be of comparable magnitude as magnetic anomalies of geological origin sought in the data. Due consideration should be given to Sq as well as to the effects from magnetospheric sources in analyzing the Magsat data. The Sq effect is expected to be large during the period of Magsat operation which is near the predicted solar maximum.
The Statistical Problem of Climate Inversion: Determination of the Relationship between Local and Large-Scale Climate

Abstract The estimation of the most probable local or mesoscale distribution of a climatic variable when only the large-scale value is given may be viewed as a sort of climate inversion problem. As an initial statistical study of this question, the monthly-averaged surface temperature and monthly total precipitation for stations in Oregon are analyzed for the purpose of relating their most probable mesoscale distributions to the large-scale monthly anomalies. The first empirical orthogonal mode of the covariance matrix of mesoscale transient departures explains 78.2 and 80.8% of the total variance of temperature and precipitation, respectively. The time structure of the first mode is predominantly seasonal and is in phase with the large-scale anomalies, and the correlation coefficient between this oscillation and the large-scale anomaly is 0.96 for temperature and 0.95 for precipitation. The most probable mesoscale distribution as specified by only the first empirical orthogonal function is predictable wi...
Covariate selection with iterative principal component analysis for predicting physical soil properties

article i nfo Local and regional soil data can be improved by coupling new digital soil mapping techniques with high resolution remote sensing products to quantify both spatial and absolute variation of soil properties. The objective of this research was to advance data-driven digital soil mapping techniques for the prediction of soil physical properties at high spatial resolution using auxiliary data in a semiarid ecosystem in southeastern Arizona, USA. An iterative principal component analysis (iPCA) data reduction routine of reflectance and elevation covariate layers was combined with a conditioned Latin Hypercube field sample design to effectively capture the variability of soil properties across the 6250 ha study area. We sampled 52 field sites by genetic horizon to a 30 cm depth and determined particle size distribution, percent coarse fragments, Munsell color, and loss on ignition. Comparison of prediction models of surface soil horizons using ordinary kriging and regression kriging indicated that ordinary kriging had greater predictive power; however, regression kriging usingprincipalcomponentsofcovariatedatamoreeffectivelycapturedthespatialpatternsofsoilproperty-land- scape relationships. Percent silt and soil redness rating had the smallest normalized mean square error and the largestcorrelationbetween observedandpredictedvalues,whereassoilcoarsefragmentswere themostdifficult to predict. This research demonstrates the efficacy of coupling data reduction, sample design, and geostatistical techniques for effective spatial prediction of soil physical properties in a semiarid ecosystem. The approach ap- plied here is flexible and data-driven, allows incorporation of wide variety of numerically continuous covariates, and provides accurate quantitative prediction of individual soil properties for improved land management deci- sions and ecosystem and hydrologic models. Published by Elsevier B.V.
De novo acute myeloid leukemia risk factors: A Texas case-control study

BACKGROUND: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is comprised of several bone marrow-based cancers and is the most common type of leukemia in the United States. The etiology of AML is not well understood. A case-control study was conducted at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to investigate associations between lifestyle characteristics and the risk of AML in Texas. METHODS: This study included 638 adult patients with de novo AML (cases) and a group of 636 matched controls. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect demographic and occupational data. The distribution of cases by World Health Organization (WHO) subtype was 71 patients (11%) with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities (AML-RCA), 134 patients (21%) with multilineage dysplasia (AML-MD), and 389 patients (61%) with AML not otherwise categorized (AML-NOC). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed among all AML cases and among both sexes and each WHO subgroup. RESULTS: Among men, heavy smoking (≥30 pack-years; odds ratio [OR], 1.86) and occupational solvent exposure at low levels (OR, 2.87) or moderate/high levels (OR, 4.13) statistically significantly increased the risk of AML. Among women, obesity (OR, 1.62) and solvent exposure to low levels (OR, 2.73) or moderate/high levels (OR, 3.90) increased the risk of AML. Across WHO subtypes, obesity was associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of AML-RCA (OR, 3.15), whereas solvent exposure increased the risk in all subtypes at low levels (AML-RCA: OR, 4.11; AML-MD: OR, 2.54) and moderate/high levels (AML-RCA: OR, 5.13; AML-MD: OR, 3.02). A joint effect between smoking and solvent exposure was observed, and the highest risk was observed among smokers who had solvent exposure (OR, 4.51). CONCLUSIONS: The current results suggested that several factors play a role in AML predisposition with possible joint effects. Risk profiles for AML differed by sex and WHO subtype. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
The contribution of leaching to the rapid release of nutrients and carbon in the early decay of wetland vegetation

Our goal was to quantify the coupled process of litter turnover and leaching as a source of nutrients and fixed carbon in oligotrophic, nutrient-limited wetlands. We conducted poisoned and non-poisoned incubations of leaf material from four different perennial wetland plants (Eleocharis spp., Cladium jamaicense, Rhizophora mangle and Spartina alterniflora) collected from different oligotrophic freshwater and estuarine wetland settings. Total phosphorus (TP) release from the P-limited Everglades plant species (Eleocharis spp., C. jamaicense and R. mangle) was much lower than TP release by the salt marsh plant S. alterniflora from N-limited North Inlet (SC). For most species and sampling times, total organic carbon (TOC) and TP leaching losses were much greater in poisoned than non-poisoned treatments, likely as a result of epiphytic microbial activity. Therefore, a substantial portion of the C and P leached from these wetland plant species was bio-available to microbial communities. Even the microbes associated with S. alterniflora from N-limited North Inlet showed indications of P-limitation early in the leaching process, as P was removed from the water column. Leaves of R. mangle released much more TOC per gram of litter than the other species, likely contributing to the greater waterborne [DOC] observed by others in the mangrove ecotone of Everglades National Park. Between the two freshwater Everglades plants, C. jamaicense leached nearly twice as much P than Eleocharis spp. In scaling this to the landscape level, our observed leaching losses combined with higher litter production of C. jamaicense compared to Eleocharis spp. resulted in a substantially greater P leaching from plant litter to the water column and epiphytic microbes. In conclusion, leaching of fresh plant litter can be an important autochthonous source of nutrients in freshwater and estuarine wetland ecosystems.
Employing a teen advisory board to adapt an evidence-based HIV/STD intervention for incarcerated African-American adolescent women

This manuscript assesses priorities and challenges of adolescent females by conducting a meeting with teen advisory board (TAB) members to collect information regarding their lives and experiences pre-, during and post-incarceration in a juvenile detention facility. Multiple themes emerged regarding the impact of incarceration on young African-American females, including experiencing a loss of personal liberties, the importance of making money upon release, unfaithfulness by partners on the 'outside', substance use and lack of control over their environment upon release, including parents, peers and male sexual partners. Based on feedback from TAB members, unique barriers and challenges were identified that suggested areas where adaptations to an evidenced-based HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) intervention would be justified to more adequately meet the needs of this particular subgroup of young African-American women. Adaptations to the evidence-based interventions included enhancing activities related to goal setting, emotion regulation skills, decision-making, recognizing and utilizing support networks and addressing the relationship between substance use and risky sexual behavior. Future health education efforts focusing on either the creation of new HIV/STD interventions or adaptations to existing interventions should consider utilizing advisory boards with members of the priority population at the earliest stages of intervention planning.
Onset of symptom resolution in adults with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis treated with a single dose of azithromycin extended release compared with 10 days of levofloxacin: a retrospective analysis of a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy trial.

Abstract Background: A previous study found that a single 2-g dose of azithromycin extended release (AZ-ER) was as efficacious as 10 days of levofloxacin (LFX) 500 mg QD in adults with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS). The speed with which patients experience resolution of ABRS symptoms has not been reported. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the resolution of ABRS symptoms after a single 2-g dose of AZ-ER compared with 10 days of LFX. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of data from a published international, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy clinical trial conducted between January 21, 2003, and February 20, 2004, that included 534 adult (age ≥18 years) outpatients with ABRS. All patients entering the study were required to have purulent nasal discharge, purulent drainage in the posterior pharynx, or purulent discharge from the maxillary sinus orifice and at least 1 of 3 other protocol-defined cardinal symptoms of ABRS (sinus pain, pressure, or tenderness) for ≥7 days. In addition, they were required to have at least 2 of the following 6 noncardinal symptoms at baseline: cough, fever, headache, nasal congestion, postnasal discharge, and leukocytosis. All patients who received medication were assessed for the occurrence of adverse events at study visits during and after therapy. At the ontreatment visit (between days 3 and 5), baseline symptoms were reassessed as resolved , improved , same , new , or worse . Resolution of symptoms was calculated as the proportion of patients with 3 or 4 cardinal symptoms either resolved (if present at baseline) or not new (if absent at baseline). Concomitant medications other than antibiotics were allowed as needed for symptomatic treatment. Results: Demographic characteristics were similar at baseline between the AZ-ER and LFX treatment arms (mean age, 38.4 and 39.5 years, respectively), although more women were randomized to receive LFX (62.9%) than AZ-ER (53.3%) ( P = 0.025). More than 90% of patients in both arms had ≥3 ABRS symptoms at baseline. At the on-treatment visit, resolution of ≥3 ABRS symptoms was achieved in 88 of 270 AZ-ER patients (32.6%) and 61 of 261 LFX patients (23.4%) ( P = 0.018). Resolution of individual symptoms in the AZ-ER and LFX groups at 3 to 5 days was as follows: sinus pain (92/253[36.4%] and 77/251 [30.7%]; P = NS), sinus pressure (97/243 [39.9%] and 68/244 [27.9%]; P = 0.005), sinus tenderness (83/218 [38.1%] and 73/214 [34.1%]; P = NS), and nasal discharge (57/270 [21.0%] and 49/264 [18.6%]; P = NS). Treatment-related adverse events were reported by 63 of 270 AZ-ER patients (23.3%) and 41 of 268 LFX patients (15.3%). Gastrointestinal disturbances were the most common adverse events, including nausea (4.4% and 3.4%) and abdominal pain (2.6% and 0.4%).
From Paris to Pueblo and Back: (Re‐)Emigration and the Modernist Chronotope in Cultural Performance

In this article I examine ethnographic data collected during the rehearsals and performance of a play created by a group of Spanish seniors at a social center near Paris. The play recounts a Spanish immigrant's return to her pueblo from France after years of living abroad. Drawing on Bauman's (1992, 2011) notion of “cultural performance,” I approach the play as a reflexive event that stages the most significant meanings of the community by and for whom it is created—meanings that include the modernist chronotope that dominates it. This particular chronotope—in which France is associated with progress and sophistication, and Spain is associated with backwardness and provincialism—serves as an organizing framework for the community as they represent and make sense of their experience of migration. On an individual level, however, the narrative of return does not necessarily manifest this particular chronotopic structure. To illustrate this divergence, I present Fina, an actor in the play and the author of an autobiographical monologue included therein. By juxtaposing these distinct articulations of the same narrative—one communal, one individual—I show how processes of identification may be linked to chronotopic variation depending on the scale at which they occur.
Technologies for patient-centered healthcare

Technological changes in the last fifty years have significantly impacted our daily lives. In the medical domain, new imaging methods have eliminated the need for exploratory surgery as a diagnostic tool. Technologies exist for the creation of complete electronic medical records (EMR) but full implementation has not yet been achieved. Issues still remain in the inclusion and coordination of diverse data types, standardization of formats, and combination of large quantities of diverse data to form a comprehensive medical picture of the individual patient. Advances in genetic analysis and bioinformatics show promise in the development of personal diagnosis and treatment that will become an integral part of the patient record. The Internet has made world-wide access to the medical record possible. In addition, the Internet provides the means for remote diagnostics and intervention. In this article, an intelligent agent structure is described that can be easily adapted to serve multiple needs. In the first application, the model is used to provide temporal analysis of the EMR. In the second, it is used to provide remote support for elderly patients with the goal of allowing them to live independently as long as possible. These diverse applications show the promise of technology in the delivery of patient-centered healthcare.
Genetic isolation among sympatric vegetative compatibility groups of the aflatoxin-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus.

Aspergillus flavus, a fungal pathogen of animals and both wild and economically important plants, is most recognized for producing aflatoxin, a cancer-causing secondary metabolite that contaminates food and animal feed globally. Aspergillus flavus has two self ⁄nonself recognition systems, a sexual compatibility system and a vegetative incompatibility system, and both play a role in directing gene flow in populations. Aspergillus flavus reproduces clonally in wild and agricultural settings, but whether a cryptic sexual stage exists in nature is currently unknown. We investigated the distribution of genetic variation in 243 samples collected over 4 years from three common vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) in Arizona and Texas from cotton using 24 microsatellite loci and the mating type locus (MAT) to assess population structure and potential gene flow among A. flavus VCGs in sympatric populations. All isolates within a VCG had the same mating type with OD02 having MAT1-2 and both CG136 and MR17 having MAT1-1. Our results support the hypothesis that these three A. flavus VCGs are genetically isolated. We found high levels of genetic differentiation and no evidence of gene flow between VCGs, including VCGs of opposite mating-type. Our results suggest that these VCGs diverged before domestication of agricultural hosts (>10 000 yr BP).
Reply: Radiation Exposure Should Not Limit Bone Scintigraphy with 18F-NaF

1818 Objectives To determine the correlation between the noninvasive assessment of coronary flow reserve (CFR), the amount of coronary artery calcium, and myocardial ischemia in patients (pts) with known and or suspected ischemic coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Fifty-five pts (29 male), mean age 69± 4 year old referred for chest pain and/or shortness of breath, underwent rest and hyperemia (32 dypiridamole,23 regadenoson) (13)N-ammonia non contrast-enhanced standard cardiac PET/CT. Regional and per coronary vessel MBF was assessed in absolute units with (13)N-ammonia PET/CT. Total and per coronary vessel calcium score (CAC) was assessed by Agatston score. Qualitative perfusion was defined by a 17 LV segment model using a 5 point scale (with 0 = normal and 4 = severe defect). Ischemia was defined as summed stress score (SSS) ≥ 4 plus summed differential score (SDS) ≥ 2 and scar was defined as SSS ≥ 4 and SDS ≤ 2. Stress LV EF and LV volumes were also determined. Results Thirty five pts with a SSS Conclusions This study suggests a correlation trend between the total CAC and hyperemic MBF, though, it depicts a variable relationship with the presence of myocardial ischemia. Conversely, ,as expected, hyperemic MBF is blunted in those patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and extensive CAC
Strain-engineered SiGe quantum-well nanomembranes for far-infrared intersubband device applications

SiGe/Si quantum-well nanomembranes, where stress due to lattice mismatch is relaxed via elastic strain sharing rather than defect formation, are developed and their potential for far-infrared intersubband device applications is demonstrated.
Older Adults’ Functional Performance Loss and Adaptation During Chemotherapy

The experience of functional performance change in older adults during chemotherapy was the focus for this qualitative descriptive study. The 9 female and 2 male participants (mean age 70.4, SD 6.6) described their experiences in semistructured, tape-recorded interviews. The interview transcripts were analyzed making constant comparisons as interviews progressed. Results indicated older adults experience losses related to changes in functional performance during chemotherapy and make adaptations to those losses. These findings are congruent with the literature reporting that individuals modify or replace activities using old or new coping methods. Recognizing the impact of functional performance changes may facilitate support of older adults throughout chemotherapy. There are limitations to the study, primarily related to the sample: 82% were female, all were Caucasian, 4 types of cancer were present, but 46% had breast cancer. Future studies, especially intervention studies to prevent or address functional performance loss, may be warranted.
Gut stem cells, a story of snails, flies and mice.

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) replenish and regenerate several types of cells in the gut, both during normal homeostasis and in response to various insults such as infections. Although gut structure and complexity vary across phyla, two functional categories of differentiated cell types are always present: absorptive cells and those of the secretory lineage. A series of studies in Drosophila and mouse published in The EMBO Journal, including one in this issue, identifies conserved roles for the Snail family of zinc finger transcription factors in regulating self-renewal and differentiation of ISCs (Korzelius et al, 2014; Loza-Coll et al, 2014; Horvay et al, 2015).
The GABAA Receptor α1 Subunit Pro174–Asp191 Segment Is Involved in GABA Binding and Channel Gating

Abstract The GABA-binding site undergoes structural rearrangements during the transition from agonist binding to channel opening. To define possible roles of the GABAAreceptor α1 subunit Pro174–Asp191 segment in these processes, we used the substituted cysteine accessibility method to characterize this region. Each residue was individually mutated to cysteine, expressed with wild-type β2 subunits inXenopus laevis oocytes, and examined using two-electrode voltage clamp. Most mutations did not alter GABA EC50 values. The D183C mutation produced a 7-fold reduction in GABA sensitivity. There were no significant changes in theKI values for the competitive antagonist, SR-95531. N-Biotinylaminoethyl methanethiosulfonate modified P174C-, R176C-, S177C-, V178C-, V180C-, A181C-, D183C-, R186C- and N188C-containing receptors. The pattern of accessibility suggests that this protein segment is aqueous-exposed and adopts a random coil conformation. Both GABA and SR-95531 slowed covalent modification of V178C, V180C, and D183C, indicating that these residues may line the GABA-binding site. Further, pentobarbital-induced channel activation accelerated modification of V180C and A181C and slowed the modification of R186C, suggesting that this region of the α1 subunit may act as a dynamic element during channel-gating transitions.
Surface Chemistry of Fluorine-Containing Molecules Related to CVD Process on Silicon Nitride: SiF4, XeF2, and HF

The reactivity of several fluorine-containing molecules on a polycrystalline silicon nitride (Si3N4) surface is studied under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The chemistry of fluorine on Si3N4 is of interest in understanding the high temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Si3N4, which uses SiF4 as a starting material. XeF2 is reacted with a Si3N4 surface to prepare and characterize various surface SiFx (1 ≤ x ≤ 3) species. These are identified by the chemical shift induced by the fluorine atoms in the Si (LMM) Auger peak and by changes in the TPD. Of these species, SiF2 is stable to the highest temperature. SiF2 is also formed by the reaction of SiF4 with a Si3N4. Because SiF2 is so stable, its decomposition is proposed as a rate-determining step in the CVD deposition of Si3N4 from SiF4. Gaseous HF, which is a product of the CVD process, does not dissociate on Si3N4 and is therefore unlikely to cause the etch-like marks on the Si3N4 coating that are observed under certain conditions.
Hardware Scripting in Gel

Gel is a hardware description language that enables quick scripting of high level designs and can be easily extended to new design patterns. It is expression oriented and extremely succinct. Modules are described as functions and composed through function calls. Types and bit widths are inferred automatically to guarantee correctness. Together these features reduce hardware development time, allowing complex designs to be scripted quickly. A simulator and logic analyzer are available to help in the development process. A compiler has been developed that translates Gel to Verilog, and a number of applications have been demonstrated. This paper introduces the core language, demonstrates its extensibility, and shows how design patterns can easily be created. Finally, we compare a few applications written in Gel against equivalents written in Verilog.