cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Understanding the relationship between olfactory-specific quality of life, objective olfactory loss, and patient factors in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) significantly impacts olfaction. However, the relationship between objective olfaction and patient-reported olfactory-specific quality of life (QOL) is not well understood. Furthermore, objective olfactory testing can be time consuming, so we sought to determine if patient-reported olfactory QOL can be used as screening tool for olfactory dysfunction. Methods Olfactory dysfunction was evaluated in 109 patients with CRS using the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders–Negative Statements (QOD-NS) and the Sniffin’ Sticks Test, assessing for olfactory threshold, discrimination, identification, and overall composite scores (TDI; composite score of threshold, discrimination, and identification). Regression analysis was performed to correlate olfactory metrics and patient and disease-specific factors with QOD-NS scores. Optimal QOD-NS scores to classify patients based upon objective olfactory function were established. Results Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses of QOD-NS and CRS-associated comorbidities, objective measures of disease, demographics, and CRS-specific QOL were performed. Non-white race, depression, and worse 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores correlated with worse QOD-NS scores (p < 0.005). Worse TDI scores correlated with worse QOD-NS scores, and discrimination had the strongest correlation (p < 0.001). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) QOD-NS scores for normosmia, hyposmia, and anosmia were 44 ± 7.2, 35.7 ± 12.8, and 31.6 ± 10.7, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.770 (p < 0.001), and a QOD-NS cutoff of 38.5 to have maximal Youden's index to define normal vs abnormal TDI score. Conclusion In CRS, QOD-NS correlates with non-white race, depression, SNOT-22, and TDI score, with discrimination having the strongest correlation. The QOD-NS also appears to be a feasible tool for olfaction screening.
Chronic Environmental Diseases: Burdens, Causes, and Response

Chronic diseases have been defined as diseases of long duration and slow progression, including well-known conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Environmental causes of chronic disease are increasingly implicated, as elements of the built and social environments are generally recognized, along with environmental contaminants in air, soil, and water, as important influences on chronic disease development. In this chapter, we consider the burdens, causes, and responses to major chronic environmental diseases. We begin with a review of recent epidemiological evidence for several categories of disease that place a heavy burden on the global population and are known to be influenced by environmental causes. We consider briefly the important ideas of inequality and disparity, which affect populations and diseases at a variety of spatial scales. We then turn to consider the mechanisms linking environments to chronic diseases, including exposure to contaminants, health behaviors, health care access issues, and stress. We conclude by discussing intervention and preparedness strategies that have been, or could be, employed to reduce burdens of chronic environmental diseases worldwide. Throughout the chapter, we present brief sidebars that highlight case studies or important processes complementary to the main text.
When War and Terrorism Enter the Lives of Young Children

War and terrorism enter the lives of young children all too often. Young children can be affected by direct exposure to the violence, displacement, family disruption related to deployment, economic expenditures supporting political violence, media exposure, fear and anxiety related to possible attacks, and distrust and dehumanization of “the other” related to enemy images.
Arabinogalactan-Proteins in Pollen Tube Growth

Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) were associated with reproductive tissues in the early days of their discovery (Nothnagel 1997). In particular, the stigmas and styles of flowering plants were abundant sources of AGPs, as revealed by Yariv phenylglycoside staining [(β-D-glucosyl) Yariv phenylglycoside [(β-D-G1C)3]], a red-colored reagent thought to bind AGPs (Yariv et al 1962). Several species were examined in detail using the (β-D-Glc)3 to precipitate the stigma and stylar AGPs (Clarke et al 1979, Gleeson and Clarke 1979 1980, Fincher et al 1983, Miki-Hirosige et al 1987). Only recently has DNA sequencing provided us with knowledge of the protein component of some of these large proteoglycans, and the first AGPs sequenced were from stylar transmitting tract tissues (Du et al 1994, Mau et al 1995). The carbohydrate branches of AGPs consist mainly of arabinose and galactose, and the protein core is typically rich in Hyp/Pro, Ala and Ser, but the entire molecular structure of any AGP is unknown (Nothnagel 1997). The exciting recent discovery that some plasma membrane AGPs have glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors has suggested the possibility of their involvement in signaling cascades at the cell surface (Youl et al 1998, Schultz et al 1998, Svetek et al 1999). Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to AGPs have been produced with polysaccharide epitopes of mostly unknown composition (Pennell et al 1991, Knox 1992). There is good circumstantial evidence that they bind AGPs. These studies have confirmed that AGPs are abundant in stigmas, styles, and pollen tubes of many species. The antibodies have revealed the diversity of expression patterns for AGPs in development and have ignited interest in their roles in plant biology.
Relationship between tonic and phasic craving for alcohol.

Abstract Background Multiple measures are utilized to assess alcohol craving, often interchangeably. Little is known about the relationship between tonic and phasic craving. This study fills this gap in the literature by examining the association between tonic levels of alcohol craving and phasic craving for alcohol that is provoked by alcohol administration. Methods Forty-three non-treatment seeking problem drinkers underwent an initial interview and two laboratory testing sessions, where either alcohol or a saline placebo was administered intravenously. Tonic craving was assessed via the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) at the initial interview. Phasic craving was assessed during the laboratory sessions (i.e., alcohol and saline administrations, single blinded) at baseline and at 3 subsequent breath alcohol concentrations (0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 g/dl). Results There was a main effect of PACS in predicting phasic craving across both saline and alcohol administration conditions (p 0.10), predicted phasic craving during alcohol, as compared to saline administration. Conclusion In sum, tonic craving captured by the OCDS was predictive of phasic craving during alcohol administration whereas the PACS more generally captured the increase in phasic craving. Therefore, these measures of tonic craving may function differently in capturing the experience of phasic craving. Implications for the utilization of the PACS and OCDS as well as assessments of craving in alcoholism research are discussed.
Trends in testing algorithms used to diagnose HIV infection, 2011-2015, United States and 6 dependent areas.

Abstract Background In 2014 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) issued updated laboratory testing recommendations for the diagnosis of HIV infection. Objectives To examine trends in the use of HIV diagnostic testing algorithms, and determine whether the use of different algorithms is associated with selected patient characteristics and linkage to HIV medical care. Study design Analysis of HIV infection diagnoses during 2011–2015 reported to the National HIV Surveillance System through December 2016. Algorithm classification: traditional = initial HIV antibody immunoassay followed by a Western blot or immunofluorescence antibody test; recommended = initial HIV antibody IA followed by HIV-1/2 type-differentiating antibody test; rapid = two CLIA-waived rapid tests on same date. Results During 2011–2015, the percentage of HIV diagnoses made using the traditional algorithm decreased from 84% to 16%, the percentage using the recommended algorithm increased from 0.1% to 64%, and the percentage using the rapid testing algorithm increased from 0.1% to 2%. The percentage of persons linked to care within 30 days after HIV diagnosis in 2015 was higher for diagnoses using the recommended algorithm (59%) than for diagnoses using the traditional algorithm (55%) (p Conclusions During 2011–2015, the percentage of HIV diagnoses reported using the recommended and rapid testing algorithms increased while the use of the traditional algorithm decreased. In 2015, persons with HIV diagnosed using the recommended algorithm were more promptly linked to care than those with diagnosis using the traditional algorithm.
Advanced neuroimaging in Balo's concentric sclerosis: MRI, MRS, DTI, and ASL perfusion imaging over 1 year.

Abstract Balo concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare, atypical demyelinating disease, which may rapidly progress to become severe and fatal. Advanced neuroimaging has proven helpful for early diagnosis, classification, prognostication, and monitoring of progression in multiple sclerosis, but has not been fully explored in BCS. We present the case of a 27-year-old woman with BCS in whom advanced neuroimaging was used to correlate the evolution of disease with clinical findings over the course of 1 year. Magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and arterial spin labeling cerebral perfusion were obtained at presentation (Day 0), and at Day 67 and Day 252. Imaging features include multilayered concentric ring lesion, reduced diffusion along the rim, hypoperfusion with possible mild central hyperperfusion, and MRS findings of increased choline, decreased N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and possible presence of lactate and/or lipid peak. DTI tractography and relative apparent diffusion coefficient analyses correlated with clinical symptoms and may help to determine extent of white matter tract injury and prognosis.
Effects of recruitment variability and fishing history on estimation of stock-recruitment relationships: Two case studies from U.S. West Coast fisheries

Abstract The Beverton-Holt stock-recruitment (SR) relationship has typically been reparameterized such that a single parameter, “steepness,” can be used to define recruitment compensation along a common scale. However, “steepness” is notoriously difficult to estimate in stock assessment models, particularly for the integrated analysis models used to assess groundfish stocks along the U.S. West Coast, due in part to the high levels of recruitment variability observed in the California Current Ecosystem. Additional complicating factors include the effects of exploitation history and subsequent level of contrast in stock abundance, which also influence the extent to which the SR function can be adequately estimated. We conducted a simulation study to explicitly evaluate the effects of recruitment variability on the ability to estimate the steepness parameter. We used two case study models to represent relatively short- and long-lived species of rockfish (Sebastes spp.), and for each we also evaluated effects of two fishing histories, reflecting high and moderate levels of exploitation and historical stock depletion. Not surprisingly, we found that even in data rich scenarios, using appropriately parameterized models, increasing recruitment variability alone can lead to high uncertainty in the estimation of steepness. Perhaps more importantly, with high recruitment variability steepness is frequently estimated to be near or at the upper boundary of the potential range of this value, and there is a bias towards overestimation of steepness in the face of increasing recruitment variability. This over-estimate of steepness occurred less frequently in high fishing scenario, suggesting that recruitment variability has less effects on estimation of steepness if the population has had greater contrast in relative abundance levels. The same results were found in both the relatively short and the long-lived species models. Inclusion of informative priors, either correctly or incorrectly specified, had a greater influence on estimated steepness values at higher levels of recruitment variability, further demonstrating the challenges and risks associated with the application of informative priors when recruitment variability is high.
QUASIFREE PROCESSES IN THE REACTIONS 3H + 3He, 3He + 2H and 3H + 2H

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview on the experimental data on multiparticle reactions that indicate enhancements associated with the quasi-free kinematic conditions. When all the data are analyzed using the plane wave impulse approximation (PWIA) and the momentum wave functions of the nucleon–deuteron or nucleon–dinucleon pair clusters are extracted, several conclusions can be drawn. The analysis using PWIA exhibits good consistency between the data; a pronounced peak at Q s = 0; and the ratio of various quasi-free reactions involving the same transferred particle and the same virtual decomposition vertex are equal to the ratio of corresponding free cross sections indicating that the effects of FSI are rather small. The chapter also highlights the extracted momentum wave functions. Analysis shows that the ratio of experimental and PWIA cross sections are similar, and establishes correlation with the QFR mechanism assumptions.
Fractionation and Isolation of Purified Components by Precipitation Methods

Publisher Summary This chapter presents sufficient background to the theory of separation of proteins from one another by precipitation techniques to permit valid assessment of what may be expected from a given technique. It describes the precipitation techniques. Separation of plasma constituents from one another is an exercise in understanding the unique characteristics of the constituents and of manipulating these characteristics in such a way that a particular component or group of components can be removed from its environment. Most such separations are performed for one of two purposes: (1) the desire to isolate, characterize, and understand the nature and function of the component, or (2) the desire to obtain the component for use in the laboratory or in the clinic.
Arterial thromboembolism: valvular heart disease and prosthetic heart valves.

Systemic embolism has long been recognized as a major complication of valvular heart disease, specifically mitral valve disease. In the absence of mitral valve disease or atrial fibrillation (AF), clinically detectable systemic emboli are uncommon in patients with isolated aortic valve disease (1).
Unethical Behavior’s Moderating Effect on Managerial and Organizational Outcomes: Evidence from Public Hospitals

Unethical behavior affects both managerial and organizational outcomes. The direction of these effects is less well understood: Is there unethical behavior because of poor organizational outcomes, ...
Risk analysis of probable maximum precipitation estimates

Flooding caused by extreme precipitation including probable maximum precipitation PMP causes considerable loss almost yearly in many parts of the U S such as Texas and Louisiana A common method for estimating PMP is the statistical method but it involves sample mean standard deviation and frequency factor each of which can be considered as a random variable As the uncertainty in the PMP values is due to the uncertainty in sample mean sample standard deviation and frequency factor the relative contribution of each random variable to the total uncertainty was determined The best fit probability distribution was found and the hazard rate was calculated for different probability distributions Using the best fit probability distribution design risk estimates along with probability bounds on the PMP values were determined Considering the damage in U S dollars a PMP event can cause risk analysis of extreme precipitation was done The damage due to a single PMP event of hour duration can be as high as billion in Harris County Texas
Is Jung Existential or Not? Reflections on Temporality and Everydayness:

This article contrasts Jung’s theoretical position with existential philosophy, mainly Martin Heidegger’s ideas. The intent of Heidegger’s magnum opus, Being and Time, was to discover the primal gr...
Brave New World: Nature, Culture, and the Limits of Reductionism

“It’s all physical, all right, but it isn’t all physics.” As Haack explains exactly what she means by this, she develops a new theory of human mindedness; and then argues that rejecting reductionism need not involve any kind of religious agenda.
Cost-model for Energy-oriented Production Control

Decarbonisation and the ongoing increase in renewable and unsteady power generation are leading to rising and fluctuating electricity prices. Consequently, companies can decrease energy costs by using production control to flexibly reduce energy demand during periods of high energy costs and vice versa. However, such measures influence the general production objectives and can cause follow-up costs, as for example products may not be finished on time if machines are temporarily shut down to achieve lower energy costs. This paper presents an approach for evaluating the impacts of energy-oriented actions within production control using a cost-model.
Androgens regulate follicle stage-dependent pro- and anti-apoptosis in teleost ovaries through ZIP9 activation of different G proteins

Androgens mediate a number of processes in mammalian and teleost ovaries in a follicle-stage dependent manner, including follicle growth, survival, and apoptosis. We recently reported that the membrane androgen receptor ZIP9 mediates apoptosis in Atlantic croaker granulosa/theca (G/T) cells from mature ovarian follicles, but the effects of androgens on early stage G/T cells in this model remains unknown. Here we show that testosterone mediates pro- and anti-apoptotic responses in a follicle stage-dependent manner in croaker ovarian follicle cells. Testosterone treatment decreased the incidence of apoptosis in G/T cells from early stage follicles (diameter 400 µm). Small interfering RNA targeting ZIP9, but not the nuclear androgen receptor, blocked the anti-apoptotic response, indicating ZIP9 mediates anti-apoptotic in addition to pro-apoptotic responses. Testosterone treatment of early stage G/T cells resulted in opposite signaling outcomes from those previously characterized for the ZIP9-mediated apoptotic response including decreased cAMP and intracellular free zinc levels, and downregulation of pro-apoptotic member mRNA expression. While ZIP9-mediated apoptosis involves activation of a stimulatory G protein (Gs), activators of Gs signaling antagonized the anti-apoptotic response. Proximity ligation and G protein activation assays indicated that in G/T cells from early stage follicles ZIP9 is in close proximity and activates an inhibitory G protein, while in G/T cells from late stage follicles ZIP9 is in close proximity and activates Gs. This study demonstrates that ZIP9 mediates opposite survival responses of croaker G/T cells by activating different G proteins in a follicle stage-dependent manner.Summary SentenceThe membrane androgen receptor ZIP9 mediates pro- and anti-apoptotic responses in teleost ovarian follicle cells by activating stimulatory and inhibitory G proteins, respectively, in a follicle stage-dependent manner
Directional entry and release of Zika virus from polarized epithelial cells

Both vector borne and sexual transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) involve infection of epithelial cells in the initial stages of infection. Epithelial cells are unique in their ability to form polarized monolayers and their barrier function. Cell polarity induces an asymmetry in the epithelial monolayer, which is maintained by tight junctions and specialized sorting machinery. This differential localization can have a potential impact of virus infection. Asymmetrical distribution of a viral receptor can restrict virus entry to a particular membrane while polarized sorting can lead to a directional release of virions. The present study examined the impact of cell polarity on ZIKV infection and release. A polarized Caco-2 cell model we described previously was used to assess ZIKV infection. Transepithelial resistance (TEER) was used to assess epithelial cell polarity, and virus infection was measured by immunofluorescence microscopy and qRT-PCR. Cell permeability was measured using a fluorescein leakage assay. Statistical significance was calculated using one-way ANOVA and significance was set at p < 0.05. Using the Caco-2 cell model for polarized epithelial cells, we report that Zika virus preferentially infects polarized cells from the apical route and is released vectorially through the basolateral route. Our data also indicates that release occurs without disruption of cell permeability. Our results show that ZIKV has directional infection and egress in a polarized cell system. This mechanism of directional infection may be one of the mechanisms that enables the cross the epithelial barrier effectively without a disruption in cell monolayer integrity. Elucidation of entry and release characteristics of Zika virus in polarized epithelial cells can lead to better understanding of virus dissemination in the host, and can help in developing effective therapeutic interventions.
The Role of Racial Microaggressions and Bicultural Self-Efficacy on Work Volition in Racially Diverse Adults:

We investigated the relationship between racial microaggressions and work volition in a sample of racially diverse adults (N = 171) in the United States for this online cross-sectional study. Corre...
Pervasive cis effects of variation in copy number of large tandem repeats on local epigenetics and gene expression

Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) are composed of large tandemly repeated motifs, many of which are highly polymorphic in copy number. However, due to their large size and repetitive nature, they remain poorly studied. To investigate the regulatory potential of VNTRs, we used read-depth data from Illumina whole genome sequencing to perform association analysis between copy number of ~70,000 VNTRs (motif size ≥10bp) with both gene expression (404 samples in 48 tissues) and DNA methylation (235 samples in peripheral blood), identifying thousands of VNTRs that are associated with local gene expression (eVNTRs) and DNA methylation levels (mVNTRs). Using large-scale replication analysis in an independent cohort we validated 73-80% of signals observed in the two discovery cohorts, providing robust evidence to support that these represent genuine associations. Further, conditional analysis indicated that many eVNTRs and mVNTRs act as QTLs independently of other local variation. We also observed strong enrichments of eVNTRs and mVNTRs for regulatory features such as enhancers and promoters. Using the Human Genome Diversity Panel, we defined sets of VNTRs that show highly divergent copy numbers among human populations, show that these are enriched for regulatory effects on gene expression and epigenetics, and preferentially associate with genes that have been linked with human phenotypes through GWAS. Our study provides strong evidence supporting functional variation at thousands of VNTRs, and defines candidate sets of VNTRs, copy number variation of which potentially plays a role in numerous human phenotypes.
Change in child trauma symptoms associated with caregiver support from “trauma educator”

Background: Parental understanding of child trauma is often poor, and thus parents may not recognize symptoms or may respond in ways that exacerbate symptoms. Caregiver support for families of children who have disclosed sexual abuse has been demonstrated to positively impact outcomes for children (van Toledo and Seymour, 2016). Integration of a trauma educator into the medical setting to provide immediate and ongoing support to families may positively impact caregiver identification and response to child trauma symptoms. Similar to the “diabetes educator” role, a trauma educator identifies symptomatic children through trauma symptom …
Mechanics of Solids and Materials

Mechanics of Solids and Materials intends to provide a modern and integrated treatment of the foundations of solid mechanics as applied to the mathematical description of material behavior. The 2006 book blends both innovative (large strain, strain rate, temperature, time dependent deformation and localized plastic deformation in crystalline solids, deformation of biological networks) and traditional (elastic theory of torsion, elastic beam and plate theories, contact mechanics) topics in a coherent theoretical framework. The extensive use of transform methods to generate solutions makes the book also of interest to structural, mechanical, and aerospace engineers. Plasticity theories, micromechanics, crystal plasticity, energetics of elastic systems, as well as an overall review of math and thermodynamics are also covered in the book.
Asymmetric Starting for Hypersonic Wind Tunnels

The method used to write down the preceding solution is based on the well-known analogy of one-dimensional heat flow with the flow of an electric current in a simple transmission line having only series resistance and parallel capacitance. Thus when a / ' temperature wave," propagated from the heat source, arrives at a point where the thermal properties change abruptly, part of the wave is reflected at, and part passes through the discontinuity. The respective wave strengths are determined by easily calculated reflection and transmission coefficients. The temperature at a point is then made up of all the contributions from all the possible wave paths. Due to dissipation effects, in general, the longer the path length, the smaller the contribution. For the problems where this method is particularly useful, the transient temperature for "short" times only is required and all but a few terms are negligible. This method is fully described in reference 2 for many different types of heat source and for many different boundary conditions. A simpler description of the method is also given in reference 3 for a somewhat more restricted range of boundary conditions. The solutions given by Wassermann in reference 1 lack terms of the form F(0 — 0) and are thus incomplete for 6 > 6.
Multilevel Modeling for Social and Personality Psychology

Introduction Multilevel Random Coefficient Models Basics Multilevel Random Coefficient Models Some Advanced Topics Conceptualizing the Multilevel Structure Using HLM
Decimation of encoding errors in an optimum SNS folding ADC

The symmetrical number system (SNS) can be used as an efficient preprocessing technique to reduce the number of comparators in a folding ADC. This paper examines the issue of encoding errors that result when the separate channels m/sub i/ are brought back together to derive the input analog voltage. As an example, a unipolar 7-bit SNS ADC using pairwise relatively prime (PRP) moduli m/sub 1/=4, m/sub 2/=5 and m/sub 3/=7 is evaluated numerically. Steady state transfer functions are shown which detail encoding errors that occur when the folded input samples lie at one of the code transition points. To discard the encoding errors that occur, a decimation band is constructed at each transition point. The effectiveness of the decimation band in eliminating the encoding errors is also quantified.
The Enron Board: The Perils of Groupthink

This case study of the Enron directors' role in the scandal aims to serve as a story that allows students to see how honest, smart individuals can succumb to cognitive biases prevailing in corporate cultures. More importantly, perhaps students and lawyers will use this case study as a parable to tell themselves and their clients to avoid these behavioral defects in the first place.
Transcriptome Analysis of Minimal Residual Disease in Subtypes of Pediatric B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and adolescents. Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a strong, independent prognostic factor. The objective of this study was to identify molecular signatures distinguishing patients with positive MRD from those with negative MRD in different subtypes of ALL, and to identify molecular networks and biological pathways deregulated in response to positive MRD at day 46. We compared gene expression levels between patients with positive MRD and negative MRD in each subtype to identify differentially expressed genes. Hierarchical clustering was applied to determine their functional relationships. We identified subtype-specific gene signatures distinguishing patients with positive MRD from those with negative MRD. We identified the genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, transport, and DNA repair. We also identified molecular networks and biological pathways dysregulated in response to positive MRD, including Granzyme B, B-cell receptor, and PI3K signaling pathways.
The effects of in vitro methionine oxidation on the bioactivity and structure of human keratinocyte growth factor

Publisher Summary Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. The molecule is expressed by stromal fibroblasts and is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells in a paracrine mode. E.coli -derived human KGF is biologically active and may be clinically useful. In this chapter, hydrogen peroxide oxidation has been performed on E.coli -derived human KGF at pH 5.0 to understand the structure and function of the protein. Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), peptide mapping, protein sequencing, and mass spectrometry have been used to separate and identify the different methionine oxidized KGF species. Cation exchange HPLC is utilized to remove hydrogen peroxide from the different modified forms of the protein prior to mitogenic bioassay and circular dichroism (CD) analysis. Preferential oxidation of the methionine residues to methionine sulfoxide has enabled to determine that Met 160 may play an important role in the biological function of KGF. In vitro, hydrogen peroxide oxidation of the methionine residues of KGF to their sulfoxide derivatives demonstrate that Met 28, Met 60, and Met 160 are preferentially oxidized. Met 28 and Met 60 appear to be solvent-accessible and exposed on the surface of the protein, while Met 160 appears to be partially solvent-accessible. In contrast, Met 67, Met 90, and Met 132 oxidize much slower, which suggests that they are located in a buried, less solvent accessible environment. Oxidation of these buried residues results in the generation of an extremely unstable form of KGF that readily forms aggregates.
Hypertension and Obesity after Pediatric Kidney Transplantation: Management Based on Pathophysiology: A Mini Review

Hypertension after pediatric renal transplant is a common and important risk factor for graft loss and patient survival. The mechanism of post kidney transplant hypertension is complex and multifactorial. Control of blood pressure in renal transplant patients is important but often times blood pressures remain uncontrolled. The management of hypertension and obesity in pediatric kidney transplant patients is based on the pathophysiology. Compared to the general pediatric hypertensive population, special attention needs to be focused on the additional impact of immunosuppressive medications side effects and interactions, recurrent disease, and donor and recipient comorbidities such as obesity on blood pressure control with thoughtful consideration of the risk of graft failure. In general, there is a need for prospective studies in pediatric kidney transplant patients to understand the pathophysiology of hypertension and obesity and the appropriate approach to achieve a balance between the primary need to avoid rejection and the need to lower blood pressure and prevent obesity.
A pulsed septum magnet for the APS

A pulsed septum magnet has been designed and constructed for beam injection and extraction in the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. The magnets will be similar for the Positron Accumulator Ring (PAR), the Injector Synchrotron, and the Storage Ring. The septum itself is 2 mm thick and consists of 1-mm-thick copper and S1010 steel explosion-bonded together. The PAR magnet is driven by a 1500-Hz, 12-kA half sine wave current pulse. The core is made of 0.36-mm-thick laminations of silicon steel. The nearly uniform interior field is 0.75 T and the exterior field is 0.0004 T at the undisturbed beam position and 0.0014 T at the bumped beam position. Testing of the magnet awaits the completion of the power supply. >
Polymer-Modified Concretes in Bridge Deck Overlay Systems

Premature failure of portland cement concrete bridge decks is of national concern, particularly in those areas where chloride residues accumulate in the concrete from winter deicing operations. West Virginia's research and field usage indicates that the application of a relatively thin (1 to 2-in.) overlay of portland cement concrete or mortar containing a latex modifier may result in a significant increase in the useful life of bridge decks. Eighteen structures, including both new construction and renovation of existing decks, have received the latex-modified concrete overlay. Results to date have been most encouraging.
Aerodynamic and surface resistances affecting energy transport in a sparse crop

Aerodynamic and surface properties of the soil and canopy affect energy transport within sparse crops. A study was conducted with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to evaluate the feasibility of using both surface and within-canopy resistances to describe heat and water vapor transport from a row crop at partial cover. Bowen ratio measurements of the field energy balance and stem flow measurements of transpiration were coupled with detailed radiation measurements to determine sensible and latent heat flux from the soil and canopy separately. Flux measurements were combined with point measurements of temperature and vapor density to calculate the surface and aerodynamic resistances to heat and vapor transport using a one-dimensional model. The characteristics of the soil and canopy were described with bulk parameters, and a hypothetical within-canopy airstream was employed to model transport between the surface and the within-canopy air. Micrometeorological estimates of canopy surface resistance to vapor transport were similar in magnitude and behavior to data reported for full canopies. Computed values of soil surface resistance to vapor transport increased as the soil dried, reaching a maximum value of 1578 s m−1. However, results suggest that a sophisticated soil surface model will be needed to accurately quantify a diffusive soil resistance. An alternate approach for describing soil evaporation yielded more favorable results, in which soil water potential and temperature were used to estimate the vapor concentration at the immediate soil surface, eliminating the need for a diffusive soil resistance. Within-canopy aerodynamic and surface resistances had equal influence on vapor transport from the canopy. Aerodynamic resistances to transport from the soil surface were greater than those for the canopy at low wind speeds. All aerodynamic resistances tended to decrease as wind speed increased. However, calculated within-canopy aerodynamic resistances were highly variable and could not be adequately described by average wind speed, wind direction or canopy size. This study indicates that within-canopy transport from the soil and canopy cannot be partitioned or quantified using simple gradient diffusion relationships in combination with standard meteorological data.
Distribution of anionic sites on surfaces of retinal cells: a study using cationized ferritin.

The nonspecific ligand polycationized ferritin was used to visualize the topographical distribution of anionic sites present on surfaces of embryonic neural retinal cells. Binding of the ligand to isolated plasma membranes and to surfaces of intact and dissociated retinal cells was observed to be in a hexagonal array as seen by electron microscopy. This hexagonal lattice consisted of ferritin bound equidistantly with a center-to-center spacing of 14.5 nm. Cationized ferritin also bound in lattices to surfaces of retinal cell aggregates formed in culture but appeared to be restricted to focal areas of contact between cells and not to cell type. No effect on cationized ferritin pattern and therefore on charge distribution was observed in retina treated with neuraminidase or trypsin suggesting the anionic sites were not due to sialic acid or to trypsin-sensitive residues. However, treatment of isolated membranes with EGTA randomized the distribution of bound cationized ferritin. The appearance of the lattice was independent of conditions used for incubation with cationized ferritin and for electron microscopy fixation, suggesting these ordered arrays were not artifactual. Because of its wide distribution among the various cell types present in retina, a generalized function for this differentiated membrane in cell-cell contact is suggested.
A microfabricated quantum dot-linked immuno-diagnostic assay (μQLIDA) with an electrohydrodynamic mixing element

Abstract We present a microfabricated quantum dot-linked immuno-diagnostic assay (μQLIDA) biosensor with an embedded mixing element. We adapted our previous capillary-based system into a microfabricated planar microchannel, which has been integrated with an active, electrothermal mixing component. With the active mixing element, the detection time was significantly reduced from about 3.5 h to 30 min in a case study of detecting myeloperoxidase (MPO). MPO is an inflammatory biomarker that is over-expressed in inflammatory conditions including inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disease. The μQLIDA biosensor presented here is a low-cost, rapid immunofluorescence sensor that can detect nanomolar concentrations of MPO, with a working volume of 2 μl.
Through the Glass Lightly

In about 10 years we should have three-dimensional maps of the structure of Earth’s interior, from surface to center, with a resolution of a few hundred kilometers, including anisotropy and anelasticity.
Sodium Transport and the Origin of the Membrane Potential in the Cyanobacterium Synechococcus R-2 (Anacystis Nidulans) PCC 7942

Summary Synechococcus R-2 (PCC 7942) actively extruded Na + in the light and dark, and over a very wide range of pH o (5 to 10), [Na + ] o and [K + ] o (0.1 to 300 mol m -3 ). The Na + motive force or Na + electrochemical potential (ΔμNa + i,o ) was -93 ± 3 mV in 0.1 mol m -3 Na + o , rose to a maximum of -150 ± 6mV in 50 mol m -3 Na + o then fell off to -112 ± 3 mV in 300 mol m -3 Na + o . [Na + ] i was virtually independent of pH o (5 to 10), E Na + i,o ranged from 24 ± llmV (pH o 7) to 8 ± 3mV (PH o 10). ΔμNa + i,o decreased in parallel to ΔΨ i.o in increasing [K + ] o . Under control conditions ([Na + ] o = 18mol m -3 ), [Na + ] i was 10.87 ± 0.98molm -3 , ΔμNa + i,o = -139 ± 3mV (light); [Na + ] i = 28.9 ± 2.3mol m -3 , ΔμNa + i,o = -115 ± 3mV (dark). Na + fluxes and permeabilities were much higher in the light: ϕNa + = 275 ± 38 nmol m -2 s -1 , P Na + in = 3 ± 0.4 nm s -1 (light); ϕNa + = 5.97 ± 0.60 nmol m -2 s -1 , P Na + in = 0.073 ± 0.007 nm S -1 (dark). ϕNa + in the light was insensitive to dichlorophenyldimethylurea (DCMU). Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) inhibited ϕNa + in the light by about 75% and [Na + ] i doubled to 21.2 ± 2.4 (4) molm -3 but in the dark ϕNa + increased to 16.5 ± 3.8nmolm -2 s -1 (20) and [Na + ] i increased to 136 ± 34 mol m -3 (20). ϕNa + out in the light was directly proportional to [Na + ] o . In alkaline pH o the proton motive force (pmf i,o ) was near zero but ΔμNa + i,o exceeded -1OOmV. The active extrusion of Na + could not be driven by pmf i,o . In the light, Na + was probably actively extruded by an electrogenic 3 Na + / ATP pump which in turn drives H + efflux via a H + out /2 Na + in antiport at pH o less than or equal to 9. The Na + conductance, under control conditions, was G Na + in = 2.44 (± 0.49) Sm -2 , which is comparable to the conductance of the proton circuits found in giant algal cells, but G Na + in fell off rapidly in lower [Na + ] o . Δϕ i,o is apparently generated by electrogenic pumping of Na + in the light and dark and is not a K + / Na + Goldman diffusion potential.
Physics-Based Visual Understanding

An understanding of a scene's causal physics?how scene elements interact and respond to forces?is a precondition to reasoning about how the scene came to be, how it may evolve in time, and how it will respond to manipulation. We propose a computationally inexpensive method for recovering causal structure from images, in which a scene model is built incrementally through interleaved sensing and analysis. Reasoning uses generic qualitative knowledge about rigid-body interactions, reusable between domains and similar to concepts thought to be acquired or activated during child development. Causal constraint propagation reveals anomalous degrees of freedom in the scene model; prediction yields sensory plans to resolve them. Sensing operations are highly directed and local in scope, e.g., visual routines and proprioception. Inference depth and the number of pixels “touched” are bounded by the complexity of the scene. We present algorithms and semantics that have been successfully reused in several domains of highly structured scenes; in particular we detail a vision system that reverse-engineers machines.
On the Rekeying Load in Group Key Distributions Using Cover-Free Families

Key distributions based on cover-free families have been recently proposed for secure rekeying in group communication systems after multiple simultaneous user ejections. Existing literature has not quantified how difficult this rekeying operation might be. This study provides upper bounds on the number messages necessary to rekey a key distribution based on symmetric combinatorial designs after one or two simultaneous user ejections. Connections are made to results from finite geometry to show that these bounds are tight for certain key distributions. It is shown that in general determining the minimal number of messages necessary to rekey a group communication system based on a cover-free family is NP-hard.
Carbon monoxide and propene oxidation by iron oxides for auto-emission control

Activities of iron-based materials for the simultaneous total oxidation of CO and C/sub 3/H/sub 6/ were measured under conditions that were typical of automotive operation: space velocity of 35,000 h/sup -1/; temperatures between 373 and 873 K; atmospheric pressure; feed composition of 2.5% CO, 1.7% O/sub 2/, 0.5% H/sub 2/, 0.05% C/sub 3/H/sub 6/, and, optionally, 0.004% SO/sub 2/ in He. In the absence of SO/sub 2/, activity decreased in the order Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3//Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ > Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3//TiO/sub 2/ approx. Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ >> FeSbO/sub 4/ > FePO/sub 4/ > Fe/sub 2/(MoO/sub 4/)/sub 3/. CO and C/sub 3/H/sub 6/ removal followed apparent first-order kinetics and the data showed a compensation law effect. Oxidation was inhibited when SO/sub 2/ was present; temperatures for CO conversion over Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ were raised about 160 K, while the comparable rise for C/sub 3/H/sub 6/ oxidation was about 80 K. Inhibition was less with Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ on 35 m/sup 2//g TiO/sub 2/ than with Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/ on 350 m/sup 2//g Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ or with unsupported 5 m/sup 2//g Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/. Both FeSbO/sub 4/ and FePO/sub 4/ showed good activity for the conversion of C/sub 3/H/sub 6/, butmore » not of CO, when SO/sub 2/ was absent. Material balances indicate that the partial oxidation product acrolein inhibits CO oxidation over these binary selective oxidation catalysts. Collectively, the data suggest that an inhibitor is created by oxidation of a precursor and its oxidation can be inhibited by the product of another feed component through control of the size of reactive ensembles on the catalyst surface.« less
Fracture and dislocation about the carpal lunate

A case of delayed diagnosis of dislocation of the carpal lunate is presented emphasizing the difficulty in diagnosing injuries about the carpal lunate. The types of fractures and dislocations about the carpal lunate are described, along with the clinical and radiographic findings that are helpful in making the diagnosis.
The effects of goal setting and task uncertainty on task outcomes

The setting of difficult goals has consistently been found to improve performance. However, the effect of setting specific, difficult goals on task performance may depend on the level of task uncertainty. The present study was designed to investigate the relative contribution of goal setting and task uncertainty to task outcomes. Employing a 3 × 3 design, 43 undergraduate subjects attempted to solve either certain, moderately uncertain, or uncertain tasks, after being assigned to either an easy, moderately difficult, or difficult goal. The results show that as the task uncertainty increases, performance decreased. Task interest increased with the moderately uncertain case then decreased as task uncertainty increased.
Output Voltage Pulsation as Source of Diagnostic Information About Commutator-Type DC Generators

The paper deals with operational issues related to DC generators of commutator types. Specific aspects of commutation are discussed in details as well as the effect of physical phenomena onto formation of the constant component in the pulsation waveform of the output voltage supplied by DC generators. The component of pulsation is the result of many physical phenomena and, according to knowledge sourced from the related literature, is split into several components. Each of these components is discussed in systematic way on the basis of theoretical background provided by referenced textbooks and papers and then verified by comparison against results of own research studies carried out in the ITWL laboratory. Particular attention is paid to effects associated with the commutation process, with consideration of symptoms related to failures, possibilities of their detection and prevention. Some other effects associated with variation in the nature of pulsation are discussed as well when defects such as shorts or breaks occur in the generator armature or stator. It has been demonstrated that those components of DC generators can be diagnosed by analysis of parameters in pulsation components.
Well test analysis of viscoelastic polymer solution

With the consideration that the polymer solution has the characteristics of viscosity and elasticity, the seepage flow model is established. The model is solved by the finite difference method. Then the type curves are drawn. The influences of the skin factor, the wellbore storage factor, the consistency coefficient, the power law index and the elasticity sensitivity factor of the polymer solution on the type curves are analyzed. This study shows that it is very necessary to consider the elasticity in the well test analysis of viscoelastic polymer solution.
Multivariate Simultaneous Generalized ARCH

This paper presents theoretical results in the formulation and estimation of multivariate gen- eralized ARCH models within simultaneous equations systems. A new parameterization of the multivariate ARCH process is proposed and equivalence relations are discussed for the various ARCH parameterizations. Constraints suffcient to guarantee the positive deffniteness of the con- ditional covariance matrices are developed, and necessary and suffcient conditions for covariance stationarity are presented. Identifcation and maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters in the simultaneous equations context are also covered.