cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MICE vs PPCA: Missing data imputation in healthcare

Abstract Retrospective analyses of real-world clinical data face challenges owing to the absence of some data elements. Historically, missing data was addressed by first classifying its presence into one of three categories: missing completely at random (MCAR), missing at random (MAR) and missing not at random (MNAR). Imputation techniques continue to be developed and tested to gauge their capacity to mitigate the negative impact of missing data types on analyses and their results. This study undertook a comparison of two techniques of data imputation: probabilistic principal component analysis (PPCA) and multiple imputation using chained equations (MICE). Retrospective data from 41,543 unique patients including both medical and dental variables (n = 116) were mined from the institutional research data warehouse, which captures data through an integrated medical and dental electronic health record (iEHR). A subset with complete data on all variables of interest was sampled. “Missing data” were artificially created by randomly removing data elements to create the missing data problem. Applying PPCA and MICE, the capacity of the two techniques to create an accurate imputed dataset was tested. Comparisons were drawn between imputed dataset and sampled subset, to investigate which technique more closely simulated the true data. PPCA outperformed MICE with an overall correct imputation percentage (accuracy) and root mean square error (RMSE) of approximately 65% and 0.29, respectively, compared to MICE, which yielded approximately 38% accuracy with a RMSE of 0.83. Overall, this study concluded that PPCA demonstrated higher capacity to impute MCAR data than MICE.
Accounting for the Burden and Redistribution of Health Care Costs: Who Uses Care and Who Pays for It

OBJECTIVE To measure the burden of financing health care costs and quantify redistribution among population groups. DATA SOURCES A synthetic population using data combined from multiple sources, including the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)/Health Research Educational Trust (HRET) Employer Health Benefits Survey, American Community Survey (ACS), and National Health Expenditure Accounts (NHEA). STUDY DESIGN We estimate two dollar amounts for each individual in the synthetic population: (a) payments to finance health care services, which includes all payments by a household and their employers to finance health care, including premiums, out-of-pocket payments, federal and state taxes, and other payments; and (b) the dollar value of health care services received, which equals the amount paid to providers for those services. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS We linked the nationally representative survey data using statistical matching. We allocated health care expenditures from the NHEA to individuals and households based on expenditures reported in the MEPS. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We show that higher-income households pay the most to finance health care in dollar amounts, but the burden of payments as a share of income is greater among lower-income households. CONCLUSIONS Accounting for all sources of payments provides a clear picture of the burden of financing health care costs, and how that burden is spread under our current financing system.
Survival benefit of lung transplantation compared with medical management and pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with end-stage COPD.

Background COPD patients account for a large proportion of lung transplants; lung transplantation survival benefit for COPD patients is not well established. Methods We identified 4521 COPD patients in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) dataset transplanted from May 2005 to August 2016, and 604 patients assigned to receive pulmonary rehabilitation and medical management in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT). After trimming the populations for NETT eligibility criteria and data completeness, 1337 UNOS and 596 NETT patients remained. Kaplan–Meier estimates of transplant-free survival from transplantation for UNOS, and NETT randomisation, were compared between propensity score-matched UNOS (n=401) and NETT (n=262) patients. Results In propensity-matched analyses, transplanted patients had better survival compared to medically managed patients in NETT (p=0.003). Stratifying on 6 min walk distance (6 MWD) and FEV1, UNOS patients with 6 MWD Conclusions Overall survival is better for matched lung transplant patients compared with medical management alone. Patients who derive maximum benefit are those with 6 MWD
Enzymatic Reactions inside Biological Condensates

Biological enzymes significantly speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. The complex environment within cells has long been appreciated as a major regulator of enzymatic activities. Recent advances in the rapidly evolving field of biological condensates, which are spontaneously formed by macromolecules through phase separation, suggest new possibilities for how enzymatic reactions may be modulated within cells. Here, we review the latest studies of enzymatic reactions in biological condensates focusing on basic concepts in enzymology and discussing some context-dependent roles of phase separation in regulating biochemical reactions.
Designing Value Chains of Plastic and Paper Carrier Bags for a Sustainable and Circular Economy

Progress toward a sustainable and circular economy (SCE) is crucial to mitigate the large-scale exploitation of natural resources and the pile-up of man-made materials in the environment. Carrier b...
An Agency Analysis of Firm Diversification: The Consequences of Discretionary Cash and Managerial Risk Considerations

Firm diversification is shown to be a function of excess discretionary cash flow and managerial risk considerations. We measure firm diversification using the concentric diversification index. The index is positively related to both the number of business units in the firm and the extent to which the business firm's segments differ. Consequently, the measure provides a proxy for how firm diversification decisions impact the risk of the firm, and the measure is found to be inversely related to both total risk and unsystematic risk. Consistent with the agency arguments of discretionary cash flow, we find the level of excess discretionary funds in the firm to be a significant positive determinant of the level of firm diversification. We also find support for both a wealth transfer hypothesis over low levels of managerial ownership, and a managerial risk aversion hypothesis over high levels of managerial ownership.
Energy input-output climates of the world: A preliminary attempt

A genetic climatic classification is presented which uses the fluxes of energy and moisture at the interface as its basis. Long and short wave inputs are abstracted into net radiation, whereas latent heat flux, vertical sensible heat flux and horizontal sensible heat flux (at interface level) are used as output components in this global classification. Six climatic groups and sixty-two climates result. For purposes of demonstration of the system, Budyko's model was used to derive the necessary data. It is believed, until future models generate more accurate data, that the main global features portrayed by the scheme are consistent and show reasonable trends.
The Mobile Health Revolution

Rarely does a class of technologies excite physicians, patients, financeers, gadgeteers, and policymakers alike. But mobile health — the use of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets for health or medical purposes — has captured our collective imagination. Observers predict that mobile health, also referred to as “mHealth” or “medical apps,” can save millions of lives, billions in spending, and democratize access to health care. Proponents argue that mobile health technologies will transform the ways in which we deliver, consume, measure, and pay for care; disrupting our sclerotic health care system.This Article evaluates mobile health and its many ambitions. Given the significant hype surrounding mobile health, I try to provide a relatively sober, dispassionate review of the many claims here. I begin by surveying the universe of mobile health technologies, offering a typology of products based on their functions, many of which have regulatory significance. The Article then considers the federal government’s posture towards mobile health. To date, Congress and over half a dozen federal agencies have addressed mobile health. Contrary to the prevailing wisdom, federal regulators are sympathetic, not hostile, to these technologies. However, I demonstrate how one agency, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is repeating the same mistakes that it made when it first confronted medical device software 25 years ago, relying on nonbinding guidance documents that are largely weak and unenforceable. I argue that, somewhat counter-intuitively, mobile health will only reach its immense potential if regulators like the FDA provide meaningful oversight. Otherwise, users will be flooded with mobile technologies that are ineffective, or worse, unsafe.
Metro ring node module based on polymeric planar lightwave circuits

We describe a 4-channel metro ring node module that performs add/drop, protection switching, and power equalization functionalities on a single chip. The worst-case insertion loss is 1.25 dB.
The Oxford Handbook of Eating Disorders

Despite the description of anorexia nervosa by Sir William Gull in 1874, systematic study in the field of eating disorders (EDs) did not begin in earnest until late in the following century. Since ...
Building Cultures of Peace: An Urgent Task for Counseling Professionals

The authors review articles in a 2001 special issue of Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology (A. Brenes & M. Wessells, 2001b) devoted to building cultures of peace. Counselor educators are offered suggestions on how to prepare counselors to successfully create cultures of peace in a variety of communities. Recommendations for how counselors may construct and research cultures of peace are also discussed.
Temperature superposition for fast computation of 3D temperature distributions during optimization and planning of interstitial ultrasound hyperthermia treatments

Purpose: A temperature superposition method has been developed for fast optimisation and planning of interstitial hyperthermia treatments with convectively cooled multi-transducer ultrasound applicators integrated within high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy catheters.Methods: Steady-state temperature distributions produced by individual tubular transducers capable of directional heating were pre-computed using finite element models (FEM) methods. The composite temperature distributions generated by multi-applicator implants were approximated as superposition sums of the pre-computed temperature profiles. Composite temperature distributions produced by the multi-applicator implants were also computed using accurate but computationally expensive FEM methods (considered here as the validation standard). Both methods were used for temperature calculation on a range of test implant geometries and representative patient cases (HDR implants in prostate (n = 13) and cervix (n = 2)), with optimised treatment plans c...
A Bayesian nonparametric approach to modeling battery health

The batteries of many consumer products are both a substantial portion of the product's cost and commonly a first point of failure. Accurately predicting remaining battery life can lower costs by reducing unnecessary battery replacements. Unfortunately, battery dynamics are extremely complex, and we often lack the domain knowledge required to construct a model by hand. In this work, we take a data-driven approach and aim to learn a model of battery time-to-death from training data. Using a Dirichlet process prior over mixture weights, we learn an infinite mixture model for battery health. The Bayesian aspect of our model helps to avoid over-fitting while the nonparametric nature of the model allows the data to control the size of the model, preventing under-fitting. We demonstrate our model's effectiveness by making time-to-death predictions using real data from nickel-metal hydride battery packs.
An environment for performance experiment on multiprocessors

This paper describes an interactive tool for collecting and visualizing performance statistics for programs running on an Alliant FX/8 multiprocessor. The performance “workbench” presented is based on the gprof tool, supplied as a standard component with many Unix systems. The user-friendly environment presented does most of the bookkeeping necessary to compile, execute, and analyze application programs automatically. The environment also supports a graphical interface to review experimental data. The work reported here is a part of the ongoing work on the development of the Faust programming environment at the Center for Supercomputing Research and Development at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Nonlinear equilibration of localized instabilities on a baroclinic jet

Dynamical mechanisms underlying the equilibration of absolute instability are examined in a nonlinear, quasigeostrophic, two-layer model. The key to understanding the nonlinear equilibration is in recognizing that linear absolute instabilities can be stabilized both by a reduction of the vertical shear and by enhancement of the mean barotropic velocity. In a localized domain, the equilibration process proceeds with the creation of locally convectively unstable regions downstream, which encroach onto the locally absolutely unstable region until the local instability is suppressed. That local instabilities exist only if absolutely unstable regions span a minimum size is verified by eigenvalue calculations of three-dimensional flows. Numerical examples suggest that this critical size is at least 9000 km for a wide range of parameter values chosen to investigate the midlatitude storm tracks. Fluctuations arising from local absolute instability obtain maximum amplitude in the downstream convectively unstable regions rather than in the absolutely unstable regions themselves. Together, these results suggest that if an equilibrated absolute instability were to occur in midlatitudes, a zonal band of surface easterlies exceeding 900 km would be required and the associated enhanced variances would not be found coincident with the regions of absolute instability.
2,4-dinitrophenol inhibition of P32 release from human red cells

Inkubiert man P32-vorbeladene menschliche Erythrozyten unter Zusatz von 5 × 10−4 M Dinitrophenol, so lasst sich eine Reduktion der Phosphatabgabe feststellen. Mit Erhohung des extrazellularen Orthophosphatgehalts kann diese Wirkung besser gesehen werden.
Oxidation of reduced triphosphopyridine nucleotide by pyridinium salts

Abstract Certain substituted pyridinium salts are able to support oxidation of TPNH. Ferredoxin, ferredoxin-TPN reductase, and molecular oxygen are necessary. water rather than Peroxide is formed, as shown by the stoichiometry of the reaction. During the Reaction the pyridinium salts do not undergo Spectral changes.
Sugar nucleotide transferases in Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis.

Abstract The cell wall lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of E. coli 0111 is a complex polymer which contains fatty acids, phosphorus, hexosamine, 3-deoxy-octulosonate (KDO) ( Heath and Ghalambor, 1963 ), heptose, glucose, galactose and colitose (3,6 dideoxy-L-xylohexose). A mutant of this organism, E. coli J-5 ( Heath and Elbein, 1962 ), lacks the enzyme UDP-galactose-4-epimerase. When the organism is grown in the absence of galactose, an incomplete LPS is formed which lacks galactose and colitose and contains reduced amounts of glucose and N-acetyl glucosamine. This paper presents evidence for the sequential enzymatic transfer of galactose, glucose, N-acetyl glucosamine and colitose (from their respective nucleotide derivatives) to the deficient LPS of E. coli J-5. Further, evidence is presented indicating that the transfer of KDO, from cytidine monophosphate-KDO(CMP-KDO) is catalyzed by crude extracts from either the wild-type organism or the mutant; the acceptor for this transferase is a fragment of LPS obtained by chemical degradation.
Alternative ghost structures for superstring field theory

Abstract The superfield bosonization of Martinec and Sotkov, and Takama is analyzed in terms of the representation theory of the super-reparametrization algebra. A large set of super-reparametrization invariant operators is shown to exist in the superbosonized theory. A four-parameter family of invariants is identified whose form resembles that of the BRST charge. The condition of nilpotency identifies the true BRST charge. The picture-changing operator in the new representation is also constructed.
Retrocardiac mass presenting with hematemesis

Two patients presented to the emergency room with multiple episodes of hematemesis. Chest radiographs on each patient demonstrated a retrocardiac mass. Computed tomography revealed these masses to be vascular and consistent with paraesophageal varices. Portal-systemic collaterals can be seen with various imaging modalities; in patients with portal hypertension, these varices may present as a common cause of an upper gastrointestinal bleed and hematemesis.
Content analysis of Fortune 100 company Web sites

Discusses the results of content analysis of the Web sites of Fortune 100 companies, carried out to identify the mix of promotional activities on their Web sites. Specifically, we performed a content analysis of Web sites utilizing categories representing a range of marketing communications, including: communicating product, pricing and dealer/retail location information, related and unrelated advertisements, sales promotion, direct marketing, basic company information and public relations. We also identified differences between and among industries based on standard industrial classification (SIC) codes. We found considerable variability in how members of the Fortune 100 used their Web sites. The Web sites ranged from very simple ones that focused on basic company information, such as company history, to quite complex Web sites that incorporated a mix of promotional elements, such as press releases, advertisements, games, free gifts and pricing information.
Books in Active Retirement: Selection Issues for Remote Storage

ABSTRACT The construction of a state-of-the-art remote storage facility in Denver, Colorado, provided the five participating libraries an opportunity to winnow their overcrowded shelves. The development of effective and judicious selection criteria for this process was a key consideration, as the decision to send materials off-site is not always a popular one with library users. This article describes the selection criteria formulated and applied by the University of Denver's Penrose Library. At the outset, books with imprint dates prior to 1960 that had not circulated in 20 years were prime candidates for storage. However, many other criteria had to be considered and applied in the course of the selection process.
Bacteriophage T4 head morphogenesis: host DNA enzymes affect frequency of petite forms.

Abstract Petite T4 phage particles have a shorter head than normal T4 phage and contain less DNA. They are not viable in single infections but are able to complement each other in multiply infected cells. Such particles normally make up 1 to 3% of T4 lysates. We show here that lysates of T4 grown on Escherichia coli H560 ( end-A − , pol-A − ) contain 33% of such petite particles. These particles are identical in physical and biological properties to those described previously, only their high frequency is abnormal. The frequency of petite particles in lysates grown on H560 is controlled by the presence or absence of the gene for DNA polymerase I ( pol-A1 ) and apparently also a gene for endonuclease I ( end-A ). The involvement of these host DNA enzymes with T4 head morphology and DNA content indicates that DNA is directly involved in head morphogenesis. Such an involvement is incompatible with models of T4 head morphogenesis in which dimensionally stable, preformed empty heads are precursors of filled heads. The processing or repair of DNA apparently helps decide whether the assembly of T4 head subunits produces normal or petite heads.
Aquatic toxicity of sertraline to Pimephales promelas at environmentally relevant surface water pH.

Researchers recognize that ionization state may influence the biological activity of weak acids and bases. Dissociation in aqueous solutions is controlled by the pKa of a compound and the pH of the matrix. Because many pharmaceuticals are implicitly designed as ionizable compounds, site-specific variability in pH of receiving waters may introduce uncertainty to ecological risk assessments. The present study employed 48-h and 7-d toxicity tests with Pimephales promelas exposed to the model weak base pharmaceutical sertraline over a gradient of environmentally relevant surface water pHs. The 48-h experiments were completed in triplicate, and the average lethal concentration values were 647, 205, and 72 μL sertraline at pH 6.5, 7.5, and 8.5, respectively. Survivorship, growth, and feeding rate (a nontraditional endpoint linked by other researchers to sertraline's specific mode of action) were monitored during the 7-d experiment. Adverse effects were more pronounced when individuals were exposed to sertraline at pH 8.5 compared to pH 7.5 and 6.5. The pH-dependent toxicological relationships from these studies were related to in-stream pH data for two streams in the Brazos River basin of central Texas, USA. This predictive approach was taken because of the scarcity of environmental analytical data for sertraline. The results of this study emphasized temporal variability associated with in-stream pH linked to seasonal differences within and between these spatially related systems. Relating site-specific pH variability of surface waters to ionization state may allow researchers to reduce uncertainty during ecological risk assessment of pharmaceuticals by improving estimates of biological effects associated with exposure.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 71

Abstract The 1966 version of the Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 71 has been revised on the basis of experimental results received before April 1, 1973. Experimental data, arguments for J π assignments, and detailed level schemes are presented. Problems with conflicting or apparently incorrect experiments are noted throughout the Data Sheets. Such problems, among others, occur in the 71 Ga γγ angular-correlation experiments, in the intensity normalization for the 71g Zn decay scheme, and in conflicting l -transfers for several levels reported in 70 Ge(d,p) and 72 Ge(p,d). Many reaction experiments leading to A = 71 isotopes remain to be investigated. For example, the spin of the 157-keV level in 71 Zn could be determined by 70 Zn(d,p), and the 70 Ge(a,t) and 70 Ge(d,n) reactions have not been studied. The 70 Zn( 3 He,d) reaction could be studied with the better resolution instruments now available to experimenters.
Surgical Aspects of the Patient with High-Grade Dysplasia

The incidence of esophageal cancer has increased dramatically in the Western population in the last 2 decades. In 1975, about three fourths of the esophageal neoplasms were squamous cell carcinomas and the remainder were adenocarcinomas. During the last 2 to 3 decades, this pattern has changed dramatically and the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas has declined while the incidence of adenocarcinomas has increased. The reason for this dramatic increase is not clear, but gastro esophageal reflux disease, obesity and Barrett's esophagus have been identified as risk factors. High grade dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition which can progress to invasive adenocarcinoma. In this article, we discuss the natural history of high grade dysplasia (HGD), difficulties in the diagnosis, the incidence of adenocarcinoma in resected specimens and the surgical aspects in the treatment of HGD, including minimally invasive esophagectomy.
Evaluation of Calf Starters Containing Different Amounts of Crude Protein for Growth of Holstein Calves

Holstein calves (n = 110) were used to evaluate the effect of calf starters containing 15, 16.8, 19.6, or 22.4% CP, DM basis (diets A, B, C, and D, respectively), on calf performance from d 4 to 56 of life. Preweaning daily gain tended to increase linearly as protein content of diets increased, averaging .37, .39, .38, and .44 kg/d for diets A, B, C, and D, respectively. After weaning, calves fed diet C gained the most (.86 versus .71, .75, and .79 kg/d for A, B, and D, respectively). Overall BW gains from d 4 to 56 averaged .54, .56, .62, and .61 kg/d for A, B, C, and D, respectively. Throughout the experiment, starter consumption tended to increase as CP content of diet increased. Under these conditions, maximum growth was supported by diet C (19.6% CP); no advantage was gained from higher (22.4%) protein content. Calf growth was moderate when calf starters of lower protein contents (15 or 16.8%) were fed.
Disentangling the nature of the nicotine stimulus

Learning involving interoceptive stimuli likely plays an important role in many diseases and psychopathologies. Within this area, there has been extensive research investigating the interoceptive stimulus effects of abused drugs. In this pursuit, behavioral pharmacologists have taken advantage of what is known about learning processes and adapted the techniques to investigate the behavioral and receptor mechanisms of drug stimuli. Of particular interest is the nicotine stimulus and the use of the two-lever operant drug discrimination task and the Pavlovian drug discriminated goal-tracking task. There is strong concordance between the two methods when using “standard” testing protocols that minimize learning on test days. For example, ABT-418, nornicotine, and varenicline all fully evoked nicotine-appropriate responding. Notably, research from our laboratory with the discriminated goal-tracking task has used an alternative testing protocol. This protocol assesses stimulus substitution based on how well extinction learning using a non-nicotine ligand transfers back to the nicotine stimulus. These findings challenge conclusions based on more “standard” testing procedures (e.g., ABT-418 is not nicotine-like). As a starting point, we propose Thurstone scaling as a quantitative method for more precisely comparing transfer of extinction across doses, experiments, and investigators. We close with a discussion of future research directions and potential implications of the research for understanding interoceptive stimuli.
Pseudo-4D triple resonance experiments to resolve HN overlap in the backbone assignment of unfolded proteins

The solution NMR resonance assignment of the protein backbone is most commonly carried out using triple resonance experiments that involve 15N and 1HN resonances. The assignment becomes problematic when there is resonance overlap of 15N–1HN cross peaks. For such residues, one cannot unambiguously link the “left” side of the NH root to the “right” side, and the residues associated with such overlapping HN resonances remain often unassigned. Here we present a solution to this problem: a hybrid (4d,3d) reduced-dimensionality HN(CO)CA(CON)CA sequence. In this experiment, the Ca(i) resonance is modulated with the frequency of the Ca(i−1) resonance, which helps in resolving the ambiguity involved in connecting the Ca(i) and Ca(i−1) resonances for overlapping NH roots. The experiment has limited sensitivity, and is only suited for small or unfolded proteins. In a companion experiment, (4d,3d) reduced-dimensionality HNCO(N)CA, the Ca(i) resonance is modulated with the frequency of the CO(i−1) resonance, hence resolving the ambiguity existent in pairing up the Ca(i) and CO(i−1) resonances for overlapping NH roots.
A method to study bladder urothelial cellular function in situ

Objective : The bladder urothelium is comprised of basal, intermediate, and apical urothelial cells. Ability to functionally study an individual urothelial cell while preserving its in situ location would represent an advance in bladder urothelial biology. Materials and Methods : Mice were euthanized and cardiac perfused with phosphate-buffered saline. Bladders were then excised. Urothelial sheets were dissected off the lamina propria using forceps with a microscope (5x magnification). Sheets were stained with H&E. In separate experiments, cell-attached electrophysiology was performed by placing urothelial sheets in Ringer’s bath solution, with either basal or apical surface down. Using 40x magnification, individual urothelial cells from different layers were identified. Potassium currents on these cells were measured in situ using single channel patch-clamp technique. Results : Histology revealed that urothelial sheets were free of lamina propria and smooth muscles. The proportion of apical cells, compared to proportion of intermediate and basal cells, with measureable potassium currents was considerably higher in apical cells (69% of apical versus 16% of intermediate and 18% of basal cells). Of the active patches detected in apical cells, 100% of these patches showed a 43 pS current conductance. For intermediate and basal cells, 75-83% demonstrated a 43 pS current and 17-25% demonstrated a 22 pS current. Single cells, from all 3 layers, could also be individually microdissected completely off the urothelium. Conclusions : A novel approach was developed in which individual urothelial cells within the multi-layered urothelium were identified and functionally studied in situ . Electrophysiologic characterization revealed different phenotype between the cells from different layers. Single cells from an identified layer can be harvested off the urothelium allowing for other studies. This technique allows investigators to study various cellular functions while preserving cellular location within the urothelium.
Goals of Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis B: HBeAg Seroconversion, HBsAg Seroconversion, Histologic Improvement, and Possible Impact on Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A major goal of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to achieve durable suppression of viral replication. By maintaining undetectable serum HBV DNA levels, one hopes to improve the clinical outcome of these CHB patients. Recent studies have demonstrated that prolonged viral suppression using first-line antiviral medications such as entecavir or tenofovir is associated with a significant reduction in necroinflammation, fibrosis, and even reversal of cirrhosis. Thus, durable suppression of viral replication might decrease the rates of developing cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and most importantly, the mortality from complications associated with HBV-related liver diseases. The first-line medications, entecavir, tenofovir and pegylated interferon α-2a, may help to achieve such outcome with potency and lack or minimal chance of developing antiviral resistance to them. Achieving HBeAg loss and seroconversion in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB is another major goal of antiviral therapy. However, the possibility of HBsAg loss and seroconversion albeit uncommon, represents the holy grail of successful HBV treatment and remains the best predictor of durable viral suppression in patients with CHB.
Superallowed nuclear β decay: symmetry breaking, CVC and CKM unitarity

Abstract Currently, the most restrictive test of the unitarity of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix is anchored by nuclear beta decay. Precise measurements of the ft -values for superallowed beta transitions between analog 0 + states are used to determine G V , the vector coupling constant; this, in turn, yields V u d , the up-down element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM) matrix. When the value for V u d obtained from the latest survey of world data is combined with V u s and V u b , the other top-row elements, it leads to the most demanding test available of the unitarity of that matrix. Important ingredients required in the extraction of V u d from experiment are calculated radiative corrections as well as corrections to account for the isospin symmetry breaking that occurs between the analog parent and daughter states of each superallowed transition. The latter are well supported by comparison with experiment. The current value for the unitarity sum is 0.99995(61), a result that is in remarkable agreement with Standard Model expectations.
Using Ion Exchange Chromatography To Separate and Quantify Complex Ions

Ion exchange chromatography is an important technique in the separation of charged species, particularly in biological, inorganic, and environmental samples. In this experiment, students are supplied with a mixture of two substitution-inert complex ions. They separate the complexes by ion exchange chromatography using a “flash” technique. After taking a visible spectrum of the eluted complexes, the unknowns are identified by comparison with a table of supplied λmax values and quantified using Beer’s law. This experiment can be completed in under 4 h and is suitable for introductory and intermediate chemistry students.
The status of our knowledge of sulfate association in sea water

Abstract The status of our knowledge of sulfate ion association in sea water is examined and it is shown that reliable data are available at 2°C and at 25°C for the formation of NaSO 4 − , MgSO 4 0 and CaSO 4 0 . The formation of NaSO 4 − at 1,000 atmospheres is well characterized but the formation of MgSO 4 0 and CaSO 4 0 at high pressures is poorly known.
Technology adoption on small farms

Abstract The study investigates the interrelationships among technological practices adopted by maize-growing farmers in Swaziland. Seven practices considered in the study were per hectare application of high-yielding variety seed, basal and topdress fertilizer, insecticides, tractor plowing, plant populations, and average planting date. Factor analysis was used to examine the interrelationships among these practices. The results show that three distinct technological packages summarize the above practices. Technology adoption requires simultaneous decisions by farmers regarding the use of practices within a package. The three packages are, however, independent of one another. The study implies that understanding interrelationships among practices is important for successful technology planning in developing countries.
Recent Clinical Studies of the Effects of Lipid-Modifying Therapies

Results from multiple clinical trials, primarily with the class of lipid-lowering agents known as statins, have shown that reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with reduced risk of coronary artery disease. Although LDL cholesterol is the primary target of cholesterol management strategies, increasing attention has focused on the role of inflammation, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We review major trials with lipid-modifying therapies published since the 2004 update of the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines. A pivotal trial was the Justification for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER), which demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in healthy individuals without elevated LDL cholesterol but with high levels of the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Additional trials demonstrated the efficacy of intensive statin therapy in secondary prevention, whereas other agents, including fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, ezetimibe, and experimental cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors, have been evaluated for their ability to reduce residual cardiovascular risk.
Silicon bipolar transistor: a viable candidate for high speed applications at liquid nitrogen temperature

Abstract Despite its inherent speed advantage over CMOS technologies under loaded conditions, the silicon bipolar transistor historically has been dismissed as a viable candidate for digital applications in the 77 K environment. The principal reason for this is the well documented degradation in the device current gain at low temperatures. It is demonstrated in this paper that this conclusion is no longer valid with respect to state-of-the-art devices. The transistors used in this investigation have sufficient current gain at 77 K for most digital applications without intentional profile modification. Emitter coupled logic (ECL) circuits switch at
Establishment of a Wave Energy and Technology Lab to Promote the Experimental Study of Ocean and Wave Energy

ABSTRACT A wave generation system was built and equipped in the wave energy and technology lab at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette). The system can generate dynamic waves to simulate the ocean conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. This paper explains the design, construction, and validation of such system. With the installation of the designed wave generation system, the ocean and wave model produced in the Gulf of Mexico can be reproduced and simulated in the lab, which allows us to explore the ocean and wave energy in that gulf through experimental and computational approaches. A workshop of wave energy technology was organized in the lab to reach a broad audience and look for potential partnerships with industry and research community. dominates. Agamloh et al. [6] designed and tested a new rotary INTRODUCTION As stated by previous investigators, Gulf of Mexico provides a vast source of wave energy resources [1, 2], and the wave energy has led to promising technologies and commercial deployment [3]. In order to better understand the wave motion in the Gulf of Mexico and further exploit the ocean and wave energy in that gulf, a wave energy and technology lab was established at the UL Lafayette. In that lab, technologies and prototypes will be developed and tested which can efficiently convert the wave energy to the electric energy, which is highly desired by local industry and residents. Therefore, it is critical that the lab must have some equipment that can generate different types of dynamic waves which are similar to those produced in the gulf. This paper demonstrates the design, construction, and validation of a wave generation system that can fulfill this task. Before designing such system, a profound literature review was performed on the previously developed wave energy lab systems and technologies to form a substantial background for our work. Henderson [4] developed a hydraulic power take-off system for the Pelamis wave energy converter, which maximized power capture across a range of sea-states and also improved survivability. The system was tested through simulation and laboratory tests at 1/7
The Mobility of Positive Ions in Flames

Mobility of positive ions of K, Rb and Cs in the Bunsen flame.---The mobility was calculated from measured values of the current density, cathode drop of potential, and the thickness of the layer at the cathode in which the potential varies rapidly. The excess of ionization over recombination in the layer was assumed to be proportional to ${(1\ensuremath{-}\frac{x}{{x}_{1}})}^{m}$, where $x$ is the distance from the cathode, ${x}_{1}$ the thickness of the layer at the cathode, and $m$ is a constant. J. J. Thomson supposed that $m=0$, and P. E. Boucher took $m=1$. The value calculated for the mobility depends on the value assumed for $m$. The results give, with $m=2$, a value of 1.8; with $m=3$, a value of 1.07 cm/sec. per volt/cm for the mobility. It is found that the mobility is the same for salts of Rb, Cs, and K, and that it does not depend on the concentration of the salt. A small increase of mobility with electric intensity is indicated by the results.
CHOLESTEROL REQUIREMENT OF PRIMARY DIPLOID HUMAN FIBROBLASTS

Primary cultures of fibroblast-like cells were obtained from skin and articular cartilage of human donors in the age bracket of 1 to 15 years. For growth these cultures required 1 mg/liter of cholesterol added to Medium A2 plus acetyl choline, Na pyruvate, and D-galactosamine HCl (APG) containing 10% lipoprotein-free human serum. Established cell lines did not require cholesterol for growth. Eagle's medium could be used in place of Medium A2 plus APG with the same results. Desmosterol could replace cholesterol but lansterol or 7 dehydrocholesterol could not. Other cholesterol precursors were tested and found to be inactive. With the proviso that cholesterol precursors entered the cell and had to be converted to cholesterol to function, it was concluded that the particular primaries studied lacked a functional enzyme system to reduce the double bond at carbon 7.
Ion Soft Landing Using a Rectilinear Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer

A new ion soft landing instrument has been built for the controlled deposition of mass selected polyatomic ions. The instrument has been operated with an electrospray ionization source; its major components are an electrodynamic ion funnel to reduce ion loss, a 90-degree bent square quadrupole that prevents deposition of fast neutral molecules onto the landing surface, and a novel rectilinear ion trap (RIT) mass analyzer. The ion trap is elongated (inner dimensions: 8 mm × 10 mm × 10 cm). Three methods of mass analysis have been implemented. (i) A conventional mass-selective instability scan with radial resonance ejection can provide a complete mass spectrum. (ii) The RIT can also be operated as a continuous rf/dc mass filter for isolation and subsequent soft landing of ions of the desired m/z value. (iii) The 90-degree bent square quadrupole can also be used as a continuous rf/dc mass filter. The mass resolution (50% definition) of the RIT in the trapping mode (radial ion ejection) is ∼550. Ions from var...
Propagation of vector vortex beams through a turbulent atmosphere

We numerically study the propagation properties of vector vortex beams through a turbulent atmosphere. The irradiance pattern, degree of polarization, and scintillation index of radially polarized beam are computed for different propagation distances in an atmosphere with weak and strong turbulences. Corresponding properties of a fundamental Gaussian beam and a scalar vortex beam with topological charge of + 1 propagating through the same atmospheric turbulence conditions are calculated for comparison. With the same initial intensity profile, the vector vortex beam shows substantially lower scintillation than the scalar vortex. The existence of the vectorial vortex can be identified with longer propagation distance than the scalar vortex even with vanishing characteristic vortex structure in the irradiance images. This indicates the potential advantages of using a vector vortex beam to mitigate atmospheric effects and enable a more robust free space communication channel with longer link distance.
A system reliability and maintainability simulation exercise

Abstract This paper describes a Simulation Exercise that can be used for training purposes. Its primary focus is on the impact that Reliability and Maintainability have upon Life Cycle Costs but it also illustrates their affects upon schedule and performance. All the pertinent trade-offs are considered.
Global trade network affects availability of food

Because the Earth's population is slated to hit 9 billion in the next century, food scarcity has become an increasingly important topic of study. Food availability is widely examined, but D'Odorico et al. point out that reliance on trade to distribute food has not been sufficiently quantified.
Computer Simulation of an Ion Beam Antenna

The feasibility of using a modulated beam of ions as an antenna in the magnetosphere is discussed briefly. A computer simulation of an ion beam in a plasma is presented in which the motion of the ions is prescribed while the electrons in the surrounding plasma are represented by concentric charged shells, each of which moves in the self-consistent field set up by the beam and the other shells. By following the motion of the shells on a computer, an attempt is made to estimate the sheath current that is induced in the plasma by the beam.
In Search of the Impact of Staff Mix on Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs

Although the Older Americans Act requires all states to implement long-term care ombudsman programs, states vary in the utilization of paid staff and volunteers in program implementation. Aggregate data from multiple secondary sources are analyzed in this article to provide an overall picture of the relationship between staff mix (percentage of staff who are volunteers) and the handling of complaints in both nursing and board-and-care homes throughout the country. Although the validity of the data is dubious, staff mix is positively correlated with the volume of complaints reported by ombudsmen and negatively correlated (but not significantly) with complaint resolution. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed.
A chimeric mouse histone H4 gene containing either an intron or poly(A) addition signal behaves like a basal histone

We have modified the basic structure of the mouse H4 histone gene by introducing, in one case, the IVS-II of the human beta globin gene in the middle of the H4 coding region and, in the second case, the poly(A) addition signal from either the chicken vimentin gene or the alpha globin gene, displacing the hairpin loop structure in the 3' direction. Constructs were placed into the vector, PSV2gpt, and stably transformed into L cells. Pools of 100-500 independent transformants were analyzed for H4 expression. Even though the intron is processed correctly, the growth regulated expression of the modified gene is lost and the gene is now expressed at a constant basal level. Furthermore, unprocessed transcripts accumulate in the nucleus of Go cells when compared to exponentially growing cultures. Polyadenylated H4 RNA is correctly processed but expressed at reduced levels (30 fold) in a constitutive manner, independent of the growth state of the cell. The altered expression of these chimeric H4 genes compared to the endogenous copy or the transfected wild type gene suggests a structural model to explain the cell cycle independent expression of the basal histones.
FcϵRI and the T cell receptor for antigen activate similar signalling pathways in T cell-RBL cell hybrids

Abstract In order to investigate the functional similarities of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcϵRI) and the T cell receptor for antigen, we have developed a high efficiency polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion method to make somatic hybrids between cells from a mast cell line (RBL-2H3) and cells from T lymphoma cell lines (Jurkat and HPB-ALL). Using flow cytometry to select for the heterologously fused cells, we demonstrated that aggregation of the T cell receptor results in the efficient secretion of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine from RBL cell-derived granules. In addition, both receptors mediate Ca2+ mobilization in the hybrid cells that is insensitive to inhibition by the protein kinase C activator phorbol-12-myristoyl-13-acetate (PMA). In contrast, Ca2+ mobilization caused by aggregation of FcϵRI in the parent RBL cells is completely inhibited by PMA. The results indicate that these two different receptors for foreign antigen can substitute for each other to trigger responses in the hybrid cells that are unique to each cell type. The methodology employed has general utility for studying signal transduction mediated by mammalian cell surface receptors.