cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrostatic characterization of oxygen sites in minerals

The electrostatic potentials of approximately 500 anion sites in 165 rock-forming mineral end-members have been computed and presented along with coordination numbers, coordinating cations, and mean cation-anion distances. The electrostatic potentials computed for the individual oxygen sites range from a low of 19.56 v for the O2 site of (β-Mg2SiO4 (wadsleyite) to a high of 36.4 v for soda niter, with an unweighted average of 28.58 v and standard deviation of 2.51 v. The site potentials tend to vary inversely with coordination number, so that in the silicates the bridging oxygen sites have the highest potentials, oxygens bonded to one Si have lower potentials, and oxygens not bonded to silicon have the lowest. The site potentials of hydroxyl oxygens (with well-determined H-positions) average 28.3 v with a standard deviation of 2.0 v. The potentials of fluorine sites and hydroxyl sites modeled without the H, as a single charge of −1, range from 10.3 v to 16.8 v, with an average value of 10.87 and a standard deviation of 1.85 v. The electrostatic site potentials may thus be used along with coordinating cation types to identify possible sites for hydroxyl substitution in minerals. The average oxygen site potentials for various minerals weighted on the number of sites per unit cell range from a low of 20.9 v for lime (CaO) to a high of 36.4 v for soda niter and are strongly correlated with observed oxygen isotope fractionation trends in minerals. This correlation is best for minerals containing light cations (Z < 20), so that minerals with larger oxygen site potentials tend to concentrate the heavier oxygen isotope. This correlation is sufficiently good to permit qualitative estimation of oxygen isotope fractionation factors of minerals such as high-pressure silicates that have not been measured experimentally. With further work on experimental measurement of oxygen isotope fractionation between mineral pairs, quantitative prediction of isotope fractionation factors may become possible based on electrostatic site potentials of anion sites.
Understanding Dermatan Sulfate-Heparin Cofactor II Interaction through Virtual Library Screening.

Dermatan sulfate, an important member of the glycosaminoglycan family, interacts with heparin cofactor II, a member of the serpin family of proteins, to modulate antithrombotic response. Yet, the nature of this interaction remains poorly understood at a molecular level. We report the genetic algorithm-based combinatorial virtual library screening study of a natural, high-affinity dermatan sulfate hexasaccharide with heparin cofactor II. Of the 192 topologies possible for the hexasaccharide, only 16 satisfied the “high-specificity” criteria used in computational study. Of these, 13 topologies were predicted to bind in the heparin-binding site of heparin cofactor II at a ∼60° angle to helix D, a novel binding mode. This new binding geometry satisfies all known solution and mutagenesis data and supports thrombin ternary complexation through a template mechanism. The study is expected to facilitate the design of allosteric agonists of heparin cofactor II as antithrombotic agents.
ISOLATION OF A STEROID-LIKE SUBSTANCE FROM URINE AND CITROUS FRUITS

The isolation and the partial chemical and physicochemical characterization of a chloroform-soluble substance obtained from human urine and citrous fruit juices are presented. The urinary compound,...
A physical map of the left arm of the lambda chromosome.

Abstract The left arm of the bacteriophage lambda chromosome, containing structural genes for the phage head and tail, has been physically mapped with the use of λ dg phages which contain large bacterial substitutions in the left arm. Heteroduplex DNA molecules containing one λ dg strand and one λ ++ strand were constructed and examined in the electron microscope to obtain accurate determinations of the physical position of the substitution endpoint in the λ dg strains used. A comparison of the physical and genetic maps of the left arm indicates that there is a uniform probability of recombination per unit distance throughout this region of the lambda genome.
Liquid crystalline ionomers. II. Main chain liquid crystalline polymers with terminal sulfonate groups

Liquid crystalline ionomers containing sulfonate groups on the terminal unit of the chain were synthesized by an interfacial condensation reaction of 4,4′-dihydroxy-α,α′-dimethyl benzalazine, the monofunctional dye fast yellow (FY), and a 50/50 mixture of sebacoyl and dodecanedioyl dichlorides. The weight-average molecular weights were estimated from inherent viscosity measurements to be between 6000–11,000 and the sodium sulfonate concentrations ranged from 0–18.4 meq/100 g polymer. Elemental analyses, however, indicated much higher molecular weights, which suggested that there was a distribution of chains with one, two, or no FY endgroups. The polymers were semicrystalline and melted at ca. 140°C to form nematic mesophases that were stable over a temperature range of ca. 80°C. They were thermally stable to about 350°C. The ionomeric nature of the polymers was confirmed by the presence of intermolecular associations in nonpolar solvents, as demonstrated by dilute solution viscosity measurements.
Biomechanical analysis of femoral tunnel pull-out angles for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bioabsorbable and metal interference screws.

BackgroundFixation strength of metal and bioabsorbable interference screws has not been evaluated while varying the anterior cruciate ligament graft tension angle.HypothesisThere is no difference in fixation strength between 2 types of interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament graft fixation while the graft tension angle is varied relative to the femoral tunnel.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsForty-eight anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed using immature porcine femurs stripped of soft tissue and doubled-over porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendon grafts. Specimens were randomized to bioabsorbable or titanium interference screw fixation. Specimens were randomized to one of three pull angles (0°, 30°, 60°) representing loading at different knee flexion angles (n = 8/group). Reconstructed ligaments were tensioned to 10 N followed by 200 loading cycles between 10 and 150 N and a final failure test. Construct elongation (mm) at 100 and 200 cycles and failure lo...
Jointly Optimal Deterministic Inventory and Replacement Policies

A deterministic, continuous time, nonstationary inventory and replacement system model is formulated to find the number of orders, the order quantities, the times at which orders should be placed, and the replacement intervals which minimize the cost of operating, maintaining, and replacing a piece of equipment over a finite time horizon. Conditions are given for when the optimal policy is to buy equipments only when the last inventoried item is ready for replacement. A dynamic programming algorithm is presented for solving this problem. The structure of optimal policies is examined for the stationary case. Finally a computational procedure is given for solving the stationary, infinite horizon case.
Thermodynamic reassessment of U-Gd-O system

Abstract The CALPHAD approach is used to describe the thermodynamic properties and phase relations in the U−Gd−O system. A compound energy formalism (CEF) model is developed for the U1−yGdyO2 ± x phase that includes the introduction of a U6+ cation to better reproduce the phase equilibria. The lattice stability for a fictive gadolinium oxide fluorite structure compound is calculated from density functional theory (DFT) for use in the model for U1−yGdyO2 ± x. A Gibbs function is proposed for the stoichiometric UGd6O12 compound and the partially ionic liquid sublattice model is used to represent the liquid phase. Reported experimental thermodynamic and phase equilibria data were then used in optimizations to develop representations of the phases in the system. These will be able to be extended to include other actinide and fission products to develop multi-component models within the CALPHAD framework. The models developed in this assessment well reproduce the reported phase relations for the U−Gd−O system. The computed oxygen potentials from the CEF for U1−yGdyO2 ± x are in good agreement with experimentally determined values.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphisms in an Italian cohort of patients with Kawasaki disease

Results The average age at disease onset was 29 months (range, 3– 135 months). There were 43 females (33.3%) and 26 (20.2%) males. Eight children (12%) were non-responders to the first IVIG infusion. Nine children (13%) had coronary alterations (ectasia or aneurysms). Statistical analysis for MIF genotyping did not show significant differences between patients and controls, both for allelic and genotypic frequencies. However KD patients carrying a MIF -173*C allele developed CAA more frequently than those without these alleles (7/9 77.8% vs 16/44 26.7%, p < 0.005) and the MIF -173*CC homozygosis resulted more frequent in children with CAA than those without (2/9 CC 22.2% vs 2/60 CC: 3.3%, p < 0.004). Moreover, non-responders to a single IVIG infusion carried the MIF 173*C allele more frequently than responders (6/8 = 75% vs 17/61 = 28%, p < 0.014).
Visualizing the performance of classification algorithms with additional re-annotated data

The performance of machine learning (ML) classification algorithms in an open-ended problem with manual labels is difficult to assess, because errors can exist both in the classification and the data. This paper introduces a new visualization, confusion diamond, that exposes both kinds of errors in the context of analyzing affect in chat logs of scientists studying supernovae. I present key design elements of this visualization, relevant usage scenarios, and findings from semi-structured interviews with other members of the research team.
Relation of chick kidney arginase to growth rate and dietary arginine.

SummaryChicks reared to 4 weeks of age on a purified diet supplemented with a sub-optimal level of arginine showed a highly variable growth rate within the group which was inversely correlated with the concentration of arginase in their kidneys. Supplementation of this diet, as well as a practical type diet, with excess arginine caused a highly significant elevation of kidney arginase levels. This induction of kidney arginase activity was apparently specific inasmuch as glycine supplementation was without effect.The authors gratefully acknowledge gifts of vitamins from Merck and Co., Rahway, N. J. and Hoff-mann-LaRoche, Nutley, N. J. General Mills, Minneapolis, Minn, generously supplied arginine hydro-chloride.
Interactions in Generalized Linear Models: Theoretical Issues and an Application to Personal Vote-Earning Attributes

There is some confusion in political science, and the social sciences in general, about the meaning and interpretation of interaction effects in models with non-interval, non-normal outcome variables. Often these terms are casually thrown into a model specification without observing that their presence fundamentally changes the interpretation of the resulting coefficients. This article explains the conditional nature of reported coefficients in models with interactions, defining the necessarily different interpretation required by generalized linear models. Methodological issues are illustrated with an application to voter information structured by electoral systems and resulting legislative behavior and democratic representation in comparative politics.
Identification and characterization of R- ras3 : a novel member of the RAS gene family with a non-ubiquitous pattern of tissue distribution

Members of the Ras subfamily of GTP-binding proteins, including Ras (H-, K-, and N-), TC21, and R-ras have been shown to display transforming activity, and activating lesions have been detected in human tumors. We have identified an additional member of the Ras gene family which shows significant sequence similarity to the human TC21 gene. This novel human ras-related gene, R-ras3, encodes for a protein of 209 amino acids, and shows approximately 60-75% sequence identity in the N-terminal catalytic domain with members of the Ras subfamily of GTP-binding proteins. An activating mutation corresponding to the leucine 61 oncogenic lesion of the ras oncogenes when introduced into R-ras3, activates its transforming potential. R-ras3 weakly stimulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, but this effect is greatly potentiated by the co-expression of c-raf-1. By the yeast two-hybrid system, R-ras3 interacts only weakly with known Ras effectors, such as Raf and RalGDS, but not with RglII. In addition, R-ras3 displays modest stimulatory effects on trans-activation from different nuclear response elements which bind transcription factors, such as SRF, ETS/TCF, Jun/Fos, and NF-kappaB/Rel. Interestingly, Northern blot analysis of total RNA isolated from various tissues revealed that the 3.8 kilobasepair (kb) transcript of R-ras3 is highly restricted to the brain and heart. The close evolutionary conservation between R-ras3 and Ras family members, in contrast to the significant differences in its biological activities and the pattern of tissue expression, raise the possibility that R-ras3 may control novel cellular functions previously not described for other GTP-binding proteins.
Causal Discovery for Climate Research Using Graphical Models

Causal discovery seeks to recover cause‐effect relationships from statistical data using graphical models. One goal of this paper is to provide an accessible introduction to causal discovery methods for climate scientists, with a focus on constraint-based structure learning. Second, in a detailed case study constraintbased structure learning is applied to derive hypotheses of causal relationships between four prominent modes of atmospheric low-frequency variability in boreal winter including the Western Pacific Oscillation (WPO), Eastern Pacific Oscillation (EPO), Pacific‐North America (PNA) pattern, and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The results are shown in the form of static and temporal independence graphs also known as Bayesian Networks. It is found that WPO and EPO are nearly indistinguishable from the cause‐ effect perspective as strong simultaneous coupling is identified between the two. In addition, changes in the state of EPO (NAO) may cause changes in the state of NAO (PNA) approximately 18 (3‐6) days later. These results are not only consistent with previous findings on dynamical processes connecting different low-frequency modes (e.g., interaction between synoptic and low-frequency eddies) but also provide the basis for formulating new hypotheses regarding the time scale and temporal sequencing of dynamical processes responsible for these connections. Last, the authors propose to use structure learning for climate networks, which are currently based primarily on correlation analysis. While correlation-based climate networks focus on similarity between nodes, independence graphs would provide an alternative viewpoint by focusing on information flow in the network.
A hybrid evolutionary algorithm for the symbolic modeling of multiple-time-scale dynamical systems

Natural and artificial dynamical systems in the real world often have dynamics at multiple time scales. Such dynamics can contribute substantially to the complexity of a dynamical system and increase the difficulty with which it can be analyzed. Although evolutionary algorithms have been proposed that are amenable to the automated modeling of dynamical systems, none have explicitly taken into account multiple time scales or leveraged the information about these dynamics that is inherent in experimental observations. We propose a hybrid approach to the design of models for multiple-time-scale dynamical systems that combines an evolutionary algorithm with other metaheuristics and conventional nonlinear regression. With only minimal human-supplied domain knowledge, the algorithm automates the process of analyzing raw experimental observations and creating an interpretable symbolic model of the system under study. We describe the algorithm in detail and demonstrate its applicability to a variety of both physical and simulated systems. In addition, we study the performance and scalability of the algorithm under different types of dynamics, varying levels of experimental noise, and other factors relevant to the practical application of the algorithm.
Structure of 141Pr

Abstract The structure of 141Pr as revealed by recent experiments is compared to the predictions of a shell model calculation for this nucleus.
Polarized Raman spectroscopy of bone tissue: watch the scattering

Polarized Raman spectroscopy is widely used in the study of molecular composition and orientation in synthetic and natural polymer systems. Here, we describe the use of Raman spectroscopy to extract quantitative orientation information from bone tissue. Bone tissue poses special challenges to the use of polarized Raman spectroscopy for measurement of orientation distribution functions because the tissue is turbid and birefringent. Multiple scattering in turbid media depolarizes light and is potentially a source of error. Using a Raman microprobe, we show that repeating the measurements with a series of objectives of differing numerical apertures can be used to assess the contributions of sample turbidity and depth of field to the calculated orientation distribution functions. With this test, an optic can be chosen to minimize the systematic errors introduced by multiple scattering events. With adequate knowledge of the optical properties of these bone tissues, we can determine if elastic light scattering affects the polarized Raman measurements.
Use of human cumulus granulosa cells for in vitro screening of reproductive toxicants

Abstract We investigated the possibility that human granulosa cells from the cumulus mass obtained during human in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) might be useful for screening of potential reproductive toxicants in vitro. The cumulus granulosa cells detached from the zona pellucida after fertilization were allowed to spontaneously adhere to the incubation dish following transfer (removal) of the embryo. These cumulus cells survived in culture for at least four additional days, appeared on simple inspection to be morphologically normal luteinized granulosa cells, and produced large amounts of progesterone (P) over the culture interval. Production gradually declined during culture in the absence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); however, inclusion of hCG (100 ng/mL) in the medium maintained P production at control (day 1) levels. Introduction of estrogenic agents previously shown to suppress P production in porcine or human culture systems using mural granulosa cells showed comparable effects in this human cumulus cell system. 17s-estradiol (10−5 M), clomiphene citrate (10−5 M), and o,p-DDT (10−5) significantly inhibited hCG-supported P production by human cumulus cells in vitro. This system has the advantages that (1) human cumulus granulosa cells are readily available from IVF/ET programs, (2) the techniques for maintaining the cells in culture are extremely simple, (3) a marker of highly differentiated granulosa cell function (P production) can be reliably measured, and (4) the cells respond predictably like other comparable granulosa cell systems. We conclude that human cumulus cells are a readily available and useful resource for in vitro screening of potential female reproductive toxicants.
Semi-recumbent position and body mass percentiles: effects on intra-abdominal pressure measurements in critically ill children

Purpose Patient position and body mass index (BMI) affect intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measured by the intra-vesical method in adults. We sought to determine effects of patient position and BMI on IAP in children because accurate measurement and interpretation of IAP are important for patient management.
Injury-Specific Cytotoxic Response of Tumor Cells and Endothelial Cells

Summary Cytotoxicity indicated by increased release of prelabeled 51chromium (51Cr) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was studied in human prostate cancer and melanoma cells in cell culture following irradiation or exposure to several injurious substances. These changes were compared to those observed in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) subjected to identical treatments. Further, the effect of irradiation on plasminogen activator (PA) secretion from prostate cancer cells, and the effect of glycine on radiation-induced cytotoxicity in BAEC were also investigated. Radiation, lipopolysaccharide and xanthine/xanthine oxidase stimulated no release of 51Cr or LDH from tumor cells, while these treatments induced a doseand time-related loss of those cytotoxic indicators from BAEC. Protease, elastase and Triton X-100 incited loss of 51Cr and LDH from all three cell types. Radiation, lipopolysaccharide and xanthine/xanthine oxidase have been shown to cause cell injury via a common pathogenic pathway of oxidant generation. Tumor cells appear quite resistant to oxidant stress. Cell damage precipitated by protease, elastase and Triton probably involves hydrolysis of proteins and phospholipids in the cell membrane, leading to an increased leakage of intracellular proteins such as LDH and those bound with 51Cr. Radiation caused a dose- and time-related reduction in the secretion of PA from prostate cancer cells. PA is alleged to play a role in tumor metastasis; the reduced secretion could be another beneficial effect of radiation, in addition to interruption of cell proliferation, in the impediment of tumor growth and spread. Glycine diminished cytotoxic injury of BAEC inflicted by radiation. This amino acid may prove useful in offering a degree of protection of normal tissue against radiation associated side-effects.
Misrepresentation of authorship by applicants to pediatrics training programs.

PURPOSE: To determine whether applicants to pediatrics residency and fellowship programs misrepresented authorship of publications. METHOD: The authors sampled 1995 applications to the University of Washington School of Medicine's pediatrics residency program and pediatrics pulmonary fellowship prog
Near-unity absorption of near-infrared light in tungsten films

Abstract The number-resolving ability and extremely low dark-count rate of tungsten transition-edge sensors make them excellent candidates to replace avalanche photodiodes in quantum information experiments such as quantum key distribution and quantum computing at the telecommunication wavelengths, 1330 and 1550 nm . Increasing the absorption of these devices from the current value of 20% to near unity would make these detectors even more desirable for these applications. By incorporating the tungsten in a stack of elements including a mirror and an anti-reflective coating, we have demonstrated room-temperature absorption of greater than 97% in films of tungsten.
Quaternary Distillation Systems with Less than N − 1 Columns

The design and synthesis of distillation cascades using side-stream columns with less than N − 1 columns (two or one) for separations of relatively ideal four-component mixtures are studied. Conden...
Costa Rica: A Case Study of the Telephone Cost Structure on a Service-Related Basis

This paper is based on a study made by the author in 1972-1973. The cost information corresponds to 1970. Although wealth and population density vary somewhat between Latin American countries, the region can be considered, as a group, better off than the other underdeveloped regions of the world. The network studied is probably among the best in the region. The paper is addressed to the issue of service-related cost allocation in the actual telephone network of Costa Pica. Although it is theoretically impossible to determine univocally average costs for the different services (due to joint costs), computations are made on the basis of hopefully reasonable assumptions. Marginal costs can be computed univocally, and are computed for long distance links on a dynamic framework, and for urban networks on a comparative-statics framework. Pricing policies are a natural outcome of this study. However, the only price structure that can be computed using only the information included is efficient pricing. Efficient pricing under financial or other constraints requires an understanding of consumer behavior. Among the findings worth mentioning is the interdependence of the cost structure and technological changes. Examples of this are the lesser importance of holding time in common control exchanges vis-a-vis step-by-step, the lesser importance of distance in long-distance traffic in mircowave links vis-a-vis physical pairs. The notable disparity between cost and rates in modern longdistance links, resulting in cross-subsidization from long-distance to urban networks, is a very important issue in most telephone networks.
Distribution and Abundance of Zooplankton in an Alkaline Freshwater Marsh in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania

The zooplankton community of two ponds in an alkaline marsh in central Pennsylvania were studied. The ponds were found to be distinctly different from one another with regard to species but similar when only zooplankton types are considered. The ponds were quite similar with respect to a number of physico-chemical characteristics but differed significantly with respect to alkalinity, conductivity, habitat type, vegetation, depth, and predation pressure.
Soil Particle Concentrations and Size Analysis Using a Dielectric Method

In this approach, solution, containing sediment particles, is directly sampled at a given depth and time, Limitations of traditional methods for particle-size analysis warrant and particle concentrations are measured by gravimetric the investigation of new techniques. An alternative method based on the difference between the dielectric constant of soil solids (∪ 4) and analysis. Because of its greater accuracy, the pipette dispersing solution (∪ 81) was developed. We determined changes in method is often used as a standard to which other parti- suspended sediment concentrations (C ) using a coaxial probe placed cle-size methods are compared (Gee and Bauder, 1986). on the surface of a dispersed soil suspension by monitoring changes Standard instruments for the pipette and hydrometer in the apparent dielectric constant with time following complete mix- methods of soil particle-size analysis are not usually ing. A single-point calibration for each sample was obtained using automated to provide continuous readings of particle the known initial concentration. A refractive index (n ) model of the sizes. Continuous, or nearly continuous, measurements suspension dielectric properties gave the slope of a C vs. n curve for of particle-size analysis include scattering techniques changes in silt-size (0.002-0.05 mm) particles. A magnetic stirring rod (light, neutron, and x-ray), size exclusion and hydrody- was used to homogenize the dispersion, and temperature changes were namic chromatography, field flow fractionation, electro- minimized given the rapid measurement time. Using the dielectric method, particle-size distributions were measured on a 1- to 2-g sample zone sensing, sedimentation and centrifugation, sieving with 400-s settling time because the effective depth of measurement and filtration, ultrasonic measurements, aerosol time- was only 1.5 mm. Wet sieving was used to remove the sand fraction. of-flight measurements, and electric bifringence tran- Comparisons between the silt and clay fractions obtained using the sient measurements (Barth and Flippen, 1995). Correla- dielectric and pipette methods were in agreement. The combination tive studies between the pipette technique and more of speed, automation, small sample size, and nearly continuous data automated means of particle-size analysis (e.g., Pen- should be balanced against the higher cost of the equipment necessary nington and Lewis, 1979; Konert and Vandenberghe, for the dielectric method. 1997) show that the clay fraction (,2 mm) is either occasionally or systematically underreported by as much as 30 to 66%, most likely related to assumptions regard-
A hybrid chemiresistive sensor system for the detection of organic vapors

Abstract A five node sensor array, consisting of three films of gold nanoparticles functionalized with p-terphenylthiol, dodecanethiol and mercapto-(triethylene glycol) methyl ether, and films of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and polypyrrole, was integrated into a portable, microprocessor-based system. The system was evaluated for the detection of chloroform, diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), ethanol, hexane, methanol, and toluene vapors. Direct comparison of the five sensor films with respect to sensitivity, response time and recovery time was made by measurement of the resistance changes upon simultaneous exposure to each analyte. In general, the sensor films responded, with greatest sensitivity, to organic analyte molecules with similar chemical functionality (e.g., polarity). For example, the dodecanethiol-functionalized gold nanoparticle film sensor excelled at detecting hexane, while the mercapto-(triethylene glycol) methyl ether-functionalized nanoparticle film exhibited superb detection of ethanol and chloroform. Although the poly(3-hexylthiophene) film was very sensitive to polar analytes, including DIMP, in many cases it suffered from relatively long recovery times. Following training of the sensor system, successful differentiation and detection of the analytes were realized using a relatively simple algorithm based on “minimization of the squares of differences” method. The ability of the system to optimally differentiate these analytes is considered within the context of principal component analysis, and the effects of long-term sensor drift are discussed.
An fMRI Study of the Activation of the Hippocampus by Emotional Memory

The current study examined the role of the hippocampus in emotional memory encoding using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The present study examined the activation patterns of 12 healthy participants who were associated with memory for words and pictures with moderately high emotional tone. Results revealed significant activation in the temporal and frontal lobes for emotional and neutral stimuli. There was greater activation in the left hippocampus for emotional words and the right hippocampus for emotional pictures. However, a separate analysis of gender suggested that the emotional responses of the women accounted for the activation of the hippocampus; men did not have a pattern of hippocampus activation consistent with the type of stimuli. These findings have important implications for the design of a clinical memory assessment using fMRI.
Is inflammatory chronic obstructive pulmonary disease a coronary heart disease risk equivalent? A longitudinal analysis of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), 1988-1994

Evidence suggests that there is an association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). An important etiological link between COPD and CHD may be an underlying systemic inflammatory process. Given that COPD patients are at greater risk of cardiovascular mortality, understanding the burden of CHD on COPD patients could permit future risk attenuation. Longitudinal cohort analyses of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988–1994 were performed. 3,681 individuals ≥40 years of age with good quality spirometry data were included. Participants were divided into 5 groups: 1) no COPD, no CHD; 2) COPD without inflammation, no CHD; 3) COPD with inflammation, no CHD; 4) CHD only, and 5) CHD + COPD. A novel “inflammatory” COPD designation included those with COPD and clinical evidence of inflammation (i.e., CRP ≥95.24 nmol/L). The risk for CHD mortality was significant only for the CHD group (HR 5.56, 95% CI 3.24-9.55) and the COPD + CHD group (HR 5.02, 95% CI 2.83-8.90). Similarly, the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality was significant only for the CHD group (HR 4.25, 95% CI 2.70-6.69) and the CHD + COPD group (HR 4.12, 95% CI 2.60-6.54) after adjusting for nonmodifiable CHD risk factors (age, gender, race/ethnicity, family history of CHD). After adjusting for modifiable CHD risk factors (diabetes, BMI, physical activity, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking), hazard ratios of the two groups remained similar but attenuated. For total mortality, the risk was significant for the four groups: the non-inflammatory COPD group; the COPD with inflammation group, the CHD group, and the COPD + CHD group. Our study did not confirm that inflammatory COPD may be a CHD risk equivalent. However, due to the small size of the “inflammatory” COPD group, further prospective replication and validation is needed. Moreover, given that COPD results from inflammation, the systemic inflammation associated with COPD may have worsened comorbid conditions and may have lead to the increased total mortality found in the COPD with inflammation and COPD + CHD groups which requires further investigation.
Using concentration index to study changes in socio-economic inequality of overweight among US adolescents between 1971 and 2002

Background The prevalence of overweight among adolescents continues to increase in the United States. This study examines the changes in socio-economic status (SES) inequality of overweight among US adolescents in the past three decades. Methods Concentration Index (CI) was utilized to measure changes in the SES inequality in prevalence of overweight among US adolescents. Data collected from 15,286 adolescents in four waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) between 1971 and 2002 and Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES) (1982-84) were used. Results Changes in the SES inequality of overweight among US adolescents and considerable gender and ethnic differences were detected. For boys, CI varied from 0.04 in NHANES I to -0.04 in NHANES 1999-2002; for girls, CI varied from -0.12 in NHANES I to -0.18 in NHANES III. Among whites, SES disparity peaked in NHANES III and declined thereafter. Patterns in black and Mexican-American adolescents were mixed. Conclusions Patterns of SES disparity of overweight among US adolescents varied across ethnic and gender groups, and have changed over time. Disparities have decreased since the early 1990s with the rise of the obesity epidemic. Obesity prevention and management efforts should target all SES groups in the United States.
Computer Based Process Piping Stress Analysis: ASME B31.3 Appendix S — Example S1

The American Standards Association (ASA) B31.3-1959 Petroleum Refinery Piping Code [1] grew out of an ASA document that addressed all manner of fluid conveying piping systems. ASA B31.3 was created long before widespread engineering use of computer “mainframes” or even before the inception of piping stress analysis software. Also as B31.3 continued to pass thru standards organizations from ASA, ANSI, to ASME, the B31.3 Process Piping Code [2] (hereafter referred to as the “Code”) has remained ambiguous over the past few decades in several areas. Ambiguities such as what temperatures and pressures are to be used during the pipe stress analysis process is addressed but apparently not clearly enough to make the point; the prevailing practice in the industry is to use the design pressure and temperature; but this is an incorrect inference from the Code. The misunderstandings as to the few, albeit very important, purposed uses for the design pressure and design temperature also appear to be prevalent in the industry. This paper describes some of these subtle yet possibly radical concepts that were included in the ASME B31.3-2004 Appendix S Example Sl. This paper discusses: • the design and analysis procedures in defining when the design conditions are actually to be used; • when and in what manner the most severe set of operating temperature and pressure is to be used; • and the debates that lasted over a decade to finally include into the Code such “seemingly simple” examples that address computer based stress analysis.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Novel Nano-Scale Conductive Films With Enhanced Electrical Performance and Reliability for High Performance Fine Pitch Interconnect

In this paper, a novel nano-scale conductive film which combines the advantages of both traditional anisotropic conductive adhesives/fllms (ACAs/ACFs) and nonconductive adhesives/fllms (NCAs/NCFs) is introduced for next generation high-performance ultra-fine pitch packaging applications. This novel interconnect film possesses the properties of electrical conduction along the z direction with relatively low bonding pressure (ACF-like) and the ultra-fine pitch (< 30 mum) capability (NCF-like). The nano-scale conductive film also allows a lower bonding pressure than NCF to achieve a much lower joint resistance (over two orders of magnitude lower than typical ACF joints) and higher current carrying capability. With low temperature sintering of nano-silver fillers, the joint resistance of the nano-scale conductive film was as low as 10-5 Ohm. The reliability of the nano-scale conductive film after high temperature and humidity test (85degC/85% RH) was also improved compared to the NCF joints. The insertion loss of nano-scale conductive film joints up to 10 GHz was almost the same as that of the standard ACF or NCF joints, suggesting that the nano-scale conductive film is suitable for reliable high-frequency adhesive joints in microelectronics packaging.
INFERRING KINSHIP FROM BEHAVIOUR: MATERNITY DETERMINATIONS IN YELLOW BABOONS

Kinship is commonly inferred from behaviour in primate field studies, but the validity of such inferences has not yet been documented. A comparison of the relationships of six three-year-old yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus) females with 14 adult females showed that when a juvenile's mother was living she could easily be identified from behavioural data. The most useful behaviour in this context was Presenting For Grooming. When the mother was not living, however, the juvenile compen- sated by forming a strong relationship with a less closely related or unrelated adult female. If com- pensation also occurs in other populations and other species, past attempts to infer kinship from behaviour have probably included a few cases in which a female was incorrectly identified as a juvenile's mother. Multivariate statistical techniques revealed differences between mother-daughter relationships and strong relationships based on compensation among other individuals. These differences involved comparisons of the frequencies of certain behaviours (frequency of Grooming by adult versus fre- quency of Grooming by juvenile, frequency of Grooming versus frequency of aggression) as well as the magnitudes of frequencies (amount of Grooming, number of Interventions). In field studies of primates, the identity of an individual's mother is often inferred from ob- served behavioural relationships. This has been done with chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) (Van Lawick-GoodaU 1968), baboons (Papio spp.) (Cheney 1977, 1978a, 1978b; Lee & Oliver 1979), and Japanese macaques (Macacafuscata) (Kawai 1965; Kurland 1977), among others. For very young animals, persistent suckling from one female identifies that female as the mother. Although females do adopt and suckle infants that are not their own (Marsden & Vessey 1968; Berman, personal communication), this phe- nomenon is so rare that suckling is a very reliable criterion for identification of maternity (Koyama 1967; but see Kurland 1977).
Hin-mediated DNA knotting and recombining promote replicon dysfunction and mutation

Background: The genetic code imposes a dilemma for cells. The DNA must be long enough to encode for the complexity of an organism, yet thin and flexible enough to fit within the cell. The combination of these properties greatly favors DNA collisions, which can knot and drive recombination of the DNA. Despite the well-accepted propensity of cellular DNA to collide and react with itself, it has not been established what the physiological consequences are. Results: Here we analyze the effects of recombined and knotted plasmids in E. coli using the Hin site-specific recombination system. We show that Hin-mediated DNA knotting and recombination (i) promote replicon loss by blocking DNA replication; (ii) block gene transcription; and (iii) cause genetic rearrangements at a rate three to four orders of magnitude higher than the rate for an unknotted, unrecombined plasmid. Conclusion: These results show that DNA reactivity leading to recombined and knotted DNA is potentially toxic and may help drive genetic evolution.
Relativistic close-coupling calculations for photoionization and recombination of Ne-like Fe XVII

the 2s 2 p 5 ( 2 P 1/2,3/2 ) and 2s2p 6 ( 2 S1/2) levels of Fe XVIII, and ~ii! the first 60-level calculation with Dn.0 coupled channels. Strong channel coupling effects are demonstrated throughout the energy ranges considered, in particular via giant photoexcitation-of-core ~PEC! resonances due to L-M shell dipole transition arrays 2p 5 !2p 4 3s,3d in Fe XIII that enhance effective cross sections by orders of magnitude. Comparison is made with previous theoretical and experimental works on photoionization and recombination that considered the relatively small low-energy region ~i!, and the weaker Dn50 couplings. While the simpler three-level results describe the near-threshold photoionization and recombination, they are inadequate for practical applications that also require the higher-energy cross sections for modeling ionization balance of Fe XVII in laboratory and astrophysical plasmas. The present 60-level results should provide reasonably complete and accurate datasets for both photoionization and e1ion recombination of Fe XVII.
A comparison of archaeological and dental evidence to determine diet at a predynastic Egyptian site

Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USAABSTRACT This paper explores the relationship between dietary evidence found in the archaeological record and that ofthe dentitions on a sample of working class Predynastic Egyptians from Hierakonpolis in Upper Egypt. Thesamples consist of 196 individuals (3800–3600BC) ranging from 6 years to over 50 years of age. Archae-ological and archaeobotanical evidence at Hierakonpolis suggests manufacture of bread, presence of somedomesticated animals, hunting and ﬁshing, and a number of fruits and vegetables. Dental indicators of dietstudied include carious lesions, macrowear, microwear and linear enamel hypoplasia. The patterns on thedentition match well with a number of food stuffs found as burial offerings and within settlements atHierakonpolis. Overall, individuals at Hierakonpolis exhibited a low incidence of small carious lesions, alowfrequencyofacutehypoplasticdefects,steadyattrition,fewmicrowearfeatures,alowdensityoflarge(>4microns) pits, and wide scratches with poorly deﬁned margins. Based on the dentition, the working classpopulation would have relied heavily on bread and raw, but also consumed some meat and/or ﬁsh. Withinsample variation shows that the proportion of certain food categories differ between adult males and femalesandbetweenadultsandjuveniles.LEHdatasuggeststhatchildrensufferednolong-termstarvationorchronicstress. Copyright 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key words: dental pathology; diet; microwear; predynastic Egypt
What's Wrong with Computer-Generated Images of Perfection in Advertising?

Advertisers often use computers to create fantastic images. Generally, these are perfectly harmless images that are used for comic or dramatic effect. Sometimes, however, they are problematic human images that I call computer-generated images of perfection. Advertisers create these images by using computer technology to remove unwanted traits from models or to generate entire human bodies. They are images that portray ideal human beauty, bodies, or looks. In this paper, I argue that the use of such images is unethical. I begin by explaining the common objections against advertising and by demonstrating how critics might argue that those objections apply to computer-generated images of perfection. Along the way, I demonstrate an ethically significant difference between computer-generated images of perfection and the images in ordinary ads. I argue that although critics might use this fact to apply the common objections to the use of computer-generated images of perfection, the objections fail. Finally, I argue that despite surviving the common objections, the use of computer-generated images of perfection is subject to an ethical objection that is based on aesthetic considerations. Advertisers are ethically obligated to avoid certain aesthetic results that are produced by computer-generated images of perfection.
SHOT-RNAs: A novel class of tRNA-derived functional RNAs expressed in hormone-dependent cancers

Sex hormones and their receptors play critical roles in the genesis and progression of breast and prostate cancers. We recently discovered that sex hormone signaling pathways promote the expression of specific tRNA halves termed Sex HOrmone-dependent TRNA-derived RNAs (SHOT-RNAs). Functional involvement of SHOT-RNAs in cell proliferation suggests a novel tRNA-engaged pathway in tumorigenesis.
Whole-body vibration induces pain and lumbar spinal inflammation responses in the rat that vary with the vibration profile

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is linked epidemiologically to neck and back pain in humans, and to forepaw mechanical allodynia and cervical neuroinflammation in a rodent model of WBV, but the response of the low back and lumbar spine to WBV is unknown. A rat model of WBV was used to determine the effect of different WBV exposures on hind paw behavioral sensitivity and neuroinflammation in the lumbar spinal cord. Rats were exposed to 30 min of WBV at either 8 or 15 Hz on days 0 and 7, with the lumbar spinal cord assayed using immunohistochemistry at day 14. Behavioral sensitivity was measured using mechanical stimulation of the hind paws to determine the onset, persistence, and/or recovery of allodynia. Both WBV exposures induce mechanical allodynia 1 day following WBV, but only the 8 Hz WBV induces a sustained decrease in the withdrawal threshold through day 14. Similarly, increased activation of microglia, macrophages, and astrocytes in the superficial dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord is only evident after the painful 8 Hz WBV. Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-phosphorylation is most robust in neurons and astrocytes of the dorsal horn, with the most ERK phosphorylation occurring in the 8 Hz group. These findings indicate that a WBV exposure that induces persistent pain also induces a host of neuroimmune cellular activation responses that are also sustained. This work indicates there is an injury-dependent response that is based on the vibration parameters, providing a potentially useful platform for studying mechanisms of painful spinal injuries. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1439-1446, 2016.
New magnetic and ferroelectric cubic phase of thin-film Fe-DOPED BaTiO3

The properties of a new cubic perovskite phase of thin-film BaFe x Ti 1−x O 3 (0.5 ≤x≤0.75) are reported. This material is novel because the corresponding bulk compounds have hexagonal structure for comparable x. The films, grown by pulsed laser deposition on MgO and SrTiO 3 substrates, are magnetic (ferro- or ferri-, with Tc > 500°C) and ferroelectric (Tc ∼ 200-300°C).
A comprehensive review of diagnostic and treatment options for granulosa cell tumors of the ovary.

Granulosa cell tumors are rare and comprise approximately 2% to 8% of all ovarian malignancies. Research dedicated to these tumors is rare given the low incidence. These tumors are more difficult to diagnose than epithelial ovarian tumors, and understanding how they present may aid in appropriate re