cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract SY36-02: Heterogeneity in molecular subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality keeps rising with emerging etiologies such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hepatitis C after viral cure. Through the efforts of high-throughput and comprehensive molecular characterization of HCC tumors, it has been revealed that HCC tumors can be classified into several subtypes (e.g., aggressive or indolent subtype) according to their molecular characteristics and clinical phenotypes. Ongoing basic and clinical studies have suggested their potential implication in therapeutic decision making. Systematic and integrative characterization of heterogeneity in intra/intertumor molecular features as well as host genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors is expected to facilitate development of precision care strategies for HCC patients. Citation Format: Yujin Hoshida. Heterogeneity in molecular subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr SY36-02.
Delayed recovery from anaesthesia in a patient with optimised hypothyroidism and incidental hypokalemia.

Delayed recovery/awakening/ emergence can occur under anaesthesia and is multifactorial, could be drug or non drug related. Similarly, we report a case of delayed recovery in a 68-year-old patient, for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a known case of hypertension, bronchial asthma and hypothyroidism. Preoperatively, she was optimised for her medical disorders; however, she had delayed recovery from general anaesthesia. The delayed recovery, often, would be expected in a case of hypothyroidism, however in our patient it was found to be associated with inadvertent hypokalemia
Crisis intervention techniques for panic disorder.

Panic disorder is estimated to affect more than 4% of the U.S. population. It is assumed that this incident rate increases during crisis situations. While the professional literature is replete with references on the treatment of panic disorders, few authors address the use of nondrug treatment in conjunction with crisis intervention. This article provides an overview of the latest nonpharmacologic interventions for panic along with a description of their effectiveness in reducing the onset of symptomatology as well as preventing relapse during crisis.
Studies of the biological function and structure of casein micelles, and future implications.

Abstract: At the heart of the milk system are the colloidal casein–calcium–transport complexes termed the casein micelles. Despite extensive research in more than half a century, accomplished by the application of a wide range of physical techniques such as light, neutron, and X-ray scattering, and Electron Microscopy (EM), the molecular details of casein micelles and the main contributing forces that stabilize them in milk remain controversial and still sustain interest and effort in the dairy science research community. Among various proposed molecular models, two main conflicting theories about the internal structure of casein micelles have emerged. One places the emphasis on the four main protein constituents, αs1-, αs2-, β- and κ-casein in the micelles, while the other proposes that inorganic calcium phosphate nano-clusters are the dominant players in holding the micelles together. In this chapter, casein micelles are examined in the light of recent advances in understanding protein–protein interactions (associations) and protein structure–function relationships. The biological significance of casein micelles, in relation to their unique construct, allows for an efficient transit through the mammary secretory apparatus and this is critically assessed, in addition to the existing overwhelming amount of evidence supporting the argument that proteinaceous complexes act as the formative agents in the synthesis of casein micelles in mammary tissue; in other words, that protein–protein interactions are paramount in the formation and stabilization of casein micelles.
Growth of Four Flaw Types in Graphite/Epoxy Composites Due to Fully Reversed Fatigue

The propagation of flaws in graphite/epoxy composites is complicated by the interaction of cyclic stresses and humidity environments. The serviceability of such composites can only be assessed by an experimental program. This paper reports such a study currently in progress.
On Thinking About the Mental and the Physical

Some phenomenalists, taking what is immediately presented in experience to exist, rejected material objects as objects of direct experience and, hence, as anything more than “constructions” out of phenomena. This led some to a form of idealism. The pattern and the arguments leading to phenomenalistic-idealism are familiar, if not always clear. Physicalists reject phenomenal entities but can give no corresponding reasons, in the sense of basing their view on what is supposedly immediately experienced. Consequently some materialists deny that there is a given or what is directly experienced, in the sense Moore, Russell and Broad used such phrases—the contents of conscious acts as well as the acts themselves. One need only recall W. Sellars’ attack on the purported “Myth of the Given” and Quine’s arguments that phenomena are not basic objects of experience but “hypothetical” objects—“myths” like the “gods of Homer.” For Quine, ordinary macro-physical objects were also myths, along with the theoretical objects of science, that can only be justified by the theory that involves them.1 This leads to a familiar claim made by physicalists (materialists).
Fixed Point Theory in Stability and Boundedness

In the past hundred and fifty years, Lyapunov functions/functionals have been exclusively and successfully used in the study of stability and existence of periodic and bounded solutions. The author has extensively used Lyapunov functions/functionals for the purpose of analyzing solutions of functional equations, and each time the suitable Lyapunov functional presented us with unique difficulties, that could only overcome by the imposition of severe conditions on the given coefficients.
Diversity, stability, and social contract theory

The topic of moral diversity is not only prevalent in contemporary moral and political philosophy, it is also practically relevant. Moral diversity, however, poses a significant challenge for moral theory building. John Thrasher (Synthese, forthcoming), in his discussion of public reason theory, which includes social contract theory, argues that if one seriously considers the goal of moral constructivism and considerations of representation and stability, then moral diversity poses an insurmountable problem for most public reason theories. I agree with Thrasher that moral diversity poses a significant challenge for orthodox multistage social contract theories. In fact, I even add a further problem for such theories under the assumption of deep moral diversity. Nevertheless, I argue that my (Moehler, Minimal morality: a multilevel social contract theory, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2018) recently developed multilevel social contract theory overcomes these problems. I focus on some of the underexplored features of this theory to show that multilevel social contract theory offers one conceptually coherent and plausible way to render social contract theory viable and relevant for modern diverse societies.
Why Parents Use the Emergency Department Despite Having a Medical Home

Despite having a medical home, pediatric patients continue emergency department (ED) utilization for various reasons. This study examines parental reasons associated with the decision to seek ED care in a group of low-income, inner-city, publicly insured children. Surveys were conducted with parents of children (age = 0-19 years) presenting to a community-based clinic, which has an established medical home model with enhanced access. Most patients (88.3%) had a pediatrician, and nearly all (93.3%) reported a visit to the ED; most (75.7%) were aware of clinic walk-in hours, but less than half (42.6%) were aware of an after-hours phone line. There was no difference in those who were aware of walk-in hours or an after-hours phone line and a reported ED visit. Half of the parents (52.5%) thought their child's medical problem was serious. In addition to providing enhanced efforts, medical homes should strive to make families aware of increased access.
Implementing a Hybrid Expression Method That Allows Upper-Division Biochemistry Lab Students To Engage in a Full Protein Production Experience While Allowing Ample Time for Characterization Experiments

Protein structure, function, and signaling are a large portion of biochemistry. Because of this, proteins are often used as model systems in biochemistry laboratory courses, where a course-long project might comprise protein expression, purification, and characterization. Two common protein expression methods are isopropyl β-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) induction, which utilizes easy-to-make media but requires extensive cell-growth monitoring that is time-intensive, and autoinduction, which employs multicomponent media that are time-consuming to make but require no cell-growth monitoring. A protein expression method that is a hybrid of IPTG induction and autoinduction is presented. The hybrid method utilizes the medium of IPTG induction and the no-cell-growth-monitoring induction process of autoinduction, saving hands-on time in the protein expression phase to allow more time for protein characterization while still having students execute each step.
Embedding academic and professional skills training with experimental-design chalk talks.

Experimental design and chalkboard presentation skills training can be integrated into a core scientific-content graduate course to promote active learning and student engagement.
Double bubbles inS3 andH3

We prove the double bubble conjecture in the three-sphereS3 and hyperbolic three-spaceH3 in the cases where we can apply Hutchings theory: • InS3, when each enclosed volume and the complement occupy at least 10% of the volume ofS3. • inH3, when the smaller volume is at least 85% that of the larger.
Evidence-Based Clinical Practice 2.0: An Updated Primer for Urologists

AbstractIntroduction:The practice of evidence-based medicine is important in optimizing patient care by ensuring that clinical decisions are made by considering the best available evidence that is ...
Examination of Molten Salt Reactor Relevant Elements Using Hydrothermal Synthesis

The structural chemistry of elements relevant to the FLiBe molten salt reactor, Th, U, Np, and Zr, including Ce and Nd (as analogues for Pu and Am, respectively), have been examined using hydrother...
Repeatability of a Dual-Scheimpflug Placido Disc Corneal Tomographer/Topographer in Eyes with Keratoconus

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the repeatability of a combined Dual-Scheimpflug placido disc corneal topographer (Zeimer Galilei G4) with respect to keratometric indices used to monitor progression of keratoconus (KCN). Methods Patients with KCN were prospectively enrolled. For each eye lacking history of corneal surgery, 5 measurements were taken in succession. Eyes in which 3 or more measurements could be obtained (defined by the device’s 4 image quality metrics) were included in the analysis. The repeatability limits (RL) and interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for various parameters. Results 32 eyes from 25 patients met all image quality metrics, and 54 eyes from 38 patients met at least 3/4 criteria (all except the placido image quality metric). RLs for key parameters when 4/4 or ≥3/4 image quality metrics were met included: 0.37 and 0.77 diopters (D) for steep simulated keratometry, 0.79 and 1.65 D for maximum keratometry, 13.80 and 13.88 degrees for astigmatism axis, 0.64 and 0.56 μm for vertical coma magnitude, and 3.76 and 3.84 μm for thinnest pachymetry, respectively. The ICCs for all parameters were excellent [above 0.87 except for spherical aberration (0.77)]. Conclusions The dual-Scheimpflug placido disc corneal topographer is highly repeatable in quantifying parameters used in monitoring KCN. Excellent placido images are difficult to capture in eyes with KCN, but when available, increase the reliability of the measurements. The RLs may be especially helpful in detecting progression in mild KCN when interventions such as corneal cross-linking or intrastromal corneal ring segments are most beneficial.
The initial gut microbiota and response to antibiotic perturbation influence Clostridioides difficile colonization in mice

The gut microbiota has a key role in determining susceptibility to Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs). However, much of the mechanistic work examining CDIs in mouse models use animals obtained from a single source. We treated mice from 6 sources (2 University of Michigan colonies and 4 commercial vendors) with clindamycin, followed by a C. difficile challenge and then measured C. difficile colonization levels throughout the infection. The microbiota were profiled via 16S rRNA gene sequencing to examine the variation across sources and alterations due to clindamycin treatment and C. difficile challenge. While all mice were colonized 1-day post-infection, variation emerged from days 3-7 post-infection with animals from some sources colonized with C. difficile for longer and at higher levels. We identified bacteria that varied in relative abundance across sources and throughout the experiment. Some bacteria were consistently impacted by clindamycin treatment in all sources of mice including Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae. To identify bacteria that were most important to colonization regardless of the source, we created logistic regression models that successfully classified mice based on whether they cleared C. difficile by 7 days post-infection using community composition data at baseline, post-clindamycin, and 1-day post-infection. With these models, we identified 4 bacteria that were predictive of whether C. difficile cleared. They varied across sources (Bacteroides), were altered by clindamycin (Porphyromonadaceae), or both (Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus). Allowing for microbiota variation across sources better emulates human inter-individual variation and can help identify bacterial drivers of phenotypic variation in the context of CDIs.
Design of Tunable Nanophotonic Devices

This tutorial addresses design of tunable nanophotonic arrays, enabling dynamic, active control of the properties of light - amplitude, phase, wavevector, wavelength and polarization - opening new applications such as optical beam steering, focusing and wavefront engineering.
Single cell transcriptomes reveal expression patterns of chemoreceptor genes in olfactory sensory neurons of the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus

Crustaceans express several classes of receptor genes in their antennules, which house olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and non-olfactory chemosensory neurons. Transcriptomics studies reveal that candidate chemoreceptor proteins include variant Ionotropic Receptors (IRs) including both co-receptor IRs and tuning IRs, Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels, Gustatory Receptors, epithelial sodium channels, and class A G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, expresses in its antennules nearly 600 IRs, 17 TRP channels, 1 Gustatory Receptor, 7 epithelial sodium channels, 81 GPCRs, 6 G proteins, and dozens of enzymes in signaling pathways. However, the specific combinatorial expression patterns of these proteins in single sensory neurons are not known for any crustacean, limiting our understanding of how their chemosensory systems encode chemical quality. The goal of this study was to use transcriptomics to describe expression patterns of chemoreceptor genes in OSNs of P. argus. We generated and analyzed transcriptomes from 7 single OSNs, some of which were shown to respond to a food odor, as well as an additional 7 multicell transcriptomes from preparations containing few (2–4), several (ca. 15), or many (ca. 400) OSNs. We found that each OSN expressed the same 2 co-receptor IRs (IR25a, IR93a) but not the other 2 antennular coIRs (IR8a, IR76b), 9–53 tuning IRs but only one to a few in high abundance, the same 5 TRP channels plus up to 5 additional TRPs, 12–17 GPCRs including the same 5 expressed in every single cell transcriptome, the same 3 G proteins plus others, many enzymes in the signaling pathways, but no Gustatory Receptors or epithelial sodium channels. The greatest difference in receptor expression among the OSNs was the identity of the tuning IRs. Our results provide an initial view of the combinatorial expression patterns of receptor molecules in single OSNs in one species of decapod crustacean, including receptors directly involved in olfactory transduction and others likely involved in modulation. Our results also suggest differences in receptor expression in OSNs vs. other chemosensory neurons.
Longer study length, standardized sampling techniques, and broader geographic scope leads to higher likelihood of detecting stable abundance patterns in long term deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) studies

Ixodes scapularis (deer ticks) are a taxon of ecological and human health concern due to their status as primary vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that transmits Lyme disease. Deer ticks are thought to be expanding in geographic range and population size across the eastern US, leading to concern that tick-vectored illness will correspondingly rise. However, because of wide variability in deer tick monitoring strategies, synthesis efforts may be limited by the sensitivity and reliability of data produced by existing long term studies, especially to inform forecasting and proactive deer tick management. To address this, we explicitly examined the role of how study design parameters affect the likelihood of observing temporal trends in deer tick studies. We used a moving window approach to investigate the temporal stability of deer tick population trajectories across the US. We found several study factors can have an impact on the likelihood of a study reaching stability and the likelihood of tick abundance data leading to misleading results if the study does not reach stability. Our results underscore the need for longer studies of deer ticks when trying to assess long term or broad spatial patterns. Moreover, our results showcase the importance of study length, sampling technique, life stage, and geographic scope in shaping the inferences from deer tick studies. This is especially important for synthesizing across the variety of existing surveys and for potential ecological forecasting.
Rotationally symmetric flow of Cu-Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid over a heated porous boundary:

This paper endeavours to provide an analysis for nanofluid boundary layer that develops beneath a generalized vortex flow subjected to viscous dissipation effects. Tangential flow high above the di...
Evolution and co-evolution of computer programs to control independently-acting agents

This paper describes the recently developed "genetic programming" paradigm which genetically breeds populations of computer programs to solve problems. In genetic programming, the individuals in the population are hierarchical computer programs of various sizes and shapes. This paper also extends the genetic programming paradigm to a "co-evolution" algorithm which operates simultaneously on two populations of independently-acting hierarchical computer programs of various sizes and shapes.
Reputation and Uncertainty Reduction: Simulating Partner Selection

Computer simulations of the impact of reputation in ideal marketplaces are presented. The study concentrates on the link between choices at individual level (partner selection) and system level performance, measured in terms of goods' average quality. Partner selection is based on two different information exchange settings. In L1, information conveys only agent's evaluation of a target (Image). In L2, it also transmits what is heard, but not yet necessarily checked by present informer, about a target (Reputation). The results show that in L2, the system exhibits higher tolerance for informational uncertainty.
Law and Society

The study of law and society is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the interaction between legal institutions and our everyday lives. Researchers may use a variety of theoretical approaches (e.g., conflict theory, feminist legal theory, functionalism, critical race theory) and methodologies (e.g., survey research, experimental methods, historical analyses, comparative approaches) to study the intersection of law and society. Many areas of study fall under the broad umbrella of law and society, including (but not limited to) exploring legal actors in the criminal justice system, status differences, attitudes about the law and examining assumptions underlying legal decisions.
Lipoxygenase Metabolites and Cancer Metastasis

Cancer metastasis is a complicated process. For a transformed cell to form a successful metastatic colony, it must in general complete all or most of the well-defined steps that comprise the “metastatic cascade”.1–4 The first step is uncontrolled cell proliferation, characteristic of both benign and malignant tumor cells. Intrinsic or acquired genetic instability, together with various epigenetic factors, generate tumor cell variants that acquire unique phenotypic characteristics that dissociate them from the parent tumor population and thus allow these variants to escape from the “social” constraints imposed by the host. This step confers on these “mutated” tumor cells invasive or metastatic capabilities and is generally considered to be the first step leading to site-specific metastasis. In the next step, tumor cells, in response to various chemoattractants and cytokines derived from the host and/or tumor cells, migrate towards neighboring vasculature or intravasate into the vasculature of the tumor and thus enter the hematogenous or lymphatic circulation. Subsequently, tumor cells travel to and arrest in the microcirculation by specific adherence to the endothelial cells of the target organ. Thereafter, tumor cells induce endothelial cell retraction, exit from circulation (extravasation), interact with the organ-specific extracellular matrix (ECM), proliferate in response to local (“soil”) growth factors, and finally form a metastatic colony. Failure at any one of these steps generally will abort the metastatic process. Completion of every step of the metastatic cascade is subject to a multitude of variable influences, an apparent example being the requirement of angiogenesis for the growth of both primary and secondary tumors.5.6
Private Equity Ownership of Nursing Homes: Implications for Quality

Private equity has acquired multiple large nursing home chains within the last few years; by 2009 it owned nearly 1900 nursing homes. Despite wide-spread public concern, the empirical evidence on the purported impact of private equity ownership on nursing home quality remains limited ; ergo this study. Secondary data from the Minimum Data Set, the Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) file, Brown University’s Long-term Care Focus, Florida’s semi-annual Nursing Home Rate Setting files, and Area Resource File (ARF) are combined to construct a longitudinal dataset for the study period 2000-2007. The final sample consists of 2822 observations after removing all not-for-profit, independent, and hospital-based facilities. Quality is operationalized through Donabedian’s Structure-Process-Outcome model. Independent variables primarily reflect private equity ownership. The study was analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS), gamma distribution with log link, logit with binomial family link, and logistic regression. Private equity nursing homes have lower RN staffing intensity and lower RN skill mix compared to the control group. Other quality measures are similar to the control group except deficiencies where private equity nursing homes perform significantly worse. Results suggest troubling shifts in nurse staffing patterns of private equity nursing homes particularly in the case of Registered Nurses. In addition, these facilities report significantly higher number of deficiencies. Implications for policy are discussed and the need for transparency and accountability in nursing home ownership and private equity investments emphasized.
Electrophoretic migration pattern of serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase.

Using the combined technics of the ionographic separation of serum proteins in a paper-stabilized medium, as described by McDonald et al. (16, 17, 18), and the spectrophotometric procedure for the determination of transaminase activity developed by Karmen (3, 14), the electrophoretic migration pattern of the enzyme glutamic oxalacetic transaminase in rat serum has been examined. The major portion of the transaminase activity has been found to be associated with the α-2 globulin fraction of the serum proteins. Further evidence has been presented for the assumption of a nonionic linkage between the enzyme and its coenzyme, pyridoxal phosphate.
Development and characterization of geraniol-loaded polymeric nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity against foodborne bacterial pathogens

Abstract This study demonstrates the rose essential oil component (EOC) geraniol can be loaded into polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with sustainable release profile. Geraniol-loaded NPs were prepared by flash nanoprecipitation and characterized for size, encapsulation efficiency, payload release during storage, inhibition of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica Typhimurium in vitro and on spinach surfaces, and NP-assisted transport of EOC into cellular membranes. Adjusting concentrations of stabilizing polymer, Pluronic® F-127, and geraniol produced NPs ranging in size from 26 to 412 nm. Antimicrobial NPs inhibited S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 growth at 0.25 and 0.2 wt.%, respectively. Geraniol-loaded NPs displayed sustained release with a time constant of 24 h, maintaining their anti-pathogenic properties over a prolonged time period. Pathogen reductions on treated spinach surfaces ranged from 0.3 to 4.2 log10 CFU/cm2. Antimicrobial NPs may be useful for post-harvest decontamination of foods such as fresh produce from cross-contaminating microbial pathogens.
Barack Obama’s Body: The Presidency, the Body Politic, and the Contest over American National Identity

Beyond the formal powers and duties laid down in the Constitution, the presidency is a cultural institution meant to represent—in a very literal sense—the American people. Presidents act as identificatory figures—symbolizing what their supporters hold sacred about the nation. Presidents’ own bodies come to matter particularly at political moments when a new or counter-interpretation of national identity challenges prevailing assumptions. Supporters often interpret their national identity in the figure of the president. As a black candidate in a historically white-ruled nation, Barack Obama’s narration of his background as representatively American has been a critical task both as candidate and as president. Both Obama’s biography and his visual presence have come to play a part in how political issues, from health care to foreign policy, get framed by both supporters and opponents. But does race stand alone in this dynamic of life story and looks? I analyze the challenges faced and opportunities afforded the Obama presidency by comparing him to earlier presidents who were politically associated with moments of broad change in American politics: Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, all of whom depended heavily on biography and physical embodiment to authorize their vision of national identity. Presidential embodiment ultimately diminishes democratic politics because of the strong fixation on a singular political institution it produces.
Treatment Implementation and Statistical Power: A Research Note.

The authors contend that the assumption of equal treatment implementation in program evaluations is highly questionable. Through a reanalysis of data from afield evaluation of a nutrition supplemen...
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: impact on otitis media and otolaryngology.

In February 2000, the new 7-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine (PCV7) (Prevnar; Wyeth Lederle Vaccines, Pearl River, NY) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (eg, meningitis and bacteremia) in infants and young children. This long-awaited event has received widespread applause from pediatric infectious disease experts who anticipate a dramatic decrease in these potentially fatal serious infections as the infants and young children who are at high risk become immunized. 1,2 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that the vaccine be given to all infants aged 2 to 23 months and to children aged 24 to 59 months who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, such as those who have sickle cell disease, human immunodeficiency disease virus infection, and other immunocompromising or chronic medical conditions.3 The ACIP also recommends that the vaccine be considered for all other children aged 24 to 59 months, with priority given to (1) those who are 24 to 35 months old; (2) those who are of Alaska Native, American Indian, or African American descent; and (3) those who attend group day care centers. Even though the vaccine has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal infections, the prevention of otitis media is another potential advantage. However, there is uncertainty among clinicians as to the impact this vaccine will have in preventing pneumococcal otitis media; thus, we otolaryngologists should be knowledgeable when we counsel parents and caregivers of infants and children who have acute otitis media (AOM) on what to realistically expect from the immunization.
GAUGE INVARIANCE AND CURRENT DEFINITION IN QUANTUM ELECTRODYNAMICS.

In order to study the problems of gauge invariance, Lorentz covariance, and the operator properties of the "Schwinger terms" in the current commutators, spin-\textonehalf{} quantum electrodynamics is written as the limit of a nonlocal theory. The conditions on such a theory are discussed and the nonlocal equations in the case of an external vector potential derived. The gauge-invariant, Lorentz-covariant limit of these equations is then discussed, and it is found that (in the case of spin \textonehalf{}) the "Schwinger terms" are purely $c$-number. The quantized vector potential is considered by means of a Feynman path integral and its gauge structure determined. It is found that an automatically gauge-covariant theory results and that the $c$-number character of the Schwinger terms apparently persists.
A Statistical Study of Reservoir Permeability: Distributions, Correlations, and Averages

The authors propose that reservoir permeability may be statistically distributed in a variety of ways. Two hypothetical cases of reservoir layering are statistically analyzed. This analysis suggests that a restricted family of functions - all related to the normal distribution - can be used to represent permeability distributions. The log-normal distribution is one member of the family. Several sets of field data are analyzed. The analyses show that (1) permeability data are not necessarily log-normally distributed, (2) all the permeability distributions considered are closely approximated by members of the proposed family of functions, and (3) improved porosity/permeability relationships result when the permeability distribution is known.
Sulfated glycoprotein-2 expression increases in rodent brain after transient global ischemia.

Sulfated glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2) is emerging as a prominent marker of neurodegeneration in mammalian brain. Regulation of brain SGP-2 was studied in adult male Wistar rats subjected to 30 min of forebrain ischemia by four vessel occlusion. By 3 days after the ischemic insult, SGP-2 RNA levels were increased two fold in caudate nucleus and hippocampus. SGP-2 protein levels assessed by immunoblots were markedly increased in both brain regions following ischemia. GFAP RNA levels also increased over 5 fold in caudate nucleus and hippocampus following the ischemic insult. Despite significant elevations in GFAP RNA, protein levels of GFAP assessed by immunoblot were only marginally affected. The elevated expression of SGP-2 in rodent brain following this and other experimental lesion paradigms (e.g., excitotoxic lesions, deafferentation) suggest some general involvement of SGP-2 in neurodegeneration and remodelling following neuronal injury.
Clinical Reasoning: A 48-year-old woman with generalized weakness

A 48-year-old woman was referred to the neuromuscular clinic because of progressive generalized weakness for 4 months. Her symptoms started after she had a thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine treatment for a thyroid papillary carcinoma. She had proximal arm weakness when washing her hair and had trouble climbing steps and getting out of her chair without using her arms. About 2 months later, she developed fluctuating bilateral ptosis and blurred vision. Her symptoms were associated with episodes of transient horizontal binocular diplopia that would last for a couple of minutes and get worse by the end of the day. She also had dry eyes and mouth. A month later, she started having episodes of transient dysarthria. At that time she was found to have a low am cortisol level by the medical team while being evaluated for her symptoms. She was treated with a hydrocortisone taper which partially improved her weakness and a follow-up cortisol level suggested resolution of the adrenal insufficiency. The patient was on levothyroxine with normal thyroid gland function. She smoked 1 or 2 cigarettes daily for 10 years. She denied head drop, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, constipation, or weight loss. Her general examination, including orthostatic blood pressure, was normal. Her mental status was normal; visual acuity could be corrected to 20/20. Her pupils were symmetric with a sluggish response to light. Extraocular movements were intact and there was no ocular misalignment on alternate cover testing. There was no lid-twitch. She had mild right ptosis that worsened with sustained upgaze. Facial sensation was intact. There was no facial weakness, dysarthria, or dysphagia. The palate was midline and elevated symmetrically. The tongue movements were normal. No fasciculations were observed. Her strength was 4/5 in both biceps and psoas, which improved on repeated testing. The remaining neurologic examination, including deep …
Kinetic properties of NAD malic enzyme from cauliflower.

Abstract The kinetic characteristics of NAD malic enzyme purified to homogeneity from cauliflower florets have been examined. Free NAD+ is the active form of this coenzyme. Double-reciprocal plots of data obtained by varying NAD+ and malate2− at a saturating concentration of Mg2+ or by varying Mg2+ and NAD+ at a saturating level of malate2− are of intersecting type. This indicates that NAD malic enzyme obeys a sequential mechanism. Analysis of these sets of data suggests that each of these substrate pairs binds randomly to the enzyme. However, each substrate binds tighter when others are already present on the enzyme. NAD malic enzyme cannot decarboxylate malate2− in the absence of either Mg2+ or NAD+. Arrhenius plots of the NAD-linked reaction are concave downward, indicating the existence of two rate-determining steps with activation energies of 26.5 and 14.2 kcal/mol, respectively. In addition to Mg2+, the enzyme can also use Mn2+ and Co2+. Using Co2+ in place of Mg2+ does not change Vmax or Km,malate2− but the Km for metal and NAD+ are greatly decreased. At pH 7.0 and above, Mn2+ isotherms and malate2− curves with Mn2+ are nonlinear and appear to be composed of two separate saturation curves. NAD malic enzyme is completely and irreversibly inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide. The enzyme is also irreversibly inactivated approximately 50% by KCNO.
A surface chemical and molecular interpretation of lung surfactant hysteresis

Abstract Lung surfactant monolayers when compressed and expanded cyclically exhibit a reproducible hysteresis in the surface pressure—area behavior. A quantitative description of this hysteresis in terms of plausible molecular events occurring at the interface is proposed.
Retransmission-based error control in a many-to-many client-server environment

Large-scale continuous media (CM) system implementations require scalable servers most likely built from clusters of storage nodes. Across such nodes random data placement is an attractive alternative to the traditional round-robin striping. One benefit of random placement is that additional nodes can be added with low data-redistribution overhead such that the system remains load balanced. One of the challenges in this environment is the implementation of a retransmission-based error control (RBEC) technique. Because data is randomly placed, a client may not know which server node to ask for a lost packet retransmission. We have designed and implemented a RBEC technique that utilizes the benefits of random data placement in a cluster server environment while allowing a client to efficiently identify the correct server node for lost packet requests. We have implemented and evaluated our technique with a one-, two-, and four-way server cluster and across local and wide-area networks. Our results show the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach in a real-world environment.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analog model of early visual processing: contour and boundary detection in the retina

Biological and psychophysical data do not rule out a model of retinal processing which allows accurate localization of contours without loss of high frequency image features such as corners and junctions. From an engineering perspective, early contour detection is useful for several applications, among them visually guided camera-image control. Simple, accurate and fast algorithms have been developed for matching based on binary edge maps. These can be incorporated within a control system for self-focusing and image stabilization. The principal features of the analog model are the following: (1) It is robust with respect to noise; (2) It does not lose contrast information or introduce systematic errors; and (3) It allows independent control of thresholding and smoothing. In other words, the interdependence between smoothing and the accuracy of edge localization is removed. The model is implemented by a 2-dimensional network of cells which are connected to their nearest neighbors. We present simulations of the network on a test image and present arguments for its plausibility as a model of retinal processing.
Urinary tract obstruction.

Angiotensin II plays a pivotal role in the progression of renal diseases, including obstructive nephropathy. Increasing levels of angiotensin II in obstructive nephropathy upregulate the expression of several factors: transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), osteopontin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), monocyte chemoattractant peptide-1 (MCP-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and CD14 among others. Local production of TGF-beta, by intrinsic renal cells or by macrophages invading the kidney, is a key mediator of renal fibrosis. Activation of TGF-beta stimulates endothelin production. Endothelin, in turn, is a potent stimulus for fibrogenesis. Oxidative stress, fueled in part by angiotensin II, upregulates the expression of adhesion molecules, chemoattractant compounds and cytokines. Sustained obstructive nephropathy leads to apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells. Several factors and genes involved in apoptosis have been described. Nuclear factor kappa-B is involved in the transcriptional regulation of genes present in several organs, including the kidney. NF-kappaB is activated in the setting of ureteral obstruction. Administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors decreased significantly the activation of NF-kappaB in the obstructed kidney. Studies in neonatal rats indicate that chronic ureteral obstruction decreases the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Replacement of this factor decreased apoptosis and reduced the expression of vimentin, clusterin, and TGF-beta. The administration of IGF-1 also lessened the tubular and interstitial pathology in the setting of ureteral obstruction. A spectrum of urinary tract malformations have been described. The utility of certain markers such as fetal serum beta(2) microglobulin as a predictor of postnatal renal function in bilateral uropathies has been described. A number of pharmacologic interventions that ameliorate the increased expansion of the interstitial volume, decrease the expression of TGF-beta, and down-regulate the production of extracellular matrix and the infiltration of the interstitium by macrophages have been described. Drugs used include ACE inhibitors, administration of arginine, administration of osteogenic protein-1, Pirferidone, and so on. It is likely that in the next decade advances in genetic manipulations and new drug therapies may forestall the development of fibrosis in the setting of urinary tract obstruction.
Noncurative Gastrectomy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma Should only be Performed in Highly Selected Patients

The benefit of surgical resection in patients with incurable gastric adenocarcinoma is controversial. A total of 289 patients who presented with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer from 1995 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Ten patients (3.5 %) required emergent surgery at presentation and were excluded from further analyses. Patients who underwent nonemergent surgery at presentation (n = 110, 38.1 %) received either gastric resection (group A, n = 46, 42 %) or surgery without resection (group B, n = 64, 58 %). Procedures in group A included distal gastrectomy (n = 25, 54 %), total gastrectomy (n = 17, 37 %), and proximal/esophagogastrectomy (n = 4, 9 %). Procedures in group B included laparoscopy (n = 17, 27 %), open exploration (n = 25, 39 %), gastrostomy and/or jejunostomy tube (n = 12, 19 %), and gastrojejunostomy (n = 10, 16 %). Group A required a stay in the intensive care unit or additional invasive procedure significantly more often than group B (15 vs. 2 %, p = 0.009). Four patients in group A (8.7 %) and three patients in group B (4.7 %) died within 30 days of surgery (p = 0.45). When the 110 patients who underwent nonemergent surgery (groups A and B) were compared to nonoperatively managed patients (group C, n = 169, 58 %), median overall survival did not significantly differ (8.6 vs. 9.2 vs. 7.7 months; p > 0.05). Three patients in group B (4.7 %) and three in group C (1.8 %) ultimately required an operation for their primary tumor. Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who present with advanced or metastatic disease not amenable to curative resection infrequently require emergent surgery. Noncurative resection is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and mortality as well as limited overall survival, and should therefore be performed judiciously.
Effect of a single dose of inducers and inhibitors on the rate of synthesis of cytochromes and reductases in liver organelles.

Measurement of the effect of drugs on the in vivo rates of synthesis of rabbit liver organelle bound proteins were measured following individual treatments with the inducers phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene and PCB (a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls) and the inhibitors, cycloheximide, aflatoxin 13, chloramphenicol and actinomycin D. Following their isolation from a homogenate containing the combined livers of 14C-leucine injected experimental animals and 3H-leucine injected control animals, purified fractions of the following proteins were prepared: microsomal cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase and proteolipids, outer mitochrondrial membrane cytochrome b5, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase and proteolipids, inner mitochrondrial membrane cytochrome c, NADH dehydrogenase and proteolipids, intermitochrondrial membrane cytochrome b5 and circulating serum albumin.
Characteristics of pediatric hospital medicine fellowships and training programs

OBJECTIVE: To explore the structure, components, and training goals of pediatric hospitalist fellowship programs in North America. DESIGN: We constructed a 17-item structured questionnaire to be administered by phone. Questionnaire items focused on documenting goals, training, requirements, and clinical duties of pediatric hospitalist training programs. From February through June 2007, research staff contacted directors of the programs. Responses were analyzed to determine program characteristics, including goals, formal training requirements, clinical rotations, and participation in hospital administrative activities. RESULTS: All 8 training programs completed the survey. There appear to be 2 distinct tracks for pediatric hospitalist training programs: clinical or academic specialization. Currently there are no standards or requirements for fellowship training from an external accrediting body and the curriculum for these programs is likely driven by service requirements and speculation on the needs of a future generation of pediatric hospitalists. The stated goals of the programs were quite similar. Seven reported that the provision of advanced training in the clinical care of hospitalized patients, quality improvement (QI), and hospital administration are central goals of their training program. Six reported training in the education of medical students and residents to be a primary goal, while 5 indicated training in health services research as a primary goal. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric hospitalist fellowships are in the very early stages of their development. In time, greater structure across institutions will need to be put in place if they are to succeed in becoming a necessary prerequisite to the practice of hospital medicine. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:157–163. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
The Police Culture: Research Implications for Psychological Services.

The unique nature of law enforcement has always fostered a distinct subculture that often pushes law enforcement officers (LEOs) to accept unique cultural tenets that are quite different from those held by average citizens. As a result. LEOs may isolate themselves from commonplace family and social relationships, with the byproducts of mental, physical, and behavioral problems. Despite the prominence of the police culture in modern life, there is a paucity of empirical research. On the basis of a review of the behavioral science literature and research, this article describes the negative and positive cultural effects that merit consideration by psychologists. The implications for psychological services to LEOs are discussed.
Rethinking Ruddick and the Ethnocentrism Critique of Maternal Thinking

In the early 1990s, Sara Ruddick's Maternal Thinking was criticized for harboring a latent ethnocentrism. Ruddick responded to these critiques in the 1995 edition of her book, but her response has not yet been addressed in the feminist philosophical literature. This essay addresses this lacuna in the scholarship on Ruddick. In the last installment of this critique, Alison Bailey and Patrice DiQuinzio suggested that the only way for Ruddick to avoid the ethnocentrism charge would require her near-universalistic claims about mothering to be rejected in favor of “particularized, localized accounts of mothering.” In this essay I'll show that this claim goes too far. After reviewing Lugones's and Bailey's critiques of Ruddick, along with Ruddick's response, I propose a “modified universalism” that addresses the concerns raised by Ruddick's critics while preserving key elements of her theory.