cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum Data Compression and Quantum Cross Entropy.

Quantum machine learning is an emerging field at the intersection of machine learning and quantum computing. A central quantity for the theoretical foundation of quantum machine learning is the quantum cross entropy. In this paper, we present one operational interpretation of this quantity, that the quantum cross entropy is the compression rate for sub-optimal quantum source coding. To do so, we give a simple, universal quantum data compression protocol, which is developed based on quantum generalization of variable-length coding, as well as quantum strong typicality.
Defining the Immune Responses for SARS-CoV-2-Human Macrophage Interactions

Host innate immune response follows severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and it is the driver of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) amongst other inflammatory end-organ morbidities. Such life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is heralded by virus-induced activation of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs; monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells). MPs play substantial roles in aberrant immune secretory activities affecting profound systemic inflammation and end organ malfunctions. All follow an abortive viral infection. To elucidate SARS-CoV-2-MP interactions we investigated transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of human monocyte-derived macrophages. While expression of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, paralleled monocyte-macrophage differentiation it failed to affect productive viral infection. In contrast, simple macrophage viral exposure led to robust pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression but attenuated type I interferon (IFN) activity. Both paralleled dysregulation of innate immune signaling pathways specifically those linked to IFN. We conclude that the SARS-CoV-2-infected host mounts a robust innate immune response characterized by a pro-inflammatory storm heralding consequent end-organ tissue damage.
Automatic identification and quantification of dense microcracks in high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites through deep learning-based computer vision

Abstract High-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCCs) feature high mechanical strengths, crack resistance, and durability. Under excessive loading, HPFRCCs demonstrate dense microcracks that are difficult to identify using existing methods. This study presents a computer vision method for identification, quantification, and visualization of microcracks in HPFRCCs based on deep learning. The presented method integrates multiple deep learning models and computer vision techniques in a hierarchical architecture. The crack pattern (e.g., number, width, and spacing of cracks) are automatically determined from pictures without human intervention. This study shows that the presented method achieves an accuracy of 0.992 for crack detection and an accuracy finer than 50 μm (R2 > 0.984) for quantification of crack width when deep learning models are trained using only 200 pictures of HPFRCCs and 200 pictures of conventional concrete with incorporation of data augmentation. The presented method is expected to be also applicable to other materials featuring complex cracks.
Brisk Erythematous Reaction Outside of the Radiation Field in a Patient Treated With Adjuvant Radiation for Phyllodes Tumor.

ABSTRACT Introduction Phyllodes tumor of the breast is a rare, generally benign, connective tissue disorder of the breast, typically treated with excision. Adjuvant radiation therapy is controversial, as it may confer a local control benefit. Systemic lupus erythematosus has traditionally been considered a contraindication to radiation therapy given the concerns for toxicity in collagen vascular diseases. Case Presentation Our patient is a 60-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus who now presents with a phyllodes tumor of the left breast who underwent left partial mastectomy followed by re-excision due to positive margins. Her final pathology showed phyllodes tumor with negative margins. After extensive discussion, she elected to proceed with adjuvant radiation therapy. She received 40 Gy in 15 fractions to the whole left breast followed by a 10 Gy in 5 fraction boost. She developed grade 3 radiation dermatitis within the treatment field and a diffuse, brisk erythematous reaction throughout her anterior chest wall bilaterally which required opioid analgesics, steroid taper, and topical agents for management. At 4 months post-treatment, the acute radiation reaction within the treatment field resolved, although she continued to have erythematous plaques across her anterior chest and bilateral breasts, likely secondary to a radiation-induced lupus flare. Conclusions Although radiation therapy in patients with SLE is generally safe, this case demonstrates a robust skin reaction outside of the treatment field, likely secondary to a radiation-induced SLE flare or a rare interaction with hydroxychloroquine.
Urban unhappiness is common

Abstract This study shows, for the first time, that city unhappiness is common across the world. We use the World Values Survey cumulative dataset 1981–2020 from www.worldvaluessurvey.org. In all developed countries, without exception, we find that city dwellers are not happier than rural residents.
Music, Language, Aurality: Latin American and Caribbean Resoundings

Recent work in anthropology has attended to the imbrication of music, sound, listening, and language in research on, and from, Latin America and the Caribbean, as part of a broader movement across ...
Type 2 diabetes among Asian Americans: Prevalence and prevention.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing problem among Asian Americans. Based on the Centers for Disease Control, the age-adjusted prevalence of T2DM for Asian Americans is 9%, placing them at “moderate risk”. However differential patterns of disease burden emerge when examining disaggregated data across Asian American ethnic groups; with Filipino, Pacific Islander, Japanese, and South Asian groups consistently described as having the highest prevalence of T2DM. Disentangling and strengthening prevalence data is vital for on-going prevention efforts. The strongest evidence currently available to guide the prevention of T2DM in the United States comes from a large multicenter randomized clinical control trial called the Diabetes Prevention Program, which targets individual lifestyle behavior changes. It has been translated and adopted for some Asian American groups, and shows promise. However stronger study designs and attention to several key methodological considerations will improve the science. Increased attention has also been directed toward population level downstream prevention efforts. Building an infrastructure that includes both individual and population approaches is needed to prevent T2DM among Asian American populations, and is essential for reducing health disparities.
Chronic myelogenous leukaemia CD34+ cells exit G0/G1 phases of cell cycle more rapidly than normal marrow CD34+ cells

To investigate the mechanisms behind the leukaemic expansion of chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML), we examined the cell cycle status and activation kinetics of purified subpopulations of CD34+ cells from normal and CML bone marrow (BM). Propidium iodide staining was used to assess cell cycle status of fresh cells or those stimulated with cytokines. Although the cell cycle status of fresh low-density cells from CML and normal BM was similar, a larger percentage of CML CD34+ cells were cycling than those from normal BM. The HLA-DR compartment of CML CD34+ cells, a fraction enriched for normal, non-leukaemic progenitors, contained a higher percentage of quiescent cells than the CD34+ HLA-DR+ fraction. When the activation of CD34+ cells was examined in response to SCF or IL-3 alone, or SCF+IL-3+IL-6, CML CD34+ cells exited GO/G1 more rapidly than normal CD34+ cells. Interestingly, although normal BM CD34+ cells failed to cycle in response to IL-6 alone, or in the absence of exogenous cytokines, 30% of CML cells cycled under these conditions. No differences in the degree of apoptosis were documented among CML and normal CD34+ cells in these cultures. These data suggest that enhanced cell cycle activation of CML CD34+ cells, by either autocrine stimuli or via enhanced sensitivity to exogenous stimuli, may be partially responsible for the pronounced cellular expansion characteristic of CML.
Magnetism of Transition Metal Doped GaN Nanostructures

The current information revolution puts increasing demand for faster, smaller, low power and high storage capacity devices for processing of information. Spin-based electronics, commonly referred to as spintronics, is an emergent technology that innovatively manipulates the spin and charge states of electrons to carry and store information. Since the spintronic devices are smaller, more versatile and robust than the traditional electronic devices, they have the potential to fundamentally alter the electronics industry. In order to make a spintronics device, the primary requirement is to have a system that can generate a current of spin polarized electrons, and a system that is sensitive to the spin polarization of the electrons. The simplest method of generating a spin polarized current is to inject the current through a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) device. A typical GMR
Nonlinear integrated optoelectronics

Compared to traditional crystal-based nonlinear optical devices, photonic integrate circuits on a silicon platform may enable advanced and parallelized functionality in chip-scal energy-efficient nonlinear optics, such as combinations of mixers, filters and photodetectors.
Amplification of lipotoxic cardiomyopathy in the VDR gene knockout mouse

Previous studies demonstrated that the liganded vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays an important role in controlling cardiovascular homeostasis. Both the whole animal VDR gene knockout (VDR-/-) and the myocyte-specific VDR gene deletion result in changes in cardiac structure and function. Clinical states associated with cardiac steatosis (obesity and diabetes mellitus) are also associated with low circulating 25 OH vitamin D levels. We, therefore, examined the effects of VDR deficiency (VDR-/- mouse) in a murine model of cardiac steatosis that expresses the terminal enzyme involved in triglyceride synthesis, diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), selectively in the cardiac myocyte. These mice display early cardiac dysfunction and late cardiomyopathy and heart failure. In the present study, we demonstrate that mice harboring both genetic modifications (i.e., MHC-DGAT1 Tg and VDR-/-) exhibit an increase in myocyte size, heart weight/body weight ratio and natriuretic peptide gene expression, all markers of cardiac hypertrophy, that exceed that seen in either VDR-/- or the MHC-DGAT1 Tg mice alone. This was accompanied by a dramatic increase in interstitial fibrosis and increased expression of collagen 1a1 and collagen 3a1, as well as the osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinase 2, genes. At a functional level, this resulted in a 37% reduction in ejection fraction and 55% reduction in fractional shortening in the DGAT1; VDR-/- mice relative to the controls. Collectively, these data demonstrate that deficiency in the vitamin D signaling system enhances the pathological phenotype in this experimental cardiomyopathy and suggest an important role for vitamin D in modulating disease severity in common cardiovascular disorders.
Service Pays: Creating Opportunities by Linking College with Public Service

If college is to be the gateway to security and success, then a new financing mechanism is essential, one that lets students take responsibility for the cost of their own educations without burdening their families unduly, forcing them into career choices that push them out of public service, or mortgaging their futures. Our Service Pays proposal is designed to give every student who wants to work hard a means of paying for college - and to give young people an economically viable option to engage in public service for a few years after college. After describing the high costs of college and the risks associated with student debt, the paper outlines the Service Pays program. The federal government would increase the amount students can borrow in the unsubsidized Stafford loan program, offering money for four years of college tuition, fees, and room and board to any student (regardless of family income) on the same terms as current student loans. The dollar amounts of the available loans would be pegged to average prices at public four-year colleges and universities, and students would have four years to work off those loans. The government would forgive students one year of college expenses for each year the student worked in public service after college. The paper then considers the types of service opportunities that would be eligible, the expected benefits of service, and the likely costs of Service Pays.
Approach to chronic cough: the neuropathic basis for cough hypersensitivity syndrome

Chronic cough is a common symptom that can be difficult to manage because associated causes may remain elusive and treatment of any associated cause may not provide relief. Current antitussives have limited efficacy and undesirable side-effects. Patients with chronic cough describe sensory symptoms suggestive of upper airway and laryngeal neural dysfunction, and report cough triggered by low-level physical and chemical stimuli supporting the concept of cough reflex hypersensitivity. Mechanisms underlying peripheral and central augmentation of the afferent cough pathways have been identified. Chronic cough is a neuropathic condition that could be secondary to sensory nerve damage caused by inflammatory, infective and allergic factors. Recent success in the treatment of chronic cough with agents used for treating neuropathic pain such as gabapentin and amitryptiline would also support this concept. Research into neuropathic cough may lead to the discovery of more effective antitussives.
Modifications in the B10 and B26–30 regions of the B chain of human insulin alter affinity for the human IGF-I receptor more than for the insulin receptor

Inversion of the natural sequence of the B chain of human insulin (HI) from ProB28LysB29 to LysB28ProB29 generates an insulin analogue with reduced tendency to self-associate. Since this substitution increases the homology of insulin to insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), we have examined the affinity of a series of insulin analogues with the general modified structure XaaB28ProB29 HI for binding to both human placental insulin and IGF-I receptors. The XaaB28ProB29 HI series is approximately equipotent to HI in binding to the insulin receptor with the exception of when Xaa = Phe, Trp, Leu, Ile, and Gly (40-60% relative to HI). Substitution with basic residues in the B28 position increased the relative affinity to the IGF-I receptor approximately 1.5-2-fold (ArgB28ProB29 > OrnB28ProB29 = LysB28ProB29). Substitution with acidic residues reduced relative affinity for the IGF-I receptor approximately 2-fold (CyaB28ProB29 = GluB28ProB29 > AspB28ProB29). Combination of AspB10 substitution in conjunction with a modification in the B28-29 position (e.g. AspB10LysB28ProB29 HI) showed an additional 2-fold selective increase in affinity for the IGF-I receptor, suggesting that these two effects are additive. Addition of Arg residues at B31-32, on the backbone of either HI or AspB10 HI, increased affinity for the IGF-I receptor 10 and 28 fold, respectively, compared to HI, confirming the significance of enhanced positive charge at the C-terminal end of the insulin B-chain in increasing selectivity for the IGF-I receptor. This relative increase in IGF-I receptor affinity correlated largely, but not completely, with enhanced growth promoting activity in human mammary epithelial cells. In the case of LysB28ProB29 HI, growth activity correlated with dissociation kinetics from the insulin receptor which were shown to be identical with those of human insulin.
The effect of processing and marketing procedures on the bacteriological condition and shelf life of eviscerated turkeys.

Synopsis Experiments carried out in a turkey processing plant showed that there was a fivefold increase in the number of psychrophilic bacteria present after holding eviscerated carcasses in static slush ice tanks for 24 hr. The predominant bacteria in the 24 hr chill tanks were strains of Flavobacterium, Cytophaga and Pseudomonas. The carcasses were wrapped in heat‐shrunk‐oxygen‐impermeable film and after freezing packed in individual boxes and held at ‐20° C. The storage life at 1°, 10° and 20° C. was determined together with the time taken for the frozen carcasses to equilibrate to these temperatures. It was found that at 1° C. the carcasses kept for about 3 weeks, but at 10° C. they spoiled within 7 days and at 20° G. within 3 days. An analysis of the spoilage flora showed that although Pseudomonas strains predominated on the turkeys stored at 1° C. fewer were isolated from turkeys stored at 10° C. and 20° C. At these two temperatures an organism identified as Enterobacter liquefaciens predominated to...
Process modeling of an entrained flow coal gasifier

In this paper, a process model of coal gasifier was developed using MATLAB, MS EXCEL. The proposed model in this paper was developed to predict syngas compositions correctly through calculating heat and mass balances and detail design for gasification in reactor. Furthermore, the proposed model was made to calculate carbon conversion and cold gas efficiency which represent the performance of gasifier. In order to validate the proposed model, result of syngas compositions was compared with RGibbs model in ASPEN PLUS for 4 coals which have experimental results of shell gasifier. Errors of results between experimental data and the proposed model is within 0.5%, the standard deviation of errors is 0.27. The value is smaller than 1.27 of RGibbs model, so that results from the proposed model is stable for prediction of syngas compositions. Carbon conversion and cold gas efficiency 4 coals were about 99% and 80% for as same with typical performance of Shell gasifier. In addition, the proposed model calculated volatile yields and reaction coordinates for 4 coals. Specially, it notices that reaction coordinates of gasification depend on coal type and what kinds of reaction are superior in gasification for each coal. The proposed model will be used effectively for process modeling of gasification plant process.
Centaur capabilities for communications satellite launches

The configurations, payload capabilities, and payload envelopes for Centaur in various applications are presented. The Centaur launch record is summarized and the Atlas/Centaur launch schedule is shown. Improvements in capability are reported on, and current and proposed vehicles are depicted. Dual Delta class spacecraft will be flown using a tandem adapter or large direct broadcast satellites in a single launch model. Shuttle/Centaur will permit spacecraft weights of up to 14,000 lb to be put into orbit, including payload lengths up to 40 ft. A new capability to transfer large deployed space systems from the Shuttle to high-altitude orbits at low thrusts will be available. Spacecraft lengths requiring the full, 60-foot cargo bay and weighing 20,000 lb could be placed in geosynchronous orbit with on-orbit rendezvous and assembly of the Centaur and spacecraft in low earth orbit.
Developmental modification and elimination of the larval stage in the ascidian, Corella willmeriana

The eggs of Corella develop in the atrial chamber of the parent at a pH below that of normal sea-water (pH 7.4 ±). When removed to normal sea-water in early stages and under certain other experimental conditions, larval development is more or less inhibited, the tail being most inhibited, the dorsal region somewhat less. The free larval stage may be eliminated and later development and metamorphosis may proceed normally to an advanced stage in the chorion and give rise to normal ascidians. The region most inhibited are, in general, those which possess the highest reducing power, as indicated by KMnO4. Experiments made in the attempt to control development all agree in indicating that the early stages are adjusted to a certain CO2 concentration approximately that of the atrial chamber and presumably near that of the body. Solutions of the same pH may or may not inhibit development according to their CO2 content. The tail, the region of highest reducing power in the embryo during its development, is most inhibited; the dorsal region, the next most rapidly reducing region, is next in degree of inhibition. All differences in reducing power disappear when, or soon after, the animals are killed by other agents before treatment with KMnO4.
Solvent extraction of cottonseed meats

In the experimental countercurrent extraction of flaked cottonseed meats by trichloroethylene the residual oil content of the extracted flakes decreased with: first, a decrease in the final oil content of the final miscella; second, decrease in the flake moisture down to 8.64%; third, decrease in flake thickness; fourth, increase in temperature; and fifth, increase in extraction time. For the batch of cottonseed meats used the following equation was developed: $$R = 26,000(\frac{{b^2 }}{{D_m \theta \cdot ^{995} }})e^{(7.15\mu /\rho - 0.0117t)} $$ whereR is percent residual extractables,b is flake thickness in feet,D is meat diameter in feet,ϑ is extraction time in hours,μ in viscosity, lb. per ft. hr.,ρ is density, lb. per cu. ft., andt is extraction temperature in degrees F. Not enough data were secured by extraction with hexane to check the equation developed for trichloroethylene extraction. Hexane is a poorer solvent for cottonseed oil than trichloroethylene. The amount of oil remaining in the meal is affected to a greater extent by the miscella concentration in hexane extraction than in trichloroethylene extraction.
Dynamic Scaling and Growth Behavior of Queuing Network Normalization Constants

A sample dynamic scaling technique is shown that avoids both the overflow and underflow problems that are often encountered in the evaluation of normalization constants of closed product-form queuing networks W~th dynamic scaling, normalization constants for very large routing chain population sizes can be evaluated within the bounds of a relauvely small range of numbers. It is shown that the product-form solution possesses a local balance property and the M ~, M property with respect to routing chains. The relationships between normahzaUon constants of closed networks and certain equilibrium aggregate state probabdities in networks that permit external arrivals and departures are examined. The growth behavior of normalization constants is shown to be modeled by a birth-death process traversing over the set of chain population vectors
Magnetic Phase Transitions in NdCoAsO

NdCoAsO undergoes three magnetic phase transitions below room temperature. Here we report the results of our experimental investigation of this compound, including determination of the crystal and magnetic structures using powder neutron diffraction, as well as measurements of electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, magnetization, and heat capacity. These results show that upon cooling a ferromagnetic state emerges near 69 K with a small saturation moment of $\ensuremath{\sim}0.2{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$, likely on Co atoms. At 14 K the material enters an antiferromagnetic state with propagation vector (0 0 1/2) and small ordered moments $(\ensuremath{\sim}0.4{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B})$ on Co and Nd. Near 3.5 K a third transition is observed, and corresponds to the antiferromagnetic ordering of larger moments on Nd, with the same propagation vector. The ordered moment on Nd reaches $1.39(5){\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}$ at 300 mK. Anomalies in the magnetization, electrical resistivity, and heat capacity are observed at all three magnetic phase transitions.
Testing the Junk-food Hypothesis on Marine Birds: Effects of Prey Type on Growth and Development

Abstract The junk-food hypothesis attributes declines in productivity of marine birds and mammals to changes in the species of prey they consume and corresponding differences in nutritional quality of those prey. To test this hypothesis nestling Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) and Tufted Puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) were raised in captivity under controlled conditions to determine whether the type and quality of fish consumed by young seabirds constrains their growth and development. Some nestlings were fed rations of Capelin (Mallotus villosus), Herring (Clupea pallasi) or Sand Lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) and their growth was compared with nestlings raised on equal biomass rations of Walleye Pollock (Theragra chalcograma). Nestlings fed rations of herring, sand lance, or capelin experienced higher growth increments than nestlings fed pollock. The energy density of forage fish fed to nestlings had a marked effect on growth increments and could be expected to have an effect on pre- and post-fl...
A comparison of background seismic risks and the incremental seismic risk due to nuclear power plants

Abstract The seismic risk for the continental United States, in terms of the expected annual number of deaths and severe injuries, and the expected property damage, is evaluated in this work. Probabilistic models and correlations are developed and used in the evaluations of the risks, accounting for such important variables as the variability of property values, damage factors and so on. In addition, the incremental seismic risk due to the presence of nuclear power plants is evaluated utilizing results and methods available in the literature. The results show that the incremental risk is generally very small compared to the background seismic risk, even if a very high probability for core melt is postulated.
Structural stability of partially ammonium-exchanged zeolite A

Abstract The thermal stability of the crystal structure of NaHA increases rapidly when the ratio of Na/Al rises above 0.33. The least damage to the structure occurs at a slow heating rate in a dry atmosphere. The hydrothermal stability of NaHA increases at a ratio of Na/Al in the range of 0.5 to 0.7. Both stabilities depend on the number of cation equivalents per unit cell, not on the number of cations. Zeolite A that is partially in the hydrogen form and thermally stable, can tolerate the sorption of small amounts of water and recalcination without losing crystallinity.
Can chiral single walled carbon nanotubes be used as enantiospecific adsorbents

Single-walled carbon nanotubes can exist in chiral forms and can adsorb a range of molecules. We use atomistic simulations to consider whether enantiopure carbon nanotubes might be effective enantiospecific adsorbents for chiral molecules. We examine the adsorption of both enantiomers of trans-1,2-dimethylcyclopropane and trans-1,2-dimethylcyclohexane in a range of chiral nanotubes. Our simulations indicate that these molecules are strongly adsorbed in nanotubes, that is, they have large heats of adsorption, but the energy differences between adsorbed enantiomers are negligible. We argue that this result is generic for chiral organic molecules adsorbed in carbon nanotubes, suggesting that these materials will not be effective enantiospecific adsorbents.
Meta-needs assessment

Abstract Social service administrators rarely have the resources to perform an in-depth needs assessment of their community. One way human service organizations can garner a large amount of research with little financial investment is through a ‘meta-needs assessment’. Meta-needs assessment is a comprehensive analysis of existing human service needs assessments using secondary data conducted by public, non-profit, and private organizations in a particular community. In this paper I discuss the significance of my research in carrying-out a meta-needs assessment in Nebraska. The paper is divided into four sections: (1) description of the problems facing social planning organizations in regards to needs assessment; (2) review of the relevant research literature that supports the meta-needs assessment approach; (3) overview of a meta-needs assessment carried-out in Nebraska; and (4) discussion of some of the methodological pitfalls that were encountered with the study and how these problems can be overcome in future meta-needs assessment projects.
Cytochrome c release from brain mitochondria is independent of the mitochondrial permeability transition

Ca2+ uptake by brain mitochondria induces the release of up to 40% of total cytochrome c in a cyclosporin A-insensitive manner. In the presence of ATP and Mg2+, this process is not accompanied by mitochondrial swelling. There is a moderate decrease in membrane potential under these conditions, but it is completely reversible upon removal of accumulated Ca2+ by addition of EGTA+A23187 but not by EGTA alone. These observations provide evidence that cytochrome c release from brain mitochondria does not require the membrane permeability transition. However, brain mitochondria can undergo the permeability transition in the absence of ATP and Mg2+, which results in cyclosporin A-sensitive large amplitude swelling, loss of Ca2+ uptake capacity and release of matrix solutes.
Associations between angiotensinogen gene variants and left ventricular mass and function in the HyperGEN study

Abstract Background The angiotensinogen M235T polymorphism is positively associated with plasma angiotensinogen, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. However, the association of M235T polymorphism with left ventricular (LV) mass and function is not well defined at the population level. We investigated whether 2 tightly linked polymorphisms of angiotensinogen gene, M235T and G-6A, are associated with LV mass and function in a large population-based sample, composed mostly of patients with hypertension. Methods Two-dimensional guided M-mode and pulsed Doppler scan echocardiograms were performed in 605 participants. The angiotensinogen M235T was analyzed with a standard polymerase chain reaction test, and the G-6A variant was measured with mass spectrophotometry. Results The association of angiotensinogen gene to LV mass and LV mass indexed to body surface area (LVMI) differed significantly between subjects with normotensive and hypertensive conditions with respect to the direction of association ( P P P =.04, for LV mass; P =.14, for LVMI). The association in patients with normotensive conditions was not influenced by blood pressure but was partly confounded by weight. Conclusion Variation in the angiotensinogen gene was modestly associated with LV mass independently of covariates in patients with hypertensive conditions. The direction of the association was opposite to that observed in patients with normotensive conditions, probably because of the influence of other risk factors or antihypertensive medication use or both. (Am Heart J 2002;143:854-60.)
Complications After Use of Gastric Segments for Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction

Purpose: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with the use of gastric segments for lower urinary tract reconstruction with an emphasis on long-term complications.Materials and Methods: A total of 29 patients underwent reconstruction of the lower urinary tract using gastric segments between 1993 and 2000. Diagnoses included neurogenic bladder (21), cloacal exstrophy (5), solitary kidney/ectopic ureter (1), posterior urethral valves (1) and rhabdomyosarcoma of prostate (1). Gastric segment was used as gastrocystoplasty (21), composite gastroenteric cystoplasty (6), demucosalized gastrocystoplasty (1) and continent gastric reservoir (1).Results: Mean followup was 13.9 years (range 9 to 16.5). Complications were seen in 15 (51.7%) patients. Seven patients had the hematuria-dysuria syndrome, which was intractable in 1 and necessitated excision of the gastric patch. Due to severe complications necessitating major reoperations 3 patients underwent re-augmentation with enteric segments without excision of t...
Hydrolysis of monodisperse phosphatidylcholines by phospholipase A2 occurs on vessel walls and air bubbles.

Hydrolysis of monodisperse short chain phosphatidylcholines, far below their critical micelle concentration, by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and other interfacial enzymes is characterized. Results show that virtually all the observed hydrolysis by pancreatic and human inflammatory PLA2 occurs on surfaces of the reaction vessel or air bubbles. Conditions to eliminate such extraneous contributions at low substrate concentrations are established. Premicellar aggregates are apparently formed near the critical micelle concentration. The observation window at low substrate concentrations is used to obtain an upper limit estimate of the rate of hydrolysis through the monodisperse Michaelis complex. A limit estimate of <0.1 s-1 is obtained for the hydrolysis of monodisperse substrates by pig pancreatic phospholipase A2. These results show that the observed rate of hydrolysis of dihexanoyl- and diheptanoylphosphatidylcholines with pig pancreatic phospholipase A2 through the monomer path is insignificant compared to the...
Lead-210, polonium-210, manganese and iron in the Cariaco Trench

Measurements of temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, sulfide, 226Ra, Mn, Fe, 210Pb, 210Po, and total suspended matter from three cruises of R.V. Atlantis II in the Cariaco Trench are reported. Distributions of dissolved and particulate Mn and Fe are similar to those for the Black Sea and reflect similar diffusion and redox-potential controls. Results for 210Pb and 226Ra in the anoxic deep water indicate a residence time for 210Pb in solution of less than two years. Particulate 210Pb results suggest that removal occurs largely by incorporation into metal sulfide phases forming in the water column. There is also evidence for precipitation of 210Pb with manganese oxide or iron hydroxide just above the O2-H2S interface. In the upper 300 m, 210Po is enriched by 55% over radioactive equilibrium with 210Pb. Possible sources of this excess include the bottom sediments and the water upwelling along the Venezuelan coast.
Unci: a C++-based Unit-testing Framework for Intro Students

This paper describes Unci, a unit-testing language with a clean and minimal interface suitable for introducing beginning programming students to the ideas of unit testing and test-driven development. We detail why CppUnit, a common C++-based unit-testing framework, is not well-suited for beginners, and present Unci and explain how it addresses the weaknesses of CppUnit. Finally, we present a comparison of CS2 student performance in the two systems, showing that moving from CppUnit to Unci resulted in an approximate doubling in the proportion of students able to write an effective test suite for a lab assignment.
Relationship between Systemic Corticosteroids and Osteonecrosis

Numerous reports describe osteonecrosis after oral corticosteroid therapy. It is still uncertain if corticosteroid treatment alone or in combination with other factors leads to the development of this condition. The literature presents controversial clinical and experimental data. The most affected site for osteonecrosis is the femoral head and therefore our considerations are concentrated at this site. Oral corticosteroids are commonly used in dermatology, especially in the treatment of connective tissue diseases and hypersensitive diseases. This clinical review evaluates the relationship between and the onset of femoral head necrosis. Although osteonecrosis of the femoral head can be caused by various conditions such as trauma, excess alcohol and hemoglobinopathies, studies indicate that treatment with corticosteroids is the most common cause of the condition. There is some controversy on the role of underlying disease and total corticosteroid dose administered, in the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. MRI scans are used to establish an early diagnosis. There are several surgical and nonsurgical options for disease management, dependent on the stage of disease, the age of the patient and other risk factors. In general, the risk for osteonecrosis is considered to be low under oral corticosteroid therapy. So far, no data can establish a direct relationship, but data still strongly suggest an existing cause and effect relationship. Further investigations are necessary for example, a large controlled prospective long-term study, to further refine an association between the corticosteroid dose, the duration of treatment and other risk factors. Dermatologists who prescribe oral corticosteroids, should always be aware of the potential risk of avascular femoral head necrosis and the patients should be informed about this severe complication of oral coricosteroid therapy.
Effect of Milling on the Mechanical Properties of Chopped SiC Fiber-Reinforced ZrB2

This work aims at studying the effect of the milling conditions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a ZrB2-5 vol% Si3N4 matrix reinforced with chopped Hi-Nicalon SiC fibers. Several composites were obtained using different milling conditions in terms of time, speed and type of milling media. The composites were prepared from commercial powders, ball milled, dried and shaped, and hot pressed at 1720 °C. Their relative bulk densities achieved values as high as 99%. For each material the fiber length distribution, the extent of reacted fiber area and matrix mean grain size were evaluated in order to ascertain the effects of milling time, milling speed and type of milling media. While the fracture toughness and hardness were statistically the same independently of the milling conditions, the flexural strength changed. From the results obtained, the best milling conditions for optimized mechanical properties were determined.
Anisotropic parameters for the valence p orbitals of the group IB elements

Abstract Experimental 〈r−3〉 constants for the valence p orbitals of the Groups IB elements are presented. Values were obtained either directly from the fine-structure splitting of the Group IB atom or indirectly from both the fine-structure and hyperfine splittings of the nearest Group IIIA element. Relativistic corrections are explicity included. Averages (standard deviation in parentheses) for the anisotropic hf parameter 2 5 g e β e g N 〈r −3 〉 are 87(17), 25(3), and 26(6) MHz fr 63Cu, 107Ag, and 197Au, respectively.
Sedimentary basin deformation: an incremental stress approach

Abstract A key component of sedimentary basin evolution is the spatial distribution and temporal variation of stress and deformation. The many deformation processes (poroelasticity, fracturing, irreversible nonlinear viscosity, and pressure solution) are inextricably bound in a tightly coupled network which, in turn, is coupled to a myriad of basin diagenetic, thermal and hydrologic processes. In the approach presented here, the various deformation processes are integrated through an incremental stress approach. Together with mass, momentum and energy conservation, this approach yields a complete, fully coupled basin model that captures basin and fault phenomena that are beyond the scope of simpler or decoupled models. Many of the most interesting basin phenomena are not only dependent on multiple, coupled processes but also are fundamentally three-dimensional. To address this three-dimensional complexity, we have developed a numerical simulator using a moving, adapting, accreting finite element grid which is allowed to deform and to grow and adapt with the addition of sediment to capture smaller sedimentary features. As a result, our fully coupled, comprehensive model allows one to solve a number of key problems in basin and fault dynamics. These include compaction, fractured reservoir and compartment genesis and dynamics. Examples illustrating these applications are presented for idealized systems and the Piceance Basin (Colorado) and the Permian Basin (West Texas). The incremental stress rheology is found to be a powerful formalism for integrating basin hydrology, diagenesis and mechanics.
An Ion-Exchange Resin-Contact Time Method for the Study of Inorganic Equilibria in Milk,

Summary An ion-exchange resin-contact time equilibration procedure has been developed for the study of the inorganic equilibria of cations and anions in raw skimmilk and processed milks. With this method it is possible to study directly changes in the cation-anion components of milk and the various phases involved, as a function of processing conditions. Data are presented to show removals of calcium and phosphorus from raw skimmilk and true solutions at various contact times. Thirty-six per cent of the total calcium was removed from milk during 10 seconds contact. The rate constant for the removal of calcium was found to remain constant to the 90% level, after which the rate constant decreased. The reproducibility of the resin-contact time method for calcium was considered good. The average standard deviation was found to be ±0.38 mg., and the average error for all contact times studied was ±1.64% of the per cent exchanged. With a 10-second contact time about 44% of the total phosphorus was exchanged. A nearly constant rate of removal occurred as a function of contact time to the 65-68% removal point. The removal leveled off at this time. These studies indicate that about one-third of the phosphate in milk is organically bound and not available as ions. The slopes of the curves for contact times of 10 to 180 seconds are interpreted as due to the exchange of calcium from the ionic and dissolved complexes, whereas the slopes for contact times of 3 to 5 minutes are due to exchange from colloidal phases. The resin-contact time method does not have many of the uncertainties inherently present in methods such as dialysis, ultrafiltration, centrifugation, and rennet and other precipitation techniques.
Enriching social situational awareness in remote interactions: insights and inspirations from disability focused research

In this paper we present a new perspective into developing technologies for enriching social presence among remote interaction partners. Inspired by the abilities and limitations faced by people who are disabled during their everyday social interactions, we propose novel portable and wearable technologies that could potentially enrich remote interactions even in audio and video deprived settings. We describe the important challenges faced by people who are disabled during everyday dyadic and group social interactions and correlate them to the challenges faced by participants in remote interactions. With a case study of visually impaired individuals, we demonstrate how assistive technologies developed for social assistance of people who are disabled can help in increasing the social situational awareness, and hence social presence, of remote interaction partners.
Recollection and the Reinstatement of Encoding-Related Cortical Activity

The neural correlates of episodic memory retrieval ("recollection") differ according to the type of information contained in the recollected episode. Such content-specific recollection effects have been hypothesized to reflect the reinstatement of processes or representations active during encoding. Using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated this hypothesis by directly contrasting the neural activity elicited during the encoding and subsequent recollection of words studied with one of 2 encoding tasks. Study words appearing on pictures of scenes required imagining the word's referent at any location within the scene, whereas words appearing on a blank background required generating a sentence that incorporated the word. On a later memory test, the neural correlates of recollection were operationalized by contrasting the activity elicited during correct "remember" versus "know" responses. Recollected words from the "scene" task elicited activity in regions of left occipital cortex and anterior fusiform gyrus that overlapped regions where encoding-related activity was greater for the scene than sentence task. Conversely, activity elicited by words recollected from the "sentence" task overlapped with a region of ventromedial frontal cortex where encoding-related activity was greater for the sentence task. These content-specific associations between encoding- and recollection-related neural activity strongly support the reinstatement hypothesis of episodic retrieval.
Persistent cigarette smoking and other tobacco use after a tobacco-related cancer diagnosis.

Introduction People who continue to smoke after a cancer diagnosis have an increased risk for recurrences or development of new malignancies. These risks may be even higher among tobacco-related cancer survivors (TRCS). We describe tobacco use behaviors among TRCS, other cancer survivors, and people without a history of cancer.
Comparison of linoleic acid and stearic acid absorption by the gallbladder

Abstract The absorption of [14C]linoleic acid and [14C]stearic acid in guinea pig bile by the in situ guinea pig gallbladder was compared. Linoleic acid was adsorbed at a faster rate than was stearic acid. Differences were also observed in the in-corporation of these two fatty acids into complex lipids of the gallbladder mucosa. A greater portion of adsorbed linoleic acid was incorporated into triacyl-glycerol whereas a greater portion of stearic acid was incorporated into sphin-gomyelin. The significance of these findings in relation to the fatty acid com-position of bile is discussed.
Effect of some antiarrhythmics on [3H]clonidine binding to α2-adrenergic receptors

Abstract The effects of the antiarrhythmics quinidine, propranolol, procainamide and lidocaine were determined on the specific binding of [3H]clonidine to the α2-adrenergic receptor. Quinidine is effective in decreasing specific [3H]clonidine binding to the α2-receptor within the range of therapeutic blood levels (Ki = 6 × 10−8 M). The effectiveness of all compounds tested, with the exception of quinidine and procainamide, correlate with the membrane/buffer partition coefficient, suggesting a relationship with the local anesthetic activity.
Treatment of hepatitis C in HIV-infected persons: a work in progress.

As the era of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) enters its second decade, liver disease due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality [1]. Further, randomized controlled trials have established the relative safety and efficacy of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) for the treatment of hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients [2–6]. Based on these data, United States and European regulatory authorities have approved the use of PegIFN/RBV combination therapy in coinfected patients; similarly, multiple expert guidelines have been published to establish the standard of care in the management of HCV/HIV coinfected patients [7–11]. In early 2005, experts in hepatology and infectious diseases met to develop a consensus of opinion on the treatment of HCV in HIV-infected persons (First European Consensus Conference, ECC, Paris, France, March 2005) [7]. In addition to universal screening of all HIV-infected persons for hepatitis C, the ECC jury recommended that treatment with peginterferon alfa (alfa-2a, 180 mcg/weekly or alfa-2b, 1.5 mcg/kg/weekly)