cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond single-shot phase-sensitive autocorrelator for the ultraviolet.

A single-shot phase-sensitive autocorrelator for the investigation of high-intensity ultraviolet laser pulses is developed and tested. The fluorescence of the two-photon-excited self-trapped excitons in BaF2 is used as a nonlinear detector. Simultaneous measurements of the temporal phase structure and the spectrum of a subpicosecond KrF laser are reported.
Toughening of nylon 6 by modified polyethylenes

Abstract Impact strength of nylon 6 was more than tripled by incorporation of 10% low-density polyethylene, ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers, or chlorinated polyethylenes. Chlorinated polyethylenes containing 36-42% of chlorine generally gave best retention of tensile and flexural modulus and strength characteristics.
New aspects of integrin signaling in cancer

Members of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors influence several important aspects of cancer cell behavior, including motility and invasiveness, cell growth, and cell survival. Engagement of integrins with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins can activate members of the Rho-family of small GTPases; conversely, Rho- and Ras-family proteins can influence the ability of integrins to bind their ligands. These events impinge on the control of cell motility, and ultimately on invasive and metastatic behavior. Integrin engagement with ECM also has important effects on cell survival, particularly for cells of epithelial origin. In some cases, specific integrins have selective effects on the efficiency of signal transduction in cell survival pathways.
An OpenMP algorithm and implementation for clustering biological graphs

Graph algorithms on parallel architectures present an interesting case study for irregular applications. Among the graph algorithms popular in scientific computing, graph clus tering or community detection has numerous applications in computational biology. However, this operation also poses serious computational challenges because of irregular memory access patterns, large memory requirements, and their dependence on other auxiliary (also irregular) data structures to supplement processing. In this paper, we address the problem of graph clustering on shared memory machines. We present a new OpenMP-based parallel algorithm called pClust-sm, which uses adjacency lists, hash tables and union-find data structures in parallel. The algorithm improves both the asymptotic runtime and memory complexities of a previous serial implementation. Preliminary results show that this algorithm can scale up to 8 threads (cores) of a shared memory machine on a real world metagenomics input graph with 1.2M vertices and 100M edges. More importantly, the new implementation drastically reduces the time to solution from the order of several hours to just over 4 minutes, and in addition, it enhances the problem size reach by at least one order of magnitude.
Synthesis of a TREN in Which the Aryl Substituents are Part of a 45 Atom Macrocycle

A substituted TREN has been prepared in which the aryl groups in (ArylNHCH2CH2)3N are substituted at the 3- and 5-positions with a total of six OCH2(CH2)nCH═CH2 groups (n = 1, 2, 3). Molybdenum nitride complexes, [(ArylNCH2CH2)3N]Mo(N), have been isolated as adducts that contain B(C6F5)3 bound to the nitride. Two of these [(ArylNCH2CH2)3N]Mo(NB(C6F5)3) complexes (n = 1 and 3) were crystallographically characterized. After removal of the borane from [(ArylNCH2CH2)3N]Mo(NB(C6F5)3) with PMe3, ring-closing olefin metathesis (RCM) was employed to join the aryl rings with OCH2(CH2)nCH═CH(CH2)nCH2O links (n = 1–3) between them. RCM worked best with a W(O)(CHCMe3)(Me2Pyr)(OHMT)(PMe2Ph) catalyst (OHMT = hexamethylterphenoxide, Me2Pyr = 2,5-dimethylpyrrolide) and n = 3. The macrocyclic ligand was removed from the metal through hydrolysis and isolated in 70–75% yields relative to the borane adducts. Crystallographic characterization showed that the macrocyclic TREN ligand in which n = 3 contains three cis double bon...
Seasonal Prediction of Regional Reference Evapotranspiration Based on Climate Forecast System Version 2

AbstractReference evapotranspiration (ETo) is an important hydroclimatic variable for water planning and management. This research explored the potential of using the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), for seasonal predictions of ETo over the states of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. The 12-km ETo forecasts were produced by downscaling coarse-scale ETo forecasts from the CFSv2 retrospective forecast archive and by downscaling CFSv2 maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), mean temperature (Tmean), solar radiation (Rs), and wind speed (Wind) individually and calculating ETo using those downscaled variables. All the ETo forecasts were calculated using the Penman–Monteith equation. Sensitivity coefficients were evaluated to quantify how and how much does each of the variables influence ETo. Two statistical downscaling methods were tested: 1) spatial disaggregation (SD) and 2) spatial disaggregation with quantile mapping bias correction (SDBC). The downscaled ETo from the coarse-scale E...
An epidemic of maternal thrombocytopenia associated with elevated antiplatelet antibody

Abstract Twenty-eight (24%) of 116 pregnant women studied prospectively during an 8-month period in 1983 had platelet counts of 3 at least once during pregnancy. Thirteen of these were thrombocytopenic in both the prenatal and the peripartum period. Eighteen were restudied 3 to 12 months after delivery. One woman, who was pregnant again, had a platelet count of 140,000/mm 3 . In the others, platelet counts were in the normal range. Platelet-associated immunoglobulin G and serum antiplatelet antibody levels were elevated in 79% and 61%, respectively, of these 28 women on at least one occasion. However, 59% of 73 pregnant nonthrombocytopenic women had increased platelet-associated immunoglobulin G levels and 59% had positive serum antiplatelet antibody test results. Twenty women who had increased platelet-associated immunoglobulin G levels and positive serum antiplatelet antibody test results were normal 6 to 10 months after delivery. Of 105 infants studied, 10 were thrombocytopenic. Neonatal thrombocytopenia was not predicted by maternal platelet count, platelet-associated immunoglobulin G, or serum antiplatelet antibody. By the fall of 1984, the incidence of thrombocytopenia had dropped to two in 280 consecutive pregnancies. We conclude that (1) epidemics of thrombocytopenia can occur in pregnant women and (2) if a women is found to be thrombocytopenic for the first time during pregnancy, she should not be subjected to the measures advocated for the management of pregnancy in women with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura.
Taurine concentrations in the aqueous humor and plasma of anesthetized rabbits.

Aqueous humor taurine concentrations were found to be significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of the plasma in anesthetized rabbits. Topical application of 2 mg terbutaline lowered intraocular pressure (p<0.001), but did not alter aqueous taurine content.
Peak Oil Demand: The Role of Fuel Efficiency and Alternative Fuels in a Global Oil Production Decline

Some argue that peak conventional oil production is imminent due to physical resource scarcity. We examine the alternative possibility of reduced oil use due to improved efficiency and oil substitution. Our model uses historical relationships to project future demand for (a) transport services, (b) all liquid fuels, and (c) substitution with alternative energy carriers, including electricity. Results show great increases in passenger and freight transport activity, but less reliance on oil. Demand for liquids inputs to refineries declines significantly after 2070. By 2100 transport energy demand rises >1000% in Asia, while flattening in North America (+23%) and Europe (−20%). Conventional oil demand declines after 2035, and cumulative oil production is 1900 Gbbl from 2010 to 2100 (close to the U.S. Geological Survey median estimate of remaining oil, which only includes projected discoveries through 2025). These results suggest that effort is better spent to determine and influence the trajectory of oil su...
Absence of Penicillin-Degrading Enzymes in Penicillin-Resistant Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Abstract Penicillin-resistant and -susceptible strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were evaluated for the presence of enzymes capable of degrading penicillin by incubation of [14C]benzylpenicillin with resting-cell suspensions of N. gonorrhoeae followed by extraction and chromatography of the labeled antibiotic. No degradative activity was observed.
Effects of Ovaries in Various Stages of Activity and of Pregnancy Upon Adrenalectomized Rats

ConclusionsOophorectomy and the absence of the corpora lutea of ovulation does not shorten the survival period of bilateral adrenalectomized white rats.II . Effect of the presence of the corpus luteum of lactation.Of 7 females in this group, 2 were operated upon the day before delivery, one 7 days, one 8 days, one 10 days, one 14 days, and one 16 days post partum. Except in the first two, lactation was well established and adequate. Exploration of the ovaries at the time of operation showed the presence of many large, firm lutein bodies in each ovary. In the first 2 individuals, the breasts were never well filled with milk and the young remained weak until death. In the others, active lactating organs declined and were dry from the second to the fourth day.The young, normal and active until operation upon the mother, mere moribund between the second and fifth days, post-operative, 2nd died from the third to the sixth day after maternal adrenalectomy, the average post-operative survival period of the young...
Organic and polymer chemistry of electrophilic tri‐ and tetrasubstituted ethylenes

A survey of the spontaneous reactions of electrophilic olefins and nucleophilic olefins is presented as an area in which organic chemistry merges with polymer chemistry. The products include both small molecules and polymers, arising via tetramethylene biradical zwitterions that can cyclize or initiate polymerizations. Electrophilic tri- and tetrasubstituted olefins are particularly useful in delineating the transition from radical chemistry to ionic chemistry. A periodic table embodying these results enables predictions. Charge-transfer complexes, although observed in many of these reactions, play no significant role. Various aspects arising from these investigations include new cationic initiators, Lewis acid catalysis, quinodimethane chemistry, and photochemistry. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2845–2858, 2004
Electricity in chemical processes

The applications of electricity to chemical processes are increasing at a startling rate. In this article the development of electrochemical processes including the production of many metals and other products is reviewed, and the amounts of electric energy consumed by the various processes over the past 10 or 15 years are given. Predictions are made for a greatly expanding use of electricity in the next decade.
Two unusual postburn reconstructions using tissue expansion: one exogenous and one endogenous.

DiGregorio VR. Two unusual postburn reconstructions using tissue expansion: one exogenous and one endogenous
Detection of hypodiploidy using multi-parameter flow cytometric analysis: A prognostic indicator in multiple myeloma

We analyzed 49 patients with multiple myeloma (MM) using propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry to assess DNA content of MM cells in bone marrow. In 12 patients the presence or absence of DNA content aneuploidy could not be determined by analysis of single-parameter DNA histograms alone. Using forward light scatter measurement, resolution of ploidy was readily obtained in all but three cases. Assuming the DNA content of the low light scatter population to be diploid, we were able to classify 7 cases as hypodiploid and 39 as hyperdiploid or diploid. Hyperdiploid or diploid patients survived a median of 24 months and hypodiploid patients only 2.5 months. We conclude that multiparameter analysis of DNA content and light scatter provides easier analysis for the presence or absence of aneuploidy. Patients with DNA content hypodiploidy have a short survival.
Transmission of two subacute spongiform encephalopathies of man (Kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) to new world monkeys.

Now that kuru and Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease have been transmitted to four species of New World monkeys, spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), capuchin monkeys (Cebus sp.), squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciurens), and woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagothica), these more readily available animals may replace the chimpanzee in the laboratory study of these two subacute degenerative diseases of the human brain.
Benefit of a sharp computed tomography angiography reconstruction kernel for improved characterization of intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the first-line imaging modality used for cerebral aneurysms because of its speed and sensitivity for detection, although digital subtraction angiography is often required for more detailed aneurysm shape delineation. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a sharper CTA reconstruction kernel can better characterize an aneurysm and improve decision-making before intervention. METHODS Fifteen patients presenting with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage underwent 64-row CTA. CTA data were reconstructed using the default H20f smooth kernel and a H60f sharp kernel and compared with contemporaneous catheter 3-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA). Aneurysm neck, width, and aspect ratio measurements were made using intensity line plots of identical projections on all imaging datasets and compared by matched-pair statistics. RESULTS Aneurysm neck measurements from the H20f smooth kernel revealed overestimation compared with both the sharp kernel (greater by 0.64 ± 0.21 mm, P < .01) and 3DRA (greater by 0.68 ± 0.19 mm, P < .01). There was no statistically significant difference between 3DRA and the sharp kernel CTA measurements. Neck measurements correlated well between the H60f kernel and 3DRA but not between the H20f Kernel and 3DRA (R 0.97 vs 0.86). CONCLUSION H60f sharp CTA kernel reconstruction provides more accurate anatomic characterization of cerebral aneurysms than the H20f smooth kernel at the expense of less visually pleasing reconstructions. Because it does not require additional contrast, radiation, or imaging hardware and is more similar to 3DRA, it may aid in selecting the appropriate treatment strategy before to evaluation by catheter-based angiography.
Effects of Dietary Zeolite and Vitamin A on Tibial Dyschondroplasia in Chickens

Abstract Four experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary zeolites on tibial dyschondroplasia in chicks. All studies used a practical-type corn-soybean meal diet and male broiler chicks from 1 day to 14 or 16 days of age. Vitamin A was added to the diet in the first experiment at levels of 0 or 45,000 IU/kg in addition to full or half required levels of vitamin premix, and in the second experiment at levels of 0, 11,250, 22,500 and 45,000 IU/kg in addition to full requirement levels of vitamin premix. This was done in order to determine if vitamin levels affected expression of tibial dyschondroplasia and, if so, if this expression could be influenced by 1.0% dietary zeolite. A high level of dietary vitamin A caused a lower incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia in Experiment 1 but had no effect in Experiment 2. Zeolite at graded levels of 0, .25, .50, and 1.0% in Experiment 3 and at the 1.0% level in all other experiments consistently caused a hipher bone ash and a lower incidence and number of birds exhibiting severe tibial dyschondroplasia. The addition of zeolite to the diet generally had no effect on body weight or gain:feed ratio but reduced tibial dyschondroplasia scores in two of the four experiments. In Experiment 4, the addition of dietary zeolite increased 47 Ca absorption but did not influence biological half-life.
Endogenous oestrogens predict 4-year decline in verbal fluency in postmenopausal women: the Rancho Bernardo Study

Summary Objective Despite overwhelming biological plausibility, evidence for a protective effect of oestrogen on cognitive function in postmenopausal women is inconsistent. This study examines the association between endogenous oestrogen levels and subsequent 4-year decline in cognitive function test performance in community-dwelling older women. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Participants Three hundred and forty-three postmenopausal women (median age 70 years). Measurements Between 1984 and 1987, serum for measurement of sex hormones was obtained along with relevant covariates. Cognitive function was assessed in 1988–1991 and again in 1992–1996 using the Category Fluency test, the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) and Trail Making Test B (Trails B). Results Women in the highest tertile of oestrone and bioavailable oestradiol had respectively 1·75 (95% CI 1·02, 3·07) and 1·79 (95% CI 1·04, 3·10) higher odds of 4 year decline in Category Fluency, a test of frontal lobe function, compared to those in the lowest tertile, independent of age and education. The 20% of women with highest tertile levels of both oestrone and bioavailable oestradiol had a twofold higher odds of verbal fluency loss (OR = 2·17; 95% CI 1·21, 3·89). Adjustment for testosterone levels or for obesity-related factors associated with high endogenous oestrogens (higher body mass index, waist girth, and triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) did not alter results. Neither oestrogen was associated with change in MMSE or Trails B scores. Conclusions Higher endogenous oestrogen levels were associated with a greater decline in verbal fluency in postmenopausal women. This association was not explained by elevated androgens or by obesity or obesity-related factors.
Metabolism and Disposition of Phenolphthalein in Male and Female F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice

A recent 2-year carcinogenicity/toxicology study determined that phenolphthalein (PHTH) is a multisite carcinogen in both mice and rats at all doses evaluated. In response to this finding the metabolism and disposition of PHTH has been evaluated in both F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice at a single oral dose of 800 mg/kg. This dose fell within the range previously found to be carcinogenic in rats and mice. Studies were also performed using 1 and 50 mg/kg doses. At 800 mg/kg recovery of [14C]PHTH after 72 h was near 100% in females but closer to 75% in males. Radioactivity was primarily recovered in the feces in rats (> 90%), while mice excreted 30-40% of administered activity in the urine. There was no significant retention of radioactivity in tissues by 72 h and no significant accumulation of radioactivity in any tissue at any time point. Covalent binding to protein in target tissues, bone marrow and ovary, was at or less than the pmol/mg protein range. The major metabolite was PHTH glucuronide. Three minor metabolites were detected. A sulfate conjugate and and a hydroxylated metabolite were identified by comparison of retention times and 1H NMR and/or mass spectra with synthetic standards. A diglucuronide conjugate was tentatively identified. Biliary elimination was extensive in rats (35% of dose within 6 h); the only product detected in bile was phenolphthalein glucuronide.
Induction of the Candida albicans filamentous growth program by relief of transcriptional repression: a genome-wide analysis.

Candida albicans, the major human fungal pathogen, undergoes a reversible morphological transition from blastospores (round budding cells) to filaments (elongated cells attached end-to-end). This t...
Refocusing the Agenda on Cardiovascular Guidelines An Announcement From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

When he dedicated the new National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bethesda campus in October 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared, “We cannot be a strong nation unless we are a healthy nation. And so we must recruit knowledge and science in the service of national strength.”1 For more than 65 years, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI’s) core mission has been, and continues to be, the generation and dissemination of knowledge and science with the goal of securing a healthy nation.2 Thirty-two years after Roosevelt’s NIH dedication, on July 26, 1972, Elliot Richardson, the Secretary of the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, announced the establishment of a “National Hypertension Program.”3 The program planned a 4-step approach to include agreement on standards and conditions for treatment, education of health workers, public dissemination of information, and research on the impact of the program on healthcare delivery. Richardson appointed 2 committees: one, the Hypertension Information and Education Advisory Committee, was to focus on the knowledge of hypertension and the communication of that knowledge, whereas the other, the Interagency Working Group, was to focus on exchange of information and coordination with the professional community. In 1977, the NHLBI issued the first of a number of clinical practice guidelines4 that would emerge from the National High Blood Pressure Education Program, as well as from other similar efforts such as the National Cholesterol Education Program. The NHLBI guidelines have covered a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, cholesterol, blood pressure, asthma, and von Willebrand disease.5 Over the years, these groundbreaking health education initiatives have successfully promoted marked increases in the public’s awareness of cardiovascular disease risk factors and contributed to the major reductions in coronary heart disease mortality observed during this period.6,7 …
Roles of the Af and Tl genes in pea leaf morphogenesis: characterization of the double mutant (afaftltl)

The pleiofila phenotype (afaftltl double mutant) of Pisum sativum arises from two single-gene, recessive mutations known to affect the identity of leaf pinnae, afila (af), and acacia (tl). The wild-type leaf consists of proximal leaflets and distal tendrils, whereas the pleiofila leaf consists of branched pinnae terminating in small leaflets. Using morphological measurements, histology, and SEM, we characterized the variation in leaf form along the plant axis, in leaflet anatomy, and in leaf development in embryonic, early postembryonic, and late postembryonic leaves of aftl and wild-type plants. Leaves on aftl plants increase in complexity more rapidly during shoot ontogeny than those on wild-type plants. Leaflets of aftl plants have identical histology to wild-type leaflets although they have smaller and fewer cells. Pinna initiation is acropetal in early postembryonic leaves of aftl plants and in all leaves of wild-type plants, whereas in late postembryonic leaves of aftl plants pinna initiation is bidirectional. Most phenotypic differences between these genotypes can be attributed to differential timing (heterochrony) of major developmental events.
Photophysical, Photochemical, and Tumor‐selectivity Properties of Bromine Derivatives of Rhodamine‐123

The conceptual basis for the development of mitochondrial targeting as a novel therapeutic strategy for both chemotherapy and photochemotherapy of neoplastic diseases rests on the observation that enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential is a common tumor cell phenotype. The potential of this strategy is highlighted by the fact that the toxic effects associated with a number of cationic dyes known to localize in energized cell mitochondria are much more pronounced in tumor cells than in normal cells. Here we evaluate the phototoxic properties of four bromine derivatives of rhodamine-123 toward human uterine sarcoma (MES-SA) and green monkey kidney (CV-1) cells and compare the degrees of tumor cell selectivity associated with these dyes with those associated with two model mitochondrial triarylmethanes (crystal violet and ethyl violet). Selective phototoxicity toward tumor cells was found to be highly dependent upon the lipophilic/hydrophilic character of the cationic photosensitizer. Our experimental data have indicated that the probability of success of mitochondrial targeting in (photo)chemotherapy of neoplastic diseases is higher when the octan-1-ol/water partition coefficient of the drug candidate falls within approximately two orders of magnitude from that of the prototypical mitochondria-specific dye rhodamine-123.
Confronting Challenges, Overcoming Obstacles: A Conversation about Quantitative Literacy

An edited transcript of the opening session of a workshop on quantitative literacy held Oct. 10-12, 2008 at Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota. The workshop, which brought together interdisciplinary teams from two dozen colleges and universities, was sponsored by the Quantitative Inquiry, Reasoning, and Knowledge (QuIRK) Initiative at Carleton and the Washington-based Project Kaleidoscope. Two mathematicians in the forefront of quantitative literacy initiatives over the period 1997-2008, Lynn Arthur Steen and Bernard L. Madison, converse about attitudes, obstacles, changes and accomplishments. The conversation, structured as an interview, begins with the relationship between mathematics and quantitative literacy and moves through issues central to effective education in quantitative reasoning to the relationship of such reasoning to the US financial crises of 2008.
RTG-L: Dependably Scheduling Real-Time Distributable Threads in Large-Scale, Unreliable Networks

We consider scheduling real-time distributable threads in the presence of node/link failures and message losses in large-scale network systems. We present a distributed scheduling algorithm called RTG-L. The algorithm uses gossip-based communication for dynamically and dependably discovering eligible nodes. Traditionally, gossip protocols incur high message overhead. We explain that this problem is not that serious. We present a gossip-based message propagation protocol with lower message overhead. In scheduling local thread sections, RTG-L exploits slacks to optimize gossip time utilization. Thereby, it satisfies end-to-end time constraints with probabilistic assurance. Our simulation studies verify our analytical results.
ATP depletion rather than mitochondrial depolarization mediates hepatocyte killing after metabolic inhibition

The importance of ATP depletion and mitochondrial depolarization in the toxicity of cyanide, oligomycin, and carbonyl cyanide m-cholorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), an uncoupler, was evaluated in rat hepatocytes. Oligomycin, an inhibitor of the reversible mitochondrial ATP synthase (F1F0-adenosinetriphosphatase), caused dose-dependent cell killing with 0.1 microgram/ml being the minimum concentration causing the maximum cell killing. Oligomycin also caused rapid ATP depletion without causing mitochondrial depolarization. Fructose (20 mM), a potent glycolytic substrate in liver, protected completely against oligomycin toxicity. CCCP (5 microM) also caused rapid killing of hepatocytes. Fructose retarded cell death caused by CCCP but failed to prevent lethal cell injury. Although oligomycin (1.0 microgram/ml) was lethally toxic by itself, in the presence of fructose it protected completely against CCCP-induced cell killing. Cyanide (2.5 mM), an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration, caused rapid cell killing that was reversed by fructose. CCCP completely blocked fructose protection against cyanide, causing mitochondrial depolarization and rapid ATP depletion. In the presence of fructose and cyanide, oligomycin protected cells against CCCP-induced ATP depletion and cell death but did not prevent mitochondrial depolarization. In every instance, cell killing was associated with ATP depletion, whereas protection against lethal cell injury was associated with preservation of ATP. In conclusion, protection by fructose against toxicity of cyanide, oligomycin, and CCCP was mediated by glycolytic ATP formation rather than by preservation of the mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings support the hypothesis that inhibition of cellular ATP formation is a crucial event in the progression of irreversible cell injury.
Vitamin C intake and lipid profiles of competitive male and female bodybuilders.

This research compared nutrient intake data with blood lipids and anthropometric data. Height, weight, and seven skinfolds were collected 3 days prior to competition at the official weigh-in. The lipids measured were total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol subfractions. The subjects were 17 males and 17 females. Descriptive data are presented as means and standard deviations of the means. Protein, fat, and carbohydrate provided about 40, 12, and 48%, respectively, of total energy intake; vitamin C was >200 mgfday. Only dietary fat was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with TC for females. Fiber was significantly associated with HDL-C and HDL2-C for males and with HDL-C for females. Vitamin C was significantly associated with HDL-C, HDL2-C, and HDL3-C for males, and with HDL-C and HDL3-C for females. These findings are consistent with those reported by Bazzarre et al. in farmers and suggest that vitamin C may favorably influence HDL-C metabolism.
Focusing on solid partnerships across multiple sectors for population health improvement.

Partnerships create a way forward when no clear solution exists and no single entity can claim the necessary expertise, authority, or resources to bring about change. Cross-sectoral partnerships are needed to mobilize community action and improve population health. The Mobilizing Action Toward Community Health (MATCH) articles in this issue of Preventing Chronic Disease reveal compelling themes, issues, and recommendations for improving population health. These include many challenges, such as how to scale up successful partnership efforts (1,2), determine if and how partnership activity can be correlated with changing health metrics (1-5), expand the use of incentives for improvement (1,3,4,6), and strengthen groups' distributive leadership and governance (1,2,4-6).
Review of Psychopharmacological Approaches for Trichotillomania and Other Body-Focused Behaviors

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a safe, generally well-tolerated option for these disorders, and so I usually suggest a trial of NAC. If after 3 months and no response, I consider other options. If the person has urges to pull or pick and they have first-degree relatives with addictions, then I suggest a trial of naltrexone. If they have significant anxiety or depression co-occurring with the pulling, I often suggest clomipramine as a possible treatment for both conditions. In the case of skin picking with co-occurring depression or anxiety, I recommend a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Although we only have open-label data to support its use, I often use dronabinol in individuals who pick or pull most of the time unconsciously. Finally, I might suggest an antipsychotic for some people who have failed all else. Due to the side effects of antipsychotic medications, I use these only as a last resort.
No(X2II) Product State Distributions in Molecule-Surface Dissociative Scattering: N, I - C3f7no from Mg0(100)

Molecule-surface collision induced dissociation (CID) of n - C3F7NO and i - C3F7NO following direct inelastic scattering off single crystal Mg0(100) has been studied at the hyperthermal kinetic energy range of 1-7 eV. The NO(VII) fragment was detected state-selectively using two-photon, two-frequency ionization. Product state distributions and angular distributions were integrated to give dissociation yields, which increased sharply with Eincident. Nascent NO rotational and spin-orbit state distributions are reported for several Eincident and surface temperatures. In most cases, rotational excitation could be described by separate temperatures for each spin-orbit state. The upper 2113,2 state was underpopulated relative to statistical predictions. In addition, NO(v“ = 1) was undetectable (e.g. [v” = 1]/[v“ = 0) < 2 x 10-2 at Eincident = 5.0 eV and T, = 840 K). The CID results are compared to NO state distributions derived from the photodisso-
Impact of Kidney Disease on Survival in Neonatal Extracorporeal Life Support.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and survival to discharge of neonates with kidney disease who received extracorporeal life support. DESIGN We analyzed the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization international registry of neonates (< 30 d old) who received extracorporeal life support from 1989 to 2012. We used International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification, codes to identify neonates with kidney disease at time of cannulation for extracorporeal life support. SETTING Participating Extracorporeal Life Support Organization centers. PATIENTS All neonates who received extracorporeal life support at an Extracorporeal Life Support Organization center from 1989 to 2012. INTERVENTIONS We performed bivariate logistic regression to estimate associations between survival and covariates. We used unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression to compare survival to discharge between neonates with and without kidney disease. Odds ratios were estimated separately for three groups based on extracorporeal life support indication: pulmonary indication without congenital diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary indication with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and cardiac indication. Adjusted models included covariates identified as significant in bivariate models for each group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The primary outcome measure was survival to discharge from hospitalization. Of the 28,755 neonates who received extracorporeal life support, 405 had kidney disease (extracorporeal life support indication: 210 pulmonary indication without congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 65 pulmonary indication with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and 130 cardiac indication). Survival was lower in neonates with kidney disease than those without (49% vs 82% pulmonary indication without congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 25% vs 51% pulmonary indication with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 21% vs 41% cardiac indication). Kidney disease was associated with reduced survival in adjusted models (95% CI for odds ratio 0.31-0.59 pulmonary indication without congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 0.27-0.89 pulmonary indication with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 0.31-0.77 cardiac indication). CONCLUSIONS Neonates with kidney disease who receive extracorporeal life support have poorer survival to discharge compared with other neonates who receive extracorporeal life support, suggesting that kidney disease should be considered when making extracorporeal life support initiation decisions.
Polymer Physics Of High Temperature Polymers For Second Order Nonlinear Optics

A new class of high temperature polymeric materials capable of second order nonlinear optical effects has been developed and characterized. These polymers, Bisphenol A-poly(arylene ether) phosphine oxides (Bis A-PEPO), F6 Bis A-PEPO, phenolphthalein·PEPO (PP-PEPO), and phenolphthalein-anilide·PEPO (PA-PEPO), doped with nonlinear optical chromophores are being examined using second harmonic generation. Corona poling is used to orient the chromophores into the noncentrosymmetric structure required to obtain the second harmonic signal. These high glass transition temperature (>200°C) polymers have strong hydrogen bonding sites that can interact with the chromophores. This work describes the basic polymer physics including local mobility, chromophore/polymer interactions, and polymer steric effects that control the thermal and temporal stability of chromophore orientation in these guest-host polymeric systems.
Integration of the IEC TC 57 CIM with the IEC 61850 SCL Model and Modeling of the UCIM

An integrated unified common information model(UCIM) covering application levels ranging from the process level,the bay and substation levels to the control center level is developed based on the IEC TC 57 common information model(CIM) and IEC 61850 substation configuration description language(SCL).The rules for the SCL model and CIM to UCIM mapping processing are studied,based on which the power system models and applications are constructed,laying a foundation for the unified and correlated modeling of the power system primary and secondary equipments.The UCIM can be adopted to integrate current power system applications and develop new location-transparent applications.
Predicting Preference Tags to Improve Item Recommendation.

Collaborative filtering (CF) based recommender systems identify and recommend interesting items to a given user based on the user’s past rating activity. These systems improve their recommendations by identifying user preferences and item related information from external sources, like reviews written by users, or concept tags shared by users about these items. These preferences are often reflected through a multi-criterion rating. In this study, we seek to improve recommender systems by integrating user preferences as side information within standard neighborhoodbased and matrix factorization based methods. We assume that a user’s choice of tags for an item provides additional information about the user’s personal preference and additional features about the item. Since, querying users to provide tags and multi-criteria rating imposes an additional burden on the user base, we propose using collective classification to predict tags for both the users and items. We also investigate the use of active learning approaches integrated within the collective classification framework when tag information (users or items) is limited. Our experimental results on several real world datasets show the advantages of using tag-based information within the recommender systems. We are also able to show the effectiveness of collective classification algorithms in estimating user preferences and item features. Keywords— Tag-based Recommendation System, Active Learning, Collective Classification
Evaluating Performance of Cognitive Radio Users in MIMO-OFDM-Based Wireless Networks

In this letter, we evaluate the performance of the MIMO-OFDM cognitive radio (CR) system where CR devices continuously sense the channel to check whether it is idle or not using compressed sensing with cyclostationary detection, and reconstruct the signal if communication is for the given CR receiver from its transmitter. We use the probability of misdetection and probability of false alarm as metrics to evaluate the spectrum sensing, and mean square error and successful reconstruction rate as metrics to evaluate the reconstruction of the signal for CR communications. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms the existing method.
Data Clustering for Uncertainty Reduction – A Case Study of Solids Transport in Oil/Gas Pipelines

Abstract The minimum fluid flow velocity to ensure particle transport is an essential design and operation consideration for pipelines of oil and gas production. This flow velocity is difficult to estimate due to complex nature of the physical processes. It has been shown that the model predictions may vary several orders of magnitude for the same inputs. This paper introduces a systematic approach to reduce this discrepancy using data clustering, model selection, and cluster identification techniques. The case study results show that the H-spread of the error percentages between the predictions and experimental velocities are reduced from 71.6 % to 34.4 %.
Abstract 4223: Novel strategy for diagnosis of solid tumors by visualization of fusion transcripts

The discovery of chromosomal translocations as one major cause of cancers has led to the introduction of numerous diagnostic techniques to detect these chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosomal banding, DNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (DNA FISH), and RT PCR are all techniques used for the diagnosis of cancers. Despite the advancement these techniques have brought to the field, they are primarily optimized for the detection of blood cancers and are not very efficient for the detection of solid tumors which are very heterogeneous. One such cancer, Ewing9s sarcoma (ES), is a prevalent pediatric, bone and soft tissue tumor that is caused by a chromosomal translocation between Ewing9s sarcoma breakpoint region 1 (EWSR1) on chromosome 22 and various members of the ETS protein family. The most common fusion partner, in 85% of cases, is Friend leukemia integration 1 (FLI1) on chromosome 11 which leads to the formation of the fused EWS/FLI1 gene that codes for an aberrant transcription factor. However, even within this single translocation there are multiple breakpoint-fusion scenarios that can occur which results in heterogeneity and increases the chances of a faulty diagnosis with standard techniques. Considering the diversity that exists within the molecular abnormalities that result in Ewing9s sarcoma and other solid tumors, there is a need for an alternative and more robust method of detection. The technique of single molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) has been modified by our group to target the EWS/FLI1 transcript that results from the chromosomal fusion; this new technique is referred to as “Fusion FISH”. In Fusion FISH, two differently labeled probe sets are designed to target each half of the EWS/FLI1 fusion transcript. A co-localization of the two probe sets indicates the presence of the EWS/FLI1 translocation and a positive test for Ewing9s sarcoma. Preliminary data has established the success of Fusion FISH in detecting both type 1 and type 2 translocations in several Ewing9s sarcoma cell lines. The fusion transcript is expressed at similar levels in all cell lines and clearly distinct from the signal of wild type EWS and FLI1 mRNA. Additional studies will examine this new technique in other solid cancers, patient tumor samples, and for validation of additional relevant mRNA biomarkers. Citation Format: Fatu Badiane Markey, Mona Batish. Novel strategy for diagnosis of solid tumors by visualization of fusion transcripts. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4223.
Introduction to Scientific Computing

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the floating-point number system used in most scientific and engineering applications. A few examples are given in the next section illustrating some of the challenges using finite precision arithmetic, but it is worth quoting Donald Knuth to get things started. If you are unfamiliar with him, he was instrumental in the development of the analysis of algorithms, and is the creator of TeX. Anyway, here are the relevant quotes (Knuth [1997]:
Location Discovery in Ad-hoc Wireless Sensor Networks

Location discovery is a fundamental task in wireless ad-hoc networks. Location discovery provides a basis for a variety of location-aware applications. The goal of location discovery is to establish the position of each node as accurately as possible, given partial information about location of a subset of nodes and measured distances between some pairs of nodes. Numerous approaches and systems for location discovery have been recently proposed. The goal of this Chapter is twofold. First is to summarize and systemize the already available location discovery approaches. Second is to present in great detail a new approach for location discovery in wireless ad-hoc sensor networks that resolve some of limitation of the current approaches and present a specific location discovery approach including all key technical details..
Pediatric Cancer and End-of-Life

Children continue to die from cancer. Despite the decline in mortality, pediatric cancer remains the leading cause of death from disease in children ages 1–14, exceeded only by accidental death. Childhood deaths due to cancer represent 58 % of disease-related deaths, outnumbering all other causes of death by disease combined (Curesearch 2015). The death of a child affects many individuals. In addition to the child’s parents and siblings, other family members such as grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles may be devastated by the child’s death. Friends, teachers, coaches, spiritual leaders, doctors and nurses also experience grief and bereavement when a child dies. Several topics may aid in addressing the needs of various stakeholders including the dying child, parents, siblings, grandparents and a host of community members. In addition, the developmental level of the dying child, the siblings and friends is imperative to include in developing a plan of how to best support some of the key stakeholders. The pain of a child’s death cannot be denied. However, those who are feeling the loss can be best supported by employing some of the strategies included in this writing.
A simplified lateral-view cassette holder for use during hip-nailing.

This simplified C-clamp holder has the followinsg desirable attributes: 1. It may be used with facility because of its mechanical simplicity; 2. It is easy to sterilize; 3. If is possible to maintains good sterile technique throunghout the procedure; 4. It is durable; 5. It is inexpensive, for the parts may he purchased for a nominal sum at any good hardware store; 6. It is easy to make, for it requires only that the parts be welded together in two places.
Control of surface radical graft polymerization on polyester fibers by using Hansen solubility parameters as a measurement of the affinity of chemicals to materials

Radical graft polymerization is an effective method for surface modification of inert and hydrophobic poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers, but is lacking grafting efficiency and control. Several key interactive and controlling elements of the graft polymerization reaction were identified, and corresponding affinity characters of each reaction component were quantified by using Hansen solubility theory. Proper control of the radical graft polymerization reaction on PET fiber surfaces was achieved.
Engineered C-reactive protein with improved protective action against pneumococcal infection

The anti-pneumococcal function of native C-reactive protein (CRP) involves the binding of CRP to phosphocholine molecules present on Streptococcus pneumoniae and subsequent activation of the complement system. However, when pneumococci recruit complement inhibitory protein factor H on their surface, they escape the attack of complement. We have reported previously that CRP, in a non-native conformation, expresses the ability to bind immobilized factor H. Accordingly, we hypothesized that such non-native CRP would bind to factor H on pneumococci in vivo , mask its complement inhibitory activity, and therefore should be able to protect against complement-resistant pneumococci. We performed site-directed mutagenesis of CRP and identified a mutant which bound to factor H-coated pneumococci but not to factor H in fluid phase. Mutant CRP was found to be free in the mouse serum and blood and its rate of clearance was similar to that of native CRP. As reported previously, native CRP protected mice from lethal pneumococcal infection when injected into mice 30 minutes prior to the administration of pneumococci, but did not offer any protection when injected at 24 hours after the administration of pneumococci. In contrast, that was not the case with mutant CRP; mutant CRP protected mice from infection more effectively than native CRP, by increasing the survival and decreasing bacteremia. We conclude that, while native CRP is protective only against early-stage infection, mutant CRP capable of binding to factor H may protect against both early-stage and late-stage infections and thus is superior to native CRP in fighting against the disease.