cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose-response relationship between World Trade Center dust exposure and hepatic steatosis.

BACKGROUND The World Trade Center (WTC) attack exposed thousands of workers to toxic chemicals that have been linked to liver diseases and cancers. This study examined the relationship between the intensity of WTC dust exposure and the risk of hepatic steatosis in the WTC General Responders Cohort (GRC). METHODS All low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest performed on the WTC GRC between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2018, collected as part of the World Trade Center Health Program, were reviewed. WTC dust exposure was categorized into five groups based on WTC arrival time. CT liver density was estimated using an automated algorithm, statistics-based liver density estimation from imaging. The relationship between the intensity of WTC dust exposure and the risk of hepatic steatosis was examined using univariate and multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS Of the 1788 WTC responders, 258 (14.4%) had liver attenuation less than 40 Hounsfield units (HU < 40) on their earliest CT. Median time after September 11, 2001 and the earliest available CT was 11.3 years (interquartile range: 8.0-14.9 years). Prevalence of liver attenuation less than 40 HU was 17.0% for arrivals on September 11, 2001, 16.0% for arrivals on (September 12, 2001 or September 13, 2001), 10.9% for arrivals on September 14-30, 2001, and 9.0% for arrivals on January 10, 2001 or later (p = 0.0015). A statistically significant trend of increasing liver steatosis was observed with earlier arrival times (p < 0.0001). WTC arrival time remained a significant independent factor for decreased liver attenuation after controlling for other covariates. CONCLUSIONS Early arrival at the WTC site was significantly associated with increasing hepatic steatosis.
Getting control of hydrogel networks with cross-linkable monomers.

The structure of a hydrogel network determines its ability to dissipate stress upon deformation, as well as its ability to swell in water. By designing systems with cross-linkable thiol groups in the monomers, radical thiol–ene chemistry was used to form controlled networks for acrylamide monomers. The use of radical thiol–ene chemistry effectively suppressed homo-polymerization of the bis(acrylamide) monomer and resulted in networks of alternating thiol and acrylamide monomers. Additionally, if the stoichiometry between the monomers is controlled, the network should approach that of ideality. In the case of bis(acrylamide) monomers, the incorporation of hydrogen-bond donors into the network creates a single network hydrogel with the benefits of high strength and ductility from the simultaneous incorporation of chemical and physical cross-links. Additionally, this strategy suppresses the formation of homo-polymerization in the acrylamide monomer to achieve an alternating network, which is supported with NMR characterization of base-digested fragments. For three different monomer compositions, the resulting gels had high compressive strength (up to 40 MPa) and tunable mechanical properties. The high mechanical strength of the 1 : 1, thiol : ene gel composition is due to the uniform distribution of cross-links, which creates defect-free networks for efficient stress transfer. The present one-pot synthetic strategy toward controlled gel networks affords monomer versatility and synthetic ease, as well as the potential for mechanically robust materials.
Probing a dilute short lived Quark Gluon Plasma medium with jets.

I look at propagation of jets that act as a probe of the medium in the phenomenologically relevant case of a short lived dilute Quark Gluon Plasma(QGP) created during heavy ion collisions. Working in the regime where the lifetime of the medium is of the order or smaller than the formation time of the energetic jet, I derive a factorization formula with a manifest separation of scales for an illustrative jet substructure observable using the Open Quantum system Effective Field Theory(EFT) approach developed in \cite{Vaidya:2020lih}, in terms of a medium structure function and a medium induced jet function . The medium structure function or the "PDF of the medium" that describes the observable independent physics of the QGP remains identical to that in a dilute long lived medium considered in \cite{Vaidya:2021vxu}, while the medium induced jet function is modified and incorporates quantum interference between the hard interaction that creates the jet and subsequent medium interactions. The medium jet function continues to enjoy a BFKL rapidity evolution just as for a long lived medium, albeit with a modified renormalization scale that now depends on the medium lifetime.
Outcomes of multiple gestation births compared to singleton: analysis of multicenter KID database.

The available data regarding morbidity and mortality associated with multiple gestation births is conflicting and contradicting. To compare morbidity, mortality, and length of stay (LOS) outcomes between multiple gestation (twin, triplet and higher-order) and singleton births. Data from the national multicenter Kids’ Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from the years 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2016 were analyzed using a complex survey design using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary NC). Neonates with ICD9 and ICD10 codes indicating singletons, twins or triplets, and higher-order multiples were included. Mortality was compared between these groups after excluding transfer outs to avoid duplicate inclusion. To analyze LOS, we included inborn neonates and excluded transfers; who died inpatient and any neonates who appear to have been discharged less than 33 weeks PMA. The LOS was compared by gestational age groups. A total of 22,853,125 neonates were analyzed for mortality after applying inclusion-exclusion criteria; 2.96% were twins, and 0.13% were triplets or more. A total of 22,690,082 neonates were analyzed for LOS. Mean GA, expressed as mean (SD), for singleton, twins and triplets, were 38.30 (2.21), 36.39 (4.21), and 32.72 (4.14), respectively. The adjusted odds for mortality were similar for twin births compared to singleton (aOR: 1.004, 95% CI:0.960–1.051, p = 0.8521). The adjusted odds of mortality for triplet or higher-order gestation births were higher (aOR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.128–1.575, p = 0.0008) when compared to the singleton births. Median LOS (days) was significantly longer in multiple gestation compared to singleton births overall (singletons: 1.59 [1.13, 2.19] vs. twins 3.29 [2.17, 9.59] vs. triplets or higher-order multiples 19.15 [8.80, 36.38], p < .0001), and this difference remained significant within each GA category. Multiple gestation births have higher mortality and longer LOS when compared to singleton births. This population data from multiple centers across the country could be useful in counseling parents when caring for multiple gestation pregnancies.
A Double Dispossession: The Crimean Tatars After Russia’s Ukrainian War

Genocide and genocidal political processes have been used by the Russian state for decades—if not centuries—as a technique of self-colonial rule intended to eliminate "dissident" ethnic identities. Within this context, the historical fate of the Crimean Tatars is surely a unique one. Despite Soviet obstructions, the Crimean Tatars eventually returned to their homeland in Crimea after suffering forced deportations and genocide at the hands of the Soviet government. Now, 70 years after their deportation and genocide by Stalin, the Crimean Tatars are still fighting for justice. Defined as an autonomous group in their own land under the Ukrainian government, the Tatars found themselves in an even more precarious position when they were forcibly transplanted back into Putin's Russia after the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea. In a Russian state that continues to resort to the deportation and the repression of "dissident" or otherwise politically suspect ethnic minorities, Crimean Tatars risk not only new repressions and injustices but a continuation of genocidal political and social repression.
Temporal variation in the consequences of an exotic shrub on avian nest predation

1st Place at the 3rd Annual CFAES Undergraduate Research Forum in the Environmental Category
Friction measurements in piston-cylinder apparatus using quartz-coesite reversible transition

The value of friction determined by monitoring piston displacement as a function of nominal pressure on compression and decompression cycles at 1273 K is compared with the friction value obtained by reversing the quartz-coesite transition at 1273 and 1073 K in a talc-glass-alsimag cell (Akella and Kennedy, 1971) and a low-friction salt cell (Mirwald et al., 1975). Quenching runs at 1273 K gave double values of friction of 0.25 GPa for the talc-glass-alsimag cell and 0.03 GPa for the salt cell. The piston-displacement technique gave somewhat higher values. Use of piston-displacement hysteresis loops in evaluating the actual pressure on a sample may lead to overestimates for decompression runs and underestimates for compression runs.
Paralawyers: Other Legal Occupations

Although legal services are thought to be the domain of lawyers, those employed in many other occupations do law-related work, some incidental to other work and some, here called para-lawyers, as the sole focus of what they do. Para-lawyers have long existed, but they are becoming more visible as providers of legal services with the development of systems for licensing and regulating para-lawyers. Research shows that para-lawyers can be effective providers of a range of legal services, and that under some circumstances they can be more effective than fully qualified lawyers. Understanding the phenomenon of para-lawyers raises issues related to closure, deprofessionalization, postprofessionalism, and gender.
Electron relaxation in a double quantum dot through two-phonon processes

We theoretically study the relaxation of electron orbital states of a double quantum dot due to two-phonon processes. In particular, we calculate how the relaxation rates depend on the separation distance between the quantum dots, the strength of quantum dot confinement, and the lattice temperature. Enhancement of the relaxation rates by specific interdot distances and lattice temperatures, and the relative strength of different scattering channels are discussed. Our results show that although at low temperatures $(T\ensuremath{\sim}1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K})$ two-phonon processes are almost four orders of magnitude weaker compared to one-phonon processes in relaxing electron orbital states, at room temperature they are as important as one-phonon processes. Furthermore, at higher temperatures processes involving absorbing a phonon and emitting another one are more important than emitting or absorbing two phonons due to an interplay of the finite thermal occupation of phonon modes and the phonon density of state considerations.
Intravascular Ultrasound in Aortic Disease

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a medical imaging methodology that uses sound waves to produce a cross-sectional view of the inside of the blood vessels. IVUS utilizes a specially designed catheter with a scaled-down transducer attached to the distal end of the catheter. The picture produced can provide a better understanding of vessel biology, assist in the sizing of stents, as well as yield confirmation that the stent has been placed correctly. The information provided by IVUS can reduce complications and the incidence of stent thrombosis in aortic procedures (GarciaGarcia et al. 2010).
Efficiency modeling and evaluation of a resonant snubber based soft-switching inverter for motor drive applications

This paper establishes an analytical model for a resonant snubber based soft-switching inverter. The model adopts the loss separation method to evaluate losses in individual components. Because of symmetry of the inverter circuit, the developed model is suitable for both single-phase and three-phase inverters. A single-phase inverter has been built and tested with a single-phase induction motor driving a fan load to verify the developed model. The equivalent single-phase induction motor model was curve-fitted from experimental results. The analytical results demonstrated reasonable agreement with the experimental results. The same efficiency evaluation method was then applied to a nonzero-voltage turn-on hard-switching inverter, and the results were compared with that of the soft-switching inverter. The resonant snubber based soft-switching inverter shows substantial efficiency improvement over the hard-switching inverter, especially in low speed operation. >
Vertically stacked plasmonic nanoparticles in a circular arrangement: a key to colorimetric refractive index sensing

True colorimetric sensing produces a linear spectral response of a single peak within the visible light range with various surrounding media refractive indices. We demonstrate how the circular arrangement of hemispheric silver nanoparticles achieves colorimetric properties without modifying the associated full-width-half-maximum values in a broad range of surrounding media refractive indices. We also show that the vertical out-of-plane arrangement of each circular array in nanoholes enhances the signal-to-noise ratio. High electric field confinement at the interface of the nanoparticles and the supporting substrate reveals the effect of the dielectric constant of the substrate and the morphology of the 3D nanoparticle arrays on achieving a single resonance peak in the visible range with a change in the surrounding refractive index. This study opens up the pathway to top-down fabricated nanostructure platform based plasmonic colorimetric sensing with a single resonance peak in the visible range. The studied rich set of tunable geometrical nanostructures enables broadening of the working optical range of the device.
The nonlinear Dirac equation in Bose–Einstein condensates: Foundation and symmetries

Abstract We show that Bose–Einstein condensates in a honeycomb optical lattice can be described by a nonlinear Dirac equation in the long wavelength, mean field limit. Unlike nonlinear Dirac equations posited by particle theorists, which are designed to preserve the principle of relativity, i.e., Poincare covariance, the nonlinear Dirac equation for Bose–Einstein condensates breaks this symmetry. We present a rigorous derivation of the nonlinear Dirac equation from first principles. We provide a thorough discussion of all symmetries broken and maintained.
The pathophysiology of vascular obstruction in the sickle syndromes

Vasocclusive events in the sickle-cell syndromes have multiple determinants: first and foremost is the capacity of red cells to undergo intracellular polymerization of deoxy HbS. However, the impact of the sicklable red cell is not limited to mechanical obstruction of the microcirculation, but also results in other and sometimes unexpected consequences. For example, red-cell destruction leads to large numbers of young red cells with enhanced vascular adhesion and increased K:Cl cotransport expression, in addition to an elevated percent of erythrocytic HbF. These pleiotropic effects, that is, multiple phenotypic effects from a single gene, can be further modulated by the action of epistatic effects, that is, the action of other genes besides beta(S). The interaction of epistatic and pleiotropic effects leads to the interindividual phenotypic variations characteristic of sickle-cell disease. Further understanding of pleiotropic effects (i.e. mechanism of red-cell adhesion, production of vasoactive substances by damaged endothelium, etc.), will uncover new epistatic effects. At the end, we will be able to define not only the genotype, but also the phenotypic severity. This review covers the present knowledge of the red-cell and non-red-cell determinants of vasocclusion, and proposes models to explain the acute painful crises that commonly afflict these patients.
The dynamic economic engine at Silicon Valley and US Government programmes in financing innovations

Abstract This paper is concerned with the development of Silicon Valley, the government programmes in financing innovations and the specific characteristics/factors contributing to the success of the valley. It is argued that the capacity to foster clusters of innovation, an effective use of university resources, the supporting infrastructure, the culture of a willingness to accept risk as well as the venture capital (VC) programmes are catalysts for the economic development at Silicon Valley. By using Porter's competitive Diamond Model as a basis to examine the activities in the US Silicon Valley, the study attempts to fill a gap in practical VC management research which is practically non-existent and provide valuable insights for policy makers.
The Development and Flaring of an Active Region Exhibiting Unusual Magnetic Structure. II. Active Regions

The one-day development of a young bright region with loops (BRL) led to the 1N flare of 00:35 UT, 25 April, 1968.
Comparing frameworks and layered refinement

Object-oriented frameworks are a popular mechanism for building and evolving large applications and software product lines. This paper describes an alternative approach to software construction, Java Layers (JL), and evaluates JL and frameworks in terms of flexibility, ease of use, and support for evolution. Our experiment compares Schmidt's ACE framework against a set of ACE design patterns that have been implemented in JL. We show how problems of framework evolution and overfeaturing can be avoided using JL's component model, and we demonstrate that JL scales better than frameworks as the number of possible application features increases. Finally, we describe how constrained parametric polymorphism and a small number of language features can support JL's model of loosely coupled components and stepwise program refinement.
The Reproductive Consequences of Infanticide in Langurs: A Mathematical Model

1. An analysis of the factors influencing the reproductive success of infanticidal and noninfanticidal adult males in populations of langur monkeys (Genus Presbytis) is presented. Male tenure, defined as an adult male's length of residency in a one-male bisexual group, is demonstrated to be an important factor in any reproductive advantage accruing to infanticidal males. Other factors include the lengths of the female interconception intervals, the time at which adult male replacement occurs relative to the start of any such interval, and whether or not the subsequent replacement male is also infanticidal. 2. Infanticide is found always to confer a reproductive advantage on the resident male in a bisexual group under conditions of subsequent replacement by a noninfanticidal male. Infanticide would thus be expected to spread when introduced into an otherwise noninfanticidal population. Under conditions of subsequent replacement by an infanticidal male, infanticide is found to be advantageous for the resident male only a particular lengths of tenure. Infanticide would thus become fixed only in populations where the distribution of tenure lengths is advantageous for infanticidal males. Accordingly, it is predicted that average or modal tenure length in populations fixed for infanticide should coincide with those tenure lengths theoretically yielding a reproductive advantage for infanticidal males. Three direct estimates of average male tenure obtained from field studies of langur populations are consistent with the predictions of the model.
Near-human aneuploidy levels in female mice with homeologous chromosomes

Document S1. Supplemental Experimental ProceduresxDownload (.07 MB ) Document S1. Supplemental Experimental Procedures
An Analytical Method for Dielectrophoresis and Traveling Wave Dielectrophoresis Generated by an Interdigitated Parallel Electrode Array

As a new technique, dielectrophoresis has been proven to be successful in the separation, transportation, entrapment and manipulation of cells, DNA molecules, and viruses. One typical design uses an array with interdigitated parallel electrodes to manipulate and separate particles using traveling wave and conventional dielectrophoresis. In order to obtain an analytical solution for the dielectrophoretic force or traveling wave dielectrophoretic force, the electric potential equation needs to be solved. Unfortunately, the mixed type of boundary condition (Dirichet and Neumann) for the electric potential equation poses a large challenge for obtaining an analytical solution. Although some analytical solutions have been achieved using an approximate single type of boundary condition instead of the exact boundary condition, this leads to inaccurate results especially in the zone near the electrodes which cannot be neglected. In this paper, we present an analytical method for solving the electric potential equation with the mixed type of boundary condition. We compare our analytical solution with the numerical results obtained using the Computational Fluid Dynamics Research Corporation, CFDRC, code which verifies our analytical method is correct for solving this problem. In addition, comparisons are made between the analytical solutions with approximate boundary conditions and those with exact boundary conditions. The comparison shows our analytical solution gives a more accurate analysis for the conventional and traveling wave dielectrophoretic forces.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Factors associated with former smokers among female adolescents in rural Virginia

We examined multiple ecological factors (individual, family, peer, school, and community) associated with female adolescent former smokers (FS), current smokers (CS), and never smokers (NS) in a sample of 2029 seventh to twelfth grade girls living in a rural area of Virginia. We were particularly interesting in examining variables related to FS. Compared to CS, FS reported lower levels of delinquency, less coping by taking drugs, less availability of cigarettes, and less alcohol and marijuana use. They also reported less depression, fewer suicidal thoughts, and fewer suicide attempts than CS. FS reported spending more time in community clubs, had higher self-esteem, obtained higher grades, had more parental monitoring, more parent attachment, and more school attachment than CS. Logistical regression analysis predicting current or former smoking status revealed significant effects on coping by taking drugs, alcohol use, depression, grades, parental monitoring, and perceived availability of cigarettes. The findings have implications for smoking intervention programs with adolescent girls in rural areas.
The depressions of Alzheimer's disease: sorting, pharmacotherapy, and clinical advice.

Research describing wide prevalence variation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and comorbid depression is explained in light of subsyndromal depressions, the use of standardized diagnostic instruments and procedures, and the subcortical and cortical components of mood. There appear to be several "depressions" of AD. Against this backdrop, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of antidepressant use in AD are reviewed and methodologic problems identified. Evidence for efficacy in controlled trials is weak, but open-label trials are, as expected, more encouraging. The potential efficacy of new agents for the depressions of AD receive comment. A heuristic model makes use of the conclusions developed, the stage of illness, and a preliminary classification scheme for the depressions of AD; this model provides a rational basis for thinking about medication selection for AD depressions. Clinical decisions are illustrated. (J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1995; 8(suppl 1):S40-S51).
New Editor-in-Chief for Quantum Information Processing

I would first like to express my appreciation for the honor and privilege to be chosen Editor-in-Chief of Quantum Information Processing (QIP). This position was first held by my own PhD advisor Prof. David Cory and was most recently held by the late Dr. Howard Brandt. The few months since the untimely passing of Dr. Brandt have been difficult for all of us associated with QIP. Dr. Brandt’s seemingly gruff facade easily melted into a heart of gold for all those who knew him. His no-nonsense approach to physics and efficient running of QIP will be missed by all of us. Fortunately, QIP has continued thanks to the dedication of a number of acting editors including Michael Frey, Sam Lomonaco, and John Myers. I was appointed Editor-in-Chief of QIP a little more than a month ago. Since that time I have had the opportunity to familiarize myself with all aspects of the journal and to speak to many people associated with QIP. During these conversations, the question I found myself facing most often was, “What is the role and purpose of QIP given the large number of journals publishing in the area of quantum information?” I would like to take the opportunity to share my answer with all of you. Every editor would like to see his or her journal publish the “next big thing,” the paper that will change the world and be cited thousands of times. This editor is no exception. However, the role of QIP is much more than to fish for the few big papers. I would like to illustrate this with an insight told to me by Prof. Cory a number of years ago when I was a graduate student. “Yaakov,” he said, “there are people out there who think you can count qubits 1, 2, one million, but in fact you have to count 1, 2, 3.” Of course QIP would like to publish the papers that come up with the great initial ideas,
C-Terminal 23 kDa polypeptide of soybean Gly m Bd 28 K is a potential allergen.

Gly m Bd 28 K is a major soybean (Glycine max Merr.) glycoprotein allergen. It was originally identified as a 28 kDa polypeptide in soybean seed flour. However, the full-length protein is encoded by an open reading frame (ORF) of 473 amino acids, and contains a 23 kDa C-terminal polypeptide of as yet unknown allergenic and structural characteristics. IgE-binding (allergenic potential) of the Gly m Bd 28 K protein including the 23 kDa C-terminal portion as well as shorter fragments derived from the full-length ORF were evaluated using sera from soy-sensitive adults. All of these sera contained IgE that efficiently recognized the C-terminal region. Epitope mapping demonstrated that a dominant linear C-terminal IgE binding epitope resides between residues S256 and A270. Alanine scanning of this dominant epitope indicated that five amino acids, Y260, D261, D262, K264 and D266, contribute most towards IgE-binding. A model based on the structure of the β subunit of soybean β-conglycinin revealed that Gly m Bd 28 K contains two cupin domains. The dominant epitope is on the edge of the first β-sheet of the C-terminal cupin domain and is present on a potentially solvent-accessible loop connecting the two cupin domains. Thus, the C-terminal 23 kDa polypeptide of Gly m Bd 28 K present in soy products is allergenic and apparently contains at least one immunodominant epitope near the edge of a cupin domain. This knowledge could be helpful in the future breeding of hypoallergenic soybeans.
Formation of an infinite β-sheet arrangement dominates the crystallization behavior of λ-type antibody light chains☆

Abstract The packing interactions in crystals of human λ-type antibody light chain dimers have been reviewed. These homologous proteins are composed of individually specific variable domains, but all have very similar constant domain sequences. The proteins do not emulate each other in their overall crystallization behavior: each attains an individually characteristic space group or unit cell dimensions. However, each of these protein crystals has one unit cell dimension in common, 72.4(± 0.2) A. Examination of the protein packing in these crystals reveals that the common cell dimension is a consequence of a packing arrangement of their constant domains, which is conserved in all three crystals. In this striking arrangement, β-sheets of adjacent constant domains are placed in juxta-position to form an “infinite chain”. Although this constant domain packing pattern is rigorously conserved, the variable domain packing arrangements in each of these crystals are different. The conservation of the “infinite” β-sheet pattern suggests that the constant domain interactions dominate the thermodynamic energy of lattice formation, probably through a combination of specific hydrogen bond formations and by a decrease in the solvent-accessible surface. A single amino acid substitution prohibits this characteristic interneighbor hydrogen bond pattern in the homologous κ-type light chains. This may explain the observation that very few κ-type light chains have been crystallized.
Laryngeal brainstem evoked response: a developmental study.

A developmentally receding laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR) has been described in infant animals of several species characterized by vocal cord adduction in response to laryngeal stimulation as well as a potentially fatal cardio-respiratory response. Age-related differences in the brain-stem respiratory centers may account for differences in the LCR and play a role in such disorders as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and infant apnea. Study of the LCR at the brainstem level could provide insights into normal maturation of respiratory centers and eventually the patho-physiology of these disorders. The present study evaluated the laryngeal brainstem response (LBR) evoked by electrical stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve in kittens using a far-field technique similar to auditory brainstem response testing. Recordings were obtained via posterior pharyngeal and posterior cervical recording sites and compared to results previously obtained in our laboratory for adult cats. The LBR in kittens demonstrated differences in threshold, latencies, and morphology which suggests that postnatal maturation of laryngeal function at the brainstem level does occur.
Electrochemical gating of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes observed by electron transport measurements and resonant Raman spectroscopy

Metal electrodes patterned lithographically on top of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes are used to gate the nanotubes with respect to a reference electrode in an electrolyte drop. The gating is found to have a dramatic effect on both the Raman spectra and electron transport of the nanotubes. Current through metallic nanotubes is found to increase sharply with electrochemical gate voltage, indicating that the Fermi energy reaches valence and conduction band van Hove singularities. Using resonant confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, we observe a 9 cm−1 upshift of the tangential mode vibrational frequency, as well as a 90% decrease in intensity, by applying 1 V between an individual nanotube and a silver reference electrode in a dilute H2SO4 solution. The mechanisms for the shifts of the Raman mode frequencies are discussed on the basis of changes in the lattice constant of heavily charged nanotubes.
Comparison of Sacks II solution and modified Collins solution (Ursol) in simple cold preservation of canine kidneys.

Abstract Renal function and histomorphology were studied following 18 hr cold preservation of canine kidneys flushed with modified Collins solution (Ursol) compared to Sacks II solution. Ursol was found slightly superior to Sacks II solution in preservation of early renal function. No significant difference was found in histomorphologic changes.
Universal Coverage: Building on Medicare and Employer Financing

Prologue: Ever since World War II the United States has relied on an employer-based system of health insurance coverage. Although a majority of workers still rely on employer-based insurance, a str...
Effects of graded concentrations of cigarette smoke on plasma enzyme, corticosterone, and body temperature in rats

Abstract Male rats were exposed to cigarette smoke concentrations from 2.4 mg/m3 of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and 8 ppm of CO to 199 mg/m3 of SPM and 220 ppm of CO for 4 hours at rest or after light intermittent exercise. Hypothermia (37.3°C) was produced after exercise in smoke containing 15 mg/m3 of SPM and 13 ppm of CO and its severity increased at higher smoke concentrations. Plasma lactic dehydrogenase increased significantly after exercise in smoke containing 34 mg/m3 of SPM and 51 ppm of CO. An increase in the concentration of plasma creatine kinase and of blood glucose and in the density of PLDH isoenzyme Band 5 were found only at the highest smoke level (199 mg/m3 of SPM and 220 ppm of CO). Plasma corticosterone concentrations were elevated after exercise in the two highest smoke concentrations. No tissue changes were found, so elevations in plasma enzymes were attributed to increased cellular permeability. Some changes induced by smoke were more severe following light exercise and were attributed to SPM at levels exceeding 34 mg/m3 and to tissue hypoxia (COHb 11.7%) induced by Co concentrations above 51 ppm. The amount of cigarette smoke needed to induce significant systemic changes in rats greatly exceeded acceptable national air quality standards and threshold limits for SPM and CO established for man.
A Novel Algorithm for Self-pumped Contra-directional Gaussian Beam Coupling in Photorefractive Media

Self-pumped contra-directional two-beam coupling is simulated in a photorefractive medium for a Gaussian beam using the split-step beam propagation method. The simulation correctly shows the beam-coupling properties of gratings due to diffusion and photovoltaic field.
Reasonable partiality and animal ethics.

Moral psychology is often ignored in ethical theory, making applied ethics difficult to achieve in practice. This is particularly true in the new field of animal ethics. One key feature of moral psychology is recognition of the moral primacy of those with whom we enjoy relationships of love and friendship – philia in Aristotle’s term. Although a radically new ethic for animal treatment is emerging in society, its full expression is severely limited by our exploitative uses of animals. At this historical moment, only the animals with whom we enjoy philia – companion animals – can be treated with unrestricted moral concern. This ought to be accomplished, both for its own sake and as an ideal model for the future evolution of animal ethics.
A redox system utilizing N‐nitrosoacetanilide for the emulsion polymerization of styrene and of butadiene‐styrene

The rate of reaction of N-nitrosoacetanilide with ferrous versenate in slightly acid solution has been shown to be equal to its rate of rearrangement. One mole of ferrous versenate is oxidized per mole of benzenediazonium chloride at pH 5.0. In the two-phase benzene-water system 1.6 ± 0.1 mole of ferrous versenate are oxidized per mole of N-nitrosoacetanilide, which ratio decreases to 1.1 ± 0.1 when ethanol is added to the system. N-Nitrosoacetanilide in combination with ferrous versenate or citrate in slightly acid medium is a redox system for the initiation of the emulsion polymerization of styrene and butadiene-styrene. The initiating efficiency of this combination for styrene emulsion polymerization decreases continuously up to about 20% conversion when a constant value of approximately 0.2 is found.
Analytical cigarette yields as predictors of smoke bioavailability

The smoke intake of 865 undisturbed smokers of over 10 cigarettes per day was measured using plasma nicotine and cotinine, and expired carbon monoxide (CO) as markers. While nicotine yields, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) analytical standards, varied 16-fold from 0.1 to 1.6 mg/cigarette, the corresponding plasma nicotine values varied from around 25 to 45 ng/ml, and estimated mean nicotine intake of smokers varied from around 0.75 to 1.25 mg/cigarette. Expired CO and plasma cotinine values also varied in similar proportion, but mean daily cigarette consumption was independent of the FTC nicotine yield of the cigarettes smoked. The results indicate that pharmacodynamic satiation causes behavioral regulation, and that smokers of very high yield brands compensate downward, and vice versa. The ratio of tar yield to nicotine yield usually increases with increasing tar yield; therefore tar intake is likely to increase at higher tar yields, even though the increment of nicotine intake is small. It follows that FTC analytical determinations are poor predictors of relative intake of nicotine, CO, or tar, while rankings based on mean tar-to-nicotine ratio of a brand's smoke could be more meaningful. Moreover, the considerable variation of individual smoking behavior suggests that precise numerical rankings of cigarettes are not justified. An analogic ranking of cigarettes into a few broad classes would better reflect the realities and expectations of average consumers.
Automated online grading for virtual machine-based systems administration courses

We present a system for automatically and iteratively grading student work in a Systems Administration course. This system can grade and give feedback regarding live (running) virtual machines the students have configured. It is appropriate for both face-to-face and online course offerings.
Pre-transplant Overweight and Obesity Do Not Affect Physical Quality of Life after Kidney Transplantation

Background Recent studies demonstrate that obesity does not affect survival after kidney transplantation. However, overweight and obesity impair health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic illnesses. We wished to examine the effects of pre-transplant overweight and obesity on post-transplant physical HRQOL in kidney transplant recipients. Study Design Patient-reported HRQOL data were systematically collected in kidney transplant recipients receiving post-transplant follow-up at Vanderbilt Transplant Center. Patients who received kidney transplants between 1998 and 2008, had at least 1 post-transplant physical component summary (PCS) measurement, and did not receive other solid organ transplants were included in this retrospective cohort study. Pre-transplant body mass index was stratified as normal, overweight, obese class I, and obese class II/extremely obese. HRQOL was measured primarily with the PCS scale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Health Survey. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to test the effects of body mass index and demographic and clinical covariates on post-transplant HRQOL. Results The study cohort included 464 adults (mean body mass index 27.5 ± 5.1; range 18.5 to 47.4). After controlling for gender (p = 0.148), pre-transplant dialysis (p = 0.003), previous kidney transplantation (p = 0.255), donor type (p = 0.455), steroid avoidance immunosuppression (p = 0.070), and follow-up time (p = 0.352), there was no effect of pre-transplant overweight or obesity on post-transplant PCS (all p ≥ 0.112). Kidney transplant recipients who did not require dialysis pre-transplant and those who were managed with steroid avoidance after transplantation were more likely to achieve post-transplant PCS scores at or above the general population average (both p ≤ 0.011). Conclusions Pre-transplant overweight and obesity do not affect physical quality of life after kidney transplantation.
Descriptive profile of β-thalassemia mutations in West Bengal population: a hospital-based study

The present study was based in a hospital at which 660 individuals have been screened for thalassemia in the past 4 years. The main purposes of the study were to identify different types of beta mutations prevailing among these patients, and to establish a genotype–phenotypic correlation. Complete blood count, high-performance liquid chromatography, and amplification refractory mutation system-based polymerase chain reaction were performed on peripheral blood samples to detect beta mutations. Of the 660 subjects studied, 380 (57.6 %) were male and 280 (42.4 %) were female. These included 258 (39.09 %) normal individuals, 176 (26.67 %) β-thalassemia carriers, 44 (6.67 %) β-thalassemia major, 6 (0.91 %) cases of sickle β-thalassemia, 6 (0.91 %) carriers of sickle cell anemia, 102 (15.45 %) Hb Eβ-thalassemia, 42 (6.36 %) HbE carriers, 16 (2.42 %) HbE homozygous, and 10 (1.52 %) carriers of other mutations. Genotypic study of beta mutations revealed the prevalence of IVS1-5 mutation among the studied beta carriers to be 46.6 %, and codon 26 (G>A) mutation to be 31.54 %. Other prevailing mutations among the screened individuals include codon 30 (7.53 %), codon 15 (5.01 %), codon 41/42 (3.58 %), and codon 8/9 (1.07 %). Genotype–phenotype correlation revealed that the phenotype of the above-mentioned mutations is associated with mild, moderate, and severe forms of thalassemia.
Predicting escalations of medical queries based on web page structure and content

Logs of users' searches on Web health topics can exhibit signs of escalation of medical concerns, where initial queries about common symptoms are followed by queries about serious, rare illnesses. We present an effort to predict such escalations based on the structure and content of pages encountered during medical search sessions. We construct and then characterize the performance of classifiers that predict whether an escalation will occur after the access of a page. Our findings have implications for ranking algorithms and the design of search interfaces.
Analysis of a Cylindrical Hybrid Positron Camera with Bismuth Germanate (BGO) Scintillation Crystals

Theoretical design studies of a multilayer hybrid computed tomographic system which could perform both X-ray transmission computed tomography (XCT) and positron computed tomography (PCT) are presented. Use of BGO scintillation crystals makes it possible to achieve the highest spatial resolution and coincident data collection efficiency possible with the present technology. In the new hybrid system, the multilayer positioning is achieved by use of one dimensional Anger principle with BGO crystals. The ultimate resolution and counting rate attainable with the system is discussed in reference to the true to random ratio. Present study indicates that the resolution and efficiency that can be achieved in PCT mode are 5-6 mm fwhm with efficiency gain of over a hundred in comparison to the existing NaI(Tl) ring system at UCSD.
The ∂¯b equation on weakly pseudo-convex CR manifolds of dimension 3

Abstract Let M be a smooth, compact, orientable, weakly pseudoconvex manifold of dimension 3, embedded in C N ( N ⩾ 2 ) , of codimension one or more, and endowed with the induced CR structure. Assuming that the tangential Cauchy-Riemann operator ∂ ¯ b has closed range in L 2 ( M ) in order to rule out the Rossi example, we push regularity up to show ∂ ¯ b has closed range in H s ( M ) for all s > 0 . We then use the Szego projection to show there is a smooth solution for the ∂ ¯ b problem given smooth data. The results are obtained via microlocalization by piecing together estimates for functions and (0,1) forms that hold on different microlocal regions.
DIFFUSION OF MACROMOLECULES: A CONSTITUTIVE THEORY

A constitutive diffusion theory for polymer solutions is proposed based on a thermomechanical mixture theory. A general expression for the diffusion flux in a binary polymer-solvent system is presented. It is shown that the current approach is capable of sorting out various complex diffusion phenomena. In particular, the dependence of the diffusion flux on a gradient of a generalized chemical potential emerges naturally by considering the limit of “weak equilibrium”.
A Lagrangian description of flows in stirred tanks via computer-automated radioactive particle tracking (CARPT)

Abstract In this study, computer-automated radioactive particle tracking (CARPT) is implemented for the first time in the characterization of flows in stirred tanks. Both the experimental technique and the experimental set-up are discussed. The CARPT technique is seen to capture qualitatively most of the important flow phenomena observed in stirred tank flows, like the two recirculating loops above and below the impeller and the dead zones at the bottom of the tank. The CARPT data is also used to extract “Sojourn” time distributions in different zones of the reactor. These distributions are used to partially quantify the observed dead and active zones in the tank.
WE‐D‐204B‐08: Tracking 3D Trajectory of Internal Markers Using Radiographic Sequential Stereo Imaging: Estimation of Breathing Motion

Purpose: To show that Sequential Stereo Algorithm can track internal markers that move with respiration using a single imager and to determine the accuracy and required number of images (dose) for typical breathing trajectories. Method and Materials: The Sequential Stereo Algorithm, developed at Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA (patent pending) uses images acquired at different times and from different directions to track point targets moving in 3D. It performs best for trajectories that are approximately repeating in space, but not necessarily periodic; no prior knowledge or additional surrogate signal is needed. One application is to track radio opaque markers moving by respiration in the lung or liver, using kV images acquired on a gantry‐based onboard imager while the gantry is rotating. We evaluated the algorithm using three different studies: 1) The Tracking concept was proven with projections from clinical CBCT scans (used retrospectively) exhibiting respiration motion. 2) Tracking accuracy was measured in a phantom experiment by kV imaging of a marker that moved on a known trajectory using a computer controlled 3‐axis stage. 3) The sensitivity of accuracy to imaging frequency was determined by simulation study involving a virtual moving marker. Actual patient trajectories that included irregular breathing were driving both the stage and the simulated virtual point. Results: Using 3.5fps imaging over 30 Sec and 180° gantry rotation the 3D tracking error at measurement points was 0.65mm RMS (1.83mm max) for the phantom imaging study, and 0.75mm RMS (1.64mm max) for the simulation. For an irregular breathing interval the error was 1.01mm RMS (3.64mm max). Simulation showed that error remains consistently under 1mm for imaging frequency greater than 3fps. Conclusion: Sequential Stereo can accurately track internal markers that move with respiration in 3D, and may potentially be useful in real‐time adaptive radiotherapy techniques.
The effects of nitrous acid on the mutagenicity of two coal liquids and their genetically active chemical fractions

Abstract The Ames/Salmonella assay was used to determine the effect of nitrous acid on the mutagenicity of solvent refined coal (SRC) distillates and distillate fractions. The SRC materials consisted of the higher-molecular-weight, high-boiling distillates, the process solvent (PS) and heavy distillate (HD), and also included the basic tar and neutral tar chemical fractions derived from these 2 distillates. Nitrosation products of each of the SRC materials were less mutagenic than the distillates or distillate fractions from which they were derived (untreated materials); in most cases they were less than 10% as mutagenic as that observed in the starting materials. The mutagenicity of the SRC materials after nitrous acid treatment was directacting, whereas all mutagenicity associated with the untreated SRC materials was indirect and required metabolic activation for expression in the Ames assay system.
Reactions of 14‐hydroxy‐14‐azadispiro[5.1.5.2]pentadec‐9‐ene‐7,15‐dione and related compounds. II

3 When 11-diethyl- and 3, 11-di-n-propyl-14-hydroxy-14-azadispiro[5.1. 5.2]pentadec-9-ene-7, 15-dione (E-IV and n-Pr-IV) are heated with polyphosphoric acid at 55–65°, the 14-hydroxyl group cyclizes at the 11-carbon to form E-VI and n-Pr-VI, the structures of which have been established. Compounds P-IV, i-Pr-IV and t-B-IV do not cyclize under these conditions. The Beckmann rearrangement of 12-hydroxy-12-azadispiro[4.1.4.2]tridec-8-ene-6, 13-dione-6-oxime (P-I) with polyphosphoric acid at 40–50° formed only the normal product, P-II, which could not be cyclized. Compound P-IV was the only ketone of this series which would add hydrogen cyanide to form a cyanohydrin.