cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of new ion exchange resins for hardness removal from boiler feedwater

Ion exchange is widely used for the removal of selected ions from water streams. Within oil & gas, one application is boiler feedwater treatment to remove hardness, i.e. calcium and magnesium. Weak acid cation (WAC) resins are typically used and advances in material science, polymer chemistry and manufacturing methods have resulted in new resins being introduced to the market. These new resins can lower operating costs through higher capacity, reduced chemical consumption during regeneration or improved physical properties. In this research, the performance of a WAC resin used for boiler feedwater treatment in oil & gas operations (resin A) was compared with two new commercial resins (resins B & C). The results indicated that resin B had the highest operational capacity in comparison to A & C. During regeneration, resin B was the most efficient with 0.43 meq of calcium and magnesium removed from the feed per meq of HCl consumed during regeneration, slightly higher than resins A & C at 0.38 and 0.30 meq/meq respectively. All three resins demonstrated preferential affinity for calcium over magnesium. As breakthrough approached, previously adsorbed magnesium ions were released back to the water resulting in a spike in effluent magnesium that was ≈3× higher than in the feed stream. In full-scale systems, breakthrough can be determined by measuring only the effluent magnesium concentration which can be more sensitive parameter than total hardness and/or calcium.
The mitochondrial genome of the planorbid snail Planorbella duryi.

The complete mitochondrial genome of a freshwater planorbid snail, Planorbella duryi (Mollusca, Gastropoda) was recovered from de novo assembly of genomic sequences generated with the Illumina Next...
Analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience Database for Patient- and Circuit-Related Adverse Events Involving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Abstract Background/Purpose We assessed commonly reported patient- and circuit-related adverse events involving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) devices by analyzing post-marketing surveillance data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. ECMO is a rescue therapy for critically ill patients requiring oxygenation and cardiopulmonary support. Key configurations include veno-venous (VV) ECMO for respiratory support and veno-arterial (VA) ECMO for cardio-respiratory support. Robust data on the most commonly reported complications associated with ECMO therapy are limited. Methods/Materials The MAUDE database was queried from January 1, 2009, through March 31, 2019, yielding 93 reports. After excluding duplicate reports, 82 reports were included in the final analysis. Results Percentages represent the proportion of total submitted MAUDE reports on ECMO. Of the reported cases, 24 were VV-ECMO, 8 were VA-ECMO, and the remainder were unspecified. The most commonly reported patient-related adverse events included hemodynamic decompensation of patients (12.2%), death (12.2%), atrial perforation (7.3%), and bleeding (7.3%). The most commonly reported failure modes were in the following circuit components: mechanical pump (19.5%, mostly due to technical failure or clots), membrane oxygenator (19.5%, mostly due to tear in the membrane or temperature probe), and access cannulae (18.3%, mostly due to structural damage). Conclusions Analysis of the MAUDE database demonstrates that in real-world practice, ECMO devices are associated with important complications. With broadened global utilization of ECMO devices, standard complication and failure reporting policies may improve patient selection, operator proficiency, and existing device technology. Summary An analysis of the Food and Drug Administration's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database demonstrates that in real-world practice, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices are associated with serious complications. The most commonly reported patient-related adverse events were hemodynamic decompensation of patients and death, and the most commonly reported failure modes were in the device's mechanical pump and membrane oxygenator.
A Cross-Stack Approach Towards Defending Against Cryptojacking

Cryptocurrenices are revolutionizing the way we conduct every day business. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have harnessed this technology for making profit through cryptojacking, the act of maliciously appropriating computational resources for mining cryptocurrencies. In this letter, we explore a general solution for detecting cryptojacking attacks irrespective of the application type. We propose an end-to-end detection solution that leverages lightweight microarchitectural changes designed to track instructions that are commonly used in hash algorithms. An evaluation of our implementation shows negligible performance overhead while testing across a mix of workloads from the SPEC 2006 benchmarks.
Development of a bead-based assay for detection and differentiation of field strains and four vaccine strains of type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV-2) in the USA

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) remains one of the most economically devastating diseases in swine population in the United States of America. Due to high mutation rate of the PRRS virus (PRRSV) genome, it is difficult to develop an accurate diagnostic assay with high strain coverage. Differentiation of field strains from the four vaccines that have been used in the USA, namely Ingelvac PRRS MLV, Ingelvac ATP, Fostera PRRS and Prime Pac PRRS, adds an additional challenge. It is difficult to use current real-time PCR systems to detect and differentiate the field strains from the vaccine strains. Luminex xTAG technology allows us to detect more molecular targets in a single reaction with a cost similar to a single real-time PCR reaction. By analysing all available 678 type 2 PRRSV (PRRSV-2) complete genome sequences, including the 4 vaccine strains, two pairs of detection primers were designed targeting the conserved regions of ORF4-ORF7, with strain coverage of 98.8% (670/678) based on in silico analysis. The virus strains sharing ≥98% identity of the complete genomes with the vaccine strains were considered vaccine or vaccine-like strains. One pair of primers for each vaccine strain were designed targeting the nsp2 region. In silico analysis showed the assay matched 94.7% (54/57) of Ingelvac PRRS® MLV (MLV) strain and the MLV-like strains, and 100% of the other three vaccine strains. Analytical sensitivity of the Luminex assay was one to two logs lower than that of the reverse transcription real-time PCR assay. Evaluated with 417 PRRSV-2 positive clinical samples, 95% were detected by the Luminex assay. Compared to ORF5 sequencing results, the Luminex assay detected 92.4% (73/79) of MLV strains, 78.3% (18/23) of Fostera strains and 50% (2/4) of ATP strains. None of the 472 samples were the Prime Pac strain tested by either ORF5 sequencing or the Luminex assay.
Induced pluripotent stem cells for modeling elastin-associated vasculopathy

Abstract Elastin is an essential extracellular matrix component in blood vessels, providing the recoiling and compliance properties for vascular function. Disruption of elastin synthesis or deposition can lead to abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and causes life-threatening vascular dysfunction including stenosis and aneurysm. Enormous efforts have been made to understand the pathologic mechanism and seek for effective treatment for elastin-associated vasculopathies by using animal models and primary cell culture models. However, the technical difficulty in animal management and the limited accessibility of patient-specific primary vascular tissue could make such research less effective. Unfortunately, there is no available therapies up to date, outside heart transplant. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology may provide a unique and effective modeling approach to figure out the treatment to such vascular diseases. Self-renewable hiPSCs can be obtained from patients with elastin-associated diseases, and these patient-specific hiPSCs can be further differentiated into VSMCs, which recapitulate the pathologic phenotypes. Moreover, these hiPSC-derived VSMCs (hiPSC-VSMCs) can be applied to generate the three-dimensional engineered vascular tissues in the presence of mechanical stimulation simulating the presence of physiologic or pathologic hemodynamics. These patient-specific hiPSC-derived vascular cell or engineered tissue models could serve as a powerful tool to identify the potentially efficacious treatment. Herein, this chapter will cover the progress in using cell or tissue derivatives of hiPSCs as the models of elastin-associated vascular diseases.
Du Bois and dark, wild hope in an age of environmental and political catastrophe

espanolLa cuestion de la esperanza y su relacion con la desesperacion pululan constantemente a nuestro alrededor, tanto en conversaciones privadas como en el discurso publico. En las humanidades ambientales y los estudios literarios—disciplinas que lidian con catastrofes como el cambio climatico o el nacionalismo blanco—es facil toparse con un pesimismo generalizado. En este articulo, investigo y hago uso critico de la nocion de W. E. B. Du Bois de una oscura y salvaje esperanza para sugerir que esta forma precisa de esperanza resulta necesaria al confrontar las diversas crisis politicas y medioambientales que nos asolan. Comienzo explorando la forma de esperanza que Du Bois mantuvo para hacer frente al racismo persistente, incluyendo el racismo medioambiental. A continuacion, sostengo que la idea de una esperanza oscura y salvaje de Du Bois puede ayudarnos a pensar sobre formas de esperanza apropiadas para nuestra epoca. La respuesta de Du Bois a las catastrofes a las que el se enfrento resulta especialmente instructiva al intentar responder, con firmeza, a nuestras catastrofes actuales. Adaptacion y vulnerabilidad, resistencia e incertidumbre, transformacion y restricciones son aspectos del drama humano que nutrieron la esperanza oscura y salvaje de Du Bois. Y esta esperanza, que no es candida ni ligera, sino que encuentra sus raices en el sufrimiento, el dolor y las tribulaciones, se dibuja como un poderoso recurso para nuestro presente. EnglishThe question of hope and its relation to despair looms all around us—in private conversation and in public discourse. In Environmental Humanities and the Literary Arts, one finds a pervasive pessimism as these fields grapple with such catastrophes as climate change and white nationalism. In this article, I investigate and critically appropriate W. E. B. Du Bois’ notion of a dark, wild hope, suggesting that this particular form of hope is needful as we confront various environmental and political crises. I begin the article by exploring a form of hope that sustained Du Bois in the face of persistent racism—including environmental racism. Next, I argue that Du Bois’ dark, wild hope can help us think about forms of hope appropriate for our own time. Du Bois’ response to the catastrophes that he faced is instructive as we attempt to respond robustly to our current catastrophes. Resilience and vulnerability, resistance and uncertainty, transformation and constraints—these aspects of the human drama informed Du Bois’ dark, wild hope. And this hope—not sunny and Pollyannaish, but rather rooted in suffering, trial, and grief—is a powerful resource for us today.
Long-Term Implications of GERD After Sleeve Gastrectomy

To review the relationship between obesity and Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and study rates and implications of GERD diagnosis before and after Laparoscopic Sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (LRYGB). Obesity is one of the major risk factors for GERD, and GERD is common in patients seeking bariatric surgery. GERD outcomes are superior with LRYGB compared to LSG, and de novo GERD and Barrett’s esophagus have been reported after LSG. Prevention and treatment strategies for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus after LSG are under scrutiny. Determination of the presence of GERD should be part of the process to choose a bariatric surgical technique. Current LSG technique leads to GERD in about 1/3 of patients. Advances in the understanding of the complex relationship of obesity and GERD and evolving technical modifications to LSG may allow improvements with GERD-related outcomes with bariatric surgery.
An Acquired Acyltransferase Promotes Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 Respiratory Infection

Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 are human pathogens associated with poor outcomes in patients worldwide. We identified a member of the acyltransferase superfamily 3 (atf3), enriched within the ST258 clade, that provides a major competitive advantage for the proliferation of this group of organisms in vivo. Comparison of a wild type ST258 strain (KP35) and a Δatf3 isogenic mutant generated by Crispr-Cas9 targeting, revealed increased NADH:quinone oxidoreductase transcription and ATP generation, fueled by increased glycolysis. Acquisition of atf3 induced changes in the bacterial acetylome, promoting lysine acetylation of multiple gene products involved in central metabolism, specifically Zwf (glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase). The atf3-mediated metabolic boost led to greater consumption of glucose in the host airway and increased bacterial burden in the lung, independent of cytokine levels and immune cell recruitment. Acquisition of a promiscuous acyltransferase enhances K. pneumoniae ST258 fitness and promotes its emergence as a major health care associated pathogen.
Inflatable Solar Arrays: Revolutionary Technology?

Recent technological advancements in space inflatable structures, in the areas of material rigidization and controlled deployment, have presented a new possibility to the space community with a low cost, lightweight alternative to mechanically deployed space structures. Space inflatable structures have many benefits and advantages over current mechanical systems. They are low in mass and can be packaged into small volumes, which can potentially reduce the overall program cost by reducing the launch vehicle size. Reduction in total system mass and deployment complexity can also increase system reliability. This new technology is fast becoming a reality, especially in the field of inflatable solar arrays and other applications for spacecraft components. Many solar array applications such as the Mars rover inflatable solar array, the JPL Deep Space Four (ST4) inflatable blanket solar array, and the Teledesic blanket solar array have been developed and prototypes have been built and tested. Several flight experiments are underway and will be flown in the very near future.
MHC recognition by hapten-specific HLA-A2-restricted CD8+ CTL.

T cell recognition by peptide-specific αβ TCRs involves not only recognition of the peptide, but also recognition of multiple molecular features on the surface of the MHC molecule to which the peptide has been bound. We have previously shown that TCRs that are specific for five different peptides presented by HLA-A2 recognize similar molecular features on the surface of the α1 and α2 helices of the HLA-A2 molecule. We next asked whether these same molecular features of the HLA-A2 molecule would be recognized by hapten-specific HLA-A2-restricted TCRs, given that hapten-specific T cells frequently show reduced MHC dependence/restriction. The results show that a panel of CD8 + CTL that are specific for the hapten DNP bound to two different peptides presented by HLA-A2 do the following: 1) show stringent MHC restriction, and 2) are largely affected by the same mutations on the HLA-A2 molecule that affected recognition by peptide-specific CTL. A small subset of this panel of CD8 + CTL can recognize a mutant HLA-A2 molecule in the absence of hapten. These data suggest that TCR recognition of a divergent repertoire of ligands presented by HLA-A2 is largely dependent upon common structural elements in the central portion of the peptide-binding site.
Factors Influencing Priorities in Hospital Social Work Departments: A Director's Perspective

ABSTRACT This study compares the perceived influence of several factors, each representing a popular perspective, on priority setting in hospital social work departments: (1) leader characteristics of the director; (2) organizational characteristics of the department and hospital; and (3) the preferences of constituency groups. The authors surveyed the views of directors to ascertain influences on their allocation of resources. We find that organizational factors and the preferences of constituents are the strongest determinants of departmental priorities, with leader attributes playing a less influential role. An interesting discovery is that each factor's influence varies depending on the nature of the priority area. We conclude that all three explanations for how performance priorities are shaped-a political model, a leader influence model and an institutional model-find support. The authors interpret and assess die significance of these findings to the practice of social work administration in hospitals.
Dispersion and concentration pattern of vehicular exhaust gases from a valley highway

A numerical model is utilized to investigate the dispersion and concentration pattern of vehicular exhaust gas from a v-shaped valley highway. These patterns are closely associated with the wind circulation regimes in the prevailing cross-valley flow during typical day and night times. In the typical day with relative strong surface heating the exhaust plume first inclined to the lee slope toward to the ridge then curved back to the downwind direction with the prevailing flow; in the typical night with stable condition the dispersion showed no plume pattern but rather diffused upward and spread out more or less horizontally.
Periodic meta-material structures in electromagnetics: concept, analysis, and applications

The focus of this paper is to introduce novel, artificial periodic magneto-dielectric meta-material structures that exhibit new electromagnetic functionality and previously unobtainable figures of merit. The main objectives are to accurately characterize the meta-materials and present the behaviors of electromagnetic waves within such composite structures. The powerful computational techniques based on the anisotropic effective medium theory (AEMT), and finite difference time domain (FDTD) broadband analysis with periodic boundary condition/perfectly matched layer (PBC/PML) are applied to characterize the periodic materials. The obtained results can be integrated into the design of novel materials with potential applications in wireless systems. Some applications of meta-materials in the areas of electromagnetic band-gap (EBG) structures and antenna miniaturization are highlighted in this work.
Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering

The sections in this article are Introduction Tissue Engineering Scaffolds Materials Hydroxyapatite Silicates Carbon Nanotubes Bioactive Glass Polymers Natural Polymers Synthetic Polymers Processing Methods/Routes for Nanocomposites in Bone Tissue Engineering Electrospinning Phase Separation Freeze-Drying Particulate Leaching Self-Assembly Biocompatibility Counting Cell Densities Spectroscopic Techniques Bioactvity Engineering the Bone–Cartilage/Bone–Ligament Interface Interfacial Interactions in Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy Atomic Force Microscopy Modeling and Simulation Studies Summary and Conclusions Keywords: nanocomposite; biomaterials; tissue engineering; bone; biopolymers; biocompatibility
Critical theory of quantum spin chains.

The relation between quantum spin chains and conformal field theories is reexamined. Using a generalized Hubbard model representation it is argued that the critical theory for generic half-odd-integer spin antiferromagnets is the Wess-Zumino-Witten model (WZW model) with topological coupling, k=1, whereas generic integer spin antiferromagnets have an energy gap. The higher-k WZW models (which describe integrable higher spin models) are multicritical points in the space of all spin Hamiltonians. The k=1 WZW model represents a stable fixed point for many theories including WZW models of arbitrary odd k with relevant operators added, generalized Hubbard or Thirring models with an odd number of colors and the O(3) \ensuremath{\sigma} model at topological angle \ensuremath{\theta}=\ensuremath{\pi}.
Obstetrician-gynecologists' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding major depressive disorder.

AbstractBackground: Obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns) provide depression screening and treatment, but these practices could be improved. This study investigated the use of depression screening tools and treatment of adolescents with depressive symptoms.Methods: Surveys were sent to 220 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) who had responded to a survey on depression in the past two years. Response rate was 66% (n = 145). Questions included those related to standardized depression screening, antidepressant prescribing behavior, use of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and knowledge of adolescent depression.Results: A total of 40% use standardized screening tools for depression with 46% using the Beck Depression Inventory-II and only 5% using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). The majority (89%) of ob-gyns do not employ the DSM-IV to confirm a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Of the ob-gyns indicating trea...
Automatic cell identification and enrichment in lung cancer: V. Adenocarcinoma and large cell undifferentiated carcinoma.

The aims of this study were to develop a protocol for the identification and enrichment of cancer cells from sputum obtained from patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung (n = 6) and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma of the lung (n = 2), and to compare these findings with the results from our previous studies on other cell types from lung cancer. The hypotheses tested were: (1) Cancer cells in sputum can be preserved following flow sorting. (2) Enrichment for cancer cells from acridine orange (AO)-stained specimens can be achieved. (3) Discrimination of cancer cells from noncancer cells is by AO green fluorescence and discrimination of lymphocytes from other cell types is by AO red fluorescence. (4) Cancer cells are consistently enriched in the AO high green and red fluorescence region, although, for a given cell type, maximal enrichment is patient-dependent. (5) Finally, cancer cell enrichment and lymphocyte exclusion can be done simultaneously. Cells from sputum were initially fixed, stained with AO, sorted on a dual parameter flow sorter, and classified into six groups corresponding to two ranges of green and three ranges of red fluorescence intensities. Cells of each region were stained by the method of Papanicolaou and differential counts were performed to determine the relative frequencies (i.e., purities) of leukocytes, macrophages and unsorted (i.e., control) samples. The average purity of leukocytes (81%), macrophages (6%), squamous cells (11%), and cancer cells (2%) varied markedly from sample to sample. However, the largest enrichment values (i.e., ratio of purity of a cell type in a sorted sample to its purity in the unsorted control sample) achieved for cancer cells consistently occurred for each patient sample in the region corresponding to high green and high red fluorescence intensities. Experimentally, a cancer cell average enrichment of sixteen-fold was obtained by this method. Additionally, fluorescence intensity ranges which increased the enrichment for macrophages by cell sorting typically excluded leukocytes and squamous cells, and vice versa. Finally, red fluorescence intensity was the primary discriminatory parameter for all cell types studied, although the additional use of green fluorescence intensity significantly increased cancer cell enrichment rates. In conclusion, sputum samples can be enriched for atypical and malignant cells, cells from these samples can be well preserved following machine processing, and sputum samples from patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung and large-cell undifferentiated carcinoma have similar enrichment and preservation results to samples obtained from other types of lung cancer.
Toxicity of Pesticides to Earthworms (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) and Effect on Thatch Degradation in Kentucky Bluegrass Turf

Earthworms are important, beneficial invertebrates in turfgrass, where their burrowing and feeding activity enhances soil structure and fertility and incorporates thatch and other plant residues into the soil. The comparative toxicity of 17 commonly used turfgrass pesticides and recovery of earthworm populations following exposure were studied for 2 yr in Kentucky bluegrass turf. A single application of the fungicide benomyl or the insecticides ethoprop, carbaryl, or bendiocarb at labeled rates reduced earthworm populations by 60-99%, with significant effects lasting for at least 20 wk. These compounds also significantly reduced the rate at which earthworms incorporated mineral soil into buried pieces of thatch. Other insecticides, specifically diazinon, isofenphos, trichlorfon, chlorpyrifos. and isazophos caused less severe, but significant earthworm mortality in some tests. None of the herbicides tested significantly affected earthworm populations. The abundance of Cryptostigmata, Collembola, and ants also was drastically reduced by some treatments. Preservation of earthworms and other beneficial soil invertebrates may be critical to long-term stability of the turfgrass ecosystem.
CAROTENOID PIGMENT ADMINISTRATION and DELAY IN DEVELOPMENT OF UV‐B‐INDUCED TUMORS

—The results of two studies are reported. In the first study, the carotenoid pigments, β-carotene. canthaxanthin and phytoene were administered to mice after one UV-B-induced skin tumor had developed, to see if carotenoid administration would delay the development of subsequent tumors. Canthaxanthin significantly delayed the development of subsequent tumors. In the second study, the same pigments were administered starting 10 weeks before, and for 24 weeks after, exposure to a large single fluence (8 × 104J/m2) of UV-B radiation, to determine the effect of the pigments on tumor development. Phytoene significantly prevented the development of tumors to this fluence of radiation.
Beyond the Reef: Cultural Constructions of Hawaii in Mainland America, Australia and Japan

Cette etude s'interesse a la maniere dont la culture musicale de Hawai a ete recuperee et transformee par les radios et les scenes musicales americaines, australiennes et japonaises, jusqu'a creer une image paradisiaque d'un Hawai totalement artificiel et commercial. L'A. suit ainsi la naissance et la construction du mythe Hawaien depuis la fin du XIX e siecle jusqu'au bombardement de Pearl Harbor, et montre a quel point le mythe Hawaien propre a chaque pays en dit long sur la culture de ce pays
Excretion of murine leukaemia virus.

THE study of mice experimentally infected with murine leukaemia virus (MuLV) has revealed leukaemogenic activity in the milk, saliva, urine and faeces, and typical MuLV particles in the mammary glands, salivary glands, and pancreas. MuLV has not been demonstrated, however, in the excretions or secretions of naturally infected mice1–3. The development by Hartley et al.4,5 of the complement fixation test for murine leukaemia virus provided a sensitive in vitro assay for MuLV and a practical means for the detection of virus in tissues, mouth swabs and excretions. We report here studies on the isolation of virus from excretions and secretions of naturally infected high leukaemia strains AKR/J, C58/J and SJL/J.
Omeprazole for the treatment of posterior laryngitis

purpose: To determine whether the patients with refractory posterior laryngitis respond to treatment with omeprazole. patients and methods: Sixteen consecutive patients with persistent posterior laryngitis despite prior therapy with H2 blockers were recruited from outpatient university otolaryngology and gastroenterology practices. Patients received 6 to 24 weeks of omeprazole 40 mg qhs, which was increased to 40 mg twice a day for 6 weeks in four patients with continuing symptoms. Laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, and esophageal/laryngeal symptom questionnaire were completed at entry to the study. Laryngoscopy and the questionnaire were repeated at the conclusion of the study. A follow-up questionnaire was completed at 6 weeks. results: Laryngoscopy scores improved from 4.44 to 1.94 (nonblinded otolaryngologist) and 4.31 to 1.88 (blinded otolaryngologist) (P <0.05). Laryngeal and esophageal symptom indices improved from 13.94 and 9.00 to 3.00 and 0.38, respectively (P <0.05). Symptom indices increased to 7.00 and 7.33, respectively, after the discontinuation of therapy (P <0.05 compared with the conclusion of the study). One patient intolerant of omeprazole underwent fundoplication and was asymptomatic 6 weeks after surgery. Only 3 patients had esophagitis at entry. conclusions: The signs and symptoms of posterior laryngitis improve with the administration of omeprazole and symptoms recur after discontinuation of therapy, suggesting that reflux is the underlying etiology. Patients with refractory symptoms, but intolerant of omeprazole, may benefit from antireflux surgery. Laryngoscopic findings of posterior laryngitis are often subtle, and many patients with posterior laryngitis do not have esophagitis.
Excitation and ionization of molecules by a single-mode laser field using a time-dependent approach

Abstract We consider procedures for solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation for the interaction of a single-mode laser field with a molecule, leading to electronic excitation, vibration, dissociation, and ionization. The temporal propagation occurs through application of Real Space Product Formulae, which scale linearly with the number of states and the number of radial mesh points. We extract basic bound-state properties such as potential energy surfaces and transition dipole matrix elements for configuration interaction calculations. Bound-free matrix elements come from electron—molecule scattering programs. We present several examples, including photodissociation of H2+ and pump-probe excitation-ionization of K2.
π Electron calculations for predicting non-linear optical properties of molecules

Abstract The vector (observable) part of the hyperpolarizability tensor for frequency doubling, β vec ( -2ω; ω, ω), is calculated using perturbation theory and the PPP model Hamiltonian. Calculations for a dozen representative molecules show that this method yields results in excellent agreement with experiment both for fairly strong and for quite weak optical non-linearity. Thus PPP-type calculations should be useful in understanding π electron molecular non-linear optical properties.
Live-Load and Shear Connection Testing of Full-Scale Precast Bridge Panels

This paper describes an investigation to quantify the behavior of a precast deck system. As part of this investigation, a live-load test was performed on a steel I-girder bridge made with accelerated bridge construction precast deck panels. It was found that the bridge was behaving compositely in some locations and noncompositely in others. When the bridge was decommissioned, a two-girder specimen was salvaged and transported to Utah State University for shear-capacity testing. The primary shear failure mechanism was found to be buckling of the girder web. A nonlinear finite-element analysis was conducted using ANSYS that was found to replicate the experimental behavior and reproduce the failure mechanism and magnitude. It was concluded that the effect of the noncomposite behavior on the ultimate shear capacity was a reduction of approximately 8.0%. The measured ultimate capacities were compared with estimates calculated according to procedures in the AASHTO LRFD specifications. When using the specified steel strength, the code predicted shear resistance ranging from 8.0% higher to 0.7% lower.
Sequential excision of residual thoracic and retroperitoneal masses after chemotherapy for stage III germ cell tumors

Twenty-three patients with advanced (Stage III) mixed germ cell tumors underwent laparotomy and thoracotomy or neck dissection for excision of persistent radiographic masses after systemic chemotherapy. In those who received multidrug regimens incorporating high-dose cisplatin, 4 of 15 (27%) harbored persistent tumor in at least one site, 6 of 15 (40%) demonstrated necrotic tumor or fibrosis only in all sites examined, and the remaining 5 of 15 (33%) harbored mature teratoma in at least one area. In patients treated with high-dose platinum chemotherapy regimens 11 of 15 (73%) remain disease-free with a median follow-up period of 29 months (range, 1-58 months). Histologic comparison of tissues resected during thoracotomy and retroperitoneal node dissection indicated that patterns were dissimilar in 8 of 23 patients (35%). These data indicate the favorable impact of combined sequential chemotherapy and surgery in patients with advanced mixed germ cell tumors. In patients with Stage III tumors, persistent radiographic disease after cyclic cisplatin-based chemotherapy is appropriately managed by excision of both thoracic and retroperitoneal deposits.
Sustainability assessment of U.S. manufacturing sectors: an economic input output-based frontier approach

Abstract Due to increasing concerns related to emerging environmental problems as a result of industrial activities, sustainable manufacturing has become a topic of considerable interest worldwide. In this study, Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment (EIO-LCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), a linear programming-based mathematical optimization model, were integrated to analyze the eco-efficiency of manufacturing sectors in the United States. This integration was achieved by aggregating different environmental pressures into a single eco-efficiency score. First, greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water withdrawals, hazardous waste generation, and toxic releases of each manufacturing sector were quantified using the EIO-LCA model. Second, an input-oriented DEA multiplier model was developed. Third, eco-efficiency scores and rankings, target and performance improvement values of each environmental category were determined. Finally, the sensitivity of each environmental impact category was analyzed. Analysis results showed that five industrial sectors, such as “Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing”, “Food Manufacturing”, “Printing and Related Support Activities”, “Ordinance and Accessories Manufacturing”, and “Motor Vehicle Manufacturing” were 100% eco-efficient compared to other manufacturing sectors. On the other hand, approximately 90% of U.S. manufacturing sectors were found to be inefficient and require significant improvements in their life cycle performance. Among the environmental impact categories, energy use had the highest sensitivity on the eco-efficiency of U.S. manufacturing sectors, and therefore improved energy efficiency in industrial processes and successful policy making toward increasing the share of renewable energy utilization were highly recommended.
Bioavailability as an issue in risk assessment and management of food cadmium: A review

The bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) from food is an important determinant of the potential risk of this toxic element. This review summarizes the effects of marginal deficiencies of the essential nutrients zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and calcium (Ca) on the enhancement of absorption and organ accumulation and retention of dietary Cd in laboratory animals. These marginal deficiencies enhanced Cd absorption as much as ten-fold from diets containing low Cd concentrations similar to that consumed by some human populations, indicating that people who are nutritionally marginal with respect to Zn, Fe, and Ca are at higher risk of Cd disease than those who are nutritionally adequate. Results from these studies also suggest that the bioavailability of Cd is different for different food sources. This has implications for the design of food safety rules for Cd in that if the dietary source plays such a significant role in the risk of Cd, then different foods would require different Cd limits. Lastly, the importance of food-level exposures of Cd and other potentially toxic elements in the study of risk assessment are emphasized. Most foods contain low concentrations of Cd that are poorly absorbed, and it is neither relevant nor practical to use toxic doses of Cd in experimental diets to study food Cd risks. A more comprehensive understanding of the biochemistry involved in the bioavailability of Cd from foods would help resolve food safety questions and provide the support for a badly needed advance in international policies regarding Cd in crops and foods.
Convenience: are you providing it?

Gone are the days of trucking over to an Academic Computing Help Desk to obtain an account for sending/receiving email, creating web pages and doing numerical research. At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), we are focusing on web-based services for our students, faculty and staff. VCU is an urban, commuter-based university where most of its students come to campus to take a class or attend an event and then return to their off-campus homes. During the past 5-10 years we have focused on supplying web-based services so that students do not have to unnecessarily come to campus. Several years ago our online parking sales eliminated the need to stand in line to buy semester parking decals. This service kicked off our e-commerce system, which now brings in nearly $1 million each month. In general, the University is looking for ways to provide services to its students, faculty and staff that are independent of time and location and are more cost and time effective. This presentation will outline our method for developing online services, show the services that are currently available and under development and discuss some of the lessons learned developing web-based applications.
Bringing linguistics into judicial decisionmaking: semantic analysis submitted to the US Supreme Court

A substantial research endeavour carried out by a team of three theoretical linguists and a law professor on three cases pending before the US Supreme Court in its 1993-4 term resulted in a major law review article which was sent to the Court while the cases were being considered. Unlike the usual amicus curiae brief, this research was not undertaken in support of any party in any of the cases. In one of the cases there is reason to believe that the team's analysis may have contributed to the Court's decision and opinion; in another, the concurring opinion seems to have rested directly on the team's analysis; and in the third, although the opinion showed no evidence of reliance on the team's research, the decision was nonetheless in line with the team's findings. The receptiveness of at least some of the current justices of the US Supreme Court to the applicability and relevance of language analysis as carried out by linguists in cases that depend on the resolution of linguistic issues is a hopeful sign to those interested in seeing growth in the recognition of the relevance of linguistics to the law.
The hydrogenation of CO over molybdenum/alumina in the presence of ethylene; coupling of olefin metathesis and CO hydrogenation

Three reactions, CO hydrogenation, metathesis of C2H4 and CO hydrogenation in the presence of C2H4, have been investigated on Mo(+2)/Al2O3 under identical experimental conditions. The products of hydrogenation reactions were methane, ethylene and propylene. The results show that the initial rate of propylene formation for CO hydrogenation in the presence of ethylene is much larger, by a factor of 7, than the sum of the rate of propylene formation for CO hydrogenation and metathesis alone. Furthermore, it was found that13C labelled propylene was formed in the hydrogenation of13CO in the presence of ethylene. These results, taken as a whole, suggest that the same intermediate is formed in both CO hydrogenation and metathesis of ethylene, and that these intermediates can be either incorporated into ethylene and higher hydrocarbons by polymerization or incorporated into ethylene to form propylene via olefin metathesis.
Selective modification of sterol composition of hepatomas: new opportunities for chemotherapy

The absence of feedback regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis in hepatomas suggests the possibility of substitution of cholesterol with its biosynthetic precursors (7-dehydrocholesterol or lanosterol) selectively in hepatomas without the accumulation of these precursors in liver and other normal tissues, by a combination of a high cholesterol diet and specific inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis (AY-9944 for accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol and ketoconazole for accumulation of lanosterol). We suggest: (1) using a selective accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol in hepatoma plasma membranes to increase the sensitivity of hepatoma cells to polyene antibiotics (amphotericin B, nystatin), because polyene antibiotics have higher affinity to 7-dehydrocholesterol compared to cholesterol; (2) using a selective accumulation of lanosterol in hepatoma cells to increase the sensitivity of hepatoma cells to different antitumor agents, because lanosterol is much less effective in supporting vital cell functions (including barrier properties of natural membranes) compared to cholesterol.
Catalysis of intumescent flame retardancy of polypropylene by metallic compounds

Divalent and multivalent metallic compounds catalyze the flame retardancy performance of intumescent systems based on ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (petol) in poly(propylene) (PP). The catalytic effect is shown by increases in the oxygen index (OI) and UL-94 ratings. The effect is exerted by small concentrations of the metallic compounds in the range of 0.1–2.5 wt% of the compositions. The effect increases with the concentration of the catalyst until a maximum is reached. At higher concentrations of the catalyst a decrease in the flame retardancy parameters is observed, accompanied in several cases by a degradation and discoloration of the composition. The catalyst replaces melamine in intumescent systems. Catalytic effectiveness is defined and calculated for a number of compounds. Thermogravimetric parameters, such as initial decomposition temperature, temperature of the transition point and residue-after-transitions (RAT) change in parallel with the catalytic effect of the metal compound concentration. Metal compounds investigated include oxides, acetates, acetyl acetonates, borates and sulfates of Mn, Zn, Mg, Al, Ca, Ba, V, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Zr, and Cr. Mechanistic considerations on the activity of the catalysts are presented. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reporting approval by research ethics committees and subjects' consent in human resuscitation research

Abstract Objective: To determine how frequently reports of research in human cardiopulmonary resuscitation mention approval by a research ethics committee and address subjects' consent. Methods: Retrospective review of published reports of interventional research in human cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Reports were retrieved from the MEDLINE database and selected according to pre-established criteria. Data were abstracted independently by the two authors with differences resolved by mutual agreement. Results were analyzed according to whether the research took place in the prehospital setting, the emergency department, or the hospital; whether it was conducted within or outside the United States; whether it received any funding from the US government; its randomization scheme; the year of publication; and whether the journal's instructions required mention of REC approval or subjects' consent. Results: Reports of 47 studies met our criteria for inclusion. Of these, 24 (51%) mentioned approval by a research ethics committee and 12 (26%) addressed subjects' consent. Significantly more studies reported ethics committee approval or addressed consent during more recent years. Authors were more likely to report consent, REC approval, or both when journal instructions required that REC approval be mentioned. Conclusion: Reports of resuscitation research have not consistently mentioned approval from a research ethics committee or addressed subjects' consent for interventional studies using human subjects. However, they are doing so more frequently in recent years as journal requirements for reporting change. REC approval is now almost always being reported, but subjects' consent is often not addressed. Journal editors and reviewers should ensure that authors adhere to the journal's instructions about reporting ethical conduct of experiments.
Aspergillus fumigatus—What Makes the Species a Ubiquitous Human Fungal Pathogen?

Aspergillus fumigatus, the major cause of life threatening invasive aspergillosis (IA), is a ubiquitous saprophytic fungus to which humans are exposed daily in most parts of the world. The infection is initiated by inhalation of conidia, which are cleared quickly in a normal host but can cause invasive disease in immunocompromised individuals [1], [2]. The following features make A. fumigatus a ubiquitous pathogen: 1) survival and growth in a wide range of environmental conditions, 2) effective dispersal in the air, 3) physical characteristics that allow conidia to reach the distal airways, and 4) swift adaptability to the host environment. The biology, pathogenesis, molecular biology, and virulence factors of A. fumigatus have been exhaustively reviewed [2]–[8]. This brief article focuses on how A. fumigatus is equipped with the features necessary for a ubiquitous pathogen.
BING-2: a layered tin–oxalate potassium fluoride, KSn(C2O4)F

The title compound, KSn(C2O4)F, is a two-dimensional material related to our previously reported three-dimensional framework, Na4Sn4(C2O4)3F6. Both are alkali-metal tin–oxalate materials, but here the compound is layered and has potassium in place of sodium. The material was synthesized solvothermally at 423 K and crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c. The structure consists of potassium fluoride layers in the bc plane, which are sandwiched on both sides by tin–oxalate chains that extend along the c axis.
The Actual and Preferred Roles of the School Psychologist According to Secondary School Administrators.

This paper examines the perception of the role of school psychologists as viewed by secondary school administrators. Particular attention is focused on differences of priority in terms of rank-ordering of functions between actual and ideal. Data were drawn from questionnaires returned by 361 principals representing every tenth school of the 3,683 listed as members by the North Central Association of Secondary Schools in 1983. Several results emerge from the study. There is little difference in rank order between actual and ideal roles. Significant rank order differences were in the areas of “Counseling with students” and “Staffing for special education.” Administrators in this sample clearly desire more involvement of psychologists with counseling and less with staffing. Results raise questions with regard to prevalent training programs if psychologists are to assume a greater counseling role.
The endocrinology of exercise

Some obese individuals do not get cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or certain cancers associated with obesity. These healthy obese individuals exercise regularly and reduce circulating levels of inflammatory mediators which are associated with the complications of obesity. Bloated white adipocytes located in ectopic locations such as the liver, produce these inflammatory mediators. Exercise, by reducing the excess storage of fat in these bloated fat cells, reduces the levels of circulating inflammatory mediators. The processes of gathering and creating new energy-rich substances, storing energy, and consuming energy-rich substances, and the specific contribution of several hormones to this process, are reviewed.