cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pilot biomedical engineering course in rapid prototyping for mobile health

Rapid prototyping of medically assistive mobile devices promises to fuel innovation and provides opportunity for hands-on engineering training in biomedical engineering curricula. This paper presents the design and outcomes of a course offered during a 16-week semester in Fall 2011 with 11 students enrolled. The syllabus covered a mobile health design process from end-to-end, including storyboarding, non-functional prototypes, integrated circuit programming, 3D modeling, 3D printing, cloud computing database programming, and developing patient engagement through animated videos describing the benefits of a new device. Most technologies presented in this class are open source and thus provide unlimited “hackability”. They are also cost-effective and easily transferrable to other departments.
The impact of nutritional status on the outcome of lung volume reduction surgery: a prospective study.

Objectives To study the incidence and clinical significance of nutritional deficiencies in patients with emphysema undergoing lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS). Design Prospective observational study. Setting University-based teaching hospital. Patients Fifty-one consecutive patients with end-stage emphysema undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for LVRS. Interventions All patients had their body mass index (BMI) and serum nutritional indexes (albumin, transferrin, total protein, cholesterol) measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Various clinical parameters were also compared between two groups. Results The BMI was normal in 24 patients (47%), and 27 patients (53%) had a below normal BMI. A preoperative analysis of the serum nutritional indexes revealed no clinically significant differences between the two groups, but postoperative levels were significantly lower in the low BMI group. Anthropometric measurements supported the designation of nutritional status by BMI. Clinically, 26% of the patients in the low BMI group required prolonged ventilatory support (> 24 h), compared to only 4% of the patients with a normal BMI. The hospital length of stay (LOS) also differed, averaging 15.9 days in the low BMI group, compared to an average of 11.8 days in the normal BMI group. Conclusion Approximately 50% of patients undergoing LVRS for emphysema have a deficient nutritional status identifiable by BMI, but not by standard nutritional indexes. This impaired nutritional status is associated with increased morbidity following LVRS. We suggest that BMI is an accurate determinant of nutritional status in this patient population, and we speculate that preoperative repletion of nutritional deficiencies may decrease hospital morbidity, hospital LOS, and overall costs in the malnourished population undergoing LVRS.
Bombesin-like peptides and receptors in human tumor cell lines

Human cancer cell lines were assayed for bombesin-like peptides and receptors. Acid extracts derived from small cell lung cancer, but not other types of cancer had high levels of immunoreactive bombesin. Regardless of patient treatment, site of tumor origin (bone marrow, lymph node, or pleural effusion) or culture conditions, small cell lung cancer cell lines had high levels of bombesin-like peptides. Thus, bombesin levels in small cell lung, but not other types of human cancer, are routinely elevated. Also, small cell lung cancer lines in contrast to other cell lines have a high density of binding sites for a radiolabeled bombesin analogue. The presence of high concentrations of bombesin-like peptides and receptors suggests that bombesin may function as an important regulatory agent in human small cell lung cancer.
Texas GLCI: Growing Partnerships on Texas Grazing Lands

T he United States comprises more than 634 million acres of nonfederal grazing lands. Under proper management, these private grazing lands con- tribute to the health and economic sustainability that the nation has relied on for many years. Private grazing land owners understand the need for continued grazing land technical assistance. Providing a mechanism to attain sound, science-based, proven conservation alternatives to address the nation’s grazing land resource concerns is of paramount im- portance to these land owners. The loss of trained individuals providing technical assistance would be detrimental not only to new grazing land managers but also to established opera- tions that have been using this technical assistance for years to make dif cult ranch management decisions. This loss of trained individuals did occur in the past: the loss of USDA– Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) technical re- sources on grazing lands was a by-product of the 1985 Farm Bill, which diverted many NRCS employees to cropland con- servation compliance and other programs. The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) was formed in response to this decline in technical assistance on private grazing lands. DOI: 10.2458/azu_rangelands_v34i4_goodwin
Radiofrequency ablation after breast lumpectomy added to extend intraoperative margins in the treatment of breast cancer (ABLATE): a single-institution experience.

Background Breast-conserving surgery is often preferred to treat early-stage breast cancer. This method aims to minimize repeat excision and local recurrence rates. The ABLATE Registry expands this to multiple centers with a total accrual goal of 250. This video illustrates an intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) technique.
Novel anticoagulants: A discussion of clinical use in the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism

Traditional therapeutic oral anticoagulation strategies often require invasive dosing or monitoring. Vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have a large number of interactions, delayed onset requires frequent dose monitoring, and they have a small margin between therapeutic dose and bleeding complications. Novel oral anticoagulants, such as dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban, are being developed to prevent those VKAs drawbacks. Besides oral bioavailability, those compounds are designed to require minimal to no monitoring and have a favourable safety profile. This review reports efficacy and safety data of these compounds throughout clinical development, as well as new approaches for oral pharmacological management of venous thromboembolism.
Sumoylation of Smad4, the Common Smad Mediator of Transforming Growth Factor-β Family Signaling

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and TGF-β-related factors regulate cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, and play key roles in normal development and tumorigenesis. TGF-β family-induced changes in gene expression are mediated by serine/threonine kinase receptors at the cell surface and Smads as intracellular effectors. Receptor-activated Smads combine with a common Smad4 to translocate into the nucleus where they cooperate with other transcription factors to activate or repress transcription. The activities of the receptor-activated Smads are controlled by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and ubiquitylation. Here we show that Smad4 is modified by sumoylation. Sumoylation of Smad4 was enhanced by the conjugating enzyme Ubc9 and members of the PIAS family of SUMO ligases. A major sumoylation site in Smad4 was localized to Lys-159 in its linker segment with an additional site at Lys-113 in the MH-1 domain. Increased sumoylation in the presence of the PIASy E3 ligase correlated with targeting of Smad4 to subnuclear speckles that contain SUMO-1 and PIASy. Replacement of lysines 159 and 113 by arginines or increased sumoylation enhanced the stability of Smad4, and transcription in mammalian cells and Xenopus embryos. These observations suggest a role for Smad4 sumoylation in the regulation of TGF-β signaling through Smads.
Leap Frog and Time Step Sub-Cycle Scheme for Coupled Neutronics and Thermal-Hydraulic Codes

As the result of the advancing TCP/IP based inter-process communication technology, more and more legacy thermal-hydraulic codes have been coupled with neutronics codes to provide best-estimate capabilities for reactivity related reactor transient analysis. Most of the coupling schemes are based on closely coupled serial or parallel approaches. Therefore, the execution of the coupled codes usually requires significant CPU time, when a complicated system is analyzed. Leap Frog scheme has been used to reduce the run time. The extent of the decoupling is usually determined based on a trial and error process for a specific analysis. It is the intent of this paper to develop a set of general criteria, which can be used to invoke the automatic Leap Frog algorithm. The algorithm will not only provide the run time reduction but also preserve the accuracy. The criteria will also serve as the base of an automatic time step sub-cycle scheme when a sudden reactivity change is introduced and the thermal-hydraulic code is marching with a relatively large time step.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Numerical Bounds on Fluctuating Linear Processes

Abstract Let A be an n × n primitive nonnegative matrix. The long-run behavior x k /‖ x k ‖ 1 of the linear process x k + 1 = x k A is determined by the stochastic eigenvector π of A . In this paper we consider the linear process x k + 1 = x k A k , where each A k fluctuates about A , and provide numerical bounds on the difference between x k /‖ x k ‖ and π, thus showing how well π describes the long-run behavior of this fluctuating behavior.
RESPIRATION OF CRABS IN AIR AND WATER

l. Oxygen consumption (i702), ventilation volume (ir) and 0, extraction (Ext) were measured for three species of crabs: the terrestrial Gecarcinus later&, the amphibious Curdisoma guunhumi, and the aquatic Cailinectes sapidus. In air the vo* of the crabs was ranked Gecarcinus > Cardisoma > Callinectes. In water the ir,, was Callinectes > Cardisoma > Gecarcinus. 2. When terrestrial Gecarcinus was submerged in water, ir,, fell to l/7 of its aerial value because both 0 and Ext fell. When aquatic Callinectes was exposed to air, voo, fell to l/3 of its aquatic value because both ir and Ext fell. Only the amphibious Cardisoma maintained iro2 constant in both media; in water v was increased to offset a fall in Ext. 3. All species behaved as %'o, conformers when they were exposed to short-term hypoxia; the effect was more pronounced in the aquatic environment. 4. Severe short-term hypercapnia caused no change in the aquatic environment; but it stimulated increased ir and decreased Ext in air. 5. Such effects are consistent with vertebrate responses: 0, seems to be the most important regulatory factor of respiration in water and CO, is the most important in air. In this paper, we examine both the aquatic and aerial respiration of three crab species which vary in their degree of terrestrial adaptation. One species, the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, is highly specialized for aquatic life. Another species, Gecarcinus lateralis, is highly terrestrial, returning to water only briefly for reproduction. The third species, Cardisoma guan- humi, is an amphibious crab existing in moist land burrows along the seashore and fresh water canals of the tropics. To improve understanding of the control of respiration in both media, the present study pro- vides a direct comparison of the crab species to respiratory stress (hypoxia and hypercapnia). This presentation clearly highlights the respiratory limi- tations and adaptations of crustaceans in the water/air transition.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Oxidative Stress, and Leukocyte Telomere Length: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Shorter telomeres have been associated with poor health behaviors, age-related diseases, and early mortality. Telomere length is regulated by the enzyme telomerase, and is linked to exposure to proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. In our recent randomized controlled trial, omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation lowered the concentration of serum proinflammatory cytokines. This study assessed whether n-3 PUFA supplementation also affected leukocyte telomere length, telomerase, and oxidative stress. In addition to testing for group differences, changes in the continuous n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio were assessed to account for individual differences in adherence, absorption, and metabolism. The double-blind four-month trial included 106 healthy sedentary overweight middle-aged and older adults who received (1) 2.5g/day n-3 PUFAs, (2) l.25g/day n-3 PUFAs, or (3) placebo capsules that mirrored the proportions of fatty acids in the typical American diet. Supplementation significantly lowered oxidative stress as measured by F2-isoprostanes (p=0.02). The estimated geometric mean log-F2-isoprostanes values were 15% lower in the two supplemented groups compared to placebo. Although group differences for telomerase and telomere length were nonsignificant, changes in the n-6:n-3 PUFA plasma ratios helped clarify the intervention's impact: telomere length increased with decreasing n-6:n-3 ratios, p=0.02. The data suggest that lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios can impact cell aging. The triad of inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune cell aging represents important pre-disease mechanisms that may be ameliorated through nutritional interventions. This translational research broadens our understanding of the potential impact of the n-6:n-3 PUFA balance. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00385723.
Distributed coverage optimization in a network of mobile agents subject to measurement error

The effect of localization error in mobile sensor networks is investigated in this paper. Localization is an essential building block in mobile sensor networks, and is achieved through information exchange among the sensors. Sensor deployment algorithms often rely on the Voronoi diagram, which is obtained by using the position information of the neighboring sensors. In the sensor network coverage problem, it is desired to place each sensor in a proper position in its Voronoi cell such that its local coverage increases. On the other hand, it is often assumed that all measurements are sufficiently accurate, while in a practical setup even a small localization error may lead to significant uncertainty in the resultant Voronoi diagram. This paper is concerned with the degrading effect of position measurement error in the sensor network coverage problem. To this end, the effect of localization error on the boundaries of the Voronoi polygons is investigated. Two polygons are obtained for each sensor, and it is shown that the exact Voronoi polygon (corresponding to accurate localization) lies between them. The area between these two polygons is directly related to the size of error. A sensor deployment strategy is presented based on these two polygons, using a quantitative local density function which takes the uncertainty of the Voronoi polygons into account to maximize the local coverage of each sensor.
Reactions of synthesis gas

Abstract The use of synthesis gas (syngas) offers the opportunity to furnish a broad range of environmentally clean fuels and chemicals. There has been steady growth in the traditional uses of syngas. Almost all hydrogen gas is manufactured from syngas and there has been a tremendous spurt in the demand for this basic chemical; indeed, the chief use of syngas is in the manufacture of hydrogen for a growing number of purposes. Methanol not only remains the second largest consumer of syngas but has shown remarkable growth as part of the methyl ethers used as octane enhancers in automotive fuels. The Fischer-Tropsch synthesis remains the third largest consumer of syngas, mostly for transportation fuels but also as a growing feedstock source for the manufacture of chemicals, including polymers. Future growth in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis may take place outside the continental United States. The hydroformylation of olefins (the oxo reaction), a completely chemical use of syngas, is the fourth largest use of carbon monoxide and hydrogen mixtures; research and industrial application in this field continue to grow steadily. A direct application of syngas as fuel (and eventually also for chemicals) that promises to increase is its use for Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) units for the generation of electricity (and also chemicals) from coal, petroleum coke or heavy residuals. In the period 2005–2015, the amount of syngas employed in this manner may approach that used for all other specific purposes. Syngas is the principal source of carbon monoxide, which is used in an expanding list of so-called carbonylation reactions.
Computer simulations of the conformations of strongly adsorbed chains at the solid–liquid interface

We have utilized molecular dynamics simulations to critically study the conformation of isolated polymer chains adsorbed on surfaces in the presence of explicit solvent. The changes in conformations of the polymer chain in good solvent as it adsorbs onto a substrate is mapped. The quasi two-dimensional pancake conformation of a well adsorbed polymer chain is confirmed. The effect of wetting characteristics of the solvent on the adsorption transition of polymer chain is also studied. We found that a non-wetting solvent aids adsorption of the polymer chain even at low sticking energies compared to wetting solvent.
Cuticular lipid mass and desiccation rates in Glossina pallidipes: Interpopulation variation

Tsetse flies, Glossina pallidipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) are said to have strong dispersal tendencies. Gene flow among these populations is estimated to be the theoretical equivalent of no more than one or two reproducing flies per generation, thereby raising the hypothesis of local regimes of natural selection. Flies were sampled from four environmentally diverse locations in Kenya to determine whether populations are homogeneous in desiccation tolerance and cuticular lipids. Cuticular hydrocarbon fractions known to act as sex pheromones do not differ among populations, thereby eliminating sexual selection as an isolating mechanism. Cuticular lipid quantities vary among populations and are not correlated with prevailing temperatures, humidities, and normalized density vegetation indices. Females demonstrate a stronger correlation than males between cuticular lipid mass and body weight. Desiccation rates also vary among populations, but are not correlated with the amounts of cuticular lipid. Chemical analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy shows that one of the four populations has more 11,15- and 11,21-dimethyl-31 hydrocarbon on females. These results are discussed in the context of population differences and estimates of gene flow.
2T-1R STT-MRAM memory cells for enhanced on/off current ratio

Novel spin torque transfer magnetic tunnel junction (STT-MTJ) based memory cell topologies are introduced to improve both the sense margin and the current ratio observed by the sense circuitry. These circuits utilize an additional transistor per cell in either a diode connected or gate connected manner and maintain leakage current immunity within the data array. An order of magnitude increase in the current ratio over a traditional 1T-1R structure is observed. This improvement comes at a cost of 61% and 117% increase in area, respectively, for the diode and gate connected cells.
Zero-field N.M.R. study of the biaxial smectic E phase

Abstract Preliminary results on the measurement of smectic liquid crystal phases by zero-field N.M.R. methods are presented. The non-axial symmetry of the smectic E phase is immediately apparent in the zero-field N.M.R. dipolar spectrum of a methylene dichloride probe molecule.
What Do Lakes and Reservoirs Tell Us About Climate Change?: Chapman Conference on Lakes as Sentinels, Integrators, and Regulators of Climate Change; Incline Village, Nevada, 8–10 September 2008

Where are scientists likely to find the clearest signals of climate change so that they can predict future impacts? The question of where we focus our sampling efforts is not a trivial one due to the complex nature of the landscape of the Earth and the wide and varied impacts of both humans and natural processes on the landscape. As the lowest point in the landscape and as hot spots of carbon cycling, lakes and reservoirs may provide an answer. These inland waters play a disproportionate role in informing us about climate change. They also play an important role in regulating climate change by their contributions to the global carbon cycle.
The Healthy Jew: The Symbiosis of Judaism and Modern Medicine

Mitchell B. Hart, The Healthy Jew: The Symbiosis of Judaism and Modern Medicine (2007), x + 264 (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge and New York, £20.00/$28.00). With The Healthy Jew intellectua...
Substrate degradation by the proteasome: A single-molecule kinetic analysis

To address how the configuration of conjugated ubiquitins determines the recognition of substrates by the proteasome, we analyzed the degradation kinetics of substrates with chemically defined ubiquitin configurations. Contrary to the view that a tetraubiquitin chain is the minimal signal for efficient degradation, we find that distributing the ubiquitins as diubiquitin chains provides a more efficient signal. To understand how the proteasome actually discriminates among ubiquitin configurations, we developed single-molecule assays that distinguished intermediate steps of degradation kinetically. The level of ubiquitin on a substrate drives proteasome-substrate interaction, whereas the chain structure of ubiquitin affects translocation into the axial channel on the proteasome. Together these two features largely determine the susceptibility of substrates for proteasomal degradation.
Squamous cell carcinoma of bladder after successful intravesical therapy with bacillus calmette-guérin

A case of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder following intravesical immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin in a patient with pre-existing squamous dysplasia of the bladder is presented.
An Analysis of Computer-related Crime: Comparing Police Officer Perceptions with Empirical Data

The rate of computer-related crime continues to escalate, while the rate of most index crimes has modestly declined. Computer network intrusions such as DoS attacks or fraud perpetrated over the Internet annually cost American society billions of dollars. Municipal police responses to this modern crime problem are varied. Future responses remain uncertain, but will require the formulation of more effective local law enforcement strategies. This article is an exploratory study of police officer perceptions of computer-related crime. Officers (n = 251) from four municipal jurisdictions in a single western state were surveyed to examine their perceptions of computer crime. The findings indicate that what police officers believe about computer crime reflects media-driven stereotypes, and may be influenced by moral considerations. Officer perceptions are inconsistent with the empirical facts on computer crime as reported in the peer-reviewed literature on the subject.
Gender differences in conflict resolution styles of managers: At work and at home

Because women and men managers occupy different roles at work and at home, role theory suggests that they would use different conflict resolution behaviors in each role. This study tested this theory empirically using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode instrument to measure the five conflict resolution styles of 201 managers (99 males and 102 females) in both situational roles. Sex differences were examined along with hierarchical rank. Both genders tended to handle conflict more competitively at work than at home, and used the accommodating style more frequently at home than at work. At home, low-level women managers were more willing to collaborate and less willing to avoid conflict than at work; men managers overall were less likely to compromise at home than at work.
Multi-physics modelling and sensitivity analysis of olympic rowing boat dynamics

A multidisciplinary approach is implemented to model and analyse the performance of Olympic rowing boats. A reduced-order model that couples rowers motions with the hull, oars and hydrodynamic and hydrostatic forces is detailed. This model is complemented with a sensitivity analysis carried out by means of a non-intrusive polynomial chaos expansion. Sensitivity analysis results for two different boat classes, namely, a lightweight single scull and a coxless four are presented and discussed. This analysis contrasts, for both classes, the effects of varying forces exerted by the rowers, weights of rowers and cadence of motions on the boat performance.
Automatic determination of O-glycan structure from fragmentation spectra.

Glycosylation is one of the most important classes of post-translational protein modifications, but the identification of glycans is difficult because of their branched structures and numerous isomers. We describe an algorithm called CartoonistTwo that proposes structures for O-linked glycans by automatically analyzing fragmentation mass spectra. CartoonistTwo improves upon previous glycan identification software primarily in its scoring function, which can more successfully distinguish among a number of similar structures. CartoonistTwo was designed and tested with FTICR mass spectra, and includes automatic recalibration and peak selection especially tuned for such data, yet it can be easily adapted to fragmentation spectra (MS2 or MSn) from other instrument types. On a validated test set of 34 SORI−CID MSn FTICR spectra from Xenopus egg jelly, CartoonistTwo gave the manually determined structural assignment either the first or second highest score over 90% of the time. And for over 50% of these spectra,...
Does consideration of water routing affect simulated water and carbon dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems

The cycling of carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems is closely coupled with the cycling of water. An important mechanism connecting ecological and hydrological processes in terrestrial ecosystems is lateral flow of water along landscapes. Few studies, however, have examined explicitly how consideration of water routing affects simulated water and C dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. The objective of this study is to explore how consideration of water routing in a process-based hydro-ecological model affects simulated water and C dynamics. To achieve that end, we rasterized the regional hydro-ecological simulation system (RHESSys) and employed the rasterized RHESSys (R-RHESSys) in a forested watershed. We performed and compared two contrasting simulations, one with and another without water routing. We found that R-RHESSys was able to correctly simulate major hydrological and ecological variables regardless of whether water routing was considered. When water routing was considered, however, soil water table depth and saturation deficit were simulated to be greater and spatially more heterogeneous. As a result, water (evaporation, transpiration, and evapotranspiration) and C (forest productivity, soil autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration) fluxes also were simulated to be spatially more heterogeneous compared to the simulation without water routing. When averaged for the entire watershed, the three simulated water fluxes were greater while C fluxes were smaller under simulation considering water routing compared to that ignoring water routing. In addition, the effects of consideration of water routing on simulated C and water dynamics were more apparent in dry conditions. Overall, the study demonstrated that consideration of water routing enabled R-RHESSys to better capture our preconception of the spatial patterns of water table depth and saturation deficit across the watershed. Because soil moisture is fundamental to the exchange of water and C fluxes among soil, vegetation and the atmosphere, ecosystem and C cycle models therefore need to explicitly represent water routing in order to accurately quantify the magnitude and patterns of water and C fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems.
Scattering of three charged particles in one dimension

A one-dimensional model of three-charged-particle scattering is studied and used as a testing ground for the complex-rotation method for finding resonances. It is shown that the rotation method is very efficient in the accurate location of resonance poles.
Analysis of the Chromospheric Hydrogen Spectrum at the 1962 Eclipse

Slitless spectrograms of the chromosphere obtained during the eclipse of 4–5 February 1962 have been analyzed to obtain the decrements of the level populations of hydrogen, the self-absorption in the Balmer lines, and parameters useful in construction of models of the low chromosphere.
Self-esteem and formality of instructions as variables influencing selective recall

Abstract The present study attempted to determine whether the selective recall phenomenon was related to self-esteem. The selective recall phenomenon is the inferior recall of interrupted tasks in a formal (ego-threatening) situation, relative to the recall of interrupted tasks in an informal (nonthreatening) situation. Two hundred eleven college students responded to a self-esteem inventory and then were given formal or informal instructions. They then worked on 16 tasks, and were interrupted on 8 but were allowed to complete 8. Finally, an unexpected free-recall test of task solutions was administered. Only subjects low in self-esteem exhibited the selective recall pattern. It was hypothesized that in a formal situation, interrupted activities were viewed as failures. It was assumed that the recall of failures was particularly threatening to low-self-esteem subjects, resulting in selective forgetting or selective storage of solutions. It was also found that all subjects recalled solutions from completed tasks more frequently than solutions from interrupted tasks. Several interpretations for the latter phenomenon were suggested, including a dual mechanism involving both motivation persistence and motivation reduction, and the incorporation of information into a self-referent schema.
Risk factors for Wilms tumor : report from the national Wilms tumor study

Background. Previous epidemiologic studies have indicated that several factors may be associated with an increased risk of Wilms tumor including paternal occupational exposures, maternal exposure during pregnancy to cigarettes, coffee or tea, oral contraceptives, hormonal pregnancy tests, hair-coloring products, maternal hypertension, vaginal infection during pregnancy, and higher birth weight of the child. The current study examines the nonoccupational risk factors using questionnaire data from a large national collaborative clinical trial. Methods. Parents of 200 children registered with the National Wilms Tumor Study and 233 matched controls, identified using telephone random-digit dialing, completed a self-administered questionnaire about a variety of risk factors. Results. As opposed to some previous studies, no association was found for mother's smoking during pregnancy (10+ cigarettes per day; odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.40–1.34), maternal consumption of coffee or tea during pregnancy (4+ cups per day; OR = 1.31; CI = 0.57–3.01), or hypertension during pregnancy (OR = 0.96; CI = 0.45–2.06). In addition, no association was found in this study for hormone exposure during pregnancy, hair dye use, vaginal infection during pregnancy, or high birth weight. A previously unreported association with a history of household insect extermination was found (OR = 2.16; CI = 1.24–3.75). Conclusions. In general, the study failed to confirm most of the previously reported maternal risk factors for Wilms tumor. Understanding the possible role of paternal exposures may be the best objective for further research on potential risk factors for Wilms tumor.
Landscape and Material Life in Franklin County, Massachusetts, 1770-1860

This lucid and tightly argued volume begins with an epigram from Henry Glassie, a scholar widely known for his evocative views of landscape and its poetic meanings: 4The land, manipulated nature, is the people's great work/ From one perspective Garrison serves up a similar fare, as he wants to convince his readers that the landscape of Franklin County, Massachusetts, is, in fact, a product of human labour. Fields emerge from backbreaking motion; cleared soil is watered first by the sweat of men and women as they 'manipulate nature9 to cultural ends. Yet from another vantage point, Glassie's 'people' as in the lumpun-romantic category of 'People' does not square with Garrison's careful attention to the social composition of his chosen countryside. 'Great art/ we might suggest, is produced more by some people than by others, and concepts of what constitute aesthetic action vary widely, even in a small place.
Bounds for pairs in partitions of graphs

In this paper we study the following problem of Bollobas and Scott: What is the smallest f(k,m) such that for any integer k>=2 and any graph G with m edges, there is a partition V(G)=@?"i"="1^kV"i such that for 1@?i j@?k, e(V"i@?V"j)@?f(k,m)? We show that f(k,m) =23. (While the graph K"1","n shows that f(k,m)>=m/(k-1), which is 1.5m/k when k=3.) We also show that f(4,m)@?m/3+o(m) and f(5,m)@?4m/15+o(m), providing evidence to a conjecture of Bollobas and Scott. For dense graphs, we improve the bound to 4m/k^2+o(m), which, for large graphs, answers in the affirmative a related question of Bollobas and Scott.
Thermoplastic analysis of a sphere-pac fuel pin

Abstract This analysis is concerned with the thermomechanical response of a sphere-pac fuel pin. The fuel is modeled as an elastic-plastic continuum governed by the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion and associated flow rule under plane strain conditions. Yielding is found to initiate at the outer edge of the fuel, and a plastic zone progresses inward. When the fuel has completely yielded, there exist three distinct plastic zones corresponding to stress states on different facets of the yield surface. Closed form expressions for the displacement and stresses in each of the plastic zones are presented. Numerical results illustrating the variation of displacement and stress with radial position are given.
Densification and structural development in liquid phase sintering

This paper discusses current ideas on densification and structural development in liquid phase sintering (LPS). As far as possible, it is couched in comparative terms in that currently accepted views on structural development and densification are contrasted with processes envisioned to take place in the earlier (approximately 1950) descriptions of LPS. For example, it is shown that the initially perceived “particle rearrangement” process itself consists of two stages and that secondary rearrangement, in which liquid penetrates solid grain boundaries in an initially polycrystalline solid particle array, is requisite for full densification in LPS. Likewise the “solution-precipitation” phenomena of the classical description are divided into two distinct processes. One of them, “Ostwald ripening”, leads to microstructural coarsening and is observed ubiquitously during LPS but is unrelated to ndensification occurring therein. Another solution-precipitation process can, as shown in the earlier descriptions, lead to compact densification, but it is argued here that its relevance to actual densification in LPS systems is suspect. Solid skeletons are also always formed during LPS. Conditions for the formations of a skeleton are summarized and it is argued that, in distinction to the earlier description, the formation of a solid skeleton does not,per se, lead to a cessation of densification. This is a reflection of the mobility of pores in an LPS structure and, regardless of the solid phase morphology, densification can take place by buoyancy driven pore migration. However, densification by this mechanism necessitates the fulfillment of certain thermodynamic and morphological criteria, and these are summarized herein. The paper concludes with a brief description of morphological changes taking place during extended sintering of LPS materials. Although the time scales described are much longer than those used commercially, the structural evolution taking place during long time sintering can produce microstructures which may have commercial potential.
Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Encapsulated, Nonencapsulated, and Diffuse: Distinct Biologic and Clinical Entities

Objective To examine genotypic and clinical differences between encapsulated, nonencapsulated, and diffuse follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (EFVPTC, NFVPTC, and diffuse FVPTC, respectively), to characterize the entities and identify predictors of their behavior. Design Retrospective medical chart review and molecular analysis. Setting Referral center of a university hospital. Patients The pathologic characteristics of 484 consecutive patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who underwent surgery by the 3 members of the New York University Endocrine Surgery Associates from January 1, 2007, to August 1, 2010, were reviewed. Forty-five patients with FVPTC and in whom at least 1 central compartment lymph node was removed were included. Main Outcome Measures Patients with FVPTC were compared in terms of age, sex, tumor size, encapsulation, extrathyroid extension, vascular invasion, central nodal metastases, and the presence or absence of mutations in BRAF, H-RAS 12/13, K-RAS 12/13, N-RAS 12/13, H-RAS 61, K-RAS 61, N-RAS 61, and RET/PTC1. Results No patient with EFVPTC had central lymph node metastasis, and in this group, 1 patient (4.5%) had a BRAF V600E mutation and 2 patients (9%) had RAS mutations. Of the patients with NFVPTC, none had central lymph node metastasis (P >> .99) and 2 (11%) had a BRAF V600E mutation (P = .59). Of the patients with diffuse FVPTC, all had central lymph node metastasis (P Conclusions FVPTC consists of several distinct subtypes. Diffuse FVPTC seems to present and behave in a more aggressive fashion. It has a higher rate of central nodal metastasis and BRAF V600E mutation in comparison with EFVPTC and NFVPTC. Both EFVPTC and NFVPTC behave in a similar fashion. The diffuse infiltrative pattern and not just presence or absence of encapsulation seems to determine the tumor phenotype. Understanding the different subtypes of FVPTC will help guide appropriate treatment strategies.
Studies on the Absorption of Penicillin from the Stomach.

ConclusionSaliva, bile, and succus en-tericus obtained from man do not inactivate penicillin. Gastric juice destroys this antibacterial substance rapidly especially at body temperature. Hydrochloric acid, and not pepsin, is apparently responsible for this action of gastric juice.In 2 subjects with pernicious anemia the absorption of penicillin, when administered by mouth, was greater than that observed in normal subjects.The authors wish to thank Marjorie Jewell, Thelma Maxon, and Grace Helm for their assistance.
Herpes simplex virus 1 recombinant virions exhibiting the amino terminal fragment of urokinase-type plasminogen activator can enter cells via the cognate receptor

Herpes simplex virus 1 recombinant virions exhibiting the amino terminal fragment of urokinase-type plasminogen activator can enter cells via the cognate receptor
Multiple active site conformations revealed by distant site mutation in ornithine decarboxylase

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is an obligate homodimer that catalyzes the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent decarboxylation of L-ornithine to putrescine, a vital step in polyamine biosynthesis. A previous mutagenic analysis of the ODC dimer interface identified several residues that were distant from the active site yet had a greater impact on catalytic activity than on dimer stability [Myers, D. P., et al. (2001) Biochemistry 40, 13230-13236]. To better understand the basis of this phenomenon, the structure of the Trypanosoma brucei ODC mutant K294A was determined to 2.15 A resolution in complex with the substrate analogue D-ornithine. This residue is distant from the reactive center (>10 A from the PLP Schiff base), and its mutation reduced catalytic efficiency by 3 kcal/mol. The X-ray structure demonstrates that the mutation increases the disorder of residues Leu-166-Ala-172 (Lys-169 loop), which normally form interactions with Lys-294 across the dimer interface. In turn, the Lys-169 loop forms interactions with the active site, suggesting that the reduced catalytic efficiency is mediated by the decreased stability of this loop. The extent of disorder varies in the four Lys-169 loops in the asymmetric unit, suggesting that the mutation has led to an increase in the population of inactive conformations. The structure also reveals that the mutation has affected the nature of the ligand-bound species. Each of the four active sites contains unusual ligands. The electron density suggests one active site contains a gem-diamine intermediate with D-ornithine: the second has density consistent with a tetrahedral adduct with glycine, and the remaining two contain tetrahedral adducts of PLP, Lys-69, and water (or hydroxide). These data also suggest that the structure is less constrained in the mutant enzyme. The observation of a gem-diamine intermediate provides insight into the conformational changes that occur during the ODC catalytic cycle.
Cell-free transfer of sterols from dictyosome-like structures to plasma membrane vesicles of guinea pig testes

Transfer of radiolabeled lipids from dictyosome-like structures (DLS) from testis tubules of the guinea pig as donor to unlabeled plasma membrane from testis tubules immobilized on nitrocellulose as acceptor was studied in a completely cell-free system. As a general label for lipids of the donor DLS, isolated testis tubules were incubated with [14C]acetate. Time- and temperature-dependent transfer of [14C]acetate labeled constituents was observed in the cellfree system. However, despite the fact that phospholipids and other constituents were highly labeled in the donor fraction, primarily radioactive sterols were transferred to the plasma membrane acceptor vesicles. Transfer at 37°C represented 0.4 to 0.7% of the total radiolabeled cholesterol at 37°C but little or no transfer occurred at 4°C. The sterols transferred exhibited Chromatographic mobilities corresponding to those of cholesterol and lanosterol. Similar results were obtained with [14C]mevalonic acid. In subsequent experiments, cholesterol transfer from DLS to plasma membrane was demonstrated by incubation of DLS with [3H]squalene which was converted into sterol or with [14C]cholesterol. Transfer of sterols required ATP, but not cytosol, and was both time- and temperature-dependent. DLS were more effective than either endoplasmic reticulum or plasma membrane as the donor fraction. The results from the cell-free analysis suggest a possible functional role of the DLS in sterol biogenesis and transfer to the plasma membrane during spermatid development.
Values as consequences of transaction: commentary on 'Reconciling homo economicus and John Dewey's ethics'

Mark White hopes to incorporate John Dewey's appeal to deliberation in preference formation into the neoclassical model of choice. White finds affinities between Dewey and neoclassicism: both reject preordained goals, value consequences above motives, and promote 'scientific ethics.' I claim Dewey's actual theory of value and choice is more radically divergent, and may not simply be integrated with neoclassical model. Specifically, I claim: 1) White's interactional view of agents acting in an environment falls short of Dewey's transactional notion of their reciprocal determination within problem-solving activity; 2) beyond both preference and deliberation, the consequence of valuation activity is the final determinant of a good; 3) Dewey did not advocate relinquishing ethics to the natural and social sciences, but rather viewed moral behavior as the cultivation of a unique 'art.'
Depression and anxiety associated with cardiovascular disease among persons aged 45 years and older in 38 states of the United States, 2006.

Objective To highlight the close association of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with depression and anxiety in US non-institutionalized adults and examine the sociodemographic correlates of depression and anxiety among CVD survivors. Method The data were obtained from 38 states which administered an Anxiety and Depression Module as part of the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. CVD was assessed with three questions on coronary heart disease and stroke. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) were obtained after adjustment for demographic characteristics using SUDAAN 9.0. Results The prevalence of a CVD history was 15.3% among studied population (sample size n = 129,499). Persons with a CVD history were more likely than those without to experience current depression (15.8% versus 7.1%, APR [95% CI] = 1.69 [1.54–1.85]), to have a lifetime diagnosis of depressive disorders (22.3% versus 15.1%, APR [95% CI] = 1.56 [1.45–1.67]) or anxiety disorders (16.6% versus 10.0%, APR [95% CI] = 1.46 [1.37–1.54]). CVD survivors with low education attainment or minority background were less likely to receive a diagnosis of depression though their experience of depression was comparable with or higher than their counterparts. Conclusion CVD is associated significantly with depression and anxiety. Disparities exist among CVD survivors on the diagnosis of depression and anxiety.
Role of the E1∧E4 Protein in the Differentiation-Dependent Life Cycle of Human Papillomavirus Type 31

The most highly expressed protein in the productive life cycle of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is E1∧E4, but its function is not well understood. To investigate the role of E1∧E4, we undertook a genetic analysis in the context of the complete HPV type 31 (HPV31) genome. A mutant HPV31 genome (E4M9) was constructed that contained a stop codon in the E4 open reading frame at amino acid 9 and was silent in the overlapping E2 coding sequence. Wild-type and mutant genomes were transfected into normal human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) and selected for drug resistance, and pooled cultures were examined for effects of E1∧E4 on viral functions. Southern blot analyses of transfected HFKs demonstrated that cells carrying the E4M9 mutant genomes were maintained as episomes at copy numbers similar to those in keratinocytes transfected with wild-type HPV31. Both sets of cells grew at similar rates, exhibited comparable extensions of life spans, and had equivalent levels of early transcripts. Following suspension of the cells in a semisolid medium, differentiation-dependent genome amplification and late gene expression were significantly decreased in cells maintaining the E4M9 mutant genome compared to those with wild-type HPV31. One explanation for these effects could be a reduction in the number of cells harboring mutant genomes that enter S phase upon differentiation. An analysis of cells containing E4M9 mutant genomes in organotypic raft cultures indicated a reduction in bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in differentiated suprabasal cells compared to that seen in wild-type rafts. Our results indicate that the HPV31 E1∧E4 protein plays a significant role in promoting HPV genome amplification and S phase maintenance during differentiation.