cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of viscous flow in stator and rotor passages

A numerical technique to predict the viscous behavior in the three-dimensional domain of rotating and stationary blade passages is presented. The analysis is based upon the numerical integration of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. An approach is taken to combine the three momentum equations and the continuity equation into two sets of vorticity transport-stream function equations. These equations are expressed along families of arbitrarily defined orthogonally intersecting surfaces placed within the blade passage. Unlike the stream surfaces, the arbitrary surfaces allow fluid to flow across. The numerical code employs a nonorthogonal body fitted coordinate system on each of the intersecting surfaces. The solution process involves the iterative combination of the solutions on the two families of intersecting surfaces for a complete solution. The results of flow in thin blade stationary and rotating polar ducts is presented.
The interruption and resumption phases of milieu treatment with children and adolescents

This article addresses the special issues of the interruption and resumption of ten-month day treatment with children. It reviews behavioral and dynamic responses to their changes of treatment status, and the use of positive reframing, as a technique useful to minimize regression and maximize consolidation of treatment gains.
PREMARITAL SEXUAL STANDARDS AMONG U.S. COLLEGE STUDENTS : COMPARISON WITH RUSSIAN AND JAPANESE STUDENTS

The study of the sexual permissiveness of young adults has been a popular topic in sociology and social psychology, especially since the empirical and theoretical work of Reiss. We extended previous research on premarital sexual standards by examining the degree of sexual permissiveness and the endorsement of the traditional double standard in a large sample of young adults in the United States (N=1043). In addition, comparative data were collected from young adults in two other countries: Russia (N=401) and Japan (N=223). American subjects expressed more acceptance of premarital sex than did the Russian and Japanese subjects. Men were more sexually permissive than women in the U.S. and in Russia but not in Japan. The degree to which the double standard was endorsed also depended on culture and gender. Russian subjects were more likely to endorse the double standard than Japanese and American subjects. However, American men were most likely to endorse the traditional double standard concerning sex early in the dating relationship.
Evaluation Roots Reconsidered: Asa Hilliard, a Fallen Hero in the “Nobody Knows My Name” Project, and African Educational Excellence:

Asa Hilliard has left his mark, and his name belongs in the pantheon of esteemed African American scholars, educational researchers, teachers, and activists. Although his work has served as a clarion call for an Afrocentric orientation in psychology and education to address the needs of African American students, his contributions to the field’s thinking about educational evaluation date back 30 years and have seldom if ever been noted. For nearly three quarters of a century, issues of fairness and equity have guided and driven the work of African American scholars in educational evaluation. These issues remain uppermost in their minds today as they investigate society’s woefully inadequate schools for children from racial minority and/or poor backgrounds. It is within this space that this discourse links the legacy of African American educational researchers and evaluators during the pre-Brown era to Hilliard’s later contributions to the field’s thinking about educational evaluation.
The stress state in thermally grown NiO scales

Les contraintes residuelles dans NiO forme par oxydation thermique du nickel ont ete mesurees par diffraction X a temperature ordinaire. Des echantillons de nickel de differentes epaisseurs et de purete 99,6 ou 99,995 ont ete oxydes entre 800 et 1.000°C. Les contraintes de compression dans le plan de l'oxyde varient avec la purete du metal. Pour le nickel le moins pur, les contraintes augmentent avec la temperature a laquelle est faite l'oxydation, diminuent lorsque l'epaisseur de NiO augmente et dependent beaucoup de l'epaisseur du substrat. Un maintien sous argon des echantillons oxydes avant refroidissement entraine une diminution des contraintes dans l'oxyde. Ces resultats montrent la presence d'un reseau de contraintes de compression et que le fluage du substrat, qui est plus rapide avec le nickel le plus pur, est a l'origine du relâchement des contraintes. Le rapprochement de ces resultats avec ceux publies anterieurement montre que les contraintes de croissance dans NiO sont de tension et faibles dans la partie exterieure colonnaire, mais de compression dans la partie interne. Cependant un tel etat de contrainte (c'est-a-dire de tension dans la partie externe) n'est pas en accord avec les modeles reposant sur la morphologie des grains d'oxyde et avec les diffusivites du nickel et de l'oxygene dans NiO.
Robust Sequence Selection Method Used To Develop the FluChip Diagnostic Microarray for Influenza Virus

DNA microarrays have proven to be powerful tools for gene expression analyses and are becoming increasingly attractive for diagnostic applications, e.g., for virus identification and subtyping. The selection of appropriate sequences for use on a microarray poses a challenge, particularly for highly mutable organisms such as influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency viruses, and hepatitis C viruses. The goal of this work was to develop an efficient method for mining large databases in order to identify regions of conservation in the influenza virus genome. From these regions of conservation, capture and label sequences capable of discriminating between different viral types and subtypes were selected. The salient features of the method were the use of phylogenetic trees for data reduction and the selection of a relatively small number of capture and label sequences capable of identifying a broad spectrum of influenza viruses. A detailed experimental evaluation of the selected sequences is described in a companion paper. The software is freely available under the General Public License at http://www.colorado.edu/chemistry/RGHP/software/.
Random effect models for repeated measures of zero-inflated count data:

For count responses, the situation of excess zeros (relative to what standard models allow) often occurs in biomedical and sociological applications. Modeling repeated measures of zero-inflated count data presents special challenges. This is because in addition to the problem of extra zeros, the correlation between measurements upon the same subject at different occasions needs to be taken into account. This article discusses random effect models for repeated measurements on this type of response variable. A useful model is the hurdle model with random effects, which separately handles the zero observations and the positive counts. In maximum likelihood model fitting, we consider both a normal distribution and a nonparametric approach for the random effects. A special case of the hurdle model can be used to test for zero inflation. Random effects can also be introduced in a zero-inflated Poisson or negative binomial model, but such a model may encounter fitting problems if there is zero deflation at any s...
Groves versus isolates: how spatial aggregation of Astrocaryum murumuru palms affects seed removal

Palm seeds of the genus Astrocatyum are known to attract a wide range of seed predators, including insects, rodents and peccaries. We investigated the removal of seeds of Astrocaiyum murumuru var. macrocalyx in dense groves and under solitary palms, both within and outside of peccary enclosures. We set out arrays of 40 seeds at each of 40 sites representing four treatments: in the open and in peccary enclosures, in groves and under solitary palms. Seed removal from each site was monitored daily for 55 d. Infra-red-triggered cameras were installed to identify the species that removed seeds. From the known and hypothesized behaviour of vertebrate seed predators under various circumstances, we predicted that (1) overall seed loss should be higher under solitary trees, (2) peccaries should forage preferentially in groves, (3) the variance in the rate of seed removal should be higher in groves, (4) a greater fraction of the seeds removed from solitary palms should be scatterhoarded, and consequently, (5) greater numbers of seedlings should recruit near solitary palms than in groves. The first four of these predictions were confirmed and the last was rejected by the results. Peccaries preferred to forage in groves, and small rodents preferred to forage under solitary palms. Whether in groves or under solitary palms, peccaries preferentially removed seeds from large arrays (21-40 seeds), and mostly ignored small arrays (a 20 seeds). Camera trapping demonstrated that the most frequent visitors to seed arrays were Myoprocta pratti and Proechimys spp. There was no significant difference in the num- bers of seedlings around trees in groves versus solitary trees.
Bowen, Dufek, and Shelly Receive 2012 James B. Macelwane Medals: Citation

Gabriel J. Bowen, Josef Dufek, and David Richard Shelly were awarded the 2012 James B. Macelwane Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 5 December 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “significant contributions to the geophysical sciences by an outstanding young scientist”.
Primary Atomic Frequency Standards at NIST.

The development of atomic frequency standards at NIST is discussed and three of the key frequency-standard technologies of the current era are described. For each of these technologies, the most recent NIST implementation of the particular type of standard is described in greater detail. The best relative standard uncertainty achieved to date for a NIST frequency standard is 1.510 –15 . The uncertainties of the most recent NIST standards are displayed relative to the uncertainties of atomic frequency standards of several other countries.
Aberrant Distribution of Human Adenovirus Type 2 Late Proteins in Monkey Kidney Cells

Monkey kidney cells (CV-C) infected with adenovirus type 2 displayed an aberrant distribution of 100K, 100K-hexon complex, hexon monomers, hexon trimers, penton base, and fiber proteins, relative to the patterns observed in adenovirus type 2-infected human cells. Human cell patterns were observed in CV-C cells when mutants selected for growth on monkey cells were used.
Regio- and stereo-controlled synthesis of [24,30-14C]-labeled-2,3-epoxysqualene

[24,30-14C]-(3S)-2,3-Epoxysqualene and its racemate were synthesized by two convenient routes. The products have the label in a metabolically-nonlabile position relative to the demethylation of lanosterol to cholesterol.
Double-blind comparison of maternal analgesia and neonatal neurobehaviour following intravenous butorphanol and meperidine

Butorphanol (1 mg and 2 mg) and meperidine (40 mg and 80 mg), given intravenously, were evaluated for analgesic efficacy and safety in a double-blind randomized study employing 200 consenting pre-partum patients in moderate to severe pain during the late first stage of labour. Both drugs provided adequate relief of pain to the mothers. There was no significant difference in the rate of cervical dilation, the foetal heart rate, the Apgar score, pain relief or neonatal neurobehavioural scores between those receiving butorphanol and those receiving meperidine. Twenty-two mothers who received butorphanol and eleven who received meperidine nursed their infants with no adverse effects observed. Side-effects were generally infrequent in this study; however, more side-effects were reported by the patients and observed by the investigator in the meperidine-treated cases (13%) than in the cases treated with butorphanol (2%).
Observations of Energy Dissipation in the Wake of a Western Pacific Typhoon

Abstract : We are focused on understanding small-scale processes that influence the ocean's thermodynamic and dynamic properties on the sub-mesoscale (scales less than 10 km). This includes the turbulent evolution of cold wakes caused by typhoons, and the subsequent mixing processes the restore the upper ocean stratification after a storm event.
The internationalization of the American Academy of Neurology

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN), established in March 1948, was born out of a desire to create an inclusive professional society for neurologists, particularly for those nascent in their careers as young neurologists and those in training. This was in deliberate contrast to the more established American Neurological Association (ANA), at that time a 75-year-old association whose restrictive membership comprised only senior, mostly male leaders of American academic neurology predominantly in Northeast American institutions.1 The AAN's agenda for inclusivity was reflected not only in its relatively open membership requirements but also in the creation of a woman's auxiliary.
Influence of halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane on gastroesophageal reflux during anesthesia in dogs

Objective—To determine whether maintenance of anesthesia with halothane or sevoflurane is associated with a lower incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) than the use of isoflurane in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery. Animals—90 dogs. Procedures—Dogs were evaluated during elective orthopedic surgery. Dogs with a history of vomiting or that had received any drugs that would alter gastrointestinal tract function were excluded from the study. The anesthetic protocol used was standardized to include administration of acepromazine maleate and morphine prior to induction of anesthesia with thiopental. Dogs were allocated to receive halothane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane to maintain anesthesia. A sensor-tipped catheter was placed to measure esophageal pH during anesthesia. Gastroesophageal reflux was defined as an esophageal pH 7.5. Results—51 dogs had 1 or more episodes of acidic GER during anesthesia. Reflux was detected in 14 dogs receiving isoflurane, 19 dogs receiving halothane, and 18 dogs rece...
Effects of constituent fatty acids on the binding of lysophosphatidylcholines by serum albumin

The binding of lysophosphatidylcholines containing 10-18 carbons and, with 18 carbon series, up to three double bonds, to serum albumin was studied by heat-burst microcalorimetry. The heats of reaction resulting from binding the lipids and proteins in various ratios were plotted. From the plots we determined the reaction stoichiometries, then calculated the thermodynamic parameters for the reactions. We found that short-chained and unsaturated lysophosphatidylcholines are bound to albumin in a stoichiometry of 2 : 1. With longer-chained compounds the ratio becomes 1 : 1 except for the steroyl derivative, which is anomalous and bound at a ratio of 3 : 1. One explanation for this anomalous behavior is that the stearoyl lysophosphatidylcholine was bound at a temperature below its transition temperature, so it was in the gel state, while the binding of all other compounds took place above their transition temperatures when they were in a more fluid state.
Parallel Genetic Architecture of Parallel Adaptive Radiations in Mimetic Heliconius Butterflies

It is unknown whether homologous loci underlie the independent and parallel wing pattern radiations of Heliconius butterflies. By comparing the locations of color patterning genes on linkage maps we show that three loci that act similarly in the two radiations are in similar positions on homologous chromosomes.
Multicolor on-line degree Ramsey numbers of trees

In the on-line Ramsey game on a family H of graphs, “Builder” presents edges of a graph one-by-one, and “Painter” colors each edge as it is presented; we require that Builder keep the presented graph in H. Builder wins the game (G, H) if Builder can ensure that a monochromatic G arises. The s-color on-line degree Ramsey number of G, denoted ˚ R¢(G; s), is the least k such that Builder wins (G, H) when H is the family of graphs having maximum degree at most k and Painter has s colors available. More generally, ˚ R¢(G1, . . . , Gs) is the minimum k such that Builder can force a copy of Gi in color i for some i when restricted to graphs with maximum degree at most k. In this paper, we prove that ˚ R¢(T ; s) ≤ s(¢( T ) − 1) + 1 for every tree T ; this is sharp, with equality whenever T has adjacent vertices of maximum degree. We also give lower and upper bounds on ˚ R¢(G1, . . . , Gs) when each Gi is a double-star. When each Gi is a star, we determine ˚ R¢(G1, . . . , Gs) exactly.
Reliability of replicated data objects

When fault tolerance is improved by replicating data at several sites, a protocol is required to maintain the consistency of the data object in the presence of site failures. The most commonly used scheme is voting, which is unaffected by network partitions. When network partitions cannot occur, better performance can be achieved with available copy protocols. The authors investigate the reliability of replicated data objects managed by voting, available copy, and their variants. Where possible, closed-form expressions for the reliability of the various consistency protocols are derived using standard Markovian assumptions. In other cases, numerical solutions are found and validated with simulation results. >
Nuclease activity associated with mammalian mRNA in its native state: possible basis for selectivity in mRNA decay.

Abstract Polysome and messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) preparations from various mammalian cells contain tightly bound nuclease activity that causes degradation of the mRNA in the preparations. This activity was found to cosediment with all polysome size classes as well as with free mRNPs and to remain associated with the mRNPs released from polysomes by treatment with EDTA. No association with ribosomal subunits was evident. The rates of mRNA degradation were not affected by serial dilution, an indication that enzyme and substrate are tightly associated. beta-Globin mRNA in purified reticulocyte polysomes was cleaved at AU sequences in the 3'-terminal region. Cleavages at the same sites occurred when deproteinized reticulocyte RNA was incubated with mouse sarcoma 180 (S-180) polysomes. The S-180 preparations caused additional cleavages, primarily at UG sequences. A P40 mRNA in S-180 polysomes was cleaved primarily in the 3' noncoding region, but the cleavages in a P21 mRNA were seen in the 5' noncoding region only. Actin mRNA was cleaved in an internal region, yielding large relatively stable 3'- and 5'-terminal fragments. These data suggest the occurrence of highly specific interactions between one or more mRNA-bound nucleases and individual mRNA species.
Complications of Circumcision: A Urologist’s Viewpoint

Background: Although circumcision is the commonest surgical procedure performed on male neonates, complications still arise from all methods used by operators. Patients and Method: This is a retrospective case study of penile injuries resulting from circumcision complications in neonates and young boys observed in the author’s urological practice. Results: Injuries resulting from circumcision with all devices include death, amputation of excessive skin, amputation of the glans penis, fistula formation, infection, sepsis, meningitis, adhesions, skin bridges, gangrene, and loss of the entire penis. Conclusion: Grievous and crippling injuries and even mortality can occur from routine neonatal circumcision. Adequate information should be provided to new parents of male babies informing them about possible complications. Moreover, doctors should discourage circumcision and inform parents about the many benefits of leaving the infant’s penis intact.
A Comprehensive Global Model of Broadband Direct Solar Radiation for Solar Cell Simulation

For any system that uses solar cells as either the primary or secondary power source, estimation of broadband direct solar radiation is n ecessary for simulation of the output power of the solar cells and the consequent performance of the system. This paper provides a comprehensive semi-physical and semi-empirical model of broadband direct solar radiation that includes the effects of the time of day, date of year, aerosol, global monthly precipitable water, operating altitude, operating l atitude, operating longitude, and solar array surface angles. This model is executed for fi ve cities in the United States and the results are compared with the corresponding recorded data. Nomenclature n d = day number of the year, ranging from 1 on Januar y 1 to 365 on December 31 0 E = eccentricity correction factor of the earth’s or bit t E = equation of time, hour I = intensity of solar radiation on arbitrarily orie nted planes, 2 W/m n I 0 = intensity of the extraterrestrial normal solar r adiation, 2 W/m SC I = extraterrestrial normal solar radiation constant , 2 W/m e L = local longitude, degree s L = longitude of the standard meridian for the local time zone, degree m = optical air mass act m = actual optical mass v act m , = actual optical mass in the vertical direction r
An Apparatus for Recording the Activity of Opilionids

An activity chamber was designed for small opilionids (weighing less than 1g) with a plexiglass top and sides, a membranous floor and an activity surface of cheesecloth. The principle underlying the recording of activity was one of transduction of the mechanical linear pressure displacement through a photoelectrical amplification within a 6-channel physiograph which was continually recording. This apparatus is adaptable for use with other small arthropods within the laboratory-controlled environment.
A Neglected Principle of Liturgical Revision

The Second Report of the Joint Commission on the Book of Common Prayer is an interesting document, not only for the history of liturgy in the American Church but also in showing, perhaps more by implication than by direct statement, the lines along which thought in the Episcopal Church is at present moving.
Research of the Analog-Digital-Mixed Commucation System Based on Frequency Modulation

Dispite some mature short distance communication methods such as Wi Fi,Zigbee,NFC,Blueteeth,there is not a suitable way of sharing in some place where mobile Ethernet is not available. So we are talking about a new analog-digital-mixed communication technology based on Frequency Modulation,which provides a new way to spread data via radio. The RDS argument makes FM signal go with some digital data available. We also design a demo hardware platform based on this technology. And we will present our data coding mode and communication argument,etc.Except for these,we take advantage of the Mobile DJ argument to increase stability of data transmittion.
Serum epidemiological analysis of opportunistic infection of pathogenic protozoa in HIV/AIDS

Objective Monitoring Toxoplasma gondii,Cryptosporidium and Giardia′ s serum antibody of HIV patients to understand the rate of infection and prevalence. Methods Based on cross-sectional sampling method,450 confirm HIVpositive blood samples were collected as HIV group samples,and 180 samples were collected from healthy people as control group in the second half of 2013. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum Ig G antibodies of Toxoplasma,Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Results In HIV group,the Ig G positive rates of Toxoplasma,Cryptosporidium and Giardia were7.1%(32 / 450),17.3%(78 / 450) and 16.2%(73 / 450),respectively. In normal group,the Ig G positive rates of Toxoplasma,Cryptosporidium and Giardia were 4.4%(8 / 180),11.1%(20 / 180) and 11.7%(21 / 180),respectively. In the HIV group,three kinds of protozoa were significantly higher than those of the normal group. Among them,Cryptosporidium positive rate was significantly higher in the HIV group than that of the normal group(χ2=3.789,P0.05). Toxoplasma antibody positive rate of male was 7.7% and was significantly higher than that of females,2.1%(χ2=4.49,P0.05). The Toxoplasma antibody positive rate of ethnic minorities was 30.0%(3 / 7)and was significantly higher than that of the Han ethnic group(χ2=10.386,P0.05).Conclusion HIV / AIDS patients were more susceptible to Cryptosporidium infection than normal people; Cryptosporidium and Giardia infection are often accompanied with HIV / AIDS.
Fluorescently-tagged anti-ganglioside antibody selectively identifies peripheral nerve in living animals

Selective in vivo delivery of cargo to peripheral nervous system (PNS) has broad clinical and preclinical applications. An important applicability of this approach is systemic delivery of fluorescently conjugated ligands that selectively label PNS, which could allow visualization of peripheral nerves during any surgery. We examine the use of an anti-ganglioside monoclonal antibody (mAb) as selective neuronal delivery vector for surgical imaging of peripheral nerves. Systemic delivery of an anti-ganglioside mAb was used for selective intraneuronal/axonal delivery of fluorescent agents to visualize nerves by surgical imaging in living mice. In this study, we show that intact motor, sensory, and autonomic nerve fibers/paths are distinctly labeled following a single nanomolar systemic injection of fluorescently labeled anti-ganglioside mAb. Tissue biodistribution studies with radiolabeled mAb were used to validate neuronal uptake of fluorescently labeled mAb. Implications of this proof of concept study are that fluorescent conjugates of anti-ganglioside mAbs are valuable delivery vectors to visualize nerves during surgery to avoid nerve injury and monitor nerve degeneration and regeneration after injury. These findings support that antibodies, and their derivatives/fragments, can be used as selective neuronal delivery vector for transport of various cargos to PNS in preclinical and clinical settings.
Heusler compounds and spintronics

Abstract Heusler compounds are a large group of intermetallic compounds with over 1000 members with similar crystal structures having a vast array of tunable properties. These properties depend on the number of valence electrons per formula unit allowing tuning of properties through composition and alloying. The Heusler lattice parameters span many metal oxides and semiconductors and their crystal structures are closely related. For spintronic applications, the magnetic and half-metallic properties, in particular, are of great interest. In this paper the electronic and magnetic properties of Heusler compounds are discussed as well as the importance of composition and defect control on tailoring their properties. Examples of applications include the great success of Heusler magnetic tunnel junction in metallic spintronic devices. The potential of going beyond metallic spintronics to the integration of Heusler compounds with III–V semiconductors for semiconductor spintronics device physics and technology, the tuning of magnetic properties, and the fabrication of Heusler compound heterostructures and superlattices are also discussed.
High-accuracy high-efficiency phase conjugation at 1.06 µm by four-wave mixing in photorefractive GaAs

The near-IR sensitivity and fast response of bulk photorefractive GaAs have recently made this compound semiconductor an attractive material for potential near-IR optical processing applications. A fundamental problem with GaAs is its small electrooptic coefficient, which results in low two-beam coupling gains and diffraction efficiencies.
Obesity, insulin resistance and lifestyle factors: implications for prostate cancer screening

B88 Background: Previous evidence from human studies suggests that obesity may be inversely associated with PSA among obese men. However, there is little evidence whether lifestyle and physiologic factors related to obesity, including energy intake, physical activity, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome influence PSA levels. >Methods: We analyzed data for 2,458 men aged 40+ years from the 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). PSA levels were estimated from serum using an immunoenzymatic technique. Height and weight were measured during a physical examination and body mass index (BMI; kilograms/(height in meters)) was estimated using these data.Insulin levels were measured in a subgroup of participants from stored sera. Men with the presence of 3 of the following 5 criteria were considered as having metabolic syndrome: 1.) Waist circumference >102 cm 2.) Hypertension >130/85 3.) Fasting glucose >100 md/dl 4.) Hypertriglyceridemia >150 mg/dl 5.) HDL cholesterol: Results: The geometric mean PSA (CI) among people with and without insulin resistance was 0.97 (0.9-1.1) versus 0.89 (0.8-1.0); p-value=0.49, with and without metabolic syndrome was 0.98(0.9-1.1) versus 0.89 (0.8-1.0); p-value=0.14, higher versus a lack of leisure time physical activity (0.93 (0.9-1.0) versus 0.97(0.9-1.0) and higher compared to lower energy intakes was 1.00 (0.9-1.1) and 0.92 (0.9-1.0). Further, having joint exposure to obesity and the presence of any of the lifestyle and physiological factors did not influence PSA levels. >Conclusions: Our data suggests that insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, level of physical activity, or energy intake, are not related with PSA in this population. However, further studies are required to confirm these results since we had few cases with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
On the group problem for mixed integer programming

A theory is developed for a group problem arising from mixed integer programming. This theory gives descriptions of functions on the unit hypercube from which cutting planes can be constructed for any mixed integer program. Methods for generating such functions are given.
Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis. Despite the availability of a HBV vaccine, current treatments for HCC are inadequate. Globally, 257 million people are chronic HBV carriers, and children born from HBV-infected mothers become chronic carriers, destined to develop liver cancer. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are needed to target essential pathways involved in HCC pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence supports existence of hepatic cancer stem cells (hCSCs), which contribute to chemotherapy resistance and cancer recurrence after treatment or surgery. Understanding how hCSCs form will enable development of therapeutic strategies to prevent their formation. Recent studies have identified an epigenetic mechanism involving the downregulation of the chromatin modifying Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) during HBV infection, which results in re-expression of hCSC marker genes in infected hepatocytes and HBV-associated liver tumors. However, the genesis of hCSCs requires, in addition to the expression of hCSC markers cellular changes, rewiring of metabolism, cell survival, escape from programmed cell death, and immune evasion. How these changes occur in chronically HBV-infected hepatocytes is not yet understood. In this review, we will present the basics about HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. Next, we will discuss studies describing the mutational landscape of liver cancers and how epigenetic mechanisms likely orchestrate cellular reprograming of hepatocytes to enable formation of hCSCs.
The FDA and the Next Wave of Drug Abuse — Proactive Pharmacovigilance

The FDA and the Next Wave of Drug Abuse In responding to the opioid crisis, the FDA needs to recognize shifting trends in the addiction landscape. Taking a systematic approach to monitoring such trends should allow the agency to intervene promptly and appropriately to protect the public from associated risks.
Technical note: analysis of the N -card version of the game Le Her

We present a complete solution to a card game with historical origins. Our analysis exploits the convexity properties in the payoff matrix, allowing this discrete game to be resolved by continuous methods.
Special Topics in Helium Cryogenics

In the preceding chapters, the emphasis has been on the properties of helium and its applications. However, there are numerous other topics in cryogenics which do not fall in this specific context but still have considerable relevance to the general subject of helium cryogenics. In the present chapter, three such topics are overviewed: (1) thermal insulation systems, (2) helium adsorption, and (3) magnetic refrigeration. The review of these subjects is not all-inclusive but rather represents a few areas of potential interest to the general subject of low-temperature phenomena important to the useful application of helium cryogenics.
On being an "Eagle Among Crows": an application of downward comparison principles

Three extensions or applications of downward comparison processes were investigated in the current study: the impact of downward comparison on affect and subjective well-being; the role of downward comparison processes in the development and maintenance of perceptions of vulnerability to negative events; and attitude change as a form of (indirect) downward comparison. Female subjects were selected to participate in a simulated discussion group on the basis of their global selfesteem levels and their use of effective contraceptive methods. Half of these participants received information about a comparison target who was using an ineffective contraceptive method (a downward comparison target) whereas the remaining individuals received no such information. Results revealed significant mood improvement in low selfesteem, downward comparison subjects. No additional predicted interactions proved significant. Implications concerning the influence of threat on individual differences in downward comparison, the theoretical importance of indirect downward comparison, and the role of downward comparison in enhancing perceptions of invulnerability were discussed.
Challenges in Developing Materials for Fusion Technology - Past, Present and Future

A brief historical review of the evolution in structural materials options for fusion energy systems is presented, along with the author’s perspective on emerging trends in advanced manufacturing t...
Shale Kerogen: Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid Interactions and Contaminant Release

The recent increase in unconventional oil and gas exploration and production has prompted a large amount of research on hydraulic fracturing, but the majority of chemical reactions between shale minerals and organic matter with fracturing fluids are not well understood. Organic matter, primarily in the form of kerogen, dominates the transport pathways for oil and gas; thus any alteration of kerogen (both physical and chemical properties) upon exposure to fracturing fluid may impact hydrocarbon extraction. In addition, kerogen is enriched in metals, making it a potential source of heavy metal contaminants to produced waters. In this study, we reacted two different kerogen isolates of contrasting type and maturity (derived from Green River and Marcellus shales) with a synthetic hydraulic fracturing fluid for 2 weeks in order to determine the effect of fracturing fluids on both shale organic matter and closely associated minerals. ATR-FTIR results show that the functional group compositions of the kerogen is...
Partial trisomy 7p defined by analysis of a complex chromosome rearrangement using a BAC clone panel

Purpose: To illustrate the use of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone panels for molecular cytogenetic analysis of complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs). Methods: High resolution cytogenetics followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using chromosome band-specific BAC probes, in addition to commercially available probes. Results: High resolution cytogenetics in conjunction with FISH using commercially available probes proved inadequate to resolve problems in characterizing a balanced CCR in the mother of a patient who had inherited an unbalanced form of the CCR. Accurate interpretation of the CCR and the unbalanced rearrangement in the patient as trisomy 7p12.2→p21.3 was accomplished only through use of the BAC clone panel. Conclusion: Use of BAC clone panels can enhance the power of FISH analysis in defining chromosome rearrangements that cannot be resolved by high resolution chromosome analysis.
Ionizing Radiation Effects Spectroscopy for Analysis of Total-Ionizing Dose Degradation in RF Circuits

Ionizing radiation effects spectroscopy (IRES) for the analysis of total-ionizing dose (TID) degradation in radio frequency (RF) circuits is presented. IRES is used to image the change in the operating parameters with respect to TID and for classification of the circuit’s state based on image features. Measured data from two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) and two phase-locked loops (PLLs) exposed to TID are used to demonstrate the utility of IRES for radiation effects analysis. The VCO and PLL circuits were designed in a 130-nm bulk CMOS technology. The circuits were irradiated up to 300 krad(SiO2) using an Aracor X-ray source, and IRES images were developed at various TID levels based on the instantaneous frequency of the output waveforms. The IRES technique is based upon RF-distinct native attribute fingerprinting for specific emitter identification using RF waveforms in communication systems. The technique employs statistical time–frequency analyses of various signal features. The resulting statistical measures are utilized to identify the operational state of the circuit (i.e., the TID level and bias voltage) using machine learning (ML) classification. While minor increases in operating frequency were measured with dose, the technique resulted in up to 100% prediction accuracy in the identification of the operational state following an ML training set of at least 50 measured samples. Moreover, the IRES technique enhances standard measurements by capturing global parametric shifts as well as transient variation. The technique, which exploits the subtle characteristics inherent in the waveforms, shows promise in radiation dosimetry applications as well as in-situ monitoring of device and circuit operational health.
The Demographic Transition Theory of War: Why Young Societies Are Conflict Prone and Old Societies Are the Most Peaceful

The world is experiencing a period of unprecedented demographic change. For the first time in human history, marked disparities in age structures exist across the globe. Around 40 percent of the wo...
Teaching religious education: researchers in the classroom (2nd ed)

Trying to summarise RE research in under 200 pages seems like an impossible task, yet Stern masterfully presents the essential names, topics, and classroom activities for RE teachers or neophytes t...
Polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution increases tablet dissolution of acetaminophen in an in vitro model mimicking acute poisoning.

Abstract Introduction Polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) is similar to pharmaceutical solvent propylene glycol and used following acute poisonings for whole bowel irrigation (e.g., “body stuffing”). This raises concern of PEG-ELS increasing solubility following acute ingestions of non-sustained release xenobiotics in the stomach. We theorized PEG-ELS increases solubility of acetaminophen in an in vitro stomach model. Material and methods An in vitro artificial stomach with 500 mL simulated gastric fluid and either 500 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% (group A) or 500 mL of PEG-ELS (group B). Ten non-sustained release acetaminophen tablets added with concentrations 0, 15, 45 and 90 min in triplicate. Mean concentrations and mean area under the curve (AUC) (mg-min/L to 90 min). Results In control group A (normal saline + simulated gastric fluid) mean acetaminophen concentrations 0, 3, 13 and 36 mg/L at 0, 15, 45 and 90 min, respectively. In group B (PEG-ELS + simulated gastric fluid) mean acetaminophen concentrations 0, 34, 109 and 136 mg/L at 0, 15, 45 and 90 min, respectively (p Discussion Group B (PEG-ELS) with significantly higher mean acetaminophen concentrations and greater mean AUC compared to control group A (normal saline). Conclusion We demonstrated increased mean acetaminophen concentrations and increased mean AUC of following exposure of PEG-ELS in an artificial stomach model.
Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the Elderly Patient

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an especially common disorder in the elderly population. Its presentation in this population is often different from that in younger patients. A greater proportion of patients experience atypical GERD symptoms rather than heartburn or regurgitation, increasing the likelihood the diagnosis will be missed or overlooked. Elderly patients more commonly present with severe erosive esophagitis and GERD complications compared with younger patients, and thus may require more aggressive therapy. While diagnostic work-up and management of GERD in elderly patients is similar to the general population and primarily involves acid suppression with endoscopic and surgical techniques reserved for refractory cases, there are many important considerations that are particular to the elderly.
Clinical Features of Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a multifaceted disorder characterized by multiple motor and at least one vocal tics that start in childhood, persist for at least 1 year, and cannot be attributed to another medical condition or exposure to medications/drugs. Clinical diagnostic criteria are available, and identification of tics is typically straightforward based on characteristic appearance and features. Diagnostic uncertainty can rarely arise in cases of mild tics, atypical features, certain psychiatric comorbidities, and other non-tic movement disorders. Comorbid psychopathology, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive behaviors/obsessive-compulsive disorder, affects the majority of patients and is correlated with disease severity and the presence of additional psychiatric behaviors. The severity of tics often improves after adolescence, whereas psychiatric symptoms typically persist. The subset of patients in whom tics persist into adulthood experience higher rates of anxiety, and lower self-esteem, socioeconomic status, and quality of life; the relative contribution of motor tics and psychopathology is not fully understood. This article summarizes the clinical features of Tourette syndrome, including major diagnostic criteria, unique features of tics, and key aspects that differentiate tics from common mimics and chameleons. Comorbid psychiatric conditions and their impact on phenotype and quality of life are described. Finally, current understanding of the natural history is summarized, including limited research in adults with Tourette syndrome.
Three dimensional finite element simulations of hydraulic fracture height growth in layered formations using a coupled hydro-mechanical model

Abstract In this paper, we treat the important problem of hydraulic fracturing in the presence of elastic modulus and stress contrast in layered rock systems encountered in petroleum resources development using a fully coupled 3D hydro-mechanical model. First, the model is validated by simulating a laboratory hydraulic fracturing experiment dealing with the influence of stress contrast. Good agreements in the distribution of fracture aperture, injection pressure and fracture footprint have been achieved. Then, numerical analyses are performed to investigate the influence of in-situ stress and formation layer properties, such as Young's modulus and fracture energy release rate on the height growth and containment of hydraulic fractures. Comparing the results of simulations using conventional thickness-weighted Young's modulus to those from explicit modeling of layers' Young's moduli, it is found given that for the same amount of injection volume, the thickness-weighted modulus generates a higher injection pressure. Explicit modeling of the layers influences the hydraulic fracture aperture distribution in the pay zone as well as in the surrounding layers. A relatively large fracture aperture is observed in the layer with the lower Young's modulus. Also, the hydraulic fracture tends to propagates mainly in the lower Young's modulus layers which could facilitate containment of the hydraulic fracture by limiting height growth in the stiffer layers. When considering the influence of stress contrast on height growth, the conventional equilibrium height model produces a relatively large aperture and overestimates the fracture height. Simulations using typical injection rate, fluid viscosity, and in-situ stress, show stress contrast larger than a certain value, for example 30% of the in-situ minimum horizontal stress, can effectively inhibit height growth. When the payzone is bounded by ductile layers, the injection pressure is higher and the corresponding aperture at the injection point is larger than those obtained using uniform rock properties.
Gluteal liposarcoma presenting as sciatic hernia: A case report and review of literature

Abstract Introduction Lipomatous tumors herniating through the sciatic foramen are extremely rare with less than 6 cases reported in the existing literature. We report a case of gluteal well differentiated liposarcoma that presented as sciatic hernia. Presentation of case A 66-year-old female presented with persistent pain in the right gluteal region. Physical examination coupled with CT/MRI scans identified a firm mass extending into the right pelvic side via the sciatic foramen. It measured approximately 18.9 cm × 13 cm × 22.8 cm. The tumor was resected via transgluteal approach. Immunohistochemical and microscopic features were consistent with well-differentiated liposarcoma. Discussion Although sciatic hernias associated with intraabdominal contents have been recorded less than 100 times in the literature, instances where gluteal lipomatous tumors manifest as sciatic hernias are even more rare. In this case the gluteal liposarcoma was successfully identified utilizing CT/MRI scanning followed by a transgluteal excision of the mass. Conclusion While sciatic hernias are rare, lipomatous/liposarcomatous tumors presenting as sciatic hernias are extremely rare. This case report highlights a combination of rare phenomena. The information presented adds to the current evidence that will guide accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of future cases.
Kinase inhibitors in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases

Chronic pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are major causes of death and reduced quality of life. Characteristic of chronic pulmonary disease is excessive lung inflammation that occurs in response to exposure to inhaled irritants, chemicals, and allergens. Chronic inflammation leads to remodeling of the airways that includes excess mucus secretion, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, increased deposition of extracellular matrix proteins and fibrosis. Protein kinases have been implicated in mediating inflammatory signals and airway remodeling associated with reduced lung function in chronic pulmonary disease. This review will highlight the role of protein kinases in the lung during chronic inflammation and examine opportunities to use protein kinase inhibitors for the treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases.