cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interjecting Economics into the Surface Water Dialogue

This paper applies the conceptual lens of economic efficiency as a criterion by which to evaluate surface water in Texas. We identify two major problems. First, Texas has a water allocation problem limiting the ability to substitute groundwater for surface water to move water between river basins and to facilitate transfers within a river basin. Second, surface water is both underpriced and unresponsive to drought conditions preventing it from being used at its highest and best use. We propose a variety of partial solutions, which include facilitating greater reliance on water markets as well as a water tax that would vary across regions and over time to encourage conservation. Citation: Vaca M, Richards S, Davis A, Jackson K, Timur N, Manzoor F, Azam S, Feltman R, Griffin J. 2019. Interjecting economics into the surface water dialogue. Texas Water Journal. 10(1):112-127. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v10i1.7062.
Effect of doping liquid organic chains and nanoparticles on heat capacity of commercial engine oil

Abstract A recent study discovered the heat capacity of non-polar liquid can be enhanced by in-situ formation of fabricated superstructure. However, the result of the study seems to vary significantly between samples. Therefore, a parallel study has been conducted in this article that utilizes more compatible materials for the development of more enhanced oil nanofluids with high repeatability and ease of manufacturing. To show the effect of the improved synthesis protocol 1) pre-dispersed nanoparticle solution and 2) liquid phase polar organic chains) were used in the new in-situ synthesis. SAE 30 grade non-surfactant oil was doped with Al2O3 nanoparticle dispersion in toluene (10% concentration by volume) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (average Mn ~2,000), because the glass transition temperature of the organic chain is -20 °C and remains as a complete liquid during the synthesis. The average heat capacity was measured to be 2.812 kJ/kg°C, which is 19.68% enhanced heat capacity over the pure SAE 30 oil (2.349 kJ/kg°C). The random error of the measurement was reduced by 7 times with the new in-situ synthesis protocol. The average viscosity of pure SAE 30 oil was measured to be around 7.35 cP and almost independent of shear rates showing Newtonian behavior. On the other hand, the nanofluids showed a very high increase of viscosity value at 25 /s and the increase of the viscosity decreases with the increase of shear rates showing non-Newtonian behavior (i.e., shear-thinning). The increase of the viscosity at 25 /s is 168.9% and decreased to 55.2% at 1000 /s. The shear-thinning behavior observed in the nanofluids confirms the formation of spiny nanostructures in the nanofluids.
Assessing the ocular surface microbiome in severe ocular surface diseases.

Abstract Purpose There is growing evidence for a critical role of the microbiome in ocular health and disease. We performed a prospective, observational study to characterize the ocular surface microbiome (OSM) in four chronic ocular surface diseases (OSDs) and healthy controls. Methods Sterile swabs were used to collect samples from each eye of 39 patients (78 eyes). Sterile technique and multiple controls were used to assess contamination during DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing. Concurrent use of topical antibiotics, steroids, and bandage contact lenses (BCLs) was documented. Results Despite the low biomass of the ocular surface, 47/78 (60%) eyes sampled had positive sequencing reads. We observed that half of patients (8/17, 47%) had distinct microbiomes in each eye. Healthy controls had a Lactobacillus/Streptococcus mixture or significant Corynebacterium. Staphylococcus predominated in 4/7 (57%) patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in at least one eye, compared to 0/10 healthy controls. Interestingly, 8/11 (73%) eyes with SJS were using BCLs, including 4/5 (80%) eyes dominated by Staphylococcus. Lax eyelid syndrome (LES) and Dry Eye Disease (DED) patients had similar OSMs, with Corynebacterium being the most prevalent bacteria. Alpha diversity was higher in controls and ocular graft-vs-host (oGVHD) patients compared to the other OSDs. Conclusions Only 50% of the 39 patients had similar microbiomes in each eye. A majority of healthy eyes had a Lactobacillus/Streptococcus mix or Corynebacterium microbiome. Staphylococcus predominated in SJS, Lactobacillus in oGVHD, and Corynebacterium in DED and LES. There may be an association between different OSDs and the microbiome.
Intensity of a weak 519-keV γ ray following β decay of the superallowed emitter Ar 34 determined via the S 33 ( p , γ ) Cl 34 reaction

The predominant branch in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ decay of $^{34}\mathrm{Ar}$ is the superallowed ${0}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{0}^{+}$ transition to the ground state of $^{34}\mathrm{Cl}$. To determine its important branching ratio one must first establish the ratios for the competing Gamow-Teller branches based on the measured intensities of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays subsequently emitted from the excited states they populate in $^{34}\mathrm{Cl}$. The strongest of these branches populates the ${1}^{+}$ state at 666 keV in $^{34}\mathrm{Cl}$, which has three possible $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-decay paths. We report here a measurement of the decay of this state, which we populated via resonant proton capture in the reaction $^{33}\mathrm{S}$($p,\ensuremath{\gamma}$)$^{34}\mathrm{Cl}$. We find that the intensity of the 519-keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray path is 1.46(19)% relative to that of the 666-keV path. This result is critical to new precise measurements of the superallowed decay of $^{34}\mathrm{Ar}$.
Far Ultraviolet and H-alpha Imaging of Nearby Spirals: The OB Stellar Population in the Diffuse Ionized Gas

(Abridged) We have compared H-alpha and far ultraviolet (FUV) images of 10 nearby spirals, with the goal of understanding the contribution of field OB stars to the ionization of the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in spiral galaxies. The FUV images were obtained by the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT) and the H-alpha images were obtained using various ground-based telescopes. In all of the galaxies, the F_H-alpha/F_UIT flux ratio is lower in the DIG than in the HII regions. This is likely an indication that the mean spectral type for OB stars in the field is later than that in HII regions. Comparison of the N_Lyc/L_UIT ratio with models of evolving stellar populations shows that the stellar population in the DIG is consistent with either an older single burst population or a steady state model with constant star formation and an initial mass function (IMF) slope steeper than alpha=2.35. We compared the F_H\alpha/F_UIT ratio in the DIG of these galaxies with that in M33. If the mean spectral types of stars in HII regions and in the DIG are the same as in M33, and the difference in extinction between DIG and HII regions is constant among galaxies, then the analysis suggests that field stars are important sources of ionization in most galaxies, and may be the dominant source in some galaxies.
Multi-stressor Effects of Ultraviolet Light, Temperature, and Salinity on Louisiana Sweet Crude Oil Toxicity in Larval Estuarine Organisms.

When oil is spilled into the environment its toxicity is affected by abiotic conditions. The cumulative and interactive stressors of chemical contaminants and environmental factors are especially relevant in estuaries where tidal fluctuations cause wide variability in salinity, temperature, and ultraviolet (UV) light penetration, which is an important modifying factor for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) toxicity. Characterizing the interactions of multiple stressors on oil toxicity will improve prediction of environmental impacts under various spill scenarios. This study examined changes in crude oil toxicity with temperature, salinity, and UV light. Oil exposures included high-energy, water-accommodated fractions (HEWAFs) and thin oil sheens. Larval (24–48 h post hatch) estuarine species representing different trophic levels and habitats were evaluated. Mean 96 h LC50 values for oil prepared as a HEWAF and tested under standard conditions (20 ppt, 25 °C, No-UV) were 62.5 µg/L tPAH50 (mud snails), 198.5 µg/L (grass shrimp), and 774.5 µg/L (sheepshead minnows). Thin oil sheen 96 h LC50 values were 5.3 µg/L tPAH50 (mud snails), 14.7 µg/L (grass shrimp), and 22.0 µg/L (sheepshead minnows) under standard conditions. UV light significantly increased the toxicity of oil in all species tested. Oil toxicity also was greater under elevated temperature and lower salinity. Multi-stressor (oil combined with either increased temperature, decreased salinity, or both) LC50 values were reduced to 3 µg/L tPAH50 for HEWAFs and < 1.0 µg/L tPAH50 for thin oil sheens. Environmental conditions at the time of an oil spill will significantly influence oil toxicity and organismal response and should be taken into consideration in toxicity testing and oil spill damage assessments.
The cost of cooking for foragers

Abstract Cooked food provides more calories to a consumer than raw food. When our human ancestors adopted cooking, the result was an increase in the caloric value of the diet. Generating the heat to cook, however, requires fuel, and accessing fuel was and remains a common problem for humanity. Cooking also frequently requires monitoring, special technology and other investments. These cooking costs should vary greatly across multiple contexts. Here I explain how to quantify this cooking trade-off as the ratio of the energetic benefits of cooking to the increased cost in handling time and examine the implications for foragers, including the first of our ancestors to cook. Ethnographic and experimental return rates and nutritional analysis about important prey items exploited by ethnohistoric Numic foragers in the North American Great Basin provide a demonstration of how the costs of cooking impact different types of prey. Foragers should make choices about which prey to capture based on expectations about the costs involved to cook them. The results indicate that the caloric benefit achieved by cooking meat is quickly lost as the cost of cooking increases, whereas many plant foods are beneficially cooked across a range of cooking costs. These findings affirm the importance of plant foods, especially geophytes, among foragers, and are highly suggestive of their importance at the onset of cooking in the human lineage.
Knowledge-Based Automated Radiopharmaceutical Manufacturing for Positron Emission Tomography

This article describes the application of basic knowledge engineering principles to the design of automated synthesis equipment for radiopharmaceuticals used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Before discussing knowledge programming, an overview of the development of automated radiopharmaceutical synthesis systems for PET will be presented. Since knowledge systems will rely on information obtained from machine transducers, a discussion of the uses of sensory feedback in today’s automated systems follows. Next, the operation of these automated systems is contrasted to radiotracer production carried out by chemists, and the rationale for and basic concepts of knowledge-based programming are explained. Finally, a prototype knowledge-based system supporting automated radiopharmaceutical manufacturing of 18FDG at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is described using lstClass, a commercially available PC-based expert system shell.
Language in News Media Regarding the Victim Precipitation and Sexual Assault of Women

The following analysis examines the influences the language used in media have on victim precipitation, and how this concept contributes to the complexity of blame in the rape and sexual assault of women. Victim precipitation is defined as blaming the victim for his or her own victimization, speculating that he or she caused his or her victimization to occur. Three areas of news media are critiqued: print, television broadcasts, and online reports. Several sociological ideologies are considered throughout the analysis as support for the idea that victim precipitation is the dominant ideology in society today. Some of the ideologies in the analysis include but are not limited to: Gender Polarization; Rape Myths; and the Issues with Consent. The argument closes with the overall opinion of the issues and ways in which people can help reduce and possibly eliminate violence against women.
Testicular Cystic Walthard Cell Nest in a 7-Month-Old

Walthard cell nests have previously been reported arising from paratesticular structures; however, this is the first reported case of an intratesticular Walthard cell nest. We report our experience with this lesion which is interesting not only because of its extreme rarity but also because of the proposed histogenesis of such lesions.
Fetal stress from methadone withdrawal

A pregnant patient in the midtrimester of pregnancy was begun on a methadone detoxification program. The fetal neurobiologic response was monitored by serial amniotic fluid amines (epinephrine and norepinephrine). The detoxification program showed a marked fetal response of the adrenal gland (E) and sympathetic nervous system (NE) that was blunted when the methadone dose was increased. Detoxification during pregnancy is not recommended unless the fetus can be biochemically monitored.
The Cultural Linguistic Follow-Through Approach.

School systems today need to focus their attention upon instituting educational programs geared to the needs of poor children from excluded groups such as Afro-Americans, American Indians, Americans of Latin American descent, and Southern white migrants. Enough data have already been amassed as to our failures thus far. The Early Childhood Program described below is responsive to poor excluded children who live in rural or urban settings. The specific instructional approach used in this program is called the Cultural Linguistic Approach. It is one which focuses on the culture and language of the children. The
Tracking Quantum Dot–Tagged Calcium Channels at Vertebrate Photoreceptor Synapses: Retinal Slices and Dissociated Cells

At synapses in the central nervous system, precisely localized assemblies of presynaptic proteins, neurotransmitter-filled vesicles, and postsynaptic receptors are required to communicate messages between neurons. Our understanding of synaptic function has been significantly advanced using electrophysiological methods, but the dynamic spatial behavior and real-time organization of synapses remains poorly understood. In this unit, we describe a method for labeling individual presynaptic calcium channels with photostable quantum dots for single-particle tracking analysis. We have used this technique to examine the mobility of L-type calcium channels in the presynaptic membrane of rod and cone photoreceptors in the retina. These channels control release of glutamate-filled synaptic vesicles at the ribbon synapses in photoreceptor terminals. This technique offers the advantage of providing a real-time biophysical readout of ion channel mobility and can be manipulated by pharmacological or electrophysiological methods. For example, the combination of electrophysiological and single-particle tracking experiments has revealed that fusion of nearby vesicles influences calcium channel mobility and changes in channel mobility can influence release. These approaches can also be readily adapted to examine membrane proteins in other systems.
Delay from biopsy to radical prostatectomy influences the rate of adverse pathologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND We sought to determine maximum wait times between biopsy diagnosis and surgery for localized prostate cancer, beyond which the rate of adverse pathologic outcomes is increased. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 4,610 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy between 1990 and 2011. Patients were stratified by biopsy Gleason score and PSA value. For each stratification, χ2 analysis was used to determine the smallest 15-day multiple of surgical delay (e.g., 15, 30, 45…180 days) for which adverse pathologic outcomes were significantly more likely after the time interval than before. Adverse outcomes were defined as positive surgical margins, upgrading from biopsy, upstaging, seminal vesicle invasion, or positive lymph nodes. RESULTS Two thousand two hundred twelve patients met inclusion criteria. Median delay was 64 days (mean 76, SD 47). One thousand six hundred seventy-five (75.7%), 537 (24.3%), and 60 (2.7%) patients had delays of 90, and >180 days, respectively. Twenty-six percent were upgraded on final pathology and 23% were upstaged. The positive surgical margin rate was 24.2% and the positive lymph node rate was 1.1%. Significant increases in the proportion of adverse pathological outcomes were found beyond 75 days in the overall cohort (P = 0.03), 150 days for patients with Gleason 20 (P = 0.032), and 30 days for patients with Gleason 8–10 and PSA 11–20 (0.041). CONCLUSION In low-risk disease, there is a considerable but not unlimited surgical delay which will not adversely impact the rate of adverse pathologic features found. In higher risk disease, this time period is considerably shorter. Prostate 75:1085–1091, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mongolian spots, day care centers, and child abuse.

Physicians caring for infants and children are familiar with mongolian spots. Most physicians inform the child9s family of the benign nature of this condition. However, more and more infants are being cared for by care providers other than their parents. Many infants are cared for in day care centers. It is important that these caretakers also be informed and aware of mongolian spots. Two recent cases seen at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center underscore this need.
Characterization and functional expression of the natriuretic peptide system in human lens epithelial cells

Purpose The family of natriuretic peptides (NPs); atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) as well as three associated receptors (NPRs); natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A), natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B), and natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR-C) has never been documented in human lens epithelial cells. The study described herein was designed to demonstrate both expression and functionality of components of the natriuretic peptides and natriuretic peptide receptors in the human lens epithelial cell line, HLE-B3 and in normal human lens epithelial cell cultures (nHLE).
Risk assessment and comparisons: an introduction

Risk assessment is presented as a way of examining risks so that they may be better avoided, reduced, or otherwise managed. Risk implies uncertainty, so that risk assessment is largely concerned with uncertainty and hence with a concept of probability that is hard to grasp. The results of even the simplest risk assessments need to be compared with similar assessments of commonplace situations to give them some meaning. We compare and contrast some risk estimates to display their similarities and differences.
Citizenship education goes digital

Abstract After years of neglect, civics education is gaining the attention of educators, political scientists, and politicians in the United States. As recent national citizenship reports have suggested, the level of civic knowledge in the U.S. has remained unchanged or even declined over the past century ( NCES, 2011 ). New technological innovations are, however, providing promising hope for restoring civic education in the United States. This study explores the impact of one of these innovative technologies, iCivics.org, an online civics education gaming program. This study examined the impact of structured game engagement in 13 classrooms (grades 4, 5, 6, 8, 12) with over 250 children. To explore the effectiveness of this program on students' civic knowledge, this article presents a three-dimensional analysis of the results, including both quantitative and qualitative data. Initial results of this study suggest that iCivics provides positive gains in students' content knowledge. Moreover, findings highlight the important role teachers play in implementing iCivics and the need for more research on civics education through gaming formats.
Time-Sharing Computer Terminals in the Textile Industry

Time sharing enables many businessmen, engineers, and scientists to share the use of remote computers over regular telephone lines from a terminal in their office. The process is described, and a brief history of its development is presented.
Metabolic Fate of Mineral Oil Adjuvants Using 14C-Labeled Tracers II: Mannide Monooleate

Abstract This investigation was undertaken to determine the metabolic fate of mannide monooleate when employed in a mineral oil emulsion. Female white rats and female squirrel monkeys were injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly with an emulsion made with mineral oil and surfactant and including either 1- 14 C-oleate or UL- 14 C-mannide-labeled mannide monooleate tracer preparations. It was shown that 30-40% of the surfactant mixture is removed from the site of injection after 24 hr. After 1 week, 40-60% of the surfactant is removed from the site of injection; while after 3 months, 10-30% of the surfactant still remains. The 1- 14 C-oleatelabeled mannide monooleate was largely incorporated into the various lipid classes, while the UL- 14 C-mannide-labeled mannide monooleate preparation was largely eliminated in the urine. There was some indication that the inguinal lymph nodes of monkeys may have contained unusually large amounts of radioactivity.
Preliminary image-quality measurements on a digital scanned projection radiography system

We have made preliminary image quality measurements (modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum) measurements on a digital scanned projection radiography system developed in our laboratory. The DSPR system images the light output of a scanning strip of intensifying screen onto a time-delay-Wand--integrate scanning CCD imager with a high speed lens. The data show that the current design is limited in spatial resolution compared to a screen film system. In the current CCD camera electronic noise dominates both Wiener spectrum and MTF near the resolution limit. Noise power spectrum measurements indicate that the current DSPR system, with a relatively large amount of electronic noise, requires exposures an order of magnitude higher to achieve DQE comparable to screen/film systems. However, for clinical situations in which scattered radiation is a significant factor an advanced prototype DSPR with improved analog electronics is predicted to have DQE comparable to screen/film/grid systems at comparable doses. Development of a low noise DSPR system is currently underway.
A comparison of voice and multifunction controls: logic design is the key

The proper design of the human-computer interface is a key feature for the optimum use of advanced manned systems. In future aircraft cockpits, one of the pilot's principle tasks will be to interact with a very sophisticated computer system—an electronic crewmember. This paper discusses the experimental comparison of two communication mechanisms: voice control and multifunction keyboards. The paper also discusses the crucial role of the software logic used with these devices.
Variables determining flicker sensitivity in small fields.

The effect of size, luminance, and image movements on detection of flicker in small centrally located fields was studied with 12°, 1°, and 2° targets at average retinal illuminances of 26, 260, and 2600 td. When these fields were viewed in an essentially dark surround, a maximum of sensitivity was found at approximately 10 Hz. Image movements had no effect in determining sensitivity to flicker, but decreasing field size led to an over-all decrease of sensitivity, and decreasing illuminance enhanced low-frequency sensitivity, while reducing sensitivity to high frequencies. The effect of an illuminated surround was assessed with a 1° field viewed in a steady surround that was either contiguous with the flickering field, or separated from it by a nonilluminated band that subtended 2′ of arc. The condition of a separated surround gave the same results as the dark surround. The contiguous-surround condition yielded a frequency-response curve that showed no clearly defined maximum. However, this condition markedly increased low-frequency sensitivity and altered the effect of luminance and image movements on flicker detection. Both decrease of illuminance and absence of image movement reduced sensitivity at all frequencies. It appears that the most important determiner of flicker detection in small fields is contiguity of field and surround.
Designing a multi-institutional electronic radiology practice

As the trend toward consolidation of hospitals continues, problems with merging radiology practices multiply. With no standardization of patient identifiers, increased demand for access to reports and medical records, and in some cases, too few radiologists to cover rural areas, the job of creating a unified system for electronic radiology practice becomes an important, frustrating, and time-consuming proposition. After acquiring several rural facilities and a community hospital, researchers and developers at Shands Medical System, Inc, centered at the University of Florida have worked integrate the various systems and create a unified system for image and report dissemination. Digital imaging equipment was installed at each institution and dedicated network lines were installed between rural locations. Since each hospital assigned medical record numbers, an institutional code was added to identify locations of patients and to assure unique identifiers. As radiology information systems (RIS) and hospital information systems (HIS) were implemented, they were interfaced to the PACS and voice recognition systems. A web-server provided wide access to clinical images and an interface to the voice recognition system provided reports when the HIS was not available or had not yet been installed.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bovine Pericardium for Correction of Congenital Heart Defects

From July, 1980, until January, 1985, preserved bovine pericardium was utilized in the repair of a wide variety of congenital heart defects in 105 patients. Ages ranged from newborn to 56 years (mean, 9.6 years). Eighty-three of the 87 long-term survivors are in New York Heart Association Functional Class I or II. Bovine pericardium was not a contributing factor in the 12 hospital and 6 late deaths. The material was found to be flexible and easy to suture. No patient has demonstrated calcification of the patch in follow-up ranging from 6 to 60 months (mean, 30.2 months). Preserved bovine pericardium offers several potential advantages in the correction of congenital intracardiac defects.
Independent influence of dietary protein on markers of kidney function and disease in obesity

Obesity is associated with glomerular hyperfiltration and increased urinary protein excretion, as well as structural and functional changes that lead to kidney disease and failure. Dietary protein mimics obesity's effects on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria and, in certain circumstances, may have the potential to adversely affect kidney function. Here we tested the hypothesis that dietary protein independently explains elevations in the GFR and proteinuria found in obese persons with a normal serum creatinine. Seventeen patients were randomized in a double-blind, crossover fashion for 1-week periods to high (140g/day) and low (50g/day) protein diets with a 1-week washout interval separating these periods. High protein consumption was associated with a very modest but significant increase in the GFR of 5±6ml/min. Hence, while dietary protein does modulate kidney parameters, it is unlikely to fully account for the elevations in GFR and proteinuria found in obesity.
A successful bonding method for ion sources

Abstract A bonding method for accelerator ion sources using a commercially available vinyl resin is presented. This method has been applied successfully to a vertical Van de Graaff machine.
Genetic toxicity of 2-acetylaminofluorene, 2-aminofluorene and some of their metabolites and model metabolites

2-Acetylaminofluorene and 2-aminofluorene are among the most intensively studied of all chemical mutagens and carcinogens. Fundamental research findings concerning the metabolism of 2-acetylaminofluorene to electrophilic derivatives, the interaction of these derivatives with DNA, and the carcinogenic and mutagenic responses that are associated with the resulting DNA damage have formed the foundation upon which much of genetic toxicity testing is based. The parent compounds and their proximate and ultimate mutagenic and carcinogenic derivatives have been evaluated in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic assays for mutagenesis and DNA damage. The reactive derivatives are active in virtually all systems, while 2-acetylaminofluorene and 2-aminofluorene are active in most systems that provide adequate metabolic activation. Knowledge of the structures of the DNA adducts formed by 2-acetylaminofluorene and 2-aminofluorene, the effects of the adducts on DNA conformation and synthesis, adduct distribution in tissues, cells and DNA, and adduct repair have been used to develop hypotheses to understand the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects of these compounds. Molecular analysis of mutations produced in cell-free, bacterial, in vitro mammalian, and intact animal systems have recently been used to extend these hypotheses.
Low-Dose Aspirin and Incidence of Colorectal Tumors in a Randomized Trial

Background Laboratory, clinical, and epidemiologic studies have recently suggested that regular use of aspirin can reduce colorectal cancer incidence or mortality. However, observational epidemiologic analyses have had limited opportunity to control for confounding bias or to specify aspirin doses used. Purpose Our purpose was to examine the relationship between regular use of low-dose aspirin and incidence of invasive and noninvasive colorectal tumors by utilizing data from the Physicians' Health Study, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of aspirin and beta carotene. We also attempted to determine whether invasive cancers among aspirin users were associated with rectal bleeding and early stage at diagnosis. Methods The Physicians' Health Study includes 22071 U.S. male physicians. The aspirin arm was terminated in 1988 after a mean follow-up of 5 years. Stage at diagnosis and signs and/or symptoms during presentation were abstracted from medical records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate relative risk (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the association between aspirin and bleeding. Differences between aspirin and placebo groups in tumor risk over time were visualized with Kaplan-Meier curves. We assessed the association between aspirin and stage at diagnosis with a Mann-Whitney rank sum statistic for non-parametric comparison of two ordinal distributions. Results The RR of developing colorectal cancer for aspirin compared with placebo was 1.15 (95% CI = 0.80-1.65). For in situ cancers and polyps, the RR was 0.86 (95% CI = 0.68-1.10). There was no significant trend for decreasing RR by year of follow-up for invasive cancers (P = .09) or noninvasive tumors (P = .96). Aspirin and placebo groups did not differ in stage or prevalence of rectal bleeding at diagnosis. Conclusions Regular aspirin use, at a dose adequate for preventing myocardial infarction, was not associated with a substantial reduction in the incidence of colorectal cancer during 5 years of randomized treatment and follow-up. A small decrease in polyps in the aspirin group could not be reliably distinguished from a chance association. Our results suggest that among low-dose aspirin users, (a) colorectal cancer mortality is not likely to be reduced by earlier detection and (b) incidence is not likely to be increased due to aspirin-induced gastrointestinal bleeding. Implications The potential for a benefit from higher doses of aspirin or longer duration of use should be addressed by more detailed observational epidemiologic studies and prevention trials with longer follow-up of randomized participants.
P107 AND P130 ASSOCIATED CYCLIN A HAS ALTERED SUBSTRATE SPECIFICITY

We demonstrate that p107 and p130 immune complexes exhibit kinase activity. We have tested such immune complexes with four substrates commonly utilized to assay Cdk activity, including all three known members of the retinoblastoma family. Immunodepletion revealed this kinase activity could be abolished by removal of either cyclin A or Cdk2 but was unaffected by removal of Cdk4 or any D-type cyclin. The appearance of p107 associated activity followed the accumulation of p107 protein. In contrast, the kinase activity associated with p130 immune complexes became apparent after mid-G1, coincident with p130 hyperphosphorylation. GST-Rb, GST-p107, and GST-p130 (where GST indicates glutathioneS-transferase) were equally suitable substrates in p107 and p130 immune complex kinase assays, yielding activity equal to 25% of the cyclin A activity present. The p107 and p130 associated activity was unable to phosphorylate histone H1, suggesting the p107 and p130 associated cyclin A/Cdk2 may represent a distinct pool with a distinct substrate specificity. The p107 and p130 associated activity was released from the immune complexes upon incubation with ATP and Mg2+ and exhibited the same substrate preference observed with the untreated immune complex. Our data suggest that p107 and p130 recognize, or form by association, a distinct pool of cyclin A/Cdk2 that preferentially phosphorylates retinoblastoma family members.
Dots for Dummies

Quantum dots pose an interesting problem in which three complications- disorder, interaction and finite size- come together. I describe progress that can be made by combining Random Matrix Theory (RMT) and the Renormalization Group (RG) to attack the problem.
Investigation of the drug binding properties and cytotoxicity of DNA-capped nanoparticles designed as delivery vehicles for the anticancer agents doxorubicin and actinomycin D.

Oligonucleotide-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were designed and synthesized to be delivery vehicles for the clinically used anticancer drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and actinomycin D (ActD). Each vehicle contains a tailorable number of DNA duplexes, each possessing three high-affinity sequences for the intercalation of either DOX or ActD, thus allowing for control of drug loading. Drug binding was evaluated by measuring changes to DNA melting temperature, Tm, hydrodynamic diameter, Dh, and surface plasmon resonance wavelength, λspr, with drug loading. These studies indicate that DOX intercalates at its high-affinity sequence bound at the AuNP, and that ActD exhibits relatively weaker binding to its preferred sequence. Agarose gel electrophoresis further confirmed drug binding and revealed that particle mobilities inversely correlate with Dh. The equilibrium binding constant, K, and dissociation rate constant, β, were determined by dialysis. Results indicate that the high negative electrostatic potent...
Validation of computed solids hydrodynamics and pressure oscillations in a bubbling atmospheric fluidized bed

Abstract The ensemble- and time-averaged solids velocity field and bed dynamics in the form of pressure oscillations taken in the atmospheric ‘thin’ (3.81 cm×40 cm) bubbling fluidized bed at the University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign (UIUC) have been analyzed using Argonne National Laboratory's hydrodynamic model FLUFIX implemented on a Cray X-MP/18 supercomputer. The fluidized bed contained a simulated triangular pitch tube array consisting of five, round, 5.08-cm diameter cylinders. The bed material consisted of soda lime glass beads having a narrow size range averaging 460 μm in diameter. The fluidizing air was introduced at 39 cm s−1. Generally correct solids motion is predicted by the FLUFIX computer program. The uncertainties in the UIUC solids motion data varied greatly from location to location; hence, a sensitivity analysis was performed by varying the inlet fluidizing-gas velocity distribution. A convergence study was performed by varying (1) the size of the mesh used to approximate the obstacles and (2) the accuracy of the numerical solution. Essential grid independence is demonstrated for time-averaged axial solids velocities and porosities for the tubes modeled as 2×2 and 4×4 squares and a very tight convergence. Good agreement is obtained for the power spectra of the absolute pressure fluctuations using the fast Fourier transform technique. The computed and experimental major frequencies lie in the relatively narrow range of 2–3 Hz.
Kinetics of Growth and Ribosome-Inactivating Protein Production from Trichosanthes kirilowii Plant Cell Cultures in a 5-L Bioreactor

Ribosome-inactivating proteins, named for their ability to inhibit protein translation in cell-free systems, are an important class of natural plant defense proteins with potential human therapeutic and agricultural applications. The kinetics of growth, nutrient consumption, and extracellular protein translation inhibitory activity are presented for Trichosanthes kirilowii plant cell suspensions in 5-L bioreactors at two agitation rates (50 and 100 rpm). The cultures had a 7-9.5 day lag phase followed by exponential growth with a doubling time of less than 2 days. Biomass concentrations reached levels of approximately 19 g (dry weight)/L. Protein translation inhibitory activity was observed in the culture broths during the exponential growth phase and reached levels of approximately 50-60 units. No detrimental effects of agitation were observed at 100 rpm. These studies demonstrate the potential for plant cell culture production of ribosome-inactivating proteins in bioreactor systems.
Osteoarthritis: Probing knee OA as a system responding to a stimulus

Systems level analysis using stimulus–response modelling could increase our understanding of the interplay between biochemical, structural and functional variables that influence the development and manifestation of osteoarthritis. Furthermore, surrogate markers of clinical responses identified might enable early diagnosis, improve therapy, and facilitate development of new treatments and end points.
Seedling resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi in the genus Abies

& Context Root rot and stem canker caused by Oomycete species belonging to the genus Phytophthora often seriously limit culture of true firs (Abies spp.) & Aim An investigation of the variation of resistance among Abies species to Phytophthora cinnamomi was carried out to identify potential sources of resistance in the genus. & Methods Thirty-two Abies species were grown in a greenhouse for 2 and/or 3 years from seed. Seedlings were moved to an outdoor lath house, inoculated with rice grains colonized with P. cinnamomi, and subsequent mortality was assessed biweekly for 16 weeks. & Results Disease developed rapidly resulting in 88.1 % overall mortality 16 weeks after inoculation. Mortality was less in two of the eight taxonomic sections of the genus evaluated, Momi (0.65±0.0252) and Abies (0.79±0.0193). Mortality in all other sections exceeded 93 %. Final species mortality ranged from 10.6 % (Abies firma) to 100.0 % (several species). & Conclusions Although several caveats apply, results have identified potential sources of Abies to be used as (1) resistant planting stock, (2) grafting rootstock, and (3) parents in hybridization/backcrossing programs in order to mitigate losses caused by P. cinnamomi.
Estimates of the annual incidence density and financial losses of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis in New York state

Abstract Very little is known about the incidence density of equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (EME) in New York state. Obtaining a valid estimate of the state-wide incidence density would provide a measure for how common EME is in the New York state equine population, provide a historical benchmark of the incidence density for future comparisons, and aid in the estimation of the financial losses associated with EME. In this study we used four sets of state-wide data to obtain four estimates of the annual incidence density of EME in New York state. Two methods were used to calculate the incidence density: the average incidence rate of EME over a period of time, and transforming the point prevalence of exposure to Ehrlichia risticii into an incidence density. Given the incidence density, an estimate of the annual state-wide financial losses associated with this disease was calculated. Three of the four estimated ranges of the incidence density fell within the range of 0.44–1.73 per 1000 horse-years at risk. Therefore, given that there were approximately 182 000 horses in New York state in 1988, among which 92.7% (168 714) were susceptible at one time, we would expect 74–292 cases of EME per year under steady-state conditions. Since the mean cost (direct and indirect) associated with a case of EME in New York state was estimated at $1030.00, the annual state-wide financial losses associated with clinical EME for equine owners was $76 220–300 760.
AWE: Aviation Weather Data Visualization Environment

Weather is one of the major causes of aviation accidents. General aviation (GA) flights account for 92% of all the aviation accidents, In spite of all the official and unofficial sources of weather visualization tools available to pilots, there is an urgent need for visualizing several weather related data tailored for general aviation pilots. Our system, Aviation Weather Data Visualization Environment AWE), presents graphical displays of meteorological observations, terminal area forecasts, and winds aloft forecasts onto a cartographic grid specific to the pilot's area of interest. Decisions regarding the graphical display and design are made based on careful consideration of user needs. Integral visual display of these elements of weather reports is designed for the use of GA pilots as a weather briefing and route selection tool. AWE provides linking of the weather information to the flight's path and schedule. The pilot can interact with the system to obtain aviation-specific weather for the entire area or for his specific route to explore what-if scenarios and make "go/no-go" decisions. The system, as evaluated by some pilots at NASA Ames Research Center, was found to be useful.
The electromagnetic field as a local property of a quantum system

Abstract It is proposed that quantum field operators can be formulated as local observables. We show this for the example of the electromagnetic field with sources in vacuum.
Measurements of optical properties of waveshifting optical fiber for liquid scintillator hadron calorimetry

Abstract Measurements have been made on optical properties of Bicron BCF91 waveshifting optical fiber. This fiber is proposed as a means of converting blue and UV light emitted from liquid scintillator when exposed to ionizing radiation. The conversion is accomplished by coiling the fiber in a reservoir filled with liquid scintillator and coated internally with reflective paint. Blue and UV light is absorbed by the waveshifting dyes in the fiber and reemitted in the green portion of the spectrum. Some of the reemitted light is channeled into the core of the fiber and out to photodetectors. It has been proposed to outfit the hadron calorimeter subsystem of the proposed GEM detector, to be built at the Superconducting Super Collider, with 800 000 separate liquid scintillator/waveshifting fiber cells. The measurements described in this work deal with the spectral properties of the fiber: spectral responsivity, spectral emissivity, and attenuation as a function of wavelength and propagation length. The theoretical response of an ideal calorimeter cell is studied based on the results of the measurements presented in this paper.
Inside the chaperonin toolbox: theoretical and computational models for chaperonin mechanism

Despite their immense importance to cellular function, the precise mechanism by which chaperonins aid in the folding of other proteins remains unknown. Experimental evidence seems to imply that there is some diversity in how chaperonins interact with their substrates and this has led to a number of different models for chaperonin mechanism. Computational methods have the advantage of accessing temporal and spatial resolutions that are difficult for experimental techniques; therefore, these methods have been applied to this problem for some time. Here we review the relevant computational models for chaperonin function. We propose that these models need not be mutually exclusive and in fact can be thought of as a set of tools the chaperonin may use to aid in the folding of a diverse array of substrate proteins. We conclude with a discussion of the role of water in the chaperonin mechanism, a factor that until recently has been largely neglected by most computational studies of chaperonin function.
Effect of metallic walls on dynamos generated by laminar boundary-driven flow in a spherical domain

We present a numerical study of dynamo action in a conducting fluid encased in a metallic spherical shell. Motions in the fluid are driven by differential rotation of the outer metallic shell, which we refer to as "the wall." The two hemispheres of the wall are held in counter-rotation, producing a steady, axisymmetric interior flow consisting of differential rotation and a two-cell meridional circulation with radial inflow in the equatorial plane. From previous studies, this type of flow is known to maintain a stationary equatorial dipole by dynamo action if the magnetic Reynolds number is larger than about 300 and if the outer boundary is electrically insulating. We vary independently the thickness, electrical conductivity, and magnetic permeability of the wall to determine their effect on the dynamo action. The main results are the following: (a) Increasing the conductivity of the wall hinders the dynamo by allowing eddy currents within the wall, which are induced by the relative motion of the equatorial dipole field and the wall. This processes can be viewed as a skin effect or, equivalently, as the tearing apart of the dipole by the differential rotation of the wall, to which the field lines are anchored by high conductivity. (b) Increasing the magnetic permeability of the wall favors dynamo action by constraining the magnetic field lines in the fluid to be normal to the wall, thereby decoupling the fluid from any induction in the wall. (c) Decreasing the wall thickness limits the amplitude of the eddy currents, and is therefore favorable for dynamo action, provided that the wall is thinner than the skin depth. We explicitly demonstrate these effects of the wall properties on the dynamo field by deriving an effective boundary condition in the limit of vanishing wall thickness.
Use of the irreducible tensor expansion for the multipole interaction

An irreducible tensor expansion for the multipole interaction written in the product basis for the interacting atoms is used to derive an analogous expression in a coupled-angular-momentum basis. The result may be applied directly to a recent theory (Phys. Rev. A 22, 1848 (1980)) of coherences produced by radiatively assisted inelastic collisions.