cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectrum of Kidney Diseases in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Objectives To study the pathologic spectrum of kidney diseases in patients with hepatitis C virus infection (HCV+). Methods Native kidney biopsy specimens in HCV+ patients were reviewed. Results A total of 9,836 native kidney biopsy specimens were evaluated from January 2007 to December 2016, of which 273 (2.8%) were from HCV+ patients, and of these, 115 (42.1%) had diagnoses consistent with HCV-associated glomerulonephritis (GN). Non-HCV-associated kidney diseases comprised most diagnoses (158 cases, 57.9%) including non-immune complex-mediated kidney diseases (127 cases, 46.5%) and other immune complex-mediated glomerular diseases (31 cases, 11.4%). Forty-one (40.6%) patients had HCV-associated GN among 101 HCV+ patients from 2007 to 2011 vs 74 (43.0%) patients with HCV-associated GN among 172 HCV+ patients from 2012 to 2016. HCV-associated GN showed five morphologic patterns: focal proliferative (5.2%), diffuse mesangial proliferative (50.4%), diffuse membranoproliferative (28.7%), proliferative GN with crescentic lesions (7.8%), and membranous patterns (7.8%). Conclusions We found a spectrum of pathologic changes in renal biopsy specimens of HCV+ patients, with most having diseases unrelated to HCV infection, HCV-associated GN showing five morphologic patterns, and availability of effective HCV antiviral therapy not yet resulting in major changes in the spectrum of kidney diseases in these patients.
Case series on the safety of mRNA COVID19 vaccines in cancer patients undergoing treatment

e14562Background: Millions of vaccines have been administered since Emergency Use Authorization has been granted for two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (mCV). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Preve...
Factors influencing decisions about neurogenic bladder and bowel surgeries among veterans and civilians with spinal cord injury.

Objective This study investigated factors influencing surgical decision-making (DM) to treat neurogenic bladder and bowel (NBB) dysfunction for veterans and civilians with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States (US). Design Semi-structured interviews complemented by survey measures. Setting Community-dwelling participants who received treatment at a major Midwestern US medical system, a nearby Veterans Affairs (VA) facility, and other VA sites around the US. Participants Eighteen participants with SCI who underwent surgeries; completed semi-structured interviews and survey measures. Interventions Not applicable. Outcomes measures Semi-structured interviews were coded to reflect factors, DM enactment, and outcomes, including surgery satisfaction and quality of life (QOL). Quantitative measures included COMRADE, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, Bladder and Bowel Treatment Inventory, PROMIS Global Health and Cognitive Abilities scales, and SCI-QOL Bladder and Bowel short form. Results Themes identified about factors influencing DM included: recurrent symptoms and complications; balancing dissatisfaction with NBB management against surgery risks; achieving independence and life style adjustments; participant's driven solutions; support and guidance and trust in doctors; and access and barriers to DM. DM enactment varied across surgeries and individuals, revealing no clear patterns. Most participants were satisfied with the surgery outcomes. Some differences in demographics were observed between veterans and civilians. Conclusions We have attempted to illustrate the process of NBB DM as individuals move from factors to enactment to outcomes. Attending to the complexity of the DM process through careful listening and clear communication will allow clinicians to better assist patients in making surgical decisions about NBB management.
The year 2000 problem

The purpose of this article is to discuss the root causes of the Year 200 Problem, the effects of the problem and how a systematic approach can be used to solve this problem. INTRODUCTION The Year 2000 Problem (Y2K), also known as the 'millennium bug,' may well be one of the largest problems facing organizations as they enter the 21st century. Computers are an integral component of an organization, organically of equal importance as financial resources and human resources. An organization's information system is the base on which all strategic and informa­ tional processes are developed, defined, and redefined. Therefore, the Y2K problem is not just a computer problem, it is a systemic business problem. A systemic approach will be needed to solve this problem. This is a business problem because information system (IS) managers must effectively plan for the reallocation of hundreds of IS workers and millions of dollars in each organization. The average cost to examine a line of COBOL code is $8.35, and the Gartner Group estimates that there are 180 billion lines of COBOL world wide (Freeman, 1998). This problem requires a commitment of business resources (humans, financial, and capital) and if left uncorrected puts the organization and its customers at risk. DEFINITION OF THE Y2K PROBLEM The Y2K problem is the failure of computers to correctly store, manipulate, and calculate dates from the 1900's to the year 2000, including leap years. The Y2K problem has existed since the beginning use of computers. Computers, like most technological products, are relatively ex­ pensive in the beginning of their product life cycle. They become less expensive as innovation and the evolution of technology produces superior products. Hard disk space in the beginning use of computers was very expensive and very precious, almost as precious as silver or gold. The cost
The growth of unsaturated films of 3 He

We have developed a technique for growing unsaturated films of3He. Using this technique, films with thicknesses between 100 and 1500 A were grown on a copper disk comprising the moment of a torsional oscillator. The films were thermally cycled between 0.35 and 100 mK over the course of several days and were found to be stable within 40 A.
The Financial Reform in Finland

This paper examines the evolution of the Finnish financial system from a restrictive system based on credit limitations and rationing to an open system which relies on indirect, market-oriented policies. The main beneficiaries are found to be the banks and those that previously had restricted access to bank credit. Two major remaining problems are the anti-savings biases associated with the generous tax treatment of household interest payments and the cartel-like system used in providing tax-free deposits to households. The paper also challenges the argument that the reform caused a loss of monetary autonomy.
Cyclic AMP-elevating agents block chemoattractant activation of diradylglycerol generation by inhibiting phospholipase D activation.

Abstract Agents which elevate cellular cAMP (prostaglandin E2, theophylline, and forskolin) or mimic cAMP action (dibutyryl cAMP) are known to inhibit human neutrophil activation (superoxide generation and secretion) by receptor-linked agonists such as formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Herein, we show that these agents also markedly inhibit fMLP-stimulated diradylglycerol generation (assayed by mass methods). The magnitude of inhibition correlated with the ability of a given agent or combination of agents to elevate cAMP. Both 1,2-diacylglycerol and 1-O-alkyl,2-acyl glycerol generation were affected. Effects on the latter species, as well as a lack of effect on fMLP-stimulated inositol phosphate release, implied that cAMP affected diradylglycerol generation from a source other than phospholipase C-dependent phosphoinositide hydrolysis, since phosphatidylinositols do not contain appreciable quantities of the 1-O-alkyl linkage. In cells in which the phosphatidylcholine pool was prelabeled using 1-O-[3H]octadecyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, prostaglandin E2 plus theophylline inhibited the fMLP-activated rapid generation of [3H]phosphatidic acid and its subsequent conversion to [3H]diradylglycerol, implying an effect at the level of phospholipase D. In the presence of ethanol, the fMLP-activated transphosphatidylation of [3H]phosphatidylcholine to generate [3H]phosphatidylethanol (a phospholipase D-dependent reaction) was also markedly inhibited. In contrast, when phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was used to activate cells, cAMP-related agents had no effect on phospholipase D activity, diradylglycerol generation, or superoxide generation. The data indicate an inhibitory effect of cyclic AMP on receptor-mediated phospholipase D activation at a site proximal to phospholipase D (e.g., the receptor or G protein). These studies provide a new example of "cross-talk" among signal transduction systems.
Perceptions from Graduates of Professional Athletic Training Programs Involved in Peer-Assisted Learning

Context: Research has not explored how peer-assisted learning (PAL) impacts graduates once they are practicing as athletic trainers. Peer-assisted learning has been used in a variety of health educ...
Small-angle neutron scattering study of the role of feedstock particle size on the microstructural behavior of plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia deposits

The microstructures of thick plasma-sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia (8% mass fraction yttria) deposits were studied in a series of Porod small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and multiple small-angle neutron scattering (MSANS) experiments. Three main void components were identified in the deposits: intrasplat cracks, interlamellar planar pores, and globular pores. The SANS and MSANS measurements were analyzed using the traditional theory for Porod scattering and a recently developed three-component model for MSANS evaluation. The average size, volume fraction, internal surface area, and orientation distribution for each void component within the deposits were determined. This study focused on gaining a better understanding of the effects of initial feedstock particle size and annealing temperatures on the microstructure of deposits sprayed under equivalent particle-impact conditions. Quantitative results are presented for each of four deposit samples: one prepared using the as-received feedstock particle wide-size distribution and three prepared from feedstock powder of different and relatively narrow particle size ranges with average sizes of 32, 47, and 88 μm. Except for the coarse (88 μm) feedstock powder, only mild monotonic variations were found in the microstructural anisotropies, the porosities (13 ± 1%), and the internal surface areas in the as-sprayed deposits. The internal surface area was independent of the feedstock particle size, even with the coarse feedstock. When the deposits were annealed at high temperatures (1100 and 1400 °C), the microstructures were altered with a reduction of the total internal surface area and a mild coarsening of the voids. These changes in the microstructural evolution were well-captured and described by the three-component model. The results were compared and related with those obtained from scanning electron microscopy images and elastic moduli measurements.
Intraductal papillary mucinous tumors and mucinous cystic tumors of the pancreas: imaging.

Most cystic lesions of the pancreas are nonneoplastic and inflammatory in nature. However, approximately 5%–15% of cystic pancreatic masses may be neoplastic. Among the cystic neoplasms are the mucin-producing tumors, both the intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and the mucinous cystic neoplasms. Their imaging features on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assist in the differentiation of these lesions. The imaging findings of both intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and mucinous cystic neoplasm are reviewed with attention to CT and MRI.
Further experiments on bridging of long nerve gaps in monkeys.

SummaryGaps of from 22-32 mm in length in tibial nerves of monkeys were closed by nylon cables embedded in tubulated blood bridges.1,2 The reinnervated muscles regained an average of 85% of their normal weight. The distal regenerated nerve fibers were approximately normal in number, though subnormal in size. There has been no reduction of regenerative power with increased length of the gap in this series as compared to a previous series with shorter gaps.
Hydrophobic Control of Diastereoselectivity in the Synthesis of Double-Chain Surfactant Co(III) Complexes

A series of double-chain surfactant octahedral Co(III) complexes 1−4 has been prepared in both water and 20:1 (v/v) ethanol−water by the reaction of an N-alkylethylenediamine ligand (5) with sodium hexanitrocobaltate(III), followed by the addition of sodium perchlorate or sodium nitrate: trans-dinitro-cisoid-bis(N-alkylethylenediamine)cobalt(III) perchlorate (1) and nitrate (3), and trans-dinitro-transoid-bis(N-alkylethylenediamine)cobalt(III) perchlorate (2) and nitrate (4) (alkyl = hexyl, octyl, decyl, dodecyl, and hexadecyl). The cisoid 1(3)/transoid 2(4) diastereomer ratio increased on going from 20:1 ethanol−water to water, in particular by a factor of approximately 5 for the octyl and dodecyl perchlorate systems and approximately 8 for the hexadecyl perchlorate system. The increase in the relative amount of cisoid 1(3) is attributed to the hydrophobic effect associated with the aggregation of ligand 5 in water.
Correlations of Sense of Humor and Sleep Disturbance Ascribed to Worry

Scores on the Sleep Disturbance Ascribed to Worry Scale were correlated with total scores on the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale and subscale scores. A significant negative correlation of –.22 (p <.01) was found between the sleep disturbance scores and scores on the humor production subscale. Research is required to replicate and extend these findings.
Three types of freedom 1

Freedom interpreted as absence of restraints, as such, is a vacuous ideal. It requires reference to some setting and course of action in order to distinguish those restraints that block human effort from those, say, that support it. More broadly, this notion of freedom has little meaning and less value without some external criterion for evaluating human action and its conditions. Many thinkers have argued that the. criterion must be the absolute Truth — truth that is unconditioned, indubitable, and imperative. They have often argued that there is no freedom of error, and that the many persons who do not know such Truth are free only in obeying the few who do. This concept of freedom is often regarded as intolerable. A third possibility is to interpret freedom as a name for a range of significant alternatives for thought and action. Freedom, here, is compatible with truth interpreted in terms of the process of inquiry, rather than as substantive possession. It is a necessary condition for judging which re...
Catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction by colloidal Ag anchored in perfluorosulfonate resin

Colloidal silver particles were produced and characterized in the perfluorosulfonate membrane, Nafion 120. The size of the particles thus produced exceeds the size of the water clusters in the membrane. The hydrogen evolution reaction in the Cr2+H+ system could be catalyzed by these membrane-anchored catalysts. The rate of this reaction was found to be first order in [Cr2+] and the reaction was found to be mass transport limited. Analysis of the rate of this reaction indicates that only a small fraction of the particles' surface is accessible to the reactants.
A synchronization framework for communication of pre-orchestrated multimedia information

The authors propose a communication and presentation model called XOCPN, which can specify temporal relationships for the presentation of pre-orchestrated multimedia data, and communication requirements for the timely delivery of these data through multiple virtual circuits (MVCs). In particular, XOCPN contains connection set-up for guaranteeing required QoS parameters for efficient delivery of multimedia data, and various grains of stream synchronization (e.g., intra-stream synchronization, inter-object synchronization, and interstream pacing). The source and the destination interact in harmony and carry out different functions embedded in the transmitter and the receiver XOCPNs to accomplish synchronous playout of multimedia data. A protocol architecture and a set of service primitives have been proposed for the realization of the proposed model in a practical environment. Subsequently, the authors present a communication architecture that can be implemented using an ATM-based network, due to its flexibility in handling various types of traffic. >
A Crystalline Complex of a Complementary Nucleoside Pair: Deoxyguanosine and 5-Bromodeoxycytidine

A Crystalline Complex of a Complementary Nucleoside Pair: Deoxyguanosine and 5-Bromodeoxycytidine
PHOTOIONIZATION OF MELANIN PRECURSORS: AN ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE INVESTIGATION USING THE SPIN TRAP 5,5‐DIMETHYL‐1‐PYRROLINE‐1‐OXIDE (DMPO)

The photoionization of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) and catechol has been studied by electron spin resonance spectroscopy using the free radical scavenger 5,5-dimethyI-1-pyrroline-1 -oxide as a spin trap for hydrated electrons and hydrogen atoms. The photochemistry of these materials is shown to resemble tyrosine in that both photoionization and photohomolysis (to give H) occur, with photoionization predominating (by a factor of 2.6 for dopa). Ionization of one of the phenolic hydroxyl groups increases the yield of radicals by a factor of 2. Action spectra and quantum yields for radical production are reported.
Service Life Aging and Heat Exposure Effects on Aluminum Sheet Alloy Properties and Structural Crashworthiness Under Dynamic Axial Loading

An investigation of the service life aging and heat exposure effects on sheet aluminum alloy properties and structural crashworthiness has been conducted. This research, part of a broader program, consists of investigating five aluminum sheet alloys each of which is subjected to four heat treatments. The aluminum sheet alloys investigated are 6111T4PD, 5754-O, 5182-O, 6022T4E29, and 6022T4. The four heat treatments are 177°C for 30 minutes, 200°C for 15 minutes, 200°C for 2 hours, and 200°C for 24 hours. The 200°C/24 hours treatment simulates the most severe thermal exposure i.e. components adjacent to exhaust pipes and manifolds. All 200°C heat treatments are in addition to the 177°C for 30 minutes. All specimens were subjected to the reference 177°C for 30 minutes treatment. Aluminum rails of hexagonal cross-section were formed for the twenty combinations of aluminum sheet alloys and heat exposures. These twenty formed aluminum rails were then bonded and riveted using Betamate 4601 adhesive and Henrob K50742 self-piercing rivets. Once assembled, these twenty rails were subjected to dynamic axial crushing at a speed of 40 kph (25 mph). Force-Time data was collected and responses were plotted for all tests. Force-Displacement responses were then integrated for the crush energy management and mean axial crush load for each of the aluminum sheet rails. Bar charts were generated to describe the crash loads and energy management behaviors of the various aluminum alloys and associated heat treatments. Service life simulated heat exposure was found to affect the mean crash load and crash energy management of the aluminum structural crash members. The heat exposure effects on the crashworthiness of the sheet aluminum members ranged from a reduction of [−21.6%] to an increase of [+6.8%] in the mean crash load and crash energy management with higher variation observed in the “T4” tempered aluminum alloys.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Polymorphism in fowl serum albumin. I. Characterization of two genetic variants of fowl serum albumin and definition of peptide differences.

Abstract 1. 1. Two electrophoretically distinct serum albumin phenotypes, from highly inbred fowl, were isolated by high polymer fractionation and characterized physically and chemically. 2. 2. Each form contained alanine and aspartic acid as C-terminal and N-terminal amino acid residues respectively. There were no significant differences between the two in such physical parameters as sedimentation coefficient, diffusion coefficient, refractive index, viscosity or optical rotatory dispersion. 3. 3. The primary structures were studied by tryptic hydrolysis followed by peptide isolation by Sephadex G-10 gel filtration, two-dimensional finger-printing and paper electrophoresis. The structural difference between the two variants was identified as a lysine-neutral amino acid substitution by amino acid analyses of the isolated peptides.
Excited state dynamics of C2O(A 3Πi)

The fluorescence decay and bimolecular electronic quenching behavior of C2O (A 3Πi) is reported. C2O(X3Σ−) is produced by laser photolysis of C3O2 at 266 nm and is subsequently excited by a tunable flashlamp pumped dye laser. The fluorescence decay is highly nonexponential and dominated by both short (≈ 15 μs) and long (50–250 μs) decay components. The long-lived emission, itself, is nonexponential. The fluorescence decay is modeled as the sum of three exponential components. The short-lived emission is quenched by C3O2 at higher than the gas kinetic rate while the long-lived fluorescence is quenched much less efficiently. Fluorescence quenching measurements are also reported for collisions with Ar, N2 and O2.
The moderating effect of aggressive problem behaviors in the generation of more positive attitudes toward nursing home residents

This study examined the ability of a social history intervention to generate more positive attitudes toward nursing home patients, and to increase staff members' perceived rewards of care-giving. In contrast to prior studies, residents' problem behaviors were examined as potential moderators in the relationship. Forty-three staff members participated in an experimental, 3 (informational condition: social history, medical, control) × 2 (time: pre-test, post-test) within-subjects factorial design that employed newly admitted residents as target patients. Findings showed that the social history intervention alone did not generate more positive attitudes toward patients or greater rewards of care-giving. Although a larger proportion of target patients manifested other problem behaviors with greater frequently, only aggressive problem behavior was associated with more negative attitudes toward patients. A post-hoc analysis revealed that after statistically controlling for the impact of patients' aggressive beh...
The relation between surface rock-fragment cover and semiarid hillslope profile morphology

Abstract Rock-fragment covers veneer hillslopes in many parts of the world and influence the operation of hydrologic and geomorphic processes on those surfaces. The purpose of this investigation was the examine the spatial variability of rock-fragment cover on morphological units of hillslopes in southeastern Arizona, U.S.A. Simple statistical models, based upon hillslope gradient as well as a soil-slope factor (SSF) were developed and validated for the estimation of percent rock-fragment covers (RFc) on these units. Although reasonably accurate estimates were made using either hillslope gradient or the SSF, it appears more efficient to utilize hillslope gradient alone. Likewise, reasonably accurate estimates of RFc can be made using either a composite model for the entire hillslope or unit-specific models; however, it appears more efficient to utilize the gradient composite model.
A basis set superposition error from inadequate representation of the 1s core orbital in second-row elements

Abstract Within the HF molecule, basis set superposition error (BSSE) at the SCF level, due to improvement of the F 1s orbital by the orbital(s) on H, is examined using a frozen core technique. Both minimal and extended bases are used, and the effects of polarization functions are also tested. For atoms in the second row it is concluded that intramolecular BSSE due to basis set extension of core orbitals can be significant and can be controlled by freezing the 1s orbitals.
A CONNEXION BETWEEN S-S BOND BREAKAGE AND INACTIVATION BY RADIATION OF A DRY ENZYME

IT has previously been established that the inactivation of a dry enzyme by ionizing radiation requires an ionization either within the enzyme molecule or very close to it1. It is known that the radiosensitivity can be varied by a factor of the order of magnitude of 2 by temperature2, oxygen tension3, and materials which surround the enzyme molecule in the dry state4. The mechanism for the inactivation is unknown.
Forage Yield and Persistence of Chicory and English Plantain

Graziers in the northeast USA often face forage shortages in midsummer. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) have been introduced in the USA as sumer-active perennial herbs for pastures. We conducted two experiments at Rock Springs, PA, to evaluate chicory and plantain for yield and persistence under dipping. 'Grasslands Puna', 'Lacerta', and 'Forage Feast' chicory, and 'Ceres Tonic' and 'Grasslands Lancelot' plantain were sown in field plots in May 1997 (Exp. 1) and 1999 (Exp. 2). Plots were cut every 3 or 5 wk in 1998 and 1999 in Exp. 1 and every 4 wk during 2000 and 2001 in Exp. 2. Dry matter yield was determined at each harvest. Stand densities were determined in each experiment. Forage Feast chicory yielded 25% less than Puna (6000 vs. 8100 kg dry matter ha -1 ; P 0.05) in 1999 and 2000. Lacerta chicory yielded 9 to 16% less than Puna and Forage Feast in Exp. 2. Forage Feast and Puna chicory had 20 to 50% stand loss in Exp. 1 and 40 to 60 % stand loss in Exp. 2. Lacerta chicory lost 80% of the stand during Exp. 2. The plantain cultivars yielded 6 to 14% less dry matter than Puna chicory in 1998 and 33 to 39% less in 2000. Both plantain cultivars, however, suffered a nearly complete loss of plants during the second winter after establishment in both experiments. Ceres Tonic and Lancelot plantain are not suited for the northeastern USA.
Factors influencing the induction of sister chromatid exchanges in mammalian cells by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate

The induction of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was measured in mouse 10T1/2 and 3T3 cells released from density; inhibition, and Chinese hamster CHO cells synchronized by mitotic selection. The induced frequency of SCE was similar in each cell type, but depended upon the concentration of TPA employed, its source, and the particular lot from the same source. Most SCE occurred in the first two rounds of cell replication after addition of TPA. The induction of SCE by TPA was markedly suppressed if the fetal calf serum in the incubation medium was not heat-inactivated. The addition of superoxide dismutase to medium with heat-inactivated serum also suppressed the induction of SCE. These results suggest that free radicals, particularly the superoxide anion, may be important intermediates in some of the biologic effects of TPA.
The emperor's new makeup: Cool cynicism and popular music criticism

This is an electronic version of an article published in Popular Music and Society 23.1 (1999): 51-73. Popular Music and Society is available online at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/.
The application of two‐dimensional correlation spectroscopy to surface and interfacial analysis

Generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D COS) is a modern analytical tool that is increasingly being used in the interpretation of complex spectra that have broad, multiply overlapped spectral features. Besides functioning as a spectral resolution–enhancement tool similar to curvefitting or deconvolution, 2D COS possesses an additional advantage in that it is capable of discerning temporal relationships between intensity variations within a set of spectra. Infrared reflection-absorbance spectroscopy (IRRAS) at the air–water interface has been a very useful technique in studying the structure of biologically relevant molecules and the interaction between components of biological membranes in an environment close to what is found in nature. To better understand interfacial bio-mimetic structure, 2D COS can be applied to the IRRAS spectra to analyze changes in infrared intensities as a function of an environmental perturbation such as a change in temperature or surface pressure. To overcome some of the inherent limitations of the generalized 2D method, model-based approaches such as bn -a ndkn-correlation analyses and the global 2D phase angle method were developed. This review discusses some of the recent applications of these novel methods to Langmuir monolayers of phospholipids and proteins at the air–water interface and Langmuir–Blodgett polymer films. Copyright  2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Settling Behavior of Alumina Dispersions and Resultant Green Body Characteristics: Solvent, Binder, and Dispersant Competition in Model Systems

The chemical functionality of binders, dispersants, and solvents will influence competitive adsorption/desorption behavior on alumina powder, and hence will affect both slurry and ultimate green tape properties. Given that multiple competitive interactions are common to most dispersions, it is usually difficult to ascertain mechanisms from simple settling density experiments. However, this problem can be partially overcome with the choice of model systems that minimize the number of competitive processes. This criterion is met to a first approximation with a model system of toluene solvent, polystyrene binder, and a C8 aliphatic dispersant with an anchor group of variable functionality. Plateau adsorption concentrations from settling experiments in toluene show that surface coverage for efficient dispersants is typically achieved at about 6μmoles/m2. Less efficient dispersants adsorb at higher plateau concentrations, and are eventually displaced after repeated washing steps in toluene. The settling densities of dispersions prepared with C8 dispersants are consistently higher than densities achieved in toluene alone, and as seen in a case study with n-octylsilane, the settling densities are independent of the presence of polystyrene. Green bodies cast from a polystyrene/Al2O3 slurry also show increased densities in the presence of n-octylsilane dispersant. However, despite the apparent low levels of interaction between polystyrene and n-octylsilane in the dispersion state, solid state NMR and dynamic mechanical results show that the solid state molecular motional behavior of polystyrene is strongly affected by the presence of n-octylsilane dispersant.
Response of the desert shrub Krameria parvifolia after ten years of chronic gamma irradiation

A northern Mojave Desert shrub community was irradiated by a 137Cs source for a ten-year period. Leaf and fruit production, cover, and percent live stem of Krameria parvifolia shrubs were found to respond significantly to a radiation gradient with exposure rates ranging from 0·1 to 10 R/day. Fruit and leaf production were greatly reduced at exposures over 6 R/day. Above 7 R/day 16% of the shrubs were dead compared to 1·2% in a non-irradiated area. Reduced cover, density and live stem values indicate a trend toward a lower status of Krameria in the community at cumulative exposures above 25 kR. Observations indicate that an equilibrium in response to irradiation has not yet occurred. Radiosensitivity of K. parvifolia is attributed in part to its phenology.
Myosin head orientation and mobility during isometric contraction: effects of osmotic compression.

We have correlated the mobility and the generation of force of myosin heads by applying radial compression to isometrically contracting muscle fibers. Osmotic pressure was produced by dextran T-500, and its effect on the orientation and mobility of myosin heads labeled with N-(1-oxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-4-pyperidinyl)maleimide was observed by conventional and saturation-transfer electron paramagnetic resonance methods. A biphasic behavior is spectral changes coinciding with the tension dependence was observed as the fibers were compressed. At diameters above the equilibrium spacing, the large myosin head disorder characteristic during contraction in the absence of compression was largely maintained, whereas the mobility decreased threefold, from tauR approximately 25 microseconds to approximately 80–90 microseconds. The inhibition of fast microsecond motions was not accompanied by tension loss, implying that these motions are not necessary for force generation. At diameters below the equilibrium spacing, both the disorder and the mobility decreased dramatically in parallel with the tension inhibition, suggesting that slower microsecond motions and the disorder of the myosin head are necessary for muscle function.
Distributed analytics for steady state operation of autonomous microgrids

It has often been argued that microgrids that predominantly contain customer-owned generation (co-gen) should have autonomous control, i.e., their operation, even in grid-connected mode, should not be controlled by the utility providing the point of common coupling (PCC). Some of the control strategies proposed in recent literature rely on distributed control platforms, such as multi-agent systems (MAS). The analytics, i.e., computational and decision-making processes, that occur on these distributed computation platforms are fundamentally different from those that are performed in traditional control centers. This is due partly to the difference in the computation platforms and partly to the fact that microgrids are dynamic in configuration. This paper describes current research in the application of graph-theoretic and distributed computation concepts toward the development of analytics, such as load balancing and optimal operation, that can be implemented on a distributed platform, for the steady state operation of microgrids.
Relationships among black families' cardiovascular disease risk factors

Abstract Background. As participants in the District of Columbia Studies of Children's Activity and Nutrition (D.C. SCAN), 262 black mothers and two of each mother's children (3–4 and 8–10 years of age) were measured in their homes for selected cardiovascular disease risk factors: serum total cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, height and weight for body mass index, fitness (sum of pulses), activity, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Results. For each measure, mothers in the highest quartile were more likely to have children who were also in the highest quartile, and mothers in the lowest quartile were more likely to have children who were in the lowest quartile. For the physiological measures, (with the exception of systolic blood pressure), correlations tended to be stronger between the siblings than between the younger child and the mother, and older siblings' physiological measures contributed to the prediction of younger siblings' physiological measures after controlling for mothers' physiological measures. Relationships between family cardiovascular disease risk factor history and children's serum total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure on the mother's side were more likely to be related to levels among the female but not the male children and vice versa. When personal characteristics were controlled for, the family's cardiovascular disease history was related more strongly to the younger than to the older sibling's systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. Conclusions. Results tend to substantiate the importance of screening and counseling other family members, especially a child of the same gender as the parent with a cardiovascular disease or an elevated risk factor level.
Ovarian hilar epidermoid cysts. Case reports

Les auteurs rapportent deux cas d'enfants mort-nes chez qui on a decouvert a l'autopsie des kystes epidermoides ovariens. Ces kystes peuvent survenir par metaplasie squameuse: soit des restes epitheliaux cœlomiques (kystes sous-corticaux et medullaires), soit des reliquats des tubes mesonephriques (kystes hilaires et ceux du ligament large)
Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Clostridium difficile colitis.

Sirs, The most common cause of diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children in North America is Escherichia coli type O 157 H 7 infection [1]. While there are some reports of other organisms being isolated from fecal samples of children with diarrheal HUS, such as viruses [2], salmonella [3], and campylobacter [4], a causal role for these agents in the pathogenesis of HUS has not been convincingly demonstrated. Serological studies in some children thought to have nonE. coli -related HUS have shown a specific immune response to the E. coli O 157 H 7 lipopolysaccharide, indicating a coinfection with the verotoxin-producing E. coli [5]. We recently encountered an 11-year-old child with Clostridium difficile colitis who developed HUS. This young man was admitted with a 5-day history of severe cramping abdominal pain, emesis, and bloody diarrhea. Within 2 days of admission, his hemoglobin and platelet counts dropped, he developed oliguric renal failure, and had evidence of shistocytes on his peripheral blood smear. There was no laboratory evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. A stool culture (using the sorbitol MacConkey agar for E. coli detection) on admission (5 days into his illness) was positive only for C. difficile, with no detection of E. coli O 157 H7. Due to this atypical finding, a renal biopsy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of HUS. A subsequent stool test for shiga toxin (by ELISA) was negative. This child was managed conservatively with fluid restriction, the use of diuretics and anti-hypertensive medications, and was able to avoid dialysis. HUS has been previously reported in association with C. difficile colitis and pseudomembranous colitis [6]. However, in these children fecal samples were not evaluated for the presence of shiga-like toxin, which can be produced by non-O 157 H7 strains of E. coli and result in HUS. Although we did not evaluate our patient for the presence of antibodies to E. coli, the sensitivity of the combined stool studies for detecting HUS-causing E. coli (ELISA and culture) is reported to be very high [7], making E. coli an unlikely co-pathogen. We would definitely recommend adding C. difficile to the list of proven causes of diarrheal HUS in children, and suggest that testing for this pathogen be considered, at least in children with HUS and negative stool studies for E. coli.
Extracting buried twists with polarized neutron reflectometry

Polarized neutron reflectometry can extract the depth-dependent magnetization of thin-film magnets more precisely than other techniques, which are limited to a measurement of the average moment or the moment at the surface. Measuring the reflectivity first with neutrons glancing off the front surface and again with neutrons glancing off the back surface yields eight spin cross sections instead of the usual four. Differences in the front and back reflectivities indicate the presence of magnetic twists in the sample. We have applied this method, as well as the more conventional front-surface-only reflectometry, to study a soft ferromagnet exchange-coupled to a hard ferromagnet in fields from 5 to 50 mT.
Understanding racial differences in colorectal cancer aids in individualized medicine.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in both men and women. It affects all racial and ethnic groups, and is commonly found in people aged 50 years or older. Most deaths result from the effects of persistent disease. In the USA, there are racial differences, more specifically, African–Americans have the highest incidence and mortality rates among all ethnic groups in the USA [1]. Furthermore, incidence and mortality rates among Caucasians have been steadily declining, whereas rates among African–Americans have only started a gradual decline in recent years [1]. Race is defined as a continuously evolving social construct used to categorize individuals into groups that have typically been based on physical characteristics (e.g., skin color, hair texture or other distinctive characteristics) of an individual or his/her ancestors. Ethnicity refers to cultural groups that have typically been defined by a common language, religion, nationality or heritage. Socioeconomic differences, increased exposure and susceptibility to dietary carcinogens and potentially harmful substances, such as tobacco smoke and alcohol, variability in clinicopathological characteristics, and inadequate detection and medical care are the primary factors that have been hypothesized to contribute to racial/ethnic disparity in clinical outcomes of CRC [2–8].
Mitt Romney’s Racist Appeals : How Race Was Played in the 2012 Presidential Election

This article identifies a marked difference in the type of race-based appeals that dominated Barack Obama’s presidential reelection contest in 2012 from his inaugural campaign in 2008. Racist appeals by Mitt Romney and the right in 2012 supplanted the racial appeals by Obama and the left in 2008. We focus our attention on a particularly salient form of racist appeal, one based on the long-standing stereotypes of black laziness and taking advantage. Specifically, we outline the historical underpinnings of these stereotypes. We then demonstrate how Romney and the right wove these underlying stereotypes into a seamless racist narrative—through political advertisements, online messaging, political speeches and debate statements—beginning with the Republican primary and continuing through the general election.
Some Observations on Uncertainties and the Verification and Validation of a Simulation

The objectives are to clarify the ideas in a previously published quantitative verification and validation (VV to suggest a new viewpoint (and nomenclature) for assessment of the results of VV and to discuss an inherent ambiguity in the interpretation of results of grid refinement studies that are used in verification approaches
Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular oxidative alkylation of 4-pentenyl β-dicarbonyl compounds

Reaction of 8-nonene-2,4-dione with a catalytic amount of [PdCl2(CH3CN)2] (2; 5 mol %) and a stoichiometric amount of CuCl2 (2.5 equiv) at room temperature for 3 h led to oxidative alkylation and formation of 2-acetyl-3-methyl-2-cyclohexenone in 80 % isolated yield. The oxidative alkylation of 4-pentenyl beta-diketones tolerated a number of terminal acyl groups and substitution at the C1 and C3 carbon atoms of the 4-pentenyl chain. Likewise, 4-pentenyl beta-keto esters that possessed geminal disubstitution at the C1, C2, or C3 carbon atom of the 4-pentenyl chain cyclized to form 2-carboalkoxy-2-cyclohexenones in moderate to good yield as the exclusive cyclized product. Deuterium-labeling experiments provided information regarding the mechanism of the palladium-catalyzed oxidative alkylation of 4-pentenyl beta-dicarbonyl compounds.
A portable and compact near-infrared spectral tomography system for predicting breast tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

A portable hybrid frequency domain (FD)-continuous wave (CW) Near-Infrared spectroscopy NIRS system has been developed for quantifying changes in total hemoglobin, oxygen saturation and water content in the breast during neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Simultaneous acquisition of two sets of 3 FD channels and 3 CW channels could be completed within 1 min. System calibration and homogeneous phantom measurement show phase variation less than 3% when PMT gain from 0.7 to 1.1 was used. The study of integrating this system into the workflow of clinical oncology practice is ongoing.
Similarity parameters from first-order closure and data

A two-layer, first-order closure model for the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) is developed with the objective of parameterizing the surface stress with respect to the synoptic scale. The model includes stability effects by considering stratification-dependent secondary flow in the outer layer and empirical corrections to the surface layer flow. It shows the compatibility of simple eddy viscosity closure solutions with similarity theory by producing the now well-known Rossby similarity equations. It allows further insight into the Rossby similarity parameters by relating them to a single similarity parameter which is the ratio of the characteristic scales of the PBL and the surface layer. The measured and derived values of the similarity parameters A and B are compared with AIDJEX data and other published values. The variation in these values in stably stratified conditions is predicted and two alternate similarity parameters are calculated, one a constant and the other with a small variation and decreasing influence on the drag coefficient in stable stratification. The result is an empirical resistance law for a geostrophic drag coefficient variation which parameterizes an observed order-of-magnitude change in surface stress with changes in roughness or PBL stratification. This variation is related to similarity parameters characteristic of the region and to measurable changes in the geostrophic departure angle.
Cholecystitis of a duplicated gallbladder complicated by a cholecystoenteric fistula

Gallbladder duplications are uncommon anatomic variants that are sometimes mistaken for other entities on imaging. We present a surgically confirmed case of cholecystitis in a ductular-type duplicated gallbladder complicated by the formation of an inflammatory fistula to the adjacent duodenum. Both US and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were performed preoperatively, in addition to intraoperative cholangiography, which confirmed the presence of a duplicated gallbladder.
Sangiran 5, (“Pithecanthropus dubius”), homo erectus, “Meganthropus,” or Pongo?

There are now eleven known mandibular remains from the Lower and Middle Pleistocene of Java, all but one being from the Sangiran site. All of these have been assigned toHomo erectus by most workers, while others have suggested as many as four different hominoid taxa. The author finds that the jaws cannot be a homogeneous sample. Morphologically, they are a mixture of undoubtedH. erectus, “H. meganthropus,” and possibly a pongid. If the jaws are allH. erectus then they have a sexual dimorphism exceeding that of modern gorillas. The case of“Pithecanthropus dubius” (Sangiran 5) is even less certain; even its hominid status is disputed. If it is indeedHomo it must be placed with the other“H. meganthropus” specimens. Its size and morphology are well beyond the known range anyH. erectus.
5-HT3 receptor-active drugs alter development of spinal serotonergic innervation: lack of effect of other serotonergic agents.

Our work has focused on identifying the type of serotonin receptor through which serotonin acts as a developmental signal in the central nervous system. Previously, we have found that the regulation of development of ascending serotonergic neurons is through the balance of two serotonin receptors. One, the 5-HT1a receptor, releases a growth factor from astroglial cells. The other receptor is related to a release-regulating autoreceptor and can be stimulated indirectly by serotonin releasers such as fenfluramine. In the present study, we examined the receptors which regulate development of the descending neurons by treating pregnant rats with selective serotonergic drugs, from gestation day 12 until birth. Pups were subsequently tested for alterations in development by nociceptive testing (tail-flick latency) and by determining the binding of3H-paroxetine, an indicator of serotonin terminal density, in spinal cord. Our results show that agents stimulating the 5-HT1a receptor (8-OH-DPAT) or the 5-HT1b receptor (TFMPP) or substances which release serotonin (fenfluramine) had no effect on the development of spinal serotonergic pathways. However, agents acting on the 5-HT3 receptor did — the agonist phenylbiguanide (PG) increased latency on tail-flick testing (postnatal days 10 and 30), while the antagonist, MDL 72222, decreased latency (postnatal days 10 and 18). Interestingly, both the agonist and the antagonist significantly increased3H-paroxetine binding on postnatal day 18. Our results are discussed in terms of a possible mechanism by which 5-HT3 receptors may influence development.