cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of primary cancers in association with multiple myeloma and Kaposi's sarcoma in the United States, 1973-1995.

The causes of multiple myeloma (MM) are obscure, but a laboratory association was recently reported between MM and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), the probable etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Although there has been some additional laboratory corroboration, most laboratory studies have found no association between MM and HHV-8. We looked for indirect evidence of an HHV-8/MM association by evaluating whether MM is associated with KS in the United States. Cancer incidence and survival data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program for the years 1973-1995. Strength of association was assessed for a number of cancer pairs using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) (observed/expected double cancers). KS was strongly associated (SIR > 15) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and anal cancer, was modestly associated (2.5 < SIR < 5.5) with MM, Hodgkin's disease, and testicular cancer and was not significantly associated with 6 other cancers. Besides being associated with KS, MM was weakly associated (1.7 < SIR < 2.3) with Hodgkin's disease and testicular cancer. The SIRs for 7 other cancers paired with MM were all less than 1.6. Factors that might be responsible for the KS/MM association include MM-related immune dysfunction, HIV and HHV-8, but the role of these factors cannot be directly assessed through the SEER database. Although we cannot rule out the possibility that HHV-8 is linked to a small proportion of MM cases, the modest KS/MM association is evidence that the vast majority of MM cases are not likely to be associated with HHV-8.
Effectiveness and Complications Associated With 2 Vasectomy Occlusion Techniques

Purpose: We compared the effectiveness and complications associated with 2 common vasectomy occlusion techniques, namely clipping and excision of a small vas segment and thermal cautery with fascial interposition and an open testicular end. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the computerized records of 3,761 men who underwent initial vasectomy at a single university hospital family planning clinic and at 2 private clinics in the Quebec City, Canada area, including concurrent and historical controls. All procedures were performed by 1 surgeon, who used the scalpel-free technique to expose the vas. Results: The risk of vas occlusion failure in men with at least 1 semen analysis was much greater in the clipping and excision group than in the cautery, interposition and open testicular end group (126 of 1,453 or 8.7% versus 3 of 1,165 or 0.3%, OR 37, 95% CI 12 to 116). Medical consultations for hematoma or infection were more frequent in the cautery group (28 of 1,721 cases or 1.6% versus 10 of 2,040 or 0.5%, OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.9). Consultations for noninfectious pain were similar for the 2 techniques (71 of 1,721 cases or 4.1% versus 72 of 2,040 or 3.5%, OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8 to 1.6). Conclusions: Cautery and interposition with an open testicular end are much more effective than clipping and excision. The effectiveness and morbidity associated with the components of the cautery, interposition and open testicular end technique need further evaluation.
Uterine blood flow, pH, and pCO2 during nidation in the guinea pig: ovarian regulation.

The regulation of uterine blood flow (UBF), intrauterine pH (IUpH), and carbon dioxide levels (IUpCO2) by ovarian steroids during the nidatory period was examined in the guinea pig to determine if changes in the intrauterine environment are associated with cyclic changes in ovarian function. Between days 4 and 8 (day 0 = ovulation) of pregnancy, guinea pigs were prepared for the simultaneous in situ measurement of UBF, IUpH, and IUpCO2, and the changes in these parameters were compared to serum levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). The same parameters were evaluated in ovariecto-mized guinea pigs treated with oil, 1 or 10 μg E2, 2 mg P, or 1 μg E2 plus 2 mg P (P2E1). UBF rose between days 4 and 5 to peak at the expected time of nidation on day 6 before declining to basal levels by day 8. Similar fluctuations were observed in IUpCO2 and serum E2 levels, while IUpH fluctuated in a manner opposite to that of IUpCO2 levels. Serum P levels remained constant between days 4 and 8. Both P and E2 trea...
Optimal feedback control laws by Legendre pseudospectral approximations

We develop state feedback control laws for linear time-varying systems with quadratic cost criteria by an indirect Legendre pseudo-spectral method. This method approximates the linear two-point boundary value problem to a system of algebraic equations by way of a differentiation matrix. The algebraic system is solved to generate discrete linear transformations between the states and controls at the Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto points. Since these linear transformations involve simple matrix operations, they can be computed rapidly and efficiently. Two methods are proposed: one that circumvents solving the differential Riccati equation by a discrete solution of the boundary value problem, and the other generates a predictor feedback law without the use of transition matrices. Thus, our methods obviate the need for solving the time-intensive backward integration of the matrix Riccati differential equation or inverting ill-conditioned transition matrices. A numerical example illustrates the techniques and demonstrates the accuracy and efficiency of these controllers.
Teaching the universals of politeness

This paper argues that research invoking Brown and Levinson's theory of politeness in order to determine ‘rules of politeness’ should not form the basis of the teaching of ‘politeness phenomena’ in foreign and second language pedagogy. Rather, a refocusing is called for which views politeness as appropriateness. Such a view has implications for the foreign and second language classroom that centre on cultural awareness-raising.
Unsupervised Ontology Induction from Text

Extracting knowledge from unstructured text is a long-standing goal of NLP. Although learning approaches to many of its subtasks have been developed (e.g., parsing, taxonomy induction, information extraction), all end-to-end solutions to date require heavy supervision and/or manual engineering, limiting their scope and scalability. We present OntoUSP, a system that induces and populates a probabilistic ontology using only dependency-parsed text as input. OntoUSP builds on the USP unsupervised semantic parser by jointly forming ISA and IS-PART hierarchies of lambda-form clusters. The ISA hierarchy allows more general knowledge to be learned, and the use of smoothing for parameter estimation. We evaluate OntoUSP by using it to extract a knowledge base from biomedical abstracts and answer questions. OntoUSP improves on the recall of USP by 47% and greatly outperforms previous state-of-the-art approaches.
Photoelectron emission from small spherical particles.

Photoemission yields (photoelectrons/photon absorbed) are investigated for small spheres (radius a) whose dimensions are comparable with the length from which the photoelectrons are thought to be ejected and with the wavelength λ of the incident light. These yields can be greater than for the usual plane surfaces by a factor of 2 or more, especially when 2πα⪝λ. If interstellar dust grains are as small (α ≈ 102 A) as suggested by some recent investigations, their photoemission yield will be enhanced over laboratory measurements by this factor.
Genetic linkage of region containing the CREB1 gene to depressive disorders in families with recurrent, early-onset, major depression: A re-analysis and confirmation of sex-specific effect

A previously published model-free linkage analysis of chromosome 2q33–35, highlighted by previous case–control studies and supported by within-family analyses employing the transmission disequilibrium test, revealed evidence of sex-specific linkage of the CREB1-containing region of 2q to unipolar mood disorders among women in 81 recurrent, early-onset, major depressive disorder (RE-MDD) families. Since it has been reported that the LODPAL program from S.A.G.E. v.4.0 used to conduct this previous linkage analysis suffers from an increased type I error rate that is exacerbated by covariates such as sex, we re-analyzed the evidence for this sex-specific linkage result using a simulation approach to estimate the empirical significance of our previous results. The results continue to support sex-specific linkage of the CREB1 region to mood disorders among women from families with RE-MDD. Moreover, these results have been supported by a host of additional published findings that implicate sequence variations in CREB1 in the sex-dependent development of syndromic mood disorders, as well as related clinical features and disorders. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Layered Nanoprobe for Long‐Lasting Fluorescent Cell Label

A long-lasting particle-based fluorescent label is designed for extended cell imaging studies. This onion-like nanoprobe is constructed through layer-by-layer fabrication technology. The nanoprobes are assembled with multiple layers of optically quenched polyelectrolytes, the fluorescence signal of which can be released later by intracellular proteolysis. Upon incubation with cells, the assembled nanoprobes are taken up efficiently. The tight packing and layered assembly of the quenched polyelectrolytes slow subsequent intracellular degradation, and then result in a prolonged intracellular fluorescence signal for up to 3 weeks with no noticeable toxicity.
Autocratic Audience Costs: Regime Type and Signaling Resolve

Scholars of international relations usually argue that democracies are better able to signal their foreign policy intentions than nondemocracies, in part because democracies have an advantage in generating audience costs that make back- ing down in international crises costly to the leader+ This article argues that the conventional hypothesis underestimates the extent to which nondemocratic leaders can be held accountable domestically, allowing them to generate audience costs+ First, I identify three factors contributing to audience costs: whether domestic polit- ical groups can and will coordinate to punish the leader; whether the audience views backing down negatively; and whether outsiders can observe the possibility of domes- tic sanctions for backing down+ The logic predicts that democracies should have no audience costs advantage over autocracies when elites can solve their coordination dilemma, and the possibility of coordination is observable to foreign decision mak- ers+ Empirical tests show that democracies do not in fact have a significant signal- ing advantage over most autocracies+ This finding has important implications for understanding the relationship between regime type and international relations+
Bone and shell contribution to lactic acid buffering of submerged turtles Chrysemys picta bellii at 3°C

To evaluate shell and bone buffering of lactic acid during acidosis at 3°C, turtles were submerged in anoxic or aerated water and tested at intervals for blood acid-base status and plasma ions and for bone and shell percent water, percent ash, and concentrations of lactate, Ca2+, Mg2+, Pi, Na+, and K+. After 125 days, plasma lactate concentration rose from 1.6 ± 0.2 mM (mean ± SE) to 155.2 ± 10.8 mM in the anoxic group but only to 25.2 ± 6.4 mM in the aerated group. The acid-base state of the normoxic animals was stable after 25 days of submergence. Plasma calcium concentration ([Ca2+]) rose during anoxia from 3.2 ± 0.2 to 46.0 ± 0.6 mM and [Mg2+] from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 12.2 ± 0.6 mM. Both shell and bone accumulated lactate to concentrations of 135.6 ± 35.2 and 163.6 ± 5.1 mmol/kg wet wt, respectively, after 125 days anoxia. Shell and bone [Na+] both fell during anoxia but the fate of this Na+ is uncertain because plasma [Na+] also fell. No other shell ions changed significantly in concentration, although the ...
Mechanical and thermal properties of bio-based CaCO3/soybean-based hybrid unsaturated polyester nanocomposites

Bio-based calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3) were synthesized via size reduction of eggshell powder using mechanical attrition followed by high intensity ultrasonic irradiation. The transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and BET surface area measurements show that these particles are less than 10 nm in size and a surface area of ∼44 m2/g. Bio-based nanocomposites were fabricated by infusion of different weight fractions of as-prepared CaCO3 nanoparticles into Polylite® 31325-00 resin system using a non-contact Thinky® mixing method. As-prepared bio-nanocomposites were characterized for their thermal and mechanical properties. TEM studies showed that the particles were well dispersed over the entire volume of the matrix. Thermal analyses indicated that the bio-nanocomposites are thermally more stable than the corresponding neat systems. Nanocomposite with 2% by weight loading of bio-CaCO3 nanoparticles exhibited an 18°C increase in the glass transition temperature over the neat Polylite 31325 system. Mechanical tests have been carried out for both bio-nanocomposites and neat resin systems. The compression test results of the 2% Bio-CaCO3/Polylite 31325 nanocomposite showed an improvement of 14% and 27% in compressive strength and modulus respectively compared with the neat system. Details of the fabrication procedure and thermal and mechanical characterizations are presented in this article. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1442–1452, 2013
Toward a Multicultural Ecology

The debate between realists and constructivists has polarized environmental scholarship in recent years. Situating this debate within the longstanding modernist tradition of categorically distinguishing “nature” from “culture,” and the natural sciences from the social sciences and humanities, this article suggests that we need to find a non-dualistic space for rethinking cultural-ecological relations. Such a space has been articulated by actor-network theory (ANT), but this theory leaves significant gaps in its understanding of agency and of macro forces. To fill in these gaps, the author draws on perspectives that theorize perception and agency as embodied, animate, and ecologically embedded and that theorize macro forces as discursively shaped and causally multidirectional and multiscalar. The author proposes the concept of multicultural ecology as a way of articulating the indivisibility of nature and culture and the multiplicity of cultural-ecological practices, and suggests a normative dimension by w...
Self-Replicating Space-Cells and the Cosmological Constant

We consider what the implications would be if there were a discrete fundamental model of physics based on locally-finite self-interacting information, in which there is no presumption of the familiar space and laws of physics, but from which such space and laws can nevertheless be shown to be able to emerge stably from such a fundamental model. We argue that if there is such a model, then the familiar laws of physics, including Standard Model constants, etc., must be encodable by a finite quantity C, called the complexity, of self-interacting information I, called a Space-Cell. Copies of Space-Cell I must be distributed throughout space, at a roughly constant and near-Planck density, and copies must be created or destroyed as space expands or contracts. We then argue that each Space-Cell is a self-replicator that can duplicate in times ranging from as fast as near-Planck-times to as slow as Cosmological-Constant-time which is 10 61 Planck-times. From standard considerations of computation, we argue this slowest duplication rate just requires that 10 61 is less than about 2 C , the number of length-C binary strings, hence requiring only the modest complexity C at least 203, and at most a few thousand. We claim this provides a reasonable explanation for a dimensionless constant being as large as 10 61 , and hence for the Cosmological Constant being a tiny positive 10 122 . We also discuss a separate conjecture on entropy flow in Hole-Bang Transitions. We then present Cosmological Natural Selection II.
Submacroblock motion compensation for fast down-scale transcoding of compressed video

For downscale (spatial resolution reduction) video transcoding, previous work has shown that motion vectors in the input video can be reused so that the costly motion estimation process can be avoided. Since the derived motion vectors may not be perfectly aligned with the input ones, a drift compensation loop consisting of inverse transform and motion compensation (or transform domain motion compensation) modules is required. However, the motion compensation is always performed based on macroblocks in the full resolution, which makes the full-resolution drift compensation inevitable. This fact renders the drift compensation loop as the next computational bottleneck. Through analytical modeling of the transcoding architectures, we propose a new architecture that employees a submacroblock motion compensation method. This method enables the drift compensation loop to be performed entirely in the reduced resolution. In addition, the memory space required for the architecture is significantly reduced since the full-resolution frame buffers are no longer required. Extensive analysis and experiments show that the proposed system achieves further reduction in computing load comparing to prior systems with minimum quality degradation.
Application of Markov random fields to formant extraction

The theory of Markov random fields (MRFs) is used to extract formants from linear predictive coding (LPC) pole locations. In this model, the spectral peaks are presented in a time-frequency plot, using LPC poles as noisy indications of these peaks, and the formants are represented as lines connecting the spectral peaks. The spectral peaks and formants are modeled by a site process MRF and a line process MRF, respectively. The a posteriori probability of the spectral peaks and formants, given the LPC poles, quantifies the continuity constraints on the formants, the relationship between spectral peaks and formant locations, and the noise of the LPC poles. The formants are chosen by maximizing the a posteriori probability using simulated annealing. The parameters characterizing the MRFs are estimated by maximizing a pseudolikelihood function derived from LPC pole data with correctly labeled formants. >
Pharmacotherapy for childhood obesity: present and future prospects

Pediatric obesity is a serious medical condition associated with significant comorbidities during childhood and adulthood. Lifestyle modifications are essential for treating children with obesity, yet many have insufficient response to improve health with behavioral approaches alone. This review summarizes the relatively sparse data on pharmacotherapy for pediatric obesity and presents information on obesity medications in development. Most previously studied medications demonstrated, at best, modest effects on body weight and obesity-related conditions. It is to be hoped that the future will bring new drugs targeting specific obesity phenotypes that will allow clinicians to use etiology-specific, and therefore more effective, anti-obesity therapies.
Providing a Medical Home: The Cost of Care Coordination Services in a Community-Based, General Pediatric Practice

Objective. To determine the cost of unreimbursable care coordination services for children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in 1 community-based, general pediatric practice. Methods. A measurement tool was developed to quantify the precise activities involved in providing comprehensive, coordinated care for CSHCN. Costs of providing this care were calculated on the basis of time spent multiplied by the average salary of the office personnel performing the care coordination service. In addition, data were collected regarding the complexity level of the patient requiring the service, the type of service provided, and the outcome. Results. During the 95-day study period, 774 encounters that led to care coordination activities were logged, representing service provision to 444 separate patients. When these encounters were examined on the basis of clinical complexity of the patient, the most complex patients constituted 11% of the population of CSHCN yet accounted for 25% of the encounters. In addition, care coordination activities for these clinically complex CSHCN engaged office staff 4 times as long when compared with less clinically complex CSHCN. Overall, 51% of the encounters were attributable to coordinating care for problems not considered typically medical and included activities such as processing referrals with managed care organizations, consulting with schools or other educational programs, and providing oversight for psychosocial issues. On the basis of national salary and benefits data, the annual cost of the time spent coordinating care for CSHCN in this medical home model ranged from $22 809 to $33 048 (representing the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively). Conclusions. The costs of providing care coordination services to CSHCN in a medical home are appreciable but not prohibitive. Standardization of care coordination practices is essential because it makes the medical home more amenable to quality improvement interventions. Mechanisms to finance unreimbursable care coordination activities must be developed to achieve the Healthy People 2010 objective that all CSHCN have access to a medical home.
Airway imaging in humans using hyperpolarized helium-3 MRI

Most hyperpolarized gas MRI, involving dynamic imaging of the human lungs, requires specialized ultra-fast MRI pulse sequences or the necessity for multiple breaths of hyperpolarized helium. Thus, most current dynamic imaging techniques are not ideal for a clinical setting. By using a standard fast GRE pulse sequence on a GE Signa 1.5 T clinical MRI scanner outfitted with heterodyne functionality, we have developed a clinically feasible method for dynamic human lung imaging of the airways. The technique presented here exploits the non-renewability of hyperpolarized gas to achieve the first distal human airway images with up to 7/sup th/ generation resolution of airways. Additionally, this approach requires only a single inspiration of hyperpolarized helium. The airway images achieved may provide unique information about possible causes of pulmonary airway constriction diseases.
Bias temperature instability in hydrogenated thin-film transistors

The bias temperature instability is studied in hydrogenated n- and p-channel thin-film MOS transistors (TFT's) fabricated using a low-temperature process compatible with active matrix liquid crystal display application. We observe significant threshold voltage and subthreshold slope degradation under both positive and negative bias stress. The degradation increases with increased hydrogen incorporation and is temperature and electric field activated. The experimental results are explained based on trap creation model which depends on the hydrogen content of the device.
Racial Identity Buffers African American Women From Body Image Problems and Disordered Eating

The purpose of our study was to extend tenets of objectification theory to a sample of 278 undergraduate African American women. We hypothesized that internalized multiculturally inclusive racial i...
Water dissolution in albite melts:: Constraints from ab initio NMR calculations

Hartree-Fock and B3LYP NMR calculations were performed at the 6–311+G(2df,p) level on cluster models representing albite glasses using B3LYP/6 to 31G* optimized geometries. Calculation results on several well-known crystalline materials, such as low albite and KHSi2O5, were used to check the accuracy of the calculation methods. Calculated 29Si-NMR results on clusters that model protonation of Al-O-Si linkages and the replacement of Na+ by H+ indicate a major increase in Si-O(H) bond length and a 5 ppm difference in δiso for 29Si compared to that for anhydrous albite glass. The calculated δiso of 27Al in such linkages agrees with the experimental data, but shows an increase in Cq that cannot be fully diminished by H-bonding to additional water molecules. This protonation model is consistent with both experimental 17O NMR data and the major peak of 1H-NMR spectra. It cannot readily explain the existence of the small peak in the experimental 1H spectra around 1.5 ppm. Production of the depolymerized units Al [Q3]-O-H upon the dissolution of water is not consistent with 27Al, 1H, or 17O NMR experimental results. Production of Si [Q3]-O-H is consistent with all of the experimental 17O and 1H-NMR data; such units can produce both the major peak at 3.5 ppm and the small peak at 1.5 ppm in 1H spectra, either with or without hydrogen bonding. This species, however, cannot produce the main features of 29Si spectra. It is concluded that although neither protonation nor the production of Si [Q3]-O-H alone is consistent with the available experimental data, the combination of these two processes is consistent with available experimental NMR data.
Theological presuppositions of the evolutionary epic: From Robert Chambers to E. O. Wilson

We can trace the "evolutionary epic" (named by E. O. Wilson, 1978) back to earlier writers, beginning with Robert Chambers (1844). Its basic elements are: fixation on seeing human history as rooted in biology; an aspiration toward telling the whole history of humankind (in its essential features); and insistence on the overall coherence of the projected narrative. The claim to coherence depends on assuming either that the universe possesses an "embedded rationality," or that it is guided by divine purpose. This article proposes the term "idealism" to refer to these two assumptions taken together, for in practice they were closely linked. Nietzsche (1881) was perhaps the first thinker to point out the evolutionary epic's dependence on such an idealism, and he also pointed out that the assumptions of embedded rationality and of divine purpose are closely connected. Darwin's theory of descent with modification (1859) was sharply inconsistent with these assumptions: he was not an "idealist" in the sense indicated here, and not a proponent of the evolutionary epic. Proclaiming his "materialism," Wilson (1978) failed to acknowledge that the epic depends on idealist assumptions; other adherents of the genre (M. Dowd, L. Rue) resurrect (knowingly or not) its theological roots.
Albumin fraction and measurement of total protein concentration

The standard curve of a typical colorimetric assay for total protein is often nonlinear and dependent on the albumin fraction of the protein standard. We developed a simple mathematical transformation to make the standard curve linear and a computational method to correct for differences in albumin concentrations among the samples. This method uses data from total protein assays on two sets of standards (albumin and gamma globulin) and provides accurate measures of total protein over the full range of albumin fractions. Comparison of this two-standard method with the a method that uses only albumin as a standard shows that this method prevents physiologically significant overestimations in total protein concentration and calculated protein osmotic pressure differences in the lungs.
Tensile Strength of Concrete: Double-Punch Test

The tensile strength of concrete is most commonly measured by the indirect split-cylinder test. Recently, an alternative new test, known as double-punch test, has been proposed. It is the purpose of this paper to summarize the present stand on the double-punch test method for the determination of tensile strength of concrete. The summary deals with two equally important aspects of progress — new solutions emerging from the analytical study and experimental results reported from laboratory tests. This paper attempts to evaluate critically this new test method and to determine the range of their applicability, relative merits, and limitations as compared to the well-established split-cylinder tests. Throughout this development and evaluation, it has been recognized that a balance must be struck between the requirement of realistic representation of tensile strength of concrete and the requirement for simplicity in practical use. It is considered that in both these respects, the double-punch method is satisfactory.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report

Patient: Male, 28 Final Diagnosis: Closed head injury Symptoms: Bilateral mydriasis • coma Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Ventriculostomy and hemicraniectomy Specialty: Neurology Objective: Unusual clinical course
The Moral Significance of Religious Affections: A Reformed Perspective on Emotions and Moral Formation

Drawing on the work of Jonathan Edwards, this essay explores two dimensions of Reformed thought central to considering the emotions’ moral significance. First, Reformed theology’s singular understanding of virtue and holiness as love to God and neighbor gives rise to a distinctive account of the emotions’ place in the moral life. Certain emotions are to be embraced insofar as they have the capacity to be sanctified and thereby made compatible with growth in love to God. Second, Reformed theology historically links the emotions with the will, which is subject to moral necessity. Contemporary Reformed reflection on the emotions must therefore grapple with questions about moral agency and accountability that arise from this account of necessity.
Mechanisms for Electron Transfer Through Pili to Fe(III) Oxide in Geobacter

The purpose of these studies was to aid the Department of Energy in its goal of understanding how microorganisms involved in the bioremediation of metals and radionuclides sustain their activity in the subsurface. This information is required in order to incorporate biological processes into decision making for environmental remediation and long-term stewardship of contaminated sites. The proposed research was designed to elucidate the mechanisms for electron transfer to Fe(III) oxides in Geobacter species because Geobacter species are abundant dissimilatory metal-reducing microorganisms in a diversity of sites in which uranium is undergoing natural attenuation via the reduction of soluble U(VI) to insoluble U(IV) or when this process is artificially stimulated with the addition of organic electron donors. This study investigated the novel, but highly controversial, concept that the final conduit for electron transfer to Fe(III) oxides are electrically conductive pili. The specific objectives were to: 1) further evaluate the conductivity along the pili of Geobacter sulfurreducens and related organisms; 2) determine the mechanisms for pili conductivity; and 3) investigate the role of pili in Fe(III) oxide reduction. The studies demonstrated that the pili of G. sulfurreducens are conductive along their length. Surprisingly, the pili possess a metallic-like conductivity similar to thatmore » observed in synthetic organic conducting polymers such as polyaniline. Detailed physical analysis of the pili, as well as studies in which the structure of the pili was genetically modified, demonstrated that the metallic-like conductivity of the pili could be attributed to overlapping pi-pi orbitals of aromatic amino acids. Other potential mechanisms for conductivity, such as electron hopping between cytochromes associated with the pili were definitively ruled out. Pili were also found to be essential for Fe(III) oxide reduction in G. metallireducens. Ecological studies demonstrated that electron conduction along pili is a better strategy for Fe(III) oxide reduction under conditions found in the subsurface than producing an electron shuttle. The role of pili in uranium reduction was also elucidated. Our results are the first example of metallic-like conductivity in a biological protein and represent a paradigm shift in the understanding of long-range biological electron transport. The results are of importance not only for understanding subsurface microbial processes involved in the mobility of metal contaminants and carbon cycling, but also make a basic contribution to microbiology and the emerging field of bioelectronics.« less
Time Scales of Clouds and Cloud-Controlling Variables in Subtropical Stratocumulus from a Lagrangian Perspective

AbstractThe Lagrangian evolution of cloud cover and cloud-controlling variables is well approximated using red noise processes with different autocorrelation time scales for each variable. Trajectories within the subtropical marine boundary layer are generated using winds from ECMWF Re-Analysis data for low cloud decks in four eastern subtropical ocean basins. Cloud cover, liquid water path, and boundary layer depth are sampled at 12-h intervals using A-Train satellites, and droplet concentration is sampled every 24 h. Lower-tropospheric stability and vertical velocity are sampled concurrently using reanalysis data. Samples are converted to seasonal and diurnal anomalies. Data are spatially averaged over a range of length scales. The e-folding decay times τ for autocorrelation are calculated for each variable based on lag times of 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Using lag 24 h and an averaging radius of 100 km, τ ≈ 15–17 h for liquid water path and vertical velocity, τ ≈ 19 h for cloud cover, τ ≈ 24–25 h for bounda...
ACTIVATION OF HAGEMAN FACTOR BY SOLUTIONS OF ELLAGIC ACID.

Abstract Aged solutions of tannic acid and of certain o-dihydroxyl compounds similar in structure to its gallic acid moiety accelerated clotting. One of many compounds tested, ellagic acid (4,4′,5,5′,6,6′-hexahydroxydiphenic acid 2,6:2′,6′-dilactone), at concentrations as low as 10 −8 M, accelerated clotting and appeared to activate Hageman factor in a manner analogous to that of glass surfaces. The chemical nature of the action of ellagic acid was not elucidated but seemed to be related to the presence of o-dihydroxyl groups in its molecule.
Evolution and Design in Eastern European Transition: Comment

I will focus on the broader context in which the privatization process takes place in Eastern Europe and the links between the approach to large-scale privatization and the problems of economies in transition. I will then briefly comment on the role of financial institutions in the privatization process.
Towards characterizing the variability of statistically consistent Community Earth System Model simulations

Abstract Large, complex codes such as earth system models are in a constant state of development, requiring frequent software quality assurance. The recently developed Community Earth System Model (CESM) Ensemble Consistency Test (CESM-ECT) provides an objective measure of statistical consistency for new CESM simulation runs, which has greatly facilitated error detection and rapid feedback for model users and developers. CESM-ECT determines consistency based on an ensemble of simulations that represent the same earth system model. Its statistical distribution embodies the natural variability of the model. Clearly the composition of the employed ensemble is critical to CESM-ECT's effectiveness. In this work we examine whether the composition of the CESM-ECT ensemble is adequate for characterizing the variability of a consistent climate. To this end, we introduce minimal code changes into CESM that should pass the CESM-ECT, and we evaluate the composition of the CESM-ECT ensemble in this context. We suggest an improved ensemble composition that better captures the accepted variability induced by code changes, compiler changes, and optimizations, thus more precisely facilitating the detection of errors in the CESM hardware or software stack as well as enabling more in-depth code optimization and the adoption of new technologies.
Inhibition of alveolar type II cell ATP and surfactant synthesis by nitric oxide.

Alveolar type II (ATII) cells, are often exposed to increased concentration of endogenous and exogenous nitric oxide (.NO). Exposure of freshly isolated rat ATII cells for 2 h to 1-3 microM .NO, generated by S-nitroso-N-penicillamine (SNAP), spermine NONOate, or 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) in the presence of superoxide dismutase, resulted in approximately 60% decrease in the rate of surfactant synthesis, as measured by the rate of incorporation of [methyl-3H]choline into phosphatidylcholine, and 60-80% inhibition of cellular ATP levels, as determined by bioluminescence. Similar results were obtained after incubation of ATII cells with authentic peroxynitrite (0.5 mM) but not SIN-1, a putative generator of peroxynitrite. Addition into the medium of oxyhemoglobin (20 microM), which scavenged .NO, or enhancement of ATII glutathione levels by preincubation with glutathione ester (5 mM) totally prevented the NONOate (100 microM) inhibition of cellular ATP. In contrast to the in vitro findings, normal levels of ATP and lipid synthesis were measured in ATII cells isolated from the lungs of rats that breathed .NO gas (80 ppm) in 21% O2 for 2 h (n = 4). This lack of effect may be due either to the presence of various antioxidants (such as glutathione) in the epithelial lining fluid or to the relatively low concentrations of .NO reaching the alveolar epithelium. We conclude that .NO and peroxynitrite, at concentrations likely to be encountered in vivo during inflammation, decrease ATII cell energy stores and surfactant synthesis, which may lead to derangement of important physiological functions.
Between (Racial) Groups and a Hard Place: An Exploration of Social Science Approaches to Race and Genetics, 2000-2014.

ABSTRACTAs the social sciences expand their involvement in genetic and genomic research, more information is needed to understand how theoretical concepts are applied to genetic data found in social surveys. Given the layers of complexity of studying race in relation to genetics and genomics, it is important to identify the varying approaches used to discuss and operationalize race and identity by social scientists. The present study explores how social scientists have used race, ethnicity, and ancestry in studies published in four social science journals from 2000 to 2014. We identify not only how race, ethnicity, and ancestry are classified and conceptualized in this growing area of research, but also how these concepts are incorporated into the methodology and presentation of results, all of which structure the discussion of race, identity, and inequality. This research indicates the slippage between concepts, classifications, and their use by social scientists in their genetics-related research. The c...
Effects of a brief problem-solving intervention for parents of children with cancer

This study examines a problem-solving intervention for parents of children with cancer. It was hypothesized that the intervention would improve problem-solving ability and decrease symptoms of caregiving stress and posttraumatic stress compared controls. 39 parents were assessed at baseline, one month, and three months post-intervention. No significant results were found. This study adds to research on problem-solving interventions for parents of children with cancer. Future studies should consider timing of interventions and target parents under the highest levels of distress.
Rationale for the Cultural Construction of School Mental Health Programming.

The implementation of evidence-based psychological programming to meet the needs of a global population has been impeded by the translation of theories and research findings across populations and settings without due consideration of cultural factors. The purpose of this article is to discuss the rationale for use of partnership-based methods in the development of culturally constructed school mental health programming. We describe the application of such approaches to two diverse populations. We conclude with a discussion of future research examining the application of partnership-based approaches to the development of culturally informed psychological programming across global settings.
Use of Unsolicited Patient Observations to Identify Surgeons With Increased Risk for Postoperative Complications.

Importance Unsolicited patient observations are associated with risk of medical malpractice claims. Because lawsuits may be triggered by an unexpected adverse outcome superimposed on a strained patient-physician relationship, a question remains as to whether behaviors that generate patient dissatisfaction might also contribute to the genesis of adverse outcomes themselves. Objective To examine whether patients of surgeons with a history of higher numbers of unsolicited patient observations are at greater risk for postoperative complications than patients whose surgeons generate fewer such unsolicited patient observations. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used data from 7 academic medical centers participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and the Vanderbilt Patient Advocacy Reporting System from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2013. Patients older than 18 years included in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent inpatient or outpatient operations at 1 of the participating sites during the study period were included. Patients were excluded if the attending surgeon had less than 24 months of data in the Vanderbilt Patient Advocacy Reporting System preceding the date of the operation. Data analysis was conducted from June 1, 2015, to October 20, 2016. Exposures Unsolicited patient observations for the patient’s surgeon in the 24 months preceding the date of the operation. Main Outcomes and Measures Postoperative surgical or medical complications as defined by the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program within 30 days of the operation of interest. Results Among the 32 125 patients in the cohort (13 230 men, 18 895 women; mean [SD] age, 55.8 [15.8] years), 3501 (10.9%) experienced a complication, including 1754 (5.5%) surgical and 2422 (7.5%) medical complications. Prior unsolicited patient observations for a surgeon were significantly associated with the risk of a patient having any complication (odds ratio, 1.0063; 95% CI, 1.0004-1.0123; P = .03), any surgical complication (odds ratio, 1.0104; 95% CI, 1.0022-1.0186; P = .01), any medical complication (odds ratio, 1.0079; 95% CI, 1.0009-1.0148; P = .03), and being readmitted (odds ratio, 1.0088, 95% CI, 1.0024-1.0151; P = .007). The adjusted rate of complications was 13.9% higher for patients whose surgeon was in the highest quartile of unsolicited patient observations compared with patients whose surgeon was in the lowest quartile. Conclusions and Relevance Patients whose surgeons have large numbers of unsolicited patient observations in the 24 months prior to the patient’s operation are at increased risk of surgical and medical complications. Efforts to promote patient safety and address risk of malpractice claims should continue to focus on surgeons’ ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with patients and other medical professionals.
Deferred or immediate stent implantation for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Objectives To perform a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing a deferred versus immediate stenting strategy for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background Deferred stent implantation has emerged as a potential strategy aiming to reduce the thrombus burden and improve micro-vascular reperfusion during primary PCI. Methods Electronic databases were searched for randomized trials that compared a deferred stent implantation versus immediate stent implantation strategy in patients undergoing primary PCI. Random effects risk ratios (RR) were estimated for the outcomes of interest. Results Four trials with 1,570 patients were included. A deferred stent implantation strategy was associated with a lower incidence of no-/slow reflow (RR 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.96), and improved myocardial blush grade 3 (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14–1.77). At a mean follow up of 34 ± 15 months, both strategies were associated with a similar risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.58–1.24), cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.48–1.45), reinfarction (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.43–5.49), and stent thrombosis (RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.04–3.35, P = 0.36). Conclusion In patients undergoing primary PCI, deferred stent implantation is associated with improvement in surrogate outcomes, but does not appear to improve clinical outcomes. Future randomized trials are encouraged to identify the patient population who might benefit from a deferred stent implantation strategy (e.g., high thrombus burden).
Multiple Method Analysis of TiO2 Nanoparticle Uptake in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Plants.

Understanding the translocation of nanoparticles (NPs) into plants is challenging because qualitative and quantitative methods are still being developed and the comparability of results among different methods is unclear. In this study, uptake of titanium dioxide NPs and larger bulk particles (BPs) in rice plant (Oryza sativa L.) tissues was evaluated using three orthogonal techniques: electron microscopy, single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (spICP-MS) with two different plant digestion approaches, and total elemental analysis using ICP optical emission spectroscopy. In agreement with electron microscopy results, total elemental analysis of plants exposed to TiO2 NPs and BPs at 5 and 50 mg/L concentrations revealed that TiO2 NPs penetrated into the plant root and resulted in Ti accumulation in above ground tissues at a higher level compared to BPs. spICP-MS analyses revealed that the size distributions of internalized particles differed between the NPs and BPs with the NPs showing...
Ga and In modified ceria as supports for cobalt-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract Ga- and In-modified ceria (Ce 0.8 Ga 0.2 O 2 , Ce 0.8 In 0.2 O 2 ) materials were used as supports for cobalt-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The addition of Ga to ceria was found to improve CO conversion for cobalt-catalyzed FTS, while the addition of In tended to decrease it. A similar trend was observed with the Ag-promoted cobalt/ceria catalysts. Doping of ceria with Ga or In decreased methane and increased the selectivity to olefins and alcohols for Ag-promoted cobalt/ceria. The sum of the products of olefins and alcohols for various catalysts exhibited a decreasing trend as follows: Ag-Co/Ce-Ga > Ag-Co/Ce-In > Ag-Co/Ce. Results of H 2 -TPR-XANES showed that adding of Ga or In to ceria increases the fraction of Ce 3+ in the surface shell for both unpromoted and Ag-promoted catalysts in the range of temperature typical of catalyst activation. This partially reduced ceria plays an important role in controlling the product selectivity of cobalt-catalyzed FT synthesis.
Estimating range to a vocalizing fin whale using the timing and amplitude of multipath arrivals.

A semi-automated method is described to range to vocalizing fin whales using the timing and amplitude of multipath arrivals measured on seafloor receivers. Calls are detected and multipath arrivals identified with a matched filter. Multipath times and relative amplitudes are predicted as a function of range by ray tracing. Because the direct and first water-column multiple arrivals are not always observed, different hypotheses for the observed arrival paths must be considered. For two arrivals, an amplitude threshold is used to determine if the first arrival is the direct path and if not, the call is disregarded as distant. When three or more arrivals are detected, three hypotheses for the paths of arrivals are considered; the solution is the hypothesis and range that minimizes the timing and optionally, amplitude ratio or absolute amplitude residual. The method is tested with data from two ocean bottom seismometers, one on the Juan de Fuca Ridge and the other in the Cascadia Basin. Solutions obtained by ...