cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variable expression of neurofibromatosis 1 in monozygotic twins

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder with high penetrance but extreme variability of expression. Monozygotic (MZ) twins with NF1 who have phenotypic discordances are a useful tool in evaluating which traits are influenced by non-hereditary influences such as second hit somatic events, environmental agents, epigenetic modification, or post-zygotic mutations. We evaluated nine sets of MZ twins and one set of MZ triplets, ages 4-18 years, for NF1 features and calculated probandwise concordance (P(C)) for each feature. MZ twins were highly concordant in numbers of cafe-au-lait spots (P(C) = 0.89) and cutaneous neurofibromas. IQ scores were within 10 points for all twin pairs tested, and similar patterns of learning disabilities and speech disorders were observed. Twin pairs showed significant discordance for tumors, particularly plexiform neurofibromas (P(C) = 0.40) and malignant peripheral nerves sheath tumors (MPNST), as expected if post-natal second-hit events were contributing to these features. One set of twins was concordant for multiple, large paraspinal neurofibromas, suggesting that there may be more hereditary factors involved in production of paraspinal neurofibromas. Four sets were concordant for pectus deformities of the chest (P(C) = 0.80). Three sets of twins were discordant for scoliosis (P(C) = 0.40); an additional set was concordant for scoliosis but differed in presence of dystrophic features and need for surgery. Our data suggest there are additional non-hereditary factors modifying the NF1 phenotype and causing discordancies between MZ twins. Future studies may focus on differences in epigenetic changes or somatic mosaicism which have been documented for other disease genes in MZ twins.
Neurophysiological signs of cocaine dependence: Increased electroencephalogram beta during withdrawal

To determine whether a central nervous system marker of cocaine dependence might exist, the resting electroencephalogram (EEG) of 33 drug-free, cocaine-dependent men (DSM-III-R criteria) was compared with two control groups [nondrug group ( n = 10) and drug group who abused drugs, but were not cocaine dependent ( n = 20)]. The EEG was recorded from eight sites after about 10 days of monitored abstinence (range 4–15 days) on a closed research ward for the drug-using individuals. The EEG was recorded for the nondrug control group as outpatients. The drug history was determined by the drug history questionnaire and a medical screening interview. The percent of EEG beta activity for the cocaine-dependent subjects was greater than that of both control groups ( p
Long-Time Stretched Exponential Kinetics in Single DNA Duplex Dissociation

We probe DNA hybridization kinetics by measuring the lifetime distribution of single 16-bp duplexes under thermal dissociation. Our unique approach, based on two DNA-coated microspheres in an extended optical tweezer, allows the study of single duplex DNA molecules under negligible molecular tension. In contrast to earlier experiments, we find a stretched exponential lifetime distribution, which is likely due to dissociation proceeding via a number of competing pathways between highly force-sensitive intermediate states. Similar measurements of microspheres linked by multiple DNA bridges find they have unexpected short bound lifetimes, also consistent with force sensitivity.
Sequential Monte-Carlo Framework for Dynamic Data-Driven Event Reconstruction for Atmospheric Release

The release of hazardous materials into the atmosphere can have a tremendous impact on dense populations. We propose an atmospheric event reconstruction framework that couples observed data and predictive computer-intensive dispersion models via Bayesian methodology. Due to the complexity of the model framework, a sampling-based approach is taken for posterior inference that combines Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) strategies.
Generalization of trinification to theories with 3N SU(3) gauge groups

We consider a natural generalization of trinification to theories with 3N SU(3) gauge groups. These theories have a simple moose representation and a gauge boson spectrum that can be interpreted via the deconstruction of a 5D theory with unified symmetry broken on a boundary. Although the matter and Higgs sectors of the theory have no simple extra-dimensional analog, gauge unification retains features characteristic of the 5D theory. We determine possible assignments of the matter and Higgs fields to unified multiplets and present theories that are viable alternatives to minimal trinified GUTs.
The effects of increased intracranial pressure on the pulmonary circulation in relation to pulmonary edema.

Sudden elevation of intracranial pressure raises not only the systemic but also the pulmonary intravascular pressures, on occasion, sufficiently to result in pulmonary edema. At least two mechanisms are concerned, that of bradycardia, and that of left ventricular failure. Evidence is presented that interruption of vagal inflow temporarily abolishes the first mechanism. These observations are considered in relation to the clinical problem of head injury.
Chemical detection and classification in Raman spectra

Because of the unique Raman spectrum of a chemical, Raman spectroscopy can be used to identify chemicals on a surface. In this paper chemical detection and classification in a stationary background are addressed. Firstly, because the autoregressive (AR) spectrum is capable of representing a wide range of spectra, both the pure background and background plus a chemical are modeled as AR spectra with different coefficients. Based on this modeling, a generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) is proposed to detect abnormal chemicals in the background. In essence, the GLRT detector tests if the data can be represented by a known AR background spectrum. With the AR spectrum modeling, a classifier based on the locally most powerful test is also proposed to classify the detected chemicals. Computer simulation results are given, which show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. Practical problems, such as setting the detection threshold, extension to nonstationary backgrounds, and the identifiability of chemicals are also discussed.
Gastric bypass for morbid obesity

This is a report on 402 consecutive gastric bypass operations performed for morbid obesity. The operation involves the construction of a small (30–60 ml) upper gastric pouch connected to a Roux-en-Y jejunal limb by an anastomosis no larger than 1.2 cm in diameter. Concomitant patient ailments included hypertension, gallbladder disease, arthritis, and diabetes. Three patients died postoperatively, and the overall immediate morbidity was 4.2%. Ninety percent of the patients have achieved and maintained a satisfactory weight reduction. However, residual problems include anastomotic leaks, inadequate weight reduction, and few but significant difficulties such as anemia, kidney stones, and marginal ulcer. All of the obesity-associated diseases responded favorably, either disappearing or being greatly ameliorated.
Vitamin D deficiency and neutral amino acid absorption in the rat intestine.

SummaryIntestinal neutral amino acid absorption was studied in vitamin D-depleted and repleted rats using α-aminoisobutyric acid. Vitamin D had no effect on absorption or concentration of α-aminois...
Assessing Risk of Critical Care Complications and Mortality in the Elective Bariatric Surgery Population Using a Modified Frailty Index

The rate of surgical complications from bariatric procedures remains low despite an increase in volume. When serious complications occur, they are associated with an increased risk of mortality. The aim of this study is to determine if frail bariatric patients have an increased rate of Clavien level 4 and 5 complications. This study was conducted in participating hospitals in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). The NSQIP participant use files were used to identify 104,952 patients undergoing elective bariatric procedures from 2005 to 2012. A previously described modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated based on available NSQIP variables, with a higher index suggesting more frail patients. Postoperative adverse events were stratified to Clavien levels 4 and 5 utilizing a pre-existing mapping scheme. Overall, 1 % of patients undergoing elective bariatric surgery experienced Clavien level 4 complications, and 0.2 % experienced a Clavien level 5 complication (mortality). Univariate analysis demonstrated that frailty was significant for both Clavien level 4 and 5 complications (p < 0.001). The mean mFI for those with Clavien level 4 complications, 0.15, was significantly higher than those without Clavien 4 complications, 0.09 (p < 0.001). Those experiencing mortality had a mean mFI of 0.17 compared to a mean mFI of 0.09 in those without mortality (p < 0.001). Frailty retained the highest odds ratio for both Clavien 4 and 5 complications in multivariate analysis compared to American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and procedure type. Frailty may be used during patient selection to stratify bariatric surgery patients at high risk for critical care level complications.
The Economics of Crime: An Introduction to the Literature

The rapidly growing influence of the economic approach to criminology in academic study and in policy-making is indicated in the abridged bibliography that follows this article. The economists have revived the model of the "rational" criminal and have reopened the question of punishment as a deterrent. In these new studies, however, there is a danger of ignoring the long-run social costs of any particular policy or law. In some circumstances it would be "irrational" for an ex-convict not to return to crime. By using methods such as cost-benefit analysis, systems analysis, and program budgeting, economists are striving to develop criteria for an improved allocation of resources in law enforcement. For research purposes, the econo mists assume that all divisions of the criminal justice system have one goal: the protection of society. All other presumed goals, such as deterrence, rehabilitation, prevention, punishment, and the law itself, are treated as alternative programs imple mented to achieve that goal.
Etiology and Management of Acute Pelvic Pain During Reproductive Years

Background: Acute pelvic pain in women of reproductive age is a common problem, and is a cause of recurrent emergency room (ER) visits. Proper diagnosis makes a significant difference in the manage...
Ab initio study of the HCCO + NO2 reaction

Abstract The potential energy surface for the HCCO + NO 2 reaction was characterized at the B3LYP-DFT/6-311++G(d,p) and CCSD(T)/6-31G(d,p) levels of theory, combined with high-level single point CCSD(T)/6-311++G(2d,p) calculations. Energetically accessible reaction paths leading to HCNO + CO 2 and HCO + CO + NO product channels were found. Pathways to other reaction products were also characterized, but probably represent minor contributions.
An improved synthesis of a selective αvβ3-integrin antagonist cyclo(-RGDfK-)

Abstract The cyclic pentapeptide cyclo (-Arg-Gly-Asp- d -Phe-Lys-) is a highly potent and selective inhibitor for the α v β 3 integrin. A related compound, cyclo (-Arg-Gly-Asp- d -Phe-Val-), is a promising anticancer drug candidate; it inhibits angiogenesis and induces apoptosis in vascular cells. We have developed an improved solid-phase synthesis based on Kessler's procedure to afford cyclo (-RGDfK-) peptide in high purity and high yield in a multi-gram scale. This improved synthesis is environmentally friendly and may be generally applicable to other related cyclic peptide syntheses.
Flow Field Assessment in a Fired Spray-Guided Spark-Ignition Direct-Injection Engine Based on UV Particle Image Velocimetry with Sub Crank Angle Resolution

Abstract A new, high-speed, UV particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique has been developed and applied to a fired, spray-guided spark-ignition direct-injection (SIDI) engine operated at 600 rpm in stratified mode. The technique involves the use of a single, frequency-tripled Nd-YAG laser operated at 16 kHz. A single CMOS camera, synchronized with the laser, was focused onto an 11 × 11 mm 2 field-of-view between the spark plug and the injector. Raw PIV images were recorded just before fuel injection (45 °BTDC) through the early stages of flame propagation (25 °BTDC). With this temporal resolution, approximately four instantaneous velocity fields per crank angle were obtained. The use of 355 nm laser light, combined with short exposure time (i.e., 50 μs), successfully eliminated detection of combustion product luminosity, making the flame front easily identifiable. The deformation of the plasma channel 250 μs after spark timing was also captured. The velocity fields provided information about the flow characteristics in this portion of the engine cycle. Specifically, the spatially averaged velocity magnitude in the vicinity of the spark plug increased by a factor of three over the crank angle range considered. The quasi two-dimensionality of the flow before fuel injection was assessed via continuity. An increase in the shear strain rate was noted in 50% of the engine cycles. The increase in shear strain rate, combined with high stratification at the time of ignition and extension of the plasma channel, could prevent flame kernel development in SIDI engines.
Radioimmunoassay of the A prostaglandins

Antibodies to the A prostaglandins (PGA) were produced in rabbits immunized with a conjugate of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) covalently linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by reaction with carbodiimide reagent. A radioimmunoassay was developed using dextran-coated charcoal to separate the free from antibody bound PGA1-3H. The sensitivity of the method was found to be 100 picograms/ml of plasma. Ethyl acetate was used for extraction of plasma and the various classes of prostaglandins were separated by silicic acid column chromatography. Recovery of PGA1-3H throughout the entire procedure was 65–75%. The antibody showed progressively decreasing affinity to PGA2, PGA1, PGE2, PGE1, PGB2, and PGF2α, respectively. The mean plasma PGA level in adult males (N = 13) was found to be 1.39 ± 0.55 ng/ml, and 1.62 ± 0.52 ng/ml in adult females (N = 7). Corresponding plasma and serum samples were found to give essentially similar results. Plasma PGA levels in adult males treated with indomethacin for rheumatoid arthrities were 0.18 ± 0.15 ng/ml (p < 0.001 in comparison with the normal adult males). This method is sufficiently sensitive, precise, and rapid to allow the routine estimation of the A prostaglandins in biological samples.
Matrix elements for internal conversion

Abstract The usual separation of internal conversion matrix elements into a momentum integral of the promoting modes and an overlap integral of the accepting mode is shown to introduce large errors. The proper procedure leads to the replacement of Franck-Condon factors by integrals involving the square root of an energy operator.
Multi-Scale, Heterogeneous CAD Representation for Metal Alloy Microstructures

Most heterogeneous CAD representations in the literature represent materials using a volume fraction vector, which may not by physically realizable or meaningful. In contrast, the multi-scale, heterogeneous CAD representation presented here models materials using their microstructure. For the specific metal alloys of interest in this work, the material model is a probabilistic model of grain characteristics, represented as cumulative distribution functions. Several microstructure reconstruction algorithms are presented that enable different alloy grain structures to be reconstructed in a part model. Reconstructions can be performed at any desired size scale, illustrating the multi-scale capability of the representation. A part rendering algorithm is presented for displaying parts with their material microstructures. The multi-scale, heterogeneous CAD representation is demonstrated on two Inconel alloys and is shown to be capable of faithfully reconstructing part representations consistent with the probabilistic grain models.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
PilO of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1244: subcellular location and domain assignment

PilO of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1244 catalyses the attachment of an O-antigen repeating unit to the beta-carbon of the pilin C-terminal residue, a serine. The present study was conducted to locate the regions of this enzyme important in catalysis and to establish the cellular location of the pilin glycosylation reaction. While PilO was not detectable in extracts of P. aeruginosa or Escherichia coli, even under conditions of overexpression, it was found that an intact MalE-PilO fusion protein was produced in significant amounts. This fusion complemented a P. aeruginosa 1244 mutant containing a pilO deletion and targeted to the cytoplasmic membrane of E. coli. Wzy and WaaL, enzymes that also utilize the O-antigen repeating unit as substrate, were found to share a sequence pattern with PilO even though these proteins have little overall sequence similarity. PilO constructs in which portions of this common sequence were deleted or altered by site-directed mutagenesis lacked pilin glycosylating activity. Deletions of segments downstream from the common region also prevented enzyme activity. Topology studies showed that the two PilO regions associated with enzyme activity were located in the periplasm. These results establish regions of this enzyme important for catalysis and present evidence that pilin glycosylation occurs in the periplasmic space of this organism.
The Presence in Georgia of Bracon mellitor Say, a Parasite of the Cotton Boll-weevil.

The weevil parasite, Bracon Mellitor , has appeared this year in cotton fields in all parts of this State investigated. The first of these braconids were found in June, and then continuously until Sept. 15, when the work was temporarily halted. The number of weevil larvae destroyed in this manner ran as high as 18% in bolls and 35% in hanging squares in August in the field which was under constant observation.
Propagation characteristics of a fractal network: applications to the His-Purkinje conduction system

This paper considers the propagation of a pulse through a theoretical fractal network. The temporal and spectral features resulting from the decorrelation of a pulse as it transits the network including the effeci of perturbations are discussed. Application to naturally occurring networks such as the His-Purkinje system of the myocardium are considered. Both the fractal dimension (DF) and the power spectrum [P(w)are descriptive of the organizational features of the network. DF describes the geometric structure based on segment length generation and scaling factors. P(w) measures the heterogeneity of the pathways present in the network which in turn reflects the distribution of the segment length variations throughout the network. We show a direct relation between structural heterogeneity and the spectral features. Variation of perturbation size and location shows that changes in geometry occur across many size scales consistent with a fractal structure. Furthermore both location and size of the perturbation are important determinants of the extent of spectral changes produced. Simulation of the His-Purkinje conduction system demonstrates QRS complexes in good agreement with clinical observations. Additionally simulation of conduction defects in the network shows that network perturbations are reflected in the QRS and more importantly in P(w). Our results suggest that characterizing perturbations in terms of their functional wavelength (frequency) rather than their geometric dimension may be a useful method for assessing the extent of performance degradation in the system under study.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of discrete classes of normal human peripheral lymphocytes by multiparameter flow analysis.

SummaryWe have demonstrated that normal human peripheral leukocytes vitally stained with acridine orange can be separated into four groups, consisting of granulocytes, monocytes, and two types of lymphocytes, on the basis of green/red fluorescence ratio measurements which characterize nuclear and cytoplasmic staining properties. Evaluation of the two sorted lymphocyte populations has suggested two morphologically and functionally distinct subclasses which are normally classified as large and small lymphocytes. When considered by volume measurement alone, small and large lymphocytes were not discrete classes but had overlapping distributions. However, the fluorescence ratio distributions clearly indicated that these are discrete classes of cells rather than representing an arbitrary classification of a continuum.Since green nuclear fluorescence is nearly uniform, the green/red fluorescence ratio measurement permits characterization of leukocytes as an inverse cytoplasmic granulation density function. Using...
Ironic Outing: The Power of Hate Group Designations to Reframe Political Challenges to LGBT Rights and Focus Online Advocacy Efforts

This article examines the rationale of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s 2010 addition of several “traditional family values” organizations to its annual hate group list in light of research findings on how contemporary extremist groups operate. Diverse reactions to the SPLC hate list additions from representatives of the listed groups and from both ends of the ideological spectrum are reviewed. The potential strengths and weaknesses of using hate group listing to spur online activism as a new form of policy practice that reframes challenges to LGBT rights are discussed with a review of recent social and policy developments.
A Computer Program for Scoring the Personal Orientation Inventory

A description of a program to score the Personal Orientation Inventory is presented. The program, written in FORTRAN, will, for each subject, assign an identification code, provide scores for each scale, and group subjects by school classification, gender, and ethnicity for research purposes. The scores can be either printed or keypunched on data cards.
Preschoolers’ Theory-of-Mind Knowledge Influences Whom They Trust About Others’ Theories of Mind

Two experiments examined whether particular aspects of social-cognitive knowledge predicted how preschoolers would treat informants who displayed a more or less developed understanding of that knowledge. In Experiment 1, children's own success on false-belief measures correlated with the extent to which they endorsed information generated by a confederate with a more developed sense of false belief over a confederate with a less developed sense of false belief. In Experiment 2, preschoolers were assessed for whether they possessed a more action-based or mental state-based understanding of pretense. They were then presented with informants who displayed each kind of knowledge. Children's own knowledge again correlated with which informant they believed was a reliable source of knowledge about novel pretend actions. These results not only extend findings in the “trust in testimony” literature beyond word learning, but also potentially reveal another mechanism by which children learn from others—they might t...
Mycophenolate mofetil reduces renal cortical inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression and diminishes glomerulosclerosis in MRL/lpr mice

Overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus glomerulonephritis. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), a novel immunosuppressive agent, is currently used in organ transplantation and under evaluation for treatment of autoimmune disorders. Mycophenolic acid, the active metabolite of MMF, has been shown to suppress cytokine-induced nitric oxide production in vitro. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MMF on the expression of renal cortical iNOS mRNA and protection against glomerulonephritis in MRL/lpr mice. Three-month-old MRL/lpr mice (n = 6) displaying clinical symptoms of glomerulonephritis were treated for 3 months with MMF (90 mg/kg/day) dissolved in a vehicle. Controls were age- and sex-matched mice (n = 6) that received the vehicle alone. By reverse-transcription competitive polymerase chain reaction, we found that the renal cortical iNOS/beta-actin mRNA ratio was reduced by 30.8% (P <.05) in MMF-treated mice. Furthermore, MMF significantly reduced urinary nitrite production and degree of glomerulosclerosis. The glomerular volume was reduced by 17.5% (P <.001). Proteinuria was also significantly reduced in the MMF-treated group. However, by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the nuclear binding of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) was not affected by MMF treatment. We conclude that in addition to its immunosuppressive action, MMF may reduce renal cortical iNOS mRNA expression and diminish glomerulosclerosis in MRL/lpr mice independent of modulation of the NF-kappaB pathway.
Trends in Hospitalization for Pediatric Pyelonephritis: A Population Based Study of California From 1985 to 2006

Purpose: We examined trends in pediatric hospitalization for pyelonephritis from 1985 to 2006 and identified factors associated with admission.Materials and Methods: We performed a population based analysis of hospital discharges using the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database to evaluate trends in California regarding pediatric hospitalizations for pyelonephritis from 1985 to 2006. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with admission for pyelonephritis.Results: A total of 46,300 children were hospitalized for pyelonephritis in California from 1985 to 2006. The overall rate of hospitalization for pyelonephritis increased by greater than 80%, from 17 per 100,000 children in the California population in 1985 to 31 per 100,000 in 2005. This change was primarily due to the nearly ninefold increase in pyelonephritis hospitalizations observed in children younger than 1 year, from 28 per 100,000 in 1985 to 238 per 100,000 in 2005. Among children you...
Direct laparoscopic venous sampling to diagnose a small Sertoli–Leydig tumor

Abstract Background Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) constitute only 0.5% of all primary ovarian neoplasms. We report a unique diagnostic method (selective laparoscopic venous sampling) and a rare case of a contralateral second primary tumor. Case A 14-year-old female presented with hyperandrogenic complaints and an increased serum testosterone. Ovarian origin was confirmed by direct laparoscopic ovarian blood sampling. A right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. The pathological diagnosis was SLCT of intermediate differentiation. Three years later, the patient presented again with an increased serum testosterone. A solid tumor in the left ovary was excised. The pathology was SLCT of intermediate differentiation. The patient remains disease-free. Conclusions Direct laparoscopic venous sampling is used to diagnose a small SLCT in a teenage patient.
Effects of Inhalation of Oxygen on Blood Flow and Microvasculature of Ischemic and Nonischemic Cerebral Cortex

The right middle cerebral artery was occluded in cats, and Paoo2 was increased by increasing the amount of oxygen inhaled by the animals at atmospheric pressure. Cortical blood flow (CBF) was measured with Krypton-85, and observations and photographs of the superficial cortical microvasculature were made bilaterally. In two of five animals, increasing the Paoo2 caused constriction of surface arterioles of the nonischemic hemispheres, with an associated decrease of CBF; in the three other animals, there were no circulatory responses to the increased Paoo2. In seven animals, increasing the Paoo2 had no apparent effect on CBF or arteriolar caliber of the ischemic cerebral hemispheres. In four animals, at Paoo2 greater than 400 torr, reactivity to increases of PaCOCO2 was preserved in nonischemic cortex but impaired in ischemic cortex. Reddening of venous blood of the microvasculature of ischemic cerebral cortex occurred when Paoo2 was increased, indicating that more oxygen was made available to the ischemic ...
Near-Surface Shear Flow in the Tropical Pacific Cold Tongue Front*

Abstract Near-surface shear in the Pacific cold tongue front at 2°N, 140°W was measured using a set of five moored current meters between 5 and 25 m for nine months during 2004–05. Mean near-surface currents were strongly westward and only weakly northward (∼3 cm s−1). Mean near-surface shear was primarily westward and, thus, oriented to the left of the southeasterly trades. When the southwestward geostrophic shear was subtracted from the observed shear, the residual ageostrophic currents relative to 25 m were northward and had an Ekman-like spiral, in qualitative agreement with an Ekman model modified for regions with a vertically uniform front. According to this “frontal Ekman” model, the ageostrophic Ekman spiral is forced by the portion of the wind stress that is not balanced by the surface geostrophic shear. Analysis of a composite tropical instability wave (TIW) confirms that ageostrophic shear is minimized when winds blow along the front, and strengthens when winds blow oblique to the front. Furthe...
Perfluorocarbon emulsions and cardiopulmonary bypass: a technique for the future

Artificial blood has been sought for a considerable period of time and two major lines of research have led to FDA testing of some possible compounds. The two major types of compounds are polymerized hemoglobin moieties and perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFC). Polymerized hemoglobin preparations have the ability to carry oxygen and release it in a manner similar to the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve of whole blood. PFCs carry oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, as well as all other non-polar gases, by enhanced chemical solubility. Therefore, all dissolved gases are available for metabolic utilization and no sinusoidal release curve of oxygen is encountered. Early PFC emulsions had problems with toxicity of the emulsifier and were difficult to get into their emulsion for infusion. Furthermore they were very dilute in the active ingredient for gas transport. Today there are second generation PFCs becoming available that have a 40% concentration of the PFC and therefore the potential for gas transport is greatly increased. The PFC emulsions have a very small size, 0.1 microns, so the surface for gas exchange is massively increased as well as the potential increased for perfusion into areas of potentially sludged erythrocytes. Work with the PFCs has shown them now to be able to carry adequate oxygen to work as blood substitutes. They have shown protection from air embolism in a number of animal and end-organ models. What makes the PFCs unique is their ability to carry/absorb nitrogen and therefore protect from gas embolization. There are data in animal models showing significant cerebral protection in cardiopulmonary bypass models. The new PFCs should sometime in the not-too-distant future be tested in human bypass with assessments of neuropsychiatric dysfunction and stroke.
Hybrid spectral/iterative partitioning

We develop a new multi-way, hybrid spectral/iterative hypergraph partitioning algorithm that combines the strengths of spectral partitioners and iterative improvement algorithms to create a new class of partitioners. We use spectral information (the eigenvectors of a graph) to generate initial partitions, influence the selection of iterative improvement moves, and break out of local minima. Our 3-way and 4-way partitioning results exhibit significant improvement over current published results, demonstrating the effectiveness of our new method. Our hybrid algorithm produces an improvement of 25% over GFM for 3-way partitions, 41% improvement over GFM for 4-way partitions, and 58% improvement over ML_F for 4-way partitions.
Pleural ultrasonography versus chest radiography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax: review of the literature and meta-analysis

Ultrasonography is being increasingly utilized in acute care settings with expanding applications. Pneumothorax evaluation by ultrasonography is a fast, safe, easy and inexpensive alternative to chest radiographs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current literature comparing ultrasonography and chest radiography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax. We searched English-language articles in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library dealing with both ultrasonography and chest radiography for diagnosis of pneumothorax. In eligible studies that met strict inclusion criteria, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of pleural ultrasonography in comparison with chest radiography for the diagnosis of pneumothorax. We reviewed 601 articles and selected 25 original research articles for detailed review. Only 13 articles met all of our inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. One study used lung sliding sign alone, 12 studies used lung sliding and comet tail signs, and 6 studies searched for lung point in addition to the other two signs. Ultrasonography had a pooled sensitivity of 78.6% (95% CI, 68.1 to 98.1) and a specificity of 98.4% (95% CI, 97.3 to 99.5). Chest radiography had a pooled sensitivity of 39.8% (95% CI, 29.4 to 50.3) and a specificity of 99.3% (95% CI, 98.4 to 100). Our meta-regression and subgroup analyses indicate that consecutive sampling of patients compared to convenience sampling provided higher sensitivity results for both ultrasonography and chest radiography. Consecutive versus nonconsecutive sampling and trauma versus nontrauma settings were significant sources of heterogeneity. In addition, subgroup analysis showed significant variations related to operator and type of probe used. Our study indicates that ultrasonography is more accurate than chest radiography for detection of pneumothorax. The results support the previous investigations in this field, add new valuable information obtained from subgroup analysis, and provide accurate estimates for the performance parameters of both bedside ultrasonography and chest radiography for pneumothorax evaluation.
An Empirical Evaluation of the Fuzzy Kernel Perceptron

J.-H. Chen and C.-S. Chen have recently proposed a nonlinear variant of Keller and Hunt's fuzzy perceptron algorithm, based on the now familiar "kernel trick." In this letter, we demonstrate experimentally that J.-H. Chen and C.-S. Chen's assertion that the fuzzy kernel perceptron (FKP) outperforms the support vector machine (SVM) cannot be sustained. A more thorough model comparison exercise, based on a much wider range of benchmark data sets, shows that the FKP algorithm is not competitive with the SVM
Electronic health records and products recall management for patient safety in health care

Patient safety should be at the core of health care delivery. The main motto of the health care industry is to help the people in fighting illness using safe products. We have seen news headlines about recalls because of faulty products that result in harm to the user; these have occurred not only in the pharmaceutical industry but also in the device industry. Harm may be accrued from mislabeling, defective parts and/or defective ingredients. The question is how to remedy the situation once the product has been in wide circulation perhaps not just in one country but across the globe. Many times we have experienced hardships due to the recall of consumer goods such as cars, refrigerators, toys, etc. Recalls due to safety concerns should be implemented immediately, otherwise potential harm from product use will result in the injury or death of the users. Electronic health records (EHR) will help immediately track down the patients using defective products (in this case, medical devices or drugs). It will thus help save lives by early notification to the users of these potentially harmful products. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6581 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 132-133
Incubator care of the premature infant; discussion of optimal conditions and the current methods for their provision.

The available data indicating the optimal conditions for premature infants are reviewed. The deficiencies in our knowledge are stressed. The designs of incubators now available are discussed and their effectiveness in controlling environmental conditions is outlined. The necessity of frequent checking and servicing of the incubators to insure proper performance is emphasized.
The impact of group formation in a cooperative learning environment

Abstract Research indicates that cooperative learning (CL) has the potential to increase accounting student satisfaction without impairing the learning of technical material (Lancaster, K., & Strand, C. (2001). Using the team-learning model in a managerial accounting class: An experiment in cooperative learning. Issues in Accounting Education, 16 (4), 549–567). This study investigates whether instructor-formed heterogeneous groups produce a more effective CL environment than student self-selected groups by measuring individual academic performance and perceptions. Results indicate the presence of a treatment interaction, implying that the best group composition may not be the same for all students. In some circumstances, higher ability students had statistically higher performance in more homogeneous groups. Lower ability students did better (not significant) in heterogeneous groupings. The majority of students gave high ratings to the impact of CL on learning and development of team skills. Students were only mildly interested in increasing the time spent in groups, indicating that they value both traditional teaching methods and CL.
Adaptive Evolution of Proteins Secreted During Sperm Maturation: An Analysis of the Mouse Epididymal Transcriptome

A common pattern observed in molecular evolution is that reproductive genes tend to evolve rapidly. However, most previous studies documenting this rapid evolution are based on genes expressed in just a few male reproductive organs. In mammals, sperm become motile and capable of fertilization only after leaving the testis, during their transit through the epididymis. Thus, genes expressed in the epididymis are expected to play important roles in male fertility. Here, we performed evolutionary genetic analyses on the epididymal transcriptome of mice. Overall, epididymis-expressed genes showed evidence of strong evolutionary constraint, a finding that contrasts with most previous analyses of genes expressed in other male reproductive organs. However, a subset of epididymis-specialized, secreted genes showed several signatures of adaptive evolution, including an increased rate of nonsynonymous evolution. Furthermore, this subset of genes was overrepresented on the X chromosome. Immunity and protein modification functions were significantly overrepresented among epididymis-specialized, secreted genes. These analyses identified a group of genes likely to be important in male reproductive success.
Modeling Pressure-Driven Transport of Proteins Through a Nanochannel

Reducing the size of a nanofluidic channel not only creates new opportunities for high-precision manipulation of biological macromolecules but also makes the performance of the entire nanofluidic system more susceptible to undesirable interactions between the transported biomolecules and the walls of the channel. In this paper, we report molecular dynamics simulations of pressure-driven flow through a silica nanochannel and characterize, with atomic resolution, adsorption of a model protein to the surface of the nanochannel. Although the simulated adsorption of the proteins was found to be nonspecific, it had a dramatic effect on the rate of the protein transport. To determine the relative strength of the protein-silica interactions in different adsorbed states, we simulated flow-induced desorption of the proteins from the silica surface. Our analysis of the protein conformations in the adsorbed states did not reveal any simple dependence of the adsorption strength on the size and composition of the protein-silica contact, suggesting that the heterogeneity of the silica surface may be an important factor.
Adhesion and debonding kinetics of photovoltaic encapsulation in moist environments

Debonding of photovoltaic (PV) encapsulation in moist environments is frequently reported but presently not well understood or quantified. Temperature cycling, moisture, and mechanical loads often cause loss of encapsulation adhesion and interfacial debonding, initially facilitating back-reflectance and reduced electrical current, but ultimately leading to internal corrosion and loss of module functionality. To investigate the effects of temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) on the kinetics of encapsulation debonding, we developed a mechanics-based technique to measure encapsulation debond energy and debond growth rates in a chamber of controlled environment. The debond energy decreased from 2.15 to 1.75 kJm 2 in poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) and from 0.67 to 0.52 kJm 2 in polyvinyl butyral when T increased from 25 to 50°C and 20 to 40°C, respectively. The debond growth rates of EVA increased up to 1000-fold with small increases of T (10°C) and RH (15%). To elucidate the mechanisms of environmental debonding, we developed a fracture-kinetics model, where the viscoelastic relaxation processes at the debonding-tip are used to predict debond growth. The model and techniques constitute the fundamental basis for developing accelerated aging tests and long-term reliability predictions for PV encapsulation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatherhood, Childism, and the Creation of Society

��� This essay argues for a new religious ethical approach to fatherhood centered on children and their expanding capabilities for participation in society. Under the notion of “childism”—in analogy to feminism, womanism, humanism, and the like—it takes the perspective of the experiences and concerns of childhood as such. In contrast with a soft patriarchal argument for fatherhood that dominates much religious discourse today, it argues for a larger and more hopeful vision of fatherhood as directed toward the human social good. This requires, methodologically, a richer hermeneutical circle between religion and the social sciences. Substantively, it calls for Christian and other religious ethicists to re-imagine fatherhood as an integrated public–private responsibility that aims to cultivate children’s fully human social creativity as images of their Creator.
Use of Water-to-Water Transfers to Maximize Survival of Salmonids Stocked Directly into Seawater

Abstract Juvenile Atlantic salmon dewatered by dip net at transfer to seawater and held in net-pens had 52.3% mortality within 49 d postentry. Fish transferred to seawater by near-continuous water-to-water transfer methods had 15.2% mortality over the same period.
'Death', Doxography, and the 'Termerian Evil' (Philodemus, Epigr. 27 Page = A. P. 11.30)

The text of this poem, already corrupt in the Palatine, has had a turbulent history over the last two centuries. Here is Page's version, the translation in Gow–Page, and my own somewhat expanded apparatus: I who in time past was good for five or nine times, now, Aphrodite, hardly manage once from early night to sunrise. The thing itself, – already often only at half-strength, – is gradually dying. That's the last straw. Old age, old age, what will you do later when you come to me, if even now I am as languid as this.
Field Science—the Nature and Utility of Scientific Fields

Fields are the fundamental sociological units of science. Despite their importance, relatively little has been written about their emergence, composition, structure, and function in the scientific enterprise. This essay considers the nature of fields and their important role in maintaining information and providing normative standards for scientific work. We suggest that fields arise naturally as a consequence of increasing information and scientific specialization. New fields tend to emerge as research communities grow, which may reflect biologically determined optima for the size of human groups. The benefits of fields include the organization of scientists with similar interests into communities that collectively define the next important problems to pursue. In the discipline of microbiology, fields are often organized on the basis of phylogenetic differences between microorganisms being studied. Although fields are essential to the proper functioning of science, their emergence can restrict access by outsiders and sustain dogmas that hinder progress. We suggest mechanisms to improve the functioning of scientific fields and to promote interdisciplinary interaction between fields.
The effect of valinomycin on the electrical properties of solutions of red cell lipids in n-decane.

This paper reports the electrical properties of thick lipid membranes in the absence and presence of valinomycin. The thick lipid membranes were formed by placing a solution of sheep red cell lipids in decane between two cellophane partitions which formed the interfaces between the membrane and the two aqueous bathing solutions. The DC electrical resistance of these structures was found to be directly proportional to the reciprocal of the concentration of lipids in the decane (CL). The limiting resistance, as (CL-1) approached zero, was 3 x 108 ohm-cm2. Resistance was also found to be linearly related to membrane thickness. The limiting resistance at zero thickness was again 1–3 x 108 ohm-cm2. These data are interpreted to indicate that the DC resistance of thick lipid membranes comprises two surface resistances (RS) at each interface with the aqueous bathing solutions, and a bulk resistance (RB) of the lipid-decane solution, arranged in series. Measurements of the effect of variations of area on resistance were consistent with this interpretation. Valinomycin reduced RS but had no effect on RB. Under certain conditions, thick lipid membranes containing valinomycin behaved like highly selective K+ electrodes.
Biased Manifold Embedding: A Framework for Person-Independent Head Pose Estimation

The estimation of head pose angle from face images is an integral component of face recognition systems, human computer interfaces and other human-centered computing applications. To determine the head pose, face images with varying pose angles can be considered to be lying on a smooth low-dimensional manifold in high-dimensional feature space. While manifold learning techniques capture the geometrical relationship between data points in the high-dimensional image feature space, the pose label information of the training data samples are neglected in the computation of these embeddings. In this paper, we propose a novel supervised approach to manifold-based non-linear dimensionality reduction for head pose estimation. The Biased Manifold Embedding (BME) framework is pivoted on the ideology of using the pose angle information of the face images to compute a biased neighborhood of each point in the feature space, before determining the low-dimensional embedding. The proposed BME approach is formulated as an extensible framework, and validated with the Isomap, Locally Linear Embedding (LLE) and Laplacian Eigen-maps techniques. A Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) is used to learn the non-linear mapping, and linear multi-variate regression is finally applied on the low-dimensional space to obtain the pose angle. We tested this approach on face images of 24 individuals with pose angles varying from -90deg to +90deg with a granularity of 2. The results showed substantial reduction in the error of pose angle estimation, and robustness to variations in feature spaces, dimensionality of embedding and other parameters.