cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer for MAVEN

The Solar Wind Ion Analyzer (SWIA) on the MAVEN mission will measure the solar wind ion flows around Mars, both in the upstream solar wind and in the magneto-sheath and tail regions inside the bow shock. The solar wind flux provides one of the key energy inputs that can drive atmospheric escape from the Martian system, as well as in part controlling the structure of the magnetosphere through which non-thermal ion escape must take place. SWIA measurements contribute to the top level MAVEN goals of characterizing the upper atmosphere and the processes that operate there, and parameterizing the escape of atmospheric gases to extrapolate the total loss to space throughout Mars’ history. To accomplish these goals, SWIA utilizes a toroidal energy analyzer with electrostatic deflectors to provide a broad 360∘×90∘ field of view on a 3-axis spacecraft, with a mechanical attenuator to enable a very high dynamic range. SWIA provides high cadence measurements of ion velocity distributions with high energy resolution (14.5 %) and angular resolution (3.75∘×4.5∘ in the sunward direction, 22.5∘×22.5∘ elsewhere), and a broad energy range of 5 eV to 25 keV. Onboard computation of bulk moments and energy spectra enable measurements of the basic properties of the solar wind at 0.25 Hz.
Impact of rapid on-site cytologic evaluation during transbronchial needle aspiration.

Study objective To determine the extent to which rapid on-site cytologic evaluation (ROSE) of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) samples can safely and cost-effectively reduce the need for additional biopsy during bronchoscopy Setting University Hospital in Long Island, NY Patient and methods Forty-four bronchoscopies with TBNA, most of which utilized ROSE, were evaluated prospectively. The number and types of biopsies performed during each procedure were compared to a preprocedural algorithm to determine the impact of knowing ROSE results during the procedure. Bronchoscopies performed with and without ROSE were compared, as were bronchoscopies with diagnostic and nondiagnostic ROSE results. A cost analysis was performed comparing the Medicare reimbursement for ROSE to the savings of deferring multiple biopsies Results Thirty-two bronchoscopies were performed with ROSE; 12 were performed without ROSE. Fewer biopsies were performed during bronchoscopies utilizing ROSE. Diagnostic yield, TBNA sensitivity and accuracy, and procedural time were similar between these two groups Conclusions ROSE during TBNA allows for deferring additional biopsy without loss in diagnostic yield, likely lowers procedural risk, and is cost-effective
Composition and synthesis in vivo of water-insoluble proteins in the rat ocular lens: Normal and cataractous

Abstract This study describes the composition and synthesis in vivo of the water-insoluble proteins in normal and cataractous rat ocular lens. Cataracts of the lens nucleus were induced by treatment of the young rat with U18666A, 3β-(2-diethylaminoethoxy)androst-5-en-17-one. HCl. Opaque lens contained more insoluble proteins and incorporated more intraocularly injected [ 3 H]leucine into these proteins than clear lens. Insoluble proteins from both clear and opaque lens consisted of classes in three mol. wt. ranges; > 68 000, 35 000–60 000 and 16 000–22 000. Treatment with mercaptoethanol produced changes in the electrophoretic profiles of the 35 000–60 000 and 16 000–22 000 mol. wt. classes of proteins from both normal and opaque lens; however, the higher mol. wt. class from only the opaque lens was reduced to smaller components. The lowest mol. wt. class accounted for over 50% of the total water-insoluble protein in both types of lens. [ 3 H]leucine was incorporated into the protein classes roughly proportionate to their relative concentrations, although there was a tendency for normal lens to incorporate more label into peak 1 and 2 proteins and for cataractous lens to incorporate more into peak 3 proteins. In general, however, the greater concentration of water-insoluble protein in this cataract appeared due to a proportionately increased formation of the same proteins present in normal lens. In contrast to human senile cataracts, the opaque rat lens did not preferentially accumulate disulfidelinked very high mol. wt. insoluble protein. However, the aged (i.e. pre-existing) higher mol. wt. insoluble proteins of the U18666A cataract appeared different from those newly synthesized, since the aged proteins were reduced under conditions not affecting those newly synthesized.
The basis for toxicity of certain cryoprotectants: A hypothesis

Abstract In this review we offer an explanation for the means by which cryoprotectants stabilize proteins during freezing and destabilize them at physiological temperatures. Dimethylsulfoxide, polyethylene glycol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol are preferentially excluded from the hydration shell of the proteins at low temperatures. Thermodynamic analyses reviewed here suggest that this exclusion leads to stabilization. In contrast, we suggest that at higher temperatures these cosolvents; interact hydrophobically with proteins and thus act as protein destabilizers or denaturants. The apparent paradox that compounds such as dimethylsulfoxide are effective cryoprotectants but can be toxic to cells at higher temperatures may be ascribed to the dual temperature-dependent modes of interaction of these molecules with proteins.
Cancer outlier differential gene expression detection.

SUMMARY We study statistical methods to detect cancer genes that are over- or down-expressed in some but not all samples in a disease group. This has proven useful in cancer studies where oncogenes are activated only in a small subset of samples. We propose the outlier robust t-statistic (ORT), which is intuitively motivated from thet-statistic, the most commonly used differential gene expression detection method. Using real and simulation studies, we compare the ORT to the recently proposed cancer outlier profile analysis (Tomlins and others, 2005) and the outlier sum statistic of Tibshirani and Hastie (2006). The proposed method often has more detection power and smaller false discovery rates. Supplementary information can be found at http://www.biostat.umn.edu/∼baolin/research/ort.html.
Portholes and planes: faster dynamic evaluation of potentially visible sets

We describe a simple and efficient dynamic occlusion- culling algorithm for computing potentially visible sets (PVS) in densely occluded virtual environments. Our method is an optimization of a widely used technique in which a 3D environment is divided into cells and portals. Our algorithm computes the PVS in approximately half the time of previous portal methods at the expense of producing a slightly relaxed PVS. In addition, our algorithm enables fast culling of objects within cells using inexpensive object-space methods by using a lookup table to compute the diminished object-space view frustum. The algorithm takes advantage of temporal coherence, is easy to implement, and is particularly well suited for applications that need to compute a PVS for use in non-rendering tasks such as AI.
Initial data for binary neutron stars with arbitrary spins

In general neutron stars in binaries are spinning. Because of the existence of millisecond pulsars we know that these spins can be substantial. We argue that spins with periods on the order of a few dozen milliseconds could influence the late inspiral and merger dynamics. Thus numerical simulations of the last few orbits and the merger should start from initial conditions that allow for arbitrary spins. We discuss quasiequilibrium approximations one can make in the construction of binary neutron star initial data with spins. Using these approximations we are able to derive two new matter equations. As in the case of irrotational neutron star binaries, one of these equations is algebraic and the other elliptic. If these new matter equations are solved together with the equations for the metric variables following the Wilson-Mathews or conformal thin sandwich approach, one can construct neutron star initial data. The spin of each star is described by a rotational velocity that can be chosen freely so that one can create stars in arbitrary rotation states. Our new matter equations reduce to the well-known limits of both corotating and irrotational neutron star binaries.
Liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy detection of laser ablation produced particles: A feasibility study

Abstract The use of a liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge (LS-APGD) microplasma source as an alternative to conventional inductively coupled plasma (ICP) detection of laser ablation (LA) produced particles using a Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm is demonstrated. This configuration utilizes a 180° geometry, which is different from the 40° geometry that was used to ionize ablated particles followed by mass spectrometric detection. The use of a hollow counter electrode (nickel, 0.3 cm o.d., 0.1 cm i.d.) was implemented to introduce ablated particles directly into the APGD plasma with helium as a carrier gas. The LS-APGD source was optimized using ablated copper as the test sample (helium carrier gas flow rate (0.30 L min − 1 He), discharge current (60 mA), laser power (44 mJ), and solution electrode sheath gas (0.2 L min − 1 He) and solution flow rates (10 μL min − 1 5% HNO 3 )). Standard brass samples having known Zn/Cu percentages were ablated and analyzed using the LS-APGD source. As a comparison, the established technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to analyze the same set of brass standards under similar ablation conditions to the LS-AGPD measurements, yielding comparable results. The Zn/Cu ratio results for the LS-APGD and LIBS measurements showed good similarity to previous measurements using ICP-MS detection. The performance of the LS-APGD–OES microplasma, comparable to well established methods, with lower capital and operational overhead expenses, suggests a great deal of promise as an analytical excitation source.
Complications of rigid internal fixation.

Over the past 20 years, there have been many advances in the development of bone fixation systems used in the practice of craniomaxillofacial surgery. As surgical practices have evolved, the complications of each technologic advance have changed accordingly. Interfragmentary instability of interosseous wiring has been replaced by the risk of exposure, infection, and palpability of plate and screw fixation systems. The improved rigidity of plate fixation requires anatomic alignment of fracture fragments. Failure to obtain proper alignment has led to the phenomenon known as “open internal fixation” of fracture fragments without proper reduction. The size of the plates has decreased to minimize palpability and exposure. However limitations in their application have been encountered due to the physiologic forces of the muscles of mastication and bone healing. In the pediatric population, the long-standing presence of plates in the cranial vault resulted in reports of transcranial migration and growth restriction. These findings led to the development of resorbable plating systems, which are associated with self-limited plate palpability and soft tissue inflammatory reactions. Any rigid system including these produces growth restriction in varying amounts. In this discussion, we review the reported complication rates of miniplating and microplating systems as well as absorptive plating systems in elective and traumatic craniofacial surgery.
Examining Issues of Aided Communication Display and Navigational Strategies for Young Children with Developmental Disabilities

Gestural mode and graphic mode augmentative communication systems offer viable options for young communicators with cognitive and physical disabilities that preclude speech or result in speech that has insufficient intelligibility to be understood by a range of communicative partners. This article examines issues related to strategies of interest to interventionists that focus on navigating displays of aided communication systems utilizing displays of graphic symbols. After briefly describing aided communication systems we will differentiate between static and dynamic communicative displays. Subsequently, we will consider symbol arrangement. This will lead to discussion of a sampling of strategies that can be implemented in a dynamic communication display to facilitate navigation (including both electronic and non-electronic applications). In discussing the preceding areas, our primary emphasis will be on navigating dynamic communication displays.
Adolescent anabolic androgenic steroids reorganize the glutamatergic neural circuitry in the hypothalamus.

Abstract Chronic treatment with anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) during adolescence alters the activity of various neurotransmitter systems in male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). The present study was conducted to determine whether glutamatergic cells in the lateral anterior hypothalamus (LAH), a sub-region of the anterior hypothalamus, have lasting activation following adolescent AAS exposure, and to examine AAS-induced alterations in the connections between the LAH and the ventrolateral hypothalamus (VLH) governed by glutamate. Hamsters were administered AAS during adolescence and then examined for changes in FOS (protein product of the immediate early gene c-fos) and phosphate activated glutaminase (PAG; the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of glutamate) immunoreactivity (FOS/PAG-IR) using double-label immunohistochemistry. In a second experiment, a retrograde tracing study was conducted using a red fluorescent tracer microinjected into the VLH. Then brains were processes for PAG immunofluorescence and examined for AAS-induced changes in the number of PAG positive cells containing the tracer (PAG/Tracer) in the LAH. When compared to oil-treated controls, AAS-treated hamsters showed significant increases in PAG-IR and FOS/PAG-IR in the LAH, decreases in afferent innervation from the LAH to the VLH and decreases in the total number of glutamate cells in the LAH projecting to the VLH. Together with previous research from our lab showing increased AAS-induced expression of PAG in the AH and increased glutamate receptor expression in the VLH, the current results suggest that adolescent AAS exposure leads to alterations in the function and expression of the glutamatergic system as well as changes in hypothalamic neural connections. In addition, the current results further strengthen the notion that a specific nucleus in the AH, the LAH is a critical hypothalamic sub-region particularly sensitive to AAS-induced neurodevelopmental effects.
High throughput multiscale modeling for design of experiments, catalysts, and reactors: Application to hydrogen production from ammonia

A novel approach for design of experiments (DOE) is outlined that combines high throughput multiscale modeling, sensitivity analysis, and information extraction from massive computational data using informatics tools. This approach is implemented by conducting experiments of ammonia decomposition on a Ru/γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst in a fixed bed reactor. It is shown that a relatively small number of experiments chosen from this new DOE approach can enable refinement of microkinetic models and render them predictive over the (large) experimentally important parameter space. Microkinetic models are subsequently used for process and product design. Specifically, a membrane fixed bed reactor is simulated and is shown to outperform the conventional fixed bed reactor at intermediate temperatures for hydrogen production. Also, the attributes of the best catalyst for ammonia decomposition are identified as a function of processing conditions. It is shown that for NH 3 decomposition, processing conditions do not significantly affect the best catalyst choice. In contrast, fundamental physicochemical phenomena, such as adsorbate-adsorbate interactions, can have a profound effect on catalyst discovery.
Addressing criticality for rare earth elements in petroleum refining: The key supply factors approach

Abstract The group of elements known as the rare earth elements (REEs) is comprised of the 15 lanthanides. REEs are used in a number of technologies including catalysts for automobiles and petroleum refining, magnets for wind turbines and defense technologies, and phosphors in lighting and computer and TV screens. REEs are actually quite abundant in the earth′s crust. The elements are deemed “rare” because they are found in low concentrations and are difficult to extract economically. China holds 48% of the global REE reserves, and until 2012, production of REEs was almost exclusive to China. Over the past decade, China has been steadily decreasing its REE export quotas, reducing the supply of REEs available to the rest of the world. REEs are considered critical materials according to the National Science and Technology Council, which defines critical elements as those serving an essential function in the manufacture of a product, the absence of which would cause significant social consequence. Thus, it is extremely important for consumers of REEs to be aware of and understand the risks facing the supply REEs, as awareness is the first and most important step in developing strategies to mitigate risk. This report presents a mechanism for identifying the risks present in a supply–demand scenario and determining the criticality of an individual rare earth element under specific circumstances. In “A brief examination of supply and demand in REEs” section we briefly discuss the supply and demand for REEs. “REEs in petroleum refining” section examines the importance of REEs in fluid catalytic Cracking, the largest domestic U.S. use of REEs. “Determining REE criticality: The key supply risk methodology” section presents our key supply factor methodology of addressing the criticality of REEs. In “Scenario analysis” section we apply our methodology to three different possible scenarios affecting U.S. REE markets. “Example of criticality index for cerium considering the increased domestic supply scenario” section contains the results we derive from our methodology. Our conclusions are in “Criticality indexes: Results” section.
On the expansion of the crack-tip craze during fatigue fracture in poly(methyl methacrylate)

Abstract The expansion of the crack-tip craze in poly(methyl methacrylate) during quasi-static fatigue fracture is considered. The driving force is taken in the form proposed by the Crack layer model. It is evaluated on the basis of experimentally measured quantities of the craze length and craze width and the assumption of a uniform stress applied along the boundary of the crack-tip craze (Dugdale-Barenblatt model). Correlation of the rate of expansion and the corresponding driving force suggests that a power-type kinetic equation adequately describes the expansion of the crack-tip craze under the investigated loading conditions.
Predictions of the Parton Dual-Resonance Model for the Total Cross Section of Electron-Positron Annihilation into Hadrons

On the assumption that a heavy virtual photon behaves like a parton-antiparton pair when participating in the strong interaction, we predict that the total cross section for ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{hadrons}$, as ${q}^{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$, behaves like $C{q}^{\ensuremath{-}4}{(|{q}^{2}|\mathrm{ln}|{q}^{2}|)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for spin-0 partons, and like ${C}^{\ensuremath{'}}{q}^{\ensuremath{-}4}{(\mathrm{ln}|{q}^{2}|)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for spin-$\frac{1}{2}$ partons, where ${q}^{2}$ is the virtual photon's mass squared. This provides a simple, yet important test of the parton dual-resonance model for deep-inelastic lepton-hadronic scattering, proposed in a previous paper.
Three Methods for Stabilization and Functionalization of Porous Silicon Surfaces via Hydrosilylation and Electrografting Reactions

Three reactions are discussed which accomplish a high degree of substitution of the silicon hydride bonds on the porous silicon (pSi) surface with silicon–carbon bonds. Lewis acid mediated (LAM) and white light-promoted (LP) hydrosilylation of alkynes and alkenes gives surfaces with alkenyl and alkyl residues, respectively. Evidence for the silicon–carbon bonds is given by solid-state NMR spectroscopy of free-standing pSi material. The extent of the substitution of the surface bonds is termed reaction efficiency (E) which is measured by the change in the integrated area of the silicon hydride stretch region in FTIR spectra (2000–2200 cm—1). The LAM hydrosilylation gives a higher E value than the LP reaction. The E value of the LAM reaction is believed to be limited by the efficiency of the catalyst diffusion throughout the porous structure. In the case of the LP reaction, it is limited by the relative quantity of visible light-exposed material in comparison to the entire amount of IR-apparent silicon hydride bonds. The cathodic electrografting (CEG) reaction gives directly attached alkynyl residues via reduction of a silicon hydride bond to generate alkynyl carbanions, which then react with silicon–silicon bonds.
Adaptive evolution and explosive speciation : the cichlid fish model

The cost of DNA sequencing continues to fall, which makes it feasible to develop genomic resources for new model species that are well suited for studying questions in evolutionary biology. The thousands of closely related cichlid fishes in the lakes of East Africa are an ideal model system for understanding the genetic basis of vertebrate speciation. Genomic techniques are helping to integrate empirical and theoretical studies by identifying the genes that underlie the phenotypic differences among species.
Factor affecting length of stay in late preterm infants: an US national database study

AbstractObjectives: Late preterm infants are the fastest growing segment of the premature infant population in the United States. However, it is not known if demographic and clinical factors can impact the length of hospital stay (LOS) in this population. The objectives of this study are to determine the following: (a) factors associated with a LOS > 3 d and (b) whether there is any difference in risks between infants born at 33–34 versus 35–36 weeks.Methods: Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database, a de-identified dataset produced by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, analysis of 81 913 infants born at 33–36 weeks from 2007 to 2008 was conducted. LOS outcome was defined as ≤3 and >3 d. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of LOS among this population.Results: Only 42.7% of infants were discharged home within three days. Factors associated with a LOS > 3 d included gestational age of <35 weeks (RR = 1.63; CI: 1.58–1.68), birth weight of < 25...
Synthesis of cis- and trans-Fe(CyNC)4(SPh)2: bis-thiolate precursors of the mixed-metal complex, (CyNC)4Fe(SPh)2Mo(CO)4

Abstract Reaction of [Et 4 N] 2 [Fe(SPh) 4 ] with CyNC in MeCN yields cis - and trans -Fe(CyNC) 4 (SPh) 2 which have been identified by their IR spectral data and physical properties. The less-soluble trans isomer converts spontaneously into its cis analog in MeCN by a first order process with k obs = 1.5 x 10 −4 s −1 at 20°C. Cyclic voltammetry studies show that the trans isomer undergoes clean, pseudoreversible, one-electron oxidation with E 1 2 = −0.28 V, while cis -Fe(CyNC) 4 (SPh) 2 is oxidized in a multistep, irreversible process at more positive potentials. Both forms of Fe(CyNC) 4 (SPh) 2 react with the substitution-labile carbonylmolybdenum(0) species, (norbornadiene)Mo(CO) 4 , to generate the new binuclear mixed-metal complex (CyNC) 4 Fe(SPh) 2 Mo(CO) 4 . Cyclic voltammetry of the hetereometallic species shows two pseudoreversible oxidative redox events which formally correspond to Fe II /Fe III and Mo 0 /Mo I couples.
Variability in flower development of Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.): model and decision-support system.

Abstract A model to predict the distribution of harvest dates in an Easter lily crop was validated using data from several locations. Plants were individually harvested (i.e. removed from the greenhouse for shipping) when flowers on a plant reached a minimum flower bud length. A computer decision-support system called LilyDate was developed to allow the model to be used to optimize greenhouse temperature settings to ensure that the majority of a crop is ready to harvest by a target date. To implement LilyDate, the user measures the length of the largest flower bud per plant on a sample of plants in the greenhouse, and enters the frequency of plants at each flower bud length (to the nearest cm) into the program. Based on the expected temperature and sample growth data, the software predicts a cumulative and daily distribution of when plants will be in flower. Model predictions were not biased, and the model predicted the number of days until 50 or 95% of plants were in flower with a precision of ±2 and ±3 days, respectively. The general approach to the computer system could be adapted to predict the harvest distribution for other crop species that require a consistent quantity of thermal time to harvest, and that are grown for a target harvest date.
Transient natural convection in a vertical cylinder

An experimental and analytical study is reported of transient natural convection in a vertical cylinder. For the experiments a cylinder was partially filled with liquid and subjected to a uniform heat flux at the walls. Thermocouples were used to measure the unsteady temperature field within the liquid; dye tracers were used to study flow patterns. Parameters that were varied included the test liquid (water-glycerin mixtures), the liquid depth, and the wall heat flux. A range of Prandtl number from 2 to 8,000, L/D ratio from 1 to 3, and Grashof number from 103 to 1011 were studied, encompassing both laminar and turbulent flow regimes. An analytical model was developed by dividing the system into three regions: a thin boundary layer rising along the heated walls, a mixing region at the top where the boundary layer discharges and mixes with the upper core fluid, and a main core region which slowly falls in plug flow. The temperature of the core fluid was assumed to vary in the vertical direction but not in the horizontal direction. Natural convection boundary-layer equations were modified to allow for a temperature variation at the outer edge of the boundary layer. The model may be used with a step-by-step computational procedure to predict the temperature distribution in the fluid as a function of time for an arbitrary set of conditions. Results computed by using the model were in good agreement with the experimental data.
Theoretical description of Hartree-Fock calculations under axial symmetry: First results on tin isotopes

We present the first set of results of solving the Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov equations, which describe the self-consistent mean field theory with pairing interaction. Calculations for even-even nuclei are carried out on a two-dimensional axially symmetric lattice, in coordinate space. An important aspect of our method is the proper representation of the quasi-particle continuum wavefunctions, which are considered for energies up to 60 MeV. This stage is essential for a proper description of nuclei near the drip Unes, due to the strong coupling between weakly bound states and the particle continuum for such nuclei. High accuracy is achieved by representing the operators and wavefunctions using the technique of basis-splines. Calculations for Sn isotopes are presented to demonstrate the reliability of the method.
Hospitalizations for Tuberculosis in the United States in 2000: Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality

Study objectives: Despite curative therapy, mortality remains high for hospitalized patients with tuberculosis (TB) in the United States. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of hospitalized patients with TB and to identify patient characteristics associated with in-hospital mortality. Design, setting, and patients: Using the 2000 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, representing 20% of US hospital admissions, we identified 2,279 hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of TB (International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, codes, 010.xx to 018.xx). Measurements and results: Mortality was the main outcome measure. Logistic regression analyses were performed including age, gender, race, insurance status, income, Deyo-adapted Charlson comorbidity index (DCI), HIV status, hospital admission source, and hospital characteristics as explanatory variables. A disproportionate number of patients hospitalized with TB were men (64%), nonwhite (72%), lived in areas with median incomes of < $35,000 (50%), and had publicly funded health insurance (49%) or no health insurance (17%). The mortality rate for patients hospitalized for TB was greater than that for non-TB hospital admissions (4.9% vs 2.4%, respectively; p < 0.001). Patients with TB who died during hospitalization were older (mean age, 65.1 vs 49.4 years, respectively; p < 0.001), had greater comorbid illness (DCI, 1.1 vs 0.55, respectively; p < 0.001), required longer hospitalizations (19.9 vs 13.9 days, respectively; p < 0.001), and accumulated substantially higher charges ($79,585 vs $31,610, respectively; p < 0.001) than did patients with TB who were alive at hospital discharge. In a multivariable analysis, older age, comorbid illnesses, and emergency department admissions were independently associated with mortality. The total charges for TB hospitalizations in the United States in 2000 exceeded $385 million. Conclusions: Despite public health efforts, patients who are hospitalized with TB are frequently admitted through emergency care settings, have a high risk of in-hospital mortality, and incur substantial hospital charges. To improve TB health outcomes, more vigorous clinical management and prevention strategies should especially target older patients and those with comorbid medical conditions. (CHEST 2004; 126:1079 –1086)
Palygorskite as an epoxy polymer reinforcement agent

Palygorskite, a silicate clay with a pleated 2:1 layered structure, has a lath-like particle morphology that makes it an attractive candidate for the formation of polymer nanocomposites. Here, we report the properties of palygorskite in pristine and silylated forms for the reinforcement of rubbery and glassy epoxy matrices. Three silylation reagents were used for surface modification of the mineral, namely, γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS), N-dodecyltriethoxysilane (DTES), and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane (HMSZ). The silylated palygorskite derivatives provided better dispersions in rubbery epoxy matrices than the pristine mineral, affording improvements in mechanical properties at low loadings levels of 2 and 5% (w/w). But at higher loadings where increases in the viscosity of the pre-polymer helps to stabilizes the mineral dispersion, little or no differences were observed for the reinforcement benefits provided by the pristine and silylated forms of palygorskite. Glassy epoxy nanocomposites formed from both pristine and silylated palygorskite exhibited marginal improvements in tensile properties regardless of the mineral loading level, suggesting that the tensile strength of the pleated sheet silicate may be approaching that of the polymer matrix.
Prostatic binding protein, polyamine, and dna synthesis in rat ventral prostate cells

Prostatic binding protein (PBP), polyamine, and DNA synthesis were examined in primary cultures of rat ventral prostate cells. Soon after aggregates of prostate cells were placed in culture, PBP synthesis fell dramatically and DNA synthetic activity in the epithelial cells increased. The amount of polyamines that were labeled with [3H] from [3H] ornithine fell transiently, but rose again at or before the peak of DNA synthesis. Individual 3H-labeled polyamines in cells and medium were dansylated and separated by thin-layer chromatography. The ratio of [3H] Spermidine plus [3H] Spermine to [3H] Putrescine in the culture medium declined as DNA synthesis increased. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity fell dramatically along with PBP synthesis even as DNA synthesis and 3H-labeled polyamines increased in the prostate-cell cultures. These results support others that suggest that high ODC activity in prostate epithelial cells is a correlate of prostate epithelial cell function rather than proliferation. However, prostate epithelial cells retain the capacity to synthesize significant levels of polyamines from ornithine (especially Putrescine) during proliferation even when ODC activity is low.
Graphical representation of help knowledge for intelligent tutoring systems

Abstract Today an expected facility of interactive computer systems and application programs is an extensive, well-designed, and well-written online help system. A help system frequently provides online tutorial text concerning the operation of the system or application. In the case of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), an embedded help system provides help with topics in the training domain. In this environment, the help system not only provides user initiated help, but also help text introduced by the embedded computer expert for the purpose of directing or correcting student actions. Explanatory material contained in help systems is called help documentation, and is usually accessed through a “HELP” command. Identification of relevant help texts is difficult for a user, and is a special case of the general information retrieval problem. This paper discusses methods for the retrieval of help knowledge items using graphical, on-screen, tree structures. The configuration of these “study trees” conforms to the hierarchical nature of the tutorial information being referenced. Selection of natural language terms affords initial entry to the trees. A user of the help system browses the trees directly on-screen and consults the subject help texts at will. The study tree presentation facilitates effective selection of pertinent help texts and relates the collection of help material into an integrated whole.
Nanosecond pulse electrical fields used in conjunction with multi-wall carbon nanotubes as a potential tumor treatment

The objectives of this communication were to fabricate pure samples of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and to determine their toxicity in tumor cell lines. MWCNTs were dispersed in a concentration of the surfactant T80 that was minimally toxic. Cell-type variation in toxicity to MWCNTs was observed but was not significantly different to unexposed controls. Additionally, we investigated the increased cell killing of the pancreatic cancer cell line PANC1 when exposed to ultrashort (nanosecond) pulsed electrical fields (nsPEF) in the presence of MWCNTs as a potential form of cancer therapy. We hypothesized that the unique electronic properties of MWCNTs disrupt cell function, leading to cell death, when cells are exposed to nsPEF. We observed a 2.3-fold reduction in cell survival in cells pulsed in the presence of MWCNTs compared to pulsed controls. This study demonstrates that ultrashort pulse electrical field applications have enhanced killing effects when cells are previously grown in the presence of MWCNTs, suggesting that the electrical properties of MWCNTs play a vital role in this process and is suggestive of a synergistic interaction between these nanomaterials and electrical fields.
Mercury in Zooplankton of Northern Wisconsin Lakes: Taxonomic and Site-Specific Trends

Mercury content and speciation were determined in freshwater Zooplankton from twelve northern Wisconsin (USA) lakes that spanned gradients of dissolved organic carbon (DOC, 1.6 to 20.9 mg/L) and pH (4.6 to 7.2). MeHg in crustacean taxa ranged from 1 to 479 ng/g diy weight, and from 2 to 45 ng/g in the invertebrate predators. Total Hg in the predators ranged from 20 to 153 ng/g. Although the highest MeHg values were found in the herbivores from high DOC lakes (and the experimentally acidified basin of Little Rock Lake), we observed considerable variation in the relationship between MeHg content of Zooplankton and lake water DOC. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) for both MeHg (3.5 to 7.1 log units) and Hg (3.7 to 5.4 log units) decreased with increasing lake DOC, while pH effects were not as apparent. Bioconcentration of MeHg was higher than Hg indicating that MeHg increases while non-methyl Hg declines in progressively higher trophic levels. Biomagnification factors (BMF) for Hg and MeHg were low relative to BCF. The BMF for crustaceans averaged 0.4 log units for MeHg and −0.5 log units for Hg, indicating that MeHg increased 2.5-fold from seston to crustacean herbivores, while non-MeHg concentrations declined. Unlike BCF, BMF were not related to DOC or pH. In contrast to studies of vertebrate predators, both BCF and BMF in the invertebrate predator Chaoborus, were lower than those in presumed prey. These observations point toward several complexities in the transport of Hg species in the lower levels of aquatic foodwebs.
A verification of two shear velocity equations for the wind-wave interaction in a lake environment

Under growing wind-wave conditions the shear velocity,u*, over the water surface equalsg2Hs2Ba2Cp3, whereg is the gravitational acceleration,Hs is the significant wave height,Ba is a constant, andCp is the wave celerity. From an independent field experiment in a lake environment which provided all three parameters (u*,Hs, andCp), the value ofBa is found to be 0.89, which is slightly lower than but consistent (within 20%) with the literature value between 0.90 and 1.06 obtained from an oceanic environment. Since thisu* equation does not include the wind speed,U10, anotheru* formulation withU10 in addition to the wave information is also evaluated. It is shown that the latter equation which includesU10 is superior to the former withoutU10.
Empirical Evaluation of Ambient Ozone Interpolation Procedures to Support Exposure Models.

ABSTRACT An intercomparison study has been performed with six empirical ozone interpolation procedures to predict hourly concentrations in ambient air between monitoring stations. The objective of the study is to use monitoring network data to empirically identify an improved procedure to estimate ozone concentrations at subject exposure points. Four of the procedures in the study are currently used in human exposure models (nearest monitors daily mean and maximum, regression estimate used in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) pNEM, and inverse distance weighting), and two are being evaluated for this purpose (kriging in space and kriging in space and time). The study focused on spatial estimation during June 1-June 5, 1996, with relatively high observed ozone levels over Houston, Texas. The study evaluated these procedures at three types of locations with monitors of varying proximity. Results from the empirical evaluation indicate that kriging in space and time provides excellent estimates...
On rings with central polynomials

Abstract Let Ω be a commutative ring with 1, and let R be an Ω-algebra with center C. A polynomial f(X1,…, Xm) with coefficients in Ω is an identity of R if f(r1,…, rm) = 0 for all r1,…, rm in R, and f is central in R if f is not an identity of R but f(r1,…, rm) ϵ C for all r1,…, rm in R. Formanek has shown recently that M n (Ω) , the algebra of n × n matrices with entries in Ω, has a central polynomial which is linear in the last variable. Call such a central polynomial regular. It follows from Formanek's result that a large class of algebras have regular central polynomials. The purpose of this paper is to examine ideals of rings with regular central polynomial and to see what relationships exist between these ideals and ideals of the center. In order to do this it is necessary to develop some general results on identities of algebras and to investigate central localization, i.e., localization of R by a multiplicative subset S of C. As an application of the results of Sections 1–4, we obtain some information on semiprime P.I.-algebras in Section 5 and conclude with a fairly straight-forward proof in Section 6 of the Artin-Procesi theorem, which says that a ring R (with 1) is Azumaya of rank n2 over its center if and only if R satisfies the identities of Mn( Z ) and no homomorphic image of R satisfies the identities of Mn−1( Z ).
Physical Provocation Potentiates Aggression in Male Rats Receiving Anabolic Androgenic Steroids

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have been linked to indiscriminant and unprovoked aggression and violence. We employed a brief tail pinch to examine the effects of different AAS on intermale aggression in gonadally intact male rats in response to a mild physical provocation. Animals received 5 mg/kg testosterone propionate (TP), nandrolone (ND), or stanozolol (ST) 5 days/week. Controls received vehicle injections. After 12 weeks, rats were tested for aggression while treatments continued. Animals were paired with either gonadally intact or castrated opponents and were tested in the subject rat's home cage, the opponents's home cage, and a neutral cage. Aggression was tested during tail pinch of the subject rat and during tail pinch of the opponent rat. In TP-treated males, tail pinch significantly enhanced aggression in all social and environmental conditions compared to intact controls. TP treatment also significantly enhanced aggression when the opponents were tail pinched. Tail pinch did not increase aggression in ND-treated males, and aggression was significantly lower than controls in ST-treated males. As expected, cell nuclear androgen receptor binding was significantly elevated by the high dose of TP. Our results show that while AAS alone does not induce the indiscriminate and unprovoked aggression characteristic of 'roid rage, TP heightens the animals sensitivity to external stimuli and lowers the threshold for aggression and dominance in response to provocation.
Switching LPV Control for High Performance Tactical Aircraft

This paper examines a switching Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) control approach to determine if it is practical to use for flight control designs within a wide angle of attack region. The approach is based on multiple parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions. The full parameter space is partitioned into overlapping subspaces and a family of LPV controllers are designed, each suitable for a specific parameter subspace. The hysteresis switching logic is used to accomplish the transition among different parameter subspaces. The proposed switching LPV control scheme is applied to an F-16 aircraft model with different actuator dynamics in low and high angle of attack regions. The nonlinear simulation results show that the aircraft performs well when switching among different angle of attack regions.
The acetylation of thrombin.

Purified thrombin-C loses its clotting power upon acetylation. The thrombin-E which is produced during the acetylation has approximately twice the proteolytic activity as the original thrombin-C. E...
A Case of Percutaneous Catheter Thrombectomy in a Patient With Massive Pulmonary Thromboembolism

Acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life threatening medical condition. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and rapid recovery of the pulmonary flow is essential for decreasing the associated morbidity and mortality. We report here on a case of a 68-year old woman for whom we attempted percutaneous catheter thrombectomy in the treatment of an acute massive PTE. (Korean Circ J 2008;38:227-229)
In utero exposure to TCDD alters Wnt signaling during mouse prostate development: linking ventral prostate agenesis to downregulated β-catenin signaling

In utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) causes ventral prostate agenesis in C57BL/6J mice by preventing ventral prostatic budding in the embryonic urogenital sinus (UGS). TCDD (5 μg/kg, po) administered to pregnant dams on embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5) activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the UGS mesenchyme, disrupting the mesenchymally derived paracrine signaling that instructs epithelial prostatic budding. How TCDD alters the mesenchymal milieu is not well understood. We previously showed that TCDD disrupts some aspects of Wnt signaling in UGSs grown in vitro. Here we provide the first comprehensive, in vivo characterization of Wnt signaling in male E16.5 UGSs during normal development, and after in utero TCDD exposure. Vehicle- and TCDD-exposed UGSs were probed by in situ hybridization to assess relative abundance and localization of RNA from 46 genes that regulate Wnt signaling. TCDD altered the staining pattern of five genes, increasing staining for Wnt10a and Wnt16 and decreasing staining for Ror2, Rspo2, and Wif1. We also used immunohistochemistry to show, for the first time, activation of β-catenin (CTNNB1) signaling in ventral basal epithelium of control UGSs at E16.5. This onset of CTNNB1 signaling occurred immediately prior to the initiation of ventral prostatic budding and is characterized by a pronounced increase in CTNNB1 nuclear localization and subsequent expression of the CTNNB1 signaling target gene, Lef1. In utero TCDD exposure prevented the onset of CTNNB1 signaling and LEF1 expression in the ventral basal epithelium, thereby elucidating a likely mechanism by which TCDD contributes to failed prostatic budding in the ventral UGS.
Prostate stem cell antigen: A cell surface marker overexpressed in prostate cancer

The identification of cell surface antigens is critical to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for the management of prostate cancer. Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is a prostate-specific gene with 30% homology to stem cell antigen 2, a member of the Thy-1/Ly-6 family of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface antigens. PSCA encodes a 123-aa protein with an amino-terminal signal sequence, a carboxyl-terminal GPI-anchoring sequence, and multiple N-glycosylation sites. PSCA mRNA expression is prostate-specific in normal male tissues and is highly up-regulated in both androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer xenografts. In situ mRNA analysis localizes PSCA expression in normal prostate to the basal cell epithelium, the putative stem cell compartment of the prostate. There is moderate to strong PSCA expression in 111 of 126 (88%) prostate cancer specimens examined by in situ analysis, including high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and androgen-dependent and androgen-independent tumors. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrates that PSCA is expressed predominantly on the cell surface and is anchored by a GPI linkage. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis localizes the PSCA gene to chromosome 8q24.2, a region of allelic gain in more than 80% of prostate cancers. A mouse homologue with 70% amino acid identity and similar genomic organization to human PSCA has also been identified. These results support PSCA as a target for prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Dynamometric Grip Strength Assessment of Subjects Sixty Years and Older

Grip strength is important in the performance of nearly all activities of daily living as it allows individuals to maintain fuuctional independence. The purpose of this study was to examine grip strength in individuals 60 years of age and older. Forty-eight healthy subjects (24 men and 24 women) between the ages of 61 and 85 participated in this study. A Jamar Adjustable Handle Dynamometer was used to measure grip strength of the right (dominant) hand and the left (non-dominant) hand while subjects were seated in the recommended test position by the American Society of Hand Therapists. The additional variables of age, height, weight and walking time were analyzed in addition to grip strength. Results showed that the dominant hand of both men and women was statistically significantly stronger than the non-dominant hand. The older elderly had less grip strength than the younger elderly. This study suggests that men lose a greater percentage of grip strength as they age and that the decline in grip strength ...