cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic repolarization-related predictors of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac deaths in men and women with cardiovascular disease in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study

Abstract Introduction We evaluated repolarization-related predictors of coronary heart disease (CHD) death and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in men and women with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Methods and results Hazard ratios (HR) from Cox regression were computed for 11 ECG measures of repolarization in 1384 subjects (50% women) 45 to 65 years of age. The average follow-up was 14 years. Based on electrophysiological considerations the spatial angle between Tpeak and normal repolarization reference vector [Ѳ(Tp|Tref)], STJV6 amplitude, QRS duration and Tonset and Tpeak vector magnitude ratio (ToV/TpV) were considered as primary candidates for independent mortality predictors, and as an alternative set TaVR and TV1 amplitudes and the spatial angle between the initial and terminal T vectors [Ѳ(Tinit|Tterm)]. From the primary set [Ѳ(Tp|Tref)] was a strong independent predictor for CHD death (nearly 4-fold increased risk in men and 2-fold increased risk in women) and for SCD [Ѳ(Tinit|Tterm)] in men (3.4-fold increased risk) and (ToV/TpV) in women (7.76-fold increased risk). From the alternative set of independent predictors TaVR amplitude negativity reduced to less than 150 μV (1.5 mm) was a strong mortality predictor with an approximately 3-fold increased risk for CHD death and SCD in men and women. Conclusions The strongest independent predictors of CHD death were [Ѳ(Tp|Tref)] in men and TaVR in women and of SCD were [Ѳ(Tp|Tref)] in men and ToV/TpV in women. Overall, TaVR amplitude negativity reduced to less than 150 μV (1.5 mm) was the most consistent mortality predictor in all subgroups. These ECG variables may warrant consideration for identification of high risk men and women for more intense preventive intervention.
Real-Time Compressive Sensing MRI Reconstruction Using GPU Computing and Split Bregman Methods.

Compressive sensing (CS) has been shown to enable dramatic acceleration of MRI acquisition in some applications. Being an iterative reconstruction technique, CS MRI reconstructions can be more time-consuming than traditional inverse Fourier reconstruction. We have accelerated our CS MRI reconstruction by factors of up to 27 by using a split Bregman solver combined with a graphics processing unit (GPU) computing platform. The increases in speed we find are similar to those we measure for matrix multiplication on this platform, suggesting that the split Bregman methods parallelize efficiently. We demonstrate that the combination of the rapid convergence of the split Bregman algorithm and the massively parallel strategy of GPU computing can enable real-time CS reconstruction of even acquisition data matrices of dimension 40962 or more, depending on available GPU VRAM. Reconstruction of two-dimensional data matrices of dimension 10242 and smaller took ~0.3 s or less, showing that this platform also provides very fast iterative reconstruction for small-to-moderate size images.
On the Possibility of Conceptually Structured Experience: Demonstrative Concepts and Fineness of Grain

Abstract In this paper I consider one of the influential challenges to the notion that perceptual experience might be completely conceptually structured, a challenge that rests on the idea that conceptual structure cannot do justice to the fineness of grain of perceptual experience. In so doing, I canvass John McDowell's attempt to meet this challenge by appeal to the notion of demonstrative concepts and review some criticisms recently leveled at McDowell's deployment of demonstrative concepts for this purpose by Sean D. Kelly. Finally, I suggest that, though Kelly's criticisms might challenge McDowell's original presentation of demonstrative concepts, a modified notion of demonstrative concepts is available to the conceptualist that is proof against Kelly's criticisms.
A System for High Field Pulsing and Demagnetizing of Multipole Magnets in the AGS

A system is considered where an unloaded ac generator is triggered to pulse an inductive load in a decaying train of oscillations. This is suitable for pulsing AGS ring multipoles where the required magnetic energy is a few kilojoules. The decaying oscillations serve to demagnetize the load. Since the output impedance of the generator is low and the magnetic coupling coefficient between stator and rotor is close to unity the short circuit currents are high and a significant amount of reactive energy is available for the load magnet.
How unknown was Mendel's paper?

The alumni association of a university once published a list of graduates whose addresses it had been unable to discover. A journalist looked in the telephone directory of the city where the university was located and found a large proportion of the names listed there, with of course their addresses and telephone numbers. This incident came to my mind when I saw on the reference shelves of a botanical library a copy of Guide to the Literature of Botany by Benjamin Daydon Jackson, secretary of the Linnean Society of London,' published in 1881. This is a bibliography containing selected titles classified by subject. It is a standard work found, I believe, in most botanical libraries, at any rate in English-speaking countries. It was described as still useful in 1928, the year after Jackson's death at the age of eighty-one,2 and as indispensable in 1964, when a facsimile edition was issued.3 There seemed little likelihood that it contained a reference to Mendel's "Versuche Uber Pflanzen-Hybriden,"4 for such a reference would surely have been discovered and reported by now. Still, the possibility, however small, seemed worth the trouble of opening the book and looking. And, sure enough, in the index was the entry "Mendel, 100"; and on page 100 wasa section headed "Hybridization" containing thirteen items, including
Wavelength selection for synthetic image generation

Abstract The efficient synthesis of color in computer graphics is dependent on modelling the correct number and spacing of wavelengths across the visible spectrum. It has recently been shown that the opponent representation of the fundamental spectral sensitivity functions is optimal from the point of view of statistical communication theory. This result is used in this paper to guide the selection of wavelengths for synthetic image generation. Gaussian quadrature with the opponent fundamentals as weighting functions is used to choose the wavelengths. This approach is shown to be superior to using Gaussian quadrature with the fundamental spectral sensitivity functions or the CIE XYZ matching functions. The technique is evaluated by using color difference calculations and by comparisons between a real scene and a computer generated picture of that scene.
Factors that distinguish continent from incontinent older adults with detrusor overactivity.

ABSTRACT Purpose: In older adults detrusor overactivity (DO) is almost as common in continent individuals as in those with urge incontinence (UUI). Thus, UUI likely reflects the contribution of additional factors. We postulated that of functionally independent individuals in whom transient causes were excluded those in whom DO was accompanied by UUI would be more likely to have smaller functional bladder capacity, less warning and less ability to avert urine loss in the face of DO. Materials and Methods: While blinded to continence status, we reviewed the records of all 52 cognitively intact and nonobstructed volunteers older than 65 years who had DO associated with urgency during urodynamic testing and had been asked to try to prevent leakage for 2 minutes. Of these individuals 31 were continent at home. Results: In patients with UI mean functional bladder capacity ± SD was smaller (313 ± 153 vs 390 ± 178 ml, p = 0.06) and warning was briefer (87 ± 81 vs 120 ± 116 ml), although the association with warning was less impressive (p = 0.14). The ability to forestall leakage for at least 2 minutes correlated strongly with being continent at home (p Conclusions: Urge incontinence in older adults involves more than simply the presence of DO. Physical function, cognitive function and medications are already known to be important for continence. Our data suggest that functional bladder capacity and the ability to suppress involuntary contraction (and possibly warning) are also potentially important covariates. These factors may represent additional potential targets for behavioral and pharmacological therapy.
On a generalization of quasispin to monopole and quadrupole pairing

Abstract A generalization of the quasispin group for monopole pairing to a group which includes both monopole and quadrupole pairing is discussed. Shell model hamiltonians with monopole and quadrupole pairing are shown to have a rich variety of eigenspectra.
Operator-coached machine vision for space telerobotics

A prototype system for interactive object modeling has been developed and tested. The goal of this effort has been to create a system which would demonstrate the feasibility of high interactive operator-coached machine vision in a realistic task environment, and to provide a testbed for experimentation with various modes of operator interaction. The purpose for such a system is to use human perception where machine vision is difficult, i.e., to segment the scene into objects and to designate their features, and to use machine vision to overcome limitations of human perception, i.e., for accurate measurement of object geometry. The system captures and displays video images from a number of cameras, allows the operator to designate a polyhedral object one edge at a time by moving a 3-D cursor within these images, performs a least-squares fit of the designated edges to edge data detected with a modified Sobel operator, and combines the edges thus detected to form a wire-frame object model that matches the Sobel data.
Applications of the asymmetric eigenvalue problem techniques to robust testing

Abs/ruct: To study the possibility of constructing a practical alternative to the computation of the pvalues of the r-test statistic, we study the properties of its asymptotic distribution. Using results from perturbation theory, we study the geometry of the matrix that governs the asymptotic distribution of the r-test statistic. We consider the eigenvalues of this matrix as functions of the leverages, h,, i = 1,2, . , n, and we obtain power series expansions of the eigenvalues in terms of the factors h, -p/n, i = 1,2, , n. From these expansions we see that it is precisely the high leverage cases that cause the eigenvalues to separate. Using Gerschgorin type theorems we try to group the eigenvalues into isolated discs. If the eigenvalues cannot be separated to different isolated discs, but all belong to overlapping discs, then they can be grouped in just one disc and be replaced by their average eigenvalue. In this case the p-value associated with the s-test statistic can be approximated from the existing chisquare tables.
In Vitro Release of Testosterone from Suppository Bases and In Vivo Absorption Studies in Human Males

Diffusion rates of testosterone from various suppository bases with and without surfactants were determined. In a limited study, selected suppository formulations were evaluated for efficiency of rectal absorption of testosterone in three male volunteers ranging in age from 25 to 30 years. Significant reductions in the ratios of urinary metabolites to free testosterone were observed with polyethylene glycol 1000, esterified (C10-C18) fatty acids, and theobroma oil-based samples.
Preparation and reactions of the (dicarbonyl)(η5-cyclopentadienyl)(tetrahydrofuran)iron cation: A convenient route to (dicarbonyl)(η5-cyclopentadiemyl)(η2-olefin)iron cations and related complexes

Abstract The versatile reagent [η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2(THF)]BF4 has been isolated from the reaction of (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2I and AgBF4 in THF and shown to react in CH2Cl2 with olefins to yield [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2(η2-olefin)]BF4 complexes. For most olefins the yields are high. The yield in these reactions can be increased by treating the CH2Cl2 solution of [(η5-C5H5)Fe(Co)2(THF)]BF4 and olefin with gaseous BF3 in order to complex the THF as the BF3-THF adduct. Most striking is the increase in yield for the cyclohexene complex from 17% to 92%.
Effects of exposure duration, cue reduction, and temporary monocularity on size matching at short distances.

The effects of exposure duration, accommodation and convergence, and temporary monocularity on size matching at short distances and the interaction among these variables were studied. Test objects, subtending a constant visual angle, were presented at six distances ranging from 30 to 270 cm. Four groups, of 30 subjects each, made size matches with unrestricted vision and through a reduction screen, under continuous and short-duration (10 μsec) illumination, binocularly and monocularly. The results implied that accommodation and convergence begin to make a significant contribution to matched size only at distances less than about one meter. When vision of the entire visual field was unrestricted, short-duration exposure had no effect on size matches. When a reduction screen was used, short-duration exposure had no effect on size matching from 120 to 270 cm, but increased matched size at closer distances. In all conditions of the experiment, matches made with binocular vision were identical with those made with monocular vision. Size matching for unfamiliar objects is seen to be mediated primarily by monocular cues between one and three meters, and by either monocular cues or oculomotor adjustments at distances of one meter and less.
Quantum stochastic processes

We first define a class of processes which we call regular quantum Markov processes. We next prove some basic results concerning such processes. A method is given for constructing quantum Markov processes using transition amplitude kernels. Finally we show that the Feynman path integral formalism can be clarified by approximating it with a quantum stochastic process.
Cis-regulatory logic driving glial cells missing: self-sustaining circuitry in later embryogenesis

The glial cells missing (gcm) regulatory gene of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus is first expressed in veg2 daughter cells as the genomic target of late cleavage stage Delta-Notch signaling from the skeletogenic mesoderm precursors. Gcm is required in veg2 progeny during late cleavages for the early phase of pigment cell precursor specification. Here we report on a later acting cis-regulatory module that assumes control of gcm expression by the early mesenchyme blastula stage and maintains it through pigment cell differentiation and dispersal. Cis-perturbation analyses reveal that the two critical elements within this late module are consensus matches to Gcm and Six1 binding sites. Significantly, six1 mRNA localizes to gcm + cells from the mesenchyme blastula stage onwards. Trans-perturbations with anti-sense morpholinos reveal a co-dependency between six1 and gcm. Six1 mRNA levels fall sharply after Gcm is depleted, while depleting Six1 leads to significant reductions in output of endogenous gcm or modular-reporters. These results support the conclusion gcm and six1 comprise a positive intergenic feedback loop in the mesodermal GRN. This often employed cross regulatory GRN feature here ensures self-sustaining gcm output in a cohort of fully specified pigment cell precursors at a relatively early developmental stage.
An investigation of steady-state velocity overshoot in silicon

Abstract Electron dynamics in silicon is investigated by means of improved momentum- and energy-balance equations including particle diffusion and heat flux. The resulting system of partial differential equations is numerically solved in a variety of field configurations including strong discontinuities, in order to enhance velocity overshoot effects. It is found that diffusion, usually neglected in previous studies, plays a major role, and considerably modifies the features of the velocity vs distance curve, leading to an increase of the carrier drift velocity in the low-field region, i.e. before experiencing the effect of the strong field. In addition, it is found that, in order to take full advantage of velocity overshoot effects in MOSFET's, a structure must be designed having the strongest possible field at the source-end of the channel, where carrier density is controlled by the gate.
Methods for growing nonfood products in transgenic plants

The relatively high cost of producing select industrial and pharmaceutical products in traditional hosts has led many groups to investigate the benefits of plant-based production systems. Transgenic plants can offer significant cost advantages for select products, but the advantage can be eroded occasionally by the cost of confinement to segregate them from commodity crops. The conceptual similarities and differences between transgenic plant production systems and other transgenic hosts are discussed in regard to regulations and public perception. A system of regulated transgenic production is described that is based on dedicating an area solely to industrial products. This system would take advantage of surrounding crops that are also grown for industrial applications to offset the cost of growing the regulated transgenic plants. Examples are given that demonstrate the economic advantages of the system while concurrently creating a clearer distinction between food and nonfood products. This system may also increase public confidence, as it is modeled on current systems used to produce regulated transgenic products in nonplant hosts.
Practice and Drilling Technology of Gas Extraction Borehole in Soft Coal Seam

Abstract The auger drilling technology and moderate pressure air drilling technology for soft coal seam in underground coal mine are introduced with their corresponding applications. According to the requirements of gas extraction borehole construction and the present status of drilling technology, the drilling problems and the developing trend of new drilling technology in soft coal seam are also discussed. Finally, some suggestions on borehole protection, pulverization dust control in borehole and directional drilling technology by air drilling motor are proposed.
Diagnosis of foregut duplication cysts by endoscopic ultrasonography

Abstract Background & Aims: Foregut duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies of enteric origin found most commonly in children and rarely in adults. They are usually found in adults on routine radiological studies and represent a challenging diagnostic problem. Conventional imaging tests do not lead to a conclusive diagnosis. With endoscopic ultrasonography, it is possible to distinguish between cystic and solid masses and to accurately establish the location of the cyst in relation to the gastrointestinal wall and to the mediastinum. Methods: Seven patients who had endoscopic ultrasonography performed because differentiation between a cystic or solid mass lesion in the chest or abdomen could not be made with conventional radiological methods are described. Results: In all patients, a definite diagnosis was established by endoscopic ultrasonography. The diagnosis was confirmed in 2 patients after surgical excision. Conclusions: Surgery can be avoided in patients with asymptomatic enteric duplication cysts diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography.
Dependence of polymer sliding friction on normal load and contact pressure

Abstract The sliding friction of bulk polymers was studied varying the normal load, contact pressure and sliding velocity. The variation of the area of apparent contact A with normal load W was also measured both under the sliding and unloaded conditions. For the sliding condition A ∝ W, while for the unloaded condition A ∝ Wn where n is less than unity. The friction measurements were performed on a tribometer in the low load range and on a lathe using a strain gage dynamometer in the high load range. It was found that the coefficient of friction depends upon the velocity and pressure and the variation can be explained by the adhesion theory of friction in the light of the conditions at the interface. The measurement of sliding friction in an extrusion process shows that the coefficient of friction decreases with contact pressure and the interface friction shear stress is almost equal to the bulk shear strength of the material. All of these findings support the adhesion theory of friction for polymeric materials.
Unilateral Periorbital and Cervical Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

A patient undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy developed unilateral periorbital edema and cervical subcutaneous emphysema following carbon dioxide insufflation into the retropubic and retroperitoneal space. He had hypercarbia and acidosis during and after the end of the case and he required hyperventilation in the recovery room for two hours before the hypercarbia subsided and the arterial blood gases returned to normal levels. Despite massive surgical emphysema reaching up to his face, there was no evidence of a pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum in this patient. He had no respiratory distress and his visual examination was normal and the periorbital surgical emphysema subsided gradually within two days. The management of this complication and a review of the literature is presented.
Comparison of chemical treatments to kill Salmonella on alfalfa seeds destined for sprout production

Abstract Outbreaks of salmonellosis in the US, Canada and Finland linked to alfalfa sprouts have been attributed to Salmonella stanley in 1995 and Salmonella newport in 1996. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of chemical treatments in killing a mixture of five Salmonella serovars inoculated onto alfalfa seeds. Solutions containing calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite at concentrations of 1800 and 2000 μg/ml active (available) chlorine, respectively, as well as 6% hydrogen peroxide or 80% ethanol were effective in reducing Salmonella populations by more than 1000 fold. However, viable Salmonella cells were detected in seeds treated for 10 min in these solutions. The inaccessibility of Salmonella cells in crevices and between the cotyledon and testa of seeds to lethal concentrations of these chemicals are thought to be the reason for the lack of effectiveness.
Export of Erwinia chrysanthemi (EC16) protease by Escherichia coli

During exponential growth, Erwinia chrysanthemi (EC16) exports 99% of the protease (PRT) into the growth medium. By screening an EC16 genomic library in Escherichia coli HB101, several Prt+ clones were identified. A 16-kb EcoRI fragment, carrying the prt gene, was subcloned into pBR322 (pAKC326). E. coli HB101[pAKC326] cells exported PRT into the growth medium during exponential growth. PRT export was not accompanied by periplasmic leakage. E. coli HB101 carrying EC16 prt and pel genes (encoding pectate lyase) exported PRT but retained PEL in the periplasm. These findings indicate the occurrence of a PRT-specific export system in EC16, which is also functional in an E. coli strain carrying the prt+ DNA segment.
Cooperative layered sensing: a factor analysis on finding elusive mobile targets

Irregular asymmetric conflicts with non-traditional targets and shorter timelines are spawning new mission requirements for situation awareness. As a result, the increasing demands for timely decision-quality information across the battle space have presented tough challenges for stretched operational resources. The Layered Sensing construct developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory provides a unified vision for research to address the situational awareness challenges posed by the complex and dynamic environments seen in recent conflicts. Determining how to maximize available resources across the battle space with the best efficiency and effectiveness is a critical research thread in the Layered Sensing construct. Leveraging different capabilities across networked cooperative sensors to provide timely situational awareness is critical in accomplishing mission objectives with limited resources. This paper evaluates cooperative sensing using a constructive simulation environment by examining mission performance in various scenarios where Remotely Piloted Aircraft are seeking elusive mobile targets. Measured performance parameters include enemy targets killed and suppression of enemy missile attacks. Cooperative and non-cooperative conditions were simulated using variable factors: sensor capabilities, target densities and false target densities. Results demonstrate statistically significant mission performance improvements of over 200% for less capable, but cooperatively networked, sensors increasing their effectiveness to that of more capable sensors working alone. Key factors regarding when and how to leverage cooperation for improved mission performance are also identified and examined through sensitivity analysis.
Light, iron, Sam Granick and the origin of life

Living matter is an organized system which requires a continual flux of energy for its survival. As a working assumption, the flux of energy required for the origin of a self-duplicating cell is taken as the power required for the maintenance of a modern cell: 10 mW per g of carbon or some 105 times the output per gram of the sun. Solar photochemistry supplies the energy for the continuing evolution of life and, by continuity, for its origin. The iron oxide-sulfide photosynthetic unit proposed by S. Granick 35 years ago was meant to supply this energy. The evolution of complex organic photosensitizers is rationalized by the Granick hypothesis that biosynthetic pathways recapitulate their evolution. These concepts are discussed in the context of the evolution of photosynthetic systems and the known properties of these pigments.
Characteristics of Landfalling Atmospheric Rivers Inferred from Satellite Observations over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean

AbstractNarrow elongated regions of moisture transport known as atmospheric rivers (ARs), which affect the West Coast of North America, were simultaneously observed over the eastern North Pacific Ocean by the polar-orbiting CloudSat and Aqua satellites. The presence, location, and extent of precipitation regions associated with ARs and their properties were retrieved from measurements taken at 265 satellite crossings of AR formations during the three consecutive cool seasons of the 2006–09 period. Novel independent retrievals of AR mean rain rate, precipitation regime types, and precipitation ice region properties from satellite measurements were performed. Relations between widths of precipitation bands and AR thicknesses (as defined by the integrated water vapor threshold of 20 mm) were quantified. Precipitation regime partitioning indicated that “cold” precipitation with a significant amount of melting precipitating ice and “warm” rainfall conditions with limited or no ice in the atmospheric column wer...
MICROEMULSION DROPLET PROPERTIES VIA MEASURED VAPOR PRESSURE

ABSTRACT A unique physical model is proposed for relating the dimensions and properties of droplets in aqueous diesel fuel invert mlcroemulsions to the measured water vapor pressures over such systems. The model assumes discrete droplets containing surfactant-sheathed liquid cores. A dynamic equilibrium condition is visualized wherein a closed mass transfer cycle e3tists, involving the movement of water molecules from the droplet interior, through the surfactant sheath into the continuous medium and vapor space above the pool. The flat-surface fugacity of the liquid water in the aqueous core would be reduced relative to that of normal water because of Increased intermolecular association stemming from high pressure in the aqueous core caused by surface tension forces. The possible presence of dissolved surfactant constituents would reduce this fugacity even further. The mass transfer cycle is assumed to be completed by the absorption of water vapor into transitory, flat surfaces of reduced fugacity, dropl...
Getting to the Gate: Crystallization of a Sac3CID:Sus1:Cdc31 Complex

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Jani et al. (2009) present the crystal structure of a region of TREX2, thereby providing a physical framework for how the transcription and export machineries might cooperate to "gate" genes to the nuclear pore.
Water quality monitoring : Where's the beef ?

ABSTRACT: Water quality monitoring, as a function of society's efforts to manage the environment, is the contact mechanism that management and the public has with the actual water quality in the environment. Water quality monitoring has been studied extensively for many years to ensure that it produces information about water quality conditions. Current efforts to reduce government spending will have negative impacts on those government functions deemed to be non-responsive to the needs of the public. How well does water quality monitoring inform taxpayers about the status and trends in water quality conditions in the United States? This paper reviews a number of past efforts to “improve” water quality monitoring, discusses barriers to such improvement, and suggests ways that monitoring can be made more accountable for the information it should be producing for public understanding of water quality conditions. In particular, the need for standardization in data analysis and reporting of information to the public, is highlighted.
A Case of Imported Severe Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in the Emergency Department and the Current Role of Exchange Transfusion Treatment

Abstract Background The role of exchange transfusion in the management of severe malaria is not well documented in Emergency Medicine literature. Objectives The goal of this article is to review the importance of considering malaria in the differential diagnosis of the febrile returned traveler and to discuss the role of exchange transfusion in the management of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Case Report A 59-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with severe P. falciparum malaria. Her physical examination was remarkable for scleral icterus, dry mucous membranes, and tachycardia. Her complete blood count revealed a white blood cell count of 6.9 k/uL, with 71% segmented neutrophils, 19% bands, a hemoglobin level of 11.9 g/dL, hematocrit of 37.2%, and a platelet count of 9 k/uL. Hepatorenal impairment was present and malaria parasites with ring form were seen on malaria prep in 18% of red blood cells. The patient was treated with fluids, platelets, quinidine gluconate, doxycycline, and exchange transfusion with significant improvement in the patient's clinical condition. Conclusions The high level of parasitemia presenting with acute kidney injury, hyperbilirubinemia, and thrombocytopenia supported the use of exchange transfusion as adjunct therapy. Exchange transfusion was a reasonable consideration in this case and was well tolerated by our patient. Institutions that are equipped with apheresis units should evaluate each case individually in concert with Centers for Disease Control experts and local consultants and weigh the risks and benefits of the use of exchange transfusion as an adjunct in the treatment of severe P. falciparum malaria.
Tetrachloro-9H-Carbazole, a Previously Unrecognized Contaminant in Sediments of the Buffalo River

Abstract Three sediment samples taken from the Buffalo River, New York, have been analyzed for polychlorinated planar molecules similar in structure to the highly toxic 2,3,7,8-TCDD. Although no TCDD was found, residues of chlorinated dibenzofuran, fluorene, biphenylene, phenanthrene (anthracene), naphthalene, and 9H-carbazole were identified. l,3,6,8-tetrachloro-9H-carbazole was identified as the major chemical of this type in the sediments, and quantified at levels as high as 25 ng/g at one site.
The role of price-matching characteristics in influencing store loyalty

Abstract Using a simulated shopping environment, the present research examines the effects of two characteristics of price-matching policies, the refund depth and the scope of the policy, on consumer store loyalty. The findings suggest that consumer responses differ with regards to the refund depth and scope. The refund scope positively affected store loyalty, with effects being the strongest for price conscious and skeptical consumers, while the refund depth exerted no influence on consumer behavior. The effects of refund depth were further explored using a scenario-based manipulation, but no depth effects on store loyalty were found. To stimulate store loyalty, retailers are advised to offer price-matching policies with wide scopes. Due to the lack of effects on store loyalty, the retailers should keep the refund depth restricted to matching the lower competitive price, as this would allow them to minimize the retail cost of offering the policy without negatively affecting store loyalty.
Absorption of carbon dioxide into aqueous piperazine: reaction kinetics, mass transfer and solubility

This work studies the absorption of carbon dioxide into aqueous solutions of piperazine in a wetted wall contactor. Absorption was studied from 298 to in solutions of 0.6 and aqueous piperazine. The apparent reaction rate is first order in both carbon dioxide and piperazine with a value of at 25°C. The apparent second-order rate constant follows an Arrhenius temperature dependence over the range studied with an activation energy of . Solubility in PZ was measured by bracketing absorption and desorption in the wetted wall contactor at 313 and . Chemical and phase equilibrium was modeled by considering the following piperazine species: piperazine carbamate, dicarbamate, protonated carbamate, and protonated piperazine. Henry's law and the dissociation of carbon dioxide to form bicarbonate and carbonate were also considered. The carbamate stability constant and pKa for piperazine carbamate were regressed from the VLE data. Although shown to be present by NMR, the dicarbamate is not the dominant reaction product at any loading. The carbamate stability constant is comparable to other secondary amines such as diethanolamine (DEA) but the apparent second-order rate constant is an order of magnitude higher than primary amines such as monoethanolamine (MEA) or diglycolamine (DGA®). The second-order rate constant obtained in this work is much higher than previously published values for the piperazine/carbon dioxide reaction. These previous studies were limited by mass transfer limitation of products and reactants and were not a true measurement of the kinetics of carbon dioxide/piperazine. There is some evidence that the reactivity of piperazine is due to its cyclic and diamine characteristics.
Effect of K+ and H+ on sodium/citrate cotransport in renal brush-border vesicles.

Abstract The uptake of citrate by renal brush-border vesicles, prepared according to the method of Vannier, occurs by Na + -linked cotransport. It is ‘positive rheogenic’, i.e., stimulated by an (inside) negative, and inhibited by an (inside) positive electrical potential. The question arises whether, besides Na + , other ions (e.g., K + and H + ) participate in the cotransport. As to K + , neither an inward nor an outward directed K + gradient has a significant effect on the citrate movement, but at equal concentrations of K + inside and outside, equilibrium exchange of citrate, and to a smaller extent, the Na + -linked net uptake of citrate, are significantly stimulated. This observation is consistent with a hypothetical model in which K + acts by accelerating both the empty and the fully loaded translocator. As to H + , citrate uptake is also stimulated by decreasing extravesicular pH, an effect previously attributed to protonization of the citrate anion in the assumption that the resulting secondary citrate anion is more acceptable to the translocator site. It was found, however, that the pH effect is still apparent if the concentration of the secondary citrate is kept constant by adjusting the total citrate concentration. This is taken as an argument against the above assumption and as being consistent with H + -linked cotransport. After the overshoot peak citrate exits slowly, and even after several hours does not attain equilibrium distribution, presumably owing to trapping by vesicular calcium.
Basal Release of ATP: An Autocrine-Paracrine Mechanism for Cell Regulation

Cells release adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which activates plasma membrane-localized P2X and P2Y receptors and thereby modulates cellular function in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Release of ATP and the subsequent activation of P2 receptors help establish the basal level of activation (sometimes termed "the set point") for signal transduction pathways and regulate a wide array of responses that include tissue blood flow, ion transport, cell volume regulation, neuronal signaling, and host-pathogen interactions. Basal release and autocrine or paracrine responses to ATP are multifunctional, evolutionarily conserved, and provide an economical means for the modulation of cell, tissue, and organismal biology.
Automatic exploration of datacenter performance regimes

Horizontally scalable Internet services present an opportunity to use automatic resource allocation strategies for system management in the datacenter. In most of the previous work, a controller employs a performance model of the system to make decisions about the optimal allocation of resources. However, these models are usually trained offline or on a small-scale deployment and will not accurately capture the performance of the controlled application. To achieve accurate control of the web application, the models need to be trained directly on the production system and adapted to changes in workload and performance of the application. In this paper we propose to train the performance model using an exploration policy that quickly collects data from different performance regimes of the application. The goal of our approach for managing the exploration process is to strike a balance between not violating the performance SLAs and the need to collect sufficient data to train an accurate performance model, which requires pushing the system close to its capacity. We show that by using our exploration policy, we can train a performance model of a Web 2.0 application in less than an hour and then immediately use the model in a resource allocation controller.
Expressions of Machismo in Colorectal Cancer Screening Among New Mexico Hispanic Subpopulations

Although national colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates have steadily decreased, the rate for New Mexico Hispanics has been increasing, and screening rates are low. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study to determine barriers to CRC screening for New Mexico Hispanics. We found that machismo served as a dynamic influence on men's health-seeking behaviors; however, it was conceptualized differently by two distinct Hispanic subpopulations, and therefore appeared to play a different role in shaping their screening attitudes and behaviors. Machismo emerged as more of an influence for Mexican men, who expressed concern over colonoscopies being potentially transformative and/or stigmatizing, but was not as salient for Hispanos, who viewed the colonoscopy as "strictly medical," and were more concerned with discomfort and pain. Findings from the study highlight the importance of identifying varying characteristics among subpopulations to better understand screening barriers and provide optimal CRC screening counseling in primary care settings.
Commercialism in Tax-Favored Institutions

Examples of commercialism by tax-exempt institutions are given. For exemption from taxation, scientific organizations must be making studies for: (1) a government agency; (2) education of college or university students; (3) obtaining scientific information for the interested public; (4) discovering a cure for a disease; or (5) aiding a community or geographical area by attracting new industry. IRS interprets “scientific” loosely and many consulting engineers could be considered to be doing scientific work. Suggestions are given for individual ASCE members who can: (1) refer inequitable examples of commercialism to the Consulting Engineers Council which has developed a concerted effort on this problem; (2) make sure that in choosing consulting services, all organizations considered are either tax-paying or tax-exempt; (3) work toward further clarification of the IRS code on tax-exempt status.
PM1 Particles at Coal- and Gas-Fired Power Plant Work Areas

With the increased interest in the possible adverse health effects attributed to inhalation of fine particle matter, this study was conducted to gather preliminary information about workplace exposures at coal- and gas-fired power plants to fine particles (PM(1); i.e. <1 μm) and ultrafine particles (i.e. <0.1 μm). Combustion of fossil fuel is known to produce fine particles, and due to their proximity and durations of exposure, power plant workers could be a group of individuals who experience high chronic exposures to these types of particles. The results of a series of real-time instrument measurements showed that concentrations of PM(1) were elevated in some locations in power plants. The highest concentrations were in locations near combustion sources, indicating that combustion materials were leaking from conventional fossil fuel-fired boilers or it was associated with emission plume downwash. Concentrations were the lowest inside air-conditioned control rooms where PM(1) were present at levels similar to or lower than upwind concentrations. Microscopic examinations indicate that PM(1) at the coal-fired plants are dominated by vitrified spheres, although there were also unusual elongated particles. Most of the PM(1) were attached to larger coal fly ash particles that may affect where and how they could be deposited in the lung.
Time to Solo as a Predictor of Performance in Civilian Flight Training

Civilian and military flight schools have long used the amount of time needed to solo as a benchmark for students. The researcher used regression analysis of student training records to see whether the amount of time a student needed to solo could predict the time needed to earn a private pilot license or the ability to pass the private pilot checkride on the first try. Results showed a strong relationship to the time needed to earn the certificate, but not to checkride results. The researcher recommends more analysis to determine which factors can produce competent pilots in fewer hours.
Dining activity analysis using a hidden Markov model

We describe an algorithm for dining activity analysis in a nursing home. Based on several features, including motion vectors and distance between moving regions in the subspace of an individual person, a hidden Markov model is proposed to characterize different stages in dining activities with certain temporal order. Using HMM model, we are able to identify the start (and ending) of individual dining events with high accuracy and low false positive rate. This approach could be successful in assisting caregivers in assessments of resident's activity levels over time.
Exploring the Role of Integral Membrane Proteins in ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters: Analysis of a Collection of MalG Insertion Mutants

The maltose transport complex of Escherichia coli is a well-studied example of an ATP-binding cassette transporter. The complex, containing one copy each of the integral membrane proteins MalG and MalF and two copies of the peripheral cytoplasmic membrane protein MalK, interacts with the periplasmic maltose-binding protein to efficiently translocate maltose and maltodextrins across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. To investigate the role of MalG both in MalFGK2 assembly interactions and in subsequent transport interactions, we isolated and characterized 18 different MalG mutants, each containing a 31-residue insertion in the protein. Eight insertions mapping to distinct hydrophilic regions of MalG permitted either assembly or both assembly and transport interactions to occur. In particular, we isolated two insertions mapping to extracytoplasmic (periplasmic) regions of MalG which preserved both assembly and transport abilities, suggesting that these are permissive sites in the protein. Another periplasmic insertion seems to affect only transport-specific interactions between MalG and maltose-binding protein, defining a novel class of MalG mutants. Finally, four MalG mutant proteins, although stably expressed, are unable to assemble into the MalFGK2 complex. These mutants contain insertions in only two different hydrophilic regions of MalG, consistent with the notion that a restricted number of domains in this protein are critical complex assembly determinants. These MalG mutants will allow us to further explore the intermolecular interactions of this model transporter.
Dynamical Systems Approach to Endothelial Heterogeneity

Endothelial cells display remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity. An important goal is to elucidate the scope and mechanisms of endothelial heterogeneity and to use this information to develop vascular bed–specific therapies. We reexamine our current understanding of the molecular basis of endothelial heterogeneity. We introduce multistability as a new explanatory framework in vascular biology. We draw on the field of nonlinear dynamics to propose a dynamical systems framework for modeling multistability and its derivative properties, including robustness, memory, and plasticity. Our perspective allows for both a conceptual and quantitative description of system-level features of endothelial regulation.
Monopoles and instantons in string theory.

In recent work, several classes of solitonic solutions of string theory with higher-membrane structure have been obtained. These solutions can be classified according to the symmetry possessed by the solitons in the subspace of the spacetime transverse to the membrane. Solitons with four-dimensional spherical symmetry represent instanton solutions in string theory, while those with three-dimensional spherical symmetry represent magnetic-monopole--type solutions. For both of these classes, we discuss bosonic as well as heterotic solutions.
Viscosity Dependence of the Specific Rates of the Diffusion-Controlled Reactions of the Solvated Electron in Polar Solvents

In hydroxlyic solvents, the specific rates, k, of some diffusion-controlled reactions of es- with neutral molecules are proportional to ?-n, where ? is the viscosity of the solvent and n is smaller than 1. This proportionality does not hold for all situations. Specifically, for alcohol-water mixtures, the relationship of k with ? is very complex. For some diffusion-controlled reactions of es- with neutral molecules in 1-alkanols, k is proportional to (L + X)-m, where L is the maximum linear length of the 1-alkanol molecule and X is the cavity radius of es-. Some implications of this proportionality are discussed.
Does a Credit Boom Increase Bank Fragility?: Transitional Challenges in Bulgarian Banking, 1999-2008

Based on a panel data analysis of thirty Bulgarian banks over the period 1999-2006, I identify the determinants of Bulgaria's rapid credit growth and evaluate whether the credit boom has increased bank fragility. I employ fixed effects and generalized method of moments approaches to explore the link between credit and capital base in a partial adjustment framework and find evidence of growing risks of credit expansion, which raise the probability of banking distress in the event of a downturn in global financial flows, as occurred in 2008. The credit boom has come at the expense of increased banking fragility, as banks reduced their capital base and registered an increase in nonperforming loans. Amid a quickly unfolding global financial crisis, conservative supervision of the banking sector by the Bulgarian National Bank and a stable currency board regime was a bulwark against potential banking distress and ensured financial and macroeconomic stability without resorting to International Monetary Fund funding.