cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Dartmouth concept: learning in the real world

In an innovative program Dartmouth engineering students are sent to Jersey City, where they spend a term divided between teaching and performing an engineering task within the city administration. They help to coach inner-city high school seniors in the material of the ``Man-Made World,'' and teach them the computer language, Basic, together with hands-on operation of a terminal connected to a time-sharing computer system. They also evaluate and help to develop methods for improving the operations of municipal offices and functions that come under the control of the Jersey City government. The program is designed to give the student a foretaste of the challenges he will face as an engineer once he leaves the cloistered halls of learning for the real world.
Use of fine needle aspiration for solid breast lesions is accurate and cost-effective.

Background Palpable breast tumors have traditionally been diagnosed with open biopsy or core biopsy. We propose fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) as a reliable, cost-saving initial procedure in these patients. Methods Eighty-five palpable solid breast masses of the breast in 85 patients were classified by a combination of physical examination, mammography, and/or ultrasound as probably benign, indeterminate, or highly suspicious for cancer. All tumors had FNA biopsies. All patients had either a confirmatory open biopsy (55) or close clinical follow-up (30) with a mean followup of 29 months (range 6 to 36). Results Thirty-four patients classified as clinically benign had a benign FNA biopsy. No cancers were detected in this group by either open surgical biopsy or clinical follow-up. Twenty patients were classified clinically as indeterminate. All had FNA biopsies, and 6 were either positive for cancer or suspicious for cancer. Fourteen patients had negative FNA biopsies. Five of the 6 abnormal biopsies had cancer on open biopsies. The 1 false-positive result occurred in a lactating patient. Thirty-one patients were classified clinically as highly suspicious for cancer. Twenty-three were confirmed as cancer with FNA biopsy. Eight needed open surgical biopsy to confirm cancer. All 31 patients clinically suspicious for cancer had cancer. In patients classified clinically as highly suspicious or probably benign, FNA was a reliable first diagnostic step (100% positive predictive value, 100% specificity, 87% sensitivity, and 89% negative predictive value). Conclusions Fine needle aspiration biopsy of solid palpable breast lesions should be the diagnostic procedure of choice for those patients classified clinically as probably benign or clinically as highly suspicious for cancer. Cost analysis revealed elimination of an open biopsy in such cases would save $1,100 per patient. For highly suspicious cases, a negative fine needle aspiration should not deter an open surgical biopsy. For patients classified as indeterminate, fine needle aspiration biopsy results are not reliable enough to determine treatment.
Quality of life before and after liver transplantation for cholestatic liver disease

Liver transplantation (LT) is an established therapy for patients with end-stage primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In this report, we describe the health status and quality of life (QOL) in patients with these cholestatic liver diseases before and after LT. A QOL questionnaire was completed by 157 adult patients with PBC or PSC before and 1 year after liver transplantation at the Mayo Clinic or Baylor University Medical Center. This questionnaire measured four aspects of QOL, including symptoms; physical, social, and emotional functioning; health perceptions; and overall QOL. Changes in these QOL parameters before and after LT were described, and regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between clinical and QOL factors. There were no differences in QOL parameters between patients with PBC and PSC. QOL following transplantation was substantially better than before transplantation. This was observed in all four aspects of QOL. The degree of improvement as measured by effect size (difference in mean scores divided by the pretransplantation standard deviation) was 0.53 for symptoms (P <.01), 1.16 for function (P <.01), 2.37 for health satisfaction (P <.01), and 1.16 for overall QOL (P <.01). Patients' overall QOL before transplantation was significantly related to subjective and objective health status indicators and clinical factors such as ascites and renal dysfunction. QOL at 1-year follow-up, however, could not be adequately predicted by the pretransplantation subjective health status and clinical factors. Patients with end-stage cholestatic disease undergoing LT experience substantial improvement in all aspects of QOL addressed in this study. The patients' QOL 1 year after LT could not be predicted by pretransplantation variables used in this study.
Recurrence patterns and surveillance for patients with early stage endometrial cancer

Abstract Introduction To evaluate the recurrence patterns and the clinical and economic role of surveillance with vaginal cytology in women with low risk endometrial cancer. Methods Patients undergoing primary surgery with final pathology consistent with a grade 1 endometrial cancer confined to the endometrium (FIGO 1988 stage IA) between 9/1997–12/2007 were retrospectively identified. Follow-up data for at least 2years was also collected, including diagnosis of a recurrence, symptomatology at that time, and method of detection. Costs for vaginal cytology were estimated using Medicare charge-to-cost ratios adjusted to 2010 costs. Results One hundred fifty-four patients met study inclusion criteria. The mean age was 54.4years and the mean follow-up was 46.9months. Four recurrences were detected, occurring 16–73months after the initial diagnosis. During a scheduled visit, one patient was found to have an asymptomatic vaginal cuff recurrence, detected on physical examination. The remaining three cases were diagnosed at an unscheduled visit after the presence of symptoms (vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, shortness of breath) prompted further evaluation. In all, cytology detected no cases of recurrence and the estimated cost associated with cytology alone for all patients over the study time frame was approximately $7,760 per year. Conclusions Patients with grade 1 endometrial cancer confined to the endometrium have a low risk of recurrence (2.6%) and were detected on clinical findings alone. Emphasis should be placed on counseling patients on symptoms of recurrence and performing a thorough physical examination. The elimination of vaginal cytology for this select group of patients may be appropriate and result in a significant reduction in health care costs.
Salivary Diagnostics and Its Impact in Dentistry, Research, Education, and the Professional Community:

Oral fluid-based (salivary) tests have the potential to create practical, point-of-care clinical instruments that are convenient, practical, and comfortable to use in dentistry and medicine. Currently, there are no simple, accurate, and inexpensive sampling, screening, or detection methods to support definitive diagnostic platforms across dental and medical disciplines. Though the benefits from advancing screening and detection technologies seem eminent, analytical, chemical, molecular, genetic, and protein markers are still under development. Clinical applications in patient care must be validated independently to ensure that they are clinically accurate, reliable, precise, and uniformly consistent for screening and detecting specific diseases or conditions. As technology designed to improve patient care through risk assessment, prevention, and disease management is transferred into clinical practice, dentistry may need to reassess its role in general health care.
Optimal Donor Selection: Beyond HLA

Abstract Worldwide >10 million adults and 250 000 cord blood units are available for unrelated HCT. HLA matching and, in the case of cord blood units, cell dose are critical determinants for selecting among these donors. Once a list of suitable adult donors or cord blood units is established, the transplantation physician must choose the optimal donor. We review factors that go into making that decision. We conclude that for adults the optimal donor is a male who is younger and has a larger body weight. When selecting among female adults, the optimal donor is also younger with a larger body weight and has never been pregnant. Additional factors, which can be considered and are relevant particularly for cord blood units, include family and medical histories, risk-exposure history, collection site characteristics, and geographic location.
An analysis of sand fly light trap collections in the Panama Canal Zone (Diptera: Psychodidae).

Sand fly light trap collections from 11 localities in the Panama Canal Zone were analyzed statistically. The analysis indicated the presence of 2 distinct associations dominated by the species Lutzomyia carpenteri (Fairchild & Hertig) and the species L. gomezi (Nitzulescu) and L. panamensis (Shannon), respectively. The associations were geographically intermingled, and in certain locations the former association occurred in the first (relatively dry) part of the year, while the latter association occurred in the last (relatively wet) part of the year. The associations were confirmed by a separate, independent analysis of the data.
Modeling of methyl isothiocyanate air concentrations associated with community illnesses following a metam-sodium sprinkler application.

Background A series of illnesses occurred in Earlimart, CA on November 13, 1999 following a metam-sodium sprinkler application to a potato field on the southern edge of the town. Methods Case information was obtained from direct interviews, from illness complaints filed with state or county agencies, or from illness reports filed by community physicians for 173 subjects. Air concentrations of the by-product methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) during the episode were estimated based upon the Industrial Source Complex Short-Term (ISC3) air dispersion model, estimates from prior metam-sodium monitoring studies, and data from weather stations in two adjoining communities. Results Weather station data indicated that the November 13th incident corresponded with a temperature inversion at approximately 5:00 p.m. and a shift in the direction of prevailing wind from northwest to southeast. On the edge of Earlimart, 1-hr time weighted average (TWA) MITC concentration estimates ranged from 0.5 to 1 ppm. Of the 173 subjects, 170 had MITC-compatible symptoms, including eye or upper respiratory irritation (77.6%), non-specific systemic symptoms (64.7%), and lower respiratory symptoms (20.0%). 78.2% were exposed within 0.5 miles of the northern edge of the treated field where average 1 hr MITC concentrations exceeded the 800 ppb ocular irritation threshold. Conclusions ISC3 modeling is a useful means of evaluating MITC concentrations for illness episodes when industrial hygiene assessment is not possible. Am. J. Ind. Med. 46:1–15, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
High School Exit Exam Scores and University Performance

Many U.S. students must pass a standards-based exit exam to earn a high school diploma. The degree to which exit exams and state standards properly signal to students their preparedness for postsecondary schooling has been questioned. The alignment of test scores with college grades for students at the University of Arizona (n = 2,667) who took the Arizona high school exams was ascertained in this study. The pass/fail signal accuracy of test scores varied depending on subject: The writing cut score was well aligned with collegiate performance, the reading cut score was below expectations, and the mathematics cut score was set quite rigorously. High school content and performance standards might not be as diluted as prior research has suggested.
On the Role of Superoxide in the Radical-Induced Degradation of Halogenated Organic Compounds. Evidence for Cross-Termination between O2•- and Halogenated Peroxyl Radicals

γ-Radiolysis of aqueous, pH 6 solutions containing CClF2CO2- (1 × 10-3 to 2 × 10-2 M), HCO2- (2 × 10-3 M), and O2 (20−100% O2 saturation) or N2O/O2-(4:1 v/v)-saturated solutions of CHF2CO2- have been used as models to illustrate the high efficiency (70−100 %) of cross-termination between halogenated peroxyl radicals, here •OOCF2CO2- and O2•-, as opposed to the self-termination of the respective radicals. Experiments have been conducted at various [•OOCF2CO2-]/[O2•-] concentration ratios and with either of the two species in excess. The proposed mechanisms are supported by quantitative material balances. Since the final reaction products derived from CClF2CO2- are identical in nature (CO2, Cl-, F-, H+, oxalate) and yields are the same irrespective of cross- or self-termination, the conclusions were based on the H2O2 yields which are shown to differ significantly depending on the mechanism. The •OOCF2CO2- + O2•- reaction is considered to proceed via an intermediate hydroperoxide, HOOCF2CO2-, which predomina...
The Fortress Shop: Consumer Culture, Violence, and Security in Weimar Berlin:

Antisemitic attacks on shops are a well-known facet of the history of National Socialism. But patterns of violence against commercial targets during the Weimar Republic are less familiar. Widesprea...
Bifurcations and Hamilton's principle

An abstract bifurcation theory of nondegenerate critical manifolds for functions on Banach manifolds was developed by Reeken [R], who applied his theory to some eigenvalue problems in Hilbert space. In this paper, we show that the definition of nondegeneracy used by Reeken (and due originally to Bott [B]) can be weakened to allow for a "gain of differentiability" by the hessian operator. The resulting bifurcation theory is then strong enough to yield a new proof of a theorem by the author [W 1, W2], Moser [MO], and Bottkol [BK] on periodic orbits of hamiltonian systems. This proof is similar in spirit to those of Moser and Bottkol, but the added insight into the role of Hamilton's principle given by the abstract approach has allowed us to remove an unnecessary hypothesis (the exactness condition of [BK] and [W2]) from the statement of the periodic orbit theorem. Section 1 of this paper is devoted to Hamilton's principle. It contains a new derivation of this variational principle, which may be of some interest in itself, as well as an explanation why critical manifolds of the Hamilton functional cannot be nondegenerate in the usual sense. Section 2 is devoted to the abstract bifurcation theory of critical manifolds, which is applied to the periodic orbit problem in Section 3. I would like to thank R. Palais for his advice and encouragement. He and J. Morava, and independently J. Mather, have developed an approach (unpublished) to the Fuller index [F] which is a nonhamiltonian version of the method described in this paper.
Electrochemical actuation of gilded polyaniline bilayers in aqueous acid solutions

In this work, we investigated the electrochemical actuation of gilded polyaniline bilayers in acidic aqueous electrolytes. Gilding was found to be a useful method to ensure a uniform potential distribution across polyaniline films so that well-defined electrochemistry and electrochemical actuation could be obtained. Electrochemical actuation of gilded polyaniline bilayers was studied by means of bending and linear actuation. Actuation could be obtained by a number of electrical stimulation modes including cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave potential (SWP) and square wave current (SWC). Within the potential range of -0.2 ~ 0.6 V (vs Ag/AgCl), the polyaniline films expanded upon oxidation and contracted upon reduction, which corresponds to the first redox process of polyaniline between the leucomeraldine and emaraldine oxidation states. Actuation obtained in this potential range is related to the insertion/deinsertion of the electrolyte anion upon oxidation/reduction of polyaniline. It was found that, due to the thin thickness of the gold layer, not only fast bending actuation but also linear actuation could be achieved for the resulting gilded polyaniline bilayers. Extending the applied potential to more positive potentials, polyaniline degradation and oxidation of gold layer were observed.
Overcoming challenges in Type 2 diabetes management to improve patient outcomes

As obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus reach epidemic proportions worldwide, glycemic control and prevention of complications have become even more critical. We searched studies published between January 2006 and January 2010 to identify and discuss the challenges facing healthcare professionals and patients in reaching glycemic targets. MEDLINE and Derwent Drug File searches were conducted with the following search terms: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, medication adherence, antihyperglycemic agents, glucose control, and clinical inertia. In this article we will outline the commonly used medications and present the advantages and disadvantages of each class of drug. Additionally, we will present the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and their place in the treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Specific localisation of human cytomegalovirus nucleic acids and proteins in human colorectal cancer

Summary Background Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cause of death from cancer in the USA, and most tumours arise sporadically with no clear cause or genetic predisposition. Human cytomegalovirus is a β-herpesvirus that is endemic in the human population and can cause life-threatening disease in immunosuppressed adults. In vitro, human cytomegalovirus can transform cells and dysregulate many cellular pathways relevant to colon adenocarcinoma pathogenesis, especially those affecting the cell cycle, mutagenesis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. We aimed to assess whether gene products of human cytomegalovirus could be detected in colorectal cancers. Methods We obtained formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pathological specimens of colorectal polyps, adeno-carcinomas, and adjacent normal mucosa from 29 patients. To detect human cytomegalovirus proteins and nucleic acids, we used immunohistochemistry with two different monoclonal antibodies, in-situ hybridisation, and PCR with DNA sequencing. Findings Human cytomegalovirus proteins IE1–72 and pp65 were detected in a tumour cell-specific pattern in 14 (82%) of 17 and seven (78%) of nine colorectal polyps, respectively, and 12 (80%) of 15 and 11 (92%) of 12 adenocarcinomas, respectively, but not in adjacent non-neoplastic colon biopsy samples from the same patients (none of seven and none of two, respectively). Human cytomegalovirus infection of colon-cancer cells (Caco-2) in vitro resulted in specific induction of Bcl-2 and cyclo-oxygenase-2 proteins, both of which are thought to contribute to progression of colon cancer. Interpretation Human cytomegalovirus nucleic acids and proteins can be found that specifically localise to neoplastic cells in human colorectal polyps and adenocarcinomas, and virus infection can induce important oncogenic pathways in colon-cancer cells.
An Analysis of Online Resources for Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder affecting women and girls of reproductive age. Management of the condition requires information, which women often seek on the Internet. Sites providing information to individuals diagnosed with PCOS, their families, friends, caregivers, and health professionals are prevalent on the Internet, often including relevant information about the syndrome as well as resources for support. The author conducted a survey of online informational and support resources on the topic of PCOS with the goal of identifying the range of resources available and evaluating the content and quality of these sites.
Statins as potent antiinflammatory drugs.

Statin drugs have previously been shown to very significantly reduce cardiovascular disease events in a number of large clinical trials.1 As a result, statins are now considered to represent one of the most powerful classes of agents for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.2 Statins are rapidly becoming frontline therapy for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other known cardiovascular disease risk factors. Originally, reductions in cardiovascular disease events and mortality and overall improved outcomes were attributed to dramatic reductions in circulating serum lipid levels that were mediated by inhibition of liver 3-hydroxy 3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase.1 However, more recent experimental and clinical investigations have revealed that statins can exert a number of cholesterol-independent, cardioprotective actions. In this regard, statins are potent modulators of endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function and have been shown to upregulate eNOS enzyme levels and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis.3–5⇓⇓ See p 2104 Pruefer and colleagues6 now demonstrate in this issue of Circulation powerful antiinflammatory properties of simvastatin in the setting of Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin infection. Endotoxemia represents a potent stimulus for vascular inflammation that is characterized by enhanced leukocyte recruitment to the microvascular endothelium. The report by Pruefer et al6 elegantly demonstrates that pretreatment with clinically relevant doses of simvastatin attenuates endotoxin-induced leukocyte rolling and transmigration …
Tension in skinned frog muscle fibers in solutions of varying ionic strength and neutral salt composition.

The maximal calcium-activated isometric tension produced by a skinned frog single muscle fiber falls off as the ionic strength of the solution bathing this fiber is elevated declining to zero near 0.5 M as the ionic strength is varied using KCl. When other neutral salts are used, the tension always declines at high ionic strength, but there is some difference between the various neutral salts used. The anions and cations can be ordered in terms of their ability to inhibit the maximal calcium-activated tension. The order of increasing inhibition of tension (decreasing tension) at high ionic strength for anions is propionate- ≃ SO4-- < Cl- < Br-. The order of increasing inhibition of calcium-activated tension for cations is K+ ≃ Na+ ≃ TMA+ < TEA+ < TPrA+ < TBuA+. The decline of maximal calcium-activated isometric tension with elevated salt concentration (ionic strength) can quantitatively explain the decline of isometric tetanic tension of a frog muscle fiber bathed in a hypertonic solution if one assumes that the internal ionic strength of a muscle fiber in normal Ringer's solution is 0.14–0.17 M. There is an increase in the base-line tension of a skinned muscle fiber bathed in a relaxing solution (no added calcium and 3 mM EGTA) of low ionic strength. This tension, which has no correlate in the intact fiber in hypotonic solutions, appears to be a noncalcium-activated tension and correlates more with a declining ionic strength than with small changes in [MgATP], [Mg], pH buffer, or [EGTA]. It is dependent upon the specific neutral salts used with cations being ordered in increasing inhibition of this noncalcium-activated tension (decreasing tension) as TPrA+ < TMA+ < K+ ≃ Na+. Measurements of potentials inside these skinned muscle fibers bathed in relaxing solutions produced occasional small positive values (<6 mV) which were not significantly different from zero.
An Optimum Squaring Loop Prefilter

Squaring loops are often discussed as a means of establishing a coherent carrier reference for bi-phase PSK modulation. The optimal presquaring filter is derived under the assumptions that the modulating spectrum as narrow with respect to the carrier frequency and that the phase-locked loop bandwidth is much narrower than the modulating spectrum.
Profiling of the Mechanical Properties of Ultralow-k Films Using Nanoindentation Techniques

Several nanoindentation techniques were applied to the surface, the reverse side and cross-sections of PECVD ultralow- k (ULK) film stacks to characterize their elasto-plastic properties quantitatively. Results showed good agreement of the reduced modulus ( E r ) values measured from above and on cross-sections, respectively. E r decreased by 10-22% from the upper to the lower surface of the films. This gradient suggests that UV light absorption inside the film leads to slightly reduced curing at the rear side of the films compared to the surface of the ULK layers. Both quasi-static nanoindentation and dynamic mechanical mapping showed this trend. It is demonstrated that quantitative mechanical mapping can be performed with a lateral resolution ≤ 100nm. Slight local variations of E r were detected on ULK/SiC x N y films stacked on top of Cu-low- k interconnect structures.
Kinetic Control of One-Pot Trans-Splicing Reactions by Using a Wild-Type and Designed Split Intein

Coulombic forces play an important role in facilitating protein–protein interactions. It has been demonstrated that a strong electrostatic potential between two interacting proteins correlates with a fast rate of association and a strong binding affinity.[1] Indeed, this principle has been exploited to enhance the binding properties of engineered protein interfaces.[2] Nonetheless, little research has focused on utilizing intermolecular ion pairs to modulate specificity in protein–protein interactions.[3–5] Naturally split inteins are a potentially interesting system for engineering electrostatically driven specificity, as the formation of a catalytically competent structure requires the association of two oppositely charged protomers. In their endogenous environment, split inteins catalyze protein trans-splicing (PTS, Scheme 1) of essential gene fragments, and thus are under evolutionary pressure to associate rapidly with high fidelity and dissociate slowly post-catalysis to prevent the re-formation of unproductive complexes. Out of their native context, split inteins have seen widespread use in a number of biotechnological applications, as a result of their capacity to ligate flanking protein sequences (exteins) in trans.[6] Applications of PTS include segmental isotopic labeling of proteins for NMR spectroscopy,[7] protein immobilization,[8] the labeling of proteins with extrinsic probes,[9] protein and peptide cyclization,[10] and control of protein function.[11,12]
Recanalization of chronic total peripheral arterial occlusions using optical coherent reflectometry with guided radiofrequency energy: A single center experience

Background: A forward-looking, fiberoptic guided device (Safe-Cross™ System, Intraluminal Therapeutics, Carlsbad, CA) has been used with guided radiofrequency energy to open chronic total occlusions (CTOs). This report describes the use of optical coherent reflectometry (OCR) system to assess safety and efficacy of opening CTOs in native peripheral arteries in the lower extremities: iliac, femoral, and popliteal. Methods: 18 CTOs in native peripheral arteries in 17 patients were treated with OCR after failed attempts with conventional wires (minimum 10 min of fluoroscopic time). When the CTO was crossed, routine angioplasty with or without stent was performed. Efficacy was defined as achievement of distal lumen position. Safety was defined as device success without perforation, dissection (≥Grade C), or distal embolization. The mean patient age was 72 years with 8 females and 10 males. Lesion characteristics included a mean vessel diameter of 5.8 mm and a mean lesion length of 22.4 cm. Ankle-brachial indices was ≤0.8 in all patients. Results: The OCR system was successful in crossing 100% of the CTOs in patients that failed conventional wire crossing, whereas clinical success occurred in 94% of these patients. Complications consisted of a single dissection ≥Grade C. No perforations or distal embolization occurred. Conclusions: The Safe-Cross OCR System is both efficacious and safe in the treatment of CTOs that failed crossing with conventional wires and indirect visualization of the intraluminal position by using OCR technology appears to minimize vessel trauma, dissection, perforation, and distal embolization. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Performance of electrical equalizers in optically amplified OOK and DPSK systems

We study the performance of feed-forward equalizers (FFEs) and decision-feedback equalizers (DFEs) in compensating chromatic dispersion and first-order polarization-mode dispersion (PMD) in optically amplified nonreturn-to-zero on-off keying (NRZ-OOK) and NRZ differential phase-shift-keying (DPSK) systems at 10 Gb/s. We use Monte Carlo simulation of the least-mean-square algorithm to estimate equalizer tap weights. Once stationary tap weights are obtained, we compute the bit-error ratio using an analytical method whose accuracy has been verified by simulation. We find that FFE and DFE offer the greatest improvement when combating first-order PMD with NRZ-OOK, reducing power penalties by about 45%. With NRZ-DPSK, the equalizers offer quite limited improvement.
Serum insulin level, disease stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Gleason score in prostate cancer

Serum insulin level, disease stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and Gleason score in prostate cancer
Dehydration tolerance of leaf tissues of six woody angiosperm species

Electrolyte leakage from leaf discs (measured as an index of dehydration tolerance) increased as water potentials of excised leaves declined for field-grown saplings of six woody species. Until late in the growing season (mid-August), leaves of Cornus florida L. exhibited greater leakage than those of other species; however, in August and September leakage in this species was much reduced, indicating apparent hardening in response to mid-season drought. Leaves of Quercus alba L., Q. rubra L. and Q. velutina Lam. generally exhibited less electrolyte leakage than did those of Acer saccharum Marsh, and Juglans nigra L. over the season. Moreover, leaves of Quercus species showed a reduction in electrolyte leakage late in the season similar to (but less accentuated than) that of C. florida. Saplings of A. saccharum and J. nigra showed little and no drought-hardening response, respectively. The responses shown by the studied species suggest that dehydration tolerance plays a role in plant distribution and that environmentally induced shifts in this tolerance are a significant phenomenon in natural plant communities.
Accumulation of heavy metals in food web components across a gradient of lakes

Recent studies have emphasized the need for understanding the accumulation and fate of metal contaminants at different trophic levels and across a broad spectrum of lake types. To address both issues, metal concentrations (Hg, Zn, Cd, As, and Pb) were measured in the water, two size fractions of zooplankton, and fish from 20 lakes in contaminated to pristine watersheds in the northeastern United States. Our goals were to examine links between watershed characteristics and aqueous metal levels in lakes and relationships between aqueous concentrations, metal burdens in different plankton groups and in fish. Two pairs of metals, (1) Hg and Zn and (2) As and Pb, exhibited strong similarities both in the factors that predict their concentrations in water and in the patterns of accumulation in particular trophic levels. Aqueous concentrations of Hg and Zn were highest in cool water lakes, whereas As and Pb were highest in more eutrophic lakes in agricultural areas. Aqueous Cd concentrations were closely correlated with the land-use variables, percentage of agricultural land, and road densities. Similarly, Hg and Zn both biomagnified from small plankton (45‐202mm) to macrozooplankton (.202 mm) and from macrozooplankton to fish. In contrast, bioaccumulation of both As and Pb diminished with increasing trophic level. Although aqueous metal and zooplankton metal levels were not significant predictors of As and Pb levels in fish, metal levels in zooplankton were predictive of Hg and Zn in fish, suggesting that sources of bioaccumulation differ for different metals. Our findings demonstrate the importance of investigating upper and lower trophic levels separately, to fully understand metal transfer pathways in aquatic food webs.
Probabilistic characterization of nearest neighbor classifier

The k-nearest neighbor classification algorithm (kNN) is one of the most simple yet effective classification algorithms in use. It finds major applications in text categorization, outlier detection, handwritten character recognition, fraud detection and in other related areas. Though sound theoretical results exist regarding convergence of the generalization error (GE) of this algorithm to Bayes error, these results are asymptotic in nature. The understanding of the behavior of the kNN algorithm in real world scenarios is limited. In this paper, assuming categorical attributes, we provide a principled way of studying the non-asymptotic behavior of the kNN algorithm. In particular, we derive exact closed form expressions for the moments of the GE for this algorithm. The expressions are functions of the sample, and hence can be computed given any joint probability distribution defined over the input–output space. These expressions can be used as a tool that aids in unveiling the statistical behavior of the algorithm in settings of interest viz. an acceptable value of k for a given sample size and distribution. Moreover, Monte Carlo approximations of such closed form expressions have been shown in Dhurandhar and Dobra (J Mach Learn Res 9, 2008; ACM Trans Knowl Discov Data 3, 2009) to be a superior alternative in terms of speed and accuracy when compared with computing the moments directly using Monte Carlo. This work employs the semi-analytical methodology that was proposed recently to better understand the non-asymptotic behavior of learning algorithms.
Selective region encryption using a fast shape adaptive transform

Selective regional encryption was performed on nonrectangular, statistically relevant regions of image media by permutation of coefficients in the domain of a fast, shape adaptive, parametric transform in order to partially encrypt the original image. Regions were successfully segmented using a high order information analysis. A simple encryption scheme which exploits the energy compaction properties of a shape adaptive cosine transform was then applied in the transform domain. Computer simulation shows that the method is fast and statistically secure.
Hydrolysis of Cellulose Using Ternary Mixtures of Purified Cellulases

The saccharification of microcrystalline cellulose by reconstituted ternary mixtures of purified cellulases (one endoglucanase and two cello-biohydrolases) has been studied over the entire range of mixture compositions. Ternary plots are used to compare the performance of five synthetic mixtures drawn from the cellulase systems of Acidothermus cel-lulolyticus, Trichoderma reesei, Thermomonospora fusca, and Thermotoga nea-politana. Results reveal that at least one synthetic mixture utilizing enzymes from three different organisms delivers performance competitive with that of a “native” (i.e., co-evolved) ternary system drawn exclusively from T. reesei. This heterologous system, consisting of the endoglucanase El from A. cellulolyticus and the exoglucanases CBHI from T. ressei and E3 from T. fusca, is forgiving from the system-design point of view, in that it delivers high saccharification rates over a wide range of mixture compositions.
Adaptive data rate communications for high frequency radio channels

An alternative approach to the problem of multipath fading on HF ionospheric scatter channels is considered: that of adapting the data rate to the channel conditions. The performance of a simple on/off data rate system is only 4.3 dB shy of non-fading performance. A more sophisticated four-rate (three non-zero rates) trellis-coded system gains 6.7 dB more without interleaving and without bandwidth expansion. At a bit error rate of 10/sup -5/, this is equivalent to 39 dB of coding gain. Implementation problems for adaptive data rate systems include noisy feedback channels, increased overhead, synchronization, sensitivity to propagation delay, and buffer control. It is noted that these problems are challenging, but not insurmountable. >
Intensity-Based Image Registration by Nonparametric Local Smoothing

Image registration is used widely in applications for mapping one image to another. Existing image registration methods are either feature-based or intensity-based. Feature-based methods first extract relevant image features and then find the geometrical transformation that best matches the two corresponding sets of features extracted from the two images. Because identification and extraction of image features is often a challenging and time-consuming process, intensity-based image registration, by which the mapping transformation is estimated directly from the observed image intensities of the two images, has received much attention recently. In the literature, most existing intensity-based image registration methods estimate the mapping transformation globally by solving a minimization/maximization problem defined by the two entire images to register. To this end, it needs to be assumed that the mapping transformation has a certain type of parametric form or it is a continuous bivariate function satisfying certain regularity conditions. In this paper, we propose a novel intensity-based image registration method using nonparametric local smoothing. By this method, the mapping transformation at a given pixel is estimated locally in a neighborhood after certain image features are accommodated in the estimation. Due to the flexibility of local smoothing, this method does not require any parametric form for the mapping transformation. It even allows the transformation to be a discontinuous function. Numerical examples show that it is effective in various applications.
Expansion of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury after instillation of three forms of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Background: The exceptional physical-chemical properties of carbon nanotubes have lead to their use in diverse commercial and biomedical applications. However, their utilization has raised concerns about human exposure that may predispose individuals to adverse health risks. The present study investigated the susceptibility to cardiac ischemic injury following a single exposure to various forms of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). It was hypothesized that oropharyngeal aspiration of MWCNTs exacerbates myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury (I/R injury). Methods: Oropharyngeal aspiration was performed on male C57BL/6J mice with a single amount of MWCNT (0.01 - 100 μg) suspended in 100 μL of a surfactant saline (SS) solution. Three forms of MWCNTs were used in this study: unmodified, commercial grade (C-grade), and functionalized forms that were modified either by acid treatment (carboxylated, COOH) or nitrogenation (N-doped) and a SS vehicle. The pulmonary inflammation, serum cytokine profile and cardiac ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury were assessed at 1, 7 and 28 days post-aspiration. Results: Pulmonary response to MWCNT oropharyngeal aspiration assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed modest increases in protein and inflammatory cell recruitment. Lung histology showed modest tissue inflammation as compared to the SS group. Serum levels of eotaxin were significantly elevated in the carboxylated MWCNT aspirated mice 1 day post exposure. Oropharyngeal aspiration of all three forms of MWCNTs resulted in a time and/or dose-dependent exacerbation of myocardial infarction. The severity of myocardial injury varied with the form of MWCNTs used. The N-doped MWCNT produced the greatest expansion of the infarct at any time point and required a log concentration lower to establish a no effect level. The expansion of the I/R injury remained significantly elevated at 28 days following aspiration of the COOH and N-doped forms, but not the C-grade as compared to SS. Conclusion: Our results suggest that oropharyngeal aspiration of MWCNT promotes increased susceptibility of cardiac tissue to ischemia/reperfusion injury without a significant pulmonary inflammatory response. The cardiac injury effects were observed at low concentrations of MWCNTs and presence of MWCNTs may pose a significant risk to the cardiovascular system.
What to Do with the Chiang Mai Initiative

An important instance of regional cooperation in Asia is the Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) for swap lines and credits agreed to by the ASEAN+3 countries in May 2000. This agreement reflects the desire to buttress financial stability following the searing crisis of 1997–98 and the recognition that governments can better achieve this collectively than individually. The question is to what end the resources of the CMI will be directed. This paper argues that using the swap lines and credits of the CMI to support a system of common basket pegs for East Asian currencies would not enhance financial stability; to the contrary, it would be a costly mistake. It would be better to devote these resources to a collective effort to develop securities markets in the region, thereby addressing the fundamental problem, of which exchange-rate instability is one symptom.
An experiment in latency reduction

Communication latency can be reduced by increasing bandwidth via a sender-based anticipation technique called Parallel Communication. The authors apply this method to anonymous FTP. Their analysis of log files indicates that latency can be reduced to 2 round-trip times, as small as 0.6 round-trip time/file, for a 7x increase in bandwidth. This technique applies to up to 95% of the FTP traffic. This method is expected to be especially useful in reducing latency in automated FTP access. Such as in the World-WideWorld-Wide Web. >
Non-Problematic Risks from Low-Dose Radiation-Induced DNA Damage Clusters

Radiation-induced DNA damage clusters have been proposed and are usually considered to pose the threat of serious biological damage. This has been attributed to DNA repair debilitation or cessation arising from the complexity of cluster damage. It will be shown here, contrary to both previous suggestions and perceived wisdom, that radiation induced damage clusters contribute to non-problematic risks in the low-dose, low-LET regime. The very complexity of cluster damage which inhibits and/or compromises DNA repair will ultimately be responsible for the elimination and/or diminution of precancerous and cancerous cells.
Oral health knowledge attitudes and behaviors of migrant preschooler parents.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to establish baseline data about oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFW). The study focused on MSFWs that are parents of preschool–aged children, and who utilized services at 3 migrant dental clinics. Methods: An oral health knowledge attitudes and behaviors survey was developed and pilot tested in 2006. The resulting 34 item survey was administered by trained promotores de salud (community health workers) to 45 parents of preschoolers (15 at each clinic site) served by 3 migrant dental clinics. Parents answered questions as they pertained to their oldest preschooler (up to age 5). Results: Dental visits in the last 12 months were reported for 26 (58%) of the children. Fifteen parents (33%) had a dental visit in the last year. Thirty–five parents (77/8%) reported their child9s oral health to be good, and 21 (46.7%) reported their own to be good. Half of the children were enrolled in Head Start (HS). Of those, 18 (79%) had a dental visit in the last year, whereas 8 (36%) of those not enrolled in HS had a visit. Discrepancies existed for the age parents believed children should stop using a bottle and the age they actually did stop using a bottle. There were discrepancies in knowledge about decay causing drinks and consumption of drinks by preschool–aged children. Conclusions: MSFWs remain an underserved population with poor access to oral health care and multiple factors affecting oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. A better understanding of influences on oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors within the population can assist in implementing appropriate interventions for the maintenance of good oral health in MSFW families. HS can have a positive impact on oral health for MSFW children.
Adversity and Advancing Nursing Knowledge

This column reports the theme of adversity addressed in reference to theoretical and metatheoretical considerations for advancing nursing knowledge. The development and content of three classic nursing theories are presented by Neuman representatives, and by theorists King and Roy. Topics for continued dialogue are identified as derived from the interface between philosophy of science issues and these theories.
Origin and Objectives of the Survey

Most physiologists have thought from time to time about the same problems that concerned the Survey of Physiological Sciences. In casual meetings with colleagues, in organized discussions such as those sponsored by the American Physiological Society, in formal recommendations to administrators and others concerned with policy, and with increasing frequency in professional journals, physiologists have pondered the relationship between the many facets of their science and our even more complex social environment. Mostly, only individual opinions, not all in agreement, supplied answers; but gradually more formal and concerted attention was marshaled.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Modified Mini Mental State Examination in African Americans

Background. Sparse data limit the interpretation of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, particularly in minority populations. Additionally, there are no published data on how MoCA scores compare to the widely used Modified Mini Mental State Examination (3MSE). We provide performance data on the MoCA in a large cohort of African Americans and compare 3MSE and MoCA scores, providing a "crosswalk" for interpreting scores. Methods. Five hundred and thirty African Americans with type 2 diabetes were enrolled in African American-Diabetes Heart Study-MIND, a cross-sectional study of cognition and structural and functional brain imaging. After excluding participants with possible cognitive impairment (n = 115), mean (SD) MoCA and 3MSE scores are presented stratified by age and education. Results. Participant mean age was 58.2 years (range: 35-83); 61% were female; and 64.9% had >12 years of education. Mean (SD) 3MSE and MoCA scores were 86.9 (8.2) and 19.8 (3.8), respectively. 93.5% of the cohort had a "positive" screen on the MoCA, scoring <26 (education-adjusted), compared with 47.5% on the 3MSE (cut-point < 88). A 3MSE score of 88 corresponded to a MoCA score of 20 in this population. Conclusion. The present data suggest the need for caution when applying proposed MoCA cutoffs to African Americans.