cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A bacterial view of the periodic table: genes and proteins for toxic inorganic ions

Essentially all bacteria have genes for toxic metal ion resistances and these include those for Ag+, AsO2-, AsO4(3-), Cd2+ Co2+, CrO4(2-), Cu2+, Hg2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, TeO3(2-), Tl+ and Zn2+. The largest group of resistance systems functions by energy-dependent efflux of toxic ions. Fewer involve enzymatic transformations (oxidation, reduction, methylation, and demethylation) or metal-binding proteins (for example, metallothionein SmtA, chaperone CopZ and periplasmic silver binding protein SilE). Some of the efflux resistance systems are ATPases and others are chemiosmotic ion/proton exchangers. For example, Cd2+-efflux pumps of bacteria are either inner membrane P-type ATPases or three polypeptide RND chemiosmotic complexes consisting of an inner membrane pump, a periplasmic-bridging protein and an outer membrane channel. In addition to the best studied three-polypeptide chemiosmotic system, Czc (Cd2+, Zn2+, and Co2), others are known that efflux Ag+, Cu+, Ni2+, and Zn2+. Resistance to inorganic mercury, Hg2+ (and to organomercurials, such as CH3Hg+ and phenylmercury) involve a series of metal-binding and membrane transport proteins as well as the enzymes mercuric reductase and organomercurial lyase, which overall convert more toxic to less toxic forms. Arsenic resistance and metabolizing systems occur in three patterns, the widely-found ars operon that is present in most bacterial genomes and many plasmids, the more recently recognized arr genes for the periplasmic arsenate reductase that functions in anaerobic respiration as a terminal electron acceptor, and the aso genes for the periplasmic arsenite oxidase that functions as an initial electron donor in aerobic resistance to arsenite.
Playing Cards at the Eucharistic Table: Music, Theology, and Society in a Corpus Christi Villancico from Colonial Mexico, 1628

As part of the festivities of Corpus Christi in 1628, a cathedral choir in colonial Mexico sang about the Eucharist through the metaphor of a card game. This music is a previously unstudied, fragmentary villancico, composed by Juan Gutierrez de Padilla for the cathedral of Puebla de los Angeles, and it opens a window into the social history of card-playing and gambling in the Spanish colonies. It stems from a broader tradition of “divinizing” cards, including poetry and drama by Lope de Vega and Gonzalez de Eslava. The article explores the theological and social implications of using liturgical music to present Christ as a rogue card player, winning humanity back from the devil by laying down the trump card of his own body on the table. Includes an edition of the surviving music. The online version includes a recording played on the organ by the author.
The destruction of N2O in a pulsed corona discharge reactor

The removal of N2O by a pulsed corona reactor (PCR) was investigated. Gas mixtures containing N2O were allowed to flow in the reactor at various levels of energy input, and for different background gases, flow rates, and initial pollutant concentrations. The reactor effluent gas stream was analyzed for N2O, NO, NO2, by means of an FTIR spectrometer. It was found that destruction of N2O was facilitated with argon as the background gas; the conversion dropped and power requirements increased when nitrogen was used as the background gas. Reaction mechanisms are proposed for the destruction of N2O in dry argon and nitrogen. Application of the pseudo-steady state hypothesis permits development of expressions for the overall reaction rate in these systems. These reaction rates are integrated into a simple reactor model for the pulsed corona discharge reactor. The reactor model brings forth the coupling between reaction rates, electrical discharge parameters, and fluid flow within the reactor. Comparison with experiment is encouraging, though the needs for additional research are clearly identified.
Comparison of Minimum-Propellant Guidance Laws for Impulsive and Bounded-Thrust Spacecraft

The minimum-propellant deterministic guidance law for a bounded-thrust , constant jet exhaust velocity rocket is compared to the minimum-propellant impulsive-thrust guidance law. It is shown that the impulsive-thrust guidance law represents the limit of the bounded-thrust guidance law as the magnitude of the thrust acceleration becomes unbounded (a -> oo) and the thrust duration goes to zero (T -» 0). This connection is of more than academic value in that it eases the interpretation of the bounded-thrust guidance law in terms of the much more easily understood impulsive-thrust case. Of importance is the insight provided towards the interpretation of the jump conditions and controllability condition in the one-burn case.
A Length Scale Dependent Model for Stress Relaxation in Polymer Melts

A model for the plateau in the relaxation modulus is presented. This model treats the relaxation on successively longer length scales. The extent of relaxation in the strain-induced excess free energy for each length scale is evaluated by minimizing the free energy through motions on that length scale, while constraining the system such that there is no relaxation on all longer length scales. The extent of relaxation is determined by the number of other chain segments in contact with a relaxing chain segment. The residual excess free energy, which remains after the relaxation on a length scale, is further reduced by the subsequent relaxation on the longer length scales. This analysis predicts that the entanglement chain length for relaxation should scale as Ne ∼ ρ-2 b-3b1-3, where ρ is the monomer density, b is the monomer bond length, and b1 is the Kuhn length. Two methods for the evaluation of the time dependent relaxation modulus, which are based on this length scale dependent analysis of the relaxatio...
Improving performance through path-based hardware/software partitioning

Hardware/software partitioning has always been a crucial step in co-design of embedded systems as it affects the overall system performance significantly. This paper proposes a new approach to partition the tasks in a given Control Data Flow Graph (CDFG) representing an application. In order to enhance the performance, our approach considers the combination of two main paths in the system: hot path and critical path during the partitioning phase of the co-design. These two paths dominate the total execution time of a system. After identifying the hot path and the critical path, the proposed approach assigns as many tasks as possible to the hardware components by giving higher priorities to the tasks in the hot paths which directly have significant effect on critical path. Consequently, the total execution time of an application is reduced. The experimental evaluation shows that the proposed path-based partitioning method improves the performance significantly. In addition, the performance/area trade-off is presented.
Low-Dose Sarin Exposure Produces Long Term Changes in Brain Neurochemistry of Mice

Sarin is a toxic organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent that has been reported to cause long-term alterations in behavioral and neuropsychological processes. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of low dose sarin exposure on the monoamine neurotransmitter systems in various brain regions of mice. The rationale was to expand our knowledge about the noncholinergic neurochemical alterations associated with low dose exposure to this cholinesterase inhibitor. We analyzed the levels of monoamines and their metabolites in different brain areas after exposure of male C57BL/6 mice to a subclinical dose of sarin (0.4 LD50). Mice did not show any signs of cholinergic toxicity or pathological changes in brain tissue. At 1, 4 and 8 weeks post-sarin exposure brains were collected for neurochemical analysis. A significant decrease in the dopamine (DA) turnover, as measured by the metabolite to parent ratio, was observed in the frontal cerebral cortex (FC) at all time points tested. DA turnover was significantly increased in the amygdala at 4 weeks but not at 1 or 8 weeks after exposure. The caudate nucleus displayed a decrease in DA turnover at 1 week but no significant change was observed at 4 and 8 weeks suggesting a reversible effect. In addition to this, serotonin (5-HT) levels were transiently altered at various time points in all the brain regions studied (increase in FC, caudate nucleus and decrease in amygdala). Since there were no signs of cholinergic toxicity or cell death after sarin exposure, different non-cholinergic mechanisms may be involved in regulating these effects. Our results demonstrate that non-symptomatic dose of OP nerve agent sarin has potent long-term, region-specific effects on the monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems. Data also suggests differential effects of sarin on the various DA projections. These neurochemical alterations could be associated with long term behavioral and neuropsychological changes associated with low dose OP exposure.
N‐vinyl carbazole copolymers

The synthesis of N-vinyl carbazole (VCbz) copolymers, some of which contain electron-accepting groups, is described. The new copolymers are: copoly[N-vinyl carbazole-di(2-N-carbazylethyl)-fumarate](II); copoly(N-vinyl carbazole-vinyl-2,4-dinitrobenzene-sulfonate)(IV); copoly(N-vinyl carbazole-vinyl-2,4-dinitrobenzene-sulfenate)(V); copoly(n-butyl acrylate-t-butyl peracrylate)(VII); copoly(n-butyl acrylate-t-butyl acrylate-graft-N-vinyl carbazole)(VIII).
The role of partial reflections in tropospheric propagation beyond the horizon

Measurements on vhf transmissions in recent years have indicated that field strengths deep in the diffraction region are many orders of magnitude greater than values calculated on a smooth earth diffraction theory, even vii en allowance is made for the refraction produced by the standard atmosphere1 Of the theories advanced to date in explanation of this effect, the machanism of scattering by inhomogeneities resulting from atmospheric turbulence has perhaps been the most successful.2 However, certain discrepancies in wavelength and angle dependence, together with the fact that the abnormal fields apparently exist everywhere at all times, lead one to seek an explanation solely in terms of the model represented by the standard atmosphere.
A Comparison Of Anticryptosporidial Activity Of Paromomycin With That Of Other Aminoglycosides And Azithromycin In Immunosuppressed Rats

Of six evaluated aminoglycosides, paromomycin was the only one that showed activity against Cryptosporidium parvum in immunosuppressed rats. Oral dosages > or = 200 mg/kg/day reduced the severity of ileal infections; however, paromomycin was ineffective against cecal and biliary tract infections at 400 mg/kg/day orally and 50 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally. Oral paromomycin (400 mg/kg/day) was also less effective than azithromycin (400 mg/kg/day) against Cryptosporidium infection involving the ileum, cecum, or biliary tract of immunosuppressed rats. The data suggest that paromomycin may be an effective treatment for acute cryptosporidiosis of the small intestine but is probably ineffective against large intestine or biliary tract infections in the immunosuppressed host.
p75(NTR) mediates neurotrophin-induced apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells.

The development of atherosclerotic lesions results from aberrant cell migration, proliferation, and extracellular matrix production. In advanced lesions, however, cellular apoptosis, leading to lesion remodeling, predominates. During lesion formation, the neurotrophins and the neurotrophin receptor tyrosine kinases, trks B and C, are induced and mediate smooth muscle cell migration. Here we demonstrate that a second neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR, is expressed by established human atherosclerotic lesions and late lesions that develop after balloon injury of the rat thoracic aorta. The p75NTR, a member of the tumor necrosis factor/FAS receptor family, can modulate trk receptor function as well as initiate cell death when expressed in cells of the nervous system that lack kinase-active trk receptors. p75NTR expression colocalizes to neointimal cells, which express smooth muscle cell α-actin and are expressed by cultured human endarterectomy-derived cells (HEDC). Areas of the plaque expressing p75NTR demonstrate increased TUNEL positivity, and HEDC undergo apoptosis in response to the neurotrophins. Finally, neurotrophins also induced apoptosis of a smooth muscle cell line genetically manipulated to express p75NTR, but lacking trk receptor expression. These studies identify the regulated expression of neurotrophins and p75NTR as an inducer of smooth muscle cell apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions.
MELTING OF A PURE METAL FROM A VERTICAL WALL

Abstract The role of natural convection daring melting of pure tin from a specially designed heater that formed a vertical wall of a rectangular cavity has been studied experimentally. Temperature and solid-liquid interface position were measured under carefully controlled conditions, and the evolution of the melting front and temperature in the liquid melt with time were followed. The experimental data show the effect of natural convection in the melt on the motion and shape of the interface as well as on the melting rate. In addition, the data are used to validate a numerical model developed previously
A mathematical model predicting the frequency of aberrant rearrangements in the T-cell receptor gene.

Abstract The T-cell receptor (TCR) genetic loci undergo an orderly process of recombination in ontogeny in order to generate a diverse array of antigen receptors. Normally occurring, out-of-frame and incomplete rearrangements produce non-productive TCR transcripts. Abnormalities in the rearrangement process occur at very low frequencies but may predominate in inborn errors of recombination. Detecting these abnormalities in surviving pools of lymphocytes is difficult and typically focuses on identification of abnormally rearranged alleles or on detecting abnormalities in recombinase proteins. Thus, there currently exists no rapid screening method to identify aberrant V(D)J recombination. To address this issue, a mathematical model was developed to predict the error rate from the measured proportions of different non-productive TCR alleles. Since the proportions of different non-productive rearrangements vary in a characteristic fashion in response to abnormalities in the recombination process, the mathematical model presented here provides a tool to indirectly assess the error rate of TCR recombination. The model was applied to a group of patients with Omenn’s syndrome, most of whom had an unknown primary defect. The results indicate that these patients had a >90% rate of aberrant TCR recombination.
Have South Australian isolates of Neisseria meningitidis become less susceptible to penicillin, rifampicin and other drugs? A study of strains isolated over three decades, 1971–1999

Summary Aims To ascertain whether isolates of Neisseria meningitidis in South Australia (SA) have become less susceptible to antimicrobial agents. The patients studied were children and adults in SA with either meningococcal bacteraemia or meningitis or both. Methods The susceptibility of meningococci to 11 antimicrobial agents, including sulphonamides, penicillin and rifampicin, was tested by agar dilution, and in the case of six of the drugs, by E test also. Results Resistance to folate antagonists emerged in 1979 and became very common. Resistance peaked in 1995 at 76% of strains. Relative insusceptibility to penicillin was first encountered amongst strains isolated in 1985, and, while the incidence of such strains increased slightly, the overall incidence was low at 10 (5.2%) of 190 strains tested. Meningococci relatively insusceptible to rifampicin were encountered as early at 1971 and did not become more common. The incidence of such strains at 26 (13.7%) of 189 strains tested was higher than that for penicillin. For the 11-year period 1989-1999 of ≥84 strains tested all were susceptible to ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin; 98% were susceptible to azithromycin and 97% were susceptible to minocycline. Shifts in MIC values for these drugs were not detected. Conclusions Resistance was common to sulphonamides and co-trimoxazole, however ≥95% meningococci tested were susceptible to drugs commonly used in the treatment of meningococcal disease, including penicillin and ceftriaxone. Relative insusceptibility to rifampicin was more common but did not increase during the 29-year period. For all drugs tested, except rifampicin, there was good agreement between agar dilution and E test results.
An endogenous glycogen-associated compound modulates glucose-6-phosphatase activity in rat liver microsomes.

Abstract Liver glycogen is closely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, which contains the glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme system that catalyses the final step of hepatic glucose production. To examine whether this structural association has functional consequences, microsomes were isolated from 48 h fasted (n=6) and ad lib fed rats (n=3). Microsomes from fed rats had a higher glycogen content and lower enzyme activity than fasted rats. Overall, glucose-6-phosphatase activity was inversely proportional to microsomal glycogen content. Partially purified rabbit or rat liver glycogen, at physiological relevant concentrations (10-100 mM glucose equivalents), added directly to either intact or Triton-disrupted microsomes from fasted rats significantly decreased glucose-6-phosphatase activity. Inhibitory activity was present in native liver glycogen prepared by sedimentation and could be dissociated from glycogen by ion-exchange and ultrafiltration.These findings suggest that a low molecular weight (
Far-Infrared Lattice Absorption in Alkali Halide Crystals

Measurements of the absorption between 0.3 and 1.0 mm have been made on NaCl, KCl, KBr, KI, NaI, and LiF between room temperature and 15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Present theory explains the absorption in this region as arising from "vertical" transitions from one phonon state to another with the same wave vector but of a higher energy, the energy difference between the two states being the energy of the absorbed photon. At high temperatures such 2-phonon processes should generally lead to a linear temperature dependence of the absorption. Experimentally, however, we found in all cases a strong additional contribution to the absorption which increased as ${T}^{2}$, which we believe to be caused by 3-phonon difference processes. At wavelengths longer than a certain cutoff wavelength, ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{c}$, depending on the dispersion curves, the linear (2-phonon) contribution disappears, leaving only the ${T}^{2}$ contribution. Comparison of our results with phonon dispersion curves shows that 2-phonon processes involving one longitudinal and one transverse branch do not appear. The results suggest that the observed 2-phonon absorption arises only from transitions between branches of the same polarization.
Temporal dynamics of PSR-based soil moisture across spatial scales in an agricultural landscape during SMEX02: A wavelet approach

Abstract In this study, we examined the characteristics of soil moisture dynamics of wet and dry fields across hierarchical spatial scales within the region of Soil Moisture Experiment 2002 (SMEX02) hydrology campaign in Iowa. The Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer (PSR)-based remotely sensed surface (∼ 0–5 cm) soil moisture at 800 m × 800 m resolution was used in this study. Wavelet-based multiresolution technique decomposed the soil moisture into large-scale mean soil moisture fields and fluctuations in horizontal, diagonal, and vertical directions at hierarchical spatial resolutions. Results suggested linearity in the log–log dependency of the variance of soil moisture up to a resolution of 6400 m × 6400 m on PSR sampling dates during SMEX02. The wet fields (with high soil moisture) show almost similar variance for all the resolutions signifying the strong spatial correlation. Analysis of the dry fields (with low soil moisture) indicated a log–log linearity of moments with various scales, and the slopes of these relationships exhibit a concave functional form with the order of moments, typically representing a multiscaling process. The scaling exponent of soil moisture during dry-down suggests a transition from simple scaling (in wet fields) to multiscaling (in dry fields) behavior. The fluctuation components of multiresolution analysis in the horizontal, diagonal, and vertical directions for dry and wet fields exhibited self-similarity. Another important finding of this study is the increase of subpixel soil moisture variability with increasing resolution, especially for the wet fields. These findings will help develop appropriate up-and down-scaling schemes of remotely sensed soil moisture data for various hydrologic and environmental modeling applications.
Phylogenetic trait-based analyses of ecological networks

Ecological networks of two interacting guilds of species, such as flowering plants and pollinators, are common in nature, and studying their structure can yield insights into their resilience to environmental disturbances. Here we develop analytical methods for exploring the strengths of interactions within bipartite networks consisting of two guilds of phylogenetically related species. We then apply these methods to investigate the resilience of a plant-pollinator community to anticipated climate change. The methods allow the statistical assessment of, for example, whether closely related pollinators are more likely to visit plants with similar relative frequencies, and whether closely related pollinators tend to visit closely related plants. The methods can also incorporate trait information, allowing us to identify which plant traits are likely responsible for attracting different pollinators. These questions are important for our study of 14 prairie plants and their 22 insect pollinators. Over the last 70 years, six of the plants have advanced their flowering, while eight have not. When we experimentally forced earlier flowering times, five of the six advanced-flowering species experienced higher pollinator visitation rates, whereas only one of the eight other species had more visits; this network thus appears resilient to climate change, because those species with advanced flowering have ample pollinators earlier in the season. Using the methods developed here, we show that advanced-flowering plants did not have a distinct pollinator community from the other eight species. Furthermore, pollinator phylogeny did not explain pollinator community composition; closely related pollinators were not more likely to visit the same plant species. However, differences among pollinator communities visiting different plants were explained by plant height, floral color, and symmetry. As a result, closely related plants attracted similar numbers of pollinators. By parsing out characteristics that explain why plants share pollinators, we can identify plant species that likely share a common fate in a changing climate.
Delay of reinforcement: Extended training and multiple shifts

Several lines of work involving reinforcement manipulations have produced early performance differences between differentially reinforced subjects. Late in training, these differences have disappeared. In the present study, similar effects were found using 10- and 30-sec delays of reinforcement. Delay shifts produced an NCE but no PCE. It is proposed that the late acquisition effects have not been considered in most learning models.
Molecular mobility of high-volatile bituminous coals accompanying drying

Abstract Pyridine-extractability, solvent swelling and free swelling index of selected high-volatile bituminous coals decreased upon drying under vacuum at 80–120 °C overnight. The temperature necessary to induce these changes varied among the coals. This behaviour was attributed to molecular association caused by molecular mobility after and/or during the removal of volatile matter such as water. The following mechanism is proposed. Molecules in the raw coals are partly blocked by hydrogen bonds. Water and functional groups such as COOH and OH are partly incorporated into these hydrogen bonds. During the drying step, the blocked water and presumably CO 2 are eliminated, a glass transition temperature is locally lowered, and coal molecules can move and form a more stable and associated state.
Hydration and Health

Daily adequate water intake to maintain euhydration is arguably the most important nutrient requirement for humans. Within a margin of error, the body regulates the maintenance of body fluid balanc...
Primary Radiation Therapy for Head-and-Neck Cancer in the Setting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Purpose To analyze outcomes after radiation therapy for head-and-neck cancer among a cohort of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods and Materials The medical records of 12 patients with serologic evidence of HIV who subsequently underwent radiation therapy to a median dose of 68 Gy (range, 64–72 Gy) for newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were reviewed. Six patients (50%) received concurrent chemotherapy. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was used in 6 cases (50%). All patients had a Karnofsky performance status of 80 or 90. Nine patients (75%) were receiving antiretroviral therapies at the time of treatment, and the median CD4 count was 460 (range, 266–800). Toxicity was graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group / European Organization for the Treatment of Cancer toxicity criteria. Results The 3-year estimates of overall survival and local-regional control were 78% and 92%, respectively. Acute Grade 3+ toxicity occurred in 7 patients (58%), the most common being confluent mucositis (5 patients) and moist skin desquamation (4 patients). Two patients experienced greater than 10% weight loss, and none experienced more than 15% weight loss from baseline. Five patients (42%) experienced treatment breaks in excess of 10 cumulative days, although none required hospitalization. There were no treatment-related fatalities. Conclusions Radiation therapy for head-and-neck cancer seems to be relatively well tolerated among appropriately selected patients with HIV. The observed rates of toxicity were comparable to historical controls without HIV.
Spatial and temporal expression of acetylcholine receptor RNAs in innervated and denervated rat soleus muscle

In adult vertebrate skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptors are localized to the neuromuscular junction. Upon denervation, this distribution changes, with new receptors appearing in extrajunctional regions of the muscle fiber. The location of acetylcholine receptors in innervated or denervated muscle may result, in part, from the distribution of their RNAs. This was tested by assaying for receptor RNAs in junctional and extrajunctional regions of innervated and denervated rat soleus muscle using in situ hybridization and RNAase protection assays. These experiments showed alpha, beta, and delta subunit RNAs concentrated beneath the endplates of innervated muscle fibers. Following denervation, there was an unequal distribution of receptor RNAs along the muscle fiber, with highest levels occurring in extrajunctional regions near the endplate. These data are consistent with a nonuniform pattern of gene expression in adult skeletal muscle fibers.
Characterization of MWCNT VLSI Interconnect with Self-Heating Induced Scatterings

Performance of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-based VLSI interconnect has been studied under the strong influence of scattering induced by self-heating. Using modified Landauer Buttiker formalism along with Fourier heat transfer equation we have estimated interconnect parameters at different diameters. Anisotropic thermal conductivity has been considered for temperature distribution calculation using FDTD method for primitive defect-less MWCNT. Using the relaxation time approximation, we have studied scattering dynamics in calculating resistance. Electronic and thermal transport equations have been coupled and solved iteratively to get accurate estimation of temperatures and resistances. Total intrinsic resistance has been estimated as low as 16 Ω for a MWCNT of 100 nm outer diameter. Even though temperature gradient has been calculated as high as 6000K/m the most hot spot has been estimated only 0.0035K higher than the surroundings, which is not enough temperature to reach melting point. Study of scattering parameters confirmed the higher bandwidth with low transmission loss (10 THz within -20dB limit) is achievable for MWCNTs with more shells (D>50 nm).
Observations on the cardiovascular involvement, including the cardiac conduction system, in progressive muscular dystrophy

Abstract The case of a young man with progressive muscular dystrophy who had both cardiac arrhythmias and heart block is described. At necropsy, degeneration of fibers in the sinus node was found, and an unusual noninflammatory degeneration of the arteries which supply both the sinus node and the atrioventricular node. Similar involvement was observed in other arteries, but much less frequently than in the cardiac nodes. The pathogenesis of the arrhythmias and heart block which are commonly seen in progressive muscular dystrophy is discussed in the light of these observations.
Exploring the volume-outcome relationship for off-pump coronary artery bypass graft procedures.

Background The relationship between the surgical case volume and risk-adjusted clinical outcomes has been examined for different surgical specialties. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the off-pump coronary artery bypass graft procedure volumes (OPCABG) with risk-adjusted outcomes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 44 cardiac surgery programs. Methods Based on VA Continuous Improvement in Cardiac Surgery Program data, the results of 5,076 OPCABG surgical procedures performed between October 1998 and September 2003 were analyzed. Hierarchical logistic regression models evaluated the relationship between OPCABG procedure volume with risk-adjusted 30-day operative mortality, perioperative morbidity, and 180-day mortality. Both a hospital's average OPCABG volume per 6-month period and the hospital's most recent 6-month OPCABG volume were examined. Results Hospital OPCABG average volume in a 6-month period ranged from 0.2 to 47.4 procedures; whereas the most recent 6-month OPCABG hospital volume ranged from 0 to 76 OPCABG per site. No relationship between the volume measures and the outcome variables was found. Conclusions We did not find an association between OPCABG volume with short-term mortality, perioperative morbidity, or intermediate-term (180-day) mortality.
Reorganizing child protective services: Protecting children and providing family support

Abstract Thirty years after the 1960s child protection movement, the United States is said to face a “child protection emergency.” Separation of child protection investigation from family services, and assignment of the investigation function to police, is recommended by some child welfare scholars as partial solution to the emergency. This paper explores the historical context and current ingredients of the child welfare crisis. After reviewing our national experience with the separation of income maintenance and social services in public welfare, the authors advise caution in the separation of investigative and service functions in child protection.
Medium Range Prediction by a GFDL Global Spectral Model: Results for Three Winter Cases and Sensitivity to Dissipation

Abstract A preliminary evaluation is made of the medium range predictive capability of a GFDL global spectral model of the atmosphere, based upon three winter blocking cases. Analogous forecasts by a GFDL global grid point model provide a background standard of comparison. The spectral model is rhomboidally truncated at wavenumber 30, has 9 sigma levels, incorporates sub-grid scale physical processes commonly associated with general circulation models and employs semi-implicit time differencing. The grid point model has somewhat finer horizontal resolution and fairly similar sub-grid scale physical processes, and employs explicit time differencing. The spectral model is up to 6 times more economical. The level of forecast skill for the 5 to 15 day range is generally less than practically useful and is more case-dependent than spectral versus grid point model-dependent. In the most successful case, i.e., 16 January 1979, an observed Atlantic blocking ridge is simulated quite well, especially by the spectra...
An automated multiple enzyme monitor for column chromatography.

Abstract The chromatography of the soluble enzyme fraction of rat liver lysosomes from a carboxymethylcellulose column was monitored by a single flow path to give protein fluorescence and to show the distribution of five lysosomal enzymes by way of chromogenic substrates. A Technicon Sampler II was employed for both sampling and fraction collection, and was modified for external on-off control, for slaving a second sampler, and for greater cam variability. Despite the variation in peak absorbances of the five enzyme products, each was detected at two dilutions with the aid of a series of colorimeters. Other possible chromatographic applications of multiple enzyme analysis employing a single flow path are discussed.
Transitional probability-based model for HPV clearance in HIV-1-positive adolescent females.

Background HIV-1-positive patients clear the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection less frequently than HIV-1-negative. Datasets for estimating HPV clearance probability often have irregular measurements of HPV status and risk factors. A new transitional probability-based model for estimation of probability of HPV clearance was developed to fully incorporate information on HIV-1-related clinical data, such as CD4 counts, HIV-1 viral load (VL), highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and risk factors (measured quarterly), and HPV infection status (measured at 6-month intervals). Methodology and Findings Data from 266 HIV-1-positive and 134 at-risk HIV-1-negative adolescent females from the Reaching for Excellence in Adolescent Care and Health (REACH) cohort were used in this study. First, the associations were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard model, and the variables that demonstrated significant effects on HPV clearance were included in transitional probability models. The new model established the efficacy of CD4 cell counts as a main clearance predictor for all type-specific HPV phylogenetic groups. The 3-month probability of HPV clearance in HIV-1-infected patients significantly increased with increasing CD4 counts for HPV16/16-like (p<0.001), HPV18/18-like (p<0.001), HPV56/56-like (p = 0.05), and low-risk HPV (p<0.001) phylogenetic groups, with the lowest probability found for HPV16/16-like infections (21.60±1.81% at CD4 level 200 cells/mm3, p<0.05; and 28.03±1.47% at CD4 level 500 cells/mm3). HIV-1 VL was a significant predictor for clearance of low-risk HPV infections (p<0.05). HAART (with protease inhibitor) was significant predictor of probability of HPV16 clearance (p<0.05). HPV16/16-like and HPV18/18-like groups showed heterogeneity (p<0.05) in terms of how CD4 counts, HIV VL, and HAART affected probability of clearance of each HPV infection. Conclusions This new model predicts the 3-month probability of HPV infection clearance based on CD4 cell counts and other HIV-1-related clinical measurements.
Quality Assurance Program and Brain Drain.

The number of colleges and universities in most developing countries has increased drastically over the past decades. The quality variation of these institutions is an alarming concern. Quality assurance programs are proposed and implemented. This paper evaluates the effects of quality assurance on the demand for college education, study abroad, and the brain drain. It is found that, by reducing the quality uncertainty, the assurance program depresses the incentives for the less able individuals to take a gamble on studying abroad (which, in turn, reduces the demand for college education). The brain drain problem is therefore alleviated. If originally few individuals opt for study abroad, the adverse effect on the demand for college education is small. On the other hand, by improving the average quality, the assurance program promotes the demand for college education. This positive effect will dominate the above negative effect, leading to a net increase in demand. By contrast, if originally there are man...
Characterization of matrix-induced osteogenesis in rat calvarial bone defects: II. Origins of bone-forming cells.

Two experimental models that separated demineralized bone matrix (DBM) implants from the host bone were utilized to identify the origins of bone-forming cells in the repair of calvarial defects in rats. Rat DBM, Guanadine-HCl (Gdn-HCl) extracted insoluble residue of DBM, and Gdn-HCl extracted insoluble DBM to which the dialyzed Gdn-HCl extract was added back, were implanted in the two models which prevented cells of the adjacent host bone from participating in the repair. In addition, cells in the dura and in the subcutaneous tissue overlying the calvarial defect were locally labeled with 3H-thymidine to identify the origins of those cells that were stimulated to divide and differentiate to osteoblasts. Histological studies of the temporal events that occurred during the healing process in these defect models, combined with 3H-thymidine labeling demonstrated that the osteoblasts induced by DBM were initially derived from undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells of the dura and later augmented by cells in the overlying connective tissue covering the defect, and not from cells in the cranial bone surrounding the circular defect. The cells of both dura and subcutaneous tissue were stimulated to proliferate and differentiate principally to osteoblasts and to a very much lesser extent to chondroblasts by DBM and by reconstituted components of DBM after Gdn-HCl extraction. Gdn-HCl-extracted insoluble DBM failed to induce bone or cartilage. These results indicate that the cytokines or other factors present in DBM are required to induce bone-forming cells derived from the dura and the overlying connective tissue for the repair of the calvarial defect.
Carbon dioxide fixation during hibernation and arousal from hibernation.

Abstract 1. 1. In vitro studies indicate that hepatic tissue preparations from hibernating and arousing ground squirrels have a greater capacity for incorporation of C14O2 into glucose and glycogen than similar preparations from normothermic animals. 2. 2. An increase in CO2 fixation was obaerved both at 37 and 6°C.
Data Center Transient Flow Analysis Using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

Real-time analysis of the transient temperature distribution and flow field in a data center is not possible using well-resolved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Reduced order models must be used to predict the optimum operating and control conditions to achieve better energy-efficiency. Here, the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is used to model transient behavior of a simple hot aisle/cold aisle data center configuration. Verified CFD simulation results were used to generate snapshots for building a reduced order POD model corresponding to transient variation of the computer room air conditioner (CRAC) operating conditions. Good agreement is achieved between the CFD and reduced order model predictions for the evolving flow structure over a range of CRAC supply operating conditions. Once constructed, the computational time required to obtain the POD results for the transient response is considerably reduced compared to the CFD simulations. The advantages and disadvantages of the POD method for this type of transient behavior are discussed, and recommendations are made on using this type of compact modeling approach to develop a real-time predictive tool for data center design and control to enhance energy efficiency.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Tropical primary pyomyositis in children of the UK: an emerging medical challenge

Pyomyositis is a commonly encountered condition in the tropics. It was not described in the UK until 1998. The reason for the increasing incidence is not understood. We sought to identify the experience gained of this condition within a UK paediatric tertiary referral unit. Retrospective review of cases of pyomyositis from our institution since 1998 was undertaken to identify demographics, presentation, diagnosis and management. Thirteen cases were identified. The obturator internus was most commonly affected (62%). Staphylococcus aureus was cultured in nine cases (69%). One diagnostic retroperitoneal exploration was performed and all cases were identified by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. To our knowledge, this is the first UK series of pyomyositis, reflecting its increasing Western incidence. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is all that is needed in the majority of cases. A greater awareness of this emerging condition is necessary to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention by all surgeons.
Endotracheal drugs: State of the art

Endotracheal drug administration has become an acceptable practice in a variety of clinical settings when an intravenous route is not available. Although accepted, its clinical utility in many situations is unproven. Some of the problems that result are presented.
Critical discourse analysis and the ethnography of language policy

This article explores the compatibility of ethnography and critical discourse analysis (CDA) for the study of language policy. A perennial challenge facing the field of language policy is how to make connections between the macro and micro, and between macro-level policy texts and discourses and micro-level language use. Hornberger and Johnson [(2007). Slicing the onion ethnographically: Layers and spaces in multilingual language education policy and practice. TESOL Quarterly, 41(3), 509–532] propose the ethnography of language policy as a method for examining the language policy processes within and across the multiple layers of policy creation, interpretation, and appropriation. This paper further explores how CDA can be integrated into ethnographic studies of language policy and proposes that the combination of CDA and ethnography is particularly useful for revealing the connections between the multiple layers of policy activity. Based on a 3-year ethnographic study of bilingual education policy and pr...
Relationship between soil test values and analysis of pecan leaves taken at three dates

Abstract Leaf samples were collected from 24 pecan trees on three dates 1 month apart in June, July, and August. Soil samples were collected in June from each site at three depths: 0–6, 6–12, and 12–18 inches. Correlations between leaf analyses and soil test values were significant for Zn, Ca, Mg, and P. Values were not correlated for K. There was a high negative correlation for leaf Mn and soil pH. Means of leaf analysis values for the three sampling dates were not statistically different for any element. The data indicate that soil sampling should be a satisfactory means of determining fertility needs of pecan orchards, except for N.
Effect of acid treatment of beef strip loin steaks on microbiological and sensory characteristics

Surfaces of beef steaks were sprayed with 1% lactic acid, 1% acetic acid or a mixture of 1% lactic acid, 2% acetic acid, 0.25% citric acid and 0.1% ascorbic acid. They were then displayed in either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film for 0–6 days or in high-oxygen barrier (HOB) film for 0–28 days. In most comparisons, aerobic plate counts, pH and scores for lean color, surface discoloration, fat color, overall appearance and off-odor of treated steaks were not consistently different (P > 0.05) from those of control steaks.
Stereoselectivity of the interactions of thioglucoside glucohydrolase and epithiospecifier protein from various sources

Abstract (S)-2-Hydroxy-3-butenylglucosinolate (epi-progoitrin) was converted to erythro- and threo-1-cyamo-2-hydroxy-3,4-epithiobutanes by combinations of thioglucoside glucohydrolase and epithiospecifier protein (ESP) from various sources. In all combinations studied the erythro/threo product ratio was about 1.4, except when the thioglucoside glucohydrolase was from Sinapis alba L. and the ESP from Brassica campestris in which case the ratio was about 1.8.
The DNA of murine sarcoma-leukemia virus.

A DNA wih a sedimentation coefficient of 7 S (ρcs2so4: = 1.423) was isolated from DNase- and RNase-treated purified virions of each of three different oncogenic RNA viruses: murine sarcoma virus, Rauscher murine leukemia virus, and avian myeloblastosis virus. The naturally occurring DNA of murine sarcoma virus constituted about 2.5% of the total viral nucleic acid and resolved into two components (ρ = 1.698 and ρ = 1.678) when centrifuged to equilibrium in a CsCl density gradient. The viral DNA was complementary to the 18 S viral RNA subunit, but not to the 37 S or 4 S subunits.
Improving HRR ATR performance at low-SNR by multilook adaptive weighting

Multi-look adaptive weighting (MAW) is an adaptive beamforming method of improving target high range resolution (HRR) signatures for automatic target recognition (ATR) systems. The primary goal in developing MAW is the concern with improving the probability of correct classification (Pcc) and reducing the probability of false classification (Pfc) in ATR systems. An additional objective, driven by operational considerations, is to reduce the radar resources required to achieve a desired Pcc and Pfc. We have shown in previous HRR ATR studies on ground military targets that a significant classifier performance gain can be obtained if speckle noise and scintillation in HRR profiles are reduced through noncoherent averaging of multiple independent coherent processing intervals (CPIs) that are separated by small changes in azimuth angles. Given the advantage of using multi-look CPIs on HRR ATR performance, we have designed MAW specifically to take advantage of the multiple independent CPIs in forming the HRR profiles. From a radar resource perspective, for an HRR ATR system to be operationally useful, the system must operate at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the range of 20-25 dB. In this paper, we discuss the theoretical foundation underlying MAW and present corresponding MAW-processed HRR ATR results at 20-25db SNR compared against other image processing techniques such as weighted fast Fourier transform (FFT) and high definition vector imaging (HDVI). These results are based upon HRR profiles formed from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of targets taken from the high quality Moving and Stationary Target Acquisition and Recognition (MSTAR) data set. We also discuss the impact these image processing techniques have on the HRR ATR performance in terms of radar resources.
Unlocking the design secrets of a 2.29 Gb/s Rijndael processor

This contribution describes the design and performance testing of an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) compliant encryption chip that delivers 2.29 Gb/s of encryption throughput at 56 mW of power consumption. We discuss how the high level reference specification in C is translated into a parallel architecture. Design decisions are motivated from a system level viewpoint. The prototyping setup is discussed.
Tutorial: Parallel simulation on supercomputers

This tutorial introduces typical hardware and software characteristics of extant and emerging supercomputing platforms, and presents issues and solutions in executing large-scale parallel discrete-event simulation scenarios on such high performance computing systems. Covered topics include synchronization, model organization, example applications, and observed performance from illustrative large-scale runs.