cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The interdependence of gene-regulatory elements and the 3D genome.

Imaging studies, high-resolution chromatin conformation maps, and genome-wide occupancy data of architectural proteins have revealed that genome topology is tightly intertwined with gene expression. Cross-talk between gene-regulatory elements is often organized within insulated neighborhoods, and regulatory cues that induce transcriptional changes can reshape chromatin folding patterns and gene positioning within the nucleus. The cause–consequence relationship of genome architecture and gene expression is intricate, and its molecular mechanisms are under intense investigation. Here, we review the interdependency of transcription and genome organization with emphasis on enhancer–promoter contacts in gene regulation.
Review: Atlantic Salmon: Lost at Sea

Atlantic Salmon: Lost at Sea (DVD; 2017; 55 minutes; Green Planet Films; http://www.greenplanetfilms.org/product/atlanticsalmon/) Given that we are living during the Anthropocene extinction, the demise of salmon populations should come as no surprise. Yet understanding the direct causes of their dropping numbers defies simple explanation. Atlantic Salmon: Lost at Sea follows scientists in the field, river farmers, and other stakeholders with the aim of illustrating the interconnectedness of the problem. Where are salmon most vulnerable? In the rivers where they spawn? In the oceans where they grow? Is …
Now you’re making it up, brother: Paul Robeson, HUAC, and the challenge of institutional narrative authority

In the mid 1950s, the House Committee on Un-American Activities was a rhetorical colossus. Within the closed doors of a hearing, committee members displayed a rhetorical mastery of procedural, topi...
Spectroscopic Evaluation of Removal Efficiency for a Pharmaceutical Pollutant in Water Using a Magnetite-Activated Carbon Nanocomposite

We describe a 2 h general-chemistry experiment that introduces college students not only to the concepts, synthesis, and applications of nanomaterials at an early stage but also the use of a spectr...
Synthesis and characterization of post-sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) membranes for potential applications in water desalination

Abstract This study focuses on post-sulfonated polysulfone membranes for potential applications in desalination by reverse osmosis or electrodialysis. A series of controlled molecular weight (5000 and 10,000 g/mol) polysulfones containing hydroquinone and their high molecular weight linear counterparts were synthesized using post-sulfonation of pre-formed polymers under mild conditions. The sulfonic acid groups were substituted on only the hydroquinone units. Amine terminated oligomers were crosslinked with a tetrafunctional epoxy molecule under suitable conditions to form membranes whereas the linear high molecular weight polymers were cast directly to form films with chain entanglements. Fixed charge concentrations of the membranes based on linear copolymers increased from 3.94 to 5.14 meq/mL when the ion exchange capacity was decreased from 1.30 to 0.88 meq/g. The fixed charge concentration of the networks cast from the 5000 g/mol oligomers increased from 4.04 to 6.23 meq/mL with a decrease in the ion exchange capacity from 1.51 to 0.90 meq/g.
The five stages of the soul: Charting the spiritual passages that shape our lives

The dawn of the current millennium has stirred concerns about human interaction within a global society. Chief among these concerns is the growing proportion of older adults brought about by popula...
Memory Bandwidth Prediction for HPC Applications in NUMA Architecture

This paper proposes a statistical method for memory bandwidth prediction in NUMA architecture. The memory bandwidth is expressed in terms of total transferred data per execution time. We first split memory bandwidth into components and measure data for each component separately. We then predict memory bandwidth for unknown values based on component measurements. Since memory bandwidth usage varies with problem size and the number of processors, we use these two values as parameters and perform the estimation in these two dimensions. This helps us to predict memory bandwidth usage for unknown problem sizes and processor numbers. This prediction method requires a few data points and it works dynamically without any source code inspection. We verified the approach in NUMA architecture for different regular and irregular high performance computing applications. The values for transferred data and elapsed time are analyzed for increasing input sizes and growing numbers of processors. Conclusions on memory bandwidth usage are derived from these data.
Incorporating Frailty Testing As Part of Pre-Transplant Evaluation for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: Challenges and Future Direction

Background The widespread adoption of reduced-intensity conditioning regimens have resulted in increased transplant rates among older patients. The utilization of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index (HCT- CI) may not fully predict older patients' physical and physiological status. Hence there is a need for a frailty assessment tool to better predict older patients' risk of transplant-related mortality (TRM) and inform risk-benefit discussions prior to transplant. Methods We instituted the use of frailty test for allogeneic stem cell recipients older than age 60. The frailty test has a cognitive and a physical component. Three tests make up the physical performance: the semi-tandem/tandem stand for 10 seconds, the timed 8 ft walk, and a timed sit to stand from chair 5 times. We evaluated 17 patients that had reportable scores. The median age was 65 years (range 62-72), primary indication for transplant was AML (60%). Fourteen patients received a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen, and stem cell source was matched unrelated donor in 52% of the patients. Results Of the 17 patients, 12 had both cognitive and physical scores documented and the remaining 5 only had the cognitive portion documented. The maximum physical performance score is 12. The average score was 9.5, (range 6 to 12). The maximum score for the cognitive portion is 100. The average score was 97, (range 92-100). The average comorbidity index was 2.375, (range 0-6). On the first day of the conditioning regimen, the average Karnofsky score was 82%, (range 70-100%; and the average albumin level was 4, (range 3.4 to 4.7). In the peri-transplant time period, 1 patient had a fall while inpatient. Zero patients were discharged to rehab from the hospital. Conclusion We found that the frailty test was not well standardized. We discovered barriers in communicating, interpreting and adoption of the frailty test. We are continuing to evaluate the correlation of the frailty scores and the TRM at 1 year.
The impact of hospital safety-net burden on mortality and readmission after CABG surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Safety-net hospitals (SNHs) serve high proportions of uninsured and Medicaid patients. Data conflict as to the impact of hospital safety-net status on perioperative complications. Our goal was to assess the effect of hospital safety-net burden on mortality and readmission following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed using five State Inpatient Databases (2007-2014) for isolated CABG surgery. High, medium, and low burden hospitals were those with the highest, middle, and lowest tertiles of uninsured and Medicaid admissions, respectively. We compared patient demographics and hospital characteristics by safety-net status. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality and 30- and 90-day readmission. RESULTS About 304 080 patients were included in our analysis. On univariate analysis, high burden hospitals had higher inpatient mortality (2.06% vs 1.71%; P < .001) and 30 day- (16.3% vs 15.3%; P < .001) and 90-day readmission rates (24.6% vs 23.0%; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, high-burden status was not associated with significantly increased adjusted odds of inpatient mortality (OR, 1.047; 95% CI, 0.878-1.249), or readmission at 30 (OR, 1.035; 95% CI, 0.958-1.118) or 90 days (OR, 1.040; 95% CI, 0.968-1.117). CONCLUSION SNHs do not have worse mortality and readmission outcomes following CABG, after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. These findings are reassuring regarding the quality of cardiac surgery care provided to underinsured patient groups. More research is needed to further elucidate trends in outcomes.
A framework for quantitative analysis of spectral data in two channels

Simultaneous acquisition of emission intensity from two channels in dual-color fluorescence measurements can be used to determine the spectral properties of an emitter. We detail a method to extract quantitative information from dual-color measurements by considering two models: a single spectral component model for peak wavelength determination and a dual spectral component model for relative strength determination. The former model is useful for spectral characterization and establishing heterogeneity within an emitter species, while the latter model is useful for analyzing energy transfer efficiency. Both models are formalized to yield probability distributions that reflect uncertainties due to shot noise. We applied these analysis tools to single-particle measurements of CdSe/CdS quantum dots. Isolated emitters had narrow spectral-intensity distributions that reflected their static emission profiles and fluorescence stability. Small assemblies of mixed donor/acceptor particles exhibited dynamic behavior where emission configuration changes reveal different spectral characteristics due to energy transfer.
Novel method for confirming appropriate nerve integrity monitor (NIM) endotracheal tube positioning

Abstract Surgical injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a significant complication of head and neck surgery due to the potential for significant, permanent functional disability. Originally recommended by Lahey in 1938, intraoperative identification and protection of the nerve, remains the gold standard for minimizing RLN injury. Over time however, less invasive mechanisms for monitoring and protecting the RLN during surgical procedures have been developed. One such method is the endotracheal Nerve Integrity Monitoring (NIM) system. Several techniques to determine accurate positioning of the NIMs device have been proposed, some are simpler, less invasive, and more accurate than others. This clinical prospective study of 176 patients showed a novel method to determine correct positioning of the NIM device using a train of four (TOF) electric stimulation. TOF electrical stimulation resulted in contraction of the musculature and vocal cords overlying the NIMs device. As such, it provided more accurate positioning of the NIM device compared to a commonly used Tap Test method, which taps the larynx, (p
The Acute Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in University Students and Employees

The COVID-19 pandemic has closed non-essential businesses which may alter individuals' leisure behaviors. Consequently, physical activity and sedentary behavior may be negatively impacted as many fitness and recreational centers have been closed. This study aimed to examine the impact of the pandemic on physical activity and sedentary behavior in a sample of university students and employees before and after the university cancelled face-to-face classes and closed campus. Participants (N = 398) completed the validated Godin physical activity questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire which assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior pre- and post-cancellation of face-to-face classes. Participants were also separated in the groups (low, moderate, high physical activity) based upon a tertile split of pre-pandemic total physical activity. Physical activity group by time ANOVAs were used to assess potential changes in total physical activity and sedentary behavior. Post-cancellation sedentary behavior was greater (F (1, 388) = 9.2, p = 0.003, partial η2 = 0.032) than pre-cancellation. Physical activity group moderated (F (2, 395) = 22.0, p < 0.001, partial η2 ≥ 0.10) changes in total physical activity from pre- to post cancellation. The high activity group decreased physical activity whereas the moderate and low activity groups increased physical activity (t ≥ 2.4, p ≤ 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.23). While the university closure increased sedentary behavior across the sample, it only decreased physical activity in participants who were the most active pre-cancellation. Pandemic-related closure of facilities designed for physical activity may disproportionately impact active individuals.
A distant pathway-cross regulation designed with transcription factors and JAZ repressors downregulates the biosynthesis of tobacco alkaloids and specific nitrosamines

Abstract Decrease of nicotine, other tobacco alkaloids (OTAs), and carcinogenic tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) is important for health. To reduce these compounds, we selected MRE and G-box elements of promoters of four Nicotiana tabacum Jasmonate ZIM-domain (NtJAZ) repressor genes as targets to screen transcription factors (TFs) and then identified Arabidopsis Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (PAP1) and Transparent Testa 8 (TT8) for a novel regulation design. Electrophoretic mobility shift, cross-linked chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase analyses demonstrated that PAP1, TT8, PAP1/TT8, and the PAP1/TT8/Transparent Testa Glabra 1 (TTG1) complex bound to and activated NtJAZ promoters. Stacked PAP1 (P) and TT8 (T), which were introduced to commercial tobacco cultivars, Narrow Leaf Madole (NL) and KY171 (KY), upregulated four NtJAZs, downregulated seven/eight nicotine biosynthetic genes, and reduced nicotine and nornicotine in transgenic red P+T-NL and P+L-KY plants. Field trials of red P+T-NL, P+L-KY, and PAP1 tobacco genotypes and metabolic quantification showed significant reduction of nicotine and four OTAs in most or all cured leaves. Three TSNAs and the fourth one were diminished by 63-92% and 30-74% in contents in all leaves of P+T-NL and P+L-KY genotypes, respectively. The total content of each TSNA was significantly reduced by 25-60% in leaves of PAP1 plants. Taken together, this regulation designed crossing from Arabidopsis anthocyanin to tobacco alkaloid pathway is defined as a distant pathway-cross regulation (DPCR). The proof of concept of DPCR unearths new functions of two known TFs, new activators of NtJAZs, and a negative regulation pathway of nicotine biosynthesis in red tobacco.
Mapping Urban “Mixing” and Intercommunal Relations in Late Ottoman Jerusalem: A Neighborhood Study

Although Ottoman cities long have been recognized as sites of significant ethnic and religious heterogeneity, very little scholarship exists that documents or analyzes patterns of residential sorting, be it segregation, the physical separation of groups from each other in the urban landscape, or its opposite, integration. GIS mapping of the Ottoman censuses of Jerusalem illuminates these urban patterns and reveals the importance of scale when considering this question. Even the most “integrated” neighborhood on the aggregate level reveals “segregated” zones of clustering and concentration at the smaller scales of quadrant, street, and building. At the same time, the proximity and exposure of residents to each other reveals how very porous boundaries were in the neighborhood. In order to understand how and why the city developed such a complex spatial pattern, qualitative sources like newspapers, memoirs, and court records are a necessary supplement to demographic records. This approach allows for a comprehensive outlining of the economic, legal, religious, and cultural factors and forces contributing to both segregation and integration in an Ottoman city. It also points to a multidisciplinary reconstruction of the social space of an historic neighborhood.
The Descendants of Fassihi: A Comparative Analysis of Recent Cases Addressing the Fiduciary Claims of Disgruntled Constituents Against Attorneys Representing Closely-Held Entities

Accordingly, this Article will examine three recent cases closely and then make observations about what these "descendants of Fassihi" say about the state of the law and how they should impact attorney behavior. To provide proper context for this discussion, a short summary of Fassihi and other contemporary responses to the issues raised in Fassihi follows.
Performance of Self-Collected Anterior Nasal Swabs and Saliva Specimens for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 During Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Periods.

Background: Anterior nasal swabs (ANS) are established specimen collection methods for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection detection. While saliva (SA) specimens provide an alternative, few studies have comprehensively characterized the performance of SA specimens in longitudinal studies. Methods: We compared SARS-CoV-2 detections between paired self-collected ANS and SA specimens from a household transmission study. Participants recorded symptoms and paired ANS and SA specimens daily for 14 days. Specimens were tested using RT-PCR. We calculated the proportion of detections identified by each specimen type among the detections from both types combined. We computed percent agreement and Kappa statistics to assess concordance in detections. We also computed estimates stratified by presence of symptoms and examined the influence of traditional and inactivating transport media on the performance of ANS. Results: We examined 2535 self-collected paired specimens from 216 participants. Among 1238 (49%) paired specimens with detections by either specimen type, ANS identified 77.1% (954; 95% CI, 74.6% to 79.3%) and SA 81.9% (1014; 95% CI, 79.7% to 84.0%), with a difference of 4.9% (95% CI, 1.4% to 8.5%). Overall agreement was 80.0%, and Kappa was 0.6 (95% CI, 0.5 to 0.6). Nevertheless, the difference in the proportion of detections identified by ANS and SA using traditional and inactivating transport media was 32.5% (95% CI, 26.8% to 38.0%) and -9.5% (95% CI, -13.7% to -5.2%), respectively. Among participants who remained asymptomatic, the difference in detections between SA and ANS was 51.2% (95% CI, 31.8% to 66.0%) and 26.1% (95% CI, 0% to 48.5%) using traditional and inactivating media, respectively. Conclusions: Self-collected saliva specimens provide a noninvasive alternative to nasal swabs, especially to those collected in traditional transport media, for longitudinal field studies that aim to detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Restructuring of the Commercial Vehicle Industry in the Czech Republic

This paper employs a case-study approach to examine changes in Czech truck and bus manufacturing in the 1990s. Three truck manufacturers (Tatra, Liaz, and Avia) and one bus producer (Karosa) are the focus of detailed analysis. In particular, the paper investigates enterprise behavior before privatization, privatization methods, enterprise restructuring and its effects on production, and financial health of enterprises. The paper documents the failure of voucher privatization of these enterprises to create an efficient ownership structure and improve collapsing truck production. Also, as the case of Avia illustrates, foreign direct investment does not necessarily result in successful enterprise transformation. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F21, L20, L62. 11 figures, 56 references.
Nucleotide Hydrolysis and Electron Transfer Reactions in Nitrogenase Catalysis

Nitrogenase is a complex, two component metalloprotein composed of an iron (Fe) protein and a molybdenum-iron (MoFe) protein. The Fe protein is a homodimer (Mr = 64 kDa) that contains two MgATP binding sites and a single [4Fe-4S] cluster bridging the two subunits (Georgiadis et al, 1992). The MoFe protein is an α2β2 heterotetramer (Mr = 250 kDa) that contains two pairs of novel metallocenters, called P- or [8Fe-7S] clusters and iron-molybdenum cofactors (FeMoco) (Kim, Rees, 1992). All substrate reduction reactions catalyzed by nitrogenase require the sequential association and dissociation of these two component proteins (Hageman, Burris, 1978), with the concomitant hydrolysis of at least two MgATP molecules coupled to the transfer of a single electron between the proteins (Mortenson et al, 1993). The flow of electrons proceeds from the [4Fe-4S] cluster of the Fe protein to the P-clusters in the MoFe protein (Lanzilotta, Seefeldt, 1996) and finally to FeMoco, (Shah, Brill, 1977), where substrates bind and are reduced. MgATP appears to play a variety of roles in the nitrogenase mechanism which will be discussed in terms of three sequential steps in the reaction mechanism: (i) the binding of MgATP to the Fe protein component of nitrogenase induces protein conformational changes which are a prerequisite for the proper docking of this protein to the MoFe protein, (ii) the hydrolysis of MgATP by the Fe protein-MoFe protein complex is coupled by an unknown mechanism to the transfer of an electron from the Fe protein to the MoFe protein, and finally (iii) the hydrolysis of MgATP to MgADP appears to be involved in triggering dissociation of the Fe protein from the MoFe protein following electron transfer.
An optimizing Prolog compiler

In this paper we report on our experiment on Prolog compiler technology. Targeted properties of the compiler are efficiency and portability. The generated code attained so far is efficient enough to gain more than 1 MEGA LIPS on IBM 3090. One of the specialities of the compiler is in the intermediate Virtual Prolog Machine Code, which enhanced efficiency and portability. Another advantage of the compiler is to generate PL.8 code which can be used on multiple machines including the IBM 370 and IBM RT-PC. We also introduce some declarative extensions , which are compatible with Prolog and powerful enough to produce efficient code.
The 250lb man in an alley

Argues that storytelling in police organizations functions on two well‐known levels: the educational and therapeutic; and also on a hidden level, the social. On this level, storytelling serves to ratify some members and ostracize others. It also works to preserve the model of policing as force‐based rather than communication‐based. Focuses on one folkloric story common to police organizations as an example of how storytelling can act as a powerful brake on acceptance of all members and on efforts to change an organization.
Real-time patency control with thermal coronary angiography in 1401 coronary artery bypass grafting patients

Objective: Intraoperative coronary angiography has always been favoured by cardiac surgeons. Thermal coronary angiography (TCA) is a useful method for intraoperative control of graft patency. It detects heat differences between tissues, provides easy-to-interpret angiographic images and even measures the flow of the grafts quantitatively. Methods: Between January 2000 and January 2002, TCA has been used in scheduled coronary bypass operations. Upon completion of each distal anastomosis, the perfusion of the distal arterial tree from the graft was evaluated with a thermal camera. Results: TCA was applied to 1401 patients, mean age 60.97 ^ 9.61 years, who underwent simple coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. A total of 4105 thermal images were obtained including 2161 venous, 1355 single internal thoracic artery (ITA), 56 bilateral ITA and 477 radial artery grafts. Image quality was not sufficient in 34 grafts (1.57%) due to either deep intramyocardial vessels or excessive epicardial fat tissue. Technical failures in three ITA anastomoses were detected and revised before the cross-clamp was removed. Flow-restricting lesions distal to the anastomosis on the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in nine patients were managed with a secondary distal bypass graft (five patients) or plaque splitting and anastomotic revision (four patients). Endarterectomy was combined in seven patients since the graft flow and the distal visualization was not satisfactory, although the anastomoses were performed on a good lumen. Angiographically undetected diagonal arteries were revascularized in 11 patients with totally occluded LAD vessels. Conclusion: Thermal imaging provides decisive coronary angiographies, and detects the perfusion area and flow of the implanted graft. It allows real-time detection of technical failures, reveals unexpected occluding plaques or any kind of flow-restricting lesions, and gives the chance of refinement of the anastomosis during the arrest period. We believe that the thermal imaging technique is a safe, noninvasive and feasible method to document the quality of the myocardial revascularization intraoperatively. q 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Instructional computer systems for higher education

In most universities, increased instructional utilization of computers by many departments has been the rule. With the associated diversity of instructional requirements and evolving hardware capabilities, the choice of a proper computer system for this environment has been made more difficult. In this paper, a review of the requirements for such a system is presented and the alternatives are analyzed in light of these requirements. It is shown that non-interactive systems are the least desirable educationally and furthermore, that the economic justification for their use is no longer as strong as in the past. In support of this, a description of an inexpensive interactive system currently in use at Harvard is given.
Suppression of erythropoiesis by intrauterine transfusions in hemolytic disease of the newborn: Use of erythropoietein to treat the late anemia

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn has three phases of anemia: in utero, in the first week of life, and in the weeks and months after birth. Intrauterine transfusions can ameliorate the severity of both fetal and early anemia, but late anemia and the need for transfusion remain significant problems. Bone marrow hypoplasia--probably a result of suppression of erythropoiesis from the intrauterine transfusions--was documented in the three patients tested in our study. Because erythropoietin (EPO) levels have been found to be low (i.e., normal) in these previously transfused patients despite the degree of anemia, we treated four affected infants with EPO, 200 microliters/kg subcutaneously three times a week, and noted reticulocytosis and increased hemoglobin values 2 to 4 weeks later. One patient again had reticulocytopenic anemia when the EPO therapy was stopped but responded to retreatment. Our study indicates that EPO treatment may be effective in the management of late anemia and could help to decrease the need for postnatal transfusions.
Efficiency optimization analysis for dynamic function studies with 3-D transaxial positron cameras.

Efficiency optimization problems for circular ring transverse axial positron camera systems (CRTAPC) have been investigated. The analyses include source activity, camera dimension, collimator and phantom sizes. The results indicate possibilities for fast dynamic function studies in the time region of a few seconds for reasonably small phantom sizes having a uniform activity distribution.
The Effect of Vocal Alarms on Operator Mistrust

The use of alarms has increased in many operational areas because of increased reliance on automation and the duty to warn about system anomalies. Past research has supported the use of verbal alar...
Rubiacearum Americanarum Magna Hama Pars VIII. New species of Gonzalagunia and Sabicea from Mesoamerica and Colombia

The new species Gonzalagunia osaensis C. M. Taylor, found from central Panama to eastern Costa Rica, is described and illustrated; it has previously been confused with G. rudis (Standley) Standley. The new species Sabicea chocoana C. M. Taylor, found from eastern Panama to western Colombia, is also described and illustrated; it has previously been confused with S. panamensis Wernham.
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in the elderly: does the type of hernia matter?

Assess the impact of age and type of hernia on the outcomes of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR). Operating room database of all laparoscopic ventral hernias performed from April 2001 to July 2010 was analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: primary hernias (Group 1) and incisional hernias (Group 2). These groups were further stratified into patients 65 years of age (Groups 1B and 2B). Patient demographics, hernia characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and disposition at discharge were compared. p-values <0.05 were considered significant. 325 patients, with a mean age of 56.6 years (24–93 years) underwent LVHR. The mean length of stay (LOS) was longer (2.7 days vs 1.7 days, p value = 0.02), and the rate of same day discharge was also significantly lower (12 vs. 25 %, p = 0.02) for Group 2B when compared to Group 2A. Three patients in Group 2B, who had been living independently, were discharged to a skilled nursing facility, which proved significantly different when compared with Group 2A. There was no statistically significant difference in perioperative outcomes between younger and older subgroups with primary hernias. LVHR in the elderly with incisional hernias have longer LOS and have a higher need for post-discharge nursing care unlike their counterparts with primary hernias. Identifying this cohort of patients early on helps the health-care providers to optimize the outcomes.
Human oscillatory potentials : intensity-dependence of timing and amplitude

Oscillatory potentials (OPs) have been described as reduced in amplitude or delayed in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and vascular occlusions. Although OPs are thought to have useful diagnostic applications, some of their basic physiologic properties remain to be fully described. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the timing and amplitude of OPs and stimulus intensity. Five normal volunteers had one eye anesthetized and dilated. Dark-adapted full-field ERGs were recorded to white stimuli of 0.0125–40 cd s/m2. The timing of the OPs was measured as the sum of the time to the peak (TTP) of four peaks beginning at 15 ms after the stimulus. The amplitude was taken as the sum of the amplitudes of those same peaks. As an alternative value, OP strength was represented by the area under the OP curve or power around 150 Hz (±30 Hz) in the frequency domain. The OP timing, as measured by TTP, was found to be inversely related to stimulus intensity. OP-amplitudes grew with intensity, but then declined for stimulus intensities above about 4 cd s/m2. At bright light intensities, the TTP continued to shorten, yet amplitudes, power, and area all declined. Individual OPs behaved similarly and reflected the overall response pattern of the group as a whole. Brighter stimuli produced larger, faster OPs for stimulus strengths up to the intensity standard used to produce OPs (3.5 cd s/m2). We have extended the range of stimuli to some 10-fold higher than the ISCEV standard for producing OPs and found that the timing continued to accelerate but that OP-amplitudes, OP-area, and OP-power all decline at higher stimulus intensities. These alternative measures of OP energy are easily measured and may be useful for further studies.
Reactions of temazepam in acidic aqueous solution via oxygen-18-labeled product analysis by mass spectrometry

Temazepam, a hypnotic and anxiolytic drug, is inactivated by hydrolysis in acidic aqueous solutions including simulated gastric fluid. Reaction products formed in acidic oxygen-18 water were characterized by electron impact and/or chemical ionization mass spectral analysis. Temazepam remaining in the reaction mixture contained either one or two oxygen-18 atoms. The most abundant hydrolysis product (2'-benzoyl-4'-chloro-N-methyl-2-amino-2-hydroxyacetanilide) was found to contain either one or two oxygen-18 atoms and the minor hydrolysis product (2-methylamino-5-chlorobenzophenone) had one oxygen-18 atom. The benzophenone oxygens of the hydrolysis products underwent both acid- and base-catalyzed oxygen exchange with solvent water. The C2 carbonyl carbon of temazepam underwent an essentially irreversible nucleophilic attack by water in strongly acidic aqueous media to form a hydrate. The results not only provided additional evidence for the mechanism of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, but also revealed some heretofore unknown acid-catalyzed reactions of temazepam.
Transmission Electron Microscopy of Hydrated Dicalcium Silicate Thin Films

A method of preparing calcium silicate hydration products for transmission electron microscopy is presented. Thin films of dicalcium silicate are evaporated onto substrates and hydrated in a vacuum chamber. Since the resulting hydration products are undisturbed, the interrelations of the species can be studied. The technique provides specimens suitable for high-resolution microscopy. This method produces hydration products like those reported when conventional specimen preparation techniques are used. Calcium silicate hydrate gel, two forms of C-S-H II (fans and fiber bundles), afwillite, and Ca(OH)2 morphologies were observed. Coevaporated CaCl2 additions improve the electron diffraction patterns obtained from the C-S-H II fan structures but increase shrinkage of these structures on drying.
Self-Protection in the Expected-Utility-of-Wealth Model: An Impossibility Theorem

We investigate the possibility of ordering expected utility-of-wealth maximizers according to their propensities to purchase self-protection. We define one agent as “more cautious” than another (toward a loss of specific size given a specific initial wealth) if the first agent would spend more on self-protection than the other, so long- as the technological relationship between spending and loss probability belongs to a broad class of functions. We show that the expected-utility-of-wealth model does not allow for the possibility that one agent could be “more cautious” than another.
Optical reflectivity and absorption measurements of sodium C222 sodide

Abstract The reflectivity at normal incidence of single crystals of Na + C222 · Na − was measured from 350 to 2500 nm in a microreflectivity apparatus. The reflectivity spectrum shows a single peak at 630 ± 10 nm (1.97 eV) with a peak reflectivity of up to 60%. No rise in the reflectivity was found toward longer wavelengths. This absence of a plasma edge confirms that the concentration of conduction electrons is smaller than 1.8 × 10 20 /cm 3 as expected from the low electrical conductivity of this sodide. The absorption spectrum of thin solid films of Na + C222 · Na − , formed by vapor deposition, was measured in situ in a vacuum evaporator. The absorption peak was at 650 ± 10 nm (1.91 eV), with a full-width at half-maximum of 0.37 eV. The reflectivity and absorption data were used together to estimate the indices of refraction and absorption and the components of the complex dielectric constant as a function of wavelength.
Wetting of Al2O3‐SiO2 Refractories by Molten Glass: II, Effect of Wetting on Penetration of Glass into Refractory

This portion of the investigation indicates the importance of the wetting behavior of molten glass to its rate of penetration into the same refractories studied in Part I. The principles concerning the penetration of liquids into porous solids are discussed. The rate of penetration of the glass into the refractories was evaluated by two methods with good correlation. Further information concerning the penetration of the glass into the refractories was obtained from a study of sections of the glass-refractory interfaces. The relative resistance of each of the refractories to the penetration of the glass was evaluated. By a modification of the “pressure displacement method,” the effective pore sizes of the refractories were determined. The average pore radii of the refractories tested are compared. A break was observed in the relationship between the rate of penetration and the pore size of 99% alumina bodies with two liquids of markedly different properties. An explanation for this sudden change in the rate of penetration has been given, based upon the change in pore volume with change in pore radius.
Mechanisms for release of sediment-bound phosphate to water and the effects of agricultural land management on fluvial transport of particulate and dissolved phosphate

Sediment-bound phosphate includes organic and inorganic forms, but the inorganic fraction contains most of the P that can be released into water. The non-apatite inorganic P (NAIP) fraction of sediment- bound phosphate varies considerably with geochemistry and anthropogenic additions (fertilizer, livestock wastes, P adsorbed from municipal wastewater discharges). A small fraction of the NAIP is sufficiently labile to desorb into water, and this release can be described by dissolution or adsorption/ desorption mechanisms. Agricultural practices, such as phosphate fertility management and conservation tillage, which affect the levels of phosphate and sediment leaving the land, will determine the partition of sediment-bound P and dissolved P in water draining into lakes, with implications for the availability of that phosphate to phyto-plankton.
Intracellular Distribution of TiO2−DNA Oligonucleotide Nanoconjugates Directed to Nucleolus and Mitochondria Indicates Sequence Specificity

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oligonucleotides hybridize to matching DNA sequences in cells, as established in the literature, depending on active transcription of the target sequence and local molarity of the oligonucleotide. We investigated the intracellular distribution of nanoconjugates composed of DNA oligonucleotides attached to TiO2 nanoparticles, thus creating a locally increased concentration of the oligonucleotide. Two types of nanoconjugates, with oligonucleotides matching mitochondrial or nucleolar DNA, were specifically retained in mitochondria or nucleoli.
The Refuse Act Permit Program and its Application to Mariculture

The Refuse Act Permit Program was created by Executive Order No. 11374 to broaden the Federal Government's role in abating pollution from industry and business. Applying the provisions of the 1899 River and Harbor Act, the program was created following court decisions whereby the Act was interpreted to require a permit for all waste discharges except municipal sewage and discharges from ships and other watercraft. All other dischargers including fish cultural operations fall under the broad purview of the Refuse Act. Upon receipt of a technically complete application, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State Water Pollution Control Agency evaluate the impact of the discharge on water quality, determine waste treatment needs, and develop conditions for inclusion in the Refuse Act Permit. In the Southeast Region of EPA, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fishery Service provide technical support to this effort to insure maximum protection of fish and wildlife resources. Fish cultural operations have been classified as a critical industry based on studies conducted by EPA policies. Procedures for processing applications in this category are currently being developed and should be finalized in the very near future.
Experience with the coronary artery bypass graft in a community hospital.

Abstract The early results of 55 patients who underwent the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure in a large private hospital are reviewed. The hospital mortality rate was 20 per cent. Excluding death, 55 major complications were found in the total group of patients. Fourteen patients had more than one complication. Twenty of the 44 surviving patients had no major complication. Early postoperative angiograms showed an average graft patency rate of 72 per cent. There was some evidence of accelerated closure occurring in a stenotic coronary artery which was grafted. From the physician's point of view the patient submitted to the CABG procedure had about two changes out of three of either dying, having no patent graft, or having a life-threatening postoperative complication. The experience with these patients suggests that there may be significant limitations to the performance of this operation, or, at least, to its possible application in the community hospitals. It is hoped that we will acquire a broader base of knowledge about the CABG as it is performed in various institutions across the country.
Do exact shapes of fuzzy sets matter

An often raised objection to fuzzy logic can be articulated as follows. Fuzzy sets are intended to represent vague collections of objects. On the one hand, boundaries of such collections are inherently imprecise. On the other hand, fuzzy sets are defined by membership degrees which are precise. There is, therefore, an obvious discrepancy between the imprecision of a collection and the precision of a fuzzy set representing the collection. The objection leads to a question posed in the title of this paper: do exact shapes of fuzzy sets matter? That is, do the exact values of membership degrees of fuzzy sets matter? This is a fundamental question, particularly when fuzzy sets are supplied as an input to further processing. This paper presents a particular answer to this question. We focus on the case when the fuzzy sets in question are part of the input I from which the output O is produced in a way which can be described by logical formulas. This case covers several widely used fuzzy logical models includin...
Effects of Ballast Degradation on Permanent Deformation Behavior From Large-Scale Triaxial Tests

Consisting of large sized aggregate particles with uniform size distribution, ballast is an essential component of the track substructure to facilitate load distribution and drainage. As freight tonnage accumulates with traffic, ballast will get fouled increasingly due to either aggregate breakdown and degradation or contamination by other materials such as coal dust and subgrade soil intrusion. Fouling affects shear strength and load carrying ability of ballast layer especially under wet conditions. According to Selig and Waters [1], ballast fouling is often due to aggregate degradation, which covers up to 76% of all the fouling cases. To investigate the effects of ballast aggregate breakdown and degradation on the mechanical behavior of fouled ballast, a series of Los Angeles abrasion tests were performed in this study to generate fouled ballast materials caused by particle breakage and abrasion under a wellcontrolled laboratory environment. The change of particle shape properties during the Los Angeles abrasion tests was quantified and studied through image analysis technology. Large-scale triaxial tests were performed on specimens of new ballast, degraded ballast coarse particle fraction (without fines), and full gradation of degraded ballast (with fines) under repeated load application using a triaxial test device recently developed at the University of Illinois specifically for ballast size aggregate materials. The large-scale triaxial results indicated that the specimen having those degraded coarse particles yielded higher permanent deformation trends from repeated load triaxial testing when compared to the specimen with the new ballast gradation. As expected, the highest permanent deformation was obtained from the degraded ballast specimen having fine particles and the Fouling Index (FI) value of approximately 40.
Hydrogen-Exchange Mass Spectrometry for the Study of Intrinsic Disorder in Proteins

Amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange detected by mass spectrometry (HXMS) is seeing wider use for the identification of intrinsically disordered parts of proteins. In this review, we discuss examples of how discovery of intrinsically disordered regions and their removal can aid in structure determination, biopharmaceutical quality control, the characterization of how post-translational modifications affect weak structuring of disordered regions, the study of coupled folding and binding, and the characterization of amyloid formation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mass spectrometry in structural biology.
Visual mechanical knowledge: the workshop drawings of Isaac Ebenezer Markham (1795–1825), New England textile mechanic

Visual mechanical knowledge: the workshop drawings of Isaac Ebenezer Markham (1795–1825), New England textile mechanic, by David J. Jeremy and Polly C. Darnell, Philadelphia, American Philosophical...
Ecological Importance of Submerged Pulpwood Logs in a Maine Reservoir

Abstract Log drives in Maine from the 1830s to 1976 left an estimated 3.6–7.2 × 106 m3 of pulpwood logs submerged in the Kennebec River system, principally in Wyman Lake and Indian Pond. Because favorable economics have led to commercial log salvaging, we assessed the ecological value of submerged pulpwood logs in Wyman Lake. Three species of fishes, longnose suckers Catostomus catostomus, white suckers C. commersoni, and golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas, showed an attraction to submerged logs. Yellow perch Perca flavescens, the most numerous fish species collected, did not exhibit a clear association with submerged logs. Food habits of yellow perch shifted from a largely planktonic diet in areas lacking submerged logs to a diet dominated by benthic macroinvertebrates in areas containing logs. The amount of bark in the sediment was highest at the sites containing the most submerged logs, particularly in the former log holding area, but this had no clear effect on invertebrate biomass. Total biomass ...
Problems of anti-humanism and humanism in the life and work of Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Alexander Solzhenitsyn, undoubtedly the greatest Russian writer of today, 'the only living Russian Classic', was born in 1918. In February 1945, as a young captain of the Russian Army, he was arrested by the Soviet armed forces counter-intelligence agency. He was tried for making derogatory comments about Stalin in a letter to a friend. He spent eight years in labor camps and three years in exile. His One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich was published in Russia in 1962. Two other of his major works The First Circle and Cancer Ward were never published in the Soviet Union. In recent years Solzhenitsyn has openly denounced "the oppression which Russian literature has been enduring from censorship" and he is fighting for basic human liberties for the Russian people. In 1969 he was expelled from the Union of Soviet Writers; his works are not published and he lives practically under constant surveillance of Soviet authorities.
Riesz Spherical Potentials with External Fields and Minimal Energy Points Separation

In this paper we consider the minimal energy problem on the sphere S d for Riesz potentials with external fields. Fundamental existence, uniqueness, and characterization results are derived about the associated equilibrium measure. The discrete problem and the corresponding weighted Fekete points are investigated. As an application we obtain the separation of the minimal s-energy points for d – 2 < s < d. The explicit form of the separation constant is new even for the classical case of s = d – 1.