cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A temporal analysis system for early detection of health changes

A Gaussian mixture model (GMM), coupled with possibilistic clustering is used to build an adaptive system for analyzing streaming multi-dimensional activity feature vector with the goal of identifying signs of early diseases. The system is based on temporal analysis, including outlier detection, customization and adaption to new changes, together with the creation of new components for GMM in the case of emerging new normal patterns. On the other hand, an alert will be fired when detecting unexpected behavior patterns. When dealing with streaming data from embedded sensors in an eldercare environment, every resident has their unique behavior pattern. Therefore, number of Gaussians for the GMM needs to be individually determined. For this reason, possibilistic C-Means (PCM) and Automatic Merging possibilistic Clustering Method (AMPCM) are combined together to cluster the initial data points, detect anomalies and initialize the GMM. The system achieves our goals when tested on the synthetic datasets simulating an extended period of time. We hope that by applying the proposed system in real datasets, it will help by detecting health changes before real health issue happens.
Risk factors for persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in cystic fibrosis

Abstract Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as an important pathogen in cystic fibrosis (CF). Over 25% of individuals in the United States with CF are found to have MRSA in respiratory culture specimens, and persistent MRSA infection has been associated with more rapid decline in lung function and increased mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate clinical and demographic characteristics that are associated with the development of persistent MRSA infection in a CF population. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of individuals followed from 2002 to 2012 in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry. A time-to-event analysis for the development of persistent MRSA infection was performed, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to identify risk factors for infection. Results The study cohort included 19,434 individuals, of which 5844 would develop persistent MRSA infection. In the adjusted model, pancreatic insufficiency (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.29–1.72), CF related diabetes (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.05–1.20), co-infection with P. aeruginosa (HR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13–1.28), and number of hospitalizations/year (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06–1.12) were all associated with increased risk, whereas higher socio-economic status (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.82–0.93) was associated with a lower risk. Receiving care at a CF center with increased MRSA prevalence was associated with increased risk of MRSA infection: highest quartile (HR: 2.33; 95% CI: 2.13–2.56). Conclusions No easily modifiable risk factors for persistent MRSA were identified in this study. However, several risk factors for patients at higher risk for persistent MRSA infection were identified, for example centers with a high baseline MRSA prevalence, and may be useful in designing center-specific MRSA infection prevention and control strategies and/or eradication protocols. Additional studies are needed in order to evaluate if attention to these risk factors can improve clinical outcomes.
e-Voting in America: Current Realities and Future Directions

This paper presents a snapshot of the current status of voting methodologies in the United States as of November 2016. The authors present the methodologies currently employed to facilitate voting including paper based and direct recording electronic systems. This is followed by a discussion of voter confidence in the election system where e-voting systems are utilized, particularly in the areas of auditing, security, influence, and human-computer interaction (HCI). The paper concludes with a brief summary of the future of e-voting, including what technology is on the horizon, and a discussion of future research directions.
Abstract 16619: Relationship Between Serum Cholesterol and Risk of Premature Death From Coronary Heart Disease in Male Veterans: is it Still Continuous and Graded?

Introduction: The MRFIT Screenees project, conducted before the widespread use of statins, showed that greater serum cholesterol levels were associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) death. We examined outpatient serum cholesterol levels and 6 year CHD death in male Veterans in the VA Healthcare system between 2002-2007. Methods: Analyses were restricted to subjects free of cancer, not on statins, and without a history of a myocardial infarction at baseline. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for CHD death. CHD death was defined using I20-I25 ICD-10 codes from the National Death Index. Results: Among 1,261,762 subjects we observed a J-shaped relationship between cholesterol categories and age-adjusted hazard ratios for White and Black males (Table 1). CHD death was more than doubled in the highest cholesterol group for both Whites (HR: 2.15) and Blacks (HR: 2.43) compared to the second group. After multivariable adjustment for age, diabetes, major mental health diagnosis, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and smoking status, we found that the HR for CHD death among the low cholesterol group was attenuated, suggesting that some of the increased mortality observed was explained by comorbidities. In the same model, the effect of SBP on CHD death was also noteworthy: 5% increase risk of CHD death for SBP>140 mmHg (vs ≤140 mmHg) among Whites and 37% increase risk of CHD death among Blacks. The HR for CHD death among the highest cholesterol group for Whites and Blacks remained doubled (HR: 2.30 and 2.16, respectively). Conclusions: In contrast to the MRFIT Screenees project, data from a large sample of Veterans receiving medical care do not demonstrate a continuous, graded relationship between cholesterol and 6-year CHD death. Rather, they support a J-shaped relationship where cholesterol levels under 180mg/dl also confer greater risk for CHD death.
CAROTID INTIMA-MEDIA THICKNESS VERSUS CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCORE IN PREDICTING INCIDENT CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND STROKE AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS: THE JACKSON HEART STUDY

African Americans have a higher burden of atherosclerotic risk factors and higher rates of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to other race/ethnic groups in the US. However, studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of 0 in this population. We
Cook’s Theorem

In this lecture we will prove the NP-hardness of CNFSat by exhibiting a reduction from an arbitrary problem in NP to CNFSat. We use the standard definition of one-tape deterministic and nondeterministic Turing machines; see for example [3, pp. 25ff.]. This landmark result was proved by S. Cook in 1971 [22]. A similar result was proved independently by L. Levin in the Soviet Union in 1973 [71].
Numerical Ranges for Partial Matrices

The field of values (or numerical range) is an important notion in the generalization of facts about Hermitian matrices to general complex matrices. Completions of partial Hermitian matrices have now been studied in some depth, and it is time to study completions of more general complex partial matrices. Two natural definitions for the “field of values” of a square partial complex are suggested. The first “builds up” from the inside of any completion, or a specification of the free entries, of a given partial matrix, while the second “whittles down” from the classical field of values of any completion. In general, the resulting sets are different, though there is a universal containment. In this note we characterize those patterns of specified entries for which the two definitions are identical. Chordal graphs again play a key role, but in a somewhat different way from the classical positive definite Hermitian case.
Is Free and Reduced-Price Lunch a Valid Measure of Educational Disadvantage?:

Students in the United States whose household income is less than 130% of the poverty line qualify for free lunch, and students whose household income is between 130% and 185% of the poverty line qualify for reduced-price lunch. Education researchers and policymakers often use free and reduced-price lunch (FRPL) status to measure socioeconomic disadvantage. But how valid is this measure? Linking IRS income tax data to school administrative records for all eighth graders in one California public school district and Oregon public schools, we examine how well FRPL enrollment captures student disadvantage. We find that FRPL categories capture relatively little variation in household income. However, FRPL captures elements of educational disadvantage that IRS-reported household income data do not.
Customized “Right-Sized” Primary Laparoscopic Gastrojejunostomy Tubes for Infants

Abstract Introduction: Nutritional support is critical for the growth and development of chronically ill children. Although enteral routes are preferred, gastroesophageal reflux, recurrent aspirati...
D’Augelli’s Model of LGB Identity Development: A Critical Analysis

The authors critically analyzed D’Augelli’s model of LGB identity development, a common identity development model used in counselor and higher education as well as multicultural training, using a ...
Thermophilic anaerobic digestion of cattail and hydrothermal carbonization of the digestate for co-production of biomethane and hydrochar

Thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) of cattail followed by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was studied. The intent of the research was to develop agricultural waste-based biorefining technologie...
A Thermally Actuated Fully Inkjet-Printed Origami-Inspired Multilayer Frequency Selective Surface With Continuous-Range Tunability Using Polyester-Based Substrates

A first-of-its-kind design methodology to realize thermally actuated origami-inspired multilayer Miura frequency selective surfaces (MLM-FSSs) using a polyester-based substrate is presented in this article that can change its frequency response according to the variation in its ambient temperature. In order to maintain the optimum interlayer distance between the two-layer Miura-FSS structures, a specialized low-loss origami-inspired spacer layer is introduced that preserves its desired overall frequency response during different folding configurations. It also features an unprecedented high mechanical strength, making it suitable for a wide range of terrestrial, outer-space, and biomedical applications. The frequency response and its relationship to kinematics of the proposed structure are also presented in detail, which gives a unique insight into the operation principles of such structures. The proposed structure features twice the bandwidth as compared to single-layer Miura-FSS, an excellent angle of incidence rejection, and is the first demonstration of a fully inkjet-printed MLM-FSS that is realized completely by a rigid heat-sensitive substrate as opposed to traditional cellulose-based Miura-FSSs that lack self-actuation mechanism as well as rigidity, which is a key attribute of most practical thick origami structures.
ESG & Other Emerging Technology Applications

Integrated reporting, at the basis of the idea, is a comprehensive reporting framework that reflects both the increasing interest from stakeholders in understanding both how an organization generates results, but also how these results are created (Zhou et al. 2017). Without diving too much into the technical weeds and details associated with integrated reporting, it can be summarized as a methodology to report financial and operational data to external stakeholders. The core of this reporting framework, which has been adopted by a variety of organizations across industry lines on an international basis, can be summarized and highlighted via the multiple capital model. Even the name of the multiple capital model itself appears to connect the concept of more comprehensive reporting to the financial services profession, and includes a wide variety of information. Drilling down into the multiple capital model itself is logical, both from a tactical approach for financial services professionals as well as a strategic headset (Fig. 14.1).
Aromatic substituent effects in palladium-catalyzed intramolecular olefin oxyarylation reactions

Abstract The effect of electron-donating groups on the palladium-catalyzed intramolecular oxyarylation reaction was studied. In the case of activation at the ortho-position, the reaction favors the formation of a tricyclic lactone via C H insertion. However, when the ipso-position is activated, the major product is instead a novel α,β-unsaturated lactone formed by way of a stabilized phenonium intermediate followed by elimination.
Performance comparison of local versus cloud malware detection on Android using machine learning techniques

Malware detection is a key component of mobile system security today. While standard virus detection software is an important tool in the fight against mobile intrusion, it cannot detect zero-day attacks due to its reliance on previously detected signatures. Recognizing first time attacks requires a different approach and commonly involves machine learning. The problem is that such approaches are more computationally intensive and can create a user experience problem if the mobile device is not responsive enough. An experiment was conducted using machine learning, specifically a genetic algorithm, comparing performance of zero-day attack analysis running on a mobile device versus using cloud resources. It was demonstrated that even with a high-end mobile device, the use of a hybrid model that uses a cloud-based server for running the machine learning module vastly out-performs the all-local model.
Postoperative Chemotherapy for Bladder Carcinoma

Postoperative chemotherapy is also referred to as adjuvant chemotherapy. In this chapter we will discuss the results of cystectomy alone for invasive bladder cancer, the rationale for postoperative chemotherapy, the chemotherapeutic agents most commonly used, and the results of chemotherapy following cystectomy.
Serum metabonomic study of two Uyghur families with maturity-onset diabetes of the young

Objective To study the characteristics of serum metabolites in two Uyghur families with maturityonset diabetes of the young(MODY).Methods Two MODY families were composed of four generations of Uyghur with 52 members collected from Kashgar region,Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.The general information,blood glucose and lipid levels,and blood pressure were analyzed.Using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR )spectroscopy,serum metabolites were measured for each subject.After having conducted data pretreatment on the spectrogram,orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis ( OPLS-DA ) was used to interpret data.The subjects were divided into two groups according to blood glucose ( diabetes and non-diabetes ),blood pressure,body mass index ( BMI ) for comparing differences in the metabolites.The differences of serum metabolic components between two groups were determined using pearson correlation coefficients with significant difference detection and two-dimensional spectrum technology.Results lsoleucine and tyrosine levels in diabetes group were decreased significantly,while α-glucose and β-glucose levels were increased significantly compared with non-diabetes group( all P＜0.05 ).Citrate,phaseomannite,1 -methyl histidine,and tyrosine levels in hypertension group were all decreased significantly compared with normal blood pressure group( all P＜0.05 ).No significant metabonomic differences were observed between normal BMI group and high BMI group.Conclusions Metabonomic changes in diabetic patients from MODY families indicate that diabetic patients suffer from disordered tricarboxylic acid cycle ( TCA cycle )metabolism,with reduced glycolysis of glycogen in liver and muscle.There exist the metabolic disorder in TCA cycle and obstruction of fat metabolism in patients with hypertension from the MODY families. Key words: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young; Pedigree; Metabonomics; 1H nuclear magnetic resonance
Some Modelling and Simulation Issues Related to Bootstrapping

The paper presented at the conference was based primarily upon “Estimating Model Discrepancy,” Technometrics, 1990, co-authored with Shane Pederson. Since this article is easily available at University libraries, the present paper will focus on the chronology of work leading up to the Technometrics article. Further, some basic simulation and modelling issues related to bootstrapping are presented.
Sub-exponential rate of convergence to equilibrium for processes on the half-line

Abstract A powerful tool for studying long-term convergence of a Markov process to its stationary distribution is a Lyapunov function. In some sense, this is a substitute for eigenfunctions. For a stochastically ordered Markov process on the half-line, Lyapunov functions can be used to easily find explicit rates of convergence. Our earlier research focused on exponential rate of convergence. This note extends these results to slower rates, including power rates, thus improving results of Douc et al. (2009).
A dosing algorithm for individualized radioiodine treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism.

Background Radioiodine (131 I) is the treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism in cats, but current 131 I-dosing protocols can induce iatrogenic hypothyroidism and expose azotemia. Objectives To develop a cat-specific algorithm to calculate the lowest 131 I dose to resolve hyperthyroidism, while minimizing risk of iatrogenic hypothyroidism and subsequent azotemia. Animals One thousand and four hundred hyperthyroid cats treated with 131 I. Methods Prospective case series (before-and-after study). All cats had serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4 ), triiodothyronine (T3 ), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measured (off methimazole ≥1 week). Using thyroid scintigraphy, each cat's thyroid volume and percent uptake of 99m Tc-pertechnatate (TcTU) were determined. An initial 131 I dose was calculated by averaging dose scores for T4 /T3 concentrations, thyroid volume, and TcTU; 80% of that composite dose was administered. Twenty-four hours later, percent 131 I uptake was measured, and additional 131 I administered, as needed, to deliver an adequate radiation dose to the thyroid tumor(s). Serum concentrations of T4 , TSH, and creatinine were determined 6 to 12 months later. Results The median calculated 131 I dose was 1.9 mCi (range, 1.0-10.6 mCi); 1380 cats required additional 131 I administration on day 2. Of the cats, 1047 (74.8%) became euthyroid, 57 (4.1%) became overtly hypothyroid, 240 (17.1%) became subclinically hypothyroid, and 56 (4%) remained hyperthyroid. More overtly (71.9%) and subclinically (39.6%) hypothyroid cats developed azotemia than euthyroid cats (14.2%; P Conclusions and clinical importance Our algorithm for calculating individual 131 I doses resulted in cure rates similar to historical treatment rates, despite much lower 131 I doses. This algorithm appears to lower prevalence of both 131 I-induced overt hypothyroidism and azotemia.
Whither the 'ACS Directory of Graduate Research'?

AS PART OF ITS MISSION TO promote and enhance the education of chemists, the ACS Committee on Professional Training has published the "ACS Directory of Graduate Research" biennially since 1953. The primary motivation for producing the directory—referred to as the DGR—is to provide students considering graduate study in chemistry and closely related areas with a convenient and authoritative source of information about the graduate programs they might consider. For many years, the directory has also served graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and practicing chemists as a convenient source of information about academic research programs and departments. The DGR contains a listing of programs with contact information, the degrees offered, and information about each faculty member. These individual faculty listings provide birth year, academic history, research interests, publications in refereed journals, and the dissertations directed by the faculty member during the previous two years. The dire...
Analysis of cobalamin coenzymes and other corrinoids by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes methods for rapid analysis of naturally occurring corrinoids and corrinoid analogs based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Since corrinoids have dissimilar amphipathic solubility properties, complex mixtures can be resolved on reverse-phase HPLC columns using either isocratic or gradient elution techniques. Body fluid and tissue corrinoids, which are usually associated with specific binding proteins, must be extracted and desalted prior to HPLC. Resolved corrinoids are detected directly by UV-VIS flow-cell absorbance spectrophotometry if chemical levels exceed 1 pmol per compound. Lower levels of radiolabeled corrinoids can be resolved, collected, and counted. The chapter also describes the synthesis of cobalamin coenzymes and other corrinoids, extraction of corrinoids from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and resolution of corrinoids by HPLC (isocratic method and gradient method). Extracts obtained from L. leichmannii and L1210 cells grown in the presence of [ 57 Co]CN-Cbl are analyzed by the gradient method. The column is developed at 0.5 ml/min (5 to 30% in 40 min) which allowed for more efficient collection of the column effluent. Columns are regenerated by increasing the gradient to 50% and then decreasing it to starting conditions.
Cosmo-Transcendental Positioning of the Living Being in the Universe in Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka’s New Enlightenment

The latest focus of Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka on the phenomenological investigation of transcendentalism is placed in the context of modern science, taking into account the fact that the compartmentalization of science, so beloved by positivist thinkers of the nineteenth century, has not yielded the expected answers to the questions of the nature of human consciousness, and that neither has the Husserlian transcendental reduction since it does not resolve the problem of the dichotomy of matter and mind. Tymieniecka’s inclusion of cosmos is the most important component of her search for rationality as tied to the evolutionary progress of nature and the emergence of human creativity as the stimulus to the development of human culture with its aesthetic, moral, and intellective senses. These intellective senses and their corresponding passions have been the subject of numerous volumes of the Analecta Husserlianaseries. According to Tymieniecka’s philosophy, Imaginatio Creatrix liberates the human spirit from one-sided dependence on nature and opens it to the acts of interpretation of organic processes. The creative act is an act of self-individualization. Moreover, the evolution of the universe is to be seen as fundamentally connected to the process of self-individualization.
IMPACTS OF FLOW DIVERSION FOR SMALL HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS ON SEDIMENT TRANSPORT, NORTHWEST WASHINGTON

Hydroelectric power is a major source of electric energy in northwestern Washington, and an important part of the region's economy. In “run-of-the-river” hydroelectric projects, water is diverted from a river when the discharge exceeds a specified flow and is conveyed downhill to a powerhouse. Creeks used for hydropower generation also constitute the natural spawning habitat for anadromous cold-water fish. Because fish embryo survival rates decrease with an increase in the percentage of fine sediments in spawning gravels, studies of the potential effects of flow diversion on sediment transport are typically required when applying for a permit to build a run-of-the-river project. To provide insight into the actual impacts of flow diversion on sediment conditions, and thus fish habitat, we reproduced channel-morphology measurements and sediment texture sampling originally made for the pre-construction study of Koma Kulshan, a small run-of-the-river hydroelectric power plant in north-western Washington that ...
AlGaN/GaN microwave power HEMT's

High average microwave power output density has been observed with AlGaN/GaN HEMT's grown on sapphire substrates, reaching 4.0 W/mm with 49% power-added efficiency for single gates, and 1.8 W/mm with 78% power-added efficiency for multiple gates. Using SiC substrates, an order of magnitude more heat can be removed. The breakdown electric field in the GaN channel is /spl sim/3 MV/cm, 7.5 times that of GaAs. The average transit velocity is 1-1.2/spl times/10/sup 7/ cm/s, allowing an intrinsic f/sub t/ as high as 94 GHz for 0.15 /spl mu/m gate length.
The minimum discrimination information approach in analyzing categorical data

A brief review of the minimum discrimination information (MDI) approach in analyzing categorical data is presented in a question -answer format, An example is given to bring out situations in which the MDI approach is more useful. No new results are proved.
Building Web 2.0

The global buildup of Internet connectivity and growing availability of inexpensive computing and communication devices have made the World Wide Web a virtual continent that is borderless. Anyone in the world with a computer and Internet access can now explore, join, build, or abandon any Web community at any time. This new freedom is often attributed to the "Web 2.0 era" of services and applications that let webizens easily share opinions and resources. Consequently, users can collectively contribute to a Web presence and generate massive content behind their virtual collaboration.
Immunoassays for Bowman-Birk and Kunitz soybean trypsin inhibitors in infant formula

Because the consumption of soybean inhibitors of digestive enzymes in processed foods may have both beneficial and adverse health-related effects, reliable and rapid analytical methods for these inhibitors are needed. Monoclonal antibody-based sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed for the 2 major soybean protease inhibitors, the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) and Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI) of trypsin and chymotrypsin. The ELISAs had limits of quantification of approximately 1 and 3 ng/mL for BBI and KTI, respectively, and were used to measure active inhibitors in soy infant formulas. Results were compared with enzymatic analyses and demonstrated that most of the trypsin- and chymotrypsin-inhibitory activities of infant formula were due to constituents other than KTI and BBI. The sandwich ELISA for BBI was also effective
Parallelized formulation of the maximum likelihood-expectation maximization algorithm for fine-grain message-passing architectures

Recent architectural and technological advances have led to the feasibility of a new class of massively parallel processing systems based on a fine-grain, message-passing computational model. These machines provide a new alternative for the development of fast, cost-efficient Maximum Likelihood-Expectation Maximization (ML-EM) algorithmic formulations. As an important first step in determining the potential performance benefits to be gathered from such formulations, we have developed an ML-EM algorithm suitable for the high-communications, low-memory (HCLM) execution model supported by this new class of machines. Evaluation of this algorithm indicates a normalized least-square error comparable to, or better than, that obtained via a sequential ray-driven ML-EM formulation and an effective speedup in execution time (as determined via discrete-event simulation of the Pica multiprocessor system currently under development at the Georgia Institute of Technology) of well over two orders of magnitude compared to current ray-driven sequential ML-EM formulations on high-end workstations. Thus, the HCLM algorithmic formulation may provide ML-EM reconstructions within clinical time-frames.
Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase: Purification and characterization from soybean cell suspension cultures

Abstract Soybean cell suspension cultures ( Glycine max L. cv. Kanrich) grown on high-nitrogen medium produce 50 mU/g fresh wt of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase [EC 4.1.3.5] 7–9 days after inoculation. Nitrate was not limiting when the peak of enzyme activity was reached. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase was purified 53-fold to essentially electrophoretic homogeneity from cell extracts with 10% recovery. The enzyme was stable in crude extracts and through most stages of purification. No activity could be detected with tyrosine as substrate in either crude extracts or purified enzyme. The electrophoretic mobility was somewhat less than that of the enzyme from maize but both eluted from an agarose column at the same position and the molecular weight of the subunit was similar for both enzymes. Thus the soybean enzyme is composed of four subunits and the native enzyme is ~330,000 M r . The variation in structure and/or size and availability of hydrophobic regions among phenylalanine ammonia-lyases from four sources (potato, maize, Rhodotorula glutinis , and soybean) was shown by the different elution patterns they exhibited on columns of ω-aminoalkyl agarose (agarose-C n -NH 2 , n = 0 to 8). The order of increasing hydrophobicity is soybean, potato, maize, R. glutinis . The soybean enzyme exhibited negative cooperativity before hydroxylapatite chromatography and positive cooperativity afterward. This is the first example of positive cooperativity observed for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase.
Expression of Nkx2.5 in Wild Type, Cardiac Mutant, and Thyroxine-Induced Metamorphosed Hearts of the Mexican Axolotl

Nkx2.5, a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, is known to be necessary for normal heart development in vertebrates. It is one of the earliest lineage-restricted genes expressed in cardiovascular progenitor cells and knowledge of its expression patterns has important therapeutic implications for damaged cardiomyocytes. Mexican axolotl is a unique system to study heart development for two reasons: the presence of a mutant phenotype lacking organized myofibrils due to sarcomeric tropomyosin deficiency and the ability to induce metamorphosis by administration of exogenous thyroid hormone. In this study, we cloned and sequenced the as yet uncharacterized Nkx2.5 cDNA from normal and cardiac mutant axolotl heart RNA. Comparison of cDNA sequences of Nkx2.5 from normal and mutant axolotl hearts did not show differences suggesting that loss of function mutation in Nkx2.5 is not responsible for the mutant phenotype. However, quantitative studies show higher expression of Nkx2.5 in mutant hearts raising the possibility that increased expression of Nkx2.5 may contribute to the mutant phenotype. We also evaluated quantitative changes in expression of Nkx2.5 in axolotl hearts during embryonic and postembryonic heart development induced by exogenous thyroid hormone. There is an apparent increase in Nkx2.5 transcript levels in metamorphosed hearts.
Calculation of total differential cross section: Na ( P 2 ) + Xe

A quantum-mechanical treatment is used to determine the total differential cross section for collisions of excited sodium atoms with xenon. A rainbowlike structure in the angular distribution is predicted for collisions involving sodium in the $^{2}P_{\frac{1}{2}}$ state.
Molecular cloning of proteinase-encoding genes from cancer cells by zymogen assay and direct sequencing.

Abstract A method that permits the in vitro cloning and identification of proteolytic enzyme genes from cDNA expression libraries is described. The method can detect positive proteinase genes within 30 min following the transfer of plaques to nitrocellulose membrane filters. The method is based on the functional expression of fusion lac Z-proteinase protein in λ gt 11 infected Y1090 bacteria and does not require prior knowledge of either the sequence of the cDNA insert or a monoclonal antibody to its encoded antigen. This strategy when coupled with polymerase chain reaction of the cDNA insert using lac Z primer sequences that are flanking the EcoR1 cloning site in gt 11 phage permits direct sequencing of the amplified DNA. With this method we have isolated 10 genes expressing protease activity in the human small-cell carcinoma of the lung. The same procedure could be applied to isolate unknown proteinases from cDNA libraries of virtually any eukaryotic cell.
Geochemistry, chronology and petrogenesis of the Wadi Yebigue pluton, Central Tibisti Massif, Libya

Abstract The Wadi Yebigue pluton is a high-level, post-orogenic, composite granitoid body intruded into the Central Tibisti Massif of southern Libya. It consists mainly of three phases: a fine-grained, two-mica granite core intruded into a porphyritic, coarse-grained biotite granite which grades marginally into a texturally similar hornblende-biotite granite. The porphyritic granites have an age of 558 m.y. with an intial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of 0.70640, and the two-mica granite has an age of 548 m.y. with an initial 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio of 0.70693. The virtual identity of ages and initial ratios, combined with the close field relationships, indicate that the porphyritic and two-mica granite phases are cogenetic. Compositional variations within the suite of porphyritic indicate that the biotite was derived by fractionation of mafic minerals and plagioclase from the hornblende-biotite granite. Removal of K feldspar crystals from this magma reduced Ba contents and maintained constant K and Rb contents throughout the series. The high A1 content of the two-mica granite, however, makes it impossible to explain the two-mica magma by crystal fractionation of the porphyritic granites. The suites were apparently formed by two-stage melting of a garnet granulite source with low Rb/Sr at the base of the crust. The proposed model requires: (1) early melting and subsequent fractionation after emplacement to yield the porphyritic granites; and (2) partial melting at a slightly younger time with garnet retention in the source to produce the two-mica granites.
On the Partitioning of Energy for Atoms, Ions, and Molecules

The fact that, for neutral atoms, the interelectronic repulsion energy I is a constant fraction (∼1/3) of the total energy E is discussed in the light of several approximate energy formulas, theoretical and empirical. We then derive the asymptotic form of the non-relativistic energy of a neutral atom as E=−kZ7/3 a.u. (Z = atomic number) with k probably between 1/2(3/2)1/3 and 9/14(3/2)1/3. For 6≦Z≦90, the actual energies are in fact between these limits, while the formula implies I/E=1/3. The ratio of interelectronic repulsion energy to total electronic energy for ions and molecules is derived.
Race-ethnicity and poverty after spinal cord injury.

Secondary analysis of existing data. Our objective was to examine the relationship between race–ethnicity and poverty status after spinal cord injury (SCI). A large specialty hospital in the southeastern United States. Participants were 2043 adults with traumatic SCI in the US. Poverty status was measured using criteria from the US Census Bureau. Whereas only 14% of non-Hispanic White participants were below the poverty level, 41.3% of non-Hispanic Blacks were in poverty. Logistic regression with three different models identified several significant predictors of poverty, including marital status, years of education, level of education, age and employment status. Non-Hispanic Blacks had 2.75 greater odds of living in poverty after controlling for other factors, including education and employment. We may need to consider quality of education and employment to better understand the elevated risk of poverty among non-Hispanic Blacks in the US.
Stretching during Warm-Up: Do We Have Enough Evidence?

(1999). Stretching during Warm-Up: Do We Have Enough Evidence? Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 70, No. 7, pp. 24-27.
The altitude region sampled by ground-based Doppler temperature measurements of the OI 15867 K emission line in aurorae

Abstract Measurements of atmospheric optical emissions with ground-based spectrometers give columnintegrated line profiles. Therefore, measurements from a single station are insufficient to infer the height of emission and, thus, the height of temperature and wind determinations. In aurorae the temperature measured by a ground-based spectrometer can be lower than similar measurements in the nightglow because the 15867 K (630.0 nm ; 1 K = 1 cm −1 ) emitting region may occur at lower altitudes. Temperature measurements obtained on an individual night from College, Alaska, illustrate this effect.
Molecular modeling of the rabbit colonic (HKα2a) H+, K+ ATPase

A model of the HKα2a subunit of the rabbit colonic H+, K+ ATPase has been generated using the crystal structure of the Ca+2 ATPase as a template. A pairwise sequence alignment of the deduced primary sequences of the two proteins demonstrated that they share 29% amino acid sequence identity and 47% similarity. Using O (version 7) the model of HKα2a was constructed by interactively mutating, deleting, and inserting the amino acids that differed between the pairwise sequence alignment of the Ca+2 ATPase and HKα2a. Insertions and deletions in the HKα2a sequence occur in apparent extra-membraneous loop regions. The HKα2a model was energy minimized and globally refined to a level comparable to that of the Ca+2 ATPase structure using CNS. The charge distribution over the surface of HKα2a was evaluated in GRASP and possible secondary structure elements of HKα2a were visualized in BOBSCRIPT. Conservation and placement of residues that may be involved in ouabain binding by the H+, K+ ATPase were considered and a putative location for the β subunit was postulated within the structure.
Low Power CAMAC and NIM Modular Systems for Spaceflight Use on Shuttle and Spacelab Missions

The advent of the Shuttle launch vehicle and Spacelab have resulted in adequate weight and volume such that experiment electronics can be implemented at relatively low cost using spaceflight versions of CAMAC and NIM modules. Studies of 10 modules by manufacturers have shown that power reduction overall by a factor of ~ 3 can be accomplished. This is adequate both from the point of view of consumption and temperature rise in vacuum. Our studies have shown that a stock of ~ 45 module types is required and a listing is given. The changes required in these modules in order to produce spaceflight versions are described. And finally, the further studies, prototyping and testing leading to eventual flight qualification are described.
Spectral analysis of a nonlinear oscillator driven by random and periodic forces. I. Linearized theory

We have combined the techniques of statistical and harmonic linearization to develop a linearized approximation theory for the calculation of the second-order statistics (i.e., autocorrelation functions and spectral densities) of nonlinear systems driven by both random and periodic forces. For the special case of a Duffing oscillator (a damped anharmonic oscillator with a cubic nonlinearity) driven by Gaussian white noise and by a sinusoidal force, explicit expressions for the renormalized (linearized) frequency, the autocorrelation function, and the spectral density of the oscillator displacement in terms of all the system parameters have been derived. We have determined the region of the parameter space in which the applied periodic force has a significant influence on the second-order statistics of the oscillator.
Increasing outbreaks and impact of Iris yellow spot virus in bulb and seed onion crops in the Imperial and Antelope valleys of California.

Outbreaks of IYSV were first observed in May 2003 in two Imperial County onion seed fields. In August, 2005, symptomatic onion plants were widespread in four fields in the Antelope Valley, Los Ange...
Experimental Program in Expanded Functions for Dental Assistants: Phase 1 Base Line and Phase 2 Training

This study, extending over several years, clearly demonstrated that dental assistants can be successfully trained according to the expanded-function concept. In this research program, assistants were trained to perform procedures accounting for more than two fifths of the dentist’s chairside time. Throughout the study, all procedures were coded and timed, and selected dental services were evaluated according to a set of guidelines established for quality assessment.
Analysis and comparison of x-ray image and x-ray burst features of high intensity laser beam jets interaction experiments on the leopard laser at UNR

Results of Ar gas-puff experiments performed on the high power Leopard laser at UNR are presented. The Leopard laser operated in two regimes: 350 fs, 40 TW pulse, or 0.8 ns, 25 GW pulse (pulse contrast from 10−5 to 10−7). Laser wavelength was 1.057 µm. The supersonic linear nozzle was compared with cylindrical tube sub-sonic nozzle. Flux density of laser radiation in focal spot was from 3×1016 W/cm2 (ns piulse) up to 2×1019 W/cm2 (fs pulse). The laser beam axis was positioned either along the jet plane or orthogonal to it at a distance of 1 mm from the nozzle output. Diagnostics included two sets of filtered Si-diodes (covered region from 1 to 55 keV), x-ray pinhole cameras, x-ray spectrometers, and Faraday cups. Specifically, x-ray images and structure of x-ray bursts are investigated and compared as a function of the orientation of the laser beam to the linear or cylindrical gas jet and laser pulse duration. The importance of analysis and comparison of x-ray image and x-ray burst features for a better understanding the mechanisms of the laser energy to x-ray conversion efficiency and future research directions are discussed.
Optimizing screening for blunt cerebrovascular injuries

Abstract Background: The recognition that early diagnosis and intervention, prior to ischemic neurologic injury, has the potential to improve outcome following blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI), led to a policy of aggressive screening for these injuries. The resultant epidemic of BCVI has created a dilemma, as widespread screening is impractical. We sought to identify independent predictors of BCVI, to focus resources. Methods: Cerebral arteriography was performed based on signs or symptoms of BCVI, or in asymptomatic patients with high-risk mechanisms (hyperextension, hyperflexion, direct blow) or injury patterns. Logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors. Results: A total of 249 patients underwent arteriography; 85 (34%) had injuries. Independent predictors of carotid arterial injury were Glasgow coma score ≤6, petrous bone fracture, diffuse axonal brain injury, and LeFort II or III fracture. Having one of these factors in the setting of a high-risk mechanism was associated with 41% risk of injury. Of patients with cervical spine fracture, 39% had vertebral arterial injury. Conclusions: Patients sustaining high-risk injury mechanisms or patterns should be screened for BCVI. In the face of limited resources, screening efforts should be focused on those with high-risk predictors.
Pasteurella multocida—The major cause of hand infections following domestic animal bites

Pasteurella multocida is a common cause of infection following bites or scratches caused by dogs and (especially) cats. It is rarely reported, however, and apparently often overlooked as a pathogen. The typical clinical manifestation is a rapidly developing cellulitis at the site of injury. The infection is potentially dangerous and can cause a chronic local infection of deep tissues and osteomyelitis. It responds well to several antimicrobials, with penicillin being the drug of choice. Fifty-five patients are reported—72% with cat bites andlor scratches and 28% with dog bites. Ninety-two percent of the wounds went deeply through the skin. All patients presented for treatment 12 to 72 hours after receiving the animal wounds to their hands. Drainage from all wounds was serosanguineous or purulent, and cultures taken were positive for P. multocida . All of the wounds responded to surgical drainage and penicillin. One patient developed osteomyelitis. The acute onset of cellulitis, lymphangitis, and serosanguineous or purulent drainage from hand wounds 12 to 24 hours after cat or dog bites should suggest P. multocida as the predominant etiologic agent. Immediate surgical drainage and penicillin therapy is the treatment of choice.
Temperature dependence of the electron spin resonance in colloidal sodium

Abstract Electron spin resonance line width of colloidal sodium conduction electrons in sodium azide has been investigated as a function of temperature. The width varies approximately linearly with temperature from 77°K to the melting point of sodium (371°K) with a slope of 0·027 G/deg. An abrupt change in the resonance width occurs at the melting point of sodium. From the melting point to 475 °K the curve is almost linear with a slope of 0·041 G/deg. It can be shown that the data is in good agreement with the idea that the width of the resonance is proportional to the resistivity. This work extends the range of previous data to higher temperatures.
Towards Multicore Processing of Spatio-temporal Range Queries

We investigate the benefits of incorporating the semantics of the problem into the query processing algorithms in multicore settings. We present and evaluate three heuristics for processing spatio-temporal range queries in multicore settings, and demonstrate that significant speed-ups can be achieved, when compared to the (semi) naive approach which relies on the compiler to generate the multicore-compatible code.
Multimodality imaging of nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthases

Nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthases (NOSs) are crucial factors in many pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, vascular/neurological function, and many types of cancer. Noninvasive imaging of NO or NOS can provide new insights in understanding these diseases and facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will summarize the current state-of-the-art multimodality imaging in detecting NO and NOSs, including optical (fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and bioluminescence), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic resonance (MR), and positron emission tomography (PET). With continued effort over the last several years, these noninvasive imaging techniques can now reveal the biodistribution of NO or NOS in living subjects with high fidelity which will greatly facilitate scientists/clinicians in the development of new drugs and/or patient management. Lastly, we will also discuss future directions/applications of NO/NOS imaging. Successful development of novel NO/NOS imaging agents with optimal in vivo stability and desirable pharmacokinetics for clinical translation will enable the maximum benefit in patient management.
Oxidative Stress in Fanconi Anemia Hematopoiesis and Disease Progression

Patients with the genomic instability syndrome Fanconi anemia (FA) commonly develop progressive bone marrow failure and have a high risk of cancer. The prominent role of the FA protein family involves DNA damage response and/or repair. Oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense, is considered to be an important pathogenic factor in leukemia-prone bone marrow diseases such as FA. Cellular responses inducing resistance to oxidative stress are important for cellular survival, organism lifespan, and cancer prevention, but until recently, mammalian factors regulating resistance to oxidative stress have not been well characterized. Significant evidence supports excessive apoptosis of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, induced by stresses, most significantly oxidative stress, as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of bone marrow failure and leukemia progression in FA. In this brief review, we discuss the functional link between FA proteins and oxidative DNA damage response/repair, with emphasis on the implication of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology and abnormal hematopoiesis in FA. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 10, 1909–1921.