cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethnic and sex differences in disease burden in patients undergoing coronary angiography: the confounding influence of obesity.

Background: Data from cohort studies, predominantly in Caucasians, have identified obesity as a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), irrespective of sex. In contrast, reports examining the effects of obesity on mortality in African Americans suggest a weak relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality, particularly among women. Data correlating body weight with angiographic severity of CAD is sparse in minority populations. We sought to investigate ethnic-sex differences in the influence of obesity on the extent and severity of CAD. Methods: We studied 640 patients (66.9% African American) who underwent coronary angiography at a tertiary care center. Cardiovascular risk factor profiles and CAD burden, quantified by the Duke Myocardial Jeopardy scoring system, a validated prognostication tool, were compared across ethnic and sex groups. Results: Clustering of major cardiovascular risk factors, a higher prevalence of obesity classes II and III, and a statistically significant inverse correlation between BMI and Duke scores were observed among the cohort of African American women. General linear model analysis and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed Duke score to be negatively associated with BMI and higher classes of obesity after adjustment for age and other cardiovascular risk factors in African American women but not in other subgroups. Conclusions: The observed inverse relationship between BMI and angiographic severity of CAD in African American women is novel and appears to support prior data on the weak association between BMI and cardiovascular mortality in this subgroup. (Ethn Dis. 2008;18:53–58)
Opportunities for High-Resolution Measurements and Microgravity Research near the Superfluid Transition of Liquid 4He

Six years ago an experiment to determine the specific heat of liquid helium near the superfluid transition in a microgravity environment opened up a new era of very-high resolution measurements. Recently this led to the establishment of the Fundamental Physics Discipline by NASA for the support of microgravity research in low-temperature/condensed-matter physics, laser cooling and atomic physics, and gravitation and relativity. This paper describes very-high resolution and microgravity research in one particular sub-field of low-temperature physics, namely the superfluid transition of 4 He, in order to illustrate the diverse research opportunities which exist within the Discipline. The effect of gravity on this system will be illustrated. Projects carried out already and expected to be undertaken in the near future on critical phenomena, surface effects, and non-equilibrium phenomena, will be discussed. These include measurements of the specific heat and the thermal conductivity, both in bulk samples and finite geometries, of the singularity of the boundary resistance between helium and a solid surface, as well as of non-equilibrium effects due to finite heat currents.
LIS1 promotes the formation of activated cytoplasmic dynein-1 complexes.

Cytoplasmic dynein-1 is a molecular motor that drives nearly all minus-end-directed microtubule-based transport in human cells, performing functions that range from retrograde axonal transport to mitotic spindle assembly1,2. Activated dynein complexes consist of one or two dynein dimers, the dynactin complex and an 'activating adaptor', and they show faster velocity when two dynein dimers are present3-6. Little is known about the assembly process of this massive ~4 MDa complex. Here, using purified recombinant human proteins, we uncover a role for the dynein-binding protein LIS1 in promoting the formation of activated dynein-dynactin complexes that contain two dynein dimers. Complexes activated by proteins representing three families of activating adaptors-BicD2, Hook3 and Ninl-all show enhanced motile properties in the presence of LIS1. Activated dynein complexes do not require sustained LIS1 binding for fast velocity. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we show that human LIS1 binds to dynein at two sites on the motor domain of dynein. Our research suggests that LIS1 binding at these sites functions in multiple stages of assembling the motile dynein-dynactin-activating adaptor complex.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Stress in Part Mediates Effects of Angiotensin II in Pancreatic Beta Cells.

Introduction The renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) is a hormone system known for its role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. Numerous RAAS inhibitors routinely prescribed for hypertension have also beneficial effects in type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention. RAAS components are expressed locally in many tissues, including adipose tissue and pancreas, where they exert metabolic effects through RAAS bioactive hormone angiotensin II (Ang II). Pancreatic beta cells are specialized insulin-producing cells; they have also developed endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which contributes to beta cell dysfunction, when proteins are misfolded in disease states such as T2D. However, no studies have investigated the relationship between RAAS and ER stress in beta cells as a mechanism linking pancreatic RAAS to T2D. Hence, we hypothesized that Ang II treatment of beta cells increases ER stress and inflammation leading to reduced insulin secretion. Methods To test this hypothesis, we treated clonal INS-1E beta cells and human islets with Ang II and assessed changes in ER stress markers. INS-1E beta cells were also used for measuring insulin secretion and for assessing the effects of various RAAS and ER stress inhibitors. Results We demonstrated that Ang II significantly increased the expression of ER stress genes such as Chop and Atf4 and reduced insulin secretion. Furthermore, inhibition of Ang II production with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi, captopril) significantly reduced ER stress. Moreover, the Ang II receptor blockade reduced ER stress significantly and rescued insulin secretion. Discussion This research provides new mechanistic insight into the role of RAAS activation via ER stress on beta cell dysfunction and provides additional evidence for protective effects of RAAS inhibition in T2D.
Lipoblastomas presenting in older children and adults: analysis of 22 cases with identification of novel PLAG1 fusion partners

Lipoblastomas are benign neoplasms of embryonal white fat that typically present in the first 3 years of life and show a lobular arrangement of maturing adipocytes with variable degrees of myxoid change. We systematically studied the clinicopathologic and genetic features of lipoblastomas arising in older children and adults. Cases with a diagnosis of lipoblastoma or maturing lipoblastoma in patients >3 years of age were retrieved from our archives. Immunostaining for CD34 and desmin and molecular studies (FISH, RNA sequencing) were performed. Twenty-two cases (8F; 14M) were identified in patients ranging from 4 to 44 years of age (median 10 years). Sites included extremity (n = 15), head and neck (n = 4), and trunk (n = 3) with tumor sizes varying from 1.6 to 17.5 cm (median 5). Only three tumors had histologic features of “conventional” lipoblastoma. The majority of tumors (n = 14) were composed of variably sized lobules of mature adipose tissue partitioned by thin fibrous septa (“maturing”). The remaining five cases consisted predominantly of bland spindled to plump ovoid cells embedded in a fibrous stroma, with a vaguely plexiform arrangement of small myxoid and adipocytic nodules (“fibroblastic”). CD34 was diffusely positive in all cases tested (21/21), while desmin immunoreactivity was identified in 12 of 21 cases (diffuse = 7, focal = 5). PLAG1 rearrangements were identified in 13 tumors in the entire cohort (59%), including all 5 fibroblastic tumors. RNA sequencing detected eight PLAG1 fusion partners, of which two were known (CHCHD7 and COL3A1) and six were novel (SRSF3, HNRNPC, PCMTD1, YWHAZ, CTDSP2, and PPP2R2A). Twelve cases had follow-up (1–107 months; median 21 months), and no recurrences were reported. Lipoblastomas may occur in older children and adults and may be difficult to recognize due to their predominantly adipocytic or fibrous appearance. Awareness that lipoblastomas may occur in older patients, careful evaluation for foci showing more typical morphologic features, ancillary immunohistochemistry for CD34 and desmin, and molecular genetic studies to identify PLAG1 rearrangements are the keys to recognizing these tumors.
Utilizing Mass Media to Promote Health Education

(1990). Utilizing Mass Media to Promote Health Education. Health Education: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 22-25.
Does buccal cancer have worse prognosis than other oral cavity cancers

Objectives/Hypothesis To determine whether buccal squamous cell carcinoma has worse overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) than cancers in the rest of the oral cavity. Study Design Retrospective analysis of a large population database. Methods We began with a Kaplan-Meier analysis of OS and DSS for buccal versus nonbuccal tumors with unmatched data, followed by an analysis of cases matched for race, age at diagnosis, stage at diagnosis, and treatment modality. This was supported by a univariate Cox regression comparing buccal cancer to nonbuccal cancer, followed by a multivariate Cox regression that included all significant variables studied. Results With unmatched data, buccal cancer had significantly lesser OS and DSS values than cancers in the rest of the oral cavity (P < .001). After case matching, the differences between OS and DSS for buccal cancer versus nonbuccal oral cancer were no longer significant. Univariate Cox regression models with respect to OS and DSS showed a significant difference between buccal cancer and nonbuccal cancer. However, with multivariate analysis, buccal hazard ratios for OS and DSS were not significant. Conclusions With the largest series of buccal carcinoma to date, our study concludes that the OS and DSS of buccal cancer are similar to those of cancers in other oral cavity sites once age at diagnosis, tumor stage, treatment, and race are taken into consideration. The previously perceived poor prognosis of buccal carcinoma may be due to variations in tumor presentation, such as later stage and older patient age. Level of Evidence 2b Laryngoscope, 124:1386–1391, 2014
Stability of rectilinear contact lines

Abstract Theory applicable to one-dimensional models of rough surfaces is developed. A partly submerged solid disturbs the surface of a large pool of liquid. Part of the solid's surface is a cylinder with horizontal rulings. Any section of the cylinder by a plane Q orthogonal to its rulings is the curve CB (which need not be circular and may in fact be any piecewise smooth curve). The section of the liquid-vapor interface by Q is the curve CLV which meets CB at the three-phase contact point P. CLV belongs to a family F of solutions of the Laplace capillarity equation with the same horizontal asymptote. The asymptote meets CB at O which is the origin of a coordinate s along CB. A point on CB with coordinate s intersects a member of F with contact angle θ(s). Along CB there is a prescribed piecewise continuous equilibrium contact angle distribution θe(s). A stable contact point with coordinate s1 implies in general at s1:θ = θe (which is a generalization of Young's equation) and dθ ds ⩽ dθ e ds . Exceptions occur at jumps and corners, where a generalization of the (modified) Gibbs conditions is derived. Sufficiency criteria are also proved.
A Novel Algorithm for Automatic Brain Structure Segmentation from MRI

This paper proposes an automatic segmentation algorithm that combines clustering and deformable models. First, a k-means clustering is performed based on the image intensity. A hierarchical recognition scheme is then used to recognize the structure to be segmented, and an initial seed is constructed from the recognized region. The seed is then evolved under certain deformable model mechanism. The automatic recognition is based on fuzzy logic techniques. We apply our algorithm for the segmentation of the corpus callosum and the thalamus from brain MRI images. Depending on the specific features of the segmented structures, the most suitable recognition schemes and deformable models are employed. The whole procedure is automatic and the results show that this framework is fast and robust.
Constitutional Transitions: The Role of Lameducks and Caretakers

As a lame-duck President, Bush signed the Iraqi military accord, sold oil and gas leases on land bordering national parks, and reduced the protection to waterways and endangered species. In fact, lame-duck presidents routinely engage in last minute actions that may involve waste, imprudence, unilateral controversial action, entrenchment of policies, division of loot and even leaving "scorched earth." Such “midnight” actions are made possible because lame-duck presidents enjoy the same legal authority as regular presidents. American scholars believe that this state of affairs can be explained by the exceptionally long presidential transition period. But the lengthy transition period is comparable to transition periods in parliamentary systems that use a proportional representation election method. A comparison of the two presents a conundrum: Why did conventions restricting caretaker power develop only in parliamentary systems, while in the U.S. there is "only one president at a time" and this includes the lame-duck? The scant literature on caretaker governments in parliamentary systems is preoccupied with codifying their behavior. It assumes rather than explores the theoretical difficulties of having a caretaker government or the justifications for restricting its authority and scope of discretion. In contrast, the few discussions in American literature on this subject concentrate on identifying the theoretical difficulties of having lengthy lame-duck administrations, without considering the relevant lessons to be gained from the parliamentary experience. Meanwhile, the U.S. suffers from serious "midnight actions" of lame-duck presidents even as parliamentary systems overwhelmingly enjoy smoother transitions of power. This essay contributes to the understanding of both regimes. It offers a common theoretical framework from which it proposes a solution to transitional governments in both presidential and parliamentary systems alike.
Membrane Filter Method for Enumeration of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus from Environmental Waters.

Abstract A membrane filter method was developed and evaluated for the quantitative recovery of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus from environmental waters. The procedure utilized a mineral medium, with sodium acetate and potassium nitrate as the carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. Formic acid was included to enhance the recovery of A. calcoaceticus and to inhibit background growth. The medium was incubated for 46 h at 30°C, after which fermentation and cytochrome oxidase tests were performed on the colonies as they appeared on the membrane. Background microbial growth decreased on the average by 1.77 orders of magnitude. An essentially quantitative recovery relative to that on nutrient agar spread plates was obtained from freshly prepared suspensions of eight A. calcoaceticus strains in filter-sterilized pond water and from suspensions of five of the strains held for up to 96 h in filter-sterilized pond water at 15 and 22°C. Markedly reduced relative recoveries were obtained with the three remaining strains. However, these three strains, in contrast to the first five, not only did not grow, but also decreased in number in the eutrophic, filter-sterilized pond water. The confirmation rate of presumptive A. calcoaceticus colonies was 95%, whereas 8% of the presumptively negative colonies were A. calcoaceticus. The precision of the method did not exceed that expected from random error alone. Densities of A. calcoaceticus in freshwaters ranged from <1 to 7.9 × 104 organisms per 100 ml and were about 106 organisms per 100 ml in raw sewage.
Differential regulation of centrin genes during ciliogenesis in human tracheal epithelial cells

Centrins are small calcium-binding proteins found in a variety of cell types, often in association with microtubule-organizing centers. Here we present results regarding the expression of centrins during the in vitro differentiation of human tracheal epithelial cells. When grown at an air-liquid interface, these cells differentiate into mucus-secreting cells or undergo ciliogenesis. In immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy experiments, an anti-centrin antibody stained exclusively the basal bodies of the ciliated cells. There was no staining over the axonemes or the striated rootlets. Northern blots and RT-PCR analysis of the three known human centrin genes showed that these genes have distinct patterns of expression during the growth and differentiation of human tracheal epithelial cells. Centrin-1 is never transcribed. Centrin-2 mRNA is present at all times, and its concentration increases when ciliogenesis occurs. Centrin-3 mRNA is found at a constant level throughout the entire process. This differential regulation suggests that centrins are not interchangeable but instead have unique functions.
Determinants of Democratization

Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy. By Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2006. 431 pp. $35, £25. ISBN 0-521-85526-8. The authors offer an ambitious and sweeping comparative account of the political economy of the creation and consolidation of democracy.
Classification of infections in intensive care units: a comparison of current definition of hospital-acquired infections and carrier state criterion.

Background: The rate of nosocomial infection appears to depend on whether it is calculated using the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or carrier state criteria. The objective of this study was to differentiate between primary endogenous (PE), secondary endogenous (SE) and exogenous (EX) infections, and to compare this classification with CDC criteria for nosocomial infections. Methods: Children hospitalized for more than 72 h at pediatric intensive care unit during 2004–2005 were enrolled. Children, who had the infection before the admission, and or did not develop an infection within the hospitalization were excluded. Surveillance samples were sampled on admission, and then twice a week. Diagnostic samples were obtained when infection was suspected based on the clinical condition and laboratory findings. Infections were evaluated as PE, SE and EX, and their incidences were compared with CDC criteria for nosocomial infections. Results: One hundred seventy eight patients were enrolled in the study. Forty-four patients (24.7%) develop infection. Twenty-seven patients (61.3%) had PE, 10 patients (22.7%) had SE, and 7 patients (15.9%) had EX infection. Secondary endogenous and EX infections are considered as nosocomial, thus 17 patients (38.6%) had a nosocomial infection. Thirty-one patients (70.5%) met CDC criteria for nosocomial infections. Seventeen patients (55%) were classified as PE, and 14 patients (45%) as SE or EX infections. Conclusion: Seventy percent of infections (31 out of 44 patients) met the CDC criteria for nosocomial infections, but only 39% of infections (17 out of 44 patients) were classified as nosocomial based on carrier state classification.
Whither Parity? The Need for a Comprehensive Curriculum in Human-Environment Geography

If human-environment geography is central to the discipline, then human-environment courses should be a sizable segment of the undergraduate curriculum. Undergraduate educational offerings are inadequate, however, meaning that geography departments are shortchanging their majors, missing opportunities to attract and inform the general student body, and failing to meet the needs of future K–12 educators. Unless geography provides satisfactory human-environment education, it will likely have much less impact on twenty-first-century environmental science.
Generalized von Neumann-Kakutani transformation and random-start scrambled Halton sequences

It is a well-known fact that the Halton sequence exhibits poor uniformity in high dimensions. Starting with Braaten and Weller in 1979, several researchers introduced permutations to scramble the digits of the van der Corput sequences that make up the Halton sequence, in order to improve the uniformity of the Halton sequence. These sequences are called scrambled Halton, or generalized Halton sequences. Another significant result on the Halton sequence was the fact that it could be represented as the orbit of the von Neumann-Kakutani transformation, as observed by Lambert in 1982. In this paper, I will show that a scrambled Halton sequence can be represented as the orbit of an appropriately generalized von Neumann-Kakutani transformation. A practical implication of this result is that it gives a new family of randomized quasi-Monte Carlo sequences: random-start scrambled Halton sequences. This work generalizes random-start Halton sequences of Wang and Hickernell. Numerical results show that random-start scrambled Halton sequences can improve on the sample variance of random-start Halton sequences by factors as high as 7000.
Optical-field-ionized plasma x-ray lasers

A tabletop x-ray laser scheme involving lasing to the ground state of an ion following optical-field-induced ionization by a high-intensity short-pulse laser is studied. The role of the ground state in reducing the saturation intensity is calculated to be larger for H-like ions as compared with the effect in Li-like ions. Energy efficiencies of order ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ are calculated for the 3${\mathit{d}}_{5/2\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$2${\mathit{p}}_{3/2}$ transition at 98 \AA{} in Li-like Ne. The efficiency calculations are based on a driving laser with an intensity of 3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{17}$ W/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, a wavelength of 0.25 \ensuremath{\mu}m, a pulse duration of 100 fsec, and an input energy of 25--100 mJ. A correction to the standard stimulated Raman scattering growth rate is given for a finite laser pulse. Use of short pulses is shown to be sufficient to control heating from stimulated Raman scattering in Li-like Ne. Extending the scheme to shorter wavelengths (e.g., Li-like Al at 52 \AA{}) is difficult because of reduced efficiencies and excessive electron heating from Raman scattering.
Myostatin Is Elevated in Congenital Heart Disease and After Mechanical Unloading

Background Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass whose activity is upregulated in adult heart failure (HF); however, its role in congenital heart disease (CHD) is unknown.
Loss of Internal Backbone Carbonyls: Additional Evidence for Sequence-Scrambling in Collision-Induced Dissociation of y-Type Ions

It is shown that y-type ions, after losing C-terminal H2O or NH3, can lose an internal backbone carbonyl (CO) from different peptide positions and yield structurally different product fragment ions upon collision-induced dissociation (CID). Such CO losses from internal peptide backbones of y-fragment ions are not unique to a single peptide and were observed in four of five model peptides studied herein. Experimental details on examples of CO losses from y-type fragment ions for an isotopically labeled AAAAHAA-NH2 heptapeptide and des-acetylated-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (dα-MSH) (SYSMEHFRWGKPV-NH2) are reported. Results from isotope labeling, tandem mass spectrometry (MSn), and ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) confirm that CO losses from different amino acids of m/z-isolated y-type ions yield structurally different ions. It is shown that losses of internal backbone carbonyls (as CID products of m/z-isolated y-type ions) are among intermediate steps towards formation of rearranged or permutated product fragment ions. Possible mechanisms for generation of the observed sequence-scrambled a-“like” ions, as intermediates in sequence-scrambling pathways of y-type ions, are proposed and discussed. ᅟ
Interaction-Free Quantum Optical Fredkin Gates in $\chi^{(2)}$ Microdisks

We present novel “interaction-free” realizations of quantum optical Fredkin gates that do not rely on direct physical coupling between the target light (signal) and the control light (pump). The interaction-free feature of such gates allow to overcome the fundamental limits of photon loss and quantum-state decoherence imposed by the signal-pump coupling. This advantage, together with the low inherent quantum-noise level in χ(2) microdisks, gives rise to substantially improved performance over the existing Fredkin-gate designs. Explicitly using lithium-niobate mircrodisks, we present two kinds of interaction-free Fredkin gates, a phase gate and an optical-path gate, both of which are designed with telecom-band applications in mind. For both gates, the threshold pump peak power to achieve a gate contrast >;100 and a signal loss <;10% is hundreds of microwatts for practical parameters of the devices.
Ionizing radiation and packaging effects on respiratory behavior, fungal growth, and storage-life of peaches, Prunus persica☆

Abstract Investigations were conducted in 1960 to study effects of fast electron and gamma radiations and packaging films on respiratory rate, control of fungal deterioration, and subsequent refrigeration life of peaches. The fungi responsible for deterioration of peaches were also studied in vitro to determine if they were susceptible or resistant to ionizing (fast electron and gamma) radiations. Respiratory behavior of the fruits under normal as well as modified conditions was assessed with a Claypool and Keefer-type respirometer and Orsat-type gas analyzer. Two kinds of polyethylene films were used for packaging fruits. The fruits after treatments and packaging were stored at 40°F and 85 per cent relative humidity and at 75°F and 35 per cent relative humidity. Effects of ionizing radiations Peaches (var. Elberta) Fast electron and gamma radiation increased respiration and controlled fungus growth. A fungus study in vitro was conducted at ambient (75°F) temperature and relative humidity (35 per cent). The results obtained with fast electron radiation showed that the fungus inhibition effect of radiation was directly proportional to the dosage applied. Effects of ionizing radiations and packaging films Peaches (vars. Elberta and Gem) Peaches (var. Elberta) were packaged in Duratite (type of polyethylene) film and then were irradiated with fast electrons, while peaches (var. Gem) were irradiated with gamma rays before they were packaged in Duratite and another polyethylene film. In fast electron radiation experiments the CO2 accumulation inside the Duratite bags increased with the increasing radiation dosages; whereas in gamma radiation, dosages applied behaved similarly for both the films except that the levels of CO2 maintained in polyethylene film were lower than in Duratite film. At radiation dosage of 5 × 105 rad, injuries on peaches (var. Gem) were shown as brown areas on the surface of the fruit. Fast electron radiation dosages of 1 × 105 and 3 × 105 rad were effective in controlling fugus growth and in keeping fruit for longer periods of time than in controls and 5 × 105 rad treatment. The evaluation of marketable quality of the fruits in gamma radiation experiments was similar to that obtained with fast electron radiation with the exception that the gamma radiation dosage of 3 × 105 rad was best in controlling spoilage by fungi while the fast electron treatment of 1 × 105 rad was the best protective dosage. In general, fruits packaged in polyethylene seemed to be better protected than fruits packaged in Duratite bags. The fungi observed on peaches were predominantly Penicillium and Rhizopus species. In general it can be summarized that ionizing radiations (dose 1 to 3 × 105 rad) in conjunction with packaging in polyethylene bags increased the refrigerated life of fresh peaches by 15 to 20 days.
Novel Use of a Hemostatic Dressing in the Management of a Bleeding Leech Bite: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Persistent bleeding from leech bites is a common occurrence, although little evidence is available to guide management. Detailed here is the case of a 30-year-old American man who presented with two leech bites after a trek through the jungle in Nepal, one of which continued to briskly ooze blood despite standard wound care. The wound was ultimately treated with QuikClot gauze, which allowed for rapid hemostasis without rebleeding. This case report describes the first use of a hemostatic dressing for this purpose, and reviews what is known about hemostatic agents and about leeches in order to discuss how they make us bleed and what to do when a leech bite occurs.
MUON CAPTURE IN HEAVY NUCLEI

The systematics of muon capture rates in complex nuclei is discussed in the closure approximation. It is shown that for calculations in infinite nuclear matter, the nuclear ground state can be reasonably approximated by an infinite Fermi gas. The closure approximation and Fermi-gas model for the nuclear ground state are then used in an analysis of the experimental capture rates in a large number of nuclei. We find that this procedure does allow one to satisfactorily interpret quantitatively the muon-capture rates in the heavier nuclei and that it is possible to interpret the analysis in a manner which is not inconsistent with a universal Fermi interaction. The possibility of using muon capture rates to determine a neutron-proton nuclear-radius difference is also explored but with negative results.
The epidemiology of occupational heat exposure in the United States: a review of the literature and assessment of research needs in a changing climate

In recent years, the United States has experienced record-breaking summer heat. Climate change models forecast increasing US temperatures and more frequent heat wave events in the coming years. Exposure to environmental heat is a significant, but overlooked, workplace hazard that has not been well-characterized or studied. The working population is diverse; job function, age, fitness level, and risk factors to heat-related illnesses vary. Yet few studies have examined or characterized the incidence of occupational heat-related morbidity and mortality. There are no federal regulatory standards to protect workers from environmental heat exposure. With climate change as a driver for adaptation and prevention of heat disorders, crafting policy to characterize and prevent occupational heat stress for both indoor and outdoor workers is increasingly sensible, practical, and imperative.
Purification and biochemical properties of a fibrinolytic enzyme from Bacillus subtilis-fermented red bean

Abstract Natto-red bean with fibrinolytic activity was prepared by fermenting red beans with Bacillus subtilis. A fibrinolytic enzyme was purified from fermented natto-red bean by sequential steps of ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephacryl S-200 HR gel filtration and PBE 94 chromatofocusing. Through these steps, the purity of the enzyme increased 291-fold with 1.5% activity recovery. SDS–PAGE and isoelectric focusing electrophoresis showed the molecular mass and pI of the purified enzyme to be 29.93 kDa and 6.35, respectively. When N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-ρNA was used as an enzyme substrate, the Km, Vmax, and optimal reaction pH and temperature were 0.59 mM, 79.4 μmole ρNA/min mg, 9 and 60 °C, respectively. Among the synthetic substrates, the most sensitive were N-succinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-ρNA, followed by N-benzoyl-Val-Gly-Arg-ρNA. Chemical modifiers, such as phenylmethyl sulfonyfluoride, N-bromosuccinimide and N-ethyl-5-phenylisoxazolium-3′-sulfonate, almost completely inhibited the activity of the purified enzyme. These results indicated that the purified fibrinolytic enzyme was a subtilisin-like serine protease.
Dirac random-phase-approximation analysis of the inelastic scattering of 500 MeV protons from 40Ca.

The random-phase-approximation description of nuclear excitations is applied to the calculation of inelastic scattering of 500 MeV protons from {sup 40}Ca at 500 MeV. The calculations are based on a relativistic mean-field theory applied in a consistent manner for bound and continuum states in a distorted-wave impulse approximation. Differences in spin observables between our random-phase-approximation treatment and collective model treatments are traceable to {Delta}{ital S}=1 terms included in the random-phase approximation. Agreement with data is somewhat better using the random-phase-approximation approach.
Update on stress fractures in female athletes: epidemiology, treatment, and prevention

Stress fractures are a common type of overuse injury in athletes. Females have unique risk factors such as the female athlete triad that contribute to stress fracture injuries. We review the current literature on risk factors for stress fractures, including the role of sports participation and nutrition factors. Discussion of the management of stress fractures is focused on radiographic criteria and anatomic location and how these contribute to return to play guidelines. We outline the current recommendations for evaluating and treatment of female athlete triad. Technologies that may aid in recovery from a stress fracture including use of anti-gravity treadmills are discussed. Prevention strategies may include early screening of female athlete triad, promoting early participation in activities that improve bone health, nutritional strategies, gait modification, and orthotics.
Study of the Effects of Particle-Phase Carbon on the Gas/Particle Partitioning of Semivolatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere Using Controlled Field Experiments

A controlled field experiment (CFE) methodology with a filter/sorbent sampler was used to minimize artifact effects when measuring values of the gas/particle (G/P) partitioning constant (Kp, m3 μg-1) for semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) in the atmosphere. CFE sampling was conducted at three different locations (Beaverton, OR; Denver, CO; and Hills, IA). Kp values were measured for a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). To examine the possible effects on the G/P partitioning of the amounts of organic material (om) phase, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) in the sampled particulate material, the measured Kp values were normalized by the aerosol mass fractions fom, fOC, and fEC according to Kp/fom, Kp/fOC, and Kp/fEC. Using a log−log format, the resulting normalized values were all found to be more highly correlated with the subcooled liquid vapor pressure p°L than were the unnormalized Kp values. For the PAHs, the...
Study of partial oxidation reforming of methane to syngas over self-sustained electrochemical promotion catalyst

Abstract A self-sustained electrochemical promotion (SSEP) catalyst is synthesized for partial oxidation reforming (POXR) of CH 4 to produce syngas (H 2 and CO) at a relatively low temperature ranging from 350 to 650 °C. The SSEP catalyst is comprised of 4 components: microscopic Ni/Cu/CeO 2 anode, La 0.9 Sr 0.1 MnO 3 cathode, copper as electron conductor, and yttria-stabilized-zirconia as oxygen ion conductor, which form microscopic electrochemical cells to enable the self-sustained electrochemical promotion for the POXR process. The SSEP catalyst exhibited much better catalytic performance in POXR of CH 4 than a Ni–Cu–CeO 2 catalyst and a commercial Pt–CeO 2 catalyst. The CH 4 conversion over the SSEP catalyst is 29.4% at 350 °C and reaches 100% at 550 °C and the maximum selectivity to H 2 is on the level of 90% at 450–650 °C under a GHSV of 42,000 h −1 . The mechanism of the SSEP is discussed.
Psychometrics and Comparison of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale in a Male College Student Sample

The current study examined and compared the psychometric properties of the Sexual Compulsivity Scale and the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory in male college students. Participants included 334 male undergraduate students enrolled in Introductory Psychology courses. Zero-order correlation analyses were conducted and statistically compared to identify sexual behaviors and constructs significantly and differentially related to scores on the CSBI and SCS. Examination of the results suggests both of the compulsivity scales have good evidence for reliability and validity in a male college student sample, but may measure somewhat different aspects of compulsivity. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Gamma Rays from the Tycho Supernova Remnant: Multi-zone versus Single-zone Modeling

Recent Fermi and VERITAS observations of the prototypical Type Ia supernova remnant (SNR) Tycho have discovered ?-rays with energies E in the range 0.4?GeV E 10?TeV. Crucial for the theory of Galactic cosmic-ray origin is whether the ?-rays from SNRs are produced by accelerated hadrons (protons and ions) or by relativistic electrons. Here we show that strong constraints on the leptonic model imposed in the framework of the commonly used single-zone model are essentially removed if the analysis of the broadband radiation spectrum of Tycho is done in the two-zone (or, in general, multi-zone) approach, which is likely to apply to every SNR. Importantly, we show that the single-zone approach may underpredict the ?-ray fluxes by an order of magnitude. A hadronic model can, however, also fit the detected ?-ray spectrum. The difference between ?-ray fluxes of hadronic and leptonic origins becomes significant only at 300?MeV, which could be revealed by spectral measurements of Tycho and other SNRs at these energies.
A firm order vendor evaluation using a stratified sample

This paper examines a firm order vendor evaluation done at the Eisenhower Library, Johns Hopkins University. The entire population of firm orders for domestic publications was used as the sample for a controlled study of vendor performance in terms of order fill rate, vendor efficiency, and cost effectiveness. We attempted to ensure the accuracy of our study by stratifying the sample population, and by performing tests for statistical significance on our results. The final results of the survey helped determine the domestic vendor policy at the Eisenhower Library.
Nanosuspension Formulation of Itraconazole Eliminates the Negative Inotropic Effect of SPORANOX® in Dogs

Previously, it was observed that a nanosuspension formulation of itraconazole was more efficacious and yet less acutely toxic in rats as compared with the conventional solution formulation, SPORANOX® (itraconazole) Injection. The present study compares the two formulations with respect to specifically myocardial contractility in conscious dogs. Motivation for doing so is highlighted by the black-box warning in the package insert for SPORANOX® (itraconazole) Injection, which warns of negative inotropic effects. Conscious dogs, instrumented with a high-fidelity pressure transducer in the left ventricle, were placed in a sling for dosing and cardiac monitoring. Test and control articles were administered intravenously via a peripheral vein, and left ventricular parameters were measured continuously through 60 min from the start of dosing. As expected, SPORANOX® (itraconazole) Injection caused a significant reduction in myocardial contractility as determined by the contractility index. In contrast, the itraconazole nanosuspension administered at twice the dose and at twice the rate of infusion did not result in significant changes in myocardial contractility. A novel formulation technology applied to itraconazole completely prevented the negative inotropic effect observed in conscious dogs as compared with SPORANOX® (itraconazole) Injection.
Transmission electron microscopy of polycrystalline graphite

Abstract The preparation of polycrystalline graphite specimens for electron transmission microscopy is described. Examples of the results obtained with several different commercial graphites are presented. The observed structures are compared, and the influence of the preparation technique on the observations is discussed.
Treatment modification of yttrium-90 radioembolization based on quantitative positron emission tomography/CT imaging.

Treatment activity for yttrium-90 ( 90 Y) radioembolization when calculated by using the manufacturer-recommended technique is only partially patient-specific and may result in a subtumoricidal dose in some patients. The authors describe the use of quantitative 90 Y positron emission tomography/computed tomography as a tool to provide patient-specific optimization of treatment activity and evaluate this new method in a patient who previously received traditional 90 Y radioembolization. The modified treatment resulted in a 40-Gy increase in absorbed dose to tumor and complete resolution of disease in the treated area within 3 months.
Psychophysiological effects of noxious imagery: prevalence and prediction.

Abstract Research suggests that people who generate psychophysiological arousal in emotive imagery therapies are likely to show the largest therapeutic gains. This study investigated the frequency of occurrence and methods of predicting this imagery skill. The effects of five fearful imagery themes on 95 undergraduate volunteers were evaluated in individual sessions by psychophysiological (SRL, EKG and EMG), self-report (anxiety and clarity ratings) and behavioral (motoric expression) measures. Additionally, four questionnaires (Betts, Gordon, APQ and STAI) were administered in a group session. EKG arousal occurred in 66% of our subjects, SRL arousal in 38% and EMG arousal in 16%. Only 9% of our subjects experienced arousal in all three psychophysiological responses and 24% experienced arousal in neither. Motoric expression (overt behavioral emoting) best predicted psychophysiological arousal, self-report ratings were a distant second, and the questionnaires were worthless in this regard. Imagery-induced psychophysiological arousal appears to be a fairly common phenomena, though it eludes convenient prediction. Some training strategies were discussed, (response proposition instructions, biofeedback and motoric coaching), which could be employed with persons deficient in psychophysiological imagery skills prior to their commencing an emotive imagery therapy.
Building vocabulary in two languages: An examination of Spanish-speaking Dual Language Learners in Head Start

Abstract This study examines the English and Spanish vocabulary skills that young Dual Language Learners (DLLs) bring to Head Start, as well as their vocabulary learning over the year. Further, we isolate the unique contributions of various child, family, teacher, and classroom factors to these skills. Participants were drawn from a recent cohort of the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey. Results show that, for both Spanish and English vocabulary, child and family factors, especially the prevalence of each language in the household, play a role in initial skills and end-of-year skills. The quality of the language of classroom instruction also predicts Spanish and English vocabulary learning over the year for all children; in English, this relation is significantly greater for children with the lowest initial skills. Findings elucidate potential leverage points for intervention to improve Spanish and English vocabulary outcomes during Head Start for these vulnerable early learners.
Motor sequence learning and reading ability: Is poor reading associated with sequencing deficits?

Abstract Although it is widely assumed that children with learning disabilities have “sequencing problems,” these have not been well specified. A non-verbal serial reaction time (SRT) paradigm was used to evaluate motor sequence learning in 422 children between ages 7 and 11 in relation to reading, cognitive ability level, and attention problems. The children demonstrated the response profile typically associated with motor sequence learning, but the component of the profile indicative of implicit sequence learning was not reliably associated with any of the predictors. Cognitive ability predicted overall response time; cognitive ability, reading, and attention problems each predicted overall accuracy. Explicit learning was predicted by cognitive ability, but not by reading or attention problems. Thus, we found no evidence that poor reading is preferentially associated with a domain general deficit in sequential learning.
Fully static multiprocessor array realizability criteria for real-time recurrent DSP applications

The paper considers real time implementation of recurrent digital signal processing algorithms on an application-specific multiprocessor system. The objective is to devise a periodic, fully static task assignment for a DSP algorithm under the constraint of data sampling period by assuming interprocessor communication delay is negligible. Toward this goal, the authors propose a novel algorithm unfolding technique called the generalized perfect rate graph (GPRG). They prove that a recurrent algorithm will admit a fully static multiprocessor implementation for a given initiation interval if and only if the corresponding iterative computational dependence graph of this algorithm is a GPRG. Compared with previous results, GPRG often leads to a smaller unfolding factor /spl alpha//sub GPRG/. >
For Whom is this World Just?: Sexual Orientation and AIDS

The “just world” hypothesis has been used to explain victim blaming, or the attributions that people have for why a person has been victimized. Based on some of the premises of the just world hypothesis it was predicted that people would be more likely to attribute blame to a gay man with AIDS than they would to a heterosexual man with AIDS. From a sample of 79 undergraduate students it was found that a gay man was given more personal blame for contracting AIDS than a heterosexual man. Furthermore, the more intolerant people were towards gay men and the more fearful they were of contact with AIDS, the more likely they were to blame the gay man for contracting AIDS. Although preliminary, these results indicate the usefulness of the just world hypothesis for understanding the stigmatization of people with AIDS.
Particle circulation downstream from a tube immersed in a fluidized bed

Abstract Several observations regarding the “cap” or defluidized region above an immersed cylindrical object in a thin air-fluidized bed are reported. A novel experimental method is employed which allows the bulk movement of the cap to be monitored photographically by following the progression of a demarcation line between tinted beads which form an initial cap and non-tinted beads of the bulk emulsion phase. The dependent variable “total particle turnover time” is defined and a 23 factorial experiment indicated its dependence upon cylinder diameter, cylinder immersion depth and gas fluidization velocity. Preliminary results indicate that particle movement of the cap varies considerably even over a limited range of fluidization variables.
Ambipolar electrical transport in semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes.

Ambipolar electrical transport is reported in single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) field-effect transistors. In particular, the properties of SWNT junctions to TiC are discussed in detail. The carbide-nanotube junctions are abrupt and robust. In contrast to planar junctions, these contacts present low resistance for the injection of both $p$- and $n$-type carriers---the apparent barrier height of the junction is modified by the gate field. Thus SWNTs offer the novel possibility of ambipolar Ohmic contacts.
High Power 325 Light Emitting Diode Arrays by Flip-Chip Packaging

We report flip-chip 325 nm emission light emitting diodes over sapphire with dc powers as high as 0.84 mW at 180mA and pulse powers as high as 6.68 mW at 1A. These values to date are the highest reported powers for such short wavelength emitters. Our data shows the device output power under dc operation to be limited by the package heat dissipation. A study is presented to determine the role of thermal management in controlling the power output for the reported 325 nm ultraviolet light emitting diodes.
Dead-time corrections for multiplicity counters☆

Abstract Exact dead-time correction formulas are derived for the true mean and second factorial moment of a multiplicity distribution measured with a paralyzable dead-time system.