cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aerosol radiative forcing and the accuracy of satellite aerosol optical depth retrieval

[1] The minimum acceptable accuracy of the top of the atmosphere radiative flux of ΔF = 0.5 W/m2 leads to the required accuracy in satellite based aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval of about Δτ = 0.015 over the land and Δτ = 0.010 over the ocean. None of the current operational satellite based instruments for AOD retrieval has been able to achieve this accuracy. The RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) of the AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) is typically between 0.06 and 0.15, while the RMSE of the MODIS (Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) over the land has been estimated to be Δτ = 0.05 + 0.2τ, which varies between Δτ = 0.07 and Δτ = 0.21 within the limit of usual aerosol optical depth between τ = 0.1 and τ = 0.8. The Department of Energy research satellite instrument, the Multispectral Thermal Imager (MTI), is capable of retrieving aerosol optical depth with an accuracy of Δτ = 0.03 using an off nadir view at medium scattering angles. Theoretical analysis suggests that the uncertainties in aerosol phase function (due to uncertainties in aerosol shape, size distribution and optical properties) are the major obstacles for accurate aerosol optical depth retrieval. These uncertainties lead to a much larger error in aerosol optical depth retrieval at large scattering angles (usually at close to nadir view) than at off nadir views at medium scattering angles. On the basis of our theoretical analysis and on MTI experience, we suggest that in order to achieve the required accuracy in AOD retrieval, future satellite instruments using a single or dual-view AOD retrieval algorithm should use off-nadir views at medium scattering angles (between 50° and 100°).
JAK2-positive cutaneous myelofibrosis presenting as sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumors on the scalp: case presentation and review of the literature

We report the second case of cutaneous myelofibrosis with a documented JAK2 activating mutation involving the scalp of a 67-year-old woman with primary myelofibrosis in her marrow. In contrast to the previous case, the biopsy revealed extensive lesional collagen deposition and closely mimicked a fibrohistiocytic proliferation. Similar rare lesions occurring in the setting of myeloproliferative neoplasms have been called sclerosing extramedullary hematopoietic tumors. These entities appear histomorphologically and etiologically distinct from extramedullary hematopoiesis, and their diagnosis should prompt the workup for a myeloproliferative neoplasm in the absence of an antecedent diagnosis. The presence of the JAK2 mutation in our case confirmed that the lesions represented skin involvement by a neoplastic myeloid proliferation and not compensatory extramedullary hematopoiesis. Our patient died of disease several months following the appearance of her lesions, which is in keeping with other reports that suggest that cutaneous myelofibrosis may serve as an independent poor prognostic sign in otherwise advanced primary myelofibrosis. A review of the literature further emphasizes the importance of distinguishing this entity from mesenchymal neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia involving the skin.
DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE-ORIENTED MODELS FOR UNIVERSITY RESOURCE ALLOCATION

This article examines some methodologies for allocating instructional resources within a large, public university. Models are developed for allocating equipment and current expense funding that incorporate objective or performance-oriented variables, as well as weighting variables that enable decision makers to quantify the more subjective elements of the allocation process. As examples, the recent application of the models at Kent State University is described in order to illustrate the flexibility of these approaches in use.
STABILITY TECHNIQUE AND THOUGHT PROVOCATIVE DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS II

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the stability technique and thought provocative dynamical systems. It presents an extension of the deterministic results to random thought provocative nonlinear dynamical systems. The presented stability conditions demonstrate partial solutions to several problems that are of practical interest such as measurability of complexity and random disturbances, deterministic versus stochastic, and sensitivity of stability. This chapter presents a variety of Lyapunov functions together with stability conditions that exhibit statistical properties and also show the usefulness to the stability analysis of dynamical processes in biological, physical, and social sciences. The chapter highlights a basic stability result that unifies the earlier results in a systematic and unified way. The chapter discusses the practical significance of the stability conditions. The stability condition can be reformulated in the context of laws of large numbers with regard to elements of random rate matrix.
Interaction of staphylococcal exfoliative toxin with concanavalin A.

Abstract Treatment of mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) grown in vitro with purified staphylococcal exfoliative toxin (ET) increased the concanavalin A (Con A) agglutinability of MEF 3.5-fold over control cells. Possible explanations for this phenomenon were investigated. ET lacked proteolytic activity on denatured casein. Con A, however, was found to interact directly with ET as evidenced by the formation of precipitation in an agar gel diffusion plate and in increased turbidity in solution. This interaction was inhibited by α-methyl-d-glucopyranoside. The ability of Con A to precipitate with ET suggests that the toxin contains a carbohydrate component and that the carbohydrate associated with ET is branched rather than linear. An analysis of a purified preparation of ET indicated the presence of 9% carbohydrate and no lipid.
Regulation of rat intestinal Na-dependent phosphate transporters by dietary phosphate

Hyperphosphatemia associated with chronic kidney disease is one of the factors that can promote vascular calcification, and intestinal Pi absorption is one of the pharmacological targets that prevents it. The type II Na-Pi cotransporter NaPi-2b is the major transporter that mediates Pi reabsorption in the intestine. The potential role and regulation of other Na-Pi transporters remain unknown. We have identified expression of the type III Na-Pi cotransporter PiT-1 in the apical membrane of enterocytes. Na-Pi transport activity and NaPi-2b and PiT-1 proteins are mostly expressed in the duodenum and jejunum of rat small intestine; their expression is negligible in the ileum. In response to a chronic low-Pi diet, there is an adaptive response restricted to the jejunum, with increased brush border membrane (BBM) Na-Pi transport activity and NaPi-2b, but not PiT-1, protein and mRNA abundance. However, in rats acutely switched from a low- to a high-Pi diet, there is an increase in BBM Na-Pi transport activity in the duodenum that is associated with an increase in BBM NaPi-2b protein abundance. Acute adaptive upregulation is restricted to the duodenum and induces an increase in serum Pi that produces a transient postprandial hyperphosphatemia. Our study, therefore, indicates that Na-Pi transport activity and NaPi-2b protein expression are differentially regulated in the duodenum vs. the jejunum and that postprandial upregulation of NaPi-2b could be a potential target for treatment of hyperphosphatemia.
Comparison of the protein conformations between different forms (Pr and Pfr) of native (124 kDa) and degraded (118/114 kDa) phytochromes from Avena sativa.

— Circular dichroic properties of native, 124 kDa phytochrome from etiolated Avena sativa seedlings have been examined and compared with those of degraded phytochrome (118/114 kDa). The CD spectrum of the Pr form of 124 kDa phytochrome does not differ significantly in the visible region from that of 118/114 kDa Pr. In contrast, the CD spectrum of the Pfr form of 124 kDa phytochrome differs from that of the 118/114 kDa species in the far-red, red and blue regions of the spectrum. This result confirms that the NH2-terminal polypeptide segment has a critical role in chromophore-protein interaction in the Pfr but not in the Pr form. In the UV region, 124 kDa phytochrome exhibits a photoreversible difference between the CD spectra of Pr and Pfr, whereas no such difference is observed for 118/114 kDa preparations. These data suggest a possible photoreversible change in secondary structure of the 124 kDa phytochrome polypeptide that requires the presence of the 6/10 kDa NH2-terminal domain to occur.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination of fibreoptic bronchoscopes.

Abstract A pseudo-epidemic of Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection was traced to a contaminated fibreoptic bronchoscope. A syndrome consistent with Ps. aeruginosa pneumonia developed in one immunosuppressed patient within 72 h of bronchoscopy. The controversy regarding proper cleaning, disinfection and sterilization guidelines for the fibreoptic bronchoscope is reviewed. Routine surveillance of bronchial wash cultures by the hospital infection control team is advocated to facilitate detection of a contaminated bronchoscope.
Homegrown Institutional Legitimacy: Assessing Citizens' Diffuse Support for their State Courts

In the years following the United States Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore, the public's support for the judicial system looms as an especially important concern. While studies have confirmed that the Supreme Court's reservoir of public good will has remained largely intact following the politically divisive decision, the status of public support for other American courts has received little attention. This reflects a broader trend in judicial politics scholarship toward placing inordinate attention on explaining public support for the U.S. Supreme Court, while largely ignoring the courts where most of the policy-making in the nation occurs - state courts. We use 2001 survey data from a nationwide sample to assess the factors influencing diffuse citizen support for state courts. We find that many of the considerations affecting diffuse support for state courts parallel the determinants of such support for the nation's high Court. However, we also find important differences between explanations of citizen support for state courts and the Supreme Court.
Pressure‐induced reversible changes in secondary structure of poly(L‐lysine): An ir spectroscopic study

The effect of elevated hydrostatic pressure on the secondary structure of poly(L-lysine) was studied using Fourier transform ir spectroscopy. According to changes observed in the amide I band, both the β-sheet and the unordered polypeptide undergo a reversible, pressure-induced conformational change to α-helix. The conversion occurs at a much higher pressure from the unordered conformer (∼ 9 kbar) than from the β-sheets (∼ 2 kbar). The structural changes were found to be slower at pH > 11, especially at the highest concentration investigated (10 wt%), reflecting the fact that extensive hydrogen-bond networks have to reorganize. This study shows that alterations of polypeptidic conformations induced by elevated hydrostatic pressure are reversible, but that an apparent irreversibility can result from kinetic factors in the case of conformational changes involving extensive rearrangements. The present results also show that the strength of the hydrogen bonds between the backbone amide groups is not the only factor that determines the closest packing of the polypeptide molecules.
Control of cell migration in two and three dimensions using substrate morphology

We have shown that en masse cell migration of fibroblasts on the planar surface results in a radial outward trajectory, and a spatially dependent velocity distribution that decreases exponentially in time towards the single cell value. If the cells are plated on the surface of aligned electrospun fibers above 1 microm in diameter, they become polarized along the fiber, expressing integrin receptors which follow closely the contours of the fibers. The velocity of the cells on the fibrous scaffold is lower than that on the planar surface, and does not depend on the degree of orientation. Cells on fiber smaller than 1 microm migrate more slowly than on the planar surface, since they appear to have a large concentration of receptors. True three-dimensional migration can be observed when plating the droplet on a scaffold comprises of at least three layers. The cells still continue to migrate on the fibers surfaces, as they diffuse into the lower layers of the fibrous scaffold.
A Mixture of High Molecular Alkyl-dimethyl-benzyl-ammonium Chlorides as an Antiseptic.∗

Recent investigations have shown that certain alkyl-dimethyl-benzyl ammonium chlorides,possess characteristics highly desirable in an antiseptic or germicide. The product is obtained as a mixture of homologues in which the alkyls represent radicals derived from the fatty acids of coconut oil. The mixture has been found to be quite uniform in composition.This compound is an amber-colored solid of soap-like consistency. From the solid is generally prepared a 10% aqueous stock solution, which is slightly acid in reaction and which has a surface tension of less than 36 dynes/cm.Germicidal tests were carried out according to F.D.A. methods.† The cultures of Staphylococcus aureus and Eberthella typhosa used were secured from the Food and Drug Administration at Washington, D. C., the streptococci from the Boston City Hospital, and the other organisms from the collection of the Department of Biology and Public Health at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.All the bacteria were cultivated in Reddish broth, w...
Altered accumulation of zinc by aging human fibroblasts in culture

Abstract Human fetal lung fibroblasts were tested for their ability to accumulate zinc and to bind bacteria after 20–24 generations in tissue culture and again after 56–57 generations when the fibroblasts are near the end of their capacity for cell division. Uptake of 65 ZnCl 2 (measured under unsaturated conditions as accumulation per cell and per mg cell protein during a 1-hour incubation) was stable between 20 and 24 generations, and over a 3-day period of confluency. However, there was a 40 percent reduction of zinc uptake per mg of fibroblast protein at 56–57 generations, when the cells were larger. In contrast, incubation of labeled bacteria for 1 hour with the fibroblasts resulted in a constant proportion binding per unit cell mass at 20–24 and 56–57 generations. It is concluded that bacterial binding sites on the cell surface do not diminish with aging of fibroblasts, whereas uptake of zinc per unit cytoplasm undergoes reduction as a consequence of the aging process.
The cytological changes in the hypophysis cerebri of the garter snake (Thamnophis radix) following thyroidectomy

Changes in the hypophysis cerebri of the garter snake, Thamnophis radix radix Baird and Gerard, were found in the anterior lobe of the nineteen thyroidectomized animals reported. Chromophobic cells enlarge and acquire a basophilic granulation, to become apparently normal beta (basophilic) cells. These, along with the beta cells originally present, become vacuolated, lose their granular content, apparently by liquefaction of the granules, and finally degenerate. The hypophyses of animals kept at 90°F. after thyroidectomy do not show degeneration of beta cells to the same degree that glands from animals kept at 70°F. (approximately) do. A reduction in the number of alpha (oxyphilic) cells is found under all conditions. A brief description of the morphology and normal histology of the gland is included.
Assessment of body image flexibility: The Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire

Abstract Acceptance and mindfulness components are increasingly incorporated into treatment for eating disorders with promising results. The development of measures of proposed change processes would facilitate ongoing scientific progress. The current series of studies evaluated one such instrument, the Body Image-Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ), which was designed to measure body image flexibility. Study one focused on the generation and reduction of items for the BI-AAQ and a demonstration of construct validity. Body image flexibility was associated with increased psychological flexibility, decreased body image dissatisfaction, and less disordered eating. Study two demonstrated adequate internal consistency and test–retest reliability of BI-AAQ. Study three extended findings related to structural and construct validity, and demonstrated an indirect effect of body image dissatisfaction on disordered eating via body image flexibility. Research and clinical utility of the BI-AAQ are discussed. The BI-AAQ is proposed as a measure of body image flexibility, a potential change process in acceptance-oriented treatments of eating disorders.
NATIONAL IDENTITY AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN COLONIZATION, 1773–1817

(1995). National Identity and African‐American Colonization, 1773–1817. The Historian: Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 15-28.
New Faculty Do Want to Teach

Applicants for a tenure-line assistant professor position in cognitive psychology at a public regional university were surveyed on their teaching preparation, interest, and experience 3 years later. Respondents (n = 76) rated their preparation to teach undergraduates as good or excellent, and they demonstrated a strong interest in teaching.
Ion-implanted potassium in tungsten

Abstract Potassium was ion-implanted at 180 keV into recrystallized lamp-grade tungsten with dose of 5 × 10 16 / cm 2 . In the as-implanted condition potassium atoms are dispersed in a microcrystalline tungsten lattice. Upon annealing, very small and finely distributed potassium bubbles develop. The bubbles geometries are {011}-faceted dodecahedra with truncation on {001} planes. The crystal orientation of condensed potassium precipitates inside the bubbles is identical with the orientation of the tungsten matrix.
Three-wave parametric amplification in time-dependent media, with application to stimulated Brillouin scattering.

A method is presented for evaluating the amplification of a three-wave parametric instability in a medium having a slow, locally linear variation in both time and space, and is applied to the specific case of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a plasma undergoing an isothermal rarefaction. Time dependence can substantially alter the gain of such a parametric amplifier. For SBS in a subsonic rarefaction, inclusion of time dependence eliminates the absolute instability.
Synthesis and NMR analysis of isotopically enriched methanol

Four isotopomers of methanol were prepared enriched with 13C, 12C, and deuterium, including [13C, 2H4]methanol, [13C]methanol, [12C, 2H4]methanol and [12C]methanol. These compounds were analysed by proton NMR and by deuterium and 13C NMR, both proton coupled and decoupled. The spectra are useful for calculating the isotopomer distribution and for determining the percentage enrichment in the labeled positions, for which each spectrum provides unique information. A variety of coupling constants and isotope shifts are also reported.
Ultrastructural Localization of Peroxidase on Pseudopods and Other Structures of the Typical Thyroid Epithelial Cell

The ultrastructural distribution of peroxidase activity, detected cytochemically, was examined in thyroids from normal and hypophysec-tomized rats injected with TSH. Although perox-idase activity was present on the apical plasma membrane of thyroid follicular cells and at the base of pseudopods, it was always absent from the edges of pseudopods protruding into the follicular lumen and was never present in colloid droplets. The origin of the peroxidase in the apical plasma membrane appears due to fusion of peroxidase-positive apical vesicles with the plasma membrane. Peroxidase appears to diffuse only slowly on the plasma membrane, or, perhaps, it may be excluded from some areas. Peroxidase activity was also detected n i coated pits, in coated vesicles, and in the matrix of multivesicular bodies (MVB), but not in the microvesicles in the MVB. This finding is consistent with the observations in other tissues indicating that coated vesicles fuse with MVB and empty their contents therein. Strongly reactive bo...
MOVEMENT RETRIEVAL FROM LONG-TERM MEMORY: PHYSICAL VERSUS MENTAL REHEARSAL

Despite references in the psychomotor literature regarding the use of rehearsal strategies in recovering movements from longer term memory, no significant difference between physical (overt) and mental (covert) rehearsal strategies for retrieving a complex dance movement over 30 min., 2 days, and 1 wk. were observed for 72 college women in beginning dance classes. Further, no rehearsal was as effective as either physical or mental rehearsal for retrieving dance movements for up to 1 wk. after original learning by these inexperienced dancers. The findings raise the possibility that other forms of retrieval than those already proposed are used to recover complex dance movements from longer term memory.
A Five-Year Master of Environmental Engineering Curriculum

The master’s degree is essentially the entry-level degree for those wanting to practice environmental engineering. Although the BS/MSCE (environmental emphasis) path produces graduates in high demand by employers, certain parts of the environmental engineering discipline demand graduates with a more specialized degree program. In response to the need for a specialized, or “professional,” degree program, Texas Tech offers an alternative to the traditional path to becoming an environmental engineer: the Master of Environmental Engineering (MEnvE) degree. The courses in the curriculum (EnvE course numbers) are taught by either civil or chemical engineering faculty. The MEnvE degree is a five-year “freshman-to-master’s degree” program. The BS/MSCE (environmental emphasis) degree program and the MEnvE program essentially require the same number of credit hours and many of the same courses. One principal difference between the two programs is that the BS/MSCE path provides graduates with a broader civil engineering or chemical engineering background while the MEnvE program provides graduates with more concentrated preparation in biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, and environmental engineering. A second principal difference is that MEnvE graduates are focused on environmental engineering design. Thus, the MEnvE degree program is referred to as a professional degree program since graduates from the program typically enter professional practice rather than continue for a PhD degree.
AFRICOM from Bush to Obama

The creation of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) generated considerable controversy, not only in Africa, but also within the United States. Four years on, it is possible to tentatively re-examine the premises underlying the establishment of AFRICOM as well as its activities to date, measuring them against both the promise held out by the command's proponents and the fears raised by its critics. The conclusion is that, protestations to the contrary by certain US officials notwithstanding, American interests were indeed the primary motivation for the command's launch. Nonetheless, it has turned out that in pursuit of those strategic objectives, AFRICOM's activities are, at most, an extension of and perhaps improved delivery on ongoing US security cooperation with the African states involved, rather than the vanguard of some new militarised foreign policy. While a number of questions linger, AFRICOM seems to be progressively finding its niche within both US policy and Africa's own security architec...
Evaluation of muscarinic M2 receptor sites in basal forebrain and brainstem cholinergic systems of behaviorally characterized young and aged long-evans rats

Abstract Aged (23–25-month-old) male Long-Evans rats were assessed for deficits in spatial cognition relative to young (4–6-month-old) rats. An in vitro autoradiography study was then conducted for muscarinic M2 sites using [3H]AF-DX 384 to assess binding in basal forebrain and brainstem areas where cholinergic neurons are localized. The analysis of basal forebrain included the medial septal/diagonal band region that provides cholinergic innervation of the hippocampus; the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus and pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus were analyzed in the brainstem. A significant age-related reduction in M2 binding was found in both the basal forebrain and brainstem. Only the reduction in the basal forebrain, however, was correlated with spatial learning impairment. Although the basal forebrain and brainstem cholinergic systems are each vulnerable in normal aging, contributions to the behavioral effects of aging may be distinctive for the two systems.
Disruption of the Diaphanous-related formin Drf1 gene encoding mDia1 reveals a role for Drf3 as an effector for Cdc42.

Abstract Background: Mammalian Diaphanous-related formins (Drfs) act as Rho small GTPase effectors during growth factor-induced cytoskeletal remodeling and cell division. While both p140 mDia1 (herein called Drf1) and p134 mDia2 (Drf3) have been shown to bind in vitro to activated RhoA-C, and Drf3 has also been shown to bind to Cdc42, little is known about the cellular function of these GTPase effector pairs. Thus, we have begun targeting the murine Drf genes to address their various contributions to small GTPase signaling in cytoskeletal remodeling and development. Results: Drf1 +/+, +/− , and −/− cell lines were derived from embryonic stem cells. While some Drf1 +/− lines had fewer actin stress fibers, several Drf1 +/− and −/− cells were more motile and had more abundant lamella and filopodia. Because the apparent "gain-of-function" corresponded with elevated levels of Drf3 protein expression, we hypothesized that the effects on the actin cytoskeleton were due to Cdc42 utilization of Drf3 as an effector. In this study, we found that inactive Drf3 variants and microinjected Drf3 antibodies interfered with Cdc42-induced filopodia. In addition, we observed that Drf3 contains a previously unidentified CRIB-like motif within its GTPase binding domain (GBD). By fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis, we demonstrate that this motif is required for Cdc42 binding and Drf3 recruitment to the leading edge and, surprisingly, to the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) of migrating fibroblasts. Conclusions: Our observations extend the role of the mammalian Drfs in cell signaling and demonstrate that Cdc42 not only activates Drf3, but guides the effector to sites at the cell cortex where it remodels the actin cytoskeleton.
Comparison of two FDTD near-field to near-field transformations applied to pulsed antenna problems

Recently, a time-domain, near-field to near-field transformation, based on the Stratton-Chu representation, was presented for use with the FDTD method. In the Letter, an alternative near-field to near-field transformation based on the Kirchhoff representation is described. Savings of both computation time and computer memory are achieved using the Kirchhoff formulation. Comparisons of the savings attained are illustrated through an example, the application of the transformation to a TEM horn antenna for pulse radiation.
Su1362 Novel Use of Long, Large Caliber, Fenestrated Johlin Stents for Endoscopic Transpapillary Gallbladder Stenting

was lost to follow up. The mean follow up on the remaining 19 patients was 272 days (range 12-1098). No post-procedural complications were noted. Symptoms were noted to resolve or improve in 17/19 cases. Eight (8/19) patients died during follow up, none from biliary complications. Eleven patients were alive at the time of follow up. Six patients still had their gallbladder stent in place, three patients went on to have cholecystectomy and two had gallbladder stent removed due to persistent symptoms. The mean follow up time for the six patients with stents still in place is 574.5 days (range 320-1098 days); none of these patients required a stent exchange. Conclusions: Our experience in patients without cirrhosis demonstrates that transpapillary gallbladder stenting has an excellent safety profile. Rendezvous with a percutaneous transcholecystic wire can facilitate technical success. The majority of patients received prolonged symptomatic improvement.
Escitalopram effects on insula and amygdala BOLD activation during emotional processing

Rationale The amygdala and insular cortex are integral to the processing of emotionally salient stimuli. We have shown in healthy volunteers that an anxiolytic agent, lorazepam, dose-dependently attenuates activation of limbic structures.
Engineering Spatial Coherence of Lasers for Speckle-Free Imaging

We showed that random lasers can be engineered to provide low spatial coherence. By exploiting the low spatial coherence of specifically-designed random lasers, we demonstrated speckle-free full-field imaging in the setting of intense optical scattering.
Forecasting Dangerous Inmate Misconduct: An Application of Ensemble Statistical Procedures

In this paper, we attempt to forecast which prison inmates are likely to engage in very serious misconduct while incarcerated. Such misconduct would usually be a major felony if committed outside of prison: drug trafficking, assault, rape, attempted murder and other crimes. The binary response variable is problematic because it is highly unbalanced. Using data from nearly 10,000 inmates held in facilities operated by the California Department of Corrections, we show that several popular classification procedures do no better than the marginal distribution unless the data are weighted in a fashion that compensates for the lack of balance. Then, random forests performs reasonably well, and better than CART or logistic regression. Although less than 3% of the inmates studied over 24 months were reported for very serious misconduct, we are able to correctly forecast such behavior about half the time.
The Harmful Effects and Treatment of Coronary Air Embolism During Open-Heart Surgery

Abstract Residual coronary air embolism after heart-lung bypass is an occasional cause of poor myocardial contractility and low cardiac output. To quantitate the amount of myocardial depression from given amounts of air and to explore the most efficient way to remove coronary air, 19 dog experiments were carried out. During extracorporeal circulation, balloons were inserted into the right and left ventricular cavities to measure isovolumetric myocardial contractility. Small amounts of air injected into the aortic root caused transient myocardial depression with rapid recovery. Repeated injections of small amounts of air produced an additive effect—more depression and slower recovery with each injection. A pure peripheral vasoconstrictor was not as effective as an inotropic drug such as ephedrine or isoproterenol in improving contractility. By far the most effective method of removing air from the coronary arteries and improving contractility and color of the myocardium was to increase the perfusion flow rate for one minute to one and one-half to two times normal. Large amounts of foam appeared from the coronary sinus when flow rates were increased, and hearts intractable to electrical defibrillation became pink and responded to a single shock.
Morphology Formation in Mixing of Copolyester Thermoplastic Elastomer (Hytrel) with Poly(vinyl chloride) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Study on Solid Structures of the Mixture

A mechanical mixing of copolyester thermoplastic elastomer (Hytrel) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was carried out in an internal mixer, and the morphological changes during mixing were monitored with a scanning electron microscope. It is found that Hytrel formed a continuous phase and PVC was dispersed throughout, first by removal of skins and then gradual disintegration of the particles into the substructures of its unique hierarchy. Proton spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T 1ρ , were evaluated from CP/MAS 13 C NMR spectra to determine the solid morphology after the completion of mixing. Pure phases of both Hytrel and PVC microcrystallites were present, dispersed in a mixed matrix. The maximum and minimum domain sizes of the dispersed phases were estimated to be ca. 14 and 24 A, respectively.
Logical operators of quantum codes

I show how applying a symplectic Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization to the normalizer of a quantum code gives a different way of determining the code's logical operators. This approach may be more natural in the setting where we produce a quantum code from classical codes because the generator matrices of the classical codes form the normalizer of the resulting quantum code. This technique is particularly useful in determining the logical operators of an entanglement-assisted code produced from two classical binary codes or from one classical quaternary code. Finally, this approach gives additional formulas for computing the amount of entanglement that an entanglement-assisted code requires.
Cellular and Epstein-Barr virus specific DNA polymerases in virus-producing Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines

We have determined the levels of cellular DNA polymerases and Epstein-Barr virus specific DNA polymerase in three Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines producing varying amounts of EBV, one of which was induced by 12-0-tetra-decanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). There was a proportional increase in the level of EBV-DNA polymerase with an increase in the percent of virus-producing cells. However, there was a reciprocal relationship between the levels of EBV-DNA polymerase and DNA polymerase alpha i.e., in cell line containing the highest level of EBV-DNA polymerase, activity of DNA polymerase alpha, but not of DNA polymerase beta, was reduced to an insignificantly low level. TPA does not have any direct effect on activities of either EBV-DNA polymerase or DNA polymerase alpha. EBV-DNA polymerases isolated from cells grown with or without TPA are indistinguishable in their properties such as elution position on phosphocellulose column, molecular weight, mono and divalent cation requirements, pH optimum, and other requirements for optimum activity. Addition of crude extracts of cells grown in presence of TPA to the purified DNA polymerase alpha did not inhibit its activity indicating that the observed loss was not due to any specific inhibitor present in TPA treated cells. Raji, a nonproducer cell line, did not contain EBV-DNA polymerase. There was no induction of EBV-DNA polymerase when Raji cells were grown in presence of TPA. The phenomenon of reduction in the levels of DNA polymerase alpha in cells induced to produce EBV may represent a mechanism by which the host DNA replication is shut off following virus infection.
Liquid‐liquid equilibria and theta temperatures in binary solvent‐copolymer solutions from a perturbed hard‐sphere‐chain equation of state

The perturbed hard-sphere-chain (PHSC) equation of state for copolymer systems is used to calculate liquid-liquid equilibria for binary solvent/copolymer systems that exhibit simultaneously an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and a lower critical solution temperature. The PHSC equation of state for copolymer solutions uses those binary parameters that represent liquid-liquid equilibria for the two parent homopolymer solutions. An additional intersegmental parameter is also required to define the interaction energy between a pair of chemically dissimilar segments comprising the copolymer molecule. Theory is compared with experiment for binary copolymer solutions containing poly(styrene-co-α-methylstyrene) random copolymers. Using the same K BC , the intersegmental parameter between styrene and α-methylstyrene segments, theory and experiment show fair agreement for the copolymer-composition dependence of theta temperatures associated with UCST in cyclohexane, methyl cyclohexane, and decalin. A comparison is also made between K BC obtained from the copolymer-solution data and that obtained from the coexistence curve of homopolymer blends containing polystyrene and poly(α-methylstyrene). Data for copolymer solutions require a K BC . that represents interactions more unfavorable than those in homopolymer blends.
Uniaxial Compression Behavior of Bulk Nano-twinned Gold from Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Parallel molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the influence of pre-existing growth twin boundaries on the slip activity of bulk gold under uniaxial compression. The simulations were performed on a 3D, fully periodic simulation box at 300 K with a constant strain rate of 4×10 7 s −1 . Different twin boundary interspacings from 2 nm to 16 nm were investigated. The strength of bulk nano-twinned gold was found to increase as the twin interspacing was decreased. However, strengthening effects related to the twin size were less significant in bulk gold than in gold nanopillars. The atomic analysis of deformation modes at the twin boundary/slip intersection suggested that the mechanisms of interfacial plasticity in nano-twinned gold were different between bulk and nanopillar geometries.
Heart failure in African Americans: Disparities can be overcome

African Americans are disproportionately affected by heart failure, with a high prevalence at an early age. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease are all common in African Americans and all predispose to heart failure. Neurohormonal imbalances, endothelial dysfunction, genetic polymorphisms, and socioeconomic factors also contribute. In general, the same evidence-based treatment guidelines that apply to white patients with heart failure also apply to African Americans. However, the combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate is advised specifically for African Americans.
Court rules on U.S. Greenhouse Gas Regulation

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that greenhouse gases are ‘pollutants’ under the federal Clean Air Act and that the U.S. government has the authority to regulate them. Twelve states and several non-profit organizations had sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after EPA ruled in 2003 that it lacked authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. The Court, in its 5-4 ruling, objected to EPA's “laundry list of reasons not to regulate” greenhouse gases and said that EPA “offered no reasoned explanation for its refusal to decide whether greenhouse gases cause or contribute to climate change.” EPA was ordered to revisit its decision on regulating greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles. The full Court opinion on Massachusetts us. EPA is available at http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf
Structure and protein composition of sites of papillary muscle attachment to chordae tendineae in avian hearts.

Most cardiac myocytes transmit force across fasciae adherentes, specialized sites of cell-cell adhesion. However, some cardiac myocytes in papillary muscle terminate on collagenous connective tissue in the chordae tendineae. These papillary myotendinous junctions (MTJs) are specialized for force transmission from myocytes to extracellular matrix. In the present study, we compared structural molecules at papillary MTJs to those at fasciae adherentes and skeletal MTJs. By using indirect immunofluorescence, we found that papillary MTJs more closely resemble skeletal MTJs in their molecular composition in that they are enriched in talin, vinculin, integrin, and fibronectin. Zeugmatin and α-actinin, both components of fasciae adherentes, are absent from papillary MTJs. Although papillary MTJs and skeletal MTJs display strong similarities in structural protein composition, ultrastructural organization of the two junctions is different. Papillary MTJs display little folding of the junctional membrane and, according to morphological criteria, more closely resemble sites of thin filament-membrane association in smooth muscle than skeletal MTJs. Thus, papillary MTJs display a combination of structural characteristics described previously in skeletal and smooth muscles but exhibit few structural features observed previously in cardiac fasciae adherentes.
Effects of liquid antistrip additives on rheology and moisture susceptibility of water bearing warm mixtures

Abstract Warm mix asphalt (WMA) has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years around the world. Rising energy prices, global warming, and more stringent environmental regulations have resulted in an interest in WMA technologies as a mean to decrease the energy consumption and emissions. However, the water absorption and release process caused by water bearing WMA additive (Asphamin) makes the charge re-distribution complex and thus may result in the moisture induced damage of asphalt mixtures. Especially, the liquid antistrip additives (ASAs) blended with the binder and then mixed with aggregate and Asphamin make the issue more complicated. The objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the rheological properties and moisture susceptibility of the binder and mixture containing ASAs and Asphamin additive. The experimental design for this study included rheological property tests of binders and moisture susceptibility of mixtures. The materials included one binder (PG 64-16), two liquid ASAs and hydrated lime, one water bearing additive, and three aggregate sources. The performed testing included viscosity, performance grade, creep and creep recovery, amplitude sweep, frequency sweep, boiling test, and indirect tensile strength (ITS). The results indicated that the addition of Asphamin can slightly increase the viscosity, failure temperature and G * /sin δ values. The mixture containing Asphamin has a lower ITS value than others. Statistical analysis illustrates that there is not significant difference in ITS value between any mixtures containing Asphamin additive and control mixtures. However, significant differences can be found between mixtures containing Asphamin and without any Asphamin additive.
A comparison of the efficacy of pyloromyotomy and pyloroplasty in patients with gastroesophageal reflux and delayed gastric emptying

Abstract Purpose: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) in children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is often treated with a gastric emptying procedure. Although pyloroplasty is the most common gastric emptying procedure performed, pyloromyotomy is easier to perform and is associated with less morbidity. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of pyloromyotomy and pyloroplasty in children with DGE and GER undergoing a fundoplication. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts of 54 patients with DGE who underwent pyloromyotomy (n = 29), or pyloroplasty (n = 25) along with a fundoplication. A technetium 99-labeled sulfur colloid liquid-phase gastric emptying study (GES) was performed in the pre-and early postoperative period (within 6 months after operation). Normal stomach emptying was defined as greater than 40% at 1 hour. Comparisons were made with regard to postoperative complication rate, incidence of redo fundoplication, length of postoperative hospital stay, and pre- and postoperative GES. Results: The pyloroplasty and pyloromyotomy group were comparable in terms of age, sex, operative indications, and neurological status. There was no significant difference in the GES between the two groups preoperatively. There was a trend toward a decreased incidence of early postoperative complications including gas bloat, wound infection, pneumonia, dysphagia, bowel obstruction and dumping syndrome in the pyloromyotomy (8, 28%) when compared with the pyloroplasty group (12, 48%, P = .10). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 10.6 ± 1.4 days for the pyloroplasty group and 7.6 ± 1.0 days for the pyloromyotomy group ( P + .08). The incidence of a redo fundoplication was 8% in the pyloroplasty and 7% in the pyloromyotomy group. Postoperative gastric emptying increased significantly in both groups (pyloroplasty group, from 18.1 ± 3.1 to 49.5 ± 7.9%, P = .0005; pyloromyotomy group, from 19.3 ± 2.1 to 41.2 ± 3.7%, P = .0001). There was no significant difference in the postoperative GES between the two groups ( P = .289). Conclusion: Both pyloroplasty and pyloromyotomy performed in conjunction with a fundoplication resulted in a significant increase in early postoperative gastric emptying. There was no advantage of pyloroplasty over pyloromyotomy during this follow-up period. These data suggest that pyloromyotomy is an effective gastric emptying procedure in children with GER and DGE.
A young boy with a perioral eruption

From Re H Sa The st Dr Fe Bi de Fe A M An 11-year-old Asian American boy presented to our department after a several-day history of an itchy perioral eruption. The patient had 1 previous similar incident that resolved without treatment. He denied any changes in medications or personal hygiene products. A review of his diet revealed a recent increased consumption of fruits, specifically watermelon and mango. His history was negative for eczema or acne. The patient did have a previous episode of poison ivy dermatitis. The physical examination revealed a sharply demarcated, erythematous, eczematous eruption in a perioral distribution. The lips were involved, with mild erythema and edema (Figs 1 and 2). His neck and upper extremities were not involved.
Pathogenesis of CNS involvement in disorders of amino and organic acid metabolism

Inherited disorders of amino and organic acid metabolism have a high cumulative frequency, and despite heterogeneous aetiology and varying clinical presentation, the manifestation of neurological disease is common. It has been demonstrated for some of these diseases that accumulating pathological metabolites are directly involved in the manifestation of neurological disease. Various pathomechanisms have been suggested in different in vitro and in vivo models including an impairment of brain energy metabolism, an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, altered transport across the blood-brain barrier and between glial cells and neurons, impairment of myelination and disturbed neuronal efflux of metabolic water. This review summarizes recent knowledge on pathomechanisms involved in phenylketonuria, glutaric aciduria type I, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency and aspartoacylase deficiency with examples, highlighting general as well as disease-specific concepts and their putative impact on treatment.
Manufacturing feasibility evaluation of RFID chips embedded in artificial organs

Advances in medical technology rely heavily on the collection and analysis of measured data to facilitate patient diagnosis and business decisions. The healthcare industry, particularly pharmaceuticals and diagnostic processes, has an ongoing need to improve item tracking and data collection to improve the quality of care while reducing cost. This paper primarily focuses on integrating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) inside of artificial organs to provide doctors and nurses a better synopsis of the embedded organ. The remote, non-invasive characteristics of RFID can facilitate the information needs of healthcare without imposing additional burden onto the patient or staff. Properly deployed RFID enabled devices is envisioned to provide convenient and accurate data for artificial organs conditions, and critical information that may be necessary for medical specialist to better serve patients with these organs. This paper describes an all-encompassing RFID tracking system that begins with compliance documentation from implementation duration of the patient's life. This RFID system can provide data for decision-making and facilitate compliance with FDA imposed e-pedigree requirements. This transcript introduces healthcare trends in order to motivate the need for a biocompatible RFID system. The overall goal of the pending research is to develop biocompatible RFID tag components for use with systems implemented inside artificial organs and continued through the duration of the device as mentioned above. It is envisioned that successful implementation of this technology could improve life expectancy of patients with artificial organs by ten percent.