cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiometric flight results from the HyperSpectral Imager for Climate Science (HySICS)

Abstract. Long-term monitoring of the Earth-reflected solar spectrum is necessary for discerning and attributing changes in climate. High radiometric accuracy enables such monitoring over decadal timescales with non-overlapping instruments, and high precision enables trend detection on shorter timescales. The HyperSpectral Imager for Climate Science (HySICS) is a visible and near-infrared spatial/spectral imaging spectrometer intended to ultimately achieve ∼ 0.2 % radiometric accuracies of Earth scenes from space, providing an order-of-magnitude improvement over existing space-based imagers. On-orbit calibrations from measurements of spectral solar irradiances acquired by direct views of the Sun enable radiometric calibrations with superior long-term stability than is currently possible with any manmade spaceflight light source or detector. Solar and lunar observations enable in-flight focal-plane array (FPA) flat-fielding and other instrument calibrations. The HySICS has demonstrated this solar cross-calibration technique for future spaceflight instrumentation via two high-altitude balloon flights. The second of these two flights acquired high-radiometric-accuracy measurements of the ground, clouds, the Earth's limb, and the Moon. Those results and the details of the uncertainty analyses of those flight data are described.
The Influence of Monsoon Climate on Latewood Growth of Southwestern Ponderosa Pine

The North American Monsoon delivers warm season precipitation to much of the southwestern United States, yet the importance of this water source for forested ecosystems in the region is not well understood. While it is widely accepted that trees in southwestern forests use winter precipitation for earlywood production, the extent to which summer (monsoon season) precipitation supports latewood production is unclear. We used tree ring records, local climate data, and stable isotope analyses (δ18O) of water and cellulose to examine the importance of monsoon precipitation for latewood production in mature ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) in northern Arizona. Our analyses identified monsoon season vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) as significant effects on latewood growth, together explaining 39% of latewood ring width variation. Stem water and cellulose δ18O analyses suggest that monsoon precipitation was not directly used for latewood growth. Our findings suggest that mature ponderosa pines in this region utilize winter precipitation for growth throughout the entire year. The influence of monsoon precipitation on growth is indirect and mediated by its effect on atmospheric moisture stress (VPD). Together, summer VPD and antecedent soil moisture conditions have a strong influence on latewood growth.
Specialty oilseed crops provide an abundant source of pollen for pollinators and beneficial insects

The continuing pollinator crisis is due, in part, to the lack of year-round floral resources. In intensive farming regions, such as the Upper Midwest (UMW) of the USA, natural and pastoral vegetation largely has been replaced by annual crops such as maize (Zea mays L.), soyabean (Glycine max L.) and wheat (Triticum spp.). Neither the energy (nectar) nor protein (pollen) needs of pollinating and other beneficial insects are being met sufficiently by the new, high-intensity, agricultural landscape. Several potentially useful oilseed crops can be grown in the UMW, and many of these oilseeds are highly attractive to beneficial insects. Prior research showed that some of these oilseeds produced abundant nectar, but their corresponding values for pollen production are unknown. Accordingly, the aim of our research was to document pollen (and protein) production per unit area of twelve oilseed crops grown in Minnesota and associate these values with levels of beneficial insect visitation during anthesis. Our results show that oilseed crops such as camelina (Camelina sativa L.), flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) produce relatively little pollen (≤40 kg/ha); borage (Borago officinalis L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), crambe (Crambe abyssianica Hochst) and cuphea (Cuphea viscosissima Jacq. × Cuphea lanceolata W. T. Aiton) produce bountiful pollen resources (50–150 kg/ha); and oilseed echium (Echium plantagineum L.) generates massive amounts of pollen (>400 kg/ha), about 50% of which is protein. Our study is unique in presenting a season-long perspective of pollen production in alternative oilseed crops, a resource valuable to pollen-feeding insects such as managed and wild bees. Diversification of UMW landscapes that includes alternative oilseed crops such as oilseed echium and cuphea can potentially provide a ready source of pollen and protein to help combat pollinator decline.
Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Not Immune from Imprecise Selection of Patients

Arguably, no drug class has more radically and rapidly altered the management of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) than inhibitors of the interaction between programmed death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1. By impeding this negative regulatory signal for T-cell response, PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors result in longer survival than does chemotherapy among patients with previously treated NSCLC.1–4 In this issue of the Journal, Carbone and colleagues report on a trial that compared the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab with chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC in a population of patients selected on the basis of PD-L1 expression level.5 Progression-free survival . . .
Solving America’s Prescription Epidemic: Pathophysiology, Ethics, Chronic Pain, and Addiction

Hospital medicine physicians need to play a role in the reversal of America’s prescription epidemic. Crucial to this effort is a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of addiction and pain; the origin of the epidemic; the treatment of chronic pain, addiction, and corresponding mental illness; and the current strategy that is unfolding to solve this crisis. The hospitalist role will be to coordinate care with other providers, make long-term treatment care plans, withdraw patients from opioids, and participate with system administrators to make the necessary healthcare system organizational changes.
Re-examining supply chain integration: a resource dependency theory perspective

Many researchers and practitioners recognise supply chain integration as a critical success factor in supply chain management. This study develops an improved measurement model for this factor grounded in resource dependency theory and employing principles from multiple fields such as supply chain management, information systems management, and inter-organisational relationship management. This re-conceptualised model is validated by a large scale empirical study involving 154 business units. Confirmatory factor analysis helps assess the construct validity of the new measurement model.
Biogenesis of Androgens

The observation that castration produces systemic effects dates back to antiquity [1]. The classical studies of BErthold [2], which furnished physiologic evidence that testes are producing a hormonal substance, provided an impetus for a concerted effort for the investigation of the endocrine functions of the testes. Although testosterone was isolated from testicular tissue by the 1930’s [3], it wasn’t until SRere’S [4] and Brady’S [5] demonstration that testicular tissue is able to incorporate radiolabeled acetate into testosterone that the capacity of testicular tissue for de novo testosterone synthesis has been conclusively demonstrated.
Rare-Earth-Free Permanent Magnets: The Past and Future

Abstract Permanent magnets are essential components in everyday technologies, including in energy conversion and transportation. Since the discovery of rare-earth-based permanent magnets in the 1960s, we have seen great improvements in their magnetic performance and incredible growth in production. However, permanent magnets have not been developed in a diversified way. Over the past decade, the rare-earth-free permanent magnets have gained much interest owing to their low cost, less supply risk, and promising magnetic properties. Recent research has demonstrated its potential for many applications. This chapter reviews the past and the recent advances in rare-earth-free permanent magnets, including the development of new materials and the engineering of intrinsic and extrinsic features in the known rare-earth-free compounds. Nanostructured permanent magnetic materials, including exchange-coupled nanocomposite permanent magnets and ferromagnetic nanowires, which are considered as the next-generation high-strength permanent magnets, are also discussed.
When gender goes to the dogs: Perceptions of masculinity and identity change among male participants in a prison-based animal program

It is argued that certain constructions of masculinity are considered “criminogenic.” Correctional programming has the potential to facilitate gendered identity shifts, of particular import since i...
Select topics in the management of critically ill children.

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to discuss considerations for the critically ill child presenting to an emergency department (ED) with pharmacists who have minimal to no pediatric training. Summary In 2015, 17% of all children visited an ED, constituting 30 million visits. The majority of these children were treated at community hospitals where pediatric care resources, including a pediatric-trained pharmacist, may be limited. Because of the complex array of ages and disease states, the care of critically ill children in the ED creates many concerns for adult and community hospitals. This article will focus on several common disease states seen in the pediatric ED, including septic shock, trauma, status epilepticus, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Conclusion Critically ill children admitted to a community or adult ED provide therapeutic dilemmas and medication safety concerns. A pharmacist with training or experience in pediatrics can have a major impact in patient outcomes in many of the disease states seen in these pediatric patients. This article highlights several key differences between critically ill pediatric and adult patients to better prepare all pharmacists to care for these vulnerable patients.
A case of open angle glaucoma secondary to Posner-Schlossman Syndrome

This is a case report demonstrating appropriate diagnosis and management of PSS and its possible sequelae. Posner-Schlossman Syndrome is characterized by recurrent, unilateral attacks of significantly increased intraocular pressure. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition remains unclear. Duration of this chronic condition and the risk of developing secondary open angle glaucoma are directly proportional. The patient and managing optometrist must be aware of the necessity of timely intervention during acute attacks, as well as adherent longitudinal care to preserve function and quality of life. The ensuing case report and review underscores the impact of this disease.
Epistemologi dasar: pengantar filfasat pengetahuan [Basic Epistemology: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Knowledge]

There are very few STS books written and published in Bahasa Indonesia; only those of which I am familiar are all written and published in English. 1 This makes Epistemologi dasar: pengantar filfas...
Abstract B41: Bis-indole derived NR4A1 antagonist induces PD-L1 degradation and enhances antitumor immunity

PD-L1 is expressed in tumor cells and interaction with PD-1 in immune cells plays an important role in evading immune surveillance, and this can be overcome by immunotherapy using antibodies against PD-L1 or PD-1. This study reports a novel approach for targeting PD-L1. Results of RNA interference, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and mutational analysis show that in MDA-MB-231 and other human breast cancer cells and 4T1 mouse mammary tumor cells the PD-L1 expression is regulated by the nuclear receptor 4A1/NR4A1/Sp1 complex bound to the proximal GC-rich region of the PD-L1 gene promoter. Treatment breast cancer cells with bis-indole derived NR4A1 antagonists including 1,1-bis(3´-indolyl)-1-(3-chloro-4-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)methane (ClOCH3) decreased expression of PD-L1 mRNA promoter-dependent luciferase activity and protein. In vivo studies using a syngeneic mouse model with Balb/c mice bearing orthotopically injected 4T1 cells showed that 2.5, 7.5, and 12.5 mg/kg/d of ClOCH3 decreased tumor growth and weight and inhibited lung metastasis. The NR4A1 antagonist ClOCH3 also decreased expression of CD+/CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3 regulatory T cells in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and increased Teff/Treg ratios. Thus, the potent anticancer activities of NR4A1 antagonists are also accompanied by enhanced antitumor immunity in breast cancer and represent a novel class of drugs that are immunotherapy mimics. Note:This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Keshav Karki, Gus Wright, Jin Un-Ho, Kumaravel Mohankumar, Xing Zhang, Stephen Safe. Bis-indole derived NR4A1 antagonist induces PD-L1 degradation and enhances antitumor immunity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B41.
Wealth Taxes and Capital Markets

Wealth taxes have been adopted or considered as an adjunct to existing tax systems such as income taxes, property taxes, and consumption taxes. Discussions about a wealth tax are usually a mixture of political, social, and economic issues, with many of the published papers designed to serve an author’s agenda. The purpose of this note is to leave many of these issues behind and to focus on the effects of a wealth tax on capital markets.
Chapter 28 – SITUATED CONCEPTUALIZATION

Two themes about the conceptual system are developed: (1) modal simulations underlie conceptual processing; (2) conceptual representations are situated. The construct of situated conceptualization-a multimodal simulation that supports one specific course of situated action with a particular category instance-integrates these themes. A given concept produces many different situated conceptualizations, each tailored to different instances in different settings. A situated conceptualization creates the experience of “being there” with a category instance in a setting via integrated simulations of objects, settings, actions, and introspections. On recognizing a familiar type of instance, an entrenched situated conceptualization associated with it becomes active, which provides relevant inferences via pattern completion. Supporting empirical evidence from cognitive psychology, social psychology, and cognitive neuroscience is reviewed.
Characterization of a mouse model of islet transplantation using MIN-6 cells

Immortalized beta cells are an abundant source of insulin-producing cells. Although MIN-6 cells have similar characteristics as normal islets in vitro, the in vivo use of MIN-6 cells has not been f...
Recovery of nitrogen-fertilizer from centrate of anaerobically digested sewage sludge via gas-permeable membranes

Abstract It has been estimated that about 15 % of the current nitrogen-fertilizer demand could be served by recovering the nitrogen-content in domestic sewage. In most sewage treatment plants employing the activated sludge process, the concentrated liquid stream (referred to as centrate) resulting from anaerobic digestion of the waste sludge offers a good opportunity for recovering nitrogen for use as fertilizer. This paper presents a non-pressurized gas-permeable membrane-based approach capable of recovering 98 % of the ammoniacal-nitrogen in the centrate as high purity fertilizer suitable for crop cultivation. In the proposed approach, ammoniacal-nitrogen in the centrate on the feed-side of the hydrophobic gas-permeable membrane is preferentially separated and absorbed into sulfuric acid on the product-side to yield ammonium sulfate solution. A tubular gas-permeable membrane reactor developed in this study was able to recover 21−133 g N/d per m2 of membrane surface area, which is higher than the typical values of 2–62 g N/d per m2 reported for more concentrated feeds. The highest yield recorded in this study was 2.1 g of ammonium sulfate per liter of centrate. Scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer confirmed the presence of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur in the recovered fertilizer. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer results confirmed that heavy metal levels in the recovered fertilizer were well below the regulatory levels for land application.
Range and Topology Mutation Based Wireless Agility

Wireless is a key component in most of today's network infrastructures. Yet, it is highly susceptible to network attacks because wireless communication and infrastructure, such as Access Point(AP) and clients, can be easily discovered and targeted. Particularly,the static nature of the wireless AP topology and its configuration offers a significant advantage to adversaries to identify network targets and plan devastating attacks such as denial of service or eavesdropping. This is critically important in hostile military environment in which soldiers depend on wireless infrastructure for communication and coordination.In this paper, we present formal foundations for two wireless agility techniques: (1) Random Range Mutation (RNM) that allows for periodic changes of AP coverage range randomly, and (2) Random Topology Mutation (RTM) that allows for random motion and placement of APs in the wireless infrastructure. The goal of these techniques is to proactively defend against targeted attacks (e.g.,DoS and eavesdropping) by forcing the wireless clients to change their AP association randomly. We apply Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) and Answer Set Programming (ASP) based constraint solving methods that allow for optimizing wireless AP mutation while maintaining service requirements including coverage, security and energy properties under incomplete information about the adversary strategies. Our evaluation validates the feasibility,scalability, and effectiveness of the formal methods based technical approaches.
One Hundred Years of Insulin for Some.

One Hundred Years of Insulin for Some In July 1921, researchers in Canada isolated the hormone insulin. This discovery profoundly changed the lives of people with diabetes. But insulin remains unaf...
Political Institutions and Educational Policy

Publisher Summary This chapter aims to specify how political institutions shape public elementary and secondary education. It specifically examines the roles of the three levels of government. These roles include the somewhat restrained federal involvement in education, the 'states' constitutional authority, and the tradition of local control.The American democratic form of government establishes a system of checks and balances. These arrangements include the separation of power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Public education in the United States is shaped by two distinct structural features of the American political system. First, federalism creates a highly decentralized form of educational governance. It facilitates a division of control among the three levels of government,namely, federal, state, and local. Although the federal government has expanded its involvement in educational policy since the 1960s, public education remains the primary responsibility of state and local government. Second, the pluralist democracy enables competing interests to gain access to the decision-making process. Not infrequently, conflicts over educational issues occur. Educational policies are formulated as efforts to mediate the contending perspectives.
Optimum Alphabetic Binary Trees

We describe a modification of the Hu-Tucker algorithm for constructing an optimal alphabetic tree that runs in O(n) time for several classes of inputs. These classes can be described in simple terms and can be detected in linear time. We also give simple conditions and a linear algorithm for determining, in some cases, if two adjacent nodes will be combined in the optimal alphabetic tree.
Overcoming the them and us syndrome in libraries

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore attitudes of staff librarians who see themselves separate and apart from their supervisors in terms of their agendas and their roles. The paper offers why this may be occurring, and what library managers can do to effectively bridge the relational gap between management and staff. Design/methodology/approach – This paper used the author's personal experience as an observer of library organizations from his perspective of a consultant and a workshop presenter. Findings – This paper focuses on the importance of open communication, the willingness of a staff member to participate in decision making, and the importance of a library manager to encourage discussion and idea creation among the staff. Originality/value – The paper helps the library director, the department manager, and the staff librarian to better appreciate the role that each person plays in the overall library organization.
Art Imitating Life: Fragmented Writing in a Fragmented World

Carol Clark D'Lugo. The Fragmented Novel in Mexico: The Politics of Form. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1997. Xvi. 281 pp.
Biorenewable polymeric materials from vegetable oils

A series of soft to tough copolymers have been prepared by the cationic copolymerization of the modified linseed oils Dilulin (Dil) or ML189 with dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) initiated by boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFE). The yields of the bulk copolymers are essentially quantitative, while the yields of the crosslinked copolymers remaining after Soxhlet extraction with methylene chloride range from 84% to 90% and depend on the amount of DCPD used. Soxhlet extraction and solid-state 13 C NMR spectra indicate that the bulk copolymers consist of a crosslinked oil-DCPD network interpenetrated with certain amounts of soluble components, such as the free oil, oil-DCPD oligomers and some low molecular weight oil fragments. The Tgs of the resulting Dil-DCPD and ML189DCPD copolymers range from 15-83 o C and 8-77 o C, respectively, and have a linear relationship with the amount of DCPD used. Moreover, the Tgs of the Dil-DCPD copolymers are higher than the ML189-DCPD copolymers. DMA analysis reveals that the tan δ values for both copolymers are in the range 0.7-1.1. The room temperature storage moduli increase with an increase in the amount of DCPD and range from 4.43×10 6 Pa to 1.52×10 9 Pa for the
Global Collective Action: Tales of Two Collectives: Atmospheric Pollution

In a mere forty years, the earth's population grew from 3 billion in 1960 to 6 billion in 1999. This unprecedented growth strains the soils, forests, water supplies, fisheries, oceans, and atmosphere. In short, pressures arising from the need to feed, clothe, and sustain so many people force ecosystems over their “carrying capacity.” Prior to this threshold being reached, an ecosystem can withstand pollutants or other influences without noticeable impairment; but once this threshold is surpassed, demands on the ecosystem result in permanent degradation. This damage does not respect political borders; pollutants can travel in air and water currents far from their sources and may even traverse the globe. National borders, once secured by armies and artillery, are now invaded daily by emissions generated by economic activities abroad. Satellites and other modern means of monitoring the planet have shown that transboundary pollutants are ubiquitous and on the rise. Although this chapter examines a few select cases of atmospheric pollutants, its real purpose is to illustrate how seemingly identical pollution (public goods) problems may have vastly different collective action prognoses. To accomplish this end, I contrast collective action outcomes for providing two global public goods (GPGs): actions to curb stratospheric ozone shield depletion stemming from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and bromide-based substances, and efforts to reduce global warming stemming from greenhouse gases (GHGs). For a second collective action contrast, I examine two acid rain problems – one due to sulfur emissions – and one due to nitrogen emissions to show that two regional public goods (RPGs) problems may have greatly different prognoses.
On Financial Accounting Measurement: A Reconsideration of SFAC5 by the FASB is Needed

This paper attempts to reinforce by means of social theory the procedure and property (attribute) of financial accounting measurement advanced by Salvary [1985,1989,1992]. The procedure entails estimating the amount of cash flows derivable from existing investment projects; and the measurement property (attribute) is identified as recoverable cost. The cash-in and cash-out principle establishes financial capital maintenance as the appropriate capital maintenance concept to be followed in the measurement of periodic income. An analogy between a bank savings account and an equity security is used to identify the measurement property (attribute) and validate the additivity of financial accounting numbers. Problems with the monetarist model were used to demonstrate the appropriateness (stability) of the measurement scale (monetary unit). The logical analysis developed in this paper makes a compelling case for a reconsideration of Statement of Financial Accounting Concept No. 5 by the FASB.
Effects of fluctuating river flow on groundwater/surface water mixing in the hyporheic zone of a regulated, large cobble bed river

Physicochemical relationships in the boundary zone between groundwater and surface water (i.e. the hyporheic zone) are controlled by surface water hydrology and the hydrogeologic properties of the riverbed. We studied how sediment permeability and river discharge altered the vertical hydraulic gradient (VHG) and water quality of the hyporheic zone within the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. The Columbia River at Hanford is a large, cobble-bed river where water level fluctuates up to 2 m daily because of hydropower generation. Concomitant with river stage recordings, continuous readings were made of water temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen and water level of the hyporheic zone. The water level data were used to calculate VHG between the river and hyporheic zone. Sediment permeability was estimated using slug tests conducted in piezometers installed into the river bed. The response of water quality measurements and VHG to surface water fluctuations varied widely among study sites, ranging from no apparent response to covariance with river discharge. At some sites, a hysteretic relationship between river discharge and VHG was indicated by a time lag in the response of VHG to changes in river stage. The magnitude, rate of change and hysteresis of the VHG response varied the most at the least permeable location (hydraulic conductivity (K) = 2.9 × 10−4 cms−1) and the least at the most permeable location (K = 8.0 × 10−3 cms−1). Our study provides empirical evidence that sediment properties and river discharge both control the water quality of the hyporheic zone. Regulated rivers, like the Columbia River at Hanford, that undergo large, frequent discharge fluctuations represent an ideal environment in which to study hydrogeologic processes over relatively short time periods (i.e. days to weeks) that would require much longer periods (i.e. months to years) to evaluate in unregulated systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
277 TRIIODOTHYRONINE NUCLEAR BINDING IN RABBIT LUNG AND CULTURED LUNG CELLS

To investigate the possible mechanism of thyroid hormone effects in lung development and function, we examined rabbit lung and two cell lines apparently derived from type II alveolar cells for specific nuclear binding of L-triiodothyronine (T3). Nuclei isolated from lung were incubated at 37 C for 1.5 h with various concentrations of [125I]-T3 in the presence and absence of excess non-labelled T3, and then washed in buffer with 0.2% Triton X-100. In fetal lung, the concentration of T3 binding sites and the dissociation constant (Kd) were constant between 24-30 days gestation with mean±SE values (n=17) of 0.67±0.05 fmol/μg DNA (2400 sites/cell) and 500±52 pM, respectively. Adult lung (n=3) bound 0.31±0.03 fmol T3/μg DNA (1120 sites/cell, p<.01 vs. fetal) and the Kd = 540±144 pM (NS). The L2 and A549 cell lines contained 2280 and 1580 nuclear sites/cell, and had Kd values of 200 and 280 pM, respectively. In fetal lung, the ability of analogs to compete for L-T3 binding (100%) was: 3, 5-diiodo-3′-isopropylthyronine 81%, D-T3 73%, L-T4 6.7%, L-T2 0.19%, 3, 5-dimethyl-3′-isopropylthyronine 0.15%, and reverse T3 0.08%. We conclude that rabbit lung and cultured epithelial lung cells contain nuclear binding sites with a high affinity and specificity for thyroid hormones. This suggests that both fetal and adult lung and their type II cells may be directly influenced by these hormones.
Methodologic issues in policy modeling for cardiovascular disease.

Abstract Clinical decision models are intended to guide the choices of individual clinicians; policy models are intended to guide the choices of persons and organizations that affect the aggregate allocations of resources to health care problems. Although it is difficult to identify any single policymaker in the United States who can alter the aggregate effect of the millions (or billions) of individual clinical decisions, there are many potential users of policy models: payers, providers, state and local health departments, the National Institutes of Health, professional organizations, hospitals and producers of medical devices, among others. Policy models deal with populations of inmay be static or dynamic and may be descriptive or prescriptive. Two types of policy models that have been applied to cardiovascular disease with a focus on coronary artery bypass surgery are discussed: 1) economic evaluation models, specifically cost-effectiveness, cost utility and cost-benefit analyses; and 2) population simulation models. Cost-effectiveness models are preferable for reasons that are discussed.
Endothelial nitric oxide deficiency promotes Alzheimer’s disease pathology

Aging and the presence of cerebrovascular disease are associated with increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease. A common feature of aging and cerebrovascular disease is decreased endothelial nitric oxide (NO). We studied the effect of a loss of endothelium derived NO on amyloid precursor protein (APP) related phenotype in late middle aged (LMA) (14-15 month) endothelial nitric oxide synthase deficient (eNOS(-/-) ) mice. APP, β-site APP cleaving enzyme (BACE) 1, and amyloid beta (Aβ) levels were significantly higher in the brains of LMA eNOS(-/-) mice as compared with LMA wild-type controls. APP and Aβ1-40 were increased in hippocampal tissue of eNOS(-/-) mice as compared with wild-type mice. LMA eNOS(-/-) mice displayed an increased inflammatory phenotype as compared with LMA wild-type mice. Importantly, LMA eNOS(-/-) mice performed worse in a radial arm maze test of spatial learning and memory as compared with LMA wild-type mice. These data suggest that chronic loss of endothelial NO may be an important contributor to both Aβ related pathology and cognitive decline. Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A common feature of these risk factors is decreased endothelial nitric oxide (NO). We observed, in mice deficient in endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increased amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, amyloid beta levels, microglial activation, and impaired spatial memory. This suggests chronic loss of endothelial NO may be an important contributor to the pathogenesis of sporadic AD.
Sensitive and selective chem/bio sensing based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)

Abstract This paper summarizes our recent progress toward developing anthrax and glucose sensors based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Ag film over nanosphere (AgFON) substrates was used as the SERS sensor platform in both cases. The AgFON substrates have been optimized for near-infrared (NIR) laser excitations by tuning the extinction maximum of their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Bacillus subtilis spores, harmless simulants for Bacillus anthracis, were studied using SERS. Calcium dipicolinate, a biomarker for bacillus spores, was efficiently extracted from spores and rapidly detected by SERS. A limit of detection (LOD) of ∼2.6 × 103 spores, below the anthrax infectious dose of 104 spores, has been achieved within 11 min. For glucose detection, a mixed decanethiol (DT)/mercaptohexanol (MH) partition layer is used to bring glucose closer to the AgFON surface. Quantitative detection of glucose in bovine plasma, as well as complete and rapid partitioning and departitioning, was demonstrated. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) is 83.16 mg/dL (4.62 mM) with 85% of the validation points falling within the A and B range of the Clarke error grid.
On the heat trace of schrödinger operators

(1995). On the heat trace of schrodinger operators. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 20, No. 11-12, pp. 2153-2164.
Characterization of fatty acid synthesis by cow mammary subcellular fractions

Cellular site of fatty acid synthesis was investigated with mammary tissue from lactating cows. Cytosol, mitochondrial, and microsomal fractions were obtained by differential centrifugation and characterized by measurement of marker enzymes. Two incubation media were utilized to quantitate acetate incorporation into fatty acids by the subcellular fractions. The cytosol fraction synthesized fatty acids from 4 to 16-carbons in chain length with the pattern similar to those synthesized in vivo. No significant acetate incorporation into fatty acids was obtained with mitochondria or microsomal incubations. The malonyl-CoA pathway was the predominant pathway of fatty acid synthesis in cow mammary cytosol as evidenced by inhibitory studies with avidin.
UNISYS INTEGRATES ITS LOGISTICS

Logisticians explain how the computer giant routinely handles its international resourcing and delivery.
Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: vaginal epithelial cell susceptibility to Candida albicans adherence.

The pathogenesis of recurrent and chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis remains obscure. The majority of such patients lack recognized predisposing factors. In an attempt to further clarify host factors that enhance susceptibility to vaginal colonization and infection by candida, the in vitro adherence of Candida albicans to exfoliated vaginal epithelial cells was measured. Comparison of in vitro adherence to vaginal cells obtained from young, healthy volunteers failed to reveal any significant difference in attachment avidity (P greater than .5). Enhanced susceptibility to adherence does not appear to be a factor responsible for recurrent candidal infection.
Positive and negative patterning in human causal learning.

Investigations of patterning discriminations by nonhuman animals have generally found that positive patterning is easier to learn than negative patterning. Studies of patterning discriminations in human causal learning tasks have failed to document any differences between positive and negative patterning. In the present study, human participants predicted an outcome on trials involving either a compound cue or its elements. Positive and negative patterning problems were successfully solved in a within-subjects design; negative patterning problems proved to be more difficult when an additional, 50% contingent cue was included (Experiment 2), but not when it was excluded (Experiment 1). Possible reasons for these results are discussed. The discussion concludes with an analysis of exemplar models (e.g., Pearce, 1994) of human causal learning and considers the conditions under which these models do and do not anticipate our results.
Modelling of detective quantum efficiency of direct conversion x-ray imaging detectors incorporating charge carrier trapping and K-fluorescence

A cascaded linear system model is developed for calculating the frequency-dependent detective quantum efficiency, DQE(f), of a direct conversion x-ray imaging detector by incorporating the effects of charge carrier trapping and reabsorption of K-fluorescent x-rays. The present model considers a combination of series and parallel processes and interactions between them. The modulation transfer function for K-fluorescent x-ray reabsorption is modelled by determining the line spread function and subsequent one-dimensional Fourier transform. The DQE model is applied to amorphous selenium (a-Se) and polycrystalline mercuric iodide (poly-HgI2) detectors. The charge carrier trapping has a significant effect on DQE in both a-Se and poly-HgI2 detectors. The charge carrier transport properties have higher influences on DQE performance in a-Se detectors than that in HgI2 detectors, because of relatively low conversion gain in a-Se detectors. High conversion gain can minimise the adverse effect of incomplete charge collection. A simplified model for the calculation of zero spatial frequency detective quantum efficiency, DQE(0), under parallel cascaded system is also proposed in this study. There exists an optimum photoconductor thickness, which maximises the DQE(0). The proposed model is compared with the published measured data and shows good agreement.
Photonic Crystal Fiber Based Time-Resolved Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Spectroscopy

We demonstrate a novel technique for three-color time-resolved coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering using a Ti:sapphire oscillator and four-wave mixing in a photonic crystal fiber. We measure vibrational coherence decays in calcite and several molecules.
Silencing Insulin Resistance through SIRT1

Insulin resistance is an important risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. A new study in this issue of Cell Metabolism (Sun et al., 2007) shows that SIRT1, a mammalian sirtuin homolog and histone deacetylase, can ameliorate insulin resistance by silencing expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, a major negative regulator of insulin action.
The regulation of cellular differentiation in the dimorphic yeast Candida albicans.

Dimorphism in the yeast Candida albicans provides an unusually simple model system for investigating the mechanisms which regulate cellular differentiation, or cell divergence. Under the regime of pH-regulated dimorphism, it has been demonstrated that the programs of protein synthesis accompanying bud and hypha formation are strikingly similar. Instead of dramatic differences in the repertoire of gene products possessed by bud- and hypha-forming cells, subtle temporal, spatial and quantitative differences in the same architectural events appear to be basic to the genesis of alternative phenotypes. This emerging story of phenotypic regulation does not exclude differential gene expression, but rather de-emphasizes its role and underscores other mechanisms which are not generally considered.
Predictors of Frequent Emergency Room Visits among a Homeless Population

Background Homelessness, HIV, and substance use are interwoven problems. Furthermore, homeless individuals are frequent users of emergency services. The main purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for frequent emergency room (ER) visits and to examine the effects of housing status and HIV serostatus on ER utilization. The second purpose was to identify risk factors for frequent ER visits in patients with a history of illicit drug use. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 412 patients enrolled in a Boston-based health care for the homeless program (HCH). This study population was selected as a 2:1 HIV seronegative versus HIV seropositive match based on age, sex, and housing status. A subgroup analysis was performed on 287 patients with history of illicit drug use. Chart data were analyzed to compare demographics, health characteristics, and health service utilization. Results were stratified by housing status. Logistic models using generalized estimating equations were used to predict frequent ER visits. Results In homeless patients, hepatitis C was the only predictor of frequent ER visits (OR 4.49, p<0.01). HIV seropositivity was not predictive of frequent ER visits. In patients with history of illicit drug use, mental health (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.07–5.95) and hepatitis C (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.37–5.93) were predictors of frequent ER use. HIV seropositivity did not predict ER use (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 – 0.97). Conclusions In a HCH population, hepatitis C predicted frequent ER visits in homeless patients. HIV seropositivity did not predict frequent ER visits, likely because HIV seropositive HCH patients are engaged in care. In patients with history of illicit drug use, hepatitis C and mental health disorders predicted frequent ER visits. Supportive housing for patients with mental health disorders and hepatitis C may help prevent unnecessary ER visits in this population.
Evaluating six sprue designs used in making high-palladium alloy castings.

Six different sprue designs were studied to determine which, if any, could be used to produce more complete castings with a high-palladium alloy. A standardized mesh test pattern was used to ensure objective measurements and accurate evaluations of the spruing techniques. This study of problems usually encountered when casting high-palladium alloys found that: Differing sprue designs effect significant differences in obtaining complete castings (p less than .05) as indicated in the ANOVA. The connection between the casting and the sprue should be constricted to improve castability of high-palladium alloys. Although this spruing technique may be used in different sprue designs to improve the quality of castings, further research seems indicated.
Nipping at cardiac remodeling

Much of the mortality following myocardial infarction results from remodeling of the heart after the acute ischemic event. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis has been thought to play a key role in this remodeling process. In this issue of the JCI, Diwan and colleagues present evidence that Bnip3, a proapoptotic Bc12 family protein, mediates cardiac enlargement, reshaping, and dysfunction in mice without influencing infarct size (see the related article beginning on page 2825).
Class, Race, and Symbolic Community:

In a quantitative analysis of class consciousness, race is shown to be one of the important determinants. Erik Olin Wright's exploitative asset-based theory of class structure is critiqued because it does not take sufficient account of race as it shapes the class content of consciousness. This paper proposes that blacks in the United States constitute a symbolic community with a strong component of working class consciousness rooted in an experience with, and an awareness of oppression and exploitation. In bi- and multivariate analyses race produces cross-class effects on class consciousness. African-Americans in different class locations tend to have more pro-working class consciousness than their white counterparts.
Neuromotor Assessment and Autistic Disorder

Autistic disorder presents in early childhood with marked deviations in social interactions and communication and with a restricted and peculiar range of interests and activities. Although probably a heterogeneous condition, autistic disorder includes a class of individuals who also have subtle neurological impediments manifested as disturbances of movement, balance, posture and gait. We review neuromotor and neurobehavioral assessments for persons with autistic disorder and related conditions to improve the classification of the impairments and to facilitate the utilization of therapies specific for each class.
The Effect of Forest Type on Benthic Macroinvertebrate Structure and Ecological Function in a Pine Plantation in the North Carolina Piedmont

We examined the impact of small-scale commercial forestry on the structure and function of 6 headwater streams in the North Carolina Piedmont. During 2001–2003 terrestrial organic matter inputs, temperature, macroinvertebrate community composition and tolerance, leaf breakdown rate, and food web structure were quantified for 2 streams draining mature stands of managed loblolly pine, 2 streams draining mature hardwood forests, and 2 streams draining 3-year-old clear cuts, which had been replanted with loblolly pine. Streams in the clear-cuts and pine plantations were bordered by a 15 m hardwood buffer. Despite differences in watershed land-use, there were no significant differences in the organic matter supply or temperature between streams draining different forest types. However, algal biomass was significantly higher in clear-cut sites than forested sites, and was also higher in hardwood sites than pine sites. Streams draining the clear-cut sites contained lower macroinvertebrate richness and diversity, and fewer intolerant species, than streams draining pine and hardwood stands. Despite the differences in macroinvertebrates community composition, there was no difference among forest types in leaf-pack breakdown rates. Analysis of δ15N and δ13C natural abundance of functional feeding group indicated that the shredders and predators collected from streams draining clear-cuts had a δ15N value that was enriched relative to the macroinvertebrates of streams draining pine and hardwood forests. This difference in δ15N signature appears to be the result of the incorporation of riparian grass species in the clear-cuts, which have a higher δ15N, into the diet of shredders. Pine sites had similar food webs to natural hardwood sites. Our results suggest that clear-cutting changes both the trophic dynamics and macroinvertebrate composition of low-order Piedmont streams in North Carolina despite the presence of hardwood buffers. However, large differences were not found between older pine and hardwood stands, indicating rapid recovery following re-growth of forest vegetation, when hardwood buffer strips were present.
High-resolution imaging using endoscopic holography

Endoscopic holography or endoholography combines the features of endoscopy and holography. The purpose of endoholographic imaging is to provide the physician with a unique means of extending diagnosis by providing a life-like record of tissue. Endoholographic recording will provide means for microscopic examination of tissue and in some cases may obviate the need to excise specimens for biopsy. In this method holograms which have the unique properties of three-dimensionality large focal depth and high resolution are made with a newly designed endoscope. The endoscope uses a single-mode optical fiber for illumination and single-beam reflection holograms are recorded in close contact with the tissue at the distal end of the endoscope. The holograms are viewed under a microscope. By using the proper combinations of dyes for staining specific tissue types with various wavelengths of laser illumination increased contrast on the cellular level can be obtained. Using dyes such as rose bengal in combination with the 514. 5 nm line of an argon ion laser and trypan blue or methylene blue with the 647. 1 nm line of a krypton ion laser holograms of the stained colon of a dog showed the architecture of the colon''s columnar epithelial cells. It is hoped through chronological study using this method in-vivo an increased understanding of the etiology and pathology of diseases such as Crohn''s diseases colitis proctitis and several different forms of cancer will help to their control. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.