cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study of thresholding strategies for text categorization

Thresholding strategies in automated text categorization are an underexplored area of research. This paper presents an examination of the effect of thresholding strategies on the performance of a classifier under various conditions. Using k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) as the classifier and five evaluation benchmark collections as the testbets, three common thresholding methods were investigated, including rank-based thresholding (RCut), proportion-based assignments (PCut) and score-based local optimization (SCut); in addition, new variants of these methods are proposed to overcome significant problems in the existing approaches. Experimental results show that the choice of thresholding strategy can significantly influence the performance of kNN, and that the ``optimal'' strategy may vary by application. SCut is potentially better for fine-tuning but risks overfitting. PCut copes better with rare categories and exhibits a smoother trade-off in recall versus precision, but is not suitable for online decision making. RCut is most natural for online response but is too coarse-grained for global or local optimization. RTCut, a new method combining the strength of category ranking and scoring, outperforms both PCut and RCut significantly.
Rat hepatocyte culture model of macrosteatosis: Effect of macrosteatosis induction and reversal on viability and liver-specific function

Background & Aims A common cause of liver donor ineligibility is macrosteatosis. Recovery of such livers could enhance donor availability. Living donor studies have shown diet-induced reduction of macrosteatosis enables transplantation. However, cadaveric liver macrosteatotic reduction must be performed ex vivo within hours. Towards this goal, we investigated the effect of accelerated macrosteatosis reduction on hepatocyte viability and function using a novel system of macrosteatotic hepatocytes. Methods Hepatocytes isolated from lean Zucker rats were cultured in a collagen sandwich, incubated for 6days in fatty acid-supplemented medium to induce steatosis, and then switched for 2days to medium supplemented with lipid metabolism promoting agents. Intracellular lipid droplet size distribution and triglyceride, viability, albumin and urea secretion, and bile canalicular function were measured. Results Fatty acid-supplemented medium induced microsteatosis in 3days and macrosteatosis in 6days, the latter evidenced by large lipid droplets dislocating the nucleus to the cell periphery. Macrosteatosis significantly impaired all functions tested. Macrosteatosis decreased upon returning hepatocytes to standard medium, and the rate of decrease was 4-fold faster with supplemented agents, yielding 80% reduction in 2days. Viability of macrosteatosis reduced hepatocytes was similar to control lean cells. Accelerated macrosteatotic reduction led to faster recovery of urea secretion and bile canalicular function, but not of albumin secretion. Conclusions Macrosteatosis reversibly decreases hepatocyte function and supplementary agents accelerate macrosteatosis reduction and some functional restoration with no effect on viability. This in vitro model may be useful to screen agents for macrosteatotic reduction in livers before transplantation.
Responses of Retinal Ganglion Cells to Exponentially Increasing Light Stimuli

Action potentials of ganglion cells were recorded extracellularly from opened cat eyes. It was found that inhibition, as judged by discharge frequency, may depend upon rate of change of light intensity. Apparently the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs at the ganglion cell level depends upon rate of change of illumination. Visual purple bleaching or sensory adaptation taking place during the stimulation does not explain the results.
Multiple scattering method applied to the electronic structure and spectra of the impurity ions Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Fe2+ and their tetrahedral environments in ZnO, ZnS and CdS

Abstract The multiple scattering method with local exchange and muffin-tin potentials is applied to tetrahedral clusters with Cu 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ and Fe 2+ as central ions and oxygen and sulphur as ligands. The calculated orbital energy differences ϵ(t 2 * ) - ϵ(e * ) are compared to Δ t values deduced from optical spectra. The agreement is fairly good.
Sounding the Alarm: Multiple Functions of Host Defense Peptides

The capacity of the skin and other organs to resist infection depends on the innate production of molecules known as antimicrobial peptides. Emerging evidence suggests that some of these peptides are important to immune defense by acting not only as natural antibiotics but also as cell-signaling molecules. In this issue Carretero et al. (2007) expand on these findings by demonstrating that expression of human cathelicidin alters multiple signaling pathways in a keratinocyte cell line and enhances wound re-epithelialization in ob/ob mice.
Maleimide-activated aryl diazonium salts for electrode surface functionalization with biological and redox-active molecules.

A versatile and simple method is introduced for formation of maleimide-functionalized surfaces using maleimide-activated aryl diazonium salts. We show for the first time electrodeposition of N-(4-diazophenyl)maleimide tetrafluoroborate on gold and carbon electrodes which was characterized via voltammetry, grazing angle FTIR, and ellipsometry. Electrodeposition conditions were used to control film thickness and yielded submonolayer-to-multilayer grafting. The resulting phenylmaleimide surfaces served as effective coupling agents for electrode functionalization with ferrocene and the redox-active protein cytochrome c. The utility of phenylmaleimide diazonium toward formation of a diazonium-activated conjugate, followed by direct electrodeposition of the diazonium-modified DNA onto the electrode surface, was also demonstrated. Effective electron transfer was obtained between immobilized molecules and the electrodes. This novel application of N-phenylmaleimide diazonium may facilitate the development of bioel...
Lessons learned from clinical trials of sepsis

The development of novel therapeutic agents with demonstrable clinical efficacy in septic patients has proven to be an elusive goal. Despite a biologically plausible therapeutic rationale, antisepsis drugs have not performed consistently or convincingly in recent clinical trials. A great deal of information has been learned recently about the basic mechanisms and molecular pathophysiology of sepsis. Nonetheless, the optimal patient population, the clinical and laboratory indicators to predict outcome and susceptibility to treatment, and the most appropriate clinical endpoints have yet to be clearly defined. Refinements in clinical trial design may be as important as basic discoveries in molecular biology in the future development of new therapeutic agents in septic shock.
An exact parallel algorithm for the resource constrained traveling salesman problem with application to scheduling with an aggregate deadline

The Resource Constrained Traveling Salesman Problem (RCTSP) is introduced and an optimal algorithm for its solution is presented. The RCTSP is shown to subsume the Prize Collecting TSP and Orienteering Problem. Computational results are presented for sequential and parallel computations for problems containing up to 200 cities. The RCTSP algorithm is used to optimally schedule a processing facility involving sequence dependent transition costs and an aggregate due date on all job completion times. A penalty is incurred for each job not completed by the aggregate due date.
Lithiation and silylation reactions of 1,4-bis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-hydroxy-2-propyl)benzene

Abstract 1,4-Bis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-hydroxy-2-propyl)benzene forms tri- and tetralithio derivatives which react readily with (CH 3 ) 3 SiCl or (CH 3 ) 2 SiCl 2 to form the expected derivatives. Silicon is shown to be weakly coordinated to oxygen in 2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)-1,4- bis(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-hydroxy-2-propyl)benzene.
Comparing individual-tree approaches for predicting height growth of underplanted seedlings

Key message Individual-tree seeding height growth models developed using tree inventory data were comparable to those requiring the unique observation of point-based canopy structure data at each seedling.
Removing financial incentives demotivates the brain

Social scientists and many biologists are all preoccupied in different ways with the nature and effects of the ways incentives influence behavior. One type of incentive is clearly intrinsic; it originates within a person and is often linked to exploratory behavior, hedonic pleasure from self-determined mastery, and desire to satisfy curiosity for its own sake (1). Another type of incentive is extrinsic; typically, it is designed and administered by an outside person or authority, is precise, and is usually financial, tied to fame, or has some other kind of monetizable status. Because of its various natures, intrinsic motivation is difficult to measure and observe. An adventurous step is to measure brain activity during conditions of apparent intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Murayama et al. (2) do exactly this. Their results are striking evidence for a phenomenon often noted in social psychology—namely, extrinsic incentives (e.g., pay) can undermine intrinsic incentives (e.g., fun).
Transfer-matrix method for non-Hermitian pseudo-Hamiltonians and the commensurate-incommensurate charge-density-wave transition.

A microscopic commensurability pinning Hamiltonian with charge conservation is presented and analyzed as a model for the commensurate-incommensurate charge-density-wave transition. The ground state is always a soliton lattice with its character changing continuously between commensurate and incommensurate states depending on the commensurability strength. The existing transfer-matrix methods are criticized and extended to non-Hermitian pseudo-Hamiltonian systems. Charge conservation leads to results for the charge-density correlation length and the structure factor that are consistent with the x-ray-scattering experiment and the NMR Knight-shift experiment on 2H-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$.
Application of single-grain OSL to date quartz xenocrysts within a basalt flow, San Francisco volcanic field, northern Arizona, USA

Abstract Previous age estimates for SP Crater in the San Francisco volcanic field in northern Arizona, USA, suggested it erupted 70 ka; however its non-weathered geomorphic character places it as one of the youngest volcanic vents in the region. Samples of quartz xenocrysts were extracted from the SP Crater basalt flows and dated using single-grain dating. Analysis of the luminescence signals indicate they were dominated by medium- to slow-decaying OSL components, which can produce age underestimates if not removed. In order to reduce their contribution, the fast component was deconvolved from the initial OSL signal, a high-temperature bleach (blue-green LED exposure at 280 °C) was added at the end of each measurement cycle and elevated cutheat temperatures were used. Fading tests and crushing experiments indicate no dependence on recovered equivalent dose values. Resultant single-grain quartz xenocryst OSL ages are consistent with the geomorphic character of SP Crater and suggest it erupted 5.5–6 ka. Revision of the age of SP Crater has implications for the eruption recurrence interval in the region and assessment of volcanic hazards in nearby communities.
Conceptualizing nonsuicidal self-injury as a process addiction: review of research and implications for counselor training and practice

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be characterized as a process addiction for some individuals who self-injure. The authors review findings on the addictive features of NSSI, including compulsivity, loss of control, continued use despite negative consequences, and tolerance. Language: en
Hydrolysis of the hen egg vitelline membrane by cock sperm acrosin and other enzymes

A technique utilizing Pregnant Mare's Serum Gonadotropin and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin treatment of hens (Gallus domesticus), followed by manual ovulation of the excised follicles, was developed to obtain a large number of mature ova. The intact ova were used to test whether acrosin, partially purified from the spermatozoa of the cock (Gallus domesticus), partially purified rabbit testicular acrosin and commercial preparations of several hydrolytic enzymes could dissolve the inner vitelline membrane. Enzymes were applied to pieces of filter paper placed on the ovum. Cock acrosin and endopeptidases such as trypsin, chymotrypsin, collagenase and elastase hydrolyzed the membrane whereas exopeptidases such as leucine aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase A did not. Phospholipase A, sulfatase, hyaluronidase, beta-glucuronidase and rabbit testicular acrosin also failed to hydrolyze the membrane. Cock acrosin hydrolysis of the ovum surface was inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor. The surface of the ovum over the germinal disc region was hydrolyzed more quickly by cock acrosin than the surface over other regions of the ovum. Acrosin from cock sperm caused the release of trichloroacetic acid soluble material absorbing at 280 nm from sonicated preparations of inner vitelline membranes. Hydrolysis was greatest at pH 8.0 and was inhibited by soybean trypsin inhibitor.
The fracture of water ice Ih: A short overview

This paper presents a short overview of the fracture of water ice Ih. Topics include the ductile-to-brittle transition, tensile and compressive strength, compressive failure under multiaxial loading, compressive failure modes, and brittle failure on the geophysical scale (Arctic sea ice cover, Europa's icy crust). Emphasis is placed on the underlying physical mechanisms. Where appropriate, comment is made on the formation of high-latitude impact craters on Mars.
Robust Optimization of System Design

Abstract The data of real-world optimization problems are usually uncertain, that is especially true for early stages of system design. Data uncertainty can significantly affect the quality of the nominal solution. Robust Optimization (RO) methodology uses chance and robust constraints to generate a robust solution immunized against the effect of data uncertainty. RO methodology can be applied to any generic optimization problem where one can separate uncertain numerical data from the problem's structure. Since 2000, the RO area is witnessing a burst of research activity in both theory and applications. However, RO could lead to over-conservative requirements, resulting in typical-case bad solutions or even empty solution spaces. This drawback of the classical RO methodology can be overcome by distinguishing between real decision variables and so-called state variables. While the first type should satisfy the chance or robust constraints and their value cannot depend on a specific realization of the uncertain data, the state variables are adjustable (i.e., their value can depend on the specific realization of the uncertain data), since most of the constraints defining state variables merely “calculate” their exact value, and hence are always satisfied. In this paper we summarize how adjustable RO approach can be applied to a general uncertain linear optimization problem. Then, using an allocation example we demonstrate how this approach can be integrated in the design optimization process and its impact on the optimal system design.
The ironist and hypocrite as presidential symbols: A Nixon‐Kennedy Analog

This essay analyzes the divergent public response in democratic cultures to power symbols who manipulate either a self‐disparaging (ironie) public persona or a self‐aggrandizing (hypocritical) one. This divergence is explored in light of well‐known democratic assumptions about power‐holders, and it is illustrated in the contrasting presidential images of Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy. It is concluded that the critic may require an extended vocabulary to evaluate the actions of power‐holders over and above those used to evaluate the actions of private individuals.
Parallel shear flows of fluids with a temperature dependent viscosity

We investigate whether parallel shear flows of an incompressible Newtonian fluid with a viscosity which depends linearly on temperature is possible in situations where the temperature changes along the flow direction. It is shown that parallel flow is possible only in planar or axisymmetric geometries. These two situations are investigated further. For either a plane channel or a circular pipe, we show that the temperature variation in the flow direction must be exponential.
Modifying Repetitive Verbalizations of Community-Dwelling Patients with AD

Seven caregivers of a home-dwelling spouse with Alzheimer's disease were trained during 12 weekly home visits to implement behavior management programs including written cuing procedures in response to repetitive verbalizations. Data from 7 trained caregivers and 7 matched control caregivers who only tracked repetitive behavior were compared. Results revealed that trained caregivers were successful at decreasing patient repetitions using written cues. Patients of control subjects showed no systematic changes in behavioral disturbances due to behavior tracking. In addition, intervention effects lasted for 16 weeks or longer and several caregivers reported applying the cuing intervention to other, nontargeted behaviors. Trained caregivers' perceptions of their efficacy in managing difficult patient behavior improved significantly at the 3-month follow-up assessment when program staff were no longer visiting them weekly.
Stereotactic radiosurgery as an alternative to fractionated radiotherapy for patients with recurrent or residual nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate tumor control rates and complications after stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2000, 33 pateitns underwent radiosurgery for treatment of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. Thirty-two patients (97%) had undergone one or more previous tumor resections. Twenty-two patients (67%) had enlarging tumors before radiosurgery. The median tumor margin dose was 16 Gy (range, 12-20 Gy). The median follow-up period after radiosurgery was 43 months (range, 16-106 mo). RESULTS: Tumur size decreased for 16 patients, remained unchanged for 16 patients, and increased for 1 patient. The actuarial tumor growth control eates at 2 and 5 years after radiosurgery were 97%. No patient demonstrated any decline in visual function. Five of 18 patients (28%) with anterior pituitary function before radiosurgery developed new deficits, at a median of 24 months after radiosurgery. The actuarial risks of developing new anterior pituitary deficits were 18 and 41% at 2 and 5 years, respectively. No patient developed diabetes insipidus. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic radiosurgery safely provides a high tumor control rate for patients with recurrent or residual nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. However, despite encouraging early results, more long-term information is needed to determine whether radiosurgery is associated with lower risks of new endocrine deficits and radiation-induced neoplasms, compared with fractionated radiotherapy.
Use of telehealth for research and clinical measures in cochlear implant recipients: a validation study.

Purpose The goal of this study was to compare clinical and research-based cochlear implant (CI) measures using telehealth versus traditional methods. Method This prospective study used an ABA desig...
Rotating string sources in three-dimensional gravity

Abstract The problem of finding the regular three-dimensional space-times, subject to the boundary condition g00(∞) = 1, generated by a rotating string with tension is solved by a matrix method. According to the values of the string parameters, we obtain two classes of solutions. The solutions of the first class, which exist only if the string parameters are such that the string tension and centrifugal energy precisely balance, are topologically Euclidean. The second class of solutions, which exist only for negative or zero string mass densities, have an extra point at spatial infinity; in most instances, a satisfactory physical interpretation of these solutions is possible. We also briefly discuss stationary open string solutions.
Case of mononeuritis multiplex onset with rituximab therapy for Waldenström's macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic disorder with associated monoclonal gammopathy. A wide variety of neuropathies can be associated with WM, but most commonly it is a mild length-dependent sensory neuropathy of unclear etiology. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody which suppresses mature B-cell populations. It has increasingly been used in wide applications including WM, especially in those cases with severe neuropathy. The highlighted case provides an example of rituximab treatment complication in a WM patient with mild sensory neuropathy that evolved to multiple mononeuropathies with features of systemic vasculitis and unusual conversion of type I to type II cryoglobulinemia.
Childhood Cancer Survivor Study participants' perceptions and knowledge of health insurance coverage: implications for the Affordable Care Act.

Introduction Childhood cancer survivors face long-term health consequences, and comprehensive health insurance is critical. However, childhood cancer survivors may face barriers in accessing medical services due to being uninsured or underinsured. Little is known about the quality of survivors’ health insurance coverage, and improving health insurance within the context of changes mandated by the 2010 Affordable Care Act requires understanding survivors’ coverage. The current study explored adult childhood cancer survivors’ quality of health insurance coverage.
The Realities of Idealism

I started out asking the question can we achieve our goals and are our goals realistic in the 1990s? I believe that we can achieve anything that we set our minds to. Our goals of providing quality care to our patients, performing research, teaching the next generation, and having an impact on our local environment are worth pursuing. However, the rules have changed and the status quo is simply not good enough. If we are to survive, we must be prepared for the future. You have the ability to change and the power to control the future. You are the future. Seize the opportunity and get involved. Become knowledgeable about health care economics, become involved with the political process, and position yourselves so that you can be a part of the solution to our health care system's woes. Don't allow the moment to pass. Don't be afraid of the realities of today, and don't forget your ideals and principles. Confront today's challenges with the same determination that academic surgeons through the years have confronted the unknown mysteries of disease. Let me conclude by trying to synthesize my remarks in five generic recommendations: 1. We need to go forward in the research area by developing multidisciplinary programs that involve basic science. These programs can be used to highlight our clinical areas and expertise. In this manner, both areas will be benefitted. 2. We need to educate the public and the government about the virtues of research and the importance of maintaining academic surgery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Late Woodland Settlement Patterns of New Jersey

Late Woodland settlement patterns in the State of New Jersey are poorly understood in comparison with other parts of the Middle Atlantic region. This study is designed to evaluate current settlement pattern data using logistical models of land use against available historical and archaeological data. Current data indicate that at least two major socioeconomic systems coexisted during late prehistory, either by exploiting different resource zones or by exploiting similar resource zones at different times of the year. Interior riverine groups focused more on horticulture, exhibiting greater residential stability; these groups are best characterized as collectors and broadly classified as mixed cultivators/mobile agriculturalists. Coastal groups were highly mobile foragers and oriented more toward maritime resources, with only a minor reliance upon horticulture; these groups most resemble partial cultivators.
Respiratory changes during exercise in patients with pulmonary venous hypertension.

HE acute* physiologic responses of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems to physical exercise have been well studied in normal human subjects and in patients with obstructive airway disease. In patients with primary heart disease acute cardiovascular responses to exercise have been more completely characterized than have the respiratory ones. It is logical to have mainly studied circulatory factors in patients with heart disease, since it is the circulation, possibly the work of the heart, which limits exercise performance in normal subjects. 1,2 However, due to the integrated nature of the heart-lung system it is difficult for one component to be compromised without altering the function of the other.3 It is now well understood that increases in left atrial pressure produce both pulmonary mechanical and gas exchange abnormalities. Thus as heart failure increases during exercise, lung function would be expected to become more compromised. Exploration of the potential role of this progressively parallel heart and lung dysfunction during exercise is the purpose of this brief review. In order to accomplish this goal we will describe the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the normal respiratory physiologic response to exercise, then outline the demonstrated respiratory pathophysiologic abnormalities found at rest in patients with primary cardiac disease, and, finally, attempt a synthesis of the many respiratory pathophysiologic changes that have been either demonstrated or that are to be reasonably expected during exercise in such patients.
Using the maxillary-nasal angle to evaluate congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis.

Importance Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare cause of nasal airway obstruction in newborns. The decision to operate is made clinically. Although pyriform aperture width is used for diagnosing CNPAS, it does not fully characterize stenosis of the nasal cavity. Objective To determine the utility of additional metrics for evaluating CNPAS. Design, Setting, and Participants The medical records of 13 patients with CNPAS treated from 2007 through 2012 at a single tertiary pediatric facility were retrospectively examined. Data on patient demographic characteristics, known genetic abnormalities, and hospital courses were extracted. Computed tomographic images were evaluated for pyriform aperture width; maxillary-nasal angle (MNA), defined as the angle between the anterior maxilla and anterior-posterior nasal axis; and choanal width. Interventions Medical management and surgical management. Main Outcomes and Measures Pyriform aperture width, MNA, and choanal width. Results Six of 13 patients underwent medical management, and 7 patients underwent surgical treatment. For patients who were managed medically as compared with those managed surgically, the evaluation revealed a larger pyriform aperture width (median [interquartile range {IQR}], 5.6 [5.4-6.1] vs 4.6 [4.5-4.7] mm; P = .03) and MNA (median [IQR], 70° [63°-73°] vs 59° [59°-64°]; P = .048) but no significant difference in choanal width (median [IQR], 11.0 [9.6-12.2] vs 11.9 [10.3-11.9] mm; P = .76). Conclusions and Relevance The MNA, when used in conjunction with pyriform aperture width, provides additional pertinent information to supplement clinical decision making in the evaluation of patients with CNPAS. These measurements may be helpful in identifying patients who should undergo surgical intervention, although additional studies would be required to allow predictive use of the MNA.
Heterogeneity of natural organic matter from the Chena River, Alaska.

Water samples were collected in July 2001 from the Chena River in central Alaska. The natural organic matter (NOM) was size fractionated into particulate ðPOM ;> 0:45 mmÞ; colloidal ðCOM; 1 kDa–0:45 mmÞ and dissolved ðDOM;o1 kDaÞ organic matter fractions, using filtration and ultrafiltration. The size-fractionated organic matter was then analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N), isotopic ðd 13 C and d 15 N) and molecular composition, using continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Results of phase partitioning showed that, on average, about 6% of OC and 16% of N occurred in the form of POM while 66% of OC and 57% of N occurred in the form of COM, and 28% of the OC and 27% of the N were in the DOM form. Organic matter in the river water was found to be highly heterogeneous in terms of chemical composition and isotopic signatures. The C/N ratio was as low as 1671 in the POM ðn ¼ 2Þ to as high as 4871 in the COM ðn ¼ 3Þ and 3874 in the DOM ðn ¼ 3Þ; suggesting a diagenetically younger POM. Values of d 13 C increased with decreasing size, varying from � 29:5970:45% in the POM to � 27:4770:06% in the COM to � 16:9370:08% in the DOM. In contrast, values of d 15 N decreased with decreasing size, from 2:64% in POM to 1:64% in COM to 1.33% in DOM. These results, together with radiocarbon measurements, suggest a preferential decomposition of lighter C isotope ð 12 CÞ and heavier N isotopic ð 15 NÞ from POM to COM to DOM. Results of py-GC/MS showed that the percentage of polysaccharides decreased with decreasing size, further supporting a degradation pathway of NOM from POM to COM and DOM in Chena River waters. More studies are needed to examine the seasonal and spatial variations of size-fractionated organic matter.
Pieter P. Tans Receives 2010 Roger Revelle Medal

[1] Pieter P. Tans was awarded the 2010 Roger Revelle Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 15 December 2010 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal is for “outstanding contributions in atmospheric sciences, atmosphere-ocean coupling, atmosphere-land coupling, biogeochemical cycles, climate, or related aspects of the Earth system.”
Outcomes After Intravenous Opioids in Emergency Patients: A Prospective Cohort Analysis

Objectives: Pain management continues to be suboptimal in emergency departments (EDs). Several studies have documented failures in the processes of care, such as whether opioid analgesics were given. The objectives of this study were to measure the outcomes following administration of intravenous (IV) opioids and to identify clinical factors that may predict poor analgesic outcomes in these patients. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, emergency patients were enrolled if they were prescribed IV morphine or hydromorphone (the most commonly used IV opioids in the study hospital) as their initial analgesic. Patients were surveyed at the time of opioid administration and 1 to 2 hours after the initial opioid dosage. They scored their pain using a verbal 0–10 pain scale. The following binary analgesic variables were primarily used to identify patients with poor analgesic outcomes: 1) a pain score reduction of less than 50%, 2) a postanalgesic pain score of 7 or greater (using the 0–10 numeric rating scale), and 3) the development of opioid-related side effects. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the effects of demographic, clinical, and treatment covariates on the outcome variables. Results: A total of 2,414 were approached for enrollment, of whom 1,312 were ineligible (658 were identified more than 2 hours after IV opioid was administered and 341 received another analgesic before or with the IV opioid) and 369 declined to consent. A total of 691 patients with a median baseline pain score of 9 were included in the final analyses. Following treatment, 57% of the cohort failed to achieve a 50% pain score reduction, 36% had a pain score of 7 or greater, 48% wanted additional analgesics, and 23% developed opioid-related side effects. In the logistic regression analyses, the factors associated with poor analgesia (both <50% pain score reduction and postanalgesic pain score of ≥7) were the use of long-acting opioids at home, administration of additional analgesics, provider concern for drug-seeking behavior, and older age. An initial pain score of 10 was also strongly associated with a postanalgesic pain score of ≥7. African American patients who were not taking opioids at home were less likely to achieve a 50% pain score reduction than other patients, despite receiving similar initial and total equianalgesic dosages. None of the variables we assessed were significantly associated with the development of opioid-related side effects. Conclusions: Poor analgesic outcomes were common in this cohort of ED patients prescribed IV opioids. Patients taking long-acting opioids, those thought to be drug-seeking, older patients, those with an initial pain score of 10, and possibly African American patients are at especially high risk of poor analgesia following IV opioid administration.
Initial Events in Phorbol Ester Binding to GH4C1 Rat Pituitary Cells

Phorbol ester receptors in GH4C1, rat pituitary cells have been studied using [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). Binding to intact cells was of higher affinity at 37 C than at 4 C (Kd, ∼8 or ∼34 nm, respectively). The dissociation rate (measured at 4 C) of PDBu from cells equilibrated at 37 C was slower than that from cells equilibrated at 4 C, indicating the temperature-dependent formation of a high affinity (more slowly dissociating) complex in intact cells. Binding to isolated membrane preparations was of low affinity (Kd, ∼30 nm) at 4 C and 37 C; however, binding affinity was increased by including phosphatidylserine in the standard assay mixture (Kd, ∼4 nm). Membrane binding did not account for all of the PDBu binding associated with intact cells. A cytosolic receptor dependent on phospholipids for binding was also studied. The sum of the receptors recovered in the cytosol plus membrane fractions of cell homogenates was very similar to the amount measured in intact cells. This indicates that the cy...
Error analysis of phase-insensitive coherent (homodyne) detectors

The phase and amplitude errors of a phase-insensitive coherent (homodyne) detector are analyzed. The detector consists of two balanced mixers which are fed in quadrature phase by one of the RF inputs, followed by a phase-quadrature combiner. Inherent detection errors due to an unwanted carrier in the double sideband modulated signal are analyzed first. Then errors due to the amplitude and phase unbalance of the two mixers and phase unbalance of the combiner are analyzed. For narrow bandwidths it is shown that all errors except those due to the unwanted carrier can be mitigated with careful design of the combiner, using appropriate trim adjustments.
Causality in the context of analytical models and numerical experiments

Abstract Intuition tends to guide model formulation, as it is generally impossible to consider all dimensions of a problem. The ability to surprise, heightening the focus on paradox and the contradiction of reality, is therefore more useful than a literal representation of reality. While numerical experiments are useful in exploring patterns not well suited to analytic approaches, features of the model that underlies the experiment determines the experiments’ ability to provide insight and offer surprise.
Acute appendicitis: the continuing role for active observation.

We present the results of a 6-year review of appendicitis. In the event of diagnostic doubt, a policy of active observation was instituted. This review endorses the validity of such a policy, indicating that it does not expose patients to increased morbidity. Data were collected prospectively over a 6-year period on 1,479 children admitted with suspected acute appendicitis (AA); 1,028 (69.5%) were discharged with a diagnosis of non-specific abdominal pain after a mean observation period of 2.5 days, whilst in the remaining 451 a clinical diagnosis of AA was confirmed. The male-to-female ratio was equal, with no difference in the mean age of males (11 years) or females (12 years); 95% of patients were over the age of 5 years. In 324 (72%) cases surgery was performed on the day of admission, whilst in the remaining 126 (28%) it was deferred for 1 to 6 days because the clinical diagnosis of AA remained doubtful. The mean hospital stay was 4 days (range 1 – 32). Analysis of the histological reports of all 451 cases confirmed a positive predictive value for clinical assessment alone of 97.9% and a normal appendicectomy rate of 2.6%. No mortality was observed; surgical morbidity was recorded at 6% with no correlation between post-operative morbidity and timing of surgery evident (Spearmans correlation coefficient = −0.079, p=0.9). Active observation for suspected AA thus remains a valid technique for achieving an accurate diagnosis and successful outcome.
Assessment of Particle Size Distributions of Health-relevant Aerosol Exposures of Primary Lead Smelter Workers

Experiments were conducted at a primary lead smelter to investigate the particle size distributions of lead-containing aerosol to which workers were exposed, using personal inhalable dust spectrometers (PIDS) in specific smelter process areas. A total of 46 PIDS samples were evaluated, taken from the ore storage/mill, sinter plant, blast furnace and dross furnace process areas. Continuous particle size distributions were derived from the raw PIDS data employing a recently-developed optimisation routine, enabling determination of the percentages of inhalable, thoracic and respirable aerosol (in terms of lead content) as fractions of total lead aerosol. In addition, the mass ratios thoracic/inhalable and respirable/inhalable were also determined. Although the parameters of the measured particle size distributions ranged widely, some clear trends emerged. Firstly, the aerosols were coarser than had been expected based on measurements of previously reported workplace particle size distributions. This is thought to be due to the fact that the PIDS collects larger particles more efficiently than other instruments which have been used for such measurements. Secondly, there were significant differences in particle size distribution between process areas, in particular that the aerosol in the blast furnace area was generally finer than in the sinter plant. Such results may be used to support the results of workplace studies (reported elsewhere) into the differences between exposures to inhalable and 'total' aerosol as measured using different sampling instruments, especially when they are used together with knowledge of the physical processes governing the performances of such instruments.
Processing facilitation in a lexical decision task.

A cost/benefit and a speed/accuracy analysis of semantic priming in a lexical decision task provided information'relevant to the \\\ automatic/conscious' facilitation distinction made by Neely (1977 and Posner and Snyder (1975b).. Information is also provided about the opera\tion_of distriminability, criterion bias, and response bias in the facilitation. In both studies, half the cues were neutral and half were words.. Word-cues were instances from 30 semantic categories. : Word,targets were the category names, nonword targets were derived from those names. The cue-word was valid 80% ok the time and invalid 20% of the time. In Experiment 1, cue time, a between groups factor was either 200, 300, 400, 500, or 700 msec. Valid cues produced facilitation:in. RT at cue times as short as 400 msec. j Invalid cues produced inhibition at cue times as short as 200 msec. These results, while Similar in many respects to Neely's (1977), raise doubts about an "inhibitionless" kind of automatic facilitation in primed lexical decisions. Response bias and simple applications .of criterion bias models are also ruled -out as the sole explanation of the facilitation. Experiment 2 used a response-signal technique to collect information about the speed/accuracy trade-off-in a lexical decision task. Six college students ' participated in 10 sessions each. Cues were always presented for 800 msec, targets were variably presented-within subjects for either 100, 200, 300, 450,-or 600 msec. Results indicate that.: (a-) subjects are...capable of trading. accuracy for speed; (b) invalid cues can ,.lower discriminability; (c) response bias is an active component in-primingl_JAJ_previous studies
Effect of Plasma Proteins on the Sieving Spectra of Hemofilters

qoffxture of neutral maltodextrins with a continuous molecular weight distribution from 340 to 120,000 daltons has been used alone or in the presence of plasma to determine solute rejection by four hemofilters and the effect of plasma on such rejection. High pressure liquid chromatographic analyses were utilized to establish concentration ratios of feed and filtrate solutions over a wide molecular weight range. At equal transmembrane velocities, the boundary layer-corrected rejection of each hemofilter was determined as a function of molecular weight. The presence of plasma increased rejection by the Amicon Diafilter 30, the Hospal RP-6, and the Gambro FH202 hemofilters , but the Fresenius D-6 was virtually unaffected.
SU-E-T-08: How Much Dose to the Eyelid Is Reduced by the Backscatter Cap of the Eye Shield From Electron Beam Radiation Therapy?

Purpose: The eye shield set (tungsten (W) shells of 2 and 3 mm thick and various diameters) that is manufactured by RPD, Albertville, MN is supplied with aluminum backscatter caps of 0.5 and 1 mm thickness. However, existing backscatter reduction data (Weaver et al 1998, IJROBP, 41.1. pg.233) are not sufficient. This study attempts to quantify eyelid dose vs backscatter cap thickness using MCNP5. Methods: The electron source in MCNP is simplified to be monoenergetic. The simulated PDD is first validated to measured PDD. The eyelid, Al backscatter cap, tungsten shield, and eyeball are stacked along the electron beam direction. Additional cap thickness of 1.5 mm and 2 mm are simulated to increase the thickness range. For comparison, 3 mm thick lead (Pb) shield is simulated. All dose values are normalized to the dose at dmax without the eye shield. Results: Without any Al cap, the eyelid dose is 123%, 123%, 126% for 2 mm W, 3 mm W, and 3 mm Pb shields. With a 1 mm Al cap, the eyelid dose is 112%, 112%, and 114% respectively. With a 2 mm Al cap, the eyelid dose falls to 105% for all three shields. The backscattered photon dose component is <1% for all simulation scenarios so the backscatter dose is dominated by electrons. The transmission through the shield is <0.8%, suggesting the shield thickness can be reduced for 6 MeV electrons. Further study is needed for higher electron energy beams. Conclusion: Of practical guidance value: If 110% or less hot spot is desired for eyelid, the 0.5 mm Al cap is not sufficient for 6 MeV. The 1 mm cap or 1.5 mm (0.5+1 mm) should be considered (while factoring in patient discomfort in using a thick cap).
Prospects for telediagnosis using ultrasound.

Keywords: LTS1 Reference LTS-ARTICLE-1996-011 Record created on 2006-06-14, modified on 2016-08-08
Nature of a Group in Papain Essential to its Activity

MUCH of the literature on the activation and inactivation of papain1,2,3,4 supports the hypothesis that there is an essential SH group in the active enzyme.
A fluorimetric assay for guanine aminohydrolase.

Abstract A rapid, sensitive, and versatile assay for guanine aminohydrolase is described. It is based on the difference in native fluorescence of guanine, the substrate, and xanthine, the reaction product when excitation and emission wavelengths are 285 nm and 345 nm, respectively.
SAFER CITIES: A MACRO‐LEVEL ANALYSIS OF RECENT IMMIGRATION, HISPANIC‐OWNED BUSINESSES, AND CRIME RATES IN THE UNITED STATES

ABSTRACT:As the literature examining the relationship between immigration and crime continues to evolve, scholars are now searching for ways to expand this link conceptually. Hand in hand with immigration, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses has grown at rates far exceeding the growth rate for all US businesses over the past two decades, carrying the expectation of local and national government officials of bringing jobs and revenue back into the economy. Yet research on how this growth in minority-owned businesses can help explain ecological crime variation is scarce. This study examines the role of Hispanic-owned businesses in the relationship between immigration and total property and violent crime rates, confirming that cities with higher rates of new immigration are not associated with higher violent crime rates, and have significantly lower property crime rates. Additional analyses examining whether this relationship is mediated by the presence of Hispanic-owned businesses also yield empirical s...
Clinical management of adult ITP prior to splenectomy: a perspective

A philosophy of management of adult immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) prior to splenectomy is presented. The initial action is to determine whether the condition is hyperacute, acute, or chronic. In symptomatic cases, initial remission usually requires steroids and the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), followed by platelet transfusion if the patient is actively hemorrhaging. Once initial remission is achieved, a rapid reduction to minimal maintenance therapy should be made. The options include steroids, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Adjustments to maintenance therapy must be made with the understanding that response rates vary for each agent.
Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation in Rare-Earth-Doped Ca F 2 Crystals at Low Temperatures

The spin-lattice relaxation time ${T}_{1}$ of ${\mathrm{F}}^{19}$ has been measured in single Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ crystals containing known concentrations of three different rare-earth ions, ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{3+}$ (1.94\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ ions/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$), ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$ (1.60\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{19}$ ions/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$), and ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{3+}$ (1.59\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{20}$ ions/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$), respectively, over a temperature range of 28 to 300\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The measurements were made at 29.5 Mc/sec using the magnetic recovery method with the magnetic field along the [111] direction. The data indicate that the relaxation is due to "slow diffusion" of nuclear magnetization toward paramagnetic impurities. The ${T}_{1}$-versus-temperature curve exhibits a minimum at about 41\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K for the Ca${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ crystals doped with ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$. These minima yield the correlation time $\ensuremath{\tau}$ at 41\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to be 5.40\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ sec for both ${\mathrm{Tb}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Tm}}^{3+}$. The nuclear spin-spin diffusion coefficient $D$ has been calculated using this value of $\ensuremath{\tau}$ and the ${T}_{1}$ measured at the temperature of the minimum. The temperature dependence of $\ensuremath{\tau}$ for the three ions has been obtained by using the measured nuclear ${T}_{1}$ data and the value of $D$ obtained as indicated above.
Antiferromagnetic Spatial Ordering in a Quenched One-Dimensional Spinor Gas

We have experimentally observed the emergence of spontaneous antiferromagnetic spatial order in a sodium spinor Bose-Einstein condensate that was quenched through a magnetic phase transition. For negative values of the quadratic Zeeman shift, a gas initially prepared in the $F=1$, ${m}_{F}=0$ state collapsed into a dynamically evolving superposition of all three spin projections, ${m}_{F}=0$, $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$. The quench gave rise to rich, nonequilibrium behavior where both nematic and magnetic spin waves were generated. We characterized the spatiotemporal evolution through two particle correlations between atoms in each pair of spin states. These revealed dramatic differences between the dynamics of the spin correlations and those of the spin populations.