cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of an electronic trigger to measure missed diagnosis of stroke in emergency departments

Objective Diagnostic errors are major contributors to preventable patient harm. We validated the use of an electronic health record (EHR)-based trigger (e-trigger) to measure missed opportunities in stroke diagnosis in emergency departments (EDs). Methods Using two frameworks, the Safer Dx Trigger Tools Framework and the Symptom-disease Pair Analysis of Diagnostic Error Framework, we applied a symptom-disease pair-based e-trigger to identify patients hospitalized for stroke who, in the preceding 30 days, were discharged from the ED with benign headache or dizziness diagnoses. The algorithm was applied to Veteran Affairs National Corporate Data Warehouse on patients seen between 1/1/2016 and 12/31/2017. Trained reviewers evaluated medical records for presence/absence of missed opportunities in stroke diagnosis and stroke-related red-flags, risk factors, neurological examination, and clinical interventions. Reviewers also estimated quality of clinical documentation at the index ED visit. Results We applied the e-trigger to 7,752,326 unique patients and identified 46,931 stroke-related admissions, of which 398 records were flagged as trigger-positive and reviewed. Of these, 124 had missed opportunities (positive predictive value for "missed" = 31.2%), 93 (23.4%) had no missed opportunity (non-missed), 162 (40.7%) were miscoded, and 19 (4.7%) were inconclusive. Reviewer agreement was high (87.3%, Cohen's kappa = 0.81). Compared to the non-missed group, the missed group had more stroke risk factors (mean 3.2 vs 2.6), red flags (mean 0.5 vs 0.2), and a higher rate of inadequate documentation (66.9% vs 28.0%). Conclusion In a large national EHR repository, a symptom-disease pair-based e-trigger identified missed diagnoses of stroke with a modest positive predictive value, underscoring the need for chart review validation procedures to identify diagnostic errors in large data sets.
A comparison study of cost-sensitive classifier evaluations

Performance evaluation plays an important role in the rule induction and classification process. Classic evaluation measures have been extensively studied in the past. In recent years, cost-sensitive classification has received much attention. In a typical classification task, all types of classification errors are treated equally. In many practical cases, not all errors are equal. Therefore, it is critical to build a cost-sensitive classifier to minimize the expected cost. This also brings us to another important issue, namely, cost-sensitive classifier evaluations. The main objective is to investigate different aspects of this problem. We review five existing cost-sensitive evaluation measures and compare their similarities and differences. We find that the cost-sensitive measures provide consistent evaluation results comparing to classic evaluation measures in most cases. However, when applying different cost values to the evaluation, the differences between the performances of each algorithm change. It is reasonable to conclude that the evaluation results could change dramatically when certain cost values applied. Moreover, by using cost curves to visualize the classification results, performance and performance differences of different classifiers can be easily seen.
Psychological impact of cardiac catheterization.

Fifty children between 4 and 15 years of age were subdivided into three age groups and studied before, during, and after cardiac catheterization. Nearly all of the youngest, but less than half of the oldest patients manifested negative behavioral and intrapsychic changes after catheterization. The behavior patterns of the youngest children were affected specifically in the domains of regression, aggression, affectivity, and attitude. The increase of general and somatic anxiety was equally distributed among older and younger children. Among boys the increase of aggression was typically expressed in physical modes, whereas girls more often responded by verbal aggression. Since children do not perceive cardiac catheterization as an innocuous procedure, and the catheterization experience may, in selected cases, interact with previously existing conditions to produce long-term adverse effect, intervention to protect very young cardiac patients may be advisable. Prophylactic play therapy could be utilized; or where medically feasible, cardiac catheterization could be postponed until later childhood.
Factors Governing Pasting Properties of Waxy Wheat Flours

Waxy wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) contains endosperm starch lacking in amylose. To realize the full potential of waxy wheat, the pasting properties of hard waxy wheat flours as well as factors governing the pasting properties were investigated and compared with normal and partial waxy wheat flours. Starches isolated from six hard waxy wheat flours had similar pasting properties, yet their corresponding flours had very different pasting properties. The differences in pasting properties were narrowed after endogenous α-amylase activity in waxy wheat flours was inhibited by silver nitrate. Upon treatment with protease, the extent of protein digestibility influenced the viscosity profile in waxy wheat flours. Waxy wheat starch granules swelled extensively when heated in water and exhibited a high peak viscosity, but they fragmented at high temperatures, resulting in more rapid breakdown in viscosity. The extensively swelled and fragmented waxy wheat starch granules were more susceptible to α-amylase degradati...
Melasma: Insights and Perspectives

Melasma is a common disorder in women of reproductive age with darker skin tones, but may also affect adolescents, older women on certain medications, and sometimes men. It usually appears as hyperpigmented macules and patches distributed symmetrically on the face, neck and rarely the upper limbs. Although its pathogenesis remains unclear, known risk factors include ultraviolet (UV) radiation, hormonal variations of pregnancy and thyroid disease, and anti-seizure medications. The increase in melanin may be due to both an increase in melanogenesis and melanocytosis. Prevention should target a reduction of exposure to risk factors, such as consistent protection against UV radiation. The principle treatment options include topical hypopigmenting agents, chemical peels, laser therapy and superficial dermabrasion. The impact of melasma on the quality of life of patients should be considered.
Diagnosis of coronary artery disease by radionuclide angiography: Effect of combining indices of left ventricular function

The aim of this study was to determine whether the diagnostic capability of radionuclide angiography (RNA) in detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) might be improved by using several indices of left ventricular (LV) function in concert. Three different models (rest data, exercise data, and rest plus exercise data) were derived by stepwise multivariate discriminant analysis of RNA data in 65 normal volunteers and 111 patients with CAD and normal ejection fraction (EF) at rest. The model with only resting indices yielded a diagnostic capability comparable to the simple measure of EF response to exercise (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 89% and 91%, respectively). Both the exercise and rest plus exercise models gave better results (area = 94% and 97%, respectively), but only the rest plus the exercise model was better than the EF response alone (p less than 0.001). Thus (a) if resting studies alone are performed, the diagnostic potential of RNA may be improved by combining several indices of resting function; and (b) combined rest and exercise data may improve the sensitivity of RNA in detecting CAD over what could be obtained with the EF response to exercise alone.
On Performance Evaluation of Driver Hand Detection Algorithms: Challenges, Dataset, and Metrics

Hands are used by drivers to perform primary and secondary tasks in the car. Hence, the study of driver hands has several potential applications, from studying driver behavior and alertness analysis to infotainment and human-machine interaction features. The problem is also relevant to other domains of robotics and engineering which involve cooperation with humans. In order to study this challenging computer vision and machine learning task, our paper introduces an extensive, public, naturalistic videobased hand detection dataset in the automotive environment. The dataset highlights the challenges that may be observed in naturalistic driving settings, from different background complexities, illumination settings, users, and viewpoints. In each frame, hand bounding boxes are provided, as well as left/right, driver/passenger, and number of hands on the wheel annotations. Comparison with an existing hand detection datasets highlights the novel characteristics of the proposed dataset.
Gender disparity in analgesic treatment of emergency department patients with acute abdominal pain.

Objectives: Oligoanalgesia for acute abdominal pain historically has been attributed to the provider’s fear of masking serious underlying pathology. The authors assessed whether a gender disparity exists in the administration of analgesia for acute abdominal pain. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive nonpregnant adults with acute nontraumatic abdominal pain of less than 72 hours’ duration who presented to an urban emergency department (ED) from April 5, 2004, to January 4, 2005. The main outcome measures were analgesia administration and time to analgesic treatment. Standard comparative statistics were used. Results: Of the 981 patients enrolled (mean age ± standard deviation [SD] 41 ± 17 years; 65% female), 62% received any analgesic treatment. Men and women had similar mean pain scores, but women were less likely to receive any analgesia (60% vs. 67%, difference 7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1% to 13.6%) and less likely to receive opiates (45% vs. 56%, difference 11%, 95% CI = 4.1% to 17.1%). These differences persisted when gender-specific diagnoses were excluded (47% vs. 56%, difference 9%, 95% CI = 2.5% to 16.2%). After controlling for age, race, triage class, and pain score, women were still 13% to 25% less likely than men to receive opioid analgesia. There was no gender difference in the receipt of nonopioid analgesia. Women waited longer to receive their analgesia (median time 65 minutes vs. 49 minutes, difference 16 minutes, 95% CI = 3.5 to 33 minutes). Conclusions: Gender bias is a possible explanation for oligoanalgesia in women who present to the ED with acute abdominal pain. Standardized protocols for analgesic administration may ameliorate this discrepancy.
Quenching rate constants for Ne3P2) metastable atoms at room temperature

Abstract Rate constants for quenching of Ne3P2) metastable atoms have been measured at room temperature by the flowing afterglow technique for 12 reagents; Ar, Kr, Xe, H2, N2, CO, HCl, F2, Cl2, NF3, N2F4 and N2O. The values range from ≈5 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 for H2 and CO up to ≈42 × 10⊥-11 cm3 molecule−1s−1 for Cl2 and F2. Comparison with similar data for He(23S) and Ar(3P2) suggests that the thermal quenching cross sections follow the trends δ(Ar, 3P2) > δ(Ne, 3P2) ≳ δ(He, 2 3S). The major exceptions seem to be N2, CO and Kr which have usually small quenching cross sections for Ar(3P2).
Synthesis of an anthracene-based bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligand and the structural characterization of its dinuclear tricarbonylrhenium(I) complex

Abstract The new anthracene-based, bitopic bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligand 1,8-bis(4-[bis(1-pyrazolyl)methyl]phenyl)anthracene (1,8-[4-CH(pz)2C6H4]2C14H8) has been prepared by the cobalt-catalyzed reaction between thionyldipyrazole and 1,8-bis(4-formylphenyl)anthracene. The reaction between 1,8-[4-CH(pz)2C6H4]2C14H8 and Re(CO)5Br yielded the dirhenium complex {μ-1,8-[4-CH(pz)2C6H4]2C14H8}[Re(CO)3Br]2. The solid state structure of this complex displays extensive noncovalent interactions, particularly CH–π and π–π interactions.
The yield and cost of colonoscopy in patients with metastatic cancer of unknown primary.

Summary Background Although gastroenterologists are asked to perform colonoscopy in patients with metastatic cancer of unknown primary (MCUP), studies evaluating this practice are lacking. Aim To determine the yield and cost of colonoscopy in patients referred for colonoscopy with an indication of MCUP. Methods We prospectively and retrospectively assessed colonoscopies performed from 2000 to 2011 at a county, a university, and a Veterans Administration medical centre to identify patients referred for colonoscopy for the indication of MCUP. Exclusion criteria included overt or occult bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, familial-colon-cancer syndrome, prior colon cancer, imaging suggesting colorectal lesion, and palpable rectal mass. Outcomes were the number of primary colon cancers and costs based on 2012 Medicare reimbursements. Results Two (1%) of the 160 patients meeting enrollment criteria had a primary colon cancer identified, and both died within 1 month after diagnosis without receiving therapy targeted at colon cancer. One patient without colon cancer had a perforation because of colonoscopy, which required surgery and colostomy. The cost of a strategy of routinely performing colonoscopy in patients referred with MCUP was $84 736 per colon primary identified. Conclusions Primary colon cancer was rarely identified at colonoscopy in patients with MCUP and no standard indications for diagnostic colonoscopy. Furthermore, the cost to diagnose one additional colon primary was very high. Those with colon cancer had advanced disease and were unable to benefit from targeted therapy. Routine colonoscopy for MCUP cannot be recommended at present.
Comprehension of info-aid supers in television advertising for social ideas: Implications for public policy☆

Abstract In this research, a model is developed and tested that examines the determinants and consequences concerning comprehension of superimposed information (called “info-aid supers”) in social idea advertising. A study of 100 social idea ads with info-aid supers reveals that in about one out of three cases, superimposed information is not comprehended. Lower levels of comprehension were found to adversely affect the attitude towards the ad (A ad ) and likelihood of desired action from viewers. Further, the findings indicate that noncomprehension is controllable by suitably designing certain format elements for info-aid supers such as the number of info-aid supers, the amount of information (number of words in all info-aid supers and number of words in target info-aid super), size of typeface, display time for and presence/absence of voice-over with superimposed information. Public policy implications of these findings are addressed, and suggestions are offered for future research.
Baldcypress response to increased water levels, Caddo Lake, Louisiana-Texas

An investigation of baldcypress stands associated with Caddo Lake was undertaken as part of an evaluation of a proposed project to increase storage capacity of the lake. Existing stands either were impacted by or established in response to an increase in water levels that occurred seventy years ago. Examination of stand characteristics and hydrologic records indicated a predictable response to water fluctuation patterns that provided a basis for assessment of various proposed project alternatives. Baldcypress is able to persist in the face of hydrologic regime changes, but growth, reproduction, and survival are directly related to the frequency of substrate exposure. Relationships defined in this study may be useful in identifying impact thresholds and optimal water management strategies for other baldcypress stands.
A Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent Specific to Fibrin-Fibronectin Complexes for Cancer Molecular Imaging with MRI

A peptide targeted contrast agent, CLT1-(Gd-DTPA), was synthesized for molecular imaging of fibronectin−fibrin complexes in tumor tissue with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The T1 and T2 relaxivities of CLT1-(Gd-DTPA) were 4.22 and 4.45 mM−1 s−1 at 3 T, respectively. The targeted contrast agent specifically bound to tumor tissue and resulted in significant tumor contrast enhancement at a dose of 0.1 mmol Gd/kg for at least 60 min in mice bearing HT-29 human colon carcinoma xenografts as shown in dynamic MR images. In contrast, a control nontargeted contrast agent, Gd(DTPA-BMA), was cleared rapidly with little tumor enhancement 60 min postinjection. Tumor enhancement with CLT1-(Gd-DTPA) was significantly reduced after coinjection with a 3-fold excess of free CLT1 peptide. The preliminary study has shown that CLT1-(Gd-DTPA) can specifically bind to the fibrin−fibronectin complexes in tumor tissues, resulting in significant tumor enhancement. The targeted contrast agent has a potential for cancer molecula...
Work/rest: Part II – The scientific basis (knowledge base) for the guide1

Fatigue must be reduced so that the workers can maintain/increase productivity andhave optimal stress. Time at work can be divided into working time and resting (recovery) time. The purpose of resting time is to overcome fatigue. Fatigue can occur in different parts of the body—general body fatigue (cardiovascular system) (physiological), muscular fatigue (muscles) (physiological), and mental fatigue (brain) (psychological). A key consideration of a rest is its recovery value. The recovery value of a rest is a function of how fatigued the muscle (cardiovascular system, brain) is when the rest begins, length of the rest, and the status of the muscle (cardiovascular system, brain) during the rest. Fatigue increases exponentially with time. On the other hand, the value of a rest declines exponentially with time. Rest is more beneficial if it occurs before the muscle (cardiovascular system, brain) has too much fatigue. Thus, machine-paced or standardized rests are probably less effective than rests under operator control.
Kinetics of carbon monoxide oxidation in postflame gases

Rates of carbon monoxide oxidation in after-flame gases at 1 atm were determined by concentrationand temperature measurements, both in a differential flow reactor comprising the second stage of a two-stage city gas-air combustion system, and in the postflame region of a flat methane-air flame stabilized on a water-cooled burner. Rates observed in the flow reactor at 1060°–1260°K are about 1×10−5 to 4×10−5 mole/ml, sec, corresponding to, a rate of fractional conversion, -d ln[CO]/dt, of about 0.05 to 0.2 msec−1. The flat-flame rates decrease rapidly with distance from the burner, in a manner consistent with a kinetic mechanism based on rate control by the forward and reverse steps of the reaction CO+OH=CO2+H, equilibration of the reactions H+O2=OH+O, O+H2=OH+H, OH+H2=H2O+H, and three-body recombinations, if the partial-equilibrium OH concentration is corrected by a factor ranging from 0.39 to 2.62. The above results and previous data representing various burners and reactors, fuels, equivalence ratios, and pressures, are adequately correlated for practical purposes over the temperature range 840°–2360°K by the global equation -d[CO]/dt=k0[CO][O2]1/2[H2O]1/2exp(-E/RT), with k0=1.3×1014 ml/mole sec, and E=30 kcal/mole.
Quantum spin liquids: Tell-tale topology

Quantum spin liquids have long eluded detection, despite nearly forty years of investigation. Now, a topological property unique to the quantum-spin-liquid state has emerged as a viable method of detection.
Providing One-Stop Shopping for the Faculty's Teaching Needs

SUMMARY The Kresge Library has been able to closely incorporate library resources and services into course curricula in the Ross School of Business. In this article we look at how Kresge Library successfully created a department that provides one-stop shopping for faculty's teaching needs and uses this opportunity to market all other library services to faculty. Though the Ross School of Business has a long history of offering faculty unparalleled support, this support was fragmented and uncoordinated. An organizational change that was viewed as a negative was successfully turned around. A new department within the library was created, staff were challenged and given new learning opportunities, and faculty, as our customers, could now come to one point of contact for their teaching support.
Statistical thermodynamics of blends: Equation of state and phase relations

We discuss the free-energy expressions for homogeneous melts and their blends, based on our hole theory. Equation of state (PVT) and free energy of mixing (ΔGm) are considered from a common point of view without the introduction of additional parameters to pass from the first to the second set of properties. Practical problems arise from the fact that ΔGm represents a difference between large quantities. As illustrations we analyze two typical systems. One is the n − C6 + n − C16 pair where PVT and ΔGm, the latter at atmospheric pressure only, have been studied experimentally. The other is n - C6 with a low and high molecular weight respectively of polyethylene as solute. Here the PVT relations of the components only are known. The effects of intercomponent attractions, temperature, pressure, and molecular weight on phase behavior are investigated. Critical coordinates, lower critical-solution temperatures (LCST) and their pressure dependence are computed. An iso-free volume condition obtains for this dependence where free volume is defined by the hole fraction inherent in the theory. Comparisons with experimental observations and other theoretical computations for different molecular weights are limited by the effect of polydispersity. Moreover, cloud point curves are shown. We finally compute the composition and pressure dependence of the χ-parameter which is implicit in the theory. We conclude with some comments regarding polymer blends.
Crystal structure of PapA5, a phthiocerol dimycocerosyl transferase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Polyketide-associated protein A5 (PapA5) is an acyltransferase that is involved in production of phthiocerol and phthiodiolone dimycocerosate esters, a class of virulence-enhancing lipids produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Structural analysis of PapA5 at 2.75-A resolution reveals a two-domain structure that shares unexpected similarity to structures of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, dihydrolipoyl transacetylase, carnitine acetyltransferase, and VibH, a non-ribosomal peptide synthesis condensation enzyme. The PapA5 active site includes conserved histidine and aspartic acid residues that are critical to PapA5 acyltransferase activity. PapA5 catalyzes acyl transfer reactions on model substrates that contain long aliphatic carbon chains, and two hydrophobic channels were observed linking the PapA5 surface to the active site with properties consistent with these biochemical activities and substrate preferences. An additional alpha helix not observed in other acyltransferase structures blocks the putative entrance into the PapA5 active site, indicating that conformational changes may be associated with PapA5 activity. PapA5 represents the first structure solved for a protein involved in polyketide synthesis in Mycobacteria.
Meningeal carcinomatosis in small cell carcinoma of the lung

Small cell carcinoma of the lung is extremely sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We describe the case of a patient who had a complete response to such treatment but relapsed with meningeal carcinomatosis. We propose that prophylactic therapy to the spinal cord as well as the brain should be considered in the treatment of patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Coupled Josephson Local Oscillator And Detector Experiments In The Terahertz Regime

Recent coupled Josephson junction experiments in our laboratory have demonstrated that high critical current density tunnel junctions can serve as effective local oscillators at frequencies up to and in excess of the gap sum frequency of the junction, i.e. well above 1 Terahertz for a niobium or niobium compound tunnel junction. While the details of the behavior of such a THz. oscillator were found not to be in accord with the predictions of the accepted theory of the A.C. Josephson effect in the gap region significant radiation could be capacitively coupled from the oscillator junction to an adjacent junction, sufficient for SIS mixer experiments at Terahertz frequencies. Research efforts are now under way to further extend and ex-pand these studies. A high critical current density all NbN tunnel junction system is now under development for Terahertz applications and a new set of coupled Josephson oscillator - SIS detector experiments is being initiated using NbN tunnel junc-tions. In this paper we will review the original coupled junction high frequency experiments and report on the recent progress of the current NbN tunnel junction experiments.
Malignant Coloduodenal Fistula: An Unusual Cause of Vomiting.

A 62-year-old black woman was admitted with a 4-day history of nausea and feculent vomiting, a 22-kg weight loss over 6 months, and with hemoglobin of 7.9 g/dL on admission. CT showed asymmetric hypodense, mural thickening of the hepatic flexure with pericolic fat stranding, and an associated loss of interference with the duodenal sweep, suggestive of direct infiltration and suspicious for a coloduodenal fistula (Figure 1). Gastrograffin enema study showed a large, apple core lesion in the ascending colon, suggestive of colon cancer (Figure 2). Colonoscopy revealed a completely obstructing, ulcerated mass in the hepatic flexure; biopsy confirmed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon. Upper endoscopy showed feculent material in the stomach and an ulcerated end of a coloduodenal fistula on the posterior duodenal wall with feculent material spurting out (Figure 3). A PET-CT scan showed no evidence of distant metastasis. She was placed without oral intake and started on total parenteral nutrition to optimize her nutritional status. After 1 week, she underwent a sub-total hemicolectomy with en bloc resection of the fistula and primary closure of the duodenal defect. Surgical histopathology confirmed low-grade, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the colon invading the serosa and the wall of the duodenum. The proximal and distal margins and duodenal excision margins were free of disease.
Interactions between Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Leaf Streak of Wheat, and Bacterial Epiphytes in the Wheat Phyllosphere

Abstract The abilities of 44 bacterial epiphytes to reduce leaf-associated population sizes of Xanthomonas translucens pv. translucens strain Xtt4Rif-2 and bacterial leaf streak were quantified in growth-chamber experiments. Bacterial epiphytes were inoculated individually onto 10-day-old wheat seedlings at a density of 108 CFU/ml. Pathogen strain Xtt4Rif-2 was inoculated onto wheat seedlings 48 h later at a density of 107 CFU/ml. Population sizes of the bacterial epiphytes and the pathogen were quantified 48 h after inoculation of the pathogen and disease severity was assessed 5–6 days later. Thirteen bacterial epiphytes were identified by their ability to reduce Xtt4Rif-2 populations, disease severity, or both compared to a pathogen-only control (subsequently referred to as successful antagonists). The potential roles of antibiosis and competition for nutrient resources in mediating the observed interactions between the epiphytes and the pathogen were also investigated. Only one epiphyte inhibited Xtt in vitro. Thus, antibiosis probably was not a major mechanism by which pathogen population sizes and disease severity were reduced. Similarity in nutrient utilization between bacterial epiphytes and pathogen strain Xtt4Rif-2 was estimated using nutrient-overlap indices. Nutrient-overlap indices were not predictive of the ability of epiphytes to reduce pathogen populations or disease severity. However, successful antagonists utilized both sucrose and inositol more frequently than poor antagonists.
Generalized microscopic mechanism of facilitated transport in fixed site carrier membranes

Abstract A generalized microscopic mechanism for the facilitated transport of a neutral solute through a fixed site carrier membrane is given. A series mass transfer resistance model is used to demonstrate that facilitated transport is possible even when the fixed sites are too far apart for direct solute hopping between sites and mass transport between sites is by simple solute diffusion. An effective diffusion coefficient DAB of the complexed penetrant is defined in terms of morphology-dependent and reversible reaction variables. Appropriate limits are taken to illustrate that the results give the appropriate observed behavior.
Drug therapies for uterine fibroids: a new approach to an old problem

Uterine fibroids are a significant problem in women's health and account for almost 40% of hysterectomies performed annually in the U.S. Until recently, medical treatments focused on drugs that block estrogen production and action. These have had limited success. Now, several novel compounds including selective progesterone receptor modulators and anti-fibrotic drugs such as pirfenidone, halofuginone, and interferons (INFs) are being investigated and show promise for the treatment of these tumors.
Comparative evaluation of adsorption energy distribution functions obtained by analytical and numerical methods

The adsorption energy distributions derived from the Adamson and Ling (AL), and the House and Jaycock HILDA numerical methods are compared with the Sips analytical solution, which is used as a benchmark for these numerical methods. Excellent agreement between the analytical and numerical methods is achieved provided that the isotherm data are measured over a wide range of adsorbate partial pressures, extending to near the saturation capacity. While a lack of accurate low-pressure data will merely result in an inaccurate energy distribution in the high-energy range, a lack of these high-pressure data may result in an entirely wrong energy distribution.
Tuning electrical conductivity and surface area of chemically-exfoliated graphene through nanocrystal functionalization

Abstract Silver nanocrystals were used to prevent the stacking of exfoliated graphene and to improve its conductivity. They were deposited onto chemically-exfoliated graphene through self-assembly and subsequent reduction of silver ions. Characterization by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy has confirmed the formation of silver/graphene hybrid. The nitrogen adsorption/desorption tests indicated that the nanoparticles inhibited the restacking of these sheets, resulting in larger active surface areas. The electrical conductivity of silver-deposited graphene was increased by nearly 3 times. The hybrid material was also used as an electrode of a supercapacitor and the capacitance of 326 F g −1 was achieved at a scan rate of 2 mV s −1 . In contrast, as-produced chemically-exfoliated graphene based supercapacitors exhibited a capacitance of 109 F g −1 . These results provide a valuable guidance for tuning the properties of chemically-exfoliated graphene in potential applications.
Cryoprostatectomy consistently elevates serum creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme

Abstract Study Objective: To measure serum CK-MB, a market of myocardial infarction (MI), in elderly men before and after cryoprostatectomy. Design: Serum CK-MB was measured on each patient before and after cryoprostatectomy. Each patient's preoperative result was used as control measurement for comparison with measurements made after cryoprostatectomy. Setting: Inpatient operating room and postanesthetic, recovery unit of a university-affiliated general hospital. Patients: 38 male patients, mean (SEM) age 69.1 ± 1.4 years, undergoing cryoprosta-tectomy. Interventions: All patients had a 12-lead ECG prior to surgery, in the recovery room, and 24 hours after surgery. Serum CK-MB was measured prior to induction of anesthesia, on arrival in the recovery room, and at 8 and 24 hours after surgery. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and isoenzymes also were measured in 10 patients before and after cryoprostatectomy. Measurements and Main Results: All patients underwent uneventful cryoprostatectomy. No patients had new ECG changes after surgery. All patients had normal serum CK and CK-MB concentrations before surgery. Serum CK and CK-MB were significantly elevated after cryoprostatectomy ( p 1 to LDH 2 isoenzymes. Finally, unlike patients with an acute MI, the activity of CK-MB isoenzyme when measured by gel electrophoresis was two to three times greater (mean, 2.6 ± 0. 7) than the concentration measured with the monoclonal antibody assay in patients after cryoprostatectomy. Conclusion: Serum CK-MB is an unreliable test to diagnose a MI in patients who have undergone cryoprostatectomy.
A Paradigm for Functional Tissue Engineering of Articular Cartilage via Applied Physiologic Deformational Loading

Deformational loading represents a primary component of the chondrocyte physical environment in vivo. This review summarizes our experience with physiologic deformational loading of chondrocyte-seeded agarose hydrogels to promote development of cartilage constructs having mechanical properties matching that of the parent calf tissue, which has a Young's modulus E Y = 277 kPa and unconfined dynamic modulus at 1 Hz G*=7 MPa. Over an 8-week culture period, cartilage-like properties have been achieved for 60 × 106 cells/ml seeding density agarose constructs, with E Y = 186 kPa, G*=1.64 MPa. For these constructs, the GAG content reached 1.74% ww and collagen content 2.64% ww compared to 2.4% ww and 21.5% ww for the parent tissue, respectively. Issues regarding the deformational loading protocol, cell-seeding density, nutrient supply, growth factor addition, and construct mechanical characterization are discussed. In anticipation of cartilage repair studies, we also describe early efforts to engineer cylindrical and anatomically shaped bilayered constructs of agarose hydrogel and bone (i.e., osteochondral constructs). The presence of a bony substrate may facilitate integration upon implantation. These efforts will provide an underlying framework from which a functional tissue-engineering approach, as described by Butler and coworkers (2000), may be applied to general cell-scaffold systems adopted for cartilage tissue engineering.
Organizational Identity: A Psychoanalytic Exploration of Organizational Meaning

Organizational studies are undergoing change. Organization theory and research are moving toward greater sensitivity to subjective perceptions of the world, as illustrated by the current focus on “organizational culture.” (1) This development shifts the analysis of organizations from the study of empirical “objective” data to “intersubjective” data. Scholars want to know what organizational members experience and how that experience influences their decisions and actions. Contemporary organizational research is, therefore, composed less of “factual” statements from detached observers about administrative behavior and more of statements from participants themselves.
Micron Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Intact Biological Organisms and Model Systems

Surface-enhanced Raman spectra have been obtained within intact zebrafish embryos and inside the 500-fL pores of a Nucleopore filter membrane with the use of coated microelectrodes with 1-3 μm active silver tip diameters. The spectra obtained demonstrate the microelectrode's ability to penetrate biological membranes as well as restricted volumes.
Correction in the equation for the third order upper Kröner bound on the shear modulus of a polycrystalline aggregate of cubic crystals

An algebraic error has been detected in the formula given by Gairola and Kroner for the third order upper bound on the shear modulus of a polycrystalline aggregate of cubic crystals. The correct formula is calculated, and the answer verified by substituting single crystal elastic values into the equation. The fourth order bounds and self-consistent shear modulus are also calculated.
Some possible tissue assay methods for n nutrition assessment of Pinus Taeda L.

Abstract Studies were conducted on loblolly pine to test the sensitivity of a number of N assay methods which would show the greatest increase of N in fertilized over unfertilized trees as the most indicative of the N status of stands. In November, total N in xylem and fresh needlefall was more sensitive than that in needles. Current needles and twigs collected in September were more sensitive than 1 year old tissue. Needles and twigs appeared to have similar sensitivity. Soluble‐ and arginine‐N appeared more sensitive than total N in needles and twigs; however, these N fractions were too variable to be statistically evaluated as well as their laboratory procedures not easily adapted for routine use.
Mutual information of local field potentials distinguishes area-V2 stripe compartments

PURPOSE Determining how information is represented by populations of neurons in different cortical areas is critical to our understanding of the brain mechanisms of visual perception. Recently, information-theoretical approaches have been applied to the analysis of spike trains of multiple neurons. However, other neurophysiological signals, such as local field potentials (LFPs), offer a different source of information worthy of investigating in this way. In this study, we investigate how the modular organization of area V2 of macaque monkeys impacts the information represented in LFPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS LFPs were recorded from a 32-channel microelectrode array implanted in area V2 of an anesthetized macaque monkey. The electrode positions were recovered in histological tissue stained for cytochrome oxidase (CO) to reveal the modular organization of V2. Visual stimuli consisted of a variety of moving gratings that differed in orientation, direction, spatial frequency, and chromatic content. RESULTS LFPs were separated into different frequency bands for analysis of mutual information as a function of stimulus type and CO-stripe location. High-γ-band LFPs revealed the highest information content across the electrode array. The distributions of total mutual information as well as mutual information due to correlations varied greatly by CO stripe. This analysis indicates that local correlations within each CO stripe generally reduce mutual information, whereas correlations between stripes greatly increase mutual information. CONCLUSION The decomposition mutual information based on the power of different frequency bands of LFPs provides new insight into the impact of modular architecture on population coding in area V2. Unlike other cortical areas, such as V1, where mutual information based on LFP correlations is largely determined by cortical separation, mutual information in V2 is also fundamentally determined by the CO-stripe architecture.
Irbesartan, an angiotensin type 1 receptor inhibitor, regulates the vascular oxidative state in patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the effect of angiotensin II type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor antagonists on pro-oxidant species observed in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Parameters such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) susceptibility, monocyte binding capacity, superoxide generation and lipid peroxidation were examined in the presence of the AT 1 receptor antagonist irbesartan. BACKGROUND Low-density lipoprotein oxidation is a key component in the process of atherogenesis. This modification may involve various mechanisms, including changes in nitric oxide levels and superoxide levels. Additionally, compounds that suppress these mechanisms may retard or inhibit the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. METHODS Forty-seven patients with documented coronary artery disease were treated with irbesartan for a 12-week period. Patients were randomized to receive irbesartan or placebo. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide levels, monocyte binding and LDL oxidation were measured at 0, 4 and 12 weeks. Findings were statistically evaluated by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with p RESULTS Treatment with irbesartan significantly decreased the pro-oxidative environment seen in our study population. Lag time for LDL oxidation increased 32% at 12 weeks, suggesting an increased resistance of LDL modification in the serum. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances activity indicated that lipid peroxidation decreased by 36% in comparison to placebo. In addition, superoxide levels and monocyte-binding capacity were also significantly reduced in coronary artery disease patients receiving irbesartan. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that irbesartan may suppress the atherosclerotic process by inhibiting the intravascular oxidative state and the production of reactive oxygen species, compounds that may cause damage to the vasculature.
Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Strained Spirocyclic [1]Sila- and [1]Germaferrocenophanes and Tetraferrocenylsilane

The spirocyclic [1]ferrocenophanes [Fe(η-C5H4)2]2E (3, E = Si; 4, E = Ge) and Fe(η-C5H4)2Si(CH2)3 (5) have been prepared by the reaction of Fe(η-C5H4Li)2·TMEDA (TMEDA = tetramethylethylenediamine) with SiCl4, GeCl4, and Cl2Si(CH2)3, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 3−5 revealed that the molecules possess highly strained structures with tilt angles between the planes of the cyclopentadienyl rings of 19.4(2), 19.1(5), and 20.61(8)°, respectively. The Fe- - -Fe distances in 3 and 4 are 5.314(1) and 5.518(4) A, and evidence for metal−metal interactions in the form of substantial redox coupling (ΔE1/2 = 0.37 V for 3 and 0.25 V for 4) is present in the cyclic voltammograms of these species. For structural comparison, the tetraferrocenylsilane [(η-C5H5)Fe(η-C5H4)]4Si (6) was prepared and was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cyclic voltammetry of 6 showed four reversible oxidation waves with E1/2 values of −0.03 to +0.39 V versus ferrocene; ΔE1/2 values of 0.10−0.18 V we...
Ring-shaped confocal photoacoustic computed tomography for small-animal whole-body imaging

We developed a new photoacoustic tomography system for small-animal whole-body imaging. With the novel design of ring-shaped light delivery and full-ring ultrasonic array detection, the system can generate a cross-sectional image in 1.6 seconds.
Changes in porosity of treated lint cotton fibers. II. Treatments for chemically modifying cotton

Changes in the internal morphology of chemically modified lint cotton fibers were investigated by measurement of nitrogen adsorption at liquid nitrogen temperature. Surface areas and pore size distributions were calculated from the adsorption isotherms and compared with findings from measurements of changes in crystallinity and of fibrillar aggregation as shown by electron micrographs. Fibers were either preswollen in water or taken from the rinse water and solvent exchanged through methanol and n-pentane to helium before adsorption measurements were made. Unless reacted in the presence of water, the wrinkle resistance treatments studied caused losses in surface area of 55% or greater. Changes in surface area and porosity of cottons reacted with monofunctional reagents designed to give protective and other types of finishes were dependent on the type of reaction used.
New Class of IMP Cyclohydrolases in Methanococcus jannaschii

The enzyme responsible for observed IMP cyclohydrolase activity in Methanococcus jannaschii was purified and sequenced: its genetic locus was found to correspond to gene MJ0626. The MJ0626 gene was cloned, and its protein product was expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to catalyze the cyclization of 5-formylamidoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide to IMP. The enzyme has no sequence similarity to known enzymes, and its catalytic properties appear distinct from any characterized IMP cyclohydrolase. The purO gene for the enzyme is currently found only in the domain Archaea.
Urban homicide: Some recent developments

Abstract We examine homicide data from fifty of the largest U.S. cities for the years 1976–1977 and, in particular, compare them to similar data for 1971–1972. The results reinforce earlier predictions that one in seventy urban residents born this decade will ultimately be murdered. However, the dispersion of murder risk as a function of race, sex, and city has apparently dropped considerably in the last few years.
Deuterium enrichments in chondritic macromolecular material—Implications for the origin and evolution of organics, water and asteroids

Here we report the elemental and isotopic compositions of the insoluble organic material (IOM) isolated from several previously unanalyzed meteorites, as well as the reanalyses of H isotopic compositions of some previously measured samples (Alexander et al., 2007). The IOM in ordinary chondrites (OCs) has very large D enrichments that increase with increasing metamorphism and decreasing H/C, the most extreme δD value measured being almost 12,000‰. We propose that such large isotopic fractionations could be produced in the OC parent bodies through the loss of isotopically very light H2 generated when Fe was oxidized by water at low temperatures (<200 °C). We suggest that similar isotopic fractionations were not generated in the IOM of CV and CO chondrites with similar metamorphic grades and IOM H/C ratios because proportionately less water was consumed during metamorphism, and the remaining water buffered the H isotopic composition of the IOM even a H was being lost from it. Hydrogen would also have been generated during the alteration of CI, CM and CR carbonaceous chondrites. The IOM in these meteorites exhibit a considerable range in isotopic compositions, but all are enriched in D, as well as 15N, relative to terrestrial values. We explore whether these enrichments could also have been produced by the loss of H2, but conclude that the most isotopically anomalous IOM compositions in meteorites from these groups are probably closest to their primordial values. The less isotopically anomalous IOM has probably been modified by parent body processes. The response of IOM to these processes was complex and varied, presumably reflecting differences in conditions within and between parent bodies. The D enrichments associated with H2 generation, along with exchange between D-rich IOM and water in the parent bodies, means that it is unlikely that any chondrites retain the primordial H isotopic composition of the water ice that they accreted. The H isotopic compositions of the most water-rich chondrites, the CMs and CIs, are probably the least modified and their compositions (δD ⩽ −25‰) suggest that their water did not form at large radial distances from the Sun where ice is predicted to be very D-rich. Yet models to explain the O isotopic composition of inner Solar System bodies require that large amounts of ice were transported from the outer to the inner Solar System.
Discrimination of DSM-IV and Latent Class Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes by Educational and Cognitive Performance in a Population-Based Sample of Child and Adolescent Twins

ABSTRACT Objective Despite the general use of DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes, there is controversy over the optimal phenotyping strategy for this disorder. This report contrasts two ADHD subtyping approaches on the prediction of cognitive function and educational achievement. Method ADHD subtypes were determined using DSM-IV and latent class approaches for a population sample of 1,154 child and adolescent twins using parent report data. Twins completed cognitive and achievement testing and parents reported on school grades, special education placement, and history of being held back in school. Results The DSM-IV primarily inattentive and combined subtype ADHD groups showed significant deficits in cognitive and achievement testing, worse grades, and increased use of special education resources compared with the primarily hyperactive/impulsive subtype and no-ADHD groups. Clinically relevant and less severe latent class ADHD subtypes were also associated with deficits in cognitive and achievement testing, grades, and special education use. Conclusions DSM-IV primarily inattentive and combined subtypes of ADHD have similar significant patterns of cognitive and academic dysfunction in the general population. Latent class–defined ADHD subtypes also have patterns of serious cognitive and achievement deficits.