cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Henry Louis Gates and Racial Profiling: What's the Problem?

A string of recent studies has documented significant racial disparities in police stops, searches, and arrests across the country. The issue of racial profiling, however, did not receive national attention until the arrest of Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., at his home in Cambridge. This raises three questions: First, did Sergeant Crowley engage in racial profiling when he arrested Professor Gates? Second, why does it take the wrongful arrest of a respected member of an elite community to focus the attention of the country? Third, why is racial profiling so pervasive in American policing?The answers to these questions are interconnected: they turn on the fact that racial profiling is just another form of statistical discrimination and that, today, we all embrace statistical discrimination as efficient and justified whenever there are group-based differences in behavior or fact disparities. We have all become, today, statistical discriminators. This answer, though, points to a solution in the racial profiling quandary, because statistical discrimination is misguided in dynamic situations where there are feedback effects. In policing, it is counter-productive to the law enforcement objective of reducing crime. Like Lani Guinier and Gerald Torres’s metaphor of the miner’s canary, the racial dimension of racial profiling is what troubles us in the arrest of Henry Louis Gates. But, just like the canary whose distress is a warning that the air in the mine is poisoned, the troubling aspect of race in the debate over racial profiling points to the larger problems of statistical discrimination writ large.
Pore-scale simulation of density-driven convection in fractured porous media during geological CO2 sequestration

[1] Global warming is attributed to the excessive emission of greenhouse gases, one of whose main components is carbon dioxide (CO2). A promising long-term solution for mitigating global warming is geological CO2 sequestration, which is the capture and storage of enormous amounts of CO2 in underground reservoirs in order to reduce CO2 build up in the atmosphere. In this study, a pore-scale lattice Boltzmann method was used to simulate density-driven convection in a porous medium with a fracture, to study geological CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers. The CO2-brine interface was located at the top of the domain. Both fracture width and body force were varied to generate different Ra numbers in order to investigate the effect of Ra on the convection. All simulated data can be fitted by the same trend, implying that the characteristic length of the system was dominated by the fracture width. When Ra was high enough, increasing Ra did not reduce the critical time for the onset of instability apparently. Also, it did not increase the maximum peak vertical velocity noticeably. Therefore, there existed asymptotic values for the critical time and maximum peak vertical velocity. With high Ra numbers, the high-frequency oscillation of turbulence greatly enhanced the dissolution of CO2 into brine. After the onset of convective instability, the brine with a high CO2 concentration intruded into the underlying unaffected brine, which increased the interfacial area between the CO2-rich brine and unaffected brine, and consequently favored the migration of CO2 into the fracture and porous medium. This study is the first pore-scale one investigating density-driven convection during geological CO2 sequestration in deep saline aquifers, whereas most existing research is focused on the field scale and the dissolved CO2 concentration at the top boundary is usually assumed to be saturated.
Osteogenic Responses in Fibroblasts Activated by Elastin Degradation Products and Transforming Growth Factor-β1: Role of Myofibroblasts in Vascular Calcification

Our objective was to establish the role of fibroblasts in medial vascular calcification, a pathological process known to be associated with elastin degradation and remodeling. Rat dermal fibroblasts were treated in vitro with elastin degradation products and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, factors usually present in deteriorated matrix environments. Cellular changes were monitored at the gene and protein level by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and von Kossa staining for calcium deposits. By 21 days, multicellular calcified nodules were formed in the presence of elastin degradation products and TGF-β1 separately and to a significantly greater extent when used together. Before mineralization, cells expressed α-smooth muscle actin and large amounts of collagen type I and matrix metalloproteinase-2, characteristic features of myofibroblasts, key elements in tissue remodeling and repair. Stimulated cells expressed increased levels of core-binding factor α1, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteoprotegerin, representative bone-regulating proteins. For most proteins analyzed, TGF-β1 synergistically amplified responses of fibroblasts to elastin degradation products. In conclusion, elastin degradation products and TGF-β1 promote myofibroblastic and osteogenic differentiation in fibroblasts. These results support the idea that elastin-related calcification involves dynamic remodeling events and suggest the possibility of a defective tissue repair process.
Power-profile driven variable voltage scaling for heterogeneous distributed real-time embedded systems

Presents a power-aware real-time distributed embedded system scheduling algorithm. It tries to satisfy the hard real-time constraints and precedence relationships of the tasks in the distributed embedded system specification. At the same time, it performs variable voltage scaling by addressing variations in power consumption of different tasks and characteristics of different voltage-scalable processing elements (PEs) in an effective and efficient manner. It performs execution order optimization of scheduled events to increase the chances of scaling down voltages and frequencies of these voltage-scalable PEs in the distributed embedded system. It also performs power-profile and timing-constraint driven slack allocation to maximize power reduction via voltage scaling. This scheduling algorithm is also very effective in the case where the variations in power consumption of different tasks can be ignored. It can be included in the inner loop of a system-level synthesis tool for real-time heterogeneous embedded systems since it is very fast. It is superior to other approaches in the literature in terms of power consumption or complexity.
Simulation of Correlated Non-Gaussian Pressure Fields

Abstract. Among a host of techniques developed for the analysis and prediction of nonlinear structural response, simulation methods are gaining popularity as computational efficiency increases. Implementation of time domain methods require simulated load time histories with case-specific statistical and spectral characteristics. When the assumption of Gaussian wind loading is inappropriate, techniques for simulating non-Gaussian loading must be sought. Over a larger expanse of building surface, simulation of correlated loads at several spatially separated locations is required. This work introduces a multi-variate non-Gaussian simulation method capable of producing realizations with a wide range of spectral and probabilistic characteristics. The correlation between multiple locations is accurately simulated simultaneously, while retaining the appropriate spectral and probabilistic content at each location.
Expression, purification, crystallization, and biochemical characterization of a recombinant protein phosphatase

A protein phosphatase (PPase) from the bacteriophage lambda was overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity yielding approximately 17 mg of enzyme from a single liter of bacterial culture. Biochemical characterization of the enzyme showed that it required Mn2+ or Ni2+ as an activator. The recombinant enzyme was active toward serine, threonine, and tyrosine phosphoproteins and phosphopeptides. Surprisingly, the bacterial histidyl phosphoprotein, NRII, was also dephosphorylated by the lambda-PPase. The lambda-PPase shares a number of kinetic and structural properties with the eukaryotic Ser/Thr phosphatases, suggesting that the lambda-PPase will serve as a good model for structure-function studies. Crystallization of the recombinant purified lambda-PPase yielded monoclinic crystals. The crystals diffract to 4.0 A when exposed to synchrotron x-ray radiation.
Threats to riparian ecosystems in western North America: An analysis of existing literature

A total of 453 journal articles, reports, books, and book chapters addressing threats to riparian ecosystems in western North America were analyzed to identify, quantify, and qualify the major threats to these ecosystems as represented in the existing literature. Publications were identified either as research, policy, literature review, historical comparison, or management papers. All papers were evaluated based on year of publication, area of interest, and type(s) of threats addressed. Research papers, however, were assessed in more depth. The publications ranged from the 1930s to 2010 and addressed the following threats: dams, pollution (point and nonpoint), grazing, land use change, timber harvesting, water diversion, road construction, recreation, mining, groundwater pumping, invasive species, climate change, salinity, fire, insect and diseases, woody encroachment, watershed degradation, elimination of native vegetation, beavers, fire suppression, and fuel management. While the types of threats vary on spatial and temporal scales, some persist through decades in western North America. This analysis shows that grazing has been perceived as a dominant threat since the 1980s, but has been diminishing in the past decade, while invasive species, dams and, in recent years, climate change are increasingly represented in the literature as threats to riparian ecosystems in western North America.
An Oral Reading Fluency Assessment for Young Adult Career and Technical Education Students

Educators confront a difficult challenge of quickly and efficiently identifying students with literacy skill deficits in academically diverse career and technical education classes. A statistical examination of oral reading fluency (ORF) of 296 at-risk students participating in Job Corps tests the hypothesis that a 2-minute, two-dimensional ORF task is a useful tool for differentiating the basic literacy skills of these students. This study formed four student groups on this basis and statistically demonstrated the groups were distinct in terms of standardized assessments of reading and cognitive processing: phonological processing, processing speed, memory, and integrated and fluent reading with comprehension. We discuss the implications of these findings for further diagnostic reading assessments and instructional planning.
Stock return, risk, and legal environment around the world

Abstract This paper investigates how the legal environment in a country influences performance and risk of stock across countries at different developmental stages and of various rules of jurisdiction. Using data of 4916 stocks from 37 countries, our empirical findings confirm that equities in countries with English common law origin have higher risk premiums than those in civil law countries, particularly for countries of the French/Spanish code. The indicators representing high efficiency in law system, low corruption, strong legal protection of investors' rights, and reliable political environment are associated with low risk and high performance. The various elements of legal procedural formalism, however, have differing effects on volatility and return.
Photon-pair generation in optical fibers through four-wave mixing: Role of Raman scattering and pump polarization

We present a general quantum theory capable of describing photon statistics under the combined effects of four-wave mixing and Raman scattering inside optical fibers. Our theory is vectorial in nature and includes all polarization effects. Our analysis shows that spontaneous Raman scattering degrades the pair correlation in all cases but the extent of degradation depends on the pumping configuration employed. In a single-pump configuration, photon pairs can be created with polarization either parallel or orthogonal to the pump. Our results show that the orthogonal configuration can improve the extent of quantum correlation considerably over a broad bandwidth. In the case of a dual-pump configuration, we show that imbalance of two pump powers can be used to improve the quality of photon pairs. We show that orthogonally polarized pumps can generate photon pairs automatically in a polarization-entangled state. In particular, orthogonal pumping with circular polarizations produces such an entangled state with relatively high quality. We also quantify the quality of polarization entanglement as well as energy-time entanglement constructed using correlated photon pairs.
Current Concepts in the Drug Treatment of Paraphilias and Paraphilia-Related Disorders

Paraphilias are sexual impulse disorders characterised by intensely arousing, recurrent sexual fantasies, urges and activities that are considered ‘deviant’ with respect to cultural norms. Behaviours classified as paraphilias include exhibitionism, paedophilia, voyeurism, fetishism, transvestite fetishism, sexual sadism and masochism, and frotteurism. An accompanying set of sexual impulse disorders, the paraphilia-related disorders, have also been identified. Three major classes of psychopharmacological agents (antipsychotics, antiandrogens and serotonergic antidepressants) have been used as treatments for sexual impulsivity. For nonpsychotic individuals, antipsychotics should no longer be considered as primary agents for the control of sexual impulsivity due to the nonspecificity of their effect and the adverse effects associated with their use. Commonly used antiandrogens are medroxyprogesterone and cyproterone. Since data regarding their efficacy in sexually aggressive men are most extensive, antiandrogens remain the primary treatment for sexually dangerous offenders. While effective (presumably by reducing the physiological effects of circulating testosterone), these agents are associated with adverse effects such as body weight gain, fatigue, depression, feminisation and decreased spermatogenesis. Based on the available animal and clinical literature, diminished central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) neurotransmission may be involved in the aetiology of human sexual impulse disorders. Indeed, recent and emerging data suggest that serotonergic antidepressants, especially serotonin reuptake inhibitors, may be useful for the amelioration of sexual impulse disorders.
Computed tomography evaluation of diverticulitis

Acute diverticulitis is a frequent and important diagnosis in gastrointestinal disease, most commonly involving the colon. It is estimated that approximately 15% to 30% of patients with diverticulosis develop symptomatic diverticulitis at some point in the natural history of the condition, often requiring medical and/or surgical therapy. The clinical diagnosis is often difficult to make, and several radiological studies have been used over the past decades to assist in the diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. These include barium enema, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT). A number of studies over the past decade have shown CT to be the preferable initial examination because of its ability to demonstrate not only the extent of intramural inflammation but also the degree of pericolic disease, including intraperitoneal inflammation, perforation, and abscess formation. Additional benefits of CT imaging include guiding therapeutic interventions in complicated forms of diverticular disease and providing an alternative diagnosis in patients without diverticulitis. The accuracy, techniques, criteria for diagnosis, and staging and applications of CT imaging in acute diverticulitis are discussed.
Polymerizations of epoxides with microwave energy

The polymerization of the bisaliphatic epoxy resin, 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl, 3,4-epoxycyclohexylcarboxylate initiated by diaryliodonium or triarylsulfonium salts under both microwave energy and conventional thermal heating, was investigated. DSC and FTIR methods to determine the extent of polymerization were established. Some polymerization phenomena such as polymerization selectivity, polymerization temperature shift, and polymerization temperature shift by microwave power setting in microwave fields compared to thermal fields were investigated. To explain the phenomena, a theory that a new partition function existed in microwave fields was proposed with statistical thermodynamics. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4230–4246, 2004
Supra-Bayesian pooling of priors linked by a deterministic simulation model

Deterministic simulation models are used to guide decision-making and enhance understanding of complex systems such as disease transmission, population dynamics, and tree plantation growth. Bayesian inference about parameters in deterministic simulation models can require the pooling of expert opinion. One class of approaches to pooling expert opinion in this context is supra-Bayesian pooling, in which expert opinion is treated as data for an ultimate decision maker. This article details and compares two supra-Bayesian approaches—“event updating” and “parameter updating.” The suitability of each approach in the context of deterministic simulation models is assessed based on theoretical properties, performance on examples, and the selection and sensitivity of required hyperparameters. In general, we favor a parameter updating approach because it uses more intuitive hyperparameters, it performs sensibly on examples, and because the alternative event updating approach fails to exhibit a desirable property (r...
Apomixis, hybridization, and taxonomic complexity in eastern north American Amelanchier (Rosaceae)

Apomixis and hybridization together contribute to taxonomic complexity inAmelanchier. Hybridization combines genetically divergent genomes and spawns new forms that apomixis perpetuates. Apomixis is aposporous, facultative, and pseudogamous in the genus, and apomicts are generally polyploid, pollen fertile, and pollinated by generalists. That gene flow actually occurs is empirically evident. As apomixis is genetically dominant over sexuality, hybrids involving at least one apomictic parent are apomictic. Clonal reproduction may thus perpetuate F1 individuals and generate agamospecies. Alternatively hybrids may interbreed and backcross to create hybrid swarms or cross with species other than the parents. In eastern North America, the abundance of published names and general taxonomic confusion in the genus doubtless result at least in part from this interplay of apomixis and hybridization. The roles of apomixis and hybridization in diversification withinAmelanchier are examined in light of new data about breeding system of an apomictic, hybrid microspecies, informally namedA. “erecta” and its formation of a hybrid swarm with anotherAmelanchier apomict,A. laevis.
Multi-objective scheduling problems: Determination of pruned Pareto sets

There are often multiple competing objectives for industrial scheduling and production planning problems. Two practical methods are presented to efficiently identify promising solutions from among a Pareto optimal set for multi-objective scheduling problems. Generally, multi-objective optimization problems can be solved by combining the objectives into a single objective using equivalent cost conversions, utility theory, etc., or by determination of a Pareto optimal set. Pareto optimal sets or representative subsets can be found by using a multi-objective genetic algorithm or by other means. Then, in practice, the decision maker ultimately has to select one solution from this set for system implementation. However, the Pareto optimal set is often large and cumbersome, making the post-Pareto analysis phase potentially difficult, especially as the number of objectives increase. Our research involves the post Pareto analysis phase, and two methods are presented to filter the Pareto optimal set to determine a...
Development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of 23 eicosanoids.

Abstract Inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Current research is focused on developing assays to search for biomarkers for inflammation. Eicosanoids are the oxidative metabolites of arachidonic acid (eicosatetraenoic acid, AA), a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid common in Western diets. AA can be oxidized by one of three pathways to form prostaglandins (PGs), leukotrienes (LTs), or a number of hydroxyl and epoxy compounds. These eicosanoids have a variety of physiological functions, including regulating inflammation. We have developed a method utilizing LC–MS to separate and quantitate 23 different eicosanoids from all the three oxidative pathways. The eicosanoids were separated using a gradient elution of acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid (v/v) and water with 0.1% formic acid (v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min with a Symmetry C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm). Deuterated eicosanoids were used as internal standards for quantitation. Mass spectrometric detection was carried out using an Agilent 1100-series LC–MSD with an electrospray ionization interface. Electrospray ionisation (ESI) mass spectra were acquired using negative ionization and selective ion monitoring. The method was validated and shown to be sensitive (LOQ at pg levels for most compounds), accurate (recovery values 75–120%) and precise (R.S.D.
The relationship between auditory brainstem response latencies and behavioral thresholds in normal hearing infants and adults

The nature of age-related improvements in auditory sensitivity was explored by comparing behavioral and auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds in 3- and 6-month-old infants and in adults. Thresholds were estimated for tone pips at 1, 4, and 8 kHz, presented at a rate of 13.3/s. The time course of development of the two response measures was compared, and the correlation between thresholds for individual subjects was examined. Infant ABR threshold was adultlike at all frequencies, even among 3-month-olds. Infant behavioral thresholds were elevated relative to adult thresholds. Between 3 and 6 months, significant improvement occurred in the 8-kHz behavioral threshold, but no improvement occurred at other frequencies. This difference between ABR and behavioral measures in developmental time course suggests that peripheral sensitivity is not a major determinant of behavioral threshold elevation during infancy. The correlation between behavioral and ABR thresholds was significant at 4 kHz for 3-month-olds and at 8 kHz for adults. This suggests that variability in sensory function at these frequencies contributes to both behavioral and ABR thresholds, although other factors are likely to be involved as well.
Neonatal hypoplastic left heart syndrome: effects of bloodstream infections on outcomes and costs.

Background Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is not only a devastating disease, but also the most expensive birth defect managed in the US. Nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBIs) are common in neonates with HLHS. We examined the effects of NBIs on in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and costs for late preterm and term infants with HLHS undergoing stage 1 palliation, at both individual patient and hospital levels. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of infants 35 weeks or greater gestation with HLHS, admitted to our institution January 1, 2003 to January 1, 2013. Children with other cardiac abnormalities, major comorbid conditions, or perinatal infections were excluded. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. To estimate the effects of reduced NBI incidence on resource utilization, predictive models were used. Results One hundred forty-three children met inclusion criteria. In-hospital mortality was 9.1% (n = 13). Postoperative infection was observed in 12.6% (n = 18). Median length of stay was 23 days for survivors (IQR, 17 to 40; range, 9 to 132). Median costs were $83,000 for survivors, in 2013 dollars (IQR, $62,000 to $123,000; range, $17,000 to $517,000). NBIs were not associated with changes in mortality. In multivariable analyses, at a patient level NBIs were associated with a 74% increase in length of stay (95% confidence interval [CI], 31% to 132%, p p ) . On a hospital level, in this cohort a 50% reduction in the incidence of NBIs would be expected to yield a 4.3% decrease in average length of stay and a 3.8% decrease in average in-patient costs. Conclusions Nosocomial bloodstream infections in neonates with HLHS are associated with large increases in lengths of stay and costs on a patient level, but not a hospital level. For hospitals without particularly high incidences, studies are needed to identify additional targets for quality improvement.
Population structure of the Classic period Maya.

This study examines the population structure of Classic period (A.D. 250–900) Maya populations through analysis of odontometric variation of 827 skeletons from 12 archaeological sites in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. The hypothesis that isolation by distance characterized Classic period Maya population structure is tested using Relethford and Blangero's (Hum Biol 62 (1990) 5–25) approach to R matrix analysis for quantitative traits. These results provide important biological data for understanding ancient Maya population history, particularly the effects of the competing Tikal and Calakmul hegemonies on patterns of lowland Maya site interaction. An overall FST of 0.018 is found for the Maya area, indicating little among-group variation for the Classic Maya sites tested. Principal coordinates plots derived from the R matrix analysis show little regional patterning in the data, though the geographic outliers of Kaminaljuyu and a pooled Pacific Coast sample did not cluster with the lowland Maya sites. Mantel tests comparing the biological distance matrix to a geographic distance matrix found no association between genetic and geographic distance. In the Relethford–Blangero analysis, most sites possess negative or near-zero residuals, indicating minimal extraregional gene flow. The exceptions were Barton Ramie, Kaminaljuyu, and Seibal. A scaled R matrix analysis clarifies that genetic drift is a consideration for understanding Classic Maya population structure. All results indicate that isolation by distance does not describe Classic period Maya population structure. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of mitotic arrest and apoptosis in murine mammary and ovarian tumors treated with taxol.

The kinetics of taxol-induced mitotic arrest and apoptosis in murine mammary carcinoma MCA-4 and ovarian carcinoma OCA-I tumors were determined to establish a possible causative relationship between mitotic arrest and apoptosis and to see whether these cellular effects of taxol would correlate with the extent of its antitumor efficacy. Mice bearing 8-mm tumors in a hind leg were given taxol i.v. at a dose of 10–80 mg/kg. Both tumors responded to taxol by significant growth delay or transient regression; in general, the response was greater as the dose of taxol was increased. For kinetics studies the mice were treated with 60 mg/kg taxol given once when tumors were 8 mm in size or twice, with the second dose being given 3 days after the first. At various times ranging from 1 to 96 h after treatment with taxol, tumors were histologically analyzed to quantify mitotic and apoptotic activity. After a single dose of taxol, mitotic arrest was visible at 1 h, and the mitotic index increased with time to reach peak values of 36% in MCA-4 tumors and 22% in OCA-I tumors at 9 h. The index then declined to a baseline of 1%–3% at 3 days for MCA-4 tumors and 1 day for OCA-I tumors. Apoptosis followed mitotic arrest, beginning at the time of peak mitotic arrest, increasing to the highest level of about 20% at 18–24 h after treatment and gradually declining to the normal level of 3%–6% after 3–4 days. Nuclear material progressively condensed in mitotically arrested cells, culminating in the frank appearance of multiple apoptotic bodies. The change in cell morphology plus the dynamics of apoptosis development imply that a large percentage of tumor cells arrested in mitosis by taxol die by apoptosis. Kinetic analysis undertaken after the second dose of taxol showed a considerably lower percentage of cells arrested in mitosis as compared with that seen after a single dose, and the induction of apoptosis by the second dose was minimal. However, the antitumor efficacy of the second dose of taxol was similar to or better than that of the first dose, implying that in addition to mitotic arrest and apoptosis, there exist other mechanisms by which taxol exerts its antitumor action.
The critical isthmus sites of ischemic ventricular tachycardia are in zones of tissue heterogeneity, visualized by magnetic resonance imaging

Background A need exists to devolop alternative approaches to VT ablation that provide an improved delineation of the arrhythmogenic substrate. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypotheses that: (1) the heterogeneous zone (HZ, a mixture of normal-appearing tissue and scar) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contains the critical isthmus(es) for ventricular tachycardia (VT), (2) successful ablation of VT would include ablation in the HZ, and (3) inadequate ablation of HZ allows for VT recurrence. Methods MRI and an electrophysiology study (EP) were performed in a model of chronic myocardial infarction in 17 pigs. In animals that were inducible for VT, ablations were done guided by standard EP criteria and blinded to the MRI. After ablation, electroanatomic mapping results were co-registered with MRI. Results In 8 animals, 22 sustained monomorphic VTs were generated. The HZ was substantially larger in inducible (n = 8) compared with noninducible animals (n = 9) [25% ± 10% vs 13% ± 5% of total scar, respectively, P = .007]. Acutely, all targeted VTs were successfully ablated, and postprocedure analysis showed that at least 1 ablation was in the HZ in each animal. In 5 animals, a second EP and MRI were performed 1 week after ablation. Three animals had inducible VTs, and MRI showed that the HZ had not been completely ablated. In contrast, the 2 animals without inducible VT revealed no remaining HZ. Conclusion These findings show that MRI can define an HZ and determine the location of ablated lesions. The HZ may be a promising ablation target to cure ischemic VTs. Remnants of HZ after ablation may be the substrate for clinical relapses.
Just Poor Enough: Gilded Age Charity Applicants Respond to Charity Investigators

This article examines the strategies used by charity applicants of the 1880s to present themselves in ways most likely to win relief from the Indianapolis Charity Organization Society (COS), while also preserving autonomy from an organization willing to use threats of starvation or institutionalization to force compliance from the poor. Investigators treated charity applicants as objects to be scientifically observed and categorized and then molded to conform to middle-class mores, but the applicants’ responses ranged from accommodation to complete defiance. Successful applications to the COS ultimately depended more on the vagaries of the investigator than on the strategies chosen by the applicant. Those applications often led to decisions that illustrate the draconian, punitive tendencies suggested by the leading theoretical treatises in the scientific charity movement. However, they also reveal instances where charity applicants guided investigators toward more generous decisions.
Tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesion: A rare etiology for a neck mass in a child

Summary Tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesions are rare fibrosclerosing disorders that can present in the head and neck. Clinically, their infiltrative and destructive nature would suggest an aggressive malignancy. However, histologically, they are benign and do not metastasize. We present a case of a tumefactive fibroinflammatory lesion in a 4-year old, the youngest patient reported, with a review of this disease entity and discuss its treatment options.
Grain boundary plane distributions in aluminas evolving by normal and abnormal grain growth and displaying different complexions

The grain boundary character distributions of selected doped aluminas were measured from normal and abnormal populations. The relative energies of the A-, C-, and R-planes of undoped alumina were also measured. There is an inverse relationship between the population of grain boundaries and the relative energies of grain boundary planes in undoped alumina. This relationship is found to be qualitative for abnormal grains, whose interfacial anisotropy may be affected by kinetic factors. It is found that the relative grain boundary anisotropy correlates with the temperature dependence of grain boundary complexion transitions in a particular system that is prone to abnormal grain growth. However, there is no direct correlation between the total anisotropy of the grain boundary character distribution and that system's propensity to undergo a particular complexion transition. Therefore, anisotropy will significantly affect the microstructural evolution in systems that are prone to abnormal grain growth, but the magnitude of anisotropy is not a sufficient selection criterion for determining which systems will undergo abnormal grain growth.
Disparities and Genetic Risk Factors in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly prevalent condition. A growing body of literature supports substantial racial disparities in the prevalence, risk factors, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease. Craniofacial structure among Asians appears to confer an elevated risk of OSA despite lower rates of obesity. Among African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics, OSA prevalence is increased, likely due in part to obesity. The burden of symptoms, particularly excessive daytime sleepiness, is higher among African Americans, although Hispanics more often report snoring. Limited data suggest that African Americans may be more susceptible to hypertension in the setting of OSA. While differences in genetic risk factors may explain disparities in OSA burden, no definitive genetic differences have yet been identified. In addition to disparities in OSA development, disparities in OSA diagnosis and treatment have also been identified. Increased severity of disease at diagnosis among African Americans suggests a delay in diagnosis. Treatment outcomes are also suboptimal among African Americans. In children, tonsillectomy is less likely to cure OSA and more commonly associated with complications in this group. Among adults, adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is substantially lower in African Americans. The reasons for these disparities, particularly in outcomes, are not well understood and should be a research priority.
Kinetic studies on the conformational isomerization reaction of the four diastereomers of β,γ-bidentate crATP

The rates of the conformational isomerization reaction of the diastereomers of β,γ-bidentate CrATP were studied as a function of pH, buffer concentration, ionic strength, and temperature. The progress of the reaction was monitored by quenching the reaction at various times, and then isolating the individual diastereomers and quantitating the percent of each. This was accomplished using the reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography separation technique developed in this laboratory [K.J. Gruys, and S.M. Schuster, Anal. Biochem. 125, 66–73 (1982)]. The rate constants for this isomerization were then determined by obtaining the best computer fit of the data to a reversible binary mechanism (i.e., A ⇄ B) using interative descent methods. The reaction rate was shown to be dependent on pH, temperature, and ionic strength, but independent of buffer concentration Keq constants were independent of all variables except ionic strength. The results from this study are interpreted in terms of a reaction mechanism involving a preequilibrium ionization of the diastereomers followed by a rate-limiting interconversion process.
The therapeutic effect of toothbrushing on naturally occurring gingivitis

A majority of previous toothbrushing studies have examined proposed virtues of particular brushing techniques or the relative cleaning ability of various toothbrushes. A smaller number were concerned with their role in prevention of gingivitis. Whether toothbrushing could be therapeutic in naturally occurring gingivitis was tested in 40 teenagers aged 12 to 14 years. Groups from two public schools were examined for gingivitis and plaque. Students from both groups were given a soft multi-tufted toothbrush and nonfluoridated toothpaste to be used daily. Students at one school were given a single intensive oral hygiene session. All students were reexamined 42 days later and given a thorough prophylaxis. Final readings were obtained 84 days after baseline and the results analyzed statistically. Sign test analysis disclosed a significant (P less than .01) improvement in plaque and gingivitis scores for both groups. Wilcoxon tests of patient means revealed a significant improvement in plaque scores, whereas gingivitis means were more variable. Chi square analysis between groups showed that the groups receiving oral hygiene instructions had significantly better (P less than .01) plaque and gingivitis scores at session 2. Gingivitis differences were generally significant at session 3. Toothbrushing has a therapeutic effect on naturally occurring gingivitis, enhanced by oral hygiene instruction.
Anaemia associated with canine lymphoma

Dogs with previously untreated multicentric lymphoma were evaluated for the presence of the anaemia of chronic disease (ACD). Specimens were collected for histopathology, haematology, serum biochemistry, direct antiglobulin test (DAT), total serum iron concentration (TSI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), bone marrow cytology, bone marrow iron determination and serum erythropoietin concentration (EPO). Thirty-five dogs were included in the study. The haematocrit of anaemic dogs (n = 15, mean ± standard error: 0.316 ± 0.00841/1, reference range 0.37–0.55l/l) was significantly (p 0.1). Bone marrow iron stores were normal to increased in all dogs. These results do not support ACD as the cause of anaemia in dogs with lymphoma.
Linguistic politeness and face-work in computer mediated communication, Part 2: An application of the theoretical framework

Analysis of sociointerpersonal communication patterns among discourse participants is essential to understand the manifestation of and the interpersonal-communication features realized in online social interaction. The linguistic politeness theory provides an effective framework for such an analysis of sociointerpersonal communication features employed by online language users to maintain and enhance their public self-image, or face. The qualitative data analysis of this study, drawn from the real-time, online discussions of K–12 students, makes evident that interpersonal-communication features appear in the form of politeness tactics. The results of the study show that there is decreased use of deferential linguistic forms; on the contrary, a variety of verbal and nonverbal devices that denote positive politeness and bald-on-record (i.e., direct speech acts) frequently occur. The commonality of positive politeness and bald-on-record lies in the fact that both tactics are grounded in the nature of the close interpersonal relationships between participants. Such a communication pattern in the real-time, online discourse of K–12 students signifies that cognitive assessment of sociointerpersonal and contextual variables undertaken by speech participants underlies the realization of linguistic politeness. Employment of such politeness tactics indicates that effective and fully realized interpersonal communication plays a vital role in the development of online social interaction. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamical approach to supersymmetry

Abstract An effort is made to understand the supersymmetry, recently explored by Wess and Zumino, dynamically. The Wess-Zumino Lagrangian for the fundamental super-multiplet containing a Majorana spinor field Ψ, a scalar field Φ and a pseudo-scalar field Φ′, is derived dynamically, starting with the most general renormalizable Lagrangian for these fields satisfying parity conservation. The assumptions underlying the proof are that (i) the bare masses of the fields are equal and that they remain so after renormalization; (ii) the ratio of any two trilinear (quadrilinear) coupling constants is equal to the ratio of the corresponding renormalized coupling constants and the same holds for any ratio of a quadrilinear to the square of a trilinear coupling constant. We also ask the following question: starting with a proper set of fields and writing down the most general renormalizable Lagrangian for these fields, can one obtain a symmetric or supersymmetric Lagrangian by imposing a suitable set of relations among the various renormalization constants of the theory? In the case of the fundamental supermultiplet of Wess and Zumino, we show that the answer to our question is affirmative.
Hox gene duplications correlate with posterior heteronomy in scorpions.

The evolutionary success of the largest animal phylum, Arthropoda, has been attributed to tagmatization, the coordinated evolution of adjacent metameres to form morphologically and functionally dis...
Nursing management of a patient following pelvic exenteration

I N PAST YEARS, women with a pelvic malignancy that required exenterative surgery were usually treated and followed at large medical centers. The nurse in a community hospital or outpatient setting was infrequently involved with these cases, which had high mortality, high morbidity, and low five-year survival. Improved diagnostic criteria and surgical techniques and earlier discharge have resulted in more health-care professionals sharing the responsibilities of direct nursing care, long-term follow-up, ostomy management, education, and emotional support to the patient and her family. Nursing management of the patient who has undergone pelvic exenterative surgery requires monitoring intravenous fluids and medications, providing meticulous wound care, supplying ostomy equipment, and a thorough understanding of the following: (1) the type of exenterative surgery performed and pathological circumstances leading to the selected procedure, (2) criteria for patient selection. (3) specific intraoperative aspects that influence postoperative care, (4) patient and family concerns that affect recovery and rehabilitation, and (5) long-term patient needs.
Civil Society, Moderate Islam, and Politics in Indonesia and Malaysia

What role do moderate Islamic organizations play in promoting democratization in Malaysia and Indonesia? What is the difference between large, grassroots organizations and newer more urban-based non-governmental organization (NGOs)? Is one type of organization more effective than the other? This paper looks at the changing dynamics of moderate or progressive Islamic organizations in Malaysia and Indonesia. It examines organizations such as the Liberal Islam Network in Indonesia and Sisters in Islam in Malaysia, as well as others, to try and understand the conflict between moderate or progressive Islamic groups and more conservative Islamic forces and to evaluate the role such moderate organizations play in advocating for greater protection of rights and liberties. The article finds that under moderately open conditions (like in Indonesia after 1998), Islamic NGOs do play an important and constructive role in promoting democracy.
Ocular palpation in pseudophakia.

ulcers following patching of corneal abrasions associated with contact lens wear. CLAO 13:161, 1987. 3. Wilson, L. A., Schlitzer, R. L., and Ahearn, D. G.: Pseudomonas corneal ulcers associated with soft contact lens wear. Am. J. Ophthalmol. 92:546, 1981. 4. Atkinson, B. A.: Species incidence, trends of susceptibility to antibiotics in the US, and minimum inhibitory concentration. In Lorian, V. (ed.): Antibiotics in Laboratory Medicine. Baltimore, Williams and Wilkins, 1980, pp. 607-722. 5. Bryan, L. E: Mechanisms of action of aminoglycoside antibiotics. In Root, R. K., and Sande, M. A. (eds.): New Dimensions in Antimicrobial Therapy. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 1984, pp. 17-36.
Gender distribution in irritable bowel syndrome is proportional to the severity of constipation relative to diarrhea

Abstract Background: A significant gender disparity has been observed in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with females outnumbering males, especially in constipation-predominant IBS (C-IBS). However, this observation is based on Rome criteria categorization and does not take into account the severity of constipation or diarrhea. Objective: In a large prospective data set, gender differences across the severity of constipation and diarrhea were examined in patients with IBS. Methods: Consecutive adult patients with Rome I positive IBS who were referred to a tertiary care medical center (Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California) in 1999–2003 were given a questionnaire. The questionnaire asked subjects to rate their constipation and diarrhea according to perceived severity using a scale from 0 (none) to 5 (very severe). C-IBS was determined to be present if the severity of constipation was greater than the severity of diarrhea (sevC > sevD). If sevD > sevC, subjects were considered to have diarrhea-predominant IBS (D-IBS). To further categorize their symptoms, subjects were then grouped by the difference between the severity of constipation and diarrhea, creating a range of values from −5 to +5. For each of these 11 constipation/diarrhea severity values, the female:male ratio was determined. The severity of constipation to diarrhea was compared by Spearman rank correlation. Results: A total of 429 subjects with IBS (325 women: mean [SD] age, 42.5 [0.8] years; 104 men: mean age, 42.2 [1.7] years) completed the questionnaire. Constipation occurred more frequently in women (79.7%) compared with men (61.5%) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.55–4.02). The prevalence of diarrhea was similar between the sexes. Whereas C-IBS was more common in women (31.8%) than in men (26.0%) (OR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.24–3.30), D-IBS was more prevalent in men (62.5%) than in women (36.3%) (OR = 2.39; 95% CI, 1.53–3.75). When the female:male ratio was evaluated across the 11 severity score categories of constipation and diarrhea, the greater the sevC — sevD score, the higher the proportion of women (R = 0.80; P = 0.003). Conclusion: In this study of patients with IBS, the observation of the association of constipation and gender in IBS is extended to indicate that the female:male ratio significantly increases according to the severity of constipation relative to the severity of diarrhea.