cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age differences in prefrontal cortical activity in working memory

Working memory (WM) declines with advancing age. Brain imaging studies indicate that ventral prefrontal cortex (PFC) is active when information is retained in WM and that dorsal PFC is further activated for retention of large amounts of information. The authors examined the effect of aging on activation in specific PFC regions during WM performance. Six younger and 6 older adults performed a task in which, on each trial, they (a) encoded a 1- or 6-letter memory set, (b) maintained these letters over 5-s. and (c) determined whether or not a probe letter was part of the memory set. Comparisons of activation between the 1- and 6-letter conditions indicated age-equivalent ventral PFC activation. Younger adults showed greater dorsal PFC activation than older adults. Older adults showed greater rostral PFC activation than younger adults. Aging may affect dorsal PFC brain regions that are important for WM executive components.
Graphic description of figure representation of the teeth and mandible in centric occlusion

Summary A geometric model representing the teeth and the mandible in centric occlusion has been developed. By using a multiview orthographic projection technique, visualization of the model is graphically illustrated in step-by-step detail. Due to the intrinsic consistency and completeness of the system, this simplified model can be used as an independent means to investigate, evaluate, and solve problems of engineering nature around the oral cavity.
A block-and-actions generator as an alternative to a simulator for collecting architecture measurements

To design a new processor or to modify an existing one, designers need to gather data to estimate the influence of specific architecture features on the performance of the proposed machine (PM). To obtain this data, it is necessary to measure on an existing machine (EM) the dynamic behavior of typical programs. Traditionally, simulators have been used to obtain measurements for PMs. Since several hundred EM instructions are required to decode, interpret, and measure each simulated (PM) instruction, the simulation time of typical programs is prohibitively large. Thus, designers tend to simulate only small programs and the results obtained might not be representative of a real system behavior. In this paper we present an alternative tool for collecting architecture measurements: the Block-and-Actions Generator (BKGEN). BKGEN produces a version of the program being measured which is directly executable by the EM. This executable version is obtained directly with the EM compiler or with the PM compiler and a assembly-to-assembly translator. The choice between these alternatives depends on the EM and PM compiler technology and the type of measurements to be obtained. BKGEN also collects the PM events to be measured (called actions). Each EM block of instructions is associated with a PM block of actions so that when the program is executed, it collects the measurements associated with the PM. The main advantage of BKGEN is that the execution time is substantially reduced compared to the execution time of a simulator while collecting similar data. Thus, large typical programs (compilers, assemblers, word processors, ...) can be used by the designer to obtain meaningful measurements.
Passive materials for high-frequency ultrasound transducers

In this paper, the elastic properties of passive materials (matching, backing and lens materials) for ultrasound transducers are explored at room temperature in the frequency range of 25 - 65 MHz using the ultrasonic spectroscopy method. Alumina/EPO-TEK 301 and tungsten/EPO- TEK 301 composites were fabricated and measured. Experimental results display a monotonic rise in acoustic impedance of the composites with the addition of the particle filler. However, there was an attenuation peak occurring at about 8% volume fraction of particle filler. The acoustic impedance of the compositions was modeled. And additional passive materials were fabricated and measured. The measured results showed that materials having high attenuation also had large velocity dispersion, and low attenuation materials displayed low velocity dispersion.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dynamic Characteristics of a Vibrating Plate Compactor

VIBRATING PLATE SOIL COMPACTORS ARE WIDELY USED IN BUILDING AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION, YET NO ADEQUATE DYNAMIC THEORY EXISTS TO PREDICT VITAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS SUCH AS FREQUENCY OF IMPACTS, SPEED OF FORWARD TRAVEL, POWER DELIVERED TO THE SOIL, AND FREE MOTION. THE FORWARD SPEED AND POWER DELIVERED TO THE SOIL ARE SENSITIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE RATIO OF EXCITING FORCE TO DEAD WEIGHT. THE POWER DELIVERED TO THE SOIL TENDS TO BE A MAXIMUM WHEN THE EXCITING FORCE IS APPROXIMATELY TWICE THE DEAD WEIGHT.
Results of studies of potential light spectrum effects on human performance.

— Recent findings suggest that the spectrum of light from fluorescent lamps may influence human behavior and physiology. To evaluate possible light effects on exercising humans, physical performance was measured under two widely different light spectra: the spectrum from one bulb-type (General Electric Croma-50) approximated that of sunlight, while the other (General Electric Delux Warm White) was heavy in the red end of the spectrum. Twenty eight moderately active subjects (14 males:14 females; ages 20–32 yrs) were acclimated to light conditions for 30 min before being tested to maximal effort with a modified Balke treadmill protocol (Balke et al., 1954). The interval between tests under each light condition averaged 6.9 days. Heart rate and respiratory parameters were measured at rest, submaximum exercise (5% treadmill grade), maximum, and 3 min after test termination. Data analysis (2-way ANOVA) indicated expected differences between genders only, with no effects attributable to light spectrum. The mean V02 max was 44.8 ml/kg min for males vs 38.6 ml/kg min for females. Mean maximum heart rate was 197 bpm for males and 194 bpm for females. Mean maximum treadmill grade averaged 24.3% for men and 22.0% for women. A significant difference in submaximum heart rate was found to be due to presentation order. These results fail to indicate that fluorescent light type influences physical performance.
CVD Diamond For IR Applications

Relatively thick free standing diamond films were grown using a microwave plasma technique and the IR optical absorption coefficient and refractive index determined over the wavelength range from 2.5 to 25 μm. The diamond layers were grown on arsenic doped silicon wafers and the silicon subsequently etched away to leave a free standing diamond layer. Both interference and absorption effects were seen. Interference was observed due to the film thickness of 22.5 ± 1.5 μm and absorptions were seen, characteristic of Type Ilb material, which are believed due to an acceptor impurity, probably aluminum. The absorption coefficient was found to range from 212 cm-1 to 20 cm-1, varying with wavelength with the highest effective energy loss at the high energy end of the spectrum. The effective refractive index also varied from a low of 2.36 to a high of 2.73. This relatively high measured "absorptivity" reflects energy losses arising from all sources including scattering from the relatively rough surface of the as grown film which is suspected to be a primary source of energy loss with unpolished CVD diamond coatings. It is shown here that CVD diamond, unlike most natural diamond, contains substantial amounts of non-diamond carbon and has a complex microstructure which can vary over the thickness of a given coating. Both can contribute to energy losses, particularly if the scale of the microstructure is of the same order as the wavelength of interest.
Interaction between Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain Shapes Infant Growth

Abstract Objective To quantify the combined effect of maternal prepregnancy obesity and maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) on the shape of infant growth throughout the first year of life. Methods A retrospective cohort of mother–child dyads with children born between January 2007 and May 2012 was identified in a linked electronic medical record. Data were abstracted to define the primary exposures of maternal prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and GWG, and the primary outcome of infant growth trajectory. Results We included 499 mother–child dyads. The average maternal age was 28.2 years; 55% of mothers were overweight or obese before pregnancy, and 42% of mothers had excess GWG, as defined by the Institute of Medicine. Maternal prepregnancy BMI ( P P = .02) showed significant association with infant growth trajectory through the first year of life after controlling for breast-feeding and other covariates, while GWG alone did not reach statistical significance ( P = .38). Among infants of mothers with excess GWG, a prepregnancy BMI of 40 kg/m 2 versus 25 kg/m 2 resulted in a 13.6% (95% confidence interval 5.8, 21.5; P P = .04). Conclusions The combined effect of excess maternal GWG and prepregnancy obesity resulted in higher infant birth weight, rapid weight gain in the first 3 months of life, with a sustained weight elevation throughout the first year of life. These findings highlight the importance of the preconception and prenatal periods for pediatric obesity prevention.
Renormalization-group approach to nonlinear radiation-transport problems

A Monte Carlo method is derived for solving nonlinear radiation-transport problems that allows one to average over the effects of many photon absorptions and emissions at frequencies where the opacity is large. This method should allow one to treat radiation-transport problems with large optical depths, e.g., line-transport problems, with little increase in computational effort over that which is required for optically thin problems.
Tocolysis with advanced cervical dilatation

Abstract Objective: To assess the feasibility and potential benefit of delaying delivery in women with advanced preterm labor. Methods: Two hundred fifty-seven gravidas with intact membranes and preterm labor at cervical dilatations of at least 3 cm were studied. Women were excluded if they had premature rupture of membranes, gestational age less than 24 or more than 35.9 weeks, complete cervical dilatation, severe hemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, and triplets or higher-order gestations. Management consisted of tocolysis with intravenous magnesium sulfate as the primary agent, antenatal steroids, antibiotics, and amniocentesis. The primary endpoint was delay to delivery interval. Statistical analyses by cervical dilatation were performed using the Pearson χ 2 test and a nonparametric test of trend. Results: Eighty-one percent of pregnancies were referrals in utero from outlying hospitals. Delivery was delayed 24 hours or longer in 74% and beyond 48 hours in 60% of cases. Among 229 women who delivered at our center, 21% remained undelivered after 1 week. Evaluating delay as a function of cervical dilatation, trend analysis found a highly significant inverse relationship ( P Conclusion: Delaying delivery 24–48 hours to allow antenatal steroid use or other interventions is possible in women with advanced preterm labor.
Computational simulation of diamond chemical vapor deposition in premixed C2H2/O2/H2 and CH4O2-strained flames

We have modeled combustion synthesis of CVD diamond in a stagnation-flow reactor under atmospheric conditions. In this configuration a premixed flat flame flows over a flat deposition substrate that lies perpendicular to the flow and parallel to the burner face. Optimal growth conditions occur when the flame is lifted from the burner surface and stabilized at the deposition surface. A similarity transformation for the stagnation flow field reduces the governing equations to a one-dimensional boundary value problem, significantly simplifying the computational task. The simulations include elementary gas-phase and surface chemistry as well as multicomponent molecular transport in the flame gas. Our model shows good qualitative agreement with observed growth parameters for the experimental conditions of Murayama et al. [1], who employed a premixed C2H2/H2/O2 gas mixture. Modeling CH4O2 flame synthesis demonstrates that methane is less effective for diamond growth due to the decreased flame temperature and stability compared with C2H2 combustion.
Periodontal considerations for prosthetic patients.

Abstract Dentistry has made noteworthy scientific advances. However, the maintenance of optimal oral health for every patient must be our total realistic goal. Therefore, the periodontist in concert with the prosthodontist must not only solve today's oral problems but motivate patients to practice preventive measures to halt the progress of oral disease. What greater challenge or charge could we have in the prosthodontic specialty? Together we can provide leadership so that dentistry will go forward to a new age of progress in the health care service of man.
The surpluses and shortages in consumer behavior theory and research

This paper attempts to take an inventory of the accomplishments and shortfalls in consumer behavior research and theory as we say goodbye to the decade of the seventies. The inventory is taken with respect to the focus, the process and the purpose of generating consumer behavior knowledge. There has been too much focus on the rational problem solving approaches to understanding consumer behavior as opposed to nonproblem solving approaches. Similarly, too much attention has been given to individual consumer in contrast to the dyadic or group behaviors. With respect to the process, the dominance of descriptive as opposed to normative processes is clearly evident. Similarly, use of borrowed concepts from other disciplines rather than self-generating its own constructs is also very evident. Finally, the purpose has been definitely managerial rather than disciplinary. Similarly, more research has been conducted to generate empirical knowledge than to generate theoretical richness or elegance. The paper then suggests areas where we seem to have enough research and theory and where we have too little research and theory in consumer behavior.
The tracheal strip: Observations on the response of tracheal muscle

Abstract 1.1. A modification of the tracheal chain preparation is described. This modification is easier to prepare, it is more sensitive, and it can be used in comparative studies using the trachea of one animal. 2.2. The response of tracheal muscle to various drugs is described. Further contraction occurs with histamine after maximal contraction with antigen. Hydrocortisone hemisuccinate did not relax or prevent tracheal muscle contraction from histamine or egg albumin in a sensitized guinea pig. 3.3. Guinea pig trachea may be passively sensitized in vivo with rabbit anti-egg-albumin serum.
On the use of the matching pursuit decomposition signal processing technique for structural health monitoring

In structural health monitoring, the fundamental goal is to address the problem of damage identification, localization and quantification. Using the wave based approach, the presence of damage is visualized in terms of the changes in the signature of the resultant wave that propagates through the structure. Since surface mounted piezoelectric transducers have been used for monitoring, the voltage output of each sensor is used for signature characterization. Due to the time-varying nature of these signals, performance of some existing analyzing tools may not be satisfactory. In the present study, the use of the matching pursuit decomposition has been investigated as a signal processing technique to compare signals from healthy and damaged structures.
Visual environment and delay affect cache retrieval accuracy in a food-storing rodent

Many scatter-hoarding species use spatial memory to relocate their food caches. Two factors can affect spatial memory: the availability of landmarks in the environment, and the latency between learning and recall. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, we determined the effect of these factors on cache retrieval accuracy in Merriam’s kangaroo rats (Dipodomys merriami). Kangaroo rats cached seeds in an arena under conditions that varied by retrieval interval (1 or 10 days) and by number of landmarks (0 or 16 landmarks). After 1 day, they recovered equal proportions of caches in both landmark conditions. After 10 days, they recovered more caches in the 16-landmark condition than in the bare condition. This is the first study to show that landmarks are necessary for accurate cache recovery after long delays. This result is consistent with maze studies that have shown that landmarks reduce proactive interference and that delay increases proactive interference.
Frequency, severity, and treatment of agitation in young versus elderly patients in the ICU

Study Objective. To study the frequency, duration, severity, and treatment of agitation in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) to determine if the elderly represent a distinct population. Design. Prospective cohort study. Setting. Tertiary care, 10-bed, multidisciplinary ICU. Patients. All patients older than 18 years of age admitted for longer than 24 hours during a 4-month period. Interventions. None. Measurements and Main Results. One hundred thirty patients were studied for 916 patient-days; 63 (48%) were elderly (> 65 yrs). Nurses and physicians described agitated behavior in 92 patients (70.8%) during 534 (58.3%) patient-days, and it was severe or dangerous in 60 patients (46.1%) during 273 (30%) patient-days. There were no age-related differences in frequency, severity, and duration of agitation. Opiates, benzodiazepines, and haloperidol were administered during 72%, 62%, and 29% of agitated patient-days, respectively. Haloperidol was administered more often to elderly patients (p=0.015); otherwise no between-group differences were noted. Daily dosing requirements were less in the elderly for intermittent intravenous lorazepam, haloperidol, and morphine but not for midazolam (p=0.15). When these dosages were corrected for body mass, no statistical differences between young and old were found. Conclusion. In the ICU, the elderly are not a distinct population for agitation.
Phagocytosis of asbestos fibers by human pulmonary alveolar macrophages

Summary Human pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAMs) were cultured for 24–72 h with varying concentrations (0–300 μ g/ml) of amosite asbestos (AS). At lower AS concentrations, ( μ g/ml) no decrease in cell viability occurred during the first 24 h of culture. Significant cytotoxicity ( P 100 μg/ml). Even following incubation with lower concentrations of AS, significant cytotoxicity ( P
Active MMP-2 effectively identifies the presence of colorectal cancer.

Fully active MMP-2 is expressed at such low levels in human tissues that studies often fail to confirm its value as a cancer marker despite strong associations with malignancy. Our study utilized careful extraction, accurate activity measurements, standardization to purified controls and a new statistical metric to determine whether active MMP-2 is an effective indicator of colorectal cancer compared to pro-MMP-2 or pro-MMP-9. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were analyzed in matched normal and cancer samples from 269 patients by gelatin zymography, computer-assisted image analysis, serial dilutions of strong samples and standardization to controls. An index of effect size was designed for comparative evaluation of active MMP-2, pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9 activities. For each gelatinase, mean activity and protein levels/mg soluble protein in normal mucosa and colorectal cancer were calculated for the first time with respect to commercial standards. Active MMP-2 activity, detected in 99% of colorectal cancers, was higher in 95% of cancers (on average 10-fold) than in normal mucosa. Levels of pro-MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9, but not active MMP-9, activities were also significantly higher in cancers versus normal. However, active MMP-2 activity provided the most effective test for the presence of cancer (p 44 SDU activity/mg soluble protein (>180 pg/mg), which is three times mean normal levels, would permit detection of colorectal cancer with an estimated sensitivity of 84% and estimated specificity of 93%.
DOES ARCTOSTAPHYLOS UVA‐URSI (BEARBERRY) HAVE NITROGEN‐FIXING ROOT NODULES?

An earlier report of the presence of Alnus-type nitrogen-fixation root nodules on Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (bearberry) has been re-examined. Nodular structures, externally resembling those of alder, were observed at four locations in eastern North America and in northern Scotland. No endophytes could be found in these structures and repeated assays by the acetylene reduction technique failed to demonstrate their ability to fix dinitrogen in North American material. The structures, in microscopic section, possessed typical bud morphology, could be sprouted in a moist chamber and produced shoots under stressed conditions in the field. The suspected 'nodules' are probably latent buds, serving to re-establish bearberry plants following damage. THE genus Arctostaphylos contains numerous species colonizing inhospitable environments throughout the northern hemisphere. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. (bearberry) is a major component of circumboreal heath vegetation in both North America and Europe (Hulten, 1968; Wells, 1969; Gimingham, 1972). In Scotland, bearberry is largely restricted to the uplands of the north and west, where it occurs prin
The biological impact of mass-spectrometry-based proteomics

In the past decade, there have been remarkable advances in proteomic technologies. Mass spectrometry has emerged as the preferred method for in-depth characterization of the protein components of biological systems. Using mass spectrometry, key insights into the composition, regulation and function of molecular complexes and pathways have been gained. From these studies, it is clear that mass-spectrometry-based proteomics is now a powerful 'hypothesis-generating engine' that, when combined with complementary molecular, cellular and pharmacological techniques, provides a framework for translating large data sets into an understanding of complex biological processes.
Prenatal stress and maternal behavior in intact virgin rats: response latencies are decreased in males and increased in females.

Abstract The repeated findings that levels of various male-typical behaviors (e.g., copulatory behavior and intermale aggression) are reduced in prenatally stressed (P-S) males, coupled with reports of effects on female physiology and behavior, prompted us to examine the maternal behaviors of P-S animals toward young. Sprague-Dawley female rats were timed-mated (+sperm = Day 1). From Gestation Days 15 to 22 experimental females were subjected to heat and restraint stress. Control females remained undisturbed throughout pregnancy. The offspring, as adults, were assessed for maternal behavior. P-S males exhibited a significantly shorter latency (in days) to show full maternal behavior (FMB) than Control males, median = 5.0 vs 8.0, respectively. P-S females, on the other hand, exhibited a significantly longer latency than Control females to show FMB (7.0 vs 3.0, respectively), as well as longer latencies to retrieve one, two, or three pups, to begin to crouch over pups, and to build nests in response to young. Sex differences were apparent between Control males and Control females (females were more responsive to young). In contrast, P-S males and Control females exhibited similar latencies to show components of FMB (3–5 days), as did P-S females and Control males (7–9 days). These data demonstrate, therefore, that prenatal stress eliminates the sex difference normally observed in pup-induced maternal behavior. Moreover, the data suggest that prenatal stress renders the male's responsiveness to young more “female-like,” while conversely rendering the response of the female more “male-like.”
Role of Mean Transit Time (MTT) Perfusion Map on the Aquilion ONE CT Scanner Using SVD+ Algorithm in Acute Stroke (P07.035)

Objective: MTT map is a sensitive and specific map differentiating ischemic penumbra (IP) from infarct core (IC) in acute stroke. Background We present eight patients with acute ischemic stroke who presented to our emergency department and underwent computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging utilizing the Toshiba Aquilion ONE 320-dectector row CT scanner running a Singular Value Decomposition Plus (SVD+) algorithm to generate perfusion maps. Design/Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who presented with an acute ischemic stroke was performed. Patients receiving a high quality whole-brain CTP scan without evidence of hemorrhage on initial or follow-up CT who additionally underwent follow up MRI with DWI within 48 hours were included. Vitrea FX 3.1 software was utilized by a single, blinded neuroradiologist to process images. At risk territory was defined by the area of delayed perfusion on the time to peak map. The IC volume on the MTT map, as determined by values less than 3 seconds within this at risk territory, was measured on each slice. The total IC volumes were calculated by taking the sum of the IC on individual slices multiplied by the thickness of each slice. Pearson correlation was applied to assess for statistical correlation between IC on CTP and area of restriction on follow up DWI. Results: A comparison was made between the volumes of infarct core utilizing SVD+ MTT maps and DWI MR sequences. There was a significant correlation between infarct core volumes measured on MTT and infarct volumes on follow up DWI (r = 0.79). Conclusions: Although further studies are required to validate this observation, preliminary studies suggest that utilization of the SVD+ MTT map may allow for an accurate assessment of the infarct core and surrounding salvageable tissue. The additional information garnered from accurate interpretation of the SVD+ MTT maps may further guide clinicians in critical decision making during acute ischemic events. Disclosure: Dr. Dababneh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Guerrero has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wilson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mocco has received personal compensation for activities with Concentric Inc as a consultant. Dr. Bennett has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hoh has received personal compensation for activities with Codman Neurovascular. Dr. Yuzeforich-Khanna has nothing to disclose. Dr. Peters has received personal compensation for activities with Toshiba as a speaker. Dr. Waters has nothing to disclose.
A pseudoinverse deformation vector field generator and its applications

Purpose: To present, implement, and test a self-consistent pseudoinverse displacement vector field (PIDVF) generator, which preserves the location of information mapped back-and-forth between image sets. Methods: The algorithm is an iterative scheme based on nearest neighbor interpolation and a subsequent iterative search. Performance of the algorithm is benchmarked using a lung 4DCT data set with six CT images from different breathing phases and eight CT images for a single prostrate patient acquired on different days. A diffeomorphic deformable image registration is used to validate our PIDVFs. Additionally, the PIDVF is used to measure the self-consistency of two nondiffeomorphic algorithms which do not use a self-consistency constraint: The ITK Demons algorithm for the lung patient images and an in-house B-Spline algorithm for the prostate patient images. Both Demons and B-Spline have been QAed through contour comparison. Self-consistency is determined by using a DIR to generate a displacement vector field (DVF) between reference image R and study image S (DVFR–S). The same DIR is used to generate DVFS–R. Additionally, our PIDVF generator is used to create PIDVFS–R. Back-and-forth mapping of a set of points (used as surrogates of contours) using DVFR–S and DVFS–R is compared to back-and-forth mapping performed with DVFR–S and PIDVFS–R. The Euclidean distances between the original unmapped points and the mapped points are used as a self-consistency measure. Results: Test results demonstrate that the consistency error observed in back-and-forth mappings can be reduced two to nine times in point mapping and 1.5 to three times in dose mapping when the PIDVF is used in place of the B-Spline algorithm. These self-consistency improvements are not affected by the exchanging of R and S. It is also demonstrated that differences between DVFS–R and PIDVFS–R can be used as a criteria to check the quality of the DVF. Conclusions: Use of DVF and its PIDVF will improve the self-consistency of points, contour, and dose mappings in image guided adaptive therapy.
The Method of Continuous Variation: A Laboratory Investigation of the Formula of a Precipitate

The method of continuous variation is applied to the reaction between barium chloride and diammonium hydrogen phosphate in neutral, acidic, and basic conditions. Depending on the medium, barium dihydrogen phosphate, barium hydrogen phosphate, or barium phosphate is precipitated. The precipitates are washed, dried, and weighed. Construction of a continuous variation plot for each condition leads to the deduction of the molecular formula of the phosphate precipitated. This experiment demonstrates the concept of stoichiometric relationships between ions in the formation of compounds and serves to give students practice in calculations involving limiting reagents.
Histochemical localization of protein-polysaccharides in renal tissue

The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of protein-polysaccharides in the glomerular and non-glomerular regions of the nephron. The techniques used include the digestion of kidney slices with specific polysaccharidases: neuraminidase, hyaluronidase, chondroitinase ABC, and collagenase followed by several cytochemical techniques to identify the glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins at the light and electron microscope levels. Differential staining of hyaluronic acid and sulphated glycosaminoglycans was accomplished with Alcian Blue at pH 2.5 and pH 0.5, respectively. Sialoproteins were stained with Alcian Blue at pH 2.5. The periodic acid Schiff’s reaction technique was employed for the visualization of collagen. At the electron microscope level the polysaccharides were identified with the periodic acid-chromic acid-silver methenamine reaction. Our results indicated that the major polysaccharide components of the glomerular basement membrane were sialoproteins and collagen, with smaller amounts of hyaluronic acid and various sulphated glycosaminoglycans. Hyaluronidase digestion resulted in partial detachment of epithelial processes from the glomerular basement membrane indicating the hyaluronic acid may have a role in the stability of the attachment of these processes. Tubular basement membranes also contain sialoproteins and sulphated glycosaminoglycans but in considerably lower concentrations than the glomerular basement membrane. Bowman’s capsule appears to contain mostly sulphated glycosaminoglycans and has a lower concentration of sialoproteins and hyaluronic acid.
Synthesis and properties of N-, O-, and S-phospho derivatives of amino acids, peptides, and proteins.

(1984). Synthesis and Properties of N-, O-, and S-Phospho Derivatives of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Protein. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 51-101.
Natural persons, corporate actors, and constitutions

Extending the concept of efficiency beyond economic markets to social transactions generally, this paper asks the question whether social efficiency might not be better realized by removing the barriers to transactions between political and economic resources. With political rights (i.e. resources) held by natural persons, and economic resources held by corporate actors, such transactions could in principle replace taxation for redistribution, as a more efficient method of redistribution, intrinsic to the socio-political system. Such politico-economic transactions would supplement the primary means of distribution of the social product in an economic system, that is wages for productive labor. In the paper it is argued that this primary means of distribution is increasingly ineffective as the economy becomes increasingly interdependent. This change places an increasing burden on the “second round” of distribution through taxation, and forces consideration of a less defective and more theoretically sound means of supplementary income distribution.
Reinforced Concrete Force Visualization and Design Using Bilinear Truss-Continuum Topology Optimization

AbstractA new force visualization and design tool employing hybrid topology optimization is introduced for RC and prestressed concrete structural members. The optimization scheme couples a minimum compliance (maximum stiffness) objective function with a hybrid truss-continuum ground structure that can generate a strut-and-tie model for any general concrete member, loading, and set of boundary conditions. The truss ground structure represents discrete steel reinforcing bars (tensile load paths) that can be sized based on axial forces output directly by the optimization routine, whereas the continuum elements simulate concrete compression struts. This separation of compressive and tensile load-carrying elements is achieved through bilinear elastic models with an orthotropic constitutive relationship for the continuum. Examples are provided demonstrating the potential value of the optimization tool to RC design. Reinforcing layouts that can minimize cracking and reduce steel quantities when compared with tra...
Mutagenicity of fine (< 2.5 μm) airborne particles: Diurnal variation in community air determined by a salmonella micro preincubation (microsuspension) procedure

A simple modification of the Salmonella liquid incubation assay previously developed for detecting mutagens in urine was used to determine mutagenic activity of airborne particulate matter. The modification consists of adding ten times more bacteria (approximately 10(9) per incubation tube) and five to ten times less metabolic enzymes compared to the plate incorporation method. The mixture volume is approximately 0.2 ml, and the mixture is incubated for 90 min before pouring it according to the standard protocol. The modified procedure (micro preincubation or microsuspension) was approximately ten times more sensitive than the standard plate incorporation test for detecting mutagens in air particulate extracts and approximately ten to 31 times more sensitive for the chemical mutagens 2-nitrofluorene, 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, 2-aminofluorene, and benzo(a)pyrene in bacterial strain TA98. Mutagenic activity was detected in particle extracts obtained from 1 m3 of air (17 micrograms of extract) or less. This microsuspension procedure was applied to air particulate samples collected with low-volume (15-50 liters per min) virtual-dichotomous air samplers. Mutagenic activity was associated exclusively with fine particles (aerodynamic diameters of less than 2.5 microns). Diurnal patterns of mutagenic activity (TA98 revertants per cubic meter air) were investigated by measuring filter extracts from 2-hr samples collected in threemore » San Francisco Bay Area cities during the summer or fall of 1982. Four criteria pollutants--lead, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide--were simultaneously sampled at one location. Mutagenicity from fine particles sampled at this location was highly correlated with lead and much less correlated with nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide. The microsuspension procedure is applicable in testing samples of limited mass.« less
Temperament among offspring at high and low risk for depression

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between parental depression, offspring temperament, and offspring major depressive disorder (MDD), and to determine whether difficult temperament, as measured by the Dimensions of Temperament Survey (DOTS), mediates the relation between parental MDD and offspring MDD. Offspring (n = 169) of depressed or never depressed parents were followed over approximately 20 years and were blindly assessed up to 4 times (Waves 1 to 4) using semi-structured interviews. Offspring completed the DOTS at the time of first or second assessment. The results showed: (1) high-risk offspring with one or more depressed parent were significantly more likely than offspring with neither parent depressed to have a difficult temperament; (2) offspring with a difficult temperament were more than twice as likely as those with an easy temperament to develop a MDD; and (3) difficult temperament explained more than 10% of the association between parental depression and new onsets of MDD in offspring. The findings suggest that offspring temperament is associated with development of MDD and that difficult temperament at least partially mediates the relationship between parental depression and offspring depression. When identifying those at greatest risk for MDD, measures of temperament could serve as a useful supplement to family psychiatric history of MDD.
On Estimating Optimal Performance of CPU Dynamic Thermal Management

In this paper we focus on dynamic thermal management(DTM) strategies that use dynamic voltage scaling (DVS)for power control. We perform a theoretical analysis targeted atestimating the optimal strategy, and show two facts: (1) whenthere is a gap between the initial and the limit temperatures,it is best to start with a high (though not necessarily maximal)frequency and decrease it exponentially until the limit temperatureis reached; (2) when being close to the limit temperature,the best strategy is to stay there. We use the patterns exhibitedby the optimal strategy in order to analyze some existing DTMtechniques.
On path restoration for censored outcomes.

Summary Dimension reduction, model and variable selection are ubiquitous concepts in modern statistical science and deriving new methods beyond the scope of current methodology is noteworthy. This article briefly reviews existing regularization methods for penalized least squares and likelihood for survival data and their extension to a certain class of penalized estimating function. We show that if one's goal is to estimate the entire regularized coefficient path using the observed survival data, then all current strategies fail for the Buckley–James estimating function. We propose a novel two-stage method to estimate and restore the entire Dantzig-regularized coefficient path for censored outcomes in a least-squares framework. We apply our methods to a microarray study of lung andenocarcinoma with sample size n = 200 and p = 1036 gene predictors and find 10 genes that are consistently selected across different criteria and an additional 14 genes that merit further investigation. In simulation studies, we found that the proposed path restoration and variable selection technique has the potential to perform as well as existing methods that begin with a proper convex loss function at the outset.
Blood counts in healthy donors 1 year after the collection of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-mobilized progenitor cells and the results of a second mobilization and collection

BACKGROUND Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-mobilized blood cells are being used for allogeneic transplants, but the long-term effects of G-CSF on healthy individuals are not known. Furthermore, it is not certain how many CD34+ cells can be collected in a second mobilization and collection procedure. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Nineteen people were given 2, 5, 7.5, or 10 micrograms of G-CSF per kg per day for 5 days, and blood progenitor cells were collected by apheresis on the sixth day; this was done on two occasions separated by at least 12 months. Blood counts obtained before and after each course of G-CSF and the quantity of cells collected were compared. RESULTS There were no differences in white cell (WBC), platelet, red cell, and WBC differential counts measured before each course of G-CSF, and all the values were in the normal range. In a subset of 12 people who received 7.5 or 10 micrograms of G-CSF per kg per day for both courses, the numbers of neutrophils, mononuclear cells, and CD34+ cells in the blood after each course were similar (34.1 +/- 7.31 x 10(9)/L vs. 36.4 +/- 12.3 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.24; 6.59 +/- 2.28 x 10(9)/L vs. 5.63 +/- 2.11 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.24; and 92.0 +/- 55.6 x 10(5)/L vs. 119.2 +/- 104.6 x 10(6)/L; p = 0.48, respectively), as were the quantities of mononuclear cells (31.0 +/- 8.4 x 10(9) vs. 31.0 +/- 6.1 x 10(9); p = 0.64) and CD34+ cells (417 +/- 353 x 10(6) vs. 449 +/- 286 x 10(6); p = 0.53) collected in the two apheresis procedures. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between the quantity of CD34+ cells collected from each of the 12 people per liter of whole blood processed in the two procedures (r2 = 0.86, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION One year after the administration of G-CSF to healthy people, their blood counts were normal and unchanged from pretreatment counts. If healthy people donate blood progenitor cells after a second G-CSF course the quantity of CD34+ cells collected will be similar to that obtained in the first collection.
Crystal structure of the Glu-239----Gln mutant of aspartate carbamoyltransferase at 3.1-A resolution: an intermediate quaternary structure

Abstract The structure of the unligated Glu 239----Gln mutant of Escherichia coli aspartate carbamoyltransferase (EC 2.1.3.2) has been determined to 3.1-A resolution and refined to a crystallographic residual of 0.22 in the space group P321. The unit-cell dimensions of the unligated enzyme are a = 122.3 A, c = 147.1 A. The c axis cell length is intermediate between the c axis lengths of the T (tense)(c = 142.2 A) and R (relaxed) (c = 156.2 A) state structures. Furthermore, the quaternary structure of the mutant enzyme is intermediate between the quaternary structures of the T form and the R form. The differences between the quaternary structures of the Glu-239----Gln and T-form enzymes can be described as follows: the separation between the catalytic trimers increases by approximately 1.5 A along the threefold axis, and they each rotate in opposite directions approximately 0.5 degree around the threefold axis, whereas the regulatory dimers rotate approximately 2 degrees around the twofold axes.
Joint Attention and Vocabulary Development: A Critical Look

Joint attention – parents’ and children’s coordinated attention to each other and to a third object or event – is believed to play a causal and critical role in early word learning. However, joint attention, as conventionally defined and measured, relies only on overt indicators of attention, is studied predominantly in the visual modality, and varies by culture. Moreover, word learning can occur without joint attention in typical development, in autistic development, and in Williams syndrome, and joint attention can occur without commensurate word lear ning in Do wn syndrome. Thus, the assumption that joint attention is a necessary and sufficient precursor to vocabulary learning is not universally supported. Joint attention – parents’ and children’s coordinated attention to each other and to a third object or event – is claimed by many researchers to play a critical role in early word lear ning. Indeed, several studies have sho wn positive cor relations between the amount of joint attention in which parent–child dyads engage and the size of children’s early vocabularies. Our goal in this article is not to dispute the reports of a correlation between joint attention and vocabulary de velopment, but to critically examine the generality of that correlation and to subsequently question the assumption that the relation between joint attention and vocabulary de velopment is causal. In this article, we first define joint attention as it has been operationalized in studies of child language development. Then, we extend three caveats concerning the traditional definition of joint attention: it relies on o vert indicators of attention, it is predominantly studied in only the visual modality, and it most likely varies by culture. Next, we raise empirical challenges to the assumptions of a causal relation between joint attention and vocabulary development by reviewing briefly four literatures: studies that demonstrate word learning without joint attention in typical development, studies that demonstrate word learning without joint attention in autistic development, studies that demonstrate word lear ning without joint attention in Williams syndrome, and studies that demonstrate joint attention without commensurate word lear ning in Do wn syndr ome. We conclude by
Kant's Justification of the Death Penalty Reconsidered

It is hard to know what to think about Kant's ‘passionate sermons’ on capital punishment. Kant clearly feels that it is one of the most important punishments in the state's arsenal. But his vehement insistence on the necessity of execution strikes many readers as philosophically suspect. Critics argue that Kant's embrace of the death penalty is incompatible with, or at least not required by, the fundamental tenets of his moral and legal philosophy (Schwarzschild 1985; Merle 2000; Potter 2002; Hill 2003). These arguments typically employ one of two strategies. The first is to deny that execution is required by retribution in even a prima facie sense; arguments along this line typically question the coherence of Kant's doctrine of the ius talionis (Sarver 1997). The second is to show that there are inviolable moral principles that render the death penalty illegitimate; this criticism typically appeals to the value of human dignity or the right to life (Radin 1980; Pugsley 1981; Schwarzschild 1985; Merle 2000; Potter 2002). There is a third strategy that could be used to criticize Kant, although it is not aimed at him specifcally. This strategy invokes legal principles of fairness or due process. It asserts that, regardless of capital punishment's moral appropriateness or legitimacy, capital punishment is unjust due to the fallibility of legal actors and institutions (Nathanson 2001). Someone adopting the third strategy might claim that, while Kant's justifcation may be acceptable in principle, it fails to justify the death penalty in the world we live in.
Tamper-Evident Digital Signature Protecting Certification Authorities Against Malware

We introduce the notion of tamper-evidence for digital signature generation in order to defend against attacks aimed at covertly leaking secret information held by corrupted signing nodes. This is achieved by letting observers (which need not be trusted) verify the absence of covert channels by means of techniques we introduce herein. We call our signature schemes tamper-evident since any deviation from the protocol is immediately detectable. We demonstrate our technique for the RSA-PSS (known as RSA?s Probabilistic Signature Scheme) and DSA signature schemes and show how the same technique can be applied to the Schnorr and Feige-Fiat-Shamir (FFS) signature schemes. Our technique does not modify the distribution of the generated signature transcripts, and has only a minimal overhead in terms of computation, communication, and storage.