cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Back Propagation Neural Network for Partial Discharge Pattern Recognition

This paper proposes a pattern recognition approach based on the back propagation (BP) neural network for identifying insulation defects of high-voltage electrical apparatus arising from partial discharge (PD). Pattern recognition of PD is used for identifying defects causing the PD, such as internal discharge, external discharge, corona, etc. This information is vital for estimating the harmfulness of the discharge in the insulation. Since an insulation defect, such as one resulting from PD, would have a corresponding particular pattern, pattern recognition of PD is significant means to discriminate insulation conditions of high-voltage electrical apparatus. To verify the proposed approach, experiments were conducted to demonstrate the field-test PD pattern recognition of model insulators with artificial defects are purposely created to produce the common PD activities of insulators by using feature vectors of field-test PD patterns. The experimental data are found to be in close agreement with the recognized data. The experimental results show that the proposed approach is very effective for recognizing the defects of high-voltage electrical apparatus.
Localization of radioactivity from 2-methoxy[1,2-14C]ethanol in maternal and conceptus compartments of CD-1 mice.

Abstract 2-Methoxyethanol (ME) induces paw malformations in CD-1 mice when given by gavage on gestation day (gd) 11 (vaginal plug + day = gd 0). The distribution of radioactivity originating from 2-methoxy[1,2- 14 C]ethanol ([ 14 C]ME) was examined by liquid scintillation spectrophotometry and whole body autoradiography in pregnant (gd 11) CD-1 mice from 5 min to 48 hr after oral administration. Each dam received either a trace dose of [ 14 C]ME (0.92 μmol; 13 μCi) or a trace dose (13 μCi) combined with an unlabeled teratogenic dose (187 μmol). By 5 min after the trace dose was administered, 14 C had distributed throughout the maternal and conceptus compartments. Radioactivity in the maternal compartment was most concentrated in the liver, blood and gastrointestinal tract. Conceptus 14 C was associated with the placenta, yolk sac, and embryonal structures such as limb buds, somites, and neuroepithelium. The concentration of blood 14 C plateaued within 30 min after administration of the trace or combined trace/teratogenic dose. It remained stable for 1.5 hr and then gradually declined, reaching 2 to 10% of the maximal concentration by 48 hr. 14 C content in the maternal liver, conceptuses, and embryos per se was always greater than that of the blood and was inversely related to ME dose at 6 hr but not 48 hr. At 6 hr after administration of the trace dose, 69% of total liver and 33% of embryonal 14 C were acid insoluble. Tissue-specific interaction with [ 14 C]ME was demonstrated by the distribution of acid insoluble radioactivity among various cellular components of the maternal liver and embryo. The findings indicate that the embryo is readily susceptible to blood borne ME and/or its metabolites. In addition, the chemical characterstics of the labeled molecule(s) apparently favored label incorporation into macromolecules by the liver and embryo.
Sensitivities of an atmospheric profiling retrieval to the microwave land emissivity

This study focuses on microwave land surface emissivity estimation over Northern Africa and the Middle East and the related impact on temperature and moisture retrievals. Land surface temperature retrievals are performed using a plane-parallel radiative transfer model, analyses from the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) and data from the High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder Version 3 (HIRS/3). Infrared surface emissivity is indexed to each location using soil and vegetation databases provided by the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), and spectral reflectance libraries of soil and vegetation. Initial microwave land emissivity estimates are made using a plane-parallel radiative transfer model, the infrared retrieved land surface temperatures, analyses from NOGAPS, and data from the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU). Perturbations of the atmospheric profiles and land surface temperatures provide estimates of the microwave emissivity error covariances necessary for retrievals and radiance assimilation. The error estimation is used in both the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) 1DVAR retrieval, and for future use in 3DVAR radiance assimilation with the NRL Atmospheric Variational Data Assimilation System (NAVDAS). The window channels on AMSU/A have shown sensitivity to both temperature and moisture in the lowest five kilometers of the atmospheric profile, with these sensitivities strongly correlated to the estimate of the microwave land emissivity. Though the sensitivities are strongly correlated in the vertical dimension, an ability to extract meaningful profiling information from the microwave data is displayed. Further, the atmospheric sensitivity is linked to the precision to which the microwave radiances are estimated.
Bird repellents: interaction of chemical agents in mixtures.

Numerous studies characterize the concentration-behavioral response for odorants, tastants, and irritants. However, to achieve ecological validity, interaction of agents in mixtures must be considered. Equiresponse and equimolar molar models of interactions have been proposed, and methods for testing whether agents in mixture interact independently have been evaluated. Yet these averaging models cannot a priori predict whether agents will interact antagonistically, independently, or synergistically. I studied the bird repellent properties of several structurally similar and well-described trigeminally mediated avian irritants, singly and in mixture. Compounds within a chemical class, in which the electron withdrawing groups were similar, interacted independently to produce their repellent effects, e.g., 2-amino methyl benzoate v methyl-2-methoxy benzoate, and o-aminoacetophenone v 2-methoxy acetophenone. The response to mixtures drawn from compounds of dissimilar chemical class, e.g., 2-amino methyl benzoate v o-aminoacetophenone, interacted antagonistically at concentrations below 10 mM, suggesting meditation by a different mechanism within the trigeminally mediated sensory modality. At 10 mM and near saturation of the solutions, there was no evidence of interaction between agents, suggesting responses became saturated. These observations underscore our previous findings for the importance of the molecular properties of the carbonyl group for aromatic bird repellents and suggests the possible existence of multiple receptor mechanisms for avian trigeminal repellents. These data also underscore the importance of attending to interactions of agents in mixtures when designing repellents as tools for the management of wildlife and resolution of conflicts between humans and wildlife.
Luteinizing hormone-receptor interaction in the testis: progressive decrease in reversibility of the hormone-receptor complex.

The interaction of LH and other hormones with specific receptor sites is accompanied by a progressive change in the degree of reversibility of the hormone-receptor complex. This process was investigated by analysis of in vitro binding of [125]hCG to 15,000 × g fractions of rat testis homogenate. During the first hour of incubation at 37 C, dilution and washing of the particles gave about 20% less specific binding than when particles were incubated with excess unlabeled hormone for a further 1 h before dilution and washing. This effect was no longer demonstrable after 4 h, suggesting that the hormone-receptor complex became less reversible to dilution with time. A decrease in reversibility was also noted when hormone-receptor complexes formed by preincubation with [125I]hCG at 37 C were dissociated with MgCl2 at successive intervals after binding. Thus, 90% of the complexes formed in the first 10 min could be dissociated by 1 M MgCl2, whereas about 50% of the complexes was dissociable at 10–p20 min, and on...
Certification of death of 1,000 diabetic patients.

A perusal of the trend of the diabetic death rates indicates that following the introduction of insulin there was a short drop in the deaths from the disease, but the upward trend was resumed within two years and over a dozen years elapsed before any pronounced change occurred in the trend. For the past eight years the adjusted diabetic death rate has shown no increase and there is even some indication of a regression. The cause of this change is unknown although chronological it follows the use of protamine zinc insulin. Morbidity, on the other hand, has been on the increase and as yet has not shown a tendency to change. A stationary adjusted death rate and an increasing morbidity rate cannot continue indefinitely. A change must occur in one or the other of these rates.
Mechanisms for nutrient delivery to the inner shelf: Observations from the Santa Barbara Channel

Oceanic sources of nutrients to the kelp forests of the Santa Barbara Channel were diagnosed using time series from three moorings in 12- to 17-m water depth. An in situ nitrate autoanalyzer on the moorings provided the first high-resolution time series of nitrate + nitrite (dissolved inorganic nitrogen, DIN) concentrations for this environment. Measurements between February 2001 and May 2003 show that the major mechanisms that supply DIN to the inner shelf of the Santa Barbara Channel are upwelling, diurnal internal motions, and storm runoff. These supply mechanisms vary in importance seasonally. Upwelling dominates increases of inner-shelf DIN concentration between March and May and accounts for more than half of the annual advective DIN transport to shelf reefs. In summer, baroclinic motions akin to internal waves are an important source of DIN because they occur when surface nutrient concentrations are depleted and other supply mechanisms are inactive. Brief episodes of upwelling become important in late autumn and early winter. DIN inputs from storm runoff, detected as salinity dilution at the moorings and estimated from measurements of stream discharge and nutrient concentration, are significant during winter runoff events.
Alveolar soft part sarcoma of the thyroid gland in a child

Abstract Background : Soft tissue sarcomas, including rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) and non-RMS (NRSTS), are rare in children with less than 1000 new cases diagnosed yearly in the United States. RMS is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in young children and NRSTS is more common in adolescents and young adults. Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a form of NRSTS. ASPS is an extremely rare malignancy, comprising less than 0.1% of head and neck sarcomas. In children, ASPS has a tendency for the head and neck region (27%), with most cases involving the orbit and the tongue. Methods : A 2-year-old boy presented with respiratory distress. Imaging revealed a 5.5cm×4.0cm×2.5cm mass arising from the thyroid gland compressing the trachea and bilateral pulmonary metastases. Results : The patient underwent tracheostomy, thyroid lobectomy, and excision of paralaryngeal/paratracheal tissue. Pathology revealed positive margins and extensive lymphovascular permeation. Discussion : Cases of ASPS of the larynx, buccal space, paravertebral space, orbit, and tongue have been described. This is the first case of primary ASPS of the thyroid gland. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for NRSTS, and radiation and chemotherapy are reserved for the subset of NRSTS that are high grade or unresectable. Median survival time of patients with ASPS is 3 years if metastatic disease is present at the time of diagnosis and 11 years if there is no metastatic disease at presentation. Our patient survived 2 years after diagnosis. Conclusion : Even though very rare, ASPS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of thyroid tumors.
AChE-staining of type II ganglion cells, processes and terminals in the cochlea of the mustached bat

There have been a number of reports showing that ganglion cells of sensory neurons may be stained by traditional acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemical techniques commonly used to demonstrate efferent nerve fibers and terminals. AChE-staining has been described for cell bodies in the vestibular and spiral ganglia; staining of peripheral and central processes, however, is rare and the presence of reaction product in afferent terminals has not been reported. The outer hair cells of mustached bats, Pteronotus parnellii, differ from those of most mammals in that they typically have a single, large efferent terminal surrounded by 5-7 small, afferent terminals. In this animal an AChE-positive reaction was found not only in efferent fibers and terminals but also in type II ganglion cells, their peripheral and central processes and in outer hair cell terminals. The stained cell bodies were smaller than the unstained type I ganglion cells and they were much fewer in number. The processes of the stained cells could be followed from the soma. The central processes were dispersed throughout the VIIIth nerve trunk. Stained peripheral processes were evident in the osseous spiral lamina, floor of the tunnel of Corti and first space of Nuel and in the outer spiral plexus along the sides of the outer phalangeal (Deiters') cells. AChE-stained afferent terminals were easy to identify after transection of the crossed olivocochlear bundle (COCB) and subsequent degeneration of large efferent terminals. These results are of interest in that assessments of efferent nerve histochemistry after COCB transection need to recognize the potential contribution of AChE reaction product in afferent terminals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of Abstractness, Meaningfulness, and Phonetic Structure on Auditory Recognition of Nouns

One-syllable words defined in an earlier study as to meaningfulness (m) and two measures of abstractness (c and s) with familiarity held constant were presented under masking noise conditions to 30...
What We Owe the Dead

My aim in this paper is to argue that we have at least some obligations to the dead. After briefly considering some previous (unsuccessful) attempts to establish such obligations, I offer a reductio argument which establishes at least some obligations to the dead. Following this, the surprising extent of these obligations (given a few roughly Kantian assumptions) is considered. I then argue that there are and must be some significant limitations on the duties of the living in relation to the dead. My aim in this paper is not to sort out how we should deal with all of the particular cases in which the question of obligations to the dead emerge - in archaeological digs, research involving the newly dead, the execution of wills, or the fulfilment of last requests - but I will attempt to lay some groundwork for the future assessment of these questions.
Fermiology of high-Tc superconductors theoretical summary

Abstract Summary remarks on theoretical questions raised at the conference on Fermiology of High-T c Superconductors.
Erythrosin and pH gradient induced photo-voltages in bilayer membranes.

Erythrosin and light flashes induce voltage transients across bilayer membranes in the presence of transmembrane pH gradients. Fast voltage transients, which rise in <50 nsec and fall in ∼500 nsec, are attributed to photo-deprotonation of dye sorbed in the glycerol region of phospholipid membranes. Six other halogenated xanthene dyes induce similar effects, which apparently resulted from triplet states of monoanionic dye. No photo-effects were observed with fluorescein.
Absence of ferromagnetism in the two-dimensional Hubbard model

Abstract We apply low- and high-density theories of the electron gas to the Hubbard model in 2D, calculating ground state energies of paramagnetic and ferromagnetic states, as well as the (Pauli) paramagnetic spin susceptibility. The appropriate “small” expansion parameter is not the density ϱ but [ ln ( 1 ϱ )] -1 . In accordance with recent Monte Carlo studies by Hirsch, we find that the conditions for ferromagnetism fail to be met over the entire physical range of this parameter.
Determination of the Conduction Band Effective Masses of the Germanium—Silicon Alloy by Infrared Cyclotron Resonance

Cyclotron resonance measurements have been performed on the conduction bands of germanium-silicon alloys at 891 GHz (337 pm) using an infrared laser. This has enabled measurement of the longitudinal and transverse effective masses to within 4 at% of each side of the alloy composition at which the conduction band edge switches from the [111] to the [100] direction (15 at% Si in Ge). The masses do not appear to change from their values in the pure constituents, although only the transverse mass of the [111], Ge-like, minimum was measured with good accuracy. Within 3 at% of the switch-over concentration, intervalley scattering becomes predominant; throughout the rest of the alloy system, disorder scattering predominates and the scattering frequency obeys an x(1 − x) law. Zyklotronresonanzmessungen der Leitungsbander von Germanium-Silizium-Legierungen werden bei 891 GHz (337 pm) unter Benutzung eines Infrarotlasers durchgefuhrt. Dadurch konnen die longitudinale und die transversale effektive Masse innerhalb 4 at% auf beiden Seiten der Legierungszusammensetzung, bei der die Kante des Leitungsbandes von der [111]- in die [100]-Richtung wechselt (15 At% Si in Ge), gemessen werden. Es hat den Anschein, das sich die Massen nicht von ihren Werten in den reinen Bestandteilen unterscheiden, obwohl nur die transversale Masse des Ge-ilhnlichen [111]-Minimums mit guter Genauigkeit gemessen worden ist. Innerhalb von 3 At% der Ubergangskonzentration wird „intervalley”-Streuung vorherrschend; im gesamten restlichen Legierungsbereich herrscht Fehlordnungsstreuung vor, und die Streufrequenz folgt einem x( 1 − x)-Gesetz.
Visualizing non-hierarchical and hierarchical cluster analyses with clustergrams

In hierarchical cluster analysis dendrogram graphs are used to visualize how clusters are formed. Because each observation is displayed dendrograms are impractical when the data set is large. For non-hierarchical cluster algorithms (e.g. Kmeans) a graph like the dendrogram does not exist. This paper discusses a graph named “clustergram” to examine how cluster members are assigned to clusters as the number of clusters increases. The clustergram can also give insight into algorithms. For example, it can easily be seen that the “single linkage” algorithm tends to form clusters that consist of just one observation. It is also useful in distinguishing between random and deterministic implementations of the Kmeans algorithm. A data set related to asbestos claims and the Thailand Landmine Data are used throughout to illustrate the clustergram.
The Cataloger's Future: A Director's View

SUMMARY Cataloging has always depended on choices made by non-catalogers and it has been driven by technology. Technological innovations expand the range of materials requiring bibliographic control and also improve the quality of that control. In the near future, economic factors will constrain opportunities to continue improving quality. Technological factors will continue to broaden demands on catalogers. Inability to continue expanding the revenue streams of supporting institutions will limit catalogers' efforts while rapid growth of information bearing technology, particularly on networks, will inflate demands for cataloging. Librarians must develop expanded skills with automation networks and modem software systems if they are to maintain control.
Use of animal and opposite drawings in assessment of gender identity of young adults

Summary.-The results of an analysis of responses to the Animal and Opposite Drawing Technique are presented for 134 male and female college smdents matched on age and education. The majority of both men and women drew same-sexed animals first, and just over half drew second animals which they identified as being of the opposite sex of their first drawings. Implications for the use of this technique to assess an individual's gender identity and other prominent concerns are discussed. The Animal and Opposite Drawing Technique was first introduced by Koocher and Simmonds (197 1) as a projective measure of personality. The technique simply requires a subject to draw an animal and then to draw an animal which is the opposite of the first one. Although similar to the Draw-aPerson Test, this technique does not specify how the second drawing should be opposite the first. This element of choice in the measure raises the possibility of a greater inherent richness, an issue which has been the subject of some recent research. In 1973 Simmonds and Koocher reported the results of a study comparing the rigidity of paranoid schizophrenics and non-paranoid psychiatric outpatients using the Animal and Opposite Drawing Technique. Rigidity of response was analyzed by examining the ways in which the second animal was drawn to be opposite the first. According to Simmonds and Koocher, a rigid response might consist of drawing the same animal twice but with two opposite profiles or drawing the same animal first from the front and then from the back. On the basis of this definition of rigidity, paranoid schizophrenics were more rigid than non-paranoids on these drawings. In a more recent study, Fleming, et al. (1981) examined drawings of both animal and human figures by a group of gender-dysphocic or transsexual subjects, half of whom later underwent sexual reassignment surgery. Treating the Animal and Opposite Drawing Technique like the Draw-a-Person, these authors analyzed the sex of the first and second animal drawings. Most transsexual subjects drew first figures which were the opposite of their anatomical sex on both the techniques. In addition, although all of the subjects were presurgical at the time of test-taking, those transsexuals who later went on for reassignment surgery drew two animals representing opposite sexes more often
Passive microwave observations of the Northeast Water Polynya interannual variability: 1978–1994

Abstract A description of the seasonal cycle and interannual behavior of the Northeast Water (NEW) Polynya based upon a series of daily total ice concentrations derived from passive microwave satellite observations (1978–1994) is presented. The integrated ice-free areal extent within the region extending from 76 to 82°N and from the coast of northeast Greenland to the shelf break is used as an indication of the opening of the NEW Polynya. The Polynya stays open from the beginning of May to the end of September. The summer maximum total water (TW) area ranges from a minimum 59,000 (in 1992) to a maximum of 120,000 km2 (in 1985) and the date of maximum opening from the beginning of July to the end of September. The largest values of TW during summer are observed for 1985, 1990 and 1991 and are accompanied by the appearance of a secondary opening to the south. In contrast, the smallest TW's that occurred in 1987, 1989 and 1992, exhibit only a northern cell. Monthly averages of heat budget, cloud cover, air temperature, and resultant vector wind are analyzed in order to explain the observed variations of TW in the NEW Polynya. It is found that the variations of TW are due to the heat budget which, for the pentad March 1985-February 1990, explains 86% of the observed variance in TW with a lag of one month. This lag indicates that the response of the Polynya to the thermal forcing is not dominated by higher frequency variability. Utilizing this relationship and the TW for the summers of 1992 and 1993, the potential amount of melt water was estimated assuming all the heat was available for melting. The values of 51 and 79 cm, are in good agreement with independent estimates of seasonal melting based on hydrography. The effects of wind are not easily decoupled from those of the heat budget making it difficult to establish more precisely the extent to which the Polynya may be considered a closed system.
Applying new science theories in leadership development activities

The University of Tampa Center for Leadership offers extensive leadership development activities, many of which are based on concepts derived from theories collectively referred to as “new science”. New science – those discoveries in the physical and biological sciences during the twentieth century that have challenged us to consider our world from the perspectives of quantum mechanics, self‐organizing systems, and chaos theory – have been translated into specific leadership development activities. Examples include: (1) a focus on heuristic models to guide leader behaviour; (2) the assessment of leadership competence from multiple, non‐averaged, perspectives in contrast to a top‐down or an “average” perspective; and (3) the use of live practice fields which incorporate many complex relationships among both issues and issue advocates to diagnose and learn about leadership effectiveness within organizations.
AN INVESTIGATION OF DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS AND SURPLUS‐DEFICIT MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM SWEDISH MUNICIPALITIES

INTRODUCTION Over the past forty years, a large number of studies have been conducted suggesting that private firms utilize accounting measurement discretion to manage reported financial performance (for reviews of these, see Healy and Wahlen, 1999; and McNichols 2000). This article extends this literature into the realm of government entities, by examining whether Swedish municipalities use accounting measurement discretion associated with discretionary accruals to manage reported financial performance. The examination is centered on measurement discretion associated with two types of accruals ‐ capital depreciation and write-offs. Similar to previous studies, the term ‘write-off’ refers to both complete and partial downward asset revaluations (Francis, Hanna and Vincent, 1996). Capital depreciation refers to the loss in economic value of an asset that is associated with the aging of a capital asset, or more specifically, the reduction in the asset’s economic value resulting from wear and tear. The general hypothesis that is proposed is that Swedish municipalities use discretion associated with the above two types of accruals for purposes of reporting small surpluses across accounting periods. Two strategies for achieving this reporting objective are examined, including the use of the discretion to (1) systematically increase expenses during reporting years when these can be absorbed by surpluses; and (2) to systematically increase them during periods when large deficits are reported. The latter strategy is referred to as the ‘big-bath strategy’ and involves systematic ‘dumping’ of expenses on already poor results (Walsh et al., 1991). Both strategies support the above reporting objective, by setting the stage for the reporting entity to more effectively reach the reporting objective in future accounting periods. The examination is based on a multivariate analysis of the relationship between changes in reported write-off and depreciation expenses for 288 Swedish
(±)-2-(N-tert-Butylamino)-3′-[125I]-iodo-4′-azidopropiophenone: a dopamine transporter and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor photoaffinity ligand based on bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban)

Towards addressing the knowledge gap of how bupropion interacts with the dopamine transporter (DAT) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), a ligand was synthesized in which the chlorine of bupropion was isosterically replaced with an iodine and a photoreactive azide was added to the 4′-position of the aromatic ring. Analog (±)-3 (SADU-3-72) demonstrated modest DAT and α4β2 nAChR affinity. A radioiodinated version was shown to bind covalently to hDAT expressed in cultured cells and affinity-purified, lipid-reincorporated human α4β2 neuronal nAChRs. Co-incubation of (±)-[125I]-3 with non-radioactive (±)-bupropion or (−)-cocaine blocked labeling of these proteins. Compound (±)-[125I]-3 represents the first successful example of a DAT and nAChR photoaffinity ligand based on the bupropion scaffold. Such ligands are expected to assist in mapping bupropion-binding pockets within plasma membrane monoamine transporters and ligand-gated nAChR ion channels.
Hydrogenation of transistors fabricated in polycrystalline-silicon films

Transistors have been fabricated with their active channels in thin films of polycrystalline silicon. A subsequent hydrogen plasma treatment has been used to improve the transistor properties significantly by reducing the number of electrically active grain-boundary defects. Plasma conditions to maximize the hydrogenation effect have been briefly investigated.
SU-FF-T-218: Evaluation of the Exradin A19 Ion Chamber for Reference Dosimetry in Megavoltage Photon Beams

Purpose: The Exradin A19 is a new design of reference‐class 0.6cc ion chamber that externally resembles the NE2571 Farmer chamber but internally is very similar to the well‐known Exradin A12. This project involved the characterization of a single version of this chamber in high energy x‐rays. Method and Materials: The Exradin A19 was compared against primary and reference standard ion chamber chambers at the National Research Council of Canada in a range of megavoltage photon beams (6–25 MV). Investigations looked at chamber settling, ion recombination and polarity, and determination of experimental kQ factors. Results: Chamber settling — the chamber response stabilizes very quickly (within 5 minutes), even after a large change in the polarizing voltage. i) The polarity correction was measured for 6 MV and 25 MV beams and found to be small (within 0.15% of unity). ii) The recombination correction showed a linear variation with the dose‐per‐pulse. The correction was similar to that of other Farmer‐type chambers. iii) Beam quality conversion factors were found to be closer to that of the NE2571 than the A12, which is not consistent with the guidance given in TG‐51. However, with only a single chamber under investigation one cannot draw any definitive conclusions. Conclusion: An initial investigation of the Exradin A19 Farmer‐type ion chamber suggests that it is fit for purpose for the calibration of megavoltage photon beams. Further work is in progress to evaluate this chamber in kilovoltage x‐ray and high‐energy electron beams.
Computational and data Grids in large-scale science and engineering

As the practice of science moves beyond the single investigator due to the complexity of the problems that now dominate science, large collaborative and multi-institutional teams are needed to address these problems. In order to support this shift in science, the computing and data-handling infrastructure that is essential to most of modern science must also change in order to support this increased complexity. This is the goal of computing and data Grids: software infrastructure that facilitates solving large-scale problems by providing the mechanisms to access, aggregate, and manage the computer network-based infrastructure of science. This infrastructure includes computing systems, data archive systems, scientific instruments, and computer-mediated human collaborations. This paper examines several large-scale science problems, their requirements for computing and data Grid infrastructure, and the current approaches to providing the necessary functionality.
Hepatic Retransplantation in Cholestatic Liver Disease: Impact of the Interval to Retransplantation on Survival and Resource Utilization

The aim of our study was to quantitatively assess the impact of hepatic retransplantation on patient and graft survival and resource utilization. We studied patients undergoing hepatic retransplantation among 447 transplant recipients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) at 3 transplantation centers. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used for survival analysis. Measures of resource utilization included the duration of hospitalization, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and the duration of transplantation surgery. Forty-six (10.3%) patients received 2 or more grafts during the follow-up period (median, 2.8 years). Patients who underwent retransplantation had a 3.8-fold increase in the risk of death compared with those without retransplantation (P < .01). Retransplantation after an interval of greater than 30 days from the primary graft was associated with a 6.7-fold increase in the risk of death (P < .01). The survival following retransplantations performed 30 days or earlier was similar to primary transplantations. Resource utilization was higher in patients who underwent multiple consecutive transplantations, even after adjustment for the number of grafts during the hospitalization. Among cholestatic liver disease patients, poor survival following hepatic retransplantation is attributed to late retransplantations, namely those performed more than 30 days after the initial transplantation. While efforts must be made to improve the outcome following retransplantation, a more critical evaluation may be warranted for late retransplantation candidates.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuates tolerance to morphine but not to [d-Ala2,Glu4]deltorphin II, a δ2-Opioid receptor agonist in mice

Abstract The effects of NG-nitro- l -arginine ( l -NNA) and NG-monomethyl- l -arginine ( l -NMMA), two potent inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) on the development of tolerance to the analgesic action of [ d -Ala2,Glu4]deltorphin II (deltorphin II), a δ2-opioid receptor agonist, and morphine, a μ-opioid receptor agonist, were determined in mice. Male Swiss-Webster mice were rendered tolerant to deltorphin II by twice daily ICV injections of the drug for 4 days. Tolerance to morphine was induced by twice daily SC injections of the drug for 4 days. Multiple injections of deltorphin II (20 μg/mouse) or morphine (15 mg/kg) resulted in the development of tolerance to their analgesic action as evidenced by decreases in the response in comparison to mice injected with vehicle. Concurrent administration of l -NNA or l -NMMA (2, 4, or 8 mg/kg, IP) had no effect on the development of tolerance to the analgesic action of deltorphin II. However, the same doses of l -NNA or l -NMMA inhibited the development of tolerance to the analgesic action of morphine. Acute treatment with l -NNA or l -NMMA did not modify deltorphin II- or morphine-induced analgesia in mice. It is concluded that NOS inhibition attenuates tolerance to the analgesic action of morphine but not to that of deltorphin II, a δ2-opioid receptor agonist, in the mouse.
Densification Mechanism Maps for Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of Unequal Sized Particles

A model is developed for the mechanisms of densification of powder compacts of unequal sized powder particles subjected to isostatic pressures at elevated temperature. The regimes of deformation mechanisms examined are those of athermal plastic flow and power law creep. Specifically, a bimodal distribution of particle sizes is assumed and the model evaluates the magnitude of the interparticle contact areas and the interparticle contact stresses are for each type of particle. It is found that the smaller particles bear the burden of higher interparticle contact stresses and plastic strains on an average and, accordingly, there is no longer a single boundary on a densification mechanism map between the regions of athermal plastic flow and power law creep for the bimodal case but rather a separate boundary for each particle size. The results are discussed with respect to a previous densification model for monosized particles, and the implications for a full size distribution are analyzed based on the bimodal results.
Controlled Formation of Emissive Silver Nanoclusters Using Rationally Designed Metal-Binding Proteins

The metal-binding properties of rationally designed, synthetic proteins were used to prepare a series of emissive silver nanoclusters having predictable sizes and emission energies. Metal-binding α-helical coiled coils were designed to exist as peptide trimers, tetramers, and hexamers and found to uniquely bind 6, 8, and 12 Ag(+) ions, respectively. Subsequent treatment with a chemical reducing agent produced a series of peptide-bound Ag(0) nanoclusters that display a strong visible fluorescence whose emission energies depend on the number of bound metal ions in excellent agreement with theory.
Demonstration of membrane-linked iodoprotein in hepatic microsomes following metabolism of the thyroid hormones.

The subcellular distribution ot nonextractable 125I (NE125I) was examined in rat livers 40 hr following the injection of 125I-triiodo-l-thyronine (125I-T3). After conventional differential centrifugation of liver homogenates, the distribution of NE125I was determined with appropriate corrections for incomplete extraction of residual 125I-T3. NE125I occurred in all the subcellular fractions. On this basis of the distribution of glucose-6-phosphatase activity, an additional correction was performed to take into account microsomal NE125I trapped in other centrifugal fractions. The final estimate of the distribution of NE125I among conventional subcellular fractions was “nuclear” = 3.1%; “mitochondria!” =2.0%; “microsomal” =70.4%; “supernatant” =24.5%. The submicrosomal distribution of NE125I after 125I-T3 (40 hr) and 125I-Lthyroxine metabolism (96 hr) was determined by centrifugation of the 105,000 ×g pellet following treatment with sodium deoxycholate. The major portion of the microsomal NE125I was associat...
The Influence of Molecular Structure on Apatite Adsorption

The hydroxyapatite (HAP) adsorption of salivary statherin, cystatins, proline-rich proteins and histatins has been compared to the influence of these molecules on HAP crystallization in supersaturated solution. This may yield, in many cases, information about protein conformation in the adsorbed state. The results of studies involving both parent molecules and their fragments, indicated that statherin binds to HAP primarily with a 2–5 residues segment in the N-terminal part while the cystatins and proline-rich proteins bind through a segment 2–3 times larger.
MiRNA-155 targets myosin light chain kinase and modulates actin cytoskeleton organization in endothelial cells.

Previously, we identified a microRNA (miRNA) signature for endothelial cells (ECs) subjected to unidirectional shear stress (USS). MiR-155, a multifunctional miRNA that has been implicated in atherosclerosis, was among the shear stress-responsive miRNAs. Here, we examined the role of miR-155 in modulating EC phenotype and function. In vitro, increased miR-155 levels in human ECs induced changes in morphology and filamentous (F)-actin organization. In addition, ECs transfected with miR-155 mimic were less migratory and less proliferative and had less apoptosis compared with control ECs. In mouse aorta, miR-155 expression was increased in the intima of thoracic aorta, where blood flow produces steady and unidirectional shear stress, compared with the intima of the lower curvature of the aortic arch, which is associated with oscillatory and low shear stress. These differences in miR-155 expression were associated with distinct changes in EC morphology and F-actin. The effects of miR-155 in vitro were mediated through suppression of two key regulators of the EC cytoskeleton organization: RhoA and myosin light chain kinase (MYLK). A novel direct interaction between miR-155 and the MYLK 3′UTR was verified by luciferase-MYLK 3′UTR reporter assays. Furthermore, the intensity of immunofluorescence staining for RhoA and MYLK in mouse aorta correlated inversely with miR-155 expression. In conclusion, a prominent effect of the multifunctional miR-155 in ECs is modulation of phenotype through alterations in RhoA, MYLK expression, and actin cytoskeleton organization.
Affinity decay rates for the recombination of several monatomic halogens

Abstract Several potential limitations on the determination of the affinity decay rate for very rapid reactions are examined. It is found that under certain circumstances the initial reaction state in terms of chemical kinetics can differ from the initial reaction state in terms of chemical thermodynamics. Because the elapsed time must refer to some initial state, this discrepancy can constitute a potential source of error. Thermal effects associated with very rapid reaction velocities are also examined.
SURFACE ALLOANTIGENS OF PLASMA CELLS

A serological study of immunoglobulin-forming cells of the mouse, normal and malignant, shows that they lack all known surface differentiation antigens of the thymocyte-lymphocyte axis: TL, theta, Ly-A, Ly-B, and MSLA. Two systems of normal alloantigens are expressed on these cells, H-2 and a new system named PC. The gene Pca (Plasma cell antigen) which specifies PC.1 alloantigen segregates as a mendelian dominant not closely linked with H-2. This cell surface antigen is absent from thymocytes, leukemias, and very probably from thymus-derived lymphocytes also; it is present on cells of the liver, kidney, brain, and lymph nodes as well as on hemolytic plaque-forming cells of the spleen, and on myelomas. So PC.1 is properly classified as a differentiation alloantigen. The strain distribution of PC.1 does not conform to that of any known immunoglobulin allotype or cell surface alloantigen previously described. Thus the cell surface antigens of immunoglobulin-producing cells are clearly different from those of cells belonging to the thymocyte-lymphocyte axis. Each family of cells has distinctive alloantigens, and the two families share alloantigens of only one known system, H-2. This implies that either immunoglobulin-producing cells are not derived from thymic lymphocytes, or if they are, the program responsible for the transition must include extensive revision of cell surface structure.
The sensitivity of ATPases from mouse tissues to DDT at different temperatures.

Abstract Oligmoycin-sensitive (O-S) Mg 2+ ATPase from mouse brain has a higher sensitivity to DDT at a low temperature, 17°C than at 27° or 37°. The I 50 value for 17° was 0.24 μM DDT. The DDT sensitivity did not differ significantly at 27° and 37°C. This negative temperature correlation is similar to results in brain and muscle tissues of insects. Oligomycin-insensitive Mg 2+ ATPase, also was inhibited by DTT more effectively at cooler temperatures. In contrast, O-S Mg 2+ ATPase from mouse muscle showed no significant sensitivity difference to DDT at the 3 temperatures. Na + -K + ATPase, inhibited to a lesser degree by DDT, was inhibited to a much greater extent (61%) at 37° than at 17° (23%). This positive temperature correlation is similar to findings in insect homogenates.
Aggregating seismic, acoustic and vibration sensor outputs for enhancing threat detection performance and estimating threat-level

In this paper, a sensor fusion technique with enhanced performance in assets' protection is introduced. The presented fusion technique models activity dynamics in the protected area by combining acoustic, seismic and vibration sensors outputs. The proposed algorithm learns underlying normal activities in the protected area; and detects abnormal activities — possible threat using sensor outputs. The activity learning in the smart fence evolves through time, and it is independent of prior assumption of threat models. The simulation result developed for cargo train protection shows more than 98% performance in possible threat detection, which performs at least 3% better than naive detection technique. Activity dynamics in large scale areas — airports and military basis — can be modeled using the proposed fusion technique, in which the computational complexity for threat detection is not significant. The capability of the methodology to adjust its free parameters through time makes the threat detection process robust to existing environmental and activity dynamics changes.
Yersinia enterocolitica: Revisitation of an Enduring Human Pathogen

Abstract Yersinia enterocolitica remains a charismatic microorganism. The research findings outlined in this article have uncovered new virulence factors, such as type III secretion systems, and have advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal infections caused by Y. enterocolitica . Furthermore, a clarification of the potential capability of biovar 1A strains, long regarded as avirulent, has now proven that they cause symptomatic infections in appropriate patient settings, such as immunosuppression or hemochromatosis. Researchers have also expanded the spectra of non-gastrointestinal clinical manifestations of disease to include cutaneous infections, endocarditis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, and meningitis.
Dwindling number of female students: what are we missing?

There is a common agreement among researchers that women are under-represented in both 2-year and 4-year collegiate computer study programs. In spite of twenty years of research, the number of women graduating with computer degrees continues to decline, suggesting that perhaps there are causal factors that have not been identified. This paper describes an alternate approach; asking a group of female students who are pursuing a computer technology degree at a community college to describe experiences which have affected their academic success. A significant finding was that the women struggled to understand the [deductive] problem solving method used by the instructors and the pace of the classes made it difficult for them to work out their own problem solving approach. (This paper is taken from a broader dissertation which explored other facets of the women's experiences as well.)
Hexa-D-arginine treatment increases 7B2•PC2 activity in hyp-mouse osteoblasts and rescues the HYP phenotype

Inactivating mutations of the "phosphate regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome" (PHEX/Phex) underlie disease in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and the hyp-mouse, a murine homologue of the human disorder. Although increased serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) underlies the HYP phenotype, the mechanism(s) by which PHEX mutations inhibit FGF-23 degradation and/or enhance production remains unknown. Here we show that treatment of wild-type mice with the proprotein convertase (PC) inhibitor, decanoyl-Arg-Val-Lys-Arg-chloromethyl ketone (Dec), increases serum FGF-23 and produces the HYP phenotype. Because PC2 is uniquely colocalized with PHEX in osteoblasts/bone, we examined if PC2 regulates PHEX-dependent FGF-23 cleavage and production. Transfection of murine osteoblasts with PC2 and its chaperone protein 7B2 cleaved FGF-23, whereas Signe1 (7B2) RNA interference (RNAi) transfection, which limited 7B2 protein production, decreased FGF-23 degradation and increased Fgf-23 mRNA and protein. The mechanism by which decreased 7B2•PC2 activity influences Fgf-23 mRNA was linked to reduced conversion of the precursor to bone morphogenetic protein 1 (proBMP1) to active BMP1, which resulted in limited cleavage of dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1), and consequent increased Fgf-23 mRNA. The significance of decreased 7B2•PC2 activity in XLH was confirmed by studies of hyp-mouse bone, which revealed significantly decreased Sgne1 (7B2) mRNA and 7B2 protein, and limited cleavage of proPC2 to active PC2. The expected downstream effects of these changes included decreased FGF-23 cleavage and increased FGF-23 synthesis, secondary to decreased BMP1-mediated degradation of DMP1. Subsequent Hexa-D-Arginine treatment of hyp-mice enhanced bone 7B2•PC2 activity, normalized FGF-23 degradation and production, and rescued the HYP phenotype. These data suggest that decreased PHEX-dependent 7B2•PC2 activity is central to the pathogenesis of XLH.