cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Volume registration of interventional MRI data using needle paths and point landmarks

We created a method for three-dimensional registration of medical scanner image volumes to images of physical tissue sections or other volumes, and evaluated its accuracy. The method is applicable for many animal experiments, and we are applying it to evaluate interventional MRI imaging of thermal ablation and to quantify in vivo drug release from a new device for localized, controlled release. The method computes an optimum set of rigid body registration parameters by iterative minimization of the Euclidean distances between automatically generated correspondence points, along manually selected fiducial needle paths, and optional point landmarks. For numerically simulated registrations, using two needle paths over a range of needle orientations, median voxel displacement errors depended only on needle localization error when the angle between needles was at least 15 degrees. For parameters typical of our in vivo experiments, the median error was <EQ0.18 mm. In addition, we determined that the distance objective function was a useful diagnostic for predicting registration quality. To evaluate the registration quality of physical specimens, we computed the misregistration for a needle not considered during the optimization procedure. We registered an ex vivo sheep brain MR volume with another MR volume and tissue section photographs, using various combinations of needle and point landmarks. Registration error was always <EQ0.65 mm for MR-to-MR registrations and <EQ0.9 mm for MR to tissue section registrations. We conclude that our method provides sufficient spatial correspondence to facilitate comparison of 3D image data with data from gross pathology tissue sections and histology.
Seasonal Occurrence and Parasitization of the Tomato Pinworm on Fresh Market Tomatoes in Southern California

The bionomics of the tomato pinworm, Keiferia lycopersicella (Walsingham), were studied on fresh market tomatoes in southern California from 1971 through 1977. Larval infestation of fruit ranged from a seasonal avg of 0.25% in 1973 to 39.2% in 1977, and averaged ca. 13% during the study period. Larval populations increased abruptly in late Sept. in 1976 and mid-Oct. in 1977, reaching peaks of 171 larvae/man-hour search and 345/m of row, respectively. Parasitization of the larvae ranged from an avg of 1.6% in 1973 to 36.8% in 1972, and averaged ca. 23% during the study period. Apanteles dignus Muesebeck was the most abundant parasite reared from the larvae followed by Sympiesis stigmatipennis Girault, Apanteles scutellaris Muesebeck, Parahormius pallidipes (Ashmead), Chelonus phthorimaeae Gahan, and Campoplex phthorimaeae (Cushman), in that order.
New thermostable α-amylase-like pullulanase from thermophilic Bacillus sp. 3183

Abstract The utility of extracellular pullulanase preparation from thermophilic Bacillus sp. 3183 was evaluated. It (3.2 U g−1 DS) did not increase the saccharification yield of glucose from liquefied starch (35%, w/w, maltodextrin DE 10) with glucoamylase (12.5 U g−1 DS) and also did not decrease the reaction time. However, the enzyme preparation itself was sufficient to saccharify the liquefied starch into mainly DP1 to DP4. The pullulanase and α-amylase were separated and the pullulanase was purified to homogeneity from the culture supernatant by ammonium sulfate treatment, DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B, S-Sepharose, and Octyl-Sepharose column chromatography and finally by preparative disc gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme cleaved pullulan in α-1,6 linkages making only maltotriose, but it cleaved starch in α-1,4 linkages producing various saccharides (DP2 and higher). The pullulanase of thermophilic Bacillus sp. is a new type of enzyme having an abnormal ability to cleave starch readily at α-1,4 linkages.
Carbon-14 content of the Antarctic meteorite, MacAlpine Hills 88105

Abstract We have measured the content of the radioisotope 14 C in the lunar-composition meteorite MacAlpine Hills 88105. The level of 14 C in the sample was close to the blank, indicating a terrestrial age in excess of 37,000 years to 42,300 years, depending on whether the 14 C was produced by a 2π- or 4π-irradiation.
Influence of Temperature on Growth Promotion and Body Composition of Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Due to Bovine Growth Hormone

Abstract Yearling carp held at four constant temperatures were injected with bovine growth hormone. A relatively greater responsiveness to growth hormone injections was found at below-optimum temperatures of 9.2 and 19.5 C and the above-optimum temperature of 35.8 C than at the optimum temperature for growth, 29.6 C. There was no significant effect of the hormone on body composition.
Effects of flooding on photosynthesis and root respiration in saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima), an invasive riparian shrub.

Abstract The introduced shrub Tamarix ramosissima invades riparian zones, but loses competitiveness under flooding. Metabolic effects of flooding could be important for T. ramosissima, but have not been previously investigated. Photosynthesis rates, stomatal conductance, internal (intercellular) CO2, transpiration, and root alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity were compared in T. ramosissima across soil types and under drained and flooded conditions in a greenhouse. Photosynthesis at 1500 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 (A1500) in flooded plants ranged from 2.3 to 6.2 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 during the first week, but A1500 increased to 6.4–12.7 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 by the third week of flooding. Stomatal conductance (gs) at 1500 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 also decreased initially during flooding, where gs was 0.018 to 0.099 mol H2O m−2 s−1 during the first week, but gs increased to 0.113–0.248 mol H2O m−2 s−1 by the third week of flooding. However, photosynthesis in flooded plants was reduced by non-stomatal limitations, and subsequent increases indicate metabolic acclimation to flooding. Root ADH activities were higher in flooded plants compared to drained plants, indicating oxygen stress. Lower photosynthesis and greater oxygen stress could account for the susceptibility of T. ramosissima at the onset of flooding. Soil type had no effect on photosynthesis or on root ADH activity. In the field, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, transpiration, and leaf δ13C were compared between T. ramosissima and other flooded species. T. ramosissima had lower stomatal conductance and water potential compared to Populus deltoides and Phragmites australis. Differences in physiological responses for T. ramosissima could become important for ecological concerns.
Thrombin Inhibition in discordant xenograft rejection

: Microvascular thrombosis and the associated platelet and endothelial cell activation are prominent observations in xenograft rejection. This pathological picture could be related to the excessive generation of thrombin in the context of either inflammation or putative inter-species molecular incompatibilities between activated coagulation factors and their natural anticoagulants. Relatively selective thrombin Inhibition with the serine protease inhibitor SDZ MTH 958 (MTH-958) are independent of heparinoids and anti-thrombin III. MTH-958 has been shown to significantly prolong porcine cardiac function during perfusion with human blood in an ex vivo model. The aim of this study was to validate the role of thrombin generation in a rodent model of discordant xenograft rejection in vivo. The effect of thrombin inhibition with MTH-958 was tested in both hyperacute rejection (HAR) and delayed xenograft rejection (DXR) after decomplementation with cobra venom factor (CVF) in normal Lewis (Lew) rats and Intrinsic C6 deficiency In PVG (C6-/PVG) recipient rats. Recipient rats received heterotopic guinea pig cardiac xenografts and were treated with titrated doses of MTH-958 until the time of graft rejection. Plasma samples at selected time points were examined to confirm effective thrombin inhibition, and rejected grafts were analyzed by immunohistology. MTH-958 significantly improved graft survival in HAR albeit the extent of prolongation was not marked, but the agent failed to prolong survival In CVF-treated Lew rats. In C6-/PVG rats receiving MTH-958, a significantly reduced graft survival time was observed when compared with C6-/PVG controls. The grafts from MTH-958-treated animals showed dense deposits of C3, IgM, and IgG with fibrin levels similar to controls. The thrombin antagonist tested could prolong xenograft survival during HAR but had no benefit in DXR. The relative non-specificity of the serine protease inhibitor MTH-958 with the potential activation of alternative pathway of complement via the inhibition of factor I could account for the failure to prolong xenograft survival in DXR. The pathogenetic significance of thrombin generation in this situation remains to be determined by the use of more selective and pharmacologically acceptable I anti-thrombin agents.
Thermal Lability of Beta Galactosidase from Pink Salmon Liver

The effect of heat on the stability of a protein isolated from a cold-water fish was tested by following the decrease in enzymatic activity of beta galactosidase, purified from livers of Pacific pink salmon. The thermal stability is p H-dependent; it is highest at p H 4 and lowest at neutral p H, where only 30 percent of the activity remains after 10 minutes at 40°C. Comparative experiments demonstrate greater thermal stability of beta galactosidase from rat liver.
Copyright in the networked world : orphaned copyrights

Purpose – This column aims to look at the results of the US Copyright Office's request for comments about orphan copyrights.Design/methodology/approach – It uses a form of Game Theory called the Prisoner's Dilemma Game to analyze the comments that are available on the Copyright Office web site.Findings – Some change seems likely, if only because the opponents of change may discover that they can gain more for themselves when they stop defending the interests of those who have abandoned their copyrights already.Practical implications – If some form of cooperation between intellectual property consumers and rights holders could be worked out for orphan copyrights, it might lead to further “tit‐for‐tat” reactions that help to address other copyright issues.Originality/value – Provides useful information on orphan copyrights.
Measurement of Maximum Demand

``Maximum demand'' has become an increasingly important item in rates for the sale of electric service since the appearance of Doctor John Hopkinson's notable paper, ``Cost of Electricity Supply,'' in the year 1892?nearly 50 years ago. The writer estimates that the demand-measuring equipment which is now being used by the public utilities of the United States has a value of the order of $100,000,-000. This is an index of its present importance. The object of the present paper is to describe in detail the thermal-storage method of measuring the maximum demand of a user of electric service. A comparison is made between this method, which at each instant of time indicates the logarithmic average load over some nominal time interval, and the commonly used ``block-interval'' method, which indicates the arithmetic average load over the same time interval. Also, the effect of using a modified design of thermal-demand meters is discussed. The writer has contributed a number of previous papers dealing with this same general subject, reference to which will be found at end of paper.
THE EFFECT OF INTERSTITIALS ON MECHANICAL TWINNING IN BODY-CENTERED CUBIC METALS

Electron microscope observations of dislocation comfigurations in foils of high purity Nb and Nb doped with 500 ppm carbon, both deformed at 78 deg K, are described. A few mechanical twins were produced in the high purity specimen during deformation at liquid nitrogen temperature. The specimens fractured and most of the deformation, including the twins, was confined to the region near the fracture. The doped specimens failed to twin and elongated several per cent by Luders band propagations. In the doped material the dislocations existed in irregular tangles that often appeared to be associated with precipitates on grown- in dislocations. The observations suggest that not only are type and quantity of interstitial important in determining twinning behavior, but that the distribution also can significantly effect the behavior. (P.C.H.)
Induction of suppressor cells by a tumor-derived suppressor factor.

Abstract Murine fibrosarcomas produce a factor that activates suppressor cells to inhibit expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). This tumor-derived suppressor factor (TDSF) was partially purified by preparative isoelectric focusing of spent medium and 3 M KCl extracts of cultured methylcholanthrene-induced and spontaneous fibrosarcomas of C3H/He mice. Incubation of 1 μg/ml of a fraction, isoelectric pH
Predictors of persistence of adnexal masses in pregnancy.

Objective: To determine factors predicting the persistence of sonographically identified adnexal masses in pregnancy. Methods: All patients from March 1988 to April 1993 diagnosed with an adnexal mass by obstetric sonography were reviewed. Examinations had been entered prospectively into our sonography database. Follow-up data were collected from the database, from hospital and pathology department records, and from interviews with referring obstetricians. Adnexal masses were characterized by size, sonographic appearance, and anatomic site. Persistence of the masses was determined by subsequent sonography, operative findings, or postpartum physical examinations. Results: The rate of adnexal masses during pregnancy was 2.3% (432 of 18,391). Complete follow-up was available for 422 of 432. Most of the adnexal masses (76%; 320 of 422) were simple cysts with a mean diameter less than 5 cm. The remainder of the masses were simple or complex, measuring 5 cm or more in diameter. Seventy of 102 large or complex masses resolved. By multivariate analysis, the best predictors for persistence of these masses were complex appearance on sonography and size of the mass (P < .05 for both categories). Conclusion: Most adnexal masses identified by sonography during pregnancy were small, simple cysts that did not pose a risk to the pregnancy. Even the majority of large or sonographically complex masses resolved. The best predictors of persistence of the masses were sonographic appearance and size.
The short-term effect of atorvastatin on carotid plaque morphology assessed by computer-assisted gray-scale densitometry: a pilot study

AbstractSoft, lipid-containing carotid plaques, which appear echolucent on ultrasound imaging, have been associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. We sought to investigate the effect of short-term treatment with atorvastatin on the change of carotid plaque echodensity. We treated 40 stroke-free and statin-naive subjects with 80 mg atorvastatin daily for 30 days. Computer assisted gray-scale densitometry (GSD) index was calculated at baseline and 30 days after treatment from the normalized plaque images. A multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect modification of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol on plaque stabilization after adjusting for age, sex, and smoking. The average number of carotid plaques at baseline was 2 (range: 0-5; 27 subjects with carotid plaque) and did not change 30 days following atorvastatin treatment. The mean GSD index significantly increased from 73±16 (range: 1-125) at baseline to 89±15 (range: 1-137) at 30 days after treatment (P<0·05). The adjuste...
DNA-Encoded Fetal Liver Tyrosine Kinase 3 Ligand and Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating Factor Increase Dendritic Cell Recruitment to the Inoculation Site and Enhance Antigen-Specific CD4+ T Cell Responses Induced by DNA Vaccination of Outbred Animals

DNA-based immunization is a contemporary strategy for developing vaccines to prevent infectious diseases in animals and humans. Translating the efficacy of DNA immunization demonstrated in murine models to the animal species that represent the actual populations to be protected remains a significant challenge. We tested two hypotheses directed at enhancing DNA vaccine efficacy in outbred animals. The first hypothesis, that DNA-encoding fetal liver tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) and GM-CSF increases dendritic cell (DC) recruitment to the immunization site, was tested by intradermal inoculation of calves with plasmid DNA encoding Flt3L and GM-CSF followed by quantitation of CD1+ DC. Peak DC recruitment was detected at 10–15 days postinoculation and was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in calves in the treatment group as compared with control calves inoculated identically, but without Flt3L and GM-CSF. The second hypothesis, that DNA encoding Flt3L and GM-CSF enhances immunity to a DNA vector-expressed Ag, was tested by analyzing the CD4+ T lymphocyte response to Anaplasma marginale major surface protein 1a (MSP1a). Calves immunized with DNA-expressing MSP1a developed strong CD4+ T cell responses against A. marginale, MSP1a, and specific MHC class II DR-restricted MSP1a epitopes. Administration of DNA-encoding Flt3L and GM-CSF before MSP1a DNA vaccination significantly increased the population of Ag-specific effector/memory cells in PBMC and significantly enhanced MSP1a-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion as compared with MHC class II DR-matched calves vaccinated identically but without Flt3L and GM-CSF. These results support use of these growth factors in DNA vaccination and specifically indicate their applicability for vaccine testing in outbred animals.
Femtosecond Laser-induced Ionization/Dissociation of Protonated Peptides

Although tandem mass spectrometry has revolutionized the identification and structural characterization of peptides and proteins, future advances in comprehensive proteome analysis will depend on the development of improved methods for ion activation that yield greater sequence information, and with selective control over the fragmentation chemistry. This report presents initial findings that demonstrate the utility of a novel ion activation method using ultrashort (∼30 fs) laser pulses as a means to overcome the limitations of current technologies, while opening the door to solving significant challenges in protein and peptide analysis.
Evidence for common genetic elements in allergic disease

Genetic research in allergic disease has focused primarily on asthma and its associated phenotypes (eg, total IgE), with very little attention given to the presence or absence of concomitant allergic diseases, especially allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Because asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis share common systemic characteristics, it is reasonable to propose that a number of susceptibility genes could contribute to the allergic process regardless of the specific clinical phenotype. Consequently, the many genetic linkages previously reported for asthma may not be specific for asthma per se but rather may reflect an overall predisposition for allergic disease. Finally, epidemiologic data suggest that asthma and allergic rhinitis represent a continuum of disease, whereby those individuals with less severe disease will express rhinitis without asthma and those individuals with more severe disease express more than 1 phenotype. Alternatively, it is plausible that, in addition to the "allergic disease genes," there are "phenotype-specific genes" or possibly certain combinations of susceptibility genes (eg, gene-gene interactions) that contribute to the expression of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis.
Modeling and Estimation for Tracking Maneuvering Targets

A new approach to the three-dimensional airborne maneuvering target tracking problem is presented. The method, which combines the correlated acceleration target model of Singer [3] with the adaptive semi-Markov maneuver model of Gholson and Moose [8], leads to a practical real-time tracking algorithm that can be easily implemented on a modern fire-control computer. Preliminary testing with actual radar measurements indicates both improved tracking accuracy and increased filter stability in response to rapid target accelerations in elevation, bearing, and range.
Magnetic resonance imaging to detect vesico-symphyseal fistula following robotic prostatectomy

Pubic complications following radical prostatectomy are rare. Osteitis pubis typically presents with symptoms related to irritation of the pubic rami including pain with ambulation and adduction of the leg. A 60-year-old male with prostatic adenocarcinoma underwent uneventful robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. The patient noted the onset of severe pubic pain exacerbated by ambulation approximately one month post-surgery. An abdominal/pelvic CT scan was negative for acute pathology. Due to continued discomfort, a multiplanar MRI of the pelvis was performed with and without intravenous contrast material (20 ml Omniscan). The MRI demonstrated irregularity of the bladder base and proximal urethra with a fistulous tract extending anteriorly in direct communication with the pubic symphysis joint space. Vague periarticular marrow edema-like signal and enhancement at the pubic symphysis was thought to represent osteitis pubis. The patient’s symptoms resolved after one month of urethral catheter drainage, intravenous antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory therapy.
Distributions and Determinants of Pre-Emergent Herbicide Exposures Among Custom Applicators

Custom applicators intensively apply herbicides to corn and soybean fields each spring. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the exposure distributions of the herbicides alachlor, atrazine, 2,4-D 2-ethylhexyl ester (2,4-D EH), and metolachlor among a group of applicators during the spring pre-emergent spray season. A secondary objective was to evaluate determinants of exposure and to estimate within- and between-worker variance components. Fifteen applicators were sampled using a systematic design that included spray and non-spray days and multiple measurements (five to seven) on each applicator. Air, patch, and handwash samples were collected on 89 applicator-days. Applicator-days were classified into three categories: target herbicide sprayed, non-target herbicide sprayed, and no herbicide sprayed. Mixed-model regression analysis was used. For all exposure metrics, adjusted mean herbicide exposures were significantly higher on days when target herbicides were sprayed as compared to non-spray days. For 2,4-D EH only, adjusted mean exposures on non-target herbicide spray days were significantly higher than on non-spray days. Wearing gloves significantly reduced adjusted mean hand exposure for all herbicides (4–20 fold) and adjusted mean thigh exposure for three herbicides (8–53 fold) on days the herbicides were sprayed; however, wearing gloves significantly increased adjusted mean atrazine hand and thigh exposures (9 and 7 fold, respectively) on days that non-atrazine herbicides were sprayed. Few of the other covariates were consistent determinants of exposure. For all exposure metrics, the within-worker variability (GSDW 2.1–5.6) was greater than the between-worker variability (GSDB 1.2–2.7). Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of British Occupational Hygiene Society
Steroid-Induced Dendritic Regression Reduces Anatomical Contacts between Neurons during Synaptic Weakening and the Developmental Loss of a Behavior

Steroid hormones alter dendritic architecture in many animals, but the exact relationship between dendritic anatomy, synaptic strength, and behavioral expression is typically unknown. In larvae of the moth Manduca sexta , the tip of each abdominal proleg (locomotory appendage) bears an array of mechanosensory hairs, each innervated by a planta hair sensory neuron (PH-SN). In the CNS, PH-SN axons make monosynaptic, excitatory nicotinic cholinergic connections with accessory planta retractor (APR) motoneurons. These synapses mediate a proleg withdrawal reflex behavior that is lost at pupation. The prepupal peak of ecdysteroids (molting hormones) triggers the regression of APR dendrites and a >80% reduction in the amplitude of EPSPs produced in APRs by PH-SNs that innervate posterior planta hairs. The present study tested the hypothesis that a decrease in the number of synaptic contacts from PH-SNs to APRs contributes to this synaptic weakening. Pairs of PH-SNs and APRs were fluorescently labeled in larvae and pupae, and the number of indistinguishably close anatomical contacts (putative synapses) was counted by confocal laser scanning microscopy. During APR dendritic regression, the mean number of contacts from posterior PH-SNs decreased by ∼80%, whereas the size of individual contacts did not change detectably and the axonal arbors of PH-SNs did not regress. These results suggest that the steroid-induced regression of motoneuron dendrites physically disconnects the motoneurons from the synaptic terminals of sensory neurons, producing synaptic weakening and the developmental loss of the proleg withdrawal reflex behavior at pupation.
Comparative Activities of Clinafloxacin against Gram-Positive and -Negative Bacteria

Activities of clinafloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, trovafloxacin, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ceftazidime, and imipenem against 354 ciprofloxacin-susceptible and -intermediate-resistant organisms were tested by agar dilution. Clinafloxacin yielded the lowest quinolone MICs (≤0.5 μg/ml against ciprofloxacin-susceptible organisms and ≤16.0 μg/ml against ciprofloxacin-intermediate-resistant organisms) compared to those of levofloxacin, trovafloxacin, and sparfloxacin. Ceftazidime, piperacillin alone or combined with tazobactam, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and imipenem usually yielded higher MICs against ciprofloxacin-resistant strains.
Guest Editorial: Preparing Teachers to Teach Mathematics With Technology

The challenge for mathematics teacher educators is to identify teacher preparation and professional development programs that lead toward the development of technology pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK). TPCK is an important body of knowledge for teaching mathematics that must be developed in the coursework in teaching and learning, as well as within the coursework directed at developing mathematical knowledge. Preparing teachers to teach mathematics is highlighted by its complexities. What technologies are adequate tools for learning mathematics? What about teacher attitudes and beliefs about teaching mathematics with technology? What are the barriers? These questions and more frame the challenge for the development of a research agenda for mathematics education that is directed toward assuring that all teachers and teacher candidates have opportunities to acquire the knowledge and experiences needed to incorporate technology in the context of teaching and learning mathematics.
DTLSR: delay tolerant routing for developing regions

We consider the problem of routing in delay tolerant networks deployed in developing regions. Although these environments experience intermittent connectivity (hence the desire to use DTN), in many cases the topology has an underlying stability that we can exploit when designing routing protocols. By making small, yet critical, modifications to classical link state routing, we derive a more effective algorithm capable of leveraging predictions of future link uptimes. We describe a complete and fully-implemented protocol, capable of being deployed in the DTN reference implementation without modification. Using a simulation incorporating real-world network characteristics, we demonstrate that our system operates effectively when conventional routing and forwarding may fail.
Molecular and crystal structure of the polynucleotide complex: Polyinosinic acid plus polydeoxycytidylic acid

Abstract The complex between polyinosinic acid and polydeoxycytidylic acid is a double-helical molecule similar in structure to RNA and to the DNA-RNA hybrid. The complex is a 12-fold helix and crystallizes in a rhombohedral space group with three molecules per unit cell. The molecular structure was refined by a computer program that minimized a function involving both the fit to the X-ray data and the stereochemical energy of the molecule. The orientation of the molecule in the unit cell was determined by analysis of the three-dimensional Fourier transform and the intermolecular stereochemistry. In the refined structure the 2′ hydroxyl group in the ribose sugar does not form a hydrogen bond within the same molecule, but may form one to a phosphate oxygen atom in the neighbouring molecule.
Single-Pulse Shock Tube Study of the Decomposition of Tetraethoxysilane and Related Compounds

Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) has been decomposed in single-pulse shock tube experiments over the temperature range 1160−1285 K and pressures of about 150 kPa (1.5 bar). The main observed products are ethylene and ethanol. The yields of these products as a percentage of decomposed TEOS increase with temperature. Studies have also been carried out with tetra-n-propoxysilane (TPOS), dimethyldiethoxysilane (DMDEOS), and trimethylethoxysilane (TMEOS). Evidence is presented that in all cases the main initial reaction is a 1,2-elimination to form the olefin and the corresponding silanol. A smaller contribution from C−C bond-breaking channels is also observed. In combination with lower temperature results and the thermochemistry, the following rate expressions for the elementary processes are recommended: k[TEOS → C2H4 + HOSi(OC2H5)3] = 1.04 × 1010T1.1 exp(−30 950 K/T) s-1; k[TEOS → CH3 + CH2OSi(OC2H5)3] = 4 × 1017 exp(−43 300 K/T) s-1. The observed ethanol product is postulated to arise from decomposition of the si...
PROGRAMA IBERMEDIA: ¿CINE TRANSNACIONAL IBEROAMERICANO O RELACIONES PÚBLICAS PARA ESPAÑA?

El Programa Ibermedia (de aqui en adelante, Ibermedia) es un fondo de co-produccion de films auspiciado por Espana, Portugal y dieciocho paises miembros en Latino America. Su proposito es promover el desarrollo de proyectos dirigidos al mercado de Ibero-America. Fundado principalmente por Espana y ubicado alli, este fondo para films recibe fondos de cada pais miembro para ser incluidos en un fondo audiovisual Ibero-Americano. Este trabajo explora el mecanismo del fondo de co-produccion para comprender como los imperativos economicos determinan las explicaciones cuando se incluyen actores espanoles en films Latino Americanos, para asi cumplir con los requisitos “tecnicos-artisticos” de una co-produccion Ibero-Americana. Mientras que el Programa Ibermedia ha resultado ser una exitosa fuente de fondos, especialmente para los paises menos desarrollados de Latino America, se han hecho observaciones criticas que sugieren que Espana es el mayor beneficiario de todos.
Precision measurement of transport components

We report on the methods and results of magnetic measurements of the centers and moments of magnetic focusing elements for the Final Focus Test Beam at SLAC. The magnetic center is located by observing an electromotive force (EMF) generated on a vibrating wire within the magnetic aperture. It is found that the center can be located with a precision of a few microns. The multipole coefficients can also be measured by using a grid of stretched-wire sweeps, and mapping the time-integrated voltage throughout the aperture. By fitting directly to this map, the dipole, quadrupole, and sextupole terms of the magnetic field are extracted. The design fields of quadrupoles and sextupoles can be measured with a precision better than 0.1%, and the resolution of sextupole aberrations of quadrupole magnets is well below design tolerances. This method has been used to process twenty-five quadrupoles and four sextupoles. Results of these measurements are presented. >
Effect of heat shock on function of frozen/thawed bull spermatozoa

Deposition of spermatozoa in the reproductive tract of hyperthermic cows could conceivably result in sperm damage. Accordingly, a series of experiments tested the effects of heat shock on functional characteristics and free radical production of bull spermatozoa. Viability was reduced slightly by short-term (1 to 3 h) culture at 42 and 43 degrees C as compared with culture at 39 degrees C. There was no effect of culture at 42 degrees C on the ability of spermatozoa to undergo swim-up or of 42 degrees C on the percentage of motile spermatozoa. However, exposure to 41 degrees C for 3 h reduced percentage of motile sperm, 41 and 42 degrees C reduced sperm velocity and 43 degrees C decreased the proportion of spermatozoa undergoing swim-up. In other experiments, there was no effect of heat shock (41 or 42 degrees C for 1 to 3 h) on DNA integrity, presence of intact acrosomes, or fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa. Superoxide production by spermatozoa was higher at 42 degrees C than at 39 or 41 degrees C, but there was no detectable hydrogen peroxide production at any temperature. The antioxidant, glutathione, tended to improve the ability of spermatozoa to undergo swim-up at 39 degrees C but not at 43 degrees C. Taken together, these results suggest that heat shock of a magnitude similar to that seen in vivo (41 to 42 degrees C) has little effect on sperm functions that affect fertilizing capability.
Suppression of Dewetting in Pulsed Laser Melting of Thin Metallic Films on SiO 2

Pulsed excimer laser projection irradiation has been successfully applied to completely melt and resolidify encapsulated elemental metal films of Au, Cu, Cr, and Ni directly on amorphous SiO 2 substrates. A combination of narrow irradiated lines and appropriate SiO 2 capping layers was used to obtain films that do not dewet when fully melted. Detailed processing maps were generated for Au and Ni, while equivalent trends for Cu and Cr were also noted. These systems were analyzed for common behaviors, and from these the principle factors, a basic process map is proposed to describe adequately these four systems. Experimental parameters and sample preparation criteria are presented to realize such resolidification studies in other metal systems.
Ecological versus Case-Control Studies for Testing a Linear-No Threshold Dose-Response Relationship

The two basic problems with ecological studies are (A) individuals studied are not necessarily the individuals who are at risk, and (B) they are very vulnerable to confounding factors. It is shown that where the study is designed to test a linear-no threshold dose-response theory, (A) does not apply. Where the ecological study deals with the average dose and response in a large number of US counties, the available data and computer capability for reducing effects of confounders are so powerful that (B) may be no more important for the ecological than for a case-control study. The migration problem is treated and found to be relatively unimportant.
Ionosphere‐Researches of the National Bureau of Standards

The program of regular measurements of ionospheric layer-heights and ionization has been continued along the same lines as reported in previous years. Progress was made in correlating the data with the facts of radio transmission at different frequencies and times. This was facilitated by continuous recording of field-intensities from several radio stations. Summaries of the monthly averages, for each hour of the day, of virtual heights and critical frequencies for E-, F1-, and F2-layers were prepared and sent to interested laboratories monthly. As in past years, data were sent to Science Service for the Ursigrams each week.
Development of a Protocol for Improving the Clinical Utility of Posturography as a Fall-Risk Screening Tool

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of posturography in the clinical screening of older adults for fall risk has been limited by a lack of standardization in testing methodology and data reporting. This study determines which testing condition and postural sway measures best differentiate recurrent fallers and nonrecurrent fallers. METHODS: One hundred and fifty older adults were categorized based on their fall status in the past year. Participants performed four quiet-standing tasks, eyes open and eyes closed in both comfortable and narrow stance, for 60 seconds while standing on a force-measuring platform. Traditional and fractal measures were calculated from the center of pressure data. Logistic regression was performed to determine the model for each condition that best discriminated between recurrent fallers and nonrecurrent fallers. RESULTS: The eyes closed comfortable stance condition, with its associated model, best differentiated recurrent fallers and nonrecurrent fallers. Medial-lateral sway velocity, anterior-posterior short-term α-scaling exponent, medial-lateral short-term α-scaling exponent, mean frequency, body mass index, and age were included in this model. Sensitivity of the model was 75%, and specificity was 94%. CONCLUSIONS: This resulting model demonstrates potential to differentiate recurrent fallers and nonrecurrent fallers in an eyes closed comfortable stance condition. The inclusion of traditional sway parameters, fractal measures, and personal characteristics in this model demonstrates the importance of considering multiple descriptions of postural stability together rather than using only a single measure to establish fall risk. Language: en
Spatially weighted BOLD signal for comparison of functional magnetic resonance imaging and near-infrared imaging of the brain

We introduce a weighted spatial average of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) BOLD signal (blood oxygen level-dependent) that is appropriate for comparison with the changes in oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin concentrations measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during brain activation. Because the BOLD signal shows a spatial dependence (both in shape and amplitude) within the region of activation, the location of the optical probe with respect to the region of BOLD activation should be taken into account for comparison of the BOLD and NIRS signals. Our new method is based on combining weighted contributions of the BOLD signal from each activated voxel, with a weight given by a hitting density function for photons migrating between a given pair of illumination and collection points. We present a case study where we have found that the new spatially weighted BOLD signal shows a high spatial and temporal correlation with the oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobin concentration changes measured with NIRS during a hand-tapping protocol. These findings reinforce the idea that fMRI and NIRS are sensitive to similar underlying hemodynamic changes, and indicate that the proposed weighted BOLD signal is needed for a quantitative comparison of BOLD and NIRS signals.
Synthesis of six-link, slider-crank and four-link mechanisms for function, path and motion generation using homotopy with m-homogenization

This paper presents solutions to the function, motion and path generation problems of Watt’s and Stephenson six-link, slider-crank and four-link mechanisms using homotopy methods with m-homogenization. It is shown that using the matrix method for synthesis, applying m-homogeneous group theory, and by defining auxiliary equations in addition to the synthesis equations, the number of homotopy paths to be tracked is drastically reduced. To synthesize a Watt’s six-link function generator for 6 through 11 precision positions, the number of homotopy paths to be tracked to obtain all possible solutions range from 640 to 55,050,240. For Stephenson-II and -III mechanisms these numbers vary from 640 to 412,876,800. It is shown that slider-crank path generation problems with 6, 7 and 8 prescribed positions require 320, 3840 and 17,920 paths to be tracked, respectively, whereas for four-link path generators with 6 through 8 specified positions, these numbers range from 640 to 71, 680. The number of homotopy paths to be tracked to body guidance problems of slider-crank and four-link mechanisms is exactly the same as the maximum number of possible solutions given by Burmester-Ball theories. Numerical examples dealing with the synthesis of slider-crank path generators for 8 precision positions, and six-link Watt and Stephenson-III function generators for 9 prescribed positions are also presented.
Computing superquadrics using binocular stereo sensor

The authors present an integrated approach to recovering a superquadrical model of a single object from stereo images. The algorithm combines the recovery processes of occluding contour, surface, and volumetric models in a cooperative and synergetic way. The aggregation of shape information is performed via model recovery. By integrating the depth information and orientation information from the respective surface and contour modules, the volumetric model based on superquadrics can be recovered robustly. This results in consistent interpretation of the object and an increase in system flexibility. >
Same-Sex Domestic Violence: Why Victims are More at Risk:

The purpose of this study was to examine police officers' general knowledge, experience and training in the area of same-sex domestic violence. A survey was administered to 91 police officers from ...
Semantic Feature Selection for Text with Application to Phishing Email Detection

In a phishing attack, an unsuspecting victim is lured, typically via an email, to a web site designed to steal sensitive information such as bank/credit card account numbers, login information for accounts, etc. Each year Internet users lose billions of dollars to this scourge. In this paper, we present a general semantic feature selection method for text problems based on the statistical t-test and WordNet, and we show its effectiveness on phishing email detection by designing classifiers that combine semantics and statistics in analyzing the text in the email. Our feature selection method is general and useful for other applications involving text-based analysis as well. Our email body-text-only classifier achieves more than 95 % accuracy on detecting phishing emails with a false positive rate of 2.24 %. Due to its use of semantics, our feature selection method is robust against adaptive attacks and avoids the problem of frequent retraining needed by machine learning classifiers.
Collagenase specificity in chondrosarcoma metastasis

The treatment of some mesenchymal malignancies has made significant gains over the past few decades with the development of effective systemic therapies. In contrast, the treatment of chondrosarcoma has been limited to surgical resection, with the most significant prognostic indicators being surgical margins and histologic grade. We have reported that MMP-1/TIMP-1 gene expression serves to prognosticate for tumor recurrence in this group of patients. This led to the hypothesis that collagenase activity facilitates cell egression from the cartilaginous matrix. In the current study we examine the specificity of collagenase gene expression in archival human chondrosarcoma samples using semi-quantitative PCR. Messenger RNA was affinity extracted and subject to reverse transcription. The subsequent cDNA was amplified using novel primers and quantitated by densitometry. Ratios of gene expression were constructed and compared to disease-free survival. The data demonstrate that the significance of the MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio as a predictor of recurrence is confirmed with a larger number of patients. Neutrophil collagenase or MMP-8 was observed in only 5 of 29 samples. Collagenase-3 or MMP-13 was observed in all samples but the level did not correlate with disease-free survival. Since the collagenases have similar activity for fibrillar collagens and cleave the peptide in the same location, post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms may account for the observed specificity. The determination of the MMP-1/TIMP-1 gene expression ratio not only serves to identify those patients at risk for recurrence but may also serve as a novel therapeutic avenue as an adjunct to surgical resection.
Does this patient have carpal tunnel syndrome

ContextHistory taking and physical examination maneuvers, including Tinel and Phalen signs, are widely used for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).ObjectiveTo systematically review the precision and accuracy of history taking and physical examination in diagnosing CTS in adults.Data SourcesEnglish-language literature was searched using MEDLINE (January 1966-February 2000) as well as bibliographies of relevant articles.Study SelectionStudies of patients presenting to clinicians with symptoms suggestive of CTS in which findings from clearly described physical examination maneuvers were independently compared with electrodiagnostic testing. Twelve of 42 initially identified articles met these criteria and were included in the review.Data ExtractionTwo authors independently reviewed and abstracted data from all of the articles and reached consensus about any discrepancies.Data SynthesisIn patients presenting with hand dysesthesias, the findings that best distinguish between patients with electrodiagnostic evidence of CTS and patients without it are hypalgesia in the median nerve territory (likelihood ratio [LR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-5.1), classic or probable Katz hand diagram results (LR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.6-3.5), and weak thumb abduction strength (LR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.4-2.3). Findings that argue against the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome are unlikely Katz hand diagram results (LR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.0-0.7) and normal thumb abduction strength (LR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4-0.7). Several traditional findings of CTS have little or no diagnostic value, including nocturnal paresthesias; Phalen and Tinel signs; thenar atrophy; and 2-point, vibratory, and monofilament sensory testing. Other less commonly used maneuvers, including the square wrist sign, flick sign, and closed fist sign, require validation by other studies before they can be recommended.ConclusionsHand symptom diagrams, hypalgesia, and thumb abduction strength testing are helpful in the establishing electrodiagnosis of CTS. The utility of these results is limited, however, by problems inherent in using nerve conduction studies as a criterion standard.
Phylogenetic Analyses of Large Data Sets: Approaches Using the Angiosperms

Phylogeny is central to the understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary processes. However, elucidating phylogenetic relationships in many groups has remained problematic due to their sheer size. The feasibility of phylogenetic analyses of large data sets has been questioned on both theoretical and empirical grounds. Some have suggested that large data sets be broken into a series of smaller problems for phylogenetic analysis. However, recent empirical studies and critical developments in methods of data analysis indicate that large data sets are tractable. We have learned a great deal about the analysis of large data sets via the angiosperms, for which three large molecular data sets have been constructed (plastid atpB and rbcL and nuclear 18S rDNA). We discuss three approaches successfully applied in our analyses of these large data sets. Parsimony analyses of separate and combined data sets representing hundreds of taxa indicate that “bigger is better.” That is, both empirical and simulation studies demonstrate that two solutions to dilemmas posed by large data sets is the addition of taxa as well as characters. Recent developments in software also greatly facilitate the parsimony analysis of large data sets. Applications such as NONA and the RATCHET can retrieve shorter trees than found by PAUP, and in much shorter run times. The recent development of “quick search” methods such as the fast bootstrap and fast jackknife are also of great utility in the analysis of large data sets. These methods are rapid and emphasize only those clades with strong support. All three of these approaches have recently been applied to a 567-taxon data set for angiosperms based on atpB, rbcL, and 18S rDNA sequences (a total of 4733 bp/taxon). Analyses of the combined three-gene data set have yielded the best-resolved and best-supported topology to date for angiosperms, with virtually all major clades, as well as the spine of the tree, well supported. These developments indicate that the phylogenetic analysis of large data sets is not only feasible, but relatively straightforward.