cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unique circulating immune signatures for recurrent acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer: A pilot study of these conditions with and without diabetes

Abstract Objective This exploratory study seeks to identify distinct circulating immune signatures among patients having recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Methods A retrospective analysis of human serum samples from collaborating institutions of the Consortium for the Study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer (CPDPC) was performed. Samples came from the North American Pancreatitis Studies 2 (NAPS2) cohort and the Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Gene Environment Risk Study (PAGER) and were analyzed using a 62-plex Luminex assay in a blinded fashion. Group and pairwise comparisons were performed to identify unique immune signature panels and to calculate diagnostic utility using area under the curve analysis. Results A total of 179 patients’ samples were included: 41 controls, 40 CP, 78 PDAC and 20 RAP patients, of which 20 controls, 20 CP, and 58 PDAC patients had diabetes mellitus (DM). A unique immune signature panel could discriminate RAP, CP, and PDAC from controls with an AUC range from 0.77 to 0.86 (95% CI range: 0.64–0.94), RAP from CP, and CP from PDAC with an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.64–0.90) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.67–0.86), respectively. Furthermore, an immune signature panel could also discriminate PDAC-DM from DM controls with an AUC of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93–1.00) Conclusion This study identifies unique immune analytes that may serve as novel diagnostic and predictive non-invasive biomarkers of RAP, CP, and PDAC. Further validation is warranted in prospective cohorts as developed by the CPDPC.
Preplant and early-season cotton irrigation timing with deficit amounts using subsurface drip (SDI) systems in the Texas High Plains

Two major irrigation challenges of cotton producers in the Texas High Plains (THP) include the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer and the highly evaporative, semi-arid environment during late spring and early summer. A recent cotton experiment using center pivot irrigation at deficit irrigation capacities showed the reduction in seasonal irrigation by 20% with minor yield loss by reducing irrigations during the vegetative period instead of attempting to store soil water during this period of high evaporative losses. Due to its method of delivery, subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) should reduce evaporation losses during the preplant and early-season periods and improve water storage efficiency and crop yield even at low irrigation capacity. Two experiments having different SDI installation designs and irrigation capacities were conducted in adjacent fields on clay loam soils over 4- and 5-year periods. Treatments included levels of preplant (PP) and vegetative (Veg) period irrigations. In both experiments, under seasonal growing conditions ranging from favorable to unfavorable, yields and crop values were only modestly increased by additional PP irrigations above that required for germination. Among treatments with common PP amounts, larger irrigation amounts during the vegetative period did not significantly (p < 0.05) increase yield or crop value in any individual year or any group of years. In three growing season groupings, with unfavorable to favorable weather conditions, as seasonal irrigation increased, gross irrigation value decreased. Results suggest that in most years, on heavy soils within the THP, SDI productivity can be improved by limiting PP and early-season irrigations under deficit irrigation conditions.
A systems chemoproteomic analysis of acyl-CoA/protein interaction networks

The plant cell cycle is tightly regulated by factors that integrate endogenous cues and environmental signals to adapt plant growth to changing conditions. Under drought, cell division in young leaves is blocked by an active mechanism, reducing the evaporative surface and conserving energy resources. The molecular function of cyclin-dependent kinase-inhibitory proteins (CKIs) in regulating the cell cycle has already been well studied, but little is known about their involvement in cell cycle regulation under adverse growth conditions. In this study, we show that the transcript of the CKI gene SIAMESE-RELATED1 (SMR1) is quickly induced under moderate drought in young Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves. Functional characterization further revealed that SMR1 inhibits cell division and affects meristem activity, thereby restricting the growth of leaves and roots. Moreover, we demonstrate that SMR1 is a short-lived protein that is degraded by the 26S proteasome after being ubiquitinated by a Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase. Consequently, overexpression of a more stable variant of the SMR1 protein leads to a much stronger phenotype than overexpression of the native SMR1. Under moderate drought, both the SMR1 transcript and SMR1 protein accumulate. Despite this induction, smr1 mutants do not show overall tolerance to drought stress but do show less growth inhibition of young leaves under drought. Surprisingly, the growth-repressive hormone ethylene promotes SMR1 induction, but the classical drought hormone abscisic acid does not.
An Implementation Science Approach Improves Language Access in the Emergency Department.

The underuse of interpreters for limited English proficiency (LEP) patient encounters is pervasive, particularly in the emergency department (ED). To measure the outcome of strategies to improve the use of interpreters by ED providers. Pre- and post- intervention evaluation of the unmet need for language assistance (LA) in a public ED. Informed by the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW), strategies included: education, training, technology-based facilitators, local champions and environmental cues. Pre-intervention, of the 110 patient charts with interpreter requests, 17 (15.5%) had documentation of an interpreter-mediated encounter or were seen by a certified bilingual provider (unmet need = 84.5%). Post intervention, of the 159 patient charts with interpreter requests, 47 (29.6%) had documentation of an interpreter-mediated encounter or were seen by a certified bilingual provider (unmet need = 70.4%), difference + 0.14 (95% CI = 0.03-0.23). In this pilot study, we found a statistically significant increase in the met need for language assistance.
Decoding lessons from the Facebook Consent Decree: Does Sarbanes–Oxley foreshadow the future of privacy regulation?

This paper examines the utility of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 to assist regulators engaged in privacy policy development. By exploring best practices employed by the financial reporting industry, and the specific terms of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, the present research offers guidance for the incorporation into privacy regulation. The paper advocates that both the FTC/Facebook Court Order and the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 should be now be considered de facto minimum standards for American privacy policy, including required CEO certifications of industry obligations, establishment and maintenance of effective internal controls, required CEO, CFO and CPO certification of control compliance, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains by organizations and executives, requirement of independent third-party compliance review as well as independence of audit committees and privacy compliance staff and, finally, the establishment of, and compliance with, a regulatory oversight board similar to the PCAOB.
1984 and the Anti-Sikh Pogroms: Gauri Gill’s Photo Narrativization of the (Continuing) “Horrors of Those Weeks”

In this chapter, Harveen S. Mann examines the artistic practice of world-renowned photographer Gauri Gill in the context of political silence, national amnesia and denied justice for the victims of the anti-Sikh pogroms that took place in New Delhi in 1984. Focusing on the photo notebook 1984, a series of photographs accompanied by essays reacting to each image, Mann argues that Gill’s work becomes a counter discourse to the impossibility of making sense of state terror, and a civic and aesthetic act that bears witness for the silenced survivors and the Sikh diasporic communities.
Sucrose Accumulation in the Sugarcane Stem Is Regulated by the Difference between the Activities of Soluble Acid Invertase and Sucrose Phosphate Synthase

To assess the relative importance of morphological and biochemical factors in the regulation of sucrose (Suc) accumulation in the sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) stem, we investigated morphological and biochemical correlates of Suc accumulation among parents and progeny of a family segregating for differences. In contrast to the parents, no relationship was observed between morphology and the level of Suc accumulation among the progeny. The level and timing of Suc accumulation in the whole stalk and within individual internodes was correlated with the down-regulation of soluble acid invertase (SAI) activity. High SAI activity prevented most, but not all, Suc accumulation. There was a critical threshold of SAI activity above which high concentrations of Suc did not accumulate. This low level of SAI activity was always exceeded in the internodes of the lower-Suc-storing genotypes. However, low activity of SAI was not sufficient by itself to account for the Suc accumulation in the higher-Suc-storing genotypes. Major differences in Suc accumulation among the population were attributed to the difference between activities of SAI and Suc phosphate synthase, provided SAI is below the critical threshold concentration. This result is not unexpected, since the pathway of Suc transport for storage involves Suc hydrolysis and resynthesis.
RELATIVE EFFECTS OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY ON GENERAL ADMISSIONS TESTS VERSUS SUBJECT TESTS

The increasing linguistic diversity of the United States student population has brought to the forefront problems in the interpretation of test scores for non-native speakers of English in graduate admissions. The degree to which test scores reflect English proficiency was studied using data on N = 451 students whose native language was Spanish. They had taken the GRE, English proficiency tests, and the PAEG, a test in Spanish used for admission to graduate schools in Puerto Rico. Regression analyses revealed that the proportion of variance explained by the English proficiency terms (independent of developed skills measured in Spanish) was highest for the GRE verbal test (34%), lowest for the quantitative test (8%) and intermediate for the analytical test (16%), the Psychology (18%) and Biology (17%) Subject tests. These findings are discussed in light of efforts to increase access to higher education for Hispanic students.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Role for Immunosenescence?

Aging is accompanied by a progressive decline in the integrity of the immune system, a process known as immunosenescence. Pathological features typical of immune dysfunction in older adults, encompassing dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses, characterize rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease whose incidence increases with age. Recent evidence suggests that certain features of immunosenescence, such as the decrease in T-cell generation and diversity, may contribute to the development of RA. Thus, physiological immunosenescence may render older adults susceptible to RA, and premature immunosenescence may contribute to the development of RA in young adults. In addition, other features of immunosenescence may result from the chronic immune stimulation that occurs in RA and lead to worsening of the disease. This article reviews the immunopathological features common to aging and RA and discusses the mechanisms by which immunosenescence may contribute to the development or progression of RA.
Dynamics of in silico leukocyte rolling, activation, and adhesion

Background We present a multilevel, agent based, in silico model that represents the dynamics of rolling, activation, and adhesion of individual leukocytes in vitro. Object-oriented software components were designed, verified, plugged together, and then operated in ways that represent the molecular and cellular mechanisms believed responsible for leukocyte rolling and adhesion. The result is an in silico analogue of an experimental in vitro system. The experimentally measured, phenotypic attributes of the analogue were compared and contrasted to those of leukocytes in vitro from three different experimental conditions.
The Preoccupation with Rights and the Embrace of Inclusion: A Critique

Current European scholarship does not yet appear to be quite ripe to address the question of justice. Scholars focus on the protection of individual rights and remain largely oblivious of distributions. The question of how the burdens and benefits of social co-operation ought to be allocated does not enter the picture. This prevalent perspective is insufficient. A broader perspective on justice reveals that the European Union is less consistent with justice than with its apolitical counterpart, namely, inclusion. The European Union is an agent of inclusion rather than justice.
What Statisticians Can Do for Forensic Science

This is the text (with a few added footnotes) of an address given to the Young Statistician’s Section of the Royal Statistical Society in London on September 28, 2011. In it I compare the work of Cedric Neumann and his colleagues on fingerprint identification with the work of Mary and Peter Bush and their colleagues on bitemark identification. These illustrate that good statistical modeling of sound data can lend support to the assumptions of some forensic identification disciplines, undermine the tenability of others, and can sometimes lead the way toward new techniques to supplement or replace human judgment with more objective assessments.
Diabetes Prevention Program Community Outreach: Perspectives on Lifestyle Training and Translation

The gap between what is known from clinical efficacy research and the systematic community translation of diabetes prevention programs is narrowing. During the past 5 years, numerous randomized and nonrandomized dissemination studies have evaluated the modified delivery of structured Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) interventions in diverse real-world settings. Programs of sufficient dose and duration, implemented with fidelity, have reported weight losses in the range of 4%–7% with associated improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors at 6 and 12 months from baseline. The current article describes some of the experiences and perspectives of a team of University of Pittsburgh researchers as they have engaged in these efforts.
Beer, liquor, and wine consumption and serum uric acid level: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Objective To evaluate the relationship between intakes of beer, liquor, and wine and serum uric acid levels in a nationally representative sample of men and women. Methods Using data from 14,809 participants (6,932 men and 7,877 women) age ≥20 years in The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994), we examined the relationship between intakes of beer, liquor, and wine and serum uric acid levels. Alcohol intake was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Results Serum uric acid levels increased with increasing beer or liquor intake but not with increasing wine intake. After adjusting for age, the difference in serum uric acid levels as compared with no intake increased with increasing beer or liquor intake (P values for trend < 0.001), but the association was inverse with increasing wine intake (P for trend < 0.001). After adjusting mutually for these alcoholic beverages and for other risk factors for hyperuricemia, including dietary risk factors, the associations were attenuated but remained significant for beer or liquor (multivariate difference per serving per day 0.46 mg/dl [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 0.32, 0.60] and 0.29 mg/dl [95% CI 0.14, 0.45], respectively; both P values for trend <0.01), but not for wine (0.04 mg/dl [95% CI −0.20, 0.11]; P for trend = 0.6). Conclusion These data suggest that the effect of individual alcoholic beverages on serum uric acid levels varies substantially: beer confers a larger increase than liquor, whereas moderate wine drinking does not increase serum uric acid levels.
On the robustness of parametric watermarking of speech

Parameter-embedded watermarking is effected through slight perturbations of parametric models of some deeply-integrated dynamics of a signal. This paper is concerned with particular model form, linear prediction (LP), which is naturally suited to the application of interest, speech watermarking. The focus of this paper is on the robustness performance of LP-embedded speech watermarking. It is shown that the technique is quite robust to a wide array of attacks including noise addition, cropping, compression, filtering, and others. In the LP formulation, a set-theoretic adjunct to the parameter embedding can be used to identify a watermark that is optimally robust against certain attacks, within a quantified fidelity constraint.
Continuous Models of Computation for Logic Programs: Importing Continuous Mathematics into Logic Programming’s Algorithmic Foundations

Logic programs may be construed as discrete-time and continuous-time dynamical systems with continuous states. Techniques for obtaining explicit formulations of such dynamical systems are presented and the computational performance of examples is presented. Extending 2-valued and n-valued logic to continuous-valued logic is shown to be unique, up to choosing the representations of the individual truth values as elements of a continuous field, provided that lowest degree polynomials are selected. In the case of 2-valued logic, the constraint that enables the uniqueness of the continualization is that the Jacobian matrices of the continualizations of the Boolean connectives have only affine entries. This property of the Jacobian matrix facilitates computation via gradient descent methods.
The Failure of the Wellstone-Murray Family Violence Option to Provide Meaningful Assistance to Survivors of Domestic Violence

This paper addresses the failure of the Wellstone-Murray Family Violence Option (FVO), an amendment to the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), to provide meaningful assistance to survivors of domestic violence. The FVO allows states to waive federal public assistance requirements, such as work requirements and child support collection, for applicants who are survivors of domestic violence. The FVO, however, is inadequately implemented in New York City and across the country. Several suggestions are given to make the FVO more effective.
Row/column addressing of scalable silicon photonic MEMS switches

We present a scalable silicon photonic MEMS switch with an actuation scheme requiring only 2N electrical contacts for an N×N switch matrix. Unit cell size is 145µm × 145µm and switching loss 1.5dB at 1550nm.
A Review of “Climate Change and Land Policies”

The article reviews the book "Climate Change & Land Policies," by Gregory K. Ingram and Yu-Hung Hong.
Simultaneous parallel simulations of continuous time Markov chains at multiple parameter settings

The authors describe multi-PUCS (parallel uniformized continuous-time simulation), an approach based on uniformization for simultaneously running parallel simulation of CTMCs (continuous time Markov chains) at multiple parameter settings. In multi-PUCS, interprocessor communications messages are shared among the multiple simulations. The efficiency of multi-PUCS relative to another multiple parameter simulation approach, the consecutive strategy, was studied empirically through simulations of a large queuing network on a 16-node Intel iPSC/2. Generally speaking, if the parameter being varied is such that the external uniformization rates are unaffected, then multi-PUCS becomes (relatively) more efficient as the amount of interprocessor communications increases. However, the efficiency gains over the consecutive strategy were fairly modest when combining two parameter settings. Better performance can be achieved when more parameter settings are included. In addition, moderate positive correlation was induced using this approach. >
Systems study of the petrochemical industry

Abstract The modern petrochemical industry is the result of the action over decades of incompletely understood economic, technical, and political forces. It is to be hoped that this complex industrial system has evolved into an efficient and flexible provider of the needs of the economy. We seek to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the industry and to perceive opportunities for further development. A systems model of the industry provides the necessary insight. A criterion of efficient feedstock utilization on the model of the industry reproduces the dominant structure of the actual industry, thereby lending credence to the model and the performance criterion. Fourteen of the twenty chemicals for which the current production practices differ from those proposed by the model are the subject of current development interest. The remaining six chemicals are produced in the model by currently obsolete processes that may be revived. The response of the verified model to scenerios of potential future developments provides points of departure for planning the long-range development of the industry.
The biotransformation of molinate (Ordram) in the striped bass (Morone saxatilis)

Abstract Bioconcentration, depuration, and biotransformation of molinate in striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ) were studied in a flow-through metabolism system. When compared to static conditions, flowing water improved oxygenation, decreased volatilization and remetabolism and, run through a macroreticular resin, improved waste-product collection. Metabolite identification and quantitation employed high-pressure liquid chromatography; gradient elution optimized peak resolution and minimized analysis time. Exposure of juvenile fish to 100 μg·1 −1 [ring- 14 C]molinate for 24 h resulted in a bioconcentration factor of 25.3 and a 14 C total concentration factor of 30.9 (in molinate molar equivalents). After 24-h depuration, 90.47% of the absorbed 14 C had been excreted; metabolites accounted for 19.20% of the depurated and 7.92% of the retained 14 C. The identified metabolites included molinate sulfoxide, carboxymolinate, 4-hydroxymolinate, molinate mercapturic acid, 4-ketomolinate, and hexahydroazepine. While molinate is highly toxic to Japanese carp ( Cyprinus carpio var. Yamato Koi), sulfoxidation, followed by glutathione conjugation and/or rapid depuration, may effectively reduce the toxicity of molinate to striped bass.
Kinetics of solute excited state formation in the pulse radiolysis of 9,10-diphenyl anthracene and p-terphenyl in cyclohexane solutions☆

Abstract Light emission from the first excited singlet states of 9,10-diphenyl anthracene and p -terphenyl in cyclohexane is measured following pulsed electron irradiation. The kinetics of excited state formation and decay are measured as a function of scintillator concentration, and the effects of additives determined. A major source of the solute excited states is geminate ion-recombination involving the electron, the positive “hole”, the solute anion and cation.
Control of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Growth in Fowl

Abstract In adult domestic fowl, angiotensin (ANG) receptors are present in the vascular smooth muscles (VSM) and in the endothelium, mediating vasorelaxation via endothelium-derived relaxing factor/cGMP. ANG II-induced relaxation is minor in chicks and becomes more marked as they mature but diminishes in adult birds, whereas ANG II neither relaxes nor contracts endothelium-denuded aortae from mature chickens. The present study examines in cultured fowl aortic SM cells whether (1) ANG II stimulates or inhibits VSM cell growth and, if so, whether this growth-stimulatory or -inhibitory effect changes with maturation/aging, and (2) S -nitroso- N -acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a nitric oxide donor, and cGMP attenuate the basal or stimulated VSM cell growth. [Asp 1 , Val 5 ]ANG II (native fowl ANG II, 10 −6 M) markedly increased (increase from vehicle control, 226.5%; P 3 H]thymidine (Thd) incorporation into DNA of quiescent VSM cells (first subculture) from 6-week-old chicks. This growth-stimulating effect was reduced with age (41.4, 29.6, and 3.2% at 9, 19, and 43 weeks of age, respectively). In contrast, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF, 20 ng/ml) increased [ 3 H]Thd incorporation similarly in chicks, pullets, and hens. Furthermore, ANG II significantly (45.9%, P
The delta domain of the HK97 major capsid protein is essential for assembly

The 102 residue N-terminal extension of the HK97 major capsid protein, the delta domain, is normally present during the assembly of immature HK97 procapsids, but it is removed during maturation like well-known internal scaffolding proteins of other tailed phages and herpesviruses. The delta domain also shares other unusual properties usually found in other viral and phage scaffolding proteins, including its location on the inside of the capsid, a high predicted and measured α-helical content, and an additional prediction for the ability to form parallel coiled-coils. Viral scaffolding proteins are essential for capsid assembly and phage viability, so we tested whether the HK97 delta domain was essential for capsid assembly. We studied the effects of deleting all or parts of the delta domain on capsid assembly and on complementation of capsid-protein-defective phage, and our results demonstrate that the delta domain is required for HK97 capsid assembly.
A meta-analysis and conceptual critique of research on role ambiguity and role conflict in work settings

Abstract Although role ambiguity and role conflict have been studied extensively in the organizational sciences, there remain numerous empirical discrepancies among the reported research results. Consequently, disagreement exists as to what can be concluded about the role ambiguity and role conflict research. Coupled with this empirical impasse has been a persistent and relatively singular approach to conceptually studying role ambiguity and role conflict. In response to this empirical and conceptual situation, a meta-analysis and a conceptual reevaluation of the role ambiguity and role conflict research were performed. Using the Hunter, Schmidt, and Jackson (1982 , Meta-analysis: Cumulating research findings across studies, Beverly Hills, CA: Sage) meta-analysis procedures, this study analyzed 29 correlates of role ambiguity and role conflict. These correlates include ten organizational context variables, five individual characteristics, ten affective reactions, and four behavioral reactions. Meta-analysis procedures were used to measure the strength and consistency of the relationship found between each of the 29 correlates and role ambiguity and role conflict. Meta-analysis was also used to determine where moderator variables should play a critical part in future role ambiguity and role conflict research. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, several empirical summaries and conclusions are presented. Along with these, several conceptual observations and reconceptualizing suggestions are offered. It is concluded that while a great deal is known about role ambiguity and role conflict in the organizational sciences much remains to be learned.
Display of metabolic information by MR spectroscopic imaging

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) methods combine the analytic capabilities of NMR with spatial discrimination methods of MR imaging, and provides a unique method for evaluation of metabolism in vivo. The low sensitivity of the MR resonances typically observed for MRSI studies requires lengthy spatial encoding methods and signal averaging, which lead to long acquisition times. Simple modifications of the spatial encoding techniques used for MRI are described which optimize spatial resolution and data acquisition times for in vivo applications of MRSI.
A lightweight vertical rosette for deployment in ice-covered waters

Abstract A lightweight modular rosette system has been developed that can be launched and recovered from aircraft in ice-covered waters through a 12 in. diameter hole in the ice. The small diameter is achieved by the modular design, in which a CTD module is attached to the end of a conducting cable and water bottle modules (four 4-L bottles per module) are positioned vertically above it. A novel tripping mechanism based on melting a link of monofilament line is used to close the water bottles at the desired depths. After launching the rosette, the cast proceeds like a normal rosette cast with the traces of temperature, salinity, oxygen and other desired sensors being displayed on a computer screen during the down and up casts and tripping the bottles electronically at the desired depths on the up cast. A Seabird 19+ CTD and Seabird 43 oxygen sensor are mounted in the CTD module and data acquisition and bottle tripping are controlled using a Seabird 33 deck unit and Seabird's SeaSave software run on a laptop computer. Deployment and recovery are done in a heated tent attached to the aircraft to prevent the water from freezing. After recovery the bottle modules are placed in coolers with bags of snow to stabilize the cooler temperature close to 0 °C, which is within ±1.8 °C of the in situ temperature, and the modules are transported back to a base camp for subsampling and sample processing. This system has been used to collect over 250 water samples in the ice-covered Lincoln Sea and the quality of the samples for dissolved gases and other constituents has been excellent.
Survival of nerve allografts in sensitized rats treated with cyclosporin A

✓ This study examined the effect of immunosuppressive treatment with cyclosporin A (Cy-A) on the survival of nerve allografts in sensitized rats. Nerve- or skin-sensitized untreated rats rejected a second nerve allograft of the same genotype as the first in an accelerated manner. In this situation, only a few host axons grew into the proximal 1 cm of a 4 cm-long nerve allograft. However, if sensitized rats were given Cy-A (10 mg/kg daily), the second nerve allograft survived, and numerous host axons regenerated through the 4-cm length of the allograft. These results indicated that Cy-A was an effective immunosuppressive agent in sensitized rats. We conclude that, in rats, donor-specific sensitization is not a contraindication to the use of nerve allografts to aid in the repair of injured nerve when Cy-A is used for immunosuppression.
Severe interstitial pneumonitis associated with infliximab therapy.

(2004). Severe interstitial pneumonitis associated with infliximab therapy. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology: Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 276-277.
ZipA-Induced Bundling of FtsZ Polymers Mediated by an Interaction between C-Terminal Domains

ABSTRACT FtsZ and ZipA are essential components of the septal ring apparatus, which mediates cell division in Escherichia coli. FtsZ is a cytoplasmic tubulin-like GTPase that forms protofilament-like homopolymers in vitro. In the cell, the protein assembles into a ring structure at the prospective division site early in the division cycle, and this marks the first recognized event in the assembly of the septal ring. ZipA is an inner membrane protein which is recruited to the nascent septal ring at a very early stage through a direct interaction with FtsZ. Using affinity blotting and protein localization techniques, we have determined which domain on each protein is both sufficient and required for the interaction between the two proteins in vitro as well as in vivo. The results show that ZipA binds to residues confined to the 20 C-terminal amino acids of FtsZ. The FtsZ binding (FZB) domain of ZipA is significantly larger and encompasses the C-terminal 143 residues of ZipA. Significantly, we find that the FZB domain of ZipA is also required and sufficient to induce dramatic bundling of FtsZ protofilaments in vitro. Consistent with the notion that the ability to bind and bundle FtsZ polymers is essential to the function of ZipA, we find that ZipA derivatives lacking an intact FZB domain fail to support cell division in cells depleted for the native protein. Interestingly, ZipA derivatives which do contain an intact FZB domain but which lack the N-terminal membrane anchor or in which this anchor is replaced with the heterologous anchor of the DjlA protein also fail to rescue ZipA− cells. Thus, in addition to the C-terminal FZB domain, the N-terminal domain of ZipA is required for ZipA function. Furthermore, the essential properties of the N domain may be more specific than merely acting as a membrane anchor.
Towards a liberal vocational education

This essay takes up the issue of the impact of technology on jobs in modern workplaces, and the curricular challenges thereby engendered for vocational educators. Conceptions of the nature of workplaces are examined, along with conceptions of the types of skill needed. It is proposed that distinction be made between vocational education at the secondary school, and that beyond. At the secondary school, vocational education would be education about work, and the goal would be vocational literacy. This would constitute a liberal vocational education. Beyond that, vocational education would be for jobs, but would include liberal features, such as general education course work, and training in job families.
New results on a two-stage novel modulation classification technique for cognitive radio applications

We report here on new results for a novel modulation classification technique designed for a real-time cognitive radio (CR) system. The goal is a technique that is robust and efficient with a processing time overhead low enough to allow a CR to maintain its real-time operating objectives. We investigated classification of linear single-carrier modulations as well as multi-carrier modulations. The method uses the waveform's I-Q diagrams, and by employing clustering algorithms on them, determines the type of modulation being transmitted. For classifying single-/multi-carrier modulations, we further study existing methods to find and modify the appropriate Gaussianity test to distinguish between single-carrier signals and multi-carrier signals. This new modulation classification method is capable of determining the type of modulation scheme among various PAM, QAM, and PSK modulations. Its performance in classifying these modulations is comparable to the best available published classifiers. It is also capable of extracting features of OFDM modulations and can be further expanded to include any new modulation scheme with unique I-Q diagram.
Health Education and Health Promotion in Health Promoting School

This article considers the findings of the project called ‘Szkola Promująca Zdrowie’ by Polish schools. It emphasizes the importance of health promotion: a wholesome and physical education in our schools. As well as raising awareness of the subject, the article also considers the stages of the program as they were introduced.
Effect of Growth Hormone and Thyroxine on Mammary Gland Growth in the Rat

Abstract A study of the possible synergistic effect of bovine and ovine growth hormone (GH) and thyroxine (T 4 ) upon mammary gland growth of the rat, measured by DNA, in both pregnant and ovariectomized rats stimulated by ovarian hormones is presented. Bovine GH alone in pregnant rats had no effect on DNA. Bovine GH plus T 4 stimulated a highly significant increase of 29% and ovine GH and T 4 stimulated a significant increase of 17% in DNA. Since T 4 in a previous study increased DNA 26%, it was concluded that GH had no synergistic effect. In ovariectomized rats, in synergism with ovarian hormones, bovine and ovine GH stimulated nonsignificant increases of DNA of 9 and 5%, respectively. Bovine GH plus T 4 stimulated a highly significant increase of 28% over the control group, but not in comparison with T 4 alone. Although GH cannot be said to synergize significantly with T 4 , the two groups administered both GH and T 4 stimulated mean DNA higher than any previous experimental group.
Physiologic and behavioral approaches to pediatric hearing assessment.

The primary objective of detecting hearing loss in children as early as possible is that appropriate intervention(s) can be initiated in a timely fashion. Therefore, infants and young children referred from hearing screening programs must be followed up immediately and receive a comprehensive audiologic evaluation to confirm the presence of hearing loss and establish the magnitude, type, configuration, and symmetry of the hearing loss. Improved assessment procedures for infants and young children have meant greater precision in quantifying hearing losses at an early age, in turn facilitating achievement of this objective. Two approaches are available in diagnostic audiology to accurately and reliably assess hearing: (1) physiologic and (2) behavioral. For newborns and young infants (≤6 months), a physiologic measure is the approach of choice. Even normal, healthy babies do not provide reliable behavioral responses to sound before 6 months of age. Older infants and children, however, can be tested efficiently and effectively with both behavioral and physiologic measures.
Absorption, resonance Raman and Raman excitation spectra of lanthanum dimers in argon matrices

Abstract We present the absorption (scattering depletion spectroscopy) spectrum of lanthanum dimers, resonance Raman spectra and Raman excitation spectra of lanthanum dimers in an argon matrix prepared by the mass-selected ion deposition technique. The absorption spectrum of La 2 shows two broad transitions centered at 490 and 540 nm. Resonance Raman spectra, obtained by excitation into the first band with an argon ion laser, display triplet structure which appear to be a “site” based set of progressions, with the lowest wave number lines at 234.5(5), 466.4(6), 696.1(9), and 925.1(7) cm −1 . These data give ω e =236.0±0.8 cm −1 with ω e x e =0.9±0.2 cm −1 . The resulting spectroscopic dissociation energy is D e =1.8(3) eV. The resulting force constant (2.28 mdyne A −1 ) is anomalously larger than expected by nearby trends in the periodic table. This may be explained by detailed consideration of atomic promotion energies.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL DIFFERENTIATION DURING EMBRYONIC DROSOPHILA MYOGENESIS IN VITRO

Cultures of embryonicDrosophila melanogaster cells were examined by electron microscopy and events in myogenesis were recorded. Thick and thin myofilaments, T-tubules and sarcoplasmic reticulum all appeared at about the same time, 10.5 hr. This was about 5 hr after the final division of myoblasts and about the time that muscle cells were elongating, aligning and fusing. Sarcoplasm typical of insect muscle was detected by 18.5 hr, as were myotendonal and tendocuticular junctions. Two populations of myocytes were detected, the cytoplasm of one more electron-dense than the other. The only previous report of myofibrilogenesis in invertebrate embryos had described novel mechanisms. InDrosophila embryonic material, however, the sequence of myofibrilogenesis resembled that in post-embryonic insect or vertebrate material.
Fan beam dual energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition measurements in piglets.

Objectives: A piglet model was used to validate and cross validate the fan-beam (FB) dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) software vKH6 and to determine the predictive values of physiologic parameters (weight, length, age and gender) on body composition.Methods: Nineteen piglets (Group A: 600 to 21100 g) were used to validate the FB-DXA measurements of body composition based on chemical analysis of the carcass. An additional 22 piglets (Group B: 640 g to 17660 g) had FB-DXA measurements, and these values were compared to the predicted values generated from regression equations computed from group A piglets. Body composition for bone mass, lean mass and fat mass was based on ash weight, nitrogen and fat measured from three aliquots of homogenate from each carcass. Data from all piglets (n = 41) were used to determine the variations in body composition. Data analysis used regression, t test and analysis of variance.Results: Duplicate DXA (total weight TW, bone mineral content BMC, bone area BA, bone miner...
Spatial sensitivities of human health risk to intercontinental and high-altitude pollution

Abstract We perform the first long-term (>1 year) continuous adjoint simulations with a global atmospheric chemistry–transport model focusing on population exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and associated risk of early death. Sensitivities relevant to intercontinental and high-altitude PM pollution are calculated with particular application to aircraft emissions. Specifically, the sensitivities of premature mortality risk in different regions to NOx, SOx, CO, VOC and primary PM2.5 emissions as a function of location are computed. We apply the resultant sensitivity matrices to aircraft emissions, finding that NOx emissions are responsible for 93% of population exposure to aircraft-attributable PM2.5. Aircraft NOx accounts for all of aircraft-attributable nitrate exposure (as expected) and 53% of aircraft-attributable sulfate exposure due to the strong “oxidative coupling” between aircraft NOx emissions and non-aviation SO2 emissions in terms of sulfate formation. Of the health risk-weighted human PM2.5 exposure attributable to aviation, 73% occurs in Asia, followed by 18% in Europe. 95% of the air quality impacts of aircraft emissions in the US are incurred outside the US. We also assess the impact of uncertainty or changes in (non-aviation) ammonia emissions on aviation-attributable PM2.5 exposure by calculating second-order sensitivities. We note the potential application of the sensitivity matrices as a rapid policy analysis tool in aviation environmental policy contexts.
Inelastic scattering of 14 MeV neutrons

The inelastic scattering of 14 MeV neutrons from natural samples of Al, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cd, Sn Pb and Bi has been studied using the Livermore Cockcroft-Walton neutron time-of-flight facility. For each sample the absolute differential cross sections, σ(θ, E), were measured at laboratory angles of 60°, 90° and 120°. For the low-energy neutron spectra (1 < En < 5 MeV), many of the features observed were qualitatively in accordance with predictions of the statistical model. Quantitive comparison, however, required extending the statistical model to describe multiple neutron emission and the agreement was not satisfactory, independent of the choice of level density parameters.
Solution Properties of Diblock Copolymers of Polystyrene-block-polybutadiene

A combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), static light scattering (SLS), and flow field-flow fractionation (flow-FFF) techniques were used to study th...
Field deployment of a dense wireless sensor network for condition assessment of a bridge superstructure

With the increased demand placed on aging infrastructure, there is great interest in new condition assessment tools for bridges. The routine deterioration that bridges undergo causes a loss in the intended performance that, if undetected or unattended, can eventually lead to structural failure. Currently the primary method of bridge condition assessment involves a qualitative bridge inspection routine based on visual observations. Discussed in this paper are methods of in-situ quantitative bridge condition assessment using a dense wireless sensor array. At the core of the wireless system is an integrated network which collects data from a variety of sensors in real-time and provides analysis, assessment and decision-making tools. The advanced wireless sensor system, developed at Clarkson University for diagnostic bridge monitoring, provides independent conditioning for both accelerometers and strain transducers with high-rate wireless data transmission in a large-scale sensor network. Results from a field deployment of a dense wireless sensor network on a bridge located in New York State are presented. The field deployment and testing aid to quantify the current bridge response as well as demonstrate the ability of the system to perform bridge monitoring and condition assessment.
DR-LINK: Document Retrieval using Linguistic Knowledge

DR-LINK is a modular information retrieval system which takes a conceptual-linguistic approach to document detection by satisfying two apparently opposing task requirements: the need to handle large numbers of documents efficiently and the need to represent and retrieve on well-specified information needs. DR-LINK's approach is to enrich the semantic representation of the texts, while focusing its processing on those documents which have real potential of being relevant to a user's query. DR-LINK consists of six modules which, in combination, produce textual representations that capture great breadth and variety of semantic knowledge which will be used to improve retrieval effectiveness, in terms of both recall and precision. To produce this enriched representation, the system uses lexical, syntactic, semantic, and discourse linguistic processing techniques for distilling from documents and topic statements all the rich layers of knowledge incorporated in their deceptively simple textual surface and producing a representation which has been shaped by all these levels of linguistic processing. Specifically, these modules: 1) create summary-level content-vector representations of each text; 2) assign conceptual categories to all proper-noun entities; 3) delineate each text's discourse-level structure; 4) detect relations among concepts; 5) expand lexical representations with semantically-related terms, and; 6) represent and match concepts and relations via Conceptual Graphs.
Osmium carbohydrate polymers

Abstract The preparation and characterization of osmium carbohydrate polymers derived from glucose are reported. The materials are polydisperse, anionic polyelectrolytes. Solution viscosity measurements indicate generally spherical shapes. Both gel electrophoresis and ultracentrifuge experiments show that each preparation contains a range of molecular sizes. Representative molecular weights determined for several preparations range from 13,000 to 77,000 daltons. Estimates of molecular diameters range from 27.3 to 41.5A.
Interlaminar stressess in a layered composite laminate in bending

Abstract The interlaminar stresses generated in a four layer [45, −45, −45, 45] and [θ, 0, 0, θ] laminate in uniform bending are presented. Computations were accomplished by employing a finite-difference approximation to solve the exact elasticity equations. The results show that the magnitudes of the interlaminar shear and normal stresses, although in general relatively small, rise sharply near the free edges. Critical situations are discussed and various configurations presented. The results are compared with others recently reported.
The Dirac (Bracket) Notation in the Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Curriculum: A Pictorial Introduction

The Dirac (bracket) notation is ubiquitous in the chemical literature, but it is rarely introduced in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. In this article we present a pictorial approach to the bracket notation that we have successfully used for the past three years in a junior-senior-level physical chemistry course. We have found that it requires roughly 75 minutes to introduce this topic, and, upon integration into subsequent discussions, it prepares our undergraduate students to routinely use this powerful tool in the study of chemical bonding and spectroscopy. We believe that this approach, when introduced after the traditional integral treatment, enhances student learning of the abstract subject of quantum mechanics.