cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of inherent gray-level dynamic range in a digital image using the runs test and join-count statistics

The dynamic range of the gray level of a digital image is limited by the noise it contains. Two statistical methods called ‘‘runs test’’ and ‘‘join‐count statistic’’ are used to measure the noise level in a digital image. A residual image is formed by subtracting an original image from its smoothed version. Theoretically, the noise level in the residual image should be identical to that in the original image. The noise level is determined by examining each bit plane of the residual image individually starting from the least significant bit up to the bit plane whose statistic does not show a random pattern. Images from three digital modalities: computerized tomography,magnetic resonance, and computed radiography are used to evaluate the gray‐level dynamic range. Both methods are easy to implement and fast to perform.
The Poisoning of Barium-Nickel Matrix Cathodes†

ABSTRACT This paper describes an experimental study of the poisoning of the thermionic emission from barium-nickel matrix cathodes activated by aluminium and titanium hydride. Gases which poison the emission are oxygon, carbon dioxide and water vapour, while nitrogen, hydrogen, the inert gases and carbon monoxide do not. The emission deteriorates rapidly when once a critical partial pressure of a poisoning gas is exceeded, this pressure being higher for higher cathode temperatures. The critical pressures of the poisoning gases are each about 10−7 torr for normal cathode temperatures, but they decrease considerably with repeated poisonings. The cathodes can be reactivated completely after a number of poisonings, before permanent impairment is observed. The speed of reactivation increases with temperature and decreases with repeated poisoning. The results are largely explained on the basis of the probability of gas adsorption and its subsequent removal by free barium, being produced by the activator.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. III. Karyotypes of cancerous effusions

Karyotypic findings in 27 cancerous effusions have been presented and the data on all other published effusions summarized. Cancerous effusions are characterized by a wide range of modal chromosomal number, ranging from severe hypodiploidy (35) to more than 100 chromosomes. The karyotypes of such effusions reveal an extremely diversified picture with no two effusions having identical or similar karyotypes. Marker chromosomes were present in the preponderant number of the effusions but their frequency, number and size did not appear to be related to the total chromosome number of the cells. Stability of the karyotypes is indicated by the persistence of the chromosome constitution for a period of time, the reappearance of identical karyotypes when an effusion recurred after therapy and the similarity of the karyotypes in effusions of different location.
A model of local demand for education

Abstract A careful modeling of the spending behavior of local school districts in New Jersey is presented. The theoretical model relies on the common hypothesis of political competition leading to a median outcome as well as the assumption that school superintendents act as budget maximizers. The model is estimated for a sample of 177 school districts under three different aid formulas. Pooling of the cross sections suggests that the response of school expenditures to changes in variables other than those associated with school aid parameters has remained constant over time. The results are discussed in the context of recent theories regarding the effect of intergovernmental aid on the level of public expenditure.
Sternoclavicular grafts for temporomandibular joint reconstruction

This study evaluated the long-term outcomes of 52 sternoclavicular grafts for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction in 38 patients. Patients were divided into three groups according to preoperative diagnosis and evaluated an average of 45 months (range, 10 to 84 months) postsurgery. Group 1 consisted of 14 patients (24 joints) with previous Proplast/Teflon implants (P/T; Vitek, Inc, Houston, TX;); successful reconstruction was achieved in only four patients (29%) and seven joints (29%). Group 2 included 10 patients (14 joints) with inflammatory TMJ pathology (non-P/T); success occurred in five patients (50%) and eight joints (57%). Group 3 consisted of 14 patients (14 joints) with non-P/T and noninflammatory TMJ pathology. Success in this group occurred in 13 patients (93%) and 13 joints (93%), with only one failure. The results of this study support the use of the sternoclavicular graft for TMJ reconstruction in a select group of patients and demonstrate a high failure rate in patients with previous P/T implants.
The role of reflection in mathematics learning

Reflective abstraction is central to the theory of constructivism as put forth by von Glasersfeld. In “coming to know”, persons make major cognitive advances by taking their actions as objects of thought. Leamers move beyond being “in the action” when they engage in reflection. There are serious limitations in the “explain-practice” method of instruction and active learning. Performing even self-generated mathematical operations does not have the power which results from reflecting on the activity. Problem-centered learning, an instructional strategy which has been shown to provide rich opportunities for reflection, is examined. The nature of reflection in mathematical activity is also considered.
Demonstration of an alteration of ganglioside metabolism in Tay-Sachs disease.

Abstract It has been shown through the use of specifically labeled Tay-Sachs ganglioside that normal human muscle tissue contains enzymes which catalyze the hydrolysis of the N-acetylneuraminyl and N-acetylgalactosaminyl moieties of this ganglioside. The hydrolysis of the N-acetylneuraminyl moiety in muscle preparations from patients with Tay-Sachs disease was similar to that of the controls. The enzyme which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the N-acetylgalactosaminyl moiety was completely absent in preparations from patients with Tay-Sachs disease.
Managing complexity: strategies for group awareness and coordinated action in Wikipedia

In online groups, increasing explicit coordination can increase group cohesion and member productivity. On Wikipedia, groups called WikiProjects employ a variety of explicit coordination mechanisms to motivate and structure member contribution, with the goal of creating and improving articles related to particular topics. However, while explicit coordination works well for coordinating article-level actions, coordinating group tasks and tracking progress towards group goals that involve tracking hundreds or thousands of articles over time requires different coordination strategies. To lower the coordination cost of monitoring and task-routing, WikiProjects centralize coordination activity on WikiProject pages -- "micro-sites" that provide a centralized repository of project tools, tasks and targets, and discussion for explicit group coordination. These tools can facilitate shared awareness of member and non-member editing activity on articles that the project cares about. However, whether these tools are as effective at motivating members as explicit coordination, and whether they elicit the same kind of contributions, has not been studied. In this study, we examine one such tool, Hot Articles, and compare its effect on the editing behavior of WikiProject members with a more common, explicit coordination mechanism: making edit requests on the project talk page.
γ-aminobutyric acid enhancement of potassium-stimulated release of [3H]norepinephrine by multiple mechanisms in rat cortical slices

Abstract γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABAA agonists enhance stimulated release of [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NA) in several regions of the rat brain. In this study, the mechanisms by which GABA and GABAergic agonists augment potassium-stimulated release of [3H]NA from rat frontal cortical slices were examined. GABA enhanced potassium-stimulated [3H]NA release, but did not alter release of [3H]NA evoked by the calcium ionophore A23187, 10−5M, either in the presence or the absence of extracellular calcium. The effect of GABA on potassium-stimulated [3H]NA release was apparently reduced by the GABAA antagonist bicuculline methiodide, 10−4M, and by the selective inhibitor of GABA uptake SKF 89976A, 10−5 M, but was abolished only when bicuculline methiodide and SKF 89976A were present in combination. The GABAa agonist muscimol enhanced potassiumstimulated release of [3H]NA in a manner similar to GABA. In addition, nipecotic acid, a substrate for GABA uptake, enhanced potassium-stimulated [3H]na release. Thus, GABA appears to enhance potassium-stimulated [3H]NA release by acting upon both GABA uptake and GABAA receptors. The GABA receptors involved in this effect may be a subtype of GABA receptors since they are not modulated by benzodiazepines. These results support the involvement of the GABA uptake carrier and the GABA receptor in mediating the enhancement by GABA of potassium-stimulated [3H]NA releaScin the cortex of the rat.
Improving the management of candidemia through antimicrobial stewardship interventions

Candidemia is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and hospital cost. We conducted a quasi-experimental study to evaluate the impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) pharmacist's interventions on time to effective antifungal therapy, in-hospital mortality, infection-related length of stay (LOS), and costs in patients with candidemia. Patients in 2008 (pre-intervention, n = 85) were compared to those in 2010 (post-intervention, n = 88). Time to effective therapy was significantly faster (median 13.5 versus 1.3 hours, P = 0.04) and was administered to more patients in the post-intervention group [67 (88%) versus 80 (99%), P = 0.008]. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality [16 (19%) versus 26 (30%) patients, P = 0.11], infection-related LOS [10 (7-15.5) versus 11 (7-17) days, P = 0.68], or hospital costs during candidemia [$25,697 (15,645-42,870) versus $31,457 ($16,399-83,649), P = 0.25]. ASP pharmacist interventions standardized and improved the quality of care of patients with candidemia.
Effect of creatine supplementation on muscle capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis

There has been interest in the use of exogenous creatine (Cr) as an adjunct treatment for neurological disorders. Creatine enhances bouts of activity through augmenting phosphocreatine for increased synthesis of ATP; however, multiple sclerosis (MS) individuals suffering from muscle weakness have not been shown to improve muscle work after 5 days of Cr supplementation. This study's purpose was to determine whether the extended duration would increase muscle capacity. In a double-blind, crossover trial, with a 3-week washout period, eleven MS subjects were randomly assigned to either Cr (5 g 4/day, day 1-7: 2.5 g 2/day, day 8-14) or placebo groups for two 14-day periods. Biodex Dynamometer recorded total work and power over three bouts of 30 maximal knee extensions and flexions. Total work was nonsignificant with Cr for knee extension (pretest 1277.7 ± 214.9 J vs. posttest = 1313.14 ± 200.5 J; p = 0.81) and flexion (pretest = 1220.7 ± 200.5 J vs. posttest = 1302.10 J ± 189.64 J; p = 0.93). Creatine did not enhance muscle power in knee extension (p = 0.31; pretest = 82.1 ± 12.7 W vs. posttest = 87.7 ± 12.6 W) or flexion (p = 0.29; pretest = 75.3 ± 12.1 W vs. posttest = 81.2 ± 11.1 W). Therefore, 14 days of Cr supplementation did not improve muscle capacity or habitual fatigue in MS individuals.
A calcium-stimulated serine protease from monkey brain degrades the β-amyloid precursor protein

Amyloid deposition, a histopathological feature of Alzheimer's disease brain, may be the underlying cause of this disease. The isolation of enzymes involved in both the normal and aberrant or alternative processing of the beta-amyloid precursor protein may lead to an understanding of how beta-protein, the major component of amyloid deposits, is formed in the brain parenchyma and vasculature of Alzheimer's disease patients and aged humans. As the same kind of deposits is also found in aged primates, the use of primates will undoubtedly help to understand the mechanisms of amyloid deposition, both spatially and temporally. Here we report the partial purification from adult monkey brain of a calcium-activated serine protease that is immunoreactive with antibodies against cathepsin G and is potentially involved in the abnormal degradation of the beta-amyloid precursor protein. Moreover, immunoreactivity with cathepsin G antibodies was localised to astrocytes in both adult and aged monkey cortex, suggesting that our protease may be expressed in astrocytes.
A novel Wake-Up-Word speech recognition system, Wake-Up-Word recognition task, technology and evaluation

Abstract Wake-Up-Word (WUW) is a new paradigm in speech recognition (SR) that is not yet widely recognized. This paper defines and investigates WUW speech recognition, describes details of this novel solution and the technology that implements it. WUW SR is defined as detection of a single word or phrase when spoken in the alerting context of requesting attention, while rejecting all other words, phrases, sounds, noises and other acoustic events and the same word or phrase spoken in non-alerting context with virtually 100% accuracy. In order to achieve this accuracy, the following innovations were accomplished: (1) Hidden Markov Model triple scoring with Support Vector Machine classification, (2) Combining multiple speech feature streams: Mel-scale Filtered Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), Linear Prediction Coefficients (LPC)-smoothed MFCCs, and Enhanced MFCC, and (3) Improved Voice Activity Detector with Support Vector Machines. WUW detection and recognition performance is 2514%, or 26 times better than HTK for the same training & testing data, and 2271%, or 24 times better than Microsoft SAPI 5.1 recognizer. The out-of-vocabulary rejection performance is over 65,233%, or 653 times better than HTK, and 5900% to 42,900%, or 60 to 430 times better than the Microsoft SAPI 5.1 recognizer. This solution that utilizes a new recognition paradigm applies not only to WUW task but also to any general Speech Recognition tasks.
Language and schooling in Western and American Samoa

: The two Samoas present an interesting case for the study of the role of English in language use and social change in the Pacific islands. Beginning with missionization, this paper reviews the history of English and schooling in the Samoas to independence (in the case of Western Samoa) and post-World War II trusteeship (in the case of American Samoa). The discussion focuses on the social, political, economic and educational factors related to levels of English and native language literacy in the two Samoas, and to the decline of native language literacy in American Samoa over the past several years.
The Distributed Mind: Achieving High Performance Through the Collective Intelligence of Knowledge Work Teams

Executive Overview The article reviews the book ‘The Distributed Mind: Achieving High Performance Through the Collective Intelligence of Knowledge Work Teams,’ by Kimball Fisher and Mareen Duncan Fisher.
Self-efficacy as a predictor of weight change in African-American women.

MARTIN, PAMELA D., GARETH R. DUTTON, AND PHILLIP J. BRANTLEY. Self-efficacy as a predictor of weight change in African-American women. Obes Res. 2004;12:646-651. Objective: Although self-efficacy has received increasing attention for its role in weight loss, there is less research examining this relationship in minority samples. The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-efficacy for weight loss was predictive of weight change in a sample of African-American women. Research Methods and Procedures: Subjects were 106 overweight or obese, low-income African-American women participating in a weight management intervention that involved either personalized monthly sessions with their primary care physician or standard care. Weight and self-efficacy for weight loss were assessed at baseline and at the end of the 6-month treatment. Results: For subjects in the personalized intervention, baseline self-efficacy was predictive of subsequent weight change, such that higher levels of self-efficacy before treatment were associated with less weight loss. In contrast, improvements in self-efficacy during treatment were associated with greater weight loss for the personalized intervention group. Discussion: Results suggest high self-efficacy for weight loss before treatment may be detrimental to success, whereas treatments that improve participants' self-efficacy may result in greater weight loss. High pretreatment self-efficacy may be indicative of overconfidence or lack of experience with the difficulties associated with weight loss efforts. Whereas replication is needed, our results suggest that self-efficacy is an important variable to consider when implementing weight loss interventions.
Standardization of radon measurements

Abstract Radon escaping from soil into homes appears to present the single greatest source of radiation exposure that most people will ever face. Measurement protocols for the relatively inert gas inextricably link the method of collection with the counting of the specimen. The most commonly used methods depend on the measurement of dislocation sites on plastic α-track detectors or on the adsorption of radon onto activated charcoal for subsequent counting of the γ-rays produced by decay of the radon progeny. The uncertainties inherent to the radon-measurement methods used commercially in the United States are far greater than those for measurements of other environmental radionuclides. The results of this preliminary study raise doubts as to whether existing proficiency-testing programs can provide assurance that radon-measurement methods are representative of actual conditions in any dwelling.
Excitation of nonlinear guided waves in Kerr-type media by use of chirped and tapered gratings

The canonical equations governing the excitation of nonlinear guided waves in Kerr-type nonlinear media with chirped and tapered gratings are obtained by a perturbation procedure. These canonical equations, made specific for uniform gratings, predict (1) decreases in the excitation efficiency when either the incident intensity or the nonlinearity is increased and (2) limitations on the propagation distance for which a nonlinear guided wave accumulates a π phase shift with respect to a linear guided wave. In the case of uniform gratings, this propagation distance cannot be reduced by increasing the nonlinearity or by increasing the incident intensity. The efficiency of excitation can be increased significantly by use of chirped or tapered gratings. The acceptance angle for efficient excitation is also increased. Moreover, a combination of chirping and tapering can be optimized so that the efficiency exceeds the maximum efficiency of excitation for linear guided waves.
Interactions between bacteria and harmful algae: a review.

The ways in which bacteria interact with eukaryotic, unicellular algae are extremely diverse. Such relationships vary widely according to a number of criteria, including spatial and temporal scales, the degree of specificity, and if the relationship can be characterized as beneficial or detrimental to any of the organisms involved. These criteria can be applied to our assessment of how microbes interact with those species involved in the formation of harmful algal blooms (HABs). The aim of this paper is to assess the current state of our knowledge of bacterial/HAB interactions as they pertain to the influence of bacteria on HAB population dynamics, the role of bacteria in the production of toxins normally attributed to the algae, and the suggestion that HABs may act as vectors for pathogenic bacteria. Given that viruses are now considered to play a potentially important role in structuring phytoplankton communities, the possible effects of viruses on the population dynamics of harmful algal species are also addressed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of a Novel Limonene Based Mannich Polyol for Rigid Polyurethane Foams

A novel bio based Mannich polyol using limonene was synthesized. Mannich polyols are a group of amino polyols with aromatic structure which provide fire resistance, good thermal and superior physico-mechanical properties. The synthesized Mannich polyol was structurally characterized using wet methods (hydroxyl number, acid value and viscosity), gel permeation chromatography, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The Mannich polyol was successfully used for preparation of rigid polyurethane foams. Thermal analysis of the rigid polyurethane foams indicated that they were thermally stable up to 250 °C. Studies based on dynamic mechanical analyses indicated that these rigid polyurethane foams have high glass transition temperature (~200 °C). These foams have also high compressive strength and very regular cell structure with uniform size distribution. The closed cell content of these foams was higher than 90 %. The synthesized Mannich polyol based on limonene was very reactive, indicating that it is very suitable for preparation of rigid polyurethane foams using “spray” process.
Automatic atomic region identification in shared memory SPMD programs

This paper presents TransFinder, a compile-time tool that automatically determines which statements of an unsynchronized multithreaded program must be enclosed in atomic regions to enforce conflict-serializability. Unlike previous tools, TransFinder requires no programmer input (beyond the program) and is more efficient in both time and space.Our implementation shows that the generated atomic regions range from being identical to, or smaller than, the programmer-specified transactions in the three Java Grande benchmarks considered, and in five of the eight STAMP benchmarks considered, while still providing identical synchronization semantics and results. The generated atomic regions are between 5 and 38 lines larger in the three remaining STAMP benchmarks. In the most conservative case, TransFinder can, based on the program structure, successfully identify and suggest an alternative that conforms exactly to the programmer-specified atomic regions. By generating small, highly-targeted, conflict-serializable atomic regions, TransFinder allows the programmer to focus further tuning efforts on only a small portion of the code (when further tuning is needed).
Virtual unenhanced CT images acquired from dual-energy CT urography: accuracy of attenuation values and variation with contrast material phase.

Aim To determine how representative virtual unenhanced (VNE) images are of true unenhanced (TNE) images when performing computed tomography (CT) urography on a dual-energy CT (DECT) system, and whether the images are affected by the contrast material phase. Materials and methods In this retrospective, institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant study, TNE were compared with VNE images derived from the nephrographic (VNEn) and excretory (VNEe) phases in 100 consecutive CT urograms. Two readers in consensus measured attenuation values of abdominal organs, fat, and renal lesions (>1 cm). Image noise was correlated with patient thickness. Detectability of renal stones was evaluated. Image quality and acceptability was assessed using a five-point scale. Expected dose saving by removing the TNE phase was calculated. Results VNE attenuation values of liver, renal parenchyma, and aorta were significantly different to TNE values (p Conclusion Although VNE images demonstrate high reader acceptability, accuracy of attenuation values and detection of small stones is limited. The contrast material phase, however, does not affect attenuation values. Further validation of VNE images is recommended prior to clinical implementation.
The Healthy People 2010 smoking prevalence and tobacco control objectives: results from the SimSmoke tobacco control policy simulation model (United States).

Objectives: Healthy People 2010 (HP2010) set a goal of reducing the adult smoking prevalence to 12% by 2010. Smoking prevalence rates do not appear to be declining at or near the rate targeted in the HP2010 goals. The purpose of this paper is to examine the attainability of HP2010 smoking prevalence objectives through the stricter tobacco control policies suggested in HP2010. Methods: A tested dynamic simulation model of smoking trends, known as SimSmoke, is applied. Smoking prevalence evolves over time through initiation and cessation, behaviors which are in turned influenced by tobacco control policies. We consider the effect of changes in taxes/prices, clean air laws, media campaigns, cessation programs and youth access policies on projected smoking prevalence over the period 2003–2020, focusing on the levels in 2010. Results: The SimSmoke model projects that the aging of older cohorts and the impact of policies in years prior to 2004 will yield a reduction in smoking rates to 18.4% by 2010, which is substantially above the 2010 target of 12%. When policies similar to the HP2010 tobacco control policy objectives are implemented, SimSmoke projects that smoking rates could be reduced to 16.1%. Further reductions might be realized by increasing the tax rate by $1.00. Conclusions: The SimSmoke model suggests that the HP2010 smoking prevalence objective is unlikely to be attained. Although we are unlikely to reach the goals by meeting the HP2010 policy objectives, they could get us much closer to the goal. Emphasis should be placed on meeting the tax, clean air, media/comprehensive campaigns, and cessation treatment objectives.
A computer model for integrated circuit transistors including substrate interactions

Abstract The use of the digital computer in the simulation of electronic circuit performance has grown rapidly in the past few years. This has enabled one to perform accurate computer-aided circuit analysis using non-linear devices. The extension and accuracy of this technique depends strongly on the accuracy of the semiconductor device mathematical models used and is particularly useful when analyzing integrated circuits. This present paper describes a computer model of an n - p - n transistor in an integrated circuit utilizing p - n junction isolation. This model is derived from the hole-electron flow across the various junctions and also accounts for current flow across the substrate junction. In addition to the regular transistor, this new equivalent circuit model requires a parasitic transistor unit along with a current generator to account for the effect of the substrate. Under some operating conditions, this model is simplified to include one diode and a current generator in addition to the transistor, and in other circumstances to require only a simple current generator along with the transistor itself. The measurement necessary for determining the parameters of the complete model are identified. The pertinent constants can be obtained from the terminal currents of the device under specified operating conditions.
Pulmonary disease caused by mycobacterium asiaticum

Abstract A 62-year-old male residing in Los Angeles, California, presented with a right upper lobe nodule associated with dry cough and weight loss. Mycobacterium asiaticum was isolated from sputum on two separate occasions. The patient was subsequently treated with four anti-tuberculous drugs, with bacteriologic conversion. This is the first report of pulmonary disease caused by M. asiaticum in the United States. The bacteriologic, immunologic and clinical aspects are reviewed.
Effect of Response to a Low-Fat Diet among Adolescent Males on Their Adult Blood Cholesterol Levels☆

Background.While primary prevention of adult cardiovascular diseases should begin early, there are problems in identifying children at increased risk of future disease. Methods.We did a follow-up study in 1991–1992 of 100 male former students at a boarding high school who had blood cholesterol measured in 1970–1971 both prior to and following a school-wide, reduced-fat dietary intervention. We compared adult cholesterol levels of the 50 subjects whose cholesterol decreased ≥16.5% (the median decrease) following the 1970–1971 intervention (Diet-Sensitive) with the 50 whose response was <16.5% (Non-Diet-Sensitive). Results.Blood cholesterol of adults who were Diet-Sensitive in 1970–1971 was 4.2 mg/dl lower than their baseline values in adolescence, while adults classified as Non-Diet-Sensitive as adolescents showed a 15.9 mg/dl increase in cholesterol over 21 years. Adjusting for baseline adolescent values, Non-Diet-Sensitive subjects were 4.8 (95% CI 1.4, 15.9) times as likely as Diet-Sensitive subjects to have adult cholesterol ≥200 mg/dl. Also, Diet-Sensitive adults on a low-fat diet had adult blood cholesterol levels >20 mg/dl lower than Non-Diet-Sensitive adults on a similar diet (180.1 vs 202.1 mg/dl, respectively). Conclusions.Degree of response to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet during adolescence may identify male subjects who will have differing patterns of cholesterol change over time.
A rapid procedure for cell colony hybridization using DNA probes

A rapid, direct method for screening single cell-derived colonies or foci is described. The method allows the screening of a large number of colonies or foci by nitrocellulose filter hybridization using DNA probes. This technique simplifies current screening procedures and is a reliable, rapid, and sensitive method for the selection of cell clones containing a desired transfected gene.
Inhibition by SK&F 96365 of Ca2+ current, IL-2 production and activation in T lymphocytes

1. By use of whole cell patch-clamp and Indo-1 fluorescence studies of the Jurkat T leukaemic cell line, we show that the new organic antagonist of receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, SK&F 96365, inhibits the T cell Ca2+ current in a dose-dependent fashion, with an IC50 of 12 microM. 2. SK&F 96365 also inhibits [3H]-thymidine incorporation and interleukin-2 (IL-2) synthesis in peripheral blood lymphocytes. 3. SK&F 96365 has no effect on Ca2+ stores release or K+ channels. 4. This is the first account of an organic inhibitor of the T cell Ca2+ current. The ability of SK&F 96365 to inhibit IL-2 synthesis and cell proliferation suggests that a new class of related Ca2+ channel blockers can be developed as immunosuppressive agents.
Methods for quantifying rail seat loads and a review of previous experimentation

A railroad sleeper and fastening system is composed of many unique parts that, when assembled, attempt to distribute train wheel loads through the system without damaging the components while providing a safe running surface and track geometry for trains to operate on. In order to evaluate the health of the sleeper and fastening system, there are many areas that need to be examined to ensure that key limit states are not exceeded. One key area of concern is the sleeper rail seat, specifically the load magnitude applied to this surface. There are many different metrics to evaluate the rail seat load, and this report will compare these to determine which should be used given different operating and infrastructure conditions. A sample calculation for each methodology was completed in order to compare how the methods differ, and to more fully understand the strengths and limitations of each methodology. These calculations were completed both with a static load and dynamic load, as the individual approaches account for dynamic loads in a variety of ways. For the purpose of this report, these calculations were completed assuming a concrete sleeper infrastructure. The goal of this paper is to provide an evaluation of the existing rail seat load calculation methodologies to improve current concrete sleeper and fastening system design standards through the application of mechanistic design principles.
MIMO radar waveform design for coexistence with cellular systems

The design of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar waveforms with specified properties has a number of applications including clutter suppression and interference mitigation. In this paper, we design radar waveforms with the aim to mitigate radar interference to communication system. We design constant envelope (CE) transmit beampattern of a MIMO radar, when it is sharing its spectrum with a cellular system, with the constraint that the waveform is in the null space of interference channel between radar and communication system. We design the desired beampattern by unconstrained nonlinear optimization of the desired covariance matrix. We consider waveform design problem for a stationary maritime MIMO radar when interference channels are changing slowly and thus they can be included in the beampattern matching optimization problem. In addition, we also consider the case when the maritime MIMO radar is moving and thus experiences interference channels that are changing fast enough to be not included in the optimization problem. For this case, we design the CE waveform first and then project it onto the null space of interference channel, before transmission, in order to have zero interference to the communication system. We demonstrate, through simulations, the effect of including the constraint of spectrum sharing or the waveform be in the null space of interference channel on the CE waveform design.
Quantifying distributive justice: An approach to environmental and risk-related public policy

The most fundamental philosophical objection to cost-benefit analysis is that it fails to account for the distinction between more-necessary and less-necessary benefits. For example, it provides no way to avoid trading off a few cancer deaths in exchange for a more cost-effective but also more hazardous technology which provides cheaper paper or plastic products for the many. Since unjust distribution of benefits and burdens results primarily from the failure to prefer more-necessary goods (such as health and safety) over less-necessary ones (such as cheaper plastic razors), we shall see that a correct calculation of the rate at which marginal utilities diminish in value (as they become less necessary to their users) can determine ‘degrees of necessity’ and thus the most just possible distribution of benefits and burdens. One way to measure the rate of diminishing marginal utility is provided by the ‘wealth effect’ in occupational risk studies. Wealthier workers will not assume the same risk in exchange for a given salary increment (which to them is not very necessary) as poorer workers would assume for that same salary increment (which to them is more necessary). It is therefore possible to construct a mathematical model for the effect of necessity/non-necessity on quantitative decision principles for environmental and risk-related public policy, thus making such decisions more distributively just than traditional cost-benefit analysis would allow.
DRIVER STRATEGY AND TRAFFIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Abstract As increasingly sophisticated routing, navigation and trip-planning devices are installed in automobiles, it becomes necessary to consider the likely effects of such devices on overall traffic system performance. A simple simulation model of “rush-hour” commuting is presented and the system-level consequences of a variety of agent-level behavior patterns are explored. In the context of this model, increasingly sophisticated agent-level commuting strategies result in decreased system-level performance as measured by several criteria.
A tree convolution algorithm for the solution of queueing networks

A new algorithm called the tree convolution algorithm, for the computation of normalization constants and performance measures of product-form queueing networks, is presented. Compared to existing algorithms, the algorithm is very efficient in the solution of networks with many service centers and many sparse routing chains. (A network is said to have sparse routing chains if the chains visit, on the average, only a small fraction of all centers in the network.) In such a network, substantial time and space savings can be achieved by exploiting the network's routing information. The time and space reductions are made possible by two features of the algorithm: (1) the sequence of array convolutions to compute a normalization constant is determined according to the traversal of a tree; (2) the convolutions are performed between arrays that are smaller than arrays used by existing algorithms. The routing information of a given network is used to configure the tree to reduce the algorithm's time and space requirements; some effective heuristics for optimization are described. An exact solution of a communication network model with 64 queues and 32 routing chains is illustrated.
Clinical gene therapy using recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors possess a number of properties that may make them suitable for clinical gene therapy, including being based upon a virus for which there is no known pathology and a natural propensity to persist in human cells. Wild-type adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are now known to be very diverse and ubiquitous in humans and nonhuman primates, which adds to the degree of confidence one may place in the natural history of AAV, namely that it has never been associated with any human tumors or other acute pathology, other than sporadic reports of having been isolated from spontaneously aborted fetuses. On the basis of this understanding of AAV biology and a wide range of preclinical studies in mice, rabbits, dogs and nonhuman primates, a growing number of clinical trials have been undertaken with this class of vectors. Altogether, over 40 clinical trials have now been approved. Although all previous trials were undertaken using AAV serotype 2 vectors, at least two current trials utilize AAV2 vector genomes cross-packaged or pseudotyped into AAV1 capsids, which appear to mediate more efficient gene delivery to muscle. The explosion of capsid isolates available for use as vectors to over 120 has now provided the potential to broaden the application of AAV-based gene therapy to other cell types.
The absorption, translocation, and metabolism of difenopenten-ethyl in soybean and wheat

Abstract The postemergence graminicide, difenopenten-ethyl [ethyl 4-(4-(4′-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-phenoxy)-2-pentenoate], was rapidly hydrolyzed to its acid, difenopenten, in both susceptible wheat and resistant soybean followed by hydroxylation of the pentenoic acid side chain to a 3-hydroxy metabolite and subsequent conjugation to water-soluble polar metabolite(s). Metabolism of the herbicide did not differ greatly between the two species. A minor decarboxylation product of the 3-hydroxy metabolite, isolated from soybean cell suspension culture, was identified as a substituted 2-butanone metabolite. Difenopenten-ethyl is rapidly absorbed by both species through the roots and leaf surfaces but apoplastic and symplastic translocation is very limited. Differential absorption, translocation, and metabolism may not be major factors in the selective action of difenopenten-ethyl.
Ultrasonic vocalization of the female rat (Rattus norvegicus) during mating

Abstract The characterization and frequency of occurrence of ultrasonic vocalizations produced by females rats ( Rattus norvegicus ) during copulation were investigated. By devocalizing one member of a male-female pair, it was demonstrated that female rats produce complex, brief 40–70-kHz vocalizations during copulation. These calls shared common structural characteristics with those produced by males and occurred with similar frequency. The female-produced vocalizations were controlled by a hormone-sensitive mechanism; ovariectomized females exhibited few, if any, vocalizations without exposure to ovarian hormones. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to previous results and to the role of these vocalizations in rodent communication.
When Not to Acidizea

Acidizing water wells to increase yield has proved to be an uneconomical method of well development or rehabilitation in some cases where the aquifer permeability was low and normal operating head great, in wells affected by methane gas, or where the practical sustained yield of the aquifer had been exceeded. Illinois studies show that controlled pumping tests before, during and after development are necessary to accurately evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation methods employed. Geologic definition of aquifers and records of pumpage and water- level information are invaluable aids.
Analysis of the disulfide bond arrangement of the HIV-1 envelope protein CON-S gp140 ΔCFI shows variability in the V1 and V2 regions.

Disulfide bonding of cysteines is one of the most important protein modifications, and it plays a key role in establishing/maintaining protein structures in biologically active forms. Therefore, the determination of disulfide bond arrangement is one important aspect to understanding the chemical structure of a protein and defining its functional domains. Herein, aiming to understand how the HIV-1 envelope protein’s structure influences its immunogenicity, we used an MS-based approach, liquid chromatography electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (LC/ESI-FTICR) mass spectrometry, to determine the disulfide linkages on an oligomeric form of the group M consensus HIV-1 envelope protein (Env), CON-S gp140 ΔCFI. This protein has marked improvement in its immunogenicity compared to monomeric gp120 and wild-type forms of gp140 Envs. Our results demonstrate that the disulfide connectivity in the N-terminal region of CON-S gp140 ΔCFI is different from the disulfide bonding previously repo...
Prognostic diversity among cytogenetic abnormalities in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia.

BACKGROUND Approximately 30–50% of patients with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) demonstrate detectable cytogenetic abnormalities, the prognostic value of which has not been completely defined by previous retrospective studies. The current prospective study addresses this issue in the context of currently accepted independent prognostic variables. METHODS The current study is a single institution study in which patients with MMM were accrued between January 2000 and August 2001 and followed in a prospective fashion. All study patients underwent bone marrow examination with cytogenetic studies as well as comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluation at the time of karyotype analysis. RESULTS Among the study cohort of 81 patients (with a median age of 61 years; 54 males), the cytogenetic findings were normal in 44 patients (54%; Group 1). The remaining 37 patients (46%) demonstrated either interstitial deletions involving the long arm of chromosome 13 or 20 (9 patients; Group 2) or other abnormalities (28 patients; Group 3). All study patients were followed prospectively for a minimum of 40 months (range, 40–55 months). Survival from the time of karyotypic analysis was found to be similar between Groups 1 and 2 but was significantly worse in Group 3. Furthermore, none of the patients in Group 2 experienced leukemic transformation, whereas five patients each from the other two groups did. Multivariate analysis identified an unfavorable cytogenetic profile (Group 3), ≥ 1% circulating blasts, a hemoglobin level of <10 g/dL, and constitutional symptoms as adverse prognostic features for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Specific cytogenetic lesions in patients with MMM might carry an independent prognostic effect for both survival and the risk of leukemic transformation. Such information should assist in decision making when considering aggressive treatment approaches. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Petroleum Coke Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion Product as a Sulfur Source for Alfalfa

Abstract: Petroleum coke circulating fluidized bed (CFB) combustion product is created when petroleum coke is combusted with limestone in a circulating fluidized bed boiler. The CFB product contains high concentrations of sulfur (S), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V). Using it as a S source is encouraged, but little information is available related to plant responses and environmental impact. The CFB product was applied at rates of 0, 11, 33, and 110 kg S ha−1 to two agricultural soils (Canfield silt loam and Wooster silt loam). Dry weight of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and S in plant tissue was increased by the S treatments. Concentrations in alfalfa of V were increased but did not reach environmental concern levels. Concentrations in alfalfa of Ni were not increased. In the soils, only total S and plant available S were increased by these materials. No soil contamination problems were observed when CFB product was used as an S source.
The Program of and Mechanisms of Fertilization in the Echinoderm Egg

Current research on the mechanisms of sperm-egg fusion, the block to polyspermy, and metabolic activation are described. A cinemicrographic analysis of fertilization reveals that fusion of sperm and egg occurs between non-motile gametes, indicating that the flagellar motion of sperm is not required. The block to polyspermy is reviewed, emphasizing recent work on the role of cortical granule protease in altering sperm receptors of the vitelline layer. Metabolic activation or derepression at fertilization is highly regulated and occurs in a definite sequence. The primary event appears to be release of intracellular Ca2+. The timing of metabolic derepression is different in starfish oocytes. Here, a part of the derepression occurs during maturation and another part at fertilization.
Inflammation and Cerebral Vasospasm After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Morbidity and mortality of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is significantly related to the development of chronic cerebral vasospasm. Despite extensive clinical and experimental research, the pathophysiology of the events that result in delayed arterial spasm is not fully understood. A review of the published literature on cerebral vasospasm that included but was not limited to all PubMed citations from 1951 to the present was performed. The findings suggest that leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions play a significant role in the pathophysiology of cerebral vasospasm and explain the clinical variability and time course of the disease. Experimental therapeutic targeting of the inflammatory response when timed correctly can prevent vasospasm, and supplementation of endothelial relaxation by nitric oxide-related therapies and other approaches could result in reversal of the arterial narrowing and improved outcomes in patients with aSAH.