cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IFN-gamma modulates the early development of Th1 and Th2 responses in a murine model of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Resistance to Leishmania major in mice is associated with the generation of distinct CD4+ Th subsets, termed TH1 and TH2. To define the factors contributing to the genesis of these Th cells, we first investigated when these subsets developed following L. major infection. Lymph node (LN) cells collected 3 days after infection of BALB/c mice secreted IL-4 and IL-5 in vitro, but little IFN-gamma, whereas LN cells from a resistant strain, C3H/HeN, secreted IFN-gamma and no IL-4 or IL-5. Cytokine production was eliminated in both cases by in vivo or in vitro depletion of CD4+ cells, but not after depletion of CD8+ cells. Similar responses were observed after inoculation of killed promastigotes or a soluble leishmanial Ag preparation. These data indicate that the development of Th1- and Th2-like responses can precede lesion formation and does not require a live infection. We next investigated whether IFN-gamma was important in the differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells. C3H/HeN mice have previously been shown to be susceptible to leishmanial infection after treatment with anti-IFN-gamma. We confirmed this observation and found that the abrogation of resistance was associated with enhanced production of IL-4 and IL-5, and decreased production of IFN-gamma by cells taken from these mice. Conversely, LN cells from BALB/c mice inoculated with parasites plus IFN-gamma produced significantly higher levels of IFN-gamma, and decreased levels of IL-4 and IL-5, than mice infected with parasites alone. Finally, we determined if IFN-gamma might augment vaccine induced immunity. We found that s.c. immunization with soluble leishmanial Ag, the bacterial adjuvant, Corynebacterium parvum and IFN-gamma could protect mice against L. major infection, and that this protection was associated with induction of Th1 responses. From these data we conclude that levels of IFN-gamma at the time of infection or immunization dramatically alters the type of response elicited: high levels of IFN-gamma favor Th1 type responses, whereas low levels promote a Th2 response.
Analysis of multiresolution image denoising schemes using generalized-Gaussian priors

We investigate various connections between wavelet shrinkage methods in image processing and Bayesian estimation using generalized-Gaussian priors. We present fundamental properties of the shrinkage rules implied by the generalized-Gaussian and other heavy-tailed priors. This allows us to show a simple relationship between differentiability of the log prior at zero and the sparsity of the estimates, as well as an equivalence between universal thresholding schemes and Bayesian estimation using a certain generalized-Gaussian prior.
Experience with Relative Density as a Construction Control Criterion

LIMITATIONS OF SEVERAL,SHALLOW AND DEEP,DIRECT AND INDIRECT METHODS TO OBTAIN RELATIVE DENSITIES ARE DISCUSSED,AND OPINIONS ARE GIVEN CONCERNING THE USE OF THESE METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTROL PURPOSES.EXPERIENCE FROM TWO EARTHWORK PROJECTS ARE GIVEN FOR:(1) DIRECT METHODS-CONVENTIONAL SAND CONE AND WATER BALLOON,CUTTING CYLINDER,MANUALLY EXCAVATED PIT,AND DENISON SAMPLER;AND (2) INDIRECT METHODS-NUCLEAR, STANDARD PLATE LOAD TEST,STANDARD PENETRATION TEST,AND STATIC CONE PENETRATION TEST.SOME OF THESE METHODS PROVED SATISFACTORY AS A MEANS OF OBTAINING RELATIVE DENSITIES, OTHERS DID NOT.THE WATER-BALLOON METHOD WAS FOUND MORE SUITABLE THAN THE SAND-CONE METHOD. REFERENCE CURVES WERE EFFECTIVE IN SOME CASES. USE OF 6-IN. DIAMETER CUTTING CYLINDERS TO OBTAIN FIELD DRY UNIT WEIGHTS WAS FOUND UNSATISFACTORY FOR SAND CONTAINING GRAVEL.RELATIVE DENSITIES OBTAINED FROM MEASUREMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL LAYERS FROM A MANUALLY EXCAVATED PIT WERE FOUND TO BE GREATER THAN THOSE OBTAINED FROM THE WATER-BALLOON METHOD.DRY UNIT WEIGHTS OBTAINED FROM DENISON SAMPLES GAVE REASONABLE RELATIVE DENSITY VALUES.RELATIVE DENSITIES FROM NUCLEAR METHODS ARE ONLY APPROXIMATE.USE OF THE STANDARD PLATE LOAD TEST TO OBTAIN RELATIVE DENSITIES WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL.HIGH STANDARD PENETRATION RESISTANCES RESULTING FROM RESIDUAL LATERAL STRESSES WERE OBTAINED IN SAND FILL COMPACTED IN LAYERS BY VIBRATORY COMPACTORS AND LEAD TO VERY HIGH INFERRED RELATIVE DENSITIES.STATIC CONE PENETRATION RESISTANCES GIVE QUALITATIVE MEASURES OF RELATIVE DENSITY OF COMPLETED EARTHWORK AND ARE USEFUL IN EVALUATING UNIFORMITY OF COMPACTION. /AUTHOR/
Simulation center accreditation and programmatic benchmarks: a review for emergency medicine

Simulation-based education has grown significantly over the past 10 years. As a result, more professional organizations are developing or implementing accreditation processes to help define minimum standards and best practices in simulation-based training. However, the benefits and potential pitfalls of sponsoring and implementing such programs have yet to be fully evaluated across specialties. The board of directors of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) requested an evaluation of the potential to create an emergency medicine (EM)-based Simulation Consultation and Accreditation Service. In response to this request, the Simulation Accreditation and Consultation Work Group, a subgroup of the Committee on Technology in Medical Education (now Simulation Academy), was created. The work group was charged with: 1) reviewing current benchmarks and standards set by existing simulation accreditation programs; 2) analyzing current EM simulation program structures, including leadership, administrative, and financial components; and 3) proposing a potential model for EM-based simulation accreditation. This article outlines currently existing and proposed accreditation models and identifies components that support best practices. It then goes on to describe three general programmatic models to better understand how simulation training can be operationalized in EM. Finally, the work group uses this collective information to propose how an accreditation process, in concert with the SAEM Simulation Consultation Service, can enhance and advance EM simulation training.
The myth of a new tolerance for old differences: A rebuttal to meacham

This piece responds to Meacham's (1994) suggestion that prejudice may be replaced by tolerance through the simple understanding of two forms of individualism that may be expressed by members of society—that is, that if we move from a self-contained to an ensembled individualism, we will treat those different from ourselves in a more tolerant fashion. This model is criticized for its emphasis on tolerance of, rather than respect for, all groups in society and, furthermore, for its bias toward groups that are more highly valued by the current society.
Theoretical calculation of the solar diurnal variation of the cosmic ray intensity

By formulating an expression for the anisotropy of the primary cosmic ray intensity, the expected solar diurnal variation of the intensity of the nucleonic component of the cosmic radiation at sea level is calculated at various geomagnetic latitudes and longitudes for the following cases: (a) the anisotropy is produced outside the terrestrial magnetic field (extra-terrestrial origin), and (b) the anisotropy is produced inside the terrestrial magnetic field (terrestrial origin). In this calculation, the orientational difference between the earth’s rotational and the geomagnetic dipole axes is considered. The present expression for the anisotropy,Δf, contains three parameters,m, n andP i . The parameter,m, determines the rigidity dependence ofΔf in the expression,Δf ∝P −m . The parameter,n, determines the directional dependence ofΔf in momentum space with respect to the plane parallel to the geomagnetic or geographic equator in the expressionΔf ∝ (cosθ) n , whereθ is the angle between the plane and the direction mentioned above.P i is a definite value of rigidity, for rigidities smaller than whichΔf is zero. This expression for the anisotropy could easily be utilized in terms of any description of the model of production of the anisotropy by the appropriate choice of these three parameters. It is also possible to determine the most suitable values of these parameters by the comparison of the calculated and observed diurnal variations. The geographic local time of the maximum intensity shows a geomagnetic longitudinal dependence for both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial origins. On the other hand, the amplitude shows a longitudinal dependence at latitudes higher than 50°, only for the extra-terrestrial origin. At latitudes lower than 50°, there is no significant difference between the diurnal variations expected from the terrestrial and extra-terrestrial origins. The altitude correction factors of the diurnal variation of the nucleonic component are obtained. These factors are nearly independent of the geomagnetic longitude of the observational station.
Point detection of threat aerosols: basic considerations and status

For airborne threats or hazards, the development of point detection capability for materials that are inherently aerosols is principally an issue concerned with determining aerosol composition. The utility of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to clarify tradeoffs between the probability of detection, and probability of false positive classification will be discussed, as well as the application of confusion matrix description of data feature separation. Examples will be taken from ongoing optical imaging and spectroscopy efforts to illustrate the connection between parameters such as discrimination, sensitivity, and response time made on an individual sample basis, to potential overall system performance.
Early white discoloration of infantile hemangioma: a sign of impending ulceration

Objective To evaluate the relationship between early white discoloration of infantile hemangioma (IH) and ulceration. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients A case series of 11 infants with early white discoloration of IH are described. An additional 55 infants with IH, aged 3 months, were evaluated retrospectively from a photograph archive to further explore the relationship between early white discoloration and presence or development of ulceration. Main Outcome Measures Patient demographics and hemangioma size, location, and subtype are documented. Sensitivity and specificity of white discoloration in relationship to ulceration are estimated. Results Ten of the 11 infants in the case series were girls (90%); all IHs were of segmental or indeterminate subtype. Average age at first ulceration was 2.6 months, with average age at healing 5.2 months. No intervention halted progression of ulceration. Of the 55 additional 3-month-old infants, 14 had white discoloration and 12 of these 14 had or developed ulceration (86%). When the hemangioma was either white or slightly white, sensitivity for predicting ulceration was 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-1.00), with a specificity of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.51-0.81). In contrast, in infants with either slightly white or no white discoloration, the sensitivity for not developing ulceration was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.52-0.96), with a specificity of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.83-0.99), suggesting that a lack of substantial white discoloration early in infancy indicates low risk of ulceration. Conclusion Early white discoloration of infantile hemangioma is highly suggestive of impending ulceration.
The Product of the ATM Gene Is a 370-kDa Nuclear Phosphoprotein

Neuronal degeneration, gonadal abnormalities, and immune deficiency are some of the major manifestations of the hereditary disease ataxia telangiectasia, which is caused by mutations in a single gene, designated ATM. Here we show that the product of the ATM gene is a 370-kDa nuclear phosphoprotein. Because ATM knockout mice recapitulate the clinical symptoms of the human disease, we have examined ATM gene expression in mice. In mouse embryos at gestation day 13.5, ATM mRNA is expressed ubiquitously, with high levels detected in the nervous system and lung. Elevated ATM mRNA levels were also found in the thymus of mouse embryos at gestation day 18.5, a time when V(D)J recombination is occurring. In adult mice, ATM protein was detected in all tissues examined and was present at elevated levels in the testis, spleen, and thymus. The ATM expression pattern and the nuclear localization of the ATM protein are consistent with the proposed function of ATM in the activation of cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair, and genetic recombination.
Testosterone is essential for skeletal muscle growth in aged mice in a heterochronic parabiosis model

As humans age, they lose both muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). Testosterone, a circulating hormone, progressively declines in aging and is associated with loss of muscle mass and strength. The surgical joining of a young and old mouse (heterochronic parabiosis) activates Notch signaling and restores muscle regenerative potential in aged mice. We hypothesize that testosterone is at least one of the factors required for the improvement seen in muscles in old mice in heterochronic parabiosis with young mice. To test this hypothesis, we established the following heterochronic parabioses between young (Y; 5 months old) and old (O; 22–23 months old) C57BL6 male mice: (1) Y:O; (2) castrated Y:O (OY:O); (3) castrated + testosterone-treated Y:O (OY + T:O). A group of normal young mice received empty implants, and old mice were used as controls. Parabiotic pairings were maintained for 4 weeks prior to analysis. Serum testosterone levels were three-fold higher in young than in old mice. The OY + T:O pairing demonstrated significantly elevated levels of serum testosterone and an improvement in gastrocnemius muscle weight, muscle ultrastructure, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, and Notch-1 expression in old mice. These changes were not present in aged mice in the OY:O pairing. These data indicate that testosterone has a critical role in mediating the improved muscle mass and ultrastructure seen in an experimental model of heterochronic parabiosis.
West Nile Virus Infection and Serologic Response Among Persons Previously Vaccinated Against Yellow Fever and Japanese Encephalitis Viruses

It is hypothesized that previous heterologous flaviviral exposure may modulate clinical illness among persons infected with West Nile virus (WNV). Little is known about the serological response in such persons. In summer 2003, a WNV outbreak occurred in Colorado, the location of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases (DVBID). DVBID employees, most previously vaccinated with yellow fever virus (YFV) or Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines, were studied to determine whether previous vaccination affected symptom development among those subsequently infected with WNV during the outbreak, as well as their serological response. Serum samples collected in December 2003 and previously banked samples were tested using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) against WNV, Saint Louis encephalitis virus, dengue- 4 virus, JEV, and YFV. Specimens shown to have WNV antibody by PRNT were tested by IgM and IgG enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Ten (9%) of 113 serosurvey participants had WNV neutralizing antibody titers in December 2003. PRNT titers from previous specimens showed that one of the ten had seroconverted to WNV before 2003. Of the remaining nine participants, seven reported illness in the summer of 2003, two of which were unvaccinated and five previously vaccinated. In the December 2003 specimens, five persons previously unvaccinated or vaccinated only against YFV had a fourfold or greater neutralizing titer with WNV than with other flaviviruses, whereas no persons previously vaccinated against JEV or JEV and YFV showed a similar difference in neutralizing titers. Eight of nine persons infected in 2003 had negative or indeterminate WNV MAC-ELISA results in the December 2003 sample; the ninth person was vaccinated against YFV one month previously, and was also YFV positive by MAC-ELISA. We conclude that previous flaviviral vaccination does not markedly affect the development of WNV fever and that the IgM antibody response in patients without neuroinvasive WNV disease is transient.
RIPPS: Rogue Identifying Packet Payload Slicer Detecting Unauthorized Wireless Hosts Through Network Traffic Conditioning

Wireless network access has become an integral part of computing both at home and at the workplace. The convenience of wireless network access at work may be extremely beneficial to employees, but can be a burden to network security personnel. This burden is magnified by the threat of inexpensive wireless access points being installed in a network without the knowledge of network administrators. These devices, termed Rogue Wireless Access Points, may allow a malicious outsider to access valuable network resources, including confidential communication and other stored data. For this reason, wireless connectivity detection is an essential capability, but remains a difficult problem. We present a method of detecting wireless hosts using a local RTT metric and a novel packet payload slicing technique. The local RTT metric provides the means to identify physical transmission media while packet payload slicing conditions network traffic to enhance the accuracy of the detections. Most importantly, the packet payload slicing method is transparent to both clients and servers and does not require direct communication between the monitoring system and monitored hosts.
Thermal infrared radiosity and heat diffusion model verification and validation

A radiosity model used for predicting effective hyperspectral emissivity spectra and radiant temperatures for rough surfaces has been developed. Here we compare the computer model results to analytic model results in order to verify that the computer model is working properly, and validate the model results by comparison to spectra measured in the field by an hyperspectral imaging spectrometer. We measured a cm-scale DEM of the test scene using a tripod-based LiDAR. The discrepancies between analytical and modeled values are less than 0.01%. Modeled emissivity spectra deviate from the measured by no more than 0.015 emissivity units.
Prolonged Wild-Type p53 Protein Accumulation and Cisplatin Resistance

The major limitation for the chemotherapeutic use of DNA-damaging agent cisplatin is the development of resistance in initially responsive tumors. One of the main pathways regulating cell survival following DNA damage is the p53 pathway. In this study we compared the cisplatin-induced response of p53 protein and its downstream targets p21WAF-1 and Mdm2 in the cisplatin-sensitive ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 and its cisplatin-resistant derivative CP70. A higher dose of cisplatin and a longer exposure time was required to achieve the same level of p53, p21WAF-1, and Mdm2 protein accumulation in the cisplatin-resistant CP70 cells versus cisplatin-sensitive A2780 cells. A significant difference between the two cell lines was observed in cisplatin-induced stabilization of p53 protein. The p53 half-life increased 31-fold in CP70 cells compared to only 6-fold in A2780 cells. In contrast, there was no difference in p21WAF-1 half-life between the two cell lines. These results demonstrate that in A2780 and CP70 cells resistance to cisplatin correlates with prolonged p53 protein stabilization and accumulation.
Isolation of different-sized substrains from three stock cultures of Entamoeba histolytica, with observations on spontaneous size changes affecting whole populations.

SYNOPSIS. Three stock cultures of E. histolytica, strains 200, K9, and 22, have each been shown by microisolation methods to consist of at least two substrains or variants differing in size. Cultures were grown with Trypanosoma cruzi in Phillips medium, and on egg slants with mixed bacteria and a single species of bacteria. For each strain, the variant that was bigger in one medium was also bigger in the other two media, in spite of the fact that absolute sizes changed greatly depending upon the medium. This shows that size patterns were primarily determined by endogenous factors, although absolute size was strongly influenced by the culture medium. In all cases the small variants remained larger than E. hartmanni. In the initial weeks after microisolation, the variants showed consistent size patterns. After a few months, the big substrains of E.h. K9 and 22 showed a spontaneous reduction in size, eventually becoming smaller than the corresponding small variants. The change in E.h. K9 was shown to be due to a shift in the entire population, rather than to selection of individual mutants. In the E.h. 200 cultures, big and small variants retained their distinctive sizes throughout the 17 months during which they were observed.
Influence of sonic-line location on Mars Pathfinder Probe aerothermodynamics

Flowfield solutions over the Mars Pathfinder Probe spanning the trajectory through the Martian atmosphere at angles of attack from 0 to 11 deg are obtained. Aerodynamic coefficients derived from these solutions reveal two regions where the derivative of pitching moment with respect to angle of attack is positive at small angles of attack. The behavior is associated with the movement of the sonic line between the blunted nose and the windside shoulder of the 70-deg half-angle cone in a gas with a low effective ratio of specific heats. The translation first occurs as the shock layer gas chemistry evolves from highly nonequilibrium to near equilibrium, above approximately 6.5 km/s and 40-km altitude, causing the effective specific heat ratio to decrease. The translation next occurs in an equilibrium flow regime as velocities decrease through 3.5 km/s and the specific heat ratio increases again with decreasing enthalpy. Laminar, windside heating levels may decrease with increasing angle of attack resulting from an increase in the effective radius of curvature with sonic line movement from the hemispherical nose to the aft shoulder of the blunt cone.
Measurement of handwriting area to pressure ratios during psilocybin-induced hallucinations.

We define hallucinations as experiences of intense sensations (S) during which the ability and intention for verification through voluntary motor (M) performance is damped or blocked. We have set out to quantify the high sensory to motor (S/M) ratio implicit in a hallucinatory experience by inducing the latter through the administration of 160 μg/kg psilocybin to 16 college-age volunteers. Handwriting area in cm2 (S) and handwriting pressure in 104 dyn (M) — averaged over time and obtained through a pressure transducer and a voltage-to-frequency converter —were chosen as sensory and motor parameters for the computation of S/M ratios. One of the more important results reveals that although for the group of volunteers the mean handwriting area increases from pre-drug to drug peak — while copying four times a 28-word text — the mean handwriting pressure decreases for only thirteen of them and increases for three. Through the administration of the Myers-Briggs indicator, a self-reporting personality inventory based on Jungian typology, we could differentiate between (1) the thirteen ‘perceivers’, as subjects characterized by a high S/M ratio during their psilocybin-induced intensely hallucinatory experiences, and (2) the three ‘judgers’ who attempt to maintain a low S/M ratio at drug peak and whose response to psilocybin results in a controlled, shorter, non-hallucinatory experience. Another noteworthy result is the personality trait dependent nature of the ‘dissociation’ which prevails between the extent of drug-induced autonomic activity, expressed in terms of increase in pupillary diameter, and the extent and direction of drug-induced perceptual and behavioral change. This ‘dissociation’ is carried almost entirely by the ‘perceivers’ but not by the ‘judgers’.
Investigation of radiation-induced air fluorescence

In this paper, the radiation induced air fluorescence is investigated for several different types of radiation sources, including high brightness laser sources, X-ray radiation sources, and alpha radiation sources. First, the air fluorescence spectrum with three spectral bandpass filters induced by the high intensity laser was analyzed from spectrometer detector. Second, the air fluorescence intensity induced by different types of radiation are measured from photomultiplier tube detector and followed by discussion. Finally, the potential application of radiation induced air fluorescence for the radiation detection is addressed.
Young-of-the-year oyster,Crassostrea virginica, reproduction in coastal Georgia

Young-of-the-year (YOY) oysters (Crassostrea virginica) in the Gulf of Mexico mature sexually and spawn in their first year. This study determined whether YOY oysters in the southeastern United States also mature and spawn in their first year. In 1991 and 1993, 300 YOY oysters were marked in May and 20–30 were sampled in subsequent months along with 20 adult controls. Two sites were chosen in 1991 (House Creek and Skidaway River) and one in 1993 (Skidaway River). At House Creek, YOY oysters were mature and spawned in September. YOY oysters at Skidaway spawned in October. Adult oysters did not appear to spawn in 1991. In 1993, the adult oysters spawned in August and September whereas, the YOY oysters spawned heavily in October. Oyster recruitment in coastal Georgia extends through October. The potential contribution of YOY oysters to this late season set is substantial, given that the YOY oysters are relatively large (≈4 cm) and are found in greater numbers than the adults. Oysters are capable of having two, if not more, generations within one year, prior to exposure of disease-causing organisms. Also, this particular reproductive strategy would increase the oysters suitability as a test subject in population genetic studies.
Handouts: making the lecture portable.

Previous medical literature on preparing lecture handouts has focused on their use in student education, where as part of a course there is a series of lectures followed by an examination. Conversely, resident and practising physicians usually attend single lectures on individual topics in order to update and improve their clinical skills. Handouts designed for the latter type of lecture can serve as a useful resource in subsequent day-to-day teaching and patient care. This article examines the purpose, distribution, structure, and substance of suck handouts. Guidelines to assist the speaker in preparing lecture handouts are discussed.
Introduction to Physics in Cancer Research

The Physics of Living Systems Community has collectively become excited at the possibility of contributing to a better understanding of and better treatment options for cancer. For example, sessions on the physics of cancer are now commonplace at international meetings and several special issues of
Chlorine adsorption on Au(111): chlorine overlayer or surface chloride?

We report the first scanning tunneling microscope (STM) investigation, combined with density functional theory calculations, to resolve controversy regarding the bonding and structure of chlorine adsorbed on Au(111). STM experiments are carried out at 120 K to overcome instability caused by mobile species upon chlorine adsorption at room temperature. Chlorine adsorption initially lifts the herringbone reconstruction. At low coverages (<0.33 ML), chlorine binds to the top of Au(111)-(1 × 1) surface and leads to formation of an overlayer with (×)R30° structure at 0.33 ML. At higher coverages, packing chlorine into an overlayer structure is no longer favored. Gold atoms incorporate into a complex superlattice of a Au−Cl surface compound.
The role of the perfusion balloon catheter after an initially unsuccessful coronary intervention.

Major dissection and acute closure following conventional percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) occur in 5%-10% of cases and lead to significant morbidity. Newer percutaneous modalities such as directional coronary atherectomy (DCA), excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA), rotational ablation, and transluminal extraction atherectomy (TEC) can also be complicated by dissection and acute closure. Redilatation with conventional balloon catheters can reestablish patency of the artery or improve flow in a minority of cases. The perfusion balloon catheter (PBC) has several advantages over conventional balloon angioplasty in this situation. In approximately 70% of these cases, subsequent use of a PBC yields an acceptable clinical and angiographic result. The PBC permits rapid resolution of ischemia caused by acute closure or a flow-limiting dissection. New modifications of the PBC make it possible to position the catheter in nearly all segments of the coronary arterial tree including locations not accessible to other modalities, such as coronary stents or DCA, that are also used for salvage after a failed coronary intervention. Even if the PBC does not yield a definitive result, it allows rapid restoration of antegrade flow prior to coronary artery bypass grafting or coronary stent placement. Because of its ease of use, wide applicability, and efficacy, the PBC should be considered as the initial means of treatment in cases of major dissection or acute closure following any modality of percutaneous coronary revascularization. (J Interven Cardiol 1995;8:309–317)
Simulation, acquisition and analysis of passive millimeter-wave images in remote sensing applications.

We report on the development of a passive millimeter-wave (MMW) imager for remote sensing, and the comparison of the experimentally acquired images with the theoretical images from our MMW scene simulator. The imager has an aperture diameter of 0.6m, and the detector and the imaging optics are mechanically raster-scanned over the scene to form an image. The angular resolution was experimentally found to be 0.4 degrees, which is close to the theoretical diffraction limit of 0.37 degrees, and the imager NEDT was measured to be 0.9K. Qualitatively, simulated MMW imagery showed good agreement with an experimental MMW image.
The effect of annealing treatments on the tensile properties and hydrolytic degradative properties of polyglycolic acid sutures

The purpose of this research was to examine the effect of annealing treatments on the mechanical properties of polyglycolic acid sutures, and their subsequent influence on PGA degradation properties. An attempt was made to develop a better understanding of the degradation mechanism of synthetic absorbable sutures, including the relationship of their structure, morphology, and mechanical properties. PGA sutures were annealed under selected axial strain (freely hung, 0%, 1%, 10%), at four temperatures (150 degrees C, 170 degrees C, 180 degrees C, 190 degrees C), and two times (5 and 20 min). The annealed PGA specimens were then subjected to hydrolysis in phosphate-buffer solutions (pH = 7.4) for up to 28 days at 37 degrees C. Tensile properties were used to evaluate the effect of annealing treatments. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the SAS system. All of the one-, and many of the two- and three-factor interactions were found to be statistically significant. Annealing treatments did alter the mechanical properties of PGA sutures, as well as their degradation properties. Except for the increase in tenacity of samples with increasing percent extension, all other respects of the annealing treatments resulted in lower tenacity and breaking elongation when compared with the control samples. Sutures that have been exposed to any level of axial tension during annealing, however, exhibited a lower rate of hydrolytic degradation than the freely hung suture samples. The reduction of the characteristics of fiber structure due to the tendency of the tie-chain molecules to acquire the less constrained conformations and thus to bring the crystal blocks they connect back to the original arrangement before drawing is believed to be responsible for the freely hung specimens to behave quite differently from the clamped and stressed PGA samples.
A continuum of leisure studies and professional specialties: what if no connections exist?

This invited paper provides thoughts about the relationship between leisure and leisure studies contrasted with professional specialty foci such as tourism, parks and recreation, event management, sport management and other related areas. A continuum is proposed, with leisure studies and professional specialties as the two anchors of the spectrum. The future of fields of leisure studies and professional specialties may depend on the intersections and interdependencies that are identified by scholars, academic units and individuals with varying cultural perspectives. Historically, these two ends of the continuum seem to be getting further apart, which changes the taken-for-granted assumptions about theory and practice in the traditional leisure field. Although leisure studies and professional specialties can intersect, they may not in the future. Therefore, many options are open for the future, representing exciting possibilities as well as unknown challenges.
Identification of Novel Genetic Loci for Bone Size and Mechanosensitivity in an ENU Mutant Exhibiting Decreased Bone Size

Using a dominant ENU mutagenesis screen in C57BL/6J (B6) mice to reveal gene function, we identified a mutant, 917M, with a reduced bone size phenotype, which is expressed only in males. We show that mutation results in osteoblasts with reduced proliferation, increased apoptosis, and an impaired response to in vitro mechanical load. The mutation is mapped to a novel locus (LOD score of 7.9 at 10.5 cM) on chromosome 4. Introduction: Using a dominant ENU mutagenesis screen in C57BL/6J (B6) mice to reveal gene function, we identified a mutant, 917M, with a reduced bone size phenotype, which is expressed only in males. In this report, we show the chromosomal location of this mutation using linkage analysis and cellular characterization of the mutant phenotype. Materials and Methods: The mutant mouse was bred to wildtype B6 to produce progeny for characterization of the bone size phenotype. Periosteal osteoblasts isolated from the tibia and femur of mutant and wildtype mice were studied for proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis potential. To determine the chromosomal location of the mutation, a low-resolution linkage map was established by completing a genome-wide scan in B6C3H F2 male mice generated from intercross breeding of mutant mice. Results and Conclusions: Mutant progeny (16 weeks old) displayed a total body bone area that was 10-13% lower and a periosteal circumference that was 5-8% lower at the femur and tibia midshaft compared with wildtype B6 mice. Periosteal osteoblasts from mutant mice showed 17-27% reduced cell proliferation and 23% increased apoptosis compared with wildtype controls. In addition, osteoblasts from mutant mice showed an impaired response to shear stress-induced proliferation rate, an in vitro model for mechanical loading. Interval mapping in B6C3H F2 males (n = 69) indicated two major loci affecting bone size on chromosome 1 at 45 cM (LOD 4.9) and chromosome 4 at 10.5 cM (LOD 7.9, genome-wide p < 0.01). Interval mapping using body weight as covariate revealed only one significant interval at chromosome 4 (LOD 6.8). Alleles of the chromosome 4 interval inherited from the B6 mutant strain contributed to a significantly lower bone size than those inherited from C3H. A pairwise interaction analysis showed evidence for a significant interaction between loci on chromosome 1 with the chromosome 4 quantitative trait loci. The 917M locus on chromosome 4 seems to be novel because it does not correspond with those loci previously associated with bone size on chromosome 4 in B6 and C3H/HeJ mice or other crosses.
A comparison of a network structure and a database system used for document retrieval

Abstract Database systems have many advantages for implementing document retrieval systems. One of the main advantages would be the integration of data and text handling in a single information system. However, it has not been clear how much a database implementation would cost in terms of efficiency. In this paper, we compare a database implementation and a stand-alone implementation of a flexible representation of the content of documents and the associated search strategies. The representation used is a network of document and index term nodes. The comparison shows that certain features of a database system can have a significant effect on the efficiency of the implementation. Despite this, it appears that a database implementation of a sophisticated document retrieval system can be competitive with a stand-alone implementation.
On the binding energy of Λ-hyperons in nuclear matter

The separation method was used to calculate the strength of the Λ-nucleus potential assuming a Kovacs-Lichtenberg Λ-nucleon interaction acting only inS-states of relative motion. The result of our calculation is −16 MeV, in fairly good agreement with Walecka’s calculations and with experiment.
Prospective Comparison of Microscopic and Gross Hematuria as Predictors of Bladder Injury in Blunt Trauma

Objectives The evaluation of the genitourinary system in patients with blunt trauma remains controversial. Historically, patients with more than 50 red blood cells on urinalysis underwent additional genitourinary imaging. Retrospective studies have demonstrated that bladder injury is almost always associated with gross hematuria. We have prospectively demonstrated that bladder imaging is required for gross hematuria and unnecessary for microscopic hematuria. Methods Patients sustaining blunt trauma with hematuria were prospectively evaluated during a 3-year period. During the first 18 months of the study (first treatment arm), patients with microscopic hematuria (more than 50 red blood cells on urinalysis) underwent bladder imaging. During the second 18 months, patients underwent bladder imaging only for gross hematuria. Results A total of 8026 patients were evaluated. In the first arm, 214 patients underwent cystography for microscopic hematuria, and no bladder injuries were identified; 78 patients underwent cystography for gross hematuria, and 21 bladder injuries were identified. Chi-square analysis revealed no difference in the presence of microscopic hematuria to predict for bladder injury. In the second arm, 308 patients presented with microscopic hematuria, none of whom underwent cystography, and 91 patients underwent cystography for gross hematuria, with 15 bladder injuries identified. The presence of gross hematuria demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 98.5% specificity as a screening test for bladder injury. No bladder injuries were missed. Conclusions The results of our study have shown that the presence of gross hematuria warrants evaluation of the bladder. The presence of gross hematuria demonstrated improved sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy over the presence of microscopic hematuria in the detection of bladder injury. Using gross hematuria as an indication for bladder imaging will eliminate unnecessary imaging without compromising the quality of patient care.
Acceptability and Suitability of Douglas-Fir as a Secondary Host for Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Given free choice, first instar gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), larvae selected new flush Douglas-fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, foliage over 1-yr-old fir needles, fir bud scales, or young expanding white alder, Alnus rhombifolia Nutt., leaves. Although new fir foliage was the most acceptable, it was not the most suitable for first or fourth instars. Fourth instars fed new fir foliage consumed more but did not grow any better than larvae fed 1-yr-old needles or alder. This was the result of a decreased efficiency of converting digested food to growth. Switching II, III, or IV instars from white alder to Douglas-fir reduced pupal weights compared with larvae fed white alder alone but it did not affect development rate. Switching to Douglas-fir increased instar duration and decreased relative weight gain for all instar switches, but this lasted only for the instar switched. As a secondary host for gypsy moth, Douglas-fir differs from northeastern pines. First instars ingest new fir foliage but not pine foliage because of its toughness. Larvae switched from a preferred host to fir do not perform as well as larvae remaining on the preferred host, whereas larvae switched to pine outperform those remaining on the preferred host. In Northwest forests, Douglas-fir could possibly maintain gypsy moth populations without the presence of other hosts.
In-situ assessment of the stress-dependent stiffness of unbound aggregate bases: application in inverted base pavements

Unbound aggregate bases are the primary structural components in many flexible pavements. The response of the unbound aggregate base is critical to the overall performance of the pavement, particularly in inverted base pavements given the proximity of the base to the traffic loads. The behaviour of granular materials such as unbound aggregate bases is inherently nonlinear and anisotropic. An experimental methodology is developed to assess the in-situ stress-dependent small-strain stiffness of unbound aggregate bases under controlled load using wave propagation techniques. CODA wave analysis is used to detect small changes in travel time. The methodology is applied in two distinct case histories of inverted base pavements. Results show that field-compacted granular bases exhibit higher stiffness, lower stress sensitivity and more pronounced anisotropy than laboratory-compacted specimens. The discrepancy in stiffness observed among the two field case histories is primarily attributed to traffic precondition...
A control theoretic formulation of green driving strategies based on inter-vehicle communications

Abstract Various green driving strategies have been proposed to smooth traffic flow and lower pollutant emissions and fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic. In this paper, we present a control theoretic formulation of distributed, cooperative green driving strategies based on inter-vehicle communications (IVCs). The control variable is the advisory speed limit, which is designed to smooth a following vehicle’s speed profile without changing its average speed. We theoretically analyze the performance of a constant independent and three simple cooperative green driving strategies and present three rules for effective and robust strategies. We then develop a distributed cooperative green driving strategy, in which the advisory speed limit is first independently calculated by each individual vehicle and then averaged among green driving vehicles through IVC. By simulations with Newell’s car-following model and the Comprehensive Modal Emissions Model (CMEM), we demonstrate that such a strategy is effective and robust independently as well as cooperatively for different market penetration rates of IVC-equipped vehicles and communication delays. In particular, even when 5% of the vehicles implement the green driving strategy and the IVC communication delay is 60 s, the fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 15%. Finally we discuss some future extensions.
Three-dimensional Diffraction Tomography Using GPR

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a proven method of imaging the near subsurface. Most GPR interpretations rely on raw data records or records that have utilized standard seismic data processing packages. We have developed a method that will provide three-dimensional (3-D) images of the subsurface using geophysical diffraction tomography. The method described produces images of the subsurface for transmitting and receiving antennas on the surface at a fixed offset. The algorithm provides easily interpreted images and requires little specialized processing knowledge. These factors make it more useful than raw records and more usable than sophisticated migration techniques.
Beneficence and procreation

Consider a duty of beneficence towards a particular individual, S, and call a reason that is grounded in that duty a “beneficence reason towards S.” Call a person who will be brought into existence by an act of procreation the “resultant person.” Is there ever a beneficence reason towards the resultant person for an agent to procreate? In this paper, I argue for such a reason by appealing to two main premises. First, we owe a pro tanto duty of beneficence to future persons; and second, some of us can benefit some of those persons by procreating. In support of the first premise I reject the presentist account of time in favor of the view that future persons are just as real as presently existing persons. I then argue that future persons are like us in all the morally relevant ways, and since we owe duties of beneficence to each other, we also owe duties of beneficence to future persons. In support of the second premise I offer an account of benefiting according to which an individual can be benefited by an action even if it makes her no better off than she would have been, had the action not been performed. This account of benefiting solves what I call the “non-identity benefit problem.” Finally, I argue that having a life worth living is a benefit, and some of us can cause some persons that benefit by causing them to exist.
Father, Mother and Me: Parental Value Orientations and Child Self-identity in Asian American Immigrants

Relations between Asian American parental value orientations and children’s self-identity in the domains of achievement and relationship were examined. Sixty-nine Asian American youths (15 males) of East Asian origin (51 Chinese, 18 Koreans) interviewed their parents (30 fathers) for their life stories as first-generation Asian Americans. They also told their life stories as second-generation Asian Americans. Fathers and mothers upheld Confucian values, which were associated with children’s autonomous sense of self in achievement domain and relational sense of self in relationship domain. Furthermore, fathers and mothers had differential influences on children’s self-identity, and sons and daughters responded differently to parental value socializations. Findings are discussed with respect to parent–child relationships and continuity of ethnic values in contemporary Asian American families.
Dynamic steady-state mode III fracture in a nonhomogeneous viscoelastic body

The problem of a propagating semi-infinite mode III crack in an infinite inhomogeneous viscoelastic body is analyzed. Inertial effects are included in the equation of motion while the crack is assumed to propagate with a fixed speed. Material inhomogeneity is introduced into the problem by assuming a shear modulus of the formG(t, y)=μ(t) η(y) where |y| denotes the distance measured from the plane of the crak and μ(t) is a positive, nonincreasing, convex function of time. Expressions for the stress and displacement are derived from the solution to the corresponding Riemann-Hilbert problem. A closed form expression is derived for the energy release rate (ERR) when a Barenblatt type failure zone is incorporated into the crack model. Numerical results illustrate the combined effects of viscoelastic properties, material inhomogeneity, and the crack tip failure zone upon the ERR.
Motivating Children to Read and Write: Using Informal Learning Environments as Contexts for Literacy Instruction.

The current focus on measurable reading achievement in clearly defined areas, such as fluency and comprehension, has resulted in reduced attention toward motivation and affect in relation to literacy learning. However, motivation is a significant component within literacy instruction due to the link between motivation and action. It is important that researchers continue to investigate methods to help stimulate engagement and motivation in reading. This study examined children's motivation to read as preservice teachers in informal learning environments tutored them. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed an increase in motivation from the beginning of the tutoring program to the end. Further analyses utilizing two subscales of the primary instrument (used to measure motivation) revealed a significant increase in self-concept regarding reading, but no significant difference was noted on students' value of reading.