cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Architecture for synchronous multiparty authentication using biometrics

Biometrics-based remote individual authentication has become widespread recently. However, several existing business systems and processes often require participation of multiple parties synchronously in real time. Further, new e-business processes can be enabled by technology that allows multiple participants to authenticate themselves synchronously and persistently. In this paper, we make distinction between traditional workflow processes that require multiparty authentication from synchronous multiparty authentication needed in business and consumer scenarios. A new system and method for multiparty authentication and authorization using real-time biometrics is proposed. We define real-time biometrics to include concepts that cover certificates that witness the simultaneous acquisition of biometrics signal from multiple parties and certificates that prove that the parties continuously provided the biometrics signal over an unbroken interval of time. We also present novel business processes based on this technology such as remote (web-based) owner access to bank lockers controlled by a designated bank officer even when the officer is not physically present at the bank, notarization of a document remotely, and signing "e-Will" without being present in the attorney's office.
A SIMPLE RAPID METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF SMALL SAMPLES OF URINE

THE THERAPY of infants with disturbances in fluid balance is greatly assisted by knowledge of the specific gravity of the urine. Frequently only a few milliliters can be collected at any one time, while a minimum sample of 25 ml is necessary for use of the smallest urinometers currently available. The existing methods of determining specific gravity of one drop of urine are somewhat laborious, and require expensive equipment and the services of a relatively skilled technician. The present report describes a method which is rapid and simple and requires only a few drops of urine in its use. It is similar in principle to the determination of specific gravity of blood by the copper-sulfate method. For use with urine, mixtures are employed of two relatively nonvolatile liquids, immiscible with water, and with specific gravities nearly equally above and below the range in urine. The specific gravity of urine is determined by allowing one drop to fall into each of a series of tubes containing a mixture of the two liqquids made up to various specific gravities ranging from 1.005 to 1.030 (Fig. 1). That mixture in which the drop of urine comes most nearly to remaining still (neither rising nor falling after coming to rest) approximates the specific gravity of the urine. The total sample needed is only a few drops, which can be quite small if a dropper with a small opening (2 mm) is used. The determination takes a few minutes. A year9s supply of the mixtures can be made in one afternoon and costs less than $6.00. MATERIALS The two solutions used were selected from the flotation method of Kirk, using a density gradient system. These are Liquid 1, dibutyl-n-phthalate (Eastman), specific gravity 1.04820°; and Liquid 2, kerosene, specific gravity 0.8220°. (Similar results were obtained by substituting California mineral oil, specific gravity 0.842-0.88420°, for kerosene.)
Dynamic element matching in low oversampling delta sigma ADCs

Four dynamic element matching (DEM) algorithms are compared for a second-order and a fifth-order /spl Delta/-/spl Sigma/ ADC with the internal DAC realized with two different configurations. Simulations show that both SNDR and SFDR are significantly increased by using a DAC configuration that implements more unit elements. It is also found that with different oversampling ratios and architectures, the four algorithms behave differently in terms of the achieved overall SNDR and SFDR.
Cisplatin induced intermediate filament reorganization and altered mitochondrial function in 3T3 cells and drug-sensitive and -resistant Walker 256 cells.

Abstract Cisplatin has acute but reversible effects on the organization of the intermediate filament component of the cytoskeleton as well as the mitochondrial function of cultured 3T3 cells. These effects do not involve major changes in total cell or cytoskeletal protein synthesis and appear to be distinct from the long-term cytotoxicity produced by the drug. Cells treated with similar concentrations of second-generation platinum compounds, which have reduced nephrotoxic effectsin vivo,do not exhibit alterations in intermediate filament organization nor mitochondrial rhodamine 123 fluorescence. Similar studies with cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant lines of rat Walker 256 cells indicated that the drug-induced intermediate filament collapse and decreased mitochondrial rhodamine 123 fluorescence correlated with the susceptibility of these cells to the lethal effects of cisplatin.
Multiple wavelength - nonlinear optical processing in fiber

Nonlinear fiber based devices and in particular multiple wavelength nonlinear fiber devices are reviewed. A number of important devices can be fabricated using various lengths of fiber in combination with the appropriate input signals and pumps of sufficient power. The low loss fiber provides a unique medium whereby these important nonlinear processes can occur. These processes include among others Brillouin scattering, Raman scattering, parametric amplification, wavelength conversation, self phase modulation, and four wave mixing. Possible applications for these processes include high bit rate dynamic dispersion compensation, 2R regeneration, the continuum generation and nonlinear polarization dynamics.
An evaluation framework for deploying Web Services in the next generation manufacturing enterprise

Abstract In today's competitive manufacturing environment, the ability to effectively and efficiently manage the flow of information is a vital competency. Manufacturing enterprises must be able to integrate their internal business processes horizontally and vertically, and they are increasingly required to support federated business processes with other members of their respective virtual value chains. Web Services, an emerging form of service-oriented architecture for distributed computing, have the potential to serve as a key enabling technology to support these requirements. Leveraging the inherent interoperability of Internet and Worldwide Web technologies, they enable cooperative processing across heterogeneous computing environments. This paper presents a framework for evaluating the viability of Web Services technologies to be incorporated into enterprise information architectures to support the business needs and requirements of next generation manufacturing enterprises. It examines economic, technical, and organizational contexts that will influence the ability of manufacturing-related enterprises to deploy advanced information architectures based on Web Services to support the complex business processes needed to collaborate with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders in virtual enterprise environments.
Heat flow in the eastern pacific and sea floor spreading

A simple model based on the hypothesis of sea floor spreading can account for the main features of two major high heat flow anomalies in the eastern Pacific; the broad band of high values along the crest of the East Pacific Rise and the large concentration of high values centered on the Galapagos Rift Zone. Using the same model to interpret both the surface shape of the midocean ridges and the heat loss of the entire ridge system, the calculated elevation is found to be comparable, though smaller than, that observed for the ridges and the heat dissipated by crustal production along the axis of the entire ridge system is shown to be approximately 15% of the total heat loss through the oceans.
Testing of mid-infrared detector arrays for FORCAST

This paper presents results on performance testing of mid-infrared detector arrays for the Faint Object Infrared Camera for the SOFIA Telescope (FORCAST). FORCAST is a two-channel camera that utilizes a Si:As blocked impurity band (BIB) 256 x 256 detector array for imaging through discrete filters at 5 - 25 microns, and a Si:Sb BIB 256 x 256 detector array for imaging at 25 - 40 microns, over a 3.2' x 3.2' field of view, under high thermal background conditions. DRS Technologies has designed and fabricated several Si:As BIB and Si:Sb BIB engineering grade detector arrays which we test as candidate arrays for FORCAST. We present their initial laboratory test performance results.
Modulation of Transcription Factor Sp1 by cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase

Transcription factor Sp1 is a phosphoprotein whose level and DNA binding activity are markedly increased in doxorubicin-resistant HL-60 (HL-60/AR) leukemia cells. The trans-activating and DNA binding properties of Sp1 in HL-60/AR cells are stimulated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and PKA agonists and inhibited by PKA antagonists as well as by the PKA regulatory subunit. Reporter gene activity under the control of the Sp1-dependent SV40 promoter is stimulated in insect cells transiently expressing Sp1 and PKA, and the DNA binding activity of recombinant Sp1 is activated by exogenous PKA in vitro. These results indicate that Sp1 is a cAMP-responsive transcription factor and that Sp1-dependent genes may be modulated through a cAMP-dependent signaling pathway.
Differential Association of Phosphodiesterase 4D Isoforms with β2-Adrenoceptor in Cardiac Myocytes *

cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) activation represents a key signaling mechanism upon β-adrenergic stimulation under stress. Both β1- and β2-adrenoreceptor (ARs) subtypes induce cAMP accumulation, yet play distinct roles in cardiac contraction and myocyte apoptosis. Differences in controlling cAMP/PKA activities through the assembly of complexes between the receptors and cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases contribute to the distinct biological outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that β2ARs form signaling complexes with a set of PDE4D isoforms expressed in cardiac myocytes. PDE4D9 and PDE4D8 bind to the β2AR at resting conditions; however, agonist stimulation induces dissociation of PDE4D9 from the receptor but recruitment of PDE4D8 to the receptor. Agonist stimulation also induces recruitment of PDE4D5 to the β2AR. Moreover, the receptor-associated PDE4D isoforms play distinct roles in controlling cAMP activities and regulating the PKA phosphorylation of the receptor and myocyte contraction rate responses. Knockdown of PDE4D9 with short hairpin RNA enhances the β2AR-induced cAMP signaling, whereas knockdown of PDE4D8 only slightly prolongs the receptor-induced cAMP signaling in myocytes. Inhibition of PDE4D9 and PDE4D5 enhances the base-line levels of contraction rates, whereas inhibition of PDE4D9 and PDE4D8 enhances the maximal contraction rate increases upon activation of β2AR. Our data underscore the complex regulation of intracellular cAMP by β2AR-associated phosphodiesterase enzymes to enforce the specificity of the receptor signaling for physiological responses.
An odyssey through the rare earths. A quest for knowledge

Abstract Research highlights on rare earth materials are described from the earliest days as a graduate student during the mid 1950s, through the six years at Los Alamos, to the last 28 at Iowa State University. The early work was concerned with the rare earth carbides which led to an appreciation of systematics of the properties of rare earth materials. Use of the systematic variation of properties and behaviors is a powerful tool in understanding the nature of certain phenomena - in particular solid solution formation and the role of 4f electrons in bonding (4f hybridization). Some of the anomalous 4f properties of cerium metal and cerium compounds, and the quenching of spin fluctuations in exchanged enhanced materials, are also discussed.
Mathematical modelling of nicotine and cotinine as biological markers of environmental tobacco smoke exposure

Computer software developed in our laboratory (CMATRIX) was used to design a physiological pharmacokinetic model of nicotine absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in man. The model accommodates inhalation of nicotine from various environmental settings and physiological conditions in man. It was also used to predict pharmacokinetic behavior of cotinine arising from nicotine metabolism. Model-predicted variations in body-fluid nicotine levels confirm that nicotine is not an acceptable quantitative marker of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. Though cotinine provides a more stable pattern, predicted interindividual variation suggests the need for specific strict sampling and monitoring guidelines for cotinine to be a reliable quantitative marker.
Honor and honors in Great Britain and India

Prefaced by John D. Kelly (University of Chicago), Martha Kaplan (Vassar College), and Sean M. Dowdy (University of Chicago).
Binding of PH Domains of β-Adrenergic-Receptor Kinase and β-Spectrin to WD40/β-Transducin Repeat Containing Regions of the β-Subunit of Trimeric G-Proteins

Abstract Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are found in numerous proteins important in signal transduction and cytoskeletal function. Several PH domains are now known to contain a binding site for the βγ subunits of trimeric G-proteins (Gβγ), a finding which naturally raises the question of where on the Gβγ complex these PH domains bind. Here we demonstrate binding of the PH domains of β-adrenergic receptor kinase and β-spectrin to the Gβ subunit and not the Gγ subunit in a nitrocellulose gel replica assay. Furthermore, the C-terminal tryptic fragment of Gβ containing only 5 WD40/β-transducin (WD40) repeats also binds these two PH domains. Finally, constructs containing only WD40 repeats of Gβ were shown to bind to β-ARK and β-spectrin PH domains in solution. These findings suggest that WD40 repeats of Gβ are ligands for PH domains and have interesting implications for other proteins containing WD40 sequences.
A Cognitive Radio Network Testbed for Wireless Communication and Signal Processing Education

Typical wireless communication and signal processing education involves, initially mastering theory and then transitioning to studying specific protocols and applications. We present a physical cognitive radio network testbed, developed at Virginia Tech that has interfaces that enable it to be an educational resource using open source software and a simple component-based modeling structure. This testbed advances the educational opportunities available to the cognitive radio wireless communication and signal processing communities by providing a "real-world" platform where students can develop and test cognitive radio protocols and applications and observe how they react in a real wireless environment. Using simple interfaces, students will be able to rapidly develop algorithms and deploy them in a real wireless environment saving time in developing component evaluation and simulation techniques, yet providing them with valid feedback about how their components interactedwith the environment.
Direct and indirect effects of four herbicides on the activity of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae).

Four herbicides, atrazine, simazine, paraquat, and glyphosate were tested for their acute and chronic toxicity as well as repellent effects on five common carabid beetles (Amara sp., Agonum sp., Pterostichus sp., Anisodactylus sp., and Harpalus sp.) in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. These carabid species are potential biocontrol agents and interference with their biology through herbicide applications, either directly or indirectly, could lead to soil pest outbreaks. Short-term field studies also were conducted to verify laboratory and greenhouse results. The four herbicides did not have significant acute or chronic effects on male or female carabid longevity or food consumption during one year after exposure to initial field-rate applications. Only simazine and atrazine had a repellent effect on carabids, which lasted approximately three days in greenhouse studies. Behavioral studies indicate that once carabids, especially smaller ones ( 10 mm length) carabids. Glyphosate and paraquat had the greatest effect on carabids by the second week in field studies, with significantly fewer large carabids found in these two treatments than in the control. Large carabids did not return to paraquat- and glyphosate-treated field areas until approximately 28 days after application; consequently, lower rates of predation of early-season lepidopteran pests by these carabid species may occur in no-tillage corn fields that utilize herbicides for weed control.
CORR Insights®: cosmetic lower limb lengthening by Ilizarov apparatus: what are the risks?

This CORR Insights® is a commentary on the article “Cosmetic Lower Limb Lengthening by Ilizarov Apparatus: What are the Risks?” by Novikov and colleagues available at: DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-3782-8. The author certifies that he, or any members of his immediate family, has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research ® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR ® or the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®. This CORR Insights® comment refers to the article at DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-3782-8.
Theoretical studies of the interactions of singlet carbenes with water and alcohols

Abstract Results are presented from ab initio calculations which explore the interactions of singlet carbenes with water and alcohols. The carbenes investigated include methylene and carbomethoxycarbene. A number of different minima on the potential energy surfaces have been located and characterized. These minima correspond to oxonium ylide-type structures as well as to hydrogen-bonded structures. Equilibrium geometries, binding energies, and vibrational frequencies have been determined. We also report on the results of preliminary studies of the geometries and energetics of transition states for rearrangement of the oxonium ylides to alcohols or ethers. Calculations were performed at levels of theory ranging from HF/3-21G to MP2/6-311G∗∗, and include zero-point energy corrections, as well as basis set superposition error corrections.
Analyzing noise robustness of MFCC and GFCC features in speaker identification

Automatic speaker recognition can achieve a high level of performance in matched training and testing conditions. However, such performance drops significantly in mismatched noisy conditions. Recent research indicates that a new speaker feature, gammatone frequency cepstral coefficients (GFCC), exhibits superior noise robustness to commonly used mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCC). To gain a deep understanding of the intrinsic robustness of GFCC relative to MFCC, we design speaker identification experiments to systematically analyze their differences and similarities. This study reveals that the nonlinear rectification accounts for the noise robustness differences primarily. Moreover, this study suggests how to enhance MFCC robustness, and further improve GFCC robustness by adopting a different time-frequency representation.
Genetic defect in secretion of complement C5 in mice.

A genetic deficiency of the fifth (C5) component of complement1-3, a serum glycoprotein of molecular weight (MW) 220,000 (ref. 4), has been found in 39% of inbred strains of mice3. Sera of deficient mice lack detectable C5 activity and protein2,3. In addition deficient mice produce antibody to mouse C5 when injected with sera from C5 sufficient (normal) strains. Levy et al.5 showed that somatic cell hybrids between C5 deficient (B10.D2/old line) macrophages and either C5 sufficient (B10.D2/new line) mouse kidney or chicken erythroblasts secreted haemolytically active mouse C5 in vitro. Several possible molecular mechanisms to account for the findings were considered, but insufficient direct data were available to choose among them. We recently reported that mouse (CD.1 strain) peritoneal cells in culture synthesise and secrete a single chain precursor, pro-C5 (MW approximately 210,000), of the two-chain (alpha chain, 125,000 and beta chain 83,000 MW) C5 protein6. Radiolabelled precursor C5 was contained within the cells and was secreted into the tissue culture media. Using similar methods, we now find that C5 deficiency in each of five different mouse strains (AKR, SWR, DBA/2J8 A/HeJ and B10.D2/old line) is due to a failure in secretion of C5 protein and not to a failure in biosynthesis of pro-C5.
Correlated gamma variables in the analysis of microbial densities in water

Abstract The probability density function (p.d.f.) of the ratio of two correlated gamma variables is derived and used to fit aquatic microbial-density data. The ratio p.d.f. is tackled by first taking the Fourier transform of a generalized Kibble–Gaver, unsymmetrical, characteristic function (c.f.) to obtain the corresponding bivariate p.d.f. of two correlated gamma variables with different shape and scale parameters. The ratio p.d.f. follows by weighted integration of the bivariate p.d.f. The derivation of the gamma bivariate and ratio p.d.f.s relies on the use of weighted Laguerre–Charlier polynomials that lead to p.d.f.s amenable to computation. The bivariate gamma p.d.f. and the ratio p.d.f. of correlated gamma variables are useful statistical tools in the analysis of skewed water-resources data. Computational examples illustrate the calculation of bivariate p.d.f.s for positive and negative correlation and the fitting of the ratio p.d.f. to correlated bacterial densities in stream water.
The utility of intracorporeal ultrasonography for screening of the bile duct during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Different strategies and imaging modalities have been used to detect common bile duct (CBD) stones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We prospectively compared fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography (FIOC) and laparoscopic intracorporeal ultrasonography (LICU) in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for this purpose. In a consecutive series of 607 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, FIOC was used in the first 407 patients, whereas LICU was preferentially applied to the subsequent 200 patients. When LICU documented CBD stones, the duct was flushed with saline solution after intravenous administration of glucagon, and stone persistence or absence was confirmed by FIOC and/or repeat LICU. In the FIOC group, 10 patients were converted to open cholecystectomy and 16 patients did not undergo FIOC. Among the remaining 381 patients, FIOC was successful in 370 (97%). In the LICU group, two patients were converted and LICU was not performed in 26 patients. In the remaining 172 patients, the cystic duct (CBD) junction and the CBD were visualized in all cases (P <0.05 vs. FIOC). The mean (± SEM) times required to complete FIOC and LICU were 15.1 ± 0.4 minutes and 5.3 ± 0.2 minutes, respectively (P <0.0001). Choledocholithiasis was detected in 25 patients (7%) undergoing FIOC and in 22 patients (13%) undergoing LICU (P <0.05). In the LICU group, the mean sizes of the stones cleared by ampullary dilatation and flushing (17 of 22, 77 %) and those requiring more invasive methods (5 of 22, 23%) were 1.6 ± 0.2 mm and 2.7 ± 0.3 mm, respectively (P <0.01). Sludge was seen in the CBD by LICU in 10 patients (6%), which disappeared with flushing in all cases. LICU is accurate, safe, and permits more rapid evaluation of bile duct stones than FIOC during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. LICU may be overly sensitive in detecting small stones and sludge, which are of questionable significance. Stones 2 mm or less can usually be cleared by flushing, whereas larger ones often require invasive techniques for removal.
Quantum theory and the origin of inertia

The inertia of a particle is related to its motion in Minkowski spacetime via Planck's quantum of action; the connection disappears in the macrophysical domain. This suggests that the propagation of matter waves as well as electromagnetic radiation is absolute in the sense that it is independent of the motion of observers. The implications of this hypothesis and its observational consequences are briefly examined.
C-fiber excitability in the cat

Abstract The strength-duration relationship of C-fibers in the saphenous nerve of the cat was studied at 37 C and 26 C. Using a 3–5% solution (w/v) of agar in normal saline to establish electrode-nerve contact, relatively low intensity stimulation resulted in a consistently high amplitude C-fiber response. Unexpectedly, the threshold was the same at the two temperatures. Temperature-induced changes in the compound potential configuration and conduction velocity are illustrated. As the nerve was warmed from 26 C to 37 C, the afterpotentials decreased in amplitude and complexity, and the conduction velocity approximately doubled. These latter changes are consistent with previous reports in the literature.
Reducing a resistant risk factor: analysis of an antismoking approach.

Abstract An ‘I Quit Club’ program was developed as a modification of the standard smoking withdrawal clinic format, to better meet the continuing need for assistance and to improve long term compliance by giving greater emphasis to the risk of relapse. Seventy-one percent of the 233 smokers who participated in the program during a 2-year period responded to a follow-up evaluation survey. At enrollment, data collected on a demographic characteristics, the length and level of the smoking habit, and motivation to quit. Registrants were surveyed subsequently to assess their current smoking status and the utility of the program components. At the time of follow-up 33% of all enrollees responding and 66% of those attending all six sessions were currently non-smokers. Those who completed the program had a significantly higher proportion of non-smokers than those who attended fewer then 6 sessions regardless of the length of time post-program. Success in quitting was also positively associated with non-smoking by family and friends. Seventy-four percent of respondents found the program to be helpful to very helpful. Their assessment of the value of each of the program components in decreasing order of utility was: the psychologist's lecture, group interactions, videotapes, a self-help manual, and relaxation exercises.
Rate of Sulfuric Acid Formation in Yellowstone National Park

Sulfuric acid forms near sulfurous hot springs as the result of oxidation of hydrogen sulfide exhalations by atmospheric oxygen. This strong acid rapidly alters the surrounding rocks and can destroy man-made structures and contaminate streams. Four tracts of acid-altered ground in Yellowstone National Park were studied in order to determine the rate at which sulfuric acid is forming. Although the size of the hot-spring areas varied by as much as a factor of 19, acid production was nearly uniform at about 10 grams per square meter of area per day. The near constancy of acid production per unit area implies that the area of land surface is a major control of the oxidation reaction of sulfide to sulfate. This is consistent with a biological origin for the acid by aerobic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria living close to the land surface. Laboratory rates of acid production for sulfur-oxidizing bacteria are as much as 200 times greater than the rates measured in Yellowstone National Park. A strictly biological origin for the acid is, therefore, quantitatively feasible. The data gathered in this study, however, do not rule out the possibility of the formation of natural sulfuric acid in hot springs by inorganic processes.
Induction of Donor-Specific Tolerance to Rat Cardiac and Small Bowel Allografts by Intrathymic Inoculation of Donor T-Cells

Abstract We have shown that donor-specific unresponsiveness to cardiac and islet allografts can be induced by intrathymic (IT) inoculation of uv-B-irradiated spleen cells or resting T-cells in the Lewis-to-ACI rat combination. To examine if tolerance to cardiac and small intestinal allografts can be induced in adult animals, we employed intrathymic inoculation of resting donor T-cells combined with sublethal total body irradiation of 200 rads on Day -7 relative to organ transplant and consistently induced permanent donor-specific cardiac allograft survival (>300 days) and small bowel transplant (SBT) survival (>100 days) in the Lewis-to-ACI rat combination. Similarly, IT inoculation of T-cells on Day -7 combined with 1 ml ALS on Days -7 and 0 relative to SBT resulted in indefinite donor-specific graft survival (>100 days) in all recipients without any evidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in the high responder of Wistar-Furth (WF)-to-Lewis rat combination. In contrast, WF SBT was promptly rejected in recipients pretreated with intravenous administration of donor T-cells and ALS, thus confirming the privileged position of the thymus in the induction of tolerance. The long-term unresponsive ACI recipients challenged 150 days after cardiac transplant with a second-set graft specifically and permanently (>120 days) accepted the second-set SBT without rejecting the primary cardiac grafts and without developing GVHD. Third-party grafts were rejected in a normal fashion. In vitro cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity assay showed that T-cells obtained from the long-term unresponsive animals had no detectable cytotoxic activity to donor target cells compared to cells obtained from naive rats. Clonal anergy or deletion of precursor cytotoxic T-cells may be the explanation of our findings. This new strategy of thymic reeducation in adult animals is potentially useful in the induction of specific tolerance and in the prevention of GVHD in SBT.
984-24 Chronic Hirudin Infusion Reduces Neointimal Thickening After Injury in a Porcine Coronary Model

Thrombus formation at sites of vascular injury provides cytokines, growth factors, and biodegradable matrix for cellular migration, proliferation, and matrix synthesis. We hypothesized that potent limitation of thrombus deposition following coronary arterial injury would significantly attenuate restenotic neointimal formation. Following oversized metallic coil implantation, 26 domestic pigs received either recombinant PEG Hirudin, (7 animals, 1 mg/kg IV bolus, 0.1 mg/kg/hr IV for 5 days) with a goal of keeping the ACT at 200 seconds, or placebo (12 animals). Survival until euthanasia was 28 ± 2 days. Linear regression models were constructed for planimetered mean neointimal (NI) thickness vs. mean vascular injury score (INJ). Group Hirudin Control p INJ 2.1 ± 0.5 2.1 ± 0.7 NS NI (mm) 0.44 ± 0.19 0.71 ± 0.36 l0.01 The neointima vs. injury regression equations for each group showed statistically significant differences in intercept, but not slope: Hirudin: NI = 0.35 × INJ – 030, r = 0.86. Control: NI = 0.43 × INJ – 018, r = 0.81. Conclusions rPEG Hirudin administered early and in doses sufficient to maintain the activated clotting time at 200 seconds decreased the mean NI by 0.27 mm, a difference that would be angiographically detectable and clinically significant.
Identification of “spurious” reflections in “channel-cut” monochromators

Abstract The vector method is used to calculate the position of reflections from possible hkl planes on a screen placed behind a “channel-cut” monochromator, and the reflections are identified with the aid of a stereographic projection of planes along some primary direction of interest.
Magnetic Tape Recording For Reconnaissance Applications, An Update

Significant strides have been made during the past few years in the development and standardization of rotary head helical scan digital recorders, for reconnaissance applications. Two years ago at the 30th Annual, International Symposium on Optical & Optoelectronic Applied Science & Engineering, San Diego, this recording technology was reviewed. This paper provides an update of the progress of that development and standardization process. It begins with a brief review of the reconnaissance requirements, as viewed by the recording industry, then and now. Following this, an update of candidate recorder types, including the magnetic media and cassettes, fulfilling these requirements are discussed. Some potential problems facing the industry are then mentioned, and lastly, a brief look into the future is provided.
Voices that cannot be heard: Can shyness explain how we communicate on Facebook versus face-to-face?

Social networking sites have gained popularity among all populations, especially young adults. Personality traits were found to be predictive of how individuals use social media. Therefore, this study sought to examine the association between shyness and self-disclosure to a Facebook friend as well as self-disclosure to a face-to-face friend. Two studies were conducted. The first study tested how shyness and social loneliness are related to self-disclosure to a Facebook friend to whom an individual talks most often. The second, follow-up study tested how shyness is related to self-disclosure to a Facebook friend to whom a person speaks to only though Facebook, and also to a face-to-face friend to whom the participants talk only face-to-face and never through Facebook. Participants were college students from a large research university in the United States. Study 1 found a negative association between shyness and self-disclosure to a Facebook friend. Study 2 found a negative association between shyness and self-disclosure to a face-to-face friend. The theoretical implications and limitations are discussed.
Physiological correlates of extreme intellectual precocity

Among extremely mathematically and/or verbally precocious students (top 1 in 10,000 in such reasoning ability), the following three physiological characteristics were found at high frequencies: left- or mixed-handedness, asthma and other allergies, and myopia. The first two of these may reflect the effects of a common influence (testosterone) on the nervous and immune systems during fetal development. Moreover, our results suggest that such highly able students may exhibit bihemispheric representation of cognitive functions. These results may bear on the etiology of intellectual talent.
UNIFORMLY CYCLIC VECTORS

A group acting on a measure space (X,�,�) may or may not admit a cyclic vector in L1(X). This can occur when the acting group is as big as the group of all measure-preserving transformations. But it does not occur, even though there is no cardinality obstruction to it, for the regular action of a group on itself. The connection of cyclic vectors to the uniqueness of invariant means is also discussed.
Tillage and soil carbon sequestration—What do we really know?

It is widely believed that soil disturbance by tillage was a primary cause of the historical loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) in North America, and that substantial SOC sequestration can be accomplished by changing from conventional plowing to less intensive methods known as conservation tillage. This is based on experiments where changes in carbon storage have been estimated through soil sampling of tillage trials. However, sampling protocol may have biased the results. In essentially all cases where conservation tillage was found to sequester C, soils were only sampled to a depth of 30 cm or less, even though crop roots often extend much deeper. In the few studies where sampling extended deeper than 30 cm, conservation tillage has shown no consistent accrual of SOC, instead showing a difference in the distribution of SOC, with higher concentrations near the surface in conservation tillage and higher concentrations in deeper layers under conventional tillage. These contrasting results may be due to tillage-induced differences in thermal and physical conditions that affect root growth and distribution. Long-term, continuous gas exchange measurements have also been unable to detect C gain due to reduced tillage. Though there are other good reasons to use conservation tillage, evidence that it promotes C sequestration is not compelling.
High-fidelity passive neutron multiplicity measurements and simulations of uranium oxide

Abstract When measuring low-self-multiplication uranium samples by passive neutron multiplicity counting, a technique not commonly used on uranium, there should be a decrease in the doubles counts with increasing enrichment. The reason for this decrease is explained as being due to the reduction in 238 U mass, which has a large specific spontaneous fission rate in comparison to the other naturally occurring uranium isotopes. However, this is an over simplification of the actual nuclear physics which is occurring in bulk oxide items. The neutron multiplicity production rates are affected by many factors, such as the items self-multiplication, uranium isotopic composition which controls the spontaneous fission to ( α , n ) neutron production ratio, and the energy distribution of the emitted neutrons which includes induced fission neutrons. This paper presents a high-fidelity analysis of the passive neutron multiplicity distributions for varying enrichments of known uranium oxide standards. This analysis was performed through physical measurements of standards using the Los Alamos Epithermal Neutron Multiplicity Counter (ENMC) and detailed Monte Carlo N Particle Extended (MCNPX) neutron transport simulations supplemented with best available source term data. The MCNPX simulations reproduced the generic trends observed experimentally but absolute agreement is modest, especially for the triples counting. This suggests improvements in basic nuclear data are needed.
Genetic Variants in TGF-β Pathway Are Associated with Ovarian Cancer Risk

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is involved in a diverse array of cellular processes responsible for tumorigenesis. In this case-control study, we applied a pathway-based approach to evaluate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TGF-β signaling pathway as predictors of ovarian cancer risk. We systematically genotyped 218 SNPs from 21 genes in the TGF-β signaling pathway in 417 ovarian cancer cases and 417 matched control subjects. We analyzed the associations of these SNPs with ovarian cancer risk, performed haplotype analysis and identified potential cumulative effects of genetic variants. We also performed analysis to identify higher-order gene-gene interactions influencing ovarian cancer risk. Individual SNP analysis showed that the most significant SNP was SMAD6: rs4147407, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–2.24, P = 0.0066). Cumulative genotype analysis of 13 SNPs with significant main effects exhibited a clear dose-response trend of escalating risk with increasing number of unfavorable genotypes. In gene-based analysis, SMAD6 was identified as the most significant gene associated with ovarian cancer risk. Haplotype analysis further revealed that two haplotype blocks within SMAD6 were significantly associated with decreased ovarian cancer risk, as compared to the most common haplotype. Gene-gene interaction analysis further categorized the study population into subgroups with different ovarian cancer risk. Our findings suggest that genetic variants in the TGF-β signaling pathway are associated with ovarian cancer risk and may facilitate the identification of high-risk subgroups in the general population.
Lottery play and problem gambling.

This study sought to determine if lottery play along with other possible causes engenders problem gambling. Problem gambling was defined as a progression and measured by three scales: Gambling behavior, loss of control over gambling and gambling consequences. Possible causes of problem gambling included lottery play, personality traits, exposure to gambling, leisure pursuits, marital status, residence, and other background characteristics of respondents. Respondents are a stratified random sample of adult residents of Iowa contacted by telephone in May–June, 1989. It was found that lottery play is a predictor of gambling behavior, as well as loss of control and gambling consequences when previous stages of problem gambling were deleted from the analysis as predictor variables. Other predictors of the latter stages of problem gambling include its earlier stages, as well as personality traits and various background characteristics of respondents. The relevance of the findings for theory and future research on gambling are discussed.
New Diagnostic Tests: Breakthrough Approaches or Expensive Add-ons?

Gould and colleagues' state-of-the-art meta-analysis on the accuracy of positron emission tomography (PET) scanning for mediastinal staging in patients with non–small-cell lung cancer supports its ...
Anticoagulation in Children With Mechanical Valve Prostheses

Abstract Background . Clotting complications in patients with mechanical valve prostheses can be prevented with either warfarin sodium (Coumadin; DuPont, Wilmington, DE) or antiplatelet agents. In children, it is not known whether one treatment regimen is more effective or safe than the other. Methods . We prospectively followed up 64 children and young adults (aged 18 years or younger at implantation) with a mechanical valve on the left side of the heart, from October 1986 through October 1996. Forty-eight patients were treated with Coumadin and 16 with aspirin and dipyridamole. The two groups were similar in age, sex, valve location and size, mean length of follow-up, and operative indication. There has been a total follow-up of 272 patient-years on Coumadin and 116 patient-years on aspirin and dipyridamole. Results . There was no difference between the two groups in survival or freedom from thromboembolism. Bleeding occurred more often in the patients taking Coumadin, but this difference was not statistically significant. Analysis of the literature showed thromboembolism and bleeding rates to be similar in the patients receiving Coumadin and those receiving antiplatelet agents. Conclusions . Coumadin and the combination of aspirin plus dipyridamole provided similar protection against complications in this group of children and young adults with left-sided St. Jude (St. Paul, MN) mechanical valves. The choice between the two regimens may depend on other factors, such as patient preference and convenience.
Creating generative models from range images

We describe a new approach for creating concise high-level generative models from one or more approximate range images. Using simple acquisition techniques and a user-defined class of models, our method produces a simple and intuitive object description that is relatively insensitive to noise and is easy to manipulate and edit. The algorithm has two inter-related phases -- recognition, which chooses an appropriate model within a given hierarchy, and parameter estimation, which adjusts the model to fit the data. We give a simple method for automatically making tradeoffs between simplicity and accuracy to determine the best model. We also describe general techniques to optimize a specific generative model. In particular, we address the problem of creating a suitable objective function that is sufficiently continuous for use with finite-difference based optimization techniques. Our technique for model recovery and subsequent manipulation and editing is demonstrated on real objects -- a spoon, bowl, ladle, and cup -- using a simple tree of possible generative models. We believe that higher-level model representations are extremely important, and their recovery for actual objects is a fertile area of research towards which this thesis is a step. However, our work is preliminary and there are currently several limitations. The user is required to create a model hierarchy (and supply methods to provide an initial guess for model parameters within this hierarchy); the use of a large pre-defined class of models can help alleviate this problem. Further, we have demonstrated our technique on only a simple tree of generative models. While our approach is fairly general, a real system would require a tree that is significantly larger. Our methods work only where the entire object can be accurately represented as a single generative model; future work could use constructive solid geometry operations on simple generative models to represent more complicated shapes. We believe that many of the above limitations can be addressed in future work, allowing us to easily acquire and process three-dimensional shape in a simple, intuitive and efficient manner.
Integrating the Content and Process of Strategic MIS Planning with Competitive Strategy

This paper presents a framework that links strategic MIS planning and business strategy and relates it to competitive advantage and company performance. To achieve this objective, the paper first delineates the dimensions of strategic MIS planning, focusing on both content and process issues. The notion of fit within dimensions, between sets of dimensions (process and content), and between MIS planning and competitive strategy is also introduced. Next, employing the Miles-Snow typology of business strategy, the paper posits normative differences in the dimensions of strategic MIS planning along different business (or competitive) strategies. The implications of our study for both decision makers and scholars are discussed. Propositions that tie competitive strategy, strategic MIS planning, and company financial performance are then presented. The paper concludes by providing direction for future research.
Symmetry in a natural fracture pattern: The origin of columnar joint networks

Abstract The remarkable regularity of the rock columns outlined by the cooling related contraction joints in lava flows at sites such as the Giant's Causeway, Ireland, Fingal's Cave, Scotland and the Devil's Postpile, California is well known. Columnar joints are the only system of natural fractures to approach an optimal hexagonal honeycomb-like pattern. 3-connected vertices in near-surface natural-fracture networks are almost exclusively orthogonal “T-type” junctions. Columnar joints owe their unique quasihexagonal symmetry and the prevalence of six-sided columns to the presence of “Y” junctions. Initially, the cooling-related fracture network at the upper and lower surfaces of a flow are dominated by T junctions and are similar in appearance to mudcrack patterns. However, as the tips of these cracks grow towards the center of the flow to relieve the thermal strain which develops there during cooling, the poorly positioned ones are eliminated or modified to yield a more regular network dominated by Y rather than T junctions.
Typology and Universals

Typology and Universals. William Croft. Cambridge Textbooks in Linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990. 311 pp. $16.95 (paper), $49.50 (cloth)
Urinary biomarkers of kidney diseases in HIV‐infected children

A significant number of children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) virus all over the world are at risk of developing renal diseases that could have a significant impact on their treatment and quality of life. It is necessary to identify children undergoing the early stages of these renal diseases, as well as the potential renal toxicity that could be caused by antiretroviral drugs, in order to prevent the development of cardiovascular complications and chronic renal failure. This article describes the most common renal diseases seen in HIV-infected children, as well as the value and limitations of the clinical markers that are currently being used to monitor their renal function and histological damage in a noninvasive manner. In addition, we discuss the progress made during the last 10 years in the discovery and validation of new renal biomarkers for HIV-infected children and young adults. Although significant progress has been made during the early phases of the biomarkers discovery, more work remains to be done to validate the new biomarkers in a large number of patients. The future looks promising, however, the new knowledge needs to be integrated and validated in the context of the clinical environment where these children are living.