cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total variation minimizing blind deconvolution with shock filter reference

We present a preconditioned method for blind image deconvolution. This method uses a pre-processed reference image (via the shock filter) as an initial condition for total variation minimizing blind deconvolution. Using the shock filter gives good information on location of the edges, while using the variational functionals such as Chan and Wong's [T.F. Chan, C.K. Wong, Total variation blind deconvolution, IEEE Transactions on Image Processing 7 (1998), 370-375] allows robust reconstruction of the image and the blur kernel. Comparison between using the L^1 and L^2 norms for the fidelity term is presented, as well as an analysis on the choice of the parameter for the kernel functional. Numerical results indicate the method is robust for both black and non-black background images while reducing the overall computational cost.
Isobaric Nucleon Model for Pion Production in Nucleon-Nucleon Collisions

A detailed quantitative model for pion production via excitation of one or both nucleons to an isobaric state with subsequent decay via pion emission is presented. The model is applied to the 0.8- to 3.0-Bev incident nucleon energy range and its predictions are compared to various experiments in this energy range performed at the Brookhaven Cosmotron. The isobaric state with isotopic spin and angular momentum=$\frac{3}{2}$ observed in the pion-nucleon scattering was assumed to be predominantly responsible for pion production in this energy range. The relative probability for isobar formation and subsequent decay with a variable total energy or mass in the isobar rest system were phenomenologically related to the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}\ensuremath{-}p$ interaction cross section. The energy or momentum spectra of pions, and nucleons, the variation of the ratio of double to single production, the angular correlation, and the $Q$ value distribution for pion-nucleon pairs have been calculated at various energies from 0.8- to 3.0-Bev and generally agree with the experimental results.
The discrimination of differences in duration of a thermal reinforcement

Rats trained to barpress for a blast of cold air in a hot environment can discriminate changes in duration of the reinforcement by modifying their rate of obtaining reinforcement. The discrimination is observed to be (1) dependent on the direction of the change and (2) proportional to the base duration. The difference limen (DL) is also found to be direction dependent. The possibiiity that the results reflect a response to changes in the aversivenessof the “reinforcement” is considered.
Preliminary Engineering Cost-Estimation Strategy Assessment for Roadway Projects

Preliminary engineering (PE) for a roadway project encompasses two efforts: planning to minimize the physical, social, and human environmental impacts of projects and engineering design to deliver the best alternative. State transportation agencies strive to manage these efforts efficiently, seeking to maximize the utilization of limited funding and workforce productivity. Managers need a feasible PE budget, considering both cost and time, early in project development. The results reported herein will provide engineers and managers with a comparative investigation evaluating different strategies for establishing a PE budget during the preconstruction phase of roadway project development. Cost data were obtained for 188 North Carolina roadway projects built between 1999 and 2009. An analysis of the North Carolina DOT data yielded an overall mean ratio of PE cost to estimated construction cost (the PE cost ratio) of 11.7%. The multiple linear regression model was used to develop prediction models to forecast the PE cost ratio of future roadway projects. It was found that while differing regression strategies could reduce prediction error, the improvement was small. In terms of simplicity, using the historical means applicable for widening projects (13.3%), rehabilitation/resurfacing projects (7.7%), and new location/interchange projects (16.5%) proved advantageous over regression modeling because a project manager would not have to estimate any project-specific values at the earliest stages of project development. The lowest of these historical means was significantly different than the two higher means (7.7% versus 13.3% and 16.5%); however, the difference between the two higher means (13.3% versus 16.5%) was not statistically significant. The study analyses also found a significant correlation between a project’s PE cost ratio and its PE duration, suggesting that further investigation into PE duration of transportation projects is warranted.
Superantigen enhanced protection against a weak tumor-specific melanoma antigen: implications for prophylactic vaccination against cancer.

B16F10 melanoma is a tumor derived from C57BL/6 mice that has been found to be poorly immunogenic and highly aggressive. Here we have shown that vaccination of mice with irradiated B16F10 cells followed by treatment with a combination of staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA/SEB) leads to significant and specific protection against subsequent challenge with viable B16F10 cells (at least 25-fold greater than a lethal dose). Also, 75% of mice surviving over 150 days remained tumor-free after rechallenge with viable B16F10 cells, evidence of the development of strong immunologic memory. Additional studies showed increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity and interferon-γ production, all of which may contribute to enhanced survival. Furthermore, failure to produce protection in either CD4−/− or CD8−/− T-cell knockout mice is evidence that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells play an essential role in induction of immunity. These results show that superantigen administration subsequent to vaccination with inactivated tumor cells results in protective antitumor immunity. Thus, prophylactic vaccination against cancer is a feasible method for arming the immune system prior to the incidence of cancer. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermal Aspects of Grinding: The Case of Upgrinding

Conventional grinding is usually carried out in upgrinding mode, with the wheel moving in the opposite direction from the workpiece. In this paper, a thermal model is developed for upgrinding. This model is similar to our previous models of downgrinding in that the behavior of the workpiece, grains, fluid, and chips are all coupled. The model is used to compare the workpiece temperature rises in upgrinding and downgrinding, and to explore the effect of the location of heat generation. The model results are also compared with experimental data and are seen to yield reasonable agreement. Finally, the sensitivity of the results to some parameters which are not well known is explored.
A case–control study of risk factors for ileus and bowel obstruction following benign gynecologic surgery

Abstract Objective To identify risk factors leading to the development of postoperative ileus and small-bowel obstruction (SBO) after benign gynecologic surgery. Methods In a multicenter case–control study across the United States, data were examined from women with International Classification of Diseases 9 (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes who underwent benign gynecologic surgery between January 2005 and June 2010 and subsequently developed an ileus or SBO. Each patient with ileus or SBO was matched to 2 control women who underwent the same benign gynecologic procedure but did not develop ileus or SBO. Results During the study period, 144 cases and 288 controls were identified. By conditional multivariate logistic regression, risk factors for ileus or SBO included cystotomy (odds ratio [OR], 8.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48–51.47), concomitant bowel surgery (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.18–15.78), perioperative transfusion (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.44–5.95), and lysis of adhesions (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.03–2.83). Conclusion Lysis of adhesions, concomitant bowel surgery, and perioperative complications such as blood transfusion and cystotomy were found to be risk factors for the development of ileus and/or SBO after benign gynecologic surgery.
Education and Kinship Caregivers: Creating a New Vision:

Current issues regarding the education of children with disabilities who are placed with kinship caregivers are highlighted using qualitative data on low-income African American kinship care providers who are 40-70 years old. Examined are the historical and social implications of kinship care, and the challenges facing the formal education of these children. Also explored are suggestions of kinship caregivers for improving the relationship between the school and their grandchildren. Kinship caregivers continue to highly value education as a priority for the children in their care. Despite difficulties in interacting with schools, kinship caregivers identify collaborative relationships they want with education providers.
Flow properties of ABS (acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) terpolymer

ABS (acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) terpolymer is a two-phase thermoplastic with SAN (styrene–acrylonitrile) copolymer constituting the continuous phase (matrix). The flow properties of ABS with varying molecular parameters were studied using a capillary viscometer at the shear rate range encountered in its processing. The viscosity-average molecular weights (Mv) of matrix SAN with 26% acrylonitrile content are in the range of 90,000 to 150,000, and Mv of poly-butadiene-are in the range of 150,000 to 170,000. The weight-average molecular weight of the matrix SAN is the main controlling factor for the flow properties of ABS at low shear rate, while the molecular weight distribution of the matrix SAN becomes increasingly important with the increase of shear rate. The presence of SAN grafted polybutadiene increases the melt viscosity of ABS by 40–60% over comparable free SAN copolymer and also decreases the activation energy at constant shear stress to 24–25 kcal/mole from the 33–36 kcal/mole for free SAN. The die swell of ABS and SAN can be correlated with the dynamic shear modulus G′, and the melt fracture of ABS and SAN starts at G′ equal to 3.6 × 106 dynes/cm2.
Modified orthodontic treatment goals in a patient with multiple complicating factors

This paper reviews orthodontic care in patients who are in non-traditional categories. Specific orthodontic management of a patient who had severe hemophilia, seropositivity for anti-HIV Ab, and Hepatitis B surface antigen is reviewed. The Importance of defining acceptable treatment goals in these patients is of paramount Importance.
Elastic Waves Induced by Surface Heating in a Half-Space

Rapid surface heating will induce waves in an elastic material. Closed-form solutions for the resulting longitudinal and transverse thermal stresses are derived using Laplace Transforms. The model is one-dimensional, consisting of a half-space subjected to a step change in the surface heating. The transverse stress at the wave peak is found to exceed the surface stress for short times, while for long times the surface stress far exceeds either of the stresses at the wave peak. Both the longitudinal and transverse stresses at the peak of the wave reach steady-state values after a few dimensionless times.
Detection of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy using exercise testing in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Aims This study investigated autonomic nervous system function in subjects with diabetes during exercise and recovery. Methods Eighteen type 2 diabetics (age 55 ± 2 years) and twenty healthy controls (age 51 ± 1 years) underwent two 16-min bicycle submaximal ECG stress tests followed by 45 min of recovery. During session #2, atropine (0.04 mg/kg) was administered at peak exercise, and the final two minutes of exercise and entire recovery occurred under parasympathetic blockade. Plasma catecholamines were measured throughout. Parasympathetic effect was defined as the difference between a measured parameter at baseline and after parasympathetic blockade. Results The parasympathetic effect on the RR interval was blunted (P = .004) in diabetic subjects during recovery. Parasympathetic effect on QT–RR slope during early recovery was diminished in the diabetes group (diabetes 0.13 ± 0.02, control 0.21 ± 0.02, P = .03). Subjects with diabetes had a lower heart rate recovery at 1 min (diabetes 18.5 ± 1.9 bpm, control 27.6 ± 1.5 bpm, P Conclusions In subjects with well-controlled type 2 diabetes, even with minimal evidence of CAN using current methodology, altered cardiac autonomic balance is present and can be detected through an exercise-based assessment for CAN. The early post-exercise recovery period in diabetes was characterized by enhanced sympathoexcitation, diminished parasympathetic reactivation and delay in heart rate recovery.
Stratigraphic simulations using fuzzy logic to model sediment dispersal

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to report on our preliminary two- and three-dimensional stratigraphic simulations that use fuzzy logic to model sediment production, sediment erosion, sediment transport and sediment deposition. Fuzzy logic offers a robust, easily adaptable, and computationally efficient alternative to the traditional numerical solution of complex, coupled differential equations commonly used to model sediment dispersal in stratigraphic models. Fuzzy logic is based on the concept of fuzzy sets, and, since the 1980s, fuzzy logic has been successfully applied in virtually all areas of engineering and computer sciences, as well as in areas of decision making, optimization, management, and operations research. Fuzzy logic is also rapidly being assimilated into the sciences and, since it is capable of utilizing both “hard” data and “soft” qualitative statements, fuzzy logic naturally lends itself to applications in the Earth Sciences. Here we first compare two-dimensional simulations of reef growth: one based on step-wise solution of a partial differential equation and one in which an elementary fuzzy logic system is employed. The two simulations produce identical results. We then present three fully three-dimensional models: (1) a simulation of the last 200,000 of sedimentation in Death Valley, CA; (2) a simulation of sedimentation on the Great Bahama Banks west of Andros Island during the latest 10,000 years of sea level rise; and (3) a hypothetical delta and floodplain under varying regimes of sea level change. The results of the first two models match surface and subsurface data from Death Valley and the Great Bahama Bank to a remarkable degree even though the models are in preliminary stages. Moreover, the hypothetical deltaic simulations also produce remarkably complex and realistic cross-sections. Thus, our preliminary modeling suggest that the utility of fuzzy logic in stratigraphic simulations may be profound.
Diode-laser measurements of intensities and halfwidths in the ν6 band of 12CH3D

Abstract Absolute line intensities have been determined at room temperature for a total of 22 transitions belonging to rP and pP subbands in the ν6(E) perpendicular band of 12CH3D between 1062 and 1114 cm−1 under Doppler-limited resolution using a tunable diode-laser spectrometer system. Although the line intensities were determined with good precision (≈3%), the squared vibrational transition dipole matrix element derived from each line intensity showed large variations (≈500%) indicating intensity perturbations, possibly caused by Coriolis interactions between the ν3, ν5, and ν6 fundamentals. The “Herman-Wallis” F-factor coefficients derived from the rP and pP subband transitions were significantly different from each other, but compared well with those reported in a recent study by M. Delaveau (Ph.D. thesis, Universite de Paris-Sud, Orsay, 1985) using a Fourier transform spectrometer. Room temperature air- and nitrogen-broadened halfwidths have also been determined for 24 lines. The average of the ratios of nitrogen- to air-broadened halfwidths was 1.01 with a standard deviation of 0.01, giving almost equal broadening efficiencies for nitrogen and air. Room temperature self-broadened halfwidths were derived for two transitions with a mean value of 0.081 ± 0.001 cm−1 atm−1 at 296 K.
Vitamin D receptor deletion leads to reduced level of IκBα protein through protein translation, protein–protein interaction, and post-translational modification

Abstract Vitamin D receptor plays an essential role in the regulation of inflammation. Previous studies demonstrate that vitamin D receptor negatively modulates the proinflammatory NF-κB pathway. However, it is unknown how vitamin D receptor regulates IκBα, the endogenous inhibitor of NF-κB. Here we investigated the molecular mechanism of vitamin D receptor deletion and IκBα expression. We found that cells lacking vitamin D receptor had significantly increased levels of IκBα mRNA and simultaneously decreased levels of IκBα protein. Lacking vitamin D receptor abolished its binding to the IκBα promoter. Moreover, the levels of protein translation regulators and the rate of protein synthesis were both decreased in cells lacking vitamin D receptor. At the post-translational level, IκBα ubiquitination was enhanced, indicating increased degradation of IκBα in the absence of vitamin D receptor. We further transfected cells with a plasmid carrying either wild-type or mutant IκBα. The expression of wild-type IκBα was much higher in the cells with vitamin D receptor than in the cells without vitamin D receptor, whereas the expression of exogenous IκBα was equally high in both cell lines. In summary, vitamin D receptor deletion affects IκBα through mRNA transcription, protein translation, protein–protein interaction, post-translational modification, and protein degradation, thus reducing the level of IκBα protein. Cells lacking vitamin D receptor are known in a proinflammatory state with activation of NF-κB. Our study provides new insight into vitamin D receptor regulation of an inhibitor of NF-κB in inflammation. Deletion of vitamin D receptor contributes to the activation of NF-κB on multiple levels.
A genetic algorithm study on the influence of dendritic plateau potentials on bistable spiking in motoneurons

Abstract The necessity of dendritic plateau potentials for the generation of bistable spiking experimentally observed in vertebrate motoneurons was investigated in a minimal compartmental motoneuron model. Parameter regions where the model displays bistable behavior were computationally determined using genetic algorithms. Two fitness criteria were used to evaluate bistable behavior in the model: one using mathematically based techniques and the other experimentally based techniques. The performance of the GA depended on the fitness measure used but initial results confirm that bistable spiking is robustly generated when spike-generating currents are compartmentally segregated from plateau potential-generating currents with weak coupling conductance between the compartments.
Mouse T cells engineered to display on their surface a novel form of FasL protein undergo apoptosis when stimulated with alloantigens: implications for graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract Background Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation as a therapeutic approach in the clinic suffers from graft-versus- host disease (GVHD) initiated and perpetuated by donor T cells responding to alloantigens in immunocompromised hosts. Although the depletion of mature T cells from bone marrow inoculum overcomes GVHD, this manipulation is associated with engraftment failure and early post-transplant infection complications. Therefore, approaches that specifically purge out alloreactive T cells in the bone marrow inoculum without major effect on alloantigen-nonreactive T cells may be effective in facilitating engraftment without complications of GVHD and infections. Methods Inasmuch as Fas/FasL-induced apoptosis plays a critical role in self-tolerance, we tested whether the direct display of a novel form of FasL (SA-FasL) protein chimeric with streptavidin (SA) on the surface of T cells induces apoptosis in such cells in response to alloantigens. BALB/c and C57BL/6 total lymphocytes or purified T cells were biotinylated under physiologic conditions and engineered with SA-FasL protein taking advantage of the high-affinity interaction between biotin and SA. Results All engineered cells displayed SA-FasL protein on their surface as determined by flow cytometry. When used as responders against irradiated, unmodified allogeneic stimulators, the SA-FasL–engineered T cells underwent apoptosis, which resulted in minimal proliferation. This effect was specific to SA-FasL; control SA protein-engineered T cells generated a potent proliferative alloresponse without significant apoptosis. Conclusions Taken together, these results demonstrate the feasibility of purging out alloreactive T cells by the display of SA-FasL protein on their surface with important implications for the prevention of GVHD associated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
0.9-18-micron photometry of the 14 CIT objects

Infrared (0.9- to 18-micron) photometric magnitudes are tabulated for all 14 CIT objects as a group. NML Cyg, NML Tau, and IRC + 10216 are also included. Comparisons between the CIT sources and other infrared objects are briefly discussed.
Isoform-specific uncoupling of the D2 dopamine receptors subtypes

Dopaminergic transmission is fundamental to many neural pathways of clinical interest. We have analyzed the alternatively-spliced isoforms of the D(2) dopamine receptor, D(2) long (D(2l)) and D(2) short (D(2s)), which differ only by a 29-amino acid insertion in the third cytoplasmic loop. Well-known determinants for GPCR signal transduction--the third intracellular loop regions--were co-expressed with the wild-type receptors to test for their ability to antagonize parent receptor function. We found that the D(2l)-mediated inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase was blocked by the co-expression of the third cytoplasmic loop of D(2l). However, expression of the third cytoplasmic loop of D(2s) did not inhibit D(2l)-mediated signal transduction. Conversely, expression of the D(2s) third cytoplasmic loop antagonized the D(2s) receptor's function and the D(2l) third cytoplasmic loop did not. In contrast, expression of the alternatively-spliced insert region had no effect when co-expressed with either wild-type receptor isoform. These results suggest that the third cytoplasmic loops of each receptor adopt unique conformations and that the primary sequence of the insert region is not the basis for differences in signaling between D(2s) and D(2l). These findings further support previous studies suggesting that the D2 receptor isoforms use distinct signal transduction mechanisms.
Discontinuous and alternate q-system fractals

Abstract This paper presents various patterns and computer art from three extensions to common fractal methods: Here, I use discontinuous functions (such as Boolean functions and the conditional function), plots of root-finding methods other than Halley's and Newton's methods (such as Aitken's and Muller's methods), and fractals produced using arithmetic in q -systems other than the complex number system. Still fractal images and parametrization “movies” are discussed; these allow several new properties of these algorithms (and their combinations) to be uncovered. Also, the interaction of randomness with fractals is explored.
Some Results on the Discretization of Continuous Probability Distributions

A continuous r.v. can only hypothetically assume any value on a continuum. When only an approximating discrete r.v. (“discretization”) is observable, estimation procedures employing the hypothetical continuous variate are sometimes biased. This paper studies the relative expectation and variance biases for several common distributions from a point of view somewhat different from that taken by the well-known Sheppard's Corrections. For each distribution a table is provided to enable the statistician to determine whether a serious bias problem exists. It is noted that while these biases are often of little consequence to the applied statistician, estimators that are a function of several discretized r.v.'s may be seriously biased.
Neuroimaging comparison of primary progressive apraxia of speech and progressive supranuclear palsy

Background—Primary progressive apraxia of speech, a motor speech disorder of planning and programming is a tauopathy that has overlapping histological features with progressive supranuclear palsy. We aimed to compare, for the first time, atrophy patterns, as well as white matter tract degeneration, between these two syndromes. Methods—Sixteen primary progressive apraxia of speech subjects were age and gender-matched to 16 progressive supranuclear palsy subjects and 20 controls. All subjects were prospectively recruited, underwent neurological and speech evaluations, and 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging. Grey and white matter atrophy was assessed using voxel-based morphometry and atlasbased parcellation, and white matter tract degeneration was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging. Results—All progressive supranuclear palsy subjects had typical occulomotor/gait impairments but none had speech apraxia. Both syndromes showed grey matter loss in supplementary motor area, white matter loss in posterior frontal lobes and degeneration of the body of the corpus callosum. While lateral grey matter loss was focal, involving superior premotor cortex, in primary progressive apraxia of speech, loss was less focal extending into prefrontal cortex in progressive supranuclear palsy. Caudate volume loss and tract degeneration of superior cerebellar peduncles was also observed in progressive supranuclear palsy. Interestingly, area of the midbrain was reduced in both syndromes compared to controls, although this was greater in progressive supranuclear palsy.
Aberrant cytokine production by sezary syndrome patients: Cytokine secretion pattern resembles murine TH2 cells

Abstract Sezary syndrome (SzS), the leukemic stage of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), is typically a CD4 + T-cell lymphoproliferative disease characterized by numerous immunologic abnormalities, including decreased T-cell responses to antigens and mitogens, decreased natural killer and lymphocyte-activated killer cell activities, eosinophilia, and increased levels of immunoglobulins, particularly IgE and IgA. Because this constellation of abnormalities is reminiscent of the pleiotropic in vitro activities of IL-4 and IL-5, we examined the possibility that malignant T cells in SzS may be producing increased amounts of IL-4 with a concomitant decrease in IL-2 and IFN-γ production. Such a cytokine secretion pattern would be similar to that produced by murine Th2 cells. Serum IL-4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements revealed that 33% of SzS patients (n = 21) had levels of IL-4 significantly higher (mean, 7.2 pg/ml; range, 0–48, p Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from SzS patients and stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) produced significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and significantly lower levels of IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-γ than did PBMC from normal controls (p The increased IL-4 and decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ production by PBMC from SzS patients suggests that Sezary cells have a cytokine profile similar to murine Th2 cells. Moreover, this cytokine secretion pattern may play an integral role in the immunopathogenesis of advanced CTCL. The results also suggest that IFN-γ may be a useful component in the spectrum of therapeutic approaches to SzS.
Validity of the Medical College Admission Test for predicting medical school performance.

AbstractPurposeSince the introduction of the revised Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) in 1991, the Association of American Medical Colleges has been investigating the extent to which MCAT scores supplement the power of undergraduate grade point averages (uGPAs) to predict success in medical sc
Lead variability in the western North Atlantic Ocean and central Greenland ice: Implications for the search for decadal trends in anthropogenic emissions

Abstract As Patterson and coworkers have shown, most of the lead in the modern ocean and atmosphere is of anthropogenic origin. Reductions in the utilization of leaded gasoline over the past two decades should decrease lead deposition from the atmosphere in remote locations. The search for trends in Pb deposition within a single decade is bedeviled by large-amplitude short-term variability due to the inherent noisiness of the atmosphere/ocean system. We find that, over the course of a year, lead concentrations in the surface waters of the western North Atlantic Ocean are variable (factor of 2), and in the snow deposited in central Greenland, highly variable (order of magnitude). In the western North Atlantic, 210Pb normalization minimizes this problem because 210Pb and Pb sources are spatially correlated and continental 210Pb emissions are constant. It is clear the Pb in surface waters of the western North Atlantic has decreased by a factor of 4 during the 1980s. 210Pb normalization does not help in the Arctic because stable Pb and 210Pb are not spatially correlated. Because of the order-of-magnitude variability in Greenland snow Pb linked to annual cycles, any discontinuous time series is likely to be affected by the phenomenon of aliasing. Aliasing makes it difficult to determine if there is a trend in Pb deposition in central Greenland during the 1980s; present evidence suggests that the reduction in Pb concentration in snow during the 1980s is less than a factor of two; certainly quite a bit less than observed in the western North Atlantic and less than the factor of >7 reduction in leaded gasoline utilization in the United States during the decade. Although we expect that decadal-scale trends in the 1970s and 1980s are in fact occurring due to the phasing out of leaded gasoline, the reported magnitude of decadal-scale trends should be regarded with some reservation until confirmed by independent samplings.
Designing representations of terrain: A study in meta-representational competence

Abstract I investigate students' ability to design and refine representations of model and real landscapes. Two premises lie behind this line of work. First, the creation and the use of representations are prominent activities in professional scientific practice. Thus, having students become proficient designers of representations appears to be a worthy goal. Second, students seem to possess a great deal of knowledge regarding ways of representing aspects of the world on paper, and such knowledge can be profitably used in learning canonical ways of representing landscapes. I pursue several parallel lines of analysis. First, I survey the representational forms students generate when engaged in open-ended design activities in which they are asked to create representations of terrain. Based on a categorization of students' works, I then present a preliminary identification of the knowledge implicated in the creation of such representational forms. We call this prior knowledge constructive resources. I describe two broad classes of constructive resources: drawing and the use of colors for representational purposes. In addition to constructive resources, I also preliminarily address students' use of criteria for judging the adequacy of their designs. Together with constructive resources, design criteria are main elements shaping students' performance in the proposed tasks. Finally, as a way to suggest paths that students could take towards more normative forms of representing terrain, I identify continuities between students' spontaneous representational practices and those of standard scientific practices.
Religious Minorities in Iran. By Eliz Sanasarian. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000. 249p. $59.95.

Eliz Sanasarian's book is a welcome addition to the growing number of books on Iran since the Islamic Republic replaced the monarchy in 1979. She deals with an important yet little-covered subject: how religious minorities fare under an Islamic government. Just as Sanasarian's first book, The Women's Rights Movement in Iran, broke new ground and added much to our knowledge about of the status of women under the monarchy and the first few years of the Islamic Republic, Religious Minorities in Iran also fills a gap in scholarship. Some books and articles have been published since the Islamic revolution on Iranian Jews and Bahais, but little has appeared on Iran's Zoroastrian and Armenian communities, and virtually nothing on Iran's Chaldeans and Assyrians. No one has treated all the religious minorities in one volume. (Sansarian is, of course, dealing with religious minorities, not ethnic communities such as the Arabs, Kurds, Baluchis, Turks, and others.)
Chondroitin sulfate synthesis and respiration in chick embryonic cartilage.

Abstract Embryonic cartilage, unlike adult cartilage, has a high respiratory rate. A positive Nadi reaction and the presence of succinate-malonate antagonism indicate the presence of the usual routes of carbohydrate metabolism. Sulfate fixation was stimulated by glucose and inhibited by anything which inhibited respiration as well as by dinitrophenol and ammonium molybdate.
In Vitro Binding of Vitamin B‐6 by Selected Polysaccharides, Lignin, and Wheat Bran

Previous research has suggested that dietary fiber can reduce the bioavailability of certain micronutrients by ionic binding or physical entrapment. In this study, the ability of eight purified polysaccharides, lignin, and wheat bran to bind B-6 vitamers was examined in vitro using equilibrium dialysis under physiological conditions. The polysaccharides used were cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, citrus pectin, xanthan gum, sodium alginate, and gum arabic. No significant binding was detected when pectin was dialyzed to equilibrium at, 0.5, 0.75, and 1% levels in the presence of 0.1 or 0.1 mM pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, or pyridoxal. When 1% wheat bran, lignin, and the test polysaccharides were incubated overnight with 0.1 mM pyridoxine prior to dialysis, to allow for any slow binding process to occur, no in vitro binding of pyridoxine by any of the test materials could be observed on equilibrium dialysis. These results are consistent with findings of in vivo experiments which showed that cellulose, pectin, and bran did not significantly decrease the bioavailability of vitamin B-6 when fed to the rat and/or the chick.
Expression of Regeneration and Tolerance Factor on B Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemias: A Possible Mechanism for Escaping Immune Surveillance

Regeneration and tolerance factor (RTF) is a protein expressed on developing tissue such as the thymus and the placenta. RTF has been reported to down-regulate cell-mediated immune responses. To examine the potential role of tumor-derived RTF to suppressing antitumor responses, we analyzed a panel of seven B cell tumor lines for the membrane RTF using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated monoclonal antibody, which reacts with membrane RTF. All the B cell tumor lines we examined express RTF on the cell surface. We also tested conditioned media from these B cell lines for their ability to suppress IL-2R expression on activated cells. Conditioned media from each B cell line suppressed IL-2R expression on activated Jurkat T cells and activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A monoclonal antibody to the biologically active portion of RTF reversed this suppressive activity. Finally, the tumor cell population from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia was found to express cell surface RTF. Thus, RTF expression could be a new mechanism used by tumor cells to escape immune surveillance.
Nonexponential resonance fluorescence. The role of the exciting light

Abstract The theoretical origin of nonexponential decays is discussed, especially with regard to the role of the exciting light source in the narrow band limit of excitation. For coherent light sources the bandwidth of excitation is crucial to observing nonexponentiality. A simple discussion of incoherent light sources is presented and the effect of incoherence on the non-exponential decays investigated. Even with incoherent light, one may still observe nonexponential decays under certain conditions of bandwidth and time duration of the exciting pulse. Finally, the effect of Doppler broadening is briefly discussed.
Mechanical manipulation of thrombus: Coronary thrombectomy, intracoronary clot displacement, and transcatheter aspiration

Recanalization of occluded arteries during acute myocardial infarction has been proven to prolong life and improve left ventricular function. Patients who could not receive thrombolytic therapy for failed thrombolysis and/or angioplasty were treated by mechanical manipulation of the thrombus. Three techniques were used: transcatheter aspiration, clot displacement, and thrombectomy. Five patients in shock had the thrombus aspirated from the left main and right coronary arteries. Eight patients had the clot pushed by the balloon from the mid-left anterior descending (LAD) to the apical LAD in order to reduce the area of ischemic myocardium, and 13 patients underwent a thrombectomy of the right coronary artery. These procedures enjoyed a high rate of success in reestablishing patency and a favorable long-term clinical and angiographic follow-up. Although the applicability and role of these interventions in acute myocardial infarction are not yet defined, we conclude that they are feasible and have an acceptable success and complication rate.
Comparison of electrochemical stability of transition metal carbides (WC, W2C, Mo2C) over a wide pH range

Abstract Transition metal carbides have shown potential for use in electrochemical applications as low-cost catalysts or catalyst support materials. In order to determine which transition metal carbides are suitable for specific electrochemical applications, it is necessary to determine their stability in electrolytic solutions of varying pH values. In this work we compare the stability of the most commonly used carbides: tungsten carbides (WC and W 2 C) and molybdenum carbide (Mo 2 C). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) is used to determine the onset of oxidation and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at discrete pH values while chronopotentiometric (CP) titrations are used to create potential-pH ‘stability maps’, which designate the regions of stability, passivation, and oxidation. Based on the slopes of the boundaries between the regions of stability, information about the oxidation mechanisms is obtained through the Nernst equation, indicating key differences in the electrochemical behavior of each surface. WC exhibits enhanced resistance to surface oxidation in acidic solution and comparable stability in neutral/alkaline solution to Mo 2 C and W 2 C.
Optimal Selling Institution and Seller Distress Costs

Abstract This study explores the choice between auctions or posted offer sales when the seller incurs distress costs if the property is not sold quickly. Our results illustrate that simply the existence of distress costs does not imply that auctions are optimal. If distress costs per unit of time are constant, a posted offer market is preferable to an auction. Other specifications of distress costs can reverse this result. Numerical examples illustrate that auctions may be optimal if distress costs per unit of time increase exponentially to a fixed level.
The use of simulation in semiconductor technology development

Abstract An overview is presented on the types of problems encountered in semiconductor technology development that are actively studied today via simulation methods. Most of the simulation examples presented here are ones that have been explicitly used in actual industrial semiconductor device design cycles to aid in the optimization of device structures. The examples described here include process simulations, such as the diffusion of dopant atoms, oxidation, etching, deposition, and epitaxial growth, as well as device simulations, which predict the flow of charge carriers and field distribution within a semiconductor device, given its material structure and operating conditions. The main aim here is to illustrate, by example, some of the capabilities of state-of-the-art simulators used in characterizing and predicting semiconductor process and device-related phenomena. We will attempt to outline the degree of sophistication of the physics incorporated in such simulation programs, and provide some contrast to the fundamental physics required for a complete physical description. As will be indicated, simulation development necessarily involves molding the appropriate physical models and numerical algorithms into a package that can be handled in a reasonable length of time by modern computing systems. We briefly outline some of the advances that have been made, and some concerns that remain, in such simulation development.
Rising to the Challenges of Identifying and Analyzing Clients' Narratives

Psychotherapy researchers and clinicians alike are faced with two primary challenges in the service of most effectively understanding the therapeutic process: first, they must identify the most generative elements from the rich flow of therapeutic dialogue; and second, they must select the most appropriate and productive tools for analyzing them. Singer and Bonalume (2010) have developed the Coding System for Autobiographical Memory Narratives in Psychotherapy (CS-AMNP), a trans-theoretical method for rising to these two challenges. In this commentary, the CS-AMNP is evaluated: its noteworthy contributions are highlighted, its potential limitations are discussed, and fruitful expansions are proposed in terms of extending it from autobiographical narratives in therapy to autobiographical narratives about therapy.
Further advances in two-dimensional input-output by typewriter terminals

The purpose of this paper is to describe some new applications in the realm of two-dimensional input-output by typewriter terminal. These applications are extensions of the software and hardware system techniques covered in the references 1--4, 11--21. The principal elements of this approach consist of a versatile programming language and a reverse-indexing typewriter equipped with a special character set. This set permits not only normal alphanumerics but also the construction of arbitrarily-sized symbols by the use of a few interlocking primitive strokes. The reverse-indexing and indexing, together with spacing and backspacing, allow full two-dimensional keyboard control of the typed document. Typing errors are corrected by moving to the desired point and overtyping, or by pressing an "erase" button.
Photochemistry from first principles — advances and future prospects

Abstract Detailed simulation of photochemistry poses considerable challenges because quantum mechanical effects are important in determining both the electronic potential energy surfaces and the subsequent nuclear dynamics. We provide a brief overview of the ab initio multiple spawning (AIMS) method which addresses the problem by solving both the electronic and nuclear Schrodinger equations simultaneously. We discuss our recent AIMS simulations of cis–trans photoisoimerization in ethylene as an example application. The prospects of the method for modeling of photochemistry in large organic molecules and condensed phases are assessed.
Effects of NiCl2 and CdCl2 on susceptibility to murine cytomegalovirus and virus-augmented natural killer cell and interferon responses.

Female C3HHeJ or CD-1 mice were infected with a sublethal dose of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) and then exposed to nickel chloride (NiCl2) or cadmium chloride (CdCl2) intramuscularly (im) or by inhalation. Effects of these treatments on disease susceptibility, virus-augmented and spontaneous natural killer (NK) cell activity, and virus induction of interferon (IFN) were determined. NiCl2 (20 mg/kg, im) enhanced mortality due to MCMV in both mouse strains, and a reduction in virus-augmented NK cell activity was seen at doses as low as 10 mg NiCl2/kg im. At 6.25 mg CdCl2/kg im there was a significant depression of NK cell activity, but there was no effect on mortality due to infection. Effects on NK activity did not appear to be due to effects on IFN production since neither of the metal treatments caused depression of this response. Neither metal when given by inhalation had any effect on these parameters.
Elastic effects in a linear–gel polymer system

The addition of gelled or crosslinked material to an essentially linear elastomer often decreases “nerve,” mill shrinkage, or die swell. In the present work, poly(ethyl acrylate) systems previously characterized in steady flow, were studied in transient flow. Die swell in capillary flow and shear creep recovery in a biconical rheometer were examined and correlated with the amount, crosslink density, and particle size of the gel phase. In general, the addition of gel reduces deformation of extrudates by reducing the amount of elastic strain energy which can be imparted to the material in a stress field. Concurrently, by increasing the viscosity more at low than at high stresses, gel addition also provides an increased resistance to deformation in the low-stress regions outside of the equipment without exacting a comparable toll in increased power requirements.
Evidence for Charge-Dipole Effects in the Rubredoxin Model Compound [(CH(3))(4)N](2)Fe[SCH(2)CON(CH(3))(2)](4).

The tetrahedral Fe(II) thiolate complex anion [Fe{SCH2CON(CH3)2}4]2- has been synthesized as a model compound of rubredoxin and characterized by X-ray crystallography and electrochemistry. Its redox potential, −0.712 V (relative to SCE), is approximately 370 mV more positive than those of the analogous [Fe(SCH2CH3)4]2- and [Fe(S2-o-xyl)2]2- complex anions. The positive shift in the redox potential of the title compound is attributed to a charge−dipole interaction between the amide and thiolate sulfur. Redox shifts of this magnitude are observed among iron−sulfur proteins and may likewise be ascribed to charge−dipole interactions.
Late Quaternary Glacial and Vegetation Changes, Little Cottonwood Canyon Area, Wasatch Mountains, Utah

Glacial geology and 14C dating in the central Wasatch Mountains indicate: an early canyon-mouth glaciation (Dry Creek till), probably during isotope stage 6; on that till, a paleosol (Majestic Canyon soil) dated at about 26,000 yr B.P.; overriding that soil, a later canyon-mouth glaciation (Bells Canyon till) probably beginning prior to about 19,000 yr B.P.; a midcanyon deglacial pause (Hogum Fork till) prior to 12,300 yr B.P.; an upper-canyon deglacial pause (Devils Castle till) prior to 7500 yr B.P.; and late Holocene periglaciation. Pollen ratios from bog profiles in the mid to upper reaches of the canyon suggest that temperatures cooler than the Holocene average occurred until after about 8000 yr B.P. Warmer and dryer than average conditions were initiated about 8000 to 7500 yr B.P. During the later portion of this Altithermal period conditions became relatively warm and wet. Two subsequent episodes of cooler than average temperatures correspond chronologically to the initial stades of Neoglaciation elsewhere in the Rocky Mountains. However, there is no geomorphic evidence of corresponding glacial activity in the canyon area. Relative moisture during these two periods differs significantly, suggesting that Neoglacial conditions were controlled primarily by changes in summer temperature.
LnCrTeO6 — A new series of compounds based on the PbSb2O6 structure

Abstract A series of rare earth compounds LnCrTeO6 has been prepared. X-ray investigation shows their structure is related to the PbSb2O6 structure.