cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
North American blastomycosis with oral lesions.

Abstract 1. 1. Oral lesions of North American blastomycosis may be more common than has been believed. 2. 2. Oral lesions may be the first noticed manifestation of the disease. 3. 3. Oral lesions of North American blastomycosis are secondary to primary pulmonary involvement. 4. 4. Oral lesions occur most often as single or multiple ulcerations. They may, however, appear as verrucal lesions, as draining lesions, or as radiolucencies in the maxilla or mandible. 5. 5. Blastomycosis is an infectious disease but not a contagious one. Therefore, there is no excessive risk involved in the treatment of the oral lesions of blastomycosis. 6. 6. Histopathologically, the oral lesions of North American blastomycosis are similar to the cutaneous lesions. Definitive diagnosis of North American blastomycosis should be made only if organisms are identified histologically in tissues or, preferably, by culture.
Filtered backprojection algorithm can outperform iterative maximum likelihood expectation-maximization algorithm

The iterative maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (ML-EM) algorithm is an excellent algorithm for image reconstruction and usually provides better images than the filtered backprojection (FBP) algorithm. However, a windowed FBP algorithm can outperform the ML-EM in certain occasions, when the least-squared difference from the true image, that is, the least-squared error (LSE), is used as the comparison criterion. Computer simulations were carried out for the two algorithms. For a given data set the best reconstruction (compared to the true image) from each algorithm was first obtained, and the two reconstructions are compared. The stopping iteration number of the ML-EM algorithm and the parameters of the windowed FBP algorithm were determined, so that they produced an image that was closest to the true image. However, to use the LSE criterion to compare algorithms, one must know the true image. How to select the optimal parameters when the true image is unknown is a practical open problem. For noisy Poisson projections, computer simulation results indicate that the ML-EM images are better than the regular FBP images, and the windowed FBP algorithm images are better than the ML-EM images. For the noiseless projections, the FBP algorithms outperform the ML-EM algorithm. The computer simulations reveal that the windowed FBP algorithm can provide a reconstruction that is closer to the true image than the ML-EM algorithm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 22, 114–120, 2012 © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of vasoactive agents on the functional surface area of isolated-perfused gills of rainbow trout

1. The relative functional surface area of isolated-perfused gills was evaluated by measuring the influx of14C-urea, a passively diffusing molecule. 2. The catecholamines, norepinephrine and epinephrine, increase functional gill surface area and decrease overall branchial vascular resistance. 3. Surface area and resistance effects of adrenergic agonists and blocking agents demonstrated the presence of both α and β adrenergic receptors in rainbow trout gills. 4. Stimulation of α adrenergic receptors increased both functional surface area and branchial vascular resistance, while β adrenergic receptor stimulation increased functional surface area but decreased branchial vascular resistance. 5. Acetylcholine decreased functional gill surface area and increased overall branchial vascular resistance. 6. The data presented strongly indicate that the functional surface area of rainbow trout gills can be regulated by changing perfusion pathway with adjustments in the relative vascular resistance across the different pathways.
Specific patterns of allergic sensitization in early childhood and asthma & rhinitis risk.

BACKGROUND Specific patterns of allergic sensitization as well as quantification of the in vitro IgE response in early life may provide relevant clinical insight into future rhinitis and asthma risk.
Repression of RNA Polymerase II Transcription by B2 RNA Depends on a Specific Pattern of Structural Regions in the RNA

B2 RNA is a mouse non-coding RNA that binds directly to RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and represses transcription by disrupting critical interactions between the polymerase and promoter DNA. How the structural regions within B2 RNA work together to mediate transcriptional repression is not well understood. To address this question, we systematically deleted structural regions from B2 RNA and determined the effects on transcriptional repression using a highly purified Pol II in vitro transcription system. Deletions that compromised the ability of B2 RNA to function as a transcriptional repressor were also tested for their ability to bind directly to Pol II, which enabled us to distinguish regions uniquely important for repression from those important for binding. We found that transcriptional repression requires a pattern of RNA structural motifs consisting of an extended single-stranded region bordered by two stem-loops. Hence, there is modularity in the function of the stem-loops in B2 RNA-when one stem-loop is deleted, another can take its place to enable transcriptional repression.
Volatile Organic Compounds in Twelve California Office Buildings: Classes, Concentrations and Sources

Concentrations of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and of 39 individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in 12 northern California office buildings of three different ventilation types. The objectives were to characterize indoor air exposures to VOCs, to investigate variations in chemical composition and concentrations among the buildings, and to identify potential sources of tlne VOCs. Indoor TVOC concentrations ranged from 230 to 7000 μg m−3 with a geometric mean of 510μg m−3. The highest TVOC concentrations were measured in two buildings with wet-process photocopiers. Geometric mean concentrations of individual VOCs were, with one exception, less than 5 ppb. There was considerable variation in the chemical composition of the VOC mixtures among the buildings. For most buildings, the oxidized hydrocarbons were the dominant class. Factor analysis identified motor vehicle emissions from outdoor air as a major source of seven aromatic and five alkane hydrocarbons. There was evidence of freon leaking from air conditioning or refrigeration systems in several of the buildings.
ACCURATE AND COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT MODELING OF ION IMPLANTATION IN SINGLE‐CRYSTAL SILICON

This paper describes a modeling strategy and the model development for predicting ion implanted impurity distributions in single‐crystal silicon. Both a computationally efficient semi‐empirical model and a physically‐based, more computationally intense Monte Carlo model have been developed for boron distributions in silicon. The resulting models account very well for the detailed profile dependence on implant dose, tilt angle, and rotation angle in addition to energy.
New insights into the role of CXCR4 in prostate cancer metastasis.

Several investigators have shown that the SDF1α/CXCR4 signaling pathway has a role in promoting prostate cancer metastasis. It has been shown previously that a neutralizing antibody directed toward CXCR4 inhibits prostate cancer cell adhesion and invasion in vitro, inhibits localization to the bone when the prostate cancer cells are injected into the heart, and inhibits tumor growth when the prostate cancer cells are injected directly into the tibial bone. An interesting paper in the current issue of this journal by Xing and colleagues 1 entitled “Tumor cell specific blockade of CXCR4/SDF1α interaction in prostate cancer cells by hTERT promoter induced CXCR4-knockdown: a possible metastasis preventing and minimizing approach” describes the effects of stable down-regulation of CXCR4 on prostate cancer cell adhesion, invasion, and growth in the bone. These data provide additional insights into the growing list of potential mechanism(s) by which CXCR4 and SDF1 may contribute to the metastatic process (see Figure 1).
Variability of Physical Activity During Physical Education Lessons Across Elementary School Grades

The magnitude and source (e.g., school, week) of variability in physical activity during 324 indoor elementary school physical education (PE) lessons (3rd through 5th grade) taught by PE specialists in 20 schools in Minnesota and Texas was examined. Student activity variables included (a) vigorous physical activity (VPA) minutes and proportion of lesson, (b) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes and proportion of lesson, and (c) lesson energy expenditure (EE) and lesson expenditure rate. Although lesson length remained constant, PE provided increased activity as children moved from 3rd through 5th grade. Regression models, including schools, schools by semester, and weeks explained from 32.5% to 100% of the variability in activity with a much greater proportion of the variability explained in 5th grade as compared with 3rd grade. The magnitude of variation was greater for VPA than MVPA and EE measures, suggesting general measures of activity are more stable than specific measures.
Externalities of Testing: Lessons from the Blizzard of 2010

A good place to contemplate the virtues of rational human behavior was at the corner of Connecticut and Nebraska avenues, in Washington, DC, 5 days after the region was slapped with the worst blizz...
A comparison of several analysis of variance programs with unequal cell size

Various programs in statistical packages for analysis of variance with unequal cell size give different results to the same data because of nonorthogonality of the main effects and interactions. This paper explains how these programs treat the problem of analysis of variance of unbalanced data.
Synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides and oligodeoxynucleotide analogs using phosphoramidite intermediates

Abstract The synthesis of two deoxyoligonucleotides, d(G-T-G-A-G-T-T-A-G-C-T-C-A-C) and d(G-T-G-A-G-C-T-A-A-C-T-C-A-C), corresponding to the DNA binding site for cyclic AMP receptor protein is reported. These syntheses have been completed in milligram quantities using a silica gel polymer support methodology and mononucleotide phosphoramidites. Procedures are also reported for synthesizing diastereoisomers of dinucleoside methylphosphonate 3 - phosphoramidites.
Receptor-activated increases in intracellular calcium and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells

We studied the effects of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein and tyrphostin) on receptor-activated increases in cellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in cultured canine femoral arterial smooth muscle cells. Fura-2 imaging analysis showed that each agonist evoked a transient increase in ([Ca2+]i) followed by a sustained plateau phase. Experiments in Ca2+-free medium showed that 70–80% of the transient increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by either agonist is due to influx of extracellular Ca2+ whereas the plateau phase is only due to Ca2+ entry. Pre-incubation with genistein or tyrphostin markedly inhibited the transient rise in [Ca2+]i evoked by serotonin or phenylephrine. Immunoblot analysis of cell extracts with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies revealed that serotonin and phenylephrine also evoked an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrates. These increases were abolished by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. One of the major substrates was recognized by an antibody for rasGAP. These data suggest that receptor-activated increases in [Ca2+]i in vascular smooth muscle cells may be coupled to receptor-activated increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation.
Positronium Formation in Collisions of Positrons with He, Ar, and H 2

Absolute cross sections for the formation of positronium in positron collisions with He, Ar, and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ have been measured for incident positron energies up to 76.3 eV. The results are markedly different, in magnitude and energy dependence, from those of Charlton et al. The measurements in He and ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ agree well with distorted-wave and charge-exchange calculations.
MUSIC IN AMERICAN COMMUNITY COLLEGES: AN HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

This historical examination focuses on the development of music in the community college curriculum from the 1910s to the 1990s. The role of music in the community college is overviewed in light of the changing focus of the community college through history. This examination reveals that the role of music has expanded in tandem with the function of the community college, and it has grown to include both community music activities and preparation for transfer to a conservatory or 4‐year institution.
Two-port multispectral imaging system for contaminant detection on poultry carcasses

The objective of this research was to design and fabricate a compact, cost effective multispectral instrument and to collect and analyze spectra for real-time contaminant detection for poultry processing plants. The prototype system developed in this research consisted of a multispectral imaging system, illumination system and an industrial portable computer. The dual-band spectral imaging system developed in this study was a two-port imaging system that consisted of two identical monochrome cameras, optical system and two narrow bandpass filters whose center of the wavelength are 520 and 560 nm with 10 nm FWHM, respectively. A spectral reflectance from a chicken carcass was collected and split in two directions by an optical system including a beamsplitter and lenses, and then two identical collimated lights were filtered by the narrow bandpass filters and delivered to the cameras. Lens distortions and geometric misalignment of the two cameras were mathematically corrected. The prototype system was tested at the real-time processing line and the preliminary results showed that the dual-band spectral imaging system could effectively detect feces and ingesta on the surface of poultry carcass.
Linking qualitative and quantitative methods in cross-cultural survey research: Techniques from cognitive science

Survey research with diverse cultural and ethnic minority groups is a complex and challenging endeavor that confronts the researcher with problems related to linguistic and conceptual equivalence and measurement as well as problems related to difficulties that respondents have with the sociocultural dimensions of the survey/interview process. One way to improve the quality of cross-cultural surveys and to insure that the findings are culturally relevant and accurate is to combine qualitative and quantitative methods. This paper proposes that certain qualitative techniques from cognitive science, specifically cognitive anthropology and cognitive psychology, are particularly well suited to being combined with survey research. These techniques provide information corresponding to the underlying thought processes of respondents and enable researchers to better understand how different cultural and ethnic groups construe the world. The information obtained can be used improve the formulation of survey questions, design and structure questionnaire formats to coincide with the way particular groups organize concepts, and help researchers understand difficulties respondents may have with the survey/interview process. In addition, the techniques produce data that are easily codifiable and more manageable than traditional qualitative techniques including participant observation and in-depth interviews.
Toward the Synthesis of (+)-Peloruside A via an Intramolecular Vinylogous Aldol Reaction

The use of the intramolecular vinylogous aldol reaction for the preparation of an advanced intermediate for the synthesis of peloruside A is described. The reaction was applied to compound 19 and proceeds in high yield and good levels of diastereoselectivity. Application of the Achmatowicz reaction to this intermediate provided the corresponding pyranone, a late stage intermediate well positioned for conversion to the natural product.
Recent Progress in the Development of Structure-Property Correlations for κ-Phase Organic Superconductors

Abstract An examination of the molecular packing arrangements of the electron-donor molecules in κ-phase organic conductors and superconductors [κ-(BEDT-TTF)2X (X ˭ I3−, Cu(NCS)2−), κ-(MDT-TTF)2AuI2, and κ-(BMDT-TTF)2Au(CN)2] reveal that the main predictors of superconductivity appear to be (i) bond-over-ring intradimer molecular packing and (ii) relatively short (∼ 3.35A) intradimer separations. These structural features in newly discovered κ-phase organic conductors may be requirements for the occurrence of ambient pressure superconductivity.
Collaboration in the small vs. collaboration in the large

For the past several years, the Collaborative Software Development Laboratory (CSDL) at the University of Hawaii has been pursuing research along two general fronts: the development of computer systems to support group activities (collaborative software), as well as research on the process of developing software in a group setting (collaborative development). Our research projects include:• Egret, a client-server system for implementing domain-specific, collaborative, hypertext systems [1, 6, 7, 9];• CSRS, an Egret-based system for software review and quality improvement [2, 10, 11, 12, 8, 6, 7, 9];• AEN, an Egret-based system for collaborative authoring and learning [3];• CLARE, an Egret-based system collaborative learning and review [4, 13, 14, 15].• ICS-WWW, a WWW-based system for exploring community building through electronic means [5].From these experiences, we have be gun to recognize two fundamentally different styles of collaboration and collaborative system, which we term collaboration-in-t he-large and collaboration-in-the-small. Collaboration in the large, embodied by such systems as WWW, scales to thousands or millions of individuals. Such domain-independent scale requires a kind of collaborative "open world assumption": users do not know the answers to such elementary questions as: Who are the other users? What is the set of artifacts in the system? What has changed sinceyesterday? What is interesting to me? Is the information repository structurally consistent? What is user X doing right now?In contrast, the systems b uilt by our lab exploit the possibiliti es of domain-specific, collaboration-in-the- small where a "closed world assumption" holds. In our systems, in contrast to WWW, all of the preceeding questions have answers, at least relative to the domain of discourse embodied in the system. The cost of collaboration in the small is its lack of scalability both technically and socially: it is unlikely that groups of more than 50 or 100 could work together effectively in our systems, or that our system could provide adequate responsiveness to larger groups.
Evidence for selective loss of brain dopamine- and histamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities in rabbits with aging

Dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in striatum and both dopamine- and histamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in hypothalamus, frontal cortex and anterior limbic cortex declined by about 50% as rabbits aged from 5.5 months to 5.5 years of age. These changes were primarily in maximal response to amine although an additional component involving decreased affinity in the case of dopamine may also be present. In contrast, dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase of retina and both basal and guanyl-5'-yl-imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)-stimulated activity in these regions were not altered with age. There was no measurable decrease in the old animals in either dopamine or norepinephrine concentration in striatum, anterior limbic cortex or retina, or in choline acetylase activity or [3H]quinuclidinylbenzilate binding in striatum, anterior limbic cortex or frontal cortex. It is proposed that selective age-dependent decreases in transmitter receptors coupled to adenylate cyclases occur in the absence of or independent from neuronal cell loss, as evidenced by the retention of the other biochemical markers.
Biodiversity for industrial crop development in the United States

Abstract Genetic diversity is an essential component of successful improvement programs worldwide for conventional and potential new crops. Access to diverse genetic materials is often the key factor in the success or failure of new industrial crops, all of which have deficiencies in useful constituents and/or agronomic traits. Crambe ( Crambe abyssinica ) was first identified as a source of erucic fatty acid in 1957. Farmers, mainly in North Dakota, planted 24,300 ha of crambe in 1993. Although five cultivars have been developed, limited genetic diversity in this species has resulted in slow, incremental improvements. Kenaf ( Hibiscus cannabinus ), an annual source of paper pulp and other fibrous products, remains on the verge of significant commercialization. Most of the standard cultivars trace back to a Salvadorian strain. Improvements in adaptability and nematode resistance would enhance the crop prospects for kenaf. The development of nematode-resistant/tolerant cultivars may require intensive evaluation of materials with nematode tolerance, interspecific crosses with bridging species, or the use of biotech techniques. For Cuphea , the development of lines that retain seeds in their fruit and a significant broadening of the species germplasm base represents major advances in the search for annual crop sources of medium-chain-length fatty acids. Several species, especially Euphorbia lagascae, Stokesia laevis , and Vernonia galamensis , are potential new oilseed sources of epoxy fatty acid. Germplasm of E. lagascae is very limited but is essential in improving seed retention. Germplasm of S. laevis , native to the United States, is readily accessible and genetically variable. The slow germination and seedling growth of this perennial are major deterrents to its commercialization. The day-length neutral selections of V. galamensis have greatly improved the crop potential of this African species. Future prospects for acreage expansion of crambe and kenaf appear very good and the crop potential of Cuphea has been greatly enhanced through significant agronomic improvements. The successful commercialization and sustained production of these and other species depend to a large degree on access to genetically diverse germplasm. Free exchange of germplasm internationally will contribute significantly to the worldwide development of new industrial crops.
Subcritical and supercritical droplet evaporation within a zero gravity environment; on the discrepancies between theoretical and experimental results

A comprehensive axisymmetric numerical model has been developed to study high pressure droplet evaporation. In this model, high pressure transient effects, variable thermo-physical properties and inert species solubility in the liquid-phase are considered. First, the axisymmetric model has been utilized to explain the discrepancy between theoretical and experimental results on microgravity droplet evaporation that has been reported in the literature [J.R. Yang and S.C. Wong, Ref. 35]. In addition, this effort led to a thorough validation of the model against the most extensive microgravity experimental data available in the literature on droplet evaporation. Second, the validated model has been utilized to investigate spherically symmetric droplet evaporation for a wide range of ambient pressures and temperatures. The predictions show that the average droplet evaporation constant decreases with ambient pressure at sub-critical ambient temperatures, becomes insensitive to pressure at ambient temperatures a...
An Analysis of Reflectance Spectrophotometry as Applied to Meat and Model Systems

SUMMARY— A comparison of different ways of treating reflectance data showed that K/S ratios were best suited for quantitative analysis of myoglobin derivatives in intact meat samples. Evidence was found for a change in the average path length of light reflected from a water suspension of a myoglobin-dried milk mixture. The average path length decreased in the region of an absorbancy peak. The ratios of K/S values derived from reflectance data on myoglobin derivatives can be quite different from the ratios of absorbancy coefficients of the same derivatives at the same wavelengths but obtained by transmission spectrophotometry. Results with a myoglobin-dried milk suspension showed that the nature of the blank used for reflectance had an important influence on the K/S ratio.
BLIND AGAINST HYPOXIA STRESS

![Figure][1] Living in underground borrows, Spalax , the blind subterranean mole rat, is often exposed to extreme fluctuations of oxygen level due to changes in the soil's gas permeability caused by seasonal floods that saturate the soil. As a result of their subterranean life-style, Spalax
Characterization of the Vaccinia Virus RNA 5′-Triphosphatase and Nucleoside Triphosphate Phosphohydrolase Activities DEMONSTRATION THAT BOTH ACTIVITIES ARE CARRIED OUT AT THE SAME ACTIVE SITE

D1R1-545, an active subdomain of the large subunit of vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme possessing ATPase, RNA 5′-triphosphatase, and guanylyltransferase activities, was expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to be functionally equivalent to the heterodimeric enzyme (Myette, J. R., and Niles, E. G. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 11936-11944). A detailed characterization of the phosphohydrolytic activities of D1R1-545 demonstrates that, in addition to ATPase and RNA 5′-triphosphatase activities, the capping enzyme also possesses a general nucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase activity that lacks a preference for the nucleoside base or sugar. Nucleoside triphosphate and mRNA saturation kinetics are markedly different, with RNA exhibiting a Km and turnover number 100- and 10-fold less, respectively, than those values measured for any NTP. The linear competitive inhibition of RNA 5′-triphosphatase activity by ATP, and the relative manner by which both ATPase and RNA 5′-triphosphatase activities are inhibited by specific oligonucleotides, kinetically demonstrate that each activity is carried out at a common active site. Direct UV photo-cross-linking of either 32P-radiolabeled ATP or 23-mer triphosphorylated RNA, followed by cyanogen bromide cleavage of the photo-linked enzyme, localizes the major binding site for both ATP and RNA to a region between amino acids 1 and 221. The inability of ATP to competitively inhibit either E∼GMP formation or the transfer of GMP to RNA kinetically differentiates the phosphohydrolase active site from the guanylyltransferase active site.
Coulomb effects in optically excited semiconductor quantum dots

The linear and nonlinear optical properties of semiconductor microcrystallites are analyzed taking into account the Coulomb interaction between the carriers and the influence of surface charges. A numerical matrix diagonalization method is used to evaluate the energy eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenstates. It is predicted that excited two-pair states lead to a pronounced induced absorption on the high energy side of the one-pair resonance. This prediction is confirmed by femtosecond and nanosecond experiments in CdSe and CdS quantum dots. Additionally, effects of traps or impurities and external dc electric fields are discussed.
Association between urinary 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, a metabolite of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, and serum T4 and TSH in NHANES 1999–2002

Abstract Thyroid hormones are vital to a host of human physiological functions in both children and adults. Exposures to chemicals, including chlorpyrifos, have been found to modify thyroid signaling at environmentally relevant levels in animal studies. The aim of this study was to examine circulating T4 and TSH levels in relation to urinary concentrations of 3, 5, 6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY), a metabolite of the organophosphorus insecticides chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-methyl, using data from individuals 12 years and older from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). NHANES datasets from 1999 to 2000 and 2001–2002 were combined, and individuals with thyroid disease, those taking thyroid medications, and pregnant women were excluded (N = 3249). Multivariable linear regression models for relationships between log-transformed urinary TCPY and serum total T4 or log (TSH) were constructed adjusting for important covariates. Models were stratified by sex and a categorical age variable (12–18, 18–40, 40–60, and > 60 years). In male participants, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in urinary TCPY was associated with statistically significant increases in serum T4 of 3.8% (95th CI 0.75 to 7.0) among those 12–18 years of age and 3.5% (95th CI 0.13 to 7.0) in the 18–40 year age group, relative to median T4 levels using unweighted models. An IQR increase in TCPY was also associated with decreases in TSH of 10.7% (− 18.7–2.05) among men 18–40 years old and 20.0% (95th CI − 28.9 to − 9.86) among men > 60 years old. Conversely, urinary TCPY was positively associated with TSH in females > 60 years of age. Further research to confirm these findings, elucidate mechanisms of action, and explore the clinical and public health significance of such alterations in thyroid hormones is needed.
Two-tier framework for channel acquisition in public wireless LANs

Recently, hot spots served by public area wireless networks (PAWNs) have been proposed as cost-effective complementary infrastructures to third-generation cellular systems. PAWNs are base-station-oriented wireless LANs, offering tens of megabits per second to public or private hot spot users. Since PAWNs operate in the unlicensed spectrum, channel control methodologies are needed to overcome potential interference conditions. Also, to meet the requirements of future wireless applications, their deployment should take into account quality of service requirements and the fluctuations of network traffic. These issues are addressed here, and a centralized two-tier dynamic resource reservation framework suitable for PAWN deployments is proposed and analyzed.
Integrins Establish Dendrite-Substrate Relationships that Promote Dendritic Self-Avoidance and Patterning in Drosophila Sensory Neurons

Dendrites achieve characteristic spacing patterns during development to ensure appropriate coverage of territories. Mechanisms of dendrite positioning via repulsive dendrite-dendrite interactions are beginning to be elucidated, but the control, and importance, of dendrite positioning relative to their substrate is poorly understood. We found that dendritic branches of Drosophila dendritic arborization sensory neurons can be positioned either at the basal surface of epidermal cells, or enclosed within epidermal invaginations. We show that integrins control dendrite positioning on or within the epidermis in a cell autonomous manner by promoting dendritic retention on the basal surface. Loss of integrin function in neurons resulted in excessive self-crossing and dendrite maintenance defects, the former indicating a role for substrate interactions in self-avoidance. In contrast to a contact-mediated mechanism, we find that integrins prevent crossings that are noncontacting between dendrites in different three-dimensional positions, revealing a requirement for combined dendrite-dendrite and dendrite-substrate interactions in self-avoidance.
Modification of deoxyribonucleic acid-thyroid hormone receptor interaction by histones.

The effects of histones on receptor-DNA interaction were examined using using an in vitro DNA-cellulosebinding assay of [125I]T3 receptor. Hi histones bound to DNAcellulose strongly inhibited binding of receptor to DNA-cellulose. DNA-cellulose column chromatography showed that 80% of T3- binding activity attached to DNA-cellulose could be eluted using 1 mg Hi histone/ml at low ionic strength. The potent inhibitory activity of H1 histones on receptor-DNA binding was reversed by removal of H1 H1stones from DNA-cellulose or by removal of H1 H1stones from receptor. The interaction was specific for the DNA-binding activity of receptor, since H1 H1stones inH1bit neither T3-binding activity nor core H1stone-binding activity of receptor. In contrast, low concentrations of core H1stones enhanced binding of T3 receptor to DNA-cellulose. TH1s effect was also seen when DNA-cellulose was treated with core H1stones and then deprived of free core H1stones. The enhancement was reversed by removal of core H1stones bound t...
Low-Frequency and Low-Cost Test Methodology for Integrated RF Substrates

A low-cost test method is proposed for testing integrated radio-frequency (RF) substrates with embedded RF passive filters. The proposed method enables the testing of embedded high-frequency gigahertz filters by the analysis of low-frequency signal of the order of 100 MHz. In addition, the test method allows the testing without injecting external test stimulus into RF filters. Hence, significant reduction in the test cost is achieved by the proposed test method. As compared to the conventional test method which uses vector network analyzer (VNA), the proposed method reduces the test-setup cost by around 75%. The proposed test method relies on three core principles. First, the RF filter is made a part of the feedback network of an external RF amplifier circuit located on the probe card, thereby causing the amplifier to oscillate. Second, the output spectrum of the amplifier (GHz) is down-converted to a lower frequency (MHz) to facilitate test response measurement. Third, RF (GHz) specifications of the filters are predicted by the analysis of the low-frequency (MHz) test-setup output. Both parametric and catastrophic failures in the embedded high-frequency (GHz) passive filter can be detected at low-frequency (MHz) by monitoring the change in the oscillation frequency of the proposed test setup. The test method is demonstrated with both simulations and measurements.
Using a stated choice model to test the viability of new sport event ticket packages

In an increasingly revenue-driven intercollegiate athletic environment, athletic directors are often faced with the seemingly opposing objectives of creating revenue while simultaneously serving the often price sensitive needs of the student body. A stated discrete choice model is proposed to assist decision-making in ticketing strategy. In this experiment students were exposed to a series of 12 choice scenarios, which displayed ticket options with varying levels of desirable ticket attributes. This investigation was based on 420 students selected using a two-stage cluster sampling procedure from students enrolled in a physical education program at the university. The model was useful in assessing: 1) the degree of cannibalisation between ticket offerings; 2) the consumer targets more likely to be interested in new packages; 3) the monetary value that student consumers were willing to pay for a new package. The results may aid decision-making in the area of ticket packages and pricing.
Resection of isolated renal cell carcinoma metastases of the pancreas: outcomes from the Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Purpose This study aims to assess outcomes and characteristics associated with resection of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) to the pancreas.
Comorbidities, Treatment and Survival

The Authors reply --- While a minority of men with severe manifestations of certain comorbid diseases will have favorable outcomes, our data suggest that the majority of these men do very poorly. Since there is a spectrum of disease severity within a given disease state — even for the most morbid diseases — men who are preselected for good health (i.e. radical prostatectomy candidates) will inevitably exhibit less severe manifestations of disease. Therefore, the survival estimates associated with comorbidity in a radical prostatectomy cohort will appear inflated compared with those in a broader population of men with newly diagnosed disease. However, we feel that the latter scenario more accurately models the intended clinical question: How do we quantify the average risk of mortality associated with a given comorbidity for a man with newly diagnosed prostate cancer? While we certainly agree that clinical context may alter prognosis estimates associated with a given disease state, we strongly feel that patients (and their doctors) should be well informed of the typical prognosis associated with their pre-existing comorbidities, prior to subjective adjustment. These estimates are most accurate when considered in a cohort of men with newly diagnosed disease, rather than those undergoing definitive treatment.
THE TROUBLE WITH ANTITHESES: THE CASE OF G. K. GILBERT, GEOGRAPHER AND EDUCATOR

Accounts of the paradigmatic history of twentieth century American geomorphology traditionally describe Gilbert and Davis in anthithetical terms. That characterization partially misrepresents Gilbert, who was a geographer and an educator as well as a geologist and an investigator. Viewing the Gilbertian paradigm as the antithesis of the outmoded Davisian paradigm may have facilitated the acceptance of Gilbert's approach, but extending the dichotomous generalization to other aspects of Gilbert and Davis impedes full appreciation of Gilbert's contributions.
Analysis and Optimization of the Coupled Parameters of the Graz Cycle

The Graz Cycle is a unique power cycle design that has been proposed for the conversion of coal derived syngas or natural gas into mechanical energy while capturing carbon dioxide. The hydrocarbon is burned in pure oxygen, and water is condensed before a portion of the products are recycled back. Previous analyses have shown theoretical efficiencies of 56.12% [1]. Such a high theoretical efficiency, combined with carbon dioxide capture, makes this cycle design highly attractive. Little previous work has gone into optimizing the Graz Cycle design. Optimizing complex power cycles is complicated by the fact that a change in the operating conditions of one component of the cycle can alter temperatures and pressures around the rest of the cycle, impacting the performance of other cycle machinery. This paper addresses this issue through the application of a multivariable optimization algorithm. We have developed a model for the Graz Cycle using simplified equations of state and verified the results against previous studies. This model predicts a cycle efficiency of 56.72%, while the orginal calculation shows a value of 56.12% [1]. These values do not account for efficiency losses in the liquefaction and sequestration of carbon dioxide, or the efficiency penalty associated with coal gasification when syngas is used. A sensitivity analysis was performed on our model in order to identify the impact of key system parameters, including cycle temperatures, pressures, and molar flow rates, on the efficiency. This procedure, which amounts to changing one parameter at a time to maximize efficiency, resulted in an optimized efficiency of 57.84%. A computational optimization algorithm based on a simulated annealing scheme was then devised and used to alter system parameters simultaneously. An overall theoretical efficiency of 60.11% was achieved using this method. Another optimization scheme which accounts for hardware limitations and plant capital costs was also studied. This optimization yielded an efficiency of 58.76% while limiting the system high pressure to 110 bar. The results reveal that complex relationships between plant costs, fuel costs, and overall efficiency can be taken into account in a single unified analysis that minimizes a plant’s lifetime cost per unit of output. We demonstrate that the optimized cycle is actually simpler that the original cycle, without losing efficiency.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Hydrolysis of thorium carbides between 25 and 99°C☆

Abstract The reactions with water of arc-cast thorium carbides with total-C/Th atom ratios varying from 0·8 to 2·1 were investigated. Thorium monocarbide produced mostly methane (and also hydrogen if carbon-deficient). Thorium dicarbide yielded C 2 to C 8 -hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and a nonvolatile wax. Varying the reaction temperature between 25 and 99°C caused no change in the hydrolysis products, although the reactions were considerably faster at the higher temperatures. Hydrolysis of monocarbide-dicarbide mixtures gave the products expected from simple ThC-ThC 1·95 binaries. Tungsten (2·4 atom%) as an impurity in thorium dicarbide catalysed the polymerization of the C 2 units to wax which markedly changed the gas composition. The maximum combined-C/Th atom ratio obtainable by arc-melting with graphite electrodes was 1·95 rather than the theoretical 2·00. There was no indication of any significant range of composition for the dicarbide. The lattice parameter for ThC 1·0 was 5·346A, and for the carbon-deficient ThC 0·81 5·340 A.
Taming the Tiger: Militarization and Democracy in Latin America

The relationship between militarization and democracy in Latin America 1972-86 is evaluated. Two dimensions of democracy loosely based on Dahl's Polyarchy - average democracy over time and the lowest level of democracy during a multi-year period of time - are regressed against two indicators of militarization, military spending and military participation ratios. In pooled time-series analyses, it is shown that: (a) military spending has a significant negative effect on democracy scores over time; and (b) that military participation ratios have a more robust negative impact. In an alternative cross-sectional design and holding the lagged level of democracy constant, both militarization indicators are strongly related to low levels of democracy during a multi-year time period. When the two indicators are simultaneously utilized as regressors, military participation ratio remains robust and military spending becomes trivial. It is suggested that military participation ratios have a much stronger negative effect on democracy because (a) the data are more reliable for participation than expenditures, and (b) military participation ratio includes a pro-authoritarian socializing dimension. No evidence exists to support reversed causality: High militarization causes low levels of democracy, low levels of democracy do not cause militarization. Finally, it is shown that the negative impact of militarization on democracy began to diminish in the late 1970s, such that the negative effect is much stronger in 1973-74 than in 1985-86.
An introduction to decision tree modeling

In this tutorial, traditional decision tree construction and the current state of decision tree modeling are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on techniques that make decision trees well suited to handle the complexities of chemical and biochemical applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Case for Creating a DBA Program – A Virtue-based Opportunity for Universities

Although efforts have been made to increase the opportunities for American-born minorities to obtain doctoral degrees in business, the actual number of business students who are American-born minorities has been extremely low. At the same time more than half of all PhD candidates in business schools are foreign-born. We suggest that business schools owe an ethical duty to provide role models for minority business students, and that this duty can be achieved by initiating Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs that can enable working professionals who are American-born minorities to obtain terminal degrees in business. We outline eight steps that can be taken to implement a viable and cost effective DBA program.
Output analysis: output data analysis for simulations

This paper reviews statistical methods for analyzing output data from computer simulations of single systems. In particular, it focuses on the estimation of steady-state system parameters. The estimation techniques include the replication/deletion approach, the regenerative method, the batch means method, and the standardized time series method.
Molecular genetic approaches to the study of cellular senescence.

Abstract Normal cells in culture exhibit limited division potential, which is used as a model for cellular aging. In contrast, tumor-derived, carcinogen- or virus-transformed cells are capable of dividing indefinetely (immortal). Fusion of normal with immortal human cells yielded hybrids having limited life span, indicating that cellular senescence is a dominant phenotype and that immortality is recessive. Fusions of various immortal human cell lines with each other led to the identification of four complementation groups for indefinite division. In order to identify the chromosomes and genes involved in growth regulation, that had been modified in immortal cells, we used the technique of fusion to introduce either a normal human chromosome 11 or 4 into cell lines representative of the different complementation groups. Chromosome 11 had no effect on the in vitro life span of the different immortal human tumor lines. However, when a normal human chromosome 4 was introduced into cell lines assigned to complementation group B, the cells lost the immortal phenotype. No effect on the proliferation potential of cell lines representing of the other complementation groups was observed. These results suggest that a gene(s) on human chromosome 4 has been modified in immortal cell lines assigned to complementation group B, to allow escape from senescence. They also provide evidence for a genetic basis for cellular aging.
A new method of imputation in survey sampling

In this paper, an alternative estimator of population mean in the presence of non-response has been suggested which comes in the form of Walsh's estimator. The estimator of mean obtained from the proposed technique remains better than the estimators obtained from ratio or mean methods of imputation. The mean-squared error (MSE) of the resultant estimator is less than that of the estimator obtained on the basis of ratio method of imputation for the optimum choice of parameters. An estimator for estimating a parameter involved in the process of new method of imputation has been discussed. A suggestion to form ‘warm deck’ method of imputation has been suggested. The MSE expressions for the proposed estimators have been derived analytically and compared empirically. The work has been extended to the case of multi-auxiliary information to be used for imputation. Numerical illustrations are also provided.
Plasmonic effects in ultrathin amorphous silicon solar cells: performance improvements with Ag nanoparticles on the front, the back, and both

Thin-film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells that are free-standing over a 2x2 mm area have been fabricated with thicknesses of 150 nm, 100 nm, and 60 nm. Silver nanoparticles (NPs) created on the front and/or back surfaces of the solar cells led to improvement in performance measures such as current density, overall efficiency, and external quantum efficiency. The effect of changing silver nanoparticle size and incident light angle was tested. Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations are presented as a way to understand the experimental results as well as guide future research efforts.
A Program Structure Analyzer

PSA (program structure analyzer) is a tool for visually displaying a C program. PSA displays the call graph of a program. The user selectively controls which portions of the graph to display and may enhance the appearance of nodes which meet specified criteria. Access to other syntactical information about the program is available from a menu interface. >