cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geometic image formation for target identification in multi-energy computed tomography

Recent years have seen growing interest in exploiting dual- and multi-energy measurements in computed tomog­ raphy (CT) in order to characterize material properties as well as object geometry. Materials characterization is performed by decomposing the scene into constitutive basis functions, such as Compton and photoelectric scattering functions used here. While well motivated physically, the joint recovery of the spatial distribution of photoelectric and Compton properties is severely complicated by the lack of sensitivity in the data to photoelec­ tric variations. Moreover, while we have prior knowledge of Compton and photoelectric coefficients for materials of interest, this prior knowledge is imperfect and the true physical properties may assume a range of values. We propose a model-based iterative approach which accounts for the polyenergetic nature of computed tomography and includes patch based regularization terms to stabilize inversion of photoelectric coefficients. Further, we use a level set-based method to provide high spatial resolution for materials of interest, allowing initial estimates of material properties to be adjusted within a user-specified range. Initial results indicate that this approach is promising for future dual- and multi-energy CT systems with enhanced material characterization capabilities, for use in airport baggage screening and potentially in medical imaging.
Flow Localization Processes in Austenitic Alloys

Austenitic alloys are widely used for structural component applications in high irradiation environments. In general, they are more resistant to embrittlement than other classes of structural alloys, particularly at ambient and intermediate temperatures. Nevertheless, this class of materials suffers from highly localized flow when irradiated to moderate dose (∼ 1 to 5 dpa) at temperatures between 150 and 400°C. The loss of ductility is normally exhibited by very low values of uniform elongation in tensile tests. The processes that lead to plastic instability are examined here for several face centered cubic materials and alloys. It is found that there is a critical stress level at which necking initiates. This critical stress level is not influenced by irradiation exposure. However, irradiation exposure, which increases material yield strength, does result in proportional reductions in uniform elongation. Most of the materials examined here exhibit a bilinear strain hardening behavior. This leads to direct correlation between the material yield strength and the uniform elongation.
Raman and i.r.-emission studies of some tungstate- and molybdate- containing melts

Abstract Melts containing tungstate and molybdate ions have been studied using Raman and i.r.- emission spectroscopy. Vibrational data obtained for Mo16O42−- and Mo18O42− containing melts firmly support a tetrahedral structure for MoO42− (and by implication for WO42− as well) and establish the correct assignment of ν4 and ν4 for this species. Acidification of these MoO42− and WO42− melts by addition of the corresponding metal trioxides produced no significant change in the observed spectra, although significant solubilities of the trioxides in the WO42− and MoO42− melts were observed.
Investigation of kink-induced excess RF channel noise in sub -50 nm PD-SOI MOSFETs

RF noise performance of PD-SOI MOSFETs at 40 nm gate length is reported. Using drift-diffusion transport, a good match between small signal measurements and simulations is obtained in presence of velocity saturation and impact ionization. Similar to bulk, PD-SOI also exhibits excess RF channel noise. A sharp rise in the channel noise parameter γ near the kink region in the DC I–V can be explained by a rise in the body potential due to floating body effect and consequent increase of the effective drain conductance at zero drain bias.
Curative one-shot systemic virotherapy in murine myeloma.

Current therapy for multiple myeloma is complex and prolonged. Antimyeloma drugs are combined in induction, consolidation and/or maintenance protocols to destroy bulky disease, then suppress or eradicate residual disease. Oncolytic viruses have the potential to mediate both tumor debulking and residual disease elimination, but this curative paradigm remains unproven. Here we engineered an oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus to minimize its neurotoxicity, enhance induction of antimyeloma immunity, and facilitate noninvasive monitoring of its intratumoral spread. Using high resolution imaging, autoradiography and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that the intravenously administered virus extravasates from tumor blood vessels in immunocompetent myeloma-bearing mice, nucleating multiple intratumoral infectious centers which expand rapidly and necrose at their centers, ultimately coalescing to cause extensive tumor destruction. This oncolytic tumor debulking phase lasts only for 72 hours after virus administration, and is completed before antiviral antibodies become detectable in the bloodstream. Anti-myeloma T cells, cross-primed as the virus-infected cells provoke an antiviral immune response, then eliminate residual uninfected myeloma cells. The study establishes a curative oncolytic paradigm for multiple myeloma where direct tumor debulking and immune eradication of minimal disease are mediated by a single intravenous dose of a single therapeutic agent. Clinical translation is underway.
Paleoanthropological and paleoecological implications of the taphonomy of a sabertooth's den

Abstract At least three species of sabertooth cats ( Homotherium, Megantereon and Dinofelis ) were sympatric with early Homo before 1·5 m.y.a. Sabertooth cats may have contributed significant scavengeable animal foods to early hominid diet (Blumenschine, 1987; Turner, 1988; Marean, 1989); however, to model this potential contribution it is first necessary, to gain data on sabertooth prey preferences, carcass disarticulation, carcass part transport, and completeness of carcass consumption. We may gain such data from studies of fossil dens attributable to sabertooths and functional analyses of sabertooth anatomy. Here we report on a Pleistocene den attributable to Homotherium , a genus found in both Pleistocene Africa and Eurasia, from the Friesenhahn Cave in Texas. Juvenile mammoths dominate the assemblage to the near exclusion of other species, suggesting that Homotherium specialised on the very young of mammoths in North America (Evans, 1961; Graham, 1976), and probably young mega-fauna in other continents. This indicates that the preferred prey size was approximately the size of an adult buffalo. Limb bones, of high flesh yield, of proboscidea are more abundant than other skeletal elements suggesting that Homotherium selectively transported parts of the skeleton away from the kill locality to more favorable locations. This shows that Homotherium was effective at carcass disarticulation and body part transport. Analysis of toothmarks shows that the toothmark frequencies are similar to those from hyaena and leopard dens, and this demonstrates that Homotherium was able to effectively deflesh long bones of its prey. These data suggest that Homotherium would have provided early Homo with moderate amounts of scavengeable mammal remains, not the massive amounts hypothesised previously (Blumenschine, 1987; Marean, 1989).
Poverty: social control over our labor force

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to raise concern and discussion about poverty. This paper explores the difficulties of defining poverty and its origins.Design/methodology/approach – This paper utilizes research from psychological and sociological literature to analyze differing schools of thought regarding poverty. A macro‐level perspective of poverty is defined and compared to a micro‐level perspective of poverty. The lack of conformity concerning these opposing schools of thought often impedes the development of solutions for poverty.Findings – What society believes to be true about poverty will influence how society treats poverty. Some solutions to poverty may only perpetuate the problems of the impoverished depending on how poverty is operationally defined and its origins understood. Literary research is used to support a hypothesis that poverty exists in function to society to insure a readily available, low wage, labor force.Social implications – The provided information regarding the impact...
Characterization of ATP binding sites of sheep kidney medulla (Na+ + K+)--ATPase using CrATP.

Abstract The nucleotide substrate sites of sheep kidney medulla (Na + + K + )-ATPase are characterized using CrATP, a paramagnetic, substitution-inert substrate analogue probe. The paramagnetic effect of CrATP on 1 T 1 of water protons is enhanced upon complexation with the enzyme. Titrations of the enzyme with CrATP in the presence of Na + and K + yielded characteristic enhancements for the binary enzyme-CrATP and ternary enzyme-Mg 2+ -CrATP complexes of 3.3 and 3.6 and dissociation constants for CrATP of 5 and 12 μM, respectively. Substitution of Li + for K + in these titrations did not substantially alter the titration behavior. From the frequency dependence of 1 T 1 , the correlation time, τ c , for the dipolar water proton-CrATP interaction is 2.7 × 10 −10 sec, indicating that τ c is dominated by τ s , the electron spin relaxation time of Cr 3+ . The paramagnetic effect of enzyme-bound Mn 2+ on 1 T 1 of water protons decreases upon the addition of CrATP. Titration of the binary enzyme-Mn 2+ complex with CrATP decreases the characteristic enhancement due to Mn 2+ from 6.6–8.0 to 1.5. The failure to observe free Mn 2+ epr signals in solutions of the ATPase, Mn 2+ , and CrATP demonstrate that this decrease in ϵ Mn * is due to cross-relaxation between Mn 2+ and Cr 3+ bound simultaneously to the enzyme, and not to displacement of Mn 2+ from the enzyme by CrATP. The relaxation rate, 1⧸ T 1 , of 7 Li + is increased upon addition of CrATP to solutions of the ATPase, indicating that the sites for Li + and CrATP are close on the enzyme. A Cr 3+ -Li + distance of 4.8 ± 0.5 A is calculated from that data.
Pilot study of providing online care in a primary care setting.

OBJECTIVE To study the use of e-visits in a primary care setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS A pilot study of using the Internet for online care ("e-visits") was conducted in the Department of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Patients in the department preregistered for the service, and then were able to use the online portal for consultations with their primary care physician. Use of the online portal was monitored and data were collected from November 1, 2007, through October 31, 2009. RESULTS During the 2-year period, 4282 patients were registered for the service. Patients made 2531 online visits, and billings were made for 1159 patients. E-visits were submitted primarily by women during working hours and involved 294 different conditions. Of the 2531 e-visits, 62 (2%) included uploaded photographs, and 411 (16%) replaced nonbillable telephone protocols with billable encounters. The e-visits made office visits unnecessary in 1012 cases (40%); in 324 cases (13%), the patient was asked to schedule an appointment for a face-to-face encounter. CONCLUSION Although limited in scope, to our knowledge this is the largest study of online visits in primary care using a structured history, allowing the patient to enter any problem, and billing the patient when appropriate. The extent of conditions possible for treatment by online care was far-ranging and was managed with a minimum of message exchanges by using structured histories. Processes previously given as a free service or by nurse triage and subject to malpractice (protocols) were now documented and billed.
Chemical Displacement of Molecules Adsorbed on Copper Surfaces: Low-Temperature Studies with Applications to Surface Reactions

Previous experiments have demonstrated that displacement of a molecule adsorbed on a metal surface by an impinging gas-phase molecule can be quite a facile process. The generality of this process for an enthalpic driving force as small as 1 kcal/mol is demonstrated here using the displacement of a weakly binding alkene, cyclopentene, by a series of more strongly binding alkenes on Cu(100). Surface structure sensitivity in the process is also demonstrated by a comparison of benzene and cyclopentene coadsorption on Cu(100) and Cu(110). This work also shows the utility of conducting the displacement process below the temperature at which the displaced molecule desorbs from the multilayer so that temperature-programmed desorption can be used to quantify the surface coverage of displaced molecules. It is also shown that one can readily determine the kinetics of adsorbate bond dissociation and bond formation reactions by combining these chemical displacement measurements of surface coverage with an anneal/quenc...
Diesel vs. compressed natural gas for school buses: a cost-effectiveness evaluation of alternative fuels

Abstract Reducing emissions from school buses is a priority for both state and federal regulators. Two popular alternative technologies to conventional diesel (CD) are emission controlled diesel (ECD), defined here to be diesel buses equipped with continuously regenerating particle filters, and engines fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). This paper uses a previously published model to quantify the impact of particulate matter (PM), oxides of nitrogen (NO x ), and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) emissions on population exposure to ozone and to primary and secondary PM, and to quantify the resulting health damages, expressed in terms of lost quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Resource costs include damages from greenhouse gas-induced climate change, vehicle procurement, infrastructure development, and operations. I find that ECD and CNG produce very similar reductions in health damages compared to CD, although CNG has a modest edge because it may have lower NO x emissions. However, ECD is far more cost effective ($400,000–900,000 cost per QALY saved) than CNG (around $4 million per QALY saved). The results are uncertain because the model used makes a series of simplifying assumptions and because emissions data and cost data for school buses are very limited.
Synthesis of the α and β subunits of coupling factor 1 by polysomes from pea chloroplasts

Abstract Washed thylakoids of pea chloroplasts, containing tightly bound polysomes, incorporate radioactive amino acids into protein when supplied with soluble factors from Escherichia coli. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with lithium dodecyl sulfate, followed by autoradiography of the labeled products, showed the synthesis of a number of different polypeptides. Two of the most heavily labeled products were in the region expected for the α and β subunits of coupling factor 1, at 57 and 54 kDa. Positive identification of the subunits was made using monospecific antibodies. Furthermore, the same two polypeptides made by soluble polysomes located in the chloroplast stroma were found. While the major proportion of the newly formed α and β subunits made by thylakoid-bound polysomes remained with the thylakoids after protein synthesis occurred, no evidence was found of incorporation into complete, EDTA-extractable coupling factor 1.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Freezing and Thawing of Foods: Enthalpy and Apparent Specific Heat

On the basis of the principles of freezing point depression, equations for the temperature rate of ice formation, apparent specific heat, and enthalpy were derived and expressed in terms of solids content and temperature. A unique characteristic constant for each food system can be determined experimentally from the calorimetric measurements. The new equations differ only slightly with similar equationspreviously developed by Bartlett in 1944 and by Schwartzberg in 1976. Reliability and accuracy of the methods are demonstrated with literature data for meat, fish and fruit juices. Enthalpy and apparent specific heat values for a range of temperature between 20° and 40°C and solids content between 10 and 50% are presented.
Study of visiting frequency in a delay tolerant network

In a disruption/delay tolerant network, message carriers are often used to act as relays between segregated nodes and gateways. In this paper, we study a special routing problem for message carriers in delay tolerant networks, the visiting frequency problem. Specifically, we present a detailed analysis on a near-optimal visiting frequency on the nodes in a subregion of the network, to ensure low average message delay, using a partitioning-based optimization approach. Then we propose a multiple visit algorithm and apply the above near-optimal visiting frequency to our multiple visit algorithm, to guarantee the low average message delay for the network. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of our new algorithm comparing with the existing single visit algorithms.
Nephrotoxicity of continuous intravenous infusion of recombinant interleukin-2

Adoptive immunotherapy with recombinant interleukin-2 has been complicated by significant nephrotoxicity of uncertain etiology. Creatinine clearance, effective renal plasma flow, plasma renin activity, aldosterone levels, and urinary prostaglandin excretion were evaluated in a 62-year-old man receiving continuous infusion recombinant interleukin-2. There was a marked decrease in the creatinine clearance and renal plasma flow, accompanied by an elevation in plasma renin activity and aldosterone level. Prostaglandin excretion also decreased, implying a direct effect on renal prostaglandin synthesis. The decrease in renal prostaglandin synthesis at a time of increased plasma renin activity may explain the reduction in renal function seen with recombinant interleukin-2 therapy.
Spontaneous and diet-aggravated atherosclerosis in White Carneau pigeons genetically selected for discordant blood pressure.

Abstract White Carneau pigeons, prone to atherosclerosis, were selectively bred for either high (HBP) or low (LBP) blood pressure to study blood pressure-atherosclerosis interaction. Sixty-four HBP and 45 LBP pigeons, of both sexes and 16–30 months of age, were used to evaluate spontaneous atherosclerosis and the response to a moderately atherogenic diet. At 0 time, HBP pigeons had a greater percentage of aortic intima covered with fatty streaks and a lesser involvement with raised plaque. After 4 and 6 months of dietary treatment, the HBP pigeons with plasma cholesterol concentrations elevated only 22 and 8% above basal level responded with greater increases in the extent and severity of raised plaque whereas LBP pigeons changed little. On the average, medial thickness and medial areas of the atherosclerosis-free proximal aorta were greater in HBP compared to LBP at all times. Lower compliance of the aorta in the HBP line at 6 months (0.49 ± 0.027 μl/mm Hg/cm thoracic aorta) compared to LBP (0.57 ± 0.036) suggested stiffer arterial walls in the HBP line. The findings suggest that HBP pigeons selected for increased blood pressure are more responsive to moderate hypercholesterolemia acting as a stimulus for atherosclerosis progression. The HBP pigeon line is therefore a useful animal model in which to investigate genetically derived hypertension-atherosclerosis interactions.
A low-noise, wideband preamplifier for a fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer

FTMS performance parameters such as limits of detection, dynamic range, sensitivity, and even mass accuracy and resolution can be greatly improved by enhancing its detection circuit. An extended investigation of significant design considerations for optimal signal-to-noise ratio in an FTMS detection circuit are presented. A low noise amplifier for an FTMS is developed based on the discussed design rules. The amplifier has a gain of ≈3500 and a bandwidth of 10 kHz to 1 MHz corresponding to m/z range of 100 Da to 10 kDa (at 7 Tesla). The performance of the amplifier was tested on a MALDI-FTMS, and has demonstrated a 25-fold reduction in noise in a mass spectrum of C60 compared with that of a commercial amplifier.
Normal and Friedreich ataxia cells express different isoforms of frataxin with complementary roles in iron-sulfur cluster assembly.

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive degenerative disease caused by insufficient expression of frataxin (FXN), a mitochondrial iron-binding protein required for Fe-S cluster assembly. The development of treatments to increase FXN levels in FRDA requires elucidation of the steps involved in the biogenesis of functional FXN. The FXN mRNA is translated to a precursor polypeptide that is transported to the mitochondrial matrix and processed to at least two forms, FXN42–210 and FXN81–210. Previous reports suggested that FXN42–210 is a transient processing intermediate, whereas FXN81–210 represents the mature protein. However, we find that both FXN42–210 and FXN81–210 are present in control cell lines and tissues at steady-state, and that FXN42–210 is consistently more depleted than FXN81–210 in samples from FRDA patients. Moreover, FXN42–210 and FXN81–210 have strikingly different biochemical properties. A shorter N terminus correlates with monomeric configuration, labile iron binding, and dynamic contacts with components of the Fe-S cluster biosynthetic machinery, i.e. the sulfur donor complex NFS1·ISD11 and the scaffold ISCU. Conversely, a longer N terminus correlates with the ability to oligomerize, store iron, and form stable contacts with NFS1·ISD11 and ISCU. Monomeric FXN81–210 donates Fe2+ for Fe-S cluster assembly on ISCU, whereas oligomeric FXN42–210 donates either Fe2+ or Fe3+. These functionally distinct FXN isoforms seem capable to ensure incremental rates of Fe-S cluster synthesis from different mitochondrial iron pools. We suggest that the levels of both isoforms are relevant to FRDA pathophysiology and that the FXN81–210/FXN42–210 molar ratio should provide a useful parameter to optimize FXN augmentation and replacement therapies.
Cross-Category Variation in Customer Satisfaction and Retention

Perceived quality, expectations, customer satisfaction, and effect of customer satisfaction on repurchase likelihood are found to be higher for products than for services, but repurchase likelihood for products is lower. Retailers have the highest repurchase likelihood and score lowest on the other variables. A set of relevant category characteristics is used to further understand variation in both the levels of these variables and their relationships. Quality, expectations, satisfaction, and satisfaction's effect on repurchase are higher — and repurchase likelihood is lower — when competition, differentiation, involvement, or experience is high and when switching costs, difficulty of standardization, or ease of evaluating quality is low.
Synthesis and evaluation of two new inhibitors of EPSP synthase

Abstract The enzyme EPSP synthase, EPSPS, (EC 2.5.1.19) catalyzes an unusual transfer reaction of the enolpyruvoyl moiety from phosphoenol pyruvate ( 2 , PEP) regiospecifically to the 5-OH of shikimate 3-phosphate ( 1 , S3P) to form 5-enol-pyruvoylshikimate 3-phosphate ( 3 , EPSP). Two new inhibitors, ( 4 , and 5 ) were prepared to probe the S3P binding site.
Influence of the existence of a resting state on the decay of synchronization in cell culture

General relationships between the distribution of cell doubling times and the growth pattern of an initially synchronized cell population are applied to the model proposed by Smith and Martin (1973) in which the mitotic cycle or “B” phase is preceded by a random-exit resting “A” state. Results show that culture synchronization decays so rapidly as to be virtually unobservable unless the time spent by a cell in the B phase is at least equal to that spent in the A state. If synchronization persists over several mitotic cycles, the growth pattern is determined to a much greater extent by variation in the duration of the B phase than by the probability of exit from the A state. Accordingly the growth pattern of a cell population, like the doubling time distribution which governs the pattern, is of limited usefulness in detecting the existence of a resting state.
Atomistic simulation of low-energy beam deposition

Low-energy (50 eV) homoepitaxial beam deposition of silicon is simulated using many-body silicon potentials and molecular dynamics techniques. Results are presented for the case of a 50 eV neutral silicon beam incident on the (2×1) dimer reconstructed Si(100) surface. The beam is aligned along (110) symmetry directions, which are the most natural channeling directions in the silicon lattice. Roughly 10% of the incident beam atoms are scattered from the surface with a small fraction of their initial energy. About half of the incident atoms penetrate the lattice, but scatter strongly and come to rest within 10–15A of the surface. The remainder are steered accurately into the bulk (110) channels, where they penetrate some 30–100 A into the lattice. Those atoms which do not undergo bulk channeling cause considerable lattice damage to the near-surface (depth ≥10A) region.
The Influence of Shape on the Stresses in Model Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Presence of a small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) often presents a difficult clinical dilemma--a reparative operation with its inherent risks versus monitoring the growth of the aneurysm, with the accompanying risk of rupture. The risk of rupture is conventionally believed to be a function of the AAA bulge diameter. In this work, we hypothesized that the risk of rupture depends on AAA shape. Because rupture is inevitably linked to stress, membrane theory was used to predict the stresses in the walls of an idealized AAA, using a model which was axisymmetric and fusiform, with the ends merged into straight opened-ended tubes. When the stresses for many different shapes of model AAAs were examined, a number of conclusions became evident: (i) maximum hoop stress typically exceeded maximum meridional stress by a factor of 2 to 3 (ii) the shape of an AAA had a small effect on the meridional stresses and a rather dramatic effect on the hoop stresses, (iii) maximum stress typically occurred near the inflection point of a curve drawn coincident with the AAA wall, and (iv) the maximum stress was a function--not of the bulge diameter---but of the curvatures (i.e. shape) of the AAA wall. This last result suggested that rupture probability should be based on wall curvatures, not on AAA bulge diameter. Because curvatures are not much harder to measure than bulge diameter, this concept may be useful in a clinical setting in order to improve prediction of the likelihood of AAA rupture.
Texture and other changes during storage in model high-protein nutrition bars formulated with modified milk protein concentrates

Abstract Extruded or toasted milk protein concentrate with approximately 80 g protein per 100 g were incorporated into model high-protein nutrition bars formulated at 30 g protein per 100 g. The model high-protein nutrition bars also contained other constituents, including glycerol, palm kernel stearin, sugar alcohol syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup, to mimic commercial high-protein nutrition bars. The bars were stored at room temperature (∼22 °C), 32 °C, or 42 °C for up to 42 days. Texture, water activity, and color were measured periodically over the storage period. High-protein nutrition bars formulated with unmodified milk protein concentrate served as the control and maintained similar texture to those high-protein bars formulated with toasted milk protein concentrate. High-protein nutrition bars prepared with milk protein concentrate extruded at 65 °C were significantly softer than the control. Significant differences in hardness and fracturability between high-protein nutrition bars formulated with milk protein concentrate extruded at 120 °C and the control were intermittent over the storage period. Water activity of the high-protein nutrition bars increased slightly during storage, but remained less than 0.65, which assured shelf stability. Surface color change was minimal at 22 °C storage, but increased at 32 °C and 42 °C.
Iterative improvement of physical optics hybrid method-POHM iterative

An iterative solution method (POHM iterative) has been developed which is suitable for modelling small, intricate antennas that are mounted on comparatively large bodies. The method provides radiation pattern, impedance, gain and RCS information. A computer program was developed to test the POHM iterative algorithm. Results shows good agreement with moment method calculations and experimental data.
Dielectric Integrity of High-Temperature Nanocomposites

The addition of nanoscale metal oxide fillers to polymers has been shown, in many cases, to lead to an improvement in the dielectric breakdown strength and voltage endurance. In this paper, dielectric properties for silica- and alumina-filled polyamideimide (PAI) thin films are reported as a function of particle loading. The dispersion and thermal behavior are quantified. Experiments were also conducted using particulates which were functionalized with Aminopropyltriethoxysilane in order to augment the chemical bonding to the host matrix. The glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature are reported as a function of nanoparticle type and loading. The dielectric strength is provided for both AC and DC voltages. It was found that the enhancement in breakdown strength for a nanocomposite formulation is greater under DC conditions than AC. In addition, alumina filled PAI was found to exhibit greater electrical breakdown strength than silica filled PAI. A discussion of possible reasons is included.
Risk factors associated with renal parenchymal fracture during laparoscopic cryoablation.

OBJECTIVE To assess the risk factors for haemorrhage and renal fracture associated with renal cryoablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a porcine model, 120 cryoablations were administered in 26 pigs, with five groups of 24 ice-balls each; in groups 1 and 2 asynchronous cryoprobe activation was evaluated for the 1.47- and 3.4-mm cryoprobes (IceRods, Galil Medical, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA), respectively; in group 3, three-3.4 mm cryoprobes were used to examine synchronous probe activation; in group 4 the 1.47-mm cryoprobe was used to examine single-probe activation with premature cryoprobe extraction; and in group 5 we used a new ‘guillotine’ technique for upper-pole renal cryoablation. Ice-ball fractures and haemorrhage were characterized by the location, length and depth of each fracture, was well as the degree of bleeding. RESULTS In all, 26 domestic pigs successfully had renal cryoablation procedures. In group 1 and 4 there were no episodes of renal fracture; in group 2 renal fracture occurred in 10 (42%) trials. Group 3 had 22 (92%) renal fractures during the freeze/thaw cycle. Group 5 had 13 (54%) renal fractures during the freeze/thaw cycle, and there was an additional ice-ball fracture during probe removal once in 24 times. CONCLUSIONS Renal fracture is most common with the application of larger 3.4-mm cryoprobes in the synchronous and asynchronous setting. Under standard application, smaller (1.47-mm) cryoprobes result in little renal fracture or bleeding. The use of the guillotine technique is associated with a greater risk of renal fracture.
Classification of performers using support vector machines

Huge amount of different music material in digital form, that can be found on the Internet, represents a big problem for a user who wants to find some particular music piece. Indexing, retrieving and classification are some of the techniques that can be used to provide faster search. In this paper, one of the methods for classification of the performers is described. We created audio databases, which consist of short audio sequences from several (nine) songs, sang by three distinct performers. Wavelet coefficients were used as feature descriptors for these music sequences. Classification was performed based on linear support vector machines. Our system exhibits very good results in the experiment with two performers (two classes): partial accuracies for classes were 100% and 98%, respectively. In the experiment with three classes (three performers), we used one-versus-one approach, and obtained partial accuracies of 50%, 82% and 35%, respectively.
On the limit of wireless communication capacity from polarization diversity

The maximum achievable capacity of co-located antennas using polarization diversity is provided and simulated in this work. The previous thought of six distinguishable electric and magnetic states of polarization is actually extensible, because of the orthogonality property of radiation patterns. The concept gives a clear insight of the limit of using polarization diversity in wireless communications.
Comparison of sonography and MRI for diagnosing epicondylitis

Purpose The aim of this prospective study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of sonography with those of MRI in evaluating epicondylitis. Methods The affected elbows of 11 patients with suspected epicondylitis were examined sonographically, and the contralateral (normal) elbow was also examined for comparison. In 10 of these patients, the affected elbow was also examined with MRI. In addition, both elbows of 6 volunteers without epicondylitis were examined sonographically; 1 elbow of each volunteer was designated as the ``test'' elbow and was examined with MRI. The sonograms of the patients' affected elbows and the volunteers' test elbows were paired with the sonograms of the contralateral elbows for comparison and were randomly shown twice to 2 readers. These readers, working independently and without knowledge of the findings of MRI, were instructed to state whether each elbow was normal or affected by epicondylitis. The MRI scans were then shown to the readers for similar review. Results Sonographic features of epicondylitis included outward bowing of the common tendon, presence of hypoechoic fluid subadjacent to the common tendon, thickening, decreased echogenicity, and ill-defined margins of the common tendon. Sensitivity for detecting epicondylitis ranged from 64% to 82% for sonography and from 90% to 100% for MRI. Specificity ranged from 67% to 100% for sonography and from 83% to 100% for MRI. Conclusions Sonography is as specific but not as sensitive as MRI for evaluating epicondylitis. Used as an initial imaging tool, sonography might be adequate for diagnosing this condition in many patients, thus allowing MRI to be reserved for patients with symptoms whose sonographic findings are normal. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 30:193–202, 2002; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/jcu.10063
Integrin-linked kinase regulates Bergmann glial differentiation during cerebellar development.

Abstract We demonstrate here that integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a serine/threonine kinase that binds to the β1 integrin cytoplasmic domain, regulates cerebellar development. Mice with a CNS-restricted knock-out of the Ilk gene show perturbations in the laminar structure of the cerebellar cortex that are associated with defects in Bergmann glial fibers and the formation of meningeal basement membranes. Similar defects have been observed in mice lacking β1 integrins in the CNS. ILK and β1 integrins are coexpressed in Bergmann glial cells, and studies with primary cells in culture demonstrate that ILK and CDC42 are required for β1-integrin-dependent glial process outgrowth. Consistent with these findings, the amount of GTP-bound CDC42 is impaired in the cerebellum of Ilk-deficient mice. We conclude that β1 integrin, ILK and CDC42 are components of the signaling machinery that regulates glial process outgrowth in the cerebellum. We also show that granule cell precursor proliferation is affected in ILK-deficient mice, but our findings provide strong evidence that proliferative defects are a secondary consequence of ILK function in glia.
Psychoactive Substance Abuse and Dependence as a Risk Factor in Adolescent-Attempted and -Completed Suicide

Psychoactive substance abuse and psychoactive substance dependence among adolescents are considered to be high-risk factors for attempted and completed suicide. The typical adolescent at risk for suicide in the United States is a Caucasian male who is likely to be intoxicated and is likely to commit suicide with a firearm without ever seeking treatment. Psychopathologies such as depression and conduct disorder and personality disorders accompanied by precipitating events are frequently present. This review will examine the association between substance abuse and or substance dependence and suicidal behavior from an epidemiological perspective. Clinical implications and research directions will be offered in conclusion.
Returning to the Middle Kingdom: Yung Wing and the recalled students of the Chinese Educational Mission to the United States

This article re-examines the frustrated Westernizing efforts of Yung Wing and the recalled students of the Chinese Educational Mission to the United States (1872–1881). It does so in response to recent scholarship (in both the Chinese and the English languages) which affirms the ‘transformative role’ of the returnees in late Qing reform and modernization. On the basis of a variety of sources, this article suggests, instead, that for those patriotic students returning to the Middle Kingdom, eager to bring about a fundamental change in its political system and rejuvenation of its civilization, disillusionment was often inevitable, and the choice—short of revolution—became one of either marginalization or co-option by the autocratic state. Despite all their achievements, China's earliest students of the West ultimately failed to set the country upon a new modernizing course—a failure that pointed, beyond itself, to an emerging (and subsequently persistent) pattern in the troubled relationship between the new, Westernized elite and the state in modern China.
Investigations on Wideband Cylindrical Dielectric Resonator Antenna With Directive Radiation Patterns and Low Cross Polarization

Results are presented of an investigation of a cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) fed in using dual coaxial probes in the differential feed arrangement. It provided directional radiation patterns with low cross-polarization levels over a large impedance bandwidth. Simulation study showed that the DRA offers an impedance bandwidth of 68% (S 11 ? -10 dB) and broadside radiation patterns with good gain and low cross-polarization levels. In comparison to this, a similar single probe fed DRA provided 82% bandwidth but with the mix of the omni-directional and directional radiation patterns along with high cross-polarization levels. Thus, the differential feed arrangement helped to achieve wideband impedance bandwidth and enhanced radiation characteristics when employed with a cylindrical DRA. A prototype of this DRA including the feed arrangement was manufactured and experimentally verified for the impedance matching and gain radiation patterns. The measured results reasonably agree with the simulated data.
SHI, a new yeast gene affecting the spacing between TATA and transcription initiation sites.

Abstract In a genetic selection for Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes involved in transcription start site specification, two mutant genes which restore alcohol dehydrogenase activity to a functionally defective S. pombe ADH gene were recovered. Examination of S. pombe ADH initiation sites showed that mutations in the SHI gene shift the location of the transcription initiation window closer to TATA. The shi mutant also affected initiation site selection for two S. cerevisiae genes that were tested. For H2B mRNA, initiation occurred in the shi mutant at a series of initiation sites located 43 to 80 bp 3' of the histone H2B TATA sequence and at the usual initiation sites 102 and 103 bp downstream of the TATA sequence. Weakly used initiation sites ranging from 51 to 80 bp downstream of the TATA sequence were observed for the S. cerevisiae ADH1 gene in shi strains, in addition to the normal ADH1 initiation sites 89 and 99 bp from the TATA sequence. Restoration of function to the defective S. pombe ADH gene occurs only when this gene contains a TATA sequence; a single-base-pair TATA-to-TAGA change is sufficient to prevent this restoration of function. Genetic mapping placed the SHI locus on the left arm of chromosome VII, 22.3 centimorgans from cyh2; it does not correspond to any previously mapped gene.
Thermal effect of CO2 on apoplastic ice in rye and oat during freezing

Meristematic tissues from rye (Secale cereale) and oat (Avena sativa) were studied in an isothermal calorimeter at −3°C. When the frozen tissue was placed in the calorimeter, the pressure increased within 4 d to 25 and 9 kPa above ambient pressure in the sample vessels containing crowns of rye and oat, respectively. Concurrently, the thermal output went down to −194 μW in rye over the 4-d period; this negative thermal activity could be accounted for by ice melting in the plants. When the pressure was released, the output from the calorimeter went from −194 to 229 μW within 1 h, suggesting that water had frozen in the plants. We propose that CO2 from respiration had dissolved in the water in the plants and caused melting of ice (heat absorption) due to the colligative properties of solutions. When the pressure was released, the CO2 came out of solution and the water froze (heat evolution). These thermal observations were duplicated in a simplified, non-biological system using a glycol/water mixture that was partially frozen at −3°C.
Cytomegalovirus infection in symptomatic periapical pathosis.

Aim To compare the presence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infections in samples from 25 symptomatic and 19 asymptomatic periapical lesions. Methodology Periapical samples were collected by sterile curettes in conjunction with apicectomy. cDNA-based HCMV and EBV identification was performed on total mRNAs extracted from peripapical tissues, using primers for genes transcribed during the productive phase of the herpesvirus infection. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared test. Results HCMV was detected in 100% of the symptomatic and in 37% of the asymptomatic study lesions. EBV was identified only in HCMV-infected periapical lesions. The difference in occurrence of HCMV and EBV between symptomatic and asymptomatic periapical lesions was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusions The noteworthy finding of this study was the ubiquitous occurrence of HCMV active infection in symptomatic periapical pathosis. EBV may contribute to periapical pathogenesis in a subset of symptomatic lesions. HCMV and EBV infections may cause periapical pathosis by inducing cytokine and chemokine release from inflammatory or connective tissue cells, or by impairing local host defences resulting in heightened virulence of resident bacterial pathogens. Knowledge about the role of herpesviruses in periapical pathosis seems important to fully delineate the pathogenesis of endodontic infectious diseases. HCMV and probably EBV should be added to the list of putative pathogenic agents in symptomatic periapical disease.
A Molecular Model of Inducible Costimulator Protein and Three-Dimensional Analysis of its Relation to the CD28 Family of T Cell-Specific Costimulatory Receptors

Inducible costimulator protein (ICOS) has recently been identified as a new member of the CD28 family of T cell costimulatory molecules. A molecular model of the extracellular immunoglobulin-like domain of ICOS was built based on the structure of CD152, another member of the CD28 family. Despite low sequence identity, ICOS shares consensus residues characteristic of immunoglobulin variable-type domains with CD152 and CD28 and also some unique features, suggesting that their three-dimensional structures are more similar to each other than to other proteins belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. The ICOS model was used to study sequence conservation in three dimensions and to compare the distribution of N-linked glycosylation sites in the extended CD28 family. The limited number of residues outside consensus/core positions that are conserved in ICOS and CD28 and/or CD152 are widely distributed over the extracellular domain. A few residues in CD152 and CD28 that are critical for binding of CD80/CD86 are also conserved in ICOS. However, the region in ICOS that corresponds to the CD80/CD86 binding site is masked by N-linked glycosylation. This suggests that this site is not available for binding of CD80/CD86 or other ligands. ICOS has probably diverged early from CD28 and CD152 and developed the capacity to recognize ligand(s) other than CD80/CD86, very likely utilizing a different molecular region and mechanism for binding.
American Psychology of Religion and the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion

It is doubtful whether there ever has been a rise-fall-rebirth of the psychology of religion. While the claim has marginal merit for American academic psychology, it has little application in other cultures or even within American psychology of religion outside mainstream psychology. The psychology of religion has always been and remains tied to key individuals who sustain the field. This historical fact is important in understanding the role of the JSSR in the field. Early psychologists of religion such as Hall and James set the pattern for two distinctively different approaches to the psychology of religion. Hall's approach was methodologically restrictive, inherently reductive, and came to dominate the academic psychology of religion. James ‘approach was methodological plural, receptive to the evidential force of religious experience, and quickly marginalized within American psychology. These opposing orientation continue to influence the psychology of religion in societies such as the SSR and its journal. A review of the psychologist editors of JSSR illustrates that the psychology of religion remains a marginal interest of mainstream psychology. It survives because of the interdisciplinary nature of the SSSR and its journal.
Lack of Synergy of Erythromycin Combined with Penicillin or Cefotaxime against Streptococcus pneumoniae In Vitro

We investigated a possible synergistic effect of a macrolide and β-lactams against Streptococcus pneumoniae strains with different resistance profiles. Checkerboard and time-kill assays of erythromycin combined with penicillin or cefotaxime essentially showed indifference, suggesting that these antibiotics in combinations in vitro act substantially as individuals in their activity against S. pneumoniae.
Spatial variability of surface rainfall as observed from TRMM field campaign data

Abstract The spatial variability of surface rainfall over 5- and 30-day time periods is observed, and it is found that the spatial decorrelation length of precipitation is comparable to the size of a single surface gauge network. The observed variability is found to affect radar-derived precipitation estimation, particularly if it is based on calibration using rain gauges. The radar subgrid-scale variability is also observed using some redundant and finer-scale gauge networks deployed during the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) ground-validation field campaigns. Based upon statistical analysis and a point-based decision-making system, a best-suited spatial–temporal filtering technique is suggested and, when applied to match radar data with any other surface observation, is found to reduce bias.