cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Positron emission tomograph compression by using wavelet transform

The use of digitized information is rapidly gaining acceptance in radiological applications. Image compression plays an important role in the archiving and transmission of different digital diagnostic modalities. Currently block DCT based compression schemes (i.e. JPEG, MPEG) are usually used for telephone conferencing, cable video transmission and other non-medical applications. This scheme is not suitable for medical tomographic imaging (like PET) because of block artifacts resulting from the block based DCT coefficient quantization. For PET data, it is usually stored in two byte integer format per pixel for the precision preservation which makes the DCT based compression coding procedure difficult without specially designed and trained codebooks. A full frame wavelet image coding approach has been investigated in this study. It adopts the zerotree data structure, bit-plane coding and adaptive arithmetic coding to improve the coding efficiency. This lossy image compression increases the data size reduction and keeps the reconstructed images visually indifferent to the original images at compression ratio up to 10:1 in clinical image quality evaluation. Our algorithm not only achieves a higher compression ratio but also maintains high fidelity for the reconstructed image which could be used in the PACS system and telediagnosis environment.
ELECTROSURGICAL LOOP EXCISION OF THE CERVIX

With burgeoning numbers of women requiring therapy for cervical dysplasia, attention has turned to treatment modalities that are safe, effective, inexpensive, and widely applicable. It is estimated that in the United States as many as 600,000 women each year are diagnosed with cervical dysplasia; nearly 250,000 of these are high grade, with many of these in women of childbearing age who may not have completed their families. 1,16,18,22,24 A large percentage of patients with a significant dysplasia can be treated by ablative methods such as cryotherapy or laser. Unfortunately, these methods preclude submitting additional tissue for histologic examination, which increases the possibility of missing microinvasive or invasive cancer overlooked during the initial colposcopic examination. Furthermore, laser is expensive, requiring expert technique and usually hospitalization. 11 Cold-knife conization and hysterectomy obtain excellent tissue but require general anesthesia and significantly increase overall and pregnancy-related morbidity. These procedures are also expensive and usually limited to experienced surgeons. The recent application of thin wire electrosurgical loop electrodes adaptable to the office setting now allows for treatment of severe cervical dysplasia with retention of excellent pathology specimens and with low general and pregnancy-related morbidity. 4,15,20,23
Improving Safety Throughout the Medication Use Process in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Safety is the top priority for our institution. Safety has been reinforced since it became a priority of federal and state governments, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), and accrediting bodies (eg, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations [JCAHO], the National Committee for Quality Assurance). Neonatal practice has required additional attention because of the nature of the specialty and the high-risk drugs and patients in this practice area. Our institution created several multidisciplinary teams to address deficiencies in our medication use process. Each team had a member from the nursing staff, neonatology staff, nurse practitioner group, and a clinical pharmacy specialist; the neonatal intensive care nurse manager and pharmacy manager were ad hoc members. The systems involved defining and standardizing prescribing practices and processing and administration of medications. This paper is a description of changes made in a hospital medication use system without ...
Role of nitric oxide in histamine-induced increases in permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

Abstract While previous studies have examined the effects of histamine on the permeability of the blood–brain barrier and reactivity of cerebral blood vessels, cellular mechanisms which account for histamine-induced affects on the cerebral microcirculation are not clear. The goals of this study were to determine the role of nitric oxide in histamine-induced increases in permeability of the blood–brain barrier and dilatation of pial arterioles. We examined the pial microcirculation in rats using intravital fluorescence microscopy. Permeability of the blood–brain barrier (clearance of fluorescent-labeled dextran; molecular weight 10,000 daltons; FITC-dextran-10K) and diameter of pial arterioles were measured in the absence and presence of histamine (10 and 100 μM). During superfusion with vehicle (saline), clearance of FITC-dextran-10K from pial vessels was minimal and diameter of pial arterioles remained constant. Topical application of histamine (10 and 100 μM) produced an increase in clearance of FITC-dextran-10K and diameter of pial arterioles. To determine a potential role for nitric oxide in histamine-induced increases in permeability of the blood–brain barrier and dilatation of pial arterioles, we examined the effects of NG-monomethyl- L -arginine (L-NMMA; 10 μM). L-NMMA inhibited histamine-induced increases in permeability of the blood–brain barrier and attenuated histamine-induced dilatation of cerebral arterioles. The findings of the present study suggest that histamine increases permeability of the blood–brain barrier and diameter of pial arterioles via the synthesis/release of nitric oxide or a nitric oxide containing compound.
The potential for suspension feeding bivalves to increase seagrass productivity

Abstract Suspension feeding bivalves are commonly associated with seagrass habitats in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Biodeposits of some suspension feeding bivalves have been shown to be high in nitrogen and phosphorus. Consequently, filter feeding bivalves may act as a bentho-pelagic couple bringing planktonic production to the benthos, thereby elevating submerged aquatic vegetation growth by increasing the nutrients available to the rhizosphere. Laboratory feeding experiments were used to calculate the filtration rate of a typical suspension feeding bivalve Modiolus americanus. Filtration rates were estimated to be 2.87±0.82 l h−1 g tissue dry weight−1. Consumption rates were estimated to be 9.41±2.62 μg Chl a h−1 g tissue dry weight−1. In addition, field experiments were used to calculate mean biodeposition rates. Biodeposition rates were estimated to be 2.25±0.36 g dry wt material g tissue dry weight day−1. Therefore, at mean field densities M. americanus are capable of depositing 218 kg dry weight material m−2 annually. These deposits will contain 215 g N and 7.1 g P. A flower pot experiment demonstrated that the biodeposits of M. americanus were capable of increasing the pore water nutrient content and a mussel density manipulation in the field revealed that the presence of mussels significantly reduced leaf tissue C:N and C:P ratios. Pore water ammonium and phosphate concentrations were four times greater in the highest mussel density than in the control treatments and the lower leaf tissue C:N and C:P ratios in the presence of mussels established that this increased pore water nutrient was available to the seagrass, Thalassia testudinum. Collectively, these experiments suggest that suspension feeding bivalves may be important resource conduits converting inaccessible PON and POP in the water column to elevated sediment nutrient levels within the rhizosphere available for absorption by submerged aquatic vegetation.
Global longitudinal strain aids the detection of non-obstructive coronary artery disease in the resting echocardiogram.

Aims To evaluate the diagnostic power of abnormal global longitudinal strain (GLS) to detect non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in the resting echocardiogram. GLS using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) is a powerful tool for detecting advanced CAD. However, the diagnostic power of 2D STE for detecting moderate, clinically unapparent CAD from images obtained at rest is unknown. Methods and results We retrospectively studied 2D STE characteristics in 123 consecutive patients who underwent stress echocardiography, and subsequently coronary angiography within 10 days. We compared the diagnostic power of GLS at rest to the conventional wall motion score index (WMSI) during stress for detecting stenosis ≥50% (CAD>50) in any major coronary artery. Studies with akinetic or dyskinetic segments and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were excluded. In 56 patients with significant CAD>50, GLS was −16.77 ± 3.18% compared with −19.05 ± 3.43% in the 67 patients without CAD<50 ( P = 0.0002). A GLS cutpoint of greater than −17.77% had the most optimal sensitivity and specificity (66/76%) for detecting CAD and was comparable to a WMSI ≥ 1.13 (68/70%) measured during stress. Conclusion Non-obstructive CAD was identified by a reduced GLS measured by 2D STE in rest images with similar accuracy to the traditional WMSI measured in stress echocardiography.
Chalcogenide glasses: Solutions and problems

Abstract Transient experiments have provided solutions to several problems but have created new mysteries in their wake. The most difficult new puzzles are the accurately exponential band tail in amorphous As2Se3 and the anomalous behavior of the triplet photoluminescence centers.
Kinetic studies on the metabolism of ethylmorphine by isolated hepatocytes from adult rats

Hepatocytes of adult rats were isolated by infusion of a hyaluronidase collagenase mixture. High yields of cells excluding trypan blue were obtained. These cells, in Hank's buffer containing rat serum and 0.1% glucose, N-demethylate [3H-CH3-N]ethylmorphine. The formaldehyde initially formed is further metabolized to tritiated water. Fifteen per cent of the original metabolic activity was observed after 21 hr at 37° in 5% CO2-air, and cumulative metabolism is linear for up to 90 min under these conditions. The Km for the N-demethylation of [3H-CH3-N]ethylmorphine is 50 μM, 20 per cent of the value observed for this reaction by musomal preparations. An active transport of the substrate into the cell is postulated to account for this difference.
The ideology of the American urban parks and recreation movement: Past and future

Abstract The American parks and recreation movement has its roots within the 19th century reform era, during which upper‐class, educated men and women saw it as their aristocratic duty to raise the masses to the level of middle class standards. The transition from a reform movement to a profession is cast as an inevitability for the movement, just as it was for other American social science movements. Professionalization of the movement is traced through the evolution of the American Social Science Association. The ideologies that fueled both the reform movement and the professionally led movement reveal these two movements as disparate; yet both serve to preserve a class society. Professionalism is inherently transcendent of class, if championed by anarchistic professionals in the pursuit of truth; therefore, professionalism is an adversary of class‐creating forces: bureaucracy, hierarchy, domination, commercialism, and centralization.
Cancellous bone biomechanics

Cancellous bone is both a biological and a mechanical structure. The interaction between these two aspects of cancellous bone is sufficiently strong that understanding the mechanical properties of the tissue is not possible without consideration of the biology. This manuscript is a mathematical expansion of a portion of the first author's Keynote lecture at the 1998 NACOB presentation. The cellular activity of cancellous bone proceeds in part by the transport of metabolites between trabecular hard tissue and marrow. The anatomical observation is that human trabeculae are seldom internally served by a blood supply, suggesting that the transport mechanisms for trabecular survival are diffusion and a collection of mechanisms for active transport of metabolites independent of blood flow. It will be demonstrated that metabolite transport by diffusion can explain two notable empirical relationships for bone: (a) the close relationship between the bone surface and the bone volume, and (b) the exponential decline in the bone volume fraction during periods of mechanical disuse. A mathematical model is also developed showing how mechanical loading can effect bone volume fraction by increasing metabolite transport between the tissue compartments.
Inhibition of Phencyclidine Percutaneous Absorption by Parenterally Administered Hypertonic Saline

Four hours after topical application of phencyclidine hydrochloride to hairless (hr-1/hr-1) mice, the mean hepatic concentration of phencyclidine (512.8 ng/g) was significantly lower for mice that had received intraperitoneal injections of sodium chloride, 1.75 mol/L (3500 mOsm/kg), than for control mice that had received equal volumes of water by the same route (2108.5 ng/g) (p less than 0.05). Hypertonic saline instilled intraperitoneally seemed to inhibit percutaneous absorption of phencyclidine hydrochloride. The effect may have been mediated by production of cutaneous dehydration.
Correction of insulin sensitivity and glucose disposal after pancreatic islet transplantation: preliminary results

Aims: Pancreatic islet transplantation (PIT) represents a potential curative treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes, but only 10-15% of patients remain insulin independent 5 years post-transplant. It is not known whether intrinsic insulin resistance exacerbated by immunosuppression plays a pivotal role in low graft survival. The study objective was to understand the changes in insulin resistance, glucose effectiveness (S g ) and free fatty acid dynamics (FFAd) before and after PIT. Methods: Insulin sensitivity index (S i ), Sg and FFAd were measured before and after PIT in 10 lean patients, 8 of whom reached insulin independence. Modified Bergman minimal model of frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed pretransplant and at 12 months post-transplant. Nine non-diabetic control (NDC) subjects matched by age, gender and BMI were used. Results: Pretransplant S i and S g were 3.5 ± 0.8 x 10 -5 /min/(pmol/l) and 0.74 ± 0.24 x 10 -2 /min, respectively. S i was significantly lower than matched NDCs [10.8 ± 0.6 x 10 -5 /min/(pmol/l), p < 0.004]; S g did not reach statistical significance (1.27 ± 0.22 x 10 -2 /min, p = 0.25). Compared to pretransplant values, mean post-transplant S i and S g were 9.6 ± 1.3 x 10 -5 /min/(pmol/l) and 1.28 ± 0.22 × 10 -2 /min, respectively, indicating significant improvement for S i but not S g (p = 0.008 and p = 0.06). Twelve-month post-PIT compared to NDC values were not significantly different (p = 0.58 and 0.97, respectively). In addition, fractional disposal rate for FFA which directly depends on the endogenous insulin release (10-20 min) nearly normalized after PIT (p = 0.06). Conclusion: These preliminary findings demonstrate that PIT can restore glucose disposal and insulin sensitivity and partially correct glucose effectiveness and FFAd.
Insertional anatomy of the triceps brachii tendon

Hypothesis Triceps tendon anatomy is important for surgical approaches to the elbow and tendon repair. The purpose of this study is to describe both the qualitative and quantitative anatomy of the triceps brachii tendon insertion. Materials and methods Thirty-six elbows were dissected from twenty-three cadavers. Dimensions of the triceps tendon proper, lateral triceps expansion, and tendon insertion were measured. The central triceps tendon morphology was described. Results All specimens showed a distinct lateral tendon expansion continuous with the anconeus fascia (mean width, 16.8 mm). The mean width of the proper triceps tendon was 23.7 mm. The mean maximum olecranon width was 26.9 mm. The ratio of the triceps tendon width to the olecranon width averaged 0.88. The mean thickness of the central tendon insertion was 6.8 mm. The medial triceps tendon showed a distinct, rolled medial edge and an insertion consistently confluent with the central tendon. The triceps footprint insertion was dome shaped. The mean insertional width and length of the tendon proper were 20.9 mm and 13.4 mm, respectively. The mean distance from the olecranon tip to the tendon was 14.8 mm. The tendon width, thickness, and insertional dimensions correlated with the olecranon width. Conclusions The lateral triceps expansion is a consistent anatomic finding with a width that is approximately 70% of the width of the central tendon. The triceps insertion has a broad width and narrow thickness that expands distally and correlates with the size of the olecranon. Knowledge of this anatomy will help the surgeon optimize surgical approaches and triceps repair techniques.
Improving fecal occult blood testing compliance using a mailed educational reminder.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Randomized controlled trials have shown that annual screening fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) reduces CRC mortality and incidence. However, patient compliance with FOBT is low.
Continuous hydroxylation of progesterone by Aspergillus ochraceus.

In this paper are presented the results of experiments undertaken to determine what conditions are necessary for the hydroxylation of progesterone during continuous culture ofAspergillus ochraceus NRRL 405. It was found possible to operate with either one or two stages, but because of the inhibitory effect of progesterone on the growth of the microorganism, optimum yields of 11α-hydroxyprogesterone could be obtained only with a two-stage system in which the organism was grown continuously in the first stage and progesterone was added continuously and hydroxylated in the second stage. In addition it was observed that there was an apparent cycling of the microorganism concentration in the period preceding the steady state. No explanation for this was found, and this problem in dynamics is being investigated further. Details are presented of an isotope dilution method using 4-C14-progesterone for determining the concentration of progesterone and its derivatives in fermentation broths.
Effect of ErbB2 coexpression on the kinetic interactions of epidermal growth factor with its receptor in intact cells.

We have extended the use of stopped-flow mixing and fluorescence anisotropy detection to investigate in real-time the effects of ErbB2 coexpression on the kinetic interactions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with the EGF receptor. Using stable 32D-derived cell lines expressing both the EGF receptor and ErbB2, and fluorescein-labeled H22Y murine EGF (F-EGF), a series of association and dissociation experiments were performed in which the kinetic interaction of F-EGF with cells was monitored by observing time-dependent changes in fluorescence anisotropy following rapid mixing. Data were collected at various concentrations of F-EGF and multiple cell densities, using cells that express similar levels of the EGF receptor but different levels of ErbB2, and then analyzed by fitting to a two independent receptor-class model using global analysis techniques. The recovered kinetic parameters indicated that the coexpression of ErbB2 had relatively modest effects on recovered rate constants and calculated Kd values,...
Filling a Gap in Management Education: Giving Leadership Talks in the Classroom

This article describes a classroom activity that teaches students the challenges of playing a leadership role in an organization. Students take turns speaking to peers, acting as their leader. They attempt to move the audience—like a coach delivering a dramatic locker room talk—after which the class offers frank feedback regarding their speaking effectiveness. Topics exemplify the range of concerns likely to concern a leader in business; taken together, they enable participants to appreciate the breadth of a leader's responsibilities, reflect on their past experiences as leaders and followers, and learn from the experiences of others.
S(+)- and R(-)N-methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (MDMA) as discriminative stimuli: effect of cocaine.

Abstract Racemic N -methyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA), a central stimulant and empathogenic agent, and cocaine are drugs of abuse that function as training drugs in drug discrimination studies. In tests of stimulus generalization (substitution), asymmetric generalization occurs between the two agents: a (±)MDMA stimulus generalized to cocaine, but a cocaine stimulus did not generalize to (±)MDMA. A possible explanation may be found, at least in part, in the stimulus effects of the optical isomers of MDMA. In the present study, groups of male Sprague–Dawley rats were trained to discriminate either S (+)MDMA (training dose = 1.5 mg/kg, i.p.; n = 10; ED 50 = 0.6 mg/kg) or R (−)MDMA (training dose = 1.75 mg/kg, i.p.; n = 7; ED 50 = 0.4 mg/kg) from saline vehicle using a VI-15s schedule of reinforcement. Tests of stimulus generalization with cocaine were conducted in each of the two groups. Cocaine only partially substituted for the S (+)MDMA stimulus (maximum = 39% drug-appropriate responding), and various doses of cocaine did not enhance the percent drug-appropriate responding produced by a low dose (0.5 mg/kg) of S (+)MDMA. In contrast, the R (−)MDMA stimulus generalized completely to cocaine (ED 50 = 1.3 mg/kg). Taken together with an earlier report that a (±)MDMA stimulus generalizes to cocaine, it would seem that the stimulus actions of cocaine might share greater similarity with R (−)MDMA than with S (+)MDMA.
A Screening Procedure to Identify Children Having Difficulties in Arithmetic.

The study was designed to examine the potential of using repeated rate-of-response measures to identify students exhibiting difficulties in arithmetic. Thirty subjects were followed over 2 years. Pearson product-moment correlations were computed to determine the ability of rate-of-response measures to predict achievement in arithmetic. A follow-up evaluation indicated that the predictive accuracy of the rate of response was 97%.
Modes in Linear Circuits

The purpose of this review paper is to show that the concept of modes does apply to any linear time invariant circuit. This is accomplished by reducing the network equations to the standard vector form \dot{y} = Ay + f . In particular, it is shown that 1) any free oscillation of a linear circuit can be thought of as a superposition of non-interacting modes, 2) in the case of free oscillations, the amount of excitation of each mode can easily be expressed in terms of the initial conditions, 3) any forcing function excites each mode independently, and finally, 4) the resonance phenomenon is easily interpreted and the importance of the proper type of excitation is made obvious. Vector notation is used throughout. Examples of RC, RLC and active circuits are included.
Abstract 3209: The WRN RecQ helicase acts as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

The vast majority of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is diagnosed in the geriatric population, and genes involved in cellular senescence such as the WRN-encoded RecQ helicase/exonuclease may be involved in pancreatic oncogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that WRN is a tumor suppressor gene (TSG), as a variety of cancers including pancreatic adenocarcinoma are associated with its epigenetic silencing or loss-of-function mutations. We hypothesize that wild-type WRN protects pancreatic epithelia from malignant transformation by regulating cell cycle progression and cell growth. First, we characterized a pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line established from a human cadaver with Werner9s syndrome (WS-Panc). WS-Panc had two loss-of-function mutations of WRN, formed adherent colonies in vitro, and expressed the pancreatic ductal epithelial marker cytokeratin 7. No oncogenic mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), K-Ras nor B-Raf were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunologic assays revealed over-expression of lysyl oxidase-like 2, p53, and s-catenin in WS-Panc. Fluorescent in situ hybrdization showed that WS-Panc over-expresses EGFR. Cytogenetic analyses showed normal karyotype. Strong telomerase activity was detected in WS-Panc by the Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocol. To test the hypothesis that WRN is a TSG, we forced ectopic expression of wild-type WRN in WS-Panc and are analyzing the biological properties and molecular features of transfected cells. Consistent with an anti-proliferative effect, wild-type WRN mRNA levels are uniformly repressed in a panel of sporadic pancreatic cancer cell lines from the American Type Culture Collection as shown by quantitative real-time PCR. In summary, we provide evidence that WRN is a TSG in pancreatic epithelia using WS-Panc and other pancreatic cancer cell lines. WS-Panc is the first cancer cell line carrying WRN loss-of-function mutations that represents a unique translational resource to elucidate WRN in the neoplastic state. Ongoing investigation of WRN in primary pancreatic cancer tissue and tumor models in vivo are expected to elucidate mechanistic links between aging and pancreatic cancer for the purpose of developing efficacious interventional strategies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3209.
Leaf gas exchange and growth of flood-tolerant and flood-sensitive tree species under low soil redox conditions

Seedlings of Taxodium distichum L., Quercus lyrata Walt. and Q. falcata var. pagodaefolia Ell. were grown for 22 days in a rhizotron system providing two soil redox potential regimes, +170 mV (low Eh) and +560 mV (high Eh). Leaf chlorophyll concentration and gas exchange, root alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, root and leaf ethylene production, and growth and biomass partitioning were measured. In response to the low Eh soil treatment, stomatal conductance was reduced in Q. falcata and Q. lyrata but not in T. distichum, whereas net photosynthesis was reduced significantly in all species; however, net photosynthesis in T. distichum began to recover within 2 weeks of treatment initiation. Within each treatment, mean stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis were significantly greater in T. distichum than in the oak species. Leaf chlorophyll concentration was not affected by the soil treatments. All species showed significant reductions in root and leaf dry weights in response to the low Eh soil condition. The low Eh soil treatment resulted in increased root ADH activity and ethylene production in T. distichum, but had no effect on root ADH activity and ethylene production in the oak species.
Electron-impact ionization of highly charged ions in lowest-order QED theory.

Lowest-order QED theory using distorted-wave states is applied to the calculation of positron-impact ionization cross sections for highly charged atomic ions. Electron and positron ionization cross sections for atomic ions are predicted to differ by substantial amounts in the threshold region. For highly charged ions like U{sup 90+}, the smaller positron ionization cross section is more strongly affected by transverse photon interactions than the corresponding electron ionization cross section. At twice the threshold for U{sup 90+} ionization, the annihilation terms are found to reduce the positron cross section by about 12%.
As climate changes, so do glaciers

Understanding abrupt climate changes requires detailed spatial/temporal records of such changes, and to make these records, we need rapidly responding, geographically widespread climate trackers. Glacial systems are such trackers, and recent additions to the stratigraphic record show overall synchronous response of glacial systems to climate change reflecting global atmosphere conditions.
Determination of optimal lot sizing parameters and a controllable process mean for a production system

Several mathematical models have been developed separately for determining production and recycled lot quantities to minimize total production cost and the determination of optimal process mean setting to minimize total quality cost. For a single stage discrete part production system, this paper presents a mathematical model that combines these two inter-related aspects. The production process has a controllable parameter, the process mean, which determines the output lot quality. One-sided tolerance is used to decide the quality of finished goods. Bad units are reworked before they can be reprocessed with the fresh input. For such a situation, the model determines production lot size, recycling lot quantity, and a process mean while minimizing total system cost. The model has been validated using sample data from a pharmaceutical company. Results indicate that the production lot size and the recycled quantity have an inverse relationship with process mean and, a direct relationship with process variance.
On the measurement of dry deposition using imperfect sensors and in non-ideal terrain

Important questions concerning the turbulent exchange of atmospheric pollutants between the air and natural surfaces urgently require answers, but sensors for many important species are not yet sufficiently well developed for use with standard micrometeorological methods. There is need, therefore, to develop methods by which deficient sensors can be used in micrometeorological applications. There is also need to extend micrometeorological methods to circumstances which do not satisfy the conventional perfect-site constraints. Here, methods based upon the assumption of cospectral similarity are explored. Initial tests indicate that it is possible to estimate daytime turbulent fluxes with sensors giving response times considerably greater than the values normally quoted for eddy correlation (e.g., 5 s instead of 1 s), and to compute first-order corrections for the error resulting from the lack of detection of high-frequency turbulence. It is suggested that a similar method might be used to derive flux data in terrain more complex than can be handled by conventional micrometeorology. The techniques outlined here should be applied only with caution, but appear adequate to permit the use of deficient sensors in some circumstances, and good sensors over some micrometeorologically deficient terrain.
Idempotents in the Universal Compactification of a Cone

Let U be the universal (or Bohr) compactification of a real finite-dimensional cone. M. Friedberg established an isomorphism between the idempotents of U and the faces of the cone dual to K. This isomorphism is utilized to investigate the generators of the semigroup of idempotents.
Segmentation of anatomical branching structures based on texture features and conditional random field

This work is a part of our ongoing study aimed at understanding a relation between the topology of anatomical branching structures with the underlying image texture. Morphological variability of the breast ductal network is associated with subsequent development of abnormalities in patients with nipple discharge such as papilloma, breast cancer and atypia. In this work, we investigate complex dependence among ductal components to perform segmentation, the first step for analyzing topology of ductal lobes. Our automated framework is based on incorporating a conditional random field with texture descriptors of skewness, coarseness, contrast, energy and fractal dimension. These features are selected to capture the architectural variability of the enhanced ducts by encoding spatial variations between pixel patches in galactographic image. The segmentation algorithm was applied to a dataset of 20 x-ray galactograms obtained at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. We compared the performance of the proposed approach with fully and semi automated segmentation algorithms based on neural network classification, fuzzy-connectedness, vesselness filter and graph cuts. Global consistency error and confusion matrix analysis were used as accuracy measurements. For the proposed approach, the true positive rate was higher and the false negative rate was significantly lower compared to other fully automated methods. This indicates that segmentation based on CRF incorporated with texture descriptors has potential to efficiently support the analysis of complex topology of the ducts and aid in development of realistic breast anatomy phantoms.
Synthesis and in vitro reactivity of 3-carbamoyl-2-phenylpropionaldehyde and 2-phenylpropenal: putative reactive metabolites of felbamate.

We propose that 3-carbamoyl-2-phenylpropionaldehyde is an intermediate in the metabolism of felbamate, an anti-epileptic drug with a unique profile of the therapeutic activity, and undergoes a cascade of chemical reactions responsible for the toxic properties of the parent drug. To test this hypothesis, we have synthesized 3-carbamoyl-2-phenylpropionaldehyde and evaluated its in vitro reactivity. This molecule was found to be highly unstable at physiological pH (t1/2 or = 5 h) and may serve as a stable reservoir of the reactive aldehyde both in vitro and in vivo. Atropaldehyde is a potent electrophile and was found to exhibit cytotoxicity to cultured fibroblasts (50% growth inhibition (GI50) = 4.1 +/- 1.1 microM) comparable to the known unsaturated aldehyde toxins, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and acrolein. 3-Carbamoyl-2-phenylpropionaldehyde also exhibited significant cytotoxicity (GI50 = 53 +/- 8 microM), whereas 2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol monocarbamate (GI50 > 500 microM) and 3-carbamoyl-2-phenylpropionic acid (GI50 > 500 microM) were nontoxic. We have additionally demonstrated the formation of a glutathione-atropaldehyde conjugate from the in vitro incubation of 3-carbamoyl-2-phenylpropionaldehyde with glutathione. Thus, the potent cytotoxicity and potential allergenicity of atropaldehyde implicate this unsaturated aldehyde as a possible causative agent in the toxicities observed with felbamate treatment.
Quantized Vortex Rings in Rotating Helium II

Experiments are described on the propagation of quantized vortex rings in He II across an array of quantized vortex lines. Both scattering and capture of the charge carriers are observed.
Multi-grid method for periodic heterogeneous media Part 2: Multiscale modeling and quality control in multidimensional case

Abstract A multi-grid method for a periodic heterogeneous medium in multidimensions is developed. Based on the homogenization theory, special intergrid transfer operators have been developed to stimulate a low frequency response of the boundary value problem with oscillatory coefficients. An adaptive strategy is developed to form a nearly optimal two-scale computational model consisting of the finite element mesh entirely constructed on the microscale in the regions identified by the idealization error indicators, while elsewhere, the modeling level is only sufficient to capture the response of homogenized medium. Numerical experiments show the usefulness of the proposed adaptive multi-level procedure for predicting a detailed response of composite specimens.
THE POLARIZATION CAPACITY OF THE SKIN AS AN INDEX OF THYROID FUNCTION

The electrical properties of the body (skin, muscles and nerves) have been the subject of investigation of many hysiologists. duBois-Reymond (1) some 80 years ago dealt extensively with electrophysiology in man and in the experimental animal. It was Fere (2) who pointed out that the emotions will cause a variation in the electrical state of the skin. This he determined by noting galvanometric deflections when a weak electric current was passing through the body while psychic stimuli were applied. arehanoff (3) used no external current but attached two non-polarizable electrodes to different parts of the body. The person was subjected to psychicstimuli; by means of a galvanometer connected with the electrodes he showed deflections, especially when one electrode was placed on the palmof the hand, sole of the foot or axilla. Tarchanoff concluded that “galvanic phenomena observed in the skin, which are concomitant Avith different kinds of activity, should be considered as due to an active state of Sweat gland...
Functional Covalent Chemistry of Carbon Nanotube Surfaces

In this Progress Report, we update covalent chemical strategies commonly used for the focused functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) surfaces. In recent years, SWNTs have been treated as legitimate nanoscale chemical reagents. Hence, herein we seek to understand, from a structural and mechanistic perspective, the breadth and types of controlled covalent reactions SWNTs can undergo in solution phase, not only at ends and defect sites but also along sidewalls. We explore advances in the formation of nanotube derivatives that essentially maintain and even enhance their performance metrics after precise chemical modification. We especially highlight molecular insights (and corresponding correlation with properties) into the binding of functional moieties onto carbon nanotube surfaces. Controllable chemical functionalization suggests that the unique optical, electronic, and mechanical properties of SWNTs can be much more readily tuned than ever before, with key implications for the generation of truly functional nanoscale working devices.
Training Organizational Leaders in Socialization and Development

The late 1970s saw a significant change in the management of human resources in organizations. Many new programs have been introduced in such areas as career counselling and placement, employee training and development, job redesign, and alternative work schedules. As the programs are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive throughout organizations, executive involvement in such programs is increasing. Executives must be able to develop and monitor programs which strengthen the fit between employees' needs and those of their organization.
Presumed “sulfa allergy” in patients with intracranial hypertension treated with acetazolamide or furosemide: cross-reactivity, myth or reality?

Abstract Purpose To determine whether acetazolamide or furosemide produce allergic cross-reactions in patients with self-reported "sulfa allergy." Design Retrospective case series. Methods A retrospective review included patients with intracranial hypertension and a self-reported sulfa allergy treated with either acetazolamide or furosemide seen at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from 1972 to 2003. All presumed medication-related side effects were collected, including both predictable adverse effects (for example, paresthesias, fatigue) and unpredictable adverse reactions (for example, cutaneous fixed eruptions, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, angioedema, anaphylaxis). Results We reviewed 363 charts. Of these, 329 patients (91%) were excluded. Of the remaining 34 cases that did report a so-called sulfa allergy, 13 (38%) received acetazolamide alone, 7 (21%) received furosemide alone, and 14 (41%) received both acetazolamide and furosemide. Of the 27 patients who received acetazolamide, 10 (37%) had no documented allergic cross-reaction to sulfa, and 2 (7%) cases had urticaria. The remaining 15 (56%) of acetazolamide-treated patients experienced predictable adverse reactions for this drug (for example, paresthesias). No patient experienced a severe allergic cross-reaction to sulfa. Of 21 patients who received furosemide, no unpredictable adverse reactions or allergic cross-reactions to sulfa were noted. Conclusions We find little clinical or pharmacological evidence to suggest that a self-reported sulfa allergy is likely to produce a life-threatening cross-reaction with acetazolamide or furosemide. These medications should be considered for intracranial hypertension if the risk-to-benefit ratio warrants their use.
Characterization of a Novel Microsomal Fatty Acid Synthetase (FAS) Compared to a Cytosolic FAS in the Housefly, Musca domestica

A novel membrane-bound fatty acid synthetase (FAS) associated with the microsomal fraction from the housefly, Musca domestica, was solubilized and purified to homogeneity. The microsomal FAS was solubi- lized by 0.75 M KCl in phosphate buffer and was purified to homogeneity by the sequential use of ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by Sepharose CL-6B, DEAE Sephacel and Red Agarose (dye ligand affinity) chromatography. The specific activity of the microsomal FAS was increased 1,440-fold to 6,522 U/mg during purification. The cytosolic FAS from the housefly was also purified by similar methods and the specific activity increased 183-fold to 7,533 U/mg. The relative molecular mass of the microsomal and cytosolic FAS are 419 6 22 kDa and 405 6 18 kDa, respectively, for the dimers as determined by gel permeation chromatography. The microsomal and the cytosolic FAS yield different tryptic digestion maps and have slightly different amino acid compositions, which demonstrate structural differences between the two FASs. In addition, there are differ- ences between the two FASs in their kinetic characteristics and their ability to incorporate methylmalonyl- CoA into the growing fatty acyl chain. comp biochem physiol 118B;2:447-456, 1997. © 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Selected Home Economists Toward Irradiation in Food Preservation

Preservation of food with ionizing radiation treatment offers many benefits to consumers. Among other factors, the lack of certainty of the acceptance of this process by the public has slowed its commercial use in the U.S. Since home economists deal with food-related issues, it is likely that they will be asked ques tions by the public about this process. This project was designed to obtain infor mation using a survey method about the knowledge and attitudes of selected California home economists toward the use of irradiation to preserve food. The information was used to determine whether a need existed to provide education about the irradiation process to these professionals. The survey revealed that these home economists lacked knowledge about the irradiation process, al though they had a positive attitude toward it and desired to learn more about it. Based on these findings, a 90-minute statewide teleconference was conducted and viewed by more than 300 home economists and other interested profession als. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that (a) knowledge of and a positive attitude toward food irradi ation increased as a result of participation in the teleconference, (b) the informa tion provided was helpful, and (c) the objectives of the teleconference were met. This project should be replicated using a nationwide sample of home economists to obtain information about the knowledge and attitudes of a wide range of home economists about food irradiation and, if a need is demonstrated, a nationwide teleconference should be conducted.
Perceptions of Professionals Who Express Religious Beliefs.

Previous research suggests that a positive stereotype or "halo" is associated with the appearance of being religious. This study investigated how college students (81 males and 162 females) perceived male targets who did or did not publically express religious beliefs in their professional lives and who had access to varying sizes of public audiences (e.g. a TV personality, a college professor, and an accountant). Results demonstrated that, independent of the potential audience sizes, college students viewed a professional who actively expressed his religious beliefs to be more liked, more intelligent, more trustworthy, more moral, and more personally adjusted than a nonexpressive professional. Future studies should examine the frequency, manner of expression, and content of religious expressions on person perception.
Two strategies of group training of parents as effective behavior modifiers

Two groups, a combination group and a specific-focus group, each composed of four mothers who had sought assistance for behavioral difficulties with their children, were matched on several variables. Parents in both groups attended weekly, 2-hr sessions over a 10-week span. The first four sessions of the combination training group were devoted to teaching parents the principles of behavior modification, while session 5 through 10 concentrated on changing target behaviors. The specific-focus group dealt solely with target problems during the 10-week program. Combination group mothers were able to deal effectively with a wide range of current behavioral problems. The combination training program also had a considerable impact upon parent-child interactions in play and command settings and upon parents' perceptions of their children as measured by parents' responses to a behavior adjective checklist. Specific-focus group mothers demonstrated some improvements on these measures but they were not as marked as those of the combination group mothers. Follow-up evaluation showed that the improvements initially achieved by the combination group tended to be more stable than those attained by the specific-focus mothers.
Clustering of mutations within the inverted repeat regions of a serially passaged attenuated gallid herpesvirus type 2 strain

Marek’s disease (MD) is the leading cause of losses in chicken production in the world. Over the past 40 years significant progress has been made in the control of MD through the use of vaccines which reduce or delay tumor formation in vaccinated flocks. However, these vaccines fail to induce an immune response that protects against infection and virus shedding. Little is known about the genetic changes that lead to attenuation and are necessary for the generation of vaccine strains. Previous research has demonstrated that serial passage of virulent strains in cell culture results in the generation of attenuated progeny. Obtaining detailed knowledge of the changes which are needed for attenuation will be important for advancing our understanding of MD biology and should facilitate the development of more potent vaccines. We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) construct representing the 80th passage of a very virulent plus (vv+) MD virus strain termed 584A. Pathotyping studies have indicated that this strain (584Ap80) is indeed attenuated. Bioinformatic analysis of the sequencing data has identified numerous gross genetic changes clustering in the inverted repeat regions of the genome, as well as subtle changes (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) scattered throughout the genome. Relative to the parental strain (584Ap9), insertional mutations were identified in the MD-specific genes encoding RLORF1, RLORF3, RLORF6, 23 kDa, RLORF7 (Meq), vIL8, vLip, RSORF1, and five uncharacterized novel genes. Deletions were found in four locations within the 584Ap80 genome. A large deletion (297nt) was found in the diploid genes 85.6/98.6 and a 321 nt deletion within the intergenic region between the UL3 and UL3.5 genes is predicted to create a fusion polypeptide. A single nucleotide deletion was identified within the origin of replication. Both insertions and deletions were found in the dipoid genes MDV3.4/78.3 encoding the virulence factor RLORF4. The sequencing of the attenuated strain 584Ap80 and comparison to that of the virulent parent 584A passage 9 (584Ap9) has provided a wealth of information regarding genetic changes which have occurred during the attenuation process.