cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Expression of Two Endo-1,4-[beta]-Glucanase Genes in Pericarp and Locules of Wild-Type and Mutant Tomato Fruit

The mRNA accumulation of two endo-1,4-[beta]-D-glucanase genes, Cel1 and Cel2, was examined in the pericarp and locules throughout the development of normal tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit and the ripening-impaired mutants rin and Nr. Both Cel1 and Cel2 were expressed transiently at the earliest stages of fruit development during a period corresponding to cell division and early cell expansion. In the pericarp, the mRNA abundance of both genes increased markedly at the breaker stage; the level of Cel1 mRNA decreased later in ripening, and that of Cel2 increased progressively. Cel2 mRNA levels also increased at the breaker stage in locules but after initial locule liquefaction was already complete. In rin fruit mRNA abundance of Cel1 was reduced and Cel2 was virtually absent, whereas in Nr Cel1 was expressed at wild-type levels and Cel2 was reduced. In wild-type fruit ethylene treatment slightly promoted the mRNA accumulation of both genes. In rin fruit ethylene treatment strongly increased the mRNA abundance of Cel1 to an extent greater than in wild-type fruit, but Cel2 mRNA was absent even after ethylene treatment. These two endo-1,4-[beta]-D-glucanase genes, therefore, do not show coordinated expression during fruit development and are subject to distinct regulatory control. These results suggest that the product of the Cel2 gene contributes to ripening-associated cell-wall changes.
Pyrimidine Pools and Macromolecular Composition of Pyrimidine-Limited Escherichia coli

The growth rate of a pyrimidine-requiring strain was controlled by limiting the concentration of exogenous orotic acid. As the steady state, pyrimidine-limited growth rate was decreased, the intracellular pyrimidine pools and the total nucleic acid per unit mass of culture also decreased. The ratio of deoxyribonucleic acid to protein remained constant, whereas the ratio of ribonucleic acid to protein decreased 30% over a threefold variation in growth rate (50- to 150-min doubling times). The intracellular uridine triphosphate and cytosine triphosphate pools also decreased (although not coordinately), and the pyrimidine biosynthetic enzymes were derepressed. Cell size was unaffected by pyrimidine-mediated variation of the growth rate.
The Quantitation of Phenyl-2-Propanone Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed for the rapid, selective, and accurate quantitation of phenyl-2-propanone (P-2-P). A Perkin-Elmer HS/5 C18 column is utilized with a water, methanol, phosphoric acid mobile phase to achieve separation of clandestinely manufactured P-2-P from precursor chemicals and reaction by-products. Absorbance ratio and relative retention time data for some of the more common by-products and precursors are presented.
Six tutorial computer modules for non-linear circuit analysis and design

Six computer assisted instruction modules are available on the Internet that provide tutorials and demonstrations for nonlinear circuit analysis and design. These modules introduce the student in a sequence to the concept of a nonlinear two terminal device (one port) and its analysis and of a nonlinear three terminal device (two port) and its analysis. In addition, through interactive, graphics driven animation, the user can be provided with experience in the design of circuits with these nonlinear devices. The specific devices presented to illustrate these concepts are the pn diode and the bipolar junction transistor; there are three modules available for each. These modules are available on the Internet, either by anonymous FTP or through the auspices of NEEDS, the National Engineering Education Delivery System, being developed by the NSF SYNTHESIS Engineering Education Coalition.
Reduced brain GABA in primary insomnia: preliminary data from 4T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).

Study Objectives: Both basic and clinical data suggest a potential significant role for GABA in the etiology and maintenance of primary insomnia (PI). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can non-invasively determine GABA levels in human brain. Our objective was to assess GABA levels in unmedicated individuals with PI, using 1H-MRS.
Patient Treatment Preference As a Predictor of Response and Attrition in Treatment for Chronic Depression

Background Findings regarding the relationship between patient treatment preference and treatment outcome are mixed. This is a secondary data analysis investigating the relationship between treatment preference, and symptom outcome and attrition in a large 2-phase depression treatment trial.
Disseminated geotrichosis in a dog.

Geotrichum candidum was isolated from lung and bronchial lymph node of a dog with signs of pulmonary disease and which had generalized mycotic lesions. Firm fleshy nodules were scattered throughout the lungs. The pulmonary lesions consisted of foci of coagulative necrosis encircled by an inflammatory infiltrate composed chiefly of alveolar macrophages. Histologic features of lesions in bronchial lymph nodes, kidneys, adrenals, and myocardium resembled those in the lungs, but foci of involvement were smaller. Tiny, well-defined granulomas occurred in liver, spleen, bone marrow, brain, and eye. Fungi were abundant in most lesions, particularly those in the lungs. The organisms, predominantly yeast-like, occurred both free and in the cytoplasm of macrophages and multinucleated giant cells.
TRANSFORMING OLDER ADULT EDUCATION: AN EMERGING PARADIGM FROM A NATIONWIDE STUDY

Educational opportunities for older adults have changed dramatically in the past 20 years due, in part, to the rise of new institutions (e.g., learning in retirement institutes, Shepherd's Centers, OASIS institutes) and modification to earlier programs based in senior centers and community colleges. Little systematic research has examined the shared characteristics of these program types—how the are organized, funded, governed and so on. In response, with funding from the AARP Andrus Foundation, a national study of older adult education organizations was conducted during 1992‐1993. A “Critical Pathways Taxonomy” was devised in surveying 260 organizations that provide educational programs for seniors. Five program models were studied and compared. New roles for older learners were identified in areas of planning, teaching, governance, and community service. The study suggests that a new paradigm of older adult education is emerging.
Caveolins in vascular smooth muscle: Form organizing function

Caveolae are becoming increasingly recognized as an important organizational structure for a variety of signal and energy-transducing systems in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). In this review, we discuss the emerging role of the caveolins in organizing and modulating the basic functions of smooth muscle: contraction, growth/proliferation, and the energetic support systems that support these functions. With clear alterations in cell metabolism and function in VSM with altered caveolin-1 (Cav-1) protein expression and with cardiovascular abnormalities associated with Cav-1 null mice, the caveolin family of proteins may play an important role in the function and dysfunction of VSM.
Elastic Modulus and Fracture Toughness of Ternary PbO-ZnO-B2O3 Glasses

The elastic moduli and fracture toughnesses of a series of PbO-ZnO-B2O3 glasses were measured for different PbO/ZnO ratios and for B2O3 contents from 30 to 70 mol%. Substituting ZnO for PbO increased both the elastic modulus and fracture toughness at all B2O3 levels with the fracture toughness being related to the elastic modulus. Structural effects on these properties are discussed.
Critical Casimir effect in dilute 3He-4He mixture films

Recently, we have found that 4He films thin near the lambda point. Based on our measurements, the thinning appears to be caused by the confinement of superfluid order parameter fluctuations in the films. The phenomenon of the thinning is believed to be analogous to the Casimir effect in electromagnetism where the confinement of electromagnetic fluctuations causes the vacuum layer that separates two metal plates to thin. In this paper, we report the result of an experiment extending our previous study to 3He–4He mixture films. Thinning is found near the new lambda points and the characteristics of the thinning are similar to that found in pure 4He films.
Inhaled nanoparticles—A current review

The field of nanotechnology may hold the promise of significant improvements in the health and well being of patients, as well as in manufacturing technologies. The knowledge of this impact of nanomaterials on public health is limited so far. This paper briefly reviews the unique size-controlled properties of nanomaterials, their disposition in the body after inhalation, and the factors influencing the fate of inhaled nanomaterials. The physiology of the lung makes it an ideal target organ for non-invasive local and systemic drug delivery, especially for protein and poorly water-soluble drugs that have low oral bioavailability via oral administration. The potential application of pulmonary drug delivery of nanoparticles to the lungs, specifically in context of published results reported on nanomaterials in environmental epidemiology and toxicology is reviewed in this paper.
Kim Receives 2012 James R. Holton Junior Scientist Award: Citation

Tiffany A. Shaw received the James R. Holton Junior Scientist Award at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting, held 5–9 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes outstanding research contributions by a junior atmospheric scientist within 3 years of his or her Ph.D.
Random search techniques for optimization of nonlinear systems with many parameters

Abstract This paper concerns the application of adaptive random search techniques to large parameter optimization and identification problems. A brief review of the algorithm is presented, followed by a discussion of 3 examples: (1) identification of 25 unknown parameters in a nonlinear 5-degree of freedom mechanical system (2) identification of 17 parameters in a nonlinear model of soil mechanics and (3) determination of optimum values of 24 parameters to obtain a match of two response spectra. The results indicate the robustness and applicability of adaptive random search to a wide variety of nonlinear optimization problems.
Object Recognition Based on Human Saccadic Behaviour

The automated recognition of targets in complex backgrounds is a difficult problem, yet humans perform such tasks with ease. We therefore propose a recognition model based on behavioural and physiological aspects of the human visual system. Emulating saccadic behaviour, an object is first memorised as a sequence of fixations. At each fixation an artificial visual field is constructed using a multi-resolution/ orientation Gabor filterbank, edge features are extracted, and a new saccadic location is automatically selected. When a new image is scanned and a ‘familiar’ field of view encountered, the memorised saccadic sequence is executed over the new image. If the expected visual field is found around each fixation point, the memorised object is recognised. Results are presented from trials in which individual objects were first memorised and then searched for in collages of similar objects acting as distractors. In the different collages, entries of the memorised objects were subjected to various combinations of rotation, translation and noise corruption. The model successfully detected the memorised object in over 93% of the ‘object present’ trials, and correctly rejected collages in over 98% of the trials in which the object was not present in the collage. These results are compared with those obtained using a correlation-based recogniser, and the behavioural model is found to provide superior performance.
Comparison of automated culture systems with a CFR/USP-compliant method for sterility testing of cell-therapy products.

Abstract Background Although widely used, commercially available automated culture methods are not US Food and Drug Administration-approved for sterility testing of cell-therapy products. For cell-therapy products regulated under Section 351 of the Public Health Service Act, sterility testing must be performed by the methods described in 21 CFR 610.12 and USP (CFR/ USP method), or by methods demonstrated to be equivalent. Methods Two automated methods, BacT/Alert (BTA; bioMerieux) and Bactec (Becton Dickinson), were compared with the CFR/USP method. Representative mononuclear cell (MNC) products were formulated using six different product media. MNC product aliquots containing 10–50 × 106 cells in a 0.5 mL volume were seeded with organisms, and cultured for 14 days in aerobic and anaerobic bottles of each system. Ten different organisms at target concentrations of 10 and 50 colony-forming units (CFU) per bottle were tested. Results Positives were detected in a mean (range) of 72% (7–100%) of cultures for CFR/USP, 82% (0–100%) for BTA, and 93% (57–100%) for Bactec. For nine of the 10 organisms tested, overall detection rates for BTA and Bactec were equivalent to or higher than CFR/USP. Of the six product media tested, detection of organisms was impaired only by the medium containing multiple antibiotics: this occurred in all three systems. Both BTA and Bactec had shorter times to detection than the CFR/ USP method, with overall means (ranges) of 87 (24–264) h for CFR/ USP, 24 (12–54) h for BTA, and 33 (12–80) hfor Bactec. Detection occurred consistently within 7 days for both BTA and Bactec, but not for CFR/USP. Discussion Both BTA and Bactec are superior to the CFR/ USP method for overall detection and time to detection of organisms in MNC products suspended in commonly used media. These data support general use of either BTA or Bactec for sterility testing of a variety of cell-therapy products, and suggest that a 7-day culture period is sufficient to detect clinically relevant organisms. These results confirm the need for bacteriostasis and fungistasis testing of antibiotic-containing products, even when antibiotic-binding substances are used.
Measurement of tunnel junction resistance during formation

We have measured the characteristics of aluminum tunnel junctions during and immediately after the formation of the junction. This has permitted us to observe changes in the oxide barrier, in vacuum and in air. By observing the barrier resistance during sputtering, we were able to diagnose and correct problems due to plasma discharges which were damaging the junctions. We report preliminary results from junctions passivated with a silicon nitride cap layer.
Augmented saliency model using automatic 3D head pose detection and learned gaze following in natural scenes.

Previous studies have shown that gaze direction of actors in a scene influences eye movements of passive observers during free-viewing (Castelhano, Wieth, & Henderson, 2007; Borji, Parks, & Itti, 2014). However, no computational model has been proposed to combine bottom-up saliency with actor’s head pose and gaze direction for predicting where observers look. Here, we first learn probability maps that predict fixations leaving head regions (gaze following fixations), as well as fixations on head regions (head fixations), both dependent on the actor’s head size and pose angle. We then learn a combination of gaze following, head region, and bottom-up saliency maps with a Markov chain composed of head region and non-head region states. This simple structure allows us to inspect the model and make comments about the nature of eye movements originating from heads as opposed to other regions. Here, we assume perfect knowledge of actor head pose direction (from an oracle). The combined model, which we call the Dynamic Weighting of Cues model (DWOC), explains observers’ fixations significantly better than each of the constituent components. Finally, in a fully automatic combined model, we replace the oracle head pose direction data with detections from a computer vision model of head pose. Using these (imperfect) automated detections, we again find that the combined model significantly outperforms its individual components. Our work extends the engineering and scientific applications of saliency models and helps better understand mechanisms of visual attention.
Inability of desoxycorticosterone to maintain lactation.

SummaryThe necessity of adrenal cortical secretions for the support of lactation in rats was confirmed. Desoxycorticosterone acetate, unlike adrenal cortical extract, was of no benefit at all in correcting this deficiency, and may have further depressed lactation.†
Handoff World: Challenges to Meaningful Work in a Fragmented Knowledge Economy

In contrast to the experience of alienation in classic industrial labor, knowledge workers have been shown to seek self-realization in and identify with their work. Yet scholars have also begun to note that distributions of knowledge work are becoming increasingly fragmented. Handoffs appear to have become a key aspect of the experience of knowledge work, as the interdependent knowledge and skills necessary to complete a job are now more frequently distributed across intra- and extra-organizational boundaries. In order to better understand how knowledge workers perceive and strategically respond to the loss of ownership and control inherent in handoffs, we draw on an intensive ethnography of practitioners at a global product design consultancy. Our data detail how practitioners' emotional discourse and strategic behavior are primarily directed at preventing the sudden death of their initiatives after handoff and at preserving the spirit and intent of their initiatives despite loss of direct control. We di...
Microbiological screening assay for tylosin in pollen

SummaryTylosin has been isolated from pollen samples by adsorption on acidic mixed-mode solid-phase extraction cartridges, with subsequent determination using a disk-diffusion microbiological assay. While not providing identification of individual antibiotics present, the presence of a zone of inhibition provides a simple indication of the presence of bacteriostatic/bactericidal residues. Use of Paenibacillus larvae gave reproducible sensitivity to 0.2 mg/kg tylosin, but not reliably below that level. Of the strains of bacteria tested, P. larvae and Micrococcus luteus gave the greatest sensitivity and inhibition zone diameter; M. luteus was sensitive to some component of pollen, giving large blanks, and less sensitive than other strains to low concentrations of tylosin. Sampling provides the greatest source of error in the analysis of pollen.
Bringing Reflective Learning to the Marketing Research Course: A Cooperative Learning Project Using Intergroup Critique

Recent theories suggest that learning is facilitated when concrete experiences are reflected upon (questioned, analyzed) to form abstract concepts and generalizations that are then used and tested in new situations. This article describes a group research project, for use in an undergraduate marketing research course, that gives students hands-on experience in using survey research methodology to measure potential demand for a new business. This group project is designed to stimulate and encourage reflective learning based on the use of intergroup critique throughout the term. Students formulate and come to understand important concepts based on continuous questioning and reflection at each of the major stages in designing a research project.
Lipid-like agent from human neoplastic cells suppresses cell-mediated immunity

A lipid-like factor (LLF) of a phospholipid nature was isolated from spent cell-free media of explants and cell cultures from lipids collected from human mammary carcinoma and malignant melanoma cells. LLF modulates macrophage properties and inhibits macrophage chemotactic activity, spreading, lipopolysaccharide-induced tumoricidal activities, and macrophage migration. LLF is unique to tumor cells and is not present in detectable quantities in normal mammary epithelial cells or skin fibroblasts. LLF also inhibits human normal lymphocytes' response to mitogenic stimulation. Partial purification of LLF from human mammary carcinoma is attained by a combination of chloroform extraction and filtration through Amicon molecular membranes. LLF activity is not sensitive to trypsin, pronase, bovine spleen phosphodiesterase II, alkaline phosphatase, or ribonuclease, but it is completely inactivated with phospholipase and lipoprotein lipase.
Cancer Pain Emergencies: Is There a Role for Radiation Therapy?

Emergent cancer pain is a difficult entity to manage. Radiation therapy potentially may be used for its treatment. Several key issues must be addressed in patients with emergent cancer pain before initiating radiation. These issues include whether the necessary diagnostic information is available, whether the tumor will respond rapidly to radiation, and whether there are additional patient factors that will affect treatment. If these questions have been addressed, it is more likely that a successful outcome will be obtained if radiation therapy is used for the management of emergent cancer pain.
Hydroacoustic contributions to understanding the December 26th 2004 great Sumatra–Andaman Earthquake

Within the era of modern digital-recording, the December 26th 2004 Sumatra–Andaman Earthquake represents an event of unprecedented scale. Hydroacoustic observations have made significant contributions toward our understanding of this great rupture and serve to reiterate the potential use of tertiary (T) waves as a tool in tsunami warning. Small-aperture arrays of hydrophones operated by the International Monitoring System (IMS) recorded the seismically generated, water-borne T-wave within the Indian Ocean. Due to the velocity structure of the oceanic water column, T-wave propagation is both slower and more efficient than radiation within the solid earth. This results in a relatively large amplitude signal that arrives within a time window distinct from the more complex and overlapping pattern of solid earth seismic phases. Hydroacoustic analysis has constrained the rupture length of the fault to be ~1,200 km and the duration on the order of 8 min, with 2–3 phases exhibiting progressively decreasing rupture velocity. These data also indicate that aftershock rates in the first hours following the mainshock correlate with spatial variability in the sourced T-wave amplitude, with far fewer events along the northern section of the main rupture. Although IMS stations telemeter data in near real time, data access for scientists was restricted due to the provisions of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The swift dissemination of data will be critical in using hydroacoustic methods to assess the magnitude and tsunamigenic potential of future events.
First-principles energy and stress fields in defected materials

New methods are presented for microscopically characterizing defects in materials in terms of local energy and stress fields calculated at the first-principles level of theory. These fields provide a quantitative measure of the local disturbance created by defect-induced electronic and atomic inhomogeneities in a solid. The local stress density {σαβ}(r) is computed by explicitly evaluating the strain derivative of a suitably defined energy density field, e(r). Although e(r) and {σαβ}(r) are defined only up to a gauge transformation, they yield the correct total energy and the average macroscopic stress tensor, respectively, when integrated over the entire volume of the underlying unit cell. In systems with defects, it is shown that well-defined averages of e(r) and {σαβ}(r) can be constructed by restricting the domain of integration to smaller volumes, which are integral multiples of the Wigner-Seitz cell for the supercell containing the defect. These fields can provide important insights into the nature of atomic-scale defects. Explicit expressions for e(r) and {σαβ}(r) are derived within the density functional plane-wave pseudopotential formalism. For the test cases of bulk Al with a vacancy and a Al(001) surface, it is shown that the averaged forms of e(r) and {σαβ}(r) help characterize the defects in a physically meaningful manner. Potential applications of e(r) and {σαβ}(r) to the characterization of surface relaxations and to multi-scale studies of materials are suggested.
Determination of the argon content of sputtered SiO2 films by X-ray fluorescence

X-Ray fluorescence measurements are a simple method to determine the argon content of SiO2 films deposited by r.f. sputtering of silica in an argon atmosphere. Some informative experiments showed little dependence of argon content on layer thickness, argon pressure and r.f. power density. The argon concentration in the SiO2 films is mainly dependent on temperature. Argon can be thermally released from the films at temperatures exceeding approx. 400° C.
Creep deformation mechanisms in fine-grained niobium

Creep rates in fine-grained Nb were measured at 600 °C using free-standing Cu/Nb polycrystalline multilayered foils. For specimens with layer thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 5 μm and Nb grain sizes ranging from 0.43 ± 0.05 to 1.87 ± 0.13 μm, two distinct regimes were observed. At high stresses, the stress dependence, grain size dependence and activation energy for creep are consistent with power-law creep, with an average stress exponent of 3.5. At low stresses, creep rates exhibited a linear dependence on stress and an inverse linear dependence on grain size. A model is presented for a vacancy generation-controlled creep mechanism, whereby deformation rates are controlled by the rate of vacancy generation at or near grain boundaries, not by their diffusion. The proposed model is consistent with experimental observations of stress and grain size dependence, as well as the measured activation energy for creep.
Isolation and characterization of a liver plasma membrane fraction enriched in glucagon-sensitive adenylate cyclase.

Abstract Partially purified liver plasma membranes were fractionated further on sucrose layers. Three membrane populations, numbered Peaks 1, 2 and 3, were isolated at densities of 1.23, 1.16, and 1.03, respectively. Peaks 1 and 2 were enriched to a similar degree in 5′-nucleotidase activity, a plasma membrane marker, relative to membranes in Peak 3. Electron micrographs indicated that Peak 1 possessed desmosomes and bile canaliculi, while Peak 2 contained large vesicles as well as smaller vesicular structures attached to membranes. The latter have been attributed to hepatocyte sinusoidal surfaces. All three membrane fractions contained adenylate cyclase activity with the highest specific activity found in Peak 2. The enzyme in all three peaks was F sensitive with higher sensitivity in Peaks 1 and 2. Glucagon sensitivity of adenylate cyclase in Peak 2 membranes was four times that of Peak 1. Only Peak 2 membranes were sensitive to epinephrine. The Peak 2 membranes were three times more sensitive to glucagon than the partially purified membranes from which they were derived. These findings indicate that, while both bile canalicular and sinusoidal faces of hepatocytes possess adenylate cyclase, the sinusoidal fraction is more sensitive to glucagon. Solubilized adenylate cyclase of the Peak 2 membranes, obtained as the 165,000 g supernate of membranes treated with Lubrol-PX, was sensitive to stimulation by guanyl nucleotide analogs. Guanyl nucleotide sensitivity thus resides in the catalytic site and is not dependent on membrane integrity. All three membrane fractions possessed similar activities of nucleotide phosphohydrolase activity.
Do Investors' Perceptions Vary with Types of Nonaudit Fees? Evidence from Auditor Ratification Voting

In FRR No. 68, the SEC (2003b) updated the rules related to the disclosure of fees paid to the independent auditor by requiring more detailed information about nonaudit fees. The SEC (2002, 2003b) asserted that the partition of nonaudit fees into the categories of audit‐related, tax, and other fees would be useful for investors in assessing the auditor's independence and in voting on ratifying the auditor. The SEC suggested that investors would view audit‐related and tax services more favorably than “other” nonaudit services. In this paper we test the SEC's assertions by examining shareholder ratification votes, during 2003, at 248 of the S&P 1500 firms. Our results support the SEC's assertion that investors would view audit‐related fees differently than the other two types of nonaudit fees. However, contrary to the SEC's assertion, both the tax fee ratio and the other fee ratio have a positive association with the proportion of votes against auditor ratification. The results related to tax fees provide e...
Making sense of epistemological pluralism: A response to ringen

Behaviorism and Logical Positivism (Smith, 1986) was conceived and written as a work in the history of science. But like many other works of its genre, it tells a story that has implications for the philosophy of science and epistemology. Based on a most perceptive reading of the book, Jon Ringen has spelled out a number of the book’s philosophical implications while raising pointed questions about my own treatment of them in the book’s concluding chapter. In doing so, Ringen has opened more fertile ground than can profitably be cultivated here, but there is still much that can be said to clarify the book’s philosophical import. I begin by commenting on Ringen’s exposCe of Fodor’s critique of behaviorism, and then turn to the larger questions raised by Ringen in regard to the compatibility of pluralistic naturalized epistemologies with genuinely prescriptive epistemic standards. I will conclude by commenting on the implications of this compatibility, specifically on why naturalistic epistemology is likely to remain a pluralistic, relativistic, and unfinished enterprise.
Increased use of prophylactic vena cava filters in trauma patients failed to decrease overall incidence of pulmonary embolism.

Abstract Background: Recent studies have reported that placement of vena cava filters (VCFs) early after injury may decrease the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in high-risk trauma patients. Study Design: This was a retrospective review of all trauma patients with placement of VCFs admitted to a single level-1 trauma center between 1989 and 1997. Two cohorts corresponding to years of high or low prophylactic VCF use (PVCF) were compared. Results: Records were reviewed for 299 trauma patients identified as having had placement of a VCF. Two hundred forty-eight filters were placed before the diagnosis of PE. During years of low PVCF use, the overall PE incidence was 0.31%; during years of high PVCF use, the incidence of PE was higher at 0.48% (p = 0.045, chi-square). Conclusions: Increased use of PVCFs failed to decrease the overall rate of PE in our trauma patient population.
Analytic PRISM Theory of Structurally Asymmetric Polymer Blends and Copolymers

Analytic PRISM theory with the new molecular closures is applied to determine the effective chi-parameters and spinodal instability curves for structurally asymmetric polymer alloys. Compressibility effects are found to be very important, and the use of a literal incompressible RPA-like approximation is shown to incur qualitative errors in most cases. A rich and nonadditive dependence of phase transition temperatures and apparent SANS chi-parameters on backbone stiffness asymmetry, attractive interaction potential asymmetry, and thermodynamic variables is found for binary homopolymer blends. A novel strategy for designing miscible mixtures based on a cancellation, or compensation, of the relevant asymmetries is identified. The influence of chain stiffness asymmetry in blends characterized by specific interactions is also studied. Generalization of the analytic PRISM theory to mixtures of random copolymers and periodic block copolymer melts is presented. All the rich behavior predicted for phase-separating homopolymer mixtures is again found for these systems, plus additional non mean field effects associated with random copolymer composition and block architecture. The theory is applied semiquantitatively to interpret recent experiments on polyolefin blends, diblock copolymers, and random copolymer alloys. Theoretical predictions are made which qualitatively account for recent experimental observations of a strong influence of stiffness asymmetry on phase separationmore » temperatures, and the breakdown of the mean field random copolymer approach. Anomalous behavior is also predicted for deuterated mixtures due to an interference between the consequences of stiffness asymmetry and enthalipic interactions. The physical mechanism for the many non-Flory-Huggins effects predicted by the compressible PRISM theory is local, scalar density correlations, which appears to be different than the nematic fluctuation mechanism suggested by recent field theoretic work.« less
Responsibility and Manipulation

I address various critiques of the approach to moral responsibility sketched in previous work by Ravizza and Fischer. I especially focus on the key issues pertaining to manipulation.
Positive Faculty/Librarian Relationships for Productive Library Assignments

Abstract Faculty/librarian collaboration is a topic that receives almost as much coverage in the library literature as information literacy. It is probably safe to say that information literacy efforts cannot succeed without positive collaboration between classroom faculty and librarians. The most common scenario for such collaboration is the library instruction session, in which an instructor takes the class to the library, or invites the librarian to the classroom. Other types of collaboration occur- or should occur-at the time the instructor gives a library research assignment. Librarians can provide “faculty development” to their colleagues from across the disciplines as to how best to work with librarians to achieve course content and information literacy goals. A non-threatening and collegial approach can be most effective. This article summarizes one librarian's experience in conducting such a faculty development session. Content adapted from the session handout is provided.
Reconstruction of kinetic parameter images directly from dynamic PET sinograms

Recently, there has been interest in estimating kinetic model parameters for each voxel in a PET image. To do this, the activity images are first reconstructed from PET sinogram frames at each measurement time, and then the kinetic parameters are estimated by fitting a model to the reconstructed time-activity response of each voxel. However, this indirect approach to kinetic parameter estimation tends to reduce signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) because of the requirement that the sinogram data be divided into individual time frames. In 1985, Carson and Lange proposed, but did not implement, a method based on the EM algorithm for direct parametric reconstruction. More recently, researchers have developed semi-direct methods which use spline-based reconstruction, or direct methods for estimation of kinetic parameters from image regions. However, direct voxel-wise parametric reconstruction has remained a challenge due to the unsolved complexities of inversion and required spatial regularization. In this work, we demonstrate an efficient method for direct voxel-wise reconstruction of kinetic parameters (as a parametric image) from all frames of the PET data. The direct parametric image reconstruction is formulated in a Bayesian framework, and uses the parametric iterative coordinate descent (PICD) algorithm to solve the resulting optimization problem. This PICD algorithm is computationally efficient and allows the physiologically important kinetic parameters to be spatially regularized. Our experimental simulations demonstrate that direct parametric reconstruction can substantially reduce estimation error of kinetic parameters as compared to indirect methods.
Emerging drugs for squamous cell lung cancer

Introduction: The management of advanced NSCLC has been shifted by histology-driven treatment and molecularly targeted therapy, especially in lung adenocarcinoma. However, as the second most common histology in NSCLC, the treatment options for squamous cell lung cancer (SQCLC) remain very limited.Areas covered: The review first discusses the role of histology in management of NSCLC and new cytotoxic agents in SQCLC, and then addresses genomic characterization and potential molecular targets in SQCLC. The article then provides an overview for several major categories of novel molecularly targeted therapies and immune-based strategies with particular attention to ongoing SQCLC trials.Expert opinion: The key challenges in drug development are to uncover novel actionable targets and to identify predictive biomarkers. Progress in genomic analysis has identified some promising targetable genes and oncogenic pathways in SQCLC with a wave of targeted agents being tested in clinical trials. Immunotherapy has also ...
Early hemoconcentration is associated with pancreatic necrosis only among transferred patients.

Objectives:Studies evaluating hemoconcentration as a marker of necrosis in acute pancreatitis have reached different conclusions. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of transfer status on the accuracy of hemoconcentration for the prediction of pancreatic necrosis.Methods:We prospective
A Wide-Band Oscilloscope

This paper deals with the development of a wideband oscilloscope intended for use as a precision-measurement tool. The means by which the performance specifications were determined are outlined, and a discussion is given of the methods by which these objectives were obtained. The various technical problems, such as compensations for both low and high frequencies, the design of attenuator and inverting networks, and test methods, as well as the theory of operation of certain of the components are discussed.
Total Born-approximation cross sections for single-electron loss by atoms and ions colliding with atoms

The first born approximation (FBA) is applied to the calculation of single electron loss cross sections for various ions and atoms containing from one to seven electrons. Screened hydrogenic wave functions were used for the states of the electron ejected from the projectile, and Hartree-Fock elastic and incoherent scattering factors were used to describe the target. The effect of the target atom on the scaling of projectile ionization cross sections with respect to the projectile nuclear charge was explored in the case of hydrogen-like ions. Scaling of the cross section with respect to the target nuclear charge for electron loss by Fe (+25) in collision with neutral atoms ranging from H to Fe is also examined. These results were compared to those of the binary encounter approximation and to the FBA for the case of ionization by completely stripped target ions.
Crystal attachment to injured renal collecting duct cells: influence of urine proteins and pH.

Crystal attachment to injured renal collecting duct cells: Influence of urine proteins and pH. Background The attachment of crystals to injured kidney epithelium is thought to be a necessary event in the development of urolithiasis. In vivo, the crystals are coated with urinary macromolecules that define the surface properties of the crystals. The present study examines the influence of coating of calcium oxalate crystals with urinary macromolecules on their attachment to both healthy (polarized) and injured (nonpolarized) primary inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. Methods Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals were coated with urine macromolecules by incubating the crystals in urine from normal healthy volunteers at pH 5, 6, and 7. The level of attachment of the coated crystals to IMCD cells was also determined at pH 5, 6, and 7. The adsorbed proteins were extracted from the crystal surfaces and separated by gel electrophoresis. Results The coating of calcium oxalate crystals with urine proteins greatly reduced the attachment of crystals to both control and injured IMCD cells. At pH levels below 6, the crystals readily attached to injured cells. Extraction and separation of the adsorbed proteins showed that both COM and COD crystals adsorbed a similar array of proteins. At pH 5 and 6, several trace proteins were adsorbed to the crystals and were not apparent at pH 7. Conclusion The coating of crystals with urine macromolecules greatly reduces the attachment of the crystals to normal healthy epithelia. The coating and attachment of the crystals below pH 6 enhances the attachment to injured cells. The enhanced crystal attachment could possibly be associated with one or more proteins adsorbed to the crystal surface that are not adsorbed to the crystals at higher pH.
Inside the Black Box of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Change: Using a Cognitive-Processing Model to Assess Attitude Structure

One of the key aspects of organizational and societal interventions is different kinds of attitude change. These different kinds of change have been operationalized in terms of the well-known Alpha (a simple shift in assessment before and after the intervention), Beta (a shift in the respondent's metric with an accompanying change in distance anchors), and Gamma (a respondent's subjective redefinition of the construct) change typology. Researchers who use this typology have considered changes at state A (time 1) and state B (time 2) but have not examined the process involved for Alpha, Beta, and Gamma change in moving from state A to state B. To move inside this black box, we develop a model of attitude and structure and examine the cognitive processes hypothesized to yield attitude structure changes corresponding to the Alpha. Beta, and Gamma typology. We develop testable research propositions and show how the model can help to guide future research and practical applications across a wide range of inter...
Tetrakis(2,2′-bi­pyridine)­tetra-μ3-hydro­xo-di-μ-tri­fluoro­acetato-tetracobalt(II) diiodide diaceto­nitrile monohydrate: a compound containing a tetranuclear `cubane'-type cobalt(II) core

A new compound, [Co4(C2F3O2)2(OH)4(C10H8N2)4]I2·2C2H3N·H2O, containing a tetranuclear cobalt(II)–hydroxo core with a cube-like structural geometry is reported. The four CoII coordination polyhedra are irregular octahedra and the CoII atoms are linked by three hydro­xo and tri­fluoro­acetate ions resulting in a Co4O4 core with approximate tetrahedral symmetry. The coordination polyhedra share edges with short Co⋯Co distances. A bond valence analysis shows that a cube-like arrangement of atoms in a tetranuclear cluster is ideal for the clusters [M4(OR)4]4+ (R is a strongly binding group) and [M4O4]8+ when the metal ions are in oxidation states of +2 and +4, respectively.
Faith and Politics : The Influence of Religious Beliefs on Political Participation

Objective. The relationship between religion and political participation has not been rigorously investigated, typically employing only basic measures of church attendance or denomination. In this study, we utilize precise measures of various religious behaviors, traditions, and beliefs to examine their influence on political participation. Methods. Using data from the Baylor Religion Survey 2005, we demonstrate that merely including measures of church attendance or denomination camouflages much of religion's influence on political participation. Results. We find that religious beliefs are significantly related to national political participation. For religious activities, identifying with a religious tradition reduces participation, but participation in church activities increases political participation. Conclusion. Different types of religious beliefs influence political participation differently. Although some macro religious beliefs significantly increase macro political behavior, believers in an involved God are less likely to participate politically. Individualistic, micro beliefs have no affect on national politics. Thus, the scope of the religious belief fits with the scope of the political activity, in that more macro concerns translate to national political participation.
Identification of a General Transcription Factor TFIIAα/β Homolog Selectively Expressed in Testis

Abstract In this paper we describe the isolation of a cDNA that encodes a human TFIIAα/β-likefactor (ALF). The open reading frame of ALF predicts a protein of 478 amino acids that contains characteristic N- and C-terminal conserved domains separated by an internal nonconserved domain. In addition, a rare ALF-containing cDNA, which possesses an extended N terminus (Stoned B/TFIIAα/β-like factor; SALF) has also been identified. The results of Northern and dot blot analyses show that ALF is expressed almost exclusively in testis; in contrast, TFIIAα/β and TFIIAγ are enriched in testis but are also widely expressed in other human tissues. Recombinant ALF (69 kDa) and TFIIAγ (12 kDa) polypeptides produced in Escherichia coli form an ALF/γ complex that can stabilize TBP-TATA interactions in an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The ALF/γ complex is also able to restore transcription from the adenovirus major late promoter using HeLa cell nuclear extracts that have been depleted of TFIIA. Overall, the data show that ALF is a functional homolog of human general transcription factor TFIIAα/β that may be uniquely important to testis biology.
Word recognition with masking

At illuminances between .07 and 17 ft.-c, the word-recognition threshold was lower when a common word was preceded and followed by a homogenous field than by a noise pattern composed of a random array of bits of letters. Most of the difference is ascribed to the pattern’s interference with post-stimulatory processes. This interference may explain why with masking the threshold reached a minimum at 90 msec. and then did not decrease further despite increasing illuminance, whereas without masking the threshold continued to decrease down to 7 msec, the shortest duration tested.
The deceptive behaviors that offend us most about spyware

Before effective legislation against spyware can be drawn, lawmakers and vendors must understand what users find most deceptive and offensive about this stealth software.
Effects of the Global Financial Crisis on Children's School and Employment Outcomes in El Salvador

Central America has been one of the regions hardest hit by the global financial crisis. This article analyses the short-run effects of the crisis on children's schooling and employment outcomes in El Salvador, exploiting repeated cross-sectional samples of the annual household survey for the period 2000–8. It reveals that this early phase of the financial crisis has decreased school attendance for girls and boys aged 10–16 and increased child employment for boys of the same age range, and also shifted attendance towards public schools. A falsification test demonstrates that a placebo, or ‘false crisis’ defined as second semester 2007, does not have the same adverse impacts on children's outcomes as the manifested crisis.
Cardiac changes in pregnancy unrelated to the usual etiological types of heart disease

Abstract The frequency with which symptoms and signs of cardiac failure appear ante partum and post partum in women who had no evidence of heart disease before becoming pregnant is not known. Observation of such patients has prompted the present report. These patients were found by examining women who, at the time they became pregnant, had apparently normal hearts, and by selecting from obstetric cardiac patients those who did not have the usual types of heart disease. The report is necessarily incomplete, for it represents only those patients observed personally. The findings were grouped arbitrarily, as follows: (1) physiologic changes, including so-called “gestatory heart diseae”; (2) changes dependent upon toxemia and nephritis; and (3) post-partum heart failure. A preliminary report of some of these observations has already been given, 1 and certain aspects of the post-partum group have been described. 2
Chapter 3 The haphazard connection: Social science and public policy

Abstract This chapter explores the history of social science knowledge utilization in America. Four main functions that social science serves for government officials are discussed. The chapter suggests characteristics for making research more useful for decision makers.