cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kaposi's sarcoma: its ‘oncogenes’ and growth factors

Abstract Viral genes capable of inducing vascular tumors in the skin of transgenic mice are the tat gene of HIV-1 and polyoma virus' middle T antigen gene. Instead of vascular tumors, the tat gene of HTLV-I causes thymic atrophy and mesenchymal tumors in transgenic mice. No proof exists that any of these genes contribute to the induction of KS but HIV-1 tat is a strong suspect. The gene product K-FGF of the oncogene K - fgf hst (int) uses bFGF receptors, is homologous with bFGF and acts as a mitogen for fibroblasts, endothelia cells and melanocytes. The overexpression of the K-fgf gene in KS is not proven unequivocally; some doubts exist suggesting the activation of this gene during the laboratory procedure of transfection with KS cell heavy DNA. Growth factor(s) not well identified (IL-6?) are released from HTLV-I- or II, or HIV-1- or 2-infected T4 lymphocytes and in particular from HIV-1-infected macrophages. This growth factor(s) promote(s) the continuous proliferation of endothelial cells and KS cells. AIDS-KS cells release other growth factors identical with or closely related to basic FGF, a major inducer of angioneogenesis. In addition, acidic FGF, IL-1α and -β, GM-CSF, PDGF-B and TGF-β are released from AIDS-KS cells. The release of GM-CSF is induced by IL-1. GM-CSF promotes granulocytic, monocytic and endothelial cell proliferation. TGF-β is known to suppress lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity and may act as a local immunosuppressive factor together with interferon inactivators. We theorize that when TGF-β production ceases, TNF-β (lymphotoxin) production switches on leading to programmed cell death (apoptosis) of KS cells resulting in regression of these lesions. The newly discovered angiogenesis factors VEGF VPF may emerge as protooncogene-oncogene products analogous to PDGF and c-sis activation. AIDS-KS heavy DNA transfects NIH3T3 cells. NIH3T3 cells carrying this gene induced angiosarcomas when implanted in mice. An as yet unidentified large virus (mycoplasma?) was derived from these cells during passages in culture. No causative relationship between this agent and Kaposi sarcoma has as yet been established. Even though IFN-α exerts antiretroviral effects in AIDS, we propose that the therapeutic effect of IFN-α in AIDS-KS is based on antiangiogenesis activity by suppressing protooncogenes-oncogenes of the FGF family. If TGF-β production in KS lesions is responsible for the suppression of lymphotoxin (TNF-β) activity, IFN-α may act by switching off TGF-β production and switching on lymphotoxin production leading to programmed death of KS cells. Platelet factor 4 is a potent antiangiogenesis factor. Its release may contribute to the regression of KS lesions (but no proof exists).
Head-shaking nystagmus and new technology

The clinical specialty of otoneurology has recently undergone a major change due to the availability of new instruments based on small video cameras. Eye movements and nystagmus can be observed at the bedside with extremely high sensitivity (and relatively low cost), using “video-Frenzel goggle” devices. These resemble scuba goggles having cameras set over the eyes, and infrared illumination which allows observation of the eyes in total darkness. As the image of the eyeball is typically displayed on a large screen TV, and total darkness is easy to obtain, small details of nystagmus can easily be appreciated. This gigantic improvement in methodology has begun to bear fruit with refinements of the bedside examination. An example is the article by Choi et al. in this issue,1 which is concerned with head-shaking nystagmus (HSN) in persons with medullary lesions. HSN, described in 1907 by Barany,2 is a provoked jerk nystagmus …
Miniaturization as a key factor to the development and application of advanced metrology systems

Recent technological advances of miniaturization engineering are enabling the realization of components and systems with unprecedented capabilities. Such capabilities, which are significantly beneficial to scientific and engineering applications, are impacting the development and the application of optical metrology systems for investigations under complex boundary, loading, and operating conditions. In this paper, and overview of metrology systems that we are developing is presented. Systems are being developed and applied to high-speed and high-resolution measurements of shape and deformations under actual operating conditions for such applications as sustainability, health, medical diagnosis, security, and urban infrastructure. Systems take advantage of recent developments in light sources and modulators, detectors, microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors and actuators, kinematic positioners, rapid prototyping fabrication technologies, as well as software engineering.
Solid–liquid equilibria for solutions of binary globular‐protein mixtures

A theory of the van der Waals form is used to establish solid-fluid phase diagrams for aqueous solutions containing two kinds of globular proteins. Theory is based on a one-fluid model that uses a composition-dependent hard-sphere diameter and a composition-dependent solvent-mediated effective temperature to represent protein solutions. The hard-sphere reference equation of state is based on the model of Young that correlates computer simulations of fluid-solid coexistence curves for binary hard-sphere mixtures. The attractive perturbation term uses the inverse-power potential with variable exponent n. Based on the correlation of George and Wilson and Rosenbaum et al., the optimum range of effective temperature is determined for protein crystallization. For binary protein systems, as the size difference increases, the mutual solubility of unlike proteins declines sharply in the precipitated solid phase. The theoretical results obtained here may be useful for design of protein-separation processes by crystallization.
TU‐C‐224A‐04: Simplifying Parameter Adjustment for Prostate IMRT Planning Using Sensitivity Analysis

Purpose: To simplify the trial‐and‐error process of adjusting objective function parameters (e.g. weights, dose limits) in prostate IMRT planning, we present a feasibility study showing that an outer loop optimization over 6 automatically‐identified sensitive parameters can quickly and automatically determine parameters that lead to a plan meeting the clinical requirements. Method and Materials: We apply statistical sensitivity analysis to quantify the effect of each hand‐tunable parameter of the IMRT cost function on each clinical objective, automatically identifying those parameters with the strongest impact. Second, we globally optimize a plan quality score over the six most sensitive parameters in an outer loop to determine acceptable parameters, using a search algorithm based on multiscale random sampling. Results: Experiments on a 36‐patient dataset showed that a clinically acceptable five‐field 8640cGy prostate IMRT plan could be automatically determined in 35 minutes on the average in 87% of the cases. Compared to the plans from the planner's protocol default settings, the mean value of the minimum dose in PTV increased from 67.5% to 79.7%, and the mean value of PTV V95 coverage increased from 82.2% to 94.1%. The mean values of rectal wall V54%, rectal wall V87% and bladder wall V54% are 50.4%, 12.6% and 36.1%, respectively. The outer‐loop‐optimized plans met DVH constraints defining clinical acceptability and were comparable to manually‐determined plans. Confining the parameter search to the sensitive parameter set greatly improves the quality and speed of the outer‐loop optimization. Conclusion: The reduced‐order outer‐loop optimization can facilitate parameter selection for dose‐volume‐based IMRT objectives. It may also be applicable to other types of objective functions, and has the potential to ease the manual burden of IMRT planning in more complex sites (e.g. head and neck). Supported by National Cancer Institute grant 5P01CA59017‐13 and the NSF Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems, grant EEC‐9986821.
Role of social factors on cell death, cerebral plasticity and recovery after stroke

Stroke is a serious global health care problem. It is now is the fourth leading cause of death and the primary cause of adult disability in the United States. Substantial evidence from both experimental and clinical studies has demonstrated that social isolation (SI) can increase stroke incidence and impair recovery. Epidemiological studies demonstrate that an increasing number of patients are living alone, and as the aging population increases, loneliness will only increase in prevalence. SI is increasingly identified as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. In contrast, individuals with high levels of social support exhibit more rapid and extensive functional and cognitive recovery after a wide variety of pathological insults, including stroke. Clinical data suggests that SI is an important risk factor for increased mortality and delayed functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Attesting to the importance of mortality and behavioral factors in stroke outcome is that these same effects can be reproduced in animal models of experimental stroke. This has allowed researchers to identify several mechanistic changes that occur with affiliative interactions. These include decreased systemic inflammation, elaboration of growth factors including brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), enhanced neurogenesis, and improved neuroimmune responsiveness in group housed animals. These may mediate the beneficial effects of social interaction on improving stroke recovery and reducing neuronal death. In this review we provide an overview of the effects of SI on ischemic injury and recovery and discuss their clinical and therapeutic implications.
Multiplexed species-specific PCR protocol to discriminate four N. Atlantic Calanus species, with an mtCOI gene tree for ten Calanus species

Accurate species identification is the cornerstone of any ecological study – yet this fundamental step is not always possible for marine zooplankton. Routine species' identification, especially of juvenile andlarval stages, is difficult for Calanus species (Copepoda; Calanoida) in the N. Atlantic Ocean, where two or three species may co-occur. A rapid, simple, and inexpensive molecularly based protocol to identify individual copepods of any life stage has beendeveloped. This protocol will routinely identify four Calanus species in the N. Atlantic and will help to accurately understand the role of each species in coastal and open ocean ecosystems. The DNA sequence of a 633 bp region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) was determined for ten Calanus species: C.australis (Brodsky, 1959),C.chilensis (Brodsky, 1959),C.finmarchicus (Gunnerus, 1770),C.glacialis (Jaschnov, 1955),C.helgolandicus (Claus, 1863),C.hyperboreus (Kroyer, 1838),C.marshallae (Frost, 1974),C.pacificus (Brodsky, 1948),C.simillimus (Giesbrecht, 1902), and C.sinicus (Brodsky, 1965). MtCOI sequences were used to design species-specific oligonucleotide primers for C.finmarchicus,C.glacialis,C.helgolandicus, and C.hyperboreus and to optimize a competitive, multiplexed, species-specific PCR (SS-PCR) protocol to discriminate the four species. This corrects and improves a previously published protocol for three Calanus species (Bucklin et al. 1999: Hydrobiologia 401:239–254), unambiguously identifying individual copepods and copepodites from diverse geographic regions of the four species' ranges. In order to further examine the pattern of mtCOI evolution within Calanus (an important consideration for molecular systematic characters), consensus mtCOI sequences were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships among the ten species; the mtCOI gene tree agreed with morphological and molecular (based on mt16S rRNA) phylogenies, except that the affiliation of C.sinicus could not be resolved.
Suicide and course of illness in major affective disorder

The relationship between a history of attempted suicide and prior course of illness was explored in 87 patients with major affective disorder. Fifty-eight percent of bipolar (n = 67) and 50% of unipolar (n = 20) patients had a history of a suicide attempt. Females were more likely to have made an attempt (67%) than males (42%) and were equally likely to have made a violent attempt. Course of illness and prior history of psychosis were similar in patients with and without a history of an attempt. However, in patients who made an attempt, the severity of the worst attempt was positively correlated with the duration of illness. Greater numbers of prior attempts were associated with greater lethality of the worst attempt. Suicidal ideation for the period of most severe depression in the prior 12 months did not correlate with any measure of lethality of suicide attempt. These data not only suggest the need for further studies of suicide in relationship to the longitudinal course of affective illness, but also the need for continuous reappraisal of suicidal risk in patients with recurrent affective disorders.
Female-biased offspring sex ratios in birds at a mercury- contaminated river

Mercury is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant that can negatively impact physiology and behavior of vertebrates, causing sub-lethal changes in condition and reducing fitness. Here we examine its effect on offspring sex ratio. Previous studies demonstrate the ability of environmental contaminants to skew sex ratios in wild populations toward the production of females, and research in humans has demonstrated a decrease in male births following mercury exposure. We therefore hypothesized that female birds inhabiting the floodplain of a mercury-contaminated river would produce broods more biased towards the production of females relative to birds from uncontaminated areas. We examined complete broods of three species: the aquatic-feeding belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon, the terrestrial-feeding eastern bluebird Sialia sialis, and the tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor, which feeds from both aquatic and terrestrial sources. Nestling sex ratios were shifted toward the production of females in all three species on mercury-contaminated sites when compared to uncontaminated reference sites. These results may be explained by endocrine disruption or the Trivers–Willard theory of sex allocation. Our study is the first to examine the impact of mercury on offspring sex ratios in birds, and therefore contributes to our understanding of the potential for this persistent biomagnifying contaminant to alter fitness and effective population size in wildlife.
Noise in near-ballistic n+nn+ and n+pn+ gallium arsenide submicron diodes

Abstract Direct-current (d.c.) characteristics and noise measurements in the range 1 Hz-25 kHz are reported for n + nn + and n + pn + near-ballistic devices, with n regions ( p regions) of 0.4 μm (0.45 μm), fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy at Cornell. The n + nn + mesa structures show very low 1/ƒ noise. indicating a Hooge parameter α H = 6.0 × 10 − . This very low noise is attributed to the near absence of phonon collisions. The thermal (− like) noise above 1 kHz is equal to Nyquist noise at the lowest currents, rising to slightly above Nyquist noise for high currents, indicating the presence of carrier drag effects. The n + pn + noise, on the contrary, is quite high. It seems to be associated with the ambipolar effects occurring for low injection of electrons in the p region. The importance of noise measurements for confirming ballistic or near-ballistic behavior is discussed.
A subcomplex of three eIF3 subunits binds eIF1 and eIF5 and stimulates ribosome binding of mRNA and tRNAiMet

Yeast translation initiation factor 3 contains five core subunits (known as TIF32, PRT1, NIP1, TIF34 and TIF35) and a less tightly associated component known as HCR1. We found that a stable subcomplex of His 8 ‐PRT1, NIP1 and TIF32 (PN2 subcomplex) could be affinity purified from a strain overexpressing these eIF3 subunits. eIF5, eIF1 and HCR1 co‐purified with this subcomplex, but not with distinct His 8 ‐PRT1–TIF34–TIF35 (P45) or His 8 ‐PRT1–TIF32 (P2) sub complexes. His 8 ‐PRT1 and NIP1 did not form a stable binary subcomplex. These results provide in vivo evidence that TIF32 bridges PRT1 and NIP1, and that eIFs 1 and 5 bind to NIP1, in native eIF3. Heat‐treated prt1‐1 extracts are defective for Met‐tRNA i Met binding to 40S subunits, and we also observed defective 40S binding of mRNA, eIFs 1 and 5 and eIF3 itself in these extracts. We could rescue 40S binding of Met‐ tRNA i Met and mRNA, and translation of luciferase mRNA, in a prt1‐1 extract almost as well with purified PN2 subcomplex as with five‐subunit eIF3, whereas the P45 subcomplex was nearly inactive. Thus, several key functions of eIF3 can be carried out by the PRT1–TIF32–NIP1 subcomplex.
Constructing a Planning Regime: Assessing the Beginning Phases of New Jersey's Plan for Development and Redevelopment

Using the idea of regime formation and cooperation in international political economy as a guide, this paper assesses the first stage (Cross-cceptance) of implementing the New Jersey stateplanning process as an attempt to construct a base of mutually shared norms and interests between state and local governments in the area of land use planning. The conclusion is that the first round of implementation was instrumental in building norms and consensus-especially in the face of strong resistance to state planning from the policy environment. The main reason for the effectiveness of the Cross-Acceptance process was that it brought local, county and state officials to a forum where they were able to discuss areas of consensus and discord.
The electronic spectrum of tantalum hydride and deuteride

The diatomic molecule tantalum hydride (TaH) and its isotopologue tantalum deuteride (TaD) have been detected for the first time by laser excitation spectroscopy. The gas-phase molecules were produced in a hollow cathode discharge. Two red-degraded bands, one arising from TaH at 636 nm and the other from TaD at 635 nm, have been recorded at sub-Doppler resolution by intermodulated fluorescence spectroscopy. A rotational analysis shows that both bands are Ω = 2←2 in character, with well-resolved Ω-doubling in the upper state of TaH. Analysis of the 181Ta magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole hyperfine structure reveals that the lower X3Φ2 electronic state of the two transitions arises from a σ2πδ electronic configuration, in agreement with previous theoretical calculations. The bond length in the TaH X3Φ2 (v = 0) level is found to be 1.756960(4) A.
EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR THE FREE AND FORCED VIBRATION OF A ROTATING DISK^ SPINDLE SYSTEM

Abstract Spinning disk–spindle systems consisting of an elastic disk mounted on an elastic spindle by means of a three dimensional, rigid clamp extend the rich literature on spinning discs and shafts that are decoupled from each other. This work presents an exact, closed-form solution for the eigensolutions of such systems. The complex eigenfunctions have the classical properties of a gyroscopic system when the individual disk, spindle and clamp deflections for a given eigenfunction are collected in terms of an extended eigenfunction. Eigenvalue perturbations are calculated to determine the sensitivity of the zero speed eigenvalues and the critical speeds to system parameters. Additionally, critical speeds analogous to those of a rigidly supported (classical) spinning disk are examined for the coupled system. Whereas the rigidly supported disk does not experience critical speed instability in the one-nodal diameter eigenfunctions, the coupled system does. The exact solution admits a closed-form modal analysis for the forced response to disk, spindle and clamp excitation. Response is calculated for two examples that demonstrate the strong disk–spindle modal coupling that can exist and the potentially damaging transmission of excitation energy between the disk and spindle.
Low temperature properties of magnetic films

The effect of surface oxides on the low temperature magnetic properties of permalloy films is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the work of Hagedorn and Mitchell and coworkers. It is shown that the unidirectional anisotropy in permalloy (typically exhibited at temperatures below 40 °K) can be correlated with the presence of α-Fe2O3 as detected in electron diffraction studies. A possible mechanism for the phenomena is discussed which hinges on the depression of the Morin transition in α-Fe2O3 as a consequence of a change in thed spacing of the α-Fe2O3.
Some implementation issues relating to data structures for interactive graphics

This is a tutorial paper describing the relationship between the data structure and the rest of an interactive graphics system. The distinction between data structures and storage structures is emphasized, as is the problem of data structure segmentation. The implementation of typical graphical applications is described, along with analysis of various tradeoff decisions. Finally, some high-level data structure specification languages are discussed.
Metabolic efficacy of enteral feeding in malnourished cancer and noncancer patients

Total parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition are the two available methods for supplementary nutritional support of malnourished patients. Although supplemental alimentation is beneficial in malnourished patients, it is unclear whether malnourished cancer bearing patients are successfully replenished with similar nutritional support. We studied the efficacy of 2 weeks of enteral nutrition on intermediary glucose and protein metabolism in malnourished tumor-bearing (TB) and non-tumor bearing (NTB) patients. Both TB and NTB patients showed equivalent suppression of endogenous glucose production (2.13 +/- 0.23 to 0.35 +/- 0.16 mg/kg/min and 2.35 +/- 0.18 to 0 mg/kg/min), suppression of alanine to glucose conversion (43.8 +/- 10.6% to 0.75 +/- 0.41% and 37.0 +/- 10.7% to 0.11 +/- 0.09%), attainment of positive nitrogen balance (-2.15 +/- 1.18 to 4.26 +/- 1.37 gN/d and -2.25 +/- 0.63 to 4.32 +/- 0.44 gN/d) and suppression of protein catabolism (2.39 +/- 0.13 to 1.10 +/- 0.27 gP/kg/d and 2.23 +/- 0.04 to 1.34 +/- 0.22 gP/kg/d). Following 2 weeks of enteral support, the TB patients differed from the NTB group with significantly elevated lactate levels (80 +/- 8 v 48 +/- 7 mg/L) and depressed plasma glycine levels (264 +/- 12 v 356 +/- 27 mumol/L plasma) and inability to replenish fat stores (triceps skin fold, 7.6 +/- 1.5 to 7.1 +/- 1.5 mm in TB v 5.9 +/- 0.7 to 8.0 +/- 1.2 mm in NTB). A significant reduction in whole body protein synthesis (2.08 +/- 0.19 to 1.84 +/- 0.18 gP/kg/d) in TB patients was obtained while NTB showed no significant change (1.86 +/- 1.3 to 1.91 +/- 0.26 gP/kg/d).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
30-Day Hospital Readmission after Robotic Partial Nephrectomy—Are We Prepared for Medicare Readmission Reduction Program?

Purpose: After CMS introduced the concept of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, hospitals and health care centers became financially penalized for exceeding specific readmission rates.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional review board approved database of patients undergoing robotic partial nephrectomy at our institution and included in our analysis patients who were readmitted to any hospital as an inpatient stay within 30 days from discharge home after robotic partial nephrectomy.Results: From March 2006 to March 2013 a total of 627 patients underwent robotic partial nephrectomy at our center and 28 (4.46%) were readmitted within 30 days of surgery. Postoperative bleeding was responsible for 8 (28.5%) readmissions. Pulmonary embolism was reported in 3 cases and retroperitoneal abscess was diagnosed in 2. Urinary leak requiring surgical intervention developed in 2 patients, pneumonia was diagnosed in 2 and 2 patients were readmitted for chest pain. Overall 9 (32.1...
The effect of class imbalance on case selection for case-based classifiers: An empirical study in the context of medical decision support

Case selection is a useful approach for increasing the efficiency and performance of case-based classifiers. Multiple techniques have been designed to perform case selection. This paper empirically investigates how class imbalance in the available set of training cases can impact the performance of the resulting classifier as well as properties of the selected set. In this study, the experiments are performed using a dataset for the problem of detecting breast masses in screening mammograms. The classification problem was binary and we used a k-nearest neighbor classifier. The classifier's performance was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) measure. The experimental results indicate that although class imbalance reduces the performance of the derived classifier and the effectiveness of selection at improving overall classifier performance, case selection can still be beneficial, regardless of the level of class imbalance.
Acridine orange–poly (α-L-glutamic acid) complexes. I. Stoichiometry and stacking coefficients

By means of fluorescence, absorption, and acid-base titrations, it has been shows that there is a one-to-one correspondence between free carboxylates and bound acridine orange in the dye-polyacid complex. Contrary to expections, stacking coefficients for the dye were found to be virtually the same on binding to the helical or coiled polyacid, indicating a strong similarity in the binding sites for both forms of the polyelectrolyte.
Quantum dot focal plane array with plasmonic resonator

In the recent past, there has been an increasing interest in coupling surface plasmon structures with detectors. There are three main reasons that this approach has been exciting. The first is due to the fact that plasmonic structures can incorporate enhanced functionality such as color, polarization and dynamic range in the pixel. The second is the enhancement of the near-field electromagnetic field, which can be exploited for enhanced absorption and photocurrent. Thirdly, the electromagnetic field can be concentrated to a deep-subwavelength region. If the absorber is placed at the field point of the concentrator, the signal to noise ratio and the speed of the detector can be dramatically increased. In this paper, we report on some of our results on the use of plasmonic structures with quantum dot focal plane arrays.
Estradiol enhances DMP acquisition via a mechanism not mediated by turning strategy but which requires intact basal forebrain cholinergic projections

This study examined whether effects on turning strategy, use of an allocentric strategy, and/or short-term spatial memory account for the effects of estradiol treatment on acquisition of a delayed matching-to-position (DMP) T-maze task, in rats with and without basal forebrain cholinergic lesions. Ovariectomized rats received either 192IgG saporin (SAP) or saline injected into the medial septum. Two weeks later, half of each group received either continuous estradiol treatment (5-mm silastic capsule containing 17-beta-estradiol implanted s.c.) or implantation of an empty capsule. All rats were trained on the DMP task. Results show that estradiol enhanced, and SAP lesions impaired, learning on the DMP task. SAP lesions impaired learning primarily by increasing the use of a persistent turning strategy early on during training. In contrast, estradiol had no apparent effect on turning strategy, and enhanced learning only in non-lesioned rats. There was no evidence that any of these effects were due primarily to an effect on ultimate strategy selection (e.g., allocentric vs. egocentric, evaluated with a probe trial in which the maze was rotated 180 degrees), or on short-term spatial memory (evaluated by increasing the intertrial delay). We conclude that estradiol enhances DMP acquisition via a mechanism independent of effects on turning strategy and short-term memory, but nevertheless dependent on cholinergic neurons in the MS and VDB. We hypothesize that estradiol may affect the facility with which female rats are able to extract and incorporate extramaze information into an effective navigational strategy, and that this may be mediated by effects in prefrontal cortex.
Fact and artifact in the histochemical procedure for myofibrillar ATPase.

Abstract A recent quantitative biochemical study has shown that skeletal muscle mitochondria have high ATPase activity under the same conditions that are employed in the histochemical procedure for myofibrillar (actomyosin) ATPase. However, mitochondrial staining is not observed when this histochemical procedure is applied to frozen sections of skeletal muscle. The present investigation was performed to resolve this discrepancy. Frozen sections of muscle were incubated in the presence of inorganic phosphate (in place of ATP) and then treated sequentially with calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, and ammonium sulfide to determine whether inorganic phosphate binds to specific sarcoplasmic constituents. Binding of phosphate did occur and, furthermore, it was localized to the myofibrils and not at all to the mitochondria. It is concluded that the hydrolysis of ATP in the histochemical reaction can result from ATPase activity of myofibrils, mitochondria, or both. Since the released inorganic phosphate binds to the myofibril, the localization of the reaction product does not necessarily reveal all sites of enzymatic activity. Thus the histochemical procedure does not reflect myofibrillar ATPase activity exclusively, and one therefore cannot use this technique to infer that individual muscle fibers are physiologically fast or slow according to the intensity of the ATPase staining of their myofibrils.
Energy distributions for charmed hadrons in the QCD cluster model for e + e - annihilation

Abstract Predictions of the QCD cluster model for charm production in high energy e+e− annihilation are presented. Details of the model relevant for heavy flavor production are discussed. The model is shown to describe well the shape of the recently measured z-distribution for charged D∗ production at Q = 29 GeV. Reported rates for D∗ production at CESR, PEP, and PETRA are found to be inexplicably high. Substantial Λc production is predicted, with the ratio N(Λ c )/N( D ∗ ) found to be roughly flat in z for z ≳ 0.5 at high energies. It is argued that the results presented here are rather general predictions of models in which color is locally screened before hadrons actually form.
Situational context for replica voting based data collection in hostile environments

The paper discusses the infusion of context awareness in the management of data quality in a replicated sensor based data collection network. Given a 2-phase voting protocol to decide on data delivery from sensors to the end-user, the paper discusses the impact of environment parameters (such as fault severity and network message loss) and resource parameters (such as network bandwidth and number of replicas) on the quality of user-level data delivery. The degree of control is determined by the contextual inputs that capture the dynamically changing scope and importance of data to the application.
The ownership difference in relative performance of rehabilitation specialty hospitals

Abstract Despite the rapid growth in the number of rehabilitation specialty hospitals in recent years, there is little knowledge of the performance of these facilities. The recent growth in the number of for-profit rehabilitation providers and increasing competition among for-profit and not-for-profit rehabilitation hospitals have raised questions about differences in performance. This study analyzed differences in financial and operational performance between for-profit rehabilitation specialty hospitals and not-for-profit rehabilitation specialty hospitals for fiscal years ending in 1989 through 1992. Because rehabilitation hospitals are exempted from Medicare's Prospective Payment System, but subject to cost limits established under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA), this study controlled for the influence of TEFRA by grouping hospitals into "new" and "existing" categories. The findings show significantly higher net revenue and profits in existing for-profit rehabilitation hospitals. In addition, existing for-profit rehabilitation facilities served a larger percentage of Medicare patients and had fewer employees than existing not-for-profit facilities. It was concluded that existing for-profit rehabilitation hospitals maximized their charges to increase their revenues. These findings have important policy implications for reimbursement alternatives under consideration for inpatient rehabilitation programs.
A temporal trace and SOM-based model of complex cell development

Abstract An activity-dependent model of complex cell development is described. The learning rules are a combination of a temporal trace rule, a Hebbian rule, and a self-organizing map (SOM). They are local, unsupervised, and biologically realistic. The only input that is assumed is spontaneous retinal wave activity. The results show complex cells with phase invariance and orientation tuning that form an organized map.
An on-line multi-instrument laboratory computer system

Abstract An on-line computer system is described that concurrently performs data acquisition from several laboratory instruments and experiments. The computer, a 16 bits/word minicomputer, is equipped with a multiprogramming operating system and operates on a 24 h/day basis. Hardware and software elements of the system, related to the research laboratory requirements, are described. Advantages and disadvantages of the multiprogramming approach with extensive use of FORTRAN are presented and some of the on-going biochemical and physiological applications discussed.
Synthesis of substituted bromobenzene derivatives via bromoanilines. A moderately selective ortho-bromination of [14c]-aniline

The synthesis of [14C]-labeled bromobenzene, 2-bromophenol, 4-bromophenol, 1,2-dibromobenzene, 2-bromobenzonitrile, 2-bromotoluene, and 2-bromoanisole are reported. [14C]-Aniline is selectively monobrominated to ortho-and para-bromoanilines in 5 to 3 ratio. The separated bromoanilines are diazotized and either reduced, hydrolyzed, coupled to bromide, coupled to cyanide, or coupled to carbon. 2-Bromophenol is O-methylated to 2-bromoanisole.
Interpolation in structure from motion

We investigated surface interpolation in displays of structure from motion (SFM). To do so, we introduced a new method for measuring surface perception in dynamic displays—theSFM probe. An SFM probe is a dot that moves rigidly with the dots on a simulated surface, and whose distance from that surface can be adjusted with a joystick or similar control. The displays we studied were random-dot cylinders containing a vertical strip devoid of feature points (thegap). Subjects adjusted an SFM probe, presented in the gap, until the probe dot appeared to be on the surface. Variability in probe-dot placement decreased with increasing texture density on the cylinder and increased with increasing gap width. Subjects showed a consistent bias to place the probe dot outside the cylinder. This bias increased with increasing texture density for the SFM displays. (The opposite bias was found in a static two-dimensional interpolation task with an arc whose curvature matched that of the cylinder: Subjects placed the probe dot inside the arc.) This outside bias is inconsistent with several theoretical approaches to surface interpolation.
Diffusion of Neptuiyl(V)- and Pertechnetate Ions in Marine Sediments

The diffusion of the 235NpO2+ and 95mTcO4−-ions has been measured directly in sample cylinders of two different sediments from the floor of the deep sea. In smectite-rich sediment not shielded from contact with atmospheric oxygen the following values were obtained for the effective diffusion coefficients of neptunyl- and pertechnetate-ions, respectively: Deff(NpO2+) = 1.5 × 10−12 m2s−1 and Deff(TcO4−) = 3.2 × 10−10 m2s−1. Under anoxic conditions in sediment with known reducing properties, the pertechnetate ion appears to undergo slow reduction and the effective diffusion coefficient of the reduced species of Deff(Tc,red)= 1.1 × 1014 m2s−1 reflects a substantial decrease of the mobility of the lower-valent technetium.
Experimental model for determining developmental stage of chicken embryo using infrared images and artificial neural networks

Development of a chicken embryo is conventionally assumed to follow a set growth pattern over the course of 21 days. However, despite identical incubation settings, many factors may contribute to an egg developing at a different rate from those around it. Being able to determine an embryo’s actual development instead of relying on chronological assumptions of normal growth should prove to be a useful tool in the poultry industry for responding early to abnormal development and improving hatch rates. Previous studies have used infrared imaging to enhance candling observation, but relatively little has been done to implement infrared imaging in problem-solving. The purpose of this research is to construct a quantitative model for predicting the development stage and early viability of a chicken embryo during incubation. It may be noted that a similar project was conducted previously using different input parameters. This study seeks to improve upon the results from the earlier project. In this project, infrared images of eggs were processed to calculate air cell volumes and cooling rates, and daily measurements of egg weight and ambient temperature were compiled. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were “trained” using multiple input parameters to recognize patterns in the data. Various training functions and topologies were evaluated in order to optimize prediction rates and consistency. The prediction rates obtained for the ANNs were around 81% for development stage and around 92% for viability. It is recommended for future research to expand the potential combinations of input parameters used in order to increase this model’s versatility in the field.
Holding On by a Hard-Shell Thread

Mussels anchor to surfaces in turbulent aqueous environments with a remarkable acellular tissue, the byssus, or “beard.” The threadlike byssal attachments are strong yet highly extensible, and have a thin cuticle coat that is harder than the core of the thread itself. On page 216 of this issue, Harrington et al. ( 1 ) present results that show how the chemistry of byssal thread cuticle may impart these distinctive mechanical properties.
Mechanism of retardation in emulsion polymerization of styrene

Emulsion polymerizations of styrene have been carried out with potassium persulfate as initiator and fatty acid soap as emulsifier in the presence of varying amounts of N,N-dimethyl-2,4-dinitroaniline (DMDNA) and 1-bromo-2,4-dinitrobenzene (BrDNB). The latter two substances are retarders. Rates of polymerization, rates of disappearance of retarder, and polymer molecular weight were determined. The ultraviolet spectrum of the retarded polymer showed conclusively the presence of bound DMDNA while the amount of bound DMDNA was determined by a spectrophotometric acid-base titration with perchloric acid of the polymer dissolved in benzene. BrDNB was prepared using Br82 and the amount of retarder fragments in the polymer determined by radioactive measurement. The quantities of persulfate remaining and of sulfate formed were determined during polymerization strongly retarded by DMDNA. All the results are in quantitative agreement with the following mechanism. The rate-determining step in initiation is the rate of thermal decomposition of persulfate in water into sulfate free radicals. The sulfate radical reacts with monomer to initiate polymerization. In the absence of retarder, growth is terminated either by chain transfer with monomer or by combination with a second sulfate radical. In the presence of retarder the growing radical may combine with retarder, forming a sluggish free radical to which monomer does not add, and which is terminated by reaction with a second sulfate radical. In this reaction a hydrogen atom is transferred yielding a polymer molecule and a bisulfate ion.
Effect of Elastic Anisotropy on Tunnel Wall Displacements Behind a Tunnel Face

The effect of elastic anisotropy (transverse isotropy) on the convergence behind a tunnel face is investigated by means of a parametric study. The applicability of existing expressions for evaluating the convergence behind a tunnel face is also addressed. Two cases are distinguished, according to whether the plane of transverse isotropy strikes parallel to the tunnel axis or not. It is found that the existing expressions (valid for isotropic rock masses under a uniform state of stress) are applicable only when the plane of transverse isotropy strikes parallel to the tunnel axis. When the plane of transverse isotropy does not strike parallel to the tunnel axis, three-dimensional analyses are necessary.
Physicochemical changes of starch in refrigerated dough during storage

Refrigerated dough is a flour-based, unbaked product that is stored between 4 and 7 °C. Maintaining the dough quality during storage is very crucial. Starch functionalities have important effects on flour and dough quality. The objective of this research was to determine the physicochemical changes of starch in refrigerated dough during extended storage. Two wheat flours with different amylose/amylopection ratio were used in this study. The relative percentage of amylopectin decreased up to 10.51%. Overall, we observed that the pasting properties and thermal properties of starch were changing during the storage: peak viscosity decreased up to 23.06%, breakdown viscosity decreased up to 57.70%, and setback viscosity decreased up to 41.25% compared to flour samples during 34 days refrigerated storage. We detected the variation in starch granular morphology. These results showed that physicochemical properties of starch changes during refrigerated storage, which may have significant impacts on end-product quality.
CD38 as a Regulator of Cellular NAD: A Novel Potential Pharmacological Target for Metabolic Conditions

CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme that uses nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as a substrate to generate second messengers. Recently, CD38 was also identified as one of the main cellular NADases in mammalian tissues and appears to regulate cellular levels of NAD in multiple tissues and cells. Due to the emerging role of NAD as a key molecule in multiple signaling pathways, and metabolic conditions it is imperative to determine the cellular mechanisms that regulate the synthesis and degradation of this nucleotide. In fact, recently it has been shown that NAD participates in multiple physiological processes such as insulin secretion, control of energy metabolism, neuronal and cardiac cell survival, airway constriction, asthma, aging and longevity. The discovery of CD38 as the main cellular NADase in mammalian tissues, and the characterization of its role on the control of cellular NAD levels indicate that CD38 may serve as a pharmacological target for multiple conditions.
On real eigenvalues of real nonsymmetric matrices

Sufficient conditions for a real nonsymmetric matrix either to have all real eigenvalues or to be totally devoid of any real eigenvalue are asserted. The sufficient conditions stated can be easily and quickly implemented, and do not require adoption of any numerical technique.
Parents concerned about vaccine safety: Differences in race/ethnicity and attitudes.

Background Parental concerns about immunization safety have been covered widely in the media and on the Internet and have been correlated in some studies with under-immunization and the late receipt of immunizations. Objectives Phase 1: To (1) measure the prevalence of parents with immunization safety concern, specifically those with high-level concern, (2) determine demographic characteristics and attitudes typical for this subgroup of parents, and (3) determine factors that influence such parents, nevertheless, to have their children immunized. Phase 2: To further explore the racial/ethnic difference found in the first-phase results, specifically to compare the immunization attitudes of Hispanic (both black and white) and non-Hispanic black parents with those of non-Hispanic white parents. Methods ConsumerStyles (2004) survey data of a nationwide panel of U.S. adults were analyzed in January 2006. In Phase 1, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with parental concerns about immunization safety. In Phase 2, logistic regression was used to compare immunization attitudes among non-Hispanic black; Hispanic (both black and white); and non-Hispanic white parents. Results The response rate was 62% (6207/10,000); analysis was restricted to the 2937 (47%) respondents who were parents with a child aged 18 years or younger; 634 (21%) responded with the highest level of concern, 5 on a 1-to-5-point scale. Demographics (Hispanic ethnicity/nonwhite race, low income, and less education) and negative attitudes toward immunization and the child's healthcare provider were significantly associated with high-level concern. Seventy-two percent of parents with high-level concern responded that the risk of a child getting a disease was their primary reason for having their child immunized, while 17% listed state laws requiring immunizations for school/daycare entry. Importantly, black parents were more likely than white parents to have negative attitudes toward immunizations and their child's healthcare provider. Conclusions One fifth of parents reported high-level concern with the safety of childhood immunizations. To prevent the erosion of childhood immunization rates, healthcare providers need to learn how to recognize and address these concerns.
Signalling protein complexes isolated from primary human skin‐resident T cells can be analysed by Multiplex IP‐FCM

Studying signal transduction in skin-resident T cells (sr-T cells) can be limited by the small size of clinical biopsies. Here, we isolated sr-T cells from clinical samples and analysed signalling protein complexes by multiplex immunoprecipitation detected by flow cytometry (mIP-FCM). In samples from two independent donors, antigenic stimulation induced signalling proteins to join shared complexes that were observed in seven pairwise combinations among five proteins. This demonstrates that sr-T cells isolated from small clinical samples provide sufficient material for mIP-FCM-based analysis of signalling-induced protein complexes. We propose that this strategy may be useful for gaining improved mechanistic insight of sr-T cell signal transduction associated with dermatological disease.
Is logic in the mind or in the world

The paper presents an outline of a unified answer to five questions concerning logic: (1) Is logic in the mind or in the world? (2) Does logic need a foundation? What is the main obstacle to a foundation for logic? Can it be overcome? (3) How does logic work? What does logical form represent? Are logical constants referential? (4) Is there a criterion of logicality? (5) What is the relation between logic and mathematics?
Spatial data exchange standards: springboard to the future or fetter to the past?

Abstract Spatial data systems could become a major tool in tomorrow's world. As the number and size of computer networks grow with connections encircling the globe, today's standards must accommodate the associated evolving needs of the gIS users. Standards must prmote data transfer which is efficient both to process and store, to minimize costs whereas maximizing performance. Standards will affect the lives of everyone in both conscious and unperceived ways. The standards that are currently being developed for spatial data exchange can have a considerable impact on the acceptance and influence, the efficiency and application, of spatial data systems.