cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A primer of biostatistic and economic methods for diagnostic and prognostic modeling in nuclear cardiology: Part II

This review presents a brief overview of existing diagnostic and prognostic methodologies to be used for the evaluation of patients undergoing noninvasive testing. In part I of this review, we will present methods for use of logistic and Cox regression analyses in determining the diagnostic and prognostic value of nuclear imaging techniques. In part II of this review, we will present an outline for the integration of economic evaluations into the clinical decision-making process. This review will document how cost estimates may be defined as well as the differing type of cost analyses (i.e., cost efficiency versus cost-effectiveness).
Evaluation and management of cystic pancreatic tumors: Emphasis on the role of EUS FNA

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are increasingly recognized and usually represent pseudocysts or cystic pancreatic tumors (CPTs), but also include congenital cysts, acquired cysts, extrapancreatic cysts, or cystic degeneration of solid tumors. It is important to distinguish CPT lesions given their varied prognosis and therapy. Mucinous varieties of CPTs (mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous tumors) are premalignant or malignant, and surgical resection is generally recommended in good operative candidates. In contrast, nonmucinous CPTs include serous cystadenomas with a very low malignant potential, or pseudocysts, which are always benign. As a result, nonmucinous CPTs are generally resected only when inducing symptoms or complications. Review of the clinical, imaging, laboratory, and pathology information may clarify the specific tumor type. The relatively limited accuracy of any one modality requires that we consider the combined results when making management decisions.
Identification of retained N-formylmethionine in bacterial recombinant mammalian cytochrome P450 proteins with the N-terminal sequence MALLLAVFL...: roles of residues 3-5 in retention and membrane topology.

An N-terminal block to Edman degradation was observed when any of five different mammalian cytochrome P450 (P450) proteins was expressed in Escherichia coli using the N-terminal sequence MALLLAVFL... This block was also seen in Salmonella typhimurium. With all proteins examined, the block could be removed by mild acid hydrolysis (0.6−6 N HCl, 23 °C) to expose Met as the N-terminus, suggesting N-formylMet retention. The N-terminal peptide of a modified P450 1A2 (“mutant 1”, containing a thrombin-sensitive site inserted at residue 25) was released with thrombin and analyzed by electrospray mass spectrometry and found to yield the Mr expected for the N-formyl derivative (±0.8 amu). The region of positions 3−5 was altered by random mutagenesis, and three P450 1A2-expressing clones were analyzed for nucleotide and amino acid sequences. The changes from LLL were to RER (P450 1A2a), VDS (P450 1A2b), and WRH (P450 1A2c); these all show slightly dissimilar hydropathy plots compared to the MALLLAVFL... sequence. Mu...
Turnover of bile acids in the hypercholesterolemic rat as influenced by saturation of dietary fat.

Injections of [24-14C] chenodeoxycholate and3H-cholate were made by heart puncture into 300 g male rats that bore T-cannulas in their bile ducts. The animals had been raised on diet A, containing glucose, cholesterol and cholate, or diet B, containing sucrose and cholesterol; each of the diets contained 5% safflower oil or 5% beef tallow as variables. From analysis of bile samples collected from the T at intervals over a 5 day period, it was observed that the safflower oil group fed diet B had a 17% shorter cholate half-life, a 29% larger cholate pool size and 52% higher rate of cholate synthesis than those fed beef tallow in the same diet. The safflower group fed diet A also had a larger cholate pool size, but synthesis and half-life were obscured by cholate feeding. Chenodeoxycholate turnover data were not obtainable because the decay curves were bimodal for all treatments and hence did not conform to a simple pool model. It is concluded that dietary safflower oil causes more rapid formation of cholate than does dietary beef tallow in the cholesterol-fed rat.
Examination of the Role of the Cerebral Cortex in the Perception of Pain Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

In the following review we outline several of the unique difficulties associated with designing and interpreting functional imaging studies of pain perception. Unlike other sensory modalities, the cortical processing of pain is unique, as is the pain experience itself. Unlike other sensory systems, pain processing does not take place in one dedicated region of the cortex. Rather, nociceptive cells are sparsely distributed through the somatosensory cortex. Further, pain is singular in that it has both sensorydiscriminative and affective-motivational components, which are probably subserved by different neuroanatomic substrates. Finally, abnormal pain sensation, such as neuropathic pain syndromes, may have different or additional mechanisms that require special consideration. We have illustrated these points with examples from our own work on acute pain and secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, and work from other laboratories.
In vitro toxicity assessment of a new series of high energy compounds

Hydrazine is an aircraft fuel and propellant used by the US Air Force. Due to its toxicity the Propulsion Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/PR) has investigated alternative chemicals to replace hydrazine. AFRL/PR has synthesized a series of high energy chemicals (HECs), primarily hydrazine derivatives and amino containing compounds such as hydrazinium nitrate (HZN), 2-hydroxyethyl-hydrazine nitrate (HEHN), diethyl hydrazine nitrate (DEHN), ethanolamine nitrate (EAN), histamine dinitrate (HDN) and methoxylamine nitrate (MAN) to study as alternative chemical candidates. Although HECs are reliable constituents of powered propellant systems, they constitute an important class of toxic agents to which military and civilian personnel can be exposed. The current study was undertaken to examine the toxicity of HECs in primary hepatocytes in vitro. The effects of short-term exposure (4 h) of hepatocytes to HECs were investigated with reference to viability, mitochondrial function and oxidative stress markers. The results showed a decrease in mitochondrial activity, increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased dose dependently in HZN, MAN and HDN exposed cells. However, there was no induction of ROS generation in EAN, DEHN and HEHN exposed cells. Depletion of GSH in hepatocytes by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) prior to exposure to HZN increased its toxicity. The results suggest that at least one mechanism of HEC toxicity is mediated through oxidative stress.
Genetic causes of heterosis in juvenile aspen:a quantitative comparison across intra- and inter-specific hybrids.

The genetic causes of heterosis in tree growth were investigated by a comparative genetic analysis of intra- and inter-specific crosses derived from Populus tremuloides and P. tremula. A new analytical method was developed to estimate the effective number of loci affecting a quantitative trait and the magnitudes of their additive and dominant effects across loci. The method combines the assumption of multiple alleles, as frequently found in outcrossing species, and the family structure analysis at different hierarchical levels. During the first 3 years of growth, interspecific hybrids displayed strong heterosis in stem growth, especially volume index, over intraspecific hybrids. By a series of joint analyses on the combining ability and the genetic component, we found that F1 heterosis might be due to overdominant interaction between two alleles, one from the P. tremuloides parent and the other from the P. tremula parent, at the same loci. This inference was derived from the finding that heterozygotes, newly formed through species combination, showed much greater growth than the heterozygotes from intraspecifc crosses at a reference locus. Heterosis in aspen growth appeared to be under multi-genic control, with a slightly larger number of loci for stem diameter and volume (9–10) than for height (6–8). For traits with non-significant heterosis, such as stem allometry and internode number and length, the number of underlying loci seemed to be much fewer (3–4). While additive effects appeared to influence seedling traits collectively across loci, a few major dominant loci had much larger effects on stem growth.
Nuclear envelope disassembly and nuclear lamina depolymerization during germinal vesicle breakdown in starfish.

Abstract During germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) 2 in starfish, the nuclear envelope disassembles before the nuclear lamina completely depolymerizes, judging from correlative ultrastructural, immunolabeling, and light microscopic analyses. At 13°C, prophase-arrested oocytes of Pisaster ochraceus begin GVBD and rapidly undergo nuclear envelope disassembly about 50 min after addition of the maturation-inducing hormone 1-methyladenine (1-MA). The nuclear lamina of these oocytes, however, remains present for 10–20 min following the vesiculation of the nuclear envelope. Completion of GVBD, as evidenced by a blending of the nuclear contents with the surrounding cytoplasm, occurs within about 15 min after the nuclear lamina has fully depolymerized. Immunofluorescence studies also indicate that a marked increase in the phosphorylations of nuclear proteins precedes the structural reorganizations of the nuclear envelope and nuclear lamina during GVBD.
Pharmacological modification of the effects of spaced occipital ablations.

Retention of an avoidance response made to the onset of a change in illumination was measured following temporally spaced bilateral ablation of the occipital cortex of the rat. Twelve days were allowed to pass between the ablation of cortex of the two hemispheres. Post-operative retention was superior when the inter-operative interval was spent in the light and noise, except when paired with chronic administration of phenobarbital (30 mg/kg/day). Post-operative retention was minimized when the interoperative interval was spent in dark and quiet, except when paired with chronic administration of d-amphetamine (2 mg/kg/ day).
SYNTHESIS OF PENICILLINS FOR TRACER STUDIES

The synthesis of Penicillin K, Penicillin X, Penicillin F and its dihydro derivative, and C/sup 14/-labeled benzylpenicillin are described, starting from preparations containing 6aminopenlcillanic acid. (T.F.H.)
From Rolls to Riches: King's Clerks and Moneylending in Thirteenth-Century England

The notorious moneylenders of thirteenth-century England were the Jews, the Lombards, and merchants from Cahors, Sens, and other towns of the Midi. While Matthew Paris and other writers castigated the Jews and foreign usurers with their pens, few critics of usury took notice of the king's clerks who were quietly fattening on the profits of moneylending.1 At the beginning of the century the exchequer had the largest professional clerical staff, but during the reigns of Henry III and Edward I, as the chancery went out of court, the wardrobe developed into a major department of royal administration, and the king's justices claimed an ever widening cognizance, the king's clerks rapidly increased in number and importance. Most of these clerks were ordained men, not only for the obvious reason that the church was the sole reliable reservoir of literate men but also because clerics were loyal and could be rather painlessly remunerated by appointment to one or more ecclesiastical livings that lay within the king's patronage. The majority were in minor orders, which made them eligible for benefices but did not exclude the possibility of marriage provided they renounced their ordination and resigned their ecclesiastical livings. More
Phospholipase A2 Modulates Different Subtypes of Excitatory Amino Acid Receptors: Autoradiographic Evidence

Exogenous phospholipases have been used extensively as tools to study the role of membrane lipids in receptor mechanisms. We used in vitro quantitative autoradiography to evaluate the effect of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA glutamate receptors in rat brain. PLA2 pretreatment induced a significant increase in alpha-[3H]amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionate ([3H]AMPA) binding in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 region of the hippocampus and in the stratum moleculare of the cerebellum. No modification of [3H]AMPA binding was found in the stratum pyramidale of the hippocampus at different ligand concentrations. [3H]-Glutamate binding to the metabotropic glutamate receptor and the non-NMDA-, non-kainate-, non-quisqualate-sensitive [3H]glutamate binding site were also increased by PLA2 pretreatment. [3H]Kainate binding and NMDA-sensitive [3H]glutamate binding were minimally affected by the enzyme pretreatment. The PLA2 effect was reversed by EGTA, the PLA2 inhibitor p-bromophenacyl bromide, and prolonged pretreatment with heat. Bovine serum albumin (1%) prevented the increase in metabotropic binding by PLA2. Arachidonic acid failed to mimic the PLA2 effect on metabotropic binding. These results indicate that PLA2 can selectively modulate certain subtypes of excitatory amino acid receptors. This effect is due to the enzymatic activity but is probably not correlated with the formation of arachidonic acid metabolites. Independent of their possible physiological implications, our results provide the first autoradiographic evidence that an enzymatic treatment can selectively affect the binding properties of excitatory amino acid receptors in different regions of the CNS.
The influence of lactation on luteal function in the rhesus monkey.

Progesterone is detectable in the peripheral circulation of lactating monkeys for several weeks following parturition, but rapidly falls to undetectable levels in postpartum monkeys not allowed to suckle their young. At laparotomy on the 25th postpartum day, unexpectedly large corpora lutea were found and were subsequently shown by carbon marking to be the corpora lutea of pregnancy. In lactating animals these corpora lutea had the histological appearance of active glands and secreted quantities of progesterone into the ovarian vein approximating those observed during the midluteal phase of the cycle. The nonlactating, postpartum animals, on the other hand, had involuted corpora lutea and lower concentrations of progesterone in ovarian vein blood. The postpartum corpora lutea, in contrast to those of the cycle, secreted more estrone than estradiol into the ovarian venous plasma. It is concluded that suckling prolongs the morphological and functional integrity of the postpartum corpus luteum in primates. (...
The effect of financial constraints and political pressure on the management of public pension plans

Abstract When government sponsors of public pension plans experience tight fiscal constraints, they manipulate the plans' actuarial assumptions to lower their required contribution. Examining the salary growth assumption, amortization period, and expected rate of return, we find evidence that entities facing financial constraints are more likely to have optimistic accounting assumptions than those which are not. Additionally, we find these plans have a greater propensity for underfunding than plans from less fiscally constrained states. Finally, the problem is further complicated by the political pressure placed on some pension plans. We find evidence that plans subject to political pressure are also more likely to have optimistic accounting assumptions and to be more underfunded than those plans not facing political pressure.
Thucydides and Democratic Peace.

Abstract Thucydides is an important author for any discussion of the possibilities for an ancient Greek democratic peace. Though democratic peace did not, in fact, seem to function in classical Greece, a number of passages in Thucydides show that an affinity did exist among democratic factions and city-states in the context of hostile competition between democratic and oligarchic regimes. Thucydides remarked on this competition and was aware of the inter-democratic affinities, but did not seem to think them salient in city-state decisions of war and peace. The failure of democratic peace to develop may relate to the environment of the Greek city-state, which privileged local interests over broader constitutional ideals.
Nigrofugal connections in the primate brain.

The great mass of large cells which make up the compact part of the substantia nigra send their stout primary axons to the ipsilateral globus pallidus. A much smaller-ipsilateral striatal projection can also be easily substantiated. This comes chiefly from cells in the reticulata but not exclusively so. In general, the lateral reticulata projects to the putamen and the medial to the caudate. If the synapses in the ventrolateral part of the thalamus, which have been described to degenerate to degenerate after lesions in the nigra, are established by nigrofugal, rather than by other fiber systems, they would seem to be the endings of collaterals given off en route to the lentiform nucleus, rather than primary projection elements. If any fibers from the nigra cross the midline, or descend, they must be very few.
On the biosynthesis of peptide ergot alkaloids

Futterung vonl-Valyl-(1-14C)-l-valyl-l-prolin anClaviceps purpurea und Abbau des erhaltenen Ergocornins und Ergokryptins zeigt, dass dieses Tripeptid, ebenso wie andere fruher untersuchte Peptide, sehr wahrscheinlich kein freies Zwischenprodukt in der Biogenese der Mutterkornalkaloide vom Peptidtyp ist. Es wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Biosynthese dieser Peptidalkaloide bis zur Stufe eines (d-Lysergyl-l-valyl)-l-valyl(oder leucyl)-l-prolin-lactams an einem Multienzym-Komplex ohne freie Zwischenprodukte ablauft.
Effects of neonatal deafening and chronic intracochlear electrical stimulation on the cochlear nucleus in cats.

Abstract Four newborn kittens were deafened by daily intramuscular injections of neomycin sulfate, beginning the day after birth and continuing for 14–16 days. At 10–16 weeks of age the deaf kittens were implanted unilaterally with a four wire intracochlear electrode array. The animals were stimulated daily (starting at 13–18 weeks of age), for a period of one hour, at 6 dB above the electrically evoked auditory brainstem response threshold. After 3 months of chronic intracochlear electrical stimulation, animals were studied in acute electrophysiological experiments and euthanized for histological studies. This study compares the stimulated and control cochlear nuclei (CN) of these deafened animals to the CN of four normal adult cats. Statistical comparisons of spherical cell densities in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN), cross-sectional spherical cell areas, and volumes of the cochlear nucleus subdivisions were included in the analysis. The results indicate that, by all of these measures, the cochlear nuclei in neonatally deafened animals were significantly different from the cochlear nuclei of control animals. As a result of deafening, the density of spherical cells was decreased by 30%, the cross-sectional areas of spherical cells were reduced by 20%. and the volume of the cochlear nucleus was reduced by 25%. These changes were observed in both cochlear nuclei (ipsilateral to both stimulated and unstimulated ears) of the deafened animals. With the measures employed, no significant difference was demonstrated in comparisons between the deafened/unstimulated and the deafened/stimulated cochlear nuclei. That is, no reversal of the profound effects of deafening was observed in the cochlear nuclei as a consequence of chronic intracochlear electrical stimulation which was begun 11 to 16 weeks after deafening.
Deposition of calcium carbonate films by a polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) process

Abstract A polypeptide additive has been used to transform the solution crystallization of calcium carbonate to a solidification process of a liquid-phase mineral precursor. In situ observations reveal that polyaspartate induces liquid–liquid phase separation of droplets of a mineral precursor. The droplets deposit on the substrate and coalesce to form a coating, which then solidifies into calcitic tablets and films. Transition bars form during the amorphous to crystalline transition, leading to sectorization of calcite tablets, and the defect textures and crystal morphologies are atypical of solution grown crystals. The formation of nonequilibrium crystal morphologies using an acidic polypeptide may have implications in the field of biomineralization, and the environmentally friendly aspects of this polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) process may offer new techniques for aqueous-based processing of ceramic films, coatings, and particulates.
Risk Perceptions of People Living with HIV/AIDS How Similarity Affects Optimistic Bias

Little as known about how people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) assess their vulnerability to non-HIVrelated risk factors, and how this judgement is affected by perceived similarity with others. Thi...
Mathematical Modeling of Inhibition Kinetics in Acetone–Butanol Fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum

Acetone–butanol fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum suffers from severe product inhibition effects. This paper presents the results of studies on the cell growth kinetics of the culture under the inhibition of multiple products/byproducts. The inhibition effects caused by multiple components simultaneously as well as a single product alone were examined. Fractional factorial experiments were conducted, and statistical analysis of the study results was performed. Acetate, butyrate, butanol, and pH were found to exhibit synergistic inhibitory effects on the cell growth of C. acetobutylicum. Ethanol and acetone alone or in the presence of other products did not show inhibitory effects under the experimental conditions. Among the various mathematical forms of equations that were evaluated, a parabolic form was found to be most suitable for describing the overall synergistic inhibitory effects caused by acetate, butyrate, butanol, and pH. The simulation results achieved by using the model were promising.
Trend, Policy Cycle, and Weather Disturbance in Chinese Agriculture, 1952–1978

Utilizing the estimated input-output time series for 1952-1978 developed in a larger study on the agriculture of the People's Republic of China, I attempt in the present paper (a) to quantify and analyze the secular behavior of total factor productivity of the sector; (b) to test and analyze the changing impact of weather on productivity in light of such developments as socialist reorganization of the countryside, massive water control, and introduction of new biological, chemical, and mechanical inputs within the context of Peking's successful "weather-proofing" claims; and (c) to isolate and attempt a crude measure of the cyclical swings in productivity attributable to policy or political cycles in the PRC. The total factor productivity index (TFPI) is residually calculated from an aggregate production function whose coefficients are assigned values from the estimated base-period (1952-57), relative factor income shares. (Aggregation is arithmetic on both the output and input sides.) The method is conventional enough and raises a number of familiar issues. Following Solow (p. 312) whose seminal work popularized the methodology, we make no attempt "to justify what follows by calling on fancy theorems on aggregation and index numbers. Either this kind of aggregate economics appeals or it doesn't." TFPI is obtained by dividing the gross value of agricultural output (GVAO) index by the aggregate input index.
Lycopene regulation of cholesterol synthesis and efflux in human macrophages.

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis, and tomato lycopene has been suggested to have beneficial effects against such a disease, although the exact molecular mechanism is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that lycopene may exert its antiatherogenic role through changes in cholesterol metabolism. Incubation of THP-1 cells with lycopene (0.5–2 μM) dose-dependently reduced intracellular total cholesterol. Such an effect was associated with a decrease in reduction of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase expression and with an increase in ABCA1 and caveolin-1 (cav-1) expressions. In addition, lycopene enhanced RhoA levels in the cytosolic fraction, activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and liver X receptor alpha expressions. Concomitant addition of lycopene and the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 or lycopene and mevalonate blocked the carotenoid-induced increase in ABCA1 and cav-1 expressions. These results imply a potential role of lycopene in attenuating foam cell formation and, therefore, in preventing atherosclerosis by a cascade mechanism involving inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, RhoA inactivation and subsequent increase in PPARγ and liver X receptor alpha activities and enhancement of ABCA1 and cav-1 expressions.
A second moment closure model for MHD turbulence

A second moment turbulence closure model of the type used before for flows with density stratification, frame rotation and streamline curvature is augmented to describe MHD flows with small magnetic Reynolds number. It is shown that all three configurations of the constant unidirectional magnetic field (longitudinal, transverse and azimuthal) suppress the components of the Reynolds stress tensor as well as turbulence energy. Criterions are derived for the extinction of 3-D turbulence based on magnetic Richardson numbers. Monin-Obukhov type similarity theory is developed for MHD turbulent flows. The combined effect of longitudinal magnetic field and spanwise rotation is considered. A discussion is presented on the extra strains exerted by the electromagnetic force compared to the effects of buoyancy, frame rotation and streamline curvature.
The evaluation of acute abdominal pain in the elderly patient

Abstract Obstetrician/Gynecologists frequently encounter older patients complaining of acute abdominal pain. Because of physiologic changes, medication use, and preexisting conditions, the elderly patient often does not manifest overt signs of disease. Also, while appendicitis is the most common cause of abdominal pain in the general population, biliary disease, small bowel obstruction and perforated viscus constitute the leading etiologies in the geriatric population. The older patient’s physical findings often do not correlate with the severity of disease; however, mental status changes, hypothermia, bandemia, and metabolic acidosis are helpful indicators of significant derangement. Emergent abdominal pain, defined as hemodynamic instability such as that caused by massive hemorrhage, requires immediate surgery. Otherwise, the most effective work-up includes a detailed history and physical examination, and selective screening laboratory tests. When the diagnosis is still unclear, repeat physical examination, in-patient observation, and consultation should be considered. The decision of whether to perform diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy should be individualized after assessing the patient’s entire clinical presentation and progress. Acute abdominal pain in the older patient is associated with low diagnostic accuracy, but high mortality. Therefore, as a primary care physician, the obstetrician/gynecologist must be proficient in the evaluation of acute abdominal pain in the elderly patient.
Configuration of External Influences: The Combined Effects of Institutions and Stakeholders on Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies

This article introduces a theoretical framework that combines institutional and stakeholder theories to explain how firms choose their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Organizational researchers have identified several distinct CSR strategies (e.g., obstructionist, defensive, accommodative, and proactive), but did not explain the sources of divergence. This article argues that the divergence comes from the variability in the configuration of external influences that consists of institutional and stakeholder pressures. While institutions affect firms’ social behavior by shaping the macro-level incentive structure and sources of legitimacy (distal mechanisms), firms’ stakeholders can amplify or buffer the institutional forces by acting as mediators (proximate mechanisms). The two dimensions are interdependent in that stakeholders draw legitimacy and power from institutions, and institutions are often actualized through stakeholder mechanisms. Together, they form a particular configuration of external influences that shapes how focal firms construct their CSR strategy.
Fuzzy distance transform: theory, algorithms, and applications

This paper describes the theory and algorithms of distance transform for fuzzy subsets, called fuzzy distance transform (FDT). The notion of fuzzy distance is formulated by first defining the length of a path on a fuzzy subset and then finding the infimum of the lengths of all paths between two points. The length of a path π in a fuzzy subset of the n-dimensional continuous space Rn is defined as the integral of fuzzy membership values along π. Generally, there are infinitely many paths between any two points in a fuzzy subset and it is shown that the shortest one may not exist. The fuzzy distance between two points is defined as the infimum of the lengths of all paths between them. It is demonstrated that, unlike in hard convex sets, the shortest path (when it exists) between two points in a fuzzy convex subset is not necessarily a straight line segment. For any positive number θ ≤ 1. the θ-support of a fuzzy subset is the set of all points in Rn with membership values greater than or equal to θ. It is shown that, for any fuzzy subset, for any nonzero θ ≤ 1, fuzzy distance is a metric for the interior of its θ-support. It is also shown that, for any smooth fuzzy subset, fuzzy distance is a metric for the interior of its 0-support (referred to as support). FDT is defined as a process on a fuzzy subset that assigns to a point its fuzzy distance from the complement of the support. The theoretical framework of FDT in continuous space is extended to digital cubic spaces and it is shown that for any fuzzy digital object, fuzzy distance is a metric for the support of the object. A dynamic programming-based algorithm is presented for computing FDT of a fuzzy digital object. It is shown that the algorithm terminates in a finite number of steps and when it does so, it correctly computes FDT. Several potential applications of fuzzy distance transform in medical imaging are presented. Among these are the quantification of blood vessels and trabecular bone thickness in the regime of limited special resolution where these objects become fuzzy.
Complexity of complement activation in sepsis

The complement system is one of the key players in the defence against infections. Its activation during the innate immune response leads to the generation of several proteins that contribute to the lysis and opsonization of microorganisms, regulate inflammatory reactions and bridge innate immunity with the subsequent adaptive immune response. Complement is also activated in overwhelming bacterial infections that lead to sepsis, and its protective functions play a role in this frequently lethal disorder. However, despite its role in protection, complement can also contribute to the development of severe complications that significantly worsen the prognosis of septic patients. Therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the activation of complement during sepsis is essential to our efforts to introduce rational therapies targeting complement to the treatment of patients suffering from this condition. This review presents a current view of the mechanisms involved in the activation of complement in sepsis, in the context of the multiple interactions between complement and other biological systems that are involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Energy bands of diatomic crystals in the many‐neighbor approximation

The molecular-orbital method is used to examine the influence of nth nearest-neighbor interactions on the 2-band electron energy spectra of diatomic crystals. The nth order interaction is expressed asρn, ρ being the next-nearest-neighbor parameter. The two main results are the vanishing of the band widths at certain values of ρ, and the crossing of the two bands in the sp-orbital model case. The importance of such band crossing to the existence of Shockley-type surface states is pointed out, and the analogy is drawn between electron and phonon calculations.
Estimation of matrix pH in isolated heart mitochondria using a fluorescent probe

Isolated heart mitochondria hydrolyze the acetoxymethyl esters of the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent probe fura-2 and the pH-sensitive 2',7'-biscarboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). The resulting charged forms of the probes are retained in the mitochondrial matrix and appear well-suited for the estimation of pCa and pH in this compartment. The mitochondria esterase activity is stimulated by Ca2+, inhibited by butacaine and quinine, and shows an alkaline pH optimum. The esterase has a similar affinity for the two probes (Km about 1.5 microM) and a somewhat higher Vmax for BCECF. Intramitochondrial pH can be determined by recording the ratio of the fluorescence of matrix BCECF at its excitation maximum of 509 nm to that at 450 nm, an excitation wavelength that is unresponsive to pH. A calibration plot relating the fluorescence ratio to pH is constructed using detergent-lysed mitochondria and the excitation maximum of 500 nm for BCECF in aqueous solution. Estimates of matrix pH by BCECF fluorescence in its useful range (pH 6 to 8) agree well with values obtained using the distribution of 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidenedione. In protocols in which the fluorescence with excitation at 450 nm does not vary, a direct recording of BCECF fluorescence with excitation at 509 nm can be used to follow the kinetics of matrix pH changes.
Selection of Momentum Variables for a Three-Dimensional Variational Analysis

Three choices of control variables for meteorological variational analysis (3DVAR or 4DVAR) are associated with horizontal wind: (1) streamfunction and velocity potential, (2) eastward and northward velocity, and (3) vorticity and divergence. This study shows theoretical and numerical differences of these variables in practical 3DVAR data assimilation through statistical analysis and numerical experiments. This paper demonstrates that (a) streamfunction and velocity potential could potentially introduce analysis errors; (b) A 3DVAR using velocity or vorticity and divergence provides a natural scale dependent influence radius in addition to the covariance; (c) for a regional analysis, streamfunction and velocity potential are retrieved from the background velocity field with Neumann boundary condition. Improper boundary conditions could result in further analysis errors; (d) a variational data assimilation or an inverse problem using derivatives as control variables yields smoother analyses, for example, a 3DVAR using vorticity and divergence as controls yields smoother wind analyses than those analyses obtained by a 3DVAR using either velocity or streamfunction/velocity potential as control variables; and (e) statistical errors of higher order derivatives of variables are more independent, e.g., the statistical correlation between U and V is smaller than the one between streamfunction and velocity potential, and thus the variables in higher derivatives are more appropriate for a variational system when a cross-correlation between variables is neglected for efficiency or other reasons. In summary, eastward and northward velocity, or vorticity and divergence are preferable control variables for variational systems and the former is more attractive because of its numerical efficiency. Numerical experiments are presented using analytic functions and real atmospheric observations.
1 alpha,25(OH)2 vitamin D3-mediated stimulation of outward anionic currents in osteoblast-like ROS 17/2.8 cells.

Abstract 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D 3 [1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 ] is known to potentiate in osteoblast-like rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8) the influx of Ca 2+ through voltage-activated L-type Ca 2+ channels. In the present study, by means of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we found that physiological concentrations of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 (5–5000 × 10 −11 M) also stimulate, in a dose-dependent manner, outwardly rectifying anionic currents over the course of 1–5 minutes. These currents, recorded in the presence of 130 mM glutamate or ≈140 mM Cl − in the external solution, were blocked by 200 μM DIDS, a stilbene derivative selective for Cl − channels. We conclude that, in addition to the already known effects of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 on Ca 2+ channels, the hormone also enhances in ROS 17/2.8 cells an outward anion conductance. This is the first report concerning activation of anion channels by 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 .
An Explanation of Anomalously Large Reynolds Stresses Within the Convective Planetary Boundary Layer

Abstract Anomalously large values of the Reynolds stress (downstream component) obtained from measurements analysed by Angell are explained as being associated with changes in velocity at the top of a deepening planetary boundary layer. The proposed explanation is tested both by a simple interfacial velocity-jump model, and by a detailed three-dimensional numerical model. A method of parameterizing the complicated vertical profiles of momentum flux is proposed for use within large scale, multi-level circulation models.
NEW GENERATION OF HEALTHY SNACK FOOD BY SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRUSION

ABSTRACT A supercritical fluid extrusion (SCFX) process has been successfully developed for the production of a novel healthy snack containing 40–60 wt% protein with unique porous structure and texture. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) injection rate and product temperature at the die were found to be critical to control the expansion and texture of the final product. Maximum cross-sectional expansion was obtained at 0.3 wt% added SC-CO2, whereas more uniform internal structure was achieved at 0.7 wt% SC-CO2 level. As whey protein concentrate (80 wt%) concentration was increased from 52.8 to 78.2 wt% in the formulation, the cross-sectional expansion of baked and fried products increased by 65.8 and 44.4%, respectively. It was observed that lower viscosity of whey protein compared with starch decreased expansion but helped enhance further expansion during post-extrusion drying. The finding showed that an extrusion process at the temperature below protein denaturation temperature using SC-CO2 can help to prevent hard texture due to the thermosetting property of whey protein and to create a uniformly expanded structure. The textural properties of SCFX chips were comparable to commercial extruded or fried chip products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The American snack market is one of fast-growing markets in the world as snacking becomes more popular. Because of the increasing concerns about health, there is also an increasing demand for new healthy snacks as an alternative for fried starch-based snacks with low nutrient density. This study shows the potential of supercritical fluid extrusion (SCFX) technology for healthy snack food production containing whey protein. SCFX chips had uniform cellular microstructure that cannot be obtained using conventional steam-based extrusion. As supercritical carbon dioxide can deliver certain flavors, an expanded snack not only with high nutrient density and unique texture but also with encapsulated flavors can be produced using the SCFX process and can be marketed as a novel healthy snack.
A stable mercury-containing complex of the organomercurial lyase MerB: catalysis, product release, and direct transfer to MerA

Bacteria isolated from organic mercury-contaminated sites have developed a system of two enzymes that allows them to efficiently convert both ionic and organic mercury compounds to the less toxic elemental mercury. Both enzymes are encoded on the mer operon and require sulfhydryl-bound substrates. The first enzyme is an organomercurial lyase (MerB), and the second enzyme is a mercuric ion reductase (MerA). MerB catalyzes the protonolysis of the carbon-mercury bond, resulting in the formation of a reduced carbon compound and inorganic ionic mercury. Of several mercury-containing MerB complexes that we attempted to prepare, the most stable was a complex consisting of the organomercurial lyase (MerB), a mercuric ion, and a molecule of the MerB inhibitor dithiothreitol (DTT). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy of the MerB/Hg/DTT complex have shown that the ligands to the mercuric ion in the complex consist of both sulfurs from the DTT molecule and one cysteine ligand, C96, from the protein. The stability of the MerB/Hg/DTT complex, even in the presence of a large excess of competing cysteine, has been demonstrated by NMR and dialysis. We used an enzyme buffering test to determine that the MerB/Hg/ DTT complex acts as a substrate for the mercuric reductase MerA. The observed MerA activity is higher than the expected activity assuming free diffusion of the mercuric ion from MerB to MerA. This suggests that the mercuric ion can be transferred between the two enzymes by a direct transfer mechanism.
Pogonophora on the New England Continental Slope.

Two species of Pogonophora on the continental slope off southern New England are reported. Two species were found: Siboglinum ekmani Jagersten and Siboglinum sp., an undescribed species. The density of both species combined, at 366 mµ, was 30 per square meter and at 567 m depth, it was 25 per square meter. The dominant macrobenthic organisms with which they were associated were polychaete worms and foraminiferans.
Type and orientation of yielded trabeculae during overloading of trabecular bone along orthogonal directions

Trabecular architecture plays a major role in bone mechanics. Osteoporosis leads to a transition from a plate-like to a more rod-like trabecular morphology, which may contribute to fracture risk beyond that predicted by changes in density. In this study, microstructural finite element analysis results were analyzed using individual trabeculae segmentation (ITS) to identify the type and orientation of trabeculae where tissue yielded during compressive overloads in two orthogonal directions. For both apparent loading conditions, most of the yielded tissue was found in longitudinally oriented plates. However, the primary loading mode of yielded trabeculae was axial compression with superposed bending for on-axis loading in contrast to bending for transverse loading. For either loading direction, most plate-like trabeculae yielded in the same loading mode, regardless of their orientation. In contrast, rods oriented parallel to the loading axis yielded in compression, while rods oblique or perpendicular to the loading axis yielded in combined bending and tension. The predominance of tissue yielding in plates during both on-axis and transverse overloading explains why on-axis overloading is detrimental to the off-axis mechanical properties. At the same time, a large fraction of the tissue in rod-like trabeculae parallel to the loading direction yielded in both on-axis and transverse loading. Hence, rods may be more likely to be damaged and potentially resorbed by damage mediated remodeling.
Sign of the Gravitational Mass of a Positron

It is pointed out that the sign can be determined experimentally by referenoe to the worki of Eotvos. In tbe experiment the ratio of gravitational to intertial mass was measured for several substances, and an attempt was made to detect differences in this ratio between one substance and another. No definite evidence for such differences was found. It is concluded that the Eotvos experiment precludes the possibility that the gravitational mass of a positron is equal to and opposite in sign from that os an electron. (W.D.M.)
On the characteristics of scholarly annotations

We report on our observations of annotations for use in scholarly communication, rather than for use as personal artifact. Scholarly annotations reflect uses that predate digital representations and benefit from formalized structure. Scholarly annotations may originate from a broader set of sources than personal annotations, and their association with texts may result from inferences rather than from explicit specifications.
Geopolitics as a Social Movement: The Causal Primacy of Ideas

In Nationalism Five Roads to Modernity (1992), Greenfeld argues that social reality is predominantly a cultural and ‘symbolic reality, created by the subjective meanings and perceptions of social a...
Determining Hardness and Elastic Modulus of Asphalt by Nanoindentation

Nanoindentation is a relatively new technique which has been used to measure nanomechanical properties of surface layers of bulk materials and of thin films. In this study, micromechanical properties such as hardness and Young’s modulus of asphalt binders and asphalt concrete are determined by nanoindentation experiments. Indentation tests are conducted on a base binder and two polymer-modified performance grade (PG) binders such as PG-70-22 and PG76-28. In addition, two Superpave asphalt mixes such as SP-B and SP-III are designed using these PG binders, and the corresponding mixes are compacted to prepare asphalt concrete. Aggregate, matrix (Materials Passing No. 4 sieve) and mastic (Materials Passing No. 200 sieve) phases of each asphalt concrete sample are indented using both Berkovich and Spherical indenters. In nanoindentation, an indenter penetrates into asphalt material and the load (milli-Newton) and the depth (nanometers) of indentation are recorded continuously. Indentation load versus displacem...
An analytical study of heat transfer in laminar‐turbulent transition flow between parallel plates

With the results of a modification of Prandtl's mixing length theory, heat transfer in laminar-turbulent transition flow is considered. An analytical study was made to obtain the eigenvalues, Nusselt numbers, and temperature distribution for transition region flows between constant temperature parallel plates. Reynolds numbers ranging from 4,800 to 43,000 and Prandtl numbers from 0.01 to 100 were investigated. Six to nine eigenvalues were obtained for each set of parameters. These values were used to compute local Nusselt numbers and thermal entrance lengths. The practicality of four numerical methods used for solving the associated Sturm-Louville system is discussed. It is shown how heat transfer effects change in the transition region. As expected, these changes are more rapid for higher NPr fluids where eddy diffusion is most effective.