cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MR findings in the arthropathy of relapsing polychondritis

We report a case of relapsing polychondritis involving three synovial joints in a child. Initial presentation was at 5 years of age with periorbital edema and chemosis of the conjunctiva with a definite diagnosis established at 9 years of age following an acute monoarticular arthropathy of the knee. The role of MRI in suggesting the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis is emphasized by demonstrating a unique pattern of inflammation and enhancement that preferentially involves the perichondrium and chondroepiphysis.
The fuzzy cube and causal efficacy: representation of concomitant mechanisms in stroke

Abstract Twentieth century medical science has embraced nineteenth century Boolean probability theory based upon two-valued Aristotelian logic. With the later addition of bit-based, von Neumann structured computational architectures, an epistemology based on randomness has led to a bivalent epidemiological methodology that dominates medical decision making. In contrast, fuzzy logic, based on twentieth century multi-valued logic, and computational structures that are content addressed and adaptively modified, has advanced a new scientific paradigm for the twenty-first century. Diseases such as stroke involve multiple concomitant causal factors that are difficult to represent using conventional statistical methods. We tested which paradigm best represented this complex multi-causal clinical phenomenon—stroke. We show that the fuzzy logic paradigm better represented clinical complexity in cerebrovascular disease than current probability theory based methodology. We believe this finding is generalizable to all of clinical science since multiple concomitant causal factors are involved in nearly all known pathological processes.
LUMINESCENCE AND THERMAL ANNEALING OF SPUTTERED DEPOSITED THULIUM- AND SAMARIUM-DOPED AMORPHOUS AlN FILMS

Thin films of thulium- and samarium-doped AlN are deposited on silicon (111) substrates at 77 K by RF magnetron sputtering method. 200–400 nm thick films are grown at 100–200 watts RF power and 5–8 mTorr nitrogen, using a metal target of Al with Tm and Sm separately. X-rays diffraction results show that films are amorphous. Cathodoluminescence studies are performed at room temperature and two dominant peaks are observed in Tm at 467 nm from 1D2 → 3F4 transition and 480 nm from 1G4 to the ground state 3H6 transition. Other peaks in the visible region are obtained at 650 nm and 685 nm due to 1G4 → 3F4 and 1D2 → 3H4 transitions. Peaks in the ultraviolet and infrared region are also obtained at 371 nm and 802 nm as a result from 1D2 → 3H6 and 3H4 → 3H6 transition, respectively. Sm gives four peaks at 564 nm, 600 nm, 648 nm and 707 nm as a result of 4G5/2 → 6H5/2, 4G5/2 → 6H7/2, 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 and 4G5/2 → 6H11/2 transitions. Films are thermally annealed at 1200 K for half an hour in a nitrogen atmosphere. Thermal annealing enhances the intensity of luminescence.
Novel layered perovskite GdBaCoFeO5+δ as a potential cathode for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract While cobalt-containing perovskite-type cathode materials facilitate the activation of oxygen reduction, they also suffer from problems like poor chemical stability in CO 2 , high thermal expansion coefficients, etc. Partial B site substitution with Fe element is expected to be able to mitigate these problems while keeping high catalyst performance. In this paper, a layered perovskite GdBaCoFeO 5+ δ (GBCF) was developed as a cathode material for protonic ceramic membrane fuel cells (PCMFCs) based on proton-conducting electrolyte of stable BaZr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.2 O 3− δ (BZCY7). The button cells of Ni-BZCY7|BZCY7|GBCF were fabricated and tested from 600 to 700 °C with humidified H 2 (∼3% H 2 O) as a fuel and ambient oxygen as oxidant. An open-circuit potential of 1.002 V, maximum power density of 482 mW cm −2 , and a low electrode polarization resistance of 0.11 Ωcm 2 were achieved at 700 °C. The experimental results indicated that the layered perovskite GBCF is a good candidate for cathode material, while the developed Ni-BZCY7|BZCY7|GBCF cell is a promising functional material system for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells.
But the data is already public: on the ethics of research in Facebook

In 2008, a group of researchers publicly released profile data collected from the Facebook accounts of an entire cohort of college students from a US university. While good-faith attempts were made to hide the identity of the institution and protect the privacy of the data subjects, the source of the data was quickly identified, placing the privacy of the students at risk. Using this incident as a case study, this paper articulates a set of ethical concerns that must be addressed before embarking on future research in social networking sites, including the nature of consent, properly identifying and respecting expectations of privacy on social network sites, strategies for data anonymization prior to public release, and the relative expertise of institutional review boards when confronted with research projects based on data gleaned from social media.
Theory of grain-boundary and intragrain recombination currents in polysilicon p-n-junction solar cells

The physics controlling recombination in polysilicon p-n-junction solar cells is described. Analytic models characterizing this recombination, whose parameters can be related directly to experiment, are developed. The analysis reveals that, in general, the description of intragrain and grain-boundary recombination in a polysilicon solar cell requires the solution of a nonlinear three-dimensional boundary-value problem. Cases of practical interest for which this problem is tractable are discussed. The analysis predicts an \exp (qV/2kT) dependence (the reciprocal slope factor is exactly two) for carrier recombination at a grain boundary within the junction space-charge region of a nonilluminated, forward-biased cell. This result, and others of the analysis, are consistent with preliminary experimental data.
Analysis of Beat-up Force During Weaving:

Instrumentation used by Bullerwell and Mohamed has been employed to measure the beat-up force on the Muller CKM 1 / 220 needle loom. An additional measuring system using strain gauges verifies the accuracy of the load washer. Both systems show close agreement in measuring beat-up force. The effects of different weaving parameters on beat-up force are also investigated. Experimental results reveal that when the har nesses are level, beat-up force shows a linear relationship with warp tension and with filling linear density, but an inverse relationship with pick spacing. Early shed timing causes an increase in beat-up force. An earlier theoretical model for the beat-up dy namics is verified. Both theoretical and experimental results show good agreement in relation to warp tension, pick spacing, shed timing, and loom speed.
The Electronic Resources (ER)Librarian as Teacher: Bibliographic Instruction and Information Literacy

SUMMARY The transition to electronic resources (ER) creates opportunities and challenges for library instruction. Users have access to abundant information even without consultation with librarians. Instruction must address not only the mechanics of finding information, but also how to evaluate and ethically use information from any medium. Information literacyhas been used to describe these competencies. Schools and postsecondary institutions are integrating information literacy (IL) into curricula, giving librarians a more prominent role in the educational process.
High resolution CPMAS 13C NMR of organometallic solids. Observation of J coupling to tin

Abstract Chemical shift and 1 J ( 117,119 Sn, 13 C) data from cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) proton-decoupled solid-state 13 C NMR experiments are given for the methyltin carbon in (Me 2 SnS) 3 , Me 3 SnOAc, Me 2 S(acetylacetonate) 2 , Me 2 SnCl 2 · 2(dimethylsulfoxide), and amorphous (Me 2 SnO) n . The relationship between the magnitude of the coupling constant and the coordination at tin is examined by reference to X-ray structure data. The tin-methyl 13 C chemical shift was sensitive to slight variations in bond angles and bond lengths. The presence of isotopically abundant NMR-active nuclei in the molecule broadens lines, and can prevent resolution of the J coupled interaction.
Impact of time orientation on the strategic behavior of Thai and American hotel managers.

The aim of this article was to investigate the potential influence of the cultural dimension of time orientation on the strategic behavior of hotel managers. A survey questionnaire was mailed to top-level hotel managers in the U.S. (short-term orientation) and Thailand (long-term orientation). A usable sample of 120 was used in the analysis. The results indicated that this cultural dimension provided a relatively proper base for explaining the differences between managers from these two countries. Compared to their American counterparts, Thai managers were found to place a stronger emphasis on longer term strategic plans, have a stronger tendency toward involving others when developing their business strategy, and a stronger reliance on long-term evaluation of strategy. No significant differences were found between the managers concerning openness to strategic change and commitment to strategic decisions. Directions for future research and implications for the hotel industry are presented.
Studying Socially Assistive Robots in Their Organizational Context: Studies with PARO in a Nursing Home

We explore human-robot interaction (HRI) with socially assistive robots within a broader social context instead of one-on-one interaction.. In this paper, we describe two in situ studies of the socially assistive robot PARO in a local nursing home -- one in a controlled small group setting, and one in free-form interaction in a public space -- as well as our future research agenda to facilitate socially situated exploration of assistive robotics in the wild. We particularly focus on how people and institutions scaffold successful HRI, and identify how social mediation, individual sensemaking, and other social factors affect the success of HRI.
A Bootstrapping Approach for Developing a Cyber-security Ontology Using Textbook Index Terms

Developing a domain ontology with concepts and relationships between them is a challenge, since knowledge engineering is a labor intensive process that can be a bottleneck and is often not scalable. Developing a cyber-security ontology is no exception. A security ontology can improve search for security learning resources that are scattered in different locations in different formats, since it can provide a common controlled vocabulary to annotate the resources with consistent semantics. In this paper, we present a bootstrapping method for developing a cyber-security ontology using both a security textbook index that provides a list of terms in the security domain and an existing security ontology as a scaffold. The bootstrapping approach automatically extracts the textbook index terms (concepts), derives a relationship to a concept in the security ontology for each and classifies them into the existing security ontology. The bootstrapping approach relies on the exact and approximate similarity matching of concepts as well as the category information obtained from external sources such as Wikipedia. The results show feasibility of our method to develop a more comprehensive and scalable cyber-security ontology with rich concepts from a textbook index. We provide criteria used to select a scaffold ontology among existing ontologies. The current approach can be improved by considering synonyms, deep searching in Wikipedia categories, and domain expert validation.
The role of CD80 and CD86 in enhancing CD8(+) cell suppression of HIV replication.

Abstract CD8 + cells activated in the presence of autologous macrophages (Mφ) have an increased ability to suppress HIV replication compared to the same cells stimulated in the absence of Mφ. Blocking the B7 molecules decreases the ability of Mφ to increase CD8 + cell antiviral activity. In the present study CD8 + cells exposed to purified forms of both the CD80 and the CD86 molecules during stimulation with anti-CD3 antibodies (Ab) had a greater ability to suppress HIV replication than CD8 + cells exposed to anti-CD3 Ab alone. The addition of anti-CD86 blocking Ab, but not anti-CD80 blocking Ab, to Mφ decreased their ability to enhance CD8 + cell suppression of HIV replication. Moreover, anti-CD86 Ab and not anti-CD80 Ab blocked the production of IL-2 by CD8 + cells stimulated in the presence of Mφ. The incapacity of anti-CD80 Ab to block the enhanced antiviral activity and IL-2 production of CD8 + cells stimulated in the presence of Mφ was not due to the inability of this Ab to function since anti-CD80 Ab are able to block proliferation of CD8 + cells cultured in the presence of Mφ. Thus, while both B7 molecules can deliver a costimulatory signal sufficient to increase CD8 + cell antiviral activity, CD86 appears to be the molecule that serves as the costimulatory molecule on Mφ to enhance CD8 + cell suppression of HIV replication. The difference in use of CD86 over CD80 molecules on Mφ by CD8 + cells mediating the antiviral suppressing activity most likely results from a higher number of Mφ expressing the CD86 molecule compared with the CD80 molecule. This information offers a possible therapeutic approach to increase CD8 + cell anti-HIV response.
Multiple-cost constraints for the design of tree-structured vector quantizers

Minimizing the distortion subject to a cost constraint is fundamental in the design of tree-structured vector quantizers. Because of various competing cost measures, the use of single-cost constraints has led to undesirable results. The author studies the relationships among several cost functions and shows how multiple-cost constraints can be used to significantly improve tree design. >
Gravitational vacuum polarization. III. Energy conditions in the (1+1)-dimensional Schwarzschild spacetime.

Building on techniques developed in the two preceding papers, I investigate the various pointwise and averaged energy conditions for the quantum stress-energy tensor corresponding to a conformally coupled massless scalar field in the (1+1)-dimensional Schwarzschild spacetime. Because the stress-energy tensors are analytically known, I can get exact results for the Hartle-Hawking, Boulware, and Unruh vacua. This exactly solvable model serves as a useful check on my (3+1)-dimensional investigations wherein I had to resort to a mixture of analytic approximations and numerical techniques. The key results in 1+1 dimensions are that (1) NEC is satisfied outside the event horizon for the Hartle-Hawking vacuum and violated for the Boulware and Unruh vacua, and (2) DEC is violated everywhere in the spacetime (for any quantum state, not just the standard vacuum states).
Slow positrons and thermal Ps production using thin foils

A one-dimensional diffusion model for positrons implanted in Cu and Al single crystal thin foils was solved. The fraction of thermalized positrons reaching the surface was obtained for various film thicknesses as a function of the incident positron energy in a transmission-mode geometry. The results indicate that for foil thicknesses of the order of the diffusion length (∼1000 A) the reemission fraction is roughly half the fraction of a semi-infinite crystal. For thicker foils the annihilation of the positrons in the bulk and smearing effects due to a higher implantation energy effectively reduce the surface reemission. In this paper it is shown that thin foils can also be used to efficiently produce low-energy (from thermal to a few eV) Ps beams, physically separated from the primary positron beam.
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in adults using two devices: an angiographic overview.

Atrial septal defects are a common congenital cardiac abnormality in adults. lndividuals with atrial septal defects carry the risk to develop cardiac problems such as right ventricle volume overload, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and more rarely paradoxical embolic events. Surgery was the standard treatment for symptomatic patients with atrial septal defects for decades. More recently, percutaneous transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects in adults using a closure device has become an alternative to surgery in selected patients. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Predictors of smoking initiation among college-bound high school students

Smoking rates among college students is increasing, yet little is know about the development of students' smoking. This longitudinal analysis focuses on a national sample of high school students who were college students 4 years later (n = 1,479). SUDAAN statistical analysis procedures were used to weight and adjust for sampling design and nonresponse. Approximately 37% of the college students at follow-up who were never smokers at baseline had initiated smoking within the 4 years. Among experimenters at baseline, 25% had progressed their smoking behavior over the 4 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that there were different predictors of these two transitions among college students. Students who were more likely to initiate smoking were White, did not like school as much, and were more rebellious. Students who were more likely to progress from experimentation to a higher level of smoking thought peers approved of smoking and believed experimentation with smoking was safe. Several predictors of smoking initiation and progression during the transition from high school to college were identified that could be important components of interventions targeting high school and college-bound students. Increased efforts should be employed to include college students in national smoking prevention and cessation programs.
Role of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in the renal and vasoconstrictor actions of angiotensin II

The present study examined the effects of ANG II on the renal synthesis of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and its contribution to the renal vasoconstrictor and the acute and chronic pres...
Childhood physical and sexual abuse and lifetime number of suicide attempts: A persistent and theoretically important relationship

Abstract Background Research to date has indicated that childhood abuse is associated with suicide, though little research has examined the unique contribution of specific types of abuse to suicidal behavior. We predict that childhood physical and violent sexual abuse will have a greater effect on suicide attempts than molestation and verbal abuse. Methods The National Comorbidity Survey data were used to test these predictions while controlling for a number of psychiatric and psychosocial variables. Results As expected, childhood physical and violent sexual abuse showed similar effects on lifetime suicide attempts, which were stronger than the effects of molestation and verbal abuse. Limitations This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study, so true causality cannot be shown. Some measurement limitations exist. Additionally, effect sizes were small but still significant. Conclusions While all forms of childhood abuse are troubling and create risk for future psychopathology and suicidality, the present study indicates that childhood physical and violent sexual abuse should be seen as greater risk factors for future suicide attempts than molestation and verbal abuse.
Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Glycoproteins and Potential for Vaccine Development

HCV envelope glycoproteins play an important role in the initiation of viral infection. The functional dichotomy of the individual HCV glycoproteins was investigated using VSV/HCV pseudotype virus. Surprisingly, VSV/HCV pseudotype virus generated from either E1 or E2 displayed infectivity of a number of mammalian cells. The use of pseudotyped virus has allowed us to better understand the similar and divergent properties of E1 and E2 glycoproteins decorating the envelope of HCV. The serum pseudotype virus neutralizing activity in patient sera did not exhibit a correlation with the infecting HCV genotype or virus load. HCV E2 glycoprotein induces a weak neutralizing antibody response, however the neutralization function was augmented by complement. Taken together, these observations suggest a role for both the glycoproteins in HCV attachment and entry into susceptible host cells. An understanding of HCV entry and strategies appropriate for mimicking cell surface molecules may help in the development of new therapeutic modalities against HCV infection. Furthermore, incorporation of the HCV glycoproteins in a candidate vaccine may offer protection, although additional work is necessary to enhance their immunogenicity.
Detecting Grammar in Action

This article presents a method for familiarizing intermediate language students with grammatical concepts through library research. Using recent periodical literature, students are assigned to seek examples of language presented in class and write them on a standard form. Through class discussion of their examples, students discover grammatical concepts in contemporary usage. Simultaneously “detecting grammar in action,” students increase their vocabulary and gain familiarity with conducting library research in a foreign language essential to more advanced work or graduate study. Since this type of assignment requires a careful search and subsequent explanation of the examples found, students intending to become foreign language teachers particularly benefit from this technique.
Purification and characterization of a novel 13 S hetero-oligomeric protein complex that stimulates in vitro Golgi transport.

Intracellular protein traffic involves a tightly regulated series of events in which a membrane-bounded vesicles bud from one compartment and are specifically targeted to the next compartment, where they dock and fuse. A cell-free system that reconstitutes vesicle trafficking between the cis and medial Golgi cisternae has been used previously to identify several proteins involved in vesicular transport (N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein,soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment proteins, p115, and p16); however, these factors are insufficient to drive the transport reaction. We have used a modified version of this in vitro intra-Golgi transport assay to guide purification of a new transport-stimulating activity. The active component is a 13 S hetero-oligomeric complex consisting of at least five polypeptides (approximately 110, 109, 90, 82, and 71 kDa), which we term Golgi transport complex (GTC). Hydrodynamic properties suggest that GTC is approximately 800 kDa and nonglobular. We obtained peptide sequence information from the 90-kDa subunit (GTC-90) that allowed us to identify a number of GTC-90 cDNAs. Comparison of these cDNAs with one another and with the genomic sequence suggests that the GTC-90 mRNA is alternatively spliced. Anti-GTC-90 antibodies inhibit thein vitro Golgi transport assay, confirming the functionality of the purified complex. Subcellular fractionation indicates that GTC-90 exists in both membrane and cytosolic pools, with the cytosolic pool associated exclusively with the GTC complex. The membrane-associated pool of GTC-90 is localized to the Golgi apparatus.
Intellectual property management in R&D intensive firms

While the number of Intellectual Property (IP)-intensive Research and Development (R&D) firms has grown exponentially over the last decade, little is known of the various Socio-Technological Infrastructures (STI) used by these firms to facilitate the R&D to IP to Market process. This work contributes to this area by revealing the STI that these firms use to create and appropriate value. Using a brief survey and interviews, our study finds, for example, that STIs have grown organically, in a Penrosian fashion, but that firm-wide IP awareness is required. With these results and a literature survey, we propose a novel IP-specialised integrated liaison coordination device for optimising transaction costs through leveraging highly trained, multi-disciplinary managers in a liaison capacity. The model may be an effective tool for resolving classical interdepartment tensions between technology creation and its commercialisation. A discussion on the limits of the approach and proposals for future research are presented.
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in aneurysms and normal aorta

Abstract Background. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are characterized by degradation of collagen and elastin resulting from increases in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Previous authors have identified isolated increases in expression of specific MMPs in AAAs, but none have compared relative levels of expression of particular MMPs to one another or to those of their inhibitors, the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). This study proposes to quantify relative mRNA levels for interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), 72 kd type IV collagenase (MMP-2), 92 kd type IV collagenase (MMP-9), TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in normal aorta (NA) and AAA to provide insight as to the relative importance of each in aneurysm formation. Methods. Competitive polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) with gene-specific external standards and cDNA derived from AAAs (n = 8; mean age, 67.4 years) and NA (n = 5; mean age, 40.6 years) were used to quantify mRNA levels. Results were normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA levels, determined by means of competitive PCR, and compared by means of Mann-Whitney statistics. Results. Significant increases in MMP mRNA expression in AAA over NA were observed for MMP-1 (3.64 versus 0.43, p = 0.007), MMP-9 (78.03 versus 3.35, p = 0.003), TIMP-1 (835.32 versus 477.2, p = 0.027), and TIMP-2 (18.09 versus 4.14, p = 0.003). The ratio of MMP to TIMP mRNA levels was higher in AAA than NA (0.135 versus 0.045, p = 0.018). Conclusions. Increases in expression of MMP-1, MMP-9, and MMP/TIMP ratios may result in increased proteolysis and matrix degradation, which characterize AAAs. MMP-9 appears to be the predominant metalloproteinase expressed in AAA, because its mRNA levels were more than 20 times and 2 times higher than those of MMP-1 and MMP-2, respectively. TIMP-1 mRNA levels were in molar excess to those of any of the metalloproteinases studied.
Mechanical properties of neuronal growth cone membranes studied by tether formation with laser optical tweezers.

Many cell phenomena involve major morphological changes, particularly in mitosis and the process of cell migration. For cells or neuronal growth cones to migrate, they must extend the leading edge of the plasma membrane as a lamellipodium or filopodium. During extension of filopodia, membrane must move across the surface creating shear and flow. Intracellular biochemical processes driving extension must work against the membrane mechanical properties, but the forces required to extend growth cones have not been measured. In this paper, laser optical tweezers and a nanometer-level analysis system were used to measure the neuronal growth cone membrane mechanical properties through the extension of filopodia-like tethers with IgG-coated beads. Although the probability of a bead attaching to the membrane was constant irrespective of treatment; the probability of forming a tether with a constant force increased dramatically with cytochalasin B or D and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). These are treatments that alter the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. The force required to hold a tether at zero velocity (F0) was greater than forces generated by single molecular motors, kinesin and myosin; and F0 decreased with cytochalasin B or D and DMSO in correlation with the changes in the probability of tether formation. The force of the tether on the bead increased linearly with the velocity of tether elongation. From the dependency of tether force on velocity of tether formation, we calculated a parameter related to membrane viscosity, which decreased with cytochalasin B or D, ATP depletion, nocodazole, and DMSO.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Experimental determination of the photon economy in polycrystalline thin film photovoltaic materials and devices

Abstract The optical measurement and analysis of polycrystalline thin film solar cell materials and devices is complicated by diffuse scattering at all interfaces due to roughness and diffuse volume scattering due to grain boundaries and orientation effects. An experimental approach using directional spectral reflectance and absorptance measurements with 4π collection geometry is described which provides an expedient route to the determination of device photon losses, intrinsic optical properties of polycrystalline materials and the effects of layer morphology on the photon economy of solar cells. This technique is applied to the photon loss analysis of thin film CdS/Cu2S cells and the assessment of Zn3P2 as a photovoltaic material. It is concluded that cell morphology is a key contributor to the high photon efficiency of polycrystalline CdS/Cu2S cells. Also, the discrepancy between bulk and thin film absorption edge data for Zn3P2 is reduced and the intrinsic absorption edge of evaporated films is revealed to be exponential. Other applications of this technique are discussed.
Rule acquisition as a function of number and frequency of exemplar presentation

Four experiments were conducted in which S s acquired a rule on the basis of repeated presentation of some proportion of the total number of exemplars generated by the rule. Rule governed performance was inferred on the basis of tests for correct responses to exemplars which had never been presented. Rules which generated different finite numbers of exemplars were used. The results were consistent in demonstrating that the presentation of a constant proportion of exemplars was required for rule acquisition but it made little difference whether the proportion consisted of a small number of the total exemplars presented several times or a larger number presented fewer times. This relationship holds regardless of the size of the output of the rule.
Gray Tone Versus Line Plotter Area Symbols: A Matching Experiment

Gray tones and line plotter shades are two common area symbols used to display quantitative data on maps. Since these two symbols are visually quite different from one another, the question arises as to whether or not the overall spatial message communicated by maps using these symbols would be identical for a particular data set. As a preliminary to answering this broader question, an experiment was performed in which subjects matched individual line plotter shades with gray tones. The purpose of this experiment was twofold: 1) determine the general relation between the two symbol types, and 2) determine the ease with which line plotter symbols could serve as substitutes for gray tones. The results revealed first that the general relation is essentially linear; a gray tone of a given percent area inked can be represented by a line plotter shade of about the same percent area inked. As such, the results support those obtained in previous gray scale studies. Secondly, both the actual response data and comm...
Imaging the Transport Dynamics of Single Alphaherpesvirus Particles in Intact Peripheral Nervous System Explants from Infected Mice

ABSTRACT Alphaherpesvirus particles travel long distances in the axons of neurons using host microtubule molecular motors. The transport dynamics of individual virions in neurons have been assessed in cultured neurons, but imaging studies of single particles in tissue from infected mice have not been reported. We developed a protocol to image explanted, infected peripheral nervous system (PNS) ganglia and associated innervated tissue from mice infected with pseudorabies virus (PRV). This ex vivo preparation allowed us to visualize and track individual virions over time as they moved from the salivary gland into submandibular ganglion neurons of the PNS. We imaged and tracked hundreds of virions from multiple mice at different time points. We quantitated the transport velocity, particle stalling, duty cycle, and directionality at various times after infection. Using a PRV recombinant that expressed monomeric red fluorescent protein (mRFP)-VP26 (red capsid) and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-Us9 (green membrane protein), we corroborated that anterograde transport in axons occurs after capsids are enveloped. We addressed the question of whether replication occurs initially in the salivary gland at the site of inoculation or subsequently in the neurons of peripheral innervating ganglia. Our data indicate that significant amplification of infection occurs in the peripheral ganglia after transport from the site of infection and that these newly made particles are transported back to the salivary gland. It is likely that this reseeding of the infected gland contributes to massive invasion of the innervating PNS ganglia. We suggest that this "round-trip" infection process contributes to the characteristic peripheral neuropathy of PRV infection. IMPORTANCE Much of our understanding of molecular mechanisms of alphaherpesvirus infection and spread in neurons comes from studying cultured primary neurons. These techniques enabled significant advances in our understanding of the viral and neuronal components needed for efficient replication and directional spread between cells. However, in vitro systems cannot recapitulate the environment of innervated tissue in vivo with associated defensive properties, such as innate immunity. Therefore, in this report, we describe a system to image the progression of infection by single virus particles in tissue harvested from infected animals. We explanted intact innervated tissue from infected mice and imaged fluorescent virus particles in infected axons of the specific ganglionic neurons. Our measurements of virion transport dynamics are consistent with published in vitro results. Importantly, this system enabled us to address a fundamental biological question about the amplification of a herpesvirus infection in a peripheral nervous system circuit.
Priors in Whole-Genome Regression: The Bayesian Alphabet Returns

Whole-genome enabled prediction of complex traits has received enormous attention in animal and plant breeding and is making inroads into human and even Drosophila genetics. The term “Bayesian alphabet” denotes a growing number of letters of the alphabet used to denote various Bayesian linear regressions that differ in the priors adopted, while sharing the same sampling model. We explore the role of the prior distribution in whole-genome regression models for dissecting complex traits in what is now a standard situation with genomic data where the number of unknown parameters (p) typically exceeds sample size (n). Members of the alphabet aim to confront this overparameterization in various manners, but it is shown here that the prior is always influential, unless n ≫ p. This happens because parameters are not likelihood identified, so Bayesian learning is imperfect. Since inferences are not devoid of the influence of the prior, claims about genetic architecture from these methods should be taken with caution. However, all such procedures may deliver reasonable predictions of complex traits, provided that some parameters (“tuning knobs”) are assessed via a properly conducted cross-validation. It is concluded that members of the alphabet have a room in whole-genome prediction of phenotypes, but have somewhat doubtful inferential value, at least when sample size is such that n ≪ p.
Influence of Stress Ratio on the Elevated‐Temperature Fatigue of a Silicon Carbide Fiber‐Reinforced Silicon Nitride Composite

The influence of stress ratio on the tensile fatigue behavior of a unidirectional SiC-fiber/Si,N.,-matrix composite was investigated at 1200°C. Tensile stress ratios of 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 were examined. Fatigue testing was conducted in air, at a sinusoidal loading frequency of 10 Hz. For peak fatigue stresses below the proportional limit of the composite (approximately 195 MPa at 1200°C) specimens survived 5 X lo6 cycles, independent of stress ratio. At peak stresses above the proportional limit, fatigue failures were observed; fatigue life decreased significantly as the stress ratio was lowered from 0.5 to 0.1. Creep appears to be the predominant damage mechanism which occurs during fatigue below the pro
In vitro eye-blink classical conditioning is NMDA receptor dependent and involves redistribution of AMPA receptor subunit GluR4.

The classically conditioned vertebrate eye-blink response is a model in which to study neuronal mechanisms of learning and memory. A neural correlate of this response recorded in the abducens nerve can be conditioned entirely in vitro using an isolated brainstem–cerebellum preparation from the turtle by pairing trigeminal and auditory nerve stimulation. Here it is reported that conditioning requires that the paired stimuli occur within a narrow temporal window of in vitro classical conditioning of an abducens nerve eye-blink response is generated by NMDA receptor-mediated mechanisms that may act to modify the AMPA receptor by increasing GluR4 subunits in auditory nerve synapses.
Combinatorial characterization of hexagonal systems

Abstract This paper provides a combinatorial characterization for the class of graphs that model molecular structures of aromatic benzenoid hydrocarbons. Based on invariant characteristics of these graphs, cata-, peri-, and corona-fused benzenoid hydrocarbons, and helicanes are simply distinguished. A canonical coding algorithm for cata- and peri-fused systems is given. Other applications are briefly discussed.
Tracking and Regulation Control of a Mobile Robot System With Kinematic Disturbances: A Variable Structure-Like Approach

This paper presents the design of a variable structure-like tracking controller for a mobile robot system. The controller provides robustness with regard to bounded disturbances in the kinematic model. Through the use of a dynamic oscillator and a Lyapunov-based stability analysis, we demonstrate that the position and orientation tracking errors exponentially converge to a neighborhood about zero that can be made arbitrarily small (i.e., the controller ensures that the tracking error is globally uniformly ultimately bounded (GUUB)). In addition, we illustrate how the proposed tracking controller can also be utilized to achieve GUUB regulation to an arbitrary desired setpoint. An extension is also provided that illustrates how a smooth, time-varying control law can be utilized to achieve setpoint regulation despite parametric uncertainty in the kinematic model. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed controllers. @S0022-0434~00!00504-9#
Exact Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Probability Test for 3 by 2 Cross-Classification Tables

Subroutines to calculate exact chi-square and Fisher's exact probability tests are presented for 3 by 2 cross-classification tables. A nondirectional probability value for each test is computed recursively. The use of an arbitrary starting value in each recursion eliminates the cumbersome computation of initial probability values based on the hypergeometric distribution.
INFLUENZA B VIRUS REINFECTION

Four outbreaks of influenza B infection occurred in Houston, Texas in the years 1976-1984. In the Houston Family Study, age-related infection and illness rates in the recent two epidemics resembled those reported previously. A total of 118 persons, including 35 children followed from birth, were followed longitudinally through this entire period and 331 persons were studied through at least two outbreaks. Fifty-nine (88%) of 67 children studied for four outbreaks were infected and 25% had a second infection; about half of the adults had one infection but only one of 51 was reinfected. Infection rates were proportionally lower for those followed through 2-3 outbreaks. Those with documented infection were protected decreasingly over time against reinfection and associated illness in subsequent epidemics. Such protection decreased in efficacy from 65% after 2-3 years, to 46% after 4-5 years, and to no protection after seven years.
A theoretical analysis of Monte Carlo algorithms for the simulation of Gibbs random field images

Various theoretical and computational issues about the algorithms' behavior are addressed. The concept of relative entropy is introduced as the primary analytical tool, and convergence of the simulation algorithms is discussed in terms of the relative entropy. This approach allows a view of the simulation of Gibbs random field images as a constrained, convex optimization problem, and it results in a systematic study of various Monte Carlo simulation algorithms under a common analytical framework. The problems of proper initialization, of maximizing the rate of convergence at each iteration, and of minimizing the rejection rate are discussed. A computational comparison of various Monte Carlo simulation algorithms is also presented. >
Mast Cell Degranulation and Parenchymal Cell Injury in the Rat Mesentery

Objective:The objective of this study was to explore the degree of parenchymal cell injury after mast cell degranulation by application of compound 48/80 (CMP 48/80) in the absence of adherent leukocytes in the rat mesentery. Methods:Rats were rendered leukopenic by injection of an antibody against leukocytes, and the mesentery was superfused with CMP 48/80 during intravital microscopy. The extent of cell injury was determined using a fluorescent cellviability indicator, propidium iodide (PI). In an additional group, mast cell degranulation with CMP 48/80 was prevented by using the mast cell stabilizer Ketotifen. Results:After a reduction in the number of circulating leukocytes, mast cell degranulation produced a mild increase in parenchymal cell injury. The injury levels significantly increased when individual regions of the mesentery were compared. Stabilization of the mast cells with Ketotifen reduced the injury to below baseline values. Conclusions:In the absence of leukocyte adhesion to the endotheli...
Reinforcement of acrylic resins for provisional fixed restorations. Part I: Mechanical properties

Acrylic resins are commonly used in many dental applications; especially in the fabrication of provisional fixed partial dentures. Among noticed technical drawbacks associated with this material are unsatisfactory mechanical properties. Moreover, if acrylic resins are exposed to moist environment, water sorption results in further mechanical deterioration. In order to improve the mechanical properties, aluminum, magnesium, and zirconium oxide powders and pulverized E-glass particles were separately admixed with pre-polymerized acrylic resin beads prior to mixing with monomer liquid. Particle loading ratios were 1, 2 and 3 vol.% with respect to pre-polymerized beads. Poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethyl methacrylate) and poly(isobutyl methacrylate) were used as resin matrices. Furthermore, a metal primer agent was employed in order to form a strong interphase between admixed particles and polymer matrix phase. Samples were subjected to three-point transverse bending tests at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. It was concluded that (1) addition of particles generally increases the water sorbed by the composite resins systems, (2) however, two vol.% admixtures in a PMMA resin matrix showed significant improvements in the mechanical properties (p < 0.05), (3) among the oxide particles, zirconia exhibited the greatest improvements in modulus of elasticity, transverse strength, toughness and hardness, and (4) mechanical properties (transverse strength, 0.2% offset yield strength and modulus of elasticity) were linearly correlated to hardness numbers.
The utility of graph theoretic software metrics: a case study

The adoption of and adherence to object-oriented design and programming principles have allowed the software industry to create applications of ever-increasing complexity. A concomitant need arises for strategies to identify, manage, and, wherever possible, reduce this software complexity. One such strategy is the systematic collection, interpretation, and analysis of software metrics, mappings from software objects or constructs to sets of numerical features that quantify relevant software attributes. We describe a novel approach that employs various graph theoretic algorithms to analyze the higher level, application-wide class relationship graphs that emerge from object-oriented software. In addition to the software's overall inheritance tree characteristics, these algorithms will use metrics that reflect information on the import and export coupling of class-attribute and class-method relationships. Further, we incorporate information relating to the response sets for each object in the software, that is, the number of methods that can be executed in response to messages being received by objects.
An Unexpected Player in Diabetes

More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, and three out of four will develop insulin resistance, which leads to glucose buildup and type 2 diabetes. Although chronic low-grade inflammation is a primary driver of insulin resistance in obese individuals, the mechanism of this process remains unclear. Therefore, biomarkers to predict who will develop diabetes are sorely needed. Now, Jais et. al . have found an unexpected candidate: heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which turns out to initiate inflammation in the liver and drive metabolic disease. HO-1 had been thought to be an anti-inflammatory molecule that catalyzes heme breakdown. Indeed, in humans, loss of HO-1 leads to early death, and in mice, loss of HO-1 results in high mortality and increased susceptibility to inflammation. To investigate HO-1’s role in obesity, the authors divided 44 obese individuals into insulin-sensitive and -resistant groups and compared their gene signatures within the liver to those of nonobese healthy individuals. To the authors’ surprise, all insulin-resistant individuals had markedly elevated HO-1 in both the liver and visceral fat, which correlated with inflammation and metabolic dysregulation. Because HO-1 was not previously thought to be proinflammatory, the authors validated their results in five independent studies. In all five, HO-1 was elevated in obese versus lean subjects, in diabetic versus nondiabetic subjects, and even in the obese sibling of monozygotic twin pairs. These data suggest that HO-1 is involved in promoting insulin resistance and might serve as a biomarker to predict the onset of disease. To test how HO-1 contributes to the development of diabetes, the authors created a mouse in which HO-1 was knocked out in either the liver or macrophages. The results from the liver-specific deletion were consistent with their patient studies, protecting animals from insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet. But HO-1 depletion in macrophages reduced inflammation and adipocyte size and protected the animals from insulin resistance. They showed improved health despite their high-fat diet–induced obesity. Although more validation is required, these studies suggest that HO-1 expression could identify those obese individuals who will develop insulin resistance and diabetes, allowing treatment to be directed to prediabetics. Even more important is the fact that HO-1’s functional role in driving inflammation and insulin resistance suggests that its inhibition could be a valuable therapeutic strategy to treat metabolic disease. A. Jais et al ., Heme oxygenase-1 drives metaflammation and insulin resistance in mouse and man. Cell 158 , 25–40 (2014). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2014.04.043