cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management approach combining prognostic screening and targeted treatment for patients with low back pain compared with standard physiotherapy: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Research evidence suggests that a stratified care management approach is better at improving clinical and economic outcomes for low back pain (LBP) patients compared with usual care in the short-term. However, it is uncertain if these health and economic benefits are sustainable in the longer term. OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of stratified care compared with standard physiotherapy for LBP treatment. METHODS A comprehensive search was undertaken of seven electronic databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Pedro, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Register for Controlled Trials and Web of Science with full text. No time limits were applied, but studies were limited to English language publications and those involving human participants. Two independent reviewers undertook study selection, data extraction and appraisal of study RESULTS: In total, 6,842 patients (18 years and above) were included in the 8 trials reviewed - 4 were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the other 4 were non-RCTs. The pooled analysis of 3 studies (n = 2,460) demonstrated a strong evidence in favour of stratified care over standard care at improving overall pain (WMD [random] 0.46 [95% CI 0.21, 0.71]; P < 0.0003), with overall effect (Z = 3.6) and (RMDQ) scores (WMD [random] 0.71 [95% CI 0.05, 1.37]; P < 0.03), with overall effect (Z = 2.11) at 3, 4- and 6-months follow-up periods. CONCLUSION This current review demonstrated that a stratified care approach provides substantial clinical, economic and health related cost benefits in the medium and high-risk subgroups compared with usual care. Further research is needed for longer-term benefits.
Evaluating the effect of Mn composition on chemical partitioning in Co(78−x)Fe2MnxB14Si2Nb4 magnetic amorphous nanocomposites

Abstract We report the chemical partitioning behavior in a series of melt spun, partially crystallized Co(78−x)Fe2MnxB14Si2Nb4 (x = 0.5, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0) alloys. Upon annealing at 520 °C anneal for 20 min, nanocrystallites precipitated from the amorphous matrix that have been previously reported to decrease the magnetic permeability with increasing Mn content. Transmission electron microscopy identified the crystallites within the continuous amorphous matrix as a mixture of hexagonal close packed and face centered cubic phases with an average size of 7.0 ± 3.0 nm. Atom probe tomography (APT) revealed an increase in chemical partitioning between the ferromagnetic and glass-forming elements upon annealing with the crystallite density increasing with Mn content. This implied an increase in crystallinity and a reduction of point defects (vacancies) that accompanied changes in Mn content during the chemical partitioning process, where the extent of crystallinity would influence magnetic properties.
Improved Energy Resolution with the MSU Cyclotron

Recent measurements at MSU of inelastic proton scattering at 35 MeV using the Enge split-pole magnetic spectrograph have been made with energy resolution of E/ΔE= 2 3, 00 0 (1.5 keV FWHM). The cyclotronmagnetic spectrograph system is operated in the dispersion matching mode, with the full cyclotron beam delivered to the target. Several phenomena which can limit the ultimate resolution have been observed. The narrowest lines recorded (50 μm FWHM in the spectrograph focal plane) imply as an absolute upper limit that 80% of the cyclotron’s beam is contained within an incoherent radial emittance area of 0.4 mm-mr.
General production rules in a second-best environment

This chapter presents a discussion on the general production rules in a second-best environment. The chapter analyzes a set of assumptions regarding government activity and the underlying structure of the private sector. Regarding the government sector, the government is making a set of production decisions under two constraints: it must buy inputs and sell outputs at the established private sector producer prices, and it must cover any resulting deficit (surplus) with distorting commodity taxes levied on the consumer. The government may buy or sell any inputs or outputs, including those traded in the private sector. There are no restrictions on the form of the aggregate government production function other than the exclusion of externalities. Regarding the private sector, all markets are assumed to be perfectly competitive and private production exhibits general technology with constant returns to scale (CRS). There can be no pure profits or losses from private production.
Fractographic Comparison of Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness, Instrumented Precracked Charpy, and Slow-Bend Precracked Charpy Tests on a Quenched and Tempered AISI 4340 Steel

Toughness testing of a quenched and tempered AISI 4340 steel has been carried out by precracked Charpy(instrumentedandslow-bend)and fracture toughness test techniques. Results show that the toughness values, as a functionof heat treatment, follow similar trends for identical heat-treatment schedules in each type of testing. Fractographic observations also indicate the same fracture initiation mode in all the tests for identical heat treatments, including an intergranular fracture mode associated with the temperembrittlement of the steel in question. It indicates that, in this particular application, mechanical testing variables such as specimen dimensions, crack length, crack length to width ratio, and strain rate have no effect on the fracture initiation process.
Slow fluorescence quenching of type A chloroplasts. Relationship to electron-flow with CO2 as acceptor

Krause [ 1,2] and Barber and his coworkers [3] have reported the occurrence of slow fluorescence quenching in dark-adapted, isolated, intact chloroplasts. This quenching is sensitive to uncouplers and is reversed by the divalent cation-specific ionophore A23187 [4]. It is lost upon osmotic shock, but restored by addition of Mg*’ in the dark. Slow fluorescence quenching has therefore been attributed to Mg*-efflux from the thylakoids in response to lightinduced proton-uptake. If slow fluorescence quenching is driven by protonuptake, the question then arises, what pathways of electron-transport are responsible for this protonuptake in the functioning chloroplast? Barber and coworkers originally reported [5] that the rate of slow fluorescence quenching was dependent on the ability of the chloroplasts to fix CO*. More recently, Telfer et al. [6] have suggested, on the basis of differential sensitivity of non-cyclic electron-flow and slow fluorescence quenching to DCMU, that cyclic electron-flow can occur in intact chloroplasts and can result in slow fluorescence quenching. We demonstrate here that net oxygen evolution linked to CO*furation is not required for the observation of slow fluorescence quenching. Further, we present evidence that pseudocyclic electron-flow, with O1 as terminal electron-acceptor, can support slow fluorecence quenching and in fact, does so during induction of net oxygen evolution and under conditions where the Calvin cycle is inhibited.
Location-Based Mobile Decision Support Systems and Their Effect On User Performance

The proliferation and convergence of wireless communications, location technologies, information systems, the Internet, and mobile devices has given rise to new types of decision support utilities commonly referred to as location-based mobile decision support systems (M-DSS). A location-based M-DSS can be described as an information system that exploits knowledge about where a user is located, enables ubiquitous information access, and provides context-related decision support. Drawing on technology acceptance and decision-making theories, this research explores critical factors in the design, use, and performance of location-based M-DSS. In doing so, this research consists of two parts. First, relevant features of location-based M-DSS as well as their relative importance are determined. Secondly, the relationship between location-based M-DSS use and user performance is examined for a novel application in the golf industry.
Protection against cisplatin toxicity by administration of glutathione ester

The role of cellular glutathione in the prevention of toxicity due to the anti-cancer drug cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum) was explored in mice treated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a selective inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (and therefore of glutathione synthesis), and with glutathione and glutathione monoisopropyl ester. Pretreatment of mice with BSO enhanced the lethal toxicity of cisplatin by about twofold. Administration of glutathione ester (dose, 2.5-7.5 mmol/kg) protected against lethal cisplatin toxicity; glutathione was also effective, but much less so. Glutathione ester, in contrast to glutathione, is effectively transported into cells and split to glutathione intracellularly. The previous findings that administered glutathione does not protect against lethal toxicity due to cadmium ions and mercuric ions, whereas glutathione ester does, suggest that intracellular glutathione is required for protection against these heavy metal ions. That administration of glutathione has a protective effect on cisplatin toxicity suggests that the toxic effects of cisplatin may be exerted both intracellularly and extracellularly, and that extracellular glutathione (or its degradation products) may form a complex with cisplatin extracellularly. The finding that glutathione ester is more effective than glutathione in protecting against the toxicity of cisplatin suggests that use of glutathione ester may be therapeutically advantageous.
Science, the Fruit of Commerce

Matters of Exchange . Commerce, Medicine, and Science in the Dutch Golden Age. By Harold J. Cook . Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 2007. 576 pp. $35. ISBN 9780300117967. Cook presents a case for seeing Dutch commerce rather than religion as the crucial inspiration for the rise of science in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Scattering Theory of High Frequency Quantum Transport

The well-known scattering approach to quantum transport is extended to the time-dependent case where both dc and ac voltages are applied to a device. Such a formalism is useful for obtaining physical insight into the mechanism governing device operation, e.g., the high frequency characteristics. Scattering theory is most conveniently used in treating the ballistic transport regime, and is therefore suited to studies of new devices such as resonant tunneling diodes and ballistic quantum constrictions.
The major murine systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility locus Sle1 results in abnormal functions of both B and T cells

Sle1 is a major susceptibility locus in the NZM2410 murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus. When isolated on a C57BL/6 background in the B6. Sle1 congenic strain, Sle1 results in the production of high levels of anti-chromatin IgG Abs, histone-specific T cells, and increased B and T cell activation. We have shown by mixed bone marrow chimeras with allotypic markers that Sle1 is expressed in B cells. Using the same technique, we now show that it is also expressed in T cells. To assess whether Sle1 results in intrinsic defects in B or T cells, we have bred the μ MT and Tcrα −/− mutations onto B6. Sle1 resulting in the absence of circulating B cells and αβ T cells in B6. Sle1 . μ MT and B6. Sle1.Tcrα −/− , respectively. The immune phenotypes in these two strains were compared with that of B6. Sle1 and B6. μ MT or B6. Tcrα −/− . Sle1 -expressing B cells broke tolerance to chromatin in the absence of T cells, as shown by high levels of anti-ssDNA IgM Abs in B6. Sle1.Tcrα −/− mice, and had an increased expression of activation markers. Conversely, increased expression of activation markers and increased cytokine production were observed in Sle1 -expressing T cells in the absence of B cells in B6. Sle1 . μ MT mice. However, the production of IgG antinuclear Abs required the presence of both T and B cells. These experiments showed that Sle1 expression results in both B and T cells intrinsic defects and demonstrate that the documented involvement of each cell compartment in the production of anti-chromatin Abs corresponds to genetic defects rather than bystander effects.
Comparative Study of Ribosomal Ribonucleic Acid Cistrons in Enterobacteria and Myxobacteria

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-ribonucleic acid (RNA) hybrids are formed by Escherichia coli 16S or 23S ribosomal RNA or pulse-labeled RNA with the DNA of various species of the Enterobacteriaceae. The relative extent of hybrid formation is always greater for ribosomal RNA. These DNA-RNA hybrids have been further characterized by their stability to increasing temperature, and, in every case, the stability of pulse-labeled RNA hybrids was lower than that of the corresponding ribosomal RNA hybrids, although 16S and 23S ribosomal RNA hybrids had very similar stabilities. Therefore, ribosomal RNA showed a greater degree of apparent conservation in base sequence than pulse-labeled or messenger RNA both in the extent of cross-reaction and in the stability of hybrid structures. Similar results were obtained with Myxococcus xanthus RNA. Since in this case the base composition of the pulse-labeled or messenger RNA is richer in guanine plus cytosine than ribosomal RNA, the higher cross-reaction of ribosomal RNA is more readily attributable to conservation of base sequence in these cistrons than to its base composition. Thus, the base sequence of ribosomal RNA cistrons of bacilli, enteric bacteria, and myxobacteria is conserved relative to those of the rest of the genomes. This conservation is, however, not absolute since the stability of heterologous ribosomal RNA hybrids is always lower than that of homologous hybrids.
(Re) Defining Peri-Urban Residential Space Using Participatory GIS in Kenya

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for African urban planning and research is now becoming a reality. But there is limited technical expertise and the necessary infrastructure to support local government efforts in data-poor environments. As a result, the creation of urban geo-spatial databases have tended to reside in the central government, large municipalities, research institutions, donor funded projects and individual research initiatives. To date, such applications have focused on observable and quantifiable aspects of the urban built environment while experiential information has remained peripheral. This paper employs a participatory GIS approach to integrate community local knowledge with traditional urban spatial data. Our objective is to populate urban-based geo-spatial databases for a more robust understanding of quality of life in Athi River town, Kenya. The Athi River GIS includes formal data and local knowledge on land cover, land use, hydrology, topography, infrastructure, industry, service provision, and housing. Community data was obtained through mental mapping, focus group discussions, GPS-based transect walks, social histories of exclusion, oral narratives of land use, and relevant archival material. The study concludes that GIS in Kenya is being introduced within an empiricist and positivist epistemological and methodological framework. With more focus on the visual and quantifiable aspects of the built environment, the perceptions of disenfranchised peri-urban communities are being excluded. In the paper, a place-based (re) definition of residential quality of life is achieved by integrating community local knowledge into a GIS as an information layer. In the study, local knowledge and expert GIS data are thus found to be complementary.
EUS-guided portal injection chemotherapy for treatment of hepatic metastases: feasibility in the acute porcine model

Background and Aims Direct injection of chemotherapy into the portal vein for treatment of liver metastases may increase hepatic tissue levels while decreasing systemic levels and toxicities. We aimed to evaluate EUS-guided portal injection chemotherapy (EPIC) by using drug-eluting microbeads or nanoparticles and compare it with systemic injection. Methods We conducted a comparative feasibility trial in the acute porcine model (24 anesthetized pigs). Pigs were treated with irinotecan, doxorubicin, or albumin-bound paclitaxel nanoparticles (n = 8/group). Within each group, pigs were treated with EPIC or a systemic intravenous injection of drug and saline solution into the portal vein (n = 4/treatment). Irinotecan or doxorubicin were loaded onto microbeads for EPIC treatment only. We examined drug levels in tissue (1 hour) and plasma (15 minutes). Results EUS-guided access and injection was successful in all animals. EPIC with irinotecan-loaded microbeads showed nearly double the hepatic concentration compared with systemic injection (6242 vs 3692 ng/g) and almost half the systemic levels. EPIC with doxorubicin-loaded microbeads showed a 5-fold increase in hepatic levels (35,450 vs 6930 ng/g) and a 30-fold decrease in cardiac levels (153 vs 4805 ng/g) compared with systemic administration ( P Conclusions EPIC holds promise as a new treatment for hepatic metastases.
Patient Preferences for Management of First-Trimester Incomplete Spontaneous Abortion

Background: Approximately 15% of clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. The probabilities for successful outcome between expectant treatment and dilatation and curettage for management of many first-trimester incomplete spontaneous abortions are comparable. The goal of this study was to assess patient preferences for expectant treatment compared with dilatation and curettage, and the effect of physician recommendation on these preferences. Methods: During individual telephone interviews, patients were read a case scenario and two treatment options. They were educated about the estimated risks, outcomes, and costs associated with each option. The patients then verbally completed a questionnaire assessing their likelihood of choosing each option, their reasons for their choice, and the effect of physician recommendation. Results: Seventy-five women between the ages of 18 and 45 years, recruited from a university-affiliated family medicine clinic, were interviewed. Of these women, 27 had experienced spontaneous abortion (cases), and 48 had not (controls). Seventy-two percent of all participants (confidence interval 0.62-0.82) were likely or highly likely to choose expectant treatment, 23% of women rated the likelihood of choosing this option unlikely or highly unlikely, and 5% were uncertain. No significant difference existed between the case and control populations regarding choice of treatment ( P = .566). One half of the women stated they would change their choice given a physician’s recommendation (55% control, 40% case, P Conclusions: Participants indicated a strong preference for expectant treatment, but gave physician recommendation a significant role in the final decision. Physicians need to offer both options to patients and consider individual patient preferences when making recommendations regarding management of first-trimester incomplete spontaneous abortion.
Dissolution characteristics of duplex stainless steels in acidic environments

Abstract To determine differences in the dissolution rates of the austenitic and ferritic phases in duplex stainless steels an in situ investigation was carried out in acidic solutions of 2 M H 2 SO 4 with 2 M HCl. The current density distribution over the active surface was measured using a scanning vibrating electrode. The study demonstrated that this technique could measure differences in the dissolution rates of the austenitic and ferritic phases. These observations were validated using model calculations. The dissolution rates for the two phases peak at different potentials resulting in multiple current maxima. In addition, transients in the dissolution behavior of the two phases were observed at different potentials using optical microscopy. Electron microscopy showed aluminum and silicon enrichment at the austenitic phase after dissolution.
Mechanism of 17-beta-estradiol-induced Erk1/2 activation in breast cancer cells. A role for HER2 AND PKC-delta.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (Erk/MAPK) is a critical signal transduction event for estrogen (E2)-mediated cell proliferation. Recent studies from our group and others have shown that persistent activation of Erk plays a major role in cell migration and tumor progression. The signaling mechanism(s) responsible for persistent Erk activation are not fully characterized, however. In this study, we have shown that E2 induces a slow but persistent activation of Erk in MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells. The E2-induced Erk activation is dependent on new protein synthesis, suggesting that E2-induced growth factors play a major role in Erk activation. When MCF-7 cells were treated with E2 in the presence of an anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody (herceptin), 60–70% of E2-induced Erk activation is blocked. In addition, when untreated MCF-7 cells were exposed to conditioned medium from E2-treated cells, Erk activity was significantly enhanced. Furthermore Erk activity was blocked by an antibody against HER-2 or by heregulin (HRG) depletion from the conditioned medium through immunoprecipitation. In contrast, epidermal growth factor receptor (Ab528) antibody only blocked 10–20% of E2-induced Erk activation, suggesting that E2-induced Erk activation is predominantly mediated through the secretion of HRG and activation of HER-2 by an autoctine/paracrine mechanism. Inhibition of PKC-δ-mediated signaling by a dominant negative mutant or the relatively specific PKC-δ inhibitor rottlerin blocked most of the E2-induced Erk activation but had no effect on TGFα-induced Erk activation. By contrast inhibition of Ras, by inhibition of farnesyl transferase (Ftase-1) or dominant negative (N17)-Ras, significantly inhibited both E2- and TGFα-induced Erk activation. This evaluation of downstream signaling revealed that E2-induced Erk activation is mediated by a HRG/HER-2/PKC-δ/Ras pathway that could be crucial for E2-dependent growth-promoting effects in early stages of tumor progression.
Developing Community College Faculty as Leaders

The authors consider the current need for faculty leadership, the motivation to lead, and the challenges and problems faculty encounter in their leadership roles and provide a sampling of leadership development initiatives across the nation.
Patterns of disease on MRI in 53 children with tuberculous spondylitis and the role of gadolinium.

Abstract Background. Tuberculosis (TB) of the spine is the most common site of osseous involvement and has a higher prevalence in developing nations with an increasing incidence in developed nations. There are few paediatric reports of TB spondylitis (TBS) that include MRI findings. Objective. To determine the MRI characteristics of TBS in children with special reference to gadolinium enhancement and findings on follow-up MRI. Materials and methods. A retrospective review of patient records and MRI scans by three readers using a consensus method of 53 patients below 13 years of age. Results. Seventy-nine percent presented with kyphosis. MRI showed thoracic involvement in 83%. Eighty-five percent showed contiguous involvement of two or more vertebral bodies. An intraspinal or paraspinal soft-tissue mass or abscess was present in 98%. Subligamentous extension was noted in 64% of patients. Gadolinium was administered in 26 patients. Ring enhancement of the soft-tissue mass was shown in 65% of these. Subligamentous enhancement was shown in 35% and bone enhancement was shown in 100% of patients. Follow-up MRI performed in 16 patients showed progressive bone destruction in 10 patients, progressive kyphosis in 2 patients and progression of soft-tissue disease in 4 patients. Conclusions. We have demonstrated an advanced pattern of TBS in this childhood population, which supports other reports that describe a more aggressive process in children. Kyphosis and cord compressions were the most common complications. The use of gadolinium is promising in detecting disease earlier, as it invariably results in bone enhancement and may assist in making the diagnosis when the rim-enhancing pattern of the soft-tissue mass is demonstrated. Follow-up imaging with MRI is a suitable way of assessing resolution of cord compression and decrease in size of the soft-tissue mass. Therefore, considering the pattern of involvement in children with TBS demonstrated by this study, MRI is considered an ideal modality for making the diagnosis, demonstrating the extent of disease, identifying complications and assessing response to treatment.
NLOS UV communication for distributed sensor systems

Atmospheric scattering of ultraviolet light is examined as a mechanism for short-range, non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communication between nodes in energy-constrained distributed sensor networks. The physics of scattering is discussed and modeled, and progress in the development of solid state sources and detectors is briefly summarized. The performance of a representative NLOS UV communication system is analyzed by means of a simulation model and compared to conventional RF systems in terms of covertness and transceiver power. A test bed for evaluating NLOS UV communication hardware and modulation schemes is described.
Analyses and application of simple hydrographs

Abstract This paper presents a method of hydrograph analyses to derive parameters for computing hydrographs tailored to specific watersheds and specific rainstorms. Simple hydrographs, (those having a single peak and an unsustained recession), are analyzed to develop techniques for rapid derivation of the watershed storage coefficient, and subsequently, for defining and positioning the hydrograph in terms of the storage coefficient and the rainfall intensity period. Simple hydrographs are developed by these techniques for storm increments or for homogeneous increments of heterogeneous watersheds, and summated to derive the complex, multiple-peak, or sustained-flow hydrographs frequently encountered in practice. These analyses indicate a high potential for deriving the storage coefficient as a function of mensurable characteristics of the watershed.
Do Venture Capitalists Behave Differently When Investing in High-Tech Ventures?

Compared to the U.S. marketplace, high-tech investments have not been as popular among venture capital firms in the U.K. Although high-tech ventures have important economic significance, they continue to experience difficulties in securing funds for their growth. Using theoretically-based hypotheses and empirical data collected from U.K. venture capitalists (VCs) in 16 personal interviews and 111 questionnaire responses, this study sheds light on the various deterrents of technology-intensive investments in the U.K. market. Furthermore, it takes a unique look at how those VCs, who do support high-tech ventures, differ in their investment preferences and procedures from those who prefer to fund non-technology firms. Since investments in early-stage high-tech firms are especially rare, this is the special focus in this study. By illuminating the requirements for a successful high-tech VC market, this focus may also offer additional insights into the fundamentals supporting the prosperity of the high-tech VC market in the U.S.
Current and Voltage Wave Shape of Mercury Arc Rectifiers

This paper gives data on the voltage and current wave shape of mercury arc rectifiers on both the d-c and a-c side. The values of the harmonics at light load are considered first and the modifications of the harmonics under load due to impedance then are studied. The results of tests on rectifiers are given and are in reasonable agreement with the theoretical values which, for convenience in use, are plotted in the form of curves. The relation between the harmonics in rectifiers with different transformer connections is shown and consideration also is given to modifications introduced when the a-c voltage contains harmonics or has a phase unbalance. A brief discussion is given of some methods of modifying the harmonic voltages in this type of apparatus.
Synthetic feedback control using an RNAi-based gene-regulatory device

Background Homeostasis within mammalian cells is achieved through complex molecular networks that can respond to changes within the cell or the environment and regulate the expression of the appropriate genes in response. The development of biological components that can respond to changes in the cellular environment and interface with endogenous molecules would enable more sophisticated genetic circuits and greatly advance our cellular engineering capabilities.
The development of the elbow joint of the chick and its correlation with embryonic staging

The development of the elbow joint was examined in 67 staged chick embryos. It proved possible to correlate the internal limb development with the external embryonic staging. A summary of the chief events in the development of the chick elbow joint is given in the Table, which also provides comparative data on the human elbow joint and the corresponding features of the chick knee joint. A close similarity exists between the morphogenesis of these synovial joints in the chick and in the human, in contrast to noticeable differences in osteogenesis between the two species.
The Role of Development Partners in Africa: A Forestry Perspective on Benefits, Problems and Trends

SUMMARY The forest sector is not always as unique as foresters tend to think. In the case of international assistance, this sector has by and large followed the broader trends in official development assistance (ODA). This article seeks to demonstrate how the forest sector could capitalize on emerging trends in ODA, relating its objectives more directly to broader development goals, and championing the shift from project-based interventions to newer instruments of support. It begins with an assessment of the performance of forest-related ODA in the past, continues to look at new directions and trends in ODA, and concludes with consideration of how these trends could be integrated into ongoing and future forest programs.
Surface temperatures and retention of H2O frost on Ganymede and Callisto

Abstract Surface temperatures and ice evaporation rates are calculated for Ganymede and Callisto as a function of latitude, time of day, and albedo. The model uses surface thermal properties determined by eclipse radiometry ( Morrison and Cruikshank, 1973 Icarus 18 224–236) and albedos determined from photometrically decalibrated Voyager images. Daytime temperatures on Callisto are roughly 8°K warmer than those in Ganymede's cratered terrain and 11°K warmer than those in Ganymede's grooved terrain. Diurnal mean ice evaporation rates are high enough on both bodies that the surface material probably consists of a very low density lag deposit of primarily silicate dust overlying a denser regolith of silicates and ice. The difference in temperature between Ganymede and Callisto is not great enough to account for the lack of bright polar caps on Callisto. This lack seems instead to reflect a real deficiency in the amount of available H2O frost relative to Ganymede. The temperature difference between Ganymede's grooved and cratered terrains also cannot account for the strong concentration of bright ray craters in grooved terrain. This concentration suggests instead that an internal geologic process has enriched the grooved terrain in ice relative to the cratered terrain.
Long-Lived Spin Coherence States in Semiconductor Heterostructures

We study evolution of electron spin coherence having nonhomogeneous direction of spin polarization vector in semiconductor heterostructures. It is found that the electron spin relaxation time due to the D'yakonov-Perel' relaxation mechanism essentially depends on the initial spin polarization distribution. This effect has its origin in the coherent spin precession of electrons diffusing in the same direction. We predict a long spin relaxation time of a novel structure: a spin coherence standing wave and discuss its experimental realization.
Aerodynamic sound generation due to the interaction of an unsteady wake with a rigid surface

Some aspects of sound generation by the interaction between a wedge and the wake of a circular cylinder in a uniform incompressible stream are studied experimentally. There is a minimum separation distance between the cylinder and the wedge when a tone is first generated. As the separation distance increases beyond the minimum, the frequency increases and asymptotically approaches the frequency normally present in the free wake. The Strouhal number defined as the ratio fd/U where f is the frequency, d is the cylinder diameter and U the free-stream speed is found to be in general a function of the Reynolds number (based on d) and h/d, where h is the separation distance. The minimum distance is in general a function of the Reynolds number. Flow visualization studies show that considerable differences exist between the flow below the minimum separation distance and just above it.
Interferon-mediated inhibition of retroviral infection: use of a defective retrovirus carrying a drug-resistance gene

Abstract We here report the results of an investigation of the effect of interferon on the establishment of new infections by a retrovirus. For this study, we used an infectious but replication-incompetent retrovirus carrying a drug-resistance gene and assayed for infectivity by measuring drug-resistant colony formation. Mouse interferon-β inhibited retroviral infection of mouse CG1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, a higher dose of interferon was needed for eliciting the antiretroviral effects than for action against vesicular stomatitis virus. The degree of antiretroviral effect was comparable over at least a 100-fold range of multiplicity of infection and the effect was most pronounced when the cells were continuously treated with interferon before infections and during infection and drug-selection.
Who Tweets about Politics? - Political Participation of Twitter Users During the 2011 Gubernatorial Elections

We employ an original survey of Twitter users to determine who participates in politics on Twitter. Under the backdrop of the 2011 gubernatorial elections in four states, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia, we observe citizens engaging in the electoral process while using one of the most popular social media tools. After the elections were called, in typical Twitter fashion, we tweeted 1,448 politically-minded users and asked them to respond to our online survey about their Twitter usage. Over 20% responded! This study answers two key questions for scholars interested in political behavior on the Internet. First, who participates in electoral politics on Twitter? Are they the usual suspects or does Twitter bring typically marginalized groups into the process? The results demonstrate that young people and minorities are engaging in gubernatorial politics to a certain extent, but on Twitter highly partisan and politically engaged citizens appear to dominate the social media outlet.
A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of actinomycin‐D and vincristine in children with cancer

We describe a selective and a highly sensitive assay for actinomycin-D (Act-D) and vincristine (VCR) in plasma employing high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) detection. The intraday precision (as defined by the coefficient of variation, CV) based on the standard deviation of replicates of quality control samples ranged from 4.9 to 7.5% and 6.5 to 11.3% with accuracy ranging from 90.7 to 98.1% and 91.2 to 103% for Act-D and VCR, respectively. The interday precision ranged from 7.2 to 10.0% and 11.3 to 13.0% and the accuracy ranged from 94.3 to 102% and 90.7 to 91.6% for Act-D and VCR, respectively. Stability studies showed that Act-D and VCR were stable both during the assay procedure and long-term storage. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) for both Act-D and VCR was 0.05 ng/ml. The analytical method showed excellent sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. This method is robust and is being successfully employed in a pharmacokinetic study of these agents in children with cancer, and is expected to support several ongoing and future pediatric trials.
Occupancy of dopamine D2 receptors in the mouse brain measured using ultra-high-resolution single-photon emission tomography and [123I]IBF

Functional imaging of small animals, such as mice and rats, using ultra-high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission tomography (SPET) should be a valuable tool in studies of drug occupancy of cerebral binding sites. In this study we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using ultra-high-resolution SPET to measure the occupancy of dopamine D2 receptors by a competing drug, using the dopamine D2 receptor-specific radioligand iodine-123 5-iodo-7-N-[(1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl) methyl] carboxamido-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran ([123I]IBF). Fourteen normal male mice (CD-1) were jugular vein-cannulated and a bolus infusion protocol was used to deliver 360 MBq [123I]IBF into the mouse (bolus-to-infusion ratio 1.8:1). The mice were scanned using an ultra-high-resolution triple-headed SPET system equipped with pinhole collimators. After sustained equilibrium had been achieved, varying doses of raclopride, a potent dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, were injected through the tail vein and the tracer was allowed to regain equilibrium. A simple equilibrium ratio of striatum to cerebellum provided a measure of D2 receptor binding both before and after injection of raclopride. Following raclopride administration, the system returned to equilibrium with lower specific binding in the striatum, while the counts in the cerebellum were unaffected. Receptor occupancy was 5.2%±2.9% (control), 52.1%±11.1% (0.3 mg/kg), 79.3%±4.8% (1.0 mg/kg), and 94.7%±2.2% (3.0 mg/kg), which gave an ED50=0.26±0.03 mg/kg using a single receptor site saturation model. This study has demonstrated clearly that ultra-high-resolution SPET of small animals is capable of measuring displacement and occupancy of dopamine D2 receptors by competing ligands.
The Response of SMA Hybrid Composite Materials to Low Velocity Impact

Composite material impact damage tolerance and resistance are often limiting crite ria when composites are considered for critical load bearing applications. Often undetectable to visual inspection...
Tree-structured vector quantization with input-weighted distortion measures

Durand Building, Department of Electrical EngineeringStanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305-4055ABSTRACTA greedy tree-growing algorithm is used in conjunction with an input-dependent weighted distortion measureto develop a tree-structured vector quantizer. Vectors in the training set are classified, and weights are assigned to theclasses. The resulting weighted distortion measure forces the tree to develop better representations for those classesthat are considered important. Results on medical images and USC database images are presented. A tree-structuredvector quantizer grown in a similar manner can be used for preliminary classification as well as compression.1. INTRODUCTIONTree-structured vector quantization (TSVQ) is an image compression technique that is rapid for both theencoder and the decoder. A variable rate code can be implemented by an unbalanced tree, obtained either by growinga balanced tree and then pruning it back so that it becomes unbalanced, or by "greedily" growing an unbalanced treedirectly"2. In this paper we describe work in which this greedy growing algorithm is used in conjunction with aninput-dependent, weighted distortion measure. Weights are assigned to the vectors in the training set according to aclassification scheme; in our examples, the classification is based on brightness, texture, or on hand-labeled featuresin the training set. The weighted distortion causes the tree to have "growth spurts" for certain types of inputs thathave been declared a priori to be important, and to become "stunted" for inputs that are less important.A binary TSVQ consists of a tree with nodes labeled by candidate reproduction vectors. An input vector iscompared to the labels of the two child nodes available at the root node, and the node with the minimum distortionlabel (the nearest neighbor) is selected. The encoder then performs a similar test for the new node's children andcontinues in this manner until a terminal node is reached. The label of the terminal node is the final reproduction,and the binary vector describing the sequence of encoder decisions is the codeword stored or sent to the decoder.
ASAP: Eliminating algorithm-based disclosure in privacy-preserving data publishing

Numerous privacy-preserving data publishing algorithms were proposed to achieve privacy guarantees such as @?@?diversity. Many of them, however, were recently found to be vulnerable to algorithm-based disclosure-i.e., privacy leakage incurred by an adversary who is aware of the privacy-preserving algorithm being used. This paper describes generic techniques for correcting the design of existing privacy-preserving data publishing algorithms to eliminate algorithm-based disclosure. We first show that algorithm-based disclosure is more prevalent and serious than previously studied. Then, we strictly define Algorithm-SAfe Publishing (ASAP) to capture and eliminate threats from algorithm-based disclosure. To correct the problems of existing data publishing algorithms, we propose two generic tools to be integrated in their design: global look-ahead and local look-ahead. To enhance data utility, we propose another generic tool called stratified pick-up. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our tools by applying them to several popular @?@?diversity algorithms: Mondrian, Hilb, and MASK. We conduct extensive experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of our tools in terms of data utility and efficiency.
On the heat and mass analogy of fin-and-tube heat exchanger

Abstract This study examines the heat and mass analogy of the fin-and-tube heat exchanger under dehumidifying process. A total of 36 fin-and-tube heat exchangers having plain fin geometry are experimentally examined. It is found that the ratio of hc,o/hd,oCp,a is in the range of 0.6–1.1 and is insensitive to change of fin spacing at low Reynolds number. However, it is noted that this ratio is not a constant throughout the test range. A slight drop of the ratio of hc,o /hd,oCp,a is seen with the decrease of fin spacing and with the rise of the Reynolds number. This is associated with the more pronounced influence during condensate removal. Moreover, during the dehumidifying process, the temperature gradient is directly responsible for establishing the concentration gradient, suggesting the heat transfer and mass transfer are not independent. Based on a simple analysis, one can easily find that the increasing rate of d c d T ∣ i slightly exceeds that of Δ c Δ T . As a result, the ratio of hc,o/hd,oCp,a can be proved to be slightly decreased with the rise of the Reynolds number.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid endotoxin elevation in human single lung transplant recipients during rejection.

Abstract Endotoxin has been implicated as an aetiological factor in liver transplant rejection and acute graft-versus-host disease. To investigate the role of endotoxin in human single lung transplant rejection we measured the level of endotoxin in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from six subjects at baseline and during rejection, which was defined histologically from transbronchial biopsy. Differential cell counts of BAL fluid cells, the levels of protein and albumin in BAL fluid, and serum albumin levels were also examined. BAL fluid albumin to serum ratio was calculated to evaluate alveolar-capillary leakage. A significant elevation of BAL fluid endotoxin with rejection compared with baseline was observed. Standardized endotoxin levels to BAL fluid volume, protein, or albumin were all of similar significance. Examination of BAL fluid cell population revealed a significant elevation in the percentage of lymphocytes with rejection. No significance between BAL fluid protein levles, BAL fluid albumin levels, BAL fluid albumin to protein ratio, serum albumin levels, or BAL fluid albumin to serum albumin ratio was seen with rejection. We conclude that BAL fluid endotoxin levels increase during lung rejection, endotoxin levels can be accurately standardized to millilitres of BAL fluid, and abnormal alveolar-capillary leakage does not appear to account for the increased BAL fluid endotoxin.
Structure and Evolution of Numerically Simulated Squall Lines

Abstract Using a three-dimensional numerical cloud model, we investigate the effects of vertical wind shear on squall-line structure and evolution over a wide range of shear magnitudes, depths, and orientations relative to the line. We find that the simulated squall lines are most sensitive to the magnitude of the component of shear perpendicular to the line, and that we may reproduce much of the range of observed structures by varying this single parameter. For weak shear, a line of initially upright-to-downshear-tilted short-lived cells quickly tilts upshear, producing a wide band of weaker cells extending behind the surface outflow boundary. For moderate-to-strong shear, the circulation remains upright-to-downshear tilted for longer periods of time, with vigorous, short-lived cells confined to a relatively narrow band along the system's leading edge. At later times, however, these systems may also weaken as the circulation tilts upshear. For strong, deep shears oriented obliquely to the line, the squal...
The effects of herbivory on vegetation on islands in Atchafalaya Bay, Louisiana

Vegetation establishment proceeded rapidly on islands in Atchafalaya Bay, Louisiana, following subaerial exposure in 1973. By 1980, 11 km2 of land were vegetated, with four primary plant associations dominating the plant assemblage:Sagittarial latifolia on intertidal elevations,Salix nigra on higher elevations at the heads of islands,Typha latifolia at elevations between theS. nigra and theS. latifolia, and a transitional community at intermediate elevations composed of the above plants withCyperus difformis,Eleocharis spp.,Ammania coccinea, andSphenoclea zeylandica. Colonization by the furbearers nutria (Myocastor coypus) and muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) has also been rapid on the islands. A preliminary exclosure study over a two-year period (1980–81) documented significantly higher plant biomass forS. latifolia andA. coccinea within exclosed plots than in control plots, and there was some indication that plant species composition was affected by herbivory. Long-term exclosure studies and concurrent population studies of herbivores are recommended.
Pure nongestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary report of a case

The authors report a case of pure nongestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary (NGCO) in a prepubertal female patient and emphasize the electron microscopic and immunohistochemical findings. Pure NGCO accounts for 0.6% or less of all ovarian neoplasms. Distinction from gestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary (GCO) is important because of the worse prognosis of NGCO. No distinctive ultrastructural or immunohistochemical differences were found between NGCO and GCO. Cytogenetic studies may be indicated in future cases to investigate potential reasons for the difference in prognosis.
Multisensory activation of pyramidal tract neurons in the cat

Extracellular unit recordings were made of the responses of pericruciate neurons to photic, auditory, and forepaw stimulation in chloralose-anesthetized cats. More than 70% of pyramidal tract (PT) neurons was activated by two or more different sensory modalities, whereas about 40% of other neurons had such sensory convergence. The majority of the responsive pericruciate, neurons was located in the lower one-half of the cortex. During sensory activation PT activity was found to precede the cortical-evoked response. The majority of the multisensory PT cells belonged to the “fast” group with conduction velocities between 25 and 50 m/sec. The results suggest that multisensory activation of certain pericruciate neurons provides a means of rapidly producing a state of “readiness to act” in the spinal cord.