cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with response to high-dose interleukin-2 in patients with metastatic melanoma.

PURPOSE: The present study attempted to identify characteristics that correlated with clinical response to interleukin (IL)-2 therapy in patients with metastatic melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated laboratory and clinical characteristics of 374 consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma treated with high-dose intravenous bolus IL-2 (720,000 IU/kg) from July 1, 1988, to December 31, 1999, at the Surgery Branch of the National Cancer Institute. RESULTS: The overall objective response rate was 15.5%. Pretreatment parameters such as patient demographics, laboratory values, and prior therapy did not correlate with response; however, 53.6% of patients with only subcutaneous and/or cutaneous metastases responded, compared with 12.4% of patients with disease at other sites (P2 = .000001). During therapy, patients who were responders tended to have received more doses during course 1 (16.2 ± 0.3 doses v 14.5 ± 0.2 doses; P2 = .0095); however, when limited to patients who were able to co...
Why do Firms Downsize

This conceptual research paper examines the theoretical underpinnings of employee downsizing as a management strategy. It investigates the issue of why firms downsize in the first place. In addressing this question, some systematic thoughts are offered on the causes of downsizing. The author develops and proposes a conceptual framework for studying organizational innovation drawing upon two dimensions, social action and social context, associated with the downsizing phenomenon
Aberrant Expression of Cyclin D1 in Cancer

Cyclin D1 binds and activates cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 (Cdk4/6) to phosphorylate the retinoblastoma (RB) family proteins, relieving E2F/DPs from the negative restraint of RB proteins and histone deacetylases (HDACs). The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complexes activate cyclin E/Cdk2 through titration of the Cdk inhibitors p21Cip1/p27Kip1. Cyclin E/Cdk2 further phosphorylates RBs, thereby activating E2F/DPs, and cells enter the S-phase of the cell cycle. Cyclin D-Cdk4/6 also phosphorylates MEP50 subunit of the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), which cooperates with cyclin D1 to drive lymphomagenesis in vivo. Activated PRMPT5 causes arginine methylation of p53 to suppress expression of proapoptotic and antiproliferative target genes, explaining the molecular mechanism for tumorigenesis. Cyclin D1 physically interacts with transcription factors such as estrogen receptor, androgen receptor, and Myb family proteins to regulate gene expression in Cdk-independent fashion. Dmp1 is a Myb-like protein that quenches the oncogenic signals from activated Ras or HER2 by inducing Arf/p53-dependent cell cycle arrest. Cyclin D1 binds to Dmp1 to activate both Arf and Ink4a promoters to induce cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in non-transformed cells to prevent them from neoplastic transformation. Dmp1 deficiency significantly accelerates mouse mammary tumorigenesis with reduced apoptosis and increased metastasis. Cyclin D1 interferes with ligand activation of PPARγ involved in cellular differentiation; it also physically interacts with HDACs and p300 to repress gene expression. It has also been shown that cyclin D1 accelerates tumorigenesis through transcriptional activation of miR-17/20 and Dicer1 which, in turn, represses cyclin D1 expression. Identification of cyclin D1-binding proteins/promoters will be essential for further clarification of its biological activities.
Formation of Stable Submicron Protein Particles by Thin Film Freezing

Purpose Highly stable, submicron lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lysozyme particles may be produced by thin film freezing (TFF) of aqueous solutions followed by lyophilization.
Does rationalization change units

The recommended use of the Giorgi system of units with the rationalized form of the equations of electromagnetism has led to controversy between the “classic” and “modern” schools over whether total rationalization should be interpreted as a change of the units or as a change of the quantities. An attempt is made to unveil some of the hidden complications and to show how the difficulties can be avoided by proper attention to the semantics involved.
Single‐Zone Stack‐Dominated Infiltration Modeling

Simplified, physical models for calculating infiltration in a single zone, usually calculate the air flows from the natural driving forces separately and then combine them. For most purposes -- especially minimum ventilation or energy considerations -- the stack effect dominates and total ventilation can be calculated by treating other effects (i.e., wind and small fans) as perturbations, using superposition techniques. The stack effect is caused by differences in density between indoor and outdoor air, normally attributable to the indoor-outdoor temperature difference. This report derives an exact, but practical, expression for calculating the stack effect from the air densities and leakage distribution using the power law formulation of envelope leakage. The neutral height -- the height at which there is no stack-related indoor-outdoor pressure difference -- is a key intermediate in stack modeling. This report defines a computable parameter called stack height, which contains all of the leakage distribution information necessary for estimating stack flows, thus freeing the model from specific assumptions (e.g., that the leakage is separable into evenly distributed floor, wall, and ceiling components). Example calculations including comparisons with other models, as well as validations using measured data from dwellings, are also presented. The dimensionless neutral level, which ismore » related to the neutral height, is often used as an indicator of leakage distribution and in superposition. Its definition and role in these regards are discussed in detail. The more exact formulation is then used to analyze the simple box cases normally assumed in infiltration modeling and other approximations. Measured ventilation data will be used to infer leakage distributions and neutral levels as well as for example calculations.« less
A Content Analysis of Health-Related Information on Television

Abstract Television is a persuasive, powerful, and pervasive medium for disseminating information on a plethora of topics, including health and nutrition. In fact, television is consistently ranked by Americans as their primary source of nutrition information. In addition, it is widely acknowledged that events portrayed on TV influence eating and health attitudes and behaviors. To gain an understanding of the influence of television on health attitudes and behaviors, it is important to investigate the health content of television programming. The purpose of this study was to content analyze the health-related information conveyed by The Simpsons television show. This show was selected because it is consistently listed as one of the top 20 prime-time television programs in terms of viewing audience and because a pilot test indicated this show has many embedded nutrition and health messages. A total of 63 episodes (21%), 7 from each of 9 television seasons, were videotaped and content analyzed using the instrument developed for this study. The results indicate that health-related messages occur an average of 12 times per episode, with each message being an average of 32 seconds in length. Nearly two-thirds of the health-related messages were incidental to the episode; that is, the message did not directly pertain to the plot of the episode. Data analysis indicated that messages focused mostly on nutrition, alcohol use, smoking, and body image (57%, 20%, 11%, and 5%, respectively). Only 20% of the messages that focused on nutrition were positive (i.e., practices recommended by health care professionals), while 27,48, and 5 percent were negative, neutral, or ambiguous, respectively. The overwhelming majority of messages focusing on smoking and alcohol consumption were negative. A food pyramid constructed based on the frequency foods were verbalized, shown, and eaten in The Simpsons shares little similarity to the USDA pyramid. The foods most commonly mentioned verbally by characters were beer, entree type foods, and sweets. These same foods were the most frequently shown. Foods that were consumed most often were beer, entree type foods, coffee, sandwiches, and baked desserts. Foods were eaten as snacks, rather than meals, nearly 60% of the time. Homer, an overweight character, made the most verbal references to food and was portrayed eating food more often and in greater quantities than any other character. This study indicates that many health-related messages on The Simpsons run counter to those of promoted by health professionals. The next step is to determine how health-related messages on television affect viewers' health and nutrition attitudes and behavior.
Gigahertz Frequency-Domain Fluorometry: Applications To Picosecond Processes And Future Developments

We describe our frequency-domain fluorometer which allows phase angle and demodulation measurements from 8 MHz to 2 GHz. This instrument using the harmonic content of a 7.59 MHz train of 5 ps pulses as the modulated excitation source. The detector is a microchannel plate PMT (R1564U), whose bandwidth extends to 2 GHz. Using this instrument we examined rapid rotational motions of indole in low viscosity solvents. To date, the shortest correlation time we have determined was 7 ps, for indole in methanol at 80°C. For indole in cyclohexane at 20°C we were able to resolve two rotational correlation times of 17 and 73 ps. It now appears that the frequency range can be extended to 8 GHz, so still faster processes should be observable.
A note on circular dimension

In [1] Feinberg conjectures that the maximum circular dimension of all graphs having n vertices is attained by a complete partite graph. In this note we show that this is not so.
Performance enhancement of fluorescence energy transfer-based biosensors by site-directed mutagenesis of the transducer

We have recently described a biosensor for zinc and other metals which is based upon fluorescence energy transfer from a site or sites on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase to an inhibitor whose binding to the active site is largely metal-dependent. The concentration of the metal ion analyte is a simple function of the occupancy of the active site by the colored inhibitor, which is transduced as a change in intensity or lifetime of the fluorescent donor. We and others have demonstrated assays for several analytes based on energy transfer with moderate success. In this work we demonstrate by simulation and experiment that precise control of the donor:acceptor distance is valuable in optimizing the response of the system.
Short-term variability of pure-tone thresholds obtained with TDH-39P earphones

AbstractObjective: To estimate the short-term variability and correlates of variability in pure-tone thresholds obtained using audiometric equipment designed for occupational use, and to examine the justification for excluding 8 kHz as a mandatory threshold in occupational hearing conservation programs. Method: Pure-tone thresholds and other hearing-related tests (e.g. noise dosimetry, otoscopy, middle-ear assessment) were conducted with a group of 527 adults between 20 and 69 years of age. Five measurement visits were completed by participants within 14 days. Results: The 50% critical difference boundaries were − 5 and 0 dB at 4 kHz and below and − 5 and 5 dB at 6 and 8 kHz. The likelihood of spurious notches due to test-retest variability was substantially lower than the likelihood of failing to detect a notched configuration when present. Correlates of variability included stimulus frequency, baseline threshold, acoustic reflectance of the ear, average noise exposure during the previous eight hours, ag...
Cobalt(II) substituted derivatives of Carcinus maenas hemocyanin: magnetic characterization, magnetooptic, and kinetic studies regarding the geometry of the active site

Mononuclear (CoII−Hc) and dinuclear (CoII2−Hc) Co(II) substituted derivatives of Carcinus maenas hemocyanin (Hc) are characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements, magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy, and kinetic experiments with cyanide. Magnetization measurements up to 8 T reveal that the mononuclear CoII−Hc posseses a S = 3/2 ground state, demonstrating that the optical properties are consistent with a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The CoII2−Hc, CoII2−N3−Hc, and CoII−Hc derivatives exhibit visible and near-infrared magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) signals and magnetic characteristics which also reflect tetrahedral coordination geometry. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of dinuclear CoII2−Hc and CoII2−N3−Hc reveal strong antiferromagnetic coupling with |J| > 100 cm-1, consistent with the existence of a ligand bridging the metal centers. The results of the magnetic susceptibility measurements together with the MCD data imply that the putative bridging ligand of the dinucl...
A system for the semiautomatic generation of E-R models from natural language specifications

Abstract Techniques that allow a program to generate E-R models for small application domains are described. The inputs to the program are natural language specifications. The program consists of two major components: a natural language understander and an E-R generator. The paper describes briefly the knowledge representation structures constructed by the natural language understander, and, then, explains the E-R generator in detail. The E-R generator consists of two kinds of rules: specific rules linked to the semantics of some words in the sentences, and generic rules that identify ER-entities and ER-relationships on the basis of the logical form of the sentence and on the basis of the ER-entities and ER-relationships under construction. The program has been tested on a set of database problems.
A CHEMOTAXONOMIC STUDY OF LEMNACEAE

A B S T R A C T Oiie hundred eighty-six clones of Lemnaceae, representing world-wide collections of 22 taxa, were grown in axenic cultures reproduced by clonal subcultures. Following morphological examinations under a range of culture conditions, a "key" clone was selected to represent each taxon. These key clones were completely representative of the qualitative flavonoid chemistry of the taxa as determined from a number of clones. With the exceptions of Spirodela polyrhiza and S. biperforata which produce identical flavonoids, the flavonoid associations of each species of Lemnaceae were unique in the family. Through paper chromatographic comparisons of purified compounds, plus visible and ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy of isolated individual flavonoids, a total of 47 different compounds was described. These substances included: glycosides of anthocyanidins (cyanidin and petunidin); glycosides of flavonols (kaempferol and quercetin); glycosides of flavones (apigenin and luteolin); and several glycoflavones (C-glycosyl-flavones). When grown under equivalent controlled conditions of culture, infraspecific variation in the qualitative production of these 47 flavonoids was detected in only one flavone glycoside of the species Lemna perpusilla. The reliability of the flavonoid patterns under various conditions of culture was investigated. Under 62 different regimes S. oligorhiza and S. polyrhiza showed only minor variations in their flavonoid glycosides. Studies of other taxa supported this generalization. Under controlled conditions, morphological intergradation obscured identification of many collections. Each could be conclusively identified by its flavonoid chemistry.
Profits and outreach to the poor: The institutional logics of microfinance institutions

Few empirical studies have explored how microfinance institutions (MFIs) reach important social goals such as outreach to the poor. While MFIs have the dual goals of pursuing both social and economic values, the impact of their profitability on outreach can vary. Based on the institutional logics perspective, this study predicts that if MFIs follow commercial logic, they are more likely to pursue high profitability rather than to increase outreach; however, if MFIs follow social-welfare logic, they tend to tolerate relatively low profitability and try their best to extend outreach. Therefore, in the curve of distribution of MFIs’ profitability, there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between MFIs’ profitability and outreach to the poor. This relationship is further influenced by a state-level institution—the rule of law. For our empirical analyses, we use a data set of 3,785 organization-year observations from 1,129 MFIs across 98 countries. The results of multilevel mixed models are consistent with our predictions.
The pelvic digit: CT correlation and review of the literature

Four additional cases of the developmental anomaly known variously as pelvic "ribs" or "digits" are presented with CT correlation in three cases. Comparison is made with the 12 cases reported in the literature, and their differential diagnosis is discussed.
Magnetic relaxation dispersion probe.

Abstract The magnetic field dependence of nuclear spin–lattice relaxation rates provides a powerful approach to characterizing intra and intermolecular dynamics. NMR spectrometers that provide extensive magnetic relaxation dispersion profiles may switch magnetic field strengths rapidly by either moving the sample or by changing the current in an electromagnet. If the sample is moved, the polarization and detection fields may be very high, which provides both high sensitivity and resolution. This report summarizes the design of a pneumatic sample transport system for glass sample containers that may be used in either a dual magnet spectrometer or in a single magnet system that exploits the fringe field as the secondary magnetic field.
Down-Regulation of Growth Signaling Pathways Linked to a Reduced Cotyledonary Vascularity in Placentomes of Over-Nourished, Obese Pregnant Ewes

Both protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) are down-stream components of the insulin/insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to sensitize cells to insulin/IGF-1 signaling. The objective of this study was to assess the activity of AMPK and its role in the observed down-regulation of insulin/IGF-1 signaling in cotyledonary (COT) arteries supplying the placental component of the ewe placentome. Nonpregnant ewes were randomly assigned to a control (C, 100% of NRC recommendations) or obesogenic (OB, 150% of NRC) diet from 60 days before conception until necropsy on day 75 of gestation (n=5/group) or until lambing (n=5/group). At necropsy on day 75 of gestation, the smallest terminal arteries that entered the COT tissues (0.5-1.0 mm in diameter) were collected for analyses. Fetal weights were approximately 20% greater (P<0.05) on OB than C ewes, but birth weights of lambs were similar across dietary groups. Fetal plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin and IGF-1 were higher (P<0.05) in the blood of fetuses from OB than C ewes. Total AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK at Thr 172 (the active form) were reduced (P<0.05) by 19.7+/-8.4% and 25.9+/-7.7%, respectively in the COT arterial tissues of OB ewes. Total acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), a down-stream target of AMPK, and its phosphorylated form were also reduced (P<0.05) by 32.9+/-9.2% and 45.4+/-14.6%, respectively. The phosphorylation of IRS-1 at Ser 789, a site phosphorylated by AMPK, was 24.5+/-9.0% lower (P<0.05) in COT arteries of OB than C ewes. No alteration in total insulin receptor, total IGF-1 receptor or their phosphorylated forms was observed, down-stream insulin signaling was down-regulated in COT arteries of OB ewes, which may have resulted in the observed decrease in COT vascular development in OB ewes.
Simulation studies of biomagnetic computed tomography (current flow identification)

Simulation studies were performed on phantom models of electrical sources. As a first step toward the development of an imaging algorithm, the simplified problem of identifying the shape and direction of current flow in a planar surface was addressed. The problem was formulated by identifying a space in which the image was to be reconstructed. The space was segmented into a grid. Each grid space represented a current element. The magnetic field at a sampling point due to the current elements was computed using the Biot-Savart law. Since there were many more current elements than sample points, the problem was underdetermined and had an uncountable number of solutions. The projection theorem was used to define an analytic solution for the magnitude and orientation of the current elements in the grid space. The accuracy of the resulting image was determined by comparing it with the known location of the sources shows that shape of the filamentary current flow can be imaged with this technique. The resolution of images based on the sampling of the field, number of voxels in the reconstruction space, and noise is also analyzed. >
Factors associated with patient understanding of preeclampsia.

Objective. To explore the extent to which pregnant women understand the symptoms and potential complications related to preeclampsia and to determine the factors that are associated with better understanding. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study in which 112 pregnant patients were interviewed to determine their preeclampsia knowledge. Knowledge was evaluated using a 25-item survey addressing the symptoms, consequences, and proper patient actions associated with preeclampsia. Patients were also asked in an open-ended question to define preeclampsia; all responses were rated by three obstetricians. Information about demographics, medical and obstetrical history, and health literacy was also obtained. Health literacy was assessed using the short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Results. Patients correctly answered only 43% of the 25 questions assessing preeclampsia knowledge. Moreover, only 14% of the patients were able to provide a definition that correctly reflected the syndrom...
Exponential trichotomy of differential systems

On considere un systeme d'equations differentielles. On donne une caracterisation de la trichotomie exponentielle via une certaine fonction de Lyapunov. On presente plusieurs criteres pour l'existence de la trichotomie exponentielle
Dynamic receptor-based pharmacophore model development and its application in designing novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitors.

We present here a dynamic receptor-based pharmacophore model representing the complementary features of the active site region of HIV-1 integrase (IN), which was developed from a series of representative conformations of IN. Conformations of IN were sampled through a molecular dynamics study of the catalytic domain of an IN monomer, and an ensemble of representative IN structures were collected via a probability-based representative conformer sampling method that considers both the potential energy and the structural similarity of the protein conformations. The dynamic pharmacophore model was validated by a set of 128 known inhibitors, and the results showed that over 72% of the active inhibitors (IC50 lower than 20 μM) could be successfully identified by the dynamic model. Therefore, we screened our in-house database of commercially available compounds against this model and successfully identified a set of structurally novel IN inhibitors. Compounds 7 and 18 with IC50s of 8 μM and 15 μM, respectively, a...
Biological control of Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae) on avocado: II. evaluating the efficacy of Galendromus helveolus and Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

Abstract Two species of commercially available natural enemies, Galendromus helveolus and Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were evaluated as biological control agents against Oligonychus perseae (Acari: Tetranychidae), a foliar pest of avocados in California. Densities of natural enemies and O. perseae were monitored weekly for 32 weeks on trees that were treated with either 3 consecutive releases of G. helveolus, 3 releases of N. californicus, or 3 releases of G. helveolus and N. californicus. Results were compared to trees that received 2 applications of oil and to control trees that received no treatment. Both predator species, either alone or in combination, significantly reduced numbers of O. perseae in comparison to oil-sprayed trees and control trees. Additionally, leaf damage measured as the percentage leaf area damaged by O. perseae feeding was reduced on trees treated with N. californicus alone or in combination with G. helveolus. These results demonstrated that releases of these pr...
A study of the generation-of-alternatives process in social problem solving

This study evaluated three principles that have been recommended for generating alternatives in social problem solving: (1)quantity (i.e., “the more alternatives generated the better”), (2)deferment of judgment (i.e., “it is better to generate alternatives without critically evaluating them at the same time“),and (3)strategy-tactics (i.e., “it is better to first generate a list of general approaches to the problem and then go back and generate specific means for implementing them”).The results showed strong support only for the quantity principle. Data also suggested, however, that research should be done using more difficult test problems and subjects with greater deficits in social problem-solving ability before abandoning deferment of judgment and strategy-tactics procedures in social problem-solving training.
Response bias in assessing sexual behaviors relevant to HIV transmission

Abstract The AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) epidemic has brought increased attention to the problems investigators face in collecting highly sensitive information. In this context, literature on response bias in sex research is reviewed with particular attention to test-retest reliability and nonresponse issues. The influence of various task, interviewer, and respondent motivation variables on response bias in sex surveys is discussed. Recommendations for decreasing response bias are made. These recommendations are limited in that there is need for additional methodological studies among low socioeconomic class respondents, ethnic minorities, non-English speaking people, and other subpopulations of interest to AIDS investigators (e.g., IVDUs, prostitutes). Suggestions for accomplishing this goal are made.
A career in medical informatics

Mohammad Al-Ubaydli explains how to have a career in medical informatics1 If you want to understand why I love technology, take a look at my hearing aid. Just before starting my house job, my nightmare scenario was of being deafened by the vacuum cleaner during the ward round while my consultant barked orders at me. So I invested in a funky, digital hearing aid. With the flick of a switch, the machine promptly filters out all noise, and homes in on the speech of the person I am facing. It is quite amusing to watch my (very nice) consultant needing to ask the cleaner (very nicely) to switch the vacuum off. Technology helps me to be a good clinician, despite my disability. Using information technology within the NHS enables the clinician to increase his or her abilities. Unfortunately, the NHS has been particularly slow in introducing computers into the system. But things are improving. This article is about steps you can take to improve your computing skills. The more useful this exercise becomes for you, the more you can delve into the area. If, like me, you become hooked, there is the possibility of focusing your career on the new specialty of medical informatics. But before I get that far, let me clear up a few myths on learning about computers. Firstly, you are never too old to learn, and computers are not the exclusive domain of your children and grandchildren. It was my father who taught me how to use a computer, and his skills were self taught. Secondly, you do …
Derivation of the SPAN, a brief diagnostic screening test for post-traumatic stress disorder

The Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) is a validated 17-item self-rating scale used in the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is sensitive to the effects of treatment. It was felt that a shorter version of the scale might provide a better diagnostic screening tool. Subjects were drawn from a sample of 243 patients obtained from multiple cohorts that included a group of survivors of various forms of trauma, including natural disaster, rape and combat. All subjects had diagnostic assessments for PTSD with a clinical interview and completed the DTS. The data were randomly divided between two subsamples, and frequency and severity scores were calculated for the DTS. A four-item scale, the SPAN (named for its top four items: Startle, Physiological arousal, Anger, and Numbness), was developed. It demonstrated an efficiency of 0.88, sensitivity of 0.84, specificity of 0.91 and positive likelihood ratio of 9.1. In a replication sample, values were slightly lower but still acceptable (efficiency = 0.80). A subgroup of PTSD patients received either fluoxetine or placebo in a clinical trial, and a significant SPAN score improvement was observed on fluoxetine. The SPAN, which correlated significantly with the Impact of Events Scale, the Sheehan Disability Scale, and the Structured Interview of PTSD, was found to have a diagnostic accuracy of 88%.
Turbulent Skin Friction for Tapered Wings

References 1 Ashley, H. and Landahl, M., Aerodynamics of Wings and Bodies, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass., 1965, Chap. 7,pp. 137142. 2 Abramowitz, M. and Stegun, I. A., eds., Handbook of Mathematical Functions, Dover, New York, 1965. 3 Heaslet, M. A. and Spreiter, J. R., "Reciprocity Relations in Aerodynamics," TN 2700, 1952, NACA. 4 Prandtl, L. and Betz, A., "Vier Abhandlungen zur Hydrodynamik und Aerodynamik," Im Selbstverlag des Kaiser WilhelmInstituts fur Stromungsforschung, Gottingen, 1927.
Exploring perceptual equivalence between real and simulated imagery

We conducted a new psychophysical experiment which judges the quality of computer graphics imagery with respect to the real scene it depicts. The experimental framework facilitates perceptual judgment of images against a real scene. Unlike previous work, which examined at primitive objects under basic illumination, this new experiment examines complex geometry illuminated using a calibrated light source. Here we present the design and results of the experiment. To ensure valid results, a commercial lighting booth containing rapid prototyped three dimensional objects serves as the real scene. For comparison, a series of representative images, of varying quality, were rendered using the physically based Radiance lighting simulation software. Result from these experiments show that higher parameter settings, which lead to longer processing times, do not necessarily lead to higher quality images.
Memory search of dichotically presented lists of digits

Subjects heard dichotically or binaurally presented digit lists followed by a binaural probe item. Instructions required attending to one list or attending to both lists at once. The task was to determine whether or not the probe had occurred among the attended items. Decision time was a linear function of the number of attended items. Responses to probes drawn from the unattended lists were slower than other negative responses. This was reflected in the intercept but not the slope of the RT/list length function.
Postoperative testicular abscess with bacteremia due to Actinomyces neuii

Bacteremia due to Actinomyces neuii has been reported in the literature 14 times. A. neuii is an endogenous organism that has been cultured in clinical specimens of the genitourinary tract; we are reporting a unique case of A. neuii postoperative testicular abscess with bacteremia which was successfully treated with surgery and a short course of parenteral antimicrobials.
MUIApp: an object‐oriented graphical user interface application framework

Motif User Interface Application (MUIApp) is an object‐oriented graphical user‐interface application framework. It simplifies the task of writing, modifying, and debugging window‐based applications by application of object‐oriented programming to the construction and manipulation of graphical user interface (GUI) components using a well‐established window system. The key means adopted in the design include: encapsulation of tedious X‐window programming details, construction of high‐level GUI components using Motif and Xt widgets as the primary building blocks, and definition of collaboration mechanisms between GUI components. Reports that the abstractions and mechanisms provided by MUIApp facilitate the development of graphical user interfaces for applications. Simplicity, extensibility and reusability are the key concerns in the design. MUIApp is written in C++ and runs mainly on top of Motif.
Dipole-energy autocorrelation functions in solid 3He

Abstract The dependence of the nuclear-spin relaxation rates in solid 3He on magnetic field orientation is estimated by calculating the second moment of the dipole-energy autocorrelation function. The fourth moment calculated assuming nearest-neighbour Heisenberg interactions seems to be incompatible with the NMR results of Richardson et al. perhaps indicating an inadequacy of the model Hamiltonian. Phonon renormalization is estimated to reduce the dipolar interactions by 5–10% in the b.c.c. phase.
Scaling in linear bubble models of grain growth

Abstract We have numerically solved a linear bubble model of grain growth to study orientation effects in a polycrystal on power law growth of the average grain size and on the existence of a scaling form for the normalized grain size distribution function. We consider a binary linear bubble model such that the inter-bubble permeability between like bubbles (unity) is different from that ( M ) between unlike bubbles. We have also defined a continuous orientation linear bubble model that allows for a continuous distribution of orientations. The inter-bubble permeability in this case depends on the relative orientation of the two bubbles on either side. Our results suggest that scaling and the exponent in the power growth law, in grain growth models that assume uniform grain boundaries, are not altered by introducing anisotropic grain boundary properties provided the initial distribution of orientations is random.
Infant formula as a cause of aluminium toxicity in neonatal uraemia

Aluminium toxicity occurred in two infants with congenital uraemia who had never received phosphate binders or other aluminium-containing agents or intravenous fluids. One patient was treated by peritoneal dialysis from the age of two weeks and died at three months after the sudden onset of neurological symptoms; the other died after one month of conservative management without dialysis. Brain aluminium concentration was high in both infants (6.4 and 47 micrograms/g, respectively) whereas bone aluminium content was normal and there were no histological changes or stainable aluminium on bone biopsy specimens. Both infants were fed with 'Similac PM 60/40'. To investigate possible sources of aluminium, powdered milk formula, sterilised water used for preparation of the feed, and dialysate concentrate (first patient) were analysed. Aluminium concentration was high (232 +/- 60 ng/ml) in powdered milk but negligible in sterilised water and dialysate concentrate (4 ng/ml and 3.4 +/- 2.4 ng/ml, respectively). These findings indicate that proprietary infant milk formula is another source of aluminium. Aluminium-free milk should contribute to the prevention of aluminium toxicity in infants with renal failure.
Sarcoid Granuloma of the Choroid

Two patients were found to have macular choroidal granulomas associated with systemic sarcoidosis. This unusual fundus picture was documented by serial fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. Both patients had a similar clinical picture of decreased vision, chorioretinal granulomas, and overlying neurosensory detachments. Staining of the inflammatory mass with fluorescein and leakage of dye into the neurosensory space was typical. Lymph node biopsies were performed to substantiate the diagnosis. Both patients responded promptly to systemic corticosteroid therapy with dramatic improvement in visual acuity and resolution of the choroidal lesions.
Economically Viable Fabrication Method of Nanocomposite Materials From Linear Arrays of Metallic Nanoparticles and Nanorods on Tubular Halloysite Templates

In this work, we report a simple fabrication method for metal nanoparticles and nanorods on halloysite supports. Silver nanorods of 15 nm diameter were synthesized by thermal decomposition of silver acetate within halloysite lumen. Nanorods had crystalline nature with [111] axis oriented ∼ 68° from the halloysite tubule main axis. Linear arrays from gold, iron, cobalt and palladium nanoparticles on halloysite external surface were also synthesized by chemical and thermal reduction method. Samples were analyzed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. These in situ syntheses offer a simple method for large scale fabrication of metallic nanorods and core-shell ceramic nanocomposites, which can be used as antimicrobial additives in plastic composites, nanoelectronic and optical materials with biocompatibility and environmentally friendly. Antimicrobial thin films were prepared based on halloysite-silver nanocomposites and tested on E. Coli and S Aureus bacterial culture. Antibacterial performance of the nanocomposite material was superior to the other conventional antimicrobial additives (silver doped bioactive glasses and carbon nanotubes). Radiation protection coatings based on fabricated nanocomposite materials is under development.© 2012 ASME
Effects of initial limb position on the accuracy, reaction time and electromyographic patterns of rapid movements

Abstract An experiment was performed to determine the effects of initial limb condition on final accuracy of rapid, elbow flexion movements in the horizontal plane. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings were also taken from an agonist (biceps) and antagonist (triceps) muscle by means of bipolar surface electrodes. In the experiment the subject's forearm was passively oscillated by means of an electric motor, and when an auditory buzzer sounded, the subject was required to react as quickly as possible and rapidly move to the previously learned target angle. Thus, movements could be initiated from either static or moving starting positions. The results indicated that general accuracy was not greatly affected by these manipulations, however, constant error and pre-motor reaction time suggested that subjects may have been utilizing initial limb condition information contrary to a mass-spring view. EMG data showed that the timing characteristics of the agonist and antagonist muscles were modulated, depending on the type of movement produced, supporting an impulse-timing model (Wallace 1981).
Abstract 2608: An intronic polymorphism determines TGF-alpha expression and is associated with cellular resistance to erlotinib

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC An intronic polymorphism determines TGF-alpha expression and is associated with cellular resistance to erlotinib Wanqing Liu, Mark J Ratain Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Background Responsiveness to EGFR-targeting agents has been demonstrated in lung cancer patients bearing EGFR mutations. However, the detailed mechanism underlying both sensitivity and resistance to these agents has not been completely revealed. Expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA), one of the major EGFR ligands, appears to affect the inhibition potency of EGFR inhibitors. The aim of this study is to identify the genetic variants that may affect TGFA expression and confer susceptibility to response to EGFR-targeting agents. Methods Genome-wide genotyping of 100K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) had been previously performed in the NCI-60 cancer cell panel. SNPs in the TGFA gene region were selected to perform correlations with TGFA mRNA expression measured by real-time PCR. Confirmation of the SNP genotypes was performed by both sequencing and restriction enzyme digestion. The SNP genotype was correlated with cytotoxicity data of erlotinib and other EGFR inhibitors. Results A total of 10 SNPs in the TGFA gene were genotyped on the 100K SNP Chip. The genotypes were confirmed. A SNP (rs3821262 C/T) in the second intron of TGFA was significantly associated with decreased TGFA gene expression and cellular resistance to both erlotinib (p=0.01) and other 11 EGFR inhibitors (p=0.05) tested in the NCI-60. Conclusion The SNP rs3821262 C/T may contribute to cellular resistance to EGFR inhibitors by modulating the gene expression. However, since this is a hypothesis-generating study and the association was not adjusted for multiple testing, the finding must be validated further in both preclinical and clinical settings, in particular combined with mechanistic studies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2608.
Time Budgets, Thermoregulation, and Maximal Locomotor Performance: Are Reptiles Olympians or Boy Scouts?

SYNOPSIS. DO ectothermal vertebrates routinely make full use of their locomotor capacities in nature? We address this question by asking whether reptiles ever sprint at maximum burst speeds and whether they often move at speeds near maximum aerobically sustainable levels. Relevant data are largely anecdotal but suggest that lizards (and perhaps other vertebrate ectotherms) do not routinely perform at maximal capacities. They appear to do so only in situations that have a critical impact on fitness. Nevertheless, active lizards do thermoregulate carefully such that they usually maintain the potential for performing at maximal capacity. We consider alternative, but not exclusive, explanations for why reptiles might maintain apparently “excessive” capacities and conclude with suggestions for new field and laboratory studies that would more rigorously address these issues.
Studies of Combustion Efficiency and Flame Shape for Opposed-Jet Flameholders

An investigation was undertaken in order to determine the flame-spreading characteristics of an opposed-jet stabilized flame and their relation to chamber combustion efficiency. Tests were conducted in a standard combustion tunnel at atmospheric pressure, using premixed propane and air as reactants. The approach velocities in the test section were subsonic, ranging from 65 to 140 fps. The equivalence ratio of the mainstream ranged from 0.8 to 1.47. A chamber combustion efficiency equation based on the increase in the rate of momentum was used to study the variation of chamber combustion efficiency in the flame spreading region. This efficiency was shown to correlate with the fraction of the duct cross-sectional area occupied by the flame, as well as the fraction of the inlet mass flow rate which was burning. The entrainment characteristics of the opposed-jet stabilized flame were examined downstream from the tip of the opposed-jet tube. The increase of the burning mass with respect to the burning area was found to be dependent on the percentage of the duct area that was occupied by the flame. The theory of Miesse, which relates combustion efficiency and flame shape, was shown to correlate with the experimental data for certain values of the order of reaction and Damkohler's first ratio.
Effects of gamma- and electron-beam irradiation on semi-rigid amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymers.

Two semi-rigid amorphous polyethylene terephthalate copolymer materials (in both sheet and powder forms) containing 3% 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) and 31% CHDM were irradiated at 5, 25 and 50 kGy at ambient temperature with a 60Co radiator or an electron-beam accelerator. After irradiation, volatiles were determined using static headspace sampling with capillary gas chromatography and mass selective detection or flame ionization detection (HS/GC/MSD or FID). Non-volatiles were extracted with 10% aqueous ethanol and 100% n-heptane food-simulating solvents, maintained at 40°C for up to 10 days. The non-volatiles in the materials and those migrating into the food-simulating solvents were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet and/or photodiode array detection. The results obtained from the HS/GC/MSD suggest that no new chemicals were detected by either gamma- or e-beam irradiation when compared with non-irradiated specimens. The major volatiles in the copolymers we...
Heterogeneity in Informal Salaried Employment: Evidence from the Egyptian Labor Market Survey

Summary This paper contributes to the continuing debates on the mechanisms driving labor market informality in developing countries by proposing an innovative way to discriminate between segmented and competitive markets. An empirical analysis is applied to Egyptian paid employment in the highly dynamic context of 1998–2006. The study is based on recent nonparametric methods applied to estimate the model with essential heterogeneity. The model is extended to decomposing the treatment effects into unobserved and observed components. The results show triple heterogeneity of workers on the Egyptian labor market, offering support to both segmented and competitive views on informal labor.
Repair of spinal cord transection and its effects on muscle mass and myosin heavy chain isoform phenotype.

A number of significant advances have been developed for treating spinal cord injury during the past two decades. The combination of peripheral nerve grafts and acidic fibroblast growth factor (her...
Photofragmentation two‐photon laser‐induced fluorescence detection of NO2 and NO: Comparison of measurements with model results based on airborne observations during PEM‐Tropics A

Measurements of NO and NO2 are reported using a highly modified photofragmentation two-photon laser-induced fluorescence (PF-TP-LIF) instrument. Available evidence suggests that the changes made substantially reduced wall decomposition of labile NOy species. In sharp contrast to the results reported from NASA's 1991 PEM-West A program where the median value for the ratio (NO2)meas/(NO2)calc was 3.36, the PEM-Tropics A observations produced a value for this ratio of 0.93. This represents the first time that remote upper tropospheric NO-NO2 data have shown a high degree of correspondence with current photochemical mechanisms.
Treatment of Staphylococcal Synovitis of Turkeys

Abstract INFECTIONS in the domestic fowl caused by the staphylococci have been reported periodically for the past 30 years in Europe, North America, South America, Japan, and Australia. According to Hinshaw and McNeil, (1952), and Jungherr (1959), Prahl (1870) in Prussia reported a widespread lameness in young geese, and from the description it was inferred by Van Heelsbergen (1929) that the condition was caused by staphylococci. Jungherr (1933) was the first to report the disease in turkeys in the United States. Madsen (1942) recognized the condition in turkeys and gave it the name synovitis. Hofstad (1952) has reviewed the literature on avian staphylococcosis, and Jungherr (1959) has reviewed the arthritic conditions in the avian species caused by bacteria. Staphylococcal synovitis can be seen in turkeys from 3 weeks of age to maturity, but is more prevalent in birds from 9–16 weeks of age. Affected birds sit on their hocks with…
A Combined Laser-Communication and Imager for Microspacecraft (ACLAIM)

ACLAIM is a multi-function instrument consisting of a laser communication terminal and an imaging camera that share a common telescope. A single APS- (Active Pixel Sensor) based focal-plane-array is used to perform both the acquisition and tracking (for laser communication) and science imaging functions.