cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water calorimetric determination of absorbed dose by 280 kVp orthovoltage X-rays

Summary The absorbed dose to water from 280 kVp orthovoltage X-rays wad determined by a water calorimeter and compared with that determined by an ionization chamber. X-ray qualities of three different filtrations were investigated: they were characterized by 0.57, 0.695 and 1.76 mm of copper half value layers (HVL). The absorbed dose determined by the calorimeter is found higher by 7–9% than that by an ionization chamber. This difference was greater by 4% than that observed for a 60 Co beam with the same two detectors.
The PATHWAYS church-based weight loss program for urban African-American women at risk for diabetes

OBJECTIVE This study was carried out to test the effectiveness of PATHWAYS, a weight loss program designed specifically for urban African-American women, when administered in urban churches by trained lay facilitators. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty-nine obese women were recruited from three urban African-American churches. After randomization and the collection of baseline data on weight and lifestyle practices, subjects in the experimental group ( n = 19) were assigned to receive a 14-week weight loss program (PATHWAYS) conducted by trained lay volunteers; control group subjects ( n = 20) were put on a waiting list to receive the program at the conclusion of the study period. RESULTS Of the 39 women enrolled, 15 experimental group subjects and 18 control group subjects were available for posttreatment data collection. After completing the program, PATHWAYS participants lost an average of 10.0 lb, and the control group subjects gained an average of 1.9 lb. Posttreatment difference in weight loss between the groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.0001). Waist circumference among PATHWAYS participants decreased 2.5 inches, while waist circumference among control group subjects remained relatively the same. This difference between the groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A weight loss program administered by trained lay volunteers was effective in producing significant and clinically meaningful weight loss among African-American women who often do not benefit from typical weight loss programs. Ongoing research is focusing on whether the weight loss can be maintained or enhanced through monthly reinforcement sessions.
High-frequency performance limitations of millimeter-wave heterojunction bipolar transistors

Heterojunction bipolar transistor structure (HBTs) with 0.25-, 0.4-, and 0.6- mu m emitter stripe widths and ultrasubmicrometer base widths, which are designed to achieve minimum transit time and low parasitic effects, are examined for their millimeter-wave performance. In particular,the dependence of the unity current gain frequency (f/sub tau /), the maximum oscillation frequency (f/sub max/), and the stability of power gains on the device structure and material parameters are critically analyzed. It is shown that the classical f/sub max/ expression commonly used for bipolar transistors, involving the effective carrier transit time and the collector-based RC time constant does not adequately represent the performance of ultrasubmicrometer-based-width HBTs, where the transadmittance phase delay associated with the collector-base depletion layer transit time and the parasitic collector-based capacitance are significant. The expected ballistic and quasiballistic behaviour of electron in these ultrasubmicrometer structures, if properly designed, minimizes the effective carrier transit time effect, but its impact on the f/sub max/ by the excess transadmittance phase delay poses a more fundamental and serious high-frequency limiting factor for the realization of millimeter-wave HBTs than has been hitherto recognized. The accuracy and usefulness of the proposed analytical approach is demonstrated for a practical HBT structure with 1.2- mu m emitter stripe design, giving results that agree well with measurements. >
Path analysis: Sociological examples.

Linear causal models are conveniently developed by the method of path coefficients proposed by Sewall Wright. Path analysis is useful in making explicit the rationale of conventional regression calculations. It may also have special usefulness in sociology problems involving the decomposition of a dependent variable or those in which successive experiences of a cohort are measured. Path analysis focuses on the problem of interpretation and does not purpot to be a method for discovering causes. It may, nevertheless, be invaluable in rendering interpretations explicit, self-consistent, and susceptible to rejection by subsequent research.
Serotonin modulates photoresponses in Hermissenda type-B photoreceptors.

Abstract Light responses of Hermissenda type-B photoreceptors evoked by flashes of light were enhanced and prolonged by bath application of serotonin (5-HT). 5-HT appears to act directly on the B photoreceptors and not indirectly through 5-HT-sensitive interneurons since similar effects were observed in the presence of tetrodotoxin and in axotomized preparations which eliminated synaptic input to the B photoreceptors. We also examined the effect of 5-HT on light-evoked membrane currents with voltage-clamp techniques. The increase in the duration of the light response in 5-HT can be explained by the prolonged decay of the light-activated current evoked by constant-intensity test flashes. 5-HT appears to prolong the light response by slowing a late process in the decay of light-activated membrane current. In contrast to the effects of 5-HT an α2-agonist, clonidine, enhanced the peak photoresponse but did not prolong the light response. Serotoninergic modulation of light-dependent processes in the B photoreceptors may contribute to the development of long-term changes produced by conditioning.
An endogenously synthesized decamer peptide efficiently primes cytotoxic T cells specific for the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein

The immunodominant H-2Dd-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to the HIV-1 gp160 envelope glycoprotein maps to a single determinant in the V3 loop, designated p18. Using a series of peptides synthesized on pins we have determined that the minimal core sequence of this determinant required for CTL recognition comprises 8 amino acids (residues 320-327). However, 9mer and 10mer peptides containing this core sequence were more effective than the 8mer peptide at sensitizing Dd-expressing target cells. To analyze the antigenicity of endogenously synthesized p18, minigenes encoding a 10-amino acid determinant (residues 318-327) and a 67-amino acid peptide (residues 281-348; containing the V3 loop) were expressed using vaccinia virus (Vac) recombinants. Both peptides were as effective as wild-type gp160 in their ability to sensitize target cells for lysis by gp160-specific CTL. Immunization of BALB/c mice with Vac recombinants encoding both gp160 peptides elicited gp160-specific CTL. These data demonstrate that both the V3 loop itself and a 10-residue epitope are sufficient to prime CTL in vivo and strongly support the potential use of minigene-encoded CTL epitopes for recombinant vaccines designed to induce protective T cell-mediated immunity against HIV-1.
Interleukin-6 and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate act synergistically in inducing cell-cell separation and migration of human breast carcinoma cells.

Abstract Interleukin-6 (IL-6) causes an epithelial to fibroblastoid conversion and an increase in the motility of human ductal breast carcinoma cell lines ZR-75-1 and T-47D. Although IL-6 decreases DNA synthetic activity in these cell lines, the IL-6-induced alterations in cell shape and motility occur independently of inhibition of DNA synthesis per se. Whereas tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibits DNA synthesis in T-471) cells, it does not cause an epithelial-fibroblastoid conversion or other major morphological changes and does not increase cell motility; TNF-α rapidly lyses a majority of ZR-75-1 cells. Furthermore, the DNA synthesis inhibitors 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (FUDR) and methotrexate (MTX) also do not cause effects mimicking the action of IL-6 on cell structure and motility. Transforming growth factors α and β 1 , acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors, epidermal growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (TGF-α, TGF-β 1 , aFGF, bFGF, EGF, and IGF-1) have little or no effect on breast cancer cell morphology, which serves to exclude the possibility that the IL-6-induced changes are a consequence of induction of these growth factors by IL-6. 12- O -tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) but not 8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (Br-cAMP) induces changes in the morphology and associative behavior of ZR-75-1 cells that are similar but not identical to those caused by IL-6. The TPA-induced alterations are not blocked by anti-IL-6 neutralizing antibodies; staurosporine inhibits the TPA-induced cell alterations but not those induced by IL-6. IL-6 and TPA used together have a phenotypic effect that greatly exceeds that of either agent alone and results in extensive cell scattering in less than 1 day. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that IL-6 and TPA induce similar morphological changes and cell scattering via independent pathways.
The D-C motor capacitor

The rotor moment of inertia of a separately excited d-c motor constitutes a true capacitance, capable of resonating with the armature inductance, so the equivalent armature circuit consists of resistance, inductance, and capacitance in series. However, data presented indicate that the armature moment of inertia would have to be reduced radically to render the motors suitable for 60 cycles.
Science Court: A Case Study in Designing Discourse to Manage Policy Controversy

Disagreement among experts is important to scientific progress, but it creates a dilemma for decision-makers who often depend on the authority those experts to render decisions. When experts disagree there seems to be no good way to incorporate expertise into decision-making. This study examines the "Science Court" proposed to facilitate the resolution of policy controversies involving expert disagreement. Science Court is examined here as a communication tool designed to (1) resolve disputes among experts so that (2) policy decision-making can proceed.The concern lies not so much in Science Court's design but with the rationale about designing communication tools to facilitate policy deliberations reflected in Science Court's design. Science Court The Science Court is an invention that makes a significant promise. It is designed to relieve decision-makers from the predicament of resolving differences in expert opinions when they are not themselves experts. Such an invention would be fortunate in an era where policy decisions are heavily dependent on expert authority but where expertise is fragmented among many competing disciplines. The Science Court, first proposed in the mid-1970s, is a procedure designed to improve the way experts and non-experts communicate in decision-making. The Science Court designers believed that the use of expertise in policy decision-making typically resulted in quarreling. This produced a"veil of disagreement" over factual matters that confused decisionmakers and invited opportunism by the powerful to influence decisions in their favor (Task Force, 1976). The court is designed to transform the escalation of expert claims and counter-claims in decision-making from quarreling that Mark Aakhus is an assistant professor of Communication at Rutgers University's School of Communication, Information, and Library Studies. His research addresses the role of communication and technology in learning, decision-making, and conflict-management. An earlier version of this article appeared in Argument and Values Proceedings of the Ninth SCA/AFA Conference on Argumentation, edited by Sally Jack
Collective Mining of Bayesian Networks from Distributed Heterogeneous Data

We present a collective approach to learning a Bayesian network from distributed heterogeneous data. In this approach, we first learn a local Bayesian network at each site using the local data. Then each site identifies the observations that are most likely to be evidence of coupling between local and non-local variables and transmits a subset of these observations to a central site. Another Bayesian network is learnt at the central site using the data transmitted from the local site. The local and central Bayesian networks are combined to obtain a collective Bayesian network, which models the entire data. Experimental results and theoretical justification that demonstrate the feasibility of our approach are presented.
Comments on the papers a crossover from the magnetic Kondo compound CeCu5 to the heavy fermion compounds CeCu4Al and CeCu3Al2 and CeCu4Ga: a high γ heavy fermion compound

Interpretation differente des resultats obtenus par Bauer et coll. sur les chaleurs specifiques a basse temperature de CeCu 4 Al, CeCu 3 Al et CeCu 4 Ga. On montre qu'il est premature d'affirmer que ces alliages sont des composes a fermions lourds
A Novel Function of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-15 in the Pituitary: Selective Synthesis and Secretion of FSH by Gonadotropes

Bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP-15) has been known to be an oocyte-specific factor and regulate granulosa cell functions. Here, we report that BMP-15 is also expressed in the well established gonadotrope cell line, LβT2 and mouse pituitary tissue. Interestingly, BMP-15 stimulates FSHβ subunit transcription in LβT2 cells without affecting LHβ and GnRH receptor transcription. These findings, therefore, suggest a possible autocrine control mechanism selective for FSHβ synthesis by BMP-15. Moreover, BMP-15 exerts a potent and selective stimulation of FSH, but not LH, secretion by primary pituitary cells. Taken together, we hypothesize that BMP-15 could play a physiological role in the monotropic rise of FSH secretion by the pituitary during the estrous and menstrual cycle. These findings, together with the previous evidence of a negative regulation of FSH receptor expression by BMP-15 in the ovary, may constitute a major role in female fertility.
Size-Dependent Trophic Patterns of Pallid Sturgeon and Shovelnose Sturgeon in a Large River System

Abstract This study compared patterns of δ15N and δ13C enrichment of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus and shovelnose sturgeon S. platorynchus in the Missouri River, United States, to infer their trophic position in a large river system. We examined enrichment and energy flow for pallid sturgeon in three segments of the Missouri River (Montana/North Dakota, Nebraska/South Dakota, and Nebraska/Iowa) and made comparisons between species in the two downstream segments (Nebraska/South Dakota and Nebraska/Iowa). Patterns in isotopic composition for pallid sturgeon were consistent with gut content analyses indicating an ontogenetic diet shift from invertebrates to fish prey at sizes of >500-mm fork length (FL) in all three segments of the Missouri River. Isotopic patterns revealed shovelnose sturgeon did not experience an ontogenetic shift in diet and used similar prey resources as small (<500-mm FL) pallid sturgeon in the two downstream segments. We found stable isotope analysis to be an effective tool for ...
A Boolean-Function-Multiplexed Telemetry System

By inserting encoded data from several sources into a Boolean function at the transmitter, and using correlation techniques at the receiver, it is shown that a very efficient telemetry or multiple-address system can be devised. The optimum logic is derived and proper channel codes are indicated.
Visualizing regional income distribution dynamics

This paper introduces a new approach to the analysis of regional income distribution dynamics. Drawing on recent advances in geovisualization, we suggest a spatially explicit view of income mobility. Based on the integration of a dynamic local indicator of spatial association (LISA) together with directional statistics, this framework provides new insights on the role of spatial dependence in regional income growth and change. These new approaches are illustrated in a case study of state level incomes in the U.S. over the 1969–2008 period.
What Do Genetic Counselors Learn on the Job? A Qualitative Assessment of Professional Development Outcomes

Professional development is an important goal for professionals in human service fields such as counseling, teaching, and nursing. However, there are relatively few published papers on this topic specific to genetic counselors, and no studies systematically examine the outcomes of their professional development. This study was designed to investigate genetic counselors’ perceptions of their post-degree learning and to compare themes in their learning to those of psychotherapist professional development models. Two hundred ninety-three genetic counselors completed the demographics portion of an anonymous online survey, and of these, 185 also responded to at least one of two open-ended items: What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in your practice as a genetic counselor? and What advice would you give to genetic counseling students just starting their career? An interpretative content-analysis method was used to extract three major themes: Intrapersonal lessons, Interpersonal lessons, and Professional lessons. Training and practice implications and research recommendations are provided.
Effects of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Inactivation Methods on the Performance of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Plasmodium falciparum

Blood samples from patients with viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) pose a serious risk to laboratory workers. Current contingency plans for VHF samples recommend the use of heat, gamma-irradiation, or Triton X-100 to inactivate samples before handling. Malaria is the most important alternative diagnosis to be excluded in cases of suspected VHF. Interpretation of malaria smears using samples inactivated with these methods is problematic because morphology is altered. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of different inactivation methods on the performance of rapid diagnostic tests for Plasmodium falciparum. Triton X-100 and gamma-irradiation of samples preserved detection. The impact of Triton X-100 inactivation was also "blindly" evaluated using 100 blood samples from febrile travelers. Triton X-100 inactivation of samples did not significantly affect the performance of these tests. This may represent a useful strategy for excluding the diagnosis of falciparum malaria in cases of suspected VHF.
Partial antagonism of experimental botulinal intoxication.

Abstract The pharmacological agents 5-hydroxytryptamine, paryline, and kanamycin, plus the cations calcium and magnesium, were testedin vivo for their ability to alter the survival times of animals injected with botulinum toxin. These agents were also added to isolated nerve-muscle preparation to determine if they were active at the myoneural cleft. It was found that 5-hydroxytryptamine prolonged the survival time of mice, but the drug afforded no protective action to the isolated nerve-muscle preparation. Paryline significantly enhanced the lethality of botulinum toxinin vivo, but it, too, was without effectin vitro. Calcium was the only agent which protected nerve-muscle preparations, and the effectiveness of calcium was antagonized by both magnesium and kanamycin. The data suggest that the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine and of pargyline are indirect in that neither of these agents appears to act at the synapse. Calcium apparently does work at the level of the synapse and may antagonize poisoning of nerve terminals by increasing the probability of release of transmitter substance.
A reduced-order approach for optimal control of fluids using proper orthogonal decomposition

In this article, a reduced-order modeling approach, suitable for active control of fluid dynamical systems, based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is presented. The rationale behind the reduced-order modeling is that numerical simulation of Navier–Stokes equations is still too costly for the purpose of optimization and control of unsteady flows. The possibility of obtaining reduced-order models that reduce the computational complexity associated with the Navier–Stokes equations is examined while capturing the essential dynamics by using the POD. The POD allows the extraction of a reduced set of basis functions, perhaps just a few, from a computational or experimental database through an eigenvalue analysis. The solution is then obtained as a linear combination of this reduced set of basis functions by means of Galerkin projection. This makes it attractive for optimal control and estimation of systems governed by partial differential equations (PDEs). It is used here in active control of fluid flows governed by the Navier–Stokes equations. In particular, flow over a backward-facing step is considered. Reduced-order models/low-dimensional dynamical models for this system are obtained using POD basis functions (global) from the finite element discretizations of the Navier–Stokes equations. Their effectiveness in flow control applications is shown on a recirculation control problem using blowing on the channel boundary. Implementational issues are discussed and numerical experiments are presented. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and characterization of specialized transducing bacteriophages for the recA gene of Escherichia coli.

Abstract Lysogens of Escherichia coli have been isolated in which λc1857 is integrated near the recA locus in a gene required for sorbitol utilization (srl). These secondary-site lysogens produce lysates containing plaque-forming specialized transducing phages which carry part of the srl locus and the recA gene. Genetic evidence, DNA heteroduplex examination, and restriction enzyme analysis demonstrate that the bacterial DNA substitution occurs in the b2 region of the transducing λ. One such recA transducing phage, designated λprecA, contains approximately 3% less DNA than the parental λ.
Recent developments in neuropsychological endophenotypes for schizophrenia: Development of the MATRICS battery, liability syndromes and the near future

Cognitive deficits are now recognized widely as core features of schizophrenia, and as major contributors to the clinical outcome of the disorder. They are also studied widely as ‘endophenotypes’, reflecting a growing consensus that schizophrenia is a broader, more multidimensional illness than the diagnostic criteria required for its formal diagnosis. This evolving view of cognition underlies its utilization in recent initiatives for intervention and assessment in schizophrenia. Two of these initiatives are reviewed in this paper. The first focuses on the development and validation of the MATRICS Cognitive Consensus Battery, a standardized battery of neuropsychological tests developed to assess the effectiveness of cognitive enhancing treatments in schizophrenia. A part of this effort includes the identification of performance-based, ‘co-primary’ measures of functional capacity that are related to cognition, and that are likely to show improvement at least partly as a function of improved cognition. The second initiative involves efforts to utilize neuropsychological deficits in the identification, validation and remediation of a liability syndrome for schizophrenia (‘schizotaxia’). The discussion of this effort focuses on the development of a syndrome that is both measurable and meaningful clinically, and that may provide useful intervention targets. The utilization of cognition in both of these initiatives underscores its functional importance in the clinical outcome of schizophrenia. Moreover, it helps to illuminate indicators of liability for schizophrenia that might be amenable to remediation.
Structural Disorder in Silk Proteins Reveals the Emergence of Elastomericity

Spider silks combine basic amino acids into strong and versatile fibers where the quality of the elastomer is attributed to the interaction of highly adapted protein motifs with a complex spinning process. The evaluation, however, of the interaction has remained elusive. Here, we present a novel analysis to study silk formation by examining the secondary structures of silk proteins in solution. Using the seven different silks of Nephila edulis as a benchmark system, we define a structural disorder parameter (the folding index, γ). We found that γ is highly correlated with the ratio of glycine present. Testing the correlation between glycine content and the folding index (γ) against a selected range of silks, we find quantitatively that, in order to achieve specialization with changes in mechanical performance, the spider's silks require higher structural flexibility at the expense of reduced stability and consequently an increased conversion-energy cost. Taken together, our biophysical and evolutionary findings reveal that silk elastomericity evolved in tandem with specializations in the process of silk spinning.
Numerical study of the effect of an embedded surface-heat source on the separation bubble of supersonic flow

A numerical study of the conjugated problem of a separated supersonic flow field and a conductive solid wall with an embedded heat source is presented. Implicit finite-difference schemes were used to solve the two-dimensional time-dependent compressible Navier-Stokes equations and the time-dependent heat-conduction equation for the solid in both general coordinate systems. A detailed comparison between the thin-layer and Navier-Stokes models was made for steady and unsteady supersonic flow and showed insignificant differences. Steady-state and transient cases were computed and the results show that a temperature pulse at the solid-fluid interface can be used to detect the flow direction near the wall in the vicinity of separation without significant distortion of the flow field.
Light Regulation of Protein Dimerization and Kinase Activity in Living Cells Using Photocaged Rapamycin and Engineered FKBP

We developed a new system for light-induced protein dimerization in living cells using a photocaged analogue of rapamycin together with an engineered rapamycin binding domain. Using focal adhesion kinase as a target, we demonstrated successful light-mediated regulation of protein interaction and localization in living cells. Modification of this approach enabled light-triggered activation of a protein kinase and initiation of kinase-induced phenotypic changes in vivo.
Interfaces for networked media exploration and collaborative annotation

In this paper, we present our efforts towards creating interfaces for networked media exploration and collaborative annotation. The problem is important since online social networks are emerging as conduits for exchange of everyday experiences. These networks do not currently provide media-rich communication environments. Our approach has two parts -- collaborative annotation, and a media exploration framework. The collaborative annotation takes place through a web based interface, and provides to each user personalized recommendations, based on media features, and by using a common sense inference toolkit. We develop three media exploration interfaces that allow for two-way interaction amongst the participants -- (a) spatio-temporal evolution, (b) event cones and (c) viewpoint centric interaction. We also analyze the user activity to determine important people and events, for each user. We also develop subtle visual interface cues for activity feedback. Preliminary user studies indicate that the system performs well and is well liked by the users.
Loop variables and the Virasoro algebra

Abstract The Virasoro algebra acting on two-dimensional quantum fields cannot normally be interpreted as an algebra of infinitesimal diffeomorphisms of S 1 because of the conformal anomaly that arises due to quantum effects. In this paper we construct a generalized vertex operator or loop variable that mimics these quantum effects at the classical level. This construction requires the introduction of an extra field (space-time coordinate) that, furthermore, is a function of an extra variable - making it effectively a three-dimensional field. The Virasoro generators act linearly on all the space-time momenta almost exactly as a generator of infinitesimal diffeomorphisms. In 26-dimensional space-time one can redefine momenta to get a simpler form of the loop variable. This corresponds to field redefinitions in string field theory.
Circadian Disorganization Alters Intestinal Microbiota

Intestinal dysbiosis and circadian rhythm disruption are associated with similar diseases including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite the overlap, the potential relationship between circadian disorganization and dysbiosis is unknown; thus, in the present study, a model of chronic circadian disruption was used to determine the impact on the intestinal microbiome. Male C57BL/6J mice underwent once weekly phase reversals of the light:dark cycle (i.e., circadian rhythm disrupted mice) to determine the impact of circadian rhythm disruption on the intestinal microbiome and were fed either standard chow or a high-fat, high-sugar diet to determine how diet influences circadian disruption-induced effects on the microbiome. Weekly phase reversals of the light:dark (LD) cycle did not alter the microbiome in mice fed standard chow; however, mice fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet in conjunction with phase shifts in the light:dark cycle had significantly altered microbiota. While it is yet to be established if some of the adverse effects associated with circadian disorganization in humans (e.g., shift workers, travelers moving across time zones, and in individuals with social jet lag) are mediated by dysbiosis, the current study demonstrates that circadian disorganization can impact the intestinal microbiota which may have implications for inflammatory diseases.
Multiple Proinsulin-Secreting Tumors of the Pancreas Treated by Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy and Splenectomy

Patients with pancreatic tumors that induce hypoglycemia present with a myriad of symptoms. Laboratory testing can frequently result in data challenging to the clinician to confirm the biochemical diagnosis. Proinsulin, in addition to insulin levels, may be essential in evaluating and diagnosing an insulinoma. The objective of this case report is to demonstrate the potential importance of proinsulin levels in the evaluation of tumor-induced hypoglycemia. We report a 49-year-old woman with an unusual clinical presentation. Unlike many patients with tumor-induced hypoglycemia, her fasting glucose levels were fairly unimpressive, her insulin levels were undetectable during a prolonged fast, and she had elevated proinsulin levels. The inpatient fast was remarkable for levels of serum glucose 53 mg/dl or higher, a serum insulin <2 uIU/ml, C-peptide 0.7–1.1 (nl 0.8–3.1 ng/ml), and proinsulin 29.2–36.8 pmol/l (nl ≤ 18.8 pmol/l). CT scanning of the abdomen revealed multiple pancreatic lesions. A laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy led to the removal of multiple neuroendocrine tumors, which stained only for proinsulin and not for other pancreatic tumor markers. Postoperatively, she normalized her biochemical serum studies and has remained symptom-free 2 years later. The measurement of proinsulin plays an important part in the diagnostic workup of neuroendocrine tumors causing hypoglycemia. These potentially malignant tumors can be treated adequately with minimally invasive surgery.
Diagnosing Strengths and Weaknesses of Sixth-Grade Students in Solving Word Problems

Students and teachers generally acknowledge that word problems are difficult to solve. The National Assessment of Educational Progress mathematics assessments of 1973 and 1978 revealed that "students typically did better on computational skill exercises than on word problems using the same numbers" (NAEP, 1979, p. 14). Unsuccessful encounters with word problems early in their elementary school experience may well have lasting negative effects on the mathematical development of many students. In fact, initial work with word problems could be the source of mathematics anxiety for many people (Tobias, 1978, p. 129). Recently public concern has deepened for the teaching of basic skills (the so-called back-to-basics movement). The National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (1978) takes the position that a too-narrow interpretation of basic skills tends to de-emphasize the importance of teaching for mathematical understanding. Word problems provide one avenue for the development of understanding while at the same time providing the opportunity to develop computational skills. Basic research in the teaching of word problems could restore some of the emphasis on understanding by finding better ways to combine computational practice with application to real life or simulated problems. Word problems can be thought of as applications requiring the use of reading and computational skills. Reading and computation are widely recognized as factors important to success in solving word problems (Balow, 1964; Cohen & Stover, 1981; Glennon & Callahan, 1968, pp. 94-
High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Ascorbic Acid in Fruits, Vegetables and Juices

Abstract A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of ascorbic acid in fruits, vegetables and juices. Samples were homogenized with 0.2 M phosphate buffer pH 2.0 and extracted with 3% metaphosphoric acid. Ascorbic acid was analyzed on a polymer C18 column (RLRP-S 100A) with UV detection at 244 nm. The mobile phase was 1.8% tetrahydrofuran and 0.3% metaphosphoric acid in HPLC water. Percent recoveries were 90% or greater. The method has been shown to be very reproducible with the percent coefficients of variation (%CV) ranging from 1.3 to 10.6 for 22 different products. The majority of the %CV were below 4. Analyses of several fruits, vegetables and juices have shown a wide range of ascorbic acid content. Dehydroascorbic acid and isoascorbic acid were separated from ascorbic acid with this system.
Make random access contentions transparent by orthogonal complementary codes in wireless communications

Transparent contention means that receivers and/or transmitters know the random access contention before data packet transmissions. With transparent contention, channel access can be scheduled to avoid packet collisions. More important, packet priority and QoS can be conveniently managed. This paper proposes new methods, which make contention transparent in random access wireless networks. Packet collisions can be completely resolved with the help of orthogonal complementary codes. System throughput approaches is proposed for both the physical layer signal detection algorithm and the MAC layer random access protocol. Theoretical analysis and simulations demonstrate its superior performance.
Numerical investigation of hyperspectral tomography for simultaneous temperature and concentration imaging

We investigate the simultaneous tomographic reconstruction of temperature and species concentration using hyperspectral absorption spectroscopy. Previous work on absorption tomography has relied on a small number of wavelengths, resulting in the requirement of a large number of projections and limited measurement capability. Here we develop a tomographic inversion method to exploit the increased spectral information content enabled by recent advancement in laser technologies. The simulation results clearly demonstrate that the use of hyperspectral absorption data significantly reduces the number of projections, enables simultaneous mapping of temperature and species concentration, and provides more stable reconstruction compared with traditional absorption tomographic techniques.
Volcano collapse promoted by hydrothermal alteration and edifice shape, Mount Rainier, Washington

Catastrophic collapses of steep volcano flanks threaten many populated regions, and understanding factors that promote collapse could save lives and property. Large collapses of hydrothermally al- tered parts of Mount Rainier have generated far-traveled debris flows; future flows would threaten densely populated parts of the Puget Sound region. We evaluate edifice collapse hazards at Mount Rainier using a new three-dimensional slope stability method incorporating detailed geologic mapping and subsurface geophysical imaging to de- termine distributions of strong (fresh) and weak (altered) rock. Quan- titative three-dimensional slope stability calculations reveal that size- able flank collapse ( .0.1 km 3 ) is promoted by voluminous, weak, hydrothermally altered rock situated high on steep slopes. These con- ditions exist only on Mount Rainier's upper west slope, consistent with the Holocene debris-flow history. Widespread alteration on lower flanks or concealed in regions of gentle slope high on the edifice does not greatly facilitate collapse. Our quantitative stability assessment method can also provide useful hazard predictions using reconnais- sance geologic information and is a potentially rapid and inexpensive new tool for aiding volcano hazard assessments.
Discriminative dictionary learning via mutual exclusion

We apply our recently developed concept of mutual exclusivity [1] in the context of discriminative coding, to the problem of learning dictionary for representing signals drawn from N classes in a way that optimizes their discriminability. We first briefly review our mutual-exclusivity concept and then deploy it a simple discriminative dictionary learning algorithm that directly generalizes the well-known KSVD algorithm which is addressed for the traditional problem of signal coding. We demonstrate performance improvements over traditional KSVD based feature extraction schemes and conclude by describing avenues for future research.
ACE: Anomalous Code Elimination Through Automatic Detection Within Source Code

The ACE approach combines prior research techniques with new ones to eliminate anomalous code from source code. The idea is as follows: (1) identify characteristics/patterns of anomalous code, identify proper syntax, and identify rules of safe programming practices (2) encode the above items as evaluation properties, and (3) verify whether the evaluation passed or failed. This process has been automated into a pushdown automation tool that uses relational databases, process algorithms, static analysis and dynamic analysis.
Growth Rings in Cotton

Letters to the Editor are brief communications intended to provide prompt publication of significant research results and to permit an exchange of views on papers previously published in the Journal. Letters are not submitted to formal review, and the authors assume full responsibility for information given or opinion expressed.
Repeat balloon occlusion of a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula following cavopulmonary anastomosis in tetralogy of fallot

A 30-year-old woman with tetralogy of Fallot and cavopulmonary anastomosis (Glenn shunt) presented with a large pulmonary arteriovenous fistula in the right lower lobe. This report describes the successful management following two successive therapeutic balloon embolizations.
Cardiovascular and ride time-to-exhaustion effects of an energy drink

Background: Currently, there are few studies on the cardiovascular and fatigue effects of commercially available energy drinks. This study investigated the effects of Monster energy drink (Monster Beverage Corporation, Corona, California), on resting heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), ride time-to-exhaustion, peak exercise HR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and peak rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Methods: The study used a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, crossover design. After an 8-hr fast, 15 subjects consumed Monster Energy Drink (ED standardized to 2.0 mg * kg -1 caffeine) or a flavor-matched placebo preexercise. Resting HR and HRV were determined. After an initial submaximal workload for 30 minutes, subjects completed 10 min at 80% ventilatory threshold (VT) and rode until volitional fatigue at 100% VT. Results: Resting HR was significantly different (ED: 65+/�10 bpm vs. placebo: 58+/�8 bpm, p =0.02), but resting HRV was not different between the energy drink and placebo trials. Ride time-to-exhaustion was not significantly different between trials (ED: 45.5+/� 9.8 vs. placebo: 43.8+/�9.3 min, p =0.62). No difference in peak RPE (ED: 9.1 +/� 0.5 vs. placebo: 9.0 +/� 0.8, p =1.00) nor peak HR (ED: 177 +/� 11 vs. placebo: 175 +/� 12, p =0.73) was seen. The RER at 30% of VT was significantly different (ED: 0.94 +/� 0.06 vs. placebo: 0.91 +/� 0.05, p = 0.046), but no difference between the two conditions were seen at the other intensities. Conclusion: Although preexercise ingestion of the energy drink does increase resting HR there was no alteration in HRV parameters. Ride time-to-exhaustion was not enhanced.
GABAergic inhibition of hypertonic saline-induced vasopressin-dependent hypertension.

Previous studies have shown that hypotension produced by drugs facilitating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission was caused by a decrease in sympathetic nervous system outflow. We attempted to determine if GABA agonists and GABA uptake inhibitors could also lower arterial pressure that was elevated by increasing the secretion of endogenous vasopressin. GABA and nipecotic acid, an uptake inhibitor of GABA, were administered intraventricularly to determine the cardiovascular effects of these agents in nephrectomized rats made acutely hypertensive with hypertonic saline. A 2-hr i.v. infusion of hypertonic saline (3.0 mEq/ml) increased arterial pressure from 119 +/- 2 to 157 +/- 2 mm Hg. Intraventricular administration of artificial cerebrospinal fluid, 100 micrograms of GABA and 175 micrograms of nipecotic acid produced a peak decrease in blood pressure of 0 +/- 0, 30 +/- 4 and 22 +/- 3 mm Hg, respectively. In nephrectomized rats receiving an equal volume of isotonic saline (0.15 mEq/ml), infused i.v. arterial pressure did not change. In these animals, central infusions of artificial cerebrospinal fluid, 100 micrograms of GABA and 175 micrograms of nipecotic acid decreased blood pressure only 1 +/- 1, 13 +/- 2 and 8 +/- 3 mm Hg, respectively. Further experiments utilizing nephrectomized rats infused with hypertonic saline were designed to determine the mechanism for the augmented depressor response produced by these agents. Elimination of the contribution of vasopressin to arterial pressure with a vascular vasopressin antagonist reduced the depressor responses produced by 100 micrograms of GABA and 175 micrograms of nipecotic acid to 10 +/- 3 and 8 +/- 3 mm Hg, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ethylene-Glycol Extracts of Leptospirae in Complement-Fixation Tests

SummaryA colloidal aqueous solution obtained by ethylene-glycol extraction of leptospirae appears to offer a complement-fixing antigen of considerable promise. Extract pools have broad valency and high sensitivity in the detection of leptospiral antibodies.
A toxicologic service in a general hospital.

Information and suggestions found of value in a general hospital in dealing with toxicologic problems are presented. Relevant problems such as good liaison between the emergency room and the laboratory, sources of information on product composition, the preparation of an odor reference shelf, and selection of methods to help meet the majority of situations encountered have been discussed. The importance of participation in public-health education programs has also been indicated.
Sample size requirements for studies estimating odds ratios or relative risks

This paper presents formulae for determining the number of subjects necessary, in either a case-control or a cohort study, to estimate the odds ratio or relative risk, respectively, to within a selected percentage (epsilon) of the true population value with some specified probability. This approach differs somewhat from previous comparable work that estimated the log odds ratio within a stated fixed distance rather than as a percentage of the actual odds ratio. Comparable development for relative risk has not previously appeared in the literature. These formulae provide guidelines for determination of study size that does not depend on hypothesis testing considerations.
Using Tree Rings to Predict the Response of Tree Growth to Climate Change in the Continental United States during the Twenty-First Century

In the early 1900s, tree-ring scientists began analyzing the relative widths of annual growth rings preserved in the cross sections of trees to infer past climate variations. Now, many ring-width index (RWI) chronologies, each representing a specific site and species, are archived online within the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB). Comparing annual tree-ring- width data from 1097 sites in the continental United States to climate data, the authors quantitatively evaluated how trees at each site have historically re- sponded to interannual climate variations. For each site, they developed a cli- mate-driven statistical growth equation that uses regional climate variables to
Multiple-Input Turbo Code for Joint Data Aggregation, Source and Channel Coding in Wireless Sensor Networks

In wireless sensor networks, the data collected by neighboring sensor nodes show high correlation. To exploit the data correlation for reducing the amount of data while transmitting data from sensor nodes to their base station, this paper introduces multiple-input turbo (MIT) code to implement a joint source coding and data aggregation. If there exists an explicit communication between two sensor nodes, their correlated data bits are first interleaved with each other in accordance with their correlation relation, and then are encoded and punctured. On the other hand, if there is no direct communication between sensor nodes, the data sequences are encoded with respect to side information based on the distributed source coding principles. Whenever the bit error rate needs to be improved, MIT code is used for channel coding as well. MIT code employs partial interleaving to reduce energy consumption and memory size requirements for even small-size information blocks. The simulation results show that the bit error rate performance of MIT code outperforms turbo codes to some extent, even if MIT code implements partial interleaving on interleavers.
The Transcriptional Corepressor CtBP: A Foe of Multiple Tumor Suppressors

CtBP1 and CtBP2 are closely related and evolutionarily conserved transcriptional corepressors. There is strong evidence linking CtBPs to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. CtBPs promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and function as apoptosis antagonists. Also, CtBPs mediate repression of several tumor suppressor genes. Certain tumor suppressors also target CtBPs to restrain their tumor-promoting activity. Down-regulation of CtBPs mediated by some tumor suppressors results in p53-independent apoptosis and reduced tumor cell migration and invasion. The role of CtBPs in modulating the activities of different tumor suppressors is reviewed here. The results discussed here suggest that CtBPs may constitute a novel p53-independent anticancer target.