cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple imputation method for the semiparametric accelerated failure time mixture cure model

There are few discussions on the semiparametric accelerated failure time mixture cure model due to its complexity in estimation. In this paper, we propose a multiple imputation method for the semiparametric accelerated failure time mixture cure model based on the rank estimation method and the profile likelihood method. Both approaches can be easily implemented in R environment. However, the computation time for the rank estimation method is longer than that from the profile likelihood method. Simulation studies demonstrate that the performances of estimated parameters from the proposed methods are comparable to those from the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, and the estimated variances are comparable to those from the empirical approach. For illustration, we apply the proposed method to a data set of failure times from the bone marrow transplantation.
Synthesis of fusion and mature murine alpha interferons in Escherichia coli

Abstract Four murine interferon-α (MuIFN-α) genes (α1, α4, α5, α6) were previously identified and characterized. The coding regions of these IFN-α genes were inserted into bacterial expression vectors behind the lpp promoter under the control of the lac promoter-operator region, resulting in fusion peptides containing additional N-terminal amino acids (aa). Plasmids coding for the expression of mature IFN-α1 and α5 were also constructed using the same vector system, by inserting a 30-bp synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide, which contains a stop codon for the Ipp gene, a ribosome-binding sequence and an ATG start codon for the IFN peptides. The amounts of IFN polypeptides synthesized in Escherichia coli were estimated in the maxi-cell system and their biological activities were measured on mouse and other mammalian cells. The yields of mature IFN produced in this vector were 2 to 4 × 106 units/liter; the antiviral activity of the majority of the MuIFNs on human and bovine cells was 100- to 1000-fold lower than on mouse cells. IFN-α4, which contains an internal deletion of 5 aa, showed a lower antiviral activity than other MuIFNs on mouse cells.
The effect of continuous-phase viscosity on the unsteady state behavior of liquid-liquid agitated dispersions

Abstract Transient experiments were performed on agitated dispersions operated batchwise at different continuous-phase viscosities. One of the systems studied c The temporal variation of drop size distribution was observed by photomicrographic methods. At low continuous-phase viscosities, steady state was appro Minimum coalescence rates were calculated using the temporal variation of drop sizes.
Distance in organizations

Abstract There is perhaps no construct that is so fundamental to interpersonal interactions in organizations, yet so incompletely understood, than distance. Part of the difficulty in developing a comprehensive and informed understanding of the role distance plays in organizations is that theory and research in this area have been quite fragmented, focusing on narrow aspects of the construct and lacking the integration necessary to build a more general knowledge base. For example, Graen (1976) has contributed greatly to our understanding of one aspect of distance, presenting a model based on role theory whereby in-group and out-group members are hypothesized to enjoy different rewards, benefit from different leadership behaviors, and experience different levels of satisfaction and performance ratings based on relative closeness (or distance) in their working relationship with their supervisor. Other researchers have explored the phenomena of psychological distance (Rothaus, Morton, & Hanson 1965), spatial distance (Kerr & Jermier 1978; Ferris & Rowland 1985), and physical distance (Sundstrom, Burt, & Kamp 1980; Sundstrom 1986) in the supervisor-subordinate relationship. This research, although a good starting point, does not adequately define or integrate the various aspects of distance in organizations. This article represents an effort to develop a broader and more extensive understanding of the role distance plays in organizations by integrating the various types of distance into a theoretical model. A model of Dyadic Distance in the supervisor-subordinate relationship is presented which develops the new constructs of Dyadic, Psychological, Structural, and Functional Distance, examines their process dynamics and impact on Human Resource Management issues such as performance evaluations and turnover, and proposes needed directions for future research in this important area.
Improved plant tissue-based biosensor using in vitro cultured tobacco callus tissue

Abstract In vitro cultured tobacco callus tissue, which contains a high activity of peroxidase, was used to construct an amperometric biosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. The tissue was incorporated into a carbon paste matrix along with ferrocene, an electron mediator. The detection of hydrogen peroxide was accomplished through its enzymatic reduction mediated by ferrocene. Comparison studies conducted with normally grown types of tobacco tissues indicate that the callus tissue has highest biocatalytic activity and the least variance between tissue preparations with respect to sensor response toward hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, the sensor exhibits a remarkably along lifetime of more than 5 months. Other important characteristics of the sensor include fast response times (less than 2 s), wide dynamic range (5 × 10 −6 -1.10 × 10 −4 M) and a detection limit of 7.5 × 10 −7 M hydrogen peroxide.
Self-stigma and attitudes about treatment in depressed patients in a hospital setting

Aims:Many patients have stigma about depression, which may inhibit treatment seeking. However, most previous research in this area has been conducted in outpatient samples. The current study investigated self-stigma and its relationship with treatment beliefs in depressed patients receiving psychiatric hospital treatment.Method:The sample consisted of 55 hospitalized patients with depressive disorders who completed measures of self-stigma, medication beliefs, psychotherapy beliefs and depression.Results:Multiple regression analyses controlling for demographic variables demonstrated that higher depression severity was associated with increased self-stigma related to treatment and having depression. Higher self-stigma about treatment was associated with more negative beliefs about psychiatric medications, but more positive beliefs about psychotherapy. In contrast, self-stigma about depression was associated with negative beliefs about medications, but not psychotherapy.Conclusions:Psychiatric hospital treat...
Transition from incoherence to coherence in the spontaneous emission of extended systems

Using the results of a previous paper, we study the evolution of a completely excited system of N two-level atoms, distributed in a circular cylinder with dimensions much larger than the wavelength, interacting with all modes of radiation field. We emphasize the distinction between r-conserving (rC) and r-nonconserving (rNC) processes (r is the so-called cooperation number). Considering the number of photons emitted as the discrete independent variable, the evolution is described by a partial difference equation. Numerical solutions of this equation show the transition from rNC dominance at the beginning to rC dominance later. This is also a transition from incoherent to coherent emission of radiation.
Preliminary evidence of white matter abnormality in the uncinate fasciculus in generalized social anxiety disorder.

Background Individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD) exhibit exaggerated amygdala reactivity to aversive social stimuli. These findings could be explained by microstructural abnormalities in white matter (WM) tracts that connect the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, which is known to modulate the amygdala's response to threat. The goal of this study was to investigate brain frontal WM abnormalities using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in patients with social anxiety disorder. Methods A Turboprop DTI sequence was used to acquire diffusion tensor images in 30 patients with GSAD and 30 matched healthy control subjects. Fractional anisotropy, an index of axonal organization, within WM was quantified in individual subjects, and an automated voxel-based, whole-brain method was used to analyze group differences. Results Compared with healthy control subjects, patients had significantly lower fractional anisotropy localized to the right uncinate fasciculus WM near the orbitofrontal cortex. There were no areas of higher fractional anisotropy in patients than controls. Conclusions These findings point to an abnormality in the uncinate fasciculus, the major WM tract connecting the frontal cortex to the amygdala and other limbic temporal regions, in GSAD, which could underlie the aberrant amygdala-prefrontal interactions resulting in dysfunctional social threat processing in this illness.
CD26 protease inhibition improves functional response of unfractionated cord blood, bone marrow, and mobilized peripheral blood cells to CXCL12/SDF-1

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an important treatment option for patients with malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases. Methods to improve transplant efficiency are being explored with the intent to improve engraftment and immune reconstitution post-HSCT. A current approach under investigation involves treatment of donor cells with inhibitors that target the protease CD26, a negative regulator of the chemokine CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor-1. CD26 inhibitor treatment has been shown to improve the functional response of CD34(+) cord blood (CB) cells, but not CD34(+) granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells, to CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor-1. The effect of CD26 inhibitors on unfractionated CB, bone marrow, or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells has not been evaluated previously. We observed that although CB had greater CD26 expression than bone marrow or mobilized peripheral blood, treatment with a CD26 inhibitor (Diprotin A) resulted in increased responsiveness to stromal cell-derived factor-1 for all three mononuclear cell sources tested. This suggests that clinical therapeutic benefit might be gained by using CD26 inhibitors as a strategy to improve engraftment of unfractionated mobilized peripheral blood cells as well as CB cells.
Determinants of Response of Pial Arteries to Norepinephrine and Sympathetic Nerve Stimulation

Feline pial arteries larger than 100 mu in diameter constricted in response to cervical sympathetic nerve stimulation suggests or in response to topical application of norepinephrine. Smaller pial arteries were unresponsive to norepinephrine. This unresponsiveness persisted when norepinephrine was dissolved in CSF with high calcium ion concentration, or in CSF with both high calcium ion and zero magnesium ion concentration, or when it was dissolved in the acid fluid used by Wahl et al. and applied by constant infusion or by intermittent application. Comparison of the responses of the larger pial vessels to norepinephrine and to sympathetic nerve stimulation that maximal activation of sympathetic nerves achieves a concentration of released norepinephrine equal to 5.9 x 10(-6) M. The constriction of the larger pial vessels in response to sympathetic nerve stimulation could account for modest reductions in cerebral blood flow.
Scripts as linear orders

Abstract Two models of people's knowledge of routine activities (e.g., eating in a restaurant) are outlined. The first of these script models assumes that events in a script can only be accessed in sequential (that is, temporal) order. In contrast to this retrieval-dependent model, the second model is derived from a theory of linear orders, or the ordering of objects on a given dimension (e.g., animals on a dimension of size). This retrieval-independent model asserts that all items can be retrieved with equal facility. In the first of two reaction time experiments, subjects judged which of two events in a given script occurred sooner (or later). The results were similar to those observed in linear order experiments, and supported the retrieval-independent model. A second experiment ruled out an artifactual explanation of our results. The relation between script theory and the theory of linear orders is discussed.
An evidence-based comparison of headgear and functional appliance therapy for the correction of Class II malocclusions

The purpose of this literature review is to compare the effects of headgears and functional appliances in treating children with distoclusions. The comparisons are made as a series of key questions addressing short-term effects, outcomes following fixed appliance treatment, and post-retention effects. Headgears and functional appliances are equally effective in correcting Class II malocclusions in children (before comprehensive treatment). Short-term skeletal effects include a small restriction in forward maxillary growth with headgear and a small forward positioning of B point with functional appliances, leading to an ANB improvement in Class II patients of about 1° with either appliance. A significant portion of the Class II correction is distal maxillary molar movement with headgears and mesial mandibular molar movement (plus mandibular incisor proclination) with functional appliances. Higher levels of evidence, to answer the question of whether the effects of headgears and functional appliances are equal following fixed appliances, are lacking and needs to be addressed.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Early Neonatal Chronic Lung Disease: Three Hour Results 1627

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be both a potent pulmonary vasodilator and bronchodilator. Several studies have demonstrated marked improvement in oxygenation of some infants with pulmonary hypertension treated with inhaled nitric oxide (INO). Because of its ability to increase flow in treated airways and pulmonary blood vessels, thereby allowing for possible improvement in ventilation-perfusion mismatching, INO may be useful for the treatment of early neonatal chronic lung disease. However, the possibility of unknown toxicity in this setting exists. We hypothesize that INO in a concentration of 20 ppm or less will result in improvement of pulmonary gas exchange in infants with early neonatal chronic lung disease. A Phase II, open-label study is being undertaken. All infants meeting enrollment criteria receive INO in addition to therapies already employed in their treatment. No therapy is stopped in order to provide INO to these patients. Infants are deemed eligible for the study based primarily on the following criteria: At least 7 days of age and evidence of developing chronic lung disease (based on radiographic changes, respiratory support requirements, and blood gas measurements). Exclusion criteria include the presence of significantly unstable pulmonary disease, initiation of corticosteroid orβ-agonist therapy in preceding 48 hr, recently diagnosed infection, thrombocytopenia. INO is administered at an initial dose of 20 ppm. Thus far 17 patients have been enrolled, with gestational age at birth of 25.1±1.2 wk, and birth weight 704±127g (mean±SD). Age at entry into study ranges from 10 to 109 days (median=21), with FiO2 at entry ranging from.42 to 1.0. Results show a range of responses in oxygen exchange, as judged both clinically and by calculation of oxygenation index (OI), with 14 of 19 trials (in 17 patients) showing a decrease in OI during the initial 2-3 hours of therapy (range of ΔOI: +2.3 to -15.7[+25 to -50%]; p=0.012). There has been no apparent toxicity, either clinically or by measurement of plasma methemoglobin. We conclude that INO may have a positive effect on early neonatal chronic lung disease.
Suppression of asthma, weight gain, and linear growth in children receiving fluprednisolone☆

Abstract Fluprednisolone has been employed in the treatment of 45 children with bronchial asthma. Adequate control of asthma was attained in each child. The dose required varied considerably but was, in general, approximately one twentieth that of cortisone, one fourth that of prednisone, and one third that of methylprednisolone. Prominent side effects of prolonged treatment included suppression of rate of both weight gain and linear growth. Retardation of rate of weight gain has not been commonly observed in children receiving prednisone, methylprednisolone, and cortisone and may represent a unique and sometimes useful effect of fluprednisolone.
Predicting Early Morning Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations in Channel Catfish Ponds

Abstract Consumption of O2 by planktonic communities of pond waters may be predicted from chemical oxygen demand (COD) and temperature (r2 = 0.85). In ponds where planktonic organisms are the major source of turbidity, Secchi disk visibility may also be used to estimate COD (r2= 0.81) or consumption of O2 by planktonic communities (r2 = 0.82). A computer simulation model for nighttime decline in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations was developed for channel catfish ponds. This model incorporated data on plankton respiration from the present study, data from the literature on respiration by fish, respiration by organisms in the mud, and O2 diffusion. The validity of the model was tested for two catfish ponds. Measured and calculated DO concentrations usually agreed within ±10%. Secchi disk visibility determination should be used in the computer simulation to estimate O2 consumption by plankton whenever possible. However, COD values may be used when ponds contain appreciable clay turbidity. Series of tables...
SU-E-T-100: How to Improve the Dose Accuracy for Gantry Angle Dependent Patient Specific IMRT QA Using 2D Ion Chamber Array with Octavius Phantom.

Purpose: To determine the cross calibration factors which can predict more accurate dose distribution for fixed beam IMRT QA using Octavius phantom. Methods: The ion chamber based Octavius 2D‐array detector (PTW, Freiburg, Germany) is a step in the right direction to measure the absolute dose and dose distribution for patient specific IMRT QA. However, the directional dependency of this detector made it less than desirable for angle dependent IMRT QA. We evaluated the new Octavius system (PTW, Freiburg, Germany) for angle dependent IMRT QA which compensates the response due to directional dependency. The system is designed for full arc VMAT QA, but does not always work for the discrete angle IMRT QA due to non‐averaging of errors caused by directional dependence of detectors. The proposed method uses correction factors for each gantry angle. The dose for a 10cm × 10cm open field for each gantry angle was calculated by treatment planning system and measured using the Octavius phantom. The correction factors were determined at each gantry angle and the dose distribution was renormalized at each angle using correction factors. Results: The discrepancy between measured and planned dose per monitor unit depended on the gantry angle and were in the range of +−4% using the PTW method. Using our method, uncertainty due to the detector angle dependency was eliminated. Conclusions: The new method removes the angle dependency of ion chamber based 2D array detector for the fixed beam IMRT QA. It provides fast, accurate and more realistic results for angle dependent IMRT QA.
Comparison of Laboratory and Field Observations of Fish Exposed to the Herbicides Molinate and Thiobencarb

Abstract Acute toxicity tests with the rice herbicides molinate (Ordram (R)) and thiobencarb (Bolero (R)) and with thiobencarb-molinate mixtures on juvenile steelhead Salmo gairdneri, chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, and striped bass Morone saxatilis produced median lethal concentrations (96-h LC50 values) indicating that thiobencarb (0.76–1.8 mg/L) was 11 to 19 times more toxic than molinate (8.1–34 mg/L); thiobencarb-molinate mixtures at 1:1 LC50-value ratios had additive toxic effects on steelhead, chinook salmon, and channel catfish. Chronic toxicity tests with molinate produced 28-d no-observable-effect-level and lowest-observable-effect-level values for survival and hematology of 0.09 and 0.13 mg/L, respectively, for common carp Cyprinus carpio, and 1.7 and 2.6 mg/L, respectively, for channel catfish. Observations made on mortality and hematology of common carp, white catfish Ictalurus catus and channel catfish in agricultural drains containing the herbic...
Future chocolate market growth in four EU countries

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain better insights into the conventional and organic/fair trade (O and/or FT) future chocolate market in four EU countries: Italy, the UK, France and Germany.Design/methodology/approach – Delphi method was used to investigate several characteristics, actors and marketing mix components which will drive the conventional and organic/fair trade chocolate market in the future by presenting two rounds of questionnaires to experts of the chocolate market.Findings – The findings identify the most influential actors, product attributes, promotion and distribution channels and characteristics of the chocolate market in both sectors. They reveal that they will have more of a positive effect on the O and/or FT sector than on the conventional one, since the first will grow faster than the second.Research limitations/implications – Despite low expert participation, participants belong to some of the most important companies/organisations in the sector in terms of market shar...
An assessment of acoustic contrast between long and short vowels using convex hulls

An alternative to the spectral overlap assessment metric (SOAM), first introduced by Wassink [(2006). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 119(4), 2334–2350], is introduced. The SOAM quantifies the intra- and inter-language differences between long–short vowel pairs through a comparison of spectral (F1, F2) and temporal properties modeled with best fit ellipses (F1 × F2 space) and ellipsoids (F1 × F2 × duration). However, the SOAM ellipses and ellipsoids rely on a Gaussian distribution of vowel data and a dense dataset, neither of which can be assumed in endangered languages or languages with limited available data. The method presented in this paper, called the Vowel Overlap Assessment with Convex Hulls (VOACH) method, improves upon the earlier metric through the use of best-fit convex shapes. The VOACH method reduces the incorporation of “empty” data into calculations of vowel space. Both methods are applied to Numu (Oregon Northern Paiute), an endangered language of the western United States. Calculations from the VOACH method suggest that Numu is a primary quantity language, a result that is well aligned with impressionistic analyses of spectral and durational data from the language and with observations by field researchers.
Is the strategic petroleum reserve our ace in the hole

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is often touted as a vital asset in mitigating the adverse effects of oil supply disruptions on the economy. The importance of SPR, however, largely depends upon the effect of stock sales on market prices. To address this question, this study develops a monthly econometric model of the world crude oil market. Inventories, consumption, production, and prices for crude oil are determined within a dominant producer pricing framework in which Saudi Arabia adjusts output based upon market demand and competitive fringe supply. The estimation results provide additional support for the dominant producer pricing model for world oil markets and reasonable estimates of short-run supply and demand elasticities. Several model simulations are conducted to assess the impacts of SPR policies. For example, the gradual build-up of the SPR by the Bush Administration resulted in a very small, almost imperceptible increase in world prices. Similarly, the Clinton sale from SPR had minor impacts on market prices. Another simulation indicates that while SPR sales can lower world prices during a supply shock, the required drawdown would be so substantial the reserve would be significantly depleted after just a few months. These findings suggest that once played, the SPR card has modest impacts on world prices and could be easily trumped by actions of other players, including output adjustments by world oil producers.
Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) levels during dry weather from Southern California reference streams

High levels of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in surface waters is a common problem in urban areas that often leads to impairment of beneficial uses such as swimming. Once impaired, common management and regulatory solutions include development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and other water quality management plans. A critical element of these plans is establishment of a "reference" level of exceedances against which to assess management goals and TMDL compliance. The goal of this study was to provide information on indicator bacteria contributions from natural streams in undeveloped catchments throughout southern California during dry weather, non-storm conditions. To help establish a regional reference data set, bacteria levels [i.e. Escherichia coli (E. coli), enterococci and total coliforms] were measured from 15 unimpaired streams in 11 southern California watersheds weekly for one full year. Concentrations measured from reference areas were typically between one to two orders of magnitude lower than levels found in developed watersheds. Nearly 82% of the time, samples did not exceed daily and monthly bacterial indicator thresholds. E. coli had the lowest daily percent exceedance (1.5%). A total of 13.7% of enterococci exceeded daily thresholds. Indicator bacteria levels fluctuated seasonally with an average of 79% of both enterococci and total coliforms exceedances occurring during summer months (June to August). Temperature, at all sites, explained about one-half the variation in total coliforms density suggesting that stream temperatures regulated bacterial populations. Accounting for natural background levels will allow for management targets that are more reflective of the contributions from natural sources.
Ice Particle Growth Under Conditions of the Upper Troposphere

Atmospheric conditions for growth of ice crystals (temperature and ice supersaturation) are often not well constrained and it is necessary to simulate such conditions in the laboratory to investigate such growth under well controlled conditions over many hours. The growth of ice crystals from the vapour in both prism and basal planes was observed at temperatures of -60 C and -70 C under ice supersaturation up to 100% (200% relative humidity) at pressures derived from the standard atmosphere in a static diffusion chamber. Crystals grew outward from a vertical glass filament, thickening in the basal plane by addition of macroscopic layers greater than 2 microns, leading to growth in the prism plane by passing of successive layers conveniently viewed by time lapse video.
Molecular Simulation of Sucrose Solutions near the Glass Transition Temperature

The physical properties of aqueous sucrose near the glass transition temperature have been studied using Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations. The sucrose solutions ranged in concentration from 6 to 100 wt% and in temperature from 300 to 600 K. For concentrated solutions (≥ 80 wt%), a parallel tempering Monte Carlo algorithm was implemented to circumvent the slow system dynamics and improve sampling of configuration space. Parallel-tempered density calculations agree more closely with experimental data than conventional NPT results. Our simulations indicate that aqueous sucrose retains two intramolecular hydrogen bonds even in dilute solutions. The two hydrogen bonds detected in crystalline sucrose were also observed in the sucrose solutions of 50 wt% sucrose and greater. The hydration number was calculated for sucrose and compared with that for trehalose. Sucrose is less hydrated than trehalose for all concentrations studied. Using parallel-tempered NPT density results, molecular dynamics simul...
Murine immunoglobin response to sterile talc injection

Abstract Mice were injected subcutaneously with sterile talc, and the changes in serum IgG, IgM, and IgA were investigated at various time intervals. Three talc-injection schedules were used: a single injection of talc; a double injection of talc; and two injections of talc at different times. The results showed that: (1) a single injection of talc resulted in an increase in serum IgM at 24 hr, and an increase in IgG at 24–48 hr; (2) a double injection of talc did not result in a significant difference in immunoglobulin levels from those observed after a single injection; (3) two injections of talc given at different times did not result in a response greater than that observed following a single injection of talc. No changes from control values were observed in IgA. No evidence for the presence of an antigen was found.
The Economics of Crime Deterrence: A Survey of Theory and Evidence

Economists have generally supposed that certainty and severity of punishment deter crime and have been surprised whenever this is not confirmed by empirical word. This paper gives a number of explanations, consistent with economic theory, as to why there need not be a contradiction here. The empirical work is reviewed with the conclusion that economists have yet to convincingly demonstrate the case for deterrence. In conclusion, a number of potentially fruitful areas for future research within the deterrence paradigm are suggested. Copyright 1988 by WWZ and Helbing & Lichtenhahn Verlag AG
Renal Stone Detection Using Unenhanced Multidetector Row Computerized Tomography—Does Section Width Matter?

Purpose: We determined the effect of reconstructed section width on sensitivity and specificity for detecting renal calculi using multidetector row computerized tomography.Materials and Methods: Three to 5 renal stones 2 to 4 mm in size were randomly placed into 14 human cadaveric kidneys and scanned by 16-row detector computerized tomography at 1.25 mm collimation and identical scanning parameters. After acquisition images were reconstructed with a section width of 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0 mm, and reviewed independently by 2 blinded radiologists. Comparisons of sensitivity and specificity between different section widths were assessed with the McNemar test and Cochran's Q statistics.Results: Specificity was not significantly affected by section width (94.6% to 97.7%). In contrast, sensitivity increased as stone size increased and as section width decreased. Sensitivity to detect all stones was 80.7%, 80.7%, 87.7% and 92.1% for 5.0, 3.75, 2.5 and 1.25 mm section widths, respectively. Interobserver agreemen...
Use of Fourier Transform for Deconvolution of the Unresolved Envelope Observed in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry of Strongly Ionic Synthetic Polymers

Fourier transform analysis of electrospray mass spectra of synthetic polymers can be used to obtain information about the monomer mass, charge distribution, and polydispersity in cases where the co...
Fetus-specific serum proteins in several mammals and their relation to human α-fetoprotein

Abstract 1. 1. Fetal and maternal sera from twelve species of mammals were studied electrophoretically and immunochemically for proteins specific for the fetus. 2. 2. In each species, the fetal serum contained an α-globulin not present in maternal serum. 3. 3. The α-fetoproteins of several species had some of the antigenic determinants found in human α-fetoprotein, although antigenic differences among the α-fetoproteins of different species were also apparent; the α-fetoproteins of the species studied appeared to be analogous proteins. 4. 4. Despite the different types of placentation represented, the placenta of each species appeared to be impermeable to α-fetoprotein.
“One end has nothing to do with the other:” Patient attitudes regarding help seeking intention for depression in gynecologic and obstetric settings

Many women rely on their obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) as their primary contact with the health care delivery system. There have been few studies exploring patient views on getting help for depression from these providers. The purpose of this study is to assess help seeking intention for depression and identify beliefs which moderate this intention. Telephone interviews of women following a routine gynecologic visit or in the immediate postpartum period (regarding prenatal care) were used to assess intention to seek help from their providers in a case of depression. For women who lacked this intention, related beliefs were elicited with the open ended question “why not?” Among the 225 women in the study more than half receiving gynecologic care (59%) and nearly a third of women who received prenatal care (29%; p < 0.001) stated they would not seek help from their OB/GYN for depression. Report that a prenatal provider had mentioned depression was associated with help seeking intention for depression but was not independent of confounding variables. Beliefs among women who lacked help seeking intention clustered into two attitude themes: 1) an OB/GYN is the wrong doctor for depression care and 2) OB/GYN is not a good setting for depression care. Many women have attitudes which reduce their intention to seek help for depression from their OB/GYN. Interventions aiming to increase delivery of depression care in these settings should consider these beliefs in their design.
Capillary electrophoresis of DNA restriction fragments: effect of polymer properties.

The mechanism of DNA separation by dilute polymer solutions in capillary electrophoresis is not well understood. To provide information on the effect of polymer properties on DNA separations, four polymers that differ in size, shape and stiffness were examined. Hydroxyethylcellulose of high molecular weight provides excellent separation of large DNA fragments (2027 bp – 23 130 bp). Polyvinylpyrrolidone separates DNA from 72 bp to 23 kbp; star-(polyethylene oxide) and linear poly(ethylene oxide) provide separation of fragments to 1353 bp.
Shoot/root balance of plants: Optimal growth of a system with many vegetative organs

Abstract The optimal growth schedule of a plant with two vegetative parts is studied to investigate the balance between shoot and root. An intuitive justification of optimization procedures used in Pontryagin's maximum principle is obtained by defining the marginal values of shoot size, root size, and reproductive activity at various times of the season and deriving their differential equations and terminal conditions. The optimal growth pattern which maximizes the total reproductive activity during the season is composed of the convergence of a plant's shape to a balanced growth path, followed by simultaneous growth of shoot and root (balanced growth), ending with the reproductive growth. Along the balanced growth path, a plant has a root/shoot ratio which maximizes the daily net photosynthesis for a given total biomass. The model also shows a simultaneous stop of shoot and root growth when the reproduction begins, the dependence of root/shoot ratio on age, water and light availability, etc., the convergence of a plant's shape to the balanced growth after pruning or an environmental change.
Condition-dependent sexual traits and social dominance in the house finch

Elaboration of costly sexual traits can reduce investment in other aspects of reproduction, such as parental care or intrasexual competition, which may lead to the evolution of alternative mating tactics. In house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), less elaborately ornamented (dull) males tend to dominate more elaborated (redder) males, but redder males pair earlier and invest more in parental care. This suggests that males may pursue alternative parental or competitive tactics, depending on the elaboration of their sexual trait. Elevation of testosterone, a hormone that is closely associated with condition in male house finches, influences dominance and sexual behaviors but is antagonistic to parental behaviors. We tested the hypothesis that the higher dominance status of dull males reflects an alternative testosterone-dependent mating tactic. First, we experimentally manipulated the testosterone levels of captive males and measured the effect on dominance rank, and second, we measured the association of testosterone elevation and plumage hue in free-living males. We found that, as predicted, testosterone elevation increased dominance rank in captive males. However, in free-living males, testosterone levels were higher in redder males, suggesting that testosterone is dissociated from dominance status under natural circumstances. This may be because the context of social interactions and the higher motivation of dull males to access food resources have a stronger influence on the outcome of dominance interactions than does the physiological effects of testosterone elevation. In turn, the strong positive correlation between testosterone levels and plumage elaboration likely reflects the common condition dependence of these traits. Key words: condition-dependent, house finch, sexual ornament, testosterone. [Behav Ecol 15:779–784 (2004)]
A Cautionary Note on Checking Software Engineering Papers for Plagiarism

Several tools are marketed to the educational community for plagiarism detection and prevention. This article briefly contrasts the performance of two leading tools, TurnItIn and MyDropBox, in detecting submissions that were obviously plagiarized from articles published in IEEE journals. Both tools performed poorly because they do not compare submitted writings to publications in the IEEE database. Moreover, these tools do not cover the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) database or several others important for scholarly work in software engineering. Reports from these tools suggesting that a submission has ldquopassedrdquo can encourage false confidence in the integrity of a submitted writing. Additionally, students can submit drafts to determine the extent to which these tools detect plagiarism in their work. Because the tool samples the engineering professional literature narrowly, the student who chooses to plagiarize can use this tool to determine what plagiarism will be invisible to the faculty member. An appearance of successful plagiarism prevention may in fact reflect better training of students to avoid plagiarism detection.
Activity profiles for intrusion detection

We propose a methodology to perform behavior-based intrusion detection on security protocols using fuzzy relational methods. Fuzzified Allen temporal algebra plays an important role in capturing the time dimension of concurrent activities of principals as well as of intruders.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of phosphodiesterase-III inhibitors

T HE NEW phosphodiesterase fraction III (PDE-III) inhibitors are unique nonglycosidic, nonsympathomimetic drugs that have both positive inotropic effects and the ability to produce vasodilation independent of the PI-adrenergic receptor.‘** Catecholamines stimulate the /3,-adrenergic receptors at myocardial cell membranes to activate intracellular adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase catalyzes cyclic adenosine monophosphate (CAMP) formation, the second messenger that controls the level of calcium available for the contractile mechanism of cardiac muscle. Patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) have down-regulation of the firadrenergic receptor with a decrease in receptor density and altered responses to catecholamine administration.3 Inhibition of PDE activity also increases CAMP levels by preventing its breakdown. The bipyridine derivatives (amrinone and milrinone), and the imidazolone derivatives (enoximone and piroximone), although structurally different, selectively inhibit PDE-III, a CAMPspecific PDE enzyme, to augment myocardial cellular CAMP levels and increase contractility.2 In addition to positive inotropic effects on the heart, PDE inhibition in vascular smooth muscle causes vasodilation in both arterial and capacitance beds.4.5 Amrinone and enoximone increase cardiac output (CO), decrease pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), and decrease systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance (SVR, PVR) in patients with biventricular failure.lm6 Thus, the inodilating properties of PDE-III inhibitors present a novel approach to the management of biventricular dysfunction in cardiac surgical patients. This discussion will review the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the two major intravenous (IV) PDE-III inhibitors, amrinone and enoximone.
A Neuronal Glutamate Transporter Contributes to Neurotransmitter GABA Synthesis and Epilepsy

The predominant neuronal glutamate transporter, EAAC1 (for excitatory amino acid carrier-1), is localized to the dendrites and somata of many neurons. Rare presynaptic localization is restricted to GABA terminals. Because glutamate is a precursor for GABA synthesis, we hypothesized that EAAC1 may play a role in regulating GABA synthesis and, thus, could cause epilepsy in rats when inactivated. Reduced expression of EAAC1 by antisense treatment led to behavioral abnormalities, including staring–freezing episodes and electrographic (EEG) seizures. Extracellular hippocampal and thalamocortical slice recordings showed excessive excitability in antisense-treated rats. Patch-clamp recordings of miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) conducted in CA1 pyramidal neurons in slices from EAAC1 antisense-treated animals demonstrated a significant decrease in mIPSC amplitude, indicating decreased tonic inhibition. There was a 50% loss of hippocampal GABA levels associated with knockdown of EAAC1, and newly synthesized GABA from extracellular glutamate was significantly impaired by reduction of EAAC1 expression. EAAC1 may participate in normal GABA neurosynthesis and limbic hyperexcitability, whereas epilepsy can result from a disruption of the interaction between EAAC1 and GABA metabolism.
RNA-Redesign: a web server for fixed-backbone 3D design of RNA

RNA is rising in importance as a design medium for interrogating fundamental biology and for developing therapeutic and bioengineering applications. While there are several online servers for design of RNA secondary structure, there are no tools available for the rational design of 3D RNA structure. Here we present RNA-Redesign (http://rnaredesign.stanford.edu), an online 3D design tool for RNA. This resource utilizes fixed-backbone design to optimize the sequence identity and nucleobase conformations of an RNA to match a desired backbone, analogous to fundamental tools that underlie rational protein engineering. The resulting sequences suggest thermostabilizing mutations that can be experimentally verified. Further, sequence preferences that differ between natural and computationally designed sequences can suggest whether natural sequences possess functional constraints besides folding stability, such as cofactor binding or conformational switching. Finally, for biochemical studies, the designed sequences can suggest experimental tests of 3D models, including concomitant mutation of base triples. In addition to the designs generated, detailed graphical analysis is presented through an integrated and user-friendly environment.
Correlation of ergovaline and lolitrem B levels in endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne).

The varieties of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) infected with the endophytic fungus Neo- tiphodium lolii contain several classes of toxic alkaloids, including ergopeptide alkaloids and lolitrem alkaloids. Lolitrem B, a potent tremorgen, is generally considered to be the predominant alkaloid in endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass. Ergovaline, a vasoconstrictor normally associated with endophyte-infected tall fescue ( Fes- tuca arudinacea), is also present in endophyte infected perennial ryegrass. Clinical signs of animals ingesting endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass are consistent with the presence of lolitrem B. However, clinical signs normally associated with ergovaline poisoning are not usually observed in animals ingesting endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass. A survey was conducted to quantitate both lolitrem B and ergovaline in 459 perennial ryegrass straw samples received at the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Samples were analyzed for each alkaloid using separate high-performance liquid chromatography analyses. A strong positive correlation between the 2 alkaloids (r 2 5 0.7335) was observed, especially in the samples containing ,3,000 ppb (ng/g) lolitrem B. The threshold levels above which clinical signs typically occur are 2,000 ppb lolitrem B and 300-400 ppb ergovaline. All of the samples analyzed contained ,425 ppb ergovaline. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) infected with the endophytic fungus Neotiphodium lolii contains at least 2 different classes of toxic alkaloids. The pre- dominant group is the lolitrem alkaloids, which are well characterized and are potent tremorgens. The ma- jor alkaloid present from this group, lolitrem B, is be- lieved to cause the clinical syndrome of ryegrass stag- gers in animals ingesting endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass.
Simultaneous random signal estimation and decomposition

An efficient algorithm is derived for multiresolutional estimation and decomposition of noisy random signals. This algorithm performs in real time the estimation and decomposition simultaneously, using the discrete wavelet transform implemented by a filter bank. Although the algorithm is developed based on the standard Kalman filtering scheme, the nature of blockwise filtering results in a smoothing-equivalent effect. However, the interpolated filtering produces a decomposed estimate output in real-time.
Current Approaches to Anticoagulation for Reducing Risk of Atrial Fibrillation–Related Stroke

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability and, as such, is associated with a heavy socioeconomic burden. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, and AF-related stroke tends to be more severe and poses a higher risk of recurrence than non-AF-related stroke. Anticoagulant prophylaxis with warfarin is effective in preventing stroke in eligible patients with AF, but in real-world practice this agent, though inexpensive, is underutilized. Moreover, warfarin has notable drawbacks that result in suboptimal anticoagulation and, as a result, greater disease burden and higher costs. Newer oral antithrombotic drugs with a wide therapeutic window and no requirement for routine coagulation monitoring may be as efficacious as warfarin and, given the costs associated with managing warfarin therapy, they may also prove to be more cost effective.
The A4 Study: Stopping AD Before Symptoms Begin?

A new secondary prevention trial in older people with amyloid accumulation at high risk for Alzheimer's disease dementia should provide insights into whether anti-amyloid therapy can delay cognitive decline.
Automatic Optical Design of Desired Image Distributions using Orthogonal Constraints

The weighting of image errors in an automatic lens design code directly affects the resolution and contrast characteristics of the resulting optical system. The automatic lens design method used employs a least-squares approach. A method of constraining the least-squares solution in an orthogonal vector space which eliminates the need for a damping factor is described. A method of automatically weighting image errors is also described which allows the designer to control the distribution of intensity in the image of a point source. A specific design example is given which illustrates the effect of the image distribution weighting function on the final design.