cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed biologically based real time tracking in the absence of prior target information.

We are developing a distributed system for the tracking of people and objects in complex scenes and environments using biologically based algorithms. An important component of such a system is its ability to track targets from multiple cameras at multiple viewpoints. As such, our system must be able to extract and analyze the features of targets in a manner that is sufficiently invariant of viewpoints, so that they can share information about targets, for purposes such as tracking. Since biological organisms are able to describe targets to one another from very different visual perspectives, by discovering the mechanisms by which they understand objects, it is hoped such abilities can be imparted on a system of distributed agents with many camera viewpoints. Our current methodology draws from work on saliency and center surround competition among visual components that allows for real time location of targets without the need for prior information about the targets visual features. For instance, gestalt principles of color opponencies, continuity and motion form a basis to locate targets in a logical manner. From this, targets can be located and tracked relatively reliably for short periods. Features can then be extracted from salient targets allowing for a signature to be stored which describes the basic visual features of a target. This signature can then be used to share target information with other cameras, at other viewpoints, or may be used to create the prior information needed for other types of trackers. Here we discuss such a system, which, without the need for prior target feature information, extracts salient features from a scene, binds them and uses the bound features as a set for understanding trackable objects.
Hard X-Ray Variability in M82: Evidence for a Nascent Active Galactic Nucleus?

We report on the detection of hard (2-10 keV) X-ray variability in the starburst galaxy M82 over the course of nine ASCA observations. Long-term variability occurred on a timescale of days, with a change in flux by a factor of up to ~4, corresponding to a point-source luminosity of L2-10keV~6×1040 ergs s-1. Short-term variability with an amplitude of ~1.4 on a timescale of hours was observed during the longest observation. This demonstrates that a large fraction of the hard X-ray emission of M82 (depending on the flux state) is from a compact region and is probably due to an accreting source. The 2-10 keV luminosity of the source is a lower limit to its Eddington luminosity, implying a black hole mass of at least ~460 M☉ or a mass intermediate to that of normal active galactic nuclei and stellar-mass black hole candidates.
The use of application-specific performance targets and engineering considerations to guide hydrogen storage materials development

Abstract The Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies Office, carried out through the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, maintains a broad portfolio of activities to enable the commercialization of fuel cells across a range of near, mid and long-term applications. Improved, advanced hydrogen storage technologies are seen as a critical need for successful implementation of hydrogen fuel cells in many of these applications. To guide and focus materials development efforts, the DOE develops system performance targets for the specific applications of interest, and carries out system engineering analyses to determine the system-level performance delivered when the materials are incorporated into a complete system. To meet the needs of applications, it is important to consider the system-level performance, not just the material-level properties. An overview of the DOE’s hydrogen storage efforts in developing application-specific performance targets and systems engineering to guide hydrogen storage materials identification and development is herein provided.
Using an ODE solver for a class of integro-differential systems

Abstract By a simple extension of the Method of Lines, the ordinary differential equation solver VODPK may be used to solve a certain class of integro-differential equation systems (IDE systems). The problems are characterized by a pair of advected frequency-dependent quantities, coupled to a population variable whose rate includes a spectral integral in one space dimension. We have found that with an appropriate choice of preconditioner to aid in the convergence of the linear iterations, an extremely efficient method is obtained for the solution of these types of IDE system problems. We discuss the semidiscretization process and the formation of the preconditioner in some detail. Finally, we present an application of the technique.
Comparative increases of lead and barium with age in human tooth enamel, rib and ulna

Lead and Ba in postmortem tooth enamel, rib and ulna of six contemporary people (67–96 years; ave. 80) were shown to exhibit similar accumulations with age in the three different types of osseous tissue: Pb/Ca (wt) = 3.0, 5.2, and 3.9 × 10^(−5) in rib, ulna, and tooth enamel; and Ba/Ca (wt) = 2.4, 2.4, and 1.8 × 10^(−5) in rib, ulna, and tooth enamel, respectively. Mean concentrations of Pb were 11, 19, and 14 μg g^(−1) in rib (ash), ulna (ash), and enamel (dry), respectively. Means for Ba were 8.7, 8.9, and 6.4 μg g^(−1) in rib (ash), ulna (ash), and enamel (dry), respectively. Comparison of Ba in ulna of our 80-year-old subjects with Ba determined by other investigators in bones of younger contemporary populations indicated that Ba accumulates with age at about half the rate of Pb accumulation in bone. Concentrations of Ba in rib, ulna and enamel were positively correlated and similar within an individual, but varied among subjects in proportion to variations in absorptive uptake in portal blood. Barium may diffuse from a blood-dentine source into enamel, where it replaces Ca and accumulates with age. Because of extreme Pb pollution of our 80-year-old subjects and its variation of intake with age, the correlation of Pb in tooth enamel with Pb in bone was more scattered than for Ba. It is shown by means of stable Pb isotopic tracers that: (i) among the three types of osseous tissue, the residence time of Pb is longest in enamel, where it apparently accumulates with age by diffusion with little loss through exchange; and (ii) the residence time of Pb is longer in compact ulna than in trabecular rib, as it accompanies Ca in its osteoblastic transfer from blood to bone and then in its osteoclastic transfer back to blood from bone.
Evolutionary self-organization and entropic dissipation in biological and socioeconomic systems

This paper considers some of the thermodynamic principles that underlie, and conceptually connect, self-organizing phenomena in both the biological and socioeconomic realms. The general thesis is that all evolutionary and development processes can be understood as proceeding within certain ‘economies’, established by prevailing energy gradients and kinetic mechanisms for their utilization. Of particular concern will be the ingredients in the relationship between organization and entropic dissipation, the global trends these ingredients impose on evolutionary processes, and the manner in which information is generated through the competition of thermodynamic flow patterns.
Chopping Secondary Mirrors For Infrared Astronomy With The Multiple Mirror Telescope

The technique of rapidly wobbling the secondary mirror of a reflecting telescope to modulate the energy from an astronomical source by moving its image on and off of an aperture in the telescope's focal plane has been used with great success for a number of years on many ground based and airborne infrared telescopes. Such a secondary modulating system involving six synchronized secondaries of 23.5 cm diameter has been designed for use on the Multiple Mirror Telescope. One prototype mechanism using a linear servo drive system has been constructed and tested both in the laboratory and on the MMT itself. For image displacements up to about 20 arc seconds on the sky, the prototype is capable of a rise time of 2 ms and of operation at frequencies up to 80 Hz with a square wave driving signal. Larger displacements up to more than 120 arc seconds are available, but with a rise time of 4 ms. Adjustable hard stops and electronics to drive the secondary mechanism against these stops have been incorporated to provide a back up capability to the linear servo. Seven copies of the prototype are now in production and are expected to be in operation on the MMT in the spring of 1979.
Cutaneous larva migrans in northern Germany

We report a 14-month-old female infant with typical cutaneous larva migrans, but without a history of travelling outside Germany. Cutaneous larva migrans is most commonly observed in and imported from tropical countries. Only a few cases have been described in northern Europe. This report serves as a reminder that under certain circumstances acquisition of this "tropical" parasite is possible even in non-tropical countries.
Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of peptide chain termination or release in liver in vivo and in vitro☆

Abstract It has been found that cycloheximide at low dosage has a selective inhibitory effect on peptide chain termination or release in the liver in vivo and in vitro , In vivo , cycloheximide in a dosage that inhibits total liver synthesis by over 90% has little or no effect on labeling of nascent protein on polysomes by radioactive leucine but a marked effect on the labeling of sap protein. In vitro , cycloheximide in a dosage range of 0.018 to 0.89 mM shows a progressive inhibitory effect on the labeling of soluble protein and no effect on the labeling of nascent protein on polysomes. Only at a much higher concentration range (above 1.88 mM) is there an increasing effect on incorporation of radioactive amino acids into nascent protein.
Probabilistic Presentation of the Still Water Loads: Which Way Ahead?

This paper analyzes the state-of-the-art concerning this subject. The objectives are: 1) to provide data of still water bending moments and shear forces that were collected from loading manuals of dozens of tankers 2) conduct statistical analysis of the loading cases and 3) discuss possible ways for further improvement of knowledge about the variability of still water loads during real ships’ operation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Abstract 3389: SLPI promotes EMT in HaCaT cells

The majority of solid tumors are carcinomas. To invade, carcinomas must lose cell-cell adhesion and acquire motility: a process termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a highly conserved cellular program that enables polarized, immotile epithelial cells to convert to motile mesenchymal-like cells. Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI; 12-14 kD) is genomically, transcriptionally, and translationally upregulated in epithelial ovarian cancer. SLPI is anti-inflammatory, mediates wound healing, and stimulates cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. We previously showed that SLPI binds to and protects progranulin (pgrn), a survival factor for ovarian cancer, from elastase-mediated degradation. We also showed that overexpression of SLPI mediates paclitaxel resistance in 1A9 and HeyA8 ovarian cancer cells. We hypothesize that SLPI promotes metastasis via induction of EMT, which can be modulated by inhibition of its protease inhibitory (PI) activity or binding to pgrn. We stably transfected immortalized human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) with wild type SLPI and three mutants: F-SLPI [loss of PI activity], KRK-SLPI [loss of pgrn binding], and F-KRK-SLPI [double mutant]. Overexpression of SLPI or the mutants did not transform the immortalized HaCaT cells; however, it increased colony proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and resistance to anoikis. The SLPI mutants that do not bind pgrn were more aggressive. Transfection with SLPI and its mutants markedly decreased cell-cell adhesion, altered cellular adhesions to extracellular matrix components, and led to increased cell motility and wound healing in transfected HaCaT cells. SLPI and its mutants enhanced TGF-β induced EMT and effectively blocked TGF-β mediated growth inhibition of HaCaT cells. Thus, SLPI overexpression advances an EMT phenotype in immortalized HaCaT epithelial cells. We continue elucidating the role of SLPI in EMT and the mechanism of its interaction with proganulin for future therapeutic targeting in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3389.
Biotin and bacterial growth. II. Avidin and the response of Lactobacillus arabinosus to oleic acid.

Abstract In the basal medium employed here, oleic acid replaces biotin for a number of lactic acid bacteria. This growth-promoting action of oleic acid is not nullified by excess avidin for Streptococcus faecalis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactobacillus fermenti, Lactobacillus casei, or Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Lactobacillus arabinosus, however, does not respond to oleic acid in the presence of egg white. Purified samples of ovalbumin, conalbumin, and lysozyme were ineffective in preventing growth of L. arabinosus under these conditions; purified avidin was effective. This behavior of L. arabinosus varies to some extent with the nature of the inoculum used. Avidin prevents growth with oleic acid if a light inoculum prepared from cells grown on a biotin-containing medium is used; if a heavy inoculum is used, growth is obtained. Under these same conditions, the organism will not grow even though a heavy inoculum prepared from cells grown on a biotin-free medium containing oleic acid is used. This inability of the latter organisms to grow is counteracted by allowing the inoculum cells to absorb small amounts of biotin before they are used. The amounts of biotin required are much smaller than would be necessary to combine with the avidin present in the medium. These results are interpreted to mean that the inhibitory action of avidin on the growth of L. arabinosus in the presence of oleic acid is due to the ability of avidin to combine with traces of biotin in the cell that are essential for growth. Previous studies (1) have indicated that cells of L. arabinosus grown in a medium deficient in biotin, but containing oleic acid, contain traces of biotin presumably synthesized by the cell. The present study indicates that these traces of biotin are essential for the growth of the organism. This conclusion is supported by the finding that the biotin antagonist, γ-(3,4-ureylenecyclohexyl)butyric acid, inhibits growth of L. arabinosus in the presence of oleic acid, and this inhibitory action is prevented by biotin. If acetate is omitted from the basal medium used, the biotin requirement of L. arabinosus is increased about threefold, and oleic acid is ineffective in supporting growth in place of biotin. This finding is interpreted to mean that biotin may be involved indirectly in the formation of acetate by this organism. This relationship between biotin and acetate was not observed with Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus fermenti.
Use of vertically-aligned carbon nanotube array to enhance the performance of electrochemical capacitors

In the domain of energy storage, electrochemical capacitors have numerous applications ranging from hybrid vehicles to consumer electronics, with very high power density at the cost of relatively low energy storage. Here, we report an approach that uses vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays as electrodes in electrochemical capacitors. Different electrolytes were used and multiple parameters of carbon nanotube array were compared: carbon nanotube arrays were shown to be two to three times better than graphite in term of specific capacitance, while the surface functionalization was demonstrated to be a critical factor in both aqueous and nonaqueous solutions to increase the specific capacitance. We found that a maximum energy density of 21 Wh/kg at a power density of 1.1 kW/kg for a hydrophilic electrode, could be easily achieved by using tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate in propylene carbonate. These are encouraging results in the path of energy-storage devices with both high energy density and power density, using only carbon-based materials for the electrodes with a very long lifetime, of tens of thousands of cycles.
Oxide Thickness Measurement in the Electron Probe Microanalyzer

An X-ray method for the measurements of the thickness of supported thin films in the microprobe is modified for silica films on silicon nitride and silicon carbide. The intensities of the oxygen Kα line are measured on bulk SiO2 and on the film. The derivation of the caliboration curve giving the thickness of the film from the ratio of these intensities is outlined. The method has been used for silica films thinner than 1 μm with a lateral resolution of a few micrometers.
Developing neurons make the switch.

During development, the auditory system shifts from one amino acid transmitter to another, a process that may be critical for sound localization. A new study suggests this shift can occur at single synaptic terminals—possibly even at single vesicles.
Drucker's Insights on Market Orientation and Innovation: Implications for Emerging Areas in High-Technology Marketing

In 1954, Drucker boldly declared that organizations have only two basic functions, marketing and innovation. While true for any organization, this insight is particularly pertinent for technology-based businesses. The complicated environment surrounding high-tech companies creates a great need for sophisticated marketing. Yet these companies continue to have under-developed competencies in marketing and in understanding customer needs. This essay explores Drucker’s insights with respect to two particularly salient issues for high-tech companies: developing and implementing a market orientation and break-through innovations. We review Drucker’s insights and synthesize them with the scholarly research on these issues. Finally, we discuss three emerging areas in high-tech marketing where academics and managers could build on Drucker’s insights to guide future research and practice: market driving, customer co-creation, and corporate social responsibility. These illustrative examples highlight that even today, Drucker’s writings continue to offer remarkable guidance to scholars and managers who are willing to take the time to reflect, understand, and incorporate his insights in the unique context of high-tech industries.
The Development of Transitivity of Length in Young Children

Abstract This research examined whether developmental changes occur in young children's abilities to learn transitive information. Children 4 years 6 months to 5 years 6 months and 6 to 7 years were asked to learn a series, A > B > C, or a nonseries, A > B, C > D. Younger children took longer to learn the series than the nonseries. Children learning the series correctly answered the inference question, but could not distinguish between situations in which it was possible or impossible to make inferences. The results suggest that there are developmental changes in transitivity abilities and that transitivity is a concept that emerges gradually.
Interstitial Fe in Si and its interactions with hydrogen and shallow dopants

The properties of interstitial iron in crystalline silicon and its interactions with hydrogen, shallow acceptors (B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl), and shallow donors (P and As) are calculated from first-principles in periodic supercells. The interactions between the {Fe,B} pair and interstitial hydrogen are also examined. The configurations, electronic structures, and binding energies are predicted. The relative stability of the trigonal and orthorhombic structures of the Fe-acceptor pairs are calculated as a function of charge state and temperature. The gap levels are estimated using the marker method. The vibrational spectra of the complexes containing light impurities (H or B) are predicted.
Electroreduction of diphenyldiazomethane in acetonitrile at a hanging mercury drop electrode

Abstract Cyclic voltammetric studies of the reduction of diphenyldiazomethane (Ph 2 CN 2 ) in CH 3 CN-Me 4 NPF 6 at a hanging mercury drop electrode have established that the halflife of Ph 2 CN 2 ⨪ is less than l ms at either 8°C or −37°C.
The determinants of parenting competence in adolescent mothers.

This study examines whether models of parenting competence derived from studies of adult mothers are descriptive of adolescent mothers as well. Fifty-eight adolescent mothers were recruited from an alternative high school. All subjects completed questionnaires on self-esteem, life events, social support, well-being, and maternal efficacy. In addition, they completed an emotion interpretation task, and were videotaped in feeding, structured play, and unstructured play episodes with their child. Associations among the variables life stress, social support, well-being, self-esteem, maternal efficacy, and the capacity to interpret infant emotion were examined. The utility of these variables as predictors of maternal behavior was also examined. Age-related individual differences among adolescent mothers were also explored, as were differences across interaction episodes. Results indicated that determinants of parenting competence among adolescents are patterned differently than would be predicted by existing models of adult parenting competence. For example, adolescents who received more support from the baby's father displayed less optimal parenting behavior. Results are discussed in the context of adolescent development and in terms of their utility for intervention design.
Surgical correction of primary hyperparathyroidism improves quality of life

Abstract Background: The SF-36 health status assessment tool is well suited for measuring the morbidity associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that surgical correction of primary HPT leads to measurable improvement in patient reported functional health status and well-being. Methods: For the past 4 years patients with primary HPT have been asked to complete the SF-36 and to provide additional demographic and condition-specific information for study before operation. They then completed the SF-36 again by mail 2 months and 6 months after operation. Results: One hundred forty patients entered the study through March 1998; 110 patients completed follow-up at 2 months and 82 at 6 months. Marked impairment compared to population norms occurred before operation in 7 of 8 domains of health status. Substantial improvement occurred in 5 of 8 domains of health status at 2 months and in 6 of 8 domains at 6 months. Statistically significant improvement was demonstrated in limitations caused by physical and emotional role function, social function, bodily pain, and vitality. Conclusions: Successful operation to correct primary HPT significantly improves patient reported functional health status and quality of life. Most improvement is seen within 2 months, but additional improvement in both physical and mental function is seen at 6 months. (Surgery 1998;124:987-92.)
Plasmapause response to geomagnetic storms: CRRES results

[1] The response of the plasmapause following a geomagnetic storm is examined statistically using plasmapause observations made by the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) plasma wave receiver instrument. The plasmapause was identified as the inner most steep density gradient. Due to CRRES' 10-hour orbital period, the plasmapause is generally sampled at two distinct local time sectors each orbit. The results from a study of 22 storms (with minimum Dst < −30 nT) show that the plasmapause generally moves earthward one L in the night and dawnside following a storm sudden commencement but is highly variable and statistically moves out in the dusk sector. This new result emphasizes that the plasmapause can have significant local time asymmetries that are amplified due to storm dynamics.
Does coronary artery calcification scoring still have a role in practice

Despite more than 2 decades of use and data from hundreds of thousands of patients, the test remains poorly understood.
13C NMR spectroscopy of amorphous hydrogenated carbon nitride

Abstract The 13 C NMR spectra of chemical vapor deposited amorphous hydrogenated carbon nitride thin films were measured and a number of sharp lines superimposed on top of a broad peak were observed. These sharp lines have been interpreted as arising from nanocrystals of nitrogen-containing aromatic rings terminated by amino groups. The concentration of these nanocrystals increases with increasing nitrogen concentration and decreases with thermal annealing. These nanocrystals are responsible for the increased structural order in these films. Similar nanocrystals are probably present in sputtered carbon nitride thin films. There is no 13 C NMR evidence of any phase of crystalline carbon nitride in either the chemical vapor deposited or sputtered films.
Spinal accessory nerve monitoring in selective and modified neck dissection.

Objectives: To determine whether a threshold increase in current is required to stimulate the spinal accessory nerve (SAN), comparing current on initial identification of the SAN and after completion of the dissection and before closure for selective neck dissection (SND), zones 1, 2, and 3, and modified radical neck dissection (MRND), zones 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, and compare clinical outcome measures for “shoulder syndrome” for SND and MRND. Study Design: Prospective study of 22 consecutive patients receiving SND or MRND by one surgeon at one institution. Methods: Electrophysiologic recording of current on initial identification of the SAN was compared with the current recorded at the completion of the procedure and before closure for SND and MRND. Clinical correlation measured and compared parameters of “shoulder syndrome” (shrug, flexion, abduction, winging, and pain) for SND and MRND at 2 months. Results: Zero of 11 (0%) patients with SND and 3 of 11 (27%) patients with MRND had significant threshold increases (>0.4 mAmp) on completion of the dissection. One of 11 (9%) patients with SND and 3 of 11 (27%) with MRND had less than 90 degrees of shoulder abduction, scapular winging, or significant pain. Conclusions: Electrophysiologic integrity of the SAN does not completely correlate with clinical outcome measures for “shoulder syndrome.” It is significant that 17 of 19 (89%) patients without an electrophysiologic threshold increase did not develop “shoulder syndrome.” This study demonstrated less electrophysiologic threshold shift and “shoulder syndrome” with SND compared with MRND.
Redistribution of land in Solon, fragment 34 West

οἱ δ᾿ ὲφ᾿ άρπαγῆισιν ἧλθον ὲλπίδ᾿ eἶχον ἀφνeήν, κάδόκ[e]ον ἕκαστος αύτῶν ὅλβον eύρήσeιν πολύν, καί μe κωτίλλοντα λeίως τραχὺν ὲκφανeῖν νόον. χαῦνα μὲν τότ᾿ ὲφράσαντο, νῦν δέ μοι χολούμeνοι λοξὸν ὀφθαλμοῖς όρῶσιν πάντeς ὥστe δήϊον. οὺ χρeών ἃ μὲν γὰρ eἶπα, σὺν θeοῖσιν ἤνυσα, ἄ‹λλ›α δ᾿ οὺ μάτην ἔeρδον, οὺδέ μοι τυραννίδος άνδάνeι βίηι τι[..].e[ι]ν, οὺδὲ πιeί[ρ]ης χθονὸς πατρίδος κακοῖσιν ὲσθλοὺς ἰσομοιρίην ἔχeιν
Big projects, big problems.

Our environmental concerns prompt launching large monitoring programs. Examining the history and accomplishments of similar endeavors is the best way to avoid errors. One lesson taught by the oldest and largest survey of national renewable resources in the United States, the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, is that the program itself is not capable of learning from its errors. Among other problems that beset big programs are unrealistic promises. It is not possible to inventory “every animal and plant species in the United States and their habitats” as the newly created National Biological Survey vows to do. Even if it were possible, this would hardly help to attain the ultimate goal of the Survey, survival of all species. In his request to fund the Survey, Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt, compared the conflict between economic development and environmental integrity with train wrecks. This metaphor is as brilliant as it is deceitful. Its brilliance, attested by the success with the press and legislature, is in a vivid and blithe image suggesting that, given sufficient information, the conflict could be averted. After all, railroad accidents are rare and avoidable exceptions. This hopeful situation cannot be honestly compared with the plight of our environment. The crucial piece of information — that there is no spare track for economic development — is readily available. Our population and economic growth take place in the same space that has already been fully occupied by other species. To be trustworthy, monitoring programs should face the reality that development necessitates environmental degradation.
Thermal and mechanical damping of solar p-modes

Nonadiabatic effects associated with the transfer of energy and with turbulent stresses add small imaginary parts, ω_i^(1) and ω_i^(2), to solar p-mode eigenfrequencies. Numerical calculations have shown that these quite different processes make comparable contributions to ωi at frequencies well below the acoustic cutoff at ω_(ac). We derive analytic expressions which reveal the connection between ω_i^(1) and ω_i^(2). Our estimates yield ω_i ∝ ω^8 for ω « ω_(ac), in good agreement with the numerical calculations. However, the observed line width is proportional to ω^(4.2) at low frequencies. We suspect that there is an unmodeled component of perturbed convective energy transport or of turbulent viscosity that makes an important contribution to ω_i at ω « ω_(ac).
Effects of the Alvenus Oil Spill clean-up technique on beach profiles, Galveston, Texas

The event of Alvenus Oil Spill along the Gulf coast of Texas and the clean-up technique of the spill is briefly described and evaluated in terms of beach profile changes. Recommendations are made as to whether the cleaning technique be used for future spill clean-up operations on sandy beaches elsewhere.
The fine structure of the thymus of the fetal and neonatal monkey (Macaca mulatta).

The morphologic features of the fetal and neonatal thymus were investigated by light and electron microscopy to determine developmental changes. Primitive epithelial cells differentiate into reticular epithelial cells, medullary epithelial cells, elongated epithelial cells, Hassall's corpuscles and cysts. Thymocytes first appear at 50 days fetal age and the number of thymocytes is amplified from 75–150 days fetal age. Minor differences between the fetal thymus of the monkey and that of other species were observed. Possible functions for the various cellular components of the fetal monkey thymus are discussed.
Synthesis of steroidal D-ring fused pyrazolines: Study of regiochemistry of addition

Abstract The addition of diphenylnitrilimine and C-o-chlorodiphenylnitrilimine to 3β-hydroxyandrost-5,16-diene ( 3b ) produced a 1/1 ratio of regioisomeric, 1,3-diaryl-2-pyrazolines ( 6a, 7a and 6b, 7b ), wheras the addition of N-o-chlorodiphenylnitrilimine gave a 5/1 ratio in favor of the [17α, 16α-d] regioisomer ( 7c ). To further delineate the factors governing the regiochemistry of addition of diphenylnitrilimines to steroid 16-enes, additions were carried out on 16-acetyl-5α-androst-16-ene ( 5b ) and 1-acetylcyclopentene ( 10 ).
On the Origin of Magnetic Helicity in the Solar Corona

Twenty-three active regions associated with pronounced sigmoidal structure in Yohkoh soft X-ray observations are selected to investigate the origin of magnetic helicity in the solar corona. We calculate the radial magnetic flux of each polarity, the rate of magnetic helicity injection, and total flux of the helicity injection ( -->? HLCT) over 4-5 days using MDI 96 minute line-of-sight magnetograms and a local correlation tracking technique. We also estimate the contribution from differential rotation to the overall helicity budget ( -->? Hrot). It is found that of the seven active regions for which the flux emergence exceeds -->1.0 ? 1022 Mx, six exhibited a helicity flux injection exceeding -->1.0 ? 1043 Mx2 (i.e., -->? H = ? HLCT ? ? Hrot). Moreover, the rate of helicity injection and the total helicity flux are larger (smaller) during periods of more (less) increase of magnetic flux. Of the remaining 16 active regions, with flux emergence less than 1022 Mx, only 4 had significant injection of helicity, exceeding 1043 Mx2. Typical contributions from differential rotation over the same period were 2-3 times smaller than that of the strong magnetic field emergence. These statistical results signify that the strong emergence of magnetic field is the most important origin of the coronal helicity, while horizontal motions and differential rotation are insufficient to explain the measured helicity injection flux. Furthermore, the study of the helicity injection in nineteen newly emerging active regions confirms the result on the important role played by strong magnetic flux emergence in controlling the injection of magnetic helicity into the solar corona.
Generation of polymerase chain reaction-specific probes for library screening using single degenerate primers

Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were made to peptide sequences from hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) from Nitrosomonas europaea. The primers were used singly in PCR reactions to amplify portions of the gene for HAO from genomic DNA. Southern hybridizations using fragments amplified with each primer showed that they labeled the same genomic DNA fragments. The PCR-amplified fragments were successfully used to screen a gene library for clones containing the HAO gene. The method of isolating genes by PCR with single primers has general utility.
Effect of the Coupling Between the Longitudinal and Transverse Displacements on the Dynamics of Rotating Curved Beams

In this investigation, the effect of the neglect of the coupling between the longitudinal and transverse displacements in the assumed mode shapes of rotating curved beams is examined. A comparative study is presented to compare between the use of classical approximation techniques and the finite element method in the dynamics of initially-curved beams that undergo finite rotations
Clogged systems and toxic assets: news metaphors, neoliberal ideology, and the United States "Wall Street Bailout" of 2008

The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, also known as the “Wall Street Bailout,” authorized the allocation of $700B US to address the financial crisis of 2008. The “bailout” did not pass easily; members of the United States Congress reported feedback from angry constituents urging them to vote against it, and the measure failed its first vote in the House of Representatives. This essay focuses on metaphors used in public discourse to describe the “bailout” in the ten days between its introduction to Congress and its failure in the House. Advocates of the economic stimulus plan relied on metaphors that evacuated human agency, portraying the plan as an emergency measure necessitated by crises such as illness, natural disasters, and mechanical failures. Opponents to the plan extended and modified the administration’s metaphors to communicate a critique of the transfer of federal funds to private entities for the good of the public.
Precocious recovery from allotype suppression in transiently chimeric rabbits.

Abstract Rabbits suppressed for paternal immunoglobulin allotypes specified by the b locus were injected with spleen cells from non-inbred donors at the age of 1 month. This resulted in transient chimerism as shown by the appearance of 10 to >200 μg of donor type Ig per milliliter recipient's serum 1 to 2 weeks after cell transfer. Antibody production by donor cells could not be demonstrated during their survival in the recipients. If, and only if, the donor cells produced Ig of the suppressed allotype, the release from suppression was expedited as judged by the time of appearance and increase of lymphoid cells with membrane-bound Ig of the suppressed type, and also by the onset and rise of secreted Ig of this type in the recipients' sera.
Family Members' Reports of Abuse in Michigan Nursing Homes

The objective of this article is to describe abuse and neglect of adults age 65 and older in Michigan nursing homes, as reported by members of their families. Using list-assisted random-digit dialing, data on abuse and neglect for a 12-month period were collected from individuals who had a relative age 65 or older in a Michigan nursing home. Of the nursing home residents represented in this analysis, the majority were female, Caucasian, and widowed. Neglect and caretaking mistreatment were the most frequent types of abuse reported. Comparison of these data with data from the National Ombudsman Reporting System suggests that family members constitute a sensitive source of data on abuse in nursing homes.
A 6mW 480MHz continuous time ΣΔ modulator with 65dB DR over 5MHz bandwidth in 65nm CMOS

A second order, single-bit CT ΣΔ ADC with 480MHz sampling frequency and 5MHz input signal bandwidth is presented. The ADC achieves 65dB DR in 65nm standard digital CMOS technology. The proposed implementation has a highly optimized quantizer, feedback path and clock circuitry leading to 4mA of current consumption and 0.11mm of area. The Figure of Merit for the design is 0.478pJ/conv.
Sources of CAM3 vorticity bias during northern winter from diagnostic study of the vorticity equation

CAM3 (Community Atmosphere Model version 3) simulation bias is diagnosed using the vorticity equation. The study compares CAM3 output with ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts) 40 year reanalysis (ERA-40) data. A time mean vorticity bias equation is also formulated and the terms are grouped into categories: linear terms, nonlinear terms, transient contributions, and friction (calculated as a residual). Frontal cyclone storms have much weaker band passed kinetic energy and enstrophy in CAM3. The downstream end of the North Atlantic storm track (NAST) has large location error. While the vorticity equation terms have similar amplitude ranking in CAM3 and ERA-40 at upper levels, the ranking differs notably in the lower troposphere. The linear and friction terms dominate the vorticity bias equation. The transient terms contribute along the storm track, but the nonlinear terms are generally much smaller, with the primary exception being over the Iberian peninsula. Friction is much stronger in CAM3. As evidence, nearly all wavelengths (including the longest planetary waves) have smaller amplitude in CAM3 than in ERA-40 vorticity data. Negative near surface vorticity tendency bias on the European side of the Arctic is linked to the NAST track error (evident in the divergence term). CAM3 misses the Beaufort high in sea level pressure (SLP) due to low level warm temperature bias, too little vortex compression, and to too little horizontal advection of negative vorticity compared with ERA-40. Generally lower SLP values in CAM3 over the entire Arctic follow from lower level warm bias in CAM3.
Renal cell carcinoma with intratumoral calcium oxalate crystal deposition in patients with acquired cystic disease of the kidney.

Abstract We describe 2 cases of renal cell carcinoma arising in acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACDK) in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis for more than 5 years and provide a brief review of the complications of ACDK. In both cases, abundant calcium oxalate crystals were observed within the tumors. Histologically, one of the tumors was a conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma. The other tumor was a bilateral papillary renal cell carcinoma. Both tumors were high-grade carcinomas with extensive oncocytic (acidophilic) features. Also noted within the kidneys were cysts with atypical papillary hyperplasia. The clinicopathologic findings along with review of the literature suggest a relationship between tumor growth and calcium oxalate crystal deposition in patients undergoing hemodialysis with ACDK.
A survey of usability evaluation in virtual environments: classification and comparison of methods

Virtual environments (VEs) are a relatively new type of human-computer interface in which users perceive and act in a three-dimensional world. The designers of such systems cannot rely solely on design guidelines for traditional two-dimensional interfaces, so usability evaluation is crucial for VEs. This paper presents an overview of VE usability evaluation to organize and critically analyze diverse work from this field. First, we discuss some of the issues that differentiate VE usability evaluation from evaluation of traditional user interfaces such as GUIs. We also present a review of some VE evaluation methods currently in use, and discuss a simple classification space for VE usability evaluation methods. This classification space provides a structured means for comparing evaluation methods according to three key characteristics: involvement of representative users, context of evaluation, and types of results produced. Finally, to illustrate these concepts, we compare two existing evaluation approaches: testbed evaluation (Bowman, Johnson, & Hodges, 1999) and sequential evaluation (Gabbard, Hix, & Swan, 1999).
The role of nonenzymatic glycation and carbonyls in collagen cross-linking for the treatment of keratoconus.

Purpose. Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is a treatment for keratoconus that eliminates the need for keratoplasty in most patients. However, its molecular mechanisms remain under study. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been suggested by many studies as the causative strengthening agent during CXL, though no studies to date have directly tested this hypothesis. Methods. Corneas of young rabbits and sharks were pretreated with pyridoxal hydrochloride and copper ions before CXL. Two known inhibitors of AGE formation, aminoguanidine and rifampicin, were applied during CXL in the treatment solution. Tensile strength tests were conducted after these experiments to detect diminished or accentuated corneal stiffening after CXL. SDS-PAGE was performed on type I collagen cross-linked in the absence and presence of AGE inhibitors. Results. Pretreatment with pyridoxal hydrochloride resulted in significantly higher corneal stiffening after CXL. AGE inhibitors significantly diminished cross-linking as detected by both tensile strength measurements using whole corneas and gel electrophoresis of in vitro cross-linking of type I collagen in solution, in the presence and absence of the inhibitors. Rifampicin inhibited CXL more significantly than aminoguanidine in gel electrophoresis and tensile strength tests, confirming recent findings on its efficacy as an AGE inhibitor. Conclusions. Data presented here suggest that CXL is carbonyl dependent and involves the formation of AGE cross-links. Six possible cross-linking mechanisms are discussed.
Bayesian methods in clinical trials: a Bayesian analysis of ECOG trials E1684 and E1690

Background E1684 was the pivotal adjuvant melanoma trial for establishment of high-dose interferon (IFN) as effective therapy of high-risk melanoma patients. E1690 was an intriguing effort to corroborate E1684, and the differences between the outcomes of these trials have embroiled the field in controversy over the past several years. The analyses of E1684 and E1690 were carried out separately when the results were published, and there were no further analyses trying to perform a single analysis of the combined trials.
Specific inhibition of endotoxin coating of red cells by a human erythrocyte membrane component.

We have isolated from human erythrocyte ghosts a fraction which prevents the attachment of unheated as well as heated lipopolysaccharides of gram-negative bacteria to red cells. This material has no significant inhibitory effect either toward the Vi antigen of gram-negative bacteria or towards the group and common antigens of the gram-positive bacteria investigated. We, therefore, named this fraction “lipopolysaccharide receptor.” The receptor interacts with lipopolysaccharides and not with erythrocytes, it forms complexes with and blocks those groupings of lipopolysaccharides which attach to red cells. The effect of the receptor is physical and not enzymatic. The interaction of the receptor with the lipopolysaccharides is reversible, and the receptor removes lipopolysaccharides fixed to red cells. An equilibrium of lipopolysaccharide distribution between cells and receptor is established when receptor-lipopolysaccharide complexes are incubated with red cells. The receptor is labile toward heat and deviation of the hydrogen ion concentration from neutrality; aldehydes destroy its inhibitory activity.
Urinary NGAL is a useful clinical biomarker of HIV-associated nephropathy

Background. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) is expressed by kidney tubules that are acutely damaged, but few studies have investigated the association of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) with different forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD). HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a progressive form of CKD characterized by collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and microcytic tubular dilatation that typically leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods. Previously, we reported that microcystic tubular dilatations specifically expressed NGAL RNA, implying that the detection of uNGAL protein could mark advanced HIVAN. To test this idea, we performed a comparative study of diverse proteinuric glomerulopathies in 25 patients who were HIV positive. Results. Eighteen patients had HIVAN and seven had other glomerulopathies (four membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, one membranous glomerulonephritis, one amyloid and one malarial GN). HIVAN and non-HIVAN patients did not differ with respect to age, ethnicity, serum creatinine, estimated GFR, proteinuria or the prevalence of hypocomplementemia (6 versus 29%, P = 0.18), but HIVAN patients were less likely to have HCV infections. HIVAN patients expressed 4-fold higher levels of uNGAL than the patients with other glomerulopathies [387 ± 338 versus 94 ± 101 μg/g urine creatinine (uCr), P = 0.02]. A cutpoint of 121.5 μg uNGAL/g uCr demonstrated 94% sensitivity and 71% specificity for the diagnosis of HIVAN, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.88. Conclusion. In summary, while HIVAN disease is currently diagnosed only by kidney biopsy, uNGAL can distinguish HIVAN from other proteinuric glomerulopathies in the HIV-infected patient, likely because of its specific expression from characteristic microcysts.