cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-FF-I-42: Making Hanging Protocols Work in a Clinical Setting

Purpose: The radiologists at our institution prefer to read bone surveys in a specific order. The specific order allows them to read studies more quickly, and easily perform comparisons between contralateral body parts (e.g. right and left humerus). However, we have four generations of DR equipment from a particular manufacturer, and the DICOM header information for DX objects is inconsistent amongst the systems. Therefore, a hanging protocol was developed to facilitate the hanging of bone survey images in the proper order. Materials and methods: Our PACS system (iSite, Stentor) allows the use of hanging protocols. These protocols use matching series rules to establish hanging orders. Matching series rules were used where DICOM header information was present (i.e. not in a hidden/private field) and consistent. Also, technologists were provided with a schematic detailing the order in which specific images had to be acquired to result in the correct hanging order where matching series rules could not be used. Results: A successful hanging protocol was created using a combination of PACS tools and technologist instruction. The resulting protocol maximized patient comfort, minimized patient movement between table and wall detectors, and was simple enough to ensure a high rate of compliance from technologists. In addition, we provided tools to technologists and supervisors to view their studies in the order it would hang when opened for reading, and to correct studies (via presentation states) where patient safety or comfort required an exception to be made or where a mistake was made by the technologist. Hanging protocols for CR objects were also created. Conclusions: Creation of useful hanging protocols is still possible even when limitations are presented by DICOM header structure and content.
Graduate education on the Internet

The Internet can be advantageous for specialist graduate and research-based teaching and learning. Positive points include: ( a) faculty members can consult students interactively about the choice of material; ( b) students can access/download notes and interact with faculty members, independent of location and time; ( c) students can access web pages put up by other groups working in related areas, and can incorporate them into course projects; ( d) the fact that specialist courses cannot be given in person each term/semester/year becomes relatively unimportant: they can still be studied at other times; ( e) further material, including working programs/models can be prepared/explored as part of undergraduate projects, and/or in collaboration with other institutions. Experience has been gained delivering graduate courses and individual lectures on surface and thin film physics, and quantum physics, during 1996-8 in an international context, and attending and contributing to related workshops. Points needing further discussion and resolution include: accreditation and costing between institutions, the nature and extent of copyright problems, and most useful forms of student interaction. More details can be found at http://venables.asu.edu/grad/index.html.
Impaired Processing of Brief, Rapidly Presented Auditory Cues in Infants With a Family History of Autoimmune Disorder

Studies have shown that individuals with language disorders, such as developmental dyslexia and specific language impairment, exhibit impairments in the processing of brief, successive, or rapidly changing auditory information. It is also the case that a higher rate of autoimmune disorders have been identified in those with language-based learning disorders and, conversely, that individuals with autoimmune disorders show a higher incidence of language-related disorders. The rapid auditory processing (RAP) deficits described for older individuals with language impairments may also be used as a behavioral marker to identify infants at higher risk for language delays. Thus, we were interested in examining RAP abilities in a subset of infants with a positive family history of autoimmune disorders. Eleven infants from our ongoing prospective longitudinal studies were identified based on parental response to a question about the presence of a family history of autoimmune disease and compared to 11 matched controls. The RAP threshold of each infant was assessed at 6 and 9 months of age using a conditioned head-turn procedure (using tone pairs with brief interstimulus intervals) and an auditory-visual habituation-recognition memory task using computer-generated consonant-vowel syllables (/ba/ vs. /da/). A visual habituation-recognition memory task that did not require processing of brief temporal cues was also administered. Group differences emerged on the infant RAP tasks, and on language outcome measures at 12 and 16 months of age. Infants from families with a history of autoimmune disorder had significantly higher (i.e., poorer) RAP thresholds and lower language scores than did control infants, whereas visual discrimination scores did not differ between family history infants and controls. Moreover, when brief auditory cues were necessary for the discrimination of /ba/ vs. /da/, infants with a family history of autoimmune disorder performed significantly more poorly than did controls. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that a similar mechanism, perhaps a neural-immune interaction, may underlie the observed co-occurrence of autoimmune disorders and learning impairments.
Potential of mean force calculation of the free energy of adsorption of Type I winter flounder antifreeze protein on ice

Abstract Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are a unique class of proteins that inhibit ice growth without changing the melting point of ice. In this work, we study the detailed molecular mechanism of interactions between the hydrophobic side of the winter flounder (WF) AFP and two mutants, AAAA and SSSS, in which threonine residues are substituted by serines and alanines, respectively. Umbrella sampling molecular dynamics simulations of the separation of the proteins from the (2 0 1) surface in an explicit water box is carried out to calculate the potential of mean force free energies of adsorption using AMBER10i. We estimate wild-type WF's free energy of adsorption to ice to be about −12.0 kcal/mol. Gas-phase pseudopotential plane-wave calculations of methane adsorption onto select surfaces of ice are also carried out under periodic boundary conditions to address the possible enthalpic role of WF's methyl groups in binding. The contributions of hydrophobic residues to the free energy of adsorption are discussed.
RECENT WRITINGS IN LATE OTTOMAN HISTORY

The books under review here variously demonstrate the progress made in the recent historical writing of the late Ottoman period (c. 1750–1922). They also reflect the problems that persist in this important sub-discipline of the historian's craft. In the West, the writing of Ottoman history began as an offshoot of European history, often the purview of historians interested in the “Eastern Question.” A notable example is William Langer's Diplomacy of Imperialism, a series of essays on various aspects of European diplomacy that gave prominent place to the Ottoman Empire.1 These European specialists, well grounded in their discipline, correctly treated the Ottoman past as part of European history. For all their disciplinary skill, however, they studied the Ottoman experience from the outside, using a rich array of European-language material but not indigenous sources generated from within the Ottoman world. This scholarly pattern began to shift with the appearance of a number of seminal works that opened new paths for research into Ottoman history.2 These studies are still noteworthy for their often extensive use of Ottoman primary sources, especially the writings of the Ottoman chroniclers and contemporary observers. The work of Bernard Lewis was particularly influential, expressing a paradigm that focused on Westernization during the Ottoman 19th century that inexorably—indeed, inevitably—led to the Turkish republican 20th century. Thus, these 1960s works also misdirected the field in a serious manner, creating a set of false assumptions that we live with now, in the present day—namely, all of them worked from the presupposition that “Ottoman Empire” and “Turkey” were synonymous terms. While speaking of the Ottoman past, their real agenda was to discuss the origins of the Turkish nation-state. In so doing, they dumped into the trash bin of history those Ottoman experiences that were not directly related to the formation of the Turkish republic. And so, the histories of the Balkan and Arab provinces of the empire became largely irrelevant and off the Ottoman historians' agenda.
Deflection response models for cracked rigid pavements

The static elastic layer model is customarily used for analyzing deflection measurements and back-calculating pavement layer moduli. Estimation of in-situ layer moduli by means of a mechanistically based iterative technique is known as back-calculation. Despite the fact that the falling weight deflectometer (FWD) load induces a dynamic load, dynamic/impact analysis routines are seldom, because of the mathematical complexity. Dynamic deflection prediction models are developed in this study, which can be used in back-calculation routines. The first step in accomplishing this is to select an appropriate analysis model for which ABAQUS, a general purpose finite-element program, is used. Static and dynamic deflection responses from the ABAQUS model of an uncracked pavement are validated. Following this first step, cracks and joints along with other features of the pavement are modeled in addition to nonlinear behavior of pavement materials. Deflection responses of cracked pavement under a series of increasing loads, assuming linear and nonlinear behavior of base, subbase, and subgrade materials, are computed and compared. After finalizing the model, a synthetic deflection database, specifically with FWD load, is developed relying on a fractional factorial design layout in which thicknesses, layer moduli, and cracks are allowed to vary over a range. Making use of this database, regression equations that predict surface deflection bowls in terms of layer moduli and thicknesses are developed. Deflection equations are validated using field data from two in-service pavements.
Microwave spectrum of (Cyanomethyl) cyclopropane

Abstract The microwave spectrum of (cyanomethyl) cyclopropane has been studied. Only the gauche form of the molecule has been observed. This is consistent with the infrared results where the gauche form is found to be the dominant form (>85%). The rotational constants for the ground vibrational state are (in MHz) A = 10 800.703, B = 2014.942, C = 1835.685. From Stark effect measurements, the dipole moment is found to be 3.89 ± 0.08 D. Rotational transitions in several excited vibrational states also have been measured and assigned.
A model for the simulation of an aqueous dipeptide solution

A model for the simulation of a solution of an alanine dipeptide in water is presented that combines a previous model for bulk water (ST2) with that used in conformational energy studies on small molecules and proteins. The results of a pilot molecular dynamics study indicate that the model leads to reasonable solvent–solute interactions. No evidence is found for substantial changes in the structure or dynamics of the dipeptide in solution as compared to in vacuo. Furthermore, at the elevated temperature examined, there appear to be no significant effects on the dynamics or intermolecular bonding of the water molecules in contact with the solute.
Sketches of science

Chemical Evolution: Origin of the Elements, Molecules and Living Systems. By Stephen F. Mason. Oxford University Press. 1991. Pp.317. a£19.50.
Do Sodium Channel α - α Interactions Contribute to Loss-of-Function Observed in Brugada Syndrome?

The pathogenesis of Brugada Syndrome (BrS) has been associated with mutations in the cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A, resulting in loss-of-function. Recently, the L325R mutation has been proposed to cause BrS through a dominant-negative effect. Dominant-negative effects are usually the consequence of mutant subunits assembling with wild-type (WT) into non-functional channel multimers. In contrast, sodium channel α-subunits are not believed to oligomerize. However, there is increasing evidence suggesting the existence of α-α interactions between sodium channels. Therefore, we tested whether the dominant-negative effect seen in some BrS mutations is due to interactions between sodium channel α-subunits. We co-expressed a dominant-negative BrS mutation, L325R, with WT channels at different molar ratios. Channels containing the mutation alone did not elicit current. When WT and L325R channels were co-transfected in a 1:1 and 4:1 WT:L325R ratios, the normalized peak INa densities were reduced respectively to 29.8±6.2% and 57.3±5.8% of the control WT confirming the dominant-negative effect of this mutation. When using a binomial distribution, our results were fitted best by a configuration suggesting the interaction of two channel monomers. We also investigated the existence of channel-channel interactions using the BrS mutation L567Q. This mutation displays biophysical alterations possibly too small to explain the clinical phenotype. Interestingly, co-expression of L567Q with WT channels produced a significant reduction in INa density which could possibly also be caused by channel-channel interactions and therefore explain the clinical manifestation of the disease. In conclusion, our experiments using BrS mutations, now suggest the idea of a dimerization of sodium channel α-subunits.
Studies of the fragile (X) syndrome in populations of mentally retarded individuals in Hawaii

Three populations of retarded individuals were surveyed and the frequency of the fra (X) was found to be 1.9% in males and 0.3% in females.
DEVELOPMENT POLE THEORY IN A REGIONAL CONTEXT

Economic analysis generally has tended to emphasise how much of a given resource should be allocated to a given end while neglecting the related issue of where the activity in question shall be located. Nevertheless, as Friedmann and Alonso have pointed out, ‘the decision of where to locate a new project is as important as the decision to invest in it. The questions of social justice in the distributions of the fruits of economic development are as important and as difficult in terms of regions as in terms of social classes.’1
First-principles study of the nucleation and stability of ordered precipitates in ternary Al–Sc–Li alloys

Abstract First-principles density functional calculations are used to study the nucleation and stability of L12-ordered precipitates in Al–Sc–Li alloys. For dilute Al alloys, there are three possible ordered L12 precipitates: Al3Sc, Al3Li and an Al3Sc/Al3Li core/shell structure. To calculate the nucleation behavior, information about bulk thermodynamics (both static total energies and vibrational free energies), interfacial energetics and coherency strain is required. The study finds the following: (1) the coherency strain energies for forming coherent interfaces between Al/Al3Sc, Al/Al3Li and Al3Sc/Al3Li are relatively small, owing to the small atomic size mismatches in these systems; (2) the sublattice site preferences of Sc and Li are calculated, and it is demonstrated that Sc and Li share the same sublattice sites in both Al3Sc(L12) and Al3Li(L12), in agreement with recent experimental results; (3) the calculated solubilities of Sc and Li in α-Al alloys are in good agreement with experimental values and, for Sc, agree well with prior first-principles results; (4) the interfacial energies for Al/Al3Sc, Al/Al3Li and Al3Sc/Al3Li for (1 0 0), (1 1 0) and (1 1 1) interfaces are calculated: the values of the Al/Al3Sc interfacial energies are significantly larger than those of the Al/Al3Li and Al3Sc/Al3Li interfaces; (5) combining the bulk and interfacial energies yields the nucleation barriers and critical radii for Al3Sc and Al3Li precipitates; and (6) the energetic stability of the Al3Sc/Al3Li core/shell structure is compared with individual Al3Sc and Al3Li nuclei, and the range of precipitate sizes for which the core/shell structure is energetically favored is determined quantitatively.
THE PERIPHERAL LYMPH NODE HOMING RECEPTOR, LECAM-1, IS INVOLVED IN CD18-INDEPENDENT ADHESION OF HUMAN NEUTROPHILS TO ENDOTHELIUM

The binding of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) to activated vascular endothelium is a crucial step in the recruitment of PMN to an inflammatory site. Studies employing cytokine-activated endothelium in culture have shown that PMN binding involves the CD18 family of leukocyte integrins, but also CD18-independent adhesion mechanism(s) on PMN that have not been defined. We unify here two previously disparate approaches to study cell adhesion events between endothelial cells and leukocytes. We show that antibodies to human LECAM-1, the peripheral lymph node homing receptor that is also expressed on PMN, partially inhibit the adhesion of human PMN not only to HEV in frozen sections of lymph node tissue, but also to cytokine-activated human umbilical vein endothelium in vitro. Inhibition with anti-LECAM-1 antibodies and anti-CD18 antibodies is additive. Furthermore, the anti-LECAM-1 antibodies inhibit the adhesion of CD18-deficient PMN to cytokine activated human endothelial cells. These findings indicate that LECAM-1 and CD18-mediated binding mechanisms are independent, and act coordinately or sequentially to mediate PMN attachment to cytokine activated endothelium.
Circulation Features Over the South Pacific During 10–18 January 1979

Abstract A diagnostic study of the time-averaged large-scale circulation features over the equatorial and South Pacific Ocean during 10–18 January 1979, FGGE SOP-1, is presented. Results are based on ECMWF Level III-b analyses for an area bounded by 10°N, 105°W, 42.5°S and 170°E. During the nine day period, the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) and its accompanying cloud band were quasi-stationary features in the area of study. Analyses of surface pressure, geopotential height, horizontal winds, temperature, relative humidity, vertical p-velocity (ω), horizontal divergence and relative vorticity are presented and discussed. Particular attention is devoted to examining the structure of the SPCZ through the use of vertical cross sections along and across both the west-east (zonal) and northwest-southeast (diagonal) portions of the zone.
Analysis of glipizide binding to normal and glycated human serum albumin by high-performance affinity chromatography.

In diabetes, the elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream can result in the nonenzymatic glycation of proteins such as human serum albumin (HSA). This type of modification has been shown to affect the interactions of some drugs with HSA, including several sulfonylurea drugs that are used to treat type II diabetes. This study used high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) to examine the interactions of glipizide (i.e., a second-generation sulfonylurea drug) with normal HSA or HSA that contained various levels of in vitro glycation. Frontal analysis indicated that glipizide was interacting with both normal and glycated HSA through two general groups of sites: a set of relatively strong interactions and a set of weaker interactions with average association equilibrium constants at pH 7.4 and 37 °C in the range of 2.4–6.0 × 105 and 1.7–3.7 × 104 M−1, respectively. Zonal elution competition studies revealed that glipizide was interacting at both Sudlow sites I and II, which were estimated to have affinities of 3.2–3.9 × 105 and 1.1–1.4 × 104 M−1. Allosteric effects were also noted to occur for this drug between the tamoxifen site and the binding of R-warfarin at Sudlow site I. Up to an 18 % decrease in the affinity for glipizide was observed at Sudlow site I ongoing from normal HSA to glycated HSA, while up to a 27 % increase was noted at Sudlow site II. This information should be useful in indicating how HPAC can be used to investigate other drugs that have complex interactions with proteins. These results should also be valuable in providing a better understanding of how glycation may affect drug-protein interactions and the serum transport of drugs such as glipizide during diabetes.
Evaluation of ISO CRS envelopes relative to U.S. vehicles and child restraint systems

Objectives: The objectives of this study are to use computer simulation to evaluate the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13216-3:2006(E) child restraint system (CRS) envelopes relative to rear seat compartments from vehicles and CRSs in the U.S. market, investigate the potential compatibility issues of U.S. vehicles and CRSs, and demonstrate whether necessary modifications can be made to introduce such a system into compatibility evaluations between U.S. vehicles and CRSs.Methods: Three-dimensional geometry models for 26 vehicles and 16 convertible CRS designs developed previously were used. Geometry models of 3 forward-facing and 3 rear-facing CRS envelopes provided by the ISO were built in the current study. The virtual fit process closely followed the physical procedures described in the ISO standards.Results: The results showed that the current ISO rear-facing envelopes can provide reasonable classifications for CRSs and vehicles, but the forward-facing envelopes do not represent p...
Differences in organization between acute and chronic atrial fibrillation in dogs

Abstract OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine differences in acute and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) “organization” in canine models. BACKGROUND Electrophysiologic changes occur during atrial remodeling, but little is known about how remodeling affects AF organization. We hypothesized that atrial remodeling induced by long-term rapid atrial rates heterogeneously decreases AF organization. METHODS In seven dogs, acute AF was induced by atrial burst pacing, and in eight dogs chronic AF was created by six weeks of continuous rapid atrial pacing. Atrial fibrillation was epicardially mapped from the right atria (RA) and left atria (LA). Atrial cycle length (CL), spatial organization and activation maps were compared. Spatial organization was quantified by an objective signal processing measure between multiple electrograms. RESULTS In acute AF, mean CL was slightly shorter in the LA (124 ± 16 ms) than it was in the RA (131 ± 14 ms) (p CONCLUSIONS Acute and chronic AF exhibit heterogeneous differences in CL, organization and activation patterns. The LA in chronic AF is faster and more disorganized than it is in acute AF. Differences in the models may be due to heterogeneous electrophysiologic remodeling and anatomic constraints. The design of future AF therapies may benefit by addressing the patient specific degree of atrial remodeling.
An Examination of the Possible Benefits for Well-Being Arising from the Social Interactions that Occur while Dog Walking

Although researchers have established that companion animals act as social catalysts by promoting interaction between people, they have not examined the possible beneficial effects for well-being arising from the social interactions that occur while dog walking. The present study examined the relations between dog walkers’ social interactions and two components of psychological well-being. A sample of 987 Canadian dog walkers (18-84 years old) completed an online survey. Results of hierarchical regression analyses revealed that dog walkers who conversed with the people they encountered while dog walking were less lonely, but not less stressed, than those who did not converse with the people they encountered. Findings from closed- and open-ended questions provided insight into the positive benefits dog walkers received from their social interactions while dog walking. This study provides preliminary evidence that the social interactions that occur through dog walking are related to aspects of psychological well-being.
Knockdown of c-Fos suppresses the growth of human colon carcinoma cells in athymic mice

Here we have investigated whether inhibition of c-Fos expression in RKO human colon carcinoma cells (HCCCs) would result in reduced TGFβ1 expression and suppression of tumor growth in athymic mice. We stably transfected RKO cells with c-Fos small interfering RNA (siRNA) or with the corresponding control siRNA. Using these stable cell lines, we demonstrated that siRNA-c-Fos significantly suppressed both AP-1 binding, promoter reporter activity at the proximal AP-1 site in the TGFβ1 promoter, and TGFβ1 production. Further, we established colon cancer xenografts with each of RKO-siRNA-EV, RKO-siRNA-Ctrl and RKO-siRNA-c-Fos cells. By 24 days, the tumor size of RKO-siRNA-c-Fos xenografts was 40% that of either RKO-EV or RKO-siRNA-Ctrl. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) of tumor xenografts demonstrated that siRNA-c-Fos significantly blocked c-Fos expression, and consequently expression of TGFβ1. However, expression of TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 were unaffected. Overall, our results demonstrate that blockade of TGFβ1 production by siRNA-c-Fos effectively suppressed tumor growth in vivo.
Some options for a minimum solar probe

Abstract Smaller and lower cost options of NASA's Solar Probe mission have recently been studied. The difference between these options and the results of earlier studies is dramatic. The motivation for low cost has encouraged the JPL design team to accommodate a smaller scientific payload using innovative multi-functional subsystems. The thermal shield that is synonymous with a close solar mission has been dramatically redesigned to provide multiple functions of shielding, communications, and (on some options) science instrument accommodation. Other new concepts to support the science include a deployable mirror for remote sensing, and a boom mounted platform for a plasma spectrometer (on some options) that will provide a nearly spherical field-of-view for the instrument. The options demonstrate that high performance systems can be designed to accomplish the mission within highly constrained mass, power, and costs.
Chemistry as a Probe of the Structure and Processes in Massive YSO Envelopes

The distribution and composition of the dust and gas surrounding Young Stellar Objects (YSOs) is of continuing interest. Fortunately, rapid advances in observational capa- bilities have led to data of high spatial and spectral resolution, as well as the opportunity to observe in previously unavailable windows using satellites. Such high-quality data have moti- vated enhancements in theoretical models. Key to these models is the chemical evolution of the gas. Since the chemical evolution depends upon temperature, density, and time, the state and history of the source is encoded in the spatial distribution of the chemical abundances. It is possible, using both parametric and detailed physical-chemical modeling, to constrain many source properties, and identify potential reactions of further laboratory interest. Using specific examples, I discuss some successes toward constraining the source properties, as well as challenges posed by current problems. Finally, I discuss the potential effect of infall dynamics and recent laboratory measurements of temperature programmed desorption of ices from grains on inferring source properties.
Significant nonvalence components in heavy quark systems.

Using heavy quark symmetry we construct a QCD energy sum rule for heavy meson systems. The sum rule relates the meson's form factor to the light quark energy distribution amplitude. The results indicate a broad energy distribution implying an appreciable nonvalence content.
Sensory Guillain-Barré syndrome

This report describes a clinical syndrome of a sensory variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). A patient presented at our medical center with symptoms that began two weeks after she had had a normal childbirth. Symptoms included acute, rapidly progressive, and symmetrical sensory loss; areflexia; and mild nonprogressive weakness. Nerve conduction studies done at the time of her admission showed late response abnormalities consistent with GBS. Follow-up studies one week later were consistent with a predominantly sensory neuropathy with minimal motor deficits. Within a few months, both her sensory symptoms and motor weakness had markedly improved. Except for the predominance of sensory rather than motor deficits, these findings are consistent with those of GBS. The case for a sensory variant of GBS is further supported by autopsy findings as described by Dawson and associates.
Parasitoid pressure and the radiation of a gallforming group (Cecidomyiidae: Asphondylia spp.) on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata).

We tested the Enemy Impact Hypothesis, which predicts that communities of one tropic level are organized by the tropic level above. In the case of gallforming insect communities, the hypothesis predicts that gall morphology will diverge, minimizing the number of parasitoids shared among species. We used the monophyletic group of gallforming cecidomyiids (Asphondylia spp.) on creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) to test this hypothesis, predicting that species with thicker gall walls should exclude species of parasitoids with shorter ovipositors and have lower levels of parasitism. Of 17 parasitoid species reared from Asphondylia galls on creosote bush, 9 accounted for over 98% of parasitism. Seven of these 9 species had ovipositors long enough to penetrate 10 of 13 gall morphs measured. There was no significant relationship between gall wall thickness and number of associated parasitoid species (r 2=0.01, P>0.05, n=13). There was no relationship between gall wall thickness and types of parasitoid species colonizing galls: parasitoids with the shortest ovipositors colonized all types of gall morphs and were dominant members of the parasitoid assemblages in galls with the thickest walls. Ultimately, there were no significant differences in percent parasitism among Asphondylia species, regardless of gall wall thickness. We found no difference in numbers of associated parasitoids or percent parasitism in galls with different textures (e.g. hairy versus smooth), different locations on the plant or different phenologies. Our results suggest that enemy impact has not influenced the diversity of this gall community. Gall wall thickness, phenology, location on the plant and surface structure do not appear to influence the distribution of parasitoid species. Other explanations are offered to account for diversity in gall morphology among these species.
Infrared spectra of matrix isolated tin and lead difluorides

Abstract Infrared spectra of matrix isolated tin and lead difluorides are reported. Bands have been assigned to the monomer and dimer species. An M-F stretching mode has been observed for both tin and lead tetrafluoride. The symmetry assignments of the observed bands are discussed for both the monomer and dimer. A third type of species was observed and is thought to result from the reaction of a trapped dimer and a metal atom. Valence force constants and thermodynamic functions were calculated for tin and lead difluoride monomers.
An empirical examination of software development modes

Abstract Organic, embedded, and semidetached are three software development modes conceptualized by Boehm. The presence of these three modes is empirically tested in this study. This study also aims to identify the software development attributes that distinguish these development modes. The identification of these attributes will help us suggest a systematic way to classify a software project based on these attributes into one of the modes.
283 METABOLISM OF PROSTAGLANDIN ENDOPEROXIDE (PGHp) IN HUMAN NEONATAL TISSUES

The endoperoxide PGH2 serves as a common intermediate for the enzymatic production of prostaglandins (PG) E2, F2α, thromboxane (Tx) A2, and prostacyclin (PGI2). These compounds have diverse physiological activities and regulate numerous functions in various tissues and organs. Therefore, the distribution of individual enzymes responsible for the bioconversion of PGH2 into these compounds was investigated. Biopsies from lung, kidney, brain, cardiovascular system (CVS), the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), liver, pancreas and adrenal were obtained within one hour of abortion of human fetuses at 14, 16 and 21 weeks of gestation (WG). (14C) PGH2 was incubated with a microsomal fraction from each tissue homogenate. The products were isolated and identified by thin layer chromatogprahy and scintillation counting. The formation of PGE2, PGF2α, TxA2 (measured as TxB2) and PGI2 (measured as 6-keto PGF1α) in lung and kidney was demonstrated in 16 WG fetus. In addition, the formation of these compounds in the CVS and GIT was detected by 21 WG. Azo analog I inhibited biosynthesis of these compounds in duplicate incubations. The dominating pathway for PGH2 transformation varied among tissues which frequently possesses more than one enzyme catalyzing PGH2. The observation of PGH2 metabolism early in gestation strongly suggests an important role for these hormones in the physiology and maturation of the human fetus.
The effects of truncating long-range forces on protein dynamics

This paper considers the effects of truncating long-range forces on protein dynamics. Six methods of truncation that we investigate as a function of cutoff criterion of the long-range potentials are (1) a shifted potential; (2) a switching function; (3) simple atom-atom truncation based on distance; (4) simple atom-atom truncation based on a list which is updated periodically (every 25 steps); (5) simple group-group truncation based on distance; and (6) simple group-group truncation based on a list which is updated periodically (every 25 steps). Based on 70 calculations of carboxymyoglobin we show that the method and distance of long range cutoff have a dramatic effect on overall protein behavior. Evaluation of the different methods is based on comparison of a simulation's rms fluctuation about the average coordinates, the rms deviation from the average coordinates of a no cutoff simulation and from the X-ray structure of the protein. The simulations in which long-range forces are truncated by a shifted potential shows large rms deviations for cutoff criteria less than 14 A, and reasonable deviations and fluctuations at this cutoff distance or larger. Simulations using a switching function are investigated by varying the range over which electrostatic interactions are switched off. Results using a short switching function that switches off the potential over a short range of distances are poor for all cutoff distances. A switching function over a 5-9 A range gives reasonable results for a distance-dependent dielectric, but not using a constant dielectric. Both the atom-atom and group-group truncation methods based on distance shows large rms deviation and fluctuation for short cutoff distances, while for cutoff distances of 11 A or greater, reasonable results are achieved. Although comparison of these to distance-based truncation methods show surprisingly larger rms deviations for the group-group truncation, contrary to simulation studies of aqueous ionic solutions. The results of atom-atom or group-group list-based simulations generally appear to be less stable than the distance-based simulations, and require more frequent velocity scaling or stronger coupling to a heat bath.
N-Gram Based Filler Model for Robust Grammar Authoring

We propose a technique for rapid speech application development that generates robust semantic context-free grammars (CFG) given rigid CFGs as input. Users' speech does not always conform to rigid CFGs, so robust grammars improve the caller's experience. Our system takes a simple CFG and then generates a hybrid n-gram/CFG that is written in the W3C SRGS format and thus can run in many standard automatic speech recognition engines. The hybrid network leverages an application-independent word n-gram which can be shared across different applications. In addition, our tool allows developers to provide a few example sentences to adapt the n-gram for improved accuracy. Our experiments show the robust CFG has no loss in accuracy for test utterances that can be covered by the rigid CFG, but offers large improvements for cases where the user's sentence cannot be covered by the rigid CFG. It also has a much better rejection for utterances that contain no slot at all. With a few example sentences for adaptation, our robust CFG can achieve the recognition accuracy close to the class-based n-gram LM customized for the application.
Accuracy and precision of the Prodigy AutoCode blood glucose monitor.

Objectives: To assess the accuracy and precision of the Prodigy AutoCode blood glucose monitor. Methods: This open-label, prospective equivalence study was conducted at Wilson Community Health Center in Wilson, North Carolina. Accuracy was assessed by comparing finger stick blood glucose values to venipuncture. Precision was assessed by comparing consecutive finger stick blood glucose values from 2 Prodigy AutoCode monitors. Data were analyzed using paired t tests, signed rank tests, regression, and mixed effect models. Results: Fifty-three subjects completed the study. Meter 1 produced 14 (26%) and meter 2 produced 13 (25%) blood glucose readings outside the acceptable error margin of ±20% set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Neither meter was accurate compared to venipuncture (P < .001 for both). Consecutive blood glucose results obtained from meters 1 and 2 were precise (meter 1 vs 2, P = .533). Conclusions: The Prodigy AutoCode dem...
Effect of Forming Techniques on the Orientation of Platelet Composites

Two forming techniques, i.e., slip casting and dry compaction, have been employed to make SiC(platelet)-A1203 composites. The orientation of SiC platelets in the composites, before and after hot pressing, was studied using optical microscopy and a pole-figure X-ray device. It was found that the preferred orientation in the dry-pressed green bodies increased with increasing pressure, whereas the platelets in the slip cast bodies were close to a random orientation. The pressure during the hot pressing process did, however, align the platelets of slip-cast composites during densification. Optical micrographs confirmed the platelets tend to align with their faces perpendicular to the hot pressing direction. The effect of platelet size on the orientation was also investigated. X-ray analysis showed that small platelets (~ 1.6 μm) do not give rise to preferred orientation both in green and hot pressed bodies; whereas larger platelets (~24 μm) with larger aspect ratio do yield a stronger preferred orientation. The causes for the platelet alignment will be discussed.
Two-frame wide baseline matching

We describe a novel approach to automatically recover corresponding feature points and epipolar geometry over two wide baseline frames. Our contributions consist of several aspects: First, the use of an affine invariant feature, edge-corner, is introduced to provide a robust and consistent matching primitives. Second, based on SVD decomposition of affine matrix, the affine matching space between two corners can be approximately divided into two independent spaces by rotation angle and scaling factor. Employing this property, a two-stage affine matching algorithm is designed to obtain robust matches over two frames. Third, using the epipolar geometry estimated by these matches, more corresponding feature points are determined. Based on these robust correspondences, the fundamental matrix is refined, and a series of virtual views of the scene are synthesized. Finally, several experiments are presented to illustrate that a number of robust correspondences can be stably determined for two wide baseline images under significant camera motions with illumination changes, occlusions, and self-similarities. After testing a number of examples and comparing with the existing methods, the experimental results strongly demonstrate that our matching method outperforms the state-of-art algorithms for all of the test cases.
Laminar: practical fine-grained decentralized information flow control

Decentralized information flow control (DIFC) is a promising model for writing programs with powerful, end-to-end security guarantees. Current DIFC systems that run on commodity hardware can be broadly categorized into two types: language-level and operating system-level DIFC. Language level solutions provide no guarantees against security violations on system resources, like files and sockets. Operating system solutions can mediate accesses to system resources, but are inefficient at monitoring the flow of information through fine-grained program data structures.This paper describes Laminar, the first system to implement decentralized information flow control using a single set of abstractions for OS resources and heap-allocated objects. Programmers express security policies by labeling data with secrecy and integrity labels, and then access the labeled data in lexically scoped security regions. Laminar enforces the security policies specified by the labels at runtime. Laminar is implemented using a modified Java virtual machine and a new Linux security module. This paper shows that security regions ease incremental deployment and limit dynamic security checks, allowing us to retrofit DIFC policies on four application case studies. Replacing the applications' ad-hoc security policies changes less than 10% of the code, and incurs performance overheads from 1% to 56%. Whereas prior DIFC systems only support limited types of multithreaded programs, Laminar supports a more general class of multithreaded DIFC programs that can access heterogeneously labeled data.
Path scheduling on digital microfluidic biochips

Since the inception of digital microfluidics, the synthesis problems of scheduling, placement and routing have been performed offline (before runtime) due to their algorithmic complexity. However, with the increasing maturity of digital microfluidic research, online synthesis is becoming a realistic possibility that can bring new benefits in the areas of dynamic scheduling, control-flow, fault-tolerance and live-feedback. This paper contributes to the digital microfluidic synthesis process by introducing a fast, novel path-based scheduling algorithm that produces better schedules than list scheduler for assays with high fan-out; path scheduler computes schedules in milliseconds, making it suitable for both offline and online synthesis.
Intercept tags: enhancing intercept-based systems

In some virtual reality (VR) systems, OpenGL intercept methods are used to capture and render a desktop application's OpenGL calls within an immersive display. These systems often suffer from lower frame rates due to network bandwidth limitations, implementation of the intercept routine, and in some cases, the intercepted application's frame rate. To mitigate these issues and to enhance intercept-based systems in other ways, we present intercept tags, which are OpenGL geometries that are interpreted instead of rendered. We have identified and developed several uses for intercept tags, including hand-off interactions, display techniques, and visual enhancements. To demonstrate the value of intercept tags, we conducted a user study to compare a simple virtual hand technique implemented with and without intercept tags. Our results show that intercept tags significantly improve user performance and experience.
Late Holocene island reef development on the inner zone of the northern Great Barrier Reef: insights from Low Isles Reef

A sedimentological and stratigraphic study of Low Isles Reef off northern Queensland, Australia was carried out to improve understanding of factors that have governed Late Holocene carbonate deposition and reef development on the inner to middle shelf of the northern Great Barrier Reef. Low Isles Reef is one of 46 low wooded island-reefs unique to the northern Great Barrier Reef, which are situated in areas that lie in reach of river flood plumes and where inter-reef sediments are dominated by terrigenous mud. Radiocarbon ages from surface and subsurface sediment samples indicate that Low Isles Reef began to form at ca 3000 y BP, several thousand years after the Holocene sea-level stillstand, and reached sea-level soon after (within ∼500 years). Maximum reef productivity, marked by the development of mature reef flats that contributed sediment to a central lagoon, was restricted to a narrow window of time, between 3000 and 2000 y BP. This interval corresponds to: (i) a fall in relative sea-level, from ∼1 ...
Cytokines, GM-CSF and IFNγ administered by priming and post-chemotherapy cycling in recurrent ovarian cancer patients receiving carboplatin

Monocyte/macrophages (MO/MA), a polymorphic population of innate immune cells, have the potential to mediate antitumor effects, and may also contribute to protumor effects. A priming and post-chemotherapy schedule of the myeloid cell mobilizing and immune stimulatory growth factor, granulocyte monocyte stimulating factor (GM-CSF, Leukine®) and the MO/MA activating cytokine recombinant interferon gamma 1b (rIFN-γ1b, Actimmune®) has been developed. The pre- and post-chemotherapy design is based upon known in vivo kinetics and immune modulatory effects of these molecules. Carboplatin (Paraplatin®) was selected as the cornerstone of treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We studied hematopoietic and immunologic effects of GM-CSF and rIFN-γ1b before and after carboplatin in patients with recurrent EOC. Potentially chemotherapy-sensitive patients with recurrent measurable tumors received subcutaneous GM-CSF (starting at 400 μg/day) for 7 days plus subcutaneous rIFN-γ1b (100 μg) on days 5 and 7, before and after intravenous carboplatin (area under the curve of 5). We performed standard hematologic assessment and monitored monocyte (MO), dendritic cell, major cell subset counts, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against a Her2neu+ tumor cell line, as well as selected plasma inflammatory cytokine, chemokine and growth factor levels. Our analysis comprised only the first 3 months of treatment in the initial 25 patients. Relative to pretreatment baseline values, white blood cell, neutrophil, MO, and eosinophil counts increased (P ≤ .001 for each); the proportion of platelets increased 9 days after the second (P ≤ .002) and third (P ≤ .04) carboplatin treatments; and the number of cells in the activated MO subsets CD14+HLA-DR+, CD14+CD64+, and CD14+CXCR3+ increased (P ≤ .04 for each); plasma levels of the proangiogenic interleukins 1α, 6, and 8 were lower (P ≤ .03 for each); M-CSF, a product of activated MO/MA, was increased on day 9 (P = .007); and GM-CSF was increased in plasma after GM-CSF administration (P ≤ .04). Quality of life measurements were reduced during the GM-CSF/IFN-γ1b cycle while recovering at pre-chemotherapy baseline for FACT-G scores only. A novel regimen of GM-CSF plus IFN-γ1b administered to 25 EOC patients receiving carboplatin increased myeloid cells, platelets and total activated MO populations during the initial 3 months; however, ADCC responses were not consistently enhanced during this period.
Design and Performance of the Sandia Laboratories Hermes II Flash X-Ray Generator

Pulsed power technology has grown rapidly during the last decade. Particular credit is due to research efforts at United Kingdom Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE). The largest machine presently in operation is the Sandia Laboratories Hermes II which has produced a 170 kA beam of electrons at energies of 12 million volts for times of 100 ns. This paper reviews the design and performance of the Hermes II and includes data from Hermes I, a prototype.