cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LiDAR-Landsat data fusion for large-area assessment of urban land cover: Balancing spatial resolution, data volume and mapping accuracy

Abstract The structural characteristics of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data are increasingly used to classify urban environments at fine scales, but have been underutilized for distinguishing heterogeneous land covers over large urban regions due to high cost, limited spectral information, and the computational difficulties posed by inherently large data volumes. Here we explore tradeoffs between potential gains in mapping accuracy with computational costs by integrating structural and intensity surface models extracted from LiDAR data with Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) imagery and evaluating the degree to which TM, LiDAR, and LiDAR-TM fusion data discriminated land covers in the rapidly urbanizing region of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Using supervised maximum likelihood (ML) and classification tree (CT) methods, we classified TM data at 30 m and LiDAR data and LiDAR-TM fusions at 1 m, 5 m, 10 m, 15 m and 30 m resolutions. We assessed the relative contributions of LiDAR structural and intensity surface models to classification map accuracy and identified optimal spatial resolution of LiDAR surface models for large-area assessments of urban land cover. ML classification of 1 m LiDAR-TM fusions using both structural and intensity surface models increased total accuracy by 32% compared to LiDAR alone and by 8% over TM at 30 m. Fusion data using all LiDAR surface models improved class discrimination of spectrally similar forest, farmland, and managed clearings and produced the highest total accuracies at 1 m, 5 m, and 10 m resolutions (87.2%, 86.3% and 85.4%, respectively). At all resolutions of fusion data and using either ML or CT classifier, the relative contribution of the LiDAR structural surface models (canopy height and normalized digital surface model) to classification accuracy is greater than the intensity surface. Our evaluation of tradeoffs between data volume and thematic map accuracy for this study system suggests that a spatial resolution of 5 m for LiDAR surface models best balances classification performance and the computational challenges posed by large-area assessments of land cover.
First report of rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi on soybean and kudzu in Texas.

The Asian soybean rust fungus, Phakopsora pachyrhizi H. Sydow & Sydow, was found on a 0.4-ha patch of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) near Dayton (Liberty County) in East Texas on November 2, 2005. Nearly 100% of the 300 leaflets examined were diseased with severity ranging from 5 to >100 lesions per leaflet. Eleven soybean fields as much as 20 km away were scouted and no infected plants were found. Asian soybean rust was also found on a 0.4-ha field of soybean (Glycine max cv. Vernal) on February 14, 2006 at the Texas A&M Agricultural Experiment Station in Weslaco (Hidalgo County) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas. Disease incidence was 100% (severity ranging from 5 to >100 lesions per leaflet) on 50 younger plants with green leaves along the edges of the field, whereas most of the plants in this field had senesced. These plants were not symptomatic and were at the R6 stage (full seed) when this field was previously scouted on December 19, 2005. Lesions on leaflets of kudzu and soybean were small an...
Subsurface tissue lesions created using an Nd:YAG laser and a sapphire contact cooling probe.

Background and Objectives This study investigates deep laser coagulation of tissue in combination with contact cooling of the tissue surface for potential use in noninvasive procedures in urology. Study Design/Materials and Methods A laser probe was designed and tested for simultaneous Nd:YAG laser irradiation and sapphire contact cooling of liver and skin tissue samples, ex vivo. Gross and histologic examination was used to quantify thermal lesion dimensions. Results Liver lesions measured 5.5 ± 0.3 mm in diameter, while preserving the tissue surface to a depth of 2.1 ± 0.2 mm (n = 5). Skin lesions measured 4.3 ± 0.9 mm in diameter, while preserving the skin surface to a depth of 1.1 ± 0.2 mm (n = 6). There were no statistical differences in lesion diameter and layer of preserved tissue between contact (sapphire) cooling and prior non-contact (cryogen spray) cooling results for a given tissue type (P > 0.05). Conclusions Noninvasive laser procedures targeting tissue structures for thermal coagulation within a few millimeters of the tissue surface are feasible and may expand the use of combined laser/cooling techniques for applications in urology and general surgery. In vivo animal studies are currently in development to optimize the laser and cooling parameters for potential clinical applications. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:392–396, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tumorigenesis, protooncogene activation, and other gene abnormalities in methyl deficiency

The methyl deficiency model of hepatocarcinogenesis is notable because hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) arise in rodents chronically fed methyl-deficient diets, without intentional or adventitious exposure of the animals to chemical carcinogensJ -5 or genetic manipulations of the animals. 6-9 The tumorigenicity of these diets, therefore, appears to reside solely on effects they have on rodent liver. Unfortunately, a large number and variety of those effects are known, and have been known for some time, w-17 while newly discovered ones are being steadily reported in the literature. This situation obviously complicates the evaluation of and search for which effect(s) contribute(s) to the tumorigenicity of the diets, and, in particular, directly results in, or leads to, the genomic alterations that are responsible for cancer induction. Nonetheless, such an effort is ongoing in several laboratories, and several promising leads and working hypotheses are being pursued at the present time. In this paper we shall review briefly the results obtained by us in this effort, as well as the hypothesis that has been underlying our work. Our studies have been performed on rats fed semi-purified diets, either adequate in choline (CS diet), or essentially devoid of cho-
Demand forecasting errors and the ownership of infrastructure

This article examines the argument that the introduction of more private sector expertise into public sector transportation demand forecasting will improve its accuracy. An examination of a number of pure public and public–private US highway investment traffic demand forecasts, however, finds no significance evidence that latter are more accurate.
Bending of gel beams: method for characterizing elastic properties and permeability

When a saturated gel is deformed, its mechanical response is profoundly influenced by the flow of liquid in its pores. For example, if a gel bar is suddenly deformed in 3-point bending, the liquid cannot immediately flow out of the pores, so the gel initially responds incompressibly; consequently, its deflection provides a measure of its shear modulus, G p , rather than Young's modulus, E p . In this paper, the kinetics of deformation of such a rod are analyzed, showing that it is possible to obtain the permeability, D , of the gel from the time-dependence of the load, as well as finding both G p and E p . Analyses are presented for the time dependence of the load at constant deflection for a square and cylindrical beam, and for load at constant deflection rate for a square beam. The method is applied to determine G p , E p , and D for a silica gel made from tetraethoxysilane.
On the Move: International Migration in Southeast Asia since the 1980s

Migration has been a persistent theme in Southeast Asian labour history and migrants have been either permanent settlers or temporary residents. In the second half of the nineteenth-century migration coincided with European expansion into the region and was linked to economic development and labour market needs. Borders were porous, there was an empire-wide sourcing of labour, and migration regimes were relatively stable. Since the 1980s migration has predominantly comprised intra-Southeast Asian labour flows, is mediated by institutions and involves formal and informal channels. It has resulted in risks for specific categories of migrants and more stringent border controls by the state. Increasing global interdependence nevertheless, has created the conditions for international governance, and consequently, national policies are being shaped by, and respond to, the expanding global governance regime. Crucially, major international organisations such as the United Nations and its ancillary bodies both inform and direct themes in research and directions for policy.
Controlling spurious drift

Abstract We show that linear restrictions can control which forecasts exhibit drift in a Bewley [Econ. Lett. 3 (1979) 357–361] transformation of a vector equilibrium correction (VEC) model. Controlling insignificant but numerically important drift has two benefits. First, it makes forecasts more credible. Second, it can make substantial improvements to forecast accuracy.
Magnetism in and near YBa2Cu3O7 vortex cores and its field dependence

Abstract μSR vortex data of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ (YBCO) are examined to determine the field dependence of antiferromagnetism (AF) in and near the vortex cores. Field distributions are obtained using maximum entropy. The vortex signal is best fitted by a Lorentzian indicating AF in and near the vortex cores. The field dependence of the YBCO AF Lorentzian linewidth qualitatively agrees with theoretical predictions.
Newton–Raphson/log-derivative method for finding eigenenergies

Abstract The Newton–Raphson method for accelerating convergence is combined with the log-derivative propagator to yield an efficient method for finding eigenenergies; some numerical examples are given.
Comparison of postoperative facial nerve outcomes between translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid approaches in matched-pair patients.

Objectives/Hypothesis: The objective was to assess whether the translabyrinthine approach for acoustic tumor removal offers better postoperative facial nerve function compared with the retrosigmoid approach. Study Design: Retrospective case review from a tertiary otology referral center. Methods: Patients who had undergone either retrosigmoid or translabyrinthine approach for removal of acoustic neuroma from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1999, were included in the study. Two groups of patients were created, one containing retrosigmoid cases and the other, translabyrinthine. Attempts were made to match each retrosigmoid case to a translabyrinthine case with regard to tumor size, patient age, and date of operation. This matching served to eliminate these variables from influencing postoperative facial nerve outcomes. From an initial pool of 450 patients, 35 pairs of patients were matched for the study. Facial nerve functions were reported at immediate, 3-month, and 1-year postoperative periods. Results: Patient demographics demonstrated that matched patients had almost identical tumor size, patient age, and date of operation. Comparisons of postoperative facial nerve functions between the matched groups revealed that retrosigmoid approach carried 2.86 times higher risk of facial nerve dysfunction during the immediate postoperative period. However, by 1 year, the facial nerve outcomes were similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Compared with the translabyrinthine approach, retrosigmoid approach carries a higher risk of postoperative facial nerve dysfunction during the immediate postoperative period. However, long-term facial nerve outcomes are identical between the two approaches.
Fabrication of inkjet printed organic photovoltaics on flexible Ag electrode with additives

Abstract In this paper, we describe organic photovoltaics (OPVs) based on flexible thin film Ag anodes that are fabricated using a controlled deposition of photoactive layer by inkjet printing. The inkjet printed OPV photo-active layer is a P3HT:PCBM blend incorporated with a high boiling point additive, 1,6-hexanedithiol which serves to allow improved morphology. The devices show comparable power conversion efficiency to those fabricated using spin-coating techniques. Optimization of procedures for OPV fabrication without ITO electrodes or spin-coating of the active layer is a vital step towards realizing the potential of OPVs for mass production.
A non-linear non-holonomic formulation of the Appell-Hamel problem

Abstract The Appell-Hamel non-holonomic problem which is intrinsically linear, has been formulated by the same authors as a non-linear problem by means of a limiting procedure. This limiting process has been shown to be incorrect, in addition to being unnecessary in problems with rolling-type contact, where the constraint relations are known to be linear. It is well established however, that there exist non-linear non-holonomic constraints that arise from sources other than rolling-type contact. In order to be able to study the effect of constraints that arise from sources other than rolling, the Appell-Hamel problem is reformulated in terms of non-linear non-holonomic constraints, leading to the same results as the linear formulation, thus validating the non-linear analysis. A complete set of constants of the motion are derived, and limiting motions are investigated. The paper concludes with a description of the general method of solution to determine the time-history of the generalized coordinates. It ends with a detailed discussion of the numerical integration of the equations of motion.
Cervical Spine Injury, Hockey Helmets, and Face Masks

Over the past 30 years hockey players began wearing helmets and face masks. Cervical spine injury, with an incidence of 15 cases per year, began to be reported in the 1980s. Cervical spine trauma had not been reported before then. After review of the literature, there seems to be a consensus of opinion that the style of play that is allowed a player with head protection may actually increase the chances of cervical spinal trauma.
The role of vitamin E in cellular energy metabolism in cultured adrenocortical cells

AC1 cells, a bovine adrenocortical cell clone, are rapidly arrested and killed by 2 mM aminooxyacetate, an inhibitor of transmination reactions. Toxicity of aminooxyacetate to cultured bovine adrenocortical cells was previously linked to a high ratio of capacity for oxidation of glutamine relative to pyruvate and was reversible by adding excess glutamine. The toxic effects of aminooxyacetate were shown in the present study to be completely prevented by the simultaneous addition of low concentrations (<100 nM) of d-α-tocopherol (vitamin E) or selenious acid or higher concentration of other tocopherols, antioxidants, and ubiquinones (coenzymes Q6 and Q10). When antioxidant analogs were tested, it was found that structural features of the molecules that increase antioxidant potency increased potency for prevention of aminooxyacetate toxicity. α-Tocopherol-supplemented AC1 cells were found to be significantly less sensitive than nonsupplemented cells to growth inhibition by rotenone but not by fluorocitrate or dinitrophenol. Dinitrophenol (100 mM) stimulated substrate oxidation fivefold but had relatively slight effects on growth, either with or without α-tocopherol, indicating that limitation of the maximal activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and respiratory chain is probably not responsible for the sensitivity to aminooxyacetate and rotenone in cells not supplemented with α-tocopherol. Sensitivity to growth inhibition by rotenone and the prevention by ubiquinones of aminooxyacetate toxicity suggest a restriction of electron flow at the NADH-ubiquinone step. The resultant higher NADH/NAD+ ratio would result in a lowered capacity for metabolism of pyruvate with consequent dependence for tricarboxylic acid cycle function and energy production on 2-oxoglutarate from glutamine by the transmination pathway. Vitamin E and other antioxidants may restore efficient function of ubiquinone by preventing side reactions involving lipid peroxidation. Selenium may have a similar effect as cofactor for glutathione peroxidase. A high ratio of capacity for oxidation of glutamine relative to pyruvate and accompanying sensitivity to aminooxyacetate may reflect a deficiency of vitamin E and selenium in adrenocortical cells in culture.
Additional NMR data on compounds of the type cis-Ti(AA)2X2

Abstract Previous work has shown that cis -disubstituted (acac) 2 titanium (IV) complexes exist in solution as nonrigid molecules [1]. These studies were followed by variable temperature 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The spectra shows that for the dialkoxy and dihalo complexes the acetylacetonate (acac) rings exchange the methyl groups between the two nonequivalent sites of the cis isomer. These rearrangements take place via an intramolecular rearrangement: both twisting and one bond rupture mechanisms have been suggested for these stero-chemical rearrangements [2-4].
Orbital debris risk analysis and survivability enhancement for Freedom Station manned modules

This paper briefly reviews how 'probability of penetration' analyses are currently performed at NASA, and discusses extension of this procedure to a 'probability of loss' analysis through identifying penetration hazards and failure modes. It goes on to discuss alternatives for increasing crew safety through redesign and/or augmentation of interior manned module systems, and describes an elementary analysis maximizing crew safety considering one identified penetration-induced failure mode (depressurization) and one interior design factor (number of hatches open).
A pilot study of preirradiation chemotherapy and 1800 cGy craniospinal irradiation in young children with medulloblastoma.

Abstract Purpose Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) is necessary in the treatment of medulloblastoma, although it results in significant long-term sequelae, particularly in young children. We prospectively evaluated the feasibility of giving preirradiation chemotherapy followed by 1800 cGy CSI to young children with localized medulloblastoma. Methods and materials Between January 1993 and July 1997, 7 consecutive patients (age, 20–64 months) with M0 medulloblastoma were enrolled. After surgical resection, patients received 4 months of multiagent chemotherapy followed by 1800 cGy CSI and 5400 cGy to the posterior fossa. Results Median follow-up is 8.9 years. No patient developed progressive disease during chemotherapy. One patient developed widespread metastatic recurrence 2 months after completing radiation therapy and died. Two additional patients developed isolated frontal horn relapses 32 and 36 months after initial diagnosis and received further irradiation and chemotherapy. Both of these patients remain alive 7.1 and 3.6 years from the time of recurrence. Four of the six survivors have endocrine deficits. All of the survivors require special assistance in school. Conclusions Craniospinal irradiation doses of 1800 cGy may not be adequate to prevent exoprimary recurrences. Despite the CSI dose reduction, neuroendocrine and neurocognitive sequelae are substantial.
Halogen chemistry as an indicator of metamorphic fluid interaction with the Ponder pluton, Coast Plutonic Complex, British Columbia, Canada

During hydrothermal fluid activity associated with the intrusion of the Ponder pluton, Coast Plutonic Complex, British Columbia, Canada, the halogen composition of biotite, amphibole and apatite is controlled by the composition of the metamorphic fluid. The core of the pluton was not affected by infiltrating fluids, and the fluorine composition of biotite was controlled by the biotite Fe-Mg ratio. The edge of the cooling, crystallized pluton interacted with a chlorine-rich, fluorine-poor fluid which changed the halogen composition of biotite and amphibole. The composition of the metamorphic fluid derived from biotite and apatite compositions was relatively high in chlorine and low in fluorine. The concentration of chlorine in the metamorphic fluid increases towards the pluton, whereas fluorine remains constant. This suggests that the metamorphic fluid near the pluton had the greatest potential for masstransfer of metals.
Analysis of HIF-1a and its regulator, PHD2, in retroperitoneal sarcomas: clinico-pathologic implications.

Hypoxia is known to play important role in cancer biology. In sarcomas, hypoxia-induced protein biomarkers such as Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1a (HIF-1a), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Erythropoietin (Epo) have been previously reported in only a few studies. Moreover, the biologic significance and relationship to tumorigenesis of these hypoxia-induced biomarkers is not well understood in the context of sarcoma. The HIF negative regulator, Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain protein 2 (PHD2) has not been evaluated in sarcomas. We examined the expression of PHD2, HIF-1a, and several other hypoxia induced biomarkers in a series of clinically characterized, retroperitoneal sarcomas with immunohistochemical methods. Expression of these proteins was analyzed and correlated with clinical outcome. Increased HIF-1a expression was associated with shorter overall and disease free survival. PHD2 expression was detected in the majority of sarcoma cases, with increased expression correlating with high tumor ...
Influence of gestational age on death and neurodevelopmental outcome in premature infants with severe intracranial hemorrhage

Influence of gestational age on death and neurodevelopmental outcome in premature infants with severe intracranial hemorrhage
Treatment of Fungal Infections with Semisynthetic Derivatives of Amphotericin B

AME appeared to be as effective as AmB in the treatment of mycoses in humans. AME was much less nephrotoxic than AmB, and was better tolerated in terms of rapid onset and reversible adverse reactions. AME may be more ototoxic than AmB. AME, even as AmB and OAME, may cause neurotoxicity and leukoencephalopathy, particularly when high doses are given for long periods.
Separation of Cimicifuga racemosa Triterpene Glycosides by Reversed Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Evaporative Light Scattering Detection

The main triterpene glycosides ofCimicifuga racemosa were separated by reversed phase HPLC, using a C-18 column, Evaporative Light Scattering (ELS) detection and a grient system consisting of water, acetonitrile and reagent alcohol. Within 35 min three main glycosides could be separated and quantified in the methanolic root extract with detection limits of 10.5, 15.6 and 31.6 μg·mL−1 respectively. The method was successfully used, to analyzed differentCimicifuga racemosa market products, as well as to distinguish between otherCimicifuga samples from China.
Evolution of the configuration database design

The BABAR experiment at SLAC successfully collects physics data since 1999. One of the major parts of its on-line system is the configuration database which provides other parts of the system with the configuration data necessary for data taking. Originally the configuration database was implemented in the Objectivity/DB ODBMS. Recently BABAR performed a successful migration of its event store from Objectivity/DB to ROOT and this prompted a complete phase-out of the Objectivity/DB in all other BABAR databases. It required the complete redesign of the configuration database to hide any implementation details and to support multiple storage technologies. In this paper we describe the process of the migration of the configuration database, its new design, implementation strategy and details.
Estimation and inference on correlations between biomarkers with repeated measures and left‐censoring due to minimum detection levels

Statistical approaches for estimating and drawing inference on the correlation between two biomarkers that are repeatedly assessed over time and subject to left-censoring because minimum detection levels are lacking. We propose a linear mixed-effects model and estimate the parameters with the Monte Carlo expectation maximization (MCEM) method. Inferences regarding the model parameters and the correlation between the biomarkers are performed by applying Louis's method and the delta method. Simulation studies were conducted to compare the proposed MCEM method with existing methods including the maximum likelihood estimation method, the multiple imputation method, and two widely used ad hoc approaches: replacing the censored values with the detection limit or with half of the detection limit. The results show that the performance of the MCEM with respect to relative bias and coverage probability for the 95% confidence interval is superior to the detection limit and half of the detection limit approaches and exceeds that of the multiple imputation method at medium to high levels of censoring, and the standard error estimates from the MCEM method are close to ideal. The maximum likelihood estimation method can estimate the parameters accurately; however, a nonpositive definite information matrix can occur so that the variances are not estimable. These five methods are illustrated with data from a longitudinal human immunodeficiency virus study to estimate and draw inference on the correlation between human immunodeficiency virus RNA levels measured in plasma and in cervical secretions at multiple time points. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a Keystroke Biometric System for Continual Authentication of Computer Users

Data windows of keyboard input are analyzed to continually authenticate computer users and verify that they are the authorized ones. Because the focus is on fast intruder detection, the authentication process operates on short bursts of roughly a minute of keystroke input, while the training process can be extensive and use hours of input. The biometric system consists of components for data capture, feature extraction, authentication classification, and receiver-operating-characteristic curve generation. Using keystroke data from 120 users, system performance was obtained as a function of two independent variables: the user population size and the number of keystrokes per sample. For each population size, the performance increased (and the equal error rate decreased) roughly logarithmically as the number of keystrokes per sample was increased. The best closed-system performance results of 99 percent on 14 participants and 96 percent on 30 participants indicate the potential of this approach.
The diagnosis of epiglottitis: Simplicity and reliability of radiographs of the neck in the differential diagnosis of the croup syndrome

Summary During a one-year period, most patients admitted to Children's Hospital of Newark with the diagnosis of croup syndrome had posteroanterior and lateral films of the neck as an aid to diagnosis. All 3 cases of epiglottitis were correctly diagnosed. These data suggest that this procedure may be of help to the clinician in the differential diagnosis of the croup syndrome.
When time is money : Decision behavior under opportunity-cost time pressure

Decison-making dilemmas can arise because errors may result either from deciding too soon or from delaying decisions too long. Delay can result in lost opportunities or reductions in payoffs from the most accurate decision. This paper investigates decision processes in environments where there is time stress due to the opportunity cost of delaying decisions. First, using computer simulation, the relative accuracy of alternative decision strategies is examined in environments that differ in terms of the levels of opportunity cost of delay. The lexicographic choice rule is shown to be a very attractive decision process in situations where there is opportunity-cost time pressure. Two experiments test the adaptivity of actual decision behavior to the presence or absence of opportunity-cost time pressure along with variations in goals (accuracy emphasized vs. effort savings emphasized), dispersion in probabilities or weights across the outcomes of the choice options, and the degree of correlation among the outcomes. Subjects were generally adaptive to opportunity-cost time pressure. However, failures in adaptivity were identified when choice environment properties with conflicting implications for adaptation were present simultaneously. In particular, under opportunity-cost time pressure, subjects received a lower expected payoff when the goal was to emphasize choice accuracy than when the goal was to emphasize savings in effort. The question of when adaptivity in decision making might fail is discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL PUNISHMENT ON NONCOMPLIANCE: A COMPARISON WITH TIMEOUT AND POSITIVE PRACTICE

Abstract The effects of social punishment, positive practice, and timeout on the noncompliant behavior of four mentally retarded children were assessed in a multitreatment withdrawal design. When programmed, the experimental procedure occurred contigent on non-compliance to experimenter-issued commands. Commands were given at 55-sec intervals throughout each experimental session. The results showed (1) lower levels of noncompliance with social punishment than with the positive-practice or timeout conditions, and (2) that relatively few applications of social punishment were required to obtain this effect. The advantages of social punishment over other punishment procedures, considerations to be made before using it, and the various aspects of the procedure that contribute to its effectiveness were discussed.
A convenient synthesis of unsymmetrical bibenzyls homoallylarenes, and homopropargylarenes via palladium-catalyzed cross coupling☆

Abstract The palladium-catalyzed homobenzyl-aryl, homobenzyl-alkenyl, homoallyl-aryl, and homopropargyl-aryl cross coupling reactions provide the desired coupling products in high yields, whereas similar reactions involving alkynyl halides lead to low product yields.
Altered Antigenicity of Human Monoclonal Antibodies Derived from Human-Mouse Heterohybridomas

We have generated milligram quantities of human monoclonal antibodies (Hu-MAbs) in the ascites of pristane-primed nude mice injected with human-mouse heterohybridomas. After contaminating mouse immunoglobulins were removed by affinity chromatography, an enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) was used to measure the concentrations of human immunoglobulins. Ten different partially purified preparations were tested. The titration curves with all 5 IgG Hu-MAbs were unusual, reaching a plateau at a very low apparent maximum concentration of antibody. In contrast, the EIA yielded more usual titration curves and thus apparently more reliable estimates of the concentrations of 4 IgM and 1 IgA monoclonal antibodies. An analogous EIA for the quantitation of mouse IgG monoclonal antibodies also gave accurate estimates. To understand the nature of the discrepancy with human IgG, 5 Hu-MAbs of the 3 classes (2 IgG, 2 pentameric IgM and 1 IgA) were purified to homogeneity for a more detailed analysis. The inability to quantitate the human IgG monoclonal antibodies by EIA was not due to defective molecules, as shown by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The human IgG monoclonal antibodies were found to consist of intact heavy and light chains, as were the IgM and IgA antibodies. The possibility that the human IgG monoclonal antibodies differed antigenically from polyclonal IgG was explored by comparing the concentrations by EIA with the protein concentrations determined by absorbance at 280 nm. This analysis permitted a comparison of the detectability of antigenic determinants on Hu-MAbs with those on polyclonal Ig with goat antibodies to Ig or Ig subclass. The IgG monoclonal antibodies differed from polyclonal IgG in both their heavy and light chains. Goat antiserum monospecific for the gamma chain in fact underestimated the concentration by as much as one hundred-fold. IgM and IgA monoclonal antibodies were less antigenically distinct from their polyclonal counterparts even though their light chains were also underestimated, because goat monospecific antibodies were more efficient at recognizing their heavy chains. The molecular basis for the observed difference in antigenicity is not yet known. These findings have important implications for the analysis of the binding of IgG Hu-MAbs. A direct binding assay with the label directly conjugated to the Hu-MAb should be used in preference to an indirect assay with a labeled detecting antibody to maximize the sensitivity of the assay. The altered antigenicity of IgG Hu-MAbs may also imply decreased immunogenicity when they are given in vivo as carriers for radionuclides or cytotoxic antitumor materials.
A statistical model of the natural history of cervical neoplastic disease: the duration of carcinoma in situ.

Abstract Estimates of the duration of the in situ stage of cervical intraepithelial neoplastic disease are presented in this report, based on the data obtained from Papanicolaou smear screening programs carried out in British Columbia, Canada, and Barbados, West Indies. Using established statistical techniques we have examined the properties of the expected age distribution of cases in a defined population at risk based on estimates of the age-specific incidence and prevalence rates of carcinoma in situ (CIS). We find that the duration of CIS in the aggregate is a variable that has a distribution with estimated upper and lower limits of the order of 10 and 3 years, respectively. Furthermore, based on these results we suggest that the natural history of the established CIS lesion is independent of the age of the woman at the time of incidence. The results presented here concerning the duration of CIS are contrasted with those reported by other workers. The differences in the estimates of the duration of CIS, or equivalently the transition time of this lesion in the aggregate, given here and those of other investigators are discussed. The application of the results presented in this report to the establishment of optimal intervals between Papanicolaou smear screening examinations is outlined.
Radiation therapy in childhood cancer

Objectives: To review treatment-related issues and acute and late side effects of radiation therapy for the treatment of childhood malignancies. Data Sources: Research and review articles, oncology textbooks, and clinical experience. Conclusions: Radiation therapy is a key component in the treatment of childhood malignancies. Children receiving radiation have special nursing care needs that are dependent on growth and developmental issues. Implications for Nursing Practice: Nurses play an important role in the education of families and children receiving radiation therapy. In addition, nurses are key in the management of acute and late toxicities from childhood radiation therapy.
Loyalist Women Paramilitaries in Northern Ireland: Beginning a Feminist Conversation about Conflict Resolution

Research on war, conflict, and terrorism has traditionally focused on the motivations of male combatants to participate in political violence. Such a focus has largely ignored the role of women who wield political violence. This article revisits one of feminist International Relations (IR) most basic questions, “Where are the women?” and encourages an expanded view of security and conflict resolution that asks how combatant women might contribute to current scholarly understanding of conflict and conflict resolution processes. I argue that the thirty-year conflict remained intractable in part because of the exclusion of those Loyalist women who wielded political violence, seriously limiting the British and Irish governments' ability to understand and resolve the conflict. Included in the analysis is interview data collected in an eight-month empirical study conducted by the author in 2006 with thirty women who identify as past or present members or supporters of Loyalist paramilitary organizations in Nort...
Effects of montelukast and beclomethasone on airway function and asthma control

Abstract Background: Maintaining asthma control is a major objective of therapy. Traditionally, the effectiveness of asthma therapy has been judged primarily by its effect on airway function rather than on multiaspect asthma control. Objective: An inhaled corticosteroid and a leukotriene receptor antagonist were compared to determine whether they provided equivalent effects, as judged by days of asthma control. Methods: In a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, asthmatic patients (n = 782) with FEV 1 percent predicted values of between 50% and 85% and a weekly average β-agonist use of more than 2 puffs per day were randomized to receive montelukast (10 mg daily), beclomethasone (200 μg twice daily), or placebo treatment for 6 weeks in a double-dummy fashion. We examined the distribution of the primary end point: percentage of days of asthma control. Secondary end points included FEV 1 , albuterol use, occurrence of an asthma attack, asthma flare-up, rescue corticosteroid use, sustained asthma control, and adverse experiences. Results: The percentage of days of asthma control was almost identical between the montelukast and beclomethasone groups (98% overlap in the distribution). Montelukast was at least equal to beclomethasone, and both were greater than placebo on the basis of frequency of asthma attacks, asthma flare-ups, and rescue corticosteroid use. Beclomethasone had a greater effect than montelukast and both treatments were better than placebo at improving FEV 1 . Conclusions: Montelukast was as effective as beclomethasone, as judged by indices of clinical control other than FEV 1 . When evaluating the outcome of montelukast therapy, FEV 1 might underestimate clinical effectiveness. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;110:847-54.)
Sexual behavior of dwarf and normal genotypes in divergent growth lines of chickens

Abstract Comparisons of several reproductive factors were made among dwarf, heterozygous and normal chickens in lines selected for high (HW) and low (LW) juvenile body weight. Semen concentration was significantly greater in the HW than in the LW line, and was greater for the normals than for the heterozygous or dwarf males. HW males had a significantly lower percentage of normal spermatozoa than the LW males, while there were no differences among dwarf genotypes. Fertility, as measured by A.I., was higher for LW than for HW females, whereas there were no differences among male genotypes. Mating behavior of males was measured in flocks where the pullets were of the same genotype, and where several genotypes were intermingled. The number of courts, mounts, treads, completed matings and crouches elicited was less for HW than for LW males. Although morphological and behavioral pre-mating barriers among populations were not complete, there was a tendency toward preferential mating between dwarf genotypes within the LW line which resulted in a male genotype-female genotype interaction. Matings among other genotypes were random, with an expression of passive dominance of males over females.
Pco2 CONTROL BY FRESH GAS FLOW DURING CONTROLLED VENTILATION WITH A SEMI-OPEN CIRCUIT

SUMMARY Investigation was carried out on ten adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery under nitrous oxide, oxygen and alcuronium anaesthesia, using the Mapleson D semi-open system. Ventilation was controlled throughout at a constant ventilation volume of 16 l./min. Pco2 levels varied according to the fresh gas flow. The mean Pco2 was 34.7 (SD 5.7) mm Hg at a fresh gas flow of 8 l./min, 44.2 (SD 6.3) mm Hg at a flow of 4 l./min, 60.2 (SD 9.9) mm Hg at a flow of 2 l./min, and 88 (SD 17.6) mm Hg at a flow of 1 l./min. At normal body temperature, normocarbia will be achieved by a fresh gas flow of about 5 l./min, which is approximately equal to the alveolar ventilation volume of the average adult.
Renal osteodystrophy and dialysis artifacts as indicators of identification

Evidence of rare disease may be useful in the identification of unknown remains. Osteodystrophy is a condition commonly associated with chronic renal failure. The presence of renal osteodystrophy and medical artifacts associated with the treatment of kidney failure in human remains may provide information about the individual's medical history. Currently, there are more than 100,000 patients with end stage renal disease in the United States receiving dialysis treatments to replace kidney function, and hundreds of thousands more who have significant chronic kidney failure and are not yet treated with dialysis. Chronic renal failure frequently leads to disorders in the metabolism of vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone which are extremely difficult to correct. At least three patterns of skeletal change may result: osteitis fibrosa, characterized by increased bone remodelling, increased osteoclastic activity, peritrabecular fibrosis, and a normal mineralization pattern; osteomalacia, with a markedly increased osteoid surface and volume, and impaired mineralization; and mixed osteodystrophy, with increased bone remodelling and moderately impaired mineralization. While these bone changes may not have any clinical manifestations in most patients, they can been seen radiographically and histologically. This evidence may be useful in identifying remains which have been skeletonized, burned, decomposed, or dismembered. Medical artifacts associated with dialysis treatment, such as catheters, polytetrafluoroethylene grafts, and evidence of surgical procedures, are also useful for identification.
Fire Growth on Horizontal Surfaces of Wood

Abstract The results of an extensive experimental work conducted on transient three-dimensional fire spread on horizontal surfaces of various woods up to two feet in diameter indicate that flame spread on wood is sensitive to factors both internal and external to the sample. The transport of fuel gases from the burning to the unburned zone presents a new mechanism of flame spread unique to wood. These experiments show that (i) forward radiative heat transfer from the flame is the primary accelerating mechanism, (ii) forward gas phase heat transfer is a local phenomenon independent of fire size, (iii) conduction of heat parallel to the spread surface does not contribute significantly to the flame spread process, (iv) reradiation from the surfaces of wood and char is the primary heat loss mechanism, and (v) energetics due to the desorption of adsorbed moisture has a very noticeable effect on the flame spread process. Using these experin~ental observations and treating flame spread as a continuous ignition p...
Characterization of the carbon starvation‐inducible and stationary phase‐inducible gene slp encoding an outer membrane lipoprotein in Escherichia coli

Summary Escherichia coli induces the expression of more than 50 proteins in response to starvation for a carbon source. Strains MC7 (csi7::phoA) and MC19 (csi19::phoA) contain fusions of a signal peptide-deficient phoA reporter sequence to a csi (carbon starvation-inducible) gene. PhoA expression increased when these strains were deprived of a carbon source or entered stationary phase but did not when the cells were deprived of a nitrogen source or subjected to osmotic, oxidative or thermal stress. Mapping and sequence analysis of the cloned phoA fusions in strains MC7 and MC19 indicated that they had occurred in different locations within the same previously unidentified gene. The wild-type allele of this gene was cloned and the encoded protein was found to be a new lipoprotein. Therefore we propose to call this locus slp (starvation lipoprotein). The 22 kDa Slp protein is associated with the outer membrane fraction. The slp gene was located at 78.6 centisomes on the E. coli genetic map. The -10 and -35 regions upstream of the mRNA start site were characteristic of a σ70 promoter. The major transcript from this promoter was sufficiently large to contain slp sequences but not the downstream open reading frame. Induction of β-galactosidase activity from a slp::lacZ translational fusion during carbon starvation or stationary phase was independent of cAMP, RpoS (KatF) and DnaK, all of which are known to affect the expression of certain starvation-inducible or stationary phase-inducible proteins.
Non-contact fluorescence optical tomography with scanning area illumination

This contribution describes a novel non-contact fluorescence optical tomography scheme which utilizes multiple area illumination patterns, to reduce the illposedness of the inverse problem involved in recovering interior fluorescence yield distribution in biological tissue from boundary fluorescence measurements. Multiple excitation source illumination patterns are simulated by Gaussian beam sources scanning the simulated tissue phantom surface. Area measurements of fluorescence amplitude and phase are collected on the illumination plane. Multiple measurement data sets generated by scanning the excitation sources are processed simultaneously to generate the interior fluorescence distribution in tissue by implementing a dual adaptive finite element based fluorescence tomography algorithm in a parallel framework suitable for multiprocessor computers. Image reconstructions for multiple fluorescent targets (5 mm diameter) embedded in a 512 ml simulated tissue phantom are demonstrated.
Finding Maximal Fully-Correlated Itemsets in Large Databases

Finding the most interesting correlations among items is essential for problems in many commercial, medical, and scientific domains. Much previous research focuses on finding correlated pairs instead of correlated itemsets in which all items are correlated with each other. When designing gift sets, store shelf arrangements, or website product categories, we are more interested in correlated itemsets than correlated pairs. We solve this problem by finding maximal fully-correlated itemsets (MFCIs), in which all subsets are closely related to all other subsets. Putting the items in an MFCI together can promote sales within this itemset. Though some exsiting methods find high-correlation itemsets, they suffer from both efficiency and effectiveness problems in large datasets. In this paper, we explore high-dimensional correlation in two ways. First, we expand the set of desirable properties for correlation measures and study the advantages and disadvantages of various measures. Second, we propose an MFCI framework to decouple the correlation measure from the need for efficient search. By wrapping the best measure in our MFCI framework, we take advantage of likelihood ratio’s superiority in evaluating itemsets, make use of the properties of MFCI to eliminate itemsets with irrelevant items, and still achieve good computational performance.
Making the case for cervical cancer prevention: what about equity?

Cervical cancer is a major cause of suffering and premature death among women in the developing world, yet it is largely prevented in most higher-income countries. From an equity perspective, cervical cancer is unequally distributed globally in ways that are unnecessary, avoidable and unjust. Although cost-effectiveness analyses demonstrate that prevention measures are justified in low-resource countries, affordability and lack of prioritisation have contributed to a lack of progress. This paper describes the inequities in cervical cancer disease burden, barriers in access to and utilisation of services, and the underlying conditions of poverty and low socio-economic status that put women in a disadvantaged position. These social disadvantages are aggravated by the disease itself, with serious consequences for women, their families and communities. Remedies are available in the form of new prevention and treatment approaches, including vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV), rapid HPV testing, visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy. These technologies could help to overcome the social, economic, and political disadvantages that contribute to disparities in cervical cancer incidence and mortality through an optimal combination of vaccination, screening and treatment. In the long run, however, increasing women's access to care will also require societies to address structural barriers related to health systems and poverty.