cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification of optical tomographic images of rheumatoid finger joints with support vector machines

Over the last years we have developed a sagittal laser optical tomographic (SLOT) imaging system for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory processes in proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While cross sectional images of the distribution of optical properties can now be generated easily, clinical interpretation of these images remains a challenge. In first clinical studies involving 78 finger joints, we compared optical tomographs to ultrasound images and clinical analyses. Receiver-operator curves (ROC) were generated using various image parameters, such as minimum and maximum scattering or absorption coefficients. These studies resulted in specificities and sensitivities in the range of 0.7 to 0.76. Recently, we have trained support vector machines (SVMs) to classify images of healthy and diseased joints. By eliminating redundancy using feature selection, we are achieving sensitivities of 0.72 and specificities up to 1.0. Studies with larger patient groups are necessary to validate these findings; but these initial results support the expectation that SVMs and other machine learning techniques can considerably improve image interpretation analysis in optical tomography.
Embryonic Red Blood Cell Formation

RESEARCH in development and in cancer are two of the most hotly pursued areas of modern biology. Answers will come from many directions, but red blood cell formation (erythro-poiesis) is an excellent and easily accessible model system for studies in development and cancer. In particular, erythro-poiesis in embryos, in vivo and in vitro, allows us to look at the mechanism of determination and of differentiation of cells. Such studies also have an obvious relation to an understanding of proliferative and of other diseases of the erythropoietic system, particularly in man. The purpose of this note is to point out certain strikingly similar features of erythropoiesis in the embryos of man, mouse and chicken and in the metamorphosing larva of the bullfrog, features which might well be more widespread among animals.
A heuristic method for effectively using frequent flyer miles for stochastic business trips

Abstract Today, many business firms are requiring employees to use the frequent flyer miles accumulated during business trips to obtain free tickets for their future business trips. This paper presents a method of using frequent flyer miles in a more cost-effective way than the methods currently used by firms. The proposed method combines features of the existing methods, while it avoids the most serious limitations of these methods. The simulation results imply that the proposed method produces lower travel costs than existing methods in most practical situations. The method is simple and can be used quite conveniently by travelers having no technical background.
Treating the younger adult with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

SUMMARY The past decade has witnessed an increasing awareness of older adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a distinct group of patients, with outcomes historically inferior to those of younger children. Retrospective comparison studies of AYAs treated on pediatric or adult clinical trials have demonstrated significantly improved outcomes for AYAs treated in pediatric trials. These findings have spurred international interest in prospectively evaluating pediatric regimens in young adults, and early results from several of these trials are encouraging. Additional study dedicated to the leukemia biology and psychosocial factors unique to the AYA patient will add further insight and hopefully improve outcomes for AYAs with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Tropomyosin 3 Increases Striated Muscle Isoform Diversity

Tropomyosin (TM), a component of the thin filament of the sarcomere, is encoded by a four-member multigene family: α-TM, β-TM, TPM 3, and TPM 4. The α-TM, β-TM, and TPM 3 genes each utilize an alternative splicing mechanism to encode a striated muscle isoform. Although the α-TM and β-TM striated muscle isoforms are well characterized, relatively little is known about the TPM 3 isoform. We cloned and sequenced the murine TPM 3 cDNA and found that it exhibits a 93% nucleotide homology and 99% amino acid homology to the human sequence. Results show that, unlike humans, TPM 3 is not expressed in any developmental stage of murine hearts. TPM 3 message is expressed in slow-twitch skeletal muscle but is not found in representative fast-twitch musculature. The soleus, a representative slow-twitch muscle, expresses transcript levels of 65% β-TM, 15% α-TM, and 20% TPM 3, but the TPM 3 protein accounts for approximately 31% of the total striated tropomyosin in slow-twitch muscle. In fast-twitch muscle, α-TM compris...
Physician communication skills training: a review of theoretical backgrounds, objectives and skills.

Context Significant shortcomings have been noted in the literature in communication skills training for practising doctors. Given the importance of competent communication to the doctor–patient relationship and health care in general, these shortcomings should be addressed in future research. Objective Research into physician communication skills training is examined with respect to the communication objectives and behaviours that are addressed. Methods A Medline search of literature from 1990 to the present was conducted. Results A total of 26 studies of doctor communication skills training were found. The majority of studies included insufficient information about the communication behaviours taught to participants. In several studies, there was a mismatch between stated behaviours and instruments or procedures used to assess them. Conclusion Three recommendations are suggested. Firstly, future researchers should take greater care in matching assessment instruments with stated communication skills. Secondly, researchers should provide and use a theoretical framework for selecting communication skills to address in interventions, and thirdly, the timing of communication skills within the interview context should be part of the instruction in interventions.
Short communication: Effects of trans fatty acids on markers of inflammation in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Trans fatty acids (tFA) contribute to inflammation. The objective was to investigate the effects of tFA on mRNA expression of proinflammatory markers in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells (MAC-T cell line). Bovine mammary epithelial cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Cells were then subcultured in a medium lacking fetal bovine serum, to which incremental concentrations (up to 90 μM) of elaidic acid (trans-9 C18:1) or linoleidic acid (trans-9, trans-12 C18:2) were added. Bovine serum albumin (fatty acid-free) solutions were added and cells were collected at specific time points over 48 h. Then, RNA was extracted and converted to complementary DNA for quantitative real-time PCR analysis of proinflammatory gene expression. Presence of elaidic acid caused increases in mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β (3.4-fold; dose-independently over a 6-h period) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (up to 1.4-fold) relative to that for cells treated with no tFA, whereas expression of IL-6 and IL-8 was reduced 0.75- and 0.85-fold, respectively. Presence of linoleidic acid reduced mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 relative to that for control (0.95- and 0.87-fold, respectively). Trans mono- and dienoic fatty acids upregulated mRNA expression of IL-1β and ICAM-1, whereas expression of IL-6 and IL-8 was downregulated in MAC-T cells. Because these genes are ultimately involved in inflammation, elaidic or linoleidic acid, either directly fed or formed in the rumen during biohydrogenation, may alter the risk for mastitis in vivo.
A chimeric gene (orf256) is expressed as protein only in cytoplasmic male-sterile lines of wheat

Mitochondria derived from Triticum timopheevi have a chimeric gene, orf256, immediately upstream from coxI. Antibodies to a peptide corresponding to a part of the encoded amino acid sequence of orf256 detect a 7 kDa protein on western blots of mitochondrial proteins from cytoplasmic male-sterile (cms) wheat (T. aestivum nucleus, T. timopheevi mitochondria) but not in mitochondrial proteins from T. aestivum, T. timopheevi, or cms plants restored to fertility by introduction of nuclear genes for fertility restoration. The 7 kDa protein appears to serve as a marker for cms wheat. Its occurrence as an integral protein of the inner membrane may indicate a cms effect through an influence on mitochondrial membrane function.
Some practical issues of experimental design and data analysis in radiological ROC studies.

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has been used in a broad variety of medical imaging studies during the past 15 years, and its advantages over more traditional measures of diagnostic performance are now clearly established. But despite the essential simplicity of the approach, worker
Commentary: an economic perspective on implementing evidence-based depression care.

Despite the development of cost-effective evidence-based models for treating depression in primary care, economic and organizational barriers often impede sustainability in routine clinical practice. Under the Depression in Primary Care: Linking Clinical and System Strategies program, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) funded eight demonstration grants to implement clinical changes in depression care alongside changes in contractual relationships, payment methods and other economic arrangements. The preceding articles summarize the specific economic and organizational changes implemented under four of these demonstration projects. This commentary highlights certain elements that appear critical to successfully realign system incentives to support evidence-based depression care based in part on the experiences of these four sites.
Host factors that affect Ty3 retrotransposition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The retrovirus-like element Ty3 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae integrates at the transcription initiation region of RNA polymerase III. To identify host genes that affect transposition, a collection of insertion mutants was screened using a genetic assay in which insertion of Ty3 activates expression of a tRNA suppressor. Fifty-three loci were identified in this screen. Corresponding knockout mutants were tested for the ability to mobilize a galactose-inducible Ty3, marked with the HIS3 gene. Of 42 mutants tested, 22 had phenotypes similar to those displayed in the original assay. The proteins encoded by the defective genes are involved in chromatin dynamics, transcription, RNA processing, protein modification, cell cycle regulation, nuclear import, and unknown functions. These mutants were induced for Ty3 expression and assayed for Gag3p protein, integrase, cDNA, and Ty3 integration upstream of chromosomal tDNAVal(AAC) genes. Most mutants displayed differences from the wild type in one or more intermediates, although these were typically not as severe as the genetic defect. Because a relatively large number of genes affecting retrotransposition can be identified in yeast and because the majority of these genes have mammalian homologs, this approach provides an avenue for the identification of potential antiviral targets.
Interleukin (IL)-1F6, IL-1F8, and IL-1F9 Signal through IL-1Rrp2 and IL-1RAcP to Activate the Pathway Leading to NF-κB and MAPKs

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) plays a prominent role in immune and inflammatory reactions. Our understanding of the IL-1 family has recently expanded to include six novel members named IL-1F5 to IL-1F10. Recently, it was reported that IL-1F9 activated NF-κB through the orphan receptor IL-1 receptor (IL-1R)-related protein 2 (IL-1Rrp2) in Jurkat cells (Debets, R., Timans, J. C., Homey, B., Zurawski, S., Sana, T. R., Lo, S., Wagner, J., Edwards, G., Clifford, T., Menon, S., Bazan, J. F., and Kastelein, R. A. (2001) J. Immunol. 167, 1440–1446). In this study, we demonstrate that IL-1F6 and IL-1F8, in addition to IL-1F9, activate the pathway leading to NF-κB in an IL-1Rrp2-dependent manner in Jurkat cells as well as in multiple other human and mouse cell lines. Activation of the pathway leading to NF-κB by IL-1F6 and IL-1F8 follows a similar time course to activation by IL-1β, suggesting that signaling by the novel family members occurs through a direct mechanism. In a mammary epithelial cell line, NCI/ADR-RES, which naturally expresses IL-1Rrp2, all three cytokines signal without further receptor transfection. IL-1Rrp2 antibodies block activation of the pathway leading to NF-κB by IL-1F6, IL-1F8, and IL-1F9 in both Jurkat and NCI/ADR-RES cells. In NCI/ADR-RES cells, the three IL-1 homologs activated the MAPKs, JNK and ERK1/2, and activated downstream targets as well, including an IL-8 promoter reporter and the secretion of IL-6. We also provide evidence that IL-1RAcP, in addition to IL-1Rrp2, is required for signaling by all three cytokines. Antibodies directed against IL-1RAcP and transfection of cytoplasmically deleted IL-1RAcP both blocked activation of the pathway leading to NF-κB by the three cytokines. We conclude that IL-1F6, IL-1F8, and IL-1F9 signal through IL-1Rrp2 and IL-1RAcP.
Determination of the percentage of thiazole orange (TO)-positive, “reticulated” platelets using autologous erythrocyte TO fluorescence as an internal standard†

Determination of the percentage of thiazole orange (TO)-positive or “reticulated” platelets by flow cytometry has been advocated as an aid in the diagnosis of thrombocytopenic disorders. However, a reproducible method for determining control fluorescence and setting threshold values on a routine clinical basis has not been described. We used erythrocyte TO fluorescence in whole blood as an internal standard to set threshold markers for TO fluorescence of autologous, purified platelets. Since platelets have approximately a threefold higher TO fluorescence than erythrocytes, multiplying the erythrocyte threshold marker by 3 allowed a determination of the percentage of “reticulated” platelets in 29 normal controls. This value was 3.64% ± 2.10% (S.D.) in men and 5.79% ± 2.22% (S.D.) in women; there was a significant (P < 0.05) difference between normal men and women for this measurement. Applying this method to our earlier studies of normals and patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura confirmed its ability to discriminate between these populations with similar sensitivity and specificity as previously reported. This method controls for fluctuations in TO labeling and fluorescence and does not require daily determination of a new normal control value. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Disciplinary Function of Rape's Representation: Lessons from the Kennedy Smith and Tyson Trials

For lawyers, "representation" has traditionally described their obligation to their clients, but its meaning for cultural critics and academicians is somewhat different. Representation refers to the discursive and visual mechanisms through which an impression of reality is conveyed and constructed, usually in art, literature, theatre, and dance.' That something is "represented" may mean simply that it is depicted, described, or signified. Someone interested in the effect of representation might attempt to explain how images, myths, metaphors, and other visual and linguistic devices are used to produce interpretations of reality that are then passed on as the raw material for further representations. By analyzing not only literature but film,2 theater,3 photography,4 architecture,5 popular culture,6
Monoclonal antibody therapy of B cell lymphoma

Studies in the early 1980s with anti-idiotype mAbs provided clinical proof that mAbs could be safe and effective antilymphoma agents; however, mAb therapy of lymphoma did not become practical until the chimaeric anti-CD20 mAb rituximab was developed. As a single agent, rituximab is well-tolerated and has clinical efficacy in select patient populations. A number of mechanisms of action have been identified that appear to contribute to the observed antilymphoma effects of mAb. Growing evidence suggests that multiple interacting mechanisms are likely to be involved. Anti-CD20-based radioimmunotherapy and combinations of mAb and chemotherapy are showing promise. mAbs that recognise other target antigens and immunotoxins have been evaluated clinically. It remains unclear whether these other mAbs provide value added beyond rituximab. Research geared towards understanding mAb mechanisms of action and the rational design of the next generation of mAb-based regimens will allow us to take full advantage of this exciting new mode of therapy.
Methyl B12 Models Containing Unsubstituted Imidazole As an Axial Ligand Investigated by Structural and NMR Spectroscopic Methods. Evidence that μ-Imidazolato-Bridged Dimers Are Formed by Base Addition to Some Analogues with Macrocyclic Equatorial Ligands Incorporating BF2

Imidazole (imH)-containing B12 model complexes that could possibly be deprotonated at the imidazole NH to form the corresponding imidazolato (im) complexes were investigated. Organomethyl complexes of cobaloxime and imine/oxime (I/O) analogues with equatorial ligands possessing an O−BF2−O moiety in place of each deprotonatable O−H- - -O moiety of standard models were prepared. In some cases, NMR spectroscopy revealed formation of μ-imidazolato (μ-im) dimers in methanol-d4 on addition of methoxide. The desired monomeric imidazolato species was not formed at a characterizable level. We present the X-ray crystal structures of LCo(DBF2)2CH3 (where L = imH, 4-t-BuimH) and [AsPh4][(μ-im)(Co(DBF2)2CH3)2] (DBF2 = the BF2-substituted monoanion of dimethylglyoxime). The latter confirms the NMR solution studies and is the first structure of a B12 model species bridged by an imidazolato moiety. We have also structurally characterized the related I/O complexes, [imHCo((DO)(DOBF2)pn)CH3]PF6 and [imHCo((DO)(DOH)pn)CH3]I...
Synthesis, characterization and X-ray crystal structures of ruthenium polypyridyl and 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole complexes: Reactivity with 1-methylimidazole, purine, glutathione and CT-DNA

Abstract Ruthenium complexes containing terpyridine or the 4′-substituted terpyridines and 2-(hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole (HPB) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of three of the complexes have been determined. All three complexes, trans-[Ru(tolylterpy)(HPB)(Cl)](PF6), cis-[Ru(tolylterpy)(HPB)(H2O)](PF6)2 and cis-[Ru(terpy)(HPB)(NMI)](PF6) show a distorted octahedral geometry around the ruthenium center. The influence of the positional coordination of the phenolic oxygen of the HPB ligand on the spectrophotometric properties and the E1/2 values of the complexes have been observed. The reaction of the aqua complexes with 1-methylimidazole (NMI), glutathione (GSH), purine and CT-DNA have been studied. Activation parameters for the reaction of 1-methylimidazole, glutathione and purine suggest that the substitution of the aqua ligand follow an associative mechanism. Spectrophotometric studies of the reactivity between CT-DNA and the aqua complexes indicate an interaction between the CT-DNA and the aqua complex.
Familial cavernous malformations of the central nervous system and retina

We studied a family in which 4 persons from three generations had multiple cavernous malformations ("angiomas") of the central nervous system (CNS) and/or retina and found accounts in the literature of sixteen other families with this condition. In these families with familial cavernous malformation of the CNS and retina, 92% of pathologically documented vascular malformations were cavernous; 50% of those subjects affected had multiple CNS and/or retinal vascular malformations and 68% (excluding probands) were symptomatic. Cutaneous vascular lesions were an inconsistant manifestation. Autosomal dominant inheritance with high penetrance was confirmed.
Transformation of hamster embryo cells in vitro by polyoma virus: morphological, karyological, immunological and transplantation characteristics.

The transformation process induced by polyoma virus in mass cultures of hamster embryo cells has been analyzed chronologically for several parameters: morphology, karyology, antigenicity and transplantability. Morphological changes, as manifested by the altered growth pattern of the culture, were the first indication of transformation. The expression of morphological transformation differed among colonies from a single culture and among the various cell lines; its pattern could change with prolonged growth of the cultures. Established lines originating from each transformed culture eventually produced tumors in syngeneic and allogeneic animals. Tumorigenicity was low (MTD ± 106) soon after morphological transformation, but increased progressively as the cells were carried in vitro (MTD < 103). Polyoma virus disappeared in eight lines, but persisted in one. The non-virus releaser lines were resistant to superinfection with polyoma virus. The polyoma-induced transplantation antigen (PV-ITA) was found in four of six lines; it was not demonstrable in later passages of some lines that were initially positive and was not detected in the virus carrier culture. The polyoma-induced CF antigen (PV-ICFA), however, was present in all the cultures exposed to polyoma virus even at passage levels where the PV-ITA was not demonstrable. Some chromosomal changes in type and in ploidy were present at, or shortly after, the time of morphological transformation. Although very low at first, frequency of chromosome changes increased with time in a random pattern. Three of four lines remained near-diploid, the fourth line became subtetraploid soon after morphological transformation. The incidence of chromosomal damage (chromatid breaks, dicentrics and fragments) was low in all four lines analyzed, even in the virus carrier culture. There was a parallel increase in frequency of abnormal metaphases and of transplantability. It is concluded that after an initial and yet obscure polyoma virus cell interaction, cells evolve toward malignancy in a pattern that does not show specificity for the inducing virus. The viral genome, if present in the transformed cells, does not appear to direct or regulate the evolution of the cells in vitro.
Labor Union Involvement in Occupational Safety and Health, 1957-1987

Right-to-know policies and related market-oriented occupational health policies require an institutionalized means through which workers can interpret and act on information about quality differences among jobs. In principle, labor unions could play this role. However, union coverage has been declining since the 1950s, and the decline has accelerated in recent years. This paper documents the growth in occupational health and safety activities in unionized workplaces from 1957 to 1987 and the decline in union representation in hazardous workplaces from 1971 to 1986. It also analyzes the relationship between right-to-know and right-to-refuse-hazardous-work guarantees under industrial relations and occupational health law.
Sulfonylurea-induced decrease of muscle capillary basement membrane thickness in diabetes

Summary Three muscle biopsies were performed in 53 overt type 2 diabetics over a period of approximately 2 years. At baseline, 21 (40%) had an increased capillary basement membrane width in muscle. Thirty-five patients received glipizide and 18 received placebo. In the patients receiving placebo, the mean of the muscle capillary basement membrane width increased from 158.7 ± 11.5 nm (SEM) to 170.9 ± 14.7 nm ( P = NS), but in those receiving glipizide the value decreased from 192.9 ± 13.2 nm to 161.0 ± 10.2 nm ( P = 0.02). Plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin A 1 decreased significantly ( P 1 reached a normal range, and mean basement membrane width decreased to a level close to that found in subjects without diabetes ( P = NS). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that effective response to oral medication can decrease the basement membrane thickening, suggesting that diabetic microangiopathy is not necessarily progressive.
Small RNA expression and deep sequencing analyses of the nucleolus reveal the presence of nucleolus-associated microRNAs

Micro RNAs (miRNA) are non-coding RNAs expressed in the cytoplasm as their mature, 21–22-nucleotide short forms. More recently, mature miRNAs have also been detected in the nucleus, raising the possibility that their spatial distribution may be more complex than anticipated. Here we undertook comprehensive systematic analyses of miRNA distribution in several subcellular compartments of human cancer cells. In particular, we focused on the potential presence of miRNAs in the nucleolus, which contains an abundance of small non-coding RNAs. We employed two miRNA expression array platforms and small RNA deep sequencing of small RNAs isolated from cells, nuclei, cytoplasm and the nucleoli. We developed an assay to compare RNAs of isolated nucleoli before and after denaturation and used Northern hybridization to verify the presence of miRNAs in the subcellular compartments. Consistently, we found more than 10 miRNAs associated with the nucleolar preparations. Several miRNAs had greater relative abundance in the nucleolus compared to the other compartments. The nucleolar presence of miRNAs was independent of Dicer and the main activity of the nucleolus, RNA polymerase I transcription, but was dependent on CRM1 previously associated with nucleolar trafficking of small nucleolar RNAs. These results highlight the complexity of miRNA spatial arrangement and regulation.
Synoptic‐scale forcing of coastal lows: Forced double kelvin waves in the atmosphere

Gill (1977) has interpreted the coastal lows of southern Africa as atmospheric coastal Kelvin waves. the lows are trapped horizontally next to the steep slopes of the Great Central Plateau by Coriolis forces and vertically by a low-level inversion. This hypothesis is tested and extended using two linear models. A barotropic primitive-equation analysis on an equatorial beta-plane models the generation of these waves. an impermeable eastern boundary is included to reflect the blocking of the low-level flow below the coastal inversion by the orography. Results of the linear analysis suggest that the formation of the coastal lows may be explained in terms of the scattering of eastward-propagating synoptic-scale disturbances at the meridional boundary. the boundary response is structurally similar to a Kelvin wave. At the frequencies of interest, no zonally propagating Rossby waves are excited. Further, in contrast to the case of a western boundary, the equatorial response is negligible. A two-layer, f-plane model enables the dynamics of the layer of fluid below the interior inversion to be incorporated. At the period of the synoptic forcing (six days), the boundary response is a maximum along the escarpment and decays exponentially from it. the e-folding distance is slightly less than the appropriate Rossby radius of deformation. These results, together with observations, suggest that the coastal low and its companion low over the interior may be interpreted as forced internal double Kelvin waves. The possible application of these results to foehn (chinook) winds and lee cyclogenesis is mentioned.
Physical and chemical characterization of platinum-rhodium gauze catalysts☆

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy, Auger spectroscopy, and sputtering techniques are used to examine platinum-10% rhodium gauze catalysts which had been employed in commercial oxidation of NH3 and in production of HCN from NH3, CH4, and air. It is shown by electron microscopy that the normal activation of these catalysts produced an increase in surface area and formation of randomly oriented facets. An HCN catalyst which was observed to have a high selectivity due to unknown causes was found to possess hollow crystalline structures built up from the original wire. Catalyst samples which had been treated with ~100 ppm of H2S for higher activity showed entirely different morphology. In this case, the surface was again perfectly crystalline but consisted predominantly of (100) planes or another plane with two- or fourfold symmetry. Also the wires of the gauze were permeated by rectangularly shaped channels of ~3 μ width which produced an expansion of the wires. Chemical analysis by Auger spectroscopy combined with ion bombardment sputtering showed that the H2S-activated catalyst contained negligible sulfur except at the original surface. Carbon was present to a considerable depth, and some silver was observed near the surface. Aside from these elements, the catalyst surface consisted of fairly pure platinum and rhodium.
Synthesis of ovarian acid phosphatase-1 in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The synthesis of acid phosphatase-1 [MacIntyre, R. J. (1966a). The genetics of an acid phosphatase in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila simulans. Genetics 53, 461–474] in the developing ovary in Drosophila melanogaster was studied biochemically, immunologically, and histochemically at the ultrastructural level. The impetus for this study was the observation that acid phosphatase-1 exhibits a maternal effect in early embryogenesis. Assays which measure the amount of cross-reacting material (CRM) against antibodies made to acid phosphatase-1 strongly suggest that this enzyme is synthesized de novo in the ovary, for, during a specified time, the rate of increase in CRM parallels the rate of increase in enzyme activity. Using the lead phosphate method of Gomori to localize acid phosphatase-1 histochemically, it was determined that both nurse cells and follicle cells contribute the enzyme to the developing oocyte; nurse cells apparently transport the enzyme in large aggregates containing lysosomes through ring canals to the oocyte. Small pinocytotic vesicles containing acid phosphatase-1 form in the oocyte at the follicle cell/oocyte interface during the time of vitelline membrane formation.
TH-C-304A-04: Simultaneous Delineation of Bladder and Prostate From 3D CT: An Optimal Graph-Theoretic Approach

Introduction Precise target delineation is critical for a successful 3‐D radiotherapytreatment planning for prostate cancer treatment. Automatic segmentation techniques are urgently needed due to large amounts of 3‐D image data that require increased time for manually contouring. We report a novel segmentation method for simultaneous 3‐D surface detection of bladder and prostate, incorporating both edge and shape information. Our method is the first attempt to employ an arc‐weighted graph‐based representation for simultaneous surface detection, which delivers a globally optimal solution in low‐order polynomial time.Method and Material The core of our approach is to represent segmentation problem using an arc‐weighted graph, which permits a wider spectrum of constraints into 3‐D graph‐theoretic approach. Hard surface interacting constraints are enforced in interacting regions to preserve geometric relationships between partially interacting boundary surfaces of prostate and bladder. Soft smoothness shape compliance is further employed to incorporate shape information. Two globally mutually interacting optimal surfaces are then computed by solving a maximum flow problem. Testing the approach was accomplished on 13 CTdata sets from different patients. Computed results were compared with expert‐traced standard. Results Our method yielded high‐quality segmentation, despite of the low saliency of CTimages. The average probability of correct detection was 0.958±0.024 for bladder and 0.852±0.046 for prostate. The average probability of false detection was 0.115±0.062 for bladder and 0.136±0.045 for prostate. The unsigned surface distance error was 1.04±1.00mm for bladder and 1.38±1.08mm for prostate. The percentage of expert‐defined surface points with less than 5mm from our computed surface was 99% for bladder and 98.6% for prostate. Conclusion We develop a novel segmentation method for simultaneous detection of bladder and prostate. A sub‐voxel accuracy was achieved, which demonstrates the promise of our algorithm.
Elite Cues and Citizen Disagreement with Expert Opinion

Though scholars have long been concerned about the quality of citizens’ political decision making, we still know little about why citizens disagree with the best-informed opinion in society, that of public policy experts. In this article, I examine the factors that lead citizens to disagree with expert opinion on questions of public policy. I find that both elite cues and individual-level attributes of citizens lead individuals to disagree with experts. In contrast to the expectations of many recent studies of cue taking, I find that citizens are more likely to disagree with expert opinion when political elites they favor challenge this opinion. Citizens also disagree with experts as a consequence of low levels of knowledge, existing policy preferences, and life experiences. The study’s results challenge the optimistic conclusions of many recent studies of cue taking and argue that there is significant value in the conventional wisdom that preceded these studies. Elite cues are not a consistent means to e...
Full-Scale Field Testing for Verification of Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Foams for Use as Backfill in PCC Repairs

Laboratory and field investigations were performed on several commercially available rigid polyurethane foam materials to determine their suitability as base replacement materials for full-depth portland concrete cement (PCC) pavement repairs. Rigid polyurethane foam (RPF) specimens were prepared and tested to evaluate the compressive strength, reactivity, and density of several foam materials under a variety of temperature conditions, where properties were investigated for thermal variations expected in field placement. Following laboratory testing, full-scale field testing of full-depth PCC repairs was conducted using two RPFs of densities of approximately 160 kg/ m3 ( 10 lb/ ft3 ) and 240 kg/ m3 ( 15 lb/ ft3 ) to verify laboratory predicted performance under elevated and ideal field temperatures. Each repair was trafficked within 3 h of repair completion with an F-15E load cart to simulate fighter aircraft traffic on early-age repairs. Results of laboratory and field testing indicate that high-density ...
Chiari Syndrome and Respiratory Failure: A Literature Review

Background:Patients with failed extubation requiring reintubation have increased morbidity and mortality. This situation may reflect the severity of the underlying disorder or may reflect an undiag...
Severity Indexes for Roadside Objects

An attempt was made to develop severity indexes (SIs) for various fixed objects that are struck when vehicles leave the roadway. The objectives of the study included both the development of new indexes with recent data from two states and the exploration of methodological issues related to statistical modeling and unreported crashes. Both severe injury and cost-based SIs were developed for a wide range of crash situations by using data from both North Carolina and Illinois with which injury could be more precisely linked to the specific object stuck. Although the final SIs developed were not categorized by exactly the same control variables for the two states, the values of the indexes were, in general, moderately consistent between states and with earlier Texas-based work. However, the three state's SIs were not consistent with the SIs found in the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide. In the limited sample of airbag-related impacts with guardrails, trees, and utility poles, it appears that the airbag significan...
Technology Search and Firm Bounds in Biotechnology: New Firms as Agents of Change

Schumpeterian perspectives on industrial change suggest a relationship between new firms and the regionally specific technological bases for innovation. However, the links between such firms and the knowledge bases for innovation are more implicit than explicit. The innovation process in new firms reflects both the capabilities found within the firm as well as information sourcing from without. This paper seeks to articulate the nature of change in relationships between firms in science-based industries and the technological infrastructure accessed to support innovation, as such industries mature out of the birth phase. Innovation is treated as decision making, identifying the firm as innovator and agent of change. Survey research suggests that a shift in the sourcing of information, and an associated shift in the character of information accessed, occurred with maturation in the study industry, comprised of biotechnology firms in the U.S. “Early” and “later” forming firms show somewhat different technology sourcing patterns. Interviews were conducted to help interpret these findings. Implications for industry development are suggested.
Change in Parents’ Monitoring Knowledge: Links with Parenting, Relationship Quality, Adolescent Beliefs, and Antisocial Behavior

A longitudinal prospective design was used to examine antisocial behavior, two aspects of the parent–child relationship, inept parenting, and adolescents’ beliefs in the appropriateness of monitoring as predictors of parents’ monitoring and change in monitoring during the high school years. A total of 426 adolescents provided reports of their parents’ monitoring knowledge during four yearly assessments beginning the summer before entering grade 9. Greater concurrent levels of monitoring knowledge were associated with less antisocial behavior, more parent-reported relationship enjoy-ment, adolescents and parents spending more time together, and adolescents reporting stronger beliefs in the appropriateness of parental monitoring. Weaker knowledge beliefs predicted increases in monitoring knowledge over time. More antisocial behavior problems were linked to lower levels of knowledge through less enjoyable parent–adolescent relationships, parents and adolescents spending less time together, and adolescents reporting weaker monitoring beliefs. Discussion focuses on processes linking antisocial behavior problems with low levels of monitoring knowledge.
Alliance games of n‐persons

A generalization of n-person games, called “Alliance Games.” is defined. The relations with von Neumann and Morgenstern's games and with Thrall's games in partition function form are shown. The conceptual value of alliance games is discussed, and the mathematical value is illustrated by answering questions which Thrall raised concerning points between partitions.
Hypergraph Ramsey numbers: Triangles versus cliques

Abstract A celebrated result in Ramsey Theory states that the order of magnitude of the triangle-complete graph Ramsey numbers R ( 3 , t ) is t 2 / log t . In this paper, we consider an analogue of this problem for uniform hypergraphs. A triangle is a hypergraph consisting of edges e , f , g such that | e ∩ f | = | f ∩ g | = | g ∩ e | = 1 and e ∩ f ∩ g = ∅ . For all r ⩾ 2 , let R ( C 3 , K t r ) be the smallest positive integer n such that in every red–blue coloring of the edges of the complete r-uniform hypergraph K n r , there exists a red triangle or a blue K t r . We show that there exist constants a , b r > 0 such that for all t ⩾ 3 , a t 3 2 ( log t ) 3 4 ⩽ R ( C 3 , K t 3 ) ⩽ b 3 t 3 2 and for r ⩾ 4 t 3 2 ( log t ) 3 4 + o ( 1 ) ⩽ R ( C 3 , K t r ) ⩽ b r t 3 2 . This determines up to a logarithmic factor the order of magnitude of R ( C 3 , K t r ) . We conjecture that R ( C 3 , K t r ) = o ( t 3 / 2 ) for all r ⩾ 3 . We also study a generalization to hypergraphs of cycle-complete graph Ramsey numbers R ( C k , K t ) and a connection to r 3 ( N ) , the maximum size of a set of integers in { 1 , 2 , … , N } not containing a three-term arithmetic progression.
Quantitative Determination of Ethanol in Pharmaceutical Products by Gas Chromatography

The presently used U. S. P. XV method for ethanol is compared with the gas chromatography method. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed. Typical results obtained by both procedures when applied to tinctures, fluidextracts, elixirs, and other products are compared. The results obtained from three gas chromatographs each having a different type thermal conductivity detector are presented. Three types of sample injectors are compared and five different stationary phases are examined.
Estimation and correction of seed recovery bias from moist-soil cores†

ABSTRACT Scientists estimate seed abundances to calculate seasonal carrying capacities and assess wetland management actions for waterfowl and other wildlife using soil core samples. We evaluated recovery of known quantities of moist-soil seeds from whole and subsampled experimental core samples containing 12 seed taxa representing small, medium, and large size classes. We recovered 86.3% (SE = 1.8) of all seeds added to experimental cores; 8.3% (SE = 1.2) of seeds were destroyed during the sieving process and 5.4% (SE = 1.2) were not recovered by observers. Recovery rates varied by seed size, but not seed quantity or disproportionate ratios of seed-size classes. Overall seed recovery rates were similar between subsampled ( = 81.2%, SE = 3.6) and whole—processed core samples ( = 86.3%, SE = 1.8). We used recovery rates to generate size-specific, taxon-specific, and constant correction factors and applied each to actual core sample data. Size-specific correction factors increased seed mass estimates in the...
Overexpressed Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 3 Ion Channels in Skin Keratinocytes Modulate Pain Sensitivity via Prostaglandin E2

The ability to sense changes in the environment is essential for survival because it permits responses such as withdrawal from noxious stimuli and regulation of body temperature. Keratinocytes, which occupy much of the skin epidermis, are situated at the interface between the external environment and the body's internal milieu, and have long been appreciated for their barrier function against external insults. The recent discovery of temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) ion channels in keratinocytes has raised the possibility that these cells also actively participate in acute temperature and pain sensation. To address this notion, we generated and characterized transgenic mice that overexpress TRPV3 in epidermal keratinocytes under the control of the keratin 14 promoter. Compared with wild-type controls, keratinocytes overexpressing TRPV3 exhibited larger currents as well as augmented prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) release in response to two TRPV3 agonists, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB) and heat. Thermal selection behavior and heat-evoked withdrawal behavior of naive mice overexpressing TRPV3 were not consistently altered. Upon selective pharmacological inhibition of TRPV1 with JNJ-17203212 [corrected], however, the keratinocyte-specific TRPV3 transgenic mice showed increased escape responses to noxious heat relative to their wild-type littermates. Coadministration of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, ibuprofen, with the TRPV1 antagonist decreased inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia in transgenic but not wild-type animals. Our results reveal a previously undescribed mechanism for keratinocyte participation in thermal pain transduction through keratinocyte TRPV3 ion channels and the intercellular messenger PGE(2).
On the Design of a Photonic Network-on-Chip

Recent remarkable advances in nanoscale silicon-photonic integrated circuitry specifically compatible with CMOS fabrication have generated new opportunities for leveraging the unique capabilities of optical technologies in the on-chip communications infrastructure. Based on these nano-photonic building blocks, we consider a photonic network-on-chip architecture designed to exploit the enormous transmission bandwidths, low latencies, and low power dissipation enabled by data exchange in the optical domain. The novel architectural approach employs a broadband photonic circuit-switched network driven in a distributed fashion by an electronic overlay control network which is also used for independent exchange of short messages. We address the critical network design issues for insertion in chip multiprocessors (CMP) applications, including topology, routing algorithms, path-setup and tear-down procedures, and deadlock avoidance. Simulations show that this class of photonic networks-on-chip offers a significant leap in the performance for CMP intrachip communication systems delivering low-latencies and ultra-high throughputs per core while consuming minimal power
Hiring Teams, Firms and Lawyers: Evidence of the Evolving Relationships in the Corporate Legal Market

How are relationships between clients and service providers in the corporate legal market evolving, and why? Based on interview and survey data from 166 chief legal officers (CLOs) of SP (2) relationships with preferred providers tend to be enduring; and (3) clients focus not only on law firms and individual lawyers, but also on the qualities of teams and departments within the preferred providers, allocating work to sub-units at rival firms over time, and following “star” lawyers from firm to firm more often if they move as part of a team. The combination of long-term relationships and sub-unit rivalry provides law firms in these relationships with steady aggregate work flows and allows companies to keep cost pressure on firms while preserving relationship-specific capital, quality assurance, and legal capacity insurance – that is, soft guarantees that law firms will stand ready to provide legal services when and as needed by their clients. These findings have important implications for how CLOs manage relationships with their preferred providers, and for how law firms can and should manage themselves to maximize these relationships. Although our data pre-date the financial crisis, during which large companies cut back on expenditures of all kinds and law firms engaged in unprecedented layoffs, we believe the trends we have identified will only be accentuated by these pressures.The plan of the paper is as follows. First we review existing literatures to state our null hypotheses – the conventional views that relationships between corporations and law firms have been getting less durable over time and that corporate hiring is now focused on individual lawyers rather than firms – and alternative hypotheses to be tested against the data (Part I). We then describe our methods (Part II), and present findings (Part III). We conclude with implications.
Creating comparative advantage for Micro-Enterprises through e-governance

As developing country Micro-Enterprises (MEs) encounter an increasingly modern global environment, they find themselves at a disadvantage. This research argues that e-governance can help these tiny businesses to survive and thrive. It suggests that micro-enterprise problems are in part caused by inadequate relationship development, and that e-technology would enable micro-entrepreneurs to develop the necessary relationships. Specifically, e-governance could provide micro-entrepreneurs with a technological infrastructure and a skill set to remain competitive.
What's in a Name? An Examination of Sociology of Aging Versus Social Gerontology Course Content.

This study examines the comparability of sociology of aging courses, a core component in many undergraduate multidisciplinary gerontology minor programs. A content analysis of syllabi in the 5th edition of Teaching Sociology of Aging and the Life Course (Harris, 2000) was undertaken to determine the presence of 7 core sociological concepts. Among all sociology syllabi, there is only modest coverage of the 7 core sociological concepts. Further analysis examined differences in content between those courses titled social gerontology and those titled sociology of aging. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant difference in course content between these two course titles.