cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SPIHT image compression without lists

A variant of the SPIHT image compression algorithm called no list SPIHT (NLS) is presented. NLS operates without linked lists and is suitable for a fast, simple hardware implementation. NLS has a fixed predetermined memory requirement about 50% larger than that needed for the image alone. Instead of lists, a state table with four bits per coefficient keeps track of the set partitions and what information has been encoded. NLS sparsely marks selected descendant nodes of insignificant trees in the state table in such a way that large groups of predictably insignificant pixels are easily identified and skipped during coding passes. The image data is stored in a one dimensional recursive zig-zag array for computational efficiency and algorithmic simplicity. The performance of the algorithm on standard test images is nearly the same as SPIHT.
Cloning and expression of the tabtoxin biosynthetic region from Pseudomonas syringae.

Abstract Pseudomonas syringae BR2, a causal agent of bean wildfire, was subjected to Tn5 mutagenesis in an effort to isolate mutants unable to produce the beta-lactam antibiotic tabtoxin. Three of the tabtoxin-minus (Tox-) mutants generated appeared to have physically linked Tn5 insertions and retained their resistance to the active toxin form, tabtoxnine-beta-lactam (T beta L). The wild-type DNA corresponding to the mutated region was cloned and found to restore the Tn5 mutants to toxin production. The use of cloned DNA from the region as hybridization probes revealed that the region is highly conserved among tabtoxin-producing pathovars of P. syringae and that the region deletes at a relatively high frequency (10(-3)/CFU) in BR2. The Tox- deletion mutants also lost resistance to tabtoxinine-beta-lactam. A cosmid designated pRTBL823 restored toxin production and resistance to BR2 deletion mutants. This cosmid also converted the tabtoxin-naive P. syringae epiphyte Cit7 to toxin production and resistance, indicating that pRTBL823 contains a complete set of biosynthetic and resistance genes. Tox- derivatives of BR2 did not produce disease symptoms on bean. Clones that restored toxin production to both insertion and deletion mutants also restored the ability to cause disease. However, tabtoxin-producing Cit7 derivatives remained nonpathogenic on bean and tobacco, suggesting that tabtoxin production alone is not sufficient to cause disease.
The challenges of comparing results between placebo controlled randomized trials and non-experimental new user, active comparator cohort studies: The example of olmesartan

One of the challenges of pharmacoepidemiology that is both exciting and frustrating is the replication of findings. It is often easy to frame the question as “does drug X cause side effect Y”, but this ignores subtle differences in the actual contrasts that are being made. This issue is well highlighted by three recent studies of the cardiovascular safety of the medication Olmesartan published in this issue of the Journal 1–3. These non-experimental (observational) studies were motivated by safety signals from two randomized, placebo controlled trials that suggested that Olmesartan increased all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes4–5. Although the absolute number of deaths observed in the randomized trials was small, the possibility of such an effect is a legitimate cause for concern 1–3. The three non-experimental studies are all well designed and placed in independent populations in two different countries (the United States of America and the United Kingdom).
Gurgulio at Persius 4.38

The human body as metaphoric patch of earth and the horticultural imagery sustained at Pers. 4.35–41 imply a context which clarifies the force of gurgulio (4.38). The word denotes a vermiform weevil‐larva rather than either the weevil itself (curculio) or “gullet, windpipe”; (as the scholiast suggests).
Symmetry Based Multi-modality Registration of the Brain Imagery

We propose a framework of multi-modality brain registration methods using symmetry plane as the principal feature for geometric matching. By bringing the symmetry plane of two rigid objects into coincidence, we can potentially match two objects approximately if there is no apparent elastic distortion. We illustrated this concept using Visible Human dataset, that included color cryosection, and radiological data, from which we extracted 3D mesh models of skin, brain and skull, and aligned them into nested bodies. Each model was generated with different spatial orientation and resolution, and their alignment, was guided by the underlying anatomical relationships in the head region, and a requirement, by an application that the meshes didn 't intersect. After alignment of the symmetry planes, obtained for each mesh using spatial affine transformations, the further geometric adjustment, to achieve complete registration of the nested models, is confined within a 2D plane (i.e. the symmetry plane). This simple method of registration of mesh anatomical models, has a potential to significantly reduce the degrees of freedom in various 3D brain registration applications. It can be also treated as a pre-registration operation before applying other registration methods.
Gendered Power and Privilege: Taking Lenski One Step Further:

In Power and Privilege, Gerhard Lenski's theory of the evolution of systems of inequality, he showed some recognition of gender inequality but, as universally accepted in sociology at the time, “social” stratification was conceptualized implicitly as inequality between male household heads. To move from this to explaining gender inequality requires consideration of constructs in addition to those developed by Lenski, but in terms of his typology of societies based on technology and size of economic surplus, the level of gender stratification tracks that of “social” stratification and the basic variables he delineates remain centrally important.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Predicting Low IQ in Very Preterm Infants From the Neurological Examination: Outcome Data From the Indomethacin Intraventricular Hemorrhage Prevention Trial

We evaluated whether the degree of cerebral palsy (CP) at age 3 in very preterm children is predictive of full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) or =70). CP was identified in 35 of 366 3-year-olds (9.5%). An FSIQ <70 was identified in 47 of 366 children at 8 years old (12.8%). FSIQ <70 occurred in 14 of 17 children with tri- or quadriplegia (82%), 8 of 18 children with di- or hemiplegia (44%), and 25 of 331 children without CP (7.5%). Useful LRs were calculated for tri- or quadriplegia (30), di- or hemiplegia (5.7), and children without CP (0.55). These LRs have greater impact on posttest odds for FSIQ <70 than those for birth weight <1000 g, history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and Stanford-Binet Intelligence Score <70 at age 3. We conclude that the neurologic examination at 3 years old predicts FSIQ <70 at age 8 with LRs that allow evidence-based parental counseling and intervention planning.
Coherent transformations in calcian dolomites

Many sedimentary calcian dolomites commonly display a modulated microstructure when viewed with the transmission electron microscope. This structure has been attributed to a disordered incorporation of excess calcium in the dolomite structure. We describe here two more highly ordered metastable superstructures (γ and δ dolomite) that are considered intermediate between disordered calcian dolomite as formed by dissolution-reprecipitation processes and—probably as a result of diagenesis—decomposition to stable stoichiometric dolomite and calcite. Small platelike regions of coherent calcite are observed in dolomite from the Devonian Lost Burro Formation in southeastern California and in heat-treated calcian dolomite. These observations document the evolution of sedimentary carbonates from metastable to stable phases under favorable kinetic conditions.
The public electronic library: unified access through el workstation and interface

Profiles the accessibility of information from any computer at the University of Wisconsin. States that the building of a common hardware and software infrastructure has allowed the development of menu systems which combine a variety of systems into one seamless program. Cites the web as the key to this and shows how this is available to any user without consulting different indexes and lists. Provides examples of search results produced on this system.
Model Parameter Identification for Non-Fully Controlled Nonlinear Dynamics Systems Using Trajectory Pattern Method

In this paper, a new method is presented for model parameter identification of a large class of nonlinear dynamics systems that are not fully controlled. The method uses trajectory patterns with feed-forward controls to identify model parameters of the system. The developed method ensures full system stability, does not require close initial estimated values for the parameters to be identified, and provides a systematic method of emphasizing on the estimation of the parameters associated with lower order terms of the system dynamics model and gradually upgrading the accuracy with which the model parameters, particularly those associated with the higher order terms of the system dynamics, are estimated. The developed method is based on Trajectory Pattern Method (TPM). The mathematical proof of convergence of the developed method and results of its implementation on a typical system with highly non-linear dynamics are provided.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Determinants of asthma after severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

Background The development of asthma after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis has been demonstrated in case-control studies, although the determinants of post-RSV asthma remain undefined. Objectives We sought to evaluate the potential determinants of physician-diagnosed asthma after severe RSV bronchiolitis during infancy. Methods We enrolled 206 children during an initial episode of severe RSV bronchiolitis at 12 months of age or less in a prospective cohort study and followed these children for up to 6 years. In a subset of 81 children, we analyzed CCL5 (RANTES) mRNA expression in upper airway epithelial cells. Results Forty-eight percent of children had physician-diagnosed asthma before the seventh birthday. Independent determinants significantly associated with increased risk for physician-diagnosed asthma by the seventh birthday included maternal asthma (odds ratio [OR], 5.2; 95% CI, 1.7-15.9; P = .004), exposure to high levels of dog allergen (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3-7.7; P = .012), aeroallergen sensitivity at age 3 years (OR, 10.7; 95% CI, 2.1-55.0; P = .005), recurrent wheezing during the first 3 years of life (OR, 7.3; 95% CI, 1.2-43.3; P = .028), and CCL5 expression in nasal epithelia during acute RSV infection (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4; P P = .041) and children attending day care (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.84; P = .029) had a decreased risk of physician-diagnosed asthma. Conclusions Approximately 50% of children who experience severe RSV bronchiolitis have a subsequent asthma diagnosis. The presence of increased CCL5 levels in nasal epithelia at the time of bronchiolitis or the development of allergic sensitization by age 3 years are associated with increased likelihood of subsequent asthma.
The case for primary endoscopic management of upper urinary tract calculi. I: A critical review of 121 extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy failures

Abstract Objectives To define those patients with upper urinary tract calculi who are more likely to have an unsuccessful outcome from extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Methods A critical prospective analysis of 121 patients, referred to two university centers after ESWL had been exhausted as a treatment modality for upper urinary tract calculi, was performed. Patients were subdivided into the following groups: failure to clear fragments, failure to fragment, difficulty in calculus localization, and failure due to inherent upper urinary tract obstruction. Other important variables include the type of extracorporeal lithotriptor used, number of treatment sittings before referral, calculus location, calculus composition, patient body habitus, and the imaging leading to and associated with extracorporeal therapy. Results Large renal calculi (mean, 22.2 mm) and those within dependent or obstructed portions of the collecting system were frequently referred for endoscopic management after failed ESWL. Steinstrasse can be an extremely morbid complication from ESWL and in this series was associated with irreversible loss of renal function and ureteral stricture disease. Extracorporeal lithotripsy of infectious calculi can be associated with severe septic complication. Inadequate preoperative and intraoperative imaging and morbid obesity were also associated with failure. Second- and third-generation lithotriptors were represented in greater numbers than the Dornier HM-3 in this group of ESWL failures. Conclusions ESWL remains the treatment of choice for moderately sized, uncomplicated renal calculi. Large calculi, those within obstructed or dependent portions of the collecting system, and those composed of calcium oxalate monohydrate, frequently fail ESWL. Training in the more technically challenging aspects of endoscopic lithotripsy must be encouraged.
International Technology Transfer in the Middle East and North Africa

Introduction The importance of international technology transfer derives from the central role of technology in modern economic growth. The continuing diffusion of successive innovations, whether domestic or foreign in origin, whether product‐or process‐oriented, is essential to sustained productivity increases in any developed or less developed economy. On the micro level, both price and quality competitiveness of any firm either at home or abroad is ultimately determined by its innovative activities. These can be based on either self‐generated or acquired technologies. The long‐run viability and continued growth of a firm depend on its progression from a mere purchaser—adapter initially of all technology, to creator—seller eventually of at least some technology.
Number of lymph nodes examined and prognosis among pathologically lymph node-negative patients after preoperative chemoradiation therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer can decrease the number of evaluable lymph nodes. Hence, the prognostic role of lymph node evaluation in patients with rectal cancer who receive preoperative chemoradiation is unclear. The authors of this report evaluated the prognostic impact of the number of lymph nodes examined in patients with rectal cancer who had negative lymph nodes based on the pathologic extent of disease (ypN0) after they received preoperative chemoradiation. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2004, 372 patients with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma received preoperative chemoradiation followed by mesorectal excision and had ypN0 disease. The median radiation dose was 45 gray, and 68% of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Patients had a median of 7 lymph nodes examined after preoperative chemoradiation. Compared with patients who had ≤7 lymph nodes examined, patients who had >7 lymph nodes had higher 5-year rates of freedom from relapse (86% vs 72%; log-rank P = .005) and cancer-specific survival (95% vs 86%; log-rank P = .0004), but no significant difference was observed in the overall survival rate (87% vs 81%; log-rank P = .07). Multivariate Cox proportional models demonstrated that patients who had >7 lymph nodes examined had a significantly lower risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 0.39; P = .003) and death from rectal cancer (HR, 0.45; P = .04) but a similar risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.46-1.20; P = .23) compared with patients who had ≤7 lymph nodes examined. CONCLUSIONS: The number of lymph nodes examined was associated independently with disease relapse and cancer-specific survival in patients with rectal cancer who had ypN0 disease after receiving preoperative chemoradiation. Hence, the authors concluded that the number of negative lymph nodes examined may be a prognostic factor in patients with rectal cancer who receive preoperative chemoradiation. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Scientific Modeling for Inquiring Teachers Network (SMIT'N): The Influence on Elementary Teachers' Views of Nature of Science, Inquiry, and Modeling

This paper summarizes the findings from a K-6 professional development program that emphasized scientific inquiry and nature of science within the theme of scientific modeling. During the 2-week summer workshop and follow up school year workshops, the instruction modeled a 5-E learning cycle approach. Pre and posttesting measured teachers’ views of nature of science, inquiry, and scientific modeling. Teachers improved their views of nature of science (NOS) and inquiry by including scientific modeling in their definitions of how scientists work, the empirical nature of science, and the role of observations and inferences in science. Their definitions of science expanded from a knowledge-based orientation to a process-based orientation. Teachers added the use of mathematical formulas to their views of scientific modeling. Using scientific modeling as the central theme was effective in providing positive influence on teachers’ views of inquiry and NOS.
Environmental Diseconomies in Suburban expansion

THERE ARE FEW major population centers in the United States today that have not felt the effects of rapid expansion. Writing back in 1957, William H. Whyte Jr. suggested that the problem had already reached national proportions and would have to be dealt with immediately.1 In recent years land has been being urbanized at a rate approaching 500,000 acres per annum.2 This phenomenon is reflective of a vast change in the living habits of the American people. Over the past fifty years the United States has been transformed from an agricultural society into a highly sophisticated urban society. These changes have produced unfortunate side effects. At first the population densities of major cities tended to increase. Naturally, this phenomenon presented many difficulties for those responsible for providing public services. In recent years, however, the populations of major central cities have been declining. For a variety of reasons people no longer find it convenient to live in the central city.3 The love affair between the people and the metropolis is over but it has left its scars. It appears as though the ideal place to live is in the suburbs and much land around the cities is being urbanized. Metropolitan populations do not appear to be increasing as rapidly as are the land areas which they encompass. Land resources are actually being squandered by people seeking to escape the problems of the central cities. An uncontrolled wave of urbanization appears to be rolling over long existing political boundaries. Its wake is littered with a rubble of zoning ordinances, building codes, and established planning procedures. The result has been loosely defined as urban sprawl. In the course of the present paper various types of urban sprawl will be defined. Their causes will be discussed and an attempt will be made to analyze the economic effects which they have upon urban agglomerations, people, and the economy in general. This material will be set forward with an eye to developing suitable policy recommendations for dealing with problems in the area of suburban expansion. I
Spatial and temporal abundance patterns of oceanic chaetognaths in the western North Atlantic—I. Hydrographic and seasonal abundance patterns

Abstract Chaetognath abundance was measured from 38 MOCNESS tows collected in the western North Atlantic from August 1975 to November 1977. Twenty-one species were identified from 18 slope water (SW), 18 northern Sargasso Sea (NSS) and two Gulf Stream (GS) tows. Sagitta elegans, S. hispida and S. megalophthalma were collected in only one or two tows. Eukrohnia bathypelagica, E. fowleri, E. hamata, Sagitta helenae, S. macrocephala, S. maxima and S. tasmanica are significantly more abundant in the SW than in the NSS. Krohnitta subtilis, Pterosagitta draco, Sagitta bipunctata, S. decipiens, S. hexaptera, S. lyra, S. minima, S. planctonis and S. serratodentata are significantly more abundant in the NSS. Krohnitta pacifica and Sagitta enflata show no significant abundance differences between the SW and NSS. Most species show at least an order of magnitude abundance difference between the SW and NSS, with intermediate GS abundances. A simple mixing model and previous reports of chaetognath distributions in the North Atlantic indicate that most species have expatriate populations in either the SW or NSS or in both regions. Increased temperature and food abundance probably limit SW species from the NSS, while decreased temperature and increased predator abundance probably limit NSS species from the SW. Spring abundance peaks were observed for many species in the NSS, but no seasonal peaks were detected for species in the SW. The spring abundance peaks in the NSS are probably due to increased food abundance, although temperature could not be ruled out as an important factor.
Silver(I) and thallium(I) complexes of a PNP ligand and their utility as PNP transfer reagents

Silver(I) and thallium(I) complexes of a diarylamido-based PNP pincer ligand have been prepared and characterized. The silver complex [(PNP)Ag]2 exists as a dimer both in solution and in the solid state and is stable under an ambient atmosphere. Thallium complex (PNP)Tl is, however, monomeric and acutely sensitive to moisture and air. Both reagents serve to transfer PNP into the coordination sphere of divalent nickel, palladium, and platinum. [(PNP)Ag]2 is able to effect PNP transfer in air, but the transfer to nickel(II) is less efficient than that with the thallium(I) analogue.
Systematics of hypsilophodontidae and basal Iguanodontia (dinosauria: Ornithopoda)

The phylogenetic relationships of species attributed to the ornithopod family Hypsilophodontidae are evaluated using morphological characters from the skull, dentition, and postcranium. Based on our analyses, Hypsilophodontidae constitutes a monophyletic taxon that comprises the sister taxon to Iguanodontia, together forming Euornithopoda. Three clades within the family are consistently demonstrated: Zephyrosaurus schaff+Orodromeus makelai, Parksosaurus warreni+Hypsilophodon foxii and Yandusaurus hongheensis+Othnielia rex. Thescelosaurus neglectus is the sister taxon to these six genera and constitutes the basal hypsilophodontid. Tenontosaurus tilletti is the basal member of Iguanodontia, with species of Dryosaurus and Camptosaurus as higher taxa within the clade. To understand the effects missing data may have on tree topology, tree length, and consistency indices, poorly represented characters were secondarily removed from the character matrix. In these analyses, all relationships remain stable, but tre...
The α-Hemolysin nanopore transduction detector – single-molecule binding studies and immunological screening of antibodies and aptamers

Background Nanopore detection is based on observations of the ionic current threading a single, highly stable, nanometer-scale channel. The dimensions are such that small biomolecules and biopolymers (like DNA and peptides) can translocate or be captured in the channel. The identities of translocating or captured molecules can often be discerned, one from another, based on their channel blockade "signatures". There is a self-limiting aspect to a translocation-based detection mechanism: as the channel fits tighter around the translocating molecule the dynamic range of the ionic current signal is reduced. In this study, a lengthy, highly structure, high dynamic-range, molecular capture is sought as a key component of a transduction-based nanopore detection platform.
Inhibition of histone methylation arrests ongoing graft-versus-host disease in mice by selectively inducing apoptosis of alloreactive effector T cells

Histone methylation is thought to be important for regulating Ag-driven T-cell responses. However, little is known about the effect of modulating histone methylation on inflammatory T-cell responses. We demonstrate that in vivo administration of the histone methylation inhibitor 3-deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) arrests ongoing GVHD in mice after allogeneic BM transplantation. DZNep caused selective apoptosis in alloantigen-activated T cells mediating host tissue injury. This effect was associated with the ability of DZNep to selectively reduce trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27, deplete the histone methyltransferase Ezh2 specific to trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27, and activate proapoptotic gene Bim repressed by Ezh2 in antigenic-activated T cells. In contrast, DZNep did not affect the survival of alloantigen-unresponsive T cells in vivo and naive T cells stimulated by IL-2 or IL-7 in vitro. Importantly, inhibition of histone methylation by DZNep treatment in vivo preserved the antileukemia activity of donor T cells and did not impair the recovery of hematopoiesis and lymphocytes, leading to significantly improved survival of recipients after allogeneic BM transplantation. Our findings indicate that modulation of histone methylation may have significant implications in the development of novel approaches to treat ongoing GVHD and other T cell–mediated inflammatory disorders in a broad context.
Cooperative Learning Contingencies: Unrelated versus Related Individual and Group Contingencies

College students operating under related cooperative contingencies (students had to earn individual credit before being considered for group credit) showed more consistent individual and group improvement on exam performance than students operating under unrelated contingencies (individual credit and group credit were independently determined). A balanced ratio between individual and group credit proved to be the most productive ratio under the related contingency, whereas a ratio favoring group credit over individual credit proved most productive under the unrelated contingency. In general, a ratio favoring individual credit over group credit was the least productive in promoting both individual and group improvement under both unrelated and related contingencies. The findings showed less difference in improvement of exam scores for students of different performance levels than had been evident in previous research.
Artemisinin-derived dimers have greatly improved anti-cytomegalovirus activity compared to artemisinin monomers.

BACKGROUND Artesunate, an artemisinin-derived monomer, was reported to inhibit Cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication. We aimed to compare the in-vitro anti-CMV activity of several artemisinin-derived monomers and newly synthesized artemisinin dimers. METHODS Four artemisinin monomers and two novel artemisinin-derived dimers were tested for anti-CMV activity in human fibroblasts infected with luciferase-tagged highly-passaged laboratory adapted strain (Towne), and a clinical CMV isolate. Compounds were evaluated for CMV inhibition and cytotoxicity. RESULTS Artemisinin dimers effectively inhibited CMV replication in human foreskin fibroblasts and human embryonic lung fibroblasts (EC(50) for dimer sulfone carbamate and dimer primary alcohol 0.06+/-0.00 microM and 0.15+/-0.02 microM respectively, in human foreskin fibroblasts) with no cytotxicity at concentrations required for complete CMV inhibition. All four artemisinin monomers (artemisinin, artesunate, artemether and artefanilide) shared a similar degree of CMV inhibition amongst themselves (in microM concentrations) which was significantly less than the inhibition achieved with artemisinin dimers (P<0.0001). Similar to monomers, inhibition of CMV with artemisinin dimers appeared early in the virus life cycle as reflected by decreased expression of the immediate early (IE1) protein. CONCLUSIONS Artemisinin dimers are potent and non-cytotoxic inhibitors of CMV replication. These compounds should be studied as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of CMV infection in humans.
Motivation and Compliance in Exercise Programs for Older Adults

(1998). Motivation and Compliance in Exercise Programs for Older Adults. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 69, No. 8, pp. 24-27.
The C11R Gene, Which Encodes the Vaccinia Virus Growth Factor, Is Partially Responsible for MVA-Induced NF-κB and ERK2 Activation

MVA is an attenuated strain of vaccinia virus (VACV) that is a popular vaccine vector. MVA infection activates NF-κB. For 293T cells, it is known that MVA early gene expression activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2), resulting in NF-κB activation. However, other viral and cellular mechanisms responsible for this event are ill defined. The data presented here show that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is at least one apical trigger in this pathway: ERK2 and NF-κB activation was diminished when MVA infections occurred in cells devoid of the EGFR (CHO K1 cells) or in the presence of a drug that inhibits EGFR activation (AG1478) in 293T cells. The expression of dominant negative Ras or Raf proteins still permitted NF-κB activation, suggesting that a nonclassical EGFR-based signal transduction pathway triggered ERK2-NF-κB activation. C11R is an early gene present in MVA and other orthopoxviruses. It encodes the soluble, secreted vaccinia virus growth factor (VGF), a protein that binds to and stimulates the EGFR. Here it was observed that NF-κB was activated in 293T cells transfected with a plasmid encoding the C11R gene. Silencing by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or deletion of the C11R gene (MVAΔC11R) reduced both MVA-induced ERK2 and NF-κB activation in 293T cells or the keratinocyte line Hacat, suggesting that this mechanism of MVA-induced NF-κB activation may be common for several cell types.
Review of experimental searches for strange quark matter states

In this proceedings, we review the current status of experimental searches for novel forms of nuclear matter, namely strange quark matter states. A detailed summary of H-dibaryon results is given and implications on the stability of such a state is reviewed. Final results from the BNL-AGS and CERN-SPS strangelet searches are presented and put in the context of coalescence and plasma production models.
Observation of noisy precursors of dynamical instabilities.

We have measured the power spectra of a periodically driven p-n junction in the vicinity of a dynamical instability. The addition of external noise introduces new lines in the spectra, which become more prominent as a bifurcation point is approached. The scaling of the peak, width, area, and line shape of these lines is measured near the onset of two different codimension-one instabilities: the period doubling and Hopf bifurcations. The results are in excellent agreement with recent theoretical predictions.
The Prevention of Suture Line Insufficiency Using Cuffed Synthetic Vascular Grafts

Abstract A new cuffed synthetic vascular prosthesis is presented which appears to have the following advantages: (1) eliminates direct contact between the line of anastomosis and the neighboring organs; (2) serves as an effective method of hemostasis during operation; and (3) reinforces the wall of the aorta proximal to the anastomosis, thus decreasing the danger of early and late suture line disruption and the development of aortoenteric fistulas.
Motor response selection in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Previous work has reported timing delays in motor response selection in children with prenatal exposure to alcohol when the information load involved responding to two stimulus choices. The present study examined whether the delay in response selection extends to conditions in which the information load is increased to four and eight stimulus choices. Twenty children aged between 12 and 17 years with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) were compared to 17 non-alcohol-exposed controls (NC) on a reaction time (RT) task involving 1, 2, 4 or 8 visual stimulus choices. The task demands required the participant to release a response key as fast as possible when the stimulus light electronically paired with the response key was activated. With the number of stimulus choices expressed on a logarithmic scale, there was a significant and linear increase in RT for the FASD children as predicted by information processing theory. Additionally, the increase in RT for the FASD group was comparable to that observed for the NC children at each level of stimulus choice examined. It was concluded that FASD adolescents require additional time to process increasing amount of information, but that the time required for motor response selection is not delayed relative to control group performance.
Uncertainty management with imprecise knowledge with application to design

Uncertainty management is critical to the effective use of knowledge-based systems in a wide variety of domains. Design is typical of these domains in that the implementation of a design in an artifact, the future environment for the artifact, and the component characteristics of the artifact are all uncertain. Existing probabilistic schemes to address the inherent uncertainty in areas like design assume precise knowledge of the probabilities of relevant events. This paper defines a probabilistic method for uncertainty management with imprecise inputs. The approach combines Bayesian inference networks and information theoretic inference procedures. The resulting scheme manages both imprecision and uncertainty in the problem domain. An application of the approach to materiel design is described.
Polyaniline: protonation/deprotonation of amine and imine sites

Abstract A model describing the dependence of the protonation level and the oxidation potential of polyaniline as a function of pH of equilibration and oxidation state has been derived. It is assumed that amine and imine sites do not function independently. Predictions are compared with previous experimental data.
Influence of bathymetry on hydrography and circulation at the region between an estuary mouth and the adjacent continental shelf

Abstract Bathymetry effects on the flow field at the transition between idealized estuaries and the adjacent ocean are studied with the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). Estuary width, depth, and channel direction at the shelf are used to determine flow characteristics in and out of an idealized estuary. The idealized estuary connects to an upstream boundary, where freshwater discharges, and an offshore tidal boundary. Tidally averaged salinity and flow structures are examined at the estuary mouth. A recirculation feature directly affects flow at the estuary mouth, especially in shallow and wide estuarine systems. The recirculation retards the exchange flow near the edges of the estuary mouth and consequently allows strengthening of the flow in the middle. The geometric shape of the estuarine channel affects the strength of the residual flow at the estuary mouth. The presence of an extended submarine channel on the shelf enhances the baroclinic circulation and stratification, and maximizes the salinity intrusion length without additional external forces. The direction of this submarine channel affects the exchange flow structures at the estuary/ocean transition zone in such a way that the salinity intrusion length increases with a left-turning channel (in the Kelvin wave sense of the fresh water flow direction). This is attributed to the competition between centrifugal and Coriolis forces. Flow characteristics described by the Kelvin and Ekman number, which outline channel geometric effects, are similar to previous studies.
Evolution of the Space Shuttle Primary Avionics Software and Avionics for Shuttle Derived Launch Vehicles

As a result of recommendation from the Augustine Panel, the direction for Human Space Flight has been altered from the original plan referred to as Constellation. NASA s Human Exploration Framework Team (HEFT) proposes the use of a Shuttle Derived Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (SDLV) and an Orion derived spacecraft (salvaged from Constellation) to support a new flexible direction for space exploration. The SDLV must be developed within an environment of a constrained budget and a preferred fast development schedule. Thus, it has been proposed to utilize existing assets from the Shuttle Program to speed development at a lower cost. These existing assets should not only include structures such as external tanks or solid rockets, but also the Flight Software which has traditionally been a "long pole" in new development efforts. The avionics and software for the Space Shuttle was primarily developed in the 70 s and considered state of the art for that time. As one may argue that the existing avionics and flight software may be too outdated to support the new SDLV effort, this is a fallacy if they can be evolved over time into a "modern avionics" platform. The technology may be outdated, but the avionics concepts and flight software algorithms are not. The reuse of existing avionics and software also allows for the reuse of development, verification, and operations facilities. The keyword is evolve in that these assets can support the fast development of such a vehicle, but then be gradually evolved over time towards more modern platforms as budget and schedule permits. The "gold" of the flight software is the "control loop" algorithms of the vehicle. This is the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) software algorithms. This software is typically the most expensive to develop, test, and verify. Thus, the approach is to preserve the GNC flight software, while first evolving the supporting software (such as Command and Data Handling, Caution and Warning, Telemetry, etc.). This can be accomplished by gradually removing the "support software" from the legacy flight software leaving only the GNC algorithms. The "support software" could be re-developed for modern platforms, while leaving the GNC algorithms to execute on technology compatible with the legacy system. It is also possible to package the GNC algorithms into an emulated version of the original computer (via Field Programmable Gate Arrays or FPGAs), thus becoming a "GNC on a Chip" solution where it could live forever to be embedded in modern avionics platforms.
Forms and distribution of inorganic phosphorus in sediments of two shallow eutrophic lakes in Florida

Phosphorus (P) reactivity and bioavailability in lake sediments may be determined by different forms of P and their distribution. Reactive and nonreactive P pools in two shallow subtropical lake sediments (Lake Apopka and Lake Okeechobee) were determined by sequential chemical extraction using 1 M NH4Cl (pH 7.0), 0.1 M NaOH, and 0.5 M HCl, reportedly representing loosely-bound P, Fe- and Al-bound P, and Ca- and Mg-bound P respectively. The sequential P fractionation was tested using pure P compounds and selected P minerals. The scheme effectively separated Fe- and Al-P from Ca-P fractions in an FePO4-AlPO4-Ca3(PO4)2 mixture. Readily available P, defined as the sum of water-soluble P and NH4Cl-extractable P, in the unconsolidated gyttja (UCG) layer (surface 0–30 cm) of Lake Apopka sediments accounted for 10.1 to 23.7% of total P (TP). This sediment P fraction constitutes a large reservoir which may act as a source of P to the overlying water. In subsurface marl layers (134–148 cm depth) of Lake Apopka, NH4Cl-P constituted <I% of TP whereas Ca-Mg-bound P and highly resistant P (residual P) accounted for 35 and 64% of TP respectively. Results suggest that 1 M NH4Cl (pH 7.0) and 0.5 M HCl, reported to dissolve carbonate-bound P and Ca-Mg-bound P, respectively, may not be extracting distinct pools of P. Lake Okeechobee mud sediments had low concentrations of readily available P (2% of TP) and were dominated by Ca-Mg-bound P (HCl-P≥58% of TP). Sediments in the littoral and peat areas of Lake Okeechobee, however, had high concentrations of readily available P (9.7 and 17.4% of TP respectively); hence, these sediments may play an important role in internal P cycling. The NaOH-P (Fe-Al-P) concentrations for Lake Okeechobee sediments were strongly correlated with amorphous and poorly-crystalline Fe (p< 0.01), suggesting that some P reactions in these sediments may be sensitive to changes in physico-chemical conditions such as redox potential and sediment resuspension.
Nitriding of Steels in the Course of their Mechanical Pulsed Treatment

It is shown that, in the course of mechanical pulsed treatment of steel with the use of 10% aqueous solution of aminil, the surface layers are saturated with nitrogen. This leads to the increase in the microhardness of hardened layer up to 12 GPa. As a result, the wear resistance of the friction couple becomes 1.6–1.8 times higher and the corrosion resistance of steel (according to its corrosion rate and depth index) also increases.
Correlation of findings on direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy with presence of extraesophageal reflux disease.

Objective To determine the correlation between findings at direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy and presence of extraesophageal reflux disease (EERD). Study Design Retrospective chart review Methods Operative notes of 155 children undergoing direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy between 1996 and 1999 for airway symptoms for whom there was a suspicion of EERD were examined. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was considered present if at least one test was positive (including upper GI series, pH probe, gastric scintiscan, or esophageal biopsy). Results A total of 130 (84%) patients had GERD diagnosed. Ninety percent had at least one laryngotracheal abnormality: 83% had an abnormal larynx and 66% had an abnormal trachea. Laryngeal abnormalities in GERD included postglottic edema, 69%; arytenoid edema, 30%; large lingual tonsil, 16%; vocal fold edema, 12%; vocal fold nodule, 12%; ventricular obliteration, 5%; and hypopharyngeal cobblestoning, 3%. Tracheobronchial abnormalities in GERD included tracheal cobblestoning, 33%; blunting of carina, 12.5%; subglottic stenosis, 11%; increased secretions, 11%; and generalized edema or erythema, 5%. The best sensitivity or specificity was obtained by combining postglottic edema, arytenoid edema, and vocal fold edema, resulting in a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 67%. Positive predictive value was 100% for the combination of postglottic edema and any vocal fold or ventricular abnormality. Conclusion Laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy can reveal findings with a high positive predictive value for the presence of GERD. Endoscopy of the upper airway in children with clinical signs and symptoms of EERD is a promising tool for diagnosis.
Pharmacological evaluation of methylcarbamylcholine-induced drinking behavior in rats

Abstract Methylcarbamylcholine (MCC), a structural analog of carbachol (an acetylcholine agonist), has been reported to be a specific nicotinic cholinergic receptor ligand. MCC produces a robust polydipsic response shortly following central administration. The purpose of the present study was to pharmacologically characterize this increase in drinking behavior. Male Wistar rats were implanted with intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula guides directed at the left lateral ventricle. Following a recovery period, animals were injected ICV with saline or various doses of MCC (3–60 ωg) and water consumption was quantified. MCC produced a dose-related, transient increase in water consumption that peaked at a dose of 30 ωg. In contrast, nicotine, a potent nicotinic cholinergic receptor agonist, did not produce changes in drinking following ICV administration. MCC-induced increases in drinking were not blocked by pretreatment with several selective nicotinic receptor antagonists including dihydro-β-erythriodine (DHBE), hexamethonium, and mecamylamine. However, pretreatment with the muscarinic antagonist atropine (0.01 or 1.0 ωg) completely abolished MCC-induced polydipsia. Following a chronic treatment regimen (MCC injected ICV twice daily for 10 days), no tolerance to MCC-induced changes in water consumption was observed. Previous studies have demonstrated that tolerance develops to nicotinic-receptor mediated responses following the identical chronic treatment paradigm. These results suggest that MCC-induced polydipsia is mediated through stimulation of muscarinic rather than nicotinic receptors.
Microbubble Contrast Imaging of the Cardiovascular System of the Chick Embyro

Abstract Ultrasound imaging of the chick embryo cardiovascular system is limited to B-scan and Doppler technologies. This study demonstrates microbubble contrast imaging of the embryonic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. Day 8–19 (Hamburger & Hamilton Stage 34–43) chick embryos are examined in ovo using high-frequency ultrasound imaging through an opening in the blunt end (air cell) of the egg. A chorioallantoic vein is cannulated, and small boluses of octofluoropropane lipid microspheres (Definity®) are injected to visualize the chick embryo cardiovascular system. The entire chick embryo cardiovascular system including the two embryologic arteriovenous (AV) shunts can be visualized. More accurate physiologic measurements of ejection fractions and cardiac output measurements can be obtained using this technology. Microbubble contrast ultrasound imaging in the chick embryo greatly expands the ability to study cardiovascular development. Also, the two natural embryonic A-V shunts provide an excellent model to study the bioeffects of microbubbles in the arterial system.
Pseudomelanosis duodeni in a postrenal transplant patient

Pseudomelanosis duodeni is a rare entity characterised by dark pigmented intracellular granules seen within macrophages that lie within the lamina propria of the duodenal villi. There is no known treatment, and the clinical significance and long-term sequelae of this entity are unclear. We present a case of pseudomelanosis duodeni in a 54-year-old woman who presented with a 1-month history of nausea, vomiting and non-bloody diarrhoea. The medical history was significant for diabetes mellitus type 2, end-stage renal disease status postkidney transplant, hypertension, anaemia of chronic disease and hypothyroidism. A gastroduodenal endoscopy revealed pigmented dark lesions in the duodenal mucosa. Biopsies from the second part of the duodenum and duodenal bulb showed pigmented macrophages in the lamina propria. The findings were consistent with duodenal melanosis. In spite of renal transplant with normalisation of renal function, the duodenal melanosis persists, which raises questions on the role of renal impairment in this entity.
Weak Convergence and Vector-Valued Functions: Improving the Stability Theory of Feynman’s Operational Calculi

In this paper we present a theorem that establishes a relation between continuous, norm-bounded functions from a metric space into a separable Hilbert space and weak convergence of sequences of probability measures on the metric space. After establishing this result, it’s application to the stability theory of Feynman’s operational calculi will be illustrated. We will see that the existing time-dependent stability theory of the operational calculi will be significantly improved when the operator-valued functions take their values in $\mathcal{L}(\mathcal{H})$ , $\mathcal{H}$ a separable Hilbert space.