cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The symmetries of image formation by scattering II Applications

We show that the symmetries of image formation by scattering enable graph-theoretic manifold-embedding techniques to extract structural and timing information from simulated and experimental snapshots at extremely low signal. The approach constitutes a physically-based, computationally efficient, and noise-robust route to analyzing the large and varied datasets generated by existing and emerging methods for studying structure and dynamics by scattering. We demonstrate three-dimensional structure recovery from X-ray diffraction and cryo-electron microscope image snapshots of unknown orientation, the latter at 12 times lower dose than currently in use. We also show that ultra-low-signal, random sightings of dynamically evolving systems can be sequenced into high quality movies to reveal their evolution. Our approach offers a route to recovering timing information in time-resolved experiments, and extracting 3D movies from two-dimensional random sightings of dynamic systems.
Interval measures of power

Abstract Standard power indices, introduced by Shapley and Shubik, Banzhaf, Johnston, and others, assign real numbers to the players in a simple game as a quantitative measure of their influence in the voting situation represented by the game. We consider instead two ‘interval notions of power’ that assign intervals of real numbers to the players. The first of these notions originates in the observation that although a particular choice of weights in a weighted game may not provide an accurate measure of power, the interval of all possible weights for a player is, in fact, a reasonable reflection of the player's influence. The resulting weight interval is extended to non-weighted games via the observation that every simple game is an intersection of weighted games. For example, we have shown (Taylor and Zwicker, Games and Economic behavior, 1993, 5, 170–181) that the president's weight interval in the (non-weighted) federal system is ( 15 115 , 17 117 ), suggesting that the president has between 13% and 15% of the power. The development of a combinatorial equivalent, the dispersal interval, yields a uniform method for calculating weight intervals. Our second interval index, the market interval, is based on a modification of Peyton Young's idea that the influence of players can be measured by the sizes of the bribes they can demand when they sell their votes. We show, for example, that the president's market interval in the federal system is (0, 0.2537,…); he can reasonably insist on between 0% and 25% of the total bribe. An iterated version of the market interval, based on rationality assumptions about other players' actions and linked with the notion of a bribery equilibrium, produces potentially smaller intervals that, in some cases, shrink to single points in the limit.
Two constrained deconvolution methods using spline functions.

This paper describes two new methods to solve the following estimation problem. Given n1 noisy measurements (yi1,i,i=1,..., n1)of the response of a system to a knowninput [A1(t) where tindicates time], and n2 noisy measurements yi,2,i=l,..., n2 of the response of a system to an unknowninput [A2(t)], obtain an estimate of A2(t) and K(t) (the unit impulse response function of the system) under the model: $$y_{ij} = \int_0^{t_{ij} } {A_j (s)} K(t_{ij} - s)ds + \varepsilon _{ij} $$ weree i,j are independent identically distributed random variables. Both methods use spline functions to represent the unknown functions, and they automatically select the spline functions representing the unknown input and unit impulse response functions. The first method estimates separately the unit impulse response function and the input, recasting the problem in terms of inequality-constrained linear regression. The second method jointly estimates the unit impulse response function and the input function, recasting the problem in terms of inequality-constrained nonlinear regression. Simulated and real data analysis are reported.
Indomethacin as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of progressive cervical shortening diagnosed by trans-vaginal sonography

Objective. To evaluate the role of indomethacin in discriminating between preterm labour and cervical insufficiency-related cervical shortening.Methods. Retrospective analysis of all cases of cervical shortening on singleton gestations. All patients were treated according to our protocol with one or more of the following three modalities: (1) bed rest only, (2) bed rest and indomethacin and (3) cervical cerclage, bed rest, and indomethacin. Outcomes: foetal loss <24 weeks, birth weight, delivery <34 weeks, and delivery <37 weeks.Results. We treated 342 patients: 167 (48.8%) with bed rest only, 21 (6.1%) with cerclage, and 154 (45.1%) with indomethacin. By 28 weeks 56 (16.3%) remained stable or improved with bed rest only, 91 (26.6%) failed indomethacin and required cerclage, and the remaining 173 (50.6%) responded well to indomethacin and nifedipine. Birth weight was 3119 g ± 651 (SD) and GA at delivery 37.4 weeks ± 2.5 (SD). Of the 342 patients, 4 (1.2%) aborted <24 weeks, 1 was terminated (achondroplasi...
Solidarity in medicine: the role of medical students and young doctors.

Las descripciones historicamente aplicadas en la atencion medica y las empleadas ahora, utilizan vocabularios y lenguaje diferentes, a raiz de la especializacion altamente tecnificada y cientifica de la medicina. La atencion medica recurre a un antiguo glosario de palabras, gestos y conducta que esta siendo transformado rapidamente por la especializacion y los progresos en tecnologia de la comunicacion. Por ejemplo, los recursos tecnologicos de los cuidados intensivos han modificado las expectativas de vida y han forzado a una re-definicion del significado de "estar vivo". Laprofesion medica contemporanea enfrenta riesgos mientras la evolucion linguistica y tecnologica avanza con mayor velocidad que la evolucion natural de la salud y la enfermedad. La acentuacion y aceleracion de una disparidad generacional entre los jovenes y los mayores disminuyen la solidaridad de la profesion y la calidad de la atencion que provee
Wireless video content delivery through coded distributed caching

We suggest a novel approach to handle the ongoing explosive increase in the demand for video content in mobile devices. We envision femtocell-like base stations, which we call helpers, with weak backhaul links but large storage capabilities. These helpers form a wireless distributed caching network that assists the macro base station by handling requests of popular files that have been cached. We formalize the wireless distributed caching optimization problem for the case that files are encoded using fountain/MDS codes. We express the problem as a convex optimization. By adding additional variables we reduce it to a linear program. On the practical side, we present a detailed simulation of a university campus scenario covered by a single 3GPP LTE R8 cell and several helper nodes using a simplified 802.11n protocol. We use a real campus trace of video requests and show how distributed caching can increase the number of served users by as much as 600–700%.
Deep space storm shelters and discrete event simulation

Missions outside of Earth's magnetic field are impeded by the presence of radiation from galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events. To overcome this issue, NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Radiation Works Storm Shelter Team (RadWorks) has been testing different radiation protective habitats to shield against the onset of solar particle event radiation. These habitats have the capability of protecting occupants by utilizing logistics such as food, water, brine, human waste, trash, and non-consumables to build short-term shelters. Protection comes from building a barrier with the logistics that dampens the impact of the radiation on astronauts. The goal of this research is to develop a discrete event simulation, modeling a solar particle event and the building of a protective shelter. Two different locations, the main hallway and the crew quarters, within a larger habitat that is similar to the layout of the International Space Station (ISS) are modeled and compared. The outputs from this model will yield three results: 1) provide the team with information on the amount of protection the crew members receive based on the two structures, 2) provide the amount of time for setting up the habitat during specific points in a mission given an event occurs, 3) and determine the total areas covered on the shelter by the different logistics.
Interaction of nascent ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4 isoforms expressed in mammalian cells with amyloid peptide beta (1-40). Relevance to Alzheimer's disease.

Population studies have established that one of the common isoforms of apolipoprotein E, the apoE4, is associated with higher incidence and earlier age of onset of late onset familial Alzheimer's disease (AD), whereas apoE2 may have the opposite effect. The apoE3 and apoE4 isoforms were shown to display different binding reactivities with amyloid β peptide (Aβ) and τ protein in vitro. On the basis of these findings, it has been proposed that the apoE isoforms may modulate positively or negatively the formation of either the neurofibrillary tangles or the amyloid deposits in the brain of patients with AD. To study the interaction of Aβ with nascent apoE isoforms we have expressed their cDNAs in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells using the Semliki Forest Virus expression system. Analysis of the secreted apoE by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed that the nascent apoE is heavily modified with carbohydrate chains containing sialic acid. A dimeric form of apoE is formed with...
Impact of Instructional Assessment on Elementary Children's Achievement

This study examined the trajectory of change in scores on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) of low-income, urban, third and fourth graders who had been enrolled in classrooms where the Work Sampling System (WSS), a curriculum-embedded performance assessment, was used for at least three years. The ITBS scores of children exposed to WSS were compared with those of students in a group of non-WSS contrast schools that were matched by race, income, mobility, school size, and number of parents in the home and to a comparison group of all other students in the school district.
Cr supplementation decreases tyrosine phosphorylation of the CreaT in skeletal muscle during sepsis.

Myocellular creatine (Cr) uptake is predominantly governed by a sodium-dependent Cr transporter (CreaT) and plays a pivotal role in skeletal muscle energy metabolism. The CreaT belongs to a neurotr...
The Elaboration Theory's Procedure for Designing Instruction: A Conceptual Approach.

This paper describes the use of elaboration theory in selecting, sequencing, synthesizing, and summarizing instructional content that is predominantly conceptual in nature. A brief summary of the elaboration theory is provided, as well as a description of the major works that the elaboration theory has incorporated or built upon. A nine-step procedure is presented which can be used by designers and teachers working together as a team. The procedure involves (1) deciding when to use a conceptual approach, (2) selecting the concepts to be taught and organizing them into knowledge structures, (3) deciding what is the most inclusive of those knowledge structures, (4) arranging that knowledge structure’s concepts in a general-to-detailed sequence that will provide the “skeleton” or basic structure of the course, (5) identifying other ideas and facts that should also be taught (including learning prerequisites) and adding “flesh” to the skeleton of the course by allocating each such idea and fact to its most highly related “skeletal” concept, (6) allocating all content to lessons, (7) sequencing the content within each lesson, (8) designing the test items and instruction on each individual piece of content (i.e., on each concept, principle, procedure, and fact), and (9) creating synthesis test items and instructional components. Prescriptions for developing instruction on a single piece of content (step 8 above) are based on Merrill’s component display theory.
Injection drug users' and their risk networks' experiences of and attitudes towards drug dealer violence in Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract Background A large portion of violence associated with drug use is due to drug dealing. These analyses sought to examine injection drug users' attitudes and experiences of drug dealer violence. Methods The current study used the 18-month follow up data of STEP into Action (STEP) study, an HIV prevention intervention among drug injectors and their risk network members conducted in Baltimore, Maryland. Four scales assessed acceptability of drug dealer violence, willingness to talk to drug users about avoiding drug dealer violence, social norms about reporting drug dealer violence and intentions to report drug dealer violence to the police. Results Many (44%) of the 373 participants reported witnessing drug dealers' acts of violence within the prior 6 months. Although the majority of participants disagreed with statements on the acceptability of dealers using violence, only a minority indicated that they would call the police if they observed dealer violence. Most participants indicated that they would be interested in talking to drug users about how to avoid violent dealers. Males were more likely to report that violence was acceptable, whereas African Americans were less likely to condone violence. Those who were homeless and had higher incomes were more likely to report witnessing drug dealer violence. Conclusions These results suggest that it may be feasible to train current and former drug users and their risk network members in methods to promote violence reduction among drug dealers.
Low Viscosity Liquid Fluorochemicals in Vitreous Surgery

Low viscosity liquid fluorocarbons have physical properties potentially useful as intraoperative adjuncts during vitreous surgery for complicated retinal detachments. These substances are optically clear, have specific gravity greater than that of water, and interfacila tension properties similar to those of silicone oil. In four patients who had complicated retinal detachments I used perfluorotributylamine and perfluorodecalin during vitreous surgery. Two giant retinal tears were flattened intraoperatively without turning the patient into the prone position. In two patients with severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy, perfluorotributylamine allowed adequate retinal tamponade and avoided a posterior retinotomy for internal drainage of subretinal fluid. Endophotocoagulation was applied.
A stochastic model of cumulus clumping

Observations show that cumulus clouds often occur in long-lived mesoscale groups, or clumps. Five possible explanations of clumping are surveyed. The 'mutual protection hypothesis,' that clumps occur because cumulus clouds create and maintain, in their near environments, relatively favorable conditions for the development of succeeding clouds, is examined at length. This idea is tested through the use of a simple time-dependent model in which clouds, triggered at randomly selected locations, tend to stabilize their environment in the face of a prescribed constant forcing. Results show that clumping occurs when the cloud-induced stabilization rate is strongest at an intermediate distance from a cloud, and that it does not occur when the stabilization rate decreases monotonically away from a cloud.
Immigrant Profiles of U.S. Urban Areas and Agents of Resettlement

Abstract This article targets the role of intermediaries, such as refugee resettlement programs, in altering the geography of the foreign-born. It argues that, under such intermediaries, destination choice within the United States is largely determined not by economic mechanisms but instead by information-related factors such as friction of distance, migration chains, labor procurement, and resettlement intermediaries. Metropolitan statistical area (MSA) destinations are grouped into four profiles based on their mix of foreign-born. The result is sets of MSAs differentiated by the era of immigration, immigrant origins, geographic pattern, and place characteristics that draw migrants. To evaluate intermediary impacts, monies allocated to states by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, refugee resettlement by state, and refugee movements to MSAs are expressed as a Refugee Resettlement Index and linked to MSA profiles. We conclude that although refugees constitute only a portion of total immigration, their eff...
Alveolar Bone Grafting: Past, Present, and New Horizons

Alveolar bone grafting is an important part of the reconstructive journey for many cleft lip and palate patients. The reconstruction of the alveolar cleft can provide both aesthetic and functional benefits to the patient. To be able to effectively treat alveolar clefts, it is essential to possess an understanding of several aspects of the problem. Acquiring this knowledge will allow the provider to treat the different variants of the cleft alveolus. In this article, the author will discuss anatomy, history, techniques, controversies, and new technologies to provide the reader with new insight into treating this challenging condition.
Choice Criterion Effects in the Radial-Arm Maze: Maze-Arm Incline and Brightness

Abstract Male rats were tested in a radial-arm maze in which the maze-arms differed in terms of surface brightness (black vs white) and incline (flat vs inclined such that the end of the arm was elevated). Errors were more likely to black arms than to white arms and to flat arms than to inclined arms. Application of signal detection theory to the go/no-go decisions made regarding individual maze-arms indicated that these effects were due, at least in large part, to differences in the choice criterion applied to maze-arms. These results increase the range of variables that have been shown to affect choice accuracy in the radial-arm maze by influencing a choice criterion. They suggest that more caution should be applied in attributing effects on spatial performance to memory processes.
Major life changes before and after the onset of chronic daily headache: a population-based study.

Chronic daily headache (CDH), when defined as ≥ 15 headache days per month, affects 3-5% of the adult population. Major life changes are putative precipitating events for onset of chronic pain, including chronic headache. This study compared the occurrence of specific life events between CDH cases and episodic headache controls in a community sample. CDH cases (180+ headache days per year: n = 206) and episodic headache controls (2-104 headache days per year: n = 507) were identified from a randomly selected adult US population. Subjects were interviewed about the occurrence of certain major life changes or events (change of residence, employment status, marital status, related to their children, deaths of relatives or close friends, and ‘extremely stressful’ ongoing situations) occurring in a defined time period. Events that occurred during the same year or year before frequent headache onset in cases or in an equivalent time period in controls were considered to be antecedent events. Those that occurred...
An Automated Method to Compute Orbital Re-Entry Trajectories with Heating Constraints

Determining how to properly manipulate the controls of a re-entering re-usable launch vehicle (RLV) so that it is able to safely return to Earth and land involves the solution of a two-point boundary value problem (TPBVP). This problem, which can be quite difficult, is traditionally solved on the ground prior to flight. If necessary, a nearly unlimited amount of time is available to find the 'best' solution using a variety of trajectory design and optimization tools. The role of entry guidance during flight is to follow the pre- determined reference solution while correcting for any errors encountered along the way. This guidance method is both highly reliable and very efficient in terms of onboard computer resources. There is a growing interest in a style of entry guidance that places the responsibility of solving the TPBVP in the actual entry guidance flight software. Here there is very limited computer time. The powerful, but finicky, mathematical tools used by trajectory designers on the ground cannot in general be converted to do the job. Non-convergence or slow convergence can result in disaster. The challenges of designing such an algorithm are numerous and difficult. Yet the payoff (in the form of decreased operational costs and increased safety) can be substantiaL This paper presents an algorithm that incorporates features of both types of guidance strategies. It takes an initial RLV orbital re-entry state and finds a trajectory that will safely transport the vehicle to Earth. During actual flight, the computed trajectory is used as the reference to be flown by a more traditional guidance method.
Combining genome sequences and new technologies for dissecting the genetics of complex phenotypes.

L.M.S. is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute predoctoral fellow. We are grateful to Richard Hyman for critical reading of the manuscript and to Ronald Sapolsky and Dan Richards for their help in preparing the figures.
Bayesian inference for comparing several treatment means under a poisson model

The inference problem of comparing Poisson parameters of k treatment groups with that of a control. is considered from a Bayesian viewpoint assuming independent conjucate prior distributions on . The joint posterior distribution of , is obtained. For studying a hypothesis concerning , a function of having an asymptotic chi-square distribution is derived. The results are useful in biological applications when a scientist is interested in the comparison of k sets of Poisson counts for the treated groups with those of a control group.
The viscous resistance of the lung tissues in newborn infants

Lung tissue resistance of 10 healthy newborn infants has been estimated by subtracting airway resistance from pulmonary resistance. The average lung tissue resistance was 8.7 cm. H 2 O per liter per second (S.D., 5.95). Both the absolute values and the variations were larger than those observed in adults. The relative contribution of lung tissue resistance to pulmonary resistance after correcting for the nasal resistance was about twice that of adults. This discrepancy may be related to the relatively higher fluid and tissue contents of the lung and to the relatively lower airway resistance in the newborn.
Reinhardt domains, boundary geometry, and Toeplitz C∗-algebras

Abstract In this paper, we have found explicitly how the boundary geometry of a Reinhardt domain in C 2 determines the structure of its Toeplitz C ∗ -algebra. More precisely, our main result is an explicit simple algorithm to describe the structure of the Toeplitz C ∗ -algebra of a Reinhardt domain D in C 2 (satisfying some mild boundary condition) in terms of rotation C ∗ -algebras, based on the degree of contact of the boundary curve of C , the logarithmic domain of D at each point of intersection with the linear faces of the convex hull of C , and the slopes of these faces. A consequence of this result is that the Toeplitz C ∗ -algebras T ( D ) and T ( D ) of D and its pseudoconvex hull D are rarely isomorphic, but are always of the same type (i.e., either both are of type I or both are not of type I). In other words, the isomorphism class of T ( D ) is usually changed under taking pseudoconvex hull but the type of T ( D ) is not affected.
Making the Intern Economy: Role and Career Challenges of the Music Industry Intern:

This article focuses on a major host of unpaid intern labor—the music industry—to examine how internships function as a challenging, intermediary step for individuals attempting to launch careers. Based on interviews and participant observation, the author finds that ambiguity plays an important role in producing and maintaining the intern economy. The author uses the term provisional labor to describe the temporary, conditional, and ambiguous standing of interns, as they simultaneously build their employability and provide inexpensive labor. The case study reveals why aspirants encounter varying opportunities in their internships, which may differ from their respective hopes, expectations, and career aspirations.
Fail-safe magneto-rheological fluid dampers for off-highway, high-payload vehicles

This paper presents the study of a field-controllable, semi-active magneto-rheological fluid (MRF) shock absorber for high-payload, off-highway vehicles. A MRF damper is developed that is tailored for ground vehicles which undergo a wide range of dynamic loading. The MRF damper also has the capability for different rebound and compression characteristics. The new MRF shock absorber emulates the original equipment manufacture shock absorber behavior in its passive-off mode. Theoretical and experimental studies are performed to examine this MRF damper. The Bingham Plastic theory is employed to model the nonlinear behavior of the MRF. A fluid-mechanics-based theoretical model along with a three-dimensional finite element electromagnetic analysis is utilized to predict the MRF damper performance. The theoretical and experimental results are demonstrated to be in good agreement.
Leptin, insulin and TNF-α in weight loss

Forty-eight morbidly obese patients were placed on a very low calorie (800 kcal) formula diet (OPTIFAST) for a 10-week period with the goal of achieving 10% weight loss within this time. Weekly serum leptin measurements were performed to determine whether changes in this adipose protein would serve as a useful marker of acute and chronic weight loss compliance. In the basal state, serum leptin averaged 56.9 +/- 5.8 ng/ml (SE) in the 24 successful (S) patients, and 67.7 +/- 6.7 ng/ml in the non-successful (N-S) group. During the first week of weight loss there was little change in leptin despite an average weight loss of 2.2%, but after 4 weeks serum leptin decreased by 36% in the S group, and 20% in the N-S group. After 10 weeks, the S group averaged 13.6% weight loss and the serum leptin decreased to 50% of starting levels. In the 24 N-S patients, the mean weight loss was 7.0%, and serum leptin decreased by 22%, remaining unchanged in the final 6 weeks despite a weight loss of 3.6% in this time. On a week-to-week basis serum leptin changed concordantly with weight loss only two-thirds of the time. In a subgroup of 14 patients (8 S+6 N-S), serial assessments of serum leptin, insulin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were performed. Serum insulin levels decreased with weight loss similar in magnitude to that noted for leptin; however, the insulin changes occurred more rapidly. Serum TNF-alpha also decreased with weight loss, but the weekly changes were more erratic, with a concordance rate of only 48%. In summary, serum leptin, insulin and TNF-alpha all decreased during a rapid weight loss program but at differing rates and variability, precluding their usefulness as markers of week-to-week weight loss compliance.
Ion exchange separation of metal ions

Abstract A rapid ion-exchange method is proposed for the separation of several metal cations. The method depends on the selective complexing of metal ions by a chelating agent as achieved by control of pH. To accomplish this separation, an excess of EDTA [(ethylencdiamino)tetraacetic acid] is added to the metal ion solution. The solution is buffered at a pH where the EDTA complex of one metal is quantitatively formed, while the complex of the other metal ion is largely dissociated. The solution is, then passed through a previously buffered column containing Dowex 50-X4 cation exchange resin. The uncomplexed metal ion is quantitatively removed from solution by the resin while the complexed ion passes through the column. The method has been applied with good results to several binary mixtures of metal ions
Multiplexing and M# measurement in spectral hole burning medium

Summary form only given Spectral hole burning holography can store both the temporal and spatial information. In cryogenic temperature, only a certain group of atoms in the spectral hole burning material can interact with the incident photons of specific frequency. It allows an extra degree of freedom to store and access information, i.e. the frequency domain. 12,000 holograms at a single location by frequency multiplexing has been demonstrated. The storage capacity can be further increased by combining angle and frequency multiplexing. A system measure of the hologram diffraction efficiency obtainable by multiplexing M holograms at a single location and frequency is given by the M/#. In the paper we report the measurement of M/# in a 400 /spl mu/m thick sample of H/sub 2/TBNP in polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with a concentration of 3 /spl times/ 10/sup -5/ mol/l.
A Computational Model of Human-Robot Load Sharing during Robot-Assisted Arm Movement Training after Stroke

An important goal in robot-assisted movement therapy after neurologic injury is to provide an optimal amount of mechanical assistance to patients as they complete motor tasks. This paper presents a computational model of how humans interact with robotic therapy devices for the task of lifting a load to a desired height. The model predicts that an adaptive robotic therapy device will take over performance of the lifting task if the human motor control system contains a slacking term (i.e. a term that tries to the reduce force output of the arm when error is small) but the robot does not. We present experimental data from people with a chronic stroke as they train with a robotic arm orthosis that confirms this prediction. We also show that incorporating a slacking term into the robot overcomes this problem, increasing load sharing by the patient while still keeping kinematic errors small. These results provide insight into the computational mechanisms of human motor adaptation during rehabilitation therapy, and provide a framework for optimizing robot-assisted therapy.
Conduct Disorder in Childhood and Adolescence: An Update

Conduct disorder is a diagnostic entity that has elicited controversy throughout the years. Classified as a psychiatric disorder of childhood and adolescence, the syndrome of conduct disorder recently was revised from four to three categories in the DSM-III-R (Revised). This article presents an overview of conduct disorders, including diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, etiology, treatment approaches and implications for nursing practice.
Differences Between Ectopic MSH and Pituitary MSH

ABSTRACT Tumors obtained from patients with the ectopic ACTH syndrome contain melanocyte-stimulating factors in addition to ACTH. Immunoreactive β-MSH is present in sufficient abundance in most such tumors to account for the major portion of the melanocyte-stimulating activity. Using a combination of bioassays, radioimmunoassays and Sephadex molecular sieve fractionation, however, it was found that 3 tumors contained biologic MSH activity which could not be accounted for by their content of α-MSH, β-MSH and ACTH. The unknown melanocyte-stimulating hormones were physically separable from the known hormones by Sephadex chromatography. They showed some cross reactivity with antibodies to β-MSH but little or none with antibodies to α-MSH. It is concluded that, in some tumors, ectopic MSH is heterogeneous and structurally different from pituitary MSH.
On the characteristic views of quadric-surfaced solids

Given a 3D object (solid), it is possible to subdivide the exterior viewing space of the solid into maximally connected subspaces of vantage points such that the perspective views of the solid from all vantage points within a subspace are isomorphic in terms of their line junction graphs. The authors refer to such subspaces as the characteristic-view domains (CVDs) of the solid, and to a representative perspective view from within a domain, as a characteristic view (CV). They present a method for systematically determining all the characteristic views of solids bounded by either quadric or planar faces. The approach is of great potential value in image understanding. An example is provided, illustrating the effectiveness of the implemented algorithm. >
Nonlinear resistive cascades that extend beyond infinity

In previous work, the author (1991) established a theory for transfinite cascades of three-terminal networks wherein the port terminals are indexed consecutively first by the natural numbers k=0, 1, 2, . . . and then by the transfinite ordinals k= omega , omega +1, omega +2, . . . up to the ordinal omega /sup p/, where p is any natural number. Under the conditions imposed on the three-terminal networks, it will become necessary to specify a load at both the input and output of that structure in order to determine the currents and voltages throughout the cascade. For definiteness, the author shows the loads in the Thevenin form on the input side and in the Norton form on the output side, but either form can occur on either end. The resistances of those loads are also nonlinear in general. The purpose of the present work is to extend the theory to allow p to be any countable ordinal. The author first summarizes the prior result and then discusses the extension. >
The kinetics of facilitated diffusion followed by enzymatic conversion of the substrate

Abstract The uptake of a substrate that is transported into the cell by facilitated diffusion and subsequently converted in a series of enzymatic reactions, measured as a function of the external concentration, does not usually show the rectangular hyperbolic function characteristic of Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Instead, a seemingly biphasic curve is observed, consisting of Michaelis-Menten kinetics at low concentrations and no further uptake at higher levels. By combining the equations for facilitated diffusion and an enzymatic reaction, we have derived an equation that describes the overall rate of uptake and metabolism of a substrate that is transported across the plasma membrane by facilitated diffusion. Modelling based on this equation simulated the kinetics found experimentally, as long as the kinetic parameters of the carrier were chosen to render it asymmetric. The overall rate was influenced by the kinetics of both reactions over a wide range of concentrations, confirming the principles of the ‘Control Analysis’ theory in an independent manner.
Structure and Sequence Variation at the Human Leptin Receptor Gene in Lean and Obese Pima Indians

The cloning of human and mouse cDNAs from brain that encode high affinity leptin receptors was recently reported. We have physically localized the human leptin receptor gene (LEPR) to a region at 1p31, between the anonymous microsatellite markers D1S515 and D1S198. The genomic structure of the human leptin receptor gene, corresponding to the published human brain cDNA sequence, spans over 70 kb and includes 20 exons. Since the leptin receptor gene is a candidate gene for obesity, and because of its proximity to D1S198, a marker previously linked to insulin secretion, the LEPR gene was sequenced in 20 non-diabetic Pima Indians chosen for extremes in percent body fat and in their acute insulin response to intravenous glucose. Seven polymorphic sites were identified. Two of these polymorphisms, Lys109Arg and Gln223Arg, are amino acid substitutions in the extracellular domain of the leptin receptor, one polymorphism is a silent substitution, and four occur in non-coding regions of the leptin receptor. Four of these sites are in linkage disequilibrium with one another. Nucleotides at three noncoding polymorphic sites were found exclusively in obese Pima Indians. This demonstrates an association between variation at the leptin receptor gene and obesity in humans.
Multiple triclosan targets in Trypanosoma brucei.

Trypanosoma brucei genes encoding putative fatty acid synthesis enzymes are homologous to those encoding type II enzymes found in bacteria and organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria. It was therefore not surprising that triclosan, an inhibitor of type II enoyl-acyl carrier protein (enoyl-ACP) reductase, killed both procyclic forms and bloodstream forms of T. brucei in culture with 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) of 10 and 13 μM, respectively. Triclosan also inhibited cell-free fatty acid synthesis, though much higher concentrations were required (EC50s of 100 to 200 μM). Unexpectedly, 100 μM triclosan did not affect the elongation of [3H]laurate (C12:0) to myristate (C14:0) in cultured bloodstream form parasites, suggesting that triclosan killing of trypanosomes may not be through specific inhibition of enoyl-ACP reductase but through some other mechanism. Interestingly, 100 μM triclosan did reduce the level of incorporation of [3H]myristate into glycosyl phosphatidylinositol species (GPIs). Furthermore, we found that triclosan inhibited fatty acid remodeling in a cell-free assay in the same concentration range required for killing T. brucei in culture. In addition, we found that a similar concentration of triclosan also inhibited the myristate exchange pathway, which resides in a distinct subcellular compartment. However, GPI myristoylation and myristate exchange are specific to the bloodstream form parasite, yet triclosan kills both the bloodstream and procyclic forms. Therefore, triclosan killing may be due to a nonspecific perturbation of subcellular membrane structure leading to dysfunction in sensitive membrane-resident biochemical pathways.
The syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion after bilateral radical neck dissections.

Objective --It is commonly believed that synchronous, bilateral radical neck dissection causes the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), presumably as a result of increased intracranial pressure. This belief is based mainly on the results of an experimental study published in 1978 in which occlusion of the superior vena cava in dogs resulted in increased intracranial pressure and SIADH. The purpose of the present study was to test this assumption in an animal model that more closely resembles the clinical condition of bilateral radical neck dissection, in an attempt to discover possible surgical methods for preventing SIADH. Materials and methods --The experiments were carried out in six adult mongrel dogs. In two animals the internal and external jugular veins were ligated on both sides of the neck, high in the neck and at the thoracic inlet, respectively. In four animals, a formal radical neck dissection was performed on both sides of the neck. Urine and serum osmolarity a...
Mapping the Biological Oxidative Damage of Engineered Nanomaterials

Novel engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are being introduced into the market rapidly with little understanding of their potential toxicity. Each ENM is a complex combination of diverse sizes, surface chemistries, crystallinity, and metal impurities. Variability in physicochemical properties is poorly understood but is critically important in revealing adverse effects of ENMs. A need also exists for discovering broad relationships between variations in these physicochemical parameters and toxicological endpoints of interest. Biological oxidative damage (BOD) has been recognized as a key mechanism of nanotoxicity. An assortment of 138 ENMs representing major classes are evaluated for BOD elicited (net decrease in the antioxidant capacity of ENM-exposed human blood serum, as compare to unexposed serum) using the ‘Ferric Reducing Ability of Serum’ (FRAS) assay. This robust and high-throughput approach has the ability to determine the co-effects which multiple physicochemical characteristics impart on oxidative potential, and subsequently to identify and quantify the influence of individual factors. FRAS BOD approach demonstrated the potential for preliminary evaluation of potential toxicity of ENMs, mapping the within- and between-class variability of ENMs, ranking the potential toxicity by material class, and prioritizing the ENMs for further toxicity evaluation and risk assessment.
Ultrastructure and development of the new stylets inside pre-molting first instar nymphs of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

Summary The ultrastructure and development of new stylets was studied in pre-molting first instar nymph of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Two oval-shaped masses of cuboidal hypodermal cells, located in the cephalic region, had long extensions that ended with developing pairs of mandibular and maxillary stylets, apparently coiled around these masses. A new structure, probably composed of softer cuticle, was found on the ventral side of each developing stylet suggesting that this structure may work as a mold during formation of the new stylets. Other organs of 1st instar nymphs, including the filter chamber and bacteriome, are also ultrastructurally described.
Intracranial internal carotid aneurysm causing diplopia

Internal carotid intracranial aneurysms are a relatively rare form of intracranial aneurysm that presents with diplopia, retro-orbital pain and unilateral headaches. The symptoms are progressive and the diagnosis should be considered in a patient presenting with these complaints. Underlying hypertension and advanced age are specific risk factors.
The effect of lower limb length on the energetic cost of locomotion: implications for fossil hominins

Abstract The consequences of the relatively short lower limbs characteristic of AL 288-1 have been widely discussed, as have the causes and consequences of the short limbs of Neanderthals. Previous studies of the effect of limb length on the energetic cost of locomotion have reported no relationship; however, limb length could have accounted for as much as 19% of the variation in cost and gone undetected (Steudel and Beattie, 1995; Steudel, 1994, 1996). Kramer (1999) and Kramer and Eck (2000) have recently used a theoretical model to predict the effect of the shorter limbs of early hominids, concluding that the shorter limbs may actually have been energetically advantageous. Here, we took an experimental approach. Twenty-one human subjects, of varying limb lengths, walked on a treadmill at 2.6, 2.8, 3.0 and 3.2 m.p.h., while their expired gases were analyzed. The subjects walked for 12 minutes at each speed and their rates of oxygen consumption (VO2) over four minutes were averaged to estimate VO2. We also measured each subject's height, weight and lower limb length. Lean body mass and % fat were determined using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. ANCOVA with total VO2 at either speed as the dependent variable and total lean mass, % fat and lower limb length as covariates resulted in all three covariates having a significant positive effect on VO2 at p
Five uneasy pieces about pre-test probability.

In this issue, Noguchi et al. report on their study of Japanese medical students' abilities to estimate pre-test probabilities, test characteristics, and post-test probabilities for written cases representing patients with differing likelihoods of coronary heart disease, compared with reference standards from the published literature.1 They found among other things that students made inaccurate estimates of pre-test probability, particularly in scenarios with lower likelihoods of disease. These data give us pause to confront the uneasy predicament we face with pre-test probability, expressed in 5 questions.
Preparation of a heat-shock protein 70-based vaccine from DC-tumor fusion cells.

We have developed an enhanced molecular chaperone-based vaccine through rapid isolation of Hsp70 peptide complexes after the fusion of tumor and dendritic cells (Hsp70.PC-F). In this approach, the tumor antigens are introduced into the antigen processing machinery of dendritic cells through the cell fusion process and thus we can obtain antigenic tumor peptides or their intermediates that have been processed by dendritic cells. Our results show that Hsp70.PC-F has increased immunogenicity compared to preparations from tumor cells alone and therefore constitutes an improved formulation of chaperone protein-based tumor vaccine.
Lacrimal Gland Inflammation Deregulates Extracellular Matrix Remodeling and Alters Molecular Signature of Epithelial Stem/Progenitor Cells.

Purpose The adult lacrimal gland (LG) is highly regenerative and is able to repair itself even after substantial damage; however, this ability to regenerate is lost with the development of dry eye conditions in chronically inflamed LGs.This study compares changes in the cell adhesion and cell matrix molecules and stem cell transcription factors in the LGs of healthy mice and of two mouse models of Sjogren's syndrome: nonobese diabetic (NOD) and MRL-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice during the early stage of inflammation.
Algorithms for Higher-Order Mimetic Operators

We present an algorithm that reformulates existing methods to construct higher-order mimetic differential operators. Constrained linear optimization is the key idea of this resulting algorithm. The authors exemplified this algorithm by constructing an eight-order-accurate one-dimensional mimetic divergence operator. The algorithm computes the weights that impose the mimetic condition on the constructed operator. However, for higher orders, the computation of valid weights can only be achieved through this new algorithm. Specifically, we provide insights on the computational implementation of the proposed algorithm, and some results of its application in different test cases. Results show that for all of the proposed test cases, the proposed algorithm effectively solves the problem of computing valid weights, thus constructing higher-order mimetic operators.
Vulnerable Populations and the Built Environment

Vulnerability is a complex concept, potentially involving biological attributes such as age and disability; social constructs such as race, ethnicity, and poverty, and environmental exposures such as unsafe housing, incomplete transportation systems, and inaccessible buildings. A vulnerable population is one at elevated risk of suffering harm as the result of one or more of these or similar circumstances. All individuals have health vulnerabilities at some point in life—often due in part to community design decisions. Community and building design can be either a source of or a solution to these vulnerabilities. Built environment design choices that improve quality of life for one population often do so for many populations. Solutions to vulnerabilities must be identified and implemented collaboratively with the populations impacted. Universal design, a strategy that reduces or eliminates many vulnerabilities, is best implemented early in the design process, as retrofitting is usually difficult and expensive. A more complete understanding of populations and their vulnerabilities is crucial if health and design professionals are to address health threats effectively.
Study of 2D Vibration Summing for Improved Intensity Control in Vibrotactile Array Rendering

2D tactile arrays may be integrated into handheld devices or VR controllers to enhance user experience, for example, with touch communication for collaborative tasks. Multiple tactors (tactile elements) may be activated in combination to approximate a vibration point (virtual tactor) having arbitrary position and intensity. We studied the combination of intensities from multiple tactors to guide virtual tactor rendering approaches. Subjects matched perceived loudness of multi-tactor vibrations to a reference tactor. The multi-tactor vibrations corresponded to overall perceived positions halfway between tactor pairs and in the center of a 2D 4-tactor group. Results inform the relationship between tactor signal level and perceived loudness at these critical positions. The relationship leads us to propose a nonlinear 2D rendering approach, provides a basis for assessment of existing rendering techniques, and lays a foundation for further study of 2D array rendering.