cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PdMn and PdFe: New Materials for Temperature Measurement Near 2 K

Interest in the critical dynamics of superfluid He in microgravity conditions has motivated the development of new high resolution thermometry technology for use in space experiments near 2K. The current material commonly used as the temperature sensing element for high resolution thermometers (HRTs) is copper ammonium bromide (Cu(NH{sub 4}){sub 2}Br{sub 4}2H{sub 2}O) or CAB, which undergoes a ferromagnetic phase transition at 1.8K. HRTs made from CAB have demonstrated low drift (<10fK/s) and a temperature resolution of 0.1nK. Unfortunately, paramagnetic salts such as CAB are difficult to prepare and handle, corrosive to most metals, and become dehydrated if kept under vacuum conditions at room temperature. We have developed a magnetic thermometer using dilute magnetic alloys of Mn or Fe dissolved in a pure Pd matrix. These metallic thermometers are easy to fabricate, chemically inert, and mechanically robust. Unlike salts, they may be directly soldered to the stage to be measured. Also, the Curie temperature can be varied by changing the concentration of Fe or Mn, making them available for use in a wide temperature range. Susceptibility measurements, as well as preliminary noise and drift measurements, show them to have sub-nK resolution with a drift of less than 10{sup {minus}13} K/s.
Blood-Borne Revitalization of the Aged Brain

In the modern medical era, more diverse and effective treatment options have translated to increased life expectancy. With this increased life span comes increased age-associated disease and the dire need to understand underlying causes so that therapies can be designed to mitigate the burden to health and the economy. Aging exacts a seemingly inevitable multisystem deterioration of function that acts as a risk factor for a variety of age-related disorders, including those that devastate organs of limited regenerative potential, such as the brain. Rather than studying the brain and mechanisms that govern its aging in isolation from other organ systems, an emerging approach is to understand the relatively unappreciated communication that exists between the brain and systemic environment. Revisiting classical methods of experimental physiology in animal models has uncovered surprising regenerative activity in young blood with translational implications for the aging liver, muscle, brain, and other organs. Soluble factors present in young or aged blood are sufficient to improve or impair cognitive function, respectively, suggesting an aging continuum of brain-relevant systemic factors. The age-associated plasma chemokine CCL11 has been shown to impair young brain function while GDF11 has been reported to increase the generation of neurons in aged mice. However, the identities of specific factors mediating memory-enhancing effects of young blood and their mechanisms of action are enigmatic. Here we review brain rejuvenation studies in the broader context of systemic rejuvenation research. We discuss putative mechanisms for blood-borne brain rejuvenation and suggest promising avenues for future research and development of therapies.
Local spectral envelope: An approach using dyadic tree-based adaptive segmentation (Special section on Nonparametric approach to time series analysis)

The concept of the spectral envelope was introduced as a statistical basis for the frequency domain analysis and scaling of qualitative-valued time series. A major focus of this research was the analysis of DNA sequences. A common problem in analyzing long DNA sequence data is to identify coding sequences that are dispersed throughout the DNA and separated by regions of noncoding. Even within short subsequences of DNA, one encounters local behavior. To address this problem of local behavior in categorical-valued time series, we explore using the spectral envelope in conjunction with a dyadic tree-based adaptive segmentation method for analyzing piecewise stationary processes.
Enfuvirtide: first fusion inhibitor for treatment of HIV infection.

PURPOSE: The mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and availability of enfuvirtide are discussed. SUMMARY: To date, 20 antiretrovirals have been approved by FDA for the treatment of HIV infection. The recent approval of enfuvirtide offers a new and fourth class of antiretroviral agents called fusion inhibitors. Enfuvirtide is indicated for use in treatment-experienced patients who have evidence of viral replication despite receiving current therapy. The drug is a 36-amino-acid synthetic peptide that prevents completion of the HIV fusion sequence. Absolute bioavailability after subcutaneous injection is 84%. Clinical trials indicate that adding enfuvirtide to a salvage regimen in heavily treated patients may lead to an improved virologic response. Up to a 1.48 log decrease in the viral load was seen at 48 weeks when enfuvirtide was combined with an optimized background regimen. Patients who have at least two or more active drugs in the regimen, a CD4+ cell count of >100 cells/mm3, and previous exposure to two or more antiretrovirals prior to starting enfuvirtide appear to respond best. The most common adverse effect, occurring in 98% of all enfuvirtide recipients, is an injection-site reaction that generally can be managed nonpharmacologically. A much less common but more significant concern is an increased risk of bacterial pneumonia. Enfuvirtide is available through the Fuzeon Progressive Distribution Program. The annual cost of therapy is about 24,000 dollars. CONCLUSION: Enfuvirtide is the first fusion inhibitor available for the treatment of HIV infection. The drug is indicated for use with other antiretroviral agents in treatment-experienced patients who have evidence of HIV replication despite ongoing antiretroviral treatment.
Development of a Model Animal Welfare Act Curriculum

Animal-welfare issues are often controversial and frequently have an emotional component. Veterinarians have extensive knowledge, experience, and scientific perspective and are arguably the professionals best suited to advise and develop recommendations on animal welfare. The development of an Animal Welfare Act (AWA) teaching module is a first step toward educating veterinary students about animal welfare. This article presents the current development status of this curriculum project, which is intended to be a valuable addition to the evolving veterinary education on animal welfare.
Recruitment and retention strategies for out-of-school-time programs

Many out-of-school-time (OST) practitioners seek ways to maximize enrollment, enhance frequency of participation, and ensure retention in OST programs, so that the multiple potential benefits of these programs are realized. Three critical areas of program quality are important underpinnings for success in recruitment and retention of youth in OST programs: a sense of safety and community; committed program staff; and challenging, age-appropriate, and fun activities. In addition, a review of over sixty OST evaluations reveals five promising recruitment strategies to boost enrollment: (1) matching the program to participants' needs (offering activities not readily available elsewhere or offering flexible schedules), (2) demonstrating the importance of participation to young people and their families, (3) reaching out directly to youth and their families in their homes and communities, (4) recruiting in peer circles, and (5) making a special effort to recruit at-risk youth. Finally, the evaluation literature points to five promising strategies to enhance regular participation and longterm program retention: (1) sending a clear message that regular attendance is important; (2) setting realistic goals to promote regular attendance, especially as youth grow older; (3) finding a balance among academic and other activities; (4) using incentives; and (5) keeping teens involved with opportunities for leadership, community service, and paid employment.
Phospholipid methylation in rabbit aorta.

Abstract The formation of phosphatidylcholine by successive methylations of phosphatidyl-ethanolamine using S -adenosylmethionine as the methyl donor was studied in homogenates of rabbit aorta. Addition of phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, but not phosphatidylethanolamine, stimulated methyltransferase activity and this activity was further stimulated when the phospholipids were dispersed in taurocholate prior to addition to the assay system. No incorporation of radiolabel into sphingomyelin or lysolecithin was detected indicating minimal metabolism of newly formed phosphatidylcholine. The majority of methyltransferase activity was detected in the high-speed pellet of the aortic homogenate; however, since activity was also detected in the high-speed supernatant, the low-speed supernatant preparation was used as the source of enzyme. Methyltransferase activity was characterized in cultured arterial smooth muscle cells using methionine as the radiolabeled precursor. The major product formed was phosphatidylcholine. No difference in enzyme activity was seen as a function of the length of time that cells were in culture or anatomic location of the aortic expiant used as a source of cells. Treatment of the cells with cycloheximide did not affect methyltransferase activity. The ability of catecholamine agonists and vasoactive peptides to influence methyltransferase activity was investigated both in the cell-free preparation and in cultured cells. These compounds did not appear to alter methyltransferase activity in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells.
Prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: How best to deliver the news

We sought to provide evidence-based recommendations to physicians on how to best deliver a prenatal diagnosis of DS to expectant parents. Our study design consisted of searching Medline and PsychInfo from 1960 to 2008, as well as Web sites from academic organizations and other nonprofit or private organizations, using the terms "Down syndrome," "Trisomy 21," "mongolism," "prenatal diagnosis," "postnatal care," and "delivery of health care." Our results showed that a health care professional knowledgeable about DS with specific training in the delivery of sensitive diagnoses should be part of the first conversation. A prenatal diagnosis of DS should be presented in person or at a pre-established time by phone. Physicians should provide accurate information about medical conditions associated with DS and connect parents to local DS support groups and other resources. We conclude that physicians can deliver prenatal diagnoses of DS in a sensitive manner that can be appreciated by expectant parents.
The changing epidemiology of mechanical ventilation: a population-based study.

The number of critical care beds in the United States has been increasing considerably, but it is unclear how these additional beds have been used. Mechanical ventilation for acute respiratory failure almost always demands ICU care and is likely to be a reliable indicator of critical care resource requirements on a population level. The objective of this study was to measure changes in the yearly incidence of mechanical ventilation in a statewide population. The North Carolina Hospital Discharge Database contains data on all discharges from nonfederal, nonpsychiatric hospitals in North Carolina. Authors extracted data on adult patients with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes for mechanical ventilation from 1996 to 2002. The incidence of mechanical ventilation for adults grew from 284/100,000 population in 1996 to 314/100,000 in 2002, an increase of 11% (P 64 had the highest age-specific incidence of mechanical ventilation each year, the greatest increase in incidence occurred in younger age groups (19% increase for age 18-64 vs 4% increase for age >64). The mean Charlson score increased from 1.76 +/- 1.73 to 1.89 +/- 1.86 (P < .001). Renal disease became more prevalent among patients requiring mechanical ventilation (17% of patients in 1996 vs 24% in 2002). Hospital charges adjusted for the medical consumer price index increased by 12%. The proportion of patients discharged to home declined from 45.4% to 34.4%, and discharges to nursing homes grew from 7.3% to 10.7%. The incidence of mechanical ventilation is increasing, and the increase is associated with a higher burden of comorbidities and fewer discharges to home.
The nature of human Cl-esterase: The hydrophobic nature of its binding site and pH dependence of the kinetic constants☆

Abstract The active site of human Cl-esterase is composed in part of a highly hydrophobic area that is capable of binding simple hydrocarbons which contain no functional groups. The binding constants (Kivalues) show a size dependence which is consistent with the concept of the enzyme acting as a second ‘organic phase’, the hydrocarbon inhibitors being ‘extracted’ by the enzyme. The ability of the enzyme to bind hydrocarbons increases as the molecular size of the hydrocarbon with which it is presented is increased. The evidence indicates that there is one such hydrophobic site per enzyme molecule. The pH dependence of the kinetic constants for N- acetyl- l -tyrosine ethylester and p-toluene sulfonyl- l -arginine methylester indicates that a terminal amino group may be involved in catalysis.
Loop Length and Counter Ion Dependent Folding Kinetics and Thermodynamic Stability of Nucleic Acid Hairpin

Stem-loop structured hairpins represent major structural elements in nucleic acid. An intra-molecular double helix (stem) defines a DNA hairpin, usually stabilized by canonical base pairs or mis-pairs and capped by number of unpaired and paired nucleosides (loop). It is well known that nucleic acid hairpins play a pivotal role in DNA recombination, gene expression, and DNA transposition. A thorough investigation of kinetics and thermodynamic stability is the key to understand the role of DNA hairpin formation. It is well known that the structure and thermodynamic stability of DNA hairpin depend on stem size, loop size, stem and loop composition, base stacking, base-pairing, hydrogen bonds on the loop and closing base-pair of the loop. Here we use rapid-mixing stopped-flow kinetics and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) techniques to probe the loop length dependent folding kinetics and thermodynamic stability of DNA hairpins. Each hairpin is labeled with fluorophore TAMRA and quencher DABCYL at the 5' and 3' end respectively. FCS is a single molecule technique to measure reaction kinetics in the microsecond timescale where as stopped flow kinetics is a rapid mixing technique to monitor the reaction kinetics on the millisecond timescale. The reactions were observed to occur on a time scale of milliseconds by stopped-flow kinetics, considerably longer than tens of microseconds time scale suggested by previous kinetic studies of similar sized hairpins. Stopped flow kinetics and FCS studies show that nucleic acid folding and unfolding reactions occur over a broad range of time scales from the microseconds to milliseconds range. FCS can probe intermediate reaction and complete folding reaction can be probed by Stopped-flow kinetics. The combination of these two complementary techniques can probe the complete folding trajectory of the DNA hairpin.
Impingement mixing and its effect on the microstructure of RIM polyurethanes

Effet d'un melange de choc sur les microstructures developpees au cours d'un moulage par injection reaction dans un systeme urethanne thermoplastique
Nutrition, Genetics, and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Risk of CVD is determined by genetic and environmental factors. Numerous dietary factors have been linked to CVD beyond the conventional risk factors. In the past few years, genome-wide association studies have also identified more than 30 genomic loci that determine the susceptibility to cardiovascular events. Genetic background may interact with habitual dietary compositions in predisposition to CVD. In this context, large-scale studies of gene–diet interaction in prospective cohorts or randomized intervention trials have emerged to integrate genetic and dietary risk factors in predicting cardiovascular risk. The use of genetic variants to estimate a causal effect between dietary factors and CVD, namely mendelian randomization analysis, has also been considered in the nutritional epidemiology field. The purpose of this review is to present recent advances in research into dietary and genetic risk factors, gene–diet interactions, and mendelian randomization with regard to CVD risk.
Acellular dermis compared to skin grafts in oral cavity reconstruction.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To compare the efficacy of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and split thickness skin grafts (STSG) in oral cavity reconstruction. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Thirty-four patients were included in this study (ADM, n = 22; STSG, n = 12). Evaluation for patient demographics, graft site, graft contracture, and functional status as defined by the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the H&N35 questionnaires. A subgroup of patients underwent graft site biopsy for histological analysis. A cost estimate of both procedures was also performed. Results: Patient groups were similar in age, sex, race, smoking exposure, and site grafted. More patients were treated with radiation therapy (pre- or postoperative) in the ADM group (45%) compared to the STSG group (17%). Graft failure rate was higher in the ADM group (14% vs. 0%), and both groups had similar estimated graft contraction. The quality of life survey results favored the ADM group, but only the category of trouble with social eating was statistically significant (P = .03). Radiation therapy had a significantly negative impact for both ADM and STSG. Histology demonstrated increased inflammation, fibrosis, and elastic fibers in the STSG group. The cost of the STSG was 3.5 times higher than the ADM group. Conclusions: Acellular dermis grafting for reconstruction of the oral cavity offers several advantages over STSG, including the lack of donor site morbidity, lower cost, a natural appearing mucosal surface, and comparable if not superior functional status. Lower graft survival rates for ADM in the setting of prior radiation and with thicker graft material was encountered. Laryngoscope, 2009
Analysis of covariance with pre-treatment measurements in randomized trials under the cases that covariances and post-treatment variances differ between groups

When primary endpoints of randomized trials are continuous variables, the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-treatment measurements as a covariate is often used to compare two treatment groups. In the ANCOVA, equal slopes (coefficients of pre-treatment measurements) and equal residual variances are commonly assumed. However, random allocation guarantees only equal variances of pre-treatment measurements. Unequal covariances and variances of post-treatment measurements indicate unequal slopes and, usually, unequal residual variances. For non-normal data with unequal covariances and variances of post-treatment measurements, it is known that the ANCOVA with equal slopes and equal variances using an ordinary least-squares method provides an asymptotically normal estimator for the treatment effect. However, the asymptotic variance of the estimator differs from the variance estimated from a standard formula, and its property is unclear. Furthermore, the asymptotic properties of the ANCOVA with equal slopes and unequal variances using a generalized least-squares method are unclear. In this paper, we consider non-normal data with unequal covariances and variances of post-treatment measurements, and examine the asymptotic properties of the ANCOVA with equal slopes using the variance estimated from a standard formula. Analytically, we show that the actual type I error rate, thus the coverage, of the ANCOVA with equal variances is asymptotically at a nominal level under equal sample sizes. That of the ANCOVA with unequal variances using a generalized least-squares method is asymptotically at a nominal level, even under unequal sample sizes. In conclusion, the ANCOVA with equal slopes can be asymptotically justified under random allocation.
Creep, compaction and the weak rheology of major faults

Field and laboratory observations suggest that the porosity within fault zones varies over earthquake cycles so that fluid pressure is in long-term equilibrium with hydrostatic fluid pressure in the country rock. Between earthquakes, ductile creep compacts the fault zone, increasing fluid pressure, and finally allowing frictional failure at relatively low shear stress. Earthquake faulting restores porosity and decreases fluid pressure to below hydrostatic. This mechanism may explain why major faults, such as the San Andreas system, are weak.
Characterization and distribution of invertase activity in developing maize (Zea mays) kernels

Invertase (β-fructofuranoside fructohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.26) activity in developing maize (Zea mays L. inbred W64A) was separated into soluble and particulate forms. The particulate form was solubilized by treatment with 1 M NaCl or with other salts. However, CaCl2 inhibited invertase activity, and neither detergents nor 0.5 M methyl mannoside were effective in solubilizing the invertase activity. The soluble and particulate invertases were both glycoproteins, both had pH optima of 5.0 and Km values for sucrose of 2.83 and 1.84 mM, respectively. The apparent molecular weight of salt-solubilized invertase was 40 kDa. Gel filtration of the soluble invertase showed multiple peaks with apparent molecular weights ranging from 750 kDa to over 9 000 kDa. Histochemical staining of cell wall preparations for invertase activity suggested that the particulate invertase is associated with the cell wall. Also, nearly all the invertase activity was localized in the basal endosperm and pedicel tissues, which are sites of sugar transport. No invertase activity was found in the upper endosperm, the embryo or in the placento-chalazal tissue. In contrast, sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13) activity was found primarily in the embryo and the upper endosperm, which are areas of active biosynthesis of storage compounds.
Kidney and hemocytes of Mya arenaria (Bivalvia): normal and pollution-related ultrastructural morphologies.

Abstract The pericardial gland-kidney complex forms the major excretory system in the bivalve mollusc, Mya arenaria . Through electron microscopy, a reabsorptive and a secretory kidney cell type have been identified. The kidney cells of individuals collected from polluted sediments (New Bedford, Massachusetts), show qualitatively higher numbers of granules when compared to those of animals collected from a nonpolluted site (Orleans, Massachusetts). Otherwise, no difference in kidney cell architecture is discernible between the two populations. In animals from the Orleans population, two types of circulating hemocytes have been identified through electron microscopy: an agranulocyte and a granulocyte. The postulated role of the hemocytes in removal of pollutant is supported by the finding of a significantly higher number of granulocytes in New Bedford specimens. In addition, the granulocytes in these animals showed much larger inclusions. This study suggests that pollution-exposed Mya arenaria show quantitative and qualitative differences in the granulocytes at the electron microscope level.
Company and industry information: online and ondisk

A description and comparison of two computer search systems designed to retrieve US company and industry information. Dialog's Business Connection is available as an online, timesharing system. Datext/Corporate is a CD-ROM system. The systems are compared on the basis of cost, ease of use, database coverage, currency of data, processing speed and user perception.
Approaches to the diagnosis of gut neuroendocrine tumors: The last word (today)

Because SRS identifies 90% of hepatic metastatic disease and the addition of other studies (ultrasonography, C.T. MRI, and selective mesenteric angiography) identities only 4% more, the identification of a primary lesion with SRS obviates for the most part the use of further investigations. If SRS is negative, additional studies should only be undertaken if surgery is contemplated. Because SRS may only localize 60%-70% of primary gut NETs, an additional 10%-15% may be identified by undertaking additional studies. The most sensitive test, STIR-MRI, should be undertaken next, but because it is not widely available, pancreatic protocol CT scan is almost as effective in identification of a primary lesion. If a primary gastrinoma cannot be identified by SRS or STIR-MRI, endoscopic ultrasonography should be undertaken because duodenal gastrinomas are often minute and multicentric. A similar strategy applies for insulinomas because up to 40% cannot be located by SRS and the majority are located in the pancreatic head. Thus, STIR-MRI followed by endoscopic ultrasonography is the most appropriate course. Although calcium provocation-angiography is highly effective in the identification of insulinomas, it is significantly more invasive and should be used only as a last resort. Of particular interest is the observation that in the study of gastrinomas, SRS altered clinical management in almost 50% of patients. This reflected the ability of SRS not only to identify the primary tumor location but clarify equivocal localization results generated by conventional imaging studies. It thus seems that the simplicity, superior sensitivity, high specificity, and cost-effectiveness of SRS mandate that it be the imaging modality in patients with gastrinomas. Because the cost of an SRS is $1800 and may obviate the need for multiple other topographic studies that are at least as expensive, the fiscal dictates further warrant the use of this study as the initial topographic investigation. These observations are probably applicable to all gut NETs, although the likelihood of primary identification in the instance of insulinoma patients may be somewhat less. The timely and cost-effective establishment of the type of NET, its primary site, and the detection metastatic spread will enable determination of the appropriate management strategy.
A combined analog-digital differential analyzer

The electronic analog computer, although very useful in solving many problems, and particularly useful in solving dynamic problems described by differential equations, suffers from limitations of accuracy and dynamic range. The digital differential analyzer, although capable of providing any required degree of accuracy or dynamic range, is slow in operation and subject to possible instability of solution due to quantization and the use of finite difference calculus in integration. By combining analog and digital techniques, it is possible to combine the analog advantages of high speed and continuous representation of variables with the digital capability of high precision and large dynamic range.
Effect of Anoxemia on Secretion of Urine in the Dog

SummaryBreathing of oxygen tensions of 5.0% to 12.0% caused a marked diminution in the urine secretion in 45 of 50 experiments upon 12 barbitalized dogs.
Techniques Of Interactive Spectrum Analysis In High Resolution Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

Current methods for processing high resolution spectra center on interactive graphical displays of the spectrum on a computer and the accurate determination of line positions and line shape parameters. However, beyond the simple display of the spectrum on a computer screen, an interactive spectrum analysis program should provide an environment in which various techniques can be compared numerically. The DECOMP spectrum decomposition program is designed explicitly for the reduction of Fourier transform spectra and focuses on interactive graphical display and analysis of spectra on IBM PC compatible computers. Basic methods of spectrum manipulation will be demonstrated and a IBM PC- compatible computer will be available for hands-on demonstrations.
DIRECTIONS IN LATTICE THEORY

This paper is about three problems raised by Bjarni J6nsson and their influence on the development and direction of lattice theory. In lattice theory, like most fields, certain problems have played an important role in its development. R. P. Dilworth's solutions of some of the most difficult problems of the thirties certainly raised the level of lattice theory. His result [ 17] that every lattice can be embedded into a uniquely complemented lattice surprised most of the lattice theorists of the time. The excellent article [1] by M. Adams details the history of the subsequent work on this problem. Some of the problems that have had the greatest influence on the direction lattice theory has taken were proposed by J6nsson. Many of these problems, as well as many of the problems dating back to the thirties and before, have been solved in the last two decades. In this article, I have chosen three of J6nsson's problems which have had a particularly strong influence on the development of lattice theory. We will also discuss some problems that are still unsolved.
Lupus-prone NZBWF1/J mice, defective in cytokine signaling, are resistant to fumonisin hepatotoxicity despite accumulation of liver sphinganine

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium verticillioides, commonly present in corn and other cereals. Exposure to FB1 causes organ-specific diseases in various species, e.g., equine leukoencephalomalacia and porcine pulmonary edema; in mice the response is hepatotoxicity. We earlier reported that ceramide synthase inhibition by FB1, the initial biochemical effect of this mycotoxin, results in modulation of cytokine network in response to accumulated free sphingoid bases. In the current study we used NZB/NZW-F1 (NZBW) mice that have modified cytokine expression and develop lupus beginning at 5 months of age. The NZBW and C57BL/6J (CBL) mice (appropriate control) were given five daily subcutaneous injections of either saline or 2.25 mg FB1/kg/day and euthanized 24 h after the last treatment. Peripheral leukocyte counts were higher after exposure to FB1 in CBL but not in NZBW. FB1 treatment caused increases of plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity in CBL mice indicating hepatotoxicity; no elevation of circulating liver enzymes was recorded in NZBW mice. Hepatotoxic responses were confirmed by microscopic evaluation of apoptotic cells. The FB1-induced proliferation of cells observed in CBL strain was abolished in NZBW animals. The sphinganine accumulation in liver after FB1 was equal in both strains of mice. The NZBW strain lacked the FB1-induced increases in the expression of liver tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, receptor interacting protein (RIP), and tumor necrosis factor alpha-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), observed in CBL. Results confirmed our hypothesis that initial altered sphingolipid metabolism caused by FB1 leads to perturbation of liver cytokine network and ultimate cellular injury; the mice deficient in cytokine signaling are refractory to FB1 hepatotoxicity.
Segmentation of Pipe Images for Crack Detection in Buried Sewers

Abstract: Assessing the condition of underground pipelines such as water lines, sewer pipes, and telecommunication conduits in an automated and reliable manner is vital to the safety and maintenance of buried public infrastructure. To fully automate condition assessment, it is necessary to develop robust data analysis and interpretation systems for defects in buried pipes. This article presents the development of an automated data analysis system for detecting defects in sanitary sewer pipelines. We propose a three-step method to identify and extract cracks from contrast enhanced pipe images. This method is based on mathematical morphology and curvature evaluation that detects crack-like patterns in a noisy pipe camera scanned image. As cracks are the most common defects in pipes and are indicative of the residual structural strength of the pipe, they are the focus of this study. This article discusses its implementation on 225 pipe images taken from different cities in North America and shows that the system performs very well under a variety of pipe conditions.
New insight into the role of dendritic cells in malaria immune pathogenesis

The mechanism by which the host develops protective immunity to malaria remains poorly understood. Dendritic cells (DCs) are central to the initiation and regulation of the adaptive immune response. Modulation of DC function might enable Plasmodium to evade the immune system. Millington et al. propose one mechanism by which malaria inhibits DC–T-cell interactions without interfering directly with T-cell receptor engagement. The consequence is a decrease in the co-stimulation required to develop an effective immune response.
Radiation-induced defects and amorphization in zircon

The effects of self-radiation damage as a function of cumulative alpha-decay events in synthetic zircon doped with 238Pu and natural zircons damaged over geologic time are compared and interpreted in terms of the accumulation of both defects and amorphousness. The radiation-induced unit-cell expansion and amorphization result in macroscopic swelling that increases sigmoidally with cumulative decay events and saturates at a fully amorphous state. The derived amorphous fraction as a function of cumulative dose is consistent with models based on the multiple overlap of displacement cascades, indicating that amorphization in zircon occurs as a result of the local accumulation of high defect concentrations rather than directly within a displacement cascade. Annealing of point defects in the natural zircons suppresses initial swelling and delays the onset of amorphization. Full recrystallization of the zircon structure from the amorphous state occurs in two stages, with kinetics and activation energies consistent with the reported thermal stability of the amorphous state. This study further confirms that actinide doping is a viable accelerated technique to study or simulate radiation effects from alpha decay on geologic time scales.
Molecular Mobility in Swollen Cross-linked Rubbers. Viscoelasticity and Diffusion Measurements

Molecular Mobility in Swollen Cross-linked Rubbers. Viscoelasticity and Diffusion Measurements
The Public Administration of Elections

The performance of election systems in the United States depends heavily on complex networks of people, tasks, organizations, and relationships, as well as the voting technology that has received so much attention since the presidential election of 2000. Public administration has much to contribute to our understanding of these systems. This article provides an overview of the field, highlighting linkages to theoretical approaches in public administration and emphasizing the importance of management in a brief case study.
Radon in homes: Determining risks and preventing exposures

Knowledge about the effects of radon disintegration products and their levels in the nation's homes indicates that in a small proportion of homes these radioactive substances are increasing the inhabitants' risks of lung cancer. Testing for the problem and reducing its magnitude are the homeowner's responsibility. While practical methods for testing are known, they may not be easily available in all regions. Present understanding of the techniques of prevention and remediation is less satisfactory.
Inclusion, the Law, and Placement Decisions: Implications for School Psychologists.

A summary of the provisions of statutes and regulations relevant to the topic of inclusion is presented. Summaries of court decisions and federal agency policy letters that have interpreted these mandates are also offered. Finally, the implications of these mandates for the practice of school psychology are also discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
5 Rollerball endometrial ablation

Attempts at endometrial destruction to treat abnormal uterine bleeding unresponsive to medical therapy in women at risk to hysterectomy are not new. However, a practical and effective method was not introduced until the early 1980s, when the Nd:YAG laser was used through the hysteroscope for endometrial photocoagulation. Soon after, electrosurgery proved to be a good alternative for endometrial ablation, either by resection, coagulation, or both. Because of its relative simplicity, effectiveness, and low complication rate, the rollerball endometrial ablation has been attractive to physicians and patients alike as a good alternative to endometrial laser ablation. The overall results, particularly in properly selected patients who have been hormonally suppressed to thin the endometrium and permit good tissue penetration of the electrosurgical energy, have been most satisfactory.
The prospect for vaccines to prevent Clostridium difficile infection.

Clostridium difficile is a spore-forming anaerobic gram-positive organism that is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated nosocomial infectious diarrhea in the Western world. This article describes the evolving epidemiology of C difficile infection (CDI) in the twenty-first century, evaluates the importance of vaccines against the disease, and defines the roles of both innate and adaptive host immune responses in CDI. The effects of passive immunotherapy and active vaccination against CDI in both humans and animals are also discussed
ANALYSIS OF FATIGUE LIFE DATA USING THE BOX-COX TRANSFORMATION

Fatigue life data customarily analyzed using the logarithmic transformation may be better analyzed using the Box-Cox transformation. This transformation has the advantages of stabilizing the variance, simplifying the model and transforming to approximate normality. In addition, simple schemes for imputing run-outs can be constructed and the endurance limit can be easily calculated. This paper considers in detail the use of the transformation on fatigue life data from a thick plate Al-Zn-Cu-Mg alloy. It presents a simplified method for determining the transformation, and then uses the transformation to determine distinctions in quality between different lots and confidence intervals on the lifetime.
Walking compared with vigorous exercise for the prevention of cardiovascular events in women.

Background The role of walking, as compared with vigorous exercise, in the prevention of cardiovascular disease remains controversial. Data for women who are members of minority racial or ethnic groups are particularly sparse. Methods We prospectively examined the total physical-activity score, walking, vigorous exercise, and hours spent sitting as predictors of the incidence of coronary events and total cardiovascular events among 73,743 postmenopausal women 50 to 79 years of age in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. At base line, participants were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease and cancer, and all participants completed detailed questionnaires about physical activity. We documented 345 newly diagnosed cases of coronary heart disease and 1551 total cardiovascular events. Results An increasing physical-activity score had a strong, graded, inverse association with the risk of both coronary events and total cardiovascular events. There were similar findings among white women and bl...
Elastoplastic behavior of metal matrix composites based on incremental plasticity and the Mori-Tanaka averaging scheme

The applicability of the Mori-Tanaka averaging method for the prediction of the response of binary composites loaded in the plastic range is investigated. The applied loading is subdivided into small increments and the Eshelby solution for the inhomogeneity problem is used in conjunction with the Mori-Tanaka averaging scheme to obtain the load increments in the various phases. Since the Eshelby solution depends on the instantaneous matrix material properties and these are updated at the end of each load increment by using the backward difference scheme, an iterative procedure is necessary for the calculation of the correct load increments in the phases (concentration factors). The performance of the Mori-Tanaka method is compared with results obtained using the periodic hexagonal array (PHA) finite element model and experimental results for a B-Al unidirectional fibrous composite; it is also compared with numerical simulations obtained from the modified PHA model for a SiC w -Al particulate composite.
Optimization approach in variable-charge potential for metal/metal oxide systems

Earlier attempts on minimizing the total system energy of metal/metal oxide systems with given charge constraints appear to be indirect and unnecessarily complicated. The energy minimization problem is in fact a constrained optimization problem and hence can be solved by a constrained optimization method. We propose a new direct approach for finding charge distributions among ions in molecular dynamics simulations. The approach is based on an optimization algorithm, called the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) Method. This efficient approach can be readily employed in molecular dynamic simulations for metal/metal oxide systems.
Source parameters of the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake, New Zealand

Abstract Moment tensor inversions of low-frequency teleseismic surface-wave and body-wave data for the 1987 March 2 Edgecumbe earthquake, New Zealand, give an average seismic moment of 7. 0 × 1018 Nm. Measurements of seismic moment at low frequencies are converted to spectral levels normalised to 10 km distance and combined with the acceleration spectrum from a strong-motion seismogram recorded at about 15 km epicentral distance, to give acomposite source spectrum for the main shock covering more than four decades in frequency. The source spectrum shows a constant low-frequency level, a comer frequency of 0. 22 Hz, and a high-frequency slope of approximately ω-2. The comer frequency implies a fault radius of 6 km giving an average fault displacement of 2 m and a stress drop of 5 MPa. Integration of the velocity-squared spectrum indicates an energy release of 1. 1 × 1015 J.
Impaired immunological surveillance by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene augments its skin tumorigenicity in C3H mice

Abstract 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) is a polyaromatic hydrocarbon with potent mutagenic, carcinogenic and immunomodulatory activities. It has been postulated that the immunosuppressive effects of DMBA may contribute to the carcinogenicity of this agent. We investigated this issue by examining whether the pre-administration of DMBA at one skin site would augment its carcinogenic activity at a distant skin site. In animals placed on a cutaneous chemical carcinogenesis protocol to the skin of the back, presensitization with DMBA to the abdomen augmented skin tumorigenicity whether the tumor data are considered as cumulative number of tumors, percent of mice with tumors, number of tumors per mouse, or numbers of tumors per tumor bearing mouse as a function of weeks on test. These data demonstrate that pre-treatment with DMBA augments its skin tumorigenicity by impairing immunological surveillance.
Complementation of Major Histocompatibility Haplotypes in Regression of Rous Sarcoma Virus-Induced Tumors in Noninbred Chickens

Abstract Relative responses to Rous sarcoma virus (RSV)-induced tumors were studied in UNH 105 chickens, a noninbred line of New Hampshires. A total of 799 chickens blood typed for B alloantigens were classified into six genotypes: B23/B23, B24/B24, B26/B26, B23/B24, B23/B26, and B24/B26. Chickens were inoculated with subgroup A Rous sarcoma virus in the left wingweb at 6 weeks of age. The in vivo response was evaluated and given a tumor profile index (TPI) based on the change in tumor size over a 10-week period postinoculation. The TPI's ranged from 1 (regressor) to 3 (progressor). The mean TPI of B23/B26 hosts (1.7) was significantly smaller than that of all other genotypes studied. The mean TPI's of the homozygous genotypes B23/B23, B26/B26, and B24 /B24, were 2.0, 2.3, and 2.9, respectively, and differed significantly in all comparisons. These results suggest complementation of haplotypes influencing the anti-Rous sarcoma response.
Medial Olivocochlear-Induced Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emission Amplitude Shifts in Individual Subjects

Activation of the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) can be assessed indirectly using transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). The change in TEOAE amplitudes when the MOCR is activated (medial olivocochlear (MOC) shift) has most often been quantified as the mean value in groups of subjects. The usefulness of MOC shift measurements may be increased by the ability to quantify significant shifts in individuals. This study used statistical resampling to quantify significant MOC shifts in 16 subjects. TEOAEs were obtained using transient stimuli containing energy from 1 to 10 kHz. A nonlinear paradigm was used to extract TEOAEs. Transient stimuli were presented at 30 dB sensation level (SL) with suppressor stimuli presented 12 dB higher. Contralateral white noise, used to activate the MOCR, was presented at 30 dB SL and was interleaved on and off in 30-s intervals during a 7-min recording period. Confounding factors of middle ear muscle reflex and slow amplitude drifts were accounted for. TEOAEs were analyzed in 11 1/3-octave frequency bands. The statistical significance of each individual MOC shift was determined using a bootstrap procedure. The minimum detectable MOC shifts ranged from 0.10 to 3.25 dB and were highly dependent on signal-to-noise ratio at each frequency. Subjects exhibited a wide range of magnitudes of significant MOC shifts in the 1.0–3.2-kHz region (median = 1.94 dB, range = 0.34–6.51 dB). There was considerable overlap between the magnitudes of significant and nonsignificant shifts. While most subjects had significant MOC shifts in one or more frequency bands below 4 kHz, few had significant shifts in all of these bands. Above 4 kHz, few significant shifts were seen, but this may have been due to lower signal-to-noise ratios. The specific frequency bands containing significant shifts were variable across individuals. Further work is needed to determine the clinical usefulness of examining MOC shifts in individuals.
The Shapes of Negative Beta-Spectra at the Low Energy End

The disposition of the excess atomic binding energy liberated in a negative beta-decay is of interest in connection with the shape of the low energy end of the beta-spectrum. Previous theoretical work points to the carrying away of this energy by the beta-particle in most cases, with a resulting practical cutoff at the low end of the energy spectrum. However, the present approach, in which the nuclear and atomic electron transitions are treated as a unified process, leads to the conclusion that to the first order that shape is practically unaffected. A possibility for experimental study of this question is pointed out.
COMPUTER ALGORITHM AND GRAPHICAL METHOD FOR CALCULATING ADSORPTION EQUILIBRIA OF GAS MIXTURES

Adsorption equilibria of gas mixtures are predicted from single-gas isotherms that obey the Toth equation by a graphical procedure. Since the design of gas adsorbers requires repetitive calculations, a fast-converging algorithm has been designed for execution on a computer. Predicted adsorption isotherms agree very well with experimental data at low and moderate surface coverage.
Image Design: Generation of a Prescribed Image at the Output of a Band-Limited System

Image design involves determining the object distribution which produces a prescribed image at the output of a given imaging system. We solve the problem of generating two parallel lines at the output of an imaging system that is modeled by a linear band-limited system foliowed by a point nonlinearity of the hardlimiting type. It is shown that a solution always exists whatever the system's bandwidth. In principle, infinite two-line resolution is achievable. In practice, resolution much higher than the conventional resolution of the imaging system is possible.