cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Normal and Abnormal Human Megakaryocytes Based on Acid Fast Metachromasia after Staining with Basic Black MSP

Megakaryocytes from normal persons and from patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, myelodysplastic disorders, Hypersplenism, and essential thrombocythemia displayed vivid magenta metachromatic staining of the cytoplasm when stained with basic black MSP followed by brief exposure to dilute hydrochloric acid. Under the same conditions, other hematopoietic cells were completely decolorized. Acid fast metachromasia of megakaryocytes facilitates their identification, particularly in cases of small and atypical megakaryocytes found in disease states.
SU‐FF‐J‐03: Quantitative Assessment of Three Dead Detector Interpolative Correction Methods for Cone Beam CT Images

Purpose: Dead detectors can occur in the electronic portal imaging devices(EPIDs) used for cone beam computed tomography(CBCT), and their presence can lead to image degradation and artifacts. Methods exist to correct for dead detectors, and the determination of the limitations of these methods could aid in the design of more efficient and longer‐lasting imagingsystems in the future. We quantitatively assessed the effectiveness of three dead detector correction methods using megavoltage CBCT (MVCBCT) as a test system.Method and Materials: The dead detector correction methods considered were: bidirectional linear interpolation (BLI), quad‐directional linear interpolation (QLI), and a Laplacian solution (LS) method. A total of 288 MVCBCT test images of an image quality phantom were reconstructed from projections that were acquired from four linear accelerators (linacs). Both 8 and 60 monitor unit (MU) head‐and‐neck scanning protocols were used for the acquisitions. Dead detector maps were simulated for the cases of randomly distributed singular dead detectors and 13‐dead‐detector clusters, each with six dead detector percentages: 2%, 25%, 75%, 80%, 90%, and 95%. Results: Quantitative image quality assessment was done by calculation of the standard deviation of the test and baseline image differences. Test image quality did not deviate substantially from the baseline case (<0.5% dead detectors) for any of the algorithms until the dead detector fraction reached 80% for the clusters of 13 dead detectors, and 90% for the singular dead detectors.Conclusion: It was determined that MVCBCT images are relatively insensitive to randomly distributed dead detectors until 80–90% of the EPIDdetectors are dead. Image degradation for the same percentage of dead detectors was more pronounced when the EPID was covered with clusters of 13 dead detectors than with singular dead detectors, and was weakly dependent on the MU used during the image acquisition. No conflict of interest
Mechanisms of rapid vasodilation after a brief contraction in human skeletal muscle

A monophasic increase in skeletal muscle blood flow is observed after a brief single forearm contraction in humans, yet the underlying vascular signaling pathways remain largely undetermined. Evide...
Individual and societal reactions to ongoing terror in Israel.

Since the beginning of the Al-Aqsa Intifada until the end of 2003, belligerent acts have led to the deaths of more than 275 members of the security forces and above 650 civilians; more than 1700 members of the security forces and above 4400 civilians also sustained injuries. Data from Israel and around the world shows that, during the first few days following a terror attack, those directly or indirectly exposed will develop a wide range of symptoms of a depressive and/or anxious nature, which will disappear spontaneously after a few weeks or months. A minority at risk will develop posttraumatic stress disorder, with accompanying psychiatric morbidity, particularly anxiety and depression. In recent years, Israelis have faced an increasing level of anxiety regarding their personal security, and have become more pessimistic regarding the prospects of securing national security in the wake of the terrorist attacks sustained since September 2000. In spite of that, data show a surprising level of optimism and communal resilience, which deserves explanation. Language: en
The Effect of Intravenous Injections of Sugar upon the Lactating Bovine

Summary 1. Intravenous injections of glucose and fructose may result in a hypoglucemic condition in the bovine. 2. An intravenous injection of lactose resulted in a marked hyperglucemia. 3. A suggestion is offered to account for the decrease in milk secretion noted by many workers following daily injections of large amounts of sugar. 4. The intravenous injections of sugar are considered of doubtful value in the study of lactose synthesis.
Abstract LB-293: Circulating tumor cells in peripheral and pulmonary venous blood predict poor long-term survival in surgical resected non-small cell lung cancer patients

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: We tested the hypothesis that the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in preoperative peripheral blood (PPB) and intraoperative pulmonary venous blood (IPVB) could predict poor long term survival in surgically resected NSCLC patients. Methods: CTCs were separated from the blood using magnetic beads coated by antibody against epithelial-cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) through magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS). The CTCs were quantified with fluorescence labeled antibodies against pan-cytokeratin through flow cytometry. CTCs were prospectively quantified in PPB and IPVB in 23 consecutive stage I-IIIA patients with surgically resected NSCLC. Association between CTCs and prognosis of these patients was evaluated after 5-year follow-up. Results: In the NSCLC patients, outcomes were assessed according to levels of CTCs at surgery, and compared with CTCs detected in benign pulmonary diseases, and healthy volunteers, where the mean and 95%CI of CTCs counts were all 5 CTCs/15mL in PPB and >50 CTCs/15mL in IPVB. Univariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis showed that CTCs count in PPB or IPVB was an independent risk factor for tumor-free and overall survivals. The high risk group of patients had a shorter median tumor-free survival (22 months vs. >60.0 months, P60 months, P<0.0015). Conclusions: CTCs count in PPB and IPVB was an independent risk factor for tumor-free and overall survival in surgically resected NSCLC patients. Citation Format: Zhidong Liu, Yunsong Li, Chongyu Su, Yi Han, Shaofa Xu. Circulating tumor cells in peripheral and pulmonary venous blood predict poor long-term survival in surgical resected non-small cell lung cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-293. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-293
Determinants of precordial QT dispersion in normal subjects

Abstract Dispersion of precordial QT intervals has been attributed to delay in the recovery process in the myocardium under the exploring electrode, a local effect. However, the phenomenon also could be explained by different projections of the heart vector, in which case the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) derived from the heart vector would show similar dispersion that could not be local in nature because the electrical activity of the heart is represented by a single dipole. Using an analog device that switched between the two, conventional and derived ECGs were obtained from 129 normal subjects. Measured as the difference between the longest and shortest precordial QT intervals, QT dispersion from the derived ECGs (mean ± SD, 40 ± 20 ms) was nearly identical in magnitude to that from the standard ECGs (41 ± 18 ms, P = NS ). Further analysis of the derived ECGs revealed nonuniform distributions of both the maximal and minimal QT intervals across the precordial leads. In addition, a weak correlation was found between the QT interval and the T wave amplitude in the two precordial leads with the lowest T-wave amplitudes ( r = −0.303 in V1, P = .001, and r = 0.253 in V6, P = .005). While findings in patients with disease or with abnormal ECGs may differ and require separate examination, these data suggest that the observed magnitude of precordial QT dispersion in normal subjects can be explained by differences in precordial projection of the end of the T wave rather than by local effect.
The Generalization Paradox of Ensembles

Ensemble models—built by methods such as bagging, boosting, and Bayesian model averaging—appear dauntingly complex, yet tend to strongly outperform their component models on new data. Doesn't this violate “Occam's razor”—the widespread belief that “the simpler of competing alternatives is preferred”? We argue no: if complexity is measured by function rather than form—for example, according to generalized degrees of freedom (GDF)—the razor's role is restored. On a two-dimensional decision tree problem, bagging several trees is shown to actually have less GDF complexity than a single component tree, removing the generalization paradox of ensembles.
Where’s the glue? Institutional and cultural foundations of American Indian economic development

Abstract Since the mid-1970s, the hundreds of American Indian reservations in the United States have been afforded substantial powers of self-government –from law enforcement and taxation to environmental and business regulation. The result has been a set of diverse efforts to overcome widespread poverty, with equally diverse outcomes. This study reports the results of research into the sources of development success during the “take-off” stage of self-government. Little evidence is found to support hypotheses that resource or human capital endowments hold keys to launching Indian economies. Instead, tribal constitutional forms appear to be make-or-break keys to development. Development takes hold when these forms provide for separations of powers and when their structures match indigenous norms of political legitimacy.
Survey of harmonic levels on the Southwestern Electric Power Company system

A survey of current and voltage distortion levels measured at 76 different sites is presented. Over 5000 pairs of current and voltage waveforms were recorded and analyzed for this study. In addition to summarizing the harmonic levels at the various industrial, commercial, and substation sites, the authors use data at a particular nonlinear load site to show how US utilities may be failing to collect the correct revenues from power factor penalty clauses. The instrumentation used to collect the field data is briefly described. The results of the field measurements are discussed, with particular emphasis on the problem sites identified during the project. >
Water and carbon in rusty lunar rock 66095.

The reported study of the lunar rock 66095 included the determination of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen isotope ratios. One group of experiments with rock 66095 and meteoritic rust involved the examination of the O-18 content of the oxygen in the ferric oxide found on the rock and the determination of the O-18 content in the oxygen of the adsorbed or hydration water. It is suggested that the enrichment of the rock 66095 in volatile materials is caused by volcanic or fumarolic activity. Water released by such activity may be juvenile lunar water.
Business structure, economic cycles, and national policy

Abstract A system dynamics model of the national economy is now being assembled. Preliminary studies show that the production sectors can generate three different modes of fluctuation in the economy similar to the 3-to-7-year business cycle, the 15-to-25-year Kuznets cycle, and the 45-to-60-year Kondratieff cycle. These several modes arise from the basic physical processes of production and the managerial policies governing inventory, employment, and capital investment. The three modes of economic fluctuation are easily confused, and have tended to be interpreted as if they belonged only to the business cycle, perhaps leading to inappropriate policies. The work is still in progress, but results to date have important implications for many areas, including capital investment and its effect on the business cycle, monetary policy, fine tuning the economy, the severity of future recessions, the Phillips curve, factors affecting unemployment, and the trade-off between unemployment and inflation.
The electric power research institute's role in applying superconductivity to future utility systems

Economics has been the single most important factor in determining the future of any new commercial technology in the United States. This criterion is in need of serious examination in view of the projected sharply increasing consumption of energy in the next few decades, particularly in the form of electricity. In order to make a smooth and meaningful transition from conventional methods of generating and transmitting electricity, a coordinated effort between all segments of the private and public domains will be required. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) should play a vital role in planning for both the imminent short term, and long term national electrical energy needs; and in coordinating efforts to achieve these vital goals. If, as predicted, the U. S. power consumption increases by more than a factor of six in the next 30 years, it should be clear that it is necessary to develop high power density methods of producing and transmitting electricity. Superconductivity is the natural prime candidate for a new feasible technology that can take on this responsibility.
Nyquist reconstruction as the limit of trigonometric interpolation

Abstract The Nyquist reconstruction formula can be obtained by taking the limiting form of trigonometric interpolation for a large number of data points. The usefulness of trigonometric interpolators is demonstrated by showing that they can extend good interpolation performance to lower data sampling rates than can standard polynomial interpolators.
Shelf life of pasteurized microfiltered milk containing 2% fat

The goal of this research was to produce homogenized milk containing 2% fat with a refrigerated shelf life of 60 to 90 d using minimum high temperature, short time (HTST) pasteurization in combination with other nonthermal processes. Raw skim milk was microfiltered (MF) using a Tetra Alcross MFS-7 pilot plant (Tetra Pak International SA, Pully, Switzerland) equipped with Membralox ceramic membranes (1.4 μm and surface area of 2.31 m(2); Pall Corp., East Hills, NY). The unpasteurized MF skim permeate and each of 3 different cream sources were blended together to achieve three 2% fat milks. Each milk was homogenized (first stage: 17 MPa, second stage: 3 MPa) and HTST pasteurized (73.8°C for 15s). The pasteurized MF skim permeate and the 3 pasteurized homogenized 2% fat milks (made from different fat sources) were stored at 1.7 and 5.7°C and the standard plate count for each milk was determined weekly over 90 d. When the standard plate count was >20,000 cfu/mL, it was considered the end of shelf life for the purpose of this study. Across 4 replicates, a 4.13 log reduction in bacteria was achieved by MF, and a further 0.53 log reduction was achieved by the combination of MF with HTST pasteurization (73.8°C for 15s), resulting in a 4.66 log reduction in bacteria for the combined process. No containers of MF skim milk that was pasteurized after MF exceeded 20,000 cfu/mL bacteria count during 90 d of storage at 5.7°C. The 3 different approaches used to reduce the initial bacteria and spore count of each cream source used to make the 2% fat milks did not produce any shelf-life advantage over using cold separated raw cream when starting with excellent quality raw whole milk (i.e., low bacteria count). The combination of MF with HTST pasteurization (73.8°C for 15s), combined with filling and packaging that was protected from microbial contamination, achieved a refrigerated shelf life of 60 to 90 d at both 1.7 and 5.7°C for 2% fat milks.
Gender and Wisdom: The Roles of Compassion and Moral Development

Theories of both wisdom and moral development have been divided between rationalist or cognitivist approaches and broader gauged ones that include affect, motivation, and intuition, as well as rational thinking. For example, Gilligan (1982) criticized Kohlberg's (1973) theory of moral development on the grounds that it is gender biased, privileging “masculine” reasoning based on principles over “feminine” reasoning based on relations. A similar conflict has arisen in wisdom theory and research with Baltes and Smith (1990) taking a cognitivist position criticized as limited by inattention to the affective domain (Labouvie-Vief, 1990). This conflict is unnecessary. More recent approaches have argued that wisdom is a synthesis of knowledge and character (Kunzmann & Baltes, 2005). Using the construct of compassion as a vehicle for the integration of wisdom and ethics obviates any gender-related differences in wisdom.
Mobile sensor localization and navigation using RF doppler shifts

Many wireless sensor network applications require knowledge of node placement in order to make sense of sensor data in a spatial context. Networks of mobile sensors require position updates for navigation through the sensing region. The global positioning system is able to provide localization information, however in many situations it cannot be relied on, and alternative localization methods are required. We propose a technique for the localization and navigation of a mobile robot that uses the Doppler-shift in frequency observed by stationary sensor nodes. Our experimental results show that, by using observed RF Doppler shifts, a robot is able to navigate through a sensing region with an average localization error of 1.68 meters.
Progress in structural studies of telomerase

Telomerase is the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) reverse transcriptase responsible for synthesizing the 3′ ends of linear chromosomes. It plays critical roles in tumorigenesis, cellular aging, and stem cell renewal. The past two years have seen exciting progress in determining telomerase holoenzyme architecture and the structural basis of telomerase activity. Notably, the first electron microscopy structures of telomerase were reported, of the Tetrahymena thermophila telomerase holoenzyme and a human telomerase dimer. In addition to new structures of TERT and TER domains, the first structures of telomerase protein domains beyond TERT, and their complexes with TER or telomeric single-stranded DNA, were reported. Together these studies provide the first glimpse into the organization of the proteins and RNA in the telomerase RNP.
A multiproject perspective of single-project dynamics

Abstract Heretofore, the study of software project management has been limited to a single-project-in-isolation perspective, largely overlooking the interdependencies among projects. This is despite the fact that few, if any, actual software projects are carried out in complete isolation. In this work, I relax the project-in-isolation assumption and attempt to demonstrate that interactions and interdependencies among projects can have a significant influence on project behavior. As such, the behavior of an individual project in isolation may be very different from its behavior when it interacts with other projects. The research vehicle for this study is a multiproject system dynamics model that was developed on the basis of field studies in five organizations. The results of a case study conducted in a sixth organization to test the model's accuracy in replicating the behavior of two concurrent software projects are presented. In the final section of the paper, I conduct a number of model-based controlled experiments to assess the effects of inter-project interdependencies on project behavior. The results suggest that scheduling and work force allocation decisions in one project can significantly influence the cost and duration of the other. The significance of these results is twofold. First, they highlight a fundamental deficiency in the formulation of the current generation of estimation tools. Second, they underscore the perils of parochial decision making in a multiproject environment.
Treatment of multidirectionalshoulder instability in the athlete

Abstract Multidirectional instability in the athlete refers to symptomatic laxity of the shoulder in more than one direction.This is in contrast to unidirectional instability, which involves subluxation or dislocation in only one direction. The diagnosis and treatment of this disorder can be challenging owing to the unusual demands athletes place on their shoulders to be effective in their sport. The laxity required for overhand throwing, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball and tennis — while increased compared with that required for activities of daily living or with that of the opposite shoulder — must be symptomatic to be pathologic. Formerly, it was thought that generalized ligamentous laxity was a requirement for multidirectional instability, but now it is realized many athletes have multidirectional instability in the setting of otherwise normal ligamentous laxity. Nonoperative treatment is frequently successful in these athletes. When conservative management is unsuccessful, the capsular shift procedure has demonstrated good results in allowing these athletes to return to their sport. Arthroscopic and thermal capsulorrhaphy also offer other options for surgical treatment of this problem and will be briefly discussed.
Emotions, reason, and character

(1994). Emotions, reason, and character. Criminal Justice Ethics: Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 83-92.
P‐47: High‐Luminous‐Efficiency Barrier‐Rib Structure in Color AC PDPs

We suggest new types of barrier rib structure of color PDP—fish bone (FB type), semi box (SB type), embossing (EB type)—to achieve high luminous efficiency. The luminous efficiency has been increased, 15%∼18%, by adapting advanced barrier rib structure without any additional production process and mask. These structures provide wider phosphor area than stripe type structure does and higher exhausting speed compared with that of box type structure. The operating voltage of FB, SB, EB is almost the same with that of conventional barrier rib type.
Host preference and suitability of grasses for Oebalus pugnax

The rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Carpocorini), though graminaceous, discriminates among its numerous host grass species. This could represent a feeding preference, it could be related to host suitability for growth and development. To clarify the role of host grass discrimination, two laboratory studies were conducted: (1) free-choice tests to evaluate preferences of O. pugnax among 11 wild host grass species found in three rice-producing counties of the central Mississippi Delta (MS, USA), and (2) no-choice tests to evaluate the impact of rice (Oryza sativa L.), junglerice [Echinochloa colona (L.) Link], and dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) (all Poaceae), on the development of O. pugnax from second instar to adult. In the free-choice test, four experiments were conducted, each with four sets of host grass species and observed 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 h after release in cages. Approximately 4 h was necessary for O. pugnax to settle on preferred host grasses. Oebalus pugnax showed a feeding preference for junglerice over all 10 other grass species. Bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum Fluegge, was the least preferred. The no-choice tests showed significant effect of host grass species on O. pugnax mean development time of nymphal survival to adults. Survival of nymphs was lower and mean development time was longer on dallisgrass compared to rice and junglerice. Knowledge of O. pugnax rate of growth and development on host grasses could be useful in the future development of rice integrated pest management strategies.
Granular damping analysis using an improved discrete element approach

Granular damping has promising potential for vibration suppression in harsh environment. Currently, the discrete element method (DEM) is adopted in the granular damping analysis that typically involves a large number of granules. While the discrete element method, which is essentially built upon the direct numerical integration of Newton's equations, has been widely used in various analyses involving granular motion, the granular damping analysis faces unique challenge in several aspects. Unlike many other granular motion analyses, in the granular damping analysis the movements of the granules are strongly coupled with that of the host structure, and the granules experience extremely frequent collisions with each other. Meanwhile, the energy dissipation mechanism is highly nonlinear, and can only be evaluated with sufficiently long simulation time especially for structures vibrating in the low-frequency range. In order to increase the analysis efficiency to enable large-scale parametric studies, in this research we develop a new computational scheme for granular damping analysis using the discrete element approach. The main idea is to enhance the efficiency of contact detection in such analysis. To reduce the number of candidate granular pairs for contact check, an improved link cell (LC) scheme is proposed which takes advantage of the contacting force relation. This is followed by incorporating a Verlet table into the analysis that records all granular pairs whose distances are less than a certain threshold distance. The Verlet table for candidate pairs will be updated in an adaptive manner, corresponding to the dynamic states of the vibrating system. We also study the effect of time step in the numerical simulation, and develop a procedure that can optimize the time-step selection based on the contact mechanics. Collectively, these improvements can increase the computational efficiency of the discrete element method by multiple times as compared to the state-of-the-art. The proposed approach is validated by correlating to benchmark numerical and experimental results. With the new algorithm as basis, case studies are carried out to illustrate the analysis of granular damping mechanisms and the optimization of damping performance.
Combining the rapid MTT formazan exocytosis assay and the MC65 protection assay led to the discovery of carbazole analogs as small molecule inhibitors of Aβ oligomer-induced cytotoxicity

The discovery of small molecule inhibitors of cytotoxicity induced by amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers, either applied extracellularly or accumulated intraneuronally, is an important goal of drug development for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but has been limited by the lack of efficient screening methods. Here we describe our approach using two cell-based methods. The first method takes advantage of the unique ability of extracellularly applied Aβ oligomers to rapidly induce the exocytosis of formazan formed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). We employed a short protocol to quantify this toxicity, and quickly identified two novel inhibitors, code-named CP2 and A5, from two compound libraries. A second independent screen of the same libraries using our previously published MC65 protection assay, which identifies inhibitors of toxicity related to intracellular Aβ oligomers, also selected the same two leads, suggesting that both assays select for the same anti-Aβ oligomer properties displayed by these compounds. We further demonstrated that A5 attenuated the progressive aggregation of existing Aβ oligomers, reduced the level of intracellular Aβ oligomers, and prevented the Aβ oligomer-induced death of primary cortical neurons, effects similar to those demonstrated by CP2. Our results suggest that, when combined, the two methods would generate fewer false results and give a high likelihood of identifying leads that show promises in ameliorating Aβ oligomer-induced toxicities within both intraneuronal and extracellular sites. Both assays are simple, suitable for rapid screening of a large number of medicinal libraries, and amenable for automation.
The impact of laterality and cultural background on the development of writing skills.

Abstract Children exposed to contrasting scripts (Hebrew and English) were compared as to their writing proficiency. Three samples, consisting of 90 children each (American and Israeli public schools and Hebrew day schools), were subdivided into three laterality groups. Their speed and accuracy of writing were evaluated on two forms of a Symbol Copying Test, copied in opposite directions. The results demonstrated that laterality produces an effect on the proficiency in the writing direction, and that writing habits influence the inherent directional tendencies of the writer. Crossed laterality was not shown to interfere with writing.
Volume change accompanying the titration of the amino groups of a lysine-rich histone.

Abstract For those proteins previously measured, an abnormally low volume change was produced upon reaction with base in the pH range where lysine residues titrate. Depending on the model selected, the volume change to be expected is from 22–25 ml/ mole. Proteins yield values as low as 16 ml/mole. The first example of a protein yielding a volume change within the normally expected range is reported here.
Preliminary analysis of ERS-1 SAR for forest ecosystem studies

The authors examine an image obtained by the C-band VV-polarized ERS-1 SAR with respect to potential land applications. A scene obtained near noon on Aug. 15, 1991, along the US-Canadian border near Sault Ste. Marie is calibrated relative to an array of trihedral corner reflectors and active radar calibrators distributed across the swath. Extensive contemporaneous ground observations of forest stands are used to predict sigma degrees at the time of the SAR overpass using a first-order vector radiative transfer model (MIMICS). These predictions generally agree with the calibrated ERS-1 data to within 1 dB. It is demonstrated that the dynamic range of sigma degrees is sufficient to perform limited discrimination of various forest and grassland communities even for a single-date observation. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that retrieval of near-surface soil moisture is feasible for grass-covered soils when plant biomass is less than 1 tonne/ha. >
Liquid membranes for separations and reactions

Abstract Liquid membranes can selectively concentrate specific ions and separate short-lived reaction intermediates. Separations using these membranes can be expedited by making them thin, with a large surface area per unit volume. Separations are also profoundly influenced by the chemistry, at times in surprising ways. Separation systems currently in operation include those for copper, nickel, chromium, and electrons.
Effect of CaEDTA administration on urinary hydroxyproline excretion and skin wound healing in the rat.

IN OUR PREVIOIJS WORK, we have been testing several drugs which were expected to interfere with collagen accumulation in various models of fibrotic lesions in a specific fashion. Our approach to the pharmacology of fibrosis was recently reviewed [3] and consists of studying the effects of drugs on collagen synthesis, polymerization, and degradation. While most of the studies dealt with control of collagen synthesis and polymerization, not enough attention has been paid to collagen breakdown as a method to decrease the amount of deposited collagen in fibroproliferative inflammation. Mechanisms regulat’ing mammalian collagenase activity in viva arc still poorly understood. For this reason, we became alerted by the finding of Aronson and Rogerson [l] showing a striking increase in the excretion of urinary hydroxyproline in animals treated with calcium ethylendiamine tetraacetat’e (CaNa,EDTA) . It was assumed that this chelating agent significantly increased collagen breakdown [lo]. These authors presented evidence that both soluble and insoluble collagen are
Stochastic analysis of ADS-B integrity requirements

Analysis of integrity requirements for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) have been based primarily on assumed static limits of integrity errors in position transmissions [1, 2]. Most GNSS failures that will affect ADS-B, in fact, are dynamic and will be limited in duration before an integrity failure is detected [3]. The limited duration of integrity failures may affect ADS-B application requirements. This paper attempts to develop some mathematical relationships with respect to the dynamics of integrity failures and gives an example of how this understanding might be applied to ADS-B applications. It is suggested that the implications of the temporal nature of GPS failures be considered in future analyses of ADS-B applications.
Deeply branching c6-like cytochromes of cyanobacteria.

The cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 carries two genes, petJ1 and petJ2, for proteins related to soluble, cytochrome c6 electron transfer proteins. PetJ1 was purified from the cyanobacterium, and both cytochromes were expressed with heme incorporation in Escherichia coli. The expressed PetJ1 displayed spectral and biochemical properties virtually identical to those of PetJ1 from Synechococcus. PetJ1 is a typical cytochrome c6 but contains an unusual KDGSKSL insertion. PetJ2 isolated from E. coli exhibited absorbance spectra characteristic of cytochromes, although the α, β, and γ bands were red-shifted relative to those of PetJ1. Moreover, the surface electrostatic properties and redox midpoint potential of PetJ2 (pI 9.7; Em,7 = 148 ± 1.7 mV) differed substantially from those of PetJ1 (pI 3.8; Em,7 = 319 ± 1.6 mV). These data indicate that the PetJ2 cytochrome could not effectively replace PetJ1 as an electron acceptor for the cytochrome bf complex in photosynthesis. Phylogenetic comparisons again...
Aesthetic preference and DSM-IIIR personality disorders

Abstract This report tested whether those individuals with a cluster B DSM-IIIR personality disorder (narcissistic, borderline, antisocial or histrionic) had higher scores for aesthetic preference for visually complex drawings using the Barron-Welch Art Scale. In a sample of 141 patients and controls, the 56 subjects who met the criteria for one of the cluster B personality disorder diagnoses displayed higher Barron-Welch Art Scale Scores. A multiple regression analysis showed that narcissistic and borderline personality disorder contributed positively, while dependent personality disorder, negatively to preference for complexity. The findings support the notion that aesthetic choices and values reflected through the dimension of openness to experience may contribute to the behavioral manifestations of the personality disorders.
Stimulation of Fibroblast Cell Growth, Matrix Production, and Granulation Tissue Formation by Connective Tissue Growth Factor

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a 36- to 38-kDa peptide that is selectively induced by transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) in fibroblastic cell types. We compared the biologic activities of CTGF with TGF- β on fibroblasts in culture and in animal models of fibroplasia. CTGF was active as a mitogen in monolayer cultures of normal rat kidney fibroblasts. CTGF did not stimulate anchorage-independent growth of NRK fibroblasts, however, or inhibit the growth of mink lung epithelial cells, distinguishing CTGF's growth-regulatory activities from those of TGF- β . In NRK fibroblasts, both TGF- β and CTGF significantly increased the transcripts encoding at type I collagen, α 5 integrin, and fibronectin. Stimulation of type I collagen and fibronectin protein synthesis by TGF- β and CTGF was confirmed by pulse labeling of cells with [ 35 S]methionine. Subcutaneous injection of TGF- β and CTGF into neonatal NIH Swiss mice resulted in a large stimulation of granulation tissue and fibrosis at the site of injection. In situ hybridization studies revealed that TGF- β injection induced high levels of CTGF mRNA in the dermal fibroblasts at the injection site, demonstrating that TGF- β can induce the expression of CTGF in connective tissue cells in vivo . No CTGF transcripts were detected in the epidermal cells in either control or TGF- β -injected skin or in fibroblasts in control (saline-injected) skin. These results demonstrate that, like TGF- β , CTGF can induce connective tissue cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis.
Implications of single vs. multiple buying sources

Abstract This article explores the viability of an industrial buyer's preference for a single supply source (SSS) versus multiple sources of supply (MSS) as an effective basis of industrial market segmentation. The empirical findings of the study reported here indicate that there are some perceived vendor attributes and organizational characteristics which differentiate between firms that prefer to employ SSS and those that utilize MSS. Managerial implications for industrial marketers and procurement personnel are also discussed.
Nature of the superconducting state in high-Tc cuprates

Abstract It is shown that the available experimental data on the doping dependence of the specific heat singularity and penetration depth, and the relation between transition temperature and magnetic penetration depth can be understood in terms of three-dimensional xy critical point universality, supplemented by the experimental phase transition line. Thus, the nature of the superconducting state in the cuprates appears to be essentially that of superfluidity.
The effect of thymine starvation on chromosomal structure of Escherichia coli JG-151.

Abstract Labelled DNA extracted from control and thymine starved cells was qualitatively characterized with respect to sedimentation properties in alkaline sucrose gradients. DNA isolated from cells undergoing loss of division ability demonstrated decreasing sedimentation velocity. Sedimentation profiles of DNA extracted from cells which were starved for thymine under conditions which allowed spontaneous recovery of division ability to occur, demonstrated an increase in DNA sedimentation velocity toward normal control value. It appears that while thymine starvation can result in single strand breaks, this damage is not irreversible, for under certain conditions rejoining of the breaks can occur.
Chronic neuroleptics alter the effects of the D1 agonist SK&F 38393 and the D2 agonist LY171555 on oral movements in rats

Vacuous oral movements (OMs) in rats chronically administered haloperidol (HAL), fluphenazine (FLU), or no drug were studied following injections of one of three doses of either a D1 agonist (SKF this effect was more pronounced in rats treated with chronic HAL or FLU, both during chronic neuroleptic treatment and even more so when they were tested after drug withdrawal following 5 or 14 months of chronic neuroleptic administration. Conversely, LY171555 produced an inhibition of oral activity at all dose levels in controls. This inhibition was attenuated during chronic administration of HAL or FLU, but returned to control levels (without any signs of supersensitivity) when the animals were retested shortly after discontinuation of neuroleptics. These results indicate that heightened oral movements in rodents following chronic neuroleptic administration can be more clearly induced by D1 than by D2 receptor activation.
SU-E-I-49: Influence of Scanner Output Measurement Technique on KERMA Ratios in CT.

Purpose: KERMA ratios (RK) are defined as the ratio of KERMA measured at a specific phantom location (K) to in‐air isocenter CTscanner output (KCT). In this work we investigate the impact of measurement methodology on KCT values. Methods:OSL dosimeter chips were used to measure KCT for a GE VCT scanner(GE Medical Systems, Waukesha WI), using the 40 mm nominal beam width. Methods included a single point measurement at the center of the beam (1 tube rotation), and extended z‐axis measurements using multiple adjacent OSL's (7.5 cm extent), with single tube rotation, multiple contiguous axial scans, and helical scans (pitch of 1.375). Measurements were made in air and on the scan table at 80 and 120 kV. Results: Averaged single point measurements were consistent, with a mean coefficient of variation of 2.5%. For extended measurements with a single tube rotation, the mean value was equivalent to the single point measurements. For multiple contiguous axial scans, the in‐air KCT values were higher than the single rotation mean value and single point measurements by 13% and 10.3% at 120 and 80 kV, respectively, and for the on‐table measurements the values were 14.9% and 8.1% higher at 120 and 80 kV, respectively. The increase is due to beam overlap caused by z‐ axis over‐beaming. Extended measurements using helical scanning were equivalent to the multiple rotation axial measurements when corrected for the helical pitch. For all methodologies, the in‐air values exceeded the on‐ table measurements by an average of 23% and 19.4% at 80 and 120 kV, respectively. Conclusions:Scanner KCT values must be measured to allow organ dose estimation using published RK values. It is imperative that the KCT measurement methodology is the same as for the published values, or large errors may be introduced into the resulting organ dose estimates.
An Elementary Model for Control of a Semiconductor Etching Process

A dynamic model for the thermal chlorine etching of gallium arsenide is formulated and validated. The model consists of three ordinary differential equations. One models the chemical reaction between the chlorine gas and the gallium arsenide substrate being etched. The second equation, which is based on an inflow/outflow paradigm, models the dynamics of the pressure in the etching chamber. The third equation models the dynamics of a throttle valve which controls the chamber pressure. The entire model is based upon a combination of empirical and first principle physics-based reasoning, and is formulated using sophomore-level elementary chemistry, physics, and differential equations. Spectroscopic ellipsometry, a nondestructive optically based technique for real-time in-situ characterization of materials, is described. Offline and real-time ellipsometry measurements of sample thickness are used to identify or estimate otherwise unmeasurable parameters which appear in the model and to verify or validate our model via comparison with simulation results based upon the model. The use of the model in the design, implementation, and testing of a feedback control system for the etching process is discussed.
The effects of direct and microsomal activated aflatoxin B1 on chicken peritoneal macrophages in vitro.

Abstract Sephadex-elicited peritoneal exudate cells were cultured on glass coverslips in order to determine the effects of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) on chicken macrophages. Adherent macrophage monolayers were exposed for 1 h to 5, 10, and 20 μg ml −1 of AFB 1 , directly or to 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 μg ml −1 of AFB 1 in the presence of a chicken microsomal mixed function oxidase system (MFO). After exposure, the macrophage cultures were washed and allowed to recover for 2 h in fresh culture medium. Parameters measured at 2 h post recovery period were the substrate adherence potential, morphological alterations, phagocytic ability, and number of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) internalized per phagocytic macrophage. Direct in vitro exposure to AFB 1 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in macrophage adherence potential, and an increase in cell damage as determined by nuclear disintegration and cytoplasmic blebbing, but no detrimental effects were observed on percent phagocytic cells or the number of internalized SRBC. However, significant reductions in adherence potential, increased morphological alterations, and reduced phagocytosis and internalization of SRBC were observed when MFOs were added to cultures treated with much lower doses of AFB 1 . Addition of piperonyl butoxide (a P -450 inhibitor) abrogated AFB 1 -MFO induced alterations. This study suggests that microsomal activated AFB 1 causes significant alterations in chicken macrophage functions.
P‐105: Benefits of a Radial Basis Function Network Representation in Describing Free‐Form Optical Surfaces for Head‐Worn Displays

This paper studies the application of radial basis function networks to the description, design and optimization of free-form optical surfaces, which find key applications in head-worn displays.
Periodic response of a viscoelastic cooling tower

Abstract The periodic response of a linear viscoelastic cooling tower to a prescribed recurring sequence of pressure fluctuations or earth accelerations is analyzed. An approximate analysis, based on the bending theory of shells, is presented. The problem is reduced to a double sequence of boundary-value problems of linear ordinary differential equations.
Effects of lag on cued alternation

Reinforcement was based on position in a two-choice situation and occurred consecutively on the same side until a shift was cued by a change of nonsense form. A lag of 0, 1, 2, or 3 display presentations intervened between the change of nonsense form and the shift in reinforcement. Human Ss clearly mastered the Lag 0 and Lag 1 treatments, but did poorly with the others.
Stock Repurchases: A Theoretical Prediction Model

There has been a shift in payout policy over the last 15 years with firms opting to conduct stock repurchases over paying dividends. As repurchases have grown so has the corresponding research. Of particular note are findings that identify factors contributing to a firm’s buyback decision and as well as those that support the existence of long-run return anomalies. While several notable researchers have reported the prevalence and persistence of stock repurchase anomalies, this paper examines the history of repurchase theory and presents a theoretical repurchase prediction model. Using variables shown in the literature to have influence on the decision to repurchase stock, a probit estimation model is developed as a means to identify firms likely to conduct repurchase programs.
Perceptions of Vietnamese Fathers' Acculturation Levels, Parenting Styles, and Mental Health Outcomes in Vietnamese American Adolescent Immigrants

Vietnamese adult and adolescent immigrants in the United States acculturate to the Western culture at different rates. MostVietnamese parents tend to use the authoritarian parenting method in which dictatorial approaches are enforced, possibly leading to family conflicts and mental health issues. By means of the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, the Parental Authority Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Inventory, this exploratory study surveyed 290Vietnamese American adolescents in a major metropolitan area to examine the relationship between their fathers' acculturation levels and parenting styles and the relationships among parenting styles and self-esteem levels and depression scores of the adolescents. Findings revealed that most of the adolescents perceived that their fathers have not acculturated to the U.S. culture and continue to practice the traditional authoritarian parenting style, regardless of the amount of time spent in the United States. Furthermore, results indicate that adolescents who perceived their fathers as using the authoritarian parenting style reported lower levels of self-esteem and higher depression scores when compared with those who perceived their fathers as using the authoritative parenting style.