cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A component-based architecture for flexible integration of robotic systems

While a robot control framework generally focuses on real-time performance and efficient data exchange between cooperating tasks or processes, an application such as robot-assisted surgery often demands information from, and integration with, a number of other devices. Thus, the software framework for the integrated system may have different requirements and priorities than a framework for real-time robot control. This paper reports on a component-based architecture that seamlessly bridges the gap between real-time robot control and a distributed, integrated system. The starting point is the cisst library, which provides a component-based framework for lock-free and efficient data exchange between multiple threads within a single process, which is suitable for real-time robot control. This paper describes the extension of the cisst library to support distributed systems, while keeping the same programming model as the single-process, multi-threaded scenario. Thus, application software does not need to know whether the component providing services is within the same process, in a different process, or on a different computer. In comparison, most standard middleware packages support components that fall within the last two categories (different processes on the same computer or different computers). This does not allow them to take advantage of the higher performance that can be achieved using standard lock-free data structures that do not rely on the operating system or on middleware services. Thus, the novelty of this approach is that the same component-based architecture and associated programming model extends from a multi-threaded scenario (which provides the best real-time performance) to a standard multi-process distributed system.
Nonequilibrium sorption and transport of neutral and ionized chlorophenols

For a series of chlorophenols sorption nonequilibrium was assessed by fitting a bicontinuum sorption model to breakthrough curves measured by miscible displacement techniques. A single log-log inverse relationship was observed between the desorption rate coefficient (k{sub 2}, h{sup {minus}1}) and the equilibrium sorption constant (K{sub p}, mL/g) for all chlorophenols as well as for a series of chlorobenzenes. This suggests that approach to sorption equilibrium for neutral and ionized chlorophenols is constrained in a manner similar to that for nonpolar hydrophobic organic chemicals. For neutral pentachlorophenol (PCP), K{sub p} values decreased log-linearly with increasing volume fraction methanol (f{sub c}), with successful extrapolation of these data to aqueous systems. A log-linear relationship was observed between k{sub 2} and f{sub c} in good agreement with independent estimates. For a series of ionized chlorophenols, the fraction of instantaneous sorption domains (F) increased with increasing solute hydrophobicity, while F decreased with increasing f{sub c} for neutral PCP.
Risk and tradeoffs

The orthodox theory of instrumental rationality, expected utility (EU) theory, severely restricts the way in which risk-considerations can figure into a rational individual's preferences. It is argued here that this is because EU theory neglects an important component of instrumental rationality. This paper presents a more general theory of decision‐making, risk-weighted expected utility (REU) theory, of which expected utility maximization is a special case. According to REU theory, the weight that each outcome gets in decision‐making is not the subjective probability of that outcome; rather, the weight each outcome gets depends on both its subjective probability and its position in the gamble. Furthermore, the individual's utility function, her subjective probability function, and a function that measures her attitude towards risk can be separately derived from her preferences via a Representation Theorem. This theorem illuminates the role that each of these entities plays in preferences, and shows how REU theory explicates the components of instrumental rationality.
Re-evaluation of pectoralis major height as an anatomic reference for humeral height in fracture hemiarthroplasty

Background Shoulder replacement may be indicated for complex proximal humeral fractures. The primary reason for disappointing results is the nonanatomic position of the prosthesis because the normal anatomic landmarks are disrupted when fractured. An anatomic reference outside of the zone of injury may facilitate proper positioning of fracture arthroplasty reconstructions. It is unknown whether the measurement from the top of the pectoralis major tendon (PMT) to the top of the humeral head is related to patient height. Materials and methods PMT measurements were performed on 21 pairs of cadaveric shoulders. A second group of PMT measurements was performed on 107 patients receiving a shoulder magnetic resonance imaging scan. A third PMT comparison group was included using historical measurements from 20 pairs of cadaveric shoulders. All heights, sexes, and ages were known. Statistical analysis used mixed-effects linear regression models. Results A consistent association between patient height and PMT was found, with a mean distance from the top of the PMT to the top of the humeral head of 58.9 mm in men and 55.2 mm in women. For every 10-mm increase in patient height over 1.7 m, there is a 1.7-mm increase in PMT ( P = .01). Age was not associated with PMT distance ( P > .5). Conclusions A predictable measurement from the upper portion of the PMT to the top of the humeral head exists to guide implant height in fracture hemiarthroplasty and may be approximated by use of patient height and sex.
Recruited Cells Can Become Transformed and Overtake PDGF-Induced Murine Gliomas In Vivo during Tumor Progression

Background Gliomas are thought to form by clonal expansion from a single cell-of-origin, and progression-associated mutations to occur in its progeny cells. Glioma progression is associated with elevated growth factor signaling and loss of function of tumor suppressors Ink4a, Arf and Pten. Yet, gliomas are cellularly heterogeneous; they recruit and trap normal cells during infiltration. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed lineage tracing in a retrovirally mediated, molecularly and histologically accurate mouse model of hPDGFb-driven gliomagenesis. We were able to distinguish cells in the tumor that were derived from the cell-of-origin from those that were not. Phenotypic, tumorigenic and expression analyses were performed on both populations of these cells. Here we show that during progression of hPDGFb-induced murine gliomas, tumor suppressor loss can expand the recruited cell population not derived from the cell-of-origin within glioma microenvironment to dominate regions of the tumor, with essentially no contribution from the progeny of glioma cell-of-origin. Moreover, the recruited cells can give rise to gliomas upon transplantation and passaging, acquire polysomal expression profiles and genetic aberrations typically present in glioma cells rather than normal progenitors, aid progeny cells in glioma initiation upon transplantation, and become independent of PDGFR signaling. Conclusions/Significance These results indicate that non-cell-of-origin derived cells within glioma environment in the mouse can be corrupted to become bona fide tumor, and deviate from the generally established view of gliomagenesis.
Spin-Spin Absorption in Manganous Chloride Tetrahydrate

Measurements on spin-spin absorption have been made on the antiferromagnetic substance, Mn${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}4${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, at temperatures from 1.3 to 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and at frequencies 1, 2, and 4 Mc/sec. The absorption shows a sharp peak at about 2.3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K and is proportional to the square of the frequency. At the highest temperatures an attempt has been made to compare the results with theory. The agreement is reasonable considering the extremely complicated situation where Stark splitting and dipolar, exchange and hyperfine coupling all are important. It is pointed out that an extension of this type of measurement to more simply behaved salts would be of considerable interest.
Polylysine-Modified PEG-Based Hydrogels to Enhance the Neuro–Electrode Interface

Neural prostheses are a promising technology in the treatment of lost neural function. However, poor biocompatibility of these devices inhibits the formation of a robust neuro-electrode interface. Several factors including mechanical mismatch between the device and tissue, inflammation at the implantation site, and possible electrical damage contribute to this response. Many researchers are investigating polymeric brain mimetic coatings as a means to improve integration with nervous tissue. Specifically, hydrogels, constructs also employed in tissue engineering, have been explored because of their structural and mechanical similarity to native tissue. However, many hydrogel materials (e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)) do not support cell adhesion. In this work, we report a technique to enhance the interface between polymeric brain mimetic coatings and neural tissue using adhesion molecules. In particular, polylysine-modified PEG-based hydrogels were synthesized, characterized and shown to promote neural adhesion using a PC12 cell line. In addition, we examined adhesion behavior of a PEG-co-polymer and found that these materials adhere to electrodes for at least 4 weeks. These results suggest that polylysine-PEG hydrogel biomaterials are biocompatible and can enhance stability of chronic neural interfaces.
Toward the attainment of low-risk drinking goals: a 10-year progress report.

Background: The Healthy People 2010 goals include reducing the proportion of U.S. adults whose alcohol consumption exceeds recommended daily and weekly limits, relative to baseline levels observed in 1991–1992. To date, there has been no assessment of initial progress toward attaining these goals. Methods: Consumption data from the 1991–1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiology Survey (n= 42,862) and the 2001–2003 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (n= 43,093) were used to evaluate the trend in the proportion of U.S. adults adhering to and exceeding recommended drinking limits. These included weekly limits of no more than 14 standard drinks for men and no more than 7 standard drinks for women and daily limits of no more than 4 standard drinks for men and 3 standard drinks for women. The percentages exceeding the limits are compared for the two time periods, for the total adult population and sociodemographic subgroups, and the association between risk drinking and sociodemographic characteristics is disaggregated into a series of conditional odds ratios. Results: The proportion of U.S. adults classified as regular drinkers whose intake exceeded recommended daily or weekly limits declined from 32.1% to 29.3% in the 10-year period. The reduction in risk drinking occurred solely among persons who exceeded the daily drinking limits less than once a week but did not exceed the weekly limits. There was a very small but significant increase in the proportion of adults exceeding the weekly limits, from 9.4% to 10.3%. Reduction of sociodemographic disparities in adherence to drinking limits was limited. Conclusions: Progress to date is limited and may reflect changes in population composition rather than changes in drinking habits. Attainment of Healthy People goals and reduction of disparities in risk drinking will require sustained effort and more targeted prevention programs.
Effects of Using Self-Recording and Self-Observation in Reducing Disruptive Behavior.

Abstract In an attempt to reduce the levels of disruptive behavior, six participants in a school for students with behavior disorders were shown edited videotapes depicting themselves appropriately engaged in classroom activities. The participants were first exposed to a training condition in which both appropriate and inappropriate behaviors of a peer were either observed or observed and recorded. In the intervention condition, the participants either self-observed and self-recorded their behaviors from videotape or simply observed themselves on videotape. The results showed idiosyncratic effects across both conditions. Measures of treatment integrity and treatment acceptability were also conducted. The results of this study are compared with similar research investigating self-observation interventions.
Impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on the obesity paradox in patients with systolic heart failure.

Although high body mass index (BMI) is associated with improved outcomes in established heart failure (HF), the impact of cardiorespiratory fitness on this obesity paradox is less clear. We studied 1,675 patients with systolic HF who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing at a single university center (77.4% men, mean age 52.2 ± 11.6 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 23.2 ± 7.1% and New York Heart Association class III or IV in 79.1%). We evaluated 2-year survival in patients stratified by both BMI (normal 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m 2 [reference], overweight 25 to 29.9 kg/m 2 , obese ≥30.0 kg/m 2 ) and by peak oxygen uptake (PKVO 2 ; high >14 ml/kg/minute, low ≤14 ml/kg/minute). At 2 years, BMI category was significantly associated with outcomes for the low PKVO 2 group (p 2 group (p = 0.1). In the low PKVO 2 group, obese patients had decreased risk of death free from urgent status 1A heart transplant or ventricular assist device placement after multivariate adjustment compared with normal BMI (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44 to 0.91, p = 0.01); no significant difference was observed for overweight patients (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.25, p = 0.5). In the high PKVO 2 group, no relation was seen (overweight BMI HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.32, p = 0.3; obese HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.75, p = 0.7). In conclusion, the obesity paradox was only observed in patients with lower cardiorespiratory fitness in this advanced systolic HF cohort, indicating that improved functional capacity may attenuate the obesity paradox.
Modulation of normal lymphocyte stimulation by serum from Treponema pallidum-infected rabbits

Abstract Autoradiographic analysis of Con A-stimulated cells cultured in syphilitic sera indicated that depression of [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation reflected decreased numbers of cells incorporating radiolabeled thymidine, rather than decreased utilization of [ 3 H]thymidine by all cells in the Con A responding population. Syphilitic sera which inhibited normal lymphocyte transformation induced by Con A or periodate oxidation did not inhibit [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation by nonlymphoid cells. Syphilitic serum must be present during approximately the first 12 hr of lymphocyte stimulation in order to inhibit incorporation of [ 3 H]thymidine. The inhibitory factor(s) remained stable for 24 hr at 37 °C, and was not significantly removed by absorption with Treponema pallidum , rabbit red blood cells, or rabbit peripheral blood lymphocytes. Peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from different normal rabbit donors exhibited variable sensitivity to the same serum sample. Theoretically, the inhibitory factor(s) found in syphilitic serum may act to reduce lymphocyte reactivity induced during acute orchitis, or to inhibit lymphocyte responsiveness to T. pallidum itself.
Transport properties of helium near the liquid-vapor critical point. V. The shear viscosity of 3 He- 4 He mixtures

A torsional oscillator operating at 158 Hz has been used to measure the shear viscosity for two mixtures,3He0.65-4He0.35 and3He0.80−4He0.20. Data for each mixture are reported along near-critical isochores 0.85<ρ/ρ c <1.18, where ρ c is the critical density. Just as in a previous paper on pure3He and4He, the observed viscosity $$\tilde \eta$$ includes the sum of background and critical contributions and the effect from the earth's gravity nearT c . The analysis of the data provides (1) the background viscosity $$\bar \eta$$ versus density ρ and temperatureT, (2) the viscosity ratio $$\tilde \eta$$ / $$\bar \eta$$ along the various isochores and also along selected isotherms obtained by interpolation, showing the critical contribution, and (3) the shape of the dew-bubble curve for each mixture, as obtained from the maxima in η or from the discontinuities in the slopedη/dT at the transition from the two-phase to the single-phase regime. A comparison between the data of these mixtures and those for pure fluids is presented. The background viscosity data along isotherms and along isochores are found to vary smoothly from3He to4He. The critical viscosity ratio [ $$\tilde \eta$$ / $$\bar \eta$$ ](ρ c ) for mixtures along the critical isochore is comparable with that for the pure fluids, i.e., it diverges weakly asT c is approached. Hence, just as for previously investigated critical transport properties in3He-4He mixtures, there is no significant difference in behavior from that in the pure fluids.
Effects of Homogenitation and Proteolysis on Free Oil in Mozzarella Cheese

Abstract The effects of homogenization of cheese milk and proteolysis in cheese on formation and thermal properties of free oil in Mozzarella cheese were examined. The amount of free oil generated by heating Mozzarella depended on interactions between casein and fat. Homogenization of cheese milk greatly reduced free oil; homogenization of skim milk alone had no effect. When the milk was not homogenized, free oil formation increased with the percentage of fat in DM and protein breakdown. Thermal profiles of cheese fat, free oil, and milk fat were similar, although cheese fat melted at a higher temperature, and free oil from homogenized Mozzarella melted at a lower temperature. Heat of fusion and fatty acid composition of free oil were not different from those of cheese fat.
Prevention and antagonism of acute carbofuran intoxication by memantine and atropine

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats administered with a sublethal acute dose of carbofuran (1.5 mg/kg, sc) developed the observable toxic signs of anticholinesterase nature within 5–7 min. The toxic signs with increasing propensity to maximal severity including tremors, generalized muscle fasciculations, and convulsions were evident during 15 min to 1 h and lasted for 2 h. Thereafter, signs were seen up to 3 h with reduced intensity. By the end of 3.5 h toxic signs were completely subsided. Maximal acetyl‐cholinesterase (AChE) inactivation occurred at 1 h in discrete brain regions (cortex, stem, striatum, and hippocampus) and hemidiaphragm muscle when most severe signs of toxicity were also evident. A single sc dose of memantine HCI (MEM, 18 mg/kg) and atropine sulfate (ATS, 16 mg/kg) 60 and 15 min, respectively, prior to carbofuran administration completely prevented the expected gross toxic signs and significantly (p<.01) attenuated the carbofuran‐induced inhibition of AChE activity. When given therapeutically, th...
Enzymatic differences between hycanthone-resistant and sensitive strains of Schistosoma mansoni

1. Hycanthone-sensitive and resistant adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni were found to have generally similar specific activities in ten enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism. 2. Kinetic analyses revealed that pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase from both strains possessed similar Michaelis-Menten constants and were not inhibited by hycanthone. 3. Hexokinase and lactate dehydrogenase from the drug-resistant strain were not inhibited by hycanthone and showed three to five times greater Km values than those from the drug-sensitive worms which were also inhibitable by hycanthone. 4. Hycanthone more drastically affected the Vmax of phosphofructokinase from the hycanthone-sensitive parasite. 5. These data showed that the hycanthone inhibitable enzymes were generally from the drug-sensitive strain whereas the enzymes from drug-resistant worms are mostly hycanthone insensitive.
Generating subsets of order statistics with applications to trimmed means and means of trimmings

This paper is concerned with the generation of subsets of order statistics from a uniform (U/(0,1)) population. In the first part of the paper two new methods for generating subsets of either central or extreme order statistics are given. They are based on an extension of the method by Ramberg and Tadikamalla (1978) used to generate the central order statistics. One of the new methods also utilizes a method for generating sequential order statistics given by Lurie and Hartley (1972). The second part of the paper deals with a specific application of generating the central or extreme order statistics, namely, the computation of a trimmed mean or mean of trimmings. When such estimates of location are required it is not necessary that the subsample be in precise order, since averaging gives equal weight to all (retained) observations. With this application substantial computer time can be saved by using one of the new methods proposed here.
An analysis of emerging behaviors in large-scale queueing-based service systems using agent-based simulation

This paper considers a large-scale service system consisting of a number of service areas (cells). Each cell contains a queueing model that operates continuously and independently from the queueing models in other cells. Each cell changes its state between alive and dead based on certain rules that depend on the queueing status of its own queue, the neighboring queues, and the whole community, while satisfying a constraint on the number of live cells in a neighborhood. The objective is to examine emerging behaviors from the interactions of the cells under various rules. Chaotic, deterministic, and in-between emerging behaviors are presented.
Towards More Efficient Distance Bounding Protocols for Use in Sensor Networks

In this paper we describe two secure protocols for estimating distance in sensor networks based on time of flight of signals. Both have lower message complexity and lower overhead than similar protocols offering the same degree of security. One is a distance bounding protocol, in which a dishonest node that is not in collusion with any other dishonest nodes can pretend to be further away than it is, but not any closer. Another is an authenticated distance estimation protocol in which an honest node can compute its distance from another honest node without fear of their communication being hijacked by an attacker. We provide a formal analysis to show that these protocols satisfy their security properties.
A Web service for efficient ontology comparison

In this paper, we develop a Web service for ontology comparison based on a novel senses refinement algorithm, which builds senses sets to represent the semantics of the input ontologies. The senses refinement algorithm converts the measurement of ontology difference into simple set operations based on set theory, thus ensures the efficiency and accuracy of the ontology comparison. We believe our Web service is the first available online measurement tool for ontology comparison.
Dynamics of broadband accumulated spectral gratings in Tm 3+ :YAG

High-bandwidth accumulated spectral gratings are experimentally studied in Tm3+:YAG by the stimulated-photon-echo technique with a mode-locked picosecond Ti:sapphire laser system. The experimental results show that the spectral grating builds up and decays on the time scale of the metastable-state lifetime (∼10 ms), provided that the time interval of accumulating shots is of the order of the excited-state lifetime (800 µs). An echo efficiency of the order of 0.1% was achieved with pulse intensities 2 orders of magnitude less than those needed for a single-shot process. These results fit well an analytic solution of the Bloch equations and a three-level system relaxation model.
A non-cyclic one-relator group all of whose finite quotients are cyclic: To Bernhard Hermann Neumann on his 60th birthday

Let G be a group on two generators a and b subject to the single defining relation a = [a, ab]: . As usual [x, y] = x−1y−1xy and xy = y−1xy if x and y are elements of a group. The object of this note is to show that every finite quotient of G is cyclic. This implies that every normal subgroup of G contains the derived group G′. But by Magnus' theory of groups with a single defining relation G′ ≠ 1 ([1], §4.4). So G is not residually finite. This underlines the fact that groups with a single defining relation need not be residually finite (cf. [2]).
A Comparison of Nuclear to Microsomal Amino-acid Incorporation into Developing and Lactating Mammary Tissue

IN the investigation of amino-acid incorporation in vivo in various tissues, both neoplastic and normal, Campbell et al.1 and Busch et al.2 have reported that in neoplastic tissues the nuclear fraction exhibits a higher rate of incorporation, relative to that of the microsomal fraction, than is the case in normal tissue. They postulated with some reservation that this elevated nuclear incorporating activity is a phenomenon associated with the neoplastic state. However, they did not examine the pattern of relative incorporations in any rapidly dividing normal tissues, and it is possible that such an incorporation pattern may be more a characteristic of rapid cell division than of neoplasia per se. Therefore, it would be pertinent to compare a normal tissue, preferably one the protein synthesis of which is directed toward secretory products, to a tissue which is rapidly growing, one the protein synthesis of which is directed toward mitosis and the production of structural elements.
Role of vision in the aggregative behavior of the planktonic mysid Mysidium columbiae

Aggregations of the planktonic mysid Mysidium columbiae use vision to help maintain position within mangrove prop-root habitats and to maintain spacing within schools. Laboratory studies show that mysids videotaped in darkness using infrared illumination did not form schools and could not hold position in currents. In daylight, mysids more effectively held position in a flow-through chamber with a high-contrast visual reference than in its absence. The compound eyes of mysids are thought to be good motion detectors, but little is known about their visual acuity or sensitivity. An optokinetic drum was used to test the visual acuity and photosensitivity of mysids using the behavioral response of mysids to vertical black and white stripes that move past their field of view. When the drum rotates, the mysids swim at the same speed and in the same direction as the moving stripes. Swimming speed of the mysids was measured to compare their speed to the turning rate of the drum using video-computer motion-analysis techniques. Detection of the moving stripes was also inferred from the proportion of mysids that followed the stripes and that reversed direction when the rotation of the drum was reversed. By varying the width of these stripes, the visual acuity of the mysids was determined. The ability of M. columbiae to follow stripes of 1 mm in width from a distance of 15 to 30 mm indicates that mysids can visually resolve nearby prop roots and other mysids within schools. The photosensitivity threshold for the optokinetic response was found to be 0.001 μm photons m−2 s−1, similar to light levels during moonlight. These mysids are potential prey to a wide range of planktivorous fish, and their survival may depend upon their ability to maintain their position within schools and within the safety of the prop-root habitat during daylight hours in spite of currents and turbulence that would tend to disperse them.
Symmetric accounting to integrate ‘goods’ and ‘bads’ in the double-entry framework: Logically stretching the domain of conventional accounting to the other half space

Abstract Conventional accounting deals with “goods,” resources that are of positive value to firms. This paper extends it to symmetrically deal with “bads,” items that are detrimental to firms. Goods (bads) are recorded on the debit (credit) side of the balance sheet. Likewise, receivables, i.e. anticipated increases, of goods (bads) are on the debit (credit); payables, i.e. anticipated decreases, of goods (bads) are on the credit (debit). Bads include environmentally hazardous items as well as impaired goods with high closure costs. Use of a cost accounting system to record goods and bads in an integrated manner is also briefly explored.
Liudmila Ulitskaia's Literature of Tolerance

When Liudmila Ulitskaia published The Funeral Party in 1997 the novella received the critical scrutiny warranted by the latest work of an already prominent figure in postSoviet letters. The plot, set in New York in the humid summer of 1991, revolves around the dying artist Alik and the crowd of friends, former and present lovers, and chance acquaintances gathering in his Chelsea loft. Booker Prize laureate Ol'ga Slavnikova misdiagnoses this narrative as an engaging failure: it attempts to achieve the impossible by trying to fill the void left by the deceased.1 Not surprisingly, Ulitskaia’s own description of the novella provides an alternate view: “This is a book about a person who has done everything possible so that after his departure there will not be a black hole of despair, but an atmosphere of reconciliation and love.”2 The author’s assessment is more than a commonplace designed to snare sensitive readers— it is a key to her prose and plays, shaping The Funeral Party and culminating in Daniel Stein, Interpreter (2006), a structurally heterogeneous novel about healing the rift between Jews and gentiles.3 These two works powerfully depict the results of misunderstanding and, more significantly in the context of Russian culture, stress the need for reconciliation. Both narratives foreground Ulitskaia’s longstanding fascination with hybrid characters: those individuals who combine different (and usually divisive) ethnicities and belief systems. Such characters and their roles in these two novels suggest the main concern of her oeuvre— tolerance as the practice of acknowledging and engaging the conflicting viewpoints that, as Isaiah Berlin reminds us, form everyday experience.4
Cigarette Smoking and Nasopharyngeal Cancer : an Analysis of the Relationship According to Age at Starting Smoking and Age at Diagnosis

To examine whether the association between smoking and nasophayngeal cancer varies according to age at starting smoking and age at diagnosis of the disease, we compared 113 men with nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosed between 31 and 59 years old who lived within eight cancer registry areas to 1, 910 controls selected by random-digit telephone dialing. Compared to smoking which began at the age of 22 years or older, the risk estimates were 0.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.9) and 0.8 (95%Cl 0.4-1.5) for smoking begun at the ages of 18-21 and 17 years or younger, when adjusted for pack-years smoked and other potential confounders (p for trend > 0.8). In contrast, the risk estimates adjusted for age at starting smoking and other variables were 1.3 (95%CI 0.7-2.6), 1.9(95%Cl 0.9-4.0) and 3.0(95%Cl 1.4-6.2) for 15-29.9, 30- 44.9 and 45 or over, relative to 15 or less pack-years smoked (p for trend < 0.005). The analyses were repeated for subgroups in terms of age at diagnosis. The relative risks of ever-smoking and the dose-effect relation between pack-years and the risk of the disease were not significantly different between men whose cancer was diagnosed at the age 49 or younger and those whose tumor was diagnosed between the ages 50 and 59. This study suggests that the magnitude of the risk for nasopharyngeal cancer may not vary significantly with the age at which smoking begins, and age at which the disease is diagnosed. J Epidemiol, 1997 ; 7 : 107-111.
Relationship among social and intrapersonal risk, alcohol expectancies, and alcohol usage among early adolescents☆

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that adolescents' expectancies about the effects of alcohol influence usage. Expectancies are described as mediators between social influences (such as peer and parental influences) and alcohol use. The present study examined the relatioship between social risk factors (peer influence and parental approval), intrapersonal risk factors (tolerance of deviance and sensation seeking), alcohol expectancies, and alcohol usage in a cohort of seventh graders. It was hypothesized that social risk factors affected alcohol usage indirectly through expectancies, while intrapersonal risk factors influenced usage both directly and indirectly. Structural modeling was used to examine the hypothesized relationships between these four constructs. Results indicated that the hypothesis that expectancies mediate social influences was not supported, and that social influences exerted a direct influence on usage independent of expectancies. Results suggested that the view that expectancies mediate social risk factors may need modification. Suggestions for future research in this area include the need to examine the relationships among these constructs longitudinally and with adolescents over a broader age range.
The Increased Bone Mass in ΔFosB Transgenic Mice Is Independent of Circulating Leptin Levels

Transgenic mice overexpressing ΔFosB, a naturally occurring splice variant of FosB, develop an osteosclerotic phenotype. The increased bone formation has been shown to be due, at least in part, to autonomous effects of ΔFosB isoforms on cells of the osteoblast lineage. However, abdominal fat and marrow adipocytes are also markedly decreased in ΔFosB mice, leading to low serum leptin levels. Increased bone mass has been linked to the absence of leptin and leptin receptor signaling in ob/ob and db/db mice. Thus, in addition to affecting directly osteoblastogenesis and bone formation, ΔFosB isoforms might increase bone mass indirectly via a decrease in leptin. To test this hypothesis, we restored normal circulating levels of leptin in ΔFosB mice via sc implanted osmotic pumps. Complete histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that trabecular bone volume as well as dynamic parameters of bone formation was unchanged by this treatment in both ΔFosB transgenic mice and control littermates. This demonstration that...
Fish antifreeze protein and the freezing and recrystallization of ice

Antifreeze glycopeptide and peptides from the blood of polar fishes prevent the growth of ice crystals in water at temperatures down to approximately 1 degree C below freezing point, but do not appreciably influence the equilibrium freezing point. This freezing point hysteresis must be a disequilibrium effect, or it would violate Gibbs' phase rule, but the separate freezing and melting points are experimentally very definite: ice neither melts nor freezes perceptibly within the 'hysteresis gap', for periods of hours or days. We report here unusual crystal faces on ice crystals grown from solutions of very low concentrations of the anti-freeze glycopeptides and peptides. This is a clue to the mechanism of freezing inhibition, and it may be the basis of a simple, very sensitive test for antifreeze material. Very low concentrations of the antifreeze protein are also remarkably effective in preventing the recrystallization of ice.
A carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation time study of streptoxotocin-deoxyguanosine-5′-monophosphate-deoxycytidine-5′-monophosphate interactions

Abstract We wish to report the observation of Watson-Crick base pairing between deoxyguanosine-5′-monophosphate (dGMP) and deoxycytidine-5′-monophosphate (dCMP), and the nature of the interaction of streptozotocin, an anticancer agent, with these mononucleotides, all in aqueous solution. Fourier transform carbon-13 ( 13 C) nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr) relaxation time (T 1 ) measurements provided the evidence for complex formation. The dCMP 13 C relaxation times are far more sensitive to the presence of dGMP rather than the antibiotic, whereas dGMP interacts strongly with both dCMP and streptozotocin. A description of these complexes and a correlation of these results with the observed clinical behavior of streptozotocin will be given.
Lysis of small cell carcinoma of the lung tumor cell lines by gamma interferon-activated allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells: abrogation of killing by pretreatment of tumor cells with gamma interferon.

Interferon has been shown to enhance the ability of nonspecific cytotoxic mononuclear cells to lyse some, but not all, tumor cells. We have examined the effect of recombinant human gamma interferon (rIFNγ) on the cell-mediated cytolysis of tumor target cells derived from continuously cultured lines of small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). Cells from the SCCL lines DMS 44, 53, 79, 92, and 406 were labeled with 51Cr and incubated with normal and rIFNγ-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 18 h at 37 °C and tumor cell lysis estimated by measuring 51Cr release. Although cells from certain SCCL lines were good targets for cell mediated cytotoxicity, susceptibility to lysis was heterogenous among the different SCCL lines. DMS 406 and 79 were, on average, maximally lysed, while DMS 44, 53, and 92 showed less susceptibility to lysis by either control or rIFNγ-stimulated effector cells. In addition, although pretreatment with rIFNγ increased the cytolytic capacity of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells from several different donors, preincubation of the tumor cell lines with rIFNγ resulted in inhibition of cytolysis mediated by both control and IFN-activated effector cells. These findings suggest that although rIFNγ may enhance cell-mediated lysis of SCCL tumor cells, it may also decrease susceptibility to lysis.
Temperature as a selective factor in protein evolution: the adaptational strategy of "compromise".

Most of the important functional and structural properties of enzymes are affected by temperature. In order to maintain critical enzymic properties such as regulatory sensitivity, catalytic potential and structural stability, significant changes have been made in enzymes during evolution in different thermal regimes. Regulatory function, as typified by substrate binding ability, has been especially conservative. For a given enzyme, substrate binding ability is maintained at a relatively stable level over the entire temperature range experienced by the organism (enzyme), in spite of wide variation in substrate affinity at temperatures outside the biological range. Similarities in substrate affinity among homologues and analogues of enzymes from bacteria, invertebrates, fishes and mammals, at respective physiological temperatures for the enzymes, demonstrate the crucial importance of regulatory abilities in enzymes. Two facts, (a) that enzymes function at sub-maximal rates, and (b) that low temperature compensation is not effected by wholesale reductions in apparent Km values, argue that regulation outweighs sheer catalytic potential in enzymic function. The efficiency of an enzyme to catalyze a reaction at a rapid rate appears highest in low cell-temperature forms. The finding that catalytic efficiency is inversely correlated with enzymic heat stability suggests that enzymes with relatively great abilities to undergo conformational changes during catalysis are capable of supplying the most energy for activation events, this energy arising in part from the exergonic formation of weak bonds during the activation step in catalysis. Energy changes due to conformational changes may also be used to reduce the net enthalpy change which occurs during ligand binding, a mechanism we refer to as “coupled-compensating enthalpy changes.” Comparisons of amino acid compositions of enzyme homologues and analogues from differently thermally adapted species do not reveal major differences, for example, in the overall hydrophobicity of enzymes. We propose that observed differences in enzyme thermal stability derive more from quantitative differences, i.e., differences in total numbers of secondary interactions, than from qualitative differences, i.e., differences in the relative importance of different classes of weak bonds.
Moisture requirements of the DD-136 strain of Neoaplectana carpocapsae (Nematoda; Rhabditida) as related to host infection.

Abstract The DD-136 strain of Neoaplectana carpocapsae is capable of continued movement over dry surfaces at 35 and 5 C if relative humidity (RH) ranges above 90%. It can also live in the field on foliage for several hours at night and up to 24 days in bark beetle tunnels in pine bolts. Further nematode research should be directed toward a few insect species where precipitation and RH are suitable for the dispersion of the dauerlarvae. Such areas in the US are located in the Southeast, Northeast, and on the Northwest Coast.
Enzymatic characterization of human mitochondrial C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase

Abstract A human mitochondrial isozyme of C 1 -tetrahydrofolate (THF) synthase was previously identified by its similarity to the human cytoplasmic C 1 -THF synthase. All C 1 -THF synthases characterized to date, from yeast to human, are trifunctional, containing the activities of 5,10-methylene-THF dehydrogenase, 5,10-methenyl-THF cyclohydrolase, and 10-formyl-THF synthetase. Here we report on the enzymatic characterization of the recombinant human mitochondrial isozyme. Enzyme assays of purified human mitochondrial C 1 -THF synthase protein revealed only the presence of 10-formyl-THF synthetase activity. Gel filtration and crosslinking studies indicated that human mitochondrial C 1 -THF synthase exists as a homodimer in solution. Steady-state kinetic characterization of the 10-formyl-THF synthetase activity was performed using (6 R , S )-H 4 -PteGlu 1 , (6 R , S )-H 4 -PteGlu 3 , and (6 R , S )-H 4 -PteGlu 5 substrates. The (6 R , S )-H 4 -PteGlu n K m dropped from greater than 500 μM for the monoglutamate to 15 μM and 3.6 μM for the tri- and pentaglutamates, respectively. The K m values for formate and ATP also are lowered when THF polyglutamates are used. The formate K m dropped 79-fold and the ATP K m dropped more than 5-fold when (6 R , S )-H 4 -PteGlu 5 was used as the substrate in place of (6 R , S )-H 4 -PteGlu 1 .
Observations on the labeling of fringes for ultracentrifugation with interference optics

Abstract Molecular weight determinations of protein solutions at sedimentation equilibrium with interference optics often require the identification or “labeling” of a unique fringe. A system for recognizing the zero-order fringe is described which relies on interferograms recorded with light of different wavelengths. Fringe positions on the wavelength dependent interferograms generally do not superimpose for equivalent positions in the centrifuge cell, with the exception of the zero order or a chromatic fringe. Therefore, by applying coincidence tests similar to those used in reading a vernier scale, an unambiguous determination of the zero-order fringe is obtained. With this information the absolute concentrations in the cell are measured by one of the standard methods (e.g., conservation of mass, fringe relaxation) to obtain data in the appropriate form for calculating molecular weights. The operations are readily conducted with the usual green light (λ = 546 nm) and a supplementary wavelength such as blue (λ = 436 nm) and yield excellent molecular weight results in experiments with ribonuclease. White light, i.e., unfiltered emission from the mercury lamp, may also be employed as the supplementary light. In this case, the ambiguities arising from the use of white light to select a unique fringe solely by its appearance (2) can be fully eliminated by applying the coincidence test with interferograms generated with light of 546 nm. Finally, experiments with myglobin demonstrate that, with the proper choice of the monochromatic wavelengths, successful measurements can be performed on materials for which use of white light is precluded due to absorption of light by the material in the visible region of the spectrum.
Air velocity and flow measurement using a Pitot tube

Abstract The accurate measurement of both air velocity and volumetric airflow can be accomplished using a Pitot tube, a differential pressure transducer, and a computer system which includes the necessary hardware and software to convert the raw transducer signals into the proper engineering units. The incorporation of sensors to measure the air temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity can further increase the accuracy of the velocity and flow measurements. The Pitot tube measures air velocity directly by means of a pressure transducer which generates an electrical signal which is proportional to the difference between the pressure generated by the total pressure and the still air (static pressure). The volumetric flow is then calculated by measuring the average velocity of an air stream passing through a passage of a known diameter. When measuring volumetric flow, the ‘passage of a known diameter’ must be designed to reduce air turbulence as the air mass flows over the Pitot tube. Also, the placement of the pitot tube in the passage will influence how accurately the measured flow tracks the actual flow through the passage. Calibrating the measurement system in a wind tunnel can further increase the accuracy of the velocity and the flow measurements. This objective of this paper is to provide the field engineer with single, concise source of information on flow measurement using a Pitot tube.
Ultrastructure and histochemistry of the submandibular gland of the European hedgehog, Erinaceous europaeus L. I. Acinar secretory cells.

The ultrastructure and histochemistry of the submandibular gland of the European hedgehog was examined. The gland was of the mixed type, consisting of approximately equal numbers of mucous and serous cells. On the basis of staining reactions, it was concluded that the mucous droplets contained only one type of mucin, a periodate-reactive sialomucin, and that the serous granules contained glycoprotein. At the ultrastructural level, it was found that the mucous droplets often contained a dense spherule, and that their matrix was responsive to variations in fixation procedures. The serous granules developed in a remarkable fashion. Small, dense rodlets in Golgi-derived vacuoles became aligned to form a series of concentric dense shells. The intervals between shells became filled with small, dense particles. These particles, coupled with condensation of the granules, led to increasing densification of the granule matrix. The contents of mature serous granules were liberated by a merocrine process into the acinar lumen, where they disintegrated.
Atypical presentation of laryngeal tuberculosis in a pediatric patient

Laryngeal tuberculosis is uncommon and most often associated with a primary lung infection in immunocompromised adults. We describe an atypical case in a pediatric patient with a relatively rapid onset and no history of travel or exposure to high-risk settings. Despite the unusual presentation and relative lack of familiarity with procedural guidelines in managing this uncommon and capricious disease by otolaryngologists in developed countries, reporting is mandated at multiple governmental health department levels. Consequently, this contagious entity must be considered in the interest of avoiding untoward outcomes for not only the patient, but the public as well.
Synthesis and Analysis of ZrB2-Based Composites

Abstract Composites with different compositions were prepared from ZrB2 and Molt was found that there is an optimum composition for obtaining the highest relative density at 15 wt.% of molybdenum. Based on the results of x-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive spectrum analysis and elemental mapping, it was concluded that the composites contained ZrB2, MoB, and ZrC due to the reactions between ZrB2 Mo and some C (presents as an impurity). The effects of composition and firing temperature on the firing of ZrB2-Cu were studied. The relative densities of green bodies and fired composites increased with increasing amount of copper. For the composites containing 25 vol.% copper, the relative densities increased first with increasing firing temperature, and then decreased at higher firing temperature due to the loss of boron during firing.