cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy approach in psychophysical modeling of human operator-manual lifting system

Abstract A fuzzy representation of the human operator decision-making process of selecting the maximum acceptable weight of manual lift is developed. Measures of acceptability are expressed in terms of membership functions which describe the degree to which the combined effect of biomechanical and physiological stresses is acceptable to the human operator. It is assumed that the combination of these two stresses has a synergistic effect on the individual's performance, and that the perception of this effect is reflected in an operator's choice when selecting the preferable weight of lift. The combined acceptabilities of a lifting task are compared to the subjective capacity norms established by the subjects in a psychophysical experiment. The conditions under which the distance between acceptability measures of the combined and the psychophysical stresses can be minimized are established. It is concluded that at a certain level of similarity between the acceptability measures of these stresses, a decision is made, and the preferred weight of lift selected.
Assessing early arithmetic abilities: Effects of verbal and nonverbal response types on the calculation performance of middle-and low-income children

Abstract In two studies, we compared young children's performance on three variations of a nonverbally presented calculation task. The experimental tasks used the same nonverbal mode of presentation but were varied according to response type: (1) putting out disks (nonverbal production); (2) choosing the correct number of disks from a multiple-choice array (nonverbal recognition); and (3) giving a number word (verbal production). The verbal production task required children to map numerosities onto the conventional number system while the nonverbal production and nonverbal recognition tasks did not. Study 1 showed that the performance of 3-, 4- and 5-year-old middle-income children (N = 72) did not vary with the type of response required. Children's answers to nonverbally presented addition and subtraction problems were available in both verbal and nonverbal forms. In contrast. Study 2 showed that low-income children (3- and 4-year-olds; N = 48) performed significantly better on both nonverbal response type tasks than on the verbal response type task. Analysis of individual data indicated that a number of the low-income children were successful on the completely nonverbal calculation tasks, even though they had difficulty with verbal counting (i.e., set enumeration and cardinality). The findings suggest that the ability to calculate does not depend on mastery of conventional symbols of arithmetic.
Vitamin D and prostate cancer: 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors and actions in human prostate cancer cell lines

It has been suggested that vitamin D deficiency may promote prostate cancer, although the mechanism is not understood. In this study three human prostate carcinoma cell lines, LNCaP, DU-145, and PC-3, were examined both for the presence of specific 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] receptors (VDRs) and also employed to study the effects of hormone on cell proliferation and differentiation. Ligand binding experiments demonstrated classical VDR in all three cell lines examined with an apparent dissociation constant of 7.5, 5.4, and 6.3 x 10(-11) M for LNCaP, DU-145, and PC-3 cells, respectively. Corresponding binding capacity for the three prostate carcinoma cell lines were 27, 31, and 78 fmol/mg protein, respectively. The presence of VDR in the three cell lines was also confirmed by immunocytochemistry. In addition, one major 4.6-kilobase messenger RNA transcript hybridizing with a specific human VDR complementary DNA probe was identified in all three cell lines. Interestingly, both DU-145 and PC-3 bu...
Is Age Becoming Irrelevant? An Exploratory Study of Perceived Age Norms

To check on impressionistic assertions that the United States is becoming an “age-irrelevant society,” a quota sample of white-collar and blue-collar men and women (ages eighteen to seventy; N = 46...
Noncavitated active caries lesions at occlusal surfaces presented higher risk of progression than inactive ones.

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Validation of visual caries activity assessment: a 2-yr cohort study. Guedes RS, Plovesan C, Ardenghi TM, Emmanuelli B, Braga MM, Ekstrand KR, Mendes FM. J Dent Res 2014;93(7 suppl):101S–107S. Reviewers Marisol Tellez, BDS, MPH, PhD, Sungwoo Lim, MS, DrPH Purpose/Question Would children with a higher number of active lesions present a higher risk for developing new lesions? Would caries lesions classified as active be more prone to progress to higher ICDAS scores when compared to inactive lesions? Source of Funding Government- Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico and Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa no Estado de Sao Paulo Type of Study/Design Cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
The meaning and measure of state legitimacy: Results for 72 countries

Abstract. This article presents a quantitative measurement of the political legitimacy of states in the late 1990s and early 2000s for 72 states containing 5.1 billion people, or 83 per cent of the world's population. First, the concept of state legitimacy is defined and justified. The definition includes the subjects, objects and sub-types of legitimacy. A strategy to achieve replicable cross-national measurements of legitimacy is then outlined and implemented, including a discussion of data sources and three alternative aggregation methods. The results are briefly examined and tested, and the uncertainties of quantitative measures discussed. Finally, the role of supplementary qualitative measurement is considered.
Specific cellular delivery and intracellular fate of quantum dot-peptide and quantum dot-polymer nanoassemblies

Luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) possess several unique optical and spectroscopic properties that are of great interest and promise in biology. These properties suggest that QDs will be integral to the development of the next generation of biosensors capable of detecting molecular processes in both living and fixed cells. We are developing robust and facile delivery schemes for the selective intracellular delivery of QD-based nanoassemblies. These schemes are based upon the self-assembly and subsequent cellular uptake of QD-peptide and QD-polymer bioconjugates. The QD-peptide structures are generated by the self-assembly of the peptide onto CdSe-ZnS core-shell QDs via metal ion coordination between the peptide's polyhistidine motif and the Zn-rich QD shell. The polymer-based QD assemblies are formed via the electrostatic interaction of aqueous cationic liposomes with available carboxylate moieties on the QD surface ligands. Cellular delivery experiments utilizing both delivery schemes will be presented. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach will be discussed, including the intracellular fate and stability of the QD-nanoassemblies.
Drought effect on stream morphology and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in forested headwater streams

We assessed the effect of a severe drought in 1999 upon stream morphology and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations in seven headwater streams in the Greenbrier and Potomac River watersheds, West Virginia. During the drought, stream discharge was 96% lower than in years of normal precipitation. As a result, habitat availability and quality over all study streams was significantly lower. Riffle area was greatly reduced (−54%) relative to available pool area (−2%). Fine sediment levels ( 6.0 mg l−1, respectively) for brook trout survival in all streams during the drought. Brook trout populations were significantly reduced (adult 60%, Young-of-the-year 67%), and individual fish had significantly lower body condition during the drought relative to the post-drought period. Reductions in brook trout density and population condition during, and in the-post drought period, were related to spatially-limited food resources and/or increased fine sediment levels, but not to degraded water quality. Fisheries managers should consider the effect of periodic drought on brook trout populations and consider short-term harvest restrictions to abet recovery after such stochastic events.
Relationship between stress-induced myocardial ischemia and atherosclerosis measured by coronary calcium tomography.

Objectives: We assessed the relationship between stress-induced myocardial ischemia on myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) and magnitude of coronary artery calcifi...
Potentiation of glucocorticoid-induced cytolysis in sensitive human leukemic cells by an inhibitor of ADP-ribosylation

3-Aminobenzamide, a general inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, potentiated the triamcinolone acetonide-mediated growth inhibition and lysis of the glucocorticoid-sensitive CEM-C7 human leukemic cell line. This potentiation was dose-dependent with maximal response being detected at 3 mM 3-aminobenzamide, and was completely blocked by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU 38486. Scatchard analysis of whole cell specific [3H]triamcinolone acetonide binding data did not reveal any effect of 3-aminobenzamide on either the number of intracellular receptor binding sites or their affinity for the agonist. Treatment of the ICR-27 cell line, which is a glucocorticoid resistant mutant isolated from CEM-C7, with 3-aminobenzamide did not restore triamcinolone acetonide sensitivity. Similarly, 3-aminobenzamide treatment of several other lymphoid cell lines (human HL60 and IM-9 and murine L1210 cells) which contain functional receptors but are not normally lysed by glucocorticoid agonists, failed to induce sensitivity to triamcinolone acetonide. Since treatment of sensitive lymphoid cells with glucocorticoid agonists results in DNA fragmentation prior to cell death, these data suggest that 3-aminobenzamide potentiates the cytolytic response of sensitive cells to glucocorticoid agonists by inhibiting DNA excision repair mechanisms.
In vivo magnetic resonance microscopy of brain structure in unanesthetized flies.

Abstract We present near-cellular-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images of an unanesthetized animal, the blowfly Sarcophaga bullata. Immobilized flies were inserted into a home-built gradient probe in a 14.1-T magnet, and images of voxel size (20–40 μm ) 3 —comparable to the diameter of many neuronal cell bodies in the fly’s brain—were obtained in several hours. Use of applied field gradients on the order of 60 G/cm allowed minimally distorted images to be produced, despite significant susceptibility differences across the specimen. The images we obtained have exceptional contrast-to-noise levels; comparison with histology-based anatomical information shows that the MR microscopy faithfully represents patterns of nervous tissue and allows distinct brain regions to be clearly identified. Even at the highest resolutions we explored, morphological detail was pronounced in the apparent absence of instabilities or movement-related artifacts frequently observed during imaging of live animal specimens. This work demonstrates that the challenges of noninvasive in vivo MR microscopy can be overcome in a system amenable to studies of brain structure and physiology.
Exponential signal synthesis in digital pulse processing

Abstract Digital pulse processing allows the synthesis of exponential signals that can be used in pulse shaping and baseline restoration. A recursive algorithm for the synthesis of high-pass filters is presented and discussed in view of its application as a baseline restorer. The high-pass filter can be arranged in a gated baseline restorer configuration similar to widely used analog implementations. Two techniques to synthesize time-invariant, finite impulse response (FIR) cusp shapers are presented. The first technique synthesizes a true cusp shape in the discrete-time domain. This algorithm may be sensitive to round-off errors and may require a large amount of computational resources. The second method for synthesis of cusp shapes is suitable for implementation using integer arithmetic, particularly in hardware. This algorithm uses linear interpolation to synthesize close approximations of true cusp shapes. The algorithm does not introduce round-off errors and has been tested in hardware.
Photoassisted catalytic oxidation of alcohols and halogenated hydrocarbons with amorphous manganese oxides

Abstract This manuscript discusses the synthesis of Amorphous Manganese Oxide (AMO) materials that are used for efficient photoassisted catalytic oxidation of alcohols and halogenated hydrocarbons. Characterization studies suggest that oxygen is lost from AMO very readily under illumination, creating oxygen vacancies that may be important in photooxidation reactions. Alcohols are converted to ketones such as acetone from isopropanol with 100% selectivity at room temperature. These AMO systems have turnover numbers that are over one order of magnitude greater than TiO 2 systems for isopropanol oxidation and over an order of magnitude greater than for TiO 2 systems in decomposition of halogenated hydrocarbons. In addition the TiO 2 systems are poisoned much faster than the AMO materials, especially in degradation of halogenated hydrocarbons. The same high activity and selectivity occur for the total oxidation of halogenated hydrocarbons such as methyl bromide which is converted into CO 2 , H 2 O and Br 2 . The synthesis, characterization, and photoactivity of these materials will be discussed. AMO photocatalysts are also active in the decomposition of methyl choride and methyl iodide.
Cancer immunoediting in malignant glioma

Significant work from many laboratories over the last decade in the study of cancer immunology has resulted in the development of the cancer immunoediting hypothesis. This contemporary framework of the naturally arising immune system-tumor interaction is thought to comprise 3 phases: elimination, wherein immunity subserves an extrinsic tumor suppressor function and destroys nascent tumor cells; equilibrium, wherein tumor cells are constrained in a period of latency under immune control; and escape, wherein tumor cells outpace immunity and progress clinically. In this review, we address in detail the relevance of the cancer immunoediting concept to neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologists treating and studying malignant glioma by exploring the de novo immune response to these tumors, how these tumors may persist in vivo, the mechanisms by which these cells may escape/attenuate immunity, and ultimately how this concept may influence our immunotherapeutic approaches.
Developing human-computer interface models and representation techniques

The Dialogue Management Project at Virginia Tech is studying the poorly understood problem of human-computer dialogue development. This problem often leads to low usability in human-computer dialogues. The Dialogue Management Project approaches solutions to low usability in interfaces by addressing human-computer dialogue development as an integral and equal part of the total system development process. This project consists of two rather distinct, but dependent, parts. One is development of concepts for dialogue management, and the other is implementation of a dialogue management system (DMS) to evaluate these concepts. The goal of this paper is to describe our approach to the development of two of these conceptual aspects and how we oriented those toward the needs of practical implementation. The two conceptual aspects are (a) A structural, descriptive model of human-computer interaction, and (b) Techniques for representing both the behavioural (end-user's) view and the constructional (developer's) view of dialogue. The approach to their development was a technology transfer process that was part of a two-year university/industry research liaison between the Dialogue Management Project and IBM Federal Systems Division (FSD), now called Systems Integration Division. Part of this liaison was aimed at moving our research ideas and results into a real-world dialogue development environment. Following presentation of the technical problems and solutions, the paper concludes with a discussion of results of our liaison and by raising and addressing some questions of mutual interest that arose during our co-operative interaction.
Vestibular schwannoma quantitative polymerase chain reaction expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Determine the role of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in sporadic and neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)-related vestibular schwannomas (VS). Growth and proliferation signaling in human VS tumorigenesis may play a key role in molecular therapeutic targeting. VS carry mutations of the NF2 gene encoding the tumor suppressor, merlin, which interacts with ErbB2 in Schwann cells, implicating ErbB receptors in VS tumorigenesis. ErbB receptor family members are overexpressed or constitutively activated in many human tumors, and are effective therapeutic targets in some human cancers. VS occur more frequently in women and are larger, more vascular, and demonstrate increased growth rates during pregnancy. ER and PR may play a role in ErbB pathway activation and VS progression. Study Design: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for ER and PR messenger RNA was performed using greater auricular and vestibular nerve controls (n = 8), sporadic VS (n = 23), and NF2-related VS (n = 16) tissues. Methods: The qRT-PCR data were normalized with standardization to a single constitutively expressed control gene, human cyclophylin. Results: Reverse transcription of messenger RNA from control and tumor specimens followed by RT Q-PCR demonstrated differences in ER and PR gene expression between sporadic and NF2-related VS. Conclusions: ER and PR expression in VS might have implications for development of a VS-specific drug delivery system using antihormone and ErbB pathway small molecule inhibitors, due to crosstalk between these receptors. These signals may be critical for re-establishing ErbB-mediated cell density dependent growth inhibition.
β-Catenin Antisense Treatment Decreases β-Catenin Expression and Tumor Growth Rate in Colon Carcinoma Xenografts☆

Abstract Background. Loss of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppresser gene plays a significant role in colorectal carcinogenesis. One function of the APC gene product is to regulate β-catenin, a protein that plays a role in cell adhesion and also regulates the activity of certain transcription factors. To more precisely delineate the role of β-catenin signaling in colon cancer growth, we treated mice bearing APC-mutant SW480 colon cancer xenografts with antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) directed against β-catenin mRNA and examined effects on β-catenin expression and tumor growth. Methods. Balb/C nude mice underwent subcutaneous injection of 1 × 106 SW480 cells to establish tumor xenografts. In one experiment, tumors were allowed to grow for 7 days, after which time animals were randomized to undergo daily intraperitoneal injections of either antisense β-catenin ODN at doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg, scrambled sequence β-catenin ODN control, or saline control for 7 days. Tumors were excised and homogenized, and tumor lysates subjected to gel electrophoresis and Western blotting for β-catenin protein quantification. In a second experiment, tumor-bearing animals began receiving daily intraperitoneal injections of either antisense β-catenin ODN at doses of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg, scrambled sequence β-catenin ODN control, or saline control. Tumor growth was quantitated by measuring tumor volumes twice weekly. A third experiment evaluated the antitumor effects of daily bolus dosing versus continuous infusion of β-catenin antisense ODNs (20 mg/kg). Results. Treatment of APC-mutant colorectal carcinoma xenografts with β-catenin antisense resulted in a dose-dependent down-regulation in β-catenin protein expression as shown by Western blotting. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with antisense directed at β-catenin also demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth. There appears to be little difference in the antitumor effects of antisense ODNs administered by continuous infusion or bolus dosing schedules. Conclusions. β-Catenin expression plays a critical role in the tumorigenic growth of APC-mutant colon cancer xenografts. Strategies targeting β-catenin, including the use of antisense ODNs, may be of use in the treatment of human colon cancer.
The Influence of Identity Meaning Independence on the Invocation of Multiple Identities

Abstract From at least the time of George Herbert Mead, theorists have argued for the invocation of multiple identities in one situation; however, why multiple identities are simultaneously invoked remains a question. Both identity theory and feminist theory conceptually recognize the importance of the influence of multiple identities in a single situation; however, little is known about why these identities are concurrently invoked. In an exploratory analysis grounded in identity theory and using a sample of amateur bodybuilders obtained via a mail survey, this paper considers the issue of meaning independence in understanding why multiple identities are concurrently invoked. Based on logistic regression results, two of the three hypotheses advanced were supported. Identity meanings appear to be an important influence on the number of identities invoked in a situation. Suggestions for future research are proposed.
Shallow implantation of Ti+ ions in sapphire [α-Al2O3(0001)]

Abstract Sapphire single crystal [α-Al2O3(0 0 0 1)] samples were treated by irradiation with Ti+ ions in the energy range 0.5–7.0 keV at 25°C and 750°C under UHV conditions for total doses of 1016 Ti+/cm2. These Ti treated sapphire samples were studied by ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling and by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Aluminum in the oxidation states Al0,3+,x+, where 0
Crystallographic preferred orientation produced by diffusional creep of harzburgite: Effects of chemical interactions among phases during plastic flow

[1] Experimental deformation experiments have been conducted on fine-grained, two-phase aggregates of olivine and orthopyroxene to investigate the role of grain and phase boundary sliding on rheology and fabric development. A suite of large-strain (γ ≥ 1) general shear experiments conducted at T = 1200°C and P = 1.6 GPa on aggregates ranging from 65 to 0 vol % orthopyroxene, to characterize the evolution of fabric, were complemented by small-strain axial compression experiments at T = 1200°C and P = 0.3 GPa, to better constrain the rheology. Microstructural and rheological data suggest that deformation of these two-phase aggregates in the diffusion creep regime occurs via interface-reaction-controlled diffusion creep that is accompanied by extensive migration of olivine-orthopyroxene phase boundaries. The resulting rheologies suggest that olivine + orthopyroxene composites are weaker than the olivine end-member at the conditions tested. Physically, this behavior arises because long-range, i.e., grain-scale, diffusion of Si4+ is unnecessary in these pseudobinary two-phase aggregates. We further demonstrate that interface-controlled diffusion creep leads to strong crystallographic preferred orientations (CPO) of the component minerals, which develops in the near absence of dislocation activity. The CPO formed in these anhydrous, low-stress experiments has the olivine a axis aligned perpendicular to the flow direction (“type B” fabric) argued by some to be the unique result of deformation under conditions of high differential stress and high water fugacity. Phase boundary dynamics, thus, are argued as a significant factor in the accumulation of strain in polyphase aggregates.
Development of an Analytical Optical Method for Linear Fresnel Collectors

An analytical optical approach—First-principle OPTical Intercept Calculation (FirstOPTIC)—is developed for the optical performance evaluation of linear Fresnel collectors. Instead of treating all optical error sources as probability distributions and convolving them with the sun shape into an overall beam spread function, FirstOPTIC treats mirror slope error, receiver position error, and collector tracking error as geometric modifications to the collector, as interpreted in laboratory measurements. Calculation of intercept factors is analytically derived through a rigorous mathematical model. It is shown through test cases that FirstOPTIC can provide accurate and fast calculation of collector intercept factors as a function of incidence angle. Finally, FirstOPTIC is used to conduct analysis on the incidence angle modifier (IAM) and indicates that the factorized IAM representation with respect to independent transversal and longitudinal components can be a good approximation but in general underestimates the optical performance of a linear Fresnel collector.
The Verification of an Analytical Solution: An Important Engineering Lesson

Too often, as long as they “match the answer book,” results based on analytical methods are not subjected to much scrutiny. In contrast, computational results and those based on physical measurements are nearly always met with skepticism. Here we show an example from radiation heat transfer in which an exact analytical solution, when reduced to numbers in the generally-practiced manner, gives a patently wrong answer. Efforts to verify a new computational algorithm brought this long-standing error to light.
Validity of the uniform mixing assumption: determining human exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

When using the mass balance equation to model indoor air quality, the primary assumption is that of uniform mixing. Different points in a single compartment are assumed to have the same instantaneous pollutant concentrations as all other points. Although such an assumption may be unrealistic, under certain conditions predictions (or measurements) of exposures at single points in a room are still within acceptable limits of error (e.g., 10%). In this article, three studies of the mixing of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) pollutants are reviewed, and data from several other ETS field studies are presented. Under typical conditions for both short sources (e.g., 10 min) and the continuous sources of ETS in smoking lounges, I find that average exposure concentrations for a single point in a room represent the average exposure across all points in the room within 10% for averaging times ranging from 12 to 80 min. I present a method for determining theoretical estimates of acceptable averaging times for a continuous point source.
Discursos patriótico-aristocráticos sobre la “nación gallega” a comienzos del siglo XVII: a propósito de Tragedias de amor (1607) de Juan de Arce Solorzeno

ResumenEste articulo plantea la existencia de un proyecto de promocion identitaria de Galicia llevada a cabo por la nobleza gallega a principios del siglo XVII, en el marco de la defensa de diversos intereses locales. Para ello se analizan los discursos historiograficos, cartograficos y literarios que crean una imagen idealizada del espacio gallego y que, a pesar de su caracter aristocratizante, comienzan a formular un sentimiento de identificacion colectiva que busca que los limites territoriales del grupo cultural y linguistico coincidan con los del ejercicio del poder politico dentro del marco institucional de la monarquia espanola. Es dentro de este contexto intelectual y politico en el que resultan inteligibles textos literarios como Tragedias de amor (1607) de Juan de Arce Solorzeno, ya que el analisis de sus referentes historiograficos y de representacion espacial indica que se inserta dentro de los discursos identitarios gallegos. La importancia del contexto de produccion y consumo para la interpr...
Functional stability of a mixed microbial consortium producing PHA from waste carbon sources

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) represent an environmentally effective alternative to synthetic thermoplastics; however, current production practices are not sustainable. In this study, PHA production was accomplished in sequencing batch bioreactors utilizing real wastewaters and mixed microbial consortia from municipal activated sludge as inoculum. Polymer production reached 85, 53, and 10% of the cell dry weight from methanol-enriched pulp and paper mill foul condensate, fermented municipal primary solids, and biodiesel wastewater, respectively. Using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S-rDNA from polymerase chain reaction-amplified DNA extracts, distinctly different communities were observed between and within wastewaters following enrichment. Most importantly, functional stability was maintained despite differing and contrasting microbial populations.
Searching for life on Mars and in meteorites in the 20th century.

Three years ago, a group of scientists at NASA shocked the world by announcing that they believed they had found evidence for primitive fossil life on Mars [McKay et al., 1996]. President Clinton proclaimed, “If this discovery is confirmed it will surely be one of the most stunning insights into our universe that science has ever uncovered.” But to some of us it seemed like deja vu all over again [Berra, 1948]; for almost 90 years previously—on December 28, 1907—The Wall Street Journal published its annual selection of the “most extraordinary event” of the year. The editors picked not the financial crash that panicked most of their investors that year but, for the first and only time in their history, a scientific discovery: “The most extraordinary event of the year is …the proof afforded by astronomical observations …that conscious, intelligent human life exists upon the planet Mars.” It was not mere fossil evidence of microbes, as in 1996, but “conscious, intelligent human life” that so excited Wall Street. The “proof” lay in the announcement by Percival Lowell that the staff at his new observatory in Arizona had been able, for the first time, to photograph the canals. Up until then, planetary observers had merely drawn pictures of what they were seeing, or claimed to be seeing. But with this announcement those uncertain days were gone; the camera doesn't lie, Lowell proclaimed, and this would be the end of all doubts.
X-linked inheritance of epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Genetic and virologic studies of a kindred.

† We describe a family with typical epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) in which only male members are affected. Whereas none of the index patient's ten children have EV, four of eight grandsons born to his daughters have inherited the disorder. All are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) 3 and HPV 8. The inheritance in this kindred most likely results from an X-linked recessive genetic defect. Since other kindreds have been described with autosomal inheritance, this novel inheritance pattern suggests that the persistent high clinical susceptibility to HPV infection characteristic of EV may result from defects in either of at least two different genetic loci, one of which may be located on the X chromosome. (Arch Dermatol1985;121:864-868)
EXPENSE RATIOS ACROSS INSURANCE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: AN ANALYSIS BY LINE OF BUSINESS

: The author examines whether independent agency insurers are more expensive to operate than direct writers in personal auto insurance, workers compensation, or general liability.
Human-machine interaction in ubiquitous application design

With the proliferation of communication technologies and mobile electronic devices, there is a fast growing need of ubiquitous applications. However, designing ubiquitous applications faces a lot of challenges, and many of them actually comes from human rather than from computers. Furthermore, the primary focus in ubiquitous application development has been application-centric and on specialized applications over a specific systems, such as the iPhone apps. Very often the designers have ignore the human-centric perspective of these applications, as well as the interactions among applications. We envision that an urban-scale ubiquitous network will take place, and connect many daily applications together. Most importantly, the new paradigm is human-centric, as opposed to people being bystanders of the system. In order for these applications to be sustainable, they must provide a human-centric protocol that specifies the rules of the system. However, the process of designing such protocols is not an easy task, especially in a distributed environment where there are a large variety of devices with different capabilities, or when users have disparate interests on their own. In this paper, we present the challenges in this new area, and argue the need to develop a theory for providing fundamental methodologies in designing human-centric ubiquitous systems and applications.
Stability of Nanoporous Materials

The stability of nanoporous materials as a result of surface interaction forces has been considered in this paper We show that cylindrical pores in linear elastic materials will collapse if α = γ/μA > 2. As one would expect physically, smaller cavities tend to be more unstable for the same surface energy and material properties as a result of the high internal Laplace pressure. Extensions to account for large deformation and strain-hardening effects and for viscoelastic materials are discussed. Normalized potential energy versus cavity stretch for the well-known Neo-Hookean material model. The equilibriun solution shifts to the left as the parameter α increases. imply ing a greater cavity shrinkage.
Diminished potassium-stimulated GABA release in vivo in genetically epilepsy-prone rats.

Abstract This experiment was conducted to assess the physiological relevance of observed changes in transmitter amino acid content in severe seizure genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPR-9s) by use of microdialysis. Adult male GEPR-9s and non-epileptic control rats were implanted with guide cannulae, and 6 mm (loop) dialysis probes were inserted unilaterally into rostral caudate and perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Each subject was perfused in the awake state with 100 or 150 mM K+ for 80 min in separate counterbalanced sessions, and 20-min fractions collected. High K+ perfusion increased extracellular fluid GABA and glutamate (GLU) in a concentration-dependent manner in both GEPR-9s and non-epileptic control rats. However, in the presence of 150 mM K+ GABA release was decreased in GEPR-9s relative to controls throughout the stimulation interval. In contrast, the increase in extracellylar fluid GLU after high K+ was not different in the two groups. These results suggest an important role for mechanisms underlying GABA release in the seizure susceptibility observed in GEPR-9s.
Internal sums in full-potential multiple-scattering theory

Full-potential multiple-scattering theory for electrons can be derived from the variational principle of Kohn and Rostoker. The resulting equations differ from the standard Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) formalism by a matrix multiplication, which introduces an intermediate sum that should in principle be carried out to completion. This implies that the usual site-diagonal square matrices S and C of KKR theory must be represented as rectangular matrices. In the limit of completeness of this internal sum, the resulting product of matrices can be represented in closed form as a Wronskian integral extended over the common interfaces of adjacent space-filling cells, as used in the variational cellular method (VCM), based on the variational principle of Schlosser and Marcus. The standard KKR method can be extended in two ways, either by direct use of rectangular matrices, or by using the VCM surface integral as a closure correction in the energy-linearized atomic-cell orbital method. Test calculations on an empty-lattice model (fcc three-dimensional space lattice) demonstrate the viability of these extensions.
DELAYED POTASSIUM EFFECT IN NITELLA.

In normal cells of Nitella replacement of NaCl by KCl makes the P.D. much less positive: this is called the potassium effect. Cells which have lost the potassium effect usually show little or no change of P.D. when NaCl is replaced by KCl but an occasional cell responds after a delay. It seems possible that the delay may be largely due to the time required for potassium to combine with an organic substance, thus forming a compound which sensitizes the protoplasmic surface to the action of potassium.
The dynamics of the continuous emulsion polymerization of methylmethacrylate

Experimental data on the dynamics of the continuous emulsion polymerization of methylmethacrylate are presented. Techniques for on-line reaction monitoring and digital data acquisition as reported previously are used to generate dynamic data on the monomer conversion and free emulsifier concentration. Data are reported confirming the existence of multiple steady states and limit cycles in the CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactor) emulsion polymerization of methylmethacrylate. Data are also reported suggesting the presence of steady states in the absence of micelles in the reactor. The possible causes of these phenomena, and the conditions under which they occur are discussed.
Interval Matching by Undergraduate Nonmusic Majors.

This article describes the sixth in a series of studies designed to gain a better understanding of factors that may affect pitch matching. Undergraduate nonmusic majors (N = 141) enrolled in a musi...
A Comparative Analysis of Two Methodologies for Documentation in the Patient Medical Record by the R.D

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To evaluate two formats for documentation of initial nutrition assessment in the acute-care patient medical record. Documentation of initial nutrition assessment at one institution was completed in subjective, objective, assessment, plan (SOAP) format until 1994, when an Assessment Form was initiated to streamline the standardized documentation of R.D.s. The two formats were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of dietitians documentation practice. A retrospective chart review was completed using a random sample of charts from two groups of patients (SOAP/94, n=30; FORM/95-96, n=30) with a primary discharge diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident. Initial assessment documentation was completed sooner in the FORM/95-96 group (2.61 days) than the SOAP/94 group (4.31 days). Significantly more recommendations (p=
Ambiguity and regularization in parallel MRI

In this paper, we formulate the parallel magnetic resonance imaging(pMRI) as a multichannel blind deconvolution problem with subsampling. First, the model allows formal characterization of image solutions consistent with data obtained by uniform subsampling of k-space. Second, the model allows analysis of the minimum set of required calibration data. Third, the filter bank formulation provides analysis of the sufficient sizes of interpolation kernels in widely used reconstruction techniques. Fourth, the model suggests principled development of regularization terms to fight ambiguity and ill-conditioning; specifically, subspace regularization is adapted from the blind image super-resolution work of Sroubek et al. [11]. Finally, characterization of the consistent set of image solutions leads to a cautionary comment on L1 regularization for the peculiar class of piece-wise constant images. Thus, it is proposed that the analysis of the subsampled blind deconvolution task provides insight into both the multiply determined nature of the pMRI task and possible design strategies for sampling and reconstruction.
Geochemistry of Champagne Hot Springs shallow hydrothermal vent field and associated sediments, Dominica, Lesser Antilles

The Champagne Hot Springs (CHS) shallow submarine hydrothermal system is located along the submerged flank of the Plat Pays volcanic system on the southwest section of the island of Dominica, Lesser Antilles. We have conducted a detailed geochemical study of the hydrothermal system, with the objectives to investigate the source of the hydrothermal fluids and gases, their effect on sediment and precipitate chemistry, as well as comparing the submarine vent chemistry with nearby on-land hydrothermal vents. Finally, we compare our findings to previous preliminary data from CHS, and compare sediment chemistry to that of average Caribbean sediments. We also report on a newly discovered area of submarine hydrothermal venting, located approximately 40 m to the north of CHS. This area consists of hydrothermally altered areas of sand that contain abundant coatings of hydrous ferric oxides (HFO) on sediment grains. Geochemical and mineralogical analyses of vent waters, pore waters, gases, sediments and precipitates reveal that the vent fluids consist of a mixture of entrained seawater and meteorically derived hydrothermal fluid in varying proportions. Vent fluids are depleted in Br ,S O4 ,C l ,N a + ,K + , and Sr 2+ relative to ambient seawater. These species are all positively correlated with Mg 2+ , which is also depleted relative to seawater. Boron, Fe, As, Sb, Mn, Si and Li are all enriched relative to ambient seawater. Pore waters in the hydrothermally altered sand patches have essentially the same chemistry. Mixing between Fe 2+ rich vent fluids and seawater causes rapid oxidation of Fe 2+ to insoluble Fe 3+ and leads to precipitation of HFO at the vent site and subsequent formation of hydrothermally altered sand patches. The elevated concentrations of As and Sb in the precipitates and sediments relative to average Caribbean seafloor sediments reflect adsorption by HFO. Gas samples from the vent site are typical arc-type gases and have both meteoric and magmatic signatures. D 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Gradient, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of proteins from cytotoxic mycoplasma membranes.

Abstract Membranes of Mycoplasma pneumoniae were prepared following several different cell lysis procedures (freeze-thaw, french press, digitonin, sonication, osmotic shock, pH shock). All possessed some degree of toxicity for ciliated epithelial cells, but the french press and freeze-thaw processes were optimal in terms of lysis efficiency, membrane yield, and cytotoxicity. Membrane proteins from virulent and attenuated mycoplasmas were electrophoresed with a new, high resolution electrophoresis technique (gradient polyacrylamide gels), and strain differences were detectable among the 50+ discernible bands.
The management of Hodgkin's disease.

THE results of the treatment of patients with Hodgkin's disease continue to improve. A disease that was considered uniformly fatal only several decades ago now can be cured in the majority of newly...
Combined analysis of short-baseline neutrino experiments in the (3 + 1) and (3 + 2) sterile neutrino oscillation hypotheses

We investigate adding two sterile neutrinos to resolve the apparent tension existing between short-baseline neutrino oscillation results and CPT-conserving, four-neutrino oscillation models. For both $(3+1)$ and $(3+2)$ models, the level of statistical compatibility between the combined dataset from the null short-baseline experiments Bugey, CHOOZ, CCFR84, CDHS, KARMEN, and NOMAD, on the one hand; and the LSND dataset, on the other, is computed. A combined analysis of all seven short-baseline experiments, including LSND, is also performed, to obtain the favored regions in neutrino mass and mixing parameter space for both models. Finally, four statistical tests to compare the $(3+1)$ and the $(3+2)$ hypotheses are discussed. All tests show that $(3+2)$ models fit the existing short-baseline data significantly better than $(3+1)$ models.
Academic music: music instruction to engage third-grade students in learning basic fraction concepts

This study examined the effects of an academic music intervention on conceptual understanding of music notation, fraction symbols, fraction size, and equivalency of third graders from a multicultural, mixed socio-economic public school setting. Students (N = 67) were assigned by class to their general education mathematics program or to receive academic music instruction two times/week, 45 min/session, for 6 weeks. Academic music students used their conceptual understanding of music and fraction concepts to inform their solutions to fraction computation problems. Linear regression and t tests revealed statistically significant differences between experimental and comparison students’ music and fraction concepts, and fraction computation at posttest with large effect sizes. Students who came to instruction with less fraction knowledge responded well to instruction and produced posttest scores similar to their higher achieving peers.
On the number of idempotent linear transformations

Abstract Let M and N be two subspaces of a finite dimensional vector space V over a finite field F . We can count the number of all idempotent linear transformations T of V such that R ( T ) ⊂ M and N ⊂ N ( T ), where R ( T ) and N ( T ) denote the range space and the null space of T , respectively.
Dependence of ventricular fibrillation propensity on coronary blood flow without myocardial ischemia

Abstract Ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) changes have been linked to coronary blood flow (CBF) in the context of CBF reduction and subsequent myocardial hypoxia. To clarify the effect of CBF on VFT in the absence of myocardial hypoxia, 18 open-chest pentobarbital-anesthelized dogs with uniformly controlled heart rate, cardiac output, and mean systemic arterial pressure (SAP¯) were studied as follows: CBF, coronary sinus O 2 content (CcsO 2 ), and thereby myocardial O 2 consumption were continuously monitored. Baseline VFT determined by the single stimulus scanning technique was 33.0 ± 3.9 mA. Initial values of CBF index (I) and VFT (n = 18) were positively correlated (VFT mA = 0.8 ± 0.245 · CBFI ml/min · 100g −1 LV; r=0.60, p −1 LV were then induced by changing in random order,SAP¯ (n = 10), left coronary perfusion pressure (n = 7), and arterial O 2 content (n = 10) with VFT determined at each step; CcsO 2 remained above 5.5 vol% while CBFI and VFT changes were positively correlated, and mean weighted slope of VFT mA = 16.6 ± 0.103 · CBFI ml/min · 100g −1 LV (F = 0.82, p 2 content did not appear to affect VFT independently. It is concluded that even in the absence of myocardial hypoxia, CBF itself is a major determinant of VFT and thereby of innate arrhythmogenic propensity.
Diltiazem and Akathisia

Excerpt Calcium entry blockers or calcium antagonists are being used for a growing number of cardiovascular problems (1). Because diltiazem (Cardizem; Marion Laboratories, Kansas City, Missouri), a...
Immunobiology of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction: New Insights from the Bench and Beyond

The first successful human lung transplants were performed in the 1980s. Since that time lung transplantation has been a therapeutic modality for end-stage pulmonary diseases. However, chronic rejection, known as obliterative bronchiolitis (OB)/bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), is the key reason why the 5-year survival is only 50%, which is significantly worse than most other solid organ transplants. Recent studies have provided exciting advances that are beginning to be translated into findings in humans. This review will highlight the current advances in understanding the mechanisms of OB/BOS in lung transplant recipients.