cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shallow-Marine Currents on Early(?) Triassic Wyoming Shelf: ABSTRACT

Analysis of 690 asymmetric ripple-mark and 40 cross-stratification paleocurrent directions from 37 localities in the Red Peak Formation of Wyoming indicates three major current directions: northeast, southwest, and northwest. These are interpreted to represent respectively, wave drift, rip, and longshore currents moving on, off, and along a northwest-southeast-oriented coast that bordered the shallow, open-marine, Wyoming shelf embayment during the Early(?) Triassic. Commonly used interpretive techniques based on calculated vector means of paleocurrent directions are inadequate for the polymodal distributions in the Red Peak. Instead, the major directions at each locality are determined and the resulting pattern interpreted visually. The use of vector means and moving averages would not define and could possibly mask the complex current patterns to be expected in the shallow, open-marine environment. Ripple marks have been used infrequently as paleocurrent direction indicators. The long-standing misconception equating external shape with mode of formation has inhibited their use. Evidence from the Red Peak supports other studies which have suggested End_Page 544------------------------------ that "symmetric" and "asymmetric" ripple marks are not wave- and current-formed, respectively. Rather, most ripple marks possess some degree of asymmetry, either in shape or internal structure, and are formed by currents (including most waves in shallow water). Truly symmetric ripple marks formed by standing oscillatory waves probably are rare. Being current-formed, asymmetric ripple marks should prove increasingly important in reconstructing paleocurrent systems and paleogeography. End_of_Article - Last_Page 545------------
Freeze-dried agarose scaffolds with uniaxial channels stimulate and guide linear axonal growth following spinal cord injury

Although several approaches to stimulate axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury have succeeded in stimulating robust growth of axons into a lesion site, the growth is generally highly disorganized, losing the distinct arrangement of axonal tracts within the spinal cord. Previously described freeze-dried agarose scaffolds, composed of individual, uniaxial channels extending through their entire length, were prepared with and without recombinant Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) protein and tested in an adult rat model of spinal cord injury to determine whether regenerating axons could be guided across a site of injury in an organized fashion. After 1 month, both the cellular and axonal responses within and around scaffolds were evaluated. Scaffolds were found to be well integrated with host tissue, individual channels were penetrated by cells, and axons grew through scaffolds in a strikingly linear fashion. Furthermore, the regeneration was significantly augmented by the incorporation of BDNF protein into the walls and lumen of the scaffold. These findings clearly demonstrate that axonal regeneration can be organized and guided across a site of injury.
Optical leak detection of oxygen using IR laser diodes

The ability to accurately measure the concentration of gaseous oxygen and its corresponding flow rate is becoming of greater importance. The technique being presented is based on the principal of light attenuation due to the absorption of radiation by the A-band of oxygen which is located in the 759-770 nm wavelength range. With an ability to measure the change in the light transmission to 0.05 percent, a sensitive optical leak detection system which has a rapid time response is possible. In this research program, the application of laser diode technology and its ability to be temperature tuned to a selected oxygen absorption spectral peak has allowed oxygen concentrations as low as 16,000 ppm to be detected.
Mode Control in Ruby Optical Masers by Means of Elastic Deformation

A new technique has been applied in experimental work on ruby optical masers with dramatic results. The techniques involved elastically deforming the medium and thereby invoking the stress-optic effect. Strikingly, it permitted optimizing the elastic deformation of any particular ruby specimen to reduce significantly its pumping-energy requirements for the onset of maser oscillations. At the same time, the divergence of the emergent beam could be reduced by a sizable fraction to that characteristic of low-order radiation modes.
Presence of a non-NMDA glutamate receptor subtype in the sympathetic nervous system of neonatal swine

Abstract For the first time, the GluR-1 subtype of AMPA receptor was identified in the sympathetic nervous system of neonatal swine, an animal model of human development and heart disease. The rationale was to seek evidence of a role ascribed to glutamate in cardiorespiratory regulation in the laboratory rat. The receptor was demonstrated with the avidin–biotin immunoperoxidase technique by using an affinity-purified polyclonal antibody judged to be specific to Glu-R1 in several species. Glu-R1 immunoreactivity was regionally distributed in the thoracic spinal gray, and present intracellularly in neurons and within the surrounding neuropil. Sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of upper and lower thoracic spinal segments were intensely labeled and surrounded by labeled neuropil. High concentrations of Glu-R1 distinguished laminae II: substantia gelatinosa and the outer region of lamina III. Laminae I and V of the dorsal horn but not IV contained immunolabeled neurons. Arrays of moderately immunoreactive perikarya extended from an intermediate zone of laminae VII to the central gray. Glia and perivascular processes were not labeled, confirming previous observations [Tachibana, M., Wenthold, R.J., Morioka, H., Petralia, R.S., 1994. Light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical localization of AMPA-selective glutamate receptors in the rat spinal cord. J. Comp. Neurol. 344, 431–454]. Neuronal staining patterns corroborated evidence in rats indicating a postsynaptic localization of Glu-R1 associated with plasma membranes and cytoplasmic organelles [Martin, L.J., Blackstone, C.D., Levey, A.I., Huganir, R.L., Price, D.L., 1993. AMPA glutamate receptor subunits are differentially distributed in rat brain. Neuroscience 53, 327-358.; Rubio, M.E., Wenthold, R.J., 1997. Glutamate receptors are selectively targeted to postsynaptic sites in neurons. Neuron 18, 939–950]. Our data predict a role for l -glutamate in postnatal development of cardiorespiratory reflexes in swine.
Poached egg, a gene required in the soma to maintain germ cell viability in Drosophila females

Summary In Drosophila, extensive interactions between the soma and germline are required for oogenesis. Interactions between the somatic ovary and follicle cells influence the differentiation and organization of the egg chamber. There is also evidence that the soma is needed to maintain germline viability. Little is known about the nature of these interactions or their genetic components. In this paper we identified a gene required in the soma for germline viability. Mutations in poached egg result in the induction of apoptosis in the nurse cells of stage 7 and later egg chambers. If oogenesis is arrested prior to vitellogenesis, poached egg -induced apoptosis does not occur. This indicates that poached egg function is dependent on some stage-specific process which coincides with the onset of vitellogenesis. We describe the genetic analysis of this newly identified gene, including the generation of new alleles and genetic interactions with the yolk protein complex.
Colchicine-induced differential sprouting of the endplates on fast and slow muscle fibers in rat extensor digitorum longus, soleus and tibialis anterior muscles.

Abstract The patterns of sprouting of motor endplates were examined in fast extensor digitorum longus and slow soleus muscles and in tibialis anterior muscles containing fast and slow muscle fiber types. A histochemical technique combining nerve silver impregnation and endplate cholinesterase staining was developed for this task. Temporal examination of the innervation was conducted 3,7 and 10 days after either a 45 or 90 min application of the ipsilateral sciatic nerve with 5 mM colchicine. This dosage of drug did not cause detectable axon or muscle fiber degeneration, unlike 60 mM which was highly neurotoxic. At 3 days following treatment with the lower concentration, there were no significant differences in the percentages of intranodal, preterminal and ultraterminal sprouts between the normal (non-treated), sham-treated, contralateral systemic-control and drug-treated groups of muscles. By 7 and 10 days, the muscles on the drug-treated side exhibited significant increases in the 3 types of sprouts. Collateral sprouting was uncommon: most outgrowths remained on the muscle fibers innervated by the parent axons. Endplates in the tibialis anterior muscles of the control and drug-treated groups were classified Complex, Intermediate or Simple according to the relative degrees of branching of the terminal arbors. The occurrence of endplate classes and muscle fiber types was correlated in the superficial and deep regions of this muscle. Complex endplates innervated fast glycolytic fibers, Intermediate endplates supplied fast oxidative glycolytic fibers, and Simple endplates served slow oxidative fibers. In response to colchicine, the endplates of the slow muscles sprouted more than those of fast muscles while the innervation of slow fiber types sprouted less than that of fast fiber types. Furthermore, intranodal sprouts were more prevalent in slow muscles and ultraterminal sprouts more numerous in fast muscles whereas intranodal sprouts predominated on fast fiber types and ultraterminal sprouts were characteristics of slow fiber types. These apparently contradictory results were reconciled when it was noted that soleus endplates were mostly Complex and Intermediate, and the extensor digitorum longus contained more Simple endplates. Thus, consistency of sprouting patterns among endplate types of the 3 muscles was recognized when the pre-existing branching patterns were considered. This indicated that the patterns of sprouting were determined by the motor neurons rather than the muscle fibers. The observed sprouting responses supported the hypothesis that colchicine treatment of motor axons caused muscle fibers to elaborate a diffusible sprout-inducing factor.
When conventions collide: the tensions of instant messaging attributed

We discuss findings from observation, interviews, and textual analysis of instant messaging use in a university research lab setting. We propose a method for characterizing the tensions that permeate instant messaging texts and that expose the collision between conventions of verbal and written communication. Given this method, we suggest a design space for exploring potential design choices in instant messaging clients. Finally, we recommend an analysis of communicative conventions as a fruitful lens through which designers might anticipate or circumvent design tensions in emergent computer-mediated communication technologies
Two NOD Idd-associated intervals contribute synergistically to the development of autoimmune exocrinopathy (Sjögren's syndrome) on a healthy murine background.

Objective The NOD mouse is genetically predisposed to the development of at least 2 autoimmune diseases, autoimmune diabetes and autoimmune exocrinopathy (AEC). More than 19 chromosomal intervals (referred to as Idd regions) that contribute to diabetes susceptibility in the NOD mouse model have been identified, but only 2 chromosomal intervals (associated with Idd3 and Idd5) have been shown to control sialadenitis. In the present study, we bred the Idd3 and Idd5 chromosomal intervals from NOD mice into non-autoimmune C57BL/6 mice to determine if these intervals recreate a Sjogren's syndrome (SS)-like phenotype. Methods C57BL/6.NODc3 mice carrying Idd3 and C57BL/6.NODc1t mice carrying Idd5 were crossed and intercrossed to generate a C57BL/6.NODc3.NODc1t mouse line homozygous for the Idd3 and Idd5 chromosomal intervals on an otherwise disease-resistant genetic background. C57BL/6.NODc3.NODc1t mice were evaluated for biochemical, pathophysiologic, and immunologic markers characteristic of the SS-like phenotype present in the NOD mouse. Results C57BL/6.NODc3.NODc1t mice fully manifested the SS-like phenotype of the NOD mouse, including decreased salivary and lacrimal gland secretory flow rates, increased salivary protein content due in part to less fluid, aberrant proteolytic enzyme activity, decline in amylase activity, appearance of autoantibodies to exocrine gland proteins, and glandular lymphocytic focal infiltrates. Loss of secretory function occurred more rapidly in C57BL/6.NODc3.NODc1t mice (by 12 weeks of age) than in NOD mice (by 16 weeks of age). No signs of insulitis or autoimmune (type 1) diabetes were observed in the C57BL/6.NODc3.NODc1t mice. Conclusion Genes located within the 2 chromosomal intervals Idd3 and Idd5 appear necessary and sufficient for manifestation of AEC. We propose that this murine model of SS-like disease be designated C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2. Identification of specific genes within the Aec1 and Aec2 genetic regions should help elucidate the mechanism(s) underlying SS-like disease.
A bone composition model for Monte Carlo x-ray transport simulations

In the megavoltage energy range although the mass attenuation coefficients of different bones do not vary by more than 10%, it has been estimated that a simple tissue model containing a singlebone composition could cause errors of up to 10% in the calculated dose distribution. In the kilovoltage energy range, the variation in mass attenuation coefficients of the bones is several times greater, and the expected error from applying this type of model could be as high as several hundred percent. Based on the observation that the calcium and phosphorus compositions of bones are strongly correlated with the bone density, the authors propose an analytical formulation of bone composition for Monte Carlo computations. Elemental compositions and densities of homogeneous adult human bones from the literature were used as references, from which the calcium and phosphorus compositions were fitted as polynomial functions of bone density and assigned to model bones together with the averaged compositions of other elements. To test this model using the Monte Carlo package DOSXYZnrc, a series of discrete model bones was generated from this formula and the radiation-tissue interaction cross-section data were calculated. The total energy released per unit mass of primary photons ! terma" and Monte Carlo calculations performed using this model and the single-bone model were compared, which demonstrated that at kilovoltage energies the discrepancy could be more than 100% in bony dose and 30% in soft tissue dose. Percentage terma computed with the model agrees with that calculated on the published compositions to within 2.2% for kV spectra and 1.5% for MV spectra studied. This new bone model for Monte Carlo dose calculation may be of particular importance for dosimetry of kilovoltage radiation beams as well as for dosimetry of pediatric or animal subjects whose bone composition may differ substantially from that of adult human bones. © 2009 American Association of Physicists in Medicine. # DOI: 10.1118/1.3077129$
Identification of aliphatic keto carboxylic acids in marine aerosols using capillary gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

Abstract Positional isomers of aliphatic keto carboxylic acids (C 6 C 15 ) in marine aerosol samples collected in the North Pacific Ocean have been identified by using capillary gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC—MS). The keto group was determined to be in the γ- to (ω — 1)-position. These keto acids were isolated from aerosol filters by extraction with methanolic potassium hydroxide and derivatized to their corresponding methyl esters. The keto acid methyl esters were purified by silica gel column chromatography prior to GC and GC—MS analysis. The results showed that 5-oxoundecanoic, IO-oxoundecanoic, 5-oxononanoic, 4-oxononanoic, 8-oxoundecanoic and 9-oxoundecanoic acids were dominant keto acids in the marine aerosol samples studied. This paper presents the structural identification of the positional isomers of aliphatic keto acid methyl esters by electron-impact mass spectrometry.
Empirical Analysis of Workflow Patterns for Use in Knowledge Advantage Machines

A workflow pattern could be defined as the methods by which a user typically utilizes a particular system. This paper presents a framework by which data mining techniques could be used to extract patterns from an individual's work flow data to exploit a type of architecture known as a Knowledge Advantage Machine (KAM). KAM is a type of semantic desktop and semantic web application that would assist people in constructing their own personal knowledge networks, as well as sharing that information in an efficient manner with colleagues using the same system. A KAM would be capable of automatically discovering new knowledge that is relevant to the user's personal ontology. Through experimentation, it is empirically demonstrated that a user's file usage patterns can be utilized by a software to automatically and seamlessly learn what is "important" as defined by the user. Further research is necessary to apply this principle to a more realizable KAM so that decisions can be fueled by work patterns as well as semantic or contextual information.
NKT Cells: The Culprits of Sepsis?

Sepsis is currently a leading cause of death in hospital intensive care units. Previous studies suggest that the pathophysiology of sepsis involves the hyperactivation of complex pro-inflammatory cascades that include the activation of various immune cells and the exuberant secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by these cells. Natural killer T-cells (NKT) are a sub-lineage of T cells that share characteristics of conventional T cells and NK cells, and bridge innate and adaptive immunity. More recently, NKT cells have been implicated in microbial immunity, including the onset of sepsis. Moreover, apolipoprotein E (apoE), a component of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, has been shown to be protective in endotoxemia and gram-negative infections in addition to its well-known role in lipid metabolism. Here, we will review the role of NKT cells in sepsis and septic shock, the immunoregulatory role of apoE in the host immune response to infection, and propose a mechanism for this immunoregulation.
JE Nakayama/JE SA14-14-2 virus structural region intertypic viruses: biological properties in the mouse model of neuroinvasive disease.

Abstract A molecular clone of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus Nakayama strain was used to create intertypic viruses containing either the 5′-C-prM-E or the prM-E region of the attenuated JE SA14-14-2 virus in the JE Nakayama background. These two intertypic JE viruses, JE-X/5′CprME(S) and JE-X/prME(S), respectively, generally resembled the parental JE virus in cell culture properties. Similar to virus derived from the JE Nakayama molecular clone (JE-XJN), JE-X/prME(S) was highly neuroinvasive and neurovirulent for young adult mice, whereas JE-X/5′CprME(S) was attenuated for neuroinvasiveness and only partially attenuated for neurovirulence. Immunization of young mice with JE-X/5′CprME(S) virus elicited neutralizing antibodies against JE Nakayama virus and conferred protection against encephalitis following challenge with JE Nakayama virus. The sequence of the JE-X/5′CprME(S) virus differed from that of JE-X/prME(S) virus at two nucleotides in the 5′ UTR, 3 amino acid positions in the capsid protein, 4 positions in the prM protein and 1 in the envelope protein. For JE-X/prME(S) virus, the 4 differences in prM and the single substitution in the envelope represented reversions to the sequence of JE Nakayama virus. Overall, this study reveals that molecular determinants associated with the prM-E region of the attenuated JE SA14-14-2 virus are insufficient by themselves to confer an attenuation phenotype upon JE Nakayama virus. This suggests a role for determinants in the 5′ UTR and/or the capsid protein of the JE SA 14-14-2 virus genome in influencing the virulence properties of the JE Nakayama virus in the mouse model.
Noninvasive Doppler-derived myocardial performance index: Correlation with simultaneous measurements of cardiac catheterization measurements

A simple, reproducible, noninvasive Doppler index for the assessment of overall cardiac function has been described previously. The purpose of this study was to correlate the Doppler index with accepted indexes of cardiac catheterization of left ventricular performance. Thirty-four patients with ischemic heart disease or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy prospectively underwent a simultaneous cardiac catheterization and Doppler echocardiographic study. Invasive measurements of peak +dP/dt, peak -dP/dt, and tau were obtained from the high-fidelity left ventricular pressures. A Doppler index of myocardial performance was defined as the summation of isovolumetric contraction and relaxation time divided by ejection time. There was a correlation between Doppler measurement of isovolumetric contraction time and peak +dP/dt (r = 0.842; p < 0.0001) and Doppler measurement of isovolumetric relaxation time and peak -dP/dt (r = 0.638; p < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection time correlated with both peak +dP/dt (r = 0.539; p < 0.001) and peak -dP/dt (r = 0.582; p < 0.001). The Doppler index correlated with simultaneously recorded systolic peak +dP/dt (r = 0.821; p < 0.0001) and diastolic peak -dP/dt (r = 0.833; p < 0.001) and tau (r = 0.680; p < 0.0001). This study documents that a simple, easily recordable, noninvasive Doppler index of myocardial performance correlates with invasive measurement of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and appears to be a promising noninvasive measurement of overall cardiac function.
Stratagems and Spoils in US Policy in the Middle East

Current uprisings in the Middle East suggest a need for reform in US foreign policy, based in economic liberalism, to the exclusion of the needs of ordinary people. From the end of World War I to the present, the US has shaped a political economy in the Middle East, based on empowerment of patricians and oligarchies to develop a competitive edge over oil and oil-related industries. The geopolitics of US intervention has been based on forming binary categories of ‘allies’ and ‘foes’, to justify economic and political alliances, regardless of the histories behind the disenchantment of US presence in the Middle East. This has generated social conflict where people no longer seem to want to support the authoritarian regions which have allied with the US. These uprisings are a desperate call for democracy to end elitism, cronyism, and corruption—a reminder of the need to rethink inconsistent agendas and clandestine interventions which have destabilized the region for almost a century. Los levantamientos actual...
Investigating diagnostic substitution and autism prevalence trends.

In this issue of Pediatrics , Dr Shattuck presents findings from his intensive statistical analysis of diagnostic substitution in US special education data.1 Diagnostic substitution is one factor potentially contributing to the large observed increase in autism prevalence and, unlike many other possible factors, empirical evaluation of this factor can actually be approached by using existing administrative data. However, analyses of this sort are not without their challenges and complexities. When considering diagnostic substitution in US special education data, we are limited to group-level comparisons. We do not know whether individual children have switched classifications, and of course we can never know whether a given child in a particular birth cohort would have been classified differently had they been born either earlier or later. At best, analyses of this type are merely trying to determine if trends in one classification have the potential to offset those in another. Although Shattuck's models incorporate a number of advantageous features, they essentially distill the assessment of this … Address correspondence to Craig J. Newschaffer, PhD, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Room E6030, Baltimore, MD 21205. E-mail: cnewscha{at}jhsph.edu
Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Biological Marker to Noninvasively Assess the Effect of Finasteride on Prostatic Suburethral Microcirculation

Purpose: We assessed dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as a biological marker of in vivo changes in microcirculation in the prostatic suburethral region.Materials and Methods: A total of 12 male beagle dogs with spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomly allocated to 1 control group and 1 finasteride (Merck and Co., Whitehouse Station, New Jersey) treated group. Two baseline dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging examinations and 3 followups were performed to assess prostate microcirculation. Treatment duration was 3 months. The pharmacokinetic parameters evaluated in prostatic suburethral areas were the maximum enhancement ratio in AU, time to maximum signal enhancement in minutes, amplitude in AU and the exchange rate constant in minutes−1.Results: After completion of the therapeutic regimen time to maximum signal enhancement was significantly longer in the finasteride group than in controls (p <0.01). Amplitude and the exchange rate constant decreased 39% an...
The Social Economics of Neoliberal Globalization

The recent period of intensive and extensive development of global economic integration, or globalization, has reached a crossroads. The regime of the neoliberal Great Capitalist Restoration is not sustainable and fundamental governance changes must be made. This paper adds perspective to the choices that must be made at this critical juncture of the global social economy by applying the master concepts of Schumpeter’s Creative Destruction and Polanyi’s Protective Response.
Biliary obstruction in infants with cystic fibrosis requiring Kasai portoenterostomy

Cystic fibrosis is associated with an inspissated bile syndrome producing cholestasis secondary to plugging of macroscopically normal bile ducts. In extreme neonatal forms, with early profound intrahepatic cholestasis, the process can be associated with a marked decrease in ductal diameter, varying from hypoplasia to atresia. From 1990 to 1995 three infants were identified with cystic fibrosis, persistent jaundice, and complete absence of biliary excretion despite expectant and conservative treatment including choleretics and surgical biliary irrigation. Abdominal ultrasounds showed contracted gallbladders and no evidence of dilated ducts. Liver biopsy results in two infants showed portal fibrosis, paucity of bile ducts, and minimal inflammation. The third infant had moderate inflammation, bile duct replication, and plugging. Two infants had undergone intestinal resection followed by hyperalimenation for complications of meconium ileus in the newborn period. Surgical exploration was undertaken at 7 to 12 weeks of age. Gross findings were typical of biliary atresia with microgallbladders and nonpatency of the cystic duct. Cholangiograms failed to document ductal patency in two patients who were then treated with a Kasai portoenterostomy. The third infant had patent hypoplastic ducts and underwent only biliary irrigation. Although bile flow was transiently achieved, jaundice recurred, and at reexploration at 16 weeks of age a Kasai poroenterostomy was performed. Histological review of the biliary specimens showed microscopically patent ducts in two patients and proximal patency and distal atresia in the third. All the ducts had mural fibrosis with cystic changes. Bile drainage was achieved in each instance, although in one patient with hypoplastic ducts scant output of highly concentrated bile proved insufficient to arrest progressive liver failure. The subsequent two patients responded with resolution of hyperbilirubinemia and normalization of liver function. They remain free of biliary complications at 30 and 40 months postoperatively. This manifestation of cystic fibrosis in infants is suggested by prolonged jaundice unresponsive to choleretics, nondilated bile ducts and gallbladder on ultrasound, absent biliary excretion on nuclear scan, and characteristic liver biopsy. Exploration is warranted, and discovery of atrophic bile ducts may be best managed with reconstruction.
Hope and the Hopeless: The Contemporary Addressee of Gaudium et spes

Henri de Lubac argues that Christians today lack an appreciation of the centrality of the Gospel to human meaning. This apologetically disastrous deficiency is related, for him, to Cajetan's “corruption” of Thomas's understanding of nature and grace. After presenting this issue, this article examines the reception of ideas akin to Cajetan's conception by Christians and popular culture, which latter has accordingly adopted an indifferentist mentality toward religion. Other impediments to thinking through the Gottesproblem today are taken up next, specifically the legacy of critical atheism and the distraction that shields persons from this problem's relevance. Distraction, although aimed at saving persons from the thought of death and from anxiety, actually produces a deadening and banalization of human hope. The hope of Gaudium et spes, which is addressed last, is not the eviscerated hope of contemporary persons. The language barrier centering on “hope” between the Council fathers and contemporary persons can only be bridged by addressing the formative causes of the hope of those indifferent to the Gospel.
Intelligent materials processing

Abstract Current applications of knowledge-based expert systems in manufacturing involve decision-making that is based on information that is readily interpretable. In process control, the relationship between the underlying process behavior and the sensed information is not usually well understood. In addition, the required response speed of the system can be quite short; from a few milliseconds to a few seconds. The dual requirements for fast decisions and the incorporation of “fuzzy” knowledge requires new approaches to the development of expert systems for process control. Both advanced, fast executing artificial intelligence algorithms and improved, fundamental physical understanding of the underlying manufacturing processes that are being controlled are necessary. It is important to emphasize that neither the artificial intelligence nor the manufacturing engineering communities currently have the tools and techniques that are required to solve the full range of process control problems. It is essential that communication and cooperation between the two disciplines be increased to give a full appreciation for the current strengths and limitations of the respective science bases and to define a clear direction for advanced, fundamental research within each discipline.
Identification of a novel thyroid hormone receptor expressed in the mammalian central nervous system

A complementary DNA clone derived from rat brain messenger RNA has been isolated on the basis of homology to the human thyroid hormone receptor gene. Expression of this complementary DNA produces a high-affinity binding protein for thyroid hormones. Sequence analysis and the mapping of this gene to a distinct human genetic locus indicate the existence of multiple human thyroid hormone receptors. Messenger RNA from this gene is expressed in a tissue-specific fashion with highest levels in the central nervous system.
A dietary pattern that lowers oxidative stress increases antibodies to oxidized LDL: results from a randomized controlled feeding study.

Abstract Background: Oxidation of LDL (oxLDL) is thought to have an important role in early stages of atherogenesis. Antibody to oxLDL (Ab-oxLDL) has been proposed as a biomarker which might be directly associated with oxidative stress. Yet studies designed to test this hypothesis are lacking. We tested the hypothesis that consumption of a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and reduced in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol will concomitantly reduce oxidative stress and Ab-oxLDL. Methods: One hundred and three healthy individuals were randomly assigned to consume a typical American (control) diet or the DASH diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and reduced in fat (27%), saturated fat (7%), and cholesterol (150mg/day) for 3 months. Outcomes were urinary isoprostanes (in vivo marker of oxidative stress), oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC, an in vitro assay measuring antioxidant activity in serum), and Ab-oxLDL measured at baseline, 1–3 months of feeding. Results: Compared to the control diet, consumption of the DASH diet significantly lowered urinary isoprostane (−226pg/ml, 95% CI: −420 to −32, P =0.023). Compared with the control group, change in ORAC was higher in the DASH group, 143 trolox units/ml (95% CI: −23 to 308, P =0.091). In comparison with the control diet, increased titers of Ab-oxLDL (37mU/ml [95% CI: 16–57, P =0.006]) were seen after consumption of the DASH diet. Higher titers of Ab-oxLDL occurred at month 2 (56mU/ml, 95% CI: 20–90, P =0.004) and month 3 (41mU/ml, 95% CI: −6 to 88, P =0.082), after initially small increases at month 1 (20mU/ml, 95% CI: −10 to 51, P =0.176). End-of-study increases in AB-oxLDL were highly correlated with increased ORAC (Spearman's ρ =0.46, P P >0.10). Conclusion: Consumption of a healthy diet replete in antioxidants reduced oxidative stress (urinary isoprostanes) yet increased Ab-oxLDL. This indirect association of Ab-oxLDL with urinary isoprostanes hinders use of Ab-oxLDL as a marker of oxidative damage.
Photoelectroactivity of a Hybrid System Constructed by Immobilization of Avidin onto Biotinylated TiO2 Electrodes

Immobilization of avidin onto thin film nanocrystalline TiO2 on ITO was obtained through avidin−biotin binding. In the construction of hybrid systems, dopamine was used as the TiO2 surface-active ligand, providing a conductive lead to covalently linked biotin. The assembled hybrids were characterized using electrochemical techniques of chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, and photocurrent action spectroscopy. With each layer of a biomolecule (dopamine, biotin, and avidin) attached onto the TiO2 film, an increase in overpotential (η) for the oxidation of ferrocyanide was detected by chronopotentiometric measurements. An increase in overpotential of Δη ∼ 400 mV was measured for the monolayer of avidin bonded to biotinylated electrodes. The absorption of light by semiconductor nanocrystallites results in charge separation, holes being localized on avidin. The photoinduced charge separation and oxidation of avidin yields to the dissociation of the avidin−biotin complex, promoting changes in the photoelect...
Value-added analysis of the construction submittal process

Construction contracts require builders to reproduce and certify paper documents that attest to the quality and or functionality of the systems, equipment, products, and materials planned for inclusion in a finished facility. Once submitted these documents are approved or acknowledged as part of a quality control process prior to placing purchase or fabrication orders. Despite widespread advances in other areas of information technology, the submittal process remains mired in paper-based procedures that add unnecessary cost to construction projects. This paper describes current practice and then highlights lessons-learned from selected interviews with those adopting innovative technology to streamline that process. The authors discuss their submittal process simulation model. Construction teams may adapt this model to reflect their specific context to justify and monitor the application of new technologies aimed at eliminating submittal transmission, routing, and handling costs within the context of existing contracting processes.
DNA replication joins the revolution: whole-genome views of DNA replication in budding yeast.

Replication origins, which are responsible for initiating the replication of eukaryotic chromosomal DNAs, are spaced at intervals of 40 to 200 kb. Although the sets of proteins that assemble at replication origins during G(1) to form pre-replicative complexes are highly conserved, the structures of replication origins varies from organism to organism. The identification of replication origins has been a labor-intensive task, requiring the analysis of chromosomal DNA replication intermediates. As a result, only a few replication origins have been identified and studied. In a pair of recently published papers, Raghuraman and colleagues and Wyrick, Aparicio and colleagues provide complementary microarray-based approaches to the identification of replication origins. These genome-wide views of DNA replication in Saccharomyces cerevisiae provide new insights into the way that the genome is duplicated and hold promise for the analysis of other genomes.
Calculations of P- and CP-violating matrix elements for heavy atoms

Many-body perturbation theory is applied to study P-violating and CP-violating matrix elements in the heavy one-valence-electron atoms rubidium, cesium, gold, and thallium. Results of calculations carried out to lowest and to first order starting from various potentials including the Dirac-Fock potential are given for each of the atoms considered. Energies of low-lying atomic states, atomic hyperfine constants, and amplitudes for allowed transitions are also calculated to aid in gauging the reliability of the predicted weak interaction matrix elements. A technique for treating the double sums occurring in relativistic second-order perturbation calculations is described. This technique, which is being used to extend the present calculations to second order, is illustrated in several examples.
A history of the American Board of Nuclear Medicine.

The American Board of Nuclear Medicine gave its first certifying examination in 1972 to 1,096 candidates. It was established with the support of the Society of Nuclear Medicine amid considerable conflict involving the American Board of Radiology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Pathology. As a result of the numerous parties involved, the initial formation of the Board was as a conjoint Board that required the approval of one of its sponsoring Boards for the acceptance of candidates for certification. Conflicting certifications were subsequently established, including the subspecialty certification in Nuclear Radiology by the American Board of Radiology and subspecialty certification in Radioisotopic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. In 1985, the American Board of Nuclear Medicine was finally relieved of the burden of conjoint Board status and became one of the primary Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. There are presetly 12 active members of the American Board of Nuclear Medicine, 40 living fife members who serve the Board, and 3 decreased life members. As of this date, the Board has certified 4,236 speciallsts in nuclear medicine and continues to grow and thrive.
Truncation error analysis by means of approximant systems and inclusion regions

A general approach to truncation error analysis is described, in which bounds for the truncation error are determined by means of inclusion regions, and the notion of bestness is meaningfully formulated. A new mathematical structure (approximant system) is introduced and developed. It consists of a family of infinite processes having a natural structure for truncation error analysis. Applications of the methods are included for infinite series, Cesaro sums, approximate integration, an iterative method for solving equations, Pade approximants and continued fractions.
A revised measure of sampling adequacy for factor-analytic data matrices.

A revised version of Kaiser's Measure of Sampling Adequacy for factor-analytic data matrices is presented.
Numerical Study of Turbulent Flow in a Tangentially Injected Swirl Generator

The swirl effects in inert and reacting flow systems have been studied for many years. Some processes have appreciated the presence of swirl while some have entitled to curtail the swirl. The swirl intensity is an important parameter in characterizing flows with swirl. In this study, the turbulent flow in a tangentially injected swirl generator was analyzed using commercial CFD software Fluent. The Reynolds numbers considered were 12,500, 15,300, and 30,600 for a fixed ratio of tangential to total momentum flux of 7.84. At Reynolds number 12,500, several cases with various injector configuration and momentum flux ratio were also studied. The numerical results were validated with available experimental data. The results showed that the flow in the generator can be classified into two regions, core and annulus. Reversed flow region was observed in all these cases. The swirl intensity was found to decay exponentially along the axial lengths. The simulations also showed that the swirl intensity was significantly affected by the momentum flux ratio and the Reynolds number.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Colorectal cancer: etiology and pathophysiology.

Abstract Much has been learned about the development of colorectal cancer. Risk factors appear to include genetic predisposition, nonspecific injury, precursor conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and adenomatous polyps, and diet. Epidemiologic studies strongly implicate the Western diet (high fat, low fiber) in development of colorectal cancer; this has been borne out by experimental studies that indicate that high fat intake "promotes" colorectal cancer while high fiber intake plays a "protective" role. The implications for dietary modification are clear. The fact that many colorectal cancers are locally invasive or distantly metastatic at diagnosis underscores the need for effective screening and earlier diagnosis. At present the best screening option is fecal occult blood testing; however, many problems are associated with its use, and the search for a specific, sensitive, and cost-effective screening mechanism continues. In the meantime, we must educate the public and the profession regarding early symptoms of colorectal cancer, the benefits of earlier diagnosis, and recommended screening protocols.
TH‐D‐351‐06: Comparison Between 2D Monte Carlo Modeled and Experimental Cone‐Beam CT X‐Ray Projections

Purpose: Fast and accurate modeling of cone‐beam CT(CBCT) x‐ray projection data can improve cone‐beam CT(CBCT)image quality either by conditioning projection data prior to image reconstruction or by supporting rigorous comparative simulation studies of competing image reconstruction and processing algorithms. In this study, we compare Monte Carlo‐ computed x‐ray projections with projections experimentally acquired from our Varian Trilogy CBCTimaging system for phantoms of known design. Method and Materials: Our recently developed Monte Carlo photon‐transport code, PTRAN, was used to compute primary and scatter projections for cylindrical phantoms of known diameter (CatPhan and NA model 76‐410) with and without bow‐tie filter and antiscatter grid for both full‐ and half‐fan geometries. The simulations were based upon measured 120 kVp spectra, beam profiles, and flat‐panel detector (4030CB) point‐spread functions. The beam‐stop array method was used to acquire scatter and SPR distributions from the OBI images. The biasing of scatter measurements due to the long detector PSF tails was corrected either by a lead mask or by deconvolution. Computed projections were compared to flat‐ and dark‐field corrected 4030CB images.Results: The simulated primary profiles agree with experiment within 3%, while the simulated scatter profiles agree within 8–10%. Both PSF measurements and mask measurements indicate that scatter radiation values can be biased by as much as 7% detector PSF tails. Conclusion: In agreement with the literature, the difference between simulated and measured projection data is of the order of 6–8%. Higher accuracy can be achieved mainly by improving the beam modeling and correcting the non linearities induced by the detector PSF. This project was supported in part by grants from Varian Medical Systems and NCI (R01 CA 75371).
An investigation of writing therapy for the adult aphasic: the world level.

Summary Two groups of aphasic male adults were matched on pre-Porch Index of Communicative Ability scores, age, educational level, and months post onest of left cerebral vascular accidents. The experimental group of eight aphasics received 20 sessions of writing therapy, which included (1) writing the alphabet from memory, (2) writing the names of mono-syllabic pictured objects, (3) writing mono-syllabic words to dictation, (4) writing mono-syllabic words to dictation, after each had been said three times by an experimenter, and (5) writing monosyllabic words to dictation, after each had been put into a sentence by an experimenter. The control group of six aphasics received a plan of multi-modality language therapy. This consisted of word level (1) auditory comprehension, (2) reading, (3) naming, (4) repeating, and (5) writing the names of pictured objects. Nonparametric statistical procedures yielded the following results : (1) the groups did not significantly differ on their post-tests, although the .05 level of significance was approached, (2) the experimental group obtained a significantly greater degree of improvement from pre- to post-tests than did the control group, and (3) the experimental group did not significantly respond in a differential manner to any of the five writing tasks. Concluding comments note the desirability of (1) the possible inclusion of a matched aphasic group which would not have received language therapy, and (2) additional studies which would systematically vary selected aphasia treatment parameters.
Components of cytochrome c oxidase detectable by EPR spectroscopy

A procedure for the preparation from frozen beef heart mitochondria of cytochrome c oxidase (EC 1.9.3.1) of high heme (⩽ 14 μmoles/mg protein) and low extraneous copper (⩽ 1.1 atoms Cu/mole heme) and low lipid (⩽ 0.05 g phospholipid/g protein) content is described. EPR signals observed with the enzyme between 6 and 100 °K at various states of oxidation and at different conditions of pH and presence of solutes are described in detail. The quantities of paramagnetic species represented by these signals are estimated. Under no conditions does the sum of the EPR detectable species represent more than approx. 50% of the potentially paramagnetic components of the enzyme. Comparisons are made to the corresponding signals as observed in whole tissue, mitochondria and submitochondrial particles from a number of species. The assignment of the observed signals to known components of cytochrome c oxidase is discussed briefly.
Ethnic differences in the hemodynamic mechanisms of ambulatory blood pressure regulation.

Abstract Background African Americans typically exhibit greater systemic vascular resistance (SVR) than do white individuals in response to laboratory challenges that raise blood pressure (BP). However, ethnic differences in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) regulation have not been examined. Methods We monitored ABP in a sample of 10 African American and 10 white men and women. Ambulatory cardiac impedance monitoring was used to assess cardiac output and SVR concurrently with each ABP reading. Results We found that SVR was a significant predictor of daily ABP variations in African Americans (P Conclusion For African Americans, SVR may play a more prominent role than for whites in the regulation of ABP during routine daily activities.