cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial metabolism and phosphate transport in proximal renal tubules.

In isolated rabbit cortical renal tubules, phosphate transport rates change in response to the metabolic demands for inorganic phosphate. The mechanisms involved in this association may be related to changes in cytosolic concentration of inorganic phosphate. The present studies were designed to manipulate mitochondrial metabolism and to measure the rate of phosphate transport under these conditions. The measured change in rates of oxidative phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions was used to calculate the effects on the cytosolic concentration of inorganic phosphate. First, malate (1 mmol/L) was added to suspensions of rabbit corticalrenal tubules to stimulate oxidative phosphorylation. This addition was associated with an increase in both oxidative phosphorylation and ouabain-sensitive dephosphorylation, but the effect on phosphorylation was greater and the calculated demand for cytosolic phosphate was increased. Under these conditions, isolated, perfused proximal convoluted tubules absorbed phosphate at a faster rate (6.9 ± 1.6 v 4.9 ± 1.0 pmol/mm/min; P 㰠0.05).Second, n butylmalonate (5 mmol/L) was added to suspensions of tubules to partially inhibit mitochondrial transport of anions and oxidative phosphorylation. This manipulation was associated with an equivalent decrease in both phosphorylation and dephosphorylation rates and no change in the demand for cytosolic phosphate. In perfused proximal convoluted tubules, fluid absorption was reduced but the phosphate transport rate was unchanged (5.3 ±.2 v 4.4 ±.9 pmol/mm/min). These data are consistent with the hypothesis that alterations in the cytosolic demand for inorganic phosphate participate in the regulation of the phosphate transport mechanism of proximal convoluted tubules.
A transparent model of the human scala tympani cavity

A dimensionally accurate clear model of the human scala tympani has been produced to evaluate the insertion and position of clinically applied intracochlear electrodes for electrical stimulation. Replicates of the human scala tympani were made from low melting point metal alloy (LMA) and from polymethylmeth-acrylate (PMMA) resin. The LMA metal casts were embedded in blocks of epoxy and in clear silicone rubber. After removal of the metal alloy, a cavity was produced that accurately models the human scala tympani. Investment casting molds were made from the PMMA scala tympani casts to enable production of multiple LMA casts from which identical models were fabricated. Total dimensional distortion of the LMA casting process was less than 1% in length and 2% in diameter. The models have been successfully integrated into the design process for the iterative development of advanced intracochlear electrode arrays at UCSF. These fabrication techniques are applicable to a wide range of biomedical design problems that require modelling of visually obscured cavities.
A ferroelectric-piezoelectric random access memory

A two-dimensional ferroelectric memory array is combined with a piezoelectric interrogation technique to provide a memory device with nonvolatile storage, random access, non-destructive readout and compatibility with integrated circuits. Binary information is stored as either a positive or negative polarization state in ferroelectric ceramic material and is read out by sensing the polarity of the piezoelectric response of the material. Calculations and experimental results are presented for a 5 word × 5 bits per word prototype device for which a complete logic and driving circuit has been designed and used. Switching characteristics, disturb pulse sensitivity, and changes with temperature are presented. Calculations show that word-to-word capacitive coupling will affect the maximum size of the memory and will probably limit the number of words per chip to approximately 25. No such limit exists on the number of bits per word.
Exploring the ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation pathway in yeast.

This article describes an undergraduate biochemistry laboratory investigating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in yeast. In this exercise, the enzyme β-galactosidase (β-gal) is expressed in yeast under the control of a stress response promoter. Following exposure to heat stress to induce β-gal expression, cycloheximide is added to halt translation, and β-gal degradation is monitored by measuring enzyme activity as a function of time. Students observe that an N-Ile-β-gal variant with an N-terminal isoleucine has a significantly lower stability than wild-type β-gal, whose N-terminal residue is methionine. This strong dependence of protein stability on the N-terminal residue is known as the “N-end rule.” To corroborate the enzyme activity assay results, students perform denaturing protein electrophoresis and immunoblotting of lysates, observing that the time-dependent loss of enzyme activity is coincident with the disappearance of the β-gal protein.
Brain tissue oxygen pressure, carbon dioxide pressure, and pH during hypothermic circulatory arrest

BACKGROUND This study evaluated brain tissue oxygen pressure (PO 2 ), carbon dioxide pressure (PCO 2 ), and pH in a patient during hypothermic circulatory arrest. METHODS A combined PO 2 , PCO 2 , and pH sensor was placed in cortex tissue. Brain temperature was then decreased to 17°C followed by circulatory arrest for 44 minutes during an endarterectomy of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. RESULTS Brain tissue PO 2 increased during brain cooling from 10 mmHg-30 mmHg and decreased to zero following exsanguination. During circulatory arrest, tissue PCO 2 increased to >200 mmHg and pH decreased to 6.0. Tissue PCO 2 and pH recovered during circulatory rewarming but the increase in PO 2 was delayed. Tissue parameters continued to improve during 2 days of postsurgical monitoring and were correlated with neurologic recovery. CONCLUSIONS These results show that brain tissue PO 2 , PCO 2 , and pH measures indicate the severity of ischemia during hypothermic cardiac arrest and recovery in the postoperative period.
Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in older children.

Sir .—We were pleased to see the recent study by Bonadio and associates 1 confirming our previous report that Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in older children. 2 In our study, six (21%) of 29 school-aged children with bacterial meningitis had H influenzae meningitis. Meningitis caused by H influenzae was not limited to younger children. Haemophilus influenzae was isolated in one of three 9-year-old children with bacterial meningitis, one of two 11-year-olds, and one of three 12-year-olds with bacterial disease. 2 Our findings and those of Bonadio and colleagues emphasize that empiric treatment ofpresumed bacterial meningitis in older children should include adequate coverage for H influenzae .
Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha Subunit mRNA Expression in Human Thymus: Augmented Expression in Myasthenia Gravis and Upregulation by Interferon-γ

Abstract Previous studies by us and others have demonstrated the expression of acetylcholine receptors on epithelial cells in the thymus of myasthenia gravis (MG) and control subjects. In the present experiments, we used a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to analyze the profile of the two major isoforms of the alpha chain of these receptors (AChRα), P3A−and P3A+, in thymus tissue obtained from MG and control subjects and a human thymic epithelial cell line (TEC9). In addition, using a semiquantitative RT-PCR, we compared the amounts of P3A−and P3A+mRNA expressed in thymic tissue obtained from these two sources and determined if their expression in TEC9 is modulated by cytokines. We found that mRNAs encoding P3A−and P3A+are expressed at approximately a 5:1 ratio in both MG and control thymus tissue. This contrasts with skeletal muscle where mRNAs encoding these isoforms are expressed equally. A pattern of preferential P3A−vs P3A+mRNA expression was also observed in TEC9. We observed 2.8-fold greater expression of both isoforms in MG than in control thymus. Expression of both isoforms in TEC9 was enhanced significantly by treatment with interferon-γ whereas IL-1α, IL-4, and IL-6 had no effect. Thus, there is differential regulation of AChRα variants in thymus and TEC relative to muscle and interferon-γ represents a novel regulator of AChRα mRNA expression. MG thymus is distinguished by increased expression of both isoforms of this autoantigen, a finding that may reflect enhancement of transcription by local microenvironmental factors.
Application of Bioelectric Impedance Methodology and Prediction Equations to Determine the Volume of Distribution for Ethanol

Abstract In large-scale epidemiologic studies of drinking behavior there is a need for simple and reliable estimates of the body water compartment of subjects. This, in turn, provides an estimate of the volume of distribution of ingested ethanol and a better estimate of tissue exposure levels than the use of total body weight as the volume of distribution for alcohol. The volume of distribution for ethanol (total body water, TBW) was estimated in a racially mixed group of 276 alcoholics and 166 nonalcoholics (aged 20–59 years) by means of bioelectric impedance methodology (BIA) and by means of prediction equations based upon age, body weight, and height. Estimations of mean TBW from BIA were found to be only slightly higher (1–40%) than those provided by the prediction equations. TBW values generated from both prediction equations were also highly correlated with TBW values obtained by impedance methodology, with the highest correlations observed in females (particularly black) and in alcoholics (particularly female).
An Analysis of Variance for Categorical Data

Abstract A measure of variation for categorical data is discussed. We develop an analysis of variance for a one-way table, where the response variable is categorical. The data can be viewed alternatively as falling in a two-dimensional contingency table with one margin fixed. Components of variation are derived, and their properties are investigated under a common multinomial model. Using these components, we propose a measure of the variation in the response variable explained by the grouping variable. A test statistic is constructed on the basis of these properties, and its asymptotic behavior under the null hypothesis of independence is studied. Empirical sampling results confirming the asymptotic behavior and investigating power are included.
Extracellular potassium modulation of drug block of IKr. Implications for torsade de pointes and reverse use-dependence.

Background Torsade de pointes often occurs with underlying hypokalemia and bradycardia. A common effect of many drugs producing torsade de pointes is block of the rapidly activating component of the cardiac delayed rectifier (IKr). In this study, we evaluated the effect of changing extracellular potassium ([K+]o) on IKr block by the nonspecific agent quinidine and by the specific IKr blocker dofetilide. Methods and Results IKr was measured in AT-1 cells, where contaminating outward currents are absent. The drug concentration producing 50% inhibition of IKr tails (IC50) was strikingly [K+]o-dependent. Elevating [K+]o from 1 to 8 mmol/L increased the IC50 for dofetilide block from 2.7±0.9 to 79±32 nmol/L and for quinidine block from 0.4±0.1 to 3.8±1.2 μmol/L. Conclusions (1) The increase in drug block with low [K+]o provides a mechanism to explain the link between hypokalemia and torsade de pointes. (2) Elevations in [K+]o occur with myocardial ischemia and with rapid pacing. Possible consequences of blunted drug block with high [K+]o include loss of drug efficacy with ischemia and with rapid pacing; the latter may contribute to “reverse use-dependent” action potential prolongation. Extracellular potassium is a critical determinant of drug block of IKr, with substantial clinical implications.
High-accuracy pipeline A/D convertor configuration

A novel pipeline A/D convertor configuration is proposed which appears to have some speed and accuracy advantages over earlier schemes. Circuits are also given for the compensation of the DC offset voltages of the input S/H stages, and for increasing the time available for signal acquisition.
Knight Shift in Single-Crystal Mercury

The Knight shift of the ${\mathrm{Hg}}^{199}$ nucleus in oriented single crystals of mercury has been measured at $T=1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K. The isotropic shift given in terms of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{Hg}}$, the resonant frequency of the ${\mathrm{Hg}}^{199}$ nucleus in the metal, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{D}}$, the resonant frequency of the deuterium nucleus, is $\frac{{({\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{D}})}_{293\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{K}}}{{({\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{Hg}})}_{1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{K}}}=0.83856\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00003$. The anisotropic Knight shift was measured and led to the result $\frac{({K}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}\ensuremath{-}{K}_{\mathrm{II}})}{{K}_{\mathrm{iso}}}=7.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3%$. Field-dependent oscillations of the Knight shift were not seen. Theoretical equations for the oscillation amplitude are discussed for particular oscillation frequencies in Hg and Sn.
486: Cognitive Impairment in Heart Failure: It Is More Than Just Depression

Cognitive Impairment in Heart Failure: It Is More Than Just Depression J.R. Festa, P.A. Shapiro, D.M. Mancini, E.R. Lantz, M.C. Deng, Y. Naka, R.M. Lazar, Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY; Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY; Medicine Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY; Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY; Neurosurgery, Columbia University Medical Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
Diode laser spectroscopy of BiH and BiD

Abstract The vibration-rotation spectra of the gas phase BiH and BiD molecules were recorded using a diode laser spectrometer. The direct reaction between the bismuth metal and hydrogen (or deuterium) provided the BiH (or BiD) molecules. The 1-0 fundamental band and several hot bands with Δν=1 were investigated. The rotational line positions obtained were fitted separately for the BiH and BiD molecules to Dunham energy level expressions to determine the spectroscopic constants. The Bi-H and Bi-D bond lengths were calculated to be 1.80867 and 1.80671 A, respectively.
Virtual Machine and Bytecode for Optimization on Heterogeneous Systems

We present a description of a virtual machine and byte code that have been designed around the goal of optimized execution on highly variable, heterogeneous hardware, instead of having goals such as small byte codes as was the objective of the Java Virtual Machine. The approach used here is to combine elements of the Dalvik virtual machine with concepts from the Open CL heterogeneous computing platform, along with an annotation system so that the results of complex compile time analysis can be available to the Just-In-Time compiler. We provide a flexible annotation format so that the set of annotations can be expanded as the field of heterogeneous computing continues to grow.
Stochastic Astrochemical Kinetics

I present the first stochastic treatment of the chemical evolution of dense molecular clouds. The stochastic simulation algorithm, based on the Monte Carlo method, is described, and the computed solutions are shown to agree well with those obtained from the corresponding deterministic model. This approach to astrochemical kinetics should form the basis for realistic and accurate modeling of astrochemical processes that are inherently stochastic, such as grain surface reactions.
The Basics of Yield Management

Yield-management systems have boosted revenue at many properties, but these electronic tools are not always compatible with the operating atmosphere of a hotel. If you want to introduce yield management at your property, you may need to make some changes first
Education as a predictor of quality of life outcomes among disadvantaged men

Higher educational levels along with other factors such as literacy and communication with physicians have been associated with better outcomes for men with prostate cancer, but little research has focused on the relationship of educational attainment to self-efficacy for interacting with physicians been conducted on its effect on self-efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among low-income, uninsured men. Data from 425 low-income, uninsured men with prostate cancer enrolled in UCLA's Men's Health Study were examined. We found that men with higher and lower education levels, including those who did not complete high school, had similar HRQOL and self-efficacy outcomes. Because of the close relationship between income and education, broader studies into the associations of these variables and prostate cancer outcomes are needed.
Extensions to and optimization of a mobile computational system for internet programming

Mobile computations are powerful tools that can enable efficient, reliable, and secure utilization of idle resources on large networks like the Internet. Native support for strongly mobile computations is an essential prerequisite for a user-friendly Internet programming language. In this work, we discuss further extensions and optimizations to our prototype Mobile Computational Model [7] that will take us a step further towards a full-fledged working system. Each of the tasks undertaken is non-trivial since it is complicated by considerations of strong mobility, heterogeneous architectures, and networks, within the constraints of the need for increased security and reliability.
SKIN RESISTANCE, SWEAT-GLAND COUNTS, SALIVARY FLOW, AND GASTRIC SECRETION: AGE, RACE, AND SEX DIFFERENCES, ANDINTERCORRELATIONS

Skin resistance, sweat-gland counts, salivary flow, gastric secretion, and pH were measured in volunteers and patients of both sexes, Negroes and Caucasians. Correlational analysis suggested two negatively related clusters: (A) salivary flow, sweat-gland counts, and gastric secretion; and (B) age, skin resistance, and pH. Skin resistance was higher in Negroes than Caucasians, and in females than males, increasing irregularly with age.
Uses of evaluation in a program to promote recovery from surgery

A critical multiplism evaluation approach guided the design, implementation, and assessment of a psychoeducational intervention for surgical patients.
Progressive facial hemiatrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome).

A case of progressive facial hemiatrophy occurring in a 7 year old girl is reported. The clinical features of this rare condition and the differential diagnosis are discussed. There is no specific treatment but cosmetic plastic surgery will be performed at a later date.
The Formulation of the Dependent Variable in the Wage Equation

In 1959 Dicks-Mireaux and Dow [2] set forth what might be termed an annual model of discrete wage adjustments. Essentially, their model could be considered as a method of accounting for the discrete nature of wage adjustments when explaining four quarter percentage changes in the aggregate wage level. In particular, under certain assumptions, it was shown that four quarter percentage changes in the aggregate wage level can be expressed as a function of regressors which are four quarter moving averages. The basic assumptions of their model were that wage agreements are negotiated- once every four quarters and that one-fourth of all such adjustments take place in each quarter. Further applications of their model of aggregation were given by Klein and Ball [4] and Perry [5], [6]. The purpose of this note is to demonstrate that the assumptions necessary for the minimization of the aggregation bias associated with the four quarter formulation of the wage variable are strong enough to enable us to employ a much less restrictive model. In particular, it is suggested that the wage variable be formulated as a one-quarter percentage change regardless of how frequently wage agreements are negotiated. Indeed, within this framework the basic assumptions concerning the frequency of wage negotiations
Absence of chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) predisposes to acute kidney injury but has minimal impact on recovery

Background CLIC4, a member of the CLIC family of proteins, was recently demonstrated to translocate to the nucleus in differentiating keratinocytes where it potentiates TGFβ-driven gene regulation. Since TGFβ signaling is known to play important roles in the fibrotic response to acute kidney injury, and since CLIC4 is abundantly expressed in kidney, we hypothesized that CLIC4 may play a role in the response to acute kidney injury.
The Name behind the Title: Joseph Whitaker—Still an Annual Affair

If one were to ask a person on the street to name a type of reference book, the answer, if the question were fully understood, would most likely be “an encyclopedia.” If pressed for five additional types, the respondent would undoubtedly include an almanac.
Evaluation of Columbia, USMARC-Composite, Suffolk, and Texel rams as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: I. Ewe productivity and crossbred lamb survival and preweaning growth.

A 3-yr study was conducted to com- prehensively evaluate Columbia, Suffolk, USMARC- Composite (Composite), and Texel breeds as terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system. The objective was to estimate breed-of-ram effects on ewe fertility, prolifi cacy, and dystocia, and sire breed effects on lamb survival and growth until weaning at approxi- mately 132 d of age. Data were from 22 Columbia, 22 Composite, 21 Suffolk, and 17 Texel rams with 957 exposures to 574 adult Rambouillet ewes (3- to 7-yr- old at lambing), 908 lambings, and 1,834 lambs. Ram breed did not affect ewe fertility (mean = 94.9%; P = 0.73), total number born per ewe lambing (mean = 2.02 lambs; P = 0.20), number born alive per ewe lamb- ing (mean = 1.90 lambs; P = 0.24), or number weaned per ewe lambing (mean = 1.45 lambs, P = 0.94). Dys- tocia rates were different (P = 0.01) for ewes mated to Columbia (12.2%), Composite (13.5%), Suffolk (25.7%), and Texel rams (31.9%) during 1 yr of the study, but differences among ram breeds were not repeatable (P ≥ 0.38) during the other 2 yr. Suffolk- sired lambs were heavier (P ≤ 0.02) at birth (5.5 kg) and weaning (40.3 kg) than lambs sired by the other breeds, which did not differ (P ≥ 0.34) for birth weight (mean = 5.3 kg). Texel-sired lambs (37.4 kg) were lighter (P ≤ 0.02) at weaning than Columbia- (38.8 kg) and Composite-sired (38.4 kg) lambs, which did not differ (P = 0.40) for weaning weight. Sire breed effect approached signifi cance (P = 0.06) for lamb survival to weaning; estimated survival probabilities were 0.87 (Columbia), 0.89 (Composite), 0.93 (Suf- folk), and 0.86 (Texel) for lambs reared by their birth dam. Interaction between sire breeds and birth weight affected (P < 0.001) lamb survival and revealed that lightweight Columbia- and Suffolk-sired lambs had a greater risk of death than lightweight lambs sired by Composite and Texel rams, but risk of death did not increase substantially for heavyweight lambs from any of the breeds. When mated to adult Rambouillet ewes in an extensive rangeland production system, the use of Suffolk rams is warranted to improve preweaning growth of market lambs and is not predicted to affect ewe fertility, ewe prolifi cacy, dystocia, or lamb surviv- al compared with the other sire breeds we tested.
Transducin activation by rhodopsin without a covalent bond to the 11-cis-retinal chromophore

Rhodopsin and the visual pigments are a distinct group within the family of G-protein-linked receptors in that they have a covalently bound ligand, the 11-cis-retinal chromophore, whereas all of the other receptors bind their agonists through noncovalent interactions. The retinal chromophore in rhodopsin is bound by means of a protonated Schiff base linkage to the epsilon-amino group of Lys-296. Two rhodopsin mutants have been constructed, K296G and K296A, in which the covalent linkage to the chromophore is removed. Both mutants form a pigment with an absorption spectrum close to that of the wild type when reconstituted with the Schiff base of an n-alkylamine and 11-cis-retinal. In addition, the pigment formed from K296G and the n-propylamine Schiff base of 11-cis-retinal was found to activate transducin in a light-dependent manner, with 30 to 40% of the specific activity measured for the wild-type protein. It appears that the covalent bond is not essential for binding of the chromophore or for catalytic activation of transducin.
Protein denaturation in nonlinear isocratic and gradient elution chromatography

Protein denaturation, common in hydrophobic adsorption systems, causes misinterpretation of adsorption mechanisms, interferes with analysis in analytical chromatography, and complicates the design of large-scale adsorption processes. A detailed adsorption model isolates the effects due to denaturation from those due to mass transfer and intrinsic adsorption kinetics. The model is verified using protein gradient elution data. Simulations establish that typical symptoms of denaturation in frontal and elution chromatogrrams include sensitivity to changes in feed composition, column length, particle size, and operating conditions (feed size, flow rate, and column history). When a denatured species adsorbs irreversibly, the elution chromatogram shows decreasing peak area with increasing incubation time and apparent adsorption hysteresis over repeated cycles. In gradient elution, the peak elution order, resolution, and relative peak height depend highly on modulator properties and operating conditions. Interfering species limit solid-phase induced denaturation by competing for binding sites. Strategies for detecting and minimizing denaturation are proposed.
Effects of pixel size on classification of microcalcifications on digitized mammograms

A database of 145 mammograms containing biopsy proven malignant or benign microcalcifications was digitized with a laser scanner at a pixel size of 35 micrometer by 35 micrometers. Digitization at larger pixel sizes was simulated by averaging adjacent pixels. The individual microcalcifications were segmented from the digital images with region growing and adaptive gray level thresholding techniques. The characteristics of the individual microcalcifications were analyzed with visibility descriptors and shape descriptors. The variations of visibility and shape of the microcalcifications in a cluster were evaluated by the standard deviation, the coefficient of variation, and the maximum of each of the descriptors. In addition, texture features were extracted from the spatial gray level dependence (SGLD) matrices in the region containing the cluster of microcalcifications. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to select features from the multidimensional morphological and texture feature space. Linear discriminant analysis was employed to classify the microcalcifications as benign or malignant based on the selected features using a cross-validation training and test method. The classification accuracy was evaluated by the area, Az, under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We varied the pixel size from 35 micrometers by 35 micrometers to 140 micrometers by 140 micrometers. The classification accuracy using morphological features decreased as the pixel size increased from 35 micrometers by 35 micrometers. In the texture feature space, the classification accuracy did not depend strongly on the pixel size. In the combined morphological and texture feature space, the classification accuracy also tended to decrease as the pixel size increased from 35 micrometer by 35 micrometer. The effect of spatial resolution on computerized classification depends on the features extracted for the classification task. We have not explored all possible features or feature parameters in this study and therefore the high spatial resolution information in the images may not have been fully exploited. Further studies to develop new features are being conducted and the impact of the spatial resolution needs to be further analyzed with a larger data set.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Simulated annealing for machine layout problems in the presence of zoning constraints

Abstract One of the assumptions behind the Quadratic Assignment Problem (QAP) formulation for machine layout problems is that any machine could be located to any of the available sites. However, it is quite common in manufacturing environments to find restrictions on the arrangement of machines (zoning constraints). Positive zoning constraints require that machines are located next to each other, while negative zoning constraints force certain machines not to be in close proximity. In this paper we address the machine layout problem in the presence of zoning constraints. The QAP formulation is appropriately modified to account for the existence of such constraints. Two distinct implementations of the Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithms, the Compulsion and the Penalty procedures, are proposed for the solution of the problem. Sensitivity analysis on the control parameters of the above procedures is performed. The computational results on the comparison of the above two methods favor the Compulsion procedure. The Penalty method, however, might still be appealing to layout designers due to the easiness of implementation for any type of zoning constraints. Finally, our computational results indicate that imposing cleverly generated restrictions (for example, machines with exceptionally large flow between them to be close together) on SA procedures for QAP formulations (i.e., machine layout problems with no zoning constraints) can significantly improve the solution effectiveness (i.e., lower total layout cost) of the SA algorithm for such problems.
Comparison of Two Commercial CAD Systems for Digital Mammography

I n late 2006, an outpatient imaging center began its conversion to digital mammography (DM). Part of this transition was a plan to purchase software for computer-aided detection (CAD) to assist in analysis of the digital mammography images. The preparation to purchase one of two systems included a comparison of several specifications, including DICOM compatibility and the ability of the systems to fit well into the digital mammography program of the imaging center. A small study was designed to determine whether one of the two different commercially available systems being considered [R2 ImageChecker (version 8.3.17) and iCAD Second Look (version 7.2-H)] was superior to the other for assisting in interpretation of digital mammography images from screening mammograms obtained with the newly installed General Electric Senographe DS unit. Patient images included in this study were given retrospective approval from the Institutional Review Board with waiver of informed consent for publication of the study results.
Bivalent vaccination of sex reversed hybrid tilapia against Streptococcus iniae and Vibrio vulnificus

Abstract Streptococcus iniae , a Gram-positive bacterium, and Vibrio vulnificus , a halophilic Gram-negative bacterium, have been associated with severe disease impacting tilapia aquaculture. Recent reports suggest that both bacteria have been associated independently and concomitantly with disease on commercial farms. Monovalent vaccines have been developed for disease control; however, the most effective delivery strategy has been via intraperitoneal (IP) injection. Due to handling stress and the cost associated with injecting each fish, a better strategy is to combine the monovalent vaccines into bivalent formulations. The objective of the present study was to test the ability of a killed bivalent S. iniae and V. vulnificus vaccine delivered by IP injection at protecting sex reversed hybrid tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus ) against challenge with each bacterium, independently. In two independent trials, vaccination of tilapia with the bivalent vaccine conferred protective immunity against V. vulnificus and S. iniae as demonstrated by significant differences (P V. vulnificus and 69 to 100% for S. iniae following challenge of bivalent vaccinated fish. Use of this bivalent formulation may be a cost-effective strategy to reduce losses in tilapia co-infected with these two important bacterial pathogens.
A multistage generalization of the rank nearest neighbor classification rule

Abstract We consider the problem of classifying an unknown observation from one of s (⩾ 2) univariate classes (or populations) using a multi-stage left and right rank nearest neighbor (RNN) rule. We derive the asymptotic error rate (i.e., total probability of misclassification (TPMC)) of the m -stage univariate RNN ( m -URNN) rule, and show that as the number of stages increases, the limiting TPMC of the m -stage univariate role decreases. Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the behavior of the m -URNN rule and compare it with the conventional k -NN rule. Finally, we incorporate an extension of the m -URNN role to multivariate observations with empirical results.
OC12.03: Visualization of the fourth ventricle in first trimester fetuses with a normal spine versus spina bifida

Objectives: Screening at 11–14 weeks is changing from a simple NT measurement to a comprehensive first trimester anomaly scan. However, the detection of open neural tube defect (NTD) before 14 weeks is still a challenge, since lemon and banana signs, used in second trimester ultrasound, are rarely present. Aim of the study is to seek for simple first trimester signs to alert the examiner for the presence of NTD. Methods: The midsagittal view of the face used for NT and nasal bone measurements was analyzed in normal fetuses and fetuses with NTD. The region between the brain stem and occipital bone, includes the 4th ventricle (intracranial translucency = IT), the choroid plexus of the 4th ventricle and the future cisterna magna. Results: In normal fetuses between 11–14 weeks there is an increase in the anterior posterior diameters of posterior fossa structures. Fetuses with NTD detected prospectively and retrospectively showed however abnormal values due to the downward shifting of the brain stem. Conclusions: In the plane used for NT measurement the evaluation of the posterior part of the brain between the brain stem and the occipital bone appears to be the clue in suspecting NTD at the 11–14 weeks scan. Further prospective studies are needed to find the sensitivity of these observations during routine screening.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Proximate Causation and the No Action Alternative Trajectory in Cumulative Effects Analysis

From the time it appeared in the 1978 regulations implementing the United States' National Environmental Policy Act, agencies have struggled with the concept of cumulative impacts in their environm...
Association of colors with warning signal words

Colors are used in warning messages in combination with signal words to attract the attention of users and to communicate to them the risk in using a product. Little attention has been paid to the effectiveness of color as a signal. Standards for the colors to be associated with different levels of hazards have not been based on empirical study. The experiments using semantic differential and free-association techniques reported here obtained responses from 261 college students regarding the relative effects of colors as signals of risk. The use of signal colors in the combinations suggested by various standards organizations was not well supported by the data. Suggestions for alternative approaches were made. These include use of shape components as part of the signal and the necessity for training of individuals in the nature of warning signals. Relevance to industry Industry often involves hazards requiring warnings. Signal words and colors are used to alert individuals to the hazard's severity. Correspondence of colors to the signal words and to the severity of the hazard should be that used by those individuals affected. Because this may not happen additional efforts are needed.
Separation Principles and the Axiom of Determinateness

Let Γ be a class of subsets of Baire space (ωω) closed under inverse images by continuous functions. We say such a Γ is continuously closed. Let , the class dual to Γ, consist of the complements relative to ωω of members of Γ. If Γ is not selfdual, i.e., , then let . A continuously closed nonselfdual class Γ of subsets of ωΓ is said to have the first separation property [2] ifThe set C is said to separate A and B. The class Γ is said to have the second separation property [3] ifWe shall assume the axiom of determinateness and show that if Γ is a continuously closed class of subsets of ωω and then(1) Γ has the first separation property iff does not have the second separation property, and(2) either Γ or has the second separation property.Of course, (1) and (2) taken together imply that Γ and cannot both have the first separation property.
Education For Living: Awareness and Creative Choice: (Alternatives to Drugs)

(1975). Education For Living: Awareness and Creative Choice: (Alternatives to Drugs) Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 7, Polydrug Abuse, pp. 49-58.
The stumptailed macaque as a model for androgenetic alopecia: Effects of topical minoxidil analyzed by use of the folliculogram

Abstract The use of the stumptailed macaque, which possesses hereditary balding characteristics similar in many respects to that of androgenetic alopecia in humans, enables us to obtain a morphometric assessment of the rate of cyclic change of the hair follicle. The analysis of folliculograms results in data that can determine the rate of cyclic progression (resting to regrowing phase, and regrowing to late anagen phase) and the overall change in follicular size. Topical minoxidil apparently activates the resting follicles in the bald scalp and stimulates their cyclic progression. It also increases DNA synthesis, resulting in relative enlargement of the growing anagen follicles. All minoxidil-treated animals had hair regrowth, although in varying degrees of restoration to the prebald condition and after varying durations of treatment. In general, the response was greater in the younger, early-bald stumptailed macaques compared with the older, advancedbald animals. The degree of response varied from regrowth of thicker, darker hairs over the entire bald area, with folliculograms showing corresponding large proportions of late anagen follicles, to the arresting of the balding process, with folliculograms showing maintenance of moderate populations of anagen follicles. Cessation of topical minoxidil treatment resulted in a renewal of the balding process, with folliculograms demonstrating increases in the proportion of resting follicles. This withdrawal from treatment apparently had no effect on hair regrowth during subsequent reapplications of minoxidil. Such treatment resulted in regrowth similar to that in the first treatment phase. Continuous treatment of topical minoxidil for 4 years has not resulted in systemic or local side effects in these animals.
Cohesive modeling of fatigue crack retardation in polymers: Crack closure effect

Abstract A numerical model of fatigue crack growth retardation in polymers induced by artificial crack closure is proposed. The approach relies on the combination of cohesive modeling and a contact algorithm incorporated in the wake of the advancing crack to account for the effect of the introduced wedge. Numerical results are compared with existing experimental observations, showing the ability of the cohesive model to capture the key features of wedge-induced crack retardation. A study is conducted to quantify the effects of relevant parameters such as applied load levels, wedge distance to the crack tip and wedge stiffness. The model is also discussed in the context of self-healing polymers [White SR, Sottos NR, Moore J, Geubelle PH, Kessler M, Brown E, et al. Autonomic healing of polymer composites. Nature 2001;409:794–7], where the wedging effect is associated with the polymerization of the healing agent.
Trustworthiness and self-interest

Abstract This essay discusses the benefits to a firm from morality – specifically trustworthiness – by exploring the analogy between firms and individuals. It identifies five factors that help to align trustworthiness and the interest of an individual: (1) reputation, (2) the social limits on how much trustworthiness demands, (3) uncertainty, (4) the ambiguities of self-interest, and (5) the role of trustworthiness in constituting an individual's interest. Each of these factors has analogues in the case of a firm, and the essay suggests the slightly paradoxical conclusion that in certain environments firms may serve the interests of their stakeholders by placing moral constraints on their actions.
Dissociative masked repetition priming and word frequency effects in lexical decision and episodic recognition tasks

Abstract After encoding a study list under either intentional or shallow incidental learning instructions, subjects received either a lexical decision or an episodic recognition task in which each target was preceded by a masked prime that was either the target itself or an unrelated item. The four main findings were: (1) For lexical decisions, a facilitatory masked repetition priming effect occurred for both intentionally and incidentally studied words and nonwords and for nonstudied words, but not for nonstudied nonwords. (2) For episodic recognition, a facilitatory masked repetition priming effect occurred for both intentionally and incidentally studied words and nonwords but for neither nonstudied words nor nonwords. (3) Lexical decision performance was better for high- than low-frequency words. (4) This word-frequency effect for lexical decisions was not attenuated by masked repetition priming but was attenuated by prior study of the target, even under conditions in which episodic recognition was equivalent for the low- and high-frequency words. These results were discussed in terms of Forster's (Language and Cognitive Processes 1 (1985), 87–108) relevant-search-set hypothesis and familiarity-based processing theories of repetition priming effects in the lexical decision task.
PMe3-induced CO insertion and CO deinsertion in the zwitterionic hydrocarbyl complex Co2(CO)4[μ-PhCC(H)PPh2CC(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)]: Syntheses and X-ray structures of Co2(CO)3(PMe3)[μ-PhC(CO)C(H)PPh2CC(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)] and Co2(CO)3(PMe3)[μ-PhCC(H)PPh2CC(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)]

Abstract Treatment of the zwitterionic hydrocarbyl compound Co2(CO)4[μ-PhC C(H)PPh2C C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)] (1) with PMe3 leads to CO insertion and formation of the acyl species Co2(CO)3(PMe3)[μ-PhC(CO) C(H)PPh2C C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)] (2). Compound 2 is unstable at elevated temperatures and loses CO to produce the PMe3-substituted compound Co2(CO)3(PMe3)[μ-PhC C(H)PPh2C C(PPh2)C(O)OC(O)] (3) as the major product. Compounds 2 and 3 have been isolated and characterized in solution by IR and NMR (13C and 31P) spectroscopies and in the solid state by X-ray diffraction analyses.
Interleukin-21 and T follicular helper cells in HIV infection: research focus and future perspectives

Interleukin (IL)-21 is a member of the γ chain-receptor cytokine family along with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15. The effects of IL-21 are pleiotropic, owing to the broad cellular distribution of the IL-21 receptor. IL-21 is secreted by activated CD4 T cells and natural killer T cells. Within CD4 T cells, its secretion is restricted mainly to T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and Th17 cells to a lesser extent. Our research focus has been on the role of IL-21 and more recently of Tfh in immunopathogenesis of HIV infection. This review focuses on first the influence of IL-21 in regulation of T cell, B cell, and NK cell responses and its immunotherapeutic potential in viral infections and as a vaccine adjuvant. Second, we discuss the pivotal role of Tfh in generation of antibody responses in HIV-infected persons in studies using influenza vaccines as a probe. Lastly, we review data supporting ability of HIV to infect Tfh and the role of these cells as reservoirs for HIV and their contribution to viral persistence.
Abstract PL08-03: Race and cancer treatment outcome: Roswell Park over 50 years

There is strong evidence that African Americans are at elevated cancer risk, compared to European Americans. In addition, it is generally accepted that African Americans face more aggressive disease, with poorer treatment outcome. Whether these differences reflect biologic factors inherent in lifestyle or genomic characteristics that affect risk and treatment outcome is not well understood. Racial differences in risk could reflect differences in exposure to environmental toxins, to diet, to physical activity or possibly obesity; they could reflect genetically determined physiologic or metabolic processes. Racial differences in treatment outcome could result from compliance with treatment directives, with stage at diagnosis, or with the quality of medical care or with the aggressiveness with which treatment is pursued; they could also be a product of genetically structured physiologic, metabolic or detoxification processes. Racial differences in quality of care could result from differences in the institutions from which African Americans and European Americans receive cancer care. To the degree that the quality of medical care is largely a function of the institution from which care is delivered, holding the institution constant should eliminate or greatly lessen racial differences. A comparison of the treatment outcomes of African Americans and European Americans at Roswell Park should lessen the likelihood that treatment differences would affect survival differences. Treatment differences would in all likelihood be minimized within a single institution; they would be conditioned by the disease site and stage of disease, rather than by institution-specific preferences. In addition, within a single institution, disease site, along with stage at diagnosis, age and gender could be held constant. We have used a number of patient data sets collected at Roswell Park over the past 50 years to compare treatment outcomes of African Americans and European Americans. We consider racial differences in mortality treated first as a dichotomy at 5 and at 10 years, and with the relative hazard of mortality examined by use of Cox proportional hazards analysis. We adjust for stage of disease at diagnosis, age and gender for comparison. We also consider effect modification by disease stage, age and gender. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):PL08-03.