cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A statistical perspective on data mining

Abstract Data mining can be regarded as a collection of methods for drawing inferences from data. The aims of data mining, and some of its methods, overlap with those of classical statistics. However, there are some philosophical and methodological differences. We examine these differences, and we describe three approaches to machine learning that have developed largely independently: classical statistics, Vapnik's statistical learning theory, and computational learning theory. Comparing these approaches, we conclude that statisticians and data miners can profit by studying each other's methods and using a judiciously chosen combination of them.
A gradient maintenance technique for seawater solar ponds

Seawater solar ponds are being evaluated as a means of reducing heat losses from thermal refuge areas in outdoor mariculture ponds during cold weather. The thermal refuge areas are intended to provide a reliable means of protecting fish crops from lethal cold water temperatures in the winter months. A continuous filling technique is demonstrated for use in gradient zone maintenance of the seawater solar ponds. The technique allows indefinite operation of the refuge areas with a minimal amount of fresh water.
Turnover of Ia-peptide complexes is facilitated in viable antigen-presenting cells: biosynthetic turnover of Ia vs. peptide exchange.

Abstract Macrophages and B cells process antigens to produce antigenic peptides that associate with class II major histocompatibility complex molecules (e.g., Ia molecules); these Ia-peptide complexes are recognized by CD4+ T lymphocytes. Processing of the antigen hen egg white lysozyme was inhibited by cycloheximide in peritoneal exudate cells (PECs, largely macrophages), but not in TA3 B-lymphoma cells. The uptake and metabolism of hen egg white lysozyme was largely intact in cycloheximide-treated PECs, implicating a blockade in other steps in the formation of Ia-peptide complexes. Turnover of Ia-peptide complexes was markedly enhanced in viable antigen-presenting cells (TA3 and PEC) as compared to such complexes studied on fixed cells or in isolated preparations of Ia and peptide. In B cells the half-life of Ia-peptide complexes was much shorter than the half-life of the Ia molecules, implying turnover of Ia-peptide complexes by dissociatin and peptide exchange. In PECs, the dissociation of Ia-peptide complexes was more limited; the enhanced Ia-peptide turnover in viable PECs reflected in part biosynthetic turnover of Ia molecules. Specific mechanisms may exist in TA3 cells to facilitate exchange of peptides bound to Ia, allowing recycling of Ia to present another antigenic peptide; such Ia recycling would explain the ability of these cells to process and present antigen in the absence of Ia synthesis.
Electroless Activator for Depositing Copper from Self-Assembled Palladium Nanospheres with Mesopores

This study reports the synthesis of mesoporous and self-assembled Pd nanospheres in the organized micellar template, sodium n-dodecyl sulfate, whose electrostatic regulation was adjusted by adding H + ions. These Pd nanospheres exhibit electrochemical characteristics and activity in the electroless deposition of copper when used as activators.
The tunneling dynamics of OC–H2O probed by infrared laser spectroscopy

Abstract The optothermal method has been used to record a rotationally resolved near-infrared spectrum of the carbon monoxide–water binary complex. The vibrational band studied here corresponds to the asymmetric O–H water stretch. All of the transitions in the spectrum are doubled, due to water tunneling within the complex. The present results are used, together with those obtained from previous studies of this complex, to draw several interesting conclusions about the nature of the tunneling dynamics in this system.
Modeling lattice heat-capacity contributions by a single-parametric phonon dispersion approach

Abstract A new phonon distribution model was developed to provide a precise and reliable equation for lattice heat capacity at constant volume, e.g. for the resolution of excess thermophysical properties. Because this equation has a single characteristic temperature as a parameter determined after assignment of the other parameters available from chemical, crystallographical and/or elastic information, it is relatively easy to fit the model to the experimental heat-capacity data. It is based on the harmonic oscillator model and, therefore, may require adjustment at high sub-ambient temperatures or super-ambient regions. Three FORTRAN IV computer programs provide convenient devices to calculate the apparent characteristic temperatures from given heat-capacity values, to calculate lattice heat-capacity values for given characteristic temperatures, and to compare the (model) predicted heat capacity with experimental heat-capacity values.
The effects of ascorbic acid and sodium propionate on the relative viability of a mutant ofDrosophila melanogaster

Food shortage resulting from crowding is a direct cause of reduced relative viability of theebony11 mutant ofD. melanogaster and this in turn is a major factor in reduction of the frequency of thee11 gene in cage populations. Since some insects require ascorbic acid and someebony mutants have been reported deficient in it, and since some doubt exists as to the presence of ascorbic acid in the food supply, a test was made to determine whether mutant inviability could be oftset by ascorbic acid. Substitution of ascorbic acid for live baker's yeast showed that dietary ascorbic acid has no effect on the relative viability ofe11/e11 or on the total yield of F2 progeny, either with or without sodium propionate.
Limited nuclease digestion of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein in nuclei.

Abstract We have used limited nuclease digestion of nuclei to probe the structure of nuclear ribonucleoprotein (nRNP). Analysis of [ 3 H]uridine-labeled heterogeneous nuclear RNA isolated from nuclease digested nuclei revealed preferential generation of discrete bands of RNA ranging in size from 1.5 × 10 5 to 6 × 10 5 daltons. The nuclease digestion pattern of nRNP differed from the nuclease digestion pattern obtained with chromatin in that the RNA bands generated in these experiments were transient, appearing only early in the course of digestion, and no stable nRNP monomer size was evident. Therefore, although nRNP may be organized in a regular configuration, nRNP structure differs considerably from the repeating subunit structure of chromatin.
Corneal thickness in Fuchs' dystrophy with and without epithelial oedema

Purpose To investigate whether the occurrence of epithelial oedema in Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy is associated with a particular corneal thickness or the extent of central corneal guttae. Methods Sixty-seven patients, aged 52-90 years, presenting in our clinic with Fuchs' dystrophy were divided on the basis of the presence or absence of epithelial oedema as determined by slit lamp examination. After exclusion of extreme cases, the 56 cases without oedema were compared with the 10 cases with oedema with respect to corneal thickness, measured by ultrasound pachymetry and corneal guttae diameter, obtained from the slit lamp examination. Results Mean corneal thickness was significantly higher (p = 0.002) in the oedematous group (mean = 0.682 mm) than in the group without epithelial oedema (mean = 0.624 mm). A corneal thickness greater than 0.650 mm was associated with a greater than 85% probability of oedema occurrence. Corneal guttae diameter did not differ significantly (p = 0.941) between the two groups and was not significantly correlated with corneal thickness (p = 0.269). Conclusion There is a demonstrable association between epithelial oedema and the measured thickness of the cornea.
Covenant and continuity: ethno-symbolism and the myth of divine election

Throughout history the myth of divine election - a community's collective belief in its nomination by the deity for a special destiny - has provided a supremely potent catalyst for social solidarity and political mobilization. Yet this sublime stimulator of ethnogenesis, comprehensive demarcator of ethnic identity, and durable guarantor of ethno-cultural preservation has been largely neglected by many of the most prominent scholars of nationalism who have often discounted the relevance of the myth of divine election with regard to modern nationalist movements. However, Anthony D. Smith has afforded considerable attention to the concept of chosenness and its significance for the nationalist project. This article will assess Smith's contribution to the subject and will examine how his ethno-symbolic approach has illuminated the ways in which ethnic groups have been infused by the myth of divine election. And, utilizing the ethno-symbolic perspective, this article will explore how this ineffable and persistent sense of providential destiny continues to influence modern communities and hence international politics.
Hypothyroidism in the Newborn

The major thyroid disease of the newborn is congenital primary hypothyroidism, which may be due to agenesis, or maldescent of the thyroid, or to an enzymatic deficiency in the synthesis of thyroxine. Secondary hypothyroidism (due to deficiency of TSH) and tertiary hypothyroidism (due to deficiency of TRH) are rare. Congenital hypothyroidism is an important cause of mental retardation that can be prevented with treatment. The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism has been fairly consistent worldwide at 1:4500 newborn infants. The relative prevalence of thyroid-related disorders established by the screening programs is summarized in Table 1. Screening of all newborns in this country has been under way for about 10 years. Screening is based on analysis of heel-stick-obtained blood collected on filter paper, at the age (3 days) when blood drops are collected for screening of other treatable disorders that can be detected during the newborn period (eg, phenylketonuria). In this article we will consider the etiology of congenital hypothyroidism, the collection of samples, the analyses to be done, the interpretation of results, the additional tests that may be needed, and the treatment of infants in whom hypothyroidism has been identified and confirmed. Neonatal thyrotoxicosis will also be discussed briefly. Etiology of Congenital Hypothyroidism The vast majority of cases of congenital hypothyroidism are sporadic.
Superelasticity, Shape Memory and Stability of Nitinol Honeycombs under In-plane Compression

Low density Nitinol shape memory alloy honeycombs were fabricated using a new Nb-based brazing method [1], which demonstrated enhanced shape memory and superelastic properties under in-plane compression [2]. Adaptive, light-weight cellular structures present interesting possibilities for design of new architectures and novel applications. This paper presents an overview of ongoing work to address the multi-scale stability of superelastic, thin-walled, SMA honeycombs and the need for design and simulation tools.
The DNA binding activity of p53 displays reaction-diffusion kinetics.

The tumor suppressor protein p53 plays a key role in maintaining the genomic stability of mammalian cells and preventing malignant transformation. In this study, we investigated the intracellular diffusion of a p53-GFP fusion protein using confocal fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. We show that the diffusion of p53-GFP within the nucleus is well described by a mathematical model for diffusion of particles that bind temporarily to a spatially homogeneous immobile structure with binding and release rates k1 and k2, respectively. The diffusion constant of p53-GFP was estimated to be Dp53-GFP = 15.4 μm2 s−1, significantly slower than that of GFP alone, DGFP = 41.6 μm2 s−1. The reaction rates of the binding and unbinding of p53-GFP were estimated as k1 = 0.3 s−1 and k2 = 0.4 s−1, respectively, values suggestive of nonspecific binding. Consistent with this finding, the diffusional mobilities of tumor-derived sequence-specific DNA binding mutants of p53 were indistinguishable from that of the wild-type protein. These data are consistent with a model in which, under steady-state conditions, p53 is latent and continuously scans DNA, requiring activation for sequence-specific DNA binding.
The structure of low-lying excitations in a new integrable quantum chain model

An integrable quantum chain model is constructed, describing the isotropic interaction of generalized “spins” transforming in the symmetric representations of SU(N). The model is diagonalized exactly by the quantum inverse method. We identify its ground state and low-lying excited states in the anti-ferromagnetic regime, and derive the S-matrix for scattering of the elementary excitations in the singlet and adjoint tensor channels.
Comparison of the Kinetic Rate Law Parameters for the Dissolution of Natural and Synthetic Autunite in the Presence of Aqueous Bicarbonate Ions

Abstract This research evaluated the effect of aqueous hydrogen carbonate solutions on the uranium rate of release from natural Ca-autunite and quantified the process kinetic rate law for a better prediction of the stability of autunite-group minerals. Testing was accomplished via a single-pass flow-through (SPFT) apparatus using buffered aqueous bicarbonate solutions (0.0005 to 0.003 M) at temperatures of 23–90 °C and pH values of 7–11. The release rate of uranium from Ca-autunite was directly correlated to increasing concentrations of hydrogen carbonate solutions and showed strong pH dependency. Ca-autunite kinetic rate law parameters were compared to the values obtained for synthetic Na-autunite. The power law coefficient and intrinsic rate constant were higher at pH 9–11 for Ca-autunite than for Na-autunite. The lower stability of Ca-autunite was attributed to the high Ca-autunite surface cracking, fractures and basal plane cleavages as compared to Na-autunite and the combined effect of the formation of aqueous uranyl–carbonate and calcium uranyl carbonate species as a driving force for uranium(VI) detachment and the formation of secondary Ca–P hydroxyapatite and uranyl phosphate mineral phases as a driving force for phosphate and calcium detachment controlling the net release of elements.
In defense of corporate myopia

Much has been written recently about the decline of US industrial competitiveness in world markets.' In fact, two members of President Clinton's economic policy team, Laura Tyson and Robert Reich, have written about the need to improve American productivity, focusing on high-tech R& D and worker skill upgrading. A major focus of both popular and professional writings on the problems of American business has been the alleged short-term orientation of American firms relative to European and, especially, Japanese companies. The first Annual Report to the President and Congress by the Competitiveness Policy Council (Chaired by economist C. Fred Bergsten) stated that one of the most important causes of declining competitiveness 'is America's proclivity to think and act with a short-term horizon. By contrast, our competitors around the world plan and execute their actions against far more extended time horizons.'2 This 'corporate myopia'-too narrow a focus on short-term profits-has been linked to US tax and antitrust policy, takeover laws, the lack of lifetime tenure at US firms, and a culture of greed. Proposals have been made for government policy to modify this behavior.3 Granting, for our purposes, the existence of this myopia -which can be seen as a higher rate of time preference (or subjective discount rate) by US corporate decision makers relative to those in Europe and Japan-the question we raise in this paper is the following: 'Would there be an unambiguous gain from a move to a longer-term view by US business?' This paper suggests some caution, noting as a point of departure that those countries in which a longer-term business perspective is applauded by US observers tend also to be those in which collusion, tacit or otherwise, has seemed to be an ingrained part of the business culture. Coincidence? A sociological phenomenon? Perhaps, but this paper offers an alternative explanation. The point is that an emphasis on short-run profits by American firms may have contributed to the generally competitive environment of most US industries. While others have expressed concern about the anti-competitive implications of cooperative activities in the RD one could certainly object to the intervention of government into corporate decision making on other grounds as well.
Total syntheses of damirone A and damirone B

Abstract The first total syntheses of the tricyclic alkaloids damirone A and damirone B have been achieved starting from 6,7-dimetholxyindole.
COMBINATION OF GANCICLOVIR AND GRANULOCYTE-MACROPHAGE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR IN THE TREATMENT OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS RETINITIS IN AIDS PATIENTS

The efficacy and safety of a combination of ganciclovir plus GM-CSF was evaluated in AIDS patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis. In phase A, patients were randomized to receive ganciclovir, 5 mg/kg every 12 h for 14 days followed by 5 mg/kg daily, with (n=24) or without (n=29) GM-CSF (1–8 µg/kg daily subcutaneously) to maintain absolute neutrophil counts between 2500 and 5000 cells/µl. In phase B, after 16 weeks zidovudine was added to the regimen of 16 patients receiving ganciclovir plus GM-CSF and 20 receiving ganciclovir alone. At this stage, GM-CSF was added to the treatment protocol of any patient receiving ganciclovir plus zidovudine who became neutropenic. In phase A, patients in the ganciclovir plus GM-CSF group had significantly higher neutrophil counts than ganciclovir-alone patients (p=0.0001). Overall, 12.5 % of patients treated with GM-CSF developed neutropenia (absolute neutrophil counts<500/µl phase A and<750/µl phase B) compared with 45 % of patients treated without GM-CSF. GM-CSF patients missed 10 of a possible 4705 scheduled doses of ganciclovir compared with 34 missed doses of a possible 6584 in the ganciclovir-alone group (p=0.011). There was a trend, although not statistically significant, for patients in the GM-CSF group to experience delayed progression of their retinitis. There was no consistent evidence that GM-CSF stimulated the proliferation of cytomegalovirus or human immunodeficiency virus in the GM-CSF group compared with patients receiving ganciclovir alone. The addition of GM-CSF to standard ganciclovir therapy for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis reduced the haematological toxicity of the antiviral drug and allowed closer adherence to the dosage schedule. In addition, patients were able to receive concomittant zidovudine therapy.
Measurement of electrical properties of contaminated soil1

We present the measured dielectric constant and conductivity of soil samples contaminated by diesel oil. Measurements of the electrical properties of contaminated soil were carried out using a guarded‐electrode sample holder and a parallel‐plate sample holder in the frequency range 2–250 MHz. Two different soil samples were measured. Both the dielectric constant and the conductivity of the contaminated soils and uncontaminated soils are compared. The measurement results show that the change in the dielectric constant of soils before and after diesel oil contamination is small but significant. These results provide a basis for using ground‐penetrating radar or other high‐frequency electromagnetic sensors in the detection of soil contamination.
Differential monocyte responses to TLR ligands in children with autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairment in social interactions, communication deficits, and restricted repetitive interests and behaviors. Recent evidence has suggested that impairments of innate immunity may play an important role in ASD. To test this hypothesis, we isolated peripheral blood monocytes from 17 children with ASD and 16 age-matched typically developing (TD) controls and stimulated these cell cultures in vitro with distinct toll-like receptors (TLR) ligands: TLR 2 (lipoteichoic acid; LTA), TLR 3 (poly I:C), TLR 4 (lipopolysaccharide; LPS), TLR 5 (flagellin), and TLR 9 (CpG-B). Supernatants were harvested from the cell cultures and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses for IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha, MCP-1, and GM-CSF were determined by multiplex Luminex analysis. After in vitro challenge with TLR ligands, differential cytokine responses were observed in monocyte cultures from children with ASD compared with TD control children. In particular, there was a marked increase in pro-inflammatory IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha responses following TLR 2, and IL-1beta response following TLR 4 stimulation in monocyte cultures from children with ASD (p<0.04). Conversely, following TLR 9 stimulation there was a decrease in IL-1beta, IL-6, GM-CSF, and TNFalpha responses in monocyte cell cultures from children with ASD compared with controls (p<0.05). These data indicate that, monocyte cultures from children with ASD are more responsive to signaling via select TLRs. As monocytes are key regulators of the immune response, dysfunction in the response of these cells could result in long-term immune alterations in children with ASD that may lead to the development of adverse neuroimmune interactions and could play a role in the pathophysiology observed in ASD.
Laser-driven electron cyclotron autoresonance accelerator with production of an optically chopped electron beam.

Analysis is presented of the gyroresonant acceleration of electrons in a vacuum using a focused laser. Continuous and equal acceleration is shown for electrons injected at all optical phases over an interaction length of tens of centimeters. Beam stalling is avoided as beam energy increases. Acceleration from 50 to 178 MeV is predicted for a 4 TW, 10.6-\ensuremath{\mu}m laser focused to a waist radius of 1.0 mm; these parameters correspond to a planned experiment. A beam stop with an off-axis hole after acceleration is shown to create a train of optically chopped bunches with 3-fs bunch lengths and a 35-fs period.
Improving teleoperation: reducing mental rotations and translations

We consider teleoperation in which a slave manipulator, seen in one or more video images, is controlled by moving a master manipulandum. The operator must mentally transform (i.e., rotate, translate, scale, and/or deform) the desired motion of the slave image to determine the required motion at the master. Our goal is to make these mental transformations less taxing in order to decrease operator training time, improve task time/performance, and expand the pool of candidate operators. In this paper, we introduce a framework for describing the transformations required to use a particular teleoperation setup. We analyze in detail the mental transformations required in an interface consisting of one camera and display. We then expand our discussion to setups with multiple cameras/displays and discuss the results from an initial experiment.
A moment methodology for coagulation and breakage problems: Part 3—generalized daughter distribution functions

Abstract Population balances for simultaneous coagulation and breakage (and their analogs, e.g., polymerization and depolymerization) are employed in describing many systems including aerosols, powders and polymers, and many unit operations including reactors, crystallizers, and size reduction/enlargement equipment. The birth term for the breakage process is usually formulated in terms of a distribution of breakage products known as the daughter distribution. There are many daughter distribution forms proposed in the literature in part because these distributions are notoriously difficult to determine experimentally. Here, a generalization of these forms is developed for multi-particle breakup which has the flexibility to represent a wide variety of distribution shapes. The simplicity of the generalized expression renders the population balance equations for simultaneous coagulation and breakage accessible to analytical attack, leading to an analytical expression for the fine end of the steady-state product size distribution. This expression has potential utility in both design and analysis of experiments aimed at measuring daughter distribution parameters.
Bendamustine therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Background: Bendamustine is now approved in the US for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and is currently being explored in the treatment of several solid tumor types. Objective: The bi-functionality of bendamustine was used to provide a therapeutic understanding of both its benefit as well as adverse effects. Methods: Pertinent biochemistry and molecular biology pathways are reviewed with regards to bendamustine activity. In view of these pathways bendamustine was reviewed in human clinical trials. Results/conclusion: Bendamustine combines alkylating properties with purine analogue properties making it an effective drug in chronic lymphocytic leukemia where agents that affect these pathways have proven useful. There is limited evidence of cross-reactivity with this agent and other pure purine analogues and alkylators.
Treatment of community-acquired pneumonias

Community-acquired pneumonia resulting in hospitalization may have a mortality rate of 10 to 25 percent. The exact incidence of community-acquired pneumonia is unknown because it is not a reportable disease. The etiologic spectrum appears to be changing. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes most of the cases; the rank ordering of other pathogens is uncertain. With the exception of Legionella, colonization of the upper respiratory tract usually precedes clinical pneumonia. Subtle aspiration of the posterior pharyngeal flora accounts for the majority of pneumonias. The need for prompt antibiotic therapy mandates an efficient approach to diagnosis, although it is often difficult to establish a precise etiology. Empiric therapy is often initiated prior to an etiologic diagnosis, and should be as specific as possible. Initial choice of therapy is dictated by the clinical presentation (e.g., "bacterial-like" or "viral-like"), inquiries into the possibility of aspiration or gram-negative pneumonia, and the results of gram-stain examination. When the clinical presentation and Gram-stain results are consistent with pneumococcal pneumonia, penicillin is the drug of choice. A more obtuse presentation in an otherwise healthy patient may call for erythromycin to cover Legionella and Mycoplasma. "Marginally compromised" hosts, such as alcoholics, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and elderly nursing home patients, may require empiric broad-spectrum cephalosporin therapy for the first few days. Prevention of pneumonia using available vaccines must be emphasized.
Diversity of LEF/TCF action in development and disease

Lymphoid enhancer factor/T cell factor proteins (LEF/TCFs) mediate Wnt signals in the nucleus by recruiting beta-catenin and its co-activators to Wnt response elements (WREs) of target genes. This activity is important during development but its misregulation plays a role in disease such as cancer, where overactive Wnt signaling drives LEF/TCFs to transform cells. The size of the LEF/TCF family is small: approximately four members in vertebrates and one orthologous form in flies, worms and hydra. However, size belies complexity. The LEF/TCF family exhibits extensive patterns of alternative splicing, alternative promoter usage and activities of repression, as well as activation. Recent work from numerous laboratories has highlighted how this complexity has important biological consequences in development and disease.
Impact of Left-Turn Spillover on through Movement Discharge at Signalized Intersections:

While the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) 2000 does provide a separate procedure to estimate the back of queue for a lane group, its signalized intersection analysis procedure does not explicitly account for the impact to through movement traffic as a result of left-turn bay spillover. If the HCM methodology is used for an analysis of an intersection approach where left-turn spillover interferes with the discharge of through vehicles, the estimated delay results, and corresponding level of service, will be overly optimistic. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the factors that significantly affect left-turn lane spillover and develop a model, or models, to predict the expected through movement capacity and discharge rate as a function of this spillover. Two approaches were used in this study: an analytical approach that developed a probability of leftturn spillover equation to incorporate into a capacity estimation equation, and an empirical approach incorporating the use of microsimulation t...
Mlh1 mediates tissue-specific regulation of mitotic recombination.

Mitotic recombination (MR) between chromosome homologs in somatic cells is a major pathway to the loss of heterozygosity (LOH), which may cause cancer if tumor suppressor genes are involved. MR can be suppressed by DNA sequence heterology (homeology) in hybrid mice from matings between species or between subspecies. We now report that MR is relatively suppressed in F1 hybrids between inbred strains C57BL/6 and 129S2. The frequency of MR in fibroblasts is lower in F1 hybrid mice than in either of the two parental strains. However, MR in T cells is not affected by strain background. Thus, relatively small genetic differences are capable of restricting MR in a tissue-specific manner. Using Mlh1-deficient mice, we tested the role of mismatch repair in MR in two isogenic cell types. In fibroblasts of C57BL/6 × 129S2 F1 mice, the suppression of MR is alleviated in the absence of MLH1. In contrast, MR is not affected by Mlh1 status in T cells. The frequency of point mutations at the reporter gene loci Aprt and Hprt, on the other hand, is significantly increased in both T cells and fibroblasts of Mlh1−/− mice. Thus, different cell types respond differently to MLH1 deficiency, and the contribution of MR to tumorigenesis may be tissue-dependent in the absence of mismatch repair.
A pilot investigation of parents’ questions about print and pictures to preschoolers with language delay:

Twelve parents and their language-delayed children were videotaped during a shared storybook reading. Parents’ questions were coded as referencing print or pictures. Whereas questions about pictures were found to be numerous, questions about print were nearly nonexistent. Moreover, parents’ questions about pictures were found to correlate negatively with children’s expressive vocabulary skills.
A Sequence of Outbursts from the Transient X-Ray Pulsar GS 0834-430

GS 0834-430, a 12.3 s accretion-powered pulsar, has been observed in seven outbursts with the BATSE large-area detectors on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. The first five outbursts observed by BATSE occurred at intervals of about 107 days, while the final two outbursts were separated by about 140 days. The photon energy spectrum, measured by Earth occultation in the 20-100 keV band, can be fitted by a power law with photon index α ≈ -3.7 or by an exponential spectrum with temperature kT ≈ 15 keV, with some variations within outbursts. The source has a low pulse fraction, ≾ 0.15 in the 20-50 keV band. We have observed significant temporal and energy-dependent variations in epoch folded pulse profiles. Because the intrinsic torque effects for this system are at least comparable to orbital effects, pulse timing analysis did not produce a unique orbital solution. However, confidence regions for the orbital elements yielded the following 1 σ limits: orbital period P_(orb) = 105.8 ± 0.4 days and eccentricity 0.10 ≾ e ≾ 0.17. GS 0834-430 is most likely a Be/X-ray binary.
Unequal saccades generated by velocity interactions in the peripheral oculomotor system

Abstract Experiments with precision eye movement recordings show binocularly unequal saccades to be present under several stimulus conditions having as a common theme ongoing low velocities at the times of the saccades. Simulations using a model of eye muscles and eyeball dynamics reproduce these unequal saccades in quantitative agreement with the experimental findings. The model uses equal innervation for the saccades, and demonstrates a peripheral interaction between the muscle forces and the eye velocities to be the cause of the large inequality of the simulated binocular saccades. Thus, the simulations provide evidence that Hering's law continues to describe the innervation patterns to corresponding muscles producing these binocularly unequal saccades found in the experimental situation.
Obstructive Jaundice Alters Kupffer Cell Function Independent of Bacterial Translocation

Abstract Background.There is a high incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients with obstructive jaundice. The absence of bile in the gastrointestinal tract promotes bacterial overgrowth and the increased translocation of bacteria and endotoxin to the liver which has been postulated to inhibit Kupffer cell function in these patients. But, biliary tract obstruction can directly damage liver cells and thus alter their function. Thus, we hypothesized that obstructive jaundice alone alters Kupffer cell function independent of the effects of bacterial translocation. This study was designed to evaluate the contribution of bacterial translocation to the altered Kupffer cell function observed in patients with obstructive jaundice. Methods.Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to three groups of six animals each. Group 1 underwent common bile duct ligation with intestinal bile salt replacement (sodium taurocholate 100 mg/kg/day) via gastrostomy and an implantable osmotic pump (CBDL + bile salts), Group 2 underwent common bile duct ligation with normal saline replacement (CBDL + saline), and Group 3 underwent a sham operation (sham control). After 7 days, tissue and blood were collected for bacterial translocation and biochemical analyses. Examination of cultured Kupffer cell function included measuring the phagocytosis of heat-killedCandida albicansand endotoxin (LPS)-induced TNFα and nitric oxide production. Results.While bacterial translocation and cecal bacterial counts were significantly increased in the CBDL + saline group, these parameters were both reduced to control levels following intestinal bile salt replacement (CBDL + bile salts). Altered Kupffer cell function, as measured by the increased phagocytosis ofC. albicansand LPS-induced NO production, and decreased LPS-induced TNFα production were observed in all animals with obstructive jaundice regardless of bile salt replacement. Conclusion.Kupffer cell function appears to be differentially affected by obstructive jaundice and these altered functions can occur independent of bacterial translocation.
Clarifying the Instructor's Role in Online Distance Learning.

Experiencing an increased demand for college courses taught over the World Wide Web, universities often encourage faculty to teach courses online. However, the role of the online distance learning (ODL) instructor is ambiguous and often ill defined. This ethnographic case study explores communication processes that affect the roles of the ODL instructor. Interactions among six lead faculty, 18 online mentors, and their students were investigated through multiple methods. Many communication skills required of the ODL instructor are similar to those needed for effective classroom teaching. On the other hand, the online instructor's role does require a paradigm shift regarding instructional time and space, virtual management techniques, and the ability to engage students through virtual communication.
Mammary tumors induce select cognitive impairments.

Cancer, in addition to many other chronic diseases, is associated with serious and problematic behavioral symptoms, including cognitive impairments. In humans, various factors likely contribute to cancer-associated cognitive deficits including disease awareness and chemotherapy; however, the endogenous biological factors arising from tumor development may also play a causal role. In the present study, rats with mammary tumors exhibited impaired spatial reference memory on a radial arm maze and amnesia for familiar objects in an object recognition memory test. In contrast, their performance in the Morris water maze and in fear conditioning tests was comparable to that of controls. These select cognitive impairments were accompanied by elevations in hippocampal interleukin-1β mRNA expression, but were not associated with decreases in hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression. Together the results indicate that peripheral tumors alone are sufficient to induce increases in hippocampal cytokine expression and select deficits in hippocampal-dependent memory tasks.
Estimation of the propagation delay through the troposphere from microwave radiometer data

Microwave propagation delay through the troposphere is studied as a means of estimating the adverse effect of atmospheric water vapor on the accuracy of measurements made with very long baseline interferometry. Vertical profiles of temperature and water vapor density were obtained from a total of 240 radiosonde launches taken simultaneously at three New England locations in 1974; all studies were made at the 19 and 22.2 GHz frequency operating range of the radiometers. The wet path length in the zenith direction could be estimated from the surface water vapor density to an accuracy of 5 cm for the summer data and 2 cm for winter data, and with the brightness temperatures, it could be estimated to an accuracy of 0.3 cm. Two dual-frequency radiometers were also used to determine the accuracy of prediction of the path length from real radiometry data. The rms error for the estimation of wet path length from surface meteorological parameters was 3.2 cm, and for the radiometer brightness temperatures the rms error was 1.5 cm.
Contaminant Migration From Polymeric Pipes Used in Buried Potable Water Distribution Systems: A Review

Polymeric pipes are increasingly being installed in water distribution systems because of their many advantages. Contaminant migration from polymer pipes into drinking water is a growing concern in the United States and environmental engineers are evaluating the role of these materials on water quality, system operation, and regulatory compliance. To aid these efforts and serve as a source of background information, the authors critically review available literature on polymeric potable water pipes in use, known contaminants released from in-service and new piping, and their perceived sources, and outline future challenges in the United States and abroad.
Optimal prices and order quantities when temporary price discounts result in increase in demand

Abstract Suppliers often offer temporary price discounts to retailers. The discount motivates retailers to increase their order quantity and offer a discount to their customers to increase demand and profit. In this paper the change in price and the resulting change in demand and their effect on inventory policy and total profit is analyzed simultaneously to determine retailer's optimal price and optimal ordering policies. The simultaneous analysis considers the joint effect of marketing and inventory policies on profits and prohibits the suboptimality that is inherent in the customarily serial treatment of these policies. This paper uses a general price-demand relationship and develops general models for determining optimal price and order quantity. Any specific price-demand relationship may be substituted in these models to determine the optimal price and optimal order quantity for specific cases.
Institutionalism, Intergovernmentalism and European Integration: A Review Article

Books reviewed in this article: W. Sandholtz and A. Stone Sweet (eds), European Integration and Supranational Governance K. Armstrong and S. Bulmer, The Governance of the Single European Market A. Moravcsik, The Choice For Europe: Social Purpose and State Power from Messina to Maastricht
P2N: a pedagogical pattern for teaching computer programming to non-CS majors

We introduce a new method for non-computer-science majors to learn computer programming, in order to quickly prepare them for their own major study or research work. Traditional computer science programs ignore the need for such quick training, forcing them to take several semesters and many foundation courses with computer-science (CS) majors. Because those students lack sufficient background knowledge, they cannot achieve the education goal as a CS graduate may have in those courses. On the other hand, the existing entry-level training focuses on the systematic study of fundamental materials for the long-term CS career. It lacks attraction to students who are pursuing immediate support for their specified applications. An effective approach is needed to attract non-CS majors and to keep them working hard on those materials with a significant technical depth. Loops are one of the basic programming structures but we often overlook the challenge in its learning process. By using our practice at West Chester University as an example, we demonstrate the challenges as well as our success for our non-CS majors to quickly learn to develop loops correctly. On one hand, we adopt the disciplined training model with many subtasks that is commonly used in China m order to cover all the required materials. On the other hand, we adopt the model that is commonly used in American classes and use commercial off-the-shelf products, games, work templates, etc. in order to help students form the abstractions, understand the corresponding materials, gain the appropriate skills, and achieve each intermediate task goal. This pattern provides a solution for a complex education problem in a short time scale.
Ozone-reactive absorption by pulmonary epithelial lining fluid constituents.

Previous studies have suggested that the rate of inhaled O3 absorption from the intrapulmonary gas phase is principally mediated by reaction-dependent mechanisms rather than by physical solubility, tissue diffusion, or blood flow (Postlethwait et al., 1994, Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 125, 77-89). The initial site of interaction between O3 and the lung surface occurs at the gas/liquid interface of the epithelial lining fluid (ELF). Therefore, we investigated (a) whether reactive uptake by ELF constituents could account for pulmonary uptake and (b) whether selected constituents acted as O3-specific absorption targets. Rat ELF was harvested by bronchoalveolar lavage. By injecting the same lavage fluid a second {(BALF)2} and/or third {(BALF)3} time into fresh lungs, a more concentrated form of ELF was obtained. Controlled quasi-steady-state exposures (O3 in air; 30-min duration) of cell-free BALF and model substrates (reduced glutathione, GSH) were utilized. Results were based on temperature-specific fractional and normalized uptake rates (r). We observed the following: (1) Buffer pH substantially influenced O3 absorption by GSH but by BALF only modestly. (2) Uptake displayed significant [BALF] and [GSH] dependence. (3) Fractional uptake decreased (BALF and GSH) with increasing [O3] although absolute uptake increased. (4) Absorption demonstrated temperature dependence. Arrhenius plots {In(r) vs 1/T} were used to compute activation energies (Ea) and Q10. (BALF)1Ea = 3387 cal/g mol with Q10 = 1.20. GSH (1 mM) Ea = 2240 with Q10 = 1.13. (5) Increasing flow reduced fractional uptake in a nonlinear fashion. (6) Dialysis (1000-molecular-weight cutoff) reduced uptake by (BALF)1 moderately (−30%). Sulfhydryl depletion produced minimal effect (−10%), while ascorbate depletion (−37%) and combined sulfhydryl and ascorbate depletion (−39%) were the most effective. Treatments produced lesser effects on (BALF)3. We conclude that the pH, aqueous substrate, and temperature-dependence and the Ea and Q10 are consistent with reaction-dependent O3 uptake by ELF. The analogous absorption characteristic between the ELF and intact lung (temperature, [O3], contact time) suggests that the ELF represents the primary site for O3reactive absorption. Reduced sulfhydryls do not appear to substantially interact with inhaled O3. Principal absorption targets may include ascorbate, phospholipids, and other moderate to large molecular weight constituents.
Organometallic vapor-phase epitaxial growth of AlxGa1−xSb and AlxGa1−xAsySb1−y

Abstract This paper reports, for the first time, atmospheric pressure organometallic vapor phase epitaxial growth of Al x Ga 1− x Sb and Al x Ga 1− x As y Sb 1− y thin films. The layers were grown on InAs and GaSb substrates at a temperature of 560°C usin trimethylaluminum, trimethylgallium, trimethylantimony, and arsine as source materials. For Al x Ga 1− x Sb, layers with x up to 0.85 were obtained and photoluminescence was observed for x x ≥ 0.22. Al x Ga 1− x As y S 1− y layers covering nearly the entire range of Al and As compositions, even those within the miscibility gap region, were obtained. Excellent surfaces were avhieved for Al x Ga 1− x As y Sb 1− y layers lattice matched to InAs substrates. A large As distribution coefficient was observed, as thermodynamically predicted. It was found that Al incorporation was increased as the As concentration in the solid increased.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Aging

While often occurring in younger people, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur at any age, and there may be specific concerns with this diagnosis in older people. This article will discuss the agi...
Circulation and distribution of 111-In-oxine-labeled autologous baboon platelet aggregates and buffy coat

Abstract Background : Although it is known that RBC concentrates may contain buffy coat and platelet concentrates may contain platelet aggregates, the circulation and distribution of these materials in the blood products have never been reported. Study design and methods : Baboon platelets were labeled with 111-In-oxine, aggregated with ADP and autotransfused without a filter. Baboon buffy coat was stored at 4°C, labeled with 111-In-oxine and autotransfused without a filter. The circulation of the radiolabeled platelets and buffy coat was measured and the distribution of the buffy coat and platelet aggregates was measured by external scanning of the baboon using a gamma camera. The effects of the infusion of aggregated platelets, buffy coat, and gelatin on the plasma fibronectin level also were evaluated. Results : The 111-In-oxine labeled platelet aggregates were initially sequestered in the lungs and released into the peripheral blood during the next 3h, during which time the cell associated radioactivity increased by about 25%. Following the autotransfusion of 111-In-oxine labeled buffy coat, the 111-In-oxine radioactivity over the lungs increased, but decreased during the 60-min post-transfusion period as the radioactivity over the liver increased. Cell-associated radioactivity increased by about 10% over the 3-h post-transfusion period. Fibronectin levels decreased by 3% following the autotransfusion of platelet aggregates, by 10% after the autotransfusion of buffy coat and by 50% after the infusion of gelatin. Conclusions : 111-In-oxine radioactivity in the platelet aggregates and buffy coat was initially sequestered in the lungs, and 10–25% of the 111-In-oxine cell-associated radioactivity was released into the circulation during the 24-h post-transfusion period.
Integrating security with fault-tolerant distributed databases

We address the issue of maintaining security in a fault-tolerant replicated database. We present a protocol that combines both security and reliability aspects in a database system. Although this protocol provides the desired level of security, it does so at the expense of availability. By integrating a propagation mechanism with our protocol, we are able to achieve a high level of security and availability