cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aggressive Behavior and Courtship Rejection in Brightly and Plainly Colored Female Keeled Earless Lizards (Holbrookia propinqua)

Relationships between bright secondary sexual coloration and behavior were studied in female Holbrookia propinqua, which develop striking orange and yellow colors during the breeding season. In tethered introduction studies, brightly colored females performed aggressive courtship rejection behaviors toward conspecific males; plainly colored females were not aggressive toward males, but attempted to avoid them. Responses of females of the two color patterns toward conspecific females of both color phases were not detectably different. Experimental introductions of lizards with coloration modified by paint showed that females of both color patterns recognize any other lizard bearing the bright female colors as female, regardless of actual sex. Both the orange and yellow components were shown to contribute to sex recognition. The yellow component alone allowed accurate sex identification, but only half the females responded to males painted with only the orange female component as if they were females. Because females did not behave differently toward other females on the basis of coloration, the hypothesis that bright coloration evolved as an adaptive signal between females is rejected. The dark ventrolateral stripes of male and plainly colored females did not appear to affect intraspecific social responses by females.
Direct evidence of hysteresis in superconductors resulting from surface properties

Niobium samples were wetted with lead. Hysteresis below Hc2 was reduced at all fields independent of whether the Pb coating was in the normal or superconducting state. An interpretation is given in terms of surface currents.
Multichannel microspectrofluorometry for topographic and spectral analysis of NAD(P)H fluorescence in single living cells.

Abstract Starting from a previously described prototype microspectrofluorometer a more versatile apparatus has been developed with rapid optional operation on a topographic mode for the simultaneous multisite evaluation of NAD(P) reduction-reoxidation transients or on a spectral mode for the analysis of natural and exogenous fluorochromes, in single living cells. On the topographic mode, a detailed kinetic analysis of NAD or NAD P-linked dehydrogenases can be made from 50–100 cell points simultaneously via automatic recording of topographic scans up to 16 times a second, in correlation with microelectrophoretic intracellular injection of metabolites (e.g. nearly immediate response to glucose 6-phosphate, 20–25 s delay for 6-phosphogluconate). Rapid shifts from topographic to spectral operation make possible the detection of a change in fluorescence intensity at a specific intracellular site and the immediate verification of its nature (NAD(P)H or exogenous fluorochrome) by spectral observation,
Experimental determination of physical parameters: condition when parameters cannot be uniquely estimated

Abstract In nuclear engineering a recurring problem is the estimation of parameters from measurements. A basic method of determining these parameters is called parameter estimation or nonlinear least squares. There are cases when only a limited number of parameters of those desired can be estimated from the data. The identifiability problem is an investigation of condition(s) when the parameters can and cannot be estimated. For both linear and nonlinear problems it is shown that a group of parameters cannot all be simultaneously estimated if the associated sensitivity coefficients are linearly dependent in the region surrounding the true values of the parameters. Several examples are given.
VERBAL SELECTION TEST AND WORK PERFORMANCE VALIDITY WITH AIDES FROM THREE PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS

Summary.-This study demonstrated the use of meta-analysis within a study to assess validity with samples of psychiatric aides from three state hospitals where the usual method of pooling samples was inappropriate. The mean weighted correlation between the modified Personnel Tests for Industry-Verbal Test and total scores on the work performance rating scale across samples (A1 = 173) was .23 (cumulative fi = .001), which increased to .47 when corrected for restriction in range and error of criterion measurement. Although the number of samples was small for rypical meta-analysis, the obtained validity was consistent with results from large meta-analyses with both similar and varied occupational groups. The application of meta-analysis methods in recent research indicates that the validity of selection procedures generalizes across jobs and that variations in validity between studies may reflect statistical and measurement artifacts; see reviews by Schmidt and Hunter (1981; Hunter & Schmidt, 1983). The need still persists, however, for validation reseacch within specific occupational groups to ensure compliance with the Uniform Guidelines ( 1978), since there has not been a legal case at this time where the defense was based solely on the generalization of validity from research of others (Schmidt, Hunter, Pearlman, & Hirsh, 1984). Although meta-analysis procedures in personnel selection typically have been used to cumulate validities with large numbers of samples or studies from different organizations, the method has been used for more accurate estimates of validity in the same organizational setting (Schmidt & Hunter, 1984; Distefano & Pryer, 1984). Hunter, Schmidt, and Jackson (1982) also suggested its application to cumulate validities within a study in which data are gathered from several different organizations. In the current study, independent samples of data from a selection test for verbal ability and performance ratings were obtained from psychiatric aides in three similar hospitals in the same mental health system. Pooling of samples across hospitals was not considered appropriate for rwo reasons. First, it was administratively necessary at the three hospitals to vary the basic training schedules and administer the postrraining rating scale at different time intervals. Second, aide supervisors were raters at two hospitals and RNs were raters at the ocher hospital, suggesting that there could be variations in rating standards across hospitals. The present study provides a demonstration of the use of meta-analysis within a study to assess validity 'Requests for reprints should be sent to M. K. Distefano, Jr., Central Louisiana State Hospital, Pineville, Louisiana 71360.
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) promotes endothelial apoptosis via a caspase-independent mechanism

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP3) is a tumor suppressor and a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis. TIMP3 exerts its anti-angiogenic effect via a direct interaction with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (KDR) and inhibition of proliferation, migration and tube formation of endothelial cells (ECs). TIMP3 has also been shown to induce apoptosis in some cancer cells and vascular smooth muscle cells via MMP inhibition and caspase-dependent mechanisms. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of TIMP3-mediated apoptosis in endothelial cells. We have previously demonstrated that mice developed smaller tumors with decreased vascularity when injected with breast carcinoma cells overexpressing TIMP3, than with control breast carcinoma cells. TIMP3 overexpression resulted in increased apoptosis in human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB435) in vivo but not in vitro. However, TIMP3 could induce apoptosis in ECs in vitro. The apoptotic activity of TIMP3 in ECs appears to be independent of MMP inhibitory activity. Furthermore, the equivalent expression of functional TIMP3 promoted apoptosis and caspase activation in ECs expressing KDR (PAE/KDR), but not in ECs expressing PDGF beta-receptor (PAE/β-R). Surprisingly, the apoptotic activity of TIMP3 appears to be independent of caspases. TIMP3 inhibited matrix-induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation and association with paxillin and disrupted the incorporation of β3 integrin, FAK and paxillin into focal adhesion contacts on the matrix, which were not affected by caspase inhibitors. Thus, TIMP3 may induce apoptosis in ECs by triggering a caspase-independent cell death pathway and targeting a FAK-dependent survival pathway.
Block copolymers obtained by free radical mechanism. II. Butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate

Block copolymers were synthesized using methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate as the monomers and a multifunctional initiator, di-t-butyl 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanoperoxyvalerate). The polymerizations for the formation of the block copolymers were carried out in two stages. First the poly(methyl methacrylate) polymeric initiator was synthesized and isolated. In the second stage, the thermallyactivated azo group in the polymer backbone initiated the polymerization of butyl acrylate. Upon termination by combination a tri-block results. Selective solvent fractionation was used to separate the block from the homopolymers.
Labia minora reconstruction using clitoral hood flaps, wedge excisions, and YV advancement flaps.

Background:Labia minora reduction (labioplasty, labiaplasty) is the most common female genital aesthetic procedure. The majority of labia reductions are performed by trimming the labial edges. Many of these women present with (1) asymmetry; (2) scalloping of the labial edges with wide, occasionally
When to Transform? Development of Indicators for Design Context Evaluation

Transformable products (or transformers), those with two or more functional states, are increasingly utilized by our society. As the mobility and complexity of life increases, so must the adaptability of the products which we use. To develop more adaptable products and systems, we need new design techniques. Transformer design methodology is a discipline with opportunity for expansive development. In particular, the question of deciding when a transformable design is applicable, is as yet unanswered by current research. The purpose of this study is to propose a response to the question “When to implement a transformable design approach?”, by developing and assessing a technical design method. Our novel method identifies, at an early stage in the design process, when developing a transformable product is likely to be advantageous. A brief review of how prior research efforts which categorize transformers has been included. This review helps define what a transformer is, and acts as a segue to understanding when to use transformational designs. Both a deductive and an inductive study are used to identify transformation indicators, primary context properties and usage factors that identify “When to transform?” Our technique seeks to enhance the process of design by simultaneously reducing process complexity and broadening the design scope. The result of this study is a set of basic transformation indicators. Two applications are provided for the use of these indicators: identification of whether transformation is a viable solution branch to a particular design problem statement; and simplified development of new transformers by functionally examining a usage environment or process.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A conversation with Joan Acker on her work, motivations, and suggestions for future researchers

Purpose – Joan Acker's scholarship and activism has affected the study of equality, diversity, and inclusion in many ways. The purpose of this paper is to present an interview with Joan Acker in which she shares some of the individual and societal influences on her work.Design/methodology/approach – This article is based on an interview with Joan Acker conducted on 22 September 2006.Findings – Joan Acker's observations of and questioning of inequality began when she observed racial inequality as she grew up in the Midwestern USA in the 1940s. As she matured, Acker continued observing and questioning inequality based on race, gender, and class. As a scholar and activist, and now Professor Emeritus at the University of Oregon (USA), Acker's work continues to influence scholars and activists.Originality/value – This article provides insights into the influences that have shaped Acker's work on gender, race, class, and inequality and should be inspiring to others working in the field.
Gene network analysis in plant development by genomic technologies

The analysis of the gene regulatory networks underlying development is of central importance for a better understanding of the mechanisms that control the formation of the different cell-types, tissues or organs of an organism. The recent invention of genomic technologies has opened the possibility of studying these networks at a global level. In this paper, we summarize some of the recent advances that have been made in the understanding of plant development by the application of genomic technologies. We focus on a few specific processes, namely flower and root development and the control of the cell cycle, but we also highlight landmark studies in other areas that opened new avenues of experimentation or analysis. We describe the methods and the strategies that are currently used for the analysis of plant development by genomic technologies, as well as some of the problems and limitations that hamper their application. Since many genomic technologies and concepts were first developed and tested in organisms other than plants, we make reference to work in non-plant species and compare the current state of network analysis in plants to that in other multicellular organisms.
Preliminary Reports in the Emergency Department: Is a Subspecialist Radiologist More Accurate Than a Radiology Resident?

Rationale and Objectives To determine whether emergency department (ED) preliminary reports rendered by subspecialist attending radiologists who are reading outside their field of expertise are more accurate than reports rendered by radiology residents, and to compare error rates between radiologists and nonradiologists in the ED setting. Materials and Methods The study was performed at a large academic medical center with a busy ED. An electronic preliminary report generator was used in the ED to capture preliminary interpretations rendered in a clinical setting by radiology residents, junior attendings (within 2 years of taking their oral boards), senior attendings, and ED clinicians between August 1999 and November 2004. Each preliminary report was later reviewed by a final interpreting radiologist, and the preliminary interpretation was adjudicated for the presence of substantial discordances, defined as a difference in interpretation that might immediately impact the care of the patient. Of the 612,890 preliminary reports in the database, 65,780 (11%) met inclusion criteria for this study. A log-linear analysis was used to assess the effects of modality and type of author on preliminary report error rates. Results ED clinicians had significantly higher error rates when compared with any type of radiologist, regardless of modality. Within the radiologists, residents and junior attendings had lower error rates than did senior attendings, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion Subspecialized attending radiologists who interpret ED examinations outside their area of expertise have error rates similar to those of radiology residents. Nonradiologists have significantly higher error rates than radiologists and radiology residents when interpreting examinations in the ED.
Limited T cell receptor usage by HTLV-I tax-specific, HLA class I restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes from patients with HTLV-I associated neurological disease.

Abstract T cell receptor (TCR) Vα and Vβ chain usage of HTLV-I tax-specific, HLA class I restricted CD8 + cytotoxic T cells (CTL) was determined from lymphocytes obtained from peripheral blood of patients with HTLV-I associated neurological disease. To characterize TCR repertoire, CD8 + lymphocytes from peripheral blood were cloned in limiting dilution, and the resulting wells were screened for HTLV-I-specific precursor CTL activity. RNA was isolated from HLA-A2 restricted HTLV-I tax peptide-specific (tax 11–19; LLFGYPVYV) CD8 + CTL lines and cDNA was analyzed by PCR amplification using Vα and Vβ chain family-specific oligonucleotide primers. The results indicate that CD8 + cytotoxic T cell lines from HLA-A2 HAM/TSP patients express a limited repertoire of T cell receptor chains which may correlate with duration and severity of disease. The restricted use of TCR genes expressed by antigen-specific CTL may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP and may be of value in developing immunotherapeutic strategies that focus on eliminating these cells or inhibiting their activity.
A Quality Improvement Initiative for Improving Appropriateness of Referrals From a Cancer Center to Subacute Rehabilitation

Abstract Background Subacute rehabilitation may not be appropriate for many patients with advanced cancer. We evaluated outcomes of cancer center inpatients transferred to subacute rehabilitation, implemented a multidisciplinary intervention to improve appropriateness of referrals, and evaluated its potential impact. Measures Percentage of patients who returned for further anticancer treatment after subacute rehabilitation (preintervention) and percentage of patients who were referred and transferred to subacute rehabilitation (pre and post). Intervention Stakeholder engagement; feedback about outcomes to faculty and staff; increased communication between therapy, social work, nursing, and physicians about therapy referrals; and goals of care at daily prerounds meeting. Outcomes Potential reduction in subacute rehabilitation referrals and transfers. Intensive intervention was difficult to maintain, but team is continuing efforts at improved communication. Conclusions/Lessons Learned Intervention may have improved outcomes short-term but was complicated and difficult to maintain. Addressing appropriateness of subacute rehabilitation referrals can occur within a multidisciplinary approach to improving communication about goals of care for patients with advanced disease.
Identifying sequence similarities between DNA molecules.

Abstract An atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging technique is described to compare sequences between two different DNA molecules and precisely locate nonhomologies in DNA strands. Sequence comparisons are made by forming heteroduplexes between the two molecules and, by AFM imaging the intact molecules formed, identifying both homologous and nonhomologous regions. By forming heteroduplexes between linearized wildtype pSV- β -galactosidase plasmid (6821 bp) and a series of deletion mutants we have identified nonhomologies (deletions) as small as 22 bp and as large as 418 bp. Furthermore, by incorporating our technique for AFM-mediated restriction mapping of DNA these mutations can be positioned relative to E co RI restriction sites. These results suggest AFM can be useful in identifying molecular level similarities and differences in DNA.
Physiological correlates of maternal separation in surrogate‐reared infants: A study in altered attachment bonds

Three pigtail infant monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) were separated from their mothers shortly after birth and raised in social isolation on cloth surrogates. At about 24 weeks of age they were surgically implanted with multichannel biotelemetry systems. Following the collection of baseline behavioral and physiological data, the cloth surrogates were removed for 4 days, then returned. The behavioral and physiological (heart rate, body temperature, sleep patterns) reaction to separation from the surrogate was much less intense than is the case in group-living pigtail infants that are separated from their mothers, suggesting that the attachment bond to a cloth surrogate may well be different than the bond to a living mother in a social group. Heart rate mean values and variability were similar in surrogate-reared and mother-reared infants, suggesting a degree of environmental independence in heart rate regulation.
Sustained effect of human growth hormone (hGH) therapy on children with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)

Previous studies have not clarified the issue of whether hGH therapy can significantly increase the height of patients with IUGR. In order to determine whether the initial increase in growth rate shown by Foley (J. Pediatr. 84: 635, 1974) is sustained through subsequent treatment, 19 prepubertal IUGR patients (term gestation, height <43. 7 cm, weight <2kg) were treated with hGH. Ten of them received a second treatment course. Growth rates in cm/year were 4.8 ± 1.4 (mean ± SD) for the pre-treatment period (mean duration 14 months), 7.6 ± 2.3 for the first treatment period (mean 13. 7 months), 4.2 ± 2.5 for the interval between treatments (mean 11.1 months), 5.9 ± 1.4 for the second treatment period (mean 13. 7 months) and 4.3 ± 2.6 for the post-treatment period (mean 13.6 months). Growth rates for the two treatment periods were significantly greater than the pre-, interval between, and post-treatment rates. The SD below the mean in height increased significantly between the onset of treatment and the most recent measurement. Sixteen untreated IUGR patients followed for ≥ 5 years did not show this difference. These data indicate that hGH has a sustained positive effect on increasing growth rates in children with IUGR, although the magnitude of the effect may decrease with further treatment. Furthermore, with the presently increased availability of hGH, therapy appears to be indicated in children with IUGR.
Overview of: “Race, Place, and Drug Enforcement: Reconsidering the Impact of Citizen Complaints and Crime Rates on Drug Arrests”

Research Summary Influential research has reported racial disparities in drug arrests in Seattle, Washington, that could not be explained by race-neutral factors such as crime rates or community complaints. Based on new data, measures, and methods, we reexamine racial disparities in drug arrests in Seattle and find contradictory evidence. Our analysis, using drug-related calls for service (CFS) as a benchmark, indicates that African Americans and Hispanics are either evenly represented or underrepresented among those arrested on drug charges in two drug markets examined. Similarly, this analysis reveals a moderate-to-strong association among drug arrests, drug-related CFS, and crime. These results provide support for the “deployment hypothesis,” which argues that as a result of differential police deployment patterns, officers are likely to have increased contact with minority citizens and thus have more opportunities to detect criminal conduct. Our findings demonstrate the importance of selecting an appropriate and conceptually sound benchmark to measure racial disparities in criminal justice outcomes and the importance of selecting an appropriate unit of analysis. Policy Implications Our study cautions against the ready attribution of police practices to racial motives and shows the need for more research, across contexts, into this ongoing policy issue. These findings suggest that racial disparities in drug arrests seem to be more structural in nature rather than based on racial animus and individual police bias. It is, therefore, unlikely that these disparities can be eliminated by popular interventions such as police training in cultural sensitivity or by efforts to monitor and punish officers. This result leads to a consideration of whether focusing police resources based on citizen complaints and reported crimes represents equitable policing and, if not, what would constitute a realistic policy alternative.
The average enzyme principle

The Michaelis-Menten equation for an irreversible enzymatic reaction depends linearly on the enzyme concentration. Even if the enzyme concentration changes in time, this linearity implies that the amount of substrate depleted during a given time interval depends only on the average enzyme concentration. Here, we use a time re-scaling approach to generalize this result to a broad category of multi-reaction systems, whose constituent enzymes have the same dependence on time, e.g. they belong to the same regulon. This "average enzyme principle" provides a natural methodology for jointly studying metabolism and its regulation.
Binocular visual surface perception

Abstract Binocular disparity, the differential angular separation between pairs of image points in the two eyes, is the well-recognized basis for binocular distance perception. Without denying disparity's role in perceiving depth, we describe two perceptual phenomena, which indicate that a wider view of binocular vision is warranted. First, we show that disparity can play a critical role in two-dimensional perception by determining whether separate image fragments should be grouped as part of a single surface or segregated as parts of separate surfaces. Second, we show that stereoscopic vision is not limited to the registration and interpretation of binocular disparity but that it relies on half-occluded points, visible to one eye and not the other, to determine the layout and transparency of surfaces. Because these half-visible points are coded by neurons carrying eye-of-origin information, we suggest that the perception of these surface properties depends on neural activity available at visual cortical area V1.
Spectra and structure of silicon containing compounds. 13—infrared and Raman spectra of 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclopentane†

The infrared spectra of 1,1-dimethyl-1-silacyclopentane in the vapor and solid phases have been recorded from 4000 to 20 cm−1. The Raman spectra (3500-0 cm−1) of all phases have been measured and depolarization data have been obtained for both the gaseous and liquid phases. An assignment for the 57 normal modes is presented. The vibrational data are consistent with a twisted ring with molecular symmetry C2. The two low frequency bending modes were observed at 260 cm−1 (radial motion) and 63 cm−1 (puckering motion) but distinct ‘hot band’ transitions were not observed. Thus, the potential functions and the dynamics of the low frequency ring-bending motions could not be calculated.
Justification of triaxial goniometer for the measurement of joint rotation.

Abstract The modified triaxial goniometer was designed based on the gyroscopic concept. This device is capable of measuring the joint three-dimensional angular motion corresponding to a specific set of Eulerian angles. Since the angular measurement by this device is not sequence dependent, it is convenient to provide unique motion patterns of the joint from one position to another. The joint rotational axes are oriented based on identifiable bony landmarks which provide a convenient visualization of the anatomical motion involved. The error caused by the exoskeletal attachment of the instrument can be theoretically corrected. Considering all factors in joint functional evaluation, the triaxial goniometer is a useful and effective method to provide simple real time three-dimensional angular motion measurements.
In vivo blockade of CTLA-4 enhances the priming of responsive T cells but fails to prevent the induction of tumor antigen-specific tolerance

The efficacy of therapeutic vaccination for the treatment of cancer is limited by peripheral tolerance to tumor antigens. In vivo blockade of CTLA-4, a negative regulator of T cell function, can induce the regression of established tumors and can augment the tumor rejection achieved through therapeutic vaccination. These outcomes may reflect enhanced tumor-specific T cell priming and/or interference with the development of tolerance to tumor antigens. We examined the effect of CTLA-4 blockade on the fate and function of T cells specific for a model tumor antigen in the tumor-bearing host. We found that while CTLA-4 blockade enhanced the priming of responsive T cells, it did not prevent the induction of tolerance to tumor antigens. These results demonstrate that there is a critical window in which the combination of CTLA-4 blockade and vaccination achieves an optimal response, and they point to mechanisms other than CTLA-4 engagement in mediating peripheral T cell tolerance to tumor antigens.
Dynamic power control in a fading downlink channel subject to an energy constraint

A central controller chooses a state-dependent transmission rate for each user in a fading, downlink channel by varying transmission power over time. For each user, the state of the channel evolves over time according to an exogenous continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC), which affects the quality of transmission. The traffic for each user, arriving at the central controller, is modeled as a finite-buffer Markovian queue with adjustable service rates. That is, for each user data packets arrive to the central controller according to a Poisson process and packet size is exponentially distributed; an arriving packet is dropped if the associated buffer is full, which results in degradation of quality of service. The controller forwards (downlink) the arriving packets to the corresponding user according to an optimally chosen transmission rate from a fixed set A i of available values for each user i, depending on the backlog in the system and the channel state of all users. The objective is to maximize quality of service subject to an upper bound on the long-run average power consumption. We show that the optimal transmission rate for each user is solely a function of his own packet queue length and channel state; the dependence among users is captured through a penalty rate. Further, we explicitly characterize the optimal transmission rate for each user.
Children with autism spectrum disorders can learn to label actions without requiring verbal prompting1

What is the effect of instruction without verbal antecedents on the acquisition of generalized tacting (i.e. labeling) for children with autism spectrum disorder? 1 Abstracted from: Williams G, Car...
Necrotizing fasciitis: a rare complication of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly spreading soft tissue infection affecting the subcutaneous tissue and underlying fascial layers. Although this infection pattern is commonly seen in adults, it is rarely seen in the neonatal population. Herein, we describe a patient who developed extensive necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall after intestinal resection for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Cooperative Extension Service Education in Fisheries in the United States

Abstract Public education programs, audiences, communication strategies, and characteristics of 16 Cooperative Extension Service fisheries specialists in 12 states were examined from responses to a mail/telephone survey. Fisheries specialists expended an average of 50% of their time on education related to fish production and about 25% each on education concerning aquatic pest control and general aquatic resources. Audiences served, in order of priority, were extension agents, landowners, fish farmers, general public, youth groups, university faculty and students, natural resource agency personnel, and citizen conservation organizations. Specialists relied heavily on telephone calls, letters, and extension publications, and used group meetings (conferences and workshops) to a lesser extent. Least used methods were the electronic media, magazine articles, and technical publications. Similarities in public education programs, audiences, and communication techniques used by specialists nationwide provided a ...
Lead exposure in preterm infants receiving red blood cell transfusions

Preterm infants may inadvertently be exposed to lead from the packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions with almost no or very limited data available. The aim of the study was to quantify this exposure in preterm infants ≤30 wk gestational age (GA). Prospective cohort study, infants ≤30 wk GA were eligible, infants < 23 wk GA and known chromosomal diseases were excluded. Blood lead levels (BLLs) were obtained at birth, before and after each transfusion, and at discharge. BLLs were also obtained from the donor pRBC aliquot transfused. A linear mixed model analysis was done. Of 75 infants, 34 received a total of 126 pRBC transfusions. Each infant had an average of 3.7 transfusions. 92% of lead levels in the transfused aliquot were ≤ 5 mcg/dl, 6.8% were between 6–8 mcg/dl and 1 had a level of 56 mcg/dl. Average total lead load was 1.3 mcg/dl. For each 1 mcg/dl increase in transfused pRBC lead level, infant’s post-transfusion BLL increased by 0.20 mcg/dl (95% CI: 0.07 mcg/dl, 0.33 mcg/dl; P = 0.002), adjusting for GA and birth weight. There was no significant increase in discharge BLLs, which were similar for both transfused and nontransfused infants. Post-transfusion infant BLLs correlate significantly with the transfused pRBCs lead level.
Propagation of transient ultrasound in thick annular waveguides: modeling, experiments, and application

Abstract A wave mode expansion solution is formulated for transient excitation of circumferential waves in a thick annulus. The excitation is a distributed traction source on the outer surface modeling a piezoelectric transducer with an angular wedge. The solution provides valuable information on the modal content of the detected signals and the radial dependence of the ultrasonic field within the waveguide. The predicted waveforms are compared with experimental results obtained with several transducers, for various transducer wedge angles, and for various positions of the receiver on the outer surface. The trends predicted by the model are confirmed by the experiment and lead to the selection of good operating parameters (frequency, wedge angle and type, and source–receiver position) for the detection of cracks present on the inner surface of the waveguide. The time-windowed, band-limited wavelet transform of the signal is found to be an effective means to localize the cracks. The technique is successfully tested on a partially annular component of the pitch shaft of the H-46 helicopter.
On planning assemblies

This paper concerns the problem of assembling composite objects. We study the problem on two fronts; Firstly we study the complexity of deciding the existence of an assembly sequence and show that this is PSPACE-hard in general. Secondly we define a new measure of complexity, one that attempts to measure the minimum number of hands required to assemble a given composite. We analyze various classes of composite objects with respect to this measure.
Robust Distributed Query Processing for Streaming Data

Distributed stream processing systems must function efficiently for data streams that fluctuate in their arrival rates and data distributions. Yet repeated and prohibitively expensive load reallocation across machines may make these systems ineffective, potentially resulting in data loss or even system failure. To overcome this problem, we propose a comprehensive solution, called the Robust Load Distribution (RLD) strategy, that is resilient under data fluctuations. RLD provides e-optimal query performance under an expected range of load fluctuations without suffering from the performance penalty caused by load migration. RLD is based on three key strategies. First, we model robust distributed stream processing as a parametric query optimization problem in a parameter space that captures the stream fluctuations. The notions of both robust logical and robust physical plans that work together to proactively handle all ranges of expected fluctuations in parameters are abstracted as overlays of this parameter space. Second, our Early-terminated Robust Partitioning (ERP) finds a combination of robust logical plans that together cover the parameter space, while minimizing the number of prohibitively expensive optimizer calls with a probabilistic bound on the space coverage. Third, we design a family of algorithms for physical plan generation. Our GreedyPhy exploits a probabilistic model to efficiently find a robust physical plan that sustains most frequently used robust logical plans at runtime. Our CorPhy algorithm exploits operator correlations for the robust physical plan optimization. The resulting physical plan smooths the workload on each node under all expected fluctuations. Our OptPrune algorithm, using CorPhy as baseline, is guaranteed to find the optimal physical plan that maximizes the parameter space coverage with a practical increase in optimization time. Lastly, we further expand the capabilities of our proposed RLD framework to also appropriately react under so-called “space drifts”, that is, a space drift is a change of the parameter space where the observed runtime statistics deviate from the expected optimization-time statistics. Our RLD solution is capable of adjusting itself to the unexpected yet significant data fluctuations beyond those planned for via covering the parameter space. Our experimental study using stock market and sensor network streams demonstrates that our RLD methodology consistently outperforms state-of-the-art solutions in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in highly fluctuating data stream environments.
Individual and Group Problem Solving and Type of Orientation as a Function of High, Moderate and Low Death Anxiety.

This study utilized a defense mechanism model of death anxiety to investigate the hypothesis of differential individual and group problem solving ability as well as differing types of orientation as a function of High, Moderate and Low Death Anxiety. Results of Experiment I demonstrated significant effects of levels of Death Anxiety on both individual and group problem solving ability. Results of Experiment II partially replicated the results of Experiment I, but failed to demonstrate predicted significant differences between self, task, and interaction orientations within or between low and moderate death anxiety groups. However, significant differences were reported between moderate and high anxiety groups as well as between low and high death anxiety groups. Discussion focused on the partial replication of Experiment I's findings, and upon the usefulness of specific predictions which arise from utilizing the defense mechanism model for death anxiety and its implications for future research.
Synthesis of carbon-11 labeled diprenorphine: A radioligand for positron emission tomographic studies of opiate receptors

Abstract Selective alkylation of 3-(O- t -butyldimethylsilyl)-6-(O-desmethyl)-diprenorphine with [ 11 C]-methyl iodide followed by desilylation affords [ 11 C]-dipronorphine labeled at the 6-methoxy position in 10% yield with a specific activity of 1740 mCi/μmol at the end of a 30 minute synthesis.
Electron-impact excitation of inelastic transitions in C V.

The collision strengths for the inelastic transitions among the lowest eleven LS states of C V are presented. Configuration-interaction wave functions are used to represent the eleven target states which are included in the calculation. The calculation for the lower partial waves (lless than or equal to11) are carried out using the R-matrix method. The contribution from higher partial waves is obtained in the close-coupling approximation with exchange terms omitted. The effective collision strengths have been calculated assuming a Maxwellian distribution of electron energies. Results are also presented for calculations in which the five lowest states were included. The present results are compared with the previous calculation of Pradhan, Norcross, and Hummer. Some significant differences are noted, particularly at lower temperatures for some transitions.
Reversibility of cysteine labeling by 4-(aminosulfonyl)-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole.

Abstract The fluorescent cysteine derivative formed upon alkylation of proteins with 4-(aminosulfonyl)-7-fluoro-2, 1,3-benzoxadiazole (ABD-F) is shown to be unstable under certain conditions. Although previously thought to be an irreversible reaction, the fluorescence and absorbance associated with the ABD-cysteine can be released from the protein by heating at basic pH in the presence of reductants. Reversal of labeling is accelerated by increasing the temperature, pH, and concentration of reductant. Upon reversal of labeling, a free sulfhydryl is regenerated, since the treated protein can subsequently be realkylated (without reductant) to approximately the same level with only ABD-F. The findings reported in this work are relevant to the use of this alkylating reagent prior to any procedure involving heating or long incubation under reducing conditions, including reelectrophoresis or enzymatic deglycosylation. Investigators using ABD-F or structurally similar reagents should be aware that the cysteine derivative formed is not stable under these conditions. The reversal of cysteine derivatization may also he useful as a method for replacing the ABD-cysteine adduct with a label more suitable for subsequent specialized procedures.
Proton magnetic resonance studies of the tyrosine residues of staphylococcal nuclease using [3,5-2H2]tyrosine

A staphylococcal nuclease analogue, [3,5-2H2]tyrosyl nuclease, was prepared containing all seven tyrosine residues deuterated in the positions ortho to the hydroxyl group. Each tyrosine residue in this analogue gives a singlet resonance in the aromatic region of the proton magnetic resonance spectrum, as found for [3,5-2H2]tyrosine itself, resulting in a partially simplified aromatic spectrum. [3,5-2H2]Tyrosyl nuclease was selectively nitrated with tetranitromethane in the presence of Ca2+ and the inhibitor, deoxythymidine 3′,5′-diphosphate, (Cuatrecasaset al., J. Biol. Chem., 243 (1968) 4787), to produce the 3-nitrotyrosyl-115 derivative, which was purified by affinity chromatography. Several differences between the PMR spectra of [3,5-2H2]tyrosyl nuclease and [3-nitrotyrosyl-115]-[3,5-2H2]tyrosyl nuclease are observed. Based on knowledge of the spectra of [3,5-2H2]-tyrosine and its 3-nitro derivative, it appears that the differences correspond to shifts of at least two tyrosine resonances. It is suggested that substitution at tyrosine-115 results in a chemical shift for at least one adjacent tyrosine residue. Tentative resonance assignments are made based on present knowledge of the chemistry and structure of nuclease.
Plasminogen receptors in the mediation of pericellular proteolysis.

Abstract A wide variety of cells bind plasminogen with very high capacity, with similar affinity and recognize the same structural features within the plasminogen molecule. As a consequence of binding to cell surfaces, plasminogen is more readily activated to plasmin. Plasmin remains cell-bound where it can degrade matrix constituents and is protected from inactivation by α2-antiplasmin. Thus, the functional consequence of plasminogen binding to cells is pericellular proteolysis, permitting cell migration. Both proteins and nonprotein cell-surface constituents function as plasminogen binding sites. Gangliosides exhibit the appropriate properties of the non-protein plasminogen receptors.
Floor acquisition multiple access with collision resolution

Abstract : Collision avoidance and resolution multiple access (CARMA) protocols are presented and analyzed. These protocols use a floor acquisition multiple access (FAMA) strategy based on carrier sensing, together with collision resolution of floor requests (RTS) based on a tree-splitting algorithm. For analytical purposes, an upper bound is derived for the average costs of resolving collisions of floor requests using the tree-splitting algorithm. This bound is then applied to the computation of the average channel utilization in a fully connected network with a large number of stations. Under light-load conditions, CARMA protocols achieve the same average throughput as FAMA protocols. It also is shown that, as the arrival rate of RTSs increases, the throughput achieved by CARMA protocols is close to the maximum throughput that any FAMA protocol can achieve if propagation delays and the control packets used to acquire the floor are much smaller than the data packet trains sent by stations. Simulation results validate the simplifying approximations made in the analytical mode. The authors' analysis results indicate that collision resolution makes floor acquisition multiple access much more effective.
Autoantibodies to DEK oncoprotein in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and sarcoidosis.

A patient was identified with an unusual autoimmune syndrome consisting of systemic lupus erythematosus and sarcoidosis. Her serum contained extremely high levels of autoantibodies to the DEK protooncogene product. The patient's serum was used to clone a dek complementary DNA, which was expressed as a histidine-tagged fusion protein in Escherichia coli. Using affinity-purified recombinant DEK protein, anti-DEK autoantibodies were found in the patient's serum at a titer of 1:10 6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Longitudinal studies revealed marked variations in anti-DEK autoantibody levels over time. Although it has been suggested that anti-DEK autoantibodies are a marker for pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with iridocyclitis, the present data suggest that they may be associated with other disease subsets as well. The quantitative ELISA technique will be useful for defining these subsets further and for examining the relationship between anti-DEK titers and disease activity.
Simulation of a sensor array for multiparameter measurements at the prosthetic limb interface

Sensitive skin is a highly desired device for biomechanical devices, wearable computing, human-computer interfaces, exoskeletons, and, most pertinent to this paper, for lower limb prosthetics. The measurement of shear stress is very important because shear effects are key factors in developing surface abrasions and pressure sores in paraplegics and users of prosthetic/orthotic devices. A single element of a sensitive skin is simulated and characterized in this paper. Conventional tactile sensors are designed for measurement of the normal stress only, which is inadequate for comprehensive assessment of surface contact conditions. The sensitive skin discussed here is a flexible array capable of sensing shear and normal forces, as well as humidity and temperature on each element.
Three studies on self-report scales to detect bipolar disorder

Background-This study investigated the usefulness of self-report scales for detecting bipolar disorder in several settings. Methods-Study 1 developed a short form of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (the HPS-6) based on clinic/community and undergraduate samples. Study 2 used this scale for recruiting participants with bipolar disorder from the community. Study 3 administered the full-length Hypomanic Personality Scale, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, and a short form of the General Behavior Inventory (the GBI-15) to an undergraduate sample. Each study featured a reference standard diagnostic interview. Results-In Study 2, about half of those responding to the advertisement (based on the HPS-6 developed in Study 1) reported a history of at least one hypomanic episode on a telephone-based SCID. In Study 3, the most robust findings emerged for the GBI-15: about one-third of participants screening positive on that measure met criteria for bipolar disorder using the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID). Limitations-Despite large sample sizes and stratified sampling, this study was limited by a low number of participants with bipolar I disorder. Conclusions-These three studies produced mixed findings regarding the detection of bipolar disorder via self-report. The HPS-6 was reasonably successful in recruiting participants with a history of at least one manic or hypomanic episode into a study on bipolar disorder. The GBI-15 showed some promise as a screening tool in an undergraduate setting, but there is a need for more sensitive and specific scales. Discussion focuses on potential strategies for developing such scales.