cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro testing for lung toxicity.

Abstract We characterized the pattern of arachidonic acid metabolites released from sensitized isolated guinea pig lungs undergoing anaphylactic reactions after ovalbumin challenge. TXB2 (the stable hydrolysis product of (TXA2) is the most abundant product: it was released at an average of 13.7 ± 7.0 ng/min (±SD, n = 33) during the anaphylactic reaction (i.e. a five- to six-fold increase in comparison with the basal release). Its level correlates with both the bronchoconstrictor response and LTC4 and LTB4 release. In non-sensitized lungs the release of basal TXB2 increased about five-fold during a 10-min exposure to a formaldehyde aerosol at the dose of 10 ppm; this increase was concomitant with an 87.5 ± 10.0% (±SD) reduction of the tracing recording the pressure-volume variations in the lung. No change in the release of lipoxygenase products was observed after exposure to formaldehyde aerosol. Pre-treatment with N-acetylcysteine (10−3–10−4 m ) reduced both formaldehyde-induced bronchoconstriction and the increase of TXB2 release. An acid-water aerosol, resembling the composition of acid rain, strongly increased TXB2 release in the pH range 4.5 to 2.5, without affecting the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism. These data suggest that exposure to toxicants that irritate the respiratory tract selectively enhances TXB2 release, while an antigen challenge stimulates both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of lung arachidonate metabolism. Thus, the different pattern of arachidonic acid cascade activation may predict a direct toxic effect or an allergic reaction when the xenobiotic is injected into the pulmonary artery or administered by way of inhalation as an aerosol. More recently vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been proposed as a modulator of lung inflammation and airway constriction. In sensitized lungs the antigen challenge induced a five-fold increase in VIP release, coinciding with the increase of arachidonate metabolites. Pharmacological evidence shows that TXA2 enhances VIP release, while VIP suppresses TXA2 formation. This suggests a possible role of TXA2/VIP interaction in regulating bronchial smooth muscle reactivity in condition of enhanced arachidonate metabolism. However, the importance of this interaction in evaluating the toxic response is still to be established.
Pinwheel scheduling with two distinct numbers

“The Pinwheel” is a real-time scheduling problem based on a problem in scheduling satellite ground stations but which also addresses scheduling preventive maintenance. Given a multiset of positive integers A = {a1, a2, ..., a n }, a schedule S for A is an infinite sequence over {1, 2, ..., n} such that any subsequence of length a i (1 ≤ i ≤ n) contains at least one i. Schedules can always be made cyclic; that is, a segment can be found that can be repeated indefinitely to form an infinite schedule. Interesting questions include determining whether schedules exist, determining the minimum cyclic schedule length, and creating an online scheduler. The “density” of an instance is defined as \(d = \sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^n {1/a} _i\). It has been shown that any instance with d > 1.0 cannot be scheduled. In the present paper we limit ourselves to instances in which A contains elements having only two distinct values. We prove that all such instances with d ≤ 1.0 can be scheduled, using a scheduling strategy based on balancing. The schedule so created is not always of minimum length, however. We use a related but more complicated method to create a minimum-length cyclic schedule, and prove its correctness. The former is computationally easier to obtain but not necessarily minimal. The latter, although still obtainable in polynomial time, requires significantly more computation. In addition, we show how to use either method to produce a fast online scheduler. Thus, we have solved completely the three major problems for this class of instances.
Rapid data evacuation for large-scale disasters in optical cloud networks

In case of large-scale disasters, cloud networks may be vulnerable to data loss. We propose a rapid data-evacuation strategy to move maximum amount of data from disaster regions using survived resources under strict time constraints.
ESTIMATING SOIL/SEDIMENT PARTITION COEFFICIENTS FOR ORGANIC COMPOUNDS BY HIGH PERFORMANCE REVERSE PHASE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

Abstract High performance reverse phase liquid chromatography (HPRPLC) retention parameters were correlated to organic-carbon-normalized partition coefficient (Koc) values for sorption of various uncharged organic substances onto sediments and soils in an attempt to devise a model for predicting sorption behavior. The results reveal a relationship between the logarithm of HPRPLC retention time and log Koc that appears to provide a reasonable means for estimating partitioning properties from HPRPLC data. The technique was compared to methods which utilize octanol/water partition coefficients (Kow) and aqueous solubilities as surrogate predictors of sorption behavior and was found to yield superior correlations in all cases tested.
Causal Explanations of Male and Female Academic Performance as a Function of Sex-Role Biases.

The study was designed to assess whether attributions of causality vary as a function of sex-role attitudes. Thirty-two male and thirty-two female undergraduates were presented with one of four story completions about a medical student in which sex of the student and success versus failure were varied. Subjects were asked to account for the medical student's success (or failure) in terms of ability, motivation, ease of the goal, and luck. Results suggest that attributions do vary as a function of sex-role attitudes, as measured by the Attitudes Toward Women Scale. Subjects with liberal attitudes were less likely to offer sex-biased attributions about lack of motivation. Subjects' attributions with respect to lack of ability suggest, however, that sex-typed notions about competence may still be deeply ingrained despite recent social changes.
Experimental study of active LRC circuits with PT symmetries

Mutually coupled modes of a pair of active LRC circuits, one with amplification and another with an equivalent amount of attenuation, provide an experimental realization of a wide class of systems where gain and loss mechanisms break the Hermiticity while preserving parity-time $\mathcal{PT}$ symmetry. For a value ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathcal{PT}}$ of the gain and loss strength parameter the eigenfrequencies undergo a spontaneous phase transition from real to complex values, while the normal modes coalesce, acquiring a definite chirality. The consequences of the phase transition in the spatiotemporal energy evolution are also presented.
The Effect of Graphite Absorption Using Vacuum Cup Electrodes by Spark Techniques

It has been found after not recording the first exposure with vacuum cup electrodes, that the next eight to ten exposures on each electrode are much improved in the precision of intensity ratios. The results show the possibility of using a single vacuum cup electrode to determine not only replicas of a single sample, but that more than one sample may be determined on a single electrode. These electrodes have been tested only with similar elements present and with 2 Â½ times increase in sample concentration, and no effects were apparent by changing the samples, providing certain analytical precautions were followed. A study of the adsorption of graphite electrodes was carried out in solution similar to the samples. The results indicated that adsorption was dependent upon concentration, but that once an electrode had adsorbed elements, even long periods in water would not cause the loss of the adsorbed elements. Neither would less concentrated samples cause a reduction in the amount of elements adsorbed.
The YGuard access control model: set-based access control

As Internet usage proliferates, resource security becomes both more important and more complex. Contemporary users and systems are ill-equipped to deal with the complex security demands of a ubiquitous, insecure network. The YGuard Access Control Model, developed at Brigham Young University, employs set-based access control lists, XML, and a modular architecture to provide users with an intuitive, extensible, and efficient method of controlling access to system resources. The implementation of YGuard in XWeb, a research project designed to replace HTTP, demonstrates the power and flexibility of the model and its potential for use in diverse modern systems. This paper examines the effectiveness of the YGuard Access Control Model in solving many of the access control problems associated with the modern, networked computing environment.
A comparative study of flat and profiled lenses

In this paper we present a comparative study of flat and profiled lenses designed to operate in the GHz frequency range. Special attention is paid to focusing capabilities and bandwidth performance. Our results indicate that compared to the profiled lens, the flat lens with varying material parameters delivers a better performance in terms of scan capability and bandwidth.
A hybrid method for improving MCSCF convergence

It has been found that the convergence problems for many ill conditioned single‐configuration SCF calculations arise from mixing among only a small number of orbitals. This orbital set includes the highest closed, the partially filled, and (possibly) a few of the lowest virtual orbitals. The fact that convergence problems can be, in very large measure, linked to a small orbital set is used to design a hybird MCSCF procedure in which these orbitals are treated using a second‐order MCSCF method, while other mixings are treated with a lower‐order method which avoids the time consuming integral transformation. Tests on BeO show that the hybrid method yields convergence even when the simple lower‐order treatment diverges. The method is expected to facilitate determination of MCSCF wave functions for large basis problems and for the construction of potential energy surfaces.
The effect of gamma irradiation on the response to primary xenografts in the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Abstract Previous studies indicated that rejection of primary xenografts in the American cockroach occurs very quickly. To determine if this rejection was cell-mediated, cockroaches were exposed to 5000 rads of gamma irradiation, depleting circulating haemocytes to one third of normal. Treated animals were tested for cell-mediated immune responsiveness by observing the fate of the subcuticular epidermal cell layer of transplanted integumentary xenografts. Results indicated that there was a 5-day delay in the maximal rejection of xenografts in recipients that were irradiated on the same day as grafting when compared to non-irradiated controls; and a 10-day delay for animals that were irradiated 1 day prior to grafting. Thus, the ability of these insects to reject foreign grafts is dependent upon a radiosensitive haemocyte.
Attenuation of cocaine-induced reinstatement of drug seeking in squirrel monkeys: kappa opioid and serotonergic mechanisms.

Kappa agonists can attenuate reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior induced by cocaine priming. The mechanisms underlying this effect have not been characterized fully but may have a serotonergic component as kappa agonists also increase the release of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). This study investigated the role of kappa opioid receptor and 5-HT mechanisms in kappa agonist-induced attenuation of cocaine priming in monkeys. Squirrel monkeys were trained to self-administer cocaine (0.18–0.3 mg/kg/injection) under a second-order schedule in which drug seeking was maintained jointly by cocaine injections and a cocaine-paired visual stimulus. In extinction sessions, saline was substituted for cocaine, and the cocaine-paired stimulus was omitted. During test sessions, only saline was available for self-administration, and response-contingent presentations of the cocaine-paired stimulus were restored. Priming injections of cocaine (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) induced reinstatement of drug seeking. Maximal levels of responding were similar to those maintained by active cocaine self-administration. Pretreatment with the kappa agonists enadoline (0.01 mg/kg) and spiradoline (0.3 mg/kg) or the 5-HT transport inhibitors fluoxetine (5.6 mg/kg) and citalopram (10.0 mg/kg) attenuated the priming effects of cocaine, shifting the cocaine dose–response function rightward and downward. Inhibition of cocaine-induced reinstatement of drug seeking by spiradoline and fluoxetine was reversed by R(+)8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (0.03 mg/kg), a 5HT1A agonist that inhibits 5-HT release. The effects of spiradoline also were reversed by the kappa antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (10.0 mg/kg). Results suggest that the capacity of kappa opioid agonists to increase extracellular 5-HT levels may at least partially underlie kappa agonist-induced modulation of cocaine seeking.
Enhancing enzymatic digestibility of switchgrass by microwave-assisted alkali pretreatment

Abstract Pretreatment of lignocellulosic materials to disrupt their recalcitrant structures is a crucial step in cellulosic ethanol production. Most pretreatment processes require a high temperature reaction, which is often achieved through conventional heating. In this study, microwave-based heating was used to pretreat switchgrass, which was then hydrolyzed by cellulase enzymes. When switchgrass was soaked in water and treated by microwave, total sugar (xylose + glucose) yield from the combined treatment and hydrolysis was 34.5 g/100 g biomass, equivalent to 58.5% of the maximum potential sugars released. This yield was 53% higher than that obtained from conventional heating of switchgrass. To further improve the sugar yield, switchgrass was presoaked in different concentrations of alkali solutions and then treated by microwave or conventional heating. With alkali loading from 0.05 to 0.3 g alkali/g biomass, microwave pretreatment resulted in a higher sugar yield than from conventional heating, with the highest yield (90% of maximum potential sugars) being achieved at 0.1 g/g of alkali loading. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that the advantage of microwave over conventional heating was due to the disruption of recalcitrant structures. Finally, the effects of temperature, solid content, and treatment time on microwave pretreatment of switchgrass were investigated. At optimal conditions of 190 °C, 50 g/L solid content, and 30 min treatment time, the sugar yield from the combined pretreatment and hydrolysis was 58.7 g/100 g biomass, equivalent 99% of potential maximum sugars. The results demonstrate that microwave-assisted alkali treatment is an efficient way to improve the enzymatic digestibility of switchgrass.
Electrophoretic and isoelectric focusing analysis of human recombinant alpha2‐HS glycoprotein produced in insect cells: Analysis of the post‐translational events

Alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG) is a human serum glycoprotein synthesized by liver cells. It is a natural inhibitor of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity. We produced this protein in insect cells by using a recombinant baculovirus expressing the whole coding sequence of the protein. By analyzing AHSG on isoelectric focusing and on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gels, followed by immunoblot, AHSG produced in insect cells was found to be phosphorylated and to possess the connecting peptide between the A and the B chains. The same features were found in the protein produced by Hep3B, a human liver cell line that synthesizes AHSG. By contrast, no phosphorylation could be detected in AHSG present in normal human plasma, and the connecting peptide was clipped. As the protein produced in insect cells is active on insulin receptors, in contrast to the plasma protein, our results suggest that the biological activity of the protein may be associated with its single chain form together with its phosphorylation.
Lectin histochemistry of complex carbohydrates in human cervix.

Complex carbohydrates in the human cervix were studied histochemically using lectins, conjugated to horseradish peroxidase and correlated procedures. Stratified squamous epithelium of the exocervix and columnar epithelium of the endocervix in some, but not all specimens showed staining for terminal α-N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, α-d-galactose, β-d-galactose and α-l-fucose. the staining for α-N-acetylgalactosamine and α-galactose, the terminal sugars in blood group A and B antigens respectively, corresponded to a large extent with ABO blood type. One exception was the lack of staining for terminal α-N-acetylgalactosamine in endocervical secretions in three of nine blood type A patients. A second exception was the staining for terminal α-galactose in endocervical secretions in about half of blood type O and A specimens. The type and amount of glycoprotein formed by endocervical columnar cells differed according to location in superficial compared with deep portions of the glands and according to location at the junction with exocervix compared with the more internal regions. Staining of endothelial cells for blood group A and B antigens was confined to subjects of blood type A and B respectively, although three of nine type A specimens showed no lectin reactivity for group, A antigen. Endothelial cells evidenced affinity forUlex europeus I agglutinin demonstrative of fucose in all specimens. Mast cells disclosed lectin affinity consistent with the presence of terminal or internal mannose orN-acetylglucosamine residues. Two blood type O specimens were examined with conjugated lectins at the ultrastructural level. Secretory granules stained for content of terminal α-galactose, β-galactose and fucose. These results support and concur with biochemical studies of complex carbohydrates in human cervical tissues. They reveal, in addition, the location of the blood group antigens in the human exocervix and endocervix and the marked heterogeneity among endocervical columnar cells in glycoprotein production.
Troubleshooting tissue specificity and antibody selection: Procedures in immunohistochemical studies.

Abstract Optimal antigen detection and identification is dependent on the tissue of interest, the method of fixation, processing, and antibody specificity. We evaluated specific antigens in frozen middle cerebral artery (MCA) sections from rat brains under various conditions of fixation and differing primary and secondary antibody concentrations. Fresh MCAs were frozen, cryosectioned (8 µm), and adhered to chrom-alum coated slides. The effects of different fixation and antigen retrieval/pretreatments were tested for detection of enzymes and receptors involved in MCA tone regulation. Antigen localization was determined with specific primary antibodies and detected using fluorochrome-conjugated secondary antibodies. Spatial distribution of localized antigens was imaged using confocal microscopy. Frozen sections preserved the morphology of the endothelium and/or vessel wall within the tissue in a manner comparable to formalin-fixed sections. Fixation and tissue processing methods were modified based on the primary antibody used. Optimal antigen detection was obtained using fixatives such as 4% paraformaldehyde, 100% acetone or 100% methanol. Pretreatments, such as 1% SDS, enzymatic digestion using 0.1% trypsin, or application of heat were used to optimize antigen–antibody interaction. Stringent background and control checks were performed to ensure specificity of staining in both single and multiple labeling techniques. In a research setting where epitope detection is not used for diagnostic purposes, there is more latitude in tissue fixation. Frozen samples offer a more versatile method of linking the appropriate fixation and tissue processing to the primary antibody's unique needs. At the same time, it stabilizes the tissue in a format that allows for later analysis of multiple antigens with specific detection requirements in same tissue.
Protecting privacy and the public--limits on police use of bioidentifiers in Europe.

Two citizens who had been charged but not convicted of crimes in the United Kingdom challenged the government's right to keep their fingerprint and DNA information. The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the United Kingdom's laws governing the collection and retention of DNA profiles and samples by police violate human rights.
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form in National Guard soldiers screening positive for posttraumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury.

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2 RF) was administered to 251 National Guard soldiers who had recently returned from deployment to Iraq. Soldiers were also administered questionnaires to identify posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). On the basis of responses to the screening instruments, the National Guard soldiers who produced a valid MMPI-2 RF were classified into four groups: 21 soldiers who screened positive for PTSD only, 33 soldiers who screened positive for mTBI only, 9 soldiers who screened positive for both conditions, and 166 soldiers who did not screen positive for either condition. Results showed that the MMPI-2 RF was able to differentiate across the groups with the MMPI-2 RF specific problem scale Anxiety adding incrementally to MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical scales in predicting PTSD. Both MMPI-2 RC1 (Somatic Complaints) and MMPI-2 RF head pain complaints predicted mTBI screen but did not add incrementally to each other. Of note, all of the MMPI-2 RF validity scales associated with overreporting, including Symptom Validity-Revised (FBS-r), were not significantly elevated in the mTBI group. These findings support the use of the MMPI-2 RF in assessing PTSD in non-treatment-seeking veterans. This further suggests that a positive screen for mTBI alone is not associated with significant emotional disturbance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Mechanism for Multiple Ligand Recognition by the Human Transferrin Receptor

Transferrin receptor 1 (TfR) plays a critical role in cellular iron import for most higher organisms. Cell surface TfR binds to circulating iron-loaded transferrin (Fe-Tf) and transports it to acidic endosomes, where low pH promotes iron to dissociate from transferrin (Tf) in a TfR-assisted process. The iron-free form of Tf (apo-Tf) remains bound to TfR and is recycled to the cell surface, where the complex dissociates upon exposure to the slightly basic pH of the blood. Fe-Tf competes for binding to TfR with HFE, the protein mutated in the iron-overload disease hereditary hemochromatosis. We used a quantitative surface plasmon resonance assay to determine the binding affinities of an extensive set of site-directed TfR mutants to HFE and Fe-Tf at pH 7.4 and to apo-Tf at pH 6.3. These results confirm the previous finding that Fe-Tf and HFE compete for the receptor by binding to an overlapping site on the TfR helical domain. Spatially distant mutations in the TfR protease-like domain affect binding of Fe-Tf, but not iron-loaded Tf C-lobe, apo-Tf, or HFE, and mutations at the edge of the TfR helical domain affect binding of apo-Tf, but not Fe-Tf or HFE. The binding data presented here reveal the binding footprints on TfR for Fe-Tf and apo-Tf. These data support a model in which the Tf C-lobe contacts the TfR helical domain and the Tf N-lobe contacts the base of the TfR protease-like domain. The differential effects of some TfR mutations on binding to Fe-Tf and apo-Tf suggest differences in the contact points between TfR and the two forms of Tf that could be caused by pH-dependent conformational changes in Tf, TfR, or both. From these data, we propose a structure-based model for the mechanism of TfR-assisted iron release from Fe-Tf.
Nano-accuracy measurements and the surface profiler by use of Monolithic Hollow Penta-Prism for precision mirror testing

Abstract We developed a Monolithic Hollow Penta-Prism Long Trace Profiler-NOM (MHPP-LTP-NOM) to attain nano-accuracy in testing plane- and near-plane-mirrors. A new developed Monolithic Hollow Penta-Prism (MHPP) combined with the advantages of PPLTP and autocollimator ELCOMAT of the Nano-Optic-Measuring Machine (NOM) is used to enhance the accuracy and stability of our measurements. Our precise system-alignment method by using a newly developed CCD position-monitor system (PMS) assured significant thermal stability and, along with our optimized noise-reduction analytic method, ensured nano-accuracy measurements. Herein we report our tests results; all errors are about 60 nrad rms or less in tests of plane- and near-plane- mirrors.
On the determination of turbulent diffusivity in shallow waters by aerial photography of floating markers

Aerial photography is used in an experiment with 200 floating markers to determine their dispersion on the surface of a lake. The dispersion proceeded with a practically constant diffusivity coefficient, independent of the size of the diffusing cluster.
Precision electrostatic suspension system for the Gravity Probe B relativity mission’s science gyroscopes

Abstract Presented here is a hybrid digital/analog electrostatic suspension control system for the NASA/Stanford University Gravity Probe B Relativity Mission’s science gyroscopes. An adaptive LQE algorithm, called Authority-on-Demand (AOD), has been developed to meet the high dynamic range requirements for mission’s electrostatic suspension, while minimizing suspension induced torques on the rotor. AOD is novel because it uses plant state estimates, rather than plant parameter estimates, as inputs for adaptation. In addition minimizing disturbance torques on the gyroscope, this suspension system can also maximize and control disturbances torques to perform a post spin-up alignment of the gyroscope spin axes. A backup all-analog proportional-derivative (PD) controller subsystem is provided to maintain control of the rotor in the event of computer faults/radiation induced upsets. A precision mechanical simulation of the gyroscope’s capacitive interface and dynamic response is used to verify performance of the overall system.
Magnetic Susceptibility of a Thin Superconducting Film

The weak-field magnetic susceptibility of a thin superconducting film is calculated with a microscopic theory based on the work of Bardeen, Cooper, and Schrieffer. The finite sample size is taken into account by forming "Cooper pairs" from one-electron states whose wave functions vanish at the film boundary. Although the excitation spectrum of the superconductor remains essentially unchanged by this discrete quantization, the weak-field magnetic susceptibility is found to have a considerably lower value than previous theoretical estimates.
Pancreatitis-induced lung injury: mechanism of injury involves hepatic NF-KB and cytokine mediated pathways

Introduction: The liver has been suggested as a source of NF-kB related inflammatory cytokines involved in the regulation of pancreatitis induced lung injury. The mechanisms and timing of this interaction are not well defined. Methods: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was induced in female C57Bl/6 mice by feeding a choline-deficient ethionine supplemented (CDE) diet for 48 hours. They were followed for 96 hours from diet initiation and sacrificed at 12 hour intervals (5 mice per time point). NF- B activation was determined in lung and liver tissue nuclear protein extracts using p65 ELISA (Active Motif). TNF-a, IL-6, MIP-2, and KC levels in liver and lung homogenates were evaluated using the sandwich ELISA method. Results: Pancreatitis was confirmed by elevated plasma amylase and by histologic evidence of injury. Liver NF- B activation was present by 36 hours (p < .05), with IL-6, MIP-2, and KC levels increasing sharply by 72 hours and remained elevated (p < .05). Pulmonary MIP-2 and KC levels were elevated at 72 hours (p < .05), and correlated with increased MPO activity in the lung. Pulmonary chemokine release and inflammatory cell infiltrate were not associated with increased NF-?B activation in the lung. Conclusions: CDE-induced SAP is associated with acute lung injury. The lack of increased pulmonary NF-kB activation suggests a remote source of increased lung chemokines. The liver appears to play a significant role in SAP associated lung injury and may be the source of NF- B dependent chemokines active in remote organ inflammation.
Hierarchically intelligent control of a bionic arm

A shoulder-disarticulation prosthesis with seven degrees of freedom is formulated as a decision process accepting fuzzy commands from the human nervous system. The problem is decomposed into a functional hierarchy of three levels associated with organization, coordination, and Self-Organizing control, respectively. The highest level transforms a complex command into a sequence of elementary motions. A fuzzy automaton in the middle level coordinates the action of the lowest level controllers which apply direct control inputs to the nonlinear plant.
Hemodialysis prescription and delivery in a metropolitan community

The National Cooperative Dialysis Study attempted to determine adequacy of hemodialysis based on kinetic modeling of urea. Based on this study, it has been recommended that a dimensionless term quantitating the amount of dialysis delivered (KT/V) be greater than 1.0 to avoid adverse outcomes. With the declining duration of dialysis treatments in the United States, there has been concern that a significant proportion of patients may be receiving inadequate therapy. The purpose of this study was to survey hemodialysis practices and treatment outcomes in our metropolitan area. Sixteen area nephrologists volunteered to study their outpatient hemodialysis patients (N = 617). Demographic data and urea kinetic modeling results were then analyzed at the lead center. The mean length of dialysis was 3.2 +/- 0.4 (SD) hours with dialysis blood flow rates of 333 +/- 74 ml/min. The mean KT/V was 1.03 +/- 0.25 with nearly half of patients failing to attain a KT/V of 1.0. In 55% of patients the reason for a low KT/V was the prescription of an insufficient amount of dialysis treatment. In the remainder, insufficient delivery of prescribed dialysis contributed to the low KT/V. Only 1 of 33 patients undergoing dialysis twice a week achieved the recommended quantity of treatment on a weekly basis. Patients undergoing dialysis in non-profit units had a higher KT/V than those treated in proprietary units (1.1 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.92 +/- 0.22, P less than 0.001). In addition, patients dialyzed in units that performed urea kinetic modeling on all or selected patients had a higher KT/V compared to those in units where urea kinetics were not done (1.12 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.95 +/- 0.23, P less than 0.001). If these findings reflect practices elsewhere in the United States, many hemodialysis patients fail to receive the current recommended quantity of treatment.
Validation of satellite-derived atmospheric temperature and water vapor concentration using radiosonde and rocketsonde measurements

Abstract Measurements of the spectral radiance of the earth's atmosphere from satellites can be related to the vertical structures of temperature and humidity. Derived profiles of these quantities are compared with radiosonde and rocketsonde observations, as well as with horizontal and vertical cross-sections of the atmosphere. In some regions of the atmosphere, particularly where large gradients are found, significant differences occur. A method for overcoming these by use of Typical Shape Functions is discussed. Transmittances computed from theory require modifications which are not well defined, and radiances measured from some satellite instruments disagree with computed values in ways which suggest calibration or instrument problems.
The Development of Selected Reaction Monitoring Methods for Targeted Proteomics via Empirical Refinement

Software advancements in the last several years have had a significant impact on proteomics from method development to data analysis. Herein, we detail a method, which uses our in-house developed software tool termed Skyline, for empirical refinement of candidate peptides from targeted proteins. The method consists of four main steps from generation of a testable hypothesis, method development, peptide refinement, to peptide validation. The ultimate goal is to identify the best performing peptide in terms of ionization efficiency, reproducibility, specificity, and chromatographic characteristics to monitor as a proxy for protein abundance. It is important to emphasize that this method allows the user to perform this refinement procedure in the sample matrix and organism of interest with the instrumentation available. Finally, the method is demonstrated in a case study to determine the best peptide to monitor the abundance of surfactant protein B in lung aspirates.
Cooperative interactions of protein kinase C and cAMP-dependent protein kinase systems in human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells

Interactions of protein kinase C (PKC) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) systems were investigated in HL60 cells. It was found that the differentiating effects of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) were potentiated by dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In addition, dbcAMP or PGE2 inhibited TPA-induced binding of PKC to plasma membrane, leading to decreased protein phosphorylation, and promoted subsequent redistribution of enzyme to the nuclear membrane region. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that PKC and PKA systems regulate cooperatively the phenotypical differentiation of leukemic cells.
DEVELOPMENT AND TEST OF A MULTIVARIATE MODEL OF ABSENTEEISM

Given the high costs associated with employees' absence in today's cost-conscious environment, there has been increased interest in understanding the factors leading to absenteeism. In 1986 Brooke proposed an absenteeism model as a stimulus to research. The present study tests a multivariate model based on Brooke's proposed framework. Subjects were 443 Department of Defense civilian employees. Confirmatory path analysis (LISREL VI) was performed to test the proposed model. Given a poor fit between the research model and the data, exploratory path analysis was performed next to establish the paths leading to absenteeism, and a revised model was developed. Although these results provided partial support for the hypothesized model, the data suggested that the actual relationships between absenteeism and the 14 independent variables are more complex than anticipated. The revised model provides a better fit than the original model and establishes a framework for further research.
Cycle length in atrioventricular nodal reentrant paroxysmal tachycardia with observations on the lown-ganong-levine syndrome

Abstract Sixty-five patients with dual pathway atrioventrlcular (A-V) nodal reentrant paroxysmal tachycardia were studied. Of these 65 patients, 11 (17 percent) had a short P-R interval (0.12 second or less) and 3 (5 percent) had a short A-H interval (53 ms or less) during sinus rhythm, suggesting the Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome. Frequency distribution analyses of P-R and A-H intervals In the 65 patients demonstrated continuous unimodal functions, suggesting a continuum of A-V nodal properties. Regression analyses of P-R and A-H (fast pathway) intervals versus cycle length of paroxysmal tachycardia revealed an r value of 0.11 and 0.10, respectively (not significant). The cycle length of paroxysmal tachycardia did not differ between the 11 patients with a short P-R Interval (370 ± 20 ms ) and the 54 patients without a short P-R interval (382 ±11 ms ). Regression analysis of the slow pathway A-H interval versus cycle length of paroxysmal tachycardia revealed an r value of 0.68 (p The cycle length of dual pathway A-V nodal reentrant paroxysmal tachycardia is a function of the slow pathway A-H Interval and not the P-R or A-H Interval during sinus rhythm. Identification of short P-R intervals in patients with A-V nodal reentrant paroxysmal tachycardia has little significance.
Halogen-free ultra-high flame retardant polymers through enzyme catalysis

Over the past few years, the use of certain types of halogenated flame retardant additives such as decabromodiphenylether has come under intense scrutiny due to their toxicity, environmental persistence and bio-accumulation. There is an immediate need for the development of non-toxic alternative flame retardant materials and fire resistant polymers with comparable or better efficacies, obtained using benign synthetic approaches. Enzymatic polymerization is being used increasingly as an environmentally friendly alternative method for the synthesis of functional materials including polymers and additives. Here, we report a biocatalytic synthesis of a new class of thermally stable, ultra-fire resistant polyphenols based on deoxybenzoins. In calorimetric studies, these polyphenols exhibit very low heat release capacities (comparable to Nomex™) and form a large amount of carbonaceous char rendering them suitable for flame retardant applications.
Comparison of the collapsing losses in linear and square-law detectors

It is pointed out that the collapsing loss for a linear detector can be much greater than the loss for a square-law detector. A numerical comparison is made between the two losses.
Cigarette smoke induces MUC5AC mucin overproduction via tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme in human airway epithelial (NCI-H292) cells

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Because cigarette smoking is so importantly implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD and because mucus h...
New insights into drug development for pediatric solid tumors: what preclinical data justify clinical trials in pediatric cancer?

Childhood cancer is rare, and in the USA approximately 70% of children diagnosed with cancer are cured, with the 5-year event-free survival rate close to 80%. Consequently, there are relatively few...
Uncertainty and Values to the Rescue

Les AA. presentent de facon critique un certain nombre de contributions concernant l'analyse des organisations. Ils rendent hommage aux travaux de C. Argyris qui met en lumiere le role des valeurs au sein des recherches sur les organisations. Ils examinent de quelle maniere R. Hogan et R. Sinclair, d'une part, K. J. Gergen et T. Thatchenkery, d'autre part, dans leurs communications respectives envisagent la place de la notion de valeur et de celle d'incertitude sur le plan de l'analyse des organisations. Ils proposent une approche alternative a celles developpees dans ces deux articles
Sufficient conditions for a local homeomorphism to be injective

Abstract Let U be an open connected subset of Rn whose closure, Ū, is compact and whose boundary, ∂U, has only finitely many components. Assume f:Ū→Rn is a continuous map such that f|U is a local homeomorphism (e.g. f|U has continuous partial derivatives and nonvanishing Jacobian). Under certain hypotheses on ∂U and f|∂U, it is proved that f must map U homeomorphically onto its image.
Integrated in silico Analyses of Regulatory and Metabolic Networks of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 Reveal Relationships between Gene Centrality and Essentiality.

Cyanobacteria dynamically relay environmental inputs to intracellular adaptations through a coordinated adjustment of photosynthetic efficiency and carbon processing rates. The output of such adaptations is reflected through changes in transcriptional patterns and metabolic flux distributions that ultimately define growth strategy. To address interrelationships between metabolism and regulation, we performed integrative analyses of metabolic and gene co-expression networks in a model cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002. Centrality analyses using the gene co-expression network identified a set of key genes, which were defined here as “topologically important.” Parallel in silico gene knock-out simulations, using the genome-scale metabolic network, classified what we termed as “functionally important” genes, deletion of which affected growth or metabolism. A strong positive correlation was observed between topologically and functionally important genes. Functionally important genes exhibited variable levels of topological centrality; however, the majority of topologically central genes were found to be functionally essential for growth. Subsequent functional enrichment analysis revealed that both functionally and topologically important genes in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 are predominantly associated with translation and energy metabolism, two cellular processes critical for growth. This research demonstrates how synergistic network-level analyses can be used for reconciliation of metabolic and gene expression data to uncover fundamental biological principles.
Controllability and Reduced State Space Models for Feedback Control of the Resistive Wall Kink Mode

Controllability conditions are derived for the resistive wall kink mode using analytic single circuit theory. Using feedback coils that couple more strongly to the plasma than the wall allows controllability up to the ideal wall limit of performance. Conversely, it is found that the controllability of the unstable resistive wall mode is lost at some value of instability growth rate between the no-wall and ideal wall limits when feedback coils are placed outside the passive stabilizing wall. The controllability criterion of the mode can be written in terms of the sign of a dimensionless coupling number that characterizes the magnitude of system inductances. Similar coupling numbers can be defined and used to characterize mode observability conditions as well as the interaction of sensor and feedback coils with the passive wall and plasma. A method is developed based upon contraction of a finite element inductance and resistance matrix model of the system conducting structures that allows quantitative calculation of these coupling numbers for a given system eigenmode. The construction of simple reduced order ordinary differential equation models based upon these coupling numbers accurately calculates mode eigenvalves and serves as a useful starting point for developing few mode approximations of the full eigenmode spectrum for use in advanced controller algorithm development.
PLANT LAYOUT AND DISCRETE OPTIMIZING

SUMMARY SUMMARY Using the discrete optimizing technique, a procedure is developed to obtain an optimal or near-optimal plant layout for minimum material handling. The material handled is understood to be loads times distance travelled. The discrete optimizing technique is summarized.
Evolution strategies based image registration via feature matching

Abstract An image registration approach using evolution strategies is presented. The objectives of registration are to find an accurate transformation and minimize the computational expense. However, it is difficult to optimize both concurrently. Moreover, most conventional image registration approaches are unsuccessful in registering images requiring large transformations due to the computational constraints. In this article, we propose a novel method that employs evolution strategies to search for corresponding features. Using an elliptical search structure, our goal is to match the feature enclosed and therefore determine the transformation parameters. The advantages of this method include, in addition to lower computational cost, high accuracy regardless of the magnitude of transformation required and noise condition. Results are illustrated and compared to a control-point-based method and a mutual-information-based method. The experiments also demonstrate robustness of the approach.
Target detection in high-dimensional space using a stochastic expectation maximization algorithm

This paper presents an object detection algorithm based on stochastic expectation-maximization (SEM) algorithm. SEM algorithm is based on the stochastic, expectation, and maximization steps to iteratively estimate the parameters of the classes in many applications including hyperspectral data cube (HDC). However, the application of SEM algorithm for classification of hyperspectral imagery becomes impractical because of the huge amount of data (e.g. 512 x 512 x 220). To avoid this problem, we proposed a preprocessing step for SEM algorithm to fast classify the data cube formulating an Object Detection algorithm based on SEM for detecting small objects in hyperspectral imagery. In the proposed preprocessing step, we utilize the exponential of Euclidian Distance for rapidly separation of data cube into a potential object of interest class and a background class. Then, SEM algorithm is employed to classify the potential object of interest class further into classes to detect the object of interest class. In the conducted experiments using real hyperspectral imagery, the results of the proposed algorithm show comparatively low false alarm rate even with a challenging scenarios.
Frequency judgments of individual items after varying exposures in a multiple-item recognition learning list

Sets of pairs for a multiple-item recognition learning task varied in their number of exposures (one, two, and four) during a single extended study trial. The test phase required frequency of exposure judgments of individual items (i.e., prior right and wrong items). In agreement with frequency analyses of multiple-item recognition learning, frequency judgments of right items were greater than judgments of wrong items at each exposure level. Judgments of both item types increased as the number of pretest exposures increased, and the disparity between item types also increased with increases in exposure. Individual differences in frequency judgments were greater for wrong items than for right items.
The role of infection and vaccination in the genesis of optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis in children.

ABSTRACT— This article describes the association between previous infection and/or vaccination and the development of optic neuritis (ON) in 18 children. Ten of these children subsequently developed clinically definite multiple sclerosis (MS), while in 8 patients a clinically definite etiology could not be confirmed. Vaccination preceded the first ON attack in 6 patients, all but one of whom subsequently developed MS. It also preceded subsequent demyelinating events in 6 patients. Ten of the patients had a bacterial or viral infection within the 2 weeks prior to the first symptoms of ON. Intrathecal antibody synthesis against 2 or more viruses could be shown in 5 out of 8 patients studied; 5 out of 6 patients had oligoclonal antibodies in CSF and 12 out of 16 patients a high IgG index. Neither intrathecal antibody synthesis against 2 or more viruses nor elevated IgG indexes could be found in the control patients. Measles and mumps occurred at a significantly later age in the children who subsequently developed MS than in the control children, and these patients had significantly more events that might have impaired the blood-brain barrier than the controls. These results indicate that immunological events leading to MS may be triggered during childhood. Vaccination and infection often precede ON in childhood. Intrathecal viral antibody production can occur already in childhood at the time of the first symptoms of MS.
Exploring the Relationship among Cultural Discontinuity, Psychological Distress, and Academic Outcomes with Low-Income, Culturally Diverse Students:

School counselors and educators tend to focus on the symptoms of cultural discontinuity and often view these symptoms as root causes for underachievement. In this article we use an ecosystemic paradigm to explore the relationship among cultural discontinuity, psychological distress, and academic achievement. Recommendations include ways in which school counselors can use macrosystemic interventions to forge partnerships between low-income, culturally diverse students' home culture and that of the school.