cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial Energy Efficiency Patterns in New York and Implications for Energy Demand and the Rebound Effect

This study uses a spatial Durbin error model (SDEM) approach to analyze adoption trends for residential energy-efficiency measures (EEMs) in New York state. Model results are based on socioeconomic...
Food rations, resistance, and agency at the Culion leper colony, 1900s–1930s

This study explores how Filipino Hansen’s disease patients confined to the Culion leper colony engaged with government authorities over food-related issues during the first three decades of the twentieth century. Food rations are understudied themes in the history of the Culion leper colony. Earlier scholarship on Culion focused on the segregation policy, medical practices, and general conditions. Recent work highlighted the theme of resistance evident in the patients’ flight from the island, protests against the ban on marriage and cohabitation, and petitions for rights as citizens. A few considered agitations and other actions by patients in response to the food situation. In this study, I argue that food was a platform upon which colonial authority was contested in a myriad of ways and forms. Patients’ reactions were directed not only at poor quality and insufficient quantity of rations, but also at the American colonial state’s policy that exiled them to the island of Culion. Many of them practiced self-sufficiency to address basic food needs and to provide financial assistance to the families they left behind. Others actively participated in committees to improve the distribution of rations. The study of food supply and rations in Culion offers insights into the engagement between Filipino patients of Hansen’s disease and colonial administrators. It demonstrates varying forms of patients’ resistance and exercise of agency within a restrictive setting and in a colonial context. In some instances, patients’ agency was enabled by authorities, thereby complicating the story of their engagement. Consideration of their diverse and multifaceted practices facilitates a fuller understanding of how Filipino Hansen’s disease patients dealt with government officials during the American colonial period. KEYWORDS: Culion, Hansen’s disease, resistance, agency, food rations
Wavelength Filtering and Manipulation

The use of multiple wavelengths has many applications in integrated optics. For example, these beams can be used for high data rate optical systems or for contoured wavelength beams in a nonuniform amplifier. In this chapter, we consider the functionality of wavelength filtering and manipulation. These are illustrated with several approaches for filtering, separation, or manipulation of wavelengths using different device types. More generally there are many wavelength filters, which are widely used, such as phased-array waveguide routers, Mach–Zehnder interferometric devices, various asymmetric coupler-based devices, and free-space grating demultiplexers. This chapter examines in detail three device types. One of these, phased-array routers, are currently the most important commercial devices for wavelength selection. However, the other two device types (coupler filters and 1/4 Bragg channel-dropping filters) have also each been the subject of extensive investigation of their properties. Each of these three device types illustrates one of the major device techniques, which we will be presenting later in this chapter.
Learning Curves for SGD on Structured Features.

The generalization performance of a machine learning algorithm such as a neural network depends in a non-trivial way on the structure of the data distribution. Models of generalization in machine learning theory often ignore the low-dimensional structure of natural signals, either by considering data-agnostic bounds or by studying the performance of the algorithm when trained on uncorrelated features. To analyze the influence of data structure on test loss dynamics, we study an exactly solveable model of stochastic gradient descent (SGD) which predicts test loss when training on features with arbitrary covariance structure. We solve the theory exactly for both Gaussian features and arbitrary features and we show that the simpler Gaussian model accurately predicts test loss of nonlinear random-feature models and deep neural networks trained with SGD on real datasets such as MNIST and CIFAR-10. We show that modeling the geometry of the data in the induced feature space is indeed crucial to accurately predict the test error throughout learning.
Guidance for Mortals: Heidegger on Norms

What does it mean to act in the light of a norm? According to Robert Pippin, despite promising overtures, and in contrast to Hegel, Heidegger has no coherent answer to this question. Steven Crowell disagrees. In responding to Pippin’s challenge, Crowell develops a sophisticated reading of Heidegger-on-norms that exploits and expands Heidegger’s inheritance of German Idealist thought around the topic of self-legislation. This chapter has two principal aims. Firstly, it argues that Crowell’s argument fails as a defense of Heidegger. Secondly, it develops a reading of Heidegger to provide an alternative response to Pippin’s challenge.
Radical cystectomy for historical and pathologic T1, N0, MO (stage A) transitional cell cancer: Need for adjuvant systemic chemotherapy?

Abstract Of 695 patients who, in a five-year period, underwent cystectomy for bladder cancer, 32 (4.6 %) proved to have historical and pathologic Stage T1 (Stage A) transitional cell cancer. Of these, 23 (72 %) had grade 3 disease or higher. Overall, in 17 (53 %) progression developed after follow-up of ⩾ 5 years. Moreover, in 10 (31 %) of the patients systemic progression developed during ten years. DNA ploidy pattern analysis did not prove helpful in predicting disease outcome. Because effective systemic chemotherapy has become available in the form of M-VAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin), it seems justifiable that patients who are considered to be candidates for cysteetomy because of high-grade, multifocal TI transitional cell cancer of the bladder also could be candidates for effective neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, in addition to those who usually are part of these protocols—namely, those with ⩾ T2 disease.
Risk reduction strategies: Past, present and future

In 1973, William Haddon proposed a list of 10 strategies for preventing and mitigating hazards of all kinds. This article reviews subsequent refinements and alternate proposals. It also proposes a new list consisting of one strategy for eliminating the hazard and eight for mitigating risks associated with the hazard. Each strategy is illustrated by several examples. The nine risk reduction strategies are shown to fit logically into a three-level hierarchy of controls that could be used by design teams employing a risk assessment process.
CHAPTER 7 – Coal-Derived Carbons

This chapter reviews the class of coal-derived carbons. In recent years, researchers at West Virginia University have developed coal derived pitches on a laboratory scale in quantities sufficient to make 1 kg samples of calcined coke for fashioning graphite test specimens. The pitches were derived by utilizing solvent extraction with N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP). This solvent is able to isolate coal-based pitches in high yield and with low mineral matter content. The chapter demonstrates that a solvent-extraction procedure with N-methyl pyrrolidone is capable of producing coal-derived extract pitches with low-ash contents. Moreover, the properties of the pitches can be varied by partial hydrogenation of the coal prior to extraction. The yield of the pitches along with the physical and chemical properties of the cokes and graphites vary. By a combination of pitch blending and hydrogenation, the properties of calcined cokes and their subsequent graphites can be controlled in a predictable manner. Thus, by altering processing conditions, graphites ranging from very isotropic to very anisotropic can be produced from a single coal source.
Estimating Welfare Change Associated with Improvements in Urban Bicycling Facilities

AbstractPrior research has focused on estimating the heath, air quality, safety, and congestion relief benefits of bicycling facilities. Bicycling facilities also provide bicyclists with a more enjoyable and safer feeling experience. An estimate of the total welfare change, or net benefits, associated with providing improved bicycle facilities should therefore include the value of these additional benefits. This study estimates welfare change as willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in bicycling facilities using several different methods to value travel time. Three types of improvements are considered: cycle tracks, bicycle lanes, and street lighting. A stated preference survey asked respondents to choose between different levels of bicycle facility improvements and travel time, and also asked respondents for their average and marginal wage rates. Cycle tracks were valued the most, followed by street lighting and bicycle lanes. Greater cycling experience was associated with lower WPT, although increas...
Identification of skin lesions from the transient thermal response using infrared imaging technique

Increased availability of thermal imaging cameras has led to an interest in the application of infrared imaging techniques to the detection and identification of subsurface structures. We study the use of the transient thermal response of skin layers to determine to which extent surface temperature distribution reflects the properties of subsurface structures, such as lesions. A numerical model using the finite element method is described to obtain this response, which enables us to draw conclusions regarding the size, depth and nature of subsurface structures. This work validates the idea of examining the transient thermal response and using thermal imaging as a solution for lesion identification. A sensitivity study of surface temperature distribution to variations of thermophysical properties, blood perfusion rate, and thicknesses of skin layers is performed. It is observed that variations in these parameters have minimal effects on surface temperature distribution.
Analbite → monalbite transition in a heat treated twinned amelia albite

Amelia albite annealed at > 1080 °C for 3200 hrs by Duba and Piwinskii (1974) shows very fine twin lamellae (∼1 μm) after the albite law, suggesting that it once underwent transformation into monalbite. A fragment of this specimen was investigated at 27 °C, 300 °C, 550 °C, 800 °C and 930 °C using the high-temperature precession technique. As the temperature increases, the splitting angle of c*-axes (likewise c*-axes) of two twin individuals continues to decrease. The photographs taken at 930 °C show that these two splitting angles have converged to 0o, indicating completion of the transformation into monalbite. The transition point we observe supports the results of MacKenzie (1952) (920±20 °C) and Grundy et al. (1967) (930 °C) rather than those of Sueno et al. (1973) and Prewitt et al. (1974) (> 1080 °C); the discrepancy is most likely due to the differences in the degree of Al-Si disorder of the samples used in the experiments.
The Consortium and the Commissioner: A Grass Roots Tale of Fighting High Stakes Graduation Testing in New York

The following paper provides a case study of the resistance of the New York Performance Standards Consortium to the state’s unitary high stakes testing policy from 1998 to 2006. After detailing the history of the grass roots actions undertaken by the group of alternative high schools called ‘The Consortium’, the analysis seeks to apply sociological and philosophical theory of, among others, John Rawls and Charles Willie to explain: (1) the success of the subdominant people of power in fighting the implementation of the battery of high stakes graduation tests; and (2) the failures of the dominant state authority to uniformly enforce its policy, with particular regard to the decisions of New York’s Commissioner of Education. Implications of the case are then discussed to place this little known educational struggle in a broader social, political and historical context.
Escherichia coli genome targeting I. Cre-Zox-mediated in vitro generation of ori− plasmids and their in vivo chromosomal integration and retrieval

Abstract We have constructed a plasmid system designed for the insertion of cloned DNA (e.g., genes, gene fusions, regulatory elements, etc.) into the Escherichia coli genome. Its principal feature is the presence of two tandem lox sites on the plasmids, which upon Cre-mediated in vitro recombination resolve the plasmids into ori − and ori + DNA circles. The non-replicating ori − circles contain the λ, attP site, several unique restriction sites for cloning, a Not I site and Km R , a kanamycin-resistance-encoding gene. The ori + circles carry the origin of DNA replication ( ori ) together with several cleavage sites not present in the ori − circles, including the rare site for the very efficient I- Sce I enzyme, that are used to inactivate the ori + circles and any unresolved plasmid DNA. We have used this system to insert cloned DNA into the host genome at ( i ) the attB site, by Int-mediated integration and ( ii ) at any predetermined sequence, as mediated by the Rec system(s) of the host. The genomes of the resulting transformants were analyzed by Nod digestion of the chromosomal DNA, embedded in agarose microbeads, followed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. A system for the retrieval of DNA fragments inserted at the attB site was also developed.
Membrane insertion of peptides mimicking E2 domain of Sindbis virus is modulated by cholesterol

In the process of assembly Sindbis enveloped virus uses a host-derived membrane bilayer that is “sandwiched” between the concentric protein shells. The transmembrane domains of three glycoproteins penetrate the bilayer and are capable of assembling in two strikingly different membranes: mammalian membranes that contain up to 40% of cholesterol and insects membranes that contain larger fraction of shorter unsaturated lipids and no cholesterol. Recently, it was shown that mutations in the transmembrane domain of the Sindbis virus E2 protein produce deferential alterations in the protein association with the lipid bilayer: some mutants were able to grow in insect cells, but not in mammalian cells [1,2]. The Sindbis virus with STM-16 deletion mutation of the E2 transmembrane domain shows the most pronounced differential growth in mammal and insect cells while STM-18 shows almost wild-type behaviour. We have investigated the interaction of synthetic peptides mimicking E2 domain mutants with lipid bilayers with the goal to understand constraints placed upon membrane spanning domains for correct integration into the bilayer. The phospholipid composition was chosen to represent mammalian and insects' membranes. Results of EPR spin-labeling experiments show that both STM-16 and STM-18 peptides adopt a transmembrane configuration in bilayers with lipid composition mimicking that of insects. In mammalian cell mimicking membranes and containing cholesterol the STM-16 peptide aggregates at the surface of the bilayer. Both peptides exhibit transmembrane orientation in bilayers consisting of “mammalian” lipid mixture but without cholesterol. Thus, we show that cholesterol content of the lipid mixture modulates insertion of the peptides into bilayer mimicking mammalian cell membrane. Supported by NSF grant MCB-0451510 to TIS.[1] Hernandez, R., et. al. J Virol 2003 77(23), 12710-9.[2] West, J., et. al. J. Virol., 2006 80:4458-4468.
Reprogrammable optical matched filter for biphase-coded pulse compression.

We demonstrate the use of stimulated echoes for high-speed phase-modulated signal processing. The specific example chosen here involves the compression of biphase-coded pulses—a technique widely used in radar systems to achieve high range resolution and high signal-to-noise ratios. Experimental results obtained with the 5- and 13-bit Barker codes are presented, along with the measurements of a system’s dynamic range and signal-to-noise enhancement. Advantages of this technique over the existing methods for signal processing are discussed.
A Fortran language system for mutation-based software testing

Mutation analysis is a powerful technique for testing software systems. The Mothra software testing project uses mutation analysis as the basis for an integrated software testing environment. Mutation analysis requires executing many slightly differing versions of the same program to evaluate the quality of the data used to test the program. The current version of Mothra includes a complete language system that translates a program to be tested into intermediate code so that it and its mutated versions can be executed by an interpreter. In this paper, we discuss some of the unique requirements of a language system used in a mutation-based testing environment. We then describe how these requirements affected the design and implementation of the Fortran 77 version of the Mothra system. We also describe the intermediate language used by Mothra and the features of the language system that are needed for software testing. The appendices contain a full description of the intermediate language and the mutation operators used by Mothra. The design and implementation techniques that were developed for Mothra are applicable for constructing not just software testing systems, but any type of program analysis system or language system for a special-purpose application. In particular, we discuss decisions made and techniques developed by the Mothra team that can be useful in such applications as debuggers, program measurement tools, software development environments and other types of program analysis systems.
Irrigation water use estimates based on crop simulation models and kriging

Abstract In Georgia and many other southeastern states in the USA, the amount of water used by agriculture for irrigation is largely unknown due to the lack of reporting requirements. Recent droughts and a water dispute with the neighboring states that include Alabama and Florida have highlighted the need for an accurate estimate of water use by agriculture. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of a crop simulation model combined with kriging for estimating the spatial distribution of the monthly irrigation water use for cotton in the Coastal Plain region of Georgia. Farmers’ monthly irrigation applications for cotton during the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons were obtained from selected sites of the Agricultural Water Pumping program. We selected 80 fields for 2002 and 51 fields for 2003. For each of these fields, we used the Cropping System Model-CROPGRO-Cotton to simulate farmers’ irrigation applications. Ordinary kriging was used to estimate the spatial distribution of monthly total irrigation in the region. We then compared the spatial and temporal distribution of irrigation amounts predicted by the Cropping System Model-CROPGRO-Cotton with the amount of water that the farmers actually applied. The Cropping System Model-CROPGRO-Cotton simulated the temporal pattern of irrigation applications very well during the growing season. The root mean square error (RMSE) between observed and simulated total irrigation for different months ranged from 5 to 23 mm in 2002 and from 2 to 14 mm in 2003. The RMSE values were generally higher in 2002 when the irrigation applications across the region were more variable when compared with 2003. Consequently, a better agreement on the spatial distribution of monthly total irrigation for the observed and simulated was obtained for 2003 than for 2002.
Probabilistic Dialogue Modelling

We show how Bayesian networks and related probabilistic methods provide an efficient way of capturing the complex balancing of different factors that determine interpretation and generation in dialogue. As a case study, we show how a probabilistic approach can be used to model anaphora resolution in dialogue.
Radiotherapy alone for clinical T4 skin carcinoma of the head and neck with surgery reserved for salvage.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of definitive radiotherapy in the treatment of clinical stage T4 cutaneous carcinomas of the head and neck. Patients and Methods: Between October 1964 and September 1997, 85 patients with 88 biopsy-proven clinical AJCC stage T4 carcinomas of the skin of the head and neck received radiotherapy with curative intent. A total of 43 lesions were previously untreated, and 45 were recurrent after other treatment modalities. Histologic types of carcinoma included squamous cell (37 lesions), basal cell (41 lesions), and metatypical basal (basosquamous) cell (10 lesions). Minimum follow-up was 2 years. The product-limit method was used to determine the rates of disease control, severe late complications, and survival. Multivariate analyses included histology, previous treatment, involvement of bone or nerve, number of structures invaded, node stage, external beam dose, and overall treatment time. Results: At 5 years, the rates of local control after radiotherapy and ultimate local control after salvage surgery were 53% and 90%, respectively. Local control rates were better for patients having previously untreated lesions (P = .05). Regional and ultimate regional control rates were 93% and 100%, respectively, and were better for previously untreated lesions (P < .01), basal cell histology or its metatypical variant (P = .04), and absence of bone invasion (P = .08). At 5 years, the risk of severe late complications was 17%, the risk of distant metastasis was 5%, and the overall absolute and cause-specific survival probabilities were 56% and 76%, respectively. Conclusion: Radiotherapy alone results in a relatively high probability of cure for selected patients with T4 skin cancers. (Am J Otolaryngol 2001;22:387-390. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company)
Vertebrate myosin VIIb is a high duty ratio motor adapted for generating and maintaining tension.

Abstract Kinetic adaptation of muscle and non-muscle myosins plays a central role in defining the unique cellular functions of these molecular motor enzymes. The unconventional vertebrate class VII myosin, myosin VIIb, is highly expressed in polarized cells and localizes to highly ordered actin filament bundles such as those found in the microvilli of the intestinal brush border and kidney. We have cloned mouse myosin VIIb from a cDNA library, expressed and purified the catalytic motor domain, and characterized its actin-activated ATPase cycle using quantitative equilibrium and kinetic methods. The myosin VIIb steady-state ATPase activity is slow (∼1 s-1), activated by very low actin filament concentrations (KATPase ∼ 0.7 μm), and limited by ADP release from actomyosin. The slow ADP dissociation rate constant generates a long lifetime of the strong binding actomyosin·ADP states. ADP and actin binding is uncoupled, which enables myosin VIIb to remain strongly bound to actin and ADP at very low actin concentrations. In the presence of 2 mm ATP and 2 μm actin, the duty ratio of myosin VIIb is ∼0.8. The enzymatic properties of actomyosin VIIb are suited for generating and maintaining tension and favor a role for myosin VIIb in anchoring membrane surface receptors to the actin cytoskeleton. Given the high conservation of vertebrate class VII myosins, deafness phenotypes arising from disruption of normal myosin VIIa function are likely to reflect a loss of tension in the stereocilia of inner ear hair cells.
Gonadal steroids regulate the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the adult male rat hippocampus

This study demonstrates that gonadal steroids (estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone) can regulate the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the adult male rat brain. Previously, we showed that castration of adult male rats increased glial fibrillary acidic protein messenger RNA in the hippocampus and that this increase was additive with the increase induced by deafferenting entorhinal cortex lesions [Day et al. (1990) Molec. Endocr. 4, 1995-2002 . We extended these effects of castration and entorhinal cortex lesion to glial fibrillary acidic protein, using immunoassays. Furthermore, we found regional differences in responses to castration and inhibited by sex steroids. In contrast, hypothalamic glial fibrillary acidic protein expression was inhibited by castration. Similar regional differences were also shown for astrocyte glial fibrillary acidic protein distribution by immunocytochemistry. The regional specificity of glial fibrillary acidic protein expression after castration and sex steroid replacement is pertinent to the role of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity in unlesioned adults as well as in responses to lesions where the steroid milieu has been shown to influence sprouting.
Addressing medication nonadherence by mobile phone: Development and delivery of tailored messages

Abstract Background Medication nonadherence remains a significant public health problem, and efforts to improve adherence have shown only limited impact. The tailoring of messages has become a popular method of developing communication to influence specific health-related behaviors but the development and impact of tailored text messages on medication use is poorly understood. Objectives The aim of this paper is to describe an approach to developing theory-based tailored messages for delivery via mobile phone to improve medication adherence among patients with diabetes. Methods Kreuter's five-step tailoring process was followed to create tailored messages for mobile phone delivery. Two focus group sessions, using input from 11 people, and expert review of message content were used to adapt the survey instrument on which the messages were tailored and edit the developed messages for the target population. Results and conclusions Following established tailoring methods a library of 168 theory-driven and 128 medication-specific tailored messages were developed and formatted for automated delivery to mobile phones. Concepts from the Health Belief Model and Self-Determination Theory were used to craft the messages and an algorithm was applied to determine the order and timing of messages with the aim of progressively influencing disease and treatment-related beliefs driving adherence to diabetes medication. The process described may be applied to future investigations aiming to improve medication adherence in patients with diabetes and the effectiveness of the current messages will be tested in a planned analysis.
Thermal preference and tolerance of alvinellids.

The highest oceanic temperatures are found at hydrothermal vents, where the polychaete Paralvinella sulfincola lives on vent sulfides within steep and dynamic thermal gradients. To determine P. sulfincola thermotolerance and preference, we developed a high-pressure aquarium that mimics in situ thermal gradients and permits P. sulfincola to move within the gradient. These polychaetes were thermotaxic, preferring temperatures of 40° to 50°C. Some individuals remained at 50°C for 7 hours (the duration of the experiment), whereas others endured exposure to 55°C for over 15 minutes, demonstrating that alvinellids prefer high temperatures and are among the most thermotolerant of marine organisms.
AMPA/kainate antagonists in the nucleus accumbens inhibit locomotor stimulatory response to cocaine and dopamine agonists

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether AMPA/kainate excitatory amino acid receptors in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) play a role in the locomotor stimulation produced by cocaine and dopamine receptor agonists. The stimulation of locomotor activity produced by the systemic administration of cocaine was markedly attenuated by either the D 1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the D 2 receptor antagonist eticlopride administered directly into the NAc. This indicates that both dopaminergic receptor subtypes in the NAc are involved in the motor stimulant response to cocaine. The intraaccumbens administration of DNOX or GAMS, which have been shown to inhibit the locomotor stimulation produced by the excitatory amino acid agonist AMPA, antagonized the locomotor stimulant response to cocaine administered either systemically or directly into the NAc. DNOX and GAMS also inhibited the stimulation of locomotor activity produced by the coinjection of the D 1 agonist SKF38393 and the D 2 agonist quinpirole injected into the NAc of normal animals and of animals pretreated with reserpine. These results suggest that the activation of AMPA/kainate receptors in the NAc plays an important role in the locomotor stimulation produced by cocaine and directly acting dopaminergic receptor agonists. The effect produced by the activation of these receptors is independent of endogenous dopamine stores, suggesting that these receptors are located postsynaptic to the dopaminergic nerve terminals.
Diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma—a comparative study of urinary cytology and surgical biopsy

Introduction Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is defined as urothelial carcinoma (UC) arising in the renal pelvis and ureter. Upper tract (UT) cytology and biopsy evaluation can be technically challenging. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic modality and sensitivity of urine cytology and ureteroscopic biopsy for the diagnosis of UTUC. Material and methods All patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy with preoperative cytology and/or biopsy from January 1, 2000 to September 30, 2011 at our institution were included in this study. The sensitivity of each diagnostic modality was calculated with respect to tumor grade, stage, and size. Results A total of 143 cytology specimens and 54 biopsies from 65 patients were evaluated. For low-grade UTUC, the sensitivities for biopsy, lower tract cytology, and UT cytology were 68.4%, 27.3%, and 37.5%, respectively. These numbers were 82.9%, 40.7%, and 80.6% for high-grade UTUC. By combining the UT cytology and biopsy, the diagnostic sensitivities were increased to 87.5% for low-grade UTUC and 100% for high-grade UTUC. The consistency of tumor grade between biopsy and surgical specimen were 63.2% for low-grade UTUC and 68.6% for high-grade UTUC. Conclusions Both UT cytology and biopsy showed higher sensitivity in detecting high-grade UTUC versus low-grade UTUC. The sensitivities of UT cytology and ureteroscopic biopsy in detecting high-grade UTUC were comparable. The sensitivity was greatly improved when these diagnostic modalities were combined. As expected, the selective UT cytology evaluation had superior sensitivity in detecting UTUC than did the lower tract cytology sampling.
Alkali production associated with malolactic fermentation by oral streptococci and protection against acid, oxidative, or starvation damage

Alkali production by oral streptococci is considered important for dental plaque ecology and caries moderation. Recently, malolactic fermentation (MLF) was identified as a major system for alkali production by oral streptococci, including Streptococcus mutans. Our major objectives in the work described in this paper were to further define the physiology and genetics of MLF of oral streptococci and its roles in protection against metabolic stress damage. L-Malic acid was rapidly fermented to L-lactic acid and CO(2) by induced cells of wild-type S. mutans, but not by deletion mutants for mleS (malolactic enzyme) or mleP (malate permease). Mutants for mleR (the contiguous regulator gene) had intermediate capacities for MLF. Loss of capacity to catalyze MLF resulted in loss of capacity for protection against lethal acidification. MLF was also found to be protective against oxidative and starvation damage. The capacity of S. mutans to produce alkali from malate was greater than its capacity to produce acid from glycolysis at low pH values of 4 or 5. MLF acted additively with the arginine deiminase system for alkali production by Streptococcus sanguinis, but not with urease of Streptococcus salivarius. Malolactic fermentation is clearly a major process for alkali generation by oral streptococci and for protection against environmental stresses.
Highly concentrated ceramic binder suspensions. Dispersion medium, stabilization, and binding properties

The stabilization processes of HCBS of the silica and aluminosilicate systems have been studied in detail. The effect of stabilization on the binding properties of HCBS was established.
Interplay of stress, structure, and stoichiometry in Ge-covered Si(001).

By calculating the evolution of surface energies and surface stress tensors of Ge-covered Si(001) with increasing Ge coverage, we derive the most probable Ge stoichiometry in the subsurface regions beyond 1 monolayer coverage. We compare the calculated surface reconstruction and surface stress at the thermodynamic and kinetic limits to experiment to provide a quantitative understanding of the recently observed Ge-induced reversal of surface stress anisotropy.
Fluorine-18 labeled chemotactic peptides: a potential approach for the PET imaging of bacterial infection.

Abstract A potent chemotactic peptide, formyl-norleucyl-leucyl-phenylalanyl-norleucyl-tyrosyl-lysine was derivatized by reaction with N -succinimidyl 4-fluorobenzoate. This derivatized peptide bound to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro and exhibited biological activity in a superoxide production assay. Peptide labeling using N -succinimidyl 4-[ 18 F]fluorobenzoate was accomplished in reasonable yields with 10–15 mCi of labeled peptide available per 100 Ci of [ 18 F]fluoride. With the exception of the gastrointestinal tract, clearance of activity from tissues following injection of this peptide in normal mice was rapid. Although preliminary in nature, these results suggest that 18 F-labeled chemotactic peptides should be investigated as potential agents for positron emission tomographic imaging of bacterial infections.
Effect of Supplemental Conjugated Linoleic Acids on Heat-Stressed Brown Swiss and Holstein Cows

Heat-stressed dairy cattle are bioenergetically similar to early-lactation cows in that dietary energy may be inadequate to support maximum milk and milk component synthesis. Study objectives were to evaluate whether conjugated linoleic acids- (CLA-) induced milk fat depression (MFD) during heat stress would allow for increased milk and milk component synthesis. In addition, CLA effects on production variables and its ability to induce MFD were compared between Holstein and Brown Swiss cows. Multiparous cows (n = 8, Holstein; n = 5, Brown Swiss) averaging 97 +/- 17 d in milk were used in a crossover design during the summer (mean temperature-humidity index = 75.7). Treatment periods were 21 d with a 7-d adaptation period before and between periods. During adaptation periods, all cows received a supplement of palm fatty acid distillate (242 g/d). Dietary treatment consisted of 250 g/d of CLA supplement (78.9 g/d of CLA) or 242 g/d of palm fatty acid distillate to provide equal amounts of fatty acids. The CLA supplement contained a variety of CLA isomers (3.0% trans-8, cis-10; 3.4% cis-9, trans-11; 4.5% trans-10, cis-12; and 4.8% cis-11, trans-13 CLA). Treatments were applied 2 x/d with half of the supplement top-dressed at 0600 h and the remainder top-dressed at 1800 h. There was no overall treatment effect on dry matter intake (23.9 kg/d), milk yield (40.0 kg/d), somatic cell count (305,000), protein (2.86%), or lactose content (4.51%) or yields of these milk components. Supplementation with CLA decreased overall milk fat content and yield by 26 and 30%, irrespective of breed. The reduction of milk fat content and yield was greatest on d 21 (28 and 37%, respectively). Energy availability predicted by energy balance was improved with CLA supplementation compared with controls (3.7 vs. 7.1 Mcal/d, respectively). Respiration rate (78 breaths/min) and skin temperature (35.4 degrees C) during maximum heat load were not affected by treatment. The group receiving CLA had higher total milk fat CLA concentration (9.3 vs. 4.9 mg/g). Supplementation with CLA induced MFD and altered milk fat composition similarly between breeds and improved calculated energy balance during heat stress, but had no effect on production measures under these conditions.
MMP-sensitive PEG diacrylate hydrogels with spatial variations in matrix properties stimulate directional vascular sprout formation.

The spatial presentation of immobilized extracellular matrix (ECM) cues and matrix mechanical properties play an important role in directed and guided cell behavior and neovascularization. The goal of this work was to explore whether gradients of elastic modulus, immobilized matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-sensitivity, and YRGDS cell adhesion ligands are capable of directing 3D vascular sprout formation in tissue engineered scaffolds. PEGDA hydrogels were engineered with mechanical and biofunctional gradients using perfusion-based frontal photopolymerization (PBFP). Bulk photopolymerized hydrogels with uniform mechanical properties, degradation, and immobilized biofunctionality served as controls. Gradient hydrogels exhibited an 80.4% decrease in elastic modulus and a 56.2% decrease in immobilized YRGDS. PBFP hydrogels also demonstrated gradients in hydrogel degradation with degradation times ranging from 10–12 hours in the more crosslinked regions to 4–6 hours in less crosslinked regions. An in vitro model of neovascularization, composed of co-culture aggregates of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, was used to evaluate the effect of these gradients on vascular sprout formation. Aggregate invasion in gradient hydrogels occurred bi-directionally with sprout alignment observed in the direction parallel to the gradient while control hydrogels with homogeneous properties resulted in uniform invasion. In PBFP gradient hydrogels, aggregate sprout length was found to be twice as long in the direction parallel to the gradient as compared to the perpendicular direction after three weeks in culture. This directionality was found to be more prominent in gradient regions of increased stiffness, crosslinked MMP-sensitive peptide presentation, and immobilized YRGDS concentration.
Diffraction by a quarter plane, the exact solution, and some numerical results

The exact solution for diffraction by a perfectly conducting quarter plane has been previously determined. This solution is general and needs some simplification before it can become a useful tool for diffraction studies. A tractable approximation to be used in the "Geometrical theory of diffraction" is being sought. This paper presents the first step in that direction. It presents the exact solution and some numerical results for a few special cases. The numerical results are the far field patterns for an infinitesimal dipole source located on the quarter plane and very close to the tip. These numerical results are directly applicable to the finite ground plane problem.
Recovery from fatigue in fast and slow single intact skeletal muscle fibers from aging mouse

In the present work, we studied the recovery from fatigue (RF) of single intact fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers from young (age 5--7 months) and old (age 22--24 months) mice. To examine whether differences in RF underlie decreases in muscle strength and endurance with aging, we performed in vitro experiments in manually dissected extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscle fibers. We measured the recovery of the maximum force every 5 min for a total period of 30 min after inducing fiber fatigue. Fibers were classified, according to the fatigue index, into the following three groups: 0.75--0.99, 0.5--0.74, and <0.5. Although the tetanic tension of EDL and soleus fibers from young and old mice recovered significantly, no statistically significant difference in tension or recovery time was observed between age groups. These data support the concept that the reported decline in muscle force and endurance with aging is not related to changes in RF of individual muscles fibers.
Sublethal concentrations of mercury in river otters: Monitoring environmental contamination

Hair, muscle, and liver mercury concentrations were determined in river otter (Lutra canadensis) carcasses collected from the lower coastal plain and piedmont of Georgia. Mean muscle and hair mercury concentrations were greater (P<0.001) in otters from the lower coastal plain (4.42 and 24.25 mg/kg wet wt, respectively) compared to otters from the piedmont (1.48 and 15.24 mg/kg, respectively). Liver tissue from lower coastal plain otters averaged 7.53 mg/kg mercury. Mean fetus brain and muscle mercury concentrations were 1.03 and 1.58 mg/kg wet wt, respectively, and fetal muscle mercury concentrations were correlated (r=0.92) with maternal muscle mercury concentrations. Comparison of mercury concentrations found in Georgia otters to those associated with adverse effects in otter and mink (Mustela vison), indicate sublethal contamination with concentrations in some individuals approaching that observed in experimentally dosed individuals that developed clinical signs of mercurialism. Mercury concentrations in fish from the lower coastal plain approached or exceeded concentrations demonstrated to be toxic to experimentally dosed otters.
Operating Room: Innovations in Equipment, Design Featured in Eye-Surgery Suite.

(1970). Operating Room: Innovations in Equipment, Design Featured in Eye-Surgery Suite. Hospital Topics: Vol. 48, No. 2, pp. 109-116.
Adenoidectomy With Laser or Incisional Myringotomy for Otitis Media With Effusion

Objective To compare the effectiveness of CO2 laser myringotomy to incisional myringotomy at the time of adenoidectomy for refractory otitis media with effusion (OME). Study Design Controlled retrospective consecutive case series. Methods All children undergoing myringotomy and adenoidectomy for OME in the spring of 1999 had 1.7-mm-diameter perforations created in their tympanic membranes using a CO2 laser and conventional microslad. Their ears were evaluated at first postoperative visit (mean, 16.65 days after surgery) by a validated otoscopist to determine the presence or absence of perforations and middle ear effusions. These patients were compared with historical controls comprising all children undergoing incisional myringotomy and adenoidectomy in 1998. A χ2 analysis was performed to compare the results of these two myringotomy techniques. Results Twenty-three children (39 ears) underwent laser myringotomy and adenoidectomy in 1999, compared with 26 children (48 ears) who underwent incisional myringotomy and adenoidectomy in 1998. In the laser myringotomy group, 8 of the 39 ears had a persistent opening at first follow-up; 4 of the 39 ears showed evidence of effusion. In the incisional myringotomy group, all 48 ears had healed; 7 of these ears showed evidence of effusion. Conclusion Myringotomies created using the CO2 laser are more likely to be patent at first postoperative visit than those made with incisional technique (P .1).
Estimation of parameters in the singular Gauss-Markoff model

Consider the Gauss-Markoff model (Y, Xβ, σ2 V) in the usual notation (Rao, 1973a, p. 294). If V is singular, there exists a matrix N such that N'Y has zero covariance. The minimum variance unbiased estimator of an estimable parametric function p'β is obtained in the wider class of (non-linear) unbiased estimators of the form f(N'Y) + Y'g(N'Y) where f is a scalar and g is a vector function.
On groups with uncountably many subgroups of finite index

Abstract Let K be the kernel of an epimorphism χ : G → Z , for G a finitely presented group. If K has uncountably many normal subgroups of finite index r , then K has uncountably many subgroups (not necessarily normal) of any finite index greater than r . In particular, this is the case whenever G is subgroup separable and K is nonfinitely generated. Assume that G has an abelian HNN base contained in K . If K has infinitely many subgroups of a given finite index, then it has uncountably many.
Phase Formation Studies and Structural Properties of Laser Ablated (Pb,La)(Zr, Ti)O3-Thin-Films on Stainless Steel

It is shown that high-quality La-doped PZT-films, (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3, can be deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) directly onto stainless steel substrates resulting in a very simple bicomponental system with high potential for sensor applications. This is an astonishing result, since there is quite a substantial lattice mismatch between the substrate and the PZT-film. Careful investigations revealed the existence of a thin oriented nickeloxide layer at the surface of the stainless steel. The formation of this interface layer leads to a reduction of the lattice mismatch thus affecting the subsequent phase formation of the perovskite PZT. The interface was examined by RBS, XRD, TEM / X-TEM studies and SIMS depth profiling. The phase formation and stoichiometry of the PZT films were investigated by XRD and EDX and their microstructure and texture by SEM and XRD pole figure measurements.
Simple diagrammatic rules for solving dendritic cable problems

Abstract I present a set of diagrammatic rules for constructing a series solution of the linear cable equation on a dendritic tree of arbitrary geometry. The rules determine the Green's function for the time-dependent cable equation directly as a function of time and are particularly useful in the short-time limit. They can be implimented by computer algorithm and results from such a program are shown.
The Development of Auditory Sequential Memory in Young Black and White Children

AbstractSeveral studies appear to establish the occurrence of a relatively high level of auditory memory skill for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade black children, especially those from the midwest. This study is concerned with the development of this ability in black and white children in the southeast and the generalizability of the previous findings. The sample consisted of 122 black children and 120 white children in kindergarten through the third grade in two racially mixed schools in a large southern community. Scores on the Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities were subjected to a two way ANOVA. Results did not support previous findings as reported in the literature. Nor did the data support a superiority of black children in the skill tested
DIFFERENCES IN CULTURED CARDIAC FIBROBLAST POPULATIONS ISOLATED FROM SHR AND WKY RATS

Summary 1. The mechanisms whereby angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors reverse cardiac remodelling appear to involve angiotensin and/or bradykinin receptors. Previously we reported that cultured rat cardiac fibroblasts express angiotensin II (AII) receptors. In the present study we compared AII receptor binding, gene expression of angiotensinogen and the AII, Subtype 1A (AT1A) receptor, as well as morphological changes induced by selected hormonal treatments in cultured fibroblasts derived from SHRLJ or WKYLJ rats. 2. Fibroblasts were isolated from adult rat left ventricle by either collagenase B or collagenase P digestion. Collagenase B yielded cell preparations from SHRLJ which grew slower than cells from WKYLJ rats and expressed nearly two-fold fewer AII receptors (compared to WKYLJ) while collagenase P yielded SHRLJ cells with similar binding and growth properties to WKYLJ. A good correlation was observed between receptor binding and AII receptor, type 1A (AT1A) mRNA concentrations. In the presence of steroids collagenase B cells showed a higher tendency to transform towards a preadipocyte cell type, estimated by the formation of lipid containing vacuoles/cell, while collagenase P cells, mainly the SHRLJ type, start to differentiate toward a myofibroblast-like cell type in the presence of AII, as calculated by the expression of α-smooth muscle actin. 3. From the results obtained in this study it is evident that a subset of fibroblasts can be isolated from the SHRLJ heart using collagenase B or P which differ in growth rates, AII receptor binding, AT1A and angiotensinogen mRNA levels, morphology and steroid responsiveness when compared to fibroblasts isolated from cardiac WKYLJ tissue.