cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BM3D-based ultrasound image denoising via brushlet thresholding

In this paper, we present a brushlet-based block matching 3D (BM3D) method to collaboratively denoise ultrasound images. Through dividing image into multiple blocks, we group them based on similarity. Then, grouped blocks sharing similarity form a 3D image volume. For each volume, brushlet thresholding is applied to remove noise in the frequency domain. Upon completion of individual filtering, the volumes are aggregated and reconstructed globally. To evaluate our method, we run our denoising scheme on synthetic images corrupted with additive or multiplicative noise. The results show that our method can achieve good denoising performance in comparison with existing methods. Our method is also evaluated on cardiac and fetal ultrasound images. Analysis on the contrast and homogeneity of the denoised images demonstrates the feasibility of applying our method to ultrasound images to improve image quality and facilitate further processing such as segmentation.
Sex ratio, fitness and capacity for population increase in Pyemotes tritici (L.-F. &M.) (Pyemotidae)

Laboratory studies were designed to assess the reproductive capacity of Pyemotes tritici (L.-F. & M.) reared on pupae of the Cigarette beetle, Lasioderme serricorne (F.). Data were obtained on sex ratio, daily rates of offspring emergence, male mating ability, fertility of females as a function of the order of mating and time interval between matings, and the effects of crowding during feeding. Females produced, on average, 254 offspring of which about 8% were males. In individual progenies, male emergence was 2 days earlier than that of females. Individual males mated with up to 57 females over a 3-day period, and the full complement of 25 males sired over 8500 daughters in their lifetimes. However, males were only fully potent for the first 15 matings after which the proportion of male offspring increased rapidly, and progeny number declined. Thus the sex ratio is strongly dependent on male mating history, and fecundity is enhanced by insemination. The very low proportion of males in average progenies was, nevertheless, sufficient to inseminate all female offspring. An increase in the length of time between matings enabled males to recover, to some degree, their ability to inseminate. The mean progeny numbers of crowded and un-crowded females did not differ but the variances and shapes of the frequency distributions were dissimilar. Using data from these studies the intrinsic rate of increase was found to be 0.63 with a population-doubling time of 1.1 days. The high rate of population growth suggests that P. tritici, in a favourable environment, is capable of exceeding the growth rate of any potential arthropod host. Additionally, mass-rearing conditions lead to mite populations with consistently high numbers of inseminated host-seeking females.
New Directions for Therapeutics in ADHD

The number of publications on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased sharply over the last 10 years, with more than 700 likely for 2012. Consequently, it is difficult to stay apprised of this literature. This issue of Neurotherapeutics includes 12 comprehensive reviews of topics related to ADHD.
Morphological divergence of Eastern Pacific and Caribbean isopods: effects of a land barrier and the Panama Canal

The Isthmus of Panama rose approximately 3 million years before the present (mybp) and isolated biotas in the tropical eastern Pacific from those in the Caribbean Sea. Populations that were split by the Isthmus and have evolved in allopatry since that time are known as geminates. The surf zone/beach isopod Excirolana braziliensis Richardson was examined between 1984 and 1989 to test the hypothesis that divergence in geminate isopod morphology has occurred, and that geminate divergence is greater than divergence between local populations from the same coastline. Three morphs of Excirolana braziliensis, one in the Caribbean and two in the eastern Pacific, were discovered using numerical taxonomic methods that adjust for body size. The two Pacific morphs have overlapping large-scale distributions, but those morphs are segregated on a smaller scale by beach. We inferred that one Pacific morph and one Caribbean morph were geminates, based on their relative similarity in shape, their geographical ranges, and natural history information about the organism's dispersal capabilities. The origin of the third morph probably predates the Isthmus of Panama, given its relative dissimilarity from the geminate morphs. The presumed geminates differ primarily with respect to the rostrum, antennae and one male reproductive structure. Divergence between geminates is greater than divergence between local populations of any morph along a coastline. Because only one morph occurs in the Caribbean, that region contains less morphological variation than the eastern Pacific, which contains two morphs. There was weak evidence that some introductions may have taken place in the last century from the Caribbean to the Pacific; however, introductions have not masked the pattern of divergence that has developed over millions of years.
Monitoring Microstructural Evolution, Crack Formation, and Damage Characteristics near Crack Tip in a Highly Filled Elastomer-Using Digital Radiography X-ray Techniques

In this study, the change of microstructure, the formation of cracks, and the change of damage characteristics near the tip of a propagating crack in a highly filled elastomer containing hard particles embedded in a rubbery matrix were investigated using digital radiography X-ray techniques. Experimental findings reveal that the degree of inhomogeneity of the material's microstructure and the number of non-propagating cracks increase as the applied strain is increased. Also, the damage characteristics near the crack tip are highly dependent on the loading history.
New guardians of the genome.

DNA breaks arise frequently in cells, and need to be repaired. Systems that repair such breaks often have a role in preventing cancer-causing mutations or chromosome rearrangements, and so are called 'caretakers'. The 'non-homologous-end-joining' proteins can now be added to this list of caretakers.
Comparison of two techniques for implementing the proper orthogonal decomposition method in damage detection problems

The viability of using the reduced-order proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) (alsocalled principal component analysis) methods to reduce the total computational time to detect damages using eddy current nondestructive evaluation techniques was demonstrated in a previous paper [1]. In this paper, we concentrate on various alternatives used to form the reduced-order solution to the forward problem, still in the context of eddy current damage detection. In particular, we focus on two different algorithms, a POD/Galerkin technique and a POD/interpolation technique. The POD/Galerkin method is a popular choice in the implementation of the POD method; however, in this paper, we will point out some of the problems in the traditional implementation of the reduced-order POD/Galerkin method when used in conjunction with eddy current damage detection. We will also compare the POD/Galerkin method to the POD/interpolation method and argue that in certain circumstances, the POD/interpolation method may be a better choice.
A facile route to methylenephosphonate sugars substituted at the anomeric carbon

Abstract A single-step approach to the synthesis of aldose sugar phosphonates substituted at C-1, the anomeric carbon, is demonstrated through the example of the isosteric methylene analog of α- D -ribose-1-phosphate.
Winds of Change on Titan

On Saturn's moon Titan, giant sand dunes cover more than 20% of the surface. The orientation of thousands of dunes ( 1 , 2 ) within Titan's equatorial belt indicates transport of sand from west to east (by “westerly” winds), whereas all the atmospheric circulation models suggest that the winds should be in the opposite direction. A new model by Tokano ( 3 ) may have found the resolution: Although the winds are usually easterlies (as in other work), there is a blast of wind from the west for a brief interval around each equinox, and it is these stronger winds that dominate the dune orientation.
Growth and butyric acid production by Clostridium populeti

The growth of Clostridium populeti in 2% (w/v) glucose medium containing 0.2% (w/v) yeast extract was optimal with 10 mM NH4Cl as the nitrogen source. Although the maximum specific growth rate (μ=0.32 h-1) with 5 mM NH4Cl was similar, the biomass yield was about 30% lower than that at the optimum. Either sodium sulphide or cysteine-HCl at an optimum concentration of 0.33 mM and 5.0 mM respectively, could serve as the sole sulphur source for growth. The growth rate was unaffected by initial glucose concentrations of up to 10% (w/v), but in the presence of 15% glucose it declined by about 35%. The molar yield of butyric acid (mol/mol glucose) declined from 0.70 in 1% (w/v) initial glucose medium to 0.39 in 10% glucose medium. In 5.7% initial glucose medium, butyric acid levels of 6.3 g/l were obtained (0.56 mol butyrate/mol glucose) after 72 h of incubation in 2.5 l batch cultures. A decrease of about 50% in the maximum specific growth rate of C. populeti was observed in the presence of an initial concentration of either 1.2 g/l of butyric acid or 18.9 g/l of acetic acid.
HUNGER, DRIVE AND CONDITIONING: A RE-EVALUATION

Unlike the present writer (Franks, 1957) Davis and Griffith (1963) found that, in accord with Spence-Hull theory, hunger increases conditionabilicy. Noting that the earlier study used eyeblink to air-puff as the conditioning vehicle whereas they employed PGR to electric shock, the discrepancy berween findings is attributed to the possibility that anxiety itself acts as a "catalyst" for conditioning to occur, hunger making the organism more sensitive. Electric shock excites sufficiently to provoke and activate this latent anxiety state in hungry, sensitized Ss, but not in the non-hungry group. No evidence is offered to support this major modification of Spence's concept of D as a generalized drive and no reason is given why anxiety per se should have this curious catalytic effect. If Ss were excited by shock during eyeblink conditioning, would hunger then facilitate conditioning? An alternative explanation stems from the twin possibilities that drives in general and autonomic activity are closely related and that hunger, in particular, manifests itself especially by increased autonomic activiry and sensitivity. Increased drive, if sufficient, could facilitate any kind of conditioning. A day's food deprivation might facilitate autonomic conditioning but not eyeblink. Thus, in making predictions, the source and site of action of the drive and the response being conditioned or learned must be given consideration. This alternative is testable and, in contrast to the explanation of Davis and Griffith, it also does less violation to Spence's position. Increasing evidence suggests that the present writer's original jnrerpretation of his 1957 data was far too limited and simple. Explanations of conditioning and learning phenomena solely in terms of either habit strength and its excitatory-inhibitory components (associated with introversion-extraversion) or drive strength and its autonomic and other components (associated with anxiety and neuroticism) are necessarily incomplete. Both aspects now appear pertinent to most situations and related in a complex manner, the precise interactions and relative influences being dependent on the circumstances (Claridge, 1961; Eysenck, 1962; Franks, 1962). This, together with the impact of as yet insufficiently explored parameters such as attitude, suggestion and motivation, could account for facts such as: (1) the wide array of apparently conflicting findings with respect to conditioning, learning, personality and drive variables; (2) different types of conditioning (PGR, eyeblink, cardiac rate, finger withdrawal) do not usually intercorrelate well (a general factor of conditioning, if demonstrated, would probably account for only a small portion of the total variance in any one conditioning situation); and (3) hysterics tend to have lower neuroticism scores than dysthymics on instruments such as the Maudsley Personality Inventory (Sigal, Star, & Franks, 1958).
The canine hookworm genome: analysis and classification of Ancylostoma caninum survey sequences.

Hookworms infect nearly a billion people. The Ancylostoma caninum hookworm of canids is a model for studying human infections and information from its genome coupled with functional genomics and proteomics can accelerate progress towards hookworm control. As a step towards a full-scale A. caninum genome project, we generated 104,000 genome survey sequences (GSSs) and determined the genome size of the canine hookworm. GSSs assembled into 57.6 Mb of unique sequence from a genome that we estimate by flow cytometry of isolated nuclei to be 347±1.2 Mb, substantially larger than other Rhabditina species. Gene finding identified 5,538 genes in the GSS assembly, for a total of 9,113 non-redundant A. caninum genes when EST sequences are also considered. Functional classifications of many of the 70% of genes with homology to genes in other species are provided based on Gene Ontology and KEGG associations and secreted and membrane-bound proteins are also identified.
The role of the database community in the national information infrastructure

The computer science community is increasingly focusing its efforts on tasks related to the National Information Infrastructure. Hardware and software advances are being sought to make wide-area networks and technological resources in general more useful to mainstream society. With this transition comes a set of unavoidable political and social issues that have never been satisfactorily dealt with in the past. Grand challenges face the computer science community on both the technical and the socio-political sides of this “major upgrade.” This paper discusses various aspects of the enormous coordination problem that faces all of us and considers what the database community can do to help.
“Sugar and Spice But Not Always Nice”: Gender Socialization and its Impact on Development and Maintenance of Aggression in Adolescent Girls

Aggression in girls is a problem that is gaining increased attention. The indirect forms of relational aggression historically used by girls to harm their victims are increasingly escalating into physical altercations. An understanding of the interplay between the developmental and contextual factors that contribute to learned aggression in girls is needed to inform program development that truly responds to the unique gender socialization of girls. This article examines parental, environmental, and peer factors for their contributions to the development of girls’ aggression. Implications for program development that teaches girls and their families alternative ways of expressing their needs and protecting themselves from harm is discussed.
Boundary and alignment in multiparty conflict talk

This paper examines multiparty conflict talk in a pharmacy patient consultation involving a patient, a novice pharmacist, and later, an experienced pharmacist. Using conversation analysis (Sacks, Schegloff, and Jefferson, 1974) and Goffman's (1981) notion of participation framework, I describe conflict emergence and resolution while also paying attention to issues of alignment (Maynard, 1986). I show that conflict talk initiation is incipient and gradual, and the participants continue to orient to the conflict long after it is resolved. During this multiparty conflict talk episode, participants performed alignment in delicate ways: they may align with one participant without simultaneously distancing from the other directly, and they may invoke the authority of a non-present party in order to avoid contesting a present party explicitly.
Scattering of He atoms from rough surfaces

Abstract Three diverse rough surfaces have been studied using inelastic He scattering. The first is an ion bombarded Ag(110) surface where a broadened specular peak remains visible but scattering remains entirely elastic as viewed by the incoherent component. The second is a cleaved Te(10 1 0) surface composed of helical chains where the roughness originates from thermal oscillations and scattering is almost entirely inelastic. Thirdly, a glass (7740) disc is shown to be physically rough but the surface is sufficiently rigid to yield largely elastic incoherent scattering.
P3a, perceptual distinctiveness, and stimulus modality

A three-stimulus oddball paradigm (target, standard, nontarget) was employed in which subjects responded to an infrequent target, when its discrimination from the frequent standard was difficult. In separate auditory and visual modality conditions, the stimulus characteristics of an infrequent nontarget were manipulated such that its perceptual distinctiveness from the target was varied systematically. For both the low and high distinctiveness conditions, target stimulus P300 amplitude was larger than the nontarget only at the parietal electrode. In contrast, nontarget P3a amplitude was larger and earlier than the target P300 over the frontal/central electrode sites. The distinctiveness manipulation between the target and nontarget produced larger P3a component profiles for the auditory compared to visual stimuli. The results support previous findings that target/standard stimulus context determines P3a generation for both auditory and visual stimulus modalities and suggest that the distinctiveness of the eliciting stimulus contributes to P3a amplitude. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Mass spectrometry evidence for formation of estrogen–homocysteine conjugates: Estrogens can regulate homocysteine levels

Abstract Homocysteine (HCys), a sulfur-containing amino acid, is formed during the metabolism of methionine. An imbalance between the rate of production and the use of HCys during methionine metabolism can result in an increase in the plasma and urinary levels of HCys. HCys has been shown to be toxic to vascular endothelial cells through several pathways. Many earlier clinical studies have revealed an association between plasma HCys and cardiovascular and other diseases. In contrast, estrogens are suggested to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Several studies indicate that estrogen metabolites could be responsible for cardiovascular protection. It has been demonstrated that electrophilic estrogen quinones, E1(E2)-2,3-Q and E1(E2)-3,4-Q, can alkylate DNA as well as form conjugates with glutathione. I hypothesize that estrogen quinones generated in situ by oxidative enzymes, metal ions, or molecular oxygen can interact with HCys to form conjugates. This in turn could lower the levels of toxic HCys as well as quenching the reactive estrogen quinones, resulting in cardiovascular protective effects. To test the feasibility of a protective estrogen–HCys pathway, estrogen quinones were treated with HCys. Tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the assay mixture shows the formation of estrogen–HCys conjugates. Furthermore, incubation of catechol estrogens with myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the presence of HCys resulted in the formation of respective estrogen–HCys conjugates. The identities of estrogen–HCys conjugates in MPO assay extracts were confirmed by comparing them to pure synthesized estrogen–HCys standards. I propose that through conjugation estrogens could chemically regulate HCys levels; moreover these conjugates could be used as potential biomarkers in determining health.
Was Jane Addams a promiscuous pragmatist

Contemporary pragmatist and feminist scholars have proposed the possibilities for “changing the theoretical analyses and concrete practices” of both feminism and classical American pragmatism offered by its recuperation through feminism. Particularly, scholarship on Jane Addams has reached back to retrieve her activism, ethics, and social theory as emblematic of what a feminist pragmatism can offer. Whereas most of this scholarship recuperates an almost seamless integration of these theoretical and philosophical orientations in Addams’ work, in this paper, I trouble those efforts by offering a promiscuous reading of Addams’ feminist pragmatism from two dimensions. First, I offer an analysis of Addams’ promiscuous appropriation of pragmatism and feminism that interrupts and perplexes both orientations. Second, I read Addams promiscuously through the ontoepistemological framework of material feminism, specifically Karen Barad’s “agential realism”, and prompt reconsiderations of how Addams performed how “mat...
Spatial Optimization Models for Water Supply Allocation

Climate change is likely to result in increased aridity, lower runoff, and declining water supplies for the cities of the Southwestern United States, including Phoenix. The situation in Phoenix is particularly complicated by the large number of water providers, each with its own supply portfolio, demand conditions, and conservation strategies. This paper details spatial optimization models to support water supply allocation between service provider districts, where some districts experience deficits and others experience surpluses in certain years. The approach seeks to reconcile and integrate projections derived from a complex simulation model taking into account current and future climate conditions. The formulated and applied models are designed to help better understand the expected increasingly complex interactions of providers under conditions of climate change. Preliminary results show cooperative agreements would reduce spot shortages that would occur even without climate change. In addition, they would substantially reduce deficits if climate change were to moderately reduce river flows in Phoenix’s major source regions, but have little effect under the most pessimistic scenarios because there are few surpluses available for re-allocation.
ONCOGENIC RET RECEPTORS DISPLAY DIFFERENT AUTOPHOSPHORYLATION SITES AND SUBSTRATE BINDING SPECIFICITIES

The c-ret proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase which plays an important role in neural crest as well as kidney development. Genetic studies have demonstrated that germ line mutations in the ret oncogene are the direct cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2A and 2B, familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC), and Hirschsprung's disease. However, despite the large body of genetic and biological evidence suggesting the importance of RET in development and neoplastic processes, the signal transduction mechanisms of RET remain unknown. To begin to understand the molecular mechanisms of the disease states caused by mutations in RET, the patterns of autophosphorylation of the wild-type RET and the MEN mutants were studied using site-directed mutagenesis and phosphopeptide mapping. Among the 6 autophosphorylation sites found in the wild-type RET receptor, the MEN2B mutant lacked phosphorylation at Tyr-1096, leading to decreased Grb2 binding, while simultaneously creating a new phosphorylation site. These changes in autophosphorylation suggest that the MEN2B mutation may result in the more aggressive MEN2B phenotype by altering the receptor's signaling capabilities.
The link between depressive symptoms, negative cognitive bias and memory complaints in older adults.

Objectives: We sought to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and subjective memory problems. We hypothesized that the relationship between depressive symptoms and poor subjective memory functioning is mediated by negative cognitive bias that is associated with hopelessness, a wish to die and low self-esteem. Methods: Complete data were available for 299 older adults with and without significant depressive symptoms who were screened in primary care offices and invited to participate, completed a baseline in-home assessment. Subjective memory functioning and psychological status was assessed with commonly used, validated standard questionnaires. Results: In regression models that included terms for age, gender and cognitive measures, depressive symptoms were significantly inversely associated with the global self-assessment of memory (β=−0.019; p=0.006). When components of negative cognitive bias were included in the model (hopelessness, low self-esteem, a wish to die), the relationship of ...
Alterations in CPT-1 mRNA and fatty acid profile in hepatic cell lines in response to treatment with t10,c12-or c9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid

Trans10,cis12-conjugated linoleic acid (t10,c12-CLA) increases liver weights and hepatic lipids in mice. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of CLA isomers (t10,c12-CLA or c9,t11-CLA) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) inhibitors (etomoxir or hemipalmitoylcarnitinium) on CPT-1 mRNA, fatty acid profile, and cholesterol synthesis in AML-12 and HepG2 cells. t10,c12-CLA was incorporated to a greater extent in both cell lines than c9,t11-CLA. In addition, t10,c12-CLA increased the free cholesterol content of AML-12 and HepG2 cells four- and fivefold, respectively. Cells incubated with medium containing CPT-1 inhibitors or t10,c12-CLA had higher levels of mRNA for CPT-1 in both cell lines, indicating an increased fatty acid oxidation in hepatic cell lines due to t10,c12-CLA. Following treatment withdrawal, percentages of c9,t11-CLA or t10,c12-CLA remained elevated in cells initially treated with c9,t11-CLA or t10,c12-CLA, suggesting a potential for carryover effects of the CLA isomers. The results presented here demonstrate a potential role for t10,c12-CLA in the modulation of hepatic fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol synthesis.
The role of the diagnostic laboratory in fish disease control

Abstract The diagnostic laboratory is becoming increasingly important to the productivity and profitability of hatcheries, fish farms, and aquaculture stations. The basic function of the laboratory personnel is to isolate and identify viral, bacterial, protozoan, and other fish pathogens present in cultured and feral fish stocks. New, rapid and accurate methods for the detection and identification of fish disease agents based on immunological, biochemical, and physiological assays are becoming commonly used. Nearly every North American state or province and many foreign countries have fish health regulations that require inspection of stocks for certain disease agents before the fish are shipped into their areas. Decisions from the diagnostic laboratory on identification, treatment, guaranteed isolation, immunization, and disposal of fish populations affect administrative directives, hatchery placement, and national and international transportation of fish and fish products. This paper reviews concepts and describes the equipment, supplies, biologics, and media needed for the basic diagnostic laboratory. Information management, including training of staff, certification procedures, and quality control are also discussed.
INTERACTION OF HDL SUBCLASSES WITH PHOSPHOLIPID

As a model system for possible interaction of HDL with surface components released during catabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, phospholipid uptake by human HDL subclasses, HDL/sub 3/ (1.125 to 1.200 g/ml) and HDL/sub 2b/ (1.063 to 1.100 g/m), during in vitro incubation (37/sup 0/C for 4.5 hours) with increasing amounts of sonicated dispersions of human lipoprotein phosphatidylcholine (HL-PC) are investigated. Possible changes in HDL size and transfer of apolipoproteins are also investigated. In summary, the HDL subclasses, HDL/sub 3/, and HDL/sub 2b/, show a capacity for direct uptake of HL-PC. Using HDL compositional data of Anderson, we estimate a maximal uptake of about 32 phospholipid molecules per HDL/sub 3/ and 47 per HDL/sub 2b/. Under the conditions used, the size increase associated with HL-PC uptake by HDL/sub 3/ was not sufficient in shift it into the HDL/sub 2a/ size range (9.7 to 10.7 nm).
Utilization of cheddar cheese containing nisin as an antimicrobial agent in other foods.

Cheddar cheese made with nisin-producing lactococci contained between 400 and 1200 IU of nisin per gram of cheese. Cultures used were Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris JS102, a nisin-producing transconjugant developed in the laboratories of Dr. L.L. McKay and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis NCDO 1404 obtained from the National Collection of Food Bacteria, Reading, England. Pasteurized process cheese spreads with 53% and 60% moisture and 0, 301 and 387 IU nisin/g were manufactured and inoculated with 2000 spores of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 during manufacture. The heat process did not reduce nisin activity in the cheese spreads. The spreads were incubated at 22 degrees and 37 degrees C for 90 days. Spoilage was detected by the presence of gas and/or odor in the packages. The shelf-life of the nisin-containing cheese spreads was significantly greater than that of the control cheese spreads at the lower temperature at both moisture levels, whereas the keeping quality of the higher moisture cheeses at the higher temperature was not significantly different. Club cheese or cold pack cheese spreads with moisture levels of 44% and 60% and 0, 100 and 300 IU nisin/g were made. These cold processed cheese spreads were inoculated with 1000 cfu per g of Listeria monocytogenes V7, Staphylococcus aureus 196E and spores of C. sporogenes PA 3679. Heat shocked spores of PA 3769 at the same number were added to separate lots of the cheese spread. The cold pack cheese spreads were incubated at 23 degrees and 37 degrees C for up to 8 weeks. Samples were taken weekly and analyzed for surviving organisms. Significant reductions in numbers of the non-sporeforming test microbes were noted at both temperatures, at both moisture levels and both levels of nisin. Heat shocking the spores was needed to show reduction in numbers during the storage of the cold pack cheese spreads. The data obtained in this study suggest that the use of nisin-containing cheese as an ingredient in pasteurized process cheese or cold pack cheese spreads could be an effective method of controlling the growth of undesirable microorganisms in these processed foods.
The death of God and Hegel's system of philosophy

Que Hegel ne soit ni chretien ni athee ne se comprend pas mieux qu'a travers sa notion de la mort de Dieu. L'affirmation de la mort de Dieu n'est ni une confession chretienne, ni un manifeste de l'humanisme secularise (tel que c'est le cas pour Nietzsche). Chez Hegel, la mort de Dieu apparait comme l'expression paradigmatique d'un discours speculatif comme element dynamique de sa philosophie. Ceci implique que le systeme de discours hegelien ne supprime pas toutes les references a Dieu, mais ne confesse pas Dieu non plus. Il se saisit simplement de la rumeur que Dieu est mort
Physiological disposition of heparin.

SummaryAfter intravenous administration of heparin-S35 to dogs, it is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream. The highest radioactivity is found in liver and lung. However, no measurable radioactivity is detected in any organ after 48 hours.
SU‐FF‐T‐562: Interfraction Dose Variation Resulting From Anatomic Deformation in CyberKnife Prostate Radiosurgery

Purpose:Radiosurgerydose distributions in the prostate are often characterized by tight margins and high dose gradients, increasing the negative consequences of beam misalignment. Tumor targeting based on the location of fiducial markers will not always account for deformation in the prostate and the surrounding tissue. Partial misalignments associated with these deformations may cause nearby critical structures to receive a much higher dose than intended. We have performed a pilot study evaluating the dosimetric consequences of fiducial‐based tracking in CyberKnife radiosurgery of the prostate. Method and Materials: A prostate radiotherapy patient image set containing implanted Calypso seeds was used to generate a CyberKnife radiosurgery plan using an HDR‐emulating 38 Gy prescription. The dose distribution from the planning image was rigidly transformed to a series of daily CT scans based on fiducial locations. The resulting DVH for prostate, rectum, and bladder were compared. Results: When measured with respect to the planning image, fiducial locations on the daily treatment images exhibited a range of roll, pitch, and yaw of 4.5°, 9.6°, and 2.1°. Dose coverage of the prostate was generally degraded in the daily images, with a reduction of mean dose between 1.5 and 4.0%, and a reduction in target coverage from the prescribed 95% to as low as 88.4%. The maximum dose to the bladder and rectum varied over a 32% and 33% range, respectively. Most of the hotspots in the daily images were lower than those found in the planning image. Conversely, generating a plan on a daily image and transforming it to the planning image increased the maximum dose to the bladder and rectum by 13% and 24%, respectively. Conclusion: Deformation near the prostate is not always well modeled by the locations of implanted fiducial markers, and this can lead to significantly higher doses received by neighboring critical structures.
Relationship between surface-plasmon radiation and enhanced adsorbate Raman scattering

We present the first experimental results which verify a quadratic relationship between the enhanced Raman scattering from Ag surfaces and roughness coupled surface-plasmon radiation. Additionally we show that the enhanced Raman signal results from an interaction with a continuum of excitations in the visible region of the spectrum and not from an interaction with the peak surface-plasmon excitation.
In situ formation behaviors of Al8Mn5 particles in Mg–Al alloys

Abstract Al 8 Mn 5 particles were in situ formed in an Mg–Al alloy with Mn addition. The effects of Mn content and melting temperature on the in situ formation behaviors of Al 8 Mn 5 aluminide were investigated. It was found that increasing Mn content or melting temperature promoted the formation of Al 8 Mn 5 , and also the segregation tendency of these in situ formed aluminide particles.
Proliferation and collagen production of human patellar tendon fibroblasts in response to cyclic uniaxial stretching in serum-free conditions

We studied the effect of cyclic mechanical stretching on the proliferation and collagen mRNA expression and protein production of human patellar tendon fibroblasts under serum-free conditions. The role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in collagen production by cyclically stretched tendon fibroblasts was also investigated. The tendon fibroblasts were grown in microgrooved silicone dishes, where the cells were highly elongated and aligned with the microgrooves. Cyclic uniaxial stretching with constant frequency and duration (0.5 Hz, 4 h) but varying magnitude of stretch (no stretch, 4%, and 8%) was applied to the silicone dishes. Following the period of stretching, the cells were rested for 20 h in stretching-conditioned medium to allow for cell proliferation. In separate experiments, the cells were stretched for 4h and then rested for another 4 h. Samples of the medium, total cellular RNA and protein were used for analysis of collagen and TGF-beta1 gene expression and production. It was found that there was a slight increase in fibroblast proliferation at 4% and 8% stretch, compared to that of non-stretched fibroblasts, where at 8% stretch the increase was significant. It was also found that the gene expression and protein production of collagen type I and TGF-beta1 increased in a stretching-magnitude-dependent manner. And, levels of collagen type III were not changed, despite gene expression levels of the protein being slightly increased. Furthermore, the exogenous addition of anti-TGF-beta1 antibody eliminated the increase in collagen type I production under cyclic uniaxial stretching conditions. The results suggest that mechanical stretching can modulate proliferation of human tendon fibroblasts in the absence of serum and increase the cellular production of collagen type I, which is at least in part mediated by TGF-beta1.
The facilitators perspective on meetings and implications for group support systems design

Based on research into group process facilitation, a meeting model is proposed that defines the many activities comprising group work and highlights the critical facilitator actions. Facilitating group work is a dynamic process that involves managing relationships among people, tasks and technology, as well as structuring the interactions contributing to an effective meeting. By examining existing group support systems (GSS), it is shown that assistance for facilitation is low. With this information, methods are proposed to improve facilitation support (and therefore the meeting process) in GSS for face-to-face or dispersed environments.
Synthesis, 1H-NMR and mass spectra of 2-2H-, 2,3-2H2- and 2,2-2H2-labelled short chain carboxylic acids

2-2H, 2,3-2H2 and 2,2-2H2 - short chain carboxylic acids were synthesized. Monodeuteration at the 2-position of the carboxylic acids was achieved via decarboxylation of the corresponding carboxyldeuterated 2-alkylmalonic acids. 2,3-Dideuteration was achieved via catalytic deuteration of the corresponding 2,3- unsaturated carboxylic acids with sodium borodeuteride. 2,2-Dideuteration was achieved via repeated base catalyzed exchange reactions of the carboxylate sodium salts in sodium deuteroxide/deuterium oxide solution. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectra of the obtained products are presented.
Deficient lymphokine production of newborn lymphocytes.

Summary: Lymphokine production by newborn lymphocytes was assessed by measuring migration inhibition factor (MIF) and leukocyte inhibition factor (LIF) of isolated mononuclear cells from cord blood, 1–7-days-old newborns, and adult controls. Ficoll-Hypaque separated mononuclear cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or allogeneic lymphocytes in a mixed leukocyte culture (MLC), and the supernatants were harvested at optimal times for lymphokine assays. Thymidine incorporation into DNA was also assayed to calculate a proliferative index. MIF was assessed by the inhibition of adult mononuclear phagocyte cell migration under agarose; LIF was assessed by polymorphonuclear cell migration under agarose. Although the proliferative responses of cord and newborn cells are equivalent or greater than those of adult controls, the PHA-induced MIF production in cord blood and newborn lymphocytes was only 46% and 12.5% respectively of mean adult levels; MLC-induced MIF production was 44% and 7%, respectively of mean adult levels. PHA-induced LIF production in cord blood was 27% of adult levels. These differences are only appreciated if dilutions of the supernatants are assayed. Simultaneous assay of MIF and LIF production in dilution of supernatants from adult lymphocytes showed higher LIF activity, whereas in cord lymphocytes MIF activity was greater than LIF activity. This further emphasizes the non-identity of MIF and LIF. These results indicate another abnormality of T cellular immunity in newborns not detected by T-cell enumeration or proliferative responses and parallels other defects in specialized T cell function such as cytotoxicity and immune interferon production.
Mismatch Repair Protein Mobility in Human Cancer Cells

We will report our measurements on the mobility of the mismatch repair protein MSH2 in cells from a cell line that has normal, immortal, and tumorigenic cells. Additionally we have measured the mobility of the protein in metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells. Specifically, we plan to report on the diffusion coefficients of MSH2 as measured using Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy, a single molecule technique that takes advantage of the natural scanning nature of confocal microscopes. Results will be reported on all four cell types, with separate measurements for both cytoplasmic and nuclear cell regions. Results from this study will allow a comparison of protein diffusion in cells that are at different stages of neoplastic transformation.This work is supported by a National Science Foundation Materials and Surface Engineering grant from the Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI-1152781) ; we also thank Glen Marrs, director of the WFU Microscopic Imaging Core Facility, for assistance in obtaining the confocal images of proteins.
The Simple Expenditure Model with Trade: How Should We Model Imports?

Abstract Imports are modeled as a fixed proportion of spending rather than as a function of total or disposable income. With this formulation, the import component of spending shifts must be netted out in order to predict the initial autonomous change in domestic spending. In addition, the formulation should provide a clearer understanding than current formulations of how leakages influence the multiplier process.
Single-State Electronic Structure Measurements Using Time-Resolved X-Ray Laser Induced Photoelectron Spectroscopy

We demonstrate single-shot x-ray laser induced time-of-flight photoelectron spectroscopy on semiconductor and metal surfaces with picosecond time resolution. The LLNL COMET compact tabletop x-ray laser source provides the necessary high photon flux (>10{sup 12}/pulse), monochromaticity, picosecond pulse duration, and coherence for probing ultrafast changes in the city, chemical and electronic structure of these materials. Static valence band and shallow core-level photoemission spectra are presented for ambient temperature Ge(100) and polycrystalline Cu foils. Surface contamination was removed by UV ozone cleaning prior to analysis. In addition, the ultrafast nature of this technique lends itself to true single-state measurements of shocked and heated materials. Time-resolved electron time-of-flight photoemission results for ultra-thin Cu will be presented.
Fetal therapy, ethics and public policies.

This article reviews the evolution of ethical problems in the first generation of experimental fetal therapy and the prevailing approaches to them. The problems include: review of risks/benefits, case selection, informed consent, twin pregnancies, and refusal of proven fetal therapy. The article further discusses ethical and public policy issues in the lack of U.S. federal support for fetal diagnosis, fetal therapy, and human embryo research. An argument is made for such support, beginning with experimental gene therapy in the fetus. Ethical principles are identified that support an obligation to learn to relieve and treat such human suffering at the earliest time. Contradictions of these principles are also identified in terms of research not now supported.
Prediction of size effect and non-linear crack growth in plain concrete under fatigue loading

Abstract A new method is proposed that uses inverse analysis to calculate cyclic induced bridging stresses along a dominant crack face in a plain concrete three-point bending single edge notch specimen. Peak to peak low cycle fatigue data is used to back-calculate the bridging stresses and an equivalent crack resistance curve is derived with a weight function. Fourteen specimens were tested under low cycle fatigue and two were tested under high cycle fatigue. The results of this study indicate that the equivalent cyclic crack resistance curve obtained under low cycle fatigue can be used to predict the equivalent cyclic crack resistance under high cycle fatigue and explain the decelerating crack growth phenomenon and size effect in plain Portland cement concrete.
Splendor of fluids in motion

Abstract This article reviews recent developments in the field of flow visualization, revisits the many possible pitfalls in interpreting the results and illustrates the splendor of fluids in motion. Most of the new techniques introduced during the past 10–20 years became possible as a result of the introduction and accessibility of three artifacts: the computer, the laser and the video camera. Laser-induced fluorescence, particle-image velocimetry, focused schlieren, optical tracking and holography are among the rapidly improving flow visualization techniques that increasingly provide quantitative field information. Digital image processing algorithms are used to process and display the colossal data included in physical and numerical flow visualizations.
Molecular dynamics simulation of human immunodeficiency virus protein U (Vpu) in lipid/water Langmuir monolayer.

Virus protein U (Vpu) is an accessory membrane protein encoded by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Various NMR and CD studies have shown that the transmembrane domain of Vpu has a helical conformation and that the cytoplasmic domain adopts the helix-loop-helix-turn motif. This 3.5-ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of Vpu in a lipid/ membrane environment has fully reproduced these structural characteristics. Membrane propensities of two amphipathic helices in the cytoplasmic domain are further compared here to understand better their complicated orientational behavior known from experiment. This study first reveals that the highly conserved loop region in the cytoplasmic domain can be closely associated with the membrane surface. It is known from the simulation that Vpu is associated with 34 lipids in this Langmuir monolayer. The lipids that are located between the Vpu transmembrane helix and the first helix in the cytoplasmic domain are pushed up by Vpu. These elevated lipids have increased P-N tilt angles for the head groups but unchanged acyl-chain tilt angles compared with lipids that do not interact with Vpu. This study verifies the significance of applying MD simulation in refining protein structure and revealing detailed protein-lipid interaction in membrane/water environment.
The Poliheuristic Research Program: An Assessment and Suggestions for Further Progress

This paper uses the Lakatosian criteria to assess the body of research rooted in the Poliheuristic Theory of Decision Making. Poliheuristic theory posits a two-stage, noncompensatory decision-making process. In the first stage, decision makers eliminate alternatives that fail to satisfy criteria on a predetermined, noncompensatory dimension. In the second stage, a final choice is selected using rational methods. I argue that the Poliheuristic research program appears to be progressive in the Lakatosian sense. Taken together, Poliheuristic research exploits a variety of methodologies and research agendas to reveal the theory’s validity with respect to decision making processes as well as decision outcomes. I argue that Poliheuristic theory is progressive relative to such prominent decision making theories such as expected utility and cybernetic theory. For progress to continue, however, I argue that the research program should distinguish itself from other approaches and theoretical perspectives; including the political survival perspective of Bueno de Mesquita and colleagues, the audience costs perspective of Fearon and Schultz, as well as operational code analysis of Walker, Schafer, and colleagues. I contend that some of these theories offer predictions that are very different from expectations offered by Poliheuristic Theory. I conclude that Poliheuristic theory has the potential to serve as a conduit between rational and cognitive approaches to foreign policy decision making and international relations research, facilitating comparison among theories across this divide, and contributing to progress in the study of international politics.