cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrin beta1-chain residues involved in substrate recognition and specificity of binding to invasin.

A highly conserved 14-amino-acid region of the chicken β1 integrin chain (β1chk residues 151–168) hypothesized to be involved in divalent cation co-ordination was analysed to determine whether invasin uses the same structural determinants as fibronectin (Fn) to recognize receptors. For the most part, both proteins required similar β1 chain residues for integrin recognition, although the relative preference of the integrin for the two substrates could be inverted mutationally. Substitution mutations in the amino terminal residues of this region resulted in defective binding to both substrates by the receptor, while substitutions at the carboxyl-terminal end of this region were better tolerated. A derivative carrying the double substitution (KDD160RDV) had the unique phenotype of maintaining Fn binding while abolishing invasin binding, indicating that this region of the receptor may determine substrate specificity. These data indicate that the integrin β1 chain possesses a ligand binding site shared by invasin and Fn that can be altered by mutation to allow greater preference for the normally lower affinity substrate Fn than for invasin. It was also established that the region analysed has the ability to bind divalent cations.
Magnetic moment measurements of the first (2+) and second (4+) states of even Nd and Sm nuclei

Abstract The ion-implantation perturbed angular correlation technique was used to measure γ-ray angular distributions from the decay of the first (2 + ) and second (4 + ) states of even Nd and Sm nuclei recoiled into polarized iron. These data and the results of previous measurements give values of H 0 = 2.4±0.3 MOe for H (Nd Fe ), H 0 = 2.3±0.2 MOe for H (Sm Fe ) and H t τ t = 10.8±8.9 MOe · psec for the transient effect for Sm and Nd nuclei recoil implanted into polarized iron (300°K). The g -factor results for the first (2 + ) states of 144,146,148 Nd and 148,150 Sm and for the second (4 + ) states of 150 Nd and 152,154 Sm show a rather strong decreasing trend with decreasing neutron number.
Chronic administration of venlafaxine fails to attenuate 5-HT1A receptor function at the level of receptor-G protein interaction.

In this study venlafaxine was administered to rats at a low, moderate or high dose; for comparison, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline and the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) amitriptyline were also included. We evaluated, using quantitative autoradiography, the effect of these antidepressant treatments on [ 35 5]GTPγS binding stimulated by the 5-HT 1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT, a measure of the capacity of 5-HT 1A receptors to activate G proteins. Chronic administration of amitriptyline resulted in a marked increase in 5-HT 1A receptor-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding in the hippocampus which was accompanied by an increase in 5-HT 1A receptor number. 5-HT 1A receptor-stimulated [ 35 5]GTPγS binding in the hippocampus was also increased by chronic treatment with the highest dose of venlafaxine; 5-HT 1A receptor number, however, was not significantly altered. In serotonergic cell body areas (i.e. dorsal and median raphe nuclei), 5-HT 1A receptor-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding was not altered by chronic administration of amitriptyline, sertraline or venlafaxine. Chronic TCA treatment does not desensitize somatodendritic 5-HT 1A autoreceptor function. However, the lack of effect of chronic sertraline treatment on 5-HT 1A receptor-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding is in contrast to what has been observed previously following chronic administration of the SSRI fluoxetine, and suggests that different SSRIs may regulate somatodendritic 5-HT 1A autoreceptor function differently depending on their pharmacology. Our data also suggest that the desensitization of somatodendritic 5-HT 1A autoreceptors observed in electrophysiological studies following chronic venlafaxine administration is not at the level of receptor-G protein interaction. The hypothermic response in vivo to acute injection of 8-OH-DPAT was significantly attenuated following chronic treatment with venlafaxine or sertraline, but not amitriptyline.
On the theory of blood-tissue exchange of inert gases: VI. Validity of approximate uptake expressions

It is shown that the equation of inert gas uptake by a distinct parallel tissue-blood arrangement coincides, under certain conditions, with two formulations which neglect the possible existence of a blood-tissue barrier. The first of these approximations is the classic von Schrotter equation in continuous form, whereas the second is the empirical one frequently used by contemporary authors. The condition for coincidence is that the product of permeability and blood-tissue exchange surface greatly exceed the rate of blood flow to the tissue. It is difficult to examine this condition at present because of a dearth of gas permeability measurement and because apparently there exist no measurements of surface and flow on the same tissue. A compilation is made of such values as are available, and it is found that on the assumption that gas permeabilities are of the order of 1×10−3 cm sec−1, the conditions for neglecting the blood-tissue barrier may be met in many cases and certainly not met in many others. It is concluded that under these circumstances the more exact equations, taking into account the barrier, should be employed, at least until precise independent measurements justifying the approximations become available.
Accruals quality and the incentive contracting role of earnings

Abstract This paper investigates the association between accruals quality and the usefulness of accounting earnings in incentive contracting. Accruals quality, which measures the precision with which accruals predict future cash flows, has two potential opposing effects on the noise in earnings as a measure of managerial performance. Specifically, higher quality accruals should decrease the deviations of earnings from future cash flows and increase the sensitivity of earnings to cash flows that are not attributable to managerial actions. My evidence indicates that better accruals quality is associated with a higher weight on earnings in compensation contracts, which suggests that accruals quality overall reduces the noise in earnings. I also find that the positive association between accruals quality and the weight on earnings is mainly driven by innate accruals quality rather than discretionary accruals quality. Therefore, accrual errors resulting from the volatility of the operating environment are a primary source of noise in earnings considered by compensation committees.
114. Social influences on the gut microbiome of developing monkeys

Bacterial colonization of the gut starts at birth. Initially, gut bacteria profiles are influenced by the route of delivery as well as by diet. Differences in gut bacteria composition are evident between vaginal and C-section delivery and between breast-fed and formula-fed infants. In addition, the infants’ microbiome is distinct from that of adults. As infants mature, the microbiome is also influenced by environmental factors, including social contact and exposure to pathogens. The husbandry practices at our facility permitted us to investigate the relationship between the maternal and infant microbiome, and the bacterial convergence that occurred after weanlings were transferred into small peer groups. Metagenomic approaches were used to examine the developmental trajectory in gut bacteria profiles of young rhesus monkeys housed in controlled conditions. Rectal swabs were collected and sequenced with an Illumina MiSeq in order to track changes in the infant’s microbiota during the first 2 weeks with the mother, and subsequently with 454 pyrosequencing to characterize gut bacteria after weaning when bacterial profiles reorganize due to the change in diet and exposure to a more diverse social environment. Gut bacterial profiles of mothers and neonates are distinct, but converge by 2 weeks postpartum. After weaning into peer groups, new group-specific profiles emerge. Our findings confirm that gut bacteria profiles are dynamic and malleable in response to social factors, especially contact with conspecifics.
Decision-Theoretic and Game-Theoretic Approaches to IT Security Investment

Firms have been increasing their information technology (IT) security budgets significantly to deal with increased security threats. An examination of current practices reveals that managers view security investment as any other and use traditional decision-theoretic risk management techniques to determine security investments. We argue in this paper that this method is incomplete because of the problem's strategic nature-hackers alter their hacking strategies in response to a firm's investment strategies. We propose game theory for determining IT security investment levels and compare game theory and decision theory approaches on several dimensions such as the investment levels, vulnerability, and payoff from investments. We show that the sequential game results in the maximum payoff to the firm, but requires that the firm move first before the hacker. Even if a simultaneous game is played, the firm enjoys a higher payoff than that in the decision theory approach, except when the firm's estimate of the hacker effort in the decision theory approach is sufficiently close to the actual hacker effort. We also show that if the firm learns from prior observations of hacker effort and uses these to estimate future hacker effort in the decision theory approach, then the gap between the results of decision theory and game theory approaches diminishes over time. The rate of convergence and the extent of loss the firm suffers before convergence depend on the learning model employed by the firm to estimate hacker effort.
Field evaluation of soybeans for mexican bean beetle resistance. I: Maturity groups VI, VII, and VIII

Field screening of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., germplasm for resistance to insect defoliation was undertaken because of the many new additions to the USDA germplasm collection in recent years and because of the narrow genetic base of resistance currently available to plant breeders. All soybean plant introductions (PIs) available by 1980 (to PI 424595) in maturity groups VI, VII, and VIII were screened at the Randolph Research Farm of Virginia State Univ., Petersburg, VA, for resistance to feeding by the Mexican bean bettle (MBB), Epilachna varivestis Mulsant. Resistance was determined by estimating the percent defoliation caused by the MBB. All soybean accessions were initially tested in 1984 and selected lines were retested in 1985 (three replicates) and 1986 (four replicates). The least defoliated lines of each maturity group (MG) were identified and compared with three susceptible genotypes from their respective maturity groups. Although no PI had a higher level of resistance than the previously identified PIs 171451 and 229358, several accessions had nearly equal levels of resistance. These include two PIs (417061 and 417136) in MG VIII which had less defoliation than the standard resistant line of this MG, PI 227687. Also, sources of resistance were identified for the first time in MG VI: FC 31665, and PIs 379621, 416925, and 416937. Journal Article Series 154.
Experiment Research on Preparation Pigment Type Magnetic Iron Oxide Powder Utilizing Magnetic Separated Slag

This per systematically studies the influence of roasting temperature and time to the composition and performance of magnetic iron powder, with magnetic separated converter slag as raw material, and low-temperature roasting-magnetic separation craft is also used with analyzing methods of chemical, XRD, tinting strength and so on. The investigation reveals that: pigment type iron powder with high tinting strength and covering power can be prepared with magnetic separated converter slag. Iron content and tinting strength of the iron powder rise with reaction temperature, while the covering power tends to decrease. Tinting strength of the iron powder tends to rise with extending of reaction time, while covering power rises in the first and reduces afterward, with highest covering power of 56g•m-2 at reaction time of 30min.
Recent Advances in the Neuropsychopharmacology of Serotonergic Hallucinogens

Serotonergic hallucinogens, such as (+)-lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and mescaline, are somewhat enigmatic substances. Although these drugs are derived from multiple chemical families, they all produce remarkably similar effects in animals and humans, and they show cross-tolerance. This article reviews the evidence demonstrating the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor is the primary site of hallucinogen action. The 5-HT2A receptor is responsible for mediating the effects of hallucinogens in human subjects, as well as in animal behavioral paradigms such as drug discrimination, head twitch response, prepulse inhibition of startle, exploratory behavior, and interval timing. Many recent clinical trials have yielded important new findings regarding the psychopharmacology of these substances. Furthermore, the use of modern imaging and electrophysiological techniques is beginning to help unravel how hallucinogens work in the brain. Evidence is also emerging that hallucinogens may possess therapeutic efficacy.
Large deviation for Navier-Stokes equations with small stochastic perturbation

We consider a Navier-Stokes evolution equation with a small stochastic perturbation. The unperturbed Navier-Stokes equation approximates incompressible, viscous fluid flows in a two-dimensional bounded region with an adhesive boundary condition. The small stochastic perturbation accounts for often ignored quantum effects and other sources of fluctuations. The weak solution process for the stochastic Navier-Stokes equation is constructed via a Girsanov-type transformation. Large deviation results in terms of Wentzel-Freidlin estimates are obtained for both the infinite-dimensional Brownian motion and the weak solution process for the stochastic Navier-Stokes equation.
A glimpse of anaesthesia at the West Suffolk hospital in the early 1900s

Abstract An old operation register from the West Suffolk Hospital was discovered recently at a local jumble sale, documenting the surgical procedures undertaken at the hospital during the early 1900s. It tells not only its own story, but bears witness to concurrent historical events. This article attempts to recreate what may have been the experiences of patients undergoing anaesthesia and surgery at that time (both in Suffolk and in other parts of the world) using medical literature written during this era. Were they prepared for anaesthesia with a cup of “strong beef-tea” as suggested beneficial for maximal “vitality” by Dudley Wilmot Buxton, or perhaps “a little good brandy” and a “few cheery words”?
The hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant and products of 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol

A bimolecular rate constant,kDHO, of (29 ± 9) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 was measured using the relative rate technique for the reaction of the hydroxyl radical (OH) with 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexyn-3-ol (DHO, HCCC(OH)(CH3)CH2CH(CH3)2) at (297 ± 3) K and 1 atm total pressure. To more clearly define DHO's indoor environment degradation mechanism, the products of the DHO + OH reaction were also investigated. The positively identified DHO/OH reaction products were acetone ((CH3)2CO), 3-butyne-2-one (3B2O, HCCC(O)(CH3)), 2-methyl-propanal (2MP, H(O)CCH(CH3)2), 4-methyl-2-pentanone (MIBK, CH3C(O)CH2CH(CH3)2), ethanedial (GLY, HC(O)C(O)H), 2-oxopropanal (MGLY, CH3C(O)C(O)H), and 2,3-butanedione (23BD, CH3C(O)C(O)CH3). The yields of 3B2O and MIBK from the DHO/OH reaction were (8.4 ± 0.3) and (26 ± 2)%, respectively. The use of derivatizing agents O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentalfluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine (PFBHA) and N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) clearly indicated that several other reaction products were formed. The elucidation of these other reaction products was facilitated by mass spectrometry of the derivatized reaction products coupled with plausible DHO/OH reaction mechanisms based on previously published volatile organic compound/OH gas-phase reaction mechanisms. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 36: 534–544, 2004
Effects of colchicine and trimethoxybenzene on glucose oxidation in isolated brown fat cells from rats

Abstract 1. 1. Glucose oxidation in isolated brown fat cells from rats is reduced in the presence of colchicine. 2. 2. The effect of colchicine is seen in the absence or presence of insulin and with or without calcium in the incubation medium. 3. 3. Trimethoxybenzene is as effective as colchicine in reducing glucose oxidation in control and insulin treated fat cells. 4. 4. The ability of colchicine to reduce glucose oxidation in fat cells most likely is independent of the cytoplasmic microtubular system.
Effects of hormones and lactation on gerbils that seldom scent mark spontaneously.

Abstract Mongolian gerbils scent mark by rubbing low-lying objects with a ventral scent gland. In males and females that regularly scent mark, the behavior is regulated by gonadal steroid hormones, but the influence of hormones on the scent marking behavior of low- or zero-marking gerbils was unclear. The studies reported here demonstrate that injections of testosterone or of estrogen plus progesterone can stimulate scent marking in some low-marking females but fail to do so in others. Lactation was much more effective for inducing scent marking, but again not all females responded. Although most low- or zero-marking females regularly scent marked while lactating, lactation exaggerated premating differences in marking levels. Very few zero-marking male gerbils exhibited scent marking when castrated and treated with testosterone. In both sexes, scent gland size responded to hormone stimulation even when marking behavior did not.
Lippman photographs recorded in DuPont color photopolymer material

At the end of the last century, Gabriel Lippmann was experimenting with color photography. His photographic color recording technique, Lippmann photography, produced very beautiful photographs and the fact that the colors are preserved in the early Lippmann photographs indicates something about their archival properties. Recent progress in color reflection holography has made it possible to take a new look at this one hundred year old photographic technique. Today, high-resolution panchromatic recording materials suitable for Lippmann photography are on the market. In particular, the color photopolymers from DuPont have been investigated for modern Lippmann photography. Since the color photographs contain no dyes or pigments their archival stability may be high. In addition, a Lippmann photograph is difficult to copy which makes it a unique color photographic recording. Both of these features must attract a photographer interested in creating beautiful art photographs. Security application is another potential field for Lippmann photographs as well as optical filters. The dry processing of the photopolymer material is an important advantage. Another advantage is that no expensive equipment, such as lasers, is needed to explore this photographic recording technique; only a modified camera is required.
The office anesthesia record.

A form has been developed by the Massachusetts Dental Society of Anesthesiology to record events during the administration of anesthetics. Medicolegal aspects are emphasized. An anesthesia record is helpful to private practitioners who use conscious sedation and general anesthesia. This form is a feasible method of permanently recording data, such as blood pressure, pulse, anesthetic agents, and their dosages.
Planar cell polarity signalling couples cell division and morphogenesis during neurulation

Environmental and genetic aberrations lead to neural tube closure defects (NTDs) in 1 out of every 1,000 births. Mouse and frog models for these birth defects have indicated that Van Gogh-like 2 (Vangl2, also known as Strabismus) and other components of planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling might control neurulation by promoting the convergence of neural progenitors to the midline. Here we show a novel role for PCP signalling during neurulation in zebrafish. We demonstrate that non-canonical Wnt/PCP signalling polarizes neural progenitors along the anteroposterior axis. This polarity is transiently lost during cell division in the neural keel but is re-established as daughter cells reintegrate into the neuroepithelium. Loss of zebrafish Vangl2 (in trilobite mutants) abolishes the polarization of neural keel cells, disrupts re-intercalation of daughter cells into the neuroepithelium, and results in ectopic neural progenitor accumulations and NTDs. Remarkably, blocking cell division leads to rescue of trilobite neural tube morphogenesis despite persistent defects in convergence and extension. These results reveal a function for PCP signalling in coupling cell division and morphogenesis at neurulation and indicate a previously unrecognized mechanism that might underlie NTDs.
Microcytotoxicity Tests on Human Cells in Culture: Effect of Contamination with Mycoplasma

SummaryMycoplasma infection of human cell cultures significantly changed results of tests for complement-dependent antibody. Infected Me180 cells were lysed with a larger number of sera and with higher serum dilutions than the corresponding uninfected cells. Certain groups of sera (e.g., sera from the patients with lymphomas) showed a more striking difference when tested against the contaminated versus uncontaminated Me180 cells. A similar change in target cell sensitivity was also observed with two lines of human skin fibroblasts. Mycoplasma infection is an important factor to consider in interpreting the results of experiments dependent on cultured cells.This work was supported by research grant CA 12800 from the National Cancer Institute, NIH, U.S. Public Health Service. The author was supported by post-doctoral fellowship, 7-F02-Ca34904 from the NCI, NIH, U.S. Public Health Service. I thank Dr. John L. Fahey for significant contributions and helpful discussion, and Inga Peterson and Marilyn Jobin for ...
Models, information, and systems viability

Every system (whether it be a self-directed missile, a predator, a man, or an organization) needs a model with sufficient information to accomplish its purpose and be viable. The quantity of required information is determined by the uncertainty and the complexity of the environment in which the system operates and the level of success which is necessary for the system to be deemed as viable. The relationship among uncertainty, complexity, information, and success can be stated in a quantitative manner. This investigation translates this quantitative statement into a number of hypotheses which are empirically tested using data collected among insurance agents. The hypotheses apply to living systems at the level of individuals, groups, organizations, and societies.
Psychosocial Predictors of Change in Cigarette Smoking

Over a period of 6 months, factors related to change in cigarette smoking were investigated in a group of 250 adult outpatients, all of whom smoked at the time of enrollment in the study. Among the variables tested were demographic, social, and situational factors, beliefs about the health effects of smoking and difficulty of quitting, and intentions regarding future smoking. Information was gathered at baseline and the first and sixth months by means of telephone interviews. Relative to smoking at 6 months, intention, education, and professional advice made independent contributions to cessation. The processes of quitting were examined in more detail. Attempting to quit was related to intention, professional advice, level of smoking, and social cues to smoke. Among those who tried to stop, difficulty with urges to smoke, and education affected success versus failure. Earlier success related to less anxiety and tension, and to less difficulty in not smoking when in negative situations. The findings suggest that a complex set of social and cognitive factors affect change in smoking behavior, and that somewhat different factors are operative at different stages.
Recent developments regarding human immunodeficiency virus infection and stroke

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is strongly associated with ischemic stroke in the young. Data obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample in the United States show an increase in the number of stroke hospitalizations in the HIV-infected population despite an overall decrease in the number of stroke hospitalizations. Few data exist, however, that address the mechanism of HIV-associated stroke. Recent studies have demonstrated that HIV may infect the endothelium and alter cerebrovascular functions. Whether the proposed mechanism alters the stroke risk is undetermined. Epidemiological studies suggest that HIV-related stroke is associated with a risk factor profile that differs from the HIV-negative young stroke population in that HIV-associated strokes are less likely to have hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and smoking as risk factors. A large population-based study, moreover, suggests an association between antiretroviral therapy and increased cardio- and cerebrovascular risks. Specific antiretroviral agents such as protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors have been implicated in the metabolic syndrome, accelerated atherosclerosis and an increased risk for ischemic stroke. In addition to discussing these developments, this paper also discusses the implications of recent data for stroke prevention in HIV-infected patients.
"Anergy" of TH0 helper T lymphocytes induces downregulation of TH1 characteristics and a transition to a TH2-like phenotype.

Mature CD4+ helper T lymphocytes have been categorized into two major functional phenotypes, TH1 and TH2, which produce distinct arrays of lymphokines and which are thought to arise from a pluripotential precursor cell termed TH0. Clonal anergy can be induced in TH1 clones by stimulating via the T cell receptor (TCR) complex in the absence of a costimulator molecule; however, anergy has been difficult to demonstrate in TH2 clones. We show here that treatment of cloned TH0 lines with anergizing stimuli results in the selective loss of TH1 characteristics and retention of a TH2 phenotype. Treated cells exhibit a substantial reduction in interleukin 2 (IL-2) production and antigen-specific cytolytic activity, but retain comparable IL-4 and IL-5 production in response to restimulation via the TCR complex. TH0 clones exposed to anergizing stimuli also increase in size, thus morphologically resembling TH2 cells. The signaling characteristics of these cells also are altered, in that they exhibit an elevated basal level of intracellular free calcium which fails to increase significantly with subsequent restimulation, reminiscent of the signaling characteristics of TH2 cells. "Anergized" TH0 clones thus share several functional, morphologic, and physiologic properties with cells of the TH2 phenotype, suggesting that TH2 cells may arise when TH0 cells are stimulated via the TCR complex in the absence of a putative costimulator molecule.
The impact of regime shifts on the performance of management strategies for the Gulf of Alaska walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) fishery

Climate variability affects marine ecosystems. The mechanisms relating low-frequency environmental fluctuations (regime shifts) and their impacts on marine populations are not well established for ...
The selection of computer personnel: past, present, future

For a few minutes this afternoon I would like to first briefly review the past development of aptitude tests for the selection of computer personnel. Second, I would like to indicate some of the work that we are currently doing in the development of a new aptitude test; and third, make some personal projections of what I think will be future developments in the selection of computer personnel.
The Role of Gas Phase Decomposition in the ALE Growth of III–V Compounds

The effects of the growth temperature and exposure time to TMGa for ALE of gallium arsenide was studied using TMGa and AsH3 in a modified, vertical, atmospheric, MOCVD reactor with a rotating susceptor. It was found that the temperature range for ALE growth could -be extended from 450°C to 700°C by adjustment of the exposure time to TMGa. The maximum exposure time to TMGa was found to decrease as growth temperature increased with high temperature growth limited to exposures of only fractions of a second. Beyond a critical exposure time to TMGa, gallium droplets form on the surface. It is known that premature decomposition of TMGa in the heated gaseous boundary layer causes the formation of the gallium droplets and the consequent loss of ALE growth.
Responding on random interval schedules with high rates of reinforcement.

Four rats leverpressing for food were exposed to a series of random interval schedules that provided high rates of reinforcement. In three of the four rats, response rates decreased with increases in obtained reinforcement rates. In two subjects, response rates maintained by the two schedules with the highest reinforcement rates differed even though the obtained reinforcement rates were approximately equivalent. The results generally support theories which predict a bitonic relation between response rate and reinforcement rate. They also suggest that, in the development and testing of models, more attention needs to be paid to schedule feedback functions and the role of the scheduled reinforcement rate.
New Spectra of Water Vapour, Air, and Hydrogen in the Extreme Ultra-violet

AFTER reading of the excellent work of Prof. Wood on the extension of the Balmer series of hydrogen, I decided to investigate the Lyman series of hydrogen in a similar manner. In the process of this investigation, some results were found which I now describe.
X-ray lateral migration radiography system for the application of land mine detection

X-ray lateral migration radiography generate images of land mines and other objects buried with less than 10 cm of overlaying soil. An x-ray pencil beam illuminates the object area pixel-by-pixel, and a detector array of two collimated and two collimated, large area, scintillators respectively register once-scattered and multiple-scattered photons from mines, other buried objects, and the soil background. Two surface-feature-dominant uncollimated detector images and two subsurface-feature-dominant collimated detector images are typically generated. In the collimated detector images, a shifting of the images from the object center is proportional to the depth-of-burial of the detected object. Real mine test have been conducted and the images show the included air volume as a prominent feature. The combination of the geometrically regular air volumes and mine case present unique features which distinguish mine from nonmine objects. In fact, identification of some land mine types can be achieved from the acquired images. A field-test version of the system, to be used as a landmine object confirmation/identification detector is under construction. The completed generator/collimator x-ray source has been employed to produce the system-design raster direction of the incident photon beam, while 1D movement of the object is temporarily employed to simulate the orthogonal image axis. Easily recognized acquired images of the test object clearly indicate that the desired pixel dwell time of 0.01 sec has been achieved. This image acquisition speed translates into approximate values of 1.8 sec for a 20 by 20 cm interrogated area, consistent with scanning an antipersonnel mine, and 16 sec for a 60 by 60 cm area, consistent with an antitank mine.
Optically heterodyned 25-GHz true-time-delay lines on thick LD-3 polymer-based planar waveguides.

Synthesis of the LD-3 electro-optic polymer has resulted in a highly reliable nonlinear organic material. Such a success has been impeded from further progress because the LD-3 films produced thus far are too thin (<0.5 µm) to form a waveguide. Further details of material synthesis have to be studied to solve this problem. We report the formation of thick LD-3 films ranging from 1.2 to 2.4 µm by introducing cyclopentanone as the new solvent in polymer synthesis. The formation of multimode planar waveguides on silicon with a waveguide loss of approximately 1.3 dB/cm at 1.3 µm is demonstrated. Preliminary studies aimed at forming true-time-delay lines are conducted by use of various waveguide lengths in conjunction with an optical heterodyne technique. Waveguide settings equivalent to different true-time-delay lines with a delay time of up to 0.27 ns and a base bandwidth of 25 GHz are demonstrated with a signal-to-noise ratio of 15 dB.
Pyriformis syndrome in a 10-year-old boy as a complication of operation with the patient in the sitting position

We present a case of sciatic neuropathy due to the pyriformis syndrome after operation in the sitting position. Neither sciatic nerve injury nor the pyriformis syndrome has been reported after operation in the sitting position, although a low incidence of common peroneal nerve injury has been reported as a complication of operation on patients who are in the sitting position. The clinical findings of sciatic neuropathy, external rotation of the ipsilateral foot in the position of comfort, and a therapeutic response to local anesthetic injection into the pyriformis muscle are diagnostic of the syndrome. Nerve conduction studies should be performed to aid in the differentiation between a common peroneal and sciatic neuropathy. The syndrome may occur because of extreme flexion of the hips and prolonged pressure while in the sitting position, leading to pyriformis muscle trauma, resultant spasm, and sciatic compression. The prognosis is for complete recovery after symptomatic treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication and physical therapy.
Fatal hemorrhage following regional anesthesia for operative dentistry in a hemophiliac.

Abstract In summation, it is believed that the site of primary hemorrhage was in the pterygomandibular space with the formation of a hematoma which spread to the lateral pharyngeal and submandibular spaces, and, in turn, to the corresponding spaces of the opposite side of the neck. Pressure, caused by blood filling these spaces in the neck, is thought to have collapsed the pharynx. This pharyngeal collapse caused blockage of the air passage and death ensued. Surgical or anesthetic procedures should not be attempted in the patient with uncontrolled hemophilia. If a procedure is necessary, primary concern should be given to stimulating normal clotting activity by infusions of whole blood, plasma, or blood fractions containing the antihemophilic globulins. Local hemostatic measures will be effective only after this has been done.
Influence of serum leptin on weight and body fat growth in children at high risk for adult obesity

Objective: Our objective was to examine serum leptin prospectively as a predictor of weight and body fat growth in children at high risk for adult obesity. We hypothesized that leptin measurements would be positively associated with increased growth of adipose tissue because children with high baseline leptin for their body fat mass have greater leptin resistance and thus would have greater susceptibility to weight gain. Methods: Children ages 6–12 yr at high risk for adult obesity because of early-onset childhood overweight and/or parental overweight were recruited from 1996–2004. Growth in body mass index (BMI) was studied in 197 children, and growth in total body fat mass was examined in 149 children over an average follow-up interval of 4.4 yr (range, 1–8 yr). Longitudinal analyses accounted for sex, race, socioeconomic status, initial body composition, age, skeletal age, and physical activity and included all available interim visits for each individual so that a total of 982 subject visits were incl...
Evergreening: a common practice to protect new drugs

The common strategy of evergreening using patents and other exclusivity periods likely contributes to the total incentives that justify a pharmaceutical company's investment in a new drug.
A Conceptual Framework for the Design of Organizational Control Mechanisms

The problem of organization is the problem of obtaining cooperation among a collection of individuals or units who share only partially congruent objectives. When a team of individuals collectively produces a single output, there develops the problem of how to distribute the rewards emanating from that output in such a manner that each team member is equitably rewarded. If equitable rewards are not forthcoming, members will, in future cooperative ventures, adjust their efforts in such a manner that all will be somewhat worse off cf. Simon [Simon, H. A. 1964. On the concept of organizational goal. Admin. Sci. Quart.9 1, June 1--22.], Marschak [Marschak, Thomas A. 1965. Economic theories of organization. J. G. March, ed. Handbook of Organizations. Rand McNally, Chicago, Ill., 423--450.], Alchian and Demsetz [Alchian, Armen A., Harold Demsetz. 1972. Production, information costs, and economic organization. Amer. Econom. Rev.62 777--795.. It is the objective of this paper to describe three fundamentally different mechanisms through which organizations can seek to cope with this problem of evaluation and control. The three will be referred to as markets, bureaucracies, and clans. In a fundamental sense, markets deal with the control problem through their ability to precisely measure and reward individual contributions; bureaucracies rely instead upon a mixture of close evaluation with a socialized acceptance of common objectives; and clans rely upon a relatively complete socialization process which effectively eliminates goal incongruence between individuals. This paper explores the organizational manifestations of these three approaches to the problem of control. The paper begins with an example from a parts distribution division of a major company which serves to give some flesh to what might otherwise be overly-abstract arguments. Through the example, each of the three mechanisms is explicated briefly and discussed in terms of two prerequisite conditions, one social and the other informational. The more concrete organization design features of the three forms are considered, along with some consideration of the unique costs accompanying each form.
Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Colon Arising in the Background of Endometriosis: A Case Report and Diagnostic Approach

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the colon is rare, with only a handful of cases reported in the literature. Some of these cases are attributed to endometriotic involvement of the colonic wall; however, a presence of the clear cell adenocarcinoma and endometriotic glands with dysplastic clear cell changes in the colonic wall has not been compellingly demonstrated. We describe a case of clear cell adenocarcinoma of rectosigmoid in a 41-year-old woman, where we have been able to document endometriotic glands with dysplastic clear cell transformation in the background. The presence of the endo- metriotic glands and the endometrial stroma is confirmed with immunohistochemical stains. The diagnostic approach and immuhistochemi- cal characteristics of these neoplasms are discussed along with difficulties in staging of these tumors.
Voter Bias in the Associated Press College Football Poll

The authors investigate multiple biases in the individual weekly ballots submitted by the 65 voters in the Associated Press college football poll in 2007. Using censored Tobit modeling, they find evidence of bias toward teams (a) from the voter’s state, (b) in conferences represented in the voter’s state, (c) in selected Bowl Championship Series conferences, and (d) that played in televised games, particularly on relatively prominent networks. They also find evidence of inordinate bias toward simplistic performance measures—number of losses, and losing in the preceding week—even after controlling for performance using mean team strength derived from 16 so-called computer rankings.
Fast rate-constrained N-step search algorithm for motion estimation

A fast N-step search algorithm for rate-constrained motion estimation is presented. The motion vectors are selected from a search window based on a rate-distortion criterion by successively eliminating the search positions at each step. The performance of the proposed algorithm is identical to the performance of the conventional rate-constrained N-step search algorithm, with considerable reduction in computation. Computational savings increase in parallel with the increase in the rate constraint and the number of steps.
Flexible and Stretchable Micromagnet Arrays for Tunable Biointerfacing

A process to surface pattern polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with ferromagnetic structures of varying sizes (micrometer to millimeter) and thicknesses (>70 μm) is developed. Their flexibility and magnetic reach are utilized to confer dynamic, additive properties to a variety of substrates, such as coverslips and Eppendorf tubes. It is found that these substrates can generate additional modes of magnetic droplet manipulation, and can tunably steer magnetic-cell organization.
The effects of water chemistry on the toxicity of copper to fathead minnows

The effects of various water chemistry parameters on the toxicity of copper to larval fathead minnows were investigated. Increased pH, hardness, sodium, dissolved organic matter, and suspended solids each caused toxicity to decrease on the basis of total copper concentrations. In contrast, added potassium resulted in increased toxicity. Alkalinity had no observed effect on total copper LC50s, but its effects might have been masked by those of the cations added with it. In most cases, the effects of water chemistry were found to be similar for different endpoints (growth, survival at different durations), but there were differences in the relative magnitude of some effects across these endpoints. Over all experimental treatments, 96-h total copper LC50s varied 60-fold. Every water chemistry parameter also caused toxicity to vary significantly when expressed on the basis of cupric ion selective electrode measurements, sometimes more so than on the basis of total copper. Therefore, this study does not support attributing to cupric ion a singular importance in regulating toxicity to this test organism. A variety of copper species might be contributing to toxicity and it is evident that toxicity is also affected by water chemistry in ways not related to copper speciation.
Internet-based research for the desktop and beyond: Building a foundation of excellence for information design on the web

The internet has become a primary vehicle for delivering information, but the online platforms used to access that information are constantly shifting. Web users are more sophisticated in the ways they access information online, but it is unclear whether design best practices have kept pace. The need to develop a set of effective best practices for web design, based on empirical research, becomes even more critical as people migrate from desktops to mobile browsing. We strongly support the use of internet-based research to ensure the ecological soundness of information design best practices.
Methionine Adenosyltransferase 2A/2B and Methylation: Gene Sequence Variation and Functional Genomics

Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) catalyzes the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, the major biological methyl donor. MAT1A and MAT2A encode two distinct MAT isoforms in mammals. MAT2A is expressed in nonhepatic tissues, whereas MAT1A is expressed in the liver. A third gene, MAT2B, encodes a MAT2A regulatory protein. We resequenced MAT2A and MAT2B exons, splice junctions, and flanking regions using 288 DNA samples from three ethnic groups and also imputed additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across both genes using data from the 1000 Genomes Project. For MAT2A, resequencing identified 74 polymorphisms, including two nonsynonymous (ns) SNPs. Functional genomic studies of wild type and the two MAT2A variant allozymes (Val11 and Val205) showed that the Val11 allozyme had approximately 40% decreases in levels of enzyme activity and immunoreactive protein after COS-1 cell transfection. For MAT2B, 44 polymorphisms, 2 nonsynonymous, were identified during resequencing. Neither of the two MAT2B nsSNPs displayed alterations in levels of protein. Imputation using 1000 Genomes Project data resulted in 1730 additional MAT2A and 1997 MAT2B polymorphisms within ± 200 kilobases of each gene, respectively. Coexpression of MAT2A and MAT2B in COS-1 cells resulted in significantly increased MAT enzyme activity that correlated with increased MAT2A and MAT2B immunoreactive protein, apparently as a result of decreased degradation. Finally, studies of mRNA expression in lymphoblastoid cells showed that 7 SNPs in MAT2A and 16 SNPs in MAT2B were significantly associated with mRNA expression with p < 0.01. These observations provide a foundation for future mechanistic and clinical translational pharmacogenomic studies of MAT2A/2B.
Wireless implantable EMG sensor for powered prosthesis control

This paper presents a wireless, subfascially implantable electromyogram (EMG) sensing microsystem for intelligent myoelectric control of powered prostheses. The implantable system consists of a custom-designed ASIC, an RF telemetry coil, and two Pt-Ir epimysial EMG electrodes, and is capable of wirelessly transmitting digitized EMG data to an external telemeter mounted in a prosthetic socket. The prototype microsystem is powered by a near-field inductive link operating at 8 MHz with 10% DC power transfer efficiency. On-chip rectification and regulation produce stable 2 V and 2.7 V supplies with a DC current driving capability up to 100 ?A. The EMG electrodes are interfaced with a differential capacitively-coupled amplifier with 38 dB closed-loop gain, 1 kHz bandwidth, and 78 nV/?(Hz) input-referred noise floor. The amplified EMG signal is then digitized on chip by using an 11-bit algorithmic ADC. The digital EMG data can be Manchester-coded and transmitted to the external telemeter using passive phase shift keying (PSK) modulation scheme over the same wireless link as the inductive powering system. The implantable microsystem consumes 83 ?A and achieves 8.7-bit resolution when wirelessly powered by an external RF energy source. Animal implant experiments have been successfully conducted to demonstrate EMG signals from a laboratory rat hind limb can be detected and wirelessly transmitted to an external telemeter with high signal fidelity.