cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MDCT quantification is the dominant parameter in decision–making regarding chest tube drainage for stable patients with traumatic pneumothorax

It is commonly believed that the size of a pneumothorax is an important determinant of treatment decision, in particular regarding whether chest tube drainage (CTD) is required. However, the volumetric quantification of pneumothoraces has not routinely been performed in clinics. In this paper, we introduced an automated computer-aided volumetry (CAV) scheme for quantification of volume of pneumothoraces in chest multi-detect CT (MDCT) images. Moreover, we investigated the impact of accurate volume of pneumothoraces in the improvement of the performance in decision-making regarding CTD in the management of traumatic pneumothoraces. For this purpose, an occurrence frequency map was calculated for quantitative analysis of the importance of each clinical parameter in the decision-making regarding CTD by a computer simulation of decision-making using a genetic algorithm (GA) and a support vector machine (SVM). A total of 14 clinical parameters, including volume of pneumothorax calculated by our CAV scheme, was collected as parameters available for decision-making. The results showed that volume was the dominant parameter in decision-making regarding CTD, with an occurrence frequency value of 1.00. The results also indicated that the inclusion of volume provided the best performance that was statistically significant compared to the other tests in which volume was excluded from the clinical parameters. This study provides the scientific evidence for the application of CAV scheme in MDCT volumetric quantification of pneumothoraces in the management of clinically stable chest trauma patients with traumatic pneumothorax.
Lower hybrid wave heating in the Alcator A tokamak

We report the results of injecting 90 kW of microwave power near the lower hybrid frequency into the Alcator-$A$ tokamak through a two-waveguide array. The observed plasma heating is in disagreement with that expected from linear waveguide-plasma coupling theory. From these results and auxiliary rf probe measurements we infer the nonlinear formation of a high-${k}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ wave power spectrum at the plasma edge.
Chinese subjects' perception of the word-final English/t/-/d/ contrast: Performance before and after training

Chinese words may begin with /t/ and /d/, but a /t/-/d/ contrast does not exist in word-final position. The question addressed by experiment 1 was whether Chinese speakers of English could identify the final stop in words like beat and bead. The Chinese subjects examined approached the near-perfect identification rates of native English adults and children for words that were unedited, but performed poorly for words from which final release bursts had been removed. Removing closure voicing had a small effect on the Chinese but not the English listeners' sensitivity. A regression analysis indicated that the Chinese subjects' native language (Mandarin, Taiwanese, Shanghainese) and their scores on an English comprehension test accounted for a significant amount of variance in sensitivity to the (burstless) /t/-/d/ contrast. In experiment 2, a small amount of feedback training administered to Chinese subjects led to a small, nonsignificant increase in sensitivity to the English /t/-/d/ contrast. In experiment 3, more training trials were presented for a smaller number of words. A slightly larger and significant effect of training was obtained. The Chinese subjects who were native speakers of a language that permits obstruents in word-final position seemed to benefit more from the training than those whose native language (L1) has no word-final obstruents. This was interpreted to mean that syllable-processing strategies established during L1 acquisition may influence later L2 learning.
REACTIONS OF Y+, ZR+, NB+, AND MO+ WITH H2, HD, AND D2

Guided ion beam mass spectrometry is used to examine the kinetic energy dependence of reactions of the second row transition metal cations, Y+, Zr+, Nb+, and Mo+, with molecular hydrogen and its isotopologues. By using a meter long flow tube ion source, we are able to create Zr+, Nb+, and Mo+ ions that are believed to be in their electronic ground state terms and primarily in the lowest spin−orbit levels and Y+ mostly in its ground state. Corresponding state-specific reaction cross sections are obtained. Analysis of the cross section data yields 0 K bond dissociation energies of D0(Y+−H) = 2.65 ± 0.08 eV, D0(Zr+−H) = 2.26 ± 0.08 eV, D0(Nb+−H) = 2.28 ± 0.07 eV, and D0(Mo+−H) = 1.72 ± 0.06 eV. This thermochemistry is compared with theoretical calculations and previous experimental measurements. Results for the HD reactions indicate that Y+(3D) reacts via a statistical mechanism, Zr+(4F), Nb+(5D), and Mo+(6S) react via largely statistical mechanisms, and Y+(1S) shows complex behavior. The reaction mechanisms...
Constrained LQR Problems in Elliptic Distributed Control Systems with Point Observations--- on Convergence Rates

In this paper, we continue to study the (bound constrained) linear-quadratic regulator problem in distributed boundary control systems governed by the elliptic equation with point observations. Due to the appearance of singularities in the problem, the traditional Galerkin variational method that leads to an adjoint system is not desirable, and the classical Lagrangian multiplier method is not reliable for providing numerical results. A characterization formula of the optimal control and its singularity decomposition formula are derived in [Z. Ding, L. Ji, and J. Zhou, SIAM J. Control Optim., 34 (1996), pp. 264--294; Z. Ding and J. Zhou, Appl. Math. Optim.}, to appear] by using the boundary integral equation and potential theory coupled with a variational inequality in a Banach space setting. Based on the characterization formula, a conditioned gradient projection method (CGPM) has been proposed in [Z. Ding and J. Zhou, Appl. Math. Optim., to appear]. Numerical experiment has shown that CGPM is efficient and also insensitive to the partition number of the boundary. In this paper, we estimate the rate of convergence for CGPM. First it is proved that for ${\cal N}=2$, CGPM converges exponentially in the L2 norm, and for ${\cal N}=3$, CGPM converges subexponentially in the L p norm. Then, under a reasonable condition, it is proved that for ${\cal N}=2$, CGPM converges uniformly exponentially, and for ${\cal N}=3$, CGPM converges uniformly subexponentially.
Relationships between touch sensations and estimated population responses of peripheral afferent mechanoreceptors

Trapezoidal indentations of the skin by a 0.5-mm-diameter probe were presented at different rates and loads (forces) to the human fingertip, in order to compare estimates of population responses of cutaneous mechanoreceptors with the quality and magnitude of tactile sensations. The subjects were first trained to attend to and evaluate variations in the magnitude of touch sensations associated with the onset ramp, the plateau period, and the offset ramp. They examined a series of line drawings that illustrated a variety of temporal profiles for sensation magnitude. The line drawings provided a straight-forward means of describing temporal fluctuations of sensation intensity, which corresponded well to psychophysical ratios that were determined subsequently with a matching procedure. Influences of ramp rate on qualities of touch sensations were evaluated by tabulating verbal descriptions of sensory experiences. Each of three rate conditions generated a different quality of sensation during the dynamic portions of stimulation. Onsets and offsets at 100 g/s were described as "taps". During ramps at 10 g/s the quality was described as "rolling" or "moving". At 1 g/s no sense of motion was detected; instead, a "pressure" sensation was identified. Touch sensations during the plateau were always described as a pressure. The subjective magnitudes of touch sensations associated with the onset, plateau, and offset were equated by comparing different components of paired stimuli. At 100 g/s, when subjects matched the offset sensation from the first of a pair of stimuli with the onset sensation from the second, the force of the stimulus producing the offset sensation was 1.3 times greater than the intensity of the stimulus that produced the onset sensation. Matching of the plateau sensation (evaluated during the last 1.5 s of the 2.5-s plateau period) with the onset sensation required a plateau stimulus that was 1.7 times greater in force than the stimulus which produced the onset. Comparison of stimulus intensities producing a match of plateau and offset sensations with stimulus intensities predicted from the previous matches (onset versus offset and onset versus plateau) demonstrated a mean within-subject error of 4%. The mean ratio of plateau to offset forces that produced a match was 1.8:1.3. In a matching procedure in which subjects compared the subjective magnitudes of plateau sensations following onset ramps of different rates, onset ramp rate significantly influenced the magnitude of pressure sensations. The ratios of plateau forces which produced equal magnitudes of sensation following 1, 10, and 100 g/s ramps were 1.6:1.3:1.0.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Effects of Ethacrynic Acid on Endothelial Function in Human and Rabbit Corneas

AbstractEthacrynic acid (ECA) has been used to increase outflow facility and lower intraocular pressure when used topically or following intracameral injection. Our experiments evaluated the effect of ECA on corneal endothelial function (corneal swelling and endothelial permeability), cytoskeleton, and ultrastructure. Rabbit and human corneas were mounted in the in vitro specular microscope for endothelial perfusion of ECA (10−3, 10−4, 10−5 M) added to GBR or BSS Plus. Corneal thickness was measured during the perfusion and a corneal swelling rate calculated. At the end of the perfusion, corneas were fixed for electron microscopic evaluation (scanning and transmission electron microscopy [SEM, TEM]). Endothelial permeability was measured using carboxyfluorescein, and endothelial F-actin was stained using bodipy-fluorescein phallacidin. ECA at 10−5 M caused minimal corneal swelling and no endothelial ultrastructural changes in rabbit corneas. After a 1 h lag time, corneas perfused with 10−4 M ECA swelled a...
Coastal water source of short‐lived halocarbons in New England

[1] Short-lived halocarbon tracers were used to investigate marine influences on air quality in a coastal region of New England. Atmospheric measurements made at the University of New Hampshire's Observing Station at Thompson Farm (TF) in Durham, New Hampshire, indicate that relatively large amounts of halocarbons are emitted from local estuarine and coastal oceanic regions. Bromine-containing halocarbons of interest in this work include bromoform (CHBr3) and dibromomethane (CH2Br2). The mean mixing ratios of CHBr3 and CH2Br2 from 11 January to 5 March 2002 were 2.6 pptv and 1.6 pptv, and from 1 June to 31 August 2002 mean mixing ratios were 5.9 pptv and 1.4 pptv, respectively. The mean mixing ratio of CHBr3 was not only highest during summer, but both CHBr3 and CH2Br2 exhibited large variability in their atmospheric mixing ratios during this season. We attribute the greater variability to increased production combined with faster atmospheric removal rates. Other seasonal characteristics of CHBr3 and CH2Br2 in the atmosphere, as well as the impact of local meteorology on their distributions at this coastal site, are discussed. Tetrachloroethene (C2Cl4) and trichloroethene (C2HCl3) were used to identify time periods influenced by urban emissions. Additionally, measurements of CHBr3, CH2Br2, C2Cl4, methyl iodide (CH3I), and ethyl iodide (C2H5I) were made at TF and five sites throughout the nearby Great Bay estuarine area between 18 and 19 August 2003. These measurements were used to elucidate the effect of the tidal cycle on the distributions of these gases. The mean mixing ratios of CHBr3, CH2Br2, CH3I, and C2H5I were ∼82%, 46%, 14%, and 17% higher, respectively, near the coast compared to inland sites, providing evidence for a marine source of short-lived halocarbons at TF. Correlation between the tidal cycle and atmospheric concentrations of marine tracers on the night of 18 August 2003 showed that the highest values for the brominated species occurred ∼2–3 hours after high tide. Emission fluxes of CHBr3, CH2Br2, CH3I, and C2H5I on this night were estimated to be 26 ± 57, 4.7 ± 5.4, 5.9 ± 4.6, and 0.065 ± 0.20 nmol m−2 h−1, respectively. Finally, the anthropogenic source strength of CHBr3 was calculated to determine its impact on atmospheric levels observed in this region. Although our results indicate that anthropogenic contributions could potentially range from 15 to 60% of the total dissolved CHBr3 in the Great Bay, based on the observed ratio of CH2Br2/CHBr3 and surface seawater measurements in the Gulf of Maine, it appears unlikely that anthropogenic activities are a significant source of CHBr3 in the region.
Constructing natural neighbor interpolation based grid DEM using CUDA

Constructing digitial elevation model(DEM) from dense LiDAR points becomes increasingly important. Natural Neighbor Interpolation (NNI) is a popular approach to DEM construction from point datasets but is computationally intensive. In this study, we present a set of General Purpose computing Graphics Processing Unit(GPGPU) based algorithms that can significant speed up the process. Evaluating three real world LiDAR datasets each contains 6~7 million points shows that our CUDA based implementation on a NVIDIA GTX 480 GPU card is several times to nearly 2 orders faster than the current state-of-the-art NNI based DEM construction using graphics hardware acceleration.
Patterns of Endogenous Platelet Serotonin Release

The release of endogenous serotonin (5HT) from the platelets of normal human subjects was studied using adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thrombin, and connective tissue (CT) as aggregating agents. Clot retraction was found to release from 60 to 100 per cent of available platelet 5HT. Of the aggregating agents studied, only connective tissue was accompanied by the release of endogenous SHT in all subjects. Low concentrations of ADP gave no release, and high concentrations of ADP as well as thrombin-induced aggregation gave release in the minority of subjects. The pattern of release of endogenous 5HT in response to aggregating agents was found to differ from results of studies reported by others 18, 19 using exogenous radioactive 5HT.
Hormone-inspired adaptive communication and distributed control for CONRO self-reconfigurable robots

Presents a biologically inspired approach to two basic problems in modular self-reconfigurable robots: adaptive communication in self-reconfigurable and dynamic networks, and distributed collaboration between the physically coupled modules to accomplish global effects such as locomotion and reconfiguration. Inspired by the biological concept of hormone, the paper develops the adaptive communication (AC) protocol that enables modules continuously to discover changes in their local topology, and the adaptive distributed control (ADC) protocol that allows modules to use hormone-like messages in collaborating their actions to accomplish locomotion and self-reconfiguration. These protocols are implemented and evaluated, and experiments in the CONRO self-reconfigurable robot and in a Newtonian simulation environment have shown that the protocols are robust and scaleable when configurations change dynamically and unexpectedly, and they can support online reconfiguration, module-level behavior shifting, and locomotion. The paper also discusses the implication of the hormone-inspired approach for distributed multiple robots and self-reconfigurable systems in general.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation policies in long-term care facilities.

OBJECTIVES: To describe CPR policies and the procedures for discussing CPR policies of Wisconsin long-term care facilities. DESIGN: Mail survey and telephone interview. MEASUREMENTS: Information about CPR policy, how policy is disclosed to residents and by whom, emergency medical technician team (EMT) response time, and number of CPR attempts during 1993. RESULTS: The 1994 survey response rate was 85% (346/404 facilities). Four percent of responding facilities maintain a policy of never initiating CPR. Another 23% never initiate CPR but would call an EMT. Lack of efficacy was the usual basis for policies never initiating CPR. About 15% of facilities would initiate CPR only on residents who had previously indicated a preference. On individuals who had not made an advanced directive decision, 57% of facilities would initiate CPR in the event of an arrest. Almost 30% of facilities offering CPR would initiate CPR on unwitnessed arrests. Approximately 51% of all facilities assigned a social worker alone to discuss CPR policy and preference, whereas 12.5% assigned a physician alone or as part of a team. During 1993, an estimated 118 attempts at CPR were reported for 172 facilities with a total of 19,596 licensed beds, for a frequency of one CPR attempt per 166 beds per year. CONCLUSIONS: Poor efficacy in this population was the main reason given for policies of never initiating CPR. Specific factors relating to CPR efficacy, such as EMT response time and ease of maintaining trained staff, were not major influences. Almost 30% of facilities offering CPR would perform it in unwitnessed situations, despite unlikely success. Many decisions about CPR may not be fully informed as nurses and physicians are not often assigned to discuss advance directives with residents or surrogates. Utilization of CPR in nursing homes offering resuscitation is low.
Organic Photoconductors. V. A Model for Photoconductivity in Cationic Dyes

It is shown that there is a close relationship between the excited state associated with the lowest optical transition of the molecule in solution and that associated with photoconductivity in the solid dye. The model considers the solid dye as a periodic array of potential wells having discrete bands of allowed energies corresponding to the ground state and excited state of the molecule. In the case of dyes whose conductive properties are strongly temperature‐dependent, it is assumed that an excited electron can move in the array by passing over the intermolecular barrier. Extension of this assumption to dyes in which the conductive properties depend only slightly on temperature leads to contradictions, and it is assumed in this case that electrons move through the array by tunneling. It is shown that in such a system the diffusivity will be very large and the mobility very small, and that the Einstein diffusivity‐mobility relationship does not hold. The model has properties which are in accord with those observed for the two classes of dyes.
Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions and Self-Reported Fall Prevention Practices: Findings from a Large New York Health System

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and emergency department visits, and the incidence of falls in the United States is rising as the number of older Americans increases. Research has shown that falls can be reduced by modifying fall risk factors using multifactorial interventions implemented in clinical settings. However, the literature indicates many providers feel they do not know how to conduct fall risk assessments or do not have adequate knowledge about fall prevention To help healthcare providers incorporate older adult fall prevention (i.e., falls risk assessment and treatment) into their clinical practice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Injury Center has developed the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) tool kit. This study was conducted to identify the practice characteristics and providers’ beliefs, knowledge, and fall-related activities before they received training on how to use the STEADI tool kit. Data were collected as part of a larger State Fall Prevention Project funded by CDC’s Injury Center. Completed questionnaires were returned by 38 medical providers from 11 healthcare practices within a large New York health system. Healthcare providers ranked falls as the lowest priority of five conditions, after diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health, and musculoskeletal conditions. Less than 40% of the providers asked most or all of their older patients if they had fallen during the past 12 months. Less than a quarter referred their older patients to physical therapists for balance or gait training, and less than 20% referred older patients to community-based fall prevention programs. Less than 16% reported they conducted standardized functional assessments with their older patients at least once a year. These results suggest that implementing the STEADI tool kit in clinical settings could address knowledge gaps and provide the necessary tools to help providers in
Estimation of total body water by bioelectrical impedance analysis in blacks.

Several differences exist between the body composition of blacks and whites. This study was designed to investigate the applicability of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in blacks, using prediction equations developed in whites. A multiple regression equation developed on 79 white adults, using deuterium oxide dilution space total body water (D2 O-TBW) as the reference method, was prospectively applied to 88 blacks aged 19-50 years. Although the regression line of D2 O-TBW on BIA-TBW was not significantly different from the line of identity (r = 0.98, SEE = 1.71 liters), mean TBW was significantly underestimated by 0.84 liter. Other BIA equations from the literature also underestimated D2 O-TBW in blacks, except for an equation developed on a mixed black and white population. Multiple regression analysis on the data of the black and white subjects combined showed that race, offered as a separate independent variable, improved the correlation with D2 O-TBW slightly but significantly (P < 0.01). It was concluded that BIA may be valuable in the assessment of body composition in blacks as well as in whites. In this study a small underestimation of TBW occurred in blacks, using (BIA) equations from whites. This may be due to racial differences in body composition or to factors unrelated to ethnicity.
Micro Undulated Contact Surfaces on the Contact Behavior of a MEMS Switch

A novel direct contact micro-device has been developed with periodically micro-grooved lateral metal contacts on the sidewall of the MEMS relay. The uniqueness of the design lies in the self-cleaning mechanism of the microgrooved lateral metal contacts. The concept-proving device is fabricated by integrating a high aspect ratio polymer beam structure with lateral metal contacts. The long lifecycle test shows that the contact resistance has been maintained below 0.1 ohm over 10 billion cycles. The switch design is compatible to the surface micromachining processes and can be readily integrated into a fully functional MEMS relay. Our design opens the possibility of direct contact MEMS switch for both high power and low cost wireless applications.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Examining The Performance Impacts of Transit Operating Subsidies

Transit operating subsidies have recently come under fire on the grounds that they've been largely responsible for the declines in the U.S. transit industry's productivity over the past decade. Surprisingly, until recently, there has been little statistical analysis to demonstrate the effects of subsidies on productivity, cost trends and ridership. The empirical evidence on operating subsidies impacts are reviewed. Results from a recent investigation of the impacts of operating subsidies in California are also presented. Evidence strongly suggests that subsidies have indeed had a degrading effect on transit performance over time, in particular contributing to higher unit costs and lower labor productivity. There's also some indication that operating subsidies might even have more perverse impacts when they are dedicated specifically for transit purposes. Although subsidies have also served to increase U.S. transit ridership, evidence suggests the costs incurred in winning over these additional passengers ...
Lack of a role for inducible nitric oxide synthase in an experimental model of nephrotic syndrome.

Abstract Puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) administration in rats produces an experimental model of nephrotic syndrome characterized by glomerular epithelial cell injury and proteinuria. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of nitric oxide (NO) in this model of minimal change glomerular disease. Aminoguanidine (AG) was used to inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into Control (N = 9), PAN (N = 14), AG (N = 2), and PAN + AG (N = 12) treatment groups. Control animals received saline (i.v.), PAN animals received PAN (75 mg/kg, i.v.), and PAN + AG animals received PAN plus AG (50 mg/kg, i.p., twice daily). AG animals received a saline injection (i.v.) on day 0 in the place of PAN and then AG on the same schedule as the PAN + AG group. Animals were kept in metabolic cages, and urinary protein excretion and nitrite (NO2−) excretion were measured daily. PAN administration increased urinary NO2− excretion by day 2, and levels remained elevated through day 7. AG prevented this PAN-induced increase in urinary NO2− excretion. Plasma nitrate (NO3−) and NO2− (NOx) concentrations were also increased in the PAN and PAN + AG groups. iNOS protein expression was not detected in either the glomeruli or the cortex at day 7. Proteinuria developed in PAN animals on day 4 and increased steadily through day 7. PAN + AG animals showed a pattern similar to that of the PAN group. These results indicated that in contrast to models of proliferative glomerulonephritis, NO formation during PAN-induced nephrotic syndrome is increased but does not participate in the development of glomerular injury as measured by proteinuria.
Ultrasound in twins: Dichorionic and monochorionic

The objective of this review is to assess the evidence that supports the use of ultrasound in twin pregnancies. Although many of the indications for obstetric ultrasound are the same in both singleton and multiple gestations, there are special considerations as well as unique conditions in twins that require additional imaging studies. The reasons for ultrasound in twins include pregnancy dating, determination of chorionicity, nuchal translucency assessment, anatomical survey, placental evaluation, cervical length assessment, routine fetal growth, and serial surveillance of pregnancies complicated by anomalies, cervical shortening, fetal growth disturbances, and amniotic fluid abnormalities. Twins with monochorionic placentation require heightened scrutiny for monoamnionicity, conjoined twins, twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) syndrome, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, unequal placental sharing with discordant twin growth or selective intrauterine fetal growth restriction (IUGR), twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS), and single fetal demise. Ultrasound is essential for the detection and management of conditions that can complicate dichorionic and monochorionic twin pregnancies.
Computer Modeling of Ionic Micelle Structuring in Thin Films

The phenomenon of layering of like-charged particles (ionic surfactant micelles or other colloidal particles) between two plane-parallel film surfaces and the evolution of in-film particle structuring are studied using the canonical Monte Carlo method combined with a simulation cell containing both the bulk solution and the film region. The simulations are performed using an effective one-component fluid potential model that incorporates micelle hard-core repulsion and both the screened Coulomb electrostatic interaction and the entropic contribution due to the discrete nature of the solvent and finite size of electrolyte ions. The proposed potential model is applied to mimic the properties of surfactant micelle solutions in the bulk and under film confinement. The effects of surfactant concentration and film thickness on the in-film micellar structuring phenomenon are analyzed. The relation of obtained results to experiments on stratifying sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar films is discussed.
The relationship between attitudes toward pregnancy and contraception use among drug users.

Use of alcohol and drugs during pregnancy is regarded as a serious problem in the medical field. The current study explored gender and ethnic differences in attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality and contraceptive use among European American, Mexican American and Native American female and male clients in drug recovery programs. The study also examined the relationship between sexual abuse, concern for pregnancy, concern for contracting sexually transmitted diseases and contraception use among women drug users. Results showed gender and ethnic differences in attitudes toward pregnancy, abortion and contraceptive use. In addition, both Mexican American and Native American women who had a high concern for pregnancy were more likely to use birth control when they reported sexual abuse than when they reported no abuse. In contrast, European American women with a high concern for pregnancy showed a tendency to use birth control less when they reported abuse than when they did not. The observed attitudinal and behavioral differences between genders and ethnic groups are discussed in relation to design of treatment program components to increase contraceptive use and decrease unwanted pregnancies among drug users.
Generation of CD8 + T cell–mediated immunity against idiotype-negative lymphoma escapees

We investigated the ability of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide to generate an anti-tumor CD8+ T-cell immune response and to synergize with passive antibody therapy. For these studies, we generated an antibody against the idiotype on the A20 B-cell lymphoma line. This antibody caused the regression of established tumors, but ultimately the tumors relapsed. The escaping surface IgG-negative tumor cells were resistant to both antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and signaling-induced cell death. Addition of intratumoral CpG to antibody therapy cured large established tumors and prevented the occurrence of tumor escapees. The failure of the combination therapy in mice deficient for CD8+ T cells demonstrates the critical role of CD8+ T cells in tumor eradication. When mice were inoculated with 2 tumors and treated systemically with antibody followed by intratumoral CpG in just one tumor, both tumors regressed, indicating that a systemic immune response was generated. Although antibody therapy can eliminate tumor cells bearing the target antigen, it frequently selects for antigen loss variants. However, when a poly-specific T-cell response was generated against the tumor by intratumoral CpG, even large established tumors were cured. Such an immune response can prevent the emergence of antibody selected tumor escapees and provide long-lasting tumor protection.
An emulator used to teach compiler design

A Data General Eclipse S/200 minicomputer is microprogrammed to emulate an artifical machine which is itself used to help teach compiler design. The artificial machine, called a GRUNCH 3000, serves as the target for the compiler design class; that is, the class translates a subset of ALGOL-60 into the GRUNCH assembly language. The GRUNCH machine is simple enough to be easily used by students and yet general enough to make the translation task rewarding.
Diet of Larval Weakfish and Prey Abundance in Delaware Bay

Abstract We concurrently sampled larvae (2.15-9.45 mm) of the weakfish Cynoscion regalis and their potential prey in Delaware Bay during the 1986 and 1987 spawning seasons. Gut content analysis revealed that larval weakfish fed primarily on copepods (41% of diet by dry weight), larvae of the polychaete Polydora ligni (34%), and pelagic invertebrate eggs (14%). As larval weakfish grew, their diet changed from several small prey types to a few larger ones. Mean abundance of prey occurring with larvae smaller than 5.55 mm notochord length was 172.3 μg/L compared with 166.1 μg/L for prey occurring with larvae 5.55 mm and larger. Prey abundance around these means varied up to 1,000 times for small larvae and 100 times for large larvae. Comparison of these results with laboratory work suggests that prey abundance encountered by weakfish larvae less than 5.55 mm in Delaware Bay ranges over scales that can cause large variations in larval growth and survival.
Comparison of polyethylene glycol and dye markers in nutrition research

Abstract Polyethylene and dye markers were compared as instruments for nutrition research. Such substances may function as representative markers for the liquid and particulate phase of gastrointestinal contents. Liquid phase markers have the greater diveristy of use. Particulate phase markers are limited in use to estimates of digesta movement and feces marking. When comparing marker types, polyethylene materials, as liquid or particulate phase markers, appear to be the marker of choice in the majority of studies. While neither marker, polyethylene or dye, are completely adequate for such research, the greater erractic recovery of dye markers reduces their effectiveness. Regardless of the marker used, it seems imperative that the researcher understand both the capabilities and limitations of the marker chosen. Furthermore, each investigator should validate his own indicator under his conditions for study.
Interactions among lumbar motoneurons on opposite sides of the frog spinal cord: morphological and electrophysiological studies.

Light and electron microscopy have been used to study the projections of dendrites from motoneurons in lumbar segments of the spinal cord of the frog following administration of horseradish peroxidase to cut ventral roots. Processes originating from motoneurons crossed to the opposite side of the spinal cord via the anterior commissure and made contact with dendrites and motoneuronal somata. Typically, in segments 6 to 8 the crossing dendrites showed irregular enlargements in diameter. Electrophysiological recordings were obtained both extracellularly from ventral roots and intracellularly from motoneuronal somata. In Ringer's solution containing 1 mM calcium, stimulation of a lumbar ventral root elicited population responses with early and late components in the ventral root of the opposite side of the same segment. Only the early, short latency component remained in calcium deficient Ringer's solution. In calcium-containing Ringer's solution, intracellular recording from an antidromically activated motoneuron showed an action potential with a short latency; this response was followed by excitatory postsynaptic potentials (epsps) from which action potentials could be generated. Contralateral ventral root stimulation also elicited in the same motoneuron a short latency action potential that was rarely followed by epsps. The short latency responses, that were elicited by stimulation of ventral roots of either side persisted in calcium-deficient Ringer's solution, but the epsps were abolished. Contralaterally elicited short latency responses were eliminated by section of the anterior commissure. We believe that electrically mediated crossed interactions among lumbar motoneurons may serve as a means of coordinating muscle groups of opposite sides that are used in movements that require bilateral synchronization, such as jumping and swimming.
Perseveration and Academic Failure in Healthy Male Undergraduates

Western culture admonishes that “winners never quit,” but sometimes the termination of a specific goal is the best choice for a student. Cognitive perseveration is commonly defined as one repeating...
Fusion of Pycniospores with Filamentous Hyphæ in the Pycium of the White Pine Blister Rust

THE pycnia of the white pine blister rust are of the sub-corticular type as described by Arthur1. They may be characterised as extensive crust-like layers without definite delimitation and not having a well-defined ostiole and paraphyses such as are common to many of the leaf-inhabiting rusts. The pycnial crust consists of a dense layer of stromatic tissue formed by the anastomosing of the rust mycelium. From this layer arise the slender, erect, pycniosporophores, which are closely compacted in a palisade arrangement. Occasionally, a filamentous hypha is seen that projects for some distance beyond the common level reached by the sporophores and, although similar to them in structure, its diameter is usually greater and it is more irregular in outline. No cross walls have been observed in these hyphae. A single nucleus is present, usually near the base. Often the tips of such hyphae are bent over into a procumbent position due to the pressure of the overlying host cells. These hyphae were first reported by Colley in 19182, who mentions their presence without comment.
Effects of Moisture and Temperature on the Compressive and Short Beam Shear Properties of Fiberite T300/976 Fabric

Tests were performed to evaluate the effects of moisture and temperature on the com pressive and short beam shear properties of Fiberite T300/976 fabric. The maximum mois ture content was measured as a function of relative humidity and temperature. The diffusivity was determined as a function of temperature. The compressive and short beam shear strengths and moduli of dry and moisturized specimens were measured at 70, 250, and 350°F. The changes in these mechanical properties caused by drying after moisturiza tion and by subsequent remoisturization were also assessed.
The disposition of 10-10' oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA) in rats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

ABSTRACTThe disposition of 10–10’ oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA), a potent, wide spectrum anti-microbial agent widely used in plastics, was investigated in rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. All animals were given a single dose of [U- 14C]OBPA by gavage. Urine and feces were collected daily for 7 days, at which time the animals were sacrificed and tissue samples removed for analysis. In all three species, approximately 90% of the administered dose was excreted within 7 days. The rabbits and guinea pigs excreted about 58% via the feces and 32% via the urine. The rats, however, excreted 82% via the feces and 10% via the urine. There were significant differences in the tissue distribution of radioactivity between the three species. The most prominent difference was that the erythrocytes of the rat retained 3.2% of the administered radiolabel while only 0.08% and 0.03% of the dose remained in the erythrocytes of the guinea pig and rabbit, respectively.
The distribution of cataract surgery services in a public health eye care program in Nepal

Abstract The cost-effectiveness of public health cataract programs in low-income countries has been well documented. Equity, another important dimension of program quality which has received less attention is analyzed here by comparisons of surgical coverage rates for major sub-groups within the intended beneficiary population of the Nepal blindness program (NBP). Substantial differences in surgical coverage were found between males and females and between different age groups of the same gender. Among the cataract blind, the surgical coverage of males was 70% higher than that of females. For both genders, the cataract blind over 55 received proportionately fewer services than younger people blind from cataract. Blind males aged 45–54 had a 500% higher rate of surgical coverage than blind males over 65. Blind females aged 35–44 had nearly a 600% higher rate of surgical coverage than blind females over 65. There was wide variation in overall surgical coverage between geographic zones, but little variation by terrain type, an indicator of the logistical difficulties in delivery of services. Members of the two highest caste groupings had somewhat lower surgical coverage than members of lower castes. Program managers should consider developing methods to increase services to women and to those over 65. Reaching these populations will become increasingly important as those most readily served receive surgery and members of the under-served groups form a growing portion of the remaining cataract backlog.
Maturational Changes in the NMDA Receptor in Fetal Sheep: Effect of Dexamethasone. 1741

Cerebral N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor activity plays a role in synapse formation and brain development and has been implicated as a mechanism of hypoxic brain injury. Dexamethasone (DX) may enhance organ maturation and decrease perinatal brain injury. To investigate the maturational changes in the NMDA receptor during development in fetal sheep, we determined MK-801 binding as an index of receptor ion channel activity in 1 fetal sheep at 60d gestation (term=154d), 6 at 84d, and 8 at 120d, 4 treated with placebo and 4 treated with DX. DX-treated fetuses were studied 12 hrs after DX, 6 mg IM q 12 hrs × 4 doses, was administered to the ewes.3[H]MK-801 binding was determined in a 200 μl medium containing 100μg membrane protein, 100 μM glutamate, 100 μM glycine, 10 mM HEPES/1 mM EDTA buffer (pH 7.0), and concentrations of 3[H]MK-801 from 0.5-50 nM. Nonspecific binding was determined in the presence of 10 mM unlabelled MK-801. Scatchard plots were constructed and Bmax (apparent receptor number) and Kd (dissociation constant) calculated. During development Bmax (mean± SD) increased from 0.51 pmoles/mg protein at 60d to 0.6±0.09 at 84d and 0.97±0.14 at 120d (p <0.005, 84d vs 120d). In contrast, Kd did not change significantly with increasing brain maturation (4.25, 5.07±0.38 and 4.90±0.81 nM at 60d, 84d, and 120d, respectively). Dexamethasone had no effect on either Bmax or Kd at 120d. Thus the apparent number of NMDA receptors increased with brain maturation but the affinity of the receptor for MK-801 was unchanged, similar to the results of our previous studies in fetal guinea pigs at mid- to late gestation. Dexamethasone did not enhance the maturational changes in the NMDA receptor MK-801 binding site at 120d, in contrast to its reported effects on other aspects of brain function. The apparent increase in number of NMDA receptors with maturation may be related to the timing of synaptogenesis in fetal brain and may enhance susceptibility to hypoxic injury. (NIH HD 20337, HD 34618)
Divertor bias experiments

Abstract Electrical biasing of the divertor target plates has recently been implemented on several tokamaks. The results of these experiments to date will be reviewed in this paper. The bias electrode configuration is unique in each experiment. The effects of biasing on the scrape-off layer (SOL) plasma also differ. By comparing results between machines, and using theoretical models, an understanding of the basic physics of biasing begins to emerge. Divertor biasing has been demonstrated to have a strong influence on the particle and energy transport within the SOL. The ability to externally control the SOL plasma with biasing has promising applications to future tokamak reactors.
Demand for Collective Goods in Private Nonprofit Markets: Can Fundraising Expenditures Help Overcome Free-Rider Behavior?

Economic theory ascribes the primary role in the provision of public goods to government. This emphasis on government overlooks the role of the not-for-profit sector in providing collective type goods. In this paper we seek to determine the factors influencing charitable contributions to private nonprofit organizations by estimating a demand function for the output of these collective-good providers. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that voluntary giving is responsive to conventional market variables such as advertising expenditures, price, and quality.
Estimating Discrete Choice Models with Incomplete Data

In this paper a new approach is developed for estimating discrete choice modeling parameters for data sets in which one of the alternatives is never observed to have been chosen. This estimation approach, inspired by methods used in revenue management, is applied to a multinomial logit model that has a full set of identifiable alternative specific constants. Parameter estimates are found by combining disaggregate data (obtained from a random or exogenous sample) with aggregate observations of market shares for the observed choices. The method provides an estimate of the market share for the alternative that was not observed to be chosen in the estimation data set. This estimate is significant because it suggests that the transportation community can forecast demand for a new alternative or demand for alternatives that are expensive to collect with intercept surveys without having observations for individuals who have chosen these alternatives. The methodology can be extended to other generalized extreme v...
Low temperature sulfation of tissues and the demonstration of metachromasy.

Sulfation of tissue sections which contained nonmetachromatic polysaccharides was done in an equivolume mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and glacial acetic acid at 0°C. The sections were washed successively in glacial acetic acid and water. Aqueous solutions of toluidine blue, 1.5 × 10-4 M, were used for staining. The procedure produced a metachromatic substrate in sites previously nonmetachromatic. Normal metachromasy was unaffected. There was no loss, damage or distortion of the tissue sections.
A microcoded real-time executive for numeric support nodes distributed within embedded networks

The mix of nodes within heterogeneous embedded networks typically includes some highly specialized, numerically oriented nodes particularly adept at efficient manipulation of regularly structured, multi-element array operands. Such “Array Processing” (AP) nodes usually serve other more general-purpose (GP) nodes.Local node-level control of each AP is maintained by a microcoded AP-resident executive program (APX). The APX is carefully microcoded and tuned to minimize overhead incurred by the computation-or-throughput-intensive tasks using or sharing AP resources.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation of adults in the hospital: A report of 14 720 cardiac arrests from the National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

The National Registry of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (NRCPR) is an American Heart Association (AHA)-sponsored, prospective, multisite, observational study of in-hospital resuscitation. The NRCPR is currently the largest registry of its kind. The purpose of this article is to describe the NRCPR and to provide the first comprehensive, Utstein-based, standardized characterization of in-hospital resuscitation in the United States. All adult ( ]/18 years of age) and pediatric ( B/18 years of age) patients, visitors, employees, and staff within a facility (including ambulatory care areas) who experience a resuscitation event are eligible for inclusion in the NRCPR database. Between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2002, 14 720 cardiac arrests that met inclusion criteria occurred in adults at the 207 participating hospitals. An organized emergency team is available 24 h a day, 7 days a week in 86% of participating institutions. The three most common reasons for cardiac arrest in adults were (1) cardiac arrhythmia, (2) acute respiratory insufficiency, and (3) hypotension. Overall, 44% of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest victims had a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); 17% survived to hospital discharge. Despite the fact that a primary arrhythmia was one of the precipitating events in nearly one half of adult cardiac arrests, ventricular fibrillation (VF) was the initial pulseless rhythm in only 16% of inhospital cardiac arrest victims. ROSC occurred in 58% of VF cases, yielding a survival-to-hospital discharge rate of 34% in this subset of patients. An automated external defibrillator was used to provide initial defibrillation in only 1.4% of patients whose initial cardiac arrest rhythm was VF. Neurological outcome in discharged survivors was generally good. Eighty-six percent of patients with Cerebral Performance Category-1 (CPC-1) at the time of hospital admission had a postarrest CPC-1 at the time of hospital discharge.