cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Red tides and participation in marine-based activities: Estimating the response of Southwest Florida residents

Blooms of Karenia brevis (red tide) can kill marine life and irritate human respiratory systems. Knowing how and why participation in marine-based activities (beach-going, fishing, and coastal restaurant patronage) is affected during a red tide is fundamental to estimating the changes in use that occur. Using a sample of residents in Southwest Florida, participant choice models for each activity were estimated to determine the likelihood of alternate behavioral decisions during a red tide event. We find that factors influenced by extension activities have a larger impact than socioeconomic factors commonly hypothesized to affect individual response behavior.
A 32 kbyte, 200 ns read-write cycle magnetic film memory system

A 32 kbyte, 60 ns access time, 200 ns read/write cycle time, low cost (≤ 0.8¢ bit) planar magnetic film memory system is described. High-density (3500 bit/in.2), destructive read-out (DRO), coupled hard axis (CHA) magnetic film storage device arrays (integration level: 40 000 bits per 4.1 × 4.3 inch substrate) are batch fabricated by thin film deposition and photolithographic techniques. Monolithic integrated drive and sense circuits interface with emitter coupled logic (ECL) circuits and provide within one silicon chip the transition from stack transmission lines to logic levels. The memory is internally organized as 4096 word by 72 bit system. Compatible electronic packaging assembly and interconnection techniques are described. Cost considerations and extensions of the technology are discussed.
Production and characterization of high strength, thin-layered, pulp fiberboard using soy protein adhesives

Making thin-layered fiberboard and recycling the fiberboard materials are two major approaches to save quantities of wood fiber in fiberboard manufacture, which offer both environmental and economic benefits to the society and industry. The objective of this research was to develop high-strength, thin-layered pulp fiberboards (TLPBs) using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-modified soy protein adhesives for packaging applications. SDS-modified soy protein adhesives demonstrated significantly higher bonding strength than did unmodified soy protein adhesive. Results showed that the TLPB with SDS-modified soy flour adhesive (0.05 g/cm2 area density and 0.6 mm of thickness) had stronger tensile strength, similar burst index, and similar or better water soaking properties in comparison to commercial solid fiberboard (1.24 g/cm2 area density and 1.7 mm thickness).
SU‐DD‐A4‐01: Model‐Based Deconvolution for 4D PET

Purpose: An inherent problem in four‐dimensional (4D) PETimaging is the poor statistics in each phase, because the total coincidence events are divided into several phase bins during image acquisition. We propose in this work a simple but efficient image post‐processing method to improve the 4DPET image quality. Method and Materials: In this method, the entire acquired coincidence events are used for each individual phase to enhance their signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). A summed 3D PETimage is first obtained from the noisy 4DPET images, which represents the maximum SNR achievable. By deconvolving the 3D image with a deformable model derived from 4DCT, an improved 4DPET phase series can be obtained. For the best image quality, voice coaching was used to assure a regular and consistent breathing pattern during the course of PET and CT scans. The method was quantitatively evaluated with numerical and physical phantom experiments. Three clinical studies of pancreatic, lung and liver cancer patients were then carried out. Results: Numerical simulations showed that the model‐based 4D‐PET deconvolution method converged monotonically to the “ground truth” within a few iterations, and the SNR of the physical phantom images showed an increase of 83% over the conventional 4D PET without sacrificing spatial resolution. Similar performance was also observed for the patient study. Conclusion: We have developed a new method for improved 4D‐PET imaging. A salient feature of the method is that the coincidence events acquired at different time points are considered simultaneously when reconstructing each phase‐resolved image, leading to substantially improved 4D‐PET images.
Complement, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and platelets in acute experimental respiratory reactions to Aspergillus.

Abstract An experimental complement-dependent model of an acute allergic response to inhalation of Aspergillus spores has been used to examine the roles of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and platelets in mediating this reaction as measured by decreases in arterial oxygen tensions (Pa O 2 ). Normal rabbits selectively depleted of PMN by nitrogen mustard (HN 2 ) showed a decrease in Pa O 2 later than that observed in untreated animals. The HN 2 -treated group also showed a marked decrease in platelets after challenge, not seen in the similarly challenged untreated group or in unchallenged HN 2 -treated animals. These data demonstrate the importance of PMN in complement-mediated host responses to aerosols of fungal spores. In the absence of the PMN, platelets appear capable of initiating a similar, albeit delayed, reaction, thus further emphasizing the flexibility of pulmonary defense mechanisms against inhaled particles.
Simplified optoelectronic 3R regenerator using nonlinear electro-optical transformation in an electroabsorption modulator

A simplified optoelectronic 3R regenerator without electrical signal processing is demonstrated by utilizing the nonlinear electro-optical transfer function of an electroabsorption modulator. 3R regeneration of impaired 10-Gb/s RZ signals is demonstrated, verifying the proposed concept.
Accurate Machining of Freeform Surfaces by Restraining Cutter Contouring Errors

Machined parts having sculptured surfaces pose challenges in the field of CAD/CAM. Sculptured surfaces are essential in the manufacture of components with curved geometry, which are demanded mostly in the aerospace and die and mould industries. This paper presents an adaptive cutter path restraining method for freeform surface machining and its implementation in milling. The ultimate goal is to achieve high contouring accuracy for sculptured parts machining which is a principal index for the performance evaluation of CNC machines. The proposed method is robust in achieving the desired surface cutting with the capability of satisfying pre-specified tolerance requirements using certain adaptive laws. The given tolerance is measured as the angular deviation by which the generated cutter path differs from the desired path. Since the feedrate is considered to be the most significant cutting parameter, only feedrate variations from 5 mm s-1 to 30 mm s -1 are applied in this system. The tool paths generated with and without the adaptive mechanism are compared. The proposed methodology has been tested on a CNC milling system with an open-architecture controller. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed tolerance feedback mechanism is very effective for producing parts with sculptured surfaces.
X-ray camera assembly for routine microradiography.

An X-ray camera assembly was designed and built to meet the need for a simple, easily constructable, readily evacuated unit which would be used for the routine microradiographic examination of biological specimens using different wavelengths of X-radiation. The assembly consists of a slotted photographic plate holder, and a light-proof camera body with facility for pressure equalization on both sides of fragile filters which are housed within the body. Different interchangeable filters add to the versatility of the camera. The performance of the camera is demonstrated.
Data Analysis using Scale-space filtering and Bayesian Probabilistic Reasoning

This paper describes a program for analysis of output curves from Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA). The program first extracts probabilistic qualitative features from a DTA curve of a soil sample, and then uses Bayesian probabilistic reasoning to infer the mineral in the soil. The qualifier module employs a simple and efficient extension of scale-space filtering suitable for handling DTA data. We have observed that points can vanish from contours in the scale-space image when filtering operations are not highly accurate. To handle the problem of vanishing points, perceptual organizations heuristics are used to group the points into lines. Next, these lines are grouped into contours by using additional heuristics. Probabilities are associated with these contours using domain-specific correlations. A Bayes tree classifier processes probabilistic features to infer the presence of different minerals in the soil. Experiments show that the algorithm that uses domain-specific correlation to infer qualitative features outperforms a domain-independent algorithm that does not.
The Mesomorphic Bahavior of S-Cholesteryl Alkyl Thiocarbonates

Abstract The first 20 members of the homologous S-cholesteryl alkyl thiocarbonates were prepared from cholesteryl chlorothiolcarbonate and l-alkanols. We identified the mesophases by optical means and determined the temperatures and heats of transitions with a differential scanning calorimeter. All members of this series exhibit a cholesteric mesophase and, except for the first three members, a monotropic smectic mesophase. The temperature range between the smeetic-cholesteric and the cholesteric-isotropic mesophase transitions decreases with increasing chain length. It reaches about 10° for S-cholesteryl decyl thiocarbonate and remains constant for higher homologs. S-Cholesteryl butyl thiocarbonate and its higher homologs display the visible spectrum of selectively reflected light. The temperature interval of this color band is less than 0.1° for the S-cholesteryl undecyl through heptadecyl thiocarbonate.
MODEL ANALYSIS AND MODEL CREATION: CAPTURING THE TASK‐MODEL STRUCTURE OF QUANTITATIVE ITEM DOMAINS

This study focuses on the relationship between item modeling and evidence-centered design (ECD); it considers how an appropriately generalized item modeling software tool can support systematic identification and exploitation of task-model variables, and then examines the feasibility of this goal, using linear-equation items as a test case. The first half of the study examines task-model structures for linear equations and their relevance to item difficulty within ECD. The second half of the study presents prototype software, a Model Creator system for pure math items, designed to partially automate the creation of variant item models reflecting different combinations of task-model variables. The prototype is applied to linear equations but is designed to generalize over a range of pure mathematical content types.
Major differences: modeling profiles of community college persisters in career clusters

The purpose is to explore factors associated with community college student persistence in academic program areas through the modeling of student profiles (i.e., classes) using selected variables from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002) conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics that has followed a national sample of students from the tenth grade with follow-ups 2 and 4 years later. To this end, we used multiple-group latent class analysis in order to identify underlying classes of students and to evaluate the equivalence of the latent class solution across those students who persisted and those who did not. A four-class solution was identified that was determined to be invariant across student groups although the proportions of persisters and nonpersisters were different across classes. Using the final class solution for persisting students, we found that class membership was moderately associated with which Career Cluster students pursued.
Dynamic concentration challenges for biosensor characterization

A method and apparatus are described for characterization of the steady state and dynamic response of biosensors. The apparatus produces a steady stream of homogeneously mixed analyte whose concentration can be fixed at discrete values or varied continuously. The device is ideally suited for continuously operated biosensors, but is also effective for biosensors that operate in discrete sampling modes. The system permits simultaneous testing of several sensors and determination of the accuracy, precision and repeatability of sensor response. The characteristics of this testing apparatus were validated with ferrocyanide and glucose as indicators. As an example of use of the apparatus, concentration ramps were created and used to complement conventional step changes for characterizing an implantable glucose sensor. The ramp rate can be adjusted easily by scaling the apparatus to simulate the rate of concentration change anticipated during actual monitoring situations.
Steel girder bridge field test procedures

Abstract Research has shown that in most cases, bridges exhibit capacities higher than analytical load capacity rating predictions. Field testing has become an acceptable means to determine a more accurate estimate of a bridge’s safety capacity. Many factors not considered in the design process contribute to the response of a tested bridge. Several of these, like the actual load distribution and additional system stiffness from curbs and railings, are welcome benefits and can be used to increase weight limits on bridges. However, there are also contributions from bearing restraint forces and unintended composite action that may not be reliable during the service life of the structure. This paper presents systematic field test rating procedures that quantify these contributing factors so that owners may remove unwanted contributors and retain the reliable benefits. The procedure is demonstrated for a three-span steel girder bridge.
Antagonism of neuronal kainate receptors by lanthanum and gadolinium

The effects of lanthanum and gadolinium on currents evoked by excitatory amino acids were studied in cultured rat hippocampal and cortical neurons, in freshly dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons, and in human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing the GluR6 kainate receptor subunit. In all of these cells, currents mediated by kainate-preferring receptors were antagonized by low micromolar concentrations of the trivalent ions. At negative holding potentials, the IC50 values for inhibition in DRG cells were 2.8 microM for La and 2.3 microM for Gd. Kainate receptor-mediated currents in hippocampal neurons and in 293 cells expressing GluR6 were blocked by La with IC50 values of 2.1 and 4.4 microM, respectively. Steady-state inhibition by the lanthanides showed very slight dependence on membrane potential, however, we were not able to resolve any systematic variation with membrane potential in the kinetics of block onset or recovery. Inhibition was not use-dependent and was not overcome by increasing the concentration of agonist. These results indicate that lanthanides probably do not bind deep within the ion pore or directly compete for the agonist binding site. In contrast to neuronal AMPA receptors, which require more than 100 microM lanthanides for half-maximal blockade, the inhibition of neuronal and recombinant kainate receptors by these ions displays significantly higher potency.
Seating position and impression formation in an office setting

Abstract The relationships between seating position (professor and student sitting across a desk or at a small conference table) and the professor's sex on subjects' impressions of the professor in a feedback situation were evaluated. Using a 2 × 2 design, 188 student subjects rated a hypothetical professor located in one of two seating positions depicted on a simple line drawing in terms of a number of interpersonal attributes. Significant differences were found for seating position, but effects were not found for either sex of professor or the sex of professor by seating position interaction.
Evaluation of the spectral response of the Wisconsin Mammographic kVp Cassettes.

The spectral response of several Wisconsin Mammographic kVp cassettes was measured under various diagnostic conditions. The response for both unfiltered and externally filtered x‐ray beams from tungsten and molybdenum target tubes with different tube voltage ripple was studied for single phase x‐ray units. The response for a three phase generator with a molybdenum target tube was also measured. The maximum difference between these experimental response curves and the manufacturer’s cassette calibration curve was 3.5 kVp for cassettes with Cu+Al step wedges and 6.0 kVp for cassettes with Cu+Ni step wedges under these widely different spectral conditions. The average difference between the experimental results and the manufacturer’s calibration was ±2 kVp for Cu+Al step wedge cassettes and ±3.5 kVp for Cu+Ni cassettes. kVp measurements were made with an NBS calibrated voltage divider.
Parallel formulation op evidential-reasoning theories

There it no general consensus on how bett to attack evidential-reasoning (ER) problems, particularly in expert-system applications. Several approaches have evolved, but they have their roots in diverse fields, such as statistics and philosophy, and have neither a common terminology nor a common set of assumptions. The research reported here provides two useful results. First, it structures the evidential-reasoning problem in a general paradigm robust enough to be of practical use in design and construction of expert systems. Second, it uses this paradigm to formulate five important theoretical approaches in a parallel fashion in order to identify key assumptions, similarities, and differences. The five approaches discussed are classical Bayes, convex Bayes, Dempster-Shafer, Kyburg, and possibility.
In Vitro Selection of Bacteriophage φ29 Prohead RNA Aptamers for Prohead Binding

Abstract Prohead RNA (pRNA) of the Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage φ29 is needed for in vitropackaging of DNA-gene product 3 (DNA-gp3). Residues 22–84 of the 174-base pRNA bind the portal vertex of the prohead, the site of DNA packaging. To define the nucleotides of pRNA needed for prohead binding and DNA-gp3 packaging and to seek biologically active variants of pRNA, segments of pRNA were randomized to obtain vast repertoires of RNA molecules. RNA aptamers, ligands best suited for prohead binding, were obtained by multiple rounds of in vitro selection. Evolution of pRNA aptamers was followed by a competition binding assay and nucleotide sequencing, and mutants were tested for DNA-gp3 packaging. Aptamers selected following randomization of the E stem and loop and a part of the C-E loop that were active in DNA-gp3 packaging were invariably wild-type. DNA-gp3 packaging activity also required nucleotides G82 and G83 that form base pairs intermolecularly with C47 and C48 to produce a novel hexameric oligomer of pRNA. The only mutant aptamers that retained full DNA-gp3 packaging activity showed changes of the U residues at positions 81, 84, and 85 of the D loop. Thus, the in vitro selections essentially recapitulated the natural evolution of pRNA.
On rigorous definitions

L'analyse de l'A. des definitions est delimitee par deux considerations. Il traite les definitions 1) en tant qu'explications du sens des mots, et 2) seulement en termes de formes de rigueur bien apprehendees. Deux criteres standars, eliminability et conservativeness, et des regles standards sont appliques
Predictive Thermal Inactivation Model for Effects and Interactions of Temperature, NaCl, Sodium Pyrophosphate, and Sodium Lactate on Listeria monocytogenes in Ground Beef

The effects and interactions of heating temperature (60 °C to 73.9 °C), salt (0.0 % to 4.5 % w/v), sodium pyrophosphate (0.0 % to 0.5 % w/v), and sodium lactate (0.0 % to 4.5 % w/v) on the heat resistance of a five-strain mixture of Listeria monocytogenes in 75 % lean ground beef were examined. Meat samples in sterile filtered stomacher bags were heated in a temperature controlled waterbath to determine thermal death times. The recovery medium was tryptic soy agar supplemented with 0.6 % yeast extract and 1 % sodium pyruvate. Weibull survival functions were employed to model the primary survival curves. Then, survival curve-specific estimated parameter values obtained from the Weibull model were used for determining a secondary model. The results indicate that temperature and salt have a large impact on the inactivation kinetics of L. monocytogenes, while sodium lactate (NaL) has an impact in the presence of salt. The model presented in this paper for predicting inactivation of L. monocytogenes can be used as an aid in designing lethality treatments meant to control the presence of this pathogen in ready-to-eat products.
Cotton Cultivar Responses to Suboptinal Postemergent Temperatures

Planting cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) according to an empirically determined earliest planting date increases the probability that fully-emerged seedlings will be exposed to suboptimal temperatures which significantly affect subsequent development and yield. Most cotton chilling-stress studies have dealt with the effects of temperatures <10 o C on germinating seeds and emerging seedlings
Induction of systemic and local basophil and eosinophil responses in guinea pigs by the feeding of the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans.

Abstract Guinea pigs infested with Glossina morsitans weekly for 5 weeks exhibited marked peripheral blood basophil and eosinophil responses to each infestation, with a dominant cutaneous basophil response to challenge infestation. G. morsitans feeding was completed within 3–10 min, depending upon prior exposure, and flies were reluctant to feed and probed longer on hyperexposed animals. Blood basophil responses exhibited the greatest increases over controls (up to 12-fold) compared to eosinophils (up to 3-fold). After the first and third infestations, both basophil and eosinophil levels increased, whereas after the second and fourth infestations both cell types declined. Greatest blood basophil responses developed after the first infestation with levels ranging from 0 to 14 ± 9 cells/mm3 in infested animals to 0 and 2 ± 2 cells/mm3 in uninfested controls. Eosinophilia increased with each infestation where levels ranged from 57 ± 23 cells/mm3 after the first tsetse feeding to 110 ± 20 cells/mm3 after the fourth infestation; compared to 11 ± 11 to 50 ± 12 cells/mm3 in uninfested controls. Fly-feeding sites were marked by hemorrhages, and probing behavior resulted in a line of small hemorrhages when the underside of the skin was examined. Histologically, G. morsitans feeding sites in naive guinea pigs 24 h post-infestation were dominated by mononuclear cells (93% of the infiltrate) with a weak granulocyte component, of which eosinophils were dominant (1.3%). Tsetse feeding sites in guinea pigs exposed 3 times previously were again dominated by mononuclear cells (57% of the infiltrate), but granulocytes comprised a significant part of the response (43% of the infiltrate) where basophils were dominant (25%).
Differential effects of antipsychotic drugs on the neurotensin concentration of discrete rat brain nuclei

The present study mapped the topographic distribution of, and the effect of neuropharmacologically distinct antipsychotic drugs on, the concentration of neurotensin (NT) in the rat brain at the level of discrete nuclei or areas. The chronic administration of either haloperidol or clozapine increased the concentration of NT-like immunoreactivity (NT-LI) in the nucleus accumbens and decreased it in the medial prefrontal and cingulate cortex and in the interstitial (bed) nucleus of the stria terminalis. In contrast, the prolonged administration of haloperidol, but not clozapine, increased the concentration of NT-LI in the anterior caudate nucleus and posterior caudate-putamen. The concentration of NT-LI in the great majority of the rat brain nuclei examined was unaffected by the chronic administration of either antipsychotic drug. This pattern of pharmacological response distinguishes NT from all other neuropeptides which have been shown to be influenced by prolonged antipsychotic drug administration. These findings suggest that the functional information imparted to NT-containing cells by neuronal dopamine (DA) release, as inferred from the consequences of receptor blockade, varies remarkably between different populations of DA neurons and further implicate NT as a neuroanatomically-selective neurochemical substrate of the adaptive responses mediating the therapeutic and motoric side effects of antipsychotic drugs.
Response to hydrogen of a metal/AlN/Si thin film structure: Effects of composition and structure of a combination Pd–Cr gate

Abstract The effect of Cr addition to the gate of a Pd/AlN/Si Hydrogen gas sensor was investigated by modifying the gate composition and structure. A device with a pure Pd gate responds to hydrogen concentrations as low as 1 ppm, with saturation at about 60 ppm. However, with a Pd 0.96 Cr 0.04 alloy gated device, although the response amplitude was reduced, the dynamic range was considerably enhanced, with useful response up to 50,000 ppm and with quite satisfactory signal to noise down to 50 ppm. Interestingly, in 10% Cr alloyed to the gate, the response was lost. To investigate the mechanism responsible for this effect, two gate structures were studied where a thin layer of pure Pd was added to the 4% alloy gate, one at its outer surface and the other at the gate/AlN interface. The response of the former saturated at 60 ppm and in general behaved comparably to the device with a pure Pd gate, whereas the latter showed the expanded dynamic range. For all these cases the maximum magnitude of the electrical response is in the range of 0.1–0.5 V, even though the hydrogen concentration range varies by three orders of magnitude. This indicates that saturating electrical response is highly sensitive to the properties of the gate outer surface, whereas hydrogen sensitivity is highly dependent on the amount of hydrogen reaching the interface between metal gate and insulator.
Orthopedic resident work-shift analysis: are we making the best use of resident work hours?

Background Surgery programs have been tasked to meet rising demands in patient surgical care while simultaneously providing adequate resident training in the midst of increasing resident work-hour restrictions. The purpose of this study was to quantify orthopedic surgery resident workflow and identify areas needing improved resident efficiency. We hypothesize that residents spend a disproportionate amount of time involved in activities that do not relate directly to patient care or maximize resident education. Methods We observed 4 orthopedic surgery residents on the orthopedic consult service at a major tertiary care center for 72 consecutive hours (6 consecutive shifts). We collected minute-by-minute data using predefined work-task criteria: direct new patient contact, direct existing patient contact, communications with other providers, documentation/administrative time, transit time, and basic human needs. A seventh category comprised remaining less-productive work was termed as standby . Results In a 720-minute shift, residents spent on an average: 191 minutes (26.5%) performing documentation/administrative duties, 167.0 minutes (23.2%) in direct contact with new patient consults, 129.6 minutes (17.1%) in communication with other providers regarding patients, 116.2 (16.1%) minutes in standby, 63.7 minutes (8.8%) in transit, 32.6 minutes (4.5%) with existing patients, and 20 minutes (2.7%) attending to basic human needs. Residents performed an additional 130 minutes of administrative work off duty. Secondary analysis revealed residents were more likely to perform administrative work rather than directly interact with existing patients (p = 0.006) or attend to basic human needs (p = 0.003). Conclusions Orthopedic surgery residents spend a large proportion of their time performing documentation/administrative-type work and their workday can be operationally optimized to minimize nonvalue-adding tasks. Formal workflow analysis may aid program directors in systematic process improvements to better align resident skills with tasks. Level of Evidence III
The changing face of mental health managed care

Our responsibility is not solely to be critics but to help make managed care more effective and responsive.
Nucleon and pion star production from high-energy (>40 GeV) protons incident on iron☆

Abstract Nucleon and pion star production from 40- to 1000-GeV protons incident on iron has been calculated. Star yields above cutoff energies of 15 and 100 MeV are reported.
Tales from a troubled marriage: science and law in environmental policy.

Early environmental policy depended on science, with mixed results. Newer approaches continue to rely on science to identify problems and solve them, but use other mechanisms to set standards and legal obligations. Given the important role that science continues to play, however, several cautionary tales are in order concerning “scientific management,” “good science,” the lure of money, and the tension between objectivity and involvement in important issues of our time.
Excitation and decay of analogs of excited states of /sup 119/Sn

The (p,n') reaction to excited isobaric analog states of /sup 119/Sn has been observed using a neutron-proton (n-p) coincidence technique. The n-p coincidence was essential to reduce the neutron background due to population of the t/sub less-than/ states. The states preferentially excited are analogs of the 0.920, 0.921, 1.090, and 1.354 MeV states of /sup 119/Sn which contain the strength of the 2/sup +/ core excitation. These states are observed to decay overwhelmingly to the first-excited (2/sup +/) state of /sup 118/Sn. A value for the overall relative proton decay probability was calculted in order to compare the data with predictions of a two-step model of the (p,n') reaction. Good agreement with the data was obtained, provided that the imaginary part of the neutron optical potential was reduced by the same factor which previously was found necessary to fit quasi-elastic scattering data.
REGULATION OF EXPRESSION OF THE ALPHA 1 (I) COLLAGEN GENE : A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF THE FIRST INTRON

Abstract The transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding the α1(I) and α2(I) collagen chains is necessarily complex since these genes are expressed at widely different levels, and in a cell- and tissue-specific fashion. In the case of the α1 (I) gene, there is substantial, but controversial, evidence for an involvement of the first intron in the tissue-specific expression of the gene. This evidence is based largely on transfection of cells with collagen-reporter gene constructs and on studies of transgenic mice. In this review, I propose a number of reasons for the conflicting data in the literature: 1) the cell-specific nature of the intronic effect; thus, not all cultured, collagen-synthesizing cells will demonstrate an intronic effect by transfection; 2) the possibility that functionally equivalent regulatory elements are placed in different regions of the α1(I) gene in different species; and 3) the possibility that functionally redundant sequences exist within the α1 (I) gene, which would permit other regions to substitute for the first intron.
An epidemiological approach investigating respiratory disease response in sensitive individuals to indoor and outdoor pollen exposure in Tucson, Arizona

We conducted this study during the early spring to demonstrate direct response between increases in atmospheric pollen concentrations and symptom prevalence in a general population. We examined pollen concentrations indoors, outdoors and regionally in 31 households with similar background vegetation, pollen concentration, TSP and pollulant gas levels. Indoor pollen concentrations were low but persistent (X=16 grains/m3 air); local outdoor concentrations were 3 times greater. Regional daily mean pollen values of grasses, ragweed, mulberry and total pollen were compared with symptom scores using X2 contingency tests. We obtained daily symptom scores and measures of peak expiratory flow from 121 individuals characterized as «normal», «atopic» or «peak flow responsive». In atopic individuals, prevalence of nasal symptoms increased with pollen concentration increases for ragweed, mulberry and total pollen exposure. No significant response was found with spring grasses whose atmospheric pollen concentration was limited in the selected cluster. Decrease of lung function in the peak flow responsive population was found associated with mulberry pollen only. The small pollen grain size may result in greater tracheo-bronchial deposition.
The Radical Perspective in Sociology

The objective of this paper is to clarify some of the perspectives of the discipline of sociology, to identify radical viewpoints and how they have evolved and converged, and to indicate some of the consequences of a radical sociology and its prospects. A radical sociology calls for a radical perspective, namely, a structural perspective. Such a perspective requires uncovering economic and political realities in the attempt to understand social structure. Intellectual relevance should not merely be cloaked in terms of efficacy demands which derive from state welfarism and militarism, but should be the extension of a radical and structuralist perspective.
In vitro simulations of peritoneal dialysis: a systematic approach to demonstrating isonatric contraction with sodium dextran sulfate.

Two sodium dextran sulfates (DS) were investigated as possible osmotic agents for use in peritoneal dialysis using an in vitro model. Initial studies with a medium molecular weight DS (Mn=4,000) showed that sodium clearances were higher than water clearances and that both are linear functions of the concentration of polymer. In another series of studies using a low molecular weight DS (Mn=5,000), it was found that sodium clearances decrease linearly as sodium chloride (NaCl) is added to the initial dialysate solution with only a slight increase in ultrafiltration. By plotting sodium clearances and water clearances as functions of added NaCl at constant polymer concentration, the point at which sodium clearance and water clearances are equal can be determined and, at that point, isonatric contraction can be demonstrated in the in vitro model.
Absorbing boundary conditions for domain decomposition

In this paper we would like to point out some similarities between two artificial boundary conditions. One is the far field or absorbing boundary conditions for computations over unbounded domain. The other is the boundary conditions used at the boundary between subdomains in domain decomposition. We show some convergence result for the generalized Schwarz alternating method (GSAM), in which a convex combination of Dirichlet data and Neumann data is exchanged at the artificial boundary. We can see clearly how the mixed boundary condition and the relative size of overlap will affect the convergence rate. These results can be extended to more general coercive elliptic partial differential equations using the equivalence of elliptic operators. Numerically first- and second-order approximations of the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operator are constructed using local operators, where information tangential to the boundary is included. Some other possible extensions and applications are pointed out. Finally numerical results are presented.
EFFECTS OF NEAR‐ULTRAVIOLET and VIOLET RADIATIONS (313–405 NM) ON DNA, RNA, and PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN E. COLI B/r: IMPLICATIONS FOR GROWTH DELAY*

— Fluences (21–32 kJ/m2) of near-ultraviolet radiation that induce about a 1-h growth delay in continuously growing cultures of E. coli B/r are found to produce complete cessation of net RNA synthesis, while the effects on protein and DNA synthesis are considerably milder. The near-UV action spectrum for this inhibition of RNA synthesis is similar to the action spectrum for growth delay in E. coli B and to the absorption spectrum of E. coli valyl transfer RNA. In addition, the fluences required for inhibition of RNA synthesis and for growth delay are similar to those reported for formation of 4-thiouridine-cytidine adducts in transfer RNA. These findings suggest that the chromophore and target for near-UV-induced inhibition of both net RNA synthesis and growth in E. coli may be 4-thiouridine in transfer RNA.
High‐Temperature Behavior of Silicon Carbide Fibers in a Si‐Al‐Ca‐O‐N Ceramic Matrix

A Nicalon SiC fiber-reinforced Si-Al-Ca-O-N composite was fabricated by a slurry infiltration process followed by hot pressing at 1,600 C. A carbon-rich interfacial layer ({approximately} 100 nm) as well as a crystalline silicon-rich layer ({approximately} 15 nm) was observed between the fiber and matrix. Based on this interfacial phenomenology, the following behavior of SiC fibers in the matrix was proposed: fine SiC grains (diameter of {approximately} 1.7 nm in as-received fibers) decomposed at fiber surfaces (SiC {yields} C + Si), followed by silicon migration into the glassy phase of the matrix. The glassy phase was interpreted to play a key role as a silicon consumer in fostering the formation of the carbon-rich layer. The presence of silicon implied that the oxygen activity in the matrix was low enough to avoid SiC oxidation.
Insulin-like growth factors, insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins, and endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women: results from a U.S. case-control study.

Objective: To assess whether circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF-2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), or IGFBP-3 were associated with endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. Study Design: Between 1987 and 1990, we conducted a case-control study of 405 women with endometrial cancer and 297 matched population-based controls. This analysis included 174 postmenopausal cases and 136 controls. Results: In logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders, higher IGF-1 levels were not positively associated with endometrial cancer: odds ratio (OR) for the highest tertile versus the lowest tertile = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.30–1.32. Endometrial cancer was inversely associated with IGF-2 (OR for the highest tertile = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18–0.69) and IGFBP-3 (OR for the highest tertile = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21–0.77), and not associated with IGFBP-1. Conclusion: Serum IGF-1, IGF-2, and IGFBP-3, but not IGFBP-1, were inversely associated with endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women. These associations and the potential role of the IGF system in endometrial proliferation and carcinogenesis warrant further research.
Retrieval of TRAPEASE and OPTEASE Inferior Vena Cava Filters with Extended Dwell Times.

Purpose To demonstrate that OPTEASE and TRAPEASE filters can be removed after dwell times greater than 60 days. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent an attempted removal of a TRAPEASE or OPTEASE filter with a greater than 60-day dwell time between 2009 and 2015 at a single institution. Eleven patients within that time span were identified, and 10 were included in the review. One patient was excluded from the study because the date of filter placement was unknown. Results All filters were successfully retrieved. The average dwell time for removed TRAPEASE filters was 1,273 days (range, 129-3,582 d), with a median of 492 days (n = 5). The average dwell time for OPTEASE filters was 977 days (range, 123-2,584 d), with a median of 661 days (n = 5). The average dwell time of all filters was 1,125 days (range, 123-3,582 d), with a median of 577 days (n = 10). All patients exhibited inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis after filter retrieval. An IVC pseudoaneurysm was present following retrieval in one case and resolved. In one case, a fractured filter strut was left completely embedded in the caval wall. Two patients reported unilateral leg swelling on clinical follow-up, and the remainder reported no leg swelling or tightness. Conclusions Initial experience suggests that TRAPEASE and OPTEASE filters can be removed after extended dwell times.
The Globalization of Charismatic Christianity: Spreading the Gospel of Prosperity

The Globalization of Charismatic Christianity: Spreading the Gospel of Prosperity. Simon Coleman. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge. 2000.264pp. ISBN 0-521-66072-6 (hardback),
A data-driven stochastic collocation approach for uncertainty quantification in MEMS

This work presents a data-driven stochastic collocation approach to include the effect of uncertain design parameters during complex multi-physics simulation of Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). The proposed framework comprises of two key steps: first, probabilistic characterization of the input uncertain parameters based on available experimental information, and second, propagation of these uncertainties through the predictive model to relevant quantities of interest. The uncertain input parameters are modeled as independent random variables, for which the distributions are estimated based on available experimental observations, using a nonparametric diffusion-mixing-based estimator, Botev (Nonparametric density estimation via diffusion mixing. Technical Report, 2007). The diffusion-based estimator derives from the analogy between the kernel density estimation (KDE) procedure and the heat dissipation equation and constructs density estimates that are smooth and asymptotically consistent. The diffusion model allows for the incorporation of the prior density and leads to an improved density estimate, in comparison with the standard KDE approach, as demonstrated through several numerical examples. Following the characterization step, the uncertainties are propagated to the output variables using the stochastic collocation approach, based on sparse grid interpolation, Smolyak (Soviet Math. Dokl. 1963; 4:240–243). The developed framework is used to study the effect of variations in Young's modulus, induced as a result of variations in manufacturing process parameters or heterogeneous measurements on the performance of a MEMS switch. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analyzing temporal trends in regional diversity: a biogeographic perspective

Evidence for species range shifts in response to climatic change is common in the Pleistocene and earlier fossil record. However, little work has been done to model how such shifts in species range limits would change compositions of species assemblages over different spatial scales. Here I present a simple model that explores the role of biogeography in constraining changes in the compositions of species assemblages under the null hypothesis of random range shifts. The model predicts that localities where most species are far away from the edges of their ranges (e.g., localities at the center of a biogeographic province) would show relatively stable diversity patterns even during episodes of climatic change. Only localities with many range endpoints (such as those near the edges of biogeographic provinces) would show large fluctuations in species composition (and richness) in response to changes in the ambient climatic conditions. I test the predictions of the model using (1) simulations and (2) the Pleistocene bivalve fauna of California. The simulations as well as the empirical data from the Pleistocene terraces are consistent with the model predictions. These results show that attempts to quantify temporal trends in local and regional diversity and assemblage compositions need to take biogeographic structure into account.
A novel profluorescent probe for detecting oxidative stress induced by metal and H2O2 in living cells

A profluorescent probe that has no fluorescent response to H2O2, iron or copper ions but can be readily activated in the presence of both H2O2 and Fe (or Cu) ion has been developed; the probe is capable of detecting oxidative stress promoted by Fe (or Cu) and H2O2 (i.e. the Fenton reaction conditions) in living cells.
Psychometric Characteristics of the CREA in an English Speaking Population

This study examined the reliability and validity of the CREA, a Spanish measure of divergent thinking, in an English speaking population. Data were collected across two years. During the first year, three forms of the CREA as well as the Verbal and Figural Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), the How Do You Think? (HDYT) inventory, the Runco Ideational Behavior Scale (RIBS), and the NEO were completed by a sample of United States college students across two sessions. In the second year, three forms of the CREA, the Verbal and Figural Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), and the NEO were completed by a sample of the same popula-tion during one session. CREA scores showed strong alternate form but moderately weak test-retest reliability. They correlated significantly and consistently with overall Verbal and Figural TTCT scores, and showed some significant but weak correlations with biographical inventory and extraversion scores, and no association with academic achievement scores. Results demonstrated convergent validity of the CREA with the TTCT, and discriminant validity with measures of other constructs, thus support-ing the use of the CREA as a divergent thinking measure.
Comparative study of 8-monohydromirex and mirex toxicity in male rats.

Abstract Male rats were fed 0, 0.5, 5.0, 50, and 75 ppm mirex or 8-monohydromirex for 28 days. There were no consistent differences between weight gain of treated or control groups. There were significant increases in LW/BW in the 5, 50, and 75 ppm mirex and 8-monohydromirex treatment groups. Serum β-glucuronidase was elevated in the 0.5, 50, and 75 ppm mirex treated groups, and was elevated in the 5, 50, and 75 ppm 8-monohydromirex treated groups. There were no consistent changes in serum sorbitol dehydrogenase in any treatment group, but there were significant increases in liver sorbitol dehydrogenase at all levels for both toxicants. Hepatic microsomal parameters were induced by both compounds. No consistent toxic effects resulting from mirex or 8-monohydromirex treatment were indicated by serum glucose, protein, and cholesterol or by selected hematological factors. The histological changes observed in the livers of animals treated with mirex and 8-monohydromirex included cell swelling with increased cytoplasmic density; a dense homogenous region centered around the nuclear area; hyaline or myelin-like cytoplasmic inclusions appearing in some tissue sections of the highest treatment levels; and lipidosis. Histological changes in testes of treated rats were less obvious than lesions observed in the liver. There was a loss of staining intensity of the seminiferous tubules associated with hypocellularity of the tubules. Decreased spermatogenesis was evident in three rats from the high dose groups. Both compounds produced detectable histological changes in the thyroid glands at the 75 ppm treatment level. There did not appear to be any consistently significant differences between the toxic effects, either qualitative or quantitative, of mirex and 8-monohydromirex in rats fed either compound for 28 days.