cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maximum a posteriori resampling of noisy, spatially correlated data

In any geologic application, noisy data are sources of consternation for researchers, inhibiting interpretability and marring images with unsightly and unrealistic artifacts. Filtering is the typical solution to dealing with noisy data. However, filtering commonly suffers from ad hoc (i.e., uncalibrated, ungoverned) application. We present here an alternative to filtering: a newly developed method for correcting noise in data by finding the “best” value given available information. The motivating rationale is that data points that are close to each other in space cannot differ by “too much,” where “too much” is governed by the field covariance. Data with large uncertainties will frequently violate this condition and therefore ought to be corrected, or “resampled.” Our solution for resampling is determined by the maximum of the a posteriori density function defined by the intersection of (1) the data error probability density function (pdf) and (2) the conditional pdf, determined by the geostatistical kriging algorithm applied to proximal data values. A maximum a posteriori solution can be computed sequentially going through all the data, but the solution depends on the order in which the data are examined. We approximate the global a posteriori solution by randomizing this order and taking the average. A test with a synthetic data set sampled from a known field demonstrates quantitatively and qualitatively the improvement provided by the maximum a posteriori resampling algorithm. The method is also applied to three marine geology/geophysics data examples, demonstrating the viability of the method for diverse applications: (1) three generations of bathymetric data on the New Jersey shelf with disparate data uncertainties; (2) mean grain size data from the Adriatic Sea, which is a combination of both analytic (low uncertainty) and word-based (higher uncertainty) sources; and (3) side-scan backscatter data from the Martha's Vineyard Coastal Observatory which are, as is typical for such data, affected by speckle noise. Compared to filtering, maximum a posteriori resampling provides an objective and optimal method for reducing noise, and better preservation of the statistical properties of the sampled field. The primary disadvantage is that maximum a posteriori resampling is a computationally expensive procedure.
Should Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation Be Used in All Forms of Acute Respiratory Failure?

Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV) has been a major advance in the management of acute respiratory failure. Over the past decade alone, NPPV has been the subject of over 1,500 scientific papers, including 14 meta-analyses. NPPV's utility in many clinical settings has been well established, with demonstration in randomized trials of lower intubation rate, mortality, hospital stay, and advantages in other important clinical outcomes. However, it is still used in a minority of patients with acute respiratory failure. While there probably are situations in which NPPV is commonly under-utilized, there are other situations in which it is unlikely to be of benefit or likely to inflict harm. This paper debates the data for and against the more widespread application of NPPV. It will assist the clinician to identify both good and poor candidates for NPPV and thereby devote respiratory care resources where they will be most effective, and optimize patient outcomes.
The Effects of Student Interactions With Student Affairs Professionals on College Outcomes

This chapter explores how students’ interactions with student affairs professionals influence college outcomes with a particular focus on applying findings to student affairs practice.
Movement of cytoplasmic proteins into nuclei induced to enlarge and initiate DNA or RNA synthesis.

In other studies it has been shown that somatic cell nuclei, which normally do not divide, are induced to enlarge and synthesize DNA when introduced into the cytoplasm of egg cells of Xenopus laevis. Introduction of such nuclei into the cytoplasm of large oocytes, however, causes nuclei to enlarge in a different way and to synthesize RNA but not DNA. In this study the proteins of eggs and oocytes were labelled with radioactive amino acids. Brain or blastula nuclei were then injected into cells containing labelled proteins under conditions in which protein synthesis was inhibited. Movement of cytoplasmic proteins was studied by observing the increase in acid-insoluble label over the injected nuclei by quantitative autoradiography. To prevent nuclear protein synthesis during the experiments, puromycin was injected with the nuclei. An estimation of the size of the labelled amino acid pool, a demonstration of the inhibitory effects of puromycin, and comparison of the amount of labelled material with and without puromycin all showed that protein synthesis in the nuclei played an insignificant role during the course of the experiments. A movement of acid-insoluble label from cytoplasm of egg cells into injected brain nuclei was noted even before they had begun to swell or synthesize DNA. In the initial period of nuclear enlargement there was a disappearance of the heterochromatic clumps characteristic of brain nuclei. This period coincided with a very rapid uptake of label to concentrations about twice that of the surrounding cytoplasm. A subsequent phase of nuclear swelling was characterized by a dilution of stainable nuclear material, loss of basophilia, and establishment of acidophilia of the nuclear contents. Cytoplasmic proteins continued to enter nuclei during this phase, but at a slower rate. Extraction of the soluble materials of labelled eggs with 0.01 M NaCl at pH 7.8 and a subsequent fractionation of the extract showed that there were many radioactive compounds present with molecular weights greater than 5000. The synthesis of DNA was initiated even before nuclear swelling could be detected, proceeding at least through the early stages of swelling. The induction of enlargement in blastula nuclei by oocyte cytoplasm containing labelled proteins was also accompanied by an uptake of label from the cytoplasm. In this case, although the uptake of unlabelled acidophilic material was much greater, the uptake of labelled proteins was much slower than that observed in the egg. The results are discussed in terms of chromosomal changes which occur during nuclear enlargement and during concomitant changes in nucleic acid metabolism.
Hydrometeorological application of an extratropical cyclone classification scheme in the southern United States

Extratropical cyclones (ETCs) in the southern United States are often overlooked when compared with tropical cyclones in the region and ETCs in the northern United States. Although southern ETCs are significant weather events, there is currently not an operational scheme used for identifying and discussing these nameless storms. In this research, we classified 84 ETCs (1970–2009). We manually identified five distinct formation regions and seven unique ETC types using statistical classification. Statistical classification employed the use of principal components analysis and two methods of cluster analysis. Both manual and statistical storm types generally showed positive (negative) relationships with El Nino (La Nina). Manual storm types displayed precipitation swaths consistent with discrete storm tracks which further legitimizes the existence of multiple modes of southern ETCs. Statistical storm types also displayed unique precipitation intensity swaths, but these swaths were less indicative of track location. It is hoped that by classifying southern ETCs into types, that forecasters, hydrologists, and broadcast meteorologists might be able to better anticipate projected amounts of precipitation at their locations.
Variation in Chromosome Length Among Five Biotypes of the Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Chromosome-length measurements from five greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), biotypes (B, C, E, F, and Maryland) were compared by discriminant analyses procedures. There were highly significant ( P = 0.0001) differences in total lengths of chromosome sets among biotypes. In individual paired comparisons, where each biotype was compared with only one other biotype at a time, chromosome measurements correctly classified aphids to their respective biotype in 45–85% of the cases. Degree of correct classification was dependent on the two biotypes being compared and the discriminant function used in the analysis. Results indicate that there are two groups of biotypes that can be correctly distinguished from each other most of the time. Chromosome lengths of biotypes C and E were closely related. They could be distinguished from those of biotype B and F in 75–85% of the cases. The Maryland biotype appeared to be more closely related to C than to the other biotypes. There was considerable variation in the lengths of biotype C chromosomes, which suggests that biotype C may comprise several population variants, perhaps separate biotypes. The ranges of variability in length of chromosomes in biotype C overlapped the ranges of biotype E, which suggests that biotype E may be a selection from biotype C. Conclusions drawn from these data regarding relationships among biotypes are similar to those suggested by biological and plant-damage studies.
Efficient high NA flat micro-lenses realized using high contrast transmitarrays

We present design, fabrication, and characterization results of high numerical aperture (NA) micro-lenses based on a high contrast transmitarray platform. The high contrast transmitarray is created by periodic arrangement of amorphous silicon posts with different diameters on a fused silica substrate. We report near infrared high NA micro-lenses with spot sizes as small as 0.57λ and focusing efficiencies in excess of 80%. We demonstrate a trade-off relation between NA and efficiency of high contrast array flat micro-lenses, and attribute it to the spatial discretization of their phase profiles.
Structural interactions between alpha- and beta-subunits of the gastric H,K-ATPase.

Abstract Structural and functional interactions between a- and β-subunits of the H,K-ATPase were explored. The sensitivity to trypsinolysis of α-subunit was monitored by SDS-PAGE in control H,K-ATPase-enriched microsomes and in microsomes in which disulfide bonds of the β-subunit were reduced using 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). Reduction of /3-subunit disulfide bonds increased the susceptibility of the α-subunit to tryptic digestion. Kinetics of trypsinolysis were also carried out in the presence of ligands known to bind with H,K-ATPase and favor a particular conformer state in the native enzyme. The time-course for release of tryptic peptides was monitored in protein stained gels and Western blots probed with monoclonal antibody α-H,K,12.18 In control preparations, where β-subunit disulfides remained intact, trypsinolysis in the presence of ATP or K+ produced distinctive patterns of tryptic fragments, each characteristic of the conformational states induced by the respective ligand. For 2-ME-treated microsomes the altered a-subunit was unable to undergo ligand-induced conformational changes. The increased susceptibility of the a-subunit to trypsinization, the change in accessibility of tryptic cleavage sites and the inability of the a-subunit to undergo ligand-induced conformational changes after reduction of the β-subunit disulfides suggest that the interactions between a- and β-subunits are important for the conformational stability of the functional holoenzyme. A model localizing the most susceptible tryptic cleavage sites in control and 2-ME-reduced states is presented.
Floating, Non-Occlusive, Mobile Aortic Thrombus and Splenic Infarction Associated With Protein C Deficiency

The authors report the case of a patient with isolated protein C deficiency detected later in life, presenting with a mobile aortic thrombus and splenic infarction. Only one such case has been previously described. This case emphasizes the importance of including the aorta in the search for a cause of systemic embolization and highlights the diagnostic options and management dilemmas. Although anticoagulation with subsequent reassessment of thrombus size can be considered for layered thrombi, mobile thrombi warrant early surgical intervention to minimize the risk for systemic embolization. This patient was treated surgically with encouraging results.
PVF1, a PDGF/VEGF homolog, is sufficient to guide border cells and interacts genetically with Taiman

The border cells of the Drosophila ovary undergo a well-defined and developmentally regulated cell migration. Two signals have previously been shown to control where and when the cells migrate. The steroid hormone ecdysone, acting through its receptor and a coactivator known as Taiman, contributes to regulating the timing of border cell migration. PVF1, a growth factor related to platelet-derived growth factor and vascular-endothelial growth factor, contributes to guiding the border cells to the oocyte. To probe the mechanisms controlling border cell migration further, we performed a screen for genes that exhibit dominant genetic interactions with taiman . We identified 14 genomic regions that interact with taiman . Within one region, we identified Pvf1 as the gene responsible for the interaction. Signaling by PVF1 has been proposed to guide the border cells to their proper target, but ectopic PVF1 has not been tested for its ability to redirect the border cells. We tested the ability of PVF1, as well as other factors such as Gurken, to guide the border cells to new targets. Our results demonstrate that ectopic expression of PVF1 is sufficient to redirect border cells in some egg chambers but that the other factors tested are not. These data suggest that the guidance of border cell migration is robust and that there are likely to be additional factors that contribute to long-range guidance of these cells. In addition, we find that taiman and Pvf1 regulate the dynamic localization of E-cadherin in the border cells, possibly accounting for the interaction between these two pathways.
Alhazen’s hyperbolic billiard problem

Given two points inside a circle in the hyperbolic plane, we study the problem of finding an isosceles triangle inscribed in the circle so that the two points belong to distinct congruent sides. By means of a reduction to the corresponding result in Euclidean geometry, we prove that this problem cannot generally be solved with hyperbolic ruler and compass. In his treatise on optics, written in Arabic, the scientist and mathematician Abu Ali al-H . asan ibn al-Haytham (965‐1039) posed the problem of finding the light path between a source and an observer by way of a fixed spherical mirror, and gave a geometric solution for it. The problem may have been formulated much earlier, by the great Greek mathematicians of the Hellenistic era, but no surviving testimony confirms this. Thus it is fit that it carries al-H . asan ibn al-Haytham’s name, which was rendered as Alhazen in the Latin translation of his book — a document that played an important role in the development of modern science. Alhazen recognized that the problem is essentially two-dimensional — the path must lie in a plane determined by the center of the sphere, the source and the observer. His solution is long, in part because he is actually studying a more general problem; see [Sabra 1982] for details. It is not a ruler-and-compass construction, as it requires an auxiliary hyperbola; in fact, apart from special cases, the problem turns out not to be solvable with ruler and compass alone, though it seems this was only proved some 50 years ago ([Elkin 1965]; see also [Riede 1989; Neumann 1998]). In this paper, we study the hyperbolic version of Alhazen’s problem and relate it to its classical Euclidean counterpart. We use the following formulation of the problem: Given a circle (in the Euclidean or the hyperbolic plane) and two points A and B inside it, construct an inscribed, isosceles triangle with A on one equal leg and B on the other. The isosceles condition is equivalent to the condition that the two legs meet at equal angles the diameter of the circle that goes through their common vertex, so this is Alhazen’s problem all right. (One can also imagine a round billiard table
Near Infrared Imaging of Human Prostate Cancerous and Normal Tissues Based on Water Absorption

Near-infrared imaging measurements were performed on human prostate cancerous and normal tissues. The absorption of water fingerprints in cancerous and normal tissues were studied, and used to distinguish prostate cancerous tissue from surrounding normal tissues.
Effects of negative political advertising: The roles of sponsor and rebuttal

This experiment explored the roles of sponsor and rebuttal in negative political advertising. Both sponsor and rebuttal factors determined the impact of negative advertising on perceptions of the candidates and vote intentions. Independent sponsorship was more effective than candidate sponsorship, resulting in greater intended effects against the targeted candidate and in reduced backlash effects against the opponent. Rebuttal by the targeted candidate increased backlash against the opponent, but failed to influence perceptions of the target.
Classification of individual differences in cardiovascular responsivity: the contribution of reactor type controlling for race and gender.

Classification of 150 normotensive or mildly hypertensive men and women into myocardial, vascular, or mild reactors was accomplished using a regression-based approach. The method was based on the participants’ cardiac output (CO) and total peripheral resistance (TPR) reactivity to the speech presentation task. This task purportedly can elicit both myocardial and vascular responses. Cut-scores were based on the v-intercept from the linear regression of the CO reactivitv on TPR reactivity and vice versa. A greater percentage of Black men were classified as vascular responders as compared to Black women and White participants. Groups were found to differ on cardiovascular reactivity to the speech preparation, cold pressor, and mirror tracing tasks in predictable ways, after controlling for gender and ethnicity. Groups were also differentiated by ambulatory blood pressure and hypertensive status. The study supports the classification of homogeneous groups of participants based on the relative extent to which myocardial or vascular mechanisms dominate the reactivity to stress.
Real-time rendering of textures with feature curves

The standard bilinear interpolation on normal maps results in visual artifacts along sharp features, which are common for surfaces with creases, wrinkles, and dents. In many cases, spatially varying features, like the normals near discontinuity curves, are best represented as functions of the distance to the curve and the position along the curve. For high-quality interactive rendering at arbitrary magnifications, one needs to interpolate the distance field preserving discontinuity curves exactly.We present a real-time, GPU-based method for distance function and distance gradient interpolation which preserves discontinuity feature curves. The feature curves are represented by a set of quadratic Bezier curves, with minimal restrictions on their intersections. We demonstrate how this technique can be used for real-time rendering of complex feature patterns and blending normal maps with procedurally defined profiles near normal discontinuities.
Some Methodological Problems of Kuhn's Self Theory

which preceded the empirical studies.2 This is true for Kuhn's own theory as well as for the other subtheories of the orientation. It is the purpose of this paper to correct this condition for Kuhn's theory. In doing this I have brought together, in a systematic manner, the ideas, definitions, assumptions, and propositions of the work of Kuhn and his students." With this foundation, I discuss several methodological problems of the theory which have not been previously investigated. It is hoped that this effort will contribute to the "age of inquiry" in Symbolic Interaction Theory.
Influence of Medical Comorbidities on the Presentation and Outcomes of Stage I-III Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract Background Non – small-cell lung cancer presentation, treatment, and outcomes vary widely according to socioeconomic factors and other patient characteristics. To determine whether medical comorbidities account for these observations, we incorporated a validated medical comorbidity index into an analysis of patients diagnosed with stage I to III NSCLC. Patients and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients diagnosed with stage I to III NSCLC. Demographic, tumor, and comorbidity data were obtained from hospital tumor registries and individual patient records. The association between variables was assessed using multivariate logistic regression and survival analysis. Results A total of 454 patients met criteria for analysis. The median age was 65 years, and 51% were men. Individuals with a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were significantly more likely to present with early stage (stage I-II) NSCLC than were patients with lower CCI (odds ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.63; P = .01), although this association lost statistical significance ( P = .21) in a multivariate model. In multivariate logistic regression, overall survival remained associated with all variables: age, sex, race, insurance type, stage, histology, and CCI ( P = .0007). The CCI was associated with survival for patients with early stage ( P = .02) and locally advanced ( P = .02) disease. Conclusion In this cohort of patients with stage I to III NSCLC, increasing comorbidity burden had a nonsignificant association with diagnosis at earlier disease stage. Although comorbidity burden was significantly associated with outcome for early stage and locally advanced disease, it did not account for survival differences based on multiple other patient and disease characteristics.
On glass formation for a Na2O.4TeO2 melt: Effect of melting temperature, time, and raw material

The effect of melting temperature, time, and the type of raw material, NaNO3 or Na2CO3, as a source for Na2O on the glass formation for a Na2O·4TeO2(NT4) melt was investigated. Melting with NaNO3 at 750°C for a short time (15 min) produced a glass that is slightly more chemically durable and more resistant to crystallization than glasses melted at a higher temperature (800°C), or for a longer time (60 min), or using Na2CO3. A thin surface layer (<1.5 nm) that contains some nitrogen and a higher concentration of bridging oxygen is suspected to be the reason for the higher chemical durability and higher resistance to crystallization for this glass. However, melting at 800°C for 60 min produced a glass, whose properties were independent of the type of raw material, NaNO3 or Na2CO3, used.
Prospects for Adapting Current ASTM Wear and Erosion Tests for Bulk Materials to Thin Films, Coatings, and Surface Treatments

Most of ASTM Committee G2’s erosion, wear, and friction test standards were developed for use with bulk materials, yet there is a growing need to evaluate the tribological behavior of films, coatings, and surface treatments (FCSTs), some that affect layers only tens of nanometres to a few micrometres thick. Tribotesting standards for bulk materials can sometimes be modified for use on FCSTs, but the conditions and methods developed for bulk materials may sometimes be too severe or inapplicable. An Internet search and literature review indicated that a number of G2 Committee standards are currently being used for FCSTs. Of these, ASTM G 99 and G 65 seem to be the most popular. When attempting to apply an existing wear standard for bulk materials to FCSTs, two key issues must be addressed: (1) whether changes are needed in the magnitudes of the applied conditions, and (2) whether more precise methods are needed to measure the magnitude of surface damage. Straightforward calculations underscore the limitations for wear measurement of thin layers when evaluated using block-on-ring and pin-on-disk tests. Finally, suggestions are given for modifying selected ASTM G2 standards to enable their use on films, coatings, and surface treatments.
Cycle-by-Cycle Air-to-Fuel Ratio Calculation During Transient Engine Operation Using Fast Response CO and CO2 Sensors

Stringent engine emission regulations highlight the importance of proper engine control during transient operation. In recent years, fast emissions analyzers that measure CO and CO2 simultaneously have allowed for fast air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) calculation under steady-state engine operation. However, using a steady-state methodology to calculate AFR under transient conditions can lead to significant data interpretation errors. This research introduces an experimental cycle-by-cycle AFR calculation routine developed for transient operation using cycle-resolved CO2 and CO analyzers. Need for the new technique arises when the composition of recycled exhaust gases vary significantly from expected post-combustion products corresponding to the true in-cylinder AFR. This condition commonly occurs when AFR is changed from one cycle to the next. The peak difference between the new method and traditional methods is demonstrated to be in the range of 0.1 relative air-to-fuel ratio points, or approximately 10%. These results are for low dilution conditions where the new method should show minimal difference as compared to traditional methods. If residual gas fraction levels were increased the difference in corrected to uncorrected results would become even greater, motivating the use of the new method in high-dilution engines.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Independent Contributions of Polyomavirus Middle T and Small T to the Regulation of Early and Late Gene Expression and DNA Replication

We previously showed that murine polyomavirus mutants that lack both middle T (MT) and small T (ST) functions have a severe pleiotropic defect in early and late viral gene expression as well as genome amplification. The respective contribution of MT and ST to this phenotype was unclear. This work separates the roles of MT and ST in both permissive mouse cells and nonpermissive rat cells. It demonstrates for the first time a role for both proteins. To gain insight into the signaling pathways that might be required, we focused on MT and its mutants. The results show that each of the major MT signaling connections, Shc, phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase, and phospholipase C gamma1, could contribute in an additive way. Unexpectedly, a mutant lacking all these connections because the three major tyrosines had been converted to phenylalanine retained some activity. A mutant in which all six MT C-terminal tyrosines had been mutated was inactive. This suggests a novel signaling pathway for MT that uses the minor tyrosines. What is common to ST and the individual MT signaling pathways is the ability to signal to the polyomavirus enhancer, in particular to the crucial AP-1 and PEA3/ets binding sites. This connection explains the pleiotropy of MT and ST effects on transcription and DNA replication.
The effect of superplasticizers and air-entraining agents on the Zeta potential of cement particles

Abstract The effect of superplasticizers and air-entraining agents on the Zeta Potential (ZP) of a Portland cement was studied by microelectrophoresis. The purpose of the experiments was to investigate the adsorption mechanism of electronegative polymers and surface-active agents, and the interaction between these when added in combination. As a preliminary experiment the microelectrophoresis technique was investigated in order to obtain the most precise and reproducible method of measuring Zeta Potentials. The results show that the superplasticizer type with the longer polymer chain and thereby the largest amount of electronegative charges per chain gives the highest negative Zeta Potential. This is interpreted as indicating that this type of superplasticizer has a higher dispersing capability. Data from dosage of air-entraining agents show that a part of the air-entraining effect is due to the fact that the molecules are adsorbed on the cement surface, thereby making it hydrophobic. The results of combined use of superplasticizers and air-entraining agents show that only a slightly smaller ZP is obtained than when a superplasticizer is dosed alone, which however still indicates an interaction. Finally the ZP has been determined of cement alone.
Incorporation of Risk Insights in the Regulatory Treatment of Nuclear Power Plant Structures, Systems, and Components

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has established an initiative to risk-inform the requirements in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR) for the regulatory treatment of structures, systems, and components (SSCs) used in commercial nuclear power plants. As discussed in several Commission papers (e.g., SECY-99-256 and SECY-00-0194), Option 2 of this initiative involves categorizing plant SSCs based on their safety significance, and specifying treatment that would provide an appropriate level of confidence in the capability of those SSCs to perform their design functions in accordance with their risk categorization. The NRC has initiated a rulemaking effort to allow licensees of nuclear power plants in the United States to implement the Option 2 approach in lieu of the “special treatment requirements” of the NRC regulations. In a proof-of-concept effort, the NRC recently granted exemptions from the special treatment requirements for safety-related SSCs categorized as having low risk significance by the licensee of the South Texas Project (STP) Units 1 and 2 nuclear power plant, based on a review of the licensee’s high-level objectives of the planned treatment for safety-related and high-risk nonsafety-related SSCs. This paper discusses the NRC staff’s views regarding the treatment of SSCs at STP described by the licensee in its updated Final Safety Analysis Report (FSAR) in support of the exemption request, and provides the status of rulemaking that would incorporate risk insights into the treatment of SSCs at nuclear power plants.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Enteral fluconazole is well absorbed in critically ill surgical patients.

Background. Enteral fluconazole, a triazole antifungal agent with an excellent oral bioavailability, has not been widely studied in critically ill surgical patients. Methods. During a randomized placebo-controlled trial of enteral fluconazole (N = 130) versus placebo (N = 130) for the prevention of fungal infections in critically ill surgical patients, trough fluconazole levels were measured after the loading dose and 3 times weekly during intensive care unit stay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for fluconazole were measured on all infecting Candida isolates. Results. Four hundred sixty-seven serum samples were assayed for fluconazole levels in 121 patients. The most common infecting fungal species was Candida albicans, isolated in 14 of 31 infections (45%). Other infecting species were C glabrata, C tropicalis, and C parapsilosis. Mean fluconazole levels were above the highest MIC for C albicans and C parapsilosis in all but 5 patients (4%). Mean fluconazole levels were below the median MIC for C glabrata in 93 of 121 patients (77%). No significant relationship was seen between fluconazole levels and risk for fungal infection. Conclusions. Serum fluconazole levels are above the MIC of most yeast species found in these patients. These levels may not be above the MIC of C glabrata, the second most common Candida isolate causing infection in this study. (Surgery 2002;131:534-40.)
Three mouse models of muscular dystrophy: the natural history of strength and fatigue in dystrophin-, dystrophin/utrophin-, and laminin α2-deficient mice

To optimize and evaluate treatments for muscular dystrophy, it is important to know the natural history of the disease in the absence of therapeutic intervention. Here we characterized disease progression of three mutant mouse strains of muscular dystrophy: mdx mice, which lack dystrophin; mdx:utrn-/- mice, which also lack utrophin; and dy/dy mice, which are deficient in laminin alpha2. Normal mice show a marked increase in forelimb strength over the first 10 weeks of life and little fatigue (<5%) over five consecutive strength trials. Mdx and mdx:utrn-/- mice demonstrate less strength then normal mice and approximately 40% fatigue at each age. Mdx mice become obese but mdx:utrn-/- mice do not. Dy/dy mice remain small and are much weaker than mdx and mdx:utrn-/- mice at all ages even when normalized to weight; however, they show only minimal fatigue (10%). This work demonstrates a distinct pattern of disease progression in each model and provides a foundation for assessing strategies for improving strength in each model.
Capstone design at the University of Washington: user interfaces for portable devices

A principal component of the undergraduate Computer Engineering program at the University of Washington is a capstone design course that integrates the students' past foundational coursework by having them take a project from concept to prototype. Each offering of the course organizes the projects around a different theme. For the winter 1998 edition, the focus was on user interfaces for portable devices. The video that accompanies this paper highlights ten of these projects, completed within the span of an 11-week quarter, in the form of approximately 30-second vignettes that show each device in use.
Evaluation of immunotoxicity induced by single or concurrent exposure to N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), pyridostigmine bromide (PYR), and JP-8 jet fuel.

Approximately 5,000 to 80,000 of the US service personnel involved in the Persian Gulf War have complained of a variety of nonspecific symptoms since their return in 1991. These symptoms have been collectively labeled Gulf War Illness and include muscle fatigue, general malaise, myalgia, impaired cognition, ataxia, headaches, fever, joint pain, skin rash, gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep disturbances, and respiratory difficulties. Exposures of military and service personnel were diverse and included the prescribed anti-nerve gas agent pyridostigmine bromide (PYR), N.N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) insect repellent, and environmental exposures to jet fuel. Thus, studies in our laboratory were undertaken to determine if concurrent exposure to these agents, singly or in combination, would contribute to significant alterations in immunological function and disease susceptibility. To assess immune status, eight-week old B6C3F1 female mice were exposed for 14 days to single compounds or tertiary mixtures of 15.5 mg/kg DEET, 2 mg/kg PYR, and 500 mg/kg JP-8 (termed low dose), or 31 mg/kg DEET, 5 mg/kg PYR, and 1,000 mg/kg JP-8 (termed high dose). Immunosuppression was assessed 24 h after the last exposure. No remarkable alterations were evident in hematological parameters, spleen and thymus organ weight and total cellularity, natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytotoxic T-cell activity, or mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation after exposure to either single or tertiary mixtures at low or high doses. A few changes in CD4/CD8 flow cytometric lymphocyte subpopulations were detected after exposure to the tertiary mixture at the high dose. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was decreased by 88% after exposure to the high-dose mixture, and suppression of antibody-specific IgM immune responses (plaque-forming cell, PFC) occurred after exposure to all single and tertiary mixtures at both dose levels. In the PFC response, antagonism was apparent in the mixture, while coexposure to these agents resulted in a synergistic effect in the DTH response. Susceptibility to B16F10 tumor or Listeria monocytogenes challenge was not affected after single or tertiary exposures. These data suggest that combined exposure to DEET, PYR, and JP-8 does not profoundly alter many immunological endpoints, but does selectively target functional endpoints such as the PFC and DTH response. This should be considered when assessing human health risks in the military environment.
Blockade of calcium channels can prevent the onset of secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia induced by intradermal injection of capsaicin in rats

Intradermal capsaicin injection in humans results in primary hyperalgesia to heat and mechanical stimuli applied near the injection site, as well as secondary mechanical hyperalgesia (increased pain from noxious stimuli) and mechanical allodynia (pain from innocuous stimuli) in an area surrounding the site of primary hyperalgesia. This study in rats tested the hypothesis that the secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia observed following intradermal injection of capsaicin was dependent upon activation of voltage sensitive calcium channels in the spinal cord. Responses to application of von Frey filaments of 10 mN and 90 mN bending forces were tested in all rats before and after injection of capsaicin into the plantar surface of a hindpaw. Animals were pretreated with L-type (nifedipine), N-type (omega-conotoxin GVIA) or P-type (omega-agatoxin IVA) calcium channels blockers through a microdialysis fiber implanted in the spinal dorsal horn prior to the injection of capsaicin. None of the calcium channel blockers had any affect on normal sensory or motor responses. However, all three blockers dose dependently prevented the development of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia. The threshold to mechanical stimulation with von Frey filaments was also increased significantly in animals treated with these calcium channel blockers when compared to articial cerebrospinal fluid control animals. These data suggest that calcium channels are important for the development of mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia that occurs following capsaicin injection.
Variability in Neuron Densities across the Cortical Sheet in Primates

The function of any area of the brain is a product of its unique population of neurons and nonneurons and their local and long-range connectional architecture. At the present time, we have inadequate data about numbers of neurons and the distribution patterns of neurons in the cortex and other parts of the brain. Numbers and densities of neurons and nonneurons provide the foundation for the assembly of a cortical and whole-brain neuronal network, yet the majority of studies reporting neuron densities for the primate cortex estimate the number of neurons in the cortex as a whole or in specific areas for comparisons between treatment groups or species. While this is valuable information for studies of scaling or comparative studies of specific pathways or functions, a more detailed examination of cell and neuron number distribution across the entire cortical expanse is needed. Two studies reviewed here use the isotropic fractionator method for the determination of cell and neuron numbers to investigate the distribution of cells and neurons across the entire cortical sheet of 4 primate species, taking into consideration cortical areal boundaries. Neuron and total cell numbers were found to vary as much as 5 times between different functional areas across the cortical sheet. Numbers were also variable across representational zones within cortical areas like V1 and S1. The overall distribution of cells and neurons appears to be conserved across the species examined, suggesting a common plan for cell distribution in primates, with more areas of high neuron density in macaques and baboons compared to the smaller and less differentiated cortex of prosimian galagos and the New World owl monkey.
Recurrence of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia Treated With Excisional Biopsy and Cryotherapy

Purpose To evaluate the recurrence rate of ocular surface squamous neoplasias (OSSN) after excision and cryotherapy in an academic cornea practice and to determine factors associated with recurrence. Design Retrospective interventional case series. Methods All cases of OSSN from 1998 through 2013 that were treated with excisional biopsy and adjunctive cryotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics upon presentation including size of lesion, location, and atypical features were noted. All recurrences of OSSN after excision and cryotherapy were noted and categorized in relation to clinical characteristics, pathologic grade, and margin involvement. Results Forty-three cases of OSSN from 42 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up of 29 months. A total of 32.6% of subjects had dysplasia and 67.4% had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A total of 83.7% of subjects had both corneal and conjunctival involvement while 16.3% had conjunctival involvement only. Overall, 3 recurrences were observed, all of which had margin involvement; nonetheless, the majority of incompletely excised OSSN (25/28) showed no recurrence. The recurrence rate at 6 months was 2.3%. Recurrence at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years remained stable at 7.1%. Conclusions Excision with cryotherapy is an effective treatment for the majority of OSSN cases, even among cases with pathologic evidence of tumor at the margin, with an overall recurrence rate of 7.1% at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years.
Specificity controls for immunocytochemical methods.

Immunocytochemistry is used for antibody localization of proteins in cells and tissues. The specificity of the results depends on two independent criteria: the specificity of the antibody and of the method used. The antibody specificity is best determined by immunoblot and or immunoprecipitation. Absorption of the antibody with a protein does not determine that the antibody would have bound to the same protein in the tissue, and therefore is not a good control for antibody specificity. The specificity of the method is best determined by both a negative control, replacing the primary antibody with serum, and a positive control, using the antibody with cells known to contain the protein. With the increasing use of immunocytochemistry, it is important to be aware of the appropriate controls needed to show specificity of the labeling.
A Micro-Spatial Analysis of the Demographic and Criminogenic Environment of Drug Markets in Philadelphia:

Few studies have combined factors related to social disorganisation and factors related to opportunity theory at the microspatial level, with most studies aggregating to the block group or census tract. This study disaggregates block group census data in and around the vicinity of locations believed to encourage outdoor drug markets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. A location quotient analysis finds that drug arrests cluster within a block or two of many suspected crime generators/ attractors. Results from a zero-inflated Poisson model suggest some land use variables and factors associated with social disorganisation can help predict the location and size of drug markets; however, at the city level only retail alcohol outlets remained significant when combined with the social disorganisation-related variables, as a predictor of drug markets. The article discusses a number of potential reasons for these findings.
The hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3 or FOXA) family in metabolism.

Abstract The genes encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 (HNF3) proteins play a pivotal role in the regulation of metabolism and in the differentiation of metabolic tissues such as the pancreas and liver. HNF3 transcription factors bind to cis -regulatory elements in hundreds of genes encoding gluconeogenic and glycolytic enzymes, serum proteins and hormones. Genetic analysis in mice has shown that HNF3β is necessary for the development of the foregut endoderm, from which the liver and pancreas arise. HNF3α is required for the full activation of glucagon in the pancreas, whereas HNF3γ induces the activation of gluconeogenic enzymes to prevent hypoglycemia during fasting.
A Testable Prognostic Model of Nicotine Dependence

Individuals’ dependence on nicotine, primarily through cigarette smoking, is a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many smokers attempt but fail to quit smoking, motivating researchers to identify the origins of this dependence. Because of the known heritability of nicotine-dependence phenotypes, considerable interest has been focused on discovering the genetic factors underpinning the trait. This goal, however, is not easily attained: no single factor is likely to explain any great proportion of dependence because nicotine dependence is thought to be a complex trait (i.e., the result of many interacting factors). Genomewide association studies are powerful tools in the search for the genomic bases of complex traits, and in this context, novel candidate genes have been identified through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association analyses. Beyond association, however, genetic data can be used to generate predictive models of nicotine dependence. As expected in the context of a complex...
Hitting the wall: errors in developing and code inspecting a 'simple' spreadsheet model

Abstract Field audits and experiments have found substantial error rates when students and professionals have built spreadsheet models. In this study, 102 undergraduate MIS majors and 50 MBA students developed a model from a word problem that was relatively simple and free of domain knowledge. Even so, 35% of their 152 models were incorrect. There was no significant difference in errors per model between undergraduates and MBAs. Even among the 17 MBAs with 250 h or more of experience, 24% of the models contained errors. The cell error rate (CER)—the percentage of cells with errors—was 2.0%. When 23 undergraduates attempted to audit their models through code inspection, only three with incorrect spreadsheets (15%) produced clean spreadsheets when they finished the audit.
A comparison of short-wave and long-wave velocities in layered media

Ray theory based on Snell's law is strictly valid only when the variation of physical constants is small within a wavelength. In explosion seismology, Snell's law may apply to the arrival times of the ‘first breaks’, but not to those of the seismic ‘reflections’. For a stack of homogeneous, isotropic plane layers, the average velocity at its short-wavelength limit is greater than that at the long-wavelength limit for any given angle of incidence. Considering a few example of layered media, calculations are made for both short-wave and long-wave average velocities as a function of the angle of incidence. The former velocity shows a steady increase with the angle of incidence whereas the latter velocity may sometimes pass through a minimum before attaining its maximum value for horizontal propagation.
Evaluating food plans and poverty thresholds

(1987). Evaluating food plans and poverty thresholds. Applied Economics: Vol. 19, No. 10, pp. 1341-1352.
Comments, with reply, on "can redundancy and masking improve the performance of synchronizers?" by L. Kleeman and A. Cantoni

It is claimed in the above-mentioned work (ibid., vol.C-35, p.643-6, July 1986) that redundancy and masking techniques are ineffective in improving synchronizer performance due to metastable behavior. This claim is based on an input model that is not always valid, particularly in reliability analysis. The commenter points out the weakness in the assumed model and provides an alternative input model which can be used to analyze redundant synchronizer reliability. Based on the proposed alternative model it is shown that, under certain conditions, redundancy and masking can indeed improve synchronizer reliability. The authors reply that their original paper was the first to examine the question and naturally adopts the simplest modeling approach based on a deterministic model. They note that the differences in conclusion derive from the modeling assumptions for metastability, and asset that these need to be examined further by researchers. Some initial comments are given. >