cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robust Midsagittal Plane Extraction from Coarse, Pathological 3D Images

This paper focuses on the evaluation of an ideal midsagittal plane (iMSP) extraction algorithm. The algorithm was developed for capturing the iMSP from 3D normal and pathological neural images. The main challenges are the drastic structural asymmetry that often exists in pathological brains, and the sparse, nonisotropic data sampling that is common in clinical practice. A simple edge-based, cross-correlation approach is presented that decomposes the iMSP extraction problem into discovery of symmetry axes from 2D slices, followed by robust estimation of 3D plane parameters. The algorithm’s tolerance to brain asymmetries, input image offsets and image noise is quantitatively measured. It is found that the algorithm can extract the iMSP from input 3D images with (1) large asymmetrical lesions; (2) arbitrary initial yaw and roll angle errors; and (3) low signal-to-noise level. Also, no significant difference is found between the iMSP computed by the algorithm and the midsagittal plane estimated by two trained neuroradiologists.
Arsenic and Antimony Capacities in Ni-Cu Mattes and Slags

A thermodynamic model for a priori predictions of arsenic and antimony impurity capacity in Ni-Cu mattes and slags was developed based on the Reddy-Blander (RB) capacity model. The As and Sb capacities were calculated a-priori considering the RB capacity model in Ni-Cu mattes and FeO-FeO1.5-MgO-CuO0.5-NiO-SiO2 slag at 1573 K and 0.1 to 1 atm partial pressure of SO2. The results showed an excellent agreement between the model calculated and experimental data of arsenic and antimony capacities between the mattes and slag. The impurity capacity model developed here, can be extended for prediction of impurity capacities in multi-component base metal slags and base metal mattes. Such a priori predictions of impurity capacities can lead to develop or improve the efficiency of impurity removal from the base metal smelting, converting and refining processes.
Networking the Learner in Professional Development

The 25-module math•ed•ology™ program was created to help primary (grades K-5) teachers in the United States learn and implement the teaching standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. This study of teachers’ use of the program’s first completed module suggests that an important amount of learning can occur in just under four hours of program use. Teachers gained knowledge of the teaching standards, and ability to implement them. Differences between elementary and secondary teachers’ responses were noticeable, although less than expected, suggesting that the K-5 program offers a useful base for a similar program for secondary teachers (grades 6–12).
Accredited Programs: Models for Training the Next Generation of Social Change Agents

Practicing applied, clinical, and more recently public sociologists have most often become involved in social change activities because of a learning environment that combined a change oriented classroom experience with a positive field experience. How does a sociology program create such a learning environment? In this paper, I will cover three models used by practice programs in sociology accredited by the Commission on Applied and Clinical Sociology to train change oriented students. Although accreditation is not essential for training the next generation of social change agents, it is one means by which like minded sociologists can pursue their common educational interests. Accreditation is also a way by which the discipline of sociology can return to its practice oriented roots.
Newly Recognized Herpesvirus Causing Malignant Catarrhal Fever in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) was diagnosed by clinical signs and lesions in five out of six white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in a North American zoo. The clinical signs and histopathological lesions in these deer were typical of MCF. Antibody to an epitope conserved among the MCF viruses was detected in the sera collected from the deer. PCR failed to amplify viral sequences from DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) and/or spleens of the deer with primers specific for ovine herpesvirus 2 (OHV-2) or specific for alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AHV-1). By using degenerate primers targeting a conserved region of a herpesviral DNA polymerase gene, a DNA fragment was amplified from the PBL or spleens of all six deer and sequenced. Alignment of the sequences demonstrated that the virus in the deer belongs to the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily, exhibiting 82% identity to OHV-2, 71% to AHV-1, and 60% to a newly identified bovine lymphotropic herpesvirus. This virus, which causes classical MCF in white-tailed deer, is a newly recognized agent belonging to the MCF group of gammaherpesviruses. It is the third reported pathogenic MCF virus, genetically distinct but closely related to OHV-2 and AHV-1. The reservoir for the virus has not been identified.
Capacity of noncoherent time-selective block Rayleigh flat-fading channel

We study the capacity of a noncoherent time-selective block fading channel, under the assumption that the channel changes slowly over the block period N rather than remaining constant. The predictability of the channel is characterized through the rank Q (1 /spl les/ Q /spl les/ N) of the correlation matrix of the vector of channel gains over the block. The model includes the standard block fading model and the i.i.d. fading model as special cases. For large SNR, we prove that the capacity grows logarithmically with SNR with a slope of N-Q/N (for 1 /spl les/ Q /spl les/ N). For fixed SNR and Q, we show that the capacity approaches the coherent channel capacity when N/spl rarr//spl infin/. We also characterize the asymptotics of the capacity in the regime where both N and Q/spl rarr//spl infin/, with Q/N being kept constant. The results of the paper can be generalized to include multiple antennas and frequency-selectivity.
“Balancing” as a Decision-Procedure for Morally Justified Criminalization

The language of ordinary-life decision-making is permeated with variations of the metaphor of “balancing.” In deciding whether to do some particular thing, we “weigh” the “pros” and the “cons;” the “weightier” reasons prevail. We “weigh” the advantages of a given course of action against the disadvantages. Often we “weigh” the various alternatives available to us. And in some cases the benefits of a particular option are “outweighed” by, are “counterbalanced” by, the costs of electing that option. Etc., etc.
An efficient electrically tunable all-fiber polarization controller

We demonstrate a novel electrically tunable all-fiber polarization controller using evaporated micro-heaters on short sections of polarization maintaining fiber. Potential applications include compact, low loss, economical polarization controllers for characterization of PDL (polarization dependent loss) or PMD (polarization mode dispersion) compensation.
A GIS-based model for urban flood inundation

Summary Modeling flood inundation in an urban setting is increasingly relevant given the magnitude of potential loss and disruption associated with non-riverine, urban flooding. Both complexities in the urban environment and lack of high-resolution topographic and hydrologic data compromise the development and implementation of models of non-riverine flooding in urban areas. This paper describes a case study analysis of an urban university campus to develop and test a GIS-based urban flood inundation model (GUFIM). The model consists of two components: a storm–runoff model and an inundation model. Cumulative surface runoff, output of the storm–runoff model, serves as input to the inundation model. The storm–runoff model adapts the Green–Ampt model to compute infiltration based on rainfall characteristics, soil properties, and drainage infrastructure conveyance. The basis of the inundation model is a flat–water model. This effort uses publicly available elevation data, storm data, and insurance claim data to develop, implement and verify the model approach. GUFIM is an alternative to physical-based dynamic models characterized by accurate results, efficient performance, and reasonable input and hardware requirements. The University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee is the study location used here.
Proximal Chronic Inflammatory Polyneuropathy With Multifocal Conduction Block

• The pathological findings in proximal and distal nerve biopsy specimens are described in a patient with the clinical and electrophysiological features of chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy with multifocal conduction block. Proximal onion bulb hypertrophic changes in the brachial plexus were associated with inflammatory cell infiltrates. In contrast, the sural nerve biopsy specimen showed a mild picture of mixed axonal degeneration and demyelination-remyelination without inflammatory infiltration.
Measuring relationship anonymity in mix networks

Many applications of mix networks such as anonymousWeb browsing require relationship anonymity: it should be hard for the attacker to determine who is communicating with whom. Conventional methods for measuring anonymity, however, focus on sender anonymity instead. Sender anonymity guarantees that it is difficult for the attacker to determine the origin of any given message exiting the mix network, but this may not be sufficient to ensure relationship anonymity. Even if the attacker cannot identify the origin of messages arriving to some destination, relationship anonymity will fail if he can determine with high probability that at least one of the messages originated from a particular sender, without necessarily being able to recognize this message among others. We give a formal definition and a calculation methodology for relationship anonymity. Our techniques are similar to those used for sender anonymity, but, unlike sender anonymity, relationship anonymity is sensitive to the distribution of message destinations. In particular, Zipfian distributions with skew values characteristic of Web browsing provide especially poor relationship anonymity. Our methodology takes route selection algorithms into account, and incorporates information-theoretic metrics such as entropy and min-entropy. We illustrate our methodology by calculating relationship anonymity in several simulated mix networks.
Multipole-based preconditioners for large sparse linear systems

Dense operators for preconditioning sparse linear systems have traditionally been considered infeasible due to their excessive computational and memory requirements. With the emergence of techniques such as block low-rank approximations and hierarchical multipole approximations, the cost of computing and storing these preconditioners has reduced dramatically. This paper describes the use of multipole operators as parallel preconditioners for sparse linear systems. Hierarchical multipole approximations of explicit Green's functions are effective preconditioners due to their bounded-error properties. By enumerating nodes in proximity preserving order, one can achieve high parallel efficiency in computing matrix-vector products with these dense preconditioners. The benefits of the approach are illustrated on the Poisson problem and the generalized Stokes problem arising in incompressible fluid flow simulations. Numerical experiments show that the multipole-based techniques are effective preconditioners that can be parallelized efficiently on multiprocessing platforms.
Study of Electroabsorption Using Differential Photocurrent Response

A method is devised to study the tunneling-assisted photon absorption process (Franz-Keldysh effect) in semiconductor junctions, making use of the differential photocurrent response. This method has advantages over the differential-transmission method in the region of high absorption coefficient. Measurements were made using this technique on GaAs, Ge, and Si $p\ensuremath{-}n$ junctions. The results on GaAs and on Ge are in qualitative agreement with theory and with published results of transmission measurements. No theory is available corresponding to the results of silicon.
Abstract 2859: Differential effects of specific dietary fat sources on inflammation and intestinal tumorigenesis.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Diet-induced obesity (DIO) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are important factors that contribute to the development and progression of cancer, especially colon cancer. DIO and MetS have reached epidemic proportions in the United States and are heavily influenced by diets high in saturated and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Using the ApcMin/+ model of intestinal neoplasia and diets constructed from 58% coconut, corn or olive oils, we demonstrate that high amounts of dietary fats can have differential effects on DIO and MetS, as well as on intestinal tumorigenesis when compared to ApcMin/+ fed corresponding calorically equivalent control diets that contained 10% fat from these same sources. Specific sources of dietary fat lead to more rapid tumor progression, elevated polyp number and mass, as well as increased mortality, thus eliciting a detrimental impact on disease outcome, while others fail to induce an increase in polyp burden and reduce cancer severity in mice with genetic predisposition to intestinal neoplasia. We demonstrate that the tumor promoting effects of different fats are associated with systemic and local intestinal inflammation and that excess nutritional richness from specific sources can increase pro-inflammatory factors such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, COX-2. Adipokines, such as adiponectin and leptin, are differentially modulated in response to different fat sources. Short (3 day) dietary exposure is sufficient to induce inflammation and tumorigenesis before the onset of DIO or MetS, suggesting a potent effect of diet on intestinal immunity. Additionally, we demonstrate a novel mechanism for the innate immunity in diet-induced intestinal cancer. We show that pharmacological and genetic inhibition of innate immunity factors can significantly reduce polyp number and mass in ApcMin/+. These results suggest that nutritional modification may be a useful approach to alter intestinal and systemic inflammation with potential preventative value for use in colon tumorigenesis and that diet, immunity and cancer are intrinsically related. Citation Format: Stephanie K. Doerner, Elaine S. Leung, Justine S. Ko, Joseph H. Nadeau, Nathan A. Berger. Differential effects of specific dietary fat sources on inflammation and intestinal tumorigenesis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2859. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2859
Comparison of Black-Spot Disease Metapopulations in the Central Stonerollers of Two Warm-Water Streams

ABSTRACT Central stonerollers (Campostoma anomalum) were collected October 1994 through September 1995 from two third-order, warm-water Tennessee streams, Blackburn Fork and Spring Creek. Total lengths and numbers of externally-visible black-spot cysts were recorded for infected fish. Mean cyst densities, variance-to-mean ratios, and prevalence rates were consistently higher in Blackburn Fork than in Spring Creek. Peaks in prevalence and variance-to-mean ratios from Blackburn Fork occurred in September and January, respectively. Peak prevalence in Spring Creek occurred in October 1994. No trends in variance-to-mean ratios were observed in Spring Creek. Differences in black-spot metapopulations were due to cercarial transmission rates and undetermined abiotic factors.
Physicomechanical and hydrophobic properties of starch foams extruded with different biodegradable polymers

Blends of hydroxypropylated high amylose starch and various functional aids listed below were extruded into foams using a twin-screw extruder ZSK - 30. In this study, the hydrophobic character and mechanical properties of starch foams were improved by using other biodegradable polymers, such as poly-caprolactone (PCL), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), cellulose acetate (CA), methylated pectin (MP), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and crosslinkers like glyoxal. The hydrophobic character was improved in terms of a reduction in steady state weight gain, and an increase in dimensional stability (reduction in loss of radial and longitudinal dimensions) on moisture sorption. At the same time, efforts were made to maximize the expansion ratios by reduction of unit densities. Formulations of these foams (in terms of additive content and other processing parameters) were optimized. Particular formulations with PVA, polyesters like PCL and PBAT, and glyoxal with PVA gave foams with unit densities lower than 25 kg/m3. The dimensional stability increased with an increase in the polyester content, but the density increased beyond an optimum polyester content, too. The loss in radial and longitudinal dimensions under steady state conditions was 12–20% with polyesters as compared to about 50–55% for control starch. Addition of these processing aids did decrease the water sensitivity of the starch foams. Foams with CA and methylated pectin, in the presence/absence of glyoxal, had marginally lower unit densities and slightly higher expansion ratios, as compared to those of control starch. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 58–68, 2006
Function of several critical amino acids in human pyruvate dehydrogenase revealed by its structure.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), an alpha 2 beta 2 tetramer, catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate and reductive acetylation of lipoyl moieties of the dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase. The roles of beta W135, alpha P188, alpha M181, alpha H15 and alpha R349 of E1 determined by kinetic analysis were reassessed by analyzing the three-dimensional structure of human E1. The residues identified above are found to play a structural role rather than being directly involved in catalysis: beta W135 is the center residue in the hydrophobic interaction between beta and beta' subunits; alpha P188 and alpha M181 are critical for the conformation of the TPP-binding motif and interaction between alpha and beta subunits; alpha H15, is necessary for the organization of the N-terminus of alpha and alpha'; subunits and alpha R349 supports the interaction of the C-terminus of the alpha subunits with the beta subunits. Analysis of several critical E1 residues confirms the importance of residues distant from the active site for subunit interactions and enzyme function.
TOFIR: a tool of facilitating information retrieval — introduce a visual retrieval model

Abstract The paper introduces a new method for the visualization of information retrieval. Angle attributes of a document are used to construct the angle–angle-based visual space. The retrieved documents are perceived, several traditional information retrieval evaluation models are visualized and interpreted, and new non-traditional retrieval control means based on the model are explored in the two-dimensional angle display space. The impacts of different metrics on the visualization of information retrieval are discussed. Ambiguity, future research directions and other relevant issues are also addressed.
The European Trauma Course (ETC) and the team approach: Past, present and future

The European Trauma Course (ETC) was officially launched during the international conference of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) in 2008. The ETC was developed on behalf of ESTES (European Society of Trauma and Emergency Surgery), EuSEM (European Society of Emergency Medicine), the ESA (European Society of Anaesthesiology) and the ERC. The objective of the ETC is to provide an internationally recognised and certified life support course, and to teach healthcare professionals the key principles of the initial care of severely injured patients. Its core elements, that differentiates it from other trauma courses, are a strong focus on team training and a novel modular design that is adaptable to the differing regional European requirements. This article describes the lessons learnt during the European Trauma Course development and provides an outline of the planned future development.
The fetus with gastroschisis managed by a trial of labor: antepartum and intrapartum complications.

The Fetus With Gastroschisis Managed by a Trial of Labor: Antepartum and Intrapartum Complications
Early Risk Indicators of Substance Abuse Among Nurses

Purpose: To investigate early risk factors that led to substance-related disorders and to predict group differences between substance-impaired (SI) and nonimpaired (NI) registered nurses. Organizing Construct: Donovan's multifactorial model of impairment, and Rogers'Science of Unitary Human Beings. Methods: Data were gathered from 100 previously SI and 100 NI nurses located through use of the Internet. Three questionnaires were used: the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (ZSSS), the Efinger Alcohol Risk Survey (EARS), and the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST). Findings: Independent t-test scores showed the two groups differed significantly on all three instruments' total scores. Discriminate analysis indicated a correct prediction of 87% for SI and 95% for NI nurses, with an overall rate of 91%. EARS scores were the best predictor of nurses with substance-related disorders (.99), followed by ZSSS (.44) and CAST (.42) scores. Conclusions: The three variables indicate early risk factors for substance-abuse impairment. Identification of nurses at risk for impairment will allow for earlier intervention and possible prevention. Methods to reduce the number of modifiable risk factors are recommended.
Effects of assertion training and first aid instruction on children's autonomy and self‐care agency

Strategies for promoting autonomy and a self-care agency in children were investigated in this study. Ninety-two fifth grade students were randomly assigned to one of four learning groups: assertion training; first aid instruction; assertion/first aid; and control. Results showed mixed support for autonomy being higher where either or both assertion training and first aid instruction had occurred, and support for self-care agency being higher where first aid instruction had occurred.
ENDS FOR MONOIDS AND SEMIGROUPS

We give a graph-theoretic definition for the number of ends of Cayley digraphs for finitely generated semigroups and monoids. For semigroups and monoids, left Cayley digraphs can be very different from right Cayley digraphs. In either case, the number of ends for the Cayley digraph does not depend upon which finite set of generators is used for the semigroup or monoid. For natural numbers m and n, we exhibit finitely generated monoids for which the left Cayley digraphs have m ends while the right Cayley digraphs have n ends. For direct products and for many other semidirect products of a pair of finitely generated infinite monoids, the right Cayley digraph of the semidirect product has only one end. A finitely generated subsemigroup of a free semigroup has either one end or else has infinitely many ends.
Effects of Different Refined Carbohydrates on the Blood Pressure of SH and WKY Rats

It is generally accepted that ingestion of sucrose in large quantities elevates blood pressure (BP). Less certain is whether starch and other refined carbohydrates (CHO) have similar effects. Using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive control rats (WKY), we show that glucose, fructose, and starch fed to rats either in solution or in dry form elevate BP to a similar degree as sucrose. The changes in BP brought on by various refined CHO were greater in SHR than in WKY. The elevations did not consistently correlate with differences in body weight, amount of dry matter or fluid intake, the quantities of sodium and potassium ingested, or to changes in the various blood chemistries examined. We conclude that other refined CHO (glucose, fructose, and starch) like sucrose raise BP significantly. This effect on BP is rapid (within days) and reversible, at least to some extent.
Further studies on the subunit structure of human serum low density lipoproteins

Abstract The apoprotein moiety of human serum low density lipoprotein was separated by SDS-gel electrophoresis into several components ranging in molecular weight between approximately 80,000 and 10,000 daltons. Amino acid analyses and N-terminal determination were done on each fraction. Every fraction was found to have essentially identical amino acid composition. We interpret the data to indicate that apoLDL is an aggregate composed of a small number of fundamental subunits of similar amino acid composition.
A Venezuelan floodplain study on the Orinoco River.

Abstract This paper contributes to our understanding of floodplain origins, principal geomorphological formations (levee and depression), and floristic makeup, through a critical analysis near one of the largest seasonal lakes found on the Orinoco River floodplain, Laguna de Mamo, located on the north side of the river near the confluence of the Caroni River in eastern Venezuela. The study describes and contrasts the vegetation encountered on the levee and depression formations by means of transact surveys, aerial photographs, and the elaboration of horizontal profiles, to determine the floristic and structural characteristics, species frequency, density, and their associated relationship to the prevailing geomorphology. The forest has been physiognomically characterized by three strata: the lower, 24 m. Species typical of the lower stratum are Simira rubescens and Caesaria sp. 2, of the intermediate stratum Symmeria paniculata, and Pterocarpus sp. and of the upper strata Piranhea trifoliata and Lonchocarpus sp. 2. In addition to 10 species of climbing vines, a total of 327 trees of 34 species have been recorded on a 0.2-ha sample plot. Floristic diversity is shown to be H′ = 0.82 on the depression areas and H′ = 1.29 on the levees. The difference in floristic diversity, such as strata height, between the two geomorphologically distinct zones described is attributed to the difference in the duration of inundation and the soil types.
An historical framework for the Federal taxation of dividend and interest payments in the US

This paper presents an historical analysis of the deductibility of interest expense and the nondeductibility of dividend payments by corporations in the US over three distinct periods of tax policy. Many in government, industry and academia have debated the disparate tax treatment between interest and dividends. Given the nature of this debate, this paper seeks to identify the origins of the difference in tax treatment of corporate interest and dividend payments. This study aims to inform policy deliberations by examining events during three periods, namely the Civil War era, the implementation of the Revenue Act 1909 through to 1939, a “watershed year” in US taxation, and the period from 1939 to the present day.
Recommended Auger parameters for 42 elemental solids

Abstract Values of the Auger parameter are presented for 42 elemental solids. These values were determined from evaluated Auger-electron kinetic energies and photoelectron binding energies (BEs). Small adjustments were made to earlier values of photoelectron BEs to take account of newer reference energies recommended for calibration of BE scales. The recommended values of the Auger parameter should be useful in the determination of chemical state by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Use of the 56Fe(p,n)56Co Reaction in Erosive Wear Measurements

A well defined surface layer of 56Co can be produced in steel samples by means of the 56Fe (p,n)56Co reaction at proton energies greater than 5.45 MeV. Erosive wear from the steel surface is then measured by detecting the loss of the radioisotope 56Co. A detailed calibration curve relating the loss of 56Co activity to the amount of surface material removed has been measured. The method has a precision of ± 0.1 ?m, can be performed in a short time, in-situ, and without surface cleaning. Three experiments in which erosive wear has been measured from steel surfaces exposed to burning propellants will be discussed. In the first, a land on a 20 mm barrel was activated and the wear measured under several different firing conditions. In the second, wear was measured from an activated plug inserted into a land of the 20 mm barrel. In the third, steel erosion nozzles were exposed to several different propellants and wear losses as well as mass losses were measured. Possible applications of this method to a variety of wear measurement experiments are discussed.
Question effects on information processing in advertising

This research reports the results of a study in which pre-questions and post-questions are employed in a radio commercial. Responses of subjects exposed to questions are compared to responses of other subjects exposed to content equivalent statements. Also manipulated in this research is the length of a pause after commercial arguments. Post-questions were found to be more effective in facilitating information processing than post-statements. However, pre-questions and combined (both pre- and post-) questions were not more effective than pre-statements and combined statements respectively. Further, the length of the pause did not affect outcomes. Results are discussed in terms of the conditions under which questions may and may not be expected to increase message processing. Different theoretical views are presented in explaining the pattern of results observed.
Sustaining life on the earth.

At the time of the toolmaking revolution around 1 million years ago human numbers rose to 5 million. As humans invented agriculture and animal husbandry the population grew to about 500 million. In 1994 the number was 5.6 billion; it may double or triple before leveling off again 300 years after the industrial revolution began. If the transition to a warmer more crowded more diverse world can be managed there may be promise of an environmentally sustainable future. The reconstructed population series for 4 ancient regions the Nile Valley (6000 years) the Tigris-Euphrates lowlands of Iraq (6000 years) the basin of Mexico (3000 years) and the central Maya lowlands of Mexico and Guatemala (2200 years) all show waves in which population doubled over the previous base and then fell by at least half. This raises questions about human life on the earth: perhaps even regions that are world leaders can collapse in modern times. Among likely threats are 3 areas of concern: 1) pollutants: acid rain in the atmosphere heavy metals in the soils and chemicals in the groundwater 2) global atmospheric dangers of nuclear fallout stratospheric ozone depletion and climatic warming 3) deforestation desertification and species extinction. 10 billion people would require a 4-fold increase in agricultural production a 6-fold rise in energy use and an 8-fold increase in the global economy. 2.1 births per woman is required for zero-population growth while the current birth rate is 3.2. In developing countries after World War II the life expectancy at birth was 40 years now it has increased to 65 years. The slowing of the rate of population growth everywhere is encouraging for sustaining life on the earth which requires cohabitation with the natural world; limits to human activity; and wider distribution of the benefits of human activity.
The persistence of regulatory cells developing after rat spontaneous liver acceptance

Background We have previously reported that the spontaneous acceptance of Lewis (LEW, RT1 l ) to Dark Agouti (DA, RT1 a ) rat orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) is eliminated by donor γ-irradiation. The acceptance of the irradiated LEW liver is also reestablished in a naive rat after the adoptive transfer of T regulatory (T-reg) cells from a LEW to a DA liver–tolerant long-term (>60 days) survivor (LTS) into a naive DA rat. However, little is known about the growth conditions required to maintain T-reg function. In this study, we examined the need for continued donor-specific alloantigen stimulation for the maintenance and function of T-reg cells. Methods Splenocytes (SCs; 1.5 × 10 8 cells) from a LEW liver allograft–tolerant LTS DA recipient were adoptively transferred fresh or after in vitro stimulation into another naive DA rat on day 1, 4, or 7 before an irradiated (1000R) LEW liver transplant. For in vitro alloantigen stimulation, SCs from LEW to DA LTS were co-cultured with mitomycin-C (MMC)–treated naive LEW (donor alloantigen–specific) or Brown Norway (BN) (RT1 n ; third party) SCs for 72 hours. Graft rejection, as defined by death of the recipient, was confirmed histologically. Results All LEW liver grafts were accepted spontaneously by DA recipients for more than 60 days (n = 32), while all irradiated LEW livers were acutely rejected (n = 9; mean survival time [MST] = 12.8 ± 4.0 days). When LTS DA SCs were adoptively transferred into a naive DA rat 1 day before OLT, all irradiated LEW grafts were accepted greater than 60 days (n = 9). However, when fresh LTS DA SCs were transferred to a new naive DA rat on 4 or 7 days before OLT, all irradiated LEW liver grafts were acutely rejected (MST = 10.2 ± 0.5 days [n = 4] and MST = 13.5 ± 5.0 days [n = 4], respectively). When LTS DA SCs were stimulated in vitro before adoptive transfer, irradiated LEW liver grafts after 4 days (n = 5) were then accepted. In vitro culture of LTS DA SCs with MMC–treated BN SCs (third-party) for 72 hours before adoptive transfer resulted in 3 of 5 irradiated LEW livers at day 4 being accepted (n = 5). Conclusions The maintenance of T-reg function requires continuous LEW donor–specific alloantigen stimulation.
Flavonoids of Heterogaura (Onagraceae)

Abstract Heterogaura is a monotypic genus of the tribe Onagreae of the Onagraceae. It is endemic to south western Oregon and California. Four flavonol glycosides, kaempferol 3- O -rhamnoside, quercetin 3- O -glucoside, quercetin 3- O -rhamnoglucoside and myricetin 3- O -glucoside, were found to occur in methanolic leaf extracts of each of the populations sampled. The presence of only flavonols is consistent with flavonoid analyses from other genera of the Onagreae, including Clarkia , the closest relative of Heterogaura .
Identification and Expression Analyses of Poly [I:C]-Stimulated Genes in Channel Catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus )

Abstract Channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) have proven to be an excellent model with which to study immune responses of lower vertebrates. Identification of anti-viral antibodies and cytotoxic cells, as well as both type I and II interferon (IFN), demonstrates that catfish likely mount a vigorous anti-viral immune response. In this report, we focus on other elements of the anti-viral response, and identify more than two dozen genes that are induced following treatment of catfish cells with poly [I:C]. We showed that poly [I:C] induced type I interferon within 2 h of treatment, and that characteristic interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) appeared 6–12 h after exposure. Among the ISGs detected by RT-PCR assay were homologs of ISG15, Mx1, IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1), inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 (IAP-1) and the chemokine CXCL10. Microarray analyses showed that 13 and 24 cellular genes, respectively, were upregulated in poly [I:C]-treated B cell and fibroblast cultures. Although many of these genes were novel and did not fit the profile of mammalian ISGs, there were several (ISG-15, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2G1, integrin-linked kinase, and clathrin-associated protein 47) that were identified as ISGs in mammalian systems. Taken together, these results suggest that dsRNA, either directly or through the prior induction of IFN, upregulates catfish gene products that function individually and/or collectively to inhibit virus replication.
Ab initioLCAO-MO-SCF calculation of the electrostatic molecular potential of chlorpromazine and promazine

The electrostatic potential V(r) arising from the ab initioLCAO-MO-SCF wave functions of chlorpromazine (CPZ) and promazine (PZ) has been calculated and discussed. In this approximation, the most probable sites of attack and reaction paths of electrophilic reagents are pointed out and compared. The analysis of V(r) shows that the phenothiazine group has strong nucleophilic properties which are influenced by the phenothiazine substituent and that the electrostatic reactivity of CPZ and PZ is decidedly different near the phenothiazine substituent and similar near the side chain N atom. The dependence of V(r) on the accuracy of the wave function has also been discussed by comparing some ab initio results on pyrrole, pyrazole, and imidazole obtained with a large basis set with an ab initio minimum basis set and with CNDO calculations.
Sterilization and long-term aging of medical-grade UHMWPE

Abstract Changes in the molecular structure of UHMWPE take place during the sterilization of implant components using ionizing irradiation. Irradiation in air reduces the molecular weight, which is important for the tribological behaviour by oxidation and produces accelerated aging of the polymer. The amount of this oxidation is dependent on the irradiation time and the absorbed dose. The use of a nitrogen atmosphere during irradiation and the subsequent storage results in less oxidation and therefore predominant cross-linking of the polyethylene occurs. The positive, ductile material properties of this polymer are maintained.
AUTOMATED LACTIC ACID DETERMINATION IN SERUM AND TISSUE EXTRACTS.

Abstract Methods for assay of lactic acid in tissue extracts or blood specimens through the use of the AutoAnalyzer have been developed. One of these is a direct automation of the color development of the Barker-Summerson procedure. The other involves the use of the enzyme lactic dehydrogenase coupled through diaphorase to the oxidoreduction dye 2-( p -iodophenyl)-3-( p -nitrophenyl)-5-phenyltetrazolium chloride. The colored formazan produced in this reaction is held in suspension through the use of the detergent Triton X-100 (alkyl phenoxypolyethoxyethanol) and is determined colorimetrically at 500 mμ. Forty specimens per hour can be assayed by this method. These methods have been applied to lactic acid assay in blood serum and tissue extracts.
Advances in automatic estimation and compensation of target kinematics for improved radar imaging

Three techniques for the motion compensation of wideband frequency-stepped signatures are compared. These approaches were developed with the intention of processing the signatures into focused range-Doppler images of moving targets. The approaches differ in three aspects: (1) the amount of Fourier processing; (2) the optimization process that yields the motion parameter estimates; and (3) the type of function utilized in the optimization process. Here, the emphasis is placed on the choice of a function that determines the motion parameters. The basic premise is that the function selected has a global minimum whose coordinates are the optimum estimates of the true motion parameters. In the first approach, the function is a measure of the entropy associated with the image. In the second approach, the function is a measure of the entropy associated with the range profile history from which the image is formed. In the third approach, the function is a measure of the rate of change of the target signature. A test case is offered to illustrate the properties of these functions. For this particular case, the performance of each motion compensation approach depends on the behavior of the corresponding function over a selected domain that includes the actual motion parameters of the target.
Effects of the electron energy distribution function on modeled x-ray spectra.

This paper presents the results of a broad investigation into the effects of the electron energy distribution function on the predictions of nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium collisional-radiative atomic kinetics models. The effects of non-Maxwellian and suprathermal ('hot') electron distributions on collisional rates (including three-body recombination) are studied. It is shown that most collisional rates are fairly insensitive to the functional form and the characteristic (central or average) energy of the electron distribution function as long as the characteristic energy is larger than the threshold energy for the collisional process. Collisional excitation and ionization rates are, however, highly sensitive to the number of hot electrons. This permits the development of robust spectroscopic diagnostics that can be used to characterize the electron density, bulk electron temperature, and hot electron fraction of plasmas with nonequilibrium electron distribution functions. Hot electrons are shown to increase and spread out plasma charge state distributions, amplify the intensities of emission lines fed by direct collisional excitation and radiative cascades, and alter the structure of satellite features in both K- and L-shell spectra. The characteristic energy, functional form, and spatial properties of hot electron distributions in plasmas are open to characterization through their effects on high-energy continuum and linemore » emission and on the polarization of spectral lines.« less
A Comprehensive Genetic Characterization of Bacterial Motility

We have developed a powerful experimental framework that combines competitive selection and microarray-based genetic footprinting to comprehensively reveal the genetic basis of bacterial behaviors. Application of this method to Escherichia coli motility identifies 95% of the known flagellar and chemotaxis genes, and reveals three dozen novel loci that, to varying degrees and through diverse mechanisms, affect motility. To probe the network context in which these genes function, we developed a method that uncovers genome-wide epistatic interactions through comprehensive analyses of double-mutant phenotypes. This allows us to place the novel genes within the context of signaling and regulatory networks, including the Rcs phosphorelay pathway and the cyclic di-GMP second-messenger system. This unifying framework enables sensitive and comprehensive genetic characterization of complex behaviors across the microbial biosphere.
A new technique for isolation of particulate lysosomal activity from canine and rat myocardium.

Abstract A systematic analysis of techniques for disruption and extraction of canine and rat myocardial tissue is presented that results in a preparative method giving enhanced yield and quality of lysosomes. Comparisons were made of different methods of mechanical disruption and of extraction buffers containing 0.25 m sucrose alone or with increasing concentrations (up to 0.6 m ) of potassium chloride. Differential centrifugation provided fractions that could be analysed for total activity, specific activity and percent free activity of acid hydrolases. Compared to results with the Sorvall Omnimixer, methods employing grinding with a pestle resulted in either low yields or low specific activities in the post-1000 g sedimentable fractions. Pretreatment with collagenase caused increased levels of free activity (low latency). When the Sorvall Omnimixer was used for disruption with buffer containing 0.25 m sucrose + 0.6 m KCl, more than 60% of total N -acetyl-β-glucosaminidase was obtained in post-1000 g sedimentable fractions. This was a tenfold increase in yield compared to results after use of 0.25 m sucrose alone; also, more than a twofold increase in specific activity was obtained. β-Glucuronidase, aryl sulphatase and acid protease fractionated similarly to N -acteyl-β-glucosaminidase, whereas marker enzymes for other organelles (cytochrome c oxidase and rotenone-insensitive NADH cytochrome c reductase) fractionated differently. Percent free activities of N -acetyl-β-glucosaminidase averaged 35% and 50% for canine and rat fractions, respectively. In vitro incubation of the tissue at 37°C prior to homogenization caused an increase in the amount of free activity in the fractions. This homogenization method using 0.6 m KCl is now being used in studies of the pathobiology of cardiac tissue damage and in assessment of interventions designed to reduce such damage.
Rotator cuff injuries and treatment

Rotator cuff problems are among the most commonly encountered disorders of the shoulder, and are commonly seen by primary care physicians. Their exact mechanism for susceptibility to injury remains unclear; however, with an understanding of the shoulder's anatomy and biomechanics, we are better able to treat the insults incurred on the cuff. Early recognition, proper treatment, and appropriate follow-up may expedite healing and prevent the occurrence of further injury or complications.
Fostering Self-Esteem in the Classroom

(1998). Fostering Self-Esteem in the Classroom. Journal of Health Education: Vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 322-325.
Interrogating genomes with combinatorial artificial transcription factor libraries: asking zinc finger questions.

Artificial transcription factors (ATFs) are proteins designed to specifically bind and regulate genes. Because of their DNA-binding selectivity and modular organization, arrays of zinc finger (ZF) domains have traditionally been used to build the ATF's DNA-binding domains. ATFs have been designed and constructed to regulate a variety of therapeutic targets. Recently, novel combinatorial technologies have been developed to induce expression of any gene of interest or to modify cellular phenotypes. Large repertoires of ATFs have been generated by recombination of all available sequence-specific ZF lexicons. These libraries comprise millions of ATFs with unique DNA-binding specificities. The ATFs are produced by combinatorial assembly of three- and six-ZF building blocks and are linked to activator or repressor domains. Upon delivery into a cell population, any gene in the human genome can potentially be regulated. ATF library members generate genome-wide, experimental perturbations of gene expression, resul...
Anomalous magnetic critical behavior observed in neutron scattering from HoSb and DySb

Abstract Neutron diffraction measurements on HoSb and DySb show an anomalously large intensty from magnetic critical scattering above a well-defined Neel point TN. The origin of this unusual critical behavior above TN is not understood at present, although it appears related to strong magnetoelastic coupling which for both systems results in a cubic-to-tetragonal lattice distortion at TN.