cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new haemoglobin variant exhibiting anomalous electrophoretic behaviour.

IN moving-boundary electrophoresis, cacodylate buffer, pH 6.5, µ0.1, the relative mobilities of the better-known haemoglobin variants are the same or only slightly different from those in paper electrophoresis, veronal buffer, pH 8.6, µ0.05. Owing to the fact that the two buffers are on the opposite sides of the isoelectric points of these types of haemoglobin, the order of migration is reversed; however, the relative mobilities of haemoglobin types A, S = D and C are identical under both conditions. The earliest instance of a type of haemoglobin exhibiting some discrepancy in behaviour in free electrophoresis as compared to paper electrophoresis is that of haemoglobin F; with the latter technique, the mobility of F is always slightly less than that of A, but with the former, F is indistinguishable from A. A somewhat greater difference occurs in the mobility of haemoglobin E, which, in veronal paper electrophoresis (pH 8.6), lies between S and C, but in free electrophoresis (cacodylate, pH 6.5) is slightly less than that of S (between S and A)1. Similarly, the mobility of haemoglobin G lies between F and S in paper electrophoresis at pH 8.6; but in free electrophoresis at pH 6.5 (cacodylate) G is inseparable from S 2.
Does the yield of prostate cancer biopsy and repeat biopsy justify the frequency of their use

Does the yield of prostate cancer biopsy and repeat biopsy justify the frequency of their use?
Quantification of day-to-day variability in growth hormone levels in acromegaly

Growth hormone (GH) measurements are routinely used for important treatment decisions in patients with acromegaly, yet their reliability is affected by numerous factors including assay precision and variability, sampling intensity, and hormone pulsatility. The day-to-day variation in GH in acromegaly has not been studied. This study quantified the magnitude of day-to-day GH variability in patients with acromegaly by performing an analysis of previously obtained plasma GH profiles. The analysis was performed at the Michigan Clinical Research Unit at the University of Michigan. A total of nine 48 h Q10 min GH profiles obtained in nine patients with active acromegaly were examined. The study was planned after data collection and analysis was conducted using Altman–Bland methods. Day 1 vs. Day 2 values were examined. 95% confidence intervals of the D2 vs. D1 ratios were calculated on all individual subject data as well as on a single 0800 h GH sample and composite mean data for 2-, 5-, 9-, and 24-h sampling protocols. Confidence interval range was 0.66–1.50 for the 0800 h sample and was similar for all sampling protocols except somewhat more narrow for the 24-h sampling (0.75–1.32). Daily variations in GH levels introduce an additional confounding element when using a single GH level or even daily GH curves to assess a patient’s GH milieu. It may have an impact on result interpretation and subsequent treatment decisions especially when GH results are considered borderline.
Quantile Processes in the Presence of Auxiliary Information

We employ the empirical likelihood method to propose a modified quantile process under a nonparametric model in which we have some auxiliary information about the population distribution. Furthermore, we propose a modified bootstrap method for estimating the sampling distribution of the modified quantile process. To explore the asymptotic behavior of the modified quantile process and to justify the bootstrapping of this process, we establish the weak convergence of the modified quantile process to a Gaussian process and the almost-sure weak convergence of the modified bootstrapped quantile process to the same Gaussian process. These results are demonstrated to be applicable, in the presence of auxiliary information, to the construction of asymptotic bootstrap confidence bands for the quantile function. Moreover, we consider estimating the population semi-interquartile range on the basis of the modified quantile process. Results from a simulation study assessing the finite-sample performance of the proposed semi-interquartile range estimator are included.
Corrected Sommerfeld-Wilson rule in geometric quantization

Abstract A systematic correction to the geometric quantum conditions of Bohr, Sommerfeld, Wilson, Einstein, and Brillouin is given, which provides the extra 1 2 for the harmonic oscillator without disturbing the values they give for the hydrogen atom.
Prosthetic management of children with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiency.

Background: There is substantial controversy concerning the prosthetic management of children with unilateral congenital below-elbow deficiency. The optimal age at the time of the initial fitting, the value of intensive prosthetic training, and the preferred prosthetic design for these children have
Epidemiologic characteristics and management of polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses.

Objective—To characterize onset and clinical signs of polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) in a welldefined population of affected Quarter Horses, identify risk factors for PSSM, determine compliance of owners to dietary and exercise recommendations, and evaluate the efficacy of dietary and exercise recommendations. Animals—40 Quarter Horses with PSSM and 37 unaffected control horses. Procedures—Owners of horses with PSSM completed a retrospective questionnaire concerning their horse's condition. Results—Between horses with PSSM and control horses, no significant differences were found in sex distribution (21 vs 15 females and 16 vs 22 males, respectively), temperament, muscle build, diet, or amount of turnout. In horses with PSSM, signs of muscle stiffness, muscle fasciculations, sweating, exercise intolerance, weakness, muscle wasting, reluctance to move, colic, abnormal gait, recumbency, lameness, and swollen muscles began between the age of 1 day and 14 years (mean age, 4.9 ± 3.5 years). Five horses...
Antibiotic selection in the treatment of endophthalmitis: The significance of drug combinations and synergy

Abstract Emerging resistance of organisms to standard antibiotic therapy has forced clinicians to continually evaluate the best intraocular antibiotics for the treatment of endophthalmitis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with intraocular antibiotics are important factors in the successful management of endophthalmitis. Although drug combinations are necessary to cover the full range of bacteria causing endophthalmitis, antimicrobial synergy is probably less important in endophthalmitis treatment because of the high intravitreal concentration of individual antibiotics achieved by intravitreal injection. In the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis, the combination of intravitreal vancomycin (1 mg/0.1 cc) and ceftazidime (2.25 mg/0.1 cc) is a reasonable alternative to the combination vancomycin and amikacin (0.4 mg/0.1 cc).
Calcium signaling in osteoclasts.

Abstract It has long been known that many bone diseases, including osteoporosis, involve abnormalities in osteoclastic bone resorption. As a result, there has been intense study of the mechanisms that regulate both the differentiation and bone resorbing function of osteoclast cells. Calcium (Ca2+) signaling appears to play a critical role in the differentiation and functions of osteoclasts. Cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations occur during RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis. Ca2+ oscillations provide a digital Ca2+ signal that induces osteoclasts to up-regulate and autoamplify nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1), a Ca2+/calcineurin-dependent master regulator of osteoclastogenesis. Here we review previous studies on Ca2+ signaling in osteoclasts as well as recent breakthroughs in understanding the basis of RANKL-induced Ca2+ oscillations, and we discuss possible molecular players in this specialized Ca2+ response that appears pivotal for normal bone function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: 11th European Symposium on Calcium.
On information flow security models

Prior work is discussed and positions are given on the following two questions: (1) What basis should be used to evaluate information flow security models? and (2) What should the scope of an information flow security model be? As part of the position on question (1), a reformulation of McLean's FM (1990) is given. >
Characteristics of Reactive Hyperemia in the Canine Intestine

The isolated ileum of the dog shows a characteristic hyperemia following brief periods of arterial occlusion. The magnitude of this reactive hyperemia depends more upon prolongation of flow related to duration of ischemia, than upon increases of maximal or peak blood flow. Repayment of flow deficit, by the added flow of reactive hyperemia, averaged only 35% in the intestine, far below that found by others in skeletal muscle and in the coronary circulation. Nevertheless, estimates of oxygen debt indicated that this debt was overpaid, even after five minutes of ischemia. A small but consistent increase in weight of the isolated segment was observed during the postocclusion phase. It was found that this weight increase was due largely to increase of the volume of blood in the ileum. The peak of the volume increment appeared slightly later than the peak of flow increase, and for this reason was ascribed to increase in volume of the capacity vessels. In an attempt to assess the respective roles of myogenic vs. metabolic mechanisms in causation of reactive hyperemia, arterial pressure was restored during occlusion by injecting dextran solution into the arterial segment. Pressures in excess of control values did not abolish the hyperemic response. It was concluded that the reactive hyperemia observed in the ileum was chiefly metabolic in origin.
The utility of the new generation of humanized mice to study HIV-1 infection: transmission, prevention, pathogenesis, and treatment

Substantial improvements have been made in recent years in the ability to engraft human cells and tissues into immunodeficient mice. The use of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) leads to multi-lineage human hematopoiesis accompanied by production of a variety of human immune cell types. Population of murine primary and secondary lymphoid organs with human cells occurs, and long-term engraftment has been achieved. Engrafted cells are capable of producing human innate and adaptive immune responses, making these models the most physiologically relevant humanized animal models to date. New models have been successfully infected by a variety of strains of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1), accompanied by virus replication in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs, including the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, the male and female reproductive tracts, and the brain. Multiple forms of virus-induced pathogenesis are present, and human T cell and antibody responses to HIV-1 are detected. These humanized mice are susceptible to a high rate of rectal and vaginal transmission of HIV-1 across an intact epithelium, indicating the potential to study vaccines and microbicides. Antiviral drugs, siRNAs, and hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy strategies have all been shown to be effective at reducing viral load and preventing or reversing helper T cell loss in humanized mice, indicating that they will serve as an important preclinical model to study new therapeutic modalities. HIV-1 has also been shown to evolve in response to selective pressures in humanized mice, thus showing that the model will be useful to study and/or predict viral evolution in response to drug or immune pressures. The purpose of this review is to summarize the findings reported to date on all new humanized mouse models (those transplanted with human HSCs) in regards to HIV-1 sexual transmission, pathogenesis, anti-HIV-1 immune responses, viral evolution, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, and gene therapeutic strategies.
ONTOGENETIC SCALING OF BURROWING FORCES IN THE EARTHWORM LUMBRICUS TERRESTRIS

In hydrostatic skeletons, it is the internal fluid under pressure surrounded by a body wall in tension (rather than a rigid lever) that enables the stiffening of the organism, the antagonism of muscles and the transmission of force from the muscles to the environment. This study examined the ontogenetic effects of body size on force production by an organism supported with a hydrostatic skeleton. The earthworm Lumbricus terrestris burrows by forcefully enlarging crevices in the soil. I built a force-measuring apparatus that measured the radial forces as earthworms of different sizes crawled through and enlarged pre-formed soil burrows. I also built an apparatus that measured the radial and axial forces as earthworms of different sizes attempted to elongate a dead-end burrow. Earthworms ranging in body mass m(b) from hatchlings (0.012 g) to adults (8.9 g) exerted maximum forces (F, in N) during active radial expansion of their burrows (F=0.32 m(b)(0.43)) and comparable forces during axial elongation of the burrow (F=0.26 m(b)(0.47)). Both these forces were almost an order of magnitude greater than the radial anchoring forces during normal peristalsis within burrows (F=0.04 m(b)(0.45)). All radial and axial forces scaled as body mass raised to the 2/5 power rather than to the 2/3 power expected by geometric similarity, indicating that large worms exert greater forces than small worms on an absolute scale, but the difference was less than predicted by scaling considerations. When forces were normalized by body weight, hatchlings could push 500 times their own body weight, while large adults could push only 10 times their own body weight.
Periodic rewetting enhances the viability of chondrocytes in human articular cartilage exposed to air

Desiccation of articular cartilage during surgery is often unavoidable and may result in the death of chondrocytes, with subsequent joint degeneration. This study was undertaken to determine the extent of chondrocyte death caused by exposure to air and to ascertain whether regular rewetting of cartilage could decrease cell death. Macroscopically normal human cartilage was exposed to air for 0, 30, 60 or 120 minutes. Selected samples were wetted in lactated Ringer’s solution for ten seconds every ten or 20 minutes. The viability of chondrocytes was measured after three days by Live/Dead staining. Chondrocyte death correlated with the length of exposure to air and the depth of the cartilage. Drying for 120 minutes caused extensive cell death mainly in the superficial 500 μm of cartilage. Rewetting every ten or 20 minutes significantly decreased cell death. The superficial zone is most susceptible to desiccation. Loss of superficial chondrocytes likely decreases the production of essential lubricating glycoproteins and contributes to subsequent degeneration. Frequent wetting of cartilage during arthrotomy is therefore essential.
Systems with infinite-dimensional state space: The Hilbert space approach

The control of infinite-dimensional systems has received much attention from engineers and even mathematicians. Realizability although first considered in [4] has been ignored until recently. Ironically enough while state-space systems theory was developing in the early 1960's a mathematical study of scattering and of non-self-adjoint operators produced a parallel theory which was infinite dimensional from the beginning. When the close relationship between the two subjects became known time invariant infinite-dimensional systems theory advanced quickly and at a general level it now seems reasonably complete. This paper describes the connection between mathematical scattering and systems. It then gives a thorough treatment of infinite-dimensional time invariant continuous time systems. The last section lists recent scattering results which might be of engineering interest.
Single Cycle Nonlinear VLSI Cell for the ICA Algorithm

This work is motivated by the desire to map the independent component analysis (ICA) technique to a coarse-grain parallel-processing chip architecture. As in many other advanced DSP algorithms, the computation of nonlinear functions is critical in this algorithm. We discuss an efficient hardware approach to the computation of such functions for the ICA, some of which are compound and concatenated functions. All of the needed functions are regularized into a single efficient algorithm, and a new result is produced every cycle - in a pipelined mode - even for a different function every cycle. The underlying principle which makes the combined goals of high-speed and multi-functionality possible is significance-based polynomial interpolation of ROM tables. Very importantly, the paper uses a key formula for predicting and bounding the worst case arithmetic error. This theoretical result enables the designer to quickly select the architectural parameters without the expensive simulations, while guaranteeing the desired accuracy
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2 Phosphorylation and Translational Control in Metabolism

Regulation of mRNA translation is a rapid and effective means to couple changes in the cellular environment with global rates of protein synthesis. In response to stresses, such as nutrient deprivation and accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, phosphorylation of the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α~P) reduces general translation initiation while facilitating the preferential translation of select transcripts, such as that encoding activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), a transcriptional activator of genes subject to the integrated stress response (ISR). In this review, we highlight the translational control processes regulated by nutritional stress, with an emphasis on the events triggered by eIF2α~P, and describe the family of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 kinases and the mechanisms by which each sense different stresses. We then address 3 questions. First, what are the mechanisms by which eIF2α~P confers preferential translation on select mRNA and what are the consequences of the gene expression induced by the ISR? Second, what are the molecular processes by which certain stresses can differentially activate eIF2α~P and ATF4 expression? The third question we address is what are the modes of cross-regulation between the ISR and other stress response pathways, such as the unfolded protein response and mammalian target of rapamycin, and how do these regulatory schemes provide for gene expression programs that are tailored for specific stresses? This review highlights recent advances in each of these areas of research, emphasizing how eIF2α~P and the ISR can affect metabolic health and disease.
Effect of a high fat, fructose and casein diet on diabetic cataracts.

SummaryA diet consisting of 50% fructose, 25% corn oil and 25% casein and fortified with vitamins and minerals was fed to diabetic rats with blood sugar levels over 350 mg per 100 cc of blood. On this diet the blood sugar was maintained at a high level, cataracts were prevented and growth rate accelerated. The beneficial effects of this diet suggest that cataracts and the failure in growth of diabetic rats are the result of a deficit of energy resulting from inadequate glucose utilization in the absence of insulin.
THE PARTIAL MOLAL VOLUMES OF IONS IN SEAWATER1

The partial molal volumes of ions in 35.1‰ salinity seawater, V*0(ion)sw, have been examined by a simple model for ion-solvent interactions. The volume of transfer of an ion from water to seawater (ml/mol) can be represented by the equation, ΔV*0(trans) = aZ2/r + b. The V*0 of other ions in seawater have been estimated using this semiempirical equation. The effects of temperature and salinity on V*0(ions) are discussed and shown to be predictable by the proposed model.
Traditional healing and its discontents: efficacy and traditional therapies of neuropsychiatric disorders in Bali.

In a discussion of patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and/or Tourettes's Syndrome (TS), in Bali, Indonesia, traditional healing and psychiatric perspectives are used to highlight the power and weakness of each to treat these conditions. Given they are drawn from the same culture, should not indigenous explanatory models provide meaning and be more efficacious at relieving the suffering of people with OCD and TS-like symptoms? What if they provide an understandable meaning for patients but these meanings have no efficacy? Ethnographic data on Balinese models for illness are presented. Multiple data sources were used to frame the complex Balinese traditional healing systems. Forty patients were interviewed regarding their utilization of traditional healers, and healers were observed treating patients and interviewed regarding their treatment regimens and explanatory models. Traditional explanatory models for illness provide an understandable and integrated system of meaning for these disorders but are not successful in relieving symptomatology. Neurobiological approaches, traditional healing, and ethnographic methods are compared and contrasted to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each in relation to issues of exegesis and efficacy, [obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, traditional healing, Indonesia]
CHARACTERIZATION AND LOCALIZATION OF ACID HYDROLASE ACTIVITY IN THE SYNAPTOSOMAL FRACTION FROM RAT CEREBRAL CORTEX

Synaptosomes were prepared from the cerebral cortex of adult rats by a rapid technique of centrifugation in a Ficoll-sucrose discontinuous gradient. The synaptosomal fraction contained 40 per cent of the total gradient activity of acid α-naphthyl phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2). Quantitative electron microscopy of this fraction revealed rare, typical, extrasynaptosomal dense body lysosomes. pH-activity profiles of free and Triton X-100 (total) activities were prepared for α-naphthyl phosphatase, β-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31), β-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23), arylsulfatase (EC 3.1.6.1) and N-acetylglucosaminidase (EC 3.2.1.30). The ratios of total to free activity varied in the order: arylsulfatase > β-galactosidase > β-glucuronidase > N-acetylglucosaminidase > acid phosphohydrolase. Incubation of synaptosomal fractions at pH 5 and 37°C produced significant activation of β-galactosidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase but no activation of cryptic lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27). Hyposmotic suspension and subfractionation of the synaptosomal fraction produced considerable solubilization of lactate dehydrogenase, arylsulfatase and β-galactosidase but only partial liberation of α-naphthyl phosphatase, the remainder being associated with synaptosomal membrane fragments. Incomplete equilibrium sedimentation of synaptosomes in a continuous sucrose gradient (0·55-1·5 M) provided a broad lactate dehydrogenase and Na + K ATPase (EC 3.6.1.4) peak (peak I) at low sucrose densities. β-Glucuronidase, β-glucosidase and α-naphthyl phosphatase were significantly present in peak I. Conversely, N-acetylglucosaminidase, arylsulphatase and β-galactosidase were predominantly located in denser particles sedimenting through 1·2 M sucrose (peak II). Electron microscopy confirmed the heterogeneity of this second peak and the presence of numerous extrasynapto-somal dense body lysosomes.
Helical Disposition of Proteins and Lipopolysaccharide in the Outer Membrane of Escherichia coli

In bacteria, several physiological processes once thought to be the products of uniformly dispersed reactions are now known to be highly asymmetric, with some exhibiting interesting geometric localizations. In particular, the cell envelope of Escherichia coli displays a form of subcellular differentiation in which peptidoglycan and outer membrane proteins at the cell poles remain stable for generations while material in the lateral walls is diluted by growth and turnover. To determine if material in the side walls was organized in any way, we labeled outer membrane proteins with succinimidyl ester-linked fluorescent dyes and then grew the stained cells in the absence of dye. Labeled proteins were not evenly dispersed in the envelope but instead appeared as helical ribbons that wrapped around the outside of the cell. By staining the O8 surface antigen of E. coli 2443 with a fluorescent derivative of concanavalin A, we observed a similar helical organization for the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) component of the outer membrane. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching indicated that some of the outer membrane proteins remained freely diffusible in the side walls and could also diffuse into polar domains. On the other hand, the LPS O antigen was virtually immobile. Thus, the outer membrane of E. coli has a defined in vivo organization in which a subfraction of proteins and LPS are embedded in stable domains at the poles and along one or more helical ribbons that span the length of this gram-negative rod.
Multi-modal built-in self-test for symmetric microsystems

A mathematical model analyzing the efficacy of a built-in self-test technique, applicable to any symmetrical MEMS microstructure, is developed. The model predicts that the BIST technique can also be used to characterize a wide range of local manufacturing variations affecting different regions of the device. Model predictions have been validated by simulation. Specifically, it has been shown that by using a suitable modulation scheme, sensitivity to linear etch variation along a particular direction is improved by nearly 30%.
Deformation induced by polar motion

Variations in the geocentric position of the earth's rotation axis (polar motion) cause deformation within the earth. The effects of this deformation on radial and horizontal positions of points on the earth's surface, on baseline lengths between those points, and on surface gravity are estimated. The effects of the oceans and of the earth's anelasticity on this deformation are found to be negligible. Peak-to-peak variations in radial motion are typically 10-20 mm over a year. Horizontal displacements are less than 7-8 mm. Variations in baseline length can be as large as 30-40 mm. Variations of up to 13 microgal in surface gravity are possible. These numbers are all small enough that they can probably not be used to learn about the earth. However, they are large enough to affect noticeably present high-quality geodetic observations.
Travel Agent Perceptions And Responses In A Deregulated Travel Environment

The rippling effects of ailine deregulation and deregulation of ticket sales continue to affect travelagents. Propositions regarding these effects are considered and then compared to the findings of a survey of travel agents. Results show industry changes and how agents view methods of competing effectively.
Clinical activity of tipifarnib in hematologic malignancies

Farnesyltransferase inhibitors are a novel class of anticancer agents that competitively inhibit farnesyltransferase. Initially developed to inhibit the farnesylation that is necessary for Ras activation, their mechanism of action seems to be more complex, involving other proteins unrelated to Ras. Of the four classes of farnesyltransferase inhibitors, at least three agents have been investigated in hematologic malignancies. Tipifarnib (R-115777), an orally administered non-peptidomimetic farnesyltransferase inhibitor, has shown promising clinical activity. Preliminary results from clinical trials demonstrate enzyme target inhibition, an acceptable toxicity profile and promising evidence of clinical activity. Ongoing studies will better determine the mechanism of action of tipifarnib and the role of combination with other agents, defining its place in the therapeutic arsenal of hematologic disorders.
The relationship among swimming performance, courtship behavior, and carotenoid pigmentation of guppies in four rivers of Trinidad

In the laboratory, courtship behavior and carotenoid pigmentation of male guppies are condition-dependent traits, since their expression is affected by physical vigor and environmental factors such as water velocity and diet. Whether these relationships exist in guppies under field conditions is yet to be determined. We compared the swimming performance, courtship behavior, and carotenoid pigmentation of guppies from headwater and downstream localities in four rivers of Trinidad. Swimming performance and courtship behavior of males differed among rivers and between headwater and downstream sites. Guppies from headwater sites swam significantly faster and had higher display rates than those from downstream sites. Mean swimming performance across sites was positively correlated with mean water velocity, but was correlated with the number of orange color spots (carotenoid pigment) in only one river. These results indicate that the courtship behavior of Trinidadian guppies is condition-dependent because the amount of display behavior is positively correlated to swimming performance, a measure of physical endurance. The proximal cause for this condition-dependence may be predator induced variation in microhabitat use by guppies in headwater and downstream locations.
Teaching politics: Intellectual work and institutional critique

THE POLITICAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CRITIC. By Jim Merod. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1987; pp. xi‐267; $27.50; paper, $8.95. PROFESSING LITERATURE: AN INSTITUTIONAL HISTORY. By Gerald Graff. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1987; pp. 1–315; $24.95; paper, $11.95.
Uncertainty measures for interval type-2 fuzzy sets

Fuzziness (entropy) is a commonly used measure of uncertainty for type-1 fuzzy sets. For interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2 FSs), centroid, cardinality, fuzziness, variance and skewness are all measures of uncertainties. The centroid of an IT2 FS has been defined by Karnik and Mendel. In this paper, the other four concepts are defined. All definitions use a Representation Theorem for IT2 FSs. Formulas for computing the cardinality, fuzziness, variance and skewness of an IT2 FS are derived. These definitions should be useful in IT2 fuzzy logic systems design using the principles of uncertainty, and in measuring the similarity between two IT2 FSs.
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Interventions for the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that successful treatment of overweight and obesity in adults requires adoption and maintenance of lifestyle behaviors contributing to both dietary intake and physical activity. These behaviors are influenced by many factors; therefore, interventions incorporating more than one level of the socioecological model and addressing several key factors in each level may be more successful than interventions targeting any one level and factor alone. Registered dietitian nutritionists, as part of a multidisciplinary team, need to be current and skilled in weight management to effectively assist and lead efforts that can reduce the obesity epidemic. Using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Evidence Analysis Process and Evidence Analysis Library, this position paper presents the current data and recommendations for the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Evidence on intrapersonal influences, such as dietary approaches, lifestyle intervention, pharmacotherapy, and surgery, is provided. Factors related to treatment, such as intensity of treatment and technology, are reviewed. Community-level interventions that strengthen existing community assets and capacity and public policy to create environments that support healthy energy balance behaviors are also discussed.
Accuracy of Diagnosing PDA, Neuroendocrine Tumors, and IPMN by EUS-FNA at a Single Institution

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of diagnostic accuracy for EUS-FNA in evaluating pancreatic lesions, particularly Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma( PDAC), neuroendocrine tumors, and IPMN at our institution using surgical pathological review as the gold standard. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review using the Clinical Cancer Research Database at Huntsman Cancer Institute. We included all cases in which pancreatic lesions were evaluated by EUS-FNA and a subsequent surgical resection was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predicative value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined for PDAC, neuroendocrine tumors, and IPMN by comparing pathological diagnosis at EUS-FNA to diagnoses following surgery. Results: Detection of PDAC by FNA-EUS yielded 87.9% (80.1-93.4 95% CI) sensitivity, 80% (72-86) specificity, 78% (70-85) PPV, and 89% (82-94) NPV. Detection of neuroendocrine tumors by FNA-EUS yielded 66% (47-87) sensitivity, 100% (97-100) specificity, 94% (71-99) PPV, and 97% (94-99) NPV. Detection of IPMN by FNA-EUS yielded 59% (43-74) sensitivity, 100% (98-100) specificity, 100% (87-100) PPV, and 89% (93-99) NPV. Conclusions: Our findings are largely consistent with the current literature, confirming there is discernible potential for inappropriate treatment of patients based purely on EUS-FNA evaluation. Both accuracy and clarity of positive tests with EUS-FNA worsened for mucinous pancreatic lesions compared to solid pancreatic lesions. Limitations of this study are the appraisal at a single institution and the necessity to evaluate only cases that ultimately had surgical resection of the pancreatic lesion.
Terahertz Spectroscopy of Superconducting Thin Film Ba0.6K0.4BiO3

The complex conductivity of a Ba0.6K0.4BiO3 thin- film superconductor has been measured using terahertz- radiation spectroscopy. A BCS-like energy gap and a peak in the real part of the conductivity have been directly obtained without the need for Kramers-Kronig analysis.
Impact of Ocean Wave Height on L-band Passive and Active Microwave Observation of Sea Surfaces

The impact of ocean waves on L-band brightness temperatures and backscatter from the ocean surface was analyzed using Aquarius data. Matchups of Aquarius data with significant wave height (SWH) from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) WaveWatch3 reanalysis and the ocean surface wind are generated. We perform the analysis using two different wind speed products: special sensor microwave imager/sounder (SSMI/S) and National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) operational data. Interestingly, the influence of SWH manifests itself differently for these two wind speed products. Conditionally, averaged normalized radar cross-section ( ${\sigma _0}$ ) and brightness temperatures ( ${\text{T}}_{\text{B}}$ ) by NCEP wind speed show strong influence by SWH over the entire range of NCEP wind speeds with a larger impact at lower wind speeds. However, performing the same analysis conditioned on the SSMI/S wind speed, the conclusion becomes entirely different: the SWH effects appear small at low wind speeds ( ${ ) and increase with increasing wind speed. The apparent contradiction is a result of the differing characteristics of NCEP and SSMI/S wind speeds. NCEP wind is an atmospheric model estimate of surface wind velocity, whereas the SSMI/S wind is a microwave remote sensing product, representing the characteristics of sea surface roughness. The impact of SWH needs to be considered when the SSMI/S wind speed is assimilated into the numerical weather prediction models, such as the NCEP.
Malathion as a Protectant Against Storage Insects of Inshell Walnuts

Malathion sprays protected stored inshell walnuts for 8–12 months from damage by the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the confused flour beetle, T. confusum Jacquelin duVal, the sawtoothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), and the merchant grain beetle, O. mercator (Fauvel). Residues of the highest dose, 29.6 ppm, averaged 3.5 ppm after 12 months. Movement of malathion from the shells into the nutmeats was slow, and residues of the material in the nutmeats never exceeded 1.1 ppm. Taste panels found no significant difference in odor or flavor between treated and untreated walnuts.
What Ails the Church

I remember a certain country church in a Western State as it was about forty years ago. It was a plain, wooden structure with uncushioned seats, uncarpeted floors, and with plain glass windows through which the farmers could keep an eye on their horses, hitched to the racks outside. The men and boys sat on one side of the central aisle, while the women and girls sat on the other, and there were about as many on one side as on the other. The congregation was made up mostly of farmers and their families, who came to church in farm wagons, drawn by work horses. The father and mother in each case usually sat on the spring seat, while the children and the hired men sat on seat-boards, sometimes indulging in the luxury of a cushion made by folding a quilt. Within the church the elderly men sat in the “Amen corner,” and the elderly women sat in the opposite corner. The small boys, for some reason which I did not then understand, sat with their fathers instead of with other boys of their own age.
Self-Service Customer Service Models in Libraries

ABSTRACTThe intent of this research study is to analyze and evaluate the transition to a self-service customer service model with the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL). The study uses customer satisfaction surveys with questions specifically aimed at the various self-service service points BCPL offers to its customers. The methodology also includes several interviews with managers and directors to gain more in-depth information about how the transition affected the whole library system, its policies and procedures, and staffing. The results of this study are intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of using a self-service model in a public library.
A 7-year epidemiologic study of group A streptococcus among school-age children in Guangzhou

Objectives To investigate the epidemiologic features of infections with group A streptococci(GAS) among school-age children in Guangzhou. Methods From September 1988 to August 1994,and in October 2005,total 1907 school-age children were selected by cluster randomized method,about 200 school-age children(49% were male)per year from Guangzhou countryside and city respectively. The mean age was 10.7 years(range 8-13 years). During the investigation period,throat swab cultures for GAS(17 819 throat cultures)were taken monthly,and serum anti-DNAse B titers(5854 serum anti-DNAse B titers)were determined every three months for each participant. Results (1)The annual incidence of GAS throat carrier was higher in countryside than that in city,18.2% in countryside and 14.6% in city. The annual incidence of GAS throat infection was 34.1% in countryside and 32.1% in city. Both of the incidences of GAS throat carrier and GAS throat infection were higher in autumn,winter and spring,when compared with that in summer. (2)During the investigation period,both of the incidences of GAS throat carrier and GAS throat infection had showed a marked downtrend in countryside,while there was a slow uptrend in city. Before 1992,both of the incidences of GAS throat carrier and GAS throat infection were higher in countryside than that in city. However,after 1992,they were lower in countryside than that in city,except in 1993 -1994,when there were no significant difference between that in countryside and city. (3)Among the children whose GAS culture was positive,only 6.9% of them had typical symptoms, 10.7% had atypical symptoms,and more than 82% were asymptomatic. (4)Nearly 50% of the children were positive of GAS culture in one year, and the multi-positive was very common in one year. 35% of the children were positive more than two times,26% more than three times,and a few successive in twelve months. (5)During the investigation period,the dominant prevalent strains of GAS were T6,4,1,11,8/25/IMP19 and 5/25/44 in school-age children. There were a significant difference in countryside and in city,and also distribution of T type of the dominant GAS strains had a signi-ficant difference in different years. Conclusions GAS infections are very common among school-age children in Guangzhou. The key to prevent GAS throat infections is to diagnose and treat group A streptococcus pharyngitis promptly,to enhance the healthcare,and to improve the living environments.
The Event-handling Pattern in Data Disaster Tolerant System

Data disaster tolerant system should guarantee the availability of the data to the largest degree after all kinds of possible events.Because of the diversity and complexity of the real world,the way that the system handles various events is extremely complicated.To achieve the correctness and completeness of the event-handling strategies,the system adopts a kind of mechanism based on state-based machine to deal with the events,which can also make sure that different event-handling strategies are independent and commutative.
The effects of budesonide on the expressions of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways in asthmatic mice

Objective To investigate the expressions of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and the effects of budesonide on it in asthmatic mice.Methods Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups,asthmatic model group(group A),therapeutic control group(group B),budesonide treated group(group C),control group(group D).In group A,mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin(OVA) to establish asthmatic model.The sensitive and challenge methods were the same as the asthmatic model,but there was a intervention of aerosolized NS or BUD before an hour of challenge in group B and C respectively.Eosinophils infiltration,mucus secretion and collagen hyperplsia of bronchial tract were observed by HE,PAS and VG stains.The expressions of TGF-β,TGF-β typeⅠand typeⅡreceptor,Smad 2/3,Smad 4 and Smad 7 were measured by immunochemistry and computerized image analysis system.Results The more eosinophils infiltration,the more mucus hyper-secretion and collagen hyperplsia in bronchial tract of asthmatic mice were observed IOD in group A,B,C and D for TGF-β expression were 108.38 ± 15.47,123.17 ± 26.07,117.75 ± 19.75 and 7.88 ± 2.07 respectively,the expressions of group A,B and C were higher than that of group D;TGF-β type Ⅰ receptor were 231.09 ± 37.80,276.87 ± 50.65,124.40 ± 26.75 and 14.99 ± 4.48 respectively,which exhibit the same trend as TGF-β expressions,but there were significant differences between group A and group C.TGF-β type Ⅱ receptor were 200.55 ± 26.49,150.32 ± 31.05,193.72 ± 34.17 and 243.08 ± 54.32 respectively.There were no differences in 4 groups;Smad 2/3 were 206.63 ± 36.19,202.24 ± 28.79,138.87 ± 14.11 and 24.64 ± 6.36 respectively.The expressions of group A,B and C were higher than that of group D.Smad 4 were 129.50 ± 21.51,140.48 ± 19.31,118.70 ± 22.96 and 22.77 ± 4.86.The results were the same as Smad 2/3 expressions.Smad 7 were 19.21 ± 4.65,17.04 ± 6.48,123.95 ± 15.26 and 157.22 ± 21.35 respectively.The expressions of group A and B were obviously lower than that of group C and D,and there were no differences between group C and group D.Conclusions Inhaled budesonide can not inhabit the expressions of TGF-β,TGF-β type Ⅱ receptor,Smad 2/3 and Smad 4 in bronchial tract of asthmatic mice.But it inhibits TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and then inhibits TGF-β-induced airway remodeling through down regulation of TGF-β typeⅠreceptor expression and up regulation of Smad 7 expression in asthmatic mice.
Semiconductor laser-diode-pumped solid-state lasers: status and future

Semiconductor laser diode pumping of solid-state lasers is an idea whose time has come. Early experiments in the 1960s proved the scientific feasibility of diode pumping, but the cryogenically cooled, relatively low-efficiency diodes of the day precluded demonstration of the high-efficiency, power, compactness, and operating life that the concept promises. Since then, the room-temperature efficiency, power, diode packing density, and life of AlGaAs laser diodes have increased spectacularly,1 largely due to the introduction of MOCVD wafer scale processing of single- and multiple-quantum-well diode structures: single-100-μm-wide-stripe laser diodes can produce >3-W cw and >8-W quasi-cw (150-μs pulse); centimeter long linear (bar) diode arrays can produce >13-W cw and >130-W quasi-cw; 2-D arrays of stacked bars can produce >3.3-kW/cm2 quasi-cw; high-power diodes are now approaching2 wall plug efficiencies of 60%. The recent availability of such high-performance laser diodes and arrays has enabled significant progress toward the full realization of the original vision.
Analysis of Instinctive Drift, II: The Development and Control of Species-Specific Responses in Appetitive Conditioning

In the first experiment, albino rats were studied under gradually increasing and decreasing fixed-ratio schedules of food reinforcement. All of the rats maintained either a one- or two-pawed lever press throughout the experiment, and they all showed a direct relationship between ratio size and the duration of the postreinforcement pause. In Experiment 2, Mongolian gerbils were studied under relatively prolonged and unchanging fixed ratio requirements. Almost all of the gerbils showed changes in response topography from the two-pawed press, which had been shaped initially, to species-specific responses in the form of scratching and biting of the lever and scratching of the test chamber wall. The changes in response topography were unrelated to changes in schedule requirement. Experiment 3 studied the development of response topographies in gerbils under increasing fixed-ratio schedules, when no shaping technique was employed. All of the gerbils developed consistent responding within several sessions, and scratching and biting of the lever quickly emerged as the predominant response topography. Experiment 4 studied responding in gerbils with changes from fixed ratio to differential reinforcement at low rate (DRL) schedules. Again, scratching and biting of the lever was displayed by all of the gerbils, but the distribution of these responses in time was effectively controlled by the DRL schedule. The major effect noted was that under the fixed-ratio schedules the gerbils scratched and bit the lever, which produced high rates of response, while under the DRL schedules, they scratched and bit the chamber wall and floor grids adjacent to the lever, which resulted in low rates of response. These findings are evaluated in the context of instinctive behaviors which com-pete with, and sometimes replace, conditioned responses.