cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure and performance of filter media. I. The internal structure of filter media

The internal structure of various types of filter media and the nature of fluid flow through them are examined. Methods of characterizing the internal pore structure of filter media are reviewed, and the permeability, bubble-pressure, and mercury-intrusion methods are applied to ten typical media, with resulting values of average and maximum pore radius and pore-size distribution being reported. These data on internal pore structure are related to the construction variables characteristic of the media examined, in particular the effect of yarn construction, yarn twist, fabric weave, and fabric finish on textile-type filter media.
Relationships of leaf diffusion resistance of Populus clones to leaf water potential and environment.

Leaf diffusion resistance (r1) of the upper and lower leaf surfaces of several Populus clones was related to leaf water potential (ψ1), light intensity, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and temperature by intrinsicallylinear, logarithmic multiple regression analyses. Regression equations accounted for up to 80% of variation in r1 data. Light intensity and VPD varied among clones in importance in influencing r1. Pronounced sensitivity of r1 of certain clones to VPD was related to drought resistance in their parentage. Increasing r1 was significantly positively correlated with ψ1, in apparent contradiction to prevailing concepts of stomatal response to water status, and this relationship was probably attributable to effects of other environmental variables on ψ1 and r1. Leaf resistance decreased after a storm characterized by winds in excess of 160 km·h-1. Cuticular disruption and altered stomatal response may have been responsible for the storminduced r1 decrease.
EFFECTS OF GRADES AND OTHER LOADS ON ON-ROAD EMISSIONS OF HYDROCARBONS AND CARBON MONOXIDE

ABSTRACT This project was developed to assess driving patterns that promote high emissions episodes, also known as emission excursions, particularly while driving on roads with grade. An instrumented vehicle was equipped to record driving conditions such as speed and grade, as well as measure emission rates of total hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Controlled runs with predetermined cruise speeds between 35 and 55 mph and accelerations less than 3.3 mph/second were conducted on flat terrain and on hills with grades ranging from 0 to 7%. The hills were located in metropolitan Los Angeles, both along freeways and arterial roads. For hydrocarbons, the increase in emissions was about 0.04 g/mile for each 1% grade increment. For carbon monoxide (CO), the increase was more dramatic: 3.0 g/mile for each 1% grade increment. For a fully occupied vehicle with four passengers on a 4.5% grade, emissions increased by 0.07 g/mile for hydrocarbons and 10.2 g/mile for CO. Air conditioning operation, at full setting, fur...
The ongoing march toward digital government

Despite occasional setbacks, digital government (or e-government) projects now appear firmly on the road to fulfilling their promise of making civil and political processes more accessible than ever.
Molecular alignment using coherent resonant excitation: A new proposal for stereodynamic control of chemical reactions.

For the mode-selective control of chemical reaction, we present a new approach of molecular alignment using coherent resonant interaction with low intensity midinfrared optical pulses. Under coherent excitation, the alignment of vibrationally excited molecules becomes a function of the optical pulse area. Depending on the type of transition, with certain values of the pulse areas, a narrow group of magnetic substates are selectively excited, which results in aligning the rotational axis of the molecular ensemble. It is shown that for a P-type transition, significant alignment in the excited vibrational state can be realized using a resonant midinfrared pulse of area ≈2π. Under the steady state excitation (pulse duration longer than the vibrational relaxation time), the molecular alignment is destroyed due to saturation. We design a polarization spectroscopy experiment to coherently excite and probe the molecular alignment in real time.
The incorporation of ribonucleotides into terminal positions of deoxyribonucleic acid.

Abstract A DNA-rich preparation from calf-thymus nuclei has been shown to catalyze the incorporation of ribonucleoside triphosphates into DNA. All four ribonucleoside triphosphates can serve as precursors in the reaction, with the following order of activity: GTP > CTP > ATP > UTP. The incorporated ribonucleotide forms the nucleoside terminus of the DNA chain to which it is attached. The addition of the complementary ribonucleoside or deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates does not stimulate incorporation of the labeled precursor. The presence of DNA polymerase which has also been demonstrated to occur in this enzyme fraction does not appear to influence the reaction.
Characterization of the Growth of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers Formed at Interfaces between Aqueous Phases and Thermotropic Liquid Crystals

Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) formed at interfaces between aqueous solutions and thermotropic (water-immiscible) liquid crystals (LCs) offer the basis of a new method to tailor the nanometer-scale structure and chemical functionality of these interfaces. Toward this end, we report a study that compares the growth of PEMs formed at mobile and deformable interfaces defined by LCs relative to growth observed at model (rigid) solid surfaces. Experiments aimed at determining if polyelectrolytes such as poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) can partition from the aqueous phase into the bulk of the LC yielded no evidence of such partitioning. Whereas measurements of the growth of PEMs formed from poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and PSS at the aqueous-LC interface revealed growth characteristics similar to those measured at both hydrophobic and hydrophilic interfaces of solids, the growth of PEMs from PAH and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) at the aqueous-LC interface was found to differ substantially from the solids investigated: (i) the linear growth of PEMs of PAH/PAA that was measured at the aqueous-LC interface under conditions that did not lead to the growth of PEMs at the interface of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)-treated glass (a hydrophobic solid surface), and (ii) in comparison to the growth of PEMs of PAH/PAA at the surface of glass (a hydrophilic charged surface), a higher rate of growth was observed at the aqueous-LC interface. The finding that the growth rate of PEMs of PAH/PAA at aqueous-LC interfaces is greater than on solid surfaces is supported by additional measurements of growth as a function of pH. Finally, the pH-triggered reorganization of PAH/PAA PEMs supported at the aqueous-LC interface led to changes in the order and optical properties of the LC. These data are discussed in light of the nature of aqueous-LC interfaces, including the mobility and deformability of the interface and recent measurements of the zeta-potentials of aqueous-LC interfaces.
Molecular characterization of the rat NK cell receptor 2B4

Abstract 2B4 (CD244) is a cell surface glycoprotein of the immunoglobulin superfamily involved in the regulation of natural killer and T lymphocyte function. It is the high affinity counter-receptor for CD48. In mouse and human NK cells, crosslinking of 2B4 with a specific monoclonal antibody or with CD48 can trigger cell-mediated cytotoxicity, IFN-γ secretion, phosphoinositol turnover and NK cell invasiveness. Recent reports of defective 2B4 signaling and NK cell function in X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome suggest that this may contribute to the progression of this human disease. Here we describe the molecular characterization of the rat 2B4 gene. The cDNA encodes a protein of 395 amino acid residues that contain two Ig domains in the extracellular region and three unique tyrosine motifs (TxYxxV/I/A) in the cytoplasmic region. The predicted protein has 81 and 68% similarity with mouse 2B4 and human 2B4, respectively. Additionally, it has 94 and 89% similarity at the protein level with the recently reported rat 2B4 related genes, r2B4R-tm and r2B4R-se respectively. Northern blot analysis indicated the presence of multiple transcripts in rat LAK cells and RNK-16 cells. Immunoprecipitation and deglycosylation studies showed that rat 2B4 is glycosylated to similar extent as that of mouse and human 2B4. The cloning of r2B4 in the light of the availability of rat NK cell lines should facilitate in vitro and in vivo experiments to decipher the functional role of 2B4 in NK cell biology.
Expert Fault-Diagnosis Under Human-Reporting Bias

An important class of problems is the application of expert systems to fault diagnosis where sensors are reporting symptoms and the expert system uses these in a Bayes or modified Bayes mode as evidence to help compute the posterior estimate of the source and/or nature of the fault. One of the complaints of the expert-system developer-community is that Bayes formula can rarely be applied in pure form due to lack of data from which to compute the priors and likelihood ratio elements; less defensible evidential reasoning models are becoming prevalent. For some applications, sufficiently large pools of such data do exist; however, their validity is suspect due to the lack of built-in test or built-in sensor reporting. That is, these failure data-bases depend on human operator reporting of failure events and causes. This article explores human-operator-introduced validity problems as part of an attempt to develop a strategy for compensating for failure data invalidities to the point where a Bayes approach can be possible. After elaborating on the Bayes formulation, the design of the experiments are reviewed. Results are then presented and discussed along with suggestions for further research.
Nonuniform van der Waals Theory

The liquid-vapor interface of a confined fluid at the condensation phase transition is studied in a combined hydrostatic/mean-field limit of classical statistical mechanics. Rigorous and numerical results are presented. The limit accounts for strongly repulsive short-range forces in terms of local thermodynamics. Weak attractive longer-range ones, like gravitational or van der Waals forces, contribute a self-consistent mean potential. Although the limit is fluctuationfree, the interface is not a sharp Gibbs interface, but its structure is resolved over the range of the attractive potential. For a fluid of hard balls with ∼−r−6 interactions the traditional condensation phase transition with critical point is exhibited in the grand ensemble: A vapor state coexists with a liquid state. Both states are quasiuniform well inside the container, but wall-induced inhomogeneities show up close to the boundary of the container. The condensation phase transition of the grand ensemble bridges a region of negative total compressibility in the canonical ensemble which contains canonically stable proper liquid-vapor interface solutions. Embedded in this region is a new, strictly canonical phase transition between a quasiuniform vapor state and a small droplet with extended vapor atmosphere. This canonical transition, in turn, bridges a region of negative total specific heat in the microanonical ensemble. That region contains subcooled vapor states as well as superheated very small droplets which are microcanonically stable.
Highly Reversible Mg Insertion in Nanostructured Bi for Mg Ion Batteries

Rechargeable magnesium batteries have attracted wide attention for energy storage. Currently, most studies focus on Mg metal as the anode, but this approach is still limited by the properties of the electrolyte and poor control of the Mg plating/stripping processes. This paper reports the synthesis and application of Bi nanotubes as a high-performance anode material for rechargeable Mg ion batteries. The nanostructured Bi anode delivers a high reversible specific capacity (350 mAh/gBi or 3430 mAh/cm3Bi), excellent stability, and high Coulombic efficiency (95% initial and very close to 100% afterward). The good performance is attributed to the unique properties of in situ formed, interconnected nanoporous bismuth. Such nanostructures can effectively accommodate the large volume change without losing electric contact and significantly reduce diffusion length for Mg2+. Significantly, the nanostructured Bi anode can be used with conventional electrolytes which will open new opportunities to study Mg ion batte...
The suppression of crying in the human neonate: response to human vocal tract stimuli

Amounts of crying were measured for two groups of infants in two states, calm and crying. The stimulus group was exposed to two test-cry stimuli (own-cry/other-cry) in both states. The control group was not exposed to the test-cry stimuli. For the stimulus group, results showed that there was no significant difference in the amount of crying during presentation of either the own-cry or other-cry test stimulus. However, the stimulus group did cry significantly less than the control group. This difference in the amount of crying was attributed to the capacity of the infant to suppress crying in the presence of auditory stimuli.
Style Matters: Ethnography as Method and Genre

This article examines the potential for narrative style to reposition experience as central to the anthropological project. A disciplinary dichotomy between form and substance in ethnographic writing has privileged a discursive turn away from lived experience, the bedrock of ethnographic data. Drawing on the insights of experimental ethnography and pragmatist philosophy, this article critiques this dichotomy, arguing for the methodological importance of narrative style in ethnographic writing both as an evocation of fieldwork experience and as an act of authentic political engagement. This article will draw on examples from the author's work in Costa Rica and New York City.
Wo es war: Psychoanalysis, Marxism, and Subjectivity

Subjectivity, for Descartes, emerged when he doubted the veracity of his knowledge. Instead of truth, he counted this knowledge to be inherited myth. Cartesian subjectivity has been helpful for forming a critical education predicated on doubting ideology and hegemony. But Marx indicates a very different kind of knowledge in his analysis of capitalism. This knowledge cannot be doubted because we do not acknowledge it in the first place. For a Marxian critical education a different ground must be found for subjectivity. Psychoanalysis provides the theoretical resources for this subjectivity. Instead of negating the Cartesian project, psychoanalysis represents its advance.
Addictions and Personality Traits: Impulsivity and Related Constructs

Behavioral tendencies that might be captured through self-report measures may provide insight into personality features that are associated with substance addictions. Recently, impulsivity and related constructs, such as sensation-seeking, have been examined to help better understand their relationships with addictions. Here, we review recent findings that show links over developmental epochs between addictive behaviors and impulsivity, sensation-seeking, and other constructs that are theoretically linked. These findings have significant implications for generating improved treatments and interventions aimed at preventing the development of addictive disorders.
INTRASPLENIC HEPATOCYTE ALLOTRANSPLANTATION IN DALMATIAN DOGS WITH AND WITHOUT CYCLOSPORINE IMMUNOSUPPRESSION1

Hepatocyte allotransplantation has been performed successfully in several small animal models for the amelioration of inborn metabolic errors. Before a human clinical trial of hepatocyte allotransplantation can be attempted, preliminary experience in a large animal model is needed. We transplanted isolated mongrel hepatocytes into the spleen of dalmatians in the attempt to cure their inborn error of uric acid metabolism. Of 10 dalmatian recipients, two that received 9-10 x 10(9) mongrel hepatocytes died early after surgery of acute portal hypertension and hemorrhage. The eight long-term survivors received 5-6 x 10(9) hepatocytes and were randomized either to no treatment or to oral cyclosporine (CsA). Levels of CsA were adjusted to maintain trough levels between 400 and 800 ng/ml. In the four nonimmunosuppressed dalmatians, a reproducible average reduction in urinary uric acid excretion (UUAEx) of 23.7% was achieved; values returned to baseline within 14 days. In the CsA-immunosuppressed dalmatians, the average decline in UUAEx was 30%. The partial correction of the metabolic defect persisted for an average of 25 days in three immunosuppressed dogs, whereas in one dog, the partial correction lasted for over 90 days. No change in UUAEx was observed in two dalmatians that underwent sham laparotomy and intrasplenic injection of saline solution; CsA given alone to dalmatians did not modify UUAEx. We conclude that the dalmatian dog is a valuable large animal model for studies of the role of hepatocyte transplantation in the cure of inborn hepatic metabolic errors.
Japanese final-accented and unaccented phrases

Abstract The most common theory of Japanese pitch accent predicts that words with final-accent and those with no accent have the same f 0 contour within the word, and diverge only in the mora following the word. Pierrehumbert & Beckman's (1988) theory, however, predicts a difference even within the word for the two types. Previous instrumental studies of final-accented and unaccented words, the results of which have not been conclusive, used only one- or two-mora words, which introduce a confound for Pierrehumbert & Beckman's theory. In this experiment, longer words are used, and reiterant speech is used to lower variance. All four speakers produced the words with a difference between the two accent types in the direction predicted by Pierrehumbert & Beckman's theory, and this difference is statistically highly significant. However, the speakers produced an additional difference between the two types which is not predicted by either theory. The results have implications for other theories of Japanese pitch accent. The experiment also tests, and confirms, the validity of reiterant speech as a method.
Alterations in RNA‐binding activities of IRES‐regulatory proteins as a mechanism for physiological variability and pathological dysregulation of IGF‐IR translational control in human breast tumor cells

The type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) is integrally involved in the control of cellular proliferation and survival. An internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) within the 1,038 nucleotide 5'-untranslated region of the human IGF-IR mRNA helps to provide the tight control of IGF-IR expression necessary for maintenance of normal cellular and tissue homeostasis. The IRES maps to a discrete sequence of 85 nucleotides positioned just upstream of the IGF-IR initiation codon, allowing the ribosome to bypass the highly structured regions of the 5'-UTR as well as the upstream open reading frame. The authenticity of the IGF-IR IRES has been confirmed by its sensitivity to deletion of the promoter from a bicistronic reporter construct, and its resistance in a monocistronic reporter construct to co-expression of a viral 2A protease. We previously characterized HuR as a potent repressor of IGF-IR translation. Here we demonstrate that hnRNP C competes with HuR for binding the IGF-IR 5'-UTR and enhances IRES-mediated translation initiation in a concentration-dependent manner. We observed changes in binding of hnRNP C versus HuR to the IGF-IR 5'-UTR in response to physiological alterations in cellular environment or proliferative status. Furthermore, we have found distinct alterations in the pattern of protein binding to the IGF-IR 5'-UTR in human breast tumor cells in which IGF-IR IRES activity and relative translational efficiency are aberrantly increased. These results suggest that dysregulation of the IGF-IR IRES through changes in the activities of RNA-binding translation-regulatory proteins could be responsible for IGF-IR overexpression in a proportion of human breast tumors.
Symptomatic and physiologic outcomes after operative treatment for extraesophageal reflux

Background: Pharyngeal pH monitoring has recently been used to identify patients with extraesophageal symptoms induced by gastroesophageal reflux. We employed this method of acid detection to evaluate patients with respiratory symptoms prior to and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication to further elucidate the relationship between GERD and respiratory symptoms. Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with extraesophageal symptoms thought to be caused by reflux underwent symptomatic and functional evaluation (esophageal manometry and 24-h pH monitoring with a pharyngeal probe) before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Episodes of pharyngeal acid exposure were considered abnormal if the pH dropped below 4, occurred simultaneously with esophageal acidification, and occurred outside meal times. Results: All patients had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and respiratory symptoms; nine of 15 (60%) had evidence of pharyngeal reflux preoperatively. Antireflux procedures resulted in a significant decrease in pharyngeal reflux (7.9 to 1.6 episodes/24h; p <0.05) and esophageal acid exposure (7.5% to 2.1%; p <0.05). In patients with pharyngeal reflux and complete postoperative testing, three (60%) obtained improvement of respiratory symptoms and resolution of pharyngeal reflux. In two patients with recurrent respiratory symptoms after surgery, persistent pharyngeal reflux was detected. Conclusions: Operative treatment of GERD is effective in controlling extraesophageal reflux, measured subjectively and objectively. Evidence of pharyngeal reflux on pH testing helps to identify which patients with respiratory symptoms will benefit from an antireflux procedure.
Patients Would Prefer Ward to Emergency Department Boarding While Awaiting an Inpatient Bed

Boarding of admitted patients in the Emergency Department (ED), rather than in inpatient care areas, is widespread. We surveyed boarded patients, patients without a disposition, and visitors at a county hospital ED serving a mixed urban and rural population. Subjects were asked "If you needed to be admitted to the hospital but no inpatient bed is available, would you prefer to be kept in an ER hallway or a hallway on an inpatient ward?" Boarded patients said they would prefer ward to ED boarding, 117/213 (54.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 48.0%-61.7%). Patients without a disposition 314/477 (65.8%; 95% CI 61.4%-70.0%) and visitors 370/532 (69.5%; 95% CI 65.4%-73.4%) stated a preference for ward boarding in 314/477 (65.8%; 95% CI 61.4%-70.0%) and in 370/532 (69.5%; 95% CI 65.4%-73.4%), respectively. Common reasons for preferring inpatient ward boarding were privacy concerns and reduced noise levels. Those preferring ED boarding valued easy access to a doctor.
A c-Myc regulatory subnetwork from human transposable element sequences

Transposable elements (TEs) can donate regulatory sequences that help to control the expression of human genes. The oncogene c-Myc is a promiscuous transcription factor that is thought to regulate the expression of hundreds of genes. We evaluated the contribution of TEs to the c-Myc regulatory network by searching for c-Myc binding sites derived from TEs and by analyzing the expression and function of target genes with nearby TE-derived c-Myc binding sites. There are thousands of TE sequences in the human genome that are bound by c-Myc. A conservative analysis indicated that 816-4564 of these TEs contain canonical c-Myc binding site motifs. c-Myc binding sites are over-represented among sequences derived from the ancient TE families L2 and MIR, consistent with their preservation by purifying selection. Genes associated with TE-derived c-Myc binding sites are co-expressed with each other and with c-Myc. A number of these putative TE-derived c-Myc target genes are differentially expressed between Burkitt's lymphoma cells versus normal B cells and encode proteins with cancer-related functions. Despite several lines of evidence pointing to their regulation by c-Myc and relevance to cancer, the set of genes identified as TE-derived c-Myc targets does not significantly overlap with two previously characterized c-Myc target gene sets. These data point to a substantial contribution of TEs to the regulation of human genes by c-Myc. Genes that are regulated by TE-derived c-Myc binding sites appear to form a distinct c-Myc regulatory subnetwork.
Effects of Overviews and Computer Experience on Learning from Hypertext

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of overview mode and computer experience in a hypertext learning environment. College students read a hypertext unit that included a structured overview, an unstructured overview, or no overview. The study examined the effects of overview mode and computer experience on achievement, attitude and instructional time. Results indicated that participants with high computer experience learned more from the hypertext program than those with low computer experience. Furthermore, participants who received either the structured or unstructured overview spent significantly more time using the hypertext program and had significantly more positive attitudes than participants who did not receive an overview. However, overview mode did not influence achievement.
Bias-variance trade-offs analysis using uniform CR bound for images

We apply a uniform Cramer-Rao (CR) bound to study the bias-variance trade-offs in parameter estimation. The uniform CR bound is used to specify achievable and unachievable regions in the bias-variance trade-off plane. The applications considered are: (1) two-dimensional single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system, and (2) one dimensional edge localization. >
37.3: Low Cost Manufacturing of Patterned Films with Nano‐Precision

Much attention has been given to methodologies for patterning optical films with nanoscale precision at the scale and economics required by the Flat Panel Display industry. By using a proprietary mold material, the PRINT™ (Pattern Replication In Nonwetting Template) technology enables low cost manufacturing of precise micro and nanoscale features with single nanometer precision from virtually any material.
The Low-z Intergalactic Medium. I. O VI Baryon Census

Intergalacticabsorbersalonglinesofsighttodistantquasarsareapowerfuldiagnosticfortheevolutionandcontent of the intergalactic medium (IGM). In this study, we use theFar Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer(FUSE) satellite to search 129 known Lyabsorption systems at z < 0:15 toward 31 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) for corresponding absorption from higher Lyman lines and the important metal ions O vi and C iii. We detect O vi in 40 systems, over a smaller range of column density (logNO vi ¼ 13:0 14:35) than seen in H i (logNH i ¼13:0 16:0). The coexistence of OviandHisuggestsamultiphaseIGM withwarmphotoionizedandhotionizedcomponents. Withimproved Ovi detection statistics, we find a steep distribution in O vi column density, dNO vi/dNO vi / N � 2:2� 0:1 O vi , suggesting that numerous weak O vi absorbers contain baryonic mass comparable to the rare strong absorbers. Down to 30 m8 equivalent width (O vi k1032) we find an absorber frequency dNO vi/dz � 17 � 3. The total cosmological mass fraction in this hot gas is at least WHIM ¼ (0:0022 � 0:0003)½h70(ZO/0:1 Z� )( fO vi/0:2)� � 1 , where we have scaled to fiducial values of oxygen metallicity, O vi ionization fraction, and the Hubble constant. Gas in the warm-hot inter- galactic medium (WHIM) at 10 5 -10 6 K contributes at least 4:8% � 0:9% of the total baryonic mass at z < 0:15. We thencombineempiricalscalingrelationsfortheobserved''multiphaseratio,''NH i/NO vi / N 0:9� 0:1 H i ,andforhydrogen overdensity in cosmological simulations, NH i / � 0:7 H , with the H i photoionization correction to derive the mean oxygen metallicity, ZO � (0:09 Z� )( fO vi/0:2) � 1 in the low-z multiphase gas. Given the spread in the empirical relations and in fO vi, the baryon content in the O vi WHIM could be as large as 10%. Our survey is based on a large improvement in the number of O vi absorbers (40 vs. 10) and total redshift path length (z � 2:2 vs. z � 0:5) compared to earlier surveys. Subject headingg cosmological parameters — cosmology: observations — intergalactic medium — quasars: absorption lines
Simulated annealing: past, present, and future

This paper provides an overview of the simulated annealing algorithm and describes its historical foundation in thermodynamics as well as the genesis and evolution for solving difficult optimization problems. An example illustrating its application to graph problems is provided as well as a look at ongoing, state-of-the-art research using SA.
Platelet-activating factor induces a concentration-dependent spectrum of functional responses in bovine neutrophils.

We characterized the dose response of bovine neutrophils to platelet-activating factor (PAF) with respect to the following functions: cal- cium flux and membrane potential changes, actin polymerization, degranulation, and the production and/or priming of the oxidative burst. PAF at very low concentrations (10 -10 and 10 -9 M) caused changes in intracellular calcium and membrane potential in bovine neutrophils, whereas moderate PAF concentrations (H10 -7 M) resulted in in- creased actin polymerization. Degranulation re- sponses to PAF were more complex: low concentra- tions (10 -9 M) caused secretory granule degranulation, moderate doses (H10 -7 M) caused specific granule degranulation, whereas azurophil degranulation only occurred at high (10 -5 M) PAF concentrations. Treatment of bovine neutrophils with PAF at con- centrations H10 -7 M also caused up-regulation of the adhesion molecules Mac-1 and L-selectin. PAF stimulation resulted in a very weak (compared to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)) oxidative burst in bovine neutrophils, and only at high (10 -6 M) concentrations. Unlike human neutrophils, bovine neutrophils were poorly primed by PAF treatment. Only high concentrations of PAF (10 -5 M) caused an increased rate of PMA-stimulated superoxide pro- duction, although lower doses of PAF did reduce the lag time preceding the PMA-induced oxidative burst. The overall pattern that can be inferred is that lower concentrations of PAF promote neutro- phil sensitivity and interaction by selective degranu- lation, up-regulation of adhesion molecules, and increased actin polymerization. In contrast, higher PAF concentrations can promote, albeit weakly, more direct bactericidal responses, such as the release of reactive oxygen species and granule enzymes. The ability of PAF to modulate a graded response in bovine neutrophils would allow the cell to respond proportionally to the severity of a stimulus. J. Leukoc. Biol. 64: 817-827; 1998.
Light Waves and Length Standards

A brief history of earlier standards of length and of the standards now in use is given. The plan to substitute a wavelength of light for the present international platinum-iridium prototype meter as a standard of length is now under consideration by the appropriate international committees. The advantages of the proposed plan, the different isotope sources of monochromatic radiation that have been suggested by different countries, and the present status of the proposed change are presented.
Infection and Inflammation Leading to Clozapine Toxicity and Intensive Care A Case Series

Objective: To describe 3 cases of clozapine toxicity associated with infectious and/or inflammatory processes. Case Summaries: Three patients stable on clozapine therapy prior to a medical hospital admission developed clozapine toxicity. It was suspected that an acute infectious and/or inflammatory process in each patient was related to abrupt mental status changes, onset of sialorrhea, myoclonus, and/or need for ventilatory support. Investigations of altered mental status did not reveal alternative causes and presentations were not consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome, other acute neurologic complications, or psychiatric decompensation. All patients improved after clozapine dose reductions allowing for transfer from intensive care units. Using the Naranjo ADR Probability Scale for each case, a probable relation between clozapine toxicity and the infectious and/or inflammatory process was determined. Discussion: Clozapine toxicity may manifest with multiple symptoms, including sedation, sialorrh...
Segmentation given partial grouping constraints

We consider data clustering problems where partial grouping is known a priori. We formulate such biased grouping problems as a constrained optimization problem, where structural properties of the data define the goodness of a grouping and partial grouping cues define the feasibility of a grouping. We enforce grouping smoothness and fairness on labeled data points so that sparse partial grouping information can be effectively propagated to the unlabeled data. Considering the normalized cuts criterion in particular, our formulation leads to a constrained eigenvalue problem. By generalizing the Rayleigh-Ritz theorem to projected matrices, we find the global optimum in the relaxed continuous domain by eigendecomposition, from which a near-global optimum to the discrete labeling problem can be obtained effectively. We apply our method to real image segmentation problems, where partial grouping priors can often be derived based on a crude spatial attentional map that binds places with common salient features or focuses on expected object locations. We demonstrate not only that it is possible to integrate both image structures and priors in a single grouping process, but also that objects can be segregated from the background without specific object knowledge.
North American Paragonimiasis (Caused by Paragonimus kellicotti) in the Context of Global Paragonimiasis

Paragonimus species are highly evolved parasites with a complex life cycle that involves at least three different hosts, i.e., snails, crustaceans, and mammals. The adult forms of Paragonimus species reside and mate in the lungs of a variety of permissive mammalian hosts, including humans. Although human paragonimiasis is uncommonly encountered in North America, both autochthonous and imported disease may be encountered. Paragonimus kellicotti, the species endemic to North America, is a well-known pathogen in wild and domestic animals. Five patients with North American paragonimiasis have been reported in the recent medical literature. The biologic, clinical, radiologic, and laboratory features of paragonimiasis are reviewed, with emphasis on North American paragonimiasis whenever possible.
A lanczos‐based technique for exact vibration analysis of skeletal structures

This paper presents and discusses a Lanczos-based eigensolution technique for evaluating the natural frequencies and modes from frequency-dependent eigenproblems in structural dynamics. The new solution technique is used in conjunction with a mixed finite element modelling procedure which utilizes both the polynomial and frequency-dependent displacement fields in formulating the system matrices. The method is well suited to the solution of large-scale problems. The new solution methodology presented here is based on the ability to evaluate a specific set of parameterized non-linear eigenvalue curves at given values of the parameter through an implicitly restarted Lanczos technique. Numerical examples illustrate that the implicitly restarted Lanczos method with secant interpolation accurately evaluates the exact natural frequencies and modes of the non-linear eigenproblem and verifies that the new eigensolution technique coupled with the mixed finite element modelling procedure is more accurate than the conventional finite element models. In addition, the eigenvalue technique presented here is shown to be far more computationally efficient on large-scale problems than the determinant search techniques traditionally employed for solving exact vibration problems.
On the existence of equilibria in noncooperative optimal flow control

The existence of Nash equilibria in noncooperative flow control in a general product-form network shared by K users is investigated. The performance objective of each user is to maximize its average throughput subject to an upper bound on its average time-delay. Previous attempts to study existence of equilibria for this flow control model were not successful, partly because the time-delay constraints couple the strategy spaces of the individual users in a way that does not allow the application of standard equilibrium existence theorems from the game theory literature. To overcome this difficulty, a more general approach to study the existence of Nash equilibria for decentralized control schemes is introduced. This approach is based on directly proving the existence of a fixed point of the best reply correspondence of the underlying game. For the investigated flow control model, the best reply correspondence is shown to be a function, implicitly defined by means of K interdependent linear programs. Employing an appropriate definition for continuity of the set of optimal solutions of parameterized linear programs, it is shown that, under appropriate conditions, the best reply function is continuous. Brouwer's theorem implies, then, that the best reply function has a fixed point.
Surveillance and Control of Avian Influenza in the New York Live Bird Markets

A comprehensive avian influenza control program was established for the New York live bird market (LBM) system. Its purpose was to eliminate avian influenza virus (AIV) from the marketing system. The application of science-based surveillance, improved diagnostic performance, voluntary efforts of the LBM owners, and regulatory enforcement have resulted in the elimination of an H7 low pathogenic AIV (LPAIV) that had persisted in the LBM system for 13 yr. Although sporadic introductions of H5N2 LPAIVs have occurred, successful control measures have not allowed this virus to become established within the system.
Novel Curcumin-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticles for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

Curcumin (CUR), a naturally occurring polyphenol derived from the root of Curcuma longa, has demonstrated potent anti-cancer and cancer prevention activity in a variety of cancers. However, the clinical translation of curcumin has been significantly hampered due to its extensive degradation, suboptimal pharmacokinetics and poor bioavailability. To address these clinically relevant issues, we have developed a novel curcumin loaded magnetic nanoparticle (MNP-CUR) formulation. Herein, we have evaluated the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic efficacy of this novel MNP-CUR formulation in pancreatic cancer. Human pancreatic cancer cells (HPAF-II and Panc-1) exhibited efficient internalization of the MNP-CUR formulation in a dose dependent manner. As a result, the MNP-CUR formulation effectively inhibited growth of HPAF-II and Panc-1 cells in cell proliferation and colony formation assays. The MNP-CUR formulation suppressed pancreatic tumor growth in an HPAF-II xenograft mice model and improved mice survival by delaying tumor growth. The growth inhibitory effect of MNP-CUR formulation was correlated with the suppression of PCNA, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, MUC1, Collagen I and enhanced membrane β-catenin expression. MNP-CUR formulation did not show any sign of hemotoxicity and was stable after incubation with human serum proteins. Additionally, the MNP-CUR formulation improved serum bioavailability of curcumin in mice up to 2.5 fold as compared to free curcumin. Biodistribution studies demonstrate that a significant amount of MNP-CUR formulation was able to reach the pancreatic xenograft tumor(s) which suggests its clinical translational potential. In conclusion, this study suggests that our novel MNP-CUR formulation can be valuable for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Interval timing and the encoding of signal duration by ensembles of cortical and striatal neurons.

This study investigated the firing patterns of striatal and cortical neurons in rats in a temporal generalization task. Striatal and cortical ensembles were recorded in rats trained to lever press at 2 possible criterion durations (10 s or 40 s from tone onset). Twenty-two percent of striatal and 15% of cortical cells had temporally specific modulations in their firing rate, firing at a significantly different rate around 10 s compared with 40 s. On 80% of trials, a post hoc analysis of the trial-by-trial consistency of the firing rates of an ensemble of neurons predicted whether a spike train came from a time window around 10 s versus around 40 s. Results suggest that striatal and cortical neurons encode specific durations in their firing rate and thereby serve as components of a neural circuit used to represent duration. Interval timing, defined as the perception of durations in the seconds-to-minutes range, is necessary for behavioral organization. Although a large body of theoretical work (e.g., Church, 1984; Killeen & Fetterman, 1988; Staddon & Higa, 1999) has produced an understanding of the psychological processes underlying interval timing (Gibbon, 1977), the neural mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. As the properties of the neural structures used in interval timing may dramatically constrain the feasibility of the mechanisms proposed by the various intervaltiming models, determining the relationship between the general information-processing components of the interval-timing system and their underlying neural structures is central to understanding temporal control. All interval-timing models can be conceived of in terms of clock, memory, and decision stages (Church, 1997). Briefly, the clock stage incorporates a clock signal (e.g., a pacemaker), integration mechanisms (e.g., accumulator), and start/stop/reset mechanisms. Output from the clock stage is, by definition, isochronic, as there must be a one-to-one mapping of clock stage output to the amount of time passed since the clock started. Upon occurrence of a biologically meaningful signal, the clock stage output value is stored in memory. In future opportunities to time, this memorized value is compared with the current output of the clock by means of a decision stage until a similarity threshold is crossed, at which point a “time’s up” response—the presumed final output of the interval timer—is made.
Reduced growth and motility of euglena gracilis in the presence of aflatoxin B1 and trichothecene T‐2 toxin

The ciliated protozoan, Euglena gracilis, was cultured in the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) (10, 100, and 1000 ng/ml) or T-2 toxin (10, 100 and 1000 ng/ml) for 6 d. During this period, the control culture size progressively increased, while both AFB1 and T-2 toxin reduced culture size in a dose-dependent manner. The sensitivity of the changes in Euglena gracilis growth rate to AFB1 suggests that this organism may have only limited application as a bioassay. Protozoal motility (as assessed by changes in turbidity) was reduced by both toxins, but not in a dose-dependent manner.
Sphaerobiosid, ein Isoflavonglykosid aus Baptisia sphaerocarpa

Ein neuer Isolierungsgang von allgemeiner Anwendbarkeit fur phenolische Naturstoffe fuhrte zur Auffindung des Genistein-7-rutinosids in Baptisia sphaerocarpa. Die Struktur dieses bisher noch nicht beschriebenen Glykosids wurde aus dem Kernresonanzspektrum erkannt. Sie lies sich durch Uberfuhrung des Aglykons in bekannte Methoxy-isoflavone sowie durch gaschromatographische Analyse des silylierten Zuckeranteils bestatigen.
Dual channel architecture for reliable FPGA high speed serial links

Point-to-point connectivity through FPGA high-speed serial I/O is an important component for many space-based applications. The susceptibility of high-speed transceivers to soft errors is still under investigation and is a matter of concern in reliable point-to-point communications. This work develops a technique to provide full-bandwidth, lossless data transmission across high-speed transceivers in the presence of soft errors. The technique utilizes a redundant channel which can be used if the first channel fails and needs to be repaired. This allows for uninterrupted transmission even in the face of soft errors. The design has been implemented and tested through manual injection of various faults. No system failures occurred under the injection of any combination of tested faults on a single channel thus demonstrating the potential of such a design to protect against soft errors while maintaining high-bandwidth transmission. The cost of this technique is that it consumes 4.7× the area and has a throughput that is 98% that of an unmitigated single-channel design.
On the influence of assumed drop size distribution form on radar-retrieved thunderstorm microphysics

Polarimetric radar measurements are used to retrieve drop size distributions (DSD) in subtropical thunderstorms. Retrievals are made with the single-moment exponential drop size model of Marshall and Palmer driven by radar reflectivity measurements and with a two-parameter constrained-gamma drop size model that utilizes reflectivity and differential reflectivity. Results are compared with disdrometer observations. Retrievals with the constrained-gamma DSD model gave better representation of total drop concentration, liquid water content, and drop median volume diameter and better described their natural variability. The Marshall–Palmer DSD model, with a fixed intercept parameter, tended to underestimate the total drop concentration in storm cores and to overestimate significantly the concentration in stratiform regions. Rainwater contents in strong convection were underestimated by a factor of 2–3, and drop median volume diameters in stratiform rain were underestimated by 0.5 mm. To determine possible DSD model impacts on numerical forecasts, evaporation and accretion rates were computed using Kessler-type parameterizations. Rates based on the Marshall–Palmer DSD model were lower by a factor of 2–3 in strong convection and were higher by about a factor of 2 in stratiform rain than those based on the constrainedgamma model. The study demonstrates the potential of polarimetric radar measurements for improving the understanding of precipitation processes and microphysics parameterization in numerical forecast models.
FRACTURES AND FRACTURE-DISLOCATIONS OF THE ASTRAGALUS (TALUS)

1. The blood supply to the astragalus is relatively poor, and transcervical fractures of the astragalus interrupt this blood supply. 2. Revascularization, after injury of the astragalus, is very tardy, and hence there is a high incidence of aseptic necrosis of varying degree, noticeable particularly in the body. 3. There is the necessity of early, anatomical reduction by manipulation or by open reduction, with or without internal fixation as indicated by the stability of the fragments. The articular dome of the body must be smooth and the calcaneo-astragaloid surfaces accurately apposed. 4. In those cases in which subastragalar contact is faulty, immediate subastragalar arthrodesis is indicated to obtain earlier function and to prevent a painful weight-bearing foot. Tibio-astragalar arthrodesis is indicated when there has been demonstrable damage to these cartilage surfaces. 5. In those rare compound dislocations with minor fractures, careful cleansing, detailed debridement, coupled with the local and general administration of sulfonamide derivatives, gives a greater chance for successful conservative surgery. 6. In those compound, badly comminuted fractures, the same technique gives a reasonable chance for immediate reconstruction. 7. In certain simple or compound, but severely comminuted, fractures of the astragalus, reduction and retention of the multiple fragments is impossible. Astragalectomy or calcaneotibial arthrodesis seems a necessity. 8. Calcaneotibial arthrodesis, according to the principles outlined, would appear to offer a more satisfactory result than astragalectomy.