cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feline leukemia ‐ unique and cross‐reacting antigens on individual virus‐producing tumors identified by complement‐dependent antibody

Following exposure to feline leukemia virus (FeLV), cats that resist leukemia produce complement dependent antibodies (CDA) which lyse leukemia cells in the presence of cat complement. The CDA activity has been shown to be directed to feline oncornavirus-associated cell membrane antigen (FOCMA) found on the surface of most feline leukemias. Despite the retrovirus etiology of feline leukemia, and the ubiquity of FOCMA expression by individual tumors, we found that CDA activity did not cross-react when five feline leukemia lines were compared (FL74, F422, 3272, 3281, and 79-14940). Profiles for CDA mediated lysis of the leukemia target lines were determined for sera from 149 FeLV exposed cats, and animals were identified whose sera would selectively lyse almost any possible combination of tumors from one to five lines tested. Cross absorption and cold target inhibition studies were performed on selected sera, and a spectrum of different antigens was identified which included both individual determinants and antigens shared by some of the tumor lines. Leukemias FL74 and F422 carried a cross-reactive determinant which was distinct from a second antigen shared by 3272 and 3281; lines F422, 3272 and 3281 each also carried a unique antigen. Leukemia 79-14940 did not cross-react with other target tumor lines. Targets of CDA mediated lysis on leukemia cells maybe associated with normal feline cell surface antigens, because CDA titers were sometimes reduced after serum absorption with normal cat spleen cells. The relevance of multiple FOCMA determinants is discussed in terms of tumor escape from immunity.
OBSERVATION OF SURFACE MODES EXCITED BY AN ELECTRON BEAM IN A PLASMA

Abstract Unstable oscillations at frequencies below the plasma frequency are observed at the plasma boundary during the interaction of an electron beam with a plasma. They are interpreted as the eigenmodes of the inhomogeneous plasma boundary, driven into instability by the beam.
Modified predator-prey algorithm for constrained and unconstrained multi-objective optimisation

Modifications of a well-known predator-prey evolutionary multi-objective optimisation algorithm based on the dynamics of predator-prey interactions existing in nature is presented. This algorithm is comprised of a relatively small number of predators and a much larger number of prey, randomly placed on a two dimensional lattice with connected ends. The predators are partially or completely biased towards one or more objectives, based on which each predator kills the weakest prey in its neighbourhood. A stronger prey created through evolution replaces this prey. In case of constrained problems, the sum of constraint violations serves as an additional objective. The prey remains stationary, while the predators move around in the lattice. Modifications have been implemented in this study regarding the selection procedure, apparent movement of the predators, mutation strategy, and dynamics of convergence to the Pareto front. Further alterations have been made making the algorithm capable of handling equality and inequality constraints. The final modified algorithm is tested on standard constrained and unconstrained multi-objective optimisation problems.
Occurrence of Toxic Bivalve Molluscs during a Gymnodinium breve “Red Tide”

Abstract Extensive fish mortality has been associated with Gymnodinium breve “red tides” along the west coast of Florida. Toxicological evidence has strongly incriminated G. breve as being the primary source of two toxic components detected in oysters and clams exposed to increased numbers of G. breve. From August to November 1967, G. breve “red tide” conditions were reported from the mouth of Tampa Bay to Redfish Pass, south of Charlotte Harbor on the west coast of Florida. The present study examines the relationship of increased numbers of G. breve to the occurrence and distribution of toxic oysters and clams. The most severe G. breve “red tide” conditions occurred during the first day of sampling. G. breve cell counts averaged 1500–2400 organisms/ml in the offshore waters, 300 organisms/ml in the surf zone, and 820 organisms/ml in Venice Inlet. Water collected offshore and from the head of the Inlet contained an ether-soluble substance that was toxic to mice. At this time a large number of dead fishes ...
Resonances in the Total Cross Sections for Metastable Excitation of Noble Gases by Electron Impact

Total cross sections for excitation by electron impact of metastable states in the noble gases helium, neon, argon, krypton, and xenon have been measured as a function of impact energies. A 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} spherical monochromator was used to obtain incident beams of electrons with energy resolutions between 0.035 and 0.050 eV. Metastable atoms were detected in the scattering chamber by electron ejection from a metal surface. The detector was biased negatively to repel scattered electrons, and was electrostatically shielded from the incident electron beam. The cross sections were measured for impact energies up to 5 eV above the metastable thresholds. Several narrow resonances associated with negative-ion states were observed, and where possible their shapes and positions on the energy scale were compared with similar results obtained by different techniques.
Development and Evaluation of an ELISA to Measure Antibody Responses to Both the Nucleocapsid and Spike Proteins of Canine Coronavirus

A rapid and reproducible enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for detection of canine coronavirus (CCV) specific antibodies directed to both the nucleocapsid (NC) and the spike (S) proteins. The coating antigen, a methanol-treated, S-protein enriched preparation, was produced by subjecting infected cells to Triton X-114 detergent followed by phase separation. The sensitivity of this assay was determined by following the course of infection in dogs experimentally infected with CCV. The specificity of the antibody response was determined by Western blot analysis and supported the increased magnitude of the ELISA response and the presence of serum neutralizing (SN) antibody. Due to the sensitivity and specificity of the IgG response detected by this assay it can be used to determine both virus exposure and vaccine efficacy.
Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy: report of 356 cases.

Objective To evaluate the procedure time, complications, and percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) charges.Design Operative data were prospectively collected for 356 PDTs including the initial series of 141 PDTs reported in 1994. Short- and long-term complications were retrospectively identifie
Gallium maltolate inhibits human cutaneous T-cell lymphoma tumor development in mice

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) represent a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by an accumulation of malignant CD4 T cells in the skin. The group IIIa metal salt, gallium nitrate, is known to have antineoplastic activity against B-cell lymphoma in humans, but its activity in CTCLs has not been elaborated in detail. Herein, we examined the antineoplastic efficacy of a gallium compound, gallium maltolate (GaM), in vitro and in vivo with murine models of CTCLs. GaM inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis of cultured CTCL cells. In human CTCL xenograft models, peritumoral injection of GaM limited the growth of CTCL cells, shown by fewer tumor formations, smaller tumor sizes, and decreased neovascularization in tumor microenvironment. To identify key signaling pathways that have a role in GaM-mediated reduction of tumor growth, we analyzed inflammatory cytokines, as well as signal transduction pathways in CTCL cells treated by GaM. IFN-γ-induced chemokines and IL-13 were found to be notably increased in GaM-treated CTCL cells. However, immunosuppressive cytokines, such as IL-10, were decreased with GaM treatment. Interestingly, both oxidative stress and p53 pathways were involved in GaM-induced cytotoxicity. These results warrant further investigation of GaM as a therapeutic agent for CTCLs.
The Major Autolysin of Streptococcus gordonii Is Subject to Complex Regulation and Modulates Stress Tolerance, Biofilm Formation, and Extracellular-DNA Release

A gene, designated atlS, encoding a major autolysin from Streptococcus gordonii, was identified and characterized. The predicted AtlS protein is 1,160 amino acids and 127 kDa and has a conserved β1,4-N-acetylmuramidase domain. Zymographic analysis of wild-type S. gordonii revealed peptidoglycan hydrolase activities with molecular masses of 130 and 90 kDa that were absent in an atlS deletion mutant. Western blotting revealed that the 90-kDa band was derived from the 130-kDa protein. Inactivation of atlS resulted in formation of long chains by the cells, markedly decreased autolytic capacity, poor biofilm formation, diminished tolerance of acid and oxidative stress, and decreased production of extracellular DNA (eDNA). The biofilm-forming capacity of the atlS mutant could be almost completely restored to that of the wild-type strain by adding purified recombinant AtlA autolysin of S. mutans but was only partially restored by addition of eDNA. Autolysis, eDNA release, and atlS expression increased sharply when cells entered stationary phase and were greatly enhanced in cells growing with aeration. The LytST and VicRK two-component systems were both required for the induction of atlS by aeration, and purified LytT was able to bind to the promoter region of atlS in vitro. Thus, AtlS and its associated regulatory cascade dominantly control phenotypes of S. gordonii that are critical to colonization, persistence, and competition with other commensal and pathogenic oral bacteria in response to the redox environment and growth domain.
dc onductivity signals observed following pulsed photoionization of solutions of anthracene in dielectric liquids

Abstract dc conductivity in several hydrocarbon liquids containing anthraccne (2 × 10 −6 M) and higher concentrations of efficient electron scavengers is measured following an 18 ns pulse of 248 nm light. With cyclohexane as the solvent, an initial conductivity signal, the origin of which is uncertain, decays over ≈1μs and is initially more than an order of magnitude greater than the much longer lived free-ion signal. Strong effects of the solvent on this initial signal are observed.
Decidability in the Constructive Theory of Reals as an Ordered ℚ-vectorspace

We show that various fragments of the intuitionistic/constructive theory of the reals are decidable.
Component-based target recognition inspired by human vision

In contrast with machine vision, human can recognize an object from complex background with great flexibility. For example, given the task of finding and circling all cars (no further information) in a picture, you may build a virtual image in mind from the task (or target) description before looking at the picture. Specifically, the virtual car image may be composed of the key components such as driver cabin and wheels. In this paper, we propose a component-based target recognition method by simulating the human recognition process. The component templates (equivalent to the virtual image in mind) of the target (car) are manually decomposed from the target feature image. Meanwhile, the edges of the testing image can be extracted by using a difference of Gaussian (DOG) model that simulates the spatiotemporal response in visual process. A phase correlation matching algorithm is then applied to match the templates with the testing edge image. If all key component templates are matched with the examining object, then this object is recognized as the target. Besides the recognition accuracy, we will also investigate if this method works with part targets (half cars). In our experiments, several natural pictures taken on streets were used to test the proposed method. The preliminary results show that the component-based recognition method is very promising.
Shifting the Counselor Role from Gatekeeping to Advocacy: Ten Strategies for Using the Competencies for Counseling with Transgender Clients for Individual and Social Change

In this article, the editors of the Special Issue of the Journal of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling on Counseling Competency with Transgender Clients summarize the themes of the articles within the special issue. The authors then discuss the future implications of these themes for counseling supervision and training, practice, research, and advocacy. Included in this discussion is a review of the areas of important focus that were “missing” in the Special Issue and how the counseling field may address these gaps in the literature. The article concludes with a list of 10 critical “next steps” for the counseling profession to take to ensure the American Counseling Association's Competencies for Counseling with Transgender Clients develop a transgender-positive counseling environment.
The Precursor of the α-Fibrous Protein of Epidermis

Extraction of cow snout epidermis with citrate buffer pH 2.65 yields an α-fibrous protein (prekeratin) which can be purified by precipitation at pH 7.0, pH 6.0, pH 5.0 and pH 4.5. A precursor pool of α-fibrous protein has been identified in the microsomal fraction of homogenized tissue and this protein is also soluble in acid buffers at pH 2.65 and insoluble at neutral pH. No neutral-soluble α-fibrous protein could be demonstrated. These results indicate that a neutral-soluble precursor of the α-fibrous protein does not exist.
Computed tomography evaluation of the poorly or nonvisualized kidney

Abstract Computed tomography (CT) can provide a quick and accurate evaluation of the poorly or nonvisualized kidney on intravenous pyelogram. End stage renal disease can be differentiated from hydronephrosis. Chronic pyelonephritis, perirenal abscess and congenital absence of the kidney can also be determined.
Magnetic measurements of action currents in an isolated lobster axon

We present the first measurements of the magnetic field produced by action currents propagating along a single giant nerve axon. These data were obtained with a toroidal pick-up coil and a room temperature semiconductor amplifier.
Trypanosoma lewisi: immunoelectron microscopic studies on the surface antigens of bloodstream forms.

Abstract Cellular antigens of Trypanosoma lewisi bloodstream forms have been examined at the ultrastructural level with the direct and indirect ferritin-conjugated antibody (FCA) techniques. Ferritin was coupled to gamma globulins separated from the sera of uninfected rats and animals infected withh T. lewisi . In the direct method, trypanosomes were incubated with these conjugates and antigens were localized by the FCA on the surface of these parasites. There were no apparent differences between the distributions of antigens of live parasites incubated for either 1 or 2 hr in the ferritinconjugated gamma globulins of infected rats. Few ferritin particles were found on trypanosomes incubated with conjugated globulins from uninfected rats. Antisera for the indirect techniques were produced in rabbits by immunization with rat gamma globulin and Freund's complete adjuvant. Ferritin was coupled to gamma globulins isolated from unimmunized rabbits and those injected with rat gamma globulins. T. lewisi were incubated in unlabeled gamma globulins from uninfected or infected rats and washed and reacted with the ferritin-conjugated rabbit anti-rat gamma globulin. Appropriate controls were included in each experiment to ascertain the specificity of of the FCA reactions. Unlike the direct method which demonstrated FCA-antigen complexes on the surfaces of the parasites, trypanosomes treated with the indirect immunoferritin technique showed aggregates of FCA in the regions of desmosomal attachment, on the flagellar membrane surfaces, and in the flagellar pockets, and some scattered FCA on the surface coat matrices. Parasites fixed with formalin or incubated with sodium azide and subsequently treated by the indirect technique exhibited FCA complexed with unlabled antibody which had reacted with surface antigens, but these antigen-antibody-FCA complexes did not aggregate in the desmosomal regions, on the flagellar surfaces, or in the flagellar pockets. These observations suggested that movement and aggregation of the surface antigens occurred as an energy-dependent process in live T. lewisi . Movement and aggregation of the surface antigens were induced by a second ligand (antibody) present during treatment of the parasites with the indirect FCA technique. T. lewisi treated with both the direct and indirect immunoferritin techniques developed filopodial processes on their surfaces. FCA-antigen complexes were found on these structures. The locations, movements, and aggregation of antigens of T. lewisi and the formation of filopodia on the surfaces of the parasites described during these immunoelectron microscopic studies are discussed in terms of the direct and indirect FCA reactions, cell membrane structure and dynamics, and the host-trypanosomes interactions.
Speciation of n-butyltin compounds by atomic absorption spectrometry with an electrothermal quartz furnace after hydride generation

Abstract A method is described for the speciation of n-butyltin compounds. The compounds are volatilized from aqueous solution, trapped on a chromatographic packing material contained in a teflon column, and separated on the basis of differing boiling points. The column is attached directly to an electrothermal quartz furnace of an atomic absorption spectrometer for detection at 224.61 nm. Absolute detection limits (3σ) are 11–45 pg as tin, calibration curves are linear to 13 ng, and reproducibility at the 2-ng level ranges from 5% for mono-n-butyltin to 18% for tri(n-butyl)tin.
Uptake and metabolism of free fatty acids by the morris 7777 hepatoma and host rat liver

The relative capacity of Morris 7777 hepatomas and livers of tumor-bearing rats to take up and subsequently metabolize intravenously injected radiolabeled free fatty acids was investigated. The objective was to determine differences in lipid metabolism which may affect the lipid composition previously observed in this tumor. Both tissues demonstrated comparable selectivity in the uptake of palmitate, linoleate and arachidonate from blood, although the hepatoma took up one-tenth as much free fatty acid per g wet wt as liver. A much greater percentage of fatty acid taken up by the hepatoma was converted to aqueous soluble radioactivity, perhaps the result of oxidation. In the hepatoma, palmitate was incorporated into phospholipid molecular species in a pattern similar to that observed for diglyceride, which suggested that phospholipid synthesis occurred predominantly de novo. On the other hand, in liver, a large percentage of palmitate was incorporated into polyunsaturated phospholipid molecular species that were not present in the diglyceride pool, which suggested significant incorporation by the acylation of monoacyl phosphoglycerides. These studies indicate that the specificity for the uptake of fatty acids was not different in the two tissues; however, the subsequent metabolic processes are markedly different.
Recombinant vaccinia virus: immunization against multiple pathogens

The coding sequences for the hepatitis B virus surface antigen, the herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D, and the influenza virus hemagglutinin were inserted into a single vaccinia virus genome. Rabbits inoculated intravenously or intradermally with this polyvalent vaccinia virus recombinant produced antibodies reactive to all three authentic foreign antigens. In addition, the feasibility of multiple rounds of vaccination with recombinant vaccinia virus was demonstrated.
Bound 'de re' pronouns and the LFs of attitude reports

An empirical argument is given in support of Percus & Sauerland's (2003) theory of 'de re' ascription, according to which the internal argument of "believe" is a function from concept-generators to propositions. The argument concerns pronouns in the scope of attitude verbs that are interpreted both 'de re' and as bound variables. It is argued that more traditional theories of 'de re' ascription --- specifically, theories that take the 'res' to be an internal argument of "believe" --- fail to account for such pronouns, because a pronoun cannot simultaneously be an argument of "believe" and bound by a quantifier in the scope of "believe". http://dx.doi.org/10.3765/sp.7.3 BibTeX info
Automorphisms of random graphs with specified vertices

Conditions are found under which the expected number of automorphisms of a large random labelled graph with a given degree sequence is close to 1. These conditions involve the probability that such a graph has a given subgraph. One implication is that the probability that a random unlabelledk-regular simple graph onn vertices has only the trivial group of automorphisms is asymptotic to 1 asn → ∞ with 3≦k=O(n 1/2−c). In combination with previously known results, this produces an asymptotic formula for the number of unlabelledk-regular simple graphs onn vertices, as well as various asymptotic results on the probable connectivity and girth of such graphs. Corresponding results for graphs with more arbitrary degree sequences are obtained. The main results apply equally well to graphs in which multiple edges and loops are permitted, and also to bicoloured graphs.
The effect of four anesthetic protocols on splenic size in dogs

Abstract Objective To characterize the effects of four anesthetic protocols on the size of the spleen during surgery in dogs. Study design Prospective experimental trial. Animals Twenty-four beagle dogs, 1.1 ± 0.3 years of age and weighing 10.9 ± 2.7 kg. Methods Dogs were allocated to receive one of four anesthetic protocols: 1 – pre-medication with acepromazine and butorphanol, induction with thiopental; 2 – pre-medication with acepromazine and butorphanol, induction with propofol; 3 – pre-medication with medetomidine and butorphanol, induction with propofol; and 4 – pre-medication with medetomidine and butorphanol, induction with ketamine and diazepam. Anesthesia was then maintained with halothane. At laparotomy, the spleen length, width, and height were measured, these were measured again just prior to closure of the abdomen. Splenic area and volume were calculated. Hematocrit and total serum protein (TSP) were measured before and after induction and during laparotomy. Results Splenic volume was greatest after protocol 4 (161.2 ± 40.2 cm 3 ; p Conclusions If splenic volume is to be minimized during surgery, then acepromazine and propofol should be used in the anesthetic protocol. The administration of medetomidine, diazepam, and ketamine will produce a greater splenic volume. Lack of correlation between hematocrit and spleen size following the anesthetic protocols studied suggests sequestration of red blood cells in nonsplenic sites.
Somatic embryogenesis in loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) and Douglas fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ): improving culture initiation and growth with MES pH buffer, biotin, and folic acid

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) somatic embryogenesis initiation was improved by supplementing the initiation medium with the pH buffer agent 2(n-morpholino)ethanesulphonic acid (MES) at 250 mg l−1, folic acid at 0.5 mg l1, and biotin at 0.05 mg l−1. MES and vitamins increased the percentage of explants with extruded tissue that continued the initiation process to form embryogenic tissue. The increase in initiation was about 12%. Initiation of 12 open-pollinated families averaged 38.5%, which is 16% higher than initiation on medium without these additives. When tested with 18 control-pollinated families, initiation averaged 26.3%. Basal medium contained a combination of modified 1/2 P6 salts, activated carbon (AC) at 50 mg −1, Cu and Zn adjusted to compensate for adsorption by AC, 1.5% maltose, 2% myo-inositol, 500 mg l−1 casamino acids, 450 mg l−1 glutamine, 2 mg l−1 NAA, 0.63 mg l−1 BAP, 0.61 mg l−1 kinetin, 3.4 mg l−1 silver nitrate, 10 μM 8-Br-cGMP, 0.1 μM brassinolide, and 2 g l−1 Gelrite. Early-stage embryo growth and initiation in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) were also improved in the presence of these additives.
A nitrogen-14 proportional counter for use in radiobiology☆

Abstract A simple proportional counter is described which utilizes the 14 N(n,p) and 14 N(n,α) resonances and the thermal neutron 14 N(n,p), 10 B(n,αγ), and 10 B(n,α) reactions for neutron energy calibrations in radiobiology. Experimental results are presented for 7 Li(p,n) calibrations at proton energies of 1882, 2362 and 3093 keV.
A comparison of the benzo[b]furan and benzo[c]furan reactivity in diels-alder reactions through an AM1 computational study

Abstract The aromaticity of benzo[c]furan was evaluated based on the uniformity of the CC bond distances and their deviation from the ideal aromatic CC bond distance. The AM1 computed values were compared to those of furan and benzo[b]furan. The goal was to determine the relative stability and reactivity of benzo[b]furan. The reactivity of benzo[c]furan as a diene for the Diels-Alder reaction was estimated through its HOMO energy and activation barriers using several dienophiles.
Testing Greeks and price changes in the S&P 500 options and futures contract: A regression analysis

Abstract We use a regression model to test observed price changes with Greeks as regressors. Greeks are computed using implied volatility, price-change implied volatility and historical volatility. We find sufficient evidence to reject model Greeks as unbiased responses to underlying price as well as sufficient evidence that the American version of binomial model results in biased estimates of price changes. We use options on the S&P 500 futures contracts and their underlying. We also evaluate the frequency of “wrong signs.” Call prices and their underlying move in the opposite direction almost 10 percent of the time.
The Monochromatic Column problem

Let p"1, p"2,..., p"n be a sequence of n pairwise coprime positive integers, and let P=p"1p"2...p"n. Let 0,1,...,m-1 be a sequence of m different colors. Let A be an nxmP matrix of colors in which row i consists of blocks of p"i consecutive entries of the same color, with colors 0 through m-1 repeated cyclically. The Monochromatic Column problem is to determine the number of columns of A in which every entry is the same color. The solution for m=3 colors is presented and proved.
Survival Distributions Satisfying Benford's Law

Abstract Hill stated that “An interesting open problem is to determine which common distributions (or mixtures thereof) satisfy Benford's law …”. This article quantifies compliance with Benford's law for several popular survival distributions. The traditional analysis of Benford's law considers its applicability to datasets. This article switches the emphasis to probability distributions that obey Benford's law.
Cost allocation by uniform traffic removal— Theoretical discussion and example highway cost applications

Abstract We propose four properties for equitable roadway cost allocations: (a) allocated costs should be based on full cost recovery, (b) allocated costs must be non-negative for any traveler group, (c) cost allocations should be additive, and (d) cost allocations should be consistent where equivalency factors among traffic categories exist. For cases with well-behaved cost functions, the uniform traffic removal technique discussed here uniquely satisfies these four properties and should be used whenever the four allocation properties are desired. Example applications as well as cases in which cost functions are not well behaved are discussed.
Expository Analysis of Economic Base in a Consumerist World

The economic base is one of Marx’s grand and indelible thoughts. According to Marx the modern capitalist society is a reflection of the economic base. Although the whole idea of the economic base presents a materialist understanding of history, yet the unfolding realities reveal that the base remains powerful as Marx predicted. The paper revisits Marx’s view of historical act and its ramifications on the intellectual base and epistemic community in particular and the larger society in general. The paper further raises the questions, should academic institutions dance to the tune of the economic base and should the intelligentsia and the epistemic community bow to the dictation of the economic base? How much should we allow the economic base to shape our consciousness and thinking process? Could there be an alternative to the dictate of the economic base? And finally, does inaction and lack of vigour to effect change give the base an undisputable challenge and thereby leading to class division and class conflict. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n1p219
The Role of Various Regions of the Bean Hypocotyl on Red Light-induced Hook Opening

Measurement of various zones on the concave half of etiolated Phaseolus vulgaris L. (cv. Black Valentine) hypocotyls has shown that growth at the basal portion of the elbow and the contiguous upper portion of the shank was stimulated earliest by red light. Growth of these two zones was unaffected by the tissue of the convex half but was inhibited by tissue distal to them. The inhibition was alleviated by the continuous presence of shank tissue below the growing zones. Based on cuts made halfway through the hypocotyl at positions above, below, or between the two zones of growth, it is suggested that cells at the inner portion of the upper shank control in some way the light-induced growth of the elbow cells directly above.
Situational, consumer, and retailer factors affecting Internet, catalog, and store shopping

Most research related to consumer choice of retailers emphasizes retailer attributes and/or consumer characteristics. Since many retail formats, including online retailing, have emerged in recent years, knowledge of how consumers select retail formats must be updated. A source of influence that has been examined to a very limited extent for store retailers but not for emerging retail formats is situational influence. From a modern interactionism perspective, this study investigates the influence of situational as well as consumer and retailer factors on preference for online, catalog, and store formats. Key results show that situational factors have significant influence on online and catalog format selection and perceptions of attributes that are crucial to that selection.
Monoclonal antibody for DNA measurement in biological fluids.

Abstract Two highly sensitive immunoassays for measuring soluble DNA are described. These methods employ a purified mouse monoclonal anti-DNA antibody in enzyme-linked immunoassays. One assay is an antigen capture method utilizing immobilized antibody. Bound DNA is subsequently detected with biotinylated monoclonal anti-DNA antibody, avidin-coupled horseradish peroxidase and a chromogenic substrate. The limit of detection of the assay was 2 ng/ml of DNA. A competition assay relying on immobilized heat-denatured DNA was also designed. In this assay the solution to be analyzed is mixed in equal proportions with monoclonal anti-DNA antibody and the mixture is incubated in the DNA-containing microtiter plates. The inhibition of antibody binding as detected with peroxidase-conjugated anti-mouse IgG was proportional to the concentration of DNA in the sample. The competition assay was tested for its ability to detect DNA in human plasma. The detection limit of DNA in plasma was approximately 150 ng/ml. The assays were compared in their ability to detect various size fragments of DNA. The competition assay was capable of detecting DNA fragments as small as 30 base pairs. In contrast, the capture assay failed to detect low molecular weight fragments up to 150 base pairs although its sensitivity for undigested DNA was comparable to the competition assay. The assay may be of use in the rapid quantitation of low levels of DNA, especially low molecular weight DNA and may also be useful in measuring DNA in human plasma.
Closed-loop control of manipulators with redundant joints using the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation

A closed-loop state feedback motion-control scheme has been developed for manipulators with redundant joints. The scheme is based on the well-known Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman algorithm of optimal control. Self motion of the linkage is utilized for optimizing a quadratic performance criteria over the entire trajectory of the end-effector. A linearized model of the dynamics of the manipulator is used in the control algorithm. The algorithm requires solving the algebraic matrix Riccati equation. Simulation results are presented. >
The War Experiences and Psychosocial Development of Children in Lebanon

This study examines the number and types of war traumas children face growing up in a war-torn country and the relation of such traumatic experiences to their psychosocial development. A sample of 224 Lebanese children (10-16 years old) were interviewed using measures of war exposure, mental health symptoms, adaptational outcomes, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The number and type of children's war traumas varied meaningfully in number and type by their age, gender, father's occupational status, and mother's educational level. As predicted, the number of war traumas experienced by a child was positively related to PTSD symptoms; and various types of war traumas were differentially related to PTSD, mental health symptoms, and adaptational outcomes. For example, children who were exposed to multiple war traumas, were bereaved, became victims of violent acts, witnessed violent acts, and/or were exposed to shelling or combat exhibited more PTSD symptoms. Children who were separated from parents reported more depressive symptoms and children who experience bereavement and were not displaced reported more planful behavior. Lastly, children who were separated from parents and who witnessed violent acts reported more prosocial behavior. Implications for program interventions and directions for future research on the effects of war on the psychosocial development of children are explored.
Long‐Term Trends in Life Expectancy and Active Life Expectancy in the United States

Changes in life expectancy and in active life expectancy may have effects on the fiscal integrity of both the Social Security and Medicare programs. Analysis of the fiscal stability of these programs shows that the most serious problem may be the growth of Medicare expenditures projected to surpass, in about 2024, Social Security costs. This is aggravated by the associated rapid growth of the Medicaid program. To understand how the growth of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security might be correlated we present estimates of changes in life expectancy and active life expectancy from 1935 to 1999 and then project those values to 2080. How the correlation of life expectancy and active life expectancy changes over time, and by age, may provide insights into how increased health care expenditures, if effective in changing health in the elderly, could modify the age structure of the labor force and the availability of human capital.
Two Approaches to Dynamic Refinement in Hierarchical Motion Planning

A common technique in robotic motion planning is to progressively refine trajectories using a hierarchical planner comprising several iteratively coupled layers. This paper presents two dynamic refinement techniques that transform the polygonal path computed by a geometric planning layer into a feasible trajectory for a specific vehicle by fitting suitable geometric primitives. This work advances the state of the art in dynamic refinement in two ways. First, we generalize the popular circular-arc-primitive methods for car-like vehicles to achieve aggressive maneuvering and higher speeds. Second, we present a preliminary analysis of minimum-time primitives for omni-directional vehicles. Results of extensive simulation experiments are presented, to demonstrate the performance characteristics of the two methods.
Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography

“An untroubled mind, no longer seeking to consider what is right and what is wrong; A mind beyond judgements, watches and understands.” The Buddha (translated from the Dhammapada ) The purpose of this article is to describe our personal experience in translating observations made in the experimental laboratory using MCE into the clinical setting. It is not intended to be an exhaustive review of MCE, for which readers are referred elsewhere.1 2 3 The work of others in MCE and related subjects will be mentioned only when it has influenced our own work. Our bench-to-bedside experience with MCE over the past 15 years will be discussed under these six broad categories: (a) technical issues; (b) AMI, (c) detection of CAD, (d) applications in the operating room, (e) quantification of myocardial perfusion, and (f) work in progress. Historically, it has not been possible to directly assess myocardial perfusion with echocardiography. Its clinical focus has involved the evaluation of cardiac chamber size and function, valve morphology and kinetics, pericardial space and great vessels, and intracavitary blood flow velocities. Yet, echocardiography is highly suited for the evaluation of myocardial perfusion for the following reasons: (a) It has very good spatial resolution (<1 mm in the axial direction), which is far superior to that offered by SPECT and positron emission tomography, although not as good as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrafast cine computed tomography; (b) its temporal resolution is excellent (30 to 120 Hz) and exceeds that of other commonly used imaging technologies; (c) for an imaging modality, it is inexpensive and has low overhead costs; (d) it is an integral tool in the day-to-day activities of clinical cardiologists, who can obtain advanced training in its use without needing to learn an entirely new technology. The study of myocardial perfusion with echocardiography involves …
The Blalock-Taussig shunt: an analysis of trends and techniques in the fourth decade

The original description of the Blalock-Taussig shunt was published in 1945 and represented the first direct surgical procedure for the treatment of cyanotic congenital heart disease. The present study analyzes the results of Blalock-Taussig shunts performed at Duke University Medical Center during the fourth decade since the original description of the procedure. From 1975 to 1984, 53 classic and 24 modified Blalock-Taussig shunts were performed with a hospital mortality of 8%. These deaths occurred in critically ill patients with either pulmonary atresia or complex congenital cardiac lesions. The results of the early group (1975-1979) were compared to the late group (1980-1984) of patients. There was a greater proportion of infants less than 1 week of age in the late group, and the actuarial event-free shunt survival following operation was significantly better in the late group. This improvement in the late group was apparent both in patients receiving classic and modified Blalock-Taussig shunts and probably represents the effects of advances in microsurgical technique as well as improvement in the support of critically ill infants at the time of surgery by pediatric anesthesiologists and neonatologists. The data in the present study indicate that the mortality associated with Blalock-Taussig shunting is related to the condition of the patient at the time of surgery and the underlying cardiac pathology rather than the age of the patient at the time of shunting. The efforts to further reduce morbidity and mortality associated with Blalock-Taussig shunting should therefore be directed primarily to the support of infants during the preoperative and intraoperative phases of care.
Characterization of Breast Tumors with NIR Methods using Optical Indices

This work describes the characterization efficiency of optical properties of breast tumors based on the features obtained using in vivo near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy measurements. Three features, relative blood concentration, oxygen saturation and the size of the tumor, are used to diagnose benign and malignant tumors. The performance of the proposed set of features are evaluated by various classifiers using data acquired from 44 patients with malignant tumors, and 72 patients with benign tumors. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve of the scaled nearest mean classifier (NMSC) using the three features yields a value of 0.91 with a significance level of 0.05. Our results suggest that the features, relative blood concentration, and oxygen saturation can differentiate breast tumors with a relatively high precision.
Is My Model Good Enough? Best Practices for Verification and Validation of Musculoskeletal Models and Simulations of Movement

Computational modeling and simulation of neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) systems enables researchers and clinicians to study the complex dynamics underlying human and animal movement. NMS models use equations derived from physical laws and biology to help solve challenging real-world problems, from designing prosthetics that maximize running speed to developing exoskeletal devices that enable walking after a stroke. NMS modeling and simulation has proliferated in the biomechanics research community over the past 25 years, but the lack of verification and validation standards remains a major barrier to wider adoption and impact. The goal of this paper is to establish practical guidelines for verification and validation of NMS models and simulations that researchers, clinicians, reviewers, and others can adopt to evaluate the accuracy and credibility of modeling studies. In particular, we review a general process for verification and validation applied to NMS models and simulations, including careful formulation of a research question and methods, traditional verification and validation steps, and documentation and sharing of results for use and testing by other researchers. Modeling the NMS system and simulating its motion involves methods to represent neural control, musculoskeletal geometry, muscle-tendon dynamics, contact forces, and multibody dynamics. For each of these components, we review modeling choices and software verification guidelines; discuss variability, errors, uncertainty, and sensitivity relationships; and provide recommendations for verification and validation by comparing experimental data and testing robustness. We present a series of case studies to illustrate key principles. In closing, we discuss challenges the community must overcome to ensure that modeling and simulation are successfully used to solve the broad spectrum of problems that limit human mobility.
A 3-D model analysis of the slowdown and interannual variability in the methane growth rate from 1988 to 1997

[1] Methane has exhibited significant interannual variability with a slowdown in its growth rate beginning in the 1980s. We use a 3-D chemical transport model accounting for interannually varying emissions, transport, and sinks to analyze trends in CH4 from 1988 to 1997. Variations in CH4 sources were based on meteorological and country-level socioeconomic data. An inverse method was used to optimize the strengths of sources and sinks for a base year, 1994. We present a best-guess budget along with sensitivity tests. The analysis suggests that the sum of emissions from animals, fossil fuels, landfills, and wastewater estimated using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change default methodology is too high. Recent bottom-up estimates of the source from rice paddies appear to be too low. Previous top-down estimates of emissions from wetlands may be a factor of 2 higher than bottom-up estimates because of possible overestimates of OH. The model captures the general decrease in the CH4 growth rate observed from 1988 to 1997 and the anomalously low growth rates during 1992–1993. The slowdown in the growth rate is attributed to a combination of slower growth of sources and increases in OH. The economic downturn in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe made a significant contribution to the decrease in the growth rate of emissions. The 1992–1993 anomaly can be explained by fluctuations in wetland emissions and OH after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo. The results suggest that the recent slowdown of CH4 may be temporary.
Effects of Air Pollutants on Development of Allergic Immune Responses in the Respiratory Tract

The increased incidence of allergic asthma in the human population worldwide has stimulated many explanatory theories. A concomitant decrease in air quality leads to epidemiological and laboratory-based studies to demonstrate a link between air pollutants and asthma. Specifically, ozone, environmental tobacco smoke, and diesel exhaust are associated with enhancement of respiratory allergy to inhaled allergens. This review summarizes the state of the knowledge, both human epidemiology and laboratory animal experiments, linking air pollution to allergy. Critical issues involve development of the lung and the fetal immune response, and the potential for substances like ozone and ETS in the air to modulate early immune responses with lifelong consequences.
Theory and Simulations of Neutralization and Focusing of ICF Ion Beams

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) ion beams must be focused to a small spot during final propagation to the target. In general, both beam emittance and space charge limit the achievable spot size. Here we consider the latter and how its effect can be eliminated by injecting into the target chamber electrons which are comoving and coexstensive with the ions. Unlike focusing an ion beam through a neutralizing plasma channel, the present propagation mode requires a hard vacuum (10/sup -4/ to 10/sup -5/ Torr) target chamber into which both ions and electrons are injected, and thus avoids possibly deleterious beam plasma interactions.
MADAME GUIZOT AND MONSIEUR GUIZOT: DOMESTIC PEDAGOGY AND THE POST-REVOLUTIONARY ORDER IN FRANCE, 1807–1830

When the husband-and-wife team of Francois and Pauline Guizot looked at early nineteenth-century France, they saw an institutional wasteland where the Revolution had annihilated settled habits, mentalities, and structures. Beginning with collaborative work on pedagogy, they envisioned a new order adequate to the post-Revolutionary era. In their imaginative universe, moral suasion ultimately trumps direct physical coercion. Resistance and manipulation subvert the imperious imposition of an iron will, while an abiding spiritual form of power comes from renouncing forceful commands in favor of sentimental ascendancy. They advanced this as an all-embracing social truth applicable to many different domains from domesticity to government. Their wide-ranging theory of human relations blossomed into the gouvernement des esprits (“government of minds”) which intellectually underwrote Francois's Doctrinaire liberalism when he entered politics. Meanwhile, Pauline pursued her reflections on post-Revolutionary society in deceptively simple children's stories which instantiate their philosophy in concrete human relationships.