cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the tobacco use epidemic I. Overview: Optimizing measurement to facilitate change.

Abstract Objective This Overview paper (I of V) summarizes research work to date on monitoring the tobacco use epidemic, discusses the recommendations made at the November, 2002 National Tobacco Monitoring, Research and Evaluation Workshop sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Legacy Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on the topic of tobacco surveillance and evaluation, and discusses the current state of affairs. Methods A conceptual model based on the classical infectious diseases framework/paradigm focusing on the Agent, Host, Vector and Environment is used to integrate the work presented in the four other papers that appear in this supplemental issue of Preventive Medicine . Results The Agent paper (II) describes surveillance on tobacco products and biomarkers; the Host paper (III) describes surveillance on the smoker/user, or potential smoker/user; the Vector paper (IV) describes monitoring of industry activity; and the Environment paper (V) describes several key strategies for monitoring influential environmental factors. Overall, some improvements to the nation's surveillance system have been made in recent years. However, additional steps are needed to optimize measurement of tobacco use and factors influencing use in the United States. Conclusions Tobacco monitoring efforts play a vital role in combating the epidemic of addiction and disease produced by various tobacco products. The knowledge and experience gained by the tobacco use prevention and control community through this commitment to linkages of data collected in the domains of Vector and Environment, in addition to Agent and Host, could inform monitoring of a wide range of other public health issues as well, including diet and nutrition, physical activity, overweight and obesity, and substance abuse.
Effect of aging on the metabolism of p-nitroanisole and p-nitrophenol in isolated rat hepatocytes

The effects of aging on the monooxygenation of p-nitroanisole (PNA) and conjugation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) were determined in hepatocytes isolated from young (2–4 months) and old (20–24 months) male Fischer 344 rats. The rate of PNA O-demethylation was significantly decreased (41%) in aged rats. PNP formed from the monooxygenation of PNA was predominantly conjugated by suIfation. The decrease in monooxygenation of PNA was accompanied by a 57% decrease in the rate of PNP-sulfate production. No change in the glucuronidation of PNP or level of unconjugated PNP was observed during aging when PNA was used as substrate. With PNP as substrate, glucuronidation was the major conjugative pathway. An age-related decrease (70%) in the suIfation capacity was observed at both 100 and 200 μM PNP, but no change in the glucuronidation of PNP was seen in aged rats. Therefore, the overall conjugation of PNP was decreased by 30% with age. Microsomal glucuronyltransferase activity toward PNP was unaffected by aging, and microsomal cytochrome P-450 levels were reduced 34% in aged rats. This study demonstrates age-related decreases in PNA monooxygenation and PNP suIfation in isolated rat hepatocytes, while PNP glucuronidation capacity is unaffected during aging.
Fusion of probabilistic evidence

Abstract Fusion refers to the combination of two or more probability assignments to pieces of evidence that support the same hypotheses. The probability assignments usually result from different inference paths in reasoning and are, in general, different. Given a set of probability assignments for evidence to be fused, it is well known that certain constraints, called consistent bounds, must be satisfied. These bounds arise from the theory of probability and define an admissible domain for the fused evidence. However, because the bounds are, in general, interactive, a general methodology for computing the admissible domain other than a brute-force numerical approach (linear programming) is lacking. This paper examines the role of interaction in evidence fusion and demonstrates the effect of interaction on the fused evidence. A simple case consisting of one hypothesis supported by two pieces of evidence is considered, and the interactive bounds and admissible domain are derived analytically. In particular, the effect of different dependency assumptions on the consistent bounds is derived to show that the assumption of conditional dependence can lead to inconsistencies under certain circumstances, that is, the fused evidence lies outside the admissible domain. Uncertain evidence expressed in the form of bounds is not very useful in practice because the bounds tend to become large as the uncertainty is cascaded from one level to another in inferencing. Point evidence may be more helpful. Three suggestions for obtaining consistent point estimates from the consistent bounds are presented, and numerical examples are given.
Coherent plasmonics: Optimized for sensing and energy transfer

Metallic nanostructures give rise to bright and dark plasmon modes, and through their interactions can support a variety of coherent phenomena more typically associated with atomic systems, providing new sensing and energy transfer strategies.
An Auger electron spectroscopy study of the activation of iron Fischer-Tropsch catalysts. I. Hydrogen activation

Activation procedures can have a dramatic effect on the activity of iron-based catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) synthesis. CO conversion over a 100 Fe/3 Cu/0.2 K catalyst (parts by weight) can vary by nearly a factor of 3, depending on activation. In contrast, a 100 Fe/5 Cu/4.2 K/25 SiO2 catalyst displays only minor variations in activity with activation conditions. An ultra-high vacuum surface analysis chamber coupled to an atmospheric pressure reactor has been used to measure the surface compositions of these catalysts following various hydrogen activation procedures. Activation of the 100 Fe/3 Cu/0.2 K catalyst in H2 results in rapid reduction of iron to the metallic state, and segregation of sulfur to the catalyst surface. The sulfur arises from bulk sulfate impurities present in the metal nitrates used to prepare the catalyst. Sulfur coverage increases with both activation time and temperature, due to an increase in the rate of sulfur diffusion with temperature. F-T activity of this catalyst varies inversely with sulfur coverage, consistent with the well-known poisoning effect of sulfur on F-T synthesis. For the 100 Fe/5 Cu/4.2 K/25 SiO2 catalyst no significant variations in surface composition are observed as a function of hydrogen activation temperature, consistent with the absence of any variations in catalyst activity. Only partial reduction of iron to a mixture of FexO and Fe3O4 is observed for this catalyst for all activation conditions investigated. Using electron beam effects to remove potassium and silica shows that one or both of these components inhibits reduction of iron to the metallic state in the 100 Fe/5 Cu/4.2 K/25 SiO2 catalyst. The difference in sensitivity of the two catalysts to activation conditions is explained by differences in surface area and reducibility of the two catalysts. Reduction of the 100 Fe/3 Cu/0.2 K catalyst is accompanied by a severe loss of surface area, such that sulfur segregation can result in substantial sulfur coverages on the surface. The 100 Fe/5 Cu/4.2 K/25 SiO2 catalyst maintains high surface area during activation, and not enough sulfur is available to form significant coverages on the surface.
Studies on the Biology of the Periodontium of Marmosets: V. Lymphatic Vessels of the Periodontal Ligament:

Lymphatic vessels of the periodontal ligament were traced in the marmoset. Lymph capillaries originated in the ligament as blind endings and emptied into collecting lymph vessels, which coursed along three pathways in the ligament.
Interaction of crude and pure chorionic gonadotropin with the thyrotropin receptor.

The effect of crude and pure hCG preparations on bovine TSH (bTSH) binding to its receptor was investigated in an attempt to characterize further the intrinsic thyrotropic activity of hCG. In a TSH radioreceptorassay with bovine thyroid membranes, performed at 4 C without NaCl in the incubation medium, the cross-reactivity of a crude hCG preparation was 90% relative to unlabeled bTSH, whereas that of pure hCG and its subunits was below 0.01%. By Sephadex G-100 chromatography, the substances in crude hCG that displayed TSH binding inhibitory activity at 4 C exhibited great heterogeneity, with an apparent molecular size range of 6,000-70,000 daltons. No specific peaks of TSH binding inhibitory substances were observed in the elution region of hCG, TSH, or molar or chorionic TSH, and most of the inhibitory substances had apparent molecular sizes smaller than any known TSH. When the radioreceptorassay was performed under progressively more physiological conditions by raising the temperature to 37 C and adding...
Comments on criminal offenders and the WAIS picture arrangement "hold-up" item.

Summary.-This paper comments on the criminal offender's tendency to identify with the "hold-up" item of the WAIS Picture Arrangement subtest. It is suggested that a qualitative analysis of the subjecr's interpretation of the "hold-up" sketches can shed light on feelings, attitudes, and previous experiences with respect to criminaliry and antisocial behavior. Qualitative analysis can also provide material on the subject's perceptions of authoriry figures and the victims of crimes. The paper also considers the criminal offender's sequential arrangements of the "hold-up" item and suggests that a prevalent incorrect sequence, i.e., ABDC, may be related to the criminal offender's actual experiences with the criminal justice system. Matarazzo (1972) describes the Picture Arrangement subtest of the WAIS as "the type of test which effectively measures a subject's ability to comprehend and size up a total situation" (p. 208). Blatt and Allison (1968) point out that in arranging the sketches on Picture Arrangement into a sequence which makes up a meaningful story, "the subject is required to understand the inner relationships of a series of events and to grasp the essential message of a social interaction" (p. 432). This subtest is viewed by Rapaport, Gill, and Schafer (1968) as one which essentially taps the abilities of anticipation and planning. Thus, Rapaport, et al. state that "the subject's achievement is a reflection of his ability to anticipate the consequences of initial acts or situations, and hence is a reflection of his planning ability" (p. 127). Matarazzo suggests that it is often useful for the examiner to ask the subject to explain the sequence of the items or to make up a story similar to the kind which would be called for on the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Either of these procedures allows the examiner to obtain much material on the personality dynamics of the subject. The present paper comments on some of the qualitative and sequential responses given to one of the subcest items of Picture Arrangement, i.e., "hold up," by criminal offenders whom the author has tested in a residential therapeutic community for drug abusers. The following remarks are based on qualitative, nonquantitacive observations obtained in the clinical testing situation. The author is aware of the limitations of such n presentation. However, it is believed that these observations are potentially useful to other psychodiagnosticians and may eventually lead to more sophisticated research undertakings.
Non‐Isotropic structured fibrous media: The permeability of arrays of fiber bundles of elliptical cross section

A computational analysis of viscous flow across hexagonal arrays of fiber bundles of elliptical cross section, each consisting of up to 350 individual filaments, is carried out using the Boundary Element Method. Such arrays are non-isotropic dual-porosity systems, characterized by the aspect ratio (λ) of the fiber bundles, their inter- (Φ i ) and intra-tow (Φ t ) porosities as well as by the number (N f ) of filaments within each bundle. The results, in terms of the hydraulic permeability (K) of these arrays, are compared to earlier analytical models and a good agreement is found. A dimensionless correlation, earlier proposed for arrays of circular cross section, is used to reduce the computed permeabilities for bundles of aspect ratio λ = 2 and λ = 3 on a single master curve. This correlation offers a simple model for the calculation of the permeability of such dual porosity systems from knowledge of Φ i , Φ t , λ and N f . By considering bulk flow along the two principal directions of the fiber bundle, we also compare the two principal permeabilities of such arrays.
A graphite insert for a varian electron gun evaporator

Abstract A graphite insert has been found effective when evaporating small samples in a Varian electron gun.
Terrorist attacks on nationals: The lawful use of force against terrorist bases on foreign soil

The December 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 raises an important legal problem for decision‐makers contemplating retaliation against such acts of terrorism. Conceivably, retaliation could conflict with and help erode international norms of self‐defense. Counter‐terrorist experts and government officials espousing the use of force have minimized, if not ignored, this potential conflict and its negative impact on world order. On the other hand, the 1986 US raid on Libya and the 1985 Israeli raid on PLO headquarters in Tunisia reveal that under limited circumstances force would be deemed appropriate. The informal adjudication of these incidents by relevant international actors suggests a tolerance for the resort to force in the US case and ambivalence in the Israeli case. The US and Israeli cases guide a subsequent discussion of the conditions under which the use of force against terrorist bases in response to terrorist attacks could be legitimated. The resort to force against such activity, it is argued, ...
Notions of Diagnosability for Timed Failure Propagation Graphs

Timed failure propagation graphs (TFPG) are causal models that capture the temporal aspects of failure propagation in dynamic systems. This paper presents several notions of diagnosability for timed failure propagation models. Diagnosability characteristics of TFPG models are defined based on three metrics; failure detectability, distinguishability, and predictability. The paper identifies the modeling and run-time parameters of the diagnosability metrics. The application of diagnosability analysis to the problem of alarm allocation is discussed.
Transferrin receptor: its biological significance.

The TR is a vital surface component which has been demonstrated to be involved in processes critical for cell metabolism and growth. This review has attempted to briefly touch on the more well understood aspects of study of the TR. These aspects include the biochemical characterization of the TR and the functional studies concerning the central role of the TR in binding transferrin for the purpose of internalization and accumulation of intracellular iron. Other less well-understood and controversial aspects surrounding our present knowledge of the TR have been highlighted and discussed. These include: the nature of the biochemical signal involved in triggering receptor endocytosis; the role for the transferrin-TR interaction or the TR alone in regulation of cellular growth processes; and the possible clinical role(s) for the TR in anti-tumor therapy.
Plutonium(IV) mononitrate and dinitrate complex formation in acid solutions as a function of ionic strength

Titrations of Pu(IV) with HNO3 in a series of aqueous HClO4 solutions ranging in ionic strength from 2 to 19 molal were followed using visible and near-infrared absorption spectrophotometry. The Pu 5f-5f spectra in the visible and near IR range change with complex formation. At each ionic strength, a series of spectra were obtained by varying nitrate concentration. Each series was deconvoluted into spectra of Pu4+ (aq), Pu(NO3)3− and Pu(NO3)22+ complexes, and simultaneously their formation constants were determined. When corrected for the incomplete dissociation of nitric acid, the ionic strength dependence of each formation constant can be described by two parameters, β0 and Δe using the formulae of specific ion interaction theory.
Depositional, tectonic and eustatic controls on hydrocarbon distribution in divergent margin basins: Cenozoic Gulf of Mexico case history

Abstract The evolution of continental margins and related distribution of hydrocarbon reservoirs in divergent margin basins reflects the primary interaction between sediment supply and process regime within the basin and secondary modifications by sea-level change and structural history. Cenozoic sequences of the northwestern Gulf Coast Basin contain numerous, highly explored hydrocarbon fairways that reflect typical productive styles resulting from progressively reduced influences of tectonic events in the North American plate and progressively increased influences of eustasy. Most Paleogene and lower Neogene sequences record moderate to high rates of sediment supply, locally enhanced load or salt-induced subsidence, and infrequent, relatively low-amplitude eustatic change. Accommodation space was created by crustal loading and gravity-driven continental margin extension or salt evacuation along with progradation into the deep-water gulf. Shorezone deposits are sand rich because slow or limited eustatic shoreline shift promoted effective reworking and shelfal storage of coastal facies. Progradational depocenters were characterized by large, long-lived, wave-reworked, shelf-edge delta systems; sands were largely stored close to the delta front and flanking shorezone systems. Prolonged periods of aggradation and retrogradation preserved thick, vertically stacked parasequences of deltaic and interdeltaic barrier/strandplain facies. Hydrocarbons accumulated in multiple, superimposed reservoirs primarily in mixed structurally and depositionally defined plays. In contrast, upper Neogene and Quaternary sequences are products of frequent high-amplitude eustatic cycles, rapid subsidence, and locally very high rates of sedimentation. Accommodation space was created by load-induced subsidence modified by salt evacuation and intermittent relative rises in sea level. Shorezone deposits are heterolithic because rapid subsidence and frequent eustatic shoreline shifts prevented extensive reworking. Progradational episodes were characterized by mud-rich, river-dominated shelf-edge deltas of moderate size. Rapid lowering of sea level promoted gravity remobilization of deltaic sediments and deposition of sand-rich lobes that created broad, structurally and bathymetrically complex submarine fans and slope aprons. Some sand-rich submarine fan lobes extend more than 160 km basinward from the paleoshelf margin. In contrast, strike reworking and sand storage on the shelf were minor. Combination structural and stratigraphic traps define most upper Neogene and Quaternary hydrocarbon plays. Correlating observed patterns of Cenozoic basin fill with contemporaneous plate interactions and eustatic fluctuations reveals the relative control of these variables on rates of sediment supply, characteristics of depositional sequences, and styles of basin-fill deformation.
L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, diminishes oxidative damage in urinary bladder partial outlet obstruction.

Partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) results in cellular damage due to ischemia and reperfusion injury. Our study seeks to establish how early this damage can occur and the role that nitric ox...
Physiological Levels of Estradiol Stimulate Plasma High Density Lipoprotein2 Cholesterol Levels in Normal Men

Premenopausal women have a lower risk of coronary artery disease than men or postmenopausal women; estrogens are thought to contribute to this lower risk. Administration of exogenous estrogen to post-menopausal women increases plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and may reduce mortality from coronary disease in users. Although many investigations have examined the roles of estrogen in the regulation of lipoproteins in women, little attention has been directed to estrogen regulation of lipids in men. We designed a paradigm to study the role of physiological levels of estradiol (E2) on plasma lipoproteins in healthy men. We used a GnRH antagonist, Nal-Glu, to suppress endogenous steroid hormones in healthy men. We then administered testosterone (T) enanthate (100 mg, im, weekly) to restore T levels to the baseline range, and we administered an aromatase inhibitor, testolactone (Teslac), to prevent the normal conversion of T to E2, thereby producing a selective estrogen deficiency state in normal young men. As controls, we administered Nal-Glu and T along with placebo Teslac to a separate group of men; a third group of men received all placebo medications. We found that in men who received Nal-Glu plus T plus Teslac, E2 levels were profoundly suppressed during treatment, whereas T levels remained in the baseline range. Plasma HDL cholesterol, particularly, the HDL2 fraction, decreased significantly in response to the low serum E2 level. Plasma apoprotein-AI levels also decreased significantly. Plasma LDL and triglyceride levels did not change. All hormone and lipoprotein parameters returned to baseline within 4 weeks after treatment ended. In men who received Nal-Glu plus T, plasma HDL and apoprotein-AI decreased, but these decreases did not achieve statistical significance. Only a small decrease in HDL2 cholesterol was seen in these men. There were no hormonal or lipid changes in the placebo group. We conclude that in men, physiological levels of E2 are important in maintaining plasma levels of HDL cholesterol, especially the HDL2 fraction. These observations suggest that estrogen, in the amount normally produced in men, may offer some degree of protection against cardiovascular disease in males, as they do in women.
A QUADRATIC PROGRAMMING MODEL FOR DESIGNING AND EVALUATING DISTANCE-BASED AND ZONE FARES FOR URBAN TRANSIT

Abstract A microcomputer based system for designing and evaluating distance-based and zone fares for transit properties is described. At the heart of the system is an optimization model that finds the fixed charge, mileage charge, and transfer charge that maximize gross revenue subject to constraints on ridership and the form of the fare equation. A linear approximation to the demand curve at the base case values results in a quadratic programming problem. Three alternative modes of using the model system are demonstrated using selected data from the Chicago Transit Authority. Model extensions and proposed future work are outlined.
Examination of afterhyperpolarization duration changes in motoneurons innervating paretic muscles in stroke survivors

The after hyperpolarization (AHP) of a motoneuron is a primary determinant of motoneuron firing rate. Any increase in its duration or amplitude could alter normal motor unit (MU) firing rate properties in stroke, and potentially impact muscle force generation. The objective of this preliminary study was to examine potential differences in afterhyperpolarization (AHP) duration of motoneurons innervating paretic and contralateral limb muscles of hemiparetic stroke survivors. A novel surface EMG (sEMG) electrode was used to record from the first dorsal interosseous muscle (FDI) of three hemiparetic stroke survivors. sEMG data was decomposed to derive single motor unit (SMU) events, which were subsequently utilized to produce interval (ISI) histograms of the motor unit discharge. Interval Death Rate (IDR) analysis was then used to transform ISI histograms into death rate plots. [1] The prescribed IDR analysis method [1] involves a final transformation of death rate plots into an estimated AHP time course. The present study uses a modified method of interpreting death rate plots in order to determine AHP duration. AHP durations from this analysis are similar to durations obtained from ISI variability analysis. [2] Results from three subjects indicate that on average, motor units on the paretic side have a longer AHP duration than the contralateral side, potentially contributing to lower firing rates, and to less efficient force production in paretic muscles.
Industrial experience with an integrated code comprehension model

Maintenance frequently consumes more resources than new software development. A major portion of the maintenance effort is spent trying to understand existing software. If more can be learnt about how programmers understand code successfully, better tools to support this understanding process can be built. This contributes to higher quality and improved efficiency of maintenance tasks. Audio-taped ‘think aloud’ reports were used to investigate an integrated code comprehension model during a variety of industrial maintenance activities. The tapes were analysed for information needs during maintenance activities and used to derive useful tool capabilities.
Successful Treatment of Natalizumab Induced PML with CMX001 and the Side Effects Associated with Its Use (P07.060)

Objective: To describe a case of natalizumab induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient that was successfully treated with CMX001 and to report the adverse events associated with its use. Background Natalizumab is an effective treatment for MS that has been associated with the risk of developing PML. CMX001 is an oral analogue of cidofovir which selectively inhibits viral DNA polymerase. Design/Methods: Retrospective clinical and laboratory evaluation of a patient with confirmed PML that was treated with CMX001. Results: 45 year old woman with MS on natalizumab 54 months diagnosed with PML on routine brain MRI. CSF revealed 783 copies/ml of JC virus. Five plasma exchanges were performed. Repeat CSF (day 8) revealed 9,511 copies/ml of JC virus. CMX001 was initiated on day 9 (200mg orally twice a week). After four doses, she experienced severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The drug was held one week and restarted at 200mg twice a week. After two doses nausea, vomiting and diarrhea again became severe. Colonoscopy revealed eosinophilic colitis. She was started on mesalamine, cholestyramine and diphenoxylate/atropine. CMX001 was held one week and restarted at 150mg twice a week. Over the next three weeks she continued to have diarrhea and decreased appetite but less than at the higher dose. After six weeks on CMX001 150mg twice a week, she presented confused and had two observed seizures. Multiple electrolyte abnormalities were seen. CMX001 was discontinued and not restarted. JC virus in the CSF dropped while on CMX001 to 3133, 428, 140, and 78copies/ml at week 6, 9, 14, and 16 weeks respectively. Conclusions: CMX001 may have been effective for treatment of natalizumab induced PML but had significant gastrointestinal side effects at 200mg twice a week and may have contributed to two seizures. Disclosure: Dr. Hojnacki has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Serono, Inc., Pfizer Inc, and Teva Neuroscience as a speaker and/or participant on scientific advisory boards. Dr. Zivadinov has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Biogen Idec, EMD Serono, and Questcor Pharmaceuticals as a speaker and/or consultant. Dr. Zivadinov has received research support from Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Genzyme Corporation, Bracco, Questcor Pharmaceuticals and EMD Serono. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Biogen Idec, Serono, Inc., Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Teva Neuroscience as a speaker and/or participant on an advisory board. Dr. Weinstock-Guttman has received research support from Acorda Therapeutics, Biogen Idec, Serono Inc., Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Teva Neuroscience, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Institutes of Health, ITN, Teva Neuroscience, Aspreva-Roche, Acorda Therapeutics and Shire Pharmaceuticals.
The descent of neutrally buoyant floats

Abstract The dynamics of a neutrally buoyant float descending from the surface to its level of neutral buoyancy in a stable linearly stratified fluid are considered theoretically and experimentally. When the descent is large compared to the float size, the dynamics can be modeled by balancing the acceleration, buoyancy and drag forces, using a quadratic velocity drag form. A general analytical solution can be found in the phase plane, and several typical solutions are computed. Results of visual and quantitative experiments in a salt-stratified tank were in agreement with the theoretical results.
Glucose regulation of thrombospondin and its role in the modulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation

Smooth muscle cells (SMC) maintained in high glucose are more responsive to IGF-I than those in normal glucose. There is significantly more thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in extracellular matrix surrounding SMC grown in 25 mM glucose. In this study we investigated 1) the mechanism by which glucose regulates TSP-1 levels and 2) the mechanism by which TS-1 enhances IGF-I signaling. The addition of TSP-1 to primary SMC was sufficient to enhance IGF-I responsiveness in normal glucose. Reducing TSP-1 protein levels inhibited IGF-I signaling in SMC maintained in high glucose. We determined that TSP-1 protected IAP/CD47 from cleavage and thereby facilitated its association with SHP substrate-1 (SHPS-1). We have shown previously that the hyperglycemia induced protection of IAP from cleavage is an important component of the ability of hyperglycemia to enhance IGF-I signaling. Furthermore we determined that TSP-1 also enhanced phosphorylation of the β3 subunit of the αVβ3 integrin, another molecular event that we have shown are critical for SMC response to IGF-I in high glucose. Our studies also revealed that the difference in the amount of TSP-1 in the two different glucose conditions was due, at least in part, to a difference in the cellular uptake and degradation of TSP-1.
Individual Differences in Forearm “Strengths” Measured at Various Angles and Locations

The forearm strength of 65 college men was tested at 3 different forearm angles (75°, 135° and 160°) and two locations (5½ in. and 8½ in.). Strength was applied with greater force at the 5½-in. forearm site as compared to the 8½-in. location. For the latter location the maximal strength was recorded at 135° whereas at 5½ in., although there was no difference between forearm strength measured at 135° and 160°, both of these strengths were larger than the force registered at 75°. Intercorrelations between forearm strengths at various angles and locations revealed low to moderate relationships.
Orientations of the Bacteroides fragilis Capsular Polysaccharide Biosynthesis Locus Promoters during Symbiosis and Infection

Orientations of the seven invertible polysaccharide biosynthesis locus promoters of Bacteroides fragilis were determined from bacteria grown in vitro, from feces of monoassociated and complex colonized mice, and from B. fragilis-induced murine abscesses. Bacteria grown in vivo have greater variability in orientation of polysaccharide locus promoters than culture-grown organisms.
The MAP evolution continues: a 1988 user perspective

The Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP) is a local area network designed specifically for the manufacturing plant environment. Writing from a user's perspective, the authors first review the reasons whey MAP was defined and how it has evolved to its existing state. Next, the components of MAP are discussed with an emphasis on the design of MAP application programs. This includes a discussion of the MAP network services and their associated user interfaces. Several examples of manufacturing system installation utilizing MAP are presented, and the characteristics of the applications are discussed. The authors conclude with a discussion of the latest MAP issues and their effect on MAP network implementations. >
Symmetric Parsec-scale OH Megamaser Structures in Arp 220

The parsec-scale OH megamaser emission in the luminous IR galaxy Arp 220 has been imaged in detail using a global VLBI array. Four major emission regions are revealed in the 1667 MHz line, each with complex spatial and velocity structure showing intriguing symmetries.
A coarse mesh radiation transport method for 2-D hexagonal geometry

Abstract In this paper, a whole-core stochastic–deterministic hybrid coarse mesh transport method is extended to 2-D hexagonal geometry. This method may be used to calculate the eigenvalue and explicit pin fission density profile of hexagonal reactor cores. It models the exact detail within complex heterogeneous cores without homogenizing regions or materials, and neither block-level nor core-level asymmetry poses any limitations to the method. It solves eigenvalue problems by first splitting the core into a set of coarse meshes, and then using Monte Carlo methods to create a library of response expansion coefficients, found by expanding the angular current in phase-space distribution using a set of polynomials orthogonal on the angular half-space defined by mesh boundaries. The coarse meshes are coupled by the angular current at their interfaces. A deterministic sweeping procedure is then used to iteratively construct the solution. The method is evaluated using benchmark problems based on a gas-cooled, graphite-moderated high temperature reactor. The method quickly solves problems to any level of detail desired by the user. In this paper, it is used to explicitly calculate the fission density of individual fuel pins and determine the reactivity worth of individual control rods. In every case, results for the core multiplication factor and pin fission density distribution are found within several minutes. Results are highly accurate when compared to direct Monte Carlo reference solutions; errors in the eigenvalue calculations are on the order of 0.02%, and errors in the pin fission density average less than 0.1%.
Experimental Validation of Neonatal Feeding Practices

Safe feeding methods and appropriate nutritional support are fundamental to the survival of the premature infant. Unfortunately, feeding practices vary among and within neonatal intensive care units.1 Individual neonatologists often base their methods of feeding on what they were taught during fellowship or on well-intended regional opinions based in part on extrapolation from scientific data, but unfortunately at times based on myths and the fear of necrotizing entercolitis (NEC). The history of neonatal feeding practices is filled with therapeutic misadventures of years gone by based on unfounded opinions such as; total fasting and thirsting are good for premature infants; human milk is of little value; and that delaying enteral feeding reduces the incidence of NEC.1,,2 All these were eventually proven to …
Procainamide‐induced thrombocytopenia

An 81-year-old female developed marked thrombocytopenia associated with numerous megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, but without anemia or leukopenia, after taking procainamide (3 g/day) for a period of 2 months. Despite continuation of this medication, treatment with prednisone led to rapid rise in platelet count, and withdrawal of steroid was followed by prompt recurrence of thrombocytopenia. The platelet counts returned to normal after discontinuation of procainamide, and read-ministration of this drug was followed by reappearance of thrombocytopenia. These observations indicate that exposure to procainamide can cause isolated thrombocytopenia, probably due to immune-mediated destruction of platelets, and that treatment with prednisone may be promptly beneficial in patients with procainamide-induced severe thrombocytopenia and bleeding.
AOP as a first class reflective mechanism

AOP is often perceived as a second class reflective mechanism, whereas reflection in OOP is considered first class. However, perceiving AOP as a first class language mechanism is conductive to developing a general AOP model, which can be a basis for an overall theory of AOP. We illustrate this view by comparing AOP with reflection and illustrating that both mechanisms are conceptually at the same level.
Dangers of vaccine refusal near the herd immunity threshold: a modelling study.

Summary Background Childhood vaccination remains the focus of heated public debate. Parents struggle to understand the potential risks associated with vaccination but both parents and physicians assume that they understand the risks associated with infection. This study was done to characterise how modern vaccination practices have altered patient risks from infection. Methods In this modelling study, we use mathematical analysis to explore how modern-era vaccination practices have changed the risks of severe outcomes for some infections by changing the landscape for disease transmission. We show these effects using published data from outbreaks in the USA for measles, chickenpox, and rubella. Calculation of risk estimation was the main outcome of this study. Findings Our calculations show that negative outcomes are 4·5 times worse for measles, 2·2 times worse for chickenpox, and 5·8 times worse for rubella than would be expected in a pre-vaccine era in which the average age at infection would have been lower. Interpretation As vaccination makes preventable illness rarer, for some diseases, it also increases the expected severity of each case. Because estimates of case risks rely on data for severity generated during a pre-vaccine era they underestimate negative outcomes in the modern post-vaccine epidemiological landscape. Physicians and parents should understand when making decisions about their children's health and safety that remaining unvaccinated in a predominantly vaccine-protected community exposes their children to the most severe possible outcomes for many preventable diseases. Funding None.
Solving Rational Expectations Models with Informational Subperiods: A Perturbation Approach

This paper presents an algorithm to solve up to the second order of approximation rational expectations models with informational subperiods, and provides simple examples to demonstrate how the algorithm works.
Automotive Spray Paint Simulation

A system is introduced for the simulation of spray painting. Head mounted display goggles are combined with a tracking system to allow users to paint a virtual surface with a spray gun. Ray tracing is used to simulate droplets landing on the surface of the object, allowing arbitrary shapes and spray gun patterns to be used. This system is combined with previous research on spray gun characteristics to provide a realistic simulation of the spray paint including the effects of viscosity, air pressure, and paint pressure. The simulation provides two different output modes: a non-photorealistic display that gives a visual representation of how much paint has landed on the surface, and a photorealistic simulation of how the paint would actually look on the object once it has dried. Useful feedback values such as overspray are given. Experiments were performed to validate the system.
NEW THOUGHTS ON THE USE OF CHINESE DOCUMENTS IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF EARLY SWAHILI HISTORY

For a long time, scholars have known that the ancient Sino-East African trade relationship produced valuable accounts of East Africa in the Chinese imperial archives. Particularly, the historical documents compiled during the T'ang, Sung, and Ming dynasties contain several insightful snapshots of East Africa over the span of 800 years. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty of translating ancient Chinese texts, scholars have not been able to utilize these documents fully. In other cases, scholars have misused the translations to derive conclusions that may not be supported by the original text. In this essay I propose to re-examine the original Chinese sources and the way these sources have been used by subsequent scholars. Furthermore, I shall explore the real or potential contribution of these texts to our understanding of East African coastal history. The primary source of Chinese knowledge about East Africa during the T'ang dynasty (618-907) comes from Ching-hsing Chi ("Record of Travels") and Yu-yang Tsa-tsu ("Assorted Dishes from Yu-yang").' During the Sung dynasty (960-1279), most of the information is recorded in Chu-fan-chih
Substrate integrated waveguides optimized for ultrahigh-speed digital interconnects

This paper reports an experimental and computational study of substrate integrated waveguides (SIWs) optimized for use as ultrahigh-speed bandpass waveguiding digital interconnects. The novelty of this study resides in our successful design, fabrication, and testing of low-loss SIWs that achieve 100% relative bandwidths via optimal excitation of the dominant TE/sub 10/ mode and avoidance of the excitation of the TE/sub 20/ mode. Furthermore, our optimal structures maintain their 100% relative bandwidth while transmitting around 45/spl deg/ and 90/spl deg/ bends, and achieve measured crosstalk of better than -30 dB over the entire passband. We consider SIWs operating at center frequencies of 50 GHz, accommodating in principle data rates of greater than 50 Gb/s. These SIWs are 35% narrower in the transverse direction and provide a 20% larger relative bandwidth than our previously reported electromagnetic bandgap waveguiding digital interconnects. Since existing circuit-board technology permits dimensional reductions of the SIWs by yet another factor of 4:1 relative to the ones discussed here, bandpass operation at center frequencies approaching 200 GHz with data rates of 200 Gb/s are feasible. These data rates meet or exceed those expected eventually for proposed silicon photonic technologies.
RF Characteristics of Room-Temperature-Deposited, Small Gate Dimension Indium Zinc Oxide TFTs

Depletion-mode indium zinc oxide channel thin film transistors (TFTs) with gate dimension of 1 X 200 μm and drain-to-source distance of 2.5 μm were fabricated on glass substrates using radio frequency magnetron sputtering deposition at room temperature. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposited SiN x was used as the gate insulator. The threshold voltage was around -2.5 V. Saturation current density at zero gate bias voltage was 2 mA/mm, and a maximum transconductance of 7.5 mS/mm was obtained at V ds = 3 V. The drain current on-to-off ratio was > 10 5 . The maximum field effect mobility measured in the saturation region was ∼ 14.5 cm 2 V -1 s -1 . A unity current gain cutoff frequency, f T , and maximum frequency of oscillation, f max of 180 and 155 MHz, respectively, were obtained. The equivalent device parameters were extracted by fitting the measured s parameters to obtain the intrinsic transconductance, drain resistance, drain-source resistance, transit time, and gate-drain and gate-source capacitance.
Origin of DSS: to present the plan.

The Disability Status Scale for multiple sclerosis was the direct result of World War II, in which 16.4 million persons served in the US military. Thereafter academic medicine enabled the modernization of the Veterans Administration in patient care, research, and training.Under the GI Bill, I attended Cornell University Medical College, where there was an intensive course in neurological diagnosis requiring detailed recording of positive and negative findings. This was used in junior and senior clinical clerkships and residency training, all of which I took at the Bronx VA Hospital.During my residency we assessed a possible treatment for MS, which required a comparison group and a means of measuring change. The former comprised the records of over 300 MS patients, whose neurological deficits were then consolidated into mutually exclusive Functional Systems, each with grades for severity. As rank-order scales they could not be summed or compared directly, but they were used as the basis for the DSS, which ...
An automated greenhouse sand culture system suitable for studies of P nutrition

(...) In this report, we describe a relatively simple and economical sand culture system capable of sustaining plant growth to maturity under controlled yet realistic P regimes. The system uses Al 2 O 3 as a solid-phase P buffer, and modern process control technology to control irrigation and addition of other mineral nutrients. (...)
Experimental validation on finite element stress analysis of a polymeric orthotic device

A summary of instrumentation procedure and preliminary results obtained from the experimental strain measurement for validation on earlier finite element stress analysis of a polypropylene ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) is presented. AFO is an assistive device prescribed to patients who develop pathological gait after sustaining a stroke. The strain gage was bonded to the surface of the AFO. The strain information obtained in the AFO during gait activities are the principal strain and allow determination of the maximum stress. The activities include slow walk, fast walk, and jump. The result confirmed that the location where the maximum peak stress occurred in the AFO during gait is in the middle-lower lateral neck region. This was further confirmed by clinical observations that the AFO fails constantly in the neck region.
Intrapulse depolarization in optical fibers : a classical analog of spin decoherence

We show that the combination of cross-phase modulation and polarization-mode dispersion inside optical fibers leads to a novel phenomenon of intrapulse depolarization manifested as different random states of polarization across the pulse profile. Such polarization evolution of optical pulses is directly analogous to the phenomenon of spin decoherence in semiconductors or pseudospin relaxation in atoms.
XSeek: a semantic XML search engine using keywords

We present XSeek, a keyword search engine that enables users to easily access XML data without the need of learning XPath or XQuery and studying possibly complex data schemas. XSeek addresses a challenge in XML keyword search that has been neglected in the literature: how to determine the desired return information, analogous to inferring a "return" clause in XQuery. To infer the search semantics, XSeek recognizes possible entities and attributes in the data, differentiates search predicates and return specifications in the keywords, and generates meaningful search results based on the analysis.
Synthetics, Substitutes, and Food Marketing:

What factors have led to the introduction and market growth of synthetic and substitute food products? What will be the impact of an increasing supply of these products upon the food industry's mar...
A Chemically Defined Medium for the Fruiting of Lentinus Edodes

(1983). A Chemically Defined Medium for the Fruiting of Lentinus Edodes. Mycologia: Vol. 75, No. 5, pp. 905-908.