cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of propylthiouracil on the thyroid tumorigenesis induced by N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine in rats.

The effect of 0.15% propylthiouracil (PTU) on thyroid tumorigenesis was studied in male Wistar rats given a single i.p. injection of 280 mg of N-bis(-2-hydroxypropyl)nitrosamine (DHPN) per 100 g body weight. The mean weights of the thyroid of rats treated with DHPN followed by PTU and with PTU alone were significantly higher than those of rats treated with DHPN only and control rats. The incidences of follicular adenoma at the end of week 20 of the experiment were 100% (21/21) in rats treated with DHPN followed by PTU, and 19% (4/21) in rats given DHPN alone. Papillary adenoma was observed in one rat treated with DHPN followed by PTU. The incidence of follicular carcinomas with invasive growth into the capsule, adipose tissues or blood vessels was 52% (11/21) in rats given DHPN and then PTU. No papillary carcinomas or solid tumors were found in any rats. Rats given PTU alone and untreated rats had no thyroid tumors. The serum concentration of T4 in rats treated with PTU alone was significantly lower than that in the control group. The serum concentration of T4 in rats treated with DHPN followed by PTU was slightly, but not significantly, lower than that in control rats. The serum concentrations of T3 in rats treated with DHPN followed by PTU, DHPN alone and PTU alone were also slightly, but not significantly, lower than that in controls.
Post-translational processing of Neisseria meningitidis γ-glutamyl aminopeptidase and its association with inner membrane facing to the cytoplasmic space

We previously demonstrated that γ-glutamyl aminopeptidase (also called γ-glutamyl transpeptidase) (GGT) of Neisseria meningitidis is involved in the bacterial multiplication in cerebrospinal fluid. To further understand the function of meningococcal GGT, the biochemical properties were investigated in this study. The deduced amino acid sequence in N. meningitidis GGT was 37% identical to that of Escherichia coli GGT and that of Helicobacter pylori GGT, respectively, while a typical signal sequence was not found at the N-terminus of meningococcal GGT. Western blotting using rabbit antiserum against recombinant meningococcal GGT protein demonstrated that the meningococcal GGT is processed into two subunits in N. meningitidis at the conserved amino acid, threonine 427. The experiments on subcellular fractionation suggested that the majority of meningococcal GGT is associated with inner membrane facing to the cytoplasmic side. This cell localization might be unique for N. meningitidis compared to other GGTs.
Simultaneous visualization of Helicobacter pylori and gastric morphology: a new stain.

Abstract Although the histopathologic patterns associated with Helicobacter pylori infection have been described, details of the interaction between bacteria, epithelial cells, and inflammatory cells remain elusive. One of the limiting factors has been the lack of a staining technique that allows the simultaneous visualization of H pylori and tissue morphology. By combining three commonly available stains (Steiner, hematoxylin-eosin, and alcian blue at pH 2.5) into a single procedure we have developed a stain that permits the optimal detection of H pylori in tissue sections while simultaneously allowing the histopathologic evaluation of all salient characteristics of the gastric mucosa. This procedure is inexpensive, as easy to perform as any silver stain, and provides consistent results. This stain is as sensitive as the Warthin-Starry stain for the detection of H pylori and significantly more sensitive than hematoxylin-eosin alone (>99% ν 85% when compared with the hematoxylin-eosin stain in a series of 332 positive biopsy specimens; >99% ν 61% in 49 biopsy specimens with rare bacteria). This stain is particularly useful for the visualization of small numbers of bacteria, such as in the evaluation of posttreatment gastric biopsy specimens, in specimens with abundant mucus or debris, and in specimens from the corpus, where H pylori usually does not elicit strong inflammatory responses and, therefore, pathologists' index of suspicion tends to be low.
Magnetic levitation force of semi-infinite type-II superconductors

The levitation force acting on a point magnetic dipole above a semi-infinite type-II superconductor in both the Meissner and mixed states is studied. A formalism is developed for axisymmetric problems using London theory. The magnetostatic interaction energy and corresponding force can be put into closed form for such problems for arbitrary height of the magnetic point source. The results for stray fields have ready application to magnetic-force microscopy (MFM) with point probes. The results are useful for a range of experiments including the low-temperature MFM imaging of vortices and decoration measurements. Special cases include earlier results and previous approximations are obviated.
The Symmetric Genus of p-Groups

Let G be a finite group. The symmetric genus σ(G) is the minimum genus of any Riemann surface on which G acts. We show that a non-cyclic p-group G has symmetric genus not congruent to 1(mod p 3) if and only if G is in one of 10 families of groups. The genus formula for each of these 10 families of groups is determined. A consequence of this classification is that almost all positive integers that are the genus of a p-group are congruent to 1(mod p 3). Finally, the integers that occur as the symmetric genus of a p-group with Frattini-class 2 have density zero in the positive integers.
Building the school of engineering

Building an academic institution can be likened to an endless race. Success is reflected in satisfaction with processes and events rather than products.
Abuse and dependence liability of benzodiazepine-type drugs: GABAA receptor modulation and beyond

Abstract Over the past several decades, benzodiazepines and the newer non-benzodiazepines have become the anxiolytic/hypnotics of choice over the more readily abused barbiturates. While all drugs from this class act at the GABAA receptor, benzodiazepine-type drugs offer the clear advantage of being safer and better tolerated. However, there is still potential for these drugs to be abused, and significant evidence exists to suggest that this is a growing problem. This review examines the behavioral determinants of the abuse and dependence liability of benzodiazepine-type drugs. Moreover, the pharmacological and putative biochemical basis of the abuse-related behavior is discussed.
Developmental hyperoxia alters CNS mechanisms underlying hypoxic ventilatory depression in neonatal rats

Abstract Newborn mammals exhibit a biphasic hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), but the relative contributions of carotid body-initiated CNS mechanisms versus central hypoxia on ventilatory depression during the late phase of the HVR are not well understood. Neonatal rats (P4-5 or P13-15) were treated with a nonselective P2 purinergic receptor antagonist (pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid, or PPADS; 125 mg kg −1 , i.p.) to pharmacologically denervate the peripheral chemoreceptors. At P4-5, rats reared in normoxia showed a progressive decline in ventilation during a 10-min exposure to 12% O 2 (21–28% decrease from baseline). No hypoxic ventilatory depression was observed in the older group of neonatal rats (i.e., P13-15), suggesting that the contribution of central hypoxia to hypoxic ventilatory depression diminishes with age. In contrast, rats reared in moderate hyperoxia (60% O 2 ) from birth exhibited no hypoxic ventilatory depression at either age studied. Systemic PPADS had no effect on the ventilatory response to 7% CO 2 , suggesting that the drug did not cross the blood–brain barrier. These findings indicate that (1) CNS hypoxia depresses ventilation in young, neonatal rats independent of carotid body activation and (2) hyperoxia alters the development of CNS pathways that modulate the late phase of the hypoxic ventilatory response.
Fuzzy control for head positioning of disk drives

This paper investigates the validity of fuzzy algorithms applied to the control of head- positioning of hard disk drives, which require faster response and higher accuracy compared with other industrial products.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Neighboring base composition and transversion/transition bias in a comparison of rice and maize chloroplast noncoding regions.

Abstract The correspondence between the transversion/transition ratio and the neighboring base composition in chloroplast DNA is examined. For 18 noncoding regions of the chloroplast genome, alignments between rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) were generated by two different methods. Difficulties of aligning noncoding DNA are discussed, and the alignments are analyzed in a manner that reduces alignment artifacts. Sequence divergence is < 10%, so multiple substitutions at a site are assumed to be rare. Observed substitutions were analyzed with respect to the A+T content of the two immediately flanking bases. It is shown that as this content increases, the proportion of transversions also increases. When both the 5'- and 3'-flanking nucleotides are G or C (A+T content of 0), only 25% of the observed substitutions are transversions. However, when both the 5'- and 3'-flanking nucleotides are A or T (A+T content of 2), 57% of the observed substitutions are transversions. Therefore, the influence of flanking base composition on substitutions, previously reported for a single noncoding region, is a general feature of the chloroplast genome.
Optical Beam Phase Conjugation By Stimulated Backscattering

We review the history and nature of stimulated scattering of optical beams and of the large phase-conjugate component often observed in stimulated backscattering, whether it be of Raman, Brillouin, Rayleigh, or other origin. We review the theory of the magnitude of the phase-conjugate component in stimulated backscattering of waves in a multimode optical guide (the usual experimental configuration) or in free focus. Wide applicability of stimulated backscattering for optical phase conjugation is found.
From overt rejection to enthusiastic embracement: changing state discourses on Israeli emigration

This paper deploys a critical discourse analysis methodology to examine the emergence of three (sometimes overlapping) discourses on emigration in Israel. It examines the linkages between the various discursive phases and processes of (trans-) national identity formation among emigrants. It argues that emigration discourses have often been strong predictors of subsequent changes in state policies—and other programmatic initiatives—aimed at Israeli citizens abroad. By juxtaposing the discursive construction of emigration (and its linkages to nation-forming political strategies in Israel) and the effects they have had on emigrant identities the paper contributes to the emerging literature on state-diaspora relations and transnational politics.
Low temperature hydrolysis for ethanol production

Abstract Hydrolysis of corn was compared at two temperatures of 100°C and 75°C. Starch conversion to dextrose and then ethanol were determined. Yields were 10.69% ethanol in the fermented beer for 100°C and 9.89% for 75°C. The 75°C hydrolysis required about 100 MJ less thermal energy than the 100°C hydrolysis. The effects of contamination and respiration were also assessed and accounted for a 13% and 11% decrease in ethanol production for the 75°C and 100°C hydrolysis respectively.
Use of X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy To Speciate Manganese in Airborne Particulate Matter from Five Counties Across the United States

The purpose of this study is to characterize manganese oxidation states and speciation in airborne particulate matter (PM) and describe how these potentially important determinants of PM toxicity vary by location. Ambient PM samples were collected from five counties across the US using a high volume sequential cyclone system that collects PM in dry bulk form segregated into "coarse" and "fine" size fractions. The fine fraction was analyzed for this study. Analyses included total Mn using ICP-MS and characterization of oxidation states and speciation using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). XAS spectra of all samples and ten standard compounds of Mn were obtained at the National Synchrotron Light Source. XAS data was analyzed using Linear Combination Fitting (LCF). Results of the LCF analysis describe differences in composition between samples. Mn(II) acetate and Mn(II) oxide are present in all samples, while Mn(II) carbonate and Mn(IV) oxide are absent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to characterize Mn composition of ambient PM and examine differences between urban sites in the US. Differences in oxidation state and composition indicate regional variations in sources and atmospheric chemistry that may help explain differences in health effects identified in epidemiological studies.
Digital Optical Multiple Matrix Multiplication Based On Inner-Product And Systolic-Inner-Product Architectures

Two digital optical architectures utilizing a binary number encoding technique for multiple matrix multiplication are presented. An inner-product method with grating masks is used in one of the architectures, so that multiple matrix multiplication can be performed in parallel. The second architecture, a mixture of systolic array and the inner-product processing method are used. These two architectures can offer high accuracy with moderate speed processing capability.
Experimental investigation of multihazard resistant bridge piers having concrete-filled steel tube under blast loading

This paper presents the development and experimental validation of a multizard bridge pier concept, i.e., a bridge pier system capable of providing an adequate level of protection against collapse under seismic and blast loading (but not acting simultaneously). A multicolumn pier-bent with concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns is the proposed concept, and the adequacy of this system is experimentally investigated under blast loading. This paper describes simplified blast analysis, multihazard design of bridge piers, and blast experimental program and results. Additionally, the results from the blast experiments are compared with the results from the simplified method of analysis considering an equivalent single degree of freedom system having an elastic-perfectly plastic behavior. It is found that prototype bridge CFST columns can be designed to provide both satisfactory seismic performance and adequate blast resistance. It is also shown that the CFST columns exhibited a ductile behavior under blast l...
On application of the monotone iteration scheme to noncoercive elliptic and hyperbolic problems

On montre que le schema d'iteration monotone peut s'appliquer avec succes aux equations autres que coercives elliptiques et hyperboliques
A novel method for evaluation of transient states in saturated electric machines

The mathematical tools and procedures that are required for calculating the transient state of saturated electric machines are shown. A novel approach to this problem is presented in which all machine quantities which appear in the computation become state variables. In this approach there is no need for the solution of a system of nonlinear algebraic equations at each time step. It is concluded that the proposed method is significantly less time-consuming and more reliable than the iterative procedure, which can easily fail due to the inherently ill-conditioned character of the system of machine equations. A suitable method of B-H curve representation that is reliable in the dynamics computations is suggested. >
An evolutionary algorithm for the optimization of parameters in radiation beam profile modeling for the CyberKnife X-band linear accelerator

The calculation of the radiation absorbed dose to tissue requires the modeling of several parameters to describe the collimated beam. One of these parameters, the off-center ratio (OCR), describes the beam profile, i.e. the shape of the beam along a particular axis orthogonal to the direction in which the beam is aimed. The OCR is defined as the ratio of the dose at a point a specified distance from the center of the beam to the dose at the center of the beam. In the present work, the OCR of the CyberKnife X-band linear accelerator was modeled using error functions, with each individual error function representing a scatter kernel, and the summation describing the shape of the circular beam, with the assumption of azimuthal symmetry about the central axis of the beam. An evolutionary algorithm was used to optimize the amplitudes and standard deviations associated with the error functions, as well as the radius of the profile. Calculated OCR values were plotted against measured OCR values acquired during the commissioning of the CyberKnife. The model correctly predicts the beam profile.
Evaluation of motion effects on parallel MR imaging with precalibration

Several parallel imaging techniques such as SMASH, SENSE, k-space inherited parallel acquisition (KIPA) and others use reference (calibration) scans to find the parameters required for image reconstruction. Reference data is used to estimate coil sensitivity profiles for image domain techniques such as SENSE or reconstruction coefficients for k-space domain methods such as SMASH and KIPA. Any motion between the reference and accelerated imaging scans can make the reconstruction coefficients determined from the reference scan data suboptimal, resulting in an artifactual reconstruction. This work aims at comparing the effects of motion on the performance of three parallel imaging methods: SENSE, variable-density SENSE and KIPA, which all require one or more reference scans for calibration.
Why weren't (many) European women ‘missing’?

In a 1990 article, Amartya Sen observed “More than 100million Women … Missing” from the populations of parts of south and east Asia. Direct observation and census data suggested that gender ratios deviated sufficiently from what is known to be normal in modern human populations to suggest that the phenomenon was not random. Researchers have explored major proximate causes of “missing” girls and women such as female-selective abortion, routine neglect of young girls in their families including differential access to modern medical care, and even infanticide. This article uses Sen's work and the research of others on Asia to compare with evidence of the disadvantaging or even “mortal neglect” of girls and women in Western European society in the early modern and modern periods — roughly from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries. It argues that the current state of the evidence suggests little support for similar gender-specific forms of mortal neglect in Western Europe. It explores why this may have be...
Accurate Identification of Biased Measurements Under Serial Correlation

Chemical process data are often correlated over time (i.e., auto or serially correlated) due to recycle loops, large material inventories, sampling lag, dead time, and process dynamics created by high-order systems and transportation lag. However, many approaches that attempt to identify gross errors in measured process variables have not addressed the issue of serial correlation which can lead to large inaccuracies in identifying biased measured variables. Hence, this work extends the unbiased estimation technique (UBET) of Rollins and Davis 1 to address serial correlation. The serially correlated gross error detection study of Kao et al . 2 is used as a basis for setting up this study and comparison. In their work, the type of autocorrelation was assumed known ( ARMA (1,1)), and the measurement test (MT) was used for the identification of the measurement bias. While Kao et al . 2 used prewhitening of the data and variances of measured variables derived from knowledge of the time correlation structure, this work presents two prewhitening methods and a different identification strategy based on the UBET. Results of the simulation study show the UBET has higher perfect identification rates and lower type I error rates over the MT.
Intrinsic oscillations in neural networks: A linear model for the nth-order loop

Abstract A theoretical map for the characteristic modes of neurolectric oscillation in an arbitrary number ( n ) of nerve cells arranged in a single closed loop is presented. A linear model with time lag is used. Generally, there are n possible damped (or rising) oscillatory states for every 2π range of frequency, in addition to possible nonoscillating solutions. Usually, higher frequencies of oscillation correspond to faster decay rates among characteristic states. Increasing the number of cells in the loop increases the number of allowable characteristic states; increasing the (geometric) mean interconnection coefficient increases the endurance of the leading characteristic state; and increasing the average interunit conduction time increases the number of characteristic states that endure relatively long as compared to representative times for the system. Various endurance criteria are mapped on the parameter space of the network. In qualitative terms, all states tend to die out quickly in rapidly conducting and weakly interconnected loops; all states but one die out quickly in rapidly conducting and strongly interconnected loops; many states may endure for several membrane time constants in slowly conducting and weakly connected loops; and many modes may endure for considerably longer than representative times in slowly conducting and strongly interconnected loops. A tentative linking of the properties of a loop's oscillations to the physical characteristics of its nerve cells is presented. It is suggested that the so-called characteristic states of a given subsystem might be envisioned collectively as a repertoire of intrinsic dynamic modes available to the system, and could provide a means whereby the properties of the entire network interrelate to achieve its subjective or behavioral function.
Analogue Computing Techniques Applied to Economics

A wide variety of models of interest to economists may be represented by electrical circuits. These models therefore lend themselves to investigation by use of an electrical analogue computer. The economist may study a model with any of three questions in mind: What are its topological features? What is its quantitative behavior for given parameters? What are good estimates of the parameters? This paper shows that analog computing techniques may be useful in helping economists answer all three of these questions.
Nearshore Glacial-Marine Deposition from Modern Sediments of the Weddell Sea

STUDY of modern deposits collected during the 1968, 69 and 70 International Weddell Sea Oceanographic Expeditions has shown that contrasting glacial and oceanographic conditions are reflected in the present sedimentologic and faunal distributions. There is evidence that both dry-base (freezing) and wet-base (thawing) ice shelves presently exist in the Weddell Sea. Saline shelf waters believed to be formed by a freezing Ronne Ice Shelf (Fig. 1) comprise the dominant water mass of the southwestern continental shelf. At the southwestern continental slope these dense shelf waters mix with warm deep waters to form Antarctic Bottom Water1.
Simple 3-designs and PSL(2, q) with q ≡ 1 (mod 4)

In this paper, we consider the action of (2, q) on the finite projective line $${\mathbb{F}}_q\cup\{\infty\}$$ for q ? 1 (mod 4) and construct several infinite families of simple 3-designs which admit PSL(2, q) as an automorphism group. Some of the designs are also minimal. We also indicate a general outline to obtain some other algebraic constructions of simple 3-designs.
Roles of divergent and rotational winds in the kinetic energy balance during intense convective activity

Contributions of divergent and rotational wind components to the synoptic-scale kinetic energy balance are described using rawinsonde data at 3 and 6 h intervals from NASA's fourth Atmospheric Variability experiment. Two intense thunderstorm complexes occurred during the period. Energy budgets are described for the entire computational region and for limited volumes that enclosed storm-induced, upper level wind maxima located poleward of convection. Although small in magnitude, the divergent wind component played an important role in the cross-contour generation and horizontal flux divergence of kinetic energy. The importance of V(D) appears directly related to the presence and intensity of convection. Although K(D) usually comprised less than 10 percent of the total kinetic energy content, generation of kinetic energy by V(D) was a major factor in the creation of upper-level wind maxima to the north of the storm complexes. Omission of the divergent wind apparently would lead to serious misrepresentations of the energy balance. A random error analysis is presented to assess confidence limits in the various energy parameters.
Local Crater Wear Prediction Using Physics-Based Models

A physics-based, pointwise model is developed to predict crater profiles of multilayer coated carbides after a series of turning experiments. Dissolution and abrasion mechanisms, which are identified to be the dominant wear mechanisms at the crater, are reformulated into a pointwise or local quantity to predict the crater profiles based on the temperature and pressure profiles from finite element (FE) simulations. The crater profiles predicted by the proposed model have to be adjusted, however, due to the creep deformation of the carbide substrate occurring under the machining conditions employed in our experiment. The crater predictions correlate pretty well with the crater profiles experimentally observed in the multilayer (TiN―Al 2 O 3 ―TiCN) coated carbides until the wear front reached the middle of the Al 2 O 3 layer. At this point, the Al 2 O 3 coating undergoes the κ-to-α-phase transformation, which makes the wear prediction difficult due to substantial changes in the thermomechanical properties of the Al 2 O 3 coating.
The heteroepitaxial growth of GaP films on Si substrates

Abstract Heteroepitaxial GaP films were grown on (100) silicon substrates with a dual deposition process which consisted of a pyrolytically deposited GaP surface primer and a halide-transport-deposited bulk film. Their electrical, optical, and structural characteristics were compared with simultaneously grown homoepitaxial GaP/GaP films. Except for some cracking in the GaP/Si films, these two types of films exhibited nearly identical properties. Hall mobilities at 77 K for GaP/Si were up to 1730 cm 2 /V-sec for carrier concentrations of 7.7×10 13 atoms/cm 3 . These films were doped with tellurium and nitrogen.
Further tests of the Schmidt-Hunter Bayesian validity generalization procedure.

Using an improved version of the Bayesian validity generalization model presented in Schmidt and Hunter (1977), this study showed that most of the between-study variation in observed validity coefficients of various aptitude and ability tests for two types of clerical work and for the job of first-line supervisor is artifactual in nature. These results cast additional doubt on the traditional belief that employment test validities are situationally specific. In addition, the results showed that generalization of validities to new settings was justified even where the hypothesis of situational specificity could not be rejected under the standards used in this study. Implications for the use of aptitude and ability tests in selection and for theory development in industrial-organizational psychology are discussed.
Effects of age, reminders, and task difficulty on young children’s rule-switching flexibility

To test preschoolers’ ability to flexibly switch between abstract rules differing in difficulty, nintythree 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds were instructed to switch from an (easier) shape-sorting to a (harder) function-sorting rule, or vice versa. Children learned one rule, sorted four test sets, then learned the other rule, and sorted four more sets. In a control condition, seventy-two 3–5-year-old children learned one rule and were re-trained on that rule before the second test block. Half of each group received metacognitive reminders to “think about” the current rule before each test trial. The shape rule was easier: many 3-year-olds failed to follow the function rule, confirming findings of Deak et al. (2002). Switching rules did not reduce overall rule-following. However, reminders facilitated rule-following when rules were switched, but not when a rule was repeated (i.e., control condition). Reminders actually reduced rule-following by control children who got the easier (shape) rule. The results show (1) 4-year-olds readily switch between abstract rules, even if the second rule requires ignoring obvious, conflicting perceptual information (i.e., shape); (2) some rule-switching tasks do not impose performance costs on children, and (3) children’s rule-following consistency and flexibility
Mutation carrier testing in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome families: HPRT mutant frequency and mutation analysis with peripheral blood T lymphocytes.

Mutations in the X chromosome hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) gene are responsible for Lesch-Nyhan syndrome and related diseases in humans. Because the gene is on the X chromosome, males are affected and females in the families are at risk of being carriers of the mutation. Because there are so many different mutations that can cause the disease (218 different mutations in 271 families), genetic testing for carrier status of females requires detailed molecular analysis of the familial mutation. This analysis can be complicated by the unavailability of an affected male for study. In addition, when the mutation is a deletion (34 reported instances), molecular analysis in females is difficult because of the two X chromosomes. We have applied a peripheral blood T lymphocyte cloning assay that uses resistance to the purine analogue 6-thioguanine (TG) to measure the frequency of cells in females expressing a mutant HPRT allele to determine mutation carrier status in 123 females in 61 fami...
Treatment with an apolipoprotein A-1 mimetic peptide in combination with pravastatin inhibits collagen-induced arthritis ☆

To evaluate the therapeutic potential of an apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) mimetic peptide, D-4F, in combination with pravastatin in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), syngeneic Louvain rats were immunized with type II collagen and randomized to vehicle control, D-4F monotherapy, pravastatin monotherapy, or D-4F + pravastatin combination therapy. Clinical arthritis activity was evaluated and radiographs, type II collagen antibody titers, cytokine/chemokine levels, and HDL function analysis were obtained. There was significant reduction in clinical severity scores in the high and medium dose D-4F + pravastatin groups compared to controls (p< or =0.0001). Reduction in erosive disease occurred in the medium/high dose combination groups compared to non-combination groups (p< or =0.01). Favorable changes in cytokines/chemokines were noted with treatment, and response to combination D-4F/pravastatin therapy was associated with improvement in HDL's anti-inflammatory properties. Combination D-4F/pravastatin significantly reduced clinical disease activity in CIA, and may have dual therapeutic potential in other autoimmune diseases with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Demagnetizing field computation for dynamic simulation of the magnetization reversal process

The magnetic-field distribution for a thin magnetic film is computed using the fast Fourier transform technique. The method is quite general and accommodates any two-dimensional magnetization distribution. It allows the computation of fields both inside the film (demagnetizing fields) and outside (stray fields and leakage). >
Program optimization using indexed and recursive data structures

This paper describes a systematic method for optimizing recursive functions using both indexed and recursive data structures. The method is based on two critical ideas: first, determining a minimal input increment operation so as to compute a function on repeatedly incremented input; second, determining appropriate additional values to maintain in appropriate data structures, based on what values are needed in computation on an incremented input and how these values can be established and accessed. Once these two are determined, the method extends the original program to return the additional values, derives an incremental version of the extended program, and forms an optimized program that repeatedly calls the incremental program. The method can derive all dynamic programming algorithms found in standard algorithm textbooks. There are many previous methods for deriving efficient algorithms, but none is as simple, general, and systematic as ours.
Reticulated foam flow phantom ultrasound contrast agent studies

This study is an in vitro investigation to measure dynamic flow properties in an ultrasound flow phantom. A greater understanding of which parameters affect the refill curve's shape, and how those shape differences can be measured in these noisy curves may be valuable in designing more sophisticated in vivo contrast enhancement studies. The developed flow phantom has parameters that can be adjusted. These parameters include: flow characteristics such as flow velocity, contrast agent concentration, and simulated tissue characteristics such as porosity, and density. The phantom was used to conduct a dynamic contrast study. Refill curves over a range of phantom and flow characteristics were studied. Exponential fits of these curves were used to estimate the mean transit time.
Development of cell lines from the cactophagous insect: Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and their susceptibility to three baculoviruses

The unintentional introduction of the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, a successful biological control agent formerly employed in the control of invasive prickly pear cactus species (Opuntia spp.) in Australia, Hawaii, South Africa, and various Caribbean islands, has posed great concern as to the possible threat to native, endangered species of cactus in the southeastern USA as well as with the potential to cause a major infestation of commercial and agricultural cactus crops in Mexico. A number of control measures have been investigated with varying degrees of success including, field exploration for cactus moth-specific parasitoids, insecticides, fungal, bacterial, and nematode agents. Current tactics used by the USA–Mexico binational program to eradicate cactus moth from Mexico and mitigate its westward movement in the USA include host plant removal, the manual removal and destruction of egg sticks and infected cacti stems, and the Sterile Insect Technique. One other approach not taken until now is the development of a cactus moth cell line as a tool to facilitate the investigation of baculoviruses as an alternative biocontrol method for the cactus moth. Consequently, we established C. cactorum cell lines derived from adult ovarian tissue designated as BCIRL-Cc-AM and BCIRL-Cc-JG. The mean cell population doubling time was 204.3 and 112 h for BCIRL-Cc-AM and BCIRL-Cc-JG, respectively, with weekly medium change, while the doubling time was 176.6 and 192.6 h for BCIRL-Cc-AM and BCIRL-Cc-JG, respectively, with a daily change of medium. In addition, the daily versus weekly change in medium was reflected in the percentage viability with both cell lines showing higher levels with a daily medium change. Of the three baculoviruses tested, only the recombinant AcMNPV-hsp70Red and GmMNPV at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1.0 were able to demonstrate significant production of extracellular virus (ECV) in each of the cell lines, whereas both cell lines were refractive to an HzSNPV challenge at an MOI of 10. In this study, we have demonstrated both the successful development of a C. cactorum cell line and its ability to support a complete baculovirus infection. The potential is also there to pursue further investigations to determine the susceptibility of the cactus moth cell line to other viruses. Additionally, the availability of a cactus moth cell line will facilitate the analysis of viruses prior to using the more expensive bioassay test. Finally, it is hoped with the knowledge presented here that baculoviruses may also be considered as an alternative biocontrol method for the cactus moth.
Content consideration in the distinction between assertive and aggressive behavior.

Attempts to distinguish assertive behavior from aggressive behavior independently of the consequences seem hindered by a limited conceptualization of assertiveness. Assertiveness is usually thought of as a right, but a behavioral analysis of rights behavior indicates the emission of functionally related obligation behaviors both prior to and after the emission of the rights behavior. When assertiveness is defined as a behavioral chain consisting of obligations and rights, the obligation behavioral components distinguish it from aggressiveness. The rights behavioral component, currently called “assertiveness,” is better termed “expressiveness” or “expressive behavior” to indicate that the entire assertive response includes more than the simple expression of rights.
Integrative framework for assessing firms' potential to undertake Green IT initiatives via virtualization - A theoretical perspective

Green IT (information technology) has recently emerged into an active research area in the information systems (IS) discipline. A major gap that exists in the Green IT research literature today is the absence of a theoretical framework that can be used to assist organizations in assessing their potential for undertaking Green IT initiatives and implementing them via modern technological means such as virtualization. This study attempts to bridge this gap by developing and proposing an integrative framework which focuses on identifying and examining the factors that contribute to the assessment of a firm's readiness to go green via IT-enabled virtualization. The framework is firmly grounded using three well-established IS theories: (a) technology-organization-environment, (b) process-virtualization, and (c) diffusion of innovation. It integrates these three theoretical lenses to utilize the strengths of each for assessing the potential for undertaking Green IT initiatives and the stages of Green IT implementation at the organizational level. The implications of the outcome of this study, both for the IS researchers and for the practicing managers are discussed. The plan for empirical testing and validation of our propositions is presented, as well as suggestions for future extensions of this study.
Mouse models of telomere dysfunction phenocopy skeletal changes found in human age-related osteoporosis.

A major medical challenge in the elderly is osteoporosis and the high risk of fracture. Telomere dysfunction is a cause of cellular senescence and telomere shortening, which occurs with age in cells from most human tissues, including bone. Telomere defects contribute to the pathogenesis of two progeroid disorders characterized by premature osteoporosis, Werner syndrome and dyskeratosis congenital. It is hypothesized that telomere shortening contributes to bone aging. We evaluated the skeletal phenotypes of mice with disrupted telomere maintenance mechanisms as models for human bone aging, including mutants in Werner helicase (Wrn−/−), telomerase (Terc−/−) and Wrn−/−Terc−/− double mutants. Compared with young wild-type (WT) mice, micro-computerized tomography analysis revealed that young Terc−/− and Wrn−/−Terc−/− mice have decreased trabecular bone volume, trabecular number and trabecular thickness, as well as increased trabecular spacing. In cortical bone, young Terc−/− and Wrn−/−Terc−/− mice have increased cortical thinning, and increased porosity relative to age-matched WT mice. These trabecular and cortical changes were accelerated with age in Terc−/− and Wrn−/−Terc−/− mice compared with older WT mice. Histological quantification of osteoblasts in aged mice showed a similar number of osteoblasts in all genotypes; however, significant decreases in osteoid, mineralization surface, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate in older Terc−/− and Wrn−/−Terc−/− bone suggest that osteoblast dysfunction is a prominent feature of precocious aging in these mice. Except in the Wrn−/− single mutant, osteoclast number did not increase in any genotype. Significant alterations in mechanical parameters (structure model index, degree of anistrophy and moment of inertia) of the Terc−/− and Wrn−/−Terc−/− femurs compared with WT mice were also observed. Young Wrn−/−Terc−/− mice had a statistically significant increase in bone-marrow fat content compared with young WT mice, which remained elevated in aged double mutants. Taken together, our results suggest that Terc−/− and Wrn−/−Terc−/− mutants recapitulate the human bone aging phenotype and are useful models for studying age-related osteoporosis.
Transport and retention of fullerene (nC60) nanoparticles in unsaturated porous media: effects of solution chemistry and solid phase coating.

Abstract The retention and release of aqueous aggregates of fullerene nanoparticles (nC60) were studied under dynamic unsaturated conditions. Porous media containing nC60 were taken through multiple drainage/imbibition (drying/wetting) cycles to explore the effects of solution conditions and solid surface modification on transport and ultimate fate in unsaturated porous media. In experiments conducted with NaCl as the background electrolyte, the retention of nC60 during drainage was found to be negligibly small over a wide range of ionic strengths (I = 0.2 to I = 6 mM), significantly lower than the retention of titanium dioxide nanoparticles studied previously under similar conditions. In contrast, experiments conducted with CaCl2 as the background electrolyte found that retention of nC60 during drainage was significant at higher ionic strengths, particularly at the highest ionic strength studied (I = 6 mM). Experiments examining the influence of dissolved natural organic matter on nC60 retention in unsaturated media found no measurable impact on the transport. The effects of solid surface modification were examined by creating coatings that modified surface hydrophobicity and charge. Experiments found that a hydrophobic coating had no measurable impact on nC60 retention, when compared with retention by unmodified media. In contrast, a porous medium with surfaces that were both hydrophobic and positively-charged retained 5–10 times more nC60 during drainage than an unmodified porous medium. This result suggests that electrostatic interactions play a more important role than hydrophobic interactions in the transport and fate of nC60 in the unsaturated zone. For all conditions where retention was observed, experiments found very little release or retained nC60 after subsequent flushing with water, suggesting that once retained, the environmental mobility of nC60 may be extremely limited.
Dynamic regulation of HIV-1 mRNA populations analyzed by single-molecule enrichment and long-read sequencing

Alternative RNA splicing greatly expands the repertoire of proteins encoded by genomes. Nextgeneration sequencing (NGS) is attractive for studying alternative splicing because of the efficiency and low cost per base, but short reads typical of NGS only report mRNA fragments containing one or few splice junctions. Here, we used single-molecule amplification and long-read sequencing to study the HIV-1 provirus, which is only 9700bp in length, but encodes nine major proteins via alternative splicing. Our data showed that the clinical isolate HIV-189.6 produces at least 109 different spliced RNAs, including a previously unappreciated � 1kb class of messages, two of which encode new proteins. HIV-1 message populations differed between cell types, longitudinally during infection, and among T cells from different human donors. These findings open a new window on a little studied aspect of HIV-1 replication, suggest therapeutic opportunities and provide advanced tools for the study of alternative splicing.
Twelve tips for excellent physical examination teaching

Background: Physical examination (PEx) skills are declining among medical trainees, yet many institutions are not teaching these systematically and effectively. Many variables contribute to effective teaching: teachers’ confidence in their clinical skills, ability to demonstrate and assess these skills; availability of suitable patients; trainee attitude and fatigue; belief that institutions do not value clinical teachers. Finally, the relevance and significance of a systematic exam must be demonstrated or the teaching degenerates into a ‘show-and-tell’ exercise.Aims: This paper describes twelve practical teaching tips that can be used to promote high quality PEx teaching in 5 minutes or 45 minutes.Teaching tips: (1) Diagnostic hypotheses should guide reflective exam; (2) Teachers with the best clinical skills should be recruited; (3) A longitudinal and systematic curriculum can tailor teaching to multiple learner levels (4) Integration of simulation and bedside teaching can maximise learning; (5) Bedside...
Identification of Reflected, Scaled, Translated, and Rotated Objects From Their Radon Projections

In this paper, we present a method for identification of binary objects from a given set of radon projections. Given a suitably regular 2D function , we form a new function from f by using the operations of reflection, scaling, translation, and rotation. We show how the radon projections of are related to those of and devise a procedure that can be used to determine the parameters from the radon projections of and . We illustrate this process using a family of block images that include common 7 times 5 pixel representations for the letters A, B, ....., Z.
Expert process planning system with solid model interface

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques provide various tools for use in the development of automated process planning systems. AI can be utilized for automated reasoning about the shape, features and relationship between features and for development of expert systems for creating the process plan itself. Most of the previous work on AI in process planning deals with one specific application. This paper presents an integrated hierarchical framework of a process planning system with a CAD interface. The objective of the project discussed in the paper is to integrate design with process planning using AI techniques. The development of a CAD interface is discussed with respect to automated feature recognition, determination of tool approach direction and deciding the precedence relationship between the features. Sample results from the CAD interface are presented. The expert system for the process planning module is discussed with the part representation and knowledge base and the plan generation procedure. ...