cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CHOLECYSTOKININ CHOLESCINTIGRAPHY: Clinical Indications and Proper Methodology

Cholecystokinin is a useful diagnostic adjunct to cholescintigraphy. Clinical indications include contracting the gallbladder before cholescintigraphy in patients fasting greater than 24 hours, during cholescintigraphy to diagnose sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, and after cholescintigraphy to exclude acute acalculous cholecystitis, differentiate common duct obstruction from normal variation, and to confirm the diagnosis of chronic acalculous cholecystitis. Proper methodology is mandatory for a diagnostically useful test. Data presented shows that a 3-minute infusion of 0.01 or 0.02 microg/kg is nonphysiologic and often results in ineffective contraction similar to that seen with a bolus infusion. Normal gallbladder ejection (GBEF) values cannot be established using a 3-minute infusion because of the wide variability in response. Instead, infusions of 30 or 60 minutes are required. Normal GBEF values have been established for these methods and are 30% and 40%, respectively.
Hyperchlorhydria induced by intravenous reserpine; response to various therapeutic agents.

In a previous study, a fairly rapid, prolonged, and significant hyperchlorhydria was demonstrated in patients following the intravenous injection of 1 mg. of reserpine. The present study was designed to test the response of this reserpine effect to atropine 0.3 mg. intravenously, Banthine 50 mg. intravenously, and epinephrine 0.4 cc. 1:1000 subcutaneously.
First Steps in Dance Data Science: Educational Design

We report results of a design-research effort to develop a culturally-relevant educational experience that can engage high school dancers in statistics and data science. In partnership with a local high school and members of its step team, we explore quantitative analysis of both visual and acoustic data captured from student dance. We describe prototype visualizations and interactive applications for evaluating pose precision, tempo, and timbre. With educational goals in mind, we have constrained our design to using only interpretable features and simple, accessible algorithms.
H I Observations of the Spiral Arm Pattern Speed in the Late-Type Barred Galaxy NGC 925

H I observations with the VLA of the late-type barred galaxy NGC 925 show clear streaming motions along four spiral arms close to the minor axis. A transition from inward streaming to outward streaming is found, presumably marking the corotation resonance. The realm of inward streaming extends to very large radii, corresponding to 1.2R25 and 3 bar radii deprojected. This implies that most of the visible disk is inside corotation, although the H I disk extends beyond, at least to ~2R25. As a result, either the bar and the spirals are rotating separately or the bar rotates very slowly compared with early-type bars. There is apparently no inner Lindblad resonance because of the slowly rising inner rotation curve, and there may be no outer Lindblad resonance if the disk ends first.
Measurement of the DC current based on magnetic fluids with an orthogonal magnetic field

Measurement of DC current is critically important in a wide range of applications, such as in photovoltaic power generation and DC power transmission. In this paper, the DC current measuring method...
Higher-Education Governance: A Futuristic Outlook

Within the huge potentials of the fourth and the coming fifth industrial revolutions and the ultra-rapid changes in skills, and breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence, higher-education governance (HEG) is becoming a challenging issue for higher education (HE) institutions all over the world. HEG is expected to be based on new concepts of wide partnership, through different bodies, with students who are looking for the right environment to fulfil their ambitions and acquire the necessary ever-evolving skills, and depending mainly on themselves in learning the topics they like. HEG is expected to allow for the university programmes to be flexible, target-oriented, motivating, and semi-individually-designed, assuming that every student or small group of students, equipped with entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills, can be a special case of their own, and potential innovators. Partnership with industries and socio-economic sectors is expected to become a stable element in all governing bodies in HE institutions. Bridges of space and time between students and industries is expected to change the governance mode of HE institutions. Groupings of national universities and partnerships with international HE institutions would lead to gaining additional skills, knowledge, establishing joint projects, and making students and academics mobility better used. Financing of HE and research projects should be developed to become more independent and thus reducing government interference.
Methods to investigate intrathecal adaptive immunity in neurodegeneration

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides basic mechanical and immunological protection to the brain. Historically, analysis of CSF has focused on protein changes, yet recent studies have shed light on cellular alterations. Evidence now exists for involvement of intrathecal T cells in the pathobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. However, a standardized method for long-term preservation of CSF immune cells is lacking. Further, the functional role of CSF T cells and their cognate antigens in neurodegenerative diseases are largely unknown. We present a method for long-term cryopreservation of CSF immune cells for downstream single cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing (scRNA-TCRseq) analysis. We observe preservation of CSF immune cells, consisting primarily of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We then utilize unbiased bioinformatics approaches to quantify and visualize TCR sequence similarity within and between disease groups. By this method, we identify clusters of disease-associated, antigen-specific TCRs from clonally expanded CSF T cells of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we provide a standardized approach for long-term storage of CSF immune cells. Additionally, we present unbiased bioinformatic approaches that will facilitate the discovery of target antigens of clonally expanded T cells in neurodegenerative diseases. These novel methods will help improve our understanding of adaptive immunity in the central nervous system.
High spatial-resolution imaging of label-free in vivo protein aggregates by VISTA

Amyloid aggregation, formed by aberrant proteins, is a pathological hallmark for neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. High-resolution holistic mapping of the fine structures from these aggregates should facilitate our understanding of their pathological roles. Here, we achieved label-free high-resolution imaging of the polyQ and the amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates in cells and tissues utilizing a sample-expansion stimulated Raman strategy. We further focused on characterizing the Aβ plaques in 5XFAD mouse brain tissues. 3D volumetric imaging enabled visualization of the whole plaques, resolving both the fine protein filaments and the surrounding components. Coupling our expanded label-free Raman imaging with machine learning, we obtained specific segmentation of aggregate cores, peripheral filaments together with cell nuclei and blood vessels by pre-trained convolutional neural network models. Combining with 2-channel fluorescence imaging, we achieved a 6-color holistic view of the same sample. This ability for precise and multiplex high-resolution imaging of the protein aggregates and their micro-environment without the requirement of labeling would open new biomedical applications.
Transactional Models of Intellectual Development, Yes. Deficit Models of Process Remediation, No.

(1986). Transactional Models of Intellectual Development, Yes. Deficit Models of Process Remediation, No. School Psychology Review: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 256-260.
Latina and Latino Critical Legal Theory: LatCrit Theory, Praxis and Community.

DOI: 10.1590/2179-8966/2021/59628. Abstract LatCrit theory is a relatively recent genre of critical “outsider jurisprudence” – a category of contemporary scholarship including critical legal studies, feminist legal theory, critical race theory, critical race feminism, Asian American legal scholarship and queer theory. This paper overviews LatCrit’s foundational propositions, key contributions, and ongoing efforts to cultivate new generations of ethical advocates who can systemically analyze the sociolegal conditions that engender injustice and intervene strategically to help create enduring sociolegal, and cultural, change. The paper organizes this conversation highlighting Latcrit’s theory, community and praxis. Keywords : LatCrit Theory; Anti subordination; OutCrit Theory. Resumo A teoria LatCrit e um genero relativamente recente de teoria do direito "outsider" - uma categoria de estudos juridicos contemporâneos incluindo os estudos juridicos criticos, a teoria juridica feminista, teoria critica da raca, feminismo critico da raca, estudo juridico asiatico-americano e teoria queer. Este artigo traca um panorama das proposicoes fundacionais do LatCrit, suas contribuicoes principais e esforcos atuais para cultivar novas geracoes de advogados eticos que possam analisar sistematicamente as condicoes sociojuridicas que engendram injustica e intervir estrategicamente para ajudar a criar mudanca sociojuridica e cultural duradoura. O artigo organiza essa conversacao destacando a teoria, a comunidade e a pratica do LatCrit. Palavras-chave : LatCrit Teoria; Anti-subordinacao; OutCrit Teoria.
Identity in Campaign Finance and Elections: The Impact of Gender and Race on Money Raised in 2010–2018 U.S. House Elections:

Disproportionate rates of congressional representation based on gender and race are especially stark considering the symbolic and substantive meaning derived from descriptive representation (Mansbr...
Galactosemia unsolved

Classic galactosemia is an enigmatic disorder that presents the challenge of unraveling the basis of the long-term complications of mental disability, speech defects, ovarian failure and neurologic syndromes which occur despite a galactose-restricted diet. A complete understanding of the pathobiochemistry and molecular genetics, and evaluation of the present theories for the poor long-term outcome, continuous intoxication, critical metabolite depletion and in utero damage is needed in order to design new therapeutic strategies. Answering this urgent question of how to treat galactosemic patients mandates enhanced clinical and basic research efforts.
Regional variation in access to oncologic care and racial disparities among cervical cancer patients

Objectives: Disparities among Black women with cervical cancer in the United States are well known; however, the etiology is not fully understood. Access to oncologic care and adequate insurance coverage likely affect these racial disparities. The aim of this study was to describe factors affecting the ability to receive oncologic care in cervical cancer as a function of race among different regions in the U.S. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) among women with stage I-IVA cervical cancer from 2004-2014. To identify factors associated with the receipt of optimal treatment, multivariate logistic regression was used, including an interaction term to determine the relationship of race and region. To evaluate overall survival, a Cox multivariate proportional hazards model was performed, including a similar interaction term. Publicly available data from the NCI, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and the United States Census were utilized to compile data regarding availability of cancer centers, gynecologic oncologists, and insurance status by region. Results: A total of 55,659 women with cervical cancer were identified, of whom 9,153 were Black (16.4%). Fewer Black women presented with stage I disease (37.8% versus 47.8%, p Download : Download high-res image (149KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Black women living in the South of the United States are at particular risk of both inadequate treatment and worse overall survival for cervical cancer after controlling for confounding factors. Population-level data suggests that women in the South may be underinsured and lack access to cancer centers and gynecologic oncologists.
Polyethylene Glycol Diisocyanate Decreases Platelet Deposition After Balloon Injury of Rabbit Femoral Arteries

Background: Platelet deposition after angioplasty remains problematic and may contribute to intimal hyperplasia and restenosis. We proposed that polyethylene glycol diisocyanate (PEG-DISO), a polymer that rapidly forms covalent linkages with amine residues on proteins, could mask thrombogenic vascular wall proteins from platelets, thereby abrogating acute platelet deposition. Methods and Results: To test this hypothesis, we isolated the femoral arteries of 10 New Zealand White rabbits and injured them with 3 passes of a 2F Fogarty catheter which was inserted through a distal arteriotomy. Immediately after balloon injury, 111indium-labeled autologous platelets were infused peripherally and the injured femoral arteries were randomly treated for 1 minute with a PEG-DISO solution in one artery and a control solution of the phosphate buffered saline vehicle in the contralateral artery. Following treatment, reflow was initiated. The vessels were harvested after 1 hour and radioactivity was quantified in a gamma counter. Platelet counts were standardized by weight and expressed as platelets/mg (mean ± SEM). Platelet deposition onto arteries treated with PEG-DISO was (1.2 ± 0.5) × 106 platelets/mg compared to (5.6 ± 4.2) × 106 platelets/mg onto the contralateral control arteries treated with vehicle (P < 0.005). Scanning electron micrographs of the injured vessel segment confirmed qualitatively less platelet deposition on the treated segments than on the control segments. Conclusion: Treatment with PEG-DISO significantly inhibited platelet deposition after vascular injury. These data support the hypothesis that treatment with PEG-DISO masks surface adhesive proteins from platelet receptors in vivo and that the resulting molecular barrier significantly reduces platelet deposition onto the damaged vessel wall for at least one hour. The formation of a molecularly thin barrier to platelet deposition may thus be a novel and effective treatment to abrogate acute intravascular thrombosis and may have value in the treatment of restenosis.
Interaction of Ultrasound with Mössbauer Gamma Rays

A review of the theoretical and experimental aspects of interactions of phonons with recoilless (Mossbauer) gamma rays is given. Applications of the sideband pattern generated when either source or absorber is excited by ultrasound are made to the calibration of Conventional-velocity drives and to construction of a variable-frequency ultrasonic drive. The acoustic intensity dependence of the unshifted line is shown to be a convenient tool for measuring f fractions, especially in thick sources, where the resonant self-absorption may be totally eliminated. Mention is made of the possible uses of the Mossbauer effect as a probe for purely acoustic experiments, particularly at very high frequencies.
Consummation: A Concept for Gerontologic Theory

Many human experiences are “consummatory” in that their meaning is clarified by the perspective of their final stages. Old age invites consummatory assessments of the major stages, relationships and events in our past lives. This affects gerontology in two ways. First, the consummatory quality of aging should be measured by life-satisfaction indexes. Neglect of consummation in life-satisfaction indexes can lead to bias in testing theories of aging. Second, achieving favorable consummations in old age is one form of human fulfillment. Since external conditions can affect consummations either favorably or unfavorably, there is a public duty to create social conditions that promote favorable consummations.
TRAF6 is critical for Satellite cell function and skeletal muscle regeneration upon injury (LB815)

Skeletal muscle satellite cells are a subpopulation of muscle-stem cells responsible for carrying out muscle regenerative events. Paired box-protein Pax7 has been shown to be indispensable for driving proper regeneration as well as supplementing the reservoir of satellite-cell pool. However, signaling mechanisms that regulate the expression of Pax7 remain less understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) positively regulates the expression of Pax7 in vivo and in vitro. Deletion of TRAF6 under a tamoxifen-induced Pax7 promoter led to profound muscle regeneration defects following BaCl2-mediated injury. Regenerating muscle of tamoxifen-administered mice failed to up-regulate Pax7 and displayed a significant reduction in Myf5 transcript levels with no effect on MyoD, myogenin, Mhc3 and Mhc4 compared with vehicle-administered mice. Similarly, cultured muscle progenitors lacking TRAF6 also displayed a significant reduction in Pax7 expression limiting their prol...
A Critique of the Methods of Evaluating the Competency of Lecturers in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

This paper contends that the use of research publications and paper presentation at conferences as the main performance indicators for lecturers is counter-productive. This view is informed by the fact that the use of these criteria has resulted in the negligence of the primary assignment of teaching by some teachers. This paper seeks to accomplish two objectives, that is, to review the procedure used to evaluate lecturers in Nigeria tertiary institutions including colleges of education and highlights the weaknesses of this procedure. Secondly, to argue for the use of performance rating rather than excessive reliance on scholarly publications as means of weighing the efficiency of academic staff. The paper suggests how performance rating can be perfected.
Identification of the First Specific Inhibitor of p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase (RSK) Reveals an Unexpected Role for RSK in Cancer Cell Proliferation

p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) is an important downstream effector of mitogen-activated protein kinase, but its biological functions are not well understood. We have now identified the first small-molecule, RSK-specific inhibitor, which we isolated from the tropical plant Forsteronia refracta . We have named this novel inhibitor SL0101. SL0101 shows remarkable specificity for RSK. The major determinant of SL0101-binding specificity is the unique ATP-interacting sequence in the amino-terminal kinase domain of RSK. SL0101 inhibits proliferation of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, producing a cell cycle block in G 1 phase with an efficacy paralleling its ability to inhibit RSK in intact cells. RNA interference of RSK expression confirmed that RSK regulates MCF-7 proliferation. Interestingly, SL0101 does not alter proliferation of a normal human breast cell line MCF-10A, although SL0101 inhibits RSK in these cells. We show that RSK is overexpressed in ∼50% of human breast cancer tissue samples, suggesting that regulation of RSK has been compromised. Thus, we show that RSK has an unexpected role in proliferation of transformed cells and may be a useful new target for chemotherapeutic agents. SL0101 will provide a powerful new tool to dissect the molecular functions of RSK in cancer cells.
The aperture problem for refractive motion

When viewed through a small aperture, a moving image provides incomplete information about the local motion. Only the component of motion along the local image gradient is constrained. In an essential part of optical flow algorithms, information must be aggregated from nearby image locations in order to estimate all components of motion. This limitation of local evidence for estimating optical flow is called “the aperture problem”.
On the capacity of the symmetric interference channel with a cognitive relay at high SNR

The capacity of the Interference Channel with a Cognitive Relay, a channel model which generalizes the broadcast, interference and cognitive interference channels, is still an open question. Towards understanding this complex channel, we first consider the binary linear deterministic model that approximates the Gaussian channel at high SNR. We consider symmetric channel gains and show achievability of a tightened version of a previously known outer bound for almost all channel parameters. Of particular interest in this channel model is how the cognitive relay may be used to simultaneously relay as well as cancel/neutralize interference at the two receivers. The achievability schemes used to prove capacity use combinations of three main strategies at the cognitive relay that we term bit cancellation, bit sharing, and bit (self)cleaning. We highlight the capacity achieving schemes in the different regimes, pointing out some of the interesting new behaviors seen at the cognitive relay.
Left ventricular filling in differentiating restrictive amyloid cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis.

Abstract Left ventricular filling was evaluated with use of digitized left ventriculograms in patients with (1) restrictive amyloid cardiomyopathy, (2) constrictive pericarditis, and (3) a normal heart. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (four patients) was established by right and left heart hemodynamic studies and postmortem examination; all four patients had cardiac amyloidosis. Constrictive pericarditis (seven patients) was established by characteristic right and left heart catheterizatlon data and pericardial disease at operation; four patients had calcific and three had noncalcific anatomic changes. Normal subjects (seven patients) had normal intracardiac pressures and normal findings on left ventriculography and coronary arteriography. Left ventriculographic silhouettes were digitized and left ventricular volumes were calculated by computer at 16 ms intervals. Curves of left ventricular volume and ventricular filling rate were constructed for each patient and also for each group. Patients with restrictive amyloid cardiomyopathy had no plateau in the diastollc left ventricular filling volume curve, and their left ventricular filling rate was slower than normal during the first half of diastole. Patients with constrictive pericarditis had a sudden and premature plateau in the diastolic left ventricular volume filling curve. In addition, the left ventricular filling rate was faster than normal during the first half of diastole. Statistical analysis of left ventricular filling rate in patients with restrictive amyloid cardiomyopathy, patients with constrictive pericarditis and normal patients showed significant differences during the first half of diastole; those with restrictive amyloid cardiomyopathy had 45 ± 4 percent, those with constrictive pericarditis had 85 ± 4 percent and normal subjects had 65 ± 5 percent of left ventricular filling completed at 50 percent of diastole (p Thus, this study showed a significantly different profile of diastolic left ventricular filling volume and ventricular filling rate curves during the first half of diastole in patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy and those with constrictive pericarditis. The findings suggest the importance of these determinations in differentiating restrictive amyloid cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis at cardiac catheterization.
Balanced vertex weightings and arborescences

Abstract Let D be a digraph with vertex set V and let (Γ, +, 0) be any Abelian group. A weighting b of the vertices with elements of Γ is balanced if for every vertex v the weight on v is “the average” of the weights on the vertices in the out-neighborhood of v, i.e., d+(v) b(v) = Σb(w) where the summation is over all vertices w in the out-neighborhood of v and d+(v) denotes the out-degree of v. The set B(Γ) of all balanced vertex weightings determines a group. Let av denote the number of spanning in arborescences rooted at vertex v and let α = gcd {a v ¦v ∈ V} . In this paper we show that α has a unique factorization α = α1α2…αm such that α, is a multiple of αi+1, i = 1, 2,…, m − 1 and such that for every Abelian group Γ B(Γ) ≅ Γ × Γ(a1) × … × Γ(αm), where Γ(α i ) = {g ∈ Γ ¦ α i g = 0} . As a corollary, we obtain the characterization of the group of bicycles over Γ given in (Berman, SIAM J. Algebraic Discrete Methods 7 (1986), 1–12). We also obtain many results about the arborescence numbers including a new proof of Tutte's trinity theorem and two formulae for aD.
Immunomodulation in the treatment and/or prevention of bronchial asthma

The immunologic hallmark of atopic allergy and asthma is an increased production of IgE and T helper (h) type 2 cell cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13) by Th cells reacting to common environmental allergens. All of us inhale allergens and healthy non-atopics produce allergen-specific IgG1, IgG4 and the Th1 cytokine interferon-α, as well as IL-12 from macrophages. We now have many modalities of immunomodulation to decrease the effect of IL-4 or IL-5 or production and level of IgE or agents to shift the immune response from a Th2 to a Th1 response, thereby decreasing the allergic inflammatory response in the airways. In the present review we focus on conventional immunotherapy, mycobacterial vaccines, DNA vaccines using cytosine guanosine, inhibitors of IL-4 and IL-5 and anti-IgE: Omalizumab.
Elastic Properties of Isolated Thick Filaments Measured by Nanofabricated Cantilevers

Abstract Using newly developed nanofabricated cantilever force transducers, we have measured the mechanical properties of isolated thick filaments from the anterior byssus retractor muscle of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis and the telson levator muscle of the horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus . The single thick filament specimen was suspended between the tip of a flexible cantilever and the tip of a stiff reference beam. Axial stress was placed on the filament, which bent the flexible cantilever. Cantilever tips were microscopically imaged onto a photodiode array to extract tip positions, which could be converted into force by using the cantilever stiffness value. Length changes up to 23% initial length ( Mytilus ) and 66% initial length ( Limulus ) were fully reversible and took place within the physiological force range. When stretch exceeded two to three times initial length ( Mytilus ) or five to six times initial length ( Limulus ), at forces ∼18nN and ∼7nN, respectively, the filaments broke. Appreciable and reversible strain within the physiological force range implies that thick-filament length changes could play a significant physiological role, at least in invertebrate muscles.
Objectivity and ethics in environmental health science.

During the past several decades, philosophers of science and scientists themselves have become increasingly aware of the complex ways in which scientific knowledge is shaped by its social context. This awareness has called into question traditional notions of objectivity. Working scientists need an understanding of their own practice that avoids the naive myth that science can become objective by avoiding social influences as well as the reductionist view that its content is determined simply by economic interests. A nuanced perspective on this process can improve research ethics and increase the capacity of science to contribute to equitable public policy, especially in areas such as environmental and occupational health, which have direct implications for profits, regulation, legal responsibility, and social justice. I discuss research into health effects of the 1979 accident at Three Mile Island near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, as an example of how scientific explanations are shaped by social concepts, norms, and preconceptions. I describe how a scientific practice that developed under the influence of medical and nuclear physics interacted with observations made by exposed community members to affect research questions, the interpretation of evidence, inferences about biological mechanisms in disease causation, and the use of evidence in litigation. By considering the history and philosophy of their disciplines, practicing researchers can increase the rigor, objectivity, and social responsibility of environmental health science.
The Effect of Cell Growth Phase on the Regulatory Cross-Talk between Flagellar and Spi1 Virulence Gene Expression

The flagellar regulon controls Salmonella biofilm formation, virulence gene expression and the production of the major surface antigen present on the cell surface: flagellin. At the top of a flagellar regulatory hierarchy is the master operon, flhDC, which encodes the FlhD4C2 transcriptional complex required for the expression of flagellar, chemotaxis and Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (Spi1) genes. Of six potential transcriptional start-sites within the flhDC promoter region, only two, P1flhDC and P5flhDC, were functional in a wild-type background, while P6flhDC was functional in the absence of CRP. These promoters are transcribed differentially to control either flagellar or Spi1 virulent gene expression at different stages of cell growth. Transcription from P1flhDC initiates flagellar assembly and a negative autoregulatory loop through FlhD4C2-dependent transcription of the rflM gene, which encodes a repressor of flhDC transcription. Transcription from P1flhDC also initiates transcription of the Spi1 regulatory gene, hilD, whose product, in addition to activating Spi1 genes, also activates transcription of the flhDC P5 promoter later in the cell growth phase. The regulators of flhDC transcription (RcsB, LrhA, RflM, HilD, SlyA and RtsB) also exert their control at different stages of the cell growth phase and are also subjected to cell growth phase control. This dynamic of flhDC transcription separates the roles of FlhD4C2 transcriptional activation into an early cell growth phase role for flagellar production from a late cell growth phase role in virulence gene expression.
Construction of association schemes and designs from finite groups

Abstract A necessary and sufficient condition is given for the partition of a finite group to define an association scheme. Using this condition, several classes of association schemes and balanced incomplete designs have been constructed.
Discussion on “Change-Points: From Sequential Detection to Biology and Back” by David O. Siegmund

Abstract In his interesting paper, Professor Siegmund illustrates that the problem formulations and methodologies are generally transferable between off-line and on-line settings of change-point problems. In our discussion of his paper, we echo his thoughts with our own experiences.
Sephardic signature in haplogroup T mitochondrial DNA

A rare combination of mutations within mitochondrial DNA subhaplogroup T2e is identified as affiliated with Sephardic Jews, a group that has received relatively little attention. Four investigations were pursued: Search of the motif in 250 000 control region records across 8 databases, comparison of frequencies of T subhaplogroups (T1, T2b, T2c, T2e, T4, T*) across 11 diverse populations, creation of a phylogenic median-joining network from public T2e control region entries, and analysis of one Sephardic mitochondrial full genomic sequence with the motif. It was found that the rare motif belonged only to Sephardic descendents (Turkey, Bulgaria), to inhabitants of North American regions known for secret Spanish–Jewish colonization, or were consistent with Sephardic ancestry. The incidence of subhaplogroup T2e decreased from the Western Arabian Peninsula to Italy to Spain and into Western Europe. The ratio of sister subhaplogroups T2e to T2b was found to vary 40-fold across populations from a low in the British Isles to a high in Saudi Arabia with the ratio in Sephardim more similar to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Italy than to hosts Spain and Portugal. Coding region mutations of 2308G and 14499T may locate the Sephardic signature within T2e, but additional samples and reworking of current T2e phylogenetic branch structure is needed. The Sephardic Turkish community has a less pronounced founder effect than some Ashkenazi groups considered singly (eg, Polish), but other comparisons of interest await comparable averaging. Registries of signatures will benefit the study of populations with a large number of smaller-size founders.
The effects of surface layers on the conductivity of gold films

Abstract An experimental investigation has been made of the effects of added, vacuum-deposited, gold layers upon the conductivity of specially prepared gold films in which the conduction electrons are specularly scattered at the film boundaries. The “specular” films were prepared by vacuum depositing gold upon bismuth oxide nucleating layers and then annealing in air at 350 °C. The experimental results have been related to a theoretical analysis based on the Fuchs-Sondheimer formalism. It was observed that the deposition of an added layer of gold upon the surface of a “specular” film caused an initial increase of resistance, which rose to a maximum, and then decreased with increasing thickness. The initial increase of resistance was attributed to a change from specular to diffuse scattering of the conduction electrons at the surface.
The cost of living jewishly and jewish continuity

This chapter explores the costs of individuals and families living a Jewish life, and their effects on the American Jewish community. Living a Jewish life is costly. It is not just the extra cost of kosher foods, synagogue membership, or tuition costs for Jewish schooling for one’s children. There is the time cost of Jewish religious involvement and practice. There are also lifestyle choices that put constraints on one’s activities, such as the choice of a spouse or where one chooses to live. Policy recommendations for the Jewish community to mitigate these costs are considered.
X-ray dose fractionation and oncogenic transformations in cultured mouse embryo cells.

THE effect of dose fractionation on oncogenic transformation can be studied quantitatively by using recently developed cell lines in which transformation is scored by the loss of contact inhibition1,2. We report here that splitting the dose into two fractions enhances oncogenic transformation at low doses, whereas at high doses fractionation results in less effect than the same total dose in a single exposure. This observation is pertinent to the calculation of cancer risk estimates for multiple low-dose exposures, to which radiation workers or members of the general public are exposed, by means of a linear extrapolation from observed human data at high dose levels.
A faster method of computing matrix pythagorean sums

In a recent paper [1], Moler and Morrison have described an iterative algorithm for the computation of the Pythagorean sum a \oplus b {\underline {\underline \Delta} } (a^{2} + b^{2})^{1/2} of two real numbers a and b without computing their squares or taking a square root. The subroutine is robust, short, portable, has a cubic rate of convergence, and is immune to floating-point overflows. In this note the method is extended to the efficient computation of the Pythagorean sum A \oplus B of two real commuting matrices.
Optical interconnection network using polarization-based ferroelectric liquid crystal gates

A polarization-based 4 x 4 optical interconnection network using surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal (SSFLC) gates is demonstrated. The SSFLC gates are comprised of an SSFLC device sandwiched between two polarizing beam splitters. Optical crosstalk using these fast switching programmable devices can be limited to ~-20 dB/gate, which would allow 2-D interconnection networks to be fabricated with thirty-one input channels and 3-D interconnection networks with approximately 225 input channels.
Poly(ethylenimine) and its role in gene delivery

Since the first published examination of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) as a gene delivery vehicle, there has been a flurry of research aimed at this polycation and its role in gene therapy. Here we will briefly review PEI chemistry and the characterization of PEI/DNA complexes used for gene delivery. Additionally, we will note various PEI transfection considerations and examine findings involving other polycationic gene delivery vehicles used with cellular targeting ligands. The current state of our knowledge regarding the mechanism of PEI/DNA transfection will also be discussed. Finally, we will survey toxicity issues related to PEI transfection.
Influence of Item Parameter Estimation Errors in Test Development.

Item response models are finding increasing use in achievement and aptitude test development. Item response theory (IRT) test development involves the selection of test items based on a consideration of their item information functions. But a problem arises because item information functions are determined by their item parameter estimates, which contain error. When the "best" items are selected on the basis of their statistical characteristics, there is a tendency to capitalize on chance due to errors in the item parameter estimates. The resulting test, therefore, falls short of the test that was desired or expected. The purposes of this article are (a) to highlight the problem of item parameter estimation errors in the test development process, (b) to demonstrate the seriousness of the problem with several simulated data sets, and (c) to offer a conservative solution for addressing the problem in IRT-based test development. Over the last 20 years, many test developers have used item response theory (IRT) models and methods rather than classical measurement models in their test development and related technical work (Hambleton, 1989; Hambleton & Swaminathan, 1985; Lord, 1980). Item response theory, particularly as reflected in the one-, two-, and three-parameter logistic models for dichotomously scored items, is receiving increasing attention from test developers in test design and test item selection, in addressing item bias, in computeradaptive testing, and in the equating and reporting of test scores. Many major test publishers, state departments of education, and large school districts currently use IRT models in some capacity in their testing work. One problem that arises when applying IRT models in test development involves capitalizing on chance due to positive errors in some item parameter estimates. As a result, tests may often fall short, statistically, of what is expected, and standard errors associated with ability estimates may be correspondingly underestimated (if the inflated item parameter estimates are used), which will lead to overconfidence in the ability estimates. The same problem arises in item selection in computerized adaptive testing. Perhaps it should be The research described in this article was funded by the Graduate Management Admission Council. The GMAC encourages researchers to formulate and freely express their own opinions, and the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the GMAC. This article was presented at the meeting of APA, Boston, 1990. The authors benefited considerably from the suggestions of two anonymous reviewers and the editor.
Prediction of Skill Retention and Retraining from Initial Training

The goal of this research was to examine a method for predicting retention and retraining performance of a manual skill after controlled training. In an experiment, 40 men were trained to criterion performance on low- or high-workload tracking tasks, then retested and retrained after no-practice intervals of 1 to 6 wk. Retention and retraining performance times were modeled as a function of (1) average tracking completion time during initial training and (2) a power-model point-estimate of training completion times. The power model predicted retention and retraining times slightly better than the average times, but both models were significant (.64 < R2 <.78). Performance times were not related to duration of retention and were marginally related to training workload. Over-all, later performance was well predicted by earlier task performance, but retention was independent of the elapsed no-practice time period.
A monoclonal antibody to human insulin receptor.

Abstract A murine hybridoma secreting antibody against human insulin receptor was produced by fusing FO myeloma cells with spleen and lymph node cells from a mouse that had been immunized with insulin receptor purified from human placenta. The secreted antibody was an IgG1 (κ), designated αIR-1. Like the previously described rabbit polyclonal antibody, αIR-1 did not inhibit insulin binding. It specifically immunoprecipitated 125I-insulin-receptor complexes as well as unoccupied receptor previously labeled directly with lactoperoxidase. Thus, αIR-1 interacts with the receptor at a site distinct from the insulin binding site. Unlike previously described anti-insulin receptor antibodies, αIR-1 exhibits strong tissue and species specificity.
A rapid method for flow-ready cylindrical microchannel fabrication

Most current methods of microchannel fabrication are expensive and time consuming or result in noncylindrical channels, which is undesirable for many applications. A rapid inexpensive method for the fabrication of flow-ready cylindrical polymer microchannels from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is presented here. In this method, cylindrical needles are used as molds for the channels and also function as flow delivery devices after fabrication. Validation of channel function and smoothness can be accomplished by comparing experimental data to theoretical models. One model was previously developed by the author to predict the incipient motion of a glass sphere in contact with a perfectly smooth PDMS surface and deviations from the model are expected to be a function of channel roughness. The data collected in the present channels show fairly good agreement with the theoretical model, indicating a relatively smooth and consistent surface. In addition, detailed SEM images of the channel showed that the internal surface was qualitatively very smooth.
Expression of Feeding Symptoms from Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) by Commercially Important Cultivars of Hibiscus

The pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), is a highly polyphagous pest that invaded southern Florida in 2002 and is now widely established throughout most of the state. Although Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. is a preferred and economically important host of M. hirsutus, the susceptibility and expression of feeding symptoms by different cultivars have not been evaluated. Cultivars of H. rosa-sinensis were infested with M. hirsutus and evaluated daily for 40 d for the onset and percentage of terminals expressing feeding symptoms. Under different initial densities of M. hirsutus, the cultivar ‘President’ showed no difference in the latency to expression of feeding symptoms, which occurred between 7 and 15 d after infestation, but did show significant differences between initial density and percentage of terminals expressing feeding symptoms from 10 d onward. When infested with 20 females, 80% of ‘President’ terminals exhibited symptoms 30 d after infestation. Four other cultivars initially infested with 10 female M. hirsutus showed significant differences in the onset and severity of feeding symptoms. All plants of the cultivars ‘Florida Sunset’ and ‘Joanne’ expressed damage symptoms at 12 ± 2 SE d and 10 ± 1 d, respectively, following infestation. Only a single plant of the cultivars ‘Double Red’ and ‘Snow Queen’ showed such symptoms at 19 and 30 d after infestation, respectively. Significant differences between cultivar and the percentage of terminals expressing feeding symptoms were observed from 20 d onward. Terminals sampled from all plants after 40 d revealed that egg, nymph, and adult female M. hirsutus were found on all plants, including those that did not exhibit feeding symptoms. These data have shown that hibiscus cultivars differ in their expression of M. hirsutus feeding symptoms, that M. hirsutus can reproduce on cultivars of hibiscus that do not express feeding symptoms, and that feeding symptoms are not a reliable indicator of infestation by M. hirsutus, highlighting the need for further investigation of the mechanisms underlying differences among cultivars.
Results of ancillary tests for respiratory disease in normal dogs

Twenty-five mixed-breed clinically normal mature dogs were evaluated for respiratory disease by thoracic radiographs, complete blood counts, modified Knott's test, fluorescent antibody test for heartworms, bronchoscopy, tracheal washing, and bronchial brushing. Gross necropsies, cultures of lung parenchyma, and microscopic studies of lung at the site of and adjacent to the tracheal washing and bronchial brushing techniques were performed. The high prevalence of abnormal findings reflected subclinical disease in a confined population. The importance of a combination of complementary diagnostic tests was reinforced by the lack of specificity of individual tests.
Structure and processing of yeast precursor tRNAs containing intervening sequences

We have isolated a precursor of yeast tRNATyr and shown that it contains an intervening sequence identical to that found in the gene for tRNATyr. The conformation of pre-tRNATyr is similar to that of mature tRNATyr except for the anticodon loop. The loop is sensitive to endonucleolytic cleavage by S1 nuclease near to the ends of the intervening sequence. This pre-tRNA is functionally inactive as it cannot be aminoacylated and the anticodon is not accessible for hydrogen bonding. A crude nuclear extract from yeast contains an excision-ligase activity which will process pre-tRNATyr into mature tRNATyr.
Portal imaging with a CsI(Tl) transparent scintillator x-ray detector

In a previous paper, a portal imaging system was described that used a 101 mm diameter, 3 mm thick CsI (Tl) transparent scintillating screen coupled to a liquid-nitrogen-cooled slow- scan CCD-TV camera with a 40 mm f1.0 macro lens with a 5:1 demagnification. Meanwhile, improved images have been acquired using a 50 mm f1.1 macro lens with a 7:1 demagnification. These images were presented at an AAPM International Symposium on Electronic Portal Imaging in Detroit, MI, in May, 1997. Since the Detroit meeting, a 203 mm diameter, 13 mm thick CsI(Tl) crystal has been purchased from Bicron. This transparent screen has been used with a Nikkor 35 mm f1.4 lens to show the whole 203 mm circular field at 0.53 mm pixel size with the existing Astromed liquid nitrogen cooled CCD TV camera system. The geometry of the imaging system has been optimized to achieve high spatial resolution (1 lp/mm) in spite of the increased thickness of the screen. This increased thickness allows the high image quality achieved with the older screen at 72 MU to be maintained with the newer screen while reducing the dose to 1 MU. Images have been acquired with the new screen of lead bar patterns, low-contrast hole patterns in Lucite blocks, and anthropomorphic phantoms.
RFLP mapping of the maize gametophytic restorer-of-fertility locus (rf3) and aberrant pollen transmission of the nonrestoring rf3 allele

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is the maternally inherited inability to produce functional pollen. The Rf3 allele of the nuclear gene rf3 gametophytically restores male fertility to maize plants with the S-type of CMS. The rf3 locus is on the long arm of maize chromosome two (2L). Using 2L RFLPs and three-point mapping analysis we showed that the rf3 locus is located an estimated 4.3 cM distal to the whp locus and 6.4 cM proximal to the bnl17.14 locus. This information was used in combination with RFLPs on two additional maize chromosomes to show that Rf3/rf3 CMS-S plants may aberrantly transmit the nonrestoring allele, rf3, through the male gametophyte.