cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Migrating orthogonal rotation-invariant moments from continuous to discrete space [image processing applications]

Orthogonality and rotation invariance are important feature properties in digital signal processing. Orthogonality enables a target to be represented by a compact number of features, while rotation invariance results in unique features for a target with different orientations. The orthogonal, rotation-invariant moments (ORIMs), such as Zernike, pseudo-Zernike, and orthogonal Fourier-Melling moments, are defined in continuous space. These ORIMs have been digitized and have been demonstrated effectively for some digital imagery applications. However, digitization compromises the orthogonality of the moments, and hence, reduces their precision. Therefore, digital ORIMs are incapable of representing the fine details of images. In this paper, we propose a numerical optimization technique to improve the orthogonality of the digital ORIMs. Simulation results show that our optimized digital ORIMs can be used to reproduce subtle details of images.
Evidence for separation of HCV subtype 1a into two distinct clades.

The nucleotide sequence diversity present among Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) isolates allows rapid adjustment to exterior forces including host immunity and drug therapy. This viral response reflects a combination of a high rate of replication together with an error-prone RNA dependent RNA polymerase providing for the selection and proliferation of the viruses with the highest fitness. We examined HCV subtype 1a whole genome sequences to identify positions contributing to genotypic and phenotypic diversity. Phylogenetic tree reconstructions showed two distinct clades existing within the 1a subtype with each clade having a star-like tree topology and lacking definite correlation between time or place of isolation and phylogeny. Identification of significant phylogenetically-informative sites at the nucleotide level revealed positions not only contributing to clade differentiation, but which are located at or proximal to codons associated with resistance to: protease inhibitors (NS3 Q41) or polymerase inhibitors (NS5B S368). Synonymous/nonsynonymous substitution mutation analyses revealed that the majority of nucleotide mutations yielded synonymous amino acids, indicating the presence of purifying selection pressure across the polyprotein with pockets of positive selection also being detected. Despite evidence for divergence at several loci, certain 1a characteristics were preserved including the length of the alternative reading frame/F protein (ARF/F) gene, and a subtype 1a-specific phosphorylation site in NS5A (S349). Our analysis suggests that there may be strain-specific differences in the development of antiviral resistance to viruses infecting patients that are dependent on the genetic variation separating these two clades.
Preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies: a randomized controlled trial.

Background Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States. Design A randomized controlled trial (2002–2005; data analyzed 2005–2006) of a brief motivational intervention to reduce the risk of an alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) in preconceptional women by focusing on both risk drinking and ineffective contraception use. Setting/Participants A total of 830 nonpregnant women, aged 18–44 years, and currently at risk for an AEP were recruited in six diverse settings in Florida, Texas, and Virginia. Combined settings had higher proportions of women at risk for AEP (12.5% overall) than in the general population (2%). Interventions Participants were randomized to receive information plus a brief motivational intervention ( n =416) or to receive information only ( n =414). The brief motivational intervention consisted of four counseling sessions and one contraception consultation and services visit. Main Outcome Measures Women consuming more than five drinks on any day or more than eight drinks per week on average, were considered risk drinkers; women who had intercourse without effective contraception were considered at risk of pregnancy. Reversing either or both risk conditions resulted in reduced risk of an AEP. Results Across the follow-up period, the odds ratios (ORs) of being at reduced risk for AEP were twofold greater in the intervention group: 3 months, 2.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.69–3.20); 6 months, 2.15 (CI=1.52–3.06); 9 months, 2.11 (CI=1.47–3.03). Between-groups differences by time phase were 18.0%, 17.0%, and 14. 8%, respectively. Conclusions A brief motivational intervention can reduce the risk of an AEP.
Characterization of Veillonella atypica PK1910 adhesin-mediated coaggregation with oral Streptococcus spp.

Abstract The gram-negative human oral bacterium Veillonella atypica PK1910 exhibits both lactose-inhibitable and lactose-noninhibitable coaggregations with certain human oral streptococci. A mild sonication procedure was used to obtain a veillonella surface protein preparation against which antisera were prepared. To characterize the lactose-inhibitable coaggregation, coaggregation-defective (COG-) mutants unable to exhibit this kind of coaggregation (class 1 mutants) were used to absorb the antisera. Only the lactose-inhibitable coaggregations were blocked by these absorbed antisera. The absorbed antiserum also reacted with a 45-kDa protein found in the parent and in class 2 COG- mutants that exhibited lactose-inhibitable coaggregation. This protein was not detected in surface protein preparations of class 1 COG- mutants. Two affinity protocols, involving agarose-lactose beads and the streptococcal coaggregation partner cells, were used to bind surface proteins from V. atypica PK1910. In each protocol, the 45-kDa protein was eluted by a solution containing 100 mM lactose. Antiserum was prepared against agarose-lactose beads with bound 45-kDa protein. When absorbed with class 1 COG- mutants, the antiserum blocked lactose-inhibitable coaggregation and reacted with the 45-kDa protein in immunoblots. When the same antiserum was absorbed with class 2 COG- mutant cells, it lost both properties, suggesting that the 45-kDa protein is an adhesin that mediates coaggregation with streptococci. The proposed adhesin does not seem to be the structural subunit of veillonella fimbriae, since no differences in fimbriae were observed by electron microscopy of the parent and all three classes of mutants.
Nationalist Muslims in British India: The Case of Hakim Ajmal Khan

Islamic political rhetoric has had a wide variety of meanings in twentieth-century South Asia. This variety has often been obscured by observers who assume Islamic political symbols to have a single set of meanings as well as by contemporary political figures who attribute to earlier figures their own particular views. In Pakistan today, for example, all national heroes of the past are assumed to have used Islamic symbols exactly as does the current regime. In a recent contest—in which so far no winner has emerged—prizes were offered for portraits depicting Muhammad 'Ali Jinnah, the urbane, westernized lawyer, in Islamic dress. Such re-interpretation can force resort to explanations of expedience to reconcile apparent inconsistencies, arguing, for example, that political figures spoke differently to different audiences. What else could one make of a Jinnah if he is clothed as a fundamentalist? But desire for legitimacy—here as everywhere—outweighs accurate history.
Formation of parathormone 8-34 by cathepsin-D digestion of parathormone and its efficacy as a hormone antagonist.

Abstract It previously has been shown that digestion of bovine parathormone (bPTH) with cathepsin-D results in rapid cleavage of the hormone between Phe 34 and Val 35 yielding PTH(1–34) and PTH(35–84). Since bPTH also contains a Phe at residue 7 we have conducted additional studies to determine whether cleavage at this position could occur. We have found that following longer incubation periods of hormone and enzyme, 2 additional peptides are generated; PTH(8–34) and PTH(1–7). Time course studies demonstrated that these 2 fragments are formed from the (1–34) peptide generated through the initial cleavage at Phe 34 -Val 35 of PTH. The identification of the bPTH(8–34) was accomplished through amino acid analysis and N-terminal sequencing. bPTH(8–34) behaved as a PTH antagonist in an in vitro mouse calvarial bone resorption assay. Although bPTH(8–34) did not affect the PTH-stimulated cAMP response when added simultaneously with PTH, preincubation of bone cells with this peptide caused desensitization of the PTH-stimulated cAMP response.
Statistical evaluation of reaction mechanisms in immune hemolysis—I The dose response of the second component of complement

Abstract A new dose response relationship for the reaction of the second component of complement (C′2) with the intermediate EAC′1a,4 has been derived on the basis of the enzymatic action of C′1a in this reaction. The fit of this relationship has been tested statistically against 12 sets of data, ranging from 15 per cent to 92 per cent lysis; excellent agreement was obtained. An improved method for evaluating C′2 measurements is proposed on the basis of these findings.
Phase noise analysis for OFDM systems based on hot-carrier effects in synchronization electronics

Phase noise may be regarded as the most severe cause of performance degradation in OFDM systems. Hot carriers (HCs), found in the CMOS synchronization circuits, are high-mobility charge carriers that degrade the MOSFET devices’ performance by increasing the threshold voltage required to operate the MOSFETs. The HC effect manifests itself as the phase noise, which increases with the continued MOSFET operation and results in the performance degradation of the Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) built on the MOSFET. The HC effect is particularly evident in the short-channel MOSFET devices. The MOSFET instability will impact on the OFDM system performance. The relationship between the OFDM system performance and the hot carrier effect can be analyzed in terms of a crucial parameter, the MOSFET threshold voltage. In this paper, we derive a general phase noise model for OFDM systems based on the Hot-carrier effect and the corresponding drifted threshold voltage in differential ring oscillators. The expected OFDM performance degradation due to the hot carrier effect is provided through our simulations. We show that the OFDM BER performance evaluation using the existing phase noise models can be upto three orders of magnitude different from the results obtained by using our phase noise model.
Further Field Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of Southern Potato Wireworms

Sixteen of 21 chemicals tested at Charleston, South Carolina, during the fall-winter seasons of 1965-70 reduced damaging populations of Conoderus falli Lane below economic levels. Of 5 effective chemicals that were tested more than 1 season, chlorpyrifos, phoxim, chlorphoxim, and parathion gave the most consistent control, and carbofuran was the most variable. Chlorpyrifos and Stauffer N-2596 ( S -( p -chlorophenyl) O -ethyl ethyl phosphonodithioate) were more persistent in soil than parathion.
Anharmonic Corrections in Calculated High-Temperature EXAFS Spectra

In this work the anharmonic corrections in calculated high-temperature EXAFS spectra have been evaluated. They lead to significant damping and shifting of EXAFS spectra. The calculated EXAFS spectra including these corrections of Cu agree very well with the measured results and are different from those calculated by harmonic model. This procedure can be applied for all crystals and for understanding properties of anharmonicity in catalysis research.
Effect of growth hormone on lymphocyte respiration and growth rate of children

Abstract Oxygen consumption by circulating lymphocytes of children with isolated growth hormone deficiency was studied before and 6 mo after the start of growth hormone therapy. A plot of percent change in respiration (oxygen consumed per mg protein or μg DNA) against height gain during the therapy showed a linear association (correlation coefficient 0.667–0.756).
Somatic mutation of hPMS2 as a possible cause of sporadic human colon cancer with microsatellite instability

Inactivation of DNA-mismatch repair underlies the genesis of microsatellite unstable (MSI) colon cancers. hPMS2 is one of several genes encoding components of the DNA-mismatch repair complex, and germline hPMS2 mutations have been found in a few kindreds with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC), in whom hereditary MSI colon cancers develop. However, mice bearing null hPMS2 genes do not develop colon cancers and hPMS2 mutations in sporadic human colon cancers have not been described. Here we report that in Vaco481 colon cancer the hPMS2 gene is inactivated by somatic mutations of both hPMS2 alleles. The cell line derived from this tumor is functionally deficient in DNA mismatch repair. This deficiency can be biochemically complemented by addition of a purified hMLH1-hPMS2 (hMutLα) complex. The hPMS2 deficient Vaco481 cancer cell line demonstrates microsatellite instability, an elevated HPRT gene mutation rate, and resistance to the cytotoxicity of the alkylator MNNG. We conclude that somatic inactivation of hPMS2 can play a role in development of sporadic MSI colon cancer expressing the full range of cancer phenotypes associated with inactivation of the mismatch repair system.
Electrophilic Activation of Lewis Base Complexes of Borane with Trityl Tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate.

Borenium ions do not accumulate under the conditions of hydride abstraction from Lewis base borane complexes (L·BH3) using trityl cation because subsequent rapid reaction with L·BH3 occurs to form B−H−B bonds. The hydride-bridged cations are sufficiently stabilized to resist abstraction of the remaining hydride by excess trityl cation; however, reversible cleavage of the 3c2e bond does take place to release borenium ion equivalents, as evidenced by interaction with weak nucleophiles.
Experiential Learning Within the Process of Opportunity Identification and Exploitation

The article uses experiential learning theory to magnify the importance of learning within the process of entrepreneurship. Previous research details the contributions of prior knowledge, creativity, and cognitive mechanisms to the process of opportunity identification and exploitation; however, the literature is devoid of work that directly addresses learning. The extant research assumes learning is occurring but does not directly address the importance of learning to the process. To fully understand the nature of the entrepreneurial process, researchers must take into account how individuals learn and how different modes of learning influence opportunity identification and exploitation. This article makes connections between knowledge, cognition, and creativity to develop the concept of learning asymmetries and illustrates how a greater appreciation for the differences in individual learning will fortify entrepreneurship research.
A Method for the Rapid Analysis of Neuronal Proportions and Neurite Morphology in Primary Cultures

This article provides basic guidelines for a rapid analysis of subpopulation proportions and neurite morphology in primary cultures. We describe, in E14 mesencephalic primary cultures, an immunohistochemical method for the simultaneous identification of multiple neuronal phenotypes and an estimation of the ratio of subpopulations. In addition, we describe the use of the Renaissance TSA-Direct kit (NEN, DuPont) to enhance the visualization of neurites when the antigen is in low abundance. Finally, a modified Sholl analysis is used to rapidly and reliably estimate neurite number and length.
The inference that makes science

In his Aquinas Lecture 1992 at Marquette University, Ernan McMullin discusses whether there is a pattern of inference that particularly characterizes the sciences of nature. He pursues this theme both on a historical and a systematic level. There is a continuity of concern across the ages that separate the Greek inquiry into nature from our own vastly more complex scientific enterprise. But there is also discontinuity, the abandonment of earlier ideals as unworkable. The natural sciences involve many types of inference; three of these interlock in a special way to produce “retroductive inference,” the kind of complex inference that supports causal theory.
A functional analysis of press releases from Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain during the 2008 primary presidential election

Abstract Press releases from Senators John McCain and Barack Obama's official websites were content analyzed using functional theory. Intercoder reliability was high and the results yielded significant results. Patterns from previous research were found but there were also new findings that may be a result of the fact that this is the first presidential election since 1928 that an incumbent President or Vice President has not run for their party's nomination.
Principal‐Agent Problems in Humanitarian Intervention: Moral Hazards, Adverse Selection, and the Commitment Dilemma

A number of recent studies have concluded that humanitarian intervention can produce unintended consequences that reduce or completely undermine conflict management efforts. Some analysts have argued that the incentive structure produced by third parties is a form of moral hazard. This paper evaluates the utility of moral hazard theory and a second type of principal-agent problem known as adverse selection. Whereas moral hazards occur when an insured party has an opportunity to take hidden action once a contract is in effect, adverse selection is the result of asymmetric information prior to entering into a contract. Failing to distinguish between these two types of principal-agent problems may lead to policy advice that is irrelevant or potentially harmful. Along with introducing the concept of adverse selection to the debate on humanitarian intervention, this study identifies a commitment dilemma that explains why third parties operating in weakly institutionalized environments may be unable to punish groups that take advantage of intervention.
A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonists as Ligands for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single-Photon Emission Tomography (SPET)†

The high affinity of 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (CPX) for the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) provides a good lead for developing radioligands suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission tomography (SPET). This study tested the hypothesis that the kinds of chemical modifications made in the synthesis of CPX analogues containing carbon-11, fluorine-18, or radioiodine will not alter affinity for the A1AR. This report describes the synthesis and radioligand binding assays of unlabeled CPX analogues having methyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-fluoropropyl, or 3-fluoropropyl substituents, respectively, at either N-1 (13a−d) or N-3 (8a−d) or an (E)-3-iodoprop-2-en-1-yl substituent at N-3 (8f). Compounds 8d,f and 13b,d antagonized the binding of [3H]CPX to the A1AR of rat brain with affinities similar to those of CPX; compound 8c was twice as potent as CPX. Analogues 8a,b and 13a were less potent than CPX, but for each the Ki of antagonism was ≥0.5 nM. Attempts to iodinate the 8-(4-hydro...
The labeling of bacterial cells with S35 for the production of high specific activity compounds.

Summary These results demonstrate that the 23.4 mc. of bound sulfur (Table I) taken up by 0.15 ml. of cells provide a means of specifically labeling both methionine and cystine (2×109 counts/sec./mg. of sulfur) without interference from excessive radiation exposure of the cells. It is also apparent that extremely small numbers of E. coli cells can be labeled and detected.
Strategic Issues as Tensions

A framework that helps managers identify, interpret, and describe a strategic issue and form an issue agenda is presented. In the framework, issues are treated as tensions in which opposing forces ...
Going beyond “same-for-all” testing of infectious agents in donated blood

Blood products, derived from donated blood, are essential for many medical treatments, and their safety, in terms of being free of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections (TTIs)—i.e., infectious agents that can be spread through their use—is crucial. However, blood screening tests are not perfectly reliable and may produce false negative or false-positive results. Currently, blood donations are tested using a same-for-all testing scheme, where a single test set is used on all blood donations. This article studies differential testing schemes, which may involve multiple test sets, each applied to a randomly selected fraction of the donated blood. Thus, although each blood donation is still tested by a single test set, multiple test sets may be used by the Blood Center. This problem is modeled within an optimization framework and a novel solution methodology is provided that allows important structural properties of such testing schemes to be characterized. It is shown that an optimal differential testing scheme...
Direct measurement of 14CO2 in a liquid scintillation counter.

Abstract Samples of CO2 are dissolved in a liquid scintillator solution for the measurement of 14C activity with counting efficiencies of greather than 90% above an appropriate low-energy bias. With an integral counting technique, the counting efficiency of (100 ± 2)% was obtained. As much as 5 ml (STP) of CO2 per ml of scintillator solution produced no measurable quenching.
Backward-Smoothing Extended Kalman Filter

The principle of the iterated extended Kalman filter has been generalized to create a new filter that has superior performance when the estimation problem contains severe nonlinearities. The new filter is useful when nonlinearities might significantly degrade the accuracy or convergence reliability of other filters. The new filter solves a nonlinear smoothing problem for the current and past sample intervals using iterative numerical techniques. This approach retains the nonlinearities of a fixed number of stages that precede the stage of interest, and it processes information from earlier stages in an approximate manner. The algorithm has been simulation tested on a difficult spacecraft attitude estimation problem that includes sensing of fewer than three axes and significant dynamic model uncertainty. The filter compensates for this uncertainty via simultaneous estimation of moment of inertia parameters. The new filter exhibits markedly better convergence reliability and accuracy than an extended Kalman filter and an unscented Kalman filter for estimation problems that start with large initial attitude or attitude rate errors.
The Effects of Age Composition of 12-Step Groups on Adolescent 12-Step Participation and Substance Use Outcome.

ABSTRACT Youth substance use disorder treatment programs frequently advocate integration into 12-Step fellowships to help prevent relapse. However, the effects of the predominantly adult composition of12-step groups on adolescent involvement and substance use outcome remain unstudied. Greater knowledge could enhance the specificity of treatment recommendations for youth. To this end, adolescents (N = 74; M age = 15.9, 62% female) were recruited during inpatient treatment and followed up 3 and 6 months later. Greater age similarity was found to positively influence attendance rates and the perceived importance of attendance, and was marginally related to increased step-work and less substance use. These preliminary findings suggest locating and directing youth to meetings where other youth are present may improve 12-step attendance, involvement, and substance use outcomes.
Technical environmental assessment predictors of residential satisfaction. A study of elderly women living alone.

Residential satisfaction is important in its own right and as an influence on general well-being. Previous research suggests that objective environmental characteristics amenable to societal manipu...
A rapid gravitational effect on the translocation of fluorescein in mung bean hypocotyl sections.

Geotropic stimulation of excised stems of dark-grown mung bean seedlings (Vigna radiata L., Wilczek) results in a rapid increase in the movement of fluorescein in phloem cells of the hypocotyl. A significant effect is observed after subjecting stems to geotropic stimulation for 2.5 min. Maximum increase occurs after about 15 or more min of geotropic stimulation. The increase is confined to the lower side of the hypocotyl. Pretreatment with a 5x10-4 M concentration of 2,4-dinitrophenol prevents the gravity-induced increase in fluorescein movement. It is suggested that the increased movement of fluorescein is due to the generation of a positive electrostatic charge in the plasma membrane of receptor cells by some unknown action of gravity on membrane molecules. The charge is presumed to be the causative factor that increases the movement of auxin and other negatively-charged substances into receptor cells.
The monetization process in China during the economic reform

Abstract It is well known that during the decade-long economic reform in China, the growth rate of money supply has been consistently greater than the sum of the real GNP growth and the inflation rate. Where did the money go? The present paper tries to answer this question with an introductory analysis of the monetization process. The preliminary results suggest that the Chinese economy was monetized rapidly during the period 1979–1984, in which the introduction of the responsibility system in the agricultural sector, the astonishing growth of the township and village enterprises and private business brought in extraordinary demand for currency. Consequently, most of the “excess money” was absorbed by the newly-monetized economy and inflation was moderate in this period. However, since 1985 the monetization process has been slowed down significantly. The economy could no longer absorb the excess money. The excess money supplies above and beyond the growth rate of the real GNP have mainly resulted in inflation.
Evidence that glucose metabolism regulates leptin secretion from cultured rat adipocytes

Circulating leptin secreted from adipocytes is correlated with fat mass and plasma insulin concentrations in humans and rodents. Plasma leptin, insulin, and glucose decrease during fasting and increase after refeeding; however, the underlying mechanisms regulating the changes of leptin secretion are not known. To investigate the role of insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism in the regulation of leptin secretion, we examined the effects of insulin and inhibitors of glucose transport and metabolism on leptin secretion from rat adipocytes in primary culture. Insulin (0.16-16 nM) increased leptin secretion over 96 h; however, the increase in leptin was more closely related to the amount of glucose taken up by the adipocytes (r = 0.64; P < 0.0001) than to the insulin concentration per se (r = 0.20; P < 0.28), suggesting a role for glucose transport and/or metabolism in regulating leptin secretion. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a competitive inhibitor of glucose transport and phosphorylation, caused a concentration-dependent (2-50 mg/dl) inhibition of leptin release in the presence of 1.6 nM insulin. The inhibitory effect of 2-DG was reversed by high concentrations of glucose. Two other inhibitors of glucose transport, phloretin (0.05-0.25 mM) and cytochalasin-B (0.5-50 microM), also inhibited leptin secretion. Inhibition of leptin secretion by these agents was proportional to the inhibition of glucose uptake (r = 0.60 to 0.86; all P < 0.01). Two inhibitors of glycolysis, iodoacetate (0.005-1.0 mM) and sodium fluoride (0.1-5 mM), produced concentration-dependent inhibition of leptin secretion in the presence of 1.6 nM insulin. In addition, both 2-DG and sodium fluoride markedly decreased the leptin (ob) messenger RNA content of cultured adipocytes, but did not affect 18S ribosomal RNA content. We conclude that glucose transport and metabolism are important factors in the regulation of leptin expression and secretion and that the effect of insulin to increase adipocyte glucose utilization is likely to contribute to insulin-stimulated leptin secretion. Thus, in vivo, decreased adipose glucose metabolism may be one mechanism by which fasting decreases circulating leptin, whereas increased adipose glucose metabolism would increase leptin after refeeding.
Better science and worse diplomacy: negotiating the cleanup of the Swedish and Finnish pulp and paper industry

The purpose of this inquiry is to identify how environmental indicators and environmental technology in the science/policy boundary alternately facilitate and encumber international environmental negotiations. In a case involving a dispute between Sweden and Finland over one another’s contribution to the organochlorine pollution load to the Baltic Sea, indicators of environmental risk, including measures of allegedly toxic concentrations of organochlorines in Swedish and Finnish chemical pulp wastewater, did not bring the two sides closer to a settlement. Also, ironically, advances in technological solutions to the problem were unhelpful to the negotiation. For many months, the disputants failed to acknowledge that deliberations were slowed down by the parties’ pride and confidence in their respective national scientific, technological, and regulatory institutions. In recent years, the problems caused by organochlorine emissions from Swedish and Finnish pulp mills have been all but solved—a comparatively rare transboundary environmental “success story.” With the tackling of the problem, the competition between Sweden and Finland’s preferred engineering solutions has dramatically faded.
The aesthetics of association: business, education, and the growing discourse of corporate social responsibility

The last few decades have seen an unprecedented transformation in business involvement in education, particularly in Western industrialized societies where privatization, commercialization and neo-liberal discourses continue to dominate educational thinking and practice. This paper foregrounds the growing perception of math and science as ‘economic subjects’, and discusses that within the context of school–business partnerships. Focusing primarily on the United States, and using the current No Child Left Behind (NCLB) policy as an example, the paper examines the changing purposes of schooling and explores the role of businesses in that regard. Business involvements in education are located within the emergent business practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The contradictions in purpose and practice of business involvement in schools are highlighted. In the end, the paper questions how narrow economic rationalities, as pursued by businesses in schools, could contribute to education for sustaina...
Evaluating density-based motion for big data visual analytics

A common strategy for encoding multidimensional data for visual analysis is to use dimensionality reduction techniques that project data with a very large number of objects and dimensions from higher dimensions onto a lower-dimensional space. In visual analytics tasks, the density of the multidimensional clusters can strongly affect how these clusters are perceived. However, this feature can be lost when that dataset is projected into a 2D space, adversely affecting the effectiveness of visual analytics tasks. Thus, it makes sense to preserve, as far as possible, information about the density during the dimensionality reduction. This paper is a study of motion-enhanced cluster perception where the clusters are shown in 2D scatterplots and cluster density is mapped to the motion of the individual constituent points. We consider different types of density-based motion, where the magnitude of the motion is directly related to the density of the clusters. We conducted a series of user studies with large datasets to investigate how motion is a powerful perceptual cue well-suited for grouping or segmenting types during perceptual tasks. We found that the use of motion enabled users to be easily able to distinguish between clusters with different densities. The amount of visual change per unit time was different for the different motions, and we describe the ranges and thresholds for each of them. Specifically, we looked at two projection techniques that output 2D scatterplots for a range of data analysis tasks. We focus on high-dimensional, real-world datasets that might require analyses involving cluster identification, similarity seeking, and cluster ranking tasks. Our results indicate that incorporating density-based motion into visualization analytics systems effectively enables the exploration and analysis of multidimensional datasets.
Shigellae with transferable drug resistance: Outbreak in a nursery for premature infants

A strain of Shigella sonnei causing an outbreak of shigellosis in a nursery for premature infants was resistant to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, and sulfonamides. Resistance to these antibiotics was transferable by an R factor. A strain of S. sonnei infected with an R factor causing resistance to kanamycin manifested a high degree of in vitro resistance to the drug.
Platelet-activating factor regulates phospholipid metabolism in human neutrophils.

This study extended the earlier finding that platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) promotes arachidonic acid incorporation into neutrophil phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). In the present study the effect of PAF on fatty acid uptake by human neutrophils and the incorporation of extracellular linoleic acid and palmitic acid into phospholipids were investigated. Incubation of 10−7 M PAF with neutrophils and radiolabeled arachidonic acid or linoleic acid or palmitic acid for 1–10 min resulted in an increased rate of loss of label from the incubation medium. PAF stimulated the incorporation of linoleic acid and palmitic acid most significantly into PI and PC. The magnitude of stimulation was greater in PI than in PC for the incorporation of linoleic acid, and vice versa for the incorporation of palmitic acid. The positional distribution of linoleic acid and palmitic acid in PI and PC and the mass of these phospholipids were not altered in PAF-stimulated neutrophils. An increased incorporation of all three fatty acids into both diacyl and alkylacyl species of PC was demonstrated after a two minute incubation of cells with PAF. While more radioactivity was recovered in the diacyl species, the magnitude of increase of radioactivity in the alkylacyl species was more pronounced than that in the diacyl species of PC. These results suggest that both increased fatty acid uptake and increased available lysophospholipids may be contributory to the increased phospholipid acylation induced by PAF.
FORCAST: a facility 5- to 40-um camera for SOFIA

We are constructing a facility-class, mid/far-infrared camera for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The Faint Object infraRed CAmera for the Sofia Telescope (FORCAST) is a two-channel camera with selectable filters for continuum imaging in the 5 - 8, 17 - 25 micron, and/or 25 - 40 micron regions. The design supports simultaneous imaging in the two-channels. Using the latest 256 X 256 Si:As and Si:Sb blocked-impurity-band detector array technology to provide high-sensitivity wide- field imaging. FORCAST will sample images at 0.75 arcsec/pixel and have a 3.2' X 3.2' instantaneous field- of-view. Imaging is diffraction limited for lambda > 15 microns.
Optical coherent transient spectroscopy of the duryl radical

Abstract The coherent transient techniques of optical nutation and free induction decay have been extended, making possible the study of previously inaccessible systems. Coherent transient signals have been observed for the duryl radical in a durene host crystal at 2 K; optical nutation signals using Stark switching and free induction decay signals using laser frequency switching yielded T 1 = 530 ns, and T 2 = 212 ns.
Data Acquisition and FASTBUS for the Mark II Detector

The architecture of the data acquisition system for the upgraded MARK II Detector is sketched. FASTBUS electronics planned for the system are discussed.
Performance of a Shock Tube with a Large-Area Contraction

An inviscid, analytical model is provided for shocktube performance when there is a large, abrupt contraction in the low-pressure side of a tube. The analysis is independent of initial high-pressure side conditions. Only the ratio of specific heats of the low-pressure gas, the large-diameter tube’s incident shock Mach number, and the contraction ratio are needed for a nondimensional solution of the transmitted flow in the small-diameter tube. This solution is unique, readily evaluated, and various limits and constraints are discussed. Parametric calculations establish the increased magnitude of the transmitted shock Mach number relative to the shock Mach number for a tube without contraction. The Mach number increase, then increases the pressure and temperature downstream of the small-diameter tube’s incident and reflected shocks, again relative to a tube without a contraction. Shock-tube performance, therefore, can be improved by the addition of a small-diameter tube to an existing tube’s low-pressure side. The improvement can be used with a combustion-driven tube, a free-piston tube, etc.
Equilibrium Adsorption and Tension of Binary Surfactant Mixtures at the Air/Water Interface

The nonideal adsorbed solution model (NAS) is extended to the air/water interface for determining the surface tension of aqueous binary surfactant mixtures with molecules of different size, surface activity, and nonideal interactions. The regular solution theory is used for modeling the nonideal interactions between the adsorbed molecules and in the micelles. Two mixing parameters β σ and β m are used for fitting data for premicellar and micellar concentrations. This model can also be extended to account for molar area changes upon mixing in the monolayer or more complex nonideal interactions. Synergism in surface tension reduction efficiency can be predicted with this model. The ranges of mole fractions and concentrations for the existence of synergism can be determined. Tension data of two nonionic binary mixtures, C 12 E 8 /SDS (from the literature) and C 12 E 6 /Triton X-100, fit this model well. New tension data for C 12 E 5 /Triton X-100 are reported, and they are synergistic for a specific range of concentrations. Moreover, the surface coverages and compositions for the two nonionic mixtures are calculated with the NAS model. These calculations show that the larger molecules adsorb at the interface more favorably at low concentrations than at high concentrations.
LEPTIN CONCENTRATIONS IN THE POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by menstrual disturbances, chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism and is associated with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is an adipocyte-secreted molecule that signals the magnitude of energy stores to the brain and has been recently shown to have important effects on the reproductive axis of rodents. To assess the potential contribution of leptin to the pathogenesis of PCOS, we measured leptin levels in 24 obese women with PCOS and 12 weight- and age-matched controls and determined whether alterations in hyperinsulinemia produced by administration of the insulin-sensitizing agent troglitazone had an effect on serum leptin levels. Leptin concentrations at baseline were not different in women with PCOS (38.1 +/- 2.15 ng/mL) and controls (33.12 +/- 2.39 ng/mL). Moreover, leptin concentrations remained unchanged after treatment with troglitazone (38.1 +/- 2.15 vs. 39.21 +/- 2.65 ng/mL). Baseline leptin correlated strongly with body mass index in both controls (r = 0.59; P < 0.05) and women with PCOS (r = 0.70; P = 0.0004). Leptin levels were not associated with baseline insulin, testosterone, non-sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)-bound testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, or SHBG. Finally, despite significantly reduced insulin, non-SHBG-bound testosterone, and estradiol levels after troglitazone treatment of women with PCOS, their leptin levels remained unchanged. We conclude that circulating leptin levels in patients with PCOS do not differ from those in age- and weight-matched controls. Furthermore, increased circulating insulin due to insulin resistance does not appear to alter circulating leptin levels in women with PCOS.
Cerebellar Culture Models of Dendritic Spine Proliferation After Transplantation of Glia

Studies of Purkinje cell dendritic spine proliferation after transplantation of cytosine arabinoside (Ara C) treated organotypic cerebellar cultures with glia and granule cells, either separately and in combination, were reviewed. Exposure of cerebellar explants to Ara C for the first 5 days in vitro results in the destruction of granule cells, the only excitatory cortical neurons, and oligodendroglia, and functionally compromises surviving astrocytes so that they do not appose neuronal membranes. In the absence of granule cells, there is a sprouting of Purkinje cell recurrent axon collaterals, the terminals of which project to and form heterotypical synapses with Purkinje cell dendritic spines, which are usually occupied by terminals of granule cell axons (parallel fibers). After this reorganization has been achieved, the explants can be transplanted with the missing elements to induce a second round of reorganization, with approximate restoration of the usual interneuronal relationships. Addition of both granule cells and glia resulted in a proliferation of clusters of Purkinje cell dendritic spines, which formed synapses with axon terminals of transplanted granule cells, and as synapse formation progressed, the spine clusters became reduced. Transplantation of Ara C-treated cultures with glia alone resulted in a proliferation of clusters of Purkinje cell dendritic spines, but in the absence of granule cells the spines remained unattached, and the clusters persisted throughout the period of observation. Purkinje cell dendritic spine proliferation was induced by exposure of Ara C-treated cultures to astrocyte-conditioned medium. When Ara C-treated cerebella cultures were transplanted with granule cells in the absence of functional glia, parallel fiber- Purkinje cell dendritic spine synapses formed, but no clusters of Purkinje cell dendritic spines were observed. These findings suggest that Purkinje cell dendritic spine proliferation is induced by an astrocyte-secreted factor, resulting in an expansion of postsynaptic sites available for synaptogenesis.
Scratch Collapse Test Localizes Osborne's Band as the Point of Maximal Nerve Compression in Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the utility of the scratch collapse test (SCT) in localizing the point of maximal compression in cubital tunnel syndrome. From January 1, 2004 to December 1, 2005, 64 adult patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were evaluated by a single surgeon. Cubital tunnel syndrome was diagnosed based upon symptoms of numbness, tingling, and/or pain in the ulnar nerve distribution or by the presence of weakness or wasting of the ulnar-innervated intrinsic hand muscles. All diagnoses were confirmed with electrodiagnostic studies. As part of the physical examination, the SCT was performed along three subdivided segments in the region of the cubital tunnel. Results of the SCT were recorded and correlated with intraoperative findings. Of the 64 patients evaluated, 44 had a positive SCT that was either more profound or solely present a few centimeters distal to the medial epicondyle in the region of Osborne's band. All of these patients subsequently underwent anterior submuscular transposition and were found to have a tight compression point at Osborne's band corresponding to their preoperative SCT. This study suggests that the scratch collapse test may be a reliable physical examination technique for localizing the point of maximal nerve compression in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome. That point, in this series, corresponded with Osborne's band.
Japan's War: The Great Pacific Conflict, 1853-1952

All eight corners of the world under one roof The willow branch but bends beneath the snow He who would get ahead must brave the current The phrase Win first, fight later can be summed up in the two words Win beforehand When you enter a village, join the villagers Braggart at home, flatterer abroad A little lie doesnt hurt Negligence is a powerful enemy When one walks the path of iniquity righteousness disappears A bad boy frightens everyone There is no medicine to cure a fool A small matter can become a great one The road of a thousand miles still begins with a single step The cornered mouse will fight the cat all the harder The wise man does not court danger Troubles increase geometrically To straighten the horns he kills the cow In the month of storms, flowers appear Every man draws water for his own field Whos to choose between horsefly and hornet? Appearances are deceitful Strike while the iron is hot Brag about next year and the devil laughs After a victory, tighten your helmet strap A thorn in ones flesh The lie is the first step to disaster Every tide has its ebb Paper spikes Here the progress stops Half the tale is lies The coming of the B-29s After him, the deluge The sins of the fathers are visited on the sons The B-29s arrive Fortune changes, thats the rule The battle ends To bear the unbearable
Air-fluid level detection in neonatal lung cyst identification.

In abnormal neonatal lungs it may take several days for prenatally accumulated lung fluid to clear. In a 2 day old infant, partial clearing in a pulmonary cyst resulted in a diagnostically useful air-fluid level on horizontal beam radiograph. At 3 days the cyst became lucent, and was no longer easily distinguishable from lobar emphysema.
The neuroimaging features of the cardiolipin antibody syndrome

The purpose of our study was to define the neuroimaging features of the cardiolipin antibody syndrome. Thirty-eight patients with elevated anticardiolipin antibody titers were studied with magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography or both. Two patients underwent cerebral angiography. All patients had recurrent transient ischemic attacks, amaurosis, or strokes. One patient had normal imaging findings. The remaining patients had a combination of infarction and atrophy. Focal infarcts, the most common finding, were seen in 32 patients. Cerebral atrophy was seen in 26 patients and was the only radiographic finding in 5. Angiography demonstrated dramatic abnormalities in the distal portions of the anterior and posterior circulations, with multiple stenosis and occlusions and extensive pial and transdural collateral networks. The cardiolipin antibody syndrome should be suspected in young patients with transient ischemic attacks or strokes in the absence of the usual risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. The presence of raised anticardiolipin antibody titers or the cardiolipin antibody syndrome in patients with lupus, in those with other connective tissue diseases, and in patients without overt manifestations of an autoimmune disorder should be viewed as a risk factor for future ischemic cerebrovascular events. Further understanding of the precise role of these antibodies in the pathogenesis of vascular thrombosis may lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying certain forms of stroke.
Birth in the Japanese Context

A qualitative study of the experiences of 20 American women who gave birth in Japan is reported. Five interrelated issues that were important to this group of women emerged from the interview data: a sense of isolation, the need for security, the need to regain control, the need for affirmation, and the need for cultural support. These findings are interpreted within a framework of stress and coping, maternal identification, and cultural adaptation theories. These women were dually stressed by the demands of childbearing and transcultural migration. Implications for clinical practice are suggested