cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Bacteroides ruminicola 1,4-beta-D-endoglucanase is encoded in two reading frames.

Abstract Escherichia coli transformed with a plasmid containing a Bacteroides ruminicola endoglucanase (carboxymethyl cellulase [CMCase]) gene produced three immunologically cross-reacting CMCases which had molecular weights of 40,500, 84,000, and 88,000, while B. ruminicola produced CMCases with molecular weights of 82,000 and 88,000. The two B. ruminicola enzymes (purified from culture supernatants) had different N-terminal amino acid sequences, but each enzyme was encoded by the same gene (three independent clones had the same DNA sequence). The 88,000-molecular-weight CMCase (88K CMCase) gene appeared to contain two open reading frames which overlapped for 18 bp and were -1 out of frame, and each open reading frame contained several stop codons near the overlap region. The two 88K CMCase open reading frames had enough DNA to produce a protein of 106K, but the mobility of the enzyme in sodium dodecyl sulfate gels gave a value which was 20% lower. On the basis of the -1 frame shift and the large deviation in theoretical versus actual size, it appears that an unusual event (e.g., ribosomal hopping or RNA splicing) is involved in either the translation or the transcription of the 88K B. ruminicola CMCase gene. The 82K CMCase was completely encoded in the second reading frame, and its size was in agreement with the DNA sequence.
On the NP-hardness of bounded distance decoding of Reed-Solomon codes

Guruswami and Vardy (IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory, 2005) show that given a Reed-Solomon code over a finite field F, of length n and dimension k, and given a target vector v ϵ Fn, it is NP-hard to decide if there is a codeword that disagrees with v on at most n − k − 1 coordinates. Understanding the complexity of this Bounded Distance Decoding problem as the amount of error in the target decreases is an important open problem in the study of Reed-Solomon codes. In this work, we extend the result of Guruswami and Vardy by proving that it is NP-hard to decide the existence of a codeword that disagrees with v on n − k − 2, and on n − k − 3 coordinates. No other NP-hardness results were known before for an amount of error < n − k − 1. The core of our proofs is showing the NP-hardness of a parameterized generalization of the Subset-Sum problem to higher degrees (called Moments Subset-Sum) that may be of independent interest.
Inactivation of Parietal Reach Region Affects Reaching But Not Saccade Choices in Internally Guided Decisions

The posterior parietal cortex (PPC) has traditionally been considered important for awareness, spatial perception, and attention. However, recent findings provide evidence that the PPC also encodes information important for making decisions. These findings have initiated a running argument of whether the PPC is critically involved in decision making. To examine this issue, we reversibly inactivated the parietal reach region (PRR), the area of the PPC that is specialized for reaching movements, while two monkeys performed a memory-guided reaching or saccade task. The task included choices between two equally rewarded targets presented simultaneously in opposite visual fields. Free-choice trials were interleaved with instructed trials, in which a single cue presented in the peripheral visual field defined the reach and saccade target unequivocally. We found that PRR inactivation led to a strong reduction of contralesional choices, but only for reaches. On the other hand, saccade choices were not affected by PRR inactivation. Importantly, reaching and saccade movements to single instructed targets remained largely intact. These results cannot be explained as an effector-nonspecific deficit in spatial attention or awareness, since the temporary “lesion” had an impact only on reach choices. Hence, the PPR is a part of a network for reach decisions and not just reach planning.
Lymphatic drug delivery: therapy, imaging and nanotechnology

The lymphatic system represents a relatively untapped biological highway to deliver targeted drug molecules, nanoparticle drug-conjugates, imaging agents, vaccines and gene therapies. The applications of this delivery route are ideal not only for cancer therapeutics, but also in circumstances where pharmacokinetics of the circulatory system lack the dynamics to deliver a sustained-release drug or imaging agent. In the past, lymphatic drug delivery has been hampered by both physical constraints and inadequate drug-design technology. With recent advances in targeted-drug discovery, nanotechnology, and nanoscopic polymer conjugation techniques, drugs can be tailored for preferential delivery through the lymphatics. This issue of ADDR provides a cutting-edge overview of how the lymphatics can be harnessed for multiple drug-delivery applications. The articles compiled in this issue highlight the major areas of lymphatic drug delivery starting with an understanding of the physiology of the lymphatic system, to its biology and pathophysiology related to the changes that occur with infection, injury and cancer. As malignancy is a seasoned traveler of the lymphatic highway, the applications of delivering chemotherapeutics to tumor-bearing tissues and lymph nodes represent a novel strategy to boost drug levels to cancer cells and allow an enhanced interaction between the drug and tumor that surpass what many systemic or targeted therapies can achieve.
Interlabial pressure during production of bilabial phones

Abstract This study investigated the generation of interlabial pressure during production of [p], [b], and [m] in different positions of a sentence. There were no significant differences in interlabial pressure for these phones when the data were collapsed across speakers and sentence positions. However, analysis of interlabial pressure across positions within the experimental sentences indicated that phones in initial positions generally yielded greater pressures than those in medial and final positions. Further, individual speakers utilized different levels of interlabial pressure during production of these phones. The intrasubject differences in interlabial pressure, as well as the differences across phones, may be related to individual variations in physiologic elements of bilabial closure.
Comparison of sensitivity for the perception of bodily rotation and the oculogyral illusion

Human angular acceleration sensitivity compared using perception of bodily rotation and oculogyral illusion as indicators, discussing nature of illusion
CHMP6 and VPS4A mediate the recycling of Ras to the plasma membrane to promote growth factor signaling

While Ras is well-known to function on the plasma membrane (PM) to mediate growth factor signaling, increasing evidence suggests that Ras has complex roles in the cytoplasm. To uncover these roles, we screened a cDNA library and isolated H-Ras-binding proteins that also influence Ras functions. Many isolated proteins regulate trafficking involving endosomes; CHMP6/VPS20 and VPS4A, which interact with ESCRT-III (Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport-III), were chosen for further study. We showed that the binding is direct and occurs in endosomes. Furthermore, the binding is most efficient when H-Ras has a functional effector-binding loop, and is GTP-bound and ubiquitylated. CHMP6 and VPS4A also bound to N-Ras but not K-Ras. Repressing CHMP6 and VPS4A blocked Ras-induced transformation, which correlated with inefficient Ras localization to the PM as measured by cell fractionation and photobleaching. Moreover, silencing CHMP6 and VPS4A also blocked epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) recycling. These data suggest that Ras interacts with key ESCRT-III components to promote recycling of itself and EGFR back to the PM to create a positive feedback loop to enhance growth factor signaling.
Prevention versus treatment of intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus with ondansetron.

Abstract Background Intrathecal morphine is used for post-cesarean analgesia, but pruritus is a common side effect. Ondansetron would be an attractive treatment because it prevents nausea, is non-sedative or has no anti-analgesic effect. We undertook a study to assess the efficacy of ondansetron for treatment or prophylaxis of intrathecal morphine-induced pruritus. Methods Healthy paturients undergoing cesarean delivery with intrathecal morphine 250μg and fentanyl 25μg were randomized to receive: prophylaxis (ondansetron 8mg at cord clamping, normal saline 4mL for treatment of pruritus in the post-anaesthesia care unit); treatment (normal saline 4mL at cord clamping, ondansetron 8mg as required in the post-anesthesia care unit) or control (normal saline 4mL in both). Visual analogue scale scores for pruritus, nausea and pain were recorded preoperatively, on arrival to, at 30, 60, and 120min and on discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit. The primary outcome was the peak pruritus score. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction or Fisher's exact test were used to analyze data; P Results The study was terminated early when interim analysis indicated no effect. Eighty-two of the intended 180 paturients completed the protocol (26 in control group, 32 in treatment group and 24 in prophylaxis). There were no differences in the rate or severity of pruritus at any assessment point, or the request for treatment. Pruritus was reduced after administration of treatment syringe. Conclusion Prophylactic ondansetron did not reduce pruritus when compared with placebo. The use of ondansetron as a treatment did not decrease the severity of pruritus when compared with placebo.
Feeling the heat: ground squirrels heat their tails to discourage rattlesnake attack.

Predators have a remarkable evolutionary effect on the morphology and behavior of their prey (1). In their attempt to reduce the likelihood of being killed, prey species have evolved a variety of counterstrategies, including the ability to communicate directly with their predators to discourage pursuit or attack. Stotting, when ungulates jump up in a stereotypical stiff-legged display, is a visual signal of unprofitability to hunting carnivores, and the alarm calls and mobbing behavior seen in birds and mammals may also discourage pursuit. Indeed, predators are hypothesized to be the ancestral target of alarm communication in rodents (2), systems that ultimately have been exapted to serve sophisticated conspecific warning functions (3). Communication requires a signaler to influence the behavior of a receiver by using one or more modalities. Previous studies have focused on visual, acoustic, seismic, and olfactory modalities, but in this issue of PNAS, Rundus et al. (4) have discovered that California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) communicate by means of a private infrared channel specifically to a major predator that is uniquely sensitive to infrared radiation—rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus)—whereas encounters with infrared-insensitive gopher snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) elicit snake-directed tail flagging without the infrared signal.
INHIBITORY ACTION OF DESOXYCORTICOSTERONE ACETATE, CORTISONE ACETATE, AND TESTOSTERONE ON UTERINE GROWTH INDUCED BY ESTRADIOL-17β1

IT HAS been found that the three natural estrogens, estradiol-17β, estrone, and estriol show certain interactions in which one may limit the effects of another in the promotion of uterine growth in castrated rats (3, 4, 5). It also has been reported that several nonestrogenic steroids decrease the growth response of the rat uterus when administered concurrently with estradiol and estrone (6, 7). A brief abstract containing some of the data used in this report on the inhibitory effects of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DCA), cortisone acetate and testosterone on the action of estradiol-17β has been published (7) while the present paper deals with these effects in more detail.
Spectroscopic approaches for the study of high-pressure fluid systems

The utilization of supercritical fluids as a solvent medium in analysis has been on the rise over the past decades. The study of analytically relevant supercritical fluid systems through standard spectroscopic techniques presents unique challenges due to the extreme conditions that must be realized. This is also true of the study of biological macromolecules under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. This presentation will focus on the spectroscopic approaches that we have developed and utilized to study these systems ranging form microvolume techniques to standard high-pressure vessels.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Diarrhea in a child with a catecholamine-secreting ganglioneuroma

There is currently a great deal of interest in tumors of neural crest origin, such as ganglioneuromas and neuroblastomas. Many tumors of neural crest origin secrete catecholamines, and some have been associated with diarrhea, hypertension, or Cushing's syndrome. A 15-month-old boy with diarrhea and flushing in association with a catecholamine-secreting ganglioneuroma is described, and 17 previously reported cases of diarrhea in association with neurogenic tumors are summarized. Of 78 children seen at The Johns Hopkins Hospital with a histologic diagnosis of ganglioneuroma or neuroblastoma, 7 had diarrhea or hypertension as a major feature. The study of catecholamine excretion in these patients is useful in diagnosis and prognosis and should now be utilized as a routine procedure.
Perceived sibling use of functional communication skills

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the perceived sibling use of functional communication skills (Burleson & Samter, 1990). Participants were 138 undergraduate students enrolled at a small southern university. Three significant findings were uncovered. First, with the exception of referential skill, no significant differences in perceived use of functional communication skills emerged across age groups of siblings. Second, affectively‐oriented functional communication skills were perceived to be used more frequently than nonaffectively‐oriented skills by siblings. Third, female siblings were perceived to use comforting, ego support, and conflict management skills more so than male siblings.
Glucose oxidation and oxygen consumption of isolated guinea pig and muskrat hearts

Abstract 1. 1. Glucose in Krebs-Henseleit buffer was presented to isolated Langendorff perfused muskrat and guinea pig hearts that were paced at 240 beats/min. 2. 2. Glucose uptae (amount removed from the perfusion fluid) was 3 times greater in the muskrat hearts than in the guinea pig heart. 3. 3. Glucose oxidation (amount converted to CO 2 ) and oxygen consumption did not differ in the hearts of the two species. 4. 4. When glucose is the only exogenous substrate, isolated muskrat hearts extract more glucose than guinea pig hearts but oxidize similar amounts of glucose and have a similar myocardial oxygen consumption.
Decoding spoken words using local field potentials recorded from the cortical surface

Pathological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or damage to the brainstem can leave patients severely paralyzed but fully aware, in a condition known as 'locked-in syndrome'. Communication in this state is often reduced to selecting individual letters or words by arduous residual movements. More intuitive and rapid communication may be restored by directly interfacing with language areas of the cerebral cortex. We used a grid of closely spaced, nonpenetrating micro-electrodes to record local field potentials (LFPs) from the surface of face motor cortex and Wernicke's area. From these LFPs we were successful in classifying a small set of words on a trial-by-trial basis at levels well above chance. We found that the pattern of electrodes with the highest accuracy changed for each word, which supports the idea that closely spaced micro-electrodes are capable of capturing neural signals from independent neural processing assemblies. These results further support using cortical surface potentials (electrocorticography) in brain-computer interfaces. These results also show that LFPs recorded from the cortical surface (micro-electrocorticography) of language areas can be used to classify speech-related cortical rhythms and potentially restore communication to locked-in patients.
The associations between psychopathology and being overweight: a 20-year prospective study

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disorders and being overweight are major health problems with increasing prevalence. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that being overweight is associated with a range of psychiatric conditions including minor and atypical depressive disorders, binge eating, and aggression. METHOD: Prospective community-based cohort study of young adults (n = 591) followed between ages 19 and 40. Information derived from six subsequent semi-structured diagnostic interviews conducted by professionals over twenty years. Outcomes were being overweight [body-mass index (BMI)> 25] and average yearly weight change between ages 20 and 40 (BMI slope). RESULTS: 18.9 % of the participants were classified as being overweight. Being overweight turned out to be a stable trait: 77.7% of subjects were assigned to the same weight class at each interview. Atypical depression and binge eating were positively associated with both, increased weight gain and being overweight, while psychiatric conditions associated with aggressive behaviors (aggressive personality traits, sociopathy) were positively associated with being overweight, but were not related to the rate of weight change. Generalized anxiety disorder was negatively associated with overweight. These results persisted after controlling for substance use, levels of physical activity, demographic variables and family history of weight problems. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows relatively strong associations between eating-related and aggressive psychopathology and being overweight. Given the high prevalence rates of these conditions, this study encourages further research on the causality of psychopathology-overweight associations that might provide insight on novel preventive approaches for major health problems.
Sawtooth oscillations in tokamaks

A three-dimensional non-linear toroidal MHD code, MH3D, has been used to study sawtooth oscillations in tokamaks. The simulation results at high temperature agree with the Kadomtsev model, but good agreement with experiment is obtained only if neoclassical resistivity is used. The result Δq0 0.2 is much larger than the value Δq0 0.01 obtained with classical resistivity. To understand this, a formula for q0(t) is derived. A functional dependence of the sawtooth period and a semi-empirical scaling law are presented. There is some evidence that the fast crash time is due to enhanced resistivity at the singular current sheet.
Disadvantaged, Urban Fathers' Health and Risky Health Behaviors: The Role of Relationship Status and Fathering Practice

The study investigates the association between fathers’ relationship status, parenting behaviors, and their health and engagement in risky health behaviors using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing survey. Results from pooled time series fixed effects models indicate a consistent significant association between fathers’ parenting practices and the health of socio-economically disadvantaged, urban fathers. Further, results from cross-lagged regression models indicate a bidrectional relationship between fathering practices and paternal depression. The results suggest that the parenting practices of fathers has broader impacts than solely child development, and that it is also necessary for parenting programs to address the mental health needs of fathers in order to facilitate greater parental engagement.
A rough‐surface scattering function for Titan radar studies

[1] Numerous studies show a relationship between radar backscattering and surface roughness. While estimating the statistical properties of small-scale topography is of particular interest for geologic analysis of Cassini radar data, there is no analytic description of radar scattering over a wide range of incidence angles and roughness. This paper presents an empirical function that links the rms slope at the horizontal scale of the wavelength and HH- or VV-polarization radar echoes. The model is based on comparison of 24-cm wavelength AIRSAR data for lava flows in Hawai'i, at incidence angles of 25° to 55°, with topographic profiles at 25-cm posting. Comparison of model predictions to the range of observed Titan echoes suggests that the radar return is often dominated by a component arising from subsurface scattering.
Analysis of the weak solution approach to image motion estimation

Abstract Several extensions and illustrations of the weak solution-based approach to image motion modelling and estimation are presented. In particular, the cases of discontinuous image motion, uniqueness of the weak solution, error analysis and multiple weak formulations and multiple object motion are considered. Several examples are shown for each case.
Medial Thigh Lift in the Massive Weight Loss Population: Outcomes and Complications

Background Complication profiles of medial thighplasty in the massive weight loss population are not well described. The authors present their experience with these procedures in the massive weight loss population. Methods Thighplasty patients from 2003 to 2012 were assessed. Variables included age, sex, body mass index, method of weight loss, comorbidities, and smoking status. Outcomes included seroma, dehiscence, infection, hematoma, edema, and revision. Statistical analysis was performed as appropriate. Results One hundred six subjects (90 women and 16 men) underwent thighplasty. Fourteen patients underwent horizontal thighplasty, with a complication rate of 43 percent; 24 underwent short-scar thighplasty, with a complication rate of 67 percent; and 68 underwent full-length vertical thighplasty, with a complication rate of 74 percent. Seventy-two subjects (68 percent) had at least one complication. Complications included dehiscence (51 percent), seroma (25 percent), infection (16 percent), and hematoma (6 percent). Overall, 25 patients (23 percent) developed edema, which did not resolve in two patients by 12 months. Hypertension was significantly associated with postoperative seroma (p = 0.02). Age (p = 0.01), hypothyroidism (p = 0.01), and liposuction outside the area of resection (p = 0.025) were associated with postoperative infections. A full-length vertical incision was associated with increased lower extremity edema (p = 0.007). Conclusions Medial thighplasty has a high rate of minor wound healing problems. Full-length vertical thighplasty is associated with prolonged edema. Concomitant liposuction may also increase complications. Patients should be counseled appropriately about the potential for minor wound healing problems. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.
Prolonged survival after cerebral metastasis of testicular carcinoma.

A 30-year-old man underwent orchiectomy in 1962 for a testicular carcinoma composed of choriocarcinomatous and teratocarcinomatous elements. Bilateral pulmonary metastases regressed completely on combination chemotherapy. However, a cerebral metastasis developed in 1963 and caused severe neurologic signs. At craniotomy a large mass of choriocarcinomatous tissue was incompletely removed. Further chemotherapy resulted in a complete remission. The patient remains free of disease more than 16 years later. The treatment of cerebral metastasis is discussed, with emphasis on the possibility of long-term survival and the role of surgery. Cancer 47:978–981, 1981.
Animals in biomedical space research

Rat and squirrel monkeys experiments have been planned in concert with human experiments to help answer fundamental questions concerning the effect of weightlessness on mammalism function. For the most part, these experiments focus on identified changes noted in humans during space flight. Utilizing space laboratory facilities, manipulative experiments can be completed while animals are still in orbit. Other experiments are designed to study changes in gravity receptor structure and function and the effect of weightlessness on early vertibrate development. Following these preliminary animal experiments on Spacelab Shuttle flights, longer term programs of animal investigation will be conducted on Space Station.
Lymphocyte isolation, rosette formation, and mitogen stimulation in rhesus monkeys

Abstract Over 70%, of rhesus monkey peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated on sodium metrizoate-ficoll gradients with greater than 98% purity. Rhesus blood contained 47.8% active E, 58.2% total E, and 30.2% EAC rosette forming cells. Optimal conditions for mitogen studies were determined using phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen, lipopolysaccharide and streptolysin 0.
Electrochemical performance of carbon materials derived from paper mill sludge

Abstract A pure, high surface area and cost-effective carbon-based material with possible application in electrochemical processes was synthesized from industrial sludge. Surface characterization included N2-adsorption isotherm data and mathematical models such as the DR equation, and BJH methods. The extent of the purity was assessed from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrochemical properties, i.e. the potential use as electrode in Li ion batteries, were evaluated using conventional electrochemical testing such as charge/discharge cycling and impedance spectroscopy. The results of the data analysis were promising and indicated that paper mill sludge can be successfully used to produce a pure carbon for potential use in electrochemical applications.
Synthesis of C8-adenosine adducts of arylamines using palladium catalysis.

We employed palladium-catalyzed coupling procedures for the synthesis of new C8-adenosine adducts of various arylamines (aniline, benzidine, 4-aminobiphenyl, and 2-aminofluorene).
Effects of reduced gravity on nucleate boiling bubble dynamics in saturated water

Nucleate boiling bubble dynamics in saturated distilled water for various reduced gravity fields
Robust low bit rate HF data modems

This paper begins by examining the modulation scheme utilized by the US MIL-STD-188-110A 75 bps mode. This orthogonal modulation scheme differs significantly from the higher bit rate schemes of MILSTD-188-110A and of the STANAG 4285 which both use blocks of known symbols interleaved with blocks of unknown symbols. The modulation and demodulation are examined and measured performance for a number of different channels is presented. These conditions include some very severe channels with large multipath and Doppler spreads. The paper next discusses some work by the author in the development of very low bit rate HF data modems. These modems, with user data rates as low as 5 and 10 bps, are extensions of the techniques utilized by the US MIL-STD-188-1I0A 75 bps mode. These very low bit rate modes achieve good performance in the -10 to -20 dB SNR range.
Findings at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography after endoscopic treatment of postcholecystectomy bile leaks.

Although the endoscopic management of bile leaks after cholecystectomy (CCY) is well established, the yield of a routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiogram (ERC) with a bile duct sweep at the time of stent removal is unclear. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of abnormal findings at follow-up ERC to determine whether upper endoscopy with stent removal and without cholangiography would suffice. A retrospective cohort analysis of all patients referred for initial and follow-up ERC with post-CCY bile leak was performed. The rate of abnormal findings was measured including choledocholithiasis, biliary strictures, and persistent bile leaks at follow-up ERC. Secondarily, the study sought to define the clinical characteristics of patients who demonstrated stones or sludge at follow-up assessment. Between January, 2003 and April, 2008, 105 patients underwent initial and follow-up ERC. After a mean interval of 6.9 ± 2.7 weeks between endoscopies, 29 (27.6%) of the 105 patients demonstrated one or more abnormalities including persistent bile leak (n = 8), common bile duct (CBD) stones (n = 12), and CBD sludge alone (n = 9). In the subgroup analysis of the patients who underwent a balloon sweep at initial and follow-up ERC, the prevalence of CBD stones or sludge at the follow-up ERC was 17.6%. Besides stones during the initial ERC, no significant clinical predictors of CBD stones were found at follow-up ERC including surgical approach, interval between endoscopies, and location of bile leak. After endoscopic treatment of a bile leak, the prevalence of abnormalities at follow-up ERC is significant. A repeat cholangiogram with a balloon sweep is preferred at the time of stent removal.
Energy Savings with Solid-State Ballasts in a Veterans Administration Medical Center

More than 200 solid-state fluorescent ballasts were installed in representative areas of a federal medical center in Long Beach, CA, to determine the cost effectiveness of such an installation. The power and illumination levels in the test sites were measured first as they initially existed, then after the fixtures were cleaned and relamped with energy-saving fluorescent lamps, and finally after the core-coil ballasts were replaced with solid-state ballasts. The annual energy savings for the completed retrofit was measured as 33.9 percent. In the director's suite natural daylight was used to supplement the electrical illumination, providing an additional 20-25 percent energy savings. Thus in that area the total annual energy savings amounted to 48 percent. All of the measured data are analyzed on the basis of life-cycle costing. The analyses are presented on sets of curves relating the cost-effective price of a ballast to the cost of electrical energy.
Increased egg production in juvenile turkey hens after active immunization with vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Abstract Juvenile turkey hens were actively immunized against vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) prior to photostimulation to evaluate its effect on enhancing egg production. VIP antibody titers were generated in the VIP immunized hens and a greater rate of egg production per hen was observed compared to controls. In addition, the first egg laying cycle was extended for an additional 7 wk without a significant decline in egg production. Over a 27-wk period, 116 settable eggs per hen were produced from the VIP immunized hens as compared to 102 and 90 eggs for the keyhole limpet hemocyanin and saline control groups, respectively. Based on the increased egg production and the extension of the first egg laying cycle, this experiment demonstrates that VIP immunization of turkey hens is potentially economically relevant.
Derivation of isosceles trapezoidal distributions

The Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) (ISO 1995, Geneva: International Organization for Standardization) notes that an isosceles trapezoidal distribution often expresses the state of knowledge probabilities better than a rectangular distribution. The GUM lends further support to an isosceles trapezoidal distribution by interpreting it as a rectangular distribution whose inexactly known half-width may be represented by a (narrower) rectangular distribution. This interpretation is not exactly correct. It turns out that if the inexact knowledge about the half-width is represented by a rectangular distribution, then the resulting distribution is a variation of the isosceles trapezoid whose sloping sides are curved, an isocurvilinear trapezoidal distribution. The isosceles trapezoid can be regarded as an approximation to the isocurvilinear trapezoid. Therefore the GUM's interpretation is approximately correct. Question: does a probability distribution exist for the inexactly known half-width for which the resulting distribution is the isosceles trapezoid recommended in the GUM? We show that the isosceles trapezoidal distribution results when the inexact knowledge about the half-width is represented by a truncated right triangular distribution. The truncated right triangular distribution looks like a modification of the rectangular distribution whose top is sloping. The required truncated right triangular distribution has the same midpoint and the same second moment about the midpoint as the rectangular distribution on the same interval. It is often difficult for a metrologist to express the state of inexact knowledge about the half-width in terms of a well-defined probability distribution function. However, a metrologist can be expected to specify approximate limits for the inexactly known half-width. At least two probability distributions exist for the half-width for which the resulting distribution is isosceles trapezoid exactly or approximately. Therefore the isosceles trapezoidal distribution recommended in the GUM may be used as an approximation when only approximate limits for the half-width can be specified.
Efficacy of topically applied tocopherols and tocotrienols in protection of murine skin from oxidative damage induced by UV-irradiation

Abstract To assess the efficacy of various forms of vitamin E in protection of skin from UV-light-induced oxidative stress, vitamin E (tocotrienol-rich fraction of palm oil, TRF) was applied to mouse skin and the contents of antioxidants before and after exposure to UV-light were measured. Four polypropylene plastic rings (1 cm2) were glued onto the animals' backs, and 20 μl 5% TRF in polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG) was applied to the skin circumscribed by two rings and 20 μl PEG to the other two rings. After 2 h, the skin was washed and half of the sites were exposed to UV-irradiation (2.8 mW/cm2 for 29 mi: 3 MED). TRF treatment (n = 19 mice) increased mouse skin α-tocopherol 28 ± 16-fold, α-tocotrienol 80 ± 50-fold, γ-tocopherol 130 ± 108-fold, and γ-tocotrienol 51 ± 36-fold. A significantly higher percentage of α-tocopherol was present in the skin as compared with that in the applied TRF. After UV-irradiation, all vitamin E forms decreased significantly (p
Mass and mixing-angle patterns in the standard model and its minimal supersymmetric extension

Using renormalization group techniques, we examine several interesting relations among masses and mixing angles of quarks and leptons in the standard model. We extend the analysis to the minimal supersymmetric extension to determine its effect on these mass relations. Remarkably supersymmetry allows for these relations to be satisfied at a single grand unified scale.
Biological Image Understanding

The primary goal of any computer vision system is to construct scene descriptions similar to those formed by the human visual system. Biological image understanding is the automatic processing and interpretation of imagery of natural structures. The key constraint is the absence of explicit models of the objects anticipated to be in the scene. A clinician interprets imagery using principles of physiology and the image acquisition process. He learns to construct explicit models to recognize patterns from these principles, but is also able to infer an interpretation of an unknown structure from examples and physiology. Our overall goal is to develop a computer vision system to be used to interpret imagery of biological data using these principles. In this paper we present a paradigm for constructing image understanding systems designed to process natural images and present some applications of the system to hematology and radiography. The first step of our general approach is data acquisition. The second step is to find intrinsic properties at each pixel. The third step is to group pixels together to for homogeneous regions using the intrinsic properties. The final step is object recognition, where object type and location are determined from the quantitative features of the homogeneous regions. We shall outline the algorithms and data structures used at each step in the process, and their implementation. We shall describe in detail a key feature of this paradigm-forming homogeneous regions by geometry guided segmentation. The fact that classical algorithms do not always yield correct results led us to an algorithm that uses structural information and intensity values to group homogeneous regions. We shall illustrate this problem and the solution, as well as preliminary results of the application of the image understanding system.
GENERATION AND QUENCHING OF NF(a) AND NF(b) MOLECULES

The Ar(3P0, 2) + NF2 and 2F + HN3 reactions have been developed as sources of NF(b1Σ+) and NF(a1Ɗ) molecules, respectively, in a flow reactor. The decay kinetics for these molecules in the presence of added reagent can be studied using standard flow reactor techniques. Room temperature quenching rate constants for both molecules are reported for several reagents and compared to results for the isoelectronic O2(a) and O2(b) molecules.
Fatalities from immunotherapy (IT) and skin testing (ST)

The Committee on Allergen Standardization of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology obtained information about 46 fatalities that had occurred during immunotherapy (IT) or skin testing (ST) since 1945. Sufficient information for complete analysis was provided for 30 patients (six for ST and 24 for IT). Of the 30 fatalities, there were 15 male and 15 female fatalities. ranging in age from 7 to 70 years (x=33 years). Known errors of administration accounted for three and possibly an additional three fatalities. Ten fatalities occurred during seasonal exacerbation of the patient's disease, four in patients who had been symptomatic at the time of the injection, two of whom had been receiving β-adrenergic blockers. Of the 24 fatalities associated with IT, four had experienced previous reactions, 11 manifested a high degree of sensitivity, and four had been injected with newly prepared extracts. Fifteen of the 30 fatalities had received pollen extracts as part of the fatal injection. Of the six fatalities associated with ST, five were due to intradermal testing without prior puncture testing. The signs and symptoms were variable and did not indicate that death was imminent nor predict the cause of death. the time to onset of the reaction was less than 30 minutes in 22/30, more than 30 minutes in 3/30, and not reported in 5/30. The cause of death in 14/16 patients with asthma was respiratory. Epinephrine had been administered to 18, not administered to three, and was either not recorded or unknown in the remaining nine patients. Since seven to 10 million allergen injections are administered yearly, the risk of a fatal reaction is low and may be lessened even further as additional precautions are taken in the selection and treatment of allergic patients and in improved treatment of the anaphylactic reactions.
Evolving MBA education with business technology innovation: An e-business course directive

E-business has evolved from visionary ideas supported by optimistic technology maps to complex engineered solutions for business process improvement and innovation. And yet business school courses and programs by and large are lingering at the stage where e-business is introduced, discussed and debated as new phenomena. This paper suggests that MBA ebusiness related curricula focus on learning the emerging Internet-based management methods and their practice. The gap between the suggested focus and that of the current curricula is evidenced by the results of a survey of over a dozen e-business related courses and programs in the business schools. This paper further outlines a general structure for course or program development with the suggested focus.
Extensions of Boundary Layer Modeling of Photomask Topography Effects to Fast-CAD using Pattern Matching

In lithography for the 45nm node and beyond, phase errors introduced through electromagnetic field (EMF) effects at photomask openings are significant sources of error in calculating on-wafer images. These edge effects create distortion in both real and imaginary field transmission, which leads to a tilt in the process window, and must be addressed in mask design to avoid loss of process latitude. This study presents a new formulation for pattern matching, which allows EMF effects to be included via boundary layer modeling to facilitate extremely fast assessment of EMF impact on imaging. Boundary layers are first used to model these edge effects, by adding additional transmission features to a layout to represent the error transmissions caused by edges. Pattern matching is then used to determine susceptibly to various pre-existing perturbations, in the presence of defocus. This process can be extremely fast and hotspot detection can be run on an entire chip in hours, compared to days for aerial imaging. Correlation between pattern matching and full aerial imaging can be as high as 0.97 for coherent imaging, and ≈ 0.75 for off-axis dipole illumination. This pattern matching framework is extremely flexible and can be used for fast assessment of any series of effects which can be described as a path difference in the pupil or as a transmission on the mask.
THE THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHIC CHARACTERIZATION OF SOME PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS RELATED TO THE TOCOPHEROLS AND THEIR OXIDATION PRODUCTS.

Abstract Characterization of a number of phenolic compounds related to the tocopherols and their oxidation products by the use of thin-layer chromatography on silica gel is described.
Reflectance spectra can correct distortion of fluorescence spectra in turbid tissues

Tissue optics affect the observation of tissue fluorescence. This paper outlines how tissue optical properties affect the observation of fluorescence from human aorta.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of sudden changes in cycle length and pacing site on canine cardiac surface QRST isoarea maps

The effects of changes in paced cycle length alone and changes in both paced cycle length and site of pacing on canine cardiac surface QRST isoarea maps were studied. The correlations between QRST isoarea maps acquired during right ventricular pacing at 900 ms and 700 ms averaged 0.97. The correlations between maps acquired during RV pacing at 900 ms and 500 ms averaged 0.94. The root mean square value of QRST areas progressively decreased as cycle length was decreased from 900 ms to 700 ms and then to 500 ms. This suggests that the pattern of distribution of repolarization properties remained the same and the magnitude of difference in repolarization properties decreased as cycle length was decreased. The correlation coefficients of QRST isoarea maps acquired during RV pacing at 900 ms and those acquired during left ventricular pacing at 700 ms and 500 ms averaged 0.74 +/- 0.01 and 0.68 +/- 0.03, respectively. These correlations were lower than those associated with a change in pacing cycle length alone. Root mean square differences in QRST areas recorded during changes in both pacing site and pacing cycle length were greater than the differences associated with change in cycle length alone. This suggests that changes in activation sequence altered repolarization properties more than they were altered by changes in cycle length alone. QRST isoarea maps have been proposed for assessing arrhythmia vulnerability. The results of this study provide a framework for interpreting QRST isoarea maps acquired during supraventricular tachycardias, premature ventricular complexes, and sustained ventricular tachycardias.
Generation of Amphiphilic Janus Bubbles and Their Behavior at an Air–Water Interface

This paper presents the generation of amphiphilic Janus bubbles and their behavior at an air–water interface. Janus bubbles are generated by selectively depositing gold onto one side of dried nanoparticle-shelled bubbles. To generate nanoparticle-shelled bubbles that can withstand drying without significant changes in their structure, it is critical to control the ratio of bubble radius to shell thickness using a microfluidic technique. It is observed that the behavior of Janus bubbles at an air–water interface is very different from that of unmodified nanoparticle-shelled bubbles. Interfacial assembly of amphiphilic Janus bubbles shows that they interact with one another via long-ranged attractions. The origin of this long-ranged attraction is quadrupolar capillary interactions due to the undulation of the three-phase contact line around the Janus boundary. The interparticle forces between interface-trapped Janus bubbles are determined using a particle tracking method. The shape of the deformed air–water interface around Janus bubbles is directly observed as well as the orientation of Janus bubbles using a gel-trapping technique. These observations verify that the air–water interface is pinned around the boundary between the two hemispheres and that the chemical heterogeneity of this boundary leads to irregular contact line around Janus bubbles.
CPAP: enhancing its use

Despite many advances in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP therapy, adherence remains poor in many patients. To optimize the treatment of OSA, it is crucial to enhance the efficacy and effectiveness of CPAP. Identifying barriers to CPAP use, applying technological advancements, and implementing strategies to maximize both the therapeutic response and rate of adherence are fundamentally important in the care of patients with OSA. We review the current literature and provide personal anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of patient education as well as common troubleshooting strategies, particularly during the initial phase of therapy.
Intracranial Space-occupying Lesions in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Patients

The recent description of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) followed the observation of an increased incidence of unusual neoplasms and opportunistic infections in previously healthy homosexual men, intravenous drug abusers, Haitians, hemophiliacs, and certain infants. Active research efforts on this group of patients established a defect in cellular immunity. Six patients with AIDS who underwent neurosurgical procedures for intracranial space-occupying lesions are presented. Two of the patients had toxoplasmosis brain abscesses, one had primary central nervous system lymphoma, one had cytomegalovirus encephalitis, one had progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and one patient remained undiagnosed despite pathological examination of the brain tissue specimen. We recommend brain biopsy in AIDS patients with space-occupying lesions because the regimen for the various conditions differs. Although the central nervous system diseases found in AIDS patients are associated with a high mortality rate, four of the six patients responded favorably to specific treatment.
Investigation of the pressure behavior in a pultrusion die for graphite/epoxy composites

Abstract There are a variety of ways to process composite materials. One such way is pultrusion which is a continuous process for manufacturing composite materials of constant cross-sections. The pultrusion process involves a number of variables and processing parameters which can affect the quality of a pultruded product. One variable of particular interest is the fluid resin pressure rise in the tapered inlet region of the die. The liquid resin pressure rise in the die inlet can have a significant impact on the quality of a pultruded product. An appreciable pressure rise can suppress void formations and enhance fiber “wet out”. Darcy’s law for flow in a porous media is used to mathematically model the fiber/resin system of the pultrusion process, while employing the finite volume solution method to predict the pressure and velocity fields as a function of various process control parameters. The results obtained by the numerical model can establish a foundation by which process control parameters are selected to achieve an appreciable pressure rise which will enhance the quality of the pultruded composite. The results can also be applied to die inlet design.