cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the International Gastric Cancer Staging Classification

Progress in the treatment of stomach cancer required the development and unification of the TNM system for tumor classification. This began in 1966 with the initial UICC clinical staging system. The Japanese contributed heavily to its 1968 revision. In 1970 the American Joint Committee on Cancer established a pathologic staging system, which was revised in 1978 and 1983. With additional data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) surveys and the enormous data from the Japanese, a unified clinical and pathologic staging system was concluded in 1984. This has been approved by the AJCC and UICC. There now exists a unified staging system for stomach cancer that should be used worldwide.
Intestinal transport of amino acids studied in vitro with l-[131I]monoiodotyrosine

Abstract The transport of l -[131I]monoiodotyrosine by everted sacs of small intestine is dependent on active accumulation of this amino acid in the gut wall, the terminal ileum being the most active segment. Its transport is stimulated by glucose, which depresses the efflux of monoiodotyrosine from the mucosal surface of the intestine. Certain aminoacids and potassium ion competitively inhibit moniodotyrosine transport. α-amino acids of l -configuration with a free amino group and a long non-polar side-chain are the most effective inhibitors.
Influence of Collection Time on Hematologic and Immune Markers in the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Crocodilians are important keystone species and indicators of environmental health. Much remains unknown, however regarding utility of field-collected crocodilian blood samples for ecologic assessments. Field sampling sites are also often distant to analysis centers, necessitating development of new techniques and panels of assays that will yield environmentally relevant data. Stability and viability of hematological and immunological indices have been of particular interest for linking ecosystem health to biomarkers in resident species. In this study, we investigated the effect of time at analysis post-blood sampling at 4 and 24 hr on a panel of potential biomarkers in alligator blood. Our results suggest alligator blood samples can be reliably evaluated for both hematologic and immunologic profile 24 hr after sampling.
A neutron coincidence spectrometer

Abstract We have developed a spectrometer for MeV neutrons that relies upon total energy absorption to measure neutron energy. A coincidence signal is required from the capture of thermalized neutrons in Li-6 glass scintillators incorporated in the detector body. This dual signal from a single neutron provides a powerful means of discrimination against background events arising either from gamma rays or from ambient, low-energy neutrons. The spectrometer is particularly useful in situations in which the neutron source intensity is very low.
Misordered frame delivery in connectionless MANs

An attempt is made to explain the totality of the experimetal data the author is aware of on optical properties of films of different thicknesses from supr thin to bulk single crystals obtained by various optical spectroscopy methods within the framework of macroscopic linear crystal optics in the polariton language.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Development and Implementation of a MATLAB Simulation Project for a Multidisciplinary Graduate Course in Autonomous Robotics

In this paper, we describe a MATLAB computer simulation course project implemented as part of an introductory graduate course in autonomous robotics at the University of California, Davis. The course consisted of students from Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Psychology and Neuroscience, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science. Creating a valuable class computer project experience for graduate students with greatly varying backgrounds is a challenging undertaking. Graduate students in different majors may have widely different educational backgrounds, field-specific language and culture, and computer background. It is a main result of this paper that a meaningful autonomous robotics computer project can be developed that allows students to be individually unique and creative, but at the same time allows each student to understand and share ideas, tools, and methods from all the other students. Simulation project conception, teamwork, implementation, results, and lessons learned are described. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 12: 54–64, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20001
Breathprints of model murine bacterial lung infections are linked with immune response

In this model study, we explored the host's contribution of breath volatiles to diagnostic secondary electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (SESI-MS) breathprints for acute bacterial lung infections, their correlation with the host's immune response, and their use in identifying the lung pathogen. Murine airways were exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial cell lysates or to PBS (controls), and their breath and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected at six time points (from 6 to 120 h) after exposure. Five to six mice per treatment group and four to six mice per control group were sampled at each time. Breath volatiles were analysed using SESI-MS and the BALF total leukocytes, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and cytokine concentrations were quantified. Lysate exposure breathprints contain host volatiles that persist for up to 120 h; are pathogen specific; are unique from breathprints of controls, active infections and cleared infections; and are correlated with the host's immune response. Bacterial lung infections induce changes to the host's breath volatiles that are selective and specific predictors of the source of infection. Harnessing the pathogen-specific volatiles in the host's breath may provide useful information for detecting latent bacterial lung infections and managing the spread of respiratory diseases.
Self concept and product choice: an integrated perspective

Abstract The literature examining the hypothesis that consumers have greater preference for brands/products which are more congruent with their self concept is discussed to identify crucial issues in this area of inquiry. An integrated perspective is developed and an empirical study addressing some of the identified issues is reported. Marketing implications and directions for future research in this area are also discussed.
Fundamental Properties of Fullerenes

Fullerenes are cage-like all-carbon molecules which under special circumstances, such as exposure to high intensity photon or electron irradiation, ion plasma excitation, pressure, or doping, may form polymeric solids. This chapter reviews the properties of the fullerene molecules, the types of solids they normally form and their potential for forming polymeric solids. Fullerenes are also used to form fullerene-polymer composites, where their special molecular properties are exploited for specific applications.
Accuracy and error: Constraints on process models in social psychology

In light of an historical obsession with human error, Krueger & Funder (K&F) suggest that social psychologists should emphasize the strengths of social perception. In our view, however, absolute levels of accuracy (or error) in any given experiment are less important than underlying processes. We discuss the use of the process-dissociation procedure for gaining insight into the mechanisms underlying accuracy and error.
Genetic diversity among varieties of Chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

Chia, Salvia hispanica L., was a staple crop in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Despite the great potential of the species as an oilseed crop, little research related to domesticated and wild varieties exists. A study was undertaken to assess genetic diversity among 38 wild and domesticated accessions of S. hispanica collected throughout Mesoamerica by using RAPD markers. Genetic diversity was higher among wild varieties (HG= 0.15) than all domesticated varieties (HG= 0.10) and modern commercial domesticated varieties (HG= 0.02), suggesting a slight loss of diversity accompanying domestication and a near lack of diversity in modern commercial varieties. In addition, the preliminary results indicate that the center of genetic diversity is in the highlands of western Mexico.
University Professors and Teaching Ethics: Conceptualizations and Expectations

After the spectacular ethical breaches in corporate America emerged, business school professors were singled out as having been negligent in teaching ethical standards. This exploratory study asked business school faculty about teaching ethics, including conceptualizations of ethics in a teaching context and opinions of the extent to which teaching ethics could positively affect student behavior. This research also identified respondents’ various pedagogical approaches to teaching ethics. Major results indicate that faculty generally do not believe they can change students’ ethical behaviors and that faculty’s conceptualizations of ethics do not match their classroom approaches. Discussion and possible explanations are offered.
Measurement and modeling of average void fraction, bubble size and interfacial area

Abstract The local void fraction, bubble size and interfacial area concentration for co-current air-water bubbly flow through a horizontal pipe of 50.3 mm internal diameter were investigated experimentally using the double-sensor resistivity probe method. The local and area-averaged void fractions and interfacial area concentrations were analyzed as a function of liquid and gas flow rates. These parameters were found to increase systematically with decreasing liquid flow and increasing gas flow. However, variations with the liquid flow were not as significant as with the gas flow. A consistent variation of the gas phase drift velocity and distribution parameter with the liquid flow rate was observed. It was demonstrated that presentation of the average void fraction in terms of flowing volumetric concentration was more appropriate for horizontal bubbly flow. Several bubble break-up mechanisms were discussed. It was concluded that average pressure fluctuations generated by the turbulent liquid fluctuations acting across a bubble diameter are the only mechanism which causes distortion of a bubble. Based on this force and the competing surface tension force, a theoretical model was developed for mean bubble size and interfacial area concentration. The theoretically predicted mean bubble size and interfacial area concentration were found to agree reasonably well with those measured by the double-sensor resistivity method.
The effects of caerulein on food intake in the cat

Abstract The effects of physiological doses of caerulein, a pure cholecystokinin analog, was measured on food intake of cats. Food intake was increased by caerulein when infused at 400 ng/kg/hr. However, at the lowest dose, a slight decrease of intake was observed suggesting that low levels of caerulein may inhibit food intake in this species. Slow infusion of caerulein as compared to bolus injection may have opposite effects on food intake, that is, stimulation with infusion and inhibition with injection.
Race, Culture, and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding the Role of Diversity in Successful Educational Interventions.

The reported prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased dramatically since the 1980s. In response, researchers, educators, and policy makers have sought to develop effective technol...
Application of Oxygen-Enriched Aeration in the Production of Bacitracin by Bacillus licheniformis

Abstract The physiological effects of controlling the dissolved oxygen tension at 0.01, 0.02, and 0.05 atm by the use of oxygen-enriched aeration were investigated during growth and bacitracin production by Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 10716. Up to a 2.35-fold increase in the final antibiotic yield and a 4-fold increase in the rate of bacitracin synthesis were observed in response to O2-enriched aeration. The increase in antibiotic production was accompanied by increased respiratory activity and an increase in the specific productivity of the culture from 1.3 to 3.6 g of antibiotic per g of cell mass produced. Oxygen enrichment of the aeration decreased medium carbohydrate uptake and the maximum specific growth rate of B. licheniformis from 0.6 h−1 to as low as 0.15 h−1, depending upon the level of enrichment and the conditions of oxygen transfer rate (impeller speed). The response of this culture to O2 enrichment suggests that this method of controlling the dissolved oxygen tension for antibiotic-producing cultures may simulate conditions that would occur if the carbon source were fed slowly, as is often employed to optimize antibiotic production. Analysis of the biologically active bacitracins produced by B. licheniformis ATCC 10716 suggested that the ratio of biologically active peptides was not changed by O2 enrichment, nor were any new biologically active compounds formed.
Is rheumatoid arthritis a consequence of natural selection for enhanced tuberculosis resistance

Although the bubonic plague or "Black Death" is notorious for the toll it took on the population of Europe in the middle ages, another epidemic, the "White Death" of tuberculosis is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide over the past 300 years. With one in four deaths due to tuberculosis in Western Europe and the United States in the 19th century, this disease undoubtedly acted as a powerful genetic selective force. The epidemiology of modern day rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is strikingly similar to the epidemiology of tuberculosis 100-200 years ago, suggesting the possibility that genetic factors that enhanced survival in tuberculosis epidemics are now influencing susceptibility to RA. Recent advances in the analysis of genetic polymorphisms associated with disease have identified several genes linked to RA susceptibility that encode proteins involved in the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, including TNF-alpha, NRAMP1, PARP-1, HLA-DRB1, and PADI4. These results suggest that rheumatoid arthritis, and possibly other autoimmune diseases, are modern day manifestations of the genetic selective pressure exerted by tuberculosis epidemics of the recent past.
Effects of Varying Sequence Similarity on the Frequency of Repeat Deletion during Reverse Transcription of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vector

Genetic recombination contributes to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) diversity, with homologous recombination being more frequent than nonhomologous recombination. In this study, HIV-1-based vectors were used to assay the effects of various extents of sequence divergence on the frequency of the recombination-related property of repeat deletion. Sequence variation, similar in degree to that which differentiates natural HIV-1 isolates, was introduced by synonymous substitutions into a gene segment. Repeated copies of this segment were then introduced into assay vectors. With the use of a phenotypic screen, the deletion frequency of identical repeats was compared to the frequencies of repeats that differed in sequence by various extents. During HIV-1 reverse transcription, the deletion frequency observed with repeats that differed by 5% was 65% of that observed with identical repeats. The deletion frequency decreased to 26% for repeats that differed by 9%, and when repeats differed by 18%, the deletion frequency was about 5% of the identical repeat value. Deletion frequencies fell to less than 0.3% of identical repeat values when genetic distances of 27% or more were examined. These data argue that genetic variation is not as inhibitory to HIV-1 repeat deletion as it is to the corresponding cellular process and suggest that, for sequences that differ by about 25% or more, HIV-1 recombination directed by sequence homology may be no more frequent than that which is homology independent.
Assessing Spatial Break-even Variability in Fields with Two or More Management Zones

Farmers are interested in knowing whether applying inputs at variable rates across a field is economically viable. The answer depends on the crop, the input, their prices, the cost of variable rate technology (VRT) versus uniform rate technology (URT), and the spatial and yield response variability within each field. Methods were investigated for determining the range of spatial variability over which the return to VRT covers its additional cost compared with URT in fields with multiple management zones. Models developed in this article, or variants thereof, could be used to help farmers make the VRT adoption decision.
Spiralian quartet developmental potential is regulated by specific localization elements that mediate asymmetric RNA segregation

Spiralian embryos are found in a large group of invertebrate phyla but are largely uncharacterized at a molecular level. These embryos are thought to be particularly reliant on autonomous cues for patterning, and thus represent potentially useful models for understanding asymmetric cell division. The series of asymmetric divisions that produce the micromere quartets are particularly important for patterning because they subdivide the animal-vegetal axis into tiers of cells with different developmental potentials. In the embryo of the snail Ilyanassa , the IoLR5 RNA is specifically segregated to the first quartet cells during the third cleavage. Here, we show that this RNA, and later the protein, are maintained in the 1q121 cells and their descendents throughout development. Some IoLR5-expressing cells become internalized and join the developing cerebral ganglia. Knockdown of IoLR5 protein results in loss of the larval eyes, which normally develop in association with these ganglia. Segregation of this RNA to the first quartet cells does not occur if centrosomal localization is bypassed. We show that the specific inheritance of the RNA by the first quartet cells is driven by a discrete RNA sequence in the 3′ UTR that is necessary and sufficient for localization and segregation, and that localization of another RNA to the first quartet is mediated by a similar element. These results demonstrate that micromere quartet identity, a hallmark of the ancient spiralian developmental program, is controlled in part by specific RNA localization motifs.
Improved Survival Rates With Increased Neurodevelopmental Disability for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants in the 1990s

Background. Advances in perinatal care have resulted in increased survival rates for extremely low birth weight children. We sought to examine the relative changes in rates of survival and neurodevelopmental impairment at 20 months of corrected age among 500- to 999-g birth weight infants born at our perinatal center during 2 periods, before and after the introduction of surfactant therapy in 1990. Methods. Four hundred ninety-six infants with birth weights of 500 to 999 g were born at our perinatal center during period I (1982–1989) (mean body weight: 762 g; mean gestational age: 25.8 weeks) and 682 during period II (1990–1998) (mean body weight: 756 g; mean gestational age: 25.5 weeks). Rates of death and survival with and without neurodevelopmental impairment at 20 months of corrected age for the 2 periods were compared with logistic regression analyses, with adjustment for gestational age. Results. Survival rates increased from 49% during period I to 67% during period II. Neonatal morbidity rates also increased during period II, including rates of sepsis (from 37% to 51%), periventricular leukomalacia (from 2% to 7%), and chronic lung disease, defined as oxygen dependence at 36 weeks of corrected age (from 32% to 43%). Rates of severe cranial ultrasound abnormalities were similar (22% vs 22%). Among children monitored, the rate of neurologic abnormalities, including cerebral palsy, increased from 16% during period I to 25% during period II and the rate of deafness increased from 3% to 7%. The overall rate of neurodevelopmental impairment (major neurosensory abnormality and/or Bayley Mental Developmental Index score of Conclusions. The improved survival rates in the 1990s occurred with an increased risk of significant neurodevelopmental impairment. Prospective parents of extremely low birth weight infants should be advised of this substantial risk, to facilitate decision-making in the delivery room.
An Analytical Framework for Contrasting Patient and Provider Views of the Process of Chronic Disease Management

Medical anthropologists involved in clinical research are often asked to help explain patients' "noncompliance" with treatment recommendations. The clinical literature on "noncompliance" tends to problematize only the patient's perspective, treating the provider's perspective as an uncontroversial point of departure. Explicating the articulation between provider and patient assumptions, expectations, and perceptions in managing chronic illness is an area well suited to the unique perspective of medical anthropologists. In this article we present an analytical framework for contrasting patient and provider goals, strategies, and evaluation criteria in chronic illness management, using examples from research on type 2 diabetes care in South Texas. This approach goes beyond contrasting patient and provider concepts and explanations of the illness itself and examines their contrasting views within the dynamic process of long-term care. This approach may prove especially useful for research aimed at a clinical audience, since it maintains a clinically relevant focus while giving serious consideration to the patient's perspective.
Ultraselective fluorescent sensing of Hg2+ through metal coordination-induced molecular aggregation

A new type of fluorescent sensor has been developed from a perylene based molecule, N,N′-dideoxythymidine-3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic diimide (TT-PTCDI); the strong, highly selective binding between the thymine ligand (T) and Hg2+ ion enables efficient sensing of mercury ions based on a fluorescence quenching mechanism, which is primarily caused by metal-coordination induced molecular aggregation.
Fractionation of suspensions using synchronized ultrasonic and flow fields

A fractionation method for fine-particle suspensions using resonant ultrasonic fields coordinated with bidirectional fluid flow fields is described. The basis for the separation is differences in the speed of response of particles to the imposition of a resonant acoustic field. As such, the method is sensitive to the particle size and the acoustic contrast between the solid particles and their suspending fluid. Both batch and continuous fractionation processes can be developed from a two-step acoustic-flow cycle. An analytical model was constructed from equations that describe the trajectories of particles as they respond to the acoustic and flow fields. Model predictions indicate how the fractionation can be controlled through choice of cycle parameters. The method was implemented experimentally. Results for the fractionation of 325-mesh polystyrene spheres indicate that sharp fractionations can be achieved. The experimental results are generally in agreement with the model predictions.
Stable optical lift

We have predicted and observed an optical analogue of aerodynamic lift, in which a cambered refractive object with differently shaped top and bottom surfaces experiences a transverse lift force when placed in a uniform stream of light. A semi-cylindrical rod is found to automatically torque into a stable angle of attack, and then exhibit uniform motion. We have experimentally verified this using a micrometer-scale ‘lightfoil’ which was fabricated using photolithographic techniques, immersed in water and illuminated with milliwatt-scale laser light. Unlike optical tweezers, an intensity gradient is not required to achieve a transverse force. Many rods may therefore be lifted simultaneously in a single quasi-uniform beam of light. We propose using optical lift to power micromachines, transport microscopic particles in a liquid, or to improve the design of solar sails for interstellar space travel. Scientists demonstrate an optical analogue of aerodynamic lift, in which an airfoil-shaped refractive object can be controlled through the radiation pressure induced by refracted and reflected rays of light.
Boundary-layer dynamics and its influence on atmospheric chemistry at Summit, Greenland

Abstract Sonic anemometer turbulence measurements were made at Summit, Greenland during summer 2004 and spring 2005. These measurements allow for the characterization of the variability of the atmospheric boundary layer at this site by describing seasonal and diurnal changes in sensible heat flux and boundary layer stability as well as providing estimates of mixing layer height. Diurnal sensible heat fluxes at Summit ranged from −18 to −2 W m −2 in the spring and from −7 to +10 W m −2 in the summer. Sustained stable surface layer conditions and low wind speeds occured during the spring but not during the summer months. Unstable conditions were not observed at Summit until late April. Diurnal cycles of convective conditions during the daytime (0700–1700 h local time) were observed throughout July and August. Boundary layer heights, which were estimated for neutral to stable conditions, averaged 156 m for the spring 2005 observations. Comparisons of the boundary layer characteristics of Summit with those from South Pole, Antarctica, provide possible explanations for the significant differences in snowpack and surface-layer chemistry between the two sites.
Combined shape, appearance and silhouette for simultaneous manipulator and object tracking

This paper develops an estimation framework for sensor-guided manipulation of a rigid object via a robot arm. Using an unscented Kalman Filter (UKF), the method combines dense range information (from stereo cameras and 3D ranging sensors) as well as visual appearance features and silhouettes of the object and manipulator to track both an object-fixed frame location as well as a manipulator tool or palm frame location. If available, tactile data is also incorporated. By using these different imaging sensors and different imaging properties, we can leverage the advantages of each sensor and each feature type to realize more accurate and robust object and reference frame tracking. The method is demonstrated using the DARPA ARM-S system, consisting of a Barrett™WAM manipulator.
Relations Between Fantasy Orientation and Emotion Regulation in Preschool

Research Findings: Emotion regulation is a strong predictor of both short- and long-term peer relationships and social competence and is often targeted in preschool curricula and interventions. Pretense is a natural activity of childhood that is thought to facilitate the development of socialization, perspective taking, language, and possibly emotion regulation. This study investigated whether fantasy-oriented children, who engage in more pretense, demonstrate higher levels of emotion regulation. Prekindergartners (n = 103) and teachers were given a battery of measures assessing children’s emotion regulation, fantasy orientation, theory of mind, and language. Results from hierarchical regression analyses indicated that children’s proclivity toward fantastical play (their fantasy orientation) uniquely predicted 24% of the variance in their emotion regulation skills over and above typical predictors: age, theory of mind, and language skills. That is, children who participated in more fantasy pretense demons...
Visualizing parallel programs and performance

Performance visualization uses graphical display techniques to analyze performance data and improve understanding of complex performance phenomena. Current parallel performance visualizations are predominantly two-dimensional. A primary goal of our work is to develop new methods for rapidly prototyping multidimensional performance visualizations. By applying the tools of scientific visualization, we can prototype these next-generation displays for performance visualization-if not implement them as end user tools-using existing software products and graphical techniques that physicists, oceanographers, and meteorologists have used for several years. >
Using discriminant analysis for multi-class classification

Discriminant analysis is known to learn discriminative feature transformations. We study its use in multiclass classification problems. The performance is tested on a large collection of benchmark datasets.
Longitudinal follow-up of SWEDD subjects in the PRECEPT Study

Objective: To compare the clinical and imaging characteristics of those PRECEPT (Parkinson Research Examination of CEP-1347 Trial) subjects with a scan without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDD) to those with dopamine transporter (DAT) deficit scans at study baseline and during a 22-month follow-up. Methods: Baseline (n = 799) and 22-month follow-up (n = 701) [ 123 I] β-CIT SPECT scans were acquired. The percent change in [ 123 I] β-CIT striatal binding ratio, the percentage of subjects requiring dopaminergic therapy, the change in Unified Parkinson9s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score, and the PRECEPT Study investigators’ diagnosis at study termination were compared between SWEDD and DAT deficit subjects. Results: SWEDD subjects (n = 91) compared with DAT deficit subjects (n = 708) showed reduced UPDRS score at baseline (18.7 [SD 8.5] vs 25.5 [SD 10.5], p 123 I] β-CIT striatal binding ratio (−0.2% [SD 12.2] vs −8.5% [SD 11.9], p p Conclusion: These results indicate that subjects identified as having a SWEDD, with DAT imaging within the normal range, have minimal evidence of clinical or imaging PD progression. These data strongly suggest that SWEDD subjects are unlikely to have idiopathic PD.
IDENTIFYING THE TIME OF A STEP CHANGE IN A NORMAL PROCESS VARIANCE

Information concerning the time of a process change is valuable to process engineers since it can simplify their search for the special cause. In this article we propose an estimator of the time of a step change in the variance of the normal process. Th..
Infection: friend or foe in the development of allergic disorders?

Summary There is still a controversial debate as to the potential contribution of the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ to the development of childhood asthma and allergies. Viral infections have for long time been recognized as potent triggers of asthma exacerbations. Whether viral infections also induce the development of new cases of asthma remains unclear, particularly for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Other infections have been proposed to have protective effects on the development of asthma and allergies such as Hepatitis A, Helicobacter pylori or Toxoplasma. The available evidence is reviewed in the following paragraphs. To date there is no indication that immunizations of all kinds may exert a negative or positive effect on the incidence of asthma and allergies. In turn, the finding that children in farming environments exposed to a variety of microbial compounds have substantially lower rates of respiratory allergies strongly supports the ‘hygiene hypothesis’.
Cerebellar lesions and the nictitating membrane reflex: performance deficits of the conditioned and unconditioned response

Unilateral cerebellar lesions abolished the occurrence of ipsilateral conditioned nictitating membrane responses during the 285 msec interval between onset of the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli on paired trials. This effect was obtained in 15 animals sustaining damage to the dorsolateral aspects of the interpositus nucleus and the adjoining white matter. However, conditioned responses did occur during the 800 msec observation interval employed on tone-alone test trials, and these responses exhibited the classic performance deficits normally associated with cerebellar damage: a low frequency of occurrence (14%, as compared with 96% before the lesion); a 3.1 mm decrease in amplitude; a 236 msec increase in onset latency; a 563 msec increase in latency of peak amplitude; and a 327 msec increase in rise time. Four of the 15 animals failed to demonstrate greater than 5% responding during the test trials. These performance deficits were not specific to the learned, conditioned response. Unconditioned responses were also reduced in frequency and increased in latency of peak amplitude and rise time, especially when elicited at lower air-puff intensities. These deficits in the unconditioned response were observed in animals that failed to exhibit conditioned responses on either paired or test trials, as well as in animals demonstrating conditioned responses only during test trials. We conclude that the cerebellum has a general role in regulating the nictitating membrane reflex so that deficits in learned responses observed after cerebellar lesions are secondary to a broader deficit in performance. The performance deficits appear to consist of a sensory component, as reflected by an increase in stimulus threshold for elicitation of the nictitating membrane reflex, and a motor component, as reflected by the altered topography of the evoked response. The results of this study thus reaffirm the role of the cerebellum in regulating the sensorimotor processes necessary for the optimal performance of both conditioned and unconditioned responses and extends this role to the expression of a simple cranial nerve reflex.
Effect of passive immunity on the development of a protective immune response against bovine viral diarrhea virus in calves

Objective—To determine whether passively acquired antibodies prevent development of a protective immune response to live virus in calves. Procedures—18 calves. Procedure—Calves were caught immediately after birth and tested free of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and serum antibodies against BVDV. Within 48 hours, 12 calves were fed colostrum that contained antibodies against BVDV and 6 calves received BVDV antibody free milk replacer. Three milk replacer fed and 6 colostrum fed calves were exposed to virulent BVDV2-1373 at 2 to 5 weeks of life when passively acquired serum antibody titers were high. After serum antibody titers against BVDV had decayed to undetectable concentrations (at 7 to 9 months of age), the 3 remaining milk replacer fed calves, 6 colostrum fed calves previously exposed to BVDV2-1373, and 6 colostrum fed calves that had not been exposed to the virus were inoculated with BVDV2-1373. Results—Passively acquired antibodies prevented clinical disease in inoculated colostrum fed calves ...
MR imaging of the female pelvic floor

Abstract Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of female pelvic floor relaxation is a relatively new technique that, once mastered, is easy to perform and interpret. Rapidly acquired T2-weighted images are obtained in the axial plane at rest and in the sagittal plane both at rest and at strain. In symptomatic patients, abnormal descent of pelvic viscera on sagittal images is indicative of muscle or fascial weakness. Muscle thinning and tears are readily seen on MR images, and most fascial damage is inferred from the presence of secondary signs. Using MR images, all three compartments of the pelvic floor can be evaluated simultaneously and the information used to plan optimal surgical repair. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company
Strategic bidding of transmission-constrained GENCOs with incomplete information

This work describes a method for analyzing the competition among transmission-constrained generating companies (GENCOs) with incomplete information. Each GENCO models its opponents' unknown information with specific types for transforming the incomplete game into a complete game with imperfect information. The proposed methodology employs the supply function equilibrium for modeling a GENCO's bidding strategy. The competition is modeled as a bilevel problem with the upper subproblem representing individual GENCOs and the lower subproblem representing the independent system operator (ISO). The upper subproblem maximizes the individual GENCOs' payoffs and the lower subproblem solves the ISO's market clearing problem for minimizing consumers' payments. The bilevel problem is solved by developing sensitivity functions for a GENCO's payoff with respect to its bidding strategies. An eight-bus system is employed to illustrate the proposed method, and the numerical results show the impact of transfer capability on GENCOs' bidding strategies.
Contested Land, Contested Memory: Israel’s Jews and Arabs and the Ghosts of Catastrophe. By Jo Roberts.

Memory is the prime matter, the “stuff” of oral history. Yes, for all of us, memory matters. How memories are made and maintained, who does the constructing and why, and how memories are recast by ...
Matlab enhanced multi-threaded tomography optimization sequence (MEMTOS)

Abstract One challenge associated with spent nuclear fuel assemblies is the lack of non-destructive analysis techniques to determine if fuel pins have been removed or replaced or if there are significant defects associated with fuel pins deep within a fuel assembly. Neutron computed tomography is a promising technique for addressing these qualitative issues. Monte Carlo simulation of spent nuclear fuel neutron computed tomography allows inexpensive process investigation and optimization. The main purpose of this work is to provide a fully automated advanced simulation framework for the analysis of spent nuclear fuel inspection using neutron computed tomography. The simulation framework, called Matlab Enhanced Multi-Threaded Tomography Optimization Sequence (MEMTOS) not only automates the simulation process, but also generates superior tomography image results. MEMTOS is written in the MATLAB scripting language and addresses file management, parallel Monte Carlo execution, results extraction, and tomography image generation. This paper describes the mathematical basis for neutron computed tomography, the Monte Carlo technique used to simulate neutron computed tomography, and the overall tomography simulation optimization algorithm. Sequence results presented include overall simulation speed enhancement, tomography and image results obtained for Experimental Breeder Reactor II spent fuel assemblies and light water reactor fuel assemblies. Optimization using a projection difference technique are also described.
Reactive near field electromagnetic axonal communication channels and their role in neurodegenerative diseases

Research focus is on the micron-scale subsystem of the human nervous system known as the axon, or nerve fibre. In studying what has been traditionally treated as an electrochemical subsystem, we find that the axon is both an electrochemical and electromagnetic link in an intricately designed network. This work offers a game changing look at phenomena which enable interaction among millions of fibres tightly packed in bundles and tracts in the human peripheral and central nervous systems, respectively. We maintain that these fibres do not act independently as generally believed, but form intricate spatial and temporal near-field networks. An understanding of these networks will lead to improved diagnostics and therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
Selective increases in the activities of rat liver polysomes following burn trauma.

SummaryIncreases in the nascent protein specific activities of certain polysome size groups have been found in rat livers following a 20% full-thickness skin burn. The ratio of monosomes to polysomes was approximately 0.10 for the sham-burn animals and 0.06, 0.08, and 0.12 for the 1-, 5-, and 12-day postburn animals, respectively. The specific activities increased 70-170% above sham values 24-hr postburn and returned to sham levels by 5-day postburn. Studies in vitro, using a rabbit reticulocyte-message-dependent lysate system produced similar results. Free polysomes isolated from postburn rat livers stimulated protein synthesis in the cell-free system to a greater extent than the corresponding shams 24 hr following burn injury. By 5 days the stimulation from the burn polysomes was not statistically different from that of the shams. Separating the polysomes into narrower size classes eliminated the stimulatory effect observed in vitro at 1-day postburn. These data are consistent with the formation of a po...
Cutting Out Shylock: Elite Anti-Semitism and the Quest for Moral Order in the Mid-Nineteenth-Century American Market Place

The nineteenth-century northern city was increasingly a society of strangers, who were learning, from the perspectives of dozens of ethnic cultures, to live with one another, while at the same time having to come to terms with everaccelerating urban growth and economic development. That much is certainly well known. But the relationships among these processes of change, as they were interpreted in the lived experience of contemporaries, are less well known. To some extent this is the case because the complex ways in which values appropriate to the emerging social order were created continue to need explanation. This essay argues that a significant relationship exists between two problems in our historiography that have not yet been juxtaposed. If brought together, however, these problems may well illuminate an aspect of the reorientation of values at one social level in the mid-nineteenth century. The two problems are the social functions of American anti-Semitism and the cultural changes prompted by the antebellum expansion of commercial capitalism, which dramatically increased the scope and scale of markets. In particular, we are interested here in the relation between the antiSemitism of American Protestant elites and the evolution of perceptions underlying standards of ethical (and unethical) business behavior. While the origins of American anti-Semitism remain obscure, the formative period of American hostility to Jews has recently, if tentatively, been pushed further back into the early nineteenth century, after years of scholarly concentration on the Populist-Progressive period. 1 It is wholly appropriate, then, that an ef-
Spectrophotometric determination of iron with 1,10-phenanthroline in the presence of copper

Cupric ion forms a very stable complex with triethylenetetramine (trien). It has a very weak absorption at 400–460 nm, however, the ferroin shows a very strong absorption at 480–520 nm. The use of trien-tartrate as duel masking agents for copper has been proved to be successful, and is superior to EDTA or citrate-EDTA in the determination of iron with 1,10-phenanthroline. The colour reaction may be accelerated at 60° for 10 min. The new method has been applied to the analysis of U. S. NBS standard solder alloy samples for iron.
Social and nutritional stressors: agents for altered immune function in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus)

As habitats become more fragmented, population densities and diets of wildlife can change dramatically, contributing to increased stress and incidence of infections and disease. To better understand effects of human disturbance on immunocompetence of wild mammals, we studied individual and combined effects of social and nutritional stress on the health of wild-captured adult male white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque, 1818)), a species that commonly occurs in close proximity to humans. Paired mice had reduced body mass and circulating monocytes, higher serum corticosterone level, and a significantly weaker humoral immune response compared with mice housed individually. Mice fed a 5% protein diet had reduced body mass and circulating monocytes, but no differences in humoral or cellular immune responses compared with mice fed a 30% protein diet. The only interactive effect of the two stresses on immune-related parameters was on mass of the spleen. We hypothesize that reduced humoral immunocompetence in response to acute and chronic social stress likely contributes to increases in disease transmission in high-density populations associated with fragments of habitat. In addition, anthropogenic impacts that limit food availability may be of greater importance to immune function than impacts on food quality.
Remote Trace Detection of Hazardous Substances using Nonlinear Optics

Backscattered, collinear coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is applied to real-time standoff detection and imaging of nanograms of explosives and other hazardous solids and liquids. Backwards lasing in air can aid vapor trace detection.
Educational Perspectives: Morbidity and Mortality Conference: An Educational Opportunity

The morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference offers an opportunity to incorporate principles of quality assurance and patient safety into neonatal practice, while providing a rich opportunity to teach many of the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies. A historical review highlights the basis of the M&M conference as rooted in the desire to improve physician practice and patient outcomes. Despite the lack of an identifiable, systematic approach to M&M-type conferences among neonatology programs, both the tradition of improving physician practice and patient outcomes by framing suboptimal outcomes as educational opportunities and the dawning of the era of competency-based graduate medical education support the need for neonatology divisions to offer M&M conferences in a contemporary format. Educational models emphasizing quality improvement, patient safety, and incorporation of the core competencies are available to support the goals and objectives of a divisional M&M conference. Setting clear goals, incorporating trained moderators, and having a documentation plan may all contribute to the success of the conference. The addition of an action plan and follow-up component to M&M conferences further credentials this activity as an integral part of overall quality improvement efforts while providing real-life evidence of practice-based learning and improvement and the importance of systems-based thinking.
Niagara Sky Blue 6B–A New Stain for Granulocytic Cells

Using an acidified solution of Niagara sky blue 6B, granules in mature granulocytic cells from peripheral blood and bone marrow stained bright blue to blue-green. Granules in immature granulocytes like myelocytes and promyelocytes stained purple. In leukemic myeloblasts and leukemic monocytes, granular-appearing structures stained purple. In leukemic lymphoblasts, purple granular structures were not visualized. As such, Niagara sky blue 6B can be used to identify granulocytic cells at all maturational stages.
Influencing factors on awareness rate of Tianjin residents on plague control and prevention

Objectives To investigate the awareness rate of plague control and prevention and its influencing factors among the residents in Tianjin,and to provide basis for effective control measures and health education.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted in 630 residents aged more than 15 years old who were randomly selected from 18 districts or counties of Tianjin.Results The overall awareness rate of plague was 59.2%,including the knowledge of isolation control of plague(76.8%),knowledge of plague vectors(31.2%),post-biting treatment methods(71.2%),preventing and killing rodent methods(66.2%),knowledge about "Three Noes Policy"(No contact,no peeling,no cooking infected or dead marmots and any dead animals;No resting around marmot holes;No visiting plague patients or suspected plague patients)(60.7%),vaccine Immunization(34.9%).The logistic regression analysis showed that household register,career,education and monthly income were the main factors influencing the awareness rate of plague among residents in Tianjin.Urban residents were higher than that of rural residents(0R=1.680);the cadre were higher than that of ordinary people(0R=3.368);People received high school education(or higher) were higher than that of people received primary school education(0R=2.261);people whose income was more than 2 000 RMB were higher than that of less than 2 000 RMB.Conclusion Different Health education should be carried out to different populations so as to improve the awareness rate of plague among the residents in Tianjin.