cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Virtual microscopy: High resolution digital photomicrography as a tool for light microscopy simulation

Recent advances in microcomputers and high resolution digital video cameras provide pathologists the opportunity to combine precision optics with digital imaging technology and develop new educational and research tools. We review recent advances in virtual microscopy and describe techniques for viewing digital images using a microcomputer-based workstation to simulate light microscopic examination, including scanning at low power to select features of interest and zooming to increase magnification. Hardware and software components necessary to acquire digital images of histological and cytological slides, and closely simulate their examination under a light microscope are discussed. The workstation is composed of a MicroLumina digital scanning camera (Leaf Systems, Southborough, MA), light microscope (Olympus Optical Co., Lake Success, NY), Pentium (Intel Corp., Santa Clara, CA) 166 MHz microcomputer configured with 64 megabytes of random access memory (RAM), a MGA Millenium Powerdesk graphics card (Matrox Graphics, Inc., Montreal, Canada) and Photoshop software (Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, CA) running in a Windows 95 (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) environment. Images with spatial resolutions of up to 2700 × 3400 pixels in 36-bit color, can be displayed simultaneously as distinct images in a montage, or merged into a single composite image file to highlight significant features of a histological or cytological slide. These image files are saved in Joint Photographers Experts Group (JPEG) format using compression ratios of up to 80:1 without detectable visual degradation. The advantages and technical limitations of various workstation components are addressed and applications of this technology for pathology education, proficiency testing, telepathology, and database development are discussed.
36 K Decay and T=1 Analog in 36 Ar

The 23-MeV proton beam from the Michigan State University sector-focused cyclotron was used to produce the $^{36}\mathrm{K}$ isotope by means of the $^{36}\mathrm{Ar}(p,n)^{36}\mathrm{K}$ reaction. From measurements of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays following the positron decay of $^{36}\mathrm{K}$, the half-life of $^{36}\mathrm{K}$ was measured to be 0.265\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.025 sec, and energy levels in $^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$ were measured at 1.9701\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0007, 4.1779\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0007, 4.4401\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0012, and 6.6119\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0009 MeV. The 6.6119-MeV level is identified as the $T=1$ analog of the ground states of $^{36}\mathrm{Cl}$ and $^{36}\mathrm{K}$. Branching ratios for the positron decay of $^{36}\mathrm{K}$ were obtained and the $log\mathrm{ft}$ values computed for each branch, using the observed partial half-life and a computed value of the $^{36}\mathrm{K}$ mass. Spin and parity assignments of 2+ have been made for the ground state of $^{36}\mathrm{K}$ and the $T=1$ level of $^{36}\mathrm{Ar}$, in agreement with the expectation from the previously measured 2+ value of the $^{36}\mathrm{Cl}$ ground-state spin.
When Boundaries are Broken: Inmate Perceptions of Correctional Staff Boundary Violations

Boundary violations via inappropriate behaviors committed by correctional staff can cause many problems for prison administrators. This study examines gender differences in inmate perceptions of staff boundary violations. Findings revealed male inmates were significantly more supportive of officers' boundary violations. Younger inmates, Hispanic inmates, and those that had completed high school were also more supportive of staff inappropriate behavior. It is recommended that officers adopt a “firm but fair” orientation to deal with inmates and, within that framework, use gendered strategies to better interact with and empower women inmates. It is also suggested that agencies adopt effective measures to train staff and educate inmates regarding boundary violations.
Role of the serine-rich surface glycoprotein GspB of Streptococcus gordonii in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis

The direct binding of bacteria to platelets is a central interaction in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. GspB is a serine-rich, cell wall glycoprotein of Streptococcus gordonii that mediates the binding of this organism to human platelets in vitro. To assess the contribution of this adhesin to the pathogenesis of endocarditis, we compared the virulence of S. gordonii M99 (which expresses GspB) with an isogenic, gspB mutant (PS846) in two rat models of endovascular infection. In the first group of experiments, animals were infected intravenously with M99 or PS846, and sacrificed 72 h later, to assess levels of bacteria within cardiac vegetations, kidneys, and spleens. When inoculated with 105 CFU, rats infected with PS846 had significantly lower densities of organisms within vegetations (mean: 3.84 log10 CFU/g) as compared with M99-infected rats (6.67 log10 CFU/g; P < 0.001). Marked differences were also seen in rats co-infected with M99 and PS846, at a 1:1 ratio. While M99 was found at high levels within vegetations, kidneys and spleens (mean log10 CFU/g: 6.62, 5.07 and 4.18, respectively) PS846 was not detected within these tissues. Thus, platelet binding by GspB appears to be a major interaction in the pathogenesis of endocarditis due to S. gordonii.
Probabilistic capacity models and fragility estimates for steel pedestals used to elevate bridges

Using steel pedestals has become an effective method for elevating simply supported bridges in the United States. However, a method is needed to estimate their lateral load capacity and probability of failure subjected to different levels of applied loads. This paper shows the development of probabilistic models for the lateral load capacity of steel pedestals. The capacity models consider the prevailing uncertainties, including statistical uncertainty and model errors due to inaccuracy in the model form or missing variables. The proposed capacity models are used to estimate the conditional failure probability (or fragility) of an example steel pedestal for given sets of lateral and vertical loads. Because of the discontinuity in the limit state function, Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate the fragility. Results show that for the studied steel pedestal, increasing vertical load decreases the probability of failure subjected to lateral loads. To investigate the effect of different random variables on the results, a sensitivity analysis is also conducted for the example steel pedestal.
Blood clot initiation by mesocellular foams: dependence on nanopore size and enzyme immobilization.

Porous silica materials are attractive for hemorrhage control because of their blood clot promoting surface chemistry, the wide variety of surface topologies and porous structures that can be created, and the potential ability to achieve high loading of therapeutic proteins within the silica support. We show that silica cell-window size variation in the nanometers to tens of nanometers range greatly affects the rate at which blood clots are formed in human plasma, indicating that window sizes in this size range directly impact the accessibility and diffusion of clotting-promoting proteins to and from the interior surfaces and pore volume of mesocellular foams (MCFs). These studies point toward a critical window size at which the clotting speed is minimized and serve as a model for the design of more effective wound-dressing materials. We demonstrate that the clotting times of plasma exposed to MCF materials are dramatically reduced by immobilizing thrombin in the pores of the MCF, validating the utility o...
Protein-Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Regulates Pyruvate Kinase M2 Tyrosine Phosphorylation

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a physiological regulator of glucose homeostasis and adiposity and is a drug target for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Here we identify pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) as a novel PTP1B substrate in adipocytes. PTP1B deficiency leads to increased PKM2 total tyrosine and Tyr(105) phosphorylation in cultured adipocytes and in vivo. Substrate trapping and mutagenesis studies identify PKM2 Tyr-105 and Tyr-148 as key sites that mediate PTP1B-PKM2 interaction. In addition, in vitro analyses illustrate a direct effect of Tyr-105 phosphorylation on PKM2 activity in adipocytes. Importantly, PTP1B pharmacological inhibition increased PKM2 Tyr-105 phosphorylation and decreased PKM2 activity. Moreover, PKM2 Tyr-105 phosphorylation is regulated nutritionally, decreasing in adipose tissue depots after high-fat feeding. Further, decreased PKM2 Tyr-105 phosphorylation correlates with the development of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in rodents, non-human primates, and humans. Together, these findings identify PKM2 as a novel substrate of PTP1B and provide new insights into the regulation of adipose PKM2 activity.
"Parental Maltreatment, Regulatory Focus, and Recommending the Placement of Children in Foster Care"

A sample of child protection investigators read two detailed and realistic cases of children being victimized by parental maltreatment, after which they indicated how strongly they would recommend the children to be placed in foster care. One was a case of abuse whereas the other was a case of neglect. The investigators were more likely to recommend the children be placed in foster care in the case of abuse rather than neglect. Moreover, and as predicted by regulatory focus theory, the tendency to recommend foster care placement more for abuse than neglect was greater among investigators who were more prevention focused and less among those more promotion focused. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
High-resolution wavefront control: adaptive optics and image processing applications

Opto-electronic feedback systems that consist of electrically addressed high-resolution phase spatial light modulators and large-scale arrays of opto-electronic feedback circuits are analyzed. Experiments were performed with a liquid crystal television panel used as a high- resolution phase modulator, and a CCD camera used as a photo-array. By synthesizing various nonlinearities and using controllable spatial coupling one can design systems capable of high-resolution adaptive phase distortion suppression and the formation of self-organized arrays of localized laser beam structures. High-resolution phase arrays are also used here for opto-electronic image edge detection.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Using Online Data to Explore Competitive Airline Pricing Policies: Case Study Approach

Since the mid-2000s, the airline industry has seen volatile fuel prices, a record number of carriers ending service, and a merger between two major airlines. In a time of such turmoil in the industry, it is increasingly important to understand the relationship between airline consolidation and competitive pricing policies, because this relationship directly affects the formation of new airline policies associated with competition policy (antitrust), deregulation, and mergers. However, there is a lack of consensus about market concentration and its influence on airfares, mainly because of data limitations of past research. Given the emergence of online booking engines, there is a new opportunity to collect detailed fare data. This project uses disaggregate online airfare data to study the relationship between market concentration and pricing policies. The data set includes 62 markets that cover a broad range of market structures. A case study approach is used to analyze the data. Using disaggregate fare data, this study finds low price dispersion can be associated with both low and high levels of market concentration. As the day of departure approaches, price dispersion is observed to increase or decrease, depending on the market. Additionally, peak and off-peak periods demonstrate different pricing strategies. Markets with codeshares sometimes exhibit unusually high price dispersion.
Number density-to-flux transformation revisited: kinematic effects in the use of laser-induced fluorescence for scattering experiments

Abstract A simple model is proposed to account for the density-to-flux transformation in the use of LIF detection for scattering experiments. The validity of the model is verified experimentally with two examples. In the first example, OH + CO, the application of this approach is able to correct for the kinematic effects in the transformation and to recover the state-resolved excitation function. In the second example, CN + O 2 , the consideration of the density-to-flux transformation leads to an intriguing possibility that a qualitative picture of the product state-selected angular distribution can be inferred.
A simple algorithm for planar image registration in radiation therapy

A simple algorithm is presented for planar image registration and the method is applied to the simulator and portal image registration for patient setup verification in radiation therapy. Basically, the algorithm follows the concept proposed by Balter et al. [Med. Phys. 19, 329–334 (1992)], which converts the problem of open curve registration into matching a series of points along the curves. Balter’s algorithm consists of three steps: (1) to determine a common starting point for each curve pair, (2) acquire two corresponding point sets along each curve, and (3) obtain a global transform matrix by matching two point sets. We integrate all three steps into one simple procedure which fits the sampled points along the intended curve pair by taking the relative path length shift as an independent fitting parameter. After being modified, the algorithm is able to take the different magnification factors of images into account, and it avoids curvature calculations. Numerical simulation as well as clinical and phantom images have been utilized to test the accuracy of the algorithm. The typical errors are less than 1 mm in translation and 1° in rotation. We also made a comparison study with the chamfer method. The results of the two methods agree to within 0.5 mm in translation and 0.5° in rotation.
Legal ethics and high child welfare worker turnover: An unexplored connection

Abstract This article, which grew out of a series of 11 focus groups with child welfare workers and supervisors, explores how legal ethics may increase the stress child welfare workers experience in carrying out their duties and may contribute to high rates of turnover. A number of workers experienced their interaction with lawyers and the legal system as extremely stressful. Others misunderstood the role of a lawyer. This article considers the various sources of legal and social work ethics and standards of practice at work in lawyer–social worker interaction in the child welfare context and provides a comparison of legal ethics with social work ethics on a number of dimensions. Ethical issues such as defining the client, confidentiality, client loyalty and zealous advocacy are considered. Additionally, issues which are not specifically ethical in nature but are closely related are considered. These include efforts to be objective in handling the work, the personal affront experienced by many child welfare workers when their judgment is called into question and methods of communication. The article concludes that there is a need for training to assist child welfare workers to understand legal ethics and how they contribute to high turnover rates.
Doqi guidelines for nutrition in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients: a dissenting view.

Abstract The DOQI guidelines recommend a dietary protein intake of 1.2 to 1.3 g[sol ]kg[sol ]d in long-term peritoneal dialysis patients. A quantitative analysis of the relationship between this high protein intake and phosphorus intake shows that this daily load of protein is likely to lead to hyperphosphatemia in anuric patients with borderline dialysate clearance. Currently available phosphorus binders are not efficient enough to offset completely the adverse effects of a phosphorus-rich diet. An inverse correlation has been shown between serum phosphorus and outcome among dialysis patients, probably mediated by an increase in the Ca [times ] P product. Evidence, theoretic or experimental, that such a high protein intake is by itself beneficial to dialysis patients is lacking. Because high protein intake may increase the daily load of phosphorus and predispose to hyperphosphatemia, it may lead to harmful consequences, and it should be modified. Using the general recommendation for normal subjects plus the usual excessive nitrogen loss during peritoneal dialysis, between 0.9 and 1 g[sol ]kg[sol ]d most likely would be an appropriate protein intake without exposing the patient to excessive phosphorus load.
Early and delayed finishing of amalgam with different polishing procedures.

T he finishing of amalgam restorations should include the carving of anatomy and cavosurface margins at the time of placement and should be followed by refinement of anatomy and margins and by polishing at a later time. Excess material, usually called flash, frequently extends beyond the cavosurface margins. This excess material should always be removed since it will eventually fracture leaving an undesirable margin. The clinical performance of amalgam restorations is improved by finishing and polishing.’ Burnishing reduces porosity and residual mercury content in amalgam restorations2 Better marginal integrity of burnished restorations has been demonstrated.3 The feasibility of immediate polishing of high-copper content amalgam alloys has also been reported.4 In the past finishing and polishing procedures have been done at a subsequent appointment by necessity. There have been several different techniques advocated for the finishing and polishing of amalgam restorations. The purpose of this study was to examine amalgam surfaces finished after 30 minutes and after 24 hours.
Endoscopic placement of nasoenteric feeding tubes in critically ill patients: a reliable alternative.

ABSTRACT Spontaneous transpyloric passage of nasoenteric feeding tubes is often unsuccessful in critically ill patients due to gastric ileus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate of endoscopic placement of postpyloric nasoenteric tubes and the time required to achieve goal enteral nutritional support in critically ill patients with gastric ileus. Surgical ICU patients with gastric ileus, documented by recorded high gastric residual volumes via a nasogastric tube, were identified for placement of a nasoenteric postpyloric tube via esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). EGD was performed bedside in the ICU, using intravenous sedation, for placement of a 43-inch (109 cm) 8 French tungsten-weighted nasoenteric tube with an inner stylet into the duodenum, and the tube was advanced as far distally as possible. Abdominal radiograph was obtained to confirm final tube position postprocedure. Enteral feedings were initiated immediately with a full-strength formula and increased to the goal enteral ...
Associations between body mass index and substance use disorders differ by gender: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Alcohol, illicit drugs, and nicotine can affect appetite and body weight, but few epidemiologic studies have examined relationships between body mass index (BMI) and substance use disorders. This study used logistic regression to examine effects of BMI and gender on risk for DSM-IV substance use disorders in a sample of 40 364 adults. Overweight and obesity were associated with increased risk for lifetime alcohol abuse and dependence in men but not women. Overweight and obesity were associated with decreased risk for past-year alcohol abuse in women. BMI was not associated with illicit drug use disorders. Overweight and obese men were at decreased risk for both lifetime and past-year nicotine dependence. Overweight women were at increased risk for lifetime nicotine dependence, and obese women were at decreased risk for past-year nicotine dependence. Further research is needed to identify reasons for observed gender differences in relationships between BMI and substance use disorders.
Normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using enhanced-fluidity liquid mobile phases

The application of an enhanced-fluidity liquid mixture (n-hexane-CO2) as a mobile phase in normal-phase HPLC using a 3-cyanopropyl polysiloxane stationary phase was evaluated. Decreased pressure drop across the chromatographic column was observed with increasing proportions of added CO2 to the mixtures. For selected mixture conditions, increased efficiency and decreased peak asymmetry were obtained in comparison to that for separations with 100% n-hexane. A limiting amount of CO2 that could be added to hexane was found. If more CO2 was added past that limit, serious peak asymmetry lowered the measured column efficiency.
Sex differences in impulsivity and intellectual ability

Literature on sex differences in impulsivity has tended to focus on differences between groups, while ignoring relationships beyond zero order correlations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Maccoby's hypothesis (1966) of opposite-direction correlations where the relationship between a set of variables (e.g., impulsivity and intellectual ability) is curvilinear, with males and females being systematically distributed on opposite sides of the curve. The Primary Mental Abilities (PMA) and Matching Familiar Figures tests were administered to 44 males and 49 females. The relationship between all of the PMA subtests and impulsivity was curvilinear for males, but linear for females on all but one of the subtests. The importance and implications of examining distribution differences rather than group differences are discussed.
Dynamic protein interactions in the bacteriophage T4 replisome

The bacteriophage T4 DNA replisome is a complex dynamic system employing a variety of proteins to orchestrate the synthesis of DNA on both the leading and lagging strands. Assembly of the protein complexes responsible for DNA synthesis and priming requires the coordination of transient biomolecular interactions. This interplay of proteins has been dissected through the use of small molecules including fluorescent probes and crosslinkers, enabling the development of a complex dynamic structural and kinetic model for DNA polymerase holoenzyme assembly and primosome formation.
Towards Declarative Queries on Adaptive Data Structures

In this work we look at combining emerging technologies in programming languages with traditional query processing techniques to provide support for efficient execution of declarative queries over adaptive data structures. We first explore available technologies such as Language-Integrated Query, or LINQ (which enables declarative queries in programming languages) and the ADO.NET Data Set classes (which provide various efficient alternatives to manipulate data in procedural terms). Unfortunately, combining the good features in both technologies is not straightforward, since LINQ over Data Sets results by default in execution plans that do not exploit the specific characteristics of the data structures. To address this limitation, we introduce a lightweight optimizer that dynamically chooses appropriate execution strategies for declarative queries on Data Sets based on their internal structure. To further enable declarative programming, we introduce a component that dynamically reorganizes the internal representation of Data Sets, so that they automatically respond to workload changes. We experimentally showcase the features of our approach.
Health Care Provider Physical Activity Prescription Intervention

Purpose To examine the feasibility and impact of a health care provider's (HCP) physical activity (PA) prescription on the PA of patients on preventive care visits. Methods Consenting adult patients completed health and PA questionnaires and were sequentially assigned to intervention groups. HCPs prescribed PA using a written prescription only (PO), written prescription and exercise toolkit (PT), or written prescription and Active Living Guide (PALG). Follow-up questionnaires were completed at 1 and 3 months post. Results In the 24 patients (age 57 [10.01] years; body mass index (BMI) 33.4 [7.6]; 14 females, 10 males; 9 PO, 6 PT, 9 PALG) who returned questionnaires at baseline and 3 months, PA increased (p = .04) from baseline (3.5 [2.0]) to 3 months (4.3 [1.7]). Between-group analyses revealed that PT improved (p = .01) from baseline (3.0 [1.1]) to 3 months (4.8 [0.4]); PO and PALG did not. Among the 22 patients who returned questionnaires at 3 time points, PA increased (p = .01) from 1 month (3.7 [1.3])...
Permian Tectonic History in Glass Mountains, Texas: GEOLOGICAL NOTES

Recognition of lateral facies changes in the Wolfcampian, Leonardian, and early Guadalupian series of the Glass Mountains is of aid in interpretation of the tectonic features. New interpretations suggest that the western part of the Glass Mountains is underlain by a hitherto unrecognized thrust sheet or numerous thrust slices which lie beneath the Dugout Creek thrust. This thrust sheet became an area of shelf deposition during late Wolfcampian, Leonardian, an early Guadalupian time and shifted the southeastern edge of the Delaware basin northward. The early Leonardian reefs apparently separated this shelf area from basinal deposits to the NE. During Leonardian and early Guadalupian time the southeastern margin of the Delaware basin migrated to the NW. so that in the northeastern Glass Mountains the earl Leonardian basin facies is overlain by late Leonardian reefs which in turn are overlain by early Guadalupian backreef deposits. Wolfcampian units are the Neal Ranch and Lenox Hills formations, Leonardian units the Leonard Formation whose lower two-thirds intertongues with the Hess, and lower Guadalupian beds are in the Word Formation with its northeastern upper member, the Vidrio biohermal dolostone. The depositional patterns of the Lenox Hills, Leonard, and Word formations show that the southwestern part of the Glass Mountains area was the site of shallow-water high-wave-energy deposition on a shelf. Reefs or biohermal deposits in each of these units are concentrated either on or adjacent to the flexures caused by late orogenic cross-folds. These flexures apparently were persistent features bounding the southeastern end of the Delaware basin.
Role of female sex steroids in regulating cholesteryl ester transfer protein in transgenic mice

The role of sex steroids in the regulation of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was examined in the following groups of female transgenic mice carrying the human CETP gene: (1) normal, (2) ovariectomized, (3) ovariectomized and treated with estrogen; (4) ovariectomized and treated with progesterone; (5) ovariectomized and treated with both hormones, and (6) ovariectomized and treated with tamoxifen. CETP activity was measured in the plasma, and in the particulate and the soluble fractions of liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Human CETP specific activity was determined by taking the difference of cholesterol ester transfer in the presence and absence of an antibody (TP2) against human CETP. Ovariectomy reduced hormone levels, but did not completely abolish them from the circulation. Plasma CETP activity was significantly reduced in the tamoxifen group. There were significant reductions in CETP in liver homogenate and the soluble fraction, as well as in the particulate fraction of adipose with ovariectomy. Hormone replacement did not restore CETP activity in either the plasma or the tissues. Tamoxifin treatment resulted in a decrease in CETP activity in both fractions of liver, but had no effect on adipose. In the soluble fraction of adipose tissue and both fractions of muscle, only trace CETP activity was detected. We conclude that (1) minimal amounts of sex steroid hormones may be sufficient to affect CETP expression; (2) the effects of sex steroid hormones vary among tissues; and (3) in addition to the sex steroids, factor(s) from the ovary are needed for the full expression of CETP in this animal model.
Simulation of polymeric flows in the injection moulding process

Recent progress in the simulation of polymeric flows of two key problems in the injection moulding process, carried out by a team at Cornell University, is briefly described. For the filling of cooled thin cavities, the fluid is characterized by a power-law viscosity with exponential temperature dependence, and interaction between the transient thermal boundary-layer and the core flow in a domain with moving boundary is essential. The earlier procedure of Hieber and Shen is modified in two aspects: a boundary-integral formulation replaces the finite-element treatment of the pressure, and an ‘energy integral’ approach is used for the transient temperature. The second problem is the steady visco-elastic flow in the juncture region where sudden changes of the geometry and large strain rates occur. The constitutive equation is postulated according to the Leonov model. The main features in the numerical implementation are: integration along a streamline to determine the elastic deformation tensors for a given velocity field, and finite-element treatment (in time-dependent form) of the pressure and fields for given stresses. In an example where the contraction ratio is 7:1, results for nominal Deborah number exceeding 100 show no numerical instability. (However, for this problem, the true Weissenberg number, i.e. the ratio of local first-normal-stress difference to shear stress turns out to be generally O(10).) The predictions also correlate very well with experimental birefringence measurements.
Using Emotion to Gain Rapport in a Spoken Dialog System

This paper describes research on automatically building rapport. This is done by adapting responses in a spoken dialog system to users' emotions as inferred from nonverbal voice properties. Emotions and their acoustic correlates will be extracted from a persuasive dialog corpus and will be used to implement an emotionally intelligent dialog system; one that can recognize emotion, choose an optimal strategy for gaining rapport, and render a response that contains appropriate emotion, both lexically and auditory. In order to determine the value of emotion modeling for gaining rapport in a spoken dialog system, the final implementation will be evaluated using different configurations through a user study.
Transluminal Stenting for Femoropopliteal Occlusive Disease: Analysis of Restenosis by Serial Arteriography

Our objective was to evaluate restenosis after stenting of femoropopliteal occlusions and the impact of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) on recurrent stenosis. We used a retrospective analysis of contrast angiograms obtained during follow-up of stented limbs. Subjects included 27 claudicants (34 limbs) who had complete superficial femoral artery occlusion treated with PTA and Wallstents at the Veterans Adminstration Medical Center. During follow-up, 31 PTAs, three thrombolytic treatments, and one additional stenting were performed. Outcome was measured by contrast angiography. Primary patency at 1 and 3 years was 38% and 8% after stenting, and secondary patency (PTA required at least once in 21/34 limbs) was 89% and 55%, respectively. PTA performed during follow-up reduced within-stent restenosis on average from 48.3 ± 13.6% to 22.8 ± 18.0%. Recurrent stenosis after PTA measured 14.9 ± 10.9 months later was 46.8 ± 16.7%, showing little permanent impact of PTA on stenosis. Severe within-stent stenosis develops commonly after initial stenting of complete femoropopliteal occlusions. Supplemental PTA performed during follow-up provides immediate improvement in lumen diameter, but severe restenosis is still likely to recur.
Contextual approach to assessment.

A contextual approach is proposed as an alternative to reductive psychodynamic assessment. It is based on the principle that behavior occurs within specific contexts, one component of which is given in the client's experience. Thus assessment is necessarily interactive and should involve a joint endeavor the purpose of which is to situate and extend this client's behavior. Finally, well-being is conceived in terms of the latitude of everyday, situated life options. This contextual approach is consonant with but more comprehensive than social-learning theory and behavior modification. Further, it is relevant for a positive community mental health paradigm. Detailed accounts of assessment and report-writing practices are provided.
A genetic contribution to intraocular pressure: the beaver dam eye study.

PURPOSE. To investigate a potential genetic contribution to intraocular pressure (IOP), we performed a complex segregation analysis on 2337 individuals in 620 extended pedigrees ascertained through a population-based cohort, the Beaver Dam Eye Study (BDES). IOP is a principal risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) a leading cause of blindness worldwide. METHODS. Segregation analysis is an analytical method that provides statistical evidence supporting the involvement of a major gene or polygenes in a particular phenotype. Detailed medical histories and eye examinations were performed on all participants. From the two eyes, the higher IOP measurement was used as a continuous trait after adjustment for covariates. A genome-wide scan (GWS) using affected sib pair linkage analysis was performed on 218 sibling pairs. RESULTS. In this segregation analysis the model that allowed for an unmeasured major environmental effect plus a polygenic/ multifactorial effect provided the best fit and was the most parsimonious model. The lack of an adequate fit for the Mendelian single-gene models is consistent with a multifactorial model of inheritance that may include multiple genes and environmental factors that contribute to IOP. The results of the GWS yielded two novel loci as potential linkage regions for IOP on chromosomes 6 (P 0.008) and 13 (P 0.0007). Neither of these regions has previously been identified in GWS of POAG. CONCLUSIONS. The segregation and familial correlation analyses of IOP suggest a polygenetic component with environmental influences. The pilot linkage study further confirms the heterogeneity of IOP with the identification of two novel genetic loci. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2005;46:555‐560) DOI:
Cytosolic phospholipase C activity: II. Relationship to concanavalin A-induced phosphatidylinositol-turnover in splenocytes

We have described in the first paper the coupling betweencytosolic Giα and cytosolic PLC activity in a cell free preparation. In order to establish the functional significance of the cytosolic Giα coupled soluble PLC, we examined the effects of Dex, NaF, and trifluopeerizine (TEP) on concanavalin A(Con A)-induced PI-turnover in intact slenocytes and, in parallel, on soluble PLC activity in cytosol preparations. Vytosolic PLC activity was measured with [3H]PIP and [3H]PIP2 as substrates. (1) The con A-induced increase (2–4 fold) in Pl-turnover in intact splenocytes was paralleled by an 1.2–5-fold increase in soluble PLC activity in vitro. Con A administration also increased cytosolic Giα immunoreactivity 3–6-fold as expected if cytosolic Giα was coupled to soluble PLC activation. (2) DEX (10−7 M), administered 6 h prior to Con A administration inbited the Con A-induced increase in Pl-turnover in intact splenocytes. This was paralleled by DEX inhibition of the Con A-induced increase in soluble PLC activity measured in vitro and cytosolic Giα imunoreactivity. (3) We have demonstrated in the first paper that NaF and TEP inhibited soluble PLC activity. Here we show that NaF and TFP inhibited the Con A-induced increase in PI-turnover extending the similarities between soluble PLC activity and Con A- Stimulated PLC Activity in intact splenocytes. (4) In order to examine Whether or not the Con A-induced PLC activity and Con A-stimulated PLC activity in intact splenocytes. (4) In order to examine Whether or not the Con A-induced PLC was similar to PLCγ, we measured PI-turnover induced by Con A or BaVO3 in combination with DEX and PMA. Whereas the Con A-induced PI-turnover was significantly inhibited (40–60%) by DEX, the NaVO3 -induced PI-turnover was not affected by DEX. The Con A-induced PI-turnover was not affected by PMA (50nM), But the NaVO3-induced Pi-turnover was increased over 2-fold PMA (50nM), suggesting that the Con A-induced PLC in intact splenocytes is different from NaVO3-induced PLC. Based on these results a model for the sequential activation of substrate-specific PLCs in splenocyte by mitogen is presented.
An extension of the Black-Scholes model of security valuation

Abstract This paper provides a formula for the market value of a security whose dividends and liquidation value depend on securities with diffusion dividend and price processes. The solution is in terms of the Feynman-Kac formula, solving the partial differential equation determining the derivative sucurity's unique arbitrage-free value. The interest rate process may be stochastic. Markets need not be dynamically complete.
Corporations and the Urban Advanced Business Service Sector

This article analyzes interurban variation in one advanced service, management consulting, across large U.S. cities in 1963. Human ecologists assume advanced services fulfill a coordinative function in the metropolitan system. Consistent with this view, we found that: (1) metropolitan population size and distance to neighboring metropolitan areas were positively associated with a city's consulting activity, (2) the number of other large cities with which a city shared its metropolitan area was inversely related to consulting levels, and (3) the number of corporations headquartered in a city was positively associated with consulting activity. Organizational theorists assume advanced services fulfill coordinative needs in the corporate system. Thus, we also found that: (4) the characteristics of firms headquartered in a city (i.e., their age, market complexity, structure, mode of control, and elite contacts) shaped the imnpact that their numbers had on urban consulting. In the conclusion, we consider the relationship between human ecology and the organizational approach. This article has two objectives: to analyze interurban variation in one type of advanced business service, management consulting, and to extend the human ecological view of the city system. Business services constitute an increasingly important segment of the U.S. economy, generating 7% of all intermediate outputs by 1970 (Stanback 1979). High-skilled person-specialized functions that help plan investments and control the manufacture and distribution of goods comprise the most important business services. These advanced services, which include management consulting, advertising, and a few other activities, account *Earlier versions of this article were presented at the Sunbelt VI: Annual Social Network Conference, Santa Barbara (1986), and at the Annual Meetings of the American Sociological Association, New York (1986). Robert Silvers and Estella Hopenhayn collected some of the data used in our analyses. We are gratefulfor the comments of two anonymous reviewers. We also appreciate the helpful criticisms and advice supplied by Sharon Zuckin, Peter Reiss, Jerald Herting, Bill Bielby, and Jim Baron. Special thanks to Linda and Brucefor the rain gear. Direct correspondence to Donald Palmer, Graduate School of Management, University of California,
Interleukin-10 paradox: A potent immunoregulatory cytokine that has been difficult to harness for immunotherapy

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is arguably the most potent anti-inflammatory cytokine. It is produced by almost all the innate and adaptive immune cells. These cells also serve as its targets, indicating that IL-10 secretion and action is highly regulated and perhaps compartmentalized. Consistent with this notion, various efforts directed at systemic administration of IL-10 to modulate autoimmune diseases (type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis) have produced conflicting and largely inconsequential effects. On the other hand, IL-10 can promote humoral immune responses, enhancing class II expression on B cells and inducing immunoglobulin (Ig) production. Consequently, the high IL-10 level in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is considered pathogenic and its blockade ameliorates the disease. In this perspective, we review preclinical findings and results of recent clinical studies using exogenous IL-10 to treat the aforementioned autoimmune diseases. In addition, given the limited success of IL-10 supplementation, we suggest that future studies should be expanded beyond modulating the delivery modes to include developing new strategies to protect and replenish the endogenous sources of IL-10. As an example, we provide evidence that aberrant Fas-mediated deletion of IL-10-producing B cells subverts the immunoregulatory role of IL-10 in autoimmune diabetes and that modulation of the Fas pathway preserves the IL-10-producing B cells and completely protects NOD mice from developing the disease.
Properties of ultrathin platinum deposited by atomic layer deposition for nanoscale copper-metallization schemes

A thermal metalorganic atomic layer deposition (ALD) process was developed for the in situ, sequential growth of Pt/TaNx stacks for use as barrier/seed stacks for subsequent copper electroplating. Ultrathin platinum films were deposited by alternating pulses of (methylcyclopentadienyl)trimethylplatinum (MeCpPtMe3) and oxygen (O2) as co-reactants. An ALD process window was established and optimized by investigating saturation of Pt film-growth rate versus MeCpPtMe3 and O2 exposure as controlled by the length of reactant pulses and the duration of the inert gas purge cycles separating the reactant pulses. The resulting low-temperature (300 °C) ALD Pt process yielded uniform and continuous Pt films with typical carbon and oxygen impurity levels around, respectively, 2.5 and 1 at.%. Film conformality was nearly 100% in 120-nm trench structures with 11:1 aspect ratio.
An Alternating Least-Squares Procedure for Estimating Missing Preference Data in Product-Concept Testing

Product-concept testing is a popular activity in marketing research. Often the number of new product/service concepts under study far exceeds the time available for any single respondent. Respondents therefore may receive only a subset of the concepts comprising the total design. Researchers are interested in making plausible imputations for the missing evaluations of any given respondent.This paper proposes a model and an iterative estimation procedure to impute missing entries for each evaluator. The model and the procedure incorporate (1) the internal structure of the response matrix arid (2) an ancillary matrix of (nonmissing) respondent background data; they also (3) allow for individual differences in respondents’ uses of the numerical rating scale. The model is applied to both real and synthetic data. Suggestions also are given on how the data imputations may be used in market segmentation and product-line decisions.
Cytoskeletal rearrangement and Src and PI-3K-dependent Akt activation control GABABR-mediated chemotaxis

The γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) type B receptors (GABA(B)R) function as chemoattractant receptors in response to GABA(B)R agonists in human neutrophils. The goal of this study was to define signaling mechanisms regulating GABA(B)R-mediated chemotaxis and cytoskeletal rearrangement. In a proteomic study we identified serine/threonine kinase Akt, tyrosine kinases Src and Pyk2, microtubule regulator kinesin and microtubule affinity-regulating kinase (MARK) co-immunoprecipitating with GABA(B)R. To define the contributions of these candidate signaling events in GABA(B)R-mediated chemotaxis, we used rat basophilic leukemic cells (RBL-2H3 cells) stably transfected with human GABA(B1b) and GABA(B2) receptors. The GABA(B)R agonist baclofen induced Akt phosphorylation and chemotaxis by binding to its specific GABA(B)R since pretreatment of cells with CGP52432, a GABA(B)R antagonist, blocked such effects. Moreover, baclofen induced Akt phosphorylation was shown to be dependent upon PI-3K and Src kinases. Baclofen failed to stimulate actin polymerization in suspended RBL cells unless exposed to a baclofen gradient. However, baclofen stimulated both actin and tubulin polymerization in adherent RBL-GABA(B)R cells. Blockade of actin and tubulin polymerization by treatment of cells with cytochalasin D or nocodazole respectively, abolished baclofen-mediated chemotaxis. Furthermore, baclofen stimulated Pyk2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, both known regulators of cell migration. In conclusion, GABA(B)R stimulation promotes chemotaxis in RBL cells which is dependent on signaling via PI3-K/Akt, Src kinases and on rearrangement of both microtubules and actin cytoskeleton. These data define mechanisms of GABA(B)R-mediated chemotaxis which may potentially be used to therapeutically regulate cellular response to injury and disease.
PROPAGATION OF MOUSE ADENOVIRUS ON CELL LINES OF HUMAN ORIGIN.

SOME common properties described for adenovirus strains are: (1) distinct intranuclear inclusion bodies in infected cells; (2) grape-like pattern of cytopathogenic effect; (3) group complement-fixing antigen; (4) uniform hexagonal ultrastructure; (5) a “relative species specific host range in animals and in tissue cultures” as described by Howe and Hartley1. Strains of human adenoviruses induced disease in the natural host or in closely related genera, and the titres of virus were higher in human cells. Human adenoviruses have been propagated in non-human tissues: Betts et al.2 demonstrated infection in pathogen-free piglets with human adenovirus, Type 1; and the oncogenic effect of human adenovirus 12 and 18 was demonstrated by Trentin et al.3 and by Huebner et al.4 in hamsters. In addition, human adenovirus has been propagated in tissues of various animals: Guerin and Guerin5 in pig kidneys; Rowe et al.6 in rabbit trachea and cotton rat tissues; Kelly and Pereira7 in rabbit kidneys; and Warren and Cutchins8 in bovine and embryonic tissue culture. In regard to propagation of animal adenoviruses it has been stated by Ginsberg9 that “adenovirus of animal origin propagates best and initiates distinctive cyto-pathology in tissues from homologous species”, and in another report Rowe and Hartley1 stated that mouse and chicken adenoviruses were quite species-specific in pathogenicity for animals and tissue cultures.
An actively accreting massive black hole in the dwarf starburst galaxy Henize 2-10

Supermassive black holes are now thought to lie at the heart of every giant galaxy with a spheroidal component, including our own Milky Way. The birth and growth of the first 'seed' black holes in the earlier Universe, however, is observationally unconstrained and we are only beginning to piece together a scenario for their subsequent evolution. Here we report that the nearby dwarf starburst galaxy Henize 2-10 (refs 5 and 6) contains a compact radio source at the dynamical centre of the galaxy that is spatially coincident with a hard X-ray source. From these observations, we conclude that Henize 2-10 harbours an actively accreting central black hole with a mass of approximately one million solar masses. This nearby dwarf galaxy, simultaneously hosting a massive black hole and an extreme burst of star formation, is analogous in many ways to galaxies in the infant Universe during the early stages of black-hole growth and galaxy mass assembly. Our results confirm that nearby star-forming dwarf galaxies can indeed form massive black holes, and that by implication so can their primordial counterparts. Moreover, the lack of a substantial spheroidal component in Henize 2-10 indicates that supermassive black-hole growth may precede the build-up of galaxy spheroids.