cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pyrimidine nucleosides enhance the efficacy of inhibitors of pyrimidine biosynthesis in cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Abstract Inhibition of colony formation in cultured hepatocellular carcinoma cells of the rat was used to test the efficacy of inhibitors of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis as potential anti-cancer drugs. N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartic acid (PALA) (10 and 100 ωg/ml) and 5-aza-5, 6-dihydroorotic acid (DHOX) (100 ωg/ml) inhibited the formation of colonies and these inhibitions were completely reversed by inclusion of 0.1 mM uridine, the end product of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, in the culture medium. With some lots of fetal bovine serum where PALA and DHOX had little effect on inhibiting colony formation, addition of 0.1 mM cytidine restored the inhibitory characteristics of PALA and, to some extent, DHOX. The results demonstrate that cytidine levels modulate the inhibitions of hepatoma colony formation by both PALA and DHOX and that co-administration of these drugs together with cytidine provides a simple expedient to increase drug efficacy.
Synaptic terminals in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus from neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus: a light and electron microscope autoradiographic study.

Abstract ( 3 H)-proline was injected in the caudodorsal part (visual segment) of the thalamic reticular nucleus to study its projection to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. This was done by autoradiographic tracing of anterograde axonal transport of tritium at the light- and electron microscopic level. The results of the light-microscope autoradiography show that connections of the thalamic reticular nucleus are distributed along lines of projections in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, indicating a retinotopic arrangement of this projection. The results of the electron microscope autoradiography provide direct evidence that axons of cells in the thalamic reticular nucleus terminate in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus as synaptic boutons that contain flattened synaptic vesicles, dark mitochondria and establish symmetrical synapses with perikarya and with proximal, intermediate and distal dendrites. They do not take part in intraglomerular synapses (as boutons with pleomorphic synaptic vesicles do) and are not postsynaptic to other vesicle-containing boutons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. The present results, taken in conjunction with physiological studies that have shown postsynaptic inhibitory effects of the thalamic reticular nucleus on dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus relay cells in the rat, establish a correlation of an inhibitory synapse with the presence of flattened synaptic vesicles in the corresponding synaptic boutons. Also, the observation that thalamic reticular nucleus terminals in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus avoid forming synapses with boutons containing pleomorphic vesicles, believed to be synaptic processes of interneurons, is indicative that the inhibitory effects are exerted monosynaptically on geniculate relay cells.
Validation of a brief implicit association test of stigma: schizophrenia and dangerousness.

AbstractBackground: Public perception of the link between schizophrenia and violence is exaggerated, and interventions are emerging that attempt to educate the public about the actual relationship between violence and schizophrenia. The effectiveness of programs targeting this dangerousness stereotype is unknown, however, as existing instruments do not capture a complete, unbiased picture of stigma.Aims: To report on the properties of the Brief Implicit Association Test-Schizophrenia Danger (BIAT-SD), which we developed to capture the implicit perception that people with schizophrenia are dangerous.Methods: We used a multi-trait, multi-method protocol to validate the BIAT-SD based on convergent and discriminant data from undergraduates (n = 97) at baseline and 4-weeks.Results: Preliminary evidence was found for construct validity, internal consistency, and 30-min retest stability.Conclusions: Potential benefits and implications of the measure to improving the accuracy of stigma measurement are discussed.
On removing Condorcet effects from pairwise election tallies

Condorcet profiles are responsible for a number of well known preference aggregation paradoxes. It is reasonable to claim that these profiles represent complete ties between the candidates and should therefore be excluded to determine election outcomes. Established profile decomposition techniques are of limited usefulness in extracting and removing Condorcet effects, because of the computational complexity involved, even if complete knowledge of voters’ rankings of all candidates are available. The paper discusses an easily implementable method of removing or reducing Condorcet effects from pairwise scores. Pairwise scores (and not complete knowledge of voters’ rankings) are often the only available data based on which an election winner has to be determined.
The Effect of Disc Jockey, Peer, and Music Teacher Approval of Music on Music Selection and Preference

This study investigated the effects on attitudes and listening behaviors of approvals of various music types (classical, country, and rock) attributed to various sources (disc jockeys, peers, and music teachers) on four fifth-grade classes (combined N = 82). Controlling for prior music class attitudes with an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), music teacher and disc jockey approvals increased classical music preferences and listening. Correlation between verbal preference response (VPR) and music selection behavior (MSB) was significant, albeit low, substantiating results of previous research on this age group. Correlation between the music type preference (MTP) measures and VPR, and MTP measures and MSB, indicate that if classical, country, and rock records were chosen in a drawing, listening selection behavior was associated more with record choices than was verbal preference rating.
Semiclassical theory of atom/solid surface collisions; Solution of steele's model

Abstract Steele's model of elastic gas/surface scattering is solved semiclassically. The model is reasonably successful in reproducing the diffractive data of Smith, O'Keefe, Saltsburg and Palmer.
Long-term stress-induced analgesia and activation of the opiate system.

Exposure of rats to a series of inescapable shocks produced in sequence both an early naltrexone-insensitive and a late naltrexone-reversible analgesic reaction. Activation of the opiate system was...
Exploring the career construction interview for vocational personality assessment

Abstract This mixed-methods study explored the validity and usefulness of the Career Construction Interview (CCI) with college students (n = 83) from a midsize Southern university. Using Pearson's r correlations, comparisons were made between the three-letter RIASEC Strong Interest Inventory (SII) theme code and RIASEC theme codes derived from coding the CCI narratives of the participants. Results indicated moderate correlation between the CCI and SII participant results.
Nonlinear Signal Processing Using Fiber-Optics Neurograms

A novel optical device for nonlinear signal processing is described based upon the following observations: (a) A phase space for signal processing is identified with a time-frequency joint representation (TFJR) that appears almost everywhere naturally, for example in bats, in music, etc. (b) A sudden slow down mechanism is responsible for the transition from a phase coherent-to-incoherent wavefront and provides us the sharpest tone transduction from a Bekesy traveling wave in a model of the inner ear. The cause of the slowdown is physically identified to be due to three forces. This has been used to derive a cubic deceleration polynomial responsible for a cusp bifurcation phenomenon which occur for every tone transducted along the nonuniform elastic membrane. The liquid-filled inner ear cochlea channel is divided by the membrane into an upper duct that has hair cells for the forward sound-generated flow and the lower duct for the backward balance-return flow.
The Ecology of Eosinophils in Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is characterized clinically by an increase in eosinophil counts in bone marrow and peripheral blood. This eosinophil response is also manifest pathologically by cell accumulation around the invading schistosomula and the parasite ova retained in host tissues. The parasites undergo a series of antigenic and maturational changes within the host that result in two distinct peaks of eosinophilia. Furthermore, products of parasite interaction with complement, antibodies, and sensitized T lymphocytes have been shown to enhance eosinophil migration and chemotaxis. Eosinophils, which constitute a prominent cellular component in the host response to the schistosomes, may be activated biochemically. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have delineated a protective role for the eosinophils against schistosomula and eggs. The ability of these cells to destroy multicellular parasites has been shown to be due to highly reactive oxygen reduction products or to release of cationic or major basic proteins from the granules.
Location in the Hotelling duopoly model with demand uncertainty

Abstract Demand uncertainty is introduced into a Hotelling environment with fixed prices by allowing random shocks to the desirability of the firm's product. Given these random shocks, the choice of location affects the average level of demand as well as the riskness of demand: reducing the distance to the other firm raises expected demand and payoff but also lowers the degree of differentiation between the firms, thus raising demand uncertainty. Risk averse firms will locate away from the center and, depending on degree of risk aversion, markup, and size of the market, may locate on either side of the quartile points.
Aid, Growth and Democracy

To the extent that aid is justified by the benefits to the recipient, rather than to the donor, it might be reasonably judged on two criteria: growth and poverty-alleviation. We study the first of these criteria. We find that the long-run growth impact of aid is conditional on the degree of political and civil liberties in the recipient country. Aid has a positive impact on growth in countries with an institutionalized check on governmental power; that is, in more democratic countries. The data suggest, however, that if this is not the case, aid will be used to satisfy the government’s own non-productive goals. We also find that aid on average is not channeled to more democratic countries, even though there are large cross-country differences between major donors.
Weighing Opposing Positions: Examining the Effects of Intratextual Persuasive Messages on Students' Knowledge and Beliefs.

Abstract The proliferation of new forms of media has given way to a multitude of new text structures, particularly texts designed to alter the receiver’s perspectives. Yet, little is known about the ways in which these novel text structures alter the characteristics of the receiver including one’s knowledge and beliefs. As such, the purpose of this multi-phase investigation was to explore the persuasion process when students read a persuasive message with an intratextual structure. Intratextual persuasion refers to a text structure in which two one-sided texts are presented together as a single message. As a result of reading an intratextual persuasive message, students’ perceived knowledge increased, and their topic beliefs strengthened differentially based upon students’ position on the controversial issue. Moreover, participants judged the characteristics of the overall commentary similarly, but they rated the characteristics of the two opposing texts differentially based on their position. Implications for research and instruction pertaining to persuasive texts with complex argument structure are forwarded.
Recollections of the Philco Transac S-2000

In 1954, engineers at Philco Corporation invented the surface barrier transistor, the first transistor suitable for use in high-speed computers. Philco set up a computer activity - eventually a computer division - and in 1957 introduced the Philco Transac S-2000, the first large-scale, transistorized scientific computer system offered as a product by a computer manufacturer. In the spring of 1958, we were hired by Philco to organize a programming systems department to provide software support for the new computer system. We present part of the history of the Philco computer effort from one participant's point of view. Despite a number of successful installations, the Philco computer division lacked adequate resources to remain competitive in an area dominated by IBM, and Philco withdrew from the general-purpose computer field in 1965.
Effectiveness and constraints of using the refueling system to control fusion reactor burn

A specialized 0-dimensional plasma simulation code has been developed and used to study the possibility of controlling the burn condition of an ITER-type fusion reactor by modulating the refueling rate. A robust feedback controller is synthesized; the values of feedback gains are obtained by an /spl Hscr//sub /spl infin// design. Simulation shows that, for burn control, modulating the refueling rate could be a better mechanism than, for example, modulating the auxiliary heating power, because the former can stabilize larger perturbations and obtain a higher Q-value. Specifically, using ITER/CDA tokamak parameters, it is found that modulating refueling rate alone can stabilize /spl plusmn/10% perturbations in temperature, as long as the controller delay due to the finite time required for fresh fuel to diffuse into the plasma center region is not much larger than the energy confinement time.
On weak uniqueness for some diffusions with discontinuous coefficients

Several situations when one can prove weak uniqueness of solutions of Ito equations with discontinuous or/and degenerate coefficients are presented. In particular, the cases are considered in which the set of discontinuity is a cone, or a straight line, or else a discrete set of points.
Normalized metabolic stress for31P-MR spectroscopy studies of human skeletal muscle: MVC vs. muscle volume

Fowler, M. D., T. W. Ryschon, R. E. Wysong, C. A. Combs, and R. S. Balaban. Normalized metabolic stress for31P-MR spectroscopy studies of human skeletal muscle: MVC vs. muscle volume. J. Appl. Phys...
A Scale Measure of State Regulatory Climate Toward Finfish Aquaculture

States are responsible for implementing many key environmental laws enacted during the last 30 years. State level variations in legal, regulatory, and development programs targeted toward the aquaculture industry can affect aquaculture firm decision making, including site location and species selection decisions. This research focused on development and testing of a summated scale measure of state regulatory climate toward finfish aquaculture. Data for the analysis were generated from a national survey of state level finfish aquaculture programs. The final aquaculture regulatory climate scale (ARCScale) ranges from 0–18, with the numerical value of the scale increasing with increases in regulatory stringency. Scale values were computed for each state plus Guam for five categories of finfish: baitfish, ornamentals, commercial foodfish, freshwater gamefish, and marine gamefish. The scale allows direct comparison between states, enabling aquaculture producers to make more informed location, species selection, and business decisions. The scale also provides a means for evaluating changes in state institutional characteristics and regulatory climate over time.
Celiomesenteric anomaly and aneurysm: Clinical and etiologic features

Abstract The development of aneurysmal disease involving the rarely encountered celiomesenteric anomaly is extremely unusual. Aneurysmal disease of the celiac or superior mesenteric arteries is itself an extremely uncommon finding, accounting for less than 10% of all visceral artery aneurysms. The existence of aneurysmal disease involving a celiomesenteric anomaly has been alluded to only briefly in two previous clinical reports. We review the case of a young woman with aneurysmal disease involving a common celiomesenteric trunk. The patient underwent excision of the aneurysm with successful vascular reconstruction. Although extremely unusual, the development of this extremely rare lesion can be predicted on the basis of specific etiologic theories. Variations in the patterns of embryologic formation of the visceral arteries account for the development of celiomesenteric anomalies, whereas atherosclerosis, medial degeneration, and infection lead to the development of most visceral aneurysms. Surgical treatment of celiac or mesenteric aneurysms is almost always indicated. Awareness of potential vascular anomalies and patterns of collateral circulation are necessary for appropriate surgical intervention. (J VASC SURG 1991;14:229-34.)
Romantic relationships in early adulthood: Influences of family, personality, and relationship cognitions

Two hundred and sixty-five participants and their romantic partners were involved in a prospective, longitudinal, and multimethod study during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Guided by the development of the early adult romantic relationships (DEARR) model (Bryant & Conger, 2002), the research (a) investigated mid-adolescent family experiences and individual differences in personality as predictors of qualities in the early adult romantic union and (b) evaluated the degree to which marital beliefs mediated these associations. Structural equation modeling partially supported the mediating effects of marital beliefs. The findings were generally consistent with the DEARR model, suggesting that it is informative to study early adult romantic relationship functioning within a developmental-contextual framework, while simultaneously considering the unique effects of personality and relationship cognitions.
Objective measurement of transcoded video quality in mobile applications

This paper evaluates the performance of a zero reference metric used in objective measurement of the quality of video which has been transcoded at various bit rates to suit the needs of the 3G mobile environment. This Zero reference metric (AVQ) has been shown to exhibit a high correlation with Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) which is a functional measure of video quality representing how often a typical viewer observes a noticeable visual error. This paper reports on the performance of transcoders with MPEG2 video at 512 kbps as input and 192, 256 and 384 kbps versions of MPEG-4 Part 2 Visual and MPEG-4 Part 10 (H.264 ) as outputs. We use AVQ-estimated MTBF and PSNR as quality metrics. Our results show that MTBF better reflects subtleties such as lowered visual quality during significant motion. It also provides a more descriptive spread of quality in the 192-384 kbps range of transcoder outputs.
Primary alveolar epithelial cell surface membrane microdomain function is required for Pneumocystis β-glucan-induced inflammatory responses.

Intense lung inflammation characterizes respiratory failure associated with Pneumocystis pneumonia. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) elaborate inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to the Pneumocystis carinii cell wall constituent b-(1!3)-glucan (PCBG), and that these responses require lactosylceramide, a prominent glycosphingolipid constituent of certain cell membrane microdomains. The relevance of membrane microdomains, also termed plasma membrane lipid rafts, in cell signaling and macromolecule handling has been increasingly recognized in many biologic systems, but their role in P. carinii-induced inflammation is unknown. To investigate the mechanisms of microdomain-dependent P. carinii-induced inflammation, we challenged primary rat AECs with PCBG with or without pre-incubation with inhibitors of microdomain function. Glycosphingolipid and cholesterol rich microdomain inhibition resulted in significant attenuation of P. carinii-induced expression of TNF-a and the rodent C-X-C chemokine MIP-2, as well as their known inflammatory secondary signaling pathways. We have previously shown that protein kinase C (PKC) is activated by PCBG challenge and herein show that PKC localizes to AEC microdomains. We also demonstrate by conventional microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy and spectrophotofluorimetry that AECs internalize fluorescently-labeled PCBG by microdomain-mediated mechanisms, and that antimicrodomain pretreatments prevent internalization. Taken together, these data suggest an important role for AEC microdomain function in PCBG-induced inflammatory responses. This offers a potential novel target for therapeutics for a condition that continues to exert unacceptable morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised populations.
CYLINDROCAPSA: CELL DIVISION AND PHYLOGENETIC AFFINITIES

SUMMARY Each vegetative cell of Cylindrocapsa is enclosed by its own wall, and the filamentous form is maintained by a separate sheath of wall material derived from parental cells. Cell division differs from most other Ulotrichalean genera so far described. Cleavage is initiated even before prophase, usually first from that side of the cell where the interphase nucleus and centrioles lie near the wall. Centrioles replicate and the pairs then separate around the nucleus. The spindle is closed; the poles are broad and flattened with the centrioles coming to lie to one side of them. The nuclear envelope is highly perforated at each pole and spindle microtubules run into these small holes. As anaphase progresses, the ingrowing cleavage furrow impinges upon the interzonal spindle, often deforming it. No phycoplast is formed for cytokinesis. Instead, the spindle seems to collapse as the furrow pushes through it so that the daughter nuclei eventually lie on either side of it. Recent work has shown this type of cell division to occur in several other Ulotrichalean algae. A recent redefinition of the order Ulvales based on this type of cell division includes several algae formerly in the Ulotrichales. We support this redefinition and the inclusion of Cylindrocapsa in the Ulvales as the only genus in the family Cylindrocapsaceae.
The role of risk preferences in bargaining when acceptance of a proposal requires less than unanimous approval

The role of risk preferences in determining the outcome to bargaining is examined for the case in which acceptance of a proposal requires less than unanimous approval. Using an n-agent extension of the Stahl-Rubinstein alternating offer model, we find that risk preferences play a fundamentally different role when bargaining is settled using a nonunanimity voting rule. Risk preferences determine not only an agent's reservation price but also the likelihood that he is made part of the winning coalition. An implication of this analysis is that when the preferences of the agents are not too diverse, it is advantageous for an agent to be relatively risk-averse.
An abelisaurid from the Late Cretaceous of Egypt: implications for theropod biogeography

Recent paleogeographic scenarios postulate the isolation of continental Africa during the Late Cretaceous. The absence of abelisaurid theropods from Upper Cretaceous African strata was offered as support of hypothesized African isolation with the acknowledgement that the paucity of African abelisaurids may be mostly an issue of sampling. Here we report on a shed theropod tooth from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian, ∼70 Ma) Duwi Formation of Egypt. The tooth was referred to the Malagasy abelisaurid “Megalosaurus” crenatissimus (=Majungasaurus crenatissimus) in 1921. A discriminant function analysis was run to test for morphological congruence between the Egyptian tooth and the dentitions of 24 theropod taxa. The analysis correctly classified 96.6% of the teeth in the sample and assigned the tooth to Majungasaurus. As current paleogeographic reconstructions posit Madagascar had attained its current position relative to Africa before the Late Cretaceous, it is unlikely that the Egyptian tooth actually pertains to Majungasaurus. Nevertheless, its classification as an abelisaurid supports its referral to the clade. This tooth thus constitutes defensible evidence of an abelisaurid from the post-Cenomanian Cretaceous of mainland Africa. Combined with recent discoveries of abelisaurids in Niger and Morocco, the result indicates that Abelisauridae was a diverse group in Africa during the Cretaceous, existing in multiple places for at least ∼25 Ma and weakens support for hypotheses of an isolated Africa during the Late Cretaceous.
Betrayal Trauma: Associations With Psychological and Physical Symptoms in Young Adults

Betrayal trauma, or trauma perpetrated by someone with whom a victim is close, is strongly associated with a range of negative psychological and physical health outcomes. However, few studies have examined associations between different forms of trauma and emotional and physical symptoms. The present study compared betrayal trauma to other forms of trauma as predictors of young adults' psychological and physical symptoms, and explored potential mediators. A total of 185 university undergraduate students completed the Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey, the Trauma Symptom Checklist, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Pennebaker Inventory of Limbic Languidness. For each set of symptoms, simultaneous multiple regressions assessed the relative contributions of low versus high betrayal trauma to psychological and physical health reports. Structural equation models examined traumatic stress symptoms and alexithymia as mediators of the relationship between betrayal trauma and physical health symptoms. A total of 151 participants (82%) reported exposure to at least 1 of 11 forms of trauma queried (M = 2.08, SD = 1.94); 96 participants (51.9%) reported at least 1 betrayal trauma. Traumas characterized by high betrayal predicted alexithymia, anxiety, depression, dissociation, physical health complaints, and the number of days students reported being sick during the past month, whereas other traumas did not. Structural equation modeling revealed that traumatic stress symptoms and alexithymia mediated the association between betrayal trauma and physical health complaints. These results indicate that betrayal trauma is associated with young adults' physical and mental health difficulties to a greater extent than are other forms of trauma. Results may inform assessment, intervention, and prevention efforts.
Recent advances in the molecular biology of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is the causative agent of cryptococcosis. Once a rare disease seen only in the terminally ill, it became much more common with the advent of immunosuppressive regimens for the treatment of neoplastic disease and for transplant maintenance. The disease has taken on added importance as one of the most common opportunistic infections seen in patients with AIDS. Anti-cryptococcal therapy is difficult in AIDS patients due to decreased cure rates and increased relapse rates. This increased incidence of cryptococcosis has lead to increased interest in the mechanism of pathogenesis and virulence.
Electron impact ionization: A new parameterization for 100 eV to 1 MeV electrons

Low, medium and high energy electrons can penetrate to the thermosphere (90-400 km; 55-240 miles) and mesosphere (50-90 km; 30-55 miles). These precipitating electrons ionize that region of the atmosphere, creating positively charged atoms and molecules and knocking off other negatively charged electrons. The precipitating electrons also create nitrogen-containing compounds along with other constituents. Since the electron precipitation amounts change within minutes, it is necessary to have a rapid method of computing the ionization and production of nitrogen-containing compounds for inclusion in computationally-demanding global models. A new methodology has been developed, which has parameterized a more detailed model computation of the ionizing impact of precipitating electrons over the very large range of 100 eV up to 1,000,000 eV. This new parameterization method is more accurate than a previous parameterization scheme, when compared with the more detailed model computation. Global models at the National Center for Atmospheric Research will use this new parameterization method in the near future.
Inactivation of G1ucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Isozymes from Human and Pig Brain by Aluminum

Prolonged intake of low levels of aluminum from the drinking water has been found to increase the aluminum content in rat brain homogenates and to reduce the activity of hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). To determine the interaction of G6PD with aluminum in the brain, we have recently purified two isozymes of G6PD (isozymes I and II) from human and pig brain. Unlike isozyme I, isozyme II also had 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD) activity. We report here that G6PD isozymes I and II from human and pig brain purified to apparent homogeneity are inactivated by aluminum. Aluminum did not affect the 6-PGD activity of isozyme II. The aluminum-inactivated enzyme contained 1 mol of aluminum/mol of enzyme subunit. The protein-bound metal ion was not dissociated by exhaustive dialysis at 4 degrees C against 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.0) containing 0.2 mM EDTA. Preincubation of aluminum with citrate, NADP+, EDTA, NaF, ATP, and apotransferrin protected the G6PD isozymes against aluminum inactivation. However, when the G6PD isozymes were completely inactivated by aluminum, only citrate, NaF, and apotransferrin restored the enzyme activity. The dissociation constants for the enzyme-aluminum complex of the isozymes varied from 2 to 4 microM, as measured by using NaF, a known chelator for aluminum. Inhibition of G6PD by low levels of aluminum further strengthens the suggested role of aluminum toxicity in the energy metabolism of the brain.
The Intensification of Two-Dimensional Swirling Flows by Stochastic Asymmetric Forcing

Abstract The effects of stochastically excited asymmetric disturbances on two-dimensional vortices are investigated. These vortices are maintained by the radial inflow of fixed cylindrical deformation fields, which are chosen so that both one-celled and two-celled vortices may be studied. The linearized perturbation equations are reduced to the form of a linear dynamical system with stochastic forcing, that is, dx/dt = Ax + Fξ, where the columns of F are forcing functions and the elements of ξ are Gaussian white-noise processes. Through this formulation the stochastically maintained variance of the perturbations, the structures that dominate the response (the empirical orthogonal functions), and the forcing functions that contribute most to this response (the stochastic optimals) can be directly calculated. For all cases the structures that most effectively induce the transfer of energy from the mean flow to the perturbation field are close approximations to the global optimals (i.e., the initial perturba...
Medial-point description of shape: a representation for action coding and its psychophysical correlates

We describe a region-based shape representation that might be particularly useful from a biological perspective because it promotes the localization of objects, and object parts relative to each other. The proposed medial-point representation is similar to medial-axis type representations, but it is more compact. The medial points are those points along the medial axis that are equidistant from the longest segments of the boundary, therefore they represent the largest amount of edge information. The main advantage is that the original image can be reduced to a small number of points. We also provide psychophysical correlates of the representation for shapes with increasing complexity. Using a reverse mapping technique, we find that variations of contrast sensitivity within figures are defined by the shape of the bounding contour, and the peaks in the sensitivity maps correspond to the medial points of the proposed representation.
Cloning and characterization of the WAX2 gene of Arabidopsis involved in cuticle membrane and wax production

Insertional mutagenesis of Arabidopsis ecotype C24 was used to identify a novel mutant, designated wax2, that had alterations in both cuticle membrane and cuticular waxes. Arabidopsis mutants with altered cuticle membrane have not been reported previously. Compared with the wild type, the cuticle membrane of wax2 stems weighed 20.2% less, and when viewed using electron microscopy, it was 36.4% thicker, less opaque, and structurally disorganized. The total wax amount on wax2 leaves and stems was reduced by >78% and showed proportional deficiencies in the aldehydes, alkanes, secondary alcohols, and ketones, with increased acids, primary alcohols, and esters. Besides altered cuticle membranes, wax2 displayed postgenital fusion between aerial organs (especially in flower buds), reduced fertility under low humidity, increased epidermal permeability, and a reduction in stomatal index on adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. Thus, wax2 reveals a potential role for the cuticle as a suppressor of postgenital fusion and epidermal diffusion and as a mediator of both fertility and the development of epidermal architecture (via effects on stomatal index). The cloned WAX2 gene (verified by three independent allelic insertion mutants with identical phenotypes) codes for a predicted 632–amino acid integral membrane protein with a molecular mass of 72.3 kD and a theoretical pI of 8.78. WAX2 has six transmembrane domains, a His-rich diiron binding region at the N-terminal region, and a large soluble C-terminal domain. The N-terminal portion of WAX2 is homologous with members of the sterol desaturase family, whereas the C terminus of WAX2 is most similar to members of the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family. WAX2 has 32% identity to CER1, a protein required for wax production but not for cuticle membrane production. Based on these analyses, we predict that WAX2 has a metabolic function associated with both cuticle membrane and wax synthesis. These studies provide new insight into the genetics and biochemistry of plant cuticle production and elucidate new associations between the cuticle and diverse aspects of plant development.
Predicting the likely behaviours of continuous nonlinear systems in equilibrium

This paper introduces a method for predicting the likely behaviors of continuous nonlinear systems in equilibrium in which the input values can vary. The method uses a parameterized equation model and a lower bound on the input joint density to bound the likelihood that some behavior will occur, such as a state variable being inside a given numeric range. Using a bound on the density instead of the density itself is desirable because often the input density's parameters and shape are not exactly known. The new method is called SAB after its basic operations: split the input value space into smaller regions, and then bound those regions' possible behaviors and the probability of being in them. SAB finds rough bounds at first, and then refines them as more time is given. In contrast to other researchers' methods, SAB can (1) find all the possible system behaviors, and indicate how likely they are, (2) does not approximate the distribution of possible outcomes without some measure of the error magnitude, (3) does not use discretized variable values, which limit the events one can find probability bounds for, (4) can handle density bounds, and (5) can handle such criteria as two state variables both being inside a numeric range.
A new Hyposoter (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Orgyia pseudotsugata (MCD.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

A new species of Hyposoter Foerster from western North America is described based on features of the adult, final-instar cephalic structure, cocoon, and biology. Hyposoter masoni n. sp. is a common parasite of the Douglas-fir tussock moth, Orgyia pseudotsugata.
Virtual storage architecture guide (VSAG)

The VSAG expands on the virtual storage concepts of the IEEE Mass Storage Systems Reference Model (MSSRM), version 5. The intended outcome of the VSAG is to provide a framework for the VSS standard that will enable software vendors to develop and deploy interoperable virtual storage management products. The VSAG provides a model for: a single storage image of diverse technologies in a multivendor network of storage devices; interoperability with other OSSI components and relevant IEEE, ISO, and ANSI standards; adapting to various existing and anticipated data management clientele. The VSAG envisions a single storage image of diverse device technologies in a multivendor network. The VSAG also promotes the automation of routine storage management tasks, permits reconfiguration of network storage as needs change, and supports common points of administration for accounting, availability, configuration, performance, recovery, and security. The scope of the VSAG includes: definition of virtual objects that reside in persistent storage; framework for software interfaces and protocols; model for servers of various types interacting within a single network. The scope of the VSAG excludes: detail specification of interfaces; specification of specific functional requirements and dependencies; discussion of algorithms, protocols, and physical media formats.
Male gender and not the severity of hypertension is associated with end-organ damage in aged stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Background It is well-known that gender affects the progression of kidney failure. Male patients exhibit faster development of age-dependent renal disease than do women. In the present study, we examined arterial blood pressure (BP), proteinuria, and end-organ damage in male and female retired breeders from our colony of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Methods Male (n = 7) and female (n = 11) SHRSP littermates maintained on Purina Laboratory Chow 5008 and water were studied starting at 53 weeks of age. Systolic BP was measured by tail–cuff plethysmography and 24-h urinary protein excretion was quantified while animals were housed in metabolic cages. Blood was obtained by retro-orbital bleeding. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was then monitored by radiotelemetry. Organs were preserved for histopathologic assessment. Results Tail–cuff systolic BP did not differ between the sexes. Male SHRSP exhibited greater proteinuria (128 ± 7 mg/d) than females (21 ± 5 mg/d, P Conclusions These findings demonstrate that male gender is a major risk factor for multisystem end-organ damage associated with aging and hypertension in SHRSP, despite comparable degrees of hypertension among males and females.
Development of the Brushing, Abrading, Regolith, Core PreView and the Coring Bits for the Mars Sample Return Mission

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are developing a Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) campaign of three missions starting with the 2018 Mars Astrobiology Explorer-Cacher (MAX-C) mission. The MAX-C would acquire rock cores and regolith samples into a cache, and leave the cache on the ground. At a later stage this cache would be collected and returned to Earth by another mission. In order to select the most suitable sets of rocks for sample return, the rocks have to be analyzed in situ (as is done on MER). To aid this process, we have developed five bits: a brushing bit, an abrading bit, a core preview bit, a powder and regolith acquisition bit, and finally the core bit for acquiring rock cores ~ 0.7-1 cm diameter and 5-10 cm long for sample return. All these bits would be deployed from the same drill. This paper presents development stages of these bits and testing them with a drill deployed from a robotic arm and inside a Mars chamber. The test rocks used were Kaolinite, limestone, and basalt.
Modeling of epicardial signals in the human body

Epicardial signals are time-varying electric potentials on the outer surface of the heart that originate from a signal inside the heart to trigger the heartbeat. Diagnosis of epicardial signals by medical personnel reveals the health of the heart. Modeling of these signals is important in the inverse problem of electrocardiography. In this paper, we present an inverse technique for computing epicardial signals. We present a finite difference method using Laplace's equation for computing the resistance of an arbitrarily shaped conductor. We demonstrate how this method is useful in modeling the currents inside the body due to static electric fields. By applying this method to a model of the human body, we can develop a network of resistors from the heart to various points on the body surface. From actual electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements at the body surface, we can use the derived network to compute source potentials.
Effects of organochlorine pesticides on interleukin secretion from lymphocytes.

Organochlorine pesticides have been used worldwide primarily as insecticides. Due to their chemical stability, they often persist in the environment long after their use has ceased. In a previous study, we found that six organochlorine compounds (a-chlordane, g-chlordane, 4,4?-DDT, heptachlor, oxychlordane, and pentachlorophenol (PCP)), at concentrations of 5 mM, were able to significantly decrease the ability of highly purified human natural killer (NK) cells to lyse tumor cells after exposures, ranging from 1 hour to 6 days. However, if T cells were present with the NK cells (T/NK cells), loss of lytic function was seen only with oxychlordane and PCP. The purpose of the current study is to begin to investigate the mechanism by which T cells may be blocking the negative effects of some organochlorine compounds on NK cell function. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that T cells could produce significant levels of NK-stimulatory interleukin(s) (ILs), and that this may account for the decreased inhibition seen with organochlorine exposures when T cells were present. Secretion of four cytokines that have a demonstrated capacity to influence NK function, and/or are secreted by T cells, was measured (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12). We measured both the baseline levels of ILs and the effects of organochlorine compound on IL secretion in T/NK cells. The results showed that baseline levels of the NK-stimulatory IL, IL12, were 8989 /264 pg/mL at 24 hours and IL-10 levels were 5649 /337 pg/mL. In contrast, IL-2 levels were 149 /10 pg/mL, and IL-4 levels were 39 /2 pg/mL at 24 hours. The two compounds that retained their capacity to decrease NK lytic function in T/NK cells, oxychlordane (5 mM) and PCP (5 and 10 mM), were able to either decrease the secretion of NK-stimulatory ILs (IL-2, IL-12 and/or IL-10) and/or increase secretion of the NK-inhibitory cytokine, IL-4, at each length of exposure tested. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2006) 25, 651 � 659
Models for Multivariate Random Length Data with Applications in Clinical Trials

This paper focuses on the development of models for multivariate random length data encountered in clinical or medical trials. When a patient's data consist of multiple responses of a certain quantitative variable and a random number of such responses, an observation of a multivariate random vector with random length is obtained. The trial therapy is likely to affect both the magnitude of each response and the number of responses through some underlying mechanism. The approach in this paper to analyzing these complex data is by proposing statistical models that meaningfully describe the relationships between the quantitative variables and the number of responses. Multiple population models for multivariate random length data with and without covariates are introduced in this paper. Maximum likelihood equation (MLE) methods are used for parameter estimation. The asymptotic efficiency of the MLEs is obtained via information matrices of the parameters. Data from the TYPE II coronary intervention study are an...
Lipopolysaccharide Releases a Priming Substance from Platelets that Augments the Oxidative Response of Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils to Chemotactic Peptide

Human neutrophils produce small amounts of (V when stimulated with the chemotactic peptide F-Met-Leu-Phe; preincubating neutrophils with low concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) markedly increases this response, an effect referred to as priming. Neutrophil suspensions without mononuclear cells and platelets were insusceptible to priming by 10 ng of LPS; susceptibility was restored by reintroducng platelets, approximately five platelets per neutrophil. Incubation of platelets with 10 ng of LPS/mL released a soluble factor that produced graded priming responses of at least fivefold in neutrophils. The priming factor had the properties of a labile protein and did not resemble previously described mediators derived from platelets. Anthrax toxin, which inhibits priming of neutrophils by LPS, inhibited priming by the platelet factor but not release of the factor from platelets. Thus, the platelet factor mediates a portion of the overall priming effect of LPS and thereby modulates the level of (V generation by neutrophils.
Hardy Spaces of Holomorphic Functions for Domains in ℂn with Minimal Smoothness

We prove various representations and density results for Hardy spaces of holomorphic functions for two classes of bounded domains in \(\mathbb{C}^{n}\), whose boundaries satisfy minimal regularity conditions (namely the classes C2 and C1, 1, respectively) together with naturally occurring notions of convexity.
Quantifying the Consequences of Missing School: Linking School Nurses to Student Absences to Standardized Achievement.

Background/ContextParents, policymakers, and researchers uphold that missing school has negative implications on schooling success, particularly for students in urban schools. However, it has thus ...
Back-of-the-Envelope Benefit-Cost Analysis

We stressed throughout Chapter 9 that benefit-cost analysis should be perceived as a process for organizing information rather than as an inflexible rule for making decisions. In particular, benefit-cost analysis provides a convenient summary measure for those impacts that can be measured and valued in dollars and a framework for assessing the potential importance of impacts that cannot be valued in dollars.
Coronary angiographic evaluation of low-risk chest pain in the emergency department CT-STAT, or maybe not quite that fast?

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is evolving into a mature imaging modality for assessment of patients with acute chest pain in the emergency department (ED). More than 1,000 patients have been studied in the ED setting in both single-center and multicenter trials, not including the