cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flow-cytometric analysis of endocytic compartments.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of flow cytometry for the characterization of the endocytic pathway and describes methods for measuring the pH of endocytic compartments in living cells and for analyzing individual organelles. By the use of appropriate fluorescently labeled antibodies, in combination with endocytic markers, it will become easier to identify various compartments. Much as immunologically relevant cells have been classified on the basis of surface molecules, vesicles may be similarly identified. The technique of single-organelle flow analysis is the first isolation method that does not rely on a biophysical property; rather, it relies on biological properties. Analytically, it can distinguish the contents of individual vesicles at high speed to provide statistically significant data. Preparatively, it can provide the means by which highly purified populations of vesicles can be obtained.
The Informational Relevance of Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility

Proponents of corporate social responsibility (CSR) argue that CSR activities allow firms to improve relationships with key stakeholder groups and gain a competitive advantage over industry rivals. This study examines the impact of additions and deletions in the Domini Social 400 Index due to stakeholder-related CSR activities on the share prices for both announcing firms and rival companies. Results from the event study analysis indicate that CSR additions (deletions) are associated with positive (negative) abnormal returns for the announcement firm. Furthermore, evidence from the intra-industry share price response is consistent with a competitive effect where good (bad) news for the announcement firms is simultaneously perceived as bad (good) news for rival firms. The study highlights the central role of information in linking CSR with financial performance, and provides strategic implications for firm managers.
Linear error analysis of slope-area discharge determinations

Abstract The slope-area method can be used to calculate peak flood discharges when current-meter measurements are not possible. This calculation depends on several quantities, such as water-surface fall, that are subject to large measurement errors. Other critical quantities, such as Manning's n , are not even amenable to direct measurement but can only be estimated. Finally, scour and fill may cause gross discrepancies between the observed condition of the channel and the hydraulic conditions during the flood peak. The effects of these potential errors on the accuracy of the computed discharge have been estimated by statistical error analysis using a Taylor-series approximation of the discharge formula and the well-known formula for the variance of a sum of correlated random variates. The resultant error variance of the computed discharge is a weighted sum of covariances of the various observational errors. The weights depend on the hydraulic and geometric configuration of the channel. The mathematical analysis confirms the rule of thumb that relative errors in computed discharge increase rapidly when velocity heads exceed the water-surface fall, when the flow field is expanding and when lateral velocity variation (alpha) is large. It also confirms the extreme importance of accurately assessing the presence of scour or fill.
The rhetoric of radical black nationalism: A case study in self‐conscious criticism

The rhetoric of Black nationalism is used as a case study to illustrate problems involved in the criticism of contemporary protest rhetoric. The conclusions resulting from the application of traditional theory are contrasted with those developed from Burkeian dramatism in order to outline an alternative perspective toward this rhetoric and in order to provide a technique for increasing the self‐consciousness of the critic.
A novel female influences Δ9-THC effects on plasma hormone levels in male mice

Abstract Exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (50 mg/kg) alters the endocrine responsivity of male mice to female-related exteroceptive stimuli. Exposure to a novel female prevents or delays the THC-induced decrease in plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. These hormonal alterations are apparently not due to the LH-releasing effects of female-related pheromonal or tactile cues, since administration of luteinizing hormone releasing factor (LRF) did not mimic the effects of a novel female on plasma T levels in THC-treated males. Exposure to a much lower dose of THC (0.5 mg/kg) did augment the LRF-induced increases in plasma T levels suggesting a possible synergism between gonadotropins and THC on androgen production. The present findings suggest that THC-induced alterations in hormonal status may be influenced by complex social or environmental factors.
Petrogenesis of Mesoproterozoic Oak Creek and West McCoy Gulch plutons, Colorado: an example of cumulate unmixing of a mid-crustal, two mica granite anorogenic affinity

Abstract The 1.44 Ga old Oak Creek batholith is a composite suite of foliated granitoid intrusions consisting of two main facies: (1) a porphyritic facies ranging from quartz monzonite to monzogranite and (2) a medium-grained leucogranite. The porphyritic facies comprises most of the batholith and is distinctly rich in feldspar. The medium-grained facies is more silica rich, and it occurs as small, irregular bodies within the porphyritic facies. Occurring 20 km to the west, the West McCoy Gulch stock is a 1.46 Ga, unfoliated pluton that is similar to the medium-grained facies at Oak Creek. Based on several independent thermobarometers, the batholith is estimated to have been emplaced at 11 to 14 km (3 to 4 kbar). Near liquidus temperatures were at 880±60°C and, for more evolved members, solidus temperatures were 650±20°C. The estimated oxygen fugacity (at 2 log units above QFM) is typical of other magnetite series granites. Compared to most granites, these granites contain high Fe Mg ratios, high K and REE concentration, and low Mg and Ca concentrations. The least differentiated portions of the medium-grained facies at Oak Creek and the West McCoy Gulch pluton could have formed by 20–30% aggregate melting of calc-alkaline tonalite to granodiorite. Other models, including derivation from melt-depleted granulite are precluded. The porphyritic facies at Oak Creek has large variations in elements that concentrate both in mafic minerals (Fe, Mg, Ti, Cr, and Sc) and feldspars (Ba, Sr), and these elements from fairly linear plots in Harker diagrams. Element modeling combined with the field evidence suggests that this unit formed by variable unmixing of magmatic cumulate crystals and evolving liquid. The medium-grained facies is interpreted as being a more evolved melt derived from the crystal-rich porphyritic facies. The West McCoy Gulch pluton could have formed in a similar manner to the medium-grained facies by crystal fractionation from a non-exposed parent. Cumulate-evolved melt unmixing may be a predominately mid-crustal phenomenon. Most A-type granites are homogeneous, shallow intrusions but may represent fractionated liquids derived from crystal-rich fractions such as that exposed in the Oak Creek batholith.
Congenital absence of the vagina—the mayer-rokitansky-kuster-hauser syndrome

Abstract Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster- Hauser syndrome continues to intrigue both basic scientists and clinicians. Although great advances have been made in human embryology, many controversies remain. Likewise, speculation on the pathophysiology of this disorder abounds but the etiology continues to be a mystery. Fortunately, the diagnosis is usually not difficult and requires little if any interventional procedures. The evolution of the treatment of vaginal agenesis sheds some light on the ingenuity and perseverance of the physicians who helped develop the variety of treatment modalities that are available today. The procedure chosen should weigh the individual needs of each patient with the physician's expertise. Only those with considerable experience should attempt to surgically reconstruct a vagina as there is very little margin for error. Regardless of the method chosen, the most important variable for success is the patient's cooperation and mental status. Fortunately, most series report excellent results. The majority of these patients have satisfactory sexual relations and function as well-adjusted women.
THE EFFECT OF ADRENALECTOMY ON THE ACCESSORY REPRODUCTIVE GLANDS OF MICE CASTRATED FOR SHORT PERIODS

THE ISOLATION of a number of sterols from cortical extracts has left unanswered the question as to what extent these sterols are normally secreted by the adrenal. In the case of the androgens, isolated from adrenal extracts by Reichstein (1936) and others, it should be possible to evaluate the adrenal output quite directly, simply by comparing the state of androgen sensitive tissues in castrates and in adrenalectomized castrates. Such studies in rats (Howard ‘38, ‘41; Burrill and Greene ‘39, ‘40) have shown that for a brief period during normal development, the adrenal secretes sufficient androgen to cause an appreciable stimulation of the prostate. However, this effect does not occur after 50 days of age. Studies using transplanted prostates have shown that the age difference is not due to alterations in sensitivity of the tissue, but that there is less extra-gonadai androgen in adults (Price‘41). Hence, andromimetic activity is not a normal function of the adult rat adrenal.
Nucleic acid metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract of the mouse during fasting and restraint-stress☆

Abstract The uptake of thymidine-methyl- 3 H and uridine-5- 3 H into DNA and RNA of gastrointestinal tissues of mice has been measured after 16 and 40 hours of fasting and restraint. Fasting had little effect on DNA or RNA metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract except for increases in the uptake of uridine in the small intestine. These increases are thought to represent changes in uridine pool size. Restraint caused a reduction in DNA synthesis along the entire gastrointestinal tract and affected RNA metabolism in the stomach but not in the small intestine or colon. The changes in the stomach included early loss of total RNA followed by a decrease in the uptake of uridine-5- 3 H. The latter appeared to coincide wit the occurrence of gastric erosions. The importance of RNA metabolism in mucus production and in the maintenance of the mucosal cell population has been discussed in relation to the development of stress-induced gastric erosions.
Bulk optical properties of healthy female breast tissue.

We have measured the bulk optical properties of healthy female breast tissues in vivo in the parallel plate, transmission geometry. Fifty-two volunteers were measured. Blood volume and blood oxygen saturation were derived from the optical property data using a novel method that employed a priori spectral information to overcome limitations associated with simple homogeneous tissue models. The measurements provide an estimate of the variation of normal breast tissue optical properties in a fairly large population. The mean blood volume was 34 ± 9 μM and the mean blood oxygen saturation was 68 ± 8%. We also investigated the correlation of these optical properties with demographic factors such as body mass index (BMI) and age. We observed a weak correlation of blood volume and reduced scattering coefficient with BMI; correlation with age, however, was not evident within the statistical error of these experiments. The new information on healthy breast tissue provides insight about the potential contrasts available for diffuse optical tomography of breast tumours.
A randomized violence prevention trial with comparison: responses by gender

Using random assignment of students to two intervention groups and a comparison school sample, the researchers evaluated a three-group school-based violence prevention program. The three groups were (1) a whole-school intervention, (2) whole-school, cognitive-behavioral and cultural enrichment training, and (3) no violence prevention. The evaluation yielded significant between-group differences by gender from Times 3 to 4. Males showed no significant across-group differences. Females showed a moderate beneficial effect size for perpetration in group 2. Females also exhibited a large beneficial effect for self-reported victimization. Researchers may need to consider gender as a variable for designing inner-city interventions like this.
A solid water pelvic and prostate phantom for imaging, volume rendering, treatment planning, and dosimetry for an RTOG multi-institutional, 3-D dose escalation study

Abstract Purpose: With increased interest in 3-D conformal radiation therapy and dose escalation, it is necessary to provide advanced techniques to assure quality in treatment delivery. Multi-institutional trials for these newer treatment techniques require methods of verifying the consistency of treatments between the participating institutions. For this reason, a phantom was designed to address the quality and consistency of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 3-D prostate treatment protocol. Methods and Materials: A solid water pelvic and prostate phantom for imaging, volume rendering, treatment planning, and dosimetry applications for performing comprehensive quality assurance has been designed and fabricated. Its configuration was based upon CT slices obtained from a patient study. Individual slices were machined with corresponding contours of the prostate, bladder, rectum, and the left and right femurs. Most of the phantom is made of solid water (Gammex/RMI, Middleton, WI), while the femurs are made of bone-equivalent material. The CT numbers from patient images were used to adjust the solid water composition within the organ volumes, providing image contrast from the remainder of the phantom. Cylindrical insertion grooves are machined in the phantom to allow placement of ionization chambers and thermal luminal dosimeters (TLDs) for dosimetry applications. During imaging, the cavities are filled with rods fabricated from solid water material. Results: The phantom is being used to evaluate the consistency of a range of processes in radiation therapy simulation, planning, and delivery of 3-D-based treatments for prostate cancer. Conclusion: The ultimate study objective is to use the phantom to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of treatments delivered by institutions participating in national collaborative clinical trials involving 3-D conformal dose escalation.
A dual-modality optical biopsy approach for in vivo detection of prostate cancer in rat model

Ultrasound-guided biopsy procedure for prostate cancer diagnosis, which is the current gold standard, involves quasi-random sampling of prostate tissue without any functional guidance. In this study, we discuss the possibility to augment the detection of prostate cancer using a dual-modality optical approach, which can be coupled with the current needle biopsy setup. Two techniques are light reflectance spectroscopy (LRS) that uses a broadband light source and a CCD array spectrometer, and auto-fluorescence lifetime measurement (AFLM) that uses a custom-designed, time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) system. Both LRS and AFLM were employed sequentially in this study to measure cancer tissue along with control tissue on a rat prostate tumor model. At an excitation wavelength of 447 nm, we investigated auto-fluorescence decay curves at the emission wavelengths of 532, 562, 632 and 684 nm for in vivo and ex vivo AFLM. These results show that auto-fluorescence lifetimes at all measured emission wavelengths differ between control and cancerous tissues with 100% specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, absolute values of hemoglobin derivatives and scattering coefficient were quantified using in vivo LRS. This part of study also demonstrates that light scattering and absorption are significantly different between the control and cancerous tissue. Overall, the study demonstrates that both LRS and AFLM may provide several intrinsic biomarkers for in vivo detection of prostate cancer.
A pulsation phase-dependent dust shell model of OH 26.5 + 0.6

The spectral energy distribution of the radio-luminous OH/IR star 26.5 + 0.6 was modeled as a function of pulsation phase, using standard radiative-transfer techniques but with more self-consistent input parameters based partly on pulsation model calculations. The changes in spectral shape and overall intensity are easily explained in terms of the radial movement of the dust condensation radius with the changing luminosity of the star. The derived amplitude of the bolometric light curve is only 1.2 mag, considerably less than expected.
Reactions to less common species of fire ants.

Abstract Background: There are four species of fire ants found in the United States in addition to the most common, Solenopsis invicta . Reactions have been reported from stings of each of these species, but large numbers of insects and adequate amounts of venom for study are very difficult to obtain. Methods: Venom was obtained, the purified allergens were isolated, and the complete amino acid sequences were determined for two of the three allergens from S. richteri . Skin testing and RAST studies were performed on patients with reactions to native fire ant stings and analyzed in comparison with clinical history. Results: The structures of S. richteri allergens have a high degree of similarity to S. invicta allergens. The Sol 2 allergens are less related to each other than either the Sol 1 (phospholipase AB) or Sol 3 (antigen 5) allergens. Patients sensitized to native species of fire ants react primarily to the Sol 1 and Sol 3 allergens, whereas those originally sensitized to S. invicta also react significantly to the Sol 2 and Sol 4 allergens. Some patients are initially sensitized to S. invicta and have life-threatening reactions to stings of native species. The tropical fire ant, S. geminata, has become a serious problem in some areas of the Pacific and South Asia, especially Okinawa and Guam. Conclusions: The venoms from all of the species of fire ants examined appear to be highly cross-reactive. S. invicta imported fire ant venom extracts are probably sufficient for diagnosis and may warrant a clinical trial for immunotherapy of allergic reactions to venoms of any of the other four species. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:679-83.)
Brochantite Blanchard Mine, Bingham, New Mexico

(2009). Brochantite Blanchard Mine, Bingham, New Mexico. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 84, No. 1, pp. 48-53.
Chemical Location of Cadmium in Developing Rat Molars

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the distribution and chemical binding of 109Cd in the developing rat molar. The results indicated that cadmium was taken up into the inorganic fraction of molar teeth, and this may help elucidate the mechanism of caries promotion by cadmium.
Bovine Tuberculosis in Michigan Wildlife and Livestock

Since 1994, the state of Michigan has recognized a problem with bovine tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium bovis, in wild white-tailed deer from a 12-county area in northeastern Lower Michigan. A total of 65,000 free-ranging deer have been tested, and 340 have been found to be positive for M. bovis. The disease has been found in other wildlife species, and, in 1998, in domestic cattle, where to date 13 beef cattle and 2 dairy cattle herds have been diagnosed with bovine TB. Unfortunately, the situation is unique in that there have never been reports of self-sustaining bovine TB in a wild, free-ranging cervid population in North America. Scientists, biologists, epidemiologists, and veterinarians who have studied this situation have concluded that the most logical theory is that high deer densities and the focal concentration caused by baiting (the practice of hunting deer over feed) and feeding are the factors most likely responsible for the establishment of self-sustaining TB in free-ranging Michigan deer. Baiting and feeding have been banned since 1998 in counties where the disease has been found. In addition, the deer herd has been reduced by 50% in the endemic area with the use of unlimited antlerless permits. The measures of apparent TB prevalence have been decreased by half since 1997, providing hopeful preliminary evidence that eradication strategies are succeeding.
Forward Speed Calm Water Roll Decay for Surface Combatant 5415: Global and Local Flow Measurements

Global and local flow measurements for forward speed calm water roll decay are performed in a towing tank for surface combatant model 5415 for both bare hull (BH) and bilge keel (BK) conditions. Roll motion is oscillatory with underdamped exponential decay and linear with respect to initial roll angles less than the average initial roll angle (9°). For larger mean roll angles (> 3°), damped natural frequency is a few percent below the hydrostatic natural roll frequency with larger values for BH than BK condition and increasing Froude number (Fr), whereas for smaller mean roll angles, it sharply increases toward the hydrostatic natural roll frequency. For larger mean roll angles, logarithmic decrement and linear damping linear increase with larger values for BK than BH condition and increasing Fr, whereas for smaller mean roll angles, they sharply increase. For increasing Fr, mean and initial roll angle averaged mean roll angle decreases by 50%; damped natural frequency increases by 6% with larger values for BH than BK condition; and logarithmic decrement/linear damping coefficient increase by a factor of three/four with larger values for BK than the BH condition. Logarithmic decrement and Himeno method linear damping coefficients are qualitatively similar. Nonlinear damping coefficient is two orders of magnitude smaller than linear damping coefficient. Roll reconstruction errors are smallest for Himeno with linear and nonlinear damping. The phase-averaged wave pattern and velocity and axial vorticity fields at x/L = 0.675 initially show larger amplitudes followed by oscillatory exponential decay. Alternating vortex pairs are shed from the bilge keel tip with damped magnitudes for decreasing mean roll angles. The local flow indicates lower frequencies and larger damping than the roll motion.
Experiences creating a portable cedar

Cedar is the name for both a language and an environment in use in the Computer Science Laboratory at Xerox PARC since 1980. The Cedar language is a superset of Mesa, the major additions being garbage collection and runtime types. Neither the language nor the environment was originally intended to be portable, and for many years ran only on D-machines at PARC and a few other locations in Xerox. We recently re-implemented the language to make it portable across many different architectures. Our strategy was, first, to use machine-dependent C code as an intermediate language, second, to create a language-independent layer known as the Portable Common Runtime, and third, to write a relatively large amount of Cedar-specific runtime code in a subset of Cedar itself. By treating C as an intermediate code we are able to achieve reasonably fast compilation, very good eventual machine code, and all with relatively small programmer effort. Because Cedar is a much richer language than C, there were numerous issues to resolve in performing an efficient translation and in providing reasonable debugging. These strategies will be of use to many other porters of high-level languages who may wish to use C as an assembler language without giving up either ease of debugging or high performance. We present a brief description of the Cedar language, our portability strategy for the compiler and runtime, our manner of making connections to other languages and the Unix* operating system, and some measures of the performance of our “Portable Cedar”.
Quantum statistical physics: A new approach

Abstract The new scheme employed (throughout the “thermodynamic phase space”), in the statistical thermodynamic investigation of classical systems, is extended to quantum systems. Quantum Nearest Neighbor Probability Density Functions (QNNPDF's) are formulated (in a manner analogous to the classical case) to provide a new quantum approach for describing structure at the microscopic level, as well as characterize the thermodynamic properties of material systems. Since QNNPDF's describe microstructure in “random neighborhoods”, the new scheme may be viewed as an “elastic cavity” approach (with “elastic” walls). A major point of this paper is that it relates the free energy of an assembly of interacting particles to QNNPDF's. Application to the simple case of dilute, weakly degenerate gases has been outlined.
Tension pneumocephalus: an uncommon cause of altered mental status.

Abstract Background Pneumocephalus is a rare cause of altered mental status in patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Occurring as a result of traumatic or iatrogenic violation of the dura, it can cause significant morbidity and mortality if tension physiology develops whereby air continues to accumulate with no mechanism for escape. Objective This case report will review the underlying pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of tension pneumocephalus. Case Report We present the case of an 89-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with declining mental status 9 h after endoscopic sinus surgery. He was subsequently found to have tension pneumocephalus and underwent emergent burr hole evacuation. Despite resolution of the pneumocephalus, the patient had persistent neurologic deficits related to ischemic infarcts that occurred as a result of the tension physiology and subsequently expired in the hospital. Conclusion This case illustrates the importance of considering tension pneumocephalus on the differential diagnosis for any patient presenting with altered mental status after surgical or diagnostic procedures with potential to violate the dural space.
THE BEHAVIOR OF INDIVIDUALS IN SECURITY INVESTMENT DECISIONS

s of Doctoral Dissertations 943 process was highly individualized, it was possible to synthesize a multi-step general model; (2) the expectation of desirable future "reported earnings" to be generated from "adequate company resources" by a "good management" is a requisite to any investment; (3) financial leverage in a company under consideration for investment has some optimal range relative to "adequate resources" and risk; (4) dividends had value only for their possible information content and any "yield floor" was considered to be beyond the range of acceptable downside risk and therefore of no consequence; (5) investors tend to identify with their investments and any particular stock was rarely regarded dispassionately as a mere portfolio item; and (6) potential market realization was the hallmark of success even among investors who held that any sale was unjustified unless the original purchase had been a mistake. The findings argue for more research, especially behavioral research. Further research into the role of dividends appears of limited immediate value. If one were to regard the sample of four as a random sample of the total population of "sophisticated" investors, the probability that dividends, or any other variable which was not used, is important to one-half the population is .0675; the probability of importance to one-quarter is .1055. The data relative to financial leverage were so nebulous that this area appears to lack urgency. Two additional areas lack urgency for immediate exploration because they have beent independently confirmed elsewhere: (1) the essential role of consistency in establishing a successful investment program, which has been confirmed by extensive research into commodity speculation and also is integral to Bayesian theory; (2) investors' identification with their investments is entirely congruent with clinical theory and with the rationale for stockoption plans that purport to increase managements' identification with their companies. Immediate further research should be pursued to determine the factors that characterize "good management" and "adequate company resources" in investors' minds as well as the process determining expected "reported earnings" and the multiples assigned to forecasted earnings. Logical steps in this research would be: (1) design of a survey instrument, (2) selection of a statistical sample of sophisticated investors, (3) use of the instrument, (4) interpretation, and (5) sharing the raw data with others for further interpretation. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.211 on Tue, 09 Aug 2016 04:28:23 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
The effect of nerve growth factor on corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis.

Objective To determine if topically administered nerve growth factor (NGF) playsa role in accelerating the recovery of corneal sensitivity after laser insitu keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods A prospective double-masked study comparing the effect of topical NGFwith balanced salt solution on corneal sensitivity after LASIK in rabbits.Preoperative and postoperative corneal sensitivities were assessed using anesthesiometer (Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer). Results Eyes that were treated with topical NGF demonstrated an earlier andfaster recovery of corneal sensitivity after LASIK ( P =.007). A statistically significant difference in corneal sensitivity was foundbetween the topical NGF and control group postoperatively at 2 ( P = .01), 3 ( P = .03), and 4 ( P = .03) weeks. Conclusion Topically administered NGF may play a significant role in acceleratingcorneal reinnervation after LASIK. Clinical Relevance Our results showed that topical NGF had beneficial effects in the earlyrecovery of corneal sensitivity after LASIK. Nerve growth factor can be anew therapeutic approach for dry eye syndrome after LASIK.
Pharmacokinetic parameter estimates from several least squares procedures: Superiority of extended least squares

The precision of pharmacokinetic parameter estimates from several least squares parameter estimation methods are compared. The methods can be thought of as differing with respect to the way they weight data. Three standard methods, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS-equal weighting), Weighted Least Squares with reciprocal squared observation weighting [WLS(y−2)], and log transform OLS (OLS(ln))-the log of the pharmacokinetic model is fit to the log of the observations-are compared along with two newer methods, Iteratively Reweighted Least Squares with reciprocal squared prediction weighting (IRLS,(f−2)), and Extended Least Squares with power function “weighting” (ELS(f−ξ)-here ξ is regarded as an unknown parameter). Tne values of the weights are more influenced by the data with the ELS(f−ξ) method than they are with the other methods. The methods are compared using simulated data from several pharmacokinetic models (monoexponential, Bateman, Michaelis-Menten) and several models for the observation error magnitude. For all methods, the true structural model form is assumed known. Each of the standard methods performs best when the actual observation error magnitude conforms to the assumption of the method, but OLS is generally least perturbed by wrong error models. In contrast, WLS(y−2) is the worst of all methods for all error models violating its assumption (and even for the one that does not, it is out performed by OLS(ln). Regarding the newer methods, IRLS(f−2) improves on OLS(ln), but is still often inferior to OLS. ELS(f−ξ), however, is nearly as good as OLS (OLS is only 1–2% better) when the OLS assumption obtains, and in all other cases ELS(f−ξ) does better than OLS. Thus, ELS(f−ξ.
Estimates of the association between ozone and asthma hospitalizations that account for behavioral responses to air quality information

Abstract Behavioral responses to information about forecasted air quality may introduce systematic measurement error in pollution exposure, leading to biased estimates of the impact of pollution exposure on health. This paper estimates the statistical association between ambient ozone concentrations and asthma hospitalizations in Southern California while accounting for potential avoidance behavior in response to forecasted air quality. Data on asthma hospital admissions were merged with observed and forecasted air quality and meteorological data at the daily level for the years 1989–1997. A distributed lag Poisson generalized linear model allowing for overdispersion was estimated. Accounting for potential responses to information about pollution leads to significantly larger estimates of the relationship between ozone concentrations and asthma hospital admissions, particularly for susceptible populations. Individuals take substantial actions to reduce exposure to ozone; estimates of the concentration–response function for ozone that ignore these actions are biased towards the null and may significantly understate the costs to society from ozone concentrations.
Listening to Intense Messages: The Role of Arousal and Affect in Message Content Recognition

Abstract This study examines the interference effect of high-arousal, affective messages on the recognition of message content from less arousing messages. Subjects were 108 undergraduate students who viewed two political commercials in one of three conditions: Target (low intensity) followed by high-arousal message, target followed by low-arousal message, and target preceded by high-arousal message. The messages used were the political commercials of Michael Bailey concerning family values and abortion. Results indicated that arousal effects recognition of message content. It appears, however, that high-arousal messages facilitate the recognition of content from a low-arousal message presented either before or after the stimulus. These results are discussed in terms of current conceptualizations of affect-inducing messages and listening. Areas of further research are also suggested.
Dynamic Tibiofemoral Contact Mechanics in a Total Knee Replacement

Wear of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) tibial component of total knee replacements (TKR) depends upon the contact with the femoral component during motion. This study aimed to determine the dynamic contact mechanics within the tibiofemoral joint of a TKR while in a force-controlled knee simulator and to track the kinematics of the TKR system while in the wear simulator. These results were compared with those found in literature by the currently used simulator methods. Using a high-speed camera system, grey scale images of the contact between a transparent TKR tibial insert and the metal femoral component were captured with an industrial grade fiberscope mounted below the tibial insert within the simulator. The analysis of the images yielded quantification of contact area and its location on the tibial insert. The results compare well with those found in literature. Therefore, it has been shown that the novel instrumentation designed for this project is an accurate and feasible method to determine contact area and location on a TKR tibial insert under dynamic loading.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Report on the International Conference on stratified fluids

A conference on ‘Stratified Fluids’ was held in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 11–14 April 1967, under the sponsorship of the National Science Foundation. The meeting was organized by Professor C.-S. Yih (University of Michigan) with the assistance of the other members of the scientific committee: T. B. Benjamin, W. R. Debler, L. N. Howard, R. R. Long, J. W. Miles, W. H. Munk and O. M. Phillips. Thirty papers were delivered on subjects involving the application of stratified fluid problems to geophysical phenomena, waves in stratified fluids, experimental and observational investigations, and stability. We give here a brief account of the proceedings. The papers delivered will not be published in a formal volume; references to where they can be found are given at the end of this article.
Steering flexible needles under Markov motion uncertainty

When inserted into soft tissues, flexible needles with bevel tips have been shown experimentally to follow a path of constant curvature in the direction of the bevel. By controlling 2 degrees of freedom at the needle base (bevel direction and insertion distance), these needles can be steered around obstacles to reach targets inaccessible to rigid needles. Motion planning for needle steering is a type of nonholonomic planning for a Dubins car with no reversal. We develop a motion planning algorithm based on dynamic programming where the path of the needle is uncertain due to uncertainty in tissue properties, needle mechanics, and interaction forces. The algorithm computes a discrete control sequence of insertions and direction changes so the needle reaches a target in an imaging plane while minimizing expected cost due to insertion distance, direction changes, and obstacle collisions. We efficiently sample the state space of needle tip positions and orientations and define bounds on the errors due to discretization. We formulate the motion planning problem as a Markov decision process (MDP) and use infinite horizon dynamic programming to compute an optimal control sequence. We first apply the method to the deterministic motion case where the needle precisely follows a path of constant curvature and then to the uncertain motion case where state transitions are defined by a probability distribution. Our implementation generates motion plans for bevel-tip needles that reach targets inaccessible to rigid needles and demonstrates that accounting for uncertainty can lead to significantly different motion plans.
Production and costs in the South African motor vehicle industry

This study investigates the existence of economies of scale in the South African motor vehicle industry as well as the substitution possibilities between input pairs and the direct and cross-price elasticities of demand for the various inputs. Because of data limitations, a translog cost function was estimated for only a three input model corresponding to a homogeneous production function involving capital, labour and intermediate goods. The issue of the existence of economies of scale in the South African motor vehicle industry is a particularly important one because South Africa once again is a member of GATT and a full participant in the international trade arena. The null hypothesis of constant returns to scale was rejected at the 0.5% level of significance. Thus, the results of this model are certainly consistent with economies of scale in the South African motor vehicle industry. The estimated direct price elasticities were consistent with the hypothesis that, during the past two decades, capital wa...
Identification of differentially expressed genes during cyclic adenosine monophosphate-induced neuroendocrine differentiation in the human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line LNCaP.

The LNCaP cell line is a versatile and useful model suitable for the study of human prostate cancer in vitro. It has been determined that the elevation of LNCaP intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels through the addition of membrane-permeable cAMP analogs, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, adenylate cyclase activators, or components of the cAMP signal-transduction pathway can induce reversible neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation. Elucidation of those genes that are differentially expressed between undifferentiated prostate cancer cells and prostate cancer cells that have been induced to differentiate may present new insights into the molecular mechanisms governing NE differentiation, early detection of prostate cancer, and potential targets for gene therapy. In this study, differential display polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify 226 differentially expressed PCR products. Twelve of the differential display PCR products were confirmed by Northern blot analysis and were cloned. DNA sequencing and database comparisons were performed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of differential gene expression techniques to analyze gene expression during cAMP-induced NE differentiation in LNCaP cells. Confirmation of NE differentiation reversibility also was accomplished.
Absorption enhancement of scattering of electromagnetic waves by dielectric cylinder clusters

Numerical results of the absorption cross sections of dielectric cylinder clusters are presented. They show that the absorption of such clusters can be several times larger than the incoherent sum of the absorption of its components. The absorption enhancement of the cluster is due to coherent mutual interaction between its components and can play an important role in remote sensing, particularly in passive remote sensing. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Knock down of p53 levels in human keratinocytes increases susceptibility to type I and type II interferon-induced apoptosis mediated by a TRAIL dependent pathway

Summary Background Keratinocytes (KCs) in healthy skin only undergo death following differentiation to produce stratum corneum. By contrast, in inflammatory pathological conditions featuring type I (IFN-α) and type II (IFN-γ) interferons KCs undergo premature apoptosis. Objective To define apoptotic susceptibility of KCs, response to interferons was examined. Since molecular cross-talk occurs between interferons and p53, potential mechanistic roles for p53 in KC apoptosis were investigated. Methods Knock down of p53 was performed, and apoptotic response to addition of interferons was assessed using FACS and by staining for activated caspase 3 and TUNEL. Elucidation of death pathway was accomplished by using a dominant negative death receptor construct and a neutralizing TRAIL antibody. Results Reduction in p53 levels in KCs by siRNA treatment enhanced, rather than reduced, apoptotic responses to IFN-α plus IFN-γ. In an immortalized human KC cell line (HaCaT cells with both p53 alleles mutated) enhanced apoptotic susceptibility to interferon exposure was also observed. The mechanism for this enhanced apoptosis involved induction of TRAIL and its interaction with death receptors, as blocking the death receptor pathway using dominant negative FADD, or by addition of neutralizing antibody against TRAIL, reduced the apoptotic response to IFN-α and IFN-γ. Conclusion These results indicate IFN-α plus IFN-γ triggers apoptosis independent of p53 in HaCaT cells, and also demonstrate an unexpected survival role for p53 in human KCs as regards apoptotic responsiveness to cytokines such as IFN-α and IFN-γ involving activation of TRAIL-related death receptors. Strategies enhancing p53 regulated survival proteins in KCs may be of therapeutic benefit in skin disorders characterized by activated immunocytes triggering premature KC apoptosis.
A phenotype based approach for the immune monitoring of NY-ESO-1-specific CD4+ T cell responses in cancer patients

Because of its frequent expression in tumors and spontaneous immunogenicity in advanced cancer patients, NY-ESO-1 is presently viewed as a prototype tumor antigen for the development of cancer vaccines. A prerequisite for the analysis of NY-ESO-1-specific T cell responses in vaccinated patients is the assessment of the complete T cell repertoire available for the antigen. Here, we have assessed frequency and fine specificity of CD4+ T cells reactive against NY-ESO-1-derived sequences in circulating lymphocytes from cancer patients with spontaneous responses to the antigen. We found that, relative to healthy donors, this frequency was only moderately increased in cancer patients. The reactivity of these cells, however, was directed against the same immunodominant regions previously identified for healthy donors. On account of these data, we developed an approach for the immune monitoring of NY-ESO-1-specific CD4+ T cell responses based on the assessment of CD4+ T cell populations of defined phenotype. Using this approach, a similar frequency of NY-ESO-1-specific CD4+ T cells was found among naive T cells of healthy donors and cancer patients. In contrast, among antigen-experienced T cells, NY-ESO-1-specific CD4+ T cells were exclusively detectable in cancer patients. We anticipate that this phenotype-based approach will be useful for the immune monitoring of vaccine-induced responses in vaccination trials using NY-ESO-1 as well as other tumor antigens.
Two Readers Comment on Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis: Testing the Relationsbip of Formal Instruction to the Input Hypothesis

Of the many theories put forth to account for the processes of second language acquisition (SLA), few have been subjected to empirical testing. The present study examines the difficulties facing an empirical validation of theoretical claims in SLA. It attempts to determine the reasons for the lack of empirical support for the hypotheses emanating from the various theoretical positions. One of the most interesting accounts of SLA is the Monitor Theory defined by Krashen (1981). It embodies many hypotheses concerning the basic processes of second language acquisition and maintains that grammatical structures learned formally are stored in a separate cognitive system from those acquired through natural exposure. This leads to the postulation of two types of language internalization: language acquisition and language learning. Only the former leads to real communication.
The yolk proteins of Drosophila melanogaster: Isolation and characterization

Abstract The three major yolk proteins (YP-1, YP-2, YP-3) of Drosophila melanogaster , have been isolated from mature eggs. Their molecular weights as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, were found to be 4.75 × 10 4 , 4.6 × 10 4 and 4.45 × 10 4 for YP-1, YP-2, and YP-3, respectively. Their molecular weights, as determined by gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, were found to be 4.7 × 10 4 for YP-1 and YP-3, and 13.5 × 10 4 for YP-2. Their isoelectric points, as determined by isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gels, were found to be 6.5, 6.65 and 6.9 for YP-1, YP-2 and YP-3, respectively. Amino acid analysis, indicated peptides rich in acidic amino acids with substantially lower levels of basic amino acids. Lysine, aspartic acid, and serine were identified as the N′- terminal residues of YP-1, YP-2 and YP-3, respectively. YP-2 was found to contain 7.5% carbohydrates while no detectable amounts of carbohydrates could be found in YP-1 and YP-3. The data reported here indicate pronounced similarities between these three proteins.
Search for a 17 keV neutrino in the internal bremsstrahlung spectrum of [sup 125]I

We have searched for evidence of the emission of a 17 keV neutrino in the internal bremsstrahlung (IB) spectrum accompanying the electron capture decay of [sup 125]I. The IB spectrum, recorded in a planar Ge detector, has 1.2[times]10[sup 6] counts per keV at 17 keV below the 2[ital p] end point. We set an upper limit of 0.4% for the admixture of a 17 keV neutrino, at the 90% confidence level, and exclude a 0.8% admixture at the 99.6% confidence level. The [ital Q][sub EC] value is found to be 185.77[plus minus]0.06 keV. We also find that the recent calculations of Suric [ital et] [ital al]., which employ relativistic self-consistent-field atomic wave functions, reproduce the shape and relative intensity of IB partial spectra within a few percent.
Seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2—United States, 1999–2010

Background Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are common infections with serious sequelae. HSV-1 is an increasingly important cause of genital herpes in industrialized countries. Methods Using nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we examined HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence among 14- to 49-year-olds in the United States. We estimated seroprevalence in 1999-2004 and 2005-2010, stratified by sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors. We also reviewed HSV-1 and HSV-2 seroprevalence from 1976-1980 to 2005-2010. Results In 2005-2010, the seroprevalence of HSV-1 was 53.9%, and the seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 15.7%. From 1999-2004 to 2005-2010, HSV-1 seroprevalence declined by nearly 7% (P 29% from 1976-1980 to 2005-2010 (P Conclusions An increasing number of adolescents lack HSV-1 antibodies at sexual debut. In the absence of declines in HSV-2 infections, the prevalence of genital herpes may increase.