cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SEISMIC SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION: BENEFICIAL OR DETRIMENTAL?

The role of soil-structure interaction (SSI) in the seismic response of structures is reex-plored using recorded motions and theoretical considerations. Firstly, the way current seismic provisions treat SSI effects is briefly discussed. The idealised design spectra of the codes along with the increased fundamental period and effective damping due to SSI lead invariably to reduced forces in the structure. Reality, however, often differs from this view. It is shown that, in certain seismic and soil environments, an increase in the fundamental natural period of a moderately flexible structure due to SSI may have a detrimental effect on the imposed seismic demand. Secondly, a widely used structural model for assessing SSI effects on inelastic bridge piers is examined. Using theoretical arguments and rigorous numerical analyses it is shown that indiscriminate use of ductility concepts and geometric relations may lead to erroneous conclusions in the assessment of seismic performance. Numerical examples are pres...
Cdf Measurement of the Top Quark Mass in the LEPTON+JETS Channel Using the Multivariate Template Method

We measure the mass of the top quark using 162 pb-1 of data collected by the CDF experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron in Run II. The decay chain is studied using a novel technique called the Multivariate Template Method (MTM). Using this technique we obtain a result of for the top quark.
DOES HYPERGLYCÆMIA OR HYPERINSULINÆMIA CHARACTERISE THE PATIENT WITH CHEMICAL DIABETES

Abstract Plasma glucose and immunoreactive- Summary insulin concentrations in response to two different oral carbohydrate challenges were determined in normal subjects and in patients with chemical diabetes mellitus. In the first instance, each subject received 40 g. of glucose per sq.m. of body-surface over 5 minutes. In the second instance, an equivalent amount of carbohydrate was administered as part of a formula feed. The formula feed, which contained fat and protein, closely resembled the average American diet, and was eaten over 30 minutes. Both the plasma glucose and insulin responses to the conventional oral glucose-tolerance test were significantly raised in patients with chemical diabetes. However, this difference in plasma-glucose response of the two groups disappeared when they received the formula feeds, and there was no statistically significant difference between the plasma-glucose levels of normal and diabetic subjects 1, 2, and 3 hours after ingesting the formula feed. The plasma-insulin responses of patients with chemical diabetes mellitus remained higher than those of normal subjects in response to the formula feed. Thus, it appears that hyperinsulinaemia is a more characteristic finding than hyperglycaemia in the day-to-day life of patients with chemical diabetes. It is suggested that the hyperinsulinaemia is a compensatory response to a primary defect in glucose transport, and that the increased incidence of atherosclerotic heart-disease observed in patients with mild abnormalities of carbohydrate tolerance is related to the hyperinsulinaemia, which may require control.
The Effects of Thermal Heating via the Dissipation of Turbulence on Physical Conditions in the Galactic Diffuse Ionized Gas

The observed properties of the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in our Galaxy are not easily reconcilable with simple photoionization models. Photoionization models, however, can reproduce the observed properties of H II regions. This suggests that there are different or additional physical processes at work in the DIG. We have developed a model of the DIG whereby it is ionized by a relatively soft ionizing spectrum (Teff ≤ 32,000 K) and is also heated by an additional thermal mechanism: the dissipation of turbulence. This model predicts the same electron temperature, [N II] λ6583/Hα ratio, [S II] λ6716/Hα ratio, and He I λ5876/Hα ratio as observed in the DIG. The model suggests that the observed [O III] emission from the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM) does not originate from the oxygen in the DIG. Without the turbulent thermal heating term, this model will not reproduce the observed properties of the DIG. The dissipation of turbulence may also be important in other phases of the ISM.
All together now: visualizing local and remote actors of localized activity

We present All Together Now (ATN), a tool for visualizing localized activities involving both local and remote actors. ATN presents each user with a webpage containing a common view of a shared virtual space modeled after the physical locus of the activity. Actors signal socially meaningful behavior by manipulating the spatial positions of their representations in this space. Local actors' positions are acquired automatically using computer vision. Remote actors indicate their positions with a mouse. Actors are not expressly identified. ATN exploits people's culturally established notions of spatial position to help them convey contextually relevant social cues to each other. Conveying just enough spatial and identity information helps optimize-without needlessly eliminating-the awareness asymmetries intrinsic to localized distance work
The effect of high performance gradients on fast gradient echo imaging.

The effect of gradient system performance on segmented k-space gradient echo imaging is presented. Three cases were investigated. First, an ideal system that has infinite slew rates and unlimited maximum gradient strengths was considered. Second, a “high speed” imaging system (2.3 (G/cm), 23 (G/cm)/ms) was considered. These two cases were compared with a “conventional” imaging system (1(G/cm), 1.67 (G/cm)/ms). It was found that substantial increases in SNR can be achieved (≈ 45%) by using high speed versus a conventional gradient system, for a TR of 6 ms. For trapezoidal gradient waveforms, there exists an optimum maximum gradient strength for a given slew rate, and any increase in gradient strength above this optimum will not be utilized by an optimized sequence. These studies have shown that increasing TR without decreasing the bandwidth is not a good way to increase SNR for constant scan time.
Quasi-optics of scattering and absorption in planar waveguides

A quasi-optical approach is developed to investigate the effects of absorption and surface and volume scattering on the attenuation of guided waves in planar waveguides. Through the use of quasi-optics it is possible to calculate the guide extinction coefficient by following a zigzagging ray in the guide. It is found that at shorter wavelengths the film attenuation dominates the cladding attenuation despite the much smaller relative value of the film absorption coefficient. The absorption spectra of cladding material are more distorted for fundamental modes than for higher-order guided modes. Scattering losses, particularly those that are due to surface roughness, depend more strongly on optical wavelength than do absorption losses. In the cases of both surface scattering and volume scattering, the losses are increased at shorter wavelengths and are larger for the TM modes.
In the Shadows of “A New Account of Tales of the World”

We all have many deeply imbedded memories of studying classical Chinese literature in graduate school. For us at the University of Washington, nothing is quite as memorable as David Knechteges’ ess...
Teratogenicity of nitrofen (2,4-dichloro-4'-nitrodiphenyl ether) and its effects on thyroid function in the rat.

Nitrofen is a herbicide with potent teratogenic activity in rodent species. Previous studies have indicated that this agent has a stereochemical structure similar to thyroid hormone, and that exposure of adult mice results in depression of thryoxine (T4) levels. The present study was undertaken to determine if teratogenic exposure to nitrofen alters pituitarythyroid function in nonpregnant, pregnant, and fetal rats, and if these potential alterations could be related to induction of birth defects. In adult thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) female rats, nitrofen exposure for 2 weeks resulted in a significant suppression of thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. When a single dose of nitrofen was administered to euthyroid female rats, a trend toward reduction (p = 0.058) in the release of TSH after a thyrotropin-releasing hormone )TRH) challenge was observed 4 and 5 hr after exposure. Pregnant euthryoid rats given a single dose of nitrofen on Day 11 of gestation had significantly depressed TSH and T4 levels, and fetal T4 levels were markedly depressed at term. Administration of T4 on Day 2 through 22 of pregnancy plus nitrofen on Day 9 through 11 to TPTX dams resulted in a 70% reduction in the frequency of malformed fetuses, especially in regard to the frequency of heart anomalies, compared to nitrofen exposure alone. Competitive displacement studies in radioimmunoassays for T4 and T3 indicated that a nitrofen metabolite (4-hydroxy-2,5-dichloro-4′-aminodiphenyl ether) competed with [125I]T3 for antibody binding, while the parent compound and six isolated metabolites failed to compete with [125I]T4 for antibody binding. These results have been interpreted to indicate that nitrofen teratogenicity is mediated at least in part by alterations in maternal and/or fetal thyroid hormone status, and may be due to a premature and pharmacologic exposure to the embryo to a nitrofen-derived, T3-active metabolite.
No Learning Effect Observed for Reception Thresholds for Sentences in Noise

Purpose This study examined reception thresholds for sentences (RTSs) as a function of test session (N = 5) and noise (continuous and interrupted) in normal-hearing adults. It was hypothesized that RTSs would be superior in interrupted noise and would be stable across repeated testing. Method Twenty-five normal-hearing adults participated. RTSs were determined with Hearing in Noise Test sentences in continuous and interrupted noise presented at 65 dBA. An adaptive technique was used where sentences varied in intensity to converge on a level of 50% of correct performance. Sentence lists were counterbalanced with 5 unique lists in both continuous and interrupted noise. Results RTS signal-to-noise ratios were significantly better in the interrupted noise (p < .0001). There was no effect of test session (p = .12) or a Test Session × Noise interaction (p = .13). Conclusions Stable RTS signal-to-noise ratios across test sessions in both noises are consistent with the notion that a learning effect was not presen...
Statistics of real-world hyperspectral images

Hyperspectral images provide higher spectral resolution than typical RGB images by including per-pixel irradiance measurements in a number of narrow bands of wavelength in the visible spectrum. The additional spectral resolution may be useful for many visual tasks, including segmentation, recognition, and relighting. Vision systems that seek to capture and exploit hyperspectral data should benefit from statistical models of natural hyperspectral images, but at present, relatively little is known about their structure. Using a new collection of fifty hyperspectral images of indoor and outdoor scenes, we derive an optimized “spatio-spectral basis” for representing hyperspectral image patches, and explore statistical models for the coefficients in this basis.
Serotonin, via 5-HT2A receptors, increases EPSCs in layer V pyramidal cells of prefrontal cortex by an asynchronous mode of glutamate release.

Previously, serotonin (5-HT) was found to induce a marked increase in glutamatergic spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in apical dendrites of layer V pyramidal cells of prefrontal cortex; this effect was mediated by 5-HT2A receptors, a proposed site of action of hallucinogenic and atypical antipsychotic drugs. Unexpectedly, although the effect of 5-HT was Ca2+-dependent and tetrodotoxin-sensitive, it did not appear to involve the activation of excitatory afferent impulse flow. This paradox prompted us to investigate (in rat brain slices) whether 5-HT was acting through an atypical mode of excitatory transmitter release. We found that the frequency of 5-HT-induced spontaneous EPSCs was fully supported by Sr2+ in the absence of added Ca2+, implicating the mechanism of asynchronous transmitter release which has been linked to the high-affinity Ca2+-sensor synaptotagmin III. Although the early, synchronous component of electrically evoked EPSCs was reduced while 5-HT was being applied, late, nonsynchronous components were enhanced during 5-HT washout and also by the 5-HT2 partial agonist 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl-2-aminopropane (DOI); the effect of DOI was blocked by a selective 5-HT2A antagonist (MDL 100,907). This late, nonsynchronous component was distinct from conventional polysynaptic EPSCs evoked in the presence of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline, but resembled asynchronous glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) evoked in the presence of Sr2+. An enhancement of asynchronous EPSCs by a specific neurotransmitter receptor has not been reported previously. The possible role of excessive asynchronous transmission in the cerebral cortex in mediating the hallucinogenic effects of 5-HT2A agonists such as DOI is discussed.
Structure of Cellobiose

THE structure of cellobiose is of interest in connexion with related structures of cellulose, regenerated cellulose, and other degradation products. We have obtained a three-dimensional structure of cellobiose by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods.
Modeling Behavioral Regularities of Consumer Learning in Conjoint Analysis

Abstract In this note, the authors propose several extensions of the model of consumer learning in conjoint analysis that Bradlow, Hu, and Ho (2004) develop. They present a clarification of the original model, propose an integration of several new imputation rules, add new measurement metrics for pattern matching, and draw a roadmap for further real-world tests. The authors also discuss general modeling challenges when researchers want to mathematically define and integrate behavioral regularities into traditional quantitative domains. They conclude by suggesting several critical success factors for modeling behavioral regularities in marketing.
The Sequence of Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-Kinase Defines a Novel Family of Lipid Kinases

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) occupies an essential position in the phosphoinositide signal transduction cascades as the precursor to second messengers and is thought to regulate many cellular proteins directly. The final step in the synthesis of PtdIns(4,5)P2 is the phosphorylation of PtdIns(4)P by PtdIns(4)P 5-kinase (PIP5K). Using peptide sequences from a purified PIP5K, a cDNA for a human placental PIP5K was isolated and sequenced. Expression of this cDNA in Escherichia coli produced an active PIP5K. Surprisingly, the sequence of this PIP5K has no homology to known PtdIns kinases or protein kinases. However, the PIP5K is homologous to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins Fab1p and Mss4p.
Analytic modeling of breast elastography.

The elastic moduli of tumors change during their pathological evolution. Elastographic imaging has potential for detecting and characterizing cancers by mapping the stiffness distribution in tissues. In this paper a micromechanics-based analytical method was developed to detect the location, size, and elastic modulus of a tumor mass embedded in a symmetric two-dimensional breast tissue. A closed-form solution for the strain elastograms (forward problem) was derived. A computational algorithm for the inverse problem was developed for the detection, localization, and characterization of a heterogeneous mass embedded in a breast tissue. Numerical examples were presented to evaluate the proposed method’s performance. The detectability of a tumor mass was estimated with respect to lesion location, size, and modulus contrast ratio. It was shown that the micromechanics theory provides a powerful tool for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Effect of Graphitic Carbon on the Albedo of Clouds

Abstract We examine the radiative properties of clouds containing submicron soot particles as impurities. The soot particles are assumed to be distributed randomly inside water drops. The refractive index of this inhomogeneous mixture is evaluated using the mixing rule for a composite medium. Single and multiple scattering properties are obtained using, respectively the Mie theory and the delta-Eddington approximation. The presence of soot enhances the visible light absorption in clouds. A soot volume fraction of 7 × 10−6 in a model stratus cloud increases the value of the single scattering co-albedo from 10−7 (the value corresponding to that of pure water) to 10−3.
Minimum-maximal matching in series-parallel graphs

Abstract Given an undirected graph G = (V, E), we seek a minimum weight subset of E which is a matching and which is maximal in this regard. Known as minimum-maximal matching, this problem is hard in general but can be solved in linear time if G is series-parallel. After a brief background discussion on series-parallel graphs, wer provide an algorithm which is applicable for arbitrary integer edge weights. The paper concludes with a short description of relevant issues regarding general, series-parallel solvability.
Detailed immunophenotype of CD8+ memory cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) against HIV-1 with respect to expression of CD45RA/RO, CD62L and CD28 antigens

We have previously reported that circulating effector cytotoxic CD8+ T-lymphocytes (CTLs) against HIV-1 express CD38 and HLA-DR activation antigens. In this study, we performed two series of FACS sorts to phenotype and characterize precursors of CTL effectors. First we looked at memory CTL activity against HIV-1 stimulated by antigen as well as CTL activity stimulated by CD3 mAb with regard to whether the precursors expressed CD45RA and/or CD62L. We found that the precursor cells that could be stimulated with antigen to become effectors within 7 days predominated in the CD45RA CD62L subset. However. in donors with low levels of CD8+ T-cell activation as measured by CD38 antigen expression, memory cells could also be found in the CD45RA+ CD62L+ subset. Our data indicate that reversion of memory cells to the CD45RA+ CD62L+ phenotype can occur in humans, especially in donors with low levels of virus replication and minimal CD8 + T-cell activation. Next, we looked at CD28 expression with regard to antigen specific memory cells and again found that the level of virus replication and CD8+ T-cell activation influenced the subset that contained the memory cells. In donors with high levels of virus replication, our results indicated that CTL were being actively recruited from both CD28+ and CD28 subsets, while in donors with undetectable levels of viral replication, the memory cells were entirely in the CD28 compartment.
Structural system identification using Least Mean Square (LMS) adaptive technique

Abstract This paper presents an approach to identify structural parameters using the Least Mean Square (LMS) adaptive transversal filter. This method features easy computer simulation and fast data processing. This approach is effective even in the presence of input noise when it is applied in communications; however, this advantage is not obvious when it is used in structural systems, since the signal bandwidht it deals with in communications is much wider than the bandwidth in structure systems. With a low-pass filter added to a data acquisition system, this approach functions effectively for both linear and nonlinear structural systems. Numerical examples and experimental tests have been included to demonstrate the technique for both linear and nonlinear systems.
Feeding rhythms in the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana

Abstract Although much attention has been given to the biological rhythm of activity of the American cockroach, no previous studies on its feeding rhythms have been made. Feeding rhythms were determined with a trophometer, the design and operation of which was based on a food-bearing pendulum whose movement opened and closed an electrical circuit. A total of 64 adult male cockroaches were examined in 12 hr light 12 hr dark for entrained feeding rhythms. Of these individuals, 89·0 per cent exhibited rhythms, 6·3 per cent demonstrated patterns, and 4·7 per cent displayed apparent random feeding activity. The entrained feeding rhythms closely resembled entrained activity rhythms with the onset of feeding occurring soon after the onset of darkness. Some individuals exhibited multiple nocturnal feedings and feeding in the light phase, which was influenced by the presence of a retreat. Of 37 adult males examined for free-running feeding rhythms in total darkness 21·6 per cent exhibited rhythms, 48·6 per cent demonstrated patterns, and 29·8 per cent displayed apparent random feeding. Since the feeding and activity rhythms or patterns were similar to each other with respect to time of onset and percentages of individuals possessing them, the possibility of their interrelationship has been considered.
Lessons for creative cities from Burning Man: How organizations can sustain and disseminate a creative context

Abstract I argue that collectivities and organizations – groups with goals and formalized structures – are crucial to supporting the development and spread of a creative context connecting individuals and groups. To identify the organizational conditions for realizing creative potential, I use a multi-year study of the organization behind Burning Man, an annual weeklong event devoted to the arts and community, and other collectivities and organizations that have adapted Burning Man principles and organizing practices in other localities. I first discuss how the Burning Man organizational form codified value and practices that relax boundaries on creative potential. I then show how with Burning Man’s support, collectivities have adapted this form to their localities, coordinating with organizations and individuals, some of whom have no prior experience with Burning Man’s values and practices. These Burning Man offshoots not only enact a creative context locally but also institutionalize unfamiliar ways of creating this context. By studying how organizations coordinate efforts and relations that sustain a creative context, we can understand how localities can stimulate creative potential.
a historical reconsideration of female dominance among the Chambrl of Papua New Guinea

My focus is the sociohistorical referents of a transformation that occurred in intersexual relations between the time the late Margaret Mead studied the Chambri (Tchambuli) in 1933 and my own field research there. The Tchambuli people of Papua New Guinea are famous in the literature of women's studies because Mead describes them as having significant and dominant roles within their villages. During my fieldwork with the Chambri, I decided to eschew the ontological concept of role and adopt a more systemic approach. Instead of labeling Chambri women as dominant, or submissive, I seek an underlying pattern of relationships that persists through time in a range of social situations.
Osteogenic sarcoma of the sella after radiation treatment of a pituitary adenoma.

ABSTRACT Objective To report an uncommon case of osteogenic sarcoma of the sella turcica after radiation treatment of a pituitary adenoma. Methods We present the clinical history, physical findings, laboratory data, imaging studies, and pathologic findings in a patient found to have osteogenic sarcoma of the sella after radiation therapy for a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. Results Six years after transsphenoidal resection and postoperative fractionated radiation therapy for a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma that extended to the cavernous sinus, a 45-year-old man presented with a sinus infection, diplopia, and ophthalmoplegia of the right eye. A computed tomographic scan of the head showed a mass in the sella with involvement of the optic chiasm and right cavernous sinus. Transsphenoidal resection and debulking of the tumor revealed an osteogenic sarcoma. The patient was discharged from the hospital with residual diplopia and ophthalmoplegia. He was treated with levothyroxine, testosterone, and hydrocortisone. Six weeks later, the patient was readmitted after he was found unresponsive, and computed tomographic scans disclosed a massive cerebrovascular accident. He died a few days later. Conclusion Osteogenic sarcoma is a rare, late complication of radiation treatment of pituitary adenoma. Although radiotherapy remains an effective adjunctive treatment in patients with pituitary adenomas, particularly those with residual or recurrent tumor, potential complications must be acknowledged. (Endocr Pract. 2004;10: 335-338)
Molecular dynamics studies of the conformational preferences of a DNA double helix in water and an ethanol/water mixture: Theoretical considerations of the a ⇔ B transition

A series of molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations were carried out to explore the conformational preferences of a dynamic model of the sodium salt of the DNA duplex d(CGCGAATTCGCG) in water and in a mixed solvent comprised of 85% (v/v) ethanol/water. This sequence is observed to assume a B-form structure in the solid state and in aqueous solution and is expected to assume an A-form structure in the mixed solvent environment. The MD simulations are based on the empirical force field proposed recently by Cornell et al.1 and carried out with long-range interactions treated via the particle mesh Ewald method using the AMBER 4.1 modeling package.2-4 This study builds on the results of a previous 5 ns MD simulation on d(CGCGAATTCGCG) in water,5 now extended to 13 ns, which resulted in a well-stabilized B-form dynamical structure. Three additional simulations are reported: one simulation starts from the A-form in water, the second starts from the A-form in 85% (v/v) ethanol/water, the last starts from th...
Previstage™ GCC test for staging patients with colorectal cancer

The presence of tumor cells in regional lymph nodes is the most important prognostic and predictive marker in staging patients with colorectal cancer. Cancer cells in lymph nodes are associated with a poorer prognosis and an increased risk of recurrent disease. Additionally, nodal metastases identify patients who derive maximum benefit from adjuvant therapy. However, traditional paradigms for staging patients with colorectal cancer underestimate the extent of metastases and patients whose lymph nodes are ostensibly free of tumor cells by histopathology (pN0) have a 25-30% risk of developing recurrent disease, reflected by the presence of occult nodal metastases. These observations underscore the unmet clinical need for molecular approaches to accurately detect metastatic disease and identify patients at risk for disease relapse that could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Detection of disease-specific mRNA targets as prognostic and predictive markers employing quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR is an emerging technology that has become a benchmark for individualization of patient management. However, to date, applications of qRT-PCR to detecting occult nodal metastases in colorectal cancer have been equivocal, reflecting markers with suboptimal sensitivity and specificity; limitations of utilizing qualitative, rather than quantitative, RT-PCR; and underpowered study designs based on inadequate patient populations. In that context, guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) is the most sensitive and specific biomarker for metastatic colorectal cancer in extra-intestinal tissues. GCC qRT-PCR detects occult metastases in lymph nodes, providing the most powerful independent prognostic information for predicting disease recurrence in pN0 patients in prospective multicenter clinical trials. This technology forms the basis for the Previstagetrade mark GCC Colorectal Cancer Staging Test encompassing a proprietary multiplex qRT-PCR assay compatible with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lymph nodes for detecting occult metastases. Previstage GCC is a new diagnostic tool that may improve the accuracy of staging, prognosis of clinical outcomes and prediction of therapeutic responses to adjuvant therapy, representing a key advance in the management of patients with colorectal cancer.
Erythropoietin in children. II. Findings in hypoxic polycythaemia.

Erythropoietin activity was determined in 18 patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease and 22 cord blood samples from normal fullterm infants. Fifteen of 18 patients with heart disease and all of the cord bloods failed to show increased erythropoietin activity. Two of the cardiac patients had minimal activity and one had an elevated erythropoietin level which was probably a response to acute blood loss. It is suggested that in chronic hypoxic polycythaemia a steady state relative to erythropoiesis exists in which the erythropoietin production essentially equals its utilization.
Decreased tumorigenesis in mice with a Kras point mutation at C118

The Ras family of proteins is frequently mutated in cancer, and free radical oxidants can also activate these proteins via modifications at cysteine 118 (C118). Here the authors introduce a C118S mutant Kras gene into mice and show that this mutant allele results in a reduction in lung tumorigenesis.
p38 MAP kinase mediates nitric oxide-induced apoptosis of neural progenitor cells.

Neural progenitor cells (NPC) can proliferate, differentiate into neurons or glial cells, or undergo a form of programmed cell death called apoptosis. Although death of NPC occurs during development of the nervous system and in the adult, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we show that nitric oxide (NO) can induce death of C17.2 NPC by a mechanism requiring activation of p38 MAP kinase, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and caspase-3. Nitric oxide causes release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and Bcl-2 protects the neural progenitor cells against nitric oxide-induced death, consistent with a pivotal role for mitochondrial changes in controlling the cell death process. Inhibition of p38 MAP kinase by SB203580 abolished NO-induced cell death, cytochrome crelease, and activation of caspase-3, indicating that p38 activation serves as an upstream mediator in the cell death process. The anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 protected NPC against nitric oxide-induced apoptosis and suppressed activation of p38 MAP kinase. The ability of nitric oxide to trigger death of NPC by a mechanism involving p38 MAP kinase suggests that this diffusible gas may regulate NPC fate in physiological and pathological settings in which NO is produced.
Determination of Isoniazid and Metabolites in Biological Fluids

Methods were developed for the determination of isoniazid and some of its metabolites in biological fluids. Isoniazid is determined in whole blood by a fluorometric procedure, and isoniazid and hydrazones, acetylisoniazid, isonicotinic acid, and isonicotinuric acid are determined in urine by colorimetry; each method is specific and accurate. Data are presented on these compounds following intravenous doses of isoniazid to both rapid and slow inactivator subjects of isoniazid.
Gender development in boys born with hypospadias

Fetal testicular androgens in several mammalian species are responsible for the sexual differentiation of both the genitalia and the brain, the latter effect being related to behavioral sex-dimorphisms. Because prenatal endocrine abnormalities can be inferred from genital defects, studies of individuals born with anomalies potentially elucidate the contribution of androgens to the development of gender-related variation in human behavior. This study concerns the gender-role behavior of middle childhood boys (ages 6-10 years; n = 175) born with hypospadias, an androgen-related genital anomaly. Parents completed standardized gender behavior questionnaires in a postal survey. Hypospadias subjects did not show consistent differences from a community control group (n = 333) in feminine behavior, but significant, small, increases in masculine behavior were found. Severity of the hypospadias was unrelated to gender-role behavior. A number of surgery-related hospitalizations, however, were correlated with increased gender-atypical behavior. It is concluded that the hypoandrogenization associated with hypospadias does not interfere with the development of gender-typical masculine behavior.
Stability of Swirling Flow of a Viscous Conducting Fluid in the Presence of a Circular Magnetic Field

A sufficient condition for the stability of a swirling flow in a circular magnetic field, for the case of small spacing between cylinders, is established. A new branch of solution which corresponds to negative critical Taylor number is calculated.
A mechanical model of Brownian motion

We consider a dynamical system consisting of one large massive particle and an infinite number of light point particles. We prove that the motion of the massive particle is, in a suitable limit, described by the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. This extends to three dimensions previous results by Holley in one dimension.
Covalent inhibitors of interleukin-2 inducible T cell kinase (itk) with nanomolar potency in a whole-blood assay.

We wish to report a strategy that targets interleukin-2inducible T cell kinase (Itk) with covalent inhibitors. Thus far, covalent inhibition of Itk has not been disclosed in the literature. Structure-based drug design was utilized to achieve low nanomolar potency of the disclosed series even at high ATP concentrations. Kinetic measurements confirmed an irreversible binding mode with off-rate half-lives exceeding 24 h and moderate on-rates. The analogues are highly potent in a cellular IP1 assay as well as in a human whole-blood (hWB) assay. Despite a half-life of approximately 2 h in resting primary T cells, the covalent inhibition of Itk resulted in functional silencing of the TCR pathway for more than 24 h. This prolonged effect indicates that covalent inhibition is a viable strategy to target the inactivation of Itk.
Inflation, unemployment and the median voter

Abstract We combine an econometric analysis of survey data on the relative seriousness of inflation and unemployment with the median voter theorem to derive the equilibrium rate of inflation. If the natural rate of unemployment is 7 percent, then the equilibrium inflation rate is 5.4 percent.
Triacylglyceride composition of cottonseed oil by HPLC and GC

The triacylglyceride components of cottonseed oil were isolated and positively identified by a combination of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). Both reversed-phase HPLC and capillary GC were capable of separating the oil into triacylglyceride peaks. These peaks were isolated by HPLC and their component acyl groups were converted to fatty acid methyl ester derivatives. The acyl constituents for each triacylglyceride were determined by GC analysis, thus positively identifying the triacylglyceride associated with each HPLC peak. The triacylglyceride elution order agreed with predictive methods. HPLC and capillary GC peaks were correlated by peak area, thus identifying the GC peaks. The corresponding GC elution order of triacylglycerides also agreed with predictive methods.
Mapping of the Extracellular Binding Regions of the Human Interleukin-8 Type B Receptor

Abstract This study was undertaken to define the regions of the human interleukin-8 type B receptor (IL8RB) which are critical for binding the ligands interleukin-8, NAP-2 and GROα. Peptides corresponding to the N-terminus region and the first extracellular loop of the receptor demonstrated statistically significant (p=0.001) inhibition of IL-8 control binding levels (inhibition levels of 73.0±5.1% and 89.9±2.2% respectively). In contrast, NAP-2 binding was inhibited only by the peptide representing the first extracellular loop (63.2±2.3%), while GROα binding was inhibited by portions of the N-terminus (49.7±14.9% and 41.8±14.9%), but not the first extracellular loop. We suggest that: a.) the chemokine receptor IL8RB, known to bind three related ligands with high affinity, seems to do so via distinct contact points and b.) the first extracellular loop is significant in the binding event.
A Monoclonal Autoantibody against a Complementary Peptide Recognizes Interstitial Collagenase

Abstract A monoclonal autoantibody (mab 16) against the complementary peptide TKKTLRT, which was deduced from the collagenase-sensitive site in collagen, is described. Mab 16 recognized interstitial collagenase as visualized by ELISA and immunoprecipitation assays. Moreover, mab 16 was able to inhibit partially the collagenolytic activity of keratinocyte supernatant. Finally, it was possible to immunopurify collagenase using a mab 16/Sepharose column.
Content Analysis Project for Research Novices

Students can utilize content analysis techniques to examine societal trends of stereotyping in the media. In this article, I describe the steps in such a research methodology and indicate criteria instructors may use for evaluation. Students believed the project developed and adequately measured their analytic, research, and organizational skills and increased their knowledge of social psychology.
Convergence of the Langevin simulation for complex Gaussian integrals.

We solve the two-variable Fokker-Planck equation for the real probability distribution generated by the complex Langevin equation for a complex Gaussian integral. We find the eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and time-dependent behavior.
When to use an interface

Interface, as an object-oriented programming construct, has been one of the most difficult concepts for students to understand and apply properly. Textbooks often only address the shallow side of usefulness of interfaces, and some may even mislead as to when and how an interface should be used. This article argues that the interfaces can only be effectively taught in a context of program design. The material is appropriate to be included in a second course on programming.
Corticosterone plasma levels in desert rodents.

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma glucocorticoids were measured in six species of desert rodents. The data indicated that the primary glucocorticoid in all desert rodents is corticosterone. 2. 2. Corticosterone plasma levels appeared to be related to ecological distribution of desert rodents. 3. 3. It is suggested that lower corticosterone plasma levels may play an adaptive role in water conservation and lowered metabolic rates of desert rodents.
Neue kristallisierte Silikate von Kalium und Natrium. Darstellung und allgemeine Eigenschaften

Bisher waren keine gut definierten kristallisierten Silikate von Kalium und Natrium bekannt, mit Ausnahme einiger wasserhaltiger Formen von Natrium-meta-silikat, die weiter untersucht werden mussen, da Zusammensetzung und Stabilitatsverhaltnisse bei ihnen unsicher sind. Keine dieser wasserhaltigen Formen trat im Laufe der vorliegenden Untersuchung auf, die sich mit den Beziehungen der Silikate von Kalium und Natrium zu Wasser bei hohen Temperaturen, und demnach bei hohen Drucken, beschaftigte.
Exploiting bit level concurrency in real-time geometric feature extractions

Geometric feature extraction can be characterized as a computationally intensive task in the environment of real-time automated vision systems requiring algorithms with a high degree of parallelism and pipelining under the raster-scan I/O constraint. Using divide-and-conquer techniques, many feature extraction algorithms have been formulated as a pyramid and then as a binary tree structure. An efficient mapping from a tree structure into a pipelined array of 2logN, stages is presented for processing a NxN image. In the proposed mapping structure, the identification of the information growing property inherit in feature extraction algorithms allows us to exploit bit-level concurrency in the architectural design. Accordingly, the design of each staged pipelined processor is simplified.A single VLSI chip which can generate (p+1)(q+1) moments concurrently in real-time applications is reported. This chip posses a hardware complexity of O(pq(p+q)log2N) where p, q stand for the orthogonal orders of the moment. This hardware complexity is an improvement over other reported methods O(pq(p+q)2log2N).
Age, Cumulative Trauma and Stressful Life Events, and Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms Among Older Adults in Prison: Do Subjective Impressions Matter?

675 Background: The aging prison population in the United States presents a significant public health challenge with high rates of trauma and mental health issues that the correctional system alone is illprepared to address. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of age, objective, and subjective measures of trauma and stressful life events and post-traumatic stress symptoms among older adults in prison. Methods: Data were gathered from 334 prisoners (aged 55+) housed in the New Jersey Department of Corrections, as of September 2010. An anonymous self-report, self-administered survey was mailed to the total population of 1,000 prisoners aged 55 years and older. Objective and subjective trauma was measured using the Life Stressors Checklist-Revised (LSC-R), and post-traumatic stress symptoms were measured using the Civilian Version of the Post-traumatic Stress Scale. Findings: Results of a path analysis revealed that past year subjective impressions of traumatic and stressful life events had a positive and significant relationship to current post-traumatic stress symptoms. Age was found to have a significant and inverse relationship to subjective traumatic and stressful life events. That is, younger participants reported higher levels of cumulative traumatic and stressful life events and past year subjective ratings of being bothered by these past events. Implications: These findings have significance for interdisciplinary/interprofessional practice and appropriate institutional and community care, including reentry planning of older adults in the criminal justice system.
The Use of Deep-Diving Systems in Marine Research

U.S. Navy saturation divers aboard the DTV ELK RIVER and the U.S.S. PIGEON have participated in a marine-research program using the Deep-Diving System Mk 2 (DDS) on board each ship. The divers performed a variety of scientific tasks to depths between 30 and 260 m, including the collection of "marine snow" (fragile aggregates of suspended particles visible underwater in many areas), gelatinous zooplankton, as well as observations of bioluminescence. Since May of 1981 there have been 20 saturation dives, including 44 lockouts. Prior to this program, DDSs had been used only twice for marine research, although they are widely used for military and commercial diving. This paper discusses: the history of scientific diving from DDSs including the U.S. Navy/SIO program, and the application and potential of DDSs for ocean studies.
The Regulated Expression of a Diverse Set of Genes during Thymocyte Positive Selection In Vivo

A signal initiated by the newly formed Ag receptor is integrated with microenvironmental cues during T cell development to ensure positive selection of CD4+CD8+ progenitors into functionally mature CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes. During this transition, a survival program is initiated, TCR gene recombination ceases, cells migrate into a new thymic microenvironment, the responsiveness of the Ag receptor is tuned, and the cells commit to a specific T lineage. To determine potential regulators of these processes, we used mRNA microarray analysis to compare gene expression changes in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes from TCR transgenic mice that have received a TCR selection signal with those that had not received a signal. We found 129 genes with expression that changed significantly during positive selection, the majority of which were not previously appreciated. A large number of these changes were confirmed by real-time PCR or flow cytometry. We have combined our findings with gene changes reported in the literature to provide a comprehensive report of the genes regulated during positive selection, and we attempted to assign these genes to positive selection process categories.
Time lag and permeation in multilayer polymer coatings

The concept of time lag and its use in the design of multilayer polymer coatings for packaging are discussed. Calculations for several variations of hypothetical two- and three-layer systems are included to illustrate the time-lag approach. The time-lag variations in a silicone(gel)-poly(imide) and epoxy-silicone(gel)-poly(imide) system are calculated to demonstrate the applicability in real systems. >
Richard Foley's Intellectual Trust in Oneself and Others*

Descartes' demon is a crafty little devil. Despite centuries of effort by exceedingly clever thinkers, he continues to elude our clutches. Skepticism endures. The reason, Richard Foley thinks, is not hard to discover. It is simply impossible to break through the Cartesian circle. Our only means of vindicating a claim to knowledge or rational belief is to show that it is produced or sustained by our best epistemic methods, that it satisfies the best standards we can devise for rational belief. That it does so is clearly better than the alternative. But the standards and methods themselves are vulnerable. How do
Cardiovascular Disease Surveillance in the Comparative Effectiveness Landscape

As the leading cause of death in the Western world, cardiovascular disease (CVD) constitutes an enormous public health problem.1 The last 4 decades have been characterized chiefly by the postponement of CVD events and CVD related deaths until older age. Thus, the burden of CVD is increasing in parallel with the increase in life expectancy.2 Within this context, identifying persons with CVD, measuring its incidence and outcome and how these vary over time and across populations is essential. A central goal of this monitoring (otherwise termed surveillance) has been to understand the determinants of the trends in CVD and in particular the respective responsibility of primary prevention versus that of the care of established disease in the genesis of the CVD trends. A direct extension of surveillance is its application to assess the effectiveness of care and the response to interventions designed to improve the quality of care. Articles see pp 414, 475, and 508 Over the first year of its existence, the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes published 3 important articles that illustrate the clinical relevance of surveillance and the applicability of trend studies to care improvement. The article by Lewsey et al constitutes a classic example of CVD surveillance.3 The authors present much needed data on recent (1986 to 2005) trends in the epidemiology of stroke indicating that age- and sex-specific incidence rates of fatal and nonfatal hospitalized strokes in Scotland declined in men from 235 (95% CI, 229 to 242) to 149 (144 to 154) and in women from 299 (292 to 306) to 182 (177 to 188). The decline in incidence of hospitalized stroke varied by age, but overall this equated to a relative reduction in the risk of stroke of 31% in men and 42% in women. Declines in the …
A stage-based matrix population model of invasive lionfish with implications for control

The rapid invasion of lionfish into the Western North Atlantic and Caribbean will undoubtedly affect native reef fishes via processes such as trophic disruption and niche takeover, yet little is known about the dynamics of this invasion. We constructed a stage-based, matrix population model in which matrix elements were comprised of lower-level parameters. Lionfish vital rates were estimated from existing literature and from new field and laboratory studies. Sensitivity analysis of lower-level parameters revealed that population growth rate is most influenced by larval mortality; elasticity analysis of the matrix indicated strong influence of the adult and juvenile survival elements. Based on this model, approximately 27% of an invading adult lionfish population would have to be removed monthly for abundance to decrease. Hierarchical modeling indicated that this point estimate falls within a broad uncertainty interval which could result from imprecise estimates of life-history parameters. The model demonstrated that sustained removal efforts could be substantially more effective by targeting juveniles as well as adults.