cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A scalable association rule learning heuristic for large datasets

Many algorithms have proposed to solve the association rule learning problem. However, most of these algorithms suffer from the problem of scalability either because of tremendous time complexity or memory usage, especially when the dataset is large and the minimum support (minsup) is set to a lower number. This paper introduces a heuristic approach based on divide-and-conquer which may exponentially reduce both the time complexity and memory usage to obtain approximate results that are close to the accurate results. It is shown from comparative experiments that the proposed heuristic approach can achieve significant speedup over existing algorithms.
Promoting Social Acceptance and Inclusion in Physical Education

In addition to psychomotor and cognitive learning, social development is one of the three pillars of the national standards for physical education instruction. Though a plethora of research has exh...
Modeling the Line: Bresenham’s Algorithm, 1962–87

This paper follows the proliferation of the “line-drawing algorithm,” a method for encoding lines into digital media that saw widespread application in early interactive computing. The algorithm re...
Evolutionary and Biomechanical Basis of Drumming Behavior in Woodpeckers

Understanding how and why behavioral traits diversify during the course of evolution is a longstanding goal of organismal biologists. Historically, this topic is examined from an ecological perspective, where behavioral evolution is thought to occur in response to selection pressures that arise through different social and environmental factors. Yet organismal physiology and biomechanics also play a role in this process by defining the types of behavioral traits that are more or less likely to arise. Our paper explores the interplay between ecological, physiological, and mechanical factors that shape the evolution of an elaborate display in woodpeckers called the drum. Individuals produce this behavior by rapidly hammering their bill on trees in their habitat, and it serves as an aggressive signal during territorial encounters. We describe how different components of the display—namely, speed (bill strikes/beats sec-1), length (total number of beats), and rhythm—differentially evolve likely in response to sexual selection by male-male competition, whereas other components of the display appear more evolutionarily static, possibly due to morphological or physiological constraints. We synthesize research related to principles of avian muscle physiology and ecology to guide inferences about the biomechanical basis of woodpecker drumming. Our aim is to introduce the woodpecker as an ideal study system to study the physiological basis of behavioral evolution and how it relates to selection born through different ecological factors.
Data Trustworthiness—Approaches and Research Challenges

With the increased need of data sharing among multiple organizations, such as government organizations, financial corporations, medical hospitals and academic institutions, it is critical to assess and assure data trustworthiness so that effective decisions can be made based on data. In this paper, we first discuss motivations and relevant techniques for data trustworthiness. We then present an architectural framework for a comprehensive system for trustworthiness assurance and discuss relevant recent work. We highlight open research issues and research directions throughout the paper.
Motivation, Social Identity and Ideology Conviction in Oss Communities: The Mediating Role of Effort Intensity and Goal Commitment

Research has found salient individual and social motivating factors that influence participants’ involvement and contribution to OSS projects. Yet, these factors were examined independently from each other, and the mechanisms of their impacts were unclear. This paper is a first attempt to have a better and complete understanding of the phenomenon. We theorize an integrated model on the effects of personal motivation, social identity and ideology conviction on individuals’ task performance in and satisfaction with open source software projects. In particular, we posit that these motivating factors are translated into performance and satisfaction through effort intensity and goal commitment. Also, we contend that task performance positively affects an individual’s satisfaction with a specific OSS project.
REUTILIZATION (RU) OF SURFACTANT (NS) PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE (PC) IN ADULT RABBITS (R)

Several studies have demonstrated RU of NS PC in developing and adult R. The magnitude of RU in adult R has not been determined. We injected 87 1 kg R with two solutions simultaneously. [14C]palmitate was given IV and a solution of [3H]choline labeled NS plus [32P]dipalmitoylPC (DPC) was injected intratracheally (IT). R were sacrificed from 10 min to 72 hrs after injection. From each R we collected a complete alveolar wash (AW) and isolated a lamellar body (LB) fraction. We measured total [3H]PC and [32P]PC recovered in the AW and [14C]PC specific activity (SA) in the AW and in LB. From curves of [14C]PC SA in the LB and the AW vs time, we calculated the flux of PC from the LB into the AW (PC flux) and the turnover times (Tt) for alveolar PC (Tt =total AW PC/PC flux). A computer generated equation describing the total AW [3H]PC vs time was obtained and used to independently calculate the PC flux, the Tt, the % RU of NS PC and the LB PC pool size. The results are shown in the table. Also, the ratio of [3H]PC to [32P]PC in the AW did not change with time. We concluded that 1) IT and IV labeling gave comparable results. 2) IT NS and the added DPC behaved metabolically like endogenous NS. 3) That RU of PC in adult R (31%) is less than that of developing R (>90%).
Changes in the Effects of Mandatory Rate Regulation On Growth in Hospital Operating Costs, 1980–1996

We conduct a panel data fixed effects analysis of hospital costs from 1980 through 1996. Consistent with the findings of similar studies, hospitals residing in all-payer rate regulated states in 1984 and 1991 had operating costs approximately 3 to 4 percentage points lower than their less regulated counterparts. However, by 1996, the effect of rate regulation on hospital costs was reduced to approximately -0.4 percent, a result that narrowly achieves statistical significance (p = 0.09). Hospitals residing in relatively concentrated markets, measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, were more likely to have higher operating costs, an effect that increased in magnitude over time. The results support the conclusion that hospitals in markets with comparatively less rate regulation or more competition have lower operating costs than their regulated or less competitive counterparts.
Growing Cell‐Phone Population and Noncoverage Bias in Traditional Random Digit Dial Telephone Health Surveys

Objective. Examine the effect of including cell‐phone numbers in a traditional landline random digit dial (RDD) telephone survey. Data Sources. The 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Data Collection Methods. CHIS 2007 is an RDD telephone survey supplementing a landline sample in California with a sample of cell‐only (CO) adults. Study Design. We examined the degree of bias due to exclusion of CO populations and compared a series of demographic and health‐related characteristics by telephone usage. Principal Findings. When adjusted for noncoverage in the landline sample through weighting, the potential noncoverage bias due to excluding CO adults in landline telephone surveys is diminished. Both CO adults and adults who have both landline and cell phones but mostly use cell phones appear different from other telephone usage groups. Controlling for demographic differences did not attenuate the significant distinctiveness of cell‐mostly adults. Conclusions. While careful weighting can mitigate noncoverage bias in landline telephone surveys, the rapid growth of cell‐phone population and their distinctive characteristics suggest it is important to include a cell‐phone sample. Moreover, the threat of noncoverage bias in telephone health survey estimates could mislead policy makers with possibly serious consequences for their ability to address important health policy issues.
Cellular uptake mechanism of amino acid ester prodrugs in Caco-2/hPEPT1 cells overexpressing a human peptide transporter

Purpose. This study characterized the cellular uptake mechanism and hydrolysis of the amino acid ester prodrugs of nucleoside antiviral drugs in the transiently transfected Caco-2 cells overexpressing a human intestinal peptide transporter, hPEPTl (Caco-2/hPEPTl cells).
Analysis and reconstitution of translation initiation in vitro.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the analysis and reconstitution of translation initiation in vitro . Translation initiation is the rate-limiting step in protein biosynthesis, and alteration of the initiation factors by covalent modification—such as phosphorylation—or by mutation can have dramatic effects on the rate of protein synthesis. The budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae ( S.cerevisiae ), provides an ideal system to investigate structure–function relationships for conserved eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIF) by combining powerful genetic tools with biochemical analysis of cell-free extracts and purified factors. Some of the individual reactions in the initiation pathway can be assayed in yeast whole cell extracts (WCEs) or by using the relevant purified factors in model assays. The chapter describes assays using both WCEs and purified elFs. For the latter, the chapter focuses on the formation of the ternary complex (TC), the recycling of eIF2-GDP to eIF2-GTP by eIF2, and stimulation of GTP hydrolysis in the TC by eIF5 The chapter describes the use of a single extract to assay the overall rate of protein synthesis with a luciferase reporter mRNA and the ability of the endogenous eIFs to deliver Met- Met i and mRNA to the 40S ribosome.
Review of Sedimentation Engineering.Processes, Measurements, Modeling, and Practice (ASCE Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice No. 110) by Marcelo H. Garcia

Sedimentation engineering is a very important subject that deals with sedimentation processes such as erosion, entrainment, transport, deposition, and compaction of sediment induced by water, wind, gravity, and ice and affected by human activities. The original ASCE Manual 54 Sedimentation Engineering, edited by Vito A. Vanoni 1975 and the ASCE Task Committee for the Preparation of a Manual on Sedimentation assembled state-ofthe-art information and knowledge on sedimentation engineering available at that time. Since then, the scientific and engineering understanding and knowledge of sedimentation processes have been greatly advanced and expanded. The recently published Manual 110, edited by Marcelo H. Garcia and his task team, updates selected topics in the original manual and presents recent advances and new topics in the field of sedimentation science and engineering as a complement to the original Manual 54. This update is timely and makes significant contributions to the literature. This comprehensive volume consists of 23 chapters and 6 appendices. Among them, Chapters 2–4 broadly cover fundamentals of sediment transport mechanics, and a section of Chapter 19 briefly presents the mechanics of hyperconcentrated sediment flows. The original Manual 54 gives a good understanding of sedimentation processes and well defines the scope of sediment transport mechanics, whereas the new volume presents in considerable detail many recently developed theories and methods for non-cohesive sediment transport in sand-bedded streams Chapter 2 and gravel-bedded streams Chapter 3 , as well as for cohesive sediment transport Chapter 4 . Chapter 2 also introduces turbidity currents, while Chapter 3 also presents the transport of multiple-sized nonuniform sediment mixtures, which has been extensively studied in the last three decades. Chapter 4 explains the effects of waves on cohesive sediment transport, but such effects on noncohesive sediment transport are omitted in this manual. Chapter 5 reviews technologies for measuring bed-material properties and suspended and bed-load discharges, while Appendix D describes methods for estimating sediment discharges in streams using direct measurement data and empirical relations developed between hydraulic parameters and sediment transport potential. Several new types of samplers are introduced, as well as some traditional ones developed in the mid-twentieth century but modified recently. The measurement of bed load
Modulation of Cellular Responses in Toxicity

As a science, toxicology defines the interaction between chemical and/or physical agents and the consequences of the alterations to living tissues, cells, and intact organisms. Another purpose for the study of these biological consequences is to delineate and understand the risk to humans and animals from exposure, either intentionally or accidentally, and to prevent the consequences of that biological-agent interaction.
Fast Interrupt Priority Management in Operating System Kernels

In this paper we describe a new, low-overhead technique for manipulating processor interrupt state in an operating system kernel. Both uniprocessor and multiprocessor operating systems protect against uniprocessor deadlock and data corruption by selectively enabling and disabling interrupts during critical sections. This happens frequently during latency-critical activities such as IPC, scheduling, and memory management. Unfortunately, the cycle cost of modifying the interrupt mask has increased by an order of magnitude in recent processor architectures. In this paper we describe optimistic interrupt protection, a technique which substantially reduces the cost of interrupt masking by optimizing mask manipulation for the common case of no interrupts. We present results for the Mach 3.0 microkernel_operating_system,_although_the technique is applicable to other kernel architectures, both micro and monolithic, that rely on interrupts to manage devices.
Adult human RPE for transplantation: renewing an old promise

Considering the incidence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-related blinding disease will grow to 200 million globally by 2020, the impact of restoring vision by successfully replacing failing or dying RPE is great. In spite of fervent efforts to use primary RPE as a source for transplantation for over 30 years, a clinical therapy has yet to be developed. Due to the progress of pluripotent stem cell technologies and development of RPE differentiation protocols, primary human RPE culture has largely been set aside as a source of RPE for transplantation, as human embryonic stem cell (hESC)- and induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived RPE have become the current popular source for transplantation. Recently, a series of seminal advances in human primary RPE culture has renewed an interest in their potential as a source for RPE transplantation. Primary RPE are better studied and understood than hESC/hiPSC-derived RPE, have an inherent lower risk of tumor formation, and can be Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) donor-matched, making them valuable candidates alongside pluripotent stem cells as sources for cell transplantation therapy for RPE-related eye diseases. Keywords: adult stem cell; retinal pigment epithelium; cell transplantation; eye disease (Published: 7 April 2015) Citation: Advances in Regenerative Biology 2015, 2: 27144 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/arb.v2.27144
Salt Effect on Separation of Polyvinylpyridines by Thermal Field‐Flow Fractionation

Abstract A mechanism for the separation of polymers under the influence of salt is proposed to account for experimental observations made on polyvinylpyridines subjected to thermal field‐flow fractionation.
The effects of relevant and irrelevant labels on short-term memory in nursery school children

Nursery-school children, ranging in age from 3.4 to 4.3 years, were divided randomly into three groups to study the effects of labels on short-term memory. One group served as a control, receiving no labels, one group was given labels suggesting the actual colors of the stimuli, and the third group was given irrelevant word labels for the colors. The results indicate that labeling, whether relevant or irrelevant, improves retention. Recency and primacy effects were found for all groups.
Equipment and Procedure for Manufacturing Laboratory Cheese Curd

Abstract A technique for manufacturing laboratory quantities of cheese is described. This technique allows simultaneous manufacture of four vats (7 kg each) of milk. Cooling and stirring procedures were automated to reduce variability between vats. A direct acid cheese procedure minimized cheese make time and unified the make procedure. The equipment was acceptable for producing Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and direct acid set cheese. This equipment would be especially suited to evaluate compatability of enzymes for cheese manufacture, cheese yield studies, desirability of cultures for a particular cheese type, and test of culture media.
In vitro growth of murine T cells. III. Method for separation of T cell growth factor (TCGF) from concanavalin A and biological activity of the resulting TCGF.

Abstract T cell growth factor (TCGF) resulting from the incubation of murine splenocytes with concanavalin A (Con A) has been partially purified and separated from Con A. Sequential application of 50–70% saturated ammonium sulfate precipitation and G-100 gel filtration chromatography has resulted in a 300-fold purification of TCGF with a 60% yield. 99.99% of Con A has been removed from the TCGF by these steps. TCGF exists in two molecular weight forms of about 50,000 and 25,000 daltons. TCGF activity is degradable by trypsin digestion and is stable at 56°C for 30 min, but is inactivated by heating at 80°C. Lymphoid cells activated by either Con A or allogeneic in vitro sensitization will grow in TCGF free of Con A but fresh splenocytes will not grown in the absence of Con A, implying a need for prior activation before TCGF sustained growth of T cells can be achieved.
Changes in weight among a nationally representative cohort of adults aged 51 to 61, 1992 to 2000

Abstract Background Few studies have examined patterns and predictors of changes in body weight among adults in late middle age. Methods Prospective cohort study of 7391 community-dwelling U.S. adults aged 51 to 61 years at baseline (1992), using publicly available data files from the 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000 Health and Retirement Survey interviews. Changes in weight and body mass index (BMI) were examined for different racial/ethnic groups of men and women. The predictors of changes in body weight and BMI were determined using gender-specific linear regression. Results Mean body weight and BMI increased in both genders and all ethnic groups. The mean weight gain was higher for women (1.67 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.34–1.99) than for men (1.43 kg, 95% CI=1.17–1.68). White men and women had the lowest baseline BMI but tended to gain more weight than other racial/ethnic groups. In multivariate analyses, individuals who were older or had higher baseline weight showed less weight gain. Men were less likely to gain weight if their self-reported overall health at baseline was poor compared to those in excellent health. Regular light or vigorous recreational activities and work-related activities were not associated with less weight gain. Race, education, and income were not associated with weight gain in multivariate analyses. Conclusions All population subgroups are at risk for weight gain. Public health messages should target diverse populations. The current levels of physical activity attained by this population do not appear to protect against weight gain.
Guilty by Association: Reputation and Categorical Penalties in the U.S. Craft Brewing Industry

Since the 1980’s, the U.S. craft brewing industry has fastidiously developed and nurtured a social identity that places it directly at odds with the image of mass-produced American breweries. The c...
The development of gas chromatography

Abstract The development of the two major gas chromatographic techniques — based on adsorption and partition — from their beginning is summarized. In gas adsorption chromatography, the work of the pioneers is placed in the context as a precursor to the development of real gas chromatography. After the invention of gas-liquid partition chromatography, the technique underwent very rapid growth, reaching maturity within a few years. Subsequent developments in the theory, detectors and columns made it possible for the technique to reach its present advanced stage. The development of two special gas chromatographic techniques —process control and analysis, and preparative gas chromatography— is summarized separately. incorporate these new microprocessors and, within a few years, completely new instrumentation can be expected. These new instruments will be radically different in many respects: they will “think”, always adjust to the optimum conditions and the operator will have only a start button to push. A further significant development can be expected in data evaluation, a field deliberately omitted from this discussion. As the moment, we already have a number of automated data systems from minicomputers through the dedicated small computers to the large computer systems. The newest developments in electronics will result in increased performance (speed, memory, storage capacity) permitting even the small data systems to do more while in the case of the medium or large systems we shall be able to combine various instruments, compare their results with a data bank, and identify the unknowns based on the combined data and the stored information. The work of Jellum and his group at the University of Oslo in detecting metabolic disorders with the help of complex gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer-computer systems210 already shows the potentialities of this approach. At the 1957 Lansing Symposium, A. J. P. Martin spoke about the “Past, Present and Future of Gas Chromatography”211. He finished his address with the following prediction: “If we tie the gas chromatograph to other pieces of laboratory equipment, we have the possibility of almost the automatic chemist. We can separate a substance on the gas chromatograph, we can take every column which is reasonable in turn, and substances as they run from the column can go directly to various instruments such as nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet visible, infrared sepectroscopy, and we can have a mass spectrograph working as well. Here you have the uniting instrument of the gas chromatograph in the center with its slaves clustered around. The calculating machine in the background will have the records of all previous substances separated … and it will come out with a sheet typed at the end with the name of the compound and the weight per cent in the mixture. We may even get it to the stage where it will work out the structure too.” Could it be that Dr. Martin was also correct in this prediction?
The misuse of Ambien among adolescents: Prevalence and correlates in a national sample

The current research examines correlates of Ambien misuse among adolescents. Given the recent popularity of prescription drug misuse, the known risks associated with prescription drugs, the fact that Ambien is widely prescribed, and the relative lack of research on prescription sedative misuse, we believe this research is important. The current study fills this important gap in the literature by examining data from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which includes a sample of more than 17,000 adolescents ages 12 to 17 that is generalizable to the non-institutionalized population of the United States. The prevalence of lifetime Ambien misuse in the sample was 1.4%. The current research identified several significant risk factors for Ambien misuse: age, race, income, religiosity, delinquency, depression, social bonding, peer substance use, attitudes toward substance use, strain, and other substance use. Implications and limitations of the current research are discussed.
The sun: the ultimate challenge to astrophysics

Abstract Among the many exotic astronomical objects available for study, the proximity of the Sun provides the principal source of new physics, ranging from neutrinos to the mysteries of the magnetohydrodynamic activity and to the geological evolution of terrestrial climate. For it must be recalled that it is not known why the Sun is compelled by the laws of nature to produce something as familiar as the sunspot or as unexpected as the year by year variation in irradiance. The next decade holds exciting promise of experimental exploration of neutrino physics, advanced helioseismic exploration of magnetic fields below the photosphere, and high resolution glimpses of the small scale activity and magnetic fibril behavior at the visible surface (e.g. SOHO). It behooves the solar physics community to represent the productive state of affairs to the rest of the astrophysical world, who need the physics in their speculations on the nature of their unresolved objects.
Modeling of dust air flames

This study analyzes a premixed dust–air flame, under conditions where a homogeneous gas-phase reaction front can exist. Discussion on four possible flame types is provided. A solution is obtained for the burning velocity of a flammable dust–air flame in both fuel and oxygen limiting cases. A sensitivity analysis is used to analyze the features controlling the dust burning. It is shown that vaporization is significant for fuel limiting conditions; however, does not play a major role in oxygen limiting cases. The calculated burning velocity shows good agreement with available experimental data for coal–dust–air flames.
Cra and the control of carbon flux via metabolic pathways

The catabolite repressor-activator (Cra) protein controls the direction of carbon flux through metabolic pathways in enteric bacteria. Cra binds to the control regions of target genes and exerts a negative effect on the expression of genes encoding glycolytic and Entner-Doudoroff enzymes, while exerting a positive effect on genes encoding Krebs cycle, glyoxylate shunt and gluconeogenic enzymes. Cra mediates cyclic AMP-independent catabolite repression of positively Cra-regulated genes and catabolite activation of negatively Cra-controlled genes.
Analysis of fission product ingots formed in uranium-plutonium oxide irradiated in EBR-II☆

A metallic ingot removed from the central void of an irradiated UO2/20 wt % PuO2 fuel element was examined by means of electron-probe microanalysis, gamma spectroscopy, and neutron activation analysis; the fuel element had been irradiated at 560 W/cm in EBR-II to a burnup of 5.6 × 1020fiss/cm3. The analyzed composition of the ingot is 48.6 wt % ruthenium, 20.0 wt % molybdenum, 16.6 wt % technetium, 12.9 wt % rhodium, and 2.0 wt % palladium; no detectable amounts of uranium, plutonium, carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen were found. The ingot is similar in appearance and chemical composition to the white fission-product inclusions commonly observed in the columnar grains of irradiated oxide fuel and is believed to have been formed by the migration of metallic inclusions up the temperature gradient. The results of the microanalyses of the metallic ingot and the inclusions suggest that some of the molybdenum and palladium migrate toward the cooler region of the fuel during irradiation. The crystal structure of an alloy having the same composition as the metallic ingot but which was prepared from high purity Ru, Mo, Tc, Rh, and Pd was found to be close-packed hexagonal with a0 = 2.735 A and c0 = 4.355 A.
Superionicity in Na 3 PO 4 : A Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Fast ionic conduction in solid ${\mathrm{Na}}_{3}{\mathrm{PO}}_{4}$ is studied by use of molecular dynamics simulation based on the modified $\mathrm{Lu}$-Hardy approach. We obtain reasonable agreement with experiment for the structural transition and diffusion of the sodium ions. All the sodium ions are found to contribute comparably to the high ionic conductivity. The results of the simulation are discussed in terms of the relative magnitude of the two proposed transport mechanisms: percolation and paddle-wheel. It appears to us that the percolation mechanism dominates the sodium diffusion.
Development and calibration of pyroelectric radiometer standards at NIST

The reference spectral power responsivity scale of NIST is being extended from the silicon range to the infrared (IR) using pyroelectric radiometers. Two transfer standard pyroelectric radiometers have been developed at NIST. The main design consideration was to obtain only a minimal increase in the measurement uncertainty during the responsivity scale extension. Domain engineered LiNbO3 and regular LiTaO3 pyroelectric detectors were used in the two radiometers. Both detectors are gold-black coated and temperature controlled. Reflecting domes are attached to the radiometer inputs to decrease the reflectance loss and to improve the spatial uniformity of responsivity in the infrared. Four commercial pyroelectric detectors have been added to the group and used as working standards. The relative spectral responsivity of all pyroelectric detectors was determined from spectral reflectance measurements. The radiant power responsivity tie points were derived from Si trap and single element detectors traceable to the NIST reference responsivity scale. The pyroelectric radiometers have been characterized for frequency and temperature dependent responsivity, noise, spatial non-uniformity of responsivity, angular responsivity, and linearity. The expanded (relative) uncertainty of the spectral power responsivity calibrations ranged between 0.5 % and 1.2 % (k=2) within the 1 μm to 19 μm range.
Financial market assumptions and pension plan models: a comment on PIMS model asset markets assumptions*

The financial market assumptions of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)'s Pension Insurance Modeling System model are critical inputs to simulations for most apparent uses of the system. They currently appear to be based on a reduced form, ‘classical’ approach to assessing and forecasting the distribution of returns on various classes of input assets, allowing for a fairly sophisticated and useful approach to understanding simulated distributions of potential pension insurance outcomes as well as the net financial status of the PBGC. This technical note discusses some of the capital market side assumptions utilized in the model. It also comments on important related assumptions including the assumed asset allocations of insured plans, making suggestion for possible modification of input assumptions of the model to reflect time variation in financial market return behavior as well as time variation in observed plan allocations.
Early diagnosis of tuberculous thoracic aortic aneurysm by computerized axial tomography

A thoracic aortic aneurysm secondary to miliary tuberculosis was successfully diagnosed early in its course in an asymptomatic patient by computerized axial tomography with contrast enhancement. This non-invasive technique, performed on an outpatient basis, led to the rapid and successful treatment of the patient.
Job satisfaction and temperament structure of gifted people

This article focuses on the problems of adults who in secondary school were high ability learners. The main point of interest of the research presented here is job satisfaction among gifted people and their temperament structure. The authors are interested whether there exist correlations between the investigated variables both in the entire group of gifted individuals as well as in the subgroup of those gifted in the humanities and in the control group. The research results show that between the group of gifted people and the control group there appear significant differences in vigorousness (VG) and activity (AC). The studied groups differ as to the kind and extent of the fulfilment of expectations concerning professional career. Gifted individuals, in comparison to the control group, are more satisfied with their jobs.
Florida Current Meanders: A Close Look in June July 1984

Abstract During the Florida Atlantic Coast Transport Study (FACTS), the time and space scales of energetic fluctuations of the Florida Current were observed with current meter moorings and acoustically tracked velocity profilers (PEGASUS). The most energetic fluctuations for the downstream velocity component occurred at the outer shelf break with water depths of 75 to 200 m, decreasing both to the inner shelf and the open water. In June–July 1984 three large eddy–meander events were observed with satellite imagery, current meters and PEGASUS. During the latest, northward velocities are the shelf break decreased from about 100 cm s−1 to near zero, with southward flow occurring on the onshore side of the front along the sloping bottom topography. The associated offshore meander increased the transport across the section from 20 to 42 Sv (1 Sv &equals 106 m3 s−1) within 5 days. The onshore component of the flow first appeared on the east side of the Gulf Stream and then penetrated the entire shelf width to t...
Breaking down barriers: helpful breakthrough statistical methods you need to understand better.

T hree barriers to effective, helpful, and accurate analysis of clinical outcomes for which breakthrough technology has just emerged include: (1) general analysis of repeated follow-up measures, (2) treatment comparisons from nonrandomized clinical experiences, and (3) scientific risk factor identification. The three barriers have in common workarounds, that is, unsatisfactory and inadequate temporary, but simple, solutions in the absence of a real solution. Our expectations may be so low that we run the risk of preferring the workarounds for their simplicity rather than rejoicing that breakthrough has occurred! Therefore, the purpose of this article is to acquaint you with the breakthrough methods in a nontechnical fashion so that you may read reports more knowledgeably, interact with your statistical collaborators more closely, or encourage your statistician to consider these methods if they are applicable to your clinical research.
On Eliciting Beliefs in Strategic Games

Several recent studies in experimental economics have tried to measure beliefs of subjects engaged in strategic games with other subjects. Using data from one such study we conduct an experiment where our experienced subjects observe early rounds of strategy choices from that study and are given monetary incentives to report forecasts of choices in later rounds. We elicit beliefs using three different scoring rules: linear, logarithmic, and quadratic. We compare forecasts across the scoring rules and compare the forecasts of our trained observers to forecasts of the actual players in the original experiment. We find significant differences across scoring rules. The improper linear scoring rule produces forecasts closer to 0 and 1 than the proper rules, and these forecasts are poorly calibrated. The two proper scoring rules induce significantly different distributions of forecasts. We find that forecasts by observers under both proper scoring rules are significantly different from the forecasts of the actual players, in terms of accuracy, calibration, and the distribution of forecasts. We also find evidence for belief convergence among the observers.
The preparation of cis-[Cr(pn)2X2]X and cis-[Cr(tm)2X2]X complexes by the thermal matrix method

Abstract The preparation and characterization of the cis -[Cr(pn) 2 X 2 ]X and cis -[Cr(tm) 2 X 2 ]X complexes by the thermal matrix reaction are described. In general, higher temperatures were required to prepare the cis -complexes than was previously observed for the 1,2-ethanediamine complexes. The order of deamination appears to be: 1,2-ethanediamine > 1,2-propanediamine > 1,3-propanediamine
New fluorescence probes for drug-protein binding studies

9-(4′-Carboxyanilino)-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine and 9-anilino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine were synthesized from 6,9-dichloro-2-methoxyacridine. The fluorescence characteristics of these compounds along with N-phenylsulfanilate in various solvents and in their bovine serum albumin mixtures were studied using a fluorescent technique. The results show that the fluorescence of these acridine derivatives is essentially a combination of the fluorescence of acridine and the substitution effects. In polar solvent, the fluorescence is mainly characterized by the acridine residue; in nonpolar solvents and in bovine serum albumin mixtures, the substitution effects are the dominant factors. It was found that 9-(4′-carboxyanilino)-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine and N-phenylsulfanilate possess the main features of fluorescence probes. In binding to bovine serum albumin, the quantum yields of 9-(4′-carboxyanilino)-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine and N-phenylsulfanilate increased 20-fold and 26-fold, respectively. However, neither 9-anilino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine nor diphenylamine showed significant interaction with bovine serum albumin. These findings indicate that, as an anion, the probes may interact with positively charged residues on the protein molecules. The potential for using 9-(4′-carboxyanilino)-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine as a fluorescence probe was tested with several drug compounds.
Determination of land and tree values of hybrid poplar plantations: A case study for Turkey

Synopsis Valuation of poplar plantations is important in condemnation, taxation, loan, insurance, inheritance, and purchase-sale cases. In general, for the appraisal ofland value of poplar plantations, sales comparison and income capitalization approaches can be used. In appraisal of tree values sales comparison, income capitalization, and cost approaches are used. The approach to be used may vary according to the purpose of appraisal, age of the establishment, obtainable data, and according to the current regulations. In this study, approaches that could be applied in valuation of hybrid poplar plantations (PopulusxEuramericana Guiner cv. 1-214) are theoretically examined and a survey has been done in a selected region.
Dynamic Analysis of Low‐Rise Buildings on Microcomputers

An analytical model for dynamic response analysis of low-rise steel frame buildings on microcomputers is described. The model consists of an assemblage of planar frames with either braced or moment resisting connections. All but the frame lateral degrees of freedom are removed using static condensation prior to assemblage of the overall model. Floor diaphragms are modeled as either flexible or completely rigid in their own planes. Linear elastic behavior is assumed in the model and time-history dynamic analysis is performed using the mode-acceleration method. A FORTRAN computer program was written to implement the model on a microcomputer and a sample analysis of an actual building is presented to illustrate its use. The program was envisioned as a simplified analysis and design tool which could aid a designer in investigating a proposed structure or in rehabilitating an existing one for lateral forces.
γ-Syntrophin scaffolding is spatially and functionally distinct from that of the α/β syntrophins

Abstract The syntrophins are a family of scaffolding proteins with multiple protein interaction domains that link signaling proteins to dystrophin family members. Each of the three most characterized syntrophins (α, β1, β2) contains a PDZ domain that binds a unique set of signaling proteins including kinases, ion and water channels, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). The PDZ domains of the γ-syntrophins do not bind nNOS. In vitro pull-down assays show that the γ-syntrophins can bind dystrophin but have unique preferences for the syntrophin binding sites of dystrophin family members. Despite their ability to bind dystrophin in vitro, neither γ-syntrophin isoform co-localizes with dystrophin in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, γ-syntrophins do not co-purify with dystrophin isolated from mouse tissue. These data suggest that the interaction of γ-syntrophin with dystrophin is transient and potentially subject to regulatory mechanisms. γ1-Syntrophin is highly expressed in brain and is specifically localized in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, Purkinje neurons in cerebellum, and cortical neurons. γ2-Syntrophin is expressed in many tissues including skeletal muscle where it is found only in the subsynaptic space beneath the neuromuscular junction. In both neurons and muscle, γ-syntrophin isoforms localize to the endoplasmic reticulum where they may form a scaffold for signaling and trafficking.
Evaluation of several MS/MS search algorithms for analysis of spectra derived from electron transfer dissociation experiments.

Electron transfer dissociation (ETD) is increasingly becoming popular for high-throughput experiments especially in the identification of the labile post-translational modifications. Most search algorithms that are currently in use for querying MS/MS data against protein databases have been optimized on the basis of matching fragment ions derived from collision induced dissociation of peptides, which are dominated by b and y ions. However, electron transfer dissociation of peptides generates completely different types of fragments: c and z ions. The goal of our study was to test the ability of different search algorithms to handle data from this fragmentation method. We compared four MS/MS search algorithms (OMSSA, Mascot, Spectrum Mill, and X!Tandem) using ∼170 000 spectra generated from a standard protein mix, as well as from complex proteomic samples which included a large number of phosphopeptides. Our analysis revealed (1) greater differences between algorithms than has been previously reported for C...
Application of surrogate indicators of insulin sensitivity to critically ill cats

Hyperglycaemia associated with critical illness is a common finding in non-diabetic human patients and has important implications for nutritional support. The aetiology of the hyperglycaemia is multi-factorial but believed to involve alterations in hormones regulating glucose metabolism and the development of insulin resistance. We have previously demonstrated that hyperglycaemia in critically cats similarly involves alterations in circulating concentrations of insulin, glucagon, and cortisol. Namely, with critical illness cats had hypoinsulinaemia, hyperglucagonaemia, and hypercortisolaemia. However, direct determinations of insulin sensitivity in critically ill cats have remained untested due to the complexity of calculations and frequent blood sampling required. Such techniques have, therefore, been limited to experimental models. In the interest of studying insulin sensitivity in clinical cases, surrogate indicators of insulin sensitivity, e.g, Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA), and Quantitative Insulin Check Index (QUICKI), have been recently applied to cats and shown to correlate to more traditional insulin sensitivity testing. HOMA is calculated ([insulin]x[(glucose)/22.5]), while QUICKI is (1/ [log insulin + log glucose]).The goal of this study was to apply the HOMA and QUICKI indices to hyperglycaemic critically ill cats and compare them to those of euglycaemic critically ill cats and controls. Twenty-six critically ill, and 21 healthy control cats were evaluated. Groups were matched for age, weight, and body condition. Of the critically ill cats, 10 were euglycaemic, and 14 were hyperglycaemic (glucose > 180 mg/dL). As compared to euglycaemic critically ill cats, HOMA was found to be significantly greater in hyperglycaemic cats [median 5.30 (range 0.90 – 25.14) vs. [2.19 (0.69 – 7.33); p = 0.016], while QUICKI was significantly lower in hyperglycaemic cats [median 0.30 mg/dl (0.25 – 0.39 mg/dl) vs. [0.34 mg/dl (0.29 – 0.38 mg/dl); p = 0.039]. Higher HOMA and lower QUICKI indices are consistent with an insulin resistant state. However, HOMA and QUICKI were not significantly different between hyperglycaemic and control cats. While the application of these indices may prove useful in determining insulin sensitivity in critically ill cats, future studies are needed to resolve discrepancies demonstrate in the current study.
Variant embryonal carcinoma cells lacking SSEA-1 and forsmann antigens remain developmentally pluripotent

Abstract Six embryonal carcinoma (EC) cell lines that are resistant to the cytotoxic, galactose-specific lectin abrin were isolated from mutagenized populations of either PSA-1 or F9 cells. The LD10 for each of the variant lines was at least 150-fold greater than that for parental cells. Indirect cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that all of the variant cell lines lacked both Stage Specific Embryonic Antigen-1 (SSEA-1, less than 1% of wild-type levels) and Forsmann antigen (less than 5% of wild-type levels). When abrin-resistant cells were fused to previously isolated SSEA-1-negative cells ( M. J. Rosenstraus (1983) , Dev. Biol. 99, 318–323) that express Forsmann antigen, the resulting hybrids expressed SSEA-1. This implies the mutation conferring abrin resistance is in a different gene than that defined by the previously isolated mutation. Thus, we have identified two genes that are required for SSEA-1 expression, one of which also appears to be required for Forsmann antigen expression. The F9-derived variants differentiated into visceral-like or parietal-like endoderm when treated with retinoic acid in the absence or presence of 8-bromo-cAMP, respectively. PSA-1-derived variants formed differentiated teratocarcinomas containing derivatives of all three germ layers. Thus the SSEA-1 and Forsmann haptenic determinants are not required for EC cells to differentiate into a broad spectrum of cell types; nor do they appear to be involved in the cell-cell interactions that are postulated to regulate visceral versus parietal endoderm differentiation.
Should I stay or should I go: neuromodulators of behavioral states.

Animals are often in discrete behavioral states, but it is unclear how one specific state is generated and opposes alternative states. Flavell et al. now identify molecular and neural components in C. elegans that are involved in the generation of dwelling and roaming states.
Modeling Travel Time Under ATIS Using Mixed Linear Models

The objective of this paper is to model travel time when drivers are equipped with pre-trip and/or en-route real-time traffic information/advice. A travel simulator with a realistic network and real historical congestion levels was used as a data collection tool. The network included 40 links and 25 nodes. This paper presents models of the origin-to-destination travel time and en-route short-term route (link) travel time under five different types and levels of advanced traveler information systems (ATIS). Mixed linear models with the repeated observation's technique were used in both models. Different covariance structures (including the independent case) were developed and compared. The effect of correlation was found significant in both models. The trip travel time analysis showed that as the level of information increases (adding en-route to the pre-trip and advice to the advice-free information), the average travel time decreases. The model estimates show that providing pre-trip and en-route traffic information with advice could result in significant savings in the overall travel time. The en-route short-term (link) travel time analysis showed that the en-route short-term (link) information has a good chance of being used and followed. The short-term qualitative information is more likely to be used than quantitative information. Learning and being familiar with the system that provides the information decreases en-route short-term delay.
Sensitivity of lightweight deflectometer deflections to layer stiffness via finite element analysis

A dynamic finite element (FE) model of lightweight deflectometer (LWD) loading on a two-layer soil system, validated with an analytical solution and experimental data, is presented. Peak dynamic FE...