cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Performance on the Wepman Auditory Discrimination Test and Reading Achievement among Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between auditory discrimination, as measured by the Wepman Auditory Discrimination Test, and reading achievement, as measured by the Woodcock Reading Mastery Tests. Subjects were 136 adolescents ranging in age from 12 years 2 months to 17 years 9 months. Controlling for intelligence, partial correlation coefficients were calculated for the total sample, as well as for retarded and non-retarded subsamples. In addition, partial correlation coefficients were calculated for subsamples determined according to sex, race and age. Based on the low correlation coefficients obtained, the authors concluded that there is little more than a random relationship between performance on the Wepman Auditory Discrimination Test and reading achievement when one controls for intelligence. Implications of the results were discussed.
On modeling the potential impacts of CO2 sequestration on shallow groundwater: Transport of organics and co-injected H2S by supercritical CO2 to shallow aquifers

Abstract Proper site selection for CO 2 geologic storage requires assessing the impact of potential leakage of CO 2 from deep subsurface reservoirs to overlying drinking water aquifers. Although recent studies have largely focused on the mobilization of trace elements in response to the intrusion of CO 2 into such aquifers, in this paper we investigate two other leakage issues and potential effects on groundwater quality: the transport of organic compounds by supercritical CO 2 from deep storage reservoirs and the upward migration of CO 2 with co-injected H 2 S. Numerical simulations show that organic compounds that may be present at depth, such as benzene, could be mobilized by supercritical CO 2 and migrate with the leaking CO 2 . Modeling results also show that upon the transport of CO 2 + H 2 S mixtures through a hypothetical leakage pathway, H 2 S arrival in the shallower aquifer is delayed in comparison with that of CO 2 due to the preferential dissolution of H 2 S into the aqueous phase. The potentially adverse impacts of leakage on shallow groundwater quality may be exacerbated for cases of leaking CO 2 + H 2 S, compared to intrusion of pure CO 2 , possibly leading to the mobilization of thiophilic elements such as arsenic. Geochemical reactions included in the simulations involve adsorption/desorption, reductive dissolution of goethite, precipitation of pyrite, siderite, and arsenic sulfide phases. The models presented are generic in nature, exploring important processes regarding organic compounds and co-injected H 2 S, and calling attention to the need for more site-specific studies taking into account the variability and uncertainty of key hydrogeologic and geochemical parameters.
Genome-Wide Analyses of Working-Memory Ability: A Review.

Working memory, a theoretical construct from the field of cognitive psychology, is crucial to everyday life. It refers to the ability to temporarily store and manipulate task-relevant information. The identification of genes for working memory might shed light on the molecular mechanisms of this important cognitive ability and—given the genetic overlap between, for example, schizophrenia risk and working-memory ability—might also reveal important candidate genes for psychiatric illness. A number of genome-wide searches for genes that influence working memory have been conducted in recent years. Interestingly, the results of those searches converge on the mediating role of neuronal excitability in working-memory performance, such that the role of each gene highlighted by genome-wide methods plays a part in ion channel formation and/or dopaminergic signaling in the brain, with either direct or indirect influence on dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. This result dovetails with animal models of working memory that highlight the role of dynamic network connectivity, as mediated by dopaminergic signaling, in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Future work, which aims to characterize functional variants influencing working-memory ability, might choose to focus on those genes highlighted in the present review and also those networks in which the genes fall. Confirming gene associations and highlighting functional characterization of those associations might have implications for the understanding of normal variation in working-memory ability and also for the development of drugs for mental illness.
Intentional Warfarin Overdose in a Human Patient With Liver Disease and Concurrent Pulmonary Emboli

While there are numerous guidelines in the literature concerning the management of excess anticoagulation with oral vitamin K antagonists, clinicians are often presented with a scenario in which applying these guidelines is difficult. Given the prevalence of oral anticoagulant use and the frequency of toxicity, clinicians are likely to encounter cases of toxicity in patients with uniquely complex histories and presentation. Comorbidities that affect hemostatic physiology, such as hepatic dysfunction, make an algorithmic approach to diagnosis and management less predictable. Given the risk for serious thromboembolism and hemorrhage in this patient population, clinical guidelines must be executed in consideration of physiological knowledge and clinical experience. We present a case of intentional warfarin overdose in a human patient with liver disease and a recent history of thrombosis and hemorrhage. Our management of the patient was based on a combination of published guidelines, case series and clinical experience. Our patient helps to illustrate that the current recommendations for management of excess anticoagulation can be applied to patents with complex hemostatic systems and substantial risk for both thrombosis and hemorrhage, despite mechanism of toxicity and hepatic disease. J Hematol. 2014;3(3):76-79 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jh130w
Kekulé structures and the face independence number of a fullerene

We explore the relationship between Kekule structures and maximum face independence sets in fullerenes: plane trivalent graphs with pentagonal and hexagonal faces. For the class of leap-frog fullerenes, we show that a maximum face independence set corresponds to a Kekule structure with a maximum number of benzene rings and may be constructed by partitioning the pentagonal faces into pairs and 3-coloring the faces with the exception of a very few faces along paths joining paired pentagons. We also obtain some partial results for non-leap-frog fullerenes.
The engineering problem of ski safety.

Abstract Upper and lower limits of load on legs during skiing have been measured earlier but devices presently on the market are inadequately designed and built to insure release of the leg when these limits are exceeded. Design criteria are discussed to insure release under conditions of overload regardless of the weight distribution of the body and yet to secure the leg to the ski under the loads needed for maneuvers and under the dynamic loads imposed by the slope conditions.
Inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor: characterization of neuron-specific alternative splicing in rat brain and peripheral tissues

One source of diversity in the inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) is generated at the level of alternative splicing. Our previous studies of splice isoforms of the receptor in various tissues suggested that some tissues, specifically those containing neurons, selectively express a 40 amino acid insert located between 2 sites for phosphorylation by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and that the presence of this insert changes the preferred site of phosphorylation of the receptor. Studies of the mouse receptor have also suggested the existence of intermediately spliced forms containing partial versions of the splice and exhibiting different brain distributions. In this study, we have investigated the alternative splicing of the rat receptor in greater detail using RNase protection and PCR analysis. We find little evidence for the existence of intermediately spliced forms in rat, raising the possibility that the degree of alternative splicing at this site differs in the brains of two very similar species. Our screen of tissue distribution supports the selectively neuronal expression of the long spliced form, and suggests that regulation of this receptor in neurons may be different than in other tissues.
The relationship of beer consumption and state alcohol and motor vehicle policies to fatal accidents

Fatal accident data from 50 states and the District of Columbia were examined in order to determine the relationship between alcohol availability and fatal motor vehicle accidents. This relationship was analyzed for both fatal accidents and motor vehicle fatalities (potentially more than one per accident) using multiple regression. The independent variables were: (1) driving age (percent of drivers under 21); (2) beverage purchase age; (3) average beer consumption; (4) number of outlets per million population selling alcohol for on-premise consumption; (5) percentage of metropolitan residents; (6) percentage of male drivers; and (7) mileage per driver per year. It was found that the regression analyses for fatal accidents and for fatalities were highly similar. Driving age was the strongest predictor of highway mortality. On-premise availability of alcohol was significantly and inversely associated with motor vehicle fatalities. This suggests that when on-premise outlets are fewer and more geographically spread out, the chances of drinking and driving are greater. Finally, average beer consumption was significantly and positively associated with highway fatalities perhaps because many drivers consider it a "soft" alcoholic beverage that will not impair their ability to drive.
Does the pot melt, boil, or brew? Black children and white assessment procedures

Abstract The experiences Black youths bring to school with them constitute a distinctive, viable culture. Their subsequent performance in educational and psychological testing situations cannot be assessed adequately without consideration of their particular attitudes, perceptions, and behavioral patterns, for all of these are determined by a kind of cultural conditioning which differs, in some fundamental ways, from mainstream Americans. Several of the social and psychological characteristics of Black culture are discussed. Included are Blacks' attitudes toward whites, systems of time allocations, expressions of identity, attitudes toward learning, dissemination of information among Blacks, Black learning styles and maturation processes. Each is discussed further in terms of its manifestation in a testing or assessment situation; how it conflicts with the assessor's orientations and expectations; and how distorted, unreliable evaluations result from the failure of assessors to consider implications of cultural relativism in interpreting Black behavior.
Wave Reverberations in Multitube Pulse Detonation Engines

Internal wave reverberation processes in multiple-tube, pulsed detonation engines are considered. The study is based on a two-dimensional analysis of dual- and triple-detonation tubes exhausting through a common nozzle. Computations are first performed for a series of dual-tube configurations in which the intertube geometry is varied parametrically. Similar computations are then performed for three-tube configurations. The results indicate that when a detonation exits one tube, the details of the geometrical interconnection between tubes can change the magnitude of the pressure spike produced in an adjacent tube by nearly an order of magnitude. Controlling the crosstalk between adjacent tubes represents an important prerequisite for understanding propellant fill procedures and shock wave propagation in multitube devices.
The relevancy and gender identity in spectators’ interpretations of Thelma & Louise

Using relevancy as a conceptual framework, this study investigates women and men spectators’ experiences with the 1991 film, Thelma & Louise. An analysis of the spectators’ self‐report essays explicates contradictory cultural subjectivities and subsequent interpretations of the film between the spectators: women tended to like the film—men generally hated it. While issues of sexism and women's marginalization appear irrelevant to the cultural subjectivities of the men, sexism and its consequences are the major relevant issues in the viewing experiences of the women. Women spectators overwhelmingly interpreted the events in the film as evidence of women's marginalized status in a patriarchal society, an interpretation that resulted in their endorsement of and identification with the film's protagonists. Men failed to make this connection, resulting in their interpretations of the film generally as an unfair exercise in male‐bashing. Women also identified strongly with Thelma and Louise's friendship, while ...
Unidirectionally coupled synchronization of optically injected semiconductor lasers

Three different synchronization scenarios, namely identical chaos synchronization, chaotic driven oscillation, and chaotic optical modulation, are experimentally observed for the chaotic optical fields generated by optically injected semiconductor lasers that are unidirectionally coupled. In this fully optical system, the channel signal is different from the output field of the transmitter laser by an additional injection optical field delivered by a master laser. In the case of identical chaos synchronization, the output field of the receiver is synchronized, and frequency locked, to that of the transmitter but is not synchronized to the channel signal. In chaotic driven oscillation, the output field of the receiver is synchronized, and frequency locked, to the channel signal but is not synchronized to the output field of the transmitter. In chaotic optical modulation, the output field of the receiver is synchronized, but not frequency locked, only to the channel signal. These three different synchronization scenarios are identified in the same optical-injection system under different operating conditions.
Library on the Go: A Focus Group Study of the Mobile Web and the Academic Library

This study explores student use of the mobile Web in general and expectations for an academic library’s mobile Web site in particular through focus groups with students at Kent State University. Participants expressed more interest in using their mobile Web device to interact with library resources and services than anticipated. Results showed an interest in using research databases, the library catalog, and reference services on the mobile Web as well as contacting and being contacted by the library using text messaging.
Möbius voting for surface correspondence

The goal of our work is to develop an efficient, automatic algorithm for discovering point correspondences between surfaces that are approximately and/or partially isometric.Our approach is based on three observations. First, isometries are a subset of the Mobius group, which has low-dimensionality -- six degrees of freedom for topological spheres, and three for topological discs. Second, computing the Mobius transformation that interpolates any three points can be computed in closed-form after a mid-edge flattening to the complex plane. Third, deviations from isometry can be modeled by a transportation-type distance between corresponding points in that plane.Motivated by these observations, we have developed a Mobius Voting algorithm that iteratively: 1) samples a triplet of three random points from each of two point sets, 2) uses the Mobius transformations defined by those triplets to map both point sets into a canonical coordinate frame on the complex plane, and 3) produces "votes" for predicted correspondences between the mutually closest points with magnitude representing their estimated deviation from isometry. The result of this process is a fuzzy correspondence matrix, which is converted to a permutation matrix with simple matrix operations and output as a discrete set of point correspondences with confidence values.The main advantage of this algorithm is that it can find intrinsic point correspondences in cases of extreme deformation. During experiments with a variety of data sets, we find that it is able to find dozens of point correspondences between different object types in different poses fully automatically.
A paired test for recognizer selection with untranscribed data

Traditionally, the use of untranscribed speech has been restricted to unsupervised or semi-supervised training of acoustic models. Comparison of recognizers has required labeled data. In this paper we show how recognizers may be rank-ordered in terms of their performance using only a large quantity of untranscribed data, given a third “reference” recognizer. We develop statistical tests for comparing recognizers in this scenario. The accuracy of the reference system need not be known. Also, while the accuracy of the reference system affects the amount of data required, with enough data it only needs to perform better than chance. We show through detailed experiments that the rank ordering predicted from untranscribed data is indeed correct.
RNase III-dependent expression of the rpsO-pnp operon of Streptomyces coelicolor.

We have examined the expression of the rpsO-pnp operon in an RNase III (rnc) mutant of Streptomyces coelicolor. Western blotting demonstrated that polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) levels increased in the rnc mutant, JSE1880, compared with the parental strain, M145, and this observation was confirmed by polymerization assays. It was observed that rpsO-pnp mRNA levels increased in the rnc mutant by 1.6- to 4-fold compared with M145. This increase was observed in exponential, transition, and stationary phases, and the levels of the readthrough transcript, initiated upstream of rpsO in the rpsO-pnp operon; the pnp transcript, initiated in the rpsO-pnp intergenic region; and the rpsO transcript all increased. The increased levels of these transcripts in JSE1880 reflected increased chemical half-lives for each of the three. We demonstrated further that overexpression of the rpsO-pnp operon led to significantly higher levels of PNPase activity in JSE1880 compared to M145, reflecting the likelihood that PNPase expression is autoregulated in an RNase IIIdependent manner in S. coelicolor. To explore further the increase in the level of the pnp transcript initiated in the intergenic region in JSE1880, we utilized that transcript as a substrate in assays employing purified S. coelicolor RNase III. These assays revealed the presence of hitherto-undiscovered sites of RNase III cleavage of the pnp transcript. The position of those sites was determined by primer extension, and they were shown to be situated in the loops of a stem-loop structure.
Quality of obturation in student cases instructed by endodontic versus general dentistry faculty

Endodontic literature suggests that only about 60% of endodontic therapy meets current technical standards and that general dentists may be making a significant contribution to this compromised care. If so, where in the continuum of dental education does this begin. This study evaluated the quality of obturation in mandibular molars provided on the one hand by 3rd year dental students instructed by endodontic faculty, and on the other hand by 4th year students instructed by general dentistry faculty, versus the quality of obturation achieved by endodontic residents who served as a control for both groups. Final radiographs were chosen from students in all three groups so that there were 22 samples per group. Three evaluators rank-ordered the radiographs. In order of excellence, the results were: (a) residents, (b) 3rd year students, and (c) 4th year students. There was no significant difference between the 3rd year students or the residents, only between residents and 4th year students (p
Estimating the domain of attraction for nonlinear feedback systems

An iterative procedure is developed for estimating the domain of attraction of a class of nonlinear systems. The procedure uses an approximation of the system by a Carleman linearization and is suitable for automatic computations. The algorithm is applied to the transient stability problem in electrical power systems and a favorable comparison with previous criteria is obtained.
Review article: The invisibility of SLA theory in mainstream creole linguistics

This review article argues that contemporary mainstream second language acquisition research has extremely little, if any, impact on current scholarship in creole linguistics. After a promise of an active synergy between the two subfields 30 years ago, genuine engagement slowed to a virtual stop by the mid-1980s as both fields continued to develop on their separate paths. It is suggested that part of this diffusion is related to the historical orientation of creole linguistics as opposed to the psychological orientation of second language acquisition research. Three books by leading creole scholars are then considered, each representing one of the three major schools of thought in contemporary creole linguistics. It is found that despite the inherent interest and value of each of the volumes, none seriously engages with current second language acquisition research.
Developmental Expression of Spectrins in Rat Skeletal Muscle

Skeletal muscle contains spectrin (or spectrin I) and fodrin (or spectrin II), members of the spectrin supergene family. We used isoform-specific antibodies and cDNA probes to investigate the molec...
A message-based architechture to enable runtime user interaction on concurrent simulation-animations of construction operations

This paper describes a preliminary architecture to support user interaction with 3D animations. These interactions are able affect the state of the concurrent discrete-event simulation driving the animation. We first explain how user interaction is conceptually split into user-action and user- intent, and then detail the message-based architecture adopted to support user interaction.
Correlation between spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence at the margins of geographic atrophy.

Purpose To study the appearance of margins of geographic atrophy in high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and to correlate those changes with fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Design Retrospective, observational case study. Methods Patients with geographic atrophy secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration were assessed by means of spectral-domain OCT (Spectralis Heidelberg Retinal Angiograph/OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany; or OTI Inc, Toronto, Canada) as well as autofluorescence imaging (Heidelberg Retinal Angiograph or Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering). The outer retinal layer alterations were analyzed in the junctional zone between normal retina and atrophic retina and were correlated with corresponding FAF. Results Twenty-three eyes of 16 patients between 62 and 96 years of age were examined. There was a significant association between OCT findings and the FAF findings ( r = 0.67; P P Conclusions Spectral-domain OCT provides in vivo insight into the pathogenesis of geographic atrophy and its progression. Visualization of reactive changes in the retinal pigment epithelial cells at the junctional zone and correlation with increased FAF; secondary to increased lipofuscin, together these methods may serve as determinants of progression of geographic atrophy.
Avatar-Model Interaction in Virtual Worlds Improves Distributed Team Collaboration through Issue Discovery

In this study, we observed distributed construction engineering management teams as they discovered issues in building models while collaborating in a 3D virtual world. This paper contributes to visualization and building information modeling (BIM) literature by exploring how the affordances of the media-rich 3D environment of a virtual world support mutual discovery of construction coordination issues among team members. In Winter/Spring 2013, graduate and undergraduate students from four globally distributed universities met in three teams once a week for eleven weeks. Numerous communication affordances were available to the teams both within and external to the virtual world, including voice, text chat, screen-sharing, and exploring avatar-scaled models imported into the virtual world. When exploring the imported model, individuals controlled their own viewpoint by “walking” through the building as an avatar using the arrow keys on a keyboard and, as a result, all members of the team were able to view the model, together, regardless of BIM experience. We found the rate of issue discovery to be significantly higher in the avatar-scaled models compared to other methods of viewing the model, such as passively viewing the model on a 2D shared screen, indicating that bringing team members and building models into the same interactional space is more effective for quickly discovering coordination issues.
Redox-Sensitive Sulfenic Acid Modification Regulates Surface Expression of the Cardiovascular Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel Kv1.5

Rationale: Kv1.5 (KCNA5) is expressed in the heart, where it underlies the IKur current that controls atrial repolarization, and in the pulmonary vasculature, where it regulates vessel contractility in response to changes in oxygen tension. Atrial fibrillation and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension are characterized by down-regulation of Kv1.5 protein expression, as well as with oxidative stress. Formation of sulfenic acid (SOH) on cysteine residues of proteins is an important, dynamic mechanism for protein regulation under oxidative stress. Kv1.5 is widely reported to be redox-sensitive, and the channel possesses six potentially redox-sensitive intracellular cysteines. We therefore hypothesized that sulfenic acid modification of the channel itself may regulate Kv1.5 in response to oxidative stress. Objective: To investigate how oxidative stress, via redox-sensitive modification of the channel with sulfenic acid, regulates trafficking and expression of Kv1.5. Methods and Results: Labeling studies with the sulfenic acid–specific probe, DAz, and HRP-streptavidin western blotting demonstrated a global increase in sulfenic acid modified proteins in human patients with atrial fibrillation, as well as sulfenic acid modification to Kv1.5 in the heart. Further studies showed that Kv1.5 is modified with sulfenic acid on a single COOH-terminal cysteine (C581), and the level of sulfenic acid increases in response to oxidant exposure. Using live-cell immunofluorescence and whole-cell voltage clamping, we found that modification of this cysteine is necessary and sufficient to reduce channel surface expression, promote its internalization, and block channel recycling back to the cell surface. Moreover, western blotting demonstrated that sulfenic acid modification is a trigger for channel degradation under prolonged oxidative stress. Conclusions: Sulfenic acid modification to proteins, which is elevated in diseased human heart, regulates Kv1.5 channel surface expression and stability under oxidative stress, and diverts channel from a recycling pathway to degradation. This provides a molecular mechanism linking oxidative stress and down-regulation of channel expression observed in cardiovascular diseases.
MARKS (Middleware Adaptability for Resource Discovery, Knowledge Usability and Self-healing) for Mobile Devices of Pervasive Computing Environments

With the tremendous increase in the use of mobile handheld and wearable devices, the pervasive computing arena is becoming stronger and powerful day by day. Despite having various physical constraints, many of the resource-rich functionalities enjoyed by other devices have been incorporated in these tiny devices. This is why different fields of research have developed in this area. There are still some unexplored but crucial features like knowledge usability, resource discovery, and self-healing that deserve further attention. Besides exploration of these areas, implementation and evaluation of these features need to be considered from a security and privacy perspective. In this paper, we illustrate the design and implementation of a middleware MARKS, which incorporates these less-explored areas of pervasive computing, to guarantee optimum utilization of the physical capabilities and also to ensure security and privacy
MeSHLabeler: improving the accuracy of large-scale MeSH indexing by integrating diverse evidence.

Motivation: Medical Subject Headings (MeSHs) are used by National Library of Medicine (NLM) to index almost all citations in MEDLINE, which greatly facilitates the applications of biomedical information retrieval and text mining. To reduce the time and financial cost of manual annotation, NLM has developed a software package, Medical Text Indexer (MTI), for assisting MeSH annotation, which uses k-nearest neighbors (KNN), pattern matching and indexing rules. Other types of information, such as prediction by MeSH classifiers (trained separately), can also be used for automatic MeSH annotation. However, existing methods cannot effectively integrate multiple evidence for MeSH annotation. Methods: We propose a novel framework, MeSHLabeler, to integrate multiple evidence for accurate MeSH annotation by using ‘learning to rank’. Evidence includes numerous predictions from MeSH classifiers, KNN, pattern matching, MTI and the correlation between different MeSH terms, etc. Each MeSH classifier is trained independently, and thus prediction scores from different classifiers are incomparable. To address this issue, we have developed an effective score normalization procedure to improve the prediction accuracy. Results: MeSHLabeler won the first place in Task 2A of 2014 BioASQ challenge, achieving the Micro F-measure of 0.6248 for 9,040 citations provided by the BioASQ challenge. Note that this accuracy is around 9.15% higher than 0.5724, obtained by MTI. Availability and implementation: The software is available upon request. Contact: nc.ude.naduf@fsuhz
Accidental pinhole and pinspeck cameras: Revealing the scene outside the picture

We identify and study two types of “accidental” images that can be formed in scenes. The first is an accidental pinhole camera image. These images are often mistaken for shadows, but can reveal structures outside a room, or the unseen shape of the light aperture into the room. The second class of accidental images are “inverse” pinhole camera images, formed by subtracting an image with a small occluder present from a reference image without the occluder. The reference image can be an earlier frame of a video sequence. Both types of accidental images happen in a variety of different situations (an indoor scene illuminated by natural light, a street with a person walking under the shadow of a building, etc.). Accidental cameras can reveal information about the scene outside the image, the lighting conditions, or the aperture by which light enters the scene.
The Role of Purchase Decision Involvement in a Special Event

The concept of purchase decision involvement (PDI) in a special event setting (regional air show) is explored here. PDI is a type of involvement that has not received as much attention in the event management or tourism literature as other types of involvement, thereby leaving a gap that is addressed in this study. A regression analysis was used to evaluate the cause-and-effect relationships among two psychological constructs (i.e., PDI and satisfaction), two objective measures (i.e., prior attendance and travel distance), and the likelihood of returning to the event. Based on the results of the regression analysis, the metric independent variables (i.e., PDI, prior attendance, and travel distance) were recoded into categories for use in an ANCOVA model to further examine the relationships. The level of satisfaction was used as a covariate based on its linear relationship with the dependent variable (i.e., likelihood of returning to the event).
Transplantation immunity and the suppression of spleen colony formation by immunization with murine leukemia virus preparations (Friend)

Mice were immunized with tissue-cultured or formalin-inactivated murine leukemia virus preparations and challenged with active virus or with the virus-induced leukemic cells from established tissue culture lines. Although the virus obtained from the tissue-culture system had a low leukemogenic potential, its immunizing capacity was equal to that of the inactivated leukemic spleen filtrate virus. All preparations afforded protection against challenge with virus as well as with cells. Transplantation immunity was further demonstrated by the marked inhibition of spleen colony formation by the leukemic cells in preimmunized lethally irradiated mice. IMMUNITE DE TRANSPLANTATION ET SUPPRESSION DE LA FORMATION DE COLONIES DANS LA RATE PAR IMMUNISATION AU MOYEN DE PREPARATIONS DE VIRUS DE LA LEUCEMIE DE LA SOURIS (FRIEND) Des souris ont ete immuniskes au moyen de prkparations de virus de la leucey'mie murine cultivt sur tissu ou inactivk par le formol et PprouvPes ensuite soit avec le virus actif soit avec des cellules leuctmiques d'origine virale provenant de IignPes e'tablies en culture de tissu. Bien que Ie virus obtenu a partir de la culture tissulaire n'ait eu qu'un faible pouvoir leuckmogkne, sa capacitP imniunisante Ptait Pgale a celle du virus inactivt' obtenu par Jiltrat de rate IeucPmique. Toutes les prkparations ont confPrC une protection contre I'Ppreuve ejectuke aussi bien avec le virus qu'avec Ies cellules. L'immunite de transplantation a PtP Pgalement mise en tvidence par ('inhibition marquPe de la formation de colonies dans la rate par Ies cellules leucdmiques chez des souris prtimmunistes ic une irradiation Ittale.
Effects of weight loss on changes in insulin sensitivity and lipid concentrations in premenopausal African American and white women

BACKGROUND Few studies have tested the hypothesis that changes in disease risk factors are more closely associated with changes in visceral fat than with changes in other adipose tissue depots, particularly in subjects with different ethnic or racial backgrounds. OBJECTIVE We describe changes in triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, insulin sensitivity (S(i)), visceral fat, and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SAAT) with weight loss in premenopausal, overweight [body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 27-30], African American (n = 19) and white (n = 18) women. DESIGN Assessments were performed before and after diet-induced weight loss to a BMI < 25. Body composition and body fat distribution were assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography, respectively; S(i) was assessed with an intravenous-glucose-tolerance test and minimal modeling. RESULTS White women lost significantly more visceral fat and less SAAT than did African American women despite similar weight losses (approximately 13 kg). Mixed-model analysis indicated significant effects of time (ie, weight loss) on S(i), triacylglycerol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol and of race on triacylglycerol. Time x race interaction terms were not significant. After adjustment for either total body or visceral fat, time was not related to any outcome variable; however, race remained significantly related to triacylglycerol. CONCLUSIONS With weight loss, moderately overweight African American and white women experienced significant improvements in S(i) and lipids. The beneficial effects of weight loss did not differ with race and could not be attributed to a specific body fat depot. Lower triacylglycerol concentrations among African American women are independent of both obesity status and body fat distribution.
Research in the Agricultural Research Service/USDA: Introduction and Early History

a period of intensive skirmishing and skillful diplomacy had finally resulted in the appropriation (6). Dr. Atwater, already the Director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, was appointed as Chief of Nutrition Investigations in the USDA’s Office of Experiment Stations. In the 10 y that Atwater headed the program, he coordinated or conducted work in 4 areas: types and amounts of foods consumed by different groups; chemical composition of foods; effects of cooking and food processing on nutritional quality; and amounts and types of nutrients people need to function at their best. These accomplishments led to his accoladeasthe‘‘FatherofNutritionScience’’intheUnitedStates. The human nutrition investigations were moved to Washington, DC, when Atwater retired in 1906 and the laboratory was put into the Office of Home Economics. The scientifically distinguished record proceeded in synchrony through the succeeding decades with discoveries of the vitamins and essential mineral elements. The energy metabolism work at the USDA was the lead in the nutrition field, but important work on human requirements for essential fatty acids, vitamin G (which became riboflavin), vitamin A requirements of adults, and human utilization of calcium from spinach also was accomplished.
Prolongation of islet allograft survival with an antibody to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an antibody to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) prolongs the survival of neovascularized pancreatic islet allografts. Methods. We treated CBA (H-2k) recipients of BALB/c (H-2d) islet allografts with anti-VCAM1 antibody (400 μg/day for 20 days). Sensitized recipients of islet grafts also were treated with anti-VCAM1. To study mechanism we performed mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs) with anti-VCAM1 and studied the graft infiltrate in treated recipients. Results. Anti-VCAM1-trented CBA recipients showed prolonged graft survival with indefinite survival in five of nine cases. Anti-VCAM1 prevented proliferation in an MLR but not when added 36 hours after the beginning of the MLR. Anti-VCAM1 did not prolong allograft survival in sensitized recipients and did not prevent lymphocytic infiltration of the graft at 7 days. Conclusions. Anti-VCAM1 prolongs allograft survival in neovascularized islets in which the donor vascular endothelium plays little or no role in immunogenicity. VCAM1 appears to be important in the afferent phase (lymphocyte activation) of the allograft response. Once activated, either late in an MLR or in sensitized recipients, lymphocytes are not dependent on VCAM1 for function. Finally, anti-VCAM1 does not appear to affect the homing of lymphocytes to the allograft.
Beliefs about human extinction

Abstract This paper presents the results of a web-based survey about futures issues. Among many questions, respondents were asked whether they believe humans will become extinct. Forty-five percent of the almost 600 respondents believe that humans will become extinct. Many of those holding this believe felt that humans could become extinct within 500–1000 years. Others estimated extinction 5000 or more years into the future. A logistic regression model was estimated to explore the bases for this belief. It was found that people who describe themselves a secular are more likely to hold this belief than people who describe themselves as being Protestant. Older respondents and those who believe that humans have little control over their future also hold this belief. In addition, people who are more apt to think about the future and are better able to imagine potential futures tend to also believe that humans will become extinct.
Rethinking space: an outsider's view of the spatial turn

Geographical concerns with space and place have escaped the confines of the discipline of geography. Many humanities scholars now invoke such conceptions as a means to integrate diverse sources of information and to understand how broad social processes play out unevenly in different locations. The social production of spatiality thus offers a rich opportunity to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogues between different schools of critical theory. Following a brief assessment of the spatial turn in history, history of science, and political philosophy, this paper explores its implications for literary and cultural studies. It invokes a detailed case study of late 18th century Lima, Peru to explicate the dynamics of colonialism, the construction of racial identities, and different power/knowledge configurations within a particular locale. Space in this example appears as both matter and meaning, i.e., as simultaneously tangible and intangible, as a set of social circumstances and physical landscapes and as a constellation of discourses that simultaneously reflected, constituted, and at times undermined, the hegemonic social order. The intent is to demonstrate how multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary scholarship can be facilitated by paying attention to the unique of circumstances that define places within given historical moments. As seen in this example from literary colonial studies, other disciplines, therefore, can both draw from and contribute to poststructuralist interpretations of space as a negotiated set of situated practices.
An Adaptive Slice Group Multiple Description Coding Technique for Real-time Video Transmission over Wireless Networks

This paper addresses the problem of transmitting real-time video over wireless networks. We propose improvements to multiple description coding technique using the slice group coding tools provided in H.264/AVC. The Macroblocks in each frame are mapped into different slice groups based on their motion vectors and distortion parameters. The slice group containing significant motion and distortion is fine quantized, while the other slice group is coarse quantized. The encoded quality scaled video is transmitted normally over the first path, but with a quantization offset on the second path. The proposed system provides a better quality video for the regions containing interesting targets. Simulation results in Network Simulator NS-2 confirm robust performance of the scheme under different packet loss conditions.
BENIGN VI NERVE PALSIES IN CHILDREN

The case histories of 12 patients who developed a VI nerve palsy after an apparently benign illness have been presented. The palsy developed in children of any age in 7 to 21 days after fever or upper respiratory illness and cleared, in all but one child, within 10 weeks. Two etiologic mechanisms are possible: otitis media and its complications, or neuritis after systemic viral illness. The most important conclusion is that this is a relatively benign entity which first presents with malignant implications. Recognition of this syndrome allows the clinician to cautiously defer complicated diagnostic studies, such as arteriogram and pneumoencephalogram, with the expectation of improvement in the VI nerve palsy.
Influence of log temperature in irregularities on strand geometry detected by digital image analysis

Oriented Strand Board (OSB) wood strands, while often idealized as being rectangular and slender objects, are in fact typically very complex in shape. This complexity is important to the manufacture and performance of OSB as it influences forming, screening, blending, formation and ultimately performance of the panel. In a mill setting, strand geometry is defined by average length, width and thickness values as determined through simple caliper measurements and/or screen analyses (Gilson). The application of CCD cameras and digital image analysis techniques to rapidly acquire and analyze complex strand geometry will allow the processing of large amounts of data, thereby creating the potential for statistical process control applications. Aspen (Populus grandidentata) strands were produced from logs subjected to -6oC (20F), 21oC (70F) and 60oC (140F). Grey scale digital images of individual strands were acquired using a CCD camera (1296 x 1016 pixels) under direct lighting. The complexity of strand geometry was characterized by a variety of automated measuring procedures. As a result of this research the feasibility of applying this methodology to study geometrical distributions in strands was established. Area, length and width presented changes in their distributions due to the effect of log temperature. It was found that the irregularity ratio of strands was variable and strongly influenced by log temperature at time of stranding as well as other geometries. Statistical correlation between strands irregularity and log temperature was found (p-value<0.001).
Novel No-Wash Luminogenic Probes for the Detection of Transporter Uptake Activity.

Luminogenic probes were designed and synthesized for the detection of uptake transporter activity in a lytic cell-based assay. These probes rely on a self-cleavable trimethyl lock quinone-cyanobenzothiazole (TMQ-CNBT) or trimethyl lock quinone-luciferin (TMQ-Luc) linked to the anion transporter substrate fluorescein. Upon cellular transport, the TMQ is reduced by viable cells, resulting in the facile intramolecular lactonization and rapid release of the bioluminescent reporter molecule. The uptake transporter activity can then be detected without removing and washing off the extracellular substrates. Six probes were tested with OATP1B1*1a and OATP1B3 overexpressing HEK293 cells, and all compounds showed up to 10.2-fold enhancement in uptake when compared to control cells. Uptake of TMQ-luciferin compounds 2, 4, and 6 increased linearly over time up to 30 min at a concentration ranging from 40 nM to 20 μM. The apparent Km values obtained at different time intervals up to 30 min were nearly identical for a ...
Perspective: Mechanochemistry of biological and synthetic molecules

Coupling of mechanical forces and chemical transformations is central to the biophysics of molecular machines, polymer chemistry, fracture mechanics, tribology, and other disciplines. As a consequence, the same physical principles and theoretical models should be applicable in all of those fields; in fact, similar models have been invoked (and often repeatedly reinvented) to describe, for example, cell adhesion, dry and wet friction, propagation of cracks, and action of molecular motors. This perspective offers a unified view of these phenomena, described in terms of chemical kinetics with rates of elementary steps that are force dependent. The central question is then to describe how the rate of a chemical transformation (and its other measurable properties such as the transition path) depends on the applied force. I will describe physical models used to answer this question and compare them with experimental measurements, which employ single-molecule force spectroscopy and which become increasingly common. Multidimensionality of the underlying molecular energy landscapes and the ensuing frequent misalignment between chemical and mechanical coordinates result in a number of distinct scenarios, each showing a nontrivial force dependence of the reaction rate. I will discuss these scenarios, their commonness (or its lack), and the prospects for their experimental validation. Finally, I will discuss open issues in the field.
U.S. Rental Housing Characteristics: Supply, Vacancy, and Affordability

The aim of this working paper is to document key empirical facts on U.S. rental housing market conditions – reporting both current conditions (as of second quarter 2009) as well as notable historic trends. This analysis draws upon the findings of existing scholarly work and includes original analysis utilizing a mix of public and proprietary data.This working paper is not a comprehensive assessment of U.S. rental housing market conditions; rather it focuses on describing market dynamics in the context of rental housing supply, variations across local rental housing markets, conditions in the nation’s assisted rental housing stock, and the evolving need and demand for affordable rental housing.