cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of a typical reentry vehicle TPS local flow features and material response

Statistical BGK/DSMC and continuum N‐S simulations of a typical vehicle reentry flow were performed taking into account local flow features. The local surface features were known to cause problems during the Apollo era Earth atmosphere reentry Ref. [1] and therefore require close attention as the shapes and design details of the new reentry vehicles tend to build on the Apollo reentry capsules. The TPS thermal response to the high energy reentry flow in cracks and compression pad areas is important to understand to predict the TPS degradation due to the chemical and thermal ablation. The TPS study presented in this article includes the stagnation area micro crack and compression pads which disturb the flow and cause local augmentation of heat flux, which in turn, results in higher recession rates.
Three-dimensional Müller-Lyer illusion.

Three-dimensional (3-D) variants of the Muller-Lyer pattern were created to address the question of where along the path of information flow in the visual system the illusion might occur. These variants, which yielded a robust illusion, included dihedral angles in place of the arrow-heads of the classical pattern. The enormous difference in the shape of the resulting retinal image, compared with that of the classical pattern, makes it difficult to explain the present illusion by resorting to image-processing theories such as selective filtering (Ginsburg, 1984,1986) or depth processing (Gregory, 1963, 1966, 1968). It was also shown that this 3-D illusion is homologous with the classical illusion, and that the two may thus share a common causal mechanism. A new type of 3-D figure, which yielded the same retinal image as did the classical pattern, was then employed. However, since the figure was 3-D, its shape in spatial coordinates was very different compared to that of the classical pattern. The magnitude of the illusion obtained with this figure was half that of the classical pattern. This finding suggests that the illusion might be caused by processes that occurafter the computation of depth. All three experiments indicated that the illusion may be producedlater in the processing stream than has previously been suggested.
The intersection of sunitinib with the immunosuppressive microenvironment of renal cell carcinoma: implications for future therapeutics

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known to be a model of an immune-influenced malignancy. The immunobiology of RCC has three main immune cell types known to contribute to immunosuppression: T regulatory (Treg) cells, Type 2 T helper (Th2) cells, and myeloid derived suppressor cells. Sunitinib has rapidly revolutionized RCC treatment and is now a first-line standard of care for advanced RCC. Preliminary evidence reviewed here reveals that, in addition to antiangiogenic effects, sunitinib may have a direct or secondary effect on reversing the immunosuppressive environment by decreasing Treg cells and reversing the Th2 bias. Hypotheses for these observed effects and others are postulated based upon the mechanism of action. Current research is underway to further delineate the effect sunitinib has on the immune system and its mechanisms. Future therapeutics in RCC may include combination therapies that function collaboratively with sunitinib to harness an antitumor immune effect.
Distinct Roles in Signal Transduction for Each of the Phospholipase A2 Enzymes Present in P388D1 Macrophages (

Receptor-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) mobilization in P388D1 macrophages consists of a transient phase in which AA accumulates in the cell and a sustained phase in which AA accumulates in the incubation medium. We have shown previously that a secretory group II phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is the enzyme responsible for most of the AA released to the incubation medium. By using selective inhibitors for each of the PLA2s present in P388D1 macrophages, we demonstrate herein that the cytosolic group IV PLA2 (cPLA2) mediates accumulation of cell-associated AA during the early steps of P388D1 cell activation. The contribution of both cPLA2 and sPLA2 to AA release can be distinguished on the basis of the different spatial and temporal characteristics of activation and substrate preferences of the two phospholipase A2s (PLA2s). Furthermore, the results suggest the possibility that a functionally active cPLA2 may be necessary for sPLA2 to act. cPLA2 action precedes that of sPLA2, and overcoming cPLA2 inhibition by artificially increasing intracellular free AA levels restores extracellular AA release. Although this suggests cross-talk between cPLA2 and sPLA2, selective inhibition of one other PLA2 present in these cells, namely the Ca2+-independent PLA2, does not block, but instead enhances receptor-coupled AA release. These data indicate that Ca2+-independent PLA2 does not mediate AA mobilization in P388D1 macrophages. Collectively, the results of this work suggest that each of the PLA2s present in P388D1 macrophages serves a distinct role in cell activation and signal transduction.
Comparison of different methods for the purification of eosinophils from human peripheral blood.

Abstract Eosinophils are often purified in discontinuous gradients. Since continuous gradients usually provide a greater recovery of more highly purified cells, the present investigation was undertaken to compare the purification of eosinophils from normal whole blood in continuous and discontinuous gradients of Percoll. Contrary to our expectations, recovery and purity of eosinophils obtained from the discontinuous gradients were comparable to or higher than those from the continuous gradients of Percoll that were tested with whole blood. The purity of the modal fractions of eosinophils from the discontinuous gradients was between 88 and 99% of the nucleated cells and from the continuous gradients, 80 to 93% of the nucleated cells. We have compared continuous and discontinuous gradients with many different kinds of cells. This is the first time we have found continuous and discontinuous gradients equally effective. We speculate this finding is related to the fact that the band capacities are vastly overloaded in these gradients. In addition, we tested the rate of superoxide production by eosinophils from the same donors after their purification by two different methods in discontinuous gradients. Eosinophils purified from normal whole blood in gradients of Percoll by a modification of the method of Roberts and Gallin ((1985) Blood65, 433–440) had a higher rate of superoxide production after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate than those purified from leukocyte-rich plasma in gradients of Metrizamide by the method of Vadas et al. ((1979) J. Immunol.122, 1228–1236).
TECHNICAL DISPUTES: WHY EXPERTS DISAGREE

Disputes among scientists provide policymakers with rationalization for any course of action. These disputes are marked by divergent views of the risks involved in the development of specific technologies. This paper argues that such disagreements are epistemological in nature, which means that “technical” disputes cannot be resolved through mechanisms such as the science court. The case of the herbicide 2, 4, 5-T illustrates the argument.
Characterization of zirconium carbides using electron microscopy, optical anisotropy, Auger depth profiles, X-ray diffraction, and electron density calculated by charge flipping method

Abstract Samples with five different zirconium carbide compositions (C/Zr molar ratio=0.84, 0.89, 0.95, 1.05, and 1.17) have been fabricated and studied using a variety of experimental techniques. Each sample was zone refined to ensure that the end product was polycrystalline with a grain size of 10–100 μm. It was found that the lattice parameter was largest for the x=0.89 composition and smallest for the x=1.17 total C/Zr composition, but was not linear; this nonlinearity is possibly explained using electron densities calculated using charge flipping technique. Among the five samples, the unit cell of the ZrC0.89 sample showed the highest electron density, corresponding to the highest carbon incorporation and the largest lattice parameter. The ZrC0.84 sample showed the lowest carbon incorporation, resulting in a larger number of carbon vacancies and resultant strain. Samples with larger carbon ratios (x=0.95, 1.05, and 1.17) showed a slight decrease in lattice parameter, due to a decrease in electron density. Optical anisotropy measurements suggest that these three samples contained significant amounts of a graphitic carbon phase, not bonded to the Zr atoms.
Strategy control and directed forgetting

Signals to subjects to forget presignal items (F-items) can completely eliminate the proactive interference postsignal items (R-items) would normally suffer from the F-items. To determine what happens to F-items, a strategy-control procedure was developed to test memory for F-items without destroying forget-signal credibility. The subjects saw short lists of paired associates, some containing a signal to forget presignal pairs. After each list, a single stimulus probe tested memory for the appropriate response. Tested pairs were always R-pairs unless a prearranged cue informed the subjects that the stimulus was from an F-pair. Although F-pairs did not interfere with recall of R-pairs, there was substantial recall of and interference among F-pairs. The results support a set differentiation mechanism of directed forgetting.
Alloreactive T cell recognition of the HLA-DRβ N-terminal polymorphic region

Abstract T cell alloreactivity, originally discovered as a tissue transplantation effect, is believed to be a manifestation of the normal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction of antigen presentation by accessory cells to T cells. The molecular features of the human class II-MHC proteins (HLA) which are recognized by alloreative T cells are not at present understood, although they are clearly related to the polymorphic nature of the MHC proteins. Human CD4 4 T cell clones were selected by response to the HLA-DR2 peptides β1–15 or β51–65, in an MHC-restricted manner. In addition, these clones respond to cell lines expressing the DR2 haplotype, without the requirement for accessory antigen presenting cells. DR2β peptide 1–15 blocks the T cell alloresponse and polymorphic residues are shown to stimulate the peptide-specific response of these clones. Thus, the polymorphic residues contained within the DRβ sequence 1–15 are demonstrated to be directly recognized by alloreactive T cells.
Cardiovascular toxicities of breast cancer treatment: emerging issues in cardio-oncology.

In 2015, the American Cancer Society estimates that 234,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed along with an additional 60,000 cases of carcinoma in situ. Nearly 40,000 women will die due to breast cancer annually (1). Current management options for Stage 0, I, & II breast cancer include mastectomy, breast conserving surgery (BCS), or breast conserving surgery followed by whole breast radiation therapy (BCS + RT); the use of chemotherapy is independent of local therapy. Coronary artery disease (CAD) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) are the first and third leading causes of death, respectively, among men and women in the United States (2). Patients with CVD share multiple common risk factors and lifestyle behaviors in addition to frequently suffering from multiple comorbid conditions. Tobacco use, hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition are all established risk factors of heart disease. The carcinogenic potential of antihypertensive medications has been widely debated and while a meta-analysis found no increase in cancer incidence or mortality, they could not rule this out with certain combinations of drugs (3). In addition, as antihypertensive medications for cardiovascular disease improve, patients are living longer and are at greater risk for developing cancer. Moreover, patients with diseases such as breast cancer may develop CVD from treatment, such as use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Inherently within these competing risks of morbidity and mortality lays the intersection of the disciplines of cardiology and oncology.
Gendered Nationalism, the Colonial Narrative, and the Rhetorical Significance of the Mother India Controversy

The controversies surrounding Katherine Mayo's (1927) Mother India provides an exploration into the rhetorical dynamics of figurations that helped maintain imperial aspirations. This analysis suggests that many of the American, British, and Indian commentators who wrote about the impact of Mother India were not just making observations about the accuracy of Mayo's personal observations or the fairness of her religious characterizations; rather, these observers were often participants in much larger discursive debates about what might be called gendered nationalism—the use of paternalistic figurations that suture together particular familiar images with political critiques of oppositional movements.
Declarative Ada: parallel dataflow programming in a familiar context

Declarative parallel programming languages express and control parallelism at a high level of abstraction--through implicit dataflow, rather than explicit communication and synchronization operations. However, most declarative languages are esoteric, mathematically inspired notations with syntax, control constructs, and data types very different from popular sequential imperative languages. We present Declarative Ada, a parallel dataflow programming language with the same syntax as a simple Pascal-like subset of Ada. The difference between Declarative Ada and a sequential language is that all variables are single-assignment and all loops and compositions of statements are parallel by default. Declarative Ada programs implicitly express parallelism at all levels of granularity, yet can be constructed to be identical to equivalent sequential programs. We believe that Declarative Ada is an ideal language for learning a high-level, dataflow approach to parallel program design. A user-friendly, portable Declarative Ada compiler has been developed specifically for experimental and instructional use.
The effect of adrenalectomy and dexamethasone on the antinociceptive effects of physostigmine

The tail-flick procedure was used to study the antinociceptive effects of physostigmine in adrenalectomized and sham-operated rats. At 5 days after surgery, they were tested 30 min after either 0.32 or 0.45 mg/kg IP physostigmine. Adrenalectomized animals showed significantly greater elevation of TF scores from predrug latencies than the sham controls at both doses of physostigmine. Following 3 days of dexamethasone replacement therapy on days 18, 19, and 20 post-surgery the antinociceptive effects of physostigmine were uniformly attenuated across doses or surgical groups. On the other hand, animals receiving saline injection instead of dexamethasone did not manifest any reduction of the physostigmine antinociceptive effect. The potentiation by adrenalectomy and the reduction following dexamethasone of the antinociceptive effects of physostigmine suggest that these effects may be mediated through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal mechanisms and are consistent with β-endorphin-induced sensitization of opiate or cholinergic receptors.
Modified fluorometric determination of vitamin A in milk.

A modified fluorometric procedure for determination of vitamin A in milk was developed to provide rapid analysis of large numbers to samples.. Saponification and a single extraction in a reaction vessel without transfer provided simplicity and standardization. Time and temperature of saponification and time of extraction were studied. Fifteen replicates of four different milks gave standard deviations of .71, .82, 1.26, and .71 on samples with 29, 26, 38, and 26 mug retinol per 100 ml. Recovery of added vitamin A in six amounts in two experiments gave ranges of recovery of 96.0 to104.0 and 95.2 to 105.3% with average recoveries of 100.0 and 99.9%.
Synthesis and reactions of nitroso F-cyclobutane and nitroso F-cyclopentane

Abstract The intense blue nitroso F-cyclobutane and nitroso F-cyclopentane result when F-cyclobutene and F-cyclopentene are reacted with nitrosyl fluoride in the presence of KF in tetramethylene sulfone. With primary amines, white crystalline solids which sublime at 25°C in vacuo are formed with each of the cyclic nitrosos. Spectral data and elemental analysis support the expansion of the butane and the pentane rings to six and seven members, respectively. Heating at 40° C with tetrafluoroethylene gives N-(F-cyclobutyl)-F-oxazetidine and N-(F-cyclopentyl)-F-oxazetidine.
Calculated Gas-Phase Acidities Using Density Functional Theory: Is It Reliable?

Proton affinities for a diverse set of 35 anions were calculated using 7 different levels of density functional theory (S-null, S-VWN, S-LYP, B-null, B-VWN, B-LYP, and Becke3-PW91). These combinations of functionals cover the range of those that are widely available. The basis-set dependence of these methods was explored using split-valence, double- vs triple-zeta, and correlation- vs noncorrelation-consistent bases (6-31+G(d), and 6-311++G(2df,2pd) vs aug-cc-pVDZ and aug-cc-pVTZ). The results are compared to modest and high-level ab initio acidities (MP2(fc)/6-31+G(d)//HF/6-31+G(d) and G2, respectively) as well as to experimental results.
On resource allocation in multistage interconnection network-based systems☆

Abstract A resource allocation problem in a reconfigurable multicomputer architecture based on rectangular banyan multistage interconnection network with arbitrary fanout and arbitrary number of levels is studied. Four commonly used problem structures such as ring, pipeline, broadcast, and macropipeline are introduced and the mapping problem of these structures on the system model, which is equivalent to the resource allocation problem, is discussed. Analytic solutions to several mapping questions are given and generalization of the results to other networks is presented.
Immunology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

SUMMARYA review of the literature on the immunology of CFS reveals that people who have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) have two basic problems with immune function that have been documented by most research groups: 1. immune activation, as demonstrated by elevation of activated T lymphocytes, including cytotoxic T cells, as well as elevations of circulating cytokines; and 2. poor cellular function, with low natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC), poor lymphocyte response to mitogens in culture, and frequent immunoglobulin deficiencies, most often IgGl and IgG3. These findings have a waxing and waning temporal pattern which is consistent with episodic immune dysfunction (with predominance of so called T-helper type 2 and proinflammatory cytokines and low NKCC and lymphoproliferation) that can be associated as cause or effect of the physiological and psychological function derangement and/or activation of latent viruses or other pathogens. The interplay of these factors can account for the perpetuation of ...
Orthogonal subspace projection approach to finding signal sources in hyperspectral imagery

The usefulness of orthogonal subspace projection (OSP) has been demonstrated in many applications. Automatic Target Generation Process (ATGP) was previously developed for automatic target recognition for Hyperspectral imagery by implementing a successive OSP. However, ATGP itself does not provide a stopping rule to determine how many signal sources present and need to be extracted in the image. This paper presents a new application of ATGP in determining the number of signal sources and finding these signal sources in the image at the same time. The idea is to categorize signal sources into target classes and background classes in terms of their inter-sample spectral correlation (ISSC). Two separate algorithms, unsupervised target sample generation (UTSG) and unsupervised background sample generation (UBSG) are developed for this purpose. The UTSG implements a sequence of successive OSP in the sphered hyperspectral data to determine the number of target signal sources whose ISSC are characterized by high order statistics (HOS) and find the target signal sources to at the same time. It is then followed by the UBSG which operates the ATGP on a space orthogonal to the subspace generated by the target samples to determine and find background signal sources. Both UTSG and UBSG are terminated by an effective stopping rule which can be used to estimate the virtual dimensionality (VD). Two data sets, synthetic image data and real image scenes are used for experiments. Experimental results demonstrate that the UTSG and UBSG are effective in extracting signal sources in various applications.
The Comparative Risk of Mistreatment for Juveniles in Detention Facilities and State Prisons

Little research exists on the prevalence of victimization among young people in juvenile correctional facilities and adult jails and prisons. The limited extant research suggests that youth incarcerated in adult prisons and jails are at greater risk for physical and sexual abuse (Redding, 1999) compared to both adult inmates in the same facilities and youths in juvenile detention centers. Yet thousands of juveniles pass through jails and prisons each year, particularly in America. Advocates of juvenile justice reform argue that the risks inherent in incarcerating juveniles in adult jails and prisons, in terms of both their victimization and recidivism rates, call into question the legislation that allow youth to intermingle with more sophisticated criminals.
Health-related quality of life in a clinical trial of ECT followed by continuation pharmacotherapy: effects immediately after ECT and at 24 weeks.

Objective:To examine the determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) immediately after a clinical trial of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for major depression and then again after 24 weeks of a continuation pharmacotherapy in a clinical trial comparing nortriptyline (NT) plus lithium (Li
SCOTS: a useful tool for specifying and testing optics in slope space

When defining surface irregularities more often than not it is useful to represent these as slope errors rather than surface errors. However, surface error specifications are more commonly used even though they do not accurately represent performance but simply physical characteristics. An example of slope measurement technique and specification is a method developed by the University of Arizona called SCOTS (Software Configurable Optical Test System) which has showed to be accurate, while very fast and easy to setup. It directly measures the transverse ray aberration/slope of an optical system using transmission deflectometry.
Elemental fractionation during LA-ICP-MS analysis of silicate glasses: implications for matrix-independent standardization

To determine the degree to which matrix affects elemental abundance measurements in LA-ICP-MS analysis, and describe these effects in term of elemental properties, we measured elemental sensitivity ratios (ESRs) from a multi-element solution and from the laser ablation of a range of silicate reference materials (SRM 61X series, MPI-DING glasses, USGS basalt glasses). For all analyses, ESRs depend strongly on element mass and first ionization potential (FIP), as expected. For laser ablation of the nearly transparent SRM 612, ESRs show an additional dependence on elemental temperature of condensation (Tc), such that ESRs of refractory elements are lower than predicted by their mass and FIP dependences. To explore the relationship between this volatility dependence and matrix transparency, we exploited the range of transparency available in the SRM 61X series. With increasing transparency of glasses, LA-ICP-MS analyses showed progressive volatility dependence, with measured concentrations of refractory elements being lower, and measured concentrations of volatile elements being higher, than reported concentrations. For the most transparent glass (SRM 614), concentration offsets from the reported concentrations of the refractory and volatile elements were ∼20%; for SRM 612 offsets were ∼10–15%. We show that this effect is minimized, and possibly negated, by increasing laser energy output. As the offsets for ESRs of refractory elements are uniformly lower in more transparent SRM 612 relative to SRM 610 (11% ± 4%; 1.1 mJ laser energy), successful matrix-independent standardization of refractory elements is possible if the internal normalizing element is approximately the same Tc as the elements to be reported (e.g., Ca and REEs). Volatile elements, however, do not produce uniform ESRs in transparent samples and matrix-independent standardization of volatiles in transparent samples with a 213 nm wavelength laser ablation system will include element-specific systematic errors of the order of tens of percent. All non-transparent glasses analyzed (MPI-DING glasses and USGS BHVO-2G and BCR-2G) show no resolvable matrix-dependent elemental fractionation and may be used interchangeably with an accuracy of better than 10%. In non-transparent samples, the greatest limitation to accurate LA-ICP-MS standardization is the uncertainty in reported reference material concentrations. Matrix-independent standardization of LA-ICP-MS analysis of non-transparent silicates and ceramics, then, is an accurate and viable tool that can best be employed by avoiding calibration with transparent standards, unless using an internal normalizing element of similar Tc to that of the elements to be reported. LA-ICP-MS analysis of transparent silicates and ceramics can be performed at the highest laser energy possible to minimize volatility effects, and calibrated with an internal normalizing element of similar Tc to that of the elements to be reported, using both transparent and non-transparent standards.
On the Convergence of the Hylleraas Variational Method

The result of Bartlett, Gibbons and Dunn, that the wave function for He cannot be expressed as a power series in the particle separations ${r}_{1}$, ${r}_{2}$, ${r}_{12}$, is discussed in relation to the validity of the Hylleraas variational attack. By a simple analogous example, it is shown that this result does not establish the impossibility of using polynomials in these variables to represent the function as closely as desired. It is further shown that if a formal solution of the wave equation for He exists, then the energy given by the Hylleraas method will converge upon the correct energy and the function will converge in the mean upon the correct function. Even if there exists no formal solution of the wave equation, there is a lower bound to the energy which can be computed with any function, and upon this bound the Hylleraas method will converge. In either case, therefore, the method is justified.
Estimation of Equivalence Scales Under Convertible Rationing

This paper provides estimates of equivalence scales based on three Quadratic Almost Ideal type models of the food share with coupon resale, and on their extended versions. A chief feature of the models is the method of dealing with infrequency of zero expenditure on coupon goods through imputation. The models are applied to an Iranian wartime budget survey. The results indicate little scope for measurement error. However, they also reveal a strong cross-section price effect, which proves robust to a variety of checks. The effect of price heterogeneity proves critical in identification of the scale estimates, providing relatively rare empirical evidence consistent with the Base Independence (BI) hypothesis. The BI food share estimates of cost of children have plausible values.
Anti-Self-Duality of Curvature and Degeneration of Metrics with Special Holonomy

We study the structure of noncollapsed Gromov-Hausdorff limits of sequences, Mni, of riemannian manifolds with special holonomy. We show that these spaces are smooth manifolds with special holonomy off a closed subset of codimension ≥4. Additional results on the the detailed structure of the singular set support our main conjecture that if the Mni are compact and a certain characteristic number, C(Mni), is bounded independent of i, then the singularities are of orbifold type off a subset of real codimension at least 6.
Targeting Age-related Macular Degeneration With Alzheimer’s Disease Based Immunotherapies: Anti-Amyloid-β Antibody Attenuates Pathologies in an Age-related Macular Degeneration Mouse Model

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a late-onset, neurodegenerative retinal disease that shares several clinical and pathological features with Alzheimer's disease (AD) including extracellular deposits containing amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides. Immunotherapy targeting the Abeta protein has been investigated as a potential treatment for AD. Here, we present the rationale for extending this approach to treat AMD. We tested an anti-Abeta antibody administered systemically in a mouse model of AMD. Histological and functional measurements in treated animals compared to controls showed that following immunotherapy, the amounts of Abeta in the retina and brain were decreased and the ERG deficits in the retina were attenuated. These data support the hypothesis that Abeta is a therapeutic target for AMD.
Histopathology of optic nerve pit-associated maculopathy.

Purpose To describe the histopathologic findings of an eye bank specimen containing an optic nerve pit with associated serous elevation of the macula and cavernous atrophy of the optic nerve. Methods An eye bank specimen found to have an optic nerve pit with serous elevation of the macula was grossly examined and photographed. The globe was processed for both light and scanning electron microscopy. Results The scanning electron microscopic study of this eye with an optic nerve pit revealed holes in the diaphanous membrane overlying the nerve at the edge of the optic pit. Serial histopathology sections revealed a connection between the holes overlying the optic pit and the subretinal space via a schisis-like cavity in the retina. Conclusion The discovery of an optic nerve pit with coexisting serous detachment of the macula in an eye bank eye and subsequent pathological evaluation provides support for current theories into the mechanism of the visual loss in this condition. Our finding supports syneretic vitreous to be the source of the subretinal fluid.
Robust resource allocation in a massive multiplayer online gaming environment

The environment considered in this research is a massive multiplayer online gaming (MMOG) environment. Each user controls an avatar (an image that represents and is manipulated by a user) in a virtual world and interacts with other users. An important aspect of MMOG is maintaining a fair environment among users (i.e., not give an unfair advantage to users with faster connections or more powerful computers). The experience (either positive or negative) the user has with the MMOG environment is dependent on how quickly the game world responds to the user's actions. This study focuses on scaling the system based on demand, while maintaining an environment that guarantees fairness. Consider an environment where there is a main server (MS) that controls the state of the virtual world. If the performance falls below acceptable standards, the MS can off-load calculations to secondary servers (SSs). An SS is a user's computer that is converted into a server. Four heuristics are proposed for determining the number of SSs, which users are converted to SSs, and how users are assigned to the SSs and the MS. The goal of the heuristics is to provide a "fair" environment for all the users, and to be "robust" against the uncertainty of the number of new players that may join a given system configuration. The heuristics are evaluated and compared by simulation.
Corporate America's Search for the “Right” Direction: Outlook and Opportunities for Family Firms

The recent accounting scandals and corporate misdeeds of several high-profile Fortune 500 companies have left the investing public reeling. This paper highlights the attributes and characteristics of family firms that confer operational and financial performance advantages on them vis-a-vis nonfamily, or publicly controlled, firms. As a result, family firms have a unique opportunity to model the way regarding corporate reform.
Localization of Ligand-Binding Domains of Human Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor: A Chimeric Receptor Approach

Two CRF receptors, CRFR1 and CRFR2, have recently been cloned and characterized. CRFR1 shares 70% sequence identity with CRFR2, yet has much higher affinity for rat/human CRF (r/hCRF) than CRFR2. As a first step toward understanding the interactions between rat/human CRF and its receptor, the regions that are involved in receptor-ligand binding and/or receptor activation were determined by using chimeric receptor constructs of the two human CRFR subtypes, CRFR1 and CRFR2, followed by generating point mutations of the receptor. The EC50 values in stimulation of intracellular cAMP of the chimeric and mutant receptors for the peptide ligand were determined using a cAMP-dependent reporter system. Three regions of the receptor were found to be important for optimal binding of r/hCRF and/or receptor activation. The first region was mapped to the junction of the third extracellular domain and the fifth transmembrane domain; substitution of three amino acids of CRFR1 in this region (Val266, Tyr267, and Thr268) by...
FIBROBLAST MECHANICS IN THREE DIMENSIONAL COLLAGEN MATRICES

Fascia provides mechanical support and frameworks for the other tissues of the body. Type 1 collagen is the major protein component of fascia, and fibroblasts are the cell type primarily responsible for its biosynthesis and remodeling. Research on fibroblasts interacting with collagen matrices provides new insights regarding how cell-matrix tension state and growth factor specificity regulate cell migration and matrix remodeling.
The dual gate EST: a new MOS-gated thyristor structure

In this paper, the characteristics of a new MOS-gated thyristor-the Dual Gate Emitter Switched Thyristor (DG-EST)-are presented. The DG-EST consists of a Dual Channel Emitter Switched Thyristor (DC-EST) section and a Conventional Emitter Switched Thyristor (C-EST) section with a common main thyristor region that can be controlled using two independent gate electrodes. This device has a lower on-state voltage drop than the C-EST and at the same time possesses the high voltage current saturation feature of the DC-EST. The DG-EST has been found to exhibit a much higher parasitic thyristor latch-up current density than the C-EST and the DC-EST structures and has a superior trade-off curve between on-state voltage drop and turn-off time when compared to the C-EST structure.
Neurobiological and Behavioral Consequences of Exposure to Childhood Traumatic Stress

The developing brain is a remarkably plastic and dynamic organ. Although the basic possibilities of what it has the potential to become appears to be set by genetic codes, the unique configuration that evolves for each human being is created though a complex process of communication with the environment. In the best circumstances, this ensures a maximal fit between the demands of the environment and the response possibilities available to the individual. However, under conditions of extreme stress, a cascade of events may be initiated that results in aberrations of brain development and subsequent vulnerability to psychopathology. Our studies focus on the effects of early childhood maltreatment on the developing brain, and the implications for the emergence of psychiatric disorder. We have proposed that early maltreatment produces a cascade of physiological and neurohumoral responses built on the following five fundamental premises. First, that exposure to stress early in life activates stress response systems, and fundamentally alters their molecular organization to modify their sensitivity and response bias. Second, that exposure of the developing brain to stress hormones exerts consequences by affecting gene expression, myelination, neural morphology, neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Third, that different brain regions vary in their sensitivity, which depends, in part, upon genetics, timing, rate of development, and density of glucocorticoid receptors. Fourth, that there are enduring functional consequences that include attenuated left hemisphere development, decreased right/left hemisphere integration, increased electrical irritability within the limbic system circuits, and diminished functional activity of the cerebellar vermis. Fifth, that there are associated neuropsychiatric consequences and vulnerabilities, which lead to an enhanced risk for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), dissociative identity disorder (DID), and substance abuse.
Intensive Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Primary CNS Lymphoma: CALGB 50202 (Alliance 50202)

Purpose Concerns regarding neurocognitive toxicity of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) have motivated development of alternative, dose-intensive chemotherapeutic strategies as consolidation in primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). We performed a multicenter study of high-dose consolidation, without WBRT, in PCNSL. Objectives were to determine: one, rate of complete response (CR) after remission induction therapy with methotrexate, temozolomide, and rituximab (MT-R); two, feasibility of a two-step approach using high-dose consolidation with etoposide plus cytarabine (EA); three, progression-free survival (PFS); and four, correlation between clinical and molecular prognostic factors and outcome. Patients and Methods Forty-four patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL were treated with induction MT-R, and patients who achieved CR received EA consolidation. We performed a prospective analysis of molecular prognostic biomarkers in PCNSL in the setting of a clinical trial. Results The rate of CR to MT-R was 66%. The overall 2-year PFS was 0.57, with median follow-up of 4.9 years. The 2-year time to progression was 0.59, and for patients who completed consolidation, it was 0.77. Patients age 60 years did as well as younger patients, and the most significant clinical prognostic variable was treatment delay. High BCL6 expression correlated with shorter survival. Conclusion CALGB 50202 demonstrates for the first time to our knowledge that dose-intensive consolidation for PCNSL is feasible in the multicenter setting and yields rates of PFS and OS at least comparable to those of regimens involving WBRT. On the basis of these encouraging results, an intergroup study has been activated comparing EA consolidation with myeloablative chemotherapy in this randomized trial in PCNSL, in which neither arm involves WBRT. J Clin Oncol 31:3061-3068. © 2013 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
Palifermin: Role in the Prevention of Chemotherapy- and Radiation-Induced Mucositis

Objective:To assess the efficacy, toxicity, and potential cost benefit of palifermin in the prevention of chemotherapy- and radiation-induced mucositis.Data Sources:MEDLINE and PubMed database searches were conducted (1966–May 2006) using the following search terms: palifermin, human keratinocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, mucositis, and stomatitis.Study Selection And Data Extraction:All published clinical trials and abstracts examining the use of palifermin, as well as information from the manufacturer, were included.Data Synthesis:Severe mucositis resulting from anticancer therapies increases healthcare expenditures and negalively impacts patients' quality-of-life. Radiation therapy to the head and neck, as well as stem cell transplant conditioning regimens, have the highest incidence of severe mucositis. Consequences include prolonged hospitalization, need for parenteral nutrition, increased risk of infection, and severe pain. Palifermin is a recombinant human keratinacyte growth factor i...
In vitro analysis of metabolites from the untreated tissue of Torpedo californica electric organ by mid-infrared laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ), where a motor neuron intercepts and activates a muscle fiber, is a highly versatile and complex subcellular region. Genomic and proteomic approaches using the large (>1 kg) electric organ of Torpedo californica have helped advancing our understanding of this minute (30–50 μm) electric synapse. However, the majority of these studies have focused on mRNA and proteins, therefore neglecting small signaling molecules involved in muscle-nerve ‘dialogue’. We developed a novel technique, mid-infrared laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) mass spectrometry (MS), with the potential of detecting a diversity of small signaling molecules in vitro. LAESI uses the native water in the tissue as the matrix to couple the laser pulse energy into the target for the ablation process and enables its direct analysis essentially without sample preparation. Here, we report the detection of metabolites from the untreated frozen tissue of the Torpedo electric organ with LAESI MS at atmospheric pressure. A total of 24 metabolites were identified by accurate mass measurements, natural isotope patterns, and tandem mass spectrometry. Most of the identified metabolites were related to the cholinergic function of the electric synapse (acetylcholine and choline), fatty acid metabolism and acetyl transfer (carnitine and acetylcarnitine), the mitigation of osmotic stress (betaine and trimethylamine N-oxide), and energy production (creatine and creatinine). The biosynthetic precursors of these metabolites and their expected degradation products were also detected indicating that LAESI MS is well suited for tissue metabolomics with the ultimate goal of imaging and in vivo studies.
West Nile virus cluster analysis and vertical transmission in Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes in Sacramento and Yolo Counties, California, 2011.

ABSTRACT: West Nile virus (WNV) is now endemic in California, with annual transmission documented by the statewide surveillance system. Although much is known about the horizontal avian-mosquito transmission cycle, less is known about vertical transmission under field conditions, which may supplement virus amplification during summer and provide a mechanism to infect overwintering female mosquitoes during fall. The current study identified clusters of WNV-infected mosquitoes in Sacramento and Yolo Counties, CA, during late summer 2011 and tested field-captured ovipositing female mosquitoes and their progeny for WNV RNA to estimate the frequency of vertical transmission. Space-time clustering of WNV-positive Culex pipiens complex pools was detected in the northern Elk Grove area of Sacramento County between July 18 and September 18, 2011 (5.22 km radius;p<0.001 and RR=7.80). Vertical transmission by WNV-infected females to egg rafts was 50% and to larvae was 40%. The estimated minimal filial infection rate...
Tankyrase promotes telomere elongation in human cells.

Abstract Human telomeres are maintained by telomerase, a reverse transcriptase that adds telomeric repeats to chromosome ends [1,2]. In human tumors and immortalized cells, telomeres are often maintained at a constant length setting [3,4], indicating that telomerase-mediated telomere elongation is tightly regulated. Tankyrase, a telomeric poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) [5], was identified through its interaction with TRF1 [6], a negative regulator of telomere extension by telomerase [7]. Tankyrase-mediated ADP-ribosylation inhibits binding of TRF1 to telomeric repeats in vitro [5], suggesting that tankyrase might regulate TRF1 and therefore control telomere dynamics in vivo . Here, we present evidence that tankyrase acts as a positive regulator of telomere elongation in vivo , apparently by inhibiting TRF1. Overexpression of tankyrase in the nucleus diminished the level of unmodified TRF1 in immunoblots and led to reduced immunofluorescence of TRF1 at interphase telomeres. Long-term overexpression of tankyrase in telomerase-positive human cells resulted in a gradual and progressive elongation of telomeres. A PARP-deficient form of tankyrase failed to affect TRF1 and did not alter telomere length dynamics, consistent with ADP-ribosylation of TRF1 as the main cause of altered telomere homeostasis. Our results indicate that tankyrase can induce telomere elongation in human cells. We propose that tankyrase-mediated ADP-ribosylation of TRF1 opens the telomeric complex, allowing access to telomerase.
The Boston Marathon Study: A Novel Approach to Research During Residency

Resident physicians from a pediatric academic training program developed a hospital-wide research project in an effort to enhance their residency research experience. In this model, residents themselves assumed primary responsibility for each stage of a large prospective clinical research study. The project, which was integrated successfully into the residency program, enabled a large group of residents, with mentorship from a dedicated faculty member, to benefit from a structured clinical research experience while providing the flexibility necessary to meet the demands of a busy residency curriculum. Careful topic selection with a well-defined end point, faculty involvement, resident collegiality, and institutional support were factors identified by study leaders as central to the success of this model.
Field fitness, phalanx-guerrilla morphological variation, and symmetry of colonial growth in the encrusting hydroid genus Hydractinia

‘Phalanx’ and ‘guerrilla’ phenotypes have been characterized as distinct, adaptive growth strategies exhibited by marine encrusting taxa, as well as a variety of other colonial taxa, that differ in patterns of colonial growth and areal expansion. Phalanx morphs exhibit compact growth, expanding outward concentrically and generating radially symmetric colony shapes, whereas guerrillas exhibit diffuse growth and typically elongate, asymmetric colony shapes. Several species in the colonial hydroid genus Hydractinia display inter-genotypic morphological variation in early developmental growth, although it is unclear if and how this growth form variation is tied to colony symmetry. Here I show that the phalanx versus guerrilla distinction does not adequately characterize genetic variation in Hydractinia growth form. Genotypes characterized by extreme mat and stoloniferous growth exhibited high levels of symmetry while genotypes generating growth forms intermediate between these two extremes were more asymmetric. Asymmetric growth is tied to reduced field fitness as a result of slower growth, reduced investment in future reproduction, and increased susceptibility to abiotic environmental stress. Asymmetric, guerrilla-like growth may be the morphological symptom of maladaptive growth early in colony development. This notion contrasts greatly with the traditional view of guerrilla growth as an adaptive strategy. Several hypotheses are proposed to address why asymmetric, guerrilla-like growth may be maladaptive in this and similar systems.
Rate-Distortion Optimal Depth Maps in the Wavelet Domain for Free-Viewpoint Rendering

We consider the problem of estimating and encoding depth maps from multiple views in the context of 3D-TV with free-viewpoint rendering. We propose a novel codec based on the Rate-Distortion (RD) optimization of the depth-image-based representation (DIBR) in the wavelet domain. The rate constraint enforces the piecewise smoothness of the depth map, which improves the reliability of its estimation. We propose an efficient optimal solution for the joint estimation and coding of the depth map using dynamic programming along the tree of wavelet coefficients. It also provides an automatic bitrate allocation between images and depth maps. Experiments on real data show that the wavelet approach can improve RD performances over a state-of-the-art technique that uses quadtrees.