cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Torture and Democracy

Torture and Democracy, Darius Rejali, Princeton, NJ, Princeton University Press, 2009, ISBN 978-0-691-14333-0, xxiii + 849pp. Any interrogation technique including the use of truth serum or even to...
Hypophyseal-gonadal dysfunction in men with non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Summary: Seven males with liver cirrhosis associated with hepatitis and one with schistosomal liver fibrosis were studied for hypophyseal gonadal dysfunction and compared to six age matched controls. Cirrhotics as a group had higher serum 17β estradiol levels (22.1 ± 6.3 vs 7.8 ± 0.8 pg/ml, p < 0.05) which did not rise after four days of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation. Conversely, there was an adequate rise in serum testosterone level after hCG stimulation (332.8 ± 99.7 ng/dl baseline to 887.6 ± 67.1 ng/dl, p < 0.01). Compared to the controls, cirrhotics had lower baseline serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (3.6 ± 1.7 vs. 10.2 ± 1.5 mlu/ml, p < 0.02) and higher serum prolactin (13.5 ± 2.5 vs. 6.8 ± 1.0 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Pituitary dynamic function testing in cirrhotics revealed blunted response of luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH, to luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) in four out of eight subjects tested. We conclude that the mechanism of hypogonadism in non-alcoholic cirrhosis is mostly hypo-gonadotropic in origin rather than primary gonadal injury which is common in alcoholic cirrhosis. Hypophysar-gonadale Dysfunktion bei Mannern mit nicht-alkoholbedingter Leberzirrhose Zusammenfassung: 7 Manner mit Leberzirrhose (begleitet von einer Hepatitis) und 1 Mann mit einer schistosomenbedingten Leberfibrose wurden auf die hypophysar-gonadale Dysfunktion untersucht und mit sechs gleichaltrigen Kontrollpersonen verglichen. Die Gruppe der Zirrhosekranken hatte hohere 17-Ostradiolserumspiegel (22,1 ± 6,3 gegenuber 7,8 ± 0,8 pg/ml, p < 0,05), die sich nicht nach einer 4tagigen Stimulation mit HCG erhohten. Andererseits gab es eine angemessene Erhohung des Serum-Testeronspiegels auf HCG-Stimulation (332,8 ± 99,7 ng/dl Basissekretion gegenuber 887,6 ± 67,1 ng/dl, p < 0,01). Verglichen mit den Kontrollpersonen hatten die Zirrhosekranken eine niedrigere Basissekretion des FSH (3,6 ± 1,7 gegenuber 10,2 ± 1,5 mlu/ml, p < 0,02) und ein hoheres Serum-Prolaktin (13,5 ± 2,5 gegenuber 6,8 ± 1,0 ng/ml, p < 0,05). Die hypophysare inkretorische Funktionsaktivitat zeigte bei den Zirrhosekranken in 4 von 8 Fallen eine schwache Antwort des LH und des FSH auf das Releasing-Hormon des LH. Wir schliesen daraus, das der Mechanismus des Hypogonadismus bei nicht-alkoholisch-bedingter Zirrhose mehr hypogonadotroper Natur ist, als das er primar durch eine Gonadenschadigung bedingt ist, wie es im allgemeinen bei alkoholischer Zirrhose der Fall ist.
Bisphenol-A impairs memory and reduces dendritic spine density in adult male rats.

Exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor used in plastics, occurs in the United States on a daily basis. Recent studies suggest exposure during development causes memory deficits later in life, however the ramifications of exposure in adulthood are unclear. We examined the effects of acute BPA administration (40μg/kg) on memory and synaptic plasticity in adult male rats. BPA significantly impaired both visual and spatial memory and decreased dendritic spine density on pyramidal cells in CA1 and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Additionally, BPA significantly decreased PSD-95, a synaptic marker, in the hippocampus and increased cytosolic pCREB, a transcription factor, in mPFC. Together, these findings show that a single dose of BPA, below the U.S.E.P.A. reference safe daily limit of 50 ug/kg/day, may block the formation of new memories by interfering with neural plasticity processes in the adult brain.
The Planet-Metallicity Correlation

We have recently carried out spectral synthesis modeling to determine Teff, log g, v sin i, and [Fe/H] for 1040 FGK-type stars on the Keck, Lick, and Anglo-Australian Telescope planet search programs. This is the first time that a single, uniform spectroscopic analysis has been made for every star on a large Doppler planet search survey. We identify a subset of 850 stars that have Doppler observations sufficient to detect uniformly all planets with radial velocity semiamplitudes K > 30 m s-1 and orbital periods shorter than 4 yr. From this subset of stars, we determine that fewer than 3% of stars with -0.5 +0.3 dex, 25% of observed stars have detected gas giant planets. A power-law fit to these data relates the formation probability for gas giant planets to the square of the number of metal atoms. High stellar metallicity also appears to be correlated with the presence of multiple-planet systems and with the total detected planet mass. This data set was examined to better understand the origin of high metallicity in stars with planets. None of the expected fossil signatures of accretion are observed in stars with planets relative to the general sample: (1) metallicity does not appear to increase as the mass of the convective envelopes decreases, (2) subgiants with planets do not show dilution of metallicity, (3) no abundance variations for Na, Si, Ti, or Ni are found as a function of condensation temperature, and (4) no correlations between metallicity and orbital period or eccentricity could be identified. We conclude that stars with extrasolar planets do not have an accretion signature that distinguishes them from other stars; more likely, they are simply born in higher metallicity molecular clouds.
Identification of heterogeneity among soft tissue sarcomas by gene expression profiles from different tumors.

The heterogeneity that soft tissue sarcomas (STS) exhibit in their clinical behavior, even within histological subtypes, complicates patient care. Histological appearance is determined by gene expression. Morphologic features are generally good predictors of biologic behavior, however, metastatic propensity, tumor growth, and response to chemotherapy may be determined by gene expression patterns that do not correlate well with morphology. One approach to identify heterogeneity is to search for genetic markers that correlate with differences in tumor behavior. Alternatively, subsets may be identified based on gene expression patterns alone, independent of knowledge of clinical outcome. We have reported gene expression patterns that distinguish two subgroups of clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC), and other gene expression patterns that distinguish heterogeneity of serous ovarian carcinoma (OVCA) and aggressive fibromatosis (AF). In this study, gene expression in 53 samples of STS and AF [including 16 malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), 9 leiomyosarcoma, 12 liposarcoma, 4 synovial sarcoma, and 12 samples of AF] was determined at Gene Logic Inc. (Gaithersburg, MD) using Affymetrix GeneChip® U_133 arrays containing approximately 40,000 genes/ESTs. Gene expression analysis was performed with the Gene Logic Genesis Enterprise System® Software and Expressionist software. Hierarchical clustering of the STS using our three previously reported gene sets, each generated subgroups within the STS that for some subtypes correlated with histology, and also suggested the existence of subsets of MFH. All three gene sets also recognized the same two subsets of the fibromatosis samples that we had found in our earlier study of AF. These results suggest that these subgroups may have biological significance, and that these gene sets may be useful for sub-classification of STS. In addition, several genes that are targets of some anti-tumor drugs were found to be differentially expressed in particular subsets of STS.
A prolegomenon to nonlinear empiricism in the human behavioral sciences

We propose a general framework for integrating theory and empiricism in human evolutionary ecology. We specifically emphasize the joint use of stochastic nonlinear dynamics and information theory. To illustrate critical ideas associated with historical contingency and complex dynamics, we review recent research on social preferences and social learning from behavioral economics. We additionally examine recent work on ecological approaches in history, the modeling of chaotic populations, and statistical application of information theory.
Decision making during laparoscopic orchiopexy for intra-abdominal testes near the internal ring.

Purpose: We studied whether testicular proximity to the ipsilateral internal ring or ability to reach the contralateral ring predicted the likelihood that laparoscopic orchiopexy would deliver an intra-abdominal testis to the dependent scrotum. Materials and Methods: Records of patients undergoing laparoscopic orchiopexy for testes within 2 cm of the internal ring were reviewed. Factors considered included patient age, mobility of the testis to the contralateral ring, intraoperative positioning in the upper vs lower scrotum, and postoperative findings of testicular viability and location. Results: Of 46 testes treated with laparoscopic orchiopexy 20 reached the low scrotum. The remaining 26 testes only reached the upper scrotum. Of these testes 14 were fixed to the most distal aspect of the scrotum that they would reach, while 12 were managed by vessel transection with 1-stage orchiopexy to the low scrotum in 10 and the upper scrotum in 2. Patient age at surgery, location within 2 cm of the internal ring and mobility to the contralateral ring did not predict ability of laparoscopic orchiopexy to bring the testis to the low scrotum. Followup was available in 42 testes at a mean of 6.8 months (range 1 to 25), with 25 (60%) in the low scrotum, 6 (14%) in the upper scrotum, 6 (14%) showing atrophy and 5 (12%) reoperated on for a position at or above the upper margin of the scrotum. Conclusions: Factors evaluated did not indicate the likelihood that laparoscopic orchiopexy would result in a testis in the dependent scrotum. It is unclear whether a testis only reaching the upper scrotum should be fixed with vessels intact, or undergo 1-stage Fowler-Stephens orchiopexy to attempt to reach the low scrotum.
The Cognitive Flexibility Inventory: Instrument development and estimates of reliability and validity.

The cognitive flexibility inventory (CFI) was developed to be a brief self-report measure of the type of cognitive flexibility necessary for individuals to successfully challenge and replace maladaptive thoughts with more balanced and adaptive thinking. It was designed to measure three aspects of cognitive flexibility: (a) the tendency to perceive difficult situations as controllable; (b) the ability to perceive multiple alternative explanations for life occurrences and human behavior; and (c) the ability to generate multiple alternative solutions to difficult situations. The two studies presented in this manuscript describe the initial development of the CFI and a 7-week longitudinal study. Results from these studies indicate the CFI has a reliable two-factor structure, excellent internal consistency, and high 7-week test–retest reliability. Preliminary evidence was obtained for the CFI’s convergent construct validity via the CFI’s correlations with other measures of cognitive flexibility (Cognitive Flexibility Scale) and coping (Ways of Coping Checklist-Revised), respectively. Support was also demonstrated for the concurrent construct validity of the CFI via its correlation with the BDI-II. Further research is needed to investigate the reliability and validity of the CFI among clinical populations.
High-resolution analysis of four efficient yeast replication origins reveals new insights into the ORC and putative MCM binding elements

In budding yeast, the eukaryotic initiator protein ORC (origin recognition complex) binds to a bipartite sequence consisting of an 11 bp ACS element and an adjacent B1 element. However, the genome contains many more matches to this consensus than actually bind ORC or function as origins in vivo. Although ORC-dependent loading of the replicative MCM helicase at origins is enhanced by a distal B2 element, less is known about this element. Here, we analyzed four highly active origins (ARS309, ARS319, ARS606 and ARS607) by linker scanning mutagenesis and found that sequences adjacent to the ACS contributed substantially to origin activity and ORC binding. Using the sequences of four additional B2 elements we generated a B2 multiple sequence alignment and identified a shared, degenerate 8 bp sequence that was enriched within 228 known origins. In addition, our high-resolution analysis revealed that not all origins exist within nucleosome free regions: a class of Sir2-regulated origins has a stably positioned nucleosome overlapping or near B2. This study illustrates the conserved yet flexible nature of yeast origin architecture to promote ORC binding and origin activity, and helps explain why a strong match to the ORC binding site is insufficient to identify origins within the genome.
Social Security Reform and Corporate Governance

Abstract This paper considers implementation issues arising from potential reforms to the United States Social Security system. Many reform proposals involve individually invested accounts, but the corporate governance implications of such accounts have not been fully explored. Existing reform plans will result in a large fraction of votes being concentrated at one private fund manager. The implications for corporate governance and debt management under alternative fund management strategies are evaluated. The use of futures to construct synthetic investments could alleviate corporate governance and debt management problems.
Visual Search and the Detection of Collision Events during Driving

In the present study we examined the accuracy of observers in detecting collision events. Observers were presented with displays simulating a 3D environment with multiple moving objects. We used a signal detection paradigm to determine the ability of observers to detect a collision event when multiple moving objects were present. We also examined whether the task can be performed in parallel or requires attention. The results showed that observers' sensitivity decreased with an increase in the number of distracter objects moving in the scene, suggesting that observers were performing a visual search to determine whether a collision target was present in the display. This finding indicates that collision detection when multiple-moving objects are present is not processed in parallel. In addition, the results indicated that sensitivity increased with an increase in display duration. This suggests that as the collision event became more imminent detection performance increased.
Quantification of in vivo pH-weighted amide proton transfer (APT) MRI in acute ischemic stroke

Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging is a specific form of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI that probes the pH-dependent amide proton exchange.The endogenous APT MRI is sensitive to tissue acidosis, which may complement the commonly used perfusion and diffusion scans for characterizing heterogeneous ischemic tissue damage. Whereas the saturation transfer asymmetry analysis (MTR asym ) may reasonably compensate for direct RF saturation, in vivo MTR asym is however, susceptible to an intrinsically asymmetric shift (MTR’ asym ). Specifically, the reference scan for the endogenous APT MRI is 7 ppm upfield from that of the label scan, and subjects to concomitant RF irradiation effects, including nuclear overhauser effect (NOE)-mediated saturation transfer and semisolid macromolecular magnetization transfer. As such, the commonly used asymmetry analysis could not fully compensate for such slightly asymmetric concomitant RF irradiation effects, and MTR asym has to be delineated in order to properly characterize the pH-weighted APT MRI contrast. Given that there is very little change in relaxation time immediately after ischemia and the concomitant RF irradiation effects only minimally depends on pH, the APT contrast can be obtained as the difference of MTR asym between the normal and ischemic regions. Thereby, the endogenous amide proton concentration and exchange rate can be solved using a dual 2-pool model, and the in vivo MTR’ asym can be calculated by subtracting the solved APT contrast from asymmetry analysis (i.e., MTR’ asym =MTR asym -APTR). In addition, MTR’ asym can be quantified using the classical 2-pool exchange model. In sum, our study delineated the conventional in vivo pH-sensitive MTR asym contrast so that pHspecific contrast can be obtained for imaging ischemic tissue acidosis.
On communication models for algorithm design in networked sensor systems: A case study

Towards building a systematic methodology of algorithm design for applications of networked sensor systems, we formally define two link-wise communication models, the Collision Free Model (CFM) and the Collision Aware Model (CAM). While CFM provides ease of programming and analysis for high level application functionality, CAM enables more accurate performance analysis and hence more efficient algorithms through cross-layer optimization, at the expense of increased programming and analysis complexity. These communication models are part of an abstract network model, above which algorithm design and performance optimization is performed. We use the example of optimizing a probability based broadcasting scheme under CAM to illustrate algorithm optimization based on the defined models. Specifically, we present an analytical framework that facilitates an accurate modeling and analysis for the probability based broadcasting in CAM (PB_CAM). Our analytical results indicate that (1) the optimal broadcast probability for either maximizing the reachability within a given latency constraint or minimizing the latency for a given reachability constraint decreases rapidly with node density, and (2) the optimal probability for either maximizing the reachability with a given energy constraint or minimizing the energy cost for a given reachability constraint varies slowly between 0 and 0.1 over the entire range of the variations in node density. Our analysis is also confirmed by extensive simulation results.
PLAD (Plasma Doping) on 22nm Technology Node and Beyond - Evolutionary and/or Revolutionary

PLAD (plasma doping) is promising for both evolutionary and revolutionary doping options because of its unique advantages which can overcome or minimize many of the issues of the beam-line (BL) based implants. In this talk, we present developments of PLAD on both planar and 3D device structures. Comparing with the conventional BL implants, PLAD shows not only a significant production enhancement, but also a significant device performance improvement and 3D structure doping capability, including an 80% contact resistance reduction, more than 25% drive current increase, and conformal doping on non-planar device structures. In PLAD developments and applications, the conventional metrologies are not suitable for PLAD process because of their limits and PLAD's unique properties. Novel diagnostic metrologies for PLAD process have been developed and are also presented in this talk.
Income and childlessness in the United States: Is the relationship always inverse?

The author suggests that among the voluntarily childless the relationship between income and childlessness need not necessarily be inverse. After reviewing the studies which have examined the general relationship the author focuses upon the voluntarily childless and suggests an alternative hypothesis. The hypothesis is tested indirectly with data from the 1970 U.S. Census of Population. (authors)
Risk and capital asset prices

Abstract This paper is an empirical examination of the statistical significance of the residual variance of individual assets as compared with the covariance of returns with various market portfolio proxies in predicting expected return. The data and analysis we present suggest that measures of covariance are no more significant than residual variance in predicting expected return. In this sense our paper is not supportive of the Sharpe-Lintner or Black versions of the capital asset pricing model.
THE IDENTIFICATION AND PARTIAL CLONING BY PCR OF THE GENE FOR TYROSINASE-RELATED PROTEIN-1 IN THE MEXICAN AXOLOTL

The tyrosinase gene family is currently composed of three members, tyrosinase and two tyrosinase-related proteins, TRP-1 and TRP-2. These three gene products have all been found to act in the synthesis of melanin pigments with the enzyme tyrosinase catalyzing the initial rate-limiting steps. Thus far these genes have primarily been analyzed in higher vertebrates. We have used degenerate PCR primers to isolate a large fragment of an axolotl tyrosinase-related protein. Sequence analysis of the entire 1,057-bp fragment isolated indicates a high degree of similarity to the mouse TRP-1, the product of the brown locus. Phylogenetic analysis supports the conclusion that the fragment isolated corresponds to the axolotl TRP-1 homolog. This is the first TRP-1 gene to be identified in an amphibian species.
Calculation of Local Effective Fields: Optical Spectrum of Diamond

The random-phase-approximation formalism describing local fields developed by Adler and by Wiser is evaluated for an insulator for the first time. It is shown that umklapp effects decrease the low-frequency electronic dielectric constant, contrary to what is required to reconcile theory with experiment for most semiconductors. A simple prescription for effects of dynamical correlation is shown to improve agreement with experiment for diamond.
The Roots of Lo Mexicano: Self and Society in Mexican Thought, 1900-1934

With the publication of "Profile of Man and Culture in Mexico" (1934) Samuel Ramos launched the modern search for Mexican national identity, shifting examination of that country's problems from a physical to a psychological plane. But Ramos' work crystallized a long inquiry into the meaning of Mexican civilization, discernible from the 1920s on. From 1900 to 1934 Mexicans made the difficult transition from a culture largely foreign in spirit to one created in the aftermath of the 1910 Revolution, insistently and proudly Mexican. In the decades following the revolution the term "lo mexicano" (meaning both the Mexican ethos and its study) became a sacred phrase in the reappraisal of Mexican civilization, a concept analogous in the history of ideas to the quest for Mexican authenticity in painting, music, the novel, and education. Schmidt examines the origins and development of "lo mexicano" in the work of Ramos' intellectual antecedents, particularly that of Justo Sierra, Antonio Caso, Jose Vasconcelos, Alfonso Reyes, and Daniel Cosio Villegas. Schmidt shows why and how Mexican intellectuals went about the task of defining national character during this period. His analysis establishes a context for viewing Ramos' admittedly seminal work, shows the growth of Mexican self-awareness as the intellectual foundation of nationalism, and extends our understanding of the central driving force within the complexities of Mexican society today.
709-1 Coronary Angioplasty in 20,006 Patients Over Age 80 in the United States

The use of coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in the very elderly has undergone explosive growth. Using the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) file from 1987 through 1990, we examined PTCA for all patients greater than 80 years old. The demographics of these patients included mean age 82.6 (range 80–100, 1st Quartile 81, Median 82, 3rd Quartile 84), 45% women, 3.9% non-whsite, 25.2% involving acute myocardial infarction admissions (AMI), 25.4% having Charlson comorbidity index 1 or greater. The annual number of patients over age 80 undergoing PTCA more than doubled over the course of the study: 1987–3082, 1988–4284, 1989–5369, 1990–7341. Short and intermediate term outcomes of these patients are listed below: Patient group LOS In-hospital mortality 1 year mortality 3 year mortality All patients g 80 4 7.0% * 17.0% * 29.6% * AMI g 80 - 15.8% * 24.6% * 35.0% * All patients 65–69 5 1.8% * 5.2% * 10.4% * U.S. Population age 82 - - 7.7% 23.6% LOS = median length of stay after PTCA in days * 99% confidence intervals within 0.2% Patients over age 80 had significantly higher in-hospital and intermediateterm mortality following PTCA compared to 65–69 year old patients in the MEDPAR file. However, their survival at 3 years was comparable to survival for the age-matched general United States (U.S.) population. This study is the largest reported series of PTCA in very elderly patients, and includes the majority of patients over age 80 treated in the U.S. during the study period. With the growth of the elderly population and the increased use of PTCA in these very elderly patients, information concerning their outcomes are important in guiding treatment decisions
Ranging Hormones: Do Hormonal Contraceptives Ignore Human Biological Variation and Evolution?

Ample data from noncontracepting menstruating women from various cultures demonstrate substantial difference in endogenous steroid hormone profiles. Women in developed countries have much higher concentrations of salivary progesterone than women of traditional populations. Significant variation in absorption distribution clearance and excretion of exogenous synthetic contraceptive steroids occurs among various populations. Even when researchers control for body size they find much intergroup differences in plasma levels of ethinyl estradiol in women from North America Nigeria Singapore Sri Lanka and Thailand. Clinicians have not been able to consistently explain the variability in womens pharmacokinetic responses to exogenous steroids. Since both exogenous and endogenous steroids are subject to the same metabolic processes variability in the ability to metabolize natural reproductive steroids may account for the interpopulation differences in the pharmacokinetics of contraceptive steroids. Womens nutritional status dietary composition and the activity pattern may be responsible for the different rates of drug absorption and transit time through the gastrointestinal tract as well as for the variation in levels of endogenous hormones. More research in traditional populations may explain the association between production absorption and clearance of the endogenous reproductive steroids. Women may adapt to a certain level of reproductive hormones that depend on levels of available nutrients or energy balance. Researchers should study ovarian function for clues to interpopulation metabolic differences. Inter-woman variation in normal ovarian function influences the response to synthetic steroids. Concern for pregnancy prevention and population has led some people to recommend hormonal contraceptives with higher doses than is necessary. This would place women in developing countries at greater risk of side effects and health risks. Thus proper evaluation of ovarian function and steroid metabolism of women in different countries is needed to identify appropriate doses.
Pediatric movement disorders: Five new things

There is increasing need for both consensus definitions and continued research into the causes, clinical spectrum, and treatment of pediatric movement disorders. Treatment has been largely based on experience rather than evidence because clinical trials are limited. With development of consensus definitions, identification of causative genes, understanding of the clinical spectrum of disease, and clinical trials, we can provide overall better care for children with movement disorders. This review highlights 5 areas where progress is being made to achieve these goals in pediatric movement disorders.
Agent-based simulation in market and production system

The Nash bargaining solution of oligopolies is introduced, and agent-based simulation model and procedure are developed, in which the firms are able to learn and approach the cooperative solution. An example with three firms illustrates the methodology, in which both sequential and simultaneous moves are allowed.
Next-to-leading order corrections to $W^+$ 2 jet and $Z^+$ 2 jet production at hadron colliders

We report on QCD radiative corrections to the processes $p\overline{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}W+2 \mathrm{jets}$ and $p\overline{p}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}Z+2 \mathrm{jets}$ at the Fermilab Tevatron. These processes are included in the Monte Carlo program MCFM, which allows the calculation of any infrared finite variable at next-to-leading order. Because of a better theoretical description of jets at next-to-leading order, some distributions exhibit significant corrections. As expected, the unphysical dependence of theoretical predictions upon the renormalization and factorization scales is greatly reduced compared to leading order. As an example of the predictions that may now be made with MCFM, we present a next-to-leading order estimate of the heavy flavor content of jets produced in association with vector bosons.
Current Evolution in a Pulsed Overstressed Radial Vacuum Gap

The evolution of current in a radial, two element, vacuum gap has been studied as a function of applied voltage. Gap spacings of 1 and 2 mm, between coaxial brass electrodes, at a pressure of 1×10-2 Pa, have been used. Voltage pulses between 20 kV and 176 kV, with 15 ns risetimes and 50 ns durations, have been applied to the vacuum gap using a water-filled Blumlein generator having a source impedance of 10 ?. The data indicate that voltages on the order of 32 and 60 kV can be applied to 1 and 2 mm gaps, respectively, without drawing currents larger than 100 A during the excitation time. For applied voltages greater than 60 kV, current approximately equal to the short circuit value was observed in a 1 mm gap. For higher voltage excitations, breakdown delays on the order of 5 ns, with an initial current rate of rise of up to 8×1011 A/s, have been obtained.
Modeling and control of periodic humanoid balance using the Linear Biped Model

We present work on compliant control of dynamic humanoid balance and walking. We use the Linear Biped Model (LiBM) to model the dynamics of balance on two feet. To achieve periodic motion, as in walking, we derive an orbital energy controller for this model. We also present our methods for applying this control to a torque-controlled humanoid robot, which include estimating the center of mass state and generating feed-forward torque commands.
Pattern matching using the blur hit-miss transform

The usefulness of the hit-miss transform (HMT) and re- lated transforms for pattern matching in document image applica- tions is examined. Although the HMT is sensitive to the types of noise found in scanned images, including both boundary and ran- dom noise, a simple extension, the blur HMT, is relatively robust. The noise immunity of the blur HMT derives from its ability to treat both types of noise together, and to remove them by appropriate dilations. In analogy with the Hausdorff metric for the distance be- tween two sets, metric generalizations for special cases of the blur HMT are derived. Whereas Hausdorff uses both directions of the directed distances between two sets, a metric derived from a special case of the blur HMT uses just one direction of the directed dis- tances between foreground and background components of two sets. For both foreground and background, the template is always the first of the directed sets. A less-restrictive metric generalization, where the disjoint foreground and background components of the template need not be set complements, is also derived. For images with a random component of noise, the blur HMT is sensitive only to the size of the noise, whereas Hausdorff matching is sensitive to its location. It is also shown how these metric functions can be derived from the distance functions of the foreground (FG) and background (BG) of an image, using dilation by the appropriate templates. The blur HMT can be used as a fast heuristic to avoid more expensive integer-based matching techniques, and it is implemented efficiently with boolean image operations. The FG and BG images are dilated with structuring elements that depend on image noise and pattern variability, and the results are then eroded with templates derived from patterns to be matched. Subsampling the patterns on a regular grid can improve speed and maintain match quality, and examples are given that indicate how to explore the parameter space. Trun- cated matches give the same result as full erosions, are much faster, and for some applications can be performed at a restricted set of locations. © 2000 SPIE and IS&T. (S1017-9909(00)00802-3)
Enhancer Divergence and cis-Regulatory Evolution in the Human and Chimp Neural Crest

cis-regulatory changes play a central role in morphological divergence, yet the regulatory principles underlying emergence of human traits remain poorly understood. Here, we use epigenomic profiling from human and chimpanzee cranial neural crest cells to systematically and quantitatively annotate divergence of craniofacial cis-regulatory landscapes. Epigenomic divergence is often attributable to genetic variation within TF motifs at orthologous enhancers, with a novel motif being most predictive of activity biases. We explore properties of this cis-regulatory change, revealing the role of particular retroelements, uncovering broad clusters of species-biased enhancers near genes associated with human facial variation, and demonstrating that cis-regulatory divergence is linked to quantitative expression differences of crucial neural crest regulators. Our work provides a wealth of candidates for future evolutionary studies and demonstrates the value of "cellular anthropology," a strategy of using in-vitro-derived embryonic cell types to elucidate both fundamental and evolving mechanisms underlying morphological variation in higher primates.
Regulation of dorsal fate in the neuraxis by Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a

Members of the Wnt family of signaling molecules are expressed differentially along the dorsal–ventral axis of the developing neural tube. Thus we asked whether Wnt factors are involved in patterning of the nervous system along this axis. We show that Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a, both of which are expressed in the dorsal portion of the neural tube, could synergize with the neural inducers noggin and chordin in Xenopus animal explants to generate the most dorsal neural structure, the neural crest, as determined by the expression of Krox-20, AP-2, and slug. Overexpression of Wnt-1 or Wnt-3a in the neuroectoderm of whole embryos led to a dramatic increase of slug and Krox-20-expressing cells, but the hindbrain expression of Krox-20 remained unaffected. Enlargement in the neural crest population could occur even when cell proliferation was inhibited. Wnt-5A and Wnt-8, neither of which is expressed in the dorsal neuroectoderm, failed to induce neural crest markers. Overexpression of glycogen synthase kinase 3, known to antagonize Wnt signaling, blocked the neural-crest-inducing activity of Wnt-3a in animal explants and inhibited neural crest formation in whole embryos. We suggest that Wnt-1 and Wnt-3a have a role in patterning the neural tube along its dorsoventral axis and function in the differentiation of the neural crest.
A review of 3 current radiosurgery systems

Abstract Background Stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy have become widespread techniques applied to the treatment of a variety of intracranial lesions. Rapid evolution of new technologies has now enabled clinicians to treat tumors outside the cranium and down the spinal axis. This review compares 3 commercially available systems in widespread use throughout the world. Methods Literature review and interviews with practitioners in the United States were performed to establish data for a comparative analysis of the Gamma Knife (Elekta, Sweden), Novalis (BrainLabs, Germany), and CyberKnife systems (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA). Cost analyses were deliberately excluded because of the need for detailed cost-benefit analysis beyond the scope of the review. Results An unbiased comparative analysis was not possible because of the lack of objective data from a standard metric for these systems. Despite this shortcoming, disparate features of each system were compared and contrasted. Conclusion A careful assessment of each system, including its operational features, capabilities, and yearly capacity must be weighed against the composition of the radiosurgery team, the case mix of the practice, and the objectives of the clinical unit to yield the best fit.
Randomized controlled crime: Postcolonial sciences in alternative medicine research

The ambiguous terrain of ‘fact-making’ in biomedical clinical research is explored by way of an investigation of the criminalization of Tibetan medicine and Tibetan medical practitioners who participate in the global pharmaceutical pursuit of new medical products. Transcultural encounters between biomedical research interests and Tibetan medical practitioners suggest the production of awkward alliances between the state, markets, and measures of medical efficacy on an uneven global playing field. Moving beyond the possibility that a postcolonial science will be inherently hybrid, this paper seeks to uncover the inequalities of such hybrid-making encounters. When ‘medical facts’ must be derived from ‘magical beliefs’ in the centres of biomedical science, the state often intervenes to criminalize practitioners of alternative medicine. But, when profits are to be made on the fact that ‘the magical’ sells in alternative medicine, the state also makes it possible to shift ownership of medical knowledge, someti...
Pattern Dependent Modeling for CMP Optimization and Control

In previous work, we have formalized the notions of “planarization length” and “planarization response function” as key parameters that characterize a given CMP consumable set and process. Once extracted through experiments using carefully designed characterization mask sets, these parameters can be used to predict polish performance in CMP for arbitrary product layouts. The methodology has proven effective at predicting oxide interlevel dielectric planarization results. In this work, we discuss extensions of layout pattern dependent CMP modeling. These improvements include integrated up and down area polish modeling; this is needed to account for both density dependent effects, and step height limits or step height perturbations on the density model. Second, we discuss applications of the model to process optimization, process control (e.g. feedback compensation of equipment drifts), and shallow trench isolation (STI) polish. Third, we propose a framework for the modeling of pattern dependent effects in copper CMP. The framework includes “removal rate diagrams” which concisely capture dishing height and step height dependencies in dual material polish processes.
Precocious pollen germination in Arabidopsis plants with altered callose deposition during microsporogenesis

Pollination is essential for seed reproduction and for exchanges of genetic information between individual plants. In angiosperms, mature pollen grains released from dehisced anthers are transferred to the stigma where they become hydrated and begin to germinate. Pollen grains of wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana do not germinate inside the anther under normal growth conditions. We report two Arabidopsis lines that produced pollen grains able to in situ precociously germinate inside the anther. One of them was a callose synthase 9 (cs9) knockout mutant with a T-DNA insertion in the Callose Synthase 9 gene (CalS9). Male gametophytes carrying a cs9 mutant allele were defective and no homozygous progeny could be produced. Heterozygous mutant plants (cs9/+) produced approximately 50% defective pollen grains with an altered male germ unit (MGU) and aberrant callose deposition in bicellular pollen. Bicellular pollen grains germinated precociously inside the anther. Another line, a transgenic plant expressing callose synthase 5 (CalS5) under the CaMV 35S promoter, also contained abnormal callose deposition during microsporogenesis and displaced MGUs in pollen grains. We also observed that precocious pollen germination could be induced in wild-type plants by incubation with medium containing sucrose and calcium ion and by wounding in the anther. These results demonstrate that precocious pollen germination in Arabidopsis could be triggered by a genetic alteration and a physiological condition.
Advanced decoupling in high performance IC packaging

This paper describes progress in the implementation of the Stealth/spl trade/ decoupling capacitor in high performance IC packaging applications. The Stealth is an integrable or surface-mountable capacitor with superior electrical performance characteristics compared with conventional surface mount devices. Simulations showing the effectiveness of the capacitor in reducing power distribution noise in IC packages are presented and a current application is discussed. Measurements on actual devices, demonstrating the sensitivity of decoupling effectiveness to intervening power distribution inductance, are shown. Finally, data on the reliability of the devices is presented. The use of the Stealth as part of a hierarchy of decoupling in the context of an advanced power distribution system is examined and ways of integrating the Stealth into a printed wiring board or BGA substrate are discussed. Also, a program under way to demonstrate this integration is described.
Patient compliance of women taking estrogen replacement therapy

This was a study of the medication taking compliance of 2,106 women who were taking estrogen replacement therapy. Prescription refill information from a centralized prescription database was used to measure compliance. Patient and physician information obtained from insurance claims databases and medical records was linked to the compliance information to see if there was a set of characteristics that was related to women being compliant or noncompliant on estrogen. At six months, one year, and two years, 79%, 62%, and 40% of the women, respectively, were still filling their prescriptions for estrogen. Logistic regression models indicate that women 56 years of age or older, who experienced hormone side effects, had cholesterol and pap tests, or who had a history of cancer were more likely to be noncompliant. Women with a personal or family history of cardiovascular problems or who experienced menopausal symptoms were more likely to be compliant.
Time-resolved voltage measurements of imploding radiation sources at 6 MA with a vacuum voltmeter

A vacuum-voltmeter[ 1 ] (VVM) was fielded on the Saturn pulsed-power generator during a series of 12-MA short-circuit, 6-MA aluminum wire-array z-pinch, and 6 MA argon Plasma Radiation Source (PRS) shots. The VVM was connected to the convolute structure in the vacuum chamber above the load. This arrangement permitted the VVM to directly measure the time-resolved voltage between the ground side of the magnetically insulated transmission line (MITL) anode and the negative high-voltage cathode feed to the load. The time-resolved voltage and the separately-measured load current are used to determine several dynamic properties during the wire or gas-puff load implosion, namely, the inductance, L(t), coupled energy delivered to the load, E coupled (t), and the load radius, r(t). We report here the results of these tests for a fixed inductance short-circuit load and a 12-cm diameter, argon gas-puff load. We correlate the time dependent electrical parameters with the radiation output from the imploding loads. In particular, we observe electrical energy being delivered to the pinch during and after the radiation pulse.[2][3]
Nuclear protein in testis midline carcinoma with unusual elevation of α-fetoprotein and synaptophysin positivity: a case report and review of the literature

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a rare cancer that displays a characteristic chromosomal rearrangement of BRD4-NUT t(15;19)(q14;q13.1). Despite occasional dramatic responses to radiation and chemotherapy, NMC usually behaves aggressively and becomes rapidly progressive. Immunohistochemical staining is usually limited to p63, cytokeratins, and monoclonal NUT antibody. Here, we report a NMC case in a 36-year-old man with elevated serum α-fetoprotein (AFP), synaptophysin positivity, and a 9.0 cm mass involving the right lung and mediastinum. Tumor cells demonstrated BRD4-NUT fusion on fluorescence in situ hybridization. To our knowledge, only one other case with elevated serum AFP and one case with synaptophysin positivity have been described. This diagnosis will undoubtedly grow more common as informed physicians become more aware of the disease and begin testing for NMC. Further study is needed to establish the prevalence of NMC and to elucidate the significance of elevated AFP and synaptophysin positivity in this rare tumor.
Herpes simplex virus infection selectively stimulates accumulation of beta interferon reporter gene mRNA by a posttranscriptional mechanism.

To study the mechanism of a novel herpes simplex virus (HSV) activity that stimulates expression of reporter genes containing beta interferon (IFN-beta)-coding sequences, we have established permanent DNA-transfected cell lines that each contain two distinct hybrid genes encoding mRNA species with different half-lives. These reporter genes comprised either the human IFN-beta- or bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT)-coding and 39 untranslated regions placed under the transcriptional control of the powerful major immediate-early promoter-enhancer region (IE94) from simian cytomegalovirus. Most of the dual-transfected cell lines yielded significant levels of steady-state IE94-CAT mRNA and abundant constitutive synthesis of CAT enzyme activity, whereas no accumulation of IE94-IFN mRNA could be detected. However, infection with HSV type 1 resulted in a 300-fold increase in IE94-IFN-specific mRNA transcripts, compared with no more than 3- to 5-fold stimulation of IE94-CAT-specific mRNA. In contrast, cycloheximide treatment increased stable mRNA levels and transcription initiation rates from both the IE94-IFN and IE94-CAT hybrid genes. Run-on transcription assays in isolated nuclei suggested that induction of IE94-IFN gene expression by HSV type 1 occurred predominantly at the posttranscriptional level. Enhancement of the unstable IFN mRNA species after HSV infection was also observed in cell lines containing a simian virus 40 enhancer-driven IFN gene (SV2-IFN). Similarly, in transient-transfection assays, both SV2-IFN and IE94-IFN gave only low basal mRNA synthesis, but superinfection with HSV again led to high-level accumulation of IFN mRNA. Finally, substitution of the SV2-IFN gene 39 region with poly(A) and splicing signals from the SV2-CAT gene cassette led to stabilization of the IFN mRNA even in the absence of HSV. Therefore, we conclude that HSV infection leads to selective accumulation of IFN-beta mRNA by a posttranscriptional mechanism that is reporter gene specific and promoter independent. Images
The Role of Plasma Protein Binding in Drug Delivery to Brain

Many factors influence drug activity in brain. One of the most important is the ability of a drug to gain access to brain following systemic administration by passage across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is formed at the cerebral capillaries by a continuous layer of endothelial cells that are joined together by high resistance tight junctions (Pardridge, 1998). These tight junctions effectively seal off the aqueous paracellular channels between brain endothelial cells, so that if a drug is to gain access to brain it must either be of the appropriate lipid solubility, hydrogen bonding capacity, and size to readily dissolve and diffuse across the lipophilic endothelial cell membranes (Habgood et al.,2000) or be transported across the endothelium by any of 20 or more active or facilitated carrier systems which are expressed in brain capillaries at high levels (Smith et al.,1995).