cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Learning policies for sequential time and cost sensitive classification

In time and cost sensitive classification, the utility of labeling an instance depends not only on the correctness of the labeling, but also the amount of time taken to label the instance. Instance attributes are initially unknown, and may take significant time to measure. This results in a difficult problem, trying to manage the tradeoff between time and accuracy. The problem is further complicated when we consider a sequence of time-sensitive classification instances, where time spent measuring attributes in one instance can adversely affect the costs of future instances. We solve these problems using a decision theoretic approach. The problem is modeled as an MDP with a potentially very large state space. We discuss how to intelligently discretize time and approximate the effects of measurement actions in the current instance given all waiting instances. The results offer an effective approach to attribute measurement and classification for a variety of time sensitive applications.
Language Learners' Interaction: How Does It Address the Input, Output, and Feedback Needs of L2 Learners?.

This study asked whether L2 learners' interaction with other learners can address three of their supposed needs for L2 learning-that is, their needs for L2 input modified toward comprehensibility, for feedback focused on form, and for modification of output-in ways that interaction with native speakers (NSs) has been shown to do. To Results of the comparison revealed similarities in the types of modified input and feedback the learners and NSs offered other learners in their respective dyads and in both the type and amount of output modifications they produced. The learners received less modified input from other learners than from NSs. As expected, learners' morphosyntax conformed less to standard English than did that of NSs. This pattern was found throughout the learners' input and feedback but was far less evident in feedback formed through simple segmentation of previous utterances. The study thus indicated that interaction between L2 learners can address some of their input, feedback, and output needs but that it does not provide as much modified input and feedback as interaction with NSs does.
Infection of human B lymphocytes with high multiplicities of Epstein-Barr virus: Kinetics of EBNA expression, cellular DNA synthesis, and mitosis

Abstract We studied the time course of early events during the transformation of human B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) was first detectable 6–8 hr after infection in 1–10% of the cells. Even though cells were exposed to virus under conditions which would maximize the chances of synchronous infection, the proportion of EBNA (+) cells increased until 32–36 hr when a maximum level was reached. DNA synthesis in infected cultures increased above control levels between 20 and 36 hr after exposure to virus and thereafter increased progressively. The first cell divisions observed in EBNA (+) cells occurred between 36 and 48 hr after infection and the mitotic index of EBNA (+) cells increased with time reaching 25% of the EBNA (+) cells by 96 hr. However, the total cell number and the percentage of EBNA (+) cells remained unchanged after 36 hr, suggesting that the rate of cell death in EBNA (+) cells was equivalent to the rate of proliferation. Adenine arabinoside (Ara A) and cytosine arabinoside (Ara C), at concentrations which inhibit VCA expression in EBV producer cell lines, did not affect EBNA expression during the first 24 hr after infection. These data together with the very early appearance of EBNA after inoculation show that EBNA synthesis is independent of viral or cellular DNA synthesis and support the hypothesis that synthesis of EBNA is one of the crucial earliest events in lymphocyte transformation by EBV.
Evidence against permanent neurologic damage from nonconvulsive status epilepticus.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is much more common than is generally appreciated and is certainly underdiagnosed, but its long-term effects are largely undetermined and remain controversial. There is increasing experimental evidence that generalized convulsive status epilepticus produces lasting neuropathologic damage in the hippocampus, but experimental models often include provocation of status epilepticus (SE) by physical (e.g., electrical stimulation) and chemical (including excitotoxic) agents that may induce damage independent of the epileptiform discharges. Also, damage appears to be related to the intensity and duration of electrical stimulation. Such models usually include high-frequency discharges sustained over long periods, somewhat different from the electrical activity of typical human NCSE. Pathologic studies in humans pertain primarily to patients who have had generalized convulsive status epilepticus. Clinical studies of the effects of NCSE are mandatory, but conclusions are difficult to come by, in part because of diverse definitions of NCSE. An altered mental status is obligatory, but the pertinent EEG and medication response criteria are controversial. Response to medication can be delayed by many hours or even days. Absence SE appears to cause no lasting effects. Complex partial SE is less uniform. Most reported cases have returned to baseline neurologic function, but several well-described patients have had prolonged memory deficits. The significance of other deficits is difficult to interpret in light of concomitant vascular and other diseases causing neurologic dysfunction. Clinical series usually lack premorbid neurologic and neuropsychologic assessment. The few exceptions are complicated by preexisting mental retardation and other deficits, by the coexistence of progressive illness, by the later effects of recurrent seizures, and almost always by the confounding influence of anticonvulsant medications. Most morbidity appears attributable to the underlying illnesses rather than to the NCSE itself. It is possible that relatively infrequent cases of prolonged NCSE or those with the synergistic effect of concomitant systemic illness, focal lesions, or very rapid excitatory epileptiform discharges may suffer more long-lasting damage, but these observations are still preliminary. NCSE should be treated expeditiously because of the acute neurologic impairment of the patients, because of the attendant morbidity including physical injury, and because it may go on to generalized convulsions. There is reasonable concern about possible long-term effects, but permanent neurologic damage from NCSE has not yet been established as a mandate for urgent treatment.
Superplastic flow in fine-grained YBa2Cu3O7−x high Tc superconductors☆

One of the important compounds in the recently discovered high temperature oxide superconductor series is YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7[minus]x], which has a critical temperature ([Tc]) of 93K. Known as the 123 compound, its physical and chemical properties, including its mechanical behavior, have stimulated much extensive research. This polycrystalline compound is, however, very brittle and does not yield plastically at ambient temperature. Even at high temperatures, the range of deformation remains small. A study of high temperature deformation of the 123 compound, especially in the range of superplastic flow, has been conducted by the present authors for the past three years. This paper summarizes part of the findings concerning the superplastic nature of the material as affected by the deformation parameters.
Tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran and oxepane formation by cobaloxime π-cation cyclizations

Abstract Studies are reported on the cyclization of (ω-hydroxy-β-hydroxyalkyl)cobaloximes (1, 2 and 3) to form 5, 6 and 7-membered ring cyclic ethers (4, 5 and 6). Reversible cyclization and eventual irreversible alkene decomplexation (to form 7, 8 and 9) varied as a function of ring size. The practical consequence is that cyclizations to form 5 and 6 membered rings are feasible whereas formation of a 7 membered ring is not.
The Role of Furosemide Alone and in Combination with Digoxin in the Relief of Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure

Clinical and cardiovascular responses to drug therapy with furosemide were compared with those to furosemide plus digoxin in 15 heart patients with sinus rhythm admitted to the hospital for the management of congestive heart failure. Except for two patients in the group treated with furosemide alone, who required the addition of intravenous furosemide for more complete relief of symptoms, the responses to the two therapeutic regimens were not significantly different. One patient in the digoxin-treated group developed atrial fibrillation with frequent ventricular premature beats and transient runs of bigeminal rhythm typical of digitalis toxicity, which disappeared as the dose of digoxin was lowered. Side effects were otherwise considered to be minor and similar in the two groups. The results support the view that the indications for digoxin as a positive inotropic agent in patients with congestive heart failure need to be reevaluated.
Temporal Effects in a Security Inspection Task: Breakdown of Performance Components

Data from certified screeners performing an x-ray inspection task for 4 hours, or 1000 images, were analyzed to identify the nature of the vigilance decrement. The expected vigilance decrement was ...
CD40 is expressed and functional on neuronal cells

We show here that CD40 mRNA and protein are expressed by neuronal cells, and are increased in differentiated versus undifferentiated N2a and PC12 cells as measured by RT–PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, immunohistochemistry reveals that neurons from adult mouse and human brain also express CD40 in situ. CD40 ligation results in a time-dependent increase in p44/42 MAPK activation in neuronal cells. Furthermore, ligation of CD40 opposes JNK phosphorylation and activity induced by NGF-β removal from differentiated PC12 cells or serum withdrawal from primary cultured neurons. Importantly, CD40 ligation also protects neuronal cells from NGF-β or serum withdrawal-induced injury and affects neuronal differentiation. Finally, adult mice deficient for the CD40 receptor demonstrate neuronal dysfunction as evidenced by decreased neurofilament isoforms, reduced Bcl-xL:Bax ratio, neuronal morphological change, increased DNA fragmentation, and gross brain abnormality. These changes occur with age, and are clearly evident at 16 months. Taken together, these data demonstrate a role of CD40 in neuronal development, maintenance and protection in vitro and in vivo.
Lattice Dynamics of Cesium Chloride

The phonon-dispersion curves have been measured for CsCl at 78 and 298 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K on a triple-axis neutron spectrometer and analyzed in terms of a rigid-ion model and various shell models. A simple shell model with eleven parameters is sufficient to reproduce the measured dispersion curves. Frequency distributions and ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}$-vs-$T$ curves were calculated based on the parameters determined from the two sets of data.
Employing web search query click logs for multi-domain spoken language understanding

Logs of user queries from a search engine (such as Bing or Google) together with the links clicked provide valuable implicit feedback to improve statistical spoken language understanding (SLU) models. In this work, we propose to enrich the existing classification feature set for domain detection with features computed using the click distribution over a set of clicked URLs from search query click logs (QCLs) of user utterances. Since the form of natural language utterances differs stylistically from that of keyword search queries, to be able to match natural language utterances with related search queries, we perform a syntax-based transformation of the original utterances, after filtering out domain-independent salient phrases. This approach results in significant improvements for domain detection, especially when detecting the domains of web-related user utterances.
Influence of Acid Volatile Sulfide and Metal Concentrations on Metal Bioavailability to Marine Invertebrates in Contaminated Sediments

An 18-day microcosm study was conducted to evaluate the influence of acid volatile sulfides (AVS) and metal additions on bioaccumulation from sediments of Cd, Ni, and Zn in two clams (Macoma balthica and Potamocorbula amurensis) and three marine polychaetes (Neanthes arenaceodentata, Heteromastus filiformis, and Spiophanes missionensis). Manipulation of AVS by oxidation of naturally anoxic sediments allowed use of metal concentrations typical of nature and evaluation of processes important to chronic metal exposure. A vertical sediment column similar to that often found in nature was used to facilitate realistic biological behavior. Results showed that AVS or porewater (PW) metals controlled bioaccumulation in only 2 of 15 metal-animal combinations. Bioaccumulation of all three metals by the bivalves was related significantly to metal concentrations extracted from sediments (SEM) but not to [SEM − AVS] or PW metals. SEM predominantly influenced bioaccumulation of Ni and Zn in N. arenaceodentata, but Cd bi...
Color stability and colorant effect on maxillofacial elastomers. Part III: weathering effect on color.

Statement of problem . Maxillofacial prostheses are serviceable for approximately 6 months, after which they need to be refabricated because of the deterioration of color and physical properties. Purpose . This third article in a 3-part series evaluated the color stability of commonly used colorant-elastomer combinations as a result of exposure to weathering. Methods and material . Fifteen specimens were fabricated for each of the 3 elastomers (Silastic medical adhesive type A, Silastic 4-4210, and Silicone A-2186) and 6 colorants (dry earth pigments, rayon fiber flocking, artist's oil paints, kaolin, liquid cosmetics, and no colorant) for a total of 270 specimens (18 groups of 15 specimens). The 15 specimens of each elastomer-colorant combination were separated into 3 test condition groups (control, time passage, and natural weathering) of 5 specimens per test condition group. Control specimens were evaluated within 1 month of fabrication. The time passage group was sealed in glass containers and kept in the dark for 6 months before testing. The natural weathering groups were placed on the roof of the dental school for 6 months and exposed to sunlight and weathering. Color and optical density data for each elastomer-colorant combination were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance to examine effects among test conditions (control, time passage, and weathering). When significant differences were observed, the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to identify differences in elastomer-colorant combinations among each test condition at a significance level of .05. Results . Changes in color, as a result of weathering, were noted in many of the colorant-elastomer combinations. Also, color change occurred not only to the colored, but also to uncolored materials over time without exposure to weathering. Conclusion . Clinically, the addition of colorants could have a stabilzing effect on the elastomer color when it is exposed to weathering.
Promiscuous or heterogeneous muscarinic receptors in rat atria. I, Schild analysis with simple competitive antagonists

Carbachol has been shown to produce a biphasic response in rat left atria. At low concentrations, carbachol depresses basal inotropy, while at high doses a positive inotropic effect is observed. The negative inotropic response can be selectively eliminated by pretreatment of rats with pertussis toxin. The aim of these studies was to determine whether or not evidence could be obtained to show that different muscarinic receptors produced these different biochemical responses to the agonist carbachol. Schild analysis was used to measure the equilibrium dissociation constant of the antagonist-receptor complex for antagonism of the negative inotropy to carbachol by atropine, scopolamine 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine methiodide (4-DAMP) and AF-DX 116. The antagonism of the positive inotropic response to carbachol by these antagonists was studied in atria from rats pretreated with pertussis toxin where the negative inotropy was nearly completely abolished. In general, it was found that the antagonists did not produce simple competitive blockade of the positive inotropy but rather a nominal shift to the right of the dose-response curves followed by a depression of maximal responses. However, it was found that when pA2 or pKb values could be calculated, they coincided with those determined for the antagonism of the negative inotropy to carbachol. The conclusion drawn from these experiments was that no evidence was obtained to disprove the null hypothesis that a common receptor, interacting with two G-proteins, mediates these two effects of carbachol in rat left atria. The implications of these data for the classification of drug receptors with agonists is discussed.
Viscosity of sea water solutions

Abstract The kinematic viscosity of sea water solutions and concentrates up to 11% salt by weight and from 0 to 200°C have been measured in a pressurized glass capillary viscometer. All precipitation was prevented during testing; carbonates and hydroxides by slight acidification (to pH 4.5) with concentrated (36 N ) sulfuric acid, and calcium sulfate by preheating and filtration under pressure. The precision of the results is ± 0.001 centistokes. Existing data on density of sea water solutions were correlated and used to calculate the dynamic viscosity in centipoises. Smoothed values presented should be accurate to ± 0.003 centipoises above 20°C and ± 0.005 below 20°. The results compare well with other authors' values for synthetic sea water.
Predictability of urodynamic findings based on the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 questionnaire.

Abstract Objectives. The Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) is a validated 6-item questionnaire that assesses lower urinary tract symptoms, including incontinence, in women. Similar indexes developed in men to evaluate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia have failed to show a relationship with urodynamic (UD) parameters indicating bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). In this study, we sought to determine whether UDI-6 responses could predict information obtained during UD evaluations. Methods. All women referred to our clinic with lower urinary tract complaints who completed a UDI-6 questionnaire and subsequently underwent UD evaluation were included (n = 128). UD findings used for analysis included Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and detrusor pressure at Qmax (PdetQmax). BOO was defined as Qmax of 15 mL/s or less and PdetQmax of greater than 20 cm H 2 O; detrusor overactivity (DO) was defined as any rise in detrusor pressure associated with urge during filling. Results. The most common chief complaints were incontinence (mixed, 26.6%; stress, 20.3%; and urge, 13.3%), urgency/frequency (14.1%), and symptomatic prolapse (10.1%). There was a moderate correlation between a positive response to question 3 (stress urinary incontinence [SUI]) and leakage with strain or cough during UD evaluation (correlation coefficient=0.51). In fact, most patients answering that SUI was moderately or greatly bothersome were found to have stress-induced leakage during the UD evaluation (82%), which differed significantly from those who reported no bother (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.0006). Severity of leakage assessed by VLPP, however, did not correlate with the severity assessed by any question. With regard to BOO in women, most patients who answered that incomplete emptying was their most bothersome symptom had BOO (61%), and most women with a different main complaint were unobstructed (73%, P P Conclusions. Unlike similar indexes used to assess lower urinary tract symptoms in men, specific items from the UDI-6 may provide predictive information regarding UD findings in women, particularly with regard to SUI, BOO, and DO. However, if VLPP is considered vital to planning treatment, UD studies will still be required, since no question could estimate the severity of incontinence as determined by serial VLPP measurement.
Astrocytes in the Epileptic Brain

The roles that astrocytes play in the evolution of abnormal network excitability in chronic neurological disorders involving brain injury, such as acquired epilepsy, are receiving renewed attention due to improved understanding of the molecular events underpinning the physiological functions of astrocytes. In epileptic tissue, evidence is pointing to enhanced chemical signaling and disrupted linkage between water and potassium balance by reactive astrocytes, which together conspire to enhance local synchrony in hippocampal microcircuits. Reactive astrocytes in epileptic tissue both promote and oppose seizure development through a variety of specific mechanisms; the new findings suggest several novel astrocyte-related targets for drug development.
How to model intermodulation distortion

The author examines the problem of calculating intermodulation levels and mixer spurious responses in nonlinear microwave circuits. It is shown that, in order to perform such calculations successfully, the expression for the I/V characteristic of the solid-state device must accurately reproduce not only the characteristic itself, but also its derivatives. One must furthermore choose the most appropriate analytical technique and be mindful of the dynamic-range limitations of Fourier transforms, of the need to use an adequate and correct set of frequency components, and finally of the limitations of linear-element models. Ways to obtain accurate analyses of these phenomena using available harmonic-balance and Volterra-series circuit simulators are described. >
A novel model to assess developmental toxicity of dihaloalkanes in humans: Bioactivation of 1,2-dibromoethane by the isozymes of human fetal liver glutathione S-transferase

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozymes from human fetal liver (16–18 weeks gestation) were purified by affinity chromatography followed by ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The purified isozymes were used to investigate toxicity of 1,2-dibromoethane(EDB) in an in vitro model of rat embryos in culture as passive targets. At least five isozymes of GST were found in the human fetal liver. Two anionic forms [pI values 5.5 (P-2) and 4.5 (P-3)] and one basic form [pI value 8.7 (P-6)] were clearly separated. The presence of two near-neutral forms was also identified. All the isozymes of the human fetal liver GSTs tested metabolized EDB (specific activities were 2.1, 7.0, and 2.0 μmol of GSH consumed/min/mg protein for P-2, P-3, and P-6 isozymes, respectively). Covalent binding of EDB to DNA and protein was 144% and 212% higher, respectively, with the P-3 anionic isozyme when compared to the P-6 basic isozyme of GST. No covalent binding to either protein or DNA was observed with the P-2 isozyme. EDB bioactivation by the GST isozyme P-3 (15 units; 1 unit = 1 nmol of GSH consumed/min) resulted in toxicity to cultured rat embryos. Significant reductions of crown rump length, yolk sac diameter, and the composite score of morphological parameters (Brown and Fabro method) were observed. The central nervous system, optic and olfactory systems, and the hind limb were most significantly affected. The results of this investigation suggest that EDB may be classified as a suspected developmental toxicant in humans. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Antigenic Evidence of Prevalence and Diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Arabinomannan

Arabinomannan (AM) is a polysaccharide of the mycobacterial capsule. The capsular polysaccharides of various microorganisms are diverse, and this diversity is important for classification of organisms into serotypes and vaccine development. In the present study we examined the prevalence and diversity of AM among Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains using four AM-binding monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). One of these MAbs, MAb 9d8, is known to bind to AM specifically. By whole-cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the AM recognized by MAb 9d8 was detected on the surfaces of 9 of 11 strains, while 2 strains showed no reactivity with MAb 9d8. However, the AM recognized by MAb 9d8 was found in the culture supernatants of all 11 M. tuberculosis strains tested, as demonstrated by capture ELISA. Other AM-binding MAbs reacted both with the surfaces and with the culture supernatants of all 11 strains. Mice immunized with an experimental AM-recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoprotein A (rEPA) conjugate vaccine had an increased antibody response to AM and a moderate reduction in the numbers of CFU in their organs 7 days after challenge. Our results indicate that AM was detected in all M. tuberculosis strains tested, with differences in epitope distributions of certain strains. In addition, our results suggest that an experimental AM-rEPA vaccine has a moderate effect on the numbers of CFU in organs early after infection.
Opti-Acoustic Stereo Imaging: On System Calibration and 3-D Target Reconstruction

Utilization of an acoustic camera for range measurements is a key advantage for 3-D shape recovery of underwater targets by opti-acoustic stereo imaging, where the associated epipolar geometry of optical and acoustic image correspondences can be described in terms of conic sections. In this paper, we propose methods for system calibration and 3-D scene reconstruction by maximum likelihood estimation from noisy image measurements. The recursive 3-D reconstruction method utilized as initial condition a closed-form solution that integrates the advantages of two other closed-form solutions, referred to as the range and azimuth solutions. Synthetic data tests are given to provide insight into the merits of the new target imaging and 3-D reconstruction paradigm, while experiments with real data confirm the findings based on computer simulations, and demonstrate the merits of this novel 3-D reconstruction paradigm.
Real-time service process scheduling with intermediate deadline overrun management

This paper presents a robust scheduling framework for service processes with end-to-end deadlines. Service processes are admitted using capacity-based admission control, which assigns intermediate deadlines for individual services. At run-time, the system can respond to intermediate deadline faults by adjusting the deadlines assigned and reevaluate the system's schedulability. Intermediate deadline adjustment algorithms are proposed to efficiently adjust a subset of the overrunning process. Experimental results show that the proposed intermediate deadline adjustment algorithms can effectively reduce the end-to-end deadline miss ratio by up to 30%, compared to the original system.
Mechanism of the Voltage Sensitivity of IRK1 Inward-rectifier K+ Channel Block by the Polyamine Spermine

IRK1 (Kir2.1) inward-rectifier K+ channels exhibit exceedingly steep rectification, which reflects strong voltage dependence of channel block by intracellular cations such as the polyamine spermine. On the basis of studies of IRK1 block by various amine blockers, it was proposed that the observed voltage dependence (valence ∼5) of IRK1 block by spermine results primarily from K+ ions, not spermine itself, traversing the transmembrane electrical field that drops mostly across the narrow ion selectivity filter, as spermine and K+ ions displace one another during channel block and unblock. If indeed spermine itself only rarely penetrates deep into the ion selectivity filter, then a long blocker with head groups much wider than the selectivity filter should exhibit comparably strong voltage dependence. We confirm here that channel block by two molecules of comparable length, decane-bis-trimethylammonium (bis-QAC10) and spermine, exhibit practically identical overall voltage dependence even though the head groups of the former are much wider (∼6 A) than the ion selectivity filter (∼3 A). For both blockers, the overall equilibrium dissociation constant differs from the ratio of apparent rate constants of channel unblock and block. Also, although steady-state IRK1 block by both cations is strongly voltage dependent, their apparent channel-blocking rate constant exhibits minimal voltage dependence, which suggests that the pore becomes blocked as soon as the blocker encounters the innermost K+ ion. These findings strongly suggest the existence of at least two (potentially identifiable) sequentially related blocked states with increasing numbers of K+ ions displaced. Consequently, the steady-state voltage dependence of IRK1 block by spermine or bis-QAC10 should increase with membrane depolarization, a prediction indeed observed. Further kinetic analysis identifies two blocked states, and shows that most of the observed steady-state voltage dependence is associated with the transition between blocked states, consistent with the view that the mutual displacement of blocker and K+ ions must occur mainly as the blocker travels along the long inner pore.
IRF-3-dependent and augmented target genes during viral infection

Activation of the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) is an essential event in the innate immune response to viral infection. To understand the contribution of IRF-3 to host defense, we used a systems biology approach to analyze global gene expression dependent on IRF-3. Comparison of expression profiles in cells from IRF-3 knockout animals or wild-type siblings following viral infection revealed three sets of induced genes, those that are strictly dependent on IRF-3, augmented with IRF-3, or not responsive to IRF-3. Products of identified IRF-3 target genes are involved in innate or acquired immunity, or in the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis and proliferation. These results reveal the global effects of one transcription factor in the immune response and provide information to evaluate the integrated response to viral infection.
Principal stratification--uses and limitations.

Pearl (2011) asked for the causal inference community to clarify the role of the principal stratification framework in the analysis of causal effects. Here, I argue that the notion of principal stratification has shed light on problems of non-compliance, censoring-by-death, and the analysis of post-infection outcomes; that it may be of use in considering problems of surrogacy but further development is needed; that it is of some use in assessing “direct effects”; but that it is not the appropriate tool for assessing “mediation.” There is nothing within the principal stratification framework that corresponds to a measure of an “indirect” or “mediated” effect.
A Contrast Sensitive Silicon Retina with Reciprocal Synapses

The goal of perception is to extract invariant properties of the underlying world. By computing contrast at edges, the retina reduces incident light intensities spanning twelve decades to a twentyfold variation. In one stroke, it solves the dynamic range problem and extracts relative reflectivity, bringing us a step closer to the goal. We have built a contrast-sensitive silicon retina that models all major synaptic interactions in the outer-plexiform layer of the vertebrate retina using current-mode CMOS circuits: namely, reciprocal synapses between cones and horizontal cells, which produce the antagonistic center/surround receptive field, and cone and horizontal cell gap junctions, which determine its size. The chip has 90 × 92 pixels on a 6.8 × 6.9mm die in 2µm n-well technology and is fully functional.
Vortex shedding from a hydrofoil at high Reynolds number

High Reynolds number (Re) wall-bounded turbulent flows occur in many hydro- and aerodynamic applications. However, the limited amount of high-Re experimental data has hampered the development and validation of scaling laws and modelling techniques applicable to such flows. This paper presents measurements of the turbulent flow near the trailing edge of a two-dimensional lifting surface at chord-based Reynolds numbers, Re with asymmetrical trailing edges.
Endoscopic pyloric suturing to facilitate weight loss: a canine model.

Background More than 66% of adults in United States are overweight or obese. Objective To decrease gastric emptying and cause early and prolonged satiety by endoscopically narrowing the gastric pylorus. Design Thirteen dogs were randomized into 3 groups (suture, sham, and control). Setting Animal facility. Interventions Sutures were placed across the pylorus in the 7 dogs in the suture group by using an endoscopic suturing device. Three sham dogs had endoscopy without suturing, and 3 control dogs did not have any intervention. Main Outcome Measurements Gastric emptying studies were conducted on all of the dogs by using 13C-octanoic acid breath tests. All dogs were monitored for daily food intake and weight gain/loss. Results The suture dogs decreased their food consumption by 48% ( P P = .16). The suture dogs lost 12.7% ( P = .001) of their initial body weight, whereas the sham and control dogs gained 13.4% ( P = .03). There was a delay in gastric emptying between the presuturing baseline and last postsuturing measurement by 30.75% ( P = .005) in the suture dogs. In the sham plus control dogs, there was a delay in gastric emptying during the same period by only 6.75% ( P = .55). Limitations Long-term efficacy of the sutures was not evaluated. Conclusions There was a significant weight loss and decreased food consumption along with a significant prolongation of gastric emptying in the suture dogs compared with the sham and control dogs.
Potentiation of the Antidiuretic Effect of Vasopressin by Chlorpropamide

Several groups of workers have established that chlorpropamide, an oral hypoglycemic agent, reduces urine flow in some individuals with diabetes insipidus (DI). The present study was designed to examine the effectiveness of this agent in rats with total hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro strain). In the first type of experiment chlorpropamide was administered ip to DI rats after appropriate control urine collections. No effect was found on urine volume, osmolality, sodium concentration, or potassium concentration. In the second group of experiments the DI rats were pretreated with chlorpropamide 2 hr before the administration of a minimally effective dose of arginine-vasopressin. In these experiments the urine osmolality was increased, urine volume decreased, and both sodium and potassium concentrations of the urine were increased significantly compared to control animals not given chlorpropamide. In the next set of experiments similar results were found with chronically administered chlorpropam...
High isolation 10HHz to 20 GHz SPDT switch design using novel octagonal pin diode structure

This paper presents a high isolation SPDT switch design based on new octagonal PIN diode structure in IBM7HP SiGe process. The series-shunt-shunt 6.25mum2-50mum2-50mum2 PIN diode combination is used in SPDT switch design to get high isolation for a phase array application. The switch achieves minimum isolation of 45 dB and maximum insertion loss of 0.64 dB over 10 GHz to 20 GHz covering X and Ku frequency bands
Arytenoid dislocation: An analysis of the contemporary literature.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To discuss the incidence, diagnosis, laryngeal findings, and management of arytenoid dislocation as a separate entity from vocal fold paralysis. Study Design: Literature review. Methods: A contemporary review of the literature was performed by searching the terms arytenoid cartilage dislocation and subluxation in various combinations. Articles were analyzed and selected based on relevance and content. Results: Arytenoid dislocation is described as an uncommon laryngeal finding associated with intubation or blunt laryngeal trauma. The majority of recent publications are case reports or small case series. Diagnosis of arytenoid dislocation with flexible laryngoscopy, helical computed tomography, videostroboscopy, and laryngeal electromyography is recommended. In most reported cases, diagnosis has been made based on the position of the arytenoid at laryngoscopy. Reduction and repositioning of the arytenoid cartilage is reported with limited success noted with delayed diagnosis. Speech therapy may also be a beneficial treatment option. Conclusions: Although arytenoid dislocation is reported in the literature, the body of available evidence fails to sufficiently differentiate it as a separate entity from unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Flexible laryngoscopy is inadequate as a standalone procedure to distinguish arytenoid dislocation from laryngeal nerve injury. Laryngoscope, 2011
Leukemias resembling acute promyelocytic leukemia, microgranular variant

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) should be distinguished from other subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) because of the increased risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and its response to arsenic compounds and retinoids. Some cases of AML seem morphologically similar to the microgranular variant of APL (French-AmericanBritish [FAB] AML-M3v) but lack the t(15;17). We evaluated 8 cases of APL-like leukemias for subtle morphologic, cytochemical, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic differences compared with 5 cases of promyelocytic leukemia/retinoic receptor alpha (PML/RARalpha)–positive APL (FAB AML-M3v). We also evaluated both groups for the presence of DIC. No differences among the groups were noted in blast size,
A randomized trial comparing weight loss treatment delivered in large versus small groups

Background: Behavioral interventions for obesity are commonly delivered in groups, although the effect of group size on weight loss has not been empirically evaluated. This behavioral weight loss trial compared the 6- and 12-month weight changes associated with interventions delivered in a large group (LG) or small groups (SG). Methods: Obese adults (N=66; mean age=50 years; mean BMI=36.5 kg/m 2 ; 47% African American; 86% women) recruited from a health maintenance organization were randomly assigned to: 1) LG treatment (30 members/group), or 2) SG treatment (12 members/group). Conditions were comparable in frequency and duration of treatment, which included 24 weekly group sessions (months 1–6) followed by six monthly extended care contacts (months 7–12). A mixed effects model with unstructured covariance matrix was applied to analyze the primary outcome of weight change while accounting for baseline weight and dependence among participants’ measurements over time. Results: SG participants lost significantly more weight than LG participants at Month 6 (�6.5 vs. -3.2 kg; p=0.03) and Month 12 (�7.0 vs. -1.7 kg; p<0.002). SG participants reported better treatment engagement and self-monitoring adherence at Months 6 and 12, ps <0.04, with adherence fully mediating the relationship between group size and weight loss. Conclusions: Receiving obesity treatment in smaller groups may promote greater weight loss and weight loss maintenance. This effect may be due to improved adherence facilitated by SG interactions. These novel findings suggest that the perceived efficiency of delivering behavioral weight loss treatment to LGs should be balanced against the potentially better outcomes achieved by a SG approach.
Effect of selected modified atmosphere packaging on Campylobacter survival in raw poultry

Most current research on Campylobacter has focused on preharvest or processing plant cross- contamination. Little is known about the effect of stor- age environment on the survival of Campylobacter on raw poultry. We evaluated the effects of modified stor- age atmosphere and freezing on the survival of natu- rally occurring Campylobacter on raw poultry. Broiler carcasses (n = 560) were collected as they exited the chiller in 2 commercial processing plants and were sam- pled for the detection of Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, psychrophiles, and total aerobes at 0 and 14 d of refrigerated (2°C) storage. Gases evaluated were air, 100% O2, 100% CO2, and a standard poultry modi- fied atmosphere packaging mixture (5% O2 + 10% CO2 + 85% N). Freezing was included as a control group. All carcasses were sampled by the whole-carcass rinse method. The rinse fluid was recovered and pooled from 5 individual rinses, and serial dilutions were made for examination of Campylobacter (42°C, 48 h), E. coli (37°C, 24 h), psychrophiles (plate count agar, 4°C, 7 d), and total aerobic bacterial populations (plate count agar, 37°C, 24 h). Campylobacter counts for all treat- ments were reduced during the 14-d storage period but the 100% O2 treatment caused a significantly (P < 0.05) greater reduction than the other gas treat- ments. For the psychrophiles, storage in air resulted in the greatest growth after 14 d, with reduced psy- chrophilic growth allowed by either O or the modified atmosphere packaging mixture (not different from each other). Of the treatments evaluated, CO2 allowed the least growth of psychrophiles. Proliferation of E. coli and aerobes was the greatest when packaged in air af- ter 14 d, whereas CO2 packaging resulted in the least growth. These data suggest that storage under O2 may reduce Campylobacter recovery and slow psychrophile and aerobe recovery following storage.
Comparison of Selected Work Factors in Japan and the United States

Industrial relations practices in Japanese companies in Japan and the United States were compared with practices used in American companies. The competing theoretical models underlying these comparisons are those of cultural diversity and sociology of organizations/convergence. Survey and organizational data from thirty-seven companies in ten industries were analyzed in testing hypotheses concerning differences in work environment, style of supervision, job satisfaction, and attendance. More support was received for a modified convergence argument than for cultural diversity.
Tandem Solar Cells from Accessible Low Band-Gap Polymers Using an Efficient Interconnecting Layer.

Tandem solar cell architectures are designed to improve device photoresponse by enabling the capture of wider range of solar spectrum as compared to single-junction device. However, the practical realization of this concept in bulk-heterojunction polymer systems requires the judicious design of a transparent interconnecting layer compatible with both polymers. Moreover, the polymers selected should be readily synthesized at large scale (>1 kg) and high performance. In this work, we demonstrate a novel tandem polymer solar cell that combines low band gap poly isoindigo [P(T3-iI)-2], which is easily synthesized in kilogram quantities, with a novel Cr/MoO3 interconnecting layer. Cr/MoO3 is shown to be greater than 80% transparent above 375 nm and an efficient interconnecting layer for P(T3-iI)-2 and PCDTBT, leading to 6% power conversion efficiencies under AM 1.5G illumination. These results serve to extend the range of interconnecting layer materials for tandem cell fabrication by establishing, for the firs...
Assisting Social Conversation between Persons with Alzheimerâ€™s Disease and their Conversational Partners

The number of people with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) continues to grow. One of the significant impacts of this disease is a decline in the ability to communicate using natural language. This decline in language facility often results in decreased social interaction and life satisfaction for persons with DAT and their caregivers. One possible strategy to lessen the effects of this loss of language facility is for the unaffected conversational partner (Facilitator) to "co-construct" short autobiographical stories from the life of the DAT-affected conversational partner (Storyteller). It has been observed that a skilled conversational partner can facilitate co-constructed narrative with individuals who have mild to moderate DAT. Developing a computational model of this type of co-constructed narrative would enable assistive technology to be developed that can monitor a conversation between a Storyteller and Facilitator. This technology could provide context-sensitive suggestions to an unskilled Facilitator to help maintain the flow of conversation. This paper describes a framework in which the necessary computational model of co-constructed narrative can be developed. An analysis of the fundamental elements of such a model will be presented.
Strategic Implications of Acquiring Information in a Distribution Channel

Manufacturers and retailers often acquire market information to help guide their marketing activities. Yet this strategy has yielded mixed results. In this paper, we examine how the outcome of acquiring information is affected by the strategic interaction between channel members. We obtain implications for who acquires information in a distribution channel – the manufacturer, retailer or both – and whether channel members should collaborate to jointly acquire information. Conventional wisdom suggests that acquiring market information should be beneficial because it helps improve decisions. However, we find that acquiring information can be counterproductive for either channel member because of strategic channel interaction. We show that, as a result, only the manufacturer may acquire information in the channel, even if information is costless to acquire for the retailer. Moreover, channel members may acquire information independently even though acquiring information jointly would have been more cost-effective. Interestingly, acquiring information jointly is mutually beneficial only if either manufacturer advertising or retailer merchandising is sufficiently effective in stimulating demand, but not if both are effective. Our findings lead to implications for when information acquisition is beneficial and for whom.
Cancer stem cells and chemoresistance: The smartest survives the raid

Chemoresistant metastatic relapse of minimal residual disease plays a significant role for poor prognosis of cancer. Growing evidence supports a critical role of cancer stem cell (CSC) behind the mechanisms for this deadly disease. This review briefly introduces the basics of the conventional chemotherapies, updates the CSC theories, highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which CSC smartly designs and utilizes multiple lines of self-defense to avoid being killed by chemotherapy, and concisely summarizes recent progress in studies on CSC-targeted therapies in the end, with the hope to help guide future research toward developing more effective therapeutic strategies to eradicate tumor cells in the patients.
Cavitation in Block Copolymer Modified Epoxy Revealed by In Situ Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering

Simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and tensile experiments were performed on epoxies modified with approximately 30 nm diameter rubbery and glassy core block copolymer micelles. The i...
Experimentally Separating Jet Noise Contribution of Large-Scale Turbulence from that of Small-Scale Turbulence

The objective of the work described in this paper is to use the three-microphone coherence-based signal processing technique to separate the contributions of the small-scale turbulence and the large-scale turbulence from far-field exhaust noise measurements. Both round and rectangular modelscale jets were tested for both subsonic and supersonic Mach numbers. Detailed crosscorrelation and coherence data are gathered in the exhaust far-field region of each jet. Considerable evidence in support of the two-noise source model has resulted. This is the first ever quantitative separation of the contributions of the two turbulence scales in far-field jet noise measurements.
Studies on modeling and control of spouted bed reactors—I

Abstract This paper presents for the first time a theoretical nonisothermal dynamic model for spouted bed catalytic reactors. A pseudo-homogeneous on-dimensional model is developed for an adiabatic spouted-bed with a first order reaction. The effects of various design parameters on the steady-state reactor performance are established.