cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathway-Level Integration of Proteogenomic Data in Breast Cancer Using Independent Component Analysis

Recent advances in the multi-omics characterization necessitate pathway-level abstraction and knowledge integration across different data types. In this study, we apply independent component analysis (ICA) to human breast cancer proteogenomics data to retrieve mechanistic information. We show that as an unsupervised feature extraction method, ICA was able to construct signatures with known biological relevance on both transcriptome and proteome levels. Moreover, proteome and transcriptome signatures can be associated by their respective correlation with patient clinical features, providing an integrated description of phenotype-related biological processes. Our results demonstrate that the application of ICA to proteogenomics data could lead to pathway-level knowledge discovery. Potential extension of this approach to other data and cancer types may contribute to pan-cancer integration of multi-omics information.
Homo-dimerization of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under flame conditions

Abstract Homogeneous nucleation is identified as one of the steps responsible for the formation of the critical nuclei that define the transition from gas-phase species to soot formation particles. However, the effect of molecular properties (like size, composition, and shape) on their propensity to physically bind, for a time long enough to initiate particle nucleation, has not been thoroughly investigated. In this work, we analyze the effect of oxygen content on the homodimerization propensity of different polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) using molecular dynamics simulations coupled with well-tempered Metadynamics enhanced sampling. We analyzed species in two mass groups, with a molecular weight ranging from 448 μ to 696 μ, and with varying oxygen content, mostly present as ethers. The reconstructed free energy profiles show that, besides mass, the presence of oxygenated groups influences the tendency of PACs to bind, with oxygenated compounds forming dimers that are less stable than the corresponding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Although this work represents only the first step towards a model for PACs dimerization that include oxygen, these results suggest that oxygenated compounds are less likely to condense onto soot particles.
The media miss key points in scientific reporting.

Media coverage of information presented at medical meetings often fails to qualify the findings reported, and scientists and the media need to develop a better working relationship to ensure the accuracy of early-stage research reports. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Valuation, Consequentiality, and Opt-Out Responses to Stated Preference Surveys

The objective of this study was to test for the effect of consequentiality on the probability of a respondent opting out of voting in a stated preference survey. We find that respondents who believe the survey is inconsequential are more likely to opt out than to vote ‘yes’ in both binomial-choice and multinomial-choice formats, and that these respondents are more likely to vote ‘no’ than to opt out in the multinomial-choice format. We also find that respondents who have uncertain consequentiality perceptions are more likely to opt out than to choose ‘yes’ or ‘no’ under both choice formats.
Butterfly Photonics: Form and Function

Structural colours are the result of the interaction of light with physical structures, now generally termed photonic crystals, which are in the surface of a substratum. Such colours usually cause bright directional effects as opposed to chemical pigments, which scatter light diffusely. We have been aware of structural colours for some time, Newton (1704) having surmised in the early 16th century that they were responsible for the iridescence of male peacock tail feathers.
Prognostic significance of beta-myosin heavy chain mutations is reflective of their hypertrophic expressivity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND Genotype-phenotype correlation studies consistently have shown that mutations are prognosticators in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). While Arginine (Arg)719Tryptophan (Trp) mutation in the beta-myosin heavy chain (MyHC) gene is associated with a high incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD), the Valine (Val)606Methionine (Met) mutation in the same gene is associated with a near normal life expectancy. It is unknown whether the prognostic significance of mutations is reflective or independent of their hypertrophic expressivity. We determined the indices of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with beta-MyHC mutations associated with high, moderate, and low incidence of SCD. METHODS Mutations were identified by chemical cleavage (Val606Met and Glu930Lys) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and MspI restriction mapping (Arg719Gln). Left ventricular mass was determined using 2-D echocardiograms, and was indexed (LVMI) for body surface area. The extent of LVH was determined using a semiquantitative point score method that takes into account the extent of involvement of the septum, apex, and lateral wall of the left ventricle. RESULTS The Arg719Trp, Glu930Lys, and Val606Met mutations were associated with high (14/29, 48%), moderate (3/16, 19%), and low (1/11, 9%) risk of premature death, respectively. Concordant with the incidence of premature death, the LVMI was the greatest (148.0 +/- 37 g/m2) in patients with the Arg719Trp mutation, the smallest (111.7 +/- 19 g/m2) in patients with the Val606Met mutation, and in between (127.1 +/- 15 g/m2) in patients with the Glu930Lys mutation (p = 0.023). Similarly, the LVH score was also greater in patients with the Arg719Trp mutation than in those with the Val606Met mutation (5.92 +/- 2.3 vs 3.2 +/- 1.5, respectively, p = 0.015). A trend toward a greater septal thickness was also present in patients with the Arg719Trp compared to the Val606Met mutations (20.7 +/- 6.8 mm vs 16.2 +/- 2.6 mm, p = 0.077). CONCLUSION Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with the malignant Arg719Trp mutation have more extensive hypertrophy than those with the benign Leu606Val mutation. This findings suggests that the prognostic significance of beta-MyHC mutations is reflective of their hypertrophic expressivity.
Finite-Element Analysis of the Strain Distribution Due to Bending in a REBCO Coated Conductor for Canted Cosine Theta Dipole Magnet Applications

High-current cables using REBCO tapes can be used to develop high-field dipole magnets. However, the strain accumulated during cable fabrication and coil winding may reduce the critical current of the conductor. Therefore, it is important to properly consider the strain when designing high-field magnets. In this paper, we used structural finite-element analysis (FEA) to predict the strain experienced by a REBCO tape during bending in configurations relevant to the fabrication of high-field accelerator magnets, in particular, the mechanical strain generated during cable fabrication and winding in a canted-cos θ dipole configuration. We considered two different cable options: (A) Flat tape that lay in the mandrel channel and (B) a REBCO tape helically wound around a circular copper core, the typical configuration of the conductor in round core cable (CORC). Strain accumulated during tape winding is studied for different core diameters and winding tilt angles. FEA longitudinal strain results were compared with the simulations for configuration A, where higher strain was observed experimentally. Configuration B was verified indirectly by comparing experimentally measured Ic with the one predicted (based on the longitudinal strain) as a function of the bending diameter. Good agreement was found up to a bending diameter of 30 mm. The presented results will help to understand the impact of bending on REBCO tapes and CORC wires to develop high-field magnets.
Abstract 273: The Role of Estrogen in Protection of Skeletal Muscle Function in Diastolic Dysfunction

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is prevalent in elderly post-menopausal women. In addition to impaired cardiac relaxation and output, DD is associated with loss of skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength ...
Focused ion beam for improved spatially-resolved mass spectrometry and analysis of radioactive materials for uranium isotopic analysis.

Abstract The ability to acquire high-quality spatially-resolved mass spectrometry data is sought in many fields of study, but it often comes with high cost of instrumentation and a high level of expertise required. In addition, techniques highly regarded for isotopic analysis applications such as thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) do not have the ability to acquire spatially-resolved data. Another drawback is that for radioactive materials, which are often of interest for isotopic analysis in geochemistry and nuclear forensics applications, high-end instruments often have restrictions on radioactivity and non-dispersibility requirements. We have applied the use of a traditional microanalysis tool, the focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM), for preparation of radioactive materials either for direct analysis by spatially-resolved instruments such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and laser ablation inductively-coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), or similarly to provide some level of spatial resolution to techniques that do not inherently have that ability such as TIMS or quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). We applied this preparation technique to various uranium compounds, which was especially useful for reducing sample sizes and ensuring non-dispersibility to allow for entry into non-radiological or ultra-trace facilities. Our results show how this site-specific preparation can provide spatial context for nominally bulk techniques such as TIMS and Q-ICP-MS. In addition, the analysis of samples extracted from a uranium dioxide fuel pellet via all methods, but especially NanoSIMS and LA-ICP-MS, showed enrichment heterogeneities that are important for nuclear forensics and are of interest for fuel performance.
eRx – A technological advance to speed-up TB diagnostics

Abstract In 2016 an interdisciplinary collaborative research team started an ambitious project to assist the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in areas with over-burdened and poor healthcare infrastructure in the outskirts of Lima, capital of Peru. Currently we have implemented an integrated system which connects nurses, physicians and scientists, in a network of cooperation to identify and report suspicious cases of pulmonary TB. Our Electronic Mobile system (called ‘eRx’) is a Computer Automated Diagnosis (CAD) tool that can be used by local TB nurses allowing them to send X-rays along with additional prospect patient information, directly to be remotely evaluated by a physician. The physician accesses a web-based system using a computer or a tablet which allows him/her to evaluate the data coming from the distinct healthcare centers. The physician may also be assisted by a Beta version of an automatic diagnostic software which uses Deep Learning to identify the presence of lung abnormalities as well as the possible manifestations for TB. The goal of our research is to increase the speed at which a diagnosis can be made by providing a CAD tool to health care providers to improve quality and efficiency of TB diagnosis. To support future developments of the automatic diagnostic software, we rely on another web-based platform which contains over 10,000 X-rays images which are being annotated by a specialist who provides the regions where the TB manifestations can be found, which will be used later to train a Region-Based Convolution Neural Network. The software for the eRx system covers the obtaining of high-quality data, artificial intelligence support and mobile technologies directly in hands of the healthcare professionals, each software has already been validated individually, and will be evaluated together during a pilot study working directly with local healthcare centers, physicians and nurses. Our study has approval from the the IRB Boards at the University of Massachusetts Lowell IRB, and the School of Medicine at the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia.
Recent advancements in microphysiological systems for neural development and disease

Abstract Microphysiological systems (MPSs) of the nervous system provide physiologically relevant models for studying disease and development. Historically, sourcing of neurons was a limitation of in vitro models. Recently, MPSs have been fabricated that use human-induced pluripotent stem cells and cocultures of multiple cell types, making MPSs increasingly useful toward mimicking in vivo conditions. These MPSs include models ranging from Alzheimer disease to peripheral nerve regeneration. Integrated electrodes are being used to probe and analyze neuronal responses directly from the MPS. New technological developments, such as 3D printing, have made MPSs more accessible and scalable. Commercial options are coming to market, including neuron specific chip companies: AxoSim, Xona Microfluidics, and MicroBrain BT, expanding further the accessibility of using MPSs for research in developmental biology, disease, and therapeutics. This review covers historical and future outlooks of innervated MPSs.
Inhibition of Nuclear Pore Complex Formation Selectively Induces Cancer Cell Death

Nuclear pore complexes (NPC) are the central mediators of nucleocytoplasmic transport. Increasing evidence shows that many cancer cells have increased numbers of NPCs and become addicted to the nuclear transport machinery. How reducing NPC numbers affects the physiology of normal and cancer cells and whether it could be exploited for cancer therapies has not been investigated. We report that inhibition of NPC formation, a process mostly restricted to proliferating cells, causes selective cancer cell death, prevents tumor growth, and induces tumor regression. Although cancer cells die in response to NPC assembly inhibition, normal cells undergo a reversible cell-cycle arrest that allows them to survive. Mechanistically, reducing NPC numbers results in multiple alterations contributing to cancer cell death, including abnormalities in nuclear transport, catastrophic alterations in gene expression, and the selective accumulation of DNA damage. Our findings uncover the NPC formation process as a novel targetable pathway in cancer cells. Significance: Reducing NPC numbers in cancer cells induces death, prevents tumor growth, and results in tumor regression. Conversely, normal cells undergo a reversible cell-cycle arrest in response to inhibition of NPC assembly. These findings expose the potential of targeting NPC formation in cancer. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Kierkegaard’s Divine Distractions

In his discourse The Glory of Being Human, Kierkegaard dons his spiritual therapist hat not only to help us recognize the futility of worldly ways of distraction but also to appreciate other more stable and edifying kinds of diversions which he calls ‘divine distractions,’ for instance, contemplating the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. Although the discourse The Glory of Being Human was published in 1847, two years before The Sickness Unto Death, Kierkegaard introduces in an edifying fashion some of the main themes developed by Anti-Climacus in the later pseudonymous work published in 1849. So as his angst-ridden reader finally settles down to find edifying distraction in reading this discourse, he will soon discover that the cure for his anxiety cannot be found in escaping from the self in worldly aesthetic distractions, but rather by attending to ‘divine distractions’ in a life of worship and work before God.
A Minority of One against a Majority of Robots

Studies have shown that people conform their answers to match those of group members even when they believe the group’s answer to be wrong [2]. In this experiment, we test whether people conform to...
A novel exercise testing algorithm to diagnose mitochondrial myopathy.

Introduction Oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) is a noninvasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) measurement based on oxygen uptake (V˙O2 ) and minute ventilation (V˙E) and is a marker of the efficiency of oxygen utilization by the body. However, it has not been studied in mitochondrial disorders. We explored noninvasive CPET parameters, including OUES, as a way to reliably diagnose mitochondrial myopathy. Methods We performed cycle ergometer maximal exercise testing on definite and suspected mitochondrial myopathy subjects (MM-D and MM-S) and their age- and sex-matched controls. OUES was corrected for body surface area (OUES/BSA) to eliminate the effect of body size. Results A total of 40 participants, including 20 MM-D (n = 13; 6 males; aged 14-64 years) and 7 MM-S (5 males, aged 11-30 years) subjects and 20 controls, completed the study. MM-D subjects showed lower aerobic fitness than controls. OUES/BSA was lower in MM-D subjects, suggesting inefficient oxygen utilization. Area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for OUES/BSA (AUC, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.80-1.00), peak V˙O2 percent predicted (AUC, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00), and V˙O2 /work slope (AUC, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.85-1.00) showed excellent ability to diagnose mitochondrial myopathy in MM-D subjects. We applied a diagnostic approach based on the parameters just noted to MM-S subjects and their controls and were able to support or disprove the diagnosis of mitochondrial myopathy. Discussion We proposed and applied an approach based on the aformentioned three CPET parameters to diagnose mitochondrial myopathy reliably and found it to be clinically useful.
(Dis)Assembling Rights of Women Workers Along the Global Assembly Line: Human Rights and the Garment Industry

The article examines the challenges garment workers in the U.S. face in asserting their rights in the global economy and investigates how transnational advocacy can be deployed to compensate for the inability of U.S. labor laws to respond to problems with international dimensions. Using a purely domestic U.S. legal framework, advocates can attack the problem of transnational corporations subcontracting in the U.S. Such efforts, however, will have limited effect because of the global nature of the garment industry. Most efforts to change the structure of the garment industry have occurred within the limitations of U.S. law, even while there has been a predominant failure of the U.S. legal system effectively to utilize a human rights framework. Women workers have formed the backbone of the U.S. garment industry throughout its history. The geographic location and racial composition of this workforce has varied as retailers and manufacturers have shifted location of production to lower their labor costs. During the 1800s and early 1900s, the industry was centered primarily in New York City with a large influx of White immigrants providing a vast supply of inexpensive labor.
Cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma is an uncommon malignant tumor arising from biliary epithelium. The incidence increases with age and usually affects individuals in their sixth or seventh decade of life. Most patients clinically present with features of biliary obstruction. Although surgical resection offers the only hope for cure, the majority of patients are found to have unresectable disease on initial presentation and carry extremely grim prognosis. This has lead to an emphasis on the role of palliative care, with the relief of biliary obstruction being the primary goal in the management of these patients. Surgical bypass was once considered as the primary means of palliating biliary obstruction, but nonsurgical placement of biliary stents is associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Newer modalities such as photodynamic therapy, brachytherapy, and high-intensity ultrasound therapy may result in improved survival and play a future role as an adjunctive therapy to surgical resection.
Antigenicity of mouse placental tissue

Abstract Homogenates prepared from mouse placentas were found to be antigenic in the rabbit. The antisera thus produced were shown to have antiplacental activity in hemagglutination, immunoelectrophoretic, and immunodiffusion systems. When pregnant mice were treated with rabbit antiplacental serum, their pregnancies were rapidly interrupted. These results emphasized the facts that placental tissues are potentially antigenic and apparently can serve as a “target” for immunologic attack. The means by which the fetoplacental unit usually averts such attack are discussed.
Isolation of the Siderophore Schizokinen from Soil of Rice Fields

Schizokinen, a siderophore previously isolated from low-iron cultures of Bacillus megaterium and Anabaena sp., was isolated from the soil of rice fields after the annual flooding period.
Implementing administrative evidence based practices: lessons from the field in six local health departments across the United States

Background: Administrative evidence based practices (A-EBPs) are agency level structures and activities positively associated with performance measures (e.g., achieving core public health functions, carrying out evidence-based interventions). The objectives of this study were to examine the contextual conditions and explore differences in local health department (LHD) characteristics that influence the implementation of A-EBPs. Methods: Qualitative case studies were conducted based on data from 35 practitioners in six LHDs across the United States. The sample was chosen using an A-EBP score from our 2012 national survey and was linked to secondary data from the National Public Health Performance Standards Program. Three LHDs that scored high and three LHDs that scored low on both measures were selected as case study sites. The 37-question interview guide explored LHD use of an evidence based decision making process, including A-EBPs and evidence-based programs and policies. Each interview took 30–60 min. Standard qualitative methodology was used for data coding and analysis using NVivo software. Results: As might be expected, high-capacity LHDs were more likely to have strong leadership, partnerships, financial flexibility, workforce development activities, and an organizational culture supportiv eo f evidence based decision making and implementation of A-EBPs. They were also more likely to describe having strong or important relationships with universities and other educational resources, increasing their access to resources and allowing them to more easily share knowledge and expertise. Conclusions: Differences between high- and low-capacity LHDs in A-EBP domains highlight the importance of investments in these areas and the potential those investments have to contribute to overall efficiency and performance. Further research may identify avenues to enhance resources in these domains to create an organizational culture supportive of A-EBPs.
GRAFT OF THE DIAPHRAGM AS A FUNCTIONING SUBSTITUTE FOR THE MYOCARDIUM. AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY.

Summary A segment of diaphragm has been investigated as a potential myocardial graft. The specific operative technique assured maintenance of the segment's blood and nerve supply. Innervation of the graft via the phrenic nerve was essential for preservation of muscular structure and contractility. The contractile force of the graft, measured by a strain gauge arch at various times after graft transplantation, showed no significant change from that measured in the fresh state. Functional integrity of the graft transplanted to the right atrium could be demonstrated for prolonged periods after transplantation. Synchronization of phrenic nerve stimulation with systole resulted in augmentation of cardiac contraction as evidenced by a rise in blood pressure.
Scratchpad II: an abstract datatype system for mathematical computation

Scratchpad II is an abstract datatype language and system that is under development in the Computer Algebra Group, Mathematical Sciences Department, at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center. Many different kinds of computational objects and data structures are provided. Facilities for computation include symbolic integration, differentiation, factorization, solution of equations and linear algebra. Code economy and modularity is achieved by having polymorphic packages of functions that may create datatypes. The use of categories makes these facilities as general as possible.
Laparoscopic harvesting of omental pedicle flap for cerebral revascularization in children with moyamoya disease.

Abstract Introduction An abundance of angiogenic and immunologic factors makes the omentum an ideal tissue for reconstruction and revascularization of a variety of extraperitoneal wounds and defects. Omental harvesting was historically performed through a large laparotomy and subcutaneous tunneling to the site of disease. Several complications of the open procedure including abdominal wound infection, fascial dehiscence, ventral hernia, and postoperative ileus have been described. The use of laparoscopy to harvest the omentum has the potential to reduce such complications. We describe the surgical technique and outcomes of a series of patients undergoing laparoscopic pedicled omental flap mobilization for cerebral revascularization in moyamoya disease. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing laparoscopic omental cerebral transposition for moyamoya disease between 2011 and 2014 was performed. Clinical indication, surgical technique, operative times, complications, and outcomes at follow-up were reviewed. Results A total of 7 children underwent the procedure. The general surgery team performed laparoscopic omental mobilization, extraperitonealization, and subcutaneous tunneling, while the neurosurgical team performed craniotomy and cerebral application of the graft. The patients were followed postoperatively with clinic visits and angiography. There was one intraoperative complication (colon injury) and one postoperative complication (intermittent omental hernia at fascial defect for pedicle). All patients had partial to complete symptomatic resolution and demonstrated adequate intracranial revascularization on angiography. Conclusion Laparoscopic omental pedicle flap mobilization and subcutaneous transposition is feasible in children who require salvage cerebral revascularization for moyamoya disease. The procedure should be considered for other conditions requiring extraperitoneal revascularization.
Civil aviation's global necessity beyond GPS-based systems-IGSANS

Developments are in progress toward utilizing GPS for global ATC surveillance and landing guidance. However, although these GPS-based systems offer major advantages over existing systems, there are critical shortcomings including integrity, availability, continuity and security which cannot be practically solved with GPS/GNSS-based systems. Recognition of this fact is necessary now so that planning of evolutionary changes can be made toward a system meeting all the requirements at a minimum cost. It is believed that such a system, called the integrated global surveillance and navigation system (IGSANS), will meet the requirements. It would provide ATC surveillance, area navigation, collision warning/avoidance, Cat.I landing guidance and high speed data link functions globally, and precise Cat. II/III landing guidance through flare, touch-down and reallot where needed in terminal areas. It is a combined ground and satellite based system which would provide much needed system redundancy with substantial cost savings in both the airborne and ground/satellite facilities. IGSANS is briefly described, and its functional performance, economic and other advantages are discussed.
EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF SHORT INTRAVASCULAR STENT IMPLANTATION IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE. 181

The use of 30 mm balloon-expandable intravascular stents has been shown to effectively treat vascular stenosis in congenital heart disease. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and possible advantage of using short (≤20 mm) stents to treat vascular stenosis. Between 8/93 and 5/95, implantation of endovascular stents was attempted in 12 patients at our institution. Patients were aged 0.5 to 15.6 years (mean± SD, 7.5 ± 5.5) and weighed 5.2 to 62.9 kg (mean ± SD, 31.1 ± 22.8). Percutaneous implantation was performed using 6 to 11 Fr(mean, 9.3) long sheaths.
Fast optical responses in isolated nerves

To record optical correlates of fast electrical neural activation, we are developing improved contrast techniques for these small signals. Progressive elimination of non-specific light improves fast optical signals for neural recording by 100 fold.
Hemimegalencephaly: clinical implications and surgical treatment.

Introduction Hemimegalencephaly (HME) is a quite rare malformation of the cortical development arising from an abnormal proliferation of anomalous neuronal and glial cells that generally leads to the hypertrophy of the whole affected cerebral hemisphere. The pathogenesis of such a complex malformation is still unknown even though several hypotheses are reported in literature.
Emergent Processes in Group Behavior

Just as neurons interconnect in networks that create structured thoughts beyond the ken of any individual neuron, so people spontaneously organize themselves into groups to create emergent organizations that no individual may intend, comprehend, or even perceive. Recent technological advances have provided us with unprecedented opportunities for conducting controlled laboratory experiments on human collective behavior. We describe two experimental paradigms in which we attempt to build predictive bridges between the beliefs, goals, and cognitive capacities of individuals and patterns of behavior at the group level, showing how the members of a group dynamically allocate themselves to resources and how innovations diffuse through a social network. Agent-based computational models have provided useful explanatory and predictive accounts. Together, the models and experiments point to tradeoffs between exploration and exploitation—that is, compromises between individuals using their own innovations and using ...
Photochemical cyclization of β-farnesene

Abstract The naphthalene-sensitized and direct irradiation of β-farnesene (9) has been investigated. The sensitized reaction gives a mixture of stereoisomeric bicyclol2.1.1]hexanes (10 and 11), which were separated via their tetrahydro derivatives (13 and 14). Direct irradiation of 9 affords a cyclobutene (16) as the major product, accompanied by small amounts of 10, 11 and a fourth hydrocarbon assigned structure 19. A mechanism is proposed for the formation of 10 and 11 in the sensitized process involving a complex of excited diene and ground-state olefin, which subsequently collapses to a biradical intermediate C.
Computer-generated residential building layouts

We present a method for automated generation of building layouts for computer graphics applications. Our approach is motivated by the layout design process developed in architecture. Given a set of high-level requirements, an architectural program is synthesized using a Bayesian network trained on real-world data. The architectural program is realized in a set of floor plans, obtained through stochastic optimization. The floor plans are used to construct a complete three-dimensional building with internal structure. We demonstrate a variety of computer-generated buildings produced by the presented approach.
Identifying brain neoplasms using dye-enhanced multimodal confocal imaging

Brain tumors cause significant morbidity and mortality even when benign. Completeness of resection of brain tumors improves quality of life and survival; however, that is often difficult to accomplish. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using multimodal confocal imaging for intraoperative detection of brain neoplasms. We have imaged different types of benign and malignant, primary and metastatic brain tumors. We correlated optical images with histopathology and evaluated the possibility of interpreting confocal images in a manner similar to pathology. Surgical specimens were briefly stained in 0.05 mg/ml aqueous solution of methylene blue (MB) and imaged using a multimodal confocal microscope. Reflectance and fluorescence signals of MB were excited at 642 nm. Fluorescence emission of MB was registered between 670 and 710 nm. After imaging, tissues were processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) histopathology. The results of comparison demonstrate good correlation between fluorescence images and histopathology. Reflectance images provide information about morphology and vascularity of the specimens, complementary to that provided by fluorescence images. Multimodal confocal imaging has the potential to aid in the intraoperative detection of microscopic deposits of brain neoplasms. The application of this technique may improve completeness of resection and increase patient survival.
Determining the main atmospheric factor on ozone concentrations

This paper presents techniques for studying the influence of the atmospheric variables for the explanation of ozone concentrations. A methodology is described for separating the different time scale components in time series of ozone, namely, the global-term component which describes the long and seasonal variations, and the synoptic-scale component. We prove that the decomposition of the time series of ozone and other atmospheric variables is essential for the analysis. The results indicate that solar radiation is the only main factor between all the atmospheric variables for the global and the synoptic-scale component of the ozone time series. Most of the total variance of ozone can be explained by the atmospheric variables, which makes possible the precise estimation of human effect on ozone. In case the solar radiation data are not available, lagged temperature can be used as a supplement of solar radiation.
Uninherited dentinogenesis imperfecta.

Abstract The rare hereditary disease, dentinogenesis imperfecta, is a disturbance of dentin formation in both the deciduous and permanent dentitions. It may be associated with osteogenesis imperfecta, though it is probable that the two diseases are carried by different genes. This association was recognized in a 19-year-old man. Dentinogenesis imperfecta had been diagnosed at the age of 6 and had been regarded as a mutation; 11 years later, an atypical form of osteogenesis imperfecta developed. The case is atypical because of the apparent absence of dentinogenesis imperfecta in the patient's family. The dental manifestations may have heralded the bone disease.
Impact of intestinal lengthening on the nutritional outcome for children with short bowel syndrome

Survival among children with short bowel syndrome has increased with the use of supportive nutritional techniques including parenteral and enteral nutrition. Further improvement in outcome has been sought by using intestinal lengthening procedures to lengthen the bowel, improve intestinal motility, initiate a progressive increase in intestinal mucosal mass, and thereby improve tolerance to enteral nutrition. The authors examine the growth parameters and the tolerance to enteral nutrition in children with refractory short bowel syndrome before and after intestinal lengthening procedures. For seven children, the percentage of calories from enteral nutrition, the medical and surgical complications, and the number of days in the hospital (1 year before and 2 years after the lengthening procedure) were evaluated. The mean birth weight was 1,991 g (range, 1,198 to 3,096 g). The initial diagnoses requiring bowel resection included necrotizing enterocolitis, multiple small bowel atresias, gastroschisis with midgut volvulus, cloacal exstrophy, and long-segment Hirschsprung's disease. The mean length of the residual small bowel was 49 cm (range, 6 to 92 cm). All but one child had surgical resection of the ileocecal valve. The percentage of enteral nutrition calories significantly increased by 9 months after the procedure (P < .008, analysis of variance). Only one child has been completely weaned from parenteral nutrition. All children's growth parameters have been maintained or improved (weight/age, height/age, and weight/height). Few major medical and surgical complications have been observed. Central venous catheter infection has been the most common medical complication. The mean number of hospitalization days decreased during the second year after the lengthening procedure. The authors conclude that the intestinal lengthening procedure enhances the tolerance for enteral nutrition, improves the nutritional status, and decreases the need for hospitalization. The procedure should be considered for children with refractory short bowel syndrome who require prolonged parenteral nutrition.
Pleiotropic effects of albinism on open field behaviour in mice.

THE analysis of the effects of single genes on behaviour may yield information not only about the genetics of behavioral characters, but about the characters themselves1. When, however, data are collected on segregating populations for a few generations apparent single gene effects may be due to the effects of closely linked loci, especially when these populations are derived from an initial cross of parental strains which differ widely in the character in question. Thus when apparent major-gene effects are found, it is important to verify that such effects are truly pleiotropic.
Multiresolution stroke sketch adaptive representation and neural network processing system for gray-level image recognition

This paper describes a method for multiresolutional representation of gray-level images as hierarchial sets of strokes characterizing forms of objects with different degrees of generalization depending on the context of the image. This method transforms the original image into a hierarchical graph which allows for efficient coding in order to store, retrieve, and recognize the image. The method which is described is based upon finding the resolution levels for each image which minimizes the computations required. This becomes possible because of the use of a special image representation technique called Multiresolutional Attentional Representation for Recognition, based upon a feature which the authors call a stroke. This feature turns out to be efficient in the process of finding the appropriate system of resolutions and construction of the relational graph. Multiresolutional Attentional Representation for Recognition (MARR) is formed by a multi-layer neural network with recurrent inhibitory connections between neurons, the receptive fields of which are selectively tuned to detect the orientation of local contrasts in parts of the image with appropriate degree of generalization. This method simulates the 'coarse-to-fine' algorithm which an artist usually uses, making at attentional sketch of real images. The method, algorithms, and neural network architecture in this system can be used in many machine-vision systems with AI properties; in particular, robotic vision. We expect that systems with MARR can become a component of intelligent control systems for autonomous robots. Their architectures are mostly multiresolutional and match well with the multiple resolutions of the MARR structure.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Maggot debridement therapy: a systematic review

Maggot debridement therapy is used extensively in the UK in both community and hospital situations, but remains a potentially under-used modality in many wound care markets. It promotes wound healing by performing three key processes: debridement, disinfection and growth-promoting activity. It can be used for the debridement of non-healing necrotic skin and soft tissue wounds, including pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, neuropathic foot ulcers and non-healing traumatic of post-surgical wounds. With the increase in chronic diabetic foot wounds, maggot debridement therapy is a promising tool for health professionals dealing with difficult wounds. This article presents an overview of the research evidence surrounding maggot debridement therapy that serves as a guide to health professionals who may be users of this form of treatment now and in the future.
Neuroendocrine neoplasms: evolving concepts and terminology

Abstract The terminology pertaining to neuroendocrine tumours has long been a confusing and controversial one. Traditional terms such as ‘carcinoid', ‘atypical carcinoid', and even ‘oat-cell carcinoma' are used in different ways by various observers, and they are often misunderstood by clinical physicians as well. These drawbacks of the existing nomenclature set the stage for potential therapeutic errors. In response to this problem, a simplified nosological system has evolved in reference to neuroendocrine neoplasms; it divides such lesions into two groups: epithelial (group 1) and non-epithelial (group 2). With rare exceptions (such as parathyroid adenoma and pituitary adenoma) group 1 tumours are all termed ‘neuroendocrine carcinomas', because it is well known that they share a capacity for malignant behaviour. The risk that they will, in fact, pursue an untoward clinical course is further quantified by assigning one of three grades. Hence, one derives such designations as ‘grade 2 neuroendocrine carcinoma' as a replacement for ‘atypical carcinoid' and ‘grade 3 neuroendocrine carcinoma, small-cell type' in place of ‘oat-cell carcinoma'. Pathological criteria for the spectrum of neuroendocrine carcinomas have been codified and are provided in this review. In contrast, traditional diagnostic terms for group 2 tumours, including paragangliomas, neuroblastomas, primitive neuroectodermal tumours, and other lesions with neural/non-epithelial characteristics, have been retained in the current nosological scheme.
Stabilizing the elastic modes of the Space Shuttle vehicle during launch.

The influence of vibration modes on the vehicle control system stabilization problem is examined with a conventional, nonadaptive, single-rate-sensor autopilot. The linear stability analyses are based upon symmetric and antisymmetric modal data generated from flexible-beam models. Primary emphasis is placed upon using only the three orbiter engines as control effectors. Principal control system variables considered are the effective autopilot rate and attitude gains, rate and attitude sensor locations, and lead/lag stability compensation. Results indicate that a multiple-sensor autopilot configuration will be necessary to achieve satisfactory vibration mode stability margins.
Confirmation of the existence of transitory corpus callosum axons in area 17 of neonatal cat: an anterograde tracing study using biotinylated dextran amine.

Abstract Corpus callosum (CC) axons in visual cortex were labeled anterogradely by in vivo biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) in neonatal cat at postnatal day (PND) 6, 10 and 15. Labeled CC axons were distributed throughout the visual cortex including medial area 17. The number of CC axons in medial area 17 increased from PND 6 to PND 10, and then decreased from PND 10 to PND 15. At PND 15, few CC axons could be followed into the grey matter in medial area 17. Thus, BDA labels transitory CC axons that extend through all cortical layers in medial area 17, confirming the results revealed by in vitro DiI labeling [10].
Cellular events associated with lung branching morphogenesis including the deposition of collagen type IV.

Abstract In this study mouse lung development was examined using an in vitro model system. The culture system permitted examination of a morphogenic process that eventually led to the formation of presumptive alveoli (terminal sacs). The observations included changes in epithelial cell morphology (transition from a columnar to a spindle shape), and evidence for motile activity on the part of primitive airway epithelial cells. The importance of Type IV collagen to the cellular events associated with branching morphogenesis was investigated by immunolocalization. In addition, we assessed the similarity of normal lung development to in vitro development by comparing cultured lungs with equivalent stages of embryonic and fetal mouse lungs. The results show (1) that cultured embryonic lung explants proceed along a morphogenic pathway that parallels normal lung development; (2) that primitive pulmonary epithelial cells engage in motile activity and transiently acquire an extended cell shape both in vitro and in vivo; (3) that, as suggested by others, the pattern of late branching morphogenesis is not dichotomous, but irregular; and (4) that short wisplike fibers of Type IV collagen are present in developing embryonic and fetal lung mesenchyme. Taken together, the results show that early and late lung branching patterns differ significantly, and suggest that later stages of lung branching involve distinct epithelial cell shape transitions. The immunofluorescence data suggest that fibrous Type IV collagen may be the extracellular matrix scaffold within which early epithelial cells accomplish lung branching morphogenesis.
Supporting Perception in the Service of Dynamic Decision Making

Skilled performers in complex environments rely heavily on heuristic strategies to cope with the time pressure and complexity of dynamic tasks. We suggest that the use of task simplification strategies based largely on perception and pattern recognition is fundamental to the novice-expert shift in dynamic decision making. We therefore suggest that interface training interventions should support the development of highly effective and robust heuristic strategies, rather than the development of more abstract, cognitively intensive strategies. A pair of empirical studies are presented that investigated the benefits of training interventions aimed at supporting perceptual and pattern-recognitional activities in dynamic environments. Results suggest that the acquisition of skilled performance in dynamic environments can be accelerated by supporting perceptual activities in the service of dynamic decision making. Implications of these results for training, aiding, and interface design are discussed.
Prenatal exposure to cocaine disrupts discrimination learning in adult rabbits

Abstract Previous studies had shown that intrauterine exposure to cocaine produces an increase in the number of immunoreactive GABA neurons and abnormal dendritic structure of pyramidal cells in the anterior cingulate cortex, a brain region known to be involved in attentional processes and discrimination learning. Because structural abnormalities might be expected to produce related functional deficits, we examined whether intrauterine exposure to cocaine would affect discrimination learning in adult rabbits. We previously reported that cocaine progeny undergoing concurrent acquisition to visual and auditory CSs show a normal rate of learning to a light CS and an accelerated rate of learning to a tone. Here, we report that adult, Dutch-belted rabbits exposed to cocaine in utero showed impaired discrimination learning when responding to a positive visual cue but not when responding to a positive auditory cue. The nature of the deficit consisted of an impaired ability to acquire learned responses to the visual CS + rather than in an impaired ability to withhold responses to the auditory CS−. Given that auditory stimuli tend to be more salient than visual stimuli in the normal rabbit, the preceding pattern of results suggests that intrauterine cocaine exposure affected the ability to preferentially attend to less salient but relevant stimuli and to ignore more salient, irrelevant stimuli. More importantly, these results indicate that prenatal exposure to cocaine produces neurobehavioral abnormalities which persist into adult life.