cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Submicroscopic Interstitial Deletions in 13q14 Are Detectable in Metaphase Cells by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) with D13S319 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (B-CLL).

Abstract Background: Results of conventional cytogenetic studies on specimens processed without B-cell mitogens are usually normal in B-CLL: this observation is often attributed to lack of mitotic B-CLL cells. Using metaphase FISH with D13S319, we now have evidence that these apparently normal mitotic B-CLL cells often exhibit submicroscopic interstitial deletions in 13q14. This observation indicates B-CLL cells do divide in unstimulated cultures, but the abnormal metaphases are not detected because the abnormalities are submicroscopic and represent a low percentage of proliferating cells. Methods: We studied 12 patients with B-CLL who had normal metaphases by conventional cytogenetics, but abnormal interphase nuclei by FISH with D13S319. This cohort consisted of 7 females and 5 males who ranged in age from 50 to 87 years. Clinical information was available for 11 patients: Rai stages were 0, I, II, III, or IV for 6, 1, 1, 2, and 1 patients, respectively; 8 patients received treatment and 3 have died. Conventional cytogenetic studies and metaphase FISH were done on bone marrow specimens that were processed by standard 24 and 48-hour unstimulated cultures with Chang Medium BMC. Interphase FISH studies were done on blood or bone marrow (collected within 3 days of specimens for conventional cytogenetic studies) using probes to detect anomalies of chromosomes 6, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 17. For each patient, metaphase FISH was done with commercial probes from Vysis Inc., Downers Grove, IL for D13S319/13q34 using leftover fixed cells from conventional cytogenetics studies. Results: Metaphase FISH results were normal for 3 bone marrow specimens: the remaining 9 specimens had 1.9 to 13.8% metaphases with interstitial deletions of 13q14. One patient had a cytogenetically visible chromosome 13 deletion in 2.2% of metaphases. In the remaining 8 specimens, the size of the abnormal 13 was similar to the normal 13 homolog and other acrocentric chromosomes. By comparison, interphase FISH revealed 13 to 93% nuclei with 13q-x1 or 13q-x2. Seven patients had additonal anomalies in their interphase nuclei; 3 had 11q-, 2 had 17p-, 1 had +12 and 1 had +IGH. Conclusions: This investigation indicates that metaphase FISH detects submicroscopic deletions in chromosome 13 as well as infrequent mitotic B-CLL cells in patients who have normal conventional cytogenetic results. Therefore, metaphase FISH is a novel and useful technique to detect abnormal mitotic cells in B-CLL in cultures without special B-cell mitogens. The prognostic significance of abnormal metaphase FISH results is still under investigation. We speculate that this method will allow for identification of more aggressive proliferating disease even in so-called “favorable” prognostic groups based on interphase FISH results.
Stable Unitary Integrators for the Numerical Implementation of Continuous Unitary Transformations

The technique of continuous unitary transformations has recently been used to provide physical insight into a diverse array of quantum mechanical systems. However, the question of how to best numerically implement the flow equations has received little attention. The most immediately apparent approach, using standard Runge-Kutta numerical integration algorithms, suffers from both severe inefficiency due to stiffness and the loss of unitarity. After reviewing the formalism of continuous unitary transformations and Wegner's original choice for the infinitesimal generator of the flow, we present a number of approaches to resolving these issues including a choice of generator which induces what we call the ``uniform tangent decay flow'' and three numerical integrators specifically designed to perform continuous unitary transformations efficiently while preserving the unitarity of flow. We conclude by applying one of the flow algorithms to a simple calculation that visually demonstrates the many-body localization transition.
Embryology of the Umbilicus and Associated Newborn Defects

Congenital abdominal wall abnormalities are a common group of disorders that result from abnormal development of the abdominal wall. Ventral body wall defects range from the relatively minor umbilical and epigastric hernias to major defects such as gastroschisis and omphalocele. This chapter will focus on the embryology of the umbilicus and associated common umbilical defects and postnatal problems. The physiologic importance of the umbilicus and umbilical cord is far greater during fetal development than it is after birth. During abdominal wall development, the developing umbilicus serves a role in intestinal and urinary development and provides a life-sustaining opening that allows blood to flow between the placenta and fetus via the umbilical cord. After birth this conduit is no longer needed, and once the umbilical cord falls off, there should be no remaining connections. Nevertheless, umbilical disorders are frequently encountered.
Simplifying the use of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice: Building the genomic prescribing system

Abstract Background A barrier to the use of genomic information during prescribing is the limited number of software solutions that combine a user-friendly interface with complex medical data. We built and designed an online, secure, electronic custom interface termed the Genomic Prescribing System (GPS). Methods Actionable pharmacogenomic (PGx) information was reviewed, collected, and stored in the back-end of GPS to enable creation of customized drug- and variant-specific clinical decision support (CDS) summaries. The database architecture utilized the star schema to store information. Patient raw genomic data underwent transformation via custom-designed algorithms to enable gene and phenotype-level associations. Multiple external data sets (PubMed, The Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED), National Drug File – Reference Terminology (ND-FRT), and a publically-available PGx knowledgebase) were integrated to facilitate the delivery of patient, drug, disease, and genomic information. Institutional security infrastructure was leveraged to securely store patient genomic and clinical data on a HIPAA-compliant server farm. Results As of May 17, 2016, the GPS back-end housed 257 CDS encompassing 112 genetic variants, 42 genes, and 46 PGx-actionable drugs. The GPS user interface presented patient-specific CDS alongside a recognizable traffic light symbol (green/yellow/red), denoting PGx risk for each genomic result. The number of traffic lights per visit increased with the corresponding increase in the number of available PGx-annotated drugs over time. An integrated drug and disease search functionality, links to primary literature sources, and potential alternative PGx drugs were indicated. The system, which was initially used as stand-alone CDS software within our clinical environment, was then integrated with the institutional electronic medical record for enhanced usability. There have been nearly 2000 logins in 43 months since inception, with usage exceeding 56 logins per month and system up-times of 99.99%. For all patient-provider visits encompassing >3 years of implementation, unique alert click-through rates corresponded to genomic risk: red lights clicked 100%, yellow lights 79%, green lights 43%. Conclusions Successful deployment of GPS by combining complex data and recognizable iconography led to a tool that enabled point-of-care genomic delivery with high usability. Continued scalability and incorporation of additional clinical elements to be considered alongside PGx information could expand future impact.
Cultural Worldviews on an Aerospace Standards Committee: A Preliminary Analysis

Technical committees for industry consensus standards involve multiple stakeholders. These stakeholders are experts who assess and perceive benefits and risks differently due to differences in their experiences, training, and cultural worldviews. Decision-making on technical committees is premised on information sharing and communications between these experts. We seek to understand how these worldviews drive decision-making criteria. Specifically, we aim to test the hypothesis that technical experts’ worldviews are diagnostic of their technical preferences. In this paper, we surveyed members of the National Aerospace Standards Committee (NASC). We report preliminary results in our efforts to develop a survey that can reliably measure their cultural worldviews. Our approach was inspired by measures used by Kahan’s cultural cognition paradigm, a method of categorizing individuals’ worldviews and associated risk perceptions on a combination of Douglas’s cultural theory of risk, and Slovic’s Psychometric Paradigm. Preliminary results indicate support for the existence of different worldviews on the NASC.
Collisions and Constellations: On the Possible Intersection of Psychoethnography and Digital Storytelling

This proposal outlines the development of a collaborative model of ethnographic storytelling that utilizes readily available digital technology and ethnographic methodology to facilitate generative interactions toward the production of complex and evolving digital stories. Building on a methodology that I call psychoethnography, this project aims to create a fluid form of interactive digital storytelling that can be used in both academic and non-academic settings as a research and pedagogical tool.
Picture Yourself Healthy-How Users Select Mediated Images to Shape Health Intentions and Behaviors.

Hypotheses on how selective viewing of mediated images may sustain eating habits and aid healthier eating were derived from the Selective Exposure Self- and Affect Management model. The model posit...
Big Data Approach to Batch Process Monitoring: Simultaneous Fault Detection and Diagnosis Using Nonlinear Support Vector Machine-based Feature Selection.

Abstract This paper presents a novel data-driven framework for process monitoring in batch processes, a critical task in industry to attain a safe operability and minimize loss of productivity and profit. We exploit high dimensional process data with nonlinear Support Vector Machine-based feature selection algorithm, where we aim to retrieve the most informative process measurements for accurate and simultaneous fault detection and diagnosis. The proposed framework is applied to an extensive benchmark data set which includes process data describing 22,200 batches with 15 faults. We train fault and time-specific models on the pre-aligned batch data trajectories via three distinct time horizon approaches: one-step rolling, two-step rolling, and evolving which varies the amount of data incorporation during modeling. The results show that two-step rolling and evolving time horizon approaches perform superior to the other. Regardless of the approach, proposed framework provides a promising decision support tool for online simultaneous fault detection and diagnosis for batch processes.
Comprehensive 3-D simulation and performance of ITER plasma facing and nearby components during transient events—Serious design issues

A key obstacle to a successful magnetic fusion energy production in Tokamak reactors is performance during abnormal events. Abnormal events include plasma disruptions, edge-localized modes (ELMs), vertical displacement events, and runaway electrons. While tremendous efforts are being made to find ways to mitigate such events, a credible reactor design must be able to tolerate a few of these transient events. We have recently enhanced our comprehensive HEIGHTS (High Energy Interaction with General Heterogeneous Target Systems) simulation package to enable detailed 3-D investigation of the overall aspects of plasma-material interaction processes during all the transient events. Advanced models and numerical tools were developed to efficiently couple major key processes during the transient events, and in particular disruptions and giant ELMs. These include dynamic interaction, deposition, and scattering of the escaping core plasma particles with the evolving and propagating secondary divertor vapor/plasma in the strong magnetic field. These details are critical for assessing the damage to all interior components, including the hidden structure and the first wall which were not directly exposed to these transient events and never thought to be affected as a result. Despite developing numerous efficient numerical techniques and solution methods, such calculations take several months on current supercomputers to complete. Our present results show, for the first time, that unmitigated transient events could cause significant melting and vaporization damage to most interior and hidden components, including the first wall that were not directly exposed to these events. The current ITER divertor design may not work properly and need to be significantly modified or redesigned to prevent this damage.A key obstacle to a successful magnetic fusion energy production in Tokamak reactors is performance during abnormal events. Abnormal events include plasma disruptions, edge-localized modes (ELMs), vertical displacement events, and runaway electrons. While tremendous efforts are being made to find ways to mitigate such events, a credible reactor design must be able to tolerate a few of these transient events. We have recently enhanced our comprehensive HEIGHTS (High Energy Interaction with General Heterogeneous Target Systems) simulation package to enable detailed 3-D investigation of the overall aspects of plasma-material interaction processes during all the transient events. Advanced models and numerical tools were developed to efficiently couple major key processes during the transient events, and in particular disruptions and giant ELMs. These include dynamic interaction, deposition, and scattering of the escaping core plasma particles with the evolving and propagating secondary divertor vapor/plasma i...
Problems of Water Reallocation in the Colorado — America’s most fully Utilized River

The basin development of the Colorado river started 2000 years ago and accelerated rapidly in the late 1800’s. In 1922, the river flow was appropriated between upper and lower basin, based on estimated virgin flow at the dividing point at Lee Ferry. Today the river waters are highly controlled with major reservoir facilities. The paper treats the constraints of increasing downstream salinity and vast reallocation problems in the basin caused by energy development and growing domestic water needs of competing urban regions. With completion of the Central Arizona Project, the lower basin will be fully utilizing their entitlement, and further development may enforce a conversion from irrigation to domestic water supplies. In the upper basin there are still serious questions about their full entitlement, due to varying estimates of the Lee Ferry flow, and thus about the need for future water transfers from the irrigation to water supply of energy complexes. Many questions also remain unsolved regarding Indian water rights.
Notes on Database Management Systems

We are constantly reminded by the media of the vast amounts of information available to be collected, managed, analyzed, and applied to problems in all aspects of our lives. Along with the media coverage there is much talk about all the data we should access, manage, and utilize. However, there is not a commensurate understanding of the procedures involved or of the tools necessary and available for accomplishing these tasks. Managed data can be as simple as a record of household expenditures or as complex as a physical, chemical, and hydro-geological profile of a river basin. Regardless of the amount or the nature of the data, the principles underlying the process and the tools for accomplishing the task are the same. Before beginning any discussion of data management and analysis, it is necessary to understand the basic concepts of data management in order to establish a firm and stable foundation for drawing conclusions from the data.
Case tools in object-oriented analysis and design

This paper which falls in the practice domain describes the utilization of CASE tools in enhancing students understanding of the design process in a software engineering course. This newly designed course is an outgrowth of a previous software engineering course in which all phases of software development were considered. In the previous course students often found it overwhelming in dealing with the software engineering concepts and principles and developing the system at the same time. This new course, Analysis and Design, aim to have students to develop better high-quality systems by using an object-oriented approach and a modeling tool to gain a sound understanding of the design of the system to be developed.This paper reflects the views of both the instructor and the students as to the enormous benefits to be gained from the utilization of CASE tools in the design process.
Improving mathematics verbal problem-solving ability through reading instruction

'J ne area that elementary school children find difficult is solving verbal problems in mathematics. Even though they may be able to do the computational work, children find solving verbal problems most arduous. Comments such as the following are offered in evidence: from children "Ugh! Another page of story problems!"; from teachers "My children just seem to hate story problems. They can't read them well enough to figure out what arithmetic needs to be done." Researchers have listed various factors that influence success in verbal problem solving. (For information concerning these factors, the reader may want to consult the sources listed at the end of this article. ) Although there is lack of agreement on which factors have the greatest influence, there is consensus that children must be able to recognize words and comprehend thought units in the problem, logically interpret the problem situation, and organize the information in such a way as to lead to an answer to the stated question. Computational skill is also necessary, but it is
Cybersecurity Attacks in Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Applications and Their Prevention:

A connected vehicle (CV) environment is comprised of diverse computing infrastructure, data communication and dissemination, and data collection systems that are vulnerable to the same cyberattacks...
Security Threats and Countermeasures for Approximate Arithmetic Computing

Approximate computing (AC) emerges as a promising approach for energy-accuracy trade-off in compute-intensive applications. However, recent work reveals that AC techniques could lead to new security vulnerabilities, which are presented in a format of visionary view. There is a lack of in-depth research on concrete attack models and estimation of the significance of the attacks on approximate arithmetic computing systems. This work presents several practical attack examples and then proposes two attack models with quantitative analysis. Input integrity check and exclusive logic based attack detection methods are proposed to address the attacks on AC systems. The experimental results show that the attack detection failure rate of our method is below $2.2*10^{-3}$ and the area and power overhead is less than 6.8% and 1.5%, respectively.
The Diagnostic Utility of Splenectomy in Idiopathic Splenomegaly

With increasing frequency, patients with idiopathic splenomegaly are referred to surgeons for splenectomy. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of splenectomy and feasibility of a minimally invasive approach in the face of idiopathic splenomegaly. We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients who underwent splenectomy for idiopathic splenomegaly. The primary endpoint was the rate of definitive diagnosis based on final surgical pathology of the removed spleen. Preoperative workup included a bone marrow biopsy and peripheral blood smear in 93% and 100% of patients, respectively, with none having lymphadenopathy warranting biopsy. Splenectomy provided a definitive diagnosis for 44 (64.7%) patients. Of these, 34 (50%) patients had an underlying malignancy, of which more than half were splenic marginal zone lymphoma. There were 33 (48.5%) laparoscopic, 23 (33.8%) open, 10 (14.7%) laparoscopic converted to open, and two (2.9%) laparoscopic hand-assist cases. Conversion to open was due to splenic size [median craniocaudal length 21.8 cm (cm)] in eight and staple line bleeding at the splenic hilum in two patients. Overall, the laparoscopic approach was completed in patients with a smaller splenic size compared to open (median craniocaudal length 15.2 vs. 26.0 cm, p < 0.0001). The open group had one (1.5%) intra-operative mortality due to uncontrollable hemorrhage. Thirty-day complication rates were similar for laparoscopic and open approaches (p = 0.10). Splenectomy is an effective diagnostic modality in determining a pathologic cause for splenomegaly in this patient population. Laparoscopic splenectomy can be performed safely in appropriate cases with craniocaudal splenic size having the largest influence on surgical approach.
Hands-On Ecological Restoration as a Nature-Based Health Intervention: Reciprocal Restoration for People and Ecosystems

There is growing concern that lack of access to natural habitats—especially ones with diverse soil microbiota and vegetation—exacerbates individual human and community health problems. Accordingly,...
Ogre-Faced, Net-Casting Spiders Use Auditory Cues to Detect Airborne Prey.

Summary Prey capture behavior among spiders varies greatly from passive entrapment in webs to running down prey items on foot. Somewhere in the middle are the ogre-faced, net-casting spiders [ 1 ] (Deinopidae: Deinopis) that actively capture prey while being suspended within a frame web [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Using a net held between their front four legs, these spiders lunge downward to ensnare prey from off the ground beneath them. This “forward strike” is sensorially mediated by a massive pair of hypersensitive, night-vision eyes [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Deinopids can also intercept flying insects with a “backward strike,” a ballistically rapid, overhead back-twist, that seems not to rely on visual cues [ 4 , 5 , 8 ]. Past reports have hypothesized a role of acoustic detection in backward strike behavior [ 4 , 5 , 8 ]. Here, we report that the net-casting spider, Deinopis spinosa, can detect auditory stimuli from at least 2 m from the sound source, at or above 60 dB SPL, and that this acoustic sensitivity is sufficient to trigger backward strike behavior. We present neurophysiological recordings in response to acoustic stimulation, both from sound-sensitive areas in the brain and isolated forelegs, which demonstrate a broad range of auditory sensitivity (100–10,000 Hz). Moreover, we conducted behavioral assays of acoustic stimulation that confirm acoustic triggering of backward net-casting by frequencies in harmony with flight tones of known prey. However, acoustic stimulation using higher frequency sounds did not elicit predatory responses in D. spinosa. We hypothesize higher frequencies are emitted by avian predators and that detecting these auditory cues may aid in anti-predator behavior. Video Abstract Download : Download video (100MB)
Cyclic vectors in Bergman spaces

We show that derivatives of some classes of analytic functions, univalent or locally univalent in the unit disk, are cyclic vectors for the Bergman space B2(D).
Fermi Surfaces of Mixed Valent and Heavy Fermion Metals

Results of local density band calculations are compared to available deHaas-vanAlphen measurements regarding Fermi surface properties for anomalous f electron systems. For metals where the f electrons behave coherently at low temperatures, such as CeSn3 and UPt3 good agreement is found between the calculated Fermi surface topology and the experimental one. For metals where the f electrons do not seem to behave coherently at low temperatures, such as CeSb and UPd3, agreement is again found if the f electrons are treated as unhybridized (core) states in the calculation. In all cases, there is a significant enhancement of the experimental quasiparticle masses over the band masses which are due to a variety of excited state effects (self-energy renormalizations) not taken into account in the ground state calculations. Finally, magnetic properties in such heavy fermion magnets as NpSn3 are explained by polarized band calculations which indicate gapping of parts of the Fermi surface through the phase transition.
Chapter 63 – Malignant Meningioma

Publisher Summary Malignant meningiomas occur in the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and are related to neurolemomas. Ionizing radiation is the only exposure believed to cause them, and even that is probably responsible for a very small proportion of cases. Unlike benign meningiomas, which are also potentially life-threatening because growth occurs within the confined space of the skull, malignant meningioma is very rare. It occurs at about the same rate in Los Angeles County as in other populations. Incidence is also similar in the two genders, in all racial/ethnic groups, and in all social classes. Incidence has not varied over time, and is unrelated to social class. No systematic pattern of occurrence is apparent, and therefore no local source of causation is proposed.
Resting state connectivity of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis at ultra‐high field

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), a portion of the "extended amygdala," is implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety and addiction disorders. Its small size and connection to other small regions prevents standard imaging techniques from easily capturing it and its connectivity with confidence. Seed-based resting state functional connectivity is an established method for mapping functional connections across the brain from a region of interest. We, therefore, mapped the BNST resting state network with high spatial resolution using 7 Tesla fMRI, demonstrating the in vivo reproduction of many human BNST connections previously described only in animal research. We identify strong BNST functional connectivity in amygdala, hippocampus and thalamic subregions, caudate, periaqueductal gray, hypothalamus, and cortical areas such as the medial PFC and precuneus. This work, which demonstrates the power of ultra-high field for mapping functional connections in the human, is an important step toward elucidating cortical and subcortical regions and subregions of the BNST network.
Inhibition of human sperm motility by specific herbs used in alternative medicine.

Purpose: Our purpose was to analyze sperm motility parameters in the presence of herbs. Methods: Washed sperm were incubated in either saw-palmetto (Serenoa repens, Permixon Sabal serrulatum), echinacea purpura, ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), or control medium. Parameters were measured on a Hamilton-Thorn analyzer after 1, 4, 24, and 48 hr at 37°C. Results: Sperm motility was inhibited at the high concentration (0.6 mg/mL) of St. John's wort. Curvilinear velocities and beat cross frequencies also decreased, but not hyperactivation. High-concentration saw-palmetto, echinacea, or ginkgo inhibited motility at 24 and 48 hr. Conclusions: A potent inhibition of sperm motility was seen in St. John's wort unrelated to changes in pH. Furthermore, sperm viability was compromised in St. John's wort, suggesting a spermicidal effect. Metabolic changes were observed in saw-palmetto–treated sperm. High-concentration echinacea purpura interfered with sperm enzymes. Ginkgo did not have an antioxidant effect on sperm motility.
Direct cortical stimulation but not transcranial electrical stimulation motor evoked potentials detect brain ischemia during brain tumor resection.

ABSTRACT.Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by both direct cortical stimulation (DCS) and transcranial electrical stimulation are used during brain tumor resection. Parallel use of direct cortical stimulation motor evoked potentials (DCS-MEPs) and transcranial electrical stimulation motor evoked potentials (TCeMEPs) has been practiced during brain tumor resection. We report that DCS-MEPs elicited by direct subdural grid stimulation, but not TCeMEPs, detected brain ischemia during brain tumor resection.Following resection of a brainstem high-grade glioma in a 21-year-old, the threshold of cortical motor-evoked-potentials (cMEPs) increased from 13 mA to 20 mA while amplitudes decreased. No changes were noted in transcranial motor evoked potentials (TCMEPs), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), anesthetics, or hemodynamic parameters. Our case showed the loss of cMEPs and SSEPs, but not TCeMEPs. Permanent loss of DCS-MEPs and SSEPs was correlated with permanent left...
Peripheral benzodiazepine receptors are colocalized with activated microglia following transient global forebrain ischemia in the rat

In mammalian brain the expression of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) can be markedly induced following different types of neuronal injury. PBRs are believed to be expressed on non-neuronal cells in the brain, yet the specific cell type that expresses these receptors following CNS insult has not been defined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of transient global forebrain ischemia on PBRs by autoradiographic localization of 3H-PK11195 binding. The distribution of PBRs was compared to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a marker for astrocytes and OX42 as a marker for microglia. Five to 6 d following four-vessel occlusion (4-VO), an increase in PBRs was seen in the CA1 region of all 15 brains examined. In brains from rats subjected to 4-VO, microglia were selectively activated in stratum pyramidale of the CA1 layer. In contrast, astrocytes appeared to be activated in multiple hippocampal cell layers including stratum radiatum and stratum oriens. Activated astrocytes were also found in regions that did not exhibit increased 3H-PK11195 binding. In some brains, selected regions of secondary lesion, specifically necrotic thalamic nuclei and the isocortex were found to be strongly immunoreactive for OX42 but lacked GFAP immunoreactive cells. In adjacent sections, these same regions displayed high densities of 3H-PK1195 binding. These observations lend further support to the application of 3H-PK11195 binding as a marker of neuronal injury in the brain. Furthermore, the data strongly suggest that activated microglia rather than astrocytes express PBRs following ischemic insults.
Erasure tagging in a slow Rayleigh-fading environment

Our proposed digital audio broadcast system uses a Reed-Solomon code with hard decoding. If a system can identify codeword symbols that have a high-likelihood of errors and tag them as erasures, the probability of error can be decreased significantly. We introduce a method for tagging erasures in a slow Rayleigh-fading environment. This method combines 4 PSK with multitone modulation using differential detection. To decrease probability of bit error, an erasure-tagging scheme augments a Reed-Solomon code. In this scheme, the 4 PSK constellation, which would normally have 4 decision regions, is divided into 8 decision regions; 4 of these decision regions are considered bad. The scheme takes advantage of the slowly-varying nature of the channel by tagging an erasure when a majority of received tone symbols in a given block of multicarrier symbols fall into 'bad' regions. This method deduces when there is a large SNR loss due to fading and can be used when it is difficult to measure the signal SNR directly.
Unjust Enrichment, Pursuance of Self-Interest, and the Limits of Free Riding

The notion of unjust enrichment has, almost since its inception some two thousands years ago, caused innumerable difficulties and has led on numerous occasions to unsatisfactory results. In the words of Lord Dennnig: “This conception is too indefinite to be stated as a principle of law.” Professor Dawson stated, “[I]t is obvious that the adoption of this principle as a ‘rule’ of law would carry us far afield,” and that “once the idea [of prohibiting enrichment through another’s loss] has been formulated as a generalization, it has the peculiar faculty of inducing quite sober citizens to jump right off the dock.” Nevertheless, the Restatement of the Law of Restitution adopted this principle and stated broadly that “[a] person who has been unjustly enriched at the expense of another is required to make restitution to the other.” The tentative draft of the Restatement (Second) of Restitution opted for a more concrete statement of the law by providing that the duty to make restitution arises where a benefit was received either through “an infringement of another person’s interest, or of loss
Abstract W MP92: Role of Lipocalin 2 in Acute Ventricular Dilatation After Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Background: Acute hydrocephalus is a common complication following hemorrhagic stroke. Although recent studies demonstrated that intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) causes hydrocephalus, the exact mechanism by which hydrocephalus develops after IVH are not well understood. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2), a siderophore-binding protein, is an acute phase protein in the brain. In the present study, we examined the role of LCN2 in ventricular dilatation in a mouse model of IVH. Methods: First, female wild type C57BL/6 mice (WT, n=8) underwent a right intraventricular injection of hemoglobin (25mg/ml, 20 μl). Control mice (n=6) received saline injection. Ventricular volume was measured at 24 hours using magnetic resonance images. Second, female wild type and LCN2-deficient (LCN2-/-) mice had an intraventricular injection of hemoglobin (25mg/ml, n=5 for each; 50mg/ml, 20 μl, n=7 for WT and n=11 for LCN2-/-). They underwent magnetic resonance images at pre surgery and then 24 hours after surgery. All mice were euthanized at 2...
The myxovirus resistance protein, MX1, interacts with tubulin beta in uterine glandular epithelial cells.

Citation Racicot K, Ott T. The myxovirus resistance protein, MX1, interacts with tubulin beta in uterine glandular epithelial cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 44–53 Problem MX proteins are upregulated during viral infection and during early pregnancy in ruminants by type I interferons and exhibit a number of characteristics that would suggest they function in basic cellular processes. We hypothesize MX1 plays a role in intracellular trafficking and secretion, and the objective of this study was to identify cellular proteins that interact with MX1. Method of study Western blot and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect expression of MX1 and endogenous interferon (IFN), respectively. Affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry identified proteins that interacted with MX1. These interactions were confirmed and characterized using co-immunoprecipitation and co-immunofluorescence. Results MX1 was expressed in ovine glandular epithelial cells without IFN treatment, while another interferon-stimulated gene, ISG15, was not. MX1 was shown to interact with tubulin beta (TUBB) during interphase and mitosis and nocodazole disrupted this interaction. Conclusion We propose that by tethering to TUBB, MX1 could be transporting proteins or vesicles throughout the cell, such as those destined for secretion or required for mitosis. This would be a novel role for an ISG, but one that is consistent with the enhanced secretion occurring in the uterus during early pregnancy in ruminants in response to conceptus-produced IFN-tau.
A neural network approach to microcalcification detection

A supervised dynamic neural network is used to detect microcalcifications in digitized mammograms. A segmentation process is used to extract candidate objects from the mammogram, and then the neural network is used to determine if the candidate object is a microcalcification. A simple postprocessing procedure is applied to the results to check for clusters of microcalcifications. The neural network method is compared to the K-nearest neighbor method. The artificial neural network (ANN) used for pattern classification is called cascade correlation (CC). The true positive detection rate of the CC ANN for individual microcalcifications is 73% and 92% for nonmicrocalcifications. >
Bargaining Power as Threat of Impasse

This brief essay, written for a symposium on The Emerging Interdisciplinary Cannon of Negotiation, argues that bargaining power stems entirely from the negotiator's ability to, explicitly or implicitly, make a single threat credibly: "I will walk away from the negotiating table without agreeing to a deal if you do not give me what I demand." The source of the ability to make such a threat, and, therefore, the source of bargaining power, is the ability to project that he has a desirable alternative to reaching an agreement, often referred to as a "BATNA." The essay elaborates on this claim.
DIAGNOSIS OF IMPAIRED FETAL GROWTH IN NEWBORN INFANTS

Measurements of crown-heel length, head circumference, and birth weight were made on a large number of newborn infants. Birth weight by itself was frequently not a valid measure of fetal growth impairment. By including measurements of body length and head size along with birth weight, four distinct patterns of fetal growth impairment were identified. The four patterns included infants who had abnormally short body lengths for dates, infants who had evidence of disproportionate growth between body length and head circumference, infants who accumulated excessive amounts of soft-tissue mass, and infants who accumulated too little soft-tissue mass. Criteria for diagnosing each pattern were obtained prospectively and have been presented with allowances made for the effects of race, sex, fetal age, and parity on each pattern. The separate identification of the four patterns provided a more precise description of fetal growth impairment than could be obtained from birth weight and calculated gestational age.
Intake of whole grains, refined grains, and cereal fiber measured with 7-d diet records and associations with risk factors for chronic disease

Background: Research studies examining foods are important, because they account for biological interactions that might otherwise be lost in the analysis of individual nutrients. Single-nutrient studies are also needed to explore the mechanisms by which foods may be protective. Objective: Our objective was to examine associations between whole grains, refined grains, and cereal fiber and chronic disease risk factors. Design: In a cross-sectional analysis of participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, associations between dietary intakes and risk factors were examined with multivariate linear regression analysis. Dietary intakes were assessed with 7-d dietary records and quantified in g/d. Results: Compared with subjects in the lowest quintile (Q1) of whole-grain intake, subjects in the highest quintile (Q5) had lower body mass index (BMI; in kg/m 2 ; Ql: 25.5; Q5: 24.8; P for trend <0.0001) and weight (Q1:75.0 kg; Q5:72.4 kg; P for trend = 0.004) and smaller waist circumference (Ql: 87.4 cm; Q5: 85.0 cm; P for trend = 0.002). Whole grains were also inversely associated with total cholesterol (P for trend = 0.02), LDL cholesterol (P for trend = 0.04), and 2-h glucose (P for trend = 0.0006). Associations between cereal fiber and anthropometrics and plasma lipids were similar. In subgroup analyses, refined grains were positively associated with fasting insulin among women (P for trend = 0.002). Conclusions: Similar associations of whole grains and cereal fiber with weight, BMI, waist circumference, plasma cholesterol, and 2-h glucose were observed, suggesting that cereal fiber and its constituents may in part mediate these relations. Refined grains were associated with fasting insulin among women but not men. Additional research should explore potential interaction effects with BMI, sex, age, and genes.
MRI: advances in the structural, molecular identification, and characterization of atherosclerotic plaques

Non-invasive, high-resolution magnetic resonance has the potential to image atherosclerotic plaque and to determine its composition and micro-anatomy. We summarize the rationale for plaque imaging, and describe the characteristics of plaque using existing MRI techniques. The use of MRI in human disease and in animal models, particularly rabbits and mice, is presented. Current and future applications of MRI, including new contrast agents and molecular imaging are also discussed.
Raman Scattering and Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering in K Cl 1 − x Br x

The Raman spectra of the mixed halide $\mathrm{K}{\mathrm{Cl}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Br}}_{x}$ were studied as a function of concentration. First-order Raman-active phonons of ${A}_{1g}$ symmetry were observed at approximately 120 and 145 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ at $xl0.3$. Above this concentration, the 120-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ mode disappeared, leaving the higher-frequency band only in the first-order spectrum. This band was found to shift linearly with concentration and the extrapolation of the straight-line fit intersects the pure-crystal axes at values close to that of the pure-crystal $\mathrm{TO}(X)$ phonon. At the KBr end of the concentration range, the first-order spectrum resembles the pure-crystal density of states. The first-order spectra of the ${T}_{2g}$ symmetry were also studied. These reflect the pure-crystal density of states at both ends of the concentration range. The crystals were also investigated by small-angle x-ray scattering for evidence of clustering. No clusters smaller than ${(30)}^{3}$ unit cells were found. Because of the comparable intensities of the first- and second-order spectra, it was not possible to arrive at perfectly conclusive results.
Decomposing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related effects in response speed and variability.

Objective Slow and variable reaction times (RTs) on fast tasks are such a prominent feature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that any theory must account for them. However, this has proven difficult because the cognitive mechanisms responsible for this effect remain unexplained. Although speed and variability are typically correlated, it is unclear whether single or multiple mechanisms are responsible for group differences in each. RTs are a result of several semi-independent processes, including stimulus encoding, rate of information processing, speed-accuracy trade-offs, and motor response, which have not been previously well characterized. Method A diffusion model was applied to RTs from a forced-choice RT paradigm in two large, independent case-control samples (NCohort 1 = 214 and NCohort 2 = 172). The decomposition measured three validated parameters that account for the full RT distribution and assessed reproducibility of ADHD effects. Results In both samples, group differences in traditional RT variables were explained by slow information processing speed, and unrelated to speed-accuracy trade-offs or nondecisional processes (e.g., encoding, motor response). Conclusions RT speed and variability in ADHD may be explained by a single information processing parameter, potentially simplifying explanations that assume different mechanisms are required to account for group differences in the mean and variability of RTs.
Deformation textures in Fe3Al alloys: An assessment of dominant slip system activity in the 900–1325 K temperature range of hot working

A combination of numerical and experimental methodologies have been employed to study deformation textures in Fe{sub 3}Al alloys produced entirely by crystallographic shears on the {l_brace}110{r_brace} + {l_brace}112{r_brace}, {l_brace}011{r_brace} and {l_brace}001{r_brace} slip systems, respectively. Numerical simulations indicate that both {l_brace}110{r_brace} + {l_brace}112{r_brace} and {l_brace}011{r_brace} slip systems produce a reasonably strong texture, while {l_brace}001{r_brace} induces no texture over the initial random configuration. Experimental texture measurements on samples deformed at deformation rates of 10{sup {minus}3}--10{sup 1} s{sup {minus}1} by forging, rolling and extrusion in the 925--1325 K temperature range, of the B2 structure regime, agree well with the predicted textures for the {l_brace}110{r_brace} + {l_brace}112{r_brace} slip system activation. These results appear to be in disagreement with prior transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations that support the activation of {l_brace}011{r_brace} and {l_brace}001{r_brace} slip systems. Possible sources of discrepancies are elucidated. Finally, the loss of ductility in fully recrystallized microstructures is explained by textural reorganizations that are likely to impose larger normal stresses on the dominant {l_brace}100{r_brace} fracture planes.
MDMA exposure alters cognitive and electrophysiological sensitivity to rapid tryptophan depletion in rhesus monkeys

Abstract Repeated treatment with (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces lasting depletions in serotonin (5-HT) markers in the brains of New and Old World monkeys. We have previously shown that macaques treated with MDMA (4 days, 10 mg/kg im, b.i.d.), exhibit an immediate, ∼50% reduction of the 5-HT metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and 76–93% reductions in neocortical 5-HT content postmortem, but no lasting behavioral deficits under unchallenged conditions. Those monkeys were, however, more behaviorally sensitive to challenge with the 5-HT2C agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP ) 1 year after the MDMA regimen. A rapid tryptophan-depletion protocol was employed to determine further if these MDMA-exposed monkeys are more behaviorally and electrophysiologically sensitive to perturbation of 5-HT neurotransmission. Acute intragastric administration of a tryptophan-deficient (TRYP−) mixture of amino acids resulted in significant reductions in CSF 5-HIAA in both MDMA-exposed and control monkeys. The TRYP− mixture also reduced the brainstem auditory-evoked potential (BSAEP) P4 latency in MDMA-exposed monkeys, similar to an effect observed for 13 weeks post-MDMA. Spatial working memory performance was improved by the TRYP− mixture in the control group, but not the MDMA-exposed monkeys. Other behavioral capabilities [visual recognition memory, reaction time (RT), reinforcer efficacy and fine motor control] were not significantly affected by the TRYP− mixture in either group of monkeys. Thus, underlying alterations in brain function resulting from prior exposure to MDMA, that were not observed under normal conditions, may be revealed following perturbation of 5-HT signaling. The BSAEP response and spatial working memory appear particularly sensitive to lasting functional differences associated with MDMA exposure.
VariableG and the strong equivalence principle

A possible time variability ofG, implying a violation of the strong equivalence principle, was first proposed by P. A. M. Dirac in 1937. Since such a feature cannot be accommodated within either Newton’s or Einstein’s theories, a new theoretical framework is needed. In this paper we review one such possible scheme, the scale covariant theory, within which the consequences of a variableG on geophysics, astrophysics, and cosmology can be treated consistently. The global verdict is thatG may have varied by as much as a factor of 25 since the time of nucleosynthesis, without any disagreement emerging in any case. In spite of this result, we are not entitled to conclude from our analysis that a variableG has been shown to exist or that it is needed, but only that its variation iscompatible with known data. The proof thatG varies can in fact only come from direct observations. However, since the previous analyses had concluded that aG(t) would entail severe discrepancies with known data, the reversal of the verdict is believed to be significant, since it may hopefully spur new observational interest in this basic problem.