cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Techniques For Assessment Of Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) Radiometric Models For Synthetic Scene Generation

The quality of radiometric models for generation of synthetic scenes is difficult to evaluate because of the cost and complexity of experimental data collection. In addition, the number of variables to be controlled or monitored is prohibitive. This paper suggests the use of a cold hohlraum and calibrated LWIR imaging systems as a method for testing certain components of radiometric models. The model tested includes self-radiance from the source, reflected background radiance, specularly reflected sky radiance, diffuse sky radiance, diffuse and hemispheric angular emissivity, atmospheric transmission, path radiance, sensor spectral response functions, sensor instantaneous field-of-view, and various types of sensor noise. The laboratory measurements are able to evaluate those aspects of the radiometric synthetic imaging model used in generation of the radiance field toward the sensor as a function of view angle. The final modeled image can be compared to the laboratory observed radiance field propagated to the sensor. This method allows for evaluation of the model's ability to effectively account for changes in emissivity with look angle, the effects of changing "sky temperature," changing emissivity of background surfaces (e.g. water roughness in naval scenes), and the interplay of target and backgrounds in the formation of infrared "halos." Both image comparisons for phenomenological assessment and quantitative radiometric comparisons are included in the discussion.
Cloning and sequencing of the granulin gene from the Trichoplusia ni granulosis virus.

Abstract A restriction fragment containing the granulin gene from the Trichoplusia ni granulosis virus was located in a blot of viral genomic DNA using a cloned polyhedrin gene as a probe. This fragment was cloned, mapped, subcloned, and the sequence of the coding region and 5′ and 3′ flanking regions was determined. Although granulin is very similar in size to nuclear polyhedrosis virus polyhedrins, the N-terminal region of granulin demonstrated a high degree of variability with the first 60 amino acids only 28% homologous to the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) polyhedrin sequence. Between amino acid 60 and the carboxyterminus at amino acid 248, the sequence was very similar (64%) to polyhedrin sequences. Overall the nucleotide and amino acid sequences were 58 and 53%, respectively, related to those of AcMNPV. No introns were evident in the gene.
Sample size requirements for increasing the precision of reliability estimates: problems and proposed solutions.

(1999). Sample Size Requirements for Increasing the Precision of Reliability Estimates: Problems and Proposed Solutions. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology: Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 567-570.
Abstract A12: Combined EZH2 and PI3K inhibition as a novel therapy for treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-dermatological malignancy in North American men. Presently, preventative testing and castration therapies are the only measures that effectively decrease mortality. However, these therapies are not effective in the case of the advanced disease, for which there is still no cure. As such, there is an unmet medical need to develop more effective therapies for castration-resistant, metastatic tumors. Surprisingly, there are but a few things known about the signals that drive and maintain advanced disease. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is frequently deregulated in human malignancies and is activated in a majority of advanced stage carcinomas of the prostate. More recently, a member of PRC2 complex, EZH2, has been reported to be a marker and driver of late stage disease. Based on this knowledge about the key disregulated signaling pathways in prostate cancer, we decided to explore them as potential therapeutic avenues. We found that both genetic and biochemical inhibition of EZH2 results in reduced proliferation and transformation in soft agar. Similarly, treating cells with a PI3K specific inhibitor, GDC- 0941 produces only a cytostatic effect, an observation that is supported by a body of literature suggesting that GDC-0941 is ineffective as a mono-therapy drug. To this end we decided to explore the combination of both EZH2 and PI3K inhibitors and have found that simultaneous suppression of these two important oncogenic signals, kills androgen-dependent (AD) and independent (AI) prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Knock-down of another member of PRC2 complex, SUZ12, phenocopies this cytotoxicity when combined with PI3K inhibitor, suggesting that EZH2 role is PRC2-dependent. These preliminary data suggest specific cooperation of EZH2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in assuring cell survival and maintenance of tumorigenicity in prostate cancer cells. Currently we are exploring the potential downstream effectors that could be responsible for the synergy that we observe upon combination treatment. Citation Format: Miriam Enos. Combined EZH2 and PI3K inhibition as a novel therapy for treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A12.
Role of glutamate 144 and glutamate 164 in the catalytic mechanism of enoyl-CoA hydratase.

The role of two glutamate residues (E164 and E144) in the active site of enoyl-CoA hydratase has been probed by site-directed mutagenesis. The catalytic activity of the E164Q and E144Q mutants has been determined using 3‘-dephosphocrotonyl-CoA. Removal of the 3‘-phosphate group reduces the affinity of the substrate for the enzyme, thereby facilitating the determination of Km and simplifying the analysis of the enzymes' pH dependence. kcat for the hydration of 3‘-dephosphocrotonyl-CoA is reduced 7700-fold for the E144Q mutant and 630000-fold for the E164Q mutant, while Km is unaffected. These results indicate that both glutamate residues play crucial roles in the hydration chemistry catalyzed by the enzyme. Previously, we reported that, in contrast to the wild-type enzyme, the E164Q mutant was unable to exchange the α-proton of butyryl-CoA with D2O [D‘Ordine, R. L., Bahnson, B. J., Tonge, P. J., and Anderson, V. E. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 14733−14742]. Here we demonstrate that E144Q is also unable to catal...
Trench isolation prospects for application in CMOS VLSI

This paper reviews recent progress made and problems encountered in the development of deep trench isolation for CMOS integrated circuits, the advantages and disadvantages of this technique relative to more conventional planar isolation technology are discussed, with consideration given to manufacturability, latch-up suppression, and parasitic sidewall channel formation. It is concluded that the near term (next 3 to 5 years) is unlikely to see widespread use of trench isolation in CMOS, while longer term use will be primarily for niche (cost-insensitive) applications.
A model reduction approach for the variational estimation of vascular compliance by solving an inverse fluid–structure interaction problem

Scientific computing has progressively become an important tool for research in cardiovascular diseases. The role of quantitative analyses based on numerical simulations has moved from ‘proofs of concept’ to patient-specific investigations, thanks to a strong integration between imaging and computational tools. However, beyond individual geometries, numerical models require the knowledge of parameters that are barely retrieved from measurements, especially in vivo. For this reason, recently cardiovascular mathematics considered data assimilation procedures for extracting the knowledge of patient-specific parameters from measures and images. In this paper, we consider specifically the quantification of vascular compliance, i.e. the parameter quantifying the tendency of arterial walls to deform under blood stress. Following up a previous paper, where a variational data assimilation procedure was proposed, based on solving an inverse fluid–structure interaction problem, here we consider model reduction techniques based on a proper orthogonal decomposition approach to accomplish the solution of the inverse problem in a computationally efficient way.
Semi-finished thermoplastic composites-realising their potential

Thermoplastic composites are second-generation polymer composites. Their late appearance, at the end of the 1970s, can be blamed on their high melt viscosities, which created an impregnation problem for the early developers. Although thermoset composites were by then well established, the new materials were felt to have great commercial potential, which should lead in the long run to their domination of the polymer composite market. Foremost among their attractions was their suitability for use as semi-finished materials (SFM). These expectations have turned out to be wildly optimistic. Insufficient attention, during the 1980s, to the processing technology necessary for such volume production, resulted in a wholesale withdrawal of the major material suppliers from the market in the economic downturn of the early 1990s. In 2000, ThermoformNet, an EPSRC funded network, was set up in response to renewed interest in the materials. Since considerable emphasis has been given to the issue of SFMs, in the course of the network activities, this paper reviews the subject from an historical perspective before taking stock of the technology and outlining likely future developments. Particular attention is given to sheet materials.
Authenticity, Multiculturalism and the Jewish Question

Dans le cadre d'une analyse sur Sartre, l'A. tente de savoir dans quelle mesure les Juifs peuvent, comme le preconise Sartre, vivre leur etre-juif de maniere authentique. Leur identite est essentiellement etre-pour-autrui (autrui qui definit et delimite par difference cette identite). Cette etude semble contredire la theorie sartrienne de l'authenticite
Neural regeneration in the chick retina.

In warm-blooded vertebrates, possibilities for retinal regeneration have recently become reality with the discovery of neural stem cells in the mature eye. A number of different cellular sources of neural stem cells have been identified. These sources include stem cells at the retinal margin, pigmented cells in the ciliary body and iris, non-pigmented cells in the ciliary body and Muller glia within the retina. This review focuses on recent reports of neural stem cells and regeneration in the postnatal chicken retina. In the chicken eye sources of neurogensis and regeneration include: (1) retinal stem cells at the peripheral edge of the retina; (2) Muller glia in central regions of the retina; (3) non-pigmented epithelial cells in the posterior portion of the ciliary body; and (4) possibly pigmented cells in the pars plana of the ciliary body. This review discusses the similarities between the retinal progenitor cells in the postnatal eye and those found in the embryo. In addition, I discuss combinations of growth factors, (insulin, IGF-I, EGF and FGF2) that are capable of stimulating the proliferation and production of neurons from neural progenitors, non-neural epithelial cells, and postmitotic support cells in the avian eye. In summary, the mechanisms that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of cells with neurogenic potential are beginning to be understood and the postnatal chicken eye has proven to be a useful model system to study retinal regeneration.
Choosing category size in a stage projection matrix

A basic problem associated with choosing category size in a stage projection matrix is described. “Errors of estimation” are large if the category size is chosen too small and “errors of distribution” are large if the category size is chosen too large. An approximate technique of balancing these two error types is suggested as a solution to this dilemma.
Representing a Cascade of Complex Gaussian AR Models by a Single Laplace AR Model

In this letter, we consider the problem of modeling a system consisting of two cascaded subsystems, each of which represented by a second-order complex Gaussian autoregressive (AR) process, by a single AR process. Such combined representation of cascaded systems has a potential of simplifying the simulations of the cascaded processes and easing the complexity of estimating the model parameters. When deriving the combined model, we use the fact that the marginal probability density functions (pdfs) of the real and imaginary parts of the combined process are Laplace pdfs. This fact enables us to represent the combined process with a complex Laplace AR process whose parameters are selected to capture the statistical characteristics of the combined processes. Specifically, we design the Laplace AR process to attain identical statistical temporal variation to that of the combined process using autocorrelation matching. Our derivations provide details on how to compute the parameters of the complex Laplace AR process to meet the statistical characteristics of the combined processes.
Breaking the lock: Addressing ‘disproportionate minority confinement’ in the United States using a human rights approach:

• Summary: Injustice, oppression, and inequality affect human experience in all contexts. This article describes the problem of ‘disproportionate minority confinement’ in the United States juvenile...
Propagation of Silencing: Recruitment and Repression of Naive Chromatin In trans by Polycomb Repressed Chromatin

The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins maintain stable and heritable repression of homeotic genes. Typically, Polycomb response elements (PRE) that direct PcG repression are located at great distances (10s of kb) from the promoters of PcG-repressed genes, and it is not known how these PREs can communicate with promoters over such distances. Using Class II mouse PRC core complexes (mPCCs) assembled from recombinant subunits, we investigated how PcG complexes might bridge distant chromosomal regions. Like native and recombinant Drosophila Class II complexes, mPCC represses chromatin remodeling and transcription. Interestingly, mPCC bound to one polynucleosome template can recruit a second template from solution and renders it refractory to transcription and chromatin remodeling. A Drosophila PRC core complex (dPCC) also is able to recruit a second template. Posterior sex combs (PSC), a subunit of dPCC, inhibits chromatin remodeling and transcription efficiently but requires assembly with dRING1 to recruit chromatin. Thus, repression and template bridging require different subunits of PcG complexes, suggesting that long-range effects may be mechanistically distinct from repression.
Elastomeric diffraction gratings as photothermal detectors

A photothermal detector consisting of a relief grating on the surface of an elastomer was fabricated and characterized. The detector has a sensitivity of the order of microwatts per square millimeter and has rise and fall times of the order of tens of seconds. Numerical and analytical modeling account for the behavior of the detector.
Paucity of HIV DNA Methylation in Latently Infected, Resting CD4+ T Cells from Infected Individuals Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

Maintenance of HIV latency in vitro has been linked to methylation of HIV DNA. However, examinations of the degree of methylation of HIV DNA in the latently infected, resting CD4(+) T cells of infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy have been limited. Here, we show that methylation of the HIV 5' long terminal repeat (LTR) in the latent viral reservoir of HIV-infected aviremic individuals receiving therapy is rare, suggesting that other mechanisms are likely involved in the persistence of viral latency.
Assessing the performance of interdependent infrastructures and optimizing investments

Our nation's security as well as the quality of life of its citizenry depends on the continuous reliable operation of a collection of complicated interdependent infrastructures including transportation, electric power, oil, gas, telecommunications and emergency services. A disruption in one infrastructure can quickly and significantly impact another, causing ripples across the nation. Our infrastructures are increasingly reliant on new information technologies and the Internet to operate, often being connected to one another via electronic, informational links. While these technologies allow for enormous gains in efficiency, they also create new vulnerabilities. The focus of this paper is the development of a unifying mathematical framework to represent these "megainfrastructures" and a collection of algorithms that can be used to estimate performance and optimize investment. We include a small computational example that focuses on the delivery of gas and electric services, including the underlying SCADA system that supports the gas network, to illustrate the operation of the algorithms.
A murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody thatbinds specifically to outer surface protein A of Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi

A murine monoclonal antibody, designated MA-2G9, directed against outer surface protein A (OspA) of the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, has been produced. Antibody MA-2G9, IgG1 subclass, was purified by affinity chromatography on protein G Sepharose column and used for purification of OspA antigen from Borrelia burgdorferi cell lysate. Epitope specificity was studied by Western immunoblotting, using several strains of B. burgdorferi and non-Lyme disease bacteria such as Treponema pallidum and B. hermsii. The MA-2G9 monoclonal antibody reacted specifically with recombinant OspA aas well as with native OspA in sonicated B. burgdorferi strains. No reaction was observed with T. pallidum, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and B. hermsii lysates. The MA-2G9 antibody also recognized the denatured form of OspA indicating that it is directed against sequential epitope and not conformational epitope.
Some statistical properties of alpha-trimmed mean and standard type M filters

The statistical properties of two classes of filters generalizing the median filter are considered. The two classes are the alpha-trimmed mean ( alpha -TM) filter and the standard type M(STM) filter, both of which are special cases of the L filter. Results are developed to quantify the white-noise suppression and edge-preservation characteristics of the filters by considering their output sequence error statistics. It is shown that the alpha -TM and STM filters perform better than the running mean and median filters in white noise suppression, while they can be designed to be comparable to the median filter in edge preservation in the presence of noise. >
Family Perspectives of Components of a Diabetes Transition Program

Purpose To evaluate the perspectives of adolescent/parent dyads about a diabetes program on: (1) perception of knowledge, self-efficacy, importance of transition behaviors and ability to self-manage diabetes, (2) the congruency of knowledge and skills important for transition, (3) program specifics families determined helpful for transition, and (4) the relationship of adolescents' self-efficacy to self-management behaviors (SMB) and Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C). Methods The individual and family self-management theory guided this prospective cross-sectional study. Sample included 45 dyads from a pediatric diabetes program. Dyads independently completed questionnaires related to knowledge, self-efficacy, the importance of specific diabetes knowledge and skills, and behaviors helpful for self-management and transition readiness. Analysis included frequencies, correlations, Cronbach's alpha, and paired t-tests. Results Knowledge was high and self-efficacy even higher in the dyads. However, they did not agree on behaviors important for transition such as, knowing what the HbA1C should be, accurately counting carbohydrates, how to check ketones, how alcohol and drugs affect diabetes, or consistent documentation of blood sugar, carbohydrates and insulin doses. Adolescents indicated talking with providers and program materials as helpful, but attending regular visits and talking with parents as most helpful for transition. Adolescent and parent assessment of adolescent self-efficacy and self-management behaviors were strongly correlated. Family dyad's perceptions of adolescent self-efficacy were similar but not related to HbA1C. Conclusion A diabetes transition program has the opportunity to impact an adolescent's ability to self-manage their chronic illness by increasing self-efficacy and recognizing the strengths of the parent, adolescent and provider in the transition process.
The Science of ‘Man-Eating*’ Among Lions Panthera leo With a Reconstruction of the Natural History of the ‘Man-Eaters of Tsavo’

ABSTRACT The story of the ‘Man-eaters of Tsavo’ has been retold through script, cinema, and oral tradition in the 100+ years since their infamous ‘reign of terror’. Despite their predictably broad popular appeal, the details pertaining to the natural history of these lions Panthera leo have never been reviewed. The skulls and skins of these lions have resided at the Field Museum of Natural History (Chicago) for over 75 years. An analysis of the skull of the primary culprit displays a traumatic injury that may have limited his predatory ability in subduing ‘normal’ prey. A sample of hairs, reflecting the diet of both man-eaters, is preserved in the broken and exposed cavities of their canines. Various additional circumstances likely contributed to their man-eating habit. The Tsavo incident closely followed the debut of rinderpest on the continent, which devastated cattle and buffalo, the primary prey of the Tsavo lion. The Tsavo ‘nyika’ consists of a dense thorn scrub thicket limiting visibility and passag...
Solubility of HFC‐134a refrigerant in glycol‐type compounds: Effects of glycol structure

Environmental concerns have dictated the replacement of CFC-12 refrigerant with HFC-134a in automotive air-conditioning (A/C) systems. Since polyglycols are synthetic compounds compatible with HFC-134a and considered as lubricants for the A/C compressor, interations of HFC-134a with glycol-type compounds and thermodynamic properties of the solutions are important in designing an A/C system. In this work, the solubility of HFC-134a in four glycol-type compounds was measured at −5 to 80°C and 90 to 960 kPa. HFC-134a had the greatest solubility in tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether. HFC-134a was less soluble in hexylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol and least soluble in triethylene glycol. Mixtures of HFC-134a with TRIG or TGDE showed phase separation. Solubility data were used to calculate the activity coefficient of HFC-134a in glycol solutions. An equation of the form, lnγr = (1 − xr)[A + Bxr], was found to correlate γr to the mole fraction of HFC-134a in the solution where A and B are constants which may depend on the temperature. Based on a model assuming a specific interaction between molecules and using the activity of HFC-134a, a higher degree of interaction is expected between HFC-134a and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether molecules than between the molecules of HFC-134a and other glycols. In general, glycols with free -OH groups may have less affinity for HFC-134a. Solubility is discussed in terms of its parameters and chemical structure of the glycols, as well as the effect of temperature on the solubility, the activity coefficient, and the thermodynamic properties of the HFC-134a/glycol solutions.
Rapid down-regulation of GABAA receptors in the gerbil hippocampus following transient cerebral ischemia.

During transient cerebral ischemia, there is a temporary and robust accumulation of extracellular GABA in the hippocampus. We examined whether the acute exposure of GABA A / benzodiazepine receptors to high concentrations of GABA early after ischemia results in receptor down-regulation as observed in vitro. Gerbils were killed 30 and 60 min following a 5-min bilateral carotid occlusion, and their brains were prepared for receptor autoradiography. The hydrophilic GABA A receptor antagonist [ 3 H]SR-95531 and the hydrophobic benzodiazepine agonist [ 3 H]flunitrazepam were used to distinguish between cell surface and internalized receptors. Ischemia significantly decreased [ 3 H]SR-95531 binding in hippocampal areas CA1 and CA3 and in the dentate gyrus 30 min after ischemia. Scatchard analysis in area CA1 revealed that ischemia decreased the B max as low as 44%. The affinity of the remaining sites was increased substantially (72% decrease in K D ). As expected, there were no changes in the binding of [ 3 H]flunitrazepam to hippocampus in the early postischemic period because the benzodiazepine could bind to both internalized receptors and those on the cell surface. We hypothesize that prolonged exposure (∼30-45 min) of GABA A receptors to high concentrations of synaptic GABA in vivo causes receptor down-regulation, perhaps via receptor internalization.
Phentolamine and the action of somatostatin in man.

Absract The inhibition by somatostatin (SRIF) of basal and arginine-stimulated glucagon, insulin, and glucose levels was compared with that obtained when SRIF was preceded by aadrenergic blockade with phentolamine. No noteworthy differences were observed, except that the characteristic rebound of insulin upon discontinuation of SRIF was significantly lower with phentolamine (P < 0.01). These results indicate that inhibition of basal and argininestimulated glucagon and insulin secretion by SRIF in man is not mediated through activation by a-adrenergic receptors.
Doxycycline administration improves fascial interface in hernia repair.

Abstract Background Despite improvements in ventral hernia repair techniques, their recurrence rates are unacceptably high. Increased levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and reduced collagen-1 to -3 ratios are implicated in incisional hernia formation. We have recently shown doxycycline treatment for 4 wk after hernia repair reduced MMP levels, significantly increased collagen-1 to -3 ratios, and increased tensile strength of repaired interface fascia. However, this increase was not statistically significant. In this study, we extended treatment duration to determine whether this would impact the tensile strength of the repaired interface fascia. Materials and methods Thirty-two male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent incision hernia creation and subsequent repair with polypropylene mesh. The animals received either saline (n = 16) or doxycycline (n = 16) beginning from 1 day before hernia repair until the end of survival time of 6 wk (n = 16) or 12 wk (n = 16). Tissue samples were investigated for MMPs and collagen subtypes using Western blot procedures, and tensiometric analysis was performed. Results At both 6 and 12 wk after hernia repair, the tensiometric strength of doxycycline-treated mesh to fascia interface (MFI) tissue showed a statistically significant increase when compared with untreated control MFI. In both groups, collagen-1, -2, and -3 ratios were remarkably increased in doxycycline-treated MFI. At 6 wk, the doxycycline-treated MFI group showed a significant decrease in MMP-2, an increase in MMP-3, and no change in MMP-9. At 12 wk, MMP-9 showed a remarkable reduction, whereas MMP-2 and -3 protein levels increased in the doxycycline-treated MFI group. Conclusions Doxycycline administration results in significantly improved strength of repaired fascial interface tissue along with a remarkable increase in collagen-1, -2, and -3 ratios.
The flux of oxygen from the basal surface of gibbsite (α-Al(OH) 3 ) at equilibrium

Abstract Experiments were conducted on gibbsite to determine whether oxygen-isotope exchange rates at hydroxyl bridges (μ 2 -OH) on the basal sheet exhibit similar reactivity trends as in large aluminum polyoxocations, for which high-quality kinetic data exist. We followed the exchange of 18 O from the mineral surface to solution by using a high-surface-area solid that had been enriched to tens of percent in 18 O. To establish this high enrichment, we initially react the solid hydrothermally with highly enriched H 2 18 O in order to tag all oxygens near the mineral surface, and then back exchange the most reactive oxygens with isotopically normal water. This enrichment procedure isolates 18 O into the least-reactive sites, which are presumably μ 2 -OH on the basal surface. By analogy with aqueous aluminum complexes, including large multimers, the η-OH 2 sites exchange within fractions of a second and should be isotopically normal using this procedure. When suspended in isotopically normal electrolyte solutions, we find that the rates of release of 18 O from the mineral fall close to the rates of dissolution. The lack of steady isotopic exchange of μ 2 -OH on gibbsite surfaces contrasts with the aluminum polyoxocations, where the μ 2 -OH exchange many hundreds of times with bulk water molecules before the molecule dissociates. Additional experiments were conducted in solutions at near-neutral pH to determine the flux of oxygens at conditions near thermodynamic equilibrium. As in more acidic solutions, rates are close to values expected from dissolution of the mineral and there is no evidence for steady exchange of hydroxyl bridges with water molecules in the bulk solution.
MOSFET scalability limits and "new frontier" devices

Silicon-based MOSFETs are scalable to gate-lengths around 10 nm but will fall well short of commensurate performance enhancement. High mobility materials and device structures that eliminate the use of doping for electrostatic control will have to be incorporated in future CMOS technologies, along with very low contact resistance processes. New frontier FETs incorporating entirely new transport principles show promise but are still far from practical implementation.
Scalable and Numerically Stable Descriptive Statistics in SystemML

With the exponential growth in the amount of data that is being generated in recent years, there is a pressing need for applying machine learning algorithms to large data sets. SystemML is a framework that employs a declarative approach for large scale data analytics. In SystemML, machine learning algorithms are expressed as scripts in a high-level language, called DML, which is syntactically similar to R. DML scripts are compiled, optimized, and executed in the SystemML runtime that is built on top of MapReduce. As the basis of virtually every quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics provide powerful tools to explore data in SystemML. In this paper, we describe our experience in implementing descriptive statistics in SystemML. In particular, we elaborate on how to overcome the two major challenges: (1) achieving numerical stability while operating on large data sets in a distributed setting of MapReduce, and (2) designing scalable algorithms to compute order statistics in MapReduce. By empirically comparing to algorithms commonly used in existing tools and systems, we demonstrate the numerical accuracy achieved by SystemML. We also highlight the valuable lessons we have learned in this exercise.
Overuse injuries in pediatric athletes

Children can be seemingly invincible, with inexhaustible energy. Even the elite young athlete, however, may lack the experience to realize when his or her level of activity is increasing the risk of sustaining injuries related to overuse. Coaches, trainers, parents, and physicians need to monitor the activities of young athletes, modify factors that may place them at increased risk of injury, and enforce periods of "relative rest" when necessary. Factors that can increase the risk of overuse injuries can be identified and modified if possible. Environmental factors include the use of sport-specific equipment (ie, running shoes instead of cleats for running activities) and properly sized equipment. Children of the same age will be of different sizes; "one size fits all" is not a good enough policy in this diverse population. Training factors include magnitude, frequency, and intensity. Children should be asked if they are participating in more than one team or sport simultaneously. Also, because the child's interest may exceed his or her skill level, young athletes optimally should be taught sport-specific skills to prevent injuries related to improper biomechanics. Finally, anatomic factors should be assessed, including alignment, laxity, flexibility, and muscle balance. These factors cannot always be changed, but coaches can modify training regimens and suggest strength and flexibility training to counteract specific weaknesses. Young athletes have a long future of activity ahead of them. Even if they never reach the Olympics or compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the injuries that occur in young athletes can have significant repercussions long after they leave the competitive arena.
A new constrained optimization approach for the design of robust feedback systems

A constrained optimization approach to the design of optimal compensators for general MIMO (multi-input, multi-output) nonlinear feedback control systems is presented. The general framework for nonlinear closed-loop feedback systems is described in a Banach space setting in the time domain. Several typical optimal feedback design problems are formulated, and existence and uniqueness theorems are established. A numerical algorithm is given. >
A Photocross-linking Fluorescent Indicator of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential'

Ionic dyes that distribute across membranes according to electrical potential have proven valuable as fluorescent indicators of mitochondrial energetics in living cells. Applications have been limited, however, as potential-dependent staining is lost during cell fixation. We have produced a membrane potential indicator whose potential-dependent distribution can be made permanent, to enable correlation of membrane potential with cytochemical information from immunofluorescence. A carbocyanine dye was derivatized with a photoreactive nitrophenylazide moiety so that irradiation would induce nonspecific, covalent attachment to nearby molecules. Photo-induced cross-linking was observed in paper chromatography, when irradiation caused immobilization of the dye. The new dye, named PhoCy (photofixable cyanine), showed specific staining of mitochondria in living Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts. When living cells were stained, irradiated, and fixed with formaldehyde, mitochondrial staining was retained owing to cross-linking with mitochondrial components. Omission of irradiation eliminated mitochondrial staining in fixed cells. Labeling, irradiation, and fixation procedures were optimized to produce bright specific staining with minimal background. The indicator's sensitivity to mitochondrial potential was demonstrated by treating cells with 2,4-dinitrophenol, an uncoupler of mitochondrial electron transport, which decreased mitochondrial staining in living cells and in the corresponding fixed specimens.
Adult Hypertension and Kidney Disease. The Role of Fetal Programming

Hypertension (HTN) and chronic kidney disease are highly prevalent diseases that tend to occur more frequently among disadvantaged populations, in whom prenatal care also tends to be poor. More and more evidence is emerging highlighting the important role of fetal programming in the development of adult disease, suggesting a possible common pathophysiologic denominator in the development of these disorders. Epidemiologic evidence accumulated over the past 2 decades has demonstrated an association between low birth weight and subsequent adult HTN, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. More recently, a similar association has been found with chronic kidney disease. Animal studies and indirect evidence from human studies support the hypothesis that low birth weight, as a marker of adverse intrauterine circumstances, is associated with a congenital deficit in nephron number. The precise mechanism of the reduction in nephron number has not been established, but several hypotheses have been put forward, including changes in DNA methylation, increased apoptosis in the developing kidney, alterations in renal renin-angiotensin system activity, and increased fetal glucocorticoid exposure. A reduction in nephron number is associated with compensatory glomerular hypertrophy and an increased susceptibility to renal disease progression. HTN in low birth weight individuals also appears to be mediated in part through a reduction in nephron number. Increased awareness of the implications of low birth weight and inadequate prenatal care should lead to public health policies that may have long-term benefits in curbing the epidemics of HTN, diabetes, and kidney disease in generations to come.
HAART toxicity masquerading as a surgical abdomen

Introduction Intussusception is a rare disease in adults and poses a challenge to identify and manage. In adults, surgical resection is the preferred treatment since half are due to malignancy. This case reveals an association between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and intussusception.
Basic Concepts in Prevention

Prevention is a multidisciplinary science that draws upon basic and applied research from at least 15 major disciplines: education, psychology, medicine, nursing, public health, sociology, political science, business, communications, law, criminal justice, social work, health education, engineering, and economics. In addition, some of the specialty areas of these disciplines that have made important contributions to prevention are early childhood education, community psychology, community nursing, pediatrics, epidemiology, social marketing, policy analysis, and community organization and development.
The Inconsistent Curriculum Cultural Tool Kits and Student Interpretations of Ambiguous Expectations

This paper argues that inequalities can be more clearly understood by combining tool kit theories of culture that stress convergence between institutional expectations and individual behavior with ...
Studies in Sympatheticomimicity, III: Physiological Effects of More Non-amino Catechol Derivatives.

ConclusionTen lion-aniine catechol derivatives cause a rise in the blood pressure of the intact cat. Acetylation of catecfiol and the alpha (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethanone derivatives does not destroy the vasopressor ability. The physiological effects of these drugs on other organs and the effects on the blood pressure of the pithed, decerebratecl and tleiiiedullated cat are now being studied and will be reported in the near tuture.
Geographical Variation in Pachybrachis othonus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with Descriptions of a New Subspecies

Three subspecies of Pachybrachis othonus (Say) are recognized in North America, viz. P. o. othonus, P. o. pallidipennis Suffrian, and P. o. sioux, n. subsp. P. o. othonus is an eastern form extending west to about the 100th meridian. P. o. sioux occurs mainly in the drysubhumid climatic zone, which commences in the East near the eastern edge of the mixed grass prairie; it also occurs in the Rocky Mountains. P. o. pallidipennis occurs in the semiarid and arid climatic zones. Six characters were evaluated to determine a character index. The character index of the South Dakota specimens correlates well with rainfall isohyets when compared by a regression analysis. P. autolycus Fall and P. nigricornis (Say), 2 species previously confused with P. o. sioux, are shown to be distinct.
Incomplete antigenic cross-reactivity between platelets and megakaryocytes: relevance to ITP.

Immune thrombocytopenias are usually associated with normal or increased numbers of megakaryocytes in the marrow. Therefore, the mechanism(s) responsible for the destruction of circulating platelets may not affect mega-karyocytes in the same way. One of the possibilities which could account for the differential effect on the cells would be the development of antibodies to components of platelet membranes which are not exposed on the surface of all megakaryocytes. To investigate this possibility, a rabbit antiserum specific for mouse platelets was tested against fresh and cultured mouse megakaryocytes by indirect immunofluorescence. This antiserum cross-reacted with 46% of fresh murine megakaryocytes and 54% of cultured megakaryocytes. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed the reacting megakaryocytes to be fully granulated with irregular contours and in the process of releasing platelets. Nonreactive megakaryocytes demonstrated smooth con- tours and lacked morphological evidence of thrombocytopoiesis. Electron microscopy showed that only in megakaryocytes (MK) with an irregular contour had the demarcation membrane system (DMS) reached continuity with the plasma membrane. Ultrastructural analysis of megakaryocytes from patients with ITP showed -25% to 50% of megakaryocytes without evidence of injury, whereas 50% to 75% had extensive damage. In undamaged cells, platelet territories had not yet reached the peripheral zone. The DMS of damaged megakaryocytes opened to the exterior elaborating platelets. The observations suggested that some platelet antibodies react only with megakaryo-cytes which have reached the stage of thrombocytopoiesis. Relevant target antigens may not be exposed on all mega-karyocytes before cytoplasmic fragmentation occurs. © 1986 by Grune & Stratton, Inc.
CURRENT ASPECTS OF ADJUVANT THERAPY OF EARLY STAGE OVARIAN CANCER

Early ovarian cancer, stages I and II, is a rare presentation of epithelial ovarian cancer for which adjuvant therapy may have some efficacy. More than two decades of studies are reviewed and conclusions offered. Additionally, important issues for the future therapy of this disease are presented.
Placental transfer of dexamethasone in near-term sheep

The placental transfer of 3H-dexamethasone was studied in six near-term sheep. The placental clearance of 3H-dexamethasone was 18.8 +/- 3.5 ml/min per kg of fetal weight. The clearance of dexamethasone by the fetal tissues was 9.3 +/- w.5 ml/min per kg. The maximum placental clearance was 285 +/- 24 ml/min and the degree of diffusion limitation to the placental transfer of dexamethasone was 78 +/- 4%. The placental transfer of dexamethasone is therefore limited primarily by the nature of the placental barrier.
Deer herbivory reduces web-building spider abundance by simplifying forest vegetation structure

Indirect ecological effects are a common feature of ecological systems, arising when one species affects interactions among two or more other species. We examined how browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) indirectly affected the abundance and composition of a web-building spider guild through their effects on the structure of the ground and shrub layers of northern hardwood forests. We examined paired plots consisting of deer-free and control plots in the Allegheny Plateau region Pennsylvania and Northern Highlands region of Wisconsin. We recorded the abundance of seven types of webs, each corresponding to a family of web-building spiders. We quantified vegetation structure and habitat suitability for the spiders by computing a web scaffold availability index (WSAI) at 0.5 m and 1.0 m above the ground. At Northern Highlands sites, we recorded prey availability. Spider webs were twice as abundant in deer-free plots compared to control plots, while WSAI was 7-12 times greater in deerfree plots. Prey availability was lower in deer-free plots. With the exception of funnel web-builders, all spider web types were significantly more abundant in deer-free plots. Both deer exclusion and the geographic region of plots were significant predictors of spider community structure. In closed canopy forests with high browsing pressure, the low density of tree saplings and shrubs provides few locations for web-building spiders to anchor webs. Recruitment of these spiders may become coupled with forest disturbance events that increase tree and shrub recruitment. By modifying habitat structure, deer appear to indirectly modify arthropod food web interactions. As deer populations have increased in eastern North America over the past several decades, the effects of deer on web-building spiders may be widespread.
Update on Human Rhinovirus and Coronavirus Infections.

Human rhinovirus (HRV) and coronavirus (HCoV) infections are associated with both upper respiratory tract illness (“the common cold”) and lower respiratory tract illness (pneumonia). New species of HRVs and HCoVs have been diagnosed in the past decade. More sensitive diagnostic tests such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction have expanded our understanding of the role these viruses play in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts. Recent identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome viruses causing serious respiratory illnesses has led to renewed efforts for vaccine development. The role these viruses play in patients with chronic lung disease such as asthma makes the search for antiviral agents of increased importance.
A MUSIC BOOK FOR MARY TUDOR, QUEEN OF FRANCE

Frank Dobbins in memoriam In 1976 Louise Litterick proposed that Cambridge, Magdalene College, Pepys Library MS 1760 was originally prepared for Louis XII and Anne of Brittany of France but was gifted to Henry VIII of England in 1509. That the manuscript actually was prepared as a wedding gift from Louis to his third wife Mary Tudor in 1514, however, is indicated by its decorative and textual imagery, which mirrors the decoration of a book of hours given by Louis to Mary and the textual imagery used in her four royal entries. Analysis of the manuscript’s tabula and texts suggests that MS 1760 was planned by Louis’s chapelmaster Hilaire Bernonneau (d. 1524) at the king’s behest. The new theory elucidates the content and significance of Gascongne’s twelve-voice canon Ista est speciosa, which appeared beneath an original portrait of Mary Tudor and was intended to mirror the perfection of the Blessed Virgin and her ‘godchild’ Mary.
Adaptive neural network controller for an upper extremity neuroprosthesis

The long term goal of this project is to develop an adaptive neural network controller for an upper extremity neuroprosthesis targeted for people with C5/C6 spinal cord injury (SCI). The challenge is to determine how to simultaneously stimulate different paralyzed muscles based on the EMG activity of muscles under retained voluntary control. The controller extracts the movement intention from the recorded EMG signals and generates the appropriate stimulation levels to activate the paralyzed muscles. To test the feasibility of this controller, different arm movements were recorded from able bodied subjects. Using a musculoskeletal model of the arm, inverse simulations provided muscle activation patterns corresponding to these movements. The model was modified to reflect C5/C6 SCI and the optimization criteria were varied to reflect different nervous system motor control strategies. Activation patterns were then used to train a time-delayed neural network to predict paralyzed muscle activations from voluntary muscle activations. Forward simulations were performed to obtain predicted movements and use the kinematic errors to design an adaptive strategy to account for disturbances and changes in the system.
On the structural properties of some discrete time adaptive control systems

This paper develops some of the basic properties of a particular type of adaptive control process. Because of the ambiguity which surrounds the adjective "adaptive", the essential property which characterizes this class of adaptive control problems is considered in detail. The usual type of performance criterion does not provide a satisfactory ordering of the control policies in these problems. Three approaches are introduced which avoid this difficulty, and their relative merits are studied.