cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid neural network classifiers for automatic target detection

: We describe a one-class classification approach to an automatic target detection problem, which involves distinguishing targets from clutter in diverse environments. We use only target statistics to construct the classifier. The classifier combines conventional and neural network methods. The classifier is a Parzen estimator, which requires storage and recall of all training points. To reduce the size of the training set, we apply two neural network learning algorithms: (1) we use a backpropagation network to approximate the Parzen estimator; (2) we apply the infomax learning principle to compress the size of the training set before constructing the Parzen estimator. We find that the results obtained with the infomax scheme approach those obtained with Parzen alone and are better than those obtained with backpropagation.
Radical cystectomy in the octogenarian.

AbstractPurpose: We evaluated the morbidity and outcome of cystectomy and urinary diversion in patients 80 years old or older with invasive bladder cancer.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients older than 80 years who underwent cystectomy during the last 15 years. Of 1,186 cystectomies 44 patients (4%) were identified. Patients were evaluated for complications, mortality and functional status after surgery.Results: The 44 patients had a median age of 81 years (range 80 to 87). Of the patients 78% had significant co-morbidity, including 41% with 2 or more medical problems. Median hospital stay was 14 days, with 20% of the patients requiring intensive care for 24 hours. There was a 51% complication rate including 25% due to surgical complications and 26% from underlying medical illness. Operative mortality was 4.5%. Within 6 months of surgery 66% were rehospitalized for medical or surgical reasons. Median survival time was 25 months. Median performance status before and after surgery...
Networking strategies for entrepreneurs: balancing cohesion and diversity

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how cohesive/diverse networks affect entrepreneurial activities. In particular, an interest is shown in how cohesion and diversity may affect entrepreneurial outcomes like survival, profitability, innovation and efficiency.Design/methodology/approach – The paper organizes the literature and presents conclusions about the effects of cohesion and diversity using three stages of entrepreneurial activity: opportunity development, technology and organizational creation, and exchange.Findings – At the opportunity stage, strong ties with entrepreneurs increase the likelihood of becoming one, but are associated with lower levels of innovation. Diverse ties increase self‐efficacy and innovation. At the technology and organizational creation stage, most entrepreneurial teams are homogeneous whereas team diversity is associated with better organizational outcomes. Using strong ties to recruit potential employees provides price and commitment advantages, but may inter...
Heating efficiencies in the thermosphere of venus reconsidered

Heating efficiencies less than 10 percent are required by recent models of the low neutral temperatures in the daytime thermosphere of Venus. It is considered here whether such values are justifiable from a molecular point of view. The primary uncertainty in a calculation of the heating efficiency is the fraction of energy, f sub v, that appears as vibrational excitation of product molecules in quenching, photodissociation, and exothermic chemical reactions. The current state of knowledge of energy partitioning in chemical reactions is discussed and a range of likely values for f sub v is deduced. The calculated heating efficiencies fall in the range 16-25 percent over the altitude range from 115 to 200 km. It is suggested that the heating efficiency should not be taken as a free parameter and that the cold Venus thermosphere has not yet been satisfactorily explained.
Localization of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-P2 Important in Exocytosis and a Quantitative Analysis of Chromaffin Granule Motion Adjacent to the Plasma Membrane

: A slow ATP-dependent priming step precedes a rapid, Ca2+-dependent triggering step in exocytosis in chromaffin cells and in most, if not all, differentiated secretory cells. A major component of ATP-dependent secretion in permeabilized cells reflects the maintenance of the polyphosphoinositides, especially PtdIns-4,5-P2. Here we summarize recent experiments with PH-GFP (binds to PtdIns-4,5-P2) that indicate that PtdIns-4,5-P2 is localized primarily on the plasma membrane in chromaffin cells, and that it is this pool that plays a role in exocytosis. It is demonstrated that transiently expressed PH-GFP inhibits secretion in subsequently permeabilized cells. Recent studies using total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy (TIRFM) to measure chromaffin granule motion adjacent to the plasma membrane are also summarized. The quantitative analysis indicates that chromaffin granule motion is highly restricted and suggests that chromaffin granules are caged or tethered immediately adjacent to the plasma membrane.
Chemotherapy for suspected hepatoblastoma without efforts at surgical resection is a bad practice.

Background. US and European practices differ with respect to treating hepatoblastoma (HB). Should chemotherapy be given prior to resection in all cases, and even without biopsy confirmation (SIOPEL)? Procedure and Results. US data indicate that 40% of HBs are primarily resectable with no operative mortality and that those with pure fetal histology and low mitotic rate do not require toxic chemotherapy. They also suggest that those with a significant fraction of small undifferentiated cells do not respond to otherwise effective chemotherapy. Both US and European studies report a significant error rate in the clinical and imaging diagnosis of HB. Conclusions. Although only 6.5% of confirmed HBs fall into categories that would be managed differently by US standards, there is no justification for denying those patients a more appropriate treatment nor should the 6-10% of cases that are misdiagnosed as HB be treated incorrectly.
Towards a personal mainframe

Abstract Aspects of computing in a mainframe environment are discussed with reference to the SLAC installation. Personal computers have revolutionised users' expectations, yet the centralised mainframe continues to offer indispensible advantages. Many of the components of a user-friendly environment can now be identified, but much work remains to be done in order to integrate them satisfactorily.
Spontaneous circling behavior and dopamine neuron loss in a genetically hypothyroid mouse.

Abstract The genetically hypothyroid mouse, Tshrhyt, has a single point mutation resulting in a defective thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, and therefore a non-functional thyroid gland. This is an autosomal recessive disorder and affected mice have been reported to have a number of somatic and behavioral deficits. This study reports a pronounced, spontaneous, asymmetrical circling behavior in the Tshrhyt mouse. The spontaneous circling behavior appeared in about 25% of the homozygous animals, in both males and females. The circling usually appeared by postnatal day 35 and continued throughout the lifespan of the animal. The circling was in one direction only, either clockwise or counterclockwise, with the directional preference being almost absolute. A stereological analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra and adjacent ventral tegmental area of circling homozygous mice, non-circling homozygous mice and heterozygous mice revealed that the circlers had significantly fewer (40% reduction) midbrain dopamine neurons than those animals that did not circle. There was not an association between the direction of the circling and an asymmetry in the number of dopamine neurons in the midbrains of these mice. There was no difference in the number of dopamine neurons in the midbrain of the homozygous non-circlers and the heterozygous mice. These studies indicate that about 25% of genetically hypothyroid mice demonstrated a spontaneous, perseverative, unilateral circling behavior that was associated with a significant reduction in the number of their midbrain dopamine neurons. Thus congenitally hypothyroid mice are at risk for a reduction in the number of nigral dopamine neurons and an associated repetitive movement disorder.
Clay-Ironstone Concretion Preserving Fabrics Due to Progressive Compaction

Fabrics arising from preferred orientation of clay minerals are presented in a sequence of samples taken from the center of a diagenetic siderite concretion into the enclosing shale sediment. Compactional histories, as deduced directly from estimated porosity values before cementation with siderite, and as deduced from the rotation of mineral flakes to produce the observed fabric, confirm each other. It is concluded that the particular carbonate concretion studied started to grow within the pore space of a flocculated clay sediment soon after deposition. An early period of rapid growth is distinguished from a second, protracted phase which extended effectively until the sediment achieved its present degree of compaction.
Sex differences in behavior ratings: Male and female teachers rate male and female pupils

Male and female primary school teachers rated their male and female pupils using a 16-item classroom behavior rating scale (Modified AML). Male pupils were generally rated more poorly than femal pupils by both male and female teachers. Male teachers rated both male and female pupils more conservatively than did female teachers on the separate factors of the AML scale. There was no difference in ratings by male and femal teachers of the overall adjustment of pupils, where the extreme scale point called for a professional decision as to whether the child should be referred to child guidance services. The findings have methodological implications for epidemiological studies, and for longitudinal studies. The findings fail to support the view that male pupils have more difficulty in school because they are taught by female teachers.
Functional MRI and Outcome in Traumatic Coma

Advances in task-based functional MRI (fMRI), resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), and arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion MRI have occurred at a rapid pace in recent years. These techniques for measuring brain function have great potential to improve the accuracy of prognostication for civilian and military patients with traumatic coma. In addition, fMRI, rs-fMRI, and ASL perfusion MRI have provided novel insights into the pathophysiology of traumatic disorders of consciousness, as well as the mechanisms of recovery from coma. However, functional neuroimaging techniques have yet to achieve widespread clinical use as prognostic tests for patients with traumatic coma. Rather, a broad spectrum of methodological hurdles currently limits the feasibility of clinical implementation. In this review, we discuss the basic principles of fMRI, rs-fMRI, and ASL perfusion MRI and their potential applications as prognostic tools for patients with traumatic coma. We also discuss future strategies for overcoming the current barriers to clinical implementation.
The Early History of Epidural Anesthesia

Leonard Corning first conceived the concept of injecting an anesthetic solution into the epidural space in the mid-1880s. In his classic paper, "Spinal Anesthesia and Local Medication of the Cord," published in 188 5 in the New York Medical Journal, he described a "new and novel" way to pro ­ duce an "artificial, temporary, and local­ ized anesthesia of the lower limbs".l He theorized that the mode of action was ab­ sorption of an anesthetic drug (cocaine) into the venous system of the epidural space and then into the spinal cord where it would have its action. Corning's initial experiments favored deposition of an an­ esthetic agent into the epidural space, rather than into the subarachnoid space, because of previous problems with the sys­ temic toxicity of strychnine when it was placed into the subarachnoid space. He reasoned that direct deposition of a local anesthetic into the subarachnoid space would result in similar systemic toxicity. He also recognized the possibility of physi­ cally damaging the spinal cord if he at­ tempted to inject a medication into the subarachnoid space, with a needle, with­ out direct visualization. After injection of cocaine between the "dorsal spinous processes" in two subjects, first a dog and then a man, he tested for anesthesia with use of an electric current on the lower extremities. He described the "lack of sensibility," which developed over 5-16 minutes, and the subsequent regres­ sion of this anesthesia over a period oHour to eight hours. Corning performed these injections without knowing the exact ana­ tomic position of his needle. Because he didn't mention cerebrospinal fluid aspira­ tion, and because the time course of the block was consistent with an epidural an­ esthetic, people have speculated that he performed an epidural rather than a spi­ nal anesthetic. Corning's work was successful at produc­ ing a novel means of regional anesthesia. He hypothesized that it would be useful in sur­ gery of the abdomen and pelvis. Interestingly, after his momentous initial start in epidural anesthesia, Corning abandoned further stud­ ies.
Conjugate functions and the bohr—pal theorem

Let f be a real, continuous function on the circle group T. Then there is a homeomorphism g of T onto itself such that the function conjugate to is continuous and of bounded variation on T. This is obtained as a consequence of an analogous result for the Hilbert transform.
Studies of low-frequency intermolecular hydrogen-bonded vibrations using a continuous supersonic slit jet mid-infrared quantum cascade laser spectrometer

Abstract Rovibrational manifolds in low frequency intermolecular vibrations of prototypical hydrogen-bonded interactions OC–HX (X = F, Cl, CN) are reported using a near infrared quantum cascade cw supersonic jet spectrometer. (i) OC–HCl is studied to evaluate future capabilities of the QCL spectrometer. (ii) Analysis of OC–HF demonstrates applicability to vibrations greater than 80 cm −1 above the ground state. ν 5 1 band origins in OC– 1 H 35 Cl and OC– 1 H 19 F are 48.9944(2) and 81.96825(12) cm −1 respectively. (iii) The corresponding intermolecular ν 7 1 band origin of OC–HCN is 34.63742(18) cm −1 and its corresponding rovibrational spectrum made available for attempted detection in interstellar space. Analysis of ν 2 , ν 2 + ν 7 1 - ν 7 1 , ν 2 + ν 7 1 , and ν 2 + ν 6 1 vibrations in OC–HCN also enables generation of its 5-dimensional semi-empirical intermolecular potential. Structural and other properties of OC–HCN are then compared with corresponding properties predicted using morphed potentials for the homologous series OC–HX (X = F, Cl, Br, I). These results permit investigation of blue shifts in OC vibrations for this homologous series.
Treefalls and the Coexistence of Conifers in Subalpine Forests of the Central Rockies

Differences in replacement patterns and frequencies of treefalls were investigated for subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and Englemann spruce (Picea engelmannii) in the Colorado Front Range. In seven old—growth unlogged stands, data were collected on age and size of trees, frequencies of fallen trees, growth rates of trees, and sizes and abundances of occupants of treefall gaps. Subalpine fir accounted for 74.5% of the potential successors in the 125 treefall gaps sampled. The much greater abundance of subcanopy trees of subalpine fir implies more frequent recruitment into the canopy. However, its greater recruitment rate into the canopy is approximately balanced by its greater loss from the canopy; even though subalpine fir accounted for only 37% of the canopy trees it accounted for 76% of the fallen trees. The consistently lower frequency of Engelmann spruce as treefalls and its great longevity compared to subalpine fir imply a lower adult mortality rate for the spruce. Consequently, the greater proportion of young subalpine fir does not imply that it will gradually replace Engelmann spruce in old—growth stands unaffected by large—scale exogenous disturbance. The results of this study provide empirical support for the coexistence of ecologically similar species by means of different life history strategies.
IMOMO(G2MS): A New High-Level G2-Like Method for Large Molecules and Its Applications to Diels−Alder Reactions

A new and less expensive G2-type approach, G2MS, which can be used for accurate energy prediction for up to seven to eight atoms has been proposed and tested against the standard G2 data set. The r...
Ready…Go: Amplitude of the fMRI Signal Encodes Expectation of Cue Arrival Time

What happens when the brain awaits a signal of uncertain arrival time, as when a sprinter waits for the starting pistol? And what happens just after the starting pistol fires? Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we have discovered a novel correlate of temporal expectations in several brain regions, most prominently in the supplementary motor area (SMA). Contrary to expectations, we found little fMRI activity during the waiting period; however, a large signal appears after the “go” signal, the amplitude of which reflects learned expectations about the distribution of possible waiting times. Specifically, the amplitude of the fMRI signal appears to encode a cumulative conditional probability, also known as the cumulative hazard function. The fMRI signal loses its dependence on waiting time in a “countdown” condition in which the arrival time of the go cue is known in advance, suggesting that the signal encodes temporal probabilities rather than simply elapsed time. The dependence of the signal on temporal expectation is present in “no-go” conditions, demonstrating that the effect is not a consequence of motor output. Finally, the encoding is not dependent on modality, operating in the same manner with auditory or visual signals. This finding extends our understanding of the relationship between temporal expectancy and measurable neural signals.
Coherent backscattering by two-sphere clusters.

Rigorous numerical solutions of Maxwell’s equations are used to show, for what is believed to be the first time, that simple scattering systems composed of two interacting wavelength-sized spheres exhibit a coherent backscattering effect analogous to that observed previously for optically thick discrete random media comprising large numbers of scatterers.
Self-duality for the Haagerup tensor product and Hilbert space factorizations

D. Blecher and V. Paulsen showed that the Haagerup tensor product V ⊗h W for operator spaces V and W preserves inclusions. It is proved to also preserve complete quotient maps, and to be self-dual in the sense that it induces the Haagerup norm on the algebraic tensor product V∗ ⊗ W∗. The full operator dual space (V ⊗h W)∗ is computed. It coincides with the natural operator space \gG2(V, W∗) of maps ϑ: V → W∗ which have completely bounded factorizations through Hilbert spaces (with vectors identified with row matrices). More generally, one has the natural complete isometry \gG2(V ⊗h W, X) ≊ \gG2(V, \gG2(W, X)). Given Hilbert spaces H and K with vectors regarded as column matrices, it is shown that one may identify the operator spaces B(H, K) and CB(H, K).
Some Molecular Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid Action

Glucocorticoids, in excess, profoundly affect the skeleton by increasing bone resorption, decreasing bone formation and altering intestinal absorption and renal excretion of mineral ions. The mechanisms underlying these actions are complex but many involve changes in expression of genes encoding critical proteins. Interaction of the glucocorticoid with its nuclear receptor results in the induction of either positive events (transactivation) by direct interaction with cis-acting sequences, or negative (transrepression) events by repression of gene transcription and/or alteration of mRNA half-lives. An example is the inhibition by glucocorticoids of collagenase synthesis. Induction of the collagenase (procollagenase) gene by inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1, can be inhibited by glucocorticoid transrepression. The glucocorticoid-receptor complex binds to a protein complex AP-1; consisting of the proteins c-JUN and c-FOS) and prevents this complex from inducing activation of the procollagenase gene. These observations may be applicable to the interpretation of other glucocorticoid actions and explain some of their adverse effects on the skeleton.
Graphical evidence: forensic animations and virtual reconstructions

Courtroom environments, which have been one of the last bastions of the oral tradition, are slowly morphing into cinematic display environments1. The persuasive oral rhetoric of lawyers is increasingly being replaced by compelling visual media displays presenting a range of digital evidence in a convincing and credible manner2. The digital age has brought a plethora of novel evidence forms, evidence detection methods, and new means of evidence presentation. In particular, three-dimensional reconstructions of evidence offer great potential in the field of forensic science, they can potentially help in the presentation of complex scientific, spatial and temporal data to a non-technical audience3. This paper outlines the forensic process in terms of the tasks and phases involved, specifically relating to the presentation of evidence represented in a digital media form. A range of examples of where evidence has been presented in courtrooms using digital media (particularly forensic animation and virtual recon...
DNA synthesis in the adult hair germ during dormancy (telogen) and activation (early anagen)

Abstract There is in general very little synthesis of DNA in the germ of the adult murine hair follicle during the main course of telogen. A small percentage of hair germ nuclei incorporate tritiated thymidine during the last third of telogen, and this percentage increases with the approach of Anagen I of the next hair generation. In anagen initiated experimentally by the plucking of telogen follicles, the incorporation of tritiated thymidine in hair germ nuclei begins about 12 hours after plucking, and rises sharply to a maximum at 30 hours after plucking. This curve is approximately 6 hours earlier in time than the curve for the occurrence of mitotic figures in hair germs after plucking, which was reported previously. Telogen germs as well as early anagen germs are differentiated into at least three kinds of cells, located in a specific position. During activation all cells increase markedly in size, and their membranes appear less coarse. They do not, however, lose their differentiated state, i.e., general shape and location, although differential staining is temporarily reduced.
Ekman Spiral in a Horizontally Inhomogeneous Ocean with Varying Eddy Viscosity

The classical Ekman spiral is generated by surface wind stress with constant eddy viscosity in a homogeneous ocean. In real oceans, the eddy viscosity varies due to turbulent mixing caused by surface wind and buoyancy forcing. Horizontally inhomogeneous density produces vertical geostrophic shear which contributes to current shear that also affects the Ekman spiral. Based on similar theoretical framework as the classical Ekman spiral, the baroclinic components of the Ekman spiral caused by the horizontally inhomogeneous density are obtained analytically with the varying eddy viscosity calculated from surface wind and buoyancy forcing using the K-profile parameterization (KPP). Along with the three existing types of eddy viscosity due to pure wind forcing (zero surface buoyancy flux), such an effect is evaluated using the climatological monthly mean data of surface wind stress, buoyancy flux, ocean temperature and salinity, and mixed layer depth.
Deformation of YBa2Cu4Ox

High-temperature, steady-state deformation studies of perovskite-structured high-temperature superconductors have yielded important information concerning diffusion of the slow-moving, rate-controlling cations. Understanding deformation can also be very important because, for example, sinter forging has proved to be an effective method of densification. Another application in which deformation could become important is in the powder-in-tube process in which the ceramic superconductor is inserted into a metallic tube and the whole assembly is mechanically worked. Investigations of deformation yield both fundamental and practical information. YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 4]O[sub x] (124) is a superconductor having a transition temperature of 80 K and is interesting in that it has an orthorhombic crystal structure similar to that of 123, but contains a double Cu-O layer as opposed to the single Cu-O chain in 123. On the other hand, the phase stability of 124 is more limited than 123. Hence, 124 has a narrower range of stoichiometry than 123. Very little is known about diffusion kinetics in 124, although tracer diffusion of [sup 18]O in 124 has recently been reported. The objective of this note is to report what the authors believe to be the first investigation of the steady-state deformation of polycrystalline 124. Emphasis will be placed onmore » the stress exponents and activation energies; these will be compared to those reported for 123.« less
"I felt more of a member of this class": increasing students' sense of community with video commenting

Public displays are typically situated in strategic places like town centers, and in salient positions on walls within buildings. However, currently most public displays are non-interactive and are typically used for information broadcasting (TV news, advertisements etc). People passing by pay little attention to them. As a consequence, public displays are under-utilized in the everyday world. We are investigating whether use of interactive public displays might increase people's interaction with one another, with a resulting increase in sense of community. In this paper we describe the design and first deployment experiences of a platform-independent, interactive video commenting system using a large public display in two sections of a large-enrollment university class. Our preliminary evaluation suggests that students enjoyed the activity of commenting, that they participated a great deal, and that their sense of community was greater after using the system. We discuss lessons we have learned from this initial experience, and describe further work we are planning using this and similar interactive activities.
Effect of growth hormone therapy on final versus predicted height in short twelve- to sixteen-year-old boys without growth hormone deficiency

Abstract The effect of growth hormone therapy on final height in 28 short boys without growth hormone deficiency was evaluated retrospectively. The boys had received growth hormone for at least 2 years and were close to final height when therapy was stopped. The mean estimated final height was very close to that predicted from the pretherapy bone age. The fact that bone age advanced a mean of 4.9 years during a mean of 3.5 years of therapy may account for the lack of effect on final height. (J P EDIATR 1995;126:478-80)
Joint recovery of sparse signals and parameter perturbations with parameterized measurement models

Many applications involve sparse signals with unknown, continuous parameters; a common example is a signal consisting of several sinusoids of unknown frequency. Applying compressed sensing techniques to these signals requires a highly oversampled dictionary for good approximation, but these dictionaries violate the RIP conditions and produce inconsistent results. We consider recovering both a sparse vector and parameter perturbations from an initial set of parameters. Joint recovery allows for accurate reconstructions without highly oversampled dictionaries. Our algorithm for sparse recovery solves a series of linearized subproblems. Recovery error for noiseless simulated measurements is near zero for coarse dictionaries, but increases with the oversampling. This technique is also used to reconstruct Radio Frequency data. The algorithm estimates sharp peaks and transmitter frequencies, demonstrating the potential practical use of the algorithm on real data.
Interaction of dislocations with incoherent interfaces in nanoscale FCC–BCC metallic bi-layers

Dislocation nucleation and propagation in a Cu–Nb bi-layer with an incoherent face-centered cubic (FCC)–body-centered cubic (BCC) interface are examined using atomistic simulations. The nanoindentation model is applied to generate dislocations at and near the surface in one of the layers and push them through the interface into the other layer. The reasons for high strength levels in multilayered metallic composites with incoherent interfaces are investigated. The interface acts as a very strong barrier to dislocation propagation. It is found that even under severe deformation at large indentation depths, no dislocations are transmitted across the interface from Cu into Nb. While dislocation transmission from Nb to Cu can be, in general, observed, it occurs under high loading forces. In both cases, the presence of the interface results in considerable strengthening of the bi-layer. Mechanisms of interactions between gliding dislocations and the incoherent interface have been studied in detail. In particular, interface shear at the interface under complex three-dimensional loading conditions is analyzed.
Synthesis and characterization of novel amphiphilic block copolymers di-, tri-, multi-, and star blocks of PEG and PIB

A simple but efficient strategy has been developed for the synthesis of novel di-, tri-, multi-, and star-block copolymers comprising poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polyisobutylene (PIB) blocks. The synthesis principle involves the coupling of appropriately terminally functionalized PEG and PIB sequences, specifically the hydrosilation of mono-, di-, and tetra-allyl-telechelic PEGs (PEG-allyl, allyl-PEG-allyl, and C(-PEG-allyl)4 by mono- and di-Si(CH3)2H telechelic PIBs (PIB-SiH and HiS-PIB-SiH). Representative block copolymers, for example, PEG-PIB, PIB-PEG-PIB, (-PIB-PEG-)n, and C(-PEG-PIB)4 have been assembled and their structures determined by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The bulk and surface morphology of select triblocks have been investigated by DSC and AFM and the findings interpreted in terms of phase-separated PEG and PIB microdomains. The swelling behavior in water of various block copolymers also has been studied. Block copolymers containing 50–70 wt % PIB produce hydrogels, the integrity of which is maintained by physical crosslinks by PIB segments. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 3200–3209, 2000
Optimal conditions for lentiviral transduction of engrafting human CD34 + cells

Cytokines are required for γ-retroviral transduction of human CD34+ cells. However, cytokines may reduce engraftment of CD34+ cells and may not be necessary for their lentiviral transduction. We sought to optimize transduction and engraftment of human CD34+ cells using lentiviral vectors. Single 24 h transduction of human CD34+ cells with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV1)-based lentiviral vectors in media containing stem cell factor (SCF), FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) ligand, thrombopoietin (each 100 ng ml−1) and 10% fetal bovine serum was compared with various cytokine conditions during ex vivo culture and assayed using humanized xenograft mice for 6 months after transplantation. Serum-free media improved transduction efficiency of human CD34+ cells. Interleukin-3 (20 ng ml−1) had little effect on transduction efficiency or engraftment. Threefold higher cytokine mixture (each 300 ng ml−1) reduced engraftment of CD34+ cells. SCF alone (100 ng ml−1) proved insufficient for maintaining engraftment ability and reduced transduction efficiency. Short-term prestimulation had little effect on transduction efficiency or engraftment, yet 24 h prestimulation showed higher transduction efficiency, higher gene expression levels and lower engraftment. In summary, 24 h prestimulation followed by single 24-h lentiviral transduction in serum-free media with SCF, FLT3 ligand and thrombopoietin yields high transduction efficiency to engrafting human CD34+ cells, and is applicable in human clinical gene therapy trials.
Some thoughts on the nature of economic imperialism

One should distinguish from the start between the economic interpretation of imperialism and economic imperialism. The one is an explanation, an essentially monistic explanation, of an historical phenomenon. The latter is an aspect of the phenomenon itself: if imperialism is the dominion of one group over another, economic imperialism is the establishment or exploitation of such dominion for continuing material advantage. The definition assumes that economic imperialism is more than simple, once-for-all pillage; rather that it tries to cultivate relationships that yield a recurrent harvest of profit, as the ground its corn. Moreover, it makes no distinction between dominion established for economic motives and dominion that, for whatever reasons established, is maintained and exploited primarily for material ends. Finally, it does not confine imperialism to cases of formal rule or protectorate, but includes that “informal” dominion that is often far more effective and lucrative than direct administration.
Applied behavior analysis and statistical process control

This paper examines Pfadt and Wheeler's (1995) suggestions that the methods of statistical process control (SPC) be incorporated into applied behavior analysis. The research strategies of SPC are examined and compared to those of applied behavior analysis. I argue that the statistical methods that are a part of SPC would likely reduce applied behavior analysts' intimate contacts with the problems with which they deal and would, therefore, likely yield poor treatment and research decisions. Examples of these kinds of results and decisions are drawn from the cases and data Pfadt and Wheeler present. This paper also describes and clarifies many common misconceptions about SPC, including W. Edwards Deming's involvement in its development, its relationship to total quality management, and its confusion with various other methods designed to detect sources of unwanted variability.
Shortest path planning in discretized workspaces using dominance relation

A method of partitioning a workspace using rectilinear visibility in 3-D or higher space is presented. Unlike the case of 2-D space where the shape of a partition is a rectangle, the shape of a partition in 3-D or higher space is arbitrary. The existence of dominance relations between the partitioned regions is proven. This relation is then utilized to efficiently solve the shortest path planning problem in 3-D or higher space. >
Gene transfer to induce insulin production for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Background: Gene transfer can induce insulin production from non-β-cells. Multiple gene transfer protocols have demonstrated efficacy correcting diabetes-associated hyperglycemia and growth abnormalities in vivo. Objectives: To review the literature reporting induction of insulin secretion from non-β-cells by gene transfer. Methods: Database search of literature in Ovid Medline. Results/conclusions: Gene transfer for the treatment of diabetes mellitus has advanced significantly, but remains premature for clinical translation. Approaches inducing metaplasia produce β-like-cells that normalize glycemia in diabetic rodents. Insulin gene transfer strategies provide somewhat inferior glycemic control, but avoid the overproduction of counter-regulatory hormones. Both approaches will require extensive investigations into their effects on host cells and tissues, and the efficacy of neither has been satisfactorily verified in a large animal model.
Effects of slip agent and talc surface-treatment on the scratch behavior of thermoplastic olefins

Four model TPO systems, with and without slip agent (erucamide) and talc fillers (surface-treated or untreated), were investigated using a newly developed linear load-increase scratch-test methodology. Our findings suggest that both the use of slip agent and surface-treatment of talc fillers can greatly reduce scratch visibility. FTIR spectra indicate that only surface-treated talc allows slip agent to freely migrate to the TPO surface to greatly reduce scratch visibility. The untreated talc appears to exhibit a possible physical or chemical interaction with the erucamide and to trap erucamide from escaping to the surface. The influence of talc fillers and erucamide on surface damage mechanisms has been determined. In particular, systems containing surface-treated talc and erucamide tend to exhibit prolonged ductile drawing and increase the load required to initiate scratch visibility. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:601–608, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Functional Evolution of the Trace Amine Associated Receptors in Mammals and the Loss of TAAR1 in Dogs

Background: The trace amine associated receptor family is a diverse array of GPCRs that arose before the first vertebrates walked on land. Trace amine associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a wide spectrum aminergic receptor that acts as a modulator in brain monoaminergic systems. Other trace amine associated receptors appear to relate to environmental perception and show a birth-and-death pattern in mammals similar to olfactory receptors. Results: Across mammals, avians, and amphibians, the TAAR1 gene is intact and appears to be under strong purifying selection based on rates of amino acid fixation compared to neutral mutations. We have found that in dogs it has become a pseudogene. Our analyses using a comparative genetics approach revealed that the pseudogenization event predated the emergence of the Canini tribe rather than being coincident with canine domestication. By assessing the effects of the TAAR1 agonist b-phenylethylamine on [ 3 H]dopamine uptake in canine striatal synaptosomes and comparing the degree and pattern of uptake inhibition to that seen in other mammals, including TAAR1 knockout mice, wild type mice and rhesus monkey, we found that the TAAR1 pseudogenization event resulted in an uncompensated loss of function. Conclusion: The gene family has seen expansions among certain mammals, notably rodents, and reductions in others, including primates. By placing the trace amine associated receptors in an evolutionary context we can better understand their function and their potential associations with behavior and neurological disease.
Magnetization transfer studies of the fast and slow tissue water diffusion components in the human brain.

Magnetization transfer (MT) properties of the fast and slow diffusion components recently observed in the human brain were assessed experimentally. One set of experiments, performed at 1.5 T in healthy volunteers, was designed to determine whether the amplitudes of fast and slow diffusion components, differentiated on the basis of biexponential fits to signal decays over a wide range of b-factors, demonstrated a different or similar magnetization transfer ratio (MTR). Another set of experiments, performed at 3 T in healthy volunteers, was designed to determine whether MTRs differed when measured from high signal-to-noise images acquired with b-factor weightings of 350 vs 3500 s/mm2. The 3 T studies included measurements of MTR as a function of off-resonance frequency for the MT pulse at both low and high b-factors. The primary conclusion drawn from all the studies is that there appears to be no significant difference between the magnetization transfer properties of the fast and slow tissue water diffusion components. The conclusions do not lend support to a direct interpretation of the ‘components’ of the biexponential diffusion decay in terms of the ‘compartments’ associated with intra- and extracellular water. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of radiographic and electronic working lengths

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of radiographic and electronic methods to determine reliably the location of the apical constriction. The working length of root canals in human cadaver teeth was determined by positioning an endodontic file at the apical termination point as indicated by an apex locator. These same teeth were radiographed at various angles with the file in place. The radiographs were evaluated by five examiners to determine a radiographic termination point for each canal. Teeth were extracted and examined histologically to determine the ideal termination point. The deviations of the two experimental termination points from the ideal termination point were compared. The mean of the absolute value of the deviations from the apical constriction for the apex locator was significantly less (p
Interferometric observations of Saturn and its rings at a wavelength of 3 3.71 cm

Interferometric observations of Saturn and its rings obtained at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory at a wavelength of 3.71 cm (8085 MHz) are presented. Models of the microwave brightness structure of the Saturn system are fit to the observations in order to estimate the brightness temperatures of the planet and its rings. The models allowed making estimates of the brightness temperatures and optical depths of the A, B, and C rings. The ring brightness temperatures and optical depths are compared with a physical ring model of isotropic scatterers in a layer which is many particles thick. The observations are consistent with particles that conservatively scatter the thermal emission from Saturn to the earth and emit no thermal radiation of their own. However, the particle single-scattering albedo that would be most consistent with the observations is slightly less than unity but probably greater than 0.95. There is evidence indicating that the ring particles must be at least a few centimeters in size.
The usefulness and cost of a shorter duration of fasting in workplace screening for glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome.

Abstract For worksite biometric screening, we shortened traditional fasting instructions to 4 h. The positive predictive value (PPV) of elevated capillary glucose test results (≥100 mg/dL) for predicting elevated values obtained on repeat testing after an 8 h fast was 57%, which rivals the PPV of an 8 h fasting glucose.
Three Logics of Instructional Leadership

Purpose: This study examines conceptions of instructional leadership in the institutional environment. We know that principals’ practices affect student learning and that principals are influenced ...
Model reduction by state truncation with applications to compensator reduction

In this paper, we consider the model reduction of stable transfer functions given by n(s) = C(s-A)-1B, C ? Rm×n, A ? Rn×n, B ? Rn×p and study the reduced order models obtained by truncating some states. For this class of models, we show that the reduced order model is stable if an auxiliary transfer function has a stable inverse. We introduce a subclass of such reductions called positive-real reduction which preserves stability and show that the balanced reduction [1, 2] is a special case of this. We also provide bounds on the error at each frequency. We apply the reduction procedure to the reduction of feedback controllers and show that the reduction is possible if the order of the controller exceeds that of the plant.
Aprotinin and antifibrinolytics in cardiopulmonary bypass bleeding

T HE PURPOSE of this report is to summarize the mechanism and causes of excessive blood loss following cardiac surgery; to review the clinical pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of antifibrinolytic agents; and to determine the role of antifibrinolytics in blood conservation with cardiac surgery. The antifibrinolytic agents discussed are aminocaproic acid (ACA; Amicar; Lederle, Wayne, NJ), tranexamic acid (TA; Cyklokapron; Pharmacia, Kalamazoo, MI), and aprotinin (APT; Trasylol; Miles, West Haven, CT). Cardiac surgery is one of the most common major operations, with approximately 300,000 procedures performed annually in the United States) Overall, mortality of patients undergoing cardiac surgery is less than 4%, while excessive bleeding complicates cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in another 3% to 5% of patients, z Abnormal bleeding has been defined by blood losses exceeding 400 mL in the first 4 hours postoperatively. 3 More than half of these patients bleed as a result of incomplete surgical hemostasis or CPBacquired hemostatic defects. 2 Management of these patients may be associated with the use of large amounts of blood products, which may strain existing blood supplies. Many hospitals dedicate more than one quarter of blood product use to cardiac surgery, z: Twenty-seven percent of all individuals with the human immunodeficiency virus (risk of 1:40,000 to 1:1,000,000) and 10% of patients with hepatitis C (risk greater than 1:100) were infected from transfusions received during cardiac surgery.a'2 Life-threatening complications of
A Profile of Middle-Aged and Older Adults Admitted to Nursing Homes: 2000–2008

Middle-aged adults are becoming an increasing share of the nursing home population. Minimum Data Set assessment data for 2000 and 2008 are used to explore similarities and differences in sociodemographic, residential, medical, and psychiatric characteristics of newly admitted middle-aged adults (31–64) compared to their older counterparts (65+). Relative to their share of the state population, Black middle-aged adults are overrepresented in nursing homes across 45 states and the District of Columbia. Chronic conditions, including diabetes, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and circulatory/heart disorders, appeared to contribute to the increasing presence of middle-aged adults. There were substantial increases in diagnoses of psychiatric disorders at admission; psychiatric diagnoses were significantly higher among middle-aged adults. Middle-aged adults were also more likely to have residential histories of prior stays in psychiatric facilities relative to older adults. States' r...
Optimal stabilization of families of linear stochastic differntial equations with jump corfficients and multiplicative noise

Stabilization of families of finite-dimensional linear systems by constant linear feedback is studied by introducing a sequence of finite horizon parameter optimization problems. If the set of stabilizing constant linear feedback controllers is not empty and a regularity condition holds, a subsequence of solutions to the optimization problems converges to a constant stabilizing controller.
Does Cognitive Impairment Influence Quality of Life Among Nursing Home Residents

Purpose: We investigated the relationship between cognitive status and quality of life (QOL) of Minnesota nursing home (NH) residents and the relationship between conventional or Alzheimer’s special care unit (SCU) placement and QOL. The study may inform development of dementia-specific quality measures. Design and Methods: Data for analyses came from face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of 13,130 Minnesota NH residents collected through the 2007 Minnesota NH Resident Quality of Life and Consumer Satisfaction survey. We examined 7 QOL domains: comfort, meaningful activities, privacy, environment, individuality, autonomy, relationships, and a positive mood scale. We applied multilevel models (resident and facility) to examine the relationship between the resident’s score on each QOL domain and the resident’s cognitive impairment (CI) level and SCU placement after controlling for covariates, such as activities of daily living dependency, pain, depression or psychiatric diagnosis, and length of stay. Results: Residents with more severe CI reported higher QOL in the domains of comfort and environment and lower QOL in activities, individuality, privacy and meaningful relationships, and the mood scale. Residents on SCU reported higher QOL in the meaningful activities, comfort, environment, and autonomy domains but had lower mood scores. Implications: Our findings point to QOL domains that show significant variation by CI and thus may be of greatest interest to consumers, providers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders committed to improving dementia care. Findings are particularly applicable to the development of NH quality indicators that more accurately represent the QOL of NH residents with CI.