cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug resistance in colon cancer

A significant obstacle for the successful management of patients with colorectal cancer is intrinsic drug resistance or, in patients who respond to chemotherapy, acquired drug resistance. Drug resistance can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including alterations in drug influx, drug efflux, intracellular metabolic activation, and intracellular catabolism, or through alterations in the drug's target. In addition, alterations in genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle or in DNA damage repair may result in a cell becoming resistant to chemotherapy. In this chapter, the mechanisms of action and the mechanisms of resistance to the fluoropyrimidines and raltitrexed (Tomudex; Zeneca Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, DE) are reviewed, focusing on newer studies using gastric and colorectal tumor samples obtained from patients. Clinical trials using this new information are anticipated.
The Milky Way: September – October

We now begin to look at those constellations that ride high in the sky for northern observers, but may be rather low, or even unobservable, for southern observers. In fact, several of the constellations are circumpolar for northern observers, meaning you could observe them on any night of the year, in theory. Of course, there will be times when they are very low in the sky, and so atmospheric extinction will hinder your view, but this means that you can observe parts of the Milky Way on any clear night of the entire year. Let’s begin looking at our collection of autumn Milky Way constellations (see Complete Star Chart 3.1).
External Iliac Occlusion Does Not Preclude Endovascular Management of Aortoiliac Disease-Technique and Evolution of Therapy.

Background Controversy remains over how to best manage chronic total occlusions of the aortoiliac (AI) system. Uncovered stents are the traditional choice but offer less durability in theory with the risk of stent ingrowth. External iliac artery (EIA) occlusions are challenging due to access difficulty. Methods We performed a retrospective study of patients who had undergone endovascular AI intervention between December, 2014 and March, 2017 for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus D lesions. The primary study end point was overall survival. Secondary end points included primary assisted or secondary patency and procedural complications. Results Twenty-one patients were identified in the 22-month period that underwent recanalization of at least 1 iliac segment, using Atrium iCAST in the aorta and common iliac segments and/or Viabahn stents in the external iliac arteries. Overall AI patency was 100% (mean 6.8 months). Six AI bifurcation advancements were performed (primary patency 100%, mean 8 months). Eight patients with EIA occlusion underwent total percutaneous revascularization (primary patency 88%, secondary patency 100% mean 6 months). Five outflow procedures were performed concurrent to the AI recanalization. Two patients (15.4%) died of cardiovascular events. No access site complications were observed in the cohort. Conclusions AI occlusive disease remains a surgical challenge. Although uncovered stents are a common therapy for revascularization of this vascular bed, our experience with balloon-expanding and self-expanding covered stents suggests they may be used to good effect with minimal complications in the intermediate term.
Using machine learning to identify health outcomes from electronic health record data

Electronic health records (EHRs) contain valuable data for identifying health outcomes, but these data also present numerous challenges when creating computable phenotyping algorithms. Machine learning methods could help with some of these challenges. In this review, we discuss four common scenarios that researchers may find helpful for thinking critically about when and for what tasks machine learning may be used to identify health outcomes from EHR data. We first consider the conditions in which machine learning may be especially useful with respect to two dimensions of a health outcome: (1) the characteristics of its diagnostic criteria and (2) the format in which its diagnostic data are usually stored within EHR systems. In the first dimension, we propose that for health outcomes with diagnostic criteria involving many clinical factors, vague definitions, or subjective interpretations, machine learning may be useful for modeling the complex diagnostic decision-making process from a vector of clinical inputs to identify individuals with the health outcome. In the second dimension, we propose that for health outcomes where diagnostic information is largely stored in unstructured formats such as free text or images, machine learning may be useful for extracting and structuring this information as part of a natural language processing system or an image recognition task. We then consider these two dimensions jointly to define four common scenarios of health outcomes. For each scenario, we discuss the potential uses for machine learning—first assuming accurate and complete EHR data and then relaxing these assumptions to accommodate the limitations of real-world EHR systems. We illustrate these four scenarios using concrete examples and describe how recent studies have used machine learning to identify these health outcomes from EHR data. Machine learning has great potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of health outcome identification from EHR systems, especially under certain conditions. To promote the use of machine learning in EHR-based phenotyping tasks, future work should prioritize efforts to increase the transportability of machine learning algorithms for use in multi-site settings.
Application of isoscapes to determine geographic origin of terrestrial wildlife for conservation and management

Abstract Accounting for migration and connectivity of mobile species across the annual cycle can present challenges for conservation and management efforts. The use of stable isotope approaches to examine the movements and ecology of wildlife has been widespread over the past two decades. Hydrogen stable isotope (δ2H) composition, in particular, has been frequently used to provide insight into the origin of migratory species, although isotopes of other elements are sometimes used. These intrinsic markers can yield valuable information about distributions of wildlife on a broad scale, with reduced labor and expense compared to tracking and telemetry. Many of the applications of isotopes to migratory species to date have addressed connectivity and origin, and studies in support of conservation biology are less common. In addition, there are few guides for how to best employ these methods for management. Therefore, we provide an overview for the wildlife conservation and management community on how stable isotope methods may be applied to conservation problems and a primer on the process for assigning geographic origins to terrestrial wildlife. We also discuss best practices for employing environmental isoscapes (isotopic distributions across landscapes), rescaling functions, and the assumptions required for assignment to origin while highlighting emerging issues in the modeling process. Finally, we provide example applications to illustrate these principles, and we explore strengths and limitations of this approach in a conservation context.
Aortic root replacement with stentless xenografts in patients with aortic stenosis

Abstract Objective Stentless bioprosthetic valves such as the Freestyle conduit have been widely used as an option for aortic root replacement in the setting of aortic root aneurysms with acceptable long-term outcomes. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the use of the Freestyle prosthesis in patients with aortic stenosis. Methods All patients with a primary diagnosis of severe aortic stenosis who underwent complete aortic root replacement with Freestyle conduits were included. Primary outcomes included survival and readmissions for heart failure. Secondary outcomes included immediate postoperative complications. Results In total, 2529 patients with severe aortic stenosis who needed an open aortic valve replacement with a biological prosthesis were operated on between 2011 and 2017. Of these, 294 patients underwent aortic root replacements using the Freestyle conduit with a primary diagnosis of native or prosthetic aortic stenosis. Eighty-four (28.6%) of the patients underwent reoperative sternotomy. The majority (53.7%) of the cohort were men. The mean age was 67.5 ± 13.0 years. Mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality when calculated with the assumption of aortic valve replacement ± coronary artery bypass grafting was 8.10% ± 10.8. The median follow-up time for the entire group was 2.7 years (interquartile range 0.9-4.5 years). Operative (30-day) mortality was 7.1% (n = 21). Kaplan–Meier mortality estimates at 1 and 5 years are 16.6% and 27.6%, respectively. Mean gradients were 7.15 ± 4.47 mm Hg at 1 month and 6.32 ± 4.76 mm Hg at 1 year. Readmissions for heart failure at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years were 5.6%, 11.8%, and 17.4%, respectively. Conclusions Aortic root replacement using Freestyle bioprostheses is a viable option for patients with severe aortic stenosis with low risk of hospital readmission for heart failure.
For Massachusetts Eye and Ear Special Issue: Updates on Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis for the Ophthalmologist.

ABSTRACTIn the past decade, the available disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis have broadened significantly, providing physicians and patients with multiple options with different mec...
Association Between Broadband Internet Availability and Telemedicine Use.

This population-based study examines the availability of broadband in local communities for telemedicine.
Just or bust? Energy justice and the impacts of siting solar pyrolysis biochar production facilities

Abstract Biochar has seen an explosion of research over the past decade as an environmentally sustainable material for enhancing agricultural yields, treating wastewater, and sequestering atmospheric carbon. In contrast, there is a lack of research into the social and economic sustainability of biochar. To address this gap, we propose environmental justice (EJ) indicators as a proxy for social and economic considerations when siting biochar production facilities. Specifically, we develop a siting index for a biochar pyrolysis facility using low-cost, carbon-neutral solar energy. This siting index provides a framework for analyzing potential facility locations based on both technical and environmental and energy justice considerations. Results indicate that EJ analyses may influence the planning processes for industrial facility siting and that incorporating EJ into siting decisions would represent a commitment to environmental sustainability as well as the social and economic conditions of communities.
Galvanic Corrosion of Ferritic Stainless Steels in Seawater

Galvanic behavior of stainless steels in seawater is difficult to predict because of their susceptibility to localized corrosion. This susceptibility can be either enhanced or eliminated depending on the particular galvanic couple. This paper deals with seawater corrosion of several ferritic stainless steels in galvanic couples. Methods of predicting their behavior are described based on electrochemical polarization measurements, various laboratory tests, and actual immersion in seawater. Results of electrochemical and laboratory tests are compared with those obtained in seawater. The validity of each of the test procedures is discussed with regard to alloy development and designing materials systems.
One-Year Mortality and Associated Factors in Patients Receiving Out-of-Hospital Naloxone for Presumed Opioid Overdose

Study objective Out-of-hospital naloxone has been championed as a lifesaving solution during the opioid epidemic. However, the long-term outcomes of out-of-hospital naloxone recipients are unknown. The objectives of this study are to describe the 1-year mortality of presumed opioid overdose victims identified by receiving out-of-hospital naloxone and to determine which patient factors are associated with subsequent mortality. Methods This was a regional retrospective cohort study of out-of-hospital records from 7 North Carolina counties from January 1, 2015 to February 28, 2017. Patients who received out-of-hospital naloxone were included. Out-of-hospital providers subjectively assessed patients for improvement after administering naloxone. Naloxone recipients were cross-referenced with the North Carolina death index to examine mortality at days 0, 1, 30, and 365. Naloxone recipient mortality was compared with the age-adjusted, at-large population’s mortality rate in 2017. Generalized estimating equations and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess for mortality-associated factors. Results Of 3,085 out-of-hospital naloxone encounters, 72.7% of patients (n=2,244) improved, whereas 27.3% (n=841) had no improvement with naloxone. At day 365, 12.0% (n=269) of the improved subgroup, 22.6% (n=190) of the no improvement subgroup, and 14.9% (n=459) of the whole population were dead. Naloxone recipients who improved were 13.2 times (95% confidence interval 13.0 to 13.3) more likely to be dead at 1 year than a member of the general populace after age adjusting of the at-large population to match this study population. Older age and being black were associated with 1-year mortality, whereas sex and multiple overdoses were not. Conclusion Opioid overdose identified by receiving out-of-hospital naloxone with clinical improvement carries a 13-fold increase in mortality compared to the general population. This suggests that this is a high-risk population that deserves attention from public health officials, policymakers, and health care providers in regard to the development of long-term solutions.
Kawasaki disease in Turkish children: a single center experience with emphasis on intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and giant coronary aneurysms.

Yilmazer MM, Ozdemir R, Mese T, Kucuk M, Oner T, Devrim I, Bayram N, Guven B, Tavli V. Kawasaki disease in Turkish children: a single center experience with emphasis on intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and giant coronary aneurysms. Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 648-656. Prompt diagnosis and the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has reduced the incidence of coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) in Kawasaki Disease (KD). The resistance to treatment and development of the coronary sequelae remain the most important problems in KD. We aimed to determine the predicting factors of nonresponse to initial IVIG therapy and to analyze the cases who had giant coronary aneurysms. A total of 120 KD cases, including 61 children fulfilling the criteria for KD and 59 with incomplete KD were enrolled into this study. Demographic, laboratory, clinical, echocardiographic characteristics, and treatment regimens were reviewed, retrospectively. The median age of the patients was 33.5 months (range: 3-168 months). Coronary artery aneurysms were detected in 35 patients (29%) at the time of diagnosis. Twenty-eight patients had coronary aneurysms small or medium in size, one had a large, and seven had giant coronary aneurysms. CAA persisted in 8 cases in the follow-up, all of which were large or giant aneurysms. A ten month-old girl with a giant coronary aneurysm was referred to coronary bypass surgery in the subacute phase of follow-up, due to myocardial ischemia. Eighteen patients were unresponsive to the initial IVIG therapy (%15), of whom 10 were diagnosed as cKD and 8 were iKD. Patients who did not respond to initial IVIG therapy, had higher white blood cell (WBC) count, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) and lower albumin levels than those who did (P < 0.05). In univarite analysis; CRP, WBC and albumin were found to be significant predictors of nonresponse to initial IVIG therapy, while a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that WBC count and albumin levels were significantly correlated with nonresponse to initial treatment with IVIG. Our study showed that WBC count and albumin levels might be used as predictors of nonresponse to the IVIG therapy in Turkish children with KD.
Masking the Detection of Taste Stimuli in Rats: NaCl and Sucrose

While psychophysical and neurophysiological assessments of taste sensitivity to single chemical compounds have revealed some fundamental properties of gustatory processing, taste stimuli are rarely ingested in isolation. Arguably, the gustatory system was adapted to identify and report the presence of numerous chemicals ingested concurrently. To begin systematically exploring the detectability of a target stimulus in a background in rodents, we used a gustometer to train rats in a 2-response operant task to detect either NaCl (n = 8) or sucrose (n = 8) dissolved in water, and then tested the sensitivity of rats to the trained NaCl stimulus dissolved in a sucrose masker (0.3, 0.6, or 1.0 M, tested consecutively) versus sucrose, or the trained sucrose stimulus dissolved in a NaCl masker (0.04, 0.2, or 0.4 M) versus NaCl. Detection thresholds (EC50 values) were determined for the target stimulus dissolved in each concentration of the masker. Except for 0.04 M NaCl, all masker concentrations tested increased the target stimulus EC50. Target stimulus detectability decreased systematically as masker concentrations increased. The shift in liminal sensitivity for either target was similar when the threshold for the masker was considered. At least for these prototypical stimuli, it appears that the attenuating impact of a masker on the detection of a target stimulus depends on sensitivity to the masking stimulus. Further study will be required to generalize these results and extend them to more complex maskers, and to discern neural circuits involved in the detection of specific taste signals in the context of noisy backgrounds.
CSF levels of myelin basic protein in pediatric patients with entriculoperitoneal shunt infection

Introduction Hydrocephalus is a common disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in the pediatric population. Surgical treatment options involve ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement. VPS infection is the most common complication of surgically treated hydrocephalus in pediatric patients [1, 2],which may lead to neuronal damage. Myelin basic protein (MBP) has been proposed as a marker of neuronal injury in a variety of contexts, and MBP levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be used to assess the severity of neuronal damage [1, 3, 4]. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the CSF level of myelin basic protein (MBP) in a group of pediatric patients with VPS infection. Material and methods Thirty CSF samples were collected from pediatric patients with VPS infection. CSF levels of MBP were measured at three time points, marked by contamination detection, obtention of the first sterile CSF culture, and VPS shunt implantation. The collected data were compared with those of the control group composed of children with active congenital hydrocephalus and valid CSF values. Results The MBP level in the study group was higher than the corresponding control values in the second and third measurements. The highest MBP level was reached in the study group in the second and third measurements. Conclusions The lack of normalization of MBP level in the CSF of children with shunt infection could be connected with ongoing brain damage. It takes longer than the normalization of CSF protein level and pleocytosis. The delay is associated with a prolonged reaction of the immunological system.
Maximum likelihood reconstructions for rotating scatter mask imaging

Abstract The rotating scatter mask system is capable of determining the direction of a single point gamma or neutron source. However, the point source approximation does not hold for many realistic applications, requiring more detailed reconstructions with this system. This study is the first to characterize the rotating scatter mask as a gamma imager, or camera, through a detailed analysis of the relative error, precision, noise, and convergence time as a measure of reconstruction performance. Simulated 137Cs sources and detector responses were generated in MCNP v6.1.4 and v6.2 with high fidelity and low statistical uncertainty. An analysis of variance was applied to maximum-likelihood expectation–maximization algorithms to determine the most significant factors in reconstructing the image, focusing on the source’s shape, size, and direction relative to the detector. Parameters for a Median Root Prior smoothing function were optimized to balance performance over a variety of source distributions. The algorithm performed reasonably well for point sources and for sources that spanned less than 30 ° in size and were located near the equatorial region of the rotating system. In most other scenarios, the algorithm either oversmoothed the image, resulting in blurry images, or completely failed to reconstruct the image. Increasing the resolution improved the reconstruction quality, while increasing the neighborhood size for the Median Root Prior reduced the image’s noise, but at a significant cost to computational efficiency. These results demonstrate that rotating scatter mask imaging is possible and introduces a potential alternative to other imagers. However, they also demonstrate that new techniques must be developed to increase the system’s performance and robustness for gamma imaging applications.
Introduction to Alioune Diop's “Art and Peace” (1966)

In 1966, the multi-media celebration of African and diasporic art known as the Premier Festival Mondial des Arts Negres attracted an international audience to the recently independent nation of Sen...
Mapping sources, types and importance of ecosystem services from Bulgarian agriculture

Abstract. Agricultural ecosystems of different types and their specific “agro-ecosystem” services are among the most widespread in the world. However, in Bulgaria the state of practical progression of the studies of agricultural services in mostly at the methodological level and very limited to general classification and qualitative “assessments”. This article tries to fill the gap and present initial results of large scale studies on mapping the sources, types and importance of agroecosystem services in Bulgaria. The identification of the type, size, efficiency and importance of “produced” services of agro-systems is based on the assessments of the managers of 324 “typical” farms of different legal status, size, production specialization, ecological and geographical location. The study has found out that there are significant differences in the participation and contribution of agricultural holdings in the protection and provision of agro-ecosystem services in the various specific and principled ecosystems of the country, and major subsectors of agricultural production. The latter requires special measures to improve, diversify and intensify this activity of farmers through training, information, exchange of experience, public incentives and support, etc. Analyzes of the structure and importance of agro-ecosystem services in the country are to be expanded by improving the accuracy and representativeness of the information by increasing the number of surveyed farms, avoiding “double” accounting, applying statistical methods to verify the reliability, special "training" of and those involved in surveys, applying direct field measurements experts and stakeholders involvement etc. Keywords. Ecosystem services, Agriculture, Ammount, Structure, Importance, Bulgaria. JEL. Q12, Q13, Q15, Q18 .
Integration of chemically modified nucleotides with DNA strand displacement reactions for applications in living systems

Watson-Crick base pairing rules provide a powerful approach for engineering DNA-based nanodevices with programmable and predictable behaviors. In particular, DNA strand displacement reactions have enabled the development of an impressive repertoire of molecular devices with complex functionalities. By relying on DNA to function, dynamic strand displacement devices represent powerful tools for the interrogation and manipulation of biological systems. Yet, implementation in living systems has been a slow process due to several persistent challenges, including nuclease degradation. To circumvent these issues, researchers are increasingly turning to chemically modified nucleotides as a means to increase device performance and reliability within harsh biological environments. In this review, we summarize recent progress toward the integration of chemically modified nucleotides with DNA strand displacement reactions, highlighting key successes in the development of robust systems and devices that operate in living cells and in vivo. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of commonly employed modifications as they pertain to DNA strand displacement, as well as considerations that must be taken into account when applying modified oligonucleotide to living cells. Finally, we explore how chemically modified nucleotides fit into the broader goal of bringing dynamic DNA nanotechnology into the cell, and the challenges that remain. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing.
A Conceptualization Framework of Allyship: Bidirectional Allyship Between Black Heterosexual Women and White Gay Males:

Allyship is a complicated idea laden with multiple, layered assumptions. One should not presume that allyship conceptually permeates all social justice movements. One should not presume that allysh...
Purification and Specific Kinetic Properties of Erythrocyte Uridine Diphosphate Glucose Pyrophosphorylase

Abstract The enzyme uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase has been prepared at high purity (specific activity 127) from the human erythrocyte. Comparison of its specific properties with enzyme isolated from liver indicates many similarities including size. Examination of the reversible reaction catalyzed by the erythrocyte enzyme from both forward and reverse directions revealed a highly selective product inhibition by UDP-glucose. Since a dual enzyme function involving both regulation and synthesis of UDP-glucose was implied, additional UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylases were examined in relation to their product inhibition characteristics for comparative purposes. The product inhibition studies were extended and applied in distinguishing the kinetic mechanism of erythrocyte UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. From the product inhibition patterns and initial velocity studies an ordered Bi-Bi reaction mechanism was indicated in which nucleotide adds first as substrate to the enzyme and is last to be released. Michaelis constants for each of the substrates and dissociation (inhibition) constants for substrates combining with free enzyme were also determined.
Cobaltous Oxide (I): A Compact Single-Line Source

Mossbauer experiments using CoO sources usually show two lines at room temperature when used with a narrow unsplit absorber. These correspond to different chemical environments and have been identified with Fe2+ and Fe3+. By a combination of Mossbauer, X-ray, and chemical techniques, we have been able to prepare stopchiometric CoO sources which have only the Fe2+ component, or alternatively only the Fe3+ component, The Fe2+ component gives a narrow single line, with a recoil-free fraction at room temperature exceeding that of Co57-doped copper sources. The effective Mossbauer characteristic temperature for Fe2+ in CoO(I) was measured to be 510°K. By contrast the unsplit Fe3+ line associated with CoO(II) has a very broad line width and a Mossbauer characteristic temperature of only 320°K.Our Prescription for Co57O(I) should permit the fabrication of very strong, single-line, sources with minimum electronic absorption.
Heredity and the Novel

The concept of heredity, as represented throughout the history of the novel, may be further illuminated by certain discoveries of the modern science of genetics. Since the novel's origin, authors have explored cultural beliefs and anxieties around heredity, nobility, bloodlines, birthrights and ‘tainted’ lineages. As modern genetics grows increasingly sophisticated, novelists engage in more complex ethical questions ranging from genetic selection and manipulation to reproductive choice and hereditary ‘rights’. In science fiction genres, themes can expand into human enhancement, species destruction and creation. Yet even as contemporary works engage in the complex new science and bioethical questions that grow out of genetic research, contemporary writers remain fundamentally interested in exploring what genetic knowledge and technology means within the context of intimate human relationships. Key Concepts: Since the origin of the novel, authors have engaged with hereditary themes. Changing historic notions about heredity are reflected in novels of those periods. Works of literature are important sites of investigation into public perceptions of emergent scientific ideas about heredity. Keywords: heredity; novel history; bloodlines; nobility; eugenics; degeneration; racial theories; genetics; prenatal screening; genetic manipulation
The use of a deep tank in plankton ecology. 2. Efficiency of a planktonic food chain1

Populations of copepods and ctenophores were maintained in a quasi-steady state in a 70-m3 tank supplied with phytoplankton and harvested regularly for several months. Paracalanus parvus replaced Acartia tonsa as the dominant copepod; in the absence of ctenophores, the yield of copepods was 10.4–12.5% of the phytoplankton supplied as food. When the carnivorous ctenophores were present, their yield was 2.6% of the phytoplankton supplied but could have been as high as 3.2% had not copepods been harvested simultaneously.
Effect of hormones and EGF on proliferation of rat mammary epithelium enriched for alveoli: An in vitro study☆

Abstract Virgin rat mammary epithelium enriched for alveoli were embedded in a collagen gel matrix to study the direct effect of mammogenic hormones and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on their growth over a 12-day culture period. Serum-supplemented medium alone caused a 3- to 4-fold increase in cell number, whereas medium containing insulin, prolactin, progesterone, cholera toxin and serum caused a 15-fold increase. Cultures resulting from this substantial cell number increase consisted of large, smooth-bordered epithelial colonies with relatively few (
Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Prolog

From the Publisher: This unique book is a broad, clear presentation of artificial intelligence (AI) problem-solving techniques. It selects the most important among the well-defined algorithms and procedures in the field, explains them in plain language, and, where appropriate, provides ALGOL-like descriptions of them. Every technique is implemented in Prolog, a language that is quickly learned and allows for easy experimentation in a learning environment. The book includes complete source listings, and the software is available online. This book is ideal for hands-on courses in Al programming. It is also a useful primary or supplementary text in general introductory AI courses and a complete sourcebook for the practitioner.
A Multimedia Application Adaption Layer (MAAL) Protocol

The goal of this research is to resolve the difference between variable-sized packets (or frames) in multimedia application and fixed and small size cells in Broadband Integrated-Services Digital Networks (B-ISDN) with Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). In particular, I propose a new operation mode of multimedia application adaptation layer (MAAL) as a supplement of existing four AAL types. The new AAL protocol supports streams of co-related cells in order to reduce the processing overhead and simplify the traffic scheduling at the application level. Furthermore it re-synchronizes the multimedia traffics through the Asynchronous Transfer Mode network interface.
Optimum energies for x-ray transmission tomography of small samples. Applications of synchrotron radiation to computerized tomography I

Abstract The dependence of the resolution/sensitivity of computerized X-ray transmission tomography is examined as a function of the photon energy. The optimum condition, which minimizes the time to scan a section at a given resolution/sensitivity, is that μ = 2/D, where μ is the linear attenuation coefficient and D is the specimen diameter. This condition, which can be met by the proper choice of the photon energy, is especially sharp for samples smaller than a few millimeters. When the photon energy is optimal for a given sample size, the total incident photons per scan determines the resolution/sensitivity product in dimensionless terms, (w/D)3(σ/μ)2. The necessary fluences and the consequent radiation dose increase rapidly as the resolution decreases. Synchrotron light sources, with their tunable, monochromatic beams of high flux density, appear to be uniquely matched to the needs of computerized tomography of radiation-resistant samples studied at resolutions down to the micrometer level.
New Media Practices in Ghana

This article discusses trends in the appropriation of new media in Ghana, as evidenced in existing literature on mobile phones, the Internet, new media production, and gaming. A few themes are evident: the emergence of “smart consumption” practices to mitigate the high cost of mobile phone communication; the association of the Internet with the potential for quick economic gains, leading to varying degrees of criminal or unethical behavior; and what appears to be a clear separation of expectations and approaches to the Internet and mobile phones as technological tools. For example, the Internet points users outward to potentially greener pastures in Western economies, but mobile phones ground users in their local context, keeping them linked to social and economic resources that are more readily accessible.
The Influence of Grain Size Determination Method on Grain Growth Kinetics Analysis

The full-width at half-maximum (FWHM), integral width (IntW), and Scherrer methodologies were used jointly with X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak broadening and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) data to provide insight into the mechanisms that govern grain growth behavior in an Al 5083-B4C nanocomposite. Grain growth kinetics were studied by fitting the appropriate grain size data from the three XRD-based methods to the well-known Burke equation. Variations observed in the absolute grain sizes calculated from different methods were in agreement with previous studies. In spite of these variations, consistent grain growth trends were observed, which resulted in relatively similar Arrhenius plots indicating two grain growth regimes. Consequently, the applicability as well as any relevant uncertainties within each method are described and discussed.
Itinerant ferromagnetism in the narrow band limit

Abstract It is shown that in the narrow band, strong interaction limit the paramagnetic state of an itinerant ferromagnet is described by the disordered local moment state. As a result, the Curie temperature is orders of magnitude lower than what is expected from the large exchange splitting of the spin bands. An approximate analysis has also been carried out for the partially ordered state, and the result explains the temperature evolvement of the magnetic contributions to the resistivity and low-energy optical conductivity of CrO 2 .
On Remembering the Queer Self: The Impact of Memory, Trauma and Sexuality on Interpersonal Relationships

In this essay, I utilize autoethnography to explore the impact of a traumatic accident on my relationship with a same-sex significant other. Through narrative data revealing the complex nature of our friendship and sexuality, this essay provides both personal narrative and academic theory to interrogate the significance of remembrance (and its opposite—forgetting). The act of forgetting, whether conscious or unconscious, can be a powerful tool for reformulating a conception of self outside the bounds of societal expectations, as long as others also agree to forget, or not to challenge the act of forgetting. This communicative strategy supports the notion that identity is fluid—a constant process of disclosure, reflexivity, and continued disclosure to others.
A protein inhibitor of cellulases in Dictyosteliumdiscoideum

Summary An inhibitor of cellulase (E.C. 3.2.1.4) was isolated from Dictyostelium discoideum in the culmination stage and partially purified. This inhibitor was shown to be a protein of molecular weight 20,000. At pH 6.5 it inhibited the two cellulases present in Dictyostelium but not cellulases from other organisms. Inhibition was prevented at pH 8.0 but could be recovered by adjustment of the pH to 6.5. The inhibitor was present in all stages of development from amoebae to spores but disappeared as the spores aged and was absent from germinating cells indicating that specific destruction of this inhibitor may be responsible for the activation of the cellulases.
Rat strain differences in response to dark pulse triggering of paradoxical sleep

Previous studies of inbred rats have shown that Brown Norway (BN) rats had more daily paradoxical sleep (PS) than Lewis (L) rats, while F1 progeny had intermediate amounts, suggesting codominant or polygenic transmission. Amount of PS and the induction of PS episodes may be under separate genetic control. Earlier work had shown that five-minute exposures to cage lights-off every half-hour can trigger PS in outbred albino strains. To explore the genetic controls for PS induction, PS triggering by dark pulse stimulation was examined in L and BN rats. L rats showed a five-fold increase in PS during dark pulse stimulation. Although, as in the earlier study, BN rats had more total daily PS than L rats, they exhibited no dark pulse triggering of PS. Thus L and BN rats show significant strain differences in two independent parameters of PS, and may be a useful model for studying genetic and neurologic factors which regulate PS.
Enkephalins interfere with acquisition of an active avoidance response

Abstract Leu-enkephalin and Met-enkephalin at a dose of 400 μg/kg i.p. significantly impaired acquisition of a one-way active avoidance response. D-Ala-D-Leu-enkephalin also impaired acquisition but at a lower dose (4 μg/kg). D-Ala-Met-enkephalinamide in a wide dose range (0.04–400 μ/kg) did not alter acquisition of the response. A high dose of naloxone (100 mg/kg) blocked the impairing action of Leu-enkephalin. These results are discussed in terms of multiple opiate receptor species.
Immunospecific Responses to Bacterial Elongation Factor Tu during Burkholderia Infection and Immunization

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the etiological agent of melioidosis, a disease endemic in parts of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Currently there is no licensed vaccine against infection with this biological threat agent. In this study, we employed an immunoproteomic approach and identified bacterial Elongation factor-Tu (EF-Tu) as a potential vaccine antigen. EF-Tu is membrane-associated, secreted in outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), and immunogenic during Burkholderia infection in the murine model of melioidosis. Active immunization with EF-Tu induced antigen-specific antibody and cell-mediated immune responses in mice. Mucosal immunization with EF-Tu also reduced lung bacterial loads in mice challenged with aerosolized B. thailandensis. Our data support the utility of EF-Tu as a novel vaccine immunogen against bacterial infection.
Economic Equality: Rawls versus Utilitarianism

Perhaps the most salient feature of Rawls's theory of justice (Rawls, 1971) which at once attracts supporters and repels critics is its apparent egalitarian conclusion as to how economic goods are to be distributed. Indeed, many of Rawls's sympathizers may find this result intuitively appealing, and regard it as Rawls's enduring contribution to the topic of economic justice, despite technical deficiencies in Rawls's contractarian, decision-theoretic argument for it (see, e.g., Nagel, 1973, p. 234) which occupy the bulk of the critical literature. Rawls himself, having proposed a “coherence” theory of justification in metaethics, must regard the claim that his distributive criterion “is a strongly egalitarian conception” (Rawls, 1971, p. 76) as independently a part of the overarching moral argument. The alleged egalitarian impact of Rawls's theory is crucial again in normative ethics where Rawls is thought to have developed a major counter-theory to utilitarianism (cf. Braybrooke, 1975, p. 304), one of the most popular criticisms of which has been its alleged inadequacy in handling questions of distributive justice. Utilitarians can argue, however, as Brandt recently has, that the diminishing marginal utility of money, along with ignorance of income-welfare curves, would require a utility-maximizing distribution to be substantially egalitarian (Brandt, 1979, pp. 311f., 315f.; cf. Brandt, 1983, p. 102f.). The challenge is therefore for Rawls to show that his theory yields an ethically preferable degree of equality.
Adult and in utero exposure to cocaine alters sensitivity to the parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine

Cocaine abuse is a significant problem in the United States, including its use by approximately 1% of pregnant women. Cocaine acts as an indirect agonist of dopamine at the dopamine transporter, resulting in the presence of excess dopamine in the synapse. Since synaptic dopamine can rapidly oxidize to form free radicals, it was hypothesized that exposure to this drug might produce damage in dopaminergic systems such as the substantia nigra pars compacta, damage to which is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. To test this hypothesis we exposed mice both in utero and as adults to cocaine and examined its effects on the nigrostriatal system. We found that exposure to cocaine both in utero or as adults did not affect substantia nigra cell number, but did make these neurons more susceptible to the parkinsonian toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. We also found long-lasting changes in D2 receptor mRNA levels as well as changes in the monoamine transport system and several growth factors. This work suggests that use of cocaine might be a predisposing factor for development of Parkinson's disease in both adults exposed chronically as well as in individuals exposed prenatally.
An essay on the molecular theory of rubber elasticity

A discussion of some current ideas on the molecular processes of rubber deformation is presented. Reference is made to some important experiments and to suggestions which have been proposed for their explanation.
Computational Modeling of Airflow and Particulate Pollutant Transport Around the Syracuse CoE Building

A computer model for analyzing the airflow and particle transport and deposition around the Center of Excellence (CoE) Building in Syracuse was developed. The k-e and the k-ω turbulence models in addition to the Reynolds stress transport model was used in the analysis. The airflow fields for the wind tunnel scale model of the building were simulated for different wind speeds and various directions including north to south and west to east. The computer pressure and velocity fields were compared with the corresponding experimental data obtained by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and good agreement was found. Applications of the computational model for predicting particulate pollutant dispersion and deposition near the CoE building were discussed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The phosphorylation of bovine and human lens polypeptides

Abstract The phosphorylation of bovine and human lens polypeptides was examined using an in vitro labeling assay with [γ- 32 P]-ATP, followed by SDS-PAGE and radioautography. The major protein phosphorylation in all lens preparations was cAMP-dependent. The effect of cAMP could be depressed by monovalent ions. Phosphorylated polypeptides were detected in capsule-epithelial and outer cortical but not inner cortical-nuclear preparations. Differences in phosphorylated polypeptide distributions and molecular weight patterns were observed between bovine capsuleepithelium and outer cortex fiber cells and bovine and human preparations. Human cataractous lens preparations had the same pattern of phosphorylation as human normal lens preparations but with much less 32 P incorporation. Major phosphorylated polypeptides in the 100 000 dalton, 60 000 dalton and 43 000 dalton range were detected in both bovine and human preparations. A 32 000 dalton phosphorylated polypeptide appeared exclusively in the bovine capsule-epithelium and a phosphorylated 23 000 dalton polypeptide was detected only in outer cortical preparations.
Parameter Optimization of a Nutation Damper Via the Second Method of Liapunov

The principle of parameter optimization of a linear time-invariant system via the second method of Liapunov is applied to optimize the parameters of a nutation damper suggested recently. Numerical results are derived, and it is indicated that the present values of optimum parameters agree closely with those obtained earlier by an approximate method.
Harbinger of Plague: A Bad Case of Gay Bowel Syndrome

Abstract In 1976, a group of physicians in private proctologic practice in New York City coined the illness “Gay Bowel Syndrome” in reference to a constellation of gay male anorectal disorders. Through analysis of biomedical discourse and popular media, it is apparent that Gay Bowel Syndrome is an essentialized category of difference that is neither gay-specific, confined to the bowel, nor a syndrome. The use and diagnosis of Gay Bowel Syndrome must be abandoned before it further lends itself to the formation of social policies and governing practices that seek to force gay male bodies into positions of social, cultural, and political subordination.
Specific inactivation of isomerohydrolase activity by 11-cis-retinoids.

Abstract The endergonic trans → cis isomerization of retinoids is an essential element in rhodopsin regeneration in vertebrates. All- trans -retinyl esters, which are generated by lecithin retinol acyltransferase (LRAT), are on the isomerization pathway. The critical isomerohydrolase activity, which catalyzes the trans → cis isomerization/hydrolysis reaction of all- trans -retinyl esters, remains to be identified. It is demonstrated here that 11- cis -retinyl bromoacetate (cRBA) is a potent and specific inactivator of the bovine retinyl pigment epithelial (RPE) isomerohydrolase activity, with a measured K I =0.19 μM and a pseudo-first-order rate of inactivation k inh =1.83×10 −3 s −1 . This demonstrates that the isomerization is indeed enzyme-mediated. This inactivator should facilitate the identification and study of isomerohydrolase, or at least an essential component of it. Labeling of crude RPE membranes with 3 H-cRBA reveals the presence of several labeled bands that may be isomerohydrolase candidates.
Reformasi Through Our Eyes: Children as Witnesses of History in Post-Suharto Indonesia

Focused on a children's drawing contest sponsored by a state museum, this article explores the child as witness, a figure with wide currency in Indonesia in the post-Suharto period. It argues that a visual ideology of innocence lends children's images a redemptive power to contain the destabilizing effects of violent mass media images and of political rupture more generally. Effaced in the positing of the child's eye as an ideal authentic lens through which the nation might see itself and remember its history are the complex mediations that shape children's images and the adult desires and anxieties that inform the construction of the child as witness.