cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
B16 melanoma tumor growth is delayed in mice in an age-dependent manner.

A major risk factor for cancer is increasing age, which suggests that syngeneic tumor implants in old mice would grow more rapidly. However, various reports have suggested that old mice are not as permissive to implanted tumor cells as young mice. In order to determine and characterize the age-related response to B16 melanoma, we implanted 5 x 10 5 tumor cells into 8, 16, 24, and 32-month-old male C57BL/6 (B6) and C57BL/6 x BALB/c F1 (CB6 F1) mice subcutaneously in the inguinal and axillary spaces, or intradermally in the lateral flank. Results showed decreased tumor volume with increasing age, which varied according to mouse genetic background and the implanted site. The B6 strain showed robust tumor growth at 8 months of age at the inguinal implantation site, with an average tumor volume of 1341.25 mm 3 . The 16, 24, and 32-month age groups showed a decrease in tumor growth with tumor volumes of 563.69, 481.02, and 264.55 mm 3 , respectively (p ≤0.001). The axillary implantation site was less permissive in 8-month-old B6 mice with an average tumor volume of 761.52 mm 3 . The 24- and 32-month age groups showed a similar decrease in tumor growth with tumor volumes of 440 and 178.19 mm 3 , respectively (p ≤0.01). The CB6F1 strain was not as tumor permissive at 8 months of age as B6 mice with average tumor volumes of 446.96 and 426.91 mm 3 for the inguinal and axillary sites, respectively. There was a decrease in tumor growth at 24 months of age at both inguinal and axillary sites with an average tumor volume of 271.02 and 249.12 mm 3 , respectively (p ≤0.05). The strain dependence was not apparent in 8-month-old mice injected intradermally with B16 melanoma cells, with average tumor volumes of 736.82 and 842.85 mm 3 for B6 and CB6 F1, respectively. However, a strain difference was seen in 32-month-old B6 mice with an average decrease in tumor volume of 250.83 mm 3 (p ≤0.01). In contrast, tumor growth significantly decreased earlier in CB6 F1 mice with average tumor volumes of 417.62 and 216.34 mm 3 in the 16- and 24-month age groups, respectively (p ≤0.005). Histologically, implanted tumors in young mice exhibited characteristics of aggressive, rapidly growing tumor cells including high vascularity, mitosis, and invasiveness compared to tumors in old mice. We contend that the decrease in B16 melanoma tumor growth seen with increasing age in B6 and CB6 F1 mice represents a biological process, which we are calling age-dependent cancer resistance (ADCR). Our data provide a detailed description of conditions necessary to use the model to investigate the mechanisms of ADCR and determine its biological and clinical relevance. Keywords: aging; cancer; cancer resistance; B16 melanoma (Published: 20 August 2012) Citation: Pathobiology of Aging & Age-related Diseases 2012, 2: 19182 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/pba.v2i0.19182
Yvc1p and the Hyperosmotic Shock Response in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

In addition to their roles as environmental sensors on cytoplasmic membranes, TRP channels are also involved in signaling from intracellular organelles. Yvc1p channel is a TRP channel located in the vacuolar membrane in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The vacuole is responsible for the storage of Ca2+ in the yeast cell. Yvc1p controls the release of Ca2+ into the cell. We are using several different approaches to examine the role of Yvc1p in the shock response. First, we are monitoring the release of Ca2+ from the vacuole in response to hyperosmotic shock solution. The Ca2+ release is monitored through the aequorin luminescence assay. Ca2+ binds to aequorin to release luminescence. The release of Ca2+ is affected by pH, solute species and concentration of the hyperosmotic shock solution. We are currently using fluorescence microscopy to examine whether osmotic shock-induced Yvc1p activation effects any morphological changes, and growth and complementation assays to assess Yvc1p function under prolonged conditions of shock.
Learning Strategies and Performance In a Technology Integrated Classroom

AbstractThis study examines students’ use of technology for learning (accessing the course Web site to download PowerPoint slides for note taking and exam preparation) relative to more traditional learning methods (reading the textbook and taking notes in class and from the textbook) and the effect of their learning strategies on exam performance and class attendance. Students who were categorized as high on use of technology and low on traditional learning methods or low on technology and high on traditional learning methods exhibited higher attendance and performance than those students categorized as high or low on both technology and traditional learning methods. Results suggest that there is more than one path for optimal exam performance.
Phase II study of Ginkgo biloba in irradiated brain tumor patients: effect on cognitive function, quality of life, and mood

Ginkgo biloba has been reported to improve cognitive function in older adults and patients with Alzheimer’s disease and multi-infarct dementia. We conducted an open-label phase II study of this botanical product in symptomatic irradiated brain tumor survivors. Eligibility criteria included: life expectancy ≥30 weeks, partial or whole brain radiation ≥6 months before enrollment, no imaging evidence of tumor progression in previous 3 months, or stable or decreasing steroid dose, and no brain tumor treatment planned while on study. The Ginkgo biloba dose was 120 mg/day (40 mg t.i.d.) for 24 weeks followed by a 6-week washout period. Assessments performed at baseline, 12, 24 (end of treatment), and 30 weeks (end of washout) included KPS, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br), Profile of Mood States, Mini-Mental Status Exam, Trail Making Test Parts A (TMT-A) and B (TMT-B), Digit Span Test, Modified Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF), California Verbal Learning Test Part II, and the F-A-S Test. Results: Of the 34 patients enrolled on study, 23 (68 %) completed 12 weeks of treatment and 19 (56 %) completed 24 weeks of treatment. There were significant improvements at 24 weeks in: executive function (TMT-B) (p = 0.007), attention/concentration (TMT-A) (p = 0.002), and non-verbal memory (ROCF—immediate/delayed recall) (p = 0.001/0.002), mood (p = 0.002), FACT-Br subscale (p = 0.001), and the FACT physical subscale (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Some improvement in quality of life and cognitive function were noted with Ginkgo biloba. However, treatment with Ginkgo biloba was associated with a high dropout rate.
Endovascular treatment of a thrombosed intracardiac vena cava filter

Intracardiac migration of a vena cava filter (VCF) is a rare but potentially fatal complication. We describe a unique case of intracardiac migration of a permanent VCF with extensive thrombus propagating into the inferior vena cava and right atrium. Percutaneous thrombectomy with the AngioVac (AngioDynamics, Latham, NY) device was performed, and the permanent VCF was percutaneously removed.
Temporal dynamics of a neural solution to the aperture problem in visual area MT of macaque brain

A critical step in the interpretation of the visual world is the integration of the various local motion signals generated by moving objects. This process is complicated by the fact that local velocity measurements can differ depending on contour orientation and spatial position. Specifically, any local motion detector can measure only the component of motion perpendicular to a contour that extends beyond its field of view. This "aperture problem" is particularly relevant to direction-selective neurons early in the visual pathways, where small receptive fields permit only a limited view of a moving object. Here we show that neurons in the middle temporal visual area (known as MT or V5) of the macaque brain reveal a dynamic solution to the aperture problem. MT neurons initially respond primarily to the component of motion perpendicular to a contour's orientation, but over a period of approximately 60 ms the responses gradually shift to encode the true stimulus direction, regardless of orientation. We also report a behavioural correlate of these neural responses: the initial velocity of pursuit eye movements deviates in a direction perpendicular to local contour orientation, suggesting that the earliest neural responses influence the oculomotor response.
Effect of polymer–surfactant interactions on elongational viscosity and atomization of peo solutions

The elongational viscosities of aqueous solutions of polyethylene oxide (PEO) containing either sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or sodium dodecyl benzyl sulfonate (SDBS) are measured by an opposing jet elongational rheometer. The elongational viscosities of these solutions are greatly enhanced by interactions between the polymer chain and surfactant micelles, and the behavior of the elongational viscosity–strain rate curves is complex, and strongly dependent on surfactant concentration. In the case of PEO–SDS solutions, abrupt rises in elongational viscosity are observed at critical values of strain rate, which vary with the SDS concentration. Data from these measurements are also employed to estimate elongational viscosities prevailing at the nozzle atomization stress in previous atomization experiments performed on PEO–SDS and PEO–SDBS solutions. Strong similarities are found between the variation of elongational viscosity and the variation of atomization droplet size with surfactant concentration.
The operator-machine assignment problem

This paper describes three approaches to solving the operator-machine assignment problem. Difference equations are used to prove the optimality of the third approach, a three-step simple and quick solution technique. Techniques for performing sensitivity analyses on the operator and machine operating cost values are presented and illustrated with an example. Four additional objective functions, in addition to the classical one of minimising per unit manufacturing cost, are presented and discussed. [Received 29 November 2006; Revised 5 April 2007; Accepted 27 May 2007]
FAB: building distributed enterprise disk arrays from commodity components

This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a Federated Array of Bricks (FAB), a distributed disk array that provides the reliability of traditional enterprise arrays with lower cost and better scalability. FAB is built from a collection of bricks, small storage appliances containing commodity disks, CPU, NVRAM, and network interface cards. FAB deploys a new majority-voting-based algorithm to replicate or erasure-code logical blocks across bricks and a reconfiguration algorithm to move data in the background when bricks are added or decommissioned. We argue that voting is practical and necessary for reliable, high-throughput storage systems such as FAB. We have implemented a FAB prototype on a 22-node Linux cluster. This prototype sustains 85MB/second of throughput for a database workload, and 270MB/second for a bulk-read workload. In addition, it can outperform traditional master-slave replication through performance decoupling and can handle brick failures and recoveries smoothly without disturbing client requests.
Autoimmune diseases prior to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: a population-based case–control study

The objective of this study was to determine whether patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to have other autoimmune disorders particularly prior to the diagnosis of MS. We conducted a population-based case—control study of patients enrolled in the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. Electronic clinical records through 2005 were used to ascertain incident and prevalent MS cases and identify the presence and timing of 44 other diagnoses. Controls were matched 5:1 for gender, age, and Kaiser membership characteristics. We identified 5296 MS cases (including 924 diagnosed between 2001 and 2004) and 26,478 matched controls. Prior to MS diagnosis, cases were more likely than controls to have uveitis (OR = 3.2, 95%; CI 1.7—5.7), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, OR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.2—2.5), and Bell’s palsy (OR = 3.2; 95%CI 1.2—8.3). Cases were also more likely to develop Guillain— Barre syndrome (GBS, OR = 5.0; 95%CI 1.6—15.4) and bullous pemphigoid (OR = 6.7; 95%CI 1.5—29.9)...
Use Symmetrical Color-Spatial Feature for Image Comparison

Color feature of an image is the most common used feature in content-based image retrieval (CBIR) systems. Combining the traditional color-histogram with some spatial information will greatly increase the accuracy of matching two color images. One advantage of color feature is that it is independent to the distortion of an image. However, with the introducing of spatial information, this advantage will disappear. In this paper, we propose a new method to compare two images, which based on symmetrical color-spatial feature (SCSF). Our experiments show that the SCSF is independent to the symmetrical distortion of an image, such as rotation and flip
Spin and Tensor Correlations in Model Nuclear Matter

The consistent treatment of the full discrete state-dependence of the nuclear forces in a nonrelativistic, microscopic nuclear many-body theory is one of the major outstanding problems in the understanding of nuclear matter and finite nuclei on a first-principle basis. In fact, with the advent of techniques to apply variational methods to finite systems1, the proper inclusion of the state-dependence is the only obstacle to performing a microscopic calculation of what one might call the “classical nucleus”. By this we mean a finite system of N particles interacting via a static Hamiltonian $$ H = - \sum\limits_{{i = 1}}^{N} {\frac{{{{\hbar }^{2}}}}{{2m}}} \nabla _{i}^{2} + \sum\limits_{{1 \leqslant i < j \leqslant N}} {v(i,j).} $$ (1) .
Real-time furnace modeling and diagnostics

Precise control of process temperature has become increasingly important in today's semiconductor industry. Multizone batch furnaces are used widely in current manufacturing lines, and high reliability of furnace systems is a crucial factor in achieving high product yield. However, uncertainty caused by sensor noise and failure may degrade reliability. In this work, the authors develop a methodology based on thermal modeling and sensor fusion techniques to detect temperature sensor failures, power supply failures, and system faults for the multizone furnace systems. The typical types of failures have been defined. The impact of single failures and different combinations of failures on the system behavior has been studied. The furnace system has been modeled based on both physical considerations and experimental data extraction. The fault detection methodology has been tested in simulations. Principal component analysis is utilized for choosing data types for different fault detection purposes. Sensor fusion is used to enhance reliability. Simulation results show that all different types of failures can be detected when data are rich enough. Experimental results show that all single failures and some of the failure combinations can be estimated when only steady-state and cooling-down data are utilized.
An Efficiency-Enhanced CMOS Rectifier With Unbalanced-Biased Comparators for Transcutaneous-Powered High-Current Implants

This paper presents an efficiency-enhanced integrated full-wave CMOS rectifier for the transcutaneous power transmission in high-current biomedical implants. The comparator-controlled switches are developed to minimize the voltage drop along the conducting path while achieving the unidirectional current flow. The proposed unbalanced-biasing scheme also minimizes the reverse leakage current of the rectifier under different input amplitudes, thereby optimizing the rectifier power efficiency. Moreover, the proposed rectifier is able to self start and operates at low input amplitudes. Implemented in a standard 0.35 mum CMOS process with maximum threshold voltages of |Vthp| = 0.82 V and Vthn = 0.69 V, the rectifier can source a maximum output current of 20 mA and operate properly with inputs of different amplitudes and frequencies. With a 1.5 MHz input of 1.2 V amplitude, the proposed rectifier can achieve the peak voltage conversion ratio of 95% and the power efficiency of at least 82%.
High-capacity adenovirus vector-mediated anti-glioma gene therapy in the presence of systemic antiadenovirus immunity

Gene therapy is proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a devastating brain cancer. In the clinic, antivector immune responses pose formidable challenges. Herein we demonstrate that high-capacity adenovirus vectors (HC-Ads) carrying the conditional cytotoxic gene herpes simplex virus type 1-thymidine kinase (TK) induce tumor regression and long-term survival in an intracranial glioma model, even in the presence of systemic antiadenovirus immunity, as could be encountered in patients. First-generation Ad-TK failed to elicit tumor regression in this model. These results pave the way for implementing HC-Ad-TK-mediated gene therapy as a powerful adjuvant for treating GBM.
Control Authority Network Analysis Applied to Lunar Outpost Deployment

In order to return humans to the Moon, the constellation program will be required to operate a complex network of humans and spacecraft in several locations. This requires an early look at how decision-making authority will be allocated and transferred between humans and computers, for each of the many decision steps required for the various mission phases. This paper presents an overview of such a control authority analysis, along with an example based upon a lunar outpost deployment scenario. The results illustrate how choosing an optimal control authority architecture can serve to significantly reduce overall mission risk, when applied early in the design process.
More sensitive assays for better drug resistance prediction

HIV infection has affected more than 65 million people during 26 years of the epidemic in the world. Since the first drug was used to treat HIV-infected patients, more than 20 drugs have been approved by the US FDA. Use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), that is, a combination of three or more antiretroviral drugs, has significantly improved patients’ health and prolonged life. In developed countries, AIDS is no longer an incurable disease. Drugs currently used to treat HIV-infected patients target three viral genes: protease, reverse transcriptase and envelope. They can be grouped into four classes: protease inhibitors (PIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) and the fusion inhibitor. Integrase inhibitors and chemokine coreceptor 5 (CCR5) antagonists have demonstrated promising clinical benefit in recent studies. If successful, these drugs will add to the current arsenal to combat HIV infection. Although many drugs are available to treat HIV-infected individuals, some patients still fail to respond to treatment due to maladherence, drug toxicity, suboptimal drug metabolism and drug resistance. While it is difficult to predict the host factors due to the genetic background variations among HIV-infected individuals, mutations that occur in drug-targeted genes and lead to drug resistance can be detected and used as resistance prediction markers [1,2]. Currently, drug resistance testing has become a part of standard practice in the management of antiretroviral chemotherapeutics and is recommended before initiating antiretroviral therapy [1,2]. Careful characterization of drugresistant mutations is also critical for understanding mechanisms of drug resistance. Although it
Dynamic processes observed at a gas hydrate outcropping on the continental slope of the Gulf of Mexico

A deep-sea time-lapse camera and several temperature probes were deployed on the Gulf of Mexico continental shelf at a biological community associated with a gas hydrate outcropping to study topographic and hydrologic changes over time. The deployment site, Bush Hill (GC-185), is located at 27°47.5′ N and 91°15.0′ W at depths of ∼540 m. The digital camera recorded one still image every 6 h for July-October in 2001, every 2 h for the month of June 2002, and every 6 h for the month of July 2002. Temperature probes were in place at the site for the entire experimental period. The data recovered provide a record of processes that occur at gas hydrate mounds. Sediment resuspension over the mound causes significant variation in luminosity of the time-lapse photographs. A marked diurnal pattern can be seen in the temperature and luminosity records. No major change in shape or size of the gas hydrate outcrop at this site was observed during this study. Stable topography of the gas hydrate mound, combined with high bacterial activity and sediment turnover, appears to focus biological activity in the mound area. Frequency and recurrence of sediment resuspension indicate that short-term change in the depth and distribution of surface sediments is a feature of the benthos at the site. Because the sediment interface is a critical environment for hydrocarbon oxidation and chemosynthesis, short-term variability and heterogeneity may be important characteristics of these settings.
On the simulation of the Space Shuttle main engine

The Space Shuttle main engine simulation is analyzed to determine the means to obtain a faster running simulation. In particular, the valve dynamics module is simulated using three different techniques: Euler's method, Adams-Bashforth two-step method, and the matrix stability region placement two-step method. It is shown that, by choosing the integration method appropriately, a speed-up factor of about five can be achieved. The valve dynamics module simulation results are then used to make recommendations about the simulation of the Space Shuttle main engine. >
Selective silylation and plasma patterning of photoresist in submicron lithography

Recent results concerning selective vapor-phase silylation on conventional photoresists and subsequent pattern delineation of modified resists using reactive ion etching are presented. Four resist design guidelines for improved image contrast and resolution in submicron silylation lithography are introduced, the key mechanisms are discussed, the nonlinear resist development behavior is described, and an integrated model for selective silylation lithography is presented. >
Mind/Body Theory and Practice in Tibetan Medicine and Buddhism

The model of mind and body in Tibetan medical practice is based on Buddhist theory, and is neither dualistic in a Cartesian sense, nor monistic. Rather, it represents a genuine alternative to these...
Isolation and Characterization of the Cytochrome P450 Gene CYP82E5v2 that Mediates Nicotine to Nornicotine Conversion in the Green Leaves of Tobacco

In the species of genus Nicotiana, nicotine to nornicotine conversion is mediated by closely related nicotine N-demethylase (NND) proteins that are encoded by the CYP82E subfamily of cytochrome P450 genes. The diverse number and transcriptional regulation of the NND genes have created large variations in the time and rate of nornicotine production in various Nicotiana species. In tobacco, previous studies have identified the senescence-inducible CYP82E4 gene as an important factor controlling nicotine conversion. Nornicotine is an undesirable alkaloid in tobacco, because it serves as a precursor for N'-nitrosonornicotine, a potent carcinogen in laboratory animals. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible catalytic roles of additional NND genes in shaping the alkaloid profile of tobacco. A PCR-based strategy using primers complementary to conserved regions of CYP82E genes yielded a cDNA, designated CYP82E5v2, which conferred NND activity in heterologous expression studies using yeast as a host. PCR amplification of CYP82E5v2 orthologs revealed that of the two progenitor species of tobacco, CYP82E5v2 was donated by the N. tomentosiformis parent. A comparison of CYP82E4 and CYP82E5v2 expression using qualitative real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that the transcription of CYP82E5v2 was higher in the green leaves of all tobacco genotypes tested, while the expression of CYP82E4 dominated in the senescing leaves of converter tobacco. These results suggest that differentially regulated NND genes regulate nornicotine production in the green and senescing leaves of tobacco and provide tools to reduce nornicotine levels in tobacco leaves.
Enhancement of Outward Potassium Current May Participate in β-Amyloid Peptide-Induced Cortical Neuronal Death

In light of recent evidence implicating the upregulation of outward K+ current in mediating several forms of neuronal apoptosis, we tested the hypothesis that such an upregulation might specifically contribute to the pathogenesis of beta-amyloid peptide (A beta)-induced neuronal death. Exposure to A beta fragment 25-35 (20 microM) or 1-42 (20 microM) enhanced the delayed rectifier K+ current IK, shifting its activation voltage relationship toward hyperpolarized levels and increasing maximal conductance, but did not affect the transient K+ current IA or charybdotoxin-sensitive BK current. Reducing IK by adding the channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5 mM) or raising extracellular K+ to 25 mM attenuated A beta-induced neuronal death, even in the presence of nifedipine or gadolinium to block associated increases in Ca2+ influx. The IA blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 5 mM) and the CI- channel blocker anthracene-9-carboxylic acid (ACA, 500 microM) were not neuroprotective. These data raise the intriguing possibility that manipulations aimed at reducing outward K+ current may provide an approach to reducing neuronal degeneration in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Application of seismic interferometry to extract P- and S-wave propagation and observation of shear-wave splitting from noise data at Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada

We extract downward-propagating P- and S-waves from industrial noise generated by human and/or machine activity at the surface propagating down a borehole at Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, and measure shear-wave splitting from these data. The continuous seismic data are recorded at eight sensors along a downhole well during steam injection into a 420–470-m-deep oil reservoir. We crosscorrelate the waveforms observed at the top sensor and other sensors to extract estimates of the direct P- and S-wave components of the Green’s function that account for wave propagation between sensors. Fast high-frequency and slow low-frequency signals propagating vertically from the surface to the bottom are found for the vertical and horizontal components of the wave motion, which are identified with P- and S-waves, respectively. The fastest S-wave polarized in the east-northeast–west-southwest direction is about 1.9% faster than the slowest S-wave polarized in the northwest-southeast direction. The direction of polarization...
Thresholds in the sliding resistance of simulated basal ice

Abstract. We report laboratory determinations of the shear resistance to sliding melting ice with entrained particles over a hard, impermeable surface. With higher particle concentrations and larger particle sizes, Coulomb friction at particle-bed contacts dominates and the shear stress increases linearly with normal load. We term this the sandy regime. When either particle concentration or particle size is reduced below a threshold, the dependence of shear resistance on normal load is no longer statistically significant. We term this regime slippery. We use force and mass balance considerations to examine the flow of melt water beneath the simulated basal ice. At high particle concentrations, the transition from sandy to slippery behavior occurs when the particle size is comparable to the thickness of the melt film that separates the sliding ice from its bed. For larger particle sizes, a transition from sandy to slippery behavior occurs when the particle concentration drops sufficiently that the normal load is no longer transferred completely to the particle-bed contacts. We estimate that the melt films separating the particles from the ice are approximately 0.1 µm thick at this transition. Our laboratory results suggest the potential for abrupt transitions in the shear resistance beneath hard-bedded glaciers with changes in either the thickness of melt layers or the particle loading.
Better bound on the exponent of the radius of the multipartite separable ball

We show that for an $m$-qubit quantum system, there is a ball of radius asymptotically approaching $\ensuremath{\kappa}{2}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\gamma}m}$ in Frobenius norm, centered at the identity matrix, of separable (unentangled) positive semidefinite matrices, for an exponent $\ensuremath{\gamma}=0.5(\mathrm{ln}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}3∕\mathrm{ln}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}2\ensuremath{-}1)\ensuremath{\approx}0.292\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}481\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}25$ much smaller in magnitude than the best previously known exponent, from our earlier work, of $1∕2$. For normalized $m$-qubit states, we get a separable ball of radius $\sqrt{{3}^{m+1}∕({3}^{m}+3)}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{2}^{\ensuremath{-}(1+\ensuremath{\gamma})m}\ensuremath{\equiv}\sqrt{{3}^{m+1}∕({3}^{m}+3)}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{6}^{\ensuremath{-}m∕2}$ (note that $\ensuremath{\kappa}=\sqrt{3}$), compared to the previous $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{2}^{\ensuremath{-}3m∕2}$. This implies that with parameters realistic for current experiments, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with standard pseudopure-state preparation techniques can access only unentangled states if 36 qubits or fewer are used (compared to 23 qubits via our earlier results). We also obtain an improved exponent for $m$-partite systems of fixed local dimension ${d}_{0}$, although approaching our earlier exponent as ${d}_{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$.
Automatic registration for dynamic and reconfigurable sensor networks

Sensors have a constrained lifetime for various reasons such as limited battery power, malfunctioning components, or deactivation due to natural incidents. Therefore, there is a continuous need to deploy new sensors or to change the current topology of the sensors to ensure the functionality of the network. In this paper, we study on-demand communication mechanisms between smart and reconfigurable sensors. We present an automatic registration protocol for publish/subscribe wireless sensor deployments which allows a sensor to register with neighboring sensors upon activation, creates a schedule online without any initial global knowledge of the topology, limits the amount of transmissions made by a sensor, and permits modification to subscription patterns. Our simulation results suggest that our protocol significantly decreases the energy consumption while providing a competitive scheduling in comparison to the offline greedy vertex-coloring algorithm.
The situation in logic

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a broader conception of what logic is all about than prevails among logicians. Ordinary usage of the words logic, inference, information, and meaning defines a natural subject matter that is broader than logic. The chapter discusses that it must be understood within a general theory of information. The chapter presents the strategy that has rested behind traditional approaches in logic to the study of semantics, or meaning. The chapter discusses the need for a more general theory and outlines one attempt to provide this kind of theory, the approach is called “situation semantics.” In attempting to work out situation semantics as a theory of linguistic meaning, the chapter explains the development of a more general theory. The chapter examines what the study of logic and inference might look like within situation semantics.
Transplants of fibroblasts expressing BDNF and NT-3 promote recovery of bladder and hindlimb function following spinal contusion injury in rats

We examined whether fibroblasts, genetically modified to express BDNF and NT-3 (Fb-BDNF/NT3) and transplanted into a thoracic spinal injury site, would enhance recovery of bladder function and whether this treatment would be associated with reorganization of lumbosacral spinal circuits implicated in bladder function. Rats received modified-moderate contusion injuries at T8/9, and 9 days later, Fb-BDNF/NT3 or unmodified fibroblasts (OP-controls) were delivered into the cord. Fb-BDNF/NT3 rats recovered from areflexic bladder earlier, showed decreased micturition pressure and fewer episodes of detrusor hyperreflexia, compared to OP-controls. There were also improvements in hindlimb function in the Fb-BDNF/NT3 group although locomotion on a more challenging substrate (grid) and tail withdrawal latency in response to a thermal stimulus showed persisting deficits, little recovery, and no differences between the groups. Immunocytochemistry at L6-S1 revealed changes in density of afferent and descending projections to L6-S1 cord. The density of small dorsal root axons increased in the superficial layers of the dorsal horn in OP-controls but not in Fb-BDNF/NT3, suggesting sprouting of primary afferents following injury that was inhibited by Fb-BDNF/NT-3. In contrast, the trophic factor secreting transplants stimulated sprouting and/or sparing of descending modulatory pathways projecting to the lumbosacral spinal cord. No differences in synaptophysin immunoreactivity were seen in the dorsal horn which suggested that synaptic density was similar but achieved by sprouting of different systems in the two operated groups. Fb-BDNF/NT3 transplanted into injured spinal cord thus improved both bladder and hindlimb function, and this was associated with reorganization of spinal circuitry.
Opacity-weighted color interpolation, for volume sampling

Volume rendering creates images from sampled volumetric data. The compute intensive nature of volume rendering has driven research in algorithm optimization. An important speed optimization is the use of preclassification and preshading. The authors demonstrate an artifact that results when interpolating from preclassified or preshaded colors and opacity values separately. This method is flawed, leading to visible artifacts. They present an improved technique, opacity-weighted color interpolation, evaluate the RMS error improvement, hardware and algorithm efficiency, and demonstrated improvements. They show analytically that opacity-weighted color interpolation exactly reproduces material based interpolation results for certain volume classifiers, with the efficiencies of preclassification. The proposed technique may also have broad impact on opacity-texture-mapped polygon rendering.
Power Relations and Health Care Communication in Older Adulthood: Educating Recipients and Providers

Unequal power relations lie just below the surface in much of today's discourse on health care communication with older adults. Focusing on pathologies or deficits tends to reinforce stereotypes of frailty and dependency, thus framing elders as a vulnerable group requiring special assistance. Implicit stereotyping frequently colors interactions of health care personnel with older clients and their families-interactions likely to affect elders' perceptions and health outcomes. Health care providers need to be attuned to the vast and growing diversity in today's older population, wherein many older adults are exemplars of what it takes to marshal resources and cope with multifaceted challenges. Thus, elders have the potential to teach medical personnel through narratives of resilience as well as tribulation. This potential can be fully realized, however, only in contexts where communication patterns characterized by paternalism, consumerism, and collaboration are mutually recognized and selectively challenged or implemented. Promising interventions to facilitate health care communication in older adulthood might well be directed toward (a) educating both recipients and providers to become more mindful of cues that evoke stereotypical thinking, (b) promoting an institutional culture that normalizes situationally appropriate assertive responses to stereotyping, and (c) formally ratifying older adults' life experience in the training of health care personnel.
MPP+ Induces the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response in Rabbit Brain Involving Activation of the ATF-6 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Inhibition of mitochondrial function and the subsequent generation of oxidative stress are strongly suggested to underlie MPTP/MPP+-induced neurotoxicity, which has been used extensively as a model for Parkinson disease. In the present study we have examined the hypothesis that MPP+ targets the endoplasmic reticulum. Because rabbits possess more genetic similarities to primates than to rodents we have selected this animal model system for our MPP+ neurotoxicity studies. MPP+ was administered directly into the brain of New Zealand white rabbits via the intracisternal route, and the effects on tissue from the substantia nigra were examined. Here we demonstrate that MPP+ in a dose-dependent manner induces the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase activity, oxidative DNA damage, and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The endoplasmic reticulum response, mediated by activation of ATF-6 and NF-kappaB, leads to activation of gadd 153. These effects correlate with the activation of caspase-3 and of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) kinase. We propose that pharmacological agents that inhibit the perturbation of endoplasmic reticulum function or the activation of JNK may represent a potential therapeutic approach for the prevention of neurotoxin-induced Parkinson disease.
Excitation Energy Transfer within Covalent Tetrahedral Perylenediimide Tetramers and Their Intermolecular Aggregates

Perylenediimides (PDIs) offer a number of attractive characteristics as alternatives to fullerenes in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), including favorable orbital energetics, high extinction coefficients in the visible spectral region, photostability, and the capacity to self-assemble into ordered nanostructures. However, energy transfer followed by charge separation in PDI assemblies must kinetically out-compete excimer formation that limits OPV performance. We report on the excitation energy transfer (EET) rate in a covalently linked PDI tetramer in which the PDI chromophores are arranged in a tetrahedral geometry about a tetraphenyladamantane core. Transient absorption spectroscopy of the tetramer in CH2Cl2 reveals a laser intensity-dependent fast absorption decay component indicative of singlet–singlet annihilation resulting from intramolecular EET. Femtosecond fluorescence anisotropy measurements show that the EET time constant τ = 6 ps, which is similar to that predicted for a through-space Forster EET...
Effect of Sucrose on the Quality Characteristics of Baked Custards

Abstract The pH, baking time, color values, shear press and percent drainage measurements of gel strength, and sensory evaluations were determined on five variations of baked custards. The variations were: 1) a standard custard formula containing one egg (48 g.), one cup of milk (244 ml.) and two tablespoons (25 g.) of sucrose; 2) same milk/egg ratio with no sucrose; 3) same milk/egg ratio with twice the amount of sucrose; 4) same percent of eggs and milk solids as Variation 1 with no sucrose; and 5) same percent of eggs and milk solids as Variation 1 but with twice the amount of sucrose. Results showed no significant differences in pH, aL color values and sensory scores of firmness. However, from the data the following conclusions appear evident. The presence of sucrose in a custard formula baked to an internal temperature range of 84 to 86° C., 1) had no consistent effect on the baking time, 2) imparted a translucent appearance to the baked product, 3) tended to increase the tenderness of the crust, 4) did not affect the gel strength when the percent of eggs and milk solids was held constant, and 5) improved the flavor when used in a ratio of 2 tablespoons (25 g.) of sucrose per egg and 1 cup of milk (244 ml.).
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Studies Of Wheat In The Mid Infrared

Official grain standards of the United States state that wheat may be divided into seven classes which are: Durum, Red Durum, Hard Red Spring, Hard Red Winter, Soft Red Winter, White, and Mixed.1 Most end uses of wheat involve converting the grain into flour through one of a variety of grinding methods. The quality of wheat-based products is often very dependent upon the type or class of wheat which was used to make the flour. Pasta products, for example, are made almost exclusively from the flour of durum wheats, which are the hardest of the wheats listed above. The highest quality breads are produced using flour from wheats classed as hard, whereas cakes, cookies and pastries are considered best when flour from wheats classed as soft are used. It is obvious then that the capability of determining the class of a particular wheat, especially with respect to hardness, is of economic importance to growers, processors, and merchants of wheat and wheat products. Hardness has been measured in many different ways 2-5 but, as of yet, no one method has become the method of choice. This paper reports on the use of principal components analysis (PCA) of mid infrared diffuse reflectance (DR) spectra of diluted ground wheats to aid in the classification of those wheats with respect to their hardness. The theory and mathematics involved in a principal component analysis have been described elsewhere.9
Liver injury in the dog following use of 2,3-dithiopropinol (BAL).

Fifteen adult dogs furnish the basis for the observations which are to follow. The animals were kept in metabolism cages and given a diet of Purina Dog Chow. No restriction as to the amount was made in the diet or in the water intake. The dithiol was given intramuscularly at 9 a. m. and 9 p. m. on 4 successive days. The dogs were divided into 3 groups. The animals of Group I were given 5 mg per kilo of the dithiol per dose, those of Group II, 15 mg and the members of Group III, 30 mg per kilo. Prior to the commencement of the injections liver function studies were undertaken by the use of bromsulfalein according to the technique devised by Rosenthal and White.1 For the normal animals and those of Group I, such observations have been satisfactory in that all of the dye was removed from the plasma within half an hour. In the animals of Group II and Group III receiving respectively 15 and 30 mg of dithiol per kilo the rate of removal was invariably prolonged beyond the half-hour period. The percentage remova...
Cardiac Findings in Infants of Diabetic Mothers

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) associated with diabetes during pregnancy has been relatively recently described. The echocardiographic findings are similar to those found in the classic sarcomeric familial HCM. In addition, the hemodynamics and clinical presentation may be significant and can include impaired cardiac output and pulmonary hypertension as a result of diastolic dysfunction, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and systolic dysfunction. Unlike sarcomeric HCM, neonatal HCM associated with diabetes during pregnancy is self-limited and in fact tends to resolve in weeks to months. On the other hand, in the impaired neonate, a rational management plan needs to be instituted. This article describes the history, potential causes, and pathophysiology of HCM and details a rational management plan for the treatment of these patients.
Predictors of Alprazolam Discontinuation With and Without Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Panic Disorder

Objective: In a previous paper the authors reported survival data for 20 panic disorder patients whose therapeutic doses of alprazolam were tapered by one of two methods: slow, fiexible drug taper with supportive medical management or the same taper procedure carried out concurrently with cognitive behavior therapy. This report is an analysis of predictors of drug discontinuation success in that study. In addition, between-group comparisons of clinical measures at follow-up are presented. Method: The subjects in the previous study (1 0 in each group) were assessed blindly at baseline, 2 weeks after completion ofdrug taper, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Potential predictors ofdrug discontinuation success were tested by using logistic regression. Between-group differences in symptom severity at 3-month follow-up were examined by using analyses of covariance. Results: Thirteen subjects (nine receiving alprazolam plus cognitive behavior therapy and four receiving alprazolam only) completed the drug taper on schedule and were still medication free at follow-up. A single variable-baseline-toposttaper change in anxiety sensitivity-predicted drug status at follow-up in 85% ofthe cases. At follow-up, subjects in the combined-treatment group were significantly more improved on measures of anxiety, depression, catastrophic thinking related to anxiety, perception of emotional control, and disability than subjects in the drug-only group. Conclusions: Across groups, reduction in the fear ofanxiety symptoms was the best predictor ofpatients ‘ ability to achieve and maintain drug abstinence. Some implications of that finding for the pharmacotherapy of panic disorder are discussed. (AmJ Psychiatry1995; 152:1156-1160)
Expression of surfactant associated protein-A and Clara cell 10 kilodalton mRNA in neoplastic and non-neoplastic human lung tissue as detected by in situ hybridization

Two markers for the progenitor cells of peripheral airways and their tumors are the 10 kilodalton (kd) Clara cell protein and the major surfactant associated protein-A (SP-A). We used the RNA-RNA in situ hybridization technique to study expression of the genes encoding these proteins at the cellular level in 19 pairs of non-neoplastic and neoplastic tissues from resected human lungs. Our results show that in non-neoplastic lung tissue, the Clara 10 kd protein gene was expressed in nonciliated cells of both bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium, indicating that, in contrast to previous assumptions, cells with Clara cell-like differentiation in humans may not be restricted to bronchiolar cells. The incidence of Clara 10 kd protein gene expression, as detected in lung carcinomas (1 out of 19 cases positive) was less than expected based on previous ultrastructural reports. The SP-A gene was strongly expressed in normal alveolar type II cells in non-neoplastic lung and, at higher levels, in hyperplastic cells. In addition, SP-A mRNA expression was observed in scattered bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells in 40% of the airways examined. Five out of 17 lung tumors, all of which were adenocarcinomas, were positive for SP-A expression, albeit generally less intense than type II cells. This expression was seen in carcinomas with papillolepidic as well as solid and glandular growth patterns. Our findings provide new insights into the peripheral airway cell differentiation.
PREHISTORIC USE OF PLANT FOODS

The evidence from the Greenwich Cove site for the prehistoric use of plant resources is minimal, owing to poor preservation or other factors. The only identified carbonized remains from the site are hickory and acorn shells. Data from other sites in the region, however, are substantial enough to suggest general patterns in the use of plant foods and that these patterns might roughly parallel those observed in the local record of faunal exploitation. A small number of plant foods were major dietary contributors for at least the final 3000–4000 years of the prehistoric era. The role of horticulture during the Woodland period is somewhat problematical. A complete absence of domesticates at sites along Narragansett Bay and the lack of these species in the regional pollen record argue against horticulture as a major factor in the overall subsistence regime. This interpretation stands in direct contrast to European accounts of Native American subsistence practices on the southern New England coast and suggests that the intensification of agricultural production may have been a post-contact development.