cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acoustic-based proton range verification in heterogeneous tissue: simulation studies.

Acoustic-based proton range verification (protoacoustics) is a potential in vivo technique for determining the Bragg peak position. Previous measurements and simulations have been restricted to homogeneous water tanks. Here, a CT-based simulation method is proposed and applied to a liver and prostate case to model the effects of tissue heterogeneity on the protoacoustic amplitude and time-of-flight range verification accuracy. For the liver case, posterior irradiation with a single proton pencil beam was simulated for detectors placed on the skin. In the prostate case, a transrectal probe measured the protoacoustic pressure generated by irradiation with five separate anterior proton beams. After calculating the proton beam dose deposition, each CT voxel's material properties were mapped based on Hounsfield Unit values, and thermoacoustically-generated acoustic wave propagation was simulated with the k-Wave MATLAB toolbox. By comparing the simulation results for the original liver CT to homogenized variants, the effects of heterogeneity were assessed. For the liver case, 1.4 cGy of dose at the Bragg peak generated 50 mPa of pressure (13 cm distal), a 2× lower amplitude than simulated in a homogeneous water tank. Protoacoustic triangulation of the Bragg peak based on multiple detector measurements resulted in 0.4 mm accuracy for a δ-function proton pulse irradiation of the liver. For the prostate case, higher amplitudes are simulated (92–1004 mPa) for closer detectors (<8 cm). For four of the prostate beams, the protoacoustic range triangulation was accurate to ≤1.6 mm (δ-function proton pulse). Based on the results, application of protoacoustic range verification to heterogeneous tissue will result in decreased signal amplitudes relative to homogeneous water tank measurements, but accurate range verification is still expected to be possible.
Speech–Language Pathology: Diagnosis

This chapter provides an overview of speech–language pathology. In a problem-solving process, clinical diagnostic procedures follow the steps of the scientific method. The dichotomy between clinical and research methodology is an artificial one that needs to be discarded. The steps in the diagnostic process include essentially the following: it should collect information, analyze information, formulate diagnosis, prescribe treatment based on diagnosis, and evaluate treatment to confirm validity of diagnosis. The computerization of diagnostic procedures is still in its infancy and few software packages provide help in the execution of more than one of the elements. Critics of computer software are quick to point out that developers are doing nothing innovative to the diagnostic or treatment process. They suggest that developers merely take existing material and put it into the computer. These critics suggest that developers should take advantage of the unique qualities of the computer to formulate new diagnostic or treatment strategies. It concludes that rather than diagnostic tests being shaped by existing materials, diagnostic tests will be shaped to utilize the computer to the fullest. When this occurs, the field will experience a major advance in effectiveness and professionalism.
Malware classification using static analysis based features

Anti-virus vendors receive hundreds of thousands of malware to be analysed each day. Some are new malware while others are variations or evolutions of existing malware. Because analyzing each malware sample by hand is impossible, automated techniques to analyse and categorize incoming samples are needed. In this work, we explore various machine learning features extracted from malware samples through static analysis for classification of malware binaries into already known malware families. We present a new feature based on control statement shingling that has a comparable accuracy to ordinary opcode n-gram based features while requiring smaller dimensions. This, in turn, results in a shorter training time.
Computers, Coins, and Quanta: Unexpected Outcomes of Random Events

Many years ago, I participated in an international conference devoted to improving the teaching of science at all levels of instruction. Although I now recall little of the numerous talks and heated discussions that the conference engendered, there was one event that I have not forgotten. In his introductory remarks, an invited speaker, noted for his compendious study of the life of Isaac Newton, starkly announced that not once, in all the years that Newton engaged in his physical researches, had he (Newton) ever had any “fun.” According to the speaker, the pursuit of scientific knowledge for Newton was a solemn and sacred undertaking which the word fun grotesquely trivialized. Moreover, the speaker continued somewhat scornfully, this is precisely how it should be; science is too serious a matter to be pursued—or taught—with the idea of fun in mind ... and the sooner teachers grasped this point, the sooner they would be able to teach science more effectively.
Plasma Biomarkers of Inflammation and Angiogenesis Predict Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Symptomatic Hemorrhage or Lesional Growth.

Rationale: The clinical course of cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) is highly unpredictable, with few cross-sectional studies correlating pro-inflammatory genotypes and plasma biomarkers with prior disease severity. Objective: We hypothesize that a panel of 24 candidate plasma biomarkers, with a reported role in the physiopathology of CCMs, may predict subsequent clinically relevant disease activity. Methods and Results: Plasma biomarkers were assessed in non-fasting peripheral venous blood collected from consecutive CCM subjects followed for one year after initial sample collection. A first cohort (N=49) was used to define the best model of biomarker level combinations to predict a subsequent symptomatic lesional hemorrhagic expansion within a year following the blood sample. We generated the receiver operating characteristic curves and area under curves (AUC) for each biomarker individually and each weighted linear combination of relevant biomarkers. The best model to predict lesional activity was selected as that minimizing the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). In this cohort, 11 subjects experienced symptomatic lesional hemorrhagic expansion (5 bleeds and 10 lesional growths) within a year after the blood draw. Subjects had lower soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14; p=0.05), interleukin-6 (IL-6; p=0.04), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; p=0.0003) levels along with higher plasma levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β; p=0.008) and roundabout guidance receptor 4 (sROBO4; p=0.03). Among the 31 weighted linear combinations of these 5 biomarkers, the best model (with the lowest AIC value=25.3) was the weighted linear combination including sCD14, IL-1β, VEGF and sROBO4, predicting a symptomatic hemorrhagic expansion with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 88% (AUC=0.90, p<0.0001). We then validated our best model in the second sequential independent cohort (N=28). Conclusions: This is the first study reporting a predictive association between plasma biomarkers and subsequent CCM disease clinical activity. This may be applied in clinical prognostication, and stratification of cases in clinical trials.
Impact of confinement housing on study end-points in the calf model of cryptosporidiosis.

Background Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children < 5 years globally and the parasite genus Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of that diarrhea. The global disease burden attributable to cryptosporidiosis is substantial and the only approved chemotherapeutic, nitazoxanide, has poor efficacy in HIV positive children. Chemotherapeutic development is dependent on the calf model of cryptosporidiosis, which is the best approximation of human disease. However, the model is not consistently applied across research studies. Data collection commonly occurs using two different methods: Complete Fecal Collection (CFC), which requires use of confinement housing, and Interval Collection (IC), which permits use of box stalls. CFC mimics human challenge model methodology but it is unknown if confinement housing impacts study end-points and if data gathered via this method is suitable for generalization to human populations. Methods Using a modified crossover study design we compared CFC and IC and evaluated the impact of housing on study end-points. At birth, calves were randomly assigned to confinement (n = 14) or box stall housing (n = 9), or were challenged with 5 x 107 C. parvum oocysts, and followed for 10 days. Study end-points included fecal oocyst shedding, severity of diarrhea, degree of dehydration, and plasma cortisol. Findings Calves in confinement had no significant differences in mean log oocysts enumerated per gram of fecal dry matter between CFC and IC samples (P = 0.6), nor were there diurnal variations in oocyst shedding (P = 0.1). Confinement housed calves shed significantly more oocysts (P = 0.05), had higher plasma cortisol (P = 0.001), and required more supportive care (P = 0.0009) than calves in box stalls. Conclusion Housing method confounds study end-points in the calf model of cryptosporidiosis. Due to increased stress data collected from calves in confinement housing may not accurately estimate the efficacy of chemotherapeutics targeting C. parvum.
Regulation of Carbachol-induced c-fos mrna Expression in Ar42j Cells by Somatostatin Receptor Subtypes 1, 2, and 3

Introduction: Somatostatin is an inhibitory peptide that exerts its effects tissue-specifically by activating one or more of five receptors (SSTR 1-5). Although several studies have examined which SSTR subtypes control gastrointestinal function, effects of somatostatin on pancreatic gene expression are not well defined. Aim: To examine the effects of somatostatin and newly synthesized selective SSTR agonists on the cholinergically stimulated expression of the immediate early response gene c-fos. Methodology and Results: In pancreatic acinar AR42J cells, polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that mRNAs for SSTR 1, 2, and 3 were expressed. SSTR 4 and 5 were not detected. When AR42J cells were exposed to the cholinergic agonist carbachol in the presence of somatostatin or selective SSTR agonists, significant and dosedependent reductions in agonist-induced levels of c-fos mRNA were noted. Pretreatment with agonists specific for SSTR 4 or 5 had no inhibitory effects. The inhibitory actions of somatostatin were pertussis toxin-sensitive. In addition, since somatostatin did not affect intracellular calcium homeostasis, the inhibitory actions of somatostatin are independent of calcium signaling. Conclusion: The current studies demonstrate that somatostatin inhibits carbachol-induced increases in c-fos expression by interacting with somatostatin receptor subtypes 1, 2, and 3. In addition, because somatostatin did not affect intracellular calcium homeostasis, it can be concluded that SSTR actions are independent of carbachol-stimulated calcium signaling.
An explanation for minimal attachment and right association

This paper describes the principles of Right Association and Minimal Attachment and explains how the Sausage Machine and ATN decribe these principles. It is then shown that these two models cannot explain these principles. It is then shown that a production system grammar can both describe these principles as well as suggest why they must be true.
Public Monitoring of Contracts with Nonprofit Organizations: Organizational Mission in Two Sectors

Public officials in the human service delivery system must wrestle with complex decisions regarding utilization of agencies in the nonpublic sector to deliver publicly funded services. Data from a survey of 167 agencies in a major metropolitan area suggest that there are still substantial differences in priorities and service approaches of public and nonpublic agencies. These differences suggest that public officials may need to devote more resources to ascertaining whether and when public agencies should themselves deliver publicly funded services and to strengthening public monitoring of contracts in the private sector. A crucial policy choice that must be made by public agencies and officials is whether and when to provide publicly funded services themselves or to utilize nonprofit or profit-oriented organizations in the private sector. There has been a plethora of speculation regarding the relative merits of public and private organizations, speculation that has led to competing ideological camps that support one or another sector (e.g., Friedman, 1962; Kramer, 1966; Titmuss, 1971). This study was supported in part by a grant from the Faculty Research Fund of the University of Southern California. The author would like to acknowledge collaboration in data collection of Professor Samuel H. Taylor as well as assistance of students in the graduate research seminars of 1975 and 1976 at the School of Social Work. *Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work of the University of Southern California.
Real-Time Raag Recognition for Interactive Music.

We describe a system that can listen to a performance of Indian music and recognize the raag, the fundamental melodic framework that Indian classical musicians improvise within. In addition to determining the most likely raag being performed, the system displays the estimated the likelihood of each of the other possible raags, visualizing the changes over time. The system computes the pitch-class distribution and uses a Bayesian decision rule to classify the resulting twelve dimensional feature vector, where each feature represents the relative use of each pitch class. We show that the system achieves high performance on a variety of sources, making it a viable tool for interactive performance.
“Salía de uno y me metí en otro1”: Exploring the Migration-Violence Nexus Among Central American Women:

Increasing numbers of Central American women cross the U.S.–Mexico border, prompting social service providers, advocates, and policy makers to investigate motivations and appropriate responses. Dra...
Mechanoresponsive stem cells acquire neural crest fate in jaw regeneration.

During both embryonic development and adult tissue regeneration, changes in chromatin structure driven by master transcription factors lead to stimulus-responsive transcriptional programs. A thorough understanding of how stem cells in the skeleton interpret mechanical stimuli and enact regeneration would shed light on how forces are transduced to the nucleus in regenerative processes. Here we develop a genetically dissectible mouse model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis—which is a process that is used in humans to correct an undersized lower jaw that involves surgically separating the jaw bone, which elicits new bone growth in the gap. We use this model to show that regions of newly formed bone are clonally derived from stem cells that reside in the skeleton. Using chromatin and transcriptional profiling, we show that these stem-cell populations gain activity within the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signalling pathway, and that inhibiting FAK abolishes new bone formation. Mechanotransduction via FAK in skeletal stem cells during distraction activates a gene-regulatory program and retrotransposons that are normally active in primitive neural crest cells, from which skeletal stem cells arise during development. This reversion to a developmental state underlies the robust tissue growth that facilitates stem-cell-based regeneration of adult skeletal tissue. Reversion of adult skeletal stem cells to a developmental state underlies the growth of new bone during jaw regeneration, in a process that relies on mechanotransduction via the focal adhesion kinase protein.
Perturbed variations of penalty function methods

Penalty function techniques are well known perturbation methods for solving mathematical programming problems. We define new classes of penalty functions by introducing simple perturbations of classical penalty functions or, equivalently, perturbations of the given problem. Motivation is a recently developed method called “Projective SUMT”, proposed by McCormick, based on solving the differential equation associated with a barrier function minimizing trajectory. We show that this trajectory-following algorithm is a simple variation of classical SUMT (Sequential Unconstrained Minimization Technique). This leads to numerous additional interpretations, simplified convergence results, duality relationships and extensions. Like SUMT, Projective SUMT is closely related to the approach of Karmarkar.
Military veterans' overdose risk behavior: Demographic and biopsychosocial influences.

Abstract Background U.S. military veterans face many biopsychosocial (BPS) challenges post-service that may elevate risk for opioid-related overdose including physical pain, mental health concerns and social stressors. Some veterans use opioids to manage pain and cope with social readjustment. This study assessed associations between BPS factors and recent engagement in overdose risk behavior in a community sample of post-9/11 veterans who used opioids in New York City. Methods Participants (n = 218) were recruited through convenience sampling and completed a baseline assessment including a validated Opioid Risk Behavior Scale (ORBS) that measured past-30-day engagement in 22 opioid-related overdose risk behaviors. Analyses examined associations between ORBS scores and hypothesized demographic, biological/physical, psychological and social predictors. Incident rate ratios estimated the expected relative difference in ORBS score associated with each predictor. Results Participants reported an average of 4.72 overdose risk behaviors in the past 30 days. Significant independent predictors of higher ORBS score, after adjustment for demographics and current prescription medications, were past-30-day: depression symptoms; unsheltered or living in a homeless shelter (vs. private housing); history of mental health treatment; experiencing stressful life events; average pain severity; and pain interference. Conclusion Veterans face myriad BPS challenges and, while drug-related overdose risks are well understood, findings suggest that other factors—including mental health, pain and stressful life events—may also be associated with overdose risk among opioid-using veterans. The larger challenges veterans face should be considered in the context of BPS forms of pain management when tailoring and delivering overdose prevention interventions.
(S)TEM/EDS study of native precipitates and irradiation induced Nb-rich platelets in high-burnup M5®

Abstract We have investigated microstructure and microchemistry of precipitates and dislocation loops in high-burnup M5® using (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Two (S)TEM lamellae were made by cryo-FIB from the same cladding sample. The Nb-rich native precipitates were found in the metal, in the suboxide and in the oxide. Upon diffraction analysis, most of the Nb-rich native precipitates in the metal matrix remain as β-Nb phase, while no β-Nb native precipitates were found in the oxide. Nearby the oxide and metal (O/M) interface, the native precipitates in the oxide were already oxidized into t-NbO2 phase. At further distance away from the O/M interface, the Nb-rich native precipitates were gradually oxidized and became amorphous. Besides the native precipitates, Nb-rich irradiation induced precipitates (IIPs) were found in the metal matrix. Using g = vector for imaging, the length of the IIPs was aligned with dislocation loops. However, no Nb segregation to the dislocation loops themselves was observed. For the first time, we report that IIPs indeed exist in the oxide but only within about 1.5 µm away from O/M interface. However, the oxidation state of the IIPs in the oxide is still unclear. The presence of both native precipitates and IIPs in the oxide may indicate the Nb concentration in the oxide solid solution remain low nearby the O/M interface, which may explain the reduced corrosion kinetics of in-pile M5®. On the other hand, no IIPs were observed in the oxide at further distance and this may indicate that they have eventually dissolved back into the oxide. A few mechanisms related to IIPs stability in the oxide are presented.
An uncommon cause of sepsis following dog exposure.

ABSTRACT Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a bacteria commonly found in the normal oral cavity of dogs that can cause bacteremia in immunocompromised patients following a dog bite. This case describes sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with C. canimorsus in a patient with a history of alcohol abuse. Clinicians must be alert to the risk factors for this infection and provide appropriate prophylaxis following dog bites.
America and Japan’s Role in the Post-Cold War World

There is very little evidence suggesting that fundamental or dramatic shifts in Japan’s basic strategy and foreign policy are imminent or likely during the next one or two years. Consequently, in looking at Japan’s strategic and foreign policy options, I suggest that in addition to examining the recent and current foreign policy debate, we also attempt to peer into the next ten to twenty years, the 1990s and the first decade of the 21st century. Given the rate and extent of change occurring in the international system, especially in the Soviet Union and in Europe, and the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, it is more likely than at any time since the late 1940s and early 1950s that fundamental changes in the international system will occur during the next decade or two, which could compel Japan to change its strategy and foreign policy.
Opening Feedback Loops with Surgery and Anesthesia; Closing the Loops with Noise

One of the basic heuristic concepts of classical neurology is the idea of the tonic influence, either excitatory or inhibitory, that each part of the nervous system exerts on others. From his clinical studies of the evolution and devolution of the central nervous system, Hughlings Jackson (1884) inferred that each level from cortex to spinal cord exerted constant inhibition on the levels beneath it, and he explained many of the symptoms that he observed and charted in terms of “release” of lower centers from higher domination. Sherrington concluded, near the close of his illustrious career, that the roles of neuron pools could best be characterized in terms of “central excitatory states”, which he conceived in terms of chemical activities that regulated the firings of neurons in a continuously graded manner, unlike the “all or- none” action potential. Synaptic potentials were still unknown at the time (Sherrington 1929). In contrast, the entire system of neurophysiology in Russia was based on the 19th century work of Sechenov, who demonstrated the regulation of reflex activity in the spinal cord of the frog by steady state excitation from higher brain centers, which, if it were too strong, became paradoxical inhibition.
Evolution of network topology of bifunctional epoxy thermosets during cure and its relationship to thermo-mechanical properties: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract Thermoset polymers are used for a wide range of application from large airframes to microelectronics and fundamental understanding of the development of their 3D network during cure and its relationship to thermo-mechanical properties is of fundamental and applied interest. Experimental characterization of network properties, such as the density of crosslinked chains, involves the use of approximate models with uncertain parameters leading, consequently, to uncertainties in resulting properties. We use molecular dynamics to simulate the cure of two thermoset epoxy systems, characterize the evolution of its network topology and establish relationships to the stiffness, yield stress and glass transition temperature. Relating the predicted crosslink density with experimental measurements of rubber elasticity indicates that these polymers behave somewhere between an affine and phantom networks; the proportionality constant extracted between rubber modulus and crosslink density can be used for similar systems to experimentally extract network characteristics.
The Aging Ballerina

The entrance to the body is red. I never learned to dance. I learned to turn around, and to wear leotards that made me resemble a dancer; I learned to shed my black pearls the way petals are shed from a begonia; and to Uve between my breasts, and to surface Uke my mind. I learned to steal peaches: and when the others fed me, I stumbled Uke a madman who had been shot in both arms, Uke a deer about to rise only to fall once more. I stumbled till I was large enough to keep myself warm. 37
Littoral Refractivity Prognostic Advancement

Abstract : The goal of this research is to improve Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Prediction System (COAMPS(registered) ) to the point that it provides engineering quality refractivity fields in the littorals. These engineering quality refractivity fields will be able to support radio frequency system testing, acquisition, radar system performance forecasts and radar sea and land clutter forecasts. The objective of this research is to improve the Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Prediction System (COAMPS(registered) ) atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind and refractivity field forecasts in the littorals with respect to error threshold requirements established by the chemical sensor testing, propagation, and surface radar sea and land clutter model communities. Assimilation of special field measurements will be investigated with a focus on improving the model forecast refractivity fields. This technology will provide situational awareness of the 3D radio-frequency (RF) propagation environment and a quantitative diagnostic and prognostic capability for assessing sub- and super-refractive conditions in the littorals. The research will lead to the exploitation of anomalous RF propagation fields in order to re-deploy spectrum, sensor, and communications assets to avoid propagation liabilities and to take advantage of propagation opportunities validating with US Naval surface sensor test data.
The petite mutation in yeast. III. Nearest-neighbor analysis of mitochondrial DNA from normal and mutant cells

Nearest-neighbor analysis on RNA products formed in the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase system were carried out on mitochondrial DNA of four strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three of these strains were cytoplasmically inherited respiratory deficient mutants (petites) whose mitochondrial DNA was altered in buoyant density compared to the respiratory sufficient (grande) parent. The analysis showed that dinucleotides containing A or U with G or C were present less frequently than expected for a random distribution, while those containing only A and/or U, or only G and/or C, were present more frequently than predicted by a random distribution.
A SCS CMOS micromirror for optical coherence tomographic imaging

Reports a single-crystalline silicon (SCS) micromirror used for laser beam scanning in an endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The micromirror is fabricated by using a deep reactive-ion-etch (DRIE) post-CMOS micromachining process. Thin bimorph actuation structures and movable bulk silicon structures are simultaneously achieved. The micromirror is 1 mm by 1 mm in size, coated with aluminum, and thermally actuated by an integrated polysilicon heater. The radius of curvature of the mirror surface is 50 cm. The mirror rotates 17/spl deg/ when a 15 mA current is applied. Cross-sectional images of 500 /spl times/ 1000 pixels covering an area of 2.9 mm by 2.8 mm are acquired at 5 frames/s by using an OCT system based on this micromirror.
Learning implicitly in reasoning in PAC-Semantics

We consider the problem of answering queries about formulas of propositional logic based on background knowledge partially represented explicitly as other formulas, and partially represented as partially obscured examples independently drawn from a fixed probability distribution, where the queries are answered with respect to a weaker semantics than usual -- PAC-Semantics, introduced by Valiant (2000) -- that is defined using the distribution of examples. We describe a fairly general, efficient reduction to limited versions of the decision problem for a proof system (e.g., bounded space treelike resolution, bounded degree polynomial calculus, etc.) from corresponding versions of the reasoning problem where some of the background knowledge is not explicitly given as formulas, only learnable from the examples. Crucially, we do not generate an explicit representation of the knowledge extracted from the examples, and so the "learning" of the background knowledge is only done implicitly. As a consequence, this approach can utilize formulas as background knowledge that are not perfectly valid over the distribution---essentially the analogue of agnostic learning here.
A recording photoelastic stress meter

An instrument for automatically making photoelastic measurements of stress is described. It may be used for recording transient stresses at a point or for scanning spatial stress distributions. Its use is illustrated by an application entailing the measurement of transient thermal stresses in a viscoelastic material.
How Jurors Evaluate Fingerprint Evidence: The Relative Importance of Match Language, Method Information, and Error Acknowledgment

Fingerprint examiners use a variety of terms and phrases to describe a finding of a match between a defendant’s fingerprints and fingerprint impressions collected from a crime scene. Despite the importance and ubiquity of fingerprint evidence in criminal cases, no prior studies examine how jurors evaluate such evidence. We present two studies examining the impact of different match phrases, method descriptions, and statements about possible examiner error on the weight given to fingerprint identification evidence by laypersons. In both studies, the particular phrase chosen to describe the finding of a match—whether simple and imprecise or detailed and claiming near certainty—had little effect on participants’ judgments about the guilt of a suspect. In contrast, the examiner admitting the possibility of error reduced the weight given to the fingerprint evidence—regardless of whether the admission was made during direct or cross-examination. In addition, the examiner providing information about the method used to make fingerprint comparisons reduced the impact of admitting the possibility of error. We found few individual differences in reactions to the fingerprint evidence across a wide range of participant variables, and we found widespread agreement regarding the uniqueness of fingerprints and the reliability of fingerprint identifications. Our results suggest that information about the reliability of fingerprint identifications will have a greater impact on lay interpretations of fingerprint evidence than the specific qualitative or quantitative terms chosen to describe a fingerprint match.
High-performance InGaAs photodetectors on Si and GaAs substrates

In this work, we demonstrate record performance operation of long wavelength (1.55 /spl mu/m) P-I-N (InP-InGaAs-InP) photodetectors on both Silicon and Gallium Arsenide substrates using a wafer bonding technique. The photodetectors were made by first bonding the P-I-N epitaxial layers to the Si and GaAs substrates followed by chemical removal of the host (InP) substrate from the P-I-N structure. The photodetectors were then fabricated atop the newly exposed P-I-N (InP-InGaAs-InP) epilayers. Dark currents of as low as 57 pA on a GaAs substrate and 0.29 nA on a Si substrate were measured under 5 V reverse bias. The responsivity at 1.55 /spl mu/m wavelength was measured to be 1 A/W, corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of 80%. The series resistance measured across the bonded interface and P-I-N layers gave 17 /spl Omega/ on GaAs and 350 /spl Omega/ on Si, respectively.
Acceptability and feasibility of smartphone-assisted 24 h recalls in the Chinese population.

Objective To examine the acceptability and feasibility of using smartphone technology to assess beverage intake and evaluate whether the feasibility of smartphone use is greater among key sub-populations. Design An acceptability and feasibility study of recording the video dietary record, the acceptability of the ecological momentary assessment (EMA), wearing smartphones and whether the videos helped participants recall intake after a cross-over validation study. Setting Rural and urban area in Shanghai, China. Subjects Healthy adults (n 110) aged 20–40 years old. Results Most participants reported that the phone was acceptable in most aspects, including that videos were easy to use (70 %), helped with recalls (77 %), EMA reminders helped them record intake (75 %) and apps were easy to understand (85 %). However, 49 % of the participants reported that they had trouble remembering to take videos of the beverages before consumption or 46 % felt embarrassed taking videos in front of others. Moreover, 72 % reported that the EMA reminders affected their consumption. When assessing overall acceptability of using smartphones, 72 % of the participants were favourable responders. There were no statistically significant differences in overall acceptability for overweight v. normal-weight participants or for rural v. urban residents. However, we did find that the overall acceptability was higher for males (81 %) than females (61 %, P=0·017). Conclusions Our study did not find smartphone technology helped with dietary assessments in a Chinese population. However, simpler approaches, such as using photographs instead of videos, may be more feasible for enhancing 24 h dietary recalls.
A novel orthotopic mouse model of head and neck cancer and lymph node metastasis

Prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is largely determined by the extent of lymph node (LN) metastasis at diagnosis, and this appears to be controlled by cancer cell genetics. To examine the role of these genes in LN metastasis, we created a human-in-mouse orthotopic model of HNSCC and performed comparative microarray analysis of gene expression between populations of HNSCC cell lines derived before and after serial transplantation and in vivo metastasis in mice. Microarray analysis comparing the USC-HN3-GFP, USC-HN3-GFP-G1 and USC-HN3-GFP-G2 cell lines identified overexpression of genes implicated in epithelial-to- mesenchymal transition and the formation of cancer stem cells, including CAV-1, TLR-4 (Toll-like receptor 4), MMP-7 (matrix metalloproteinase 7), ALDH1A3, OCT-4 and TRIM-29. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis confirmed upregulation of respective gene signaling pathways in the USC-HN1-GFP-G2 cell line. Patient HNSCC samples from advanced stages overexpressed ALDH1A3, CAV-1 and MMP-7. Our results show that CAV-1, TLR-4, MMP-7, ALDH1A3, OCT-4 and TRIM-29 have increased expression in HNSCC cells selected for an enhanced metastatic phenotype and suggest that these genes may have an important role in the metastatic potential of HNSCC cells. Inhibition of these genes may therefore have prognostic and therapeutic utility in HNSCC.
Physiologic aspects of pyridine nucleotide regulation in mammals

Tissue levels of NAD+ appear to be regulated primarily by the concentration of extracellular nicotinamide, which in turn is controlled by the liver in a hormone-sensitive manner. Hepatic regulation involves the conversion of excess serum nicotinamide to ‘Storage NAD+’ and inactive excretory products, and the replenishment of serum nicotinamide by the hydrolysis of ‘Storage NAD+.’ Tryptophan and nicotinic acid contribute to ‘Storage NAD+,’ and thus are additional sources of nicotinamide. In response to administered nicotinamide, there is a preferential utilization of ATP and PRPP (5-phosphorylribose-1-pyrophosphate) for the biosynthesis of NAD+. This biosynthetic priority, whose purpose appears to be the conservation of intracellular nicotinamide, may explain why nicotinamide inhibits RNA and DNA synthesis in regenerating tissues and why elevated nicotinamide levels are toxic to growing animals and to mammalian cells in culture.
Expansion of Biological Pathways Based on Evolutionary Inference

The availability of diverse genomes makes it possible to predict gene function based on shared evolutionary history. This approach can be challenging, however, for pathways whose components do not exhibit a shared history but rather consist of distinct "evolutionary modules." We introduce a computational algorithm, clustering by inferred models of evolution (CLIME), which inputs a eukaryotic species tree, homology matrix, and pathway (gene set) of interest. CLIME partitions the gene set into disjoint evolutionary modules, simultaneously learning the number of modules and a tree-based evolutionary history that defines each module. CLIME then expands each module by scanning the genome for new components that likely arose under the inferred evolutionary model. Application of CLIME to ∼1,000 annotated human pathways and to the proteomes of yeast, red algae, and malaria reveals unanticipated evolutionary modularity and coevolving components. CLIME is freely available and should become increasingly powerful with the growing wealth of eukaryotic genomes.
Lysozyme Catalyzes the Formation of Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles

Hen egg white lysozyme acted as the sole reducing agent and catalyzed the formation of silver nanoparticles in the presence of light. Stable silver colloids formed after mixing lysozyme and silver acetate in methanol and the resulting nanoparticles were concentrated and transferred to aqueous solution without any significant changes in physical properties. Activity and antimicrobial assays demonstrated lysozyme-silver nanoparticles retained the hydrolase function of the enzyme and were effective in inhibiting growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, and Candida albicans. Remarkably, lysozyme-silver nanoparticles demonstrated a strong antimicrobial effect against silver-resistant Proteus mirabilis strains and a recombinant E. coli strain containing the multiple antibiotic- and silver-resistant plasmid, pMG101. Results of toxicological studies using human epidermal keratinocytes revealed that lysozyme-silver nanoparticles are nontoxic at concentrations sufficient to inhibit microbial growth. Overall, the ability of lysozyme to assemble silver nanoparticles in a one-step reaction offers a simple and environmentally friendly approach to form stable colloids of nontoxic silver nanoparticles that combine the antimicrobial properties of lysozyme and silver. The results expand the functionality of nanomaterials for biological systems and represent a novel antimicrobial composite for potential aseptics and therapeutic use in the future.
Comparison of multiple red cell volume methods performed concurrently in premature infants following allogeneic transfusion

Comparison of multiple red cell volume methods performed concurrently in premature infants following allogeneic transfusion
Extracellular synaptic factors induce clustering of acetylcholine receptors stably expressed in fibroblasts

The clustering of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) is one of the first events observed during formation of the neuromuscular junction. To determine the mechanism involved in AChR clustering, we established a nonmuscle cell line (mouse fibroblast L cells) that stably expresses just one muscle-specific gene product, the AChR. We have shown that when Torpedo californica AChRs are expressed in fibroblasts, their immunological, biochemical, and electrophysiological properties all indicate that fully functional cell surface AChRs are produced. In the present study, the cell surface distribution and stability of Torpedo AChRs expressed in fibroblasts (AChR-fibroblasts) were analyzed and shown to be similar to nonclustered AChRs expressed in muscle cells. AChR-fibroblasts incubated with antibodies directed against the AChR induced the formation of small AChR microclusters (less than 0.5 micron 2) and caused an increase in the internalization rate and degradation of surface AChRs (antigenic modulation) in a manner similar to that observed in muscle cells. Two disparate sources of AChR clustering factors, extracellular matrix isolated from Torpedo electric organ and conditioned media from a rodent neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cell line, each induced large (1-3 microns 2), stable AChR clusters with no change in the level of surface AChR expression. By exploiting the temperature-sensitive nature of Torpedo AChR assembly, we were able to demonstrate that factor-induced clusters were produced by mobilization of preexisting surface AChRs, not by directed insertion of newly synthesized AChRs. AChR clusters were never observed in the absence of extracellular synaptic factors. Our results suggest that these factors can interact directly with the AChR.
Role of the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex in protein glycosylation

The Golgi apparatus is a central hub for both protein and lipid trafficking/sorting and is also a major site for glycosylation in the cell. This organelle employs a cohort of peripheral membrane proteins and protein complexes to keep its structural and functional organization. The conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex is an evolutionary conserved peripheral membrane protein complex that is proposed to act as a retrograde vesicle tethering factor in intra-Golgi trafficking. The COG protein complex consists of eight subunits, distributed in two lobes, Lobe A (Cog1-4) and Lobe B (Cog5-8). Malfunctions in the COG complex have a significant impact on processes such as protein sorting, glycosylation, and Golgi integrity. A deletion of Lobe A COG subunits in yeasts causes severe growth defects while mutations in COG1, COG7, and COG8 in humans cause novel types of congenital disorders of glycosylation. These pathologies involve a change in structural Golgi phenotype and function. Recent results indicate that down-regulation of COG function results in the resident Golgi glycosyltransferases/glycosidases to be mislocalized or degraded.
Cloning of a galacturonic acid uptake gene from Erwinia chrysanthemi EC16

A 3.4 kb fragment of Erwinia chrysanthemi EC16 DNA capable of complementing galacturonic acid uptake mutants (exuT) was identified and cloned into a multicopy vector. In E. chrysanthemi B374 exuT mutants, the cloned DNA provided for growth of the mutant strains on galacturonic acid by complementing the galacturonic acid uptake defect. Alkaline phosphatase (phoA) gene fusions with the cloned DNA suggested that most of the cloned DNA was necessary for complementation of exuT mutant strains. Using anti-alkaline phosphatase antibody, a hybrid ExuT-PhoA protein was localized to the membrane fraction of the bacterium.
Significance of Abnormal Q Waves in the Electrocardiograms of Adults Less than 40 Years Old

BACKGROUND: Abnormal Q waves (AQW) in the electrocardiogram are commonly ascribed to underlying myocardial infarction (MI). As an imperfectly specific sign of MI, the usefulness of AQW in identifying MI depends on its incidence in the population studied. METHODS: Eighty-two subjects under 40 years of age with AQW were compared with 82 subjects from the same institution aged > or =40 years with similar AQW to determine the presence or absence of cardiac disease or MI. RESULTS: Cardiac disease was present in 90.2% and 92.7% of the younger and older subjects, respectively, whereas MI was present in only 15.9% of younger subjects and in 68.3% of older subjects. Etiologies of cardiac disease differed between younger and older subjects. Some types of AQW were more useful than others in ruling MI in or out. CONCLUSIONS: AQW were a strong indicator of organic heart disease in both adult age groups, but their utility to indicate MI was age-dependent. In the population studied, MI was present in only a small minority of subjects under 40 years of age with AQW, but was usually present in older subjects with similar AQW.
Assessing microbial toxicity of 2‐ethoxyethanol and BIS (2‐chloroethyl) ether by a modified spread plate method

Abstract Microbial populations indigenous to three industrial waste stabilization pond influents were assayed using the two organics separately and in combination. Individually, the LC50 values were 17,400 mgl−1 for 2‐ethoxyethanol and 2,160 mgl−1 for bis(2‐chloroethyl)ether. The growth inhibition of heterotrophic microorganisms exposed to combinations of the two organics could be accurately predicted by a multiplicative survival model based on individual exposures to the two organics. No synergism or antagonism was observed.
SHOOTLESSNESS, VELAMENTOUS ROOTS, AND THE PRE-EMINENCE OF ORCHIDACEAE IN THE EPIPHYTIC BIOTOPE.

Roots of representative epiphytic orchids were examined for anatomical detail, desiccation resistance and evidence of CAM activity. Those "shootless" taxa examined (Campylocentrum pachyrrhizum (Reichenb. f.) Rolfe, Harrisella porrecta Reichenb. f.) Fawc. & Rendle, and Polyradicion lindenii (Lindl.) Cogn. ex Urban) and a semi-shootless type (Kingidium taeniale (Lindl.) P. F. Hunt) bear thinner or eroded velamina and greater volumes of cortical intercellular space than do those of the leafy forms tested (Campylocentrum sellowii (Reichenb. f.) Rolfe, Encyclia tampensis (Lindl.) Small, Epidendrum radicans Pavon ex Lindl., Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume, Rangaeris amaniensis (Krzl.) Summerhayes and Vanda parishii (Reichenb. f.)). Shootless species also bear a more elaborate aeration apparatus at the velamen-cortex interface. Structurally distinct cortical cells located in this region may regulate gas exchange across the exodermis. Velamen thickness varies greatly among the ten species, as does the development of outer tangential walls of U cells in the underlying exodermis. Desiccation resistance under laboratory conditions was more closely related to root surface-to-volume ratio (S/V) than to any other measured anatomical parameter, including velamen development. Modes of carbon gain and the possible pathway for movement of fungus-borne carbon into an orchid's pool of assimilates are described, as is the possible significance of these processes to survival in forest canopy habitats. THE ORCHID PRESENCE in tropical forest canopies is unparalleled among tracheophytes. Between fifteen and twenty thousand species occur there-fully two-thirds of the family's total membership and more than all other vascular epiphytes combined (Madison, 1977). Numerous varied and complex adaptations underlie this remarkable success, but none is more basic, yet probably less appreciated, than the velamentous root. Epiphytic orchids always feature extensive specialized root systems, while their shoots sometimes consist of little more
United States Perspective on Definitions and Classifications

Interest in sudden unexpected and unexplained death in individuals with epilepsy (SUDEP) was rekindled in the United States by Jay and Leestma during the early 1980s and more recently by antiepileptic drug (AED) trials and medicolegal issues. The incidence of SUDEP has been and is being evaluated in North America and the United Kingdom. Specific criteria for the classification of definite, probable, possible, and unlikely SUDEP implemented in United States epidemiologic studies are presented. Evidence for the increased relative risk for sudden death in epilepsy compared with the general population is also discussed.
Botulinum toxin: historical perspective and potential new indications

Botulinum toxin (BTX), a purified form of the neurotoxin responsible for botulism, is used worldwide for the treatment of abnormal muscle contractions. The ability of BTX to block acetylcholine release in a long-lasting but reversible fashion with few side effects has made it an important tool in a wide variety of neuromuscular disorders, including the dystonias, tremor, tics, and spasticity. There are seven antigenically distinct toxins. BTX-A has been in clinical use for almost two decades, with an outstanding efficacy and safety profile. Clinical effects are often seen within 1 week of injection, and benefits typically last from 3-6 months. Patient selection and the proper choice of dose and administration site are the most important determinants of a favorable response to BTX treatment.