cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endocrine control of vitellogenin synthesis and vitellogenesis in Triatoma protracta.

The corpus allatum (CA) is required for vitellogenesis in the blood-sucking reduviid, Triatoma protracta, as seen by the total lack of yolk deposition in allatectomized females. Normally the CA becomes active within a day after emergence. After a period of activity during which unfed virgins may mature a few eggs, the CA is inhibited via its neural connectives from the brain. The CA is activated by mating, while a blood meal provides an additional stimulus for vitellogenesis. If the ventral nerve cord (VNC) is severed within 48 hr after copulation, the mating stimulus does not get through. However, the pathway of the feeding stimulus does not involve the VNC. The brain does not have any allatotropic or gonadotropic function in this species. A female-specific protein (vitellogenin) was identified by immunoelectrophoresis in the haemolymph of egg-maturing females. This protein is taken up by the oocytes immunologically unaltered and forms the bulk of the yolk. Allatectomy at emergence prevents the appearance of the vitellogenin, and the topical application of JHIII to allatectomized females led to its synthesis de novo, as shown by the incorporation of labelled precursors into vitellogenin. From its mobility in polyacrylamide gels of different concentrations, the molecular weight of the yolk protein is estimated to be 4.37 × 105 daltons.
Touchscreen prompts for preschoolers: designing developmentally appropriate techniques for teaching young children to perform gestures

Though toddlers and preschoolers are regular touchscreen users, relatively little is known about how they learn to perform unfamiliar gestures. In this paper we assess the responses of 34 children, aged 2 to 5, to the most common in-app prompting techniques for eliciting specific gestures. By reviewing 100 touchscreen apps for preschoolers, we determined the types of prompts that children are likely to encounter. We then evaluated their relative effectiveness in teaching children to perform simple gestures. We found that children under 3 were only able to interpret instructions when they came from an adult model, but that children made rapid gains between age 3 and 3-and-a-half, at which point they were able to follow in-app audio instructions and on-screen demonstrations. The common technique of using visual state changes to prompt gestures was ineffective across this age range. Given that prior work in this space has primarily focused on children's fine motor control, our findings point to a need for increased attention to the design of prompts that accommodate children's cognitive development as well.
Environmentally Preferable Pavement Management Systems

Many departments of transportation (DOTs) rely on pavement management systems (PMSs) to plan maintenance operations by identifying schedules that maximize overall network condition subject to cost constraints. PMSs do not typically incorporate environmental considerations, despite being ideally situated in the decision-making process to balance performance and environmental goals. This work proposes an expanded PMS framework to incorporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by utilizing a multiobjective genetic algorithm (GA) validated against past DOT interstate maintenance practices in Virginia. In practice, the DOT relies heavily on corrective maintenance, a treatment of intermediate intensity, resulting in suboptimal use of financial resources and emissions of GHG. The model suggests that alternative maintenance plans exist that yield higher network pavement performance with both lower costs and GHG emissions over the same time period. For the validation area considered, an optimized management plan could achieve the same network pavement performance with 60% of the cost and 50% of the GHG emissions. The framework, as presented, uses current DOT deterioration models and cost estimates to demonstrate the feasibility of its direct integration with existing PMSs.
Cyclophotocoagulation versus sequential tube shunt as a secondary intervention following primary tube shunt failure in pediatric glaucoma.

Purpose To examine the efficacy of a sequential tube shunt versus transscleral diode cyclophotocoagulation following failure of an initial tube shunt on maximal medical therapy in treatment of refractory childhood glaucoma. Methods A nonrandomized retrospective chart review was conducted of 17 eyes of 14 pediatric patients (less than 18 years old) with refractory glaucoma treated with either sequential tube shunt (Group A) or diode cyclophotocoagulation (Group B) following initial failed tube shunt. Success was defined as an intraocular pressure ≤22 mm Hg on medical therapy, no visually devastating complications, and no further glaucoma surgery performed or recommended. Results Of the 17 eyes, 8 had a sequential tube shunt and 9 underwent diode cyclophotocoagulation as a secondary procedure. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a successful outcome of 75% and 62.5% at 12 months and 24 months, respectively, for Group A, and 66.7% at both 12 months and 24 months for Group B ( p = 0.48). Corneal decompensation or graft failure was noted in 3/8 eyes (38%) in Group A. Cataract surgery was performed in 2/5 phakic eyes (40%) in Group B. One eye in each group progressed to no light perception. Conclusions Diode cyclophotocoagulation and sequential tube shunt following primary tube shunt failure in childhood glaucoma showed similar efficacy and complication rates. However, the small sample size of this study warrants further evaluation of these 2 procedures following failure of a tube shunt device in pediatric glaucoma.
The growth of Si single crystals from the melt and impurity incorporation mechanisms

Abstract Growth interfaces, dislocations and impurity distributions in melt-grown crystals were observed using X-ray Lang topography, the etching method and resistivity measurements. In dislocation-free [111] growth, flat facets were observed, and the supercooling required for the growth on the facet was estimated roughly to be about 9 °C from the observed interface shapes. Dislocations intersecting the facet were found to decrease the supercooling to about 0.8 °C. This observation may suggest that dislocations provide nucleation sites even in melt growth. During [100] and [511] growth, no facets or dislocation effects were observed. The difference in growth features between the [111] and [100] growth may be explained by Jackson's theory for the structure of solid-liquid interfaces. The faceted regions were found to have higher impurity concentrations. It was observed with twin crystals, that the [511] growth has a lower K eff than the [111] growth. The observed impurity distributions seem to be explained qualitatively by considering the dependence of impurity concentration on the velocity of growth steps.
Structure of the cumulus matrix and zona pellucida in the golden hamster: A new view of sperm interaction with oocyte-associated extracellular matrices

Hamster oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCC), with and without sperm, were structurally analyzed by light- and electron microscopy using freeze substitution. This method has yielded a clear picture of the extracellular oocyte investments, the cumulus cell matrix and the zona pellucida. The cumulus matrix has an overall homogeneous fibrillar structure which appears to attach to cumulus cells at their filopodial extensions. The matrix also extends into the outer regions of the zona pellucida. The zona pellucida has a distinct porous configuration throughout its entire structure. During gamete interaction experiments, capacitated hamster sperm with ultrastructurally intact acrosomes were found throughout the matrix. Sperm had dramatic effects on the matrix, resulting in compression and stretching. Sperm found on the zona pellucida had initiated or completed the acrosome reaction. During the initial stages of the acrosome reaction, the matrix was in contact with the sperm. At later stages of the acrosome reaction, there was a complete loss of matrix material in regions near the sperm.
Disulfide structure of alfimeprase: A recombinant analog of fibrolase

The disulfide structure of alfimeprase, a recombinant analog of fibrolase, was experimentally determined by a combination of peptide mapping, Edman degradation, and mass spectrometry. The three disulfide bonds were determined to be Cys-116/196, Cys-156 /180, and Cys-158/163 with the residue number system of alfimeprase.
MR Imaging of the Pancreas

MR imaging is a valuable tool in the assessment of the full spectrum of pancreatic diseases. MR imaging techniques are sensitive for the evaluation of pancreatic disorders in the following settings: (1) TI-weighted fat-suppressed and dynamic gadolinium-enhanced SGE imaging for the detection of chronic pancreatitis, ductal adeno-carcinoma, and islet-cell tumors; (2) T2-weighted fat-suppressed imaging and T2-weighted breath-hold imaging for the detection of islet-cell tumors;and (3) precontrast breath-hold SGE imaging for the detection of acute pancreatitis. Relatively specific morphologic and signal intensity features permit characterization of acute pancreatitis,chronic pancreatitis, ductal adenocarcinoma, insulinoma, gastrinoma, glucagonoma, microcystic cystadenoma, macrocystic cystadenoma, and solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm. MR imaging is effective as a problem-solving modality because it distinguishes chronic pancreatitis from normal pancreas and chronic pancreatitis with focal enlargement from pancreatic cancer in the majority of cases.MR imaging studies should be considered in the following settings: (1) in patients with elevated serum creatinine, allergy to iodine contrast, or other contraindications for iodine contrast administration; (2) in patients with prior CT imaging who have focal enlargement of the pancreas with no definable mass; (3) in patients in whom clinical history is worrisome for malignancy and in whom findings on CT imaging are equivocal or difficult to interpret; and (4) in situations requiring distinction between chronic pancreatitis with focal enlargement and pancreatic cancer. Patients with biochemical evidence of islet-cell tumors should be examined by MR imaging as the first-line imaging modality because of the high sensitivity of MR imaging for detecting the presence of islet-cell tumors and determining the presence of metastatic disease.
Oligopoly and the redistribution of market share under commodity taxation

This paper examines the effect of ad valorem and specific commodity taxation on firm market share in a duopoly where firms have different costs. Two reasons suggested for these cost asymmetries are inter-firm differences in efficiency and differences in product quality. When cost differences are efficiency-based, then specific and ad valorem commodity taxation increases the market share of the lower-cost firm and decreases the market share of the higher-cost firm. If the cost difference results from differing product quality, the specific tax increases the market share of the high quality (higher-cost) firm and decreases the market share of the low quality (lower-cost) firm, whereas, the ad valorem tax has just the opposite effect.
An enriched 40K source for fermionic atom studies

We have developed a novel, enriched potassium source for use in trapping and cooling of the fermionic isotope 40K. The source is clean, easily controllable, and consistent with high vacuum applications. With this enriched source, we are able to collect 108 40K atoms in a vapor cell magneto-optical trap.
Emodin (3-methyl-1,6,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) inhibits TNF-induced NF-κB activation, IκB degradation, and expression of cell surface adhesion proteins in human vascular endothelial cells

Most inflammatory agents activate nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) which results in expression of genes for cytokines, adhesion molecules, and enzymes involved in amplification and perpetuation of inflammation. Emodin (3-methyl-1,6,8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is an active component from the roots of Polygonum cuspidatum that has been reported to exhibit antiinflammatory properties but the mechanism is not known. In the present study we investigated the effects of emodin on the activation of NF-kappaB in human umbelical vein endothelial cells (EC). Treatment of EC with TNF activated NF-kappaB; preincubation with emodin inhibited this activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Emodin did not chemically modify NF-kappaB subunits but rather inhibited degradation of IkappaB, an inhibitory subunit of NF-kappaB. Since the promoter regions of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and ELAM-1 contain NF-kappaB binding sites and these adhesion molecules are involved in the attachment of leukocytes to EC, the effect of emodin on the adhesion of monocytes to EC and the expression of these adhesion molecules was also studied. Treatment of EC with TNF for 6 h increased the adhesion of monocytes to EC, which correlated with increases in cell surface expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and ELAM-1. Pretreatment of EC for 1 h with emodin inhibited both monocyte-EC attachment and expression of ICAM-1, ELAM-1 and VCAM-1. These results indicate that emodin is a potent inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation and expression of adhesion molecules and thus could be useful in treating various inflammatory diseases.
Maternal birthplace and major congenital malformations among New York Hispanics

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between maternal nativity and congenital malformations among Hispanics living in the United States. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between maternal nativity and various congenital malformations among singleton live-births born to Hispanic women in New York from 1993 to 2001. Birth certificates, used to identify maternal birthplace, were linked with congenital malformation registry files to obtain birth defects outcome. We examined how the risk of birth defects varied by maternal birthplace by estimating the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) using logistic regression. RESULTS: A foreign maternal birth showed statistically negative associations with overall congenital malformations (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.68–0.73), cardiovascular defects (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77–0.93), central nervous system defects (aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63–0.91), and multiple defects (aOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.74–0.86). Specifically, foreign-born Hispanic women were statistically at reduced risk to deliver live babies with cleft palate (aOR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.40–0.80), atresia and stenosis of rectum or anus (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35–0.97), and craniosynostosis (aOR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51–0.99). Hispanic mothers born in Puerto Rico had a similar risk of delivering children with birth defects compared to U.S.-born Hispanic mothers. In contrast, Hispanic mothers born in Mexico, or Cuba and Central and South America were at reduced risk of delivering infants with overall congenital malformations (aOR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.60–0.67) and (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.63–0.68), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign-born Hispanic mothers had a slightly lower risk to deliver live-born singleton infants with major congenital malformations than did U.S. born Hispanic mothers. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 76:467–473, 2006. 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
BK Virus Infection Is Associated with Hematuria and Renal Impairment in Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplants

BK virus (BKV) is an important pathogen and cause of nephropathy in renal transplant recipients, but its significance following hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is less well described. We measured blood and urine BKV in 124 allogeneic HSCT patients (67 had undergone prior HSCT [surveillance cohort]; 57 were monitored from transplant day 0 [prospective cohort]). BK viruria was manifest in 64.8% of the patients; 16.9% developed viremia. In the prospective cohort, the median time from transplantation to BK viremia development (128 days) was longer than for viruria (24 days; P
Hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy for primary glioblastoma multiforme.

Abstract Purpose A pilot study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel regimen of hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (RT) in the adjuvant treatment of primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The rationale of the study was to combine the potential radiobiologic advantage of hypofractionation to GBM with a highly conformal radiotherapeutic technique. The study was designed to measure the acute and chronic morbidity of patients treated with this regimen, response of GBM to the treatment, overall survival, and time to disease progression after therapy completion. Methods and materials Twenty eligible patients were accrued between February 1999 and May 2000 for the study. All patients had Karnofsky performance scores of ≥70. All patients were treated with intensity-modulated RT using the NOMOS Peacock system. A dose of 50 Gy was delivered in 5-Gy daily fractions within 2 weeks to enhancing primary disease, residual tumor, or surgical cavity. Simultaneously, 30 Gy was prescribed in 3-Gy daily fractions to surrounding edema. The time to progression was measured with serial neurologic examinations and MRI or CT scans after RT completion. Acute and late toxicity was graded using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group neurotoxicity scores. Results Of the 20 patients, 18 were evaluated for outcome. The median time to disease progression was 6 months after RT completion. The median overall survival was 7 months after treatment completion. All recurrences were within 2 cm of the operative bed. Neurotoxicity during therapy was minimal, with all patients experiencing Grade 0 or 1 toxicity. Late toxicity included 10 patients with Grade 0, 2 patients with Grade 2, and 3 patients with Grade 4 toxicity, manifesting as brain necrosis requiring surgical reexcision. The survival of the 3 patients with brain necrosis was 23, 20, and 9 months. Mortality in all cases was the result of tumor recurrence, with no mortality resulting from brain necrosis. Conclusion This regimen of hypofractionated intensity-modulated RT did not improve the time to disease progression or overall survival compared with historical experience using conventional fractionation. However, the treatment duration was reduced from 6 weeks to 2 weeks, which may be of palliative benefit in certain subsets of patients. This treatment regimen demonstrated a greater incidence of brain necrosis requiring surgical intervention; however, the 3 patients experiencing this toxicity had longer survival times. Future investigation may be useful to determine which fraction size may be optimal for GBM when highly conformal RT is used in the adjuvant setting.
The Enthalpy of Fusion of Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fractions Crystallized from Dilute Solution

The thicknesses of linear polyethylene crystals formed in dilute solution depend only on the isothermal crystallization temperature and are independent of chain length for molecular weights greater than about 20,000.(1)(2)(3)(4) Thermodynamic properties, such as the density and enthalpy of fusion, are also independent of chain length in this range.(1)(4)(5) These quantities are only dependent on the crystallite thickness which is determined by the crystallization temperature and solvent. In an apparent exception to this generalization, it has been reported that both the density and enthalpy of fusion depend markedly on molecular weight.(6)(7) However, subsequent reports have indicated that these experiments were in error due to sample contamination with celite and grease.(8)
Fields of definition of singular K3 surfaces

This paper gives upper and lower bounds for the degree of the (minimal) field of definition of a singular K3 surface, generalising a recent result by Shimada. We use work of Shioda-Mitani and Shioda-Inose and classical theory of complex multiplication.
Multiband RF-interconnect for CMP inter-core communications

In this paper, we propose a novel on-chip global interconnect that would meet stringent challenges of core-to-core communications in data rate (up to 100 Gbps /link), latency and re-configurability for future chip-microprocessors (CMP) with efficient area and energy overheads. We discuss the limitations of traditional RC-limited interconnects and possible benefits of multi-band RF-interconnect (RF-I) through on-chip differential transmission lines. The physical implementation of RF-I and its projected performance versus overhead as the function of CMOS technology scaling are addressed as well.
Integrated symbol table, engine and heap memory management in multi-engine prolog

We describe an integrated solution to symbol, heap and logic engine memory management in a context where exchanges of arbitrary Prolog terms occur between multiple dynamically created engines, implemented in a new Java-based experimental Prolog system.As our symbols represent not just Prolog atoms, but also handles to Java objects (including arbitrary size integers and decimals), everything is centered around a symbol garbage collection algorithm ensuring that external objects are shared and exchanged between logic engines efficiently.Taking advantage of a tag-on-data heap representation of Prolog terms, our algorithm performs in-place updates of live symbol references directly on heap cells.With appropriate fine tuning of collection policies our algorithm provides an integrated memory management solution for Prolog systems, with amortized cost dominated by normally occurring heap garbage collection costs.
Cell cycle-dependent protein secretion by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Synchronized Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell populations were used to examine secretion rates of a heterologous protein as a function of cell cycle position. The synchronization procedure had a profound effect on the type and quality of data obtained. When cell synchrony was induced by cell cycle-arresting drugs, a significant physiological perturbation of cells was observed that obscured representative secretion data. In contrast, synchronization with centrifugal elutriation resulted in synchronized first-generation daughter cells with undetectable perturbation of the physiological state. The synchronized cells did not secrete significant amounts of protein until they reached cell division, suggesting that the secretion process in these cells is strongly cell cycle dependent. However, the maximum secretion rate of the synchronized culture (7-14 molecules/cell/second) was significantly lower than that of an asynchronous culture (29-51 molecules/cell/second). This result indicates that young daughter cells isolated in the synchronization process exhibit different protein secretion behavior than older mother cells that are absent in the synchronized cell population but present in the asynchronous culture.
Microstructural Development During Suspension Hydration of Tricalcium Silicate Under “Floating” and Fixed pH Conditions

The suspension hydration of tricalcium silicate (water-solid 500) has been studied under both floating and fixed pH (8 to 12) conditions. In addition to solution analysis, the microstructure and chemical composition of the hydrate products was also studied. The results are interpreted as suggesting the existence of two C-S-H phases in the system CaO-Si02-H2O, the stabilization of each being dependent on the pH of the solution phase.
A packet compression/decompression approach for very high speed optical networks

A technique to produce time-compressed optical packets for transmission over an ultra-high-speed optical network is proposed and analytically studied. The technique employs two recirculating optical loops per network node, one to optically compress a fully formatted electronic packet for transmission onto the network and one to electronically expand such a packet upon reception. Depending upon the specific parameters chosen, loss of optical power is shown to limit the packet size to the range of several tens of bits. Despite the significant spontaneous emission noise which is thereby produced, it is shown possible to maintain a bit error rate of 10/sup -9/ and a link margin of 15-30 dB over a wide range of conditions. Finally, compression/expansion techniques are shown to introduce a new network phenomenon which prohibits a node from accessing (both for transmission and reception) two or more time slots within a contiguous group of slots of number equal to the compression ratio. >
“Ideal” optical delay lines based on tailored-coupling and reflecting, coupled-resonator optical waveguides

We present a design of "ideal" optical delay lines (i.e., constant amplitude and constant group delay over the desired bandwidth). They are based on reflection from coupled-resonator optical waveguides (CROWs). The inter-resonator coupling coefficients are tailored and decrease monotonically with the distance from the input to realize all-pass Bessel filters. The tailored coupling coefficients result in a frequency-dependent propagating distance which compensates for the group velocity dispersion of CROWs. We present a simple formalism for deriving the time-domain coupling coefficients and convert these coefficients to field coupling coefficients of ring resonators. The reflecting CROWs possess a delay-bandwidth product of 0.5 per resonator, larger than that of any kind of transmitting CROW. In the presence of uniform gain, the gain enhanced by slow light propagation and the constant group delay result in efficient and dispersion-free amplifiers.
Integrating neural network models with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for site-specific wind condition

Most building energy simulations tend to neglect microclimates in building and system design, concentrating instead on building and system efficiency. Energy simulations utilize various outdoor variables from weather data, typically from the average weather record of the nearest weather station that is located in an open field, near airports and parks. The weather data may not accurately represent the physical microclimate of the site, and may therefore reduce the accuracy of simulation results. For this reason, this paper investigates utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with neural network (NN) model to predict site-specific wind parameters for energy simulation. The CFD simulation is used to find selected samples of site-specific wind conditions. Findings from CFD simulation are used as training data for NN. A trained NN predicts site-specific hourly wind conditions for a typical year. The outcome of the site-specific wind condition from the neural network is used as wind condition input for the energy simulation. The results of energy simulation using typical weather station data and site-specific weather data are compared in this paper, in order to find the possibility of using site-specific weather condition by NN with CFD to yield more realistic and robust ES results.
Electric field measurements in a NLC/PMSE region during the MASS/ECOMA campaign

Abstract. We present results of electric field measurements made during the MASS rocket campaign in Andoya, Norway into noctilucent clouds (NLC) and polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSE) on 3 August 2007. The instrument used high input-impedance preamps to measure vertical and horizontal electric fields. No large-amplitude geophysical electric fields were detected in the cloud layers, but significant levels of electric field fluctuations were measured. Within the cloud layer, the probe potentials relative to the rocket skin were driven negative by incident heavy charged aerosols. The amplitude of spikes caused by probe shadowing were also larger in the NLC/PMSE region. We describe a method for calculating positive ion conductivities using these shadowing spike amplitudes and the density of heavy charged aerosols.
Testing systematic concepts of Sargassum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) using portions of the rbcLS operon

SUMMARY The taxonomic and phylogenetic concepts within the Sargassum C. Agardh (Sargassaceae) species complex were evaluated through molecular phylogenetic analyses using portions of the chloroplast encoded rbcLS Operon. According to more conservative sequences (rbcL), Turbinaria (Turner) J. Agardh is a close and well-supported sister lineage to the Sargassum species complex and an appropriate external outgroup for analyses of subgenera and subsections within Sargassum. Both rbcL and more rapidly evolving rbcLS spacer sequences indicated that the East Asiatic genus Myagropsis (Mertens et Turner) Fensholt, along with Sargassum sinicola Setchell et Gardner, represent the closest lineage to Sargassum and form appropriate internal outgroups. The rbcLS spacer region supported three of four subgeneric designations by J. Agardh and sectional levels within the subgenus Sargassum. However, some aspects of Agardh's system were not supported: many of the subsectional ranks or the phyletic concepts; Phyllotrichia was not monophyletic as a subgenus, and its species were also not the most ancestral of Sargassum; and subgenus Sargassum was not the most derived subgenus within the genus. This modern phylogeny suggests a deep evolutionary history for subgenus Sargassum with rapid speciation in closely related subsections and series, and a sister relationship between subgenera Arthrophycus and Bactrophycus.
Person following with a mobile robot using binocular feature-based tracking

We present the Binocular Sparse Feature Segmentation (BSFS) algorithm for vision-based person following with a mobile robot. BSFS uses Lucas-Kanade feature detection and matching in order to determine the location of the person in the image and thereby control the robot. Matching is performed between two images of a stereo pair, as well as between successive video frames. We use the Random Sample Consensus (RANSAC) scheme for segmenting the sparse disparity map and estimating the motion models of the person and background. By fusing motion and stereo information, BSFS handles difficult situations such as dynamic backgrounds, out-of-plane rotation, and similar disparity and/or motion between the person and background. Unlike color-based approaches, the person is not required to wear clothing with a different color from the environment. Our system is able to reliably follow a person in complex dynamic, cluttered environments in real time.
Mouse Tumor Vasculature Expresses NKG2D Ligands and Can Be Targeted by Chimeric NKG2D-Modified T Cells

Tumor angiogenesis plays an important role in the development of solid tumors, and targeting the tumor vasculature has emerged as a strategy to prevent growth and progression of solid tumors. In this study, we show that murine tumor vasculature expresses Rae1, a ligand for a stimulatory NK receptor NKG2D. By genetic modification of T cells with an NKG2D-based chimeric Ag receptor, referred to as chNKG2D in which the NKG2D receptor is fused to the signaling domain of CD3ζ-chain, T cells were capable of targeting tumor vasculature leading to reduced tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. This occurred even in tumors where the tumor cells themselves did not express NKG2D ligands. H5V, an endothelial cell line, expresses Rae1 and was lysed by chNKG2D-bearing T cells in a perforin-dependent manner. In vitro capillary tube formation was inhibited by chNKG2D T cells through IFN-γ and cell-cell contact mechanisms. The in vivo antiangiogenesis effects mediated by chNKG2D-bearing T cells at the tumor site were dependent on IFN-γ and perforin. These results provide a novel mechanism for NKG2D-based targeting of solid tumors.
On-orbit radiometric calibration over time and between spacecraft using the Moon

The Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) project has developed a spectral irradiance model of the Moon that accounts for variations with lunar phase through the bright half of a month, lunar librations, and the location of an Earth-orbiting spacecraft. The methodology of comparing spacecraft observations of the Moon with this model has been developed to a set of standardized procedures so that comparisons can be readily made. In the cases where observations extend over several years (e.g., SeaWiFS), instrument response degradation has been determined with precision of about 0.1% per year. Because of the strong dependence of lunar irradiance on geometric angles, observations by two spacecraft cannot be directly compared unless acquired at the same time and location. Rather, the lunar irradiance based on each spacecraft instrument calibration can be compared with the lunar irradiance model. Even single observations by an instrument allow inter-comparison of its radiometric scale with other instruments participating in the lunar calibration program. Observations by SeaWiFS, ALI, Hyperion and MTI are compared here.
Prise en charge pharmacologique de la douleur cancéreuse paroxystique chez l’adulte

La definition generalement acceptee de douleur cancereuse paroxystique (DCP) se lit comme suit: une exacerbation transitoire de la douleur qui se produit spontanement ou en lien avec un declencheur specifique previsible ou imprevisible, en depit d’une douleur generale relativement
A Review of “Access Controlled: The Shaping of Power, Rights, and Rule in Cyberspace”

The editors of Access Controlled: The Shaping of Power, Rights, and Rule in Cyberspace have accomplished the astronomical task of reviewing global rules and regulations of Internet use. In order to...
Genomic landscape of intracranial meningiomas

Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial neoplasms in adults. Current histopathological grading schemes do not consistently predict their natural history. Classic cytogenetic studies have disclosed a progressive course of chromosomal aberrations, especially in high-grade meningiomas. Furthermore, the recent application of unbiased next-generation sequencing approaches has implicated several novel genes whose mutations underlie a substantial percentage of meningiomas. These insights may serve to craft a molecular taxonomy for meningiomas and highlight putative therapeutic targets in a new era of rational biology-informed precision medicine.
Interleukin 6 in infection and cancer.

Localized tissue disruption quickly elicits systemic alterations in the biochemical, physiologic, and immunologic status of the host (1–3). The hypothesis that a circulating mediator(s) produced by injured tissues orchestrates the “acute phase” alterations in the “chemistry of the host” (1–4) has now been extensively validated (5, 6). It has become amply clear in the last 3 years that the cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a pivotal role in mediating the host response to tissue injury. Elevated levels of IL-6 are readily detected in body fluids during the course of microbial infections, autoimmune diseases, and neoplasia (6). It is the purpose of this review to highlight some recent advances in experimental IL-6 research and to discuss new clinical insights on the role of IL-6 in the pathophysiology of infection and cancer. The thesis that IL-6, in addition to mediating the systemic host response to neoplastic disease, may itself promote the proliferation of neoplastic cell elements adds a novel dimensio...
Instabilities in Capacitively Coupled Plasmas Driven by Asymmetric Trapezoidal Voltage Pulses

Instabilities in Ar capacitively coupled plasmas driven by asymmetric trapezoidal voltage pulses were observed using particle-in-cell simulations. Despite its geometric symmetry, the discharge was electrically asymmetric. The instabilities were electron plasma waves launched from the sheath edge at the time the voltage pulse was applied and were accompanied by local electric field reversal.
On the application of magnetomechanical models to explain damping in an antiferromagnetic copper-manganese alloy

The Smith-Birchak model for magnetoelastic damping was successfully applied to model the damping observed in an antiferromagnetic Cu-48Mn-1.5Al (wt pct) alloy. Antiferromagnetic domains were developed by solution treatment at 820 ‡C and subsequent aging at 400 ‡C for 4, 10, and 16 hours. Damping capacity and dynamic elastic modulus were measured as a function of strain amplitude and temperature. A maximum in the strain-amplitude-dependent damping was obtained for the 4-hour-aged sample for which a magnetostriction constant, λ, equal to 4.65 × 10-4, was derived. An exact fit for the Smith-Birchak model was obtained at low strains, whereas the model predicted lower damping than was observed for strains greater than 1.1 × 10-3. This discrepancy was attributed to an additional damping mechanism at high strain amplitudes,i.e., dislocation damping. A magnetostriction constant equal to 3.23 × 10-4 was also calculated based upon the Neel temperature and the observed microstructure.
Source and Limits of Human Intellect

Recently, Victor Weisskopf, a humane and learned man and one of the eminent scientists of our time, in a talk The Frontiers and Limits of Science, stated optimistically that "at least potentially, science can justifiably claim the ability to understand every observable phenomenon." This statement was of course qualified: "there are many phenomena ... that we do not yet understand. But ... it is reasonable to predict that man will eventually understand all of nature scientifically." [1]. I was struck, however, with Professor Weisskopf's concern about the limits of science. "A Beethoven sonata", he says, "is a natural phenomenon which can be analyzed physically by studying the vibrations in the air, as well as chemically, physiologically and psychologically by studying the processes at work in the brain of the listener. However, even if these processes are completely understood in scientific terms, this kind of analysis does not touch what we consider relevant and essential in a Beethoven sonata-the immediate and direct expression of the music. In the same way, one can understand a sunset or the stars in the night sky in a scientific way, but there is something about experiencing these phenomena that lies outside science." Now, I know no one who would claim that a Beethoven sonata or, for that matter, a Carly Simon song could somehow be replaced by science. Yet, while I am not in disagreement with Professor Weisskopf when he says that "there is something about experiencing these phenomena that lies outside science", I am puzzled as to why this is a limitation on science. Rather, I suspect, this is an expression of a more general unease that scientific understanding, if it probes too deeply, can endanger some part of ourselves we regard as too precious to jeopardize, that the generality of such understanding may destroy the particularity of our experience, may lessen our ability to enjoy, or even to participate as human animals in, ordinary experience. And when we attempt to extend such understanding to our own selves, this unease becomes anxiety. It may be that we are so frightened of what we will (or will not) find if all is understood, that we are willing to deny the possibility that we can understand. Not so long ago the eye was thought to be a somewhat miraculous organ functioning in a more prosaic body. We smile indulgently at the naivete of our intellectual grandparents. Today, though we regard our eyes with great respect, few attribute magical properties to them. The same might be said for kidneys, the heart, and other organs. We appreciate their importance, we may understand how they work, we may not be able to build them as efficiently as nature does, yet we hardly regard them as mysterious. The same calm does not seem to prevail when we consider the brain. Although the brain could be regarded in the same way we regard the heart, the eye, or a muscle, the functions associated
Exposure to metal ions and susceptibility to dental caries

Results from several epidemiologic studies have shown that there are large differences in the prevalence of dental caries from one region to another within the United States as well as in other countries. It has been postulated that the observed differences may be attributed in part at least to exposure to trace elements such as selenium, vanadium, molybdenum, strontium, and lead. Although data from epidemiologic studies usually support this hypothesis, direct evidence is sparse with the possible exception of exposure to lead. Data from several epidemiologic studies and animal-based research support the concept that lead is a caries-promoting element. Lead mimics calcium in several respects and may affect development of teeth and salivary glands, clearly enhancing susceptibility to dental caries. Elevated blood levels are found most commonly in persons residing in inner cities, particularly among the poor. Many states require blood lead level to be monitored in young children. Where feasible, these records should form part of health history and be available to the treating dental practitioner to ensure that extra preventive procedures may be implemented.
Cultural Concern of Localization of Values of Social Work

Values of social work are the soul of social work profession,which defines not only the goal and signification of social work,but also the skill and measure of social work.Values of social work deriving from the West are based on Christianism,Humanitarianism,positivism,welfare and so on.Even though the outset of social work in China is relatively late,the pace of it is extremely quick.Thus,it is crucially important to localize the social work values to make full use of the resources of traditional culture.
Unifying and Specification of Multi-function Watt-hour Meter Hand-held Unit

With the more and more extensive application of Multi-function Watt-hour meter,The copying and parameters contrasting work is much more than before,But the meters communicate with different kinds of protocols.The employees always take many kinds of hand-held units for field work,and must grapple their different usage.This paper will introduce a new kind of hand-held unit,it supports all communication protocols for Multi-function Watt-hour meter,including the DL/T645-2007 《 Multi-function Watt-hour meter communication protoco》,DL/T645-1997,and fit for all kinds of Multi-function Watt-hour meters running in Jiangxi Grid.
The impact of a 4-hour sleep delay on slow wave activity in twins discordant for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Objectives Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been associated with altered amounts of slow wave sleep, which could reflect reduced delta electroencephalograph (EEG) activity and impaired sleep regulation. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examined the response to a sleep regulatory challenge in CFS. Design The first of 3 consecutive nights of study served as laboratory adaptation. Baseline sleep was assessed on the second night. On the third night, bedtime was delayed by 4 hours, followed by recovery sleep. Total available sleep time was held constant on all nights. Setting A research sleep laboratory. Participants 13 pairs of monozygotic twins discordant for CFS. Interventions N/A. Measurements and results Power spectral analysis quantified slow wave activity (SWA) in the 0.5-3.9 Hz band in successive NREM periods (stage 2, 3, or 4) on each night. To ensure comparability, analyses were restricted to the first 4 NREM periods on each night. Data were coded for NREM period and twin pair. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) contrasted sleep delay effects across NREM periods between twin pairs. A second ANOVA calculated the SWA in each NREM period in recovery sleep relative to baseline SWA. The 2 groups of twins were similar on baseline SWA power. After sleep delay, CFS twins exhibited significantly less SWA power in the first NREM period of recovery sleep and accumulated a smaller percentage of SWA in the first NREM period than their co-twins. Conclusions CFS is associated with a blunted SWA response to sleep challenge, suggesting that the basic sleep drive and homeostatic response are impaired.
Student Perceptions of Quality and Safety Competencies.

Aim/purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate senior students' level of preparedness to perform and perceived importance of 22 QSEN-related skills over a three year project period. Background The national Quality and Safety Education in Nursing (QSEN) project promotes student learning in the provision of safe, quality health care. One Midwestern nursing program attempted to address health care challenges by purposefully utilizing the QSEN competencies for curricular changes. Methods This study collected data from students in their final semester of a baccalaureate program using the QSEN Student Evaluation Survey. Results/findings Students reported they were somewhat prepared to perform skills related to all six QSEN competencies. Students perceived all QSEN related skills as being as least somewhat important. Conclusions As a result of this study, the nursing program identified areas to be developed for further growth and utilized findings to aid in curriculum revision.
1.24 – Dihydrogen and Other σ Bond Complexes

Coordination of a dihydrogen molecule in W(CO)3(PR3)2(H2) is the prototype for a new class of metal complexes commonly referred to as “σ-complexes.” Molecules containing only strong “inert” σ-bonds such as H–H had previously been believed to be incapable of stable binding, although metals readily break these bonds in catalysis, and σ-complexes were proposed as transients in oxidative addition (OA) processes. Metal hydrides formed by OA of H2 are catalytic intermediates, and it is now clear that metal–H2 and other σ-complexes can also be important in catalytic mechanisms. Silanes, boranes, germanes, stannanes, and alkanes form sigma complexes, which are distinct from intramolecular agostic interactions. Elongation of the coordinated X–H bond along the entire reaction coordinate for OA is observable on variation of metal/ligands, allowing “snapshots” of the bond-breaking process. Interaction of any X–Y sigma bond with a metal center is in principle possible and has been observed, for example, for C–C, Si–C, and Si–Si bonds. Catalytic and enzymatic processes employing sigma complexes are discussed, particularly those involving heterolytic activation of sigma bonds.
Discharge and readmission rates with atypical antipsychotic agents

Objective: Newer atypical antipsychotic agents offer many advantages over conventional antipsychotic agents, including a decreased adverse effect burden, improved compliance, and superior efficacy. However, the atypical antipsychotic agents are considerably more expensive than conventional agents. We conducted a retrospective review to determine whether one atypical antipsychotic agent provided a significant advantage with regard to discharge or readmission rates in the inpatient population of a state psychiatric facility. In addition, we assessed whether one atypical antipsychotic agent was associated with an increased use of concomitant medications. Methods: All records for patients started on clozapine, risperidone, or olanzapine at any time during 1997 were reviewed. Each inpatient started on a study medication had his or her records reviewed for 1 full year after the medication start date. Each record was assessed for discharge status and concomitant psychotropic medication use. For those patients discharged, the readmission status was followed. Results: Patients treated with clozapine had the highest discharge rate (54%) and lowest readmission rate (16%) compared with risperidone (39% and 26%, respectively; p = 0.75) and olanzapine (39% and 26%, respectively; p = 0.88). Conclusions: The highest discharge rate was seen in patients receiving clozapine. Treatment with risperidone was associated with the highest readmission rate and concomitant psychotropic use. Although the results are limited because of a small sample size, these findings provide some insight into the long-term efficacy of atypical antipsychotics and some potential differences in recidivism rates. These findings also suggest the need and importance of further study in this area.