cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bringing Broadband to Unserved Communities

Roughly one-third of households in rural America cannot subscribe to broadband Internet services at any price. This puts many rural communities at a disadvantage with respect to economic growth, job creation, educational opportunities, health care information, commerce, and more. Internet users in urban areas are also adversely affected by the exclusion of so many rural households. For example, e-commerce merchants can attract fewer customers, online universities can attract fewer students, and users of e-mail, Internet telephony, and videoconferencing can communicate with fewer friends and business associates. Government can facilitate the expansion of broadband infrastructure into unserved communities through a suite of interrelated policies. Appropriate changes in spectrum policy would reduce the cost of building new broadband wireless systems in rural areas. These potential new wireless providers could then compete with existing telephone, cable, and cellular companies and other organizations for the obligation to bring broadband to an unserved community in return for a one-time subsidy. Defining this obligation in a highly flexible form and making it tradable on an open market would minimize the cost of infrastructure deployment and thereby reduce the subsidies needed. Attaching very lightweight restrictions on subsidy recipients could protect consumers from monopoly providers that might be tempted to limit their customers’ choice of content or applications. Allowing and encouraging local government agencies to play an active role could encourage providers to deploy infrastructure by guaranteeing future revenues and ensuring access to critical resources. Collecting better information on availability of broadband services nationwide would allow both policymakers and potential service providers to better identify the communities that need service. Together, these mutually reinforcing policy reforms would allow government to move the United States closer to the goal of universal access to broadband Internet by harnessing market forces without competing with market forces.
Two-Year Observations of Coastal-Fjord Interactions in the Strait of Juan De Fuca

During the two-year period between March 19T9 and March 1981, continuous measurements of currents, water temperature and salinity, winds, sea level and water pressure were made in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a fjord-like estuary between Washington State, U.S.A. and Vancouver Island, Canada. These observations along with satellite imagery and CTD surveys show that surface intrusions of less-dense coastal water into the Strait are a major, recurring feature of its general circulation. These intrusions, which are accompanied by reversals in the normally vigorous, two-layer estuarine flow, are correlated with southwesterly coastal winds (conducive to coastal down-welling) and rising sea level at the entrance. These data suggest that a wind-induced, shoreward Ekman flux along the coast pushes less-dense coastal water into the Strait where it feeds a complex, 3-dimensional density driven flow which has been observed to travel as far as 135 km up-strait. The relationship between these baro-clinic events and the along-strait and across-strait sea surface slopes and pressure gradients will be discussed.
Mesons with Beauty and Charm: New Horizons in Spectroscopy

Using a modified, retuned, Cornell potential that includes the running and large distance freezing of the strong coupling constant, the authors compute the spectroscopy, production mechanisms, and decays of excited ${B}_{c}$ meson.
Markets, networks, and the rise of Chrysler in Old Detroit, 1920-1940

During the two decades before World War II, as this article demonstrates, the relationship between the Big Three American automakers and their parts suppliers was remarkably similar to the celebrated cooperation of Japanese auto assemblers and their trading partners after 1980. Unlike the arms-length multisourcing that characterized American firms after 1960, the prewar Detroit production culture featured collaborative development, cost sharing, and long-term innovative relationships. This system nurtured the rise of Chrysler, which not only grew from a standing start in 1920 to convert the General Motors-Ford duopoly into the `Big Three` by 1930, but also established itself as the industry`s leader in innovation and profitability.
Women in STEM in Higher Education: A Citation Analysis of the Current Literature

Increased efforts to diversify science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in the United States have increased the number of studies regarding the experiences of women in STEM progr...
Intersecting Imaginaries: Visions of Decentralized Autonomous Systems

Sociotechnical imaginaries are futures that people envision might be possible and desirable. They have a real impact on how systems are designed and what values they have embedded in their design. This article examines imaginaries about autonomous systems, decentralized systems, and decentralized autonomous systems. Through a discussion of the literature on autonomous and decentralized systems and how these imaginaries play out in the blockchain community based on my qualitative research, I demonstrate how decentralized autonomous systems are related to imaginaries about the organization of and the future of work. I identify three framings of imaginaries about autonomous systems: (1) autonomous technology as physical objects, (2) as mathematical rules, and (3) as artificial mangers. I also identify two sometimes conflicting framings of imaginaries about distributed and decentralized technology: these technologies as a new form of production and as freedom from control. These imaginaries intersect in decentralized autonomous systems, and I examine what they can tell us about the design and governance of such technologies. Lastly, I suggest ways of using the concept of imaginaries in participatory design.
Advancing age, influence of dietary sugars, salts, and fats on chronic diseases and metabolic disorders

Abstract Elderly population is progressively increasing, and by 2050 one in every five people will be aged 60 or over. Older adults mostly adhere to an unfavorable intake of sugar, salt, and fats usually with insufficient dietary fiber, proteins, and micronutrients. In addition, physiological, social, and behavioral changes in relation to advanced aging polarize them at risk of unbalanced nutrition, leading to chronic- or metabolism-related illness, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and diabetes. Overall reduction of sugar, salt, and saturated fatty acids along with adequate unsaturated fatty acids will provide benefits, however, an individualized or disease-focused balanced dietary plan is crucial for healthy aging process.
Loneliness and sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis:

Despite the mounting evidence linking loneliness with health, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain obscure. This systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between lonelin...
Effects of thermodynamics, dynamics and aerosols on cirrus clouds based on in situ observations and NCAR CAM6

Abstract. Cirrus cloud radiative effects are largely affected by ice microphysical properties, including ice water content (IWC), ice crystal number concentration (Ni) and mean diameter (Di). These characteristics vary significantly due to thermodynamic, dynamical and aerosol conditions. In this work, a global-scale observation dataset is used to examine regional variations of cirrus cloud microphysical properties, as well as several key controlling factors, i.e., temperature, relative humidity with respect to ice (RHi), vertical velocity (w), and aerosol number concentrations (Na). Results are compared with simulations from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model version 6 (CAM6). The differences between simulations and observations are found to vary with latitude and temperature. Specifically, simulations are found to underestimate IWC by a factor of 5–30 in all regions. Simulated Ni is overestimated in most regions except Northern Hemisphere midlatitude and polar regions. Simulated Di is underestimated, especially for warmer conditions (−50 °C to −40 °C) and higher Na, possibly due to less effective ice particle growth/sedimentation and weaker aerosol indirect effects, respectively. For RHi effects, the frequency and magnitude of ice supersaturation is underestimated in simulations for clear-sky conditions, and the simulated IWC and Ni show maximum values at 80 % RHi instead of 110 % as observed. For w effects, both observations and simulations show variances of w (σw) decreasing from tropics to polar regions, but simulations show much higher σw for in-cloud condition than clear-sky condition. These findings provide an observation-based guideline for improving simulated ice microphysical properties and their relationships with key controlling factors at various geographical locations.
Role of Phosphorylation of Myosin- and Actin-Binding Proteins in Thrombin-Induced Permeability of Endothelial Cells

The thrombin-induced dysfunction of the barrier function of the blood vessel endothelium, which manifests itself in increased permeability, is largely mediated via the initiation of specific receptors that trigger multiple signaling cascades, including the activation of some protein kinases and the phosphorylation of their cytoskeletal targets. The role of the phosphorylation of myosin and actin-binding proteins in the thrombin-induced permeability of the endothelium and possible mechanisms of the regulation of the endothelium barrier function are discussed.
Abstract A54: Targeting new links in the proteostasis network as novel therapies in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal subtype of ovarian cancer with high case-to-fatality ratio. However, not much advancement has been seen in the field in terms of novel adjuvant therapies. Somatic or germline mutations in HGSOC along with copy number variations results in intratumoral genetic heterogeneity, which leads to tumor growth and development of chemoresistant clones and treatment resistance. Moreover, molecular heterogeneity also leads to the accumulation of aberrant peptides and protein complexes with altered stoichiometry, causing extensive proteotoxic stress in cancer cells and adding to the known misfolded proteins stress in cancer cells due to enhanced protein synthesis, thus making these cancer cells more dependent on the protein clearance mechanisms. Not much is known about the molecular targets from the proteostasis network and their therapeutic potential in HGSOC. Here we explore the regulation and role of different components of ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in HGSOC and investigate the therapeutic effect of small-molecule inhibitors of UPS. We identified overexpression of deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) in HGSOC, and high UCHL1 levels were correlated with the disease stage, tumor grade, and poor clinical outcome. UCHL1 overexpression in HGSOC was driven by mutant p53-mediated H3K4 trimethylation at the UCHL1 regulatory region. Mutant p53-UCHL1 axis transcriptionally promoted the expression of proteasomal subunit alpha 7 (PSMA7) and acylaminoacyl-peptide hydrolase (APEH), resulting in increased proteasome activity in HGSOC. Silencing UCHL1 or inhibiting proteasome activity in vitro and in vivo remarkably reduced HGSOC growth. Together, these results highlight the novel mechanisms of regulation of proteostasis in HGSOC and potential therapies targeting regulators of proteasome pathway. Citation Format: Kinzie Lighty, Yonghyun Shin, Fahmi Mesmer, Harikrishna Nakshatri, Marcin Iwanicki, Sumegha Mitra. Targeting new links in the proteostasis network as novel therapies in high-grade serous ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr A54.
Dry Heat as a Decontamination Method for N95 Respirator Reuse

A pandemic such as COVID-19 can cause a sudden depletion of the worldwide supply of respirators, forcing healthcare providers to reuse them. In this study, we systematically evaluated dry heat trea...
Harnessing smart meter data for a Multitiered Energy Management Performance Indicators (MEMPI) framework: A facility manager informed approach

Abstract Energy management information systems (EMIS) play a critical role in providing actionable insights into building operations, timely feedback, and—ultimately—large energy savings. Current EMIS technologies often focus on industrial applications or require large upfront investments and trained operators, therefore greatly limiting its penetration into existing buildings. This paper integrates methods from social, building, and data sciences to understand limitations of current EMIS systems and inform the design of a new Multitiered Energy Management Performance Indicators (MEMPI) framework for characterizing the energy performance of buildings. Specifically, we employed a mixed methods research approach in which we first conduct in-depth qualitative interviews of 10 facility managers and energy consultants. We utilize the insights from our interviews to inform the design of the MEMPI framework, which harnesses highly granular data from already installed advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) (i.e., smart meters). The MEMPI framework employs quantile regression to first benchmark the energy performance of buildings to each other and generate key performance indicators (KPIs). We apply the MEMPI framework to real data from 569 public school buildings in California and measure their energy performance across multiple time scales (e.g., daily, monthly, yearly). Finally, we conduct case studies to compare insights from the MEMPI framework to the perceptions of facility managers overseeing 8 schools through a mixed methods qualitative and quantitative post-interview survey. Results from the case study show that facility managers’ perceptions of the performance of their schools were largely accurate, yet the poor energy performance from certain pieces of building equipment and operating schedules was overlooked by building managers. Overall, the MEMPI framework aims to bridge the gap between data-driven energy management models and qualitative domain knowledge held by facility managers to provide more comprehensive insights into the energy performance of buildings.
Promoting Positive Health Outcomes in an Urban Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Preschool Aged Children on the Autism Spectrum

While there is wide consensus regarding the importance of early intervention, health is rarely considered within priorities. Twenty-five children on the autism spectrum (Mage = 4.67, SD = 0.82) participated in a 12-week physical activity intervention. Primary objective was to examine impact of a physical activity intervention on physical activity, fitness and motor competence. Secondary objective was to examine associations between motor behavior and ASD symptoms. Ball skills (p − .49, p < .05). Study outcomes provide new knowledge regarding design, delivery, and measures for early interventions targeting health disparities in young children on the autism spectrum.
A Reservoir of Stem-Like CD8 T Cells in the Tumor-Draining Lymph Node Maintains the Ongoing Anti-Tumor Immune Response

Intratumoral stem-like CD8+ T cells (TSL) are necessary for immunotherapeutic efficacy. Yet, tumors are rich in signals driving terminal differentiation of TSL cells into exhausted T cells. Using the “KP-NINJA” lung tumor model, we determined that tumor-specific TSL cells terminally differentiate in tumors, but that they are maintained by a reservoir of TSL cells from the tumor-draining lymph node (dLN). By tracing clones of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells using single-cell RNA/TCRseq, we found that dLN TSL cells were the developmental precursors of the more differentiated intratumoral T cell populations. Moreover, dLN TSL cells were developmentally stable over the disease course and blocking egress from dLNs resulted in a decrease in intratumoral TSL cells. Thus, we propose that the dLN reservoir protects the overall tumor-specific T cell population from terminal differentiation, allowing for prolonged responses under conditions of chronic antigen exposure. Future immunotherapeutic strategies could leverage this reservoir for anti-tumor effects.
The Atomic Theory

A Briton wants emotion in his science, something to raise enthusiasm, something with human interest.
Managing employee turnover: machine learning to the rescue

Organisations continue to face ongoing employee retention and recruiting challenges, which have become even more acute due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In today's unstable economy, employee retention is still one of the hot button issues facing many HR managers. Employee turnover has cost organisations billions of dollars each year. The empirical results from the current study, which included employee demographic, preference, and performance data, suggests that machine learning-based predictive models can provide automatic and timely employee assessments, which allow for both the identification of employees that may be planning to leave and the implementation of appropriate amelioration initiatives. Job engagement, work satisfaction, experience, and compensation are but four of the factors found to be closely aligned with an employee's decision to leave. The primary purpose of this paper is to highlight how machine learning can reduce employee turnover through early detection and intervention.
Human Trafficking: An Evaluation of Doctoral Occupational Therapy Students’ Awareness, Knowledge, Self-efficacy, and Future Training

Although there is limited empirical research that evaluates human trafficking (HT) knowledge base and self-efficacy among healthcare professionals and frontline personnel, there is no previous rese...
Role of Calmodulin in Brain Function

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the salient features of calmodulin and some of the recent findings on its role in cellular processes of the brain. Calmodulin is a single polypeptide with 148 amino acids and a molecular weight of 16 700. Some 30 % of its amino acids consist of aspartate or glutamate, which accounts for the low isoelectric point (4.3). It contains no cysteine, hydroxyproline or tryptophan, but does contain a trimethylated lysine at position 115. One striking characteristic of calmodulin is its tendency to retain biologic activity after exposure to heat (99oC), urea (8 M), acidic pH and detergents. Another is its lack of both tissue and species specificity. A third is that calmodulin from a variety of sources possesses many similar physicochemical properties. Calmodulin isolated from certain sources contains no trimethylated lysine and appears to be equally active, at least in activating bovine brain phosphodiesterase. The lack of cysteine and hydroxyproline would allow calmodulin to have a flexible tertiary structure, a desirable feature for a multifunctional protein that interacts with many different receptor proteins.
Learning Lucid Dreaming and its Effect on Depression in Undergraduates

The present study tested two hypotheses: 1) that lucid dreaming could be effectively taught through an online intervention, and 2) that lucid dreaming can alleviate depression as mediated by LOC. Surveys consisting of (lucid) dream frequency and recall scales (Schredl & Erlacher, 2004; Doll, Gitter, & Holzinger, 2009), Rotter’s LOC scale (1966), and the most recent Beck Depression Index (BDI-II) were completed by college students. The experimental group was instructed to keep dream diaries throughout the whole study. Two weeks after the preliminary survey they were presented with a lucid dreaming intervention, which instructed them to practice reality checks throughout the day in order to attain lucidity at night. Lucid dreaming frequency was found to be directly correlated with depression ( p < .001). Implications for therapy and suggestions for further research are suggested.
The Homestake Mine Proton Decay Experiment

We describe briefly the philosophy, design, and operation of the Homestake mine proton decay experiment. Preliminary data on the proton lifetime based on 127 effective days of running time are presented.
Combating the Influence of Non-State Organizations' Deep Reach: Understanding the Expanded Influence of Non-State Actors and the Methodologies Required to Counter their Future Growth

Abstract : Over the years, organizations such as the Hezbollah, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the Algerian Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN) have provided examples of successful frameworks for the development of violent non-state actors that have the ability to influence populations inside a nation-state. In many instances, these organizations are complex and sometimes maintain state sponsorship links outside of the nation-state itself. Furthermore, well-equipped militias and quasi-governmental frameworks provide services to the local populace in order to broaden the violent non-state organization's political influence in the area. In fact, some incidents indicate that the populace often depends solely upon these organizations for their fundamental needs to include food, water, sanitation, and security. Understanding this evolving process, however, and the mechanisms that lead to the existence of these groups is critical in formulating adequate responses and effectively countering the influential growth of these organizations. As noted in the 2006 Israeli response in Lebanon, understanding the enemy and their organizational design is merely one piece of the larger puzzle. Indeed, fully comprehending ones own organizational limitations and biases is critical in the development of sound strategies to counter the growing influence of non-state actors. In fact, recent developments in South America's Tri-Border Area (TBA) involving organizations like Hezbollah and al-Qaeda illustrate a growing need to redefine western models and approaches in countering these groups. In doing so, new flexible and unstructured techniques are developed that help reformulate the fundamental tools used by nations in identifying and solving issues in emerging hotspots.
Atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy of charge-density waves in 1T-TaSe2 and 1T-TaS2.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of 1T-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ and 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ at room temperature reveal both atoms and charge-density waves (CDW's). In AFM the atoms and CDW's have comparable amplitudes. In contrast, in STM the CDW's have amplitudes up to an order of magnitude larger than the atoms. Both AFM and STM images show that the CDW structure of 1T-${\mathrm{TaS}}_{2}$ is continuously incommensurate while 1T-${\mathrm{TaSe}}_{2}$ is commensurate.
Band structures in doubly odd Pr 130

Two rotational band structures have been identified in doubly odd $^{130}\mathrm{Pr}$ following the $^{110}\mathrm{Cd}$${(}^{28}$Si,\ensuremath{\alpha}p3n${)}^{130}$Pr reaction. One band, having no signature splitting, is believed to be built on the near-prolate \ensuremath{\pi}${h}_{11/2}$\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}${g}_{7/2}$ configuration. A second band, with a small signature splitting, is built on the triaxial \ensuremath{\pi}${h}_{11/2}$\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\ensuremath{\nu}${h}_{11/2}$ configuration. Systematics of recent results for the doubly odd $^{130}$,132,134Pr isotopes are presented.
The interaction of stressful life events and chronic strains on community mental health

One of the possible adaptive costs of coping with stress is diminished capacity to respond to subsequent adaptive demands. This paper examined the complex interplay between major life events and one source of chronic strain. Residents of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area exposed to higher levels of smog, who had also experienced a recent stressful life event, exhibited poorer mental health than those exposed to pollution who had not experienced a recent stressful life event. There were, however, no direct effects of smog levels on mental health. These patterns of results were replicated in both a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study. The interplay of psychosocial vulnerability and environmental conditions is discussed.
Theoretical development and experimental evaluation of imaging models for differential-interference-contrast microscopy

Imaging models for differential-interference-contrast (DIC) microscopy are presented. Two- and three-dimensional models for DIC imaging under partially coherent illumination were derived and tested by using phantom specimens viewed with several conventional DIC microscopes and quasi-monochromatic light. DIC images recorded with a CCD camera were compared with model predictions that were generated by using theoretical point-spread functions, computer-generated phantoms, and estimated imaging parameters such as bias and shear. Results show quantitative and qualitative agreement between model and data for several imaging conditions.
Decisions, decisions: Responding to primary students during guided reading

Guided reading lessons are a powerful context for beginning reading instruction, particularly for children who struggle with initial literacy learning. Providing immediate responses to students' oral reading of partially familiar texts requires teachers to make complex and highly skilled decisions. This decision process is based on knowledge of each student's previous response history and choices among strategies, cues, and possible support levels. This article provides examples to illustrate the relationship of these factors in supporting teaching decisions when listening to students' oral reading. The discussion includes a system for running-record analysis to determine a student's response history. Particular attention is given to the role of self-monitoring strategies in the development of an effective processing system for beginning readers.
Gene polymorphisms and transplantation.

Abstract The influence of gene polymorphisms in key immunoregulatory molecules on the clinical course post-transplant has become an area of active research, since it offers a possible explanation for the heterogeneity in outcomes between individuals. Several groups have now investigated the association of polymorphisms in molecules — including cytokines, cytokine receptors, adhesion molecules and costimulatory molecules — that participate in the immune response to an allograft. Several interesting observations have been made that would suggest that genetic variability influencing allograft survival reaches beyond that of the MHC molecules.
Biomechanical analysis of four- versus six-screw constructs for short-segment pedicle screw and rod instrumentation of unstable thoracolumbar fractures

Abstract Background context Conventionally, short-segment fusion involves instrumentation of one healthy vertebra above and below the injured vertebra, skipping the injured level. This short-segment construct places less surgical burden on the patient compared with long-segment constructs, but is less stable biomechanically, and thus has resulted in clinical failures. The addition of two screws placed in the fractured vertebral body represents an attempt to improve the construct stiffness without sacrificing the benefits of short-segment fusion. Purpose To determine the biomechanical differences between four- and six-screw short-segment constructs for the operative management of an unstable L1 fracture. Study design Biomechanical study of instrumentation in vertebral body cadaveric models simulating an L1 axial load injury pattern. Methods Thirteen intact spinal segments from T12 to L2 were prepared from fresh-frozen cadaver spines. An axial load fracture of at least 50% vertebral body height was produced at L1 and then instrumented with pedicle screws. Specimens were evaluated in terms of construct stiffness, motion, and rod strain. Two conditions were tested: a four-screw construct with no screws at the L1 fractured body (4S) and a six-screw construct with screws at all levels (6S). The two groups were compared statistically by paired Student t test. Results The mean stiffness in flexion-extension was increased 31% (p Conclusions In a cadaveric L1 axial load fracture model, a six-screw construct with screws in the fractured level is more rigid than a four-screw construct that skips the injured vertebral body.
Computed imaging-assisted stereotactic brain biopsy: a risk analysis of 225 consecutive cases.

Background Treatment strategies for intracranial mass lesions are most effective when based upon histopathological diagnoses. Image-guided stereotaxy has provided the means to sample tissue from small or deeply seated intraparenchymal lesions with a relatively high degree of safety and accuracy. Although procedural complications are infrequent, devastating neurological sequelae may result from hemorrhage or direct trauma. This study was undertaken to identify factors that may confer an increased risk of morbidity from stereotactic brain biopsy. Methods Two hundred twenty-five consecutive computer-assisted stereotactic brain biopsy procedures were reviewed. Patient age averaged 47.4 years (range, 3–84 years); gender ratio was approximately 2:1 (male:female). Pre-existing medical conditions were identified in nearly half of the cohort. 61.3% of biopsied lesions were lobar; the remainder (38.7%) were “deep-seated” (thalamus, basal ganglia, pineal, hypothalamus, cerebellum, brainstem). Glial tumors accounted for the majority (44.4%) of biopsied lesions; metastases (12.9%) and lymphoma (11.6%) were also relatively common. Demographical, anatomical, surgical, and histological data were compiled and putative risk factors for morbidity identified. These variables were then subjected to univariate and logistic regression analyses to determine their significance as independent predictors of operative risk. Results Twelve patients suffered complications as a consequence of the biopsy procedure (eight from hemorrhage, four from direct trauma). Major morbidity (hemiparesis, aphasia, obtundation) occurred in eight patients (3.6%). Three patients (1.3%) suffered minor morbidity (transient, mild neurological deficits). One operative fatality occurred (0.4%). An increased risk of morbidity was associated with the preoperative use of antiplatelet agents, chronic corticosteroids, deep-seated lesions, malignant gliomas, and a greater number of biopsy attempts (p < 0.05). Factors not conferring increased morbidity included gender, age, pre-existing illness, extracranial malignancy, cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, HIV status, and instrument used to procure the specimen. Conclusions Complications arising from stereotactic brain biopsy are infrequent but can be disastrous. Operative risk is a function of several independent variables, including lesion properties (location, histology), preoperative pharmacological therapy (corticosteroids, antiplatelet agents), and operative technique. This analysis suggests that the morbidity of stereotactic brain biopsy may be minimized by risk factor modification.
Dynamic Adjustment of Subtitles Using Audio Fingerprints

Anyone who ever downloaded subtitle files from the Internet has faced problems synchronizing them with the associated media files. Even with the efforts of communities on reviewing user-contributed subtitles and with mechanisms in movie players to automate the discovery of subtitles for a given media, users still face lip synchronization issues. In this work we conduct a study on several subtitle files associated with popular movies and TV series and analyze their differences. Based on that, we propose a two-phase subtitle synchronization method that annotates subtitles with audio fingerprints, which serve as synchronization anchors to the media player. Preliminary results obtained with our prototype suggest that our technique is effective and has minimal impact on the extension of subtitle formats and on media playback performance.
Review: Unicast routing protocols for vehicular ad hoc networks: A critical comparison and classification

Vehicular Ad hoc NETworks (VANETs) allow vehicles to form a self-organized network without the need for a permanent infrastructure. As a prerequisite to communication, an efficient route between network nodes must be established, and it must adapt to the rapidly changing topology of vehicles in motion. This is the aim of VANET routing protocols. In this paper, we discuss the design factors of unicast routing protocols for VANETs, and present a timeline of the development of the existing unicast routing protocols. Moreover, we classify and characterize the existing unicast routing protocols for VANETs, and also provide a qualitative comparison of them. This classification and characterization gives a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of existing protocols in this area and also throws light on open issues that remain to be addressed. Multicast routing protocols are also very important in VANETs; however, they are outside the scope of this paper.
Integrating electron and near-field optics: dual vision for the nanoworld

The integration of near-field scanning opti- cal microscopy (NSOM) with the imaging and localized excitation capabilities of electrons in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) offers new capabilities for the observa- tion of highly resolved transport phenomena in the areas of electronic and optical materials characterization, semi- conductor nanodevices, plasmonics and integrated nano- photonics. While combined capabilities for atomic force microscopy (AFM) and SEM are of obvious interest to pro- vide localized surface topography in concert with the ease and large spatial dynamic range of SEM and dual beam imaging (e.g., in-situ AFM following focused ion beam modification), integration with near-field optical imaging capability can also provide access to localized transport phenomena beyond the reach of far-field systems. In par- ticular, the flexibility that is achieved with the capability for independent, high resolution placement of an electron source, providing localized excitation in the form of free carriers, photons or plasmons, with scanning of the opti- cal collecting tip allows for unique types of "dual-probe" experiments that directly image energy transfer. We review integrated near-field and electron optics systems to date, highlight applications in a variety of fields and suggest future directions.
AAV serotype-dependent apolipoprotein A-IMilano gene expression

Abstract Recent evidence from a double-blind, randomized study showed that treatment with apolipoprotein A-I Milano (ApoA-I Milano ) in a complex with phospholipids produced significant regression of the coronary atheroma burden in patients with acute coronary syndromes. We previously showed similar regression of atherosclerosis in an animal model. Here, we examined a viral vector-based gene delivery system as a basis for ApoA-I Milano gene therapy. Comparing levels of expression using combinations of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter in a recombinant serotype 2 adeno-associated virus (rAAV2) linked to ApoA-I Milano or the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) genes, we found that a promoter construct of two CMV core promoters sharing a CMV enhancer was more active than other combinations or a single CMV promoter. In vivo assessment of this optimal CMV construct using rAAV2 virus particles for intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) routes of delivery produced high circulating levels of ApoA-I Milano protein for extended periods (up to 220 ng/ml at 22 weeks p.i.) by IV delivery while the IM route resulted in a relatively short period of very low-level ApoA-I Milano expression. Since there was no difference in the immune response between the two routes of delivery, we reasoned that tissue tropism might be responsible for this differential gene expression. To explore this possibility, we investigated the effect of different AAV serotypes on ApoA-I Milano gene expression in vivo. It found that rAAV1-mediated expression of ApoA-I Milano was approximately 15- and 9-fold higher than rAAV2 and rAAV5, respectively when IM injection routes were compared while all three AAV serotypes produced substantial levels of ApoA-I Milano expression from IV injection. These studies demonstrate that by modifying the promoter and serotype, increases in the efficiency of AAV-directed transgene expression could be achieved and support the potential of AAV-mediated gene therapy.
Involvement of biogenic amines in memory formation: the central nervous system indole amine involvement.

Drugs administered after training and reported to alter central nervous tissue indole amine levels are shown to affect memory of a single trial passive avoidance training event of female CF-1 mice. Results indicate the normal levels of indole amines are necessary during the formative phase of memory for normal levels of memory.
Off-season spawning of sunshine bass (Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis) exposed to 6- or 9-month phase-shifted photothermal cycles

Annually-spawning sunshine bass (Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis) were exposed to 6-, 9- or 12-month photothermal regimes. Abbreviated (phase-shifted) cycles were produced by excising photothermal conditions corresponding to May 17 to August 17 (9-month cycle), or May 17 to November 17 (6-month cycle), from a simulated annual cycle. Phase-shifted cycles reduced the interval between spawning and ovarian recrudescence, advancing gonadal maturation 2 to 3 months, and permitting off-season (December and January) spawning. Rapid gonadal growth began in June (6-month), July (9-month) and August (12-month cycle), coincident with decreasing artificial photoperiods and water temperatures. The offset in initiation of maturation persisted through final maturation, as females in the 6-, 9- or 12-month cycles matured after different periods of photothermal exposure (206, 240 and 268 days, respectively). Maximum oocyte diameters (855, 893 and 844 μm) were similar among females on all cycles. All females underwent final oocyte maturation (FOM) and ovulated after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. Testicular growth among males on the three cycles began simultaneously (June). Maximum testicular diameters (11.2, 11.9 and 11.5 mm, respectively) were achieved after 153, 174 and 199 days in the 6, 9 and 12-month cycles, respectively. Milt was produced by >90% of the males in each treatment, and the duration of production was proportional to the cycle length, lasting 38, 42 and 91 days in the 6, 9 and 12-month cycles, respectively. Sperm concentration, duration of motility, and seminal fluid pH differed among males on the three cycles, but these differences produced no changes in fertilities, which averaged 69, 59, and 68% for fish on the 6-, 9- or 12-month cycles, respectively. All sunshine bass held on a second, sequential 6-month cycle developed mature gonads and were induced to spawn. However, peak oocyte and ovarian diameters were reduced and fertility was low (29%), suggesting additional time was needed for gonadal maturation. The good reproductive performance of fish exposed to 6- and 9-month phase-shifted periods indicates that shortened cycles are effective for inducing off-season maturation of sunshine bass, and suggests merit in evaluating the efficacy of phase-shifted cycles to advance maturation of higher-value striped bass broodstock.
What Do Panel Studies Tell Us About a Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment? A Critique of the Literature

We provide a critical review of empirical research on the deterrent effect of capital punishment that makes use of state and, in some instances, county-level, panel data. We present the underlying behavioral model that presumably informs the specification of panel data regressions, outline the typical model specification employed, discuss current norms regarding “best-practice” in the analysis of panel data, and engage in a critical review. The connection between the theoretical reasoning underlying general deterrence and the regression models typically specified in this literature is tenuous. Many of the papers purporting to find strong effects of the death penalty on state-level murder rates suffer from basic methodological problems: weak instruments, questionable exclusion restrictions, failure to control for obvious factors, and incorrect calculation of standard errors which in turn has led to faulty statistical inference. The lack of variation in the key underlying explanatory variables and the heavy influence exerted by a few observations in state panel data regressions is a fundamental problem for all panel data studies of this question, leading to overwhelming model uncertainty. We find the recent panel literature on whether there is a deterrent effect of the death penalty to be inconclusive as a whole, and in many cases uninformative. Moreover, we do not see additional methodological tools that are likely to overcome the multiple challenges that face researchers in this domain, including the weak informativeness of the data, a lack of theory on the mechanisms involved, and the likely presence of unobserved confounders.
Profiling gene expression using onto-express.

Gene expression profiles obtained through microarray or data mining analyses often exist as vast data strings. To interpret the biology of these genetic profiles, investigators must analyze this data in the context of other information such as the biological, biochemical, or molecular function of the translated proteins. This is particularly challenging for a human analyst because large quantities of less than relevant data often bury such information. To address this need we implemented an automated routine, called Onto-Express (http://vortex.cs.wayne.edu:8080), to systematically translate genetic fingerprints into functional profiles. Using strings of accession or cluster identification numbers, Onto-Express searches the public databases and returns tables that correlate expression profiles with the cytogenetic locations, biochemical and molecular functions, biological processes, cellular components, and cellular roles of the translated proteins. The profiles created by Onto-Express fundamentally increase the value of gene expression analyses by facilitating the translation of quantitative value sets to records that contain biological implications.
Cyanoacrylate and oral wound healing in hamsters.

Abstract In a study on the effect of isobutyl-2-cyanoacrylate on the healing of experimental ulcers of hamster tongue, cyanoacrylate-treated ulcers showed less inflammatory response than untreated control ulcers, with less oedema, for up to 2 days, the time the film was adherent. The cyanoacrylate substituted for the scab formation. Beyond that period, the sequence of healing was comparable on both the treated and untreated sides with epithelial covering by 5 days and restitution by 21 days.
On unique and almost unique factorization of complete ideals II

The theory of complete ideals was begun by Zariski in 1938 [Z 1], and further developed in Appendix 5 of [ZS]. Zariski developed a theory of factorization of complete ideals in regular two-dimensional local rings. In this paper we develop the theory of factorization of complete ideals in complete normal two-dimensional local rings. Let (R, m) be a complete normal two-dimensional local ring, and let re(R) be the semi-group of complete m-primary ideals of R. We show how the divisor class group of R, CI(R), is related to factorization in re(R). We generalize results obtained in [C2] where it is assumed that R/m is algebraically closed. Assume that R is any regular local ring of dimension 2. Zariski proved that any complete ideal I of R has unique factorization into products of simple complete ideals. The distinct simple complete ideals occuring in the factorization of I are in 1 1 correspondence with the irreducible components of the exceptional divisor of the blowing up of I. This shows that any proper birational morphism X ~spec(R) with X normal can be decomposed into a sequence of blowups with irreducible exceptional divisors. Now assume that R is a complete normal local domain of dimension 2. It is natural to ask if the condition that m(R) has unique factorization is equivalent to R being a UFD. We show (Theorem 5) that if re(R) has unique factorization then R is a UFD. We also give an example (Example 1) to show that the converse does not hold. However, Lipman has shown in [L] that if R is a UFD, and if R/m is algebraically closed, then re(R) has unique factorization. Recall that R is a UFD if and only if CI(R)=0. G6hner [G] introduced the notion of a semigroup being semi-factorial. This definition is reproduced in definition 3 of this paper. We prove G6hner's conjecture (2 3 of Theorem 4) that re(R) is semifactorial if and only if CI(R) is a torsion group. As a corollary (Corollary to Theorem 4) we obtain that if Rim is algebraically closed of characteristic zero, then re(R) is semi-factorial if and only if R has a rational singularity. Another corollary is that CI(R) is torsion if and only if R satisfies the condition (N) of Muhly and Sakuma [-MS] (1r of Theorem 4). R satisfies condition (N) if any proper birational morphism X ~ spec(R) factors as a sequence of blowups of height 2 ideals with irreducible exceptional divisors.
Force-free electromagnetic pulses in a laboratory plasma.

A short, intense current pulse is drawn from an electrode immersed in a magnetized afterglow plasma. The induced magnetic field B(r,t) assumes the shape of a helical double vortex which propagates along B(0) through the uniform plasma as a whistler mode. The observations support a prediction of force-free (J x B + neE = 0) electromagnetic fields and solitary waves. Energy and helicity are approximately conserved.
Dimensions of a comparative biology of primate groups

The possible contributions of a comparative study of primate social organization to anthropology are many. Such a study may elucidate the repertory of motivational and organizational raw materials present among primates; it may show us the forms of society that have evolved from this raw material; it may show us the kinds of inhibitions and functional readjustments of phylogenetically old motivations that lead to the types of societies found among primates. These general aims are based upon analysis of specific primate groups. The analysis of a primate group as a functioning system leads to consideration of the anatomy and physiology of groups, the reasons for differences in types of groups, the ontogeny of a group, environmental modifications of types of groups, and the evolution of the adaptive function of groups.
Relative Brain Size: A New Measure

The relation of the volume of the endocranial cavity to the area of the foramen magnum is a measure of relative brain size in mammals. The outstanding advantage of this method is that only a skull is required for a set of measurements.
Aligning What We Do and What We Measure in Business Schools: Incorporating Active Learning and Effective Media Use in the Assessment of Instruction———:

Current methods of evaluating learning and instruction have not kept pace with changes in learning theory, or with the transformed technological infrastructure of the modern business school classroom. Without reliable and valid instructional measurement systems, it is virtually impossible to benchmark new pedagogical techniques, assess the value of new technologies, or provide feedback to instructors for improving their classroom performance. This research tests whether active learning and effective media use—two constructs typically not measured in traditional teaching evaluation instrumentation— are important perceptual dimensions of the classroom experience. We also examine the relationship of these two constructs to student perceptions of instructional performance. Results confirm that active learning and effective media use—along with five other historically strong dimensions of instructional evaluation—can play a large role in explaining student perceptions of instructional performance.