cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Translation invariance in a network of oscillatory units

One of the important features of the human visual system is that it is able to recognize objects in a scale and translational invariant manner. However, achieving this desirable behavior through biologically realistic networks is a challenge. The synchronization of neuronal firing patterns has been suggested as a possible solution to the binding problem (where a biological mechanism is sought to explain how features that represent an object can be scattered across a network, and yet be unified). This observation has led to neurons being modeled as oscillatory dynamical units. It is possible for a network of these dynamical units to exhibit synchronized oscillations under the right conditions. These network models have been applied to solve signal deconvolution or blind source separation problems. However, the use of the same network to achieve properties that the visual sytem exhibits, such as scale and translational invariance have not been fully explored. Some approaches investigated in the literature (Wallis, 1996) involve the use of non-oscillatory elements that are arranged in a hierarchy of layers. The objects presented are allowed to move, and the network utilizes a trace learning rule, where a time averaged output value is used to perform Hebbian learning with respect to the input value. This is a modification of the standard Hebbian learning rule, which typically uses instantaneous values of the input and output. In this paper we present a network of oscillatory amplitude-phase units connected in two layers. The types of connections include feedforward, feedback and lateral. The network consists of amplitude-phase units that can exhibit synchronized oscillations. We have previously shown that such a network can segment the components of each input object that most contribute to its classification. Learning is unsupervised and based on a Hebbian update, and the architecture is very simple. We extend the ability of this network to address the problem of translational invariance. We show that by adopting a specific treatment of the phase values of the output layer, the network exhibits translational invariant object representation. The scheme used in training is as follows. The network is presented with an input, which then moves. During the motion the amplitude and phase of the upper layer units is not reset, but continues with the past value before the introduction of the object in the new position. Only the input layer is changed instantaneously to reflect the moving object. The network behavior is such that it categorizes the translated objects with the same label as the stationary object, thus establishing an invariant categorization with respect to translation. This is a promising result as it uses the same framework of oscillatory units that achieves synchrony, and introduces motion to achieve translational invariance.
Stent-associated flow remodeling causes further occlusion of incompletely coiled aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Incomplete coil occlusion is associated with increased risk of aneurysm recurrence. We hypothesize that intracranial stents can cause flow remodeling, which promotes further occlusion of an incompletely coiled aneurysm. OBJECTIVE To study our hypothesis by comparing the follow-up angiographic outcomes of stented and nonstented incompletely coiled aneurysms. METHODS From January 2006 through December 2009, the senior author performed 324 initial coilings of previously untreated aneurysms, 145 of which were Raymond classification 2 and 3. Follow-up angiographic studies were available for 109 of these aneurysms (75%). Angiographic outcomes for stented vs nonstented incompletely coiled aneurysms were compared. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to the progression of occlusion at follow-up, with adjustment for aneurysm location, size, neck size, Hunt-Hess grade, stent use, initial Raymond score, packing density, age, sex, and medical comorbidities. RESULTS Of the 109 aneurysms, 37 were stented and 72 were not stented. With a median follow-up time of 15.4 months, 33 stented aneurysms (89%) progressed to complete occlusion compared with 29 nonstented aneurysms (40%). Recanalization rates were lower in the stented group (8.1%) compared with the nonstented group (37.5%; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, stent use (odds ratio, 18.5; 95% confidence interval, 4.3-76.9) and packing density (odds ratio, 1.093; 95% confidence interval, 1.021-1.170) were significant predictors of the progression of occlusion. Aneurysm size was negatively correlated with the progression of occlusion (odds ratio, 0.844; 95% confidence interval, 0.724-0.983). CONCLUSION Stent-assisted coiling causes progression of occlusion, possibly by a flow remodeling effect. The odds of progression of occlusion of stent-coiled aneurysms were 18.5 times that of nonstented aneurysms.
Likelihood Inference for Permuted Data with Application to Gene Regulation

Abstract Given that all the cells of an individual have the same genetic information stored in their DNA, how can cells be as different as those of the retina and heart? Nature solves this problem through gene regulation, which often involves the binding of regulatory proteins to regulatory sites. These sites are short subsequences of 10 to 20 DNA base pairs whose pattern may be multinomially modeled. These sites usually occur “upstream” of the genes they regulate in a segment of a few hundred DNA base pairs called the promoter. But the positions of regulatory sites within promoters vary and are unobservable. This uncertainty in site position misaligns the data and renders the indices of the observations uncertain. Data with uncertain indices arise commonly in experimental biology whenever uncontrolled variability alters unobservable auxiliary identifying information. Current technology breaks the analysis of such data into two steps: alignment and analyses applied to the aligned data. This article propos...
Analysis of atmospheric wind and pressures on a low-rise building

Abstract Modelling the relation between turbulence scales in atmospheric wind and surface pressures on low-rise buildings is important for prediction of wind loads on structures. Because the interest is in events that take place over short time periods, wavelet analysis is performed to characterize this relation. The Morlet wavelet transform is applied to simultaneously measured velocity components of atmospheric wind and surface pressures at multiple locations on a low-rise building. The wavelet energy density of the individual time series show that both atmospheric turbulence and pressure fluctuations are highly intermittent, i.e. the energy of the different scales in these fluctuations varies significantly with time. Furthermore, the low-pressure peaks are represented by high levels of the wavelet energy density. Cross-scalogram results show that there is a clear relationship between energetic events in the atmospheric wind and low-pressure peaks that occur simultaneously at pressure taps placed over a large area of the low-rise building. Specifically, there is a scale relation between theu- andv-velocity components of the incident wind and the pressure fluctuations. Such results show that better prediction of pressure peaks can be obtained by simulating turbulence events rather than merely matching integral length scales, mean flow parameters or turbulence intensity.
Increasing power/performance resource efficiency on virtualized enterprise servers

In this work, we analyze the impact that live VM migration has on virtualized data centers in terms of performance and power consumption. We present a metric that captures system efficiency in terms of VM resource usage. This metric is used to create a resource efficiency manager (REM) framework that issues live VM migrations to enhance the efficiency of system resources. We compare our framework to other commercially available solutions and show that we can improve performance up to 9% while providing a better overall power/performance solution.
A force sensitive multi-touch array supporting multiple 2-D musical control structures

We describe the design, implementation, and evaluation with musical applications of force sensitive multi-touch arrays of touchpads. Each of the touchpads supports a three dimensional representation of musical material: two spatial dimensions plus a force measurement we typically use to control dynamics. We have developed two pad systems, one with 24 pads and a second with 2 arrays of 16 pads each. We emphasize the treatment of gestures as sub-sampled audio signals. This tight coupling of gesture with audio provides for a high degree of control intimacy. Our experiments with the pad arrays demonstrate that we can efficiently deal with large numbers of audio encoded gesture channels - 72 for the 24 pad array and 96 for the two 16 pad arrays.
Malignant Mesothelioma in Urban Dogs

Clinical and postmortem materials from six dogs with a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma were studied retrospectively. The dogs were urban pets with clinical signs of malignant effusions. Two mesotheliomas were pleural, one pericardial, and one peritoneal. Both pleura and pericardium were involved in one dog, and the pleura and peritoneum in another. On gross examination at necropsy, diffuse granular or velvety plaques covering mesothelial surfaces were found in all dogs; firm discrete pleural nodules also were present in two dogs. Neither distant metastases nor areas of deep lung invasion were found. The tumors varied histologically, but the most common type was epithelial with a papillary pattern. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells had prominent surface microvilli, numerous desmosomes, and tonofilaments. Lung tissue from these dogs and from control dogs was evaluated for the presence of ferruginous bodies. Asbestos bodies were found in three of five dogs with mesotheliomas but rarely were found in control dogs. As a group, the mesothelioma cases had significantly more asbestos bodies and total ferruginous bodies than controls. The clinical and morphologic appearance of canine mesothelioma is similar to human mesothelioma and also may be associated with exposure to airborne fibers.
Fast batch incremental netlist compilation hierarchical schematics

Fast batch and incremental algorithms for creating and updating the netlist underlying a hierarchical schematic design are presented. The algorithms can be used either for maintaining the netlist as a data structure for further online processing or as a file for use with other offline design tools that are downstream from the compilation process. The batch algorithm uses a preorder traversal of the design hierarchy to derive the netlist. The incremental algorithm trims this traversal to only those paths leading to changes in the netlist. For most user modifications the netlist can be incrementally updated in a fraction of the time required using batch compilation techniques, often with no perceivable delay to the user. >
Linked Data, Web 3.0 and the Semantic Web

Some exciting things have been happening on the Web. One of them you're probably already familiar with: the so-called "Web 2.0" revolution with the growth of blogging, wikis, tagging spaces and social networking. However, somewhat in the background another set of technologies, has been growing, and even the Web 2.0 crowd is starting to take notice. In the past year, a number of startups have been becoming increasingly successful and visible in the Web world. These companies include Metaweb, which builds Freebase, "an open, shared database of the world's knowledge," Powerset, a semantic search company which was recently acquired by Microsoft for a reported S100M, Radar Networks, whose Twine tool is billed as a means to "leverage and contribute to the collective intelligence of your friends, colleagues, groups and teams." Using similar technologies, others in the space include Garlik, a UK company working on the control of personal information on the Web, Joost, an online television provider, and Talis, a company focused on tools to make data "available to share, remix and reuse." There are many more, and the theme that emerges from all of these is the use of "semantic" technologies to bring new functionality to such Web staples as search, social networking, multimedia sharing, and many more. Further, some of the really big players such as Oracle, Microsoft and IBM, all of which are starting to support tools in this technology space. In short, there is clearly something happening in this area, and it's starting to generate a growing wave of attention. What is happening is that a new set of Web technologies appears to be transitioning from toys and demos to tools and applications. Basically, a new bloom of Web applications, which New York Times reporter John Markoff called "Web 3.0," have started to come to the public's attention. Companies like the ones mentioned above, and many more, are taking advantage of years of development behind the scenes, and it looks like the technology is beginning to transition through that knee in the curve. The Semantic Web, the technology that powers these new applications, is starting to be realized and there is a growing excitement in the commercialization of what, till now, has been a slowly expanding wave of activity. These companies are combining the Web data resources, standard languages, ever-better tools and (mostly simple) ontologies into new applications that exploit the power of this new breed of semantic technologies. The entrepreneurs behind these efforts are able to take advantage of the covergence of Semantic Web capabilities to embed small amounts of reasoning into large-scale Webapps, with exciting potential. This talk will explore these new technologies and some of the emerging areas of excitement.
Lessons Learned Through Our Climate Change Professional Development Program for Middle and High School Teachers

The National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado has been offering professional development on climate change for middle and high school teachers since the summer of 2001. Our experience with educators has shown that teachers feel ill-prepared to share the science and implications of climate change research with their students. As a result of the extensive exposure of this topic in the media and the controversy that sometimes surrounds it, teachers are highly motivated to engage in professional development on this subject. A variety of professional development approaches are needed to reach a wide spectrum of educators whose learning preferences and personal and professional constraints may preclude participation in some professional development opportunities. This paper provides lessons learned from successful climate change professional development for teachers, including the importance of inquiry-based curriculum activities, the importance of an opportunity to "learn by doing" and to s...
Effect of abciximab on cardiac enzyme elevation after transluminal extraction atherectomy (TEC) in high-risk saphenous vein graft lesions: comparison with a historical control group.

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) intervention has been associated with an increased incidence of distal embolization. Long lesions and lesions associated with thrombus are particularly at increased risk. This study was performed to determine whether abciximab may decrease this risk in high risk SVG angioplasty. From June 1994 to June 1998, 84 patients with at least one high risk factor, i.e., lesion length >20 mm or angiographic evidence of thrombus, underwent Transluminal extraction atherectomy (TEC) procedure followed by balloon dilatation or stenting. Of these 84 patients, 37 who had procedure after September 1995 underwent TEC with abciximab (Abciximab Group) and 47 who had their procedure before that date had TEC without abciximab thereby serving as historic control (Non-Abciximab Group). All patients had normal pre-procedure CK and CK-MB. Total creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB were measured every 8 hr post-procedure for 24 hr. Baseline demographics, angiographic characteristics, incidence of LV dysfunction and triple vessel disease were similar between the two groups. Graft age was similar between two groups (122 ± 70 vs. 117 ± 54 months). Graft diameter, pre and post-procedure percent stenoses were not different between the two groups. Stents were used in 65% in the Abciximab group and 45% in Non-Abciximab group (P = 0.14). There was no in-hospital repeat PTCA, urgent bypass surgery, or cardiac death. There was no difference between the two groups in regards to the incidence of any elevation of total CK (27% vs. 21.3%) or CK-MB (54% vs. 51%). When used in conjunction with TEC in treating high risk vein graft lesions, abciximab did not reduce post procedure CK-MB elevation in this patient population. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2001;52:40–44. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Doping properties of polydithienylmethine: a study on the correlation between polymer chain length, spectroscopy, and transport.

(1S)-(+)-10-Camphorsulfonic acid-doped polydithienylmethine was prepared through an acid-catalyzed condensation reaction of α,α‘-di-2-thienyl-(2,2‘-bithiophene)-5,5‘-dimethanol and was characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The electronic and vibrational properties of the resulting polymer thin films vary with the loadings of the (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid. The dark conductivity and drift mobility, which is significantly high, of the polymer thin films were enhanced with increasing doping levels and reached maximum values of 8.0 × 10-5 S·cm-1 and 3.5 × 10-2 cm2·V-1·s-1, respectively, at a 7 mol % dopant loading. Higher doping levels (>7 mol %) result in nonuniform polymer thin films with degraded optical quality due to the formation of nanocrystalite and thus a decrease in conductivity and drift mobility was observed. The doped polydithienylmethine thin film also exhibited a photoconductivity response with an excitation at 457 nm and the highest photoconductivi...
Ballooned neurons in progressive supranuclear palsy are usually due to concurrent argyrophilic grain disease

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a sporadic multisystem neurodegenerative disorder that is one of the major causes of parkinsonism, which shares common biochemical and genetic features with corticobasal degeneration (CBD). Ballooned neurons (BN) are one of the histopathologic hallmarks of CBD and their presence is a neuropathologic feature that helps differentiate PSP from CBD, since BN are uncommon in PSP. There are, however, several reports in the literature of BN in PSP. BN are also a consistent finding in argyrophilic grain disease (AGD), where they are relatively confined to limbic structures, in particular the amygdala. Since AGD has been found with increased frequency in PSP, it is possible that cases of PSP with BN may represent co-existing AGD. In the present study, we investigated this possibility by studying the distribution and the density of BN with αB-crystallin immunostaining in 20 cases of PSP, including equal numbers of cases with and without co-existing AGD. In PSP cases with concurrent AGD, BN were consistently found in limbic areas, but in pure PSP cases, BN were rare, supporting the hypothesis that concurrent AGD may account for most cases of PSP with BN.
Associations Between Abnormal Rod-Mediated Dark Adaptation and Health and Functioning in Older Adults With Normal Macular Health

Purpose Delayed rod-mediated dark adaptation (DA) is characteristic of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and also can be observed in some older adults in normal macular health. We examine cross-sectional associations between rod-mediated DA and risk factors for AMD in older adults in normal macular health. Methods The sample consisted of adults aged ≥60 years old in normal macular health per grading of fundus photos using an established disease classification system. Rod-mediated DA was measured psychophysically following a photobleach using a computer-automated dark adaptometer with targets centered at 5° on the inferior vertical meridian. The speed of DA was characterized by the rod-intercept value, with abnormal DA defined as rod-intercept ≥ 12.3 minutes. We assessed several health and functional characteristics that the literature has suggested increase AMD risk (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, inflammatory markers, apolipoproteins, low luminance visual acuity, chronic medical conditions, body mass, family history). Results Among 381 participants (mean age, 68.5 years; SD, 5.5), 78% had normal and 22% had abnormal DA, with the prevalence of abnormal DA increasing with age. After age-adjustment, abnormal DA was associated with increased odds of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), heavy use of or abstention from alcohol, high blood pressure, and drop in visual acuity under mesopic conditions. Conclusions Despite having normal macular health according to accepted definitions of AMD presence, approximately one-quarter of older adults recruited from primary eye care clinics had abnormal DA, which was associated with known risk factors for AMD, including elevated CRP.
The Accumulation of Hordenine in the Seedlings of Panicum miliaceum

Abstract A quantitative paper chromatographic technique for the determination of hordenine by the maximum color density method is described.Application of this procedure to portions of proso seedlings during various stages of germination revealed that the principal site of accumulation of hordenine in that plant is in the shoots.The alkaloid content of these organs of both etiolated and light-grown seedlings was shown to increase from the third to the eighth day, as calculated on a per shoot basis.The presence of trace amounts of hordenine and uncombined tyramine in the roots and seeds of the plants during certain stages of germination was also noted.The significance of these findings and their relation to the pattern of hordenine accumulation in barley seedlings are discussed.
Cholesky downdating on a hypercube

Least squares modifications associated with the addition or deletion of data often involve updating or downdating the Cholesky factor of the observation matrix. We describe and compare parallel implementations for the hypercube of three methods for down-dating the Cholesky factor: an orthogonal scheme, a hyperbolic scheme, and a hybrid scheme combining the first two. The computational complexities of these algorithms differ significantly, but the parallel implementations of all three have communication complexity similar to solving triangular systems. In computational tests on an Intel iPSC hypercube, the algorithms performed similarly, suggesting a preference for the orthogonal method based on stability considerations. The methods we describe can be adapted to the parallel computation of general orthogonal factorizations, but our discussion is motivated by applications in signal processing using windowed recursive least squares filtering for near real-time solutions.
GENERALIZED LOG-NORMAL DISTRIBUTION OF PORE SIZES IN HYDRATED CEMENT PASTE

Pore-size distributions of hardened cement pastes, as determined by mercury porosimetry, are shown to be generalized log-normal distributions bounded by the existence of a maximum diameter but not by a minimum diameter. An excellent fit is found for pastes of 0.4 and 0.6 water: cement ratio and ages between 1 day and almost 1 year. The distribution is described in terms of three parameters: the limiting upper bound diameter (M∞) and two parameters M∗ and σ, describing the geometric mean and standard deviation, respectively, of the generalized log-normal distribution. The cumulative pore-size distribution is given by the equation: P(M) = 50 − 50 erf InM∗/M∗2Inσ, where P(M) is percentage pore volume in diameters larger than M, M∗ isM·M∞M∞ - M, and erf is the error function. M∞ and M∗ are functions of the water cement ratio; they decrease with age up to about 2 months and are then sensibly constant. Intrusion data taken at pressures of 50,000 psi, corresponding to diameters of the order of 25 A, substantiate the conclusion that all the pores intruded belong to a single pore-size distribution; no evidence of bimodality (i.e., the existence of a separate class of gel pores) is observed.
Catastrophic Clostridium difficile Enteritis in a Pelvic Pouch Patient: Report of a Case

In recent years, Clostridium difficile-associated infection has emerged as an increasingly problematic entity. More virulent strains have been isolated and new manifestations of the infection have been described. The primary aim of this manuscript is to describe what we believe to be the first reported case of devastating C. difficile enteritis in a patient with an ileal reservoir. A high index of suspicion is required in the appropriate clinical setting in light of the apparently changing spectrum of C. difficile disease.
The Basics: what's Essential about Theory for Community Development Practice?

The major point of this article is that the multidisciplinary field of community development needs some common theoretical concepts for community development practice. The authors examine three major limitations of theory for community development and discuss why theoretical frameworks are important for the field. There are three major concerns that encompass community development practice: structure, power and shared meaning. These concerns are related to three classical theoretical frameworks: structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. These seemingly disparate theories take on a deeper meaning when tied to Giddens' structuration theory. Giddens' theoretical perspective is essential for practitioners because of its link between macro and microstructures and the ability of the community to influence macro and micro changes through cultural patterns and norms (modalities). The article includes case studies and examples to illustrate the applicability of key theoretical insights.
Adherence According to Mary Poppins: Strategies to Make the Medicine Go Down

PURPOSE. This article reviews the prevalence, risk factors, and burden of nonadherence in mood and psychotic disorders, and presents evidence-based, disease-specific strategies shown to improve adherence. CONCLUSION. A comprehensive approach based on the goal of remission, designed around the patient's individual needs, facilitates adherence, leads to improved quality of life, and reduces disease burden. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Adherence in mood and psychotic disorders can be improved when providers take time to build trusting relationships; identify risk factors; anticipate nonadherence; individualize treatment; and educate patients, families, and other healthcare providers.
Absence of posttraumatic arthritis following intraarticular fracture in the MRL/MpJ mouse.

Objective Posttraumatic arthritis is a frequent long-term complication of intraarticular fractures. A model of a closed intraarticular fracture in C57BL/6 mice that progresses to posttraumatic arthritis has been developed. The MRL/MpJ mouse has shown unique regenerative abilities in response to injury. The objective of this study was to determine if the MRL/MpJ mouse is protected from posttraumatic arthritis after intraarticular fractures. Methods Intraarticular fractures were created in MRL/MpJ mice and C57BL/6 control mice (n = 16 each). Limbs were analyzed for posttraumatic arthritis 4 and 8 weeks after fracture using microfocal computed tomography bone morphology, subchondral bone thickness evaluation, and histologic evaluation of cartilage degeneration. Serum cytokines and biomarkers were measured after the mice were killed. Results Intraarticular fractures were successfully created in all 32 mice. In the experimental fractured limbs, C57BL/6 mice had a decrease in bone density, increased subchondral bone thickness, and increased cartilage degeneration compared with normal contralateral control limbs. In the MRL/MpJ mice, no differences in bone density, subchondral bone thickness, or histologic grading of cartilage degeneration were seen between fractured and contralateral control limbs. Cytokine analysis showed lower systemic levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and higher levels of the antiinflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in the MRL/MpJ mice. Conclusion This study shows that the MRL/MpJ mouse is relatively protected from posttraumatic arthritis after intraarticular fracture. Further investigation into the mechanism involved in this response will hopefully provide new insight into the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of posttraumatic arthritis after intraarticular fracture.
TH-D-BRD-04: Increased Tumor Radioresistance by Imaging Doses From Volumetric Image Guided Radiation Therapy

Purpose: The radiationdosedelivered from volumetric imaging guidance is normally between 1–10 cGy, depending on the imaging modalities, tumor sites and patient thickness. To correctly compensate for such doses, their biological effects on tumor and endothelial cells are investigated. Methods and materials: A lungcarcinomacell line (H460), a breast cancercell line (MCF‐7) and a prostate cancercell line (PC3) and a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC) were studied for their responses to small doses of radiation ranging from 5 cGy to 50 cGy. Specifically, a MTT assay was used to quantify their proliferation over time. To measure the impact of image guidance doses on cell survival, 5 cGy or 10 cGy were delivered to H460 cells before a 200 cGy therapeuticdose. The tumorcell survival was measured by clonogenic assay and compared with cells that received 200 cGy only. Results: Accelerated proliferation was observed among all tumorcell lines but not the HUVEC to low dose irradiation. The acceleration was statistically significant (p<0.05) for H460 and MFC7 cells but not for the PC3 cells. A 12.6% increase in the H460 cell survival was observed for cells receiving 5cGy before 200 cGy radiation compared to those that received 200 cGy alone (p<0.02), while cells receiving 10 cGy prior to 200 cGy had the same survival as cells receiving 200 cGy alone. Conclusions: Small pre‐treatment doses of radiation may increase the radioresistance of tumorcells. In this study, we demonstrated that the imagingdose from image guided radiation therapy is sufficient to trigger accelerated proliferation when delivered alone and increased tumor survival when delivered prior to a therapeuticdose. Our results suggest that subtracting the imagingdose from the therapeuticdose may adversely affect the tumor control probability.
NIST reference goniophotometer for specular gloss measurements

The measurement of specular gloss consists of comparing the luminous reflectance from a test specimen to that from a gloss standard, under the same geometric conditions. The reference goniophotometer described here was designed and characterized to comply with the geometric and spectral conditions specified in the international documentary standards for specular gloss measurements at the standard geometries of 20, 60, and 85°. In addition, this instrument measures the bi-directional luminous reflectance and transmittance for incident angles from 0 to 85°. The goniophotometer and the measurement procedures used to determine the specular gloss of nonmetallic samples are described in this paper, as well as the characterization of the instrument and uncertainty analysis. The minimum relative expanded uncertainty (k=2) for the reference goniophotometer is 0.3%.
Stop and Freeze: The Negotiation of Social and Physical Space in a Kindergarten/First Grade Classroom

Going to school involves more than the mastery of academic content. Children learn as well to become socially competent members of the classroom community. Classroom interaction is a social activity comprised of the verbal and nonverbal behaviors which students and teachers manifest and interpret in face-to-face encounters. This study uses microethnographic techniques to discover and describe important aspects of the social competence acquired by children in a kindergarten/first grade classroom. ETHNOGRAPHY OF CLASSROOM INTERACTION, ACQUISITION OF SOCIAL COMPETENCE, KINDERGARTEN/FIRST GRADE CHILDREN, FACE-TO-FACE INTERACTION.
Systemic syndromes associated with neoplastic disease including cancer of the colon

Any malignancy, including tumors in the colon, usually presents systemically in the traditional way of all tumors and locally according to the specific function of the organ involved. Important clues may be missed if one does not realize that, for some unknown reason, the malignancy may mimic endocrine and other specialized body cells. Any atypical feature of these systemic manifestations should be viewed with suspicion and investigated completely to establish that it is not due to an underlying malignancy.
Regional localization of histamine and histidine in the brain of the Rhesus monkey

Summary The development of a sensitive microassay has made possible the evaluation of histamine and histidine concentrations in discrete nuclei and other areas of the rhesus monkey brain. Within the hypothalamus the mammillary bodies and the supraoptic nucleus contained the highest concentration of histamine, which was about 4 times that found in the preoptic and paraventricular nuclei. In most brain regions the medially located portions contained more histamine than did the lateral areas. There was no correlation between histamine and histidine concentrations in most areas of the brain. Histidine was more uniformly distributed and generally occurred in concentrations 100 times those of histamine.
The Rayleigh scattering correction in measurements of the sodium twilight flash

Abstract It is pointed out that sunlight at the wavelength of the D lines is attenuated by passage through the sodium layer before it is scattered by the lower atmosphere in twilight. Thus the use of the scattered intensity at another wavelength to correct for Rayleigh scattering will lead to an overcompensation. This effect increases for decreasing angles of solar depression and may lead to negative values for the twilight flash intensity. Calculations are presented for a standard detector and for a resonance detector consisting of a sodium vapour cell and a photomultiplier tube.
Current significance of meconium plug syndrome

Background: The significance of meconium plug syndrome is dependent on the underlying diagnosis. The incidence of pathologic finding, particularly Hirschsprung's disease, contributing to the presence of these plugs, has been debated. However, there are little recent data in the literature. Therefore, we reviewed our experience with meconium plugs as a cause of abdominal distension to evaluate the associated conditions and incidence of Hirschsprung's disease. Methods: We reviewed the records of newborns with meconium plugs found in the distal colon on contrast enema from 1994 to 2007. Demographics, radiologic findings, histologic findings, operative findings, and clinical courses were reviewed. Results: During the study period, 77 patients were identified. Mean gestational age was 37.4 weeks and birth weight, 2977 g. Hirschsprung's disease was found in 10 patients (13%). One had ultrashort segment disease and another had total colonic aganglionosis. Maternal diabetes was identified in 6 patients. No patients were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, meconium ileus, malrotation, or intestinal atresia. Conclusion: Meconium plugs found on contrast enema are associated with a 13% incidence of Hirschsprung's disease in our experience. Although all patients with plugs and persistent abnormal stooling patterns should prompt a rectal biopsy and genetic probe, the incidence of Hirschsprung's and cystic fibrosis may not be as high as previously reported.
Yes and No: Match/Mismatch Function in Cognitive Robots

Associative match, mismatch and novelty detection is an essential function in human and artificial cognition and is related to perception, reasoning and emotion. In the human brain, match/mismatch-related and novelty-detection-related signals and states can be detected by EEG and more advanced imaging technologies. Match, mismatch and novelty detection should also be present in artificial cognitive architectures that seek to provide a framework for artificial cognition, especially for autonomous robots. Here, the functions of match, mismatch and novelty are discussed, their implementation in one artificial cognitive architecture (HCA) is described and their application in the robot XCR-1 is given as a practical example.
Endoscopic Management of Gastrocutaneous Fistula Using Clipping, Suturing, and Plugging Methods

Abstract Background Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a commonly performed procedure in patients requiring medium to long term enteral feeding and with impaired swallowing. The PEG tract and stoma usually close spontaneously after PEG tube removal. Infrequently, gastrocutaneous fistula develops. Patients and methods In this video manuscript, the author reviews and demonstrates different endoscopic management options in approaching gastric fistula: mechanical approximation using through-the-scope endoclips or over-the-scope clipping devices; percutaneous trans-abdominal suture placement; and plugging the fistula tract with biodegradable materials or other tissue adhesives. Conclusions Health care providers need to be aware of this uncommon complication after PEG tube removal and management it with appropriate minimally invasive options where expertise and devices are available. Currently, tissue approximation with clips, intra-gastric and/or trans-abdominal suture placement is the preferred endoscopic options for fistula closure.
MAP Kinase–Independent Signaling in Angiotensin II Regulation of Neuromodulation in SHR Neurons

Angiotensin II (Ang II), via its interaction with the angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor subtype, causes enhanced stimulation of norepinephrine (NE) neuromodulation. This involves increased transcription of NE transporter, tyrosine hydroxylase, and dopamine ss-hydroxylase genes in Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY) brain neurons. AT1 receptor-mediated regulation of certain signaling events (such as activation of the Ras-Raf-1-mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway, nuclear translocation of transcription factors such as Fos and Jun, and the interactions of these factors with AP-1 binding sites) is involved in this NE neuromodulation (Lu et al. J Cell Biol. 1996;135:1609-1617). The aim of this study was to compare the signal transduction mechanism of Ang II regulation of NE neuromodulation in WKY and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) brain neurons, in view of the fact that AT1 receptor expression and Ang II stimulation of NE neuromodulation are higher in SHR neurons compared with WKY neurons. Despite this hyperactivity, Ang II stimulation of Ras, Raf-1, and MAP kinase activities was comparable between the neurons from WKY and SHR. Similarly, central injections of Ang II caused a comparable stimulation of MAP kinase in the hypothalamic and brain stem areas of adult WKY and SHR. Inhibition of MAP kinase by either an MAP kinase kinase inhibitor (PD98059) or an MAP kinase antisense oligonucleotide completely attenuated the stimulatory effects of Ang II on [3H]-NE uptake, NE transporter mRNA, and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA levels in WKY neurons. These treatments resulted in only 43% to 50% inhibition of [3H]-NE uptake and NE transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNAs in SHR neurons. Thus, Ang II stimulation of NE neuromodulation was completely blocked by MAP kinase inhibition in WKY neurons and only partially blocked in the SHR neurons. These observations suggest the presence of an additional signal transduction pathway involved in NE neuromodulation in SHR neurons that is independent of the MAP kinase pathway.
Optimal Design via Curve Fitting of Monte Carlo Experiments

Abstract This article explores numerical methods for stochastic optimization, with special attention to Bayesian design problems. A common and challenging situation occurs when the objective function (in Bayesian applications, the expected utility) is very expensive to evaluate, perhaps because it requires integration over a space of very large dimensionality. Our goal is to explore a class of optimization algorithms designed to gain efficiency in such situations, by exploiting smoothness of the expected utility surface and borrowing information from neighboring design points. The central idea is that of implementing stochastic optimization by curve fitting of Monte Carlo samples. This is done by simulating draws from the joint parameter/sample space and evaluating the observed utilities. Fitting a smooth surface through these simulated points serves as estimate for the expected utility surface. The optimal design can then be found deterministically. In this article we introduce a general algorithm for cu...
The 2-aminogluconate isomer of Rhizobium sin-1 lipid A can antagonize TNF-α production induced by enteric LPS

The naturally occurring lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Rhizobium sin-1, a nitrogen-fixing bacterial species, can prevent the induction of the tumor necrosis factor TNF-alpha induced by enteric LPS. The proximal saccharide moiety of R. sin-1 lipid A can exist in two forms, namely as a 2-aminogluconolactone or 2-aminogluconate. As it is unknown which of these forms is responsible for the antagonistic properties of R. sin-1 lipid A, compound 4 was prepared, and its inflammatory properties were studied. This compound contains a methyl ether at the C-5 hydroxyl, which prevents lactonization and therefore is ideally suited to determine whether the 2-aminogluconate possesses antagonistic properties. Compound 4 was synthesized by a highly convergent approach with a key disaccharide building block functionalized with a set of orthogonal protecting groups. The novel synthetic compound lacks proinflammatory properties, as indicated by an absence of TNF-alpha protein production. This compound was, however, able to antagonize the production of TNF-alpha induced by enteric LPS; this indicates that the 2-aminogluconate form of R. sin-1 lipid A is responsible for its biological properties.
Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility on the Internet A Case Study of the Top 100 Information Technology Companies in India

The need for and benefits of proactive and transparent communication about corporate social responsibility (CSR) are widely acknowledged. This study examines CSR communication undertaken by the top 100 information technology (IT) companies in India on their corporate Web sites, with an analytical focus on the dimensions of prominence of communication, extent of information, and style of presentation. The findings indicate that the number of companies with CSR information on their Web sites is strikingly low and that these leading companies do not leverage the Web sites to their advantage in terms of the quantity and style of CSR communication. Although the findings do not necessarily imply absence of CSR action on the part of IT companies in India, they attest to a general lack of proactive CSR communication. The article concludes with managerial implications for CSR communication on corporate Web sites.
Separate, Unequal and Ignored?: Inter-Jurisdictional Competition and the Budgetary Choices of Poor and Affluent Municipalities

The fundamental value underlying the design of the fragmented local governance system in the United States is consumer sovereignty. This system has been described as a market-like arrangement that provides citizen-consumers a choice of jurisdictions which offer different bundles of public goods and taxes. However, the same choice can also facilitate population sorting according to social class, creating regions where fiscally wealthy jurisdictions co-exist with impoverished ones. Supporters of fragmentation argue that the public market enhances the power of all consumers — whether poor or rich. Thus, even if the poor are highly concentrated in some jurisdictions, they can exercise their voice to ensure that their government spends more for services that they need. But does the voice of the poor matter as much as the voice of the rich in determining the level of services in the local market? Comparing the budgetary choices in poor and affluent municipalities, the empirical analysis shows that in highly fragmented metropolitan areas, some services are least provided in communities where they are most needed.
The unexhausted potential of E. coli

E. coli's hardiness, versatility, broad palate and ease of handling have made it the most intensively studied and best understood organism on the planet. However, research on E.coli has primarily examined it as a model organism, one that is abstracted from any natural history. But E. coli is far more than just a microbial lab rat. Rather, it is a highly diverse organism with a complex, multi-faceted niche in the wild. Recent studies of 'wild' E. coli have, for example, revealed a great deal about its presence in the environment, its diversity and genomic evolution, as well as its role in the human microbiome and disease. These findings have shed light on aspects of its biology and ecology that pose far-reaching questions and illustrate how an appreciation of E. coli's natural history can expand its value as a model organism.
The seasonal phytoplankton cycles of two saline lakes in central Washington1

Soap Lake and Lake Lenore occupy adjacent basins in the Lower Grand Coulce, Washington, but show several strong limnological contrasts despite correspondence in rates and trends of heat storage. Seasonal events in the dynamics of phytoplankton and zooplankton populations generally coincide with different phases in thermal behavior of the lakes. Both lakes show a dramatic summer decline in phytoplankton population density, with spring and fall periods of more intense activity. In Soap Lake, which stratifies thermally in summer, a dense algal population is established in the metalimnion. The summer phytoplankton minima in both lakes coincide with maximum development of zooplankton populations, although there is no conclusive evidence that zooplankton grazing actually limits phytoplankton growth. The seasonal phytoplankton cycles may be more closely dependent on nutrient depletion in surface waters, and oxygen inhibition of photosynthesis might also be implicated. Close agreement was evident in 14C productivity measurements for both lakes, but these may have been affected by oxygen inhibition in light and dark bottles. Both lakes, however, are highly productive, and productivity estimates are comparable with those obtained for soda lakes elsewhere.
A Single Amino Acid Residue Can Determine the Ligand Specificity of E-selectin

Abstract E-selectin (ELAM-1) is a member of the selectin family of cellular adhesion molecules. This family of proteins possesses an amino-terminal Ca2+-dependent lectin or carbohydrate recognition domain that is essential for ligand binding. A known E-selectin ligand is the carbohydrate antigen, sialyl Lewisx (sLex) (Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc). We have developed a model of E-selectin binding to the sLex tetrasaccharide, (Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAc), using the NMR-determined, E-selectin-bound solution conformation of sLex (Cooke, R. M., Hale, R. S., Lister, S. G., Shah, G., and Weir, M. P.(1994) Biochemistry 33, 10591-10596) together with the [Medline] x-ray crystallographic structures of E-selectin (Graves, B. J., Crowther, R. L., Chandran, C., Rumberger, J. B., Li, s., Huang, K.-S., Presky, D. H., Familletti, P. C., Wolitzky, B. A., and Burns, D. K. (1994) Nature 367, 532-538) (ligand unbound) and a [Medline] related C-type animal lectin, the mannose-binding protein (Weis, W. I., Drickamer, K., and Hendrickson, A.(1992) Nature 360, 127-134) (ligand bound). Analysis of this model indicated that the alteration of one E-selectin amino acid, alanine 77, to a lysine residue might shift binding specificity from sLex to mannose. The results presented here show that an E-selectin mutant protein possessing this change displays preferential binding to mannose containing oligosaccharides and that further mutagenesis of this mannose-binding selectin confers galactose recognition in a predictable manner. These mutagenesis data support the presented model of the detailed interactions between E-selectin and the sLex oligosaccharide.