cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Method for Obtaining Closed-Form Policy Solutions to Dynamic Optimization Problems

This project develops a “choose and verify” method for obtaining closed-form policy functions in dynamic optimization environments. In so doing, it purports to enlarge the class of problems with analytic solutions. The two-step method entails specifying various components of the return and restrictions in a manner that respects the problem’s overall choice structure and then deliberately winnowing the pool of candidate specifications. To demonstrate its applicability, the paper formulates a simple health-capital model with two salient features: the stock variable is an economic bad, and leisure is productive. This conceptual inversion prompts two important questions: How long can we maintain unhealthy lifestyles before crossing a point-of-no-return on the path to persistent unwellness? And, do some people have a diminished or nonexistent capacity to stave off certain illnesses? En route to answering, the application shows that parsimonious models can exhibit considerable explanatory power in the presence of choose-and-verify-based structure. In particular, one obtains an analytic policy function capable of generating one, two, or three steady states. High levels of personal discounting and risk preference reduce individuals’ resilience and increase the likelihood of health-related poverty traps.
Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation: A Silent Threat with Uncertain Implications.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. Implantable and wearable cardiac devices have enabled the detection of asymptomatic AF episodes-termed subclinical AF (SCAF). SCAF, the prevalence of which is likely significantly underestimated, is associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and a significant stroke risk. Recent advances in machine learning, namely artificial intelligence-enabled ECG (AI-ECG), have enabled identification of patients at higher likelihood of SCAF. Leveraging the capabilities of AI-ECG algorithms to drive screening protocols could eventually allow for earlier detection and treatment and help reduce the burden associated with AF. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Medicine, Volume 73 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Validating Grant-Making Processes: Construct Validity of the 2013 Senior Corps RSVP Grant Review

Accountability in grant-making requires a valid, fair and transparent selection process. This study proposes a four-step framework for validating such a process: determine standards for qualified applicants, assess inter-reviewer reliability, assess factorial validity, and assess reliability. This framework is applied to the Corporation for National and Community Service’s 2013 RSVP grant-making process. The standards were close to the highest points of reliability. Inter-reviewer reliability was above 0.90, a common threshold for high-stakes measurement. After conducting confirmatory factor analysis, the final model merged two of the original five domains of selection criteria, resulting in four domains. The final model was found to have strict measurement invariance, high convergent validity, and measurement reliability between 0.88 and 0.93 for all domains. The results validate the 2013 review process and indicated that the scores exhibited high degrees of reliability, giving public assurance that the process was sufficiently objective and accurately reflected program priorities.
False Expectations: Patient Expectation and Experience of Dying in a Biomedical Community

It is widely recognized that the role of the physician has undergone dramatic changes in the last century changes which have serous implications for the patient-physician relationship. This is an ethnographic study examining how certain changes in the role and abilities of biomedical physicians have affected patient attitudes and expectations about end-of-life care. In-home interviews were conducted with eighteen persons age fifty-five and older, including a sample of Hemlock Society members. Results indicate a broad spectrum of end-of-life concerns including capacity, autonomy, pain, and burden to loved ones. Most participants reported a reluctance to begin a discussion of death or future deteriorating capacity with their physicians. Instead, when conversations about death were reported, they had been largely limited to the scenarios of catastrophic illness (e.g., hospitalization, ventilator, etc.) and the Living Will. While this discussion does not overlook the utility of the Living Will, it proposes that reliance on this document for preparing patients for end-of-life care is inadequate.
Stakeholder Theory: The problems that stakeholder theory tries to solve

We begin this chapter by outlining the problems that stakeholder theory was originally conceptualized to solve and the “basic mechanics” that we believe underlie the development of the theory during the last thirty years. We turn in the next sections to the arguments of Milton Friedman, Michael Jensen, Michael Porter, and Oliver Williamson, often cited as opponents of stakeholder theory, and suggest that all are compatible with the main ideas of stakeholder theory. We highlight what we also take to be key differences between stakeholder theory and these largely economic approaches to business. We suggest that while these approaches are compatible with stakeholder theory, it makes more sense to return to the very roots of capitalism, the theory of entrepreneurship. We suggest how stakeholder theory needs to be seen as a theory about how business actually does and can work. We make an explicit tie to the theory of entrepreneurship and outline the basics of the stakeholder mindset. Stakeholder theory: the basic mechanics Many have argued that the business world of the twenty-first century has undergone dramatic change. The rise of globalization, the dominance of information technology, the liberalization of states, especially the demise of centralized state planning and ownership of industry, and increased societal awareness of the impact of business on communities and nations have all been suggested as reasons to revise our understanding of business.
Inversion Based Constrained Trajectory Optimization

Abstract A computationally efficient technique for the numerical solution of optimal control problems is discussed. This method utilizes tools from nonlinear control theory to transform the optimal control problem to a new, lower dimensional set of coordinates. It is hypothesized that maximizing the relative degree in this transformation is directly related to minimizing the computation time. Firm evidence of this hypothesis is given by numerical experiments. Results are presented using the Nonlinear Trajectory Generation (NTG) software package.
Simulated Microgravity Exerts an Age-Dependent Effect on the Differentiation of Cardiovascular Progenitors Isolated from the Human Heart

Microgravity has a profound effect on cardiovascular function, however, little is known about the impact of microgravity on progenitors that reside within the heart. We investigated the effect of simulated microgravity exposure on progenitors isolated from the neonatal and adult human heart by quantifying changes in functional parameters, gene expression and protein levels after 6-7 days of 2D clinorotation. Utilization of neonatal and adult cardiovascular progenitors in ground-based studies has provided novel insight into how microgravity may affect cells differently depending on age. Simulated microgravity exposure did not impact AKT or ERK phosphorylation levels and did not influence cell migration, but elevated transcripts for paracrine factors were identified in neonatal and adult cardiovascular progenitors. Age-dependent responses surfaced when comparing the impact of microgravity on differentiation. Endothelial cell tube formation was unchanged or increased in progenitors from adults whereas neonatal cardiovascular progenitors showed a decline in tube formation (p<0.05). Von Willebrand Factor, an endothelial differentiation marker, and MLC2v and Troponin T, markers for cardiomyogenic differentiation, were elevated in expression in adult progenitors after simulated microgravity. DNA repair genes and telomerase reverse transcriptase which are highly expressed in early stem cells were increased in expression in neonatal but not adult cardiac progenitors after growth under simulated microgravity conditions. Neonatal cardiac progenitors demonstrated higher levels of MESP1, OCT4, and brachyury, markers for early stem cells. MicroRNA profiling was used to further investigate the impact of simulated microgravity on cardiovascular progenitors. Fifteen microRNAs were significantly altered in expression, including microRNAs-99a and 100 (which play a critical role in cell dedifferentiation). These microRNAs were unchanged in adult cardiac progenitors. The effect of exposure to simulated microgravity in cardiovascular progenitors is age-dependent. Adult cardiac progenitors showed elevated expression of markers for endothelial and cardiomyogenic differentiation whereas neonatal progenitors acquired characteristics of dedifferentiating cells.
Alcohol Use/Dependence

The first organized use of alcohol (ethanol) within human societies predates recorded history. Essentially, all known societies have used alcohol in some form. This is because alcohol is the natural product of organic fermentation, which is produced by stored and spoiling food. The natural strength of alcohol rarely exceeds 12–14 percent by volume. This amount is typically found in wine, usually made from grapes but the potential product of fermentation of any fruit juice. Beer, produced by fermenting cooked cereal grain, rarely exceeds 4–5 percent. To produce alcohol concentrations (liquor) beyond these levels requires distillation, a technology that was not widely practiced until 400 years ago. Distillation can produce pure 100 percent alcohol, although most liquors are consumed at a 40 to 50 percent concentration. Importantly, the forms of alcohol that were easily available in nearly all societies throughout most of history were “light,” non-distilled beverages that did not lead to rapid intoxication, or potentially to death through overdose. Keywords: addiction; alcoholism; health
DNA Damage, Deamidation, and Death

DNA-damaging agents are adept at killing tumor cells by inducing them to undergo programmed cell death even though they are normally resistant to apoptosis. In their Perspective, Li and Thompson discuss new work published elsewhere that provides an explanation for this paradox. DNA damage induces deamidation of a crucial antiapoptotic protein, which overcomes the apoptotic block and allows the tumor cells to die.
IS Research Perspectives: A Mandate for Scholarly Debate

“IS Research Perspectives” is a new, special section of the Journal of the Association of Information Systems (JAIS) whose overall goal is to publish debate and discussion on critical issues in IS research. Critical issues are not only issues of the day, but also perennial issues that have been with us since our founding as a field of inquiry and teaching. Refereed in accordance with the standards of the highest quality scholarly journals, these articles will be crisp forays into issues that IS professionals in the academy value and talk about in the hallways of their institutions. While most published articles will deal directly with research in the broadest sense, other activities in a professor’s life that have a pronounced bearing on research can also find a home in the section. The simple criterion is that the article must deal with critical issues that shape the research traditions, carry an underlying message for its research mission, and do this in an exciting and thought-provoking way.
Economic growth and biodiversity loss in an age of tradable permits

Tradable permits are increasingly becoming part of environmental policy and conservation programs. The efficacy of tradable permit schemes in addressing the root cause of environmental decline-economic growth--will not be achieved unless the schemes cap economic activity based on ecological thresholds. Lessons can be learned from the largest tradable permit scheme to date, emissions trading now being implemented with the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol caps neither greenhouse gas emissions at a level that will achieve climate stability nor economic growth. If patterned after the Kyoto Protocol, cap-and-trade schemes for conservation will not ameliorate biodiversity loss either because they will not address economic growth. In response to these failures to cap economic growth, professional organizations concerned about biodiversity conservation should release position statements on economic growth and ecological thresholds. The statements can then be used by policy makers to infuse these positions into the local, national, and international environmental science-policy process when these schemes are being developed. Infusing language into the science-policy process that calls for capping economic activity based on ecological thresholds represents sound conservation science. Most importantly, position statements have a greater potential to ameliorate biodiversity loss if they are created and released than if this information remains within professional organizations because there is the potential for these ideas to be enacted into law and policy.
Use of [3-3H]glucose and [6-14C]glucose to measure glucose turnover and glucose metabolism in humans

[3-3H]glucose is frequently used to measure glucose turnover in humans. If fructose 6-phosphate-fructose 1,6-diphosphate cycling (Fpc) is negligible in both liver and muscle, then [3-3H]- and [6-14C]glucose (corrected for Cori cycle activity) should provide equivalent measures of glucose turnover. In addition, if glycogenolysis is fully suppressed, then [14C]lactate specific activity should equal that of [6-14C]glucose from which it was derived, and oxidation of [6-14C]glucose, as measured by rate of generation of 14CO2, should equal total glucose oxidation (i.e., that derived from intra- and extracellular pools) as measured by indirect calorimetry. To address these questions, glucose turnover was measured simultaneously with [3-3H]- and [6-14C]glucose in the basal state and in presence of low (approximately 200 pM) and high (approximately 750 pM) insulin concentrations. Glucose turnover rates measured with [3-3H]- and [6-14C]glucose were equivalent at all insulin concentrations, indicating that Fpc had no detectable effect on measurement of glucose appearance. [14C]lactate specific activity was lower (P less than 0.01) than that of [6-14C]glucose in the basal state but not during either low- or high-dose insulin infusion, implying that all lactate was derived from extracellular glucose. On the other hand, glucose oxidation as measured by rate of generation of 14CO2 was lower (P less than 0.05) than glucose oxidation as measured by indirect calorimetry during both insulin infusions, implying either that suppression of glycogenolysis was not complete in all tissues or that one or both of these techniques do not accurately measure glucose oxidation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analysis of mRNA 3' end formation by modification interference: the only modifications which prevent processing lie in AAUAAA and the poly(A) site.

Abstract A modification interference method is described in which chemically modified transcripts are used to identify bases required for any reaction for which synthetic RNA is a substrate. This technique provides information analogous to that obtained from the analysis of a complete set of point mutants. Using SV40 late pre-mRNAs, we determine that modification of any base in the AAUAAA sequence prevents cleavage, polyadenylation and formation of pre-cleavage complexes in vitro. Modification of the A to which poly(A) is added prevents polyadenylation, but does not interfere with formation of the pre-cleavage complex. No single modification downstream of the poly(A) site significantly affects cleavage efficiency. Since the region downstream of the poly(A) site is required for cleavage and complex formation (Conway and Wickens, 1985; Zarkower and Wickens, 1987b), we infer that the critical features of this downstream region are either diffuse or redundant.
The Second Sentence

In the first 2 years of medical school, buried in biochemistry and living in lecture halls, we craved patient contact. Eager to serve and solve with science, we longed for opportunities to put our ...
Factors that Influence Adolescents to Smoke

Predictor variables previously examined in separate studies (prior beliefs, peer pressure, family smoking, advertising, and antismoking information) were combined in a single study, surveying 246 adolescents. The variables were found to be significant predictors of smoking level, but the importance of each predictor varied by grade level, gender, and ethnicity. Overall, family smoking behavior, peer pressure, and prior beliefs were more important in predicting smoking level than were advertising and antismoking information. Public policy implications are discussed.
When the Women Heal Aboriginal Women Speak About Policies to Improve the Quality of Life

This article uses elements of autoethnography in the form of dialogue to frame the text. The author reports the dilemmas involved in conducting research that is culturally appropriate and offers a critique of standard academic language and procedures. The story method provides a major methodological tool to tell the stories of women in a study, funded by the Status of Women Canada between 1997 and 2000, titled “North American Indian, Metis, and Inuit Women Speak About Culture, Education, and Work.” Research procedures, how the participants influenced the shaping of policy recommendations, and follow-up results are discussed.
Order Preservation in Limit Algebras

Abstract The matrix units of a digraph algebra, A , induce a relation, known as the diagonal order, on the projections in a masa in the algebra. Normalizing partial isometries in A act on these projections by conjugation; they are said to be order preserving when they respect the diagonal order. Order preserving embeddings, in turn, are those embeddings which carry order preserving normalizers to order preserving normalizers. This papers studies operator algebras which are direct limits of finite dimensional algebras with order preserving embeddings. We give a complete classification of direct limits of full triangular matrix algebras with order preserving embeddings. We also investigate the problem of characterizing algebras with order preserving embeddings.
A Survey of the Automation Intelligence of Machine Tools in Taiwan

Due to global competition, Taiwan's single-machine tool factories are expected to research, develop, and manufacture high/intermediate-level machine tools, such as micro machine tools and intelligent machine tools. With stronger automation ability, greater processing efficiency, and improved processing quality, intelligent machine tools also integrate artificial intelligence to achieve the goal of unmanned processing. Their main functions include: automatic planning of a processing program, route, and conditions; detection and monitoring of tool status during processing; solution determination; and self-learning. Advanced machine tools are capable of accumulating experience in processing to improve successful processing capacity, as well as on-line measurement and detection in real time, so as to ensure uniformity of product quality. This study aims to investigate major machine tool manufacturers in Taiwan, and their requirements for automation technology in single-machine tools.
Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy. Comparison of cases associated and unassociated with mycosis fungoides

Thirty-three biopsies showing dermatopathic lymphadenopathy were obtained from patients with documented cutaneous mycosis fungoides and were studied together with an equal number of dermatopathic lymph nodes derived from patients without evidence of mycosis fungoides. The nodes were evaluated for a variety of histologic features including mitotic figures, immunoblasts, and in particular for the number of atypical cerebriform lymphocytes. Atypical lymphocytes were found to be equally as frequent among both groups of dermatopathic lymph nodes without any statistically significant differences in quantitation or distribution. Similarly, no other morphologic variable was found which would allow an objective distinction of dermatopathic lymphadenopathy from patients with or without mycosis fungoides.
Precision in History

Aristotle said that 'precision is not to be sought for alike in all discussions.... It is the mark of an educated man to look for precision in each class of things just so far as the nature of the subject admits.'2 In the central part of what follows, I shall explore the application of this to the writing of history. The question of precision in history is part of a large cluster of questions that are often discussed under the heading of the 'objectivity of history'. Accordingly, this essay will be divided into three sections. In an introductory section I shall say a little about the relation of precision to the general problem of the objectivity of history, and about what precision is. In the central section I shall argue that precision, of the kind Aristotle was concerned with, must be limited in history. Then, finally, I shall discuss some implications that this argument has for the objectivity of history, and also for the objectivity of ethics.
Therapeutic intravenous galactose in glucose intolerant prematures

Small, sick prematures often require intravenous alimentation and are sometimes intolerant to concentrated glucose, with hyperglycemia and glycosuria. Animal studies have shown hetter glucose regulation in the presence of galactose, a normal product of lactose digestion. Possible benefit of IV galactose was studied. Blood galactose levels on 58 newborns taking milk by mouth showed prompt utilization with peak levels < 5 ng/dl. T1/2 was 45 min. with no significant effect of gestational age or time after birth, indicating necessary enzymes are present. Therapeutic infusions of equal conc. of glucose and galactose in 4 glucose-intolerant premies and 1 infant of a diabetic mother yielded promising results. All stabilized blood glucose in the normal range (70-120), 2 cleared significant urine glucose spills, 3 recovered from previous hyperglycemia, there was a tendency to tolerate higher CHO loads, and no clinical toxicity was noted. Blood galactose levels were monitored and remained below 20 mg/dl. These results suggest that IV galactose is feasible and may cause less hyperglycemia in sick prematures and less insulin stimulation in IDMs while allowing administration of additional calories as CHO.
An Intentional Framework for Communication in Multi-Agent Systems

Agent communication languages (ACLs) are designed to facilitate cooperation between agents by allowing them to collaborate, share information, and request help from other agents. The design of ACLs for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is constrained by features of the underwater environment and the inability of system designers to anticipate all of the messages underwater agents will need to construct during their missions and build them into the ACL. Thus, it is our position that ACLs used for underwater agent communication must be expressive enough to allow agents to construct novel messages during their missions. We introduce an analysis of natural language that reveals structures, which allow us to formalize communication in terms of minimal communicative act types. With this analysis, we provide a speech-act based framework for designing communication for multi-agent systems that allows for the construction of novel messages by agents allowing them to adapt their communicative needs to the uncertainties of their environment.
Cell proliferation of feline and human breast cancer cell types is inhibited by pomegranate juice

Mammary cancer, a devastating disease in both humans and companion animals, has been associated with numerous factors including diet. Polyphenolic antioxidants found in pomegranate fruits have been shown to reduce tumor burden and inhibit angiogenesis and cell growth.(Kim et al., 2002; Afaq et al., 2005; Malik et al., 2005) Feline mammary carcinomas (FMC) are known to have similar invasive behavior, histologic appearance, and overall poor prognosis to estrogen receptor negative (ER-) invasive human mammary cancer.(Porrello et al., 2004; Zappulli et al., 2005) In this study, supplementation with an antioxidant-rich whole food (pomegranate) was evaluated for anti-cancer properties in an ER- human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) as a model for FMC. Antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic content of pomegranate juices (PJ) were characterized by reportable methods. ER- cells were exposed to PJ at various concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 5%) and to Cisplatin (5 ug/ml, 10 ug/ml, 15 ug/ml) doses for 48 and 72 h. MTT assays were performed to evaluate the ability of PJ to inhibit tumor cell growth. Statistical significance was determined using PROC GLM (SAS 9.1) with alpha = 0.05. Cell proliferation of the ER- cancer cells was inhibited by pomegranate juice in a dose- and time-dependent manner (p < 0.0001).Maximal inhibition was seen for pomegranate juice formulations at the 5% dose, and the response was comparable to that of high-dose Cisplatin. This first phase study shows that PJ may be a useful nutrient-based, non-chemotherapeutic treatment alternative for the inhibition of ER- breast cancer cell proliferation.
The Role of Complement in the Opsonization of Mucoid and Non-Mucoid Strains of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Summary: Requirements for complement and/or antibody for opsonization were assessed for 34 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Included were mucoid strains from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), non-mucoid derivatives of these strains, and non-CF strains with classical morphology. Non-CF strains are known to vary as to opsonic requirements, but this study shows that mucoid strains are also diverse. Among the 14 mucoid strains, five could not be opsonized and completely resisted phagocytosis. All non-mucoid strains can be opsonized. When the bacteria were incubated in fresh human serum and stained with fluorescein, conjugated anti-C3 non-opsonizable strains did not bind C3 on the surface whereas five of six mucoid strains, which could be opsonized by complement alone, stained with anti-C3. In mucoid strains, surface characteristics correlate with differences in functional requirements for opsonization. In non-CF strains this specificity was not seen. Most mucoid strains required an intact classical complement pathway for opsonization. A number of mucoid strains could not be opsonized in the absence of a functional alternative complement pathway whereas in contrast, non-CF strains were not greatly affected by inactivation of the alternative pathway.
Crystal structures of the ferric, ferrous, and ferrous-NO forms of the Asp140Ala mutant of human heme oxygenase-1: catalytic implications.

Abstract Site-directed mutagenesis studies have shown that Asp140 in both human and rat heme oxygenase-1 is critical for enzyme activity. Here, we report the D140A mutant crystal structure in the Fe(III) and Fe(II) redox states as well as the Fe(II)–NO complex as a model for the Fe(II)–oxy complex. These structures are compared to the corresponding wild-type structures. The mutant and wild-type structures are very similar, except for the distal heme pocket solvent structure. In the Fe(III) D140A mutant one water molecule takes the place of the missing Asp140 carboxylate side-chain and a second water molecule, novel to the mutant, binds in the distal pocket. Upon reduction to the Fe(II) state, the distal helix running along one face of the heme moves closer to the heme in both the wild-type and mutant structures thus tightening the active site. NO binds to both the wild-type and mutant in a bent conformation that orients the NO O atom toward the α- meso heme carbon atom. A network of water molecules provides a H-bonded network to the NO ligand, suggesting a possible proton shuttle pathway required to activate dioxygen for catalysis. In the wild-type structure, Asp140 exhibits two conformations, suggesting a dynamic role for Asp140 in shuttling protons from bulk solvent via the water network to the iron-linked oxy complex. On the basis of these structures, we consider why the D140A mutant is inactive as a heme oxygenase but active as a peroxidase.
GaAs-on-silicon integrated circuits; Savior for GaAs ? or for Si ?

"GaAs-on-Si" refers to thin epitaxial layers of GaAs grown on silicon substrates. This paper will review some of the recent progress in materials growth and in device and circuit developments using such materials, and will attempt to evaluate the impact of this emerging technology on existing GaAs and Si IC technologies.
Assessment and monitoring of cystic fibrosis lung disease in infants and young children

Chronic airway infection and inflammation are the hallmarks of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. As these events occur early in life, it is critical to develop techniques for the assessment and monitoring of early-CF lung disease in infants and young children. In the last several years, there have been major advances in the development of imaging technology to assess structural damage in CF lung disease, noninvasive markers of CF airway inflammation and measurement of lung function in infants and young children with CF. In this article, we will review these advances and techniques, and discuss future directions for research and clinical applications.
Effects of temperature on gut‐loading and gut‐clearing times of the burrowing mayfly, Hexagenia limbata

SUMMARY. The effect of temperature on gut-loading times, gut-clearing times, and the calculated ingestion rates, egestion rates, and consumption indices of the deposit-feeding burrowing mayfly, Hexagenia limbata, were investigated in laboratory experiments. Rates of movement of two natural sediments of differing colour through the digestive tract were monitored to quantify feeding intensity when ambient water temperatures approached 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25°C. At each temperature, gut-loading times (GLT) and gut-clearing times (GCT) increased as nymph length increased. Mean GLT and GCT values decreased as temperature increased from 5 to 20°C but were longer at 25°C than at 20°C. Relationships between GLT, GCT, and length of nymphs and temperature were best described by multiple regression equations. No diel variation in gutclearing times was observed. Low water temperatures resulted in lower ingestion and egestion rates and consumption indices. At most temperatures nymphs ingested over 100% of their dry body weights per day.
A disposable synthetic unit for the preparation of 3-O-methyl-6-[18F]fluorodopa using a regioselective fluorodemercuration reaction

Abstract A regioselective synthetic procedure for the routine preparation of 3- O -methyl-6-[ 18 F]fluorodopa (3OMFD) has been developed. The synthetic procedure is based on electrophilic fluorination of the 6-mercurated 3OMFD precursor using fluorodemercuration reaction. Fluorination using [ 18 F]acetylhypofluorite (AcOF), hydrolysis and preparative HPLC purification, followed by solvent removal gave the desired radio-pharmaceutical with a radiochemical yield of 16.2 ± 2.1% at EOS based on 4 synthetic preparations. Radiochemical purity was >98% and the chemical purity was >97%. By using sterile disposable components, the required sterility and pyrogenicity are met. Since the synthesizer is operated in a closed hot cell using manipulator arm, radiation exposure to the operator is minimized. The authenticity of the 3OMFD was confirmed by 1 H-NMR, 19 F-NMR, HPLC and thin layer chromatography.
Role of stereotactic radiosurgery and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in the management of intracranial ependymoma.

Ependymoma accounts for 5–10% of all childhood CNS tumors and less than 5% of intracranial tumors in adults. Ependymomas typically have a sharp tumor–brain parenchyma interface and this characteristic lends itself well to stereotactic radiation delivery. Data on the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for ependymoma in various settings have emerged over the past 10 years. SRS has been used in recurrent disease and as a boost after external beam radiation therapy. FSRT has been used in pediatric brain tumors and can potentially limit the long-term toxicities associated with radiation therapy by reducing the amount of normal brain parenchyma treated. Long-term follow-up is needed to determine the long-term efficacy and toxicities associated with these treatment modalities.
Privacy-aware security applications using RFID technology

Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology based applications are gaining widespread acceptance. Much of the RFID use at this time is in tracking objects. This type of application takes a variety of forms. Our goal in this paper is to outline the impact of RFID technology both from the security perspective as well as the level of privacy protection that it affords. We will focus on applications in transportation, medical, and financial areas.
Decarbonylation and hydrogenation reactions of allyl alcohol and acrolein on Pd(110)

Abstract Allyl alcohol and acrolein reactions on the Pd(110) surface were investigated using temperature programmed desorption. For both unsaturated oxygenates, three coverage-dependent reaction pathways were observed. At low coverages, allyl alcohol decomposed completely to CO, hydrogen and carbonaceous species on the surface. For θ > 0.15 monolayer, ethylene (and small amounts of ethane) desorbed at ca. 295 K. Near saturation coverages, desorption of propanal was detected at ca. 235 K. The parent molecule, allyl alcohol, desorbed only after exposures sufficient to saturate these channels. Acrolein decomposition spectra were similar to those observed for allyl alcohol decomposition on the clean surface. Additional experiments with allyl alcohol on hydrogen- and deuterium-precoveredPd(110) surfaces demonstrated increased hydrogenation of the C 2 -hydrocarbon products along with hydrogenation of allyl alcohol to 1-propanol. However, in contrast to previous results for allyl alcohol on the Pd(111) surface, there was no evidence for C-O scission reactions of any C 3 oxygenate on Pd(110).
EFFECT OF GROWTH HORMONE AND ITS COMBINATION WITH ESTRADIOL-17β ON THE UTERUS OF HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED AND HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED-OVARIECTOMIZED RATS

Growth hormone (somatotropin) induced an increase in uterine weight in both hypophysectomized and hypophysectomized-ovariectomized rats. This hormone exerted a direct effect on the uterus, as well as an indirect one through the ovary. No other pituitary gonadotropins (e.g., FSH, ICSH and lactogenic hormone) when injected singly increased significantly the uterine weight in hypophysectomized rats, but when growth hormone was injected with ICSH the uterine weight was greater than when growth hormone was injected alone. Growth hormone exerted a synergistic effect with estradiol-17β on the uterus of hypophysectomized and hypophysectomized-ovariectomized rats. These data furnish further evidence that somatotropin functions not only as a growth hormone but also as a biological Synergist.
Ten years on: mediation of cell death by the common neurotrophin receptor p75NTR

Abstract The common neurotrophin receptor p75 NTR remains one of the most enigmatic of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily: on the one hand, it displays a death domain and has been shown to be capable of mediating programmed cell death (PCD) upon ligand binding; on the other hand, its death domain is of type II (unlike that of Fas or TNFR I), and it has also been shown to be capable of mediating cell death in response to the withdrawal of ligand. Thus, p75 NTR may function as a death receptor—similar to Fas or TNFR I—or a dependence receptor—similar to deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) or uncoordinated gene-5 homologues 1–3 (UNC5H1-3). Here, we review the data relating to the mediation of PCD by p75 NTR , and suggest that one reasonable model for the apparently paradoxical effects of p75 NTR is that this receptor functions as a "quality control" in that it is capable of mediating PCD in at least four situations: (1) withdrawal of neurotrophins; (2) exposure to mismatched neurotrophins; (3) exposure to unprocessed neurotrophins; and (4) exposure of inappropriately immature cells to neurotrophins. Results to date suggest that these functions are mediated through different underlying mechanisms, and that their respective signaling pathways are cell type and co-receptor dependent.
Phaseolus vulgaris phytohemagglutinin contains high-mannose and modified oligosaccharide chains

Phytohemagglutinin, the major lectin in the seeds of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L., was isolated by affinity chromatography from cotyledons of nearly mature seeds and from developing cotyledons labeled with [3H]glucosamine, [3H]mannose or [3H]fucose. The protein was subjected to exhaustive proteolysis and the carbohydrate composition of the resulting glycopeptides examined. Two classes of oligosaccharide side-chains were found. The sidechains of the first class are of the high-mannose type, containing two residues of N-acetylglucosamine and 8 or 9 mannose residues. The sidechains of the second class are of the modified type containing N-acetylglucosamine, mannose, fucose, xylose in molar ratios of 2:3.8:0.6:0.5. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis shows that phytohemagglutinin can be fractionated into seven different glycosylated polypeptides, and that each one contains at least one modified oligosaccharide chain. The results indicate that most glycosylated polypeptides probably contain one chain of each class. The carbohydrate composition of the two types of chains is similar to that found in other plant glycoproteins, but this is the first report of a plant glycoprotein with both highmannose and modified oligosaccharides on the same polypeptide chain.
Effects of nicotine on cultured rat heart cells

Abstract Cells from hearts of 2- to 4-day-old rats were separated into cultures of 93% endothelioid (E) cells, and 95% muscle (M) cells, on the basis of the rapid attachment of E-cells to culture dishes. Cells beat longer in cultures composed chiefly of M-cells than in unseparated cultures. Incorporation of nicotine alkaloid (0.003 – 0.6 m m ) in the medium of M-cell cultures produced a further increase in the duration of beating and slowed the time-related decline in beating rate. These actions of nicotine were not attributable to effects on cell attachment or to stimulation of cells which had stopped beating. Differences between the two types of cells, in response to higher concentrations of nicotine (1.5 m m and 6.0 m m ), were demonstrated by vacuole formation and nuclear changes. Untreated cultures, initially either 93% E-cells or 95% M-cells, differed in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzymes, pyruvic kinase (PK) and isocitric dehydrogenase linked to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (ICDH-NADP) activities over an 18-day period. With the exception of a decreased fall in the LDH-H subunit activity in both cell types, treatment with nicotine (0.016 m m to 0.6 m m ) did not alter any of the enzyme activities measured.
Microbial degradation of several acetamide, acylanilide, carbamate, toluidine and urea pesticides

Abstract Soil enrichment was used to isolate soil microorganisms capable of degrading isopropyl carbanilate (propham), 3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide (propanil), 3′-chloro-2-methyl- p -valerotoluidide (solan), and methyl 3,4-dichlorocarbanilate (swep) in a muck and a silty clay loam. Degradation of the pesticides in enrichment solutions, and by pure cultures of effective microbial isolates was demonstrated by the production of the corresponding aniline, chloride ion liberation and disappearance of the parent compound. Degradation products were identified by gas-liquid and thin-layer chromatography. Organisms isolated include Pseudomonas striata Chester, Achromobacter sp., Aspergillus ustus (Bain) Thorn and Church, A. versicolor (Vuill. Tirabaschi), Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht, F. solani (Martius) Appel and Wollenweber, Penicillium chrysogenum Thorn, P. janthinellum Biourge, P. rugulosum Thorn and Trichoderma viride Pers. Each organism demonstrated a unique substrate specificity and was capable of degrading other aniline-based pesticides of the acetamide, acylanilide, carbamate, toluidine and urea classes.
A systems approach to teaching Smart Grids

In this paper we report the approach taken to develop and teach a senior level undergraduate and graduate level course on Smart Grids and Future Electric Energy Systems taught at Carnegie Mellon University and M.I.T. The basic course objectives and material covered are described.
Development of a field free line magnet for projection MPI

The field free line (FFL) magnet has the potential to greatly increase signal to noise ratio (SNR) or to decrease scan time for magnetic particle imaging (MPI). The use of an FFL will decrease scan time by reducing image dimensionality from a 3D image to a projection image. Alternatively, in comparison to a 3D scan of equal scan time, an FFL scanner will increase SNR through more signal averages. An FFL magnet would enable projection imaging as is used in projection x-ray and is common in angiography. The Philips and Lubeck groups have pioneered the design of field free line magnets for MPI and have shown that they can achieve power efficiency similar to that of a field free point, the standard in MPI. Current FFL magnet designs have not been optimized for characteristics such as gradient efficiency and gradient magnitude homogeneity. This work shows a 2.25 T/m Halbach quadrupole permanent magnet design that produces a homogeneous magnetic field along the field free line. Along the FFL, we experimentally measured a field maximum of 2mT within the imaging field of view (FOV), and we experimentally measured that the gradient perpendicular to the FFL deviates by a maximum of 3.4%. In future work, we plan to produce an x-space MPI image using the FFL magnet. We also plan to improve upon this design using optimization techniques.
Buffalo eyes: a take on the global HIV epidemic.

As an alternative to narrowly "scientific" interventions that rely exclusively on microscopic/telescopic theories (along with their implicit baggage; a deterministic vision of human behavior) I argue for "responsibilism" defined as the two fold doctrine that (1) persons and communities choices between competing goods norms values and moral visions are to some extent free and (2) political and social inquiries (including healthcare and public health reform) should be structured so as to integrate and fulfill communities various and varying moral commitments. The first of these proposals is merely the repudiaton of strong historical psychological genetic or environmental determinism. It is the postulate that free will and deliberation enter the mix with other more readily measurable variables in determining human behaviour. I refer to it as a postulate because I do not believe that it can be proved (or disproved). It can be justified however as a prerequisite for meaningful accounts of human dignity and moral responsibility. The second proposal hypothesizes that inquiry is a broadly normative affair. Every human activity fromAbstract theorizing to rolls in the hay is structured by purpose. If there were no purposes AIDS would be inconsequential and we would not fight it or even name it. To inquire about AIDS or any other human concern is to seek fulfillment. The major focus of this essay will be to offer a general argument for applying this hypothesis in the global struggle against HIV. (excerpt)
Viniferin formation by COX-1: evidence for radical intermediates during co-oxidation of resveratrol.

Resveratrol (1) is a polyphenolic natural product, which functions as both a mechanism-based inactivator and a co-reductant of the COX-1 peroxidase. These functions are mediated through different moieties on the molecule, namely, the m-hydroquinone moiety (mechanism-based inactivator) and the phenol moiety (co-reductant). Implicit in this bifunctionality is the notion that resveratrol is oxidized at the peroxidase active site of COX-1, resulting in the formation of two hypothetical radical species. Oxidation of the m-hydroquinone moiety can generate a hypothetical m-semiquinone radical, which is unstabilized and leads to irreversible enzyme inactivation. Oxidation of the phenol moiety can generate a hypothetical phenoxy radical, which is stabilized and leads to co-reduction during peroxidase catalysis. These two radicals have been trapped as the resveratrol dimers, cis-e-viniferin (4, trapped m-semiquinone radical) and trans-δ-viniferin (5, trapped phenoxy radical), and identified by liquid chromatography...
Isolation and some of the physicochemical and immunologic properties of a platelet adhesion inhibitor from human serum.

Abstract An inhibitor of platelet adhesion to glass has been isolated from delipidated human serum by a combination of: 1) ammonium sulfate fractionation, 2) affinity chromatography on Affi-gel Blue, and 3) chromatography on Sephadex G-100 and Sepharose-6B. The average yield of platelet adhesion inhibitor from 100 ml of human serum was approximately 10 mg. The platelet adhesion inhibitor at a protein concentration of 5.6 mg/ml inhibited platelet adhesion by 87%. It migrated in the α1–α2 region in Microzone electrophoresis and gave a UV-absorption spectrum characteristic of proteins with λmax at 278 nm at pH 7.0 and E1%1cm value of 6.25. The platelet adhesion inhibitor is antigenic in rabbits, and antisera to it produced two bands in immunodiffusion and two peaks of immunologic identity in crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Immunologically, the preparations of the inhibitor appear to contain IgG and albumin perhaps in an organized molecular complex. However, IgG alone or in mixtures with albumin over a wide range of concentration and combinations does not inhibit platelet adhesion to glass. Albumin alone in concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 mg/ml inhibits platelet adhesion by about 20%.
Semicoherent Doppler processing technique

A coherent radar digital data collector (CRDDC) has been developed which records I, Q data obtained by sampling the receiver intermediate frequency (IF) of a fan-beam radar with a single A/D convertor. The paper describes the sampling technique which was developed for this application, called the semicoherent Doppler processing technique, which allows operation with radars employing a noncoherent transmitter such as a magnetron. Representative field results are presented for real targets and natural environments such as land and sea clutter. These results employing spectral analysis, which prove the viability of the sampling technique for Doppler processing, were obtained by processing data recorded by the CRDDC at a coastal site in California with an L-band fan-beam radar.
Reliability of the MMPI-2 Subtle and Obvious Scales With Psychiatric Inpatients

Internal consistency reliability estimates were determined for the Wiener and Harmon (1948) Subtle and Obvious scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) with a group of psychiatric inpatients. Except for Subtle Scale 3 (Hy), Subtle scale reliabilities were unacceptably low, ranging from .32 to .59. In each case, inclusion of the Subtle items attenuated the reliability of the corresponding Full clinical scale. Removing the Subtle items resulted in comparable reliabilities across all Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scales, ranging from .75 to .92. It was hypothesized that the poor reliability of the Subtle scales may attenuate the validity of the Full clinical scales.