cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iterative reconstruction of cone-beam CT data on a cluster

Three-dimensional iterative reconstruction of large CT data sets poses several challenges in terms of the associated computational and memory requirements. In this paper, we present results obtained by implementing a computational framework for reconstructing axial cone-beam CT data using a cluster of inexpensive dualprocessor PCs. In particular, we discuss our parallelization approach, which uses POSIX threads and message passing (MPI) for local and remote load distribution, as well as the interaction of that load distribution with the implementation of ordered subset based algorithms. We also consider a heuristic data-driven 3D focus of attention algorithm that reduces the amount of data that must be considered for many data sets. Furthermore, we present a modification to the SIRT algorithm that reduces the amount of data that must be communicated between processes. Finally, we introduce a method of separating the work in such a way that some computation can be overlapped with the MPI communication thus further reducing the overall run-time. We summarize the performance results using reconstructions of experimental data.
Displacement-Based Seismic Design for Reinforced Masonry Shear-Wall Structures, Part 1: Background and Trial Application

In this paper, a displacement-based seismic design procedure is presented for reinforced masonry shear-wall structures, with the objective of being more consistent, transparent, and practical than ...
Object permanence in four species of psittacine birds: An African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), an Illiger mini macaw (Ara maracana), a parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus), and a cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Four psittacids—an African Grey parrot, an Illiger macaw, a cockatiel, and a parakeet—were tested on object-permanence tasks that are commonly used to assess levels of understanding in human infants during their first 2 years. These birds showed Stage 6 competence, demonstrating that object permanence is not limited to mammals. The results for these birds were comparable to those of an African Grey parrot that had been trained in interspecies communication prior to object-permanence testing. Our findings thus suggest that although language-like behavior provides a communication channel that facilitates testing, such language training is unlikely to affect the outcome of the tests.
LEFT VENTRICULAR WALL MOTION IN VOLUME AND PRESSURE OVERLOAD

Left ventricular (LV) global function and wall motion were analyzed in isolated volume or pressure overload. LV pressures and angiograms of 17 children with normal LV (Gp I), 11 with mitral regurgitation (Gp II), and 13 with aortic stenosis (Gp III) were computer-digitized to derive: end-diastolic, end-systolic volumes (EDV, ESV), ejection fraction (EF), end-systolic wall stress (ESWS). Lines perpendicular to apex-base axis divided LV wall in frontal projection into 6 segments: left-basal (A), left-mid (B), left-apical (C), right-apical (D), right-mid (E), right-basal (F). Segment contraction was expressed by mean fractional shortening (MFS) of chords from wall to apex-base axis within that segment. Mean values in Gps I, II and III were: EDV (% normal) = 96, 132, 91 (II > I and III, p I and III, p I and III, p < .01, .001). EF in I, II and III (0.69, 0.66, 0.66) and ESWS/ESV ratio (1.55, 1.2, 1.19) were similar (p = ns). MFS was highest in segments A, B, C but least in E, F in I, II and III. However, MFS of segments A and B were less in Gp II (0.36, 0.35) than in Gp I (0.53, 0.47) (p < 0.001) or Gp III (0.45, 0.46) (p < 0.02). MFS of C, D, E, F were similar in I, II and III. Thus abnormal wall motion may occur despite normal global function. Its occurence in volume overload can be related to high wall stress throughout cardiac cycle.
Preoperative nuclear scans in patients with melanoma

One hundred forty-one liver scans, 137 brain scans, and 112 bone scans were performed in 192 patients with clinical Stage 1 melanoma. One liver scan was interpreted as abnormal; liver biopsy of that patient showed no metastasis. There were 11 suggestive liver scans; three of the patients with suggestive liver scans had negative liver biopsies. The remaining eight patients were followed from 4 to 6 years and none of those patients developed clinical evidence of hepatic metastases. All of the brain scans were normal. Five patients had suggestive bone scans and none of those patients had manifested symptoms of osseous metastases with a follow-up of 2 to 4.5 years. This study demonstrates that the use of preoperative liver, brain and bone scan in the evaluation of patients with clinical Stage 1 melanoma is virtually unproductive.
AI-27BKM-120: AN ANTI-INVASIVE CANDIDATE FOR THE TREATMENT OF GLIOBLASTOMA

BKM-120 is a selective pan-class I phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. BKM-120 can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and it is currently in clinical trials for a several types of solid tumor, including glioblastoma. The PI3K pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated in glioblastoma and therefore represents an important therapeutic target. Several studies have examined the cytotoxic effects of BKM-120 and other PI3K inhibitors in glioblastoma, however, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the potential role of PI3K in cell migration; this is a key feature of glioblastoma, and no drugs are currently available that have been shown to effectively prevent migration in patients. We found that BKM-120 is a potent anti-invasive molecule in different glioblastoma cell lines (including patient-derived GSCs) analyzed in a range of in vitro cell migration assays. This effect is clearly distinguishable from cytostatic and cytotoxic effects which occur at higher drug concentrations and longer incubation times. The blockade of migration was reversible and accompanied by morphological changes, and pronounced alterations in both cell/cell and cell/substrate adhesion. We previously showed upregulation of pSTAT3 in glioblastoma cell migration. This was blocked by BKM-120, and may be at least one of the mechanisms involved. In vivo, BKM-120 led to marked alterations in tumor spread in an orthotopic xenograft. Thus, BKM-120 is a candidate blood-brain barrier penetrant drug, that may be useful as an anti-invasive therapeutic for the treatment of highly invasive tumors such as glioblastoma.
Prospective Serum Thyroglobulin Measurements in Assessing the Risk of Developing Thyroid Nodules in Patients Exposed to Childhood Neck Irradiation

We examined 327 patients with a history of cervical radiation treatment for benign conditions and followed them for an average of 5.6 yr. These patients were selected because they initially had normal examinations and normal serum thyroglobulin levels. Of the 327 patients, 48 developed thyroid nodules, and an additional 30 had other clinical changes in their thyroids. Serum thyroglobulin increased by 4.0 ± 0.6 (±SEM) ng/ml in those who remained normal, by 13.4 ± 5.2 ng/ ml in those who were no longer normal, and by 17.1 ± 8.2 ng/ ml in those who developed nodules.. We conclude that increasing levels of serum thyroglobulin identify patients who should be examined and followed more carefully for thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
FOUR YEARS ON – A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE DIP. H.E. IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AT AVERY HILL COLLEGE, 1979–83

ABSTRACT A thorough process of evaluation, both ongoing throughout the four years and an in-depth exercise in 1982, prior to submission of the revised course to CNAA for renewal of approval, has identified the various strengths and weaknesses of the course as a whole, and of constituent parts of the course. Of interest is the extent to which the course has attracted the mature student (75% or more of the students are mature entrants) and the success that these and the other students have had in transferring directly into the third year of degree programmes at linked institutions. Also of note is the extent to which students have been attracted to the notion of taking a broadly‐based programme of study for two years, which has enabled them to keep their options open for future direction, and the extent that students have subsequently been able to determine a direction for further study by the end of the second year. Another point of interest, and one which was entirely unanticipated, is the way that a prop...
Do H2 receptor antagonists have a therapeutic role in childhood

Studies of the therapeutic efficacy and indications for the use of histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) in children are reviewed. In adequate dosages, both ranitidine and cimetidine reduce acid output and increase intragastric pH, and H2RAs have been shown to be effective in the treatment of acid-peptic disease. Ranitidine is a more potent drug with a longer duration of action than cimetidine and thus requires less frequent administration. Dosage requirements vary according to age and clinical condition, and children require a relatively higher drug dosage (mg/kg) than adults. There is insufficient information on the long-term paediatric use of famotidine to validate its use in children, and the endocrinological side effects associated with cimetidine therapy in adults essentially preclude its long-term use in children. It is suggested that ranitidine administration is safe and effective in children with acid-peptic disease and should be considered as first-line treatment for children with severe oesophagitis or peptic ulceration and for the prophylaxis of stress ulceration and aspiration pneumonitis.
Pain management in advanced carcinoma of the head and neck

Although pain is one of the most feared consequences of cancer, pain management is rarely discussed in the literature on head and neck cancer. The pain experienced by patients with head and neck malignancies, of a biologic origin, is compounded by the emotional distress caused by alterations in function and cosmesis. Control of pain is possible, but an effective program must include more than pain medication. A current treatment program is presented, based on scientific study and clinical experience. The most helpful pain medication is immediate-release, liquid morphine sulfate (20 mg/mL) administered every 4 hours. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug may also be used and it may decrease the amount of morphine necessary. Stool softeners must be provided, and anti-nausea medication is often given. Steroid drugs are regularly used to increase appetite, decrease edema, and enhance the patient's sense of well-being. Factors related to the selection and dosage of medications are discussed.
Toward Comparative Community Research: A Factor Analyiis of United States Counties

THE NEED for comparative research has been a persistent theme in the literature of community sociology for some time.' Although comparative studies are being undertaken with greater frequency, a major problem associated with their design and execution stems from the ambiguity of the concept "community" and an inadequate conceptualization of the dimensions along which these social units vary.2 One recent approach to this problem has been through the application of factor analysis.3 Two studies, in particular, serve as our point of departure-Jonassen and Peres' factor analysis of eighty-two variables operating in eighty-eight Ohio counties 4 and Hadden and Borgatta's factor analysis of sixty-five
Predicting the Initial Adoption of Upgrading of Electronic Communication Systems

This study examines the factors that make a firm more or less likely to adopt or upgrade an electronics communication program. Both the factors and their relative importance are hypothesized to differ, depending on whether initial adoption or upgrading is the predicted behavior. Such information is important to marketers, because it can be used to more effectively target and provide value to the electronic communications market. A survey of firmsâ€™ intentions to adopt customer relationship management software is used to test the hypotheses. The theoretical bases of the study are the Gatignon and Robertson (1989) model of diffusion and the behavioral delineation of continuous and discontinuous innovations (Rogers, 1983).
Division of labour — Simon revisited

Abstract The paper builds upon earlier work by Simon upon the effects of increased productivity on the ratio of urban to rural population. The approach is based upon the analysis of excess demands rather than comparative statics. This permits a more complete portrayal of the linkages between measures of productivity change and elasticity, and shifts in the division of labor.
Influence of Dietary Protein Concentration and Degradability on Milk Production, Composition, and Ruminal Protein Metabolism

Abstract Four groups of cows in early lactation, each group containing one mature cow and three cows in first lactation, were in a 4 × 4 Latin-square arrangement of treatments for us to study influences of altering quantity of undegraded dietary crude protein and quantity of crude protein on milk production and composition. Diets supplemented with protein sources were 1) soybean meal positive control (22.7% crude protein), 2) whole cottonseed-corn gluten meal (14.7% crude protein), 3) extruded whole soybean (14.5% crude protein), or 4) soybean meal supplemented (15.7% crude protein). Concentrate and sorghum silage were fed in a ratio of 62:38 dry matter. Dry matter intake was not influenced by dietary crude protein concentration or source. Cows consuming diet 2 produced less milk, milk protein, total solids, and solids-not-fat than cows receiving diets 1 and 4. Efficiency of conversion of dietary crude protein to milk protein was highest for cows receiving diet 3 and lowest for diet 1. Trial 2, a 4 × 4 Latin-square trial for collection of abomasal digesta, had four ruminal and abomasal cannulated steers and the four diets from the lactation trial; the trial was to determine the influence of source and concentrations of protein on quantity of protein reaching the abomasum daily. Crude protein intake by steers fed diet 1 was greater than for the other three diets. Percentages recovery of dietary crude protein were 122 and 130 for treatments 2 and 3, intermediate for treatment 4 (107%), and lowest for diet 1 (88.0%); crude protein digestibility in the total tract was highest for steers receiving diet 1.
Reflections on uncomplemented philosophies, integrated curriculums and words that bind and separate in counseling and clinical psychology

Abstract Should counseling psychology remain a distinct specialty or should it merge with clinical psychology? Recently, a growing amount of attention has been directed toward the increasing similarities between the counseling and clinical specialties, and musings about integrating them into a generic training model have emerged. This position paper considers some problems with the current divisions existing between counseling and clinical psychology. Three basic points are examined: (a) the effects of language systems on the counseling and clinical specialties; (b) the normal-abnormal dimension of behavior as a weak justification for distinct specialties; and (c) the fostering of distorted views of human behavior through counseling and clinical training programs.
Long-term follow-up in AIDS clinical trials

There are several different strategies for the follow-up of patients on AIDS clinical trials. In some trials, data are only collected until patients stop protocol therapy for any reason. Alternatively, patients are followed until they have disease progression or the study ends. It has been suggested in some trials that patients have data collected after they have stopped protocol therapy either because they reached a study endpoint or all patients on the trial have been switched to the superior therapy. The effect of these strategies on the conclusions that can be drawn from a trial will be described using simulations. To calculate the operating characteristics of a strategy that involves a primary and a secondary endpoint, it is necessary to formalize the notion that the results of a secondary analysis support or contradict the primary analysis.
Age and Educational Differences in African American Women's Sexual Assault Experiences

Although research on sexual assault and its postassault consequences has grown, information on knowledge of postassault experiences for African American women remains limited. A large sample of African American women (N = 495) were surveyed about their sexual assault experiences, attributions of blame, disclosure, and social reactions received following assault. Age, educational attainment, and sexual assault severity were examined in relation to postassault factors. Exploratory analyses were conducted to identify potential differences in sexual assault experiences and postassault outcomes for African American women. Although African American women reported similar sexual assault characteristics, their postassault reactions and experiences differed according to their age and educational attainment.
Economic Reform and Political Change in Eastern Europe: A Comparison of the Czechoslovak and Hungarian Experiences

Economic reform - the introduction of elements of the market into a planned economy - has been the central political problem for socialist states for at least three decades. This thesis seeks to elucidate the nature of the problem through a reconsideration of the general theoretical issues, and through a comparative analysis of the practice of economic reform in two countries - Czechoslovakia and Hungary. In Part One, the arguments in favour of the use of the market in socialism are recapitulated, and the implications of various socialist economic models for political freedom, democracy, and the realisation of some concept of the 'social interest 1 are discussed. The case studies presented in Part Two address the practical political problem of introducing market-type reform into communist systems. In Czechoslovakia, the issue of economic reform contributed to a profound political crisis culminating in 1968. But it is argued, economic reform was not the only, or even the most important source of the crisis. In the different political conditions in Hungary, economic reform was embraced by the regime as a means of securing political stability and popular legitimacy. Political crisis was avoided, but at the costof compromise in the economic reform. The conclusion is that while full-scale democratisation of the political system may not be an inevitable concomitant of economic reform, profound changes in the style and instruments of communist rule are required.
A new convolution/superposition dose calculation method for external photon beam radiation therapy using beam modifiers and/or independent collimators

This thesis was dedicated to developing a convolution/superposition dose calculation method for computing patient dose distributions as well as radiation output (monitor units) for photonradiotherapy. A new dual sourcephoton beam model based on Monte Carlo simulation of clinical linear accelerators was developed and incorporated in the convolution method. This allowed for more accurate computation of dose distributions and output factors for photon fields, because both the primary and extra-focal photons from clinical accelerators can be accounted for accurately. This convolution method was tested extensively for a variety of photon fields including those using independent jaws and/or beam modifiers, such as wedges and blocks. To use this convolution method for wedged fields, an extended phantom model was developed to integrate a wedge along with a patient phantom. Thus, dosimetric effect of wedges regarding beam hardening effect and secondary radiation generated by the wedge was taken into account. The new convolution method was also applied to calculate dose and output factors for dynamic or intensity modulated fields such as dynamic wedges. To use the convolution method for clinical situations, corrections for beam divergence and beam hardening were also developed. The parameters for the convolution calculation related to spatial resolution were investigated to optimize the speed and accuracy of the convolution calculation.
User perceptions of the role and value of tags

This study investigates user ideas about the role and value of tags in social media. An analysis of 45 interviews with heavy Web users reveals that user perceptions of tags differ from common assumptions held by researchers and designers of social tagging systems. Among beliefs held by participants were that tags were query suggestions or links to other pages, sites, or advertisements - although most identified tags as categories or keywords - and that tags were generated automatically by the computer system. Several participants believed that tags were intended for not only other users but also systems such as search engines. Our findings indicate that Web users, including those who are taggers themselves, experience a high level of uncertainty and confusion about the nature, purpose and value of tags.
Gamifying archives, a study of docugames as a preservation medium

This paper introduces a novel concept in the use of game technology and education. Instead of employing gaming technology to create entertaining fictions or develop practical training environments, this paper introduces the concept and demonstrates the practical benefits of docugames for preservation. A docugame for preservation is a simulation that incorporates historical or culturally relevant artifacts to offer multiple perspectives on an historical or culturally relevant experience. Current trends in the growth of games, lowering production costs, and an increase in global collaborative production models have supported opportunities to employ games as a medium for preservation. As such, docugames for preservation demonstrate the promise of offering a 21st century educational experience for future learners. This research provides an analysis of existing docugames, overview of gamification principles and heuristics for improving the potential of docugames as a preservation medium.
Ultrastructural and Cellular Basis for the Development of Abnormal Myocardial Mechanics During the Transition from Hypertension to Heart Failure

Although the development of abnormal myocardial mechanics represents a key step during the transition from hypertension to overt heart failure (HF), the underlying ultrastructural and cellular basi...
Equatorial ionospheric zonal drift model and vertical drift statistics from UHF scintillation measurements in South America

Abstract. UHF scintillation measurements of zonal ionospheric drifts have been conducted at Ancon, Peru since 1994 using antennas spaced in the magnetic east-west direction to cross-correlate geo-synchronous satellite signals. An empirical model of average drift over a wide range of Kp and solar flux conditions was constructed from successive two-dimensional fits of drift vs. the parameters and day of year. The model exhibits the typical local time trend of maximum eastward velocity in the early evening with a gradual decrease and reversal in the early morning hours. As expected, velocities at all hours increase with the solar flux and decrease with Kp activity. It was also found that vertical drifts could contribute to the variability of drift measurements to the east of Ancon at a low elevation angle. The vertical drift at the ionospheric intersection to the east can be estimated when combined with nearly overhead observations at Ancon or a similar spaced-antenna site at Antofagasta, Chile. Comparisons on five days with nearly simultaneous measurements of vertical drift by the Julia radar at Jicamarca, Peru show varying agreement with the spaced-antenna estimates. Statistical results from 1997 to 2001 generally agree with radar and satellite studies.
Cognitive Social Simulation Incorporating Cognitive Architectures

Agent-based social simulation modeling, a social phenomena on the basis of models of autonomous agents has grown tremendously in recent decades. Researchers use this approach to study a wide range of social and economic issues, including social beliefs and norms, resource allocation, traffic patterns, social cooperation, stock market dynamics, group interaction and dynamics, and organizational decision making. Agent-based social simulation with multiagent systems in social computing can benefit from incorporating cognitive architectures. A cognitive architecture is a domain-generic computational cognitive model that captures essential structures and processes of the individual mind for the purpose of a broad (multiple-domain) analysis of cognition and behaviour.
Inhibition of TPA-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression by apigenin through downregulation of Akt signal transduction in human keratinocytes

Apigenin is a nonmutagenic bioflavonoid that has been shown to be an inhibitor of mouse skin carcinogenesis induced by the two-stage regimen of initiation and promotion with dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). These DMBA/TPA-induced squamous cell carcinomas overexpress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Cyclooxygenases are key enzymes required for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis, converting the arachidonic acid (AA) released by phospholipase A2 into prostaglandins. A large body of evidence indicates that the inducible form of cyclooxygenase, COX-2, is involved in tumor promotion and carcinogenesis in a wide variety of tissue types, including colon, breast, lung, and skin. In the present study, we have determined that apigenin inhibited the TPA-induced increase in COX-2 protein and mRNA in the human keratinocyte cell line; HaCaT. The induction of COX-2 elicited by TPA correlated with increased activation of Akt kinase and cell treatment with the PI3 kinase inhibitor, LY294002, blocked TPA induction of COX-2. In cells treated with TPA and apigenin, the inhibition of COX-2 expression correlated with inhibition of Akt kinase activation. Apigenin-mediated inhibition of TPA-induced COX-2 expression was reversed by transient transfection with constitutively active Akt (CA-Akt). Chemical inhibitors of MEK (PD98059), p38 (SB202190), but not JNK (SP600125) blocked TPA induction of COX-2 although apigenin did not inhibit TPA-mediated COX-2 expression through these pathways. The TPA-induced release of AA from HaCaT cells was also inhibited by cell treatment with apigenin. These data show that apigenin inhibits TPA-mediated COX-2 expression by blocking signal transduction of Akt and that apigenin also blocks AA release, which may contribute to its chemopreventive activity.
A block change options approach for the Constellation program

This paper discusses the development of a block change options approach for the Constellation program1,2. 12Through the lifecycle of the Constellation program, mission objectives will change from the initial ISS focus to a lunar focus and beyond. The block change strategy described here aims to facilitate an evolutionary approach to block changes based on proactive “what-iffing” by planning for potential solutions to problems before they became real and finding high impact upgrades to utilize at the right time. An overview of the Block Change Options Tool, which was developed to aid the Constellation Program Systems Engineer is also provided. Sample analyses were performed using the tool populated with notional data for certain upgrades. These notional examples demonstrate how the tool can be used to aid in planning for future upgrades which can improve performance, fix problems or provide options for the program budget profile.
A saturated-fat diet aggravates the outcome of traumatic brain injury on hippocampal plasticity and cognitive function by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor

We have conducted studies to determine the potential of dietary factors to affect the capacity of the brain to compensate for insult. Rats were fed with a high-fat sucrose (HFS) diet, a popularly consumed diet in industrialized western societies, for 4 weeks before a mild fluid percussion injury (FPI) or sham surgery was performed. FPI impaired spatial learning capacity in the Morris water maze, and these effects were aggravated by previous exposure of the rats to the action of the HFS diet. Learning performance decreased according to levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in individual rats, such that rats with the worst learning efficacy showed the lowest levels of BDNF in the hippocampus. BDNF immunohistochemistry localized the decreases in BDNF to the CA3 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation. BDNF has a strong effect on synaptic plasticity via the action of synapsin I and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), therefore, we assessed changes in synapsin I and CREB in conjunction with BDNF. Levels of synapsin I and CREB decreased in relation to decreases in BDNF levels. The combination of FPI and the HFS diet had more dramatic effects on the active state (phosphorylated) of synapsin I and CREB. There were no signs of neurodegeneration in the hippocampus of any rat group assessed with Fluoro-Jade B staining. The results suggest that FPI and diet impose a risk factor to the molecular machinery in charge of maintaining neuronal function under homeostatic and challenging situations.
Modeling the blood–brain barrier using stem cell sources

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a selective endothelial interface that controls trafficking between the bloodstream and brain interstitial space. During development, the BBB arises as a result of complex multicellular interactions between immature endothelial cells and neural progenitors, neurons, radial glia, and pericytes. As the brain develops, astrocytes and pericytes further contribute to BBB induction and maintenance of the BBB phenotype. Because BBB development, maintenance, and disease states are difficult and time-consuming to study in vivo, researchers often utilize in vitro models for simplified analyses and higher throughput. The in vitro format also provides a platform for screening brain-penetrating therapeutics. However, BBB models derived from adult tissue, especially human sources, have been hampered by limited cell availability and model fidelity. Furthermore, BBB endothelium is very difficult if not impossible to isolate from embryonic animal or human brain, restricting capabilities to model BBB development in vitro. In an effort to address some of these shortcomings, advances in stem cell research have recently been leveraged for improving our understanding of BBB development and function. Stem cells, which are defined by their capacity to expand by self-renewal, can be coaxed to form various somatic cell types and could in principle be very attractive for BBB modeling applications. In this review, we will describe how neural progenitor cells (NPCs), the in vitro precursors to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, can be used to study BBB induction. Next, we will detail how these same NPCs can be differentiated to more mature populations of neurons and astrocytes and profile their use in co-culture modeling of the adult BBB. Finally, we will describe our recent efforts in differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to endothelial cells with robust BBB characteristics and detail how these cells could ultimately be used to study BBB development and maintenance, to model neurological disease, and to screen neuropharmaceuticals.
Complement inhibition decreases early fibrogenic events in the lung of septic baboons.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by severe sepsis can trigger persistent inflammation and fibrosis. We have shown that experimental sepsis in baboons recapitulates ARDS progression in humans, including chronic inflammation and long-lasting fibrosis in the lung. Complement activation products may contribute to the fibroproliferative response, suggesting that complement inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents. We have been suggested that treatment of septic baboons with compstatin, a C3 convertase inhibitor protects against ARDS-induced fibroproliferation. Baboons challenged with 109 cfu/kg (LD50) live E. coli by intravenous infusion were treated or not with compstatin at the time of challenge or 5 hrs thereafter. Changes in the fibroproliferative response at 24 hrs post-challenge were analysed at both transcript and protein levels. Gene expression analysis showed that sepsis induced fibrotic responses in the lung as early as 24 hrs post-bacterial challenge. Immunochemical and biochemical analysis revealed enhanced collagen synthesis, induction of profibrotic factors and increased cell recruitment and proliferation. Specific inhibition of complement with compstatin down-regulated sepsis-induced fibrosis genes, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), various collagens and chemokines responsible for fibrocyte recruitment (e.g. chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and 12 (CCL12)). Compstatin decreased the accumulation of myofibroblasts and proliferating cells, reduced the production of fibrosis mediators (TGF-β, phospho-Smad-2 and CTGF) and inhibited collagen deposition. Our data demonstrate that complement inhibition effectively attenuates collagen deposition and fibrotic responses in the lung after severe sepsis. Inhibiting complement could prove an attractive strategy for preventing sepsis-induced fibrosis of the lung.
Single fraction radiosurgery of epidural spinal cord compression: Tumor control and neurologic outcome

2041 Purpose: Spine radiosurgery improves the pain and quality of life in spine metastasis. Phase II study was performed to determine the clinical efficacy of radiosurgery for malignant epidural spinal cord compression. Method: Total 67 patients with 93 lesions of epidural spinal cord compression at the solitary spine level were accrued. All patients had pathology-proven malignancy and had epidural tumor seen on MRI or CT scan. For radiosurgery, grossly visible tumor including the involved spine was treated with single fraction radiosurgery dose of 14–20 Gy. Spinal cord dose constraint was 10 Gy to 10% partial volume of the cord. Followup included neurological exam and imaging studies every 2 months. Endpoints were radiographic tumor control and neurological outcome. Median followup time was 8 months (2–30 months). Results: Objective radiographic tumor response was seen in 82% of patients. At 2 months, complete response was in seen 27%, partial response in 30%, and minimal response in 23%, Epidural tumor ...
The Social and Economic Causes of the Revolution in the Mathematical Sciences in Mid-Seventeenth-Century England

Some such expression as “the scientific revolution in England” is often used in referring to the period in seventeenth-century history in which, under English auspices and the leadership of mathematical scientists of whom many were English or worked in England (foremost in whose ranks was Isaac Newton), success was finally achieved in formulating quantitative, empirically sound, and predictive laws of motion. In recent years there have appeared several theories of the social and economic causes of this revolution. These theories have had a constructive effect to the extent that they have prompted serious consideration of previously ignored aspects of the history of science. However, without denying their value in this regard, they are at best inadequate. The purpose of this essay is not to review or to dispute these earlier theories but to propose an alternative to them.
Risk-Based Management of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus in Minnesota

AbstractViral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV; strain VHSV-IVb) is an emergent and serious disease of fish in the Great Lakes region of North America. In addition to the numerous large-scale mortality events in wild fish, the emergence of VHSV has resulted in a major regulatory response to protect both farm-raised and wild fish populations. However, characterizing and mitigating risk factors for the continued transmission of VHSV is a difficult task. A semiquantitative risk assessment model was used to focus VHSV management efforts in Minnesota. The risk of VHSV introduction into major watersheds in Minnesota was directly correlated to their proximity to Lake Superior, the only VHSV-positive body of water in the state. Although the current regulations are uniform across Minnesota, the risk varied for specific locations within the watersheds. For example, the introduction of game fish for stock enhancement (a common fisheries management practice) is a significant factor in determining the risk of VHSV i...
Liquidity and Insurance for the Unemployed

We study the optimal design of unemployment insurance for workers sampling job opportunities over time. We focus on the timing of benefits and the desirability of allowing workers to freely access a riskless asset. When workers have constant absolute risk aversion preferences, a very simple policy is optimal: a constant benefit during unemployment, a constant tax during employment, and free access to savings using the riskless asset. Away from this benchmark, for constant relative risk aversion preferences, the optimal policy involves nearly constant benefits and the welfare gains from more elaborate policies are minuscule. Our results highlight two distinct roles for policy toward the unemployed: ensuring workers have sufficient liquidity to smooth their consumption; and providing unemployment subsidies that serve as insurance against the uncertain duration of unemployment spells.
A Schoolwide Model for Service Delivery: Redefining Special Educators as Interventionists

General and special education are confronting tremendous change resulting from legal mandates related to closing the achievement gap under No Child Left Behind and a focus on early intervention and prevention in the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, 2004. As a result, schoolwide intervention approaches are under rapid development, evaluation, and implementation across the country. Based on these approaches, the authors present a conceptual model for redefining special educators as interventionists who focus on the adoption and use of evidence-based, schoolwide academic and behavioral interventions. Examples of the roles and responsibilities for interventionists within the schoolwide model are provided.
LightUp: a low-cost, multi-age toolkit for learning and prototyping electronics

LightUp is a constructionist platform to teach novices about electronics, and also a low-cost rapid-prototyping platform for more advanced users. The LightUp kit contains many basic electronic components attached to magnetic building blocks and a connection base. Various project-based educational materials are also included. Initially designed as an interactive and transparent learning tool, the concept behind LightUp is to provide a "low threshold, high ceiling" learning experience for self-motivated individuals who want to better understand the complex electronics inside the devices they rely on every day. In addition, LightUp also serves as a user friendly, low-cost prototyping tool for people who do not have a strong engineering background but still want to build electronic circuits. This paper gives an overview of the LightUp platform, the construction process and future developments and implementations.
ESSAY TEST SCORING: INTERACTION OF RELEVANT VARIABLES

In studies of essay tests, a single independent variable, such as penmanship, is often observed and conclusions are made about the relevance of that variable in scoring tests. But in this study it is hypothesized that the readers of an essay respond to a variable in terms of its context with other variables, that is, readers may be more tolerant of poor penmanship for males than females, especially if expectations for the writer are involved. In this investigation sex, race, reader expectation, and quality of handwriting were crossed to study their interaction effects. A single student essay was contrived. Each of 80 readers was given the essay plus a student's record card, which identified the student as a high or low achiever (expectancy), black or white, male or female. The essay was written in either good or poor handwriting. A reader read only one essay under one combination of conditions. The results showed complex interactions of expectations, writing, and sex within race.
Abstract B28: Trisomy suppress tumorgenesis in the NP-cis tumor model

Down syndrome results from trisomy for human chromosome 21 (chr21). People with DS have an increased risk of getting leukemia, but the likelihood of solid tumors might be reduced by contribution of several genes. We showed that trisomy in Ts65Dn “Down syndrome” mice reduces tumor number in the ApcMin model of intestinal cancer and that tumor number is inversely proportional to copy number of the Ets2 gene [Sussan TE, Nature 451, 73–75]. The current study provides evidence for additional dosage sensitive tumor repressor gene(s) in the cancer model, NP-cis. These mice carry a single copy of both the tightly linked Nf1 and p53 genes in cis. Tumors form by LOH. When NP-cis mice were crossed with Ts65Dn, trisomic offspring survived significantly longer than euploid. In contrast to the intestinal adenoma finding, introduction of a null allele of Ets2 in either trisomic or euploid mice (resulting in 2 or one copies of Ets2, respectively) had no effect on survival. This result demonstrates further dosage effects of genes trisomic in these mice and in Down syndrome. The lack of Ets2 effect in the NP-cis model is consistent with a protective mechanism that involves up-regulation of p53 by Ets2, thereby sensitizing trisomic cells to p53-mediated apoptosis. This mechanism would not work in NP-cis since tumors form due to loss of p53. In this regard, in vitro analysis of fibroblast cell lines from several genotypes showed that trisomic cells expressing more Ets2 than euploid were more sensitive to induction of apoptosis by camptothecin and showed a higher frequency of senescence. Other genes, like Endostatin, a cleavage product of Col18a1, and Rcan1 have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis in adosage dependent manner in xenograft models of tumor growth [Zorick TS, EJHG 9, 811-4, Baek KH, Nature 459, 1126-30]. In contrast to results from xenografted tumors, endogenous tumors formed in trisomic, NP-cis mice showed no reduction in angiogenesis. Our findings indicate that multiple mechanisms involving other genes trisomic in Ts65Dn mice likely contribute to reduced tumor incidence in Down syndrome. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):B28.
Biological Interactions Between New Guinea Impatiens and the Twospotted Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Seven New Guinea Impatiens lines were crossed and self-pollinated. Progenies of successful matings were infested with Tetranychus urticae Koch, the twospotted spider mite, and submitted to feeding preference and damage rating tests. Seven parent and 10 progeny lines were tested for their effects upon feeding preferences, ovipositional rates, mite life cycle, and mite size. Significant differences were noted in effects that these lines had upon biology of the mites.
The coelomic elements of sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus)

The four coelomocyte classes of the red sea urchin,Strongylocentrotus franciscanus, described by light-microscope studies, are confirmed and the fine structure described. Material examined included fresh, non-aggregated cells; partially aggregated ones that had been heldin vitro up to four days; and aggregated cells heldin vitro for 40 days. Leukocytes from youngin-vitro preparations differed from most fresh leukocytes by having enlarged dense nucleoli and enlarged rough endoplasmic reticulum, which was often filled with secretion, and sometimes connected to the perinuclear cisterna. Leukocytes held 40 daysin vitro were mainly plasmodial. Unlike cells held a limited timein vitro, the 40-day leukocytes had nuclei much like those in fresh preparations.
Enchantment, Disenchantment, Re-enchantment? An Address Given at the Northeast Law and Society Conference, 2013:

This speech, given at the Northeast Law and Society Conference, January 2013, explores some possibilities for a “re-enchantment” of law and for the future of “law and society” scholarship.
Observation by Sem/edxs of Leached Layers on SRL-165 Glass from 5-Year MIIT Test

Long-term tests on the durability of nuclear waste glasses, both under laboratory conditions and in actual burial environments, have shown that after periods of several months or years the rates of glass corrosion can show unexpected increases. In burial tests in brine environments the growth of the thickness of the surface layer during years 3 to 5 as revealed by SIMS and SEM measurements was found to be faster than expected on the basis of findings during the first 2 years. In this paper we report on our SEM-EDXS observations of a 5 year burial sample of SRL-165 glass from the MIIT test, and compare our findings to those of other studies, especially SIMS measurements. Our average thickness measurement for the leached layer at the glass-metal interface is 3.70 {mu}m, but wide variation is observed, as well as evidence of partial loss of the leached layer in some areas. A thicker, better retained layer is observed on the glass-brine interface near the core heater averaging 8 to 12 {mu}m in thickness with occasional local attack producing leached layers of greater depth, in one case nearly 40 {mu}m. These findings show that it is important to extend durability tests to longmore » periods in order to establish a reliable basis for predictive modeling of long-term glass durability.« less
Bayesian Inference of Reticulate Phylogenies under the Multispecies Network Coalescent

The multispecies coalescent (MSC) is a statistical framework that models how gene genealogies grow within the branches of a species tree. The field of computational phylogenetics has witnessed an explosion in the development of methods for species tree inference under MSC, owing mainly to the accumulating evidence of incomplete lineage sorting in phylogenomic analyses. However, the evolutionary history of a set of genomes, or species, could be reticulate due to the occurrence of evolutionary processes such as hybridization or horizontal gene transfer. We report on a novel method for Bayesian inference of genome and species phylogenies under the multispecies network coalescent (MSNC). This framework models gene evolution within the branches of a phylogenetic network, thus incorporating reticulate evolutionary processes, such as hybridization, in addition to incomplete lineage sorting. As phylogenetic networks with different numbers of reticulation events correspond to points of different dimensions in the space of models, we devise a reversible-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) technique for sampling the posterior distribution of phylogenetic networks under MSNC. We implemented the methods in the publicly available, open-source software package PhyloNet and studied their performance on simulated and biological data. The work extends the reach of Bayesian inference to phylogenetic networks and enables new evolutionary analyses that account for reticulation.
Applying an Interactive Machine Learning Approach to Statutory Analysis

Statutory analysis is a significant component of research on almost any legal issue and determining if a statutory provision applies is an integral part of the analysis. In this paper we present the initial results from an attempt to support the applicability assessment in situations where the number of statutory provisions to be considered is large. We propose the use of a framework in which a single human expert cooperates with a machine learning text classification algorithm. Our experiments show that an adoption of the approach leads to a better performance during the relevance assessment. In addition, we suggest how to re-use a classification model trained during one statutory analysis for another related analysis. This points to a new way of capturing and re-using knowledge produced in the course of statutory analysis. Our experiments confirm the viability of this approach.
Response of neurons in the lateral intraparietal area to a distractor flashed during the delay period of a memory-guided saccade.

Recent experiments raised the possibility that the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) might be specialized for saccade planning. If this was true, one would expect a decreased sensitivity to irreleva...