cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of 3D Microfluidic Device to Study Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transformation

Our research objective is to identify the role of mechanobiology on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) by examining endothelial cell response to changes in the mechanical environment using microfluidic devices. Endothelial cells line all blood-contacting surfaces of the circulatory system and are able to sense and respond to mechanical and biochemical signals. EndMT begins when a subset of endothelial cells delaminate from the cell monolayer, lose cell-cell contacts, gain mesenchymal markers, develop an invasive and migratory phenotype, and potentially acquire mesenchymal stem cell-like properties. The transformed cells that result from EndMT are involved in embryonic tissue development, in adult tissue homeostasis such as wound healing, and in adult pathologies including fibrosis and cancer metastasis. While EndMT is well characterized in developmental biology, the mechanisms and functional role of EndMT in adult physiology have not been fully investigated. We have developed a 3D culture microfluidic bioreactor that will help us to determine the role of mechanobiology (specifically altered shear stress, altered 3D extracellular matrix composition and mechanical properties, and/or inflammatory signaling) in driving EndMT in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures.
Two parallel implementations for one dimension FFT on symmetric multiprocessors

In this paper, an empirical comparison is made between two parallel implementations of a one-dimensional Fast Fourier transform (FFT) that is targeted for a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP). The paper compares the run time characteristics and overhead (time complexity) associated with the two algorithms with that of previous research. The scalability of the two algorithms is also accessed using the isoefficiency function and the effect of caches on performance is presented. The isoefficiency function is defined as the rate at which the data should be increased with the number of processors to maintain constant efficiency. The two implementations are based on a tree and transpose, respectively. In the tree algorithm, the speedup does not increase linearly with the number of processors, but rather super linear speedup can be achieved for the two processor case. The transpose algorithm obtained (approximately) linearly speedup with respect to the number of processors with only moderate increase in the data size. Additional performance can be obtained by overlapping computation with communication and by efficient use of caches.
The interocular light adaptation effect at varying retinal locations

Abstract The interocular light adaptation effect can be demonstrated in the fovea and in nonfoveal areas up to 10° temporal to the fovea but not 15° from the fovea. These results substantiate the existence of both cone and rod components in the effect. The effect is similar whether determined in the dominant eye or the non-dominant eye. The interocular light adaptation effect is significant for considerations of cone-rod interactions and binocular vision. The differential effects of monocular and dichoptic preadaptation are considered to be due to afterimages which provide different equivalent backgrounds.
Local shape from specularity

We show that highlights in images of objects with specularly reflecting surfaces provide significant information about the surfaces which generate them. A brief survey is given of specular reflectance models which have been used in computer vision and graphics. For our work, we adopt the Torrance-Sparrow specular model which, unlike most previous models, considers the underlying physics of specular reflection from rough surfaces. From this model we derive powerful relationships between the properties of a specular feature in an image and local properties of the corresponding surface. We show how this analysis can be used for both prediction and interpretation in a vision system. A shape from specularity system has been implemented to test our approach. The performance of the system is demonstrated by careful experiments with specularly reflecting objects.
Mediation of Protection and Recovery From Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis by Macrophages Expressing the Human Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel NaV1.5

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common nontraumatic cause of neurologic disability in young adults. Despite treatment, progressive tissue injury leads to accumulation of disability in many patients. Here, our goal was to develop an immune-mediated strategy to promote tissue repair and clinical recovery in an MS animal model. We previously demonstrated that a variant of the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.5 is expressed intracellularly in human macrophages, and that it regulates cellular signaling. This channel is not expressed in mouse macrophages, which has limited the study of its functions. To overcome this obstacle, we developed a novel transgenic mouse model (C57BL6), in which the human macrophage NaV1.5 splice variant is expressed in vivo in mouse macrophages. These mice were protected from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the mouse model of MS. During active inflammatory disease, NaV1.5-positive macrophages were found in spinal cord lesions where they formed phagocytic cell clusters; they expressed markers of alternative activation during recovery. NaV1.5-positive macrophages that were adoptively transferred into wild-type recipients with established experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis homed to lesions and promoted recovery. These results suggest that NaV1.5-positive macrophages enhance recovery from CNS inflammatory disease and could potentially be developed as a cell-based therapy for the treatment of MS.
Rehabilitation research methods for schizophrenia

Given the ever increasing complexity of rehabilitative models of schizophrenia, research methods testing these models must be rigorous and include a wide range of investigative strategies. This paper reviews four elements of rehabilitation research: definition of independent variables, selection of dependent variables, setting up the research design, and the development of conservative inferences from the data analysis. Methodological decisions must be made carefully prior to implementing a research protocol to assure the most valid conclusions when the study is complete.
Preparation of Z-vinylstannanes via hydrozirconation of stannylacetylenes

Abstract Treatment of tin acetylenes with Cp 2 Zr(H)Cl followed by a proton quench affords the corresponding Z-vinylstannanes in high yields.
Isolation of amino acids from natural samples using sublimation.

Amino acids have appreciable vapor pressures above 150 °C and will sublime under partial vacuum at elevated temperatures without any racemization or decomposition. The recoveries of several amino acids including aspartic acid, serine, glycine, alanine, α-aminoisobutyric acid, and valine were optimized by varying the temperature and duration of sublimation. Sublimation has been shown to be a rapid and effective technique for the isolation of amino acids from natural samples for enantiomeric analyses and a good substitute for conventional cation-exchange desalting techniques.
Molecular dynamics of viscoplasticity in β-tin lattice and grain boundary

Abstract Viscoplasticity in β -Sn lattice and grain boundaries is studied at the atomic level. Two kinds of β -Sn lattice structures are studied. Model I is the perfect β -Sn lattice structure in [0 0 1] orientation. Model II is β -Sn lattice structure with several symmetric tilt grain boundaries. The β -Sn models are simulated by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation package, LAMMPS. Modified Embedded-Atom Method (MEAM) is employed for the β -Sn potential. In order to study the effects of strain rate on β -Sn, a range of strain rates are applied. Simulation is conducted for NVT ensemble. Thermal effects are also studied. The results of molecular dynamics simulations are compared with experimental data of viscoplastic behavior of bulk tin.
Intercalation, DNA Kinking, and the Control of Transcription

Biological processes involved in the control and regulation of transcription are dependent on protein-induced distortions in DNA structure that enhance the recruitment of proteins to their specific DNA targets. This function is often accomplished by accessory factors that bind sequence specifically and locally bend or kink the DNA. The recent determination of the three-dimensional structures of several protein-DNA complexes, involving proteins that perform such architectural tasks, brings to light a common theme of side chain intercalation as a mechanism capable of driving the deformation of the DNA helix. The protein scaffolds orienting the intercalating side chain (or side chains) are structurally diverse, presently comprising four distinct topologies that can accomplish the same task. The intercalating side chain (or side chains), however, is exclusively hydrophobic. Intercalation can either kink or bend the DNA, unstacking one or more adjacent base pairs and locally unwinding the DNA over as much as a full turn of helix. Despite these distortions, the return to B-DNA helical parameters generally occurs within the adjacent half-turns of DNA.
Effects of calcium channel blocking agents on neostigmine-induced fasciculations.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital and prepared for monitoring contractions of the gastrocnemius muscle evoked by stimulation of the sciatic nerve. Animals received atropine prior to a dose of neostigmine of 0.02 mg/kg i.v. The effects on contractile strength and the number of fasciculations in a 2-min period were assessed. Pretreatment with phenytoin, 20 mg/kg, reduced the number of fasciculations to 32% of control without altering contractile strength. Both nifedipine and nitrendipine, 1 mg/kg each, virtually abolished fasciculations without altering twitch strength. Verapamil, 4 and 8 mg/kg, depressed fasciculation frequency to 50% of control without affecting pre-neostigmine twitch height. The dihydropyridine calcium blocking agents did however reduce the neostigmine-induced augmentation of contraction strength. These data suggest that a calcium-mediated current at presynaptic motor endings participates in the generation of repetitive nerve terminal discharges leading to muscle fasciculations.
The Market Valuation of Corporate Reputation

We provide evidence that corporate reputation has value relevance, as measured by its ability to explain the firm's market value of equity at the end of the fiscal period. Corporate reputation is assessed using a summary measure from the Fortune survey of ‘America's most admired companies.’ The Fortune measure serves as a proxy for intangible assets, such as internally generated goodwill, customer service, and intellectual capital. We demonstrate that this summary measure of non-financial information adds to market value, even after controlling for the financial performance ‘halo’ effects on the Fortune ratings.
The desorption and decomposition of trinitrotoluene adsorbed on metal oxide powders

Abstract The desorption and decomposition of TNT on Al2O3, TiO2, α-ZrO2, α-Fe2O3, SiO2 and MgO were studied in UHV by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The metal oxide powders ranged in surface character from acidic (alumina) to basic (magnesia). TNT dosed at 110 K on each oxide gave a molecular TNT TPD peak between 285 and 300 K (multilayer desorption). Chemisorbed TNT decomposed completely on Al2O3, TiO2, α-Fe2O3, and MgO. The decomposition products consisted mainly of CO, CO2, HCN, NO and H2O identified by TPD, and surface carbon and nitrogen residues identified by AES. No TNT decomposition was observed on SiO2 (neutral). Chemisorbed TNT desorbed from SiO2 in a single peak at about 350 K. Silica samples that were hydrated by exposure to an ambient atmosphere at 298 K adsorbed about 4 times more TNT at 298 K than did samples that were dehydrated in UHV. TPD results indicate than the enhancement in TNT adsorption was directly proportional to the concentration of molecularly adsorbed water on the silica surface.
Production of Streptococcal Infections in Pharynx of the Rabbit.

Summary1. A method is described for production of Group A streptococcal pharyngeal infections in rabbits. 2. After intrapharyngeal inoculation, transient bacteremia usually occurred, followed by temperature elevations to 48 hours and significant rises in ASO titers 4 weeks later. 3. Bacteria were demonstrable in pharyngeal tissues at 48 hours, and in some instances small abscesses were seen. 4. The method described affords another means of studying effects of repeated group A infections under conditions simulating those which obtain in man.
Experimental and surrogate modeling study of gasoline ignition in a rapid compression machine

Abstract The use of gasoline in Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition engines has propelled the need to better understand compression ignition processes for gasoline under engine-like conditions. In order to quantify low-temperature heat release and to provide fundamental validation data for chemical kinetic models, it is imperative to study autoignition phenomena under well-controlled conditions. However, there is a significant lack of autoignition delay data in the low temperature regime. Recognizing the need for kinetic information at high pressures and low-to-intermediate temperatures, this work aims to fill this void by conducting an experimental study of gasoline autoignition in a Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) to characterize the ignition response of gasoline + air mixtures over a wide range of compression temperatures at compression pressures of 20 and 40 bar with equivalence ratios ranging from 0.3 to 1.0. Results from the RCM experiments are also simulated using a four-component gasoline surrogate model which includes n -heptane, iso -octane, toluene, and 2-pentene. For the conditions investigated, good agreement between the experiments and the four-component surrogate model, in terms of first-stage and total ignition delay times as well as the comparison of measured and simulated pressure traces, is demonstrated. Kinetic analysis is further conducted to understand the role of the different hydrocarbon classes present in gasoline in controlling autoignition.
Orai1 Channel And Ca2+-independent Phospholipase A2 Are The New Determinants Of Proliferation And Migration Of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Ca2+ entry is known to play an important role in proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC), but the molecular mechanisms that mediate these processes are far from being understood. Here we introduce Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2β (iPLA2β) and Orai1-encoded plasma membrane channel (that mediate store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in non-excitable as well as excitable cells) as new molecular determinants of proliferation and migration of aortic SMC. Patch-clamp, Ca2+ imaging, immunocytochemistry and molecular approaches were used in this study. We demonstrated that molecular knock down of either iPLA2β or Orai1 (but not TRPC1) channel resulted in full inhibition of store-operated current and Ca2+ entry in primary aortic SMC. Transfection of SMC with siRNA to Orai1 impaired their proliferation: Orai1 knock down resulted in 69±4% decrease in the number of BrDU positive cells and 60±1% reduction in the rate of their proliferation. Similar effects were observed in iPLA2β-deficient cells (65±3% and 71±4% reductions, respectively). Interestingly, transfection of SMC with antisense to TRPC1 did not affect SOCE, but significantly reduced the rate of cell proliferation (by 48±4%). Orai1 and TRPC1 produced additive effects on proliferation, and knock down of both channels resulted in 76±8% reduction in the rate of SMC proliferation, consistent with different mechanisms for Orai1and TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ entry. Molecular knock down of iPLA2β, or Orai1 channel also impaired SMC ability to migrate in response to 20% FBS, high glucose, or SERCA inhibition. These results suggest that SOCE mediated by iPLA2β-dependent activation of Orai1 channel in SMC is required for their proliferation and migration, and may be involved in vascular SMC responses and angiogenesis triggered by different physiological and pathological conditions.
Ownership, Competition, and Bank Productivity: An Analysis of Indian Banking in the Post-reform Period

Abstract This paper investigates the effect of ownership and competition on Indian bank productivity since the 1991 reforms. We find that Indian private banks dominate the public and foreign banks both in terms of productivity levels and productivity growth, with the new Indian private banks leading the charge. Competition has a positive impact on productivity for the old Indian private banks, and all the other banks are hurt by competition — the worst hit being new Indian private banks. A similar picture emerges on the productivity growth side, with the new Indian private bank productivity growth being the worst affected as competition increases. An analysis of the pre- and post-1998 periods shows that the latter period displays a much higher productivity gap between the Indian private banks and the public and foreign banks. Indian private bank productivity and productivity growth suffer due to increasing competition in the post-1998 period.
Ancestral bias in the Hras1 gene and distal Chromosome 7 among inbred mice

Inbred strains of mice vary in their frequency of liver tumors initiated by a mutation in the Hras1 (H-ras) proto-oncogene. We sequenced 4.5 kb of the Hras1 gene on distal Chr 7 in a diverse set of 12 commonly used laboratory inbred strains of mice and detected no sequence variation to account for strain-specific differences in Hras1 mutation prevalence. Furthermore, the Hras1 sequence is essentially monoallelic for an ancestral gene derived from the M. m. domesticus species. To determine if the monoallelism and associated low rate of polymorphism are unique to Hras1 or representative of the general chromosomal locale, we extended the sequence analysis to 12 genes in the final 8 Mb of distal Chr 7. A region of at least 2.5 Mb that encompasses several genes, including Hras1 and the H19/Igf2 loci, demonstrates virtually no sequence variation. The 12 inbred strains share one dominant haplotype derived from the M. m. domesticus allele. Chromosomal regions flanking the monoallelic segment exhibit a significantly higher rate of variation and multiple haplotypes, a majority of which are attributed to M. m. domesticus or M. m. musculus ancestry.
Poster: Context-Triggered Mobile Network Measurement

While the availability and accessibility of cellular network connectivity have improved in recent years, our ability to diagnose and debug network problems in this environment has not. One key challenge is that many of the network problems occur near the edge of the network where only mobile devices can perceive them, but network and battery resources to conduct measurements from these mobile devices are scarce. Traditional network measurement approaches that use continuous, periodic, or random measurements are either infeasible or ineffective in this environment. In this work, we propose an alternative approach: triggering measurements based on relevant device context such as signal strength and historical performance data, which can inform decisions for when to measure current network performance. This context can be collected locally on the device as well as aggregated at a global scale to schedule measurement based on data collected from multiple devices. By carefully selecting when to conduct a measurement, and using prediction to improve the likelihood that triggered measurements will succeed, we can more reliably measure important network phenomena with less overhead. Using Mobilyzer [3] as a platform for evaluation, we propose an architecture that is sufficiently general to support a wide range of triggered measurement experiments. We demonstrate the use of this framework for measurements on mobile platforms that are traditionally difficult to capture, e.g., handoff measurement. Further, we can use the global scheduler to predict which devices will likely satisfy the preconditions for the triggered measurement to improve the measurement success rate. Compared to previous work [2, 1, 4], ours is the first to propose a general framework to enable context-triggered mobile measurement, leveraging both local and global visibility into context while ensuring low overhead.
Hydration Crystallization Reactions between Anhydrous Minerals and Hydrous Melt to Yield Amphibole and Biotite in Igneous Rocks: Description and Implications

Abstract The crystallization of some hydrous magmas can be modeled, in part, via the reaction between hydrous melt and anhydrous minerals to yield hydrous minerals. The reactions (herein termed “hydration crystallization”) are equilibrium, incongruent, vapor‐absent crystallization reactions, the reverse of dehydration‐melting reactions. The principal petrographic evidence for hydration crystallization is partially reacted and resorbed pyroxene and oxide minerals mantled by amphibole and biotite. Hydration crystallization can buffer the water content of mildly hydrous (up to ∼2 wt% H2O) magmas at values below saturation, conceivably to the completion of crystallization, thus contradicting the maxim that “all magmas go to water saturation.” Even if the buffering effect does not persist throughout the crystallization history, water contents of magmas in which these incongruent reactions occur will remain lower than magmas in which they have not. Whether they preclude vapor saturation, equilibrium hydration c...
The mitogenic effects of vasoactive neuropeptides on cultured smooth muscle cell lines.

Abstract In order to investigate the relationship between the biochemical pathways that characterize contraction and cell growth, we have studied both contraction, mitogenesis and protein synthesis induced by the vasoactive neuropeptides, substance P (SP), calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) on four different established vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle cell lines. Contraction in vitro was evaluated by light microscopy and recorded photographically. Mitogenesis and protein synthesis were evaluated by [3H]-thymidine incorporation into cells and [3H]-amino acid incorporation into trichloroacetic acid precipitated materials, respectively. SP stimulated mitogenesis of A7r5 cells (embryonic rat aorta), but failed to induce significant contraction of these cells, whereas, SP induced contraction of cultured adult rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), but failed to stimulate mitogenesis. CGRP and VIP stimulated mitogenesis and protein synthesis, respectively, of DDT1MF-2 cells (hamster vas deferens), but neither induced contraction of this cell line. All three neuropeptides showed no effect on BC3Hl (mouse smooth muscle-like) cells. These results suggest that neuropeptides with vasoactive properties modulate different stages of cellular mitogenic responses which may be regulated by the degree of maturation of smooth muscle cell.
Vocal interchange with mother and stranger as a function of infant age, sex, and parental education☆

Abstract This study explored whether sex and socio-educational differences could be detected in young infants' pattern of vocal interaction with mother and stranger. Sixteen male and 16 female normal infants from either highly educated or lower educated parents were tested at ages 2 and 3 months at their home. Mother and a female experimenter-stranger each tried to engage the infant in “conversation” for 3 min. All vocalizations were recorded and decoded later. Infants at both ages vocalized more to mother than stranger. Infants from the higher education group and female infants (particularly in the higher education group) vocalized significantly more to mother than to stranger at both ages than both male and female infants in the lower education group. The results suggest that young infants' pattern of vocal interaction with mother and stranger, which appears to be influenced by early environmental factors, may be a meaningful behavior to discern early group differences in linguistic skills.
Perissomyrmex Snyderi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is Native to Central America and Exhibits Worker Polymorphism

The rediscovery of Perissomyrmex snyderi, previously known from the two worker types, is reported. New collections were observed from two different cloud forest sites in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Based on the collection localities and cloud forest habitats, the species is clearly native to Central America. A sample of 205 workers revealed diphasic allometry, with distinct minor and major worker castes, and the queen was observed for the first time.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Is a Downstream Mediator of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase-Akt Signaling in 14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid-induced Angiogenesis

To determine the efficacy of cytochrome P450 2C9 metabolites of arachidonic acid, viz. 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), in inducing angiogenesis, we have studied their effects on human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMVEC) tube formation and migration. All four EETs stimulated HDMVEC tube formation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Because 14,15-EET was found to be slightly more efficacious than 5,6-, 8,9-, and 11,12-EETs in stimulating HDMVEC tube formation and migration, we next focused on elucidation of the signaling mechanisms underlying its angiogenic activity. 14,15-EET stimulated Akt and S6K1 phosphorylation in Src- and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent manner in HDMVECs. Inhibition of Src and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling by both pharmacological and dominant-negative mutant approaches suppressed 14,15-EET-induced HDMVEC tube formation and migration in vitro and Matrigel plug angiogenesis in vivo. In addition, 14,15-EET induced the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in Src- and PI3K-Akt-dependent and mTOR-independent manner in HDMVECs. Neutralizing anti-FGF-2 antibodies completely suppressed 14,15-EET-induced HDMVEC tube formation and migration in vitro and Matrigel plug angiogenesis in vivo. Together, these results show for the first time that Src and PI3K-Akt signaling via targeting in parallel with FGF-2 expression and mTOR-S6K1 activation plays an indispensable role in 14,15-EET-induced angiogenesis.
PERFORMANCE OF A MODIFIED PACKED-GLAND SEAL.

An experimental investigation of the mechanics of hydrodynamic lubrication and heat generation and dissipation of packed-gland rotary shaft seals was performed on a somewhat novel design. The design differs from conventional stuffing-box seals in that the packing was inverted so that it rotated with the shaft. It was also skewed so as to enhance heat transfer and lubrication. Further, the gland was loaded hydraulically so that the axial pressure applied to the packing was readily controllable. These modifications proved to be successful in that much improved stability of operation was obtained through lowered coefficients of friction (with water as the sealed fluid) and interface temperature which prolonged seal life without serious detriment to leakage. Some rheological data on Teflon-asbestos packing is presented as well as kinetic coefficients of friction. Motion picture frame photographic sequences of the packing interface showing packing deterioration and lubricant film cavitation are included also.
Cingulate gyrus in schizophrenic patients and normal volunteers

Abstract Comparable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sections of right and left anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus were measured blindly with a method developed by the authors in 14 patients with schizophrenia (by DSM-III-R criteria) and 14 normal volunteers individually matched to the patients for age, sex, education, and parental socioeconomic status. Interrater reliability met or exceeded 0.92 (κ) on all cingulate structures measured. Brain volume in the two groups differed by 2% (normal > schizophrenia), but the difference was not significant. All cingulate gyri measures were nonsignificantly smaller in the patient group by 3–5%. There was an inverse correlation between left anterior cingulate size and severity of hallucinations that was, however, not significant after Bonferroni correction. Lateral asymmetry of the cingulate regions measured was the same in both groups, with the left being nonsignificantly smaller than the right for all regions. We demonstrate a reliable method, unreported thus far in the literature, to measure the cingulate gyrus on MRI; the results suggest that left cingulate gyrus size may be inversely related to severity of hallucinations in schizophrenia.
FORMATION, STRUCTURE, AND STABILITIES OF METALLOCARBOHEDRENES

Time-of-flight mass spectrometric investigations of the formation of metallocarbohedrenes and binary metal metallocarbohedrenes under both direct laser vaporization and laser vaporization/molecular beam conditions were conducted. A wide range of Ti-to-carbon ratios and in other experiments a range of Ti-to-Zr molar ratios were explored. These new studies provide further insight into the formation process of Met-Car clusters and, moreover, serve to eliminate certain suggested formation mechanisms such as one involving the attachment of metal atoms to a preexisting core consisting of a 12-atom carbon cage. There is no evidence in the experiments to suggest that Met-Cars produced via direct laser vaporization exist in a higher energy configuration than those formed in a laser plasma and then subjected to cooling in a molecular beam expansion. Mass spectral distributions of binary metal metallocarbohedrenes produced under widely varying conditions provide evidence that there is one set of equivalent metal sit...
Creating and evaluating multi-document sentence extract summaries

This paper discusses passage extraction approaches to multidocument summarization that use available information about the document set as a whole and the relationships between the documents to build on single document summarization methodology. Multi-document summarization di ers from single in that the issues of compression, speed, redundancy and passage selection are critical in the formation of useful summaries, as well as the user's goals in creating the summary. Our approach addresses these issues by using domain-independent techniques based mainly on fast, statistical processing, a metric for reducing redundancy and maximizing diversity in the selected passages, and a modular framework to allow easy parameterization for di erent genres, corpora characteristics and user requirements. We examined how humans create multi-document summaries as well as the characteristics of such summaries and use these summaries to evaluate the performance of various multidocument summarization algorithms.
A Novel Formulation for the Design of Distributed Compliant Mechanisms

The optimization problem formulations currently used to synthesize compliant topologies aim to maximize flexibility at the output point for desired motion while maximizing overall stiffness for satisfactorily bearing the applied loads. The best solution to this problem, as posed, is a linkage consisting of rigid members connected together with revolute joints. Current elastic mechanics-based formulations do generate compliant topologies that closely imitate a rigid-body linkage by means of lumped compliance as in flexures. Systematically generating such topology solutions could serve as a creative aide for subsequent modifications, especially when the force-deflection specifications are non-intuitive to human designers. However, flexure-based compliant designs are not useful in most applications when large displacements and/or high strength are desired. Ideally, compliant designs should distribute flexibility uniformly throughout the structure rather than limiting to a few flexures. In this paper we discuss why current formulations often do not provide distributed compliant designs, and present a novel formulation that guarantees distributed compliance. The method is explained in detail and is illustrated with examples.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Expression of DNA methyltransferases in adult dorsal root ganglia is cell-type specific and up regulated in a rodent model of neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is associated with hyperexcitability and intrinsic firing of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. These phenotypical changes can be long lasting, potentially spanning the entire life of animal models, and depend on altered expression of numerous proteins, including many ion channels. Yet, how DRGs maintain long-term changes in protein expression in neuropathic conditions remains unclear. DNA methylation is a well-known mechanism of epigenetic control of gene expression and is achieved by the action of three enzymes: DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 1, 3a, and 3b, which have been studied primarily during development. We first performed immunohistochemical analysis to assess whether these enzymes are expressed in adult rat DRGs (L4–5) and found that DNMT1 is expressed in both glia and neurons, DNMT3a is preferentially expressed in glia and DNMT3b is preferentially expressed in neurons. A rat model of neuropathic pain was then used to determine whether nerve injury may induce epigenetic changes in DRGs at multiple time points after pain onset. Real-time RT PCR analysis revealed robust and time-dependent changes in DNMT transcript expression in ipsilateral DRGs from spared nerve injury (SNI) but not sham rats. Interestingly, DNMT3b transcript showed a robust upregulation that appeared already 1 week after surgery and persisted at 4 weeks (our endpoint); in contrast, DNMT1 and DNMT3a transcripts showed only moderate upregulation that was transient and did not appear until the second week. We suggest that DNMT regulation in adult DRGs may be a contributor to the pain phenotype and merits further study.
Reduction in the Number of Independent Parameters for the Tsai—Wu Tensor Polynomial Theory of Strength for Composite Materials:

It is shown that the number of required parameters for the Tsai-Wu tensor polynomial strength criterion for fiber composites can be reduced from seven to five for composite materials that do not fail under practical levels of either hydrostatic or transverse pressure. For these materials, the interactive strength parameters can be defined in terms of their commonly measured uniaxial or noninteracting strength parameters, thereby eliminating the need to conduct combined stress tests. The derived parameters are given by F12 = − F11/4 F23 = − F22 These parameters fall within the stability limits of the theory, yet they lead to open failure surfaces in the compressive stress quadrant. The assumptions used to derive the interactive parameters were supported by measurements that showed typical carbon fiber composites did not fail under significant levels of hydrostatic pressure or unequal transverse compression. Comparison with previous work where the interactive parameters had been determined from combined str...
Organolanthanide-Mediated Silanolytic Chain Transfer Processes. Scope and Mechanism of Single Reactor Catalytic Routes to Silapolyolefins

This paper reports efficient and selective silanolytic (PhSiH3, n-BuSiH3, C6H5CH2SiH3) chain transfer in organolanthanide-catalyzed homogeneous ethylene polymerization and ethylene copolymerization with several α-olefins. The result is a series of silyl-capped polyolefins which have been characterized by 1H/13C NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as by GPC. In [(Me5C5)2LnH]2/[Me2Si(Me4C5)2LnH]2-mediated ethylene homopolymerization and ethylene copolymerization, both primary arylsilanes (PhSiH3) and alkylsilanes (n-BuSiH3, C6H5CH2SiH3) function as efficient chain-transfer agents. In the case of ethylene polymerization mediated by [(Me5C5)2SmH]2, the mechanism of chain transfer is supported by the observation that Mn of the capped polyethylenes formed at constant [catalyst], [PhSiH3], [ethylene] is inversely proportional to [PhSiH3]. Using silane-activated Me2Si(Me4C5)2LnCH(SiMe3)2 precatalysts, this chain-transfer process also efficiently produces silyl-endcapped ethylene + 1-hexene copolymers and ethylene + s...
Stress-displacement relation of fiber for fiber-reinforced ceramic composites during (indentation) loading and unloading

The stress-displacement relation of the fiber is analyzed for fiber-reinforced ceramic composites during axial compressive loading (indentation) and unloading on the exposed end of an embedded fiber. An unbonded fiber/matrix interface subject to Coulomb friction and residual radial clamping stresses is considered in the present study. The results show that the stress-displacement curves during loading and unloading can be used to evaluate the magnitude of the clamping stress, the coefficient of friction, and the frictional stress distribution at the interface. Specifically, in the absence of Poisson's effect (i.e., when Poisson's ratio of the fiber is zero), the interfacial shear stress is constant, the loading curve is parabolic, and, after complete unloading, the residual fiber displacement equals half of the maximum fiber displacement at the peak loading stress. In the presence of Poisson's effect, the interfacial shear stress is not constant, and, after complete unloading, the residual fiber displacement is less than half of the maximum fiber displacement at the peak loading stress.
The ethicality of altruistic corporate social responsibility

This commentary questions commonly held assumptions about corporate social responsibility (CSR). It discusses the morality of altruistic CSR – philanthropic CSR activities that are not necessarily beneficial to the firm’s financial position. Evaluating altruistic CSR from all major ethical perspectives – utilitarianism, rights, justice and care – leads to the conclusion that, for publicly held corporations, such activity is immoral. This is because altruistic CSR violates shareholder property rights, unjustly seizing stockholder wealth, and it bestows benefits for the general welfare at the expense of those for whom the firm should care in close relationships. The paper also determines that what are often considered mandatory ethical and social corporate duties are actually optional activities that should only be undertaken when it appears that they can enhance the value of the firm, i.e. when they are used as strategic CSR. However, using ideas taken from secular and Judaeo‐Christian authors on the meaning of work, the article also concludes that altruistic activities are appropriate and commendable for private firms and individuals. It offers suggestions for practitioners of CSR and for future academic research.
Construction and Characterization of a Fowlpox Virus Field Isolate Whose Genome Lacks Reticuloendotheliosis Provirus Nucleotide Sequences

Fowlpox virus (FWPV) has been isolated from vaccinated chicken flocks during subsequent fowlpox outbreaks that were characterized by a high degree of mortality and significant economic losses. This inability of current vaccines to induce adequate immunity in poultry could be reflective of an antigenic and/or biologic distinctiveness of FWPV field isolates. In this regard, whereas an infectious reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) provirus is present in the majority of the field viruses' genomes, only remnants of REV long terminal repeats (LTR) have been retained in the DNAs of each vaccine strain. Although it has not been demonstrated whether the partial LTRs can provide an avenue for FWPV to reacquire the REV provirus by homologous recombination, utilizing viruses of which genomes lack any known integrated retroviral sequences could resolve concern over this issue. Therefore, such an entity was created by genetically modifying a recently isolated field strain of FWPV. This selection, in lieu of a commercial vaccine virus, as the progenitor was based on the probability that a virus circulating in the environment would be more antigenically similar to others in this locale and thus might be a better candidate for vaccine development. A comparison in vivo of the pathogenic traits of the parental wild-type field isolate, its genetically modified progeny, and a rescue mutant in whose genome the REV provirus was inserted at its previous location, indicated that elimination of the provirus sequence correlated with reduced virulence. However, even with elimination of the parasitic REV, the modified FWPV was still slightly more invasive than a commercial vaccine virus. Interestingly, both types of attenuated FWPV elicited a similar degree of antibody production in inoculated chickens and afforded them protection against a subsequent challenge by a field virus, the origin of which was temporally and geographically distinct from that of the progenitor strain. Due to its antigenicity being retained despite a decrease in virulence, this REV-less FWPV could potentially be developed as a vaccine against fowlpox.
On a certain class of prehomogeneous vector spaces

Abstract We take a field k of characteristic 0 and consider the set of (G, X) where X = Affn and G is a connected irreducible k-subgroup of GL(X) acting transitively on the complement Y of an irreducible hypersurface. A classification of (G, X) for k = C by Sato and Kimura is classical. We shall determine (G, X) such that Gk is transitive on Yk in the case where G splits over k and a quaternion division k-algebra exists. This has been motivated by and applied to number theory; cf. Invent. Math. 85 (1986) 1–29 and Amer. J. Math. 109 (1987) 1–34.
Inflammation, aging, and adiposity: implications for physical therapists.

Background Physical therapists treat older individuals, characterized as both a needy and expanding population. Frailty, a predisability condition with links to chronic inflammatory conditions, is estimated to affect 7% of individuals older than 60 years and 40% of people older than 80 years. Chronic inflammation is one of the most important physiologic correlates of the frailty syndrome and high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, related to both aging and increasing adiposity in older individuals are related to an increased risk of mortality, sarcopenia, reduced muscle strength and decreased mobility. Purpose The purpose of this narrative review is to inform the physical therapist of the effects of aging and increasing adiposity on chronic inflammation and the association of inflammation with muscle loss, strength, and mobility impairments in older adults; and to review the current evidence to provide clinical recommendations on physical activity and exercise regimes that may mitigate chronic inflammation in older adults. Discussion As physical therapists help manage and treat an increasingly older population, understanding how the inflammatory milieu changes with aging and increasing adiposity and how these changes can be impacted by physical therapists via exercise and physical activity is critical. Conclusion Exercise is a potent preventive intervention strategy and countermeasure for chronic inflammation and adiposity. Exercise can also benefit the frail older individual by combating the negative effects of chronic inflammation and optimally balancing the production of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition to providing an anti-inflammatory environment within muscle to mitigate the effects of chronic inflammation, exercise has the added benefit of improving muscle mass and function and decreasing adiposity in older adults.
Developmental biology: The power of blood

Compared with the masterpiece crafted by nature, even Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings of the cardiovascular system seem primitive. In creating this system, nature seems to use blood flow as its paintbrush.
A region flanking H-2K is duplicated to a distant site in most mouse t haplotypes

Mouse t haplotypes contain at least one inversion, which encompasses the major histocompatibility complex, relative to their wild-type counterparts. A DNA probe for a single copy sequence which flanks the H-2K region in inbred strains was found to have undergone further rearrangements in the t haplotypes. In most t haplotypes, this sequence is duplicated at a distant site, and the two regions show 1 % recombination. The length of homology shared by the two sites is likely to be at least 10–15 kb. Three different alleles, as defined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms, were found for each of the two sites among different t haplotypes. These may reveal evolutionary relationships among these chromosomes.
Sensitization of ultra-long-range excited-state electron transfer by energy transfer in a polymerized film

Abstract Distance-dependent energy transfer occurs from the Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) excited state to an anthracene-acrylate derivative (Acr-An) incorporated into the polymer network of a semirigid poly(ethyleneglycol)dimethacrylate monolith. Following excitation, to Acr-An triplet energy transfer occurs followed by long-range, Acr-3An—Acr-An → Acr-An—Acr-3An, energy migration. With methyl viologen dication (MV2+) added as a trap, Acr-3An + MV2+ → Acr-An+ + MV+ electron transfer results in sensitized electron transfer quenching over a distance of approximately 90 A.
Semantic memory and the granularity of semantic relations: Evidence from speed-accuracy decomposition

In the present study we examined whether semantic relations are atomistic unitary associations, or are complex concepts consisting of a number of relational elements. The complexity of the ownership relation was assessed by combining a relation verification task (“Many people own [cars/ comets]”) with the speed-accuracy decomposition procedure (Meyer, Irwin, Osman, & Kounios, 1988). The latter permits one to determine whether subjects achieve their final state of response accuracy in a single, discrete all-or-none transition, or whether the relevant processes yield partial information representing intermediate states of knowledge. The rationale was that the retrieval of a unitary relational link from a classical associative network should be an all-or-none affair. In contrast, a set of relational elements need not be processed as a unitary bundle, thereby allowing partial response-information states. In two experiments, we found evidence of such partial information (i.e., sensitivity in units ofd′), lending support to the notion that relations are complex. Furthermore, the results suggest that the accumulation of guessing sensitivity was linear over time, weighing against alternate theoretical interpretations.
Modular branched stent graft for endovascular repair of aortic arch aneurysm and dissection

Abstract Purpose We describe a modular stent graft for use in endovascular repair of aneurysms of the aortic arch. Method Carotid-carotid and left carotid–subclavian bypass grafts are created surgically. Two large, fully stented grafts are inserted endoluminally. The proximal component is bifurcated, with a wide proximal trunk and two distal limbs, one long and narrow, the other short and wide. This component is inserted through the carotid artery and deployed with the trunk and short wide limb in the ascending thoracic aorta; the long narrow limb opens into the innominate artery. After delivery system removal and carotid artery repair, a distal component is inserted through a femoral approach to bridge the gap between the short, wide distal limb of the proximal component and the nondilated descending thoracic aorta. The result is a branched stent graft, implanted proximally into the ascending aorta and distally into the innominate artery and descending thoracic aorta. Conclusion The system has been used successfully to treat a large wide-necked pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch.