cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxide-defined VCSEL-based smart pixels for the optical database filter

This paper presents the construction of the smart pixel arrays which perform AND and XOR functions with three-input and one-output optical signals for the application of an optical database filter. The device is based on oxide confined VCSELs bump bonded to GaAs MESFET pixels. The MSM photodetectors are monolithically integrated with MESFETs.
Chromosomal changes observed in immortalized human keratinocytes transformed by ionizing radiation.

Abstract Human epithelial cancer cells were induced by concerted action of DNA tumor virus and X-ray radiation. Treatment of nontumorigenic early passage AD12-SV40 immortalized epithelial cells (RHEK-1) at passage 23 with radiation, resulted in further changes in their growth properties. One day old cultures of these RHEK-1 cells were irradiated with graded doses of X-rays (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Gy i.e. RHEK-1, RHEK-1/200R, RHEK-1/400R, RHEK-1/600R, and RHEK-1/800R). Morphologic alterations, the ability to grow in soft agar, and to form rapidly-growing squamous cell carcinomas in nude mice were concomitantly acquired properties of the radiation transformed cell lines RHEK-1/200R and RHEK-1/400R. On the basis of commonality in having addition of some extra material in chromosome 11 in the region between q14/q22 in all tumorigenic cell lines RHEK-1/200R and RHEK-1/400R, and deletion of the same region in nontumorigenic irradiated cell lines-RHEK-1/600R and RHEK-1/ 800R, it is deduced this region may have some important oncogene/s or other gene/s that play an important role in tumorigenesis. When compared to squamous cell carcinoma data, the duplication observed in the present study is also observed in 28 to 38% of head and neck and also in 25% of cases of untreated malignant lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, this study shows the correlation between in vitro induced squamous cell carcinoma to in vivo tumors.
Toward a tandem gallium phosphide on silicon solar cell through liquid phase epitaxy growth

Abstract Three layers of GaP were epitaxially grown on Si(111) using liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) to demonstrate a path to fabrication of a GaP/Si tandem solar cell. Utilizing a Sn melt with Bi, Mg, and Si additives, direct epitaxial growth on a Si substrate occurred. This was followed by two further epitaxial growths, eliminating Si in the melt, with each layer decreasing in Si concentration. Scanning electron and optical microscopy and electron dispersive spectroscopy were performed in order to determine the characteristics of the growth layers. A fourth layer growth of GaP was attempted utilizing a Ga melt, and the existing structure was able to withstand contact with Ga without dissolution. Epitaxial layers of GaP with a decrease in Si concentration from 10-15% to 6%, then to less than 3%, were accomplished, thereby demonstrating a path to fabrication of a GaP/Si tandem cell using LPE.
A nonparametric belief propagation method for uncertainty quantification with applications to flow in random porous media

A probabilistic graphical model approach to uncertainty quantification for flows in random porous media is introduced. Model reduction techniques are used locally in the graph to represent the random permeability. Then the conditional distribution of the multi-output responses on the low dimensional representation of the permeability field is factorized into a product of local potential functions. An expectation-maximization algorithm is used to learn the nonparametric representation of these potentials using the given input/output data. We develop a nonparametric belief propagation method for uncertainty quantification by employing the loopy belief propagation algorithm. The nonparametric nature of our model is able to capture non-Gaussian features of the response. The proposed framework can be used as a surrogate model to predict the responses for new input realizations as well as our confidence on these predictions. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed framework for solving uncertainty quantification problems in flows through porous media using stationary and non-stationary permeability fields.
Optimizing mobile multimedia using SIMD techniques

Demand for mobile video applications is growing today in wireless handheld platforms. Optimizing instruction set architectures and employing SIMD techniques is a logical approach towards attaining higher performance in mobile multimedia applications. Intel® Wireless MMX� technology has been designed to accelerate mobile multimedia and applications processing in a power efficient manner. This paper provides an overview of Intel® Wireless MMX� technology, a 64-bit Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) coprocessor for the Intel® XScale® microarchitecture, and the key features of the architecture that specifically enhance the multi-media performance. Tools and techniques for optimization are also described.
Tunable magnetic anisotropy of CoFe2O4 nanopillar arrays released from BiFeO3 matrix

We deposited epitaxial BiFeO3–CoFe2O4 (BFO–CFO) self-assembled thin films on (001) SrTiO3 (STO) substrates. We find that a combined annealing and etching process could remove the BFO matrix, thereby resulting in free-standing CFO nanopillar arrays. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopies showed well separated CFO nanopillars, which were very similar to the original CFO ones in the self-assembled structure. Finally, comparison of the magnetic hysteresis loops before and after removal of the BFO matrix showed a significant decrease of the coercive field and a dramatic decrease in the strain dominated magnetic anisotropy. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Direct Harmonic Linear Navier-Stokes Methods for Efficient Simulation of Wave Packets

Wave packets produced by localized disturbances play an important role in transition in three-dimensional boundary layers, such as that on a swept wing. Starting with the receptivity process, we show the effects of wave-space energy distribution on the development of packets and other three-dimensional disturbance patterns. Nonlinearity in the receptivity process is specifically addressed, including demonstration of an effect which can enhance receptivity of traveling crossflow disturbances. An efficient spatial numerical simulation method is allowing most of the simulations presented to be carried out on a workstation.
Staff Development in Early Reading Intervention Programs: The Facilitator.

Abstract Current reform initiatives often call for facilitators to work with teachers and administrators in the change process. Although this facilitating position is becoming more common, little is currently understood about this role and the forms it might take. This study examines the work of four facilitators involved in five different successful reform programs focusing on early reading intervention. These facilitators are instrumental in different approaches to reform, ranging from externally adopted to internally developed interventions. Findings examine the different roles of facilitation as viewed by the facilitators themselves in relationship to these different approaches to reform. Common issues and dilemmas are also examined.
Keepin’ on the Sunny Side: Scandals, Organized Interests, and the Passage of Legislative Lobbying Laws in the American States

Political Scientists have widely explored why legislatures pass campaign finance regulations and how these laws condition the influence of organized interests over elected officials. Studies have not explained how state houses can overcome entrenched interests, to pass more restrictive legislative lobbying laws. Interest group pressure can be overcome when routine politics are impacted by agenda-setting environments and broader state political contexts that prompt the passage of legislative lobbying reforms. Findings suggest that although moralistic political culture and political scandals set the agenda for stricter regulation, the prospects for reform are tempered by the power of organized interests in state houses.
Stroke: Comparable care, worse outcomes for women with stroke.

Sex differences are increasingly recognized in many areas of medicine, and stroke is no exception. Women tend to be more adversely affected by stroke than are men and, as a new study illustrates, this discrepancy cannot be attributed solely to sex-related differences in acute stroke care.
Use of a chemiluminescence detector for quantitation of nitric oxide produced in assays of denitrifying enzymes

We have developed a closed-flow system that continuously sweeps away gases evolved in enzyme assay mixtures into a commercially available oxides of nitrogen (NOx) analyzer for the quantitation of any nitric oxide present in these gases. The system enabled us to study both the stoichiometry and the kinetics of NO production by a copper-containing nitrite reductase (EC 1.7.99.3) purified from Achromobacter cycloclastes IAM 1013. In addition to its much greater sensitivity in comparison with standard gas chromatographic (GC) techniques, the method offers the advantage that NO, a very reactive free radical, is immediately swept away and quantitated, obviating the necessity for periodic manipulations and disturbances of the reaction mixture characteristic of other GC quantitations. The characteristics of the system are discussed and its utility in studies of the kinetics and stoichiometry of NO production from nitrite is confirmed by comparison with results obtained using manometric and GC techniques.
Programmed versus naturalistic approaches in enhancing study‐related behavior

The present studies contrasted programmed versus naturalistic strategies in enhancing study related behaviors. The first study focused on a withdrawn and inattentive learning disabled child. Two treatment conditions consisted of a programmed consequence control strategy, reinforcing the child for on‐task behavior, and a nonprogrammed tactic, providing the child a paraprofessional helper. Both treatments were effective in reducing off‐task behavior. The second study examined more closely the nonprogrammed tutor strategies which effectively facilitated on‐task behavior. Paraprofessionals, in working with a group of maladjusted elementary school children, naturalistically used a package of teaching strategies (i.e., information, requests, praise) when interacting with the target youngsters. These studies indicate that both programmed and naturalistic treatments are effective methods of increasing study‐related behavior.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on chronic tinnitus.

Conclusions: Preliminary results indicate that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can suppress tinnitus for some people. However, several procedural questions need to be addressed before the results of TMS studies can be interpreted or applied. For example, the placebo effect might be a significant factor because it is easy for patients to distinguish between real and sham stimulation. Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the following: Can rTMS reduce patients’ perception of chronic tinnitus? Is ipsilateral or contralateral stimulation most effective at reducing patients’ perception of tinnitus? What is the extent and duration of the change in tinnitus following rTMS? Patients and methods: Fifteen subjects rated the loudness of their tinnitus on a 1–10 scale (1 = very quiet, 10 = very loud) before and after sham or real TMS. Participants wore foam ear plugs during the following procedures. After the patient's motor threshold was established, a figure-of-eight stimulating co...
Crkl Deficiency Disrupts Fgf8 Signaling in a Mouse Model of 22q11 Deletion Syndromes

Summary Deletions on chromosome 22q11.21 disrupt pharyngeal and cardiac development and cause DiGeorge and related human syndromes. CRKL ( CRK-Like ) lies within 22q11.21, and Crkl −/− mice have phenotypic features of 22q11 deletion ( del22q11 ) syndromes. While human FGF8 does not localize to 22q11, deficiency of Fgf8 also generates many features of del22q11 syndrome in mice. Since Fgf8 signals via receptor-type tyrosine kinases, and Crk family adaptor proteins transduce intracellular signals downstream of tyrosine kinases, we investigated whether Crkl mediates Fgf8 signaling. In addition to discovering genetic interactions between Crkl and Fgf8 during morphogenesis of structures affected in del22q11 syndrome, we found that Fgf8 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of FgfRs 1 and 2 and their binding to Crkl. Crkl is required for normal cellular responses to Fgf8, including survival and migration, Erk activation, and target gene expression. These findings provide mechanistic insight into disrupted intercellular interactions in the pathogenesis of malformations seen in del22q11 syndrome.
Endothelin-1 induced desensitization in primary afferent neurons.

Abstract Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a known algogen that causes acute pain and sensitization in humans and spontaneous nociceptive behaviors when injected into the periphery in rats, and is elevated during vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Previously, our lab has shown that a priming dose of ET-1 produces sensitization to capsaicin-induce secondary hyperalgesia. The goal of this study was to determine if the sensitization induced by ET-1 priming is occurring at the level of the primary afferent neuron. Calcium imaging in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was utilized to examine the effects of ET-1 on primary afferent neurons. ET-1 induces [Ca2+]i transients in unprimed cells. ET-1 induced [Ca2+]i transients are attenuated by priming with ET-1. This priming effect occurs whether the priming dose is given 0–4 days prior to the challenge dose. Similarly, ET-1 priming decreases capsaicin-induced [Ca2+]i transients. At the level of the primary afferent neuron, ET-1 priming has a desensitizing effect on challenge exposures to ET-1 and capsaicin.
Embedding Partial 4-cycle Systems of Arbitrary Index

Recently, Lindner showed that every partial 4-cycle system of order n and index 1 could be embedded in a 4-cycle system of order ν and index 1 with v ≤ 2n + 15. While the technique he used does not immediately extend to any higher index, here we develop his ideas to show that every partial 4-cycle system of order n and index λ can be embedded in a 4-cycle system of order v and index λ for all λ-admissible $$\nu \geq 8 \lceil n /4 \rceil + 7, \nu \ne 8 \lceil n /4 \rceil + 8$$. This improves on the best known bounds of v = 4n and v = 8n + 1 when λ > 1 is even and odd respectively.
Luminescence Excited by X-Rays in Colloidal Alkaline Earth Salts

The gelatinous precipitates of calcium, strontium and barium fluoride are positive colloids. The precipitates formed in the presence of an excess of calcium, strontium or barium ions luminesce in x-rays. The intensity of luminescence increases after the precipitate has been brought to red heat. The salts that are precipitated in the presence of excess fluoride do not luminesce in x-rays. The positively charged fluorides are changed into negative colloids by washing in dilute alkali; this causes the disappearance of the luminescence. Washing with dilute acid or distilled water is without effect. Colloidal barium sulphate shows a similar behaviour. Calcium tungstate and strontium tungstate are negative colloids; the precipitates formed in the presence of excess tungstate ions fluoresce brightly in x-rays. The precipitates formed in the presence of excess calcium or strontium ions fluoresce very faintly. A table is given showing the extent of the luminescent bands into the ultra-violet. Fluorides that have been heated in a hydrogen atmosphere show a dark discoloration and do not luminesce in x-rays. The presence of impurities diminishes the luminescence of colloidal precipitates. The alkaline earth chlorides and phosphates, calcium and strontium sulphate, and barium tungstate formed only crystalline precipitates that did not luminesce in x-rays. The hypothesis is made that the luminescence of colloidal precipitates is due to a thin layer of metallic oxide which is formed from the double layer of ions that is adsorbed on the surface of the colloidal particles.
Properties and Performance of Gas-Expanded Lubricants in Tilting Pad Journal Bearings

Lubricants enable proper function and reduce friction in rotating machinery, but they can also contribute to power loss and heat buildup. Gas-expanded lubricants (GELs) have been proposed as tunable mixtures of lubricant and CO2 under pressure with properties such as viscosity that can be controlled directly in response to changing environmental or rotordynamic conditions. In this work, experimental results of GEL viscosity, gas diffusivity, and thermal conductivity were combined with high-pressure phase equilibrium data to understand how these mixtures will behave in tilting pad journal bearings under a range of industry-relevant high-speed conditions. Simulations were carried out using the experimental data as inputs to a thermoelastohydrodynamic model of tilting pad journal bearing performance. Viscosity could be easily tuned by controlling the composition of the GEL and the effect on bearing efficiency was appreciable, with 14–46% improvements in power loss. This trend held for a range of lubricant ch...
Correlation of behavioral and neurochemical effects of acute administration of cocaine in rats.

Abstract Effects of cocaine were investigated on spontaneous motor activity (SMA) and stereotypy as well as on the concentrations of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and acetylcholine (ACh) in the discrete brain areas, such as the caudate nucleus (CN), diencephalon-midbrain (DM) and pons-medulla (PM) in rats up to 90–120 min following its injection in single doses (15–20 mg/kg, i.p.). After cocaine administration, the SMA was increased usually reaching its peak between 10–20 min, and then decreased gradually. Stereotypy and its components gradually increased to their maximum at about 50–60 min and remained at that level during rest of 120 min sessions. NE levels slightly increased in the DM and PM at 10 min post-drug after which they were decreased at 20 min. DA levels in the CN and DM were increased markedly at 20 min post-drug and decreased at 40 min. 5-HT levels in DM and PM decreased gradually up to 20 min, then began to increase. ACh level in the CN was gradually increased at 40 min and then decreased. It appears that cocaine-induced hyperactivity and stereotypy followed release of NE and DA after their accumulation in the respective brain areas.
Small bowel injuries in children

Objective: To determine the common features of small bowel injury (SBI) in childhood and the consequences of delayed diagnosis. Methodology: A retrospective case review was performed of children with traumatic SBI between January 1988 and November 1999. Results: Twenty-eight patients were identified with SBI. Road trauma accounted for 71% of them. Tachycardia was present on admission in 82% of patients with SBI including all but one of the intestinal perforations. SBI was associated with a Chance fracture of the lumbar spine in three patients (11%). An abdominal computed tomography scan with intravenous contrast was abnormal in all patients With a perforation or mesenteric tear. Diagnosis was delayed in six patients, one of whom died as a result of sepsis from a small bowel perforation. Conclusions: Persistent tachycardia with an appropriate mechanism of injury following blunt abdominal trauma requires active exclusion of SBI. Delayed diagnosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Explaining Variation and Change in Gubernatorial Powers, 1960-1982:

ORMAL powers of state governors have increased since 1960 (Ransone 1982), to such an extent that one author has concluded: "In most of the states, as a result, the governor is now truly the master of his own house, not just the father figure" (Sabato 1983: 57). The meaning of Sabato's generalization will be tested empirically by comparing current powers with those first described and quantified by Joseph Schlesinger in 1960. The comparison will improve our understanding of the dynamics of change in state government institutions; and the new index will be a valuable tool for further research.
Synthesis and Characterization of N-Methylmyosmine

(1978). Synthesis and Characterization of N-Methylmyosmine. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry: Vol. 42, No. 11, pp. 2177-2178.
Surface state related noise in MOS transistors

Abstract The theory of surface state effects on 1 ƒ noise in p−n junctions is extended to explain low-frequency excess noise in MOS transistors. Experimental results are critically compared to theory. The results show that low-frequency excess noise in MOS transistors is due to the fluctuation of charge density in the conduction channel caused by the surface potential fluctuation. The fluctuation of the surface potential is introduced by the random charge occupancy of surface states. The low-frequency excess noise in MOS transistors is found to be proportional to the surface state density and the square of the transconductance of the device, and inversely proportional to the gate area and the square of the unit area gate-insulator capacitance. It is also shown that the surface state density when the surface is strongly inverted can be obtained from noise measurements. Finally it is shown that by proper heat treatment it is possible to reduce the low-frequency excess noise of MOS transistors.
A program for handling data obtained by ‘blind’ histopathological evaluations

Abstract An interactive data input, storage, retrieval and treatment system ( LAMES ) is described for use in histophatological studies where pathologists evaluate tissues without any identification (termed evaluations which are ‘blind’). The system produces the mean values of individual groups within an experiment, and results of statistical comparisons between the groups. The system was implemented on a Hewlett-Packard (HP) 1000-F minicomputer operating under RTE-6/VM, and was written using FORTRAN IV .
SU‐GG‐J‐19: A Theoretical Model for Respiratory Motion Artifacts in Free Breathing CT Scans

Purpose: To present a theoretical model that explains the source of motion artifacts in CT scans of tumors undergoing respiratory motion, and the relationship between motion artifacts and the motion parameters of the scanner and tumor.Method and Materials: A one‐dimensional model aligned along the craniocaudal axis in the couch coordinate system is used. The tumor is modeled as an oscillating line segment, while the scanner moves with constant velocity. Equations of motion are formulated for the tumor and scanner, and a geometric method is used to solve for the time intervals at which the scanner will capture the tumor. These time intervals are translated into position intervals, corresponding to the positions at which the tumor would appear in a CT scan.Results: The model explains the sources of length distortions, tumor splitting, and mean position displacement in CT scans of tumors undergoing respiratory motion. It is shown that splitting artifacts can be eliminated if the scanner speed is above the tumor's maximum speed. It is also shown why slow scanner speeds are useful for obtaining accurate internal target volumes (ITVs), and fast scanning speeds are useful for obtaining accurate tumor lengths. In both cases the maximum possible error is calculated as a function of the scanning speed. A special set of scanning speeds which result in an accurate representation of tumor length are found, and a relationship between the maximum displacement of a tumorimage's mean position and the magnitude of its length distortion is derived. Conclusion: This work shows how knowledge of scanner and tumor motion parameters could be used to produce more accurate representations of a tumor's size and position in free breathing CT scans. In particular, manipulation of scanner velocities can be used to obtain more accurate measurements of a tumor's length, mean position, and ITV.
A Fast and Numerically Robust Method for Exact Multinomial Goodness-of-Fit Test

Evaluating the significance of goodness-of-fits tests for multinomial data in general, and estimating the p value of the log-likelihood ratio statistic G2 in particular, have been studied extensively in the statistical literature. The methods for computing the latter can be broadly divided into two categories: asymptotic approximations and exact methods. In many applications in bioinformatics one needs a fast algorithm to estimate vanishingly small p values which led to a renewed interest in exact methods.We introduce a new algorithm (bagFFT) for computing the p value of G2 which is based on the algorithm by Baglivo, Olivier, and Pagano. The original algorithm tends to suffer from large numerical errors, rendering it inappropriate for our purposes. We give theoretical and empirical evidence that by applying appropriate exponential shifts we obtain an algorithm that is: (a) as stable numerically as Hirji's network algorithm, and (b) asymptotically faster than both Baglivo et al.'s and Hirji's algorithm: O(...
Enhanced apoptosis in prolonged cultures of senescent porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Senescent or aged endothelial cells in culture remain metabolically active after cessation of division, and are generally believed to eventually die. However, mechanisms underlying the terminal aging of cultured cells, i.e. from senescence to death, are poorly understood. Here, we report that culturing of replicative senescent endothelial cells for a prolonged period of time without passaging leads to enhanced programmed cell death or apoptosis. Senescent (passage 45) and young (passage 3) porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC) were cultured for 0-42 days post confluence. The cells attached to culture dishes and floating in medium were collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days post confluence and were assessed for markers of apoptosis. Morphology studies showed that ratios between senescent and young cells attached to dishes declined to 45% after 42 days postconfluence. Apoptotic cells in prolonged cultures of senescent PAEC increased from 5 to 35% as determined by protein mass, DNA breakage, and caspase-3 activation. Steady state levels of Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, in senescent prolonged cultures decreased to less than 20% for all time points compared with young cells. Relative levels of Bad, a pro-apoptotic protein, in senescent cells were elevated from 60 to 130% during prolonged culturing. These results indicate that terminal cellular aging enhances apoptosis and the levels of Bcl-2/Bad may be associated with the apoptotic process in porcine lung endothelial cells.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: report of case.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and unusual syndrome, is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, neurologic symptoms, renal disease, and fever.lp2 Since the original description by Moschcowitz3 in 1925, important advances in our knowledge of TTP have been made, but the precise etiology and pathophysiology are still unknown. A gingival biopsy, if it demonstrates intravascular subendothelial platelet thrombi, will support the diagnosis of TTP. However, gingival biopsy will be positive in only 40 to 45% of suspected cases of TTP.4,5 Despite this relatively low yield, a positive biopsy is often very important in making the diagnosis and will be requested with regularity.
Synthesis of methyl 9-nonyloxynonanoate — The reduction product of an unusual unsaturated ether formed by enzymic oxidation of linoleic acid

Abstract An unambiguous synthesis of methyl 9-nonyloxynonanoate confirms the structure postulated for the reduction product of an unusual fatty acid from Solanum tuberosum and hence the structure of the latter acid as 9-(nona-1′,3′-dienyloxy) non-8-enoic acid.
Is the Community College a Less Expensive Path Toward a Bachelor's Degree?: Public 2- and 4-year Colleges' Impact on Loan Debt

Policy makers and state representatives have claimed that, compared to the traditional path to a four-year degree, a course of study that begins in the 2-year sector provides a more affordable option. If this is true, then all else equal, 2-year students who obtained a 4-year degree would be expected to have acquired less student loan debt. To test these claims, this study examines the effect of initial enrollment in public 2- and 4-year institutions on education loan debt conditional upon bachelor’s degree completion. Two quasiexperimental techniques (Propensity Score Matching and Heckman Control Function) applied to official longitudinal loan data consistently revealed that similar 2- and 4-year students who obtained a bachelor’s degree had similar levels of debt and repayment. Among non-degree-completers, initial 4-year entrants had higher loan debt than 2-year students. These findings suggest that the 2-year path culminating in a 4-year degree is not less expensive in terms of loan debt. As such, initiatives that lead traditional 4-year students to the “cheaper” 2-year sector may crowd-out students who truly need to begin in these schools. In light of these results, studies analyzing the impact of the private and for-profit sectors should be conducted following the approach presented in this study.
Identification of mammalian and invertebrate analogues of the avian calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein N-cadherin with syntheticpeptide directed antibodies against a conserved cytoplasmic domain

N-cadherin, a 130kD transmembrane adhesive glycoprotein, is a mediator of specific cellular interactions during development. Analysis of N-cadherin at the protein level, to date, has been largely dependent upon monoclonal antibody NCD-2 which recognizes only avian N-cadherin. We produced a monospecific polyclonal antiserum, C-NCAD(838–856), to a synthetic peptide corresponding to a portion of the highly conserved c-terminal cytoplasmic domain of chick N-cadherin. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting to map tissue distribution we show that the antiserum detects chick N-cadherin with a similar tissue distribution as NCD-2. Unlike NCD-2, however, anti-C-NCAD(838–856) recognizes N-cadherin analogues in a wide variety of species, including mouse, human, fish and drosophila. The results of comparative immunoblot studies demonstrate similar tissue-specific patterns and apparent molecular weight variation in the chick, mouse and human. This indicates that N-cadherin structure and expression, and most likely function as well, have been highly conserved in evolution. The antiserum recognizes an epitope unique to N-cadherin which is conserved among N-cadherins from a variety of species but is absent from other members of the cadherin gene family, as no immunoreactivity was detected with tissues bearing these other cadherins. The antiserum is thus a useful tool for the phylogenetic and biochemical investigation of N-cadherin from a variety of tissue sources.
Effects of small-scale habitat disturbance on the ecology of breeding birds in a Vermont (USA) hardwood forest

We studied territory placement and foraging behavior of breeding birds in relation to juxtaposition of forest vegetation and logged patches in southern Vermont, USA. Different bird species used disturbed vegetation at differing spatial scales, depending on territory size. Four species Dendroica pensylvanica, Geothlypis trichas, Zonotrichia on territory Oporornis philadelphia showed strong clumping of their small ( 3 ha) territories than disturbance specialists. We used ordination and quantitative matrix comparisons to describe and test relationships among 14 of the most common bird species according to their similarities in territory habitat structure, tree species composition, and foraging behavior. These analyses did not reveal any strong associations between foraging behavior and use of cut versus uncut forest. Habitat use by birds occupying this forest mosaic, with its strong local gradient of vegetation structure, was thus not associated with concurrent variation in foraging behavior. The sizes of cut patches of forest (0.7-1.6 ha) in our study area may be close to the minimum required to attract distinct breeding assemblages of non-forest birds to otherwise undisturbed forest ecosystems. Bird species that use patches of early-successional vegetation embedded in a forested landscape may adopt a fugitive strategy as they seek nesting habitats in the spring. Careful use of forest management techniques may permit both forest-interior and early-successional bird species to coexist in the landscape.
Calcium regulation of skeletal myogenesis. I. Cell content critical to myotube formation.

Primary cultures of embryonic chick pectoral skeletal muscle were used to study calcium regulation of myoblast fusion to form multinucleated myotubes. Using atomic absorption spectrometry to measure total cellular calcium and the45Ca-exchange method to determine free cellular Ca++, our data suggest that only the free cellular calcium changes significantly during development under conditions permissive for myotube formation (0.9 mM external Ca++). Increases in calcium uptake occurred before and toward the end of the period of fusion with the amount approximating 2 to 4 pmol per cell in mass cultures. If the medium [Ca++] is decreased to 0.04 mM, as determined with a calcium electrode, a fusion-block is produced and free cell Ca++ decreased 5- to 10-fold. Removal of the fusion-block by increasing medium [Ca++] results in a release of the fusion-block and an increase in cellular Ca++ to approximately 1 pmol per cell during fusion, and higher thereafter. Cation ionophore A23187 produced transient increases in cellular calcium and stimulated myoblast fusion and the final extent of myotube formation only when added at the onset of culture. Results suggest that transient increased calcium uptake alone is insufficient for fusion because critical cellular content in conjunction with permissive amounts of medium [Ca++] must exist. The latter suggests further that cell surface Ca++ was also critical.
Clarifications about taxometric method

Taxometrics is a statistical procedure for determining whether relationships among observables reflect the existence of a latent taxon (type, species, category, disease entity). A formal-numerical definition is needed because intuitive, commonsense notions of “carving nature at its joints” or “identifying natural kinds” cannot resolve disagreements as to taxonic reality for hard cases. Specific etiology (e.g., major gene, germ, traumatic event) is often unknown and is not appropriate in nonmedical domains. Lacking an infallible criterion, the taxonic inference relies on the internal configural relations among the conjectural fallible indicators. An essential feature is multiple consistency tests that will not be satisfied if the latent structure is not taxonic or the parameters are badly estimated. Common misconceptions are that the taxon must be “sharply” distinguished, quantitative indicators must be bimodal, the causal origin must be biological, emergence of a large dimensional factor refutes taxonicity, and adopting a taxon is a mere matter of convention or preference.
Primary structure and functional expression of a mouse inward rectifier potassium channel

A complementary DNA encoding an inward rectifier K+ channel (IRK1) was isolated from a mouse macrophage cell line by expression cloning. This channel conducts inward K+ current below the K+ equilibrium potential but passes little outward K+ current. The IRK1 channel contains only two putative transmembrane segments per subunit and corresponds to the inner core structure of voltage-gated K+ channels. The IRK1 channel and an ATP-regulated K+ channel show extensive sequence similarity and constitute a new superfamily.
Robot path planning algorithm using fuzzy goal programming

The robot path planning problem involves finding an acceptable path from the current state to the destination state by defining an obstacle-free path. In the literature, many path planning algorithms which are based on local or global minimization techniques have been discussed. These algorithms assume that the configuration of the work environment is known precisely. However, in reality, a precise description and location of obstacles might be difficult to acquire, represent and incorporate into a planning methodology. Even if a precise description of the work environment is desirable, such a description might not be obtainable because of insufficient knowledge of the environment. Also, noise in the measuring or sensing devices used would contribute to the imprecision in the description. Thus, the path planning problem should take into account an imprecise or "fuzzy” environment. An approach to treat an imprecisely described environment is presented in this paper. The proposed approach models every object in the work environment as a fuzzy obstacle. A 2-dimensional fuzzy obstacle is approximated as a convex polygon or as a circle. The lack of precision in defining the boundary of an obstacle is depicted by a membership function that indicates a degree to which a point in the work-space belongs to the obstacle. The uncertainty in the location of the obstacle is incorporated in the algorithm by assigning a fuzzy weight to the obstacle. A high value of the weight implies more uncertainty in the description and vice versa. In fuzzy goal programing formulation, a decision function as a fuzzy set is constructed which represents an aggregate of the goals of the problem. A path planning algorithm which uses local gradient information of the decision function is presented. Three examples of two-dimensional configuration are given to illustrate the fuzzy goal programming approach.
Therapy of acute pancreatitis with somatostatin

Background: The various conservative measures which have been used to date in the treatment of acute pancreatitis have not proven helpful. However, somatostatin appears to have a favourable effect on the course and outcome of this potentially lethal disease. Method and results: Experiments in animals have shown that somatostatin prevents experimentally induced acute pancreatitis and lowers the mortality rate of established pancreatitis. In human acute pancreatitis, somatostatin reduces gastric and pancreatic secretions; it reduces the local complication rate and shortens hospitalization. The effect of somatostatin on the mortality rate of acute pancreatitis has not been demonstrated in isolated studies, although a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has shown a mortality rate of 6.2% in the somatostatin-treated group versus 14.0% in the placebo-treated group. The synthetic analogue of somatostatin, octreotide, is an effective treatment for established local complication of acute pancreatitis, su...
Differences in Time to Interpretation for Evaluation of Bone Radiographs with Monitor and Film Viewing

Rationale and Objectives. The authors evaluated how observers search hard-copy versus soft-copy images to determine why viewing times are longer for images displayed on a monitor. Methods. Twenty-seven nonconsecutive bone-trauma computed radiographs were collected from the routine emergency practice. Eye positions of three bone radiologists and three orthopedic surgeons were recorded as they searched images on a view box and digital images at a workstation. Results. Overall viewing time was longer for images displayed on a monitor. Time to first fixate a lesion and true-negative dwell times were significantly longer with the monitor than with the film. Absolute numbers of clusters and dwell times were greater for diagnostic image areas on the monitor than on the film. Twenty percent of the clusters for images viewed on the monitor were on the image-processing menu. Conclusion. The amount and type of information that is processed during search is different when images are viewed on a monitor rather than on film.
Identifying risk of readmission in hospitalized elderly adults through inpatient medication exposure.

Objective: To use electronic health record (EHR) data to examine the association between inpatient medication exposure and risk of hospital readmission. Design: Retrospective, observational study. Setting: Tertiary and quaternary care academic health system in Durham, North Carolina. Participants: All individuals aged 60 and older who were residents of Durham County, North Carolina and were hospitalized and discharged alive from Duke University Hospital between 2007 and 2009 (N = 4,627). Measurements: Independent variables were inpatient exposure to individual medication classes. Primary outcome was readmission to a Duke Health System hospital within 30 days. Results: Readmission rate was 21% (n = 955). In adjusted models, exposure to anticonvulsants (odds ratio OR 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08�1.48), benzodiazepines (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04�1.44), corticosteroids (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.07�1.50), and opioids (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06�1.47) was associated with greater likelihood of readmission. Exposure to antidepressants (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.16�2.96) and opioids on the cardiology service (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.01�3.07) and exposure to opioids on the medicine service (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.17�3.22) were associated with greater odds of readmission than for individuals on the surgery service. Conclusion: Exposure of hospitalized elderly adults to certain medication classes was associated with greater likelihood of readmission. Incorporating medication data from EHRs may improve the performance of hospital readmission prediction models.
Caspase-2 maintains bone homeostasis by inducing apoptosis of oxidatively-damaged osteoclasts

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, characterized by a porous bone micro-structure that enhances risk for fractures and associated disabilities. Senile, or age-related osteoporosis (SO), affects both men and women, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying senile osteoporosis are not fully known. Recent studies implicate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased oxidative stress as key factors in SO. Herein, we show that loss of caspase-2, a cysteine aspartate protease involved in oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, results in total body and femoral bone loss in aged mice (20% decrease in bone mineral density), and an increase in bone fragility (30% decrease in fracture strength). Importantly, we demonstrate that genetic ablation or selective inhibition of caspase-2 using zVDVAD-fmk results in increased numbers of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and enhanced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. Conversely, transfection of osteoclast precursors with wild type caspase-2 but not an enzymatic mutant, results in a decrease in TRAP activity. We demonstrate that caspase-2 expression is induced in osteoclasts treated with oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and that loss of caspase-2 enhances resistance to oxidants, as measured by TRAP activity, and decreases oxidative stress-induced apoptosis of osteoclasts. Moreover, oxidative stress, quantified by assessment of the lipid peroxidation marker, 4-HNE, is increased in Casp2-/- bone, perhaps due to a decrease in antioxidant enzymes such as SOD2. Taken together, our data point to a critical and novel role for caspase-2 in maintaining bone homeostasis by modulating ROS levels and osteoclast apoptosis during conditions of enhanced oxidative stress that occur during aging.
Characterization of interactions between Escherichia coli molecular chaperones and immobilized caseins.

Abstract The molecular chaperones were affinity purified with immobilized α-casein (45 mg protein/g beads) and β-casein columns (30 mg protein/g beads) from two heat-induced E. coli strains, NM522 and BL21. After removing nonspecifically bound proteins with 1 M NaCl, the molecular chaperones were eluted with cold water, 1 mM Mg-ATP, or 6 M urea. The eluates from affinity columns were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western analysis. Western analysis identified five E. coli molecular chaperones including DnaK, DnaJ, GrpE, GroEL, and GroES in eluates. Among samples, ATP eluates showed the highest chaperone purity of 80–87% followed by cold water eluates with 62–68% purity. The β-casein column showed a higher chaperone binding capacity than the α-casein column. A higher concentration of chaperones was purified from strain BL21 than strain NM522 which may have been due to the lack of lon protease in the BL21 strain.
Molecular dynamics simulation study of the melting and structural evolution of bimetallic Pd − Pt nanowires

Thermal characteristics of $\mathrm{Pd}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{Pt}$ metal nanowires with diameters ranging from 2.3 to $3.5\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ and of several compositions were studied by molecular dynamics simulations utilizing the quantum Sutton-Chen potential function. Monte Carlo simulations employing bond order simulation model were used to generate the initial wire configurations that consisted of surface segregated structures. Melting temperatures were estimated based on variations in thermodynamic properties such as potential energy and specific heat capacity. We find that the melting transition temperatures for the nanowires are much lower than those of bulk alloys of the same composition and at least $100--200\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ higher than those of nanoclusters of the same diameter. Density distributions along the nanowire cross section and axis as well as components of shell-based diffusion coefficients and velocity autocorrelation functions were used to investigate the melting mechanism in these nanowires. Our findings indicate a surface-initiated melting process characterized by predominantly larger cross-sectional movement. This two-dimensional surface melting mechanism in nanowires differs from that in nanoclusters in which atomic movement is more isotropic in all three dimensions. Differences in the surface melting mechanism result in structural transformations from fcc-hcp type and lead to simulated phase boundaries for nanowires that are different from bulk alloys as well as from same-diameter nanoclusters. A composition and temperature dependent fcc-hcp transformation occurs prior to the melting transition in both nanowires and nanoclusters. Hcp phase occurs over a wider temperature range at Pd-rich compositions and a narrower range at low Pd compositions with the fcc-hcp and hcp-liquid transition temperatures showing a minimum at 25% Pt composition. In contrast, the nanoclusters exhibit a near-linear dependence of melting temperature on Pd composition with the hcp phase existing over a much narrower range of temperatures, closer to the melting transition. Thermal stability of the solid phases of these nanowires was investigated by simulating two alternative starting configurations such as a hypothetical hcp and an annealed-solid structure for two compositions. The size and composition dependence of nanowire melting temperatures are consistent with those predicted by available melting theories.