cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermally-Compensated Optical Fiber Silicon Sensor Platform

This paper describes the characterization and testing of a temperature-compensated optical fiber platform for silicon sensors. Our sensor platform consists of standard optical fiber hardware for optically-balanced and wavelength-multiplexed reflection measurements. We show that thermal effects in silicon sensors are significant for operational temperatures from 275-315 K but can be compensated using a collocated nano-fabricated temperature sensor. Our silicon temperature sensor is a $150~\mu \text{m}$ wide and $5~\mu \text{m}$ thick disk that is fabricated on the wafer-scale with a 3 mK/ $\sqrt {Hz}$ resolution and a 1.7 s thermal time constant in air. Our temperature-compensated platform has sufficient sensitivity and bandwidth to reduce thermal signals in silicon pressure sensors and microphones by more than an order of magnitude.
Large-scale cultured meat production: Trends, challenges and promising biomanufacturing technologies

Abstract Food systems of the future will need to face an increasingly clear reality – that a protein-rich diet is essential for good health, but traditional meat products will not suffice to ensure safety, sustainability, and equity of food supply chains at a global scale. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of bioprocess technologies needed for cell-based meat production and challenges in reaching commercial scale. Specifically, it reviews state-of-the-art bioprocess technologies, current limitations, and opportunities for research across four domains: cell line development, cell culture media, scaffolding, and bioreactors. This also includes exploring innovations to make cultured meat a viable protein alternative across numerous key performance indicators and for specific applications where traditional livestock is not an option (e.g., local production, space exploration). The paper explores tradeoffs between production scale, product quality, production cost, and footprint over different time horizons. Finally, a discussion explores various factors that may impact the ability to successfully scale and market cultured meat products: social acceptance, environmental tradeoffs, regulatory guidance, and public health benefits. While the exact nature of the transition from traditional livestock to alternative protein products is uncertain, it has already started and will likely continue to build momentum in the next decade.
Food-Related Interaction Among Christians, Muslims, and Jews in High and Late Medieval Latin Christendom†

Social historians of the Middle Ages can gain a richer understanding of interreligious relations by examining the ways Christians, Muslims, and Jews interacted over food. Legal and non-legal sources from the eleventh through sixteenth centuries shed light on commercial, social, and cultural exchanges across faith communities, both in the market and at meals. These texts convey a broad spectrum of attitudes toward the food and food ways of religious foreigners, ideas whose variation reflects the contested and shifting status of minorities within Catholic Europe.
MUC1 alters oncogenic events and transcription in human breast cancer cells

MUC1 is an oncoprotein whose overexpression correlates with aggressiveness of tumors and poor survival of cancer patients. Many of the oncogenic effects of MUC1 are believed to occur through interaction of its cytoplasmic tail with signaling molecules. As expected for a protein with oncogenic functions, MUC1 is linked to regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and transcription. To clarify the role of MUC1 in cancer, we transfected two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-468 and BT-20) with small interfering (si)RNA directed against MUC1 and analyzed transcriptional responses and oncogenic events (proliferation, apoptosis and invasion). Transcription of several genes was altered after transfection of MUC1 siRNA, including decreased MAP2K1 (MEK1), JUN, PDGFA, CDC25A, VEGF and ITGAV (integrin αv), and increased TNF, RAF1, and MMP2. Additional changes were seen at the protein level, such as increased expression of c-Myc, heightened phosphorylation of AKT, and decreased activation of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. These were correlated with cellular events, as MUC1 siRNA in the MDA-MB-468 line decreased proliferation and invasion, and increased stress-induced apoptosis. Intriguingly, BT-20 cells displayed similar levels of apoptosis regardless of siRNA, and actually increased proliferation after MUC1 siRNA. These results further the growing knowledge of the role of MUC1 in transcription, and suggest that the regulation of MUC1 in breast cancer may be more complex than previously appreciated. The differences between these two cell lines emphasize the importance of understanding the context of cell-specific signaling events when analyzing the oncogenic functions of MUC1, and caution against generalizing the results of individual cell lines without adequate confirmation in intact biological systems.
Software security analysis and assessment model for the web-based applications

For web-based applications, a security analysis was conducted in order to identify software vulnerabilities and develop a new security assessment model. During such an analysis, the major security vulnerabilities observed in the open web proxy honeypot during the data collection time from February to March 2005 were computer worm attacks in Code Red and Nimda, AWSTAT attacks, unauthorized access request (HTTP error code 403), MS-SQL version overflow attacks, etc. To develop the security assessment model, we extended the generic security model for a single component system to multiple components using the multidimensional Markov process model. The resulting model was applied to the most popular software systems. The software system availability in security is computed using real data, and the mean time to security failure is calculated. This paper not only provides the software vulnerability analysis of the web-based applications, but also details the software security assessment for multiple component systems.
Distortion-Rate Theory and Filtering

The constraint of realizability is introduced and with it the Distortion Rate Function is redefined. For the Orenstein Uhlenbeck process, the constrained Distortion Rate function is shown to satisfy a dynamic programming equation. Further, a filtering problem is shown to be equivalent to determination of the constrained distortion rate function.
Deconstructing Differentiation: Self Regulation, Interdependent Relating, and Well-Being in Adulthood

This study examined underlying similarities between the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire (PAFS; Bray, Williamson, & Malone, 1984a) and the Differentiation of Self Inventory (DSI; Skowron & Friedlander, 1998). Generalized least-squares factor analysis yielded two related factors, Self Regulation and Interdependent Relating, accounting for 60% of the variance in the solution. Greater Self Regulation—comprised of DSI scales characterized by less emotional reactivity and the ability to take an I position in relationships—and Interdependent Relating—marked by greater personal authority, intergenerational intimacy and less intergenerational fusion on the PAFS and less emotional cutoff on the DSI—predicted well-being among both women and men. Implications for family therapy and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Significant events in the history of operative dentistry.

Numerous events have transformed the practice of operative dentistry into one that is more efficient and more comfortable for the patient as well as for the operating team, and, often, one that is more productive for the dental office than it was previously. A number of significant occurrences in the history of operative dentistry can be studied by grouping them into the categories of analgesia and anesthesia; etiology, diagnosis and treatment regimes; equipment and devices; direct restorative materials; indirect restorative materials and illumination and magnification. This article presents a narrative that traces these significant events along categorical lines and a chronology of events in the development of the art and science of operative dentistry.
3D spatial attention effects are independent of projected 2D size and location for older and younger observers

Previous research has found the reaction time (RT) to light change targets when performing a car following task, is partially dependent on the distance in depth of the target from the driver. Researchers have concluded from this evidence that the spatial extent of attention is three dimensional (3D) during dual-task driving. However, in prior experiments the effect of two-dimensional (2D) projected size and position was not experimentally controlled. If spatial attention is 3D, then there should be an effect of target distance when 2D projected size and position are constant. The purpose of the current work was to assess this hypothesis. We manipulated the size and position of light-change targets at different depths to hold the projected size and position of targets constant between blocks. Although projected size and position were identical in this experiment, the results demonstrated that for younger and older drivers, targets further from the driver were responded to more slowly than targets closer to the driver. These results demonstrate that 3D attention effects are not dependent on projected size or position, and that the mechanism of 3D attention is present in younger and older drivers. These results, considered with the findings of other studies, suggest that tests to assess crash risk, such as the UFOV, are limited in scope because such tests fail to incorporate variation in attention as a function of distance.
An “extreme makeover” of a course in special education

Instead of tinkering with minor changes, the author used integrated course design as a blueprint for a major overhaul of her course.
Applying Process Knowledge for Yield Variation Reduction: A Longitudinal Field Study*

The widespread recognition of the detrimental effects of high yield variation in advanced manufacturing technology settings, both in terms of cost and management of production processes, underscores the need to develop effective strategies for reducing yield variation. In this article, we report the findings of a longitudinal field study in an electromechanical motor assembly plant where we examined how the application of process knowledge by production work teams can reduce yield variation. We propose and provide an operationalizion of a strategy to identify the sequence of particular types of actions—actions to control the mean followed by actions to control the variance—that work teams should pursue over time to apply process knowledge for reducing yield variation. The results of our empirical analysis show that yield variation was significantly reduced on three of the four production lines at the manufacturing plant that served as our research site. Differences in strategies for applying process knowledge help explain the different results on each of the production lines.
Atomic layer epitaxy of compound semiconductors with metalorganic precursors

Abstract Atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) is a relatively new growth technology for depositing compound semiconductors one monolayer at a time. By employing a new regime of metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth, in which saturated surface reactions control the growth, it is possible to alternately deposit monolayers of column III and column V elements so that only one monolayer of the III–V compound semiconductor is formed in every cycle of the deposition. The use of metalorganic precursors for ALE is of considerable importance since it allows the hybridization of ALE with the existing MOCVD technique. Several benefits can be realized by integrating the two technologies. Layers of critical thickness and uniformity requirements can be grown by ALE, while thicker epitaxial layers can be grown by MOCVD. Additional advantages are the “digital growth” nature of ALE which affords a high degree of thickness reproducibility, and the selective area growth potential of laser-assisted ALE (LALE). In this paper, ALE and LALE of GaAs is reviewed with an emphasis on the utilization of metalorganic precursors.
A new class of PV inverters: Series partial resonant converters

This paper proposes a novel single stage Photovoltaic (PV) inverter which fulfills all the system requirements (i.e. inverting dc voltage to proper ac, stepping up or down the input voltage, maximum power point tracking (MPPT), generating low harmonic ac current and input/output isolation). This three-phase inverter is a new class of partial resonant ac link converters in which the link is formed by a series ac inductor/capacitor (LC) pair having low reactive ratings. The ac capacitor is the main energy storage element and the inductor is merely added to facilitate the zero current turn-off of the switches. Unlike other common PV inverters, no bulky low frequency transformers or electrolytic capacitors are required in this inverter. Electrolytic capacitors cause the most severe reliability issues in the PV inverters. Therefore, their absence will improve the reliability of the whole system noticeably. This will consequently increase the consumers' confidence in renewable technology as the PV inverters reliability is currently one of the major issues hindering broad PV penetration. The switches employed in this converter can be of any type and even thyristors can be used. Thyristors are more efficient than the other types of switches, they are available at both high current/high voltage ratings, and they are inexpensive and reliable. Considering the aforementioned features, the proposed inverter is believed to overcome most of the shortcomings associated with the currently available PV inverters as it is more reliable, more compact, more efficient, and it offers longer life-time. The performance of this inverter will be verified in this paper.
Viral infections in outpatients with medically attended acute respiratory illness during the 2012–2013 influenza season

While it is known that acute respiratory illness (ARI) is caused by an array of viruses, less is known about co-detections and the resultant comparative symptoms and illness burden. This study examined the co-detections, the distribution of viruses, symptoms, and illness burden associated with ARI between December 2012 and March 2013. Outpatients with ARI were assayed for presence of 18 viruses using multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (MRT-PCR) to simultaneously detect multiple viruses. Among 935 patients, 60% tested positive for a single virus, 9% tested positive for ≥1 virus and 287 (31%) tested negative. Among children (<18 years), the respective distributions were 63%, 14%, and 23%; whereas for younger adults (18–49 years), the distributions were 58%, 8%, and 34% and for older adults (≥50 years) the distributions were 61%, 5%, and 32% (P < 0.001). Co-detections were more common in children than older adults (P = 0.01), and less frequent in households without children (P = 0.003). Most frequently co-detected viruses were coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza A virus. Compared with single viral infections, those with co-detections less frequently reported sore throat (P = 0.01), missed fewer days of school (1.1 vs. 2 days; P = 0.04), or work (2 vs. 3 days; P = 0.03); other measures of illness severity did not vary. Among outpatients with ARI, 69% of visits were associated with a viral etiology. Co-detections of specific clusters of viruses were observed in 9% of ARI cases particularly in children, were less frequent in households without children, and were less symptomatic (e.g., lower fever) than single infections.
The Portrayal of Law in Literature: Weisberg's Failure of the Word

Professor Weisberg's book is about four novelists-Dostoevski, Flaubert, Camus, and Melville-whose works are important, or ought to be important, to lawyers. Each has written novels in which the law is a central motif of the story; moreover, the portrait of law in these novels is disturbing. Consequently, any lawyer who wants to think about the moral quandaries of the enterprise should ponder what these four authors have written. Weisberg discusses Dostoevski's Notes from Underground, Crime and Punishment, and The Brothers Karamazov; Flaubert's L 'Education sentimentale, Salammbo, and Madame Bovary; Camus's The Stranger and The Fall; and Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor. These eight novels are well known and highly esteemed; adjectives such as "classic" and "powerful" seem appropriate in speaking of them. More important, for our purposes, they are "classic" and "powerful" in their critique of law and of lawyers. These novels have this power, as Weisberg makes clear, because literature (and the novel in particular) is a mode of discourse that is especially well suited for moral reflection. More abstract forms of discourse often seem pallid in comparison. However, if we are to learn from these novelists, we must use all of our intellectual resources, including abstract reflection. As we look at Weisberg's reading of these novels, we also need to reflect on the themes he will use in explicating the lessons of these texts.
On a Combinatorial Problem from the Model Theory of Wreath Products, I

We prove some conjectures concerning a combinatorial problem that arises in the model-theoretic investigation of wreath products.
A random number generator for parallel computers

Abstract Running huge simulational computations on a system of parallel processors requires the generation of uniform random sequences on each processor. Various techniques useful for the generation of parallel random sequences are analyzed for their suitability to parallel architectures. An efficient parallelization of the Generalized Feedback Shift Register (GFSR) algorithm for generating pseudorandom numbers is presented. The algorithm works on any parallel computer where the number of processors is a power of two and requires the same amount of memory per processor as required by the sequential GFSR algorithm.
Determinants of Breastfeeding Duration and Nutrition in a Transition Society

In 1977 510 women with children under 3 years of age were surveyed at a maternal child health center in the capital of the Yemen Arab Republic to determine how length of breastfeeding affects nutrition in the child. Yemen was chosen for the site of the study because it is a society in rapid transition. Length of breastfeeding there as in other developing countries appears to be diminishing. 25% of the mothers sampled weaned their children before 2 months and another 25% after 17 months. Socioeconomic factors e.g.: family income education age and occupation have little to do with length of breastfeeding it was found. It was also found that the lower the birth order the more likely it was that the child would be weaned early. The most striking difference in weaning practice was shown by women who listened to the radio and by those who used contraceptives. Evidence of malnutrition was determined by the infants weight in relation to age. In infants over 6 months only a weak relationship existed between early weaning and weight. The higher the womans socioeconomic background the more her child tended to weigh. The early introduction of solids into the childs diet after 6 months of age proved significant to the childs weight. For infants under 6 months breastfeeding increased their weight by about 5%.
Present worth analysis of capital projects using a polynomial cash flow model

Abstract An economic model for present worth analysis of capital expenditures is developed, assuming discrete compounding of interest. Closed-form solutions are presented for computing the present worth of projects with periodic cash flow profiles that can be approximated by polynomial functions. Simplified solutions for the present worth are presented for two limiting cases: extended project lifetime and negligible interest rate. Also, a simplified expression providing an accurate present worth estimate can be used for many U.S. Government projects. These results are especially convenient for comparisons of economic alternatives, and risk and sensitivity analyses. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the model based on graphical results and an industrial example illustrating the use of the model are presented.
Improved computational methods for the calculation of Kohlrausch-Williams/Watts (KWW) decay functions☆

Abstract Convergence-accelerating methods have been applied to series expansions for the stable-law density Q α (Z)= 1 π ∫ 0 ∞ e −u α cos (zu) d u which is, in turn, simply related to the spectral density of the Kohlrausch-Williams/Watts (KWW) decay function λ(t)=e−(t/τ)α]. N.m.r. relaxation parameters such as NOEF, T1 and T1π are computed for polycarbonate and polydimethylsiloxane using the new series and the results compared to experiment and to earlier computations which employed a decomposition of the KWW function into a sum of exponential terms.
Eye development in the box jellyfish Carybdea marsupialis

Cnidarians are the most primitive invertebrates alive today to possess eyes. The complex eyes of the cubozoan jellyfish Carybdea marsupialis exhibit many similarities to the camera-type eyes of higher metazoans including the presence of a cornea, lens, and retina of ciliated photoreceptors. It is these similarities that make understanding the evolution and development of eyes in basal cnidarians important, as they may lead to a better understanding of eye evolution. During the transformation of the polyp to the eye-bearing medusa, the development and arrangement of several components were followed including the neuropeptide FMRFamide, UV opsin-like protein (indicates photoreceptor formation), J1-crystallin (indicates lens formation), and shielding pigment formation. The first ocelli to appear were the complex eyes followed by the simple ocelli; the small complex eye was the first to exhibit pigment formation (melanin) as well as photoreceptor maturation. J1-crystallin was located in the developing lenses/lens-like material in the complex eyes and slit ocelli. Extensive neurological rearrangement and development takes place during the transformation. Developmental mechanisms in eye formation similar to both vertebrates and invertebrates were seen. This study clearly demonstrates the presence of the basic optic molecules and developmental mechanisms in the first multicellular animals possessing complex camera-type eyes.
Robust stability of state-feedback control of PWM DC-DC push-pull converter

A state-feedback control strategy was recently used to design a pulse-width modulated (PWM) power converter which accommodates disturbances as long as the system remains stable. A robust stability analysis of the closed-loop PWM push-pull DC-DC power converter with a state feedback is presented by using the Kharitonov theorem. >
Unified Service Planning and Budgeting: The Next Generation of Service Management

Like many large cities, Minneapolis faces the challenges of declining intergovernmental revenue, federal and state restriction on actions, and increased service demands. However, unlike most other places, Minneapolis does not suffer from severe fiscal stress. It has managed this feat by making changes in the organizational structure, planning, and budgeting process. This allowed the development of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to service delivery in the city.
A Percutaneous Technique for Preservation of Arch Branch Patency during Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR): Retrograde Catheterization and Stenting:

Purpose:To report a percutaneous endovascular technique to deal with stent-graft encroachment and coverage (partial or total) of the origin of the left common carotid artery (CCA) or the left subclavian artery during thoracic endovascular aortic repair.Technique:Percutaneous retrograde puncture of the left CCA was accomplished with guidewire advancement into the ascending aorta and insertion of a 6-F sheath. Balloon angioplasty and deployment of a stent across the origin of the left CCA successfully recanalized the vessel and restored normal antegrade flow and pressure. It was reasoned that the stent would maintain vessel patency by focally displacing the endograft device, preventing partial or total coverage (and obstruction) of the arch branch origin. This technique has been used successfully in 8 patients, 6 involving the left CCA and 2 the left subclavian artery. Two of the patients were lost to follow-up after 6 and 12 months. The other 6 patients have been followed from 10 to 32 months; the stented ...
Research with Indigenous Cultures: A Case Study Analysis of Tongan Grandparents:

This article discusses lessons learned about designing culturally informed and respectful research with indigenous peoples through the analysis of a case example, Tongan grandparents. These lessons...
Non-timber forest product harvest in variable environments: Modeling the effect of harvesting as a stochastic sequence

With increasing reports of overexploitation of wild plants for timber and non-timber forest products, there has been an increase in the number of studies investigating the effect of harvest on the dynamics of harvested populations. However, most studies have failed to account for temporal and spatial variability in the ecological conditions in which these species occur, as well as variability in the patterns of harvest intensity. In reality, local harvesters harvest at variable rather than fixed intensity over time. Here we used Markov chains to investigate how different patterns of harvesting intensity (summarized as return time to high harvest) affected the stochastic population growth rate (lambda(s)) and its elasticity to perturbation of means and variances of vital rates. We studied the effect of bark and foliage harvest from African mahogany Khaya senegalensis in two contrasting ecological regions in Benin. Khaya populations declined regardless of time between harvests of high intensity. Moreover, lambda(s) increased with decreasing harvesting pressure in the dry region but, surprisingly, declined in the moist region toward lambda(s) = 0.956. The stochastic elasticity was dominated by the stasis of juveniles and adults. The declining growth rate with decreasing harvest pressure in the moist region was mainly driven by the declining mean survival rates of juveniles and adults. Our results suggest that modeling the temporal variability of harvest intensity as a Markov chain better mimics local practices and provides insights that are missed when temporal variability in harvest intensity is modeled as independent over time and drawn from a fixed distribution.
Photosynthesis by isolated chloroplasts I. Diffusion of labeled photosynthetic intermediates between isolated chloroplasts and suspending medium

Abstract The diffusion of 14 C- and 32 P-labeled photosynthetic intermediate compounds from isolated chloroplasts has been investigated. Those intermediate compounds of the photosynthetic carbon reduction cycle lying between the carboxylation reaction and the diphosphatase reaction were found to diffuse rapidly from the chloroplast to the suspending medium. In contrast, those intermediates lying between the diphosphatase reaction and the carboxylation reaction, with the exception of the pentose monophosphates, tend to be retained by the chloroplasts during the 15 min or more when the photosynthesis of CO 2 by the isolated chloroplasts is most active. An experiment in which changes in the level of ATP were observed on addition of CO 2 shows that ATP and ADP, which had diffused from the choroplasts, can apparently re-enter the chloroplasts and be used metabolically. It is proposed that the diphosphatase reaction plays a general role in metabolic regulation in biosynthesis as well as in the light-dark transition.
Investigating organic matter in Fanno Creek, Oregon, Part 2 of 3: Sources, sinks, and transport of organic matter with fine sediment

Summary Organic matter (OM) is abundant in Fanno Creek, Oregon, USA, and has been tied to a variety of water-quality concerns, including periods of low dissolved oxygen downstream in the Tualatin River, Oregon. The key sources of OM in Fanno Creek and other Tualatin River tributaries have not been fully identified, although isotopic analyses from previous studies indicated a predominantly terrestrial source. This study investigates the role of fine sediment erosion and deposition (mechanisms and spatial patterns) in relation to OM transport. Geomorphic mapping within the Fanno Creek floodplain shows that a large portion (approximately 70%) of the banks are eroding or subject to erosion, likely as a result of the imbalance caused by anthropogenic alteration. Field measurements of long- and short-term bank erosion average 4.2 cm/year and average measurements of deposition for the watershed are 4.8 cm/year. The balance between average annual erosion and deposition indicates an export of 3,250 metric tons (tonnes, t) of fine sediment to the Tualatin River—about twice the average annual export of 1,880 t of sediment at a location 2.4 km from the creek’s mouth calculated from suspended sediment load regressions from continuous turbidity data and suspended sediment samples. Carbon content from field samples of bank material, combined with fine sediment export rates, indicates that about 29–67 t of carbon, or about 49–116 t of OM, from bank sediment may be exported to the Tualatin River from Fanno Creek annually, an estimate that is a lower bound because it does not account for the mass wasting of organic-rich O and A soil horizons that enter the stream.
TCRγδ cells: Mysterious cells of the immune system

γδ cells participate in pathogenic infections and autoimmune conditions, yet, almost a decade after their discovery, little is known regarding their TCR repertoire or effector functions. Unlike MHC-restricted antigen recognition employed by TCRαβ cells, TCRγδ cells can recognize whole unprocessed antigens in an MHC-independent manner. The nature of positive and negative selection used to shape the repertoire of TCRγδ cells is unclear, especially in the nonlymphoid tissues where these cells predominate. While TCRγδ cells express an activated phenotype and are present in pathological conditions, their roles in immunological protection is unknown. This review will focus on our efforts to study these issues of TCRγδ biology.
Design and development of a fog alert system

Because fog conditions are a major concern for transportation safety, it is vital that low cost devices be developed to warn of low visibility conditions. This paper describes the process by which a low-cost standalone and portable fog detection apparatus was designed, developed and tested using an optical transmissometer technique. Extensive testing was performed to validate and calibrate the device. A real time visibility index is displayed and a warning signal is generated if the visibility conditions are below a predetermined threshold. The device can be integrated with other applications in a vehicle to warn drivers of low visibility. This will help improve transportation safety for both the driver and the public.
Regulation of type 5 adenovirus replication in murine teratocarcinoma cell lines

Abstract Two embryonal carcinoma cell lines (F9, PCC4) and one differentiated murine teratocarcinoma line (PYS) were studied for susceptibility to infection by human adenovirus type 5. PCC4 and PYS cells were found to be semipermissive for adenovirus infection in that the yield of infectious virus was approximately 100-fold lower than seen in permissive human KB cells. F9 cells were seen to be nonpermissive. The block in the replication of Ad5 in F9 cells was not at the level of viral adsorption, penetration, or uncoating. The major early viral protein, the 72K DNA-binding protein, was made, and viral DNA was replicated in infected cells. Late viral RNAs were detected to be of proper size, and were polyadenylated. The synthesis of late viral RNA was depressed 10- to 15-fold, whereas the synthesis of late viral proteins was depressed at least 200-fold. These data suggest the presence of a defect in transcription and in post-transcriptional modification or translation of late viral RNA in adenovirus type 5-infected F9 cells.
Acamprosate and naltrexone treatment effects on ethanol and sucrose seeking and intake in ethanol-dependent and nondependent rats

Rationale Two pharmacotherapies are approved for treating alcohol craving (acamprosate and naltrexone), but both have shown mixed findings in animals and humans.
Arthroscopic Avulsion Repair of a Pediatric ACL with an Anomalous Primary Insertion into the Lateral Meniscus

Background Injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the pediatric population is becoming more common, with the majority of ruptures occurring at the tibial insertion site. However, to our knowledge, there are no reports of avulsion in which the primary ACL insertion site is the anterior lateral meniscal root.
Detecting hidden targets: a procedure for studying performance in a mine-detection-like task

We report preliminary results from an experiment designed to study the perceptual and learning processes involved in the detection of land mines. Subjects attempted to identify the location of spatially distributed targets identified by a sweeping a cursor across a computer screen. Each point on the screen was associated with a certain tone intensity; targets were louder than 'distractor' objects. We looked at the effects on target detection and false-alarm rates of the intensity difference between target and distractor signals, the number of distractor signals, the number of distractors and training order. The time to detect 50 percent of targets was measured by a rapid adaptive technique which generated reliable thresholds within few trials. The result are consistent with a simple model for the detection of cryptic prey by foraging predators: search was slower with more distractors, and the effect of distractors was greater when S/N ratio was lower. Although subjects got no accuracy feedback, performance improved somewhat with experience and was slightly better in the low S/N condition when it followed the high S/N condition. The procedure seems to be a useful one for studying more complex mine-related detection tasks with a range of signal types and numbers of concurrent detection signals.
Fokker-Planck-Langevin and extended diffusion models of internal rotation in molecules. II, Quantum mechanical analogues

Abstract Quantum mechanical analogues of the classical Fokker-Planck-Langevin (FPL) and extended diffusion (EDJ) models of stochastic dynamics have been developed by constructing quantum mechanical collision operators that resemble the classical ones. The analogues have been used to calculate NMR reorientational correlation times and angular momentum correlation factors associated with the rotation of a one-dimensional rotor attached to a molecule and subject to various barriers to internal rotation. Quantum mechanical effects have been explored by varying a parameter, Λ (=ħ/ IK B T ), which is a measure of the expected importance of those effects. The FPL analogue and one of the EDJ analogues approach the classical results in the diffusion and dense gas regimes, when Λ is small. The other EDJ analogue, which superficially appears to be closest to the classical model, does not agree with the classical results for rotors with non-zero barriers. The discrepancy arises because the quantum and classical collision operators mix the rotor states in quite different ways, despite their formal similarity. In the dilute gas regime, the quantum mechanical and classical results do not agree because of fundamental differences in the respective free rotor correlationfunctions. The theories can be applied to non-Markovian processes and dynamics other than rotational relaxation.
Kernel method for nonlinear analysis: identification of a biological control system

Abstract Due to the high dimensionality of computation involved, the Volterra-Wiener kernel method has found only limited application in nonlinear system analysis. By means of a finite-dimensional approximation combined with the least-square error method, an efficient algorithm was developed for computing kernels of a nonlinear system subjected to random inputs. An application to a physiological control system demonstrates the practically of this algorithm as well as suggesting the prospective usage of the kernel method for nonlinear-system analysis in the future.
937-2 Safety and Efficacy of QW3600 (EchoGen®) in Producing LV Opacification During Stress Echocardiography in Normals

QW 3600 (EchoGen®) (EG) is a new ultrasonic contrast agent which produces intense LV cavity and even myocardial opacification following IV injection in animals. However, no data exists regarding th...
Automated selective dissociation of cells from different regions of multicellular spheroids

In this report we describe a new apparatus which has been developed for the automated selective dissociation of multicellular spheroids into fractions of viable cells from different locations in the spheroid. This device is based on the exposure of spheroids to a 0.25% solution of trypsin under carefully controlled conditions, such that the cells are released from the outer spheroid surface in successive layers. Study of the spheroid size, number of cells per spheroid, and sections through the spheroid with increasing exposure to trypsin demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique. The technique has been successfully used on spheroids from five different cell lines over a wide range of spheroid diameters. We also present data detailing the effect of varying the dissociation temperature, the mixing speed, the trypsin concentration, and the number of spheroids being dissociated. The new apparatus has several advantages over previous selective dissociation methods and other techniques for isolating cells from different regions in spheroids, including: a) precise control over dissociation conditions, improving reproducibility; b) short time to recover cell fractions; c) ability to isolate large numbers of cells from many different spheroid locations; d) use of common, inexpensive laboratory equipment; and e) easy adaptability to new cell lines or various spheroid sizes. Applications of this method are demonstrated, including the measurement of nutrient consumption rates, regrowth kinetics, and radiation survivals of cells from different spheroid regions.
Swift Acetate Glial Assay (SAGA): An accelerated human 13C MRS brain exam for clinical diagnostic use

Abstract We demonstrate a robust procedure for the quantitative characterization of glial metabolism in human brain. In the past, the slope of the uptake and production of enriched label at steady state were used to determine metabolic rates, requiring the patient to be in the magnet for 120–160 min. In the present method, 13 C cerebral metabolite profiles were acquired at steady state alone on a routine clinical MR scanner in 25.6 min. Results obtained from the new short method (SAGA) were comparable to those achieved in a conventional, long method and effective for determination of glial metabolic rate in posterior-parietal and frontal brain regions.
Perceived Mental Health, Behavioral, and Adaptive Needs for Children in Medical Foster Care

The prevalence of both mental and physical health concerns among children in foster care is elevated compared to the general population; however, less is known about the overlap between the behavioral/mental health needs of children in foster care with significant medical issues. The purpose of this study was to examine the mental/behavioral health needs and adaptive behavior of children in medical foster care (MFC), a unique group of children in foster care with medically fragile conditions. Two sequential studies were conducted. In the first study, focus groups were conducted with MFC parents (n = 10), MFC nurses and social workers (n = 8), and foster care case managers (n = 9). The themes that emerged from the focus groups indicated externalizing behaviors and feeding issues were common concerns and there were a number of challenges for MFC parents to receive timely services to address mental health needs. In a follow-up study, 36 MFC parents were surveyed using the Child Behavior Checklist, the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment, the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, and the Parenting Stress Index. Results indicated that on average parents perceived children’s externalizing, internalizing, and feeding behaviors to fall within typical limits; however, a significant portion of the parents rated their child’s behavior in the clinical range. Parents indicated significantly below average adaptive behavior. On average, parents did not report elevated stress levels. Findings from this study suggest that mental health needs among the MFC population are similar to the general foster care population; however, there is a lot of variability in this group and individualized assessment is needed.
Sensor data for forest policy information

NASA-Ames Research Center has investigated the role and performance capabilities of the Landsat Multi-Spectral Scanner (MSS) for forest policy analysis for the past four years in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry. A thorough series of studies, from a statewide land cover map to smaller, highly detailed studies including collateral data, have been conducted with a view to comprehensive forest policy needs. The strengths and limitations of MSS data have been evaluated. Some observations about the information needed from new satellite sensors such as the Thematic Mapper are discussed against this background.
Targeted Loss of Arx Results in a Developmental Epilepsy Mouse Model and Recapitulates the Human Phenotype in Heterozygous Females

Mutations in the X-linked aristaless-related homeobox gene (ARX) have been linked to structural brain anomalies as well as multiple neurocognitive deficits. The generation of Arx-deficient mice revealed several morphological anomalies, resembling those observed in patients and an interneuron migration defect but perinatal lethality precluded analyses of later phenotypes. Interestingly, many of the neurological phenotypes observed in patients with various ARX mutations can be attributed, in part, to interneuron dysfunction. To directly test this possibility, mice carrying a floxed Arx allele were generated and crossed to Dlx5/6(CRE-IRES-GFP)(Dlx5/6(CIG)) mice, conditionally deleting Arx from ganglionic eminence derived neurons including cortical interneurons. We now report that Arx(-/y);Dlx5/6(CIG) (male) mice exhibit a variety of seizure types beginning in early-life, including seizures that behaviourally and electroencephalographically resembles infantile spasms, and show evolution through development. Thus, this represents a new genetic model of a malignant form of paediatric epilepsy, with some characteristics resembling infantile spasms, caused by mutations in a known infantile spasms gene. Unexpectedly, approximately half of the female mice carrying a single mutant Arx allele (Arx(-/+);Dlx5/6(CIG)) also developed seizures. We also found that a subset of human female carriers have seizures and neurocognitive deficits. In summary, we have identified a previously unrecognized patient population with neurological deficits attributed to ARX mutations that are recapitulated in our mouse model. Furthermore, we show that perturbation of interneuron subpopulations is an important mechanism underling the pathogenesis of developmental epilepsy in both hemizygous males and carrier females. Given the frequency of ARX mutations in patients with infantile spasms and related disorders, our data unveil a new model for further understanding the pathogenesis of these disorders.
A Critical Appraisal of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death

The indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for the prevention of sudden cardiac death have rapidly expanded over the past 10 years. Clinical trial data have quickly been implemented into guidelines without critical reassessment of the strengths and limitations of the evidence. ICD therapy has inherent risks including infection, unnecessary shocks, potential for proarrhythmia, device malfunction, highly publicized manufacturer advisories, and procedural complications, which can adversely affect morbidity and quality of life. A reappraisal of the benefits and potential hazards of ICD therapy will enable physicians to a have a more mutually informed and balanced dialogue with their patients.
A database of phylogenetically atypical genes in archaeal and bacterial genomes, identified using the DarkHorse algorithm

The process of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is believed to be widespread in Bacteria and Archaea, but little comparative data is available addressing its occurrence in complete microbial genomes. Collection of high-quality, automated HGT prediction data based on phylogenetic evidence has previously been impractical for large numbers of genomes at once, due to prohibitive computational demands. DarkHorse, a recently described statistical method for discovering phylogenetically atypical genes on a genome-wide basis, provides a means to solve this problem through lineage probability index (LPI) ranking scores. LPI scores inversely reflect phylogenetic distance between a test amino acid sequence and its closest available database matches. Proteins with low LPI scores are good horizontal gene transfer candidates; those with high scores are not. The DarkHorse algorithm has been applied to 955 microbial genome sequences, and the results organized into a web-searchable relational database, called the DarkHorse HGT Candidate Resource http://darkhorse.ucsd.edu . Users can select individual genomes or groups of genomes to screen by LPI score, search for protein functions by descriptive annotation or amino acid sequence similarity, or select proteins with unusual G+C composition in their underlying coding sequences. The search engine reports LPI scores for match partners as well as query sequences, providing the opportunity to explore whether potential HGT donor sequences are phylogenetically typical or atypical within their own genomes. This information can be used to predict whether or not sufficient information is available to build a well-supported phylogenetic tree using the potential donor sequence. The DarkHorse HGT Candidate database provides a powerful, flexible set of tools for identifying phylogenetically atypical proteins, allowing researchers to explore both individual HGT events in single genomes, and large-scale HGT patterns among protein families and genome groups. Although the DarkHorse algorithm cannot, by itself, provide definitive proof of horizontal gene transfer, it is a flexible, powerful tool that can be combined with slower, more rigorous methods in situations where these other methods could not otherwise be applied.
A practical parallel algorithm for solving band symmetric positive definite systems of linear equations

We give a practical parallel algorithm for solving band symmetric positive definite systems of linear equations in O(m* log n) time using nm/log n processors. Here n denotes the system size and m its bandwidth. Hence, the algorithm is efficient. For tridiagonal systems, the algorithm runs in O(log n) time using n/log n processors. Furthermore, an improved version runs in O(log m log n) time using nm2/(log m log n) processors.