cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional Analog Conductance Modulation for RRAM-Based Neural Networks

Increasing computation demand of machine learning (ML) applications (recommender system, image classification, speech recognition, and so on) calls for the development of specialized hardware for ML and neuromorphic computing. New memories, such as resistive random access memory (RRAM), can be used to store weights of neural networks and to accelerate matrix multiplication, the dominant operation in neural networks. One of the key challenges for RRAM-based neural networks is to achieve bidirectional analog conductance modulation for online training. This article provides a programming scheme (SRA: small RESET voltage amplitude and appropriate SET voltage) to achieve bidirectional analog conductance modulation of RRAM devices. We find that both abrupt and gradual SET can be obtained for the same device. The controlling parameters for modulating the gradual SET behavior are the SET voltage and the local device temperature. We suggest that the filament morphology before SET may be the key to understanding this phenomenon; gradual SET is obtained when the filaments have a single-layer gap in the RESET state, and abrupt SET is obtained when the filaments have a multilayer gap in the RESET state.
Prospective Phase II Trials Validate the Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Pattern of Recurrence in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

Objective The objective of this study was to characterize the patterns of first recurrence after curative-intent resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Summary background data We evaluated the first site of recurrence after neoadjuvant treatment as locoregional (LR) or distant metastasis (DM). To validate our findings, we evaluated the pattern from two phase II clinical trials evaluating neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in PDAC. Methods We identified site of first recurrence from a retrospective cohort of patients from 2011-2017 treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation and then an operation or an operation first followed by adjuvant therapy, as well as two separate prospective cohorts of patients derived from two phase II clinical trials evaluating patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in borderline-resectable and locally advanced PDAC RESULTS:: In the retrospective cohorts, 160 out of 285 patients (56.1%) recurred after a median disease-free survival (mDFS) of 17.2 months. The pattern of recurrence was DM in 81.9% of patients, versus LR in 11.1%. This pattern was consistent in patients treated with upfront resection and adjuvant chemotherapy (DM 83.0%, LR 16.9%) regardless of margin-involvement (DM 80.1%, LR 19.4%). The use of NAC did not alter pattern of recurrence; 81.7% had DM and 18.3% had LR. This pattern also remained consistent regardless of margin-involvement (DM 94.1%, LR 5.9%). In the Phase II borderline-resectable trial (NCI# 01591733) cohort of 32 patients, the mDFS was 34.2 months. Pattern of recurrence remained predominantly DM (88.9%) versus LR (11.1%). In the Phase II locally-advanced trial (NCI# 01821729) cohort of 34 patients, the mDFS was 30.7 months. Although there was a higher rate of local recurrence in this cohort, pattern of first recurrence remained predominantly DM (66.6%) versus LR (33.3%) and remained consistent independent of margin-status. Conclusions The pattern of recurrence in PDAC is predominantly DM rather than LR, and is consistent regardless of the use of NAC and margin involvement.
General method for emulsion polymerization to yield functional terpolymers.

Abstract Copolymerization methods are used to impart specific, desired functional properties (e.g. mechanical or bioactive) to a material for targeted applications in biomedicine, food and agriculture, consumer products, advanced manufacturing, and more. Many polymerization methods exist to achieve tailored copolymer architectures. Of them, emulsion polymerization offers unique and industrially convenient features that make for easily scalable processes because the synthesis occurs in water and the latexes usually do not need further purification. Because of the breadth of copolymer architectures and thus wide range of potential applications for latexes produced by emulsion polymerization, there is great value in defining general methods for emulsion polymerizations to yield copolymers, including routes for synthesis of functional monomer building blocks, to permit consistency and optimization of these processes. Herein we present a general emulsion polymerization method for synthesis of a copolymer consisting of three functional monomers, suitable for adaptation to alternate base chemistries, curing chemistries, and functional ligands. This protocol includes the synthesis of the functional monomers glycidyl methacrylate-iminodiacetic acid (GMA-IDA) and 4-benzolylphneyl methacrylate (BPM). • Our synthesized copolymer includes a glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) monomer functionalized with a metal-chelating iminodiacetic acid (IDA) ligand, a UV-curable monomer, 4-benzoylphenyl methacrylate (BPM), and an inert hydrophobic monomer, n‑butyl acrylate (BA). • The presented synthesis route demonstrates a general polymerization method that can be modified to copolymerize alternative functional monomers to create multi-functional polymers.
Still a New Kid on the Block? Computational Thinking as Problem Solving in Code.org:

Computational thinking is a means to understand and solve complex problems through using computer science concepts and techniques. While there is an increase in the number of initiatives focusing o...
Enchancement of Napier grass growth through introduction of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria.

The effect of introducing N-fixing cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) on biomass crop growth was studied using a newly isolated strain of Synechococcus and a Napier grass - pearl millet hybrid under laboratory conditions. Introduction of this cyanobacterium significantly enhanced the rate of plant growth and biomass yield from seed to young plant.
Carbon monoxide bond cleavage mediated by an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair: access to new B/N heterocycles via selective incorporation of single carbon atoms

Utilizing an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) decorated with a strongly donating guanidino moiety enabled the formation of a thermally remarkably stable FLP-CO adduct, which at 120 °C underwent CO migration to form an acyl borane. Both compounds underwent rapid CO cleavage in the presence of strong electrophiles leading to the selective formation of a range of new 1,2- and 1,3-benzazaboroles in good yields under mild conditions.
A Woman's Pleasure

REBECA STRETCHED VOLUPTUOUSLY. Seeing the shadow under her arm comforted her. She liked to watch her naked body in the mirror. Rebeca was slender and pale. She thought her nakedness stimulating. Is there anything more exciting than one's own stimulation? She noticed her dark nipples, almost purple, her slim, long arms which arched above her head, her supple neck and her thighs, strong and shiny as brass. But most of all she liked the smoothness of her skin, tense and flexible, young and healthy, mellow and satisfied. She stretched in bed, using her arms as a pillow and lifted her knees, half spreading her legs. She breathed deeply and closed her eyes to concentrate on her picture of herself. "I feel satisfied, as if my will has been freshly watered. " That was her first thought. She smiled, pleased, because that was a good beginning. Sensations are greater?broader, more evident?than thoughts because they precede and determine thinking. Rebeca's hope was to think sensations and she was sure to succeed this time. The room was warm and smelled of sleep. Her nostrils widened in appreciation. "I can smell male sweat, but it is fine and subtle, like fennel mixed with lemon."
X-Ray Holography of Fast-Frozen Hydrated Biological Samples

Athough x-ray holography has a long history [11], it is only in recent times that short-wavelenth lasers and undulator x-ray sources have opened the possibility for competitive imaging performance. Experiments using the in-line (Gabor) geometry have been favored by most groups and have been carried out at Orsay [12], Brookhaven [9], Livermore [31], Tsukuba [34], Chilton [32], Osaka [27] and Grenoble [28] while the Fourier-transform geometry has been developed at Brookhaven [23]. Submicron resolution has been reported by the Orsay group [12] and by some of the present authors working at Brookhaven [10]. These holographic schemes all operated in or near the water window and were mostly conceived as technical developments toward imaging of natural biological material. Their motivations were mostly the practical simplicity of the hologram recording process, which is similar to contact imaging, and the fact that such recordings can be made to deliver both the amplitude and phase imgages. The chief disadvantages are that holography provides no excape from the large radiation dose that is required by all x-ray and electron imaging methods and that the in-line style of holography produces an inherent corruption to the desired image known as the twin image. We have discussed the question of how to exploit the potential of x-ray holography in light of these disadvantages in an earlier paper [18] and have concluded that part of the solution is to cool the sample to cryogenic temperatures. Under this condition, features as small as 5 nm remain intact at doses of up to 108 Gray which thus allows a tilt series containing scores of holographic images to be taken.
Price Endogenous Mathematical Programming Models and Trade Analysis

Takayama and Judge introduced the price endogenous mathematical programming model as an alternative to the traditional econometric approach to sector-level policy analysis. McCarl and Spreen provided a review of price endogenous mathematical programming models. In that paper, they showed how price endogeneity can be introduced into a standard firm-level linear programming model. The introduction of price endogeneity allows expansion of the firm-level specification to a market-level analysis. At the time of publication of McCarl and Spreen, however, the application of price endogenous mathematical programming models was limited by the availability of software packages that could directly solve such models. The typical application used linear supply and/or demand relationships, which resulted in a quadratic programming (QP) specification. The advent of MINOS in the 1980s and then its incorporation into GAMS has lifted the computation constraint. In the present day, numerous price endogenous models have been developed. I can lay claim to six such models.
Psychotherapy, Philosophy of

Psychotherapy is often considered to be an applied science consisting of a compendium of techniques or approaches validated by empirical research. Alternately, it is viewed as an art form requiring a creative, intuitive, and individualistic approach to clients and their problems. Psychotherapy, however, can also be regarded as a philosophically influenced practice whose underpinnings transcend its scientific, human engineering, or artistic dimensions. Keywords: psychotherapy; philosophy; philosophy of psychotherapy
Design and Implementation of a Low Complexity VLSI Turbo-Code Decoder Architecture for Low Energy Mobile Wireless Communications

Channel coding is commonly incorporated to obtain sufficient reception quality in wireless mobile communications transceiver to counter channel degradation due to intersymbol interference, multipath dispersion, and thermal noise induced by electronic circuit devices. For low energy mobile wireless communications, it is highly desirable to incorporate a decoder which has a very low power consumption while achieving a high coding gain. In this paper, a sub-optimal low-complexity multi-stage pipeline decoder architecture for a powerful channel coding technique known as "turbo-code" is presented. The presented architecture avoids complex operations such as exponent and logarithmic computations. The turbo-code decoding algorithm is reformulated for an efficient VLSI implementation. Furthermore, the communication channel statistic estimation process has been completely eliminated. The architecture has been designed and implemented with the 0.6 μm CMOS standard cell technology using Epoch computer aided design tool. The performance and the circuit complexity of the turbo-code decoder are evaluated and compared with the other types of well-known decoders. The power consumption of the low-complexity turbo-code decoder is comparable to that of the conventional convolutional-code decoder. However, the low-complexity turbo-code decoder has a significant coding gain over the conventional convolutional-code decoders and it is well suited for very low power applications.
Helpful Hints for Every Librarian's Nightmare: Publishing an Article

The purpose of this brief article is to set forth, for both the new and experienced librarian, some general principles, issues, and problem areas regarding effective writing skills needed for publishing a manuscript. The key to effective writing is practice. Several steps to success, helpful hints, and explanatory article sections provide guidance for better writing and more likely publication. A good writer prepares a manuscript that is reader-based (i.e., everything that is written is done with the reader in mind). Additionally, the manuscript should be purposeful, clear and concise, correct, and simple.
Scalable feedback control for distributed beamforming in sensor networks

Recent work has shown that large gains in communication capacity are achievable by distributed beamforming in sensor networks. The principal challenge in realizing these gains in practice, is in synchronizing the carrier signal of individual sensors in such a way that they combine coherently at the intended receiver. In this paper, we provide a scalable mechanism for achieving phase synchronization in completely distributed fashion, based only on feedback regarding the power of the net received signal. Insight into the workings of the protocol is obtained from a simple theoretical model that provides accurate performance estimates
6.1.1 Compliance Mapping of Industry Standards to the Rockwell Collins' Technical Consistent Process Using a Requirements Database

The growth in quantity, variety, and merging of industry standards, process capability models, regulatory requirements, and customer request has inundated many Original Equipment Manufactures' (OEMs) process groups. Customer requests for objective evidence corroborating capability and maturity of documented internal design and development processes are necessary to demonstrate compliance to these source requirements. This paper discusses Rockwell Collins' approach to manage these changes using a requirements database to assist projects in tailoring Enterprise standard design and development processes and processes assets to meet the customer requirements.
Unexplained chest pain in patients with normal coronary arteriograms: a follow-up study of functional status.

Abstract Approximately 10 per cent of patients referred for coronary arteriography because of chest pain have angiographically normal coronary arteries and no other heart disease. We examined the functional status of 57 patients who had undergone catheterization (23 men and 34 women), all of whom were told that their hearts were normal, that their pain was noncardiac, and that no limitation on activity was necessary. At a mean follow-up time of 16±7.7 months, 27 of the 57 patients (47 per cent) still described their activity as limited by chest pain (before catheterization, 42 of 57 or 74 per cent); 29 of 57 (51 per cent) were unable to work (before catheterization, 36 of 57 or 63 per cent); and 25 of 57 (44 per cent) still believed that they had heart disease (before catheterization, 45 of 57 or 79 per cent). Use of medical facilities was significantly reduced after catheterization (P<0.001). At follow-up the physician was more likely than the patient to believe that the symptoms had improved. We conclud...
The anti-allodynic effects of amitriptyline, gabapentin, and lidocaine in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

The management of patients with neuropathic pain is challenging.There are only a few reports regarding the acute effects of the commonly used adjuvant drugs amitriptyline (AMI), gabapentin (GBP), and lidocaine (LDC) on neuropathic pain behaviors in animal models. Thus, the purpose of this study was
Inclusion Criteria for the Preparation of Education Personnel

There has been a great deal of controversy surrounding the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. when students with disabilities are included in general education classrooms, such placements must be congruent with the concept of least restrictive environment (lre). five criteria are identified in this article as elements important to the establishment of an lre within inclusive general education classrooms. these criteria have implications for the preparation of preservice teachers. these implications are the foci for suggested teacher preparation program elements related to the efficacy of preservice classroom teachers.
Simulation of vortex breakdown in tubes

The breakdown of a vortex flow in a tube is studied for a slightly diverging tube by means of a numerical solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for a quasi-stationary, incompressible, laminar flow. Numerical results are compared to experiments of Faler and Leibovich. The numerical data display features similar to the experimental results concerning breakdown conditions, location, and structure.
Kallikrein‐related peptidase‐4 initiates tumor–stroma interactions in prostate cancer through protease‐activated receptor‐1

In prostate cancer, the mechanism by which the stromal cells surrounding the cancer epithelium become reactive and overproduce growth factors is unclear. Furthermore, the precise process of how these stromal cells stimulate the cancer epithelium is not fully understood. We recently found that protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) in these reactive stromal cells is upregulated. To investigate the role of PAR-1 in the stromal–epithelial interaction, WPMY-1 stromal myofibroblasts were stimulated with PAR-1 agonists including thrombin and PAR-1 activating peptide. We show that WPMY-1 cells have functional PAR-1 by signaling through ERK1/2. Conditioned media (CM) from PAR-1 agonists-treated WPMY-1 cells stimulate the epithelial LNCaP cells leading to ERK1/2 activation and cell proliferation. Cytokine array analysis of the CM demonstrates that PAR-1 induces stromal cells to release numerous cytokines, of which interleukin 6 (IL-6) is the major factor responsible for mitogenic signaling in LNCaP cells. CM further induces expression of prostate-specific kallikrein-related peptidase-3 (KLK3/PSA) and KLK4 in LNCaP cells via the IL-6 pathway. Moreover, KLK4 functions as a potent agonist of PAR-1 by cleaving the receptor at the proper site on cell surface. KLK4 triggers transmembrane signaling and upregulates IL-6 in WPMY-1 cells through PAR-1. Immunohistochemical analysis indicates that PAR-1 is predominantly expressed in peritumoral stroma while KLK4 is produced exclusively by the epithelial cancer cells. These data provide evidence for a novel double-paracrine mechanism whereby cancer epithelium produces KLK4 to activate PAR-1 in the surrounding stroma, which in-turn releases cytokines (IL-6) that stimulate cancer cells to proliferate and increase production of KLKs.
Limitations of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for mitochondrial DNA diseases.

Steffann et al. highlight significant differences in predicting the transmission of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in human and rhesus macaque embryos. We previously demonstrated considerable segregation of mtDNA variants between daughter blastomeres within a monkey 8-cell embryo, implying that sampling and analyzing of one or two blastomeres may not be fully predictive of total mutation load in the remaining embryo. Moreover, monkey offspring or embryonic stem cell lines produced from heteroplasmic embryos were nearly homoplasmic, suggesting that mtDNA mutation levels may increase drastically in comparison to preimplantation embryos due to a genetic bottleneck (Lee et al., 2012).
Ferritin in neuroblastoma. Impact of tumor load and blood transfusions.

AbstractSerial serum ferritin (SF) levels were measured in 36 patients with neuroblastoma seen at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) between January 1981 and December 1982. The significance of the associations among SF, stage and extent of disease, number of blood transfusions, liver function, serum iron (Fe), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation was investigated. Although a dominant statistical correlation was found between SF and number of blood transfusions, the results suggest that amount of disease contributes to increasing SF levels. Serum ferritin levels increased on average in a linear fashion with number of blood transfusions in patients free of disease or with minimal disease. In patients with bulky disease, this increase was exponential (p value >0.01). Application of a reverse hemolytic plaque assay to the analysis of ferritin secretion by cells demonstrates that tumor cells do secrete ferritin in vitro.
Improved plasma operations in the DIII-D tokamak

Summary form only given. The DIII-D program has made substantial progress in recent years on a wide range of tokamak physics and technology issues. Two key elements of this progress has been the control of plasma-wall interactions and implementation of an advanced plasma control system. Boronization of the vacuum vessel along with careful attention to vacuum quality and the removal of wall impurities has led to a significant reduction in the oxygen and metal impurity levels in the plasma and to the discovery of a very high confinement mode (VH-mode) with exceptionally good energy confinement times exceeding L-mode by a factor 3.5. The boronization has also significantly reduced the recovery time from a vent. The advanced digital plasma control system allows rapid and reliable changeover from one plasma configuration to another. The system has already allowed the VH-mode to be extended to quasi-steady state by keeping the stored energy in the plasma constant by controlling the power of the injected neutral beams.
Archaeology of a digitization

This study proposes an archaeology as a means of exploring the practices by which digitally encoded resources are generated, circulated, and received. The discussion grapples with the ambiguous relationship between digitizations and their exemplars in the well-known database, Early English Books Online (EEBO), and suggests ways in which digitizations might be analyzed as witnesses of current perceptions about the past and used accordingly in scholarly research. The article therefore offers a critical reading of EEBO and its digitizations as part of a broader effort to investigate the role of digitally encoded resources in the transmission of ideas and the production of cultural heritage.
The Retransformed Mean after a Fitted Power Transformation

Abstract An approximate method is given to estimate the mean of a dependent variable after a linear model is fitted to the Box—Cox power transformation of this variable. The estimate is accurate except when the transformation power parameter is near zero. The properties of the estimate in the one-sample and regression cases are considered, by both asymptotic calculations and Monte Carlo simulations, and comparisons are made with the smearing estimate (Duan 1983). It is shown that there can be some cost due to estimating the power transformation, as opposed to assuming it is known; however, this cost is not severe.
Expansion of transient operating data

Abstract Real time operating data is very important to understand actual system response. Unfortunately, the amount of physical data points typically collected is very small and often interpretation of the data is difficult. Expansion techniques have been developed using traditional experimental modal data to augment this limited set of data. This expansion process allows for a much improved description of the real time operating response. This paper presents the results from several different structures to show the robustness of the technique. Comparisons are made to a more complete set of measured data to validate the approach. Both analytical simulations and actual experimental data are used to illustrate the usefulness of the technique.
The In(put)s and Out(put)s of the Drosophila Circadian Clock

Circadian clocks are aligned to the 24-h environmental day via zeitgebers, and information from the clock must be relayed to the rest of the organism. Recent studies addressing temperature as an input to, and the generation of rhythmic gene expression as an output from, the Drosophila central clock are discussed.
First record of the scarab beetle, Phyllophaga lissopyge from South America, with descriptions of adult seasonal activity and male response to sex attractants

Phyllophaga lissopyge (Bates) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) is reported for the first time from South America. Male sex pheromone response is described for P. lissopyge and two other co-occurring Phyllophaga species. Adults of P. lissopyge and P. menetriesi (Blanchard) flew to traps baited with methyl 2-(methylthio) benzoate whereas adults of P. obsoleta (Blanchard) flew irregularly to four different pheromone compounds. Adult seasonal activity is described from males captures in Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia.
Nanoscratch testing to assess the fiber adhesion of short‐carbon‐fiber composites

In a composite material, the degree of adhesion between the fiber and the matrix plays an important role in the overall performance of the material. Because the load between the fiber and the matrix is realized throughout the interphase region material, a lot of effort has gone into characterizing the strength of the interphase. In this study, nanoscratch tests on the composite samples were used to provide a relative measure of adhesion in different composite materials. Carbon-filled nylon 6,6 and polycarbonate resins were evaluated with this method. The carbon fillers we used were polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers sized and surface-treated for the respective matrix and pitch-based carbon fibers without any sizing or surface treatment. Tensile and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data for the composites we considered are also presented to compare to the nanoscratch results. It is shown that nanoscratch testing on the composites, with the proposed data analysis, can be an effective tool for determining the relative degree of adhesion between different composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 328–335, 2007
Food Expenditure and Nutrient Availability in Elderly Households

A model of food expenditure and nutrient consumption is developed and estimated using the data from the elderly supplemental survey to the 1977–78 USDA Nationwide Food Consumption Survey. Results provide strong evidence that elderly households make concurrent decisions on food budgets and nutritional needs. In addition to other socioeconomic and demographic factors, the Food Stamp Program has had significant impact on food expenditure and nutritional well-being of elderly households.
Bilateral Simultaneous Sphygmomanometry A New Diagnostic Test for Subclavian Steal Syndrome

A series of 30 normal persons and four patients with proved subclavian steal were studied by use of a standard exercise test and an instrument devised by us for measuring blood pressure in the two arms simultaneously. No significant differences were found in the blood pressures in the arms of the normal persons in the base-line or exercise state, but in the patients with subclavian steal, exercise of the involved limb produced rapid fatigue and always reduced the blood pressure on the involved side. In one case, pulse pressure was lost completely so that there was no detectable blood pressure. In these four cases the radial pulse which had been palpable [see table in the PDF file] before the exercise test was either absent or barely palpable, and a definite pulse delay was detected on the involved side. The exercise test may serve to accentuate borderline differences in blood pressure and substantiate a clinical diagnosis of subclavian steal.
PRESSURE FORCES ON DEFORMABLE BODIES IN NON-UNIFORM INVISCID FLOWS

The problem of a general deformable shape moving unsteadily with six degrees of freedom in a non homogeneous flow field is studied here in some detail. First we derive the force balance equation for a deformable spherical shape moving in an arbitrary non uniform irrotational flow. Thes resutls are then extended for elongated shapes, of a prolate speroidal type, by including the effect of the angular velocity of the body
WE‐B‐211A‐01: Strengths and Limitations of Anatomical and Spectroscopic MRI in Radiation Oncology Treatment Planning

Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is playing an increasingly important role in radiation oncologytreatment planning. As compared to computed tomography(CT),MRI provides excellent soft tissuecontrast making it ideal for imagingbraintumors. Other anatomical sites (e.g., prostate, pelvis, head and neck, extremities, abdomen, etc.) also benefit from the soft tissuecontrast provided by MRI, but are limited by difficulties in reproducing CT patient positioning in the MRI as well as geometric distortions introduced within the MRI datasets. These issues will be described, along with techniques for their minimization and quantification. MRI is also a powerful and non‐invasive imaging modality to assess tissue motion, caused by a host of physiological processes (respiration, peristalsis, bladder and/or rectal filling, etc.). Clinical approaches to using MRI for motion management will be described. In addition to morphological imaging,magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging(MRSI) provides a non‐invasive spatial mapping of abnormal tumor metabolism. This information may provide critically relevant assessment of the presence and extent of tumor activity, which may be substantially different from those considered to contain tumor based on T1 and T2 imaging. Many uncertainties remain: geometric and quantification accuracy of the acquired MRSI data due to magnetic field imperfections, lack of adequate anatomical details with MRSIimages for registration with planning CT, and lacking essential DICOM objects hamper the incorporation of MRSI information into the treatment planning process. Clinical approaches to using MRSI for tumor target delineation will also be described. This lecture will outline the indications for MRI in radiation oncologytreatment planning for both external beam and brachytherapy. Examples are provided for many anatomical sites, along registration of MRI datasets with PET/CT. Approaches that can be used to validate MRI applications will be provided, along with a description of the current limitations. Learning Objectives: 1. Widespread applications of MRI in radiation oncologytreatment planning 2. Assessment of geometric distortion when MRI is utilized as one of several imaging modalities: reproducibility of patient setup and image distortion 3. Application of MRI to quantify and validate motion management models 4. Review obstacles to clinical utilization of magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging(MRSI) Research sponsored by Siemens Medical Solutions
An animal model of generalized nonconvulsive status epilepticus: immediate characteristics and long-term effects

Absence seizures are traditionally believed to have no significant long-term neurological consequences, but few basic scientific studies have examined the effects of absence seizures on neuronal function, especially regarding absence status epilepticus. We developed a model of generalized nonconvulsive status epilepticus (GNCSE) in rats to study behavioral, functional, and histological effects of GNCSE. Using repetitive timed injections of low-dose pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), a state of prolonged behavioral arrest and immobility associated with frequent generalized spike-wave discharges on EEG could be induced for hours, consistent with GNCSE. GNCSE occurred reproducibly in adult rats, but surprisingly not in juvenile rats or adult mice. There was no evidence of pathological damage following GNCSE using Fluoro-Jade B and Cresyl Violet histological methods. Although a transient, subtle deficit in place learning occurred in PTZ-treated rats, there were no long-term behavioral effects of GNCSE on spatial learning or sensorimotor function. However, 1 week after a single episode of GNCSE, there was an increase in absence seizures in response to a repeat dose of PTZ compared to controls. These results indicate that an animal model of GNCSE can be generated and that even in the absence of overt neuronal damage, GNCSE may produce functional changes in neurons that alter electrical excitability of neural circuits.
Institutional profile: Harvard Stem Cell Institute.

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute is a virtual organization comprised of Harvard’s schools and affiliated hospitals and research institutions focused on using the power of stem cell biology to understand and address the causes of selected diseases and conditions.
Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells form vascular analogs in cultured skin substitutes after grafting to athymic mice

Cultured skin substitutes (CSS) consisting of autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes combined with biopolymers are an adjunctive treatment for large excised burns. CSS containing two cell types are limited by anatomical deficiencies, including lack of a vascular plexus, leading to slower vascularization after grafting than split-thickness autograft. To address this limitation, CSS were prepared containing human keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) isolated from a single skin sample. After 16 days in culture, control CSS and CSS containing HDMEC (CSS+EC) were grafted to full-thickness wounds in athymic mice. In CSS+EC in vitro, HDMEC persisted in the dermal substitutes and formed multicellular aggregates. One wk after grafting, HDMEC in CSS+EC organized into multicellular structures, some containing lumens. By 4 wk after grafting, HDMEC were found in linear and circular organizations resembling vascular analogs associated with basement membrane deposition. In some cases, colocalization of HDMEC with mouse perivascular cells was observed. The results demonstrate HDMEC transplantation in a clinically relevant cultured skin model, persistence of HDMEC after grafting, and HDMEC organization into vascular analogs in vitro and in vivo. All cells were derived from the same donor tissue, indicating the feasibility of preparing CSS containing autologous HDMEC for grafting to patients.
Recruitment strategy cost and impact on minority accrual to a breast cancer prevention trial

BackgroundRecruitment of minorities to cancer prevention trials is difficult and costly. Early-phase cancer prevention trials have fewer resources to promote recruitment. Identifying cost-effective strategies that can replace or supplement traditional recruitment methods and improve minority accrual to small, early-phase cancer prevention trials are of critical importance.PurposeTo compare the costs of accrual strategies used in a small breast cancer prevention trial and assess their impact on recruitment and minority accrual.MethodsA total of 1196 potential subjects with a known recruitment source contacted study coordinators about the SOY study, a breast cancer prevention trial. Recruitment strategies for this study included recruitment from within the Northwestern University network (internal strategy), advertisements placed on public transportation (Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)), health-related events, media (print/radio/television), and direct mail. Total recruitment strategy cost included the cos...
On the Complexity of Scheduling to Optimize Average Response Time

Abstract Process and job scheduling is one of the most widely studied problems in operations research, computer science, and combinatorial optimization. Unfortunately, many common and interesting scheduling problems are known to be NP-hard. In modern, interactive computer systems it is desirable to minimize the response time of each process competing for the system’s resources. In this short note, we prove that approximating an optimal solution to the problem of scheduling processes to minimize the average response time of the processes is at least as hard as the well-known difficult problem of rinding an approximate graph coloring.
Stabilization of α-Synuclein Protein with Aging and Familial Parkinson's Disease-Linked A53T Mutation

We examined the potential relationship between aging and α-synuclein (α-Syn) metabolism, both of which are implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and otherα-synucleinopathies. During aging,α-Syn and β-Syn mRNA expression in brain decreases, but the protein levels are maintained at high levels. Significantly, the α-Syn protein level increases with aging in human substantia nigra. Pulse-chase analyses of α-Syn half-lives in neurons and neuronal cell lines indicate that, in mature neurons, the expression of α-Syn is regulated by the post-translational stabilization of α-Syn protein. Moreover, A53T mutant human α-Syn exhibits increased stability in neuronal cell lines, leading to higher levels of the mutant protein in cells and transgenic mice. Inhibitor studies suggest that the proteasomal and lysosomal systems may not be responsible for the differential stabilization or metabolism of α-Syn protein in neuronal cells. Because increased stabilization of α-Syn protein is associated with increased protein levels and accumulation of pathogenic protein modifications, such as oxidative damage, the stabilization of α-Syn with aging may be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies.
Prey exchange between a stream and its forested watershed elevates predator densities in both habitats

Shigeru Nakano was an extraordinary field biologist, as well as a community ecologist of uncommonly broad vision. Like other great ecologists, his insights were anchored in his deep intuition and knowledge of the natural history of an array of interacting species, in his case, stream fishes, aquatic insects, and birds. Such insight can come only from intensive and prolonged observation in the field. Nakano started his career as a fish biologist, doing detailed work on life histories, diets, and behavior, primarily of Japanese salmonids. In addition to collecting superbly detailed data on fish in their natural environments, he perfected several unique techniques for stream research, including underwater angling which allowed him to remove, measure, mark, and replace individuals in streams at will (2). Nakano's techniques for studying stream fishes expanded as a result of his collaborations with Prof. Kurt Fausch of Colorado State University, who introduced him to the idea of experimental field manipulations. Their collaborations included habitat scale manipulations of insect drift consumed by various salmonid species, with documentation of switches from water column to benthic feeding at different flux thresholds for morphologically generalized vs. specialized salmonid species (3). Nakano's interest in responses of fish and stream food webs to food availability motivated a large scale manipulation of terrestrial insect inputs to the Horonai Stream running through his study site in the Tomakomai Experimental Forest of Hokkaido …
Reflecting on our past: reconciling a divided nation through listening

The miracle of a relatively peaceful transition from apartheid to a non-racial democratic rule in South Africa stunned political pundits and observers. After decades of dehumanising laws which led to unbelievable racial conflict and the killing of many people, the country witnessed the birth of a new dispensation. This article briefly recounts the tragic history of South Africa, the current challenges the country faces for sustainable peaceful coexistence between the various racial groups, and the role that listening played and should continue to play in the process of national reconciliation.
Localization and Characterization of the Calsequestrin-binding Domain of Triadin 1 EVIDENCE FOR A CHARGED β-STRAND IN MEDIATING THE PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTION

Abstract Triadin is an integral membrane protein of the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum that binds to the high capacity Ca2+-binding protein calsequestrin and anchors it to the ryanodine receptor. The lumenal domain of triadin contains multiple repeats of alternating lysine and glutamic acid residues, which have been defined as KEKE motifs and have been proposed to promote protein associations. Here we identified the specific residues of triadin responsible for binding to calsequestrin by mutational analysis of triadin 1, the major cardiac isoform. A series of deletional fusion proteins of triadin 1 was generated, and by using metabolically labeled calsequestrin in filter-overlay assays, the calsequestrin-binding domain of triadin 1 was localized to a single KEKE motif comprised of 25 amino acids. Alanine mutagenesis within this motif demonstrated that the critical amino acids of triadin binding to calsequestrin are the even-numbered residues Lys210, Lys212, Glu214, Lys216, Gly218, Gln220, Lys222, and Lys224. Replacement of the odd-numbered residues within this motif by alanine had no effect on calsequestrin binding to triadin. The results suggest a model in which residues 210–224 of triadin form a β-strand, with the even-numbered residues in the strand interacting with charged residues of calsequestrin, stabilizing a “polar zipper” that links the two proteins together. This small, highly charged β-strand of triadin may tether calsequestrin to the junctional face membrane, allowing calsequestrin to sequester Ca2+ in the vicinity of the ryanodine receptor during Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release.
Growth Inhibition of Corn Ear worm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Larvae Reared on Resistant Corn Silk Diets

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine whether the growth inhibition response of com ear worm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), larvae on com silks is a result of a feeding deterrent or other factors. Neonates and 4th and 5th instars were fed either pinto bean diet (control), a mixture of silks of ‘Stowell's Evergreen’ (susceptible), or ‘Zapalote Chico 2451# P(C3)’ (resistant) com. The silks of Zapalote Chico inhibited growth, extended development time, and reduced weight of pupae when neonate and 4th instars were tested. Both consumption and amount of feces were less for neonates fed resistant silk diets, but not for 4th and 5th instars. Consumption and amount of feces excreted by 4th and 5th instars on both resistant and susceptible silk diets were greater than that of the pinto bean diet. The amount of protein in the feces excreted by 4th and 5th instars reared on resistant silk diets was substantially more than the amount of protein in the feces excreted by larvae reared on control diets. The percentage of protein: feces was substantially higher for Zapalote Chico (91.5%) than for Stowell's Evergreen, the susceptible entry (75.1%). The growth inhibition factor in resistant silks is likely caused by an antinutritive factor causing the larvae to excrete large amounts of protein.
Compartments in the striatum of the cat observed by retrograde cell labeling

The distribution of neurons giving rise to striatal efferent projections has been studied in the cat by the aid of Mesulam's histochemical methods following large injections of horseradish peroxidase into the pallidum and substantia nigra. The findings suggest that neurons of medium size form a major fraction of the efferent neurons of the striatum and that these neurons are grouped into geometrically complex, three-dimensional networks.
Effects of timber harvesting on coarse woody debris in red pine forests across the Great Lakes States, U.S.A.

Coarse woody debris (CWD) chronosequences were developed for managed and unmanaged red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) stands across the Great Lakes states. Throughout stand development, there is less CWD in managed than in unmanaged forests, and effects of management are strongest in young forests (0-30 years old). At stand initiation, CWD is 80% lower in managed than unmanaged forests, 20 200 versus 113 200 kg·ha-1, while at 90 years, CWD is 35% lower, 6600 versus 10 400 kg·ha-1. Timber management especially affects snags. In young managed forests, snag biomass is less than 1% of that in unmanaged forests, 150 versus 58 200 kg·ha-1, while log biomass is 80% lower, 5000 versus 22 800 kg·ha-1. This trend continues in mature forests (91-150 years old), where snag biomass is 75% lower in managed than in unmanaged forests, 1700 versus 6400 kg·ha-1. Management has relatively little impact on total log biomass of mature forests but increases the biomass of fresh logs nearly 10-fold, to 1400 versus 150 kg·ha-1. CWD ...
IL28B inhibits hepatitis C virus replication through the JAK–STAT pathway

Background & Aims The combination of pegylated interferon (IFN) α and ribavirin (RBV) is the standard therapy for patients with chronic HCV infection. However, it produces a sustained virologic response (SVR) in only half of the treated individuals and is associated with significant side effects. Recently, several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the IL28B locus, also known as IFNλ3 , were identified to be strong predictors of SVR in patients receiving PEG-IFN and RBV. We sought to determine whether IL28B was capable of inhibiting HCV replication and to determine the pathway by which IL28B exhibits anti-HCV activity. Methods Using the full-length HCV replicon OR6 and the infectious HCV clones JFH1 and Jc1, we assessed the anti-HCV effect of IL28B on HCV and characterized the key steps of the JAK–STAT pathway by real time PCR, luciferase assay, and Western blot. Finally, we evaluated the anti-HCV effect of IL28B in the presence of JAK–STAT pathway inhibitors such as blocking antibodies, a pharmacological inhibitor, and siRNAs. Results We found that IL28B inhibits HCV replication in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Like IFNα, IL28B induces the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2, ISRE-driven transcription, and expression of known ISGs. The anti-HCV effects of IL28A, IL28B, and IL29 were abrogated by an IL10R2 blocking antibody, a pharmacological inhibitor of JAK1/TYK2, and by siRNA against IL28R1 , STAT1 , STAT2, and IRF9 . Conclusions Our data demonstrate that IL28A, IL28B, and IL29 signal through the JAK–STAT pathway to inhibit HCV. These data suggest possible applications of new approaches in HCV treatment.
A finite element model for coupled 3D transient electromagnetic and structural dynamics problems

This paper develops a framework for coupling transient electromagnetic (EM) and dynamic mechanical (ME) fields to predict the evolution of electrical and magnetic fields and their fluxes in a vibrating substrate undergoing finite deformation. To achieve coupling between fields the governing equations are solved in the time domain. A Lagrangian description is invoked, in which the coupling scheme maps Maxwell's equations from spatial to material coordinates in the reference configuration. Physical variables in the Maxwell's equations are written in terms of a scalar potential and vector potentials. Non-uniqueness in the reduced set of equations is overcome through the introduction of a gauge condition. Selected features of the code are validated using existing solutions in the literature, as well as comparison with results of simulations with commercial software. Subsequently, two coupled simulations featuring EM fields excited by steady-state and transient electric current source in dynamically vibrating conducting media are studied.
An exponential second-order probability-density function

It is shown that the second-order exponential probability-density function (pdf) given by Barrick [1] fails to meet an essential statistical requirement. By applying a nonlinear transformation to the envelope and the phase of a Gaussian random process, an alternate pdf meeting all the statistical requirements is obtained. Three-dimensional plots are provided.