cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Small-Cell Carcinomas of the Bladder and Lung Are Characterized by a Convergent but Distinct Pathogenesis.

Purpose: Small-cell carcinoma of the bladder (SCCB) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor with a dismal prognosis and limited treatment options. As SCCB is histologically indistinguishable from small-cell lung cancer, a shared pathogenesis and cell of origin has been proposed. The aim of this study is to determine whether SCCBs arise from a preexisting urothelial carcinoma or share a molecular pathogenesis in common with small-cell lung cancer. Experimental Design: We performed an integrative analysis of 61 SCCB tumors to identify histology- and organ-specific similarities and differences. Results: SCCB has a high somatic mutational burden driven predominantly by an APOBEC-mediated mutational process. TP53, RB1, and TERT promoter mutations were present in nearly all samples. Although these events appeared to arise early in all affected tumors and likely reflect an evolutionary branch point that may have driven small-cell lineage differentiation, they were unlikely the founding transforming event, as they were often preceded by diverse and less common driver mutations, many of which are common in bladder urothelial cancers, but not small-cell lung tumors. Most patient tumors (72%) also underwent genome doubling (GD). Although arising at different chronologic points in the evolution of the disease, GD was often preceded by biallelic mutations in TP53 with retention of two intact copies. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that small-cell cancers of the bladder and lung have a convergent but distinct pathogenesis, with SCCBs arising from a cell of origin shared with urothelial bladder cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1965–73. ©2017 AACR. See related commentary by Oser and Janne, p. 1775
Sensors as robots

One can easily envision future military operations and emerging civilian requirements (e.g. intelligent unmanned vehicles for urban warfare, intelligent manufacturing plants) that will be both complex and stressing and will demand innovative sensors and sensor configurations. The goal of our research into Sensors as Robots is to develop a cost effective and extendable approach for providing surveillance for a variety of applications in dynamically changing military and civilian environments. Within Sensors as Robots, we foresee a new sensor archetype. In this paradigm, sensors and algorithms will be autonomously altered depending on the environment. Radars will use the same returns to perform detection and discrimination, to adjust the platform flight path and change mission priorities. The sensors will dynamically and automatically change waveform parameters to accomplish these goals. Disparate sensors will communicate and share data and instructions in real-time. Intelligent sensor systems will operate within and between sensor platforms such that the integration of multiple sensor data provides information needed to achieve dynamic goals and avoid electromagnetic fratricide. Intelligent sensor platforms working in partnership will increase information flow, minimize ambiguities, and dynamically change multiple sensors' operations based upon a changing environment. Concomitant with the current emphasis on more flexible defense structures, Sensors as Robots will allow the appropriate incremental application of remote sensing assets by matching resources to the situation at hand. In this paper, we discuss the development of a futuristic intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance concept utilizing the innovative integration of cutting edge technologies such as: knowledge-based signal processing, robotics, wireless networking, waveform diversity, the Semantic Web, advanced computer architectures and supporting software languages. This concept is projected as an autonomous constellation of air, space, and ground vehicles that would offer a robust paradigm to build toward future deployments.
Images of Disintegration and Integration in Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Visual expressions in schizophrenia reflect disturbances both in form and cognitive processes. They also represent regression to earlier and more primitive modes of expression. The cognitive secondary elaborations give way to direct expressiveness of the elementary forms of perception and the process of imagery formation. The disconnection between the different levels of information processing and representation is distinct and often irreversible in schizophrenia, whereas the transition between levels is rapid in the acute phase of the schizophreniform disorder. The spontaneous visual expressions in schizophreniform disorder and schizophrenia become a rich source for observing the structure and functions of imagery. A study of the verbal reports of imagery indicated that the imagery distortion is significantly higher in subjects with schizophrenic characteristics as compared to psychopathological nonschizophrenics and normal control subjects. Imagery distortions were defined as the occurrence of an unexpected spontaneous addition or change in the image, surprising the individual (Lanyon & May, 1979).
Health Perceptions and Anxiety Sensitivity in Patients with Panic Disorder

Separate lines of research indicate that patients with panic disorder display negative perceptions of physical health and elevated fear of autonomic arousal. Because health perceptions and anxiety sensitivity may be related, the present study evaluated the degree to which these constructs can be distinguished in patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for panic disorder (N = 44). Perceived health, anxiety sensitivity, and the clinical features of panic disorder were assessed at pretreatment and following 12 sessions of cognitive–behavioral treatment. Findings consistently indicated that perceived health and anxiety sensitivity can be meaningfully differentiated. Perceived physical health was only moderately associated with anxiety sensitivity, and each was uniquely associated with pretreatment symptomatology and posttreatment end-state functioning. Perceived physical health appears to be a clinically useful index in the overall evaluation of panic disorder and is readily distinguishable from anxiety sensitivity.
On the Number of Co-Prime-Free Sets

For a variety of arithmetic properties P (such as the one in the title) we investigate the number of subsets of the positive integers ≤ x, that have that property. In so doing we answer some questions posed by Cameron and Erdos.
Youth Perceptions of Online Harassment, Cyberbullying, and “just Drama”: Implications for Empathetic Design

Cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and similar forms of online harassment have become a point of concern among youth, parents, school administrators, and communities. Researchers have spent considerable time debating definitions, prevalence, predictors, and prevention and intervention strategies. In this chapter, the author will explore the multifaceted nature of cyberbullying among young adults/teens (12–18 years of age), particularly the complex nature of identifying as bully, victim, bully/victim, or bystander. Clearly, this is not easy to grasp, pinpoint, or even evaluate. Through semi-structured in-depth interviews and structured video autoethnographies, eight young adults discussed how they engage with social media, the toxicity of various platforms, experiences as cyberbully victims, bullies, and bystanders, “just drama” versus harassment, and seeking and providing support. The findings reveal suggestions for technological applications and resources to improve youth awareness of challenges when engaging online. Additionally, findings express a greater need for empathetic design within social networking sites and online safety education.
The relationship between allergy and chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective To summarize the current evidence regarding a relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and allergy. Methods Literature review. Results Despite frequent assumption of an association between CRS and allergy the relationship between these entities remains poorly defined. Certain CRS entities, however, have demonstrated a strong association with allergy-namely allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and central compartment atopic disease. Conclusion Studies are heterogeneous and largely retrospective in design with inconclusive evidence for an association between CRS and allergy. Knowledge of CRS endotypes is important in order to understand which entities may or may not be associated with allergy. Level of Evidence: 5.
Discovery of Irreversible p97 Inhibitors

Inhibitors of human p97 (also known as valosin-containing protein) have been actively pursued because of their potential therapeutic applications in cancer and other diseases. However, covalent and irreversible p97 inhibitors have not been well explored. Herein, we report our design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of covalent and irreversible inhibitors of p97. Among an amide and a reverse amide series we synthesized, we have identified a p97 inhibitor whose functional irreversibility has been established both in vitro and in cells. Also importantly, mass spectrometry reveals three potential cysteine residues labeled by this compound, and mutagenesis together with computer modeling suggests Cys522 as a major site, which when modified, could compromise the function of p97. Taken together, this new inhibitor may provide a template for designing more potent p97 inhibitors with covalent and irreversible characteristics.
Plasmonic absorption-induced haze suppression in random scattering media

Light propagation in random scattering media is a common phenomenon in many scientific and engineering fields. Because of light-matter interaction, part of the light transmitted through a random scattering medium is diffuse and causes haze. Previous approaches to manipulate haze in random media mainly focused on regulating scattering and paid little attention to absorption. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of absorption-scattering coupling as well as its impact on haze in random media. We introduce the haze-absorption sensitivity (HAS) spectrum, an intrinsic property of a scattering medium that quantifies the potential of absorption-induced haze suppression. We also investigate the effect of scatterer geometry and concentration on the HAS spectrum. To experimentally demonstrate the effect of absorption in random media, we utilized the plasmonic absorption of silver and gold nanoparticles to reduce haze in a silica nanoparticle aqueous solution as the scattering medium. We showed that 15% (absolute) of haze suppression is possible by carefully choosing the optimal absorber. The experimental results closely matched the theoretical predictions. This work provides new understandings of absorption and scattering coupling in random media. The fundamental mechanisms elucidated in this work can offer new pathways for regulating haze in a variety of random scattering media.
An attentive fine-grained entity typing model with latent type representation

We propose a fine-grained entity typing model with a novel attention mechanism and a hybrid type classifier. We advance existing methods in two aspects: feature extraction and type prediction. To capture richer contextual information, we adopt contextualized word representations instead of fixed word embeddings used in previous work. In addition, we propose a two-step mention-aware attention mechanism to enable the model to focus on important words in mentions and contexts. We also present a hybrid classification method beyond binary relevance to exploit type inter-dependency with latent type representation. Instead of independently predicting each type, we predict a low-dimensional vector that encodes latent type features and reconstruct the type vector from this latent representation. Experiment results on multiple data sets show that our model significantly advances the state-of-the-art on fine-grained entity typing, obtaining up to 6.1% and 5.5% absolute gains in macro averaged F-score and micro averaged F-score respectively.
A third approach beyond the false dichotomy between teacher- and student-centred approaches in the engineering classroom

ABSTRACTMost of the contemporary critiques of university teaching are variants of a central argument that sets up a polarity between socalled ‘traditional’ teaching, often termed ‘teacher-centred’ ...
An Online Evolving Framework for Modeling the Safe Autonomous Vehicle Control System via Online Recognition of Latent Risks.

An online evolving framework is proposed to support modeling the safe Automated Vehicle (AV) control system by making the controller able to recognize unexpected situations and react appropriately by choosing a better action. Within the framework, the evolving Finite State Machine (e-FSM), which is an online model able to (1) determine states uniquely as needed, (2) recognize states, and (3) identify state-transitions, is introduced. In this study, the e-FSM's capabilities are explained and illustrated by simulating a simple car-following scenario. As a vehicle controller, the Intelligent Driver Model (IDM) is implemented, and different sets of IDM parameters are assigned to the following vehicle for simulating various situations (including the collision). While simulating the car-following scenario, e-FSM recognizes and determines the states and identifies the transition matrices by suggested methods. To verify if e-FSM can recognize and determine states uniquely, we analyze whether the same state is recognized under the identical situation. The difference between probability distributions of predicted and recognized states is measured by the Jensen-Shannon divergence (JSD) method to validate the accuracy of identified transition-matrices. As shown in the results, the Dead-End state which has latent-risk of the collision is uniquely determined and consistently recognized. Also, the probability distributions of the predicted state are significantly similar to the recognized state, declaring that the state-transitions are precisely identified.
Smartphone Based Microfluidic Biosensor for Leukocyte Quantification at the Point-of-Care

The architecture and working of a smartphone-based biosensor for the quantification of leukocytes at point of care is presented in this paper. The biosensor consists of a microscopic smartphone attachment with a resolution of 6.2 μm and a disposable microfluidic biochip for capturing leukocytes. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) were isolated from whole blood before being seeded into PBS solution to mimic the biological samples from patients suffering from various diseases. To capture all the leukocytes, antihuman CD45 antibody was immobilized in the capture chamber of microfluidic biochip for one hour for adsorption. Leukocyte spiked PBS sample was then flowed through the microfluidic biochip at 10 μl/min for capturing leukocytes. 50 μl of a green nuclear stain was then flowed through the biochip for fluorescent imaging. Leukocyte capture was verified by imaging the biochip in the smartphone setup. ImageJ was then used for detection and quantification of leukocytes from the captured images. The obtained results showcase the feasibility of this setup for detection of multiple biomarkers from different body fluids at point of care.
Yttrium barium copper oxide superconducting transition temperature modeling through gaussian process regression

Abstract The high-temperature superconductor, YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 - x (YBCO), is a promising candidate for high field magnet fabrication as it has critical temperature, T c , of over 80 K and an upper critical field over 100 T. In practical applications, the quality and stability of a superconducting magnet depends heavily on T c . Extensive research has been conducted to modify crystal structures of YBCO materials by chemical substitution and doping in order to enhance the superconducting transition temperature. The increase in T c fulfills the needs of practical applications with liquid-helium-free refrigeration and a delay in magnet failure. But the research requires significant manpower for materials synthesis, characterization, and quench detection, as well as costly equipment and facilities. In this work, the Gaussian process regression model is developed to predict YBCO superconducting transition temperature based on lattice parameters. Results here show a high correlation coefficient (99.78%) between the predicted and experimental superconducting transition temperature, a low prediction root mean square error (1.04% of the sample mean) and mean absolute error (0.27% of the sample mean), and stable model performance. This modeling approach contributes to efficient and low-cost estimations of superconducting transition temperature and understandings of the temperature based on lattice parameters.
Affective Portfolio Analysis: Risk, Ambiguity and (IR)rationality

Ambiguous assets are characterized as assets where objective and subjective probabilities of tomorrow’s asset-returns are ill- defined or may not exist, e.g., bitcoin, volatility indices or any IPO. Investors may choose to diversify their portfolios of fiat money, stocks and bonds by investing in ambiguous assets, a fourth asset class, to hedge the uncertainties of future returns that are not risks. (IR)rational probabilities are computable alternative descriptions of the distribution of returns for ambiguous assets. (IR)rational probabilities can be used to define an investor’s (IR)rational expected utility function in the class of non-expected utilities. Investment advisors use revealed preference analysis to elicit the investor’s composite preferences for risk tolerance, ambiguity aversion and optimism. Investors rationalize (IR)rational expected utilities over portfolios of fiat money, stocks, bonds and ambiguous assets by choosing their optimal portfolio investments with (IR)rational expected utilities. Subsequently, investors can hedge future losses of their optimal portfolios by purchasing minimum-cost portfolio insurance.
Bioimpedance analysis of vascular tissue and fluid flow in human and plant body: A review

Bioimpedance is a non-invasive technique that finds diverse applications in living systems for tissue characterisation and diagnosis of disease. Biological tissue exposed under alternating current exhibits complex impedance behaviour that requires effective underlying biophysical and electrical models for such applications. Whilst bioimpedance has been widely explored in clinical applications on human body, its impact on agriculture industry is currently limited. Hence the paper reviews bioimpedance method with a focus on evaluating underlying biophysical models and analysis techniques, and identifying differences and similarities between human and plant-based applications. The application emphasis for the human body includes tissue composition, nutritional assessment, and analysis of the cardiovascular system for blood flow, cardiac output, and vascular compliance. The emphasis for applications in plants includes nutritional assessment and vascular tissue and flow characteristics. Bioimpedance is shown to be an invaluable tool in tissue engineering for both the systems. However, many challenges remain for both, including insufficient accuracy of biophysical models leading to false-positive diagnosis, limitation of analysis techniques to specific population groups or tissue type, and need for devices and technological improvements to improve accessibility to new applications such as precision agriculture. This review thus identifies critical technological and application gaps in bioimpedance for future research.
Diamond Message Set Groupcasting: From an Achievable Rate Region for the DM Broadcast Channel to the Capacity of the Combination Network

Multiple groupcasting over the broadcast channel (BC) is studied in a special setting. In particular, an inner bound is obtained for the K-receiver discrete memoryless (DM) BC for the diamond message set that consists of four groupcast messages: one desired by all receivers, one by all but two receivers, and two more desired by all but each one of those two receivers. The inner bound is based on rate-splitting and superposition coding and is given in explicit form herein as a union over coding distributions of four-dimensional poly-topes. When specialized to the so-called combination network, which is a class of three-layer (two-hop) broadcast networks parameterized by 2K−1 finite-and-arbitrary-capacity noiseless links from the source node in the first layer to as many nodes of the second layer, our top-down approach from the DM BC to the combination network yields an explicit inner bound as a single polytope via the identification of a single coding distribution. This inner bound consists of inequalities which, in a problem that is akin to finding a few needles in a haystack, are then identified to be within the class of a plethora of (indeed, infinitely many) generalized cut-set outer bounds recently obtained by Salimi et al for broadcast networks. We hence establish the capacity region of the general K-user combination network for the diamond message set, and do so in explicit form. Such a result implies a certain strength of our inner bound for the DM BC in that it (a) produces a hitherto unknown capacity region when specialized to the combination network and (b) may capture many, if not all, combinatorial aspects of the capacity region of the K-receiver DM BC itself (for the diamond message set).
Wissen oder Sprache? Für eine wissensanalytische Profilierung der Diskursforschung

This contribution starts with a critical discussion of recent work on discourse theory and analysis in historical research by Achim Landwehr and Philipp Sarasin. It argues against both a study of language bias in discourse research, as proposed by Landwehr, and the notion of ›discourse theory as philosophical attitude‹ put forward by Sarasin. The article then outlines a research programme for discourse analysis, which can be termed the ›sociology of knowledge approach to discourse‹ (wissenssoziologische Diskursanalyse). Such an approach may also prove useful for historical discourse research too. Going beyond questions of language, the sociology of knowledge approach to discourse looks at social relations and the politics of knowledge, as well as the discursive construction of reality as a ›material‹ process. This approach to discourse integrates insights from Foucault’s theories of discourse into interpretative paradigms from the social sciences, especially the ›German‹ approach to the sociology of knowledge. Furthermore, it combines research questions focused on the concept of ›discourse‹ with methods drawn from qualitative social research. The author advocates the use of analytical concepts from the sociology of knowledge, such as interpretative frameworks, classification systems, phenomenological and narrative structures, and the use of methodological strategies from ›grounded theory‹.
Ultrafine intralath precipitation of V(C,N) in 12Cr-1MoWV (wt.%) ferritic/martensitic steel

Abstract 12Cr-1MoWV (wt.%) ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steel is a candidate material for fuel cladding in advanced nuclear reactors. As such, understanding the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties in the context of irradiation environments for these steels is critical. Here we reveal the presence of ultrafine scale (2-5 nm), intralath V(C,N) precipitates in conventionally heat treated 12Cr-1MoWV steel for the first time. Lower N content results in finer intralath precipitates, whereas higher N content results in larger, elongated disks or needles. N content significantly alters the strength, but not the strain hardening behavior, by its impact on precipitate characteristics. Finer precipitates could have an impact on irradiated behavior, specifically their capacity as defect sinks. The presence of ultrafine scale V(C,N) precipitates in conventionally heat treated 12Cr-1MoWV steel, controlled by N variations, provides a new means for tailoring the strength and irradiation response of F/M steels for nuclear applications.
Techniques: Error control in digital satellite networks using retransmission schemes

Almost all data-communications protocols include, as a data blocks. These retransmission schemes affect the throughput and average message delay of datalinks, and assume greater significance in the context of computer-communications networks. On satellite links, the round-trip propagation delay is relatively large (about 600 ms), and this becomes an important factor in the design of a retransmission scheme. In the paper, a range of automatic repeat-request schmes, and some hybrid schemes using ARQ and forward error correction, are described, and the interaction of channel characteristics with the performance of the schemes are discussed.
Introduction to Molecular Biology

Molecular biology overlaps the fields of biology and chemistry and mainly aims at developing an understanding of the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interrelationship of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis as well as with uncovering the manner in which these interactions are regulated.
TRANSFORMAÇÕES SOCIOESPACIAS DAS CIDADES MÉDIAS CEARENSES

A pesquisa tem como objeto o estudo das Cidades Medias Cearenses e vincula-se as nossas inquietacoes e consequente necessidade de se refletir sobre as caracteristicas e significados do urbano no contexto da reestruturacao da economia, da politica e da sociedade no Estado do Ceara, tendo como marco temporal as tres ultimas decadas. Juazeiro do Norte, Crato, Sobral e Iguatu sao cidades tradicionais, consideradas sub-centros e centros de segundo nivel na rede urbana conforme classificacao do IBGE e dos orgaos de planejamento locais. A dinâmica verificada nas Cidades Medias, nao obstante o poder centralizador da metropole Fortaleza, deve-se tanto a condicao que assumiram no processo historico de formacao do sistema de cidade quanto as transformacoes economicas, politicas e sociais vivenciadas na sociedade cearense como um todo e no âmbito nacional e global. Estes centros urbanos tornaram-se, nos ultimos anos, nao so mais atrativos para o desenvolvimento de atividades produtivas como tambem para as populacoes migrantes procedentes do meio rural e de cidades menores elevando-se assim as taxas de Urbanizacao. Politicas publicas voltadas para a educacao, saude e os investimentos economicos, sobretudo industriais, contribuiram para alterar o perfil destas cidades reforcando a importância que assumiram na rede urbana cearense desde os tempos coloniais.
Current and future trends in microcontamination research

Because contamination can fatally flaw any process step in integrated circuit manufacture, contamination control is critically important to the yield and reliability of increasingly complex semiconductor devices. As industry strives to keep pace with rapidly shrinking feature sizes and as chip areas approach two square inches within the next ten years, stronger emphasis must be placed on contamination issues to achieve acceptable yields. The most critical research needs and requirements in contamination free manufacturing (CFM), as highlighted by the National Semiconductor Roadmap for Semiconductors, will be considered in this paper, with details and suggestions about seven important areas for research. A discussion of selected active CFM research activities and results are included, together with a list of several areas where additional research efforts should be initiated to meet future CFM Research Roadmap requirements.
Inactivation of transferrin iron binding capacity by the neutrophil myeloperoxidase system.

Human serum apotransferrin was exposed to the isolated myeloperoxidase-H2O2-halide system or to phorbol ester-activated human neutrophils. Such treatment resulted in a marked loss in transferrin iron binding capacity as well as concomitant iodination of transferrin. Each component of the cell-free system (myeloperoxidase, H2O2, iodide) or neutrophil system (neutrophils, phorbol ester, iodide) was required in order to observe these changes. In the cell-free system, the H2O2 requirement was fulfilled by either reagent H2O2 or the peroxide-generating system glucose oxidase plus glucose. Both loss of iron binding capacity and transferrin iodination by either the myeloperoxidase system or activated neutrophils were blocked by azide or catalase. The isolated peroxidase system had an acidic pH optimum, whereas the intact cell system was more efficient at neutral pH. The kinetics of changes in iron binding capacity and iodination closely paralleled one another, exhibiting t½ values of
Understanding functional dependency

In explaining functional dependency to students, I have noticed in texts a mixture of two types of elements: intensional (or psychological or meaning) and extensional (patterns of repetition in the data). In this chapter I examine whether it is possible to consider functional dependency, in particular, in second and third normal forms, solely on an extensional basis. The Microsoft Access Analyzer utility seems to do so. I illustrate the mix of intensional and extensional elements in textbook definitions of functional dependency. I conclude that although in principle first, second and third normal form can be done solely by extensional means, in practice intensional considerations are indispensable. Finally, I discuss these questions with respect to the "higher order" normal forms, namely Boyce-Codd, fourth, fifth and Domain/Key normal form.
The coordinate synthesis and cotranslational assembly of type I procollagen.

Abstract Nascent polysome-associated type I procollagen pro-alpha-chains isolated from chick embryo tendon fibroblasts were examined for their proteinase resistance. The distribution of chain sizes and their proteinase resistance were also determined following chain elongation in an in vitro readout system in the absence of chain initiation factors. Chains were labeled with [14C]proline in the cells and with [3H]proline in the readout system. Differences in the ratios of 14C to 3H in the double-labeled nascent chains before and after chymotryptic digestion, determined by slicing and counting polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis, permitted analysis of the relative stabilities of in vivo and in vitro elongated portions of the chains. In confirmation of earlier work, the polysome-bound nascent procollagen contained chymotrypsin, chymotrypsin plus trypsin, and pepsin-resistant alpha-chain size components. The readout system data showed that the full length chains produced in the cell were more resistant to digestion than the fully elongated readout-completed chains. The protease resistance of the chains was taken to indicate the registration of the chains prior to the induction of helix formation during the isolation procedure. These data support the model in which chain selection and folding are facilitated by the organization of the attachment of the ribosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum surface.
An integrated view of the epidermal environmental interface

Abstract The harsh realities of life in a terrestrial environment demand that the epidermis must respond quickly to many types of external stressors that threaten the internal milieu. We review herein how the individual protective functions of the skin (e.g., permeability barrier, antimicrobial barrier, antioxidant defense, integrity, hydration, and mechanical integrity) appear to be integrated into a broad defensive shield. Then, we will review how the epidermis responds to external perturbations through a network of extracellular signaling mechanisms and second messengers, as well as the pathophysiology of these responses in diseases such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Finally, we will briefly discuss the potential therapeutic implications of this new functional paradigm.
PROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF DUCK EMBRYO RUBELLA VACCINES

Merck (Benoit) strain rubella vaccine at attenuation level B in duck embryo cell culture afforded protection in all of 17 children who were intimately exposed to natural rubella in an epidemic which occurred 8 months following vaccination. Likewise, none of the children responding to Merck C and D level or HPV-77 vaccine became infected with rubella virus when exposed 10 months later to children who were given virus of low level attenuation (level A) and who were contagious to their contacts. Merck level B and HPV-77 vaccines prepared in duck cell cultures afforded high level persistent antibody without meaningful decline up to 33 and 12 months, respectively. Serial passage of the Merck strain virus in duck embryo cell culture resulted in further attenuation with slower and less antibody development initially, and in more rapid decline in antibody. Merck strain virus at attenuation level B and HPV-77 virus appeared to be optimal for use in children.
A new model of selecting most relevant ratings in recommender systems

A major assumption of collaborative filtering is that similar users will always agree on a majority of items, regardless of their domain. This concept establishes strong connections among neighbors. However, it eliminates potentially good users on the premise that they are not similar enough. Furthermore, this assumption allows for the possibility of a neighbor to be chosen simply because he/she shares a lot of similar ratings in unrelated domains and offers little useful information in the active item domain. This effectively reduces the amount of useful information that is considered for each recommendation. We propose a new way to identify relevant ratings that relies on somewhat weaker, but more abundantly available neighbors.
Contributions of 5-HT Neurons to Respiratory Control: Neuromodulatory and Trophic Effects

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter produced by a small number of neurons in the midbrain, pons and medulla. These neurons project widely throughout the neuraxis, where they release 5-HT and co-localized neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Each of these chemicals produce effects largely through G protein-coupled receptors, second messenger systems and subsequent neuromodulatory effects on target neurons. Emerging evidence suggests that 5-HT has additional modes of action during development and in adult mammals, including trophic effects (neurogenesis, cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and maturation) and influences on synaptic plasticity. Here, we discuss some of the neuromodulatory and trophic roles of 5-HT in general and in the context of respiratory control, as well as the regulation of release of modulatory neurotransmitters from 5-HT neurons. Future directions of study are also discussed.
Polynomial chaos-based parameter estimation methods applied to a vehicle system

AbstractParameter estimation for large systems is a difficult problem, and the solution approaches are computationally expensive. The polynomial chaos approach has been shown to be more efficient than Monte Carlo for quantifying the effects of uncertainties on the system response. This article compares two new computational approaches for parameter estimation based on the polynomial chaos theory for parameter estimation: a Bayesian approach, and an approach using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to obtain the polynomial chaos representation of the uncertain states and the uncertain parameters. The two methods are applied to a non-linear four-degree-of-freedom roll plane model of a vehicle, in which an uncertain mass with an uncertain position is added on the roll bar. When using appropriate excitations, the results obtained with both approaches are close to the actual values of the parameters, and both approaches can work with noisy measurements. The EKF approach has an advantage over the Bayesian approach...
Liquid Crystals: Transition Point Studies of 4(4′)-Alkoxyformyloxy-4′(4)-alkylazoxybenzenes

Abstract A series of 4(4′)-alkoxyformyloxy-4′(4)-alkylazoxybenzenes has been prepared. The transition temperatures have been determined and the applicability of the spectral shift reagent Eu(fod)3 to determine the mole percent of six isomeric mixtures was demonstrated.
CMP-Dependent incorporation of [14C]glycerol 3-phosphate into phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate by rabbit lung microsomes

Abstract Rabbit lung microsomes were found to catalyze CMP-dependent incorporation of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate into a total lipid extract. The radioactively labeled products in the lipid extract were identified as phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol phosphate. CMP-dependent incorporation of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate by lung microsomes proceeded optimally at pH 7.4 and required Mn 2+ The apparent K m value for CMP in this reaction was calculated to be 0.19 mM. No other cytidine nucleotide could substitute completely for CMP in supporting [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate incorporation into lipid. Cytosine-β- d -arabinofuranoside-5'-monophosphate-dependent incorporation of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate was observed at pH 8.5 but not at pH 6.8. CMP-dependent incorporation of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate by microsomes was inhibited by inositol. The optimal in vitro rates of CMP-dependent and CDPdiacylglycerol-dependent incorporation of [ 14 Ciglycerol 3-phosphate into lipid were similar (approximately 1 nmol·mg −1 protein·h −1 ) and were not additive. Both CMP-dependent and CDPdiacylglycerol-dependent incorporation of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate by lung microsomes appeared to involve CDPdiacylglycerol:glycerol-3-phosphate phosphatidyltransferase. However, the specific activity of this enzyme in a particular subcellular fraction did not relate directly to the extent of CMP-dependent [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate incorporation in that fraction. Pre-incubation of lung microsomes with 5 mM CMP plus 3 mM phosphatidylinositol increased CMP-dependent incorporation of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate. When lung microsomes were depleted specifically of phosphatidylinositol by incubating with a phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, CMP-dependent incorporation was diminished. The Mn 2+ requirement for CMP-dependent incorporation of [ 14 C]glycerol 3-phosphate, its phosphatidylinositol requirement and its inhibition by Triton X-100 (0.2%) were not features shared by CDPdiacylglycerol-dependent incorporation of [ 14 Ciglycerol 3-phosphate but were characteristics of the reverse reaction catalyzed by CDPdiacylglycerol; inositol phosphatidyltransferase. Together with the previous finding of a developmental increase in the CMP content of fetal rabbit lung, these observations are consistent with a role for CMP in the regulation of the phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol content of lung surfactant during lung maturation.
LINEAR SYSTEM CANONICAL FORMS

ABSTRACT Several canonical forms are developed for linear, constant, single-input, single-output systems. These canonical forms correspond to the system properties of Controllability, Observability, Reachability, and Constructability and are applicable to the case of continuous systems in which time has been discretized and to the case of linear sequential machines.
Macro effects of interest-sensitive aggregate supply

Abstract This paper investigates the implications of the negative effect of the real interest rate on aggregate supply. The micro foundations of this effect are first explained. The effect is then incorporated into a dynamic macro model with inflation and rational expectations. If the wealth effect on consumption is large, an increased interest sensitivity of aggregate supply enhances stability. If the wealth effect is small, increased interest sensitivity of supply is stabilizing up to a point, and destabilizing beyond that. Furthermore, an increased interest sensitivity of aggregate supply enhances the positive effect of the monetary growth rate upon steady-state output, and it enhances the negative effect of government spending upon steady-state output.
Student Expectations of the University Experience: Levels and Antecedents for Pre-Entry Freshmen

ABSTRACT The research tested a model with components from the services marketing literature on pre-entry freshmen to determine the influence of intentions on student expectations of the university experience. The research found that students have two distinct levels of expectations, a lower level of realistic expectations of what will happen, and a higher, ideal level of what should happen. Each level of expectations has various influences. When the data were divided by two ethnic groups, significant differences were found for intentions and influences on expectations, as well as expectations.
Capturing patterns and symmetries in chaotic granular flow.

Segregation patterns formed by time-periodic flow of polydisperse granular material (varying in particle size) in quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) tumblers capture the symmetries of Poincar\'e sections, stroboscopic maps of the underlying flow, derived from a continuum model which contains no information about particle properties. We study this phenomenon experimentally by varying the concentration of small particles in a bidisperse mixture in quasi-2D tumblers with square and pentagonal cross sections. By coupling experiments with an analysis of periodic points, we explain the connection between the segregation patterns and the dynamics of the underlying flow. Analysis of the eigenvectors and unstable manifolds of hyperbolic points shows that lobes of segregated small particles stretch from hyperbolic points toward corners of the tumbler, demonstrating the connection between regions of chaotic flow and the shape of the segregation patterns. Furthermore, unstable manifolds map the shape of lobes of segregated particles. The techniques developed here can also be applied to nonpolygonal tumblers such as elliptical tumblers, as well as to circular tumblers with time-periodic forcing.
Conjugate-point conditions for variational problems with delayed argument

A variational problem with delayed argument is investigated. The existing necessary conditions are first reviewed. New results, two conjugate-point conditions, are then derived for this problem. The method of proof is similar to that used by Bliss for the classical problem. An example shows that the two conditions are not equivalent, and that the first-order necessary conditions, the strengthened Legendre conditions, and the conjugate-point conditions do not in general constitute a set of sufficient conditions for the delay problem. It is shown that a special case, referred to as the separated-integrand problem, leads to considerable simplification of the results for the general problem.
Insect sex pheromones: Determination of half-lives from formulations by collection of emitted vapor

A new method for determining half-lives for the evaporation of sex pheromones from formulations has been developed. A previously unexploited mathematical relationship makes possible the determination of half-lives of over 1000 days by collecting evaporated pheromone for 1–4 hr and measuring the amount collected and the amount left in the formulation. Purified nitrogen flows over the test material and the evaporated pheromone is qualitatively collected on an adsorbent of 80–100 mesh silica gel silanized with octadecyltrichlorosilane. Quantitation is by gas chromatography. Quantitative mass balance was achieved and half-lives determined by this new method are in agreement with half-lives previously determined by measuring the amount of pheromone left in septa after a sequence of time intervals. Previously undetermined half-lives for acetates and alcohols are reported.
A synchronous LED driver with dynamic level-shifting and simultaneous peak & valley current sensing for high-brightness lighting applications

This paper presents a synchronous hysteretic current controlled (SHCC) buck-type LED driver in order to achieve high power efficiency and high accuracy of the LED current simultaneously. A low-power dynamic level shifter is developed to enable the use of high-voltage power pMOS as the high-side power switch instead of traditional power diodes for significant conduction power loss reduction. The simultaneous peak and valley current sensing scheme is also created in the proposed driver to eliminate the use of any sensing resistor in the power stage for further power efficiency enhancement. Implemented in a high-voltage (HV) 0.35m CMOS, the proposed driver can deliver an average LED current of 1A. When the input voltage changes from 15V to 50V and the no. of series-connected LEDs varies from 1 to 12, the proposed driver can achieve the power efficiency of >89% and the average LED current error of <;1.2%. The proposed SHCC LED driver achieves significant improvements in power efficiency and current accuracy over traditional peakand hysteretic-current-controlled counterparts.
Iron in cancer.

Iron participates in a range of reactions that are necessary for cell viability and cell proliferation. Iron is an essential component in DNA synthesis and in respiratory and oxidative metabolism. These functions relate to the properties of unremitting proliferation and a more anaerobic metabolism, that may contribute to a selective advantage of neoplastic cells over nonneoplastic cells. Clinical correlations have been made linking cellular iron content to the development of cancer in humans. The clinical entities include disease states in which there is abnormal accumulation of iron as part of the disease process, and cases in which neoplasms have developed as a result of administered iron preparations. The molecular mechanisms regulating cellular iron incorporation and the iron-dependent formation of reactive oxygen intermediates that can cause cell injury have been recently elucidated and provide a basis for better understanding the relationship of these processes to neoplastic development.
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) Paradigm - Hansch Era to New Millennium

The analysis of structure-activity relationships started probably more than hundred years ago but the concept of quantitatively correlating physicochemical properties of molecules with their biological activities, termed as quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), was initiated by Corwin Hansch and his groups in early 1960. Many new methods have emerged since then. The concept evolved from 2D QSAR to 3D QSAR and lately another dimension (4D QSAR) has been added. This evolution is briefly reviewed here.
Control of Complex Dynamics with Time-Delayed Feedback in Populations of Chemical Oscillators: Desynchronization and Clustering

Control of collective dynamics with global time-delayed feedback was experimentally studied with (phase) synchronized populations of smooth, relaxational, and chaotic electrochemical oscillators. The experimental results provide laboratory evidence for the findings in the studies of delayed feedback on phase oscillators; multiple, isolated regions of desynchronization in the parameter plane, hysteresis phenomenon around the boundaries of control regions, synchronization of irregular behavior with very strong feedback strength, and a shift of the synchronization transition curves were reproduced in experiments. In addition, it is observed that clustering accompanies the occurrence of desynchronization in delayed feedback of relaxational oscillators. For populations of elements that are close to Hopf bifurcation, desynchronization, amplitude death, and enhanced synchronization occurs with a low, intermediate, and high delay time, respectively.