cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prologue: The Enigma of Shockley

The highest aim of science should be the ultimate search for truth. Today we admire scientists like Galileo Galilei for their intellectual honesty about what they saw, even if the results were uncomfortable to political establishment. Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis was committed to an insane asylum after losing his job for suggesting, in the nineteenth century, the radical notion that infections could be spread by germs on doctors’ hands in hospitals. In 1600, philosopher Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for the heresy of proposing that the universe might be infinite. Dr. Shockley was such a hero who, in the search for true science, paid no attention to moral convention and feelings.
A new trivariate model for stochastic episodes

We study the joint distribution of stochastic events described by (X,Y,N), where N has a 1-inflated (or deflated) geometric distribution and X, Y are the sum and the maximum of N exponential random variables. Models with similar structure have been used in several areas of applications, including actuarial science, finance, and weather and climate, where such events naturally arise. We provide basic properties of this class of multivariate distributions of mixed type, and discuss their applications. Our results include marginal and conditional distributions, joint integral transforms, moments and related parameters, stochastic representations, estimation and testing. An example from finance illustrates the modeling potential of this new model.
Optical cages made of graphitic frameworks.

In pursuit of perfect infrared (IR) radiation absorbers, we examined quasi-crystal structures made of graphite wires. Simulations on an array of subwavelength graphitic cages and cage-within-cage frameworks indicate a flat absorption coefficient between 10–30 µm. The concept could be scaled up through the 50–120 µm [far-IR, terahertz (THz)] region by a proper structural design. For cage-within-cage, the IR radiation energy is funneled toward the inner cage, resulting in a rather hot structure. At longer wavelengths (microwave region), the electrical conductivity dominates the negative dielectric effect, and experiments with copper cages indicate scattering resonances. Graphitic structures allude to some absorption even at microwave frequencies. Applications are envisioned as anti-fogging surfaces, adaptable electromagnetic shields, energy harvesting, and efficient absorbers in the far-IR (THz frequencies).
Protection of large-scale smart grids against false data injection cyberattacks leading to blackouts

Abstract Power system is one of the most critical cyber–physical systems in a sustainable society, whose security and reliability can significantly impact other infrastructures. Therefore, security and resilience of smart grids are one of the most challenging research questions in protection of critical infrastructures. After cyberattacks on the U.S. power grid in 2018, the national security agency announced cyberattacks might cause a blackout in transmission systems. Therefore, it is critical to model cyberattack scenarios, propose a detection strategy to mitigate these threats in a realistic context, and study how the models can improve the defense of large-scale grids. In this paper, a bi-level mixed-integer linear programming (BMILP) model is developed to accurately model false data injections (FDIs) that are targeted to overflow multiple transmission lines and cause a blackout in large-scale grids. Compared to the existing research, the proposed model considers that attackers might have limited access to measurement buses and models attacks on targeted transmission lines without being detected by existing DC state-estimation. In addition, to protect the system against these attacks, it is proved that a detection framework based on recursive weighted least-square (WLS) state-estimation can detect the FDIs, unlike classical weighted least square (WLS) estimation that fails to identify stealthy FDIs. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed attack model and detection framework in practical grid infrastructures, the IEEE 118-bus benchmark and a 2000-bus synthetic grid replicating the electricity network of Texas, U.S. are used.
The Multidisciplinary ICU Team

As critical care medicine has evolved, advanced monitoring and technology means procedures previously confined to the operating room can be safely performed in the ICU under a team-guided delivery system. The safe and efficient completion of these procedures requires an interdisciplinary approach involving nursing, respiratory therapy, and providers along with other supportive specialties. Even emergency procedures reliant on “low-frequency, high-stakes” decision-making can be improved by crew resource management and the fundamentals of teamwork and collaborative care.
Present and Future Sustainability Development of 3D Metal Printing

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing is a relatively new concept and promising technology for industrial production. It is important to investigate the environmental impact of the AM process in light of the environmental critical situation of the Earth. The elimination of some costly prefabrication processes such as molding or post-fabrication stages such as machining and welding required in traditional manufacturing methods favor the AM process and provide beneficial economic advantages. Furthermore, the reduction of manufacturing steps contributes to environmental protection through fewer operations, less material, and energy consumption, and reduced transportation. This study is a review for the assessment of environmental impact and life cycle of some well-known AM technologies for manufacturing metallic parts and components. The fabrication of a pump impeller is simulated through a well-known metal production AM technology and casting process for direct comparison. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is applied to measure the environmental impact in five different stages of pump impeller lifetime with the two different fabrication processes. AM compared to casting has an environmental impact reduction potential of 15%, 20%, 65%, 20%, and 10% respectively in Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidifications Potential (AP), Water Aquatic Eco-toxicity Potential (FAETP), Human Toxicity Potential (HTP), and Stratospheric Ozone Depletion (ODP). Using hydroelectricity and renewable electricity mitigate the environmental impact of the AM process in pre-manufacturing and manufacturing stages temporarily until the advancement of AM technology for consuming less energy. Recommendations for future research to enhance the environmental sustainability of the AM process is proposed as outcomes of this study.
Community Formation and Detection on GitHub Collaboration Networks.

This paper studies community formation in OSS collaboration networks. While most current work examines the emergence of small-scale OSS projects, our approach draws on a large-scale historical dataset of 1.8 million GitHub users and their repository contributions. OSS collaborations are characterized by small groups of users that work closely together, leading to the presence of communities defined by short cycles in the underlying network structure. To understand the impact of this phenomenon, we apply a pre-processing step that accounts for the cyclic network structure by using Renewal-Nonbacktracking Random Walks (RNBRW) and the strength of pairwise collaborations before implementing the Louvain method to identify communities within the network. Equipping Louvain with RNBRW and the contribution strength provides a more assertive approach for detecting small-scale teams and reveals nontrivial differences in community detection such as users tendencies toward preferential attachment to more established collaboration communities. Using this method, we also identify key factors that affect community formation, including the effect of users location and primary programming language, which was determined using a comparative method of contribution activities. Overall, this paper offers several promising methodological insights for both open-source software experts and network scholars interested in studying team formation.
Design Criteria for H-Columns under Biaxial Loading

Several design criteria for isolated, simply supported steel H-columns subjected to compression and combined with biaxial bending are examined. The load carrying capacity of the columns is presented in terms of interaction surfaces. Three classes of problems are considered: short columns, long columns under symmetrical loading, and long columns under unsymmetrical loading conditions. The interaction surfaces are given in forms of tables suitable for analysis and design. Simple approximate formulas are also developed as an alternative method for the designer. The results are compared with the current Column Research Council design formulas.
IMMUNE FACILITATION OF ALLOGRAFT SURVIVAL ACROSS RESTRICTED DIFFERENCES AT THE H-2 COMPLEX

Numerous studies have now documented that a number of parallels exist between the overt immune response of lower and higher vertebrates to allografts.1,2 In both, the immune response is influenced by a number of factors the most prominent of which are the genetic disparity between the donor and host and the type of tissue employed as an allograft. Whether across weak or strong histocompatibility barriers, skin grafts elicit the most vigorous response. This is manifested as chronic rejection across weak barriers and acute rejection across major barriers. Heart and kidney grafts, however, elicit a varied response.3,4,5 In the urodels,6 and certain semi-inbred strains of fish,7 heart grafts persist indefinitely or are rejected over a long time course. In inbred strains of rats3,4,5 and mice,8,9 kidney and in some instances, whole heart grafts are either rejected as rapidly as skin grafts or exhibit a prolonged survival time. In each group of animals, a correlation has been found between the strength of the genetic incompatibility and the duration of graft survival.10 A similar correlation has been found between the immunogenetic strength of histocompatibility antigens and the capacity of alloantibody to enhance graft survival.11 That is, it has been shown that it is easier to enhance the survival of grafts across weak barriers than strong barriers.
RADIATION-INDUCED EMBRITTLEMENT AND LIFE EVALUATION OF REACTOR PRESSURE VESSELS

Neutron irradiation can lead to the embrittlement and the shift of ductile-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) of the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels, which is the potential threat to the safe operation of reactors. Surveillance program for RPVs, irradiation damage and embrittlement of RPV steels and safe evaluation of RPVs were reviewed in this paper.
Incidence of infectious drug resistance among fecal coliforms isolated from raw sewage.

Raw sewage was examined for the incidence of antibiotic-resistant coliforms present among both total and fecal coliforms. In both groups, it was found that approximately 3% of the coliform bacteria were resistant to two or more antibiotics. Of these organisms, 48% were capable of transferring all or part of their antibiotic resistance to an antibiotic-sensitive, F−, derivative of Escherichia coli K-12. Among the R factors identified, those conferring resistance to streptomycin-tetracycline, ampicillin-streptomycin-tetracycline, and ampicillin or ampicillin-streptomycin accounted for 23, 20, and 15%, respectively, of the total R factors detected. The data indicate a significant level of infectious drug resistance among the fecal coliforms of the urban population. The data indicate further that because of the high incidence of coliform bacteria found to be doubly resistant to streptomycin and tetracyline, the inclusion of these antibiotics in selective media used for routine total or fecal coliform counts may serve to identify domestic sources of pollution.
Wireless Infrared Communications

Wireless infrared communications can be used to establish short range high-data-rate wireless links. The primary commercial applications are short-term cable-less connectivity for information exchange and wireless local area networking. In the article, the major optical design issues and communication design issues are discussed. An overview of current systems and standards is provided, along with a comparison of infrared systems to radio systems. Keywords: wireless infrared communications; channel modeling; digital modulation; IRDA
From Artisan to Worker: Guilds, the French State, and the Organization of Labor, 1776–1821

Introduction 1. The decline and demise of guilds, 1776-91 2. The new regime begins, 1792-9 3. The re-emergence of guilds as a policy issue, 1800-11 4. The triumph of mechanization, 1812-21 Conclusion.
Cognitive science as reverse engineering several meanings of “Top-down” and “Bottom-up”

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses some different meanings and comment on the relations between “top-down” and “bottom-up,” and their implications for cognitive science. The terms are used to characterize both research methodologies on one hand and models on the other. The chapter describes the issues surrounding top-down versus bottom-up methodologies. The top-down versus bottom-up polarity in models of a particular cognitive capacity, language comprehension are considered. When a person perceives speech, processes occur in the brain that must be partly determined bottom-up, by the input and partly determined top-down, by effects from on high, such as interpretive dispositions in the perceiver because of the perceiver's particular knowledge and interests. Alexander's comprehension machinery was apparently set with too strong a top-down component. The trade-off between top-down and bottom-up is a design parameter of a model that might be tuned to fit the circumstances. “Top-down” refers to a contribution from “on high” from the central, topmost information stores—to what is coming “up” from the transducers or sense organs.
WKB solution of the wave equation for a plane angular sector

The two angular Lamedifferential equations that satisfy boundary conditions on a plane angular sector ~PAS! are solved by the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin ~WKB! method. The WKB phase constants are derived by matching the WKB solution with the asymptotic solution of the Weber equation. The WKB eigenvalues and eigenfunctions show excellent agreement with the exact eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. It is shown that those WKB eigenvalues and eigenfunctions that contribute substantially to the scattering amplitude from a PAS can be computed in a rather simple way. An approximate formula for the WKB normalization constant, which is consistent with the WKB assumptions, is derived and compared with the exact normalization constant. @S1063-651X~98!00507-8# PACS number~s!: 42.25.2p I. INTRODUCTION In a previous paper @1#, formulas for the Wentzel- Kramers-Brillouin ~WKB! eigenvalues satisfying Dirichlet or Neumann boundary condition on a plane angular sector ~PAS! were reported and the WKB eigenvalues, $n,m%, were compared with the exact eigenvalues for PAS's of different corner angles ~60°, 90°, and 120° !. A historical review of the solution of the wave equation for a PAS was also given in the above paper. It suffices to say that, to our knowledge, no approximate solution of this problem has been reported in the literature. In this paper, the two coupled Lameequations are solved by the WKB method. The WKB analysis in this paper is valid for large values of n. Depending on the sign of m, one of the two Lameequations has turning points. When umu is small the turning points occur where the angles are small. In this region it proves more accurate to obtain the WKB phase constants by matching it with the asymptotic solution of the Weber equation. For large values of umu, it is shown that this phase constant reduces to the phase constant obtained when the solution is matched with the asymptotic solution of the Airy's equation as is commonly done in quantum mechanics. This paper is organized in the following way: In the sec- ond section the WKB solution is formulated and the WKB phase constants are derived. In the third section formulas for the WKB eigenvalues for Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions are derived and a comparison between the WKB and exact eigenfunctions is presented. The fourth section contains a derivation of approximate WKB solutions which are valid for small values of m/n. Finally, an approximate formula for the WKB normalization constant consistent with WKB assumptions is derived in section five.
What determines the number of light families

Abstract We present examples of composite models in which the number of light families in the low-energy world below the confinement scale is determined by weak gauge alignment dynamics associated with the confining interactions.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH A PNEUMATIC VEST — UNLOADING THE SPINE IN THE UPRIGHT POSTURE

This is a prospective multi-center cohort study to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a new device the OrthoTrac™ which aims at unloading the spine in an upright posture. Three hundred and thirteen patients (313) were enrolled and 201 completed an eight-week trial. Outcomes were determined using a Visual Analog Scale and SF-36. Both scales improved significantly over the eight-week period. We conclude that this novel treatment benefit patients with back pain. Subgroups need to be identified and randomized controlled trials performed on these groups.
Thorotrast-associated sarcoma of bone. A case report and review of the literature

An osteosarcoma developed near the right lesser trochanter of a 55-year-old woman. The neoplasm fulfilled the generally accepted criteria for a Thorotrast related malignancy. Strengthening this relationship was the occurrence of the tumor in an unusual location and uncommon age group. Thorium was confirmed both in the tumor and in bone marrow histiocytes by its characteristic x-ray spectrum. Including this case only twelve Thorotrast-associated neoplasms of bone have been reported. The mean latency period after Thorotrast administration was 26 years. Regression analysis revealed that latency period and Thorotrast dose are inversely related. All tumors were reported to be sarcomas. Six osteosarcomas, one fibrosarcoma, one chondrosarcoma, and one undifferentiated sarcoma were proven histologically. All patients, for whom follow-up was given, had died of the tumor. The reasons behind the low frequency of reported Thorotrast-associated bone malignancies may be the low concentration of 232Th and radioactive daughters in bone, long latency period or the general lack of knowledge concerning the possible relationship between Thorotrast and bone tumors. Statistical association between Thorotrast injection and bone sarcoma is shown. The criteria for the diagnosis of Thorotrastosis are discussed as well as the long term deleterious effects. The distribution of Thorotrast within the body is discussed as well as the associated radiographic changes.
Health-related quality-of-life outcomes after anatomic retropubic radical prostatectomy in the phosphodiesterase type 5 ERA: impact of neurovascular bundle preservation.

Abstract Objectives To examine the impact of neurovascular bundle preservation on longitudinal health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes after anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) using a validated questionnaire. Methods We examined patient-reported sexual and urinary HRQOL at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after RP using the University of California, Los Angeles, Prostate Cancer Index among 342 patients treated between 2001 and 2004 by a single surgeon. The time to return to baseline urinary and sexual function and bother were compared between men who underwent unilateral versus bilateral nerve-sparing RP using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results Of the 342 patients, 15 (5%), 69 (20%), and 258 (75%) had no, one, or both neurovascular bundles preserved, respectively. After adjustment for age and baseline sexual function, bilateral nerve sparing was associated with greater sexual function scores than unilateral nerve sparing at all points, although the differences only approached or reached significance at 3 ( P = 0.06) and 6 ( P = 0.04) months after RP. After adjustment for age and baseline sexual function, a trend was noted for an earlier return to baseline sexual function among men who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RP (hazard ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval 0.88 to 3.17, P = 0.12), although this did not reach significance. More than 90% of the men returned to their baseline urinary function and bother, regardless of nerve-sparing status. Conclusions In the current study, bilateral nerve-sparing RP was associated with better postoperative sexual HRQOL scores than unilateral nerve-sparing RP, although in general the differences were slight.
Total intensity modulation and mode hopping in a coupled-cavity laser as a result of external-cavity length variation.

Subwavelength variation in the length of an external cavity strongly coupled to a very short (100 μm) dye laser results in large changes in the total intensity and frequency hopping of the lasing modes. These measurements are in agreement with a multimode theory of coupled-cavity laser dynamics. The modulation in the total intensity is due to the frequency-dependent gain associated with the coupled-cavity mode structure, while the mode hopping characteristics can be attributed to frequency-dependent losses caused by very weak (~10−3) reflections or diffuse scattering from the glass surfaces in the system.
Effects of Substitution of Tryptophan 412 in the Substrate Activation Pathway of Yeast Pyruvate Decarboxylase

Oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis was carried out on pyruvate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.1) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae at W412, located on the putative substrate activation pathway and linking E91 on the α domain with W412 on the γ domain of the enzyme. While C221 on the β domain is the residue at which substrate activation is triggered [Baburina, I., et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 5630−5635; Baburina, I., et al. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 10249−10255], that information, via the substrate bound at C221, is transmitted to H92 on the α domain, across the domain divide from C221 [Baburina, I., et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 1235−1244; Baburina, I., et al. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 1245−1255], thence to E91 on the α domain [Li, H., and Jordan, F. (1999) Biochemistry 38, 9992−10003], and then on to W412 on the γ domain and to the active site thiamin diphosphate located at the interface of the α and γ domains [Arjunan, D., et al. (1996) J. Mol. Biol. 256, 590−600]. Substitution at W412 with F and A ...
Activation of retinal tyrosine hydroxylase in vitro by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase: characterization and comparison to activation in vivo by photic stimulation.

: Tyrosine hydroxylase in rat retina is activated in vivo as a consequence of photic stimulation. Tyrosine hydroxylase in crude extracts of dark-adapted retinas is activated in vitro by incubation under conditions that stimulate protein phosphorylation by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Comparison of the activations of the enzyme by photic stimulation in vivo and protein phosphorylation in vitro demonstrated several similarities. Both treatments decreased the apparent Km of the enzyme for the synthetic pterin cofactor 6MPH4. Both treatments also produced the same change in the relationships of tyrosine hydroxylase activity to assay pH. When retinal extracts containing tyrosine hydroxylase activated either in vivo by photic stimulation or in vitro by protein phosphorylation were incubated at 25°C, the enzyme was inactivated in a time-dependent manner. The inactivation of the enzyme following both activation in vivo and activation in vitro was partially inhibited by sodium pyrophosphate, an inhibitor of phosphoprotein phosphatase. In addition to these similarities, the activation of tyrosine hydroxylase in vivo by photic stimulation was not additive to the activation in vitro by protein phosphorylation. These data indicate that the mechanism for the activation of tyrosine hydroxylase that occurs as a consequence of light-induced increases of neuronal activity is similar to the mechanism for activation of the enzyme in vitro by protein phosphorylation. This observation suggests that the activation of retinal tyrosine hydroxylase in vivo may be mediated by phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase or some effector molecule associated with the enzyme.
Macrocyclic hydroxamate inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases and TNF-α production

Several macrocyclic, hydroxamate derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production. These macrocycles are anti-succinate based inhibitors linked from P1 to P2'. A variety of functionality was installed at the P1-P2' linkage, which gave inhibitors that displayed excellent MMP inhibition and good TNF-alpha suppression.
The Nature of Electronic Contact in Self-Assembled Monolayers for Molecular Electronics: Evidence for Strong Coupling

Self-assembled-monolayers (SAMs) of aromatic thiolates on metal surfaces are candidates for molecular “quantum dots” or “wires”. We probe the interfacial electronic structure using two-photon photoemission in SAMs of pentafluorothiophenolate (C6F5S-) on Cu(111). Compared to gas-phase C6F5SH, the σ* LUMO in the assembled molecule is stabilized by 3.1 eV and the HOMO−LUMO gap is reduced by 5.7 eV. Ab initio calculations reveal that stabilization of molecular states is, to a great extent, a consequence of the strong electronic coupling between metal and molecular orbitals via the −S− bridge. This strong electronic coupling is absent when the molecule is not directly bonded to the surface, as in the case of C6F6 weakly adsorbed on Cu(111).
Hypothermia-induced retrograde amnesia in young and adult Swiss mice

To determine whether young and adult mice were capable of recovery from hypothermia-induced retrograde amnesia, mice at 16, 25, and 100 days of age received shock for crossing from a white to a black chamber in a one-trial passive avoidance paradigm. An equal number of mice at each age received no shock for making the crossover response. Following training, half the mice in each training group received exposure to hypothermia by immersion to the neck in a cold water bath, and the remaining half were suspended over an empty water bath. All mice were given one additional daily trial for the next 6 days in the avoidance chamber, but shock was never presented. The results indicated that both young and old mice were rendered equally amnestic by the hypothermia treatment. In addition, there was no evidence of recovery from the retrograde amnesia at any age. Possible reasons for the failure to obtain recovery are discussed.
Credit assignment in rule discovery systems based on genetic algorithms

In rule discovery systems, learning often proceeds by first assessing the quality of the system's current rules and then modifying rules based on that assessment. This paper addresses the credit assignment problem that arises when long sequences of rules fire between successive external rewards. The focus is on the kinds of rule assessment schemes which have been proposed for rule discovery systems that use genetic algorithms as the primary rule modification strategy. Two distinct approaches to rule learning with genetic algorithms have been previously reported, each approach offering a useful solution to a different level of the credit assignment problem. We describe a system, called RUDI, that exploits both approaches. We present analytic and experimental results that support the hypothesis that multiple levels of credit assignment can improve the performance of rule learning systems based on genetic algorithms.
Viability and induction of tyrosine aminotransferase in rainbow trout hepatocytes cultured on laminin and polylysine in a serum-free medium

The objective of this study was to find an economical substrate for long-term primary culture of rainbow trout hepatocytes in which viability and differentiated liver function could be maintained in a serum-free media. Attachment efficiency of primary cultures of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes was determined for cells grown on plastic and Falcon Primaria dishes, and dishes coated with ECM (extracellular matrix), Matrigel, fibronectin, collagen type 1, laminin and polylysine. On ECM, Matrigel, laminin and polylysine, attachment efficiency exceeded 90%. On plastic, Falcon Primaria, fibronectin and collagen-coated dishes attachment efficiency was 15–20% and the cells were easily dislodged by pipetting. Cells grown on ECM, laminin and polylysine were maintained up to 22 day with 76%, 60% and 80% viability, respectively. On ECM cells flattened and formed a confluent monolayer on day 2 in culture. Cells grown on matrigel, laminin and polylysine had a more rounded appearance with establishment of cell-to-cell contacts on the second day in culture. Induction of TAT (tyrosine aminotransferase), a marker enzyme for differentiated liver cell functions, was studied with DEX (dexamethasone) in cells grown on laminin and polylysine in serum-free media. Cells grown on laminin and polylysine showed TAT inducibility up to 15 and 19 days, respectively.
Regulation of plasminogen activator activity in transitional carcinoma cell lines by wound site growth factors.

Abstract The effect of two growth factors ellicited in response to surgical woundings (transforming growth factor alpha [TGFα] and β1) on the regulation of cellular plasminogen activator activity (PAA) in human transitional carcinoma cell lines, with differing baseline PAA (253J — high; 647V — low), was studied. mRNA transcript levels of PA regulatory proteins in both cell lines were responsive to TGFα and TGFβ1. However, both the magnitude and nature of the response differed markedly between the two lines. TGFα increased uPA transcript levels in both cell lines in a dose-dependent fashion. In the case of uPA receptor, exogenous TGFα concentrations which increased receptor levels over fivefold in the 253J line had no effect on this transcript in the 647V line. This differential responsiveness was even more pronounced for TGFβ1. TGFβ1 appeared to increase uPA transcript in the 253J line in a dose dependent manner while decreasing transcript levels in the 647V line. uPAr mRNA in 253J cells increased over a 19-fold range in response to TGFβ1 while this same transcript was decreased 14-fold in 647V cells. The most pronouced effect of TGFβ1 was seen on PAI1 transcript levels in the 253J line. This transcript increased in a concentration dependent fashion from non-detectable levels. These findings demonstrate that growth factors ellicited by surgical wounding may alter the biology of neoplastic cells. Both the growth factor milieu, and intrinsic cellular regulatory mechanism, appear important in determing net PAA in transitional carcinoma cell lines.
Evaluating minimally invasive surgery training using low-cost mechanical simulations.

Background: The goal of this study was to develop, test, and validate the efficacy of inexpensive mechanical minimally invasive surgery (MIS) model simulations for training faculty, residents, and medical students. We sought to demonstrate that trained and experienced MIS surgeon raters could reliably rate the MIS skills acquired during these simulations. Methods: We developed three renewable models that represent difficult or challenging segments of laparoscopic procedures; laparoscopic appendectomy (LA), laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), and laparoscopic inguinal hernia (LH). We videotaped 10 students, 12 surgical residents, and 1 surgeon receiving training on each of the models and again during their posttraining evaluation session. Five MIS surgeons then assessed the evaluation session performance. For each simulation, we asked them to rate overall competence (COM) and four skills: clinical judgment (respect for tissue) (CJ), dexterity (economy of movement) (DEX), serial/simultaneous complexity (SSC), and spatial orientation (SO). We computed intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficients to determine the extent of agreement (i.e., reliability) among ratings. Results: We obtained ICC values of 0.74, 0.84, and 0.81 for COM ratings on LH, LC, and LA, respectively. We also obtained the following ICC values for the same three models: CJ, 0.75, 0.83, and 0.89; DEX, 0.88, 0.86, and 0.89; SSC, 0.82, 0.82, and 0.82; and SO, 0.86, 0.86, and 0.87, respectively. Conclusions: We obtained very high reliability of performance ratings for competence and surgical skills using a mechanical simulator. Typically, faculty evaluations of residents in the operating room are much less reliable. In contrast, when faculty members observe residents in a controlled, standardized environment, their ratings can be very reliable.
Calcium and light adaptation in retinal rods and cones

Retinal rods and cones respond to light with a membrane hyperpolarization. This hyperpolarization is mediated by an ionic conductance (the light-regulated conductance) that is kept open in darkness by cyclic GMP acting as a ligand, and which closes in the light as a result of an increase in cGMP hydrolysis triggered by illumination. Calcium ions appear to have a role in this phototransduction process: they provide negative feedback between the conductance, which is permeable to Ca2+ (refs 4, 5), and the concentration of cGMP, which is sensitive to Ca2+ (refs 6-8). This feedback down-regulates the sensitivity to light of a photoreceptor and probably contributes to the important phenomenon of light adaptation in vision. It is still not clear, however, how much of the light adaptation is actually attributable to this Ca2+ feedback. We have examined the responses of amphibian rods and cones to light with the Ca2+ feedback removed. Normally, the response of a cell to a step of light rises transiently to a peak, but rapidly relaxes to a lower level, indicative of light adaptation. When the feedback is removed, however, the relaxation of the response is completely absent; furthermore, the steady response levels at different light-step intensities are well predicted by a statistical superposition of invariant single-photon responses. We therefore conclude that the Ca2+ feedback underlies essentially all light adaptation in rods and cones.
A Study of Methods for Bacterial Analyses of Market Milk

Summary 1.When plating methods are used, no one medium should be expected to give results which indicate correctly the condition of all grades of milk. 2.The pH score proved more efficient as a means of detecting slight changes in the history of milk than did the plating methods tried. 3.The methods as a whole were efficient in detecting slight changes in the history of the samples as follows: In samples with bacterial counts under 25,000—45.8 per cent efficient. In samples with bacterial counts between 25,000 and 100,000—71.4 per cent efficient. In samples with bacterial counts between 100,000 and 1,000,000—85.0 per cent efficient. In samples with bacterial counts over 1,000,000—97,0 per cent efficient. It seems that the medium giving highest average counts depends upon the predominant groups present in the sample studied. This may account for divergent results obtained by various workers. 4.In 81 comparisons of the pH score with the reductase ratings and the bacterial plate counts, the pH score checked as well with the number of bacteria per cubic centimeter as did the reductase rating, although neither is an absolute measure of the bacterial content.
Security-Aware Scheduling of Mission Tasks under Temporal Constraints

Recent years have seen a rapid increase in the use of heterogeneous distributed systems for deploying critical missions. This trend is motivated by the flexibility and great processing capabilities that such systems can offer. However, their inherent complexity makes them prone to a wide range of cyber attacks. Efficiently scheduling mission tasks under various temporal and security constraints is still an unsolved problem. Many scheduling algorithms have been proposed, but most of them only focus on meeting a mission's deadline, without considering the security requirements of each task. In this paper, we propose a heuristic algorithm for computing near-optimal mission schedules in a time-efficient manner. Our approach gives the flexibility of balancing execution time and security requirements, by relaxing some of the constraints when meeting all requirements is not feasible. Finally, we present experimental results showing that our approach is promising and encourages further research in this direction.
The effect of controlled growth factor delivery on embryonic stem cell differentiation inside fibrin scaffolds.

Abstract The goal of this project was to develop 3-D biomaterial scaffolds that present cues to direct the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived neural progenitor cells, seeded inside the scaffolds, into mature neural phenotypes, specifically neurons and oligodendrocytes. Release studies were performed to determine the appropriate conditions for retention of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), sonic hedgehog, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) by an affinity-based delivery system incorporated into fibrin scaffolds. Embryoid bodies containing neural progenitors were formed from mouse ES cells, using a 4−/4+ retinoic acid treatment protocol, and then seeded inside fibrin scaffolds containing the drug delivery system. This delivery system was used to deliver various growth factor doses and combinations to the cells seeded inside the scaffolds. Controlled delivery of NT-3 and PDGF simultaneously increased the fraction of neural progenitors, neurons, and oligodendrocytes while decreasing the fraction of astrocytes obtained compared to control cultures seeded inside unmodified fibrin scaffolds with no growth factors present in the medium. These results demonstrate that such a strategy can be used to generate an engineered tissue for the potential treatment of spinal cord injury and could be extended to the study of differentiation in other tissues.
Observations of midlatitude ionospheric instabilities generating meter‐scale waves at the magnetic equator

[1] We present data from a spectacular low-latitude ionospheric event obtained using two ionospheric imaging systems located on the Haleakala Volcano on Maui, Hawaii (geographic: 20.7°N, 203.8°E; geomagnetic: 21.0°N, 271.9°E), and a 50-MHz coherent scatter radar located on Christmas Island (geographic: 2.0°N, 202.6°E; geomagnetic: 3.1°N, 273.6°E). During the event, structure is seen to develop in the imaging data, extending out of the northern edge of the imaging systems' fields of view. Using data from dual-frequency Global Positioning System receivers located throughout Hawaii, the structures are seen to evolve against an enhanced background of total electron content caused by an ongoing geomagnetic storm suggesting that the pertinent features in the event are electron density enhancements, rather than depletions that typify structure in the postsunset data from these instruments. Early in the evening, 3-m backscatter, as measured by the radar on Christmas Island, occurs at the magnetic equator on magnetic field lines that are connected to the edges on both sides of this enhanced structure seen in the images. We discuss how multiple irregularity processes must be responsible for this unusual facet of the radar data, as individual processes can only explain the development of irregularities on electron density gradients in one direction. We conclude that one of the processes responsible for the irregularities must occur in the local, off-equator ionosphere. The larger-scale electric fields associated with these irregularities map to the magnetic equator where they generate the instabilities observed by the radar.
Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis and Related Eosinophilic Disorders

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) represents one member within the spectrum of diseases collectively referred to as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, which includes eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), gastritis, enteritis, and colitis. EGE is less common than EoE and involves a different site of disease but otherwise shares many common features with EoE. The clinical manifestations of EGE are protean and can vary from nausea and vomiting to protein-losing enteropathy or even bowel obstruction requiring surgery. Although systemic corticosteroids are an effective treatment for EGE, their use results in substantial corticosteroid toxicity. Accordingly, there is a great need for improved therapies for these patients.
A practical method for the estimation of ambient vaporization rates of compounds

A practical method for the estimation of ambient vaporization rates of a diverse set of organic compounds is presented. The method utilizes thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to measure the vaporization rates of solids and liquids at elevated temperatures and reduced pressures.The rates are correlated with functions of temperature and pressure using multiple linear regressionThe empirical equation generated for each compound is used to estimate its vaporization rate at ambient temperature and pressure. Good agreement was found between predicted and measured values. Samples (with vapor pressures that range between 10−5 Pa and 101 Pa) are exposed to both stagnant air and to a 60 cm/sec (1.3 mph) air flow in order to determine the usefulness of the method when vaporization is influenced by convective air flow. The 60 cm/sec air flow produced a similar increase in the vaporization rates of all of the compounds, indicating that a simple proportionality constant can be employed to adjust estimated evaporation rates for air flow velocity.
Quantitative transplantation assays of the rat rhabdomyosarcoma BA1112 isografts into the WAG/Rij Y rat and xenotransplantation into the athymic NCr (nu/nu) nude mouse.

Abstract Quantitative tumor cell transplantation assays have been performed to compare the transplantability of rat rhabdomyosarcoma BA 1112 into isologous WAG/Rij Y rats and athymic NCr(nu/nu) nude mice. The end-point was the td 50 or the number of viable tumor cells which would transplant the tumors into half of the recipients. At Yale, two sets of 2 -fold dilutions were prepared, one was sent to the MGH by Air Express. That afternoon, concurrent assays were performed at Yale using the WAG/Rij Y rat and at MGH using the NCr(nu/nu) mouse. The td 50 values were the same for iso- and xenotransplantation. Furthermore, the td 50 s in rats and mice were unaffected by standard immunization procedures prior to challenge of the td 50 assay. The BA 1112 ( 10 7 trypan blue excluding cells) grew to 10–12 mm and then completely regressed if transplanted into NCr(nu/+) mice which had received 6 Gy whole body irradiation but did not grow in control NCr(nu/+) mice. The times for the BA 1112 to grow to 10 mm were the same in normal or preimmunized WAG/Rij Y rats or NCr(nu/nu) mice and in 6 Gy WBI NCr(nu/nu) mice. All of the experimental data show that the xenogenic NCr(nu/nu) mice accept the BA 1112 as readily as do the isologous WAG/Rij Y rats.
Visual ethnography: Using photography in qualitative research

This article proposes a new way to use photographs in ethnographic research. The method builds on earlier examinations of the unique properties of photographic articulation, interpretation and use, employing the inherent ambiguities of photographic imagery. Responses to ethnographic photographs of a rural farm community were recorded during group interview sessions and analyzed in relation to additional ethnographic data gathered in order to study sociocultural continuity and change across generations in farm families.
High-Throughput Sequencing Analysis of Post-Liver Transplantation HCV E2 Glycoprotein Evolution in the Presence and Absence of Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common cause of end-stage liver disease, often leading to liver transplantation, in which case circulating virions typically infect the transplanted liver within hours and viral concentrations can quickly exceed pre-transplant levels. MBL-HCV1 is a fully human monoclonal antibody recognizing a linear epitope of the HCV E2 envelope glycoprotein (amino acids 412–423). The ability of MBL-HCV1 to prevent HCV recurrence after liver transplantation was investigated in a phase 2 randomized clinical trial evaluating six MBL-HCV1-treated subjects and five placebo-treated subjects. MBL-HCV1 treatment significantly delayed time to viral rebound compared with placebo treatment. Here we report results from high-throughput sequencing on the serum of each of the eleven enrolled subjects prior to liver transplantation and after viral rebound. We further sequenced the sera of the MBL-HCV1-treated subjects at various interim time points to study the evolution of antibody-resistant viral variants. We detected mutations at one of two positions within the antibody epitope—mutations of N at position 415 to D, K or S, or mutation of N at position 417 to S. It has been previously reported that N415 is not glycosylated in the wild-type E2 protein, but N417S can lead to glycosylation at position 415. Thus N415 is a key position for antibody recognition and the only routes we identified for viral escape, within the constraints of HCV fitness in vivo, involve mutating or glycosylating this position. Evaluation of mutations along the entire E1 and E2 proteins revealed additional positions that changed moderately before and after MBL-HCV1 treatment for subsets of the six subjects, yet underscored the relative importance of position 415 in MBL-HCV1 resistance.
Microstrip antenna-coupled infrared detector

A novel type of antenna-coupled infrared detector consisting of a niobium microbolometer integrated with two microstrip patch antennas is reported. This is the first microstrip antenna structure proven to detect thermal infrared radiation. A polarisation ratio of >20:1 and a time constant of <150 ns have been measured for this type of detector.
An office document mashup for document-centric business processes

An office document mashup called 'Dual Forms' is presented to demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of imbuing an office document with intelligent interaction capabilities, access to web services of a service-oriented architecture (SOA), digital signatures for legally binding contractual agreements, and a self-submission capability that allows the document to flow through a collaborative network or business process.