cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery for treating melanoma

Melanoma originated from melanocytes is the most aggressive type of skin cancer with limited treatment options. New targeted therapeutic options with the discovery of BRAF and MEK inhibitors have shown significant survival benefits. Despite the recent progress, development of chemoresistance and systemic toxicity remains a challenge for treating metastatic melanoma. While the response from the first line of treatment against melanoma using dacarbazine remains only 5-10%, the prolonged use of targeted therapy against mutated oncogene BRAF develops chemoresistance. In this review, we will discuss the nanoparticle-based strategies for encapsulation and conjugation of drugs to the polymer for maximizing their tumor distribution through enhanced permeability and retention effect. We will also highlight photodynamic therapy and design of melanoma-targeted nanoparticles.
Farm Management and the Function of Field Crop Root Systems

Klepper, B., Rickman, R.W. and Taylor, H.M., 1983. Farm management and the function of field crop root systems. Agric. Water Manage., 7: 115–141. Because most farmer-controlled factors influence the growth and function of plant roots, we need to develop root-centered models to describe below-ground plant behavior. A root-centered water extraction model is described. This model estimates water extraction rates from a soil layer in terms of the length of root present, the permeability of the soil-root system, and the difference in water potential between bulk soil and the root xylem in the mid-plane of the soil layer. Changes in xylem water potential resulting from frictional losses as water passes through small vessels is estimated using the Poiseuille-Hagen equation. These potential changes are used to calculate the root xylem water potential at any depth in the profile from the xylem water potential at the land surface. Field data for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), soybean (Glycine max L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.) were used to test the model. Measured values of root length density and soil water content over depth and time, field estimates of root-soil system permeability, measured diurnal changes in plant water potential and assumed values of numbers and radii of root xylem vessels were used to estimate water extraction patterns for these three crops for one time in the growing season. Estimates of the total water extraction and its distribution in the profile were in fair agreement with measured values. Principle uncertainties were absence of measurements for numbers and radii of root xylem vessels, questions of lack of homogeneity in field soils for application of a single water release curve to all sampling points in a large plot, and absence of confirming measurements for assessing changes in xylem water potential brought about by friction. When farm managers make decisions on dryland farms, they impact the root system by changing soil physical and chemical properties, the activities of microbes and other organisms, water and nutrient concentrations and distributions. These may influence root growth and function and have an impact on yield. Before models can be used to help farmers make cost-effective decisions, we must learn more about crop root system phenology, environmental effects on root growth and function, and relationships between roots and shoots and between crop roots and their neighboring crop or weed roots. We must also develop models which deal properly with heterogeneity in the landscape, in the crop, and in the soil profile.
Replacement of the phosphorodiester linkages of RNA with guanidinium linkages: the solid-phase synthesis of ribonucleic guanidine.

Replacement of the negatively charged phosphodiester linkages of RNA with positively charged guanidinium linkages provides the polycationic ribonucleic guanidine (RNG). RNG is anticipated to bind strongly to target DNA/RNA through the specific interactions of nucleobases and the attractive electrostatic interactions of backbones. Preparation of building blocks and the solid-phase synthesis of RNG are reported. Both trimeric and pentameric uridyl RNG have been synthesized.
Tubular structure enhancement for surgical instrument detection in 3D ultrasound

Three-dimensional ultrasound has been an effective imaging modality for diagnostics and is now an emerging modality for image-guided minimally-invasive interventions since it enables visualization of both instruments and tissue. Challenges to ultrasound-guided interventions arise, however, due to the low signal-to-noise ratio and the imaging artifacts created by the interventional instruments. Metallic instruments, in particular, are strong scatters and so produce a variety of artifacts. For many interventions, the manual or robotic instrument is comprised of a long curved tubular structure with specialized tooling at its tip. Toward the goal of developing a surgical navigation system, this paper proposes an image processing algorithm for enhancing the tubular structure of imaged instruments while also reducing imaging artifacts. Experiments are presented to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach in the context of robotic instruments whose shape comprises a smooth curve along their length.
Extracting phosphor-scattered photons to improve white LED efficiency

White light-emitting diode (LED) luminous efficacy must improve significantly if LEDs are to become useful for general lighting. Phosphors commonly used in white LEDs backscatter more than half of the down-converted light, of which a significant portion is eventually lost within the package, thus reducing the overall efficacy. This letter describes an experi-mental study that shows by placing the phosphor away from the die, the backscattered photons can be extracted and the ef-ficacy can be significantly increased. At low currents, the lu-minous efficacy exceeded 80 lm/W. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
How ITAMs Inhibit Signaling

Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) are used by multiple receptors to activate immune cells. However, ITAM-associated receptors can have paradoxically inhibitory effects, which have been implicated in regulation of inflammatory responses, but mechanisms of inhibitory signaling are poorly understood. New evidence shows that low avidity ligation of the ITAM-associated immunoglobulin A receptor FcαRI (transient engagement of small numbers of FcαRIs) results in translocation of FcαRI and the associated inhibitory Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to membrane lipid rafts. Subsequent ligation of activating receptors results in their colocalization with FcαRI and SHP-1 and trafficking to an inhibitory intracellular compartment termed the inhibisome. Thus, ITAM suppressive signals subvert the activating function of rafts to promote incorporation of receptors into supramolecular domains where signaling molecules are deactivated by SHP-1.
Tunneling time and energy uncertainty of surface-state electrons.

We show that the tunneling time \ensuremath{\tau} of a localized electron tunneling through a barrier modulated by a microwave field satisfies the relation \ensuremath{\Delta}E\ensuremath{\tau}=\ensuremath{\Elzxh}, where the uncertainty \ensuremath{\Delta}E in the energy of the coupled electron-field system is determined by the response of the electron to the time-dependent fields. We express \ensuremath{\Delta}E as the expectation value of an operator and point out how it can be measured experimentally.
Repetition and the Ethics of Suspended Reading in American Psycho

ABSTRACT American Psycho's alternating rhythms of repetition incite intense uncertainty, emptying its violence of meaning and culpability while compelling “nameless” dread and desire. We read in suspense of epistemologically and ethically suspended horror and thus, confront violence qua violence, unmitigated and inexplicable. Reading this “stark fiction” reads us; it affords ethical self-reflection in the play of dreadful desire for a flat, vivid violence that only signifies as we each activate it.
Existence and uniqueness theorems for the bending of an elastic beam equation

This paper concerns the existence and uniqueness theorems for nonlinear analogue of the boundary value problems describing the deformations of an elastic beam under an external load.
The actin binding domain of ACF7 binds directly to the tetratricopeptide repeat domains of rapsyn

Abstract Formation of the neuromuscular junction requires the release of agrin from the presynaptic terminal of motor neurons. Clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic sarcolemma is initiated by agrin-dependent activation of the muscle-specific kinase. While the postsynaptic scaffolding protein rapsyn is vital for high density AChR aggregation, little is known about the mechanism through which AChRs are immobilized on the postsynaptic membrane. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies of rat skeletal muscle have suggested that AChRs are anchored to a membrane-associated cytoskeleton that contains spectrin-like proteins and is thus similar to that of the human erythrocyte [Bloch RJ, Bezakova G, Ursitti JA, Zhou D, Pumplin DW (1997) A membrane skeleton that clusters nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in muscle. Soc Gen Physiol Ser 52:177–195]. We are studying a protein of the spectrin superfamily, ACF7 (also known as MACF), as a postsynaptic cytoskeletal component of the neuromuscular junction. ACF7 has multiple cytoskeleton-binding domains, including an N-terminal actin-binding domain that, we postulate, may interact with rapsyn, the scaffolding protein that binds directly to AChRs. To test this hypothesis, we co-expressed fragments of these molecules in cultured fibroblasts and assessed their co-distribution and interaction using confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation. We demonstrate that the actin-binding domain of ACF7 specifically interacts with the tetratricopeptide repeat domains of rapsyn. Furthermore, we show using surface plasmon resonance and blot overlay that the actin-binding domain of ACF7 binds directly to rapsyn. These results suggest that, in mammalian skeletal muscle, AChRs are immobilized in the membrane through rapsyn-mediated anchoring to an ACF7-containing network that in turn is linked to the actin cytoskeleton.
Polyaniline nanowires by electropolymerization from liquid crystalline phases

Conductive polyaniline nanowires in emeraldine form can be deposited by potentiodynamic electropolymerization from a reverse hexagonal liquid crystalline phase where one-dimensional (1D) aqueous channels can serve as space-confined reactors. Polyaniline nanowire bundles with single-wire diameter of 50–70 nm and length of several microns were obtained from surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) reverse hexagonal liquid crystalline phase. Impedance measurement suggests improved ordering of the reverse hexagonal liquid crystal under external electric field during the electropolymerization process. This enhanced ordering appears essential for the nanowire growth. The nanowires obtained can be easily collected by a simple washing process.
Coset extensions of S -sets

Three weak variants of compactness which lie strictly between compactness and quasicompactness, are introduced. Their basic properties are studied. The interplay with mapping and their direct and inverse preservation under mappings are investigated. In the process three decompositions of compactness are observed.
Adaptive protein evolution at the Adh locus in Drosophila

Proteins often differ in amino-acid sequence across species. This difference has evolved by the accumulation of neutral mutations by random drift, the fixation of adaptive mutations by selection, or a mixture of the two. Here we propose a simple statistical test of the neutral protein evolution hypothesis based on a comparison of the number of amino-acid replacement substitutions to synonymous substitutions in the coding region of a locus. If the observed substitutions are neutral, the ratio of replacement to synonymous fixed differences between species should be the same as the ratio of replacement to synonymous polymorphisms within species. DNA sequence data on the Adh locus (encoding alcohol dehydrogenase, EC 1.1.1.1) in three species in the Drosophila melanogaster species subgroup do not fit this expectation; instead, there are more fixed replacement differences between species than expected. We suggest that these excess replacement substitutions result from adaptive fixation of selectively advantageous mutations.
Development and optimization of twenty-four hour manual methods for the collection and colorimetric analysis of atmospheric NO2.

Abstract Manual twenty-four hour colorimetric procedures for the determination of atmospheric NO2 are described. The methods are based on collecting NO2 by bubbling ambient air for twenty-four hours through reagents that form stable nitrite solutions. The reagents described have a 93 % collection efficiency over the range of 20 to 750 μg/m3 NO2 with no apparent interferences. The inadequacies' of the former reference or alkaline method1 are also described.
In-vehicle assistive technology (IVAT) for drivers who have survived a traumatic brain injury

IVAT (in-vehicle assistive technology) is an in-dash interface borne out from a collaborative effort between the Shepherd Center assistive technology team, the Georgia Tech Sonification Laboratory, and Centrafuse. The aim of this technology is to increase driver safety by taking individual cognitive abilities and limitations into account. While the potential applications of IVAT are widespread, the initial population of interest for the current research is survivors of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI can cause a variety of impairments that limit driving ability. IVAT is aimed at enabling the individual to overcome these limitations in order to regain some independence by driving after injury.
Influence of boronization on operation with high-Z plasma facing components in Alcator C-Mod

Abstract We report the results of operation of Alcator C-Mod with all high- Z molybdenum plasma facing component (PFC) surfaces. Without boron-coated PFCs energy confinement was poor ( H ITER,89 ∼ 1) due to high core molybdenum ( n Mo / n e ⩽ 0.1%) and radiation. After applying boron coatings, n Mo / n e was reduced by a factor of 10–20 with H ITER,89 approaching 2. Results of between-discharge boronization, localized at various major radii, point towards important molybdenum source regions being small, outside the divertor, and due to RF-sheath-rectification. Boronization also has a significant effect on the plasma startup phase lowering Z eff , radiation, and lowering the runaway electron damage. The requirement of low- Z coatings over at least a fraction of the Mo PFCs in C-Mod for best performance together with the larger than expected D retention in Mo, give impetus for further high- Z PFC investigations to better predict the performance of un-coated tungsten surfaces in ITER and beyond.
Aluminum-based gate structure for active-matrix liquid crystal displays

This paper describes the development of an Al-based thin-film gate structure for use in large, high-resolution active-matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). Aluminum films are suitable for forming the data lines of such displays, but they are not suitable for forming the gate lines because of the hillock-induced shorts that can occur to overlying metal lines during the heating necessary for insulator deposition. Alloying with yttrium, gadolinium, and neodymium was examined with the aim of reducing hillock and whisker formation during such heating. Although Al films alloyed with 2 at.% of those metals exhibited low hillock densities (10-100 mm-2), the densities were not low enough for the fabrication of SXGA (1280 × 1024 pixels) panels. After investigation of several means to further reduce the formation of hillocks and whiskers, the most effective approach was found to be anodization of the Al-alloy gate lines, suitably patterned for anodization, followed by photoresist application and laser-cutting steps. Illustratively, by use of an anodized Al-Nd (2 at.%) thin-film gate structure, the short-circuit defect rate and contact defect rate for an 11.3-in.-diagonal experimental SVGA (800 × 600 pixels) display could be effectively reduced to zero.
Comparison of Scores of Bilingual Urban and Monolingual Suburban Elementary School Children for Two Measures of Intelligence

The comparability of scores from a bilingual (L1 = Spanish and L2 = English) sample and a monolingual (L1 = English) sample was assessed. The former sample showed significantly lower scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale—Revised than the latter, but no significant difference on another measure of intelligence using a more culture-fair test, the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. Differences in the WISC—R scores may be attributed to the manner in which the individual is motivated for these tests by the examiner but was not associated with a measure of anxiety.
Game theoretic bus selection in dc power systems

Direct current power systems can be made more reliable by using multiple buses for redundancy. A multi-buss system provides multiple configuration options, giving the loads multiple choices. This paper proposes the game theory based analysis to choose and control the optimum bus selection for a given load. The modeling is based on the local information of the player and does not need a centralized controller. The first section of the paper shows how the single input player optimizes its local objectives and obtains a Nash equilibrium. Then next section shows how the global objectives can be integrated with minimal communication. It also illustrates how to integrate different objective priorities in to the analysis. Lastly, the analysis is extended to dual power input player situations. This is practically important when the Nash equilibrium does not exist under the payoff matrix modeling pure strategies.
Estimating area from an accuracy assessment error matrix

Abstract A map of land cover or land-cover change produced from remotely sensed data is linked to estimation of area of land cover or land-cover change via an accuracy assessment of the map. A variety of area estimators have been proposed based on different approaches to using the estimated error matrix produced from an accuracy assessment along with information available from the map. These estimators include a stratified estimator (where the strata are the map classes), several model-assisted estimators incorporating the map information as auxiliary variables in a variety of different models, and a bias-adjusted estimator that corrects for classification error when area is computed directly from the map. In some cases the same area estimator results from more than one approach. For stratified random sampling with the map classes defining the strata, the model-assisted and bias-adjusted estimators are equivalent to the stratified estimator of area that would typically be used with this sampling design. Thus the commonly used stratified estimator is the lone choice for stratified random sampling. For simple random sampling, the bias-adjusted estimator and a model-assisted difference estimator are equivalent, but other model-assisted options include poststratified (i.e., applying a stratified estimator to data obtained from a simple random sample), ratio, and simple regression estimators. A simulation study demonstrates that for simple random sampling, the poststratified estimator almost always has the smallest variance among these estimators. The only exception to the superior performance of the poststratified estimator occurred when overall accuracy was very high, the true proportion of area was small (i.e., less than 2%), and the accuracy assessment sample size was small ( n = 100). Because the poststratified estimator for simple random sampling is equivalent to the stratified estimator used with stratified random sampling, the stratified estimator provides a unified, simple approach to area estimation for these two commonly used sampling designs.
Physical and informational constraints on the perception of transparency and translucency

Scale-invariant constraints on reflectances that together comprise a translucent/transparent sheet over a patchwork matte background are shown to be equivalent to the scale-invariant constraints emerging from Metelli's [1] model of transparency perception. If the visual system has access only to inseparable products of reflectance and illuminant intensity, these scaleinvariant rules are the only ones assessable by the visual system. Having been thus physically and informationally justified, the rules are recommended for use in pattern recognition of translucent objects on a background. Generalization of these ideas to colored translucency is also discussed.
Parties, Interest Groups, and Administered Mass Organizations

Many military-bureaucratic and single-party regimes have created official mass organizations to eliminate opposition, to mobilize for war, and to implement socioeconomic policies. Case studies have demonstrated the historical significance of these state-directed bodies, but empirical political theory has not identified them as a distinct form of organization. As a result, scholars often portray them as would-be parties or interest groups, which belies their true character. Based on data from 10 countries, this study contends that the main purpose of these “administered mass organizations” differentiates them from parties and interest groups, and that their common structural traits mark them as a separate type of political institution.
Intrathecal administration of thiorphan and bestatin enhances the antinociception and release of met-enkephalin induced by β-endorphin intraventricularly in anesthetized rats

Abstract Effects of bestatin and thiorphan administered intrathecally, on inhibition of the tail-flick response and the release of Met-enkephalin induced by β-endorphin administered intraventricularly were studied in anesthetized rats. Intrathecal pretreatment with 100 μg of thiorphan or bestatin potentiated the inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by β-endorphin injected intraventricularly in pentobarbital anesthetized rats; the ED50 values for β-endorphin were decreased 5- and 7-fold by thiorphan and bestatin, respectively. To determine if the potentiating effect was due to the inhibition of the degradation of Met-enkephalin released by intraventricular β-endorphin, the effects of intrathecal perfusion with thiorphan or bestatin on the release of immunoreactive Met-enkephalin from the spinal cord by intraventricular injection of β-endorphin were studied. β-Endorphin injected into the 4th ventricle at a dose of 5 μg increased immunoreactive Met-enkephalin in the spinal perfusate in urethane-anesthetized rats. Thiorphan or bestatin (1 × 10−7 to 1 × 10−4M each) increased the amount of immunoreactive Met-enkephalin released by intraventricular β-endorphin in a dose-dependent manner. The results provede additional evidence for the hypothesis that antinociception induced by β-endorphin is mediated by release of Met-enkephalin.
An Injection Locking Method for Multiple FET Oscillators Suitable for Active Phased Arrays and Quasi-Optical Power Combining

In this paper we present a new method for the mutual injection locking of large numbers of FET oscillators. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the non-reciprocal nature of the FET, using the gate of the device as the locking signal injection port, and extracting the rf power from the drain port, which is relatively insensitive to an injected signal. This method is attractive for injection locked phased arrays and quasi-optical power combining schemes, where each oscillator is associated with an individual radiating element Results for a five element phased array prototype circuit operating at 6 GHz are reported.
The determination of aromatic substitution patterns by nuclear magnetic resonance

A method is described which permits the analysis of many substituted benzene compounds. The method is useful for mono-through tetra- substituted aromatics. In ideal cases, the number and disposition of the substituents and the chemical shifts of the residual protons can be accurately determined. The method assumes approximate first order couplings and is useful for roughly 50% of all aromatics. Frequently observed anomalous spectra are also discussed.
Estradiol and progesterone-induced slowing of gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse frequency is not reversed by subsequent administration of mifepristone.

Subsequent to suppression of LH (GnRH) pulse frequency by progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2), LH pulse frequency remains slow for 7 days after P withdrawal if mid-luteal E2 concentrations are maintained. This may reflect an ability of E2 to potentiate the suppressive effects of low P levels. We explored this notion in a similar experimental paradigm by administering a P-receptor antagonist (mifepristone) after P withdrawal while continuing E2. Studies were performed in seven ovulatory, non-obese women. Transdermal E2 (0.2 mg/day) and oral micronized P (100 mg every 8 h) were started within 24 h of the LH surge and continued for 10 days. Subjects then underwent a 13-h blood sampling protocol for determination of LH pulse characteristics and various hormone concentrations. Oral P was then discontinued, and oral mifepristone (50, 100, or 200 mg daily) and transdermal E2 (0.2 mg/day) were administered for 7 days, after which the above sampling protocol was repeated. Results with all mifepristone doses were similar and therefore pooled. Mean LH, LH amplitude, and mean FSH markedly decreased after 7 days of mifepristone, but LH pulse frequency did not change (3.3 ± 1.5 vs. 2.4 ± 1.5 pulses/13 h). Prolactin and androstenedione increased between the first and second admissions, with no changes in E2, cortisol, testosterone, or DHEAS. In conclusion, blockade of P action by mifepristone does not reverse a suppressed LH pulse frequency within 7 days when E2 concentrations are maintained, suggesting that P withdrawal alone may not explain the luteal-follicular increase of GnRH pulse frequency.
Diagnosis and treatment of heart failure based on left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction

Data from large and small clinical trials reflect major differences in the pathophysiology, treatment, and prognosis of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction. These studies also indicate that medical therapy can benefit patients with LV dysfunction regardless of whether or not they are symptomatic. Because the descriptive term congestive heart failure does not provide for these important distinctions, a new classification of LV dysfunction has been developed in which patients with LV dysfunction are categorized on the basis of normal or abnormal systolic function. This classification is based on a simple assessment of LV function, it is applicable to patients without symptoms, and it reflects differences in treatment and prognosis. Those with clinically significant LV systolic dysfunction (ie, an LV ejection fraction < 40%) benefit from therapy whether or not they have symptoms of heart failure. Those with LV dysfunction and a normal LV ejection fraction (ie, diastolic dysfunction) also benefit from medical therapy. Annual mortality is higher in those with systolic dysfunction than in those with diastolic dysfunction, but within each of these categories mortality is higher in those with symptoms than in those without. This classification can be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of individual patients as well as in epidemiologic surveys designed to assess medical practice patterns.
MESFET models for microwave CAD applications

A review of active device models for microwave CAD simulators is presented. Large-signal, nonlinear models are of particular interest. The basic techniques employed in deriving equivalent circuit and physically based models are reviewed. Various methods for solving the semiconductor device equations to establish physically based models are indicated. Finally, it is proposed that physically based, analytic GaAs MESFET models offer an attractive compromise between simulation efficiency and quantitative accuracy. The use of such a model is demonstrated by several examples, including comparison with experimental data. These models are suitable for use in comprehensive CAD workstation environments and allow process-type device models to be interfaced directly with RF circuit simulators.
The warranty problem: its statistical and game theoretic aspects

Manufacturers of consumer products, such as automobiles, usually offer warranties guaranteeing the product or its parts, for example, for five years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. There are at least two issues of interest to applied mathematicians and statisticians that arise from warranty considerations. The first is the specification of an optimum price-warranty combination, and the second is the forecast of a reserve fund to meet warranty claims against the product. The former involves a consideration of the item’s reliability, its rate of usage, the consumer’s attitude toward a specific warranty, and the competitor’s actions, all of which lead towards a game theoretic formulation of the problem. The latter involves the analysis of a special kind of time series in two-dimensions, for which the use of dynamic linear models appears to be natural. This is an expository paper. Due to the timeliness of the topic, the focus here is on problem definition, its scope, and its formulation in a manner th...
Nitroimidazole inhibition of lactate production in CHO cells

Misonidazole (MISO) and desmethylmisonidazole (DMM) inhibit lactate production in CHO cells under aerobic conditions. This inhibition is time and dose dependent. At the 20 mM level DMM is stronger in producing this inhibition of lactate than is MISO. This inhibiton of lactate production suggests that these compounds are capable of inhibiting the glycolytic pathway. The resultant energy deficiency may be an explantation for the toxicity of these compounds under hypoxic as well as aerobic conditions. The increased dependency on glycolysis of hypoxic cells may correspond to the analogous increase in toxicity of hypoxic cells to nitroimidazoles.
Applications of Conformal Computing techniques to problems in computational physics: the Fast Fourier Transform

Abstract The techniques of Conformal Computing are introduced with an application to the Fast Fourier Transform. Conformal Computing is a design methodology, based on a rigorous mathematical foundation, which provides a systematic approach to the most efficient organization of all levels of the software and hardware design hierarchy from high-level software constructs all the way down to the design of the integrated circuits. We show that using these general design principles, without any specialized optimization, leads to portable, scalable, code that is competitive with other well-tuned machine specific routines. Further improvements are straightforward within our formalism by taking into account specific hardware details (e.g., cache loops) in a portable parametric way. We also argue that the present theory constitutes a uniform way of reasoning about physics and the data structures that define physics on computers.
Mitigation of laser damage growth in fused silica NIF optics with a galvanometer scanned CO 2 laser

Economic operation of the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory depends on controlling growth of laser damage in the large, high cost optics exposed to UV light at 351 nm. Mitigation of the growth of damage sites on fused silica surfaces greater than several hundred microns in diameter has been previously reported by us using galvanometer scanning of a tightly focused 10.6 μm CO2 laser spot over an area encompassing the laser damage. Further investigation revealed that fused silica vapor re-deposited on the surface as "debris" led to laser damage at unexpectedly low fluences when exposed to multiple laser shots at 351 nm. Additionally, laser power and spatial mode fluctuations in the mitigation laser led to poor repeatability of the process. We also found that the shape of the mitigation pit could produce downstream intensification that could damage other NIF optics. Modifications were made to both the laser system and the mitigation process in order to address these issues. Debris was completely eliminated by these changes, but repeatability and downstream intensification issues still persist.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Bullying victimization as a mediator of associations between cultural/familial variables, substance use, and depressive symptoms among Hispanic youth

Objectives. This article examines the antecedents and consequences of bullying victimization among a sample of Hispanic high school students. Although cultural and familial variables have been examined as potential risk or protective factors for substance use and depression, previous studies have not examined the role of peer victimization in these processes. We evaluated a conceptual model in which cultural and familial factors influenced the risk of victimization, which in turn influenced the risk of substance use and depression. Design. Data were collected as part of a longitudinal survey study of 9th and 10th grade Hispanic/Latino students in Southern California (n = 1167). The student bodies were at least 70% Hispanic/Latino with a range of socioeconomic characteristics represented. We used linear and logistic regression models to test hypothesized relationships between cultural and familial factors and depression and substance use. We used a mediational model to assess whether bullying victimization...
The Role of Advanced Practice Clinicians in the Availability of Abortion Services in the United States

Although abortion is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, the number of abortion providers is declining. Advanced practice clinicians, including nurse practitioners and certified nurse‐midwives, may help to alleviate this shortage. However, some states bar nonphysicians from performing abortions. Not only should training in abortion techniques be made available to nonphysician providers who desire it, but legal obstacles must also be overcome in order to allow advanced practice clinicians the right to provide abortion services.
Integrated Model of the Crustal Structure in the Gulf of California Extensional Province

Abstract A method of constructing 3D Earth models from a suite of 1D profiles is demonstrated using Delaunay triangulation. Accurate crustal models are required to correct for crustal contamination in seismic tomography of the mantle and can be used as starting points for higher resolution tomography of the lithosphere and asthenosphere. Using a simple input data set, 1D vertical profiles, provides for rapid prototyping, model building, and modification. Any structural length scale in the final 3D model is possible using this method through precise placement of 1D profiles and triangulation. Collections of layers within the 1D profiles are grouped and identified by keys, called superlayers, allowing for 3D discontinuities and variations along these important interfaces. The method was applied to the Gulf Extensional Province and Baja California regions to account for the laterally discontinuous crustal variations during a tomographic inversion for mantle structure. Use of the 3D model and appropriate regional crustal wave speeds minimizes wave‐speed variations in the tomographic model and assists interpretation of the final model.
Optimal decoding of linear codes for minimizing symbol error rate (Corresp.)

The general problem of estimating the a posteriori probabilities of the states and transitions of a Markov source observed through a discrete memoryless channel is considered. The decoding of linear block and convolutional codes to minimize symbol error probability is shown to be a special case of this problem. An optimal decoding algorithm is derived.
Differential involvement of central cholinergic mechanisms in the aversive stimulus properties of morphine and amphetamine

Previously, it was reported that pretreatment with the centrally-acting cholinergic antagonist atropine, but not the peripherally-acting antagonist, methyl-atropine, may serve to attenuate the positive reinforcing properties of morphine and conversely, to enhance those of amphetamine as evidenced within a drug self-administration paradigm in rats. In parallel, evidence from several sources would suggest that there may be a functional relationship between the neurochemical mechanisms mediating these drugs' positive reinforcing properties and their seemingly paradoxical capacity to act as aversive stimuli, as evidenced within a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm. Accordingly, the present study undertook to examine whether a similar differential involvement of central cholinergic mechanisms established for these drugs' positive reinforcing effects may be obtained for morphine and amphetamine-induced CTA. Using a conventional CTA paradigm, animals were pretreated with either intraperitoneal (IP) atropine or methyl-atropine (0.6 mg/kg) 40 minutes prior to consuming a novel 0.1% saccharin solution. This taste stimulus was paired with IP injection of 15 mg/kg morphine or vehicle. Results showed that atropine (but not methyl-atropine) pretreatment served to attenuate the morphine CTA. In a second experiment, atropine-pretreatment failed to attenuate, and may have slightly potentiated, a CTA induced by 1 mg/kg amphetamine. Atropine pretreatment did not affect a CTA induced by the emetic agent, lithium chloride. Pretreatment with the peripherally-acting methyl-atropine had no effect on the amphetamine CTA and served, if anything, to slightly attenuate the lithium chloride CTA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Use & Abuse of Socrates in Teaching

The Greek philosopher Socrates is used as an example of a master teacher in in many contexts, from elementary school discussions, to college philosophy classes, to law school. I examine a number of current uses of Socratic teaching, and expose inconsistencies among them. I analyze critically recent practitioners of Socratic teaching, such as Mortimer Adler, and I consider how the celebrated primary teacher Vivian Gussin Paley enacts the Socratic legacy in a novel way. I argue that the misuse, or abuse, of the Socratic legacy occurs chiefly when his teaching is interpreted narrowly as a pedagogical technique devoid of context and irony.
An outdoor UWB tracking system to improve safety of semi-autonomous vehicle operations

UWB positioning systems show promise in improving navigational capabilities and safety of operations for semi-autonomous systems that are emerging in applications such as construction and agricultural vehicles. This paper describes an outdoor UWB positioning system used to measure the position of tracks in a semi-autonomous truck convoy. The system improves safety by providing position the vehicles control system with accurate position measurements. A measurement campaign was conducted to collect experimental range errors in open, forested and urban channels at distances ranging from 2 m to 40 m. The range errors are characterised and a model for range errors is proposed. Position errors using the proposed model are compared to the experimental data. Performance analysis regarding accuracy and position update delay is presented.
Test/ATE vision 2020 — Entrepreneurship in test CEO panel

This panel discusses entrepreneurship in the ATE industry. The ATE industry needs breakthrough innovations in order to continue to scale down the cost of test in the presence of ever increasing technology challenges.
Inhibition of LuxS by S-Ribosylhomocysteine Analogues Containing a [4-Aza]Ribose Ring

LuxS (S-ribosylhomocysteinase) catalyzes the cleavage of the thioether linkage of S-ribosylhomocysteine (SRH) to produce homocysteine and 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione (DPD), the precursor to a small signaling molecule that mediates interspecies bacterial communication called autoinducer 2 (AI-2). Inhibitors of LuxS should interfere with bacterial interspecies communication and potentially provide a novel class of antibacterial agents. In this work, SRH analogues containing substitution of a nitrogen atom for the endocyclic oxygen as well as various deoxyriboses were synthesized and evaluated for LuxS inhibition. Two of the [4-aza]SRH analogues showed modest competitive inhibition (K(I) ∼40 μM), while most of the others were inactive. One compound that contains a hemiaminal moiety exhibited time-dependent inhibition, consistent with enzyme-catalyzed ring opening and conversion into a more potent species (K(I)(∗)=3.5 μM). The structure-activity relationship of the designed inhibitors highlights the importance of both the homocysteine and ribose moieties for high-affinity binding to LuxS active site.
Void nucleation by inclusion debonding in a crystal matrix

In a numerical micromechanical study of void nucleation, a framework is used where constitutive relations are specified independently for the matrix, the void-nucleating particles and the interface. Plane strain analyses are carried out for a doubly periodic array of circular cylindrical particles. The particles are taken to be rigid and the elastic-plastic deformations of the matrix are described in terms of continuum crystalline plasticity, using a planar crystal model that allows for three slip systems. Comparison is made with void-nucleation predictions based on a corresponding flow theory of plasticity with isotropic hardening. The crystal model can give rise to shear localization at the particle-matrix interface and shear localization, which leads to large localized strains in the matrix, is found to inhibit decohesion. The role of the triaxiality of the stress state in determining whether decohesion or localization occurs first is investigated. A parameteric study is also carried out for a crystal matrix using two descriptions of the interface shear behaviour; one is periodic in the shear displacement across the interface, while the other allows for shear decohesion.
Analyzing sampled terrain volumetrically with regard to error and geologic variation

Most terrain models are created based on a sampling of real-world terrain, and are represented using linearly-interpolated surfaces such as triangulated irregular networks or digital elevation models. The existing methods for the creation of such models and representations of real-world terrain lack a crucial analytical consideration of factors such as the errors introduced during sampling and geological variations between sample points. We present a volumetric representation of real-world terrain in which the volume encapsulates both sampling errors and geological variations and dynamically changes size based on such errors and variations. We define this volume using an octree, and demonstrate that when used within applications such as line-of-sight, the calculations are guaranteed to be within a user-defined confidence level of the real-world terrain.
A meta-analysis of clinical trials comparing milnacipran, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of major depressive disorder

Abstract Context Over the past few years, a number of studies have emerged suggesting that the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) with antidepressants which enhance both noradrenergic as well as serotonergic neurotransmission may result in higher response or remission rates than treatment with antidepressants which selectively enhance serotonergic neurotransmission. Objective The objective of this paper was to compare response rates among patients with MDD treated with either milnacipran, an antidepressant thought to simultaneously enhance both noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Data sources Medline/Pubmed were searched. No year of publication or language limits were used. Study selection Double-blind, randomized clinical trials comparing milnacipran with an SSRI for the treatment of MDD. Data extraction Data were extracted with the use of a pre-coded form. Data synthesis Analyses were performed comparing response rates between the two antidepressant agents. Data from 6 reports involving a total of 1082 outpatients with MDD were identified and combined using a random-effects model. Patients randomized to treatment with milnacipran were as likely to experience clinical response as patients randomized to treatment with an SSRI according to the MADRS (RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.88–1.23, p = 0.533) or the HDRS (RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.90–1.24, p = 0.456) for the random effects model. Simply pooling MADRS-based response rates between the two agents revealed a 58.9% response rate for milnacipran and a 58.3% response rate for the SSRIs. Similarly, HDRS-based response rates were 59.7% and 57.5%. There was also no difference in overall discontinuation rates (RR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.76–1.14; p = 0.506), the rate of discontinuation due to adverse events (RR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.55–1.1; p = 0.157), or the rate of discontinuation due to inefficacy (RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.7–1.38; p = 0.95) between the two groups. Conclusions These results suggest that milnacipran and the SSRIs do not differ with respect to their overall efficacy in the treatment of MDD.
Rupture of Indwelling Venous Catheters

Recently a design change in certain Broviac and Hickman catheters has created a serious problem. The paper described the defect and a means of reinforcing the catheter both before it is inserted and after it is in place.
Ellipsometric Accuracy And The Principal Angle Of Incidence

The effects of improving the accuracy of the angle of incidence on the ellipsometric determination of thickness and refractive index of oxide and nitride films on a silicon substrate are analyzed. It is found that the accuracy of a determination of a film's parameters, thickness and refractive index, depends as much or more on the accuracy of the angle of incidence measurement as on the accuracy of the measurement of the ellipsometric angles Δ and ψ. If measurements of Δ and ψ are made close to the principal angle of incidence, the accuracy of the determined film parameters can be improved by measuring the incident angle to an accuracy better than Δ and ψ. This is especially true for thin films of oxide less than a few tens of nanometers. Because of the higher refractive index of silicon nitride relative to silicon dioxide, a nitride film's thickness can be determined more accurately than an oxide film's thickness. Therefore, silicon nitride may make a good candidate film for a standard thickness sample.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.