cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β in Insulin-stimulated Glucose Metabolism

To characterize the contribution of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) inactivation to insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism, wild-type (WT-GSK), catalytically inactive (KM-GSK), and uninhibitable (S9A-GSK) forms of GSK3beta were expressed in insulin-responsive 3T3-L1 adipocytes using adenovirus technology. WT-GSK, but not KM-GSK, reduced basal and insulin-stimulated glycogen synthase activity without affecting the -fold stimulation of the enzyme by insulin. S9A-GSK similarly decreased cellular glycogen synthase activity, but also partially blocked insulin stimulation of the enzyme. S9A-GSK expression also markedly inhibited insulin stimulation of IRS-1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, but only weakly inhibited insulin-stimulated Akt/PKB phosphorylation and glucose uptake, with no effect on GLUT4 translocation. To further evaluate the role of GSK3beta in insulin signaling, the GSK3beta inhibitor lithium was used to mimic the consequences of insulin-stimulated GSK3beta inactivation. Although lithium stimulated the incorporation of glucose into glycogen and glycogen synthase enzyme activity, the inhibitor was without effect on GLUT4 translocation and pp70 S6 kinase. Lithium stimulation of glycogen synthesis was insensitive to wortmannin, which is consistent with its acting directly on GSK3beta downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. These data support the hypothesis that GSK3beta contributes to insulin regulation of glycogen synthesis, but is not responsible for the increase in glucose transport.
Long-term results of three-dimensional conformal adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) in the adjuvant and salvage setting after radical prostatectomy (RP). Methods From 1986 to 1997, 38 patients received adjuvant 3D-CRT, with a median time from RP to 3D-CRT of 2.8 months, and 57 patients were treated with salvage RT for a rising prostate-specific antigen with a median time to 3D-CRT of 27.7 months. The median radiation dose was 64.8 Gy. The median follow-up from completion of RT was 7.0 years (range 1.0 to 14.2). Results Overall, the 8-year actuarial rate of biochemical disease-free survival was 40% in all patients. The 8-year biochemical disease-free survival rate was 45% (standard error [SE] 8%) and 30% (SE 7%) for the adjuvant and salvage group, respectively, from RT completion. When measured from the date of RP, the 5 and 8-year biochemical disease-free survival rate for salvage radiotherapy was 58% and 37%, respectively. The corresponding results for adjuvant RT were similar at 53% and 45%. On multivariate analysis, the Gleason score was the only prognostic factor predictive of prostate-specific antigen failure in the salvage group. No prognostic factor was significant in the adjuvant group. The prevalence of major complications after 3D-CRT was low using physician-reported data. Conclusions Long-term biochemical control can be achieved in both adjuvant and salvage settings. For patients receiving salvage RT, a Gleason score greater than 7 was predictive of prostate-specific antigen failure. Prospective trials are needed to improve further on these results.
Multiple Droplet Impingements on Nanostructured Surfaces for Enhanced Spray Cooling

Spray cooling has been studied thoroughly over the years in an effort to understand its unique heat transfer potential. Spray cooling is characterized by its ability to dissipate high heat transfer rates while maintaining relatively uniform surface temperatures. Despite of all the recent developments, liquid-surface properties such as contact angle and surface tension have been shown to limit the ability of spray cooling to dissipate high heat flux. Recent high-speed images of multiple droplet impingent events have revealed that liquid film thickness, impact crown morphology, and tangential velocity gradients tend to dominate the overall heat transfer process. All these aspects are intrinsically linked to surface morphology. Therefore, enhancement of heat transfer should be preceded by the design, fabrication and use of surfaces that reduce film thickness, promote constructive impact crown morphology, and facilitate greater tangential velocity gradients. Recently, a new type of nanostructured surface has been designed, fabricated, and tested that reduces film thickness and contact angle by at least 30%. The nanostructured surface consists of nanopillars of 100 nm in height and 200 nm in diameter. The combination of spacing and nanopillar size has resulted in a thinner liquid film. The nanostructured surface was fabricated using the Step and Flash Imprinting Lithography (S-FIL) technique. Current work also includes the study of the relationship between the effective thermal diameter and heat flux when using nanostructured and bare surfaces.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Characterization of the discriminative stimulus effects of GABA(A) receptor ligands in Macaca fascicularis monkeys under different ethanol training conditions.

Rationale: The current study was designed to extend our knowledge of the GABAA receptor system in mediating discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol in non-human primates. Objectives: To characterize the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol, pentobarbital, midazolam, muscimol and morphine in male and female monkeys under different ethanol training conditions. Methods: Adult male (n=8) and female (n=10) Macaca fascicularis monkeys were divided into four groups and trained to discriminate 1.0 g/kg ethanol (n=8) versus water or 2.0 g/kg ethanol (n=10) versus water in a 2×2 design with training dose and sex as main group factors. Solutions were administered intragastrically (20% ethanol w/v) and responding was maintained under a fixed-ratio schedule of food reinforcement. Dose-response determinations of ethanol, pentobarbital, midazolam, muscimol and morphine were made under the training condition of 30 min pretreatment interval. The ethanol pretreatment interval in training sessions was then increased to 60 min and the effects of ethanol, pentobarbital and midazolam were redetermined. Results: Training dose influenced the ED50 of ethanol to produce substitution under both pretreatment intervals and pentobarbital to produce substitution under the 30-min pretreatment training interval. There were no group differences in sensitivity to midazolam. The potency of the ligands to produce ethanol substitution was consistent across groups with midazolam>pentobarbital>ethanol. There were no sex differences in substitution of the ligands for ethanol. Blood ethanol concentrations at the onset of ethanol training sessions were higher in the 2.0 g/kg groups and under longer pretreatment times, but were not different on the basis of sex. Conclusions: Pentobarbital and midazolam produce ethanol-like discriminative stimulus effects in male and female cynomolgus monkeys suggesting a significant GABAA component mediating the behavioral effects of ethanol. There was limited evidence that training dose of ethanol influenced substitution pattern of the GABAA ligands in cynomolgus monkeys, unlike previous findings in rats. Finally, there appear to be no sex differences in the profile of GABAA mechanisms involved in the discriminative stimulus effects of ethanol.
THE BUY DECISION

We've all heard the standard simplistic advice about stock market success: “Buy low, and sell high.” The opportunity to take this advice once again presented itself to investors when the market dropped more than 500 points in October 1987.
Application of a complication screening method to congenital heart surgery admissions: a preliminary report.

There have been comprehensive screening methods developed to identify unwanted inpatient events. A comprehensive assessment of complication diagnoses during congenital heart surgery admissions has not been performed. We examined the frequency of complications identified by a complication screening method and their relationship to patient characteristics among congenital heart surgery admissions. Data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids’ Inpatient Database 2000. Among congenital heart surgery admissions, age ≤20 years, we identified International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes indicating complication. Complication diagnoses were categorized as related to drug/biologic, procedures, devices, implants and grafts, and radiation. We used the Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery risk categories (1–6) to examine the association between case complexity and complications. Multivariate analyses estimated the odds for a complication diagnosis by patient characteristics, including age, prematurity, chromosomal anomalies, noncardiac structural anomalies, and surgical risk category.
Stabilities of silicon carbide nanocones: a nanocluster-based study

A systematic study of silicon carbide nanocones of different disclination angles and different tip geometries using the finite cluster approximation is presented. The geometries of the nanocones have been spin optimized using the hybrid functional B3LYP (Becke’s three-parameter exchange functional and the Lee–Yang–Parr correlation functional) and the all electron 3-21G* basis set. The study indicates that the binding energy per atom or the cohesive energy of the nanocones depends not only on the size of the nanocones but also on the disclination angle of the nanocones. The study also shows that the electronic properties of nanocones depend on disclination angles, size of the nanocone clusters, and the structure of edge of the nanocones. A study of binding energies, natural bond orbital (NBO) charge, density of states, and the gap between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) has been performed for all nanocones from disclination angles of 60° to 300°.
A power law for contrast discrimination

Abstract Contrast increment thresholds were measured as a function of the background contrast of suprathreshold sine wave gratings at 2 and 8 c/deg. The resulting contrast discrimination functions obey power laws with exponents near 0.6 at 2 c/deg, and 0.7 at 8 c/deg. These exponents are influenced only slightly by pattern adaptation, gated vs continuous background gratings, and the psychophysical method. Weber's Law does not hold for contrast discrimination under any of the conditions studied.
Favorable Outcome in Children With Beckwith-Wiedeman Syndrome and Intraabdominal Malignant Tumors

Abstract Children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) have an increased risk of developing Wilms' tumors, hepatoblastomas, and adrenal tumors. This study evaluates disease-free survival in children with BWS and intraabdominal tumors. Sixteen tumors occurred in 13 children with BWS (8 boys, 5 girls). Diagnoses included Wilms' tumor (10) (2 bilateral, 20%), hepatoblastoma (2), bladder rhabdomyosarcoma (1), and adrenal cortical tumor (1). In the 10 children with Wilms' tumor, the average age at diagnosis was 3.5 years (range, 7 months to 5 years). Nine of 10 had initial tumor resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy (when indicated). One child with bilateral disease had tumor biopsy, chemotherapy, and partial nephrectomy. Tumors were classified as stage I (5), stage II (2), stage IV (1) and stage V (2), all with favorable histology. Disease-free survival rate was 100% with median follow-up of 9 years (range, 4 to 22 years). One patient had a left adrenal tumor detected during screening sonography 11 years after Wilms' tumor resection. Two infants with advanced-stage hepatoblastoma responded to chemotherapy, allowing subsequent complete hepatic resection. Both tumors had unfavorable histology. Both completed postoperative chemotherapy and have no evidence of disease (NED) with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels at 21 and 12 months, respectively, after tumor detection. One patient with stage III (group 3) bladder rhabdomyosarcoma underwent partial cystectomy following chemoradiation and is alive (NED) after 20 months. Children with BWS should be screened at regular intervals (every 3 to 6 months) for renal, adrenal, and hepatic tumors. The exact duration of screening is not yet determined. Despite an increased risk of tumor occurrence, this study suggests that children with BWS have an improved survival rate (100%). All 13 children are currently alive with NED. BWS may be a favorable biological characteristic for survival.
Atomistic modeling of dislocations in Be12X compounds

Abstract Behavior of straight dislocations, both edge and screw, in Be 12 X-type intermetallic compounds is studied. These compounds, e.g. Be 12 Nb and Be 12 Ta, offer a unique combination of high melting point and high strength-to-weight ratio, but have limited ductility. This study is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the deformation mechanisms that exist in these types of compounds. Recent transmission electron microscopy studies indicate the existence of both a [100]- and a /2[100]-type dislocations in these materials. Accordingly, the dislocations currently being investigated by atomic simulation models are a [100] edge, a /2[100] and a [100] screw. The model is a cylindrical array of atoms with the dislocation lying along its axis. The atomic interactions are modeled by the embedded atom method potentials. Details of the dislocation core configurations, including the rearrangement of atoms relative to the linear elastic field during dynamic relaxation, are described.
Neurons cool off

It’s common wisdom that a cold shower is good for your health. Now, Peretti et al . show that Rbm3, a protein induced by cold shock, triggers neurons to form new synapses. Low body temperature in hibernating mammals leads to a reversible loss of synaptic contacts that are efficiently re-established upon rewarming. Using electron microscopy, Peretti et al . report that the induction of a hibernation-like body temperature in mice for as little as 45 minutes caused a similar loss of synaptic connections that were regained upon rewarming the animals. This capacity for synaptic regeneration after cold trauma was lost in mice suffering from two neurodegenerative diseases. The impaired cooling-induced regeneration of synapses in mice suffering from either prion-like disease or Alzheimer’s disease was associated with a decrease in one of the known cold-shock proteins, the RNA-binding motif protein RBM3. The authors show that RNAi-based knockdown of RBM3 exacerbated the loss of synapses in both disease models and accelerated disease progression. Conversely, the enhanced ectopic expression of RBM3 using lentiviral-based delivery to the hippocampus, the brain region that is important for memory formation, restored cold-induced synaptic regeneration in the two mouse models of neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, RBM3 overexpression reduced prion neuropathology, prevented neuronal loss, and significantly enhanced the survival of prion-diseased animals. Ectopic RBM3 expression before exposure of young mice with neurodegenerative disease to two consecutive cold-shocks one week apart was sufficient to boost endogenous RBM3 expression in the brain and to achieve synaptic protection. Although the RBM3-based mechanism of synaptic regeneration remains unknown, these data suggest that RBM3 might have long-term neuroprotective effects. The results of this study could have far-reaching consequences for enhancing cold-shock pathways as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurodegenerative disease. D. Peretti et al ., RBM3 mediates structural plasticity and protective effects of cooling in neurodegeneration. Nature 518 , 236–239 (2015). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25607368
School and the Concussed Youth – Recommendations for Concussion Education and Management

School learning and performance is arguably the critical centerpiece of child and adolescent development, and there can be significant temporary upset in cognitive processing after a mild traumatic brain injury, also called a concussion. This injury results in a cascade of neurochemical abnormalities, and, in the wake of this dysfunction, both physical and cognitive activities become sources of additional neurometabolic demand on the brain and may cause symptoms to reemerge or worsen. This article provides a foundation for postinjury management of cognitive activity, particularly in the school setting, including design and implementation of schoolwide concussion education and management programs.
Risk assessment of four major bacterial foodborne pathogens associated with preharvest food security in Qatar

Background and Objectives: Foodborne illness is a major hindrance to health advancement around the world and has been identified as a high priority in the Qatar National Food Security Program (QNFSP) master plan. Increased risk of illnesses is worsened by the ease of travel around the world, by an increase in global food and animal commodities trade, and by continued movement of large populations across vast areas. Qatar is one of the few countries in the world where factors exacerbating the risk of foodborne diseases intersect. Although it is estimated that up to 30% of the population in industrialized countries suffer from foodborne diseases, data in Qatar are lacking. We investigated the epidemiology and ecology of four of the top ten high risk foodborne pathogens at the preharvest level in Qatar, so that cost-effective strategies can be developed to mitigate the associated risk and protect human health. The pathogens are Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and Listeria monocytogenes...
Composite forecasting of annual earnings: An application of biased regression techniques

In this study, composite earnings per share models are estimated for 35 chemical, food, and utility firms during the 1979-1980 period. It is generally held that financial analysts produce superior earnings forecast when compared to time series model forecasts, however, the results of this study indicate that the average mean square forecasting error of analyst forecasts may be reduced by combining analyst and univariate time series model forecasts. Moreover, despite the high degree o! correlation existing among analyst and time series forecasts, the ordinary least squares estimation of the composite earnings model is a better forecasting model than the composite earnings models estimated with ridge regression and latent root regression techniques. Standardization of regression variables also is addressed.
The time reversal operator for semigroup evolutions

A quantum theory combining an irreversible time evolution semigroup with a time reversal operator is presented.
Rotational dynamics of cargos at pauses during axonal transport

Direct visualization of axonal transport in live neurons is essential for our understanding of the neuronal functions and the working mechanisms of microtubule-based motor proteins. Here we use the high-speed single particle orientation and rotational tracking technique to directly visualize the rotational dynamics of cargos in both active directional transport and pausing stages of axonal transport, with a temporal resolution of 2 ms. Both long and short pauses are imaged, and the correlations between the pause duration, the rotational behaviour of the cargo at the pause, and the moving direction after the pause are established. Furthermore, the rotational dynamics leading to switching tracks are visualized in detail. These first-time observations of cargo's rotational dynamics provide new insights on how kinesin and dynein motors take the cargo through the alternating stages of active directional transport and pause.
The biometric defense of Darwinism.

In the closing decade of the nineteenth century the study of evolution was marked by investigations of selective death rates in nature and by discussions about the types of variation that were evolutionarily significant. In one such discussion the biometricians W. F. R. Weldon (1860-1906) and Karl Pearson (1857-1936), with their investigations of death rates in nature and their laws of ancestral heredity, attempted to uphold Darwin's view that the smallest-seeming variations could be evolutionarily crucial, whereas Francis Galton (1822-1911) and William Bateson (1861-1926) argued that evolution was essentially discontinuous and due to the sudden appearance of markedly variant individuals able to transmit their novelty to subsequent generations.
PHOTOCHROMISM* IN TRIPHENYLMETHANES

— A critical review of photochromism in triphenylmethane derivatives and some related compounds is presented. Most of the triphenylmethane compounds reported to be photochromic as well as some of those reported as non-photochromic are mentioned. Compounds were included only if the conditions under which the observations were made were reasonably well described. Qualitative observations of photochromism are predominant since very little quantitative data are available. Physical properties of the compounds and/or their solutions which appear to be related to photochromism are discussed including conductivity, dielectric constant and dipole moment. Among other topics discussed are mechanisms and kinetic studies.
Surreptitious Lifelines: A Structural Analysis of the FARC and the PKK

The Armed Revolutionary Forces of Columbia (FARC) and Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) have both demonstrated an uncanny ability to transform themselves and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Integral to the groups are webbed criminal enterprises, cross-border sanctuaries, and internationally-oriented advocacy networks. Both organizations avoided catastrophic breakdowns through a combination of organic survival mechanisms and precise organizational restructuring. Since 2008, the FARC moved away from a centralized wheel structure model toward a system of multiple decision-making nodes. Guerrilla units now operate in an atomized manner since they are often disconnected from the central leadership. This encouraged a growing number of FARC commanders to focus on narco-profits rather than the organization's ideological goals. Meanwhile, the PKK functions in an octopus-like manner, extending its tentacles into neighboring countries and Europe. However, the process of democratization in Turkey and improved...
Maximum likelihood estimation of parameters of signal detection theory--a direct solution.

Ogilvie and Creelman have recently attempted to develop maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters of signal-detection theory from the data of yes-no ROC curves. Their method involved the assumption of a logistic distribution rather than the normal distribution in order to make the mathematics more tractable. The present paper presents a method of obtaining maximum likelihood estimates of these parameters using the assumption of underlying normal distributions.
Stomatal responses to water stress and to abscisic Acid in phosphorus-deficient cotton plants.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) plants were grown in sand culture on nutrient solution containing adequate or growth-limiting levels of P. When water was withheld from the pots, stomata of the most recently expanded leaf closed at leaf water potentials of approximately −16 and −12 bars in the normal and P-deficient plants, respectively. Pressure-volume curves showed that the stomata of P-deficient plants closed when there was still significant turgor in the leaf mesophyll. Leaves of P-deficient plants accumulated more abscisic acid (ABA) in response to water stress, but the difference was evident only at low water potentials, after initiation of stomatal closure. In leaves excised from unstressed plants, P deficiency greatly increased stomatal response to ABA applied through the transpiration stream. Kinetin blocked most of this increase in apparent sensitivity to ABA. The effect of P nutrition on stomatal behavior may be related to alterations of the balance between ABA and cytokinins.
Electron scattering sum rule for 2H, 3H, 3He and 4He☆

Abstract A sum rule is derived for the spatially symmetric part of the 1s shell nuclei. The result depends on the mean square nucleon momentum in the ground state, the nucleon pair correlation form factor and, for the helium isotopes, a momentum pair correlation form factor.
Different host defences are required to protect mice from primary systemic vs pulmonary infection with the facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen, Francisella tularensis LVS.

Francisella tularensis is a zoonotic, facultative intracellular bacterial pathogen capable of initiating infection, tularemia, via multiple routes including dermal micro-abrasions and inhalation. Mouse models of systemically-initiated infection with F. tularensis LVS have been used extensively to reveal potential host defence mechanisms against the pathogen. Such studies have demonstrated the critical need for neutrophils and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) to combat the early stages of primary experimental tularaemia initiated by systemic routes. Surprisingly, however, the present study shows that these defences appear not to combat early pulmonary tularaemia initiated by inhalation of the pathogen into the lower airways. The results imply that the effectiveness of particular anti-bacterial host defences vary with invasion site. Thus, it is impossible to predict effective host defence mechanisms against inhalation-initiated tularaemia from current knowledge of anti- Francisella defences that have been shown to combat systemically-initiated infection.
PENSION REFORM IN CHINA: PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

China is revamping its enterprise‐based old‐age security system and introducing a pension programme financed by the employer, employee, and the government through a combination of pooled funds and individual accounts. The new system is expanding coverage to the urban workforce outside the state sector and protecting benefits against inflation. The decentralised nature of the pension pools, however, limits increases in efficiency and portability of pension benefits. Sustainability of the revised system will require attention to fund management regulations and preparation for rapid population ageing by expanding coverage to rural wage earners and reducing benefits.
Characteristics and origin of rock varnish from the hyperarid coastal deserts of northern Peru

The characteristics of a new type of rock varnish from the hyperarid coastal deserts of northern Peru, combined with laboratory experiments on associated soil materials, provide new insights into the formation of rock varnish. The Peruvian varnish consists of an Fe-rich, Mn-poor component covering up to 95% of a varnished surface and a Fe-rich, Mn-rich component found only in pits and along cracks and ridges. The alkaline soils plus the catalytic Fe oxyhydroxides that coat much of the varnish surfaces make the Peruvian situation ideal for physicochemical precipitation of Mn. However, the low Mn content of the dominant Fe-rich, Mn-poor component suggests that such precipitation is minor. This, plus the presence of abundant bacteria in the Mn-rich varnish and the recorded presence of Mn-precipitating bacteria in varnish elsewhere, suggests that bacteria are almost solely responsible for Mn-precipitation in rock varnish. A set of experiments involving Peruvian soil samples in contact with water-CO2 solutions indicates that natural fogs or dews release Mn but not Fe when they come in contact with eolian materials on rock surfaces. This mechanism may efficiently provide Mn to bacteria on varnishing surfaces. The lack of Fe in solution suggests that a large but unknown proportion of Fe in varnish may be in the form of insoluble Fe oxyhydroxides sorbed onto the clay minerals that form the bulk of rock varnish. The results of this study do not substantively change R. I. Dorn's paleoenvironmental interpretations of varnish Mn:Fe ratios, but they do suggest areas for further inquiry.
Are older people most afraid of crime? Reconsidering age differences in fear of victimization.

The reasons why previous studies of fear of crime yield different conclusions regarding age differences are examined. Data from a national survey of adults are used to assess whether older adults manifest the highest levels of fear of crime. No significant relationship was found between age and the commonly used indicators of fear of crime in many previous studies when controlling for relevant factors. Using an alternative strategy for measuring fear of crime--based upon rating fear for 10 different victimizations--reveals that younger persons are more likely than older persons to be afraid of most types of crime. Women score higher on fear for all victimizations considered. A LISREL analysis indicates that the 10 victimizations are best characterized as either personal or property crime and that older adults' scores on these dimensions are below the grand mean; persons 75 years or older have the lowest scores on fear of property crime. These results question the existence of the "victimization/fear paradox."
Character recognition using min-max classifiers designed via an LMS algorithm

In this paper we propose a Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm for the practical training of the class of min-max classifiers. These are lattice-theoretic generalization of Boolean functions and are also related to feed-forward neural networks and morphological signal operators. We applied the LMS algorithm to the problem of handwritten character recognition. The database consists of segmented and cleaned digits. Features that were extracted from the digits include Fourier descriptors and morphological shape-size histograms. Experimental results using the LMS algorithm for handwritten character recognition are promising. In our initial experimentation, we applied the min-max classifier to binary classification of '0' and '1' digits. By preprocessing the feature vectors, we were able to achieve an error rate of 1.75% for a training set of size 1200 (600 of each digit); and an error rate of 4.5% on a test set of size 400 (200 of each). These figures are comparable to those obtained by 2-layer neural nets trained using back propagation. The major advantage of min-max classifiers compared to neural networks is their simplicity and the faster convergence of their training algorithm.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Puroindoline Genotype of the U.S. National Institute of Standards & Technology Reference Material 8441, Wheat Hardness

ABSTRACT Grain hardness (kernel texture) is of central importance in the quality and utilization of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain. Two major classes, soft and hard, are delineated in commerce and in the Official U.S. Standards for Grain. However, measures of grain hardness are empirical and require reference materials for instrument standardization. For AACC Approved Methods employing near-infrared reflectance (NIR) and the Single Kernel Characterization System (39-70A and 55-31, respectively), such reference materials were prepared by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Federal Grain Inspection Service. The material was comprised of genetically pure commercial grain lots of five soft and five hard wheat cultivars and was made available through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (SRM 8441, Wheat Hardness). However, since their establishment, the molecular-genetic basis of wheat grain hardness has been shown to result from puroindoline a and b. Consequently, we sought to define the puroindol...
A survey of solar wind conditions at 5 AU: a tool for interpreting solar wind-magnetosphere interactions at Jupiter

We examine Ulysses solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) observations at 5 AU for two ~13 month intervals during the rising and declining phases of solar cycle 23 and the predicted response of the Jovian magnetosphere during these times. The declining phase solar wind, composed primarily of corotating interaction regions and high-speed streams, was, on average, faster, hotter, less dense, and more Alfvenic relative to the rising phase solar wind, composed mainly of slow wind and interplanetary coronal mass ejections. Interestingly, none of solar wind and IMF distributions reported here were bimodal, a feature used to explain the bimodal distribution of bow shock and magnetopause standoff distances observed at Jupiter. Instead, many of these distributions had extended, non-Gaussian tails that resulted in large standard deviations and much larger mean over median values. The distribution of predicted Jupiter bow shock and magnetopause standoff distances during these intervals were also not bimodal, the mean/median values being larger during the declining phase by ~1 – 4%. These results provide data-derived solar wind and IMF boundary conditions at 5 AU for models aimed at studying solar wind-magnetosphere interactions at Jupiter and can support the science investigations of upcoming Jupiter system missions. Here, we provide expectations for Juno, which is scheduled to arrive at Jupiter in July 2016. Accounting for the long-term decline in solar wind dynamic pressure reported by McComas et al. (2013), Jupiter’s bow shock and magnetopause is expected to be at least 8 – 12% further from Jupiter, if these trends continue.
The complexity of file transfer scheduling with forwarding

The file transfer scheduling problem was introduced and studied by Coffman, Garey, Johnson, and LaPaugh. This paper extends their model to include forwarding when no direct link exists between nodes. Several special cases of the problem, which were previously solvable by polynomial time algorithms, are shown to be NP-complete when forwarding is included. Other special cases are shown to continue to have polynomial time solutions in the forwarding model. All results assume the existence of a central controller.
Are the CF3 groups in 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)oxirane eclipsed or staggered? Insights from rotational spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations

Abstract The pure rotational spectrum of 2,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)oxirane has been recorded using a chirped pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. A total of 317 transitions have been recorded and spectroscopic constants have been determined for the first time. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that at equilibrium the two CF3-groups have a slightly staggered configuration with respect to one another. However, the barrier to an eclipsed configuration is calculated to be very low, ≈10 cm−1. Arguments are presented suggesting that the zero-point energy of the molecule is above the barrier to the CF3 eclipsed structure such that the zero-point geometry can reasonably be described as possessing eclipsed CF3-groups.
THE DIALOGIC MODEL : REPRESENTING HUMAN DIVERSITY IN MESSAGES TO EXTRATERRESTRIALS

Abstract A Dialogic Model of constructing a unified reply message is suggested in which differences between perspectives are valued, rather than minimized. In this model, a diversity of views is seen as a virtue. Consensus in the broad sense of agreeing to include multiple perspectives is encouraged, while consensus in the narrow sense of everyone agreeing about all parts of the message is seen as overly restrictive, if not impossible. In the Dialogic Model, even perspectives that are irreconcilable with one another might be included in a single reply. Drawing upon multiple perspectives allows us to expand beyond our own preconceptions, gives extraterrestrials several ways to understand our views of the world, and portrays the breadth of human concerns. Seven benefits of beginning work on a reply message immediately are identified: (1) concretely understanding the challenge of creating an adequate reply; (2) helping decode messages from extraterrestrials; (3) creating interstellar compositions as a new form of art; (4) having a reply ready in case we receive a message; (5) providing a sense of concrete accomplishment; (6) preparing for an active search strategy; and (7) gaining public support for SETI.
Urocortin2 inhibits tumor growth via effects on vascularization and cell proliferation

The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor CRFR2 is expressed widely in peripheral tissues and in the vasculature, although its functional roles in those tissues have only recently begun to be elucidated. Previously we found that genetic deletion of CRFR2 resulted in profound postnatal hypervascularization in mice, characterized by both an increase in total vessel number and a dramatic increase in vessel diameter. These data strongly suggested that ligands for CRFR2 act to limit tissue vascularity, perhaps as a counterbalance to factors that promote neovascularization. Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is a specific ligand for the CRFR2. We hypothesized that activation of CRFR2 by Ucn2 might thus suppress tumor vascularization and consequently limit tumor growth. Here, we show that viral-mediated expression of Ucn2 strikingly inhibits the growth and vascularization of Lewis Lung Carcinoma Cell (LLCC) tumors in vivo. Further, we found that this effect on tumor growth inhibition was independent of whether exposure to Ucn2 occurred before or after establishment of measurable tumors. In vitro, Ucn2 directly inhibited the proliferation of LLCC, suggesting that the tumor-suppressing effects of CRFR2 activation involve a dual mechanism of both a direct inhibition of tumor cell cycling and the suppression of tumor vascularization. These results establish that Ucn2 inhibits tumor growth, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for CRFR2 ligands in clinical malignancies.
Evidence for tissue-directed immune responses: Analysis of CD4- and CD8-dependent alloimmunity

Background. Transplant rejection has generally been considered a CD4 + T-cell-dependent immune process. CD4-independent, CD8 + T-cell rejection pathways have recently gained attention because of their relative resistance to immunosuppression. In the current study, the role of the allograft tissue in activation of these distinct pathways was examined by comparing host-immune responses with allogeneic pancreatic islets or hepatocytes transplanted across the same genetic disparity. Methods. To compare activation of CD4-dependent versus CD8-dependent alloimmunity, islets or hepatocytes retrieved from FVB/N (H-2 q ) mice were transplanted into CD8 + or CD4 + T-cell-reconstituted severe combined immunodeficiency mice, CD4 or CD8 knockout (KO) mice, and anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) or anti-CD8 mAb treated C57BL/6 mice (all H-2 b ). The ability to immunomodulate CD4-dependent allograft rejection ( in CD8 KO mice) was examined in the context of several mechanistically distinct immunotherapeutic strategies, including anti-CD4 mAb, donor-specific transfusion and anti-CD 154 mAb, and anti-lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 mAb. Results. The studies demonstrate that, whereas hepatocytes evoke alloreactive CD4-dependent and (CD4-independent) CD8 + T-cell immune responses, allogeneic islets only activate CD4-dependent immune pathways. CD4-dependent host-immune responses initiated by pancreatic islet allografts were readily suppressed by a variety of short-term immunotherapies, whereas hepatocyte-initiated CD4-dependent alloimmune responses were not. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that immune characteristics of the specific allograft tissue uniquely influence the pattern of host immune responses such that the propensity to activate CD4- or CD8-dependent alloimmune responses can be distinguished. Furthermore, CD4-dependent immune responses activated by different tissues from the same donor strain are distinguished by their susceptibility to specific immunotherapy.
Decision making on creditworthiness, using a fuzzy connectionist model

Abstract In this paper we present an unpolished expert system development tool, based on a connectionist architecture for knowledge representation. Our work is centered around a connectionist expert system, which can be expanded, and updated through learning of sample domain specific cases [1,4]. A cell recruitment learning algorithm [2] capable of forgetting previously learned facts by learning new ones is incorporated. Using this learning mechanism, we let the system learn a knowledge base on classifying the creditworthiness of credit applicants. The knowledge base consisted of 50 credit cases and was obtained from [11]. It will be shown that the fuzznet system is capable of learning such a model, with only a small amount of the cases being presented to it for learning. In all examples learned, an acceptable model was derived (based on the average prognostic error of actual and expected output for creditworthiness). The input features and their corresponding outputs (which were learned) are all fuzzy (uncertain) at the time of learning. So far implementations of connectionist expert systems, either only allowed for crisp inputs when placed in the learning mode, or only supported uncertainty when simulated [1, 8, 9, 10]. This example will further demonstrate the versatility of the fuzznet system, when dealing with uncertainty in the inputs and outputs when being placed in the learn mode, or while being simulated.
Detection of interspecific and intraspecific variation in Panicum millets through random amplified polymorphic DNA

The potential use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was evaluated as a source of genetic markers for studying variation among four species of Panicum and within the crop species P. miliaceum and P. sumatrense. Polymorphism in RAPD markers was observed across and within species. The four species were distinct in RAPD patterns and were separated at low correlation values even with small samples involving single genotypes per species. Accessions of P. miliaceum were grouped according to geographical regions of origin. The study demonstrated that unlike isozyme and protein electrophoresis patterns, RAPD markers can be applied to studying genetic diversity, defining gene pools, and identifying cultivars for this group of millets.
An expert system to aid cataloging and searching electronic documents on digital libraries

Abstract This paper describes a metadata based indexing system with a built-in expert system for cataloging and searching digital libraries on the World Wide Web. The specific features of this system are the following: An expert system with a knowledge base and a subject thesaurus, a model of a reference librarian's behavior for cataloging and searching, and an intelligent user interface to provide context sensitive help to the user. At present our expert system is limited to the subjects of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. The design issues and the implementation details of the expert system to mimic a librarian's behavior for automated document searching and cataloging are discussed in detail.
Reciprocal and additive effects of hyperoncotic and hypertonic treatments on feeding and drinking in rats

Rats were given injections of a hyperoncotic colloid and/or a hypertonic saline solution. Six hours after the oncotic load and 30 min after the osmotic load, food alone was presented for 1 h. Rats had been deprived of both food and water for 24 h when food was presented. Six days later, the same Ss were given the same treatments and given water only for 1 h. Results showed that both treatments additively inhibited feeding and potentiated drinking. Feeding and drinking as influenced by the colloid and the saline treatments are reciprocally related.
Collection and characterization of airborne nanoparticulates

This paper describes the use of a thermal precipitation device to collect representative, airborne nanoparticulates on transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid supports and their characterization using a bright field (BF)-dark field (DF)-selected area electron diffraction (SAED)-energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis protocol. Two airborne nanoparticulate regimes are illustrated and compared: (1) general nanoparticulates, composed of nanocrystalline aggregates containing from 2 to >1000 individual particles, ranging in size from approximately 1 to 100 nm and (2) complex, branched clusters of amorphous, carbonaceous spherules (containing from 50 to >1000 spherules, which range in size from 10 to 40 nm in diameter) and carbon nanocrystal aggregates containing nanotubes and other polyhedra. Commercial nanoparticulate aggregates of TiO{sub 2} and Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} are also observed in the context of characterization standards and the nanotechnology potential for contributing to atmospheric pollutants.
Predictors of outcome in geriatric patients with urinary tract infections.

Abstract A s tudy was conducted to determine the prognosis of geriatric patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and identify clinical factors associated with adverse outcomes. This retrospective, cohort study identified elderly patients (age ≥65 years) presenting to an academic, urban Emergency Department (ED) during a 16-week period with UTI, suggested by urinalysis and pertinent symptoms. There were 37 demographic and clinical variables analyzed as potential predictors of outcome. Morbidity was defined as in-hospital death, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay (LOS) >2 days, or hospital intravenous (i.v.) antibiotics >2 days. Factors identified by univariate analysis were combined using multiple logistic regression to identify independent predictors of morbidity. There were 284 patients who met selection criteria. Thirteen patients (4.6%) died during hospitalization and 27 (9.5%) had ICU admission, 139 (48.9%) had LOS >2 days, and 75 (26.4%) had i.v. antibiotics >2 days. Multivariate analysis identified the following variables as independent predictors of adverse outcomes: mental status change, frequent UTIs, other nonurinary infections, abnormal temperature, tachycardia, hypotension, elevated BUN, hyperglycemia, elevated WBC, and relative neutrophilia. Regression models for adverse outcomes had sensitivities from 74.8% to 96.2% and specificities from 31.1% to 69.0%. In conclusion, this study defines high rates of morbidity for geriatric patients with UTIs and describes predictive variables that may help identify low-risk patients. These data may lay the foundation for determining specific guidelines for disposition of this high-risk patient population.
Projections of the feline globus pallidus.

Abstract The organization of globus pallidus (GP) projections was studied in cats using autoradiographic and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) techniques. Both methods confirmed the existence of a topographically organized projection to subthalamic nucleus (STN). Although all but the most caudal GP projects to STN, the heaviest projection is to the lateral two-thirds. In addition, HRP studies showed that the GP projection to the medial part of substantia nigra, pars reticulata receives projections from the rostral lateral GP, while lateral substantia nigra receives input from caudal GP. There is in addition a small projection from caudal GP to the caudal lateral mesencephalon. This most caudal projection of GP arises from the portion of GP which projects the least to the subthalamic nucleus. Mesencephalic and pontine cells labeled after injection of horseradish peroxidase into STN were in areas receiving projections from GP and entopeduncular nucleus, suggesting there may be reciprocal relationships between these areas. Labeled cells were located in the lateral part of subthalamic nucleus after injection into the lateral portion of substantia nigra pars reticulata, but cells were not labeled after medial injection. Pontine injections of HRP also revealed that cells in fields of Forel and zona incerta project to pons but very few subthalamic nucleus cells project there.