cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of heterogeneous reasoning in design

The task of designing a complex artifact can be thought of as reasoning within a space of alternatives. This reasoning shares the large-scale structure of logical proof: the elucidation of information as the design is fleshed out, and hypothetical reasoning concerning the consequences of various possible design decisions, for example. However, design reasoning differs from the kind of reasoning usually considered by logicians because it involves reasoning with multiple representations of informatiom and with complex rationale and goal structures. We describe an architecture for building applications to support design reasoning which generalizes traditional notions of proof to the case of real-world problem solving, including design reasoning.
Immune Reconstitution After Allogeneic Transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (a11oHSCT) is an effective and curative treatment for a number of hematological malignancies, immune system or genetic disorders, and even solid tumors. A11oHSCT allows marrow lethal treatment of the primary disorder as well as providing immunotherapy in the form of a graft-vs-tumor (GVT) effect. Despite more than 30 yr of experience with HSCT, the major barriers to this treatment have remained the same. These include graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) in both the acute and chronic forms and the rather prolonged period of immune incompetence that occurs as the immune system redevelops. Approaches to reduce GVHD often result in exacerbation of immune incompetence or cause problems with engraftment, whereas attempts to speed engraftment and immune reconstitution have often exacerbated GVHD. Thus, a better understanding of the forces affecting each of these barriers is needed such that the right balance can be achieved to improve HSCT outcome.
Spatial segmentation of temporal texture using mixture linear models

In this paper we propose a novel approach for the spatial segmentation of video sequences containing multiple temporal textures. This work is based on the notion that a single temporal texture can be represented by a low-dimensional linear model. For scenes containing multiple temporal textures, e.g. trees swaying adjacent a flowing river, we extend the single linear model to a mixture of linear models and segment the scene by identifying subspaces within the data using robust generalized principal component analysis (GPCA). Computation is reduced to minutes in Matlab by first identifying models from a sampling of the sequence and using the derived models to segment the remaining data. The effectiveness of our method has been demonstrated in several examples including an application in biomedical image analysis.
The hospital and the health care delivery system

Abstract Although more federal money is being spent than ever before, there is a continued crisis in the health of the American people. Money alone will not solve the problem, and the emphasis of the last several years on national health insurance has resolved into a legislative stalemate. Rationalization of the delivery system of health care is needed. The most realistic means to accomplish it would be to extend the responsibilities and regulatory functions of the hospitals which are presently the most comprehensive of our health institutions. This could be done through a franchise system involving both state and federal participation.
Lowballing for 'Pop': The Case of Internet IPO Underpricing

Three explanations are commonly offered for the unprecedented levels of underpricing in recent IPOs by Internet firms: (1) media hype drives underpricing; (2) Internet firms leave money on the table to be able to follow up underpriced IPOs with follow on financing offers; and (3) underpricing is a branding event designed to increase consumer awareness of the Internet company. We examine the relation between the extent of Internet IPO underpricing and proxies to test the three explanations. We measure media hype as the extent of media exposure pre IPO. The desire to return to the market is proxied by the rate at which the firm burns through its IPO offer proceeds on operating and investing activities. Proxies for branding include whether the firm is a Business to Consumer company (B2C) and the extent of revenue increase post IPO. Results indicate that media hype and the desire to return to the capital market are strongly associated with Internet IPO underpricing. Although underpricing is higher for B2C firms, sales increases post IPO are not significantly related to the extent of underpricing. Finally, there is at best weak evidence to suggest that post offer return performance is worse for Internet IPOs with greater underpricing.
Socioeconomic and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Unintended Pregnancy Among Postpartum Women in California

Objective: We examined social disparities in unintended pregnancy among postpartum women to better understand 1) the role of socioeconomic factors in racial/ethnic disparities and 2) factors that might explain both socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in the risk for unintended pregnancy among women who give birth. Methods: We used 1999 and 2000 data from a statewide-representative mail and telephone survey of postpartum women in California (N = 7044). We examined associations between unintended pregnancy and race/ethnicity (African American, Asian or Pacific Islander, U.S.-born Latina, foreign-born Latina, European or Middle Eastern), three socioeconomic factors (poverty status, maternal education, paternal education), and several potential explanatory factors. Results: Overall, racial/ethnic disparities in unintended pregnancy were reduced by the three socioeconomic factors individually and collectively (e.g., reducing higher unadjusted odds for African Americans from 3.4 to 1.9); additional adjustment for marital status age, parity, insurance, language, abuse, sense of control, and interaction between marital status and race/ethnicity (each independently associated with unintended pregnancy) reduced the socioeconomic disparities (e.g., reducing odds for the poorest women from 4.1 to 2.3). Although reduced, significant racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities remained after adjustment, but generally only among married women. Results for Latinas appeared to vary by nativity, with foreign-born Latinas being at lower odds and U.S.-born Latinas being at higher odds of unintended pregnancy. Conclusions: Racial/ethnic disparities in unintended pregnancy are partly explained by the socioeconomic factors we measured. Several additional factors were identified that suggest possible directions for policies and programs to help reduce social disparities in unintended pregnancy among childbearing women.
Celebrity Scandal Fallout: How Attribution Style Can Protect the Sponsor

An attribution is an inference about why an event occurred or about a person's disposition or other psychological state. This study is designed to examine the effects of consumers’ attribution styles (i.e., dispositional and situational) and moderating role of celebrity identification and brand commitment in the evaluation of negative information about a celebrity endorser. The study finds that people who make dispositional attributions judge the endorsed brand more negatively than do those who make situational attributions. The findings also suggest that consumers with a higher level of identification with the celebrity are less likely to react negatively to the bad publicity. Finally, the study found that, when faced with a celebrity scandal, people with high brand commitment showed more favorable attitudes toward the brand as well as higher purchase intention than those with low brand commitment.
Speaking of sensing in the language of quantum mechanics

Currently there is interest in the possibility of using quantum-mechanically entangled light to enhance the spatial resolution of sensors. Here I review some applications of equations in quantum-mechanical form to the design of sensors and related systems. In order to consider comparing equations against experiments, we will need to distinguish models comprised of mathematical formulas, whether quantum-mechanical or classical, from experiments with devices such as lasers and light detectors. The following sections sketch: * two known ways to connect quantum models to experiments (one statistical-mechanical, the other by way of probabilities); * an approximate way to translate from equations of classical electromagnetism to the quantum language of photons and detection probabilities, concentrating on interferometric effects; * quantum-mechanically suggested possibilities and obstacles for light-based radar (lidar) to enhance positional accuracy and spatial resolution; * a recently proved universal gap between, on one hand, quantum-mechanical models composed of equations and, on the other hand, experiments with devices, with the consequent need and opportunities for a designer to choose models as descriptions of measured behavior.
Optical networks on a chip using photonic bandgap materials

High-density optical interconnect using Photonic Crystals (PhCs'), is proposed as a technique for three-dimensional optical signal distribution and routing through multiple planes and in different directions. These optically conducting networks offer the ability to guide light analogously to electrical printed circuit boards (PCB's), which transport electrons through electrical networks. Due to their unique ability to confine and control light on the subwavelength scale, PhCs' have led a challenging prospect of miniaturization and large-scale integration of high density optical interconnects. Thus in this paper we present a novel approach for implementing a high density optical interconnect network in Photonic crystals. To this end, different techniques for both in plane coupling as well as vertical coupling from one layer of PhC to the other layer through an optical via are discussed. Numerical experiments results for optical confinement in both lateral and vertical directions will be presented.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Influence of Wet and Dry Ambients on Fast Surface States of Germanium

Simultaneous measurements of surface recombination velocity and added trapped charge density in the fast states as a function of surface potential were carried out on an $n$-type specimen which was subjected to the following gaseous ambient cycles: (a) room air-vacuum, (b) dry air-vacuum, (c) dry oxygen-vacuum, (d) dry nitrogen-vacuum, (e) wet nitrogen-vacuum, and (f) wet oxygen-vacuum. The most important results of these measurements were: (1) Dry nitrogen had no influence whatsoever on any of the surface-state parameters, (2) dry oxygen affected only the density of states and the unperturbed surface potential, and (3) wet nitrogen and wet oxygen had almost the same and most pronounced effect on the fast surface states.
Gigabit-per-sec wavelength-division-multiplexed fiber optic link

We demonstrate the high-speed operation of a wavelength- division-multiplexed optical interconnect, which is implemented by multiplexing the optical data from a multiple wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) array into a single optical fiber, and demultiplexing the composite data stream using an array of resonance-enhanced photodetectors (REPD) with matching resonance wavelengths. By using VCSELs and REPDs with a quasi-planar oxide- confinement design for improved high speed performance, and using strained InGaAs/GaAs quantum wells to achieve a better trade-off between optical responsivity and wavelength selectivity, WDM operation has ben demonstrated under 1.25 Gb/s data modulation, with an optical crosstalk rejection ratio of better than -10 dB for wavelength channels that are spaced approximately 4 nm apart. The transmission performance of a single-channel, 1.0 Gb/s fiberoptic link with a 1 km span is characterized, achieving a BER equals 10 -12 at a received optical signal level of -16.7 dBm. In addition, the effect of optical crosstalk from a neighboring wavelength channel, as well as the power penalty for thermally-induced wavelength de-tuning between the VCSEL and REPD have been determined.
Inelastic neutron scattering in single-crystal YbInCu 4

We have measured the momentum and energy dependence of the spin fluctuations in the low-temperature mixed-valent state and the high-temperature integral-valent state of YbInCu{sub 4}, using flux-grown single crystals and a triple axis spectrometer. The magnetic scattering can be fit with a Lorentzian power spectrum, with positions and halfwidths equal E{sub 0}{sup +}=2.3 meV and {Gamma}{sup +}=1.8 meV in the high-temperature state at 50 K and E{sub 0}{sup {minus}}=40.2 meV and {Gamma}{sup {minus}}=12.3 meV in the low-temperature state at 20 K. Within the experimental uncertainties, the line shape as a function of energy transfer (i.e., the power spectrum) does not depend on momentum transfer Q. The static susceptibility {chi}(Q) is no more than 10{percent} larger at the zone boundary than at zone center for the [1,0,0] direction. The results compare reasonably well to the predictions of the Anderson impurity model and to earlier measurements on polycrystalline samples. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Glutamic acid as a synpatic transmitter candidate in the dorsal sensory neuron: reconsiderations.

Abstract Two primary reasons which are emerging to suggest that glutamate is not a dorsal root transmitter are: 1) that free glutamate levels in the dorsal root vs. the ventral root are not sufficiently different to warrant a transmitter function in the dorsal root, and 2) the spinal cord glutamate levels do not significantly change (per g tissue) after dorsal root input section. Recent analyses suggest, however, that there is a highly significant depression of glutamate in the dorsal root when related to total free amino acid concentration changes after root injury. This is not seen in the peripheral nerve. Thus the dorsal vs. ventral root free glutamate concentration difference is highly significant metabolically. The failure to see a decrease in spinal cord gray glutamate levels after dorsal root section would appear to be explained by the fact that the spinal cord satellite cells and neurons have a higher free glutamate concentration than the entering dorsal roots along with a considerable perikaryal free amino acid pool for protein synthesis. This will mask any changes due to dorsal root section. Comparisons of excess free glutamate and substance P (the two leading dorsal root transmitter candidates) in the dorsal root compared to the ventral root have shown that there is a much larger excess of free glutamate in the dorsal root. This is true, even when considering the excitatory potency differences of these two substances. Thus, a very large free glutamate excess in the dorsal root is present with a relatively small concentration difference compared to the ventral root (where a transmitter role is not entertained). This fact could be of considerable metabolic significance in the regulation of transmitter levels of glutamate. The data available, therefore, are supportive of a possible glutamate transmitter role in a population of dorsal root fibers.
Incomplete charge collection in an HPGe double-sided strip detector

Abstract For gamma-ray detection, high-purity germanium (HPGe) has long been the standard for energy resolution, and double-sided strip detectors (DSSDs) offer the possibility of sub-millimeter position resolution. Our HPGe DSSD is 81 mm in diameter, 11-mm thick, and has 3-mm strip pitch with a gap width of 500 μm. In this work, we focus on characterizing just the interactions that occur between collecting strips. Simulation and measurement results for our HPGe DSSD show that the gap between strips is the most position-sensitive region. But, spectra collected from events that occur in and near the gaps are complicated by: (1) incomplete charge-carrier collection, or charge loss; (2) signal variance introduced by charge-carrier cloud size, orientation, and lateral spreading; and (3) the difficulty of distinguishing single interactions from multiple close interactions. Using tightly, collimated beams of monoenergetic gamma rays, the measured energy spectra at the gap center show that incomplete charge collection is significant in our detector at 356 and 662 keV, resulting in degradation of the photopeak efficiency. Additionally, close interactions are identifiable in the spectra. Thus, close interactions must be identified on an event-by-event basis in order to precisely identify gap interaction position or make charge-loss corrections at these energies. Furthermore, spectral differences are observed between anode and cathode gaps, and a possible reason for this asymmetry is proposed.
Rotational states of 158Dy, 164Er, 168Yb and 174Hf excited by evaporation reactions

Abstract A series of rotational bands in 158 Dy, 164 Er, 168 Yb and 174 Hf were studied by excitation with neutron evaporation reactions initiated by protons, deuterons, 3 He and α-particles with energies between 16 and 28 MeV. The resulting prompt γ-ray spectra were analyzed with a curved crystal diffraction spectrometer and with lithium-drifted germanium detectors. Transitions from levels in the ground state bands were seen up to 10 + in 168 Yb, 12 + in 158 Dy and 174 Hf and 14 + in 164 Er. The γ-vibrational bands in three of the nuclei were strongly excited and several β-bands were weakly excited. The energy levels deduced from the measurements were successfully fit by the empirical formulas of Holmberg and Lipas and of Sood for the ground state band as well as for the higher bands. The cross sections for transitions in the ground state band agree with the statistical model calculations made. Within the validity of the calculations, no large angular momentum deficit was observed.
Passive avoidance retention and caudate stimulation.

Abstract In 5 experiments rats were trained to passively avoid drinking at a water tube by administration of a single instantaneous footshock. When tested 24 hr later animals receiving caudate stimulation within 60 sec following footshock showed impaired retention. The impairment persisted unchanged over retention intervals ranging from minutes, to hours, to days. Subsequent daily trials even though followed by caudate stimulation attenuated the avoidance impairment. If caudate stimulation preceded footshock it did not affect retention. The anatomical basis for the effect was investigated by direct stimulation of known caudate afferent and efferent pathways. The relevance of the caudate/putamen in short-term memory was discussed.
A multinominal project evaluation and review technique for information systems analysis and design

Abstract PERT is an important tool for the management of information systems design and analysis projects. In applications where the activity completion times are uncertain, the classic PERT approach is based on the assumption that each activity time follows a Beta distribution. In addition, the composite project duration is assumed to follow a normal distribution. Such assumptions are unrealistic in many information system projects. A new approach to project review and evaluation is proposed, based on a multinomial distribution for activity times. This new approach leads to an exact discrete distribution of the project duration. The results are illustrated in an information systems and design example.
The Undecidability of the II$^4$ Theory for the R. E. Wtt and Turing Degrees

We show that the Π4-theory of the partial order of recursively enumerable weak truth-table degrees is undecidable, and give a new proof of the similar fact for r.e. T-degrees. This is accomplished by introducing a new coding scheme which consists in defining the class of finite bipartite graphs with parameters.
Preoperative Embolization of Carotid Body Tumors: When Is It Appropriate?

To determine when to use preoperative embolization, we retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of concurrently treated patients who underwent carotid body tumor resection between 1984 and 1994. Eleven nonembolized tumors (N-EMB group) and 11 embolized tumors (EMB group) were resected. The two groups were similar with respect to demographics and presentation, with the exception that more patients in the EMB group complained of painful neck masses. There was no significant difference in the pretreatment size of the neck mass between the two groups (N-EMB = 4.3 ± 1.5 cm; N-EMB = 5.1 ± 2.1 cm). Zero to 6 days after embolization, surgical resection was performed. There was no difference in the distribution of tumors, which were grouped according to Shamblin's classification, between the N-EMB and EMB patients. Two patients in each group required resection of the internal carotid artery, whereas a total of seven cranial nerves were resected. There were no differences in blood loss, number of blood transfusions, operative time, or perioperative morbidity between the N-EMB and EMB groups. Ten patients had new cranial nerve deficits and four of these patients required treatment for tenth nerve paralysis. Overall the total hospital stay was similar in the two groups, but the EMB group had a significantly longer preoperative stay compared to the N-EMB group (1.5±0.8 vs. 0.8±0.4 days;p=0.02). These data show that preoperative embolization does not significantly improve outcome in patients undergoing resection of carotid body tumors measuring 4 to 5 cm. Therefore, in this era of cost-containment, preoperative embolization should not be used in the treatment of midsized carotid body tumors.
Information theory and statistical nuclear reactions II. Many-channel case and Hauser-Feshbach formula☆

Abstract The information approach developed in paper I is applied to the case of systems having a large number of channels (n ⪢ 1) and arbitrary optical matrices S . The fluctutation cross section is explicitly evaluated using the maximum information-entropy S-matrix distribution constructed to reproduce S and constrained solely by flux conservation, time reversal invariance, causality, and ergodicity. The resulting expression is found to be the well-known Hauser-Feshbach formula. The evaluation of the cross section is performed with the aid of an auxiliary S-matrix (obtained by a specific mapping from the physical one) which is distributed according to the invariant volume element. The joint distribution for the elements of the physical S-matrix is evaluated in the limit n ⪢ 1 and found to be Gaussian.
Sleep and motor activity of community elderly who frequently use bedtime medications

The elderly have more sleep disturbances and use more hypnotics than younger people, but little is known about the efficacy of hypnotics used by them in everyday life. Prior reports of longterm hypnotic use have been based on subjective sleep estimates (Mellinger et ai 1985; Uhlenhuth et ai 1988). We now report objective measurements of motor activity in elderly users of bedtime medications who simultaneously made subjective assessments of their sleep.
NON-POLAR URINARY METABOLITES OF CHLORPROMAZINE IN MALE SCHIZOPHRENICS.

Abstract Twenty-four hour urine collections were made on 12 male schizophrenic patients recieving varying doses of chlorpromazine. Gas chromatographic analyses for chlorpromazine and six non-polar metabolites were performed. Two major metabolites, desdimethylchlorpromazine sulfoxide (nor 2 CPSO) and desmethylchlorpromazine sulfoxide (nor 1 CPSO) were found to be excreted in significant amounts, accounting for about 7 per cent of the ingested dose. The variations in excretion of these compounds were found to be independent of urine volume, dose administered, or of the clinical state of the patients. It was concluded that the metabolism of chlorpromazine into the oxidized demethylated forms was a relatively constant phenomenon.
The learning community narrative: An essential first step in creating and sustaining program identity

As individuals, we often come to understand our identity through our stories. Emilly Borthwick-Wong and Janna Jones argue that the same is true for educational programs; a successful, long-term educational program must be able to communicate its purpose and importance in an easily told narrative.
Sensorimotor intelligence in human and non-human primates

Characteristics of object manipulation are discussed for the sensorimotor intelligence of human and non-human primates. The generality of the concept of object permanence, as well as the complex level of spatial relations realized by non-human primates, requires a separation between these behaviors and social acquisitions like imitation and combinatorial play. The human specificity of complex object manipulation is recognized and assessed by comparing differences in functioning of the maturing brain of human infants with other primates. Other peculiarities of the human environment and training which act upon the social and cognitive development of the infant are also identified. It is hypothesized that these maturational characteristics play a major role in the emergence, stabilization and differentiation of the forms of object manipulations. This paper advocates that complex manipulative behaviors be considered in the assessment of similarities and differences between man and other primates.
Manifestly Covariant Quantum Theory with Invariant Evolution Parameter in Relativistic Dynamics

Manifestly covariant quantum theory with invariant evolution parameter is a parametrized relativistic dynamical theory. The study of parameterized relativistic dynamics (PRD) helps us understand the consequences of changing key assumptions of quantum field theory (QFT). QFT has been very successful at explaining physical observations and is the basis of the conventional paradigm, which includes the Standard Model of electroweak and strong interactions. Despite its record of success, some phenomena are anomalies that may require a modification of the Standard Model. The anomalies include neutrino oscillations, non-locality, and gravity.
Importance of staratification on mixing and transport in a shallow, micro-tidal northern Gulf of Mexico estuary

Mobile Bay is a shallow, micro-tidal estuary in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The Bay receives the 4th largest river discharge in the continental United States of America. The large river discharge results in strong water column stratification not only inside the Bay but on the inner shelf adjoining the Bay. This paper presents two cases that highlight the importance of stratification in the tidal Mobile Bay system on: (1) vertical mixing in the shallow inner portion of the Bay and (2) salt exchange with the Gulf through the Bay mouth.
Abstract B65: The mitochondrial antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase 2 is necessary for ovarian cancer spheroid formation

The formation of cellular spheroid aggregates in the Intraperitoneal Cavity (IP) is considered to be an important step in the metastatic progression of ovarian cancer. Spheroids may represent a unique morphological adaptation that enhances long-term survival of tumor cells in the IP cavity, reminiscent of dormant cell populations. Like other dormant tumor cells, in vivo-isolated and in vitro-cultured spheroids exhibit enhanced chemoresistance and display markers of quiescence. We show that expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (Sod2), which regulates mitochondrial redox balance, is significantly increased during formation of dense spheroids from a number of ovarian cancer cell lines. This is accompanied by increases in the quiescence marker p27(kip1). Importantly, siRNA and shRNA knock-down of Sod2 compromise spheroid formation and integrity, and abrogate increases in p27(kip1) expression in anchorage-independent 3D cultures. Mechanistically, it is likely that increases in Sod2 expression protect cells from build-up of mitochondrial and IP cavity-derived ROS, enhancing their survival as dormant spheroid populations. In addition, bioenergetic data suggest that Sod2 is directly involved in enhancing the mitochondrial integrity of tumor cells within spheroid aggregates. This leads to a metabolic profile that is associated with a slowing in ATP demand and an enhanced respiratory reserve capacity, with Sod2 being intricately involved in manipulating these changes. Enhanced Sod2 expression, a concomitant decrease in mitochondrial ROS and changes in mitochondrial function are likely indicators of a quiescence adaptation of tumor spheroids, necessary for survival in the IP cavity. Manipulating mitochondrial function and redox balance by effectively targeting mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes may provide novel therapeutic strategies to combat recurrence and metastatic spread of ovarian cancer. Citation Format: LP Madhubhani Hemachandra, Usawadee Dier, Larissa M. Uusitalo, Nadine Hempel. The mitochondrial antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase 2 is necessary for ovarian cancer spheroid formation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B65.
A spelling correction method and its application to an OCR system

Abstract This paper describes a method of spelling correction consisting of two steps: selection of candidate words, and approximate string matching between the input word and each candidate word. Each word is classified and multi-indexed according to combinations of a constant number of characters in the word. Candidate words are selected fast and accurately, regardless of error types, as long as the number of errors is below a threshold. We applied this method to the post-processing of a printed alphanumeric OCR on a personal computer, thus making our OCR more reliable and user-friendly.
Core-level and valence-band characteristics of carbon nitride films with high nitrogen content

Carbon nitride films with high nitrogen content were prepared by reactive pulsed-laser deposition at nitrogen partial pressures varying from 0.1 to 20.0 Torr. It was found that the nitrogen content in the films first increases with increase of the nitrogen pressure, reaches a maximum of 46 at. % at 5.0 Torr, and then decreases to 37 at. % at 20.0 Torr. The almost pure carbon nitride films were systematically characterized by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) concerning the core-level and valence-band structures. Some fingerprint information, which shows the role of nitrogen in controlling the electronic structure of carbon nitride films, was found based on the XPS studies. With enhancing the nitrogen incorporation, both the binding energy and the peak intensity of the core-level and the valence-band spectra vary systematically as a function of nitrogen content in the films.
Interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, but not interleukin-6, stimulate osteoprotegerin ligand gene expression in human osteoblastic cells

Recent studies have identified osteoprotegerin ligand (OPG-L) as the essential factor required for osteoclastogenesis, and that the effects are prevented by its soluble receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG). However, there are limited data at present on the regulation of OPG-L expression in human osteoblastic cells by other cytokines. Because interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6 all increase osteoclastogenesis, we assessed whether OPG-L mRNA steady-state levels were regulated by these cytokines in human osteoblastic cells. By northern analysis, IL-1beta (5 nmol/L) and TNF-alpha (9 nmol/L) increased OPG-L mRNA steady-state levels by up to two- to three-fold in normal marrow stromal cells (MS), an immortalized marrow stromal cell line (hMS), and the osteosarcoma cell line, MG-63, whereas IL-6 (2 nmol/L, with or without its soluble receptor) had no effect on OPG-L mRNA levels in any of these cells. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha increased OPG-L mRNA steady-state levels in the normal MS cells and the hMS cell line in a time- and dose-dependent fashion by up to 4.1-fold and up to 2.6-fold, respectively. Our data are thus consistent with the hypothesis that the proinflammatory and bone-resorbing cytokines, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but not IL-6, may stimulate osteoclastogenesis by inducing the expression of OPG-L.
When refactoring acts like modularity: keeping options open with persistent condition checking

Oftentimes the changes required to improve the design of code are crosscutting in nature and thus easier to perform with the assistance of automated refactoring tools. However, the developers of such refactoring tools cannot anticipate every practical transformation, particularly those that are specific to the program's domain. We demonstrate Arcum, a declarative language for describing and performing both general and domain-specific transformations.Because Arcum works directly with declarative descriptions of crosscutting code it can ensure that code written or modified after the transformation also satisfies the design's requirements. As a result, preconditions and postconditions are persistently checked, making the crosscutting code (such as the use of a design idiom or programming style) behave more like a module with respect to checkability and substitutability. Bringing such capabilities into the IDE allows for code to be decomposed closer to the programmer's intentions and less coupled to specific implementations.
The tissue specificity of the age-related changes in alkali-induced DNA-unwinding.

Abstract To determine if the age-related changes in chromatin digestibility are tissue-specific, fluorometric analysis of the alkali-induced DNA unwinding technique was adapted for soft-tissue chromatin studies. The rate of DNA unwinding i the brain and liver of young Fischer 344 male rats (3 months of age) was significantly greater than the rates measured in middle-aged (15 months) or aged rats (26 months). In contrast, the rate of DNA unwinding in the intestinal epithelium, a continuously replicating tissue, did not significantly vary with age. Although this assay is capable of detecting DNA strand beaks in vivo following N-nitrosodimethylamine administration, the age-related changes could not be attributed to reduced DNA strand lesions in the aged animals. The % double-stranded DNA at time 0 of incubation in alkali was lower in the brain and liver of aged rats indicating that DNA strand breaks may actually increase with aging. These results indicate that proliferative activity of the tissue is an important determinant of age-related changes in chromatin structure.
A 0.5GHz–1.5GHz order scalable harmonic rejection mixer

In this paper, a harmonic rejection mixer architecture capable of operating for a wide range of LO frequencies is demonstrated. The mixer can be configured to suppress any particular harmonic of the LO or multiple harmonics simultaneously. The level of suppression of each harmonic is controlled by a set of independent gain and phase tuning parameters. Feasibility of extension of this concept to higher order harmonics is also demonstrated. A proof-of-principle prototype has been designed and fabricated in a 45nm SOI technology. Experimental results demonstrate an operation range of 0.5GHz to 1.5GHz for the LO frequency while offering harmonic rejection better than 55dB for the 3rd harmonic and 58dB for the 5th harmonic across LO frequencies. The mixer consumes 17mW of power from a 1V power supply while occupying an area of 0.352mm2.
Coupling of Light into Single-Mode Optical Fiber for Data Communications

Single-mode optoelectronic communication is the technology of choice in the telecommunication industry, due to the long distances and high data rates that are achievable. These benefits are now being exploited in the field of data communications. However, the demands of the data communication application are somewhat different from those of telecommunication. This paper discusses these differences. Typical optical performance parameters for the data link are also considered. The two most important of these parameters are the laser safety limit and the minimum launched power. The methodologies which assure both of these parameters are presented. The physics of single-mode fiber-to-fiber and laser-to-fiber coupling is reviewed, including an overview of various theoretical models which have been used. Results of ongoing experimental studies are presented and compared to a theoretical model. Discrepancies between the experimental results and the model are discussed.
Intestinal perforation during pregnancy.

Abstract Three cases of bowel perforation were encountered in pregnant women in a community hospital. Two were associated with mechanical obstruction, and one was of unknown etiology. Displacement of abdominal contents by the gravid uterus may predispose pregnant patients to intestinal obstruction in the presence of an underlying bowel abnormality, such as adhesions or malrotation. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy are necessary to avoid a fatal or a severely morbid outcome.
PHENOMENOLOGY—METAPHYSICS—THEOLOGY

Phenomenology—Metaphysics—Theology (a review article of Belief and Metaphysics and Transcendence and Phenomenology, edited by Conor Cunningham and Peter M. Candler, Jr. [JCM Press, London 2007]). The forty papers collected in these books form the proceedings of two conferences organized by the University of Nottingham's Centre of Theology and Philosophy. These articles present an image of the diverse ways in which continental philosophers working in the Anglophone world approach the relation between philosophy and theology. The reviewer highlights the most inspiring essays and summarizes others. He emphasizes and appreciates the strong influence of 20th century phenomenologists and of Aquinas, as well as the high esteem of some contributors for a certain form of metaphysics as condition of a new orthodox theology. He also draws attention, however, to the absence of dialogue among the contributors, and the paucity of properly scriptural and theological analysis—both of which failings are especially problematic in relation to the Centre's overall program.
Dopamine D2 receptor agonists inhibit lung cancer progression by reducing angiogenesis and tumor infiltrating myeloid derived suppressor cells

We sought to determine whether Dopamine D2 Receptor (D2R) agonists inhibit lung tumor progression and identify subpopulations of lung cancer patients that benefit most from D2R agonist therapy. We demonstrate D2R agonists abrogate lung tumor progression in syngeneic (LLC1) and human xenograft (A549) orthotopic murine models through inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and reduction of tumor infiltrating myeloid derived suppressor cells. Pathological examination of human lung cancer tissue revealed a positive correlation between endothelial D2R expression and tumor stage. Lung cancer patients with a smoking history exhibited greater levels of D2R in lung endothelium. Our results suggest D2R agonists may represent a promising individualized therapy for lung cancer patients with high levels of endothelial D2R expression and a smoking history.
Effect of sex and haplotype on plasma tryptase levels in healthy adults.

Abstract Background The total level of α-tryptase and s-tryptase in serum or plasma is used as a clinical indicator of the mast cell burden. Objective The effect of the tryptase haplotype and of sex on the total tryptase level of healthy individuals was determined. Methods A novel hot-stop PCR technique was used to determine the tryptase genotype, and a standard fluoroenzyme immunoassay was used to measure total plasma tryptase levels in 106 healthy subjects. Mx modeling and the QTL association routine of Mendel 5.0 were used to analyze the data. Results Tryptase haplotypes exhibit a 1 (sα/sα):2 (ss/sα):1 (ss/ss) distribution, monomorphic for s at 1 position and allelic for s and α at the other position. The sα haplotype has a frequency of 0.49. The sα haplotype increases total tryptase levels by 0.5 ng/mL from the overall mean, whereas female sex increases the level by 0.2 ng/mL from the mean. Conclusion The tryptase haplotype and sex each have a statistically significant effect on the total plasma tryptase level of healthy subjects.
SORPTION BEHAVIOR OF PERTECHNETATE ION ON REILLEXTM-HPQ ANION EXCHANGE RESIN FROM HANFORD AND MELTON VALLEY TANK WASTE SIMULANTS AND SODIUM HYDROXIDE/SODIUM NITRATE SOLUTIONS

ABSTRACT The batch distribution coefficients (Kd, mL solution /g dry resin) for pertechnetate (TcO4) between ReillexTMHPQ anion exchange resin and various caustic solutions have been determined. The average Kd value in 1.5 M NaNO3/l.0 M NaOH solution is (262.2 ± 12.6) mL7sol;g for TcO4 − ranging from 1.0 × 10TM M to 5.0 × 10−4 M. Pertechnetate Kd values were measured in a series of NaOH7sol;NaNO3 solutions. The series are: 1.00 M NaOH with 0.010 to 5.00 M NaNO3; 0.100 M NaOH with 0,010 to 5.00 M NaNO3; 0.100 MNaNO3 with 0.10 to 5.00M NaOH; 1.00MNaNO3 with 0.10 to 5.00 M NaOH; 1.50 M NaNO3 with 0.10 to 5.00 M NaOH; 3.50 M NaNO3 With 0.10 to 5.00 M NaOH. The Kd values are described by the following equation. This equation was used to predict the Kd values for a series of tank waste simulants. The predicted Kd values are different from the measured values with an average absolute difference of (29 ± 10)%. Pertechnetate kdvalues for 101-SY, 103-SY, DSS, DSSF-2.33, DSSF-5, DSSF7, 101-AW, and Melton Valley simu...
Real-world performance of a microarray-based rapid diagnostic for Gram-positive bloodstream infections and potential utility for antimicrobial stewardship

The Verigene Gram-positive blood culture assay (BC-GP) is a microarray-based rapid diagnostic test, which includes targets for 12 bacterial species and 3 resistance determinants. We prospectively compared the diagnostic accuracy of the BC-GP to routine microbiologic methods and evaluated the potential of the BC-GP for antimicrobial stewardship programs. A total of 143 consecutive patients with Gram-positive bacteremia were included in the analysis. BC-GP correctly identified 127/128 (99.2%) of organisms from monomicrobial blood cultures and 9/14 (64.3%) from polymicrobial, including all methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Stewardship interventions were possible in 51.0% of patients, most commonly stopping or preventing unnecessary vancomycin or starting a targeted therapy. In Monte Carlo simulations, unnecessary antibiotics could be stopped at least 24 hours earlier in 65.6% of cases, and targeted therapy could be started at least 24 hours earlier in 81.2%. BC-GP is a potentially useful test for antibiotic stewardship in patients with Gram-positive bacteremia.
Extent and chronology of the ross sea ice sheet and the wilson piedmont glacier along the scott coast at and since the last glacial maximum

During the last glacial maximum, a coalescent ice mass consisting of the grounded Ross Sea ice sheet and an expanded Wilson Piedmont Glacier covered the southern Scott Coast. This coalescent ice mass was part of a larger grounded ice sheet that occupied the Ross Sea Embayment during the last glacial maximum. Deglaciation of the western Ross Sea Embayment adjacent to the southern Scott Coast was delayed until shortly before 6500 14C yr bp, aconclusion based on ages of marine shells from McMurdo Sound, a relative sea‐level curve, and algae that lived in ice‐dammed lakes. Therefore, most recession of grounded ice in the Ross Sea Embayment occurred in mid to late Holocene time, after deglacial sea‐level rise due to melting of Northern Hemisphere ice sheets essentially was accomplished. Rising sea level alone could not have driven grounding‐line retreat back to the present‐day Siple Coast.
Demonstration of a cellular inhibitor of Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus synthesis.

Abstract A particle free extract prepared from human D98 cells was tested for inhibitory activity against the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The number of permissive human cells positive for EBV-specific antigens after infection with virus decreased by more than 90% when the cells were treated with D98 extract and poly- l -ornithine. Synthesis of CMV DNA was depressed in virus infected cells in the presence of the inhibitor. Replication of infectious CMV was reduced by approximately 99.9%. The data suggest that the D98 extract specifically depresses EBV and CMV replication.
A qualitative study of the trauma and posttraumatic growth of multiple myeloma patients treated with peripheral blood stem cell transplant.

Objective: The study was conducted to understand the emotional impact of multiple myeloma, as well as the impact of its principle treatment, peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT). The absence of psycho-oncology research literature on this population prompted the need for a hypothesis-generating investigation. Thus, a qualitative design was used to construct a theoretical model of the trauma relating to diagnosis and treatment of myeloma. The study also incorporates the important period of reflection and growth following treatment.Methods: The sample consisted of 3 women and 3 men treated for myeloma at a New York City-based cancer treatment center. Data from individual interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. After extensive review, the data were categorized into groups of repeating ideas, themes and broad theoretical constructs.Results: A five-construct model emerged from the data analysis that integrated a model of trauma and growth presented in earlier work (Auerbach et al., 2006). These constructs roughly correspond with stages of illness, but do not necessarily imply a linear process, as suggested by stage models. The first construct is diagnosis. Patients receive the news that they have multiple myeloma. Initial reactions are discussed and a treatment plan takes form. In the second construct, treatment, patients highlight the physical and emotional hurdles confronted throughout treatment. The third construct, network of safety, presents social factors that play a role in comforting patients throughout illness. Patients recognize the importance of a strong support system during their experiences. In the fourth construct, recuperation, physical energy is regained after an arduous recovery period. This contributes to higher spirits and a motivation to reengage with life. The fifth construct is reflection and new existence. Patients strive to balance a new reality that relapse and death are inevitable, along with their need to live a meaningful life. Many do not yet appreciate how their disease has impacted them, but describe how their interpersonal lives and perceptions have changed, both positively and negatively.Significance of results: Limitations of the study, future directions for research and clinical implications are discussed.