cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unlimited Replays: Video Games and Classical Music

I have to admit that I’m not very well versed in the scholarly video-game discourse, or gaming itself for that matter. As a kid, I played Pong at a friend’s house and only much later (decades later...
Effect of different Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains on dual‐species biofilms formed with Porphyromonas gingivalis or Dialister pneumosintes

There are five evolutionarily divergent clades of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, with possible differences in phenotype and virulence potential among strains. This study examined the formation of biofilm by each of 11 distinct strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans, alone or after coculture with two species of oral bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC33277 or Dialister pneumosintes ATCC33048). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and electron microscopy were used to characterize the dual-species biofilms of interest. A reduction in dual-species A. actinomycetemcomitans-P. gingivalis biofilms was observed for A. actinomycetemcomitans RHAA1, suggesting an antagonistic relationship. The amounts of dual-species A. actinomycetemcomitans-D. pneumosintes biofilms were either increased or decreased in some - but not all - strains, indicative of strain-specific phenotypes. The CLSM analyses confirmed the existence of an antagonistic relationship between A. actinomycetemcomitans D7S-1 and P. gingivalis ATCC33277, and a synergistic relationship between A. actinomycetemcomitans D7S-1 and D. pneumosintes ATCC33048. The electron microscopy analyses revealed distinct morphological features of A. actinomycetemcomitans D7S-1 and D. pneumosintes ATCC33048 dual-species biofilms. The results indicate that the relationship between A. actinomycetemcomitans and oral bacteria may vary among strains, which could lead to distinct strain-specific patterns of niche sharing in subgingival microbiota.
Engineering for Emergence in Information Fusion Systems: A Review of Some Challenges

Modern Information Fusion (IF) systems are faced with evolving operational environments where human and intelligent systems will function as a team to achieve mission objectives. These evolving operational contexts demand a full spectrum dynamic response of ‘data-to-decision’ from IF systems. Traditional information extraction and fusion levels typically address the “data” end of the spectrum, while recent advancement in Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches are being used for the “decisions” end of the spectrum. However, the IF system behavior emerges from the various complex interactions that take place between different fusion levels (including human interaction), the operational context, and the employed AI/ML techniques. In this paper, we explore this emergent behavior of the IF system and argue that holistic system design and evaluation techniques, as offered by System Engineering (SE), provide means to recognize and characterize this emergent behavior. Furthermore, we describe the research challenges for future IF systems that will enable managing emergence by leveraging SE, while exploiting the context-aware information fusion aided by the advancements in AI/ML.
A Comparison of Simulation Optimization Algorithm Performance

Simulation optimization refers to an optimization problem with a stochastic and potentially computationally expensive objective function. Machine learning (surrogate modeling) techniques have significant potential for enabling efficient simulation optimization, but typically require the user to retain all input/output pairs evaluated by the objective function and can suffer from numerical stability issues if samples are tightly clustered. A modification to the traditional RBF surrogate modeling process is presented that enables robust online learning through use of a Kalman filter. The capability of this modified surrogate modeling approach is presented in comparison to a number of other simulation optimization algorithms. Results indicate that the filtered surrogate model algorithm is more efficient than other methods for optimization problems that do not have complex topology.
Methods for Determining the Elastic and Viscoelastic Response of Composite Materials

Two test methods for determining the longitudinal or in-plane shear stress-strain response of a unidirectional composite material are presented. These two methods are the uniaxial tension test on a ′45 deg laminate and the rail shear test on a 0/90 deg laminate. Although these tests are conducted on laminates, the laminates are special cases of geometric construction. It is shown that unidirectional shear properties can be found from the laminate test data. The stress-strain response for both methods agrees very well for glass-epoxy and graphite-epoxy composites. The nonisothermal viscoelastic shear response of a unidrectional composite is determined from tension creep tests on a ′45 deg laminate at temperatures of 81°, 125°, and 150° F. A master shear creep compliance curve is constructed by using the principle of time-temperature superposition. The other unidirectional creep compliances necessary for characterization of an orthotropic material under a state of plane stress are calculated from equations of micromechanics. Agreement is good for a comparison of the shear creep compliance calculated from micromechanics and the ′45 deg laminate. It was found that the behavior of the tensile relaxation modulus of the epoxy resin used in a typical graphite-epoxy composite is similar to the behavior of the epoxy resin used in a typical glass-epoxy. The creep behavior of any laminate can be predicted from laminated plate theory once the unidirectional material is characterized. Viscoelastic interconversion formulas are derived which relate the creep test, constant loading rate test, and dynamic test when the creep compliance can be approximated by a power law in time and linear viscoelasticity theory is valid.
Free Volume Element Sizes and Dynamics in Polystyrene and Poly(methyl methacrylate) Measured with Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopy.

The size, size distribution, dynamics, and electrostatic properties of free volume elements (FVEs) in polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were investigated using the Restricted Or...
Dealing with Defenses and Defensiveness in Interviews

Learning to conduct an effective interview is essential to carrying out almost any form of clinical assessment or intervention. However, the unpredictability of the interviewing process can make mastery of this skill a challenging and, at times, even discouraging task. Each client introduces into the interview situation, unique characteristics that limit the therapist’s ability to control the direction of the interview. The most common complication is client defensiveness, which prevents the interview from unfolding predictably and straightforwardly. Therefore, an adequate understanding of defenses is essential for competency in interviewing. If interviewers do not understand defensiveness and how to effectively respond to it, the clinical interview is likely to be, at best, frustrating and, at worst, a pointless enterprise for both participants.
Lessons in Duality and Symmetry from M. C. Escher

The Dutch graphic artist M. C. Escher (1898–1972) carried out mathematical investigations that led to symmetry drawings of three distinct kinds of tilings with two colors, capturing the essence of duality. He used several of these drawings as key elements in his prints that further expressed ideas of duality. One of the most complex of his “duality” tilings was realized in Delft ceramic tile, wrapped around a large column for a school in Baarn, Holland. Recently, a Salish artist in Victoria, BC, Canada, has independently produced a tiling that contains many of the same elements as Escher’s complex duality tilings.
A Stochastic/Perturbation Global Optimization Algorithm for Distance Geometry Problems

We present a new global optimization approach for solving exactly or inexactly constrained distance geometry problems. Distance geometry problems are concerned with determining spatial structures from measurements of internal distances. They arise in the structural interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance data and in the prediction of protein structure. These problems can be naturally formulated as global optimization problems which generally are large and difficult. The global optimization method that we present is related to our previous stochastic/perturbation global optimization methods for finding minimum energy configurations, but has several key differences that are important to its success. Our computational results show that the method readily solves a set of artificial problems introduced by More and Wu that have up to 343 atoms. On a set of considerably more difficult protein fragment problems introduced by Hendrickson, the method solves all the problems with up to 377 atoms exactly, and finds nearly exact solution for all the remaining problems which have up to 777 atoms. These preliminary results indicate that this approach has very good promise for helping to solve distance geometry problems.
Concepts for application of 500- to 2500-We Brayton power systems for shuttle-launched missions

A mini-Brayton power system in the power range of 500 to 2500 We utilizing the multihundred Watt isotope heat source was studied for use in shuttle-launched experiments. The system consists of a single closed gas loop containing a single-shaft, gas cooled, compressor-alternator turbine assembly; a heat source heat exchanger assembly; a startup battery package; an electrical control module; a recuperator; a gas radiator; and a multifoil superinsulation system. The basic configuration and major nuclear payloads for shuttle integration are discussed. It is concluded that mini-Brayton systems have low isotope inventories and high electrical output per thermal input, and have the capability of flying all earth orbital and interplanetary missions with little degradation in performance.
An Overview of the ∈ Expansion and the Electroweak Phase Transition

In this talk Pm going to summarize work done with Larry Yaffe [1] on applying e expansion techniques to the electroweak phase transition. As I shall review, analysis based on the perturbative expansion of the effective potential, which has already been discussed in this conference, is only valid (in the minimal standard model) when the zero-temperature Higgs mass is small compared to the zero-temperature W mass. The goal of my talk will be to discuss what can be done in the experimentally more realistic case when this condition fails. I shall discuss how one might compute various parameters of the transitions such as the correlation length at the critical temperature, the latent heat of the transition, the bubble nucleation rate, and the baryon violation rate after the transition. Note that these are all quasi-equilibrium quantities. In particular, I shall modestly not attempt to tackle the much harder problems directly associated with the generation of baryon asymmetry on the expanding bubble walls.
Reassessment of the daily dose of oral thyroxine for replacement therapy in hypothyroid children

The optimal daily requirement of sodium l -thyroxine for replacement therapy of hypothyroidism was evaluated in 11 hypothyroid children ranging from one to 14 years of age. The “optimal” dose of l -T 4 , defined as the minimal daily dose necessary to suppress the serum concentration of TSH to normal, was determined in each patient and individual growth rates were assessed for periods up to 12 months during the time this dose was being administered. The mean “optimal” dose of l -T 4 was 3.78±0.6 μg/kg or 104.6±5.2 μg/m 2 . This dose was considerably lower than the doses of l -T 4 generally recommended. All patients appeared clinically euthyroid, and their serum concentrations of T 3 and T 4 as well as their height velocities remained within the normal range while the “optimal” dose of l -T 4 was being administered.
FACTORS INFLUENCING PORTFOLIO SELECTION: A SIMPLE MODEL*

SUMMARY In this paper an effort is made to pull together different strands of thinking on the subject of portfolio selection in recent literature. In order to make explicit relationships which are difficult to state verbally a simple model is set up which accounts for a number of factors influencing portfolio selection. The model is a certainty-equivalence type model as developed by Tobin and by Markowitz. With its aide it is possible to indicate the general directions of shifts in portfolio composition if there are changes in the market rate of interest (effect stressed by the so-called ‘New Theory of Credit Control’), a change in the yield differential between a low-yield, low-risk security and a high-yield, high-risk security (effect investigated by Warren L. Smith), a change in risk aversion (effect investigated by D. E. Farrar and others) and a change in total loanable funds available (effect investigated by B. G. Malkiel and J. Kane). In addition, the effect of a proportionate income tax with and without loss-offset provisions on portfolio composition is shown.
Peptides derived from the human transferrin receptor stimulate endosomal acidification via a Gi-type protein

Peptides derived from the human transferrin receptor stimulate endosomal acidification via a G i -type protein. Background Acidification of the endosomal compartment is a prerequisite for intracellular processing of endocytosed complexes. Endosomal acidification is accomplished by an H + -ATPase, in parallel with a Cl - conductance. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that endosomal acidification is modulated by a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism, suggesting that endosomal acidification could be regulated through a self-contained signal transduction pathway. This study was designed to test this hypothesis using the transferrin receptor as a model. Methods Synthetic peptides corresponding to a region of the cytosolic domain of the transferrin receptor and containing a KPKR sequence were used to stimulate endosomal acidification in a G-protein–dependent manner. Results Peptides activated the G i , as evidenced by stimulation of the rate of GTPγS binding. A transferrin receptor peptide that lacked the KPKR sequence did not stimulate endosomal acidification and failed to promote GTPγS binding to G i proteins. Conclusions These results demonstrate that regulation of endosomal acidification can be achieved, in part, through a G i -mediated signal transduction pathway. These findings suggest that regulation of endosomal acidification through such a pathway may facilitate intracellular processing of the transferrin receptor.
THE NEED FOR PROGRAM AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This article makes the case for evaluation specific to local government. The article examines the impact of Proposition 13 in California with an eye toward the usefulness of program and performance evaluation. In an era of resource scarcity there is a need for enhanced performance. Performance evaluation is one way for local government administrators to enhance their programs and improve performance.
Functional comparison of avian heterophils with human and canine neutrophils

Phagocytosis, intracellular calcium flux, oxidant production and bactericidal activity of chicken heterophils and human and canine neutrophils were compared to assess their functional capabilities with respect to resistance of bacterial infection. Five strains of Staphylococcus were compared for bactericidal susceptiblity; two pathogenic strains isolated from chickens with tenosynovitis, a non-pathogenic strain from the tibiotarsal joint of a normal chicken, a pathogenic strain from the femoral joint of a human and a decapsulated derivative of the human strain. As assayed by flow cytometry, latex spheres were phagocytosed by significantly fewer chicken heterophils than by human or canine neutrophils. Phagocytes from all three species responded to stimulation by autologus serum-opsonised zymosan (aOZ) with an intracellular calcium flux, whereas only human neutrophils responded to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). None responded to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Neutrophils stimulated with aOZ and PMA produced significantly more H2O2 than did heterophils. Human neutrophils produced significantly greater H2O2 than did either canine neutrophils or chicken heterophils in response to FMLP. Greater bactericidal activity was observed against the decapsulated human strain and the non-pathogenic avian strain; this increased killing was found to be significant with the canine and avian cells. Avian heterophils were less phagocytic and produced less oxidant in response to zymosan than canine and human neutrophils. In addition, heterophils did not respond to PMA or FMLP.
Energy Distribution of Photoelectrons from Polycrystalline Tungsten

Total-energy distributions of the photoelectrons from aged polycrystalline tungsten ribbons, with the usual rolling texture, were determined by applying retarding potentials to spherical collectors. Particular attention was paid to the region of low energy. When stray fields were eliminated, energy-distribution functions rose linearly with energy. The average work function was determined by extrapolation of ${(\mathrm{current})}^{\mathrm{\textonehalf{}}}$-voltage curves to the saturation line. The result agreed with the value 4.49 ev determined both from the spectral distribution and from the temperature variation of the photo-current. Application of spherical photo-cells to investigations of semiconductors is discussed briefly.
The effects of entrapped gases on the hydraulic characteristics of porous media

Investigation of the hydraulic characteristics of prepared porous media indicate that a ten per cent increase in air content of media voids is capable of producing a 15 pct reduction in ‘effective porosity,’ a 35 pct decrease in permeability, and about 50 pct reduction in hydraulic dispersion. The location of bubbles in large or small pores affects the uniformity of pore sizes and determines the amount of water saturated void volume which is isolated by air bubbles. The shape of the chloride tracer ‘breakthrough’ curve is greatly modified by changes in uniformity of pore size. An appreciation of the effects of gas accumulation is essential to a proper interpretation of the hydraulic behavior of natural formations.
Bromination of graphitic pitch-based carbon fibers

Abstract Bromination of the du Pont E-130 pitch-based carbon fibers was found to degrade the tensile strength, tensile modulus and oxidation resistance. This degradation was greater when bromination was carried out by exposure to bromine vapor than by the electrochemical method, and is attributed to the physical damage of bromination. This degradation is in contrast to the beneficial effect of bromination of less graphitic fibers, such as Amoco's Thornel P-100. However, bromination decreased the electrical resistivity by up to a factor of 5. This effect is due to the intercalation of bromine, as indicated by the in-plane intercalate superlattice order at room temperature and up to 100°C, at which temperature inplane melting occurred for fibers brominated by either method. A sharp intercalate Raman peak was observed at 240 cm−1, in contrast to the large breadth of this peak in Thornel P-100 fibers.
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF INCIDENTS NEAR BOTTLENECKS: STRATEGIES TO REDUCE DELAY

How the location and duration of an incident affect delays near a recurrent bottleneck is evaluated in this study. With conventional kinematic wave theory and some dimensional analysis, tools are provided to determine whether an incident will cause generalized delays (i.e., delays that have a lingering effect for the whole length of the peak hour) according to the incident's magnitude, location, and duration. The results apply to a broad range of cases, encompassing many types of facilities and incidents. Furthermore, the results can be used as a foundation for developing and implementing new strategies to obtain significant reductions in delay. The value of fault-free surveillance is also analyzed and presented as part of an optimization problem for locating roadside assistance vehicles. It is found that this value is very high, which could justify installing advanced traffic-monitoring schemes near major bottlenecks.
Metabolomics of urinary tract infection: a new uroscope in town

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease. For rapid directed therapy of UTIs, it is essential to determine the causative microorganism. To date, there is no single test that has been proven to reliably, rapidly and accurately identify the etiologic organism in UTI. The molecular methods for diagnosing the cause of UTI and prognostic development of clinically important metabolomic evaluations and their limitations for use in the diagnosis and monitoring of infections are discussed in this review article. The application of the emerging investigative device NMR spectroscopy as a surrogate method for the diagnosis of UTI is also addressed.
Cardinals of countable cofinality and eventual domination

We prove embedding theorems for ω-sequences of ordinals below certain ordinals of countable cofinality.
Signaling From G Protein-Coupled Receptors to ERK5/Big MAPK 1 Involves Galpha Q and Galpha 12/13 Families of Heterotrimeric G Proteins. Evidence for the Existence of a Novel Ras AND Rho-independent Pathway

The regulation of gene expression by cell surface receptors often involves the stimulation of signaling pathways including one or more members of the MAPK superfamily of serine-threonine kinases. Upon their activation in the cytosol, MAPKs can translocate to the nucleus and affect the activity of a variety of transcription factors. Recently, it has been observed that a novel member of the MAPK superfamily, ERK5, can be potently activated by transforming G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and that ERK5 participates in the regulation of c-jun expression through the activation of MEF2 transcription factors. How cell surface receptors, including GPCRs, stimulate ERK5 is still poorly understood. In this study, we have used transiently transfected COS-7 cells to begin delineating the biochemical route linking GPCRs to ERK5. We show that receptors that can couple to the Gq and G12/13 families of heterotrimeric G proteins, m1 and thrombin receptors, respectively, but not those coupled to Gi, such as m2 receptors, are able to regulate the activity of ERK5. To investigate which heterotrimeric G proteins signal to ERK5, we used a chimeric system by which Gαq- and Gα13-mediated signaling pathways can be conditionally activated upon ligand stimulation. Using this system, as well as the expression of activated forms of G protein subunits, we show that the Gαq and Gα12/13 families of heterotrimeric G proteins, but not the Gαi, Gαs, and βγ subunits, are able to regulate ERK5. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the stimulation of ERK5 by GPCRs involves a novel signaling pathway, which is distinct from those regulated by Ras and Rho GTPases.
Decreased α-Adrenergic Response in the Intestinal Microcirculation after “Two-Hit” Hemorrhage/Resuscitation and Bacteremia

Background. The two-hit theory of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome proposes that an initial insult primes the host for an altered response to subsequent stimuli. We have previously documented enhanced dilator tone in the small intestine after a two-hit insult; however, the effects on vasoconstrictor function are unknown. We postulated that prior hemorrhage and resuscitation followed by bacteremia would alter microvascular responsiveness to α-adrenergic stimulation. Methods. Male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent fixed-volume hemorrhage with resuscitation (H/R) or sham procedure (Sham). At 24 or 72 h, in vivo videomicroscopy of the small intestine was performed (inflow A1 and premucosal A3 arterioles). Constrictor function was assessed by topical application of norepinephrine (NE; 10−8–10−6 M) before and 1 h after intravenous Escherichia coli or saline. Results. Sham, 24 or 72 h H/R, and E. coli alone produced no significant changes in A1 or A3 response to NE. Sequential H/R + E. coli resulted in decreased constrictor response in both A1 (72 h H/R + E. coli—38% from baseline vs Sham — 54%, P < 0.05) and A3 arterioles (−8% vs −51%, P < 0.05) at high doses of NE (10−6 M). Conclusions. Prior H/R primes the intestinal microvasculature for an altered response during a subsequent stress and these effects persist for up to 72 h following H/R. Sequential insults in this two-hit model caused marked hyporesponsiveness to NE. These alterations in control of microvascular tone might contribute to the hemodynamic compromise of sepsis, impair mucosal blood flow, and contribute to the development of MODS.
Cryopreservation of Musca domestica (Diptera : Muscidae) embryos

Abstract Prior studies on cryopreserving embryos of several non-drosophilid flies established that two Drosophila melanogaster embryo cryopreservation protocols were not directly suitable for use with these species. This paper describes our work on developing a protocol for cryopreservation of embryos of the housefly, Musca domestica. Significant progress was made when permeabilization of the vitelline membrane was optimized, a vitrification solution containing ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and trehalose was formulated, and when cooling and recovery of the cryopreservation protocol included a step which passed the embryos through liquid nitrogen vapor. More than 70% of housefly embryos withstand treatments of dechorionation, permeabilization, loading with cryoprotectant, and dehydration in vitrification solution, but the cooling, warming, and poststorage rearing steps still cause a considerable reduction in survival. About 53% of the vitrified M. domestica embryos hatched into larvae. Relative to the percentage of the control adult emergence, about 13% of the embryos stored in liquid nitrogen developed into fertile adults. Hatching of the F 1 progeny of adults having been cryopreserved as embryos was similar to control levels.
Immunological needles in the gene therapy haystack: applying a genetic paradigm to gene therapy

Immunological needles in the gene therapy haystack: applying a genetic paradigm to gene therapy
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease

Obstructive sleep apnea is a highly prevalent disease that often goes undetected for many years before diagnosis. Although most patients seek treatment to improve symptoms of daytime sleepiness, a growing body of literature suggests that treatment may also modulate cardiovascular risk. This article summarizes the current literature regarding the associations between sleep-disordered breathing and adverse cardiovascular outcomes and reviews the lesser body of data demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of therapy.
Detection of biomarkers using recombinant antibodies coupled to nanostructured platforms

The utility of biomarker detection in tomorrow’s personalized health care field will mean early and accurate diagnosis of many types of human physiological conditions and diseases. In the search for biomarkers, recombinant affinity reagents can be generated to candidate proteins or post-translational modifications that differ qualitatively or quantitatively between normal and diseased tissues. The use of display technologies, such as phagedisplay, allows for manageable selection and optimization of affinity reagents for use in biomarker detection. Here we review the use of recombinant antibody fragments, such as scFvs and Fabs, which can be affinity-selected from phagedisplay libraries, to bind with both high specificity and affinity to biomarkers of cancer, such as Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) and Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). We discuss how these recombinant antibodies can be fabricated into nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires, and quantum dots, for the purpose of enhancing detection of biomarkers at low concentrations (pg/mL) within complex mixtures such as serum or tissue extracts. Other sensing technologies, which take advantage of ‘Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering’ (gold nanoshells), frequency changes in piezoelectric crystals (quartz crystal microbalance), or electrical current generation and sensing during electrochemical reactions (electrochemical detection), can effectively provide multiplexed platforms for detection of cancer and injury biomarkers. Such devices may soon replace the traditional time consuming ELISAs and Western blots, and deliver rapid, point-of-care diagnostics to market. Keywords: phage-display; scFv; Fab; therapeutic antibody; affinity maturation; mutagenesis; nanotechnology; carbon nanotube; nanoshell; electrochemical detection (Published: 23 July 2012) Citation: Nano Reviews 2012, 3 : 17240 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/nano.v3i0.17240
Variable threshold as a model for selective attention, (de)sensitization, and anesthesia in associative neural networks

We study the influence of a variable neuronal threshold on fixed points and convergence rates of an associative neural network in the presence of noise. We allow a random distribution in the activity levels of the patterns stored, and a modification to the standard Hebbian learning rule is proposed for this purpose. There is a threshold at which the retrieval ability, including the average final overlap and the convergence rate, is optimized for patterns with a particular activity level at a given noise level. This type of selective attention to one class of patterns with a certain activity level may be obtained at the cost of reducing the retrieval ability of the network for patterns with different activity levels. The effects of a constant threshold independent of noise, time, and pattern are discussed. For high-(low-) activity patterns, the average final overlap is shown to be increased at high noise levels and decreased at low noise levels by a negative (positive) constant threshold, whereas a positive (negative) threshold always reduces the final average overlap. When the magnitude of the constant threshold exceeds a critical value, there is no retrieval. Rates of convergence towards the stored pattern with negative (positive) thresholds are greater than those with positive (negative) thresholds. These results are related to (de)sensitization and anesthesia. For certain threshold values and patterns with certain activity levels, hysteresis appears in the plot of the average final overlap versus the noise level, even for first order interactions. We make the analogy between the pattern-dependent neuronal threshold proposed in the present paper and the "task-related" modulation in neuronal excitability determined by cognitive factors, such as the attentional state of a higher animal. A constant threshold is associated with overall changes in neuronal excitability caused, e.g., by various drugs and physical injuries. Neurophysiological evidence of a dynamically variable neuronal threshold, such as accommodation and potentiation, is presented.
Light stimulus change evokes an activity response in the rat.

Bright light may be a danger signal for rats because they are more vulnerable to predators in bright environments. We examined the fear-evoking properties of bright light with a novel open-field procedure that confronts a rat with the sudden onset or termination of a bright light gradient. The rats did not freeze but exhibited a transient increase in locomotion to light onset and termination, which we call theactivity response (AR). This finding suggests that the AR is an exploratory response geared at investigating stimulus change. The rats also displayed a preference for dark to the lighting differential that was not due to the novelty or slight heating differential supplied by the lamps. These experiments demonstrate that the sudden onset of bright light engages preencounter defensive behavior, as described by the predatory imminence model (Fanselow & Lester, 1988). This task is amenable to studying light-evoked defensive responses.
Transcriptional expression of serotonergic regulators in laser‐captured microdissected dorsal raphe neurons of subjects with major depressive disorder: sex‐specific differences

The relationship between serotonin (5-HT) and major depressive disorder (MDD) has been extensively studied but certain aspects are still ambiguous. Given the evidence that 5-HT neurotransmission is reduced in depressed subjects, it is possible that one or more of the 5-HT regulators may be altered in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) of depressed subjects. Candidates that regulate 5-HT synthesis and neuronal activity of 5-HT neurons include intrinsic regulators such as tryptophan hydroxylase 2, 5-HT autoreceptors, 5-HT transporter and transcription factors, as well as afferent regulators such as estrogen and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The present study was designed to quantify mRNA concentrations of the above 5-HT regulators in an isolated population of 5-HT-containing DR neurons of MDD subjects and gender-matched psychiatrically normal control subjects. We found that mRNA concentrations of the 5-HT1D receptor and the transcription factors, NUDR and REST, were significantly increased in DR-captured neurons of female MDD subjects compared to female control subjects. No significant differences were found for the transcripts in male MDD subjects compared to male controls. This study reveals sex-specific alterations in gene expression of the pre-synaptic 5-HT1D autoreceptors and 5-HT-related transcription factors, NUDR and REST, in DR neurons of women with MDD.
Incidence of Benign Disease in Patients that Underwent Resection for Presumed Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed by Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) and Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA)

Introduction The lack of accurate markers makes preoperative differentiation between pancreatic cancer and non-malignant head lesions clinically challenging. In this study, we investigated the incidence of benign disease in patients that underwent resection for presumed pancreatic cancer diagnosed by EUS and EUS-guided FNA.
Patient-based estimation of organ dose for a population of 58 adult patients across 13 protocol categories.

Purpose: This study aimed to provide a comprehensive patient-specific organ dose estimation across a multiplicity of computed tomography (CT) examination protocols. Methods: A validated Monte Carlo program was employed to model a common CT system (LightSpeed VCT, GE Healthcare). The organ and effective doses were estimated from 13 commonly used body and neurological CT examination. The dose estimation was performed on 58 adult computational extended cardiac-torso phantoms (35 male, 23 female, mean age 51.5 years, mean weight 80.2 kg). The organ dose normalized by CTDI vol (h factor) and effective dose normalized by the dose length product (DLP) (k factor) were calculated from the results. A mathematical model was derived for the correlation between the h and k factors with the patient size across the protocols. Based on this mathematical model, a dose estimation iPhone operating system application was designed and developed to be used as a tool to estimate dose to the patients for a variety of routinely used CT examinations. Results: The organ dose results across all the protocols showed an exponential decrease with patient body size. The correlation was generally strong for the organs which were fully or partially located inside the scan coverage (Pearson sample correlation coefficient (r) of 0.49). The correlation was weaker for organs outside the scan coverage for which distance between the organ and the irradiation area was a stronger predictor of dose to the organ. For body protocols, the effective dose before and after normalization by DLP decreased exponentially with increasing patient's body diameter (r > 0.85). The exponential relationship between effective dose and patient's body diameter was significantly weaker for neurological protocols (r < 0.41), where the trunk length was a slightly stronger predictor of effective dose (0.15 < r < 0.46). Conclusions: While the most accurate estimation of a patient dose requires specific modeling of the patient anatomy, a first order approximation of organ and effective doses from routine CT scan protocols can be reasonably estimated using size specific factors. Estimation accuracy is generally poor for organ outside the scan range and for neurological protocols. The dose calculator designed in this study can be used to conveniently estimate and report the dose values for a patient across a multiplicity of CT scan protocols.
The effect of proteolysis and urea treatment on coenzyme binding to beef-heart lactic dehydrogenase

Abstract 1. 1. The proteolysis of beef-heart lactic dehydrogenase by nagarse, trypsin, and chymotrypsin has been studied with respect to the action of he proteolytic enzymes on the yield of fluorescence and polarization of the fluorescence of the dehydrogenase. The effects of proteolysis on the enzymatic activity as well as the coenzyme binding properties of the lactic dehydrogenase have also been investigated. The three proteases have been found to produce fragmens which are different in their fluorescent characteristics. 3-Acetylpyridine-DPNH has been found to protect against the proteolysis of the lactic dehydrogenase by nagarse and trypsin, but not against the action of chymotrypsin. 2. 2. As a result of these studies it is concluded that under our conditions, no enzymically active dialyzable fragment, or fragment containing bound coenzyme was produced. Complete integrity of the enzyme appears necessary for both enzymic activity and coenzyme binding. 3. 3. The effects of several concentrations of urea on the enzymic activity and fluorescence properties of the beef-heart lactic dehydrogenase are also presented. It has been found that 8 M urea causes a complete loss of enzymic activity, a loss of coenzyme binding capacity, a marked decrease in the fluorescence of the enzyme, and a drop in the polarization of protein fluoresencen. After removal of urea by dialysis, both the enzymic activity and the coenzyme binding property are still lost. However, there is some change in the polarization of protein fluorescence after dialysis indicating the formation of a structure with a new configuration. 4. 4. The significance of the fluorescence changes in the lactic dehydrogenase induced by urea and the proteolytic enzymes are discussed with respect to the structure and function of the dehydrogenase. 5. 5. A change in the absorption and the fluorescence properties of free tryptophan has been observed when the amino acid is allowed to stand in water solution. EDTA will prevent this change.
A Scalable 3.6-to-5.2mW 5-to-10Gb/s 4-tap DFE in 32nm CMOS

Wide bandwidth communication between chips and modules has been achieved relying on large numbers of high-speed serial IOs. In this context, the most critical issue is overcoming the interconnect inter-symbol interference (ISI) while keeping low power dissipation and an energy-efficient power-scalable compact decision-feedback equalization (DFE) clearly fits the needs of this design space. In DFEs implemented in differential CML circuits with resistive load, the highest data rate is determined by the RC time constant at the CML summer output and the timing constraint that decision feedback must be settled within 1UI. Such a structure is not power scalable, and the requirement of precision passive resistor adds cost to such fine-feature process as 32nm. A current-integrating DFE summer was recently presented to eliminate resistive load and mitigate settling time constraint [1,2]. This paper presents a power-scalable 5-to-10Gb/s 4-tap DFE that provides further power savings by using three circuit techniques: 1:2 demultiplexed current-integrating summer, sense-amplifier (SA) latched-decision feedback, and fully differential current-recycled DACs (I-DACs).
Clinical Utility of Gene Expression Profiling Data for Clinical Decision-Making Regarding Adjuvant Therapy in Early Stage, Node-Negative Breast Cancer: A Case Report

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the United States with the second highest incidence of cancer-related death following lung cancer. The decision-making process regarding adjuvant therapy is a time intensive dialogue between the patient and her oncologist. There are multiple tools that help individualize the treatment options for a patient. Population-based analysis with Adjuvant! Online and genomic profiling with Oncotype DX are two commonly used tools in patients with early stage, node-negative breast cancer. This case report illustrates a situation in which the population-based prognostic and predictive information differed dramatically from that obtained from genomic profiling and affected the patient’s decision. In light of this case, we discuss the benefits and limitations of these tools.
Nodal regulates trophoblast differentiation and placental development.

Nodal has been thought to be an embryo-specific factor that regulates development, but nodal is also expressed in the mouse placenta beginning at midgestation, specifically in the spongiotrophoblasts. In an insertional null nodal mutant, not only is embryonic development disrupted, but mouse placental development is also grossly altered with the loss of the diploid spongiotrophoblasts and labyrinth and an expansion of the polyploid giant cell layer. A hypomorphic mutation in nodal results in an expansion of the giant cell and spongiotrophoblast layers, and a decrease in labyrinthine development. Expression of nodal in trophoblast cell cultures is sufficient to inhibit trophoblast giant cell differentiation, demonstrating that nodal can act directly on trophoblasts. The mechanism of nodal action includes the inhibition of junB gene transcription. These results suggest that nodal may be involved in redirecting trophoblast fate towards the midgestational expansion of the labyrinth region while maintaining the thin layer of trophoblast giant cells and the underlying layer of spongiotrophoblasts that form the boundary between the maternal and extraembryonic compartments.
Online Cataloging Education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Information Studies was an early adopter of teaching Master's of Library Science courses online, including cataloging courses. In this article we discuss features of our curriculum, including translating visual presentations for teaching cataloging in a physical classroom into the virtual environment; incorporating cultural diversity by consciously selecting a wider range of topics in cataloging examples for online classes for online students who are from all over the United States and sometimes the world; the curatorial trichotomy of resource description, cataloging, and collection management; and continuing education for working professionals.
Relation of weight and rate of increase in weight during childhood and adolescence to body size, blood pressure, fasting insulin, and lipids in young adults. The Minneapolis Children's Blood Pressure Study.

Background—Weight gain is of concern during early development because adult obesity and its cardiovascular consequences appear to have their origins during childhood. Insulin resistance is known to be related to obesity. Thus, weight gain beginning in childhood may influence the development of insulin-induced cardiovascular risk during adulthood. Methods and Results—We monitored 679 individuals from 7.7±0.1 years of age with repeated measures of height, weight, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) until 23.6±0.2 years of age, when blood samples were obtained for measurements of insulin and lipids. Initial childhood weight, body mass index (BMI), and height were significantly correlated with young adult weight, BMI, and height and with fasting insulin, lipids, and SBP. The increases in weight and BMI but not height during childhood were significantly related to the young adult levels of insulin, lipids, and SBP. Conclusions—These data suggest that weight gain in excess of normal growth during childhood is a d...
Effects of Hardness on the Lifetime of Graphite Brushes Used for Aircraft Starter Generators

This study concentrates on the relationship between the hardness of three different carbon/graphite brushes and the wear rate of the brushes and heat generated within a 400 Amp starter generator. The method being proposed was to alternate the starter generator from the starting mode and the generating mode, and run each carbon/graphite brush in the starter generator for a set time and document both wear rates and heat created. The study originated with a starter generator overheating during normal usage. The original hypothesis was that either excess carbon dust caused arcing, or the energy required to form the carbon dust was releasing too much heat, and thus the brush was too hard. The three carbon/graphite brushes chosen for this researched spanned the range of hardness for this type of material. This thesis analyzed the surfaces of the carbon/graphite brushes to correlate grooves and pitting with the frictional coefficient. An optical microscope, AFM, and SEM were used in the analysis of the surfaces. It was found that as the hardness of the brush went up, the wear rate decreased while the overall heat on the inside of the starter generator increased. From this research it is evident that the hardness of the brushes is the key factor in the excess heat in the starter generator. The energy that is expelled as heat as the carbon brush gradually wears is directly correlated with the increase of operating temperature. A harder brush will prolong the life of the brushes, but also increases the operating temperature to more than the unit is capable of handling.
On the preferred mode of jet instability

The preferred mode of instability was investigated in an axisymmetric air jet of moderate Reynolds number. Natural instabilities are shown to scale with local shear-layer thickness and the preferred mode is shown to be a shear-layer instability. The spatial evolution of the preferred mode was examined by exciting the flow acoustically and then mapping the phase-locked velocity fluctuations. Throughout the potential core region the phase-locked profiles are shown to agree with the eigensolutions of the Orr-Sommerfeld stability equations provided the calculations are based on measured, mean velocity profiles. The excitation intensity was varied from low levels, where the flow was merely tagged, to high levels where the mean flow was substantially distorted, and over that range of excitation there was no apparent deterioration in the agreement with stability predictions.
Negative Ion Chemistry in the Coma of Comet 1P/Halley

Negative ions (anions) were identified in the coma of comet 1P/Halley from in-situ measurements performed by the Giotto spacecraft in 1986. These anions were detected with masses in the range 7-110 amu, but with insufficient mass resolution to permit unambiguous identification. We present details of a new chemical-hydrodynamic model for the coma of comet Halley that includes - for the first time - atomic and molecular anions, in addition to a comprehensive hydrocarbon chemistry. Anion number densities arc calculated as a function of radius in the coma, and compared with the Giotto results. Important anion production mechanisms arc found to include radiative electron attachment, polar photodissociation, dissociative electron attachment, and proton transfer. The polyyne anions C4H(-) and C6H(-) arc found to be likely candidates to explain the Giotto anion mass spectrum in the range 49-73 amu. Thc CN(-) anion probably makes a significant contribution to the mass spectrum at 26 amu. Larger carbon-chain anions such as C8H(1) can explain the peak near 100 amu provided there is a source of large carbon-chain-bearing molecules from the cometary nucleus.