cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parathyroid hormone therapy accelerates recovery from immobilization-induced osteopenia

Previous reports have shown that bone mass and architecture will partially recover by remobilization (RM) in immobilization (IM)-induced osteopenia. The aim of this study was to test whether PTH can accelerate the recovery during RM from the IM-induced osteopenia. Six-month-old Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into aging and IM groups. The right hindlimb of rats was immobilized against the abdomen by elastic bandages for 18 weeks, then groups of rats were further IM or RM for 2, 10 and 20 weeks and given 30 or 80 micrograms hPTH (1-38)/kg/d s.c. Secondary spongiosa of proximal tibial metaphyses (PTM) were studied. Immobilization reduced the trabecular area, number and thickness at the first 18 weeks post IM, then plateaued. Ten weeks of RM restored 40% trabecular bone from IM controls due to thickening of the trabeculae. However, the trabecular area was still -14% and -13% lower than that of aging controls at 10 and 20 weeks. Two weeks of 30 micrograms PTH/kg/d in IM rats restored the bone to aging control levels, two weeks of 30 micrograms PTH/kg/d in RM rats and of 80 micrograms PTH/kg/d in both RM and IM rats added extra bone. Extending the treatment to 10 and 20 weeks, the same amount of total bone was added to both IM and RM rats. These findings indicate PTH is a powerful agent that can accelerate the recovery and add extra bone to osteopenic cancellous bone in both IM and RM rats.
A study of R&D, innovation, and business performance in the Canadian biotechnology industry

Abstract This study examines the relationships among R&D intensity, innovation measures, and business performance in the Canadian biotechnology industry, which experienced rapid growth in the number of firms and revenues between 1994 and 1997. A sample of 74 biotechnology companies in Canada is used for the analysis (the response rate of the postal questionnaire survey was 23.8%). In addition, geographic variations in barriers affecting innovation and factors influencing the business performance of biotechnology firms are analyzed. Results of the study show that R&D intensity correlates with patent measures, while innovation measured in terms of new product introductions is associated with business performance. Canadian firms attribute their business performance to internal advantages to a greater extent than external factors. The Canadian regulatory process is the greatest barrier to innovation. This study shows that while R&D and scientific breakthroughs drive innovation in the biotechnology industry, market demand plays a critical role in business performance of firms.
Developmental Changes in Causal Supports for Word Learning

This work explores whether the facilitative effect of causal information on preschoolers’ word and descriptive fact learning persists in school-age children. Twenty-three 5-year-olds just beginning school and 23 6- to 7-year-olds who had accumulated over a year of schooling were taught novel words along with descriptions of causally rich, causally weak, or arbitrary and transient properties of their referents. Kindergarteners, but not first graders, were better able to productively recall causally rich descriptions than causally weak or baseline transient descriptions. The benefits of causal information to word learning followed the same developmental pattern. Only the younger group comprehended words accompanied by causally rich descriptions better than those accompanied by causally weak descriptions. Therefore, while causal information continues to support word and fact learning as children enter kindergarten, its influence is mitigated by other forces by the time children complete first grade.
An experimental study on the self-acceleration of cellular spherical flames

The time-resolved images and accelerating propagation speeds of spark-ignited, expanding spherical flames exhibiting both flame-front hydrodynamic and diffusionalthermal cellular instabilities were experimentally acquired in a constant and high pressure environment. From these data the acceleration exponent , defined through R(t)=C+At   where A and C are constants, was determined for the near-equidiffusive flames of ethylene and acetylene and non-equidiffusive flames of propane and hydrogen, recognizing that the former is subjected only to hydrodynamic instability while the latter to the diffusionalthermal instability as well. Results show that the acceleration exponent seems to be bounded by the value of 1.34, which is approached for fast-propagating flames of small thicknesses, regardless of the nature of the cells. The characteristic cell sizes were also measured and were found to agree well, for the hydrodynamic cells, with the linear stability theory of Bechtold and Matalon. The possible attainment of a self-similar mode of propagation is suggested. I. Introduction ROPAGATION of laminar premixed flames is subjected to the onset of flame-front hydrodynamic, diffusionalthermal, and buoyancy instabilities that are respectively caused by the density jump across the flame, the nonequidiffusive nature of the diffusive scalars of species and heat, and body force in the presence of density gradient. The presence of cells over the flame surface increases its surface area and consequently also the global propagation speed of the flame. Furthermore, since new cells continuously evolve, it is reasonable to expect that the flame speed will also continuously increase, leading to the phenomenon of self acceleration. This self acceleration can be quantified, and an assessment of the propagation mode made, by determining the history of the flame radius, R(t) ~ t  , and thereby the flame front velocity, dR(t)/dt ~ t
Enzyme Systems of Stylonychia pustulata. II. Miscellaneous Systems (Hydrases, Hydrolases, and Dehydrogenases)

SYNOPSIS. Histochemical techniques were used to demonstrate the intracellular distribution of some hydrases, hydrolases, oxidases, and dehydrogenases in Stylonychia pustulata. The hydrase, aconitase, was confined to the mitochondria. Zymohexase activity occurred in the cytoplasm and probably in the mitochondria. The hydrolases, acid and alkaline phosphatases, lipase, and urease, were localized in the mitochondria. Lactic and glutamic dehydrogenases were confined to the mitochondria. Peroxidase and glycerophosphate dehydrogenase were absent.
Improved Method for the Determination of Kinetic Parameters from Non-isothermal Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Data

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at a constant heating rate is a popular technique for characterizing reaction behavior. Determination of kinetic coefficients from such TGA data has given rise to a large range of reported activation energies for similar samples. In general, rate coefficients are determined using either a linearized integral method or a derivative method. A new method incorporating several well-known techniques is presented that avoids the problems with the linearized techniques as they are generally used. This paper compares results from the new method with results using either the integral or derivative method. Mathematically generated data were used with known kinetic parameters for the comparison. This paper demonstrates that the new method shows better agreement with the data than either the integral or derivative method, and in some cases, the error was an order of magnitude lower. This paper also shows that the integral method outperforms the derivative method for the generated data.
The visual purple system in marine fishes.

I HAVE recently examined the eye tissues of the sea robin (Prionotus carolinus), the black sea bass (Centropristes striatus), and the porgy or scup (Stenotomus chrysops). The visual purple system in these animals is identical chemically with that in frogs1. It is described partly by the equations: All of these reactions but the one starred occur in the isolated retina as well as in the intact eye.
General methodology for achieving high accuracy in image comparison with application to the analysis of two-dimensional electrophoretic gels

A cross-correlational algorithm for determining image correspondences is described. As is typical for such algorithms, correct determination of correspondences at a fairly high level of accuracy is relatively easy to achieve. The problem addressed in the algorithm is the development of consistency checking mechanisms that enable the detection and correction of the remaining relatively small number of incorrect match and non-match determinations. The image matching algorithm and its proposed consistency checking mechanism differ from more traditional relaxation-based methods in two ways: 1. the algorithm takes a more "committed" approach in terms of actively making discrete inferences about match and non-match hypotheses based on relatively local support, even at the earliest stages of the algorithm, and 2. the consistency checking mechanisms permit the detection and isolation of sets of match and non-match hypotheses that are inconsistent with neighboring hypotheses. Within the context of graph matching - with nodes being detected image features and edges the spatial relationship between features - the algorithm "commits" itself by creating "virtual" nodes, which function as hypotheses about where missing features should appear. The criterion for consistency embodies the notion that the result of the comparison process should consist of match information which represents the construction of the union out of the initial two graphs being compared - in contrast to the continuity criterion embodied in relaxation methods. The comparison algorithm should be of interest in areas of application where image differences are reconcilable, e.g., when missing features on one image may not have been detected correctly initially, but might be found via more focused processing. Model-based matching may be a candidate application. Preliminary results are presented on the application of this consistency methodology to the comparison of biological images of two-dimensional electrophoretic gels used in the detection of mutations.
Potentiation of the behavioral effects of pentobarbital, chlordiazepoxide and ethanol by thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

Abstract Effects of pentobarbital, chlordiazepoxide and ethanol were studied alone and in combination with thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), IM, on punished behavior. Key-peck responses of pigeons were maintained by food presentation under a fixed-interval 3-min schedule in which every 30th response produced shock. Moderate doses of pentobarbital, chlordiazepoxide and ethanol increased punished responding to 150–200% of control values while the higher doses of these drugs almost completely eliminated responding. TRH (0.01–1 mg/kg) had little effect on punished responding and 3 mg/kg produced 50% decreases. Although the lower doses of TRH were without effect when given alone, doses of 0.03 mg/kg and greater markedly potentiated the rate-increasing effects of pentobarbital, chlordiazepoxide and ethanol. Increases in punished responding of 350% were obtained with combinations of TRH and these drugs. The rate-decreasing effects of the sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic compounds were not reversed by TRH. Potentiation of the behavioral effects of sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic drugs by TRH suggests that TRH may play an important role in modulating the behavioral effects of these compounds and that combinations of neuroactive peptides with certain psychotherapeutic agents may be of some therapeutic value.
Social Network Types and Acute Stroke Preparedness Behavior

Objectives: Presence of informal social networks has been associated with favorable health and behaviors, but whether different types of social networks impact on different health outcomes remains largely unknown. We examined the associations of different social network types (marital dyad, household, friendship, and informal community networks) with acute stroke preparedness behavior. We hypothesized that marital dyad best matched the required tasks and is the most effective network type for this behavior. Methods: We collected in-person interview and medical record data for 1,077 adults diagnosed with stroke and transient ischemic attack. We used logistic regression analyses to examine the association of each social network with arrival at the emergency department (ED) within 3 h of stroke symptoms. Results: Adjusting for age, race-ethnicity, education, gender, transportation type to ED and vascular diagnosis, being married or living with a partner was significantly associated with early arrival at the ED (odds ratio = 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–3.1), but no significant univariate or multivariate associations were observed for household, friendship, and community networks. Conclusions: The marital/partnership dyad is the most influential type of social network for stroke preparedness behavior.
Activity recognition in wide aerial video surveillance using entity relationship models

We present the design and implementation of an activity recognition system in wide area aerial video surveillance using Entity Relationship Models (ERM). In this approach, finding an activity is equivalent to sending a query to a Relational DataBase Management System (RDBMS). By incorporating reference imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) data, tracked objects can be associated with physical meanings, and several high levels of reasoning, such as traffic patterns or abnormal activity detection, can be performed. We demonstrate that different types of activities, with hierarchical structure, multiple actors, and context information, are effectively and efficiently defined and inferred using the ERM framework. We also show how visual tracks can be better interpreted as activities by using geo information. Experimental results on both real visual tracks and GPS traces validate our approach.
Cracking the Transcriptional Code for Cell Specification in the Neural Tube

The bHLH repressor Olig2 participates in the transcriptional code governing cell fate specification in the ventral spinal cord. By temporally selective interactions with other transcription factors, Olig2 first directs motor neuron fate and later switches to promoting oligodendrocyte production.
Matrix elements for Morse oscillators

We have derived exact analytic expressions for the following matrix elements for a Morse oscillator: 〈m‖exp[γ(r−r0)]‖n〉, 〈m‖(r−r0)exp[−a(r−r0)]‖n〉, and 〈m‖(r−r0)exp[−2a(r−r0)]‖n〉, where a is the Morse range parameter and γ is an arbitrary constant. We have found that several of the commonly used expressions for various diagonal matrix elements of the Morse oscillator involve considerable roundoff error. Due to near cancellation of terms the result may be many orders of magnitude lower than any of the terms. We obtain simple yet accurate asymptotic approximations for the diagonal elements which avoid these problems. These approximations are obtained for 〈m‖(r−r0)‖m〉, 〈m‖(r−r0)2‖m〉, and the cases mentioned above.
Elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein are associated with more severe psychopathology in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia

The present study examined the hypothesis that elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) would be associated with more severe clinical symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Twenty-six inpatients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were enrolled. Serum levels of CRP were measured, and each patient was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Subjects with CRP levels above the normal range (CRP>0.50 mg/dl, elevated CRP group, N=5) scored significantly higher than those with CRP levels in the normal range (CRP<or=0.50 mg/dl, normal CRP group, N=21) on the PANSS total score, negative symptom subscale score and general psychopathology subscale score. There was no significant difference between the two groups on the PANSS positive symptom subscale score. An inflammatory process, as reflected by elevated serum levels of CRP, might be associated with more severe psychopathology in a subgroup of patients with schizophrenia.
Bending of a poroelastic beam with lateral diffusion

Abstract Bending an elastic beam leads to a complicated 3D stress distribution, but the shear and transverse stresses are so small in a slender beam that a good approximation is obtained by assuming purely uniaxial stress. In this paper, we demonstrate that the same is true for a saturated poroelastic beam. Previous studies of poroelastic beams have shown that, to satisfy the Beltrami–Michell compatibility conditions, it is necessary to introduce either a normal transverse stress or shear stresses in addition to the bending stress. The problem is further complicated if lateral diffusion is permitted. In this study, a fully coupled finite element analysis (FEA) incorporating the lateral diffusion effect is presented. Results predicted by the “exact” numerical solution, including load relaxation, pore pressure, stresses and strains, are compared to an approximate analytical solution that incorporates the assumptions of simple beam theory. The applicability of the approximate beam-bending solution is investigated by comparing it to FEA simulations of beams with various aspect ratios. For “beams” with large width-to-height ratios, the Poisson effect causes vertical deflections that cannot be neglected. It is suggested that a theory of plate bending is needed in the case of poroelastic media with large width-to-height ratios. Nevertheless, use of the approximate solution yields very small errors over the range of width-to-height ratios ( viz. , 1–4) explored with FEA.
An investigation of the concentration dependence and response to analyte mixtures of carbon black/insulating organic polymer composite vapor detectors.

The responses relative to an air background of carbon black/polymer composite vapor detectors have been determined as a function of the concentration of a homologous series of alcohols (n-CnH2n+1OH, 1 ≤ n ≤ 8), a homologous series of alkanes (n-CnH2n+2, 5 ≤ n ≤ 10 and n = 12, 14), and a set of diverse solvent vapors. In all cases, the steady-state relative differential resistance responses, ΔR/Rb, of the carbon black/polymer composite vapor detectors were well-described by a linear relationship with respect to the analyte partial pressure, at least over the tested concentration range (P/P° = 0.005−0.03, where P° is the vapor pressure of the analyte). When two vapors in air were simultaneously presented to the detectors, the ΔR/Rb response, relative to an air background, was the sum of the ΔR/Rb values obtained when each analyte was exposed separately to the carbon black/polymer composite detectors under study. Similarly, when an analyte was exposed to the detectors on top of a background level of another ...
Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation: An Evidence-Based Review

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational cohort studies have compared surgical to conservative treatment for patients with sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. Whereas no RCT has been able to compare surgery with nonoperative treatment without substantial crossover between treatment groups, multiple RCTs and observational studies have suggested that surgery resulted in faster improvement and a greater degree of improvement compared with nonoperative treatment. However, many patients in these studies also experienced improvement with nonoperative care without adverse sequelae. This paper critically reviews the literature comparing surgery with nonoperative treatment for lumbar disc herniation.
Effects of parkinsonism on motor control

Parkinson's disease, which pathology results predominantly from nigros triatal pathway damage, has been associated with motor dysfunction due to basal ganglia impairment. It is argued that the variability seen within and between individual patients through the course of this neurological disorder may result from abnormal non-uniform neurotransmitter levels as well as functional segregation of neural populations in the basal ganglia. We review evidence that the wide spectrum of motor impairments observed in Parkinsonism may be due to a reduced capability of neurochemical modulation of pallido-thalamocortical activities that impairs movement implementation and execution.
Katarakt – Grauer Star

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness or severe visual handicap worldwide (20 Million people). The majority of cataracts are age-dependent. The only known treatment so far is surgery, which therefore has become the most frequent performed surgery in all industrialized countries. Indication for cataract surgery is when the vision falls below patients requirements. Today's surgical technique is phacoemulsification of the nucleus and implantation of a foldable intraocular lens via a small (< 3 mm) self-sealing incision. The majority of patients undergoes the surgery under topical anaesthesia and as outpatient procedure. Major complication are rare (< 1 %), may however lead to permanent visual disability (< 1 per thousand). New developments are nowadays mainly in the design and additional features of the artificial lens i.e. blueblocker, multifocal and toric lenses.
What is Systems Engineering for Embedded Systems

This paper asks the question “What is Systems Engineering for Embedded Systems?” First the scene is set by discussing the prevalence of embedded systems in the world around us including examples, design metrics, and technology issues such as processor architecture. Then the aspects of Systems Engineering that apply to embedded systems are discussed in some detail with a focus on requirements issues such as end product utility and power management. This is followed by a discussion of the System Design issues relating to embedded systems such as real time operation, size & weight and cost. Some focus is applied to the issue of data management for embedded systems. Finally some tool related issues are discussed.
AUTOMATED SEGMENTATION OF THE RIGHT HEART USING AN OPTIMIZED SHELLS AND SPHERES ALGORITHM

We have developed a novel framework for medical image analysis, known as shells and spheres. This framework utilizes spherical operators of variable radius centered at each image pixel and sized to reach, but not cross, the nearest object boundary. Statistical population tests are performed on adjacent spheres to compare image regions across boundaries. Previously, our framework was applied to segmentation of cardiac CT data with promising results. In this paper, we present a more accurate and versatile system by optimizing algorithm parameters for a particular data set to maximize agreement to manual segmentations. We perform parameter optimization on a selected 2D slice from a 3D image data set, generating effective parameters for 3D segmentation in practical computational time. Details of this approach are given, along with a validated application to cardiac MR data.
The effects of ranging noise on multihop localization: an empirical study

This paper presents a study of how empirical ranging characteristics affect multihop localization in wireless sensor networks. We use an objective metric to evaluate a well-established parametric model of ranging called Noisy Disk: if the model accurately predicts the results of a real-world deployment, it sufficiently captures ranging characteristics. When the model does not predict accurately, we systematically replace components of the model with empirical ranging characteristics to identify which components contribute to the discrepancy. We reveal that both the connectivity and noise components of Noisy Disk fail to accurately represent real-world ranging characteristics and show that these shortcomings affect localization in different ways under different circumstances.
Analysis of 4-aminobiphenyl hemoglobin adducts in smokers and nonsmokers by pseudo capillary on-column gas chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry.

We describe here a hemoglobin adduct assay applied to an analysis of samples from smokers and nonsmokers. The assay includes a sensitive method for quantification of orthotoluidine 2-aminonaphthylene, and 3- and 4-aminobiphenyl hemoglobin adducts in human blood using capillary gas chromatography‐ tandem mass spectrometry. Basic hydrolysis and derivatization with pentafluoropropionic acid anhydride are followed by programmable temperature vaporization and pseudo on-column capillary gas chromatography with positive electron ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Standard deviation of calibration curves (n = 6) shows that the limits of detection for o-toluidine, 2-aminonaphthylene, and 3- and 4-aminobiphenyl were 0.23, 0.39, 0.30, and 0.24 pg total on-column, respectively. The effective working limit of detection is estimated at approximately 5.22 pg/g Hb and 18.73 pg/g Hb for 4-aminobiphenyl and 2-aminonaphthylene, respectively. In a group that was predominately male and African-American, the level of 4-aminobiphenyl Hb adducts was significantly different between smokers and nonsmokers. Among 93 nonsmokers with serum cotinine concentrations less than 10 ng/mL, the geometric mean (95% CI) concentration of 4-aminobiphenyl was 29.9 pg/g hemoglobin (Hb; 29.4 to 30.4). Conversely, in 100 smokers the 4-aminobiphenyl adducts geometric mean concentration was significantly greater at 73.0 pg/g Hb (72.6 to 73.4). 4-Aminobiphenyl hemoglobin adduct and serum cotinine concentrations were correlated (r = 0.496; p < 0.0001; n = 193). In 15% of smokers, 3-aminobiphenyl was detected at low concentration. Adduct levels of 2-aminonaphthylene and orthotoluidine were not significantly different between the smoker and nonsmoker participants. Our study shows that 4-aminobiphenyl Hb adducts remain the preferred biomarker for identifying people exposed to aromatic amines from tobacco smoke.
Effects of historical lake level and land use on sediment and phosphorus accumulation rates in Lake Kinneret

Current paradigms of reservoir ontogeny suggest that water-level fluctuations may increase sedimentary nutrient release, causing long-term eutrophication of water bodies formed by dryland flooding. Less is known of the changes in nutrient status following conversion of natural lakes into reservoirs. Here, we use historical hydrological and limnological data and paleolimnological records of sedimentary P accumulation to evaluate changes in nutrient storage in Lake Kinneret, Israel since approximately 1860. Impoundment in 1932 increased water level fluctuations and altered seasonal hydrologic patterns in the lake. Geochemical analysis of sediment deposits indicated that bulk sediment and P accumulation rates in the central lake increased >600% following dam installation (1930s), draining of Lake Hula wetlands (1951-1957), and diversion of surface water outflow (1964 to present). Further, comparison of sedimentary P stratigraphies with long-term chemical records showed that the period of maximum P deposition corresponds to observed increases in whole-lake and in hypolimnetic P content, as well as epilimnetic biological changes indicative of ongoing eutrophication. Together, these patterns suggest that hydrologic management of natural lakes can increase sedimentary nutrient flux under circumstances where lake volume and water levels become more variable.
Hankin and Reeves' Approach to Estimating Fish Abundance in Small Streams: Limitations and Alternatives

Abstract Hankin and Reeves' (1988) approach to estimating fish abundance in small streams has been applied in stream fish studies across North America. However, their population estimator relies on two key assumptions: (1) removal estimates are equal to the true numbers of fish, and (2) removal estimates are highly correlated with snorkel counts within a subset of sampled stream units. Violations of these assumptions may produce suspect results. To determine possible sources of the assumption violations, I used data on the abundance of steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from Hankin and Reeves' (1988) in a simulation composed of 50,000 repeated, stratified systematic random samples from a spatially clustered distribution. The simulation was used to investigate effects of a range of removal estimates, from 75% to 100% of true fish abundance, on overall stream fish population estimates. The effects of various categories of removal-estimates-to-snorkel-count correlation levels (r = 0.75–1.0) on fish population est...
Polyimide passivated AlGaN-GaN HFETs with 7.65 W/mm at 18 GHz

Current metal-organic chemical vapor deposition-grown AlGaN-GaN heterojunction field-effect transistor devices suffer from threading dislocations and surface states that form traps, degrading RF performance. A passivation scheme utilizing a polyimide film as the passivating layer was developed to reduce the number of surface states and minimize RF dispersion. Continuous-wave power measurements were taken at 18 GHz on two-finger 0.23-/spl mu/m devices with 2/spl times/75 /spl mu/m total gate width before and after passivation yielding an increase from 2.14 W/mm to 4.02 W/mm in power density, and 12.5% to 24.47% in power added efficiency. Additionally, a 2/spl times/25 /spl mu/m device yielded a peak power density of 7.65 W/mm at 18 GHz. This data suggests that polyimide can be an effective passivation film for reducing surface states.
Adaptive user interfaces for relating high-level concepts to low-level photographic parameters

Common controls for photographic editing can be difficult to use and have a significant learning curve. Often, a user does not know a direct mapping from a high-level concept (such as "soft") to the available parameters or controls. In addition, many concepts are subjective in nature, and the appropriate mapping may vary from user to user. To overcome these problems, we propose a system that can quickly learn a mapping from a high-level subjective concept onto low- level image controls using machine learning techniques. To learn such a concept, the system shows the user a series of training images that are generated by modifying a seed image along different dimensions (e.g., color, sharpness), and collects the user ratings of how well each training image matches the concept. Since it is known precisely how each modified example is different from the original, the system can determine the correlation between the user ratings and the image parameters to generate a controller tailored to the concept for the given user. The end result - a personalized image controller - is applicable to a variety of concepts. We have demonstrated the utility of this approach to relate low-level parameters, such as color balance and sharpness, to simple concepts, such as "lightness" and "crispness," as well as more complex and subjective concepts, such as "pleasantness." We have also applied the proposed approach to relate subband statistics (variance) to perceived roughness of visual textures (from the CUReT database).
Gaussian and Wishart Hyperkernels

We propose a new method for constructing hyperkenels and define two promising special cases that can be computed in closed form. These we call the Gaussian and Wishart hyperkernels. The former is especially attractive in that it has an interpretable regularization scheme reminiscent of that of the Gaussian RBF kernel. We discuss how kernel learning can be used not just for improving the performance of classification and regression methods, but also as a stand-alone algorithm for dimensionality reduction and relational or metric learning.
Mitral Leaflet Adaptation to Ventricular Remodeling Occurrence and Adequacy in Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation

Background— Functional mitral regurgitation (MR) is caused by systolic traction on the mitral leaflets related to ventricular distortion. Little is known about whether chronic tethering causes the mitral leaflet area to adapt to the geometric needs imposed by tethering, in part because of inability to reconstruct leaflet area in vivo. Our aim was to explore whether adaptive increases in leaflet area occur in patients with functional MR compared with normal subjects and to test the hypothesis that leaflet area influences MR severity. Methods and Results— A new method for 3-dimensional echocardiographic measurement of mitral leaflet area was developed and validated in vivo against 15 sheep heart valves, later excised. This method was then applied in 80 consecutive patients from 3 groups: patients with normal hearts by echocardiography (n=20), patients with functional MR caused by isolated inferior wall-motion abnormality or dilated cardiomyopathy (n=29), and patients with inferior wall-motion abnormality or dilated cardiomyopathy but no MR (n=31). Leaflet area was increased by 35±20% in patients with LV dysfunction compared with normal subjects. The ratio of leaflet to annular area was 1.95±0.40 and was not different among groups, which indicates a surplus leaflet area that adapts to left-heart changes. In contrast, the ratio of total leaflet area to the area required to close the orifice in midsystole was decreased in patients with functional MR compared with those with normal hearts (1.29±0.15 versus 1.78±0.39, P =0.001) and compared with patients with inferior wall-motion abnormality or dilated cardiomyopathy but no MR (1.81±0.38, P =0.001). After adjustment for measures of LV remodeling and tethering, a leaflet-to-closure area ratio P =0.02). Conclusions— Mitral leaflet area increases in response to chronic tethering in patients with inferior wall-motion abnormality and dilated cardiomyopathy, but the development of significant MR is associated with insufficient leaflet area relative to that demanded by tethering geometry. The varying adequacy of leaflet adaptation may explain in part the heterogeneity of this disease among patients. The results suggest the need to understand the mechanisms that underlie leaflet adaptation and whether leaflet area can potentially be modified as part of the therapeutic approach.
Capturing Teachers' Knowledge: Performance Assessment a) and Post-Structuralist Epistemology b) From a Post-Structuralist Perspective c) and Post-Structuralism d) None of the Above

When we conceive of knowledge as what is created in discourse, the role of interpretation in the assessment of complex performances becomes critical. Since an assessment system is always defined within an ideology, we discuss the possibility of framing interpretations within that ideology to produce consistent judgments. We propose ways of structuring and formulating interpretations within a dimensional framework and of making them explicit and visible in the writing of interpretive summaries. The discussion in this article reflects the constant tension between the requirement to make assessment decisions and the fact that the performances and their assessment are considered to be acts of interpretation which do not easily accommodate the notion of correctness.
Patrol Routing Expression, Execution, Evaluation, and Engagement

Recommended patrol routes can be used by organizations such as police agencies, emergency medical responders, and taxi services whose agents patrol roadway segments at proper times to assist or deter their target events. The creation of optimal complementary patrol routes for multiple agents targeting temporal event hotspots and minimizing travel distance is an NP-hard combinatorial problem that belongs to a class of problems known as the vehicle routing problem with time windows (VRPTW). Traffic safety patrol routing problems share many characteristics of VRPTW problems but differ in ways that prevent the application of existing solutions. In our approach, nondeterministic patrol routing algorithms are used to specify the movements of simulated mobile agents on a roadway system. Nondeterminism is critical in the traffic safety patrol routing domain, as rigidity and predictability can negatively impact the effectiveness of law enforcement agents' efforts.This paper addresses the problem of expressing, executing, evaluating, and engaging patrol routing algorithms that target event hotspots on roadways. The patrol algorithms are first expressed using Turn, which is our extensible domain-specific language (DSL) created for this purpose. Algorithms specified using Turn syntax are then executed in a custom simulation environment. Utilizing predefined metrics, users evaluate the resulting patrol routes to ensure that the criteria of interest in a given patrol context are met. Acceptable patrol routes are then engaged by end users via a web-based geographic information system (GIS) portal. To demonstrate the applicability and efficacy of our approach, we present two illustrative case studies.
Dicing Up RNAs

What do stRNAs and siRNAs have in common apart from their small size and their ability to regulate gene expression? The enzyme Dicer it seems, according to a Perspective by Ambros discussing new findings by HutvA gner et al . and Knight and Bass. Dicer cleaves larger dsRNA precursors into stRNAs and siRNAs. stRNAs regulate gene expression during worm development by preventing the mRNAs they bind to from being translated. siRNAs inactivate gene expression by binding to and degrading target mRNAs.
Sealants and preventive restorations: review of effectiveness and clinical changes for improvement

Sealants are effective caries-preventive agents to the extent they remain bonded to teeth. Preventive resin restorations (PRR) have a proven record, but are susceptible to failure as the overlying sealant fails. Careful analyses of studies reveal a measurable failure rate of sealants (5-10% per year) that must be addressed. Even under the best of circumstances, sealants fail. Therefore, dentistry (as well as third-party systems) must accept that sealants need vigilant recall and proper preventive maintenance. In addition, it is clear that cost-effective use of sealants will involve selective application on teeth with the greatest caries risk. Caries risk analysis of the patient as well as the tooth is an essential step in the treatment planning process. To improve sealant success, new material advances are suggested. Data from studies using an intermediate layer of dentin bonding agent between etched enamel and sealant show dramatic reduction of failure for sealants, particularly in instances of molars judged difficult to seal due to early stage of eruption.
Technology development needs for integrated grid-connected PV systems and electric energy storage

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Program assessed status and needs related to optimizing the integration of electrical energy storage and grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. At high levels of PV penetration on our electric grid, reliable and economical distributed energy storage will eliminate the need for backup utility generation capacity to offset the intermittent nature of PV generation. This paper summarizes the status of various storage technologies in the context of PV system integration, addressing applications, benefits, costs, and technology limitations. It then discusses further research and development needs, with an emphasis on new models, systems analysis tools, and even business models for high penetration of PV-storage systems on a national scale.
Calcium uptake by mitochondria isolated from muskrat and guinea pig hearts

Subsarcolemmal and interfibrillar mitochondria were isolated from the hearts of the diving muskrat and non-diving guinea pig and direct and indirect measurements of calcium uptake were examined in vitro. The calcium-stimulated respiration rate and 45Ca uptake were measured and found to be greater in muskrat than in guinea pig mitochondria. Muskrat mitochondria were able to endure a greater external calcium concentration than guinea pig mitochondria before exhibiting indications of inner membrane damage. Calcium uptake by muskrat heart mitochondria was inhibited more by 1 mmoll-1 MgCl2 than was uptake by guinea pig mitochondria. No differences were detected between the interfibrillar and subsarcolemmal populations of mitochondria within species. An increased ability to sequester calcium by mitochondria without causing them damage may aid an animal during recovery from hypoxia, ischemia or acidosis.
Downregulation of the renal and hepatic hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producing enzymes and capacity in chronic kidney disease

Background Oxidative stress and inflammation are constant features and major mediators of progression and cardiovascular complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is an endogenous signaling gas, which possesses potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and other regulatory functions. H(2)S is produced by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (MST). Plasma H(2)S is reduced in humans with hypertension, atherosclerosis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Atherosclerosis, hypertension and ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury are associated with and, in part, mediated by diminished tissue H(2)S in experimental animals. Expression of the H(2)S-producing enzymes is reduced in the circulating leukocytes of patients with ESRD. However, the effect of CKD on expression of H(2)S-producing enzymes in the diseased kidney and other tissues is unknown and was studied here. Methods Subgroups of rats were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy or sham operation and observed for 6-12 weeks. Expression of H(2)S-producing enzymes and H(2)S-producing capacity was measured in kidney, liver and brain tissues. Results The CKD group exhibited oxidative stress and significant reduction of plasma H(2)S concentration. This was associated with marked reduction of H(2)S-producing capacity of the kidney and liver, marked downregulation of CBS, CSE and MST in the kidney and of CBS and CSE expression in the liver. However, expression of H(2)S-producing enzymes in the brain was not significantly altered in CKD rats. Conclusions CKD is associated with significant reduction in plasma H(2)S concentration, diminished remnant kidney and liver tissue H(2)S-producing capacity and downregulation of the H(2)S-producing enzymes. Given the potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties of H(2)S, its deficiency may contribute to progression of CKD and the associated complications.
Extensible Dynamic Form approach for supplier discovery

In this paper we propose a new form architecture called eXtensible Dynamic Form (XDF) to facilitate data collection process of supplier discovery. This architecture provides users with flexibility to dynamically extend the base form structure with new form components, or to reuse the existing form components by intelligent search. With XDF, the supplier's capability information can be entered in the structure and format that fit different intentions of individual users. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed architecture is valuable for facilitating the supplier discovery process.
Decreased dopamine transporters with age in healthy human subjects

The effects of aging on brain dopamine transporters was evaluated in 26 healthy male volunteers (age range, 21-63 years) using positron emission tomography and { 11 C}cocaine. The radio of the distribution volume for { 11 C}cocaine in basal ganglia to that in cerebellum was used as a model parameter for dopamine transporter availability and showed a significant negative correlation with age (r=0.65, p<0.0005). This results document an age-related decline in dopamine transporters in healthy individuals
The evolution of electrical and electronics engineering and the Proceedings of the IRE: 1913-1937

This is a chronicle of how the Proceedings of the IRE documented and influenced the dramatic changes in telecommunications technology and electronics that took place during the years from 1913 through 1937, the first quarter century of the Institute of Radio Engineers. During these years, the vacuum tube evolved from a laboratory device of low power and frequency into a wide variety of mass-produced tubes suitable for a wide range of power levels and frequencies. The long-wave systems that dominated initially gave way to short-wave systems for international communication and radio broadcasting enjoyed spectacular growth. Electromechanical television that was introduced in the 1920s gave way to all-electronic television in the 1930s. Proceedings papers disclosed developments that marked the advent of microwave systems and applications of the differential analyzer that set the stage for the digital computer. The impacts of World War I and of the Great Depression that began in 1929 also were reflected in the Proceedings. Military enterprise exerted a strong influence on trends in the radio-electronics industry throughout the period.
Semiconductor Surface-Molecule Interactions Wet Etching of InP by α-hydroxy Acids

Controllable etching and surface passivation of InP semiconductors are desirable for removing damaged surfaces and obtaining good electronic properties. We have observed that organic acids (a-hydroxy acids: tartaric, lactic, citric, and malic), when used in conjunction with HCl to etch the (100) surface of InP results in smoother and defect-free surfaces, in comparison to etches based on inorganic acids alone. The chelating action of the organic acids aids in efficiently removing In from the surface, which leads to a very controllable etching. These chemical treatments have implications in controlling surface properties such as band bending and surface recombination velocity.
Neonatal exposure to the phytoestrogen genistein alters mammary gland growth and developmental programming of hormone receptor levels.

Developmental effects of genistein (Gen) on the mammary gland were investigated using outbred female CD-1 mice treated neonatally on d 1–5 by sc injections at doses of 0.5, 5, or 50 mg/kg·d. Examination of mammary gland whole mounts (no. 4) before puberty (4 wk) revealed no morphological differences in development after Gen treatment. However, mice treated with Gen-50 had stunted development characterized by less branching at 5 wk and decreased numbers of terminal end buds at 5 and 6 wk. Conversely, at 6 wk, Gen-0.5-treated mice exhibited advanced development with increased ductal elongation compared with controls. Measurements of hormone receptor levels showed increased levels of progesterone receptor protein and estrogen receptor-β mRNA in Gen-0.5-treated mice compared with controls; ERα expression was decreased after all doses of Gen treatment. Lactation ability, measured by pup weight gain and survival, was not affected after neonatal Gen-0.5 and Gen-5. Mice treated with Gen-50 did not deliver live pu...
Role of YpeB in Cortex Hydrolysis during Germination of Bacillus anthracis Spores

The infectious agent of the disease anthrax is the spore of Bacillus anthracis. Bacterial spores are extremely resistant to environmental stresses, which greatly hinders spore decontamination efforts. The spore cortex, a thick layer of modified peptidoglycan, contributes to spore dormancy and resistance by maintaining the low water content of the spore core. The cortex is degraded by germination-specific lytic enzymes (GSLEs) during spore germination, rendering the cells vulnerable to common disinfection techniques. This study investigates the relationship between SleB, a GSLE in B. anthracis, and YpeB, a protein necessary for SleB stability and function. The results indicate that ΔsleB and ΔypeB spores exhibit similar germination phenotypes and that the two proteins have a strict codependency for their incorporation into the dormant spore. In the absence of its partner protein, SleB or YpeB is proteolytically degraded soon after expression during sporulation, rather than escaping the developing spore. The three PepSY domains of YpeB were examined for their roles in the interaction with SleB. YpeB truncation mutants illustrate the necessity of a region beyond the first PepSY domain for SleB stability. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis of highly conserved residues within the PepSY domains resulted in germination defects corresponding to reduced levels of both SleB and YpeB in the mutant spores. These results identify residues involved in the stability of both proteins and reiterate their codependent relationship. It is hoped that the study of GSLEs and interacting proteins will lead to the use of GSLEs as targets for efficient activation of spore germination and facilitation of spore cleanup.