cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Richard B. Setlow, a commentary on seminal contributions and scientific controversies.

Richard B. Setlow inspired the field of DNA repair. His demonstration that photoproducts could be quantified within cells and their excision examined experimentally pioneered the identification of nucleotide excision repair. His early work was associated with the discovery of many founding phenomena of photobiology and DNA repair: the concept of excision repair itself, correlations between DNA repair, life span and aging, variations in repair among mammalian species, caffeine sensitization to UV damage, and the xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) repair deficiencies. We may now have mapped thoroughly the landscape of DNA repair that Dick helped open to exploration, but questions persist of how comprehensively we have explored all its canyons and mesas. Research into nontraditional species and kingdoms may yet provide unexpected surprises. The signal transduction pathways and mechanisms of DNA replication arrest in damaged mammalian cells remain a challenge. The importance of repair in vivo also provides many difficult research questions. One problem of current interest is the role of endogenous DNA damage and repair in human pathology, especially neurodegeneration exemplified by many XP patients. Cancer and neurodegeneration may represent converse responses of dividing and nondividing cells to mutagenic and lethal effects of DNA damaging agents. Cell death from endogenous oxidative DNA damage (apoptosis) may be antagonistic to malignant transformation in dividing cells but may cause neurodegeneration in nondividing neural tissue. Small reductions in the efficiency of repair, especially transcription-coupled repair, may overemphasize carcinogenesis in mice, while minimizing neurodegeneration, as compared to human patients.
A roadmap for microenterprise growth through Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) opens new opportunities for micro-enterprises to improve their businesses. However, challenges to using IT impede these businesses from growing into drivers for socio-economic development. This paper investigates the adoption of IT in two micro-enterprises in an underserved community of Omaha, Nebraska. Following a case study approach using action research methodology, this research provides insight into the key challenges and opportunities facing micro-enterprises in their use of IT to create value for their businesses. This study outlines an innovative process with an emphasis on relationship-building, customised training, context sensitivity, and solutions that target strongly-perceived needs of the businesses studied to help facilitate technology adoption. The paper's contribution is in the methodology for facilitating the adoption of IT in micro-enterprises and also discusses effects on socio-economic development resulting from the adoption of technology. The paper concludes with guidelines for practitioners in assisting microenterprises with technology.
Two grid discretizations with backtracking of the stream function form of the Navier-Stokes equations

We analyze a two grid finite element method with backtracking for the stream function formulation of the stationary Navier-Stokes equations. This two grid method involves solving one small, nonlinear coarse mesh system, one linearized system on the fine mesh and one linear correction problem on the coarse mesh. The algorithm and error analysis are presented.
Effect of Gaseous Chlorine Dioxide on Indoor Microbial Contaminants

Traditional and modern techniques for bioaerosol enumeration were used to evaluate the relative efficiency of gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) in reducing the indoor microbial contamination under field and laboratory conditions. The field study was performed in a highly microbially contaminated house, which had had an undetected roof leak for an extended period of time and exhibited large areas of visible microbial growth. Air concentrations of culturable fungi and bacteria, total fungi determined by microscopic count and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, endotoxin, and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan were determined before and after the house was tented and treated with ClO2. The laboratory study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of ClO2 treatment against known concentrations of spores of Aspergillus versicolor and Stachybotrys chartarum on filter paper (surrogate for surface treatment). These species are commonly found in damp indoor environments and were detected in the field study. Upon analysis of the environmental data from the treated house, it was found that the culturable bacteria and fungi as well as total count of fungi (as determined by microscopic count and PCR) were decreased at least 85% after the ClO2 application. However, microscopic analyses of tape samples collected from surfaces after treatment showed that the fungal structures were still present on surfaces. There was no statistically significant change in airborne endotoxin and (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan concentration in the field study. The laboratory study supported these results and showed a nonsignificant increase in the concentration of (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan after ClO2 treatment.
Differential in vivo tumorigenicity of diverse KRAS mutations in vertebrate pancreas: A comprehensive survey

Somatic activation of the KRAS proto-oncogene is evident in almost all pancreatic cancers, and appears to represent an initiating event. These mutations occur primarily at codon 12 and less frequently at codons 13 and 61. Although some studies have suggested that different KRAS mutations may have variable oncogenic properties, to date there has been no comprehensive functional comparison of multiple KRAS mutations in an in vivo vertebrate tumorigenesis system. We generated a Gal4/UAS-based zebrafish model of pancreatic tumorigenesis in which the pancreatic expression of UAS-regulated oncogenes is driven by a ptf1a:Gal4-VP16 driver line. This system allowed us to rapidly compare the ability of 12 different KRAS mutations (G12A, G12C, G12D, G12F, G12R, G12S, G12V, G13C, G13D, Q61L, Q61R and A146T) to drive pancreatic tumorigenesis in vivo. Among fish injected with one of five KRAS mutations reported in other tumor types but not in human pancreatic cancer, 2/79 (2.5%) developed pancreatic tumors, with both tumors arising in fish injected with A146T. In contrast, among fish injected with one of seven KRAS mutations known to occur in human pancreatic cancer, 22/106 (20.8%) developed pancreatic cancer. All eight tumorigenic KRAS mutations were associated with downstream MAPK/ERK pathway activation in preneoplastic pancreatic epithelium, whereas nontumorigenic mutations were not. These results suggest that the spectrum of KRAS mutations observed in human pancreatic cancer reflects selection based on variable tumorigenic capacities, including the ability to activate MAPK/ERK signaling.
Densification of potassium-doped tungsten during sintering

Abstract Tungsten is traditionally sintered at very high temperatures. The master sintering curve (MSC) for densification is a functional model that describes sintering under an arbitrary time–temperature regime of a particular material during heating. The MSC for potassium-doped tungsten (W-K) has been determined by fitting experimental relative density data results versus work of sintering data with a modified sigmoid function. Five independent parameters of the fitting function are identified by minimizing error in terms of mean residual square. For measurement of relative density during sintering, we developed a non-contact high temperature dilatometer experiment using an optical method. Densification was continuously recorded at constant heating rates of 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C/min. The work presented here was carried out to predict and control densification evolution of W-K during free sintering. The results demonstrate, that the MSC model of W-K describes densification independently of selected temperature regime.
Effects of Tamoxifen on Striatal Dopamine and 5-Hydroxytryptamine Release in Freely Moving Male Rats: An In-vivo Microdialysis Investigation

Recent studies indicating interaction of oestrogens with central cholinergic, dopaminergic and 5-HTergic systems have led to the assumption of a protective role of oestrogens in certain neurodegenerative disorders. The non-steroidal drug tamoxifen, a mixed oestrogen agonist—antagonist, has been shown to modulate central nervous system functions in the corpus striatum. In this study we used a microdialysis technique to examine the effects of tamoxifen upon the striatal dopaminergic and 5-HTergic systems in intact freely moving male rats. The extracellular levels of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, homovanillic acid and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were measured after intraperitoneal administration of either the control or tamoxifen, and were compared with their corresponding baseline levels. Significant 25–35% increases in the baseline levels of dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were observed after the highest doses of tamoxifen (1.5mgkg−1 and 3.Omgkg−1, respectively), whereas the lowest dose of tamoxifen (0.3mgkg−1) elevated dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels by a detectable 15% of the basal. In addition, the ratio of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid-to-dopamine remained unchanged in comparison with that of the pretreatment levels. Whereas no change in the striatal 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid concentrations was seen with the lowest and highest dose regimen, the intermediate dose elicited a moderate increase (20%) in basal 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels. The pharmacological relevance of the effects of tamoxifen on the dopaminergic and 5-HTergic systems, as a prelude to the development of non-steroidal oestrogenic compounds in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, is discussed.
Afferent axons from the antenna influence the number and placement of intrinsic synapses in the antennal lobes of Manduca sexta

The present study compares the placement and frequency of occurrence of synapses in normally developing antennal lobes of the brain of the moth Manduca sexta and in lobes developing in the absence of afferent axons from the antenna. The antennal lobes develop during the metamorphosis from larva to moth, and require antennal afferent input to develop their characteristic knots of synaptic neuropil, the glomeruli, that are arrayed around a central core of coarse neuropil. Synapses begin to form throughout the neuropil of the antennal lobe before ingrowth of antennal axons into the lobe. During normal development, almost all synapses (those among intrinsic neurons as well as those made by antennal afferent axons) become segregated into glomeruli as the glomeruli are established. Thus, in normal mature lobes, the radial segregation between synaptic (glomerular) and nonsynaptic (central) regions is virtually complete. In lobes that have never been allowed to receive antennal axons, an outer ring of "protoglomerular" neuropil develops in place of the glomeruli. A similar segregation of synaptic and nonsynaptic regions occurs, with two major differences: the frequency of synapses that develops in the outer ring of fine-textured neuropil is almost 50% higher than in normal glomeruli, and the small number of synapses that occur in the coarse central neuropil now occur on aberrant fine processes in that neuropil. Apparently, in the absence of their normal massive input from the antenna, elements intrinsic to the antennal lobe are induced to form extra synapses with each other, and to send aberrant fine branches to synapse in a region of neuropil normally containing predominantly large-caliber neurite trunks and few synapses.
Species variations in RU 24969 interactions with non-5-HT1A binding sites.

The interaction of RU 24969 with [3H]5-HT) binding to non-5-HT1A binding sites was analyzed in nine species. Non-5-HT1A binding was defined as specific [3H]5-HT binding observed in the presence of 100 nM 8-OH-DPAT. Computer-assisted iterative curve fitting of RU 24969 competition studies indicate that RU 24969 distinguishes two distinct components of non-5-HT1A sites in rat and mouse brain. These two binding components display apparent Ki values of 0.33–0.39 and 66–130 nM for RU 24969. By contrast, RU 24969 competition for non-5-HT1A binding in guinea-pig, cow, human, dog, chicken, turtle and frog brain membranes is consistent with a homogeneous population of [3H]5-HT binding sites. This population of sites displays apparent Ki values of 23–130 nM for RU 24969 and appear to be analogous to the low affinity component of non-5-HT1A sites identified in rat and mouse.
Isotopic alloying to tailor helium production rates in mixed-spectrum reactors

The insoluble inert gas helium has been found to produce significant changes in the irradiation response of structural materials when introduced at levels in the appm range and above. In the structural materials for future fusion reactors, (n,..cap alpha..) transmutation reactions induced at a high rate by the 14 MeV component of the neutron spectrum will lead to helium production rates of the order of 10 appm/dpa. However, until a fusion reactor is available, materials scientists must study radiation effects, including the interactions with helium, by means of accelerator and fission reactor irradiations.
Subordination and Objectification

This essay discusses Rae Langton’s recent collection of essays, Sexual Solipsism: Philosophical Essays on Pornography and Objectification. After introducing some of the major themes of the collection, I raise questions about two of the central concepts in the book. The first question has to do with Langton’s notion of subordination. I ask why she takes pornography to be a subordinating speech act, rather than a subordinating practice, and argue that the latter view has several advantages. The remaining questions have to do with Langton’s notion of objectification. Looking first at the moral dimension of objectification, I raise some concerns about Langton’s strategy for distinguishing instances of objectification from non-instances. Then, turning to Langton’s discussion of the epistemic dimension of objectification, I ask under what circumstances certain belief-forming mechanisms, such as desire-driven projection, are objectifying, on her view.
Stability of a Semi-Active Impact Damper: Part II—Periodic Solutions

All solutions of the semi-active impact damper were shown to be bounded when the excitation is bounded. Emphasis is placed on two impacts/ cycle periodic solutions. Exact symmetric and nonsymmetric harmonic solutions are derived analytically and the region of asymptotic stability is determined
Influence of chronic degenerative endometritis (endometrosis) on placental development in the mare

Placentation between 80 and 220 days of gestation was studied by measurement of fetal dimensions and gross, light and transmission and scanning electron microscopic examinations of the allantochorion and endometrium from 4 fertile mares with no, or very mild, endometrial histopathology and 6 subfertile Thoroughbred mares suffering varying degrees of age-related chronic degenerative endometritis (endometrosis). Spontaneously occurring twin gestation was observed in 3 animals. Several of the subfertile mares had endometrial cysts which showed 2 distinct features during pregnancy: those located near the lumenal surface of the endometrium showed no sign of microcotyledon development in both the endometrium and the opposed, flat and smooth allantochorion, whereas endometrial cysts located deeper in the stroma were covered by apparently normal glands and microcotyledons. Fetal dimensions were lower in the subfertile mares, but still within the reference range. Microcotyledon development appeared to be delayed and the chorionic macro- and microvilli looked shorter and blunter between 80 and 120 days in the 2 subfertile mares compared to the 2 fertile mares at the same gestational ages. At 120 days, the subfertile mare had significantly less microvilli per surface area than her fertile counterpart and her fetus weighed only half that from her counterpart, despite a similar crown-rump length. However, between 160 and 220 days the difference in microcotyledon development between the young fertile and old subfertile mares was much less marked, despite the continued existence of considerable numbers of distended 'gland nests' in the endometrium of the latter group.
PET demonstration of left atrial appendage in chronic atrial fibrillation.

Left atrial appendage could be prominent in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation and may be prone to thrombus formation in this pathologic cardiac clinical setting. The author presents 4 patients with F-18 FDG accumulation in the left atrial appendage on PET imaging. This pattern of mediastinal activity needs to be recognized with chest computed tomography correlation and a clinical history of chronic atrial fibrillation to avoid a false-positive diagnosis of cardiac or mediastinal high metabolic primary or secondary malignancy.
Growth of a Talus Cone in the Western Chugach Mountains, Alaska

A significant increase in the size of a talus cone near the terminus of Eklutna Glacier during the 6 yrs following the 1964 Alaska earthquake is shown by comparison of photographs taken in 1964 and 1970. Calculations from approximate measurements indicate that about 1.7 million cu yds of rock has been added to the cone since 1964. This growth has been the result of intermittent rockfalls which began after the 1964 earthquake and were continuing in 1970. Rockfalls in other places in the same area were initiated by the earthquake, but did not continue at a rate sufficient to produce measurable change in the talus. Observations on the ridge above the active talus cone suggest that the configuration of the cliff, fracturing and loosening of the rock at the time of the earthquake, and possible land movements resulted in a uniquely unstable area. The instability may be sufficient to account for the continuation of an unusually large number of rockfalls.
Retinoids inhibit mammalian glutathione transferases.

Abstract Affinity-purified cytosolic glutathione transferases from adult female rat liver, adult human liver and human term placenta were used. Of the 8 retinoids tested, all-trans retinoic acid was found to be the most potent inhibitor of placental glutathione transferase. The inhibition was non-competitive and exhibited Ki values of 20 and 41 μM for all-trans retinoic acid in the presence of varying concentrations of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and glutathione, respectively. Micromolar all-trans retinoic acid also caused significant (30–90%) inhibition of rat and human liver glutathione transferases. Taken together, the data suggest that inhibition of glutathione transferase(s) may represent yet another mechanism of retinoid action.
About the equations of non-stationary magneto-hydrodynamics

We obtain weak solutions for the equations of magneto-hydrodynamics which are regular for almost all times. If these solutions are small in a suitable sense they are strong for all times. The conductivity, and to a lesser extent the magnetic permeability, are allowed to vary discontinuously.
Design considerations in material selection for rocket-motor cases.

a — one-half crack length, also crack depth for surface flaw B = biaxial ratio c — one-half crack length for surface flaw C = buckling stress ratio Ci = empirical coefficient D = nominal cylinder diameter E = modulus of elasticity in tension Ec = modulus of elasticity in compression /, f0 = applied stress, operating stress Fty, Ftu = yield, and ultimate strengths in tension, respectively FHY = yield stress in hoop direction FHU = nominal hoop stress at maximum pressure, burst strength Gc = energy release rate K — stress intensification factor KCt Kic = plane stress and plane strain fracture toughnesses, respectively L = length of cylindrical portion of motor case M = bending moment n = strain hardening exponent N = cyclic life Nb, Np = factors of safety for buckling and internal pressure, respectively p, pm — internal pressure and maximum value, respectively P = external load, compression -Peq = equivalent axial compressive load Q = flaw shape parameter r, r0 = radius of cylinder, original mean cylinder radius R = strain ratio t0 = original wall thickness Vc = volume enclosed by cylindrical portion of motor case w = specific weight of case material or composite Wc = weight of cylindrical portion of case OL = anisotropic strength ratio, also helix angle |8 = proof-pressure factor e = true strain H, jup = elastic and plastic Poisson's ratios, respectively a = true stress
Admission Control and Interference-Aware Scheduling in Multi-hop WiMAX Networks

Multi-hop WiMAX networks based on IEEE 802.16 has the potential of easily providing high-speed wireless broadband access to areas with little or no existing wired infrastructure. WiMAX technology can be used as "last mile" broadband connections to deliver streaming audio or video to clients. Thus, quality of service (QoS) is very important for WiMAX networks. Providing QoS in multi-hop WiMAX networks such as WiMAX mesh or mobile multi-hop relay networks is challenging as multiple links can interfere with each other if they are scheduled at the same time. We propose efficient heuristic algorithms for scheduling flows in a centrally scheduled multi-hop WiMAX network. The proposed algorithms guarantee bandwidth and delay constraints of flows and allow multiple non-interfering links to be scheduled at the same time. We also define a "schedule efficiency" metric for comparing different flow scheduling algorithms. The simulation results show that the "schedule flow subchannel" algorithm leads to the best schedule efficiency.
Photoluminescence and local structure of Ge nanoclusters on Si without a wetting layer

Photoluminescence (PL) originating from single layers of Ge nanoclusters grown on Si(100) via a buffer layer-assisted growth method is investigated. The nanoclusters are characterized by the absence of a wetting layer. They are quasi-zero-dimensional with tunable sizes and exhibit a high cluster density compared to Ge nanoclusters that are formed from the standard Stranski-Krastanov growth. Samples with different cluster sizes show strong and sharp PL in the near infrared. The excitation power and temperature dependencies of PL spectra indicate that the optical transitions are bound-to-bound in nature, suggesting that defects rather than the band structures are associated with the luminescence centers. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that these nanoclusters are amorphous, which could explain the strong defect-related emission.
Schizophrenia, culture and neuropsychology: sensory deficits, language impairments and social functioning in Chinese-speaking schizophrenia patients.

BackgroundWhile 20% of schizophrenia patients worldwide speak tonal languages (e.g. Mandarin), studies are limited to Western-language patients. Western-language patients show tonal deficits that are related to impaired emotional processing of speech. However, language processing is minimally affected. In contrast, in Mandarin, syllables are voiced in one of four tones, with word meaning varying accordingly. We hypothesized that Mandarin-speaking schizophrenia patients would show impairments in underlying basic auditory processing that, unlike in Western groups, would relate to deficits in word recognition and social outcomes.MethodAltogether, 22 Mandarin-speaking schizophrenia patients and 44 matched healthy participants were recruited from New York City. The auditory tasks were: (1) tone matching; (2) distorted tunes; (3) Chinese word discrimination; (4) Chinese word identification. Social outcomes were measured by marital status, employment and most recent employment status.ResultsPatients showed deficits in tone-matching, distorted tunes, word discrimination and word identification versus controls (all p<0.0001). Impairments in tone-matching across groups correlated with both word identification (p<0.0001) and discrimination (p<0.0001). On social outcomes, tonally impaired patients had ‘lower-status’ jobs overall when compared with tonally intact patients (p<0.005) and controls (p<0.0001).ConclusionsOur study is the first to investigate an interaction between neuropsychology and language among Mandarin-speaking schizophrenia patients. As predicted, patients were highly impaired in both tone and auditory word processing, with these two measures significantly correlated. Tonally impaired patients showed significantly worse employment-status function than tonally intact patients, suggesting a link between sensory impairment and employment status outcome. While neuropsychological deficits appear similar cross-culturally, their consequences may be language- and culture-dependent.
Tools of the Trade for CTA: MDCT Scanners and Contrast Medium Injection Protocols

The introduction of multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) scanners in 1998 ushered in new advances in CT angiography (CTA). The subsequent expansion of MDCT scanner capabilities, coupled with advances in understanding of contrast medium (CM) dynamics, has further improved the clinical availability and consistency of CTA. We will review recent advances in CT scanner technology and discuss early CM dynamics. Specifically, we describe an approach tailored to the available scanner technology and to patient size aimed at providing consistently robust CTA studies across all vascular territories. A rational method to design combined CTA scan/injection protocols to facilitate this goal will be described. Our current experience with a simplified protocol for CTA with 64-MDCT will also be explained.
Sale Force Automation Systems: The Correspondence Between The Perception Of Productivity Gains And The Perception Of Management Control Among Salespeople

Sales force automation (SFA) technologies have many apparent benefits, but the adoption of SFA systems often fails because the sales force holds poor perceptions of these technologies. Understanding how these perceptions affect adoption of SFA systems is important because negative perceptions held by the sales force can often adversely influence the successful adoption and implementation of such systems. This paper examines how the sales force’s perceptions of productivity gains resulting from the adoption of an SFA system can be affected by their corresponding perception of the SFA system as a tool employed by upper-level management to more closely manage the activities of the sales force. The results are based on a national survey of 1,657 salespeople. The findings indicate a negative relationship between salespeople’s perceptions of the potential gains associated with the adoption of an SFA system and their corresponding perception of the use of the system by upper-level management to more closely manage the activities of the sales force.
Change in the Level of LH in the Sera and Pituitaries of Ovariectomized and Intact Ewes at Parturition

The concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured in sera and pituitaries of 23 ewes between days 101 and 181 after mating. Serum samples were collected sequentially from 7 intact control ewes and 16 ewes ovariectomized at day 28 of pregnancy. The measurement of LH was by the double antibody radioimmunoassay and the results were expressed in terms of NIH—LH–13. The mean values of serum LH in ng/ml ± SE before the time of anticipated parturition in the non—pregnant castrated groups was 7.95 ± 0.04. This contrasted with lower levels in pregnant castrated ewes of 0.19 ± 0.02 and in pregnant intact ewes of 0.16 ± 0.01. The levels in pregnant ewes were not significantly different due to castration. By the second week post—partum the levels of serum LH in the ovariectomized ewes were significantly higher than in the intact ewes. A significantly higher level of LH was found in the non—suckled than in the suckled ovariectomized ewes during the second week post—partum. The total content and concentration ...
Imipramine compliance in adolescents.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate side effects, medication compliance, and assumption of medication assignment in adolescents taking imipramine versus placebo in a clinical trial. Method Sixty-three anxious-depressed adolescents in an 8-week double-blind study of imipramine versus placebo, each in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for school refusal, were evaluated. Measures of side effects, global improvement, family functioning, medication compliance based on pill counts, and guesses of drug assignment (imipramine versus placebo) were analyzed. Results Mean side effects ratings were significantly higher for the imipramine group compared with the placebo group ( p = .001). Side effects were not associated with noncompliance or with dropping out. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in the adolescents was significantly associated with medication noncompliance ( p = .036). On the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale II (FACES II), low family adaptability (i.e., rigidity), low family cohesion (i.e., disengagement), and extreme family type were significantly associated with greater noncompliance with medications. Accuracy rates for guessing medication assignment (imipramine versus placebo) were 66% for subjects, 62.5% for mothers, and 79.5% for the psychiatrist. Logistic regression demonstrated that side effects ( p = .005) and global improvement scores ( p = .06) predicted the psychiatrist's guesses of drug assignment. Conclusions Side effects were not associated with noncompliance. Nonadherence with taking medications was associated with ODD in the adolescents and problematic family functioning on FACES II. The psychiatrist, who was blind to treatment condition, guessed the subjects′ medication assignments with high accuracy. Thus, because of expectancy bias, the data support the use of blind independent evaluators for rating changes in medication trials.
Transmitter redundancy for blind estimation and equalization of time- and frequency-selective channels

Joint mitigation of time- and frequency-selective fading is an important and challenging problem in mobile communications. Relying on transmitter-induced redundancy, we propose novel channel estimation and symbol recovery approaches for blind identification and equalization of time- and frequency-selective channels, where the time variation is modeled deterministically by a basis expansion. The resulting statistical algorithm enables the usage of a single antenna, dispenses with channel disparity conditions of existing approaches, and allows channel order overestimation. In addition, new deterministic algorithms for generalized OFDM systems are introduced that produce reliable estimates with few data points at high SNR's. Simulations illustrate the approaches developed.
Electrically pumped distributed feedback nitride lasers employing embedded dielectric gratings

Pulsed operation of distributed feedback lasers has been demonstrated in the (Al,Ga,In)N material system using epitaxial lateral overgrowth. The devices were formed by overgrowing a third-order silicon nitride grating located beneath the active region. A narrow spectral linewidth of 0.1 nm was observed above threshold with an emission wavelength of 413.5 nm.
Translocation of the retina for management of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization I: experimental studies in the rabbit eye.

Abstract Purpose: To report a surgical method for retinal translocation as a potential treatment for eyes with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization. Methods: Thirty right eyes of 30 pigmented rabbits were used for this study. The first 15 were used to develop the technique. The complete surgical technique for retinal translocation was performed in the last consecutive 15 rabbits. Intravitreal injection of sulfur hexafluoride was performed to compress and liquefy the vitreous. Two weeks later, we used transscleral subretinal hydrodissection to create a retinal detachment. A scleral resection was then performed near the equator in the superotemporal quadrant. Fundus photographs were taken to record the retinal status before, immediately after, and 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. Electroretinography was performed in three rabbits 3, 7, and 14 days after retinal translocation. Histologic studies were performed in one rabbit 7 days after retinal translocation. Results: Our results are based on experiments performed in the last consecutive 15 rabbits. One day after surgery, retinal reattachment was observed in 14 of the 15 animals. The remaining animal developed endophthalmitis. A predictable retinal translocation of about 1,000 μm was achieved. Retinal tears were noted on the retinal folds in four cases after 1 week. Electroretinographic studies showed transient reduction in retinal function. Mild morphologic damage to the outer retinal layers was seen histologically. Retinal detachment or proliferative vitreoretinopathy did not develop in any rabbit in the 14 days of follow-up. Conclusions: Limited retinal translocation with repositioning of the central retina was accomplished in rabbits.
Part segmentation for object recognition

Visual object recognition is a difficult problem that has been solved by biological visual systems. An approach to object recognition is described in which the image is segmented into parts using two simple, biologically-plausible mechanisms: a filtering operation to produce a large set of potential object “parts,” followed by a new type of network that searches among these part hypotheses to produce the simplest, most likely description of the image's part structure.
On a conjecture of Koike on identities between Thompson series and Rogers-Ramanujan functions

One of the many amazing things Ramanujan did in his lifetime was to list 40 identities involving what are now called the Rogers-Ramanujan functions G(q) and H(q) on one side, and products of functions of the form Q m = Π∞ n=1 (1-q mn ) on the other side. The identities are rather complicated and seem too difficult to guess. Recently however, Koike devised a strategy for finding (but not proving) these types of identities by connecting them to Thompson series. He was able to conjecture many new Rogers-Ramanujan type identities between G(q) and H(q), and Thompson series. Here we prove these identities.
NAC Protects Against Benzyl Isothiocyanate Induced G2/M Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5587 Previously, we showed that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a naturally occurring anti-cancer agent present in cruciferous vegetables, inhibits the proliferation of Capan-2 human pancreatic cancer cells by causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, the exact mechanisms of growth suppressive effects of BITC were not clear. Here we demonstrate that BITC treatment of Capan-2 cells resulted in the significantly increased expression of cyclin dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor p21 in a dose-dependent manner concomitant with decreased expression of cdk1. Treatment of these cells with growth suppressive concentration of BITC for 24h resulted in significant accumulation of cells in G2/M phase and induction of apoptosis as measured by flow cytometery. Interestingly, pretreatment of cells with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a common antioxidant, significantly protected Capan-2 cells from BITC-induced G2/M arrest as well as apoptosis. NAC treatment also prevented BITC-mediated up regulation of the expression of p21, suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We next demonstrated that BITC-treatment causes significant generation of ROS, as measured by DCF fluorescence and that NAC almost completely blocked the generation of BITC-mediated ROS. We therefore, conclude that generation of ROS may be the key factor in BITC-mediated increased p21 expression, which in turn may be responsible for G2/M arrest and apoptosis in these cells. [Supported in part by RO1 grant CA 106953 (to S.K.S.) awarded by the National Cancer Institute].
Ion Channels as Targets for Insecticides

Ion channels are the primary target sites for several classes of natural and synthetic insecticidal compounds. The voltage-sensitive sodium channel is the major target site for DDT and pyrethroids, the veratrum alkaloids, andN-alkylamides. Recently, neurotoxic proteins from arthropod venoms, some of which specifically attack insect sodium channels, have been engineered into baculoviruses to act as biopesticides. The synthetic pyrazolines also primarily affect the sodium channel, although some members of this group target neuronal calcium channels as well. The ryanoids have also found use as insecticides, and these materials induce muscle contracture by irreversible activation of the calcium-release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The arylheterocycles (e.g. endosulfan and fipronil) are potent convulsants and insecticides that block the GABA-gated chloride channel. In contrast, the avermectins activate both ligand and voltage-gated chloride channels, which leads to paralysis. At field-use rates, a ne...
Insight Generation with Marketing Research Online Communities (MROCs)

Generating timely insights in dynamic and competitive industries is very challenging and expensive. Recent advances in online technology have enabled marketers to facilitate rapid and ongoing insight generation using marketing research online communities (MROCs). This article reviews what the author knows about MROCs, and highlights the challenges and benefits of using MROCs as part of a firm's insight strategy. Furthermore, this article examines multiple MROCs and provides implications for managers. The versatility and cost savings these communities offer relative to alternative methods make it likely that they will remain an important issue for marketers and researchers for many years to come.
Tor-dependent post-transcriptional regulation of autophagy: Implications for cancer therapeutics

Paradoxically, both anticancer immunosurveillance and tumor progression have been associated with intact autophagy, which is regulated by the target of rapamycin (Tor1). Here, we describe the potential impact on the design of cancer therapeutics of a newly described highly conserved post-transcriptional mechanism whereby Tor regulates autophagy.
Evaluation of Oviposition Stimulants for Mass Production of Melon Fly, Oriental Fruit Fly, and Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Responses of Melon fly, Dacus cucurbitae Coquillett, oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis Hendel, and Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), to artificial oviposition bottles treated with various liquids derived from host juices or extracts and water was tested in a choice test device. Harvest of D. cucurbitae eggs was 89.4% higher from oviposition bottles that contained the juice of pumpkin, Cucurbita maxima Duchesne, than from bottles with the juice of tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Miller, the standard oviposition stimulant. Harvest of D. dorsalis eggs was 55.2% higher from oviposition bottles that contained juice of orange, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, than from bottles with juice of guava, Psidium guajava L., the standard oviposition stimulant. Harvest of C. capitata eggs from oviposition bottles that contained an extract of coffee, Coffea arabica L., was equal to those with the standard oviposition stimulant (water). Results indicate that host fruit juices with minimal commercial processing and without additives were the best oviposition stimulants. Findings are discussed in the context of oviposition stimulant evaluation procedures and mass production of tephritid fruit flies.
X-ray Computed Tomography Studies of the Burrowing Behavior of Fourth-Instar Pecan Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to study the burrowing activity of fourth-ins tar pecan weevils, Curculio caryae (Horn), and soil structure in soil cores. X-ray CT clearly showed tunnels of the burrowing larvae and revealed that, following their exit from infested nuts, the fourth instars burrow vertically into soil cores to mean depths of 67-92 mm in Cecil, Tifton, and Lakeland series soils. Hardpans of 1.6-1.8 Mg/m3 were penetrated by the larvae, although more dense objects (e.g., rocks) limited vertical movement.
Synthesis of isocyanate-based brush block copolymers and their rapid self-assembly to infrared-reflecting photonic crystals.

The synthesis of rigid-rod, helical isocyanate-based macromonomers was achieved through the polymerization of hexyl isocyanate and 4-phenylbutyl isocyanate, initiated by an exo-norbornene functionalized half-titanocene complex. Sequential ruthenium-mediated ring-opening metathesis polymerization of these macromonomers readily afforded well-defined brush block copolymers, with precisely tunable molecular weights ranging from high (1512 kDa) to ultrahigh (7119 kDa), while maintaining narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI = 1.08–1.39). The self-assembly of these brush block copolymers to solid thin-films and their photonic properties were investigated. Due to the rigid architecture of these novel polymeric materials, they rapidly self-assemble through simple controlled evaporation to photonic crystal materials that reflect light from the ultra-violet, through the visible, to the near-infrared. The wavelength of reflectance is linearly related to the brush block copolymer molecular weight, allowing for predictable tuning of the band gap through synthetic control of the polymer molecular weight. A combination of scanning electron microscopy and optical modeling was employed to explain the origin of reflectivity.
Lightning Distribution Characteristics Along the Corridor of 1000 kV Anhui-Shanghai Transmission Line

In order to master the lightning activity distribution characteristic and lightning parameters of the 1000 kV east-line project-Anhui-Shanghai transmission line to meet its lightning protection design and future operation needed,based on cloud-to-ground flash data of Anhui,Jiangsu,Zhejiang and Shanghai during 2005~2008 detected by lightning location system(LLS),lightning density distribution map of the four provinces and cities through by the 1000kV UHV AC transmission line are drawn according to grid method,and the zones easy to get lightning stroke are labeled.After that,aiming at the UHV transmission line,line corridor grid method is adopted to analyze the lightning activity distribution characteristics along the UHV transmission line.According to the method,the UHV line is divided into 63 statistical sections with 0.1°×0.1° each grid and those sections are labeled as #1~#63 respectively from west to east.Some important lightning parameters such as cloud-to-ground flash density Ng,thunderstorm days per year Td and cumulative probability of lightning current magnitude p(I) in each statistical grid along the corridor are analyzed.The results show that the value of flash densities along the corridor are larger than the standard value of density commanded in current electric criterion in China(DL/T 620-1997).Further,the statistical lightning parameters along the corridor are used in lightning protection calculation to revise the value of shielding failure flashover rate(SFFOR),and the weak sections easy to flashover of the UHV transmission line are found out on the basis of synthesis of these parameters.The results show that #1,#27～#51 are weak sections easy to get stoke,while #1,#27~#30、#43~#50 are weak sections easy to flashover,and under actual various terrains condition,the SFFOR calculated with standard lightning parameters commended in current electric criterion is smaller than that with real statistical lightning parameters in some sections.The research results have been used in ongoing lightning protection design of the system.
Theoretical Support and Social Foundation on Construction of Digital Learning Community

Everything has its own objective law in its existence and development.The systematic and scientific thought and theory to elaborate the law are the theoretical supports for its birth and growth.The digital learning community cannot generate and develop without appropriate social background which is the solid foundation of the community.
Triptans for migraine in special populations: migraine during pregnancy and lactation

Sylvia Lucas is Clinical Professor of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center (WA, USA). She is Founder and Director of the UWMC Headache Clinic and recipient of the Wadsworth Clinical Term Professorship in Headache Research and Practice. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Pharmacy, a PhD in Physiology & Biophysics, and a MD from the School of Medicine. She did postdoctoral work in neurophysiology at the University of Washington and neurology training at the New York Hospital–Cornell Medical Center and the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center (NY, USA). She was Chief Resident in Neurology at the New York Hospital. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the Washington State Neurological Society, the American Headache Society, the International Headache Society, Headache Cooperative of the Pacific and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. She currently is a medical advisor and former board of trustee member for the Greater Northwest Chapter of the National MS Society, and editor of the MS Alliance newsletter. She is a current member of the board of directors of the Headache Cooperative of the Pacific. Research interests are in post-traumatic headache and special treatment issues of women migraineurs. She has published in journals such as Nature, Journal of Neurophysiology and Journal of Neurotrauma and was the recipient of the Harold Lamport Biomedical Research Prize. About the Author
Comparison of spinal cord contusion and transection: functional and histological changes in the rat urinary bladder.

Author(s): Breyer, Benjamin N; Fandel, Thomas M; Alwaal, Amjad; Osterberg, E Charles; Shindel, Alan W; Lin, Guiting; Tanagho, Emil A; Lue, Tom F | Abstract: ObjectiveTo compare the effect of complete transection (tSCI) and contusion spinal cord injury (cSCI) on bladder function and bladder wall structure in rats.Materials and methodsA total of 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three equal groups: an uninjured control, a cSCI and a tSCI group. The cSCI group underwent spinal cord contusion, while the tSCI group underwent complete spinal cord transection. At 6 weeks post-injury, 24-h metabolic cage measurement and conscious cystometry were performed.ResultsConscious cystometry analysis showed that the cSCI and tSCI groups had significantly larger bladder capacities than the control group. The cSCI group had significantly more non-voiding detrusor contractions than the tSCI group. Both injury groups had more non-voiding contractions compared with the control group. The mean threshold pressure was significantly higher in the tSCI group than in the control and cSCI groups. The number of voids in the tSCI group was lower compared with the control group. Metabolic cage analysis showed that the tSCI group had larger maximum voiding volume as compared with the control and cSCI groups. Vesicular acetylcholine transporter/smooth muscle immunoreactivity was higher in the control than in the cSCI or tSCI rats. The area of calcitonin gene-related peptide staining was smaller in the tSCI group than in the control or cSCI groups.ConclusionsSpinal cord transection and contusion produce different bladder phenotypes in rat models of SCI. Functional data suggest that the tSCI group has an obstructive high-pressure voiding pattern, while the cSCI group has more uninhibited detrusor contractions.
Biological Warfare: Infectious Disease and Bioterrorism

The term biological warfare typically conjures images of medieval warriors tossing dead cattle over city walls or clandestine government agents secretly releasing mysterious microbes into enemy territory. Of course, biological warfare does encompass such activity, but the vast majority of what constitutes biological warfare is far more mundane. Ever since life evolved on earth about 3.8 billion years ago, organisms have constantly devised new ways to kill each other. Any organism that makes use of toxins—from bacteria to snakes—is engaging in a form of biological warfare. Humans who engage in biological warfare do so by taking advantage of these toxin-producing organisms.