cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Innate Immune System in ALS

ALS is a fatal, adult-onset neurodegenerative disease which is characterized by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. Recent studies have made clear that although motor neurons are the primary targets of the degenerative process, other cell types play key roles in the death of motor neurons. Most notably, cells of the immune system, including astrocytes and microglia have come under increasing scrutiny, after multiple lines of evidence have shown these cells to be deleterious to motor neurons. Although generally regarded as positive, both in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that astrocytes and microglia containing mutated SOD1 are harmful to motor neurons. Several studies in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases have shown that reactive astrocytes and microglia are capable of releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, which are harmful to neighboring neurons. In addition, it is believed that diseased astrocytes can specifically kill motor neurons through the release of toxic factors. It has also been shown that the reduction of SOD1 in microglia may be able to slow the progression of ALS symptoms in an animal model of the disease. Although the exact pathways are not yet known, studies have suggested that motor neurons die through a Bax dependent signaling pathway. Mounting evidence suggests that neuroinflammation plays an important role in the degeneration of motor neurons. Based on these findings, anti-inflammatory compounds are currently being tested for their potential to reduce disease severity, however, these studies are only in the preliminary stages. While we understand that astrocytes and microglia play a role in the death of motor neurons in ALS, much work needs to be done to fully understand ALS pathology and the role of the immune system as it relates to the onset and progression of the disease.
Characterization of a silicon Raman laser

With a reverse biased p-i-n structure embedded in a silicon waveguide, we efficiently reduced the nonlinear loss due to two photon absorption induced free carrier absorption and achieved continuous-wave net gain and lasing in a silicon waveguide cavity on a single chip. We report here the laser characterization for different cavity lengths from 1.6 to 8 cm. With a pump wavelength at 1550 nm, the laser output at 1686 nm is single mode with over 55 dB side mode suppression and has less than 80 MHz linewidth. The lasing threshold depends on the p-i-n reverse bias voltage. With 25V bias, the threshold pump power is ~180 mW. The slope efficiency is ~4.3% for a single side output and a total output power of >10 mW can be reached at a pump power of 500 mW. The laser wavelength can be tuned by adjusting the wavelength of the pump laser. In addition to the laser line at Stokes wavelength, a narrow linewidth anti-Stokes line at 1434.3 nm is also generated in the laser cavity through parametric conversion process.
A wavelet transform analysis applied to unsteady aspects of supersonic jet screech resonance

The multiple acoustic modes and shear layer instability waves which characterize a supersonic underexpanded rectangular jet are investigated experimentally via the Morlet wavelet transform. Because of its quasi-locality in both physical-space and Fourier space, the wavelet transformation allows one to track the time evolution of the various scales in both acoustic and velocity fluctuation signals. Using this technique it is demonstrated that multiple acoustic modes produced by the jet coexist and are not due to a mode switching mechanism. Unsteady screech tone modulation is observed and a mechanism for its occurrence is proposed.
Relationships between leaf anatomy and ozone sensitivity of Fraxinus pennsylvanica marsh. and Prunus serotina Ehrh.

Abstract It is well known that there are genetic differences in sensitivity of broad-leaved tree species to ozone (O 3 ). It would be helpful to know if individual trees in the field could be classified as sensitive or tolerant based on properties of sensitivity other than the presence/absence of foliar injury symptoms. We hypothesized that leaf anatomical characteristics allowing greater amounts of O 3 inside the leaf would be found in the leaves of sensitive individuals compared to the leaves of tolerant individuals. Light microscopy was used to examine 11 anatomical characters of leaves of field-grown Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. and Prunus serotina Ehrh. trees that differed in O 3 sensitivity, as determined by injury symptoms. The characters were measured on uninjured areas of leaves collected in the field from trees classified as tolerant or sensitive. There were significant differences between sensitive and tolerant individuals of both species for several characters, including stomatal density, palisade mesophyll thickness and total mesophyll thickness, and the percentage of spongy mesophyll layer relative to total leaf mesophyll. Differences in stomatal density were inconsistent for the two species considered. The palisade mesophyll was significantly thinner by 27 and 17% in sensitive green ash and black cherry leaves compared to tolerant leaves, causing the percentage of spongy mesophyll layer relative to total leaf thickness to be 20-12% higher for sensitive compared to tolerant individuals. Consequently, the total leaf thickness was less for sensitive trees for both species. This aspect of leaf anatomy was consistent with shade leaf anatomy and may be associated with O 3 sensitivity for these two broad-leaved species.
Fertility and development in Brazil.

In the past, one of the concomitants of development has been a sustained reduction in fertility. As a result of this experience, demographers hypothesize that in a society in which fertility is lower in urban areas, among the upper socioeconomic status groups and the better-educated, fertility will decline to a moderate level as the country changes from a rural, agricultural socioeconomic structure, with low levels of living and education, to an urban, industrial structure, with rising levels of living and education.
Cor triatriatum sinistrum

AbstractCor triatriatum sinistrum (CTs) represents approximately 0.1% of congenital heart disease. The presence of an abnormal, often fenestrated fibromuscular membrane is indicative of CTs and results in a subdivided left atrium that can obstruct pulmonary venous return leading to elevated pulmonary venous and pulmonary artery pressures. We describe a case of CTs presenting well into adulthood with the unusual association of atrial flutter. Given the rarity of CTs, this unique observation with atrial flutter is limited to this case report, but is meant to illustrate the ramifications of this arrhythmia even in this relatively simple congenital heart defect, as our patient's arrhythmia was refractory to treatment and behaved similarly to atrial flutter observed among patients with more complex heart defects. Accurate diagnosis of the abnormal atrial membrane in the setting of other cardiac defects is imperative because pulmonary venous obstruction can occur after surgery for the associated defects. An ass...
Cost characterizations of supply chain delivery performance

Abstract This paper addresses strategies for improving delivery performance in a serial supply chain when delivery performance is evaluated with respect to a delivery window. Contemporary management theories advocate the reduction of variance as a key step in improving the overall performance of a system. Models are developed that incorporate the variability found in the individual stages of the supply chain into a financial measure that serves as a benchmark for justifying the capital investment required to improve delivery performance within the supply chain to meet a targeted goal.
Impaired adrenal reserve in the Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipidemic rabbit: implications for LDL-receptor function in steroidogenesis.

Abstract The cholesterol required for steroidogenesis may be provided by de novo biosynthesis or through the delivery of cholesterol by the circulating lipoproteins. By studying adrenocortical function, structure and biosynthetic capacity in an animal model devoid of the classical, high-affinity low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor pathway, the respective roles of de novo cholesterolgenesis and lipoprotein cholesterol delivery were investigated. The Watanabe Heritable Hyperlipemic (WHHL) rabbit lacks the LDL-receptor pathway. The activity of the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterolgenesis, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase was 4- to 15-fold greater than normal in the WHHL adrenal gland. The basal corticosterone concentrations were normal in the WHHL rabbit; however, the corticosterone concentration increased by less than 50% of normal after an intravenous ACTH injection. Electron-microscopic evaluation of adrenocortical cells from the WHHL rabbits disclosed significantly increased mitochondrial surface area and diminished amounts of cytosolic lipid and lysosomal area. These data indicate that the mammalian adrenal gland utilizes endogenously synthesized cholesterol as well as cholesterol delivered through the LDL-receptor pathway. Moreover, in the absence of the LDL-receptor pathway, endogenously produced cholesterol is sufficient for normal basal glucocorticoid function.
Clean for Gene: Eugene McCarthy's 1968 Presidential Campaign

Preface Introduction: "Dump Johnson" Eugene McCarthy and Conservative Liberalism The Early New Left's Critique of Liberalism Vietnam, Counterculture, and "New Politics" "McCarthy for President" Epilogue: 1968 and Beyond Notes Selected Bibliography Index
Molecular pathways: autophagy in cancer--a matter of timing and context

Autophagy is an intracellular self-digestion mechanism, by which cellular components are sorted into double-membrane autophagosomes and delivered to lysosomes for degradation. Cells utilize autophagy to dispose of wastes and eliminate hazards, while recycling nutrients and tuning metabolism in the process. Through these functions, autophagy promotes cell fitness, genome integrity, tissue homeostasis, and cell survival and growth under stress. Autophagy up- and down-regulation have both been found in human cancers, suggesting a complex role in tumor development. Accumulating results from autophagy-deficient mice and mouse models of human cancers have demonstrated that autophagy generally suppresses tumor initiation, but promotes tumor progression, in a manner that is dependent on timing and context and modified by specific tumorigenic events. Given the role of autophagy in facilitating tumor growth, autophagy inhibition has gained wide attention as a potential anticancer therapy. Here, we summarize relevant genetic, preclinical and clinical studies and discuss the multi-faceted role of autophagy in cancer, as well as the prospects of autophagy inhibition for cancer therapy.
Vasopressin and galanin mRNAs coexist in the nucleus of the horizontal diagonal band: a novel site of vasopressin gene expression.

Vasopressin (VP) neurons have been identified in several brain regions where VP has been hypothesized to act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. In many sites, VP is colocalized with the neuropeptide galanin (GAL). Here, using single in situ hybridization histochemistry, we have identified a novel group of neurons within the nucleus of the horizontal diagonal band of Broca (HDB) that express the VP gene and have assessed the distribution of these cells in adult male and female rats (90 days old, n = 7/group). VP mRNA-expressing neurons were scattered throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the HDB, and the number of VP neurons detected unilaterally ranged from 1 to 17 cells per 20 μm section. Using double in situ hybridization histochemistry on alternate sections, we have assessed the number of cells expressing VP and/or GAL mRNAin the diagonal band and have determined the extent of their colocalization. Approximately 50% of all VP-expressing neurons in the HDB coexpressed GAL mRNA, and 33% of GAL-expressing neurons in this region coexpressed VP mRNA. No sex differences were detected in the number of neurons expressing either VP or GAL mRNA or in the incidence of coexpression of VP and GAL mRNAs in this region. VP neurons in the HDB exhibited a low level of expression, and cellular VP mRNA content did not differ between male and female rats. However, sex differences were present in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of these same rats. Consistent with our previous findings, both the number of VP-expressing neurons (P ≤ 0.0004) and the cellular VP mRNA content (P ≤ 0.02) in the BNST were greater in male than in female rats. These results suggest that VP gene expression is differentially regulated by gonadal hormones in the HDB compared to the BNST. Because GAL was previously reported to colocalize with acetyicholine (ACh) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in the diagonal band of Broca, our findings suggest that VP may also colocalize with these transmitters in this brain region. Our observations may provide an anatomical basis for the postulated actions of VP in functions involving ACh or GnRH pathways. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Endovascular repair of acute type B aortic dissection: early and mid-term results.

Objective To evaluate early and mid-term results of endovascular repair of acute type B aortic dissection by stent graft. Methods From June 2001 to May 2005, 63 patients with acute type B aortic dissection underwent stent graft implantation. The study included 59 men and 4 women with an average age of 50.4 ± 11.4 years (range, 31-80 years). Four patients underwent stent-graft implantation in the acute phase. Fifty-nine patients with acute type B dissection underwent stent-graft implantation 2 weeks after the onset of dissection. All patients were followed up from 1 to 47 months (average, 11.7 ± 10.6 months). The clinical data of the patients were analyzed. Results The primary tear was incompletely sealed in three cases. The incidence of incomplete seal was 4.8%. Ascending aortic dissection occurred in three cases. One occurred during operation. The other two occurred at 1 day and 10 months after stent-graft implantation. Two patients died within 30 days after operation. One died of rupture of the ascending aortic dissection. The other one died of acute renal failure. The 1-month mortality was 3.2%. Four patients underwent a second stent-graft implantation before discharge. One year after stent-graft implantation, complete thrombosis of the false lumen in the thoracic aorta was achieved in 98.4% of patients, and the maximum diameter of the descending aorta decreased 11.2% ± 7.3%. Three patients died within the follow-up time. Mortality during the follow-up period was 4.8%. One patient died of peptic ulcer hemorrhage. Another one died of rupture of the ascending aortic dissection. The third one died of unknown reasons. The actuarial survival curve by the Kaplan-Meier method showed a 4-year survival rate of 89.4%. Conclusions Early and mid-term results showed that endovascular repair was effective in treatment of acute type B aortic dissection. With the enrichment of doctors' experience and refinement of the device, better results are expected in the future.
Hypertensive response to levonordefrin in a patient receiving propranolol: report of case

A 32-year-old female taking propranolol hypertensively reacted to an injection o f 2% mepivacaine with 1:20,000 levonordefrin. A drug interaction between the levonordefrin and the propranolol may have accounted for this unusual reaction.
Effects of anxiety on attentional allocation and task performance: An information processing analysis

An information processing signal detection methodology was employed to examine attentional allocation and its correlates in both normal comparison (NC) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) participants. In particular, the impact of neutral distractor and negative feedback cues on performance of an attention vigilance task was investigated. Individuals with GAD (N = 15) evidenced impaired performance on an attention vigilance task relative to NC participants (N = 15) when neutral distractor cues were presented. Contrary to prediction, no group differences in performance were detected under conditions in which participants were presented negative feedback cues they were told were relevant to their performance. Instead, GAD participants exhibited improvement during the experimental task such that their performance was equivalent to NC participants. Across trials, the clinically anxious group endorsed significantly higher levels of worry and negative affectivity; however, they failed to respond with concomitant physical arousal (e.g. increased muscle tension). These data are discussed within the context of Eysenck and Calvo's (1992, Cognition and Emotion, 6, 409-434) processing efficiency theory. Additionally, the results of this investigation provide support for Barlow's (1988, Anxiety and its disorders: The nature and treatment of anxiety and panic) conceptualization of anxiety as requiring the interaction of cognitive schema and physiological arousal.
The Ironic Spectator: Solidarity in the Age of Post-Humanitarianism, by Lilie Chouliaraki. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press, 2013. 238 pp. $24.95 paper. ISBN 9780745642116 paper.

Humanitarian work is fundamentally based on the solidarity experienced between the benefactor and the recipient of aid, as well as the feelings of solidarity within the community of benefactors. Fr...
Studies of orientation and order of interleaved Langmuir-Blodgett films of a hemicyanine dye

Abstract Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) multilayers of a hemicyanine dye in the Z-type configuration (head group towards substrate) have been made with and without interleaving layers of perdeuterated arachidic acid or cadmium arachidate. Polarized IR spectroscopy studies show that LB layers of hemicyanine without interleaving spacer layers lose their registration with the surface of the substrate after only a few layers are deposited. Hemicyanine layers interleaved with spacer layers maintain an approximately fixed orientation with respect to the surface. Deuteration of the interleaving layers permits IR differentiation of the hydrocarbon tails of the dye and the fatty acid or salt so that the orientation and order of each molecule can be separately measured. The choice of interleaving spacer layer, arachidic acid or cadmium arachidate, can be used to change the orientation of hemicyanine with respect to the surface.
Depression and negative processing of evaluative feedback.

Beck's cognitive behavioral model of depression served to predict that depressed college students would negatively bias their processing of evaluative feedback relative to nondepressed college students. Depressed and nondepressed students performed a dot estimation task and received “good,” “average,” “poor,” or ambiguous feedback following each of 40 trials. Half of each subject group also received feedback under conditions of high or low task importance to assess the generality of depressive biasing tendencies. Analyses revealed significant negative processing biases among depressives relative to nondepressives in immediate perception and latencies of response to feedback stimuli during the latter 20 feedback presentations but not in response to earlier feedback trials. In addition, biases in the immediate perception of feedback stimuli were most pronounced under ambiguous feedback conditions. No differences were observed between depressives and nondepressives in the long-term recall of evaluative feedback, and measures of bias were not significantly affected by the perceived importance of the experimental task. Explanations are offered for the specificity of the findings obtained.
RECENT INCREASE IN SURFACE-WATER STABILITY DURING WARMING OFF CALIFORNIA AS RECORDED IN MARINE SEDIMENTS

Warming of surface waters in the California Current since the 1950s has coincided with a significant decline in zooplankton volume. This has been attributed to reduced upwelling of nutrient-rich waters caused by increased thermal stratification across the thermocline. Proxy microfossil evidence preserved in the Santa Barbara Basin suggests that stability increased early in the 1900s, intensified after the early 1940s, and became well established by 1960. Accumulation of upwelled radiolarians in the basin has steadily declined since 1900, while oxygen isotopes in surface-dwelling planktonic foraminifera reflect increasing surface temperatures. Comparison of the {delta}{sup 18}O records between surface and thermocline-dwelling planktonic foraminifera reveals that the temperature difference between surface and thermocline water has increased during the twentieth century. Instrumental records of surface and thermocline temperatures, monitored since 1950, support these results. This evidence suggests that relaxation of North Pacific anticyclonic gyre circulation deepened isopycnics, causing onshore movement of warmer, less saline waters and reduced upwelling of cool, nutrient-rich waters.
Automatic clustering of construction project documents based on textual similarity

Abstract Text classifiers, as supervised learning methods, require a comprehensive training set that covers all classes in order to classify new instances. This limits the use of text classifiers for organizing construction project documents since it is not guaranteed that sufficient samples are available for all possible document categories. To overcome the restriction imposed by the all-inclusive requirement, an unsupervised learning method was used to automatically cluster documents together based on textual similarities. Repeated evaluations using different randomizations of the dataset revealed a region of threshold/dimensionality values of consistently high precision values and average recall values. Accordingly, a hybrid approach was proposed which initially uses an unsupervised method to develop core clusters and then trains a text classifier on the core clusters to classify outlier documents in a consequent refinement step. Evaluation of the hybrid approach demonstrated a significant improvement in recall values, resulting in an overall increase in F-measure scores.
Milk Production and Composition from Cows Fed Small Amounts of Fish Oil with Extruded Soybeans

Eight Holstein (189 +/- 57 DIM) and 4 Brown Swiss (126 +/- 49 DIM) multiparous cows were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square with 28-d periods to determine the minimal dietary concentration of fish oil necessary to maximize milk conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid (VA). Treatments consisted of a control diet with a 50:50 ratio of forage to concentrate (dry matter basis), and 3 diets with 2% added fat consisting of 0.33% fish oil, 0.67% fish oil, and 1% fish oil with extruded soybeans providing the balance of added fat. Dry matter intake (23.1, 22.6, 22.8, and 22.9 kg/d, for control, low, medium, and high fish oil diets, respectively) was similar for all diets. Milk production (21.5, 23.7, 22.7, and 24.2 kg/d) was higher for cows fed the fat-supplemented diets vs. the control. Milk fat (4.42, 3.81, 3.80, and 4.03%) and true protein (3.71, 3.58, 3.54, and 3.55%) concentrations decreased when cows were fed diets containing supplemental fat. Concentration of milk cis-9,trans-11 CLA (0.55, 1.17, 1.03, and 1.19 g/100 g of fatty acids) was increased similarly by all diets containing supplemental fat. Milk VA (1.12, 2.47, 2.13, and 2.63 g/100 g of fatty acids) was increased most in milk from cows fed the low and high fish oil diets. Milk total n-3 fatty acids were increased (0.82, 0.96, 0.92, and 1.01 g/100 g of fatty acids) by all fat-supplemented diets. The low fish oil diet was as effective at increasing VA and CLA in milk as the high fish oil diet, showing that only low concentrations of dietary fish oil are necessary for increasing concentrations of VA and CLA in milk.
Elastic modulus and in-plane thermal diffusivity measurements in thin polyimide films using symmetry-selective real-time impulsive stimulated thermal scattering

We describe a technique for extending the utility of the real-time Impulsive Stimulated Thermal Scattering (ISTS) method for thin film characterization. Using weakly absorbed excitation pulses, we show how to selectively drive acoustic waveguide modes that are unobservable when strongly absorbed pulses are used. The ability to excite and monitor these modes is important because it allows for a significant increase in the experimental sensitivity to the film longitudinal velocity. This arrangement also greatly simplifies determination of the in-plane thermal diffusivity. The technique is illustrated through study of unsupported polyimide films with six different thicknesses.
AN AUTORADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF THE UPTAKE OF 3H-THYMIDINE BY KIDNEY CELLS OF MICE AT DIFFERENT AGES.

Abstract In the kidney of newborn, 2-, 4- and 13-month-old mice, the number of cells per thousand labeled after a single injection of 3 H-thymidine declines with age. This decline is of the order of 40:3:2:1 for the cells of each of two regions, the renal corpuscle and the nephron tubule. Labeling of the nephrogenic zone of the newborn, which contributes cells for additional formation of the renal corpuscles and nephron tubules, was found to exceed by six times the labeling of each of the already differentiated regions. Intermitotic intervals were determined from grain counts recorded from 0 to 18 days following a single injection of 3 H-thymidine; at 2, 4 and 13 months, this interval is longer than 18 days for cells of the renal corpuscle and nephron tubule; in the newborn it is ten days for these same cells and approximately 2 days for cells of the nephrogenic zone. Changes with age in proliferative activity are discussed with respect to known age changes in kidney volume. Regional differences in proliferative activity of the newborn kidney are discussed relative to the duration of the intermitotic interval of the cells of these regions and relative to the rate of differentiation of cells of the nephrogenic zone.
Cardiac chamber and coronary artery doses associated with postmastectomy radiotherapy techniques to the chest wall and regional nodes

Abstract Purpose To compare the estimated radiation doses delivered to the cardiac chambers (CC) and coronary arteries (CA) for 5 postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) techniques. Methods and materials A dosimetry study of 20 left-sided PMRT cases was conducted. Cardiac chambers (left and right atria [LA/RA] and left and right ventricles [LV/RV]) and coronary vessels (left main [LM], left anterior descending [LAD], left circumflex [LCX], right coronary [RCA] and posterior descending [PDA] arteries) were contoured on contrast-enhanced CT scans and verified by a cardiologist (T.K.). Five PMRT techniques were applied to each case; 50 Gy in 2 Gy fractions was delivered to the chest wall ± internal mammary node targets. The techniques were: (1) standard tangents (TAN); (2) cobalt (Co); (3) reverse hockey stick (RHS); (4) mixed photon/electron beam (20/80); and (5) partially wide tangent fields (PWTF). Three-dimensional dose calculations for 100 plans were performed for all structures. Plans were compared by using the mean dose (Dmean) and the volume that received more than 30 Gy (V 30 ) and 45 Gy (V 45 ) for each structure. Results Cobalt and 20/80 techniques delivered higher Dmeans to the whole heart and individual cardiac chambers (RA, RV, LA, and LV) as compared with the other three techniques. The heart received a Dmean of 21.03 ± 3.5 Gy from Co and 11.87 ± 5.22 Gy from 20/80. The remaining techniques delivered heart Dmeans of 2.90–4.94 Gy. When V 30 was used as a metric, all techniques had comparably low V 30 to the heart, except for Co, which resulted in a significantly higher irradiated volume of right-sided cardiac chambers (59.06% ± 30.7 for RA F -test F -test p Conclusions Cardiac substructures receive the most radiation exposure after PMRT with CO, 20/80 or both and least exposure with PWTF. Although TAN resulted in significant sparing of the majority of the cardiac structures, a significantly higher dose and volume of LAD was exposed when compared with PWTF. Although the clinical relevance of these dose differences is not clearly understood, these dosimetric estimates can serve as a baseline in the development of new techniques for locoregional treatment that will further reduce cardiac exposure.
Establishment of Basal Cell Carcinoma in Culture: Evidence for a Basal Cell Carcinoma-Derived Factor(s) Which Stimulates Fibroblasts to Proliferative and Release Collagenase

The connective tissue adjacent to basal cell carcinomas (BCC) is frequently abnormal and contains increased numbers of fibroblasts and increased extractable collagenase. To determine whether BCC could produce these alterations by releasing mediators that regulated fibroblast function, we established BCC in culture and tested the ability of their culture supernatants to alter fibroblast proliferation and production of collagenase. Using tissue culture plates coated with type IV collagen and containing x-irradiated 3T3 feeder cells, we established epithelial colonies from 47% of the BCC cultured. The BCC-derived colonies differed from normal epidermal cell colonies in their morphology, growth rate, and keratin production. Culture supernatants from 4 out of 5 confluent BCC-derived colonies contained factors that stimulated fibroblasts to proliferate and release collagenase. These findings show that BCC-derived epidermal cell colonies release mediators which alter fibroblast functions and suggest that some of the connective tissue changes associated with BCC in vivo are the result of BCC-fibroblast interactions.
Dynamics of Human Foveal Development after Premature Birth

Purpose To determine the dynamic morphologic development of the human fovea in vivo using portable spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Design Prospective, observational case series. Paticipants Thirty-one prematurely born neonates, 9 children, and 9 adults. Methods Sixty-two neonates were enrolled in this study. After examination for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), SD-OCT imaging was performed at the bedside in nonsedated infants aged 31 to 41 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) (= gestational age in weeks + chronologic age) and at outpatient follow-up ophthalmic examinations. Thirty-one neonates met eligibility criteria. Nine children and nine adults without ocular pathology served as control groups. Semiautomatic retinal layer segmentation was performed. Central foveal thickness, foveal to parafoveal (FP) ratio (central foveal thickness divided by thickness 1000 μm from the foveal center), and 3-dimensional thickness maps were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures In vivo determination of foveal morphology, layer segmentation, analysis of subcellular changes, and spatiotemporal layer shifting. Results In contrast with the adult fovea, several signs of immaturity were observed in the neonates: a shallow foveal pit, persistence of inner retinal layers (IRLs), and a thin photoreceptor layer (PRL) that was thinnest at the foveal center. Three-dimensional mapping showed displacement of retinal layers out of the foveal center as the fovea matured and the progressive formation of the inner/outer segment band in the opposite direction. The FP-IRL ratios decreased as IRL migrated before term and minimally after that, whereas FP-PRL ratios increased as PRL subcellular elements formed closer to term and into childhood. A surprising finding was the presence of cystoid macular edema in 58% of premature neonates that appeared to affect inner foveal maturation. Conclusions This study provides the first view into the development of living cellular layers of the human retina and of subcellular specialization at the fovea in premature infant eyes using portable SD-OCT. Our work establishes a framework of the timeline of human foveal development, allowing us to identify unexpected retinal abnormalities that may provide new keys to disease activity and a method for mapping foveal structures from infancy to adulthood that may be integral in future studies of vision and visual cortex development. Financial Disclosure(s) Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.
Cognitive Ability and Non-Ability Trait Determinants of Expertise:

Traditional approaches to understanding individual differences determinants of domain-specific expertise have focused on individual trait components, such as ability or topic interest. In contrast, trait complex approaches consider whether combinations of cognitive, affective, and conative traits are particularly facilitative or impeding of the development of domain knowledge. This article reviews an investment theory and empirical research concerning a relatively small set of trait complexes that appear to be instrumental correlates of both individual and group differences in expertise across several academic domains. Implications for academic counseling and instructional interventions are discussed.
Symmetry in External Work (SEW): A Novel Method of Quantifying Gait Differences Between Prosthetic Feet

Unilateral transtibial amputees (TTAs) show subtle gait variations while using different prosthetic feet. These variations have not been detected consistently with previous experimental measures. W...
Switching-Surge Flashover of EHV-UHV Towers

Design curves are presented for switching-surge flashover of tower window gaps 20 to 39 feet (6.1 to 11.9 meters), bundle conductor-to-ground gaps spaced 20 to 50 feet (6.1 to 15.2 meters), and bundle conductor-to-tower leg gaps spaced 14 to 29 feet (4.3 to 8.8 meters). The critical flashover voltage range is from 1100 to 2700 kV. Together with the above, the following variables were investigated: time to crest, insulator string length, rain, window-shape, tower width, conductor entrance angle, and conductor configuration. In addition, work was accomplished on standard deviation, time to flashover, and flashover patterns.
Down deep in the holler: chasing seeds and stories in southern Appalachia

This essay, which is the third in the series “Recollections, Reflections, and Revelations: Ethnobiologists and their First Time in the Field”, is a personal reflection by the researcher on his experience and involvement in kinship and friendship networks while conducting agrobiodiversity research in southern Appalachia, USA. Vignettes are given from moving moments spent with Native spiritual leaders, backcountry mountain people, and local co-collaborators in the research process. The author demonstrates how lasting field friendships have helped lead to groundbreaking ethnoecological research.
On the performances of MC-CDMA over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channels with correlated and independent subcarriers

In this paper, the system performance of MC-CDMA over frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channel is analyzed. Bit error rates are obtained for an uplink MC-CDMA system with MRC reception, in which both correlated and independent subcarrier scenarios are considered and compared. In the literature independency among subcarriers was often assumed in MC-CDMA performance study in the presence of Nakagami-m fading. Our results show, however, that a frequency-selective Nakagami-m fading channel model may have been overemphasized for MC-CDMA compared to a frequency-selective Rayleigh fading model when, this independency is addressed.
Comparisons of waist circumferences measured at 4 sites

Background Waist circumference (WC) is now accepted as a practical measure of adipose tissue distribution. Four body sites for WC measurements are commonly used, as follows: immediately below the lowest ribs (WC1), the narrowest waist (WC2), the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest (WC3), and immediately above the iliac crest (WC4). Objective We sought to compare the magnitude and reliability of WC measured at these 4 sites in males and females. Design WC was measured at each site 1 time in all subjects [49 males and 62 females, aged 7-83 y, with a body mass index (in kg/m(2)) of 9-43] and 3 times in a subgroup (n = 93) by one experienced observer using a heavy-duty inelastic tape. Body fat was measured in a subgroup (n = 74) with the use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results The mean values of WC were WC2 0.99. WC values were significantly correlated with fatness; correlations with trunk fat were higher than correlations with total body fat in both sexes. Conclusions WC values at the 4 commonly used anatomic sites differ in magnitude depending on sex, are highly reproducible, and are correlated with total body and trunk adiposity in a sex-dependent manner. These observations have implications for the use of WC measurements in clinical practice and patient-oriented research.
On wiping the interior walls of 37-mm closed-face cassettes: an OSHA perspective.

As early as 1976, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) methods for analyzing metal samples collected using 37-mm polystyrene closed-face cassettes specified that any loose dust be transferred from the cassette to the digestion vessel, that the cassette be rinsed, and that, if necessary, the cassette be wiped out to help ensure that all particles that enter the cassette are included along with the filter as part of the sample for analysis. OSHA analytical methods for metal analysis were recently revised to explicitly require cassette wiping for all metal samples. This change was based on policy that any material entering the collection device constitutes part of the sample and on OSHA Salt Lake Technical Center research showing that invisible residue on the cassette walls can significantly contribute to the total sample results reported. OSHA procedures are consistent with guidance given in the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods. This guidance concludes that internal deposits in sampling ca...
Robustness, convergence and stability considerations for the optimal-control-based inverse dynamics solution for flexible robot arms

Discusses the inverse dynamics problem for flexible open-chain robot arms. In earlier work the authors (1990) derived an approximate solution to this inverse dynamics problem, using optimal control theory. The solution found with this method is noncausal, and results in excellent open-loop tracking. The method is applicable to multi-link arms by linearization about a nominal trajectory. In the present paper, they discuss issues related to the robustness of the method under parameter variation. They show simulation results for nominal and off-nominal one-link systems. They also consider the convergence of the method with the number of modes used to represent the deformation of the links. They show that sufficiently accurate results are obtained with only two or three modes for each link. Finally they discuss the stability of the system under the solution using Lyapounov theory. >
Towards the Rational Design of MRI Contrast Agents: δ‐Substitution of Lanthanide(III) NB‐DOTA‐Tetraamide Chelates Influences but Does Not Control Coordination Geometry

LnDOTA-tetraamide chelates (DOTA=1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid) have received considerable recent attention as a result of their potential to act as PARACEST contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although PARACEST agents afford several advantages over conventional contrast agents they suffer from substantially higher detection limits; thus, improving the effectiveness of LnDOTA-tetraamide chelates is an important goal. In this study we investigate the potential to extend conformational control of LnDOTA-type ligands to those applicable to PARACEST. Furthermore, the question of whether δ- rather than α-substitution of the pendant arms could be used to control the chelate coordination geometry is addressed. Although δ-substitution does influence coordination geometry it does not afford control. However, it can play an important role in governing the conformation of the amide substituent relative to the chelate in such as way that suggests a PARACEST agent could be designed that has detection limits at least as low as a conventional MRI contrast agent.
Interactions between Viruses in Transplant Recipients

Viral coinfections may modulate disease expression, enhance pathogenicity, and lead to greater cumulative immunosuppression in the host. The pathophysiological basis of these may be direct virus-virus interactions, effect of cohabitating viruses on host cell function, or impaired host immune responses. The interrelationship between viral pathogens has become increasingly more relevant and its scope wider as new or previously unrecognized viruses continue to emerge as pathogens in transplant recipients. The pathways and mediators that modulate biological activity represent potential targets for immunomodulatory interventions as adjunctive therapies for transplant recipients.
A Parametric Model for Characterizing Seabed Textures in Synthetic Aperture Sonar Images

High-resolution synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) systems yield finely detailed images of sea bottom environments. SAS image texture models must be capable of representing a wide variety of sea bottom environments including sand ripples, coral or rock formations, and flat hardpack. In this paper, a parameterized model for SAS image textures is derived from the autocorrelation functions (ACFs) of the SAS imaging point spread function (PSF) and the ACF of the seabed texture sonar cross section (SCS). The proposed texture mixture model is analytically tractable and parameterized by component mixing parameters, mixture component correlation lengths, the single-point intensity image statistical shape parameter, and the rotation of the ACF mixture components in the 2-D imaging plane. An iterative parameter estimation algorithm based on the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for truncated data is presented and tested against various synthetic and real SAS image textures. The performance of the algorithm is compared and discussed for synthetically generated data across various image sizes and texture characteristics. The model fit is also compared against a small set of real SAS survey images and is shown to accurately fit the imaging PSF and seabed SCS ACF for these textures of interest.
In the Crawlspace of the Organization

Although Goffman advocated comparative study of underlife at the time that he wrote Asylums, little work has been done by students of organization. The present paper offers a comparison of underlife in three different types of establishment by focusing on "crawlspace," those symbolic dimensions of organization which allow or compel participants to engage in secondary adjustment. The important dimensions are assumptions about self, normative patterns, sactions, and general meaning of membership/participation in the organization.
Radical Right Pneumonectomy Using Preserved Allograft Vein for Caval Replacement

Abstract Involvement of the superior vena cava by direct extension of carcinoma of the right lung presents a clinical and technical problem. A patient is presented who underwent successful resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the superior vena cava using preserved allograft vein. Indications for such an approach and the related problems of venous grafting are discussed.
Selection and reliability of internal reference genes for quantitative PCR verification of transcriptomics during the differentiation process of porcine adult mesenchymal stem cells

Introduction The objective of this study was to find highly reliable internal-control genes (ICGs) for normalization of qPCR data from porcine adult mesenchymal stem cells induced to differentiate toward adipogenic and osteogenic lineages.
New-generation implant arthroplasties of the finger joints.

Prosthetic replacement in the hand must address such unique challenges as preservation of the collateral ligaments, tendon balancing, and stability. Some recently developed implant arthroplasties of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints have anatomically designed articular components; others have noncemented, press-fit, carefully contoured intramedullary stems. The rationale behind developing the unlinked or semiconstrained prosthesis with anatomic geometry is that it would create balanced forces across the joint. Low-profile, anatomically designed implants limit the amount of bone removed and preserve the integrity of the collateral ligaments. A metacarpophalangeal joint implant with an elliptical metacarpal head and a nonfixed center of rotation can enhance stability in flexion through greater articular contact. A proximal interphalangeal joint implant that preserves the collateral ligaments also can achieve improved stability. Component loosening is not an early complication with these recent designs, and arc of motion is satisfactory. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2003;11:295-301
Wafer-Level Defect Screening for “Big-D/Small-A” Mixed-Signal SoCs

Product cost is a key driver in the consumer electronics market, which is characterized by low profit margins and the use of a variety of ldquobig-D/small-Ardquo mixed-signal system-on-chip (SoC) designs. Packaging cost has recently emerged as a major contributor to the product cost for such SoCs. Wafer-level testing can be used to screen defective dies, thereby reducing packaging cost. We propose a new correlation-based signature analysis technique that is especially suitable for mixed-signal test at the wafer-level using low-cost digital testers. The proposed method overcomes the limitations of measurement inaccuracies at the wafer-level. A generic cost model is used to evaluate the effectiveness of wafer-level testing of analog and digital cores in a mixed-signal SoC, and to study its impact on test escapes, yield loss, and packaging costs. Experimental results are presented for a typical mixed-signal ldquobig-D/small-Ardquo SoC, which contains a large section of flattened digital logic and several large mixed-signal cores.
High-resolution 13C NMR studies of cellulose and cellulose oligomers in ionic liquid solutions

High-resolution 13C NMR studies of cellulose and cellulose oligomers dissolved in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C4mim]Cl) show that the β-(1→4)-linked glucose oligomers are disordered in this medium and have a conformational behavior which parallels the one observed in water, and thus, reveal that the polymer is disordered in IL solution as well.
Adaptive Channel Reuse in Cellular Systems

In cellular systems a large reuse distance reduces co-channel interference while a small reuse distance increases bandwidth allocated to each cell. The optimal reuse distance is chosen to balance these two factors. Instead of applying a fixed reuse distance to the entire system, in this paper we study the effect of adaptive channel reuse based on channel strength. Assuming the traditional single base station transmission, adaptive channel reuse under different propagation models, with or without fading, is analyzed for the Wyner linear cellular model. A new approach where base stations collaborate in transmission is also considered. We observe that adjacent base cooperation does not show much advantage over traditional single base transmission under intra-cell orthogonal schemes and AWGN channel models. In order to fully exploit the benefit of base station cooperation, more sophisticated transmission schemes need to be investigated.
Wishful Seeing: More Desired Objects Are Seen as Closer

Although people assume that they see the surrounding environment as it truly is, we suggest that perception of the natural environment is dependent upon the internal goal states of perceivers. Five experiments demonstrated that perceivers tend to see desirable objects (i.e., those that can fulfill immediate goals—a water bottle to assuage their thirst, money they can win, a personality test providing favorable feedback) as physically closer to them than less desirable objects. Biased distance perception was revealed through verbal reports and through actions toward the object (e.g., underthrowing a beanbag at a desirable object). We suggest that seeing desirable objects as closer than less desirable objects serves the self-regulatory function of energizing the perceiver to approach objects that fulfill needs and goals.