cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin and IGF-2 support rat corneal endothelial cell growth and wound repair in the organ cultured tissue.

The ability of insulin and IGF-2 to support wound repair in the organ-cultured rat corneal endothelium was investigated. Corneas given a circular transcorneal freeze injury, were explanted into organ cultures containing either insulin or IGF-2 and cultured up to72 h. Both factors increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation and mitotic levels compared to controls. Insulin's ability to mediate wound closure without serum was dependent on its continuous presence in the medium. PKC was also investigated in endothelial repair using the PKC promoter phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Concentrations between 10-6 and 10-8 M, PMA failed to accelerate wound closure. When injured endothelia were cultured in the presence of insulin and the PKC inhibitor H-7, wound closure was also unaffected. These results indicate that insulin and IGF-2 stimulate cell growth in injured rat corneal endothelium and that insulin without the benefit of serum promotes wound closure in situ independent of the PKC pathway.
Systemic toxicity induced by topical application of heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) in a murine model.

Abstract Heptafluorobutyric acid (PFBA) is a synthetic chemical belonging to the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) group that includes over 5000 chemicals incorporated into numerous products. PFBA is a short-chain PFAS (C4) labeled as a safer alternative to legacy PFAS which have been linked to numerous health effects. Despite the high potential for dermal exposure, occupationally and environmentally, dermal exposure studies are lacking. Using a murine model, this study analyzed serum chemistries, histology, immune phenotyping, and gene expression to evaluate the systemic toxicity of sub-chronic dermal PFBA 15-day (15% v/v or 375 mg/kg/dose) or 28-day (3.75–7.5% v/v or 93.8–187.5 mg/kg/dose) exposures. PFBA exposure produced significant increases in liver and kidney weights and altered serum chemistries (all exposure levels). Immune-cell phenotyping identified significant increases in draining lymph node B-cells (15%) and CD11b + cells (3.75–15%) and skin T-cells (3.75–15%) and neutrophils (7.5–15%). Histopathological and gene expression changes were observed in both the liver and skin after dermal PFBA exposure. The findings indicate PFBA induces liver toxicity and alterations of PPAR target genes, suggesting a role of a PPAR pathway. These results demonstrate that sustained dermal exposure to PFBA induces systemic effects and raise concerns of short-chain PFAS being promoted as safer alternatives.
Is Supervenience Asymmetric

After some preliminary clarifications, arguments for the supposed asymmetry of supervenience and determination, such as they are, are shown to be unsound. An argument against the supposed asymmetry is then constructed and defended against objections. This is followed by explanations of why the intuition of asymmetry is nonetheless so entrenched, and of how the asymmetric ontological priority of the physical over the non-physical can be understood without the supposed asymmetry of supervenience and determination.
Comparison of patient-reported quality of life outcome questionnaire response rates between patients treated surgically for renal cell carcinoma and prostate carcinoma

We sought to examine differences in response rates to quality of life (QoL) surveys in patients treated surgically for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and prostate cancer (PCa) and to analyze factors associated with non-response of the surveys. Patients who underwent surgery for RCC or PCa between 2006 and 2012 were offered enrollment in respective prospective cancer registries that included baseline and annual QoL assessments. We identified 201 RCC patients and 616 PCa patients who completed a baseline QoL survey and were mailed annual QoL surveys [RCC: SF-36, FACT–G (73 questions), PCa: EPIC, IIEF, Max-PC (80 questions)]. We compared patient characteristics between responders and non-responders using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and a Fisher’s Exact test for categorical variables. The overall response rates for the PCa and RCC groups were 63 and 48 % (p < 0.001), respectively. This difference in response rates remained when we limited analysis to only those with early stage disease (pT2 for PCa and pT1 RCC, 62 % vs. 52 %; p = 0.03). PCa characteristics associated with response included older age (64.1 vs 62.6 years, p = 0.032) and robotic versus open surgery (56 % vs 44 %; p = 0.009). There were no characteristics that were associated with response in RCC patients. Surgically treated PCa patients have higher QoL mail-based survey response rates compared to patients treated surgically for RCC. This difference holds true for clinically localized cancers as well.
Relation between Population Density and Cancer Incidence, Illinois, 1986–1990

Many investigators have examined urbanization gradients in cancer rates. The authors used incidence data for 1986 through 1990 from the Illinois State Cancer Registry, a large, population-based incidence registry, to identify race-specific, urban-rural trends in cancer rates. Using population density, they categorized an urbanization gradient into four groups. Five-year, average annual age-adjusted, site-specific incidence rates were calculated for all sex-race strata within each population density group. Monotonic and statistically significant cancer incidence trends across all race-sex groups were found for cancers of the esophagus, liver, lung, female breast and cervix, male prostate, nervous system, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, and all cancers combined. No trend was observed for blacks that was not also seen for whites; however, significant trends for cancer of the pancreas and Hodgkin's disease were seen for whites but not for blacks. Colon cancer in males was the only sex-specific trend in cancer that can occur in both sexes. Analytic studies for sites with consistent urban-rural trends across all race-sex groups may be fruitful in identifying the aspect of population density, or other unmeasured factor, that contribute to these trends.
Tribological properties of carbon nanotube bundles predicted from atomistic simulations

Abstract Classical molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the responses of bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes to compressive and shear forces between two sliding diamond surfaces. The forces on the atoms in the simulations are determined using a many-body reactive empirical potential for hydrocarbons coupled to Lennard–Jones potentials. The simulations predict that the nanotubes can be subjected to high shear forces prior to wear because of their flexibility. The response to the applied shear forces is sliding of the bundle or a combination of sliding and rolling, where the exact responses depend on the orientation and bonding of the nanotube bundle to the sliding surfaces. No rolling of carbon nanotubes against other nanotubes in the bundle is predicted to occur in any of the orientations considered.
Migration, Food Habits, and Predation on Yearling Coho Salmon in a Lake Michigan Tributary and Bay

Abstract Migration of newly planted yearling coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) out of a Lake Michigan tributary and through the connecting bay was monitored with trap nets and pound nets in April-June 1968 and 1969. Concurrently, food habits of coho and their potential piscine predators were examined. Yearling coho migrated out of the Whitefish River within 2 wk and through northern Little Bay de Noc within 4 wk. They fed primarily on insects and crustaceans in both river and bay. Coho were eaten by only 2 of 221 predatory fishes examined. Thus, yearling coho did not prey upon or compete significantly with native game fishes for food, nor were they utilized as food extensively by resident fishes.
Why don't predators have positive effects on prey populations?

Three mechanisms by which increasing predation can increase prey population density are discussed: (1) Additional predation on species which have negative effects on the prey; (2) Predation on consumer species whose relationship with their own prey is characterized by a unimodal prey isocline; (3) Predation on species which adaptively balance predation risk and food intake while foraging. Possible reasons are discussed for the rarity of positive effects in previous predator-manipulation studies; these include the short-term nature of experiments, the large magnitudes of predator density manipulation, and various sources of bias in choice of system and interpretation of results.
Structural characterization of the mouse Foxf1a gene.

Abstract Members in the superfamily of the forkhead/winged-helix transcription factors are known to play a critical role in the control of cell differentiation and tissue development. To understand the regulation and function of these genes, we have initially isolated and characterized the mouse Foxf1a gene, a novel forkhead gene predominantly expressed in the lung. The mouse gene consists of two exons with the forkhead domain contained in exon 1, and is located at band E1 on chromosome 8. Amino acid sequence of the mouse protein shares a high degree of homology to that of the corresponding human protein. The tissue specificity of expression of the mouse gene also resembles that found in the human gene. This gene is primarily expressed in the lung, and to a lesser extent in placenta and tissues in gastrointestinal tract. The transcription start site was mapped to 113 nucleotides upstream from the putative translation initiation site. The promoter of the mouse gene is highly GC rich and contains neither a CAAT nor a TATA box. A series of luciferase report constructs driven by the promoter and various deletions in the 5′ flanking region of the gene were constructed and employed in transient transfection studies using a line of SV40 transformed mouse lymph node endothelial cells (SVEC4–10), which express the endogenous Foxf1a gene, and a line of mouse hepatoma cells (Hepa 1–6), in which Foxf1a is not expressed. To our surprise, these reporter genes are equally active in both cell lines. Further studies have shown that the proximal 5′ flanking sequence and exon 1 of the endogenous gene are highly methylated in Hepa 1–6 cells but not in SVEC4–10 cells, suggesting that DNA methylation but not cell-specific transcription factor(s) regulates cell specificity of gene expression in these cultured cells.
Atmospheric pressure thermal dissociation of phospho- and sulfopeptides

Several phospho- and sulfopeptides were subjected to atmospheric pressure thermal dissociation (APTD), which was effected by passing peptide ions generated by electrosonic spray ionization (ESSI) through a heated coiled metal tube. Sequence informative fragment ions including a-, b-, c-, and y-types of ions were observed with increased relative intensities under APTD compared with collision-induced dissociation (CID), performed inside the ion trap. A certain degree of preservation of phosphate and sulfate ester moieties was observed for some fragments ions under APTD. The neutral fragments generated outside the mass spectrometer were further analyzed via on-line corona discharge to provide rich and complementary sequence information to that provided by the fragment ions directly obtained from APTD, although complete losses of the modification groups were noted. Improved primary sequence information for phospho- and sulfopeptides was typically obtained by analyzing both ionic and neutral fragments from APTD compared with fragment ions from CID alone. Localization of the modification sites of phospho- and sulfopeptides was achieved by combining the structural information acquired from APTD and CID.
Child care, disability, and family structure: Use and quality in a population-based sample of low-income preschool children

Abstract The National Survey of America's Families (NSAF) was analyzed to examine the use and quality of child care of low-income preschool children with disabilities as contrasted to low-income nondisabled children. Family structure is a stronger predictor of child care use than disability status. Disabled and nondisabled children living with single parents show similarly elevated rates of participation in child care. Important differences were found in the use and quality of child care. Our findings related to the extremely low cost of care for disabled children living with single parents may suggest particularly deleterious developmental outcomes for these children. These findings suggest the need for child care subsidies directed at low-income disabled children and their families. Further, the protective enforcement of minimum standards of care may require further analysis.
PP-172. Prospective analysis of 109 term cases of breast-feeding associated hypernatremia

Newborns (n=72) were randomized into two groups, despite of the dose of lipid infusion. Group I (n=37) received 0.5 g/kg on the 1st day, 1.0 g/kg on the 2nd day, 1.5 g/kg on the 3rd day, 2.0 g/kg on the 4th day and 3.0 g/kg on the 5th day of life. Group II (n=35) received 1.5, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 g/kg of lipids respectively. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG) were measured at 24, 48 h and on the 5th day of life. Additionally we calculated the amount of parenteral calories obtained in both groups.
Homologous and heterologous immunization against the metacestodes of Taenia saginata and Taenia taeniaeformis in cattle and mice.

Cattle and mice were immunized against infection withTaenia saginata andTaenia taeniaeformis, respectively, using antigens obtained from both homologous and heterologous species of cestodes. Mice were protected against infection withT. taeniaeformis when they were immunized intramuscularly or orally with either a somatic antigen extracted from the metacestodes or an excretory/secretory (E/S) antigen collected during the in vitro culture of oncospheres ofT. taeniaeformis. Also, the intramuscular or oral immunization of mice with the E/S antigens from the oncospheres ofT. saginata was highly effective in inducing protection against infection withT. taeniaeformis, as was intramuscular immunization with a somatic antigen extracted from the metacestodes ofTaenia crassiceps and prior infection with viable metacestodes ofT. crassiceps. Furthermore, three-month-old calves developed a protective immunity against infection withT. saginata when they were immunized intramuscularly with the E/S products of oncospheres of the homologous parasite or a heterologous parasite,T. taeniaeformis. In addition, the E/S products of the heterologous parasite,T. taeniaeformis, as well as the homologous parasite,T. saginata, were highly effective when used to immunize pregnant heifers, either intramuscularly or via the intramammary route, resulting in a passive transfer of immunity againstT. saginata to newborn calves.
Gastroschisis complicated by midgut atresia and closure of the defect in utero

Abstract The authors report an unusual case in which a neonate with the prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis was born with midgut atresia and had had spontaneous closure of the defect.
Performance evaluation of laser-induced breakdown spectrometry as a multimetal continuous emission monitor.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been evaluated as a multimetal continuous emissions monitor (CEM) at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rotary kiln incinerator simulator (RKIS) facility in Raleigh, NC. Two detection systems with a bifurcated optical fiber bundle were used for simultaneously monitoring the concentrations of Be, Cd, Cr, and Hg in the test. Two calibration techniques were evaluated in the laboratory for the field measurements. On-line calibration of relative metal concentration was also performed in the simulated incinerator gas stream. Toxic metal concentrations measured with LIBS have been compared with the EPA reference method (RM) results.
Energy efficient communications in quantum chemistry applications

Modern supercomputing platform designers are becoming increasingly aware of the operational costs and reliability issues, which are rising due to high power consumption of such systems. At the same time, high-performance application developers are taking pro-active steps towards less energy consumption without a significant performance loss. One way to accomplish energy savings during application execution is to change the processor frequency dynamically when processor is not busy, such as during certain communication stages. Previously, the authors have proposed a runtime procedure that identifies communication phases in parallel applications to apply frequency scaling efficiently and without much overhead. The present work applies the phase detection procedure to parallel electronic structure calculations, performed by a widely used package GAMESS. High computational intensity of these calculations and the GAMESS communication model, which distinguishes computation and communication processes, motivated the investigations in this paper. They have led to several insights as to the role of process-core mapping in the application of dynamic frequency scaling during communications.
Network Aware VM Migration in Cloud Data Centers

Host virtualization allows data centers to live migrate an entire virtual Machine (VM) to support data center maintenance, disaster avoidance and workload balancing. Live VM Migration can consume nearly the entire bandwidth for memory intensive applications which impacts the performance of competing flows in the network. A network-aware VM Migration operation ensures a fair share allocation of network resources, leading to a seamless Virtual Machine mobility while minimizing degradation of network performance. Recently, VMPatrol was proposed as a network aware VM Migration model which uses a single physical machine and QoS policies to simulate and implement a cost of migration model. However, the performance evaluation of VMPatrol was conducted in an emulated environment. In this paper, we empirically evaluate the performance of VMPatrol in an experimental GENI testbed characterized by wide-area network dynamics and realistic traffic scenarios. We deploy OpenFlow end to end QoS policies to reserve minimum bandwidths required for successful VM Migration. Preliminary results demonstrate that enforcing QoS policies in terms of bandwidth reservation relieves the network of possible overloads during migration. The results indicate that time taken to complete VM Migration depends on VM's memory size, VM page dirty rate and the available bandwidth. The results also indicate that length of stop copy phase and minimum required progress amount are critical parameters in estimating the VM migration cost.
Optimisation of hydrolysis conditions and fractionation of peptide cryoprotectants from gelatin hydrolysate.

Abstract The inhibition of ice crystal growth in an ice cream mix by gelatin hydrolysate produced by papain action was studied. The ice crystal growth was monitored using a cold stage by thermal cycling between −14 and −12 °C at a rate of one cycle per 3 min. Optimum conditions for producing cryoprotective peptides from bovine gelatin (Type 225B40) was investigated by incubating gelatin with papain at pH 7.0 for various times (10–60 min), temperatures (37, 45, and 55 °C), and enzyme-to-gelatin (E/S) ratios (1:10 to 1:100). The hydrolysate obtained after 30 min at 37 °C and pH 7.0 (E/S ratio of 1:10) substantially inhibited ice crystal growth in an ice cream mix. The molecular weight range of ice crystal growth inhibiting peptides was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation – time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry after fractionation on Sephadex G-50 and SP-Sephadex C-25 chromatography columns. Cationic gelatin peptides with average molecular mass in the range of 700–1400 Da significantly reduced ice crystal growth in an ice cream mix by a factor of ten under identical experimental conditions.
Asymptotic optimality of statistical multiplexing in pipelined processing

The throughput of pipelined processing ofheterogeneous multitasked jobs is computed and optimized in this study. There areK job classes. Each job hasM tasks which have to be processed in a given order (same for all tasks) on a pipeline ofM processors. Tasks have random processing times. The jobs of each class form a stationary and ergodic sequence (with respect to their task processing times). Classes are differentiated by distinct statistics and may not be jointly stationary or ergodic. Thus, the jobs are overall statistically heterogeneous. We are interested in the average execution time per job\(\bar \tau \), when the job populations of the various classes become very large (asymptotically). This is shown to depend on the order in which jobs enter the pipeline. Under the natural class-based ordering, where all jobs of the first class enter first, followed by those of the second, third, and so on, the quantity\(\bar \tau \) is computed, but is shownnot to attain its minimal value in general. On the contrary, appropriate statistical multiplexing of jobs of different classes on the pipeline is shown to minimize the average execution time per job on every sample path (with probability one). The procedure, calledbalanced statistical multiplexing, is constructed and the minimal\(\bar \tau \) is computed in terms of the average execution times of the job tasks.
Performance of cat's eye modulating retro-reflectors for free-space optical communications

Modulating retro-reflectors (MRR) couple passive optical retro-reflectors with electro-optic modulators to allow free-space optical communication with a laser and pointing/acquisition/tracking system required on only one end of the link. In operation a conventional free space optical communications terminal, the interrogator, is used on one end of the link to illuminate the MRR on the other end of the link with a cw beam. The MRR imposes a modulation on the interrogating beam and passively retro-reflects it back to the interrogator. These types of systems are attractive for a asymmetric communication links for which one end of the link cannot afford the weight, power or expense of a conventional free-space optical communication terminal. Recently, MRR using multiple quantum well (MQW) modulators have been demonstrated using a large area MQW placed in front of the aperture of a corner-cube. For the MQW MRR, the maximum modulation can range into the gigahertz, limited only by the RC time constant of the device. This limitation, however, is a serious one. The optical aperture of an MRR cannot be too small or the amount of light retro-reflected will be insufficient to close the link. For typical corner-cube MQW MRR devices the modulator has a diameter between 0.5-1 cm and maximum modulation rates less than 10 Mbps. In this paper we describe a new kind of MQW MRR that uses a cat’s eye retro-reflector with the MQW in the focal plane of the cat’s eye. This system decouples the size of the modulator from the size of the optical aperture and allows much higher data rates. A 10 Mbps free space link over a range of 1 km is demonstrated. In addition a laboratory of a 70 Mbps MQW focal plane is described.
Pheromone-induced anorexia in male Syrian hamsters

Transition from long days (LDs) to short days (SDs) triggers seasonal obesity in Syrian hamsters. We report here that SD-exposed males housed near females exhibit obesity resistance, episodic weight loss, and reduced adiposity. Negative energy balance is achieved by reduced eating, elevated motor activity, and increased caloric efficiency without metabolic compensation. Circulating leptin, insulin, testosterone, corticosterone, and cortisol are normal or reduced in obesity-resistant hamsters. When males are housed in chambers that block physical, visual, and auditory, but not pheromonal, signals from females, resistance to seasonal obesity persists. Moreover, inhalation of extracts from pheromone-releasing flank glands of females suppresses eating and weight gain in SD-exposed males. This novel phenomenon, pheromone-induced anorexia, shows that female pheromones play a critical role in the seasonal energy balance of male hamsters. These findings provide a model to study neural and endocrine mechanisms that underlie eating disorders.
Direct Embryogenesis from Mesophyll Cells of Orchardgrass

Segments taken from the basal 15 to 20 millimeters of the two innermost leaves of an orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) genotype produced somatic (nonzygotic) embryos directly from mesophyll cells without an intervening callus when cultured on an agar medium with 30 micromolar 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba). This demonstration of high-frequency embryogenesis from mesophyll cells in Gramineae is strong evidence for totipotency of the cells.
Local spectrum of a superconductor as a probe of interactions between magnetic impurities

Qualitative differences in the spectrum of a superconductor near magnetic impurity pairs with moments aligned parallel and antiparallel are derived. A proposal is made for a new, nonmagnetic scanning tunneling spectroscopy of magnetic impurity interactions based on these differences. Near parallel impurity pairs the mid-gap localized spin-polarized states associated with each impurity hybridize and form bonding and anti-bonding molecular states with different energies. For antiparallel impurity moments the states do not hybridize; they are degenerate.
On-chip error correction with unreliable decoders: Fundamental physical limits

Performance-power-area tradeoffs for on-chip error correction with unreliable decoders are considered from a physical-information-theoretic perspective. Fundamental upper bounds on information throughput under decoding power and heat removal constraints are obtained as a function of decoder efficacy for (n, k) linear block codes. Evaluation of these bounds is demonstrated for implementation of a (7,4) Hamming code in an illustrative example involving a classical bit-flip channel and a noisy decoder, and extension to codes with memory is briefly discussed. These bounds depend only on the statistical decoder input characteristics, the efficacy with which the decoder implements its intended function, and the decoder area; they are not derived from technology-specific assumptions about the decoder circuitry. As such, they can be used to explore tradeoffs between ultimate capabilities and resource requirements in the kinds of error correction scenarios that may be encountered in post-CMOS nanocomputing systems, where the decoding hardware designed to enhance reliability may itself be unreliable.
MDMA produces stimulant-like conditioned locomotor activity.

Daily administration of a drug in a distinctive environment establishes contingencies that support Pavlovian conditioning. Environmental cues that are paired with the drug injection and that predict the onset of drug action can become conditioned stimuli. Ultimately, the conditioned stimuli come to predict the availability of drug and develop the potential to engender conditioned drug responses. Various psychostimulant drugs can produce conditioned locotnotion when tested in the presence of environmental cues that were repeatedly associated with the drug experience. The ability of amphetamine and cocaine to produce conditioned locomotion was demonstrated in the present study. Stimulant-like properties of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have been reported in locomotor paradigms, drug discrimination procedures, and human subjective questionnaires. MDMA (5 mg/kg), paired for 5 days to a distinct environment signalled by the presence of a distinct odor, produced enhanced locomotion during a test probe with the odor alone indicating that MDMA can also produce conditioned locomotion. The observation that the stimulus properties of MDMA can also become associated with environmental cues supports the hypothesis that some of the behavioral effects of MDMA resemble those of other classical psychostimulants such as amphetamine and cocaine.
Car Ownership and Suicide by Car Exhaust in Nations of the World

For 28 nations of the world in 1980, per capita ownership of cars was significantly associated with the use of car exhaust for suicide.
The small-signal A.C. response of β-PbF2

Abstract The small-signal a.c. response of symmetrical cells with nominally pure or bismuth-doped β-PbF 2 as solid electrolyte and Pt or Au electrodes has been studied at controlled oxygen pressures over the frequency range 10 −4 Hz to 50kHz for temperatures ranging from 25°C to 450°C. The results indicate that oxygen is present as a mobile impurity in β-PbF 2 and in Pb 1−x Bi x F 2+x and participates in an electrode adsorption-reaction sequence. The data have been interpreted with the aid of three different, but related, equivalent circuits, one involving a constant-phase-angle element, the second a single finite-length Warburg element, and the third two finite-length Warburg elements. Nonlinear-least squares analysis of the complex admittance data yields the dependence of the circuit elements on temperature and oxygen pressure.
Fractionating Verbal Episodic Memory in Alzheimer's Disease

The aim of this study was to determine the neural correlates of different stages of episodic memory function and their modulation by Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several decades of work has supported the role of the medial temporal lobes (MTL) in episodic memory function. However, a more recent work, derived in part from functional neuroimaging studies, has suggested that other brain structures make up a large-scale network that appears to support successful encoding and retrieval of episodic memories. Furthermore, controversy exists as to whether dissociable MTL regions support qualitatively different aspects of memory (hippocampus: contextual memory or 'recollection'; perirhinal/lateral entorhinal cortex: item memory or 'familiarity'). There is limited neuropsychological support for these models and most work in AD only has examined free recall memory measures. We studied the relationship between performance on different stages of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), a 15-item word list learning task, and structural MRI measures in mild AD patients. Structural measures included hippocampal volume and cortical thickness of several ROIs known to undergo atrophy in AD. Correlation and multiple regression analyses, controlling for age, education, and gender, were performed in 146 mild AD patients (MMSE 23.3±2.0). To evaluate the robustness of these relationships, similar analyses were performed with additional standardized verbal memory measures. Early immediate recall trials (e.g. Trial 1 of the AVLT) were not associated with the size of MTL regions, but correlated most strongly with inferior parietal, middle frontal gyrus, and temporal pole ROIs. After repeated exposure (e.g. Trial 5 of the AVLT), immediate recall was correlated with both MTL and a similar distribution of isocortical structures, but most strongly the temporal pole. For delayed recall, only the hippocampus correlated with performance. In contrast, for delayed recognition discrimination, the perirhinal/entorhinal cortex correlated more strongly than the hippocampus; no other isocortical regions were strongly associated with performance. Convergent results were found for immediate and delayed trials of other memory tests. The current results suggest that a richer understanding of the memory deficits in AD can be gained by examining multiple measures, which tap different aspects of memory function. Furthermore, the present findings are consistent with models hypothesizing different stages of verbal list learning map onto dissociable brain regions. These data have implications for understanding the anatomic basis of processes underlying episodic memory, particularly related to a division of labor within the medial temporal lobes and within the large-scale MTL-cortical memory network.
Contrast enhancement of soft tissues in computed tomography images

Even though soft tissues are of primary interest to radiologists, they are represented using only 12.5% of the total number of gray levels in a typical DICOM format of a Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This poor distribution of gray levels reduces the overall contrast and the texture differences between individual organs, and poses a serious visualization problem since radiologists need clear visual representations of organs to produce proper diagnoses. In order to enhance the contrast within the soft tissues, the gray levels can be redistributed both linearly and nonlinearly using the gray level frequencies of the original CT scan. We propose a new nonlinear approach for contrast enhancement of soft tissues in CT images using both clipped binning and nonlinear binning based on a k-means clustering algorithm. The optimal number of bins, in particular the number of gray-levels, is chosen automatically using entropy and average distance between the histogram of the original gray-level distribution and the contrast enhancement function's curve. The contrast enhancement results were obtained and evaluated using 141 CT images of the chest and abdomen from two normal CT studies.
Comprehensive hyperspectral system simulation: II. Hyperspectral sensor simulation and premliminary VNIR testing results

An end-to-end hyperspectral system model with applications to space and airborne sensor platforms is under development and testing. In this paper we discuss current work in the development of the sensor model and the results of preliminary testing. It is capable of simulating collected hyperspectral imagery of the ground as sensors operating from space or airborne platforms would acquire it. Dispersive hyperspectral imaging sensors operating from the visible through the thermal infrared spectral regions can be modeled with actual hyperspectral imagery or simulated hyperspectral scenes used as inputs. In the sensor model portion, fore-optics (misalignment), dispersive spectrometer designs, degradations (platform motion, smile, keystone, misregistration), focal plane array (temperature drift, nonuniformity/nonlinearity), noise (shot, dark, Johnson, 1/f, RMS read, excess low frequency), analog-to-digital conversion, digital processing, and radiometric/temporal/wavelength calibration effects are included. The overall model includes a variety of processing algorithms including constant false alarm rate anomaly detection, spectral clustering of backgrounds for anomaly detection, atmospheric compensation, and pairwise adaptive linear matching for detection and classification. Results of preliminary testing using synthetic scene data in the visible/near infrared portion of the spectrum are discussed. Potential applications for this modeling capability include processing results performance prediction and sensor parameter specification trade studies.
The Role of System-Thinking Development and Experiential Learning on Enterprise Transformation

During challenging market conditions, enterprises have to find ways to develop and train their workforce in a manner that enhances the innovative capabilities of the enterprise. Additionally, if companies are to stay competitive, they have to ensure critical skills in their workforce are transferred from generation to generation. This study builds on recent research on system-thinking development and experiential learning methodologies. First, a conceptual model was created in order to capture a methodology to construct a system-thinking apprenticeship program for system engineers. Then, a survey of system engineering professionals was conducted in order to assess the proposed model; the findings of the model are presented and the implications of the study are discussed.
A unique morphotype of grapevine somatic embryos exhibits accelerated germination and early plant development

A unique morphotype of normally dicotyledonous somatic embryos was observed among in vitro cultures of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Chardonnay. This unique morphotype occurred commonly in a predictable frequency and was easily distinguished by its characteristic, enlarged hypocotyl and distinctive single cotyledon. Histological and scanning electron microscope observations confirmed the complete absence of one cotyledon with concomitant presence of a significantly larger shoot apical meristem. Germination studies showed that this unique morphotype produced shoots earlier; however, overall plant regeneration and establishment in vivo did not differ from those of normal somatic embryos. To date, there have been no distinct, phenotypic differences among the regenerated plants. We hypothesize that the larger shoot apical meristem region was responsible for early shoot development. Other than the loss of one cotyledon during embryo development, this off-type functions as a 'normal' somatic embryo.
Rendezvous-based directional routing: A performance analysis

The increased usage of directional methods of communications to improve medium reuse, network capacity, and bandwidth has prompted research into leveraging directionality in every layer of the network stack. Recently, there has been work on bringing the apparent capacity gains on layer 2 using directional communications methods to layer 3 by using directionality to route packets scalably in unstructured, flat networks. In their protocol, Orthogonal Rendezvous Routing Protocol, Cheng et al. [1] showed that by ”drawing” two lines orthogonal to each other at each node, it is possible to provide over 98% connectivity while maintaining only O(N3/2) evenly distributed states at a cost of only 1.2 path stretch. In this paper, we seek to provide more in-depth performance analysis by tuning additional factors such as the number of directions to transmit, the number of interfaces per node, among others, to understand its affect on varying network densities, topologies, connections, and traffic patterns. We show that by sending packets out in more directions, increased connectivity, smaller average path length, better goodput results only up to a point as compared to other routing protocols. The trade-off, however, is added state information maintained at each node and additional control packets received. We also show that the addition of more interfaces generally yields better packet delivery success, average path length, and goodput.
Mandibular shape in the genus Marmota (Rodentia, Sciuridae): A preliminary analysis using outlines

Abstract Marmots are of prominent interest for sociobiologists studying mammal societies. They are also a fascinating group on which to test congruence between morphological information and molecular phylogeny and the possible occurrence of homoplasy in the evolution of the sciurid skeleton. To investigate marmot morphological relationships, an analysis of the outlines of the posterior region of the marmot mandible was performed using Elliptic Fourier analysis. Outgroup species belonging to other sciurid genera were also included, and the efficacy of this technique to discriminate taxa based on the morphology of this mandibular region was assessed. The mandible outlines led to a partial separation of the groups under study, but the phylogenetic signal seems to be weak compared to previous studies of the marmot mandible. Indeed, epigenetic influences acting on the posterior region of the mandible, an area of insertion of important masticatory muscles, may be a source of phenotypic variation that can mask t...
Controlling terahertz emission from quantum wells

We show that quantum wells can be used as sources of controllable terahertz (THz) radiation. Excitation with an ultrafast laser pulse promotes charge carriers to the conduction band of a dc biased quantum well system. The induced wave packet oscillates back and forth through the structure and radiates in the THz frequency regime. In the devices considered, the radiation is tunable over a wide frequency range by varying the magnitude of the bias field. The amplitude of the emission can be altered by adjusting the frequency of the excitation laser. Pairs of phase-locked pulses can induce wave packets that interfere coherently with each other. The resulting THz signal is enhanced, diminished, or shifted by adjusting the delay time between excitation pulses. The THz emission can also be “sculpted” to possess desired characteristics. Two examples are considered in the text. First, we show that an optimized THz waveform can invert the population in a two-level system with a resonant π pulse. As a second example...
Mother's Education and Working: Effect on the School Child

(1972). Mother's Education and Working: Effect on the School Child. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 82, No. 1, pp. 27-37.
Galvanic deposition of 210Po at a rotating nickel disk electrode

Abstract A rotating disk electrode has been developed for the galvanic deposition of 208 Po and 210 Po on nickel for alpha spectroscopy.
Initial experience with Penumbra Coil 400 versus standard coils in embolization of cerebral aneurysms: a retrospective review

Background and purpose The Penumbra Coil 400 System (PC 400) is the newly introduced platinum coil system designed specifically to enhance filling efficiency by increasing coil diameter. Our goal was to study the packing and treatment advantage of the PC 4009s unique geometric configuration compared with conventional coils (controls). Materials and methods 16 aneurysms embolized with the PC 400 in 2011 were compared with 79 equally matched aneurysms embolized with conventional coils from 2004 to 2011. Primary outcomes assessed were acute packing density, embolization time, and the number of coils required for aneurysm occlusion. Results Aneurysm embolization with the PC 400 achieved a higher packing density (36.8% vs 28.1%; p Conclusions Compared with conventional coils, the PC 400 is more efficient in the embolization of cerebral aneurysms, achieving greater packing density with fewer coils and less time without compromising safety.
Creativity Techniques: Toward Improvement of the Decision Process

Selected creativity techniques to improve the decision process are illustrated, their application to the decision process elaborated, and their contribution to organization performance hypothesized. Impediments to the use of creativity techniques are discussed and suggestions made to reduce the effects of those impediments.
The Role of Cells Versus Matrix in Bone Induction

Earlier observations indicated that epithelial cells of urinary bladder, and transformed epithelial cells from human amnion (FL), epidermal carcinoma (HeLa), etc. can induce ectopic endochondral bone formation when implanted into the skeletal muscle of immunosuppressed or autologous animals. Such epithelial cells are associated with little matrix. Bone-inducing activity was also demonstrated in cultured osteosarcoma cells of murine and human origin or extracts thereof, and it is notable that these bone-inducing osteosarcoma cells grow in vitro with little matrix production. Finally, electron microscopy of in vitro cartilage induction showed that decalcified rodent bone that had been extensively extracted to remove cells still contained devitalized cells and cell fragments some of which made contact with inducible, cartilage-forming mesenchymal cells that had migrated in from cocultured muscle. Suggestions: These observations suggest that: 1) the bone-inducing agent(s) of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells may reside mostly in cells rather than matrix. Thus it may be premature to assume that bone "matrix" is the major source of bone-inducing agent in decalcified bone until the osteoinductive activity of residual bone cells has been assessed; and 2) that the osteoinductive agent, whether residing in epithelial cells or bone cells, may be the same or a similar factor operating through the same mechanism.
Internal consistency of dynamometer measurements in healthy subjects and stroke patients.

Measurements of strength from six muscle groups described in two previously completed reports were analyzed further using Cronbach alpha. The coefficients were greater than .948 for a small sample of stroke patients and a larger sample of healthy individuals. This finding shows in diverse samples that the measures possess internal consistency and are measuring the same underlying construct.
Leukemia specific loss of heterozygosity of MHC in a CLL patient: disease state impacts timing of confirmatory typing.

A 63 year old white male with refractory B-CLL presented for allogeneic HSCT evaluation; HLA typing was performed on PBL at time of WBC = 53 K, ALC = 47 K and revealed homozygosity at Class I locus and heterozygosity at Class II locus. Two siblings were full mismatches with the recipient and an unrelated search initiated. The patient was treated with Fludaribine and Rituxan complicated by aplastic anemia and bacteremia. Prior to transplant, confirmatory typing performed on PB revealed two full haplotypes at Class I and II. Sample identification error and the presence of third party lymphocyte engraftment as a result of prior red cell or granulocyte transfusion(s) were ruled out by STR analysis of 8 loci of all samples, T and B cells from cryopreserved PB at blast crisis were HLA typed independently. T cell typing yielded both complete haplotypes (genotype verified by offspring HLA typing); B cells typed for homozygous haplotype indicating loss of heterozygosity of MHC locus. Microarray based comparative genomic hybridization of tumor cells confirmed LOH at 6p.
Requirement for a hsp90 Chaperone-dependent MEK1/2-ERK Pathway for B Cell Antigen Receptor-induced Cyclin D2 Expression in Mature B Lymphocytes

A requirement for cyclin D2 in G1-to-S phase progression has been definitively established in mature B cells stimulated via the B cell antigen receptor (BCR). However, the identity of constituents of the BCR signaling cascade that leads to cyclin D2 accumulation remains incomplete. We report that inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK)-1/2 blocked BCR-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Inhibition of the MEK1/2-ERK pathway was sufficient to abrogate BCR-induced cyclin D2 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. Disruption of endogenous heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) function with geldanamycin abrogated BCR-induced cyclin D2 expression and proliferation. Geldanamycin effects were attributed to a selective depletion of cellular Raf-1 that interrupted BCR-coupled activation of MEK1/2 and ERK. By contrast, signaling through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase C pathways was not affected, suggesting that disruption of hsp90 function did not cause a general impairment of BCR signaling. These results suggest that the MEK1/2-ERK pathway is essential for BCR signaling to cyclin D2 accumulation in ex vivo splenic B lymphocytes. Furthermore, these findings imply that hsp90 function is required for BCR signaling through the Raf-1-MEK1/2-ERK pathway but not through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase- or protein kinase C-dependent pathways.
Shifts in Sex-Role after a Decade of Cultural Change

Traits and behaviors shift with cultural changes. During the past decade substantial changes have occurred in our society in the definition of appropriate sex-role behaviors. Consequently, a shift toward more androgynous sex-role behaviors, especially by individuals in their formative years, would be expected. The Bem Sex-role Inventory was administered to 98 women and 113 men at Brigham Young University and to 38 women and 84 men at the University of Tulsa. t tests between corresponding mean scores for the two universities were nonsignificant indicating the equivalence of those two samples of contemporary students. However, as expected, t tests showed that current students differed significantly from students a decade ago in that their scores represented an increase in androgynous sex-roles.
Activated charcoal--treatment or toxin?

Recently, a 2 ½-year-old child died from aspiration of activated charcoal used to treat an ingestion of an unknown blue liquid from a chemistry set.1 The substance was ultimately found to be methyl...