cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An agent-based model to study market penetration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

A spatially explicit agent-based vehicle consumer choice model is developed to explore sensitivities and nonlinear interactions between various potential influences on plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) market penetration. The model accounts for spatial and social effects (including threshold effects, homophily, and conformity) and media influences. Preliminary simulations demonstrate how such a model could be used to identify nonlinear interactions among potential leverage points, inform policies affecting PHEV market penetration, and help identify future data collection necessary to more accurately model the system. We examine sensitivity of the model to gasoline prices, to accuracy in estimation of fuel costs, to agent willingness to adopt the PHEV technology, to PHEV purchase price and rebates, to PHEV battery range, and to heuristic values related to gasoline usage. Our simulations indicate that PHEV market penetration could be enhanced significantly by providing consumers with ready estimates of expected lifetime fuel costs associated with different vehicles (e.g., on vehicle stickers), and that increases in gasoline prices could nonlinearly magnify the impact on fleet efficiency. We also infer that a potential synergy from a gasoline tax with proceeds is used to fund research into longer-range lower-cost PHEV batteries.
Millennium development goals at 10.

The article discusses the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Millennium Declaration, and prospects for using MDGs to end extreme poverty. The author notes commitments to achieving the MDGs regarding poverty made by past and current UN secretaries-general Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, respectively, as well as U.S. President Barack Obama.
Selective antagonism of the systemic vasodepressor response to PGE1 by d,1-11, 15-bisdeoxy PGE1.

Abstract Several bisdeoxy PGE 1 analogs are potent, competitive antagonists of PGE 1 -induced colonic contractions in the gerbil. The efficacy of these analogs in antagonizing PGE 1 -mediated systemic vasodepression has not been previously demonstrated. In this study, serial doses of PGs were administered before, during and after infusion of d,1–11, 15-bisdeoxy PGE 1 . Bolus injections of PGE 1 (3.0 μk/kg), PGE 2 (3.0 μg/kg) and PGI 2 (0.3 μg/kg) were administered via the right external jugular vein to male Wistar rats. PGE 1 , PGE 2 and PGI 2 decreased systemic arterial pressure 41%, 38% and 38%, respectively. The PGE 1 analog was infused (200 μg/kg/min) through the right common carotid artery. The analog itself had no effect on mean systemic arterial pressure, but maximum reversible inhibition (51%) of PGE 1 -mediated vasodepression occurred following a 50 minute infusion. No significant effect of the PGE 1 analog was observed on PGE 2 or PGI 2 -mediated vasodepression. These data demonstrate the ability to antagonize PGE 1 -mediated vasodepression, and to differentiate the vascular responses to PGE 1 and PGE 2 or PGI 2 .
Fabric dilatancy and the plasticity modeling of granular media

SUMMARY A novel conceptual model of the mechanics of sands is developed within an elastic–plastic framework. Central to this model is the realization that volume changes in anisotropic granular materials occur as a result of two fundamentally different mechanisms. The first is purely kinematic, dilative, and is the result of the changes in anisotropic fabric. There is also a second volume change in granular media that occurs as a direct response to changes in stress as in a standard elastic/plastic continuum. The inclusion of the two sources of volume change results in three important datum states. When subjected to isotropic strains, the resulting stress state in granular materials is not isotropic but lies upon the kinematic normal consolidation line. There exists a state at which the fabric-induced volumetric strain rate becomes equal to the stress-induced volumetric strain rate making the total plastic volumetric strain rate equal to zero. Granular response changes from contractive to dilative at this phase transformation line. The third datum state is the one in which the stress-induced volumetric strain rate is zero. The sand, however, continues to dilate at this state with the difference between stress and dilation ratio a constant as predicted by Taylor's stress–dilatancy rule. These predictions are shown in accordance with experimental data from a series of drained tests and undrained on Ottawa sand. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
C1 lateral mass screw placement with intentional sacrifice of the C2 ganglion: functional outcomes and morbidity in elderly patients

Placement of C1 lateral mass screws may be facilitated by intentional C2 root sacrifice. Functional outcomes and morbidity following intentional sacrifice of the C2 root have not been reported in the literature. The objective is to find out if intentional C2 nerve root sacrifice affects functional outcomes and operative morbidity in patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion with C1 lateral mass screws. The study is a case report. Twenty-two consecutive elderly patients (10 males, 12 females with an average age of 77 years) with C1–2 instability were treated with posterior cervical fusion using C1 lateral mass screw placement. Five patients had preservation of the bilateral C2 nerve roots (PRES group) and 18 patients had intentional sacrifice of the bilateral C2 nerve root (SAC group). Operative times, blood loss, hospital length of stay, and complications were recorded for each patient. Functional outcomes, pain, and satisfaction scores were compared between the two groups at the time of ultimate follow-up. Average follow-up time was 19.3 months (range 6–66). The SAC group demonstrated significantly decreased operative time (109.4 vs. 187 min) and a trend towards decreased blood loss (344 vs. 1,030 mL). At ultimate follow-up both groups experienced similar mild disability with no significant difference in NDI scores, analog pain, and satisfaction scores. No patient had C2 root dysesthesia, swallowing, or speech difficulty. In this small case series, intentional sacrifice of the bilateral C2 nerve root ganglion resulted in less operative time and decreased blood loss in elderly patents undergoing C1–2 posterior fusion with the Harms technique. Functional outcome, pain and satisfaction scores were not adversely affected when this technique was used in elderly patients.
On fundamental issues in texture evaluation and texturization--A view

Abstract Irrespective of the geometry and other factors, the human motor sensory system creates and processes signals in a manner that is qualitatively different from those produced by stiff mechanical testing machines. This is primarily because the tissues own deformability and rheological properties play a major role in the stimulus generation. Consequently, and unlike in man-made machines operating in their designed load range, the sensory sensitivity depends on both the rheological properties of the tissues involved and those of the specimen. Also, the sensory response to a mechanical stimulus is non linear and can be affected by adaptation and fatigue. Sensory evaluation and material science have different vocabularies and many sensory textural attributes are difficult to express in universal mechanical terms. It is, therefore, proposed to deepen the involvement of material science in texture studies and to relate the distribution of sensory responses to well defined and measurable mechanical properties like stiffness, toughness, elasticity and brittleness. Since textural differences are frequently accompanied by other organoleptic differences, hydrocolloids offer a unique way to create and control the mechanical properties of model and real foods with minimal effect on their flavor and color. Such foods, at least in principle, can reveal how mechanical properties are perceived. They can also help establish the human sensitivity to various mechanical properties thus helping the food industry not only to create and control desirable textural characteristics, but also to establish rational tolerance margins to the mechanical properties of its products.
The Adventures of Amos 'n' Andy: A Social History of an American Phenomenon

Forty million Americans indulged in a national obsession in 1930: they eagerly tuned in Amos 'n' Andy, the nightly radio comedy in which a pair of white actors portrayed the adventures of two black men making a new life in the big city. Meanwhile, some angry African Americans demanded that Amos 'n' Andy be banned, even as others gathered in the barbershops and radio stores of Harlem to chuckle over the adventures of Amos, Andy, and the Kingfish. Melvin Patrick Ely unveils a fascinating tale of America's shifting color line, in which two professional directors of blackface minstrel shows manage to produce a serives so rich and complex that it wins admirers ranging from ultra-racists to outspoken racial egalitarians. Eventually, the pair stir further controversy when they bring their show to television. In a preface written especially for this new edition of his acclaimed classic, Ely shows how white and black responses to his Adventures of Amos 'n' Andy since 1991 tell a revealing story of their own about racial hopes and fears at the turn of the twenty-first century.
Paraesophageal hernia in an elderly woman

We present a case of an elderly woman with a paraesophageal hernia. This is an uncommon type of hiatal hernia and may result in a surgical emergency if incarceration, obstruction, or strangulation is present. Our patient presented with a clinical picture consistent with myocardial ischemia. We discuss the differential diagnosis, the pathophysiology, complications, diagnostic studies, and treatment of this disease.
The Formation of the Peritrophic Membrane in Adult Aedes Triseriatus (Say) (Diptera: Culicidae)

The formation of the peritrophic membrane (PM) and aspects of the histology of the midgut are described from serial paraffin sections and dissections. A chitinous PM forms around a blood meal within 20 min. after ingestion. During the first 6 hr following feeding, PM formed in the anterior midgut is moved posteriorly and forms a wrinkled plug at the anterior end of the blood bolus. A possible function of this plug of PM is suggested. A remnant of the pupal meconium persists into the adult stage in the posterior midgut and appears in the blood bolus of most blood-fed specimens.
Analysis of the DRR230 family of pea defensins: gene expression pattern and evidence of broad host-range antifungal activity

A new member of the pea (Pisum sativum L.) defensin gene family (DRR230-c) was isolated and characterized. In the absence of pathogen infection, transcripts from this gene and that encoding a related defensin (DRR230-a) were detected at a relatively high level in several tissues with the exception of immature pods. Expression of these genes was activated in young pods, and further elevated in mature foliar tissues, following challenge with the fungal pathogen Ascochyta pinodes, as well as with compatible, incompatible and non-host races of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Induction of the defensin genes paralleled that of several known pathogenesis-related genes, including a PR-10 homolog and β-1, 3-glucanase. Pathogen-induced defensin gene activation appeared to occur only in the infected tissues, and not systemically throughout the plant. Transgenic tobacco plants expressing either of the two pea defensin genes under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter were generated. When compared to partially purified peptide extracts from untransformed tobacco plants, those from transgenic plants possessed a significantly higher potential to reduce the growth of several phytopathogenic fungi in vitro.
Solid-State film diffusion for the production of integrated optical waveguides

Solid-state film ion exchange (Ag + -Na + ) in glass substrates has been investigated for the fabrication of passive, integrated, optical waveguides. A new ion exchange mechanism is proposed which couples the oxidation of silver metal to silver oxide and the diffusion of silver ions into the glass substrate. At high electric fields and/or high temperatures, the growth rate of a silver oxide film limits the formation of mobile silver ions and constrains the diffusion of silver into the glass. This new mechanism is able to predict the dopant distribution profile under those conditions and under conditions where a constant surface concentration is appropriate (infinitely thick oxide film). It also explains the characteristics of the current vs. time curve measured during the ion exchange process. The formation and growth of the silver oxide film were confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis
Growth Factors and Signaling Proteins in Craniofacial Development

Regulation of growth and development is controlled by the interactions of cells with each other and the extracellular environment through signal transduction pathways that control the differentiation process by stimulating proliferation or causing cell death. This review will define the common signaling molecules and provide an overview of the general principles of signal transduction events. We also review the signal transduction pathways controlling one specific mechanism found in craniofacial development termed epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) employed during gastrulation, cranial neural crest migration, and secondary palate formation.
Virtual Sensor Networks - A Resource Efficient Approach for Concurrent Applications

Current focus of sensor networks is on systems dedicated for a specific application. Wide variety of circumstances point to the need for sensor network deployments capable of sharing the physical network resources. We introduce the concept of virtual sensor networks (VSN) to provide protocol support for the formation, usage, adaptation and maintenance of subsets of sensors collaborating on specific tasks. VSN concept also promises to enhance applications that involve dynamically varying subsets of sensor nodes collaborating tightly to achieve the desired outcomes, while relying on the remaining nodes to achieve connectivity and overcome the deployment and resource constraints. This article explores the concept, mechanisms, and benefits of using VSN. Examples of VSN support functionality include support for nodes to join and leave VSNs, broadcast within a VSN, and merging of VSNs. VSNs will simplify application deployment, enhance performance and scalability, facilitate resource sharing, and provide a degree of physical topology independence in wireless sensor networks. Deployment of overlapping sensor networks aimed at different tasks, especially in harsh environments, will also significantly benefit when organized as VSNs over a shared infrastructure
Notes on Horace

The sic of this passage is ordinarily taken as meaning, ‘on this condition,’ viz. the condition implied in reddas and serues . But du Mesnil ( Bremer Rundschau , 1885, No. 258) urged that this interpretation was illogical. The fulfilment of the condition implied in reddas involves in itself the realization of the wish expressed in regat , and so makes that wish unnecessary. To this objection two answers have been made. Schutz expresses the opinion that the prayer is for the perpetual enjoyment of the favourable conditions enumerated in verses 1–4. But apart from the unnaturalness of this explanation, it involves the north-west wind as the perpetual attendant of the vessel. This would prevent its easy return to Italy. The other answer is that such ‘matter of fact’ criticism should not be applied to poetry. But to the minds of many (myself among them) this seems a mere evasion of the question at issue. Most students of Horace, I venture to say, are far from satisfied with the traditional interpretation of the passage.
Cumulative carbon as a policy framework for achieving climate stabilization

The primary objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that will avoid dangerous climate impacts. However, greenhouse gas concentration stabilization is an awkward framework within which to assess dangerous climate change on account of the significant lag between a given concentration level and the eventual equilibrium temperature change. By contrast, recent research has shown that global temperature change can be well described by a given cumulative carbon emissions budget. Here, we propose that cumulative carbon emissions represent an alternative framework that is applicable both as a tool for climate mitigation as well as for the assessment of potential climate impacts. We show first that both atmospheric CO2 concentration at a given year and the associated temperature change are generally associated with a unique cumulative carbon emissions budget that is largely independent of the emissions scenario. The rate of global temperature change can therefore be related to first order to the rate of increase of cumulative carbon emissions. However, transient warming over the next century will also be strongly affected by emissions of shorter lived forcing agents such as aerosols and methane. Non-CO2 emissions therefore contribute to uncertainty in the cumulative carbon budget associated with near-term temperature targets, and may suggest the need for a mitigation approach that considers separately short- and long-lived gas emissions. By contrast, long-term temperature change remains primarily associated with total cumulative carbon emissions owing to the much longer atmospheric residence time of CO2 relative to other major climate forcing agents.
Wearable Sensing Glove With Embedded Hetero-Core Fiber-Optic Nerves for Unconstrained Hand Motion Capture

In this paper, we present a wearable sensing glove with embedded hetero-core fiber-optic nerve sensors that detect finger flexion to achieve unconstrained hand motion monitoring. The hetero-core fiber sensor is suited to the wearable sensing glove because it is capable of optical intensity-based measurements with excellent stability and repeatability using single-mode transmission fibers and is unaffected by temperature fluctuations. The hetero-core sensor elements are located on the back of the hand so that they are not affected by random wrinkles in the glove at the joints. As a result, the hetero-core flexion sensor after calibration is capable of detecting the joint angles of the fingers regardless of differences in hand size, and the hetero-core sensing technique enables the sensing glove to be constructed with a minimum number of sensor points. The optical loss performance of the hetero-core sensors reveals monotonic characteristics with respect to the flexion angle of joints. The optical loss is 1.35 dB for a flexion angle of approximately 97.2deg with accuracy of 0.89deg in the detected flexion angle. Real-time hand motion capture was demonstrated by means of the proposed sensing glove without restricting natural human behavior.
The Role of Family and Religion in the Local Politics of early Elizabethan England: The Case of Hampshire in the 1560s

Factionalism among the nobility and gentry was a common although by no means universal phenomenon of local politics in Tudor England. During the 1560s it was the foremost fact in the political life of Hampshire. Co-operation among the gentry is at least as significant a phenomenon for the historian as conflict. At the same time conflict is much more likely to have left documen tation. The amiable resolution of local issues would usually be celebrated by silence while a dispute was likely to culminate in a lawsuit. For Hampshire in the 1560s the survival of one of the earliest and most fully preserved disputed election cases in Star Chamber from the reign of Elizabeth provides crucial evidence of the occurrence of conflict and the motivations of the participants. Thanks to the existence of this material, which includes lists of voters for both sides, the members of both factions are clearly identified. In addition the local issues at stake are further clarified. As a result all of the evidence surviving for the entire decade can be tied together to produce a comprehensive picture of the local political situation in Hampshire.
Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of immune recovery uveitis macular edema.

Purpose To evaluate the use of intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) for the treatment of macular edema secondary to immune recovery uveitis (IRU) in patients with AIDS. Design Prospective, consecutive, interventional case series. Participants Eight eyes of 7 patients receiving 13 injections. Methods Prospective, consecutive, interventional case series of 13 injections involving 8 eyes in 7 patients who underwent an intravitreal injection of 20 mg decanted triamcinolone acetate for fluorescein angiographically proven IRU-related macular edema. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome measure was vision (using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart). Other outcome measures included fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. Results Visual acuity improved at all time points and was statistically significant at the 1-month and 3-month follow-up examinations. The average visual improvement was 3 lines at 3 months. Retinal volume and thickness improvement were statistically significant at all time points. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 9 months, and there were no cases of cytomegalovirus reactivation. Conclusions Previous studies showed that treatment with sub-Tenon repository steroids for the treatment of macular edema of IRU was only marginally effective. However, the current study shows that IVTA can be an effective short-term treatment for macular edema secondary to IRU in patients with AIDS. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the durability of the effect and to monitor for longer-term complications and outcomes.
In Vivo Modulation of T Cell Responses and Protective Immunity by TCR Antagonism during Infection

Infectious agents are known to express altered peptide ligands that antagonize T cells in vitro; however, direct evidence of TCR antagonism during infection is still lacking, and its importance in the context of infection remains to be established. In this study, we used a murine model of infection with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes and addressed three issues that are critical for assessing the role of TCR antagonism in the modulation of the immune response. First, we demonstrated that the antagonist peptide efficiently inhibited the ability of the agonist to prime naive TCR-transgenic T cells in vivo. Second, we showed clonal memory T cells were antagonized during recall responses, resulting in loss of protective immunity. Lastly, we observed that even in the context of a polyclonal response, TCR antagonism greatly inhibits the agonist-specific response, leading to altered hierarchy of immunodominance and reduced T cell memory and protective immunity. These results provide direct evidence of clonal TCR antagonism of naive and memory CD8 T cells during infection and demonstrate the effect of TCR antagonism on protective immunity. Thus, agonist/antagonist interactions may play an important role in determining the immunodominance and repertoire of T cell targets, and evaluation of immune responses and vaccine strategies may require examination of not only agonists but also antagonists and their interactions during an infection.
Management of fractures and exostosis of the metacarpals and metatarsals II and IV in 25 horses

Twenty-five cases of fractures of the second and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal (splint) bones were reviewed. Fourteen fractures involved a thoracic limb and 11 involved a pelvic limb. Fractures of the proximal one-third of splint bones are reported in one of two forms: fractures that are closed, or fractures with a permanent or intermittent draining sinus. Thirteen of the fractures presented were closed fractures and the remaining 12 were open. All of the closed fractures were managed by surgical excision of the distal fragment and the exostosis at the fracture site, followed by primary surgical wound closure. Lag screw fixation of the proximal fragment was used in three cases. All of the open fractures were managed surgically by excision of the distal splint fragment and debridement of the contaminated fracture site. Primary wound closure was used in 11 of the 12 cases. All closed fractures healed by primary intention, and 10 of 13 were free from lameness at one year follow-up. The 11 open wounds which were operated and subsequently closed under suture healed by primary intention. The wound left open healed by granulation, scar contraction, and epithelialisation. Eight of these horses were sound one year later. The remainder of the open fractures were lost to follow-up.
Estimation methods for stochastic Petri nets based on standardized time series

When a computer manufacturing telecommunication or transportation system is modeled as a stochastic Petri net, many long-run performance characteristics of interest can be represented as time-average limits of the underlying marking process. For nets with generally-distributed firing times such limits typically cannot be computed analytically or numerically, but must be estimated using simulation. We provide conditions on the clock-setting distributions and new-marking probabilities of a stochastic Petri net under which the output process of the simulation obeys both a strong law of large numbers and a multivariate function central limit theorem. It then follows from results of P.W. Glynn and D.L. Iglehart (1993) that strongly consistent point estimates and asymptotic confidence intervals for time-average limits can be obtained using methods based on standardized time series. In particular the method of batch means (with the number of batches fixed) is applicable. Moreover, the methods of D.F. Munoz and P.W. Glynn (1997) can be used to obtain point estimates and confidence intervals for ratios of time-average limits. All of these estimation methods apply to stochastic Petri nets for which the regenerative method for analysis of simulation output is not applicable.
Autism and potential family stressors

Abstract The diagnosis of a serious disability brings many changes to the family of the newly diagnosed member. Each family copes in their own way to these many changes. This paper examines some of the effects that a diagnosis of autism may bring to the family and some of the potential family stressors that the presence of such a youngster may present. Problem areas discussed include communication, bonding, early sleep patterns, unpredictable behavior, difficulties created by changes in routine, splinter effects, respite, and financial matters. Each of these represent topics that are extremely important for professional awareness when working with families who have a young child with autism.
Pioneering on the new frontiers of education

Today's higher education instructors have embarked on a far-ranging detour from the road regularly travelled. Technological enhancements are changing educational approaches by opening new channels for information distribution and instruction. North Dakota State University is taking advantage of such enhancements by bringing the World Wide Web into the classroom with the NDSU World Wide Web Instructional Project. The paper discusses the goals of the project.
Airborne Transmission of Bordetella pertussis

Pertussis is a contagious, acute respiratory illness caused by the bacterial pathogen Bordetella pertussis. Although it is widely believed that transmission of B. pertussis occurs via aerosolized respiratory droplets, no controlled study has ever documented airborne transmission of pertussis. We set out to determine if airborne transmission occurs between infected and naive animals, utilizing the baboon model of pertussis. Our results showed that 100% of exposed naive animals became infected even when physical contact was prevented, demonstrating that pertussis transmission occurs via aerosolized respiratory droplets.
A Study of substrate permittivity effects on the gain of planar inverted-F antennas

A planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) of fixed dimensions, with a 4.92 cm x 2.13 cm radiating element 4.4 mm high above the ground plane is evaluated with different substrates. The resonance frequency, the bandwidth and the gain are studied in relation to the relative dielectric constant of the perfect and lossy substrates. The results reveal that the normalized resonance frequency (Deltaf/f) decreases logarithmically and the gain drops linearly with a slope of 2 dB per decade.
Role of Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate in Late Preconditioning in Conscious Rabbits

Background— Although NO has been shown to serve both as the trigger and the mediator of the late phase of ischemic preconditioning (PC), it is unknown whether NO acts via activation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). The objective of this study was to investigate the role of sGC in late PC in conscious rabbits using the selective sGC inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Methods and Results— A total of 172 conscious rabbits were used. When nonpreconditioned rabbits were subjected to a sequence of 4-minute coronary occlusion/4-minute reperfusion cycles, myocardial cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels increased significantly at the end of the third and sixth occlusions. In rabbits preconditioned 24 hours earlier (on day 1) with six occlusion/reperfusion cycles, myocardial cGMP levels on day 2 were significantly higher than in nonpreconditioned rabbits even before ischemia but did not increase further during a second sequence of 4-minute occlusion/reperfusion cycles. Administr...
Sex‐ and tissue‐specific changes in mTOR signaling with age in C57BL/6J mice

Summary Inhibition of the mTOR (mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin) signaling pathway robustly extends the lifespan of model organisms including mice. The precise molecular mechanisms and physiological effects that underlie the beneficial effects of rapamycin are an exciting area of research. Surprisingly, while some data suggest that mTOR signaling normally increases with age in mice, the effect of age on mTOR signaling has never been comprehensively assessed. Here, we determine the age-associated changes in mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) and mTORC2 (mTOR complex 2) signaling in the liver, muscle, adipose, and heart of C57BL/6J.Nia mice, the lifespan of which can be extended by rapamycin treatment. We find that the effect of age on several different readouts of mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity varies by tissue and sex in C57BL/6J.Nia mice. Intriguingly, we observed increased mTORC1 activity in the liver and heart tissue of young female mice compared to male mice of the same age. Tissue and substrate-specific results were observed in the livers of HET3 and DBA/2 mouse strains, and in liver, muscle and adipose tissue of F344 rats. Our results demonstrate that aging does not result in increased mTOR signaling in most tissues and suggest that rapamycin does not promote lifespan by reversing or blunting such an effect.
A note on uniform extendability of automorphisms

Let be a smoothly bounded real analytic domain in and a compact subgroup of , its holomorphic automorphism group. It is shown that each element g of extends to a neighborhood of that is independent of g.
Radiation-Induced DNA Damage in Tumors and Normal Tissues. VI. Estimation of the HypoxicFraction of Experimental Tumors1

Abstract Kalia, V. K., Al-Nabulsi, I., Wallen, C. A., Zhang, H. and Wheeler, K. T. Radiation-Induced DNA Damage in Tumors and Normal Tissues. VI. Estimation of the Hypoxic Fraction of Experimental Tumors. For several years, we have concentrated our efforts on validating the use of radiation-induced DNA strand breaks and DNA–protein crosslinks to assess the oxygenation status of tumors and normal tissues. We have demonstrated that (1) the oxygen dependence of strand break formation is identical to that of radiation-induced cell killing; (2) the oxygen dependence of DNA–protein crosslink formation is the mirror image of that of radiation-induced cell killing; and (3) the formation of these radiation-induced DNA lesions is predominantly dependent on the oxygen concentration near the DNA and is independent of the cell type, metabolic status, proliferative status, pH of the surrounding environment, and composition or properties of the proteins tightly associated with the DNA. In the present study, the hypoxic ...
Taxing Problems: Municipalities and the Flawed System of Public Finance

The authors say that cities have inadequate revenue systems: they look at ways to stop the erosion of tax bases. Needs are changing, but revenue isn't growing enough to meet them, the authors say.
Cerebromicrovascular endothelial permeability in-vitro studies

Permeability of cerebromicrovascular endothelium has been investigated in a new model of cultured cells. The endothelial cells are grown on dextran microcarriers and constitute a barrier for trypan blue (TB) binding to the dextran beads. Changes in the permeability of microcarrier-cultured endothelium have been investigated during the exposure of cells to arachidonic acid or substances involved either in arachidonate metabolism or stimulation of cAMP. The results demonstrate enhanced TB passage through the endothelial barrier during exposure to high concentrations of arachidonic acid and indomethacin, but not to ibuprofen. The effect of indomethacin could be prevented by pretreatment with dexamethasone. Dexamethasone alone did not influence the barrier. Forskolin, a drug which stimulates the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase, did not affect the endothelial permeability to TB. These findings support the contention that substances derived from a disturbed cellular membrane contribute to the altered blood-brain barrier function found under pathological conditions.
Experimental engineering geologic maps of the conterminous United States prepared using computer techniques

A set of engineering geologic maps of the conterminous United States indicates areas with hazards to construction. The set includes: 1) a map showing by shades of gray the intensity of certain geologic conditions that might pose constraints to construction, with a base consisting of geologic information related to the physical properties of rocks and soils; 2) a map showing which hazards exist at any point on the map; and 3) a map showing where construction or land development may cause worsening of existing hazards and(or) secondary environmental effects. The geologic base was compiled in conventional fashion; the shades of gray or patterns for all maps were generated by computer. The computer techniques developed during the compilation can be used for black-and-white or color presentation of any comparisons or overlays of numerous maps or other data. Maap units outlined in digital form are converted to raster format for all manipulation and display. After digitizing a value code is given to the area enclosed by each outline. A program called “FILLIN” fills each area with the value code assigned to that area. A program called “ZIP” writes patterns within the windows created by FILLIN. A program called “COLOR” was developed to assign colors to density numbers assigned by FILLIN.
Repopulation by Aquatic Insects in Streams Sprayed with DDT

Population changes in Ephemerida, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera in two high-gradient mountain streams were studied over a 4-year period, following a large scale spray operation. A drastic and widespread reduction in all forms took place immediately after spraying. Trichopterans in cases of the type constructed by the family Leptoceridae were extremely numerous before spraying. No live specimens of this form were obtained during the succeeding 4-year period. Over this period, increase in numbers of Ephemerida in one stream was linear. Analysis of variance tests showed that, in every other instance, no numerical relationship existed in the repopulation of ephemerids or trichopterans. Population numbers of these two forms did not level off until 3 years after spray application. Populations of plecopterans leveled off the year following the spraying.
Abstract A84: ω3 rich diet protects against Kras-induced metaplasia via repression of NF-κB

Expression of mutant Kras is observed and often implicated in both pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Yet, the means by which inflammation occurs is relatively unexplored, although a previous report supports that induction of inflammation in the presence of oncogenic Kras initiates an NF-κB–mediated positive feedback loop that incorporates Cox-2 and production of PGE2 which further amplify mutant Kras. The involvement of PGE2 is interesting, as recent data suggests diets rich in ω6 fatty acids promote Kras induced pancreatic inflammation and neoplastic lesions. However, the precise mechanism and role of epigenetic events derived from diets rich in fatty acids have yet to be completely resolved. In this work, we demonstrate that a key step in this process is the induction and accumulation of NF-κB in pancreatic epithelia, a factor sufficient to promote chronic inflammation and progression to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In HPDE cells, inhibition of NF-κB shows promise, as treatment with the IKK inhibitor Bay11-7085 noticeably reduced levels of the pro-proliferative factor pAkt. In EL-Kras mice fed a diet rich in ω6 fatty acids, NF-kB is upregulated in the pancreas, predominantly in metaplastic lesions. Conversely, these transgenic mice fed an ω3 fatty acid diet show little, if any, NF-kB expression, which is similar to the response in mice fed an intermediate, isocaloric high fat diet. pAkt is known to act upstream of NF-κB, implicating that NF-κB may be involved in a positive feedback loop with a variety of Kras effectors culminating in pancreatitis and eventually pancreatic neoplasia/adenocarcinoma. It has also been demonstrated that the ω6 Cox2-metabolite PGE2 is mediating this response, though in cultured human pancreatic epithelia, Cox-2 inhibition showed no significant change on levels of NF-κB. Yet, Cox2 inhibition in the stroma may be synergistic with epithelial inhibition of NF-κB, offering protection against the progression from inflammation to cancer. This data provides support to multiple targets of chemoprevention and therapy, including Ras and IKK/NF-κB, for pancreatic neoplasia and cancer. Citation Format: Daniel R. Principe, Windel Emman T. Mascarinas, Chintan Chheda, Kevin Adrian, Riley Mangan, Lindsay C. Boven, Paul J. Grippo. ω3 rich diet protects against Kras-induced metaplasia via repression of NF-κB. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A84.
Postoperative Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Review.

Importance Radiotherapy (RT) after breast-conserving surgery for early-stage disease has become an integral part of breast cancer treatment. This article reviews the rationale and indications for adjuvant radiotherapy to the breast and regional lymph nodes. Observations Randomized trials have demonstrated a significant benefit in tumor control in the treated breast following whole-breast RT that, in aggregate, has resulted in an overall survival advantage compared with breast-conserving surgery alone. Recent studies have further assessed the impact of regional nodal irradiation in women with either high-risk node-negative or node-positive disease and suggest a significant benefit in regional control and breast cancer recurrence, but not in overall survival. Toxic effects, including lymphedema, were increased in the cohorts receiving comprehensive nodal RT. The benefits from regional RT should be weighed against potential radiation-associated toxic effects. Randomized trials have also demonstrated equal efficacy and toxic effects between hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated RT in appropriately selected patients. In addition, current efforts incorporating clinical, pathologic, and molecular features are under way to identify patients for whom RT to the breast can be safely omitted. Conclusions and Relevance Adjuvant RT in early-stage breast cancer significantly reduces in-breast tumor recurrence and improves overall survival. Although risk reductions observed in randomized trials have been relatively consistent across series, the absolute benefit of RT is not equal for all women. Efforts are under way to identify which patients benefit the most from local or locoregional RT vs those at very low risk for recurrence in whom RT can be omitted. For patients who will benefit from RT and are appropriate candidates, hypofractionated RT should be strongly considered.
Simulating Excited State Dynamics in Systems with Multiple Avoided Crossings Using Mapping Variable Ring Polymer Molecular Dynamics

Mapping variable ring polymer molecular dynamics (MV-RPMD) is an approximate quantum dynamics method based on imaginary-time path integrals for simulating electronically nonadiabatic photochemical processes. By employing a mapping protocol to transform from a discrete electronic state basis to continuous Cartesian phase-space variables, the method captures electronic state transitions coupled to nuclear motion using only classical MD trajectories. In this work, we extend the applicability of MV-RPMD to simulations of photoinduced excited electronic state dynamics in nonadiabatic systems with multiple avoided crossings. We achieve this by deriving a new electronic state population estimator in the phase space of electronic variables that is exact at equilibrium and numerically accurate in real time. Further, we introduce an efficient constraint protocol to initialize an MV-RPMD simulation to a particular electronic state. We numerically demonstrate the accuracy of this estimator and constraint technique in describing electronic state dynamics from an initial nonequilibrium state in six model systems, three of which describe photodissociation.
An Enzyme-Inspired Approach to Stochastic Allocation of Robotic Swarms Around Boundaries

This work presents a novel control approach for allocating a robotic swarm among boundaries. It represents the first step toward developing a methodology for encounter-based swarm allocation that incorporates rigorously characterized spatial effects in the system without requiring analytical expressions for encounter rates. Our approach utilizes a macroscopic model of the swarm population dynamics to design stochastic robot control policies that result in target allocations of robots to the boundaries of regions of different types. The control policies use only local information and have provable guarantees on the collective swarm behavior. We analytically derive the relationship between the stochastic control policies and target allocations for a scenario in which circular robots avoid collisions with each other, bind to boundaries of disk-shaped regions, and command bound robots to unbind. We validate this relationship in simulation and show that it is robust to environmental changes, such as a change in the number or size of robots and disks.
Integrated optical pulse shaping: SOA amplitude control and sub-microsecond switching of 32 channels at 25 GHz spacing

In this contribution we present a 32 channel InP Arrayed Waveguide Grating Pulse Shaper exhibiting line-by-line amplitude control at 25 GHz channel spacing and demonstrate rapid reconfiguration.
Esophageal duplication cysts and closure of the muscle layer.

Background Foregut duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies that require surgical intervention with approximately 10%-15% of all gastrointestinal duplication cysts originating from the esophagus. Consensus is lacking among surgeons regarding closure of the esophageal muscle layer after resection of an esophageal duplication cyst and long-term outcomes are poorly documented. Therefore, we conducted the first study comparing complication rates in patients undergoing closure versus nonclosure of the esophageal muscle layer after esophageal duplication cyst resection. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study at Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center was conducted. Patients undergoing resection of esophageal duplication cysts between 1990 and 2012 were classified according to whether the esophageal muscle layer was closed or left open. Demographic data, surgical technique, preoperative symptoms, and both short-term (<30 d) and long-term (≥30 d) complication rates were abstracted from patient medical records. Results Twenty-five patients were identified with a median age of 15-y old (range, 2 mo to 68-y old) and an average follow-up of 1 y. Eleven patients had the esophageal muscle layer closed after surgical resection (44%). Of those 11 patients, one developed a short-term complication, dysphagia (9%, 95% CI: 2%, 38%). Only one patient returned to the operating room, after 30 d, for an upper endoscopy after developing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Of the 14 patients who had their muscle layer left open, three patients (21%, 95% CI: 8%, 48%) developed short-term complications, two of whom required surgical intervention within 30 d. Furthermore, two additional patients required surgical intervention after 30 d for a long-term complication (diverticulum and cyst recurrence). Conclusions Surgical complications occurred more frequently in patients who had the muscle layer left open after resection of an esophageal duplication cyst. In addition, most patients requiring reoperation for both short-term and long-term complications occurred in this group. Though small, this study is the first to evaluate the complications after resecting esophageal duplication cysts. Our results suggest that closing the esophageal muscle layer after removal of an esophageal duplication cyst may be indicated to prevent both complications and the need for reoperations.
Advances in the Psychophysiological Evaluation of Male Erectile Impotence

In any case of sexual dysfunction, a major assessment issue is the evaluation of a possible physiological basis for the dysfunction. Obviously, the psychological procedures of sex therapy cannot be expected to reverse actual physical pathology. One very common assessment issue is the question of whether a man with erectile impotence is physiologically capable of achieving an erection. Until very recently, sex therapists had to rely on indirect assessment of erectile capability. Typically, neurological, hormonal, and blood studies would be performed, but the results were often ambiguous. Psychological screening also has not been able to differentiate functional and organic impotence with certainty. Recently, however, it has been discovered that penile erection is one component of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep in physiologically intact males. Subsequently, monitoring of nocturnal penile tumescence has been shown to be a means of accurately evaluating erectile capability. In this article, Karacan describes the use of techniques to measure nocturnal penile tumescence in order to make the differential diagnosis of functional and organic erectile impotence.