cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Treatment of early-stage uterine papillary serous carcinoma at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 1992–2006

Abstract Objective Optimal management of early-stage uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) remains controversial. We reviewed our outcomes in this patient population. Methods The Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) tumor registry identified all patients with Stages I and IIA UPSC treated between January 1992 and June 2006. The Fisher's exact test was used to compare recurrence rates by adjuvant therapy received. Overall survival (OS) estimates were made using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results Fifty-eight patients with Stage I or IIA UPSC underwent surgery. Thirty-four patients (59%) were surgically staged. Among 21 patients with Stage IA disease, 15 received adjuvant therapy. With a median follow-up of 44.7 months, only one recurrence was observed in a patient who received adjuvant brachytherapy. The 5-year OS was 66%. Among 37 patients with Stages IB–IIA, 30 patients received adjuvant therapy. With a median follow-up of 29 months, there were 7 recurrences. The 5-year OS was 60%. Although there were no significant differences in recurrence by adjuvant therapy received, a significant OS benefit was found in those who received radiation. There was no significant difference in OS distributions of those patients who received Carboplatin/Paclitaxel chemotherapy. Conclusions Despite the limitations of our retrospective study, we have shown that even comprehensively staged early-stage UPSC patients are still at risk for recurrence despite adjuvant therapy received. Hence, all patients with this histologic diagnosis should be considered at high risk for recurrence and counseled appropriately regarding the risks and benefits of adjuvant therapy.
Activities involved in base excision repair of bacteriophage T4 and lambda DNA in vivo.

The in vivo excision repair functions of Escherichia coli exonuclease III and 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase I, and bacteriophage T4 pyrimidine dimer-DNA glycosylase were investigated. Following exposure of bacteriophage T4 or lambda to methyl methanesulfonate or ultraviolet irradiation, survival was determined by plating on E. coli have various genetic backgrounds. Although exonuclease III was shown to participate in base excision repair initiated by 3-methyladenine DNA glcosylase I, it had no detectable role in base excision repair initiated by the T4 pyrimidine dimer-DNA glycosylase. Despite its 3′ apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activity in vitro, T4 pyrimidine dimer-DNA glycosylase, even in large quantities, did not complement mutants defective in exonuclease III in the repair of apurinic sites generated by 3-methyladenine DNA glycosylase I in vivo.
Acute renal failure independently predicts mortality after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

Acute renal failure independently predicts mortality after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. Background Patients undergoing myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have a high incidence of acute renal failure (ARF). However, it is unclear if ARF is independently associated with mortality after this procedure. Methods We performed meta-analysis of published reports on ARF after myeloablative allogeneic HCT. Four databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science) and hand searching of conference proceedings were used to identify the studies. ARF was defined as the doubling of serum creatinine occurring within the first 100 days after HCT. The absolute and the relative risks for death after ARF were calculated for every study. The combined relative risk was calculated using the random effects model. Also, multivariate analysis of patient level data was performed on patients from The University of Colorado to establish independent association between ARF and mortality. Results One thousand two hundred and eleven patients were included in the meta-analysis from the 6 published reports in the literature. The overall incidence of ARF varied from 42% to 84% in these studies. On combining the studies by random-effects model, the relative risk of death after ARF was 2.22 (95%CI 1.38–3.5, P Conclusion ARF appears to independently influence mortality after myeloablative allogeneic HCT. Future studies should be aimed at interventions that can reduce the incidence and severity of ARF with this procedure.
Measurements of Stretch Statistics at Flame Leading Points for High Hydrogen Content Fuels

Fuel composition has a strong influence on the turbulent flame speed, even at very high turbulence intensities. An important implication of this result is that the turbulent flame speed cannot be extrapolated from one fuel to the next using only the laminar flame speed and turbulence intensity as scaling variables. This paper presents curvature and tangential strain rate statistics of premixed turbulent flames for high hydrogen content fuels. Global (unconditioned) stretch statistics are presented as well as measurements conditioned on the leading points of the flame front. These measurements are motivated by previous experimental and theoretical work that suggests the turbulent flame speed is controlled by the flame front characteristics at these points. The data were acquired with high speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a low swirl burner (LSB). We attained measurements for several H2:CO mixtures over a range of mean flow velocities and turbulence intensities. The results show that fuel composition has a systematic, yet weak effect on curvatures and tangential strain rates at the leading points. Instead, stretch statistics at the leading points are more strongly influenced by mean flow velocity and turbulence level. It has been argued that the increased turbulent flame speeds seen with increasing hydrogen content are the result of increasing flame stretch rates, and therefore SL,max values, at the flame leading points. However, the differences observed with changing fuel compositions are not significant enough to support this hypothesis. Additional analysis is needed to understand the physical mechanisms through which the turbulent flame speed is altered by fuel composition effects.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Dynamic advance reservation multicast overlay for slotted optical WDM networks

In this paper we investigate techniques for provisioning advanced reservation multicast requests in Multicast-Incapable (MI) networks, which lack the ability to split an incoming signal to multiple output ports, without performing an O-E-O conversion. To implement the multicasting functionality in a MI network, we propose implementing it as a logical overlay to the optical layer. One such method is to reserve unicast lightpaths from the source node to each destination node of the multicast request. Referred to as Multicast Via WDM Unicast (MVWU), this solution tends to utilize the network resources in an inefficient manner. To address this problem we propose two novel overlay solutions: Drop At Member Node (DAMN) and Drop At Any Node (DAAN), wherein we create a set of lightpath routes (possibly multiple-hop) in the overlay layer to reach all the destinations of a multicast request. In DAMN, we allow a lightpath to terminate/originate only at nodes which belong to the set of destination nodes of the multicast request. DAAN relaxes this constraint and allows a lightpath to be terminated at any node in the network. We refer to the set of lightpath routes created in the overlay layer as overlay-trees. We consider dynamic traffic and present efficient heuristics to solve the MVWU, DAMN, and DAAN problems with a goal of minimizing the blocking probability of a request. Our results indicate that DAMN and DAAN outperform the MVWU approach. Further, we present different mechanisms to generate the overlay-trees and compare their relative performance on a real-world large-scale network.
Ionization chamber response to a sudden change of ambient temperature in air, water, and polystyrene phantom

We have studied the time course of current collected with an ionization chamber and electrometer when the chamber was suddenly inserted in an air, water, or polystyrene medium whose temperature was typically 20 degrees C above or below room temperature. The results were analyzed in terms of a temperature time constant tau--the time required for a 63% change of the ionization current. It was found that for a Farmer-type chamber, tau for the in-air measurements ranges from 5-10 min, several times longer than that for the in-water measurements (2-3 min). These tau values were confirmed with in-cavity temperature measurements carried out with a small thermocouple.
An inexpensive masking noise generator: monaural or stereo.

A simple masking noise generator which can be constructed for about thirty five dollars is described. The output is sufficient to drive several pairs of headphones or a loudspeaker in a Skinner box. Duplication of the unit for another twenty five dollars allows “stereo” masking noise to be used on the headphones, a feature which most subjects find more pleasant than monaural masking noise.
The many different prices paid to providers and the flawed theory of cost shifting: is it time for a more rational all-payer system?

In developed nations that rely on multiple, competing health insurers—for example, Switzerland and Germany—the prices for health care services and products are subject to uniform price schedules that are either set by government or negotiated on a regional basis between associations of health insurers and associations of providers of health care. In the United States, some states—notably Maryland—have used such all-payer systems for hospitals only. Elsewhere in the United States, prices are negotiated between individual payers and providers. This situation has resulted in an opaque system in which payers with market power force weaker payers to cover disproportionate shares of providers’ fixed costs—a phenomenon sometimes termed cost shifting —or providers simply succeed in charging higher prices when they can. In this article I propose that this price-discriminatory system be replaced over time by an all-payer system as a means to better control costs and ensure equitable payment.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a geminal μ2-tetracyanoethylene radical anion bridged coordination polymer

Abstract A tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) bridged coordination polymer, [Mn(cyclen)(μ2-TCNE)] · TCNE (1), (cyclen = 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane, TCNE = tetracyanoethylene), has been synthesized by combining [MnII(cyclen)]2+ and the potassium salt of TCNE radical anion, K[TCNE]. The compound crystallizes in two polymorphs. Both structures feature formal TCNE radical anion ligands in an unusual geminal (or 1,1−) bridging geometry between two high spin Mn(II) centers. The NTCNE–Mn–NTCNE bond angles of two bridging TCNE /− ligands are 88.07(9)° 1a and 85.44(14)° 1b, respectively. Each bridging TCNE /− is π stacked with an uncoordinated TCNE /− to form what can be construed as a diamagnetic dianion, TCNE 2 2 - , containing a 4-center 2-electron (4c/2e−) bond. The results of variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate behavior consistent with weak antiferromagnetic coupling between two Mn(II) centers with no significant contribution of spin from the organic radicals.
Dendritic cells genetically engineered to express IL-4 exhibit enhanced IL-12p70 production in response to CD40 ligation and accelerate organ allograft rejection.

C57BL/10 (B10; H2b) bone marrow-derived myeloid dendritic cells (DC) propagated in GM-CSF + IL-4 were transduced with r adenoviral (Ad) vectors encoding either control neomycin-resistance gene (Ad-Neo) or murine IL-4 (Ad-IL-4) on day 5 of culture following CD11c immunomagnetic bead purification. Both Ad-Neo- and Ad-IL-4-transduced DC displayed upregulated surface MHC class II and costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, CD86). Ad-IL-4 DC secreted higher levels of bioactive IL-12p70 after CD40 ligation or LPS stimulation than either Ad-Neo or unmodified DC. Only Ad-IL-4 DC produced IL-12p70 in primary MLR, in which they induced augmented proliferative responses of naive allogeneic C3H/HeJ (C3H; H2k) T-cells. Compared with Ad-Neo DC, Ad-IL-4 DC were also more effective in priming naive allogeneic recipients to exhibit specifically enhanced anti-donor T-cell proliferative and CTL responses. T-cells primed in vivo 7 days previously with Ad-IL-4 DC displayed enhanced secretion of Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) but also higher Th1 cytokine (IFNγ) production following ex vivo challenge with donor alloAg. Moreover, pretreatment of vascularized heart graft recipients with i.v. Ad-IL-4 DC, 1 week before transplant, significantly accelerated rejection and antagonized the therapeutic effect of anti-CD40L (CD154) mAb. These data contrast markedly with recently reported inhibitory effects of autologous Ad-IL-4 DC on autoimmune inflammatory disease.
Structure of the fluorescent nucleoside of yeast phenylalanine transfer ribonucleic acid

Abstract The structure of enzymatically isolated Y nucleoside of yeast phenylalanine tRNA was established by comparing its absorption, fluorescence, and mass spectra to that of the free base. The site of ribosylation was tentatively deduced by comparing the behavior under acid conditions of the natural nucleoside to that of synthetic Y nucleoside analogs. Our results indicate that the aglycone of the enzymatically isolated nucleoside has the same structure as the free base excised by acid treatment of phenylalanine tRNA, and that the ribose is probably attached to the N-3 position of the tricyclic nucleus.
Taking the "ouch" out of injections for children. Using distraction to decrease pain.

AbstractPurpose:This research compared the effect of two forms of distraction on injection pain in a convenience sample of preschool children.Design:A quasi-experimental study of 105 children (53 girls and 52 boys) ages 4 to 6 years needing DPT immunizations. Data were collected at three sites: two
Wave propagation and profile inversion in lossy inhomogeneous media

Using the Lagrangian approach, a time-domain analysis of wave propagation in an inhomogeneous lossy medium is described. We consider a half-space problem (x ≥ 0) in which the medium is plane stratified in the direction of propagation and can be modeled by a piecewise uniform lossy transmission line. A method of profile inversion which is based directly upon quantities measured in time at the sending end boundary is presented. The problem of uniqueness is discussed. For a given medium, computer simulation results obtained by using the known reflected waves at the boundary x = 0 are shown.
A rate-based congestion control scheme for ABR service in ATM networks

In this article we describe an improved rate-based congestion control scheme for Available Bit Rate lABRr service in ATM networks. The analytical results are presented and the characteristics of the designed scheme are illustrated by using simulation results. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modular integrated guidance, navigation, and control

A modular, integrated guidance, navigation, and control system is described that can be used in a wide variety of moving vehicle applications. The system comprises 3 modules; the guidance module controls the motion of the center of mass of the system, issuing a command signal that the control module (autopilot) is designed to track. These modules are designed under the assumption of perfect state knowledge, and the navigation module provides and estimate of the total state of the vehicle which is distributed to the other modules. The advantages of this approach are discussed in general and illustrated by navigation of an autonomous land vehicle.
Layered Long Term Co-Culture of Hepatocytes and Endothelial Cells on a Transwell Membrane: Toward Engineering the Liver Sinusoid

This paper presents a novel liver model that mimics the liver sinusoid where most liver activities occur. A key aspect of our current liver model is a layered co-culture of primary rat hepatocytes (PRHs) and primary rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) or bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) on a transwell membrane. When a layered co-culture was attempted with a thin Matrigel layer placed between hepatocytes and endothelial cells to mimic the space of Disse, the cells did not form completely separated monolayers. However, when hepatocytes and endothelial cells were cultured on the opposite sides of a transwell membrane, PRHs co-cultured with LSECs or BAECs maintained their viability and normal morphology for 39 and 57 days, respectively. We assessed the presence of hepatocyte-specific differentiation markers to verify that PRHs remained differentiated in the long-term co-culture and analyzed hepatocyte function by monitoring urea synthesis. We also noted that the expression of cytochrome P-450 remained similar in the co-cultured system from day 1 to day 48. Thus, our novel liver model system demonstrated that primary hepatocytes can be cultured for extended times and retain their hepatocyte-specific functions when layered with endothelial cells.
Ion atmosphere relaxation control of electron transfer dynamics in a plasticized carbon dioxide redox polyether melt

The sorption of CO(2) into the highly viscous, semisolid hybrid redox polyether melt, [Co(phenanthroline)(3)](MePEG-SO(3))(2), where MePEG-SO(3) is a MW 350 polyether-tailed sulfonate anion, remarkably accelerates charge transport in this molten salt material. Electrochemical measurements show that as CO(2) pressure is increased from 0 to 800 psi (54 atm) at 23 degrees C, the physical diffusion coefficient D(PHYS) of the Co(II) species, the rate constant k(EX) for Co(II/I) electron self-exchange, and the physical diffusion coefficient of the counterion D(COUNTERION) all increase, from 4.3 x 10(-10) to 6.4 x 10(-9) cm(2)/s, 4.1 x 10(6) to 1.6 x 10(7) M(-1) s(-1), and 3.3 x 10(-9) to 1.6 x 10(-8) cm(2)/s, respectively. Plots of log(k(EX)) versus log(D(PHYS)) and of log(k(EX)) versus log(D(COUNTERION)) are linear, showing that electron self-exchange rate constants are closely associated with processes that also govern D(PHYS) and D(COUNTERION). Slopes of the plots are 0.68 and 0.98, respectively, indicating a better linear correlation between k(EX) and D(COUNTERION). The evidence indicates that k(EX) can be controlled by relaxation of the counterion atmosphere about the Co complexes in the semisolid redox polyether melts. Because the counterion relaxation is in turn controlled by polyether "solvent" fluctuations, this is a new form of solvent dynamics control of electron transfer.
Immunogenicity of Heme Complexes of Peptides Designed to Mimic the Heme Environment of Myoglobin and Hemoglobin

In the preceding paper (Protein J. 25, pages 37–49, 2005), we reported the preparation and oxygen-binding properties of peptides that form stable complexes with heme mimic. The design of the peptides was based on the natural environment of the heme group in myoglobin (Mb) and in the α- and β-subunits of human adult hemoglobin (Hb). In the present work, the heme-peptides were each administered into mice, either as emulsions in adjuvant (both for injections and boosters) or intravenously as solutions in phosphate-buffered saline. Antibody (Ab) responses, monitored up to 14 weeks after the first administration, showed that when the heme-peptides were injected with adjuvant they stimulated Ab responses against the immunizing peptide, which in most cases bound to the correlate protein (Mb or Hb). However these heme-peptides were non-immunogenic when administered in PBS intravenously. It is concluded that heme-peptides:(a) would not trigger an adverse immune response if used for transfusion purposes.
An exploration of the relationship between MP3 player ownership and digital piracy

A great deal of research has explored the impact of technology on human behavior, particularly the emergence of the Internet and computer technology to facilitate digital piracy. Few studies have, however, considered how portable digital music, or MP3, players facilitate or reduce involvement in piracy. This study explores the relationship between digital ownership and participation in digital piracy among a population of college students. The findings suggest that MP3 player ownership is significantly connected to piracy, along with deviant peer connections. In addition, there are significant differences in the beliefs and attitudes of owners and non‐owners toward online deviance and piracy.
An electron spin resonance study : I. Effect of Azone on 5-doxyl stearic acid-labeled human stratum corneum.

Abstract An electron spin resonance study was performed to investigate the effect of Laurocapram (1-dodecylazacyclo-heptan-2-one, Azone®) on lipid bilayers of human stratum corneum. 5-Doxylstearic acid (5-DSA) was used as a lipid spin label and incorporated with the untreated and treated stratum corneum. Azone® led to a significant change in ESR spectra of human stratum corneum — from strongly immobilized to weakly immobilized spectra. The molecular motion of 5-DSA comprising the Azone®-treated stratum corneum showed an isotropic motion to some extent, which was totally different from the molecular motion of 5-DSA in the untreated stratum corneum. Azone® reduced order parameters (S) by 54–80% at different concentrations. The results suggest that Azone® affected the spin label binding to lipid bilayers and caused an increase in the flexibility and polarity of local bilayers surrounding 5-DSA. The concentration effect of Azone® and influence of ethanol on the stratum corneum were also investigated.
Scalar equations for synchronous Boolean networks with biological applications

One way of coping with the complexity of biological systems is to use the simplest possible models which are able to reproduce at least some nontrivial features of reality. Although two value Boolean models have a long history in technology, it is perhaps a little bit surprising that they can also represent important features of living organizms. In this paper, the scalar equation approach to Boolean network models is further developed and then applied to two interesting biological models. In particular, a linear reduced scalar equation is derived from a more rudimentary nonlinear scalar equation. This simpler, but higher order, two term equation gives immediate information about both cycle and transient structure of the network.
Does treatment of premature labor with terbutaline increase the risk of autism spectrum disorders

Beta-adrenergic agents have been used in pregnant women forthetreatmentofprematurelaborandforthetreatment of asthma. Concerns have been expressed that exposure to terbutaline,whichisabeta-2adrenergicagonist,mayincreasethe riskofautismspectrumdisorders(ASDs)intheoffspring.This hypothesis deserves critical review, given the number of patients who have been exposed to the drug in the last 2 decades. Theresultsareimportanttoboththeobstetriciansandpatients who weigh the risks and benefits of interventions and to the pediatricians who counsel the families of affected children. We conducted an examination of the human and animal studies that have been used to support this hypothesis in a recentreview, 1 andwehavereachedadifferentconclusion.We findnosupportforthehypothesisthattheuseofterbutalineas a tocolytic agent is associated with the subsequent development of ASDs. The ASDs are common neurodevelopmental disorders that occur in approximately 1 of 150 to 1 of 100 children. 2 They are diagnosed by deficits in social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests; the symptoms appear during the first 3 years of life. 3 Family and twin studies demonstrate that these disorders are heritable, with estimates of heritability approaching 90%. 4 However,thegeneticetiologyiscomplex,withmanylociinvolvedand nonethataccountsformorethanasmallfractionofcases. 5 Many developmental pathways seem to be involved and include those that have roles in initiating or maintaining synapses. 6,7 The penetranceofthegeneticliabilityfactorsisvariablesothatsymptoms differ, even in pairs of monozygotic twins. 8 The largest genome scan to date has added to this confusing picture the etiologic role of structural chromosomal anomalies (copy number variants), some of which arise de novo. 9 This unexpected result has been verified by other groups. 10 The known environmental risk factors for ASDs account for a small number of cases but are interesting because they share critical periods of exposure in the first trimester. 11 The identification of environmental risk factors is especially important because,unlikegeneticriskfactors,theyshouldbepreventable. Thus, it is reasonable to ask whether there is evidence that medications, such as terbutaline, to which pregnant women may be exposed increase the risk for an ASD outcome in the offspring. Our argument is not with the intent but with the quality of the evidence presented in the review by Witter et al, 1 which we now describe.
The Impact of LEED Neighborhood Certification on Condo Prices

The U.S. Green Building Council offers LEED certification for existing and new neighborhood developments that meet sustainable urban development standards. Features of sustainable urban development have been found to positively affect residential sales prices. We investigate whether the intangible labeling effects of LEED neighborhood certification add a premium to the sales prices of LEED and non-LEED–certified condos. Using a quasi-experiment, transaction data from Portland, Oregon, and a spatio-temporal autoregressive (STAR) model, we find no evidence that the intangible labeling effects of LEED neighborhood certification directly or indirectly affect sales prices. Our results suggest that, contrary to LEED building certification, which we find adds a premium to condo sales prices, the LEED neighborhood label by itself fails to add value for condo buyers. Explanations for our findings include market acceptance, neighborhood delineation issues and the free rider problem as it relates to public goods.
Competition for nodulation of soybean by Bradyrhizobium japonicum 123 and 138 in soil containing indigenous rhizobia

Abstract We characterized field isolates of Bradyrhizobium japonicum from soybeans grown in Missouri soil and measured competitiveness of peat-formulated B. japonicum 123 (serogroup 123) and 138 (serogroup c1) in this soil. Nodule occupancy by serogroup 123, but not serogroup c1, varied with plant age in uninoculated. field-grown soybeans. Serogroups c1 and 38–115 were found in 37% of all nodules of these plants. Serogroups 76, 122, 123. c3 and 94 were also present, and rhizobia of unknown serology occupied 17% of the nodules. Inoculation with either strain 123 or 138 produced similar numbers of nodules. Strain 123 as an inoculant increased nodule occupancy by serogroup 123 13-fold, while a 2-fold increase in serogroup c1 nodule occupancy was obtained with strain 138 inoculation. Increases in nodule occupancy by the inoculant was at the expense of serogroups other than 123 and c1. Inoculation of either strain resulted in increased nodule occupancy in first-formed nodules in unsterile soil. Dual inoculation with both strains in unsterile soil allowed serogroup c1 to occupy twice the number of nodules as did serogroup 123. In sterilized soil, strain 123 outcompetcd strain 138, occupying 74% of all nodules. The effect of inoculant carrier on competitiveness is discussed.
Incidentally discovered pituitary masses: pituitary incidentalomas

With the widespread use of computed tomography and MRI, the incidental discovery of pituitary incidentalomas is increasing in frequency. The most common cause of a pituitary mass is a pituitary adenoma (90% of all pituitary masses); however, the differential diagnosis remains extensive. The challenge is to distinguish those that can or will cause morbidity/mortality from those that will not. Opinions on approaching management of these lesions vary. This article will review current data regarding the prevalence, natural history and potential morbidity associated with this entity and describe an epidemiological approach based on four questions: does an incidental mass put the patient at increased risk for an adverse outcome? Can individuals with treatable syndromes be accurately diagnosed? Is the treatment of these syndromes more effective in presymptomatic patients? And do the beneficial effects of presymptomatic detection and treatment of these patients justify the costs incurred? We recommend the following approach: recognizing that one size does not fit all and that the approach should be tailored to the needs of the particular case. If the mass was discovered on a computed tomography, an enhanced MRI is recommended. Detailed history and physical examination should be carried out to look for signs of functional or 'subclinically' functional tumor. Size and structure should be assessed, especially proximity to the optic chiasm. Laboratory evaluation with a serum prolactin for small tumors is cost effective, other lab testing is indicated if metabolic problems are present. Care should be taken to assess for hypopituitarism, clinically and biochemically, if the mass is large, that is, more than 1 cm, visual field testing is also recommended. Note that the vast majority of patients with pituitary incidentalomas that are microadenomas die with them, not from them.
All-optical control of opto-mechanical properties of photonic crystal nano-beam filter

We demonstrate independent control over the tuning of the fundamental optical and mechanical modes of coupled photonic crystal nanobeam cavities using optical gradient force induced mechanical reconfiguration and optical stiffening.
Online Learning of Nonparametric Mixture Models via Sequential Variational Approximation

Reliance on computationally expensive algorithms for inference has been limiting the use of Bayesian nonparametric models in large scale applications. To tackle this problem, we propose a Bayesian learning algorithm for DP mixture models. Instead of following the conventional paradigm - random initialization plus iterative update, we take an progressive approach. Starting with a given prior, our method recursively transforms it into an approximate posterior through sequential variational approximation. In this process, new components will be incorporated on the fly when needed. The algorithm can reliably estimate a DP mixture model in one pass, making it particularly suited for applications with massive data. Experiments on both synthetic data and real datasets demonstrate remarkable improvement on efficiency - orders of magnitude speed-up compared to the state-of-the-art.
Prioritization of Regression Tests using Singular Value Decomposition with Empirical Change Records

During development and testing, changes made to a system to repair a detected fault can often inject a new fault into the code base. These injected faults may not be in the same files that were just changed, since the effects of a change in the code base can have ramifications in other parts of the system. We propose a methodology for determining the effect of a change and then prioritizing regression test cases by gathering software change records and analyzing them through singular value decomposition. This methodology generates clusters of files that historically tend to change together. Combining these clusters with test case information yields a matrix that can be multiplied by a vector representing a new system modification to create a prioritized list of test cases. We performed a post hoc case study using this technique with three minor releases of a software product at IBM. We found that our methodology suggested additional regression tests in 50% of test runs and that the highest-priority suggested test found an additional fault 60% of the time.
Determinants of Non-Compliance and Attrition in the Elderly

BACKGROUND This report identifies demographic and health-related baseline factors associated with non-compliance and attrition in elderly subjects participating in a preventive intervention study over a 4-year follow-up period. METHODS The Cox proportional hazards model and polychotomous logistic regression were used to evaluate time to clinic assessment non-compliance and type of non-participation. RESULTS Of 1785 subjects, 35.6 percent were non-compliant during follow-up which meant they were eligible to participate at the time they were contacted but would not or could not return for an assessment. Refusals due to a lack of continuing interest or being too busy,and those citing health problems constituted the major subgroups of non-compliers. Death, unable to contact, and ineligible due to disenrollment or moving away accounted for nearly 20 percent. Four-year compliance was achieved by 44.4 percent of the participants. Time to non-compliance was significantly shorter with older age, lower annual income, poorer personal health ranking, and, to a marginal extent, depression. Lower annual income was associated with all reasons for non-participation including disenrollment or moving. Other factors correlated with specific types of nonparticipation. CONCLUSIONS These results can be useful in designing more effective cohort maintenance strategies. Greater resources may be allocated to subgroups who are less likely to continue.
Smoking Policies in U.S. Outpatient Drug Treatment Facilities

Most drug treatment patients smoke cigarettes, and some facilities are beginning to help patients quit. Facility smoking policies can help or hinder this effort. The present study describes smoking policies in outpatient drug treatment. It is a secondary analysis of a survey on smoking cessation treatment in outpatient methadone maintenance facilities in the United States. One clinic leader (a medical director, head nurse, or clinic director) from each of the 697 U.S. facilities was invited to participate in the study. Main outcome measures included whether clinics had a written smoking policy as well as the types of indoor and outdoor policies in place for patients and staff. A total of 408 (59%) of U.S. clinics responded. Most clinics (73%) had a written smoking policy for patients, and more (82%) had written policies for staff. Over 90% banned indoor smoking by staff and patients. Few totally banned outdoor smoking. Approximately half in some way restricted where patients (48%) and staff (55%) smoke outdoors. Compared with clinics that did not treat nicotine dependence, significantly more clinics that treated nicotine dependence had written policies on smoking and restricted outdoor smoking for patients and staff. Likewise, many public clinics and those affiliated with hospitals had outdoor smoking restrictions for patients and staff. Drug treatment facilities routinely ban alcohol use and drug dealing on their grounds. Only 1 in 10 ban smoking. Outpatient facilities should restrict or ban outdoor tobacco use in order to remain consistent with their mission and avoid sabotaging clinic efforts to treat, and patient and staff efforts to stop, smoking.
Interface Tribology Via Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics

By borrowing ideas from control theory, Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics incorporates temperature, stress, and heat flux directly into atomistic, time-reversible, deterministic equations of motion. We are applying this technique to studies of surface indentation, surface cutting, friction, ablation, and condensation. Here we describe simulations of the indentation and cutting processes using two-dimensional crystals composed of a few thousand particles.
Two methods of sampling fish larvae over reefs: a comparison from the Gulf of California

I compared the sampling properties of two methods for collecting fish larvae over reefs: nighttime collecting with a light trap, and daytime collecting with a small plankton net that could be steered by a diver. Samples were collected in the Gulf of California during summer, 1989 and 1990. The 90 light-trap samples yielded 9406 larvae from 31 families, while the 75 plankton-net samples yielded 17852 larvae from 43 families plus unidentified anguilliforms. Four families were collected only in the light trap, and 16 families plus the anguilliforms were collected only with the plankton net. With one exception, the families that were collected by only one method were rare. Twenty-seven families were collected by both methods, but only 13 were collected at least five times by each. The average catch per sample differed significantly between methods for 9 of these 13 families. In each case, the plankton net yielded more larvae per sample. The distribution of larvae among families was less equitable in light-trap samples than in planktonnet collections, primarily because clupeids were so dominant in the former. However, the taxonomic composition of light-trap and plankton-net collections was broadly similar. Seven families were shared among the ten most abundant families for each method, and the relative abundances of taxa (47 families plus anguilliforms) were strongly correlated between methods. A comparison of larval size-distributions for 12 families indicated that the size structure of catches usually differed between collecting methods. In four families there was little overlap in the size classes collected, in five families the distributions overlapped broadly but had different shapes, and in three families the size distributions were similar. Although the light trap collected larger larvae on average, its catches were not limited to settlement-stage or transition larvae. Larvae of at least ten families were present over reefs in all size classes, but the combination of both sampling methods was usually required to detect this. Based on their abundance and wide size distribution over reefs, at least some larvae from these ten families may remain over reefs throughout development. However, additional data are required to determine the importance of water over reefs as a larval habitat.
Simultaneous mesh simplification and noise smoothing of range images

We propose a novel algorithm to smooth and simplify simultaneously range images and also triangle meshes derived from those images. These data sets often suffer from noise and over-sampling. To overcome these issues, smoothing from image processing and simplification from computer graphics attempt to minimize noise and reduce complexity, respectively. Typically, these algorithms are separate and distinct steps, but we combine them into one algorithm. We employ surface normal voting to generate robust orientation estimates and then extend the quadric error metric framework to smooth noise while simplifying the surface. We demonstrate the capabilities of this algorithm with both synthetic and real data. The proposed algorithm provides significant noise smoothing improvement when compared to the standard Garland and Heckbert (1998) quadric simplification algorithm.
256/spl times/256 CMOS active pixel sensor camera-on-a-chip

A CMOS imaging sensor is described that uses active pixel sensor (APS) technology and permits the integration of the detector array with on-chip timing, control, and signal chain electronics. This sensor technology has been used to implement a CMOS APS camera-on-a-chip. The camera-on-a-chip features a 256/spl times/256 APS sensor integrated on a CMOS chip with the timing and control circuits, and signal-conditioning to enable random-access, low power (/spl sim/5 mW) operation, and low read noise (13 e/sup -/ rms). The chip features simple power supplies, fast readout rates, and a digital interface for commanding the sensor, as well as for programming the window-of-interest readout and exposure times. Excellent imaging has been demonstrated with the APS camera-on-a-chip, and the measured performance indicates that this technology will be competitive with charge-coupled devices (CCD's) in many applications.
Clarias insolitus , a new species of clariid catfish (Teleostei: Siluriformes) from southern Borneo

A new species of catfish in the genus Clarias is described from the Barito River drainage in southern Borneo. Clarias insolitus can be clearly distinguished from all other Southeast Asian Clarias species in having a long and thin anterior fontanel and hypertrophied sensory canal pores on the head and body that are easily visible to the naked eye. Additional diagnostic characters not unique to this species are a uniform violet-gray color without any white spots on body and prominent serrations on the anterior edge of the pectoral spine.
Exterior algebra and differential calculus

In this chapter we introduce the algebra and calculus of differential forms, which also goes by the name “exterior differential calculus.” In Section 6.3 we defined the concept of differential form of degree 1, and in Section 6.4, the integral ∫ γ ω of such a differential form ω along a curve γ. This integral changes sign if the direction in which γ is traversed is reversed. In Chapter 8 we define the integral of a differential form ω of higher degree r over a portion A of an r-dimensional manifold. For example, for r = 2 a differential form of degree 2 can be integrated over a piece of surface A. The integral of a differential form depends on the orientation assigned to A and changes sign if the orientation is reversed.
The Lost of Michigan — Released Prisoners Needing State Identification

Personal photographic identification is critical to the rehabilitation of released prisoners. One agency helps 1,000 recently released prisoners try for ID each year — succeeding only half the time. Lawyers should help their incarcerated clients plan for and obtain identification to reduce recidivism and improve prospects for rehabilitation. Legislatures should adopt legislation requiring prisons and secretary-of-state offices to provide prisoners with reliable identification on release.
What a Dinner Party! Mechanisms and Functions of Interkingdom Signaling in Host-Pathogen Associations

Chemical signaling between cells is an effective way to coordinate behavior within a community. Although cell-to-cell signaling has mostly been studied in single species, it is now appreciated that the sensing of chemical signals across kingdoms can be an important regulator of nutrient acquisition, virulence, and host defense. In this review, we focus on the role of interkingdom signaling in the interactions that occur between bacterial pathogens and their mammalian hosts. We discuss the quorum-sensing (QS) systems and other mechanisms used by these bacteria to sense, respond to, and modulate host signals that include hormones, immune factors, and nutrients. We also describe cross talk between these signaling pathways and strategies used by the host to interfere with bacterial signaling, highlighting the complex bidirectional signaling networks that are established across kingdoms.
20,000 Hours With Analog Computer Controlled Gas Turbines in Utility and Industry

This paper outlines the design of a new solid state, analog computer for control of gas turbines. It emphasizes some of the features built in to give it all-out reliability, particularly for process and marine applications and shows some of the special tests performed in the factory and in the field. It concludes with the experience gathered during initial installation, and during over 20,000 hr of operation on several units for utility and pipeline application.Copyright © 1970 by ASME
Impact of alginate concentration on the viability, cryostorage, and angiogenic activity of encapsulated fibroblasts

Cryopreservation or cryostorage of tissue engineered constructs can enhance the off-the shelf availability of these products and thus can potentially facilitate the commercialization or clinical translation of tissue engineered products. Encapsulation of cells within hydrogel matrices, in particular alginate, is widely used for fabrication of tissue engineered constructs. While previous studies have explored the cryopreservation response of cells encapsulated within alginate matrices, systematic investigation of the impact of alginate concentration on the metabolic activity and functionality of cryopreserved cells is lacking. The objective of the present work is to determine the metabolic and angiogenic activity of cryopreserved human dermal fibroblasts encapsulated within 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% (w/v) alginate matrices. In addition, the goal is to compare the efficacy of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and trehalose as cryoprotectant. Our study revealed that the concentration of alginate plays a significant role in the cryopreservation response of encapsulated cells. The lowest metabolic activity of the cryopreserved cells was observed in 1% alginate microspheres. When higher concentration of alginate was utilized for cell encapsulation, the metabolic and angiogenic activity of the cells frozen in the absence of cryoprotectants was comparable to that observed in the presence of DMSO or trehalose.
High-efficiency retroviral vector mediated gene transfer into human peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes

Genetic modification of peripheral blood T lymphocytes has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for treating congenital disorders, cancer and viral diseases. Central to all T lymphocyte-based gene therapy strategies is the ability to efficiently and stably deliver genes into primary T lymphocytes. In this study, we sought to increase the gene transfer efficiency in CD4+ peripheral blood T lymphocytes using procedures which could be utilized in clinical applications. In order to quantity the gene transfer efficiency in primary CD4+ T cells, a high-titer retroviral vector which efficiently expresses a truncated version of the human low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (delta LNGFR) was constructed. Transduced cells were then accurately enumerated with immunofluorescence staining and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and rapidly isolated at high purity for further analysis. Using this system, a supernatant-based gene transfer procedure was developed which routinely yields gene transfer efficiencies of 25-40% into a wide repertoire of both freshly obtained and cryopreserved peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Evolution of adult education: is our future in e-learning?

This chapter explores first the evolution of adult learning primarily in a Western context and particularly in terms of career and technical education. The discussion includes not only lifelong and self-directed learning, but also the various contexts and venues in which career and technical education occurs. The chapter concludes with both the challenge and promise of e-learning in the field of adult and continuing education, asking what the impact of e-learning specifically may be for learners, stake-holders, instructors, and the field itself.