cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-17 mediated inflammatory responses are required for ultraviolet radiation-induced immune suppression.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces immunosuppression and is a major factor for development of skin cancer. Numerous efforts have been made to determine mechanisms for UVR-induced immunosuppression and to develop strategies for prevention and treatment of UVR-induced cancers. In the current study, we use IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) deficient mice to examine whether IL-17 mediated responses have a role in UVB (290–320)-induced immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity responses. Results demonstrate that IL-17 mediated responses are required for UVB-induced immunosuppression of contact hypersensitivity responses. The systemic immune suppression and development of regulatory T cells are inhibited in UVB-treated IL-17R deficient mice compared to wild-type animals. The deficiency in IL-17R inhibits the infiltration and development of a tolerogenic myeloid cell population in UVB-treated skin, which expresses CD11b and Gr-1 and produces reactive oxygen species. We speculate that the development of the tolerogenic myeloid cells is dependent on IL-17-induced chemokines and inflammatory mediators in UVB-treated skin. The inhibition of the tolerogenic myeloid cells may be attributed to the suppression of regulatory T cells in UVR-treated IL-17R−/− mice. The findings may be exploited to new strategies for prevention and treatment of UVR-induced skin diseases and cancers.
A simplification in the analysis of four- and five-horn fed Cassegrainian reflectors when the horns have nearly symmetric patterns

Analysis of the boresight sum gain and difference slope of a four- or five-horn fed Cassegrainian reflector is shown to be greatly simplified when the horns have circularly symmetric patterns. For a five-horn array of diagonal horns, closed-form approximate results are shown to be in very good agreement with experimental data.
Presence and localization of neurotrophin receptor tyrosine kinase (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) mRNAs in visceral afferent neurons of the nodose and petrosal ganglia ☆

The presence of mRNAs to the high affinity tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors for neurotrophins was studied in visceral afferent neurons of the nodose and petrosal ganglia of adult and neonatal rats using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Neurons containing TrkA mRNA were found in the adult nodose and petrosal ganglia. About 10% of nodose ganglion neurons and 38% of petrosal ganglion neurons contained TrkA mRNA. The nodose and petrosal ganglia from 1 day old neonates also expressed TrkA mRNA. No TrkB mRNA-containing neurons were detected in the adult nodose and petrosal ganglia, whereas TrkB mRNA was detected in 1 day old neonatal nodose and petrosal ganglia. TrkC mRNA was found in about 9% of nodose ganglion neurons and 11% of petrosal ganglion neurons of adult rats. Likewise, low but detectable levels of TrkC mRNA were seen in 1 day old neonatal nodose and petrosal ganglia. These data demonstrate the presence of TrkA and TrkC in the adult nodose and petrosal ganglia and provide a substrate for the ongoing neurotrophin-induced regulation of these placodally derived visceral afferent neurons. The altered expression of Trk receptor mRNAs in the nodose and petrosal ganglia between the adult and neonatal rats may reflect developmentally regulated changes in neurotrophin responsiveness.
The electronic structure of NbSe3

Abstract The electronic structures of monomeric NbSe66−, dimeric Nb2Se99−, and hypothetical and real one-, two-, and three-dimensional structures composed of NbSe3 chains are examined in order to probe the nature of intra- and interchain interactions in this material. The geometrical deformation from perfect trigonal prismatic coordination is crucial, leading to an oxidation state formalism NbIV(Se2−)(Se22−). The dimensionality of the conduction bands of NbSe3 is explored.
Egg consumption and carotid atherosclerosis in the Northern Manhattan study.

Abstract Background The evidence supporting recommendations to limit intake of cholesterol rich foods is inconclusive. We aimed to examine the association between egg consumption and carotid atherosclerosis phenotypes, and the association with clinical vascular events in a prospective, urban, multi-ethnic population. Methods and results The Northern Manhattan Study is a population based cohort to determine stroke incidence, risk factors and prognosis. A sub-cohort of 1429 NOMAS participants with both carotid ultrasounds and comprehensive dietary information was evaluated (mean ± SD age of participants 65.80 ± 8.80, 40% male, 18% white, 20% black, 60% Hispanic). The association between egg consumption and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) was assessed with linear regression. Logistic and quantile regression was used to examine the association between egg consumption and carotid plaque presence, thickness, and area. The relation between egg consumption and clinical vascular events ( N = 2669) was examined with Cox models. The mean total cIMT was 0.91 ± 0.08 mm and 58% had carotid plaque present. Increasing egg consumption was inversely associated with cIMT, plaque presence, thickness, and area, in models adjusted for demographics, vascular risk factors and diet. For every additional egg consumed per week, the risk of plaque decreased by 11% (95% CI 3%–18%). No association was detected between egg consumption and risk of clinical vascular outcomes, over a mean follow up of 11 years and after adjustment for covariates. Conclusions Frequency of egg consumption in the low to moderate range was inversely related to several markers of carotid atherosclerosis. No association with clinical vascular events, including stroke, was detected. Our findings do not support current vascular health guidelines suggesting the extreme limitation or avoidance of egg consumption due to its cholesterol content.
Value and payment for oncology in the United States

Rather than focus on reducing prices for innovative biopharmaceuticals, insurers in the United States are changing methods of payment for oncologists in order to moderate the growth in cancer drug expenditures. The desire is for a better pattern of utilization and expenditures without adversely affecting incentives for research and development. After an overview of the contemporary discussions of price and value, this paper describes three initiatives to influence the selection and management of oncology drugs. This includes initiatives to reduce the profit margins earned by oncologists as part of the purchasing of office-infused biopharmaceuticals; "episode-of-care" payments that bundle into a single fee the reimbursement for care management and specialty drugs; and payment methods that case rates for physician care management activities with cost-based reimbursement for the oncology drugs.
Banks' changing incentives and opportunities for risk taking

Abstract This paper investigates the deterioration of the banking industry's risk-control system during the 1980s and the time-varying relation between a bank's ex-ante risk-taking incentives and its ex-post risk-taking behavior over the period 1977–1994. We document that banks with high charter value imposed self-discipline on risk-taking behavior at all times. In contrast, banks with low charter value assumed significantly more risk beginning around 1983, and this behavior continued into the early 1990s. These findings have several important policy implications.
Interface Development in Joining Yttria Stabilized Zirconia to Stainless Steel by In Situ Alloying with Ni/Ti Filler Metals

There is need for efficient energy conversion systems based on domestic fossil or biofuels. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC's) are attractive in this case, however sealing is a critical issue in SOFC development. The purpose of this investigation is to find a procedure to seal yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte to the stainless steel electrical interconnect or gas manifold. The seal is usually exposed to high temperatures in the range of 500 to 1000°C. Brazing by in-situ alloying of nickel and titanium foils was performed to braze zirconia to 444- stainless steel. Different combinations of nickel/titanium foils were used; brazing was done in vacuum at 6 x 10-6 torr at 960°C, 1010, and 1030°C for different brazing times. The braze and interfacial microstructures were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). This paper assesses the effect of process parameters on the development and stability of the braze metal and the interactions of the filler metal with the two substrates.
Death and Disability from Warfarin-Associated Intracranial and Extracranial Hemorrhages

Abstract Objectives Little is known about the outcomes of patients who have hemorrhagic complications while receiving warfarin therapy. We examined the rates of death and disability resulting from warfarin-associated intracranial and extracranial hemorrhages in a large cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods We assembled a cohort of 13,559 adults with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and identified patients hospitalized for warfarin-associated intracranial and major extracranial hemorrhage. Data on functional disability at discharge and 30-day mortality were obtained from a review of medical charts and state death certificates. The relative odds of 30-day mortality by hemorrhage type were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Results We identified 72 intracranial and 98 major extracranial hemorrhages occurring in more than 15,300 person-years of warfarin exposure. At hospital discharge, 76% of patients with intracranial hemorrhage had severe disability or died, compared with only 3% of those with major extracranial hemorrhage. Of the 40 deaths from warfarin-associated hemorrhage that occurred within 30 days, 35 (88%) were from intracranial hemorrhage. Compared with extracranial hemorrhages, intracranial events were strongly associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio 20.8 [95% confidence interval, 6.0-72]) even after adjusting for age, sex, anticoagulation intensity on admission, and other coexisting illnesses. Conclusions Among anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation, intracranial hemorrhages caused approximately 90% of the deaths from warfarin-associated hemorrhage and the majority of disability among survivors. When considering anticoagulation, patients and clinicians need to weigh the risk of intracranial hemorrhage far more than the risk of all major hemorrhages.
Pleural Effusions Following Lung Transplantation : Time Course, Characteristics, and Clinical Implications

The time course and characteristics of ipsilateral pleural effusion in nine consecutive single lung transplant recipients are described and compared with those of six patients who underwent other cardiothoracic operations. Ipsilateral pleural fluid occurs in all lung transplant recipients, beginning immediately following transplantation and continuing for up to 9 days. Pleural fluid immediately after lung transplantation is bloody, exudative, and neutrophil predominant, which is similar to the characteristics of pleural fluid following other cardiothoracic surgery. Pleural fluid cellularity, lactate dehydrogenase, and total protein content decrease rapidly over the first week in lung transplant recipients. The percentage of neutrophils decreases from 90 to 50% by day 7. Pleural fluid output in lung transplant recipients declines steadily during the first week and is minimal by day 9. Pleural fluid output declines more rapidly in patients who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery than in the lung transplant recipients. An early rise in pleural fluid output may reflect the development of posttransplant pulmonary edema. We conclude that it is unnecessary to analyze pleural fluid after lung transplantation if the pleural fluid output is decreasing and the clinical course is appropriate.
Children's Understanding of Mind and Emotion: A Multi-culture Study

Previous research on the development of children's understanding of mind and emotion has shown that children in Western literate cultures become able to explain emotion in terms of belief (i.e. interpretations of events) between the ages of three and five. This research was conducted in four different cultural groups (three non-Western and one Western) to test the hypothesis that prediction of emotion based on false belief develops universally. The results show that most children from a variety of cultures eventually develop an understanding of belief as it affects behaviour. Children from all cultures also were able to make correct desire-based judgments about emotion. The children from Western literate cultures came to understand belief-based emotion shortly after they came to understand false belief. Almost all children from non-Western cultures however, had difficulty predicting an emotion based on a false belief about the world.
Vortex states in an unconventional superconductor and the mixed phases of UPt3.

Recent experiments on ${\mathrm{UPt}}_{3}$ indicate the existence of more than one superconducting phase and an associated unconventional order parameter belonging to a nontrivial representation of the crystal point group ${\mathit{D}}_{6\mathit{h}}$. In this article we consider the Ginzburg-Landau (GL) theory for the vortex states in the two-dimensional ${\mathit{E}}_{1}$ representation for the order parameter, the representation believed to describe the phases of ${\mathrm{UPt}}_{3}$. One of the zero-field superconducting phases is predicted to break time-reversal symmetry. We show that the lower critical field for vortex nucleation in a ground state with broken time-reversal symmetry exhibits a novel asymmetry. Observation of this asymmetry in any superconductor would provide clear evidence for an unconventional order parameter. We present solutions to the GL equations for singly quantized vortices. For rectilinear vortices along the c axis two classes of solutions are found: (i) axially symmetric vortices and (ii) nonaxisymmetric vortices which spontaneously break the axial symmetry of the condensate density. We discuss the structure of these vortices, their relation to the asymmetry of ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{c}1}$, the possibility of phase transitions between vortex states of different symmetry, and the phase diagram of ${\mathrm{UPt}}_{3}$ in the H-T plane.
Numerical and experimental analysis of the static compliance of chiral truss-core airfoils

This paper presents an innovative wing profile featuring an internal truss-like structure of chiral topology. The chiral design is selected because of its unique deformation characteristics, which produce a theoretical, in-plane Poisson's ratio of -1. Such a Poisson's ratio yields a very high shear modulus, which in principle does not require the wing profile to be defined by a closed section or stressed-skin configuration. In addition, the peculiar deformation mechanism of the chiral configuration allows large decambering deflections to occur, with all the members of assembly behaving within the linear range of the material. Hence the proposed design combines large chordwise compliance and large in-plane shear stiffness. Such conflicting mechanical properties can be achieved through the proper selection of a limited number of geometric parameters defining the core configuration. The objective of the paper is to investigate the compliance characteristics of the airfoil. Two-dimensional profiles, designed according to results from previous investigations, are manufactured and tested to assess compliance and evaluate decambering deflection limits. The experimental analysis is guided by numerical models that account for deviations from the ideal configuration due to manufacturing limitations. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate the influence of core geometry on the compliance and confirm the ability of chiral-core airfoils to sustain large deflections while not exceeding yield strain limits.
30 some years of heme oxygenase: from a "molecular wrecking ball" to a "mesmerizing" trigger of cellular events.

Abstract In the beginning, the microsomal HO system was presumed to be made of one isozymes, now known as HO-1, which was cytP450-dependent; and, was thought to be of physiological significance solely in the context of catalysis of hemoglobin heme to bile pigments and CO. A succession of discoveries including characterization of the system as an independent mono-oxygenase, identification of a second form, called HO-2, free radical quenching activity of bile pigments, analogous function of CO in cell signaling to NO, and characterization of the system as HSP32 cognates has led to such an impressive expansion in the number of reports dealing with the HO system that surpass anyone’s expectation. This review is a compilation of certain older findings and recent events that together ensure placement of the HO system in the mainstream research for decades to come.
Risk Adjustment in Studies Using Administrative Data

Administrative data are increasingly used to evaluate service use and cost of treatments in "real world" settings. However, the degree to which administrative data can be used to risk-adjust for differences between nonrandomized groups receiving different treatments has not been studied. This study used data from a large randomized trial to determine whether administrative data describing previous utilization and cost are as good as clinical data in predicting future resource utilization and cost. Clinical data (symptoms, quality of life, pharmacological side effects) and administrative data (inpatient utilization and total cost) were obtained from a large randomized clinical trial comparing clozapine and haloperidol. The combination of administrative measures prior to randomization was the best predictor in a multiple regression model of service use in the year after randomization (adjusted r2 = 0.27-0.31). Models using administrative data alone predicted 24 to 28 percent of the variance of service use and costs, while clinical data predicted only 6 to 7 percent of the variation in the same dependent variables. In this analysis, administrative data about previous utilization and costs were far more successful than clinical data alone at predicting future utilization and costs and are therefore likely to be better risk adjusters in studies with nonrandomized comparison groups.
A Case of Long QT Syndrome Type 3 Aggravated by Beta-Blockers and Alleviated by Mexiletine: The Role of Epinephrine Provocation Test

Long QT syndrome (LQTs) is an uncommon genetic disease causing sudden cardiac death with Torsade de Pointes (TdP). The first line drug treatment has been known to be β-blocker. We encountered a 15-year-old female student with LQTs who had prolonged QTc and multiple episodes of syncope or agonal respiration during sleep. Although her T wave morphology in surface electrocardiography resembled LQTs type 1, her clinical presentation was unusual. During the epinephrine test, TdP was aggravated during β-blocker medication, but alleviated by sodium channel blocker (mexiletine). Therefore, she underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation.
Brand awareness and the evaluation of search results

We investigate the effect of search engine brand (i.e., the identifying name or logo that distinguishes a product from its competitors) on evaluation of system performance. This research is motivated by the large amount of search traffic directed to a handful of Web search engines, even though most are of equal technical quality with similar interfaces. We conducted a laboratory study with 32 participants to measure the effect of four search engine brands while controlling for the quality of search engine results. There was a 25% difference between the most highly rated search engine and the lowest using average relevance ratings, even though search engine results were identical in both content and presentation. Qualitative analysis suggests branding affects user views of popularity, trust and specialization. We discuss implications for search engine marketing and the design of search engine quality studies.
Studies on the Instability of Chlorhexidine, Part I: Kinetics and Mechanisms

The objectives of the studies presented herein were to determine the pH-dependent chlorhexidine (CHD) degradation scheme, to determine the rate laws, and to propose reasonable mechanisms for CHD hydrolysis in aqueous solutions. A series of degradation kinetic studies was conducted at 90.0 °C using reaction mixtures containing 0.10 mM CHD prepared in the pH range of 0.5-9.0 using hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, acetate, phosphate, or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid buffers at a constant ionic strength of 0.500 M. Concentration-time profiles for all degradation products, intermediates, and substrates were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Degradation products and intermediates were identified using a combination of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, kinetic analysis, and HPLC comparison with authentic compounds. pH-dependent degradation scheme and rate laws were parameterized using nonlinear regression. The direct formation of p-chloroaniline (PCA) from CHD is the major pathway in acidic conditions, whereas the indirect formation of PCA via the formation of p-chlorophenylurea is the main pathway in alkaline conditions.
Reoperative MIDCAB grafting: 3-year clinical experience

Objective: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) is performed under direct vision without sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass. The technique is used in reoperative patients through various incisions to revascularize one or two areas of the heart. The internal mammary artery, gastroepiploic artery, radial artery, or saphenous vein are used as graft conduits. Methods: Anterior coronary targets are grafted with the internal mammary artery via a small anterior thoracotomy. Inferior coronary targets are grafted with the gastroepiploic artery via a small midline epigastric incision. Lateral coronary targets are grafted with radial artery or saphenous vein via a posterior thoracotomy. After partial heparinization, the anastomosis is facilitated by local coronary occlusion and stabilization. Graft follow-up consists of outpatient Doppler examination and selective recatheterization. Results: Between January 1994 and August 1997, 81 patients underwent reoperative MIDCAB grafting. Twenty-one patients (25.9%) had internal mammary grafting, 39 (48.2%) had gastroepiploic grafting, and 21 (25.9%) had lateral grafting with radial artery or saphenous vein. There were nine early deaths (four cardiac, five non-cardiac), five late deaths (three cardiac, two non-cardiac), and nine myocardial infarctions in remaining patients. Sixteen patients underwent recatheterization; there were one graft occlusion, two graft stenoses, and eight anastomotic stenoses. Mean postoperative length of stay was 3.8 days. Ninety percent (55/61) of patients are free of symptoms at a mean follow-up of 7.8 months (range 0‐39). Conclusions: Reoperative MIDCAB grafting avoids the risks of resternotomy, aortic manipulation, and cardiopulmonary bypass. The techniques yield an early patency rate of 94%, which includes eight patients who had postoperative catheter-based interventions. Reoperative MIDCAB grafting had lower rates of supraventricular arrhythmia and transfusion when compared with conventional coronary artery bypass grafting, but did not offer an advantage for mortality, stroke or myocardial infarction. This 3-year experience suggests that while reoperative MIDCAB grafting can effectively revascularize focal areas of the heart, patients should be carefully selected to minimize operative risk. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved
Biomechanics of the Human Epiglottis

The mechanism that folds the epiglottis down over the closed larynx in the course of swallowing has been unclear. Measurements of the force needed to fold the epiglottis in cadaver specimens exceed the estimated force available from the aryepiglottic muscle. Frame-by-frame analysis of cinefluorograms reveals that deglutitional epiglottic downfolding occurs at the time of maximal elongation of the hyoepiglottic ligament. The observations lead us to propose a conical model of epiglottic downfolding which also explains the conical shape of the epiglottis usual in early infancy. The infant shape may be part of a protective partially closed entrance adaptive to suckling, while maturational widening of the opening adapts to the growing respiratory demands of increasing physical exertion.
Formation and decomposition of water clusters as observed in a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer

Water clustering up to mass 4000 has been observed using the Finnigan TSQ-700 electrospray mass spectrometer operating in either the normal or discharge modes with the capillary just above room temperature. The mechanism of cluster formation and structure has been studied by changing instrumental parameters including capillary temperature, auxiliary gas flow, and tube lens (skimmer) voltage. As expected, and in agreement with earlier work, enhanced abundances were observed at clusters of n 5 21 and 28 molecules of water. Abundances of these same clusters are enhanced after fragmentation of higher mass clusters by MS/MS. Existing models including the clathrate structure are examined and it is suggested that with the exception of the structures at n 5 21 and 28, the clusters are based on ice Ic. Also in agreement with previous work, water clusters were found to contain both protons and ammonium ions and the presence of the latter was proved by accurate mass measurement. In one case, these ions also attached to decomposition products formed by the discharge from traces of residual polyethylene glycol. (J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 1998, 9, 814 ‐ 822) © 1998 American Society for Mass Spectrometry
Optimal jumper insertion for antenna avoidance under ratio upper-bound

Antenna effect may damage gate oxides during plasma-based fabrication process. The antenna ratio of total exposed antenna area to total gate oxide area is directly related to the amount of damage. Jumper insertion is a common technique applied at routing and post-layout stages to avoid and to fix the problems caused by the antenna effect. This paper presents an optimal algorithm for jumper insertion under the ratio upper-bound. It handles Steiner trees with obstacles. The algorithm us based on dynamic programming while works on free trees. The time complexity is O(/spl alpha/|V|/sup 2/ ) and the space complexity is O(|V|/sup 2/), where |V| is the number of nodes in the routing tree and a is a factor depending on how to find a non-blocked position on a wire for a jumper.
Aluminum Wire to Thick-Film Connections for High-Temperature Operation

Hybrid microcircuits in geothermal instrumentation must operate from room temperature to 300°C. Bond failure occurred during operation of initial geothermal circuits due to intermetallic growth at the aluminum wire-to-gold conductor interface. To remedy this problem, two wire bonding techniques have been qualified in high-temperature aging tests: 1) ultrasonic bonding of aluminum wire directly to modified fritless gold conductor inks (DuPont 9910, AVX 3520, and TFS A328) and 2) insertion of a I mil diffusion barrier pad between the thick film and the aluminum wire. Both systems allow 100-1000 h operation at 300°C. Three alloys of wire were tested: pure aluminum, aluminum with I percent silicon, and aluminum with 1 percent magnesium. The degradation rates differed greatly with pure aluminum being the least tolerant to temperature aging and wire with 1 percent silicon faring best. Because thick-film surfaces tend to be harder than thin-film surfaces, hardened aluminum wire (elongation 0.5 percent) formed bonds with less pad deformation and, consequently, with higher pull strengths than standard bonding wire (elongation 1-3 percent). Comparison of wire bonds aged at three temperatures (250, 300, and 350°C) demonstrated several orders of magnitude spread in degradation rates; for 1000-h bond lifetime, 300°C was found to be about the highest allowed operational temperature for direct bonding to gold. Disks of kovar and nickel of l-mil thickness and 30 mils diam were used as diffusion barriers between the gold and aluminum. Evaporated on one side of each disk was a 1 µm gold thin film for thermocompression bonding to the thick film; the other side received an evaporated aluminum film for wire bonding. Aging for 1000 h up to 350°C produced no increase in bond resistance for any of the three wire alloys tested. Some decrease in pull strength with time was noticed but was attributed to annealing of the wire.
Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy

A laparoscopic live-donor nephrectomy was performed on a 40-year-old man. The kidney was removed intact via a 9-cm infraumbilical midline incision. Warm ischemia was limited to less than 5 min. Immediately upon revascularization, the allograft produced urine. By the second postoperative day, the recipient's serum creatinine had decreased to 0.7 mg/dl. The donor's postoperative course was uneventful. He experienced minimal discomfort and was discharged home on the first postoperative day. We conclude that laparoscopic donor nephrectomy is feasible. It can be performed without apparent deleterious effects to either the donor or the recipient. The limited discomfort and rapid convalescence enjoyed by our patient indicate that this technique may prove to be advantageous.
A practical framework for constructing structured drawings

We describe a novel theoretical framework for modeling structured drawings which contain one or more patterns of repetition in their constituent elements. We then present PatternSketch, a sketch-based drawing tool built using our framework to allow quick construction of structured drawings. PatternSketch can recognize and beautify drawings containing line segments, polylines, arcs, and circles. Users can employ a series of gestures to identify repetitive elements and create new elements based on automatically inferred patterns. PatternSketch leverages the programming-by-example (PBE) paradigm, enabling it to infer non-trivial patterns from a few examples. We show that PatternSketch, with its sketch-based user interface and a unique pattern inference algorithm, enables efficient and natural construction of structured drawings.
Calcium Control of Neurotransmitter Release

Upon entering a presynaptic terminal, an action potential opens Ca(2+) channels, and transiently increases the local Ca(2+) concentration at the presynaptic active zone. Ca(2+) then triggers neurotransmitter release within a few hundred microseconds by activating synaptotagmins Ca(2+). Synaptotagmins bind Ca(2+) via two C2-domains, and transduce the Ca(2+) signal into a nanomechanical activation of the membrane fusion machinery; this activation is mediated by the Ca(2+)-dependent interaction of the synaptotagmin C2-domains with phospholipids and SNARE proteins. In triggering exocytosis, synaptotagmins do not act alone, but require an obligatory cofactor called complexin, a small protein that binds to SNARE complexes and simultaneously activates and clamps the SNARE complexes, thereby positioning the SNARE complexes for subsequent synaptotagmin action. The conserved function of synaptotagmins and complexins operates generally in most, if not all, Ca(2+)-regulated forms of exocytosis throughout the body in addition to synaptic vesicle exocytosis, including in the degranulation of mast cells, acrosome exocytosis in sperm cells, hormone secretion from endocrine cells, and neuropeptide release.
A Dual Systems Model of Adolescent Risk-Taking

It has been hypothesized that reward-seeking and impulsivity develop along different timetables and have different neural underpinnings, and that the difference in their timetables helps account for heightened risk-taking during adolescence. In order to test these propositions, age differences in reward-seeking and impulsivity were examined in a socioeconomically and ethnically diverse sample of 935 individuals between the ages of 10 and 30, using self-report and behavioral measures of each construct. Consistent with predictions, age differences in reward-seeking follow a curvilinear pattern, increasing between preadolescence and mid-adolescence, and declining thereafter. In contrast, age differences in impulsivity follow a linear pattern, with impulsivity declining steadily from age 10 on. Heightened vulnerability to risk-taking in middle adolescence may be due to the combination of relatively higher inclinations to seek rewards and still maturing capacities for self-control.
Observation of entanglement between a single trapped atom and a single photon

We report the first observation of entanglement between a stationary quantum memory and a 'flying' quantum bit. Coincident quantum state measurements between a single trapped atomic ion and its emitted photon directly verify the entanglement
Phase automata: a programming model of locomotion gaits for scalable chain-type modular robots

Modular reconfigurable robots have the potential for great versatility and robustness; however, programming locomotion gaits for hundreds of modules remains a challenge. In this paper we present a formal model for programming locomotion gaits in chain-type modular robots: phase automata. A phase automation is an event-driven state automation with an initial phase delay. The phase delay is normally a real value between 0 and 1. Phase automata are compact representation of locomotion gaits and capable of being embedded and distributed across modules. The concepts of phase automata have been implemented on both PCs and embedded micro-processors. An XML script language and programming interface for phase automata are being built. Locomotion gaits programmed using phase automata have been tested both in simulation with 100+ modules and in hardware with 50+ modules.
A Mathematical Model of a Midbrain Dopamine Neuron Identifies Two Slow Variables Likely Responsible for Bursts Evoked by SK Channel Antagonists and Terminated by Depolarization Block

Midbrain dopamine neurons exhibit a novel type of bursting that we call “inverted square wave bursting” when exposed to Ca2+-activated small conductance (SK) K+ channel blockers in vitro. This type of bursting has three phases: hyperpolarized silence, spiking, and depolarization block. We find that two slow variables are required for this type of bursting, and we show that the three-dimensional bifurcation diagram for inverted square wave bursting is a folded surface with upper (depolarized) and lower (hyperpolarized) branches. The activation of the L-type Ca2+ channel largely supports the separation between these branches. Spiking is initiated at a saddle node on an invariant circle bifurcation at the folded edge of the lower branch and the trajectory spirals around the unstable fixed points on the upper branch. Spiking is terminated at a supercritical Hopf bifurcation, but the trajectory remains on the upper branch until it hits a saddle node on the upper folded edge and drops to the lower branch. The two slow variables contribute as follows. A second, slow component of sodium channel inactivation is largely responsible for the initiation and termination of spiking. The slow activation of the ether-a-go-go-related (ERG) K+ current is largely responsible for termination of the depolarized plateau. The mechanisms and slow processes identified herein may contribute to bursting as well as entry into and recovery from the depolarization block to different degrees in different subpopulations of dopamine neurons in vivo.
Relationship of estrogen and pregnancy to calcium homeostasis in pseudohypoparathyroidism.

The relationship of estrogen administration and pregnancy to vitamin D metabolism and Ca homeostasis was examined in two young women with pseudohypoparathyroidism. Estrogen, which is believed to inhibit PTH-mediated bone resorption, caused a consistent dose-related reversible reduction of serum Ca in these patients. This finding supports the concept that PTH-mediated bone resorption may contribute to the maintenance of serum Ca in normocalcemic pseudohypoparathyroid-ism. Paradoxically, these two patients remained normocalcemic throughout pregnancy, a high estrogen state. They were studied during four pregnancies, and each time a similar pattern emerged. Despite a primary derangement of the renal lα-hydroxylase, serum 1,25-dihydrovitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] concentration increased 2- to 3-fold, while the serum PTH level was nearly halved during pregnancy. After delivery, serum Ca and (1,25-(OH)2D decreased, and serum PTH rose appropriately.)Placental synthesis of 1,25-(OH)2D may have contributed to the) mainte...
How management strategies have affected Atlantic White-cedar forest recovery after massive wind damage in the Great Dismal Swamp

Abstract In September 2003 Hurricane Isabel swept through eastern North Carolina and Virginia, destroying most of what formerly ranked among the most extensive remaining stands of Atlantic White-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides L., cedar). As Atlantic White-cedar communities are dependent on irregular, large-scale disturbances, the hurricane event can be viewed as an opportunity for perpetuating cedar populations in the Great Dismal Swamp. The success of cedar regeneration in the Dismal Swamp has been influenced by the management strategies employed by Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (active management) and by the adjacent Dismal Swamp State Park (passive management). We investigated the regeneration success of Atlantic White-cedar 5 years following Hurricane Isabel by sampling five stands at the Dismal Swamp State Park withstanding varying impact from the storm and previous windthrow events. We compared our findings to regeneration surveys completed at the adjacent Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Atlantic White-cedar seedling densities were up to 100 times higher in the actively managed Wildlife Refuge compared to the passively managed State Park. We also determined the seedbank of viable cedar seeds and we described the vegetation at the State Park. The stands at the State Park are now dominated by red maple (Acer rubrum) with a dense shrubby understory. Since viable cedar seeds were still present in the seedbank (>800,000 ha−1), future seedling establishment is possible at the State Park. However, active management is essential for achieving sufficient seedling densities and survival for regenerating a mature cedar stand.
Comparison of Directly and Inductively Coupled Pulsed Electromagnetic Thrusters

Pulsed electromagnetic plasma accelerators and, more specifically, those that are inductively coupled potentially have high thrust density, high specific impulse, and long thruster lifetime since there is limited contact between the plasma and coil(s). One-dimensional electromechanical models of these thrusters, which are important for identifying important relationships among circuit parameters, coil geometry, and plasma, usually make the same underlying assumption about the mutual inductance between the primary coil and induced plasma current, based on empirical evidence. This approach is inconvenient for arbitrary coil geometries and if trying to make comparisons with directly coupled plasma accelerators, such as coaxial plasma guns. A generalized slug model was developed in which RLC circuit equations are coupled to a mechanical force equation. The acceleration term was made to be thruster and geometry dependent, so that the same model could be used to study both coaxial plasma guns and conical theta pinches. The calculated mutual inductance from the coil model exhibits the same exponential falloff with distance as in previous models and experiments. Efficiency (plasma kinetic energy divided by initial capacitor bank energy) and exhaust velocity were calculated for the conical theta pinch coil over a 5-D parameter space. For the cases with highest efficiencies, peak coaxial plasma accelerator efficiencies were calculated under certain operating constraints. It was found that, while coaxial plasma accelerators are generally more efficient, under certain conditions, the conical theta pinch performance is higher.
Mobile sensing: challenges, opportunities and future directions

The emerging field of mobile sensing has engaged computer scientists from a variety of existing communities, such as, mobile systems, machine learning and human computer interaction. Each community approaches the challenges of mobile sensing research with its own unique perspective. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a forum to discuss the state of the art in mobile sensing and promote increased cooperation and interaction among the participating research communities.
Residential Energy Use and the City-Suburb Dichotomy

Data from the 2005 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) indicate suburbanites, compared with city dwellers, have on average higher per-capita residential energy consumption. However, it is not clear why suburbanites tend to consume more energy at home. Using a two-group structural equation modeling, I analyzed direct and total effects of household’s sociodemographic characteristics, income, and building’s characteristics on per-capita energy consumption for suburbanites and city-dwellers. Results show that while modeling results show that household’s sociodemographic characteristics have the largest total effect on energy consumption per-capita in both models, the difference between the magnitudes of effect is only marginal between cities and suburbs. The direct impact of income on energy consumption index is also identical between the two models; however, the total effect is bigger for the suburbanites. Impact of income on housing characteristics is also bigger for the suburbanites. Overall, the biggest difference between cities and suburbs appears to be the effect of building characteristics on per-capita energy consumption, with suburban homes being 19% more influential in increasing per-capita energy consumption. Such an increased impact also carries the indirect effect of households’ characteristics, implying an often-neglected hierarchy of effects and consequences between household characteristics, housing characteristics and residential energy outcomes.
Cardiac MRI and Ischemic Heart Disease: Role in Diagnosis and Risk Stratification

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) has been under development for the past four decades and has more recently become an essential tool in the evaluation of ischemic heart disease (IHD). It is the reference standard for quantification of both right and left ventricular volume and function and, after landmark work published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2000, has proven effective in identifying hibernating myocardium, or hypokinetic myocardium that will recover after revascularization. More recent literature continues to support both delayed enhancement imaging and CMRI stress perfusion as essential tools in evaluating IHD. This review will briefly address the basics of CMRI and the scientific literature supporting the use of CMRI in IHD. It will then address more recent clinical studies establishing the clinical utility of CMRI in IHD, followed by a discussion of future directions in CMRI.
Shared Fuzzy Control of Multiple Quadrotor UAVs With Time-Dependent Delay and Bounded Control-Input Constraint

We propose a shared fuzzy controller for position and attitude control of multiple quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Using the nonlinear governing equations of motion and kinematics of a quadrotor, we develop a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model for a quadrotor. Then, we consider time-varying delays due to wireless connectioninto the T-S fuzzy model. We use the sufficient stability condition based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii stability theorem and the parallel distributed compensation (PDC) technique to determine the fuzzy control law. For practical purposes, we include actuator amplitude constraint into the design process. The problem of designing a shared fuzzy controller is cast in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A feasible solution region is found in terms of maximum magnitude and rate of time-varying delay. In the end, the stability, performance, and robustness of the proposed shared fuzzy controller are examined via numerical simulation.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Maternal TH17 cells take a toll on baby's brain

The possibility that microcephaly is caused by Zika virus has made recent alarming headlines. Although few people had previously heard of an association between infection during pregnancy and changes in brain development, epidemiologists have known about this connection for many years. Moreover, mounting evidence suggests that maternal immune activation (MIA) alone is sufficient to alter brain development and may be causally linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) ( 1 – 3 ). How could the maternal immune system, which normally serves to protect mother and child from environmental insults, cause changes in brain development? On page 933 of this issue, Choi et al. ( 4 ) uncover an important component of this immune pathway: a critical signal from a special class of cells in the mother's immune system, called T helper 17 (TH17) cells, that alters brain development in her fetal offspring (see the figure). These findings have exciting implications for the development of new treatments to prevent ASD caused by maternal infection.
IMCT-12A PHASE 1 TRIAL OF VACCINATION WITH AUTOLOGOUS DENDRITIC CELLS PULSED WITH LYSATE DERIVED FROM AN ALLOGENEIC GLIOBLASTOMA STEM-LIKE CELL LINE FOR PATIENTS WITH NEWLY DIAGNOSED OR RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cell vaccines are a promising treatment for glioblastoma. The glioblastoma stem-like cell subpopulation is refractory to standard chemotherapy and radiation treatment, but may be susceptible to immunotherapeutic targeting. METHODS: This single-institution phase I trial is designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and potential efficacy of an autologous dendritic cell vaccine pulsed with lysate derived from a glioblastoma stem-like cell line. Patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (Cohort A) receive standard radiation and temozolomide in addition to vaccine. Patients with up to third glioblastoma recurrence (Cohort B) receive vaccine alone, although patients previously treated with bevacizumab are allowed to continue bevacizumab on study. Prior to enrollment, patients must undergo a qualifying gross total or near-gross total resection. Treatment consists of a Vaccine Induction Phase (weekly vaccines x 4 – for Cohort A, given upon completion of radiation), followed by a Vaccine Maintenance Phase (vaccine every 8 weeks until supply depleted). Imaging is performed during Week 4 of the Induction phase and every 8 weeks thereafter until progression. The primary objective of safety and tolerability includes adverse event grading per NCI CTC. Clinical assessment includes progression-free survival at 6 months and overall survival. Immunological testing to assess cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response will be performed at predetermined intervals. Goal enrollment is 20 patients in each cohort. Stopping rules for safety and efficacy using Bayesian sequential design will be followed. RESULTS: To date, 18 patients (7 new GBM, 11 recurrent GBM) have enrolled in this trial. No adverse events related to vaccine have been noted. CONCLUSION: This single-institution phase I dendritic cell vaccine trial builds upon our previous research efforts by specifically targeting the glioblastoma stem-like cell subpopulation that is resistant to standard radiation and chemotherapy. Accrual is proceeding rapidly, and results will be published when available.