cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemoarchitectonic subdivisions of the visual pulvinar in monkeys and their connectional relations with the middle temporal and rostral dorsolateral visual areas, MT and DLr

The organization of the inferior pulvinar complex (PI) in squirrel monkeys was studied with histochemical localization of the calcium binding proteins calbindin-D28k and parvalbumin, and of cytochrome oxidase. With each of these markers, the inferior pulvinar complex can be subdivided into four distinct regions. Calbindin-D28k immunoreactivity is densely distributed in cells and neuropil within PI, except for a distinct centromedially located gap. This calbindin-poor zone, termed the medial division of the inferior pulvinar (PIM), corresponds precisely to a region that contains elevated cytochrome oxidase activity and parvalbumin immunostaining. The PIM extends slightly above and behind the classically defined limit of the inferior pulvinar, the corticotectal tract. Regions of inferior pulvinar with intense immunostaining for calbindin-D28k were the posterior division of the inferior pulvinar (PIP, medial to PIM) and the central division (PIC, lateral to PIM). A newly recognized lateral region, PIL, adjoins the lateral geniculate nucleus and stains more lightly for calbindin and parvalbumin immunoreactivity and for cytochrome oxidase. Staining patterns for calbindin, parvalbumin, and cytochrome oxidase in the pulvinar of rhesus monkeys closely resemble those shown in squirrel monkey inferior pulvinar, suggesting that a common organization exists in all primates. In order to examine cortical connection patterns of the histochemically defined compartments in the inferior pulvinar, injections of up to five neuroanatomical tracers (wheat germ agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase and fluorescent retrograde tracers) were placed in the same cerebral hemisphere. Single injection sites were in the middle temporal area (MT), and several separate injections were placed in a strip corresponding to the rostral subdivision of the dorsolateral area (DLr). Injections that involved only DLr and not MT labeled principally the PIC, and more sparsely PIP and PIL. DLr connections occupied a "shell" region dorsal to PIM that extended from PIC into the lateral and medial divisions of the pulvinar, PL and PM. Injection sites that included MT or were largely restricted to MT produced dense label in PIM and moderate label in PIC and PIL. The retinotopic organization within the inferior pulvinar was inferred from patterns of connections. Connections with cortex related most closely to central vision were found posteriorly in PIM and in adjacent portions of PIC as it wraps around the caudal pole of PIM. Cortex related to more peripheral locations in the lower visual field connected with more rostral PIM and PIC. Patterns of label within the portions of PL and PM that were immediately adjacent to PIM roughly paralleled those in PIM and PIC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Semiclassical wavefunctions of nonintegrable systems and localization on periodic orbits

We review semiclassical approximations for wavefunctions, including the EBK approximation for integrable systems and the recent work of Bogomolny and Berry for nonintegrable systems, stemming from the periodic orbit theory of Gutzwiller and Balian and Block. In particular we focus on the localization around periodic orbits (scarring) first appreciated by Heller, and the description of this scarring in both coordinate and phase space. We examine individual wavefunctions of a schematic shell model in phase space and find that few are ergodic. We also find that the degree of localization depends both on the degree of chaos in the classical limit and on the nearness of the eigenvalue to an energy that quantizes the scarring periodic orbit.
Multilayer relaxation of a Pb\{111\} surface

Multilayer relaxation on clean Pb{111} has been determined by analysis of low-energy electron diffraction intensity data collected from a sample at -140 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The first interlayer spacing is compressed from the bulk value (2.844 \AA{}) by (3.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1)%, the second interlayer spacing is expanded by (0.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.4)%, and the third interlayer spacing is expanded by (1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.8)%. These results are consistent with the observations made on Pb{110} and Pb{001} that Pb surfaces exhibit structure relaxations markedly larger than on surfaces of other fcc metals investigated to date.
A lightweight semantic chunking model based on tagging

In this paper, a framework for the development of a fast, accurate, and highly portable semantic chunker is introduced. The framework is based on a non-overlapping, shallow tree-structured language. The derivation of the tree is considered as a sequence of tagging actions in a predefined linguistic context, and a novel semantic chunker is accordingly developed. It groups the phrase chunks into the arguments of a given predicate in a bottom-up fashion. This is quite different from current approaches to semantic parsing or chunking that depend on full statistical syntactic parsers that require tree bank style annotation. We compare it with a recently proposed word-by-word semantic chunker and present results that show that the phrase-by-phrase approach performs better than its word-by-word counterpart.
A PHILOSOPHICAL PERSPECTIVE OF CONTEMPORARY CHINESE CONCEPTUAL ART

Soulignant la nature mystique de l'art conceptuel chinois compris comme un jeu de devinette spirituel, l'A. etudie la conception de l'esprit humain qui resulte de l'integration de l'art contemporain et de la philosophie orientale. Examinant l'opposition entre mystification et demystification, ainsi que le lien culturel entre l'Orient et l'Occident, l'A. montre que l'esthetique chinoise se tient entre la conceptualisation mystique et la mystification conceptuelle, d'une part, et qu'elle evolue d'un rationalisme realiste a un esoterisme semiologique, d'autre part.
A cross LPD array antenna on a conducting cone

A cross LPD array antenna on a conducting cone has been designed and tested. The frequency-independent characteristics of the LPD array antenna were maintained by coinciding the virtual tip of the LPD array and that of the conducting cone. It was found that the radiation pattern and the input impedance of this antenna are not significantly deteriorated by the presence of the conducting cone.
Relativistic collision strengths for optically allowed Delta n=0 transitions between magnetic sublevels of highly charged ions.

Procedures are given for calculating relativistic distorted-wave collision strengths for producing optically allowed {Delta}{ital n}=0 transitions between magnetic sublevels of highly charged ions by impact with directional electrons. For such transitions, which tend to have very small transition energies, difficulties arise because the contribution from extremely large angular momenta of the free electron is important. Illustrative numerical results are given for He-like ions, which have been of interest for electron-beam ion-trap experiments [Wargelin {ital et} {ital al}., Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 71}, 2196 (1993)].
Visual evoked potentials (VEP) recorded from the hippocampus of the chronically-implanted unanesthetized hedgehog.

Abstract Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded from the dorsal hippocampus of chronically-implanted unanesthetized European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus ). The hippocampal VEP is less complex in appearance than the VEP recorded from the visual cortex. It consists of several distinct, reliably reproducible peaks and one distinct afterpotential (AP). The ease of recording and the reliability of the elicited electrophysiological reponses recommend this primitive placental insectivore for use in comparative electrophysiological and psychophysiological studies.
Alejandro Amenábar, Composer

Alejandro Amenabar is one of the rare directors who also composes the scores for his films: Tesis (1996), Abre los ojos (1997), The Others (2001), and Mar adentro (2004). In addition, he has writte...
Efficacy of moxifloxacin monotherapy versusgatifloxacin monotherapy, piperacillin-tazobactam combination therapy, and lindamycin plus gentamicin combination therapy: An experimental study in a rat model of intra-abdominal sepsis induced by fluoroquinolone-resistant Bacteroides fragilis.

Background: In intra-abdominal infections, the activity of antimicrobial agents against Bacteroides fragilis and phenotypically related organisms, and the increasing resistance of these organisms, are of particular importance and concern to surgeons. In vitro data suggest that moxifloxacin is more active than other quinolones against obligately anaerobic organisms, including Bacteroides spp.
Isolation and partial characterization of the surface protein of Lactobacillus acidophilus strains

A surface protein layer was found to be present in some Lactobacillus acidophilus strains. it could be visualized with electron microscopy and extracted with sodium dodecyl sulfate or guanidine hydrochloride. The protein was resistant to several proteolytic enzymes, but sensitive to pronase. Amino acid composition analysis revealed about 30% hydrophobic amino acids. Hydrophobicity study with a hexadecane partition assay demonstrated that the cells were hydrophobic and removal of the surface layer with pronase destroyed the hydrophobic nature of the cells. Several growth conditions studies were found to have little effect on synthesis of the surface protein.
A Review of “Families That Flourish: Facilitating Resilience in Clinical Practice”

Dorothy Becvar is confident that in order to be successful in treating troubled families, therapists must be familiar with characteristics of successful families. In order to help families flourish...
Empathy and socialization in first and repeat juvenile offenders and normals.

The present study examined empathy and socialization in delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles. From 32 first offenders, 16 repeat offenders, and 19 normals who were administered Hogan's empathy scale and the socialization scale of the California Psychological Inventory, groups of 16 subjects matched on age and race were compared. Results indicated that the three groups did not differ on empathy but that each of the three groups differed on socialization. Results are discussed in terms of potentially identifying recidivists and the efficacy of therapist-trained empathy.
Partial characterization of a major gut thiol proteinase from larvae of Callosobruchus maculatus F.

Much of the proteolytic activity in the digestive tract of Callosobruchus maculatus larvae can be attributed to a thiol proteinase(s) that hydrolyzes [3H]methemoglobin optimally at pH 5.0. Maximal hydrolysis of [3H]methemoglobin, [3H]alpha-casein, and N-benzoyl-DL-arginine napthylamide-(BANA) required the presence of thiol reducing agents. Larval gut proteinase activity was strongly inhibited by p-hydroxymercuribenzoic acid (pHMB), Nethylmaleimide (NEM), and iodoacetic acid (IAA) but was unaffected by the Bowman-Birk and Kunitz proteinase inhibitors from soybeans or by lima bean trypsin inhibitor. L-Trans-epoxysuccinyl-leucylamido-(4-guanidino)-butane (E-64), a specific inhibitor of thiol proteinases, potently inhibited proteolysis of [3H]methemoglobin by larval gut homogenates. Proteolytic activity in the larval gut was located in the lumen contents and thus appears to play a major role in extracellular digestion. The pH of the larval midgut is slightly acidic, and midgut contents exhibit a negative redox potential, conditions supporting the activity of a thiol proteinase. The significance of these findings is discussed with reference to the vulnerability of this digestive proteinase as a target for existing or genetically engineered plant chemical defenses.
Non-traditional approaches for quality control of antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Quality control is an essential part of any clinical laboratory procedure and can simply be defined as the series of steps that are taken to make certain test results are accurate and reproducible. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests, like many other microbiology tests are somewhat unique in that they depend on growth (or no growth) of bacteria which is often unpredictable and sensitive to changes in the environment. Therefore, it is essential that technical variables in the test system are well standardized and controlled and that personnel performing the tests thoroughly understand the components of the test system. This must all be considered when developing a program for quality control of antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
Periostitis associated with myelofibrosis

Two patients with myelofibrosis developed fever, leg pain and periostitis. The first patient had myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia and was symptomatic for months before x-rays showed periosteal new bone formation in the lower extremities. He subsequently developed periostitis of both upper extremities. Radiation of the lower extremities resulted in significant pain relief. The second patient had a past history of polycythemia vera and experienced painful periostitis of the tibiae and fibulae. 99mTechnetium pyrophosphate bone scans showed increased uptake in the involved bones in both patients. Asymptomatic or painful periostitis may be related to the increased bone blood flow associated with myelofibrosis. Radiation can afford successful palliation in the severely symptomatic patient.
Melatonin Treatment in Children with Developmental Disabilities

Melatonin is commonly recommended to treat sleep problems in children with developmental disabilities. However, few studies document the efficacy and safety of melatonin in these populations. This article reviews recent studies of melatonin efficacy in developmental disabilities. Overall, short treatment trials were associated with a significant decrease in sleep onset latency time for each of the disorders reviewed, with 1 notable exception-tuberous sclerosis. Reported side effects were uncommon and mild. Across disorders, additional research is needed to draw disability-specific conclusions. However, studies to date provide positive support for future trials that include larger groups of children with specific disabilities/syndromes.
The kinetics study of the S + S2 → S3 reaction by the chaperone mechanism

The recombination of S atoms has been found to be stepwise from the smallest unit, the elemental S atom, to the most abundant molecule S8. The reaction between S + S2 → S3 has not been reported either experimentally or by theory, but may be a key intermediate step in the formation of sulfur aerosols in low-O2 atmospheres. In this work, the kinetics of this reaction is reported with Ar gas used as the chaperone molecule in the production of S3 via two complex intermediates: SAr + S2 and S2Ar + S. Quasi-classical and classical trajectory methods are used. The rate constant of the S + S2 + Ar → S3 + Ar reaction is determined to be 2.66 × 10−33 cm6 mol−1 s−1 at 298.15 K. The temperature dependence of the reaction is found to be 2.67 × 10−33 exp[143.56(1/T–1/298.15)]. The second-order rate constant of S + S2 → S3 is 6.47 × 10−14 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 298.15 K and the Arrhenius-type rate constant is calculated to be 6.25 × 10−14 exp[450.15(1/T–1/298.15)] cm3 molecule−1 s−1. This work provides a rate coefficient for a key intermediate species in studies of sulfur formation in the modern Venus atmosphere and the primitive Earth atmosphere, for which assumed model rate coefficients have spanned nearly 4 orders of magnitude. Although a symmetry-induced mass-independent isotope effect is not expected for a chaperone mechanism, the present work is an important step toward evaluating whether mass-independence is expected for thiozone formation as is observed for ozone formation.
Analysis of Hypersonic Flight Dynamics with Probabilistic Uncertainty in System Parameters

In this paper we present a novel computational framework for analyzing evolution of uncertainty in state trajectories of a hypersonic air vehicle due to uncertainty in initial conditions and other system parameters. The framework is built on the so called generalized polynomial chaos expansions. In this framework, stochastic dynamical systems are transformed into equivalent deterministic dynamical systems in higher dimensional space. In the research work presented here we study evolution of uncertainty due to initial condition, ballistic coecient, lift over drag ratio and atmospheric density. The problem studied here is related to the Mars entry descent landing problem.
Enhancement of effective Schottky barrier height on n-type InP

The effective Schottky barrier height on n-type InP is increased by a thin heavily-doped p-type surface layer grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. The relationships between the barrier height increment and the doping level and thickness of the surface layer have been studied. The Schottky diodes fabricated by this method show reasonably low leakage current at high reverse bias and high reverse break-down voltage.
206. Frequency and Analysis of Liver Tumors in AAV-Treated B6C3F1 Hybrid Mice

Top of pageAbstract We report on the frequency of liver tumors observed in a gene therapy study with AAV vectors in male mice of the B6C3F1 hybrid background, which are known to have a high frequency of spontaneous tumor formation in the liver. Because of their increased susceptibility to develop tumors, these animals should serve as sensitive models to reveal any potential tumorigenic properties of AAV vectors. Male mice with mutations in their OTC gene (spf and spf-ash) and their wild-type siblings had received AAV vectors expressing either the murine OTC (mOTC) or LacZ gene. Untreated control animals were included in the study. All experimental groups including wild-type and mOTC-deficient animals not treated with vector developed liver nodules. In the majority of the animals, H&E-stained liver samples were available that allowed to score the observed nodules according to their likelihood to represent hepatocellular carcinomas. In the spf group no statistically significant risk differences were found between vector-treated and untreated animals. Likewise, in the spf-ash group the administration of vectors expressing mOTC did not increase the risk of tumor development. However, these mice showed increased risks of tumor formation when treated with LacZ-expressing vectors compared to untreated animals or animals that had received vectors with mOTC as transgene, suggesting that the transgene but not the vector might play a role in the formation of tumors. In general, both the overall risk of developing liver nodules and the histological appearance as hepatocellular carcinoma was more frequent in mice that had received AAV-LacZ compared to untreated controls or animals treated with AAVmOTC. Tumor tissue contained consistently lower amounts of vector DNA than healthy liver tissue, and only one out of 16 tumors was found to express the transgene as determined by histochemistry to detect OTC activity and immunostaining against beta-galactosidase. We therefore conclude that AAV vectors alone do not contribute to the formation of tumors, even in mouse strains with a heightened susceptibility to the development of those lesions. However, the expression of LacZ alone or in combination with vector may be problematic.
Lymphedema: strategies for management.

An important sequela of cancer treatment is lymphedema. Management of this condition must be based on the physiologic functioning of the lymphatic system and tailored to the individual patient's presentation of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent worsening of the condition and to help assuage the psychologic impact of the disease. A review of the normal and impaired lymphatic system is presented in this article. Current assessment and treatment options are described, including education of patients in precautions, positioning, exercise, compression garments and bandages, pneumatic pumps, and lymphatic massage. Also included is a discussion of the psychologic impact of the disease as well as management of psychologic symptoms. Various strategies for management of the physical aspects of lymphedema are available. Studies have shown that use of physical treatments such as exercise, compression, and lymphatic massage are effective in reducing the amount of swelling in affected limbs. The specific type, amount, and combination of these treatments continues to be debated. The development of lymphedema is commonly associated with significant psychologic distress that can impact on compliance with physical treatments. Because there is no consensus as to the optimal treatment approach for management of lymphedema, additional research must ensue to determine the efficacy of existing treatments and to develop new management techniques. Clinicians must be attuned to the signs and symptoms of lymphedema in order to make prompt referrals for treatment.
Methyl jasmonate enhances antioxidant activity and flavonoid content in blackberries (Rubus sp.) and promotes antiproliferation of human cancer cells

The effects of preharvest methyl jasmonate (MJ) application on fruit quality, antioxidant activity and flavonoid content in blackberries (Rubus sp.) were determined. Anticancer activity against human lung A549 cells and HL-60 leukemia cells was also evaluated. Three blackberry cultivars (Chester Thornless, Hull Thornless and Triple Crown) were used in these experiments. Blackberries treated with MJ (0.01 and 0.1 mM) had higher soluble solids content, and lower titratable acids than untreated fruit as well as enhanced content of flavonoids and increased antioxidant capacity. Extracts of treated fruit showed enhanced inhibition of A549 cell and HL-60 cell proliferation and induced the apoptosis of HL-60 cells. Cultivar Hull Thornless had higher soluble solids and lower titratable acids compared to cv. Chester Thornless and Triple Crown. On the basis of fresh weight of fruit, Hull Thornless also had significantly higher anthocyanin, total phenolic content, antioxidant and antiproliferation activity than other two cultivars.
Abstract LB-9: Intersection of Notch and ERBB signalling in melanoma

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive malignancy of the melanocytes. The incidence rates for melanoma are steadily increasing and melanoma has now become the most common form of cancer among young adults between the ages of 25 and 29 years old. Because melanomas are highly resistant to the majority of therapies, the survival rate for patients with metastatic disease is less than 15%. There is a clear need for novel more effective therapies. Identification of the signaling pathways that are altered in melanoma provides opportunities for the development of novel targeted therapies. The Notch pathway is an evolutionary conserved signaling cascade that has an essential role in embryonic development but is inappropriately active in various types of cancers. Studies from our group and others have shown that hyper activation of Notch1 is an early event in melanocyte transformation and modulates both growth and metastasis in melanoma. We have found a new interaction between Notch1 and neuregulin1 (NRG1) signaling that plays a role in melanoma. Neuregulin1 is the ligand for ERBB3, a member of the Epidermal Growth Factor family of receptors that are involved in the genesis and progression of a number of cancers. Notch1 binds to the NRG1 promoter thereby modulating NRG1 expression and consequently the activation of the ERBB3 pathway. Inhibition of either NRG1 or ERBB3 activity in melanoma cells lead to cell growth inhibition and tumor growth delay similar to Notch1 inhibition. Mechanistically, these effects are dependent on the accumulation of p27 following either NRG1 or Notch1 down regulation. In addition, we find that NRG1/ERBB3 signaling influences Notch1 activation likely through the modulation of the Notch ligands Jaggged-1 (JAG-1) and Delta like 3 (Dll3), thus providing a feed forward regulatory loop linking the two pathways. Taken together, our findings underline a new, previously undescribed interaction between Notch1 and NRG1/ERBB3 in melanoma. Our goal is to investigate the mechanisms by which these two oncogenic signaling pathways intersect to promote a highly aggressive disease phenotype and to provide experimental evidence that the targeting of Notch and ERBB signaling is a tractable and effective approach to treat forms of melanoma that may be resistant to current available therapies. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-9. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-9
Quantitative analysis of metal traces in blood serum using in-air PIXE

Abstract Using a regulated pipette dropper, a droplet of blood serum can be hung at the tip for a period of time long enough for PIXE analysis in air. The external proton beam of the University of Delaware proton microprobe was used to bombard the droplet in room atmosphere. Since no sample preparation is needed, the sample was analyzed in five to ten minutes when only the relative concentrations were needed. To obtain absolute concentration, known concentration of a certain element has to be mixed in the serum to be used as a normalizing factor. This is necessary because charge collection in room atmosphere is not reliable, and no PIXE detectable element in serum is known to be constant enough in concentration that can serve this purpose of normalization. NH 4 Br has been tried and found to be very suitable and satisfactory for this purpose.
Importin beta-mediated nuclear import of fibroblast growth factor receptor: role in cell proliferation.

Although growth factor receptors are generally thought to carry out their role in signal transduction at the cell surface, many of these transmembrane proteins translocate to the nucleus after ligand stimulation. Here, we show that the nuclear translocation of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)1 occurs via a mechanism distinct from classical nuclear import but dependent on importin β, a component of multiple nuclear import pathways. Furthermore, we show that nuclear FGFR1 induces c-Jun and is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. These data are the first description of a nuclear import pathway for transmembrane growth factor receptors and elucidate a novel signal transduction pathway from the cell surface to the nucleus.
The thermal decomposition of some carbonate minerals

Certain carbonates have long been known to decompose when heated, as shown by the indent process of making lime from limestone and more recently in the manufacture of furnace-linings from dolomite and magnesite. Physical chemists have also studied the dissociation of such compounds with reference to the phase-rule, the heat of dissociation, the free energy of dissociation, etc., but most of the latter studies have been made with pure compounds prepared in the laboratory, with the result that many naturally occurring minerals have been studied very little if at all. The experiments here described were made with carefully analyzed minerals for the purpose of explaining some discrepancies noted in the literature and in the behavior of certain carbonates, especially those of magnesium and iron.
Predicting Educational Achievement

Much has been said about what affects the scholastic performance of a child, but little has been done to analytically model it Data from 130 Long Island, N.Y., school districts are analyzed to determine if and how educational progress can be predicted. Both social and economic indices are used in developing a multi-response system to forecast student achievement. The sub-systems under consideration are the elementary, junior and senior high schools.
Specificity of Repeat-Induced Point Mutation (Rip) in Neurospora: Sensitivity of Non-Neurospora Sequences, a Natural Diverged Tandem Duplication, and Unique DNA Adjacent to a Duplicated Region

The process designated RIP (repeat-induced point mutation) alters duplicated DNA sequences in the sexual cycle of Neurospora crassa. We tested whether non-Neurospora sequences are susceptible to RIP, explored the basis for the observed immunity to this process of a diverged tandem duplication that probably arose by a natural duplication followed by RIP (the Neurospora zeta-eta region), and investigated whether RIP extends at all into unique sequences bordering a duplicated region. Bacterial sequences of the plasmid pUC8 and of a gene conferring resistance to hygromycin B were sensitive to RIP in N. crassa when repeated in the genome. When the entire 1.6-kb zeta-eta region was duplicated, it was susceptible to RIP, but was affected by it to a lesser extent than other duplications. Only three of 62 progeny from crosses harboring unlinked duplications of the region showed evidence of changes. We attribute the low level of alterations to depletion of mutable sites. The stability of the zeta-eta region in strains having single copies of the region suggests that the 14% divergence of the tandem elements is sufficient to prevent RIP. DNA sequence analysis of unduplicated pUC8 sequences adjacent to a duplication revealed that RIP continued at least 180 bp beyond the boundary of the duplication. Three mutations occurred in the 200-bp segment of bordering sequences examined.
Detection and quantification of enzymatically active prostate-specific antigen in vivo.

Assays for blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), performed in prostate cancer detection, measure mostly inactive/complexed PSA and do not provide information regarding enzymatically active PSA, which is biologically more relevant. Thus, we designed and synthesized an enzymatically cleavable peptide sequence labeled with near-infrared (NIR) fluorophores (ex/em 740/770 nm ) and coupled it to a pharmacokinetic modifier designed to improve its plasma kinetics. In its native state, the agent, PSA750 FAST™ (PSA750), is optically quenched ( 95% ) and only becomes fluorescent upon cleavage by active PSA, yielding a significant increase in signal. This activation is highly selective for PSA relative to a large panel of disease-relevant enzymes. Active PSA was detected in tumor frozen sections using PSA750 and this activity was abolished in the presence of the inhibitor, alpha-1 anti-chymotrypsin. In vivo imaging of tumor-bearing mice using fluorescence molecular tomography demonstrated a significantly higher fluorescent signal in PSA + LNCaP tumors as compared to PSA − prostate cancer 3 tumors ( 13.0 ± 3.7 versus 2.8 ± 0.8 pmol , p = 0.023 ). Ex vivo imaging of tumor sections confirms PSA750-derived NIR signal localization in nonvascular tissue. This is the first report that demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of noninvasive, real time, fluorescence molecular imaging of PSA enzymatic activity in prostate cancer.
Length of hospital stay after acute myocardial infarction in the Myocardial Infarction Triage and Intervention (MITI) Project registry

Objectives. This study sought to identify current trends in length of stay in patients with an acute myocardial infarction and to evaluate which demographic, clinical, procedural and hospitalrelated factors explain the variation and reduction in length of stay observed during the study period. Background. Hospital length of stay is an important contribution to cost of care. Previous studies of length of stay after acute myocardial infarction have been performed largely on administrative data bases and do not reflect current practice patterns. Methods. We used univariate and multivariate models to evaluate which demographic, clinical and administrative factors influenced length of stay in 11,932 patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to 19 Seattle-area hospitals between 1988 and 1994. Results. Length of hospital stay decreased from (mean ± SD) 8.5 ± 8.2 to 6.0 ± 5.8 days during the study period. Demographic and clinical characteristics known at the time of admission explained only 6% of variation in length of stay, whereas hospital complications, procedure use and type of admitting hospital explained an additional 27% of variation. The use of primary angioplasty and early diagnostic coronary angiography predicted a shorter length of stay; however, none of the measured variables explained the 29% reduction in length of stay that occurred between 1988 and 1994. Conclusions. Although hospital complications, procedure use and hospital characteristics are important predictors of length of hospital stay, none of these factors explains the 29% reduction in length of stay observed in postmyocardial infarction patients between 1988 and 1994. It is likely that unmeasured economic and administrative factors play important roles in influencing hospital length of stay.
Comparison of two circuit-level simulation techniques for power-processing circuits

Two circuit-level simulation techniques are discussed-the well-known state-space averaging technique and direct solution of the state-space equations. The direct solution technique seems well suited for trying out new ideas for quickly checking designs. All of the important nonlinearities, such as peak current limiting, overcurrent protection, and error amplifier saturation, can be included. It is better to choose the averaging technique for simulating complex switching converters or power systems. An important limitation of the averaging technique is the inability to produce switching frequency information, such as transistor current. >
Race as a factor for intensification of diabetes medications.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate if patients of nonwhite race are less likely to receive insulin therapy for treatment of poorly controlled diabetes than patients of white race.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of patients with an A1C >10%. The primary objective was to determine any difference in the initiation of insulin between white and nonwhite patients. Secondary outcomes measured the impact of clinic type and provider specialty on the initiation of insulin therapy. Exclusion criteria included those patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, those who were previously receiving insulin, and those without an outpatient clinic visit within 14 days of an A1C >10%.ResultsA total of 277 patients were included. Of these patients, 132 (47.7%) were white, followed by 95 (34.2%) black non-Hispanic patients and 30 (10.8%) Hispanic/Latino patients. No difference was found in receipt of insulin therapy for nonwhite patients as compared to white patients (12.5 vs 21.4, P = .117). Neither ...
Using software component generators to construct a meta-weaver framework

Several new modularity technologies have been proposed that improve separation of concerns in programming languages. The initial efforts to demonstrate these technologies are usually focused on a single programming language. Since we live in a polyglot world, this proposal addresses the goal of being able to take these new powerful technologies to other languages. The approach uses software generators that create new "weavers" from meta-specifications of programming languages.
Automated inspection for remote telerobotic operations

Automated inspection techniques being developed for surface inspection of remote space platforms are reported. The unique problems of performing visual telerobotic inspection in space are identified. An image differencing method to detect changes to surfaces over a period of time is presented, together with a scale-space technique for flaw identification. Examples from images of laboratory mockups of space platform modules are presented to illustrate the results. >
Direct Chemical Oxidation of Mixed or Toxic Wastes

Direct Chemical Oxidation (DCO) is an ambient-pressure, low-temperature (<100 °C), and aqueous-based process for general-purpose destruction of the organic fraction of hazardous or mixed waste. It uses the peroxydisulfate anion (S208 2) in acid or base solutions. The byproduct of the oxidation reaction, typically sodium or ammonium hydrogen sulfate, may be recycled electrolytically to produce the oxidant. The oxidation kinetic reaction is first order with respect to the peroxydisulfate concentration, expressed in equivalents. The rate constant is constant for nearly all dissolved organic compounds: ka= 0.01 ± 0.005 mini1. This reflects a common rate-determining step, which is the decomposition of the peroxydisulfate anion into the chemically active derivative, the sulfate radical anion, SO4 -. This decomposition is promoted in DCO by raising the operating temperature into the range of 80-100 °C. Rates are given for approximately 30 substances with diverse functional groups at low concentrations, and for a number of solid and liquid wastes typical of nuclear and chemical industries. The process has been scale up for treatment studies on chlorinated hydrocarbons, in which the hydrolysis of solvent mixtures was followed by oxidation of products in a series of stirred tank reactors. Cost estimates, safety considerations, and a comprehensive bibliography are given.
Low voltage power devices for future VRM

In this paper, a fully depleted LDD MOSFET built on silicon-on-oxide is proposed as a candidate device for future voltage regulator modules (VRM), which are dedicated DC/DC converters to power advanced microprocessors, and which are expected to work at multi-megahertz frequencies.
Laser chip separation method for GaAs MMIC wafers

A chip separation process is described that uses a Nd-YAG laser with the wafer mounted on stretchable tape for machine sort and load for GaAs monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) wafers. This method is considered especially suitable for prototype masks with multiple-chip design. One of the major advantages of this technique is that the laser can be programmed to cut any pattern desired such that the different circuits need not be laid out in a straight grid pattern as required for sawing. One hundred percent (100%) chip separation yield with no chipping or cracking has been demonstrated. The complete laser chip-separation process consists of eight steps: front scribe alley etch, backside lopping, wafer test, wafer mounting, protective coating for optimal die separation, laser cutting, protective coat removal, and stretch and frame for sorting and chip loading. The process steps are described, and the method's advantages are noted. >
The treatment of singularities in calculation of magnetic field by using integral method

Many papers deal with the calculation of magnetic field using the integral method [1,2]. If the coil consists of straight line and circular arc segments with rectangular cross-sectional winding, the expressions of magnetic field only have analytical terms and one dimensional integrals. Unfortunately, there are some singularities in these expressions when the field points are at some special places in the windings of the coil. These singularities bring on difficulties for the numerical solution of the magnetic field. In this paper, some mathematical treatments to eliminate these singularities are presented which allow accurate numerical solution to the magnetic field.
Accuracy of Visible Plaque Identification by Pediatric Clinicians During Well-Child Care

Objectives. Assess pediatric providers’ ability to identify visible plaque on children’s teeth. Methods. Pediatric providers (residents, nurse practitioners, and attendings) conducting well-child care on 15-month to 5-year-olds in an academic practice examined children’s maxillary incisors for visible plaque (recorded yes/no). A dental hygienist then examined the children and recorded the degree of visible plaque present. Results. The children’s mean age was 34 months (±15 months), and 50% had visible plaque. Providers (n = 28) identified visible plaque on 39% of children (n = 118), with 55% sensitivity and 80% specificity, and agreement with hygienist measured as a κ score was 0.34. Subgroup analyses (based on provider training level, exam experience, child age, and plaque scores) did not appreciably improve sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, or κ scores. Conclusions. Visible plaque exams performed during well-child care may not be accurate. To comply with car...
Counseling Multiple Heritage Adolescents: A Phenomenological Study of Experiences and Practices of Middle School Counselors.

The number of middle school students with multiple heritage backgrounds has grown since they were first able to identify their multiple racial identities in the 2000 U.S. Census. Today, the multiple heritage population makes up 3% (U.S. Census, 2011) of the total population. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions and counseling practices of middle school counselors who work with adolescents with multiple heritage backgrounds. The authors identified five themes that made up the essence of this study: (a) generation dependent, (b) significance of presence, (c) single race identity, (d) students in crisis, and (e) need for acceptance. This article discusses the themes, implications for counselors, and the need for continued research.
Changing homeowners’ use of toxic household products: a transactional approach

Abstract An education and behavior change program was developed to reduce citizens’ use and waste of toxic household products. The program was informed by a transactional world view and has the following key principles: embed individuals’ change in their social groups (in this case, a carefully designed group discussion); use persuasive messages about behaviors embedded in the physical environment (e.g. “behavior streams” and “scripts”); use messages that provide accessible attitudes (strong, scrutinized messages); and encourage long-term change (e.g. behavioral regulation and “institutional” support for the change). Questionnaires indicated that—since the discussion—33% of the respondents had begun proper disposal and 36% had begun sharing leftovers rather than disposing of them. A comparison of group members who had and had not attended the meeting indicated significant differences on all questionnaire items. Respondents’ estimates of what group members would do were considerably different, supporting the idea that actually seeing friends discuss new behaviors is an important part of individual attitude and behavior change.
RNA Sequences in the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Genome Bound by the Gag Precursor Protein in the Yeast Three-Hybrid System

Encapsidation of the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) genome is mediated through a specific interaction between the major viral structural protein, Gag, and an RNA packaging signal, Psi. Many studies have investigated this process in vivo, although the specific examination of the Gag-RNA interaction in this context is difficult due to the variety of other viral functions involved in virion assembly in vivo. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae three-hybrid assay was used to directly examine the interaction between MMLV Gag and Psi. In this system, MMLV RNA regions exhibiting high-affinity Gag binding were mapped. All Gag-binding regions were located 3' to the viral splice donor sequence of the viral RNA transcript. No single short RNA sequence within Psi supported strong Gag interaction. Instead, an RNA comprised of nearly the entire Psi region was necessary to demonstrate an appreciable Gag interaction in the yeast three-hybrid system. These finding support the notion that two stem-loops (C and D) are not sufficient to form a core MMLV encapsidation signal.
The Medical Liability Climate and Prospects for Reform

For many physicians, the prospect of being sued for medical malpractice is a singularly disturbing aspect of modern clinical practice. State legislatures have enacted tort reforms, such as caps on damages, in an effort to reduce the volume and costs of malpractice litigation. Attempts to introduce similar traditional reform measures at the federal level have so far failed. Much less prominent, but potentially more important, are proposed alternative approaches for resolving medical injuries; a number of these efforts are currently being tested in federally sponsored demonstration projects. These nontraditional reforms have considerable promise for addressing some of the system’s most challenging issues, including high costs and barriers to accessing compensation. In this Special Communication, we review recent national trends in medical liability claims and costs, which indicate a sharp reduction in the rate of paid claims and flat or declining levels in compensation payments and liability insurance costs over the last 7 to 10 years. We discuss a number of nontraditional reform approaches—communication-and-resolution programs, presuit notification and apology laws, safe harbor legislation, judge-directed negotiation, and administrative compensation systems—and we conclude by describing several forces likely to shape change in the medical liability environment over the next decade.
Radar depth association with vision detected vehicles on a highway

No single sensor can independently predict the 3-D environment around us. A vision sensor helps locate objects in a 2-D plane. However, estimating distance using one vision sensor has a limitation. A single radar sensor returns the range of objects accurately; however, the complexity and cost increase if good spatial resolution is required. Thus a radar does not indicate which range corresponds to which object. In this paper, we associate vision detected objects to radar returned echoes, focusing on highways, estimating the 3-D locations of cars around an ego vehicle. This information would help cars driving autonomously to maneuver around.
Selective Adsorption of CO2 from Light Gas Mixtures by Using a Structurally Dynamic Porous Coordination Polymer

The selective adsorption of CO{sub 2} from mixtures with N{sub 2}, CH{sub 4}, and N{sub 2}O in a dynamic porous coordination polymer (see monomer structure) was evaluated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, GC, and SANS. All three techniques indicate highly selective adsorption of CO{sub 2} from CO{sub 2}/CH{sub 4} and CO{sub 2}/N{sub 2} mixtures at 30 C, with no selectivity observed for the CO{sub 2}/N{sub 2}O system.
The CIT pellet injection system: Description and supporting research and development

The Compact Ignition Tokamak (CIT) will use an advanced, high-velocity pellet-injection system to achieve and maintain ignited plasmas. Two pellet injectors are provided: a highly reliable moderate-velocity (1- to 1.5-km/s), single-stage pneumatic injector, and a high-velocity (4- to 5-km/s), two-stage pellet injector that uses frozen hydrogenic pellets encased in sabots. Both pellet injectors are qualified for operation with tritium feed gas. Issues such as performance, neutron activation of injector components, maintenance, design of the pellet-injection vacuum line, gas loads to the reprocessing system, and equipment layout are discussed. Results and plans for supporting research and development (R&D) in the areas of tritium-pellet fabrication and high-velocity, repetitive two-stage pneumatic injectors are presented. >
Perceptual identification and the cross-race effect

The current research examined whether the cross-race effect (CRE) was evident in perceptual identification tasks and the extent to which certain boundary conditions moderated the effect. Across two experiments, a significant CRE was observed in measures of accuracy and response latency. As predicted, Experiment 1 showed that the CRE was exacerbated when encoding time was brief and test set size was increased. Experiment 2 replicated the effect of set size, but also showed that the CRE was more pronounced when the retention interval was lengthened. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.