cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase II trial of adjuvant radiation and intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil for locally advanced colon cancer: results with 10-year follow-up

Abstract Purpose: To determine the toxicity, disease-free survival, and overall survival for patients with Modified Astler-Coller (MAC) B2–3 or C1–3 colon cancer receiving adjuvant radiation and sequential intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Methods and Materials: From August 1984 to June 1989, 45 patients were accrued to this Phase II trial and received a 21-week course of intraperitoneal 5-FU (20 mg/kg/d × 5) and external beam radiation. The radiation was delivered to the tumor bed and para-aortic lymph nodes in two split-courses of 22.5 Gy, alternating with the first two cycles of chemotherapy. All patients then received 4 additional cycles of intraperitoneal 5-FU. Results: The therapy was well tolerated with 4 patients experiencing Grade 3 peritonitis. Four patients developed small bowel obstruction requiring surgery; in each instance, recurrent tumor was found at the time of laparotomy. The median and overall survivals at 10 years were 9.3 months and 53% respectively. Local failures were infrequent, occurring in only 11% of patients treated. Conclusions: Sequential intraperitoneal 5-FU and tumor-bed/para-aortic irradiation is tolerable in patients with resected colon cancer. Although the incidence of local and regional relapse appeared to be lower than anticipated, this did not appear to translate into improved survival.
Selective enhancement of main olfactory input to the medial amygdala by GnRH.

Abstract In male hamsters mating behavior is dependent on chemosensory input from the main olfactory and vomeronasal systems, whose central pathways contain cell bodies and fibers of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. In sexually naive males, vomeronasal organ removal (VNX), but not main olfactory lesions, impairs mating behavior. Intracerebroventricular (icv)-GnRH restores mating in sexually naive VNX males and enhances medial amygdala (Me) immediate-early gene activation by chemosensory stimulation. In sexually experienced males, VNX does not impair mating and icv-GnRH suppresses Me activation. Thus, the main olfactory system is sufficient for mating in experienced-VNX males, but not in naive-VNX males. We investigated the possibility that GnRH enhances main olfactory input to the amygdala in naive-VNX males using icv-GnRH and pharmacological stimulation (bicuculline/ d , l -homocysteic acid mixture) of the main olfactory bulb (MOB). In sexually naive intact males there was a robust increase of Fos protein expression in the anteroventral medial amygdala (MeAv) with MOB stimulation, but no effect of GnRH. There was no effect of stimulation or GnRH in posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePd). In naive-VNX animals, GnRH increased Fos in MeAv and MePv. Only combined MOB stimulation and icv-GnRH produced a significant increase in Fos in the dorsal (reproduction-related) portion of MeP (MePd). When the animals were sexually experienced before VNX, a condition in which GnRH does not enhance mating, icv-GnRH combined with MOB stimulation suppressed Fos expression in MePd. This suggests a more selective effect of GnRH on olfactory input in MePd than elsewhere in medial amygdala of VNX males.
Dielectrophoretic Control of Bubble Transport in Mesochannels— Experimental Study

Using electrostatic fields to manipulate and/or pump fluids on the microscale is a promising method for the advancement in microfluidics. Preliminary analysis showed that unidirectional bubble motion could be achieved if the polarization (dielectrophoretic) force could overcome surface tension and viscous forces. Results are presented for the development and fundamental study of dielectrophoretic control of bubble transport in mesochannels. Electrode array configurations were manufactured using printed circuit board technology and mated with an acrylic channel. Bubble velocity, acceleration, and deformation were investigated for a range of bubble sizes, two electrode array configurations, two working fluids-pentane and a 20/80 mixture by mass of ethanol and pentane, two switching frequencies, and a range of+DC pulse applied voltages. A maximum average velocity of 6.6 mm/s and a maximum local velocity of 30 mm/s were achieved. For the results presented, both the switching frequency and bubble size affected the velocity for a given applied voltage. Of the two fluids tested, there was no measurable difference in the bubble velocity even though the bubble deformation was significantly different for the two fluids. It was concluded that bubble deformation reduced the unidirectional bubble motion effectiveness. Bubble deformation could be reduced by lowering the applied voltage without significantly reducing the velocity of the bubble.
A major project in the age of the environment: Out of controversy, complexity, and challenge

The recently completed Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (Tenn-Tom) survived many challenges from all three branches of the federal government A brief overview of these challenges over the past 40 years is presented Central among the challenges was the litigation involving allegations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) The response of the U S Army Corps of Engineers to NEPA and its influence on the Tenn-Tom are presented A summarization of the principal environmental issues related to the Tenn-Tom is provided to describe the wide spectrum of concerns and controversies associated with the development of this major waterway The Tenn-Tom met the test in all forums The measures taken to respond in a meaningful way to NEPA and other environmental statutes are a model that could well be followed in the development of other major projects
Stability diagram of CaNaK-plagioclase with authigenic minerals

Abstract Conventional stability diagrams are limited essentially to the equilibria of aqueous solutions with pure end-member minerals. These diagrams extend to natural minerals containing isomorphous ion substitutes and to solid solutions if moles of ion charge are employed instead of moles. Stability diagrams derived from moles of ion charge are, in the strictest sense, limited to closed systems but natural solutions and solids tend to be open systems. Because natural solutions are not at complete equilibrium with solids, however, and because thermodynamic data are uncertain, stability diagrams derived from moles of ion charge in solution may be as applicable to natural conditions as diagrams based on moles.
S-Nitrosylation of N-Ethylmaleimide Sensitive Factor Mediates Surface Expression of AMPA Receptors

Postsynaptic AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking mediates some forms of synaptic plasticity that are modulated by NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation and N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF). We report that NSF is physiologically S-nitrosylated by endogenous, neuronally derived nitric oxide (NO). S-nitrosylation of NSF augments its binding to the AMPAR GluR2 subunit. Surface insertion of GluR2 in response to activation of synaptic NMDARs requires endogenous NO, acting selectively upon the binding of NSF to GluR2. Thus, AMPAR recycling elicited by NMDA neurotransmission is mediated by a cascade involving NMDA activation of neuronal NO synthase to form NO, leading to S-nitrosylation of NSF which is thereby activated, enabling it to bind to GluR2 and promote the receptor's surface expression.
A field portable gas‐exchange system for measuring carbon dioxide and water vapour exchange rates of leaves during fumigation with SO2

Abstract A field portable, steady-state gas-exchange system which measures both CO2 and water vapour exchange of single intact leaves during fumigations with SO2 is described. Within the leaf cuvette temperature, light, humidity and both CO2 and SO2 concentrations are controlled to preset levels. Gas flow and concentrations are controlled by mass flow controllers. Photosynthetic uptake of CO2 can be determined either by differential depletion or null balance measurement. Water vapour exchange is measured differentially and transpiration and conductance to water vapour determined. Sulphur dioxide is measured directly within the cuvette exhaust gas line by UV-pulse fluorescence. The performance of this system under field conditions is described and the physiological measurements compared with those obtained with other systems.
The CATERPILLER family: An ancient family of immune/apoptotic proteins

Abstract Ancient immune pathways in other species have provided clues for the discovery of important molecules in the mammalian immune system. A notable example is the discovery of Toll-like receptors based on the Toll receptors in Drosophila. In plants, a subclass of the disease resistance (R) genes is crucial for immune defense against a host of insults. This R gene subclass encodes a combined nucleotide-binding domain/leucine rich region (NBD/LRR) motif. Intriguingly, proteins with such a motif are found in mammalians, and several are also shown to be important in inflammatory and immune responses. This family, which we designated as the CATERPILLER (CARD, Transcription Enhancer, R (purine)-binding, Pyrin, Lots of Leucine Repeats) gene family while others have designated it as the NOD family, has over 20 members. They are crucial in the control of cytokines, inflammatory responses, NF-κB activation, and likely cell death and survival. Several prominent members including CIITA, CIAS1, and NOD2 are linked to immunologic genetic disorders that are hereditary. This indicates that these genes are ancient and important regulators of the immune system.
Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-mediated induction of 17α-hydroxylase and C17-20 lyase activities in cultured mouse Leydig cells is enhanced by inhibition of steroid biosynthesis

We recently reported that treatment of mouse Leydig cell cultures for 5 days with LH or cAMP caused an induction of the microsomal cytochrome P-450 activities 17α-hydroxylase and C17–20 lyase. We also have shown that the microsomal P-450s are very sensitive to oxygen-mediated loss of these activities and that this decrease is enhanced by steroids produced during acute cAMP stimulation of Leydig cells. In the present study, we investigated whether steroids produced during chronic cAMP treatment of Leydig cells limit the extent of induction of 17α-hydroxylase and C17–20 lyase. Treatment of Leydig cell cultures with 8-bromo-cAMP in the presence of aminoglutethimide, an inhibitor of cholesterol side-chain cleavage, resulted in a 4- to 7-fold enhancement of cAMP-mediated induction of the 17α-hydroxylase and C17–20 lyase activities and, after 11 days of treatment, completely restored the activities to those found in freshly isolated Leydig cells. Treatment with aminoglutethimide in the absence of cAMP had no ef...
Piezing: a garment harvesting energy from the natural motion of the human body

Piezing is a garment which harnesses energy from the natural gestures of the human body in motion. Around the joints of the elbows and hips, the garment is embedded with piezoelectric material elements which generate an electric potential in response to applied mechanical stress. The electric potential is then stored as voltage in a centralized small battery and later can be discharged into a device. As a concept, Piezing explores a decentralized and self-reliant energy model for embedded interaction, pushing forward possibilities for mobility.
Publicly provided disaster insurance for health and the control of moral hazard

Abstract This paper looks at the moral hazard due to health insurance offering a subsidy to the consumption of health care at the margin. We show how the institution of publicly provided disaster insurance yields a welfare improvement. This result is obtained since public insurance encourages insured individuals to reduce the amount of private insurance that they buy and hence diminishes the moral hazard problem.
Electrochemical–thermal modeling of automotive Li‐ion batteries and experimental validation using a three‐electrode cell

An electrochemical–thermal-coupled model is used to predict performance of a Li-ion cell as well as its individual electrodes at various operating temperatures. The model is validated against the experimental data for constant current and pulsing conditions characteristic of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications. The prediction of individual electrode potential is also compared with 3-electrode cell experimental data with good agreement. The predictive ability of the individual electrode behavior is very useful to address important issues related to electrode degradation and subzero performance of automotive Li-ion batteries. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stoichiometry and irradiation effects in melt grown Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O single crystals

Melt-grown crystals in the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O system with the same structure type can have substantial differences in the superconducting transition, both in width and onset temperature. These differences are attributed to stoichiometry variations arising from cation site substitution. Magnetization and electrical resistivity data are presented which emphasize the extreme sensitivity of the superconductivity to the exact stoichiometry in this system. High quality single crystals exhibit large flux creep due to a weak pinning potential for magnetic flux lines. Flux pinning and thus the critical current density are shown to be significantly enhanced by irradiation with high-energy protons or neutrons. 25 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
The Inter-Temporal Exercise and Valuation of Employee Options

We propose a multi-period model to value employee options allowing for the possibility that a risk-averse employee strategically exercises her options over time rather than at a single date. Our results describing the representative employee's option exercise behavior are broadly consistent with existing empirical evidence. The value of options to the employee and their effective cost to the firm are significantly different from the predictions of a constrained model that assumes single date strategic option exercise. The constrained model substantially underestimates the cost of options to the firm when, ceteris paribus, the employee's relative risk aversion and/or the time to maturity and/or the stock volatility exceed respective thresholds. Hence, the incorporation of multiple-date exercise has important economic and accounting consequences.
On the Number of Monochromatic Solutions of x+y=z 2

In the present work we prove the following conjecture of Erdos, Roth, Sarkozy and T. Sos: Let $f$ be a polynomial of integer coefficients such that $2|f(z)$ for some integer $z$. Then, for any $k$-colouring of the integers, the equation $x+y=f(z)$ has a solution in which $x$ and $y$ have the same colour. A well-known special case of this conjecture referred to the case $f(z)=z^2$.
A flexible approach for the decomposition of rate differences.

Conventional methods of decomposing the difference between two rates, such as Kitagawa's classic component analysis, are confined to taking the average of compositional differences. I propose a more general modeling approach involving three steps: (1) A system of equations with the various additive components of the rate difference is set up; (2) unknowns (refined rate differences) are estimated with Clogg's purging method; (3) the components are calculated. I use an example of U.S. mortality data to compare the proposed method with the conventional ones. The method can be generalized to decompositions for multiple groups and for multiple confounding factors. Kitagawa's method is a special case of this general approach.
Repeated melatonin supplementation improves sleep in hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers: a randomized controlled trial.

Study objectives In the United States alone, approximately 22 million people take beta-blockers chronically. These medications suppress endogenous nighttime melatonin secretion, which may explain a reported side effect of insomnia. Therefore, we tested whether nightly melatonin supplementation improves sleep in hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers. Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design. Setting Clinical and Translational Research Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. Patients Sixteen hypertensive patients (age 45-64 yr; 9 women) treated with the beta-blockers atenolol or metoprolol. Interventions Two 4-day in-laboratory admissions including polysomnographically recorded sleep. After the baseline assessment during the first admission, patients were randomized to 2.5 mg melatonin or placebo (nightly for 3 weeks), after which sleep was assessed again during the second 4-day admission. Baseline-adjusted values are reported. One patient was removed from analysis because of an unstable dose of prescription medication. Measurements and results In comparison with placebo, 3 weeks of melatonin supplementation significantly increased total sleep time (+36 min; P = 0.046), increased sleep efficiency (+7.6%; P = 0.046), and decreased sleep onset latency to Stage 2 (-14 min; P = 0.001) as assessed by polysomnography. Compared with placebo, melatonin significantly increased Stage 2 sleep (+41 min; P = 0.037) but did not significantly change the durations of other sleep stages. The sleep onset latency remained significantly shortened on the night after discontinuation of melatonin administration (-25 min; P = 0.001), suggesting a carryover effect. Conclusion n hypertensive patients treated with beta-blockers, 3 weeks of nightly melatonin supplementation significantly improved sleep quality, without apparent tolerance and without rebound sleep disturbance during withdrawal of melatonin supplementation (in fact, a positive carryover effect was demonstrated). These findings may assist in developing countermeasures against sleep disturbances associated with beta-blocker therapy. Clinical trial information his study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT00238108; trial name: Melatonin Supplements for Improving Sleep in Individuals with Hypertension; URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00238108.
Microemulsion mediated synthesis of zinc-oxide nanoparticles for varistor studies

Abstract This paper describes a microemulsion-mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles for varistor studies and possible applications. These ultrafine polycrystalline ZnO nanoparticles have size ranging from 5–40 nm ESD. The microstructure, high density and electrical conductivity of sintered disks of pure and doped ZnO nanoparticles resulting from clean interfaces of particles and scaled down size of grains are found to result in a higher critical electric field and a higher coefficient of nonlinearity (α) in the logE versus logJ curve. Significant developments will rely on further understanding of structure-property relationships.
Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX): an overview of the instruments and data collection plans

The principal focus of MSX is to collect target and background phenomenology data is support of a variety of civilian science objectives in earth and atmospheric remote sensing and astronomy. This paper describes the MSX spacecraft and instrumentation, and summarizes the planned observations.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cytokine Pattern in Relation to Disease Progression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus—Infected Children

Cytokine mRNA expression and stimulus-induced cytokines were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 62 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children and uninfected controls. Compared with that in controls, constitutive mRNA expression in patients was increased for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, interferon (IFN)-y, and interleukin (IL)-l0 and decreased for IL-12; it was undetectable for IL-2 and IL-4 in both patients and controls. Stimulus-induced secretion of TNF-a, IFN-y, IL-12, and IL-4 was less than that in controls; IL-IO secretion was similar. There was no increase in stimulus-induced or constitutive IL-4 or IL-IO in children with severe immunologic deficit compared with controls. A higher stimulus-induced IL-IO secretion and a lower constitutive TNF-a mRNA were associated with a slower rate of disease progression, and TNF-a mRNA expression correlated with lower plasma HIV RNA. Thus, constitutive cytokine mRNA expression differs from stimulus-induced cytokine responses. The dominant defect in HIV-infected children appears to be one of reduced type 1 cytokines, predominantly IL-2. Although the nature of the protective immune response in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is unknown, both cell-mediated and humoral immunity are considered to be important [1]. Cytokines are integral components of the im­ mune response, and major T helper (Th) cell-derived cytokines are broadly categorized as Th1 or Th2, which are important for cell-mediated and humoral immunity, respectively. The ma­ jor Th1 cytokines include interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-'}', and the major Th2 cytokines include IL-4, IL-5, and IL-lO [2]. Besides being secreted by CD4 T cells, it is now well known that important immunoregulatory cytokines are also secreted by non-T cells and CD8 T cells. For example, IFN-'}' is believed to be derived from CD8 T cells and IL-10 from macrophages. Thus, the terminology of type 1 and type 2 is often used instead of Th1 and Th2 to describe cytokines from mixed cell populations [3]. The cytokine IL-12, mainly derived from macrophages, up-regulates type 1 cytokines and is included in the type 1 cytokine category, while tumor necro­ sis factor (TNF)-a, which is a proinflammatory cytokine de­ rived from both T cells and macrophages, does not have a clear designation; this cytokine is well known for its role in HIV
A Tool for Supporting Integration Across Multiple Flat-File Datasets

Traditionally, biologists focused on a single research subject. New high-throughput experimental and analytical technologies, such as microarray and BLAST programs, have changed this. An important functionality required now is the ability to process queries about multiple data entries with little user intervention. This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a data integration tool that supports database-like query operations across flat-file biological datasets. Compared with the existing solutions, our system has several advantages, i.e., no database management system is required, users can still use declarative languages to communicate with the system, and no data parsing, loading, or indexing utility programs need to be written. We have used the system on three biological queries, each of which was inspired by an actual study from bioinformatics research literature. These case studies have demonstrated the functionality and scalability of our tool. Overall, our approach provides a light-weight and scalable solution for data integration over flat-file datasets.
Anaphylactic Shock at the End of Hemodialysis

Allergic reactions to epoetin alfa, including anaphylaxis, have been described but desensitization in the setting of an IgE-mediated reaction has not been reported. We present a case of a hemodialysis patient who developed symptoms of an IgE-mediated allergic response to epoetin alfa that occurred after each administration. These reactions progressed to a single episode of anaphylaxis with generalized pruritus, urticaria, oropharyngeal edema, and hypotension that prompted its discontinuation. Intradermal skin testing confirmed an allergic response to this agent. The patient then underwent a desensitization procedure to epoetin alpha after which she was able to tolerate it without further problems.
The New View of Animal Phylogeny

▪ Abstract Molecular tools have profoundly rearranged our understanding of metazoan phylogeny. Initially based on the nuclear small ribosomal subunit (SSU or 18S) gene, recent hypotheses have been corroborated by several sources of data (including the nuclear large ribosomal subunit, Hox genes, mitochondrial gene order, concatenated mitochondrial genes, and the myosin II heavy chain gene). Herein, the evidence supporting our current understanding is discussed on a clade by clade basis. Bilaterian animals consist of three clades: Deuterostomia, Lophotrochozoa, and Ecdysozoa. Each clade is supported by molecular and morphological data. Deuterostomia is smaller than traditionally recognized, consisting of hemichordates, echinoderms, chordates, and Xenoturbella (an enigmatic worm-like animal). Lophotrochozoa groups animals with a lophophore feeding apparatus (Brachiopoda, Bryozoa, and Phoronida) and trochophore larvae (e.g., annelids and mollusk), as well as several other recognized phyla (e.g., platyhelmin t...
Skin under the (Spot)-Light: Cross-Talk with the Central Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) Axis

UV radiation is among the most prevalent stressors in humans and diurnal rodents, exerting direct and indirect DNA damage, free-radical production, and interaction with specific chromophores that affects numerous biological processes. In addition to its panoply of effects, UVB (290–320 nm) radiation can specifically affect various local neuroendocrine activities by stimulating the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and POMC-derived peptides. Although very little is known about the interplay between the central hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the skin HPA axis analog, in the current issue Skobowiat and Slominski propose a novel mechanism by which exposure to UVB activates a local HPA axis in skin, which in turn activates the central HPA axis, with the requirement of a functional pituitary gland. This is the first evidence of the local HPA axis in skin contributing to the central neuroendocrine response. This raises intriguing possibilities regarding how local production of cortisol and other HPA axis molecules in skin influence overall systemic levels of cortisol and help regulate local and central HPA axes in the context of homeostasis, skin injury, and inflammatory skin disorders.
Analyzing Normetabolites of the Fentanyls by Gas Chromatography/Electron Capture Detection

A selective and sensitive gas-liquid chromatographic (GC) method has been developed for analyzing the normetabolites of fentanyl and 3-methylfentanyl in urine. The method employs differential pH extraction of 1 mL samples, extractive acylation with pentafluoropropionic anhydride (PFPA), GC separation on a fused-silica capillary column (DB-1701), and detection by electron capture detector (ECD) or mass spectroscopy (MS). Limit of sensitivity for this method is 2 ng/mL for norfentanyl (NF) and nor-3-methylfentanyl (N-3-MF) using a 1-mL urine sample and a 2-microL injection from a final volume of 20 microL. Within-run precision, expressed as the coefficient of variation (CV), was 14% and 5% for 4 ng/mL and 16 ng/mL of NF and 9% and 4% for the same concentrations of N-3-MF. Between-run precision was 30% and 12% for NF and 11% and 10% for N-3-MF, at 4 ng/mL and 16 ng/mL, respectively. Metabolites are stable in urine for at least one month at room temperature (25 degrees C) or -20 degrees C. PFP-derivatives of the metabolites were confirmed by high-resolution MS in the electron-impact mode. Three characteristic ions for each metabolite were identified-m/z 392 (molecular ion), m/z 336 (loss of propionyl), and m/z 244 (loss of propionanilide) for N-3-MF-PFP and m/z 378 (molecular ion), m/z 322 (loss of propionyl), and m/z 230 (loss of propionanilide) for NF-PFP, suitable for use in GC/MS with selected ion monitoring as a complimentary confirming technique. This method was validated by analyzing urine samples from individuals suspected of using fentanyl or 3-methylfentanyl.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Potential Role of Colony-Stimulating Factors in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases

The colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) principally involved in the production of neutrophils and monocytes are granulocyte CSF, granulocyte-macrophage CSF, macrophage CSF, and interleukin 3 (sometimes called multi-CSF). The natural response to inflammation and infection in the immunocompetent host probably involves all of these CSFs. CSFs can be used as pharmacological agents to accelerate the production of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages and to enhance mechanisms of host defense. Rapidly accumulating evidence appears to justify the use of CSFs for the prevention of fever and infections in several clinical settings, such as chemotherapy-associated neutropenia, bone marrow transplantation, and severe chronic neutropenia. Trials of CSF treatment of infections in settings not including neutropenia are under way.
Automated extraction of queue lengths from airborne imagery

We propose a methodology to obtain intersection queue length estimates from an airborne image by using connected component analysis of the thresholded region of interest. The queue estimates are obtained by two techniques: by counting individual vehicles in the queue and by the area of a polygon containing the vehicles in the queue. The techniques are tested rigorously on a set of images taken from the cities of Tucson and Seattle and the results are presented.
Hybrid survivability approaches for optical WDM mesh networks

This paper studies the problem of providing recovery from link failures in optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks. One of the widely studied mechanisms is dynamic link restoration, which provides recovery by determining restoration paths around a link after a failure occurs. This mechanism leads to a lower backup resource utilization, fast failure signaling rate, and a scalable operation. However, one of the main drawbacks of uncoordinated dynamic restoration is the inability to provide a 100% recovery for all connections, especially at high network loads. An alternate solution is proactive protection, where backup capacity is reserved during connection setup that can guarantee recovery under certain conditions (e.g., single link failures) but requires higher backup capacity and has low spare capacity utilization when failures do not occur. This paper presents two hybrid survivability approaches that combine the positive effects of restoration and protection. The proposed algorithms make use of available or collected network state information, such as link load, to identify critical links or segments in the network that are then proactively protected. The overall goal of the proposed approaches is to improve the restoration efficiency by providing a tradeoff between proactive protection and dynamic restoration. This paper presents a detailed performance analysis of the proposed algorithms. Experimental results show that under high loads, both the proposed approaches maintain a consistent restoration efficiency of at least 10%, or higher, when compared to the basic restoration scheme.
Disruption of sucA, Which Encodes the E1 Subunit of α-Ketoglutarate Dehydrogenase, Affects the Survival of Nitrosomonas europaea in Stationary Phase

Although Nitrosomonas europaea lacks measurable α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity, the recent completion of the genome sequence revealed the presence of the genes encoding the enzyme. A knockout mutation was created in the sucA gene encoding the E1 subunit. Compared to wild-type cells, the mutant strain showed an accelerated loss of ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase activities upon entering stationary phase. In addition, unlike wild-type cells, the mutant strain showed a marked lag in the ability to resume growth in response to pH adjustments in late stationary phase.
Functional ON/OFF behavioral modeling of power IGBT using system identification methods

In this paper, a method based on the step response of a linear system is being used to obtain a model of power IGBTs. The IGBT voltages and currents are measured at different power ratings and switching frequencies. Using a system identification algorithm, a state-space model is obtained for the system which represents a matching step response. Finally, acquired individual models are combined, using fuzzy description of the system. This model can predict the behavior of the switch over a wide range of frequencies. The current and voltage waveforms of the proposed model in switching action are compared with the actual IGBT. This model can be used in designing the power converters circuit and study the high frequency behavior of the switches.
Radiative characteristics of pulsed power driven Z-pinch aluminum plasmas

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a massive aluminum Z-pinch plasma load and evaluate its performance as a soft X-ray radiator. A radiation hydrodynamic model self-consistently driven by a circuit describes the dynamics. Comparisons are made for the K- and L-shell soft X-ray emission as a function of the ionization dynamic model. The ionization dynamic models are represented by: 1) a time-dependent nonequilibrium (NEQ) model, 2) a collisional radiative equilibrium (CRE) model, and 3) a local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) model. For all three scenarios the radiation is treated 1) in the free streaming optically thin approximation where the plasma is treated as a volume emitter and 2) in the optically thick regime where the opacity for the lines and continuum is self-consistently calculated online and the radiation is transported through the plasma. Each simulation is carried out independently to determine the sensitivity of the implosion dynamics to the ionization and radiation model, i.e., how the ionization dynamic model affects the radiative yield and emission spectra. Results are presented for the L- and K-shell radiation yields and emission spectra as a function of photon energy from 10 eV to 10 keV. Also, departure coefficients from LTE are presented for selected levels and ionization stages.
Candidate subcircuits for functional module identification in logic circuits

Recovering functional information from existing hardware is a difficult problem in design automation. However, it is an important focus for designers attempting to redesign for expanded functionality or superior performance. Often, the only reliable information available about a piece of digital hardware is the hardware itself. Documentation, even if it is available, may be outdated or incorrect. Existing procedures are able to recover the transistor-level netlist, or a gate-level netlist from an existing implementation. The next step in this process is the gate-level to module-level transformation, the focus of this paper. We have designed a technique to enumerate all of the potential modules within a gate-level netlist so that their functional equivalence to known modules may be evaluated.
Biochemical characterization of atherosclerotic plaques by endogenous multispectral fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

Abstract Objective To investigate the potential of endogenous multispectral fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for biochemical characterization of human coronary atherosclerotic plaques. Methods Endogenous multispectral FLIM imaging was performed on the lumen of 58 segments of postmortem human coronary artery. The fluorescence was separated into three emission bands targeting the three main arterial endogenous fluorophores (390 ± 20 nm for collagen, 452 ± 22.5 nm for elastin, and 550 ± 20 for lipids). The fluorescence normalized intensity and average lifetime from each emission band was used to classify each pixel of an image as either “High-Collagen”, “High-Lipids” or “Low-Collagen/Lipids” via multiclass Fisher's linear discriminant analysis. Results Classification of plaques as either “High-Collagen”, “High-Lipids” or “Low-Collagen/Lipids” based on the endogenous multispectral FLIM was achieved with a sensitivity/specificity of 96/98%, 89/99%, and 99/99%, respectively, where histopathology served as the gold standard. Conclusion The endogenous multispectral FLIM approach we have taken, which can readily be adapted for in vivo intravascular catheter based imaging, is capable of reliably identifying plaques with high content of either collagen or lipids.
Compositional and mechanical properties of peanuts roasted to equivalent colors using different time/temperature combinations.

Peanuts in North America and Europe are primarily consumed after dry roasting. Standard industry practice is to roast peanuts to a specific surface color (Hunter L-value) for a given application; however, equivalent surface colors can be attained using different roast temperature/time combinations, which could affect product quality. To investigate this potential, runner peanuts from a single lot were systematically roasted using 5 roast temperatures (147, 157, 167, 177, and 187 ◦ C) and to Hunter L-values of 53 ± 1, 48.5 ± 1, and 43 ± 1, corresponding to light, medium, and dark roasts, respectively. Moisture contents (MC) ranged from 0.41% to 1.70% after roasting. At equivalent roast temperatures, MC decreased as peanuts became darker; however, for a given color, MC decreased with decreasing roast temperature due to longer roast times required for specified color formation. Initial total tocopherol contents of expressed oils ranged from 164 to 559 μg/g oil. Peanuts roasted at lower temperatures and darker colors had higher tocopherol contents. Glucose content was roast color and temperature dependent, while fructose was only temperature dependent. Soluble protein was lower at darker roast colors, and when averaged across temperatures, was highest when samples were roasted at 187 ◦ C. Lysine content decreased with increasing roast color but was not dependent on temperature. MC strongly correlated with several components including tocopherols (R 2 = 0.67), soluble protein (R 2 = 0.80), and peak force upon compression (R 2 = 0.64). The variation in characteristics related to roast conditions is sufficient to suggest influences on final product
Analysis of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoribbons With Folded Racket Shapes

Folding of carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons into a shape that looks like a tennis racket is considered. An elastic continuum model is utilized in two types of analysis. The first is called an "adhesion model," in which the adjacent sides of the racket handle are assumed to be straight and bonded together with constant or no separation. The nanotube or nanoribbon is represented as an elastica. This model has been treated in the literature, but new analytical results are derived here, involving the geometry, work of adhesion, and bending and adhesion energies. Expressions are determined for (i) the length for which the total energy is the same as for the straight unstrained equilibrium configuration and (ii) for the minimum length for existence of a stable racket equilibrium shape. The second type of analysis uses the Lennard-Jones potential to model the attractive (van der Waals) and repulsive forces between the two sides of the racket. A nanoribbon is investigated, and the derivative of the interatomic potential is integrated along the length and across the width. Numerical solutions of the integro-differential equations are obtained with a new technique utilizing the finite difference method and minimization of the squares of the resulting algebraic equations. The results are presented for two cases with different flexural rigidities. The separation between the two sides of the handle decreases in the direction of the racket head (loop), and the handle experiences internal compression under the external attractive and repulsive forces. For the adhesion model, the dimensions of the head are proportional to the square root of the flexural rigidity, and this relationship is approximately satisfied in the numerical results based on the Lennard-Jones model.
Staging MR lymphangiography of the axilla for early breast cancer: cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of MR lymphangiography–based strategies with that of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy alone in the axillary staging of early breast cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODS. A decision-analytic Markov Model was developed to estimate quality-adjusted life expectancy and lifetime costs among 61-year-old women with clinically node-negative early breast cancer. Three axillary staging strategies were compared: MR lymphangiography alone, combined MR lymphangiography–SLN biopsy, and SLN biopsy alone. The model incorporated treatment decisions, outcome, and costs consequent to axillary staging results. An incremental cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to compare strategies. The effect of changes in key parameters on results was addressed in sensitivity analysis.RESULTS. In the base-case analysis, combined MR lymphangiography–SLN biopsy was associated with the highest quality-adjusted life expectancy (13.970 years) and cost ($63,582), followed b...
The Langdell Problem: Historicizing the Century of Historiography, 1906–2000s

Christopher Columbus Langdell (1826–1906) is arguably the most influential figure in the history of legal education in the United States, having shaped the modern law school by introducing a number of significant reforms during his tenure as dean of Harvard Law School (HLS) from 1870 to 1895. Langdell's innovations—including the admission requirement of a bachelor's degree, the graded and sequential curriculum, the hurdle of annual examinations for continuation and graduation, the independent career track for professional faculty, the transformation of the professional library from a textbook repository into a scholarly resource, and the inductive pedagogy of teaching from cases—became the characteristics gradually adopted by university law schools after 1890 and, eventually, schools of other professions. Langdell thus transformed legal education from an undemanding, gentlemanly acculturation into an academic meritocracy.
Plasma Chemistry Study of Plasma Ion Implantation Doping for Cmos Devices

Plasma ion implantation (PII) doping processes utilizing PH3/He and B2H6/He plasmas to fabricate CMOS devices are presented. The impact of plasma chemistry of PH on device structure and characteristics are studied. By using an optimized process condition, low contamination levels and good device characteristics have been achieved.
Coronary flow during exercise after selective alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic blockade

This study was carried out to determine the relative importance of alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic vasoconstriction in opposing the increase in coronary blood flow, which occurs during exercise. The response of left circumflex coronary artery blood flow was examined during treadmill exercise in 16 chronically instrumented dogs during control conditions, after selective alpha 1-adrenergic blockade with intracoronary prazosin, and after alpha 2-blockade with intracoronary idazoxan. During control conditions, graded treadmill exercise resulted in progressive increases of coronary blood flow and decreases of coronary vascular resistance. Prazosin produced highly selective alpha 1-adrenergic blockade; coronary blood flow was significantly higher and coronary vascular resistance significantly lower during all but the heaviest exercise stage after prazosin. Idazoxan produced highly effective, but only moderately selective, alpha 2-adrenergic blockade. However, after idazoxan, coronary blood flow and coronary vascular resistance during exercise were not significantly different from control. Combined alpha 1- and alpha 2-adrenergic blockade was not more effective in increasing coronary blood flow during exercise than was alpha 1-adrenergic blockade alone. These data support a role for alpha 1-adrenergic coronary vasoconstriction in limiting the increase in coronary blood flow, which occurs during exercise, but do not support a role for alpha 2-mediated coronary vasoconstriction during exercise.
Significant Edge Detection in Target Network by Exploring Multiple Auxiliary Networks

Despite the ability to model many real world settings as a network, one major challenge in analyzing network data is that important and reliable links between objects are usually obscured by noisy information and hence not readily discernible. In this paper, we propose to detect these important and reliable links - significant edges, from a target network by using multiple auxiliary networks and a limited amount of labelled information. In this process, we first abstract the community knowledge learnt across target and auxiliary networks to detect significant patterns. The mined community knowledge captures the key profile of network relationships and thus can be used to determine whether an existing edge indicates a true or false relationship. Experiments on real world network data show that our two staged solution -- a joint matrix factorisation procedure followed by edge significance score ranking, accurately predicts significant edges in target network by jointly exploring the underlying knowledge embedded in both target and auxiliary networks.
HONEYDEW PRODUCTION BY KNACK- OR APPLAUD-TREATED SWEETPOTATO WHITEFLY (SPW) NYMPHS FEEDING ON NUCOTN 33 B AND DP 5415 COTTONS, 2002

Sticky cotton lint caused by Sweetpotato whitefly (SPW) honeydew contamination can interfere with cotton lint processing at the textile mill. As a result, honeydew contaminated cotton lint may be price discounted or rejected in the market place. Knack and Applaud are insect growth regulators that sterilize eggs and interfere with eclosion from the last nymphal instar or inhibit chitin synthesis. Our previous reports showed no measurable effects on honeydew production for SPW adults or nymphs collected from Knack or Applaud treated field plots. However, in the laboratory, first and second instar nymphs feeding on cotton leaves dipped in solutions of Knack and Applaud produced less honeydew sugars the nymphs feeding on leaves dipped in water solutions. In this study we compared honeydew production of SPW nymphs and their mortality after mist applications of Applaud to nymphs or after Applaud or Knack leaf dip application to eggs, in all cases, on NuCOTN 33 B (Bt) and DP 5415 cottons. Mists or leaf dips of water alone were served as checks.
M-type Phospholipase A2 Receptor (PLA2R) and Thrombospondin Type-1 Domain-Containing 7A (THSD7A) in Membranous Nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in Caucasians adults. It is defined by the presence of subepithelial immune deposits localized between the podocyte and the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) on electron microscopy examination (EM). Clinical course is variable: although up to 30 % of patients may go into spontaneous remission, approximately 40 % of patients eventually develop ESRD. The discovery of two major podocytes antigens in adults: first, the M-type phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R1) and more recently, the thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) protein has revolutionized our understanding of the pathogenesis of human MN. Approximately 75 % of patients with active disease have circulating anti-PLA2R autoantibodies, and up to 10 % of the patients with MN that are anti-PLA2R negative have antibodies against THSD7A. Quantification and follow-up of anti-PLA2R levels have major implications regarding prognosis and treatment response. The presence of anti-PLA2R antibodies can also predict disease recurrence following kidney transplantation. Genetic studies are elucidating predisposing factors for development of the disease. Further research into the antigen-autoantibody systems is likely to elucidate a clearer understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of patients with MN.