cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the dynamics of symbiote-dependent cytoplasmic incompatibility in culicine mosquitoes

Abstract The population dynamics of cytoplasmic incompatibility in culicine mosquitoes is discussed in the context of recent discoveries of the biological basis of this phenomenon. A simple model is derived for predicting prevalence rates of infection with cytoplasmic incompatibility factors over successive generations of a host species. Equilibrium prevalence rates are also predicted. It is pointed out that an incompatibility between carrier males and noncarrier females allows the maintenance of detrimental, i.e., parasitic, infectious agents within a population by maternal inheritance alone. Several of the model's predictions should be testable in population cage experiments.
Two PALB2 germline mutations found in both BRCA1 + and BRCAx familial breast cancer

Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2), plays an important functional role in DNA damage repair. Recent studies indicate that germline mutations in PALB2 predispose individuals to a high risk of developing familial breast cancer. Therefore, comprehensive identification of PALB2 germline mutations is potentially important for understanding their roles in tumorigenesis and for testing their potential utility as clinical targets. Most of the previous studies of PALB2 have focused on familial breast cancer cases with normal/wild-type BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCAx). We hypothesize that PALB2 genetic mutations also exist in individuals with BRCA mutations (BRCA+). To test this hypothesis, PALB2 germline mutations were screened in 107 exome data sets collected from familial breast cancer families who were either BRCA1+ or BRCAx. Two novel heterozygous mutations predicted to alter the function of PALB2 were identified (c.2014G>C, p.E672Q and c.2993G>A, p.G998E). Notably, both of these mutations co-existed in BRCA1+ and BRCA1x families. These studies show that mutations in PALB2 can occur independent of the status of BRCA1 mutations, and they highlight the importance to include BRCA1+ families in PALB2 mutation screens.
Automated fiber optic cable endface field inspection technology

The rapid deployment of fiber optic technology in military, avionic, and consumer platforms is driving the need for improvement in fiber optic cable field maintenance, specifically a reduction in operator inspection complexity and ambiguity. Current inspection technology depends on operator experience with various inspection standards and is further complicated in military field deployments where bench top capable inspection equipment does not lend itself to field installations. Military fiber endface inspection is currently very expertise driven and time consuming for avionic environments. Thus there is a need for automated, portable fiber optic inspection technology that is suitable for all skill levels, and is capable of field deployment and maintenance. This paper explores the issue of current fiber optic field inspection technology and present an automated test inspection set to address these problems.
Innovation-supportive culture: The impact of organizational values on process innovation

Abstract For managers, innovation is vital, but paradoxical, requiring flexibility and empowerment, as well as control and efficiency. Increasingly, studies stress organizational culture as a key to managing innovation. Yet innovation-supportive culture remains an intricate and amorphous phenomenon. In response, we explore how organizational values – a foundational building block of culture – impact a particular process innovation, the implementation of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT). To unpack this scarcely studied construct, we examine three-dimensions of organizational values: value profiles, value congruence and value–practice interactions.
Compromising privacy in precise query protocols

Privacy and security for outsourced databases are often provided by Precise Query Protocols (PQPs). In a PQP, records are individually encrypted by a client and stored on a server. The client issues encrypted queries, which are run under encryption at the server, and the server returns the exact set of encrypted tuples needed to satisfy the query. We propose a general attack against the privacy of all PQPs that support range queries, using query results to partially order encrypted records. Existing attacks that seek to order etuples are less powerful and depend on weaknesses specific to particular PQPs. Our novel algorithm identifies permissible positions (loci) for encrypted records by organizing range query results using PQ-trees. These results can then be used to infer attribute values of encrypted records. We propose equivocation and permutation entropy as privacy metrics, and give experimental results that show PQP privacy to be easily compromised by our attack.
Semisupervised domain adaptation for mixture model based classifiers

This paper introduces a method for mixture model-based classifier domain adaptation, wherein one has adequate labeled training data for one (source) domain, very scarce labeled data for another (target) domain, and where the discrepancy between the source and target domain class-conditional distributions is not “too great”. Starting from the source domain classifier parameters, the method maximizes the likelihood of target domain data, while constrained to agree as much as possible with the target domain label information. This is achieved via an expectation maximization (EM) algorithm, where the joint distribution of the latent variables in the E-Step is parametrically constrained, in order to ensure space-partitioning implications are gleaned from the labeled target domain samples. Experiments on publicly available Internet packet-flow traffic data from different temporal and spatial domains demonstrate significant gains in classification performance compared to 1. direct porting of the source domain classifier; 2. semisupervised learning using only the target domain data; and 3. extension of an existing unsupervised domain adaptation method.
Technic for production of experimental ventricular septal defects.

Abstract A technic for production of experimental ventricular septal defects is described. The technic utilizes an instrument consisting of a sharpened cork borer modified with a spring-loaded obturator. The ventricular septal defect is produced by introduction of the instrument through the right atrial appendage and into the right ventricle without complete or prolonged circulatory interference. Administration of Xylocaine intravenously four to five minutes before production of the defect was found necessary to prevent ventricular fibrillation. The technic obviates cardiopulmonary bypass, hypothermia, ventriculotomy, and prolonged circulatory arrest. It is believed that myocardial contractility and function of the conduction system are minimally disturbed by this technic.
Predicting retention of the contents of film drama based upon a fictional or historical context

This study examined the memorial impact of describing a motion picture as based upon actual historical events or as purely fictional. Two weeks after viewing a film, respondents who had been told a film was based upon history remembered more than did those who had been told it was fictional.
A topographic analysis of limbic and somatic inputs to the cerebellar cortex in the rat.

The effects of electrical stimulation of the fornix, snout, and limbs on the activity of electrophysiologically identified Purkinje cells were investigated. Extracellularly recorded responses were analyzed according to: latency; mode of termination as mossy or climbing fibers; and, whether excitatory or inhibitory responses were evoked. The positions of responsive cells were transposed onto a planar representation of the Purkinje cell layer of the rat cerebellum derived from a series of sagittal sections. Fornix responsive cells were found in the vermis of lobules IV, V, VI, and VII as well as in the paravermal regions of lobules II–VIIb. In addition, some evidence was obtained for a projection to lobulus simplex. Snout stimulation activated cells mainly in the vermis of lobule VI and also in adjacent lobules III, IV, V, and VIIa. A few responsive cells were also found in the paravermal regions of lobules V, VI, and VIIa and in the lateral portion of lobulus simplex. Forelimb responsive cells were located mainly in the vermis of lobules IV–VIa and in the paravermal portion of lobules III–VII. The few hindlimb cells encountered were located in the vermis and paravermis of lobules II–IV. The topographical overlap of the fornix projection with areas in receipt of forelimb, snout, neck, and auditory-visual teleceptor input suggests that the fornix-mediated information may modulate cerebellar circuits involved in postural adjustment, general orienting, and exploratory motor behavior.
Case Report: Rate-Related Left Bundle Branch Block with Chest Pain and Normal Coronary Arteriograms Treated by Exercise Training

ABSTRACT A clinical observation of chest pain associated with the onset of rate-related left bundle branch block has been described in patients with normal coronary arteriograms. The authors used standard cardiac rehabilitation techniques for exercise training in a 47- year-old woman with these manifestations. Serial treadmill tests revealed that during the course of 3 months of exercise training, the heart rate at onset of LBBB gradually rose from 133 to 175 beats per minute, and she no longer developed symptoms during her routine daily activities or exercises. Exercise training was a successful nonpharmacologic strategy that delayed the onset of rate-related LBBB and chest pain in this patient and avoided the need for beta blocker therapy.
Uses of a prototype NLC/GLC

The assumption is made that before the next linear collider is approved, a working prototype or demonstration model will be necessary. Also, that an NLC will have to be planned sufficiently well to provide all of the important, foreseeable physics over some energy range that can be extended well into the TeV region. This synoptic view implies a general purpose linear collider that provides e±e±, γe± and γγ incident channels that can produce a full range of Jq…qPC states, leptoquarks Jl…qPC, supersymmetric particles, top or Higgs. This GLC is discussed together with a phased development leading up to such a machine. It is argued that new physics is available over a range of energies from a few GeV upwards of 60 GeV or so by using the SLC and other facilities at SLAC for comparatively little cost. Also, because current ideas about the NLC can be upgraded at very little incremental cost this seems the most realistic way to achieve an NLC. It also provides some unique practical developments such as high rep-rate and high peak-power FELs into the UV range and beyond. The achievable physics includes most of the major HEP being discussed today such as new hadrons, quark molecules, glueballs and studies of the SM and MSSM. Some consideration is also given to whether this physics is achievable elsewhere e.g. at existing ring colliders. With increasing energy, strong field effects become increasingly important in all incident channels. We discuss these and how they arise in order to certify the extension of these channels to TeV energies. The nonperturbative, multiphoton Compton and Breit-Wheeler processes are also discussed for producing polarized γ and e± beams as well as beam-beam backgrounds. One advantage of strong fields is the possibility of ‘target-free’ production of highly polarized, high brightness γ and e± beams. Finally, problems associated with producing and colliding independent, micron-size beams in the strong field regime are discussed.
Obstructive azoospermia: reconstructive techniques and results

Obstructive azoospermia is a common cause of male infertility and can result from infection, congenital anomalies, or iatrogenic injury. Microsurgical vasal reconstruction is a suitable treatment for many cases of obstructive azoospermia, although some couples will require sperm retrieval paired with in-vitro fertilization. The various causes of obstructive azoospermia and recommended treatments will be examined. Microsurgical vasovasostomy and vasoepididymostomy will be discussed in detail. The postoperative patency and pregnancy rates for surgical reconstruction of obstructive azoospermia and the impact of etiology, obstructive interval, sperm granuloma, age, and previous reconstruction on patency and pregnancy will be reviewed.
Clinical practice. Aspirin for primary prevention of coronary events.

A 45-year-old man with a strong family history of premature heart disease has no symptoms of coronary disease and a normal electrocardiogram. His fasting level of total cholesterol is 225 mg per deciliter, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is 160 mg per deciliter, and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is 35 mg per deciliter. He has no history of hypertension and does not smoke cigarettes. Should he be advised to take aspirin to reduce his risk of myocardial infarction?
Three dimensional singular element

Abstract The finite element method has become a powerful tool for computation of stress intensity factors in fracture mechanics. The simulation of singular behavior in the stress field is accomplished using “quarter points,” following the methods of Barsoum[1] and Henshell-Shaw[2]. The analysis has also been extended to cubic elements [3] and transition elements [4]. However, these concepts cannot be easily extended to three dimensional cases without additional conditions . Progress has been hampered firstly due to a variety of possible shapes the element may possess near the singular edge of the crack, and secondly due to the complexity of algebraic expressions that have to be manipulated. In the present investigation we extensively used MACSYMA[5], a large symbolic manipulation program at MIT, thereby alleviating some of these difficulties. A simple condition between mid-side nodes has been derived which simulates the proper singular behavior along the crack. In the investigation we first study a simple collapsed brick element. This is then generalized to a curved crack front. A few results are derived which can be used to compute the stress intensity factors. The concept of the transitional element has also been outlined. The stability of singular element has been discussed. Some of these ideas have been applied to a specific problem with unusual crack geometry. The analysis was carried out using ADINA on VAX machine. ADINA was implemented on VAX by W. E. Lorensen.
Negative Spline Wavelets

Abstract The definitions of basic splines are extended to negative integers. The translates of these negative splines are shown to be biorthogonal to the translates of the usual positive splines. Corresponding wavelets are introduced, and wavelet expansion theorems are obtained.
Workplace characteristics, work-to-life conflict, and psychological distress among medical workers

Abstract This study addresses whether work-to-life conflict mediates the relationships between workplace characteristics and psychological distress for workers in the medical industry who experience heightened stressors in the workplace. Drawing on data from the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce, hypotheses are tested using stepwise OLS regression. Overall, the findings indicate that work-to-life conflict mediates the relationship between job pressure and supervisor support and psychological distress. The finding's implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Syngeneic tumor immunizations produce Qa antibodies. Discovery of a new Qa antigen, Qa-6.

BALB/cBy (Qa-2−) mice injected with the syngeneic tumor, ORA I-a (Qa-2+), produced antibodies to Qa-2 and a newly discovered antigen, Qa-6. Specific antisera against Qa-6, in the presence of complement, lyses approximately 40% of lymph-node lymphocytes and splenocytes. Strain distribution analyses indicate that Qa-6 is specified by a gene within the TL subregion of the major histocompatibility complex. Thus, Qa-6 is the third member of the Qa/TL subset of cell surface antigens which is anomalously expressed on certain tumor cells. This finding suggests that the Qa and TL molecules may have a unique, functional role on the cell surface.
Vibration Cancellation in a Plate Using Orthogonal Eigenstructure Control

Orthogonal eigenstructure control is a novel control method that can be used for vibration suppression in flexible structures. The method described in this study does not need defining the desired locations of the closed-loop poles or predetermining the closed-loop eigenvectors. The method, which is applicable to linear multi-input multi-output systems, determines an output feedback control gain matrix such that some of the closed-loop eigenvectors are orthogonal to the open-loop eigenvectors. Using this, the open-loop system's eigenvectors as well as a group of orthogonal vectors are regenerated based on a matrix that spans the null space of the closed-loop eigenvectors. The gain matrix can be generated automatically; therefore, the method is neither a trial and error process nor an optimization of an index function. A finite element model of a plate is used to study the applicability of the method to systems with relatively large degrees of freedom. The example is also used to discuss the effect of operating eigenvalues on the process of orthogonal eigenstructure control. The importance of the operating eigenvalues and the criteria for selecting them for finding the closed-loop system are also investigated. It is shown that choosing the operating eigenvalues from the open-loop eigenvalues that are farthest from the origin results in convergence of the gain matrix for the admissible closed-loop systems. It is shown that the converged control gain matrix has diagonal elements that are two orders of magnitude larger than the off-diagonal elements, which implies a nearly decoupled control.
Electrophysiological effects of fluoxetine and duloxetine in the dorsal raphe nucleus and hippocampus.

Abstract The cellular electrophysiological effects of duloxetine (LY248686), a dual serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine were compared on spontaneously active neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus and the hippocampus of chloral hydrate-anesthetized male rat. Systemic intravenous administration of duloxetine or fluoxetine inhibited dorsal raphe nucleus cell firing in a dose-dependent manner; duloxetine suppressed cell firing at significantly lower doses (ED 100 1.4±0.3 mg/kg) than fluoxetine (ED 100 10.0±2.0 mg/kg). In the hippocampus, microiontophoretic application of duloxetine or fluoxetine (0.01 M, pH 5.5; 5–40 nA) produced minimal inhibition of cell firing. When duloxetine was co-applied with 5-HT, the recovery response (RT 50 values) of hippocampal pyramidal neurons to 5-HT application was not altered. In contrast, co-application of fluoxetine with 5-HT at the same iontophoretic currents significantly increased (59%) the RT 50 values produced by 5-HT application alone. This physiological and pharmacological study contributes to understanding the cellular mechanisms of these agents which may be useful in the treatment of depression. © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Decision support for containing pandemic propagation

This research addresses complexities inherent in dynamic decision making settings represented by global disasters such as influenza pandemics. By coupling a theoretically grounded Equation-Based Modeling (EBM) approach with more practically nuanced Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) approach we address the inherent heterogeneity of the “influenza pandemic” decision space more effectively. In addition to modeling contributions, results and findings of this study have three important policy implications for pandemic containment; first, an effective way of checking the progression of a pandemic is a multipronged approach that includes a combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Second, mutual aid is effective only when regions that have been affected by the pandemic are sufficiently isolated from other regions through non-pharmaceutical interventions. When regions are not sufficiently isolated, mutual aid can in fact be detrimental. Finally, intraregion non-pharmaceutical interventions such as school closures are more effective than interregion nonpharmaceutical interventions such as border closures.
Highly sensitive H2S sensor based on template-synthesized CuO nanowires

A sensor device featuring massive aligned CuO nanowires has been fabricated for H2S detection. Metallic copper (Cu) nanowires were first synthesized by a template-assisted electrodeposition method. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) and thermal oxidation were then used to assemble and functionalize/oxidize the nanowires. Topology of the CuO nanowires showed rugged surfaces on the nanowires. H2S sensing properties were characterized by conducting experiments with varying influential factors, including concentration levels from 10 to 1000 ppb and working temperatures from 25 to 420 °C. The CuO nanowire sensor showed good response and repeatability upon H2S exposure with a detection limit of 2.5 ppb and a linear response ranging from 10 ppb to 100 ppb. In addition, the study of temperature influence revealed that the highest response was achieved at 180 °C. Furthermore, with increased working temperature, the CuO nanowire sensor had shorter response and recovery times. An interesting two-stage response was discovered for this CuO nanowire sensor responding to H2S exposure, indicating that two competing reactions existed on the CuO surface.
Recursive monetary policy games with incomplete information

Abstract This paper provides recursive methods for analyzing the credible equilibria of an incomplete information monetary policy game. The policy game is one in which a discretionary government has a short-run temptation to engage in a surprise monetary expansion. It also has the opportunity to imitate a government that always implements the ex ante optimal monetary policy actions. We derive an algorithm for computing the set of credible equilibrium payoffs. We use this algorithm to explore the idea that incomplete information monetary policy games of this kind have fewer equilibria and less indeterminacy than their complete information counterparts.
Shaping sound in space: the regulation of inner ear patterning

The inner ear is one of the most morphologically elaborate tissues in vertebrates, containing a group of mechanosensitive sensory organs that mediate hearing and balance. These organs are arranged precisely in space and contain intricately patterned sensory epithelia. Here, we review recent studies of inner ear development and patterning which reveal that multiple stages of ear development – ranging from its early induction from the embryonic ectoderm to the establishment of the three cardinal axes and the fine-grained arrangement of sensory cells – are orchestrated by gradients of signaling molecules.
Cell Traction Forces (CTFs) and CTF Microscopy Applications in Musculoskeletal Research

Most connective tissue cells (eg, tendon and ligament cells) attach to extracellular matrix and exert so-called cell traction forces (CTFs) on the extracellular matrix. CTFs are essential for many cellular functions, such as maintenance of cell shape, cell motility, and cell communication. Therefore, many techniques have been developed over the years to measure CTFs to better understand tissue physiology and pathology. This article provides a brief review of CTF in terms of its generation and transmission and also CTF measurement techniques, with a focus on CTF microscopy (CTFM). Examples of using CTFM to determine CTFs are given to illustrate various applications of CTFM. Finally, the potential applications of CTFM in musculoskeletal research are suggested.
Mediator-Regulated Transcription through the +1 Nucleosome

Many genes are regulated at the level of a Pol II that is recruited to a nucleosome-free region upstream of the +1 nucleosome. How the Mediator coactivator complex, which functions at multiple steps, affects transcription through the promoter proximal region, including this nucleosome, remains largely unaddressed. We have established a fully defined in vitro assay system to delineate mechanisms for Pol II transit across the +1 nucleosome. Our results reveal cooperative functions of multiple cofactors, particularly of Mediator and elongation factor SII, in transcribing into this nucleosome. This is achieved, in part, through an unusual activity of SII that alters the intrinsic catalytic properties of promoter-proximal Pol II and, in concert with the Mediator, leads to enhancement in transcription of nucleosomal DNA. Our data provide additional mechanistic bases for Mediator function after recruitment of Pol II and, potentially, for regulation of genes controlled via nucleosome-mediated promoter-proximal pausing.
Rate of chain elongation of ribosomal RNA molecules in Escherichia coli

Abstract Kinetics of incorporation of radioactive guanine into 16 S and 23 S ribosomal RNA were determined in Escherichia coli under two different growth conditions at 37 °C—with glucose, and with succinate. The times required to produce the individual molecules were determined by analysis of the labeling kinetics. Three main inferences are drawn. (1) Ribosomal RNA transcription proceeds at about 84 nucleotides per second with glucose and about 48 nucleotides per second with succinate. (2) The total magnitude of rRNA synthesis in the cell depends strongly on the carbon source, as does the transcription rate. However, the transcription rate does not vary sufficiently to account for the different rates of rRNA synthesis. The overall magnitude must therefore be controlled by the rate of chain initiation. (3) 23 S rRNA is assembled by a straightforward transcription process and not by the linking together of two 16 S-sized molecules.
Evidentialist and non-evidentialist accounts of historical religious knowledge

Jesus. The Apostle's Creed signals the importance of history for the Christian faith by affirming that Jesus 'suffered under Pontius Pilate', an actual historical figure, though doubtless one who would have little importance were it not for his connection with Jesus. The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that if the resurrection did not occur (and I believe it is clear that Paul conceives of the resurrection as an historical event), then 'your faith is futile and you are still in your sins'.1 It is not surprising then that Christians have usually followed the writer of the fourth gospel in affirming the importance of knowing about the life of Jesus. There, after recounting the 'many signs' that Jesus did that were performed 'in the presence of his disciples', and affirming that Jesus did many others, the author tells his readers that these were written 'that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name'.2 Though Christians have traditionally affirmed the importance of this historical knowledge (or rational belief),3 they have not been in agreement as to how this knowledge is obtained. In this paper I propose to describe in some detail two accounts of how this knowledge is supposed to be obtained, looking at both classical and contemporary versions of each. I shall term these two approaches the evidentialist and non-evidentialist accounts. These two accounts have often been taken to be rivals, but I
On the Stability of a Differential Equation With Application to the Vibrations of a Particle in the Plane

The stability of the equation Z + f(t)Z = 0, where f(t) = (δ − e cos2 t)/(1 − e cos2 t), is studied by using Floquet theory, Fourier analysis and perturbations. The results are used to study the stability of the vibrations of a particle constrained to a plane and restrained by two identical linear springs with initial stress.
Stable multivariate Eulerian polynomials and generalized Stirling permutations

Abstract We study Eulerian polynomials as the generating polynomials of the descent statistic over Stirling permutations—a class of restricted multiset permutations. We develop their multivariate refinements by indexing variables by the values at the descent tops, rather than the position where they appear. We prove that the obtained multivariate polynomials are stable, in the sense that they do not vanish whenever all the variables lie in the open upper half-plane. Our multivariate construction generalizes the multivariate Eulerian polynomial for permutations, and extends naturally to r -Stirling and generalized Stirling permutations. The benefit of this refinement is manifold. First of all, the stability of the multivariate generating functions implies that their univariate counterparts, obtained by diagonalization, have only real roots. Second, we obtain simpler recurrences of a general pattern, which allows for essentially a single proof of stability for all the cases, and further proofs of equidistributions among different statistics. Our approach provides a unifying framework of some recent results of Bona, Branden, Brenti, Janson, Kuba, and Panholzer. We conclude by posing several interesting open problems.
Circulating factor from a kala-azar patient suppresses in vitro antileishmanial T cell proliferation

Abstract In vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), streptococcal antigens (SKSD) and leishmanial antigens were used to assess T cell responsiveness in one patient with kala-azar before and after therapy. During the illness, responses to PHA and SKSD but not to leishmanial antigens could be detected. After treatment lymphocytes responded to all three stimuli when cells were cultured in convalescent plasma, but failed to respond to leishmanial antigens when cultured in plasma obtained before treatment. These observations suggest the presence of a circulating inhibitor of antileishmanial T cell responsiveness in kala-azar, and warrant further investigation.
Comparison of calculated and measured heterogeneity correction factors for 125I, 137Cs, and 192Ir brachytherapy sources near localized heterogeneities

The influence of tissue and applicator heterogeneities on brachytherapydose distributions is not well understood, despite widespread use of shielded applicators in intracavitary therapy. Heterogeneity correction factors (HCF) have been measured using a silicon diode detector arising from bounded heterogeneities consisting of lead, steel, titanium,silver,aluminum, and air cylinders near brachytherapysources of 125I, 137Cs, and 192Ir. In addition, transverse‐axis dose distributions for the three sources in homogeneous water were measured for distances of 0.2 to 16.0 cm. For each point of measurement, relative diode readings were simulated by a Monte Carlophoton transport code utilizing accurate models of the source internal structure, the experimental measure geometry and the source‐strength calibration geometry. Comparison of measured and calculated HCF’s reveals excellent agreement (1%–3% average) over a wide range of materials, diameters, and thicknesses. In addition, Monte Carlo simulation not only accurately reproduced the relative transverse‐axis dose distributions in homogeneous medium, but was able to predict the variation of diode response with photon energy with an accuracy of 3% over the range of 30–662 keV. Our measurements demonstrate that HCF’s vary by as much as 60%–100% with distance and heterogeneity diameter for a fixed thickness. Finally, silicon diode measurements of HCF (defined as reading with heterogeneity/reading in homogeneous medium) is shown to lead to errors of 5%–30% for 137Cs and 192Ir sources in the presence of high‐atomic number shielding materials. This paper concludes, that Monte Carlo simulation is a powerful, convenient and accurate tool for investigating the long‐neglected area of brachytherapy heterogeneity corrections.
1458 RESPONSE OF INFANTS WITH LOW CARDIAC OUTPUT (LCO) TO DOBUTAMINE (Db)

Drug therapy of LCO in the newborn has developed empirically with few cardiovascular (CV) studies. The effectiveness of Db at various dosages was evaluated in the treatment of 10 infants with LCO, 8 of which had failed to respond to prior treatment with cardiotonic drugs. Patients were 9 hrs to 7 wks old and diagnoses included infection (5), CV defects (4), and hemorrhage (1). Except for brief periods at higher dosages, Db was infused in dosages from 2-12 μg/kg/min for 7-123 hrs. Infusions of other pressors remained constant initially. If the patient responded favorably to Db, the other cardiotonic agent was discontinued. Improvement was noted in decreased skin perfusion (100%), elevated atrial pressure (80%), metabolic acidosis (75%), oliguria (67%), arterial hypotension (67%) and tachycardia (60%). Four patients died including 3 with structural CV defects and 1 with hemorrhage. Tachycardia of 15-20 beats/min occurred in 3 patients at dosages above 12 μg/kg/min. No arrhythmias were induced or increased by Db. Db appears to be effective for treating LCO in infants, primarily by increasing contractility and peripheral vasodilatation. Dosages should be limited to 2-12 μg/kg/min.
Joint Theoretical and Experimental Characterization of the Structural and Electronic Properties of Poly(dioctylfluorene-alt-N-butylphenyl diphenylamine)

Fluorene-based copolymers are currently attracting considerable interest for use in a wide range of optoelectronic devices. Here, we present the results of a joint quantum-chemical and experimental characterization of the structural, electronic, and optical properties of an alternating fluorene-triphenylamine copolymer. We compare the results from this study with those from similar studies of polyfluorene. Although calculations are performed for the gas phase and experiments are performed on the solid state, the results from the two methodologies are in good agreement: the relevant electronic levels, HOMO and LUMO, of polyfluorene are found to be destabilized by incorporation of triphenylamine units in the conjugated backbone, whereas the optical properties of polyfluorene chains are largely unperturbed by the presence of triphenylamine.
Varicella-zoster virus: mechanisms of pathogenicity and corneal disease.

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the Herpes viridae family, is a ubiquitous pathogen which infects over 95% of the adult US population and is responsible for a wide variety of human illness. Its versatility as an ocular pathogen is impressive for it has been causally linked to disease in virtually every structure of the eye. It is VZV-associated corneal disease, however, that is responsible for the most visually devastating sequelae, often leading to loss of vision. Intensive investigation over the last two and a half centuries has led to a more detailed knowledge of the virus itself, its mechanism of pathogenicity, and its unique ability to achieve chronic latency in sensory ganglia. Despite the many great strides in our understanding, there is much about this enigmatic virus that continues to elude us. It is the aim of this paper to review the literature and update the reader with the most current information on the varicellazoster virus, its virology, mode of pathogenicity, host defenses, and how these virulent mechanisms may lead to blinding eye disease.
Incremental dictionary learning for fault detection with applications to oil pipeline leakage detection

In the signal processing domain, there has been growing interest in sparse coding with a trained overcomplete dictionary instead of a predefined one. Sparse coding is advocated as an effective mathematical description for the underlying principle of human sensory systems. Proposed is a framework for online fault detection with applications to oil pipeline leakage detection. The method first performs supervised offline overcomplete dictionary training using the labelled samples. During the online stage, the dictionary is continuously updated in an incremental fashion to adapt to the varied upcoming samples.
Assessing tree species assemblages in highly disturbed Puerto Rican karst landscapes using forest inventory data

Tree species assemblages described by landscape-scale forest inventory data both agreed and differed from those described by intensive, site specific studies in Puerto Rico’s highly disturbed northern karst belt. Species assemblages found on hill tops (typified by Tabebuia heterophylla or Bursera simaruba with Coccoloba diversifolia, Licaria parvifolia, and Drypetes alba), abandoned coffee shade (Guarea guidonia, Dendropanax arboreus, Inga vera, and Persea americana), early successional forest (Tetrazygia elaeagnoides with Bucida bursera), and reverting pasture (Spathodea campanulata and Casearia guianensis) fit well with previously described forest types. However, systematic sampling captured more marginal forest and showed greater importance of introduced species that comprise/dominate the forest in these areas, particularly S.␣campanulata. Therefore some assemblages were found to be more mixed and less defined than those observed in small scale intensive studies. Because forest inventory sampling includes less defined forest types and areas that are on the margins of environmental gradients, forest inventory data were less able to show the relationships between detailed forest types and environmental gradients observed in other studies. However, at the landscape level, forest inventory data complements and expands on the findings from intensive studies resulting in a clearer, unbiased view of the region’s forests.
Low-index embedded waveguide lenses in GaAs substrates

An integrated optical lens structure which embeds a low-index waveguide lens region in a high-index host waveguide is discussed. The lens has been realized on a GaAs/GaAlAs waveguide using an embedded low-index lens structure of glass/SiO/sub 2/. At an f-number of 2 and a wavelength of 1.152 mu m, the focal spot size is 2.8 mu m. The throughput efficiency is 45% and the angular field of view is 10 degrees . >
Life Is Pleasant—and Memory Helps to Keep It That Way!

People's recollections of the past are often positively biased. This bias has 2 causes. The 1st cause lies in people's perceptions of events. The authors review the results of several studies and p...
Empirical evidence for discrete neurocognitive subgroups in bipolar disorder: clinical implications

BACKGROUND Recent data suggest trait-like neurocognitive impairments in bipolar disorder (BPD), with deficits about 1 s.d. below average, less severe than deficits noted in schizophrenia. The frequency of significant impairment in BPD is approximately 60%, with 40% of patients characterized as cognitively spared. This contrasts with a more homogeneous presentation in schizophrenia. It is not understood why some BPD patients develop deficits while others do not. METHOD A total of 136 patients with BPD completed the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and data were entered into hierarchical cluster analyses to: (1) determine the optimal number of clusters (subgroups) that fit the sample; and (2) assign subjects to a specific cluster based on individual profiles. We then compared subgroups on several clinical factors and real-world community functioning. RESULTS Three distinct neurocognitive subgroups were found: (1) an intact group with performance comparable with healthy controls on all domains but with superior social cognition; (2) a selective impairment group with moderate deficits on processing speed, attention, verbal learning and social cognition and normal functioning in other domains; and (3) a global impairment group with severe deficits across all cognitive domains comparable with deficits in schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the presence of multiple cognitive subgroups in BPD with unique profiles and begin to address the relationships between these subgroups, several clinical factors and functional outcome. Next steps will include using these data to help guide future efforts to target these disabling symptoms with treatment.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES TO PREDATORS SHAPE THE GROWTH/PREDATION RISK TRADE-OFF IN DAMSELFLIES

Most organisms must simultaneously find enough food for themselves while trying not to become food for some other organism. Previous field experiments have shown that larvae of Enallagma and Ischnura species are able to coexist in the littoral zones of lakes because they resolve this growth/predation risk trade-off differently: Ischnura species grow more quickly than Enallagma species, but Ischnura species suffer higher mortality rates than Enallagma. We performed a series of laboratory studies to explore the mechanistic basis for the difference in growth between the genera. When held in complete isolation and with unlimited food, larvae of a number of Enallagma species that coexist with fish accumulated mass at much faster rates than Ischnura species. This difference in isolation was due to the fish-lake Enallagma simply ingesting more food. In contrast, when held in the presence of other damselflies or a fish predator, Ischnura had significantly higher growth rates than Enallagma species from fish lakes. All species decreased the amount of food they ingested in the presence of the fish predator as compared to when fish were absent, which resulted in decreased growth in the presence of the predator for all species. However, the interspecific differences in growth rate were due primarily to differences in the abilities of the species to convert ingested food into their own biomass; in the presence of fish, comparably sized larvae ingested nearly identical amounts of food, but Ischnura larvae grew faster because they converted significantly more ingested food into their own biomass than did larvae of Enallagma species from fish lakes. This difference in conversion efficiency between the genera was not apparent when larvae were raised in complete isolation. These results indicate that Enallagma and Ischnura species differ in physiological stress responses to the presence of predators, and this difference may facilitate the coexistence of Enallagma and Ischnura species in the field.
Stem cell derived basal forebrain cholinergic neurons from Alzheimer’s disease patients are more susceptible to cell death

An early substantial loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) is a constant feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and is associated with deficits in spatial learning and memory. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with AD as well as from normal controls could be efficiently differentiated into neurons with characteristics of BFCNs. We used BFCNs derived from iPSCs to model sporadic AD with a focus on patients with ApoE3/E4 genotypes (AD-E3/E4). BFCNs derived from AD-E3/E4 patients showed typical AD biochemical features evidenced by increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratios. AD-E3/E4 neurons also exhibited altered responses to treatment with γ-secretase inhibitors compared to control BFCNs or neurons derived from patients with familial AD. BFCNs from patients with AD-E3/E4 also exhibited increased vulnerability to glutamate-mediated cell death which correlated with increased intracellular free calcium upon glutamate exposure. The ability to generate BFCNs with an AD phenotype is a significant step both for understanding disease mechanisms and for facilitating screening for agents that promote synaptic integrity and neuronal survival.
Effective use of boolean satisfiability procedures in the formal verification of superscalar and VLIW

We compare SAT-checkers and decision diagrams on the evalua-tion of Boolean formulas produced in the formal verification of both correct and buggy versions of superscalar and VLIW micro-processors. We identify one SAT-checker that significantly out-performs the rest. We evaluate ways to enhance its performance by variations in the generation of the Boolean correctness formu-las. We reassess optimizations previously used to speed up the formal verification and probe future challenges.
Cosmic rays from cosmic strings with condensates

We revisit the production of cosmic rays by cusps on cosmic strings. If a scalar field (``Higgs'') has a linear interaction with the string world sheet, such as would occur if there is a bosonic condensate on the string, cusps on string loops emit narrow beams of very high energy Higgses which then decay to give a flux of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays. The ultrahigh energy flux and the gamma to proton ratio agree with observations if the string scale is $\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{13}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$. The diffuse gamma ray and proton fluxes are well below current bounds. Strings that are lighter and have linear interactions with scalars produce an excess of direct and diffuse cosmic rays and are ruled out by observations, while heavier strings ($\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{15}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$) are constrained by their gravitational signatures. This leaves a narrow window of parameter space for the existence of cosmic strings with bosonic condensates.
The expression of the protein p68/70 within the goldfish visual system suggests a role in both regeneration and neurogenesis

Previous attempts to characterize the molecular events that support successful regeneration of axotomized goldfish retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) have led to the discovery of an acidic protein doublet in retina that displays an increased incorporation of 35S-methionine following axotomy, and is known to be axonally transported within the optic nerve. This protein is termed p68/70, reflecting its relative migration in 10% SDS-PAGE. In the present study, an affinity-purified polyclonal antibody to p68/70 (anti-p68/70) was developed and used to assess the species, tissue, and cellular distribution of p68/70. The antibody cross-reacted with homogenates of brain and other tissues from goldfish and closely related fish species. While each goldfish tissue tested expressed p68/70, the levels varied over a 30-fold range, with the highest amounts in brain, egg, and ovary. Immunolabeling of goldfish retina revealed prominent staining of RGC somata, dendrites, and axons. During regeneration, the immunoreactivity of the RGC somata and axons increased dramatically. Intense immunolabeling was also observed in the germinal neuroepithelial cells and rod precursors and in all retinal layers near the peripheral margin, in the region of recently differentiated neurons. In the tectum, the germinal zone was also highly labeled. The elevated expression of p68/70 in each of these areas known to mediate neuronal growth within the goldfish visual system suggests that p68/70 plays a role in axonal growth, regrowth, and possibly in neural development as well.
Catalyzed oxidation for nanowire growth

A simple, low-cost and scalable route to substrate-supported nanowire growth is reported based on catalyzed oxidation. The process shares common features with popular catalyzed nanowire growth techniques such as vapor?liquid?solid (VLS), vapor?solid?solid (VSS), or vapor?quasi-solid (VQS) that use catalyst nanoparticles to direct the deposition of reactants from the vapor phase. Catalyzed oxidation for nanowire growth (CONG) utilizes catalyzed anion (e.g.?O2) reduction from the vapor phase and metal (e.g.?Fe) oxidation from the substrate to produce oxide nanowires (e.g.?Fe3O4). The approach represents a new class of nanowire growth methodology that may be applied to a broad range of systems. CONG does not require expensive chemical vapor deposition or physical vapor deposition equipment and can be implemented at intermediate temperatures (400?600??C) in a standard laboratory furnace. This work also demonstrates a passive approach to catalyst deposition that allows the process to be implemented simply with no lithography or physical vapor deposition steps. This effort validates the general approach by synthesizing MnO, Fe3O4, WO3, MgO, TiO2, ZnO, ReO3, and NiO nanowires via CONG. The process produces single crystalline nanowires that can be grown to high aspect ratio and as high-density nanowire forests. Applications of the as-grown Fe3O4 and ReO3 nanowires for lithium ion battery systems are demonstrated to display high areal energy density and power.