cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A note on the measurement of reversals of perspective

The contradictory findings in the classical literature on the rate of reversal of perspective illusions stem, at least partly, from a failure to isolate three major sources of variance: set, subjects, and sequence. This paper provides a model for the statistical isolation of these variables. It consists of the square-root transformation of reversible data which appear to constitute a Poisson distribution. Such a transformation permits the full utilization of the analysis of variance.
A Knowledge Based System for Selecting a Test Methodology for a PLA

Testability is a very important aspect of VLSI circuits. Numerous design for testability (DFT) methods exist. Often designers face the complex problem of selecting the best DFT techniques for a particular chip under a set of design constraints and goals. In order to aid in designing testable circuits, a prototype knowledge based system has been developed which simulates a human expert on design of testable PLAs. The system, described in this paper, has knowledge about testable PLA design methodologies and is able to negotiate with the user so as to lead the user through the design space to find a satisfactory solution. A new search strategy, called reason analysis, is introduced.
Mechanical stretch induced calcium efflux from bone matrix stimulates osteoblasts.

Abstract The mechanisms by which bone cells sense critically loaded regions of bone are still a matter of ongoing debate. Animal models to investigate response to microdamage involve post mortem immunohistological analysis and do not allow real-time monitoring of cellular response during the emergence of the damage in bone. Most in vitro mechanical stimulation studies are conducted on non-bone substrates, neglecting the damage-related alterations in the pericellular niche and their potential effects on bone cells. The current study reports spontaneous efflux of calcium ions (Ca2+) (1.924 ± 0.742 pmol cm− 2 s− 1) from regions of devitalized bone matrix undergoing post-yield strains, induced by a stress concentrator. When these samples are seeded with MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, the strain-induced Ca2+ efflux from bone elicits cell response at the stress concentration site as manifested by activation of intracellular calcium signaling (increase in fluorescence by 52% ± 27%). This activity is associated with extracellular calcium because the intracellular calcium signaling in response to mechanical loading subsides when experiments are repeated using demineralized bone substrates (increase in fluorescence by 6% ± 10%). These results imply a novel perspective where bone matrix acts as an intermediary mechanochemical transducer by converting mechanical strain into a chemical signal (pericellular calcium) to which cells respond. Such a mechanism may be responsible for triggering repair at locations of bone matrix undergoing critical deformation levels.
Antibiotic susceptibility of staphylococcal isolates from patients with vascular catheter-related bacteremia: potential role of the combination of minocycline and rifampin

The antimicrobial susceptibility to ten antibiotics of 197 staphylococcal isolates recovered over a 10-year period from patients with vascular catheter-related bacteremia was examined. Isolated organisms induced methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (95 isolates), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (42 isolates) and methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (60 isolates). A microtiter assay was used to determine the MIC and MBC of individual antibiotics and to conduct time-kill studies of certain drug combinations. The activity of clidamycin, cefamandole and oxacillin was generally restricted to methicillin-sensitive organisms, whereas daptomycin, novobiocin, teicoplanin and vancomycin exhibited bactericidal activity against all tested staphylococcal species. Bacterial resistance to ciprofloxacin was detected among the more recent isolates of methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Minocycline and rifampin demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity, respectively, against all groups of organisms. The interaction of rifampin with minocycline, vancomycin, or novobiocin was generally indifferent. The results of this study support the ongoing efforts for evaluation of the antimicrobial efficacy of vascular catheters coated with the combination of minocycline and rifampin.
Vasopressin Deficiency Contributes to the Vasodilation of Septic Shock

Background The hypotension of septic shock is due to systemic vasodilation. On the basis of a clinical observation, we investigated the possibility that a deficiency in vasopressin contributes to the vasodilation of septic shock. Methods and Results In 19 patients with vasodilatory septic shock (systolic arterial pressure [SAP] of 92±2 mm Hg [mean±SE], cardiac output [CO] of 6.8±0.7 L/min) who were receiving catecholamines, plasma vasopressin averaged 3.1±1.0 pg/mL. In 12 patients with cardiogenic shock (SAP, 99±7 mm Hg; CO, 3.5±0.9 L/min) who were also receiving catecholamines, it averaged 22.7±2.2 pg/mL (P<.001). A constant infusion of exogenous vasopressin to 2 patients with septic shock resulted in the expected plasma concentration, indicating that catabolism of vasopressin is not increased in this condition. Although vasopressin is a weak pressor in normal subjects, its administration at 0.04 U/min to 10 patients with septic shock who were receiving catecholamines increased arterial pressure (systoli...
Administrative legacies of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium

The cataclysmic changes which transformed the political map of Europe in the brief space of three years cast an interesting new light on one of the most signal and far-reaching legacies of the Age of Enlightenment. born of deep faith in reason and revolt against tradition, the administrative reform of the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries shared something else in common: belief in the idea what the administrative state can produce solutions to the problems which face our modern world and serve as a primary vehicle on the road to social progress.
Weak Gravitational Lensing as a Method to Constrain Unstable Dark Matter

The nature of the dark matter remains a mystery. The possibility of an unstable dark matter particle decaying to invisible daughter particles has been explored many times in the past few decades. Meanwhile, weak gravitational lensing shear has gained a lot of attention as a probe of dark energy, though it was previously considered a dark matter probe. Weak lensing is a useful tool for constraining the stability of the dark matter. In the coming decade a number of large galaxy imaging surveys will be undertaken and will measure the statistics of cosmological weak lensing with unprecedented precision. Weak lensing statistics are sensitive to unstable dark matter in at least two ways. Dark matter decays alter the matter power spectrum and change the angular diameter distance-redshift relation. We show how measurements of weak lensing shear correlations may provide the most restrictive, model-independent constraints on the lifetime of unstable dark matter. Our results rely on assumptions regarding nonlinear evolution of density fluctuations in scenarios of unstable dark matter and one of our aims is to stimulate interest in theoretical work on nonlinear structure growth in unstable dark matter models.
Simultaneous Natural Speech and AAC Interventions for Children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Lessons from a Speech-Language Pathologist Focus Group

In childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), children exhibit varying levels of speech intelligibility depending on the nature of errors in articulation and prosody. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies are beneficial, and commonly adopted with children with CAS. This study focused on the decision-making process and strategies adopted by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) when simultaneously implementing interventions that focused on natural speech and AAC. Eight SLPs, with significant clinical experience in CAS and AAC interventions, participated in an online focus group. Thematic analysis revealed eight themes: key decision-making factors; treatment history and rationale; benefits; challenges; therapy strategies and activities; collaboration with team members; recommendations; and other comments. Results are discussed along with clinical implications and directions for future research.
Structural differences between specific-locus mutations induced by different exposure regimes in mouse spermatogonial stem cells

It was first shown by W.L. Russell (1962), and confirmed by him and others, that a 24-h interval between dose fractions (but not shorter or longer ones) elevates the rate of radiation-induced spermatogonial specific-locus mutations to levels considerably above the linear extrapolation made from lower-dose results. We have now analyzed the nature of mutations induced either in previously undisturbed or in "sensitized" spermatogonial stem cells, i.e., those that received a challenging dose of X-rays 24 h following a priming dose. Results are based on molecular studies of a large set of viable albino mutations [using probes derived from the tyrosinase (c) gene and from the regions surrounding c], and on retrospective classifications of mutations at c and two additional loci into LL (large lesions), IG (intragenic mutations), and OL (other lesions), utilizing criteria developed earlier. A significant difference (P = 0.016) was found between previously undisturbed and sensitized stem-cell spermatogonia; the latter have a higher LL/IG ratio, similar to the ratio observed for mutations induced in poststem-cell stages. This finding of a qualitative difference indicates that the additional mutations produced by a 24-h fractionated treatment are the result of the second (challenging) dose. The qualitative difference, further, indicates that the mutation-rate-augmenting effects of 24-h fractionation are not due, merely, to an increase (caused by the priming dose) of a normally responsive component of the spermatogonial population. The finding that the additional mutations that are produced by the challenging dose are primarily large DNA lesions suggests that the nuclear state of sensitized stem-cell spermatogonia may be different from the state of previously undisturbed spermatogonia. This state, which appears to be similar to that of postspermatonial stages, may be conducive to the formation of LLs, even by agents that are not LL inducers in other systems. The results further indicate that the relative paucity of LLs characteristic of treated (previously undisturbed) spermatogonial stem cells is probably not the result of selection against such mutations during subsequent germ-cell development.
Unprotected Sex of Homeless Youth: Results from a Multilevel Dyadic Analysis of Individual, Social Network, and Relationship Factors

Homeless youth have elevated risk of HIV through sexual behavior. This project investigates the multiple levels of influence on unprotected sex among homeless youth, including social network, individual, and partner level influences. Findings are based on analyses of an exploratory, semi-structured interview (n = 40) and a structured personal network interview (n = 240) with randomly selected homeless youth in Los Angeles. Previous social network studies of risky sex by homeless youth have collected limited social network data from non-random samples and have not distinguished sex partner influences from other network influences. The present analyses have identified significant associations with unprotected sex at multiple levels, including individual, partner, and, to a lesser extent, the social network. Analyses also distinguished between youth who did or did not want to use condoms when they had unprotected sex. Implications for social network based HIV risk interventions with homeless youth are discussed.
The south china sea disputes: Who owns the islands and the natural resources?

Abstract Among the numerous border and territorial disputes between China and its neighbors, the Paracel‐Spratly case is the most serious to date. Primarily, the dispute concerns the ownership of some 200 midocean islets in the South China Sea, most of which are coral outcroppings without much value in themselves. But the issue is complicated by the expectation that the owner(s) will, be entitled to whatever natural resources may be developed from the offshore waters of the islets. Since the two‐day clash of arms between China and the former Republic of Vietnam (South) in January 1974, the Paracels have been firmly in Chinese control, while the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam are each holding a part of the Spratlies. The sea lane between the two archipelagoes is the only major route that links East Asia with Africa and Europe, a fact that accounts for the deep interest of the major powers in the South China Sea. Since the fall of Saigon to Hanoi in April 1975, China has to argue the same issue against it...
Ethanol stimulates tumor progression and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in chick embryos

BACKGROUND The mechanisms by which alcohol consumption causes cancer have not been established due to a lack of experimental studies. METHODS A chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model that bore human fibrosarcoma (HT1080) was used to determine whether the administration of physiologically relevant doses of ethanol could stimulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumors. HT1080 cells were inoculated onto the “upper CAM” on Day 8, saline or ethanol was administrated at a dose of 0.25g/kg per day on the CAM, and the tumors were harvested on Day 17. VEGF mRNA and protein were determined by Northern blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intratumoral vascular volume density (IVVD) was determined by point counting on periodic acid–Schiff-stained sections. Intravasation of HT1080 cells was determined using human-Alu polymerase chain reaction analysis. The effects of ethanol on VEGF expression and cell proliferation were examined in cultured HT1080 cells. RESULTS Ethanol treatment for 9 days caused a 2.2-fold increase in tumor volume (867 ± 138 mm3 vs. 402 ± 28 mm3), a 2.1-fold increase in IVVD (0.021 ± 0.004 mm3/mm3 vs. 0.010 mm3/mm3 ± 0.002 mm3/mm3), and a significant increase in VEGF mRNA or protein expression in tumors compared with a group of control embryos (n = 6 embryos; P 8-fold in the intravasated HT1080 cells in the CAM group compared with the control group (n = 6 embryos; P < 0.01). Physiologically relevant levels of ethanol (10 mM and 20 mM) caused a dose-related increase in VEGF mRNA and protein expression in cultured HT1080 cells. The ethanol–HT1080-conditioned media increased the proliferation of endothelial cells, but not of HT1080 cells. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the induction of angiogenesis and VEGF expression by ethanol represents an important mechanism of cancer progression associated with alcoholic beverage consumption. Cancer 2005. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Changes in Growth, Auxin‐ and Ribonucleic Acid Metabolism in Wheat Coleoptile Sections Following Pulse Treatment with Indole‐3‐Acetic Acid

Growth reactions of wbeat coleoptile sections following a brief pretreament in indole-3-acetic acid (LAA) were studied. The growth versus concentration curves 24 hours after the treatment showed a minimum value surrounded by bigber values. The minimum was never at concentrations lower than 10-5M lAA but it could be found at higher concentrations after short pretreatment periods. The growth versus time curves reveated that the hormone treatment cansed the growth rate initially to increase but later on to decrease. The decrease was followed by a second increase for some treatments. Analysis of IAA content after the pretreatment showed that the attered growth patterns could be ascribed to declining auxin content with time, but not to thc actual concentration in the sections. The results indicate that the metabolic activation brought about by IAA leads to its own disappearance. Such a phenomenon was mirroretl in effects of IAA on hte net synthesis of ribonucleic acid.
Enhancement of adenylate cyclase activity in S49 lymphoma cell membranes by the toxin thionin from Pyrularia pubera

We investigated the mode of action of Pyrularia thionin on adenylate cyclase in S49 lymphoma cell membranes. Thionin increased the forskolin-induced cAMP production in both wild-type and cyc- variant cell membranes. Thionin increased the apparent efficacy, but not potency, of the stimulation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin. Our results also indicated that the stimulatory G protein (Gs) was not involved in the action of thionin on adenylate cyclase; however, thionin appeared to reduce the effect of Gi on adenylate cyclase. We examined the effect of thionin on the temperature dependence of adenylate cyclase activity. The effect of thionin was not quantitatively the same at all temperatures. The effect was greatest in the range of about 30 degrees C to 50 degrees C. In addition, cardiotoxin, a structurally distinct peptide that alters the properties of biological membranes similarly to thionin, also enhanced the activity of adenylate cyclase. It seems reasonable to suspect that thionin influences the activity of adenylate cyclase indirectly by acting on the membrane.
Optimization of functionally graded metallic foam insulation under transient heat transfer conditions

The problem of minimizing the maximum temperature of a structure insulated by a functionally graded metal foam insulation under transient heat conduction is studied. First, the performance of insulation designed for steady-state conditions is compared with uniform solidity insulation. It is found that the optimum steady-state insulation performs poorly under transient conditions. Then, the maximum structural temperature of a two-layer insulation with constant solidity for each layer is minimized by varying the solidity profile for a given total thickness and mass. It is found that the cooler inner layer of the optimal design has high solidity, while the hotter outer layer has low solidity. This is in contrast to the steady-state optimum, where the solidity profile is the reverse.
Asymmetric dihydroxylation affords enantiomerically pure C12 building blocks from traps, traps, cis-1,5,9-cyclododecatriene

Abstract Through sequential catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD), t,t,c-1,5,9-cyclododecatriene is transformed into functionalized cyclic cis-olefins with high enantio- and diastereocontrol. To demonstrate their synthetic utility as sources for open chain C 12 building blocks, one such intermediate is converted into an α,ω-diester in which the chain ends are differentiated.
Performance factors, selection, and metrology of adhesives for optical applications

Several performance factors such as spectral properties, hardness, thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and out-gassing need to be taken into consideration when selecting an appropriate adhesive. Optical applications require that the selected adhesive not only assure mechanical integrity of the assembled element but also support its optical performance. This paper discusses how to select an adhesive for some common optical applications and also demonstrates the use of analytical methods in the metrology of optical adhesives.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mass spectrometric determination of disulfide linkages in recombinant therapeutic proteins using online LC-MS with electron-transfer dissociation.

In the biotechnology industry, the generation of incorrectly folded recombinant proteins, either from an E.coli expression system or from an overexpressed CHO cell line (disulfide scrambling), is often a great concern as such incorrectly folded forms may not be completely removed in the final product. Thus, significant efforts have been devoted to map disulfide bonds to ensure drug quality. Similar to ECD, disulfide bond cleavages are preferred over peptide backbone fragmentation in ETD. Thus, an online LC−MS strategy combining collision-induced dissociation (CID-MS2), electron-transfer dissociation (ETD-MS2), and CID of an isolated product ion derived from ETD (MS3) has been used to characterize disulfide-linked peptides. Disulfide-linked peptide ions were identified by CID and ETD fragmentation, and the disulfide-dissociated (or partially dissociated) peptide ions were characterized in the subsequent MS3 step. The online LC−MS approach is successfully demonstrated in the characterization of disulfide li...
Suppressing immature house and stable flies in outdoor calf hutches with sand, gravel, and sawdust bedding.

Abstract Sand, gravel, sawdust, and pine shavings were used as bedding in outdoor calf hutches and compared with straw relative to the density of immature (maggot) house flies, Musca domestica , and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans . In 6-wk field trials, average densities of house and stable fly maggots in concrete mix sand ranged from only .3 to 1.6 and 0 to .1 maggots/L respectively; pea size gravel bedding also strongly suppressed densities from 99% relative to straw bedding, but both sand and gravel compacted and became soiled with calf feces, which resulted in unacceptable bedding sanitation and foul odors. Densities of house and stable fly maggots in pine shavings did not differ from those in straw bedding. Nevertheless, in sawdust bedding, maggot density was limited to averages of 1.4 to 8.3 house and 9.8 to 11.8 stable fly maggots/ L; this represented reductions of 45 to 91% relative to straw. In a follow-up trial, house and stable fly maggot densities in sawdust averaged 11.3 and 43.9 maggot respectively, reductions of 77 and 46%. These findings suggest that bedding calf hutches with sawdust during warm weather can be useful as an ecologically sound approach to controlling muscoid fly populations on dairy farms.
STRUCTURES AND STABILITIES OF CARBON FULLERENES

The structures and stabilities of carbon fullerenes Cn(n=20–94) are studied with tight-binding molecular dynamics in combination with a new scheme for generating energetically favorable fullerene networks. Magic numbers for fullerene formation energy are observed at n=60, 70 and 84. The experimental observation of the more abundant fullerenes is related to the fragmentation stabilities and chemical reactivities of the fullerenes obtained from our calculations.
Changes by two-dimensional echocardiography in the myocardial appearance of patients with end-stage renal disease.

Abstract A retrospective study of the clinical and biochemical data of all patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at Tulane Medical Center between 1982 and 1986 was performed. Complete echocardiographic data were available for comparison in 53 patients. Highly reflective echoes were judged to be present in the myocardium of 81% of the patients. This characteristic is described as a “glistening speckled appearance.” Patients with this characteristic had significantly greater left ventricular mass index (p = 0.0021).
Photomixer systems as submillimeter oscillators and coherent test sources

The current state of the art for photomixer based sources is explored in light of heterodyne local oscillator and coherent tests sources for antenna and component characterization at THz frequencies.
Rescue of the T-associated maternal effect in mice carrying null mutations in Igf-2 and Igf2r, two reciprocally imprinted genes

In mice, only the paternal allele of the Igf2 gene, encoding insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) is expressed due to parental imprinting. Interestingly, the Igf2r gene, which encodes one of the two known receptors (IGF2R) to which IGF-II binds with high affinity is also subject to imprinting, but in a reciprocal fashion. This observation raises the possibility that imprinting of these loci serves to regulate the ratios of the gene products, since IGF2R provides a mechanism for IGF-II turnover. To test this hypothesis, we crossed mice mutant for Igf-2 with animals carrying the Thp chromosomal deletion, which encompasses the Igf2r locus. Inheritance of the Thp chromosome through the maternal germline results in a dominant lethal maternal effect (Tme). However, as we show here, Thp/+ embryos that inherit the Thp maternally are variably rescued to birth if they also lack IGF-II. Based on these data, the Tme phenotype can be viewed as a dominant effect resulting from an overabundance of IGF-II.
Prenylcysteine α-Carboxyl Methyltransferase in Suspension-Cultured Tobacco Cells

Isoprenylation is a posttranslational modification that is believed to be necessary, but not sufficient, for the efficient association of numerous eukaryotic cell proteins with membranes. Additional modifications have been shown to be required for proper intracellular targeting and function of certain isoprenylated proteins in mammalian and yeast cells. Although protein isoprenylation has been demonstrated in plants, postisoprenylation processing of plant proteins has not been described. Here we demonstrate that cultured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv Bright Yellow-2) cells contain farnesylcysteine and geranylgeranylcysteine alpha-carboxyl methyltransferase activities with apparent Michaelis constants of 73 and 21 mM for N-acetyl-S-trans, trans-farnesyl-L-cysteine and N-acetyl-S-all-trans-geranylgeranyl-L-cysteine, respectively. Furthermore, competition analysis indicates that the same enzyme is responsible for both activities. These results suggest that alpha-carboxyl methylation is a step in the maturation of isoprenylated proteins in plants.
REVIEW OF LINEAR COLLIDER BEAM-BEAM INTERACTION*

Three major effects from the interaction of e+e− beams — disruption, beamstrahlung, and electron‐positron pair creation — are reviewed. For the disruption effects we discuss the luminosity enhancement factor, the maximum and rms disruption angles, and the kink instability. All the results are obtained from computer simulations. Scaling laws for the numerical results and theoretical explanations of the computor acquired phenomena are offered wherever possible. For the beamstrahlung effects we concentrate only on the final electron energy spectrum resulting from multiple photon radiation process, and the deflection angle associated with low energy particles. For the effects from electron−positron pair creation, both coherent and incoherent processes of beamstrahlung pair creation are discussed. In addition to the estimation on total number of such pairs, we also look into the energy spectrum and the deflection angle.
The Association between Firm Value and Productivity under US GAAP and IFRS

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between productivity and market value of firms. This study relies on the data that is derived from COMPUSTAT for the time period of 2002-2012 to address the differences of productivity and firm value associations in firms that comply with US GAAP and firms that comply with IFRS. The findings of this study reveal that the productivity is meaningful for associating with the firm's market value in US GAAP adopter firms and there is a strong correlation between productivity and firm value in US GAAP adopter firms. Meanwhile, the association of productivity and firm market value is not significant in IFRS adopter firms. This is consistent with Best (1) study, which finds that the increase in productivity may cause corporate profitability to be zero even negative.
Recognition and Management of Ruptured Infected Aneurysm of the Abdominal Aorta

A patient with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with clostridial infection was successfully managed by oversewing the aorta, debridement, and axillobifemoral bypass. Infected aneurysms of the abdominal aorta may present a confusing clinical picture, causing a delay in correct diagnosis. A history of fever and a palpable aneurysm should suggest the diagnosis. In obese individuals, abdominal roentgenograms and sonography may be helpful in establishing the presence of an aneurysm. Aortography may support the diagnosis of infection by the presence of a lobulated saccular aneurysm. Occasionally, the operative appearance of the aorta may be the only indica tion of an infected aortic aneurysm. The decision to oversew the aorta and perform an extra-anatomic bypass as the initial surgical procedure is essential for the proper management of these patients.
Histone chaperone Rtt106 promotes nucleosome formation using (H3-H4)2 tetramers.

The yeast histone chaperone Rtt106 is involved in de novo assembly of newly synthesized histones into nucleosomes during DNA replication and plays a role in regulating heterochromatin silencing and maintaining genomic integrity. The interaction of Rtt106 with H3-H4 is modulated by acetylation of H3 lysine 56 catalyzed by the lysine acetyltransferase Rtt109. Using affinity purification strategies, we demonstrate that Rtt106 interacts with (H3-H4)2 heterotetramers in vivo. In addition, we show that Rtt106 undergoes homo-oligomerization in vivo and in vitro, and mutations in the N-terminal homodimeric domain of Rtt106 that affect formation of Rtt106 oligomers compromise the function of Rtt106 in transcriptional silencing and response to genotoxic stress and the ability of Rtt106 to bind (H3-H4)2. These results indicate that Rtt106 deposits H3-H4 heterotetramers onto DNA and provide the first description of a H3-H4 chaperone binding to (H3-H4)2 heterotetramers in vivo.
CD44 Is Critically Involved in Infarct Healing by Regulating the Inflammatory and Fibrotic Response

Infarct healing is dependent on an inflammatory reaction that results in leukocyte infiltration and clearance of the wound from dead cells and matrix debris. However, optimal infarct healing requires timely activation of “stop signals” that suppress inflammatory mediator synthesis and mediate resolution of the inflammatory infiltrate, promoting formation of a scar. A growing body of evidence suggests that interactions involving the transmembrane receptor CD44 may play an important role in resolution of inflammation and migration of fibroblasts in injured tissues. We examined the role of CD44 signaling in infarct healing and cardiac remodeling using a mouse model of reperfused infarction. CD44 expression was markedly induced in the infarcted myocardium and was localized on infiltrating leukocytes, wound myofibroblasts, and vascular cells. In comparison with wild-type mice, CD44 −/− animals showed enhanced and prolonged neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines following myocardial infarction. In CD44 null infarcts, the enhanced inflammatory phase was followed by decreased fibroblast infiltration, reduced collagen deposition, and diminished proliferative activity. Isolated CD44 null cardiac fibroblasts had reduced proliferation upon stimulation with serum and decreased collagen synthesis in response to TGF-β in comparison to wild-type fibroblasts. The healing defects in CD44 −/− mice were associated with enhanced dilative remodeling of the infarcted ventricle, without affecting the size of the infarct. Our findings suggest that CD44-mediated interactions are critically involved in infarct healing. CD44 signaling is important for resolution of the postinfarction inflammatory reaction and regulates fibroblast function.
A Cascaded Approach to Mention Detection and Chaining in Arabic

This paper presents a fully statistical approach to Arabic mention detection and chaining system, built around the maximum entropy principle. The presented system takes a cascade approach to processing an input document, by first detecting mentions in the document and then chaining the identified mentions into entities. Both system components use a common maximum entropy framework, which allows the integration of a large array of feature types, including lexical, morphological, syntactic, and semantic features. Arabic offers additional challenges for this task (when compared with English, for example), as segmentation is a needed processing step, so one can correctly identify and resolve enclitic pronouns. The system presented has obtained very competitive performance in the automatic content extraction (ACE) evaluation program.
Rule-based acquisition and maintenance of lexical and semantic knowledge

The lexicons for Knowledge-Based Machine Translation systems require knowledge intensive morphological, syntactic and semantic information. This information is often used in different ways and usually formatted for a specific NLP system. This tends to make both the acquisition and maintenance of lexical databases cumbersome, inefficient and error-prone. In order to solve these problems, we have developed a program called cooL which automates the acquisition and maintenance processes and allows us to standardize and centralize the databases. This system is currently being used in the ESTRATO machine translation project at the Center for Machine Translation.
Volumetric strain in relation to particle displacements for body and surface waves in a general viscoelastic half-space

SUMMARY Dilatational earth strain, associated with the radiation fields for several hundred local, regional, and teleseismic earthquakes, has been recorded over an extended bandwidth and dynamic range at four borehole sites near the San Andreas fault, CA. The general theory of linear viscoelasticity is applied to account for anelasticity of the near-surface materials and to provide a mathematical basis for interpretation of seismic radiation fields as detected simultaneously by co-located volumetric strain meters and seismometers. The general theory is applied to describe volumetric strain and displacement for general (homogeneous or inhomogeneous) P and S waves in an anelastic whole space. Solutions to the free-surface reflection problems for incident general P and S-I waves are used to evaluate the effect of the free surface on observations from co-located sensors. Corresponding expressions are derived for a Rayleigh-type surface wave on a linear viscoelastic half-space. The theory predicts a number of anelastic wave field characteristics that can be inferred from observation of volumetric strains and displacement fields as detected by co-located sensors that cannot be inferred from either sensor alone. Volumetric strain meters respond to P waves but not S waves, with simultaneous observations permitting resolution of superimposed P and S wave fields into their respective components. The amplitude and phase for components of the displacement fields depend on angle of incidence, azimuth and inhomogeneity of the wave field. As volumetric strain shows no similar dependencies, simultaneous measurement permits inference of these characteristics as well as in situ material parameters. Conversion of S energy to dilatational strain energy by the free surface is largest at angles of incidence for which inhomogeneity of the reflected P wave is near its physical limit (that is, amplitudes vary rapidly along surfaces of constant phase). For such angles of incidence in a low-loss anelastic half-space, the particle motions for the reflected P waves are elliptical, amplitudes near the surface increase with depth and phase propagation is not parallel to the free surface. Volumetric strain for a Rayleigh-type surface wave shows an exponentially damped sinusoidal dependence on depth not evident for a Rayleigh wave on an elastic half-space.
Abnormal hair follicle development and altered cell fate of follicular keratinocytes in transgenic mice expressing ΔNp63α

The transcription factor p63 plays an essential role in epidermal morphogenesis. Animals lacking p63 fail to form many ectodermal organs, including the skin and hair follicles. Although the indispensable role of p63 in stratified epithelial skin development is well established, relatively little is known about this transcriptional regulator in directing hair follicle morphogenesis. Here, using specific antibodies, we have established the expression pattern of ΔNp63 in hair follicle development and cycling. ΔNp63 is expressed in the developing hair placode, whereas in mature hair its expression is restricted to the outer root sheath (ORS), matrix cells and to the stem cells of the hair follicle bulge. To investigate the role of ΔNp63 in hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling, we have utilized a Tet-inducible mouse model system with targeted expression of this isoform to the ORS of the hair follicle. ΔNp63 transgenic animals display dramatic defects in hair follicle development and cycling, eventually leading to severe hair loss. Strikingly, expression of ΔNp63 leads to a switch in cell fate of hair follicle keratinocytes, causing them to adopt an interfollicular epidermal (IFE) cell identity. Moreover, ΔNp63 transgenic animals exhibit a depleted hair follicle stem-cell niche, which further contributes to the overall cycling defects observed in the mutant animals. Finally, global transcriptome analysis of transgenic skin identified altered expression levels of crucial mediators of hair morphogenesis, including key members of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which, in part, account for these effects. Our data provide evidence supporting a role for ΔNp63α in actively suppressing hair follicle differentiation and directing IFE cell lineage commitment.
The Cost Effectiveness of the U.S. Export Enhancement Program Bonus Allocation Mechanism

The U.S. Export Enhancement Program is evaluated from the perspective of the cost effectiveness of its bonus allocation mechanism. The current mechanism resembles a discriminatory-price, common-value auction. However, auction theory suggests that a discriminatory auction may not be optimal in this setting for several reasons. This article evaluates the current format relative to an alternative, uniform-price auction. Estimation results reveal evidence of strategic bidder behavior under the current format and simulations suggest that adopting a uniform-price auction format for bonus allocation may yield considerable savings to the Treasury by eliminating incentives to pad bids and increasing participation in the auction.
Endogenous swimming rhythms underlying the spawning migration of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus: ontogeny and variation with ambient tidal regime

Spawning female blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, use ebb-tide transport (ETT) to migrate seaward. In estuaries with semi-diurnal tides, ETT in ovigerous blue crabs is driven by a circatidal rhythm in vertical swimming in which crabs ascend into the water column during ebb tide. The ontogeny of this rhythm was examined by monitoring swimming behavior of females before the pubertal molt, females that had recently undergone the molt but had not yet produced a clutch of eggs, and ovigerous females from an estuary with strong semi-diurnal tides. To assess variation in swimming rhythms with ambient tidal regime, swimming rhythms of ovigerous females from semi-diurnal (Beaufort, North Carolina), diurnal (St. Andrew Bay, Florida), and non-tidal (South River, North Carolina) estuaries were compared. Experiments were conducted during the summers of 2006–2008. Female crabs prior to oviposition had variable endogenous swimming rhythms (circadian, circatidal, or circalunidian). Ovigerous females from estuaries with semi-diurnal and diurnal tides had pronounced circatidal or circalunidian rhythms with swimming during the time of ambient ebb tide. Swimming rhythms of several ovigerous crabs switched between circatidal and circalunidian during the ~5-day observation period. Ovigerous crabs from a non-tidal estuary had a circadian rhythm with vertical swimming around the time of sunset. These results suggest that, while endogenous swimming rhythms are present in some female blue crabs prior to oviposition, rapid seaward movement via ETT in tidal estuaries begins following oviposition of the first clutch of eggs.
Improved long-term patency of infragenicular polytetrafluoroethylene grafts

This article reviews late graft patency and the incidence of postoperative complications in 75 infragenicular polytetrafluoroethylene bypass grafts (20 posterior tibial, 26 anterior tibial, and 29 peroneal). All patients received a heparin infusion after operation and were switched to warfarin before discharge to maintain coagulation parameters (prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time) approximately twice that of control subjects. Primary procedures were done in 14 patients (19%), and the remaining patients had one or more previous procedures. Ninety-seven percent of patients had limb-threatening ischemia. Graft patency was confirmed by interval examinations and Doppler ankle pressure measurements. The mean follow-up was 36 months, and long-term graft patency (4 years) was determined by life-table analysis. The 2-year cumulative patency rate for this group was 45% and the 4-year patency rate was 37%. The latter is significantly better than the patency rates of 12% reported for similar untreated randomized grafts. Anticoagulation was subtherapeutic in 15 patients at the time of graft thrombosis, and if these were excluded, the 2- and 4-year patency rates were 58% and 50%, respectively. Hematomas requiring drainage occurred in 10 patients (13.3%) and six patients (8%) developed wound infections, but graft infection occurred in only two patients. Two patients (2.6%) developed late bleeding complications necessitating cessation of the warfarin. There was one fatal perioperative myocardial infarction (1.3%) and four late deaths, none of which were related to the warfarin therapy. Although the incidence of postoperative hematoma and wound infection was increased, late complications occurred infrequently.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
IC Technology: Trends and impact on digital signal processing

Microprocessors have had a profound impact on the electronics industry in the last decade. While the original microprocessors were quite slow, more recent improvements in semiconductor processing and photolithography have produced much better performance. Performance of LSI circuits has now reached a point where real-time digital signal processing may rival analog approaches in economy. Special purpose microprocessors for signal processing are now appearing. In the future, considerable additional performance improvement may be expected, primarily from size reductions which lower cost and operating power as well as increasing speed. Not only will these trends make digital signal processing more attractive in the future, but signal to noise considerations will prevent analog approaches from taking full advantage of LSI advances. Therefore, the next decade should see a significant increase in application of digital signal processing, with extensions into areas now considered impractical.
CYTOLOGIC STUDIES ON RHEUMATIC FEVER : I. THE CHARACTERISTIC CELL OF THE RHEUMATIC GRANULOMA

Scrapings of subcutaneous nodules from ten patients with rheumatic fever were examined microscopically after being stained with supravital dyes. From the uniform results obtained, the following conclusions have been drawn. 1. Supravital staining of cells from these lesions gives information unobtainable with ordinary histologic methods. 2. The scrapings show a great predominance of certain cells almost entirely devoid of phagocytic power and not characterized by the reactions with neutral red which distinguish monocytes, epithelioid cells, and clasmatocytes. Hence they differ from the essential cells of the lesions of tuberculosis and experimental syphilis. These differences are probably of a functional and developmental rather than of a genetic nature. 3. The cells probably arise from the undifferentiated mesenchymal elements of loose connective tissue, although it is possible that endothelial cells take part in their formation in some instances. 4. Since there is little doubt that the subcutaneous rheumatic nodules are pathologically identical with rheumatic granulomata else-where in the body, these conclusions are considered applicable also to the Aschoff body cells of the myocardial submiliary nodules.
Cutting Edge: IL-1 Receptor Signaling is Critical for the Development of Autoimmune Uveitis.

IL-1β is a proinflammatory cytokine important for local and systemic immunity. However, aberrant production of this cytokine is implicated in pathogenic mechanisms of a number of inflammatory diseases, including Behcet's disease and age-related macular degeneration. In this study, we report the increased secretion of IL-1β in the retina by neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells during ocular inflammation and show that loss of IL-1R signaling confers protection from experimental autoimmune uveitis. Moreover, the amelioration of experimental autoimmune uveitis in Il1r-deficient mice was associated with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells into the retina and decreased numbers of uveitogenic Th17 cells that mediate uveitis. These findings indicate the possible utility of IL-1R-blocking agents for the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases.
Trophy Northern Pike: The Value of Experimentation and Public Engagement

ABSTRACTNorthern pike (Esox lucius) are ecologically and socioeconomically important throughout Canada and the northern United States. In Minnesota, USA, large northern pike were historically abundant, but size-selective harvest and poor growth (i.e., stunting), in combination with thermal warming and prey resource limitation, have hindered development of fisheries with trophy individuals (≥ 43 inches) in recent decades. Despite strong interest of fisheries managers and public stakeholders in trophy management, historical approaches to improve population size structure (e.g., stocking, removal of small individuals, minimum length limits, liberalized creel limits) were largely unsuccessful. Currently, more than 100 Minnesota water bodies are managed under a series of special and experimental regulations (e.g., protected slot limits, minimum length limits, maximum length limits) intended to enhance size structure and promote trophy angling. These regulations have improved size structure in some lakes, yet t...