cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A microengineered collagen scaffold for generating a polarized crypt-villus architecture of human small intestinal epithelium

The human small intestinal epithelium possesses a distinct crypt-villus architecture and tissue polarity in which proliferative cells reside inside crypts while differentiated cells are localized to the villi. Indirect evidence has shown that the processes of differentiation and migration are driven in part by biochemical gradients of factors that specify the polarity of these cellular compartments; however, direct evidence for gradient-driven patterning of this in vivo architecture has been hampered by limitations of the in vitro systems available. Enteroid cultures are a powerful in vitro system; nevertheless, these spheroidal structures fail to replicate the architecture and lineage compartmentalization found in vivo, and are not easily subjected to gradients of growth factors. In the current work, we report the development of a micropatterned collagen scaffold with suitable extracellular matrix and stiffness to generate an in vitro self-renewing human small intestinal epithelium that replicates key features of the in vivo small intestine: a crypt-villus architecture with appropriate cell-lineage compartmentalization and an open and accessible luminal surface. Chemical gradients applied to the crypt-villus axis promoted the creation of a stem/progenitor-cell zone and supported cell migration along the crypt-villus axis. This new approach combining microengineered scaffolds, biophysical cues and chemical gradients to control the intestinal epithelium ex vivo can serve as a physiologically relevant mimic of the human small intestinal epithelium, and is broadly applicable to model other tissues that rely on gradients for physiological function.
The Law: Origins and Development

The question of the traditional definition of law was raised in Chapter IV in connection with the explanation of justice. Here I want to look at the topic from a different angle, this time on its own. Just what is law, what is its purpose, what kinds of law are there, and how does the law operate? I shall take up these and other questions and seek to answer them, but it may be best to begin by stating my own definition.
Large Bandwidth Waveguide Spectral Splitters Using Higher-Order Mode Evolution

Broadband spectral filters separating 1μm/2μm wavelengths of octave-spanning frequency combs have been realized using mode evolution to high-order modes. The splitters are fabricated in chalcogenide glass (Ge23Sb?S70) and can be readily integrated with supercontinuum sources.
Innovation, cheating, and whistleblowing — A game theoretic perspective

We model the coupled decision-making of workers and the policy-making of an organization in response to an effort-saving, yet risky innovation. We examine the cases where individuals can only alert the organization of wide-spread wrong-doing (anonymous whistleblowing) and where they can report specific illicit behavior (semi-anonymous reporting). We show that depending on policy parameters and individual characteristics, one of 4 equilibria may arise, with the interesting outcomes that whistleblowing only flourishes in a light-punishment regime, and that semi-anonymous reporting leads to the relative prevalence of illicit behavior.
Alcohol: A Cocarcinogen in Head and Neck Malignancies

Most geneticists and biochemists who work on environmental mutagenesis agree that environmental carcinogenesis is caused by agents that induce genotoxicity, including mutations, chromosome aberrations, and mitotic anomalies, in somatic cells. However, not every person develops cancer after similar exposure to mutagens, such as tobacco. It is generally believed that sensitivity to mutagens, hence susceptibility to cancer, is a reflection of a person’s innate capability to repair genetic damage (of DNA and chromosomes) inflicted by mutagens.
Class-dependent score combination for speaker recognition

Many recent performance improvements in speaker recognition using higher-level features, as demonstrated in the NIST Speaker Recognition Evaluation (SRE) task, rely on combinations of multiple systems modeling a large variety of features. The diversity of the large set of features starting from short-term acoustic spectrum features all the way to habitual word usage from a large set of speakers in a multitude of settings (acoustic environment, speaking style, quantities of enrollment/test data) results in a challenging model combination task. In this work, we are presenting a class-based score combination technique that relies on clustering of both the target models and the test utterances in a vector space defined by a set of speaker-specific transformation parameters estimated during transcription of the talker’s speech by automatic speech recognition (ASR). We show that significant performance gains are obtained by using the first few principal components of a model transform for clustering the speaker verification trials into classes for (target speaker, test utterance) pairs, and then training a separate combiner for each class. We report results on the NIST SRE 2004 and FISHER datasets.
Applying Complexity Science with Machine Learning, Agent-Based Models, and Game Engines: Towards Embodied Complex Systems Engineering

The application of Complexity Science, an undertaking referred to here as Complex Systems Engineering, often presents challenges in the form of agent-based policy development for bottom-up complex adaptive system design and simulation. Determining the policies that agents must follow in order to participate in an emergent property or function that is not pathological in nature is often an intensive, manual process. Here we will examine a novel path to agent policy development in which we do not manually craft the policies, but allow them to emerge through the application of machine learning within a game engine environment. The utilization of a game engine as an agent-based modeling platform provides a novel mechanism to develop and study intelligent agent-based systems that can be experienced and interacted with from multiple perspectives by a learning agent. In this paper we present results from an example use-case and discuss next steps for research in this area.
Beauty, the Sublime, the Hidden

Wu Chen’s paintings of bamboo almost seem to move. There is a magic here. Can there be a special empathy in the creating, that somehow evokes the life force? A catalog proclaims, “Twenty portraits of the artist as a bamboo.” Is there a deep beauty, not only in nature, or in its underlying truth, but anywhere, that can call us more deeply, bridging beyond difference, and bringing new awarenesses? Beyond that is the sublime, as per Kant, characterized as fully beyond human (rational) understanding. One meets wonder and awe and intimation of more, of power beyond our reckoning, and infinities yet awaiting. Can appreciation of nature and marvels of life bring awe and humility while calling us forward to learn in new ways?
Jamming-Resilient Multipath Routing Protocol for Flying Ad Hoc Networks

As a result of the rapid technological advances on electronic, sensors and communication technologies, and increasingly popular multi-sized unmanned aerial vehicles, also referred to as drones, flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) are rapidly proliferating and leading the emergence of Internet of Drones and its applications. Because of the versatility, flexibility, easy installation, and relatively small operating expenses of drones, FANETs have enormous potential in the public and civil domains. However, due to unique characteristics of FANETs, routing demands of FANETs go beyond the needs of mobile ad hoc networks and vehicular ad hoc networks. In this paper, we propose a jamming-resilient multipath routing protocol, also called JarmRout , so that intentional jamming and disruption or isolated and localized failures do not interrupt the overall network performance of FANETs. To achieve this goal, the JarmRout relies on a combination of three major schemes that are link quality scheme, traffic load scheme, and spatial distance scheme. We present a simple analytical model and its numerical result in terms of RREP packet reception rate of source node. We also evaluate the proposed routing protocol through extensive simulation experiments using the OMNeT++ and compare its performance with three representative routing protocols that are dynamic source routing, optimized link state routing, and split multipath routing. Simulation results show that the JarmRout can not only improve packet delivery ratio and packet delivery latency but also can reduce end-to-end communication outage rate without introducing extra communication overhead, indicating a viable approach to improve network resiliency in the presence of malicious jammers in FANETs.
Examining patterns of intended response to tornado warnings among residents of Tennessee, United States, through a latent class analysis approach

Abstract In the past five years, the southern region of the United States has had a large number of fatal tornadoes. Previous research indicates that residents of this area may not be taking appropriate shelter. The present study uses a random sample of Tennessee residents (N = 1126) and the latent class analysis (LCA) technique to explore discrete types of responders according to their pattern of intended behaviors when presented with a tornado warning scenario in the daytime or nighttime. LCA revealed three distinct groups in the day subsample – Tech Users, Typical Actors, and Passive Reactors – and three in the night subsample – Tech Users, Typical Actors, and Non-Reactors. Being a Tech User or Typical Actor was positively associated with intending to seek safe shelter, although being a Passive Reactor or Non-Reactor was not. Further, Tech Users/Typical Actors were seeking and obtaining more warning information from other sources compared to Passive Reactors/Non-Reactors. While few demographic variables were associated with class assignment, bivariate and multivariate analyses illustrated that cognitive factors, such as previous experience with tornadoes and perceived accuracy of warnings, are significantly associated with class membership when controlling for non-cognitive factors. The distinctions made within and between the subsamples can support the National Weather Service's efforts to better target the public with future messages about tornado safety as well as guide researchers on future studies.
Coexpression patterns of IDO-1, PD-L1 and EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer.

e14279Background: Indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO), a well-established immune suppressor, may offset efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as programmed death receptor ligand-1(PD-...
Laparoscopic Transverse Colectomy

Transverse colectomy refers to the removal of the portion of the colon between the hepatic flexure and the splenic flexure – the transverse colon. Primary blood supply to the transverse colon is from the middle colic vessels with collateral flow from the ileocolic, right, and left colic vessel through marginal artery. Transverse colectomy is commonly performed for tumors and/or polyps of transverse colon. If the lesion is located in close proximity to either flexures, then it is advisable to perform an extended right or extended left colectomy. Laparoscopic transverse colectomy is technically challenging as it involves mobilization of hepatic as well as splenic flexure, careful identification and sealing of middle colic vessels while preserving blood supply to the rest of the colon, and meticulous retromesenteric dissection. In this chapter, we discuss various important steps involved in laparoscopic transverse colectomy.
Lysis of Anterior Abdominal Wall Adhesions during Pelvic Laparoscopic Surgery: An Ergonomic Seated Approach

Study Objective To describe a seated position during laparoscopic adhesiolysis of the anterior abdominal wall in pelvic gynecologic surgery that improves the surgeon's ergonomic positioning and lessens discomfort. Design Photos of the surgeon during traditional standing approach and seated approach were taken intraoperatively and posture was compared against standard ergonomic guidelines. Posture was evaluated by measuring angles between anatomic areas such as the angle of flexion at the elbow. Setting Operating room during laparoscopic anterior abdominal wall adhesiolysis. Patients or Participants Primary gynecologic surgeon. Interventions Surgeon assumes a seated position during anterior abdominal wall adhesiolysis. Measurements and Main Results When the table is positioned at the correct height during laparoscopic surgery, accessing the anterior abdominal wall while standing causes extremes in body positioning. This maneuver results in asymmetry of the pelvic girdle, lateral spine bending, misalignment of the neck and back, and excessive wrist radial deviation. This positioning causes the surgeon to potentially have hip, back, neck, and wrist discomfort. In contrast, the seated position gives the surgeon more optimal ergonomic positioning, with return to pelvic symmetry, neutral cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine position, and neutral wrist position. Conclusion Sitting for anterior abdominal wall adhesiolysis during pelvic surgery improves ergonomics and comfort. Increased awareness of and training in proper ergonomic techniques may decrease musculoskeletal injuries in laparoscopic surgeons.
Stimulus control: part I.

The second part of my tutorial stresses the systematic importance of two parameters of discrimination training: (a) the magnitude of the physical difference between the positive and the negative stimulus (disparity) and (b) the magnitude of the difference between the positive stimulus, in particular, and the background stimulation (salience). It then examines the role these variables play in such complex phenomena as blocking and overshadowing, progressive discrimination training, and the transfer of control by fading. It concludes by considering concept formation and imitation, which are important forms of application, and recent work on equivalence relations.
Dispersion monitoring using four-wave mixing in optical fiber

A novel dispersion monitoring method based on four-wave mixing in fiber was proposed and experimentally demonstrated using 40 Gb/s RZ signal. This scheme potentially works for data rates up to Tbit/s.
Using Text Replay Tagging to Produce Detectors of Systematic Experimentation Behavior Patterns

We present machine-learned models that detect two forms of middle school students’ systematic data collection behavior, designing controlled experiments and testing the stated hypothesis, within a virtual phase change inquiry learning environment. To generate these models, we manually coded a proportion of the student activity sequence clips using “text replay tagging” of log files, an extension of the text replay method presented in Baker, Corbett & Wagner (2006). We found that feature sets based on cumulative attributes, attributes computed over all predecessor clips, yielded better detectors of CVScompliant and hypothesis-testing behavior than more local representations of student behavior. Furthermore, our detectors classify behaviors well enough to use them in our learning environment to determine which students require scaffolding on these skills.
The Licensing of Paraprofessionals: The “Visible and Hidden Agendas”:

The issues involved in licensing educational paraprofessionals are, in most instances, parallel to licensing issues in almost any occupation. The arguments of those who endorse occupational licensing reveal two sets of agendas. The first, which is typically made quite explicit, focuses on the alleged need to assure the public that the practitioner-members of an occupation are capable of maintaining the high standards of performance contemplated in well and conscientiously conceived licensing requirements.
Stairway Injuries in Children

Children frequently injure themselves falling down stairways, but the characteristics of these injuries are not well described. A total of 363 consecutive patients seen in a pediatric emergency department were studied. The majority of patients had minor superficial injuries. Bony injuries occurred in 7% of patients. Head and neck injuries occurred in 73% of patients, extremity injuries, which were predominantly distal, in 28%, and truncal injuries in 2%. Children younger than 4 years of age were more likely to sustain head trauma than children older than 4 years of age (P less than .005). Injury to more than one body part occurred in only 2.7% of patients. Children who fell down more than four steps had no greater number or severity of injury than those who fell down less than four steps (P = .67). Patients were admitted to hospitals in 3% of cases. No patient had life-threatening injuries and no patients required intensive care. When multiple, severe, truncal, or proximal extremity injuries are noted in a patient who reportedly fell down stairs, a different mechanism of injury should be suspected.
Gas-Phase Tyrosine-to-cysteine Radical Migration in Model Systems:

Radical migration, both intramolecular and intermolecular, from the tyrosine phenoxyl radical Tyr(O(∙)) to the cysteine radical Cys(S(∙)) in model peptide systems was observed in the gas phase. Ion-molecule reactions (IMRs) between the radical cation of homotyrosine and propyl thiol resulted in a fast hydrogen atom transfer. In addition, radical cations of the peptide LysTyrCys were formed via two different methods, affording regiospecific production of Tyr(O(∙)) or Cys(S(∙)) radicals. Collision-induced dissociation of these isomeric species displayed evidence of radical migration from the oxygen to sulfur, but not for the reverse process. This was supported by theoretical calculations, which showed the Cys(S(∙)) radical slightly lower in energy than the Tyr(O(∙)) isomer. IMRs of the LysTyrCys radical cation with allyl iodide further confirmed these findings. A mechanism for radical migration involving a proton shuttle by the C-terminal carboxylic group is proposed.
Laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with lower morbidity in extremely obese children

In recent years there has been worldwide increase in childhood obesity. However, in the beginning laparoscopic appendectomy in obese children was contraindicated, now it is commonly used for the treatment of appendicitis. The purpose of this study was to compare open versus laparoscopic appendectomy in extremely obese children. The hospital records of 1,383 consecutive patients, who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis between 2000 and 2009 were analyzed. 238 children (17.2%) were extremely obese. Extremely obese was defined, as greater than 2 standard deviations above the standardized mean weight for age. 61 of 238 (25.6%) patients had open appendectomy and 177 (74.3%) underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. The length of hospital stay, operation time, complication rate and frequency of taking postoperative pain relief were compared between open and laparoscopic appendectomy in extremely obese children. The incidence of complicated and non-complicated appendicitis was similar both in open and laparoscopic appendectomy group. Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis in extremely obese children is associated with significantly shorter operating time (46.8 vs. 59.87 min, P < 0.05), lower overall complication rate (5 vs. 8.2%, P < 0.05) and lesser postoperative analgesia requirement (6.97× vs. 4.73×, P < 0.05). Laparoscopic appendectomy should be the procedure of choice for the treatment of acute appendicitis in extremely obese children.
Quantifiers in ontology

This paper is a reaction to G. Kung's and J. T. Canty's ‘Substitutional Quantification and Leśniewskian quantifiers'Theoria 36 (1970), 165–182. I reject their arguments that quantifiers in Ontology cannot be referentially interpreted but I grant that there is what can be called objectual — referential interpretation of quantifiers and that because of the unrestricted quantification in Ontology the quantifiers in Ontology should not be given a so-called objectual-referential interpretation. I explain why I am in agreement with Kung and Canty's recommendation that Ontology's quantifiers not be substitutionally interpreted even if Leśniewski intended them to be so interpreted. A notion of an interpretation which is referential but yet which does not interpret ∃ as an assertor of existence of objects in a domain is developed. It is then shown that a first order version of Ontology is satisfied by those special kind of referential interpretations which read ∃ as ‘Something’ as epposed to ‘Something existing’.
The use of census data for determining race and education as SES indicators: a validation study.

Abstract PURPOSE: Little research has examined the validity of using census data to determine an individual's socio-economic status (SES), as measured by race and educational level. This study assessed the accuracy of using aggregate level data from United States Census Block Groups in determining race and education as SES indicators in a cohort of women from North Carolina. METHODS: The study analyzed patient data from the Carolina Mammography Registry and 1990 United States Census in 21 North Carolina counties. Women n = 39,546 were geocoded to their census block group and their block group characteristics (surrogate measures) were validated with their self-reported values on race and education. An analysis was performed to explore whether using these surrogate measures would affect measured associations with the self-reported values. RESULTS: Whites were accurately identified (84.8%) more consistently than Blacks (14.1%) regardless of their urban/rural status. Women without a high school diploma or equivalent were accurately identified (56.2%) more often than those with higher education levels (45.9%). Analyses using the surrogate measures were significantly different than the true values according to chi-square statistics. CONCLUSIONS: Use of census data to derive SES indicators tends to be more accurate for the majority than the minority population. Researchers must be sensitive to the ecologic fallacy when using aggregate level data such as the census to determine individual level characteristics.
A convenient synthesis of 1α,25-dihydroxy-28-norvitamin D2

Abstract The title compound was synthesized via the Julia olefination using ring B-diene protected 3β-hydroxy-23,24-bisnorchola-5,7-diene-22-al acetate and the side-chain synthon 2-methyl-4-phenylsulfonyl-2-(tetrahydropyranyloxy)butane. Ring B-deprotection, photolysis, Paaren-DeLuca hydroxylation and separation of the 5,6 E and Z stereoisomers completed the synthesis in overall 3% yield.
Methodology in the Philosophy of Linguistics

Both Louise Antony (‘Meta-Linguistics: Methodology and Ontology in Devitt's Ignorance of Language’) and Paul Pietroski (‘Think of the Children’)1 are committed to a Chomskian perspective on linguis...
Self-dual models with theta terms

Abstract There exists a large class of models which are self-dual with respect to inversion of coupling constants. When a theta term is added, this duality may be extended to an invariance under an action of an infinite discrete modular group on the coupling parameter space. In particular, four-dimensional abelian lattice gauge theories possess a Sp (2k, Z ) modular symmetry, where k is the number of simple factors in the gauge group. We generalize this result to models of arbitrary dimension, and show that the partition functions of two-dimensional Z N spin models with 2k flavors and string compactifications on k-dimensional tori are invariant under O (k, k; Z ) . We also draw some suggestive parallels to the fractional quantum Hall effect.
Inhibition of proteasome function leads to NF‐κB‐independent IL‐8 expression in human hepatocytes

Breakdown of cellular proteins is a highly regulated process, and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is the major proteolytic system in the cell. It regulates the levels of numerous proteins that control gene expression and cell division, as well as responses to stress and inflammation. Recent studies have reported abnormalities in proteasome function in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Moreover, a direct relation has been reported between impaired proteasome function and oxidative stress in experimental models of ALD. Neutrophil infiltration is a hallmark of ALD, and activated neutrophils are thought to play a role in the pathology of ALD. As a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and activator, interleukin 8 (IL-8) likely plays a key mechanistic role in many forms of liver injury. In this study, we evaluated the effects of inhibition of proteasome function on expression and release of IL-8 by human fetal hepatocytes and hepatoma cells. Our data demonstrate that inhibition of proteasome function in hepatocytes leads to apoptotic cell death. Decreased hepatocyte survival coincides with enhanced expression of IL-8, both at the protein and the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. This increase in IL-8 is independent of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation and is associated with an increase in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity. In conclusion, hepatocytes dying because of inhibition of proteasome function produce massive quantities of the proinflammatory chemokine IL-8, possibly resulting in neutrophil infiltration, increased inflammation, and liver injury.
Synthesis of Novel 6-Deoxyanthracyclines

The outstanding chemotherapeutic activity exhibited by adriamycin has prompted an extensive search for anthracyclines which do not possess the severe and cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity of adriamycin. This search has led to the deoxyanthracycline aclacinomycin.' Through modification of existing anthracyclines and independent synthesis, the relationships between structure and activity of over 61 anthracyclines have been studied.2 Of significance to synthetic planning is that replacement of the C-4 (anthracycline numbering) hydroxyl group by a hydrogen atom does not materially affect the biological activity. Additionally, variation of the side chain at C-9 has only a small influence on cytotoxicity. The recent discovery by Pence3 that certain 6-deoxyanthracyclines showed the same cytotoxicity on HeLa cells (IDm = 17 ng/mL) as daunorubicin is certain to stimulate further research into this subset of anthracyclines. B~eckman,~ Gesson: and Swentone have also reported syntheses of 6-deoxyanthracyclines. We have demonstrated that anthracycline precursors can be efficiently constructed by way of a sequential Diels-Alder/Friedel-Crafts pathway.'
LEAF ANATOMY OF CONOPHYTUM N. E. BR. (AIZOACEAE)

Abstract Leaf anatomy of Conophytum–a genus of 100 species of miniature xerophytic plants from the succulent Karoo in southern Africa–was examined using thin sections of plastic-embedded tissue and bright-field and polarized-light microscopy. Eighty-four species, from all recognized sections of the genus, were sectioned using material of known wild origin, with many species represented by multiple infraspecific taxa or populations. The broad scope of this investigation permits, for the first time, a meaningful study of the comparative anatomy of this large, morphologically diverse genus. The distribution of anatomical characters is described including: the pattern of deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the epidermis, the presence and number of layers of hypodermis, and the presence and shape of tanniniferous idioblasts in the mesophyll. Typically xeromorphic characters like a hypodermis and epidermal crystal layers tend to be reduced or absent in species from sheltered niches, including soil-embedde...
Dissolved inorganic carbon influences the photosynthetic responses of Hydrilla to photoinhibitory conditions

Abstract Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, like other submersed angiosperms, exhibits shade plant characteristics. However, Hydrilla not only grows well at low irradiance in benthic habitats, but also at the water surface where its canopy is exposed to solar irradiance of 1800 μmol photons m−2 s−1. Leaves from plants grown at a moderate irradiance of 300 μmol m−2 s−1 had low light compensation (Ic), onset of light saturation (Ik), and light saturation (LSP) points of 10 μmol photons m−2 s−1, 47 μmol photons m−2 s−1, and 280 μmol photons m−2 s−1, respectively. Plants exposed to 1800 μmol photons m−2 s−1 for 15 min at only 0.6 mM dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) exhibited about 50% and 30% photoinhibition of the photosynthetic rate, and apparent quantum yield, respectively. However, the presence of 2 mM DIC protected the leaves from photoinhibition, and allowed them to acclimate, with a higher LSP and photosynthetic rate. Superoxide dismutase, an enzyme which scavenges ·O−2 radicals produced under light and O2 stress, increased over three-fold in activity within only a 15 min exposure to high irradiance, irrespective of the DIC. Ascorbate peroxidase, which detoxifies H2O2, did not increase in activity. Two other enzymes of the ascorbate/glutathione cycle changed activity under high light and low DIC: monodehydroascorbate reductase which increased, and dehydroascorbate reductase which decreased. These changes presumably enhanced the scavenging of toxic ·O−2 radicals, and the recycling of NADP+ to photosystem I under a high light/low DIC regime which reduced the capacity of the Calvin cycle to utilize NADPH.
Suicide and the dexamethasone suppression test in adolescence

The identification and treatment of adolescents at risk for suicide is one of the most critical issues in adolescent psychiatry. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the age group and its prevalence appears to be rising (Holinger, 1978). Clinicians see many adolescents with suicidal thoughts or behavior, however, who are not all equally at risk for future lethal attempts. While demographic, diagnostic, and other clinical factors are helpful in identifying adolescents at risk for suicide (Carlson and Cantwell 1982; Garfinkle et al. 1982; Robbins and Alessi 1983) such factors remain limited in their ability to identify individuals at greatest risk (Pokorny 1983). A biological marker of current or future risk for suicide could be an important adjunct to the clinician confronting this dilemma. Furthermore, study of biological markers may help us towards an understanding of the neurophysiological substrates of severe dysphoric mood states. Carroll (1982) has reported an association of nonsuppression in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) with severe or lethal suicide attempts in adults. Three other groups also observed DST nonsuppression in patients hospitalized for suicide attempts or who subsequently
Application of laser chaos control methods to controlling thyroid-catatonic oscillations and burst firing of dopamine neurons

A method of controlling chaotic to laminar flows in the Lorenz equations using fixed points dictated by minimizing the Lyapunov functional was proposed by Singer, Wang and Bau. Using different fixed points, we find that the solutions in a chaotic regime can also be periodic. Since the lasers equations are isomorphic to the Lorenz equations, we use this new method to control chaos when the laser is operated over the pump threshold. Furthermore, by solving the laser equations with an occasional proportional feedback mechanism, we recover the essential lasers controlling features experimentally discovered by Roy, Murphy, Jr., Maier, Gills and Hunt. This method of control chaos is now extended to various medical and biological systems.
Covering Your Bases: Inheritance of DNA Methylation in Plant Genomes

Cytosine methylation is an important base modification that is inherited across mitotic and meiotic cell divisions in plant genomes. Heritable methylation variants can contribute to within-species phenotypic variation. Few methylation variants were known until recently, making it possible to begin to address major unanswered questions: the extent of natural methylation variation within plant genomes, its effects on phenotypic variation, its degree of dependence on genotype, and how it fits into an evolutionary context. Techniques like whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) make it possible to determine cytosine methylation states at single-base resolution across entire genomes and populations. Application of this method to natural and novel experimental populations is revealing answers to these long-standing questions about the role of DNA methylation in plant genomes.
Dedekind finite objects in module categories

Abstract An object A in a category is called Dedekind finite if every monomorphism f : A→A is an isomorphism. This notion generalizes a characterizing property of finite sets and finite- dimensional vector spaces. We show that a free module of finite rank over a commutative ring R is Dedekind finite if and only if R is a quoring (i.e., every regular element of R is invertible). We also describe completely the divisible R-modules that are Dedekind finite, R a Dedekind domain.
The acceptability of sequential first and second trimester screening for fetal aneuploidy

FOR FETAL ANEUPLOIDY PETER BENN, WINSTON CAMPBELL, CAROLYN ZELOP, JAMES EGAN, University of Connecticut, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Farmington, Connecticut, University of Connecticut, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Farmington, Connecticut, St Francis Hospital & Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hartford, Connecticut OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability of sequential first and second trimester screening for Down syndrome (DS) and trisomy 18 (T18). STUDY DESIGN: All women receiving first trimester screening (NT, PAPP-A and hCG) between September 2004 and April, 2006 were also offered second trimester tests (AFP, hCG, uE3, and INH-A) with second trimester risks based on both first and second trimester markers. Risks were disclosed to patients at both stages of screening. Second trimester risks of 1:270 for DS and 1:100 for T18 were used as cut-offs at both stages of the screening. RESULTS: 964 women (median age 36.2 years) received first trimester screening of which 75 (7.8%) were screen-positive for DS or T18. 255 (26.5%) women (29 positive, 226 negative) received no additional aneuploidy screening tests. The remaining 709 (73.5%) women (46 positive, 663 negative) received second trimester tests. Of the 46 women who were positive in the first trimester and received the additional tests, 31 (67%) were negative in the second trimester. Of the 663 women who were initially negative, 27 (4.1%) were positive in the second trimester. 42/709 (5.9%) women were positive in the second trimester. Women receiving only first trimester tests generally had more extreme first trimester risks (median 1:83 for screen-positives, 1:3,564 for negatives) compared to those who proceeded to the second stage (median 1:166 for positives, 1:2,052 for negatives). Of the 29 positive women receiving only the first trimester screen, 20 (69%) received CVS or amniocentesis. Among the 42 positive women in the second trimester, 16 (38%) received amniocentesis. There were only 2 instances where women were initially positive, subsequently negative, but still chose amniocentesis. Four aneuploidies were prenatally identified; 2 in the first trimester and 2 in the second trimester. CONCLUSION: Sequential first and second screening can be successfully introduced with a high proportion of women accepting the two-stage protocol. The approach maximizes women’s options and should not result in increased numbers of invasive tests.
On the functional differences between frontal and lateral visual fields of the pigeon

Abstract Many studies of the pigeons' visual discrimination, determined by operant conditioning techniques, have suggested that the pigeon eye has a tendency to be myopic in the anterior visual field and hyperopic in the lateral field. The results of four experiments are reported in which pigeons were required to discriminate image structure, motion, color and luminance. All of these experiments showed that pigeons perform poorly if the stimuli are located in the lateral visual fields, and evidence from two experiments suggests that the failure to respond is not due to an inability to focus accurately. Moreover, ray diagrams calculated and traced by a computer, from data obtained from frozen sections through the pigeon eye, indicate that the eye may be capable of accommodating objects in the lateral field lying at a distance of only a few centimeters. It is hypothesized that the reason for the pigeon's apparently poor discriminative performance in the lateral direction is due not to an inability to accommodate but to the fact that, by virtue of its evolutionary inheritance, the pigeon is not “prepared” (i.e. does not possess the neural capacity) to develop a direct associative pecking response to a laterally located stimulus.
Phase II clinical trials for Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia

Introduction: Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) is an indolent lymphoma, characterized by infiltration of bone marrow by lymphoplasmacytic cells producing monoclonal immunoglobulin M protein. Many patients with WM may be observed, with chemotherapy reserved for symptomatic disease. Five-year survival rates vary from 36% in high-risk to 87% in low-risk patients. Studies in WM have shown improving survival over time. Recent insights into pathogenesis have revealed new targets for therapy, including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and PI3K/Akt/PKC pathway among others. Whole genome sequencing has identified novel activating somatic mutations in WM, including MYD88 and CXCR4, which could serve as potential targets for management.Areas covered: This paper summarizes Phase II trials incorporating novel therapeutic agents, including proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, inhibitors of mTOR and PI3K/Akt/PKC pathways, Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bendamustine and HDAC inhibitors. A comprehe...
Environmental forecasting in American city clubs: An exploratory study using four case studies

This study examines the use of environmental forecasting during the strategic planning process in private city clubs. Key internal and external environmental factors were identified that impact city clubs and the club industry. Strategic planning practices and influencing factors were studied in four city clubs, in North Carolina and South Carolina, utilizing the qualitative research method of structured personal interviews, and the survey method of quantitative research. Numerous factors influenced the strategic planning process of three clubs, including consultants, employees, board members, trade associations and trade reports. One club, which did not conduct strategic planning, is struggling to survive. Environmental issues influencing these clubs were: technological, social, and economic. Each club's business was significantly affected by the business climate of the city in which it resides.
Factors influencing the variation in capture rates of shrews in southern California, USA

We examined the temporal variation in capture rates of shrewsNotiosorex crawfordi (Coues, 1877) and Sorex ornatus (Merriam, 1895) in 20 sites representing fragmented and continuous habitats in southern California, USA. InN. crawfordi, the temporal variation was significantly correlated with the mean capture rates. Of the 6 landscape variables analyzed (size of the landscape, size of the sample area, altitude, edge, longitude and latitude), sample area was positively correlated with variation in capture rates ofN. crawfordi. InS. ornatus, longitude was negatively correlated with variation in capture rates. Analysis of the effect of precipitation on the short- and long-term capture rates at 2 of the sites showed no correlation between rainfall and capture rates of shrews even though peak number of shrews at both sites were reached during the year of highest amount of rainfall. A key problem confounding capture rates of shrews in southern California is the low overall abundance of both shrew species in all habitats and seasons.
Patients’ treatment expectancies in clinical trials of antidepressants versus psychotherapy for depression: a study using hypothetical vignettes

Previous research on patients’ expectancies for improvement in clinical trials typically has been conducted after patients have already agreed to participate in a study. Depressed patients (n = 55) read 3 vignettes describing hypothetical clinical trials of antidepressant vs pill placebo, antidepressant vs antidepressant, and psychotherapy vs psychotherapy. Patients reported greater overall acceptability for psychotherapy over antidepressants. Patients had significantly greater expectancies for symptom reduction in either active comparator (medication or psychotherapy) compared with the placebo-controlled design. They also reported greater anticipated improvement and willingness to participate in the psychotherapy trial compared with either medication trial design. Patients’ differential expectancies based on study design could lead to different patient populations being selected for these studies and influence clinical improvement.
The activity of composite catalysts: Theory and experiments for spherical and cylindrical single pellets

Abstract The performance of composite spherical or cylindrical single pellets containing ZSM-5 particles uniformly distributed in amorphous silica—alumina for catalytic cracking is examined experimentally and theoretically. The cracking of n-hexane over composite pellets is employed as the probe reaction. Steady-state analytical solutions for the concentration profiles of the reactant, the effectiveness factor of the pellets and the yields of the produced species are calculated. The shape, the size and the amount of zeolite in the composite particles are used as parameters. The comparison between theory and experiment shows satisfactory agreement.
A sampling method for reduction of power in battery operated receivers

The use of low power UHF wireless links is prevalent in a variety of battery operated devices including remote entry systems and control in both industrial and consumer applications. Much effort has been invested in reducing power consumption, especially in receivers for applications in which the receiver must be on at all times. Commercial devices can be obtained that consume only a few mA in continuous operation. In addition, methodologies such as poling and power cycling have been deviced to further reduce power consumption in receivers. Nevertheless, none of these methods is sufficient for truly low power needs such as in inaccessible sensors or embedded active RFID systems. The current work describes a simple method of power reduction that relies on sampling the receiver's output for extremely short periods and turning the receiver on only when data is present. Otherwise the receiver is in an off mode. Power reductions attainable using the methods and circuits described here are far beyond what can be achieved using traditional methods. Circuits and power budgets for some existing UHF receivers are given as examples.
Intrinsic Noise Induces Critical Behavior in Leaky Markovian Networks Leading to Avalanching

The role intrinsic statistical fluctuations play in creating avalanches – patterns of complex bursting activity with scale-free properties – is examined in leaky Markovian networks. Using this broad class of models, we develop a probabilistic approach that employs a potential energy landscape perspective coupled with a macroscopic description based on statistical thermodynamics. We identify six important thermodynamic quantities essential for characterizing system behavior as a function of network size: the internal potential energy, entropy, free potential energy, internal pressure, pressure, and bulk modulus. In agreement with classical phase transitions, these quantities evolve smoothly as a function of the network size until a critical value is reached. At that value, a discontinuity in pressure is observed that leads to a spike in the bulk modulus demarcating loss of thermodynamic robustness. We attribute this novel result to a reallocation of the ground states (global minima) of the system's stationary potential energy landscape caused by a noise-induced deformation of its topographic surface. Further analysis demonstrates that appreciable levels of intrinsic noise can cause avalanching, a complex mode of operation that dominates system dynamics at near-critical or subcritical network sizes. Illustrative examples are provided using an epidemiological model of bacterial infection, where avalanching has not been characterized before, and a previously studied model of computational neuroscience, where avalanching was erroneously attributed to specific neural architectures. The general methods developed here can be used to study the emergence of avalanching (and other complex phenomena) in many biological, physical and man-made interaction networks.
Fatigue properties and failure characterization of spot welded high strength steel sheet

Fatigue properties and failure characterization of high strength spot welded steels, such as DP600 GI, TRIP600-bare and HSLA340Y GI, have been conducted. Tensile shear and coach peel samples have been used in this investigation. HSLA340Y GI samples were used as the baseline material for comparison. Microhardness was measured to study the hardness change across the weld nugget. Under low load and high cycles situation all the materials show very similar fatigue strength. Crack initiation and propagation during the fatigue loading history has been experimentally determined and discussed. Microhardness tests show that DP600 GI samples have the highest hardness, about 420 HV in weld nugget and 250 HV in base metal, followed by TRIP600-bare, about 400 HV in weld nugget and 220 HV in base metal, and HSLA340Y GI, about 320 HV in weld nugget and 160 HV in base metal. It was also found that both DP600 GI and HSLA340Y GI display softening during high load and low cycles fatigue tests with HSLA showing more prominent softening behavior.