cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA robots sort as they walk

DNA nanoscience is the science and engineering of molecular-scale devices composed of DNA. In prior work, DNA devices have been engineered to do nontrivial serial computational and robotic tasks. On page 1112 of this issue, Thubagere et al. ( 1 ) report an experimental molecular robotic system that makes parallel use of multiple DNA robotic devices to execute a defined task. The results provide evidence that the powerful technique of parallelism, previously used in macro- and micro-robot systems, can be used for molecular robotics.
Ratcheting in a nonlinear viscoelastic adhesive

Uniaxial time-dependent creep and cycled stress behavior of a standard and toughened film adhesive were studied experimentally. Both adhesives exhibited progressive accumulation of strain from an applied cycled stress. Creep tests were fit to a viscoelastic power law model at three different applied stresses which showed nonlinear response in both adhesives. A third order nonlinear power law model with a permanent strain component was used to describe the creep behavior of both adhesives and to predict creep recovery and the accumulation of strain due to cycled stress. Permanent strain was observed at high stress but only up to 3% of the maximum strain. Creep recovery was under predicted by the nonlinear model, while cycled stress showed less than 3% difference for the first cycle but then over predicted the response above 1000 cycles by 4–14% at high stress. The results demonstrate the complex response observed with structural adhesives, and the need for further analytical advancements to describe their behavior.
Near-zero thermal expansion in magnetically ordered state in dysprosium at high pressures and low temperatures

The atomic volume of rare earth metal dysprosium (Dy) has been measured up to high pressures of 35 GPa and low temperatures between 200 and 7 K in a diamond anvil cell using angle dispersive X-ray ...
Hypernuclear Binding Energies and the Λ-Nucleon Interaction

A phenomenological analysis is made of the binding-energy data for light hypernuclei in terms of a two-body $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-nucleon interaction, in which account is taken of the empirical information available on the structure of light nuclei. It is found that the observed binding energies can be interpreted in terms of a spin-dependent $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-nucleon interaction; the agreement obtained is adequate for any force-range between 0.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm and 0.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm (for Yukawa shape) and any exchange character for this interaction. From observations on $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{H}^{4}$ decay it is argued that the $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{H}^{4}$, $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{He}^{4}$ doublet has zero spin, which requires that the singlet $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-nucleon interaction be more attractive than the triplet. The well-depth parameter for the singlet $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$-nucleon interaction has values from 0.90 to 0.85 for ranges between 0.4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm and 0.7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm, the triplet interaction being also attractive but only one-half to one-third as strong. Spin values are assigned to the light hypernuclei, and the angular correlations which could provide a check on these values are discussed. The absorption of ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons in helium discussed; it appears that the selection rules for the production of $A=4$ hypernuclei in this reaction may be confused by the existence of an excited state $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{H}^{4*}$, $_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{He}^{4*}$. A number of uncertainties in the phenomenological analysis of the heavier hypernuclei are pointed out; the present data do not disagree with the conclusions based on the analysis of the lighter and better-known hypernuclei with $Al~5$, but they add little weight to these conclusions.
COX-2 specific inhibitor, NS-398, increases macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression and induces neuroendocrine differentiation in C4-2b prostate cancer cells.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an inducible enzyme involved in the conversion of arachadonic acid to prostaglandins and other eicosaniods. Persistent COX-2 expression is associated with multiple forms of cancer. Therefore, there is much interest in COX-2 specific, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use for cancer chemotherapy. The mechanism by which these drugs inhibit tumor growth and progression is unclear, and our knowledge about their potential to prevent or treat prostate cancer is inadequate. The effects of NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, on human prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP and the LNCaP subline C4-2b were investigated in this study. NS-398 effects on apoptosis were examined by caspase-3 activity increase, as well as internucleosomal cleavage. ELISA and PCR were used to determine inhibitor effects on macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and COX-2 production. Results: At 10 µM, NS-398 treatment resulted in increased production of COX-2 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine, MIF by the C4-2b LNCaP subline. NS-398 (10 µM) induces apoptosis in LNCaP cells, but not in the more aggressive, androgen-unresponsive C4-2b cells. The C4-2b cells were observed to continue to proliferate when treated with NS-398 and continued to retain malignant phenotype characteristics. NS-398 treatment resulted in C4-2b cell differentiation into an unusual neuroendocrinelike cell. These neuroendocrine-like cells produced both epithelial (cytokeratin 18 and prostate specific antigen) and neuronal (neuron-specific enolase and chromogranin A) proteins. Furthermore, this C4-2b cellular response to NS-398 was mediated by NF-κβ transcription factor activation. These data suggest that COX-2 inhibition induces NF-κβ transcription factor activation, which subsequently induces pro-inflammatory protein expression (COX-2 and MIF) and neuroendocrine differentiation in the LNCaP C4-2b subline. These data provide further evidence that pro-inflammatory protein expression may play an important role in prostate cancer progression.
Simulation for high Weissenberg number: Viscoelastic flow by a finite element method

In this work, we discuss a finite element/operator-splitting method for simulating viscoelastic flow at high Weissenberg numbers. This scheme is stable when simulating lid-driven cavity Stokes flow at high Weissenberg numbers.
Affordability of Health Care: Recent Estimates from the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey

As policymakers consider implementing a national mandate that everyone must hold health insurance, they face the issue of setting affordability thresholds. Mandating coverage is another way of setting a normative standard regarding a merit good. But this normative standard is informed by the current behavior of individuals and households in terms of their purchase of private coverage and health care services. Furthermore, a normative standard of affordability must be translated into an operational definition that can be easily understood and implemented. In this analysis, we use the most recent available nationally representative data to examine the distribution of out of pocket spending on health care and health insurance as a percent of family income – the financial burden of health care. We examine the distribution of burdens by poverty class, age, and family size to identify typical purchasing patterns among families in similar circumstances. Using definitions in the previous literature developed by Bundorf and Pauly, we identify the groups they refer to as “insured non-afforders” and “uninsured afforders”. While general patterns of purchasing health insurance among families in similar circumstances are important in establishing operational affordability thresholds, it is also important to look more closely at possible reasons for why “uninsured afforders” remain uninsured and why “insured non-afforders” purchase coverage. In previous work, we have introduced another variable into such analyses by accounting for household net wealth. In this paper, we also introduce health status and the presence of employer offers. In addition, we adjust our measure of financial burden by the amount of employer contributions to health insurance for those with employer sponsored coverage. We use data from the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) Household Component (HC) for our analyses of current behavior and then use pooled data from previous years inflated to 2007 to analyze burdens by smaller groups of similar families in terms of age, size and health and offer status. We present burden measures where the numerator includes out of pocket costs for health care services; and out of pocket costs for health care services plus health care premiums. A third measure incorporates predicted employer contributions to premiums in both the numerator and denominator. We use the MEPS Insurance Component (IC) to estimate models of employer contributions as a function of establishment characteristics, employee contributions and wage distributions. Then we use coefficients from these models to predict employer contributions for covered individuals in the MEPS HC. These national estimates can inform the implementation of affordability standards in practice. They also provide clues as to how many families will be able to afford coverage in a health insurance exchange where premiums may be subsidized.
ARGOT: the rochester dialogue system

We are engaged in a long-term research project that has the ultimate aim of describing a mechanism that can partake in an extended English dialogue on some reasonably well specified range of topics. This paper is a progress report on the project, called ARGOT. It outlines the system and describes recent results as well as work in progress.
Allee effect and Holling type - II response in a discrete fractional order prey - predator model

A gauss type prey - predator model is considered with Allee effect and Holling type II response. Fractional order two species system is discretized. The discretized system exhibits much richer and complex dynamics than its corresponding continuous version.Bifurcation types like flip, neimark sacker and chaos exist in the discretized system.Existence of the positive fixed points is established and local stability of discrete fractional order system is discussed with the variational matrix. It is also shown that the system allows a flip bifurcation and a neimark - sacker bifurcation. Rich dynamical nature of the system is established through time plots with phase trajectory, exciting invariant circles and periodic doubling bifurcation which leads to chaos.
Host Selection, Oviposition and Feeding by a Phytopathogen Vector, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), Modulated by Plant Exposure to Formic Acid

Citrus volatiles and their breakdown products, such as formic and acetic acids, guide host finding by Asian citrus psyllids (Diaphorina citri). Formic acid elicits psyllid antennal responses and stimulates probing. This study investigated how exposure to vapor phase formic acid induced changes in plant volatile emissions, expression of plant defense genes, and modified psyllid host finding and feeding behaviors on susceptible and resistant citrus cultivars. Chemical analyses of headspace volatiles and behavioral assays were performed before and after exposure of D. citri susceptible and resistant plants to vapor phase formic acid. RT-qPCR elucidated changes in plant defense-associated gene expression following exposure. Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) measured D. citri feeding behavior on citrus with and without exposure to formic acid. Volatilized formic acid caused a 200-500% increase in release of citrus volatiles 1-3 hours after exposure, increased attraction of D. citri to Poncirus trifoliata (resistant) and increased oviposition compared with controls. RT-qPCR showed significant increases in expression of WRKY22, GST1, RAR1 and EDS1 genes following exposure that also reduced phloem, but not xylem, ingestion by adult D. citri. Formic acid exposure caused increased citrus volatile release that modified host finding and feeding behaviors of an important phytopathogen vector.
The overuse of radioactive iodine in low-risk papillary thyroid cancer patients.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to use current American Thyroid Association (ATA) management guidelines to identify groups who might be at risk of overtreatment with radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation after surgery for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods PTC patients were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Characteristics of low-risk patients (defined as T1 without metastasis) were compared to those not low-risk. Predictors of receiving RAI for low-risk disease were determined using logistic regression. Results Of 32,229 cases, 17,286 (53.6%) were low-risk. Low-risk patients, compared to others, were older (mean age 51.3 versus 48.5 years), and more often female (81.6% versus 71.7%), white (69.7% versus 62.0%), and insured (87.6% versus 85.6%)(all p-values Conclusion Low-risk PTC patients were more likely to receive post-surgical RAI when not indicated under ATA guidelines if they were younger, male, Hispanic or Asian, or underwent extensive lymph node surgery. Identification of groups at risk for overtreatment can help impact practice patterns and improve the effective utilization of healthcare resources.
Abstract 4444: Deep learning of the immune synapse

Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize every aspect of human life, finding applications in everything from self-driving cars to diagnosing cancer. In fact, almost any task that involves pattern recognition can be formulated in a way that modern AI algorithms can be used to achieve super-human performance. The immune synapse is a highly complex interaction between several proteins and peptides that allows for a constant surveillance of foreign invaders. However, modeling these interactions is extremely difficult as the combinations of interactions is simply intractable. In immuno-oncology, the study of this interaction is crucial as anti-tumor responses rely on sensitive and specific recognition of tumor-specific antigens. Implications of accurately predicting and modeling these interactions in immune-oncology range from improved and potent vaccine design to biomarkers for predicting response to immunotherapy. Our group has developed a variety of deep learning models to model the signal transmission within the immune synapse. At the core of all architectures designed, convolutional layers, similar to ones used to learn features in images, are used to learn motifs within the sequencing data for a predictive or descriptive purpose.We first present AI-MHC, an applied deep convolutional neural network for class-specific MHC binding algorithm that achieves state-of-the-art performance in both Class and Class II predictions. By incorporating ‘meaning’ of the allele within the network, we are able to model the interaction of allele and peptide within the context of a neural network. We take these concepts further in the development of DeepMANA, a deep learning framework which combines sequence-specific information about an allele/peptide pairing to not only predict binding affinity for any allele with a known protein sequence but also provide an antigen ‘quality’ score, based on the “non-self/foreign-ness” of a neoantigen. We observe in three previously published immunotherapy clinical trials, these quality neoantigens are enriched in long-term survivors or responders. Finally, we present DeepTCR, a collection of unsupervised and supervised deep learning algorithms capable of revealing structure in T-cell receptor repertoire. We demonstrate that DeepTCR achieves state-of-the-art performance in clustering antigen-specific TCR’s and is capable of learning a predictive signature in TIL repertoire of mice treated with various immunotherapies.These types of AI technologies could yield an entire new area of biomarker discovery as well as improve our understanding of the complex interaction occurring at the immune synapse that is ultimately required for a successful anti-tumor response. Citation Format: John-William Sidhom, Drew M. Pardoll, Alexander S. Baras. Deep learning of the immune synapse [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4444.
Dishonoring Honor Killing and The Pursuit of Moderate Islam

Is the term, “moderate Islam,” an oxymoron? Is it only a way of congratulating or encouraging Muslims for being like us—for sharing liberal humanist egalitarian values? Is the term, “moderate Islam...
Feasibility of removal of graphene oxide particles from aqueous suspensions by DC/AC electrocoagulation

Abstract Graphene oxide (GO) particulates offer an inexpensive route for the formation of graphene flakes. Their fine size and high degree of dispensability in aqueous media have raised environmental safety concerns in processing plants. This manuscript describes a novel electrocoagulation based method that enables the removal of GO particles from acidic aqueous suspensions in the form of copper-ion containing GO films. Specifically, copper ions were generated near a copper anode and adsorbed onto negatively surface-charged GO particles, driving the anodic deposition of GO films. The experimental variables included the type of electric field (DC and AC) and the use of a copper-ion induced bulk pre-coagulation step. A direct current (DC) potential gradient of 3 V/cm applied to a baseline suspension with a GO concentration of 0.8 mass percent solids removed approximately 3% of the GO particles in a minute in the form of compact films of thickness ranging from approximately 10 to 50 microns containing copper ions. Use of AC fields led to lower deposition rates and copper content. On the other hand, pre-coagulation of GO dispersions with copper ions led to films with enhanced copper concentrations. Characterization of GO films using XPS and Raman techniques has shown that copper is present in the bivalent form in GO.
Synthesis of Molybdenum Imido 2-Adamantylidene Complexes through α Hydrogen Abstraction

Addition of 2-adamantylMgBr in diethyl ether to Mo(NAr)2(Cl)2(DME) (Ar = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3) gave Mo(NAr)2(2-Ad)2 (2-Ad = 2-adamantyl, DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane), from which Mo(NAr)(Adene)(OTf)2(DME) (1...
Testis-sparing Surgery: A Single Institution Experience.

Abstract Objective To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in 2 specific circumstances: small, nonpalpable masses suspected to be benign and masses suspicious for germ cell tumor in a solitary or functionally solitary testicle or bilateral disease. Methods Our institutional review board-approved testicular cancer registry was reviewed for men who underwent inguinal exploration with intent for TSS (2013-2020). The attempted TSS and completed TSS groups were evaluated for differences using Student's t test for normally-distributed variables, chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests for proportions, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for nonparametric variables. Results TSS was attempted in 28 patients and completed in 14. TSS was completed only if intraoperative frozen section demonstrated benign disease, except for 1 patient with stage I seminoma and solitary testicle. Sensitivity and specificity of frozen section analysis was 100% and 93%, respectively. There were no significant differences in demographics between attempted vs completed TSS cohorts. Median tumor size was significantly smaller in the completed TSS cohort (1.0 cm vs 1.7 cm, P = .03). In patients with unilateral masses without history of testis cancer, the testis was successfully spared in 9 of 22 cases (41%). In patients with bilateral disease or germ cell tumor in solitary testis, the testis was spared in 5 of 6 cases (83%). At a median follow up of 12.2 months, all patients were alive, and 27 of 28 had no evidence of disease (96%). Conclusion TSS is safe and effective for small, benign masses and in the setting of bilateral disease or tumor in a solitary testis.
Dietary starch is weight reducing when distally digested in the small intestine.

Abstract Nowadays, carbohydrate-based foods have a negative consumer connotation and low carb diets have become a popular way to lose weight. Here, we show how digestible starch and flavonoids can be used as a dietary approach to manage food intake and weight gain through elevation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion for gut-brain axis communication. This was achieved by extending the digestion of cooked starch to the distal small intestine using luteolin or quercetin as α-amylase-specific inhibitors with competitive inhibition mechanism. In a mouse model, extended and complete digestion produced a signature blunted glycemic profile that induced elevation of GLP-1 and positive regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides with significantly reduced food intake and weight gain (p
Examining China’s Official Media Perception of the United States: a Content Analysis of People’s Daily Coverage

How emerging powers perceive the predominant power in the international system is an important question in international relations and great power politics. This question is particularly important in the context of a rising China and its relations with the United States. While China’s perception of the United States can be examined from many angles, this study focuses on Chinese official media perception by analyzing U.S.-related articles in the People’s Daily from 2000 to 2010. Our data indicate that the People’s Daily’s overall attention to the United States declined while the overall image of the United States moved toward the positive direction. When breaking down the overall image by issue areas or dimensions, we find that the United States was primarily perceived negatively in the areas of political-ideological issues, military-strategic issues, and U.S. role in world affairs, whereas in the economic-trade and other issue areas, a favorable image of the United States appeared to be expanded. Key implications for U.S.-China relations are discussed in the conclusion.
The Anatomical Substrate of Ischemic Vascular Dementia

Cerebral vascular dementia (CVD) is defined as an impairment of memory and other cognitive or behavioral functions caused by brain lesions of either vascular or circulatory origin. CVD should be distinguished from focal neurologic syndromes caused by stroke, such as Wernicke’s aphasia or limb apraxia. The impairment of behavior caused by CVD is attributed to the direct effects of multiple cerebral infarcts (or brain lesions secondary to focal ischemia); and the severity of the dementia is thought to be directly related to the total volume of injured brain [19]. However, the location of the infarcts is also important in determining the degree or the type of dementia; small infarcts in the diencephalon and mesencephalon, in particular, can result in significant dementia [10].
Simultaneous adversarial multi-robot learning

Multi-robot learning faces all of the challenges of robot learning with all of the challenges of multiagent learning. There has been a great deal of recent research on multiagent reinforcement learning in stochastic games, which is the intuitive extension of MDPs to multiple agents. This recent work, although general, has only been applied to small games with at most hundreds of states. On the other hand robot tasks have continuous, and often complex, state and action spaces. Robot learning tasks demand approximation and generalization techniques, which have only received extensive attention in single-agent learning. In this paper we introduce GraWoLF, a general-purpose, scalable, multiagent learning algorithm. It combines gradient-based policy learning techniques with the WoLF ("Win or Learn Fast") variable learning rate. We apply this algorithm to an adversarial multi-robot task with simultaneous learning. We show results of learning both in simulation and on the real robots. These results demonstrate that GraWoLF can learn successful policies, overcoming the many challenges in multi-robot learning.
Effect of spreading coefficient on three‐phase relative permeability of nonaqueous phase liquids

[1] Three-phase flow conditions are encountered regularly, for example, during migration of released NAPL through the vadose zone, certain stages of soil vapor extraction, bioslurping, or generation of gases by microbes. To model three-phase flow, a common approach is to construct three-phase relative permeabilities based on a combination of two-phase relative permeabilities. Although this circumvents a lack of experimental data, it can lead to serious underprediction or overprediction of residual NAPL saturation. This can mislead decision makers that need to predict whether a particular spill will reach the water table or predict the speed of a NAPL front or conduct an assessment of the performance of remediation actions. Experimental data to estimate three-phase relative permeabilities is sparse. A study by DiCarlo et al. [2000a] generated significant experimental information. Their analysis focused on the high NAPL saturation region, given their emphasis on oil reservoir engineering. For environmental applications the low saturation region is of more interest. Using this data set, we derived a set of empirical relations that relate NAPL three-phase relative permeability krn to NAPL saturation Sn and spreading coefficient Cs for Sn less than about 0.1, such that krn = where A1 = 0.012 exp (−1.3Cs) and A2 = 2.1 − 0.60Cs + 0.036Cs2. At higher Sn, krn ≈ Sn4, independent of Cs. We present a pore-scale conceptual model that provides a phenomenological basis for the use of Cs as a predictor of krn at low Sn. We then present a number of simulated case studies that highlight the effect of these three-phase relative permeabilities on risk assessment or remediation design.
Optical diagnostics on ETA II for X-ray spot size

Gated and streak cameras have been used to look at a high current focused electron beam on a target, and the X-rays produced by that interaction. An optical camera images the optical transition radiation (OTR) from the beam hitting a C target to give focused beam profiles. Blackbody radiation from heavy metal targets is experimentally proven to be dominant, The roll bar technique is used as a thick knife edge to 'image' the X-ray spot produced by the beam-target interaction. The X-ray shadow is converted to visible photons using a scintillator and imaged using a gated optical camera. The scintillator thickness places a limit on the resolution of the diagnostic. Data will be presented from these techniques and compared to an X-ray pinhole camera.
Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation: a novel technique for confirming that the guidewire is directed towards the right atrium

To the Editor, We read the article by Aoyama et al. regarding guidewire confirmation during ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation and offer an additional suggestion for the use of ultrasound (US) after identifying the IJV and placing a guidewire. Although several techniques have been described to address confirmation of the location of the guidewire in the IJV, another issue may be encountered during IJV cannulation. After confirming the guidewire’s location in the IJV, difficulty may be encountered in directing the guidewire towards the right atrium (RA) and then in advancing the central venous catheter (CVC) tip towards the junction of the superior vena cava (SVC) and RA. Indeed, there have been numerous reports of misplacement of CVCs. We suggest a simple maneuver to supplement correct IJV cannulation and subsequent CVC advancement towards the RA. Our technique entails placing a linear US probe over the IJV perpendicular to the guidewire (Figure A). With this approach, a short-axis view of the IJV is obtained, allowing confirmation of the guidewire’s location within the IJV lumen (Figure B). The US probe can then be directed caudally until it reaches the superior edge of the clavicle, at which point it is gradually tilted posteroinferiorly towards the thoracic cavity (Figure C). With the US probe in this position, a long-axis (albeit somewhat foreshortened) view of the SVC can be visualized and the location of the guidewire within the lumen of the SVC can be confirmed (Figure D). The depth of the US sector and the angulation of the US probe may need to be adjusted in order to visualize deeper structures such as the more distal SVC. This novel maneuver allows for dynamic visualization of the guidewire directed through the SVC towards (and even into) the RA and may help decrease the incidence of incorrectly positioned CVCs. In a similar fashion, Arellano et al. reported the utility of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for confirming the location of the guidewire in the RA before dilation and cannulation of the IJV. Nevertheless, the disadvantage of using TTE for guidewire confirmation is the need for sterile preparation of another ultrasound probe, expertise to perform TTE, and additional time to complete the procedure. Our suggested maneuver would be advantageous in providing quick and dynamic confirmation that the guidewire is directed towards or even into the RA.
Comment: The value of European patents

This paper is an important contribution to the growing literature on the meaning of patent data. Its core findings should become part of the vernacular in empirical research using patents as measures of innovation. A startling finding is that commonly used patent-based proxies for value capture less than 5% of variation in value as reported by inventors. The results stand as a call for further exploration of the complex social and institutional processes by which patents are made. In this comment, I reflect on the main findings and their implications for what we know – and have yet to learn – about the value of patents and the meaning of patent data in innovation studies.
Scattering Studies of Condensed Helium Isotopes

Both neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering reveal important features of atomic dynamics and defects in condensed He isotopes. Neutron work has obtained kinetic energies and detailed excitation spectra. Recently, X-ray work has produced accurate Debye-Waller factors of crystal 3He and 4He and has provided the first phonon excitation data on 3He. X-ray diffraction from He isotope crystals also provides the only direct means to measure equilibrium point defect content, and therefore defect free energy. Understanding of all these phenomena is assisted by sophisticated Monte Carlo simulations. Thereby, future experiments on these interesting quantum systems are suggested, and reciprocally, motivations for future theoretical work are provided.
Information Ratios and Batting Averages

The information ratio (IR) and the batting average are two commonly quoted measures of investment success, but these measures have shortcomings: The IR contains no information about higher moments, and the batting average contains only directional information. This article demonstrates how the IR and batting average interact and how they can be usefully combined to allow investors to construct a comprehensive picture of the choices they face. The intriguing result is that large batting averages can result in low IRs and, conversely, impressive IRs can be obtained with low batting averages. Furthermore, in choosing between two managers with equivalent IRs, an investor who is averse to blowups should choose the manager with the lower batting average.
Top-down control of rare species abundances by native ungulates in a grassland restoration

Ecological restorations are predicted to increase in species diversity over time until they reach reference levels. However, chronosequence studies in grasslands often show that diversity peaks after the first few years and then declines over time as grasses become more dominant. We addressed whether bison grazing and seed additions could prevent this decline in diversity. Exclosures that prevented bison grazing were compared with grazed plots over 4 years, and seed additions were conducted inside and outside exclosures to test for seed and microsite limitations. A previous study conducted 4-months post seeding found that local species richness was primarily seed limited, but that grazing could sometimes increase seedling emergence. Here, we tested whether increased seedling emergence led to longer-term increases in the species diversity of the plant community. We found that the seed addition effect grew smaller and the grazing effect grew stronger over time, and that seed additions affected the abundance of added species only when plots were grazed. Grazed plots had higher species diversity and lower biomass and litter buildup compared to non-grazed plots. Our results suggest that moderate grazing by bison or management that mimics grazing can maintain diversity in grass-dominated situations. Our results also emphasize the need to follow seed additions over several years to assess correctly whether seed limitation exists.
Predictors of Axillary Lymph Node Involvement in Women with T3 Breast Cancers: Analysis of 1988–2003 SEER Data

Background We investigated characteristics associated with axillary lymph node (LN) status in patients with T3 breast cancers and hypothesized that LN status is an independent predictor of survival. Methods Characteristics associated with axillary LN metastasis among women with T3 breast cancers were identified from the 1988-2003 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The primary outcome was breast cancer-specific mortality. Cox models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 12,778 patients with T3 breast cancers were analyzed (8201 LN+, 3695 LN-, 882 unknown). LN+ patients were more likely to be Conclusions Analysis of the SEER database indicated that several patient and tumor characteristics predict a higher likelihood of axillary LN involvement in patients with T3 breast cancers. LN status was an independent predictor of survival in women with T3 breast cancers.
Central dopamine receptors mediating pergolide-induced elevation of serum corticosterone in rats: Characterization by the use of antagonists

Abstract Fourteen dopamine antagonists were compared for their ability to antagonize the elevation of the concentration of serum corticosterone in rats by pergolide, a dopamine agonist. Clozapine did not antagonize the effect of pergolide at the largest dose (10 mg/kg) that could be tested without alteration of basal levels of corticosterone. For the other antagonists, calculation of ED50 values [dose antagonizing by 50% the elevation of corticosterone caused by a 0.3 mg/kg (i.p.) dose of pergolide mesylate] revealed the following order of potency: spiperone > loxapine > fluphenazine > perphenazine > flupentixol > haloperidol > cyclophenazine > zotepine > flumezapine > molindone > metoclopramide > chlorpromazine > sulpiride. All of these compounds caused increases in the concentration of the dopamine metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), in the brains of rats. The dose that increased the concentration of DOP AC to 200% of the control value (ED200) was calculated for each compound. The ratio of the ED50 value for antagonism of the elevation of corticosterone induced by pergolide to the ED200 value for the elevation of DOPAC in brain varied, probably related to differing selectivity for pre- versus postsynaptic dopamine receptors between the compounds. Among those antagonists for which radioligand-binding data were available, the ED50 values for antagonism of the elevation of corticosterone by pergolide correlated well with the affinity of the compounds for the D2 subtype of dopamine receptors as revealed by their IC50 values for inhibition of binding of tritiated spiperone to brain membranes in vitro and by their ED50 values for in vivo antagonism of binding of tritiated spiperone to receptors in the striatum in rat. In contrast, there was no correlation with affinity for D1 dopamine receptors, revealed by the IC50 values for inhibition of binding of tritiated flupentixol. The relative potency of the antagonists in preventing the elevation of corticosterone induced by pergolide supports the idea that dopamine D2 receptors mediate this effect, a conclusion agreeing with the earlier finding that a selective D2 agonist, trans(±)4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a,9-octahydro-6-propyl-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-g]quinoline-di-HCl (LY141865), mimics pergolide in elevating the concentration of serum corticosterone in rats.
Synthesis of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene: A differentiate material for specialty applications

Abstract Tailoring the synthesis of a suitable Ziegler-Natta (ZN) catalyst coupled with optimized polymerization conditions using a suitable activator holds the key for an array of differentiated polymers with diverse and unique properties. Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is one such polymer which we have synthesized using TiCl4 anchored on MgCl2 as the support and activated using AlRR′2 (where R, R′ = iso-prenyl or isobutyl) under specific conditions. Here in we have accomplished a process for synthesizing UHMWPE in hydrocarbon as the medium with molecular weights ranging from 5 to 10 million g/mole. The differentiated polymers exhibited the desired properties such as particle size distribution (PSD), average particle size (APS), bulk density (BD) and molecular weight (MW) with controlled amount of fine and coarse particles. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) reflected the material to have uniform particle size distribution with a spherical morphology. The extent of entanglement was determined from thermal studies and it was found to be highly entangled.
Vitellogenin uptake, not synthesis, is dependent on juvenile hormone in adults of Phormia regina (Meigen)

Abstract When Phormia regina larvae were raised on an artificial diet, topical applications of either methoprene (2.5 μg/fly) or juvenile hormone III (5 μg/fly) to adult, sugar-fed, females on days 3, 4 and 5 after emergence caused from 10.2 to 17.5% to have stage 4 follicles (i.e. as judged by the presence of a little opaque material in the oocytes); whereas, in both the untreated and the acetone controls, oocytes remained in stage 3, in nearly all flies, without any opaque material. Previous studies by other researchers on methoprene-treated, sugar-fed P. regina referred to the opaque material in stage 4 follicles as yolk. In this present study, however, examination, using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for vitellin and vitellogenin, of stage 4 follicles as well as the haemolymph from sugar-fed and methoprene (or juvenile hormone III)-treated flies, revealed no vitellin or vitellogenin, respectively. These results are consistent with our previous data, which have shown that juvenile hormone is mainly involved with vitellogenin uptake but not vitellogenin biosynthesis. Thus our present results are inconsistent with a previous conclusion indicating that methoprene treatment would cause vitellogenin biosynthesis and complete egg development in sugar-fed P. regina raised as larvae on pork liver. When we raised larvae on pork liver, we found that topical application of methoprene (three times) to 195 sugar-fed females resulted in only one female containing stage 10 ovaries and 112 contained stage 3, 74 stage 4, and eight stages 5–9 ovaries. None of the methoprene induced stage 4 follicles showed any detectable quantity of vitellin. Since methoprene treatment resulted in only one fly (out of 195) to have stage 10 follicles (albeit the vitellin deficiency), our results do not support the idea that juvenile hormone treatment alone is sufficient to initiate and sustain vitellogenin biosynthesis and uptake in sugar-fed P. regina .
Oxalate content of selected breads and crackers.

Abstract About 75% of all kidney stones are composed primarily of calcium oxalate, and hyperoxaluria is a primary risk factor for this disorder. Both absorbed dietary oxalate and endogenous oxalate syntheses contribute to urinary oxalate excretion. Since breads and crackers are widely consumed and contain a number of oxalate-containing ingredients, these products may make a significant contribution to daily oxalate intakes. Twenty-six bread samples and 19 cracker samples were analyzed for total and soluble oxalate using an enzymatic assay. Total oxalate contents of bread samples ranged from 16.5 to 45.9 mg/100 g, except for one sesame seed-containing sample that had 111.5 mg/100 g. Total oxalate for the cracker samples varied from 23.7 to 384 mg/100 g, and was dependent on both the primary ingredient as well as the secondary oxalate-containing ingredients. It appeared that samples that contained a proportionally significant quantity of sesame seeds had the highest total oxalate contents. The overall data suggested that breads are generally low to moderate in total oxalate while there is very high variability in the oxalate content of different types of crackers.
Control electronics for the novacor totally implantable left ventricular assist system

An implantable electronic control and power (IECP) system for a totally implantable left ventricular assist system has been developed for long-term human use. The control and power system consists of a single-chip microprocessor that is interfaced to application-specific integrated circuits as well as to custom hybrid power circuits. The IECP controls the application of energy and the timing of a solenoid-driven pump that functionally replaces the recipient's left heart. Synchronization of the assist pump to the left ventricle is obtained without physiologic transducers by use of control information detected within the pump itself. >
System E/sup 3/ platform evaluation

A description is given of the Platform Evaluation Module (PEM), the E/sup 3/ (electromagnetic environmental effects) engineering core of ACAP (Avionics Configuration Analysis Program), a configuration E/sup 3/ analysis and prediction tool. The PEM utilizes existing EM codes to minimize development efforts and to develop a standard product which utilizes EM codes endorsed by the military research establishment. By parameterizing the EM codes and their associated input and output vectors, the PEM can select the optimum EM code for the evaluation of specific EM problems. The ACAP typical EM code parameters matrix is presented. >
Ulnar nerve entrapment neuropathy at the elbow: simple decompression.

ULNAR NERVE ENTRAPMENT neuropathy at the elbow, or the cubital tunnel syndrome, is frequently encountered in neurosurgical practice as the second most common peripheral nerve entrapment after carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients typically present with weakness or atrophy of the hand as well as paresthesias in the uinar nerve distribution. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a caretul clinical examination and electrophysiological studies. Patients who have failed conservative therapy are considered for surgery. Although a number of surgical options are available, simple decumpression of the ulnar nerve can achieve satistactory results with appropriate patient selection. We describe the relevant anatomy and surgical techniques for simple in situ decompression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.
Modulation of endothelial fibronectin synthesis by polymorphonuclear granulocytes.

The attachment of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) to vascular endothe-lial cells occurs continually in normal tissues; however, knowledge of the factors that control leukocyte margination is incomplete. In the present study, we used cell cultures of pulmonary artery endothelium to study their interaction with PMNs. Endothelial cells were seeded in Costar 24-well plates following which PMNs were inoculated onto the endothelial monolayers and incubated for 2 to 20 hours. During this period, fibronectin synthesis by endothelial cells was estimated by ELISA. In wells to which PMNs had been added, supernatant fibronectin concentration was increased at all time points during the 20 hour incubation. At 20 hours, supernatants from wells to which PMNs had been added contained approximately 2 1/2 times the control level of fibronectin. Since the amount of fibronectin, as determined by ELISA, adsorbed onto the added PMNs was negligible, these data suggest that PMNs can modulate the synthesis of fibronectin by pulmonary artery cells. Pulse labeling experiments and measurements of endothelial intracellular fibronectin also suggest this possibility. The endothelial response does not appear to be owing to nonspecific physical interaction since similarly sized polystyrene beads did not cause any change in supernatant fibronectin levels while glutaraldehyde-fixed PMNs caused only a 20–25% increase in fibronectin levels.
Nucleation and growth kinetics of co-deposited copper and selenium precursors to form metastable copper selenides

Abstract The nucleation and growth kinetics of binary copper–selenium compounds from co-deposited copper and selenium films as a function of annealing temperature and time was investigated. The thermally driven evolution of crystalline phases was followed using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Below 60% selenium, hexagonal α-CuSe formed during the deposition and a reversible endothermic transition at ∼130 °C was observed for the phase transition into hexagonal γ-CuSe. Above 60% selenium the samples are amorphous as deposited and there is competition between the formation of γ-CuSe and cubic CuSe2 as annealing temperature is increased. Slow rates of temperature increase favor the formation of CuSe2 over γ-CuSe and near 66% selenium only cubic CuSe2 forms during an exothermic event between 100 °C and 110 °C. It is surprising that the metastable cubic CuSe2 initially nucleates and grows rather than the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic CuSe2 polymorph. Kissinger analysis yields an activation energy for nucleation of 1.6 eV for cubic CuSe2. CuSe nucleates throughout the composition region investigated. Hexagonal α-CuSe reacts with selenium to form the thermodynamically stable orthorhombic polymorph of CuSe2 as the temperature approaches the melting point of selenium.
Construction and expression of a recombinant adeno-associated virus that harbors a human β-globin-encoding cDNA

Abstract Towards a goal of using recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV) for the gene therapy of hemoglobinopathies we had previously constructed plasmid pAV hβGψ1 which contained a human β-globin-encoding cDNA ( HBB ) downstream from the P 40 promoter ofAAV2 DNA [Ohi et al., Gene 89 (1990) 279–282]. Transfection of the plasmid into human 293 cells (embryonal kidney cell line) resulted in the expression of HBB at the mRNA level as well as rescue and replication of the recombinant AAV genome (Ohi et al., ibid.). The present study demonstrates that the replicated recombinant DNA was packaged into an intact virion by transcomplementation with pAV2 or the defective helpers, pAVΔBam or pAVXB. The recombinant virus could be isolated by equilibrium CsCI density gradient, the density of which was about 1.4g/cm 3 . The defective helpers are used to produce wild-type AAV-free recombinant AAV. The recombinant AAV were infectious and expressed chimeric mRNAs containing the HBB sequence in virus-infected 293, KB (oral epidermoid carcinoma cell line) and K562 (human erythroleukemia cell line) cells. The importance of the infectivity and expression of the recombinant AAV in hematopoietic cells is discussed in the context of gene therapy of hemoglobinopathies.