cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soft clustering criterion functions for partitional document clustering: a summary of results

Recently published studies have shown that partitional clustering algorithms that optimize certain criterion functions, which measure key aspects of inter- and intra-cluster similarity, are very effective in producing hard clustering solutions for document datasets and outperform traditional partitional and agglomerative algorithms. In this paper we study the extent to which these criterion functions can be modified to include soft membership functions and whether or not the resulting soft clustering algorithms can further improve the clustering solutions. Specifically, we focus on four of these hard criterion functions, derive their soft-clustering extensions, and present an experimental evaluation involving twelve different datasets. Our results show that introducing softness into the criterion functions tends to lead to better clustering results for most datasets.
Liquid Droplet. A Renewable Gas Sampling Interface

As a gas stream flows across a liquid droplet, the soluble constituents contained in the gas diffuse to and dissolve in the liquid drop. From the viewpoint of analytical chemistry, this droplet is thus a potential sampling interface for such soluble constituents. The problem that needs to be solved relates to the manner of its incorporation in a chemical analysis system. This paper describes the coupling of this sampling interface with a sequential analysis system, demonstration of its applicability for the measurement of parts-per-billion levels of gaseous NH 3 , and a characterization of the performance of this experimental arrangement Various aspects of the behavior of the liquid droplet as a collection interface are theoretically discussed and experimentally examined using NH 3 and SO 2 as test gases.
Impact of Adverse Events on Ventricular Assist Device Outcomes

Left ventricular assist devices have been proven to be superior to medical therapy for advanced heart failure patients awaiting heart transplantation and viable alternatives to transplantation for destination therapy patients. Improvements in the design of ventricular assist devices have been rewarded by a decrease in adverse events and an increase in survival. Despite significant progress, even the latest generation left ventricular assist devices are burdened by a significant long-term adverse events profile that will increasingly challenge physicians as patients survive longer on implantable mechanical circulatory support. In this review, we analyze the impact of long-term adverse events on clinical outcomes in the major trials of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices. We discuss several of the more pertinent and interesting adverse events, examine their potential causes, and explore their future implications.
The effects of cooling on the microvasculature after thermal injury

Abstract The application of cold water to allay pain and reduce edema in burned skin is known to be effective. Evidence suggests that the immediate application of cold water to a burned area reduces spreading of injury and subsequent necrosis. Several mechanisms have been suggested as the primary reason for the inflammatory response that appears after thermal injury, one of these being a damaged circulation. The purpose of this study was to see if cold water protected the circulation and if it contributed in this way to reducing the effects of the burn. Microscopic observations of blood vessels in the bat's wing were made following thermal injury produced by heating a 3-cm diameter for 30 sec at 55°. Comparisons were made of the vessels of animals subjected for 4 hr to cold water (18–20°) flowing over the burned area and untreated animals. Significant differences were found in edema formation and subsequent renewal of normal flow.
Relativistic quantum calculations of low-lying states of SnH: Comparisons with the electronic spectra of SnH and with the properties of PbH

Abstract Relativistic quantum calculations including spin-orbit interaction and configuration interaction are described for several low-lying states of SnH. The spectroscopic properties of these states are compared with the experimental electronic spectra. The properties of the 2 Π, 4 Σ − , and 2 Δ states are discussed in both Λ- S and ω-ω coupling schemes and compared with appropriate states of PbH. The dissociation energy is calculated to be 2.30 eV.
Automated texture-based identification of ovarian cancer in confocal microendoscope images

The fluorescence confocal microendoscope provides high-resolution, in-vivo imaging of cellular pathology during optical biopsy. There are indications that the examination of human ovaries with this instrument has diagnostic implications for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to develop a computer-aided system to facilitate the identification of ovarian cancer from digital images captured with the confocal microendoscope system. To achieve this goal, we modeled the cellular-level structure present in these images as texture and extracted features based on first-order statistics, spatial gray-level dependence matrices, and spatial-frequency content. Selection of the best features for classification was performed using traditional feature selection techniques including stepwise discriminant analysis, forward sequential search, a non-parametric method, principal component analysis, and a heuristic technique that combines the results of these methods. The best set of features selected was used for classification, and performance of various machine classifiers was compared by analyzing the areas under their receiver operating characteristic curves. The results show that it is possible to automatically identify patients with ovarian cancer based on texture features extracted from confocal microendoscope images and that the machine performance is superior to that of the human observer.
Light Harvesting Unsymmetrical Conjugated Dendrimders as Photosynthetic Mimics

We review the synthesis and photophysical properties of light harvesting phenylacetylene dendrimers with unsymmetrical branching. We describe the steady state and time dependent experiments that are used to characterize energy transfer properties in the conjugated dendrimers. Finally, we describe investigations of the unsymmetrical phenylacetylene dendrimers as potential materials for applications in fluorescence-based sensors, and for non-linear optics.
Enveloping algebras of simple three-dimensional Lie algebras

Abstract The Killing form of a simple three-dimensional Lie algebra is shown to classify the Lie algebra and its enveloping algebra. The Lie algebra is isomorphic to the two-by-two trace-zero matrices (the so-called split case) if and only if the form is isotropic in the sense of quadratic form theory. In characteristic zero the skew field of quotients of the enveloping algebra is shown to be isomorphic to a Weyl skew field if and only if the Lie algebra is split. Automorphisms of the Lie algebra and its enveloping algebra are induced by isometries of the Killing form in the nonsplit case.
Air oxidation of Ir2(Cl)2(COD)2 revisited. The structures of [Ir(μ2-Cl)(COD)]2(ruby form) and its oxidation product, Ir2Cl2(COD)2(μ2-OH)2(μ2-O)

Abstract The reaction of [Ir(COD)(μ2-Cl)]2 (ruby form) (1) with air in CH2Cl2 solution affords in moderate yield a dinuclear complex of Ir(III), Ir2(COD)2Cl2(μ2-OH)2- (μ2-O)·CH2Cl2 (2). The compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with a = 13.631- (4), b = 16.297(5), c = 15.163(4) A, V = 3368(3) A3, Z = 8. It is a binuclear complex of It(I) with square- planar metal coordination. The two squares share the edge defined by the chlorine atoms. The angle between those planes is 86°. The Cl bridges are symmetrical with a mean ItCl bond length of 2.40114] A. The Ir··Ir distance is 2.910(1) A. Compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with cell dimensions a = 17.022(4), b = 12.382(5), c = 10.201(4) A, V = 2150(2) A3, Z = 4. The binuclear molecular complex has a face- sharing bioctahedral configuration with two hydroxyl and one oxo bridging groups. The Ir··Ir distance is 2.868(1) A.
Elasticity analysis of lung deformation problems.

In the characterization of stress-strain relationships for the lung using solid continuum-mechanics analysis, the lung parenchyma is assumed to be in a state of uniform expansion and nonhomogeneous deformations are considered from the uniform state. If the nonhomogeneous deformations are small, nonhomogeneous lung deformation problems are reduced to those solvable using infinitesimal elasticity, since only the small superimposed deformations are considered. Using this incremental approach, the relevant elastic constants of lung parechyma have been measured and their applicability has been verified by comparing the results of the theoretical analysis of several nonhomogeneous deformation problems with experimental data.
Moderate mitral regurgitation accelerates left ventricular remodeling after posterolateral myocardial infarction.

Background Chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with poor outcome. However, the effect of chronic ischemic MR on left ventricular (LV) remodeling after posterolateral myocardial infarction (MI) remains controversial. We tested the hypothesis that moderate MR accelerates LV remodeling after posterolateral MI. Methods Posterolateral MI was created in 10 sheep. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed 2 weeks before and 2, 8, and 16 weeks after MI. Left ventricular and right ventricular volumes were measured, and regurgitant volume was calculated as the difference between LV and right ventricle stroke volumes. Results Multivariate mixed effects regression showed that LV volumes at end diastole and end systole and LV sphericity were strongly correlated with both regurgitant volume (p Conclusions Moderate MR accelerates LV remodeling after posterolateral MI. Further studies are needed to determine whether mitral valve repair is able to slow or reverse MI remodeling after posterolateral MI.
Long-Range Target Classification in a Cluttered Environment Using Multi-Sensor Image Sequences

Visual surveillance has been an active research area in computer vision and image processing, due to its crucial role in helping military intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight against crime and terrorist activities. The goal of a visual surveillance system is to detect abnormal object behaviors and to raise alarms when such behaviors are detected. After moving objects are detected, it is essential to classify them into predefined categories, so that their motion behaviors can be appropriately interpreted in the context of their identities and their interactions with the environment. Consequently, object classification is a vital component in a complete visual surveillance system. RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) images are often undesirable in military applications because they reveal the location of the imaging system. So we explore visible and infrared images of ships which are generally more consistent than RADAR images and for which it is easier to compensate for environmental effects. Recent advances in visible and IR imaging technology improves its ability to observe objects at very long distances, but it is still militarily desirable to stay away as far as possible from potential enemy ships, which may be observed at different viewing angles. Several methods have been described in literature to perform the automatic classification of big ships (e.g. aircraftcarriers, combat ships, transportation ships, etc) from images, but none of them are based on small boat classification. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based target classification system is implemented for visible and IR small boat images which are captured in a highly cluttered background environment. Two robust segmentation algorithms were implemented, Graph-cut for grayscale IR small boat images, and Adaptive Progressive Thresholding (APT) for visible small boat images. These algorithms are tested for images captured in a highly cluttered background.
Structure of a monoclinic polymorph of human carbonic anhydrase II with a doubled a axis.

The crystal structure of human carbonic anhydrase II with a doubled a axis from that of the usually observed monoclinic cell has been determined and refined to 1.4 A resolution. The two molecules comprising the asymmetric unit are related by a noncrystallographic translation of ½ along a, but one of the molecules has two alternate orientations related by a rotation of approximately 2°. The crystal structure of human carbonic anhydrase II with a doubled a axis from that of the usually observed monoclinic unit cell has been determined and refined to 1.4 A resolution. The diffraction data with h = 2n + 1 were systematically weaker than those with h = 2n. Consequently, the scaling of the data, structure solution and refinement were challenging. The two molecules comprising the asymmetric unit are related by a noncrystallographic translation of ½ along a, but one of the molecules has two alternate positions related by a rotation of approximately 2°. This rotation axis is located near the edge of the central β-sheet, causing a maximum distance disparity of 1.7 A between equivalent atoms on the diametrically opposite side of the molecule. The crystal-packing contacts are similar to two sequential combined unit cells alongmore » a of the previously determined monoclinic unit cell. Abnormally high final R{sub cryst} and R{sub free} values (20.2% and 23.7%, respectively) are not unusual for structures containing pseudo-translational symmetry and probably result from poor signal to noise in the weak h-odd data.« less
Remembrance Programs at Camps for Children with Cancer

Camps for children with cancer have become increasingly popular over the last decade. As camps increase in longevity, addressing the death of former campers will become an important concern. To understand varying opinions on this topic better, the authors interviewed camp directors, camp counselors, campers, and parents about holding remembrance programs for deceased campers at a camp. The majority of campers and parents and the counselors who either had had cancer or had a sibling with cancer were in favor of holding remembrance programs at camp. In addition, they were in substantial agreement that older children should be involved in the decision whether to hold a remembrance program. Counselors who had no personal experience with cancer were uncertain about the beneficial effects of a remembrance program. The authors discuss the results in terms of the need to educate staff about the psychological and ethical aspects of including children in decision making and the need for camps to review the goals of...
Three Nematogen Azobenzene-Based Stationary Phases for Capillary GC: Synthesis and Comparative Study

In this paper, three laterally substituted liquid crystals termed LCC1, LCC3 and LCC4 were synthesized. Characterization of these substances was carried out by 1H NMR and 13C NMR; they possess similar core and differ in their lateral substituents. Their thermal stability was conducted by thermogravimetric analysis and showed decomposition beginning at 212, 233 and 264 °C related to LCC1, LCC3 and LCC4, respectively. Thermal properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry, thermomicroscopy and inverse gas chromatography. The three novel compounds exhibited a nematic mesophase at a defined range of temperatures, which varied from 81 to 55 °C. Lengthening of the lateral substituent seemed to affect the nematic range by decreasing it. Fused-silica capillary columns (30 m × 0.32 mm) were employed for the analytical study. Numerous mixtures of components of various properties were injected. Particular attention was given to the selectivity towards the close-boiling isomers. These investigations indicated that lateral attached groups had considerable effect on the thermal and chromatographic properties of the liquid crystal compounds. These interesting results may guide in improving the development of new type of liquid crystals with desired properties for a widespread application.
Temperature‐dependent effects of maternal separation on growth, activity, and amphetamine sensitivity in the rat

This study was conducted to examine the effects of an early stressor, maternal separation, on development, arousal, and sensitivity to amphetamine in the rat. Rat pups were maternally separated at nest temperature (WARM), room temperature (COLD), or nest temperature with agitation (AGIT) for 6 hr each day from 2 to 15 days of age. A control group (CONT) remained with the mother in the nest during this time. COLD subjects were developmentally delayed and had lower body and brain weights than the other three groups into adulthood. WARM and AGIT subjects (both maternally separated at nest temperature) had significant growth delays compared to CONT, but grew more quickly than COLD subjects. COLD subjects were less active than the other maternally separated groups, and WARM and AGIT groups were more active. Activity did not differ at 28 or 75 days of age. However, adult WARM subjects were less sensitive and COLD subjects were more sensitive to amphetamine as measured by locomotor activity than CONT and AGIT subjects, who did not differ from each other. The relationship between early stress, changes in dopaminergic systems, and altered drug responsiveness are discussed in terms of the implications for the etiology of drug abuse.
Low temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy as a probe for the optical transitions of paramagnetic nickel in hydrogenase

Abstract A partially-purified sample of hydrogenase from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum (ΔH strain) has been investigated by optical absorption, magnetic circular dichroism and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Variable temperature magnetic circular dichroism studies reveal, for the first time, the optical transitions associated with the Ni(III) center in the oxidized enzyme. Low temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy provides a new method of assessing both the coordination environment of Ni in hydrogenase and the appropriateness of inorganic model complexes.
The home field advantage revisited: a search for the bias in other sports betting markets

Abstract Recent research describes a bias in the pricing of the home field advantage in the betting market on National Football League games with a national focus (Monday night and playoff games). Home teams, especially home team underdogs, win at a rate sufficient to reject both the unbiased forecast and absence of profit opportunities versions of market efficiency. This paper extends the examination of the pricing of the home field advantage, particularly in games with a national focus, to the point spread betting market on National Basketball Association games and the fixed odds betting market on Major League Baseball games. Contrary to the football results, we find little evidence of a mispricing of the home field advantage in either regular season or playoff games in both basketball and baseball. Further, betting on all home teams is never profitable in either league. Additionally, the paper examines the latest three football seasons and finds no mispricing in games with a national focus in this out-of-sample period. We conclude that these markets are, in general, efficient.
Strategic Conventional Deterrence: Lessons from the Maritime Strategy

Views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's solely, and do not reflect the views of any agency of the U.S. Government. Earlier versions of this paper were presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Midwest Political Science Association, Palmer House, Chicago, 9–11 April 1992, and at the Submarine Technology Symposium, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, Md., 12–14 May 1992. I would like to thank Jan Breemer, Michael Desch, Edward Rhodes, and Paul Stockton for their comments.
Sex differences in some aspects of smoking behavior.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are sex differences in the way men and women open an unopened pack of cigarettes and obtain the first cigarette and to test hypotheses derived from Freudian psychoanalytic theory regarding the phallic phase of psychosexual development, the Oedipal complex or castration anxiety in males, and penis envy in females. Statistical results clearly indicated that men and women differ in the methods they use to open an unopened pack of cigarettes and to obtain the first cigarette. The observed behaviors are consistent with the Freudian hypothesis that castration complex in males and penis envy in females is expressed in everyday living.
Joint detection and decoding of LDPC coded distributed space-time signaling in wireless relay networks via linear programming

We develop a linear programming based approach for the joint detection and decoding of LDPC coded distributed space-time signaling transmitted in a wireless relay network. Traditional receivers typically decouple the detection and decoding processes as two separate blocks or require iterative turbo exchange of extrinsic information between the soft detector and decoder. We exploit the constraints imposed on the channel input signals and jointly consider the training symbols as well as the LDPC code information by formulating a unified linear programming (LP) receiver. Moreover, in consideration of the vast amount of LDPC parity check inequalities, we present an adaptive procedure to significantly reduce the complexity of the proposed LP receiver.
How polite?: A reply to Clark and Schunk

Critique de l'analyse des requetes de Clark et Schunk (1980) qui calculent le degre de politesse implique a partir des couts et benefices pour le destinataire.
Prevalence, subtypes, and correlates of DSM-IV conduct disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication

Background Prior research indicates that conduct disorder (CD) is associated with a range of comorbid mental disorders. However, the actual prevalence, subtypes, and patterns of comorbidity of DSM-IV defined CD in the general U.S. population remains unknown.
Ultrasound monitoring of cartilaginous matrix evolution in degradable PEG hydrogels

Ultrasound has potential as a non-destructive analytical technique to provide real-time online assessments of matrix evolution in cell-hydrogel constructs used in tissue engineering. In these studies, chondrocytes were encapsulated in poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels, and gel degradation was manipulated to provide conditions with varying distribution of the large cartilage extracellular matrix molecule, collagen. Mechanical properties and matrix accumulations were simultaneously measured for each condition during 9.5 weeks of in vitro culture. Ultrasound data were used to construct cross-sectional B-scan images for qualitative observations of evolving constructs. Ultrasound data were also analyzed to calculate the speed of sound (SoS) and slope of attenuation (SoA) in developing constructs and a non-degrading hydrogel control without encapsulated chondrocytes. SoS and SoA were calculated from 50 and 100MHz ultrasound data, and sample correlation coefficients were calculated to identify important relationships between these ultrasound parameters and mechanical/biochemical properties of the evolving matrix. SoA appears to be more sensitive to the density of accumulated matrix molecules than SoS, while SoS appeared to be more sensitive to mechanical modulus than SoA in measurements performed at 100MHz. Correlation analysis revealed that ultrasound measurements at 100MHz are more likely to be good predictors of matrix evolution and neotissue function than measurements at 50MHz. Rigorous studies of the relationships identified in this study will lead to non-destructive real-time monitoring that will be useful in combination with bioreactors used to promote and study cartilage regeneration.
Augmented pharmacologic stimulation of striatal acetylcholine release following developmental hypoxic-ischemic injury.

We have previously shown that developmental hypoxic-ischemic injury in a unilateral rodent model leads to an increase in both morphologic and biochemical indices of striatal cholinergic neurons. To investigate the functional significance these changes, we have used the in vivo microdialysis technique to examine the regulation of striatal acetylcholine release in awake, adult rats following postnatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. We have found that injury does not alter basal release of acetylcholine, but it results in a marked augmentation in the increase of acetylcholine release normally observed after infusion of atropine or pirenzepine.
Some aspects of the parallel and distributed iterative algorithms—a survey

Abstract We consider iterative algorithms of the form x := f ( x ), executed by a parallel or distributed computing system. We first consider synchronous executions of such iterations and study their communication requirements, as well as issues related to processor synchronization. We also discuss the parallelization of iterations of the Gauss-Seidel type. We then consider asynchronous implementations whereby each processor iterates on a different component of x , at its own pace, using the most recently received (but possibly outdated) information on the remaining components of x . While certain algorithms may fail to converge when implemented asynchronously, a large number of positive convergence results is available. We classify asynchronous algorithms into three main categories, depending on the amount of asynchronism they can tolerate, and survey the corresponding convergence results. We also discuss issues related to their termination.
Transient and frequency response characteristics of two-phase condensing flows - with and without compressibility

In a tube-type condenser, involving complete condensation, small changes in the inlet vapor flowrate momentarily cause very large transient surges in the outlet liquid flowrate. Experimental data are presented which indicate that compressibility effects tend to attenuate the amplitude of these flow surges. The system mean void fraction model was extended to include compressibility effects and its predictions are shown to agree well with experimental data. The model is further extended to predict the response characteristics to an oscillatory inlet flowrate and compared with predictions based upon the drift-flux model.
Photoconduction in polyimide

Abstract Valence-electron computations have been performed using the CNDO/S3 molecular model which confirm that the pyromellitimide radical anion is the chromophore responsible for photoconduction in polyimide.
Applications of the Ninhydrin Reaction for Analysis of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins to Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences

The reaction of ninhydrin with primary amino groups to form the purple dye now called Ruhemann's purple (RP) was discovered by Siegfried Ruhemann in 1910. In addition, imines such as pipecolic acid and proline, the guanidino group of arginine, the amide groups of asparagine, the indole ring of tryptophan, the sulfhydryl group of cysteine, amino groups of cytosine and guanine, and cyanide ions also react with ninhydrin to form various chromophores of analytical interest. Since its discovery, extensive efforts have been made to apply manual and automated ninhydrin reactions as well as ninhydrin spray reagents to the detection, isolation, and analysis of numerous compounds of interest across a broad spectrum of disciplines. These include agricultural, biochemical, clinical, environmental, food, forensic, histochemical, microbiological, medical, nutritional, plant, and protein sciences. This reaction is unique among chromogenic reactions in that at pH 5.5 it results in the formation of the same soluble chromophore by all primary amines which react, be they amines, amino acids, peptides, proteins, and even ammonia. Because the chromophore is not chemically bound to the protein or other insoluble material, it is not lost when the insoluble substrate is removed by centrifugation or filtration after the reaction is completed. The visible color of the chromophore is distinctive and is generally not affected by the yellow colors present in many food, plant, and tissue extracts. Adaptations of the classical ninhydrin reaction to specialized needs in analytical chemistry and biochemistry include the use of acid, alkaline, and fluorogenic ninhydrin reagents. To cross-fertilize information among several disciplines wherein an interest in the ninhydrin reaction has developed, and to enhance its utility, this review attempts to integrate and correlate the widely scattered literature on ninhydrin reactions of a variety of structurally different compounds. Specifically covered are the following aspects: historical perspective, chemistry and mechanisms, applications, and research needs. A better understanding of these multifaceted ninhydrin reactions provide a scientific basis for further improvements of this important analytical technique.
Distribution of cerebellar terminations and their relation to other afferent terminations in the ventral lateral thalamic region of the monkey

The efferent projections of the deep cerebellar nuclei were studied and their fiber trajectories and thalamic termination zones described. The thalamic termination zones for the dentate, interposed and fastigial nuclei are identical and coincide with the cytoarchitectonically unique cell-sparse region of the ventral lateral complex. This region includes nuclei VPLo, VLc, VLps, X and extensions of these between the cell clusters of nucleus VLo. The inputs from dentate and interpositus are contralateral, dense, and their termination patterns extend continuously throughout all nuclear components of the cell-sparse zone. Interdigitation of these two inputs within the cell-sparse region is directly demonstrated. The fastigial input is more restricted but bilateral. Each of the deep cerebellar nuclei also projects to the central lateral nucleus of the intralaminar complex. The strong interconnection of the cell-sparse zone with cortical area 4 is confirmed. The patterns of retrogradely labeled thalamocortical cells and of anterogradely labeled corticothalamic terminations following cortical injections of horseradish peroxidase and of tritiated amino acids, extend continuously through the VPLo-VLc region and its extensions, but do not invade the posteriorly situated VPLc nucleus. Thalamic inputs from the dorsal column nuclei terminate independently within the morphologically distinct VPLc nucleus adjacent to the cell-sparse cerebellar terminal zone. The dorsal column-lemniscal terminations do not overlap the cerebellar terminations. The clear segregation of the two sets of terminations is demonstrated directly using an anterograde double labeling method. Spinothalamic terminations end in VPLc but extend into the cerebellar terminal zone. Another ascending input, from the vestibular nuclei, is also shown to terminate within the cell-sparse zone. Comparison with other studies implies that cerebellar, pallidal and substantia nigral inputs do not converge in the monkey thalamus and that the nuclei in which they terminate project to different cortical areas. The relation of these and of sensory influences ascending to motor cortex from the periphery are discussed.
Retinoic acid regulates the expression of PBX1, PBX2, and PBX3 in P19 cells both transcriptionally and post-translationally.

Pre-B cell leukemia transcription factors (PBXs) are important co-factors for the transcriptional regulation mediated by a number of Hox proteins during embryonic development. It was previously shown that the expression of several Pbx genes is elevated in mouse embryo limb buds and embryonal carcinoma P19 cells upon retinoic acid (RA) treatment although the mechanism of this induction is not well understood. In this report, we demonstrate that PBX1a, PBX1b, PBX2, and PBX3 mRNAs and PBX1/2/3 proteins are induced during endodermal and neuronal differentiation of P19 cells in a RAR-dependent subtype-unspecific manner following RA treatment. The increases in both PBX1 mRNA and PBX3 mRNA levels are secondary responses to RA treatment requiring new proteins synthesis while the increase in PBX2 mRNA is a primary response. The RA-dependent increases in PBX1 mRNA, PBX2 mRNA, and PBX3 mRNA levels are likely to be transcriptionally regulated since the stability of these mRNAs does not change. In addition, the half-lives of PBX1/2/3 proteins are significantly extended by RA treatment. Two possible mechanisms could contribute to the stabilization of PBX proteins: PBX proteins associate with RA-dependent increased levels of MEIS proteins, and RA may decrease the proteasome dependent degradation of PBX proteins. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electrothermal analysis of spin-transfer-torque random access memory arrays

Spin Transfer Torque RAM (STTRAM) is a promising candidate for fast, scalable, high-density, nonvolatile memory in nanometer technology. However, relatively high write current density and small volume of the memory device indicate the possibility of significant self-heating in the STTRAM structure. This article performs a critical analysis of the self-heating induced temperature variations in STTRAM. We perform a 3D finite volume method based study to characterize self-heating effect in a single cell. The analysis is extended for STTRAM arrays by developing a computationally efficient RC compact model based thermal analyzer. The analysis shows that self-heating can results in considerable increase in both steady-state value and transient change in temperature of individual cells. The effect is less pronounced at the array level and depends on the activity level, that is, number of active cells within an array size. The analysis further illustrates that self-heating negatively impacts electrical reliability metrics namely, read margin and detection accuracy; degrades cell performance; and modulates energy dissipation.
A Counterexample to the Possibility of an Extension of the Eckart-Young Low-Rank Approximation Theorem for the Orthogonal Rank Tensor Decomposition

Earlier work has shown that no extension of the Eckart--Young SVD approximation theorem can be made to the strong orthogonal rank tensor decomposition. Here, we present a counterexample to the extension of the Eckart--Young SVD approximation theorem to the orthogonal rank tensor decomposition, answering an open question previously posed by Kolda [SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl., 23 (2001), pp. 243--355].
Palladium-bacterial cellulose membranes for fuel cells.

Abstract Bacterial cellulose is a versatile renewable biomaterial that can be used as a hydrophilic matrix for the incorporation of metals into thin, flexible, thermally stable membranes. In contrast to plant cellulose, we found it catalyzed the deposition of metals within its structure to generate a finely divided homogeneous catalyst layer. Experimental data suggested that bacterial cellulose possessed reducing groups capable of initiating the precipitation of palladium, gold, and silver from aqueous solution. Since the bacterial cellulose contained water equivalent to at least 200 times the dry weight of the cellulose, it was dried to a thin membranous structure suitable for the construction of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Results of our study with palladium-cellulose showed that it was capable of catalyzing the generation of hydrogen when incubated with sodium dithionite and generated an electrical current from hydrogen in an MEA containing native cellulose as the polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM). Advantages of using native and metallized bacterial cellulose membranes in an MEA over other PEMs such as Nafion 117® include its higher thermal stability to 130 °C and lower gas crossover.
Photodynamic therapy of facial squamous cell carcinoma in cats using a new photosensitizer

Background and Objective Photodynamic therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment modality for surface-oriented neoplasms of the skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital systems. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy using a new photosensitizer in the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the feline facial skin. Study Design/Materials and Methods Cats with naturally occurring squamous cell carcinomas of the facial skin were entered into the study. Tumors were staged using a modification of the World Health Organization (WHO) system for classification of feline tumors of epidermal origin. Photodynamic therapy was delivered to the tumors using an argon-pumped dye laser 24 hours after the administration of the photosensitizer pyropheophorbide-alpha-hexyl-ether (HPPH-23). Following treatment, tumors were evaluated for complete response rates and local control durations. Results Fifteen tumors were staged T1a ( 1.5 cm, invasive). Complete response rates as well as local control durations were significantly (P < 0.05) related to stage. Complete response was achieved in 100% of T1a tumors, 56% of T1b tumors, and 18% of T2b tumors. One-year local control rates were 100% for T1a tumors and 53% for T1b tumors; overall 1-year local control rate for all treated tumors was 62%. Clinical, hematological, and biochemical evidence of toxicity was not seen in any cat following drug administration. However, morbidity was observed following treatment of large, invasive tumors of the nasal plane. Conclusion Photodynamic therapy with the photosensitizer HPPH-23 was safe and effective in treating early stage squamous cell carcinomas of the feline nasal plane and facial skin. However, toxicity was encountered following treatment of large neoplasms. Lasers Surg. Med. 20:202–209, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Blaming the brain: The truth about drugs and mental health.

Over the last thirty years, there has been a radical shift in thinking about the causes of mental illness. The psychiatric establishment and the health care industry have shifted 180 degrees from blaming mother to blaming the brain as the source of mental disorders. Whereas experience and environment were long viewed as the root causes of most emotional problems, now it is common to believe that mental disturbances-- from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia-- are determined by brain chemistry. And many people have come to accept the broader notion that their very personalities are determined by brain chemistry as well. In his award-winning, meticulously researched, and elegantly written history of psychosurgery, "Great and Desperate Cures", Elliot Valenstein exposed the great injury to thousands of lives that resulted when the medical establishment embraced an unproven approach to mental illness. Now, in "Blaming the Brain" he exposes the many weaknesses inherent in the scientific arguments supporting the widely accepted theory that biochemical imbalances are the main cause of mental illness. Valenstein reveals how, beginning in the 1950s, the accidental discovery of a few mood-altering drugs stimulated an enormous interest in psychopharmacology, resulting in staggering growth and profits for the pharmaceutical industry. He lays bare the commercial motives of drug companies and their huge stake in expanding their markets. Prozac, Thorazine, and Zoloft are just a few of the psychoactive drugs that have dramatically changed practice in the mental health profession. Physicians today prescribe them in huge numbers even though, as several major studies reveal, their effectiveness and safety have been greatly exaggerated. Part history, part science, part expose, and part solution, "Blaming the Brain" sounds a clarion call throughout our culture of quick-fix pharmacology and our increasing reliance on drugs as a cure-all for mental illness. This brilliant, provocative book will force patients, practitioners, and prescribers alike to rethink the causes of mental illness and the methods by which we treat it.
Clonal diversity in tumor progression.

A new study uses an evolutionary approach to characterize the diversity within populations of cells in Barrett's esophagus lesions. Greater genetic clonal diversity is found to be associated with higher risks for transformation.
MODULAR AUGMENTS IN REVISION TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Modularity in total knee arthroplasty is extremely helpful in the management of patients with complex primary and revision total knee arthroplasties. Modularity allows selective augmentation to deal with bone deficiencies on the distal and posterior femur. The ability to selectively augment the femur is very helpful in balancing the soft tissues and providing stability. Selective augmentation of the femur allows restoration of the joint line and more normal patellar and collateral ligament kinematics. Selective modular augments on the tibia allow dealing with bone deficiency without the concerns of bone graft incorporation. Modular extended intramedullary stems allow the option of either press-fit or cement fixation of the stem, entailing the stem diameter length to the given patient.
Modification of an Attenuated Type, 2 Polio Vaccine following Passage at 23°C.

SummaryThe modification of a type 2 attenuated poliovirus strain is described. Starting with the mouse adapted TN strain, passage and clone selection at low temperatures of incubation were employed to yield virus (the W-II strain) with reduced pathogenicity for monkeys and good stability during human intestinal passage.
Integrated Piezoelectric Linear Motor for Vehicle Applications

The focus of this research was to create a linear motor that could easily be packaged and still perform the same task of the current DC motor linear device. An incremental linear motor design was decided upon, for its flexibility in which the motor can be designed. To replace the current motor it was necessary to develop a high force, high speed incremental linear motor. To accomplish this task, piezoelectric actuators were utilized to drive the motor due their fast response times and high force capabilities. The desired overall objectives of the research is to create an incremental linear motor with the capability of moving loads up to one hundred pounds and produce a velocity well over one inch per second. To aid the design process a lumped parameter model was created to simulate the motor’s performance for any design parameter. Discrepancies occurred between the model and the actual motor performance for loads above 9.1 kilograms (20 pounds). The resulting model, however, was able to produce a good approximation of the motor’s performance for the unloaded and lightly loaded cases. The incremental linear motor produced a velocity of 4.9 mm/sec (0.2 in/sec) at a drive frequency of 50 Hz. The velocity of the motor was limited by the drive frequency that the amplifiers could produce. The motor was found to produce a stall load of 17 kilograms (38 pounds). The stall load of the design was severely limited by clearance losses.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Stability of pull production control methods for systems with significant setups

In manufacturing, a pull production control method is a method of authorizing production based on replenishing current and past consumption, as opposed to forecasts or orders for future consumption. We consider special classes of pull systems for operations that involve significant setup times. In particular, we present a model for variations of the signal Kanban method and the pattern production method, each of which is used in industry when conventional Kanban methods are inappropriate. The paper examines such systems under demands with unpredictable load content but an upper bound on the total load. It is shown that, under appropriate conditions, such systems are stable in the sense that cumulative production at any time trails cumulative demand by no more than a constant. We determine buffer parameters under each protocol (including reorder points in the signal Kanban case) such that the backorder queue will clear to zero and remain empty thereafter. The results are then extended to consider multiple machines fulfilling production authorizations in parallel.
The Sole Gateway to Endotoxin Response: How Lps Was Identified as Tlr4, and Its Role in Innate Immunity

Tlr4 has emerged as a specific conduit for the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) response. The fact that such a protein exists, and furthermore, the fact that it is one member of a family of proteins expressed by mononuclear cells, yields considerable insight into the mechanism by which phagocytes “see” the microbial universe. It cannot yet be assumed that all the Tlrs have specificity comparable to that of Tlr4, but it is probable that they do, given the molecular constraints to which all proteins are subject. Indeed, it is remarkable that Tlr4 is able to sense so diverse an array of LPS molecules as it does. The total number of Tlr proteins is not yet known. Although approximately 30 leucine-rich proteins bearing Toll-like cytoplasmic domains might be anticipated based on a survey of the genes in Drosophila, far fewer Toll-like genes have been found in mammals to date, although approximately 2 million expressed sequence tag sequences are now archived, and much of the genome has been covered. Some of the Toll-like proteins are, in fact, cytokine receptors. Ten leucine-rich Tlrs have been reported so far. Even a small number of receptors might be sufficient to confer recognition of most pathogens, be they fungi, bacteria, or protozoa. Some such receptors may also play developmental roles. The mutational deletion of Tlr genes alone and in combination with one another may help to establish the functions of each member of this newly emergent family of proteins.
Asymptotic solutions of the axisymmetric moist Hadley circulation in a model with two vertical modes

A simplified model of the moist axisymmetric Hadley circulation is examined in the asymptotic limit in which surface drag is strong and the meridional wind is weak compared to the zonal wind. Our model consists of the quasi-equilibrium tropical circulation model (QTCM) equations on an axisymmetric aquaplanet equatorial beta-plane. This model includes two vertical momentum modes, one baroclinic and one barotropic. Prior studies use either continuous stratification, or a shallow water system best viewed as representing the upper troposphere. The analysis here focuses on the interaction of the baroclinic and barotropic modes, and the way in which this interaction allows the constraints on the circulation known from the fully stratified case to be satisfied in an approximate way. The dry equations, with temperature forced by Newtonian relaxation towards a prescribed radiative equilibrium, are solved first. To leading order, the resulting circulation has a zonal wind profile corresponding to uniform angular momentum at a level near the tropopause, and zero zonal surface wind, owing to the cancelation of the barotropic and baroclinic modes there. The weak surface winds are calculated from the first-order corrections. The broad features of these solutions are similar to those obtained in previous studies of the dry Hadley circulation. The moist equations are solved next, with a fixed sea surface temperature at the lower boundary and simple parameterizations of surface fluxes, deep convection, and radiative transfer. The solutions yield the structure of the barotropic and baroclinic winds, as well as the temperature and moisture fields. In addition, we derive expressions for the width and strength of the equatorial precipitating region (ITCZ) and the width of the entire Hadley circulation. The ITCZ width is on the order of a few degrees in the absence of any horizontal diffusion and is relatively insensitive to parameter variations.