cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristic pattern analysis of polybromodiphenyl ethers in Great Lakes sediments: a combination of eigenspace projection and positive matrix factorization analysis

Anewideainreceptormodelingisproposed,whichutilizesageometriceigenspaceprojectioncombinedwithamildalternative matrix updating technique. The eigenspace projection determines the sources or characteristic patterns as vertices that can span all measurements in a multidimensional eigenspace. The mild alternative matrix updating algorithm refines the results determined bytheeigenspace projection togeneratetheoptimizedsourceprofiles.Positive matrix factorization(PMF)analysis was adopted to suggest initial characteristic patterns. The advantage of the eigenspace projection method, compared with a purely computational matrix updating method, is that it can substantially avoid rotational ambiguity. The matrix refining step can effectively minimize data uncertainties. The application of this method has been illustrated step by step through a case study on determination of polybromodiphenyl ether (PBDE) characteristic congener patterns in the sediments of the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America. The number of factors was determined to be five for the Great Lakes PBDE 2002 data set. The sum of squares of error and coefficient of determination (r 2 ) suggested that the results obtained using this method are better than those from three known sources or the initial application of PMF. The factors represent deca (Saytex 102E), penta (DE-71), and octa (DE-79) technical PBDE mixtures as sources and two degradation factors that may have been generated by both photolysis and biological debromination. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Supporting information may be found in the online version of this paper.
Immunoassay-Based Serum Hepcidin Reference Range Measurements in Healthy Children: Differences Among Age Groups

Background Hepcidin is a peptide hormone that plays a key role in regulating iron absorption from the small intestine and body iron distribution. Alterations in hepcidin concentrations have been associated with chronic inflammatory conditions or inherited diseases of iron metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate healthy children in order to define normal reference range of serum hepcidin concentrations. The universal use of a reliable commercial ELISA kit gives the ability to compare our results with those from previous studies. Methods We evaluated 180 healthy children (88 boys, mean age: 67.55 ± 39.26 months, median: 60, range: 24–156 months) aged 2–12 years, using an immunoassay kit. Results Hepcidin median values were 46.94 ng/ml for boys and 46.79 ng/ml for girls. No significant differences were observed between boys and girls. There seem to be significantly higher values of hepcidin in older children (10–12 years old). This trend was constant and statistically significant in boys after gender and age group stratification. Although this trend was more prominent in girls, it was not statistically significant. Conclusions This study aims at setting up reference values for serum hepcidin concentrations in healthy pediatric population by using a well-established laboratory kit. The difference in hepcidin concentrations in older children could be attributed to different growth rates. Additionally, differences between values in adults and children could reflect alterations in iron metabolism between those two age groups.
Bacterial Persistence: Strategies for Survival

This chapter focuses on a few organisms as paradigms of persistence strategies. Programmed rearrangement of genes encoding surface antigens (antigenic variation) is essential for the evasion of adaptive humoral immunity by extracellular, blood-borne pathogens such as the Borrelia spp. that cause relapsing fever (RF) and Lyme disease (LD). Gonorrhea, caused by the gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases of humans-every year, one million new cases are reported in the United States alone. Variation of several cell surface components of the gonococcus-notably, the pili, outer membrane Opa proteins, and LOS-is controlled by distinct and complex mechanisms. Despite the manifest importance of persistence in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB), little is known about the mechanisms that promote mycobacterial persistence in vivo. Indeed, reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) detoxification mediated by the KatG catalase is essential for bacterial persistence in mice following induction of adaptive immunity. One of the most familiar and complex types of medically relevant biofilm is dental plaque, comprising hundreds of microbial species. The study of microbial biofilms and their role in persistent infections is still at an early stage. The environmental signals that promote biofilm formation and dissolution and the signals that the bacteria use to communicate with each other are just beginning to be deciphered.
Bounding Treatment Effects: A Command for the Partial Identification of the Average Treatment Effect with Endogenous and Misreported Treatment Assignment:

We present a new command, tebounds, that implements a variety of techniques to bound the average treatment effect of a binary treatment on a binary outcome in light of endogenous and misreported treatment assignment. To tighten the worst case bounds, the monotone treatment selection, monotone treatment response, and monotone instrumental-variable assumptions of Manski and Pepper (2000, Econometrica 68: 997–1010), Kreider and Pepper (2007, Journal of the American Statistical Association 102: 432–441), Kreider et al. (2012, Journal of the American Statistical Association 107: 958–975), and Gundersen, Kreider, and Pepper (2012, Journal of Econometrics 166: 79–91) may be imposed. Imbens–Manski confidence intervals are provided.
Application of geospatial technologies for understanding and predicting vector populations and vector-borne disease incidence

Vector-borne diseases inflict a heavy health burden. Numerous vector species have expanded their ranges while some vector-borne diseases have emerged in new geographic areas or reemerged in former endemic areas, potentially due to global climate change. The continued health burden and the expansion in vector and vector-borne disease ranges have led to an increased need for understanding and predicting in space and time the potential abundance and distribution of vectors and the transmission of vector-borne diseases. Advances in computing technologies, increased spatial data availability, and greater understanding of ecological drivers have made it commonplace to attempt to understand and estimate, in time and space, vector populations and vector-borne disease incidence. Although there have been great advances there are still limitations due to complex and varying ecologies and epidemiological contexts of vector-borne diseases as well as data limitations. In this paper, we will provide an overview of and examine advances and limitations in the use of geospatial technologies for understanding and prediction of the drivers of vector populations and vector-borne diseases.
Effects of Intravenous Administration of Antigen on Lymphocyte Localization and Blood Flow into the Mouse Spleen.

The present paper investigates whether the increased lymphocyte localization into the spleen, which occurs early after the i.v. injection of some antigens, is related to an increase in the blood flow to that organ. For this purpose the fractional distribution of cardiac output to the spleen using the 86 Rb Cl method, was studied at different intervals after the i.v. administration of agents known to be able to induce strong trapping. The results show no correlation between the accumulation of recirculating cells into the spleen and changes in blood flow.
Sample Size Estimation for GEE Method for Comparing Slopes in Repeated Measurements Data

Sample size calculation is an important component at the design stage of clinical trials. Controlled clinical trials often use a repeated measurement design in which individuals are randomly assigned to treatment groups and followed-up for measurements at intervals across a treatment period of fixed duration. In studies with repeated measurements, one of the popular primary interests is the comparison of the rates of change in a response variable between groups. Statistical models for calculating sample sizes for repeated measurement designs often fail to take into account the impact of missing data correctly. In this paper we propose to use the generalized estimating equation (GEE) method in comparing the rates of change in repeated measurements and introduce closed form formulae for sample size and power that can be calculated using a scientific calculator. Since the sample size formula is based on asymptotic theory, we investigate the performance of the estimated sample size in practical settings through simulations.
Luteinization of human granulosa cells in vivo is associated with expression of MHC class II antigens.

We previously described the presence of MHC class II (HLA-DR) antigens, structurally similar to those on lymphoid cells and bearing the genetically-appropriate allotypic determinants, on human adrenocortical cells in the zona reticularis of normal glands. We now report a similar expression by granulosa-lutein cells (GLC) in corpora lutea (CL) of normal ovaries, as detected by indirect immunofluorescence techniques with the use of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAb). In some cases, GLC were also positive for HLA-DQ and-DP antigen expression. Neither granulosa nor theca interna cells in large antral follicles of the same ovaries showed any detectable expression of MHC class II antigens. Moreover, theca-lutein (paralutein) cells, identified by their reactivity with specific human autoantibodies in 5 of the 7 human CL examined, were also negative. Similarly, GLC, but not paralutein cells, in rhesus monkey CL showed significant cross-reactivity with anti-HLA-DR MAb. In contrast, lutein cells in ovaries from either cycling or 7-day-pregnant rats were negative for MHC class II (Ia) antigen expression. Expression of MHC class II antigens by human granulosa cells after their luteal transformation confirms the normal inducibility of certain human steroidogenic cells at the time of their further functional differentiation and enhanced biosynthetic activity, and suggests that these molecules, may have additional functions beyond serving as restriction elements in the immune response.
A Direct Minimization Approach for Obtaining the Distance between Convex Polyhedra

Computational methods used for the automatic generation of robot paths must be fully developed if truly automated manu facturing systems are to become a reality. An important requirement for determining feasible robot paths is the ability to compute the distance between the various elements of the robot and the workspace fixtures, jigs, and machinery. In this research, it is assumed that the robot and workspace solid geometry are represented as a collection of convex polyhe drons, and an efficient numerical algorithm for determining the minimum distance between two such polyhedrons is presented. In addition to determining the minimum distance between solids, the algorithm can also be used to efficiently ascertain whether a collision has occurred.The numerical technique presented uses a sequence of constrained minimizations to obtain the closest three-dimen sional points on any two solid objects. Computational effi ciency is achieved with the algorithm presented because only the collection of planes (point...
Femtosecond X-rays from relativistic electrons: new tools for probing structural dynamics

Abstract Femtosecond X-ray science is a new frontier in ultrafast research in which time-resolved measurement techniques are applied with X-ray pulses to investigate structural dynamics at the atomic scale on the fundamental time scale of an atomic vibrational period (∼100 fs). This new research area depends critically on the development of suitable femtosecond X-ray sources with the appropriate flux (ph/(s·0.1% BW)), brightness (ph/(s·mm 2 ·mrad 2 ·0.1% BW)), and tunability for demanding optical/X-ray pump probe experiments. In this paper we review recently demonstrated techniques for generating femtosecond X-rays via interaction between femtosecond laser pulses and relativistic electron beams. We give an overview of a novel femtosecond X-ray source that is proposed based on a linear accelerator combined with X-ray pulse compression.
Calcification in Chickenpox Pneumonia

Abstract The relationship between pulmonary calcifications and chickenpox pneumonia is reviewed. A case is presented in which pulmonary calcification developed over a seven-year interval following Varicella pneumonia in a patient who had a previously negative chest radiograph. After accidental death, an autopsy was performed and the pulmonary findings are presented. It is felt that an etiologic relationship has been established between the patient's Varicella pneumonia and her subsequent pulmonary calcifications.
Isolation and Partial Characterization of a Receptor to Surfactant Protein A Expressed by Rat Type II Pneumocytes

Surfactant protein A (SP-A), the most abundant protein component in pulmonary surfactant, has been shown to enhance surfactant phospholipid uptake by the type II alveolar epithelial cell. Recent evidence has shown that this process may be receptor-mediated. We undertook this study to isolate the putative receptor from type II cell membranes. We isolated two specific SP-A binding proteins from type II cells with apparent molecular weights (M r) of 86 and > 200 kD under nonreducing conditions. Under reducing conditions, the higher-M r protein was not present, but three proteins with apparent M r of 65, 55, and 50 kD were visible, in addition to the 86-kD protein, indicating that the higher-M r protein was composed of the smaller peptides which form disulfide bonds. The 86-kD protein is a glycoprotein with ∼ 30% of its mass as carbohydrate. The 50-kD protein is also a glycoprotein (∼ 30% of its mass as carbohydrate), and SP-A binds to the protein core. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to these peptides s...
Resolving the trust predicament : A quantum game-theoretic approach

Developing a good theoretical understanding of the role of trust in IR (such as in the events leading to the end of the Cold War) is still an open problem. Most game-theoretic studies of trust do not go beyond the limitations of an (ontologically) individualistic paradigm, thus assuming a pre-defined set of individual strategies. Yet, it is a fact that the predicament of collective trust is empirically resolved in many situations. This paper suggests a new game-theoretic approach—Quantum Game Theory (QGT)—to understand and explain how the predicament of trust is resolved. In a quantum game of trust the actors play the game by simultaneously collectively reconstructing the strategic environment in such a way as to become mutually strategically entangled. Quantum strategic entanglement allows trust to emerge between the two actors without assuming a need for signaling, prior “contract” type of arrangement, or any form of third-party communication. The paper develops and solves such a model of quantum game of trust
Low-grade urothelial carcinoma: reappraisal of the cytologic criteria on ThinPrep.

The diagnostic criteria for low-grade urothelial lesions that have been described in the past were based on urinary specimens prepared by the cytospin method. Recognizing the recent popularity of the ThinPrep® methodology and the cytologic alterations it introduces to the cellular features, we sought to evaluate the reproducibility of these criteria in ThinPrep urinary samples. One hundred twenty-six ThinPrep urinary specimens with a tissue diagnosis of low-grade urothelial carcinoma (LGUC) and 45 negative controls were evaluated. Three pathologists blindly reviewed the slides separately and the consensus on each feature was used in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which criteria in combination were most predictive of low-grade urothelial carcinoma. All specimens were evaluated for the following 18 features: nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, irregular nuclear border, cytoplasm homogeneity, cell clusters, high cellularity, prominent nucleoli, granular nuclear chromatin, hyperchromasia, acute inflammation, vesicular chromatin, nuclear molding, nuclear eccentricity, elongated nuclei, necrosis, anisonucleosis, irregular bordered fragments, absent cytoplasmic collar, and peripheral palisading. High nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, irregular nuclear borders, and homogeneous cytoplasm (combination sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 100%) were the best predictive features for LGUC. Minor predictive criteria were eccentric nuclei and nuclear molding. ThinPrep provides well preserved, cleaner specimens without significantly altering the morphology. The three key criteria applied in cytospin specimens to diagnose LGUC were reproducible in ThinPrep specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2003;29:125–129. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Formation of epitaxial β-SiC layers by fullerene-carbonization of silicon(001): a comparison between the use of C60 and C70 molecules

Abstract By condensation of C 60 and C 70 fullerenes the formation of continuous, thick epitaxial β-SiC films on Si(001) and Si(111) surfaces is possible, even at moderate temperatures (700°C–1000°C). The dependence of structure, topography, and composition of the epitaxial silicon carbide layers formed by C 60 or C 70 carbonization of silicon on the substrate temperature was studied by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and Rutherford-backscattering analysis. It could be shown that the quality of the formed epitaxial β-SiC layers is extremely sensitive to the substrate temperature. In the case of C 60 and a substrate temperature of 850°C the growth of epitaxial β-SiC layers with only a small number of defects was observed. Lowering the substrate temperature to 775°C resulted in β-SiC layers with a strong texture. Using C 70 molecules the process temperature can be lowered further by 75°C. High quality β-SiC layers with a low number of defects can be grown at a substrate temperature of as low as 775°C.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE GROWTH RATES AND ORGAN WEIGHTS OF FETAL SHEEP AT ALTITUDE AND SEA LEVEL

Data are presented indicating that the fetuses carried by ewes at altitude (14,000 ft.) grow at the same rate as those borne by ewes at sea level. The number of placental cotyledons in both the altitude and sea level series is the same though their total weight tends to be higher in the latter. The heart/body weight ratio of the fetuses in the altitude and sea level series is the same, though it is higher in the ewes at altitude. These observations indicate that despite a reduced oxygen tension in the maternal uterine—and presumably placental—capillaries at altitude the fetal lamb can grow at the same rate as it does in a ewe at sea level.
Examining the immigrant experience: helping teachers develop as critical educators

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine ways that a multicultural perspective using critical literacy practices engaged practicing teachers to rethink and re-vision oppressive hegemonic structures and attitudes regarding immigrant students and their families and helped them to develop as critical educators. In the context of a professional development master’s program, 57 teachers experienced a curriculum strand focused on immigration issues and provided extensive feedback responding to the curriculum. The data were analyzed to assess in what ways using current and controversial issues helped teachers to develop their capacities to understand and critique the world in more complex ways and what impact these experiences had on their teaching practice. Evidence suggests that the majority of teachers were receptive to the curriculum although some teachers exhibited resistance. Resistance appeared to be minimized and teachers’ development supported using curricular experiences that “put a fa...
USE OF TRANSCOLONIC 123I‐IODOAMPHETAMINE TO DIAGNOSE SPONTANEOUS PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNTS IN 18 DOGS

Transcolonic 123I-Iodoamphetamine is rapidly absorbed across the colonic mucosa and binds to amine receptors in the liver and lungs. During the first ten minutes following colonic administration, a simple ratio of lung counts to lung counts plus liver counts provides an accurate estimate of the fraction of portal blood that bypasses hepatic sinusoids in dogs with portosystemic shunts. Studies were performed on 24 dogs with suspect portosystemic shunt. Shunt fraction values for 18 dogs with surgically confirmed portosystemic shunt were obviously higher than published values for normal dogs, and also significantly higher than values for the other six dogs, later confirmed to lack shunts. Postoperative studies were repeated on ten dogs with single shunt vessels 1–2 days after shunt closure. Total shunt ligation resulted in normal postoperative shunt fraction, whereas partial shunt ligation resulted in persistant elevation of shunt fraction. Transcolonic iodoamphetamine scintigraphy is noninvasive, easy to perform, and provides an accurate method to diagnose dogs with portosystemic shunt.
A comparison of the solid state photochemistry and electron beam chemistry of p-diethylaminobenzaldehyde diphenylhydrazone

Abstract While p -diethylaminobenzaldehyde diphenylhydrazone, 1, efficiently photoconverts to 1-phenyl-3-(4-diethylamino-1-phenyl)-1,3-indazole, 2, with a quantum yield o = 0.4 ± 0.1, excitation by a high energy electron beam (175 kV) induces very little chemistry. The G value for decomposition of 1 is
The Day-to-Day Impact of Urogenital Aging: Perspectives from Racially/Ethnically Diverse Women

BACKGROUND Urogenital symptoms affect up to half of women after menopause, but their impact on women’s day-to-day functioning and wellbeing is poorly understood.
In search of God's only emperor: basileus in Byzantine and modern historiography

The notion that Byzantine political ideology centered on the basileus (βασιλeύς), understood as God's direct representative on earth, has become almost synonymous with Byzantium. Numerous studies have depicted the Byzantine basileus as an unquestionable ruler who supposedly rested his authority on God Himself. One God in heaven, the modern convention maintains, led to a single legitimate Christian basileus on earth. This article focuses on historical sources from the early Byzantine period and argues that the title and office of the basileus lacked the extensive sacred rights that scholarship traditionally tends to emphasise. Byzantine intellectuals applied the title to various foreign rulers without concern for Christian theological notions at all. By challenging the prevalent modern doctrine of Byzantine titular exceptionalism, the article is an invitation for new and more precise evaluations of the meaning of rulership and the ideology of political power in the Byzantine state.
Drinking practices and neuropsychological test performance in sober male alcoholics and social drinkers.

Abstract The relationships between alcohol intake (per occasion over time) and performance on neuropsychological tests, as they might be affected by anxiety and depression, were investigated in both an alcoholic (N=60) and social drinking (N=43) sample. In alcoholics, a Maximum Quantity Frequency (MFQ) of alcohol consumed over the previous six months was found to be the best predictor of an impairment index. Neither anxiety nor depression were correlated with test performance. In social drinkers, anxiety was the best predictor of performance on the impairment index; depression was not predictive. Neither MQF nor a commonly used measure of drinking behaviors, weighted quantity per occasion (QPO), significantly predicted performance in the social drinkers once anxiety was accounted for. The results support the assumption that in alcoholics the greater and more frequent the alcohol ingestion, the more the brain's functioning is disrupted, at least as reflected in neuropsychological test performance. Anxiety appears to play a major role in the test performance of social drinkers and should be monitored in future studies in this research area.
Hormonal control of bone collagen synthesis in vitro: inhibitory effect of 1-hydroxylated vitamin D metabolites.

The effects of vitamin D metabolites on bone collagen synthesis were assessed in organ cultures of fetal rat calvaria by measuring the incorporation of a 2-h pulse of [3H]proline into collagenase-digestible (CDP) and non-collagen protein (NCP) by using purified bacterial collagenase. Addition of lα,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (lα,25(OH)2D3) to cultures containing 5% vitamin D-deficient serum produced a dose-related inhibition of incorporation of proline into CDP over the range of 10-11 to 10-7 M at 24 h. Similar inhibition was obtained with lα,25(OH)2D3) in 4-day cultures by using medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin instead of serum. The effect on the labeling of CDP was selective and in most experiments there was no effect on incorporation of proline into NCP. lα,24R,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3 (lα,24R,25(OH)3D3) at 10-9–10-7 M also inhibited the labeling of CDP, but three other compounds, 25-hydroxy-, 24R,25-dihydroxy-, and 24S,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, had no consistent effect. To test whether a metabol...
Going Nonlinear to Study Liquid Surfaces of Environmental Importance

A summary of our most recent studies of environmentally important processes at liquid surfaces will be presented. The studies are a combination of vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations.
Organizational cultures reflected in a comparison of work justifications across work groups

Two studies investigate work justifications as indicators and displayers of organizational culture in work groups. Study 1 compares work groups that represent four different organizations and four different occupations. Study 2 compares Work groups from two different organizations with the same occupation. An account analysis reveals that the way in which work justifications are used differs significantly across organizations. This finding occurs with varied occupational groups and groups whose occupation is the same. The frequency of accounts given represents an aspect of communication that can delineate one group from another. The authors discuss limitations, implications, and future directions.
Prevention science and positive youth development: competitive or cooperative frameworks?

Abstract Purpose To examine the convergence in the critiques and recommendations for the future of programs to promote healthy development and prevent problem behaviors among children and adolescents Methods A review of literature captures two streams of thought, those promoting positive youth development approaches to youth programming and those promoting prevention science approaches to youth programming. Results Results suggest that advocates of positive youth development and prevention science have similar critiques of single-problem-focused prevention programs in the 1980s and early 1990s, and have similar recommendations for the future of youth programming. Further, review of data on youth development suggests that it is important to focus on risk and protection in preventing adolescent problems as well as in promoting positive youth development. Conclusions These results suggest that both youth development and prevention science approaches have grown from similar roots and make similar recommendations for the future of youth programming. Further, data on precursors suggest that focusing on promoting protection and reducing risk is likely to prevent problems and promote positive youth development. Yet advocates of these approaches often are at odds, suggesting that the approaches provide different paradigmatic approaches to youth programming. We conclude that cooperation between these two approaches would further progress in the field of youth programming.
Chronic groin sinus: an unusual complication of sterilisation clips

We report the case of a patient presenting with a chronic groin sinus secondary to a tubal ligation clip migration (Filshie clip) 21 years after the laparoscopic sterilisation took place. Our case report adds to the small number of cases describing tubal clip migration with resultant local sepsis. Although this is a rare complication, it should be borne in mind for women who have undergone tubal clip ligation and present with recurrent or chronic groin, perineal or peri-anal sepsis.
Decided on the Battlefield: Grant, Sherman, Lincoln, and the Election of 1864. By David Alan Johnson. (Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2012. Pp. 319. $27.00.)

The 1864 presidential election was the most important in American history. The fate of the Union and slavery hung in the balance. Abraham Lincoln, America's shrewdest and most cunning politician, b...
Size, Age and Demography of Metamorphosis and Sexual Maturation in Fishes

Understanding what determines the timing of transitions between life-history stages in fishes is crucial to an understanding of their demography. Most theoretical treatments assume that these transitions are age dependent, but evidence accumulating from a variety of organisms indicates that size is an important variable also. In the starry flounder, Platichthys slellatus (Pallas), the onset of metamorphosis is more closely related to size than age. In the platyfish, Xiphophorus maculatus (Gunther), the onset of sexual maturation depends on both size and age. I compare these results with those reported for other organisms, and outline the expected ecological correlates of age- and sizedependent transitions between life history stages in general.
Enhanced surface-magnetoplasma interactions in a semiconductor

It is shown that a surface-magnetoplasmon polariton mode propagating along a thin metal film bounded by two semi-infinite semiconductors has an enhanced interaction with an externally applied magnetic field.
Activation of Protein C In Vivo

An endothelial cell-associated cofactor that greatly enhances the rate of protein C activation by thrombin has recently been described. The observation that the cofactor binds thrombin with unusually high affinity (K(d) = 0.5 nM) suggested that low level thrombin infusion into dogs might lead to the selective activation of protein C. Infusion of thrombin (1 U/min per kg body wt) into the jugular vein of dogs leads to the formation of a systemic anticoagulant activity within 5 min of starting the infusion. The plasma has a prolonged partial thromboplastin time and Factor X(a) clotting time, but there is no change in the thrombin clotting time. The systemic anticoagulant activity is identified as activated protein C for the following reasons: (a) anti-canine activated protein C IgG antibodies inhibit the anticoagulant activity; (b) the anticoagulant activity can be partially purified from the plasma of dogs infused with thrombin by barium citrate adsorption; (c) the anticoagulant has chromatographic properties on QAE Sephadex indistinguishable from those of activated protein C, and (d) the rate at which this anticoagulant is inhibited in citrated canine plasma is identical to that of canine activated protein C. The in vivo activation of protein C appears to be receptor mediated since it occurs at low thrombin concentration and since it can be progressively inhibited by simultaneous infusion of diisopropylphospho-thrombin with thrombin. The activation of protein C at low levels of thrombin is selective, since neither the platelet count nor the Factor V levels are altered. Thrombin infusion leads to an elevation in circulating plasminogen activator levels. This appears to be mediated through the activation of protein C since coinfusion of diisopropylphospho-thrombin with thrombin inhibits the increase in plasminogen activator levels. Pretreatment of dogs with dicumarol blocks both the formation of anticoagulant activity and the rise in plasminogen activator. When the dicumarol-treated dogs are supplemented with isolated protein C and thrombin is infused, the anticoagulant activity again appears and the circulating levels of plasminogen activator are again elevated. These studies illustrate that low levels of thrombin in vivo can activate protein C, which in turn can inhibit blood coagulation and initiate fibrinolysis by elevating circulating plasminogen activator levels.
Mobile Robot Navigation in Hilly Terrain Using Reinforcement Learning Techniques

Mobile robot navigation in unknown, unstructured environments such as hilly terrains is often complex due to uncertainties associated with classification of terrain features as traversable or non-traversable and identification of paths between start and goal that pose minimum danger to the robot during navigation. Humans possess an uncanny ability to identify paths under the presence of uncertainties and determine whether a terrain feature is safe to traverse or not. Therefore, it is beneficial if such human knowledge is taken advantage of when available. This paper discusses the use of reinforcement learning techniques for navigation in hilly type terrains with and without the human assistance. When a prior knowledge such as low resolution aerial view about the terrain is available, a human expert can suggest paths that are relatively safe to traverse. A value matrix is developed using those expert paths that could be used by the robot to steer from any start position in the terrain to the goal position. Matlab based simulations have been carried out and the results have been presented for robot navigation in a terrain in the presence of multiple expert suggested paths.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Single crystal electron paramagnetic resonance studies of {FeNO}7-bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate)

The single crystal EPR spectrum of Fe(NO)(S2CN(CH3)2)2 (1%) in Co(NO)(S2CN(CH3)2)2 was measured at room temperature at X-band. Both the g and AN tensors have rhombic symmetry with gz = 2.028, gx = 2.046, gy = 2.039, AN(z) = 14.9, AN(x) = 12.6, and AN(y) = 12.2 Oe. The features of the g and AN tensors are related to the geometry of the FeNO moiety and to the description of its electronic structure.
Intelligent honeypot agent for blackhole attack detection in Wireless Mesh Networks

Wireless Mesh Networking (WMN), the static mesh routers (MRs) cooperatively relay each other packets to the Internet Gateway (IGW). The routing protocols assume all the nodes in the network to be non-malicious. However, the open architecture of WMNs paves way to malicious attackers who can exploit hidden loopholes in the routing protocol. In this paper, we mainly focus on the vulnerability of the network to a suction attack called blackhole attack. In detecting such attacks, we explore the use of intelligent agents called Honeypots which are roaming virtual software agents that generate a dummy Route Request (RREQ) packets to lure and trap blackhole attackers. We illustrate the performance of our proposed detection approach by extensive simulation results using the ns-2 simulator.
Teaching serial position sequences to monkeys with a delayed matching-to-sample procedure.

Comparison was made of two methods for training monkeys to “observe” a two-member serial position sequence by pressing two consecutively lighted keys and then to “report” the sequence by pressing the same two keys in the same order but without the lights. A fading technique involving gradual elimination of brightness cues from “reporting” keys was found more effective than a no-fading procedure in which the cues remained bright during training and then were suddenly removed. Animals that failed to learn to report a new sequence with the no-fading procedure sometimes developed behavior incompatible with that desired. They made repeated and specific errors that prematurely terminated trials of the sequence to-be-learned, even though the correct key was cued by a bright light. They behaved appropriately, however, on succeeding trials of other sequences. Thus, the errors were followed by trials on which reinforcement occurred. Manipulation of this contingency indicated its importance in maintaining the stereotyped error patterns.
Modeling and Experimental Characterization of an Untethered Magnetic Micro-Robot

Here we present the control, performance and modeling of an untethered electromagnetically actuated magnetic micro-robot. The microrobot, which is composed of neodymiumâironâboron with dimensions 250 I¼m 1 130 I¼m 1 10 I¼m , is actuated by a system of six macro-scale electromagnets. Periodically varying magnetic fields are used to impose magnetic torques, which induce stickâslip motion in the micro-robot. These magnetic forces and torques are incorporated into a comprehensive dynamic model, which captures the behavior of the micro-robot. By pivoting the micro-robot about an edge, non-planar obstacles with characteristic sizes comparable to the robot length can be surmounted. Actuation is demonstrated on several substrates with different surface properties, in a fluid environment, and in a vacuum. Observed micro-robot translation speeds can exceed 10 mm s-1.
Real-Time Prototype of a Zero-Reference Video Quality Algorithm

This paper presents a real-time implementation of a previously described video quality monitoring solution which does not require access to the original video. The prototype is intended to be used in real video network scenarios, for video quality monitoring as well as real-time system enhancement.
Planning to learn: Integrating model learning into a trajectory planner for mobile robots

For a mobile robot that performs online model learning, the learning rate is a function of the robot's trajectory. The tracking errors that arise when the robot executes a motion plan depend on how well the robot has learned its own model. Therefore a planner that seeks to minimize collisions with obstacles will choose plans that decrease modeling errors if it can predict the learning rate for each plan. In this paper we present an integrated planning and learning algorithm for a simple mobile robot that finds safe, efficient plans through a grid world to a goal point using a standard optimal planner, A*. Simulation results show that with this algorithm the robot practices maneuvers in the open regions of the configuration space, if necessary, before entering the constrained regions of the space. The robot performs mission-specific learning, acquiring only the information it needs to complete the task safely.
Voiding urethrography: an integral part of intravenous urography.

Summary 1. The value of including a voiding urethrogram as a routine procedure during intravenous urography has been discussed. 2. Four cases illustrative of urethral lesions which could be corrected by operation have been presented. 3. Two of these 4 are, to our knowledge, the first cases of anterior urethral valves demonstrated in the United States.
Technology as excuse for questionable ethics

By endowing technology with the attributes of autonomous agency, human beings are ethically sidelined. Individuals are relieved of responsibility. The suggestion of being in the grip of irresistible forces provides an excuse for rejecting responsibility for oneself and others, thus creating conditions for inappropriate or antisocial behavior. It also impedes the search for solutions to pressing social problems associated with applications of technology. Failure to assign and accept responsibility for decisions to deploy “conventional” technology will inevitably impede our ability to deal with the social and ethical challenges of robotics.
Prognostic molecular assay might improve identification of patients at risk for recurrence in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer.

Abstract Introduction Adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival for some patients with NSCLC and is recommended in NCCN guidelines for stage Ib to IIa patients with certain “high-risk” characteristics. An internationally validated, 14-gene expression assay has been shown to better stratify mortality risk in nonsquamous NSCLC than either conventional staging or these high risk clinicopathologic features. Patients and Methods A blinded chart review of 52 patients with prospective molecular risk stratification using the 14-gene test compared recurrence outcomes with a mean follow-up of 15.2 ± 11.7 months of patients with high- or low-risk determined according to either NCCN criteria or the molecular assay. Results Molecular risk assessment was discordant from NCCN criteria in 14 of 23 patients in stages Ib and IIa (61%). Recurrence was not observed among any of 31 molecular intermediate- or low-risk patients, including 10 NCCN high-risk patients, whereas 2 of 6 recurrences (33%) occurred among NCCN low-risk patients. Recurrences in stages I or IIa were seen in 2 of 18 NCCN high-risk patients (11%; both were stage IIa and both received a high-risk molecular designation), and in 4 of 18 patients (22%) with a high-risk molecular score, including 1 stage Ia and 1 stage Ib patient. Conclusion This small cohort study suggests that a 14-gene prognostic assay more accurately stratifies risk among early-stage NSCLC patients than current NCCN criteria. NCCN guidelines already advocate risk stratification within tumor, node, metastases stages. This molecular assay has clinical utility in better identifying high-risk patients and might improve NCCN adjuvant chemotherapy recommendations.
Paradoxical effects of cobaltous chloride treatment on 2-methylnaphthalene disposition and hepatic cytochrome P-450 content in carp.

Effects of cobaltous chloride (CoCl2) treatment on the disposition of 2-methylnaphthalene (2-MeNap)-derived radioactivity was studied in adult carp. The fish were treated with CoCl2 (60 mg/kg, ip) or an equivalent volume of saline (control) 36 and 12 hr before 2-MeNap administration (5 mg/kg, ip). Carp were killed 12, 24, 48 and 72 hr later. CoCl2-treated carp had less 2-MeNap-derived radioactivity in gallbladder bile and a greater amount in the liver at all of these times. Solvent extraction of bile revealed that virtually all of the radioactivity was due to polar 2-MeNap metabolites in both groups. Solvent extraction of liver showed that the greater total amount of 2-MeNap-derived radioactivity in the CoCl2 treatment group was due to a greater amount of parent compound being present; amount of polar 2-MeNap metabolites in the liver of CoCl2-treated carp and control carp was similar. Inasmuch as 2-MeNap metabolism in carp is thought to involve monooxygenation in the liver, our results suggest that the altered hepatobiliary disposition of 2-MeNap in CoCl2-treated carp may be due to depressed 2-MeNap metabolism by liver microsomal enzymes. However, total hepatic cytochrome P-450 content and activity of an associated monooxygenase enzyme (7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase) were similar in CoCl2-treated and control carp throughout the study. To resolve this paradox (apparent depression of hepatic 2-MeNap metabolism by CoCl2 but lack of effect on hepatic cytochrome P-450 content and 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activity), it is suggested that a minor form of cytochrome P-450 may be responsible for hepatic 2-MeNap metabolism in carp and be selectively inhibited or degraded by CoCl2. Inherent in this postulate is the assumption that this minor form of cytochrome P-450 does not contribute significantly to total cytochrome P-450 content of carp liver or 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase activity.
Vertex domination‐critical graphs

A dominating set in a graph G is a set of vertices D such that every vertex of G is either in D or is adjacent some vertex of D. The domination number Γ(G) of G is the minimum cardinality of any dominating set. A graph is vertex domination-critical if the removal of any vertex decreases its domination number. This paper gives examples and properties of vertex domination-critical graphs, presents a method of constructing them, and poses some open questions. In the process several results for arbitrary graphs are presented.
Elevation of alkaline phosphatase by retinol in bovine endothelial cells and its possible relationship to lipid biosynthesis

Abstract Alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) activity in bovine aortic endothelial cells in culture was stimulated in a synergistic manner by 10 −6 M retinol and by 10 −7 M dexamethasone. An early exposure to retinol was required for maximum stimulation and could be reproduced by the addition, during growth, of 2 μg/ml compactin. The induced enzyme activity in cell lysates prepared from cells treated with retinol and dexamethasone had a V max that was 50-fold that of the controls. The stimulatory effect of retinol could be partially reversed by the addition of sonic dispersions made from cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine. The incorporation of [ 14 C]acetate into saponifiable and non-saponifiable cellular lipids was inhibited by 10 −6 M retinol but the activities of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A synthase (EC 4.1.3.5) remained unaffected. The results suggest that retinol might inhibit lipid biosynthesis through an alternate mechanism.
Data mining for Web intelligence

Searching, comprehending, and using the semistructured HTML, XML, and database-service-engine information stored on the Web poses a significant challenge. This data is more sophisticated and dynamic than the information commercial database systems store. To supplement keyword-based indexing, researchers have applied data mining to Web-page ranking. In this context, data mining helps Web search engines find high-quality Web pages and enhances Web click stream analysis. For the Web to reach its full potential, however, we must improve its services, make it more comprehensible, and increase its usability. As researchers continue to develop data mining techniques, the authors believe this technology will play an increasingly important role in meeting the challenges of developing the intelligent Web. Ultimately, data mining for Web intelligence will make the Web a richer, friendlier, and more intelligent resource that we can all share and explore. The paper considers how data mining holds the key to uncovering and cataloging the authoritative links, traversal patterns, and semantic structures that will bring intelligence and direction to our Web interactions.
Shape changes in patterned planar InAs as a function of thickness and temperature

Quantum dots have the potential to produce devices with enhanced properties. However, many quantum dot devices require the quantum dots to have a precise size and a precise location for optimum operation. So far approaches such as directed assembly and self assembly have failed due to the random effects resulting during nucleation of the quantum dots. InAs grown under metal rich conditions can remain planar as opposed to forming the self assembled quantum dot morphology. Recently we have demonstrated that planar InAs when patterned via tip-based scribing and then annealed under an As pressure typical for self-assembled quantum dot growth reorganizes and assumes a 3D morphology. We have been studying this process as a potential method to precisely locate quantum dots with definable sizes. In this work we report change in the morphology for different thickness of planar InAs for various pattern dimensions and annealing temperatures. We have analyzed the composition of the films after annealing to determine the effect induced in the films from patterning resulting from scribing. Using this approach, arrays of 3D InAs mounds have been formed with mounds having base dimensions of 800, 500, and 350A. These results demonstrate that the smaller patterns are less stable and coarsening becomes more dominant.
Tunnel barrier photoelectrodes for solar water splitting

Tunnel barrier photoelectrodes, with a thin inorganic tunnel barrier layer that isolates the semiconductor electrode from the electrolyte while allowing current flow across the interface, are a possible solution to the problem of photocorrosion in solar water splitting. In this approach, selection of the semiconductor for the light absorber is decoupled from selection of the tunnel barrier material that provides chemical stability. Here we demonstrate a proof-of-principle of this approach with TiO2/MgO tunnel barrier photoelectrodes.