cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Carbon-related Bandgap States in GaN Grown by MOCVD

Carbon doping of GaN is of great interest in part because it has been shown to result in semi-insulating (SI) behavior. However, determination of the bandgap states and hence the exact mechanism responsible for the SI behavior is, to date, an unresolved issue. A key impediment is that the presumed C acceptor levels are likely near the minority carrier (valence) bandedge of otherwise background n-type GaN, and hence their precise detection by usual methods is difficult. In this paper, we exploit the inherent ability of deep level optical spectroscopy (DLOS) to detect states near the minority carrier band edge, as well as potentially deep states associated with C in background n-type GaN. This is accomplished by comparing unintentionally doped (uid) GaN grown by atmospheric pressure (AP) MOCVD, which has residual n-type conductivity, with LP MOCVD GaN that incorporates a large concentration of C for both uid and intentionally Si co-doped conditions. The results show the emergence of a shallow state at Ec - 3.28 eV (Ev + 0.16 eV) for the LP samples with a minimum concentration of 3.6 × 1016 cm−3 that efficiently compensates Si donors for the co-doped sample, and results in semi-insulating behavior for the uid-LP sample. In contrast, this state is not observed for the AP GaN material, which incorporates a factor of ∼10 times less C, and instead only the expected residual Mg acceptor level at Ec - 3.22 eV is observed. Additionally, a state at Ec - 1.35 eV, near the theoretically expected C split-interstitial level in n-type GaN, is observed to increase significantly in concentration with increased C concentration.
A STATISTICAL METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING RACIAL OVERREPRESENTATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PLACEMENT

The discovery of disproportionate minority enrollments in special education classes has been a subject of considerable concern to federal, state, and local education officials alike for the past decade. Because the existence of disproportions is frequently thought to result from discriminatory placement practices on the part of local school districts, many state agencies are implementing methods for detecting and taking action against offending districts. This paper discusses some of the methodological problems inherent in existing methods for determining disparities in special education placement and offers an alternative to presently-used methods. The alternative offered can be used for the simultaneous comparison of disparity across many districts and several diagnostic categories.
Flow Stress Equations for Type 304 Stainless and AISI 1055 Steels

A model for stress-strain behavior under hot working conditions has been proposed. Based on experimental data, equations for the dependence of flow stress on strain, strain rate, and temperature have been developed. Application to type 304 stainless steel and AISI 1055 steel has been demonstrated.
Authoritarianism and leadership choice in a military setting

"A study was undertaken to determine the relationship between F-scale scores and leadership status among officer indoctrinees. The major hypothesis was that there would be a significant positive relationship between scores on a measure of authoritarianism and leadership acceptance by peers in a military setting . . ... Correlational and chi-square analysis tested the hypothesis and indicated a significant negative relationship between authoritarianism and leadership." 22 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
The lung-to-head ratio and fetoscopic temporary tracheal occlusion: prediction of survival in severe left congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Objectives To evaluate the reliability of sonographic lung-to-head ratio (LHR) measurement as a predictor of survival in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and to compare the probability of survival in those with temporary tracheal occlusion (TO) or standard care with respect to the LHR. Methods Fifty-six fetuses with left CDH with liver herniated into the thorax at complete prenatal evaluation were included in logistic regression analyses of antenatal predictors of survival to hospital discharge. Sixteen subjects underwent TO and 40 received standard care. Results LHR was a significant predictor of survival, with probability of survival increasing with increasing LHR (odds ratio (OR) 8.5, P = 0.04). When subjects with anomalies were excluded, the LHR effect was similar after adjustment for TO (OR 7.1, P = 0.11). Linear spline models suggested a plateau in survival at an LHR of 1.0 and all models suggested increased odds of survival with TO. Minimum LHR measurements had a high degree of inter- and intraobserver agreement (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.70 and 0.80, respectively). Conclusions Calculation of the LHR in fetuses with CDH is a reliable and powerful predictor of survival to hospital discharge, although improving odds of survival may plateau at an LHR of 1.0. TO may have an independent benefit on survival to hospital discharge. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycerol-3-phosphate Acyltransferase (GPAT)-1, but Not GPAT4, Incorporates Newly Synthesized Fatty Acids into Triacylglycerol and Diminishes Fatty Acid Oxidation

Four glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) isoforms, each encoded by a separate gene, catalyze the initial step in glycerolipid synthesis; in liver, the major isoforms are GPAT1 and GPAT4. To determine whether each of these hepatic isoforms performs a unique function in the metabolism of fatty acid, we measured the incorporation of de novo synthesized fatty acid or exogenous fatty acid into complex lipids in primary mouse hepatocytes from control, Gpat1−/−, and Gpat4−/− mice. Although hepatocytes from each genotype incorporated a similar amount of exogenous fatty acid into triacylglycerol (TAG), only control and Gpat4−/− hepatocytes were able to incorporate de novo synthesized fatty acid into TAG. When compared with controls, Gpat1−/− hepatocytes oxidized twice as much exogenous fatty acid. To confirm these findings and to assess hepatic β-oxidation metabolites, we measured acylcarnitines in liver from mice after a 24-h fast and after a 24-h fast followed by 48 h of refeeding with a high sucrose diet to promote lipogenesis. Confirming the in vitro findings, the hepatic content of long-chain acylcarnitine in fasted Gpat1−/− mice was 3-fold higher than in controls. When compared with control and Gpat4−/− mice, after the fasting-refeeding protocol, Gpat1−/− hepatic TAG was depleted, and long-chain acylcarnitine content was 3.5-fold higher. Taken together, these data demonstrate that GPAT1, but not GPAT4, is required to incorporate de novo synthesized fatty acids into TAG and to divert them away from oxidation. Background: The independent functions of the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) isoforms are unknown. Results: When compared with Gpat4−/−, Gpat1−/− hepatocytes oxidized more fatty acids (FA) and were unable to incorporate de novo synthesized FA into triacylglycerol. Conclusion: GPAT1, but not GPAT4, metabolizes FA synthesized de novo from [14C]acetate and diverts FA away from mitochondrial oxidation. Significance: GPAT1 and GPAT4 use different cellular pools of FA.
Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation: Update and New Developments

Pancreatic islet cell transplantation is a treatment alternative for patients with type 1 diabetes who experience hypoglycemic unawareness despite maximal care. The good results obtained by the group from Edmonton and other centers, with 80% insulin independence at 1 year posttransplant, are not sustainable over time, with 5-year insulin independence achieved in only 10% of patients. However, persistent graft function, even without insulin independence, results in improved glucose control and avoidance of hypoglycemic events. Changes in organ preservation, islet processing technique, and immunosuppression regimens can result in improvement of results in the future. Islet autotransplantation is an option for patients who undergo total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis with debilitating pain, in which reinfusion of the islets from the resected pancreas can result in avoidance of postsurgical diabetes or enhanced glucose control.
Walsh Orthogonal Functions in Geometrical Feature Extraction

Walsh functions are used in designinq a feature extraction algorithm. The ?axis-symmetry? property of the Walsh functions is used to decompose geometrical patterns. An axissymmetry (a.s.)-histogram is obtained from the Walsh spectrum of a pattern by adding the squares of the spectrm coefficients that correspond to a given a.s.-number ? and plotting these against ?. Since Walsh transformation is not positionally invariant, the sequency spectrum does not specify the pattern uniquely. This disadvantage is overcome by performing a normalization on the input pattern through Fourier transformation. The a.s.-histogram is obtained from the Walsh spectrum coefficients of the Fourier-normalized rather than the original pattern. Such histogram contains implicit information about symmetries, periodicities, and discontinuities present in a figure. It is shown that a.s.-histograms result in great dimensionality reduction in the feature space, which leads to a computationally simpler classification task, and that patterns which differ only in translations or 90° rotation have equal a.s.-histograms.
ESR study of photoexcited triplets of some tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin dimers

Abstract Tetra (4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (H 2 TPPS), and the metalloporphyrins ZnTPPS and PdTPPS dimerize in aqueous solution. An ESR study has been made of the photoexcited triplets of the [ZnTPPS] 2 . [H 2 TPPS/ZnTPPS] and [H 2 TPPS/PdTPPS] dimers. It is found that there is a strong dimerization effect on the values of the zero field splitting parameters of the triplets. This contrasts with what has been reported for photoexcited triplets of a series of covalently-linked tetrapyrroles. The experimental data indicate that the dimerization effect on the TPPS triplet parameters must be attributed to charge transfer contributions to the triplet electronic state.
What is the shape of information?: human factors in the development and use of digital libraries

At Indiana, we are currently investigating several aspects of electronic document usage that relate to the organization of information in digital environments. This work is collectively referred to under the heading: the perception of shape in information. The aim of this research is to identify aspects of presentation that afford users with a sense of location and order in electronic space, and to transfer these findings to developers of digital library applications. As well as empirical research, SLIS is involved in the development of a number of practical projects involving the campus libraries utilizing sociotechnical approaches to design (e.g., Eason, 1988), but it is the research component of our efforts that will be emphasized here.A unified perspective for this work is provided by the TIMS framework (Dillon, 1994) which is derived from studies of user interaction with electronic and paper documents. The framework is intended to be an approximate representation of the human cognition and behaviour central to the reading or information usage process.The framework focuses attention on all aspects of hypermedia design that are likely to impact the user - from an understanding of their tasks to low level ergonomic issues of screen design and typography. In particular, current research is focusing on aspects of the Information Model component, with emphasis on the issues of navigation, salience and structure in WWW environments, and the use of dynamics to enhance usability. Finally, the present work is being related to broader issues of technology acceptance, through the application of Davis et al's (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in the context of WWW applications. In the present document, a snapshot of this research is presented; the reader should note however that this work is part of the broader research program on digital library usability ongoing here in Indiana.
Use of Fos as an Index of Altered Neuronal Activation in Aging Animals

Abstract The immediate early gene c- fos is rapidly and transiently induced in response to a variety of extracellular stimuli and codes for a protein, Fos, that regulates transcription of target genes in neurons. Detection of Fos can serve as a marker of neuronal activation at the individual cell level. Thus, localization of Fos provides investigators with a widely applicable tool for assessment of neuronal activation during age-related changes in brain function. This article describes a method for the immunocytochemical localization of Fos in neurons of the aging brain using free-floating sections and the avidin-biotin detection system. This technique is particularly useful when Fos expression is cobcalized with other neuropeptides, permitting the assessment of age-related changes in discrete neuronal populations. Application of this method to studies of age-associated changes in hypothalamic neurons involved in reproductive cyclicity is described.
Probing the Kondo resonance by resonant tunneling through an Anderson impurity.

We compute the current as a function of voltage for resonant tunneling through an Anderson impurity in the low-temperature, Kondo, regime. The differential conductance curve has the same structure as the zero-bias spectral function, but is sharper because a finite voltage tends to destroy the Kondo resonance. This destruction of the Kondo resonance cannot be mapped onto an increase in the effective temperature at the impurity site. The calculation is performed in the symmetric Anderson model using perturbation theory in the Hubbard U repulsion.
Evaluation of Antacids in Man Using the Heidelberg Capsule

AbstractThirteen commercially available antacids in tablet form were tested in healthy young volunteers using a transistorized miniature telemetric device (Heidelberg Capsule). After the radio transmitter capsule was swallowed, an alkali response test was performed, and two tablets of the antacid to be tested then administered. The recorded pH versus time curves were evaluated for onset of action defined as increase of pH to a value above 3, the maximum pH obtained, and the area under the pH versus time curve after the alkali response test and after administration of the antacid. For the latter one two areas were determined, the one above the base line and that above pH 5.5. It has been determined that to be effective in ulcer patients an antacid should bring the gastric pH to a value of 5.5 or above at which point the proteolytic enzymes are inactive. Only 9 of the 13 preparations resulted in pH above 5.5. Dividing the areas under the curve above the base line after administration of the antacid by the a...
The illusory transparency of intention: linguistic perspective taking in text.

Subjects read scenarios where a speaker made a comment that, depending on information that was privileged to the subjects, could have been interpreted as sarcastic or not sarcastic. Their task was to take the perspective of an uninformed addressee and determine whether he or she would perceive sarcasm. Overall, when subjects believed that the speaker was actually being sarcastic they were more likely to attribute the perception of sarcasm to the addressee - even when the message was conveyed in writing and could not have involved disambiguating cues such as intonation. Data from four different experiments suggest that readers do use information that is perspective-irrelevant and thus pose a problem for theories of language use that assume readers only use "relevant" information.
Hemoglobin functions in the blood of Bufo marinus.

The effects of three physical-chemical factors, temperature, hydrogen ion concentration, and partial pressure of oxygen, on the respiratory functions of blood of the toad (Bufo marinus) have been studied. Measurements of oxygen affinity of hemoglobin in whole blood were measured tonometrically by a method devised for small quantities of blood. At pH 7.40 and 25°C blood was found to be 50% saturated with oxygen at a partial pressure of 44 mm Hg of oxygen. The Bohr effect was measured at various temperatures and found to be about one-half that found for mammalian blood. Carbon dioxide content of toad blood changes only slightly in the oxygenated and reduced states. Thus the “Haldane” effect parallels the small Bohr effect. Toad blood was found to have average hematocrit values of 37% for erythrocytes and average hemoglobin values of 11 gm/100 ml per cubic millimeter of blood. The respiratory functions of the blood of the toad conform to the pattern of respiratory mechanisms available for gas exchange between the environment and tissues of the organism.
Civil-Military Relations: Perspectives From the Third World

Theories of civil-military relations have been drawn largely from societies that are both industrialized and Western. Study of civil-milit relations in ird World societies illustrates the significance of both "'ltfcafcultiireand participai in politics as key factors determining the arm al role T p s are discussed with reference to Confucian ideals, to Latin American concepts of the legitimacy of military participation in decision-making, and to guerrilla warfare and mass mobilization.
The Bush Business Cycle Profit Rate: Support in a Theoretical Debate and Implications for the Future

This paper looks at the most recent aggregate profit rate data for the United States. It then makes five arguments. First, the new data reinforce the rejection of “neoliberalism as successful capit...
Radiologic evaluation of blunt thoracic aortic injury in pediatric patients

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to assess the mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and radiographic findings of pediatric patients presenting with blunt thoracic aortic injury.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The medical records and imaging studies of all pediatric patients presenting with blunt thoracic aortic injury from January 1986 through December 2007 (n = 17) were reviewed. The mechanism of injury, associated injuries, imaging findings, and surgical findings were recorded. The Fisher's exact test was used to assess changes in utilization of chest CT and thoracic aortography.RESULTS. The most frequent mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash in which the patient was an unrestrained driver or unrestrained passenger (9/17 = 53%). The most common concurrent injury was solid abdominal organ injury (9/17 = 53%). The most frequent finding was a prominent or indistinct aortic knob (16/17 = 94%) on chest radiography, a periaortic hematoma and aortic contour abnormality on chest CT (9/10 = 90%), and ...
A globally convergent CMA-based approach to blind multiuser detection

In this paper, we study blind multiuser detection in a CDMA system in the presence of multipath propagation. The receiver is forced to follow a minimum mean-square-error type parameterized by a channel like constraint vector. Then we minimize the Godard's CMA cost function with respect to such a constraint vector in a much smaller dimensional space. Global convergence of the proposed approach is established. Performance of the channel estimator and receiver is also analyzed, together with comparisons with existing methods. Simulation results show that the proposed method performs well by both batch and adaptive implementations.
Large core polymer waveguides for optical backplanes in microfluidic systems

A platform is developed which utilizes polymer materials used for the chips to create waveguide based optical components. With the fabrication method demonstrated, waveguides, power splitters, combiners and bends can be introduced and integrated cheaply into existing biochips.
A novel FIR filter implementation using truncated MCM technique

Multiplication is performed frequently when implementing finite impulse response (FIR) filters. In most cases, rounded products are necessary to circumvent the growth of word length in order to reduce the area requirement and power dissipation and to speed up the circuit. However, due to rounding or truncating, errors are caused. In addition, in the FIR filter implementation, because of internal truncation, the coefficient multiplication varies based on the input. This makes directly analyzing its frequency response impossible. In this paper, FIR filter implementation using truncated multiple constant multiplication (MCM) is proposed, while developing a method to estimate the error due to truncation. Simulation indicates that our technique can reduce the number of full adders by nearly 30 percent, compared to traditional MCM algorithms, while only causing small errors in the frequency response.
Serum aldosterone and cortisol concentrations before and after suppression with fludrocortisone in cats A pilot study

Primary hyperaldosteronism is an increasingly recognized syndrome in cats, and diagnosis can be difficult. A potential diagnostic method has been reported, utilizing oral fludrocortisone administered twice daily for 4 days followed by collection of urine. In the current study, we sought to determine if blood sampling and a shorter dosing period would provide a possible means to test for primary hyperaldosteronism. Also, cortisol concentrations were measured to assess the potential of fludrocortisone to act as a glucocorticoid in cats. In phase I, 8 healthy laboratory cats were studied in a placebo-controlled, crossover design. Serum aldosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured before and on the second, third, and fourth day of treatment and compared within groups. In phase II, based on the results obtained in phase I, 8 healthy client-owned cats were administered 3 doses of fludrocortisone or placebo. Serum aldosterone and cortisol concentrations were compared before and after treatment within groups. In both phases, serum aldosterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly suppressed in fludrocortisone-treated cats. Thus, it was determined that oral administration of fludrocortisone causes suppression of serum aldosterone in healthy adult cats after only 3 doses. Further research is needed to determine the effects of oral fludrocortisone in cats with primary hyperaldosteronism and cats with other disorders causing hypertension and/or hypokalemia to determine if this protocol can be used as a tool for the definitive diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism.
Species, muscle type, and formulation influence the residual concentrations of three endpoint temperature indicators in poultry products

The objectives were to determine 1) the effect of muscle type and temperature on the concentration of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), IgG, and serum albumin (SA) in turkey and chicken, and 2) the concentrations of these marker proteins in four turkey products processed to the USDA required endpoint temperature (EPT) of 68.3 C. Ground turkey and chicken breast and thigh meat were placed in thermal death time tubes and heated to 65.5, 68.3, 71.1, or 73.8 C. Turkey bologna, pastrami, smoked sausage, and frankfurters were cooked by a local processor to target temperatures between 65.5 and 73.8 C. Proteins were extracted and quantified by an LDH sandwich ELISA or indirect competitive ELISA for SA and IgG. Although all indicators decreased in concentration as EPT were increased, turkey contained higher (P < 0.0001) residual concentrations of the indicators than chicken. In both turkey and chicken, thigh muscle contained higher concentrations of SA (P < 0.0001) and IgG (P < 0.0001) and lower concentrations of LDH (P < 0.0001) than breast muscle at the same EPT. The concentrations of the three indicators decreased as the EPT of the four turkey thigh products were increased. At an EPT of 68.3 C, pastrami contained the lowest concentrations of SA and IgG, whereas bologna contained the lowest concentration of LDH. The LDH ranged from 441.7 ng/g bologna to 1,283.6 ng/g sausage at 68.3 C. Minimum residual concentrations of each indicator need to be established for each product before the ELISA can be used to verify processing to the USDA minimum EPT.
Differential cell cycle-regulatory protein expression in biliary tract adenocarcinoma: correlation with anatomic site, pathologic variables, and clinical outcome.

Purpose Biliary tract adenocarcinomas (BTAs), although anatomically related, arise through ill-defined and possibly different location-related pathogenetic pathways. This clinicopathologic study characterizes differences in cell cycle–regulatory protein expression across the spectrum of BTA. Methods Tissue microarrays were prepared from paraffin-embedded surgical specimens with triplicate cores of BTA and benign tissue. Immunohistochemical expression of p53, cyclin D1, p21, Bcl2, p27, Mdm2, and Ki-67 was assessed, and the results were correlated with pathologic variables and survival. Hierarchical clustering was used to partition the data based on protein expression, and then the data were analyzed according to anatomic location. Results Tissue from 128 surgical patients (1992 to 2002) was obtained. Tumor sites of origin were intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IH; n = 23), hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Hilar; n = 54), gallbladder (GB; n = 32), and distal bile duct (Distal; n = 19). p27 expression decreased prog...
Principal angles and principal azimuths of frustrated total internal reflection and optical tunneling by an embedded low-index thin film.

The condition for obtaining a differential (or ellipsometric) quarter-wave retardation when p- and s-polarized light of wavelength λ experience frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) and optical tunneling at angles of incidence ϕ≥ the critical angle by a transparent thin film (medium 1) of low refractive index n1 and uniform thickness d, which is embedded in a transparent bulk medium 0 of high refractive index n0 takes the simple form: −tanh2x=tan⁡δptan⁡δs, in which x=2πn1(d/λ)(N2sin2ϕ−1)1/2, N=n0/n1, and δp, δs are 01 interface Fresnel reflection phase shifts for the p and s polarizations. From this condition, the ranges of the principal angle and normalized film thickness d/λ are obtained explicitly. At a given principal angle, the associated principal azimuths ψr, ψt in reflection and transmission are determined by tan2ψr=−sin⁡2δs/sin⁡2δp and tan2ψt=−tan⁡δp/tan⁡δs, respectively. At a unique principal angle ϕe given by sin2ϕe=2/(N2+1), ψr=ψt=45° and linear-to-circular polarization conversion is achieved upon FTIR and optical tunneling simultaneously. The intensity transmittances of p- and s-polarized light at any principal angle are given by τp=tan⁡δp/tan⁡(δp−δs) and τs=−tan⁡δs/tan⁡(δp−δs), respectively. The efficiency of linear-to-circular polarization conversion in optical tunneling is maximum at ϕe.
Reducing Probability of Decision Error Using Stochastic Resonance

The problem of reducing the probability of decision error of an existing binary receiver that is suboptimal using the ideas of stochastic resonance is solved. The optimal probability density function of the random variable that should be added to the input is found to be a Dirac delta function, and hence, the optimal random variable is a constant. The constant to be added depends upon the decision regions and the probability density functions under the two hypotheses and is illustrated with an example. Also, an approximate procedure for the constant determination is derived for the mean-shifted binary hypothesis testing problem
Asymptotic properties of sample-based entropy, information divergence, and related metrics

Summary form only given. Given a sample produced by an unknown memoryless source, we show how to estimate its entropy with much higher precision by adding a simple correction term to a commonly used expression. We also derive asymptotic expansions for sample-based entropy of mixtures and sample-based mutual information. These results are obtained using technique discussed by P. Flajolet (see Theoretical Computer Science, vol.215, p.371-81, 1999).
A new genus, Okia, from northern Myanmar (Vernonieae, Asteraceae)

Abstract We establish here a new Asian genus of Vernonieae, Okia, for Cacalia birmanica O. Kuntze. It is most closely related to the similarly calcicolous Koyamasia of Thailand, and more distantly to the widespread tropical Asian Acilepis.
Single‐Step, Regioselective Synthesis of Diazadioxacalix[4]arenes and Diazadioxa[14]cyclophanes Bearing an Alternating N/O‐Bridge Pattern

Described is a single-step synthesis of diazadioxacalix[4]arenes and diazadioxa[14]cyclophanes bearing an alternating N/O-bridge substitution pattern. The macrocycles are formed regioselectively by condensation of 3- or 4-aminophenols with 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene. Conformational properties of the macrocyclic products are discussed, as well as mechanistic details of the synthesis leading to the observed bridge-pattern selectivity.
The Clinical-Basic Interface in Defining Pathogenesis in Disorders of Neurodevelopmental Origin

Human cognitive and social-emotional behaviors are heterogeneous, underscoring the challenges in modeling pathogenesis in disorders of neurodevelopmental origin in which these domains are dysfunctional. In general, animal models for these disorders are built to emulate our understanding of the clinical diagnosis, with mixed results. We suggest the utility of model systems lies in the use of different strategies to perturb hierarchical circuit development, to examine the behavioral dimensions that are most impacted, and to discern the capacity for, and heterogeneity of, neuroadaptation that will then inform treatment strategies.
On the Scalability of Hierarchical Hybrid Wireless Networks

This paper presents an analysis of the scaling properties of a three-tier hierarchical hybrid wireless network. The network under consideration, which arises in mesh networking scenarios such as 802.11s, aims to achieve better capacity than ad hoc networks without infrastructure support, and also reduces the investment on wired infrastructure. In particular, the hierarchical hybrid network has three tiers consisting of mobile nodes, radio forwarding nodes and wired access points. For a three-level network of n1, access points, n2 forwarding nodes and n3 mobile nodes, we analyze throughput in terms of two tiers of packets: those transmitted by mobile nodes (low-tier) and those transmitted by forwarding nodes and access points (high-tier). It is shown that low-tier capacity increases linearly with n2, and high-tier capacity increases linearly with n1 when n1 grows asymptotically faster than radicn2. These results, which are consistent with earlier simulation studies, demonstrate the value of adding radio forwarding nodes to improve scaling behavior and reduce the required number of wired access points. In order to model the capacity of the proposed network, we also study the capacity and traffic distribution of random aggregate networks.
Morphological and functional studies of cells derived from post-natal neural stem cells

iv CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION Introduction 1 Thesis Organization 2 Literature Review 2 References 17 CHAPTER 2. DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONAL NEURONS FROM POSTNATAL STEM CELLS IN VITRO Abstract 26 Introduction 27 Methods 29 Results 32 Discussion 36 References 38 Figures 41 CHAPTER 3. ASTROCYTES INFLUENCE NMDA RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN POSTNATAL NEURAL STEM CELLS Abstract 49 Introduction 50 Methods 52 Results 54 Discussion 57 References 59 Figures 65 CHAPTER 4. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS General conclusions 72 Summary 72 Discussion 74 References 77 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 80
Dynamic expression of small non-coding RNAs, including novel microRNAs and piRNAs/21U-RNAs, during Caenorhabditis elegans development

Background: Small non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), serve an important role in controlling gene expression during development and disease. However, little detailed information exists concerning the relative expression patterns of small RNAs during development of animals such as Caenorhabditis elegans. Results: We performed a deep analysis of small RNA expression in C. elegans using recent advances in sequencing technology, and found that a significant number of known miRNAs showed major changes in expression during development and between males and hermaphrodites. Additionally, we identified 66 novel miRNA candidates, about 35% of which showed transcripts from their 'star sequence', suggesting that they are bona fide miRNAs. Also, hundreds of novel Piwiinteracting RNAs (piRNAs)/21U-RNAs with dynamic expression during development, together with many longer transcripts encompassing 21U-RNA sequences, were detected in our libraries. Conclusions: Our analysis reveals extensive regulation of non-coding small RNAs during development of hermaphrodites and between different genders of C. elegans, and suggests that these RNAs, including novel miRNA candidates, are involved in developmental processes. These findings should lead to a better understanding of the biological roles of small RNAs in C. elegans development.
Two Nuclear Genes Confirm Mitochondrial Evidence of Cryptic Species within Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Phylogenetic analysis using DNA sequence data from two nuclear genes was undertaken to investigate phylogeographic structure within the widespread leafmining pest Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard). Parsimony analysis of 171 bp from β-tubulin (including an intron) and 921 bp from elongation factor-1α confirms previous findings from mitochondrial sequence data of deep phylogeographic structure indicative of cryptic species within L. huidobrensis. We resurrect the name L. langei Frick for the North American cryptic species and restrict the name L. huidobrensis to the South and Central American cryptic species. Results from nuclear genes also confirm previous results suggesting that recent invasions of this leafminer in many areas of the world are due to the spread of L. huidobrensis from South or Central America.
Surface-Stress-Induced Phase Transformation of Ultrathin FeCo Nanowires

Ultrathin metal nanowires have attracted wide attention becau se oftheir unique anisotropy and surface-to-volume effects. In this study, we use ultrathin Au nanowires as the templating core to epitaxially grow magnetic iron–cobalt (FeCo) shell through metal-redox with the control on their thickness and stoichiometry. Large surface-stress-induced phase transformation in Au nanowires triggers and stabilizes metastable tetragonal FeCo nanostructure to enhance its magnetic anisotropy and coercivity. Meanwhile, under illumination, plasmon-induced hotspot in ultrathin Au nanowires enables the light-control on magnetic characteristics of FeCo shell. This study demonstrates the feasibility of surface-stress-induced phase transformation to stabilize and control metastable nanostructures for enhanced magnetic anisotropy, which is one of the key properties of functional magnetic materials.
Characterization of Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells Developed in Serum-Free Media and their Ability to Prevent Type 1 Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice.

Dendritic cells (DC) have been investigated as a cell-based therapy for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). BM-DC expanded ex vivo with GM-CSF and IL-4 is typically cultured with fetal bovine serum (FBS). The effect of FBS on NOD BM-DC has not been extensively studied. In the present study we compare BM-DC generated in serumfree culture media (X-VIVO20; FBS-) with BM-DC generated in media containing 10% FBS (RPMI1640/10%FBS; FBS+). We show that FBS- BM-DC display a phenotype and cytokine-producing profile distinct from FBS+ BMDC. Additionally, compared to FBS+ BM-DC, we show evidence of an altered Th cell response induced by FBSBM- DC. Finally, we demonstrate that only FBS- BM-DC prevent the onset of T1D and induce increased levels of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells as well as a long-lasting β cell-specific T cell response. This study indicates that serum-free media generates a more tolerogenic BM-DC capable of preventing T1D in the NOD mice.
From PTK-STAT signaling to caspase expression and apoptosis induction.

The cell growth and survival can be regulated by cytokineinduced signals. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction from cytokine receptors to mediators of cell growth and apoptosis are not well characterized. STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) proteins can be activated by protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) in response to a variety of cytokines. We have shown that STAT activation induces expression of caspases which may cause cells undergo apoptosis. A hypothesis is proposed that PTKSTAT signaling pathways can regulate induction of apoptosis in response to cytokines and other extracellular signals.
Abstract LB-358: Carcinogen-induced epigenetic silencing of miR-205 and miR-200 family promotes EMT and transformation of lung epithelial cells

An in vitro carcinogen-induced transformation model was developed using immortalized bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) to identify key molecular changes in preneoplastic lung epithelial cells that occur during the development of lung cancer in smokers. HBECs were treated for twelve weeks (one exposure per week) with low-doses of tobacco carcinogens (MNU and BPDE) that resulted in transformation from genotoxic stress (DNA damage). The HBECs displayed a morphological change consistent with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) after 4 weeks of carcinogen treatment that persisted in colonies that were recovered and expanded from soft agar (transformed cell line). Expression of mesenchymal markers vimentin, fibronectin, and N-cadherin increased significantly, while the epithelial marker E-cadherin was significantly decreased. The most notable changes associated with EMT included 4 - 55 fold reduced expression of miR-200b, -200c, and -205 that correlated with 2-1500 fold increased expression of E-box binding transcription factors (SNAI1, ZEB1, ZEB2) and basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (TWIST1). Restoring the expression of miR-200b, -200c or -205 in carcinogen transformed cells prevented growth in soft agar; meanwhile the cells maintained a fibroblast-like mesenchymal appearance. Levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) protein also increased significantly during carcinogen treatment and stable knockdown of DNMT1, but not DNMT3A and DNMT3B prior to carcinogen prevented EMT and transformation. ChIP for H3K4me2 (indicative of active/open chromatin) revealed a progressive decrease of this mark at the promoters of miR-200b, -200c, and -205 over 12 weeks of carcinogen treatment and during transformation. A modest enrichment for H3K9me2 (inactive/closed chromatin mark) was observed at all time points. In contrast, H3K27me3 (indicative of inactive/closed chromatin) was enriched at the miR promoters after 4 weeks of carcinogen treatment and enrichment declined over time. Bisulfite sequencing revealed CpG DNA methylation increased from 3% to 42% in the miR-200 family and miR-205 promoters during transformation. To examine the clinical relevance of miR-200b, -200c, and -205 their expression was analyzed in lung tumors relative to distant normal lung tissue from 24 patients. Reduced expression of at least one miR was observed in 50% of lung adenocarcinomas. These findings implicate a major role for epigenetic regulation of EMT that extends beyond that of cancer metastasis to causality for development of premalignant lung cancer. Supported by ES008801. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-358.
Manufacturing Strategy and Performance of the New Venture Firm

This research addresses new venture firm performance as a function of consistency between manufacturing and business unit strategy. The empirical study involved 217 new venture firms in the communications and computer equipment manufacturing industries. The results of the study indicate that successful firms exhibit a “consistency” between manufacturing and price-driven business unit strategy. This same consistency was not observed between manufacturing and quality-driven business unit strategy. The research suggests that successful new venture managers are able to correctly relate key manufacturing decisions to business unit strategy. Interestingly, the results of this study tend to indicate that both successful and unsuccessful firms have essentially the same perception of the industry. However, unsuccessful firms lack the ability to match key manufacturing decisions and business unit strategy.
Just a spoonful of sugar.

Which one of us hasn’t cried to mom or dad, pinched his or her nose, and taken medicine under protest. Although bubble gum and fruit flavorings have made it easier, encouraging adherence to treatment regimens is a challenging task not only for parents but also for physicians. What we need is “
Estimating PDFs in heterogeneous radar clutter

Real-world radar resolution cells often contain several terrain types, such that the observed normalized radar cross section of a given clutter cell is an aggregate response from the underlying terrains. These heterogeneous resolution cells create an ill-posed inverse problem in estimating the scattering phenomenology from each terrain type. Assuming the terrain composition of each cell is known (e.g. through Land Use Land Cover maps) and adopting a linear mixing model, we formulate a well-posed but numerically challenging inverse problem. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique known as Metropolis Hasting is successfully implemented to extract the underlying Gamma clutter distribution parameters of each terrain type from the heterogeneous clutter cells.
Going deeper than deep learning for massive data analytics under physical constraints

Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) are a set of powerful yet computationally complex learning mechanisms that are projected to dominate various artificial intelligence and massive data analytic domains. Physical viability, such as timing, memory, or energy efficiency, are standing challenges in realizing the true potential of DNNs. We propose DeLight, a set of novel methodologies which aim to bring physical constraints as design parameters in the training and execution of DNN architectures. We use physical profiling to bound the network size in accordance to the pertinent platform's characteristics. An automated customization methodology is proposed to adaptively conform the DNN configurations to meet the characterization of the underlying hardware while minimally affecting the inference accuracy. The key to our approach is a new content- and resource-aware transformation of data to a lower-dimensional embedding by which learning the correlation between data samples requires significantly smaller number of neurons. We leverage the performance gain achieved as a result of the data transformation to enable the training of multiple DNN architectures that can be aggregated to further boost the inference accuracy. An accompanying API is also developed, which can be used for rapid prototyping of an arbitrary DNN application customized to the platform. Proof-of concept evaluations for deployment of different imaging, audio, and smart-sensing applications demonstrate up to 100-fold performance improvement compared to the state-of-the-art DNN solutions.
Hobbes and the Artifice of Eternity

Thomas Hobbes argues that the fear of violent death is the most reliable passion on which to found political society. His role in shaping the contemporary view of religion and honor in the West is pivotal, yet his ideas are famously riddled with contradictions. In this breakthrough study, McClure finds evidence that Hobbes' apparent inconsistencies are intentional, part of a sophisticated rhetorical strategy meant to make man more afraid of death than he naturally is. Hobbes subtly undermined two of the most powerful manifestations of man's desire for immortality: the religious belief in an afterlife and the secular desire for eternal fame through honor. McClure argues that Hobbes purposefully stirred up controversy, provoking his adversaries into attacking him and unwittingly spreading his message. This study will appeal to scholars of Hobbes, political theorists, historians of early modern political thought and anyone interested in the genesis of modern Western attitudes toward mortality.
The Rural-Urban Difference in BMI and Anemia among Children and Adolescents

There is growing concern over the double burden of over- and under-nutrition in individuals, especially in children and adolescents, which could dwarf their growth and development. This study aims to explore the rural-urban difference in BMI and anemia among children and adolescents. A stratified cluster sampling technique was employed. Dietary data were collected through interviews, and anthropometric values were measured. There were 1534 children and adolescents who participated in this study, including 775 male and 759 female participants. The prevalence of obesity among children living in a city, township and rural area was 10.3%, 8.5% and 5.5%, and that among adolescents was 1.4%, 2.9% and 2.8%. The prevalence of anemia among children and living in a city, township and rural area was 4.3%, 2.5% and 4.5%, while that among adolescents was 6.1%, 3.7% and 11.3%, respectively, with significant difference (χ² = 10.824, p = 0.004). The prevalence of being overweight, obesity and anemia was significant when comparing children with adolescents (χ² = 37.861, p = 0.000; χ² = 19.832, p = 0.000; χ² = 8.611, p = 0.003). Findings of this study indicate the double burden of malnutrition in Zhejiang province, characterized by a high prevalence of being overweight, obesity and anemia among children and a high prevalence of anemia among adolescents living in townships.
Reliability of intraoperative frozen section for the diagnosis of renal tumors suspicious for malignancy in children and adolescents.

Background The ability of intraoperative frozen section (IFS) to reliably diagnose renal tumors in children and adolescents is largely unknown. The objective of our study is to evaluate the ability of IFS to establish a histologic diagnosis for renal tumors in this population. Methods We reviewed our experience with patients who underwent IFS at the time of surgery for a renal tumor suspicious for malignancy from 2005 to 2015. The IFS was compared to the final pathology (FP). Data on concordance and reliability were analyzed. Results One hundred thirty patients underwent surgical interventions for a renal tumor suspicious for malignancy, and 32 (25%) patients underwent IFS. Median turnaround time for IFS was 20 min (range 13–44). The histologic IFS diagnosis correlated with FP in 26 (81.2%) cases was discrepant in three (9.4%) cases, and IFS was deferred to FP in three (9.4%) cases (kappa 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52–0.899, P < 0.001). The IFS correctly distinguished between Wilms tumor and non-Wilms tumor in 30 (94%) cases (kappa 0.874, 95% CI: 0.705–1, P < 0.001). A total of 17 of 19 (89.5%) Wilms tumors were correctly diagnosed by IFS, yielding a sensitivity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.67–0.99) and a specificity of 1 (95% CI: 0.75–1). Conclusion IFS is a reliable tool to establish a histologic diagnosis and to differentiate between Wilms and non-Wilms tumors in children and adolescents with renal tumors. The use of IFS should be encouraged in cases in which obtaining a diagnosis will provide guidance for important “real-time” medical decision making, specifically additional adjunctive surgical procedures.
Differing perspectives on parent access to their child's electronic medical record during neonatal intensive care hospitalization: a pilot study.

AbstractObjective: To improve informed medical decision-making, principles for family-centered neonatal care recommend that parents have access to their child’s medical record on an ongoing basis d...