cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GABAA receptor subunit expression within hypophysiotropic CRH neurons: A dual hybridization histochemical study

Dual hybridization histochemical studies were conducted to investigate the extent of colocalization of mRNA transcripts encoding the α1–2 and β1–3 subunits of the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor with those for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) within the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). A vast majority of CRH neurons (>94.5%) were found to express transcripts specific for the the α2, β1 and β3 subunits; mRNAs for the α1 and β2 subunits of the GABAA receptor were detected within 53.3% and 65.7% of PVN CRH neurons, respectively. The results may have important implications for studies aimed at understanding GABAergic influences upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Hypophysiotropic CRH neurons serve as the origin of the final common pathway for glucocorticoid secretion in response to stressful stimuli, and GABAergic afferents have been implicated in afferent control of these neurons. The subunit composition of GABAA receptors at this key regulatory locus may affect the efficacy of a major inhibitory input, and thus the magnitude and/or duration of stress-induced glucocorticoid secretion. The present findings reveal basal expression patterns of transcripts encoding several subunits of the GABAA receptor within stress-integrative CRH neurons, data which may be used to guide regulatory studies of GABAergic influences on the HPA axis under a variety of conditions. J. Comp. Neurol. 419:344–351, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
REACTION PATHWAYS AND KINETIC ANALYSIS OF PVB THERMAL DEGRADATION USING TG/FT-IR

Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) was thermally degraded in a thermogravimetry (TG) in nitrogen atmosphere. Evolving gases during PVB degradation were continuously analyzed with an FT-IR instrument. The main products identified were butyraldehyde, 2-butenal, butanoic acid, acetic acid, 2,5-dihydrofuran, and butanol. The IR spectra of mixture gases were resolved on the basis of the spectrum of pure species. The intensity of IR absorbance for each species was recorded as a function of temperature, and the temperature-dependent quantitative information for each species was calculated and used to evaluate the kinetic parameters. Activation energy and preexponential factors were evaluated for each species under the assumption of a parallel degradation mechanism and first-order kinetics. In addition to this detailed analysis, the polymer weight loss information measured by TG was used to determine the overall kinetic parameters. Results showed that activation energy obtained by both methods was consistent.
Expression of Glutathione and γ-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase mRNA Is Jun Dependent

Abstract The gene GLCLC encodes the catalytic subunit of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (glutamate-cysteine ligase E.C. 6.3.2.2), the rate limiting enzyme for glutathione synthesis. When HepG2 cells were exposed to the serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (OA), increased expression of GLCLC was observed, as was the development of resistance to xenobiotic induced GSH depletion. Okadaic acid is known to activate both NF-κB and AP-1 activity. Inhibition of NF-κB activity by overexpression of an IκBα trans-dominant inhibitor or exposure to the protease inhibitor TLCK did not inhibit the OA mediated increase in GLCLC transcripts. Fibroblasts derived from a mouse containing a c-Jun null mutation exhibited diminished AP-1 binding activity, reduced levels of GLCLC message, and a correspondingly low GSH concentration compared to wild type cells. When the null cells, which express Jun B and Jun D, were exposed to OA, AP-1 binding activity increased, as did expression of GLCLC message. These results indicate that AP-1 transcription factors participate in the regulation of glutathione metabolism.
Electrophysiology of the visual system in the cricket Gryllus firmus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae): Spectral sensitivity of the compound eyes

Abstract The electroretinographic spectral sensitivity of the cricket compound eyes shows the presence of two receptor types, a dominant one at 520 nm and another in the near-u.v. ( λ max 355 ± 5 nm) under dark- and intense chromatic adaptation conditions (Fig. 3). The waveform of the electrical responses elicited by short-wavelength stimuli differ from those elicited by long wavelength stimuli (Fig. 1).
The effect of puberty on the development of early diabetic microvascular disease in insulin-dependent diabetes

We studied the prevalence of early diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy in 21 prepubertal and 55 late-pubertal subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDD). All subjects had IDD of 5-7 years duration at the time of evaluation. The prevalence of early diabetic retinopathy was significantly greater in the late-pubertal subjects than prepubertal subjects (33% vs. 9.5%, P = 0.05), despite similar glycosylated hemoglobin values between the two groups (11.7 +/- 2.7% vs. 10.1 +/- 1.6%) at the time of evaluation. Nephropathy was infrequent in late-pubertal subjects (9%), and absent in the prepubertal subjects. We hypothesize that puberty plays an important role in the development of microvascular complications of IDD, and that increases in growth factors, sex hormones and deterioration in glycemic control at the time of puberty may each enhance the development of diabetic microvascular disease.
Propentofylline attenuates vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in the rat

The development of painful peripheral neuropathy is a dose-limiting side effect of numerous cancer chemotherapeutic agents. The present study utilized a rodent model of vincristine-induced neuropathy to determine whether a glial modulating agent, propentofylline, could attenuate vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia. Intravenous vincristine administered on days 1 through 5 and days 8 through 11 produced mechanical allodynia using 2 and 12 g von Frey filaments. Lumbar spinal cord from animals on day 15 expressed mild bilateral microglial and astrocytic activation as compared to saline-treated animals. Daily intraperitoneal propentofylline at 10 mg/kg attenuated mechanical allodynia induced by vincristine administration. In addition, propentofylline was found to decrease spinal microglial and astrocytic activation on day 15. These data suggest that central glial cells may play an important role in the development of painful neuropathy following vincristine administration.
Effect of pectolytic enzyme preparations on the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of asparagus juice.

Commercial pectolytic enzymes were investigated for their influence on phenolics and antioxidant activities of asparagus juice. The antioxidant activity of asparagus juice was analyzed according to 2,2‘-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2‘-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) methods. The enzymes, with the exception of pectinase from Rhizopus sp., contained rutinase, which hydrolyzed rutin to quercetin. Asparagus juice treated with Viscozyme had the highest quercetin content without exhibiting a significant increase in the antioxidant activity. For a pectinase from Aspergillus niger, the antioxidant activity of asparagus juice was markedly reduced. Caution should be paid in the selection of pectolytic enzyme preparations for production of antioxidant activity-rich juice. Keywords: Asparagus juice; pectolytic enzyme preparation; rutinase; antioxidant activity; rutin; quercetin
Noninteracting electron gas in high magnetic fields

Abstract A closed-form expression is obtained for a free electron gas in a magnetic field. The resulting formulation is valid for fields less than 108 gauss and temperatures where de Haas-Van Alphen effects can be neglected.
Size dependence of exchange bias in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic bilayers

When the lateral size of exchange-coupled ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic bilayers is reduced to a deep submicron size (below 0.2 μm), both the exchange bias and the coercive field increase compared to those of macroscopic samples. We attribute this size dependence to the increasing importance of the magnetostatic interaction. By using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, the size dependence of the hysteresis loops of polycrystalline films is calculated and quantitative pictures are established to describe the crossover from small to large samples.
Allium Chemistry: Microwave Spectroscopic Identification, Mechanism of Formation, Synthesis, and Reactions of (E,Z)-Propanethial S-Oxide, the Lachrymatory Factor of the Onion (Allium cepa)

Flow pyrolysis of 2-methyl-2-propyl 1‘-propenyl sulfoxide (9b) affords a 98:2 mixture of (Z)- and (E)-propanethial S-oxide ((Z)- and (E)-5b), both characterized by Fourier transform microwave (FT-MW) spectroscopy. Sulfines (Z)- and (E)-5b are also identified by FT-MW in chopped onion volatiles and by NMR spectroscopy in onion extracts. Similarly, flow pyrolysis of 2-methyl-2-propyl vinyl sulfoxide (9c) affords (Z)- and (E)-isomers of ethanethial S-oxide (5a), identified by FT-MW methods. Pyrolysis in the presence of D2O affords (Z)-5a-d1 and (Z)-5a-d2 from 9c and (Z)-5b-d1 from 9b; (Z)-5b-d1 is also produced when an onion is homogenized in D2O. Pyrolysis of 9c with ethyl propiolate gives ethyl (E)-3-(vinylsulfinyl)acrylate (10). Neat 5a at 100 °C gives acetaldehyde. On standing, 5b dimerizes to trans-3,4-diethyl-1,2-dithietane 1,1-dioxide (12a); Me3SiCHS+−O- (5f) undergoes an analogous dimerization. Compound 5b shows moderate potency as an anticarcinogen in inducing the enzyme quinone reductase.
TRIAGE OF CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS: An Overview of Interventions

The recognition of tissue hypoxia or cumulative oxygen debt is of fundamental importance for triage and resuscitation of critically ill patients during the ?golden hour? in the emergency department (ED). The measurement of central venous blood oxygen saturation, plasma lactate concentration, cardiac output, systemic oxygen transport and use, and non-vital organ oxygenation and function can enhance the detection of systemic and regional hypoperfusion and tissue hypoxia. Systemic and organ-specific oxygenation indices may guide the choice of therapy to optimize resuscitation of the macrocirculation and microcirculation in critically ill ED patients.
Optimization of Water Distribution and Water Quality by Hybrid Genetic Algorithm

This paper develops a multicommodity flow model to optimize water distribution and water quality in a regional water supply system. Waters from different sources with different qualities are considered as distinct commodities that concurrently share a single water distribution system. The model can accommodate two-way flow pipes, represented by undirected arcs, and the perfect mixing condition. Additionally, blending requirements are specified at certain control nodes within the system to ensure that downstream users receive the desired water quality. The optimization model is highly nonlinear and solved by a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA). The GA is first used to globally search for the directions of all undirected arcs. Then a generalized reduced gradient (GRG) algorithm embedded in the GA is used to optimize the objective function for fitness evaluation. The proposed methodology was first tested and verified on a hypothetical system and then applied to the regional water distribution system of the Metro...
Changing pattern of neonatal susceptibility to Hemophilus influenzae.

In a study of neonatal and maternal sera, bactericidal antibody to Hemphilus influenzae B was demonstrated in only 10 per cent of newborn infants (cord blood) and in 25 per cent of mothers. These data represent a reversal of the findings of Fothergill and Wright in 1933, when 90 per cent of the blood from neonates was shown to have bactericidal antibody to this organism. A shift in neonatal susceptibility to H. influenzae is suggssted by these results.
A new optimal distributed algorithm for the set intersection problem

A simple decentralized distributed algorithm for the set intersection problem is presented. This algorithm is an improvement of the previous bound for the problem and uses only 3m(n − 1)+3(n − 1) messages, where m is the cardinality of the smallest-sized subset and n is the number of processors, compared to 5mn+2n − 4m messages as proposed in a previous solution for the same problem. Our algorithm has a time complexity of O(mn).
Preparation and characterization of lithium, manganese, cobalt and copper vermiculites

Abstract Lithium, manganese, cobalt and copper vermiculites were synthesized by ion-exchange from hydrogen vermiculite. The ionic conductivity was determined using impedance spectroscopy for these single crystals, and x-ray powder diffraction was used to characterize the samples. Measurements of the ionic conductivity and x-ray lattice parameters suggest that there is a strong relationship between the ionic mobility and the size of the hydrated cations, as measured by the lattice separation of the vermiculite's aluminosilicate layers.
Acrosomeless Sperm. A Cause of Primary Male Infertility

Sperm without acrosome of two males--spouses of infertile marriages--were studied. No acrosome could be identified in the Papanicolaou stained smears of either patient. Electron microscopy study confirmed the absence of acrosome and post-acrosomal sheath. The physical and functional integrity of the sperm membrane was determined by vital staining technique (72% unstained) and hypoosmotic stress test (69% swollen). Acrosin assay showed a five-fold decrease, and proacrosin values were almost eight-fold lower than the normal values. Nonzymogen acrosin level was normal. Zone-free hamster oocytes were not penetrated by the acrosomeless sperm showing 46% progressive motility, but postcoital tests in both female spouses showed active sperm. The results would indicate that the sperm devoid of acrosome may be considered as a primary cause of male infertility.
Bestužev-Marlinskij's “Mulla Nur”: A Muddled Myth to Rekindle Romance

Etude du rapport entre le schema narratif, les personnages, le narrateur de cette romance typique. Si dans un premier temps, le mythe atteste dans MN s'investit d'un contenu d'etude de moeurs romantique, il se reconstitue parallelement a la substitution du heros a Iskander Bek. La confusion structurale de MN reflete les problemes personnels de B. a la fin de sa vie.
Epidemiologic Designs for the Study of Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease: Options and Obstacles

Epidemiologic methods are designed to identify risk factors involved in production of a particular disease, even when the specific etiologic agent is unknown. However, a major problem currently presenting obstacles to research on the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) relates to classification; approaches are described that will permit reclassification when better laboratory techniques are developed or when more information is available from studies on natural history. Further descriptive studies will be valuable in the determination of whether extension of disease has occurred to new population groups or geographic areas. Case control studies can provide information on changes of known risk factors or can confirm and help to specify those factors already recognized. Because of the dynamic nature of AIDS and the probable existence of multiple risk factors, prospective cohort studies will be of greatest value, although they will take longer to complete. As understanding of the etiologic factors improves, preventive mteasures will become more efficient.
Visualising and sharing human performance analysis knowledge

When professionals are given the task of analyzing a domain, it is likely that it is not the first time this task has been done. Rather than build upon what is already done they will often redo the work. The key problem that sustains this repetition of effort is the lack of a standard and centralized way to communicate and share the knowledge that results from the analysis. Software architecture for reuse and sharing of analysis knowledge is described, which incorporates a number of Internet technologies. The architecture is based around a visual modelling scheme and can be configured to adapt to the requirements of different organisational requirements.
Loss of H-cadherin protein expression in human non-small cell lung cancer is associated with tumorigenicity

Abnormalities in the H-cadherin gene have been described in several human cancers. However, their biological significance remains undetermined. To investigate the role of H-cadherin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a chimera H-cadherin-green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in Cos-7 cells was used to identify an anti-H- cadherin antibody, HCD-1. Western blot analysis was performed in six NSCLC cell lines and 35 pairs of primary NSCLC tumors and nonmalignant lung tissue obtained from surgical resections using HCD-1. Loss of H-cadherin expression was seen in five (83%) of the six NSCLC cell lines, whereas loss of E-cadherin was seen in three (50%) of the six. H-cadherin expression was lost in 15 (43%) of 35 NSCLC surgical tumor specimens, whereas E-cadherin expression was lost in 6 (17%) of 35. H-cadherin was expressed in all of the nonmalignant lung tissue from all of the surgical specimens. Fourteen of 35 tumors were heterotransplanted s.c. in nude mice. Tumorigenicity in nude mice was associated with both loss of H-cadherin expression (P = 0.03) and loss of E-cadherin expression (P = 0.05). Loss of H-cadherin was also associated with a more advanced local tumor growth, although the difference was not significant. The results indicate that loss of H-cadherin is frequent in human NSCLC and suggest that it facilitates the implantation and local growth of human NSCLC tumors.
Joint MIMO equalization and decoding for 10GBASE-T transmission

IEEE is interested in specifying the next generation 10 Gbit/s copper cable Ethernet network, termed 10GBASE-T. In the design of a 10GBASE-T transmission system up to 100 meters of a standard category-6 (CAT-6) copper cable, equalization and decoding play a significant role in achieving reliable data communication. In this paper, we focus on the design of the equalization and decoding processes and propose a vector transmission system of a 4-dimensional trellis coded-modulation (TCM) with 10-PAM signaling. At the receiver, a joint multiple-input multiple-output equalization and decoding with a survival path feedback equalizer (SPFE) is employed. Based on the design, simulation results show that reliable transmissions at less than 10/sup -12/ BER can be achieved by the proposed system.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Chitosan-co-polyaniline/WO3⋅nH2O Composite Electrode for Amperometric Detection of NO2 Gas

An electrode of hydrated tungsten oxide (WO3⋅nH2O) embedded chitosan-co-polyaniline (CHIT-co-PANI) composite was electrochemically prepared on an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass surface using mineral acid as a supporting electrolyte. The resulting CHIT-co-PANI/WO3⋅nH2O/ITO electrode was characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composite electrode exhibited a three-dimensional nanofibrous structure with the diameter of the nanofibers ranging from 20 to 100 nm. The CHIT-co-PANI/WO3⋅nH2O/ITO electrode allowed for the low potential detection of NO2 gas in acidic medium. The NO2 gas sensing characteristics were studied by measuring change in the current with respect to concentration and time. Using the CHIT-co-PANI/WO3⋅nH2O/ITO electrode, NO2 gas was detected electrochemically without interference at pH 2.0 and 0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The current of the electrochemical cell with the CHIT-co-PANI/WO3⋅nH2O/ITO electrode decreased linearly with an increase in NO2 gas concentration in a range from 100 to 500 ppb with a response time of eight seconds.
Mechanism synthesis and two-dimensional control designs of an active three-cable crane

A lunar crane with a three-cable suspension system is investigated to provide a stable end effector for hoisting, positioning, and assembling large components during construction and servicing of a lunar base. The three-cable suspension mechanism consists of a structural framework of three cables pointing to a common point that closely coincides with the suspended payload's center of gravity. The vibrational characteristics of this three-cable device are investigated by comparing a simple two-dimensional suspension model and a swinging pendulum in terms of their analytical natural frequency equations. A study is also made of actively controlling the crane dynamics using two different actuator concepts. Two regulator-type control laws based on Lyapunov control are determined to provide vibration suppression for both dynamic systems. Simulations including initial-valued dynamic responses as well as active control performances are also presented.
A Study of the Size Distribution and Stability of Colloidal Gas Aphrons Using a Particle Size Analyzer

Application of colloidal gas aphrons (CGA) in decontaminating soils and aqueous solutions is one of the emerging innovative technologies. This paper addresses the size distribution and stability of...
Alexithymia and Pain in an Outpatient Behavioral Medicine Clinic

Alexithymia is defined as a “lack of words for feelings.” This deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the formation and maintenance of somatic symptoms. Prior research has found alexithymia prevalent in “classic” psychosomatic disorders. The present study examines the prevalence of alexithymia and its relationship to patient age, sex, and report of pain. The sample was 208 consecutive outpatients evaluated on a Behavioral Medicine Service and presenting with pain as a primary symptom. Results indicated that the prevalence of alexithymia in this study is consistent with prior research using inpatient pain patients and a similar MMPI alexithymia sub scale. Additional analyses of the MMPI clinical and validity scales revealed that alexithymic patients were more defensive and presented themselves in a favorable manner reflecting a “normal” picture of mental health. It is suggested that alexithymia may play a role in chronic pain syndromes. Further research is needed to examine this deficiency and its...
Categorical Mapping from Ontology to Neural Network: Initial Studies of Simple Neural Networks' Concept Capacity

A recent neural network semantic theory provides the framework for mapping ontologies to neural networks. We use category theory, the mathematical theory of structure, to explore the concept representational abilities of select neural networks. Methodologies suggested by the semantic theory have been gainfully applied to specific applications. This paper describes a rigorous and numerical study of the implementation of neural category representations into an actual neural network.
Like Broken Pieces of a Ring: 2 Cor 1.1–2.13; 7.5–16 and Ancient Theories of Literaru Unity

Johannes Weiss was the first to suggest that 2 Cor 1.1–2.13; 7.5–16 was once an independent work.1 Weiss saw that the tone of these chapters varied, not only from chapter 10–13, but also from the intervening text, 2.14–7.4. Here the reconciliation is not apparent, which, in chapters 1–2 and 7, is the presupposition of Paul's joy. On the contrary, Paul must still answer charges that he has wronged, corrupted, and defrauded the Corinthians, and must plead with the Corinthians to open their hearts (2.17; 4.1–2; 6.3–13; 7.2–4). This passage must have been written at the height of the conflict, before the successful conclusion of peace. Then, Paul wrote again in a cordial manner, to assure the Corinthians of his confidence, and to remove the lingering traces of doubt. The proof of this analysis Weiss discovered in the connection between 2.13 and 7.5: the account of Paul's anxious search for Titus breaks off at the decisive point (2.13) and resumes only four chapters later (7.5) at the very point where it had broken off. ‘This separation of what belongs together is unheard of and intolerable, from a literary point of view, since 2.13 and 7.5 fit onto each other as neatly as the broken pieces of a ring.’2
Energy-efficient HOG-based object detection at 1080HD 60 fps with multi-scale support

In this paper, we present a real-time and energy-efficient multi-scale object detector using Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) features and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification. Parallel detectors with balanced workload are used to enable processing of multiple scales and increase the throughput such that voltage scaling can be applied to reduce energy consumption. Image pre-processing is also introduced to further reduce power and area cost of the image scales generation. This design can operate on high definition 1080HD video at 60 fps in real-time with a clock rate of 270 MHz, and consumes 45.3 mW (0.36 nJ/pixel) based on post-layout simulations. The ASIC has an area of 490 kgates and 0.538 Mbit on-chip memory in a 45nm SOI CMOS process.
Theories of Instrumental Learning

We have now reviewed the learning that occurs under various applications of the three-term contingency of stimulus→response→ outcome stimuli, i.e., the instrumental reward, escape, punishment, and avoidance paradigms. Each has proved to produce far more complex phenomena than one might have naively expected. The questions that shall interest us here in a summary fashion are: “What is learned?” and “How?” These are the perennial questions in the psychology of learning.
Prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Among Children and Adolescents From 2001 to 2009

RESULTS In 2001, 4958 of 3.3 million youth were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for a prevalence of 1.48 per 1000 (95% CI, 1.44-1.52). In 2009, 6666 of 3.4 million youth were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for a prevalence of 1.93 per 1000 (95% CI, 1.88-1.97). In 2009, the highest prevalence of type 1 diabetes was 2.55 per 1000 among white youth (95% CI, 2.48-2.62) and the lowest was 0.35 per 1000 in American Indian youth (95% CI, 0.26-0.47) and type 1 diabetes increased between 2001 and 2009 in all sex, age, and race/ethnic subgroups except for those with the lowest prevalence (age 0-4 years and American Indians). Adjusted for completeness of ascertainment, there was a 21.1% (95% CI, 15.6%-27.0%) increase in type 1 diabetes over 8 years. In 2001, 588 of 1.7 million youth were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for a prevalence of 0.34 per 1000 (95% CI, 0.31-0.37). In 2009, 819 of 1.8 million were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for a prevalence of 0.46 per 1000 (95% CI, 0.43-0.49). In 2009, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was 1.20 per 1000 among American Indian youth (95% CI, 0.96-1.51); 1.06 per 1000 among black youth (95% CI, 0.93-1.22); 0.79 per 1000 among Hispanic youth (95% CI, 0.70-0.88); and 0.17 per 1000 among white youth (95% CI, 0.15-0.20). Significant increases occurred between 2001 and 2009 in both sexes, all age-groups, and in white, Hispanic, and black youth, with no significant changes for Asian Pacific Islanders and American Indians. Adjusted for completeness of ascertainment, there was a 30.5% (95% CI, 17.3%-45.1%) overall increase in type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Between 2001 and 2009 in 5 areas of the United States, the prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents increased. Further studies are required to determine the causes of these increases.
The PSI Program Model Builder - synthesis of very high-level programs

A system called the Program Model Builder (PMB) is being designed and implemented to perform the basic operations required to synthesize and modify programs. PMB plays a central role as one of the expert modules of the PSI (p) program synthesis system. PMB builds a complete and consistent program model from small chunks of program specification received from other (p) experts. PMB must deal with the fact that these program fragments often omit details and may be incomplete, ambiguous, inconsistent, nonspecific, and arbitrarily ordered. The initial version of PMB has successfully synthesized a few program models from fragments. This work includes the evolution of a very high-level program modelling language, the identification and codification of useful very high-level programming knowledge including equivalence transformations, and the implementation of a rule-based problem solving system embodying this knowledge.
A Remote Videography System for Monitoring Beavers

We developed a remote videography system for monitoring behavior and demography of beavers (Castor canadensis) inside lodges and bank dens. Videography systems taped 6 beaver colonies for 1,080 hours and recorded 300 hours of beaver activity. Upon viewing videotape, we could characterize 86% of beaver activity into 1 of 12 behavioral categories. Of 26 individually marked beavers, we observed 8 (31%) on videotape and obtained a complete count of kits in 4 of 5 colonies. The remote videography system was generally useful and can provide wildlife biologists with demographic and behavioral information to support population modeling and management programs for beavers.
A Comparison of the Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt With the Right Ventricle-to-Pulmonary Artery Conduit

Background This study compared the modified Blalock-Taussig (MBT) shunt with the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RVPA) conduit with respect to outcome and PA growth. Methods PA growth was assessed in 19 MBT patients and in 15 RVPA patients before stage 2 palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The RVPA was done with a ringed Gore-Tex tube (W. L. Gore and Assoc, Flagstaff, AZ) at each anastomosis. Results The two cohorts had similar pre-Glenn demographic and hemodynamic data. No patient required transcatheter or surgical intervention on the shunt or PAs after stage 1 palliation. The branch PA growth was better in RVPA (McGoon ratio: MBT, 1.5 ± 0.2 vs RVPA, 2.0 ± 0.6; p p = 0.002). The Nakata index trended higher in RVPA (MBT, 242A ± 90 mm 2 /m 2 vs RVPA, 267 ± 95 mm 2 /m 2 , p = 0.2). After stage 2 palliation, oxygen saturation trended higher in the RVPA (81% ± 5%) vs MBT cohort (77% ± 8%, p Conclusions The Norwood operation using a RVPA nonvalved conduit is associated with improved branch PA growth.
The Cause (Multifactorial Inheritance) and Pathogenesis (Endolymphatic Malabsorption) of Meniere's Disease and Its Symptoms (Mechanical and Chemical)

A clinical classification separates Meniere's disease (MD) of known cause (e.g. infection, trauma, otosclerosis, syphilis, genetic and others) from MD, idiopathic. Atypical forms of MD include vestibular MD and cochlear MD. Temporal bone studies from our laboratory and as reviewed in the literature reveal hydrops of the pars inferior, sometimes with ruptures, most often seen in Reissner's membrane, and sometimes without ruptures, to be the most important pathological correlate. Gross anatomical pathological findings include decreased mastoid and periaqueductal pneumatization and anterior displacement of the lateral sinus which reduces Trautmann's triangle. Such developmental changes most probably influence the endolymphatic absorptive system. Any explanation for the mechanisms of pathogenesis of clinical symptoms must encompass all aspects of the natural history, including vestibular symptoms, auditory symptoms, and aural pressure. Both mechanical and chemical factors best explain the clinical symptoms, and both may be traceable to multifactorial inheritance.
A cross-national investigation of the R&D–marketing interface in the product innovation process

Abstract Managing the interface between R&D and marketing is a critical element of successful new product development programs. The purpose of this research is twofold. First, we develop testable hypotheses from a theoretical model of cross–functional team management in the product innovation process based on the seminal work of Gupta, Raj, and Wilemon. We test the hypotheses using data collected from 376 U.S., 292 Chinese, and 279 Japanese firms. Second, we uncover and highlight similarities and differences in cross-functional involvement between marketing and R&D in the product innovation process across these three countries. The results generally provide overall support for the model and reveal some surprising cross-national differences.
Weed management with CGA-362622, fluometuron, and prometryn in cotton

Abstract An experiment conducted at five locations in North Carolina during 1998 and 1999 evaluated weed management systems in cotton with CGA-362622 and pyrithiobac. Weed management systems evaluated different combinations with or without fluometuron preemergence (PRE) followed by (fb) CGA-362622 early postemergence (EPOST), postemergence (POST), or EPOST + POST; or pyrithiobac EPOST fb prometryn plus MSMA late postemergence directed (LAYBY) or no LAYBY treatment. The weed species evaluated include common ragweed, entireleaf morningglory, pitted morningglory, prickly sida, sicklepod, tall morningglory, and yellow nutsedge. Fluometuron PRE improved the control of all weed species by at least 17 percentage points and increased cotton lint yield compared with the systems that did not use fluometuron PRE. Prometryn plus MSMA LAYBY improved the control of all weed species and increased lint yield compared with the systems that did not use prometryn plus MSMA LAYBY when PRE or POST herbicides were used. Contro...
Language and Its Abuses in Hobbes' Political Philosophy

As in Hobbes' view it is principally the capacity for speech that distinguishes men from even the social animals, so it is in verbal and doctrinal controversies that he usually finds the sources of conflict and sedition. Hobbes analyzes—in the hope of doing away with them—a variety of what he regards as abuses of language, such as metaphor, equivocation, eloquence, and absurdity, which are especially productive of political disorder. He also offers models and, in his own political philosophy, examples of the proper uses of language as science and counsel, which he believes are necessary to the establishment and governance of well-ordered commonwealths in the modern world, characterized as it is by widespread learning and disputatious habits. In the pursuance of his project, however, Hobbes himself is paradoxically forced to resort to the eloquence which he otherwise condemns, and his own observations on language provide grounds for doubts about the success of his enterprise.
Feasibility of Supersonic Aircraft Concepts for Low-Boom and Flight Trim Constraints

This paper documents a process for analyzing whether a particular supersonic aircraft configuration layout and a given cruise condition are feasible to achieve a trimmed low-boom design. This process was motivated by the need to know whether a particular configuration at a given cruise condition could be reshaped to satisfy both low-boom and flight trim constraints. Without such a process, much effort could be wasted on shaping a configuration layout at a cruise condition that could never satisfy both low-boom and flight trim constraints simultaneously. The process helps to exclude infeasible configuration layouts with minimum effort and allows a designer to develop trimmed low-boom concepts more effectively. A notional low-boom supersonic demonstrator concept is used to illustrate the analysis/design process.
Immunohistochemical staining for DNA topoisomerase II in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

DNA topoisomerase II (topo II) is the target of several clinically useful anticancer drugs. Several of these agents, such as doxorubicin and etoposide (VP-16), are used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL). To understand the therapeutic selectivity of these drugs, a series of 33 cases of NHL for topo II were analyzed using an immunohistochemical technique that detects the enzyme in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. The average topo II index of high grade (Working Formulation) NHL was 48.6 with a range from 24.4 to 79.7. The average topo II index of low grade (Working Formulation) NHL was 4.4 with a range from 0.9 to 11.2. These two values are statistically different ( P < .01). The intermediate grade (Working Formulation) NHL are a heterogeneous group based on topo II staining. The average topo II index value for the intermediate grade neoplasms was 26.7 with a range from 1.4 to 54.9. Because the proliferation marker Ki-67 has been shown to be of prognostic importance when used in the analysis of NHL, 27 cases for also were analyzed for MIB1 (Ki-67). The average MIB1 index of the high grade NHL was 59.8 with a range from 40.7 to 80.3. This average is statistically different ( P < .01) than the average MIB1 index of 11.2 (range 1.7–28.3) found in the low grade NHL. Similar to results with topo II, the intermediate grade NHL was a heterogeneous group of tumors with respect to MIB1 staining and had an average MIB1 index of 49.1 with a range from 8.9 to 86.7. These results show that high grade NHL have topo II and MIB1 indices that are significantly higher than low grade NHL. Intermediate NHL are more heterogeneous and have topo II and MIB1 indices that range from low to high.
Contribution of Gas-Phase Reactions to the Deposition of SiC by A Forced-Flow Chemical Vapor Infiltration Process

A model, incorporating both gas-phase and surface reactions, for simulating thickness profile of SiC, deposited from trichloromethylsilane (TMS), along the longitudinal direction of a single pore is presented in this paper. The transport mechanisms considered include both forced-flow and diffusion. With the nonlinear nature of this model, a finite element model was developed to solve the problem numerically. Simulation results were in good agreement with the reported experimental data by Fedou et al. (1990). Effects of critical parameters, such as deposition temperature, ratio of sticking coefficients of TMS and intermediate species, and forced-flow, on the deposition thickness profile were investigated. Forced-flow effect was found to be small for the chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) processes at high deposition temperatures.
Sodium Arachidonate Induced In Vitro Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Aggregation

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) aggregated to sodium arachidonate (AA) in a dose dependent manner. Other agents such as epinephrine, or ADP were unable to initiate aggregation. The cells released lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) during aggregation, and electron microscopy demonstrated distinct morphologic changes in PMNs aggregated with AA. Indomethacin enhanced AA induced aggregation, whereas 1-methylimidazole inhibited aggregation and LDH release. Preincubation with cytochalasin B (CTB) did not enhance AA induced aggregation, nor did it reduce LDH release. Also, the effects of indomethacin or 1-methylimidazole on AA induced aggregation were unaltered by the presence of CTB. The results indicate that 1) LDH release occurs as a function of the aggregation process rather than a non-specific effect, 2) competition between cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase occurs and 3) shifting this competition in favor of lipoxygenase enhances the PMN aggregation process.
Lateral Microscope Enables the Direct Observation of Cellular Interfaces and Quantification of Changes in Cell Morphology during Adhesion

The ability to observe cell adhesion processes in real-time remains a grand challenge in basic biology and medicine. Toward this goal, we have developed a lateral optical microscope that allows direct observation of cell–substrate interactions in real-time on any substrate—transparent, opaque, or coated—without requiring labels or specialized optical components. We demonstrate the use of our lateral microscope by quantifying dynamic changes in cell morphology during the first 90 min of adhesion to various materials. Specifically, we determined the rates of change in contact angle of HeLa, 3T3, HEK293, and MDA-MB-231 cells on five different substrates: glass, collagen-coated glass, Nylon, PTFE, and collagen-alginate hydrogels. We used these rates of change to compare adhesion of different cell lines on each surface, and to rank the adhesion-promoting capacities of the five surfaces for each cell line. For HeLa, 3T3, and HEK293 cells, we observed maximal rates of change in contact angle (0.058 min–1) on col...
Place, Perception, and Disorientation in Macbeth

The static tragedy at the end of Hamlet depends on playgoers’ experience of the staged space defined by Hamlet’s movements. In Macbeth, the relentless forward movement of the narrative sweeps playgoers along with Macbeth himself as he realizes, “I am in blood/ Stepp’d in so far” (3.4.135–6). As playgoers, our sense of location depends a great deal on how Macbeth experiences his own reality, and this reality develops from Macbeth’s confused perceptions of his location. When Lady Macbeth publicly hears of Duncan’s murder, her response is “Woe, alas! / What! in our house?” (2.3.87–8). Critics have found this response baffling; she has had time to think of something better to say. Eighteenth-century editors generally see this as a blunder on the part of Lady Macbeth, a mistaken lack of preparation for an inevitable discovery.1 George Lyman Kittredge claims it is “A natural expression for an innocent hostess, horrified at the thought that such a thing has happened to one of her own guests.”2 More likely, and more sensibly, her comment relates to the facts of location. It may be a hostess’ concern that cloaks the commentary, but the playgoers already have knowledge of Lady Macbeth’s involvement with the murder; playgoers can only see this comment as some attempt to appear innocent to the other characters.
Memory, Consolidation of

Consolidation of memory is an explanation for evidence that the formation of memory takes time after an experience. Most evidence comes from findings that treatments administered after an experience can retroactively impair or improve memory for that experience. The effectiveness of these treatments in altering memory decreases with time after training. Demonstrations such as these characterize retrograde amnesia and retrograde enhancement of memory. The finding that new memories lose susceptibility to modification with time after training is the basis for memory consolidation as an explanatory construct.
Association of RNA Biosignatures With Bacterial Infections in Febrile Infants Aged 60 Days or Younger.

Importance Young febrile infants are at substantial risk of serious bacterial infections; however, the current culture-based diagnosis has limitations. Analysis of host expression patterns (“RNA biosignatures”) in response to infections may provide an alternative diagnostic approach. Objective To assess whether RNA biosignatures can distinguish febrile infants aged 60 days or younger with and without serious bacterial infections. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective observational study involving a convenience sample of febrile infants 60 days or younger evaluated for fever (temperature >38 ° C) in 22 emergency departments from December 2008 to December 2010 who underwent laboratory evaluations including blood cultures. A random sample of infants with and without bacterial infections was selected for RNA biosignature analysis. Afebrile healthy infants served as controls. Blood samples were collected for cultures and RNA biosignatures. Bioinformatics tools were applied to define RNA biosignatures to classify febrile infants by infection type. Exposure RNA biosignatures compared with cultures for discriminating febrile infants with and without bacterial infections and infants with bacteremia from those without bacterial infections. Main Outcomes and Measures Bacterial infection confirmed by culture. Performance of RNA biosignatures was compared with routine laboratory screening tests and Yale Observation Scale (YOS) scores. Results Of 1883 febrile infants (median age, 37 days; 55.7% boys), RNA biosignatures were measured in 279 randomly selected infants (89 with bacterial infections—including 32 with bacteremia and 190 without bacterial infections), and 19 afebrile healthy infants. Sixty-six classifier genes were identified that distinguished infants with and without bacterial infections in the test set with 87% (95% CI, 73%-95%) sensitivity and 89% (95% CI, 81%-93%) specificity. Ten classifier genes distinguished infants with bacteremia from those without bacterial infections in the test set with 94% (95% CI, 70%-100%) sensitivity and 95% (95% CI, 88%-98%) specificity. The incremental C statistic for the RNA biosignatures over the YOS score was 0.37 (95% CI, 0.30-0.43). Conclusions and Relevance In this preliminary study, RNA biosignatures were defined to distinguish febrile infants aged 60 days or younger with and without bacterial infections. Further research with larger populations is needed to refine and validate the estimates of test accuracy and to assess the clinical utility of RNA biosignatures in practice.
Compressive Evaluation of Polyethylene (Glycol) Diacrylate (PEGDA) for Scaffold Fabrication

In the field of tissue engineering, scaffold is the foundation structure that provides the desired mechanical support for the tissue being engineered, surface for cells to attach and spread, and access for nutrient transport crucial for cell viability. The scaffolds are 3D building blocks which are designed and fabricated precisely prior to its implantation to the host tissue. When scaffolds with desired shape and size are fabricated, they can be seeded with cells and appropriate growth factors. After cells show healthy growth within the scaffold, they are implanted into the body with the scaffold to allow full-scale tissue regeneration.In this research, photolithography is adapted as a fabrication method to generate PEGDA-based structures. In this method, ultra-violet (UV) light is reflected on PEGDA and as a result of the interaction between UV light and precursor solution, PEGDA turns into solid form.Despite the potential of PEGDA in scaffold applications, the mechanical properties have not been studied in a great extent. Therefore, in this project, the mechanical characterization of PEGDA was conducted for various polymer concentrations. Specimens with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% PEGDA to water ratio were prepared for compression tests. Our preliminary experimental data results show that, mechanical properties of PEGDA can be controlled by changing the PEGDA to water ratio. Stronger and stiffer structures can be obtained with high PEGDA concentrations while softer structures can be fabricated with reduced PEGDA concentrations.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
A developmental and adaptive Problem Based Learning (PBL) model across the curriculum: From theory to practice in integrating and assessing PBL experiences across the James Madison University engineering curriculum

Problem-solving is generally regarded as the most important cognitive activity in everyday and professional practice. Problems in real-world practice have been described as messy, complex, and ill-structured, whereas many engineering classroom problems have been described as well-structured with single correct solutions. How do we prepare our students for real-world problem solving? In this collaborative and participant-centered workshop, faculty will be introduced to a novel and adaptive Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model developed and implemented in JMU's Engineering program over the past eight years and supported by NSF awards. Participants will be provided with PBL theory, PBL examples, a PBL classification framework, assessment tools, and a PBL template for use across courses and curricula.