cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Permian location of western North American terranes based on brachiopod, fusulinid, and coral biogeography

Abstract Brachiopod, rugose coral, and fusulinid faunas present in Early Permian rocks along northern and western margins of North America, in both cratonal localities and accreted terranes, have been compared statistically, allowing refinement in placement of these terranes relative to the North American continental margin at that time. Statistical tests, including conventional and probabilistic indices of similarity, as well as multivariate analysis, show that the faunas of Wrangellia-Alexander are most similar to those of Stikinia and Quesnellia, and to the Yukon–Canadian Rocky Mountains part of the continental margin. They also show that faunas of the Eastern Klamath terrane are most similar to those of Stikinia, Quesnellia, and the central cordilleran part of the continental margin. These results suggest that during the Early Permian Wrangellia-Alexander was the northernmost of these terranes, lying west of the Yukon–Canadian Rocky Mountains region, and the Eastern Klamath terrane was the southernmost, lying west of the central Cordillera. Stikinia and Quesnellia were in intermediate positions. These relative latitudes are compatible with latitudinal determinations based on paleomagnetic data. Faunal diversity in the Eastern Klamath and Stikine terranes is similar to that at similar latitudes on the craton, whereas diversity in the Wrangellia-Alexander terrane is considerably lower than that of the latitudinally similar Yukon–Canadian Rocky Mountains area. As diversity is, in part, a function of temperature, this may suggest water around the Wrangellia-Alexander terrane was cooler than that along the continental margin. Therefore, we suggest that warm-water currents bathed the southern terranes and the southern and central parts of coastal North America, whereas cool-water currents influenced the northernmost terrane (Wrangellia-Alexander). Revised Otsuka similarity coefficients for corals show higher similarities between western North American terranes and the western continental margin than previously published, but they still are relatively low. This and the overall patterns of similarity and limits on distribution of Tethyan corals and fusulinids in the eastern Panthalassa suggest that Wrangellia-Alexander, Stikinia, and the Eastern Klamath terranes were at approximately the same distance (estimated at 2000–3000 km) from their latitudinally equivalent segments of the North American craton.
Centrifugal film reactor, a new concept for cell cultivation

A device based on a conical rotating surface for promoting mass transfer between gases and liquids is described. A thin rising film is generated by centrifugal force, thus exposing a large area of flowing liquid to the gaseous phase.
Automated quantification tool for high-throughput proteomics using stable isotope labeling and LC-MSn.

LC−MSn has become a popular option for high-throughput quantitative proteomics, thanks to the availability of stable-isotope labeling reagents. However, the vast quantity of data generated from LC−MSn continues to make the postacquisition quantification analyses challenging, especially in experiments involving multiple samples per experimental condition. To facilitate data analysis, we developed a computer program, QUIL, for automated protein quantification. QUIL accounts for the dynamic nature of spectral background and subtracts this background accordingly during ion chromatogram reconstruction. For elution profile identification, QUIL minimizes the inclusion of coeluted neighbor peaks, yet tolerates imperfect peak shapes. Outlier-resistant methods have been implemented for better protein ratio estimation. The utility of QUIL was validated by quantitative analyses of a standard protein as well as complex protein mixtures, which were labeled with cICAT or 18O and analyzed using LCQ, LTQ, or FT-ICR instru...
You can teach an old dog new tricks: olfaction and responses to novel foods by the elderly.

It can be difficult to document effects of age-related olfactory loss on eating behavior. However, we have reported that elders, especially those with poor olfaction, were more willing to accept novel foods than were younger adults. It was also found that elderly subjects were more willing to accept foods with unpleasant odors than were young subjects. Because there is often confounding between a food's odor pleasantness and its familiarity, the purpose of this study was to separate the effects of familiarity and odor pleasantness on food acceptance by the elderly. There was no evidence for effects of age or olfactory sensitivity on food neophobia. However, elderly subjects with poor olfaction showed less reluctance to try the unpleasantly smelling foods than did other subjects. These results suggest that increased willingness to try novel foods among elderly subjects with poor olfaction in earlier work was due to decreased rejection of foods with unpleasant odors and not due to decreased food neophobia per se.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Chloramphenicol and Chloramphenicol Succinate

In recent years there has been a renewal of interest in chloramphenicol, predominantly because of the emergence of ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae, the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in infants and children. Three preparations of chloramphenicol are most commonly used in clinical practice: a crystalline powder for oral administration, a palmitate ester for oral administration as a suspension, and a succinate ester for parenteral administration. Both esters are inactive, requiring hydrolysis to chloramphenicol for anti-bacterial activity. The palmitate ester is hydrolysed in the small intestine to active chloramphenicol prior to absorption. Chloramphenicol succinate acts as a prodrug, being converted to active chloramphenicol while it is circulating in the body. Various assays have been developed to determine the concentration of chloramphenicol in biological fluids. Of these, high-performance liquid chromatographic and radioenzymatic assays are accurate, precise, specific, and have excellent sensitivities for chloramphenicol. They are rapid and have made therapeutic drug monitoring practical for chloramphenicol. The bioavailability of oral crystalline chloramphenicol and chloramphenicol palmitate is approximately 80%. The time for peak plasma concentrations is dependent on particle size and correlates with in vitro dissolution and deaggregation rates. The bioavailability of chloramphenicol after intravenous administration of the succinate ester averages approximately 70%, but the range is quite variable. Incomplete bioavailability is the result of renal excretion of unchanged chloramphenicol succinate prior to it being hydrolysed to active chloramphenicol. Plasma protein binding of chloramphenicol is approximately 60% in healthy adults. The drug is extensively distributed to many tissues and body fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid and breast milk, and it crosses the placenta. Reported mean values for the apparent volume of distribution range from 0.6 to 1.0 L/kg. Most of a chloramphenicol dose is metabolised by the liver to inactive products, the chief metabolite being a glucuronide conjugate; only 5 to 15% of chloramphenicol is excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life is approximately 4 hours. Inaccurate determinations of the pharmacokinetic parameters may result by incorrectly assuming rapid and complete hydrolysis of chloramphenicol succinate. The pharmacokinetics of chloramphenicol succinate have been described by a 2-compartment model. The reported values for the apparent volume of distribution range from 0.2 to 3.1 L/kg.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
What are groups

In this paper I argue for a view of groups, things like teams, committees, clubs and courts. I begin by examining features all groups seem to share. I formulate a list of six features of groups that serve as criteria any adequate theory of groups must capture. Next, I examine four of the most prominent views of groups currently on offer—that groups are non-singular pluralities, fusions, aggregates and sets. I argue that each fails to capture one or more of the criteria. Last, I develop a view of groups as realizations of structures. The view has two components. First, groups are entities with structure. Second, since groups are concreta, they exist only when a group structure is realized. A structure is realized when each of its functionally defined nodes or places are occupied. I show how such a view captures the six criteria for groups, which no other view of groups adequately does, while offering a substantive answer to the question, “What are groups?”
Angiotensin IV enhances phosphorylation of 4EBP1 by multiple signaling events in lung endothelial cells

Angiotensin IV (Ang IV)-stimulated cell proliferation is regulated through activation of multiple signaling modules in lung endothelial cells (EC). Because eukaryotic intitiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein 1 (4EBP1) plays a critical role in the RNA translation and the regulation of cell growth, we examined whether Ang IV modulates expression and/or phosphorylation of eIF4E and 4EBP1 as well as the role of multiple signaling events associated with 4EBP1 phosphorylation in EC. Ang IV stimulation increased phosphorylation but not expression of eIF4E and 4EBP1 proteins. Ang IV stimulation selectively phosphorylated Thr46 > Thr70 > Ser65 but not Thr37 residues in 4EBP1. Pretreatment of cells with PD-98059 and rapamycin, inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and mammalian target for rapamycin (mTOR), respectively, partially blocked Ang IV-mediated phosphorylation of 4EBP1. In contrast, overexpression of p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70S6K) and protein kinase B (Akt) enhanced phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and eIF4E binding affinity to the cap region of mRNA. These results support critical roles of multiple signaling and phosphorylation of 4EBP1 by Ang IV in translation process and protein synthesis.
Theoretical dipole moment for the X 2Π state of NO

The dipole moment function for the X(sup 2)II state of NO is studied as a function of the completeness in both the one- and n-particle spaces. Einstein coefficients are presented that are significantly more accurate than previous tabulations for the higher vibrational levels. The theoretical values give considerable insight into the limitations of recently published ratios of Einstein coefficients measured by spectrally resolved infrared chemiluminescence.
Comparison of mathematical models for cat lung and viscoelastic balloon derived by laplace transform methods from pressurevolume data

The mechanical properties of some hollow organs are most conveniently described by a pressure-volume relationship. If the material exhibits hysteresis, thep-v relation must include provision for time-dependent or path-dependent properties. Provided the amplitude of deformation is fairly small and the hysteresis is primarily of the viscoelastic type, a linear description is possible. That this may take the form of a simple transfer function in which material properties are implicit is illustrated for the case of a rubber balloon. The transfer function was derived from the pressure transients which follow step changes in volume produced in a fluid-filled plethysmograph. The applicability of the transfer function in predicting responses to other forcing functions was tested by varying the balloon volume sinusoidally over a frequency range of 1000, at 4 different amplitudes. The good agreement between the linear model and all types of data justifies the use of Laplace transform methods and the assumption that superposition holds. When isolated cat lung is tested in the same manner, the transfer function quantitatively predicts the magnitude ratio of sinusoidal responses but only about two-thirds of the phase angle. The additional energy loss per cycle is interpreted as arising from static hysteresis. The analysis thus provides a simple means of estimating the relative contributions of viscoelastic (dynamic) and static hysteretic processes to the total damping in a material.
Increasing quantity of maternal immunoglobulin Gin trophoblastic tissue before the onset of normal labor

Summary While levels of maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) increase in the fetal circulation during the third trimester,actual trophoblastic concentrations have not been extensively studied. To investigate this process, placentas from 71 patients with gestational ages between 26 and 42 weeks were examined by means of a peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunostaining technique specific for IgG. Linear regression revealed a significant increase in antibody with advancing gestational age ( r = 0.36, p sp] MD p
A mixed-effects model for the analysis of circular measurements

This article presents a statistical model for measurements collected on the circumference of circular features. The proposed model takes into consideration the center location variability of different machined parts. Maximum likelihood estimators are derived for both the within- and betweenparts variations as well as for the geometric parameters. Statistical procedures are developed to assess the performance of the manufacturing process in producing parts that conform to design specifications and to keep track of the trend of the manufacturing process over time. An example for a transmission gear carrier is presented to illustrate the use of the results.
CENTRAL AUTONOMIC REGULATION IN CONGENITAL CENTRAL HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) patients show significant autonomic dysfunction in addition to the well-described loss of breathing drive during sleep. Some characteristics, for example, syncope, may stem from delayed sympathetic outflow to the vasculature; other symptoms, including profuse sweating, may derive from overall enhanced sympathetic output. The dysregulation suggests significant alterations to autonomic regulatory brain areas. Murine models of the genetic mutations present in the human CCHS condition indicate brainstem autonomic nuclei are targeted; however, the broad range of symptoms suggests more widespread alterations. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess neural response patterns to the Valsalva maneuver, an autonomic challenge eliciting a sequence of sympathetic and parasympathetic actions, in nine CCHS and 25 control subjects. CCHS patients showed diminished and time-lagged heart rate responses to the Valsalva maneuver, and muted fMRI signal responses across multiple brain areas. During the positive pressure phase of the Valsalva maneuver, CCHS responses were muted, but were less so in recovery phases. In rostral structures, including the amygdala and hippocampus, the normal declining patterns were replaced by increasing trends or more modest declines. Earlier onset responses appeared in the hypothalamus, midbrain, raphe pallidus, and left rostral ventrolateral medulla. Phase-lagged responses appeared in cerebellar pyramis and anterior cingulate cortex. The time-distorted and muted central responses to autonomic challenges likely underlie the exaggerated sympathetic action and autonomic dyscontrol in CCHS, impairing cerebral autoregulation, possibly exacerbating neural injury, and enhancing the potential for cardiac arrhythmia.
Exercise training improves insulin sensitivity in the obese Zucker rat

The effect of exercise on in vivo insulin sensitivity was examined in lean and obese Zucker rats. Rats (6 to 7 weeks of age) were swum two hours per day or kept sedentary for 8 weeks. Exercise decreased body weight gain as well as percent of fat in both genotypes. Sedentary obese rats had 62% higher gastrocnemius citrate synthase activity per gram of muscle than did lean rats. Exercise increased activity of this oxidative enzyme similarly in both genotypes. Compared to lean rats, obese rats had higher plasma-insulin levels and were less sensitive to insulin during an insulin tolerance test. Although training had no effect on plasma-insulin levels, exercise trained obese rats showed a greater drop in plasma glucose relative to sedentary controls following intravenous injection of three concentrations of insulin. It was concluded that moderate exercise training improved the insulin sensitivity of the obese Zucker rat.
Gastric leiomyoblastoma associated with extraadrenal paraganglioma and pulmonary chondroma: A new case of Carney's triad

Carney's triad is extremely rare. The authors report on a 12-year-old patient who had gastric epithelioid leiomyosarcoma, multiple pulmonary chondroma, and mediastinal paraganglioma. Thirty-five other cases are reviewed and analyzed.
Elite Competition, Religiosity, and Anti-Americanism in the Islamic World

The battle for public opinion in the Islamic world is an ongoing priority for U.S. diplomacy. The current debate over why many Muslims hold anti-American views revolves around whether they dislike fundamental aspects of American culture and government, or what Americans do in international affairs. We argue, instead, that Muslim anti-Americanism is predominantly a domestic, elite-led phenomenon that intensifies when there is greater competition between Islamist and secular-nationalist political factions within a country. Although more observant Muslims tend to be more anti-American, paradoxically the most anti-American countries are those in which Muslim populations are less religious overall, and thus more divided on the religious–secular issue dimension. We provide case study evidence consistent with this explanation, as well as a multilevel statistical analysis of public opinion data from nearly 13,000 Muslim respondents in 21 countries.
SEMANTIC COMPUTING IN SOCIAL MEDIA

The ever-increasing amount of information flowing through Social Media presents numerous opportunities for the generation of Business Intelligence. Challenges exist in the leveraging of these data sources due to their heterogeneity and unstructured content. This paper presents the application of Semantic Computing to Social Media for industrial application, focusing on topic identification and behavior prediction. The methodologies described can benefit many areas of an organization including support of marketing, customer service, engineering and public relations. Results demonstrate that business operations can be substantially enhanced through application of Semantic Computing to Social Media.
Pulmonary Hypertension and Pulmonary Function Testing in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Abstract Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is commonly seen in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We sought to examine the relationship between pulmonary function tests (PFTs), including the percentage of predicted FVC (FVC%), percentage of predicted total lung capacity, percentage of predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D lco %), the composite physiologic index (CPI), and PH. The ability of FVC%, D lco %, and FVC%/D lco % ratio to predict underlying PH was assessed. Methods: Retrospective review of IPF patients seen at a tertiary referral center over an 8-year interval in whom both PFT and right-heart catheterization data were available. Results: The study cohort consisted of 118 patients, of whom 48 patients (40.7%) had PH. There was no correlation between measures of lung volumes or the CPI with underlying PH. There was a modest association between D lco % and PH, with D lco % lco % ≥ 30 (28.6%). Cardiac dysfunction might have played a small role, since 16.1% of the patients had an associated elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. There was a trend to a higher prevalence and greater severity of PH in those patients with FVC% > 70 compared to the group with FVC% Conclusion: PH is common in patients with IPF. There is a poor correlation between lung function measures and PH, suggesting that factors other than fibrosis may play a role in the etiology. The unexpected high prevalence and severity of PH in patients with well-maintained lung function have implications for the prognosis and management of the disease.
LAW ENFORCEMENT- ASSISTED SUICIDE

This study describes historical, personality, behavioral, and situational factors of law enforcement-assisted suicides, which are also known as suicide-by-cop (SbC) subjects. These factors were then used to compare differences between SbC subjects who successfully forced officers to shoot them and those subjects who were unsuccessful. SbC subjects appear to share several risk factors with other suicide victims. This study detected some differences in the characteristics of the SbC subjects who were successful in forcing the officers to intervene with lethal force and those who were not. Substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, stressful life events, length of residency in the location of the incident, and homicidal conversation during the SbC incident did have weak relationships with the outcome of the incident. Language: en
Challenges of minimally invasive pancreas surgery growth with such a high learning curve.

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD), defined as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, has been slow to develop compared with operations on other organs.1 Approximately100yearsafter the first pancreaticoduodenectomy, MIPD is foundtobesafe,have potential oncologic advantages, andhasbeena large technical advance inour abilities.2,3 Despite continued skepticism, a select group of institutions, including our own, performMIPD routinely. Boone et al4 found that after 20, 40, and 80 cases, there was a statistical drop in the conversion rate, estimated blood loss, and operative time, respectively. These learning curve milestones were determined after analyzing 200 robotic pancreaticoduodenectomies and highlight the challenge in training future robotic pancreatic surgeons, particularly because trainees will not even reach these milestones for open pancreaticoduodenectomy. There are several unique aspects of this article that must be kept in context before applying its findings to all MIPDs. First, the authors’ early learning curve was spent in the development of robotic techniques. This development was a significant component of our own learning curve with laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy. With proper mentorship, the learning curve should no longer be an issue. However, robotic surgery adds another layer to the learning curve. Using laparoscopic techniques, in which most surgical residents are proficient, may create a more efficient training environment. These milestones will be invaluable for comparison; however, to use robotic milestones to represent all MIPDs is premature. Boone et al highlight the large number of cases required to become a proficient robotic pancreatic surgeon. How to efficiently attain expertise will be a challenge and may limit robotic pancreas surgery growth.
Midlife and Older Gay Men Living with HIV/AIDS: The Influence of Resiliency and Psychosocial Stress Factors on Health Needs

HIV/AIDS research has mostly focused on younger gay men. This cross-sectional study originated from a larger study of 316 respondents to include a subsample of 38 midlife and older gay men living with HIV/AIDS. The study explores physical and mental health utilization rates, including physical and mental health status. Resiliency, internal health locus of control beliefs, and psychosocial stressors of age and sexual orientation discrimination, stigma, and internalized homophobia were also examined. A total of 65.8% of the HIV/AIDS participants received no mental health services the past year, despite reporting higher mental health distress. Of those reporting an HIV status, 10.5% indicated having no health visits in the preceding year and more delays in seeking care when needed and unmet health needs for which services were not sought. Participants reporting higher resiliency indicated less mental health distress and better health access indicators. Stigma and internalized homophobia negatively affected r...
On scheduling in a GT environment

Abstract Traditional research in scheduling has concentrated on developing optimal and optional tending heuristic algorithms for n x m job shop and flow shop problems. Relatively no work has been conducted in the area of scheduling within a GT cell. This paper examines the GT cell environment from a scheduling perspective in relation to a job and flow shop, and presents a modified approach to scheduling within a GT cell that implicitly takes advantage of common setups and part family coding structures.
High-flux entanglement sources using periodically-poled nonlinear crystals

We have efficiently generated colinearly-propagrating entangled photon pairs from nondegenerate type-I and degenerate type-II quasi-phase matched parametric downconverters based on periodically-poled lithium niobate and potassium titanyl phosphate, respectively.
Ross river virus‐induced demyelination: I. Pathogenesis and histopathology

Ross River virus (strain T48) infection in mice causes an encephalomyelitis characterized by focal, primary demyelination in the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord. Maximal serum and brain content of virus occurs on days 2 and 4, respectively. Virus is not detectable in serum after day 3 or in brain after day 9. Histopathological lesions are present by day 2 and consist of perivascular macrophage and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, focal necrosis in the internal granule cell layer, and myelin disruption. Mononuclear cell infiltrates are present by day 5. Foci of demyelination in the presence of preserved axons become more widespread by day 8, and early partial remyelination occurs by day 13. Immunosuppression reduces the mononuclear cell infiltration but does not alter the demyelination . Although the mechanism of Ross River virus-induced demyelination is not known, these findings suggest that it is not immune mediated.
Long-pore Electrostatics in Inward-rectifier Potassium Channels

Inward-rectifier potassium (Kir) channels differ from the canonical K+ channel structure in that they possess a long extended pore (∼85 A) for ion conduction that reaches deeply into the cytoplasm. This unique structural feature is presumably involved in regulating functional properties specific to Kir channels, such as conductance, rectification block, and ligand-dependent gating. To elucidate the underpinnings of these functional roles, we examine the electrostatics of an ion along this extended pore. Homology models are constructed based on the open-state model of KirBac1.1 for four mammalian Kir channels: Kir1.1/ROMK, Kir2.1/IRK, Kir3.1/GIRK, and Kir6.2/KATP. By solving the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, the electrostatic free energy of a K+ ion is determined along each pore, revealing that mammalian Kir channels provide a favorable environment for cations and suggesting the existence of high-density regions in the cytoplasmic domain and cavity. The contribution from the reaction field (the self-energy arising from the dielectric polarization induced by the ion's charge in the complex geometry of the pore) is unfavorable inside the long pore. However, this is well compensated by the electrostatic interaction with the static field arising from the protein charges and shielded by the dielectric surrounding. Decomposition of the static field provides a list of residues that display remarkable correspondence with existing mutagenesis data identifying amino acids that affect conduction and rectification. Many of these residues demonstrate interactions with the ion over long distances, up to 40 A, suggesting that mutations potentially affect ion or blocker energetics over the entire pore. These results provide a foundation for understanding ion interactions in Kir channels and extend to the study of ion permeation, block, and gating in long, cation-specific pores.
Collaborative Ventures and Value of Learning: Integrating the Transaction Cost and Strategic Option Perspectives on the Choice of Market Entry Modes

This paper employs a simple stochastic model to investigate how transaction cost and strategic option considerations interact to influence a firm's evaluation of collaborative venturing as a market entry mode. After demonstrating how uncertainty about the market and about the potential partner can add to the value of a collaborative venture, the paper explicates a condition under which the option to acquire or sell out generates a positive economic value for both of the partners. The interaction of transaction cost and strategic option considerations is then examined, and a number of testable hypotheses are proposed based on the theoretical analyses of the paper.
When hearts fail so does skeletal muscle : Breaking a vicious cycle

See related article, pages 1514–1519 In heart failure, keeping up with the oxygen demands of working skeletal muscles becomes compromised during exercise. As if this situation is not bad enough, as with many aspects of the heart failure syndrome, there are more vicious mechanisms at work. It has been known for some time that skeletal muscle function is also depressed in patients and animals in heart failure. The depression has been attributed to disuse atrophy, changes in fiber types, and abnormal metabolism.1,2 Thus the impaired cardiac function in patients not only limits exercise, but depressed skeletal muscle function itself inhibits the ability to exercise causing further depression of cardiac function. In the current issue of Circulation Research , Lunde et al3 report evidence which supports the concept that heart failure leads to a primary depression in the force generating capacity of skeletal muscle, and which provides new insights into the mechanism. Their approach involved investigation of single living fibers isolated from the soleus muscle of rats whose hearts had been stressed by ligation of the coronary arteries (MI mice) 6 weeks before the experiments. In technically demanding experiments, Lunde et al3 simultaneously determined the force and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in single soleus cells under nonfatiguing and fatiguing conditions. Under nonfatiguing conditions contraction and Ca2+- transients of sham and MI-fibers were not significantly different, but there was a depression in the levels of [Ca2+]i during the tetani. Compared with controls, MI-fibers had no major changes in expression of membrane proteins involved in Ca2+ regulation. After fatigue, the tetanic force developed in MI-fibers was significantly decreased in the absence …
Using Neurofibromatosis-1 to Better Understand and Treat Pediatric Low-Grade Glioma:

Relatively little is known about the seminal genetic events that trigger the development of low-grade gliomas in children. Genetically engineered mouse models of the neurofibromatosis-1-inherited tumor predisposition syndrome have identified key intracellular growth control pathways, defined the contribution of the tumor microenvironment to glioma growth, and helped researchers understand the genetic basis for glioma susceptibility. In addition, genetically engineered mouse low-grade glioma models have recently been used in preclinical therapeutic studies to evaluate the efficacy of particular biologically based therapies and to define outcome measures.
Dynamic multi-objective optimal task distribution for tele-operated mobile manipulators

Robots are developed to perform myriad kinds of complex tasks. To enhance the system performance, tasks should be optimally distributed among robots or subsystems of a single robot. Applied to mobile manipulators, optimal task distribution can be obtained by implementing an optimal redundancy resolution approach. A lot of work has been done in this area with a priori-specified tasks. However, for tele-operated mobile manipulator systems, tasks are generated on-line by the operator, and task requirements vary significantly and are not known a priori. This renders static task distribution schemes unsuitable for achieving optimal performance and mandates the use of online modification of optimal task distribution algorithms. This paper proposes a new optimal task distribution method for tele-operated mobile manipulators. In this method, task dexterity indices, which describe the task requirements are generated online. Based on these indices, the criterion function for optimal performance is constructed using physical programming. The solution obtained by this algorithm is more suitable for varying tasks, and has a better defined physical meaning. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by experimental results.
Designing tutorials that help users learn through exploration

In spring 1987 the Learning Products Group of Hewlett-Packard's Electronic Design Division began a project to design and write tutorials for the Hewlett-Packard Printed Circuit Design System. After a review of the literature on tutorial design, two approaches were selected to develop into short prototypes. These prototypes were tested to compare learnability and learning retention. After the results of the prototype testing were studied, one of the prototypes was selected to develop into a product. They tested the final tutorials for usability in November, 1987, before releasing them in January, 1988. >
Effects of Estrogen on the Vascular Injury Response in Estrogen Receptor α,β (Double) Knockout Mice

Abstract— The two known estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, mediate the effects of estrogen in all target tissues, including blood vessels. We have shown previously that estrogen inhibits vascular injury response to the same extent in female wild-type (WT), ERα knockout (ERαKO CH ), and ERβ knockout (ERβKO CH ) mice. We generated mice harboring disruptions of both ERα and ERβ genes (ERα,βKO CH ) by breeding and studied the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on vascular injury responses in ovariectomized female ERα,βKO CH mice and WT littermates. E2 inhibited increases in vascular medial area following injury in the WT mice but not in the ERα,βKO CH mice, demonstrating for the first time that the two known estrogen receptors are necessary and sufficient to mediate estrogen inhibition of a component of the vascular injury response. Surprisingly, as in WT littermates, E2 still significantly increased uterine weight and inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation following injury in the ERα,βKO CH mice. These data support that the role of estrogen receptors differs for specific components of the vascular injury response in the ERα,βKO CH mice. The results leave unresolved whether E2 inhibition of VSMC proliferation in ERα,βKO CH mice is caused by a receptor-independent mechanism, an unidentified receptor responsive to estrogen, or residual activity of the ERα splice variant reported previously in the parental ERαKO CH mice. These possibilities may be resolved by studies of mice in which ERα has been fully disrupted (ERαKO St ), which are in progress.
Concept-Aware Ranking: Teaching an Old Graph New Moves

In ranking algorithms for web graphs, such as PageRank and HITS, the lack of attention to concepts/topics representing web page content causes problems such as topic drift and mutually reinforcing relationships between hosts. This paper proposes a novel approach to expand the Web graph to incorporate conceptual information encoded by links (anchor text) between web pages. Using web graph link structure and conceptual information associated with each web page (automatically extracted from anchor text of inlinks), a new graph is defined where each node represents a unique pair of a web page and concept associated with that web page, and an edge represents an explicit or implicit link between two such nodes. This graph captures inter-concept relationships, which is then utilized by ranking algorithms. Our experimental results show that such an approach improves accuracy (e.g., first X precision) by retrieving links which are more authoritative given a user?s context.
Effect of polymerization mode on bond strengths of resin adhesive/cement systems.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of resin adhesive/cement system primer and cement polymerization mode (auto- vs dual-polymerized) on the shear bond strength to dentin. Materials and Methods Dentin surfaces of 90 bovine teeth were polished to 600 grit. The dentin was etched for 15 seconds with phosphoric acid, rinsed, and blotted. Three adhesive systems, All-Bond 2, Prime & Bond 2.1 Dual-Cure, or Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus, were applied. Three primer polymerization methods were used with each system: dual-polymerized, autopolymerized, or strictly following manufacturers' recommendations. Resin cements, which were also either auto- or dual-polymerized, were applied to dentin using gelatin capsules. Shear bond strengths were determined using an Instron universal testing machine. Results The greatest bond strength, 15.4 MPa, was found with the Scotchbond system when the primer was dual-polymerized and the cement was autopolymerized. The lowest bond strength, 7.5 MPa, was found with All-Bond 2/Duo-Link, when the primer and cement were dual-polymerized. The autopolymerization mode produced the highest mean bond strength for All-Bond 2, while dual-polymerization of primer and cement resulted in the highest mean bond strength for Prime & Bond 2.1. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Plus was least affected by the polymerization method. Two-way ANOVA showed that the interaction between the type of adhesive system and the method of polymerization significantly influenced bond strength (p= .0001). Conclusions The effect of the primer polymerization method on ultimate bond strength was different for each adhesive system evaluated. More research is needed to elucidate the interaction between adhesive system and method of polymerization on bonding of resin cements to dentin.
Analysis of two receiver schemes for interleaved OFDMA uplink

In the uplink of OFDMA (orthogonal frequency division multiple access, a combination of OFDM and FDMA), the interleaved carrier assignment scheme is preferred for its maximum frequency diversity. Two receiver schemes are presented. The first is a group synchronization scheme, in which the uplink receiver compensates the effect of carrier frequency offsets and tries to recover the synchronized spectrum of one OFDMA block. The other one, a user separation scheme, exploits the signal's algebraic structure on the uplink of the interleaved OFDMA system, by which the signal waveform of each single user is separated and synchronized at the same time. We present the algorithms for each scheme and analyze their performance in terms of signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio and residual interference.
Content-based retrieval of music in scalable peer-to-peer networks

A large portion of data exchanged in today's peer-to-peer (P2P) networks consists of music stored as MP3 compressed audio. Existing P2P systems typically are not scalable and only support primitive methods for the searching of music files, e.g., by looking up exact filenames or using simple metadata information such as artist or album name. In this paper, we present the design and evaluation of a scalable P2P system that uses rendezvous points (RPs) for music file registration and query resolution, and supports content-based music information retrieval (MIR) of audio signals.
INSERTING NEW TECHNOLOGY INTO SMALL MISSIONS

Part of what makes small missions small is that they have less money. Executing missions at low cost implies extensive use of cost sharing with other missions or use of existing solutions. However, in order to create many small missions, new technology must be developed, applied, and assimilated. Luckily, there are methods for creating new technology and inserting it into faster-better-cheaper (FBC) missions.
Quality of life in patients at first time visit for sleep disorders of breathing at a sleep centre

Introduction Sleep-disordered breathing adversely affects daytime alertness and cognition. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients have several typical symptoms including habitual snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, lack of concentration, memory impairment, and at times psychological disturbances. We evaluated different aspects in the health related quality of life (HRQoL) in subjects referred to our sleep laboratory for their first examination for suspicion of OSA.
A tree search algorithm for target detection in image sequences

Given a time sequence of digital images of a high-noise environment, the authors address the problem of detecting pixel-sized, barely discernible moving objects whose position and trajectories are unknown. The sequences may be temporally sparse and contain significant frame-to-frame drifting background clutter as caused by relative motion between the sensor array and natural terrain, ocean, or clouds. A general, two-step approach is presented. First, time correlation and space-varying background structure are removed. Second, a large, dense set of pixel-sized space-time trajectories are hypothesized and tested in the innovations sequence. The search space is organized into a tree structure. A sequential statistical technique, multistage hypothesis testing, optimized for the innovations model, is used to test the multiple hypotheses and prune the tree-structured list of candidate trajectories. >
NCLB and English Language Learners: Challenges and Consequences

This article highlights key issues surrounding the assessment and accountability mandates of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) for English language learners (ELLs). The policy requires high-stakes testing of ELLs in English—a language that these students, by definition, have not yet mastered. After offering background on current federal education legislation, this article shares findings from a word frequency analysis of actual statewide exams. This analysis reveals that even academic content tests are linguistically complex, using words likely unknown by an ELL, which clarifies why testing poses unique challenges for this student population. Analyses of recent ELL performance data on high-stakes tests are also provided, which document why these students and the schools serving them are disproportionately likely to be penalized in accordance with the law's requirements. The article concludes by challenging two of the more problematic assumptions at the core of NCLB mandates for ELLs.
Sulbactam/ampicillin in the treatment of acute epiglottitis in children.

Acute epiglottitis, a life-threatening illness, is characterized by the sudden onset and rapid progression of respiratory obstruction. The etiologic agent is almost exclusively Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). During the past decade as many as 25% of strains of Hib have been shown to produce 3-lactamase and be resistant to ampicillin. Recommendations for treatment, in addition to the immediate intubation of the airway, include the administration of chloramphenicol in combination with ampicillin. The combination of sulbactam and ampicillin was evaluated in an effort to develop a safer, but equally effective, regimen. Thirty-one infants and children (mean age, three years six months) with documented acute epiglottitis received parenteral sulbactam sodium (30 mg/kg per day) in combination with ampicillin (200 mg/kg per day). Of the 31 subjects, 26 (84%) had Hib isolated from the blood; seven (27%) of the 26 strains of Hib isolated were P-lactamasepositive. Twenty-five cases (96%) of Hib epiglottitis responded rapidly to treatment. The combination of sulbactam and ampicillin appeared to be an effective and safe alternative to chloramphenicol/ampicillin therapy for acute epiglottitis in infants and children.
Mixed Signal System Level Cross Layer Adaptation for Variability and Workload: A Pilot Study

Mixed-signal modules are being used extensively in real-time cyber-physical system design. Such real-time systems experience large changes in workload. In addition, due to the use of aggressively scaled silicon technologies, the nominal performances of ICs used in the design can vary significantly from IC to IC and within each IC from one corner of the IC to another. The key hypothesis of this research is that any control law that determines how the system adapts to changes in workload for power consumption, for example, must also take into account the effects of process variability on a per-chip basis. The key ideas are demonstrated using a wireless system with an on-board camera as an example and the possible power savings are highlighted.
Profiles of pure pancreatic secretions in patients with acute pancreatitis: The possible role of proteolytic enzymes in pathogenesis

Abstract Studies have been performed on pure pancreatic juice obtained by direct cannulation of the pancreatic duct in 2 patients with acute pancreatitis. The striking abnormalities observed, which were in marked contrast to our observations in 15 normal subjects, were high concentrations of protein throughout the period of secretin stimulation and the sporadic appearance of free proteolytic activity in many 1-min specimens throughout the collection period. In 1 subject repeat studies were performed after resolution of the pancreatitis when the profile observed was normal. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that obstruction of ductules and intraductal activation of zymogens may be important in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.
Preventing Childhood Sexual Abuse: An Ecological Approach

Childhood sexual abuse is a significant public health problem that negatively affects victims, families, organizations, and society. This special issue presents innovative approaches designed to prevent the sexual exploitation of youth. Using both an ecological approach and the Spectrum of Prevention (Parks, Davis & Cohen, 2010), the articles collected for this special issue highlight cutting-edge prevention approaches educating children, parents, professionals, organizations, and the general public.
Conceptualizing the emerging field of smart learning environments

Learning environments have changed dramatically in the last 50 years, in large part due to information and communications technologies. From the introduction of personal computing and the Internet, there has been a continuing explosion of innovations in support of learning and instruction. Much has been written about new learning approaches and instructional paradigms, but relatively little has been implemented on a large scale with any significant learning outcomes. What has tended to happen when a new learning technology is introduced is that it is tried out on a small-scale in a privileged context (e.g., highly experienced and motivated teachers, on-site researchers, etc.), and when results show promise, the technology is broadly disseminated and used to replace a previous activity or resource, often without adequate training and support. Given the power and potential of new and emerging technologies, it is time to conceptualize how learning environments can be made more effective, efficient and engaging (i.e., smarter) on a large and sustainable scale. This article attempts to provide a small step in that direction.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma : utility of antibodies to the variable regions of the human T-cell antigen receptor

Background: The clonotypic 90 kd Ti heterodimer of the human T-cell antigen receptor is composed of two distinct chains (αβ or rarely τδ) that result from the recombination of variable (V), constant, joining, and, in the case of β chains, additional diversity regions. Objective: The variable region expression of human cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) was studied. Methods: Biopsy specimens from 13 patients with CTCL (7 plaque, 3 tumor stage, 3 Sezary syndrome) were examined immunohistochemically by a panel of seven commercially available monoclonal V-region antibodies. Results: Two patients had significant anti-V-region staining. One patient with Sezary syndrome had two lesions, subjected to biopsy 4 months apart, that reacted with βV5 (a), a specificity previously documented by flow cytometry of leukemic cells. A patient with plaque-stage CTCL, negative for T-cell gene rearrangement by Southern blot, demonstrated reactivity with βW5(c) largely limited to epidermotropic lymphocytes. Conclusion: Panels of V-region antibodies should be useful reagents for diagnosis and follow-up of CTCL.