cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Restoration of motor function following spinal cord injury via optimal control of intraspinal microstimulation: toward a next generation closed-loop neural prosthesis

Movement is planned and coordinated by the brain and carried out by contracting muscles acting on specific joints. Motor commands initiated in the brain travel through descending pathways in the spinal cord to effector motor neurons before reaching target muscles. Damage to these pathways by spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in paralysis below the injury level. However, the planning and coordination centers of the brain, as well as peripheral nerves and the muscles that they act upon, remain functional. Neuroprosthetic devices can restore motor function following SCI by direct electrical stimulation of the neuromuscular system. Unfortunately, conventional neuroprosthetic techniques are limited by a myriad of factors that include, but are not limited to, a lack of characterization of non-linear input/output system dynamics, mechanical coupling, limited number of degrees of freedom, high power consumption, large device size, and rapid onset of muscle fatigue. Wireless multi-channel closed-loop neuroprostheses that integrate command signals from the brain with sensor-based feedback from the environment and the system’s state offer the possibility of increasing device performance, ultimately improving quality of life for people with SCI. In this manuscript, we review neuroprosthetic technology for improving functional restoration following SCI and describe brain-machine interfaces suitable for control of neuroprosthetic systems with multiple degrees of freedom. Additionally, we discuss novel stimulation paradigms that can improve synergy with higher planning centers and improve fatigue-resistant activation of paralyzed muscles. In the near future, integration of these technologies will provide SCI survivors with versatile closed-loop neuroprosthetic systems for restoring function to paralyzed muscles.
Perspective on Solvent Use in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Solvent use consistently accounts for between 80 and 90% of mass utilization in a typical pharmaceutical/fine chemicals (non-polymer) batch chemical operation. Moreover, within these operations, solvents play a dominant role in the overall toxicity profile of any given process; i.e. on a mass basis, solvents account for the largest proportion of chemicals of concern used in the process. However, for the typical synthetic organic chemist, solvents are just a medium in which a reaction takes place; the interest is in the reactivity and building of a molecule, not in the means by which this is carried out. So, in a typical retrosynthetic analysis, solvent and solvent-reactant interactions, separability, and particle engineering are generally not included. The best means in which this reaction can take place is also not considered; i.e., the reaction space, configuration, order of addition, heat/mass transfer, etc., is generally not considered. This publication presents a case for greater awareness of solvent...
Reaction of trimethylaluminum with a macrocyclic tetradentate tertiary amine. Synthesis and molecular structure of [Al(CH3)3]4[N-tetramethylcyclam]

Abstract Reaction of the macrocyclic tetradentate tertiary amine N-tetramethylcyclam with trimethylaluminum produced the crystalline product [Al(CH3)3]4[N-tetramethylcyclam]. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with unit cell parameters a 13.928(5), b 18.522(6), c 1.4538(6) A, and Dcalc 0.96 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Least-squares refinement based on 1432 observed reflections led to a final R factor of 0.034, Rw = 0.037. The molecule resides on a crystallographic center of symmetry. The four nitrogen atoms are coplanar. The macrocyclic ligand is greatly distorted as the four Al(CH3)3 units have essentially turned it “inside-out” by forcing the nitrogen atoms from the interior cavity to the macrocyclic perimeter. The independent A1-N distances of 2.093)(3) and 2.102(3) A are among the longest reported.
Glutamate receptors in the postmortem striatum of schizophrenic, suicide, and control brains.

Introduction Previous postmortem studies of glutamate receptors and uptake sites have shown decreased D-aspartate (D-Asp) (a marker for the high affinity glutamate uptake site) and elevated (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801) binding in the putamen in schizophrenia and elevated α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor binding in the caudate nucleus of schizophrenics who committed suicide. The relative effects of schizophrenia, suicide, and neuroleptic treatment in these findings is unclear. This study further explores binding to glutamate receptors (NMDA, kainic acid, and AMPA) and uptake sites in postmortem striatal structures in schizophrenics relative to three control groups (normal controls, neuroleptic-treated controls, and nonpsychotic suicides). Methods We compared the binding densities of tritium-labeled ligands 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), kainic acid (KA), MK-801, and D-Asp, which target the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), KA, and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) ionotropic receptor sites and the glutamate uptake site, respectively, in postmortem striatal/accumbens tissue from six DSM-III-R schizophrenics, eight normal controls, eight neuroleptic-treated controls, and eight suicide victims using standard receptor autoradiographic methods. Results Binding of [3H]CNQX (AMPA receptors) was significantly different among the four groups across the subdivisions of the striatum: caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens (ANOVA P = .0007, .002, and .004, respectively). The schizophrenia group had higher mean CNQX binding in the caudate nucleus than normal (P = .005) and neuroleptic controls (P = .006) but not suicides (P = .6), who were also higher than normals and neuroleptic-treated controls (P = .05). The binding densities of tritiated MK-801, KA, and D-Asp were not significantly different among the four groups of subjects in any of the striatal regions examined. Conclusions The data suggest there may be an increased density of AMPA receptor sites in the caudate nucleus in schizophrenia that is not apparently due to neuroleptic treatment. A similar increase was also seen the suicide group. Although these data do not confirm previous reports of an increase in [3H]MK-801 or a decrease in [3H]D-Asp binding in the basal ganglia in schizophrenia, the increased caudate AMPA binding observed here could reflect decreased cortical glutamatergic innervation of the caudate. Its implication for suicide is unclear. Synapse 27:168–176, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Silicon containing polymer in applications for 193 nm high Na lithography processes

The ability to extend 193 nm lithography resolution depends on increasing the numerical aperture (NA) of the exposure system, resulting in smaller depth of focus, which subsequently requires use of thinner photoresists. Bottom antireflective coatings (BARCs) are a necessity, but the organic composition of current 193 nm BARCs offers poor etch selectivity to the photoresist. As a result, image transfer with thin resists is becoming increasingly difficult. It is also more challenging to control reflectivity at high numerical apertures with a thin, single layer BARC. To address these issues, IBM has developed a new class of silicon containing BARCs. These materials exhibit high etch selectivity that will significantly improve the performance of high NA 193 nm lithography. The incorporation of silicon in the backbone of the polymers comprising these BARCS affords a high etch selectivity to conventional organic resists and therefore these polymers can be used as thick planarizing BARCs. The optical constants of these BARCs have been tuned to provide good reflectivity control at NA > 1.2 These materials can also be used as part of a dual layer BARC scheme composed of the thin organosilicon based BARC coated over a planarizing organic underlayer. This scheme has also been optically tuned to provide reflectivity suppression at high incident angles. By utilizing a thick BARC, a novel contact hole shrink process is enabled that allows tapering of the sidewall angle and controlling the post-etch critical dimension (CD) bias. Structures of the silicon containing polymer, formulation chemistry, optical tunability, lithography at high NA and RIE pattern transfer are reported.
Explaining downstream innovation by commodity suppliers with expected innovation benefit

Abstract Empirical researchers have observed that occasionally firms that sell variable physical inputs for use in production processes (“suppliers”) originate innovations in the process. When such innovation is performed by commodity suppliers this phenomenon would appear to contradict previous theory and evidence suggesting that innovation is profit motivated. Such suppliers do not obviously share in the economic benefits generated by their innovations — those would appear to accrue to process-using firms. This author proposes that downstream process innovation by suppliers can be explained by the increase in demand that the innovation induces, which provides the suppliers with an economic return. A simple model of firms' expected innovation benefit based on this hypothesis, when tested on data from a set of innovations in commodity materials-using production processes, discriminates effectively between supplier and nonsupplier innovations. The adequacy of the few predictive variables used further suggests that in practice suppliers of commodities will tend to innovate in a downstream process when (1) they are relatively concentrated, (2) the prospective innovations promise to expand the market for the relevant material greatly, and (3) the process users are relatively unconcentrated.
Particle size determination of trace elements in urban air.

Abstract Airborne urban particulate matter was collected and fractionated according to size by cascade impactors. The elements zinc, cadmium, copper and lead on each size fraction were analyzed by anodic stripping voltammetry. The elements aluminum, iron, manganese, calcium and magnesium were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The data showed three different classes of particle size distribution for these nine elements. Lead and cadmium belonged to the first class with more than 70 % of the total collected element associated with particles having aerodynamic diameters below 0.5 micron. The calculated average mass median equivalent diameter (MMD) of cadmium and lead was approx. 0.1 micron. In the second class about 60% of the elements Zn, Cu, Mg and Fe was associated with particles smaller than 0.5 micron. The average MMD's for these elements were between 0.3 and 0.4 micron. For the elements Al, Ca and Mn about 50% of the metal was associated with particles smaller than 0.5 micron and the MMD...
Nationalist Composers and Fiddle Music: A Reflection of Removal from Traditional Culture, with Specific Attention to Copland and Grieg

The late Romantic period of classical music was characterized by a new enthusiasm for the inclusion of folk music in classical composition. Edvard Grieg and Aaron Copeland are two composers who characterize this period, and both used traditional fiddle tunes from their respective countries in their Nationalist compositions. This essay explores the extent to which folk traditions were honored and exploited in each composer’s music. The author concludes that while Grieg was more successful in authentically portraying the fiddle music of his nation, Copeland’s comparable work became a much more popular Nationalist symbol.
Second site mutations in the N-terminus of the major capsid protein (VP5) overcome a block at the maturation cleavage site of the capsid scaffold proteins of herpes simplex virus type 1.

VP5, the major capsid protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), interacts with the C-terminal residues of the scaffold molecules encoded by the overlapping UL26 and UL26.5 open reading frames. Scaffold molecules are cleaved by a UL26 encoded protease (VP24) as part of the normal capsid assembly process. In this study, residues of VP5 have been identified that alter its interaction with the C-terminal residues of the scaffold proteins. A previously isolated virus (KUL26-610/611) was used that encoded a lethal mutation in the UL26 and UL26.5 open reading frames and required a transformed cell line that expresses these proteins for virus growth. The scaffold maturation cleavage site between amino acids 610 and 611 was blocked by changing Ala-Ser to Glu-Phe, which generated a new EcoRI restriction site. Revertant viruses, that formed small plaques on nontransformed cells, were detected at a frequency of 1:3800. Nine revertants were isolated, and all of them retained the EcoRI site and therefore were due to mutations at a second site. The second site mutations were extragenic. Using marker-transfer techniques, the mutation in one of the revertants was mapped to the 5' region of the gene encoding VP5. DNA sequence analysis was performed for the N-terminal 571 codons encoding VP5 for all of the revertant viruses. Six of the nine revertants showed a single base pair change that caused an amino acid substitution between residues 30 and 78 of VP5. Three of these were identical and changed Ala to Val at residue 78. The data provide a partial map of residues of VP5 that alter its interaction with scaffold proteins blocked at their normal cleavage site. The yeast two-hybrid system was used as a measure of the interaction between mutant VP5 and scaffold molecules and varied from 11% to nearly 100%, relative to wild-type VP5. One revertant gave no detectable interaction by this assay. The amount of UL26 encoded protease (VP24) in B capsids for KUL26-610/611 and for revertants was 7% and 25%, respectively, relative to the amount in capsids for wild-type virus. The lack of retention of the viral protease in the mutant virus and a fourfold increase for the revertants suggest an additional essential function for VP24 in capsid maturation, and a role in DNA packaging is indicated.
Diagnosis of female arousal disorder

Abstract Diagnostic information was examined in 532 female patients with sexual disorders. Only 8% were diagnosed as having female arousal disorder. The majority of the women diagnosed as having an arousal disorder had secondary diagnoses of low sex drive or orgasm disorders. Less than 2% were found to have a single diagnosis of arousal disorder. The infrequency with which female arousal disorder is a solitary diagnosis raises the question of whether this should be retained as a diagnostic entity.
External information sources of product enthusiasts: Differences between variety seekers, variety neutrals, and variety avoiders

The external information sources of enthusiasts are examined. Enthusiasts who frequently switch their purchases of wine from different regions are compared with those who switch their purchases less frequently. Findings indicate that variety-seeking enthusiasts use a significantly larger number of information sources than variety neutrals, and variety neutrals use a significantly larger number of sources than variety avoiders. Differences concerning wine consumption, the use of print media, interpersonal sources, and trial information sources are also noted. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improved synthesis and iodination of a cleavable photoactivated probe.

Abstract J. B. Denny and G. Blobel (1984, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA81, 5286–5290) have described the synthesis of a water-soluble novel heterobifunctional 125I-labeled photocrosslinking reagent, N-[4-(p-azido-m-[125I]iodophenylazo)benzoyl]-3-aminopropionyl-N′-oxysulfosuccinimide, which contains a cleavable internal azo bond. We report several modifications of their synthesis which greatly increase the yield of a synthetic intermediate, N-[4-(p-aminophenylazo)benzoyl]-3-aminopropionic acid (compound VII). Evidence is presented that direct iodination of compound VII with chloramine-T produces low yields of 125I-labeled compound VII in a reaction which is difficult to control. Alternatively, the yield of 125I-labeled reagent can be greatly improved if the iodination is performed following the derivatization of N-[4-(p-axidophenylazo)benzoyl]-3-aminopropionyl-N′-oxysulfosuccinimide (compound IX) to a ligand such as dextran. We have demonstrated the transfer of 125I label from the reagent when derivatized to amino-dextran to proteins in solution after photolysis and cleavage of this 125I-labeled reagent.
Massive dilatation of the atria and coronary sinus in a child with restrictive cardiomyopathy and persistence of the left superior vena cava.

A two-year-old child with massive cardiomegaly was proved to have restrictive cardiomyopathy. A literature search has shown only two other cases of this in young children. All three have had massive biatrial dilatation with nearly normal ventricular function. This case is the first with clearly defined echocardiography and complicating diagnostic features associated with persistence of a left superior vena cava.
Effects on Metal/Metal-Oxide Interface Adhesion Due to Electron and Ion Irradiation

The influence of electron and ion irradiation on the adhesion at chromium-copper thin film interfaces has been studied. The measurements were carried out with different types and thicknesses of well-characterized oxides at the interfaces. The electron energies were varied between 5 and 10 keV, with doses up to 10 18cm −2. lons of He +Ne+and P+ were used in the range of energies between 150 keVand 1.0 MeV, with fluences ranging from 1015 cm−2 to 6× 10 16cm−2 . Substantial improvement of the adhesion is observed in cases where the beam has a significant nuclear stopping power component. Electronic processes may also play a role in improving adhesion, although they are not dominant in the case of the present films.
Penetrating high-velocity genitourinary injuries Part II: Ureteral, lower tract, and genital wounds

Penetrating ureteral wounds appear to occur at a constant low rate and demand internal splinting without ureterotomy drainage in the multiple-injured patient. Concomitant upper urinary tract and colonic or pancreatic injury absolutely requires the use of nephrostomy drainage. Most prostatic or prostatomembranous rupture can be approached retropubically, or if extensive tissue damage and uncontrollable hemorrhage are present, by transpubic methods. Intravesical fixation of the prostatomembranous rupture provides the best anchorage and approximation. Rectoprostatic-bladder wounds should be approached suprapubically and may be drained transcoccygeally also. Section of the obturator nerve may provide postoperative pain relief in severe pubic ramus fractures. Small high-velocity entrance wounds in the external genitalia warrant exploration because of great internal disruption. The skin of the external genitalia should be closed primarily.
Benefit of endoscopy in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with liver disease.

If endoscopy of the gastrointestinal bleeder with liver disease does not directly benefit the patient because he has a poor survival rate regardless of the lesion, and specific treatment of identified lesions has yet to influence mortality in these terribly ill patients, of what use is endoscopy in the care of these patients? As a user of endoscopy, I believe that patients with liver disease and gastrointestinal bleeding are a prime group for endoscopy because the procedure enhances my confidence and understanding of the clinical situation. It permits me to rationally plan immediate and future management, to individualize therapy, and to provide appropriate counseling the the patient and family. That these benefits do not necessarily alter morbidity and mortality should not be construed as a failure of endoscopy. Rather, they indicate our present inability to develop and implement effective measures in critically ill patients with severe liver disease.
Positive feedback and the madness of crowds

This paper discusses the necessity of bringing security measures to very complex systems, and some ideas for how to do so. It has long been the hope that we would never reach such a situation that security technology would eventually succeed in harnessing software technology and bringing it to heel. This has not happened, and it is now time to expand security technology to cope with the seemingly intractable problems of huge heterogeneous systems. The consideration of paradigms from other fields may be useful. This paper hopes to motivate research into a fundamental and difficult problem that affects Internet security today: unpredicted or unintended dynamic behavior that can degrade or destroy the ability of the network to deliver messages. We will argue that the source of the problem is hidden variables that adversely affect composition of network systems at any service level: physical, link, network, transport, application, and even the end-user.
TH‐C‐BRD‐09: Successes and Limitations of Online Range Adaptive Spot Scanning Proton Therapy for NSCLC

Purpose: To determine the ability to adapt discrete spot-scanning proton therapy (SSPT) plans based on geometric changes of anatomy to minimize normal tissue dose and maintain target coverage. Methods: We developed and tested a range-correction algorithm to compensate for anatomy changes in SSPT with correction factors for target lateral size changes and energy scaling. This algorithm adjusts the energy of each spot from the original optimized treatment plan to match the new daily anatomy based on water equivalent path-length. To correct for the lateral target size changes, the peripheral spots were scaled based on phantom studies with variable target size. For energy change corrections, alternative cumulative scaling factor lookup tables were generated based on calculated central-axis and integral depth dose calculations for different energies. These various adaptive algorithms were performed on 7 lung cancer patients that were previously treated with proton therapy and who required at least one adaptive intervention. Single-field optimized SSPT plans were generated for these patients with clinical beam angles. Dose-volume histogram metrics were obtained for these patients for both the non-adaptive and the different adaptive plans applied to the last available weekly CT scan. Results: The doses to normal tissue were largely reduced for the spinal cord (Dmax), total lung (V20Gy), and contralateral lung (V20Gy) for all different methods of adaptive planning. With both corrections applied, the average changes for these metrics were −6.2Gy, −2.7%, and −4.9%, respectively. The same method generated unacceptably high target hot spots with average target V110% increase of 12.3%. Conclusion: Adaptive methods based on direct adjustments to proton range can reduce normal tissue doses under large anatomical changes but are insufficient in achieving clinically acceptable target doses and generate unacceptably sizeable hot spots. Adaptive planning methods for proton therapy will likely necessitate some aspect of reoptimization for acceptable clinical utility.
p-Group actions on homology spheres

When an arbitraryp-groupG acts on a ℤn-homologyn-sphereX, it is proved here that the dimension functionn:S(G)→ℤ(S(G) is the set of subgroups ofG), defined byn(H)=dimXH, (dim here is cohomological dimension) is realised by a real representation ofG, and that there is an equivariant map fromX to the sphere of this representation. A converse is also established.
Growth of MOxN films via chemical vapor deposition of MoCl5 and NH3

Abstract Polycrystalline MoxN (x = 1 or 2) films have been grown via chemical vapor deposition on 50 μm thick polycrystalline Ti substrates using molybdenum pentachloride (MoCl5) and anhydrous ammonia (NH3) in a cold-wall vertical pancake-style reactor. X-ray diffraction data indicated that a two-phase MoxN assemblage consisting of γ-Mo2N and δ-MoN was present in films deposited above 400 °C. The percentages of γ-Mo2N and δ-MoN in the films decreased and increased, respectively, as the deposition temperature increased at constant NH3flow rates and deposition pressures. The surface macrostructure of the as-deposited films was independent of the deposition temperature and was very similar to that of the uncoated Ti substrate. However, the microstructure of the films varied with the deposition temperature. Energy dispersive X-ray data indicated that films deposited at and above 400 °C did not contain detectable levels of chlorine.
Primary lung tumors infiltrated by osteoclast-like giant cells

Six primary lung tumors with numerous multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells (OLGCs) and no osteogenic component were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically to examine pulmonary lesions inciting an OLGC response. The patients comprised four women and two men ranging in age from 61 to 80 years (average age, 69 years). The tumors consisted of one adenocarcinoma, two sarcomatoid carcinomas, and three giant cell variants of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. One tumor was endobronchial in location, while five were situated peripherally. Tumor diameter spanned from 1 to 6.5 cm (average, 2.7 cm). In addition to the giant cells, common characteristics included the malignant nature of the neoplasms and, in five of six cases, histologically malignant mesenchyme. This array of cases exemplifies the variability of lung lesions which may elicit an OLGC inflammatory response resulting in areas resembling the giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The results of this study suggest that OLGCs occur preferentially in malignant rather than benign nonosteogenic lung tumors and that sarcomatoid regions of malignant tumors are more likely to be infiltrated by OLGCs than epithelial regions.
Development of a morphine-triggered naltrexone delivery system

Abstract The ultimate objective of this work is to develop a device that can be triggered by morphine to release naltrexone. In this device, naltrexone is dispersed in an n -octyl half ester of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride copolymer and the mixture fabricated into thin disks. These are then coated with trilaurin which prevents polymer erosion and naltrexone release when the disk is placed in a pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The disks and a reversible inactivated lipase are placed within a semipermeable membrane which allows free passage of morphine and naltrexone but excludes the high molecular weight components of the device. The reversible inactivation of lipase is achieved by covalent attachment of morphine and complexing with a morphine antibody. Activation of the enzyme and consequent triggering takes place when morphine diffuses into the device, displaces the lipase-morphine conjugate from the antibody and the activated enzyme removes the protective coating. Coated devices are stable for at least one month and activated devices release naltrexone at nearly constant rate for two weeks. When the inactivated lipase is exposed to 10 −7 M morphine solutions, 50% of enzyme activity is restored.
Flip chip power cycling system development and lead free bump power cycling reliability

In this paper, a novel power cycling system with thermal test vehicle design following the concept defined in JESD22-A122 standard has been established to better approximate field operating conditions. The test unit used in the system is to simulate real product, therefore it is not only package on board but also with an external fan. A closed-loop controller with power modules in this system is able to activate thermal test chip and external fan for power cycling heating and cooling profile tracking, in parallel data acquisition can monitor in-situ daisy chain resistance. In addition, this system is designed to perform power cycling test on multi-packages, which is beneficial to characterize power cycling reliability in chip-to-package and package-to-system level integration and product performance during technology development. An advanced Cu/low-K 16×14mm2 silicon chip with 35×35mm2 −1156L lead free bump flip chip BGA package was used with underfill material splits on pairing low, medium, and high Tg and modulus values. The effect of underfill properties (Tg, modulus) on SnAg lead free bump flip chip package power cycling reliability was characterized and verified by FEM (finite element method). Besides, the power cycling profile temperature range and temperature ramp rate effect was discussed and quantified by weibull analysis. The results can provide useful guideline for chip to package integration even system design for further reliability enhancement.
Line blanketing without local thermodynamic equilibrium. II - A solar-type model in radiative equilibrium

A statistical solution for the problem of non-LTE radiative transfer in the millions of atomic transitions responsible for line blanketing is proposed which takes into account the influence of scattering on the atomic populations. A multifrequency/multigray algorithm is used to analyze the thermal equilibrium. Although CO is shown to cool the upper atmosphere to a boundary temperature of 2640 K, the molecule has little influence in the region of the solar temperature minimum.
A dynamic landscape model for fish in the Everglades and its application to restoration

Abstract A model (ALFISH) for fish functional groups in freshwater marshes of the greater Everglades area of southern Florida has been developed. Its main objective is to assess the spatial pattern of fish densities through time across freshwater marshes. This model has the capability of providing a dynamic measure of the spatially-explicit food resources available to wading birds. ALFISH simulates two functional groups, large and small fish, where the larger ones can prey on the small fish type. Both functional groups are size-structured. The marsh landscape is modeled as 500×500 m spatial cells on a grid across southern Florida. A hydrology model predicts water levels in the spatial cells on 5-day time steps. Fish populations spread across the marsh during flooded conditions and either retreat into refugia (alligator ponds), move to other spatial cells, or die if their cell dries out. ALFISH has been applied to the evaluation of alternative water regulation scenarios under the Central and South Florida Comprehensive Project Review Study. The objective of this Review Study is to compare alternative methods for restoring historical ecological conditions in southern Florida. ALFISH has provided information on which plans are most are likely to increase fish biomass and its availability to wading bird populations.
Application of a cross decomposition algorithm to a location and allocation problem in distributed systems

In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in the development of computer network systems. The challenging problems that arise in designing a distributed computer network include the determination of sites for the location of computing resources and the allocation of files among these sites. This problem is a complex combinatorial problem that belong to the class of NP-complete problems, where the computation of an optimal solution is still a challenging task. This paper presents a general design model that integrates the choice of computer types into a standard location and allocation problem in distributed computer network systems, and proposes an effective solution algorithm based on cross decomposition. This algorithm unifies Benders decomposition and Lagrangean relaxation into a single framework to reduce the computational difficulty of the problem. Computational results are quite satisfactory and encouraging.
Four-dimensional computed tomography: Image formation and clinical protocol

Respiratory motion can introduce significant errors in radiotherapy. Conventional CT scans as commonly used for treatment planning can include severe motion artifacts that result from interplay effects between the advancing scan plane and object motion. To explicitly include organ/target motion in treatment planning and delivery, time-resolved CT data acquisition (4D Computed Tomography) is needed. 4DCT can be accomplished by oversampled CT data acquisition at each slice. During several CT tube rotations projection data are collected in axial cine mode for the duration of the patient's respiratory cycle (plus the time needed for a full CT gantry rotation). Multiple images are then reconstructed per slice that are evenly distributed over the acquisition time. Each of these images represents a different anatomical state during a respiratory cycle. After data acquisition at one couch position is completed, x rays are turned off and the couch advances to begin data acquisition again until full coverage of the scan length has been obtained. Concurrent to CT data acquisition the patient's abdominal surface motion is recorded in precise temporal correlation. To obtain CT volumes at different respiratory states, reconstructed images are sorted into different spatio-temporally coherent volumes based on respiratory phase as obtained from the patient's surface motion. During binning, phase tolerances are chosen to obtain complete volumetric information since images at different couch positions are reconstructed at different respiratory phases. We describe 4DCT image formation and associated experiments that characterize the properties of 4DCT. Residual motion artifacts remain due to partial projection effects. Temporal coherence within resorted 4DCT volumes is dominated by the number of reconstructed images per slice. The more images are reconstructed, the smaller phase tolerances can be for retrospective sorting. From phantom studies a precision of about 2.5 mm for quasiregular motion and typical respiratory periods could be concluded. A protocol for 4DCT scanning was evaluated and clinically implemented at the MGH. Patient data are presented to elucidate how additional patient specific parameters can impact 4DCT imaging.
An undergraduate course in concurrent programming using Ada

This paper describes a senior level course in concurrent programming using Ada. Unlike other similar courses in the subject area, it is not part of an operating systems course, nor is it tied to a particular hardware architecture. The course is software oriented and it discusses in depth a concurrent programming language, Ada, so that students are able to actually develop effective concurrent programs to solve problems in a wide range of applications. Ada is selected because of its popularity, superb portability, numerous hardware platforms, and rich concurrent constructs. Classical issues in concurrent programming are presented in the context of Ada. General issues in designing concurrent programming languages are elaborated using Ada, together with other concurrent programming languages such as CSP, Occam, and Linda. Finally, general principles of designing parallel programs are also discussed. Therefore, the course provides both the depth in a concurrent programming language for program development and the breadth in concurrent programming theory for insight. Using Ada throughout the course strengthens student's expertise in Ada and provides an useful reference point for understanding concurrent programming theory. The course is heavily based on handouts, examples, homework and programming assignments. A rich set of instructional materials are available from the author.
Sequential change in receptive fields of striate neurons in dark adapted cats

1. A general purpose, digital computer was employed to map quantitatively the receptive fields of units in cat's striate cortex. 2. Receptive fields were studied as a function of barbiturate anesthetic level under dark adapted conditions. 3. Receptive fields obtained from lateral geniculate axons were topographically simple and usually represented a single peak with concentric zones of decreasing excitability. Such fields were stable under all anesthetic and electroencephalographic conditions. 4. Responses were recorded from striate cells, both simple and complex in the sense of Hubel and Wiesel. These demonstrated varied field configurations such as an excitatory cylinder in an inhibitory field, excitatory vertical axis flanked by asymmetric inhibitory areas, and more complex patterns including potentially direction and velocity sensitive ones. 5. Many cortical maps were unstable over time, especially in the presence of low voltage, fast electroencephalographic activity. Changes were not random nor did they represent simple linear displacements of peaks, but included axis shifts, gradient change, and expansion or contraction of excitatory and inhibitory zones with centers at fixed relative positions. 6. Heavy barbiturate anesthesia and spontaneous spindling in the EEG markedly reduced the variability in these maps; the encephale isole preparation was more stable than spinally intact animals. This association suggests a role of the midbrain reticular formation in cortical variability. 7. Random rather than iterative presentation of matrix points resulted in higher mean firing rates and more stable receptive fields, probably the result of photochemical recovery in dispersed receptors and time averaging of cellular excitability. 8. When stability was analyzed as a function of time interval of response (early on, late on, early off, late off), initial on responses were often more stable than longer latency late on- or off-responses. This factor, among others discussed, makes eye movement an unlikely explanation for map variability. It suggests additionally that late on- and off- responses represent input to the cortical cell from units other than those producing the early on-response. 9. The effects of pentobarbital, in addition to stabilization of the receptive field, included striking phase reversals in which inhibitory regions became excitatory and visa versa. Firing rate often changed substantially, but both increases and decreases were observed. 10. It is argued that visual response under pentobarbital is a special and not the general case of visual perception and that sequential receptive field changes during aroused brain states reflect integrative, purposive processes at the cortical level.
SU-E-T-225: An Evaluation of the Impact of Calypso Electromagnetic Beacons on in Vivo Dosimeter Function in Prostate IGRT

Purpose: Investigate dosimetric variability between in‐vivo dosimeters (DVS) coupled with real‐time electromagnetic tracking beacons (Calypso) versus daily linear fiducial soft tissue markers (Visicoil). Methods: Single fraction in‐vivo dose measurements were collected from 20 patients that received surgically implanted bilateral dosimeters plus a position localizing device within the prostate. 10 patients were implanted with DVS dosimeters and Visicoil fiducial markers, and 10 with DVS dosimeters and Calypso position tracking beacons. Predicted dose was calculated with Eclipse TPS (Varian) and imported into the DVS dose reader. Each patient completed a full course of IGRT treatment (43 fractions, 180cGy/fraction). 934 DVS readings were collected over a 4‐month period. Percentage dose variability between planned and measured dose was analyzed using a 1 tailed t‐test with unequal variances. 3 frequencies of dose variability were compared (>5%, >7%, >10%). Respective p‐values were calculated to test statistical significance between the two patient cohorts. Results: 934 DVS readings (nVisicoil, DVS = 670, nCalypso, DVS = 264) were analyzed with the following average reading count per patient: n(Visicoil, DVS) = 33.5, n(Calypso, DVS) = 13.2. Average readings showed diverging dose variability frequencies. Visicoil frequencies: 80(11.9%) >5%, 33(4.9%) >7% and 7(1.0%) >10%; Calypso frequencies: 78(29.6%) >5%, 36(13.6%) >7% and 10(3.8%) >10%. P‐values were calculated to show differences between the two cohorts using reading frequencies of two dosimeters (DVS1, DVS2) within the defined parameters (>5%,>7% and >10%). Results exhibited statistical significance within the following sets: >5% DVS1 and DVS2 (pDVS1 = 0.029 pDVS2 = 0.004), >7% DVS2 (pDVS2 = 0.021), and >10% DVS2 (pDVS2 = 0.019). 2 dosimeters did not satisfy statistical significance criteria: DVS1 (>7% pDVS1 = 0.088, >10% pDVS1 = 0.105) Conclusions: This report shows how two coexisting technologies in‐vivo can affect one another. Specifically, DVS dosimeters exhibit significantly different behavior when coupled with Calypso or Visicoil localizing devices.
Glafka-2004: Non-Commutative Worlds

This paper summarizes and gives new extensions of previous work of the author and collaborative work of the author with Pierre Noyes. In the present paper we give a new generalization of the Feynman-Dyson derivation of electromagnetism in a non-commutative context. In this form, the theory extends to gauge fields and is entirely a consequence of a choice of the definition of derivatives as commutators and the choice of relationship between temporal and spatial derivatives. The paper uses diagrammatic techniques and discusses these issues in the context of discrete physical models.
Integrated learning. Passing fad or foundation for the future

On the surface, higher education has served the nation well. An increasing percentage of adults have attended college. Information is widely and freely available to most citizens; the economy is steady; and technological developments appear to offer ever-increasing improvements in the quality of life. Looking just beneath the surface, though, one realizes that knowledge is fragmented, access to knowledge is not universal, and there are no guarantees that past successes will sustain the future. Thus, it is worth examining how higher learning has contributed to the general prosperity and how education might evolve to address society's evident problems. This essay discusses the core approach of liberal arts in the context of the value--and obstacles--of integration across the traditional disciplines. Critical to the natural sciences is a firm grounding in the central importance of rigorous evidence, while the humanities keep us rooted in the importance of human values. Seeking linkages and connections between these realms is the lively challenge of this conference. The details of curricular design will be of less interest at this juncture than locating the critical issues and discussing how education might serve the goal of unifying knowledge and learning.
Identifying inhibitors of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by connectivity map-based systems approach.

Background Acquisition of mesenchymal phenotype by epithelial cells by means of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered as an early event in the multistep process of tumor metastasis. Therefore, inhibition of EMT might be a rational strategy to prevent metastasis. Methods Using the global gene expression profile from a cell culture model of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced EMT, we identified potential EMT inhibitors. We used a publicly available database (www.broad.mit.edu/cmap) comprising gene expression profiles obtained from multiple different cell lines in response to various drugs to derive negative correlations to EMT gene expression profile using Connectivity Map, a pattern matching tool. Results Experimental validation of the identified compounds showed rapamycin as a novel inhibitor of TGF-β signaling along with 17-AAG, a known modulator of TGF-β pathway. Both of these compounds completely blocked EMT and the associated migratory and invasive phenotype. The other identified compound, LY294002, demonstrated a selective inhibition of mesenchymal markers, cell migration and invasion, without affecting the loss of E-cadherin expression or Smad phosphorylation. Conclusions Our data reveal that rapamycin is a novel modulator of TGF-β signaling, and along with 17-AAG and LY294002, could be used as therapeutic agent for inhibiting EMT. This study demonstrates the potential of a systems approach in identifying novel modulators of a complex biological process.
Investigation of magneto-optical recording media using magnetic force microscopy

Magnetic force microscopy as a tool for characterization of magneto-optical recording media with submicron resolution is investigated. Experimental data are analyzed using a model which takes account of the micromagnetics of the needle.
Topical application of imiquimod 5% cream to keloids alters expression genes associated with apoptosis

Keloids are benign mesenchymal tumours, usually present at and extending beyond the margins of sites of previous injury. It is reported that keloids display aberrant expression of apoptotic genes: TGFB1 is activated, whereas caspase 8 and 3 are not, thus indicating a block upstream in the apoptosis cascade in keloids. Interferon-alpha 2b normalizes the excessive synthesis of collagen, glycosaminoglycans and collagenase by keloidal fibroblasts, reduces recurrences following keloid excision, and enhances the expression of native p53 and apoptosis. Imiquimod, a rapid and potent inducer of interferons locally at the site of application to the skin, reduces recurrences following keloid excision and alters gene expression of markers of apoptosis in basal cell carcinoma cells. We investigated the effects with respect to the expression of apoptotic genes in keloidal tissue compared with nontreated controls of imiquimod 5% cream applied topically to keloids. Total RNA was extracted from excised keloidal tissue, cDNA probes synthesized and then hybridized to gene-specific cDNA fragments spotted on membranes. The expression levels of 96 genes involved in apoptosis, relative to cyclophilin expression, were compared in the imiquimod-treated and untreated groups. The mean ratio of expression, relative to cyclophilin of caspase 3 and DFFA were significantly enhanced. Caspase 3 was significantly downregulated and DFFA was significantly upregulated in the group of imiquimod-treated keloids (P < 0.05) compared with the untreated group of keloids. Although imiquimod is capable of altering the expression of these markers of apoptosis in keloids, their role, if any, in the therapeutic response of keloids to imiquimod requires further investigation.
ON REGULARITY OF SOLUTIONS OF 3D NAVIER-STOKES EQUATIONS

We consider fluid in a rotating frame under periodic boundary conditions. In our previous work we show that for typical aspect ratios of periods the solutions are regular if the rotation is fast enough and the initial data and forcing terms are very smooth. Here we use a kind of closing argument to extend the results by continuity to less smooth data. The required smoothness of the data follows from natural requirement of continuous dependence of solutions of the equations on the data in appropriate spaces.
Sequences of nifX, nifW, nifZ, nifB and two ORF in the frankia nitrogen fixation gene cluster

Abstract The actinomycete Frankia alni fixes N 2 in root nodules of several non-leguminous plants. It is one of the few known N 2 -fixing members of the high-GC Gram + lineage of prokaryotes. Thus, we have undertaken a study of its nitrogen fixation gene ( n/f ) organization to compare with that of the more extensively characterized proteobacteria. A cosmid (pFN1) containing the n/f region of Fa CpI1 was isolated from a cosmid library using the nifHDK genes of Fa CpI1 as a probe. A 4.5-kb BamHI fragment that mapped downstream from the previously characterized n/fHDK genes was cloned and sequenced. Based on nt and aa sequence similarities to n/f from other N2-fixing bacteria, eight ORF were identified and designated nifX, orf3, orfl, nifW, n/fZ, nifB, orf2 and n/fU . A region that hybridized to Rhizobium meliloti and Klebsiella pneumoniae n/fA did not appear to contain a n/fA-like gene. We have revised the map of the Fa n/f region to reflect current information.
Maximal dimensional partially ordered sets II. characterization of 2n-element posets with dimension n

In this paper, we show that if a partially ordered set has 2n elements and has dimension n, then it is isomorphic to the set of n-1 element subsets and 1element subsets of a set, ordered by inclusion, or else it has six elements and is isomorphic to a partially ordered set we call the chevron or to its dual.