cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HBV genotype B is associated with better response to interferon therapy in HBeAg(+) chronic hepatitis than genotype C

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype and precore/core promoter mutations have been implicated in spontaneous and interferon alfa (IFN-alpha)-related hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion. We performed a retrospective analysis of a previously reported randomized controlled trial to determine the effects of HBV genotype and precore/core promoter mutations on IFN-alpha response in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis. Clinical data and stored sera from 109 (95%) patients in the original trial were analyzed. Seventy-three patients received IFN-alpha and 34 received no treatment (controls). Almost all patients had HBV genotypes B (38%) and C (60%). Antiviral response was achieved in 39% and 17% of IFN-alpha-treated patients (P =.03) and in 10% and 8% of untreated controls (P =.88) with HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified HBV genotype B, elevated pretreatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and low pretreatment HBV-DNA levels but not IFN-alpha treatment as independent factors associated with antiviral response. Among the 66 patients with elevated pretreatment ALT level, antiviral response was achieved in 57% and 21% of IFN-alpha-treated patients (P =.019), and in 25% and 8% of untreated controls (P =.45) with HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that genotype B and low pretreatment HBV-DNA levels were independent predictors of antiviral response. In conclusion, our data showed that HBV genotype B was associated with a higher rate of IFN-induced HBeAg clearance compared with genotype C. Stratification for HBV genotypes should be considered in future clinical trials of antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B.
Cognitive deficits in iron-deficient and iron-deficient anemic children*

Eighteen- to 60-month-old iron-deficient anemic children given iron therapy (n=25) and a control group matched for mother's educational level showed no significant difference in mean mental development score at baseline. The control group's mean score was increased significantly over baseline score at 3 and 6 months and was significantly higher than the experimental group's mean score at 3 months. Although the experimental group demonstrated hematologic correction over 6 months, mean mental development score showed no significant improvement. Scores for an iron deficient not anemic group given iron (n=22), despite complete hematologic correction over the six months of observation, and for its control group, did not change significantly. Baseline scores for an iron-deficient not anemic placebo group (n=23) and for its control group were not significantly different. At 3 months the control group score had increased significantly, whereas that for the experimental group had not. When experimental and control subjects were matched on baseline mental development score, the control subjects experienced increases in scores over time, further confirming an impaired ability to improve scores with repeated testing in the experimental groups. Behavioral rating data (responsiveness to examiner, responsiveness to environment, and emotional tone) revealed significant differences between the iron-deficient anemic group and its control group at 3 and 6 months, with the control group rated more responsive, suggesting that iron deficiency, alone or in association with anemia, may have some lasting effect on behavior and development. Group differences were also found between the mean number of occurrences of multiple stressful events. Failure to show improvement in scores in the iron testable than were children in the control group, despite repeated testings, a theory supported by the infant behavior rating data. This may be related to some irreversible behavioral deficit or to an adverse environmental milieu (e.g., stress).
Small bowel dilatation mimicking gastric dilatation

The locally dilated bowel segment in two neonates with small bowel atresia mimicked the appearance of gastric distention. These cases further demonstrate the inherent difficulty in accurate identification of bowel loops in neonates.
Acetaldehyde on vascular smooth muscle: Possible role in vasodilator action of ethanol

Previous studies on intact and isolated blood vessels indicate that ethanol can exert depressant actions on vascular smooth muscle. This study, using isolated rat aortic strips and portal veins, was designed to ascertain whether acetaldehyde (ACT), a major metabolite of ethanol, could exert similar effects. The results indicate that ACT can: (a) inhibit spontaneous mechanical activity and lower baseline tension in aortic strips; (b) depending upon concentration, enhance (abolished by phentolamine) or inhibit such spontaneous contractions in portal veins; (c) dose-dependently attenuate contractions induced by epinephrine, vasopressin, serotonin and KCl; (d) cause non-competitive displacement of the contraction--effect curves of these vasoactive compounds; (e) relax drug-induced contractions of aortic and venous smooth muscle, (f) attenuate Ca2+-induced contractions of K+-depolarized aortas and portal veins. These profound depressant actions of ACT are not attenuated, prevented or mimicked by alpha-adrenergic histaminergic, cholinergic, or serotonergic blocking drugs, nor are they attributable to actions on beta-adrenoreceptors, or release of prostaglandin-like substance. The direct vasodepressant actions of ACT on vascular smooth muscles may play significant roles in alcohol-induced peripheral vasodilatation and hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse noted in the alcohol-Antabuse reaction.
Methuselah antagonist extends life span

Newly identified peptide antagonists of the GPCR Methuselah confirm the role of this receptor in aging and should prove useful as tools for investigating the physiological functions of this class of receptor.
Risk for Reading Disability as a Function of Parental History in Three Family Studies

Inverse Bayesian analyses were applied to data from three large family studies of reading disability to estimate the posterior probability that an offspring will be affected, given that a parent reported a history of learning problems. Prior analyses presented elsewhere (Pennington et al., 1990), suggest that family transmission in these three studies is consistent with major gene or polygene influence. Posterior probability rates are presented in this paper for male to female sex ratios of 3.5:1 and 1:1, with population incidences estimated at 0.05 and 0.10. Results indicate that offspring risk rates are significantly elevated if a parent reports a history of RD. Specifically, an offspring's risk was increased 2 to 80 times over population expectancies when there was an affected parent. While the posterior probabilities and relative risk rates were fairly similar across studies, there was also some variation, which may reflect the different genetic mechanisms operating in these families. This study concludes that both absolute and relative risks are sufficiently increased in families with RD parents to warrant use of family history as a component in clinical evaluation. It is also evident from these results that consideration of the apparent mode of genetic transmission in families may provide even better information as to offspring risk, when family history is obtained.
Extranuclear Lipid Bodies, Elicited by CCR3-mediated Signaling Pathways, Are the Sites of Chemokine-enhanced Leukotriene C4 Production in Eosinophils and Basophils *

Eosinophils and basophils, when activated, become major sources of cysteinyl leukotrienes, eicosanoid mediators pertinent to allergic inflammation. We show that the C-C chemokines, eotaxin and RANTES (regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted), activate eosinophils and basophils for enhanced leukotriene C4 (LTC4) generation by distinct signaling and compartmentalization mechanisms involving the induced formation of new cytoplasmic lipid body organelles. Chemokine-induced lipid body formation and enhanced LTC4release were both mediated by CCR3 receptor G protein-linked downstream signaling involving activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Chemokine-elicited lipid body numbers correlated with increased calcium ionophore-stimulated LTC4 production; and as demonstrated by intracellular immunofluorescent localization of newly formed eicosanoid, lipid bodies were the predominant sites of LTC4 synthesis in both chemokine-stimulated eosinophils and chemokine-primed and ionophore-activated eosinophils. Eotaxin and RANTES initiated signaling via phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases both elicits the formation of lipid body domains and promotes LTC4 formation at these specific extranuclear sites.
Optical incoherent imaging through a thin slab waveguide

We present theoretical analyses and computer simulations for incoherent imaging through a thin slab waveguide of length l and slit opening 2a. Such an optical channel has a spatially varying point spread function, which introduces severe distortion. We show that phase diver- sity imaging, where the diversity is introduced by a simple spatial shift of the object, can significantly reduce the distortion. The spatial shift diver- sity is new to the literature. The results are shown with and without noise at 8-bit pixel quantization and are compared with the diffraction-limited image caused by imaging through the slit aperture alone. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(00)01209-5)
Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 and Cardiovascular Events in CKD

An elevated level of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) is the earliest abnormality of mineral metabolism in CKD. High FGF-23 levels promote left ventricular hypertrophy but not coronary artery calcification. We used survival analysis to determine whether elevated FGF-23 is associated with greater risk of adjudicated congestive heart failure (CHF) and atherosclerotic events (myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease) in a prospective cohort of 3860 participants with CKD stages 2–4 (baseline estimated GFR [eGFR], 44±15 ml/min per 1.73 m2). During a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 360 participants were hospitalized for CHF (27 events/1000 person-years) and 287 had an atherosclerotic event (22 events/1000 person-years). After adjustment for demographic characteristics, kidney function, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and medications, higher FGF-23 was independently associated with graded risk of CHF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.45 per doubling [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28 to 1.65]; HR for highest versus lowest quartile, 2.98 [95% CI, 1.97 to 4.52]) and atherosclerotic events (HR per doubling, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.40]; HR for highest versus lowest quartile, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.20 to 2.59]). Elevated FGF-23 was associated more strongly with CHF than with atherosclerotic events (P=0.02), and uniformly was associated with greater risk of CHF events across subgroups stratified by eGFR, proteinuria, prior heart disease, diabetes, BP control, anemia, sodium intake, income, fat-free mass, left ventricular mass index, and ejection fraction. Thus, higher FGF-23 is independently associated with greater risk of cardiovascular events, particularly CHF, in patients with CKD stages 2–4.
A low impedance 500kV 2.7kJ Marx generator as testbed for vacuum diodes

A low impedance Marx generator was developed as part of a test bed for vacuum diodes of various electrode materials and geometries. The generator supplies sufficient energy to initiate and sustain the typically unwanted plasma formation within the diode; which facilitates the observation of the plasma, current uniformity, and electron current densities of various diode structures. The generator consists of ten stages; each stage utilizes a 220 nF 50 kV capacitor, with a series inductance of ∼20 nH. When charged to the rated voltage of the capacitors the energy density of the complete generator with case, spark gaps, insulation, etc., is 19.2 mJ/cm3; this is roughly the energy density of a typical ceramic doorknob capacitor without any supporting structure or isolation. The energy density of the capacitors utilized in the Marx generator by themselves is 104 mJ/cm3. Fired into a low inductance short, the ringing frequency was measured to be 1.4 MHz resulting in an output impedance of 5.2 Ω. Erection of the Marx required adding forward feeding capacitors as the stray capacitance to ground is smaller than the capacitance (∼ 60 pF) of the low inductance, low profile spark gap switches. The design and construction of this generator are discussed as well as selected experimental results obtained with the generator.
Molecular Weight and Molecular Weight Distribution of Kraft Lignins

Kraft lignins are the lignin degradation products from kraft pulping. They are complex, heterogeneous polymers with some polar character. The molecular weight of kraft lignins greatly affect the physical properties of black liquors, and are of primary importance in separation from black liquor and in evaluating potential uses. Several purified kraft lignins from slash pine were analyzed for number average molecular weight by vapor pressure osmometry (VPO), for weight average molecular weight by low angle laser light scattering (LALLS), and for the molecular weight distribution by high temperature size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The lignins were run in Tetrahydrofuran (THF), N, N-Dimethyl Formamide (DMF), DMF with 0.1M LiBr, and pyridine at conditions above the Theta temperature. Experimental methods are discussed. The results show that VPO may be used to determine Mn for kraft lignins if the purity of the lignins and the identity of the impurities are known. LALLS can be used to determine Mw for kraft lignins if measurements are made at or above the Theta temperature of the lignin-solvent pair. SEC should be used at temperatures at, or above, the Theta temperature of the lignin-solvent pair. Size separation is highly dependent on the solvent used, and DMF is a much better solvent than THF for high temperature SEC. Future work using moment resolution procedures to derive an accurate calibration curve are also discussed.
Nanoparticle drug delivery enhances the cytotoxicity of hydrophobic-hydrophilic drug conjugates†

We report a drug conjugation approach to concurrently load both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs into the same drug delivery nanocarrier in a precisely controllable manner. Using paclitaxel as a model hydrophobic drug and cisplatin as a model hydrophilic drug, we demonstrate the synthesis and characterization of a paclitaxel–cisplatin conjugate via a hydrolysable linker and its easy encapsulation by a lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticle with controllable drug loading yield and drug release profile. The cytotoxicity of the resulting drug conjugate loaded nanoparticles against human ovarian cancer cells is investigated and compared to that of unencapsulated free drug conjugates. It is found that the cellular cytotoxicity of the hydrophobic–hydrophilic drug conjugates is significantly improved after being encapsulated into the nanoparticles. This is likely because the nanoparticles facilitate the intracellular entry of the amphiphilic drug conjugates and thus overcome their poor transport ability across the lipid bilayer structured cellular membranes.
A partitioning technique for the finite element solution of electromagnetic scattering from electrically large dielectric cylinders

A finite element partitioning scheme has been developed to reduce the computational costs of modeling electrically large geometries. In the partitioning scheme, the cylinder is divided into many sections. The finite element method is applied to each section independent of the other sections, and then the solutions in each section are coupled through the use of the tangential field continuity conditions between adjacent sections. Since the coupling matrix is significantly smaller than the original finite element matrix, it is expected that both the CPU time and memory costs can be significantly reduced. The partitioning scheme is coupled to the bymoment method to account for the boundary truncation. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the method. >
Prevention of suctioning-related arterial oxygen desaturation. Comparison of off-ventilator and on-ventilator suctioning

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of arterial oxygen desaturation during and after endotracheal suctioning in a group of ventilator-dependent patients with acute respiratory failure (the majority of whom had underlying obstructive lung disease) and to evaluate the efficacy of several maneuvers designed to minimize desaturation. The adaptor method presented obviates both removal from and reconnection to the ventilator during suctioning, as well as the need to alter ventilator settings. It is concluded that on-ventilator adaptor suctioning is a simple and effective measure for minimizing suctioning-related arterial oxygen desaturation.
Modeling and performance of a magnetic MEMS wiping actuator

A MEMS magnetic actuator microswitch has been fabricated which, in addition to the primary cantilever bending, exhibits a secondary wiping motion during overdrive. A self-wiping action is desirable in a microswitch because it can help clean the contacts and prevent contact fusing. The wiping action occurs as a result of lowering the total energy of the actuator system with increasing external magnetic field H o. The actuator is batch fabricated using standard microelectronic processing, and the ferromagnetic permalloy is patterned lithographically into long narrow strips on the actuator to maximize the magnetic torque generated for a given actuator size. The total wiping distance for a 1000-mum-long switch was 50 mum with magnetic fields from 10 to 100 mT. A first-principles physical model has been derived for the equilibrium and dynamic behavior of the device, as well as discrete changes in position due to frictional effects
Risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack after atrial fibrillation ablation with oral anticoagulant use guided by ECG monitoring and pulse assessment.

Oral Anticoagulant Use After AF Ablation Introduction We sought to gain insight into stroke risk after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Methods and Results We followed 1,990 patients for >1 year (49 ± 29 months) who underwent AF ablation. Prior to stopping oral anticoagulants (OAC), we performed 3-week transtelephonic ECG monitoring (TTM) and taught patients heart rate and pulse assessment. Documented AF or inability to do monitoring or assess pulse precluded stopping OAC in CHADS2 ≥1 patients. OAC was stopped in 546/840 (65%) with CHADS2 = 0; 384/796 (48%) with CHADS2 = 1 and 101/354 (40%) with CHADS2 ≥ 2. Sixteen strokes or TIAs occurred (0.2%/patient-year); 5 in CHADS2 = 0 patients (all off OAC); 5 in CHADS2 = 1 (1 off and 4 on OAC); and 6 in CHADS2 ≥2 (2 off and 4 on OAC). Twelve of 16 patients (75%) with stroke or TIA had documented AF. In patients “off ” OAC, stroke rate/year stratified by the CHADS2 score was similar (CHADS2 = 0: 0.28%; CHADS2 = 1: 0.07%; CHADS2 ≥2: 0.50%; P = NS). There was no difference in stroke risk “on” versus “off ” OAC in CHADS2 = 1 (0.48% vs. 0.07%) or CHADS2 ≥2 (0.39% vs. 0.50%). Risk of major bleeding per patient year “on” OAC was > “off ” OAC (13/1,138 (1.14%) versus 1/832 (0.1%); P<0.016). Conclusions Post-AF ablation with OAC guided by TTM and pulse assessment: (1) Overall stroke or TIA rate risk is low and risk is due to recurrent AF and (2) OAC can be stopped in 40% of CHADS2 ≥2 patients with low stroke and hemorrhagic risk.
Diffusion tensor microscopy of the intervertebral disc anulus fibrosus.

Morphologically accurate biomechanical models of the intervertebral disc anulus fibrosus (AF) require precise knowledge of its lamellar architecture; however, available methods of assessment are limited by poor spatial resolution or the destructive nature of the technique. In a novel approach, diffusion tensor microscopy was used in this study to characterize the microstructure of excised porcine AF samples. Results show diffusion in the AF to be anisotropic. The orientations of anisotropy exhibit a layered morphology that agrees with light micrographs of the corresponding samples, and the behavior of the orientation angles is consistent with the known AF collagen fiber architecture. A static magnetic field-dependent relaxation anisotropy was observed in the AF, which has methodological implications for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of ordered collageneous tissues. These findings present MR diffusion tensor microscopy as a potentially valuable tool to assess quantitatively and nondestructively water diffusion anisotropy and lamellar structure of the intervertebral disc AF. Magn Reson Med 41:992–999, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Introduction: A Global Intellectual History of Feminism

In this introduction, Rao discusses the importance of The Birth of Chinese Feminism: Essential Texts in Transnational Theory , edited by Lydia H. Liu, Rebecca E. Karl, and Dorothy Ko, and the resulting Kitabkhana, or book forum. The contributors to the Kitabkhana address The Birth of Chinese Feminism as an inaugural text for two reasons: first, for the manner in which the author-editors have framed and conceptualized the distinctive nature of He-Yin Zhen's interventions; and second, for the text's ability to address histories of modern gendering in non-Western locales, thus generating a global consideration of the social and political interventions that staged gender as a problem of both embodiment and inequality.
Willingness to Participate in Research during Pregnancy: Race, Experience, and Motivation

This article examines the willingness of pregnant women to participate in research on health. The authors investigate attitudes toward multiple methods of data collection, including survey and biom...
Oil Characteristics of Peanut Fruit Separated by a Nondestructive Maturity Classification Method

Abstract A nondestructive peanut pod maturity classification method, Pod Maturity Profile (PMP), based on visual examination of the color and structural characteristics of pod mesocarp after partial removal of pod exocarp, was used to separate freshly harvested peanut pods into maturity classes. The separations made nondestructively were compared with those made by a method involving the examination of internal pericarp and testa characteristics. The groups separated by the two methods were closely related. In oil from the PMP classes, color decreased, free fatty acid content decreased, iodine value remained approximately constant, and oven stability of the extracted oil increased with increasing maturity. Total oil contents and fatty acid profiles had consistent but more complex relationships with maturity. The data indicate that the PMP method allows consistent and reproducible classification of peanut fruit maturity.
Sensorless direct field oriented control of three-phase induction motors based on "sliding mode" for washing machine drive applications

Sensorless direct field oriented (SDFO) control of three-phase induction motors based on "sliding mode" has been studied and applied to domestic washing machine drives. In this paper, three related techniques, sliding mode flux observer, sliding mode speed controller and direct rotor speed estimator are presented for the application of SDFO "sliding mode" in induction motor control system. Specifically, the investigations focus on how improving speed regulation, system robustness and some special technical issues in washing machine drives. The complete control schemes have been developed and implemented in a low cost DSP-based electronic controller. Through a variety of system performance validation tests, it has been proved that the developed SDFO control not only achieves satisfied steady as well as dynamic performance, but also is robust for washing machine driving applications.
Comparison of commercial glyphosate formulations for control of prickly sida, purple nutsedge, morningglory and sicklepod

The efficacy of the commercial glyphosate [( N -phosphonomethyl) glycine] formulations Roundup Ultra, Touchdown and Engame were compared for the control of prickly sida ( Sida spinosa L.), morningglory ( Ipomeae hederacea var. integriuscula Gray), sicklepod ( Senna obtusifolia L.) and purple nutsedge ( Cyperus rotundus L.). Engame is a new formulation of glyphosate that contains glyphosate acid and 1-aminomethanamide dihydrogen tetraoxosulfate (AMADS), a proprietary mixture of sulfuric acid and urea, other than glyphosate salt and surfactants. Injury by Engame differed from Roundup Ultra and Touchdown in that necrotic lesions formed on leaves several hours after treatment. Leaves of very susceptible species, such as prickly sida, were rapidly, although incompletely, desiccated and then became chlorotic and died in a manner typical of other glyphosate formulations. Engame was 2‐3 times more active to growth inhibition than either the Roundup Ultra or Touchdown formulations, based on GR 50 comparisons expressed on an acid equivalent basis. The GR 50 estimates did not change over the 3 week evaluation period for prickly sida and purple nutsedge, and after 2 weeks after treatment for morningglory. The GR 50 estimates for sicklepod decreased over the 3 week evaluation period indicating a slower response to glyphosate. The application of AMADS alone caused minute necrotic lesions on sicklepod and purple nutsedge, and lesions up to 3 mm in diameter on prickly sida and morningglory. Further injury from AMADS was not noted and plants resumed growth without apparent delay. At glyphosate rates above 1120 g ha - 1 , greater than 80% control was achieved at 7 days after treatment. These results demonstrate that glyphosate efficacy can be further enhanced by formulations that apparently improve uptake and translocation.
A Fully Calibrated Generalized Constant-Elasticity-of-Substitution Programming Model of Agricultural Supply

This article provides a methodology to exactly calibrate land‐constrained programming models of agricultural supply against supply elasticities using generalized constant‐elasticity‐of‐substitution, crop‐specific production functions. We formally derive the necessary and sufficient conditions under which the model can replicate a reference allocation while displaying crop supply responses consistent with exogenous information on supply elasticities. When it exists, the solution to the exact calibration problem is unique. Subject to a caveat, the proposed specification is shown to be more flexible with respect to calibration than the quadratic specification that has been used extensively in policy models based on positive mathematical programming.
A Fault-Tolerant Middleware Architecture for High-Availability Storage Services

Today organizations and business enterprises of all sizes need to deal with unprecedented amounts of digital information, creating challenging demands for mass storage and on-demand storage services. The current trend of clustered scale-out storage systems use symmetric active replication based clustering middleware to provide continuous availability and high throughput. Such architectures provide significant gains in terms of cost, scalability and performance of mass storage and storage services. However, a fundamental limitation of such an architecture is its vulnerability to application-induced massive dependent failures of the clustering middleware. In this paper, we propose hierarchical middleware architectures that improve availability and reliability in scale-out storage systems while continuing to deliver the cost and performance advantages and a single system image (SSI). Hierarchical middleware architectures organize critical cluster management services into an overlay network that provides application fault isolation and eliminates symmetric clustering middleware as a single-point-of-failure. We present an in-depth evaluation of hierarchical middlewares based on an industry-strength storage system. Our results show that hierarchical architectures can significantly improve availability and reliability of scale-out storage clusters.
Salsa: Scalable Asynchronous Replica Exchange for Parallel Molecular Dynamics Applications

This paper presents Salsa, a novel, decentralized and asynchronous realization of the "replica exchange" algorithm for simulating the structure, function, folding, and dynamics of proteins. Salsa provides a scalable communication and interaction substrate that presents a virtual shared space abstraction and enables the dynamic and asynchronous interactions required by the simulations to be simply and efficiently implemented. The design, implementation and experimental evaluation of Salsa and replica exchange-based simulations using Salsa are presented.
Transplanted neuroblasts differentiate appropriately into projection neurons with correct neurotransmitter and receptor phenotype in neocortex undergoing targeted projection neuron degeneration.

Reconstruction of complex neocortical and other CNS circuitry may be possible via transplantation of appropriate neural precursors, guided by cellular and molecular controls. Although cellular repopulation and complex circuitry repair may make possible new avenues of treatment for degenerative, developmental, or acquired CNS diseases, functional integration may depend critically on specificity of neuronal synaptic integration and appropriate neurotransmitter/receptor phenotype. The current study investigated neurotransmitter and receptor phenotypes of newly incorporated neurons after transplantation in regions of targeted neuronal degeneration of cortical callosal projection neurons (CPNs). Donor neuroblasts were compared to the population of normal endogenous CPNs in their expression of appropriate neurotransmitters (glutamate, aspartate, and GABA) and receptors (kainate-R, AMPA-R, NMDA-R. and GABA-R), and the time course over which this phenotype developed after transplantation. Transplanted immature neuroblasts from embryonic day 17 (E17) primary somatosensory (S1) cortex migrated to cortical layers undergoing degeneration, differentiated to a mature CPN phenotype, and received synaptic input from other neurons. In addition, 23.1 ± 13.6% of the donor-derived neurons extended appropriate long-distance callosal projections to the contralateral S1 cortex. The percentage of donor-derived neurons expressing appropriate neurotransmitters and receptors showed a steady increase with time, reaching numbers equivalent to adult endogenous CPNs by 4–16 weeks after transplantation. These results suggest that previously demonstrated changes in gene expression induced by synchronous apoptotic degeneration of adult CPNs create a cellular and molecular environment that is both permissive and instructive for the specific and appropriate maturation of transplanted neuroblasts. These experiments demonstrate, for the first time, that newly repopulating neurons can undergo directed differentiation with high fidelity of their neurotransmitter and receptor phenotype, toward reconstruction of complex CNS circuitry.
Distortion-aware retransmission and concealment of video packets using a Wyner-Ziv-coded thumbnail

We investigate retransmission-based robust video streaming over lossy packet networks in this paper. We propose to send a thumbnail video along with the video packets. The thumbnail video is Wyner-Ziv-coded to exploit its correlation with the primary video. The receiver decodes the primary video with the help of error concealment to mitigate packet losses. Upon receiving and successfully decoding the thumbnail, the receiver can estimate the local distortion due to packet losses and make intelligent decisions on which packets are needed for retransmission. Additional gain in video quality can be achieved by using the thumbnail to aid error concealment. Our experimental results demonstrate gains over previously proposed distortion-unaware heuristic methods.
Decomposition Plans for Geometric Constraint Systems, Part I: Performance Measures for CAD

solution, but also captures design intent and supports conceptual design. Though complex, this issue has evolved and crystallized over the past few years, permitting us to take the next important step: in this paper, we formalize, motivate and explain the decomposition{recombination (DR)-planning problem as well as several performance measures by which DR-planning algorithms can be analyzed and compared. These measures include: generality, validity, completeness, Church{Rosser property, complexity, best- and worst-choice approximation factors, (strict) solvability preservation, ability to deal with underconstrained systems, and ability to incorporate conceptual design decompositions specied by the designer. The problem and several of the performance measures are formally dened here for the rst time|they closely reect specic requirements of CAD/CAM applications. The clear formulation of the problem and performance measures allow us to precisely analyze and compare existing DR-planners that use two well-known types of decomposition methods: SR (constraint shape recognition) and MM (generalized maximum matching) on constraint graphs. This analysis additionally serves to illustrate and provide intuitive substance to the newly formalized measures. In Part II of this article, we use the new performance measures to guide the development of a new DR-planning algorithm which excels with respect to these performance measures. c 2001 Academic Press
Experimenting with the Arms Race

The study involves a game that simulates certain basic features of an arms race-disarmament dilemma. The game is a modification of the widely studied two-person prisoner's dilemma. The more complex conditions involve options for requesting or refusing a request for an inspection of the other player's armament level prior to the payoff move, or for engaging in a â€œsudden deathâ€ surprise attack. The manner in which the inspection opportunity is used as a vehicle for communicating intentions and the conditions under which each of these options tends to be selected are described. In addition to the deceptive propensity in inspection conditions, we found an unhappy tendency to engage in preemptive surprise attacks out of fear of the adversary, even when there was virtually no chance of success in such an attack. While all of the more complex variations are played with real subjects, two conditions are repeated with a stooge opponent preprogrammed to follow strictly either a matching (tit for tat) or a conciliatory strategy. Both of these strategies are markedly effective in moving the real subject toward a cooperative or mutually disarmed state.
Early Head Start and Access to Early Intervention Services: A Qualitative Investigation

This qualitative study of 32 low-income families with infants or toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities (a) examines whether participation in one Early Head Start (EHS) program increased the likelihood that the families would pursue early intervention services, (b) identifies the phases through which the EHS families progressed in accessing such services, and (c) describes how EHS helped the families obtain access. The study analyzes data from interviews, program records, and research measures. The authors found that the EHS families obtained early intervention services at higher rates than the control families. Case studies illustrate how EHS staff developed individualized strategies to help the families obtain early intervention services.
Manometry of the UES Including High-Resolution Manometry

Manometry of the upper esophageal sphincter and pharynx is used for the measure of the contractile activity of these structures at rest, during deglutition, and in response to various stimuli. The anatomic asymmetry, movement, and fast responses of these structures challenge the performance characteristics of most manometric systems. The advent of solid-state high-resolution manometry addresses the limitations of earlier systems. However, currently available commercial systems continue to have limitations in performance, cost, and durability. The field is further limited by the lack of consensus in the field regarding specific definitions for manometric phenomena, as well as the absence of universally applicable and available normative data sets.
PythonCLServiceTool: A Utility for Wrapping Command-Line Applications for The Grid

The international science community has invested large amounts of money in developing numerical and computational codes for everything from basic math to application specific codes. These codes are now a vital part of the scientific process. However, running these codes can be challenging. Many require a highly specialized environment, and may only run in a few locations. To maximize the usage of these codes, it is necessary to enable network access to them. We discuss our recent work in developing automated tools to enable network access to command line applications using Grid[l] tools.
The Zebra Mussel Dreissena polymorpha Found in North America in 1986 and 1987

The zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha was first detected in the western basin of Lake Erie, Ontario, Canada, on natural gas wellheads and well markers between April and November 1986. It was found again in 1987 on the north shore of Lake Erie in a water treatment plant, and in vessel fouling. The population increased in Lake Erie in 1988. Dreissena may have spread from Lake Erie to Lake St. Clair, where it was then discovered on 1 June 1988.
Response to Passage of Sinusoidal Current Through the Body

It is becoming increasingly popular to introduce current to human and animal subjects either to measure a physiological event or to stimulate (or inhibit) irritable tissue. The type and intensity of current and the location of the electrodes is dependent on the result desired. The published literature abounds with descriptions of the various techniques using intentionally injected electrical currents for the measurement of physiological events by impedance, stimulation of nerve and muscle, and the production of an anesthesia-like state. Although all of these techniques are in popular use, when injecting current into animals and man it is necessary to employ the safest possible procedure. Except in the emergency life-saving situation, for example when high current is employed in trans-chest ventricular defibrillation, it is highly desireable to avoid stimulation of cutaneous receptors under the electrodes and to exclude passage of current through the cardiac ventricles because of the high risk of producing ventricular fibrillation which if not arrested immediately results in irreversible damage to the central nervous system. This paper describes the response to passage of current through various parts of the body and, in particular, presents data on the threshold values for sensation and the total thoracic current for ventricular fibrillation. Leakage of low-intensity current from catheters in the ventricles can produce fibrillation; accordingly, the threshold current for ventricular fibrillation is presented for this current path.
Templating Silica Aerogel with Polystyrene to Improve Their Mechanical Properties

AbstractThe sol-gel methods applied in the synthesis of aerogels lead to the formation of a disordered silica network. The resulting aerogel has poor structural definition that leads to poor mechanical properties. The work presented details our efforts to create a new hierarchical mesoporous silica aerogel. These meso-porous aerogels were formed utilizing a templating technique using polystyrene beads with varying diameters, 50 nm to 2 μm, dispersed during sol-gel polymerization. The resulting gel was super-critically dried creating a silica aerogel templated with polystyrene beads. The polystyrene beads were then thermal oxidized creating meso-porous silica aerogel monolith. The surface area, pore volume, pore diameter, and mechanical properties of the templated aerogels were determined. Interestingly the mechanical properties of the meso-porous aerogel were significantly improved. These improvements appear to be directly related to the polystyrene bead diameter and loading.
Improving low-energy boron/nitrogen ion implantation in graphene by ion bombardment at oblique angles

Ion implantation is a widely adopted approach to structurally modify graphene and tune its electrical properties for a variety of applications. Further development of the approach requires a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that govern the ion bombardment process as well as establishment of key relationships between the controlling parameters and the dominant physics. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations with adaptive bond order calculations, we demonstrate that boron and nitrogen ion bombardment at oblique angles (particularly at 70°) can improve both the productivity and quality of perfect substitution by over 25%. We accomplished this by systematically analyzing the effects of the incident angle and ion energy in determining the probabilities of six distinct types of physics that may occur in an ion bombardment event, including reflection, absorption, substitution, single vacancy, double vacancy, and transmission. By analyzing the atomic trajectories from 576 000 simulations, we identified three single vacancy creation mechanisms and four double vacancy creation mechanisms, and quantified their probability distributions in the angle-energy space. These findings further open the door for improved control of ion implantation towards a wide range of applications of graphene.
Five New Indian Membracidae

Through the courtesy of Mr. J. C. M. Gardner, Systematic Entomologist of the Forest Research Institute located at Dehra Dun, India, the writer has had the privilege of examining an interesting series of Membracidae, mostly collected in northern India. The collection contains five new species which are here described. The types of all of these new species have been deposited, at the request of Mr. Gardner, in the British Museum.
A Fond Farewell to the “Journal of Marketing”:

Last July the Editor of the Journal of Marketing submitted his resignation, to become effective at the end of 1966.This is his message of appreciation to the scores of marketing executives and mark...
Evaluating Language Functionality in Library Databases

ABSTRACTThis article discusses the technology and design features of library databases that allow users to search and retrieve information in a language other than English. The author begins with reviewing language localization trends in the following databases: EBSCO Academic Search Complete, Gale Academic OneFile, JSTOR, ProQuest Linguistics and Language Behavior Abstracts, and WorldCat on FirstSearch by OCLC (hereafter WorldCat). This review is followed by an evaluation of these databases' abilities to search in a non-English language using a simple keyword search constructed using Google Translate. The results show that searching databases using languages written in Roman fonts (European languages, for example) is supported across all the databases, while searching using languages represented in non-Roman scripts is not well supported (Russian, Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, etc.). These database features are undergoing constant development as library database vendors expand their products to other countrie...
L’Incorporation de la Modernité dans la Poésie Lyrique au Tournant du XXe Siècle (The Role of Modernism in French Lyric Poetry at the Turn of the 20th Century)

French Abstract: Cette dissertation vise a approfondir un theme saillant de la modernite afin de nous mener a une definition de ce terme nebuleux. Ce theme est le deplacement d’attention de l’ame vers le corps. Au lieu d’analyser chaque domaine qui touche ce theme, nous centralisons notre demarche a la poesie lyrique francaise au tournant du XXe siecle. Cela nous permet de formuler une image approfondie de comment et pourquoi la modernite a incite les poetes a se distinguer des romantiques.English Abstract: What is modernism? This paper aims to elaborate a key theme of modernism in order to bring us closer to a definition of this nebulous term. This theme is the shift in attention from the soul, to the body. Instead of analyzing a range of modernist art, we will focus our approach on French lyric poetry at the turn of the 20th century. This focus will allow us to formulate a more detailed conception of how and why modernism incited lyric poets to differentiate themselves from the romantics, and as a result, better understand a key theme of modernism, identified above.Several case studies will help us to elaborate upon this theme. For one, we will turn to the phenomenological philosopher Merleau-Ponty because his theory about perception further explains the shift in attention to the body. Secondly, we will analyze the work of Charles Baudelaire, Arthur Rimbaud, Stephane Mallarme, and Francis Ponge. By examining both the meaning provided at formal level of their verses, as well as at the thematic level of their poems, we can bring more clarity to lyric poetry's treatment of the modernist attention on the body, and more broadly, our key theme of modernism.
Quark-Gluon Plasma and Space-Time Picture of Ultra-relativistic Nuclear Collisions

In these lectures, I will try to review what is known of the properties of matter at very high energy density, and how it might be produced in ultra-relativistic nuclear colhsions. These lectures are aimed primarily at graduate students or young post docs with an interest in learning a little something about these subjects, but who have not been actively involved in research on related problems.
Variables in Estimation of Adipocyte Size and Number with a Particle Counter

Porcine adipose tissue slices were fixed with osmium tetroxide and cells released by treatment with urea. Cell size and number were determined by an instrumental method using a particle counter. Storage of adipose tissue samples as frozen slices or in osmium, in post-osmium saline, in urea or in post-urea Triton all tended to produce less acceptable results than obtained with fresh tissue slices. Various storage conditions either tended to diminish cell size, to produce small particles or to cause aggregation. Repeatabilities of cell number, cell diameter and cell volume from multiple samples obtained from one anatomical location within an animal (perfect repeatability = 1) were .39, .52 and .65, respectively. Repeatabilities of instrument determinations were greater than .98 for cell number, cell diameter and cell volume. Cell number may be estimated from particle counts or indirectly from average size. Particle count number and that calculated from mean cell diameter were similar, whereas cell numbers estimated from mean cell volumes were smaller. Different adipose tissue depots and backfat layers had divergent cell size, making extrapolation to whole-animal cell number complex.
Visible action as gesture

‘Gesture’, we have suggested, is a name for visible action when it is used as an utterance or as a part of an utterance. But what is ‘utterance’, and how are actions in this domain recognized as playing a part in it? In this book we shall use the term ‘utterance’ to refer to any ensemble of action that counts for others as an attempt by the actor to ‘give’ information of some sort. We draw here upon a formulation of Goffman (1963, pp. 13-14) in which he pointed out that although, whenever people are co present to one another they cannot avoid providing information to one another about their intentions and involvements, about their status as social beings and about their own individual character, and so may be said to ‘give off’ information, people also engage in action that is regarded as explicitly designed for the provision of information and for which they are normally held responsible. Through these kinds of actions, to use Goffman's expression, people are said to ‘give’ information. Here ‘utterance’ will refer to any action or complex of actions that is treated by the participants within the interactional occasion, whatever this might be, as ‘giving information’ in this sense. That is, an ‘utterance’ is any unit of activity that is treated by those co-present as a communicative ‘move’, ‘turn’ or ‘contribution’.