cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Relation Between Infants' Manual Activity With Objects and Their Perception of Dynamic Events

We examined the relation between 6- and 7-month-old infants' (N = 60) manual activity with objects during free play and their perception of the features of dynamic, multimodal events. Infants were habituated to a single event in which a hand reached for and manipulated a colorful, multifeatured object, and a sound was heard (e.g., a hand squeezed a purple round object, causing a whistling sound) and then their response to events that involved a change in the appearance of the object, the action, or the sound was assessed. Infants responded least to changes in the appearance of the objects, and their sensitivity to this feature was related to their manual activity with objects during free play. Infants' responding to changes in the sound or action was unrelated to motor activity, suggesting that at this age motor achievements related to object exploration are associated with infants' perception of some, but not all, object features.
Quantifying the structure of food demand in China: An econometric approach

This article examines food demand structure and its dynamics for 11 commodities in urban China. The analysis is based on household-level expenditure survey data for two cross-sectional surveys of Chinese households pertaining to food expenditure patterns during 1995 and 2003. Pre-committed components of commodity demands, that are insensitive to economic variables, are explored. We use the generalized quadratic almost ideal demand system (GQAIDS) for its empirical superiority to the generalized almost ideal demand system (GAIDS), and estimate the associated parameters via full information maximum likelihood procedure (FIML) accounting for endogeneity of total expenditures on food for home consumption (FAH). We also use quality-adjusted commodity unit values to control for quality differences resulting from commodity aggregation and food choice. Furthermore, we derive GQAIDS elasticity formulas, and estimate income elasticities without restrictions. The results partially support the hypothesis that an average Chinese household has incorporated elements of Western diet (fine grains) into traditional Chinese food diet over time. Moreover, the outcome of a simple test developed here points to possible preference changes for a majority of food staples under study.
Optimization of monolithic columns for microfluidic devices

Monolithic columns offer advantages as solid-phase extractors because they offer high surface area that can be tailored to a specific function, fast mass transport, and ease of fabrication. Porous glycidyl methacrylate-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate monoliths were polymerized in-situ in microfluidic devices, without pre-treatment of the poly(methyl methacrylate) channel surface. Cyclohexanol, 1-dodecanol and Tween 20 were used to control the pore size of the monoliths. The epoxy groups on the monolith surface can be utilized to immobilize target-specific probes such as antibodies, aptamers, or DNA for biomarker detection. Microfluidic devices integrated with solid-phase extractors should be useful for point-of-care diagnostics in detecting specific biomarkers from complex biological fluids.
Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is a fine-tune regulator of the collagen1:collagen3 balance

Adenosine is a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive metabolite that is a potent modulator of tissue repair. However, the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR)-mediated promotion of collagen synthesis is detrimental in settings such as scarring and scleroderma. The signaling cascade from A2AR stimulation to increased collagen production is complex and obscure, not least because cAMP and its downstream molecules PKA and Epac1 have been reported to inhibit collagen production. We therefore examined A2AR-stimulated signaling for collagen production by normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). Collagen1 (Col1) and collagen3 (Col3) content after A2AR activation by CGS21680 was studied by western blotting. Contribution of PKA and Epac was analyzed by the PKA inhibitor PKI and by knockdowns of the PKA-Cα, -Cβ, -Cγ, Epac1, and Epac2. CGS21680 stimulates Col1 expression at significantly lower concentrations than those required to stimulate Col3 expression. A2AR stimulates Col1 expression by a PKA-dependent mechanism since PKA inhibition or PKA-Cα and -Cβ knockdown prevents A2AR-mediated Col1 increase. In contrast, A2AR represses Col3 via PKA but stimulates both Col1 and Col3 via an Epac2-dependent mechanism. A2AR stimulation with CGS21680 at 0.1 μM increased Col3 expression only upon PKA blockade. A2AR activation downstream signaling for Col1 and Col3 expression proceeds via two distinct pathways with varying sensitivity to cAMP activation; more highly cAMP-sensitive PKA activation stimulates Col1 expression, and less cAMP-sensitive Epac activation promotes both Col1 and Col3 expression. These observations may explain the dramatic change in Col1:Col3 ratio in hypertrophic and immature scars, where adenosine is present in higher concentrations than in normal skin.
Determination of the Hydroxy Nitrate Yields from the Reaction of C2−C6 Alkenes with OH in the Presence of NO

The yields of hydroxy nitrates from the reaction of selected C2−C6 alkenes with OH in the presence of NO were measured at 296 ± 3 K in a 9600 L photochemical smog chamber. Hydroxyl radicals were produced from the photolysis of isopropyl nitrite in the presence of NO. The loss of the alkene was followed using gas chromatography. The hydroxy nitrate products were determined using a combination of capillary chromatography and an organic nitrate specific chemiluminescence detector. The yield of hydroxy nitrates was observed to increase with the size of the precursor alkene as follows: ethene (0.86%), propene (1.5%), 1-butene (2.5%), cis-2-butene (3.4%), and 1-hexene (5.5%). Previous studies involving the production of alkyl nitrates from alkanes show a similar trend, but the yields reported here are a factor of 2−3 lower than for the corresponding simple alkylperoxy radical. The impact of a β-hydroxy group on the nitrate yield is examined using an ab initio molecular orbital study. It indicates that a hydrog...
An Image Storage System For Insurance Applications

A document storage application is described in the context of the insurance industry requirements for storage of massive paper files. Optical disc will provide the storage, which is the last major piece that had to be invented. This paper describes the characteristics required in a large digital image storage system.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS IN PREVENTION OF POST-CARDIAC SURGERY ATRIAL FIBRILLATION: A META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Previous randomized studies have reported conflicting results on the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids (PUFA) in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) post cardiac surgery. Therefore, a meta-analysis of the role of PUFA in the prevention of atrial fibrillation in post-cardiac surgery patients was
Oversampled frame algorithm for real-time implementation and applications

An algorithm for real-time implementation of affine frames generated by 'oversampling' is introduced. This notion of oversampled frames differs from the more well-known concept of over-sampling in that no extra data information is required in the implementation of our oversampled frame algorithm. The advantages of this fast-frame algorithm over the standard wavelet decomposition algorithm in signal processing include its ability to reduce the destructive effects due to aliasing and the presence of uncorrelated noise, as well as to compensate for the lack of shift-invariance in discrete wavelet decomposition.
ALGEBRAIC MODELS FOR MERGING SYSTEMS

Abstract After defining systems that can be represented by scators it is shown that the merging of such systems is conveniently modelled by scator addition. It is shown that scator addition although not generally associative will be so if a certain function involved is solution of a functional equation whose general solution is found. Finally after defining scator derivatives it is shown that systems with continuous merging lead to differential equations in scators.
Gingival retraction techniques and their healing effect on the gingiva

C ervical clamps are generally employed in dentistry to retract the gingival tissurY from the operating field. Where the carious lesion extends below the free malgirr of the gingiva, retractions have been combined with flap procedures. ‘l’his method assures a successful cavity preparation and a functionally and cstheticallv acctptabk restoration. Several authors*-” have described the retraction techniques for the ging-ival tissue. and many publications ha\re reported the repair of the soft tissue followin,? surpical interventions.5-7 However, there is littlr information regarding the assessment of the recovery of the gingival tissue after the application of various retraction methods. This clinical study was designed to evaluate the healing process of the gingiv:J tissue, after placement of class V direct gold restorations, when four types of r+ traction techniques were used.
Vitamin D deiciency and its relation to bone mineral density and liver ibrosis in HIV-HCV coinfection

Background Fractures and cirrhosis are major causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV–HCV-coinfected individuals. It is not known whether vitamin D deficiency is associated with these outcomes.
Intraprocedural steps to enhance efficiency.

This section focuses on intraprocedural steps that can improve endoscopic efficiency. Contributors to procedural efficiency and inefficiency are considered. The limitations to enhancing efficiency are presented. Strategies for incorporating contributors to efficiency, including techniques, technologies, accessories, and attitudes, are presented.
A key-chain-based keying scheme for many-to-many secure group communication

We propose a novel secure group keying scheme using hash chain for many-to-many secure group communication. This scheme requires a key predistribution center to generate multiple hash chains and allocates exactly one hash value from each chain to a group member. A group member can use its allocated hash values (secrets) to generate group and subgroup keys. Key distribution can be offline or online via the key distribution protocol. Once keys are distributed, this scheme enables a group member to communicate with any possible subgroups without the help of the key distribution center, and without having to leave the overall group, thus avoiding any setup delay. Our scheme is suitable for applications where the population of a system is stable, group size is moderate, subgroup formation is frequent, and the application is delay sensitive. Through analysis, we present effectiveness of our approach.
Reply to "Comment on 'Time reversal of ultrafast waveforms by wave mixing spectrally decomposed waves'".

In response to a comment on our Letter [Opt. Lett.25, 132 (2000)], we reiterate the distinction between the spectral inversion and the spectral phase conjugation processing techniques. The former achieves time reversal of the complex amplitude waveform, whereas the latter performs time reversal of the real electric field.
Modifications of the 4,4′-residues and sar studies of biphalin, a highly potent opioid receptor active peptide

Abstract Modifications of 4,4′ residues of Biphalin have resulted in greater binding selectivity and biological potency for the μ opioid receptor. A higher partition coefficient across the phospholipid bilayer membrane has been achieved by using a β-branched unusual amino acids. Biphalin, a highly potent antinociceptive peptide, has been modified on 4, 4′ positions by using β-branched and aromatic substituted unusual amino acids. For example: (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH)2 ------> (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-(2S,3R)β-Me-Phe-NH)2
Gauge propagator contribution to high energy baryon number violation

The leading contribution of the gauge propagator to the inclusive baryon-number-violating cross-section in electroweak theory is calculated using the Levine–Yaffe propagator in the instanton background. The result resolves a current discrepancy between two calculational approaches to high energy baryon number violation, the "valley method" and the "R-term method".
Criticality analysis and the supply chain: Leveraging representational assurance

Abstract System builders who plan to acquire information and communication technology (ICT) products must consider two key risk factors (among many) while planning for the acquisition and design of their systems. They must understand the inter-relationships of all assembled products in any new planned system in terms of its resilience under attack. These system owners will also increasingly assess the risks they may inherit from a global interconnected supply chain. To address these concerns, the recommendation in this paper is for providers of Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) technology products to perform a criticality analysis on their own products to gauge resilience, rather than later be confronted by an acquirer attempting to solely reverse engineer the system as part of supply chain due-diligence. This paper illustrates the roles that technology providers and system owners each play in following the outlined approach that highlights key risk factors of the tiered suppliers for product elements deemed most critical. ICT COTS providers who do not want to divulge sensitive information about their suppliers can use a “representational assurance” approach to convey meaningful information to potential acquirers without undue disclosure. Analytical graphics such as “Treemaps” can help all parties illustrate where to best focus their attention regarding critical operational risk and supply chain risk. The same data that providers track internally to manage product assurance can be leveraged to support meaningful representational assurance to acquirers. This approach improves the current state where data disclosure by technology providers is seen by acquirers, despite being unrealistic, as the best means to gain confidence in the technology supply chain.
What old means to bone

The adverse effects of aging of other organs (ovaries at menopause) on the skeleton are well known, but ironically little is known of skeletal aging itself. Evidence indicates that age-related changes, such as oxidative stress, are fundamental mechanisms of the decline of bone mass and strength. Unlike the short-lived osteoclasts and osteoblasts, osteocytes--former osteoblasts entombed in the mineralized matrix--live as long as 50 years, and their death is dependent on skeletal age. Osteocyte death is a major contributor to the decline of bone strength with age, and the likely mechanisms are oxidative stress, autophagy failure and nuclear pore "leakiness". Unraveling these mechanisms should improve understanding of the age-related increase in fractures and suggest novel targets for its prevention.
Evaluation of energy balance and water use by spring wheat during a normal and a dry season

Abstract The energy balance for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was related to growing season water availability. In 1981, with favorable soil moisture, evapotranspiration (ET) was about 92% of net radiation (Rn). Under dry conditions in 1982, ET was about 60% of Rn and sensible heat (A) was 30% of Rn. Midday canopy temperatures tended to be warmer than air temperature in 1982 and cooler than air temperature in 1981. Evapotranspiration was highly correlated to Rn in 1981 (R2 = 0.80 and 0.81). Net radiation was also highly correlated to solar radiation (R2 = 0.99 and 0.98) although Rn was a smaller fraction of solar radiation under the drier conditions of 1982. Net radiation alone was a good predictor of ET under the favorable soil water conditions of 1981 in this subhumid environment.
Lateralization of linguistic and melodic processing with age.

Abstract This study examined the effect of aging on hemispheric specialization for verbal and melodic materials, using dichotic listening as an index. One hundred and two normal right-handed males between 24 and 79 yr were tested on two occassions, after rigorous audiological screening, with objective compensation for small differences in auditory acuity between the ears. While overall scores declined with age, there was no interaction between age and the degree of right ear advantage for verbal material and left ear advantage for melodies. Neither was there any change with age in test-retest stability.
Coherent and incoherent magnetization transfer in the rotating frame

Two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy has become a routine part of molecular structure determination in liquids. In most modern experiments there is some correlation of transition frequencies between the two dimensions, and the mechanism responsible for the correlation dictates the information obtainable from the 2D spectrum. Two distinct mechanisms for magnetization transfer are considered: scalar coupling and cross-relaxation. The former gives rise to information about the proximity of spins through the electronic framework of the molecule and the latter provides information on spatial proximity and molecular motion
Improving blood pressure control by tailored feedback to patients and clinicians

Hypertension is the major modifiable risk factor for stroke and one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and renal disease. 6 Over the last 10 years, the prevalence of hypertension has increased by 30% to affect 65 million Americans, and the prevalence of hypertension in adults 65 years and older exceeds 50%. Taking a broader perspective, more than half of the adult population in the United States has higher than optimal blood pressure, defined as systolic blood pressure N120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure N80 mm Hg. Hypertension greatly increases the risk of cerebrovascular accidents, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal failure, and subsequent hospitalization. 6 Since the 1990s, age-adjusted stroke rates have risen, and the slope of the age-adjusted rate of decline in coronary heart disease appears to be leveling. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension itself is increasing, which will likely lead to an even greater burden of these secondary diseases. An enormous body of evidence that controlling hypertension improves cardiovascular and renal outcomes have been produced by 4 decades of clinical trials. The results of these trials have now been combined in a number of meta-analyses. In a recent meta-analysis, placebo-controlled trials of angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors revealed reductions in stroke (30%) and major cardiovascular events (21%), and placebo-controlled trials of calcium antagonists also showed reductions in stroke (39%) and major cardiovascular events (28%). In another meta-analysis, data
High-speed interactive multimodality image fusion tool-kit

An intuitive 3D image and graphics tool-kit was developed to study high-speed interactive image fusion. Although automated means have been sought by others to determine the affine transformation required to fuse one image data set with another, a method that makes use of human judgement was investigated to facilitate the choice of the 12 independent variables. The approach is suitable for fusing any combination of CT, MR, PET and SPECT studies.
Time difference of arrival based source localization within a sparse representation framework

The problem addressed is source localization from time differences of arrival (TDOA). This problem is also referred to as hyperbolic localization and it is non-convex in general. Traditional solutions proposed in the literature have generally poor robustness to errors in the TDOA estimates. More recent methods, which relax the non-convex problem to a convex optimization by applying a semi-definite relaxation (SDR) method, were found to be more robust to TDOA errors than the traditional methods. However, the SDR methods are not optimal in general. In this paper, three convex optimization methods with different computational costs are proposed to improve the hyperbolic localization accuracy. The first method takes an SDR approach to relax the hyperbolic localization to a convex optimization. The second method follows a linearized formulation of the problem and seeks for a biased estimate of improved accuracy. The first two methods perform comparably when the source is inside the convex hull of the sensors. When the source is located outside, the second approach performs better, at the cost of higher computation. A third method is proposed by exploiting the source sparsity. With this, the hyperbolic localization is formulated as an l 1 -regularization problem, where the l 1 -norm is used as source sparsity constraint. Computer simulations show that the l 1 -regularization can offer further improved accuracy, but at the cost of additional computational effort.
Non-abelian gauge strings with charge and current

A model consisting of anSO(3) gauge field coupled to a single Higgs scalar isovector is considered. An Abelian gauge symmetry, identified with the electromagneticU(1) gauge symmetry, survives the spontaneous symmetry breakdown. It is shown that the theory admits cosmic string solutions which, being topologically unstable, possess finite lifetimes. Solutions exist which describe strings with electric charge accompanied by a current.
End effects in the NHMFL 45 T hybrid resistive insert

Design evolutions of the resistive insert of the Hybrid magnet at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) have been ongoing based not only on the mid-plane stress state but the effects of the individual coil end-turns. The end-turns inherently have an unconstrained free edge that places additional bending on the Florida-Bitter discs. Finite element analysis of the Hybrid resistive insert has been performed and the results focusing on the end-turns are presented along with a description of the analytical procedure. Numerical results are supported by operational experience. Past, present, and future resistive insert designs are analyzed showing successful operation of the insert to 110% of the original design current.
Identifying Individual Competency in Emerging Areas of Practice: An Applied Approach

Competency designation is important for any discipline to define individual performance expectations. Although public health (PH) agencies have always responded to emergencies, individual expectations have not been specified. The authors identified individual competencies necessary for organizations to meet performance standards. In the first stage, a Delphi survey served to identify competencies needed by staff to respond to any emergency, including bio-terrorism, yielding competency sets for four levels of workers. In the second stage, focus groups were used to assess the competencies with public health agencies. This feedback validated the Delphi-identified competencies as accurate and necessary for emergency response. The authors demonstrate the feasibility of using these methods to arrive at statements of value to PH practice at a reasonable investment of resources.
Delta-operator formulated discrete-time systems

Traditional digital control/signal processing algorithms based on shift-operator can be ill-conditioned in high performance applications that involve fast sampling/shorter wordlength. Delta-operator based implementations have been proposed as an alternative. In this paper, a brief review of /spl delta/-operator based implementations and its application in two- and multi-dimensional signal processing and reliable simulation of nonlinear systems are provided.
Simultaneous measurement of PWB and chip package warpage using the projection moire technique and automatic image segmentation

The shadow moire technique is a widely used method of measuring printed wiring board (PWB) warpage. It has a high resolution, high accuracy and is suitable for use in an online environment. The shortcoming of the shadow moire technique is that it cannot be used to measure PWBs populated with chip packages. In this paper, a warpage measurement system based on the projection moire technique is presented. The system can be used to measure bare PWBs as well as PWBs populated with chip packages. In order to use the projection moire system to accurately and separately determine the warpage of a PWB and chip packages in a PWB assembly, an automated image segmentation algorithm is developed and was presented in this paper. The automated algorithm is based on active contour models (snakes) and can be used to detect chip package locations on a displacement image of a PWB assembly (PWBA). This paper discusses the characteristics of the projection moire system and the characteristics of the automated algorithm. Warpage case studies of PWBs populated with plastic ball grid array (PBGA) chip packages are also presented.
Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) associated with pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.

Background Sweet syndrome (acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis) may arise in association with a variety of underlying systemic diseases. Only 1 case of coccidioidomycosis-associated Sweet syndrome has previously been reported. Observations We describe 2 patients who developed Sweet syndrome during the onset of acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. Systemic antifungal therapy was given in both cases. Respiratory symptoms and skin lesions resolved within 5 weeks. Conclusions Sweet syndrome may be a presenting feature of coccidioidomycosis. Recognition of the underlying pulmonary infection is important so that inappropriate treatment with systemic corticosteroids can be avoided.
Scattering from rough surfaces using the 'shooting and bouncing rays' (SBR) technique and comparison with the method of moments solutions

A novel approach to the rough surface scattering problem, namely the shooting and bouncing rays (SBR) technique, is described. This method is based on a combination of the geometric optics theory and the physical optics theory. A dense grid of geometric optics rays representing the incident wave is shot onto the surface and followed as the rays bounced between the irregularities of the surface. Then, in order to obtain the scattered field, the physical optics theory is used to integrate the surface fields. This technique requires the radius of curvature of the surface to be much greater than the wavelength, yet the effects of multiple scattering and shadowing are automatically included. Agreement between the SBR and method-of-moments results for both periodic and random rough surfaces has demonstrated the feasibility and the accuracy of the SBR technique. >
Dynamics of cerebral injury, perfusion, and blood-brain barrier changes after temporary and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat

By means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) we longitudinally monitored the evolution of ischemic injury, changes in cerebral hemodynamics and alterations of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during permanent or temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Using the intraluminal suture occlusion model, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to either permanent MCAO (Group A, n = 6), reperfusion after 1 h (Group B, n = 5), or reperfusion after 3 h (Group C, n = 5). Diffusion- and perfusion-weighted MRI and Gd-DTPA enhanced T1-weighted images were performed at six time points from 0.5 to 6 h post-MCAO. The lesion volume increased progressively in group A, decreased significantly in group B (P<0.01), and only showed a tendency toward reduction in group C. Perfusion-weighted MRI delineated severe perfusion deficits in the ischemic core, confirmed early and late reperfusion, and was able to demonstrate postischemic hyperperfusion in group C. Gd-DTPA extravasation was found in all animals with permanent MCAO and initially became grossly visible between 4.5 and 6 h post-MCAO. While only 2 animals demonstrated contrast enhancement in group B, widespread BBB changes were detected immediately following late reperfusion (Group C). Our results demonstrate that with advanced MRI techniques, alterations of the BBB can be correlated with the hemodynamic and biophysical consequences of reperfusion.
Studying electric field effects on embryonic myocytes.

Several problems arise when electrophysiological measurements are attempted on cells exposed to an electric field. In addition to field distortion produced by the reference electrode, membrane pote...
Insights into nitrogen and carbon dynamics of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi from isotopic evidence.

The successful use of natural abundances of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotopes in the study of ecosystem dynamics suggests that isotopic measurements could yield new insights into the role of fungi in nitrogen and carbon cycling. Sporocarps of mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi, vegetation, and soils were collected in young, deciduous-dominated sites and older, coniferous-dominated sites along a successional sequence at Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Mycorrhizal fungi had consistently higher δ15N and lower δ13C values than saprotrophic fungi. Foliar δ13C values were always isotopically depleted relative to both fungal types. Foliar δ15N values were usually, but not always, more depleted than those in saprotrophic fungi, and were consistently more depleted than in mycorrhizal fungi. We hypothesize that an apparent isotopic fractionation by mycorrhizal fungi during the transfer of nitrogen to plants may be attributed to enzymatic reactions within the fungi producing isotopically depleted amino acids, which are subsequently passed on to plant symbionts. An increasing difference between soil mineral nitrogen δ15N and foliar δ15N in later succession might therefore be a consequence of greater reliance on mycorrhizal symbionts for nitrogen supply under nitrogen-limited conditions. Carbon signatures of mycorrhizal fungi may be more enriched than those of foliage because the fungi use isotopically enriched photosynthate such as simple sugars, in contrast to the mixture of compounds present in leaves. In addition, some 13C fractionation may occur during transport processes from leaves to roots, and during fungal chitin biosynthesis. Stable isotopes have the potential to help clarify the role of fungi in ecosystem processes.
Functional analysis of human MutSα and MutSβ complexes in yeast

Mismatch repair (MMR) is initiated when a heterodimer of hMSH2*hMSH6 or hMSH2*hMSH3 binds to mismatches. Here we perform functional analyses of these human protein complexes in yeast. We use a sensitive genetic system wherein the rate of single-base deletions in a homopolymeric run in the LYS2 gene is 10 000-fold higher in an msh2 mutant than in a wild-type strain. Expression of the human proteins alone or in combination does not reduce the mutation rate of the msh2 strain, and expression of the individual human proteins does not increase the low mutation rate of a wild-type strain. However, co-expression of hMSH2 and hMSH6 in wild-type yeast increases the mutation rate 4000-fold, while co-expression of hMSH2 and hMSH3 elevates the rate 5-fold. Analysis of cell extracts indicates that the proteins are expressed and bind to mismatched DNA. The results suggest that hMutSalpha and hMutSbeta complexes form, bind to and prevent correction of replication slippage errors in yeast. Expression of hMSH6 with hMSH2 containing a proline substituted for a conserved Arg524 eliminates the mutator effect and reduces mismatch binding. The analogous mutation in humans is associated with microsatellite instability, defective MMR and cancer, illustrating the utility of the yeast system for studying human disease alleles.
Cortistatin overexpression in transgenic mice produces deficits in synaptic plasticity and learning

Cortistatin-14 (CST) is a neuropeptide expressed in cortical and hippocampal interneurons that shares 11 of 14 residues with somatostatin. In contrast to somatostatin, infusion of CST decreases locomotor activity and selectively enhances slow wave sleep. Here, we show that transgenic mice that overexpress cortistatin under the control of neuron-specific enolase promoter do not express long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus. This blockade of dentate LTP correlates with profound impairment of hippocampal-dependent spatial learning. Exogenously applied CST to slices of wild-type mice also blocked induction of LTP in the dentate gyrus. Our findings implicate cortistatin in the modulation of synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Thus, increases in hippocampal cortistatin expression during aging could have an impact on age-related cognitive deficits.
Social Awareness and Its Effect On Removal Ok Drugs From the Marketplace: The Case of Methaqualone

AbstractThe drug approval process in the United States has received much criticism in recent years. While some of the criticism may be warranted, the overall process has demonstrated its effectiveness in that very few drugs that reach the market are associated with safety problems. Changes in the process have also allowed the FDA to act more swiftly to halt or limit distribution of a drug after marketing has begun.The discontinuation of the drug methaqualone is unique in that social awareness of its abuse potential instead of safety problems brought about its removal from legal distribution channels. the efforts of both pharmacists and physicians were every effective in, first, placing stricter controls on the drug and, second, finally achieving its reclassification into Schedule I.
Nanoscale refractive index fluctuations detected via sparse spectral microscopy.

Partial Wave Spectroscopic (PWS) Microscopy has proven effective at detecting nanoscale hallmarks of carcinogenesis in histologically normal-appearing cells. The current method of data analysis requires acquisition of a three-dimensional data cube, consisting of multiple images taken at different illumination wavelengths, limiting the technique to data acquisition on ~30 individual cells per slide. To enable high throughput data acquisition and whole-slide imaging, new analysis procedures were developed that require fewer wavelengths in the same 500-700nm range for spectral analysis. The nanoscale sensitivity of the new analysis techniques was validated (i) theoretically, using finite-difference time-domain solutions of Maxwell’s equations, as well as (ii) experimentally, by measuring nanostructural alterations associated with carcinogenesis in biological cells.
Kohut and stern: Two views of infancy and early childhood

(1989). Kohut and stern: Two views of infancy and early childhood. Smith College Studies in Social Work: Vol. 59, No. 2, pp. 131-145.
Changing up the routine: intervention-induced variability in motor learning.

Variability is often introduced by an external agent (e.g., an instructor) during practice with the purpose of enhancing motor learning. Using a task analysis approach, we provide a framework to examine the effects of intervention-induced variability. We propose that variability may have markedly di
Laminate Design for Coupled Wind Turbine Blades

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the eect of coupling at the laminate level on coupling at the structural level. Four extension-shear coupled laminates are examined. The laminates are then used in structures with circular, square and airfoil cross-sections. The properties of those cross-sections are used to describe a general elastic beam using a method from Kosmatka. The coupling properties of the beam are compared with those of the laminate using a normalized coupling coecient, stiness coupling ratio and compliance coupling ratio. The normalized compliance ratio compared well between the laminate and the cross-sections for all cases.
Dc microgrid droop control based on battery state of charge balancing

This paper presents a load sharing method applied in a distributed micro grid system. The goal of this method is to balance the state-of-charge (SoC) of each parallel connected battery and make it possible to detect the average SoC of the system by measuring bus voltage for all connected modules. In this method the reference voltage for each battery converter is adjusted by adding a proportional SoC factor. Under such setting the battery with a higher SoC will output more power, whereas the one with lower SoC gives out less. Therefore the higher SoC battery will use its energy faster than the lower ones, and eventually the SoC and output power of each battery will converge. Since the reference voltage is related to SoC status, the information of the average SoC in this system could be shared for all modules by measuring bus voltage.
Abstract B28: Tumor-associated macrophages and angiogenesis in prostate cancer

Introduction: Role of tumor associated macrophages (TAM) and angiogenesis is being extensively evaluated. Macrophages are subdivided in two phenotypes: M1 (classically activated: promote inflammation, act against cancer growth) and M2 (alternatively activated: promote healing, angiogenesis; could support tumor growth). Our preliminary study was intended to study number of macrophages (CD68 positive), M2 macrophages (CD163 positive) and microvessels (ERG positive) between non-neoplastic and neoplastic prostate tissue. Methods: We evaluated 10 radical prostatectomy specimens (RP) with prostate cancer (PCA) (cases) and 10 cystoprostatectomy specimens (CP) negative for PCA (controls). Representative paraffin blocks were selected for analysis and stained by immunohistochemistry for CD68 PGM1, CD163 and ERG. For RP specimens, two distinct blocks were selected: one with tumor (RP-T) and one away from tumor (RP-NT). Macrophages count was done using two methods. Method 1: average manual count in 12 fields at 400X magnification in areas uninvolved by chronic inflammation (CI), away from hotspots. Method 2: average count in three hotspots (associated with CI) at 400X magnification with manual assistance on Aperio Image Spectrum Software. Vessels count was done using a Chalkley point counting technique at 100X magnification. Statistical analysis was done using t test and Pearson correlation. Results: Different degree of CI was found in most CP and RP samples, ranging from focal mild to multifocal severe (hotspots). Mean age of CP and RP patients was 58 and 60 years, respectively. RP Gleason score ranged from 6 to 9. No significant difference in CD68, CD163 and ERG positive cells existed between the three groups by t-test. The CD68 count in RP-T was 104 by method 1 and 114 by method 2. The CD163 count in RP-T was 51 by method 1 and 54 by method 2. ERG count in RP-T was 6.9. A positive correlation of M2 macrophages (method 2) with microvessels in RP-T (p=0.046) was found. None of the counts correlated with Gleason score. Conclusions: Our preliminary study found no significant difference in TAM between non-neoplastic and neoplastic prostate tissue, independently from the association with CI. The vessel count in prostate tumor positively correlated with M2 macrophages, suggesting a possible crosstalk between M2 macrophages and tumor cells promoting angiogenesis. These findings require further validation in additional studies including a larger sample size. Citation Format: Pallavi Patil, Paula Carver, Karen Streator Smith, Jeffrey Lin, Cristina Magi-Galluzzi. Tumor-associated macrophages and angiogenesis in prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Angiogenesis and Vascular Normalization: Bench to Bedside to Biomarkers; Mar 5-8, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B28.
Physician’s changes in management of return visits to the Emergency Department

Return visits to the Emergency Department (ED) are estimated between 2-3.1%, which impacts ED care costs and wait times. Adverse events for unscheduled return visits (URVs) have been reported to be as high as 30%. The objective of this study was to characterize the attitudes and management of Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians regarding patients presenting with the same chief complaint to the ED for an URV. An online survey questionnaire was developed and sent to 160 accredited EM Graduate Medical Education programs in the United States. The questionnaire consisted of case vignettes wherein providers were asked to submit what orders they would place for each scenario. The mean numbers of tests and treatments were compared from initial visit to repeat visit with same chief complaint. Physicians also provided feedback regarding their management of URVs. There were estimated 6988 eligible participants with 397 responses (response rate 5.7%). There was a statistical significance (P<0.001) in provider management of URVs with pediatric fever, but there was no statistical significance for management of the other chief complaints. There were 77% of physicians that felt an increased work up is warranted for URVs. The results of this study indicate that majority of EM residents and staff working in training programs feel that they should approach the management of URV patients with a more extensive workup despite no clinical change. These findings suggest that further analysis should be performed regarding provider management of URVs and the associated healthcare costs.
Fate of Listeria monocytogenes and Aeromonas hydrophila on Packaged Channel Catfish Fillets Stored at 4°C

The fate of Listeria monocytogenes and Aeromonas hydrophila on packaged channel catfish fillets stored at 4°C was determined. Fish fillets were inoculated with L. monocytogenes or A. hydrophila or both and packaged by film overwrapping or vacuum skin packaging. They were stored at 4°C for 16 d. The L. monocytogenes population did not increase on the samples while the A. hydrophila population increased from 3 log CFU/cm2 on day 1 to 6 log CFU/cm2 on day 16 with a faster growth rate on overwrapped packaged fillets. Inoculation of both bacteria on the product markedly suppressed each other's growth.
A Global Green New Deal: Will a Global Green New Deal succeed?

As noted throughout this book, any Global Green New Deal should have three principal purposes: reviving the world economy, creating employment opportunities and protecting vulnerable groups; reducing carbon dependency, ecosystem degradation and water scarcity; and furthering the Millennium Development Goal of ending extreme world poverty by 2025. To achieve these multiple objectives, a comprehensive range of national and international actions were proposed in parts II and III, which have been summarized in the previous chapter. Fulfilling these recommendations will require a range of further initiatives, including commitments to increased public investments, new pricing policies, improving regulations, more aid disbursements and other policy changes. The need for such sweeping policy commitments inevitably raises questions about whether a Global Green New Deal will succeed. In particular, three concerns have been expressed about the additional green fiscal stimulus measures and other public spending advocated by the GGND. What is the evidence that the investments in the “green” economic sectors advocated by the GGND will create more employment and profits compared to conventional fiscal stimulus spending? If the green sector investments are so economically advantageous, why is the private sector not making the necessary investments already? Would additional green stimulus add to the unease about government debt and its inflationary consequences, as well as the problem of structural imbalances in the world economy?
Untangling the Contributions of Sex-Specific Gene Regulation and X-Chromosome Dosage to Sex-Biased Gene Expression in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Dosage compensation mechanisms equalize the level of X chromosome expression between sexes. Yet the X chromosome is often enriched for genes exhibiting sex-biased, i.e., imbalanced expression. The relationship between X chromosome dosage compensation and sex-biased gene expression remains largely unexplored. Most studies determine sex-biased gene expression without distinguishing between contributions from X chromosome copy number (dose) and the animal’s sex. Here, we uncoupled X chromosome dose from sex-specific gene regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans to determine the effect of each on X expression. In early embryogenesis, when dosage compensation is not yet fully active, X chromosome dose drives the hermaphrodite-biased expression of many X-linked genes, including several genes that were shown to be responsible for hermaphrodite fate. A similar effect is seen in the C. elegans germline, where X chromosome dose contributes to higher hermaphrodite X expression, suggesting that lack of dosage compensation in the germline may have a role in supporting higher expression of X chromosomal genes with female-biased functions in the gonad. In the soma, dosage compensation effectively balances X expression between the sexes. As a result, somatic sex-biased expression is almost entirely due to sex-specific gene regulation. These results suggest that lack of dosage compensation in different tissues and developmental stages allow X chromosome copy number to contribute to sex-biased gene expression and function.
Hard and soft information fusion using measures

We are interested in the problem of multi-source uncertain information fusion in the case when the information provided can be both soft and hard information [1]. We note that hard sensor provided information generally has a probabilistic type of uncertainty whereas soft linguistic information typically introduces a possibilistic type of uncertainty [2]. In order to provide a unified framework for the representation of these different types of uncertain information we use a set measure approach for the representation of uncertain information. We discuss a set measure representation of uncertain information. In the multi-source fusion problem, in addition to having a collection of pieces of information that must be fused, we need to have some expert provided instructions on how to fuse these pieces of information. Generally these instructions can involve a combination of linguistically and mathematically expressed directions. In the course of this work we begin to consider the fundamental task of how to translate these instructions into formal operations that can be applied to our information. This requires us to investigate the important problem of the aggregation of set measures, Ease of Use.
Optimization of the performance of perpendicular magnetic recording media

This work extends earlier theoretical studies as the time dependent fields present at a transition during the recording process were analyzed as a function of magnetic spacing, exchange, saturation magnetization and anisotropy. The trade-off between smaller transition lengths and larger cross track correlation lengths as function of these media parameters was investigated for a large matrix of material parameters. The simulated signal roll off produced in this study was found to agree closely with recent experimental studies of high performance granular media. Our simulations indicate that there is a range of material parameters that produces a small transition length in thermally stable perpendicular media.