cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A computer vision approach to rare cell in vivo fluorescence flow cytometry

Noninvasive enumeration of rare circulating cell populations in small animals is of great importance in many areas of biomedical research. In this work, we describe a macroscopic fluorescence imaging system and automated computer vision algorithm that allows in vivo detection, enumeration and tracking of circulating fluorescently-labeled cells from multiple large blood vessels in the ear of a mouse. This imaging system uses a 660 nm laser and a high sensitivity electron-multiplied charge coupled device camera (EMCCD) to acquire fluorescence image sequences from relatively large (∼5 × 5 mm2) imaging areas. The primary technical challenge was developing an automated method for identifying and tracking rare cell events in image sequences with substantial autofluorescence and noise content. To achieve this, we developed a two-step image analysis algorithm that first identified cell candidates in individual frames, and then merged cell candidates into tracks by dynamic analysis of image sequences. The second step was critical since it allowed rejection of >97% of false positive cell counts. Overall, our computer vision IVFC (CV-IVFC) approach allows single-cell detection sensitivity at estimated concentrations of 20 cells/mL of peripheral blood. In addition to simple enumeration, the technique recovers the cell's trajectory, which in the future could be used to automatically identify, for example, in vivo homing and docking events. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Aging and frequency-dependent mating in Drosophila.

Frequency-dependent mating behavior has been observed inDrosophila pseudoobscura, but most experiments have used only 4-day-old virgin flies. One report has indicated that rare-male behavior may be affected by age. Males and females of the Arrowhead strain along with rare orange-eyed males were used in the present study to confirm that frequency-dependent mating behavior is operating with 4-day-old females but is absent by 11 days. The same situation is also observed when Chiricahua males and females are used along with rare Arrowhead males.
The effect of sunshine testing on terrestrial solar cell system components

Samples of FEP encapsulated silicon solar cells and various potential encapsulation or cover materials were subjected to accelerated and real time testing. By measuring changes in solar cell output or optical transmission as a function of exposure the durability of the samples was evaluated. Results are presented.
Identification and characterization of FAR3, a gene required for pheromone-mediated G1 arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In haploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, mating pheromones activate a signal transduction pathway that leads to cell cycle arrest in the G 1 phase and to transcription induction of genes that promote conjugation. To identify genes that link the signal transduction pathway and the cell cycle machinery, we developed a selection strategy to isolate yeast mutants specifically defective for G 1 arrest. Several of these mutants identified previously known genes, including CLN3, FUS3 , and FAR1 . In addition, a new gene, FAR3 , was identified and characterized. FAR3 encodes a novel protein of 204 amino acid residues that is dispensable for viability. Northern blot experiments indicated that FAR3 expression is constitutive with respect to cell type, pheromone treatment, and cell cycle position. As a first step toward elucidating the mechanism by which Far3 promotes pheromone-mediated G 1 arrest, we performed genetic and molecular experiments to test the possibility that Far3 participates in one of the heretofore characterized mechanisms, namely Fus3/Farl-mediated inhibition of Cdc28-Cln kinase activity, G 1 cyclin gene repression, and G 1 , cyclin protein turnover. Our data indicate that Far3 effects G 1 arrest by a mechanism distinct from those previously known.
Prevalence of Pathogenic Mutations in Cancer Predisposition Genes among Pancreatic Cancer Patients

The prevalence of germline pathogenic mutations in a comprehensive panel of cancer predisposition genes is not well defined for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). To estimate the frequency of mutations in a panel of 22 cancer predisposition genes, 96 patients unselected for a family history of cancer who were recruited to the Mayo Clinic Pancreatic Cancer patient registry over a 12 month period were screened by next-generation sequencing. Fourteen pathogenic mutations in 13 patients (13.5%) were identified in eight genes: four in ATM, two in BRCA2, CHEK2, and MSH6, and one in BARD1, BRCA1, FANCM, and NBN. These included nine mutations (9.4%) in established pancreatic cancer genes. Three mutations were found in patients with a first degree relative with PDAC, and 10 mutations were found in patients with first or second-degree relatives with breast, pancreas, colorectal, ovarian, or endometrial cancer. These results suggest that a substantial proportion of patients with PDAC carry germline mutations in predisposition genes associated with other cancers, and that a better understanding of pancreatic cancer risk will depend on evaluation of families with broad constellations of tumors. These findings highlight the need for recommendations governing germline gene-panel testing of pancreatic cancer patients.
Challenges and Opportunities in Using Automatic Differentiation with Object-Oriented Toolkits for Scientific Computing

The increased use of object-oriented toolkits in large-scale scientific simulation presents challenges and new opportunities for the use of automatic (or algorithmic) differentiation (AD) techniques, especially in the context of optimization. Because object-oriented toolkits use well-defined interfaces and data structures, there is potential for simplifying the AD process. Furthermore, derivative computation can be improved by exploiting high-level information about numerical and computational abstractions. However, challenges to the successful use of AD with these toolkits also exist. Among the greatest challenges is balancing the desire to limit the scope of the AD process with the desire to minimize the work required of a user. We discuss our experiences in integrating AD with the PETSc, PVODE, and TAO toolkits and our plans for future research and development in this area.
Exploiting defect clustering to screen bare die for infant mortality failures: an experimental study

We present the first experimental results to establish that a binning strategy based on defect clustering can be used to screen bare die for early life failures. The data for this study comes from the SEMATECH test methods experiment.
A field test of the Hamilton-Zuk hypothesis in the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

The Hamilton–Zuk hypothesis proposes that females prefer male secondary sexual traits because they are honest indicators of parasite resistance. Despite the attention that this hypothesis has received, its role in sexual selection remains equivocal. This study presents the first field test in guppies of two key predictions of the Hamilton–Zuk hypothesis: (1) that within populations, the most highly ornamented males have the fewest parasites and (2) that among populations, males in high parasite populations have the most conspicuous ornaments. Five hundred male guppies from 19 distinct populations in the Northern Range of Trinidad were inspected for Gyrodactylus parasites and photographed. Eight measures of orange spot ornamentation were used to test the predictions: hue, saturation, lightness, relative area, number, and area-weighted hue, saturation, and lightness. Parasite load had no significant effect on any of these measures. There was also no relationship between orange spot ornamentation and parasite abundance among populations. Guppies from high-predation environments had significantly more parasites, and their orange coloration was lighter and less saturated than that in guppies from low-predation environments. Despite previous lab results, this study found no relationship between parasite load and male orange spot ornamentation.
Aminohydroxypropylidene‐biphosphonate in the treatment of bone lesions in a case of Gaucher's disease type 3

Gaucher disease is the most prevalent lysosomal storage disorder. It is characterized by an autosomal recessive inheritance of a deficiency of lysosomal acid glucocerebrosidase. Three clinical phenotypes are recognized: type 1 (non-neuronopathic), type 2 (acute neuronopathic), type 3 (subacute neuronopathic). Bone lesions are associated with type 1 and type 3 Gaucher disease. Skeletal involvement is secondary to the progressive accumulation of histiocytes and macrophages laden with glucosylceramide in bone marrow. Our patient was a female type 3 Gaucher patient who was referred to us at the age of 3 years with a neurological symptomatology and severe bone lesions (bilateral fracture of the femur heads, lytic process of the bone matrix of the femurs and distal flask deformity, kyphoskoliosis and chest deformity). The baby was constrained to a wheel-chair. The use of (3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene)-1,1-biphosphonate (APD) was described in a case of Gaucher disease with very severe bone lesions. We used periodic iv infusions of APD (10 mg every 3 weeks) in our patient for a period of 20 months; after that, enzyme replacement therapy (alglucerase) was commenced. APD treatment showed normalization of bone density, formation of bone callus at the femural heads, positive calcium balance. The urinary Ca/Cr ratio and TRP were consistently normal during therapy. After 9 months of alglucerase therapy the patient was able to walk again. The data indicate that APD therapy can find an indication in Gaucher patients with severe bone involvement.
Targeted therapy of acute myeloid leukemia in 2012: towards individualized therapy.

Advances in molecular diagnostics in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have translated into significant advances in our understanding of disease prognosis and biology, and the identification of new targets for therapy. The best described of these are mutations in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3, nucleophosmin 1, and CCAAT enhancer-binding protein-alpha in those with cytogenetically AML, which allow more accurate risk stratification and help better ‘target’ patients who may benefit from allogeneic transplantation (specifically those with activating FLT3 mutation). Among the new targets identified for clinical trials are FLT3 mutation (a target for tyrosine kinase inhibitors), CD33 expression (a target of monoclonal antibodies and immunotoxins), aberrant methylation (target of hypomethylating agents), and overexpression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 (a target for inhibition by small molecule or monoclonal antibody). We are advancing towards an era of personalized medicine in AML, and can now better identify specifi...
Pneumococcal meningitis with hyperglycemia and development of subdural effusion; successful treatment with chloramphenicol.

Summary A case of pneumococcal meningitis accompanied by hyperglycemia and successful treatment with chloramphenicol alone is presented. Unusual features were the disappearance of the hyperglycemia with control of meningeal infection and the development of deafness and subdural effusion with relief of the auditory impairment following evacuation of the subdural space.
Comparison of sucralfate and ranitidine in gastroprotection against alcohol in humans

Abstract This endoscopic study was designed to assess histologic and functional features of human gastric mucosal injury by 40 percent ethanol, and to compare the gastroprotective effects of sucralfate with those of ranitidine or sucralfate combined with ranitidine against ethanol damage. A group of 16 young subjects with normal gastric mucosa were divided into two groups (A and B). Group A was pretreated for four days with either sucralfate alone (1 g four times per day) or placebo (one tablet four times per day). Group B received sucralfate (1 g four times per day) plus ranitidine (150 mg three times per day) or placebo plus ranitidine in a double-blind, randomized study. On the fifth morning, two hours after the last treatment, 100 ml of 40 percent ethanol spray was applied via an endoscope onto gastric mucosa. In placebo-treated subjects, ethanol caused widespread endoscopic damage (score = 2.43) with histologic disruption of surface epithelium and deep necrotic lesions accompanied by a decrease of mucosal potential difference from −41.3 to −15.8 millivolts. Pretreatment with sucralfate significantly reduced endoscopic damage (score = 0.75). The surface epithelium was disrupted, but necrotic lesions were greatly reduced and potential difference decreased to −27.1 millivolts. Ranitidine alone or combined with sucralfate did not prevent ethanol-induced histologic or functional changes in the mucosa. Ethanol produces pronounced mucosal damage that can be almost completely prevented by sucralfate.
Serum unconjugated estriol level as a predictor of pulmonary maturity.

Abstract Lack of respiratory distress syndrome in infants delivered after the maternal serum estriol value attained ≥15 ng/ml was investigated. In 91 cases after 34 weeks' gestation no lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio
Core considerations in the process of evaluation for pastoral counseling

We have been pointing to an essential fact of evaluation in pastoral counseling: the goal of the evaluation process is a decision regarding (a) the applicability of formal counseling in a given situation, (b) the readiness of the person to assume such a role and (c) the readiness of the pastoral counselor to offer a counseling relationship. As we have indicated, intellectual understanding and empathy are not enough if they stop short of answering the questions: what does this person want? and, can I offer it to him? In diligently pursuing the answers to these questions the pastoral counselor will not only fulfill his professional responsibility to meet the true needs of the person (s) seeking help but will in the long run enable himself to establish more fruitful and therefore satisfying counseling relationships with those whom he is called to serve.
Health care planning for low income urban residents

The purpose of this paper has been to provide a framework for conceptualizing the health care needs of economically disadvantaged urban residents. The need to approach health problems in a comprehensive manner was stressed. It is felt that a broad framework such as the one outlined is needed in the area of medical activity currently referred to as social psychiatry. The kinds of data systems that are needed in order to effectively plan for health care needs were reviewed. The ideas presented constitute an orientation and a rationale that can be followed when attempting to develop ways of dealing with the health care needs of the economically disadvantaged population sector. In this orientation, behavioral science constructs and methods are brought to bear on medical phenomena, the latter viewed generically. Ways of combining differing types of needs in order to arrive at an index that reflects the relative need of the community was discussed.
Extremely high gain 0.15 mu m gate-length InAlAs/InGaAs/InP HEMTs

High electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on the InAlAs/InGaAs heterojunction grown lattice matched to InP were fabricated with 0.15 μm T-shaped gates. The use of an undoped InGaAs cap layer in the epitaxial structure leads to excellent gate characteristics and very high transistor gain. At 95 GHz, a maximum available gain of 13.6 dB was measured. A maximum frequency of oscillation fmax of 455 GHz was obtained by extrapolating from 95 GHz at –6 dB/octave. This is the best reported gain performance for any transistor.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to identify inhibitors of activation of platelet integrin αIIbβ3

Abstract The affinity of integrin α IIb β 3 for adhesive ligands is tightly regulated by the platelet such that fibrinogen binding is observed only after platelet activation. Ligand binding is necessary for platelet aggregation, which contributes to vascular occlusion in pathological states. Therefore, we have developed an ELISA assay to screen for compounds that inhibit α IIb β 3 activation. Washed platelets were incubated in microtitre wells with potential inhibitory compounds and stimulated with an agonist to activate α IIb β 3 . After the addition of biotin-PAC1, a fibrinogen-mimetic monoclonal antibody, the activation state of α IIb β 3 was measured by sedimenting the platelets and quantitating the residual biotin-PAC1 in the cell-free supernatant in a streptavidin-based ELISA. This assay detected (1) specific PAC1 binding to activated platelets in response to a variety of agonists, and (2) dose-dependent inhibition of PAC1 binding by function-blocking anti- α IIb β 3 monoclonal antibodies, by the tetrapeptide, RGDS, and by an α IIb β 3 -selective RGD peptidomimetic. Furthermore, the assay detected inhibition of PAC1 binding by intracellular inhibitors of platelet activation, including bisindolylmaleimide, a selective protein kinase C antagonist, and wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. These studies demonstrate that this integrin activation ELISA can detect pharmacological blockade of platelet α IIb β 3 by extracellular and intracellular inhibitors. Its use may facilitate the search for clinically useful anti-platelet drugs.
Grandparents Against Homework

America now possesses not only the largest and fastest-growing population of older adults in our history but also the healthiest, most vigorous, best educated and civic-minded. By the year 2025, one of every four Americans will be a grandparent. However, the real potential is not in the numbers, but in the emotional attachment between grandparents and their grandchildren. Their devotion to their grandchildren, in addition to the wisdom and skills learned over a lifetime, may well be the greatest social capital children and parents have in their battle against the “sacred cow” that is homework.
Light Scattering from Collision-Dominated Plasmas

The scattering of electromagnetic radiation by a fully ionized, collision-dominated plasma in a magnetic field is investigated using a stochastic approach. The stochastic equations for the density-fluctuation operators are modified to include particle collisions through a Bhatnagar-Gross-Krook collision model. The equations of this model are constructed to conserve particle number, energy, and momentum. Explicit numerical results are obtained in the absence of magnetic field and compared,to experimental values and other theories. The analytical results are assumed valid for plasmas which can be characterized by Maxwellian velocity distributions for electrons and ions at the same or different temperatures. (auth)
p18Ink4c and Pten Constrain a Positive Regulatory Loop between Cell Growth and Cell Cycle Control

Inactivation of the Rb-mediated G1 control pathway is a common event found in many types of human tumors. To test how the Rb pathway interacts with other pathways in tumor suppression, we characterized mice with mutations in both the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p18Ink4c and the lipid phosphatase Pten, which regulates cell growth. The double mutant mice develop a wider spectrum of tumors, including prostate cancer in the anterior and dorsolateral lobes, with nearly complete penetrance and at an accelerated rate. The remaining wild-type allele of Pten was lost at a high frequency in Pten+/− cells but not in p18+/− Pten+/− or p18−/− Pten+/− prostate tumor cells, nor in other Pten+/− tumor cells, suggesting a tissue- and genetic background-dependent haploinsufficiency of Pten in tumor suppression. p18 deletion, CDK4 overexpression, or oncoviral inactivation of Rb family proteins caused activation of Akt/PKB that was recessive to the reduction of PTEN activity. We suggest that p18 and Pten cooperate in tumor suppression by constraining a positive regulatory loop between cell growth and cell cycle control pathways.
Electrocatalysis; selective electrogenerative reduction of organic halides

Abstract Reduction of vinyl and ethyl fluorides and chlorides has been investigated under the operating conditions of the electrogenerative reactor. Reaction selectivity and rate were examined over palladium, platinum, ruthenium and silver black porous electrocatalysts operating at positive potentials with special attention given to vinyl fluoride reduction. Substrate partial pressure and flow rate as well as electrolyte concentration were considered as potential parameters for selectivity control. The effect of the position of the halide has also been studied. Results are compared and contrasted with conventional heterogeneous catalytic and electrochemical reduction. Palladium is the most selective electrocatalyst for double bond hydrogenation, while platinum catalyzes cleavage preferentially. Differences in selectivity are discussed in terms of an insertion-type mechanism and an electrochemical hydrodehalogenation step leading to cleavage.
Wind resource assessment in the state of Arizona: Inventory, capacity factor, and cost

Abstract During the summer of 2003, the state of Arizona took delivery of a set of high-resolution wind energy maps that were developed with a meso-scale wind energy model coupled with wind data. The geographical information system data supplied with the wind maps was used to create a wind resource inventory that included wind energy potential, proximity to transmission lines, and land ownership. Four diverse sites were selected for further study, one predominantly class 3, one predominantly class 4, one predominantly class 5, and one predominantly class 6. At each site, the capacity factor was determined, the seasonal influence was observed, and the real levelized cost of energy in 2005 dollars determined. As the wind class varied from 6 to 3 the levelized cost of energy ranged from 4.22 to 6.00 cents/kWh. These results do not include the production tax credit or the renewable energy production incentive, do include adjustments for elevation, losses, and inflation, and are considered conservative. This paper documents the findings of the wind mapping process, describes the method and results of evaluating the most promising sites for wind development, and presents the cost of energy results.
TOEPLITZ MATRICES AND RANDOM WALKS WITH MEMORY

Abstract We use a technique based on Toeplitz matrices to calculate the probability distribution for certain random walks on a lattice in continuous time where the walker can take steps of various sizes in each direction and where the probability of a step depends on the nature of a finite set of previous steps. If k ( ij ) is the rate constant for a step of j units given a history of type i , then we can solve the random walk problem for the special case when the sum over k ( ij ) is independent of j .
Allosteric Effects of G-Protein Coupled Receptor Heteromerization: Relevance to Psychosis

A broad symptom spectrum has been evidenced in psychoses, while nearly 80 years of research has not produced adequate anti-psychotic drugs (APDs). G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in three neurotransmitter pathways are targeted by APDs. Each pathway contains an integral GPCR: dopamine 2 receptor (D2R), serotonin 2A receptor (5HT2AR), and metabotropic glutamate 2 receptor (mGluR2). While each GPCR forms homomers, heteromers of 5HT2AR have been shown to form with D2R or mGluR2. Two-Electrode Voltage Clamp in Xenopus oocytes (Hatcher-Solis, et al., 2014 - submitted) has allowed us to show that lateral allosterism (heteromerization with another receptor) of mGluR2-5HT2AR enhances Gi activity of mGluR2 in response to glutamate, while decreasing Gq activity of 5HT2AR in response to 5HT. However, addition of the second endogenous ligand does not cross-signal to the other receptor. Binding of drugs that changed conformation at one receptor in mGluR2-5HT2AR revealed inverse coupling and cross-signaling. Thus APDs, inverse agonists of 5HT2AR or agonists of mGluR2, restore high Gi over Gq signaling (Fribourg et al., 2011). In contrast to mGluR2-5HT2AR, lateral allosterism of D2R-5HT2AR revealed an increase in both Gi activity of the D2R in response to dopamine and Gq activity of the 5HT2AR in response to 5HT. Furthermore, the endogenous ligands of D2R-5HT2AR cross-signaled, increasing G-protein activity of the other receptor. Like the mGluR2-5HT2AR, agonists cross-signaled, decreasing G-protein activity of the other receptor. We also discovered the above allosterism only resulted from specific amounts and ratios of injected cRNA, presumably reflecting different stoichiometries of each receptor in the heteromer and/or changes in trafficking to the cell surface. These results lead us to hypothesize that the combined allosteric effects evidenced upon GPCR heteromerization are unique for each heteromer and that RNA and protein amounts are critical for signaling through heteromers.
A longitudinal study of cortical cataracts using retroillumination photographs.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) computer planimetry system has been shown to have good reproducibility in assessing the size of cortical cataracts from retroilluminatin photographs. In this study, we determined the usefulness of this system in monitoring cortical cataract changes over time. Using the Neitz Kawara retroillumination camera, retroillumination photographs of cortical cataracts in 81 eyes were obtained every six months for an average of 31 months. As previously described, the cortical cataract outlines were traced in a masked fashion onto trans-parent plastic overlays, and the tracings then digitized into a Macintosh Quadra computer using a computer scanner. Cortical cataract area was then determined using a specially developed software program. For each eye, the rate of cortical area change was determined by the slope of the regression line fitted to the follow-up measurements. Cataract progression was classified to be significant if the slope exceeded a critical value. Of the 81 eyes, 24 (3...
Role of triglycerides and phospholipids on development of rancidity in model meat systems during frozen storage

Abstract The effect of triglycerides, phospholipids and total lipids on development of rancidity during frozen storage at −18° C for 8 months was studied using lipid-free muscle fibres in combination with added triglycerides, phospholipids and total lipids. Results showed that added phospholipids greatly increased TBA values. Oxidation took place in two stages. Phospholipids were the first to oxidise, with their rate of oxidation decreasing with time. Oxidation of the triglycerides began only after a prolonged induction period. Results demonstrated that both triglycerides and phospholipids contribute to development of rancidity, although phospholipids make the greatest contribution. The influence of triglycerides on the development of rancidity was shown to depend upon the degree of unsaturation and the length of time in frozen storage. The relationship between oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) of the phospholipids and development of rancidity was confirmed.
Interdigitation-fusion: a new method for producing lipid vesicles of high internal volume.

Abstract Previously we demonstrated that fused phospholipid sheets can be formed from small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) comprised of saturated symmetric chain lipids by exposing them to concentrations of ethanol sufficient to cause bilayer interdigitation (Boni et al. (1993) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1146, 247–257). Here we report that these sheets spontaneously form large, predominately unilamellar vesicles, when exposed to temperatures above their main phase transition temperature ( T m ). These vesicles, termed interdigitation-fusion vesicles (IFVs), have mean diameters between 1 and 6 μm, and, once produced, are stable both above and below the T m of the lipid. The average captured volume of IFVs is dependent upon lipid chain length, the concentration of ethanol used to induce interdigitation-fusion, and size of the precursor liposomes. IFVs comprised of DPPC and DSPC had averaged captured volumes of 20–25 μl/μmol lipid. IFVs produced from SUVs containing only DPPG or DPPC/DPPG mixtures had captured volumes equivalent to those made from pure DPPC SUVs indicating that charge can be introduced without consequence to the IFV process. Inclusion of cholesterol in precursor vesicles reduced IFV captured volume in a concentration dependent fashion by interfering with interdigitation. Cholesterol could be incorporated, however, into IFVs through admixture with the already formed phospholipid sheets producing far less comprise to captured volume. IFVs are useful as model systems or drug carriers, since their large internal volume allows for efficient encapsulation particularly with regard to compounds such as iodinated radiocontrast agents which otherwise interfere with vesicularization.
Vortices in stratified superconductors: Application to magnetic force microscopy

For stratified media including type-II superconducting layers, we obtain static vortex solutions of interest to magnetic force microscopy. We derive these solutions for both three-dimensional (3D) and 2D (pancake) vortices, using Fourier transformation and convolution. Our convenient formalism directly solves for the magnetic field. We are able to include arbitrary vorticities of exponential order for half-space problems. We show that the corresponding magnetic field Greens functions can be put into closed form and obtain analytic results for field and force components. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Point of View and Theme In “I Want to Know Why”

(1959). Point of View and Theme In “I Want to Know Why”. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 24-29.
An energy-efficient free-space optical interconnection for clock distribution

An energy-efficient free-space clock-distribution scheme for intrachip and chip-to-chip application is proposed here. The scheme involves two aspheric mirrors in confocal configuration. The length between the mirrors should be equal to the length traversed by an optical ray in one or an integer multiple of the clock period for ghost-free clock reception. The proposed method reuses the unused optical energy of a clock pulse scattered over the nonphotodetector area of the chip by synchronously combining with the optical energy of the successive clock pulses. Zero clock skew can be achieved by this method. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Baseline characteristics of menopausal women with coronary heart disease in cardiovascular outcomes clinical trials of menopausal hormone therapy or raloxifene

Despite differences in enrollment criteria, the baseline characteristics of the menopausal women with coronary heart disease enrolled in the cardiovascular outcome trials of menopausal hormone therapy or raloxifene are remarkably similar. Globally, cardiovascular risk factors were not optimally controlled at entry into these trials. More aggressive cardiovascular risk factor interventions are requisite to achieve optimal target goals for women with documented coronary heart disease.
Segregation of visual input to the mushroom bodies in the honeybee (Apis mellifera).

Insect mushroom bodies are brain regions that receive multisensory input and are thought to play an important role in learning and memory. In most neopteran insects, the mushroom bodies receive direct olfactory input. In addition, the calyces of Hymenoptera receive substantial direct input from the optic lobes. We describe visual inputs to the calyces of the mushroom bodies of the honeybee Apis mellifera, the neurons' dendritic fields in the optic lobes, the medulla and lobula, and the organization of their terminals in the calyces. Medulla neurons terminate in the collar region of the calyx, where they segregate into five layers that receive alternating input from the dorsal or ventral medulla, respectively. A sixth, innermost layer of the collar receives input from lobula neurons. In the basal ring region of the calyx, medulla neuron terminals are restricted to a small, distal part. Lobula neurons are more prominent in the basal ring, where they terminate in its outer half. Although the collar and basal ring layers generally receive segregated input from both optic neuropils, some overlap occurs at the borders of the layers. At least three different types of mushroom body input neurons originate from the medulla: (a) neurons with narrow dendritic fields mainly restricted to the vicinity of the medulla's serpentine layer and found throughout the medulla; (b) neurons restricted to the ventral half of the medulla and featuring long columnar dendritic branches in the outer medulla; and (c) a group of neurons whose dendrites are restricted to the most ventral part of the medulla and whose axons form the anterior inferior optic tract. Most medulla neurons (groups a and b) send their axons via the anterior superior optic tract to the mushroom bodies. Neurons connecting the lobula with the mushroom bodies have their dendrites in a defined dorsal part of the lobula. Their axons form a third tract to the mushroom bodies, here referred to as the lobula tract. Our findings match the anatomy of intrinsic mushroom body neurons (Strausfeld, 2002) and together indicate that the mushroom bodies may be composed of many more functional subsystems than previously suggested.
Air-water gas exchange. An empirical approach

Abstract An empirical approach, based on a literature survey and on original data, permits the simple calculation of the net flux of any gas, reactive or inert, across an air-water interface. The only two requirements are an accurate knowledge of the concentration difference across the interface in terms of moles per cubic meter, and reasonable information about the average wind speed. The log of flux in mol m−2 s−1 plotted versus the wind speed at 10 m altitude provides a series of essentially parallel lines for the three wind speed regimes; calm, normal and storm. Two subsets of behavior for low vs high concentrations are also evident. Neither the ideality nor the chemical reactivity of the gas are factors in this approach. The method performs well for both local events and for global considerations.
Semantically Ranked Graph Pattern Queries for Link Analysis

Relationship pattern based queries are important components of intelligence link analysis, Typically the analyst gives a prototypical graph pattern which needs to be approximately matched to the data. Performing such inexact graph pattern matching is currently carried out using some variant of graph edit distance measures. This approach suffers from two main shortcomings: (1) it relies on detailed graph edit cost assignment by the analyst, and (2) it cannot efficiently incorporate semantic similarities that can be, in most cases, computed based on appropriate ontologies. In this paper, we propose novel techniques for evaluating graph pattern queries to produce semantically-ranked results. Our approach systematically combines both partial structural matches and semantic similarities in order to relieve the user from specifying edit costs.
P6H-1 Electrochemical Etching of Quartz

We present the first results on the electrochemical etching of crystalline quartz. Used for bulk micromachining of silicon, electrochemical etching has not been previously explored as a method for processing quartz because of its insulating nature. By injecting energetic charge carriers into the quartz it can be made temporarily conductive, allowing current to be passed through in magnitudes which will affect the chemical etch rate. This was experimentally verified by etching samples of AT-cut quartz while bombarding the sample with electrons. Etch depths were measured and plotted as a function of current density, showing a variation of +/-3X the control etch rate. The ability to increase and decrease the etch rate can be used to define novel quartz microstructures.
Blunt trauma as a risk factor for group A streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis.

Purpose Anecdotal reports suggest that blunt trauma and seemingly innocuous musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., muscle strains) are risk factors for developing necrotizing fasciitis (NF) and myositis caused by group A Streptococcus and other bacteria; however, this hypothesis has not been tested in analytic epidemiologic studies of invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) disease. We conducted two case–control studies to determine whether nonpenetrating trauma is a risk factor for either NF or severe cellulitis caused by GAS. Methods A secondary analysis of patients who were hospitalized throughout Florida for invasive GAS disease during a 4-year period was conducted. Two case series were used. The first series comprised patients who had severe GAS cellulitis. The second were patients who had GAS NF. Case-patients were compared to a single control series composed of patients with invasive GAS disease not including either NF or cellulitis (e.g., primary bacteremia, septic arthritis). Results After we adjusted for age, race, and clindamycin usage, GAS NF cases were 5.97 times as likely as controls to have a recent history of blunt trauma ( p = 0.04). Patients with severe cellulitis were not more likely than controls to have associated blunt trauma. Conclusions Nonpenetrating trauma is significantly associated with the development of GAS NF.
Autoradiographic Study of Pre- and Postnatal Distribution of Cannabinoid Receptors in Human Brain ☆

Cannabinoid receptors have been characterized and localized in the brain of several species, including human. The pre- and postnatal distribution of human brain CB1 receptors was investigated using quantitative autoradiography with [(3)H]CP55,940 as a ligand. Normal fetal brains (N = 8, gestational age 14-24 weeks)were obtained from voluntary abortions. Normal (drug and pathology free) adult human brains (N = 16, age 18-78) were obtained from the medical examiner's offices in New York City and Jaffa, Israel. Brains were stored frozen at -70 degrees C and sectioned (40 microm) at -15 degrees C. The radioligand (5 nM) was incubated with the sections for 3 h at room temperature. Washed and dried sections were exposed to tritium-sensitive film along with standards for 7-28 days and autoradiograms quantitated using NIH Image software. In the fetal human brain, low densities of THC-displaceable, region-specific binding could be observed as early as 14 weeks gestation. Receptor density increased slowly with gestational age but did not reach adult levels by the end of the second trimester (24 weeks gestation). In addition, the distribution pattern in the fetal brains was markedly different from the adult pattern. The most striking difference was the very low density of binding in the fetal caudate and putamen. In contrast, the globus pallidus pars medialis has almost-adult levels of cannabinoid receptors by 17-18 weeks gestation. The relatively low and regionally selective appearance of cannabinoid receptors in the fetal human brain may explain the relatively mild and selective nature of postnatal neurobehavioral deficits observed in infants exposed to cannabinoids in utero.
Flavonoid aglycones from Xanthocephalum gymnospermoides var. gymnospermoides

Abstract Six known flavonoid aglycones and the newly described 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3,3′,5′-trimethoxyflavone were isolated from Xanthocephalum gymnospermnoides var. gymnospermnoides .
Changes of Rotational Constants in Some Π−Σ Bands of HCN and N 2 O†

The fact that certain rotational “constants” change with the vibrational state of the molecule is well known. It is also true that the two substates of a Π state have slightly different values of rotational constants associated with them. The difference of the two B values in a Π state is designated by q (usually of the order of 10−3 cm−1), while the difference of the two D′ values is called μ(~10−7 cm−1). We have measured q and μ for the 1111—000 band of HCN with the aid of a Fabry-Perot etalon which had dielectric films for the reflecting surfaces. The method employed made it possible to ignore the effect of phase changes due to reflections in the etalon, and a crude optical calibration of the spacer was all that was necessary. In addition, Bd′−B″ and Dd′−D″ for the Q branch of the 0111–000 band of HCN and Bd′−B″ for the Q branch of the 1111–000 band of N2O have been measured. The results are 1111-000 of HCN;q=7.76×10-3 cm-1,μ=20×10-8 cm-10111-000 of HCN;Bd′-B″=-0.002 876 cm-1,Dd′-D″=9.4×10-8 cm-11111-000 of N2O;Bd′-B″=-0.004 067 cm-1,Dd′-D″<10-8 cm-1.Resolution of 175 000 was obtained with the Q branch of the 0111 band of HCN. Taking account of the finite slit width and the inevitable Doppler line broadening, the resolution attained is shown to be 95% of that theoretically to be expected for the double passed grating spectrograph employed in this investigation.
Adaptive multispectral normalization system

A multispectral normalization processing system has been developed to produce percent reflectance maps from multispectral imagery (MSI) in the .4 to 2.5 micron wavelength range. It is adaptive to multiple spatial resolutions, supporting resolutions in the .25 meter to 30 meter range. The normalization process takes advantage of known naturally occurring and man-made materials in the image to remove the effects of atmospheric haze and sensor gain contributions for each multispectral band. The output product is a percent reflectance map for each multispectral band. Although the normalization technique is well known, the MSI normalization system (MSINS) provides a simple, adaptive, robust graphical user interface for normalizing multispectral imagery from various sensor platforms. Over 130 different surface material spectra have been collected from reputable sources in literature and other spectral material libraries and installed in the MSINS Materials Spectral Information Database (MSID). The MSID has been designed to allow the addition of new material spectra into the system via a menu interface. A neural-net-based region grower has been developed to minimize user interaction and increase the robustness and repeatability of the normalization. New multispectral sensor platforms can be introduced into the system quickly via a menu interface. The current system was developed and tested using Landsat Thematic Mapper, Erim M7 Mapper, Positive Systems ADAR 5500, and ITRES casi multispectral imagery.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The synthesis of macromolecular 3-hydroxyproline by attaching and confluent cultures of human fibroblasts.

The synthesis of collagen has been studied during the attachment of freshly trypsinized human fibroblasts to culture vessels by measurement of the incorporation of radioactive proline into macro-molecular hydroxyproline. Collagenous protein(s) was found to be a component of a substrate-attached material (‘microexudate carpet’) synthesized rapidly during cell attachment in the absence of serum. The ratio of 3-hydroxyproline/4-hydroxyproline in the collagenous proteins synthesized during cell attachment was found to be 4–5-fold higher than that of normal type I collagen. The synthesis of 3-hydroxyproline by confluent cultures was diminished by serum deprivation, and was shown to require higher concentrations of ascorbate than the synthesis of the 4-hydroxy isomer.
Transforming Public Service in a World without Boundaries

In July 1995, the American Society for Public Administration's Endowment Board established the Donald C. Stone Fund to honor the memory of this public administration legend. Income from this fund is used to sponsor a lecture or symposium at ASPA's national conference, which reflects Stone's varied interests and contributions to the field. This year marked the ninth Donald C. Stone Lecture. On March 30, Adam W. Herbert was ASPA's Stone Lecturer and gave the following speech.
Sourcing in the global aerospace supply chain using online reverse auctions

This article discusses the use of online reverse auctions to source engineered components in global aerospace supply chains using online reverse auctions and examines the specific case where a long-established U.S. economic cluster supporting large tier-one aerospace companies must compete against globally distributed sources of supply favored by their customers due to unit price savings, principally the result of lower wages. The article also examines if global sourcing practices based on power-based bargaining is an intelligent or effective solution to market pressure demanding lower prices, or whether collaborative problem solving and the creation of knowledge-sharing networks offers greater potential for cost savings and improved long-term supply chain competitiveness. Key factors that contributed to the recent failure of global sourcing initiatives using online reverse auctions are presented. Findings can be generalized to other industries that use online reverse auctions for globally sourcing engineered components that rely on networks of supporting service suppliers to create finished goods.
g: Artifact or reality?

The highest common factor in any large and diverse collection of mental tests is measured by means of factor analysis, and is conventionally labeled psychometric g (for general ability). The g factor, which is highly correlated across even quite different batteries of tests, provided the tests are fairly numerous and varied, reflects the empirical fact of positive manifold, that is, positive correlations between all mental tests. After briefly explicating the general psychometric conditions and factor analytic methods for the measurement of g, this article addresses the theoretically important question of whether g is merely an artifact of the method of constructing psychometric tests and the mathematical operations of factor analysis or whether it has an authentic claim to represent some natural phenomenon that exists independently of psychometrics and factor analysis. Several lines of evidence which refute the argument that g is a methodological artifact are presented. The g factor, far more than any other linearly independent sources of variance in psychometric tests, is correlated with various phenomena that are wholly independent of both psychometrics and factor analysis, such as the heritability of test scores, familial correlations, the effects of inbreeding depression and of hybrid vigor, evoked electrical potentials of the brain, and reaction times to elementary cognitive tasks which have virtually no intellectual content. This evidence of biological correlates of g supports the theory that g is not a methodological artifact but is, indeed, a fact of nature. However, the causal nature of g itself is not yet scientifically established. That goal must await further advances in neuroscience.
FREQUENCY INTERPOLATION TECHNIQUE FOR BROADBAND PARABOLIC EQUATION CALCULATIONS

A method is developed for increasing the efficiency of broadband parabolic equation modeling. For broadband adiabatic mode calculations, the smoothness of the wavenumbers and mode functions in frequency permits interpolation across frequency. In order to permit frequency interpolation, the pressure field computed by the PE is transformed to mode space and the complex mode amplitudes are interpolated across frequency. For mildly range dependent environments a speed increase of a factor of ten can be achieved. A convergence test of propagation through internal waves indicates that a frequency interpolation across four frequencies is possible.
Myths and counter-myths about Odessa’s Jewish intelligentsia during the late Tsarist period

This paper examines the Odessa myth in the context of the Russian-Jewish intelligentsia of the nineteenth century. In a study of three contexts – the origins of the Russian-Jewish newspaper Rassvet; the (fictional) memoirs of Moshe Leib Lilienblum and Mendele Mocher Sforim (Solomon Abramovitch) who made Odessa their home; and the 1902 debates over schools in the Society for the Promotion of Enlightenment among the Jews of Russia – Horowitz discovers that for every myth, there is a counter-myth. Jewish Odessa of the nineteenth century was involved in a battle over its identity and definition. Rather than embodying a single ideological position, the Jewish intelligentsia tells a messy, complicated, and contradictory story of the development of the city and the evolution of the intelligentsia itself.