cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous Blockchain-based Privacy-preserving Training Framework for Disease Diagnosis

With the emerging artificial intelligence technology, especially machine learning and deep learning, an increasing number of healthcare institutions have designed and implemented various data-driven analysis tools and models to assist disease diagnosis. However, it is difficult for a single healthcare institution to collect sufficient medical records to support a sophisticated automatic disease recognition model, especially for some rare diseases, which urges the collaboration among different medical institutions and hospitals. The current mainstream solutions, like centralized distributed machine learning, heavily rely on a central server, which may be vulnerable to attackers or even malicious itself. Meanwhile, data privacy concerns make hospitals reluctant to share their patients’ records with others. To solve these issues, in this work, we utilize the blockchain to build a decentralized privacy-preserving cross-institution disease classification framework, called Health-Chain. Specifically, we combined differential privacy and pseudo-identity mechanism to protect data privacy in distributed stochastic gradient descent (SGD) algorithm. Meanwhile, we equip gradient delay compensation to address the asynchronous issues in the decentralized blockchain-based learning system. In the experiments, we implement our Health-Chain in two popular disease recognition tasks, breast cancer diagnosis, and ECG arrhythmia classification, and demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Complicated Grief With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Addressed With Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Case Discussions:

Complicated grief is a significant health concern for older adults, resulting in significant psychological and physical morbidity. Elements of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often present in individuals with complicated grief. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a brief form of psychotherapy that utilizes the techniques of imaginal exposure, rescripting of events, and lateral eye movements that may be useful in complicated grief with PTSD symptoms. Two cases where ART was used for complicated grief with PTSD are presented. Both individuals had attempted to come to terms with their loss through traditional grief therapy with an inadequate response and substantial residual grief symptoms. These cases illustrate how ART can be used to address CG and PTSD and describe situations where it may be appropriate. Clinical and research implications are also discussed.
An overview of the VERITAS stellar intensity interferometer

Imaging air Cherenkov telescope (IACT) arrays have long been viewed as potential observatories for performing stellar intensity interferometry (SII). We present results and the current status of an ongoing SII campaign using the four 12 m diameter VERITAS telescopes located at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory. Each of the telescopes have been equipped with SII instrumentation, consisting of a removable SII camera and a continuous high speed data acquisition system. The correlation of digitized starlight intensities is performed off-line using FPGA hardware to calculate the squared visibilities. The system enables high angular resolution measurements with baselines ranging from approximately 81.5 to 173 m in the B photometric band. Stellar angular diameter measurements were successfully performed using all four VERITAS telescopes. These results show that IACTs can operate as SII observatories, demonstrating a technological pathway for a similar system with future IACT observatories with a hundred fold increase in the number of simultaneous baselines.
Crustal structure beneath the Ethiopian Plateau and adjacent areas from receiver functions: Implications for partial melting and magmatic underplating

Abstract Receiver function measurements of crustal thickness (H) and Vp/Vs provide important information on the formation and evolution of continental plateaus and rift zones such as the Ethiopian Plateau, the Afar and Main Ethiopian Rifts in northeastern Africa. Unfortunately, the presence of a low-velocity sedimentary layer atop most of the Cenozoic rift basins may lead to strong reverberations that can mask the P-to-S conversions from the Moho, resulting in unreliable H and Vp/Vs measurements. Here we estimate H and Vp/Vs beneath the Afar Depression (AD), Ethiopian Plateau (EP), and the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER) by stacking receiver functions. Reliable H and Vp/Vs measurements are obtained at a total of 69 stations, among which 18 stations are pre-processed by applying the reverberation removal technique. In comparison to the MER and EP, the AD is characterized by a thinner crust and higher Vp/Vs, and the thinnest crust and highest Vp/Vs are found in the Red Sea Rift (RSR) in central AD. Gradual variations of H and Vp/Vs between the previous and present axes of the RSR support a gradual rather than jumpy migration model of the axis. The overall high Vp/Vs values in the study area can be interpreted as a combined result of continental flood basalts at the surface, magmatic intrusion, and crustal partial melting. The relatively low amplitude of the P-to-S converted phases from the Moho observed in the southern part of the western Ethiopian Plateau and the AD with the exception of the RSR may be attributed to magmatic underplating.
CuAAC stabilization of an NMR mixed labeled dimer

Homo dimers are the most abundant type of enzyme in cells and as such, they represent the archetypal system for studying the remarkable phenomenon of allostery. In these systems, in which the allosteric features are manifest by the effect of the first binding event on the similar event at the second site, the most informative state is the asymmetric single bound (lig1) form, yet it tends to be elusive thermodynamically. Here we take significant steps towards obtaining milligram quantities of pure lig1 of the allosteric homodimer, chorismate mutase, in the form of a mixed isotopically labeled dimer stabilized by Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) between the subunits. Below, we outline several critical steps required to generate high yields of both types of unnatural amino acid-containing proteins, and overcome multiple pitfalls intrinsic to CuAAC to obtain high yields of pure, fully intact, and active mixed labeled dimer. These data not only will make possible NMR-based investigations of allostery envisioned by us, but should also facilitate other structural applications where specific linkage of proteins is helpful.
Nature's Trust: Environmental Law for a New Ecological Age

Environmental law has failed us all. This book exposes what is wrong with environmental law and offers transformational change based on the public trust doctrine. An ancient and enduring principle, the trust doctrine asserts public property rights to crucial resources. Its core logic compels government, as trustee, to protect natural inheritance such as air and water for all humanity. Propelled by populist impulses and democratic imperatives, the public trust surfaces at epic times in history as a manifest human right. But until now it has lacked the precision necessary for citizens, government employees, legislators, and judges to fully safeguard the natural resources we rely on for survival and prosperity. The Nature's Trust approach empowers citizens worldwide to protect their inalienable ecological rights for generations to come.
The study of develop optimization to control various resist defect in Photomask fabrication

To reduce the pattern size in photomask is an inevitable trend because of the minimization of chip size. So it makes a big challenge to control defects in photomask industry. Defects below a certain size that had not been any problem in previous technology node are becoming an issue as the patterns are smaller. Therefore, the acceptable tolerance levels for current defect size and quantity are dramatically reduced. Because these defects on photomask can be the sources of the repeating defects on wafer, small size defects smaller than 200nm should not be ignored any more. Generally, almost defects are generated during develop process and etch process. Especially it is difficult to find the root cause of defects formed during the develop process because of their various types and very small size. In this paper, we studied how these small defects can be eliminated by analyzing the defects and tuning the develop process. There are 3 types of resist defects which are named as follows. The first type is ‘Popcorn’ defect which is mainly occurred in negative resist and exists on the dark features. The second type is ‘Frog eggs’ defect which is occurred in 2nd process of HTPSM and exists on the wide space area. The last type is ‘Spot’ defect which also exists on the wide space area. These defects are generally appeared on the entire area of a plate and the number of these defects is about several hundred. It is thought that the original source is the surface’s hydrophilic state before develop process or the incongruity between resist and developer. This study shows that the optimizing the develop process can be a good solution for some resist defects.
Modeling Software for Learning and Doing Physics

The personal computer revolution confronts physics education with an unprecedented challenge and opportunity. Microcomputer hardware and software for data collection and management, for numerical calculation, symbolic manipulation and computer simulation are developing at a breathless pace. Processor power, network speed and capacity are no longer barriers to real-time processing of complex data sets and programs in the educational domain. For most practical purposes, all hardware constraints on software design for personal computers will be eliminated within the next few years. Thus, the value of computers for physics research and education will be determined by the available software.
Chapter 11 The energy-transducing nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the energy-transducing nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase. The energy-transducing nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenases of mitochondria and bacteria are membrane-bound enzymes that catalyze the direct and stereospecific transfer of a hydride ion between the 4A position of NAD (H) and the 4B position of NADP (H). In the mitochondria, the enzyme is embedded in the inner membrane, with its nucleotide binding sites protruding into the matrix, and the transhydrogenation reaction is coupled to transmembrane proton translocation with a H+ / H- stoichiometry of unity. Because of the stereospecificity of hydride ion transfer, this type of transhydrogenase is referred to as “AB-transhydrogenase.” The known AB-transhydrogenases are integral membrane proteins, their scalar transhydrogenation reaction is coupled to proton translocation, and they contain separate binding sites for NAD (H) and NADP (H), and have no prosthetic groups. The BB-type transhydrogenases are water-soluble, do not pump protons, are flavoproteins containing FAD, have a single substrate-binding site, and are thought to be concerned with equilibrating the cellular NAD (H) and NADP (H) pools.
Applied Behavior Analytic Assessment and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically identified in early childhood, with symptoms often presenting at or before 18 months ( Blumberg et al., 2013 ). The hallmarks of ASD include marked impairments in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviors displayed in a variety of contexts. The prevalence of ASD has steadily increased, nearly tripling over the last decade (i.e., increasing from 1 in 150 children to approximately 1 in 50 children; Blumberg et al., 2013 , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014 ). In this chapter, we provide (a) a review of diagnostic criteria and hallmarks of ASD and recent changes to the diagnostic criteria; (b) a discussion of the impact of the disorder in terms of prevalence rates, etiology, and prognosis; (c) an overview of evidence-based approaches to assessment and treatment; and (d) future directions and considerations for practitioners.
Network Information Theory

This comprehensive treatment of network information theory and its applications provides the first unified coverage of both classical and recent results. With an approach that balances the introduction of new models and new coding techniques, readers are guided through Shannon's point-to-point information theory, single-hop networks, multihop networks, and extensions to distributed computing, secrecy, wireless communication, and networking. Elementary mathematical tools and techniques are used throughout, requiring only basic knowledge of probability, whilst unified proofs of coding theorems are based on a few simple lemmas, making the text accessible to newcomers. Key topics covered include successive cancellation and superposition coding, MIMO wireless communication, network coding, and cooperative relaying. Also covered are feedback and interactive communication, capacity approximations and scaling laws, and asynchronous and random access channels. This book is ideal for use in the classroom, for self-study, and as a reference for researchers and engineers in industry and academia.
Chapter 12 Unmasking unmasked: neural dynamics following stroke

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that the adult brain compensates when the damage occurs and for this the study of the interactions among structure, physiology, and behavior is necessary. Recovery involves plasticity, hence anatomical change, such as the anatomical factors cannot be understood without reference to physiology and behavior. It should also not be understood without reference to the underlying molecular receptor level, because these receptors will be the target of pharmacotherapeutic intervention in the recovery process. The goal of computer modeling in the studies is to understand the interaction among levels of organization, as cells determine networks and networks behavior. Computer modeling nicely complements the ecumenical spirit of pathophysiological study common to neurology and psychiatry. In both of these areas, as to a lesser extent in internal medicine, the complexities of disease causation and expression require that the physician simultaneously assume various perspectives, including cellular, chemical, neural, and behavioral, when assessing a patient.
A policy engine for the OCAP monitor application [TV open cable application platform]

Television cable operators must be able to easily and economically customize the services and features that they deliver to their customers. At the same time, customers desire the ability to further refine access to those very same services and features. Combining a locally hosted policy engine with remotely managed policy files is one way to implement a network of highly configurable receivers. By separating policy enforcement from policy expression, an operator can easily modify the behavior of the policy engine by simply updating the appropriate policy files. We describe a policy engine-based architecture for the OCAP monitor application that provides flexibility in remote management of receivers.
Effects of two popular weight loss programs on changes in body composition and visceral adipose tissue in women (LB296)

The purpose of this study was to determine if different types of exercise and diet interventions promote greater changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). 54 sedentary women (34±8 yrs, BMI 35±6) we...
Lanthanide ion luminescence in coordination chemistry and biochemistry

Article de synthese relatif aux proprietes de luminescence des complexes de lanthanide avec divers coordinats: β-dicetones, aminoacides, systemes muscellaires, macrocycles, nucleotides, proteines et enzymes, etc
Student Learning and Motivation in Physical Education

In a previous Advocacy in Action article, Richards and Wilson (2012) discussed quality physical education (PE) as a precursor to advocacy. It was argued that, before PE teachers can be effective advocates, they must first develop a high-quality PE program for which to advocate. This article extends the points made by Richards and Wilson by arguing that, in addition to being standards-based, a high-quality PE program should promote a student-centered learning environment.
BUSINESS SERVICES IN THE SPACE ECONOMY: A MODEL OF SPATIAL INTERACTION

Recent attempts to broaden the scope of spatial interaction models have focused on introducing elements of competitive market structure. These extensions advance our understanding of spatial markets, but fail to deal adequately with forms of impedance other than distance. These limitations are critical when dealing with different types of interaction. Business services, in particular, are less sensitive to distance as a source of impedance. In this paper, we introduce an approach to model the trade of business services that extends upon traditional models of spatial interaction. We propose a model of trade that defects competitive market stuctures and differentiates the traditional spatial source of impedance from an aspatial source. The model is evaluated with sales data obtained from a survey of business service firms in the Chicago metropolitan region.
A general facile preparation of F-alkylacetylenes

Abstract F-Alkylethylenes can be exhaustively chlorinated under UV irradiation to give F -alkylpentachloroethanes in high yields. Subsequent dechlorination with three equivalents of zinc readily gives the F -alkylacetylenic zinc reagents, which on hydrolysis with aqueous HCl provide the corresponding F -alkylacetylenes in good yields. The methodology is applicable to F -alkyl groups of various chain lengths, and the F -acetylenic zinc reagent produced as the reaction intermediate can also be utilized in the direct preparation of functionalized F -alkylacetylenes.
Observations of Liquid Water in Orographic Clouds over Elk Mountain

Abstract The relatively simple orographic clouds forming in winter over Elk Mountain, Wyoming provided useful opportunities for field studies of cloud formation and of ice crystal development. In this paper, the observations of cloud droplet populations spanning a range of five consecutive years are summarized. Date are presented which describe the climatology of the cloud droplet spectra. Selected cases are described in detail to illuminate the process at work and to allow comparisons with theoretical predictions. Droplet concentrations are mostly around 300 cm−3 in accordance with the weak updrafts of the clouds and with the mid-continental, unpolluted cloud condensation nucleus concentrations prevailing in the region. In general, the data are in agreement with one-dimensional microphysical model calculations.
Road traffic noise modifies behaviour of a keystone species

Prey species have to balance their foraging and vigilance behaviour in order to maximize nutritional and energetic intake while avoiding predation. Anthropogenic noise, a ubiquitous form of human disturbance, has the potential to influence antipredator behaviour through its effects on predator detection and perceived risk. Noise might increase perceived risk as predicted by the risk disturbance hypothesis, reduce risk by providing protection from disturbance-sensitive predators, or have no effect on antipredator behaviour if animals are tolerant of nonlethal forms of human disturbance. Road traffic is a pervasive source of anthropogenic noise, but few studies have experimentally isolated the effects of road noise on behaviour. Using systematic playback experiments, we investigated the influence of traffic noise on foraging and vigilance in a keystone species in North American prairie systems, the prairie dog, Cynomys ludovicianus. Exposure to road traffic noise significantly lowered aboveground activity, reduced foraging and increased vigilance, as predicted by the risk disturbance hypothesis. These effects were prevalent irrespective of temperature, a strong influence on such behaviours, and they were consistent across the 3-month study period, providing no evidence of habituation. Our results provide the first experimental investigation of the potential costs of this ubiquitous disturbance in a free-ranging mammal, demonstrating that road noise can alter key survival behaviours of this ecologically pivotal species. These findings highlight that the presence of animals in a location is no guarantee of population and ecological integrity, while also underlining the potential synergistic impacts of noise on a species that has already experienced severe declines across its historic range due to human disturbance. Globally, roadways have profound impacts on biodiversity, and quantifying the behavioural and fitness costs associated with different forms of disturbance such as noise is crucial for mitigation.
P-82: Optical-Strain Characteristics of Ordered Reactive Mesogen Birefringent Films for Viewing-Angle Compensation

We have fabricated birefringent films from a photo-polymerizable liquid crystal polymer. In-situ transmission measurements of these ordered films under tensile strain were performed to examine the optical properties of a variety of director configurations. The optical response with increasing strain was modeled and a dual wavelength technique for measuring birefringence was developed.
Polymerization of Phenylacetylene by Rare Earth Compound/Trialkylaluminum Catalysts

The rare earth naphthenates of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, in combination with triethylaluminum, were investigated as catalysts for the polymerization of phenylacetylene. All were found, at least to a small degree, to be active, and produce atactic polyphenylacetylene showing the presence of both cis and trans double bonds in the chain. These polymers exhibited a low degree (∼ 28%) of crystallinity. However, the neodymium system produced a crystalline (45%) cis-cisoid polymer. An interesting, but as yet unexplained, correlation exists between activity of the catalyst, as indicated by yield of polymer obtained, and the number of f electrons on the metal.
The relationship of abscisic acid metabolism to stomatal conductance in Douglas-fir during water stress

Changes in abscisic acid and its metabolites were followed through two drought cycles in Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco seedlings to determine the metabolic pathway of the hormone and its relationship to branch (stomatal) conductance. Three year-old, intact seedlings were water-stressed, watered, and restressed over a period of 30 days. Water potential was sampled with a pressure chamber and branch conductance with a steady-state porometer. Needle content of abscisic acid and 2-trans-abscisic acid and their saponifiable conjugates were quantified with gas-liquid chromatography. The typical water potential threshold in branch conductance, decreasing abruptly at -2.0 MPa, corresponded to an increase in abscisic acid content of 240 ng g−1. The relationship between abscisic acid and water potential was not definitive, though the general trend was an increase in the hormone with intensifying stress until water potential was -5.0 MPa, when concentration sharply declined. No adjustment to stress was observed in the relationships, but stress during the second cycle progressed more slowly. A linear relationship between abscisic acid and its conjugate indicated the importance of the interconversion of the two compounds for storage and supply of the free acid.
Probing the nature of AFEX-pretreated corn stover derived decomposition products that inhibit cellulase activity.

Sequential fractionation of AFEX-pretreated corn stover extracts was carried out using ultra-centrifugation, ultra-filtration, and solid phase extraction to isolate various classes of pretreatment products to evaluate their inhibitory effect on cellulases. Ultra-centrifugation removed dark brown precipitates that caused no appreciable enzyme inhibition. Ultra-filtration of ultra-centrifuged AFEX-pretreated corn stover extractives using a 10 kDa molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) membrane removed additional high molecular weight components that accounted for 24–28% of the total observed enzyme inhibition while a 3 kDa MWCO membrane removed 60–65%, suggesting significant inhibition is caused by oligomeric materials. Solid phase extraction (SPE) of AFEX-pretreated corn stover extractives after ultra-centrifugation removed 34–43% of the inhibition; ultra-filtration with a 5 kDa membrane removed 44–56% of the inhibition and when this ultra-filtrate was subjected to SPE a total of 69–70% of the inhibition were removed. Mass spectrometry found several phenolic compounds among the hydrophobic inhibition removed by SPE adsorption.
Results of a phase I trial of a recombinant vaccinia virus that expresses carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Background: The inadequacy of systemic treatments of advanced colorectal cancer has aroused interest in biologic therapy. Recent animal models have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of a recombinant vaccine that contains vaccinia and the gene for carcinoembryonic antigen (rV-CEA). Methods: A phase I clinical trial of rV-CEA was conducted to assess vaccine toxicities, the maximum tolerated dosage, resulting immune activities, and tumor responses. A dose-escalation protocol was devised for three concentrations. Six patients per dosage were each to receive three vaccinations. Results: Seventeen patients with advanced colorectal cancer received a total of 44 vaccinations. Mild local and systemic reactions—comparable to those seen with vaccinia alone—were observed and were typically associated with the first vaccination. No significant complications or deaths were caused by the rV-CEA. In particular, no autoimmune colitis developed, nor did leukopenia occur, despite some homology between CEA and leukocyte antigens. All three vaccine concentrations were equally well tolerated. Most patients demonstrated tumor progression by clinical and radiographic parameters and by CEA levels. Immune assays are pending. Conclusions: This phase I trial demonstrated the safety of rV-CEA in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Future clinical studies are warranted and will likely be influenced by investigations of the immune responses to the vaccine.
Perspectives on empirical approaches for ocean color remote sensing of chlorophyll in a changing climate

Phytoplankton biomass and productivity have been continuously monitored from ocean color satellites for over a decade. Yet, the most widely used empirical approach for estimating chlorophyll a (Chl) from satellites can be in error by a factor of 5 or more. Such variability is due to differences in absorption and backscattering properties of phytoplankton and related concentrations of colored-dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and minerals. The empirical algorithms have built-in assumptions that follow the basic precept of biological oceanography—namely, oligotrophic regions with low phytoplankton biomass are populated with small phytoplankton, whereas more productive regions contain larger bloom-forming phytoplankton. With a changing world ocean, phytoplankton composition may shift in response to altered environmental forcing, and CDOM and mineral concentrations may become uncoupled from phytoplankton stocks, creating further uncertainty and error in the empirical approaches. Hence, caution is warranted when using empirically derived Chl to infer climate-related changes in ocean biology. The Southern Ocean is already experiencing climatic shifts and shows substantial errors in satellite-derived Chl for different phytoplankton assemblages. Accurate global assessments of phytoplankton will require improved technology and modeling, enhanced field observations, and ongoing validation of our “eyes in space.”
Propagation of a large amplitude longitudinal wave in a semi-infinite elastic rod

Abstract A general solution is given to the problem of large amplitude wave propagation in a semi-infinite elastic thin rod. The solution is obtained by the method of characteristics. An explicit form of the solution is given in the case where an end velocity, which is a step function of time, is prescribed. More general types of end velocity can be accommodated provided that the variation with time is monotonically increasing; otherwise shocks will form and the present solution is no longer valid.
Senses for senses

If two subjects have phenomenally identical experiences, there is an important sense in which the way the world appears to them is precisely the same. But how are we to understand this notion of ‘w...
Grade Retention and School Adjustment: An Explanatory Analysis:

Although grade retention remains a controversial educational practice, the accumulated research indicates that retention has negative and often harmful effects on academic achievement and other edu...
Low profile wideband reflector antenna design

A novel low-profile X-band reflector antenna fed with a special PEC-backed dipole feed located at the aperture plane is presented. This antenna assembly has an aperture size of 8 inches and height of 2". The radome is made of a 1/16th" Teflon sheet. This antenna produces realized gain of 23.1dB and first side lobe level of less than -25dB below main peak at 10.2GHz. The -10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of this design is approximately 14.6%.
Profiles of Achievement: Women's Entry into the Professions, the Arts, and Social Reform*

This paper examines the structural determinants of the achievement behavior of over 1,300 American women whose lives collectively span three centuries of American history, 1607–1950. Of particular importance is the investigation of the relative effects of historical birth cohort, religion, sibling placement, social class background, and region of birth upon the career patterns of women involved in the professions, the arts, and social reform. A major conclusion of this study is that denomination and importance of religion are major factors accounting for social reform careers, while the absence of religion combined with being the first child is related most importantly to career choices in the professions and the arts. Historical birth cohort was found to be of some importance along with social class. However, region of birth proved to be the least important influence affecting achievement patterns. The data for this study are a quantitative archive established by the author on the basis of a detailed coding of all the biographies included in the three-volume reference set, Notable American Women (James, James, and Boyer, 1971). Information concerning 302 variables relevant to a study of achievement behavior was coded on a standardized form, keypunched, and transferred to magnetic tape suitable for computer and statistical analysis. The techniques used in this research are discriminant analysis and cross tabular analysis.
Activity of the multikinase inhibitor dasatinib against ovarian cancer cells

Here, we explore the therapeutic potential of dasatinib, a small-molecule inhibitor that targets multiple cytosolic and membrane-bound tyrosine kinases, including members of the Src kinase family, EphA2, and focal adhesion kinase for the treatment of ovarian cancer. We examined the effects of dasatinib on proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, and kinase activity using a panel of 34 established human ovarian cancer cell lines. Molecular markers for response prediction were studied using gene expression profiling. Multiple drug effect/combination index (CI) isobologram analysis was used to study the interactions with chemotherapeutic drugs. Concentration-dependent anti-proliferative effects of dasatinib were seen in all ovarian cancer cell lines tested, but varied significantly between individual cell lines with up to a 3 log-fold difference in the IC50 values (IC50 range: 0.001–11.3 μmol l−1). Dasatinib significantly inhibited invasion, and induced cell apoptosis, but less cell-cycle arrest. At a wide range of clinically achievable drug concentrations, additive and synergistic interactions were observed for dasatinib plus carboplatin (mean CI values, range: 0.73–1.11) or paclitaxel (mean CI values, range: 0.76–1.05). In this study, 24 out of 34 (71%) representative ovarian cancer cell lines were highly sensitive to dasatinib, compared with only 8 out of 39 (21%) representative breast cancer cell lines previously reported. Cell lines with high expression of Yes, Lyn, Eph2A, caveolin-1 and 2, moesin, annexin-1, and uPA were particularly sensitive to dasatinib. These data provide a clear biological rationale to test dasatinib as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy in patients with ovarian cancer.
Tubular presentations π of subsets of manifolds

Abstract In this note the Weierstrass integral J is taken as L, the Riemann integral of length. Here Mn, n > 1, is a compact, connected manifold of class C∞ with a positive definite Riemann structure. Presentations (φ, Uφ) 𝒟 ∈ Mn and geodesics (with the aid of the Euler-Riemann equations) are defined in Morse, M. (1976) “Global variational analysis: Weierstrass integrals on a Riemannian Manifold,” Mathematical Notes (Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ). Christoffel terminology is not suitable for our purposes. Conjugate points on a geodesic need a definition that does not distinguish between simple and nonsimple geodesics. Tubular presentations π of an open neighborhood of a geodesic lead to such a definition. These presentations are locally biunique and “compatible” with the earlier biunique presentations in 𝒟Mn. We shall use a presentation π in proving Theorem A below. Theorem A is essential in computing the Frechet numbers of product manifolds as we shall show in a later paper.
Snowdrift game dynamics and facultative cheating in yeast

The origin of cooperation is a central challenge to our understanding of evolution1–3. Microbial interactions can be manipulated in ways that animal interactions cannot, thus leading to growing interest in microbial models of cooperation4–10 and competition11,12. In order for the budding yeast S. cerevisiae to grow on sucrose, the disaccharide must first be hydrolyzed by the enzyme invertase13,14. This hydrolysis reaction is performed outside of the cytoplasm in the periplasmic space between the plasma membrane and the cell wall. Here we demonstrate that the vast majority (~99%) of the monosaccharides created by sucrose hydrolysis diffuse away before they can be imported into the cell, thus making invertase production and secretion a cooperative behavior15,16. A mutant cheater strain that does not produce invertase is able to take advantage of and invade a population of wildtype cooperator cells. However, over a wide range of conditions, the wildtype cooperator can also invade a population of cheater cells. Therefore, we observe coexistence between the two strains in well-mixed culture at steady state resulting from the fact that rare strategies outperform common strategies—the defining features of what game theorists call the snowdrift game17. A model of the cooperative interaction incorporating nonlinear benefits explains the origin of this coexistence. We are able to alter the outcome of the competition by varying either the cost of cooperation or the glucose concentration in the media. Finally, we note that glucose repression of invertase expression in wildtype cells produces a strategy which is optimal for the snowdrift game—wildtype cells cooperate only when competing against cheater cells.
Identification of chimpanzee subspecies with DNA from hair and allele-specific probes.

We describe a non-invasive method of determining the subspecies identity of common chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), based on subspecies-specific sequence differences in the mitochondrial genome. This procedure involves the extraction of DNA from hair, the amplification of a short (410 base pair (b.p.)) segment of the non-coding displacement loop (D-loop) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and subspecies identification based on rapid allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probe dot-blot typing. This approach will contribute to: (i) the colony-level management of captive chimpanzees by enabling managers to recognize hybrids between subspecies and minimize outbreeding depression; (ii) the recognition of inappropriately matched individuals in comparative behavioural and experimental studies; and (iii) forensic questions surrounding the origin of illegally traded animals.
Extinction of avoidance behavior and the problem of residual fear.

Abstract According to two-factor theory, avoidance responding is predicated on a conjoint relationship between Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning. Recently a variety of evidence has indicated that these processes are independently subject to experimental manipulations, both during acquisition and extinction. The latter finding is paralleled in the clinicial literature by the observation that the elimination of an avoidance response does not adequately reflect concurrent changes in autonomic and verbal behavior. These findings suggest the need for multiple measures of anxiety in assessing the effect of experimental and therapeutic operations on avoidance behavior. This paper also calls attention to the discriminative and reinforcing properties of the CS in an attempt to account for these findings.
Interactions between Nucleotide Binding Sites on Chloroplast Coupling Factor 1 during ATP Hydrolysis

The initial hydrolysis of radioactively-labelled CaATP by chloroplast coupling factor 1 was studied with the quenched-flow method. The time course of hydrolysis can be described as a first-order conversion of the enzyme to an active form followed by steady-state formation of product. The rate constant for the first-order process is independent of substrate concentration but increased hyperbolically to a limiting value of 0.43 s/sup -1/ with increasing concentrations of free Ca/sup 2 +/. A mechanism involving a Ca/sup 2 +/-triggered conversion to an active form of the enzyme is consistent with the data. The steady-state rate varied sigmoidally with the CaATP concentration. Initial exchange of tightly bound ADP is complex: approx. 50% of the bound nucleotide is lost within 30 s, with complete exchange requiring several minutes. The first-order rate constant characterizing the rapid phase of the reaction increases hyperbolically to a limiting value of 0.26 s/sup -1/ as the concentration of CaATP is increased, indicating that the binding of CaATP to the enzyme promotes the exchange process. Modification of the quenched-flow apparatus permitted measurement of the rate of nucleotide exchange during steady-state catalysis. The value of the first-order rate constant characterizing this process is similar to the catalytic ratemore » constant determined under identical conditions. When MgATP is tightly bound to the enzyme, none of the kinetic properties of the enzyme described above were significantly changes. The results obtained suggest a mechanism in which two sites on the enzyme participate in catalysis. Several possible mechanisms consistent with the data are discussed.« less
Deposition of photosensitive hydrogenated amorphous silicon germanium films with a tantalum hot wire

Abstract We study the optical, electrical and structural properties of a-SiGe:H thin films deposited by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition (HWCVD). The best films are deposited with a Ta filament heated to 1750 °C and the substrate temperature held at 200 °C. For the same precursor gas ratio of GeH 4 to SiH 4 , a lower filament temperature produces films with higher Ge incorporation than with a higher filament temperature. For Tauc band gaps between 1.22 and 1.30 eV, the photoconductivity and photosensitivity are significantly higher than for plasma-enhanced CVD a-SiGe:H films exhibiting the same band gap. The filament lifetime is much longer for a Ta filament than for a W filament at these operating temperatures.
Observation of geometric phase in optical spectroscopy

We report the first observation of the geometric phase of a quantum system driven by laser fields. The observable geometric phase effects in optical FM spectroscopy, here distinguished from various known lineshape changes due to spectroscopic or technical causes, are characterized by the following aspects: (1) Dramatic lineshape variation of the optical heterodyne signal due to a monotonic signal phase change with increasing probe power; (2) The lineshape changes are associated with a nearly pure phase-change effect; and (3) The phase-change rate with probe power depends on rf sideband frequency, and less strongly on the rf modulation index.
The solution of a new type of matrix quadratic equation

A method is proposed for determining the unique, non-singular, positive definite solution of the equation SaS + SC −C −1 S = 0 which was recently discussed by Coppel.
Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles associated with cortical dysplasia and maldevelopment of the basal ganglia.

Abstract Background Congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM) is a rare condition that has been traditionally regarded as a primary eye muscle disease. Recent studies, however, suggest that CFEOM may be the result of a primary neuropathy with secondary myopathic changes. Purpose To describe a previously unrecognized association between congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles and structural abnormalities of the brain. Design Small case series. Methods Detailed clinical examinations and neuroradiologic studies were performed on the three affected family members. In addition, genetic analysis of the family was performed. Results The three affected family members, mother and two children, have the ocular features of ‘classic' congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles. All showed dilation of the left lateral ventricle secondary to hypoplasia of the body and tail of the ipsilateral caudate nucleus. There was fusion of an enlarged caudate nucleus head with the underlying putamen. Both children showed widespread bilateral cortical dysplasia. Genetic analysis of the family was inconclusive but consistent with linkage to the CFEOM1 locus on chromosome 12. Chromosomal analysis of the affected individuals did not show evidence of a deletion of chromosome 12 and haplotype analysis was not suggestive of a microdeletion. Conclusions Cerebral cortical and basal ganglia maldevelopment can be found in individuals with CFEOM. This suggests that neuroimaging should be considered in the initial diagnostic evaluation of these patients, particularly if there is developmental delay.
Testosterone's metabolism in the hippocampus may mediate its anti-anxiety effects in male rats.

Abstract Androgens may mediate anxiety behaviors; however, these effects and mechanisms of androgens are not well understood. The following experiments investigated whether testosterone (T)'s effects on anxiety behavior are mediated by its 5α-reduced, nonaromatizable metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and/or its 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) reduced metabolite 3α-androstanediol (3α-diol). In Experiment 1, gonadally-intact adult male rats and gonadectomized (GDX), DHT-replaced rats had similar low levels of anxiety behavior in the open field and elevated plus maze and fear behavior in the defensive freezing task compared with GDX control rats. In Experiment 2, intact or DHT-replaced rats that received blank inserts to the hippocampus demonstrated less anxiety behavior than did rats administered an implant of indomethacin, a 3α-HSD inhibitor, to the dorsal hippocampus. These data indicate that T's 5α-reduced metabolite, DHT, can reduce anxiety behavior and that blocking metabolism to 3α-diol in the hippocampus can attenuate these effects.
Relations between carbohydrate, water status and adventitious root formation in leafy pea cuttings rooted under various levels of atmospheric CO2 and relative humidity

Three levels of atmospheric CO2 and 2 levels of relative humidity (RH) during the rooting period were tested for their effect on several factors presumed to influence adventitious root formation in leafy pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) cuttings. Compared to normal CO2 levels (350 μl l−1), neither 1800 nor 675 μl l−1 CO2 affected the rooting percentage or the number of roots per cutting. However, 1800 μl l−1 CO2 increased root and shoot dry weight, root length, carbohydrate levels in the base of the cuttings and water potential (Ψw) of cuttings compared to normal levels of CO2. Compared to 87% RH. 55% RH decreased all of the above parameters, including the number of roots per cutting. A polyvinyl chloride antitranspirant (which partially blocks stomata and slows photosynthesis) applied simultaneously with 87% RH increased Ψw and root length but lowered all of the other above parameters, compared to 87% RH without antitranspirant. Increasing current photosynthate (products of photosynthetic activity after excision), carbohydrate, or Ψw either alone or together was associated with increased root system size but not necessarily with increased rooting percentage or root number. The data are consistent with a hypothesis that the number of roots per cutting increased with increasing current photosynthate and carbohydrate until some other factor became limiting. Also, the effect of Ψw on rooting percentage and root number was mediated through its effect on current photosynthate and carbohydrate.
Evaluating medical student obstetrics and gynecology clerkship performance: which assessment tools are most reliable?

Objective This study was undertaken to investigate medical student performance on an obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) core clerkship to determine the most discriminating measures of student performance. Study design Four-hundred twenty-one clinical clerks were assessed with the use of 46 performance indicators in 4 different categories. Final Scores were weighted: (1) Clinical Performance=60%, (2) Formal Presentation=10%, (3) Oral Examination=10%, and (4) National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) Subject Test score=20%. Results A total of 17,023 scores were examined. Final Scores were normally distributed. Clinical Performance and Formal Presentation scores were highly skewed, explaining 35% and 5% of the Final Score variance, respectively. Oral Examination scores were slightly skewed, explaining 17% of the variance. The NBME Subject Test score was the only normally distributed performance indicator and, despite comprising only 20% of Final Scores, was the most highly correlated ( R =0.86), explaining 74% of the variance. Conclusion Despite their minor weighting in our grading system, NBME Subject Test scores were very highly correlated with overall clinical clerkship performance. By combining written Subject Test and Oral Examination scores, 91% of the variance in Final Scores can be explained.