cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noncovariance of the dressed-metric approach in loop quantum cosmology

The dressed-metric approach is shown to violate general covariance by demonstrating that it cannot have an off-shell completion in which the correct infinitesimal relations of space-time hypersurface deformations are realized. The main underlying reason---a separation of background degrees of freedom and modes of inhomogeneity that is incompatible with covariance---is shared with other approaches such as hybrid loop quantum cosmology.
Age- and sex-related differences in nonfatal dog bite injuries among persons aged 0-19 treated in hospital emergency departments, United States, 2001-2017

Objective:No studies using national data have evaluated changes in nonfatal dog bite injuries among children, adolescents, and young adults during the past 2 decades. We examined estimates of annua...
Field Application of Digital Technologies for Health Assessment in the 10,000 Families Study.

Background: We field tested new-to-market portable, digital applications to assess hearing, pulmonary, and cognitive function to determine the feasibility of implementing these applications across a range of age groups in the pilot phase of the 10,000 Families Study (10KFS), a new Minnesota family–based prospective cohort study. Methods: We followed manufacturer recommended protocols for audiometry (SHOEBOX Inc), spirometry (NuvoAir), and the digital clock drawing test (dCDT; Digital Cognition Technologies Inc). Results: These digital devices were low cost and readily implemented in a 2.5-hour health fair visit with minimal training (2–3 hours) of study staff. To date, we have performed these measurements on 197 eligible 10KFS participants during an in-person clinic visit. A total of 37 children (age 4–17 years), 107 adults (18–64 years), and 53 seniors (≥65 years) were eligible to undergo hearing and pulmonary assessments. Children were less likely to successfully complete the hearing test (76%) compared with adults (86%) and seniors (89%). However, successful completion of the pulmonary assessment was high across all groups: 100% of children and seniors and 98% of adults. The dCDT was performed among those over the age of 40, and completion rates were 92% for those aged 41–64 and 94% for those ≥65 years. Conclusions: Our field testing indicates these digital applications are easy and cost-effective to implement in epidemiologic studies. Impact: Digital applications provide exciting opportunities to collect data in population studies. Issues related to data privacy, data access, and reproducibility of measurements need to be addressed before deploying digital applications in epidemiologic studies. See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Modernizing Population Science.”
Electrogastrography for suspected gastroparesis

Abstract Electrogastrography is the noninvasive method for recording electrogastrograms or EGGs. EGGs measure gastric myoelectrical activity, the sum of ongoing slow wave and plateau/action potential activities of the stomach. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are the pacemaker cells that generate the slow waves. The normal 3 cpm slow waves coordinate the plateau/action potentials that produce circular muscle contractions and the normal 3 per minute gastric peristaltic waves that result in normal gastric emptying. Gastric dysrhythmias evoked by the water load satiety test are also recorded in EGGs and are termed tachygastrias, bradygastrias, and mixed dysrhythmias. Gastric dysrhythmias are associated with depletion of ICCs, nausea, and symptoms associated with gastroparesis. Normal and hypernormal 3 cpm GMA are found in approximately 20% of patients with gastroparesis, a subtype that responds to pyloric therapies. Ingestion of poor water load volumes suggests gastric accommodation dysfunction. EGG results identify subtypes of gastroparesis with normal 3 cpm GMA or dysrhythmic GMA and guide more precise treatment approaches. Clinical indications for recording EGGs in patients with suspected gastroparesis are reviewed.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are becoming more common (Dekker T, Rush J, Schmitz M. J Pediatr Orthop. 2018;38(3):185–92). These injuries can occur during contact or collision sports but commonly occur with forced rotation during non-contact activity. This injury can be challenging to address in some pediatric patients. There has been a shift toward early repair rather than a watch-and-wait approach in the pediatric skeletally immature patient, as long-term sequelae can result in early arthritis (Tepolt F, Feldman L, Kocher M. J Pediatr Orthop. 2018;38(9):e490–4). Primary and secondary prevention should focus on core stability and strengthening exercises to prevent ACL injuries.
Development of a Kolsky Bar Shaft-Loaded Blister Test to Evaluate Dynamic Behavior of Adhesives

Adhesive joints are used in a wide variety of applications, ranging from epoxy-set structural anchors in concrete buildings to providing the interface in layered armor plates in military vehicles. With this wide range of applications, adhesive joints experience the full range of strain rates as well, from long-duration creep conditions to high-velocity impact. While research into the delamination behavior of layered materials is common at high strain rates, very little has been done to link this research to the strength of adhesion and interfacial toughness of the constituent adhesive. Adhesion research is common as well; however, few methods have been adapted to evaluate adhesion strength at high strain rates. In this study, a traditional Kolsky bar was modified to employ the shaft-loaded blister technique to increase strain rates. Blister samples were fabricated with an aluminum 6061 substrate and three different polymer coatings: Sylgard® 184, SC-15 epoxy, and a TGDDM epoxy cured with Jeffamine® D230. For each case, sample failure was induced at a quasi-static strain rate before using the Kolsky bar apparatus to examine the failure behavior with an initial shaft velocity of ~5 m/s. The growth of the blister was observed using a high-speed camera for the radial growth, and the height of the blister was determined by the crosshead displacement at the quasi-static load rate and using the strain signals obtained using the Kolsky bar. This technique was successful in observing the adhesive fracture of three different polymers and comparing the failure behavior for the quasi-static load case with that observed at a high strain rate.
Linear Discriminant Analysis under $f$ -divergence Measures

In statistical inference, the information-theoretic performance limits can be often expressed in terms of a notion of divergence between the underlying statistical models (e.g., in binary hypothesis testing, the total error probability is related to the total variation between the models). As the data dimension grows, computing the statistics involved in decision-making and the attendant performance limits (divergence measures) face complexity and stability challenges. Dimensionality reduction addresses these challenges at the expense of compromising the performance (divergence reduces due to the data processing inequality for divergence). This paper considers linear dimensionality reduction such that the divergence between the models is maximally preserved. Specifically, this paper focuses on the Gaussian models and characterizes an optimal projection of the data onto a lower dimensional subspace with respect to four $f$ -divergence measures (Kullback-Leibler, $\chi^{2}$ , Hellinger, and total variation). There are two key observations. First, projections are not necessarily along the largest modes of the covariance matrix of the data, and even in some situations can be along the smallest modes. Secondly, under specific regimes, the optimal design of subspace projection is identical under all the $f$ -divergence measures considered, rendering a degree of universality to the design, independently of the inference problem of interest.
Expressed emotion and long-term outcome among adolescents with anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study is to examine expressed emotion (EE) and long-term treatment outcome among adolescents participating in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). It was hypothesized that patients with high EE parents at baseline would show more severe symptoms at end-of-treatment, 12-month follow-up, and 4-year follow-up than patients from low EE families. METHOD: Secondary data analysis was conducted of original RCT data from a two-site eating disorder treatment trial conducted in the United States. Participants were 121 adolescents with AN who completed measures of EE, eating disorder psychopathology, depression, and self-esteem. RESULTS: Generalized estimating equations showed that participants who were in the Low EE group achieved a more accelerated drop in depression scores in the context of treatment (first 12 months) than participants in the High EE group. No other significant Group × Time interactions were found. DISCUSSION: Findings suggest that high parental EE at baseline does not indicate that adolescent patients with AN will fare poorly 4 years later.
Physiology of the Crustacean Cardiac Ganglion

The crustacean cardiac ganglion (CG) is composed of 6-16 neurons, 9 in most decapods, that autonomously provide rhythmically recurring barrages of action potentials to activate the heart muscle. In Malacostraca, the heart is neurogenic and in adults dependent for its beating on the impulses from the ganglion. The CG, consisting of the neurons and their processes, wrapped in glial and connective tissue, forms an elongated, discrete branching trunk in or on the heart. It can be dissected from the heart and will continue to show spontaneous, rhythmical bursting. As an accessible and robust in vitro preparation, the CG joins a list of crustacean preparations that have provided insights into fundamental neurophysiological mechanisms, in this case the mechanisms by which small neuronal networks can generate rhythmical, patterned output (review: Wiens 1982). Possibly the most important insight arises from the demonstration that individual neurons are endowed with an intrinsic burst-organizing mechanism that insures a patterned output to any appropriate excitatory drive and that interconnections among a small number of neurons with such a capability can ensure coordinated, patterned, rhythmic highly fault-tolerant output from the ensemble. Patterned or bursting impulses are, of course, the essential effective activator of responses of other neurons or muscles or secretory cells. The contribution of intrinsic neuronal properties in pattern generation has become more widely recognized, not only in other crustacean ganglia (e.g. plateau potentials of the stomatogastric ganglion, Russell and Hartline 1978, 1982, 1984; Dickinson and Nagy 1983; Harris-Warrick et al. 1992a), but as a proven or suspected feature of pattern generation in neurons and neuroendocrine cells (Cooke and Stuenkel 1985) of most if not all animal groups (e.g. insects, Hancox and Pitman 1991; molluscs, Kramer and Zucker 1985; Hurwitz and Susswein 1996; Perrins and Weiss 1998; annelids, Arbas and Calabrese 1987; vertebrates, Llinas and Sugimori, 1980, Purkinje cells; Deschenes et al. 1982; Llinas and Jahnsen 1982, thalamic neurons; Legendre et al. 1982, hypothalamic neurons; Hounsgaard and Kiehn 1989, review Hultborn 1999, motorneurons; Grillner et al. 1991, lamprey swimming; Rekling and Feldman 1998, respiratory rhythm
Supramolecular Systems for Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering is a combination of engineering, material methods, and life sciences. One of the major challenges of developing tissues is to create a balance between biological and structural entities. Supramolecular systems, more specifically peptide-based systems, provide a bottom-up self-assembling structure that resembles the native hierarchical organization of tissues. This chapter discusses in detail the use of certain supramolecular systems to aid in the engineering of different tissues, namely cardiovascular tissues, bone, dental, pancreas, neural, liver, and cartilage. Detailed examples are provided for each tissue system to show the potential of peptide-based supramolecular systems in aiding and developing the field of tissue engineering. Keywords: tissue regeneration; growth factor delivery; self-assembling peptides; peptide amphiphiles; biomimetic
Cellular events in tolerance: V. Detection, isolation and fate of lymphoid cells which bind fluoresceinated antigen in vivo

Abstract The binding of tolerogen to specific receptors of lymphocytes and the subsequent fate of such cells was directly studied in Lewis rats injected with fluorescein-labeled sheep gamma globulin (F-SGG). This tolerogen produced unresponsiveness both in SGG-specific T cells (carrier tolerance) and F-specific antibody-forming cell precursors. The former (T-cell tolerance) was still significant more than 60 days after tolerogen whereas tolerance in the latter (B-cell tolerance) had waned by that time. Cells which have bound the tolerogen (antigen-binding cells, ABC) in vivo were detectable by direct immunofluorescence of washed spleen cell suspensions from rats injected with F-SGG up to 7 days previously. These cells were isolated using antifluorescein affinity columns, and shown to contain immunocompetent precursors for F- and SGG specific responses. The frequency of such ABC was between 30 and 80 per 10 5 spleen, lymph node or bone marrow cells; no ABC were detected in the thymus. Both Ig positive and Ig negative cells were found to be ABC; Ig negative ABC usually showed a “capped” fluorescent pattern whereas Ig positive ABC generally were “spotted.” By 10 days after injection, ABC were not detectable in the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus or bone marrow of tolerant rats. Furthermore, reinjection of F-SGG after this time did not label any cells. This suggests that antigen-binding cells are not present at this time or that such cells, if available, lack receptors. In contrast, rats previously injected with a lower non-tolerogenic dose of F-SGG or an immunogenic form (F-SGG on bentonite) possessed cells at these later times which could be labeled with F-SGG. Thus, ABC remain detectable following immunogen or a subtolerogeic dose of F-SGG, but disappear in tolerant rats. By approximately 40 days after initial high dose tolerogen injection (when B cell tolerance has started to wane), cells capable of binding a second dose of F-SGG again became detectable. It is suggested that high doses of F-SGG are bound by specific lymphocytes (identifiable as ABC) and that these cells either fail to regenerate new receptors or die. As tolerance begins to wane, either new receptors or new cells are generated.
13C NMR spectroscopy of 4,5- and 5,6-double bond isomers of spiro-3-steroidal ketone derivatives

Abstract The thiazolidine isomers obtained upon the reaction of aminoethanethiols with α,β-unsaturated steroidal ketones were found to be double bond positional isomers based on their optical rotations and 1 H and 13 C NMR spectra. The 13 C NMR spectra of analogous ketals, hemithioketals and a thioketal of steroidal ketones were also reported, and 13 C NMR spectroscopy was shown to be a convenient method of assigning the position of the double bond in the double bond isomers for all four of these derivatives. Finally, 13 C NMR spectroscopy was found to be useful in determining that thiazolidine formation was stereospecific to give only one C-3-isomer.
The Learning Strategies Program: Concluding Remarks

Abstract The work of the Learning Strategies program reported in this volume marks a substantial advance in our knowledge about principle of training. Aspects of part training, adaptive training, task loading effects, specialized skills training, and generalized skills training are addressed. Some research in prediction of performance for complex tasks and analysis of tasks for training purposes is also presented. The Learning Strategies program is an integrated research effort which has used an appropriately complex task to address basic questions. It has led to the development of principles at a level of abstraction that should permit effective exploitation of those principles in a wide range of operational environments.
Viticulture and the Role of Geomorphology: General Principles and Case Studies

Viticulture, the agriculture of grape growing, is a unique geographical expression of agriculture as it is often practiced in areas deemed unsuitable for most other types of agriculture. A thorough understanding of the physical landscape is essential to the development and maintenance of a vineyard as soils, geology, and geomorphology are variables that play a significant role in the successful cultivation of grapes. Geographers have a long history of exploring the importance of the physical geographic attributes of particular growing regions in viticulture, however few have endeavored to explore the relationship between geomorphology and viticulture. The broad purpose of this paper is to explore viticulture both as an anthropogeomorphic agent and the reverse impact of the geomorphic landscape on viticulture. Three geographically distinct wine growing regions in the Northern Hemisphere are examined: The Texas Hill Country viticultural area located west of Austin, Texas; the Napa Valley viticultural area in northwestern California; and the Valais, Switzerland viticultural area. Of the geomorphic processes at work in these viticultural areas, the construction of hillslope terraces is perhaps the most intense expression of anthropogeomorphology on the viticultural landscape. The geomorphic influences at work on the viticultural landscape are many and varied; as such there is ample opportunity for further research on this topic.
Patterns of nicotinic receptor antagonism II: Cardiovascular effects in rats

Abstract Background Tobacco cessation pharmacotherapies currently are limited to nicotine itself, the partial nicotine agonists varenicline and cytisine, and the antidepressant bupropion. Compared with agonists, nicotinic antagonists such as the noncompetitive, nonselective compound mecamylamine, and the competitive, α4β2-preferring antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE) may be a novel approach to the treatment of tobacco smoking as both are effective antagonists of nicotine's central effects. Considering nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mediate critical peripheral effects of acetylcholine, such as cardiovascular effects, it is important to study how nicotinic antagonists would alter the cardiovascular system and the cardiovascular changes induced by nicotine. Methods The effects of several nicotinic agonists and antagonists on blood pressure and heart rate were measured in conscious, unrestrained rats following parenteral administration using a telemetry system. Results Nicotine and other nicotinic receptor agonists (epibatidine, varenicline, and cytisine) produced similar increases in blood pressure, whereas their effects on heart rate were biphasic. The cardiovascular changes were attenuated by the nonselective nicotine antagonist, mecamylamine, but the peripherally restricted antagonist hexamethonium blocked only the agonist-induced changes in blood pressure. The α7-preferring antagonist, MLA, and the α4β2-preferring antagonist, DHβE, were much less effective in blocking the agonist-induced cardiovascular changes, indicating that nicotine's cardiovascular effects, are due to activation at autonomic ganglia involving nicotinic receptor subtypes other than α4, α7, or β2. Conclusions The data indicate that the cardiovascular effects of nicotine and nicotine-like agents are mediated through receptor mechanisms that are distinct from those that mediate the central effects of nicotine.
Mast cells infiltrate the esophageal smooth muscle in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, express TGF-β1, and increase esophageal smooth muscle contraction

Background Increased numbers of mast cells are present in the esophageal epithelium in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EE). However, mast cell infiltration into the esophageal lamina propria (LP) and smooth muscle (SM) and the effects of their products on SM function has not been determined. Objective We investigated mast cell localization and characterization in esophageal SM, the functional significance of mast cell TGF-β1 expression to contraction of human esophageal smooth muscle (HESM) cells in vitro , and the effect of topical corticosteroids on the number of tryptase-positive (MC T ) and chymase-positive (MC C ) mast cells in patients with EE. Methods MC T - and MC C -positive mast cell numbers were quantitated in the epithelium, the LP before and after topical corticosteroid therapy, and the muscularis mucosa in patients with EE and control subjects by using immunohistology. Double immunofluorescence was used to assess mast cell production of TGF-β1. The ability of TGF-β1 to influence HESM cell contractility was assessed in vitro . Results In the SM in patients with EE, significantly increased numbers of MC T - and TGF-β1–positive cells (but only low levels of eosinophils) were detected compared with those seen in control subjects. MC T expressed TGF-β1, which increased the contractility of cultured primary HESM cells in vitro . Topical corticosteroid therapy in patients with EE significantly reduced epithelial MC T numbers but not LP tryptase-chymase–positive mast cell numbers. Conclusions MC T numbers, rather than eosinophil numbers, are increased in the SM in patients with EE, express TGF-β1, and increase the contractility of HESM cells in vitro . As such, mast cells localized to SM in patients with EE might modulate esophageal contractility.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of murine liver tumor cells promotes invasion.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.1,2 Despite many scientific advances, the prognosis for many HCC patients remains poor due to intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastasis and postsurgical recurrence.3 The pathogenesis of HCC progression and metastasis is not well defined, further contributing to the lack of effective therapeutics for advanced HCC.4 Growing evidence indicates that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of epithelial cancers correlates with aggressive tumors in HCC patients. EMT represents a change from stationary, polarized epithelial cells organized in stratum to single fibroblastoid cells capable of locomotion.4 EMT was originally described during embryonic development4,5 and is hypothesized to play a role in metastatic cancers.4,6 For example, up-regulation of Twist, a transcription factor that drives EMT, correlates with HCC cell invasion and metastasis.7–9 In addition, hepatitis C virus core protein is able to shift the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) response from tumor suppression to EMT, a potential contribution to metastasis in HCC.10 EMT is characterized by decreased cell adhesion, which is accompanied by the down-regulation of E-cadherin, an epithelial adhesion protein.6,11 EMT is regulated by several transcription factors, including Snail, Slug, Zeb1, Zeb2, Twist1/2, and E12/E47, each of which bind the E-cadherin promoter and repress transcription.6,11,12 A variety of signaling pathways are involved in the initiation and maintenance of EMT, including TGF-β and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF).6,12 However, the mechanism underlying the acquisition of EMT and the role of EMT in the promotion of HCC metastasis remains poorly understood. In the present study, we explored EMT as a mechanism for tumor progression of cancer stem cell (CSC)-derived tumors. We used liver CSCs that were isolated from two liver disease models, one of which lacked the tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten).13,14 Loss or reduction of Pten has been strongly correlated with aggressive forms of liver cancer.15 In the present study, we established an EMT model of liver cancer generated from sequentially transplanted cells expanded from a single CD133+ CSC clone and determined the contribution of two distinct cell types—epithelial and mesenchymal tumor cells—to liver cancer growth and metastasis. In addition, our results indicate that dysregulation of the HGF signaling pathway may play a role in the promotion of metastatic disease.
Perceptions of contraceptive responsibility among female college students: an exploratory study.

PURPOSE: An important although understudied area related to contraceptive use is perceptions of contraceptive responsibility. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate these perceptions among female college students. METHODS: Web-based or mailed questionnaires were completed by 326 students from 2006-2007. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to model the associations between select demographic and lifestyle characteristics and contraceptive responsibility (shared vs. individual responsibility). RESULTS: Although 89.1% of women felt that contraceptive responsibility should be shared only 51.8% indicated that responsibility is actually shared in their relationships. After adjustment for age race/ethnicity marital status and year of study women using "other" methods of contraception (i.e. withdrawal rhythm sterilization etc.) had 3.25 times the odds of stating that contraceptive responsibility is actually shared as compared to hormonal users (95% CI: 1.20 8.80). CONCLUSIONS: For college women there is a disconnect between who they feel should be responsible for contraception and who actually is responsible. Insight into perceptions of contraceptive responsibility in the university setting may help guide health educators and clinicians in designing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention programming. Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Neurokinin and NMDA antagonists (but not a kainic acid antagonist) are antinociceptive in the mouse formalin model.

Abstract While much evidence implicates substance P (SP), an endogenous neurokinin (NK), as a primary sensory transmitter of acute pain in mammalian spinal cord, its role in continuous (tonic) pain is less clear. Although glutamate is co-localized with SP in dorsal root ganglion neurons, its role in nociceptive processing is uncertain. While antagonists of NKs and excitatory amino acids (EAAs) have been found to be antinociceptive in some acute assays, they have not been tested against tonic pain. We hypothesize that: 1. (1) NKs and EAAs contribute to signaling of tonic chemogenic nociception 2. (2) interaction between NK and EAA systems is important in determining the perceived intensity of a continuous noxious stimulus. We therefore evaluated two NK antagonists ([ d -Pro2, d -Trp7,9] SP (DPDT-SP, 0.26–6.6 nmoles, non-specific) and [ d -Pro4, d -Trp7,9,10,Phe11]-SP(4–11) (DPDTP-octa, 1.6–12.3 nmoles, somewhat NK-1 selective)), as well as dl -2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate ( dl -AP5, NMDA antagonist, 0.05–1 nmole) and urethane (a kainic acid (KA) antagonist at 2.5 μmoles) for antinociceptive activity in the mouse formalin model. Administered intrathecally (i.t.), dl -AP5 and both NK antagonists were significantly antinociceptive while urethane (2.5 μmoles) and naloxone (2.7 nmoles) were inactive. A50 values for mean % analgesia, nmoles/mouse i.t. (95% CLs) were: DPDT-SP, 1.1 (0.79–1.6); DPDTP-octa, 3.9 (2.4–6.1); dl -AP5, 0.29 (0.16–0.71). The antinociception associated with 1.3 nmoles of DPDT-SP was not reversed by co-administering 2.7 nmoles of naloxone. Co-administration of 0.1 nmoles of dl -AP5 with either 1.3 nmoles of DPDT-SP or 3.3 nmoles of DPDTP-octa did not lead to additive antinociception. One nmole of dl -AP5 also produced significant antinociception in the mouse tail-flick test. These data support the contention that NK (probably NK-1) and NMDA (but not KA) receptors are involved in spinal processing of tonic chemical/inflammatory nociception in mice.
Rock-water interactions in the Fenton Hill, New Mexico, hot dry rock geothermal systems. II: Modeling geochemical behavior

A transient mass balance model is developed to account for the dynamic behavior of an artificially stimulated hot dry rock (HDR) geothermal reservoir system in fractured granitic rock. Fluid mixing between fractured zones, hydrodynamic dispersion within zones, pore fluid displacement, and mineral dissolution effects are incorporated into the model. A two-zone system is sufficient to account for the major observed results from field testing of the Fenton Hill HDR system.
Immunization of young infants with sickle cell disease with a Haemophilus influenzae type b saccharide-diphtheria CRM197 protein conjugate vaccine

Les 20 bebes sont âges de 2 a 6 mois lors de la 1ere injection et en recoivent 3 a 2 mois d'intervalles; 13 sont HG-SS, 6 HG SC et 1 HG S-β thalassemie. Les resultats demontrent la haute immunogenicite du vaccin des l'âge de 2 mois. Reactions secondaires minimes
Real-time gas cloud detection by data aggregation in networks of embedded sensors

Many applications must identify in real-time the physical position of gas clouds. This paper presents a gas cloud detection method based on grids of reconfigurable Neural Networks. Data aggregation at intermediate nodes is performed to reduce the amount of data communications. Experiments compare the performance of the proposed method and traditional, centralized approaches.
A-type nuclear lamins act as transcriptional repressors when targeted to promoters

Regions of heterochromatin are often found at the periphery of the mammalian nucleus, juxtaposed to the nuclear lamina. Genes in these regions are likely maintained in a transcriptionally silent state, although other locations at the nuclear periphery associated with nuclear pores are sites of active transcription. As primary components of the nuclear lamina, A- and B-type nuclear lamins are intermediate filament proteins that interact with DNA, histones and known transcriptional repressors, leading to speculation that they may promote establishment of repressive domains. However, no direct evidence of a role for nuclear lamins in transcriptional repression has been reported. Here we find that human lamin A, when expressed in yeast and cultured human cells as a fusion protein to the Gal4 DNA-binding domain (DBD), can mediate robust transcriptional repression of promoters with Gal4 binding sites. Full repression by lamin A requires both the coiled-coil rod domain and the C-terminal tail domain. In human cells, other intermediate filament proteins such as lamin B and vimentin are unable to confer robust repression as Gal4-DBD fusions, indicating that this property is specific to A-type nuclear lamins. These findings indicate that A-type lamins can promote transcriptional repression when in proximity of a promoter.
Maximum Entropy Reconstruction With Constraints: Reducing The Problem Using Duality Principles

Computed tomography (CT) can gain a significant increase in the signal-to-noise ratio using constraints to better define regions of known intensity. This is accomplished in positron emission tomography (PET) by reducing the region of unknown activity with time-coincidence circuitry. Mathematically, constraints can be implemented into reconstruction algorithms using a priori information, such as the use of an x-ray CT image to define regions of radionuclide uptake in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or PET imaging. In addition to regional constraints, intensity constraints can also be included into the model equations. This may be especiallly useful where the data has a high degree of contrast as in DSA limited-angle tomography. The maximum entropy reconstruction problem with constraints is reduced to a dual optimization program using duality principles. The solution to the reconstruction problem is determined by solving for the optimum solution to this dual program. Inequality con-straints complicates the problem in that the derivatives of the function to be optimized may not exist at the boundary points. Using penalty function techniques, the problem can be structured as an unconstrained optimization program. This way, solutions can be determined using gradient type of algorithms which require an essentially smooth function as feasible solutions approach boundary points.
Technology transfer at Department of Energy and Office of Fusion Energy

Technology transfer is a timely topic. International and national events have come together in a way that has motivated the federal government to use the major technology resources at government labs to help strengthen the economy. Within DOE, industry business principles are being employed in support of technology transfer. The question, {open_quotes}Who is the customer?{close_quotes} is being asked more and more. A transition is occurring from {open_quotes}technology-push{close_quotes} to {open_quotes}market pull.{close_quotes}
Multi-hop path splitting and multi-pathing optimizations for data transfers over shared wide-area networks using gridFTP

In this paper, we propose to employ two optimizations - multi-hop path splitting and multi-pathing - to improve the performance of data transfers over shared public networks. We present a path determination algorithm which integrates the aforesaid optimizations in order to improve the performance of single file transfers. Finally, we develop a file transfer scheduling algorithm based on this framework, and evaluate its effectiveness on a wide-area testbed.
Relative measurements of second-order susceptibility with reflective second-harmonic generation

There is a strong demand for a simple and reliable technique for second-order susceptibility measurements of thin films. Since the Maker fringe technique is limited to transparent substrates we propose an experimental protocol based on reflective second-harmonic generation (SHG). The proposed protocol is based on relative measurements of Z-cut quartz. An analytical expression of the reflective SHG intensity dependence of the polarizer, analyzer, and sample azimuth is presented. An error analysis is also presented. Thin organic film of the side-chain polymer poly(Disperse Red 1 Methacrylate-Co-Methyl-Methacrylate) is investigated. Results for different wavelengths are reported.
MediaNet: a multimedia information network for knowledge representation

In this paper, we present MediaNet, which is a knowledge representation framework that uses multimedia content for representing semantic and perceptual information. The main components of MediaNet include conceptual entities, which correspond to real world objects, and relationships among concepts. MediaNet allows the concepts and relationships to be defined or exemplified by multimedia content such as images, video, audio, graphics, and text. MediaNet models the traditional relationship types such as generalization and aggregation but adds additional functionality by modeling perceptual relationships based on feature similarity. For example, MediaNet allows a concept such as car to be defined as a type of a transportation vehicle, but which is further defined and illustrated through example images, videos and sounds of cars. In constructing the MediaNet framework, we have built on the basic principles of semiotics and semantic networks in addition to utilizing the audio-visual content description framework being developed as part of the MPEG-7 multimedia content description standard. By integrating both conceptual and perceptual representations of knowledge, MediaNet has potential to impact a broad range of applications that deal with multimedia content at the semantic and perceptual levels. In particular, we have found that MediaNet can improve the performance of multimedia retrieval applications by using query expansion, refinement and translation across multiple content modalities. In this paper, we report on experiments that use MediaNet in searching for images. We construct the MediaNet knowledge base using both WordNet and an image network built from multiple example images and extracted color and texture descriptors. Initial experimental results demonstrate improved retrieval effectiveness using MediaNet in a content-based retrieval system.
Role of human papillomavirus in the pathogenesis of genital tract warts and cancer.

Abstract During the last decade a large number of clinical, epidemiological, and experimental studies have elucidated the role of HPV in the pathogenesis of anogenital cancer. Although the clinical and epidemiological studies have been criticized for a variety of technical and design short-comings [168], for the most part they have independently reached the same conclusion—there is a strong association between the presence of specific types of HPV and the development of anogenital cancer. Similarly, laboratory studies clearly indicate that specific types of HPV act in concert with other cellular changes to transform a variety of cell types in vitro , including human cervical epithelial cells. Over the next decade the challenge is twofold. First we need to define precisely the mechanisms by which HPV either by itself or in concert with other factors, acts to transform anogenital epithelial cells. These studies will, it is hoped, identify important cofactors in the transformation process and determine the role of host immunity. Second, we need to determine the clinical applicability of the association between HPV and anogenital cancer. Large clinical studies will determine whether HPV testing of asymptomatic patients facilitates the detection of patients at risk for developing cervical cancer and whether the presence of a specific type of HPV in a cervical cancer actually affects a patient's prognosis. As the answers to these and other questions become available, we will be in a better position to assess the clinical importance of the associations between HPV and anogenital cancer.
Lyophilization, vacuum drying, and subsequent storage of Nosema pyrausta spores☆☆☆

Abstract Methods of preserving Nosema pyrausta spores were developed by subjecting laboratoryreared, nondiapausing larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis , infected with N. pyrausta to different techniques of lyophilization and vacuum drying. Such material was still viable when it was stored in an airtight container and held at −12°C for 12 months, or when it was stored in a vacuum desiceator and held at 22–24°C for 6 months.
Detection and quantification of Entomophaga maimaiga resting spores in forest soil using real-time PCR

Environmental sampling to monitor entomopathogen titre in forest soil, a known reservoir of insect pathogens such as fungi and viruses, is important in the evaluation of conditions that could trigger epizootics and in the development of strategies for insect pest management. Molecular or PCR-based analysis of environmental samples provides a sensitive method for strain- or species-based detection, and real-time PCR, in particular, allows quantification of the organism of interest. In this study we developed a DNA extraction method and a real-time PCR assay for detection and quantification of Entomophaga maimaiga (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales), a fungal pathogen of the gypsy moth, in the organic layer of forest soil. DNA from fungal resting spores (azygospores) in soil was extracted using a detergent and bead mill homogenization treatment followed by purification of the crude DNA extract using Sephadex-polyvinylpolypyrrolidone microcolumns. The purification step eliminated most of the environmental contaminants commonly co-extracted with genomic DNA from soil samples but detection assays still required the addition of bovine serum albumin to relieve PCR inhibition. The real-time PCR assay used primers and probe based on sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal ITS region of several E. maimaiga and two E. aulicae strains. Comparison of threshold cycle values from different soil samples spiked with E. maimaiga DNA showed that soil background DNA and remaining co-extracted contaminants are critical factors determining detection sensitivity. Based on our results from comparisons of resting spore titres among different forest soils, estimates were best for organic soils with comparatively high densities of resting spores.
Categorizing genetic tests to identify their ethical, legal, and social implications

Practice standards in medical genetics provide an implicit guide to the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetic tests. The common use of nondirective counseling reflects the principle that many testing decisions should be determined by personal values. Yet geneticists make test recommendations in some circumstances, e.g., RET mutation testing for MEN2 and newborn screening for phenylketonuria (PKU). Conversely, many geneticists recommend against testing for Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) alleles to predict Alzheimer disease (AD) risk. Taken together, these examples suggest that genetic tests can be categorized by a joint consideration of clinical validity and availability of effective treatment for persons who test positive. For genetic tests with high clinical validity/no treatment (e.g., presymptomatic testing for Huntington disease), the predominant concern is adequate nondirective counseling to ensure an informed, autonomous decision. By contrast, the predominant concern for tests with high clinical validity/effective treatment (e.g., PKU) is assuring access to care for eligible persons. For tests with limited clinical validity/no treatment (e.g., ApoE), recommending against test use can be justified on the principle of avoiding harm. For a fourth category, tests with limited clinical validity/effective treatment (e.g., HFE mutation testing for hereditary hemochromatosis), net benefit is the issue: the balance between potential benefits of treatment and potential harms of genetic labeling must be weighed. Where uncertainty exists concerning both clinical validity and effectiveness of treatment, as in the case of BRCA1/2 mutation testing, the value of testing may vary according to different testing contexts. This approach to test categorization allows a rapid determination of the predominant ELSI concerns for different kinds of genetic tests and identifies the data most urgently needed for test evaluation. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The simplicity of fractal-like flow networks for effective heat and mass transport

A variety of applications using disk-shaped fractal-like flow networks and the status of one and two-dimensional predictive models for these applications are summarized. Applications discussed include single-phase and two-phase heat sinks and heat exchangers, two-phase flow separators, desorbers, and passive micromixers. Advantages of using these fractal-like flow networks versus parallel-flow networks include lower pressure drop, lower maximum wall temperature, inlet plenum symmetry, alternate flow paths, and pressure recovery at the bifurcation. The compact nature of microscale fractal-like branching heat exchangers makes them ideal for modularity. Differences between fractal-like and constructal approaches applied to disk-shaped heat sink designs are highlighted, and the importance of including geometric constraints, including fabrication constraints, in flow network design optimization is discussed. Finally, a simple pencil and paper procedure for designing single-phase heat sinks with fractal-like flow networks based solely on geometric constraints is outlined. Benefit-to-cost ratios resulting from geometric-based designs are compared with those from flow networks determined using multivariable optimization. Results from the two network designs are within 11%.
The effect of early cooperation on the escalation of conflict

Abstract Subjects played an experimental game in which they received a hostile act of varying magnitude either at the start of interaction or after a period of cooperation. The latter condition resulted in greater retaliation, a conflict of greater magnitude, and a conflict of longer duration. This was true regardless of the size of the hostile act. When the hostile act was small, prior cooperation reduced the retaliation somewhat if the confederate was regarded as having been helpful at the start. The results were interpreted in terms of theories of expectancy disconfirmation and social exchange. Subjects scoring high on the Mach scale responded with a greater immediate retaliation, while subjects with low tolerance for ambiguity extended the conflict longer. Neither personality measure correlated with more general measures of aggressive and competitive behavior. It was proposed that more specific indices be substituted for the overall measure of competitive behavior that is often used in gaming research.
An involvement of potassium metabolism with the effect of triiodothyronine on rat heart respiration.

Abstract A comparison of heart slices from triiodothyronine-treated rats with heart slices from normal rats showed that on incubation in a high calcium medium, a difference in oxygen uptake appeared but there was none in potassium content; while upon incubation in a low calcium medium no oxygen uptake difference was seen, but one in potassium content appeared. It is suggested that the effect of thyroid hormones on respiration in heart may be a consequence of a hormone-induced increased load on cell “pumps.”
An LDV-based methodology for measuring axial and radial error motions when using miniature ultra-high-speed (UHS) micromachining spindles

Abstract This paper presents a laser Doppler vibrometry-based methodology for measurement of axial and radial error motions when using miniature ultra-high-speed (UHS) spindles used for micromachining applications. The new methodology measures three-dimensional displacements from the surface of a custom-fabricated sphere-on-stem precision artifact using three mutually orthogonal laser beams. A precision alignment technique is developed to configure the three laser beams mutually orthogonal to one another. An infra-red sensor is used to provide a reference for the rotational angle of the spindle. The axial and radial motion data measured at operational speeds is then post-processed to obtain the synchronous and asynchronous components of the error motions in both directions. The presented approach enables obtaining error motions along both fixed-sensitive and rotating-sensitive directions. The methodology is then demonstrated by measuring axial and radial error motions when using a miniature ultra-high-speed spindle at four different speeds. Analysis of the measured data indicated the significant effect of spindle speed on the error motions along both fixed-sensitive and the rotating-sensitive directions. Finally, an uncertainty analysis is presented to quantify the overall combined uncertainty on the error measurements when using the new methodology.
Gate-level test generation for sequential circuits

This paper discusses the gate-level automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) methods and techniques for sequential circuits. The basic concepts, examples, advantages, and limitations of representative methods are reviewed in detail. The relationship between gate-level sequential circuit ATPG and the partial scan design is also discussed.
Auroral emission at 1084 Å

Abstract Calculations are presented of the auroral emission of a line at 1084 A of ionized atomic nitrogen that arises from electron impact induced simultaneous ionization and dissociation of molecular nitrogen. For an aurora of IBC Class II+, we predict 330 R of 1084 A. Estimates are also presented of the intensities of the argon lines at 1048 and 1067 A.
Simulation estimation of time-series models☆

Abstract A formal econometric treatment of the estimation of the parameters of a fully specified stochastic equilibrium model is proposed. The method, estimation by simulation, yields an estimator which is shown to have an asymptotic normal distribution. A goodness-of-fit test based on a chi-square statistic is also derived.