cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative studies on chick hemoglobins

Abstract Studies on chick Hemoglobins 1 and 2 were carried out by means of ion-exchange chromatography and amino acid analysis of the proteins and their subunits, and, chromatography of peptides obtained by tryptic hydrolysis of the proteins and by chymotryptic hydrolysis of the trypsin-resistant core. Amino acid analysis of hemoglobins reveals that chick Hemoglobin 1 contains a greater number of amino acid residues in comparison with chick Hemoglobin 2. Amino acid composition of α 2 -and β 2 -chains of Hemoglobin 1 and Hemoglobin 2 bears the same relationship. The number of changes in amino acid residues between α 2 -and β 2 -chains has been found to be 15 and 35 in Hemoglobin 1 and Hemoglobin 2, respectively. The resemblance between the two subunits of one hemoglobin is greater than that between the chains from the other hemoglobin. The amino acid composition of the peptides as isolated by peptide chromatography distinguishes the similar and dissimilar features in the structure of Hemoglobins 1 and 2.
Lumpectomy and partial breast irradiation for early-stage breast cancer following mantle irradiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma

Patients treated with irradiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma are at increased risk of breast cancer. Alm El-Din et al. report the case of a 57-year-old woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years after receiving mantle irradiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma and was managed with lumpectomy and partial breast irradiation. The authors suggest partial breast irradiation as a feasible approach for women who develop breast cancer after Hodgkin's lymphoma and decline mastectomy. Background A 57-year-old woman who received treatment with mantle irradiation and systemic chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed at the age of 42 underwent screening mammography, which revealed abnormal density at the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. Investigations Left breast ultrasound and MRI, ultrasound-guided biopsy, immunohistochemistry, chest X-ray. Diagnosis Stage T1bN0M0 left breast cancer. Management Lumpectomy, sentinel lymph-node biopsy and fractionated partial breast irradiation using 3-dimensional conformal technique.
THE 2-PARTICLE TRANSFER REACTION WITH T = 1 PARTICLE--HOLE STATES.

Abstract In contract to many types of reactions, the two-particle transfer reaction leading to T = 1 particle-hole states shows an inhibition to the ground state and coherent enhancement to excited states.
Normal Electrocortical Facilitation But Abnormal Target Identification during Visual Sustained Attention in Schizophrenia

Attentional deficits in schizophrenia have been investigated using target identification tasks which conflate the abilities to successfully (1) attend to possible target locations and (2) detect target events. Whether compromised attentional selectivity or abnormal target detection causes schizophrenia subjects' poor performance on visual attention tasks, therefore, is unknown. To address this issue, we measured the neural activity (using electroencephalography) of 17 schizophrenia and 17 healthy subjects during a target identification task. Participants viewed superimposed images (horizontal and vertical bars differing in color) and attended to one image to identify bar width changes in specific locations. Bars were frequency tagged so attention directed to unique parts of the images could be tracked. Steady-state visual evoked potentials (ssVEPs) were used to quantify attention-related neural activity to specific parts of the visual images. Behavioral performance and event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to the target events were used to quantify target detection abilities. For both schizophrenia and healthy subjects, attending to specific parts of the attended image enhanced brain activity related to attended bars and reduced activity evoked by unattended bars. Activity in relation to the spatially overlapping unattended image was unaffected. Schizophrenia patients, however, were impaired on target detection abilities on both behavioral and brain activity measures. Target-related behavioral and brain activity measures were highly correlated in both groups. These findings indicate that deficient target detection rather than compromised attentional selectivity accounts for previously reported visual attention deficits in schizophrenia.
Evidence that a similar range of alloimmune responses can develop in murine and human allograft recipients

Based on discrepancies between various laboratory and clinical observations, skepticism has developed regarding the pre-clinical value of rodent immunologic studies. In this article, we review the progression of our murine and human studies over the last several years, which have demonstrated that humans and mice can make very similar types of immune responses in vivo to allografts. Early studies by ourselves and others, demonstrated that mice can make either pro-inflammatory (rejection) or anti-inflammatory (acceptance) immune responses to graft alloantigens. We demonstrated that donor-reactive DTH assays could be used to monitor which type of alloimmune response had been selected by the allograft recipient. To help determine if similar immune response options are available to humans and detectable by DTH assays, we first developed the transvivo DTH assay. In this system, mice are used as a receptacle in which DTH responses made by human PBMC can be induced and measured. These transvivo DTH studies revealed that human allograft recipients, like mice, commonly make either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory immune responses to graft alloantigens. In transplant patients, this rarely correlates with the development of donor-reactive alloantibodies during the post-transplant period.
Role of lipopolysaccharide and a major outer membrane protein from Francisella tularensis in the induction of immunity against tularemia

A crude outer membrane preparation from Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain (LVS) was used to immunize mice. Immunized mice were completely protected from a F. tularensis challenge. We evaluated the role of two major outer membrane antigens in the induction of protective immunity, namely lipopolysaccharide and an outer membrane protein FopA. We presented FopA to the immune system using an aromatic amino acid-dependent Salmonella typhimurium as a vector. Although mice mounted an immune response to cloned FopA no significant protection was induced. However, LPS immunized mice were completely protected. We conclude that LPS is a major protective antigen whereas FopA has a limited or no role in the induction of protective immunity.
Parametrization of the statistical rate function for select superallowed transitions

We present a parametrization of the statistical rate function, $f$, for 20 superallowed ${0}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{0}^{+}$ nuclear $\ensuremath{\beta}$ transitions between $T=1$ analog states, and for 18 superallowed ``mirror'' transitions between analog $T=1/2$ states. All these transitions are of interest in the determination of ${V}_{ud}$. Although most of the transition ${Q}_{EC}$ values have been measured, their precision will undoubtedly be improved in the future. Our parametrization allows a user to easily calculate the corresponding new $f$ value to high precision $(\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$%) without complicated computing.
Trends in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Prevalence, Therapies, and Outcomes

Background—Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EF) is a common syndrome, but trends in treatments and outcomes are lacking. Methods and Results—We analyzed data from 275 hospitals in Get With the Guidelines–Heart Failure from January 2005 to October 2010. Patients were stratified by EF as reduced EF (EF <40% [HF–reduced EF]), borderline EF (40%≤EF<50% [HF–borderline EF]), or preserved (EF ≥50% [HF–preserved EF]). Using multivariable models, we examined trends in therapies and outcomes. Among 110 621 patients, 50% (55 083) had HF–reduced EF, 14% (15 184) had HF–borderline EF, and 36% (40 354) had HF–preserved EF. From 2005 to 2010, the proportion of hospitalizations for HF–preserved EF increased from 33% to 39% (P<0.0001). In multivariable analyses, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers at discharge decreased in all EF groups, and β-blocker use increased. Patients with HF–preserved EF less frequently achieved blood pressure control (adjusted odds ratio, 0...
A RESIN WITH SELECTIVITY FOR THE REMOVAL AND RECOVERY OF CHROHATE FROM CONTAMINATED WATER

ABSTRACT The compound, 4-aminobenzoic acid, (l-(4-pyridinyl), 2-(1-piperidinyl))ethyl ester was synthesized and bonded to polyvinylbenzyl chloride to create an exchange resin. The resin showed excellent preference for Cr(VI) oxyanions in tests with a variety of common anions. The capacity, regenerative ability, equilibration, stripping capabilities and selectivity of the resin are reported. A molecular modelling study supports the suggestion that the geometry of the reagent aids in determining it's selectivity.
Elevation‐Corrected thermal inertia and derived particle size on Mars and implications for the Tharsis Montes

One persistent difficulty associated with the interpretation of Martian thermal inertia and the derivation of particle size from it has been the degree to which atmospheric properties affect both the energy balance at the surface and the gas conductivity. Because both these factors vary with atmospheric pressure, derivation of thermal inertias and particle sizes must incorporate a correction for elevation. Here, by utilizing currently available thermal models and laboratory data, fine component thermal inertia has been combined with topography to compute particle size corrected for these elevation-dependent effects. The corrected particle sizes at high elevations are as much as 2 orders of magnitude larger than the uncorrected values, with the Tharsis shield volcanoes generally having inferred sizes larger than dust, in contrast to previous interpretations of a thick dust cover. This large effective particle size may be a manifestation of the average conductivity produced by a mixture of dust and intervening bedrock outcrops smaller in size than those computed by Christensen [1986b]. In addition, the time-variable albedo in the upper regions of these volcanoes argues against the presence of large dust deposits.
The Binding of High and Low Density Lipoproteins to Human Placental Membrane Fractions

It was shown previously that human placental trophoblastic cells use principally lipoprotein cholesterol for progesterone biosynthesis and that the rate of de novo synthesis of cholesterol is low. In addition, it was demonstrated that cholesterol derived from maternal plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) rather than high density lipoprotein (HDL), is the principal source of placental cholesterol. In the present investigation, membrane fractions derived from human placenta were used to identify and characterize specific binding sites for both HDL and LDL. Pretreatment of membrane fractions with heparin resulted in an increase in the specific binding capacity for [125I]iodo-LDL 1.5 times that in membrane fractions not pretreated with heparin. Heparin pretreatment did not affect significantly the specific binding capacity of placental membranes for [125I]iodo-HDL. The specific binding capacity for [125I]iodo- LDL was 107 ng LDL protein mg-1 membrane protein, with an approximate Kd of 77 eg LDL protein ml-1 i...
The Separate Worlds of David Lynch's Inland Empire

David Lynch's films often confront their viewers with separate realities. These separations typically correspond to conventional allegorical interpretation, such as higher worlds of good and lower ...
Ro 15-1788 both antagonizes and potentiates adenosine-evoked depression of cerebral cortical neurons.

Abstract The effects of Ro 15-1788, a benzodiazepine antagonist with some agonist properties, were studied on adenosine and adenosine 5′-N-ethyl-carboxamide (NECA)-evoked depressions of rat cerebral cortical neuronal activity. Iontophoretically applied Ro 15-1788 had both antagonistic and potentiative interactions with adenosine. Reductions in the magnitude of adenosine-evoked depressions of firing were evident during the period of Ro 15-1788 application, with a long-lasting potentiative effect becoming apparent upon termination of the Ro 15-1788 application. Depressions of cell firing evoked by NECA, an uptake-resistant analog of adenosine, were antagonized by Ro 15-1788, with no subsequent potentiation. Larger applications of Ro 15-1788 had a depressant action on neuronal firing, which was antagonized by caffeine (20 mg/kg), an adenosine receptor blocker. These results indicate that Ro 15-1788 may be an antagonist at the adenosine receptor as well as a potentiator of the adenosine response. The prolongation of the adenosine depression is likely to be the result of a persistent inhibition of adenosine uptake by Ro 15-1788. These diverse effects on the adenosine response may account for some of the complex behavioral actions of Ro 15-1788.
Teaching the Major Invertebrate Phyla in One Laboratory Session

This one-session laboratory exercise teaches all the major invertebrate phyla in about 2 hours.
Hyperspectral signature modeling for terrain backgrounds

In this paper we present the results of our efforts to develop a digital hyperspectral signature model for terrain features. The infrared signature model development was conducted in conjunction with a parallel spectral phenomenology research program devoted to understanding and exploiting spectral data for landmine detection. That effort identified a need for a dynamic hyperspectral signature model to support target detection algorithm development. One requirement of that model was the need for a model of spectral infrared signatures of various terrain features (e.g., soils) that accounts for the impact of various dynamical environmental factors and processes. A discussion of the terrain modeling approach, the underlying analytical basis, and results from the model computations will be presented.
Disruption of circadian rhythmicity and suprachiasmatic action potential frequency in a mouse model with constitutive activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a serine/threonine kinase that has been implicated in psychiatric diseases, neurodevelopment, and circadian regulation. Both GSK3 isoforms, α and β, exhibit a 24-h variation of inhibitory phosphorylation within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the primary circadian pacemaker. We examined the hypothesis that rhythmic GSK3 activity is critical for robust circadian rhythmicity using GSK3α(21A/21A)/β(9A/9A) knock-in mice with serine-alanine substitutions at the inhibitory phosphorylation sites, making both forms constitutively active. We monitored wheel-running locomotor activity of GSK3 knock-in mice and used loose-patch electrophysiology to examine the effect of chronic GSK3 activity on circadian behavior and SCN neuronal activity. Double transgenic GSK3α/β knock-in mice exhibit disrupted behavioral rhythmicity, including significantly decreased rhythmic amplitude, lengthened active period, and increased activity bouts per day. This behavioral disruption was dependent on chronic activation of both GSK3 isoforms and was not seen in single transgenic GSK3α or GSK3β knock-in mice. Underlying the behavioral changes, SCN neurons from double transgenic GSK3α/β knock-in mice exhibited significantly higher spike rates during the subjective night compared to those from wild-type controls, with no differences detected during the subjective day. These results suggest that constitutive activation of GSK3 results in the loss of the typical day/night variation of SCN neuronal activity. Together, these results implicate GSK3 activity as a critical regulator of circadian behavior and neurophysiological rhythms. Because GSK3 has been implicated in numerous pathologies, understanding how GSK3 modulates circadian rhythms and neurophysiological activity may lead to novel therapeutics for pathological disorders and circadian rhythm dysfunction.
Trial of a 5-day dosing regimen of temozolomide in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancers with assessment of methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase.

Abstract Objectives Small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) are characterized by aberrantly methylated O 6 -methyl-guanine-DNA methyltransferase ( MGMT ). Epigenetic silencing of MGMT is associated with loss of MGMT activity and improved sensitivity to alkylating agents in glioblastomas. We have reported the activity of temozolomide, a non-classical alkylating agent, in patients with relapsed sensitive or refractory SCLCs, given at 75mg/m 2 /day for 21 of 28 days. However, prolonged myelosuppression was noted. We therefore evaluated a 5-day dosing schedule of temozolomide and examined MGMT as a predictive biomarker for temozolomide treatment in SCLC. Materials and methods Patients with sensitive or refractory SCLCs and progression after one or two prior chemotherapy regimens received temozolomide 200mg/m 2 /day for 5 consecutive days in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was tolerability. We also assessed MGMT promoter methylation status by PCR and MGMT expression by immunohistochemistry in tumor specimens. Results Of 25 patients enrolled, 5 experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicity (anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and constipation). The partial response rate was 12% [95% CI: 3–31%], with partial responses in 2 refractory patients. We were able to obtain tumor samples for more than half of patients for MGMT testing. Conclusion Temozolomide 200mg/m 2 /day for 5 days in 28-day cycles is tolerable and active in patients with relapsed SCLCs. No treatment-limiting prolonged cytopenias were observed, making this our preferred schedule for further studies. Acquisition of archived biospecimens is feasible and necessary in order to continue evaluating the role of MGMT as a predictive biomarker in SCLCs.
How AP CS A matches college courses

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program provides a framework for high school students to obtain college credit and/or placement for work done in high school. Toward this end, the College Board outlines course descriptions and organizes examinations in several dozen disciplines, including computer science. To meet its goals, each AP course must align with college courses, so students taking an AP course will master needed content Several approaches are used to monitor this connection between AP courses and college-level courses. This session will review these approaches, considering how the AP CS A course matches introductory college computer science courses.
DNA stimulates ATP-dependent proteolysis and protein-dependent ATPase activity of protease La from Escherichia coli

Abstract The product of the lon gene in Escherichia coli is an ATP-dependent protease, protease La, that also binds strongly to DNA. Addition of double-stranded or single-stranded DNA to the protease in the presence of ATP was found to stimulate the hydrolysis of casein or globin 2- to 7-fold, depending on the DNA concentration. Native DNA from several sources (plasmid pBR322, phage T7, or calf thymus) had similar effects, but after denaturation the DNA was 20-100% more effective than the native form. Although poly(rA), globin mRNA, and various tRNAs did not stimulate proteolysis, poly(rC) and poly(rU) were effective. Poly(dT) was stimulatory but (dT)10 was not. In the presence of DNA as in its absence, proteolysis required concomitant ATP hydrolysis, and the addition of DNA also enhance ATP hydrolysis by protease La 2-fold, but only in the presence of casein. At much higher concentrations, DNA inhibited proteolysis as well as ATP cleavage. Thus, association of this enzyme with DNA may regulate the degradation of cell proteins in vivo.
Confidence and Uncertainty in Judgmental Forecasting: Differential Effects of Scenario Presentation

Multiple scenario analysis is used by many organizations for long-term planning, in part because the development of more than one scenario of the future is thought to prevent overconfidence in any one specific forecast. The present study attempts to clarify some of the questions concerning the cognitive effects of scenario presentation by distinguishing between confidence and subjective uncertainty. It examined the impact of different types of scenario information on confidence ratings, credible intervals, and features of forecast series. Subjects (N=186) read either one, two, or no scenario(s) describing potential changes in the level of a stimulus variable, then made forecasts of that variable over the next fifty years. Reading any type of scenario information increased confidence in forecasts; there was no reduction in confidence due to presentation of multiple conflicting scenarios, compared to presentation of only one scenario. Differences in number and in type of scenarios presented did, however, affect subjective uncertainty.
Recent advances in pressure broadening: experiment and theory☆

Abstract Recent measurements of pressure broadened linewidths at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures are presented. For simple systems, such as CO broadened by He, accurate molecular scattering theory calculations give quantitative agreement. Results for more complex systems, which are not yet amenable to accurate calculations, are discussed in the context of Anderson-like theories; these suggest that a short-range cutoff procedure based on the infinite order sudden scattering approximation might prove useful.
Sensitization to the Behavioral Effects of Cocaine: Modulation by Dynorphin and κ-Opioid Receptor Agonists

Abstract Several lines of evidence suggest an involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system in the mediation of psychostimulant-induced sensitization. It is also apparent that endogenous opioid peptide systems can modulate the activity of this same DA system. Psychostimulant-induced alterations in opioid peptide gene expression have also been reported. In this review, evidence will be presented that demonstrates that the administration of κ-opioid agonists can prevent the initiation of behavioral sensitization to cocaine and that such treatment is also effective in preventing alterations in mesolimbic DA neurotransmission that occur as a consequence of repeated cocaine administration. The putative role of opioid–DA interactions in the modulation of psychostimulant-induced sensitization will also be discussed.
Risk averse bank managers: Exogenous shocks, portfolio reallocations and market spillovers

Abstract This paper develops a model of the banking market in which individual banks make decisions concerning both the size and risk characteristics of their portfolios, and in which actions of one bank spill over to affect actions of other banks. Various observed banking market behaviors, such as herding, credit crunches, bank reaction to policy changes, etc., are explained as optimal bank responses to idiosyncratic or systemic shocks.
Flutter Analysis for Turbomachinery Using Volterra Series

The objective of this paper is to describe an accurate and efficient reduced order modeling method for aeroelastic (AE) analysis and for determining the flutter boundary. Without losing accuracy, we develop a reduced order model based on the Volterra series to achieve significant savings in computational cost. The aerodynamic force is provided by a high-fidelity solution from the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations; the structural mode shapes are determined from the finite element analysis. The fluid-structure coupling is then modeled by the state-space formulation with the structural displacement as input and the aerodynamic force as output, which in turn acts as an external force to the aeroelastic displacement equation for providing the structural deformation. NASA's rotor 67 blade is used to study its aeroelastic characteristics under the designated operating condition. First, the CFD results are validated against measured data available for the steady state condition. Then, the accuracy of the developed reduced order model is compared with the full-order solutions. Finally the aeroelastic solutions of the blade are computed and a flutter boundary is identified, suggesting that the rotor, with the material property chosen for the study, is structurally stable at the operating condition, free of encountering flutter.
Changing Times for the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy

Laser photocoagulation has led a revolution in the management of diabetic retinopathy. Scatter photocoagulation and focal photocoagulation has been shown to be effective in reducing vision loss. Just as dramatic as laser photocoagulation, medical treatment has led another revolution in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Good glycemic, blood pressure, and lipid control have contributed to further reduce vision loss and laser photocoagulation. In the very near future, there will be significant advances in pharmacologic treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Treatment with antioxidants, agents inhibiting hyperglycemia-induced protein kinase activity, and other agents will likely prevent the development/progression of retinopathy. Because pharmacologic agents are aimed at the prevention of retinopathy, patients with retinopathy will need to be examined earlier to diagnose retinopathy at earlier stages. To maximize the opportunity for earlier diagnosis, ophthalmologist may need to adopt screening strategies to identify patients most likely to benefit from these new treatments.
Seeing the unseen: suggesting points for intersection between Levinasian ethics and the Daoist reverence for all beings

Eugene Anderson (2001) suggests that Western ethical codes be supplemented with eastern non-anthropocentrism in order for Westerners to consider the fate of non-human beings as seriously as we consider our own. In this note I build on the work of Anderson, suggesting points for intersection between the alterity of Emmanuel Levinas with the Daoist reverence for all beings.
Neutral coated inclusions in conductivity and anti–plane elasticity

The problem of neutral inclusions for two-dimensional conductivity (or, equivalently, anti-plane elasticity) is considered. Such an inclusion when inserted in a matrix containing a uniform applied electric field does not disturb the field outside the inclusion. Consequently, assemblages of neutral inclusions have certain moduli of their effective conductivity tensor that can be determined exactly. The inclusion is assumed to have a hole (or perfect conductor) at its core surrounded by a thick coating of isotropic material. The whole construction is embedded in a possibly anisotropic matrix. Analytic formulae for the boundaries of the core and coating are found with the use of conformal mapping techniques. The admissible inclusion shapes depend on the applied electric field and on the conductivities of matrix and coating. It is shown that the inclusions can have a variety of shapes and are not just restricted to being coated confocal ellipses. However, coated confocal ellipses are the only inclusions which are neutral to multiple applied fields.
Characterization of Linear and 3-Arm Star Block Copolymers by Liquid Chromatography at Critical Conditions

LCCC for polyMA homopolymers was established in order to analyze the polyMA-polySt linear and star block copolymers. The validity of the assumption that under the LCCC for polyMA, the polyMA segment in the poly MA-containing block copolymer is chromatographically "invisible" was verified. It was found that within the scale of investigation (M n,polyMA ≤ 5 M n,polySt ), the molecular weight and architecture of the polyMA segments had no evident influence on the retention behavior of the polySt-polyMA block copolymers and the polyMA block in the copolymer was "invisible". The critical conditions of polyMA were used for quantitative analysis of the polySt block in the linear and 3-arm star polyMA-polySt block copolymers, which were synthesized by AGET ATRP in miniemulsion. It was shown that the copolymer had completely different elution peak from its MI. The calculated molecular weights of polySt blocks in the block copolymers were similar to those obtained from normal SEC analysis. Transferring the eluates from the LCCC (the first dimension) column to a SEC column (the second dimension) produced LCCC x SEC two-dimensional chromatogram, which contained information on both chemical composition and molecular weight of the synthesized copolymers. The combination of these liquid chromatography methods clearly confirmed the high initiation efficiency of the polyMA MIs during the synthesis of block copolymers and the presence of a byproduct formed by radical-radical coupling.
Between Eros and Will to Power: Rousseau and “The Desire to Extend Our Being”

Most scholars, following Rousseau himself, have had little to say about what Rousseau calls “the desire to extend our being.” Yet the concept is foundational to his political philosophy. Though less compelling a formulation (and deliberately so) than Plato's “eros” or Nietzsche's “will to power,” “the desire to extend our being” is comparable to these in its strength and reach, and hence in its power to unlock the full meaning of Rousseau's thought. My purpose in this paper is to uncover Rousseau's view of the meaning and significance of this desire; its pervasive influence on moral and political life; and the means through which it can and cannot, and should and should not, be fulfilled.
In Vivo Two- and Three-Dimensional Imaging of Artificial and Real Fingerprints With Optical Coherence Tomography

Fingerprint recognition is one of the dominant methods among all biometric techniques. However, current commercial fingerprint reader systems are based on analysis of surface topography of a finger and, thus, have tremendous security vulnerability for simply made artificial fingerprint dummies. In this letter, we demonstrate that a novel optical coherence tomography-based method for depth-resolved 2-D and 3-D imaging and assessment of artificial and real fingerprints could significantly enhance spoof-proofing of fingerprint reader systems as well as provide information of both artificial and real ridge and furrow patterns (that form the fingerprint patterns) simultaneously.
Learning High-Level Planning from Text

Comprehending action preconditions and effects is an essential step in modeling the dynamics of the world. In this paper, we express the semantics of precondition relations extracted from text in terms of planning operations. The challenge of modeling this connection is to ground language at the level of relations. This type of grounding enables us to create high-level plans based on language abstractions. Our model jointly learns to predict precondition relations from text and to perform high-level planning guided by those relations. We implement this idea in the reinforcement learning framework using feedback automatically obtained from plan execution attempts. When applied to a complex virtual world and text describing that world, our relation extraction technique performs on par with a supervised baseline, yielding an F-measure of 66% compared to the baseline's 65%. Additionally, we show that a high-level planner utilizing these extracted relations significantly outperforms a strong, text unaware baseline -- successfully completing 80% of planning tasks as compared to 69% for the baseline.
Liquid viscosities of methane and propane

The theory and calibration procedure for a cylindrical falling body viscometer is presented. Experimental viscosity data are given for liquid methane from −150°C. to the critical point and for liquid propane from −185° to +90°C. The maximum experimental error for methane data is ±8% and for propane data ±5%.
Trends in Islamic Project and Infrastructure Finance in the Middle East: Re-Emergence of the Murabaha

This paper notes the increasing use of the murabaha structure in a wide range of financing transactions, including project financing transactions in the Middle East, since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2007. The paper discusses the nature of the murabaha as a commodity sale structure and, in more recent times, as a financing structure. Essential elements of a valid murabaha are discussed. The use of commodities as vectors, and the use of murabaha and tawarruq transactions as loan substitutes, are discussed. A case study is presented (based upon a recent Middle Eastern transaction). That case study involves two murabaha agreements, one to effect a term financing and one to effect a revolving credit facility. Using that case study, the paper considers (a) enforceability issues pertaining to unconsummater murabaha transactions, (b) the use of variable rate structures, (c) structures to ensure the enforceability of commitment fees, profit participations and other accruing obligations, (d) the use of waivers, forgiveness and rebates of carried and accrued amounts, (e) conditions precedent to future murabaha transactions, including rollovers, (f) collateral security (rahn) matters, and (g) guarantees of murabaha obligations. Revised draft of November 17, 2012.
Adcumulus growth of the inner core

The earth's core is contained in an oxide bottle, the mantle. With regard to any dissolved oxygen, therefore, the outer core (OC) is in a reactive relationship to its container. The mantle contains only trivial amounts of sulfur compared to its solubility in the liquid OC, so the bottle is effectively inert to sulfur. This difference affects whether the diluent convects freely away from the freezing inner core (sulfur) or moves under constraint of saturation at the interface with the container (oxygen). The motion of oxygen is limited by diffusion; it requires double freezing and hence release of latent heat at both top and bottom of the OC, or else (if the top of the OC is a heat sink) no escape of heat to the mantle. The motion of sulfur allows rapid transport of latent heat away from the inner core boundary by compositional convection and implies major heat loss from the core. The velocity of compositional convection (due to sulfur) may be as much as 104 times that of diffusion of oxygen, so sulfur in the outer core should be far more important in driving the dynamo than oxygen.
Sustained Inhibition of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Macrophage Depletion by PLX3397 and Rapamycin as a Potential New Approach for the Treatment of MPNSTs

Purpose: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a highly aggressive tumor type that is resistant to chemotherapy and there are no effective therapies. MPNSTs have been shown to have gene amplification for receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), PDGFR and c-Kit. We tested the c-Kit inhibitor, imatinib, and PLX3397, a selective c-Fms and c-Kit inhibitor, to evaluate their efficacy against MPNST cells in vitro and in vivo . Experimental Design: We tested the efficacy of imatinib or PLX3397 either alone or in combination with TORC1 inhibitor rapamycin in a cell proliferation assay in vitro and by immunoblotting to determine target inhibition. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis was further carried out using xenograft samples in vivo . Results: Our in vitro studies show that imatinib and PLX3397 similarly inhibit cell growth and this can be enhanced with rapamycin with comparable target specificity. However, in vivo studies clearly demonstrate that compared with imatinib, PLX3397 results in sustained blockade of c-Kit, c-Fms, and PDGFRβ, resulting in significant suppression of tumor growth. Moreover, staining for Iba-1, a marker for macrophages, indicates that PLX3397 results in significant depletion of macrophages in the growing tumors. The combination of PLX3397 and rapamycin results in even greater macrophage depletion with continued growth suppression, even when the drug treatment is discontinued. Conclusions: Taken together, our data strongly suggest that PLX3397 is superior to imatinib in the treatment of MPNSTs, and the combination of PLX3397 with a TORC1 inhibitor could provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 20(12); 3146–58. ©2014 AACR .
Radiologic appearance of primary jaw lesions in children

Background: The jaw (an unusual site of primary tumors in children and adolescents) has lesions often found incidentally by dentists on routine panoramic radiographs or during examination of a child who has swelling or tooth pain. Objective: This pictorial seeks to familiarize pediatric radiologists with the radiographic appearance of a variety of primary jaw lesions. Materials and methods: We retrospectively searched institutional records for cases of primary jaw lesions in children and adolescents. Jaw lesions were characterized as: I, well-circumscribed radiolucent lesions; II, lesions with mixed or variable appearance; III, poorly circumscribed radiolucent lesions; and IV, radiopaque lesions. Results: Although most oral and maxillofacial lesions in children are benign, a broad spectrum of tumors was identified; lesions may occur in patients with unrelated prior malignancy. Conclusion: Because radiologic studies may identify jaw lesions and direct further care, familiarity with the appearance of these entities is prudent.
Evaluating the Relative Performance of Engineering Design Projects: A Case Study Using Data Envelopment Analysis

This paper presents a case study of how Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was applied to generate objective cross-project comparisons of project duration within an engineering department of the Belgian Armed Forces. To date, DEA has been applied to study projects within certain domains (e.g., software and RD however, DEA has not been proposed as a general project evaluation tool within the project management literature. In this case study, we demonstrate how DEA fills a gap not addressed by commonly applied project evaluation methods (such as earned value management) by allowing the objective comparison of projects on actual measures, such as duration and cost, by explicitly considering differences in key input characteristics across these projects. Thus, DEA can overcome the paradigm of project uniqueness and facilitate cross-project learning. We describe how DEA allowed the department to gain new insight about the impact of changes to its engineering design process (redesigned based on ISO 15288), creating a performance index that simultaneously considers project duration and key input variables that determine project duration. We conclude with directions for future research on the application of DEA as a project evaluation tool for project managers, program office managers, and other decision-makers in project-based organizations
Surge Capacity for Response to Bioterrorism in Hospital Clinical Microbiology Laboratories

Surge capacity is the ability to rapidly mobilize to meet an increased demand. While large amounts of federal funding have been allocated to public health laboratories, little federal funding has been allocated to hospital microbiology laboratories. There are concerns that hospital laboratories may have inadequate surge capacities to deal with a significant bioterrorism incident. A workflow analysis of a clinical microbiology laboratory that serves an urban medical center was performed to identify barriers to surge capacity in the setting of a bioterrorism event and to identify solutions to these problems. Barriers include a national shortage of trained medical technologists, the inability of clinical laboratories to deal with a dramatic increase in the number of blood cultures, a delay while manufacturers increase production of critical products and then transport and deliver these products to clinical laboratories, and a shortage of class II biological safety cabinets. Federal funding could remedy staffing shortages by making the salaries of medical technologists comparable to those of similarly educated health care professionals and by providing financial incentives for students to enroll in clinical laboratory science programs. Blood culture bottles, and possibly continuous-monitoring blood culture instruments, should be added to the national antibiotic stockpile. Federal support must ensure that companies that manufacture essential laboratory supplies are capable of rapidly scaling up production. Hospitals must provide increased numbers of biological safety cabinets and amounts of space dedicated to clinical microbiology laboratories. Laboratories should undertake limited cross-training of technologists, ensure that adequate packaging supplies are available, and be able to move to a 4-day blood culture protocol.
Gradient substrate assembly for quantifying cellular response to biomaterials.

Using quantitative fluorescence microscopy in conjunction with a method of gradient substrate assembly established in their group, the authors were able to introduce and measure reproducible changes in cellular morphology and cell density by manipulating polymer grafting density. The mechanism behind this change in cellular behavior was explained by a semiempirical, geometric model that describes the effect of the spatial distribution of the polymer on protein attachment. A 10-fold increase in graft density of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [PHEMA] along the surface of a gradient sample, preexposed to bovine fibronectin, caused a change in the size of fibroblasts on the surface (i.e., cell spreading) from (1238 ± 704) to (377 ± 216) μm2. The results were in quantitative agreement with those obtained on three separate gradient samples. Both cellular response and fibronectin adsorption (as measured via ellipsometry) were found to vary sigmoidally with graft density of PHEMA, demonstrating the high degree of correlation between the two phenomena. A simple, rigid-disk model accounting for the surface coverage of PHEMA was able to predict the amount of adsorbed fibronectin with a correlation coefficient of 0.97. Maximal cell adhesion and cell spreading were found to occur at fibronectin surface densities of 50 and 100 ng/cm2, respectively. The results demonstrate the role of gradient substrate assembly as a method for quantifying the relationship between protein and cellular response to technologically relevant polymeric materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Online policy iteration based algorithms to solve the continuous-time infinite horizon optimal control problem

In this paper we discuss two online algorithms based on policy iterations for learning the continuous-time (CT) optimal control solution when nonlinear systems with infinite horizon quadratic cost are considered.
Aggregation and the estimated effects of economic conditions on health

This paper considers the relationship between economic conditions and health with a focus on different approaches to geographic aggregation. After reviewing the tradeoffs associated with more- and less-disaggregated analyses, I update earlier state-level analyses of mortality and infant health and then consider how the estimated effects vary when the analysis is conducted at differing levels of geographic aggregation. This analysis reveals that the results are sensitive to the level of geographic aggregation with more-disaggregated analyses-particularly county-level analyses-routinely producing estimates that are smaller in magnitude. Further analyses suggest this is due to spillover effects of economic conditions on health outcomes across counties.
Influence of surfaces on the dielectric properties and leakage currents in paraelectric (pb0.72la0.28)tio3 thin films

Abstract In the voltage range of 0–30 V, dielectric and leakage current density (JL ) behavior were studied in paraelectric (Pb,La)TiO3 or PLT thin films (0.1 −0.36 μm) with bulk resistivity of 5.6×108 Ω-cm. With Pt electrodes, the properties were found to be contact dominated. With both top and bottom Pt electrodes, the interfacial capacitance (Ci and the built-in voltage (Vbi ) of the Schottky barrier were 380 pF and 1.3 V, respectively. A log-log plot of JL vs V exhibit slope of ∼1 and 9, respectively, in the range of V<10 and 10<V<30. In the former voltage regime, the spatial dependence of the space charge density and therefore the electric field, makes analysis and interpretation of JL behavior nontrivial. Note that a slope of ∼1 may be misconstrued as ohmic behavior. In the 10<V<30 voltage regime, the Schottky emission expression was modified to account for the interfacial space charge layer widening with voltage. A linear ln JL vs V1/4 plot coupled with a Schottky barrier potential of 1.5 V, indica...
Bipolar II disorder in six sisters.

Abstract Several studies have suggested the utility of separating the type II (BPII) from type I bipolar affective disorder (BPI). The data supporting this suggestion include differences in the course of BPII illness, poorer response of BPII to medications, the higher frequency in BPII patients of non-affective co-morbidity and an increased risk of BPII disorder among relatives of BPII patients. This report of a family in which six sisters and several other family members share the disorder further supports the suggestion that BPII disorder ‘breeds true’, at least in some families. Since the diagnosis of the BPII disorder is relatively unstable, further study will be needed to establish BPII as distinct from BPI and unipolar disorders. Among others, molecular genetic methods will be useful in the resolution of this issue.
American ginseng suppresses inflammation and DNA damage associated with mouse colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a dynamic, idiopathic, chronic inflammatory condition associated with a high colon cancer risk. American ginseng has antioxidant properties and targets many of the players in inflammation. The aim of this study was to test whether American ginseng extract prevents and treats colitis. Colitis in mice was induced by the presence of 1% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the drinking water or by 1% oxazolone rectally. American ginseng extract was mixed in the chow at levels consistent with that currently consumed by humans as a supplement (75 p.p.m., equivalent to 58 mg daily). To test prevention of colitis, American ginseng extract was given prior to colitis induction. To test treatment of colitis, American ginseng extract was given after the onset of colitis. In vitro studies were performed to examine mechanisms. Results indicate that American ginseng extract not only prevents but it also treats colitis. Inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (markers of inflammation) and p53 (induced by inflammatory stress) are also downregulated by American ginseng. Mucosal and DNA damage associated with colitis is at least in part a result of an oxidative burst from overactive leukocytes. We therefore tested the hypothesis that American ginseng extract can inhibit leukocyte activation and subsequent epithelial cell DNA damage in vitro and in vivo. Results are consistent with this hypothesis. The use of American ginseng extract represents a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of UC.
Global diversity of mosquitoes (Insecta: Diptera: Culicidae) in freshwater

Mosquitoes that inhabit freshwater habitats play an important role in the ecological food chain, and many of them are vicious biters and transmitters of human and animal diseases. Relevant information about mosquitoes from various regions of the world are noted, including their morphology, taxonomy, habitats, species diversity, distribution, endemicity, phylogeny, and medical importance.