cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finding the most interesting correlations in a database: how hard can it be?

This paper addresses some of the foundational issues associated with discovering the best few correlations from a database. Specifically, we consider the computational complexity of various definitions of the "top-k correlation problem," where the goal is to discover the few sets of events whose co-occurrence exhibits the smallest degree of independence. Our results show that many rigorous definitions of correlation lead to intractable and strongly inapproximable problems. Proof of this inapproximability is significant, since similar problems studied by the computer science theory community have resisted such analysis. One goal of the paper (and for future research) is to develop alternative correlation metrics whose use will both allow efficient search and produce results that are satisfactory for users.
Structural Health Monitoring Using Piezoelectric Transducers and Wavelets

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is the process of monitoring and assessing the state of health for aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering infrastructure. SHM offers the opportunity to reduce inspection efforts and optimize maintenance and mission planning. SHM is a highly emerging field of technology. It brings together a variety of disciplines. To stimulate students’ desire for pursuing advanced study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and well prepare them for their future careers, STEM educators need to dedicate their efforts to educate the students with this emerging technology. SHM is a field that requires a significant amount of background knowledge to build upon. At Jackson State University (JSU), four course modules (Smart Materials, Data Acquisition Systems, Lamb Waves, and Wavelet Analysis) have been developed and integrated into an existing course to help undergraduate students gain practical experience and have a firm grasp on this emerging vital tool. After taking the class, several students were selected to participate in a research activity sponsored by the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) at JSU. This paper describes the content covered in the modules as well as summarizes student perceptions of their learning and research experiences.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The Pathophysiology of Insomnia

Insomnia disorder is characterized by chronic dissatisfaction with sleep quantity or quality that is associated with difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings with difficulty returning to sleep, and/or awakening earlier in the morning than desired. Although progress has been made in our understanding of the nature, etiology, and pathophysiology of insomnia, there is still no universally accepted model. Greater understanding of the pathophysiology of insomnia may provide important information regarding how, and under what conditions, the disorder develops and is maintained as well as potential targets for prevention and treatment. The aims of this report are (1) to summarize current knowledge on the pathophysiology of insomnia and (2) to present a model of the pathophysiology of insomnia that considers evidence from various domains of research. Working within several models of insomnia, evidence for the pathophysiology of the disorder is presented across levels of analysis, from genetic to molecular and cellular mechanisms, neural circuitry, physiologic mechanisms, sleep behavior, and self-report. We discuss the role of hyperarousal as an overarching theme that guides our conceptualization of insomnia. Finally, we propose a model of the pathophysiology of insomnia that integrates the various types of evidence presented.
Family forms in historic Europe

Richard Wall in collaboration with Jean Robin and Peter Laslett (eds), Family Forms in Historic Europe (1983) (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, £39.50).
Functional programing and the logical variable

Logic programming offers a variety of computational effects which go beyond those customarily found in functional programming languages. Among these effects is the notion of the “logical variable.” i.e. a value determined by the intersection of constraints, rather than by direct binding. We argue that this concept is “separable” from logic programming, and can sensibly be incorporated into existing functional languages. Moreover, this extension appears to significantly widen the range of problems which can efficiently be addressed in function form, albeit at some loss of conceptual purity. In particular, a form of side-effects arises under this extension, since a function invocation can exert constraints on variables shared with other function invocations. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that determinacy can be retained, even under parallel execution. The graph reduction language FGL is used for this demonstration, by being extended to a language FGL+LV permitting formal parameter expressions, with variables occurring therein bound by unification. The determinacy argument is based on a novel dataflow-like rendering of unification. In addition the complete partial order employed in this proof is unusual in its explicit representation of demand, a necessity given the “benign” side-effects that arise. An implementation technique is suggested, suitable for reduction architectures.
Ion transport and electrochemical tuning of Fermi level in single-wall carbon nanotubes: In situ Raman scattering

The in situ Raman spectroscopy technique was used to investigate the ion transport and to determine the concomitant electrochemical tuning of Fermi level in single-wall carbon nanotubes. The variation of structural bonding in a single-wall carbon nanotube bundle dipped in aqueous alkaline earth halide electrolyte such as CaCl2 with electrochemical biasing was monitored. This is because Raman scattering can detect changes in C–C bond length through radial breathing mode (RBM) at ≈184 cm−1, which varies inversely with the nanotube diameter and the G band at ≈1590 cm−1, varying with the axial bond length. Consistent reversible and substantial variation in Raman intensity of both modes was induced by electrode potential point at the fine and continuous tuning (alternatively, emptying/depleting or filling) of the specific bonding and anti-bonding molecular states. Qualitatively, the results were explained in terms of changes in the energy gap occurring between the one-dimensional van Hove singularities present in the electron density of states, possibly arising due to the alterations in the overlap integral of π bonds between the p orbitals of the adjacent carbon atoms. We estimated the extent of variation of the absolute potential of the Fermi level and overlap integral (γ0) between the nearest-neighbor carbon atoms by modeling the electrochemical potential dependence of Raman intensity. Observations also suggested that the work function of the tube becomes larger for the metallic nanotubes in contrast to the simultaneously present semiconducting nanotubes.
Medical and Ecological Considerations of L-Dopa and 5-HTP in Seeds

IT is well known that 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) occurs in low concentration in mammalian brain serving as the precursor of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin). Furthermore, 5-HTP but not 5-HT can pass readily across the blood-brain barrier so that the physiological effects associated with an increase of 5-HT in the brain may be induced in rats and dogs by the interperitoneal injection of 5-HTP1,2. A recent report indicated that 5-HTP produced improvement in a patient suffering from the Parkinson-like symptoms of chronic manganese poisoning after treatment with L-3,4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (L-dopa) had aggravated his condition3.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 is a key regulator of hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression and vessel density in lung.

Although mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a key deactivator of MAP kinases, known effectors of lung vessel formation, whether it plays a role in the expression of proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hypoxic lung is unknown. We therefore hypothesized that MKP-1 is a crucial modulator of hypoxia-stimulated vessel development by regulating lung VEGF levels. Wild-type MKP-1 +/+ , heterozygous MKP-1 +/− , and deficient MKP-1 −/− mice were exposed to sea level (SL), Denver altitude (DA) (1609 m [5280 feet]), and severe high altitude (HYP) (∼5182 m [∼17,000 feet]) for 6 weeks. Hypoxia enhanced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase, a substrate of MKP-1, as well as α smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression in vessels, respiratory epithelium, and interstitium of phosphatase-deficient lung. αSMA-positive vessel ( −/− lung. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) of all three genotypes were isolated to pinpoint the mechanism involved in hypoxia-induced vascular abnormalities of MKP-1 −/− lung. Sustained phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase was observed in MKP-1-null MEFs in response to hypoxia exposure. Although hypoxia up-regulated VEGF levels in MKP-1 +/+ MEFs eightfold, only a 70% increase in VEGF expression was observed in MKP-1-deficient cells. Therefore, our data strongly suggest that MKP-1 might be the key regulator of vascular densities through the regulation of VEGF levels in hypoxic lung.
Antithrombotic and fibrinolytic factors. A review.

Excessive or nonphysiologic thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis accompanies many diseases. Several specific proteins involved in the physiologic regulation and maintenance of blood in a fluid state are reviewed in this article. Assays for these proteins or evidence of their function (antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, plasminogen/plasmin, tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor I, fibrinogen/ fibrin degradation products, and thrombin/antithrombin complexes) are described. Principles, general methodology, and application in veterinary medicine are discussed. Although most of the investigative work and knowledge concerning these proteins and assays has been in human beings, their use and application in veterinary medicine is becoming more available in research laboratories at referral centers and some larger commercial veterinary laboratories. Use and interpretation of these assays will help clinicians and researchers better understand pathophysiologic processes occurring in various diseases associated with thrombogenesis and excessive fibrinolysis.
Characterization of carbon atomistic pathways during single-walled carbon nanotube growth on supported metal nanoparticles

Abstract One of the outstanding questions about synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes is what is the role and mechanism of carbon diffusion during chemical vapor deposition synthesis. Examination of individual trajectories of all carbon atoms in reactive molecular dynamics simulated growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes on supported nanoparticles identifies carbon atoms involved in surface diffusion, bulk diffusion, and potential carbide formation. We show that transitions between induction, nucleation, and growth are denoted by saturation of the nanoparticle and by changes in the catalytic regime. It is found that nucleation and dissolution may occur simultaneously, with pre-saturation nucleation driven by the low-energy barrier for surface diffusion. It is concluded that for carbon-philic catalysts, induction and nucleation periods are usually governed by bulk diffusion, while the growth period is dominated by surface diffusion. Surface diffusion control during growth is in agreement with successful nanotube growth on metals such as copper and gold, which do not dissolve carbon. In the range studied, C solubility decreases with particle size, and the Ni/C ratios found coincide with stoichiometries of known Ni carbides.
Media-assisted parent training: Alternative models

The investigation assessed the relative effectiveness of five training models designed to teach the skills for administering time-out to children. Sixty parents were randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups: no-treatment control, training via a written manual, training via a film, training via a film plus a brief individual checkout, individual training via modeling and rehearsal, and brief individual training via modeling and rehearsal. Outcome was assessed through a parent-attitude questionnaire and an in vivo demonstration in which each parent role played with a child actor. No differences among models were found in parents'-attitude responses. Measures of parents' actual skills attained showed all models were significantly better than no treatment. A film plus brief individual checkout was superior to all other models, followed by a film alone. The models using a written manual or individual modeling and rehearsal were all significantly less effective than the film plus checkout and equally effective to one another. Results suggest that training films may enhance parents' acquisition of operant conditioning skills and increase therapists' efficiency.
Beyond the Flipped Classroom: Learning by Doing Through Challenges and Hack-a-thons

Traditionally, the inverted (or flipped) classroom has students complete traditional, passive learning tasks (e.g., watching lectures) while at home and uses class time to actualize what is learned through labs, discussions, and exercises. In this paper, we present an instructional model for teaching computer science (CS) that compounds features of the flipped classroom with components of peer instruction and formative assessment. Outside of class, in lieu of a lecture, students worked collaboratively on learning challenges that introduced content through a series of hands-on exercises. During class time, we used hack-a-thons to create an active classroom environment to promote peer coding and cultivate the growth of relevant real-world technical skills. Class work was digitally synced to Google Drive in real-time to allow instructors the opportunity to customize on-the-spot feedback. Further, we used journals as a formative assessment measure to synthesize student interests and opinions into our continued design of the class. In this paper, we describe our pedagogical model and discuss the results and lessons learned from the class using mined data from Google Drive and student journal responses.
Expression, Purification and Functional Reconstitution of Slack Sodium-Activated Potassium Channels

The slack (slo2.2) gene codes for a potassium-channel α-subunit of the 6TM voltage-gated channel family. Expression of slack results in Na+-activated potassium channel activity in various cell types. We describe the purification and reconstitution of Slack protein and show that the Slack α-subunit alone is sufficient for potassium channel activity activated by sodium ions as assayed in planar bilayer membranes and in membrane vesicles.
Nitrocellulose templated hierarchical pore structure in mesoporous thin films

Abstract A novel and simple method for templating hiearchical pore structure in mesoporous ceramic oxide thin films is described.
Outcomes of hysterectomies performed by supervised residents vs those performed by attendings alone.

Objective The objective of the study was to compare the outcomes of hysterectomies performed by residents under supervision of a teaching physician with those performed by attendings alone. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort analysis of hysterectomies performed at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center from 2004 to 2006. Results Of 159 nonteaching and 265 teaching cases, there was no significant difference in any of the surgical outcomes, except mean operating room time in minutes (94.8 [± 47.0] vs 107.4 [± 42.4]; P = .005), seromas (2.5% vs 0%; P = .02), and others (5% vs 0.8%; P = .007) in nonteaching vs teaching cases, respectively. The demographics and comorbidities were similar. The mean operating room time difference of 13 minutes was not clinically significant. Conclusion Although teaching hysterectomies take a bit longer to perform, there were no greater adverse outcomes.
Degeneration of Leydig cells in the skin of the salamander treated with cholinolytic drugs or surgical denervation.

Abstract The skin of the gilled salamanders contains large secretory cells rich in cholinesterase and innervated by unmyelinated fibers of fine caliber. During regeneration of the amputated limb, these Leydig cells reappeared in the fresh skin. Treatment of the salmander with hemicholinium-3 or triethylcholine, but not atropine, prevented return of these cells and induced degeneration of the Leydig cells in the intact limbs. Denervation of the sacral plexus of intact hind limbs also induced degeneration and disappearance of Leydig cells, indicating dependence on a neurotrophic factor. The activity of this factor may be influenced by acetylcholine because treatment of the salamander with drugs that interfere with synthesis of acetylcholine reproduces the effects of denervation.
Cyanide-related changes in cerebral O2 delivery and metabolism in fluorocarbon-circulated rats

Cyanide-induced cytotoxicity is primarily a result of inhibition of O2 uptake by the terminal enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, cytochrome-c oxidase (cytochrome aa3). The oxidase in the brain is highly vulnerable to cyanide cytotoxicity, but few studies have evaluated the effects of cyanide on cerebral oxygen metabolism. In the present study, we measured oxidation-reduction responses of cerebrocortical cytochrome aa3 to cyanide and related changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and O2 metabolism (CMRO2). Accurate measurement of cytochrome aa3 redox state in vivo by reflectance spectrophotometry was accomplished by using fluorocarbon-circulated rats to eliminate spectral interference from hemoglobin. The data indicate that constant intravenous infusions of cyanide caused rapid, progressive reduction responses by cerebrocortical cytochrome aa3 concomitant with increases in CBF of up to 200%. However, CMRO2 was maintained near normal until cerebral O2 delivery began to fall. These cerebral oxidative responses to cyanide may be explained either by redistribution of intracellular O2 supply to mitochondria respiring in an O2-dependent manner or by branching effects within brain mitochondria in vivo.
Reductive Dechlorination of Trichloroethylene: A Computational Study

Vitamin B12 catalyzes the reductive dechlorination of several ubiquitous pollutants including the conversion of trichloroethylene (TCE) to ∼95% cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE) and small amounts of trans-DCE and 1,1-DCE. The origins of this unexpected selectivity were investigated using density functional and coupled-cluster theory. At all levels of theory considered, the initially formed trichloroethylene radical anion is an unstable species. Breakage of one of the three C−Cl bonds during the dissociative process gives the most stable ion complex when the two remaining chlorines occupy a cis geometry. Once formed, the cis-1,2-dichloroethen-1-yl radical is about 6 kJ/mol more stable than the corresponding trans radical and 21 kJ/mol more stable than the 1,1-dichloroethen-2-yl radical. The calculated relative energies can be rationalized by delocalization of the unpaired electron over the nonbonding orbitals of the α-chlorine. The computed geometries of the radicals suggest significant interactions between t...
Uncovering the to-dos hidden in your in-box

In this paper we present SCOUT, an application that examines the machine-generated messages within the in-box of an e-mail application, extracts from these messages information regarding the tasks the recipient is asked to perform, and displays these messages in a graphical interface where they are grouped by context. The tool is intended for business managers who receive daily a large number of machine-generated messages that require some action be taken. SCOUT uses the IBM Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA) framework to apply rule-based reasoning for identification of tasks, and it uses contextual data to customize the presentation of task information to the user. SCOUT's open, extensible architecture allows the use of alternate inference models (such as machine learning algorithms) as well as the integration of additional context sources and client interfaces. SCOUT was well received by the participants in a small evaluation study.
INDUCTION OF CHROMOSOME ABERRATIONS IN ICR 2A FROG CELLS EXPOSED TO265–313 nm MONOCHROMATIC ULTRAVIOLET WAVELENGTHS and PHOTOREACTIVATING LIGHT

— Exposure of ICR 2A cells to either 265, 289, 302 or 313 nm monochromatic UV wavelengths caused the induction of chromosome aberrations with chromatid gaps and breaks being the most common type of aberration detected. Treatment of U V-irradiated cells with photoreactivating light (PRL) resulted in a lower yield of aberrations demonstrating that pyrimidine dimers are involved in the formation of chromosome aberrations induced by the UV wavelengths tested. However, the decrease in the level of aberrations resulting from PRL treatment of 313 nm-irradiated cells was significantly less than for the other wavelengths indicating that non-dimer photoproducts may have played an important additional role in the induction of chromosome aberrations by this UV wavelength.
Potential Role of Naturally Derived Polyphenols and Their Nanotechnology Delivery in Cancer

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in plants, fruits, chocolate, and beverages such as tea and wine. To date, the majority of polyphenol research shows them to have anticancer activity in cell lines and animal models. Some human clinical trials also indicate possible anticancer benefits are associated with polyphenols. A problem with polyphenols is their short half-life and low bioavailability; thus the use of nanoparticles to enhance their delivery is a new research field. A Pubmed search was conducted to find in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical trials done within the past 10 years involving the use of polyphenols against different cancer types, and for studies done within the past 5 years on the use of nanoparticles to enhance polyphenol delivery. Based on the studies found, it is observed that polyphenols may be a potential alternative or additive therapy against cancer, and the use of nanoparticles to enhance their delivery to tumors is a promising approach. However, further human clinical trials are necessary to better understand the use of polyphenols as well as their nanoparticle-mediated delivery.
Amiodarone-induced complications after cardiac operation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The occurrence of unanticipated and seemingly unexplicable major complications of hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac dysfunction after palliative operation for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy prompted a review of 71 sequential patients. Fifty-five patients had been treated preoperatively with β-blockers, calcium-channel inhibitors, or both, and 16 had received amiodarone for six to 566 days (mean time, 210 days) at total doses ranging from 8 to 175 g (mean dose, 82 g) and had drug-free intervals prior to operation of zero to 457 days (mean time, 91 days). Comparisons were made between the two treatment groups and between those with and without major complications within the amiodarone-treated group. Preoperative cardiac studies, sex, age, functional class, and type of operation were not related to outcome for the entire patient cohort. In amiodarone-treated patients, the major findings were as follows: a 50% incidence of hepatic dysfunction with a tenfold increase in concentrations of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase; a 25% incidence of pulmonary dysfunction necessitating a fourfold increase in the number of days of ventilator support; and a 19% incidence of low cardiac output syndrome with two deaths. Only 44% of the amiodarone-treated group had no serious complications. The incidence of major complications of the liver, lungs, and heart was 2%, 0%, and 2%, respectively, in patients not treated with amiodarone. Abnormal preoperative pulmonary function studies were predictive of prolonged postoperative ventilatory support. Discontinuation of amiodarone for several months prior to operation appeared to reduce the incidence of major complications. The necessary drug-free interval required preoperatively could not be determined from this retrospective experience. The recommendations resulting from this analysis are as follows: amiodarone should be discontinued and the operation delayed for as long an interval as possible; any abnormality in liver or pulmonary function studies should delay the procedure; and patients and referring physicians should be informed of the probability of increased complications, especially if the treatment regimen included more than 100 g of amiodarone for 300 days or more. It is concluded that caution must be used when patients who have been treated with amiodarone are being considered for surgical palliation of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Free autogenous graft coverage of vital retained roots

The use of free autogenous grafts to the alveolus during root submergence was shown to be a method that might be used to prevent the loss of masticatory mucosa and vestibular depth, which have been regarded as problems associated with the procedure.
The biosynthesis of thiamine. Conversion of 2-methyl-4-amino-5-formylpyrimidine to 2-methyl-4-amino-5-hydroyxmethylpyrimidine by cell-free extracts of baker's yeast.

Abstract 1. 1. Cell-free preparations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, were shown to catalyze the reduction of 2-methyl-4-amino-5-formylpyrimidine to the corresponding 5-hydroxymethyl derivative, a known intermediate in thiamine biosynthesis. Either NADH or NADPH served as a cofactor. The pH optimum of the system was 6.5–7.0 and the apparent Km for the formylpyrimidine substrate was 3.3·10−4 M. 2. 2. Details of a microbiological assay for the pyrimidine moiety of thiamine, using Escherichia coli Strain M70-17, are described.
Sequence Information from 42−108-mer DNAs (Complete for a 50-mer) by Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Complete sequence information for an “unknown” 50-mer DNA and extensive sequence verification for another 50-mer and 42-, 51-, 55-, 60-, 72-, 100-, and 108-mer DNAs is obtained by electrospray ionization/Fourier transform mass spectrometry that supplies 10−100× higher accuracy and resolving-power data using nozzle-skimmer (NS), collisionally activated, and infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD). In addition to the previously recognized 3‘- and 5‘-terminal (w and a) ions, internal ions (i) and MS/MS/MS of fragment ions provide unique structural information across the DNA. NS dissociation can also yield other new backbone cleavages (forming b, c, d, and r ions) that provide extensive 5‘-end information. These spectra indicate that loss of the base T rarely triggers formation of w, a, or i fragment ions, a correlation of further sequencing utility. Point mutation screening is demonstrated using a modified 50-mer unknown; a 9.04 (theory 9.01) decrease in the molecular weight (Mr) value indicates A → T, whi...
An Assessment-Based Model for Counseling Strategy Selection.

This article presents a counseling strategy selection model grounded in technical eclecticism (A. A. Lazarus & L. E. Beutler, 1993) and based on thorough assessment of the client's problems. Assessment should consider client mental health, counseling goals, problem complexity, and capacity and desire for insight. Distinguishing between simple and complex problems can aid assessment and provide direction for counseling modality selection (L. E. Beutler & J. F. Clarkin, 1990). Behavioral interventions are more appropriate for less complex problems or when capacity or desire for insight is low. Insight-based interventions are more appropriate for more complex problems or when capacity or desire for insight is high.
The agricultural regulatory framework and biomass production.

Abstract This paper examines programs and implementing regulations that provide a framework for the application of agricultural and environmental policy to biomass crop production. Administration of policies and programs is accomplished through Federal agencies including the United States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Corps of Engineers as well as State laws, regulations, permits and local plans and zoning ordinances. Impacts of the various programs and regulations on biomass production depend upon the crop, how it is grown and prior land use on the site. There is reliance on both regulations and assistance programs that provide price and income support, technical assistance and cost sharing benefits that can influence the production of biomass crops. Biomass crop production can promote greater stewardship on farms and woodlots contributing favorably to environmental improvement and use of renewable sources of energy.
An Evaluation of the Use of Sieves for Producing Estimates. Of Radioactivity Distributions with the EM Algorithm for PET

Reconstructions of spatial-distributions of radioactivity produced using maximum-likelihood estimation in positron-emission tomography exhibit noise-like artifacts in the form of sharp peaks and valleys located randomly throughout the image field. These become increasingly apparent with each stage of iteration when the expectation-maximization algorithm is used to produce the maximum-likelihood estimate numerically. In this paper, we present a preliminary evaluation of the use of Grenander's method of sieves to reduce these undesirable artifacts.
Signaling through the ARK tyrosine kinase receptor protects from apoptosis in the absence of growth stimulation

ARK (AXL) is the prototype of a distinctive family of receptor tyrosine kinases which contain in their extracellular domains features reminiscent of cell adhesion molecules. ARK is capable of homophilic binding, which results in a degree of receptor activation, but can also be activated by a heterophilic ligand, Gas6, a member of the family of vitamin K dependent proteins that is preferentially expressed in quiescent cells. Since a number of tissues and cell lines express both ARK and Gas6, we studied the effect of endogenous and exogenous Gas6 on the phenotype of ARK expressing cells. Here we show that constitutive expression of Gas6 in an NIH3T3 cell line that does not spontaneously express this protein does not result in cell transformation or uncontrolled growth, but protects from apoptosis induced by serum deprivation. Recombinant exogenous Gas6 was also capable of protecting cells from apoptosis at concentrations that did not result in significant induction of DNA synthesis. Activation of ARK phosphorylation and a weak but significant induction of MAP kinase activity accompanied the increased survival of cells treated with Gas6. The antiapoptotic effect of ARK signaling was confirmed by studies using fibroblasts from ARK knock-out mice, that showed that the absence of ARK resulted in higher levels of serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, that could not be rescued by the addition of Gas6. Interestingly ARK signaling protects from apoptosis induced by serum deprivation, myc overexpression, or by TNF alpha but not from u.v. irradiation or Staurosporine. These results suggest that a major function of Gas6-ARK signaling is that of increasing cell survival under conditions which do not allow cell proliferation.
Intraocular lens power calculation in eyes with previous hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis

Purpose To establish a corneal correction equation for the Shammas post-hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (Shammas-PHL) formula and to evaluate its accuracy in cases with and without available pre-LASIK data. Setting Private practices, Lynwood, California, and Mesa, Arizona, USA. Design Retrospective comparative observational study. Methods The corrected corneal power (Kc) was calculated in each eye by adding the refractive change at the corneal level to the pre-LASIK keratometric (K) readings. By comparing Kc with the measured post-LASIK K readings (Kpost), the following equation was derived: Kc = 1.0457 Kpost−1.9538. This equation was combined with the Shammas original formula to obtain the Shammas-PHL formula. Results The new formula was evaluated in 18 eyes with previous LASIK data and in 24 eyes with no previous LASIK data. Using the Shammas-PHL formula, the mean arithmetic prediction error was −0.03 diopter (D) ± 0.72 (SD) (range −1.57 to +1.54 D) and the median absolute error was 0.38 D in 18 eyes with available pre-LASIK data and 0.05 ± 0.58 D (range −0.56 to +1.40 D) and 0.43 D, respectively, in the 24 eyes with no pre-LASIK data. Conclusion The Shammas-PHL formula can be used in post-hyperopic LASIK cases whether or not the pre-LASIK data are available. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Content Meets Process: Using Attributions and Standards to Inform Cognitive Vulnerability in Psychopathy, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Depression

Psychopathic individuals' cognitive vulnerability consists of failing to attend to non-dominant cues (Gorenstein & Newman, 1980; Patterson & Newman, 1993). Weargue thatmultiple attributions and standards are activated by a given situation in varying degrees and that attentional capacity is required to use non-dominant attributions or standards. Thus, constraints in processing moderate the content that underlies behavior. More specifically, we discuss how the process-based variable of dominance can inform understanding of aggression in Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and negative affect in depression. Conversely, we use attributions and standards to clarify how the process-based cognitive vulnerability associated with psychopathy results in dysregulated violence, hostile attributions, lack of responsibility, and violation of standards. We conclude that the dimension of dominance, valuable in specifying the psychopathic cognitive vulnerability, has utility in elucidating other cognitive vulnerabiliti...
Grand Challenges for the IV Community

Summary form only given. In this talk we shall discuss the implications of the term "grand challenge" both from the general and the specific perspective. First we shall consider what the major technical and technological problems have been for intelligent/autonomous vehicle developers through the years. What were the "grand challenges" for those who paved the way for intelligent vehicle highway systems? Second, we shall consider the US DARPA Grand Challenges of 2004 and 2005 and the newly announced 2007 urban challenge. What IV problems were solved and will be solved by 2007 in those DARPA programs? We shall finally briefly consider what needs to be further addressed in the future
Thermoresponsive hydrogels from BSA esterified with low molecular weight PEG

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) were reacted in a single-step reaction to synthesize translucent hydrogels with a sol–gel transition at temperatures between 37 and 40°C. Gelation occurred by aggregation of smaller assemblies of BSA–PEG precursors within minutes. The sol–gel transition concentration depended on the molecular weight of PEG only at temperatures below 35°C; above 45°C phase separation occurred and a precipitate formed. Microscopic examination showed the porous structure of the gels. At a fairly low grafting ratio, BSA preserved its native secondary and tertiary structure and maintained its capability for binding and enclosing small molecules. Drug delivery was assessed by a discontinuous method in vitro using 5-fluorouracil. Degradation tests with trypsin confirmed that the hydrogels were biodegradable. This novel material holds promise for biomedical applications as potentially injectable drug delivery vehicle. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40946.
CO/FTIR Spectroscopic Characterization of Pd/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalysts for Methanol Steam Reforming

An as-synthesized 8.8wt% Pd/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst was either pretreated under O2 at 773 K followed by H2 at 293 K or under H2 at 773 K to obtain, respectively, a supported metallic Pd° catalyst (Pd°/ZnO/Al2O3) or a supported PdZn alloy catalyst (PdZn/ZnO/Al2O3). Both catalysts were studied by CO adsorption using FTIR spectroscopy. For the supported PdZn alloy catalyst (PdZn/ZnO/Al2O3), exposure to a mixture of methanol and steam, simulating methanol steam reforming reaction conditions, does not change the catalyst surface composition. This implies that the active sites are PdZn alloy like structures. The exposure of the catalyst to an oxidizing environment (O2 at 623 K) results in the break up of PdZn alloy, forming a readily reducible PdO with its metallic form being known as much less active and selective for methanol steam reforming. However, for the metallic Pd°/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst, FTIR results indicate that metallic Pd° can transform to PdZn alloy under methanol steam reforming conditions. These results suggest that PdZn alloy, even after an accidental exposure to oxygen, can self repair to form the active PdZn alloy phase under methanol steam reforming conditions. Catalytic behavior of the PdZn/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst also correlates well with the surface composition characterizations by FTIR/CO spectroscopy.
Reduced order constrained optimization (ROCO): Clinical application to lung IMRT

Purpose: The authors use reduced-order constrained optimization (ROCO) to create clinically acceptable IMRT plans quickly and automatically for advanced lungcancer patients. Their new ROCO implementation works with the treatment planning system and full dose calculation used at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). The authors have implemented mean dose hard constraints, along with the point-dose and dose-volume constraints that the authors used for our previous work on the prostate.Methods: ROCO consists of three major steps. First, the space of treatment plans is sampled by solving a series of optimization problems using penalty-based quadratic objective functions. Next, an efficient basis for this space is found via principal component analysis (PCA); this reduces the dimensionality of the problem. Finally, a constrained optimization problem is solved over this basis to find a clinically acceptable IMRT plan. Dimensionality reduction makes constrained optimization computationally efficient.Results: The authors apply ROCO to 12 stage III non-small-cell lungcancer(NSCLC) cases, generating IMRT plans that meet all clinical constraints and are clinically acceptable, and demonstrate that they are competitive with the clinical treatment plans. The authors also test how many samples and PCA modes are necessary to achieve an adequate lung plan, demonstrate the importance of long-range dose calculation for ROCO, and evaluate the performance of nonspecific normal tissue (“rind”) constraints in ROCO treatment planning for the lung. Finally, authors show that ROCO can save time for planners, and they estimate that in the clinic, planning using their approach would save a median of 105 min for the patients in the study.Conclusions: New challenges arise when applying ROCO to the lung site, which include the lack of a class solution, a larger treatment site, an increased number of parameters and beamlets, a variable number of beams and beam arrangement, and the customary use of rinds in clinical plans to avoid high-dose areas outside the PTV. In the authors previous work, use of an approximate dose calculation in the hard constraint optimization sometimes meant that clinical constraints were not met when evaluated with the full dose calculation. This difficulty has been removed in the current work by using the full dose calculation in the hard constraint optimization. The authors have demonstrated that ROCO offers a fast and automatic way to create IMRT plans for advanced NSCLC, which extends their previous application of ROCO to prostate cancerIMRT planning.
Developing a Virtual Community to Prevent Teen Substance Abuse: Lessons Learned

ABSTRACT SubstanceAbusePrevention.org, a virtual Community, is a 3.5-year project initially funded by the US Department of Commerce, Technology Opportunity Program. Its purpose was “to determine what proven components of substance abuse prevention in ‘real’ communities can be effectively transferred into ‘virtual’ communities.” Teens in drug treatment helped university researchers translate resiliency-based prevention practices into a Web site that would appeal to their peers. The 24 strategies tested fall in the categories of prevention exercises, games, multimedia, and information. This article describes the development process along with the lessons learned and future directions. The information is useful for those wanting to design and develop interactive Websites that address human service problems.
Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors of School Students (Grades 6 12) in India

A questionnaire of sexual attitudes and behaviors was given to 890 students (397 girls and 493 boys) aged 10–17 years in a public school in New Delhi, India. Students from Grades 6–12 were randomly selected to respond to the questionnaire that included 99 items pertaining to demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding human sexuality and AIDS. Simple statistical analyses (frequencies, t‐tests, and one‐way analysis of variance) were used to compute the results. There were significant gender differences in response to statements measuring attitudes and behaviors, except that both boys and girls strongly agreed with the statement that “sex is OK only if one is married.” There was a lack of reported sexual activity and experimentation. Most boys and girls reported not being attracted to others, using drugs or alcohol, or having sexual intercourse. There were significant differences in response to statements measuring boys' and girls' attitudes and behaviors between Grades 6–9 and Grades 10–12....
General-purpose high-resolution double-channel-cut monochromator for use on the ChemMatCARS insertion-device beamline at the Advanced Photon Source

The high-brilliance radiation provided by third-generation synchrotron x-ray facilities such as the Advanced Photon Source has greatly enhanced the power of such chemical and materials research techniques as x-ray-absorption spectroscopy, surface scattering, small-angle x-ray scattering, and chemical crystallography. In order to take full advantage of these source properties, we propose the development of a general-purpose high-energy-resolution double-channel-cut monochromator based on a similar device developed for nuclear-resonant-scattering techniques by the Experimental Facilities Division at the APS. The instrumentation will be installed at the APS on the ChemMatCARS insertion-device beamline at sector 15. It will be used primarily for valence-specific static and time-resolved chemical-crystallography experiments as well as anomalous- scattering experiments planned for surface diffraction and small-angle/wide-angle x-ray scattering. Two channel-cut crystals placed in a dispersive (-n, +n, +n, -n) geometry provide a fixed-offset beam with an energy resolution (Delta) E/E approximately 10 -5 . Several sets of channel-cut-crystal pairs, designed to cover an energy range from 6 to 35 keV with a matching angular acceptance to the source, are used in conjunction with the beamline high- heat-load double-crystal monochromator.
The effects of day length, hibernation, and ambient temperature on incisor dentin in the Turkish hamster (Mesocricetus brandti)

Dentin is deposited on a circadian basis, and daily layers manifest as bands on the medial surfaces of rodent incisors. Hibernation alters dentin deposition, and a distinct hibernation mark has been described on incisor surfaces of several rodent species; the factors that influence the morphology of this mark are poorly understood. We tested the effects of day length, torpor expression, and ambient temperature on incisor surface morphology in Turkish hamsters housed in one of four conditions: long days (LDs) at 22 °C, short days (SDs) at 22 °C, SDs at 5 °C, and SDs at 13 °C. Body temperature was monitored continuously with implanted radio transmitters, and teeth examined postmortem. Teeth of SD hamsters had narrower, less distinct circadian increments than those of LD hamsters, but the width of ultradian increments was similar in both photoperiods. Hibernation at both 5 and 13 °C was associated in most specimens with very narrow, sharply defined dentin increments and increased tooth heterogeneity. Hamsters in SDs at 5 °C that did not hibernate lacked characteristic hibernation increments. At 5 °C, but not 13 °C, the number and cumulative width of hibernation increments were related to number and cumulative duration of periodic arousals. Our results suggest that incremental deposition of dentin in rodent incisors may be a useful trait for characterizing hibernation behavior in both evolutionary and historical contexts.
Etching Selectivity and Surface Profile of GaN in the Ni, SiO2 and Photoresist Masks Using an Inductively Coupled Plasma

The selectivity and etched surface profile for etching GaN using an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) in Ni, SiO2 and photoresist masks were investigated. The mask etching rates in the Ni, SiO2 and photoresist masks were 26, 70 and 245 nm/min, respectively, for a RF power of 500 W, an ICP power of 600 W and an etching gas ratio of BCl3/Ar/N2=15:5:10 (sccm). A high selectivity of 15 in the Ni mask was found to be higher than that of 5.6 and 1.65 in the SiO2 and photoresist masks, respectively. The best etching surface profile was also obtained in the Ni mask in comparison with the SiO2 or photoresist mask.
Effect of β-xylosides on synthesis of cartilage-specific proteoglycan in chondrocyte cultures

Abstract Monolayer cultures of embryonic chick chondrocytes were incubated with 35SO4 in the presence and absence of 1.0 mM p-nitrophenyl-β-D-xylose for 2 days. The relative amounts of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and free chondroitin sulfate chains were measured following gel filtration on Sephadex G-200. Synthesis of β-xyloside-initiated polysaccharide chains was accompanied by an apparent decrease in chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan production by the treated cultures. The amount of core protein was determined from equivalent numbers of β-xyloside-treated and untreated cells by a radioimmune assay. Similar amounts of core protein were found in both types of cultures, indicating that decreased synthesis of cartilage-specific core protein is not responsible for the observed decrease in overall chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan production.
Very high-speed cross-sectional model for a 147-kbit thin magnetic film memory in the NDRO mode

A cross-sectional model is designed to prove the feasibility of a 147-kbit thin magnetic film memory in the eddy current braked nondestructive readout (NDRO) mode. With the full word, digit, and sense line lengths, the model is operated with drive currents smaller than 400 mA. The write and the nondestructive read word pulses are different in amplitude and duration, but fit the requirements of a high-speed selection matrix. Including the matrix, a nondestructive read cycle time of 20 ns is achieved, yielding sense signals in the order of 1 mV. Word and digit noise compensation schemes are investigated at large duty factors. Bipolar digit pulses are used.