cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical Mapping in Genomic Analysis

Optical mapping is a system for the construction of ordered restriction maps from single deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules. DNA molecules bound to derivatized glass surfaces are cleaved with restriction enzymes and imaged by fluorescence microscopy. Cut sites are visualized as gaps between cleaved DNA fragments, which retain their original order. Optical mapping offers advantages over electrophoretic methods of restriction enzyme analysis, which require separate techniques for separating cleaved DNA fragments and determining fragment order. Furthermore, small amounts of DNA are required for optical mapping analysis. By determining the existence of these sequence-specific cut sites and the distances between them, a precise landmark map of the DNA sequence can be constructed. Prokaryote and eukaryote DNA can be mapped. Maps can be constructed from both cloned DNA and genomic DNA. Restriction maps can be constructed for whole genomes by overlapping maps derived from individual molecules. Such maps provide a useful scaffold for accurate alignment of sequence contigs generated by a shotgun sequencing approach and a means of comparing populations and strains.
Knowledge-Derived Categorization in Young Children

This paper proposes that young children’s inability to categorize in a taxonomic or class inclusion manner is a function of (A) their available knowledge and (B) the representation of that knowledge. Young children’s failure is not necessarily (C) a problem of access (see Gelman, 1978 for a review), nor (D) the lack of a hierarchical representation (Harris, 1975), nor (E) the lack of a particular classification skill (Inhelder and Piaget, 1964).
A Composite Model of Microstructural Evolution in Austenitic Stainless Steel Under Fast Neutron Irradiation

A rate-theory-based model has been developed which includes the simultaneous evolution of the dislocation and cavity components of the microstructure of irradiated austenitic stainless steels. Previous work has generally focused on developing models for void swelling while neglecting the time dependence of the dislocation structure. These models have broadened our understanding of the physical processes that give rise to swelling, e.g., the role of helium and void formation from critically-sized bubbles. That work has also demonstrated some predictive capability by successful calibration to fit the results of fast reactor swelling data. However, considerable uncertainty about the values of key parameters in these models limits their usefulness as predictive tools. Hence the use of such models to extrapolate fission reactor swelling data to fusion reactor conditions is compromised.
A Review of “The Historical Origins of Terrorism in America, 1644–1880”

The history of every long-extant polity includes a multitude of historical events that are so obscure that even most of its well-educated citizens are, at most, dimly aware of them. The reason for ...
The Value Relevance of Financial Statements in Private Equity Markets

This study explores the value relevance of financial statements in private equity markets, and compares the value relevance of financial statements to that of non-financial statement information within and across private and public equity markets. For a sample of U.S. biotechnology firms, I find that financial statements are highly value relevant in private equity markets, and that the signs of the associations between equity values and financial statement data are similar to those in public equity markets, despite significant structural differences between the two markets. I also find that the value relevance of financial statements increases as firms mature, which I attribute to financial statements capturing the increasing intensity of assets in place relative to future investment options as firms mature. I also observe that the value relevance of non-financial statement information decreases as firms mature. In a dynamic sense, financial statements and non-financial statement information of biotech companies are information substitutes in valuation, not complements.
cAMP Up-Regulates Cell Surface Expression of Lymphocyte CXCR4: Implications for Chemotaxis and HIV-1 Infection

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 mediates lymphocyte chemotaxis in response to stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and functions as a coreceptor for T cell-tropic strains of HIV-1. We examined the role of the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway in regulating expression of CXCR4. In response to exogenous dibutyryl cAMP or cAMP-inducing ligands, cell surface expression of CXCR4 was increased by up to 10-fold on CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMC and by up to sixfold on unstimulated PBMC. cAMP did not alter receptor mRNA levels or affect the size of the total CXCR4 pool. However, cAMP did significantly reduce CXCR4 internalization rates and thereby increased the fraction of the total CXCR4 pool expressed on the cell surface. cAMP-induced increases in CXCR4 expression counteracted SDF-1-induced receptor internalization and enhanced both chemotactic response to SDF-1 and cellular vulnerability to HIV-1 infection. Thus, altered chemokine receptor expression may provide one mechanism by which cAMP-inducing ligands influence lymphocyte localization and HIV pathogenesis.
Dynamic Assignment-Simulation Methodology for Multimodal Urban Transit Networks

This paper presents an integrated transit assignment-simulation tool. Finding least cost hyperpaths in a large-scale network and assigning travelers onto these paths are computationally challenging problems. Moreover, modeling the spatial and temporal complexities in a transit network that result from the discontinuities in transit events, such as missing a connection and not receiving a seat, exacerbates the issue of capturing realism. These challenges are overcome by (a) using a least cost hyperpath algorithm that captures the multimodal, multipattern, time-, and approach-dependent features of a transit network to provide realistic optimal strategies; (b) using a gap-based assignment approach to reach fast convergence; and (c) developing a multiagent particle simulation platform that is able to capture the heterogeneities and the discontinuities in travel. The platform was tested on the Chicago Transit Authority network of 14,000 nodes and 64,000 links; 1.25 million travelers were assigned and simulated...
Highway to reform: The coupling of district reading policy and instructional practice

This article presents findings on teachers’ implementation of a reading reform in an urban school district. Findings are based in observation, interview, and document data related to 12 elementary teachers’ responses to a new reading program, the Teachers College Reading and Writing Workshop. Utilizing coupling theory and the concept of routines, the paper presents a nuanced portrayal of classroom-level policy implementation. The paper depicts mini-lessons, independent reading, conferencing, and instructional materials as building blocks of the new reading program, and I expose the intensity of messaging on each of these elements. I use Qualitative Comparative Analysis to analyze teachers’ routines for reading instruction and show that independent reading was a common foundational step in teachers’ workshop routines. This analytic technique answers questions about the combinations of conditions resulting in mini-lesson instruction. This paper extends the research on the implementation of instructional policy and has implications for policymakers, administrators, and teachers.
Enhanced retention for the distal extension-base removable partial denture using a heat-cured resilient soft liner

Replacement of the conventional heat-cured acrylic resin with a soft durable liner in the retromylohyoid eminence areas allows the patient to manipulate the distal extension-base mandibular RPD into place without traumatizing the soft tissue. With maximum coverage of the edentulous ridges, the semiflexible flange minimizes food entrapment and improves the retention and stability of the RPD. The procedure can be accomplished during the initial processing of the RPD or when relining the prosthesis. We have also used the technique for overdentures and for improving retention in the maxillary anterior extension-base RPD where anterior clasping was not esthetic or was insufficient.
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP AND APPEASEMENT: LIBERAL POLICY TOWARDS AMERICA IN THE AGE OF PALMERSTON

There was constant tension between Britain and the United States from 1840 to 1865. The Liberals, who dominated British government during this period, had no doubt why: American governments, pandering to the democratic mob, provoked crises with Britain for domestic electoral purposes. They did this by encouraging acts of aggression or provocation by American citizens, and by threatening and bullying the British government, in order to get their way on issues of contention. Furthermore, they succeeded, even though Britain's leaders usually thought either that right was clearly on the British side or was sufficiently ambiguous to justify greater concessions by the Americans than were finally secured. This policy of appeasing the United States was forced on Liberal governments because their middle-class constituency perceived a ‘special relationship’ between the two countries, based on blood, religion, liberal traditions, and trade. They would not contemplate the threat of war with the United States, and since no important British interest was involved, the British government usually gave way. When it did not, as during the Trent affair, the British interest was to prevent further crises.
Evidence for a C-2→C-1 intramolecular hydrogen-transfer during the acid-catalyzed isomerization of D-glucose to D-fructose ag]☆☆☆

Abstract In mechanistic studies by isotope-exchange tecniques of the conversion of D -fructose and D -glucose into 2-(hydroxyacetyl)furan, it was shown that both sugars are converted in acidified, tritiated water into the furan containing essentially no carbon-bound tritium. As the hydroxymethyl carbon atom of the furan corresponds to C-1 of the hexose, this result suggests that one of the hydrogen atoms in this group, when it is produced from D -glucose, must arise intramolecularly. This hypothesis was verified by synthesizing D -glucose-2- 3 H and converting it into the furan in acidified water. The 2-(hydroxyacetyl)furan obtained was labeled exclusively on the hydroxymethyl carbon atom, thus showing that intramolecular hydrogen-transfer occurs, during the conversion, from C-2 of D -glucose to the carbon atom corresponding to C-1. The specific activities of the product and reactant permitted calculation of the tritium isotope-effect ( k h /k t 4.4) for the reaction. The precise step for the transfer from C-2 of the aldose to the carbon atom corresponding to C-1 was found to be during the isomerization of D -glucose to D -fructose, as evidenced by the conversion of D -glucose- 2 - 3 H into D -fructose- 1 - 3 H in acidified water.
PALEOREFUGIA AND NEOREFUGIA: THE INFLUENCE OF COLONIZATION HISTORY ON COMMUNITY PATTERN AND PROCESS

Two types of biological refugia (habitats that support populations not able to live elsewhere in a landscape) can be defined from relative refugium age as compared to surrounding matrix age; paleorefugia are now-fragmented relicts of a formerly widespread matrix community, whereas neorefugia have formed more recently than the matrix. This difference should make extinction a relatively more important process in determining species occurrence in paleorefugia, whereas immigration should be relatively more important in neorefugia. Based on these differences, a series of eight a priori predictions relating to the diversity and distribution patterns for the biota of such sites can be generated: (1) the slope of the species–area relationship, and amount of variance explained by it, should be greater in paleorefugia as compared to neorefugia; (2) the negative relationship between habitat isolation and species richness should be stronger in neorefugia as compared to paleorefugia; (3) species richness should be exp...
The Trouble with Learning Objects

Object-oriented instructional design (OOID) offers the promise of universal access to online instructional materials, increased productivity among trainers and educators, and solutions for individualizing learning. However, it is unclear whether it can fulfill these promises to the degree many envision. As with every new instructional technology, it is easy to become overoptimistic about learning objects, but problems of education are always more complex than technology alone can solve. In this article, I take a critical look at the proposed benefits of learning objects described in the published literature, particularly scalability andadaptability. I also look at both the difficulties in defining the term learningobject and the limitations of metaphors used to describe the concept, and concludes with propositions for learning object usage.
{pi}- and K-meson Bethe-Salpeter amplitudes

Independent of assumptions about the form of the quark-quark scattering kernel $K$, we derive the explicit relation between the flavor-nonsinglet pseudoscalar-meson Bethe-Salpeter amplitude ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{H}$ and the dressed-quark propagator in the chiral limit. In addition to a term proportional to ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{5}$, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{H}$ necessarily contains qualitatively and quantitatively important terms proportional to ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{5}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\cdot}P$ and ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{5}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\cdot}\mathrm{kk}\ensuremath{\cdot}P$, where $P$ is the total momentum of the bound state. The axial-vector vertex contains a bound state pole described by ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{H},$ whose residue is the leptonic decay constant for the bound state. The pseudoscalar vertex also contains such a bound state pole and, in the chiral limit, the residue of this pole is related to the vacuum quark condensate. The axial-vector Ward-Takahashi identity relates these pole residues, with the Gell-Mann--Oakes--Renner relation a corollary of this identity. The dominant ultraviolet asymptotic behavior of the scalar functions in the meson Bethe-Salpeter amplitude is fully determined by the behavior of the chiral limit quark mass function, and is characteristic of the QCD renormalization group. The rainbow-ladder Ansatz for $K$, with a simple model for the dressed-quark-quark interaction, is used to illustrate and elucidate these general results. The model preserves the one-loop renormalization group structure of QCD. The numerical studies also provide a means of exploring procedures for solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation without a three-dimensional reduction.
Encounters at Checkpoints: A Longitudinal Study of a Group of Israeli and a Group of Palestinian Children

This paper is a report on a longitudinal interview study of a group of Israeli and a group of Palestinian children. Each of these quotations comes from (now) young adults we have known for many years who are among the most outspoken advocates for a peaceful resolution. Each of them continues to experience considerable struggle and suffering internally and with their peers and their families, to arrive at a personal position on the conflict. We have been privileged to know something about the nature of their personal struggles and their familial and social context.
A note on the frequency-response design technique for multirate digital controllers

A frequency-response design technique is presented for multirate digital controllers that does not require the system to be low pass with respect to the slow-rate sampling frequency.
Ion broadening of Ar i lines in a plasma

We have measured the profiles of plasma-broadened, slightly red-shifted spectral lines of neutral argon with a wall-stabilized arc and performed a detailed line-shape analysis with a computerized data acquisition and processing system. According to Stark broadening theory, isolated lines of neutral atoms in dense plasmas are broadened mostly by electron impact, which results in symmetric Lorentzian profiles. An additional small broadening contribution, which is asymmetric in nature, is due to the plasma ions. This difference in symmetries provides the possibility of separating ion broadening effects from the electron broadening. In full agreement with the quasistatic theory of ion broadening, our experiment shows asymmetry patterns with characteristic minima and maxima near the central part of the lines. While the positions of these extrema---as well as the zero crossing point---stay essentially constant for all lines when compared on a reduced wavelength scale, the amplitudes of the extrema vary from line to line. Measurements of the amplitudes thus allow, by comparison with theoretical asymmetry patterns, the determination of ion broadening parameters.
Chaotic but Popular? Extreme-Right Organisation and Performance in the Age of Media Communication

A notable strain in the literature suggests that party organisation has a net causal effect on the electoral performance of extreme-right parties. This view rests on a somewhat fuzzy definition and static conceptualisation of party organisation. Moreover, this organisational exegesis fails to fully acknowledge the impact of media communications on modern parties. The analysis of the evolution of the French National Front and the consideration of other extreme-right party trajectories casts doubt on conventional accounts of organisational effects pointing to various venues for future research. Party organisation does not affect how parties perform at the ballot box during their earlier phase of development but seems to explain why some parties survive their initial electoral breakthroughs while others collapse. The media can help parties overcome their early organisational deficiencies, but can also undermine future organisational growth.
Longitudinal chlorine substituent effects on dibenzodioxin molecular geometry by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Abstract Molecular geometry and ether linkage asymmetric stretching frequencies in chlorinated dibenzodioxins are affected by three types of nonbonded longitudinal substituent interactions with the ether linkage. These nonbonded interactions tend to outweigh the opposing effects of laterally stabilized ether linkage (COC) delocalizations in the determination of resultant COC bond angles.
The validity of rodent brain-ischemia models is self-evident

The pointof contention implicit in the title of this article would, at first glance, appear to have little basis in reality. To challenge the validity of rodent studies of brain ischemia would seem on a par, for example, with questioning whether primate kidney cell cultures are a valid model for cultivating the human poliomyelitis virus. 1 A vast body of scientific literature spanning more than 3 decades attests to the utility of the rodent brain in modeling ischemic-anoxic injury. 2 Certain truths deserve emphasis here. As discomfiting as this may appear to certain members of our highly evolved species, it is nonetheless firmly established that there is a very high degree of genetic homology between humans and rodents. 3 Thus, the use of rodents to study genes, messages, enzymes, second messengers, receptors, and neurotransmitters would be expected to lead to insights more relevant than not to the human brain.
Sensing pathogens and tuning immune responses

The immune system is capable of making qualitatively distinct responses against different microbial infections, and recent advances are starting to reveal how it manages this complex task. An integral component of the immune system is a network of cells known as dendritic cells (DCs), which sense different microbial stimuli and convey this information to lymphocytes. A better understanding of DC biology has allowed a model to be constructed in which the type of immune response to an infection is viewed as a function of several determinants, including the subpopulation of DCs, the nature of the microbe, microbe recognition receptors, and the cytokine microenvironment.
Some results on the kernel of a set

A set S in a linear space is said to be star-shaped relative to a point a if, for every N E S, the line segment [a, x] = {ha + (1 h) x: 0 < X < l} is a subset of S. The set of all points relative to which S is star-shaped is called the kernel of S and is denoted S*. Brunn [2] showed that the kernel S* is a convex set; see, e.g., Valentine [G, Theorem 1.21. We accept the possibility that S* is empty. Recently, Bryant [3] generalized Brunn’s result to associative geometries and at the same time provided a simple proof. The purpose of this paper is to prove that the kernel of a set is precisely the intersection of all maximal convex subsets of S. Such a result has been proved for linear spaces by Toranzos [5]. We do this for spaces which are more general than linear spaces but more restrictive than associative geometries. We also show that the family which produces the kernel through an intersection can be made smaller than the family of all maximal convex subsets. This last result is then applied to linear topological spaces.
High-speed LiNbO3 modulator for W-band millimeter-wave detection

We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of high-speed LiNbO3 modulator for the millimeter-wave (MMW) detection system at W band covering atmospheric window at 94 GHz. The LiNbO3 modulator is used to convert the collected MMW power into optical frequency, and hence predominantly determines the system sensitivity. The high sensitivity of detection requires the modulator a broad-band response and a small driving voltage. The ridged traveling-wave structure has been used in the modulator design. The effects of velocity matching, impedance matching, and MMW attenuations in this structure on the device's MMW conversion efficiency are investigated. A numerical model has developed to optimize the device geometric parameters and the fabrication processes. The fabricated modulator achieved the 3-dB optical bandwidth of 67 GHz and the conversion efficiency of ~0.7 W-1 at 94 GHz. The detection pixel based on it has shown a high sensitivity with a noise equivalent temperature difference of ~6 K at a refreshing rate of 30 Hz.
The spread of glioblastoma multiforme as a determining factor in the radiation treated volume.

Abstract The information that available diagnostic tests and surgical exploration present often is inaccurate in determiafng true tumor extent in glioblestomas. The necessity of knowing the exact tumor extension before radiation portals are employed is evident in the additional information obtained at autopsy on the subclinical spread patterns of these tumors. The autopsy findings of 43 patients with glioblastoma multiforme who died shortly after the establishment of the diagnosis, constitute the basis of this report. Over 80% of all glioblastomas spread either by contiguity or seeding. Supratentorial tumors usually spread in an anterior-posterior direction; however, crossing over to the opposite hemisphere was seen frequently in the area of the corpus callosum and the thalamus. Infratentorial tumors yielded a 50% incidence of spinal seeding. Two primary spinal cord glioblastomas invaded the intracranial content as well as the entire cord. Whole brain irradiation with generous boosting fields are recommended for the management of these tumors and in selected cases, cranio-spinal irradiation.
High resolution magic angle spinning NMR investigation of silk protein structure within major ampullate glands of orb weaving spiders

Spider silks display some of the most impressive mechanical properties of known fibrous materials. However, a molecular level understanding of how spiders store and convert the highly concentrated protein-rich fluid in the gland to an insoluble super fiber at the spinneret remains unanswered. In this report, we demonstrate the utility of High-Resolution Magic Angle Spinning (HR-MAS) NMR spectroscopy to study the molecular structure of the proteins within excised major ampullate (MA) glands from two orb weaving spiders, Nephila clavipes and Argiope aurantia. The spiders were fed various 13C-enriched amino acids to target different regions of the proteins and enable multi-dimensional, multinuclear HR-MAS NMR experiments. Comparisons are made between these HR-MAS results on MA glands and previous solid-state NMR data on spider dragline silk. The conformation-dependent 13C and 1H isotropic chemical shifts obtained in this study indicate that both dragline silk proteins, major ampullate spidroin 1 (MaSp1) and 2 (MaSp2), are present in a random coil conformation in the MA gland prior to fiber formation for both spider species.
Field test of the reproducibility of the semiflexed metatarsophalangeal view in repeated radiographic examinations of subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Objective To estimate the reproducibility of the semiflexed metatarsophalangeal (MTP) view in repeat radiographic examinations of the knee of subjects with osteoarthritis (OA) with respect to radioanatomic alignment of the medial tibial plateau and the central x-ray beam and the precision of measurements of minimum medial tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW). Methods Thirty-eight subjects with definite knee OA underwent 2 semiflexed MTP examinations on the same day. Radioanatomic alignment of the medial tibial plateau and the x-ray beam (distance between anterior and posterior margins of the plateau) was measured manually (Lequesne method). Manual measurements of the JSW in repeat radiographs also were obtained. The reproducibility of JSW measurements was estimated by the method of Bland and Altman. Results Only 29% of the initial semiflexed MTP radiographs exhibited satisfactory radioanatomic alignment (intermargin distance ≤1 mm). However, intermargin distances in initial and repeat radiographs were highly correlated (r = 0.86, P< 0.01). In 89% of knees, the intermargin distance in the first examination was reproduced (±1 mm) in the second examination. The standard error of measurement (mean of within-knee standard deviations of repeat JSW values) was 0.30 mm. The magnitude of discrepancy between repeat measurements of JSW was related positively to overall radiographic severity of knee OA (P< 0.05). Conclusion The semiflexed MTP protocol affords highly reproducible radioanatomic positioning of the knee, although misalignment of the medial tibial plateau and the x-ray beam occurs in >70% of cases. Precision of measurement of JSW in the semiflexed MTP view approaches that associated with fluoroscopically assisted positioning protocols. However, the consequences of poor, albeit reproducible, alignment of the knee in serial semiflexed MTP radiographs in longitudinal studies of OA progression are currently unknown.
Math-Kitecture at PS 88

“Math-Kitecture” is a program for integrating computer, mathematics and architecture into the elementary level curriculum, demonstrated by by fourth and fifth grade students in New York’s Public School 88.
An evaluation of cervical cancer in women age sixty and over

Abstract Objective To assess prior cervical cancer screening, stage at time of diagnosis and outcome in women sixty years of age and over with cervical cancer. Methods A retrospective review of cervical cancer patients evaluated at the University of Washington identified a cohort of women age sixty and older with cervical cancer diagnosed between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 2003. Electronic medical records and the University of Washington Tumor Registry were reviewed for age, ethnicity, cervical cancer risk factors, pathology, treatment, and outcome. Results Six hundred forty-five women with cervical cancer were identified. One hundred (15.5%) women were age 60 or older with a median age of 64 years. At time of diagnosis, 41 were early stage (1A1–1B1) and 59 were advanced stage (1B2–4B). Length of time from last Pap smear significantly correlated with stage. Radical hysterectomy was performed on 29 patients, and 15 received adjuvant treatment. Forty-nine women received primary chemo-radiation, and 22 were treated with primary radiation. Lymph node metastases were identified in 65% of women with locally advanced cervical cancer. At conclusion of the study period, 80% were alive. Stage and time since last Pap smear correlated with overall outcome. Conclusions Women 60 and older make up a significant proportion of cervical cancer patients, often fail to receive screening, present with locally advanced disease, and tolerate standard treatment protocols. Careful consideration of these findings should be made when establishing Pap smear screening guidelines for this population of women.
Interannual co‐variability of tropical temperature and humidity: A comparison of model, reanalysis data and satellite observation

[1] We use a 20-year record of HIRS radiance measurements to evaluate the fidelity of interannual co-variability of tropical humidity and temperature in the reanalyses and GFDL AM2 simulations. Large inconsistencies between the NCEP and ECMWF reanalyses are found as are disagreements between the reanalyses and AM2 simulations. The largest discrepancies occur in the middle and upper troposphere where the NCEP and ECMWF tropical-mean relative humidity anomalies are found to be negatively correlated. When compared to HIRS dataset, NCEP is found to have unrealistically large interannual variablity in both the upper (6.7 μm) and middle (7.3 μm) tropospheric humidity channels. The radiance anomalies simulated from AM2 model output are shown to agree well with those observed by HIRS. These results support the validity of the strong coupling between temperature and humidity variations simulated in the GFDL AM2 and highlight the need to improve the representation of interannual variations of humidity in the reanalyses.
Bifacial PNA complexation inhibits enzymatic access to DNA and RNA

We have previously reported that synthetic melamine-displaying α-peptides, termed bifacial peptide nucleic acid (bPNA), can selectively bind thymine-rich DNA into synthetic heterotriplex structures composed of two T-rich DNA strands assembled onto a bPNA strand.[1] When T-rich domains are separated by an intervening oligonucleotide sequence of 4–10 nt, a hairpin triplex stem-loop structure is formed with high affinity (Kd~2 nM). We hypothesized that these high melting complexes (Tm=57°C) would be competitive with protein enzymes whose native substrates are DNA or RNA. Herein we report the effective in vitro inhibition of transcription, reverse-transcription and exonuclease function via the formation of synthetic bPNA-nucleic acid triplex structures formed by folding of DNA or RNA around a single bPNA template strand. These studies demonstrate versatile and selective bPNA targeting of both DNA and RNA substrates with native-like oligonucleotide composition, suggesting possible application of bPNAs as synthetic regulators of nucleic acid function.
Bilateral corneal ulceration in ocular graft-versus-host disease

Purpose To report on corneal ulceration in ocular graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Methods This was a retrospective, observational case series investigating corneal ulceration and perforation in a cohort of ocular GVHD patients seen between June 2007 and October 2012. Results Four of 243 ocular GVHD patients developed corneal ulcerations attributable to ocular GVHD, and all four cases involved bilateral corneal ulceration. The median length of time from the diagnosis of ocular GVHD to the diagnosis of the first corneal ulceration was 317 days (range 168-434). The median length of time between the diagnosis of corneal ulceration in each patient's first and second eye was 248 days (range 9-645). Outcomes varied from complete resolution with medical treatment to corneal perforation necessitating penetrating keratoplasty. In cases of corneal perforation, the median length of time from the diagnosis of corneal ulceration to perforation was 10 days (range 0-20). Common clinical features included: centrally or paracentrally located ulcerations and perforations, concomitant dry eye, and the use of topical or systemic corticosteroids. Conclusion Frequent follow-up and bilateral monitoring are highly recommended in cases of ocular GVHD-associated stromal thinning, as bilateral involvement or rapid progression to corneal perforation can occur.
The diagnostic dilemma of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Abstract Background Given the difference in surgical management between follicular neoplasms and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), we sought to determine the sensitivity of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and intraoperative pathologic study (IP), frozen section and cytologic study, in establishing a diagnosis of follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) and how these techniques impact operative management. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of patients who underwent thyroidectomy for nodular disease between June 1997 and June 2002 identifying patients with a final diagnosis of FVPTC. FNA and IP results were reviewed in this group of patients and correlated with those of final histopathologic study. The sensitivity of FNA and IP was calculated. Results Eighty-two patients had a final diagnosis of FVPTC. Eighty-six preoperative FNAs were obtained in 80 patients, leading to a diagnosis of PTC in 7 (sensitivity 9%). Intraoperative pathologic study was performed in 31 patients with suspicious FNA results, of which 13 were definitive for PTC (sensitivity 42%). Overall, IP was obtained in 42 patients, of which 15 were positive for PTC (sensitivity 36%). Conclusion Although the sensitivity of FNA in establishing a diagnosis of FVPTC is low, FNA identifies patients with suspicious lesions in whom IP is important in guiding operative management.
Interactive Multimedia Planning Support: Moving from Stand-Alone Systems to the World Wide Web

In city planning contexts, hypermedia systems have been demonstrated to be engaging tools that make complex information understandable to those who are not technically sophisticated. This is accomplished through the use of multimedia interfaces that use images, motion, and sound as representational aids. Hypermedia also affords associative linking which allows one to organize and browse related information in a manner similar to encyclopedic cross-referencing. Many of the early applications of these systems have been hampered by computing platform dependence and an inability to form associative links with remotely accessible information. The issue of connectivity with remotely accessible information has recently been addressed through the maturation of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW). This makes it possible for the globally networked community to access this information in an associative manner. In this paper I will reflect on the relevance of the WWW to multimedia-based collaborative planning s...
Market basket analysis visualization on a spherical surface

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the visualization of the relationships in e-commerce transactions. To date, many practical researchprojects have shown the usefulness of a physics-based mass-spring technique to layout data items with close relationships on a graph. We describe a market basket analysis visualization system (MAY) using this technique. This system is described as the following: (1) integrates a physics-based engine into a visual data mining platform; (2) uses a 3D sphericalsurface to visualize the cluster of related data items; and (3) for large volumes of transactions, uses hidden structures tounclutter the display. Several examples of market basket analysis are also provided.Keywords: visualization, association, physics-based mass spring, market basket analysis, spherical surface 1. INTRODUCTION Market basket analysis requires the analysis and mining of large volumes of transaction data for making business decisions.It has become a key success factor in e-commerce. Effective market basket analysis techniques employ association andclustering as methods of analyzing such data. E-commerce transactions often consist of several products (items) that arepurchased together. Understanding the relationships across hundreds of product lines and among millions of transactionsprovides visibility and predictability of product affinity. An example of market basket analysis is that 85%
Partial characterization of the protein and carbohydrate constituents of the egg shell of Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda)

The egg shell of Hymenolepis diminuta is composed of 31.7% protein and 2.9% carbohydrate (by weight), as determined using the Lowry and phenol-sulfuric acid assays and bovine serum albumin and glucose, respectively, as standards. Amino acid analyses of egg shells demonstrated the presence of 16 naturally occurring amino acids and six unidentified residues. Histidine accounted for > 22% of the amino acid residues. Hypochlorite-solubilized egg shells were fractionated using a combination of gel, hydroxyapatite and anion-exchange chromatography, and the fractions were analyzed by isoelectric focusing and gel chromatography. The results demonstrate that the shell consists of a complex mixture of proteins (almost all of which have acidic isoelectric points), glycoproteins and possibly free complex carbohydrates.
Microbes Promote Amino Acid Harvest to Rescue Undernutrition in Drosophila

Microbes play an important role in the pathogenesis of nutritional disorders such as protein-specific malnutrition. However, the precise contribution of microbes to host energy balance during undernutrition is unclear. Here, we show that Issatchenkia orientalis, a fungal microbe isolated from field-caught Drosophila melanogaster, promotes amino acid harvest to rescue the lifespan of undernourished flies. Using radioisotope-labeled dietary components (amino acids, nucleotides, and sucrose) to quantify nutrient transfer from food to microbe to fly, we demonstrate that I. orientalis extracts amino acids directly from nutrient-poor diets and increases protein flux to the fly. This microbial association restores body mass, protein, glycerol, and ATP levels and phenocopies the metabolic profile of adequately fed flies. Our study uncovers amino acid harvest as a fundamental mechanism linking microbial and host metabolism, and highlights Drosophila as a platform for quantitative studies of host-microbe relationships.
Dose-dependent suppression of aqueous humor formation by timolol in the cynomolgus monkey.

SUMMARY The effect of topical timolol on the fluorophotometrically determined aqueous humor formation rate in the cynomolgus monkey was studied. A timolol dose of 2.5, 5, 15, 30, 45, 90, or 180 $mUg was administered as a single topical dose to one eye of five monkeys. Postdrug flow rates were compared with no-drug baselines obtained on separate occasions. Our findings were that (a) topical timolol decreases aqueous humor formation rates in a dose-dependent fashion, with 30 $mUg and 50% flow suppression at or near the top of the single dose-response curve; (b) there is a significant contralateral effect, and only at extremely low doses can treated versus control eye effects be separated; and (c) doses as small as 2.5 $mUg can suppress aqueous formation by a statistically significant 20%. In the monkey, as in the human, timolol is a far more potent suppressor of aqueous formation than is generally realized, and standard clinical doses may in fact be overdoses in both species.
Temporary Balloon Occlusion of the Common Hepatic Artery for Administration of Yttrium-90 Resin Microspheres in a Patient with Patent Hepatoenteric Collaterals

The most common serious complication of yttrium-90 ((90)Y) therapy is gastrointestinal ulceration caused by extrahepatic microsphere dispersion. The authors describe the use of a balloon catheter for temporary occlusion of the common hepatic artery to reverse hepatoenteric flow for lobar administration of resin microspheres when coil embolization of a retroportal artery was impossible. At 9 months after treatment, the patient had no gastrointestinal side effects and showed a partial response.
High performance colour displays for computer graphics

High-performance computer graphics displays for CAD utilize the Shadow-Mask CRT (SMCRT). Factors affecting colour-display quality and ergonomics include beam-to-beam convergence, beamspot profile, resolution, brightness, mask pitch, and image linearity. This paper briefly covers the results of recent experiments on eye fatique and vision. In particular, the effects of beam-to-beam misconvergence and poor spot performance in colour displays. Extensive discussion is given on beam-to-beam misconvergence: What it is, how it is corrected in different SMCRT types, and state-of-the-art techniques for controlling it. Emphasis is given to the digital-processor based convergence system employing feedback (autoconvergence). Also included are considerations given to selection of CRT types for high-performance graphics. CRTs are available with dot, slot, or line screens. There are also inline and delta configuration electron guns. Each combination of screen and gun offers tradeoffs in quality, performance, and cost.
Diastolic Heart Failure: Nomenclature and Pathophysiology

With the advent of cardiac angiography over 40 years ago, ejection fraction (EF) emerged as the preferred index of left ventricular (LV) systolic performance. Despite its limitations, LVEF has stood the test of time as an indicator of the LV pumping function and allows separation of patients with myocardial dysfunction into grades of severity that predict different clinical outcomes. As echocardiography and radionuclide angiography became widely available, LVEF became the single most commonly used indicator of cardiac performance. In 1971, I was a cardiology fellow working at Baylor College of Medicine with Dr. William Gaasch, who was interested in the evaluation of cardiac function and LV compliance. Practicing in a county hospital, we saw a good number of patients with chronic pressure overload lesions such as hypertension and aortic stenosis who presented with a congestive state (dyspnea, high PCWP) but with normal LV dimensions and fractional shortening by echocardiography. This prompted us to do a series of studies evaluating the LV pressure-volume properties in these patients and compare them to patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.1 Our studies were subsequently followed by a large volume of clinical and basic investigations that clearly demonstrated the presence of abnormalities (relaxation, LV diastolic stiffness) in patients presenting with the clinical syndrome of "heart failure" and normal LVEF. In 1988, Kessler introduced the term "diastolic heart failure" to describe a group of patients with a congestive state characterized by normal or near-normal LVEF and absence of progressive LV dilatation.2 By contrast, "systolic heart failure" referred to heart failure associated with dilated left ventricles and depressed EF. This review will cover the issues concerning the use of this terminology and discuss some of the pathophysiologic mechanisms currently in vogue to explain the occurrence of heart failure in the presence of normal systolic pump function.
Effects of heat and gamma radiation on selected substrains of Newcastle disease virus

S>Eight chicken embryo propagated laboratory strains of Newcastle disease virus, defined with respect to the thermostability of their hemagglutinating property were propagated in tissue culture monolayers to determine their cytopathogenic effect in chicken embryo fibroblasts. All strains with the exception of one produced a cytopathogenic effect evidenced by plaque formation. The strain multiplied in the system but did not form plaques. Small, medium, and large plaques were observed in the first passage for all of the substrains. The percentage of large plaques decreased with each subsequent passage of the medium and large plaque isolates. No large plaques resulted from the pas sage of small plaque isolates. After three passages through tissue culture cells, the tissue culture substrains were evaluated for the thermostability of their hemagglutinating, infective, and hemolytic properties. All of the substrains could be placed in either a heat sensitive or heat resistant group. The hemolysin, hemagglutinin, and infectivity were group. The hemolysin, hemagglutinin, and infectivity were inactivated by heat in the order named. The most heat sensitive substrain and the most sensitive of the heat resistant group was derived from the same parent population. The substrains were sub~ected to gamma radiation (Co/sup 60/) and the decrease in titersmore » of the infective property was determined. Exponential inactivation curves were similar for all substrains, indicating that the structure(s) associated with the infective property were similar in size. The fact that the infectivity of the various substrains tested was equally sensitive to gamma radiation but could be placed into two distinct groups with regard to heat sensitivity means that the component(s) of the virus which are affected by heat differ between the resistant and sensitive substrains.« less
On the Active Role of Temperature in Surface-Layer Turbulence

Abstract Orthonormal wavelet expansions were derived and applied to atmospheric surface-layer turbulence measurements of temperature and vapor concentration under unstable and stable atmospheric stability conditions. These expansions were used to investigate both the statistical and spectral structure of turbulence simultaneously in space and scale using two tracers: temperature and specific humidity. It was found that at small wavenumbers, both temperature and specific humidity Fourier and wavelet spectra exhibit a −1 power law behavior consistent with other atmospheric boundary-layer experiments. The mean values of the energy spectrum obtained from the wavelet analysis are in agreement with the classical Fourier counterparts. The wavelet flatness factors (values up to 10) indicate strong deviation from Gaussian statistics in space for the temperature fluctuations as the wavenumber increases. In contrast, the spatial wavelet flatness factor for the specific humidity exhibits near Gaussian statistics (val...
Product life cycle analysis: a goal programming approach

This paper considers the role of Life-Cycle Costing (LCC), Time-Based Competition (TBC), and other relevant goals at the three planning-horizon levels of strategic, intermediate, and tactical with respect to time and cost of products to market in a concurrent engineering environment. A conceptual framework has been developed in which the general areas of LCC and TBC are delineated. Based on the conceptual framework, the specific components of LCC and TBC at each level of planning are developed and presented. Subsequently, a Preemptive Goal Programming (PGP) model is developed. This model uses the components of LCC, TBC, and other relevant goals as the decision variables. Then, a case study of a company that has developed LCC and TBC is considered. The PGP model is then applied to the company's operations by using the actual data obtained from the company in order to capture the essence of the conceptual framework. This example explains and validates the PGP model in practice and provides managerial implications of the solution. Finally, a set of conclusions and an assessment of the results are presented.
Application of X-ray structure factor measurements to graphite intercalation compounds

Abstract We report here two new applications of (00 l ) X-ray scattering intensity data for graphite intercalation compounds, yielding the structure of sandwich intercalates, as in metal chloride compounds, and an estimate of the state index via the l -value at maximum scattering intensity.