cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LFXtractor: Text chunking for long form detection from biomedical text

In this paper, we propose a novel method to detect the corresponding long forms (LFs) of short forms (SFs) from biomedical text. The proposed method is differentiated from others as follows: it incorporates lexical analysis techniques into supervised learning for extracting abbreviations; it utilises text-chunking techniques to identify LFs of abbreviations; it significantly improves recall. The experimental results show that our approach outperforms the leading abbreviation algorithms, ExtractAbbrev, ALICE and Acrophile and a collocation-based approach at least by 4.8, 6.0, 9.0 and 6.0%, respectively, in both precision and recall on the Gold Standard Development corpus.
Folk-Linguistic Attitudes in Eastern Massachusetts

Folk linguistics attempts to study people’s beliefs and attitudes about language through their metalinguistic statements, usually collected in a naturalistic setting. Data was collected in a semistructured focus group setting with 11 white, middle- and working-class participants from Eastern Massachusetts. Participants spoke freely about linguistic topics. The results showed that the group focused their discussion on the speech of politicians (former Boston Mayor Tom Menino to be exact), linguistic status markers, specific features (r- and g-dropping, broad /a/), regions (local Massachusetts regions and Tennessee), and ethnicity (Black and Hispanic). All topics were introduced by the participants, rather than by the researcher.
The singular function of a surface and physical optics inverse scattering

Abstract It is shown how to recover both the location and the reflection coefficient of a scatterer using only high frequency backscattered data. The result is obtained without use of the far field approximation although a separate identity is derived when this approximation is introduced. This latter result improves upon previously derived physical optics far field inverse scattering identities.
Private property and social costs

This article discusses the widely cherished theme of property rights and externalities, surveying the legal and economic literature that developed around Coase's 1960 article, The Problem of Social Cost. It identifies and appraises the most notable attacks to the Coase theorem and offers an insightful examination of the state of legal and economic scholarship in the wake of Coase's postulate. In revisiting familiar passages, this article shows the pervasive methodological implications of the Coasian approach to property rights and examines the normative and practical significance of the Coasian analysis in various situations of alleged market failure.
Generalised cheater detection and identification

Cheater detection and identification are important issues in the process of secret reconstruction. To detect and identify cheaters most of the algorithms need the dealer to generate and distribute additional information to shareholders. Recently, algorithms have been proposed to detect and identify cheaters. If more than t (i.e. the threshold) shares, for example j (i.e. t < j) shares in the secret reconstruction, then redundancy of shares can be used to detect and identify cheaters. The detectability and identifiability of cheaters are proportional to the number of redundant shares. However, the number of redundant shares, j − t is fixed if original shares are used in the secret reconstruction. So, a threshold changeable verifiable secret sharing (TCVSS) has been developed, which allows shareholders working together to change the threshold t into a new threshold t′ (i.e. t′ < j) and generate new shares; whereas at the same time, maintain the original secret. The verifiability of the proposed TCVSS enables shareholders to verify that their new shares have been properly generated. The number of redundant shares can be changed to j − t′ if new shares are used in the secret reconstruction. Discussion on how to determine the new threshold t′ in order to detect and identify cheaters successfully has also been included.
Gender Matters: The Variable Effect of Gender on the Student Experience.

Linda Sax shares her research findings on the differences between how men and women respond to college.
Properties of anticancer agents relevant to in vitro determinations of human tumor cell sensitivity

The physical properties of 59 anticancer agents have been examined with respect to solubility in tissue culture media, binding to ultrafiltration materials, and molecular absorbance and fluorescence behavior. Methods for dissolving these agents, which are compatible with in vitro sensitivity testing of human tumor cells to anticancer agents, are reported in this paper. The potential for anticancer agent binding to cellulose nitrate/cellulose acetate and teflon membrane ultrafilters was documented, and quantitation of these anticancer agents based upon absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy was performed. Post-filtration quantitation of anticancer agents was found to be a reliable method for determining the actual drug concentrations available in tumor cell sensitivity testing in vitro. The properties documented herein are pharmacologically relevant parameters related to in vitro determinations of human tumor cell sensitivity to anticancer agents.
Biological characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome patients who demonstrated high versus no intramedullary apoptosis.

: Spontaneous intramedullary apoptosis was measured in bone marrow (BM) biopsies of 175 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) using in situ end-labeling (ISEL) of fragmented DNA. Two groups of high (n = 71) versus low (n = 43) levels of apoptosis were identified while 61 patients were ISEL-negative. Semiquantitative assessment of 3 cytokines, the number of macrophages and in vivo labeling indices (LI) were also determined from consecutive sections of the biopsy. Patients with high apoptosis levels tended to have a high LI (p = 0.013), more macrophages in their BM biopsies (p = 0.006) and higher tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels (not significant) compared to patients with no apoptosis. In addition, low risk MDS patients had significantly lower rates of apoptosis (p = 0.047) and lower levels of TNF-α (p = 0.055) compared to high-risk MDS patients. We conclude that the genesis of cytopenias in MDS is of multifactorial origin and that cytokine-associated apoptosis clearly identifies a distinct biological subgroup of patients who may benefit selectively by use of anti-cytokine therapies.
LIBS using dual- and ultra-short laser pulses

Pre-ablation dual-pulse LIBS enhancement data for copper, brass and steel using ns laser excitation are reported. Although large enhancements are observed for all samples, the magnitude of the enhancement is matrix dependent. Whereas all of the dual-pulse studies used ns laser excitation we see interesting effects when using ps and fs laser excitation for single-pulse LIBS. LIBS spectra of copper using 1.3 ps and 140 fs laser pulses show much lower background signals compared to ns pulse excitation. Also, the atomic emission decays much more rapidly with time. Because of relatively low backgrounds when using ps and fs pulses, non-gated detection of LIBS is shown to be very effective. The plasma dissipates quickly enough using ps and fs laser pulses, that high pulse rates, up to 1000 Hz, are effective for increasing the LIBS signal, for a given measurement time. Finally, a simple near-collinear dual-pulse fiber-optic LIBS probe is shown to be useful for enhanced LIBS measurements.
Angels With Dirty Faces: Who Invited Slumdog Millionaire and The Visitor?

Two recent movies, The Visitor and Slumdog Millionaire, exemplify very different ways of dealing with the pains of inequality in modern life. Popular culture celebrates the successes of meritorious individuals from backgrounds of victimization and oppression, but it struggles to find positive themes when social arrangements continue to victimize other meritorious individuals. We may appear to transcend our past inequalities, but we still have present inequalities to struggle against. Similarities to recent political events, the unsettled issues of immigration, the fear of Muslims, and the election of a multiracial President are noted.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Modelling a Heavy-Duty Compression-Ignition Engine Fuelled with Diesel and Gasoline-Like Fuels

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of a compression—ignition (CI) heavy-duty engine fuelled with diesel and gasoline-like fuels. A state-of-the-art engine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool was used to explore the influences of the physical and chemical properties of diesel and gasoline-like fuels (no. 91 gasoline and E10) on spray development, auto-ignition and combustion processes, and pollutant formation. The CFD simulation results were found to be consistent with available experimental measurements, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The results indicate that gasoline-like fuels are able to achieve better premixed charge in CI engines owing to their higher volatility and lower ignitability compared to diesel fuel, which promotes efficient, clean, and low temperature combustion. However, the high combustion pressure rise rate becomes problematic under some circumstances, especially for high octane number fuels, such as E10. Both previous experimental measurements and the present...
Neural Circuitry Associated with Risk for Alcohol Use Disorders

The core features of risk for alcohol use disorders (AUD), including behavioral disinhibition, affective dysregulation, and executive dysfunction, map onto distinct neural circuits that have been found to be abnormal in the offspring of alcohol dependent individuals. Components of the cerebellothalamocortical system and the extended limbic network may provide the underpinnings for the behavioral and emotional dysfunction observed in individuals at heightened risk for AUD. In addition, abnormalities in these structures appear to be altered in individuals with the predisposition for other psychiatric conditions that may share a similar genetic diathesis. This review proposes several neurobehavioral mechanisms of genetic vulnerability that may account for phenotypic characteristics in individuals at risk for AUD.
RNA transport (partly) revealed

Specific mRNAs are transported to dendrites where their translation may modify synaptic plasticity. In this issue of Neuron, Kanai et al. use affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify a large number of new factors that associate with kinesin, a molecular motor, and employ siRNA technology to demonstrate their importance for RNA transport in neurons.
Retroperitoneal cyst and congenital absence of ipsilateral kidney

The case report of a patient in whom a cystic retroperitoneal mass and the congenital absence of the ipsilateral kidney, ureter, ureteral orifice, and trigone is presented. The embryology and literature are noted. We can find only 2 similar cases in the literature.
Single-incision laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: safety and feasibility in a series of consecutive cases.

Background Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) is rapidly emerging in the field of minimally invasive colon and rectal surgery. This report presents the safety and feasibility of performing SILC right hemicolectomy with the SILS™ Port Multiple Instrument Access Port.
Nucleic Acid-based Pathogen Discovery Techniques: Potential Application to Xenozoonoses.

Abstract Pathogen discovery techniques based on detection and characterization of microbial nucleic acids have potential application to the field of xenotransplantation. Techniques such as broad-range polymerase chain reaction and representational difference analysis may make it possible to define the zoonotic flora present within donor animal species to an extent never before possible. This review describes the current practice of these techniques, with an emphasis on the use of these methods for identifying zoonotic agents. Identification of potential pathogens in colony-reared donors may lead to isolation and selective breeding practices that could ultimately eliminate these agents from the donor pool. (Mol Diagn 1996 Sep;1(3):243-254)
Using web frequency within multi-media exhibitions

In this article, we explore the structure of the web as an indicator of popular culture and its use in multi-media exhibits. In a series of art and technology installations, the software agency needs to keep 'grounded' to what people can readily understand. We administered a survey to understand how people perceived word and phrase obscurity related with frequency information gathered from a popular Web search engine. We found the frequency data gathered from the engine closely matched judgments gathered from people. The results of this study point to the new applications of the WWW in art and multi-media exhibits as an indicator of popular culture.
The use of general systems theory as metatheory for developing and evaluating theories in the neurosciences

The general designations of neural systems and their levels of organization as presently applied in the neurosciences are described as being at variance with rigorous systems thinking. It is proposed that the rule-driven use of systems terminology and hierarchies would facilitate investigations of neural functioning in the natural case. General systems theory with its major propositions for hierarchical organization, open systems, and equifinality, is presented as providing the guidelines for developing systems-type theories for neuroscience investigations. General systems theory as metatheory is also used to evaluate hierarchies and systems designations in the neurosciences as these concepts are now applied in theories, models, and research. The metatheory is comprised of three sets of rules: the criteria for hierarchies; the properties of the open biological system; the criteria for the final conditions of open biological systems. The notion of the discovery of neural systems is contrasted with the apparent design of systems as frequently practiced by neuroscientists. The metatheory is summarized as directions for developing theories and as questions directed toward any neuroscience theory proposing levels of organization and systems.
Achieving the promise of digital health information systems

Digitalhealth prophets described how health information systems would pro-vide consumers and providers with relevant, timely, and influentialhealth information to address challenging health issues and enhancehealth outcomes. However, the enthusiastic predictions about theamazing contributions of digital health programs for promoting publichealth has not reached fruition and the great promise of health infor-mation systems has resulted in limited returns.
THEORIES OF REGULATORY IMPACT: THE ROLES OF THE REGULATOR, THE REGULATED, AND THE PUBLIC

Berry reviews the major theories for why legislative intent differs from regulatory output including: (1) theories of commission inadequacy, (2) group theories of political science, and (3) group theories of regulation offered by economists. He reviews the salient literature in each type and concludes that none alone incorporates a sufficient explanation for the wide range of regulatory outcomes. Such an explanation, he maintains, requires an analysis of all three actors, and of the variation in the incentives, resources, and goals of each.
Partitioning of a polymer chain between a confining cavity and a gel

A lattice field theory approach to the statistical mechanics of charged polymers in electrolyte solutions [S. Tsonchev, R. D. Coalson, and A. Duncan, Phys. Rev. E 60, 4257 (1999)] is applied to the study of a polymer chain contained in a spherical cavity but able to diffuse into a surrounding gel. The distribution of the polymer chain between the cavity and the gel is described by its partition coefficient, which is computed as a function of the number of monomers in the chain, the monomer charge, and the ion concentrations in the solution.
On duality in stochastic programming with recourse

This short paper compares dual programs of stochastic programs with recourse. It explains why the discrepancy exists between two such dual programs recently appearing in the literature. An example is presented which illustrates the difference.
Recent advancements in magnetoelectric particulate and laminate composites

Recently, the magnetoelectric (ME) effect—dielectric polarization of a material under magnetic field, or induced magnetization under an electric field—has become the focus of significant research interests. The primary requirement for the observance of said effect is the coexistence of magnetic and electric dipoles. Most of the known single phase materials suffer from the drawback that the ME effect is quite small, even at low temperatures limiting their applicability in practical devices. Better alternatives are ME composites, which have large magnitudes of the ME voltage coefficient. Composites exploit the product property of materials; where the ME effect is realized by combining magnetostrictive and piezoelectric phases that independently are not ME, but acting together (i.e., their product) result in a ME effect. In this review article, we survey recently reported results concerning ME composites, focusing on ME particulate (synthesized via a controlled precipitation technique) and laminated composites. The article also provides a survey of the compositions and magnitudes of the ME coefficients reported in the literature; a brief description of the analytical models developed to explain and predict the behavior of composites; and discuss several applications that are made possible by enhanced ME effects.
Solubilization of membrane receptor for epidermal growth factor.

Abstract The membrane receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been solubilized from A-431 tumor cells using Triton X-100. Operational criteria used to define solubilization include failure of the binding activity to be pelleted after centrifugation at 90,000 x g for 1.5 hrs and the requirement for polyethylene glycol precipitation to detect 125 I-EGF: receptor complexes on membrane filters. Properties of the solubilized EGF are characterized and compared to the properties of the particulate receptor. The specific binding capacity of the solubilized EGF receptor was 8.0 picomoles 125 I-EGF bound per mg protein--approximately 60% of the binding capacity of particulate receptor preparations. Also, solubilization of the EGF receptor resulted in a 10-fold decrease in the affinity of the receptor for 125 I-EGF.
Substrate determines asymmetrical gait dynamics in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis)

Studies of skeletal pathology indicate that injury from falling accounts for most long bone trauma in free-ranging primates, suggesting that primates should be under strong selection to manifest morphological and behavioral mechanisms that increase stability on arboreal substrates. Although previous studies have identified several kinematic and kinetic features of primate symmetrical gaits that serve to increase arboreal stability, very little work has focused on the dynamics of primate asymmetrical gaits. Nevertheless, asymmetrical gaits typify the rapid locomotion of most primates, particularly in smaller bodied taxa. This study investigated asymmetrical gait dynamics in growing marmosets and squirrel monkeys moving on terrestrial and simulated arboreal supports (i.e., an elevated pole). Results showed that monkeys used several kinematic and kinetic adjustments to increase stability on the pole, including reducing peak vertical forces, limiting center of mass movements, increasing substrate contact durations, and using shorter and more frequent strides (thus limiting disruptive whole-body aerial phases). Marmosets generally showed greater adjustment to pole locomotion than did squirrel monkeys, perhaps as a result of their reduced grasping abilities and retreat from the fine-branch niche. Ontogenetic increases in body size had relatively little independent influence on asymmetrical gait dynamics during pole locomotion, despite biomechanical theory suggesting that arboreal instability is exacerbated as body size increases relative to substrate diameter. Overall, this study shows that 1) symmetrical gaits are not the only stable way to travel arboreally and 2) small-bodied primates utilize specific kinematic and kinetic adjustments to increase stability when using asymmetrical gaits on arbo real substrates.
Phorbol esters alter muscarinic receptor binding and inhibit polyphosphoinositide breakdown in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells.

Abstract Many recent reports have indicated that the effect of the phorbol ester tumor promoters is mediated through the Ca 2+ phospholipid dependent protein kinase C. We have investigated the effect of two biologically active phorbol esters, 4 β-phorbol 12 β-myristate 13 α-acetate (PMA) and 4 β-phorbol12 β,13 α-didecanoate (βPDD) on muscarinic agonist binding and receptor-stimulated phosphoinositide breakdown in cultured human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Preincubation of these cells with phorbol esters significantly reduced the carbachol-stimulated breakdown of inositol phospholipids and caused a decrease of agonist affinity for [3H](-)methyl quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H](-)MQNB) binding without affecting the affinity of antagonist to the muscarinic receptor. The nontumor promoting 4 α-phorbol12^β,12 α-didecanoate (αPDD) was ineffective in our studies. These results suggest that the activation of protein kinase C may play an important role in regulating the muscarinic receptor system.
Mössbauer investigation of supported Fe and FeNi catalysts: II. Carbides formed Fischer-Tropsch synthesis

Abstract Mossbauer characterization of iron catalysts following Fischer-Tropsch reaction at 523 °K reveals significant differences in carbide phases formed depending on particle, support, and alloying with Ni. Small iron particles on silica favor formation of the unstable ϵ′ and ϵ carbides. Large iron particles on silica and small particles on magnesia form χ carbide as is normal for bulk unpromoted iron. Alloying iron with nickel in approximately equimolar amounts completely prevents formation of bulk carbides at our reaction conditions, but some evidence exists for formation of surface carbon. The complexity of the metastable Fe/FexC/C system is further exemplified in a series of spectra recorded at intermediate reaction times. These data demonstrate time dependency of carbide phases formed and dependence of the rate of carbide formation on average metal particle size.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in and out of the setting of congenital heart disease

Abstract Background . Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations can occur in a variety of clinical situations, including liver disease, systemic disorders, or after palliation of congenital heart disease, with serious clinical consequences. Methods. We reviewed the potential mechanisms of this condition, diagnostic tools, and clinical management. Results . Contrast echocardiography is an important diagnostic modality, which has been shown to be more sensitive than pulmonary arteriography, especially when rapid contrast injection is used. The finding that pulmonary capillary vasodilation is observed in hepatopulmonary syndrome, in cirrhotic patients, and after congenital heart repair is strongly suggestive that an unidentified hepatic factor is involved in inhibiting the development of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. Conclusions . Prompt detection and treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations is of utmost importance, to prevent serious clinical consequences. It may very well be the case that the etiology of arteriovenous malformations is multifactorial. We are now investigating the role of alterations of gene expression in the vascular remodeling that results in formation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.
Verbal facilitation of paired-associate learning: Type of grammatical unit vs. connective form class

When noun pairs are presented for PA learning in the context of grammatical English word strings, the efficiency of acquisition is greater when the nouns are connected by verbs than when connected by conjunctions. A 2 × 2 design was used to answer the question whether this effect should be attributed to the form class of context connectives or to the difference between phrases (conjunction strings) and sentences (verb strings). The two factors were: connective form class (conjunction vs. verb) and string type (I vs. II). In the case of Type I, the conjunction strings were phrases and the verb strings were sentences whereas in Type II strings, both kinds of connectives were constitutents of complete sentences. The task of learning 12 noun pairs was administered to each of 72 sixth-grade children according to a study-test procedure for a total of two trials. Confirming the importance of connective form class, superior performance was produced by verb connectives regardless of string type. An interpretation of the results in terms of underlying strings is offered.
Implementation of the resistive ribbon technology in a printer and correcting typewriter

This paper describes key technology implementation details and performance characteristics of a printer and typewriter using the resistive ribbon technology. The work describes the first commercial application of this print and correction technology. Key parameters necessary for proper system function such as current, various forces, velocities, and component integration are discussed. The rationales behind various compromises and problem solutions are given. A discussion of the characteristics of the print produced, along with application strengths and weaknesses, completes the paper.
Absorption index and color of colloidal hematite

Abstract A light scattering method is described which permits determination of the absorption index of colloidal particles. This technique requires transmission and scattering measurements but not particle size information provided that the particles are small compared to the wavelength (Rayleigh scatterers). It has been applied to hematite (α - Fe 2 O 3 ) pigment particles over the visible wavelengths. The results were checked by comparing measured values of the Rayleigh ratio for a dispersion of larger particles of known particle size distribution with calculations based upon the newly determined absorption index. The agreement was within the experimental error. When literature values of the absorption index were used in such calculations, there were significant differences from the measured values. Color calculations based upon tristimulus color theory which utilized the new values of the absorption index agreed with qualitative observation of color, both in dilute sols where single scattering predominates and in multiply scattering concentrated sols.
Quark-exchange effects in the three- and four-nucleon systems

Abstract The quark-exchange forces in the three- and four-nucleon systems are evaluated in the context of a QCD-like potential model. As in the two-nucleon system the two-body-exchange color hyperfine interaction is found to be strongly repulsive. Additional effects due to the delocalization of quarks over three or four nucleons are investigated and found to produce small but non-negligible effects on binding energies, effects whose magnitudes, however, are shown to be sensitive to poorly known details of the short-distance features of the nuclear wave functions.
The ivory trade ban: Is it effective?

Abstract This paper examines the effectiveness of the ivory trade ban when producer and consumer states have different incentives to comply with such a ban. The paper distinguishes between two types of producer states: those with stable elephant population and those with declining elephant population. We compare the independent enforcement level of each of these producer states and a consumer state and show the suboptimality of these levels compared to optimal enforcement level that would result from a cooperative effort. The costliness and imperfectness of enforcing constraints on the private taking of elephants creates intergovernmental externalities. Thus, in the absence of binding international law, regulation would have to be supplemented with incentives.
Recruiting and Retaining Black Teachers to Work in Urban Schools

The purpose of this article is to examine teacher preparation from the perspective of novice Black teachers. While all teachers, regardless of race, can be trained to be effective teachers of Black students, Black teachers can be more adept at motivating and engaging students of color. Six Black teachers were interviewed to determine their experiences during teacher preparation and induction. Findings revealed the teachers believed their programs were high quality and prepared them well to teach in urban spaces, but some expressed concern about the swift immersion into the classroom.
Feasibility and validity of the structured attention module among economically disadvantaged preschool-age children

Rooted in the theory of attention put forth by Mirsky, Anthony, Duncan, Ahearn, and Kellam (1991), the Structured Attention Module (SAM) is a developmentally sensitive, computer-based performance task designed specifically to assess sustained selective attention among 3- to 6-year-old children. The current study addressed the feasibility and validity of the SAM among 64 economically disadvantaged preschool-age children (mean age = 58 months; 55% female); a population known to be at risk for attention problems and adverse math performance outcomes. Feasibility was demonstrated by high completion rates and strong associations between SAM performance and age. Principal Factor Analysis with rotation produced robust support for a three-factor model (Accuracy, Speed, and Endurance) of SAM performance, which largely corresponded with existing theorized models of selective and sustained attention. Construct validity was evidenced by positive correlations between SAM Composite scores and all three SAM factors and IQ, and between SAM Accuracy and sequential memory. Value-added predictive validity was not confirmed through main effects of SAM on math performance above and beyond age and IQ; however, significant interactions by child sex were observed: Accuracy and Endurance both interacted with child sex to predict math performance. In both cases, the SAM factors predicted math performance more strongly for girls than for boys. There were no overall sex differences in SAM performance. In sum, the current findings suggest that interindividual variation in sustained selective attention, and potentially other aspects of attention and executive function, among young, high-risk children can be captured validly with developmentally sensitive measures.
Ensuring network connectivity during formation control using a decentralized navigation function

In many applications of formation control, agents coordinate and communicate to make appropriate decisions. Connectivity of the network is paramount in such applications. The goal in this paper is to drive a group of agents with limited sensing capabilities to a desired configuration while ensuring the connectivity of the wireless communication network among the agents. Based on a navigation function formalism, a decentralized cooperative controller is proposed where agent only uses information within its sensing zone to guarantee connectivity maintenance of the network and achieve the desired formation with collision avoidance between themselves and with obstacles in the environment.
Fundamental aspects of wood as a component of thermoplastic composites

In order to utilize wood-based particles and fibers effectively as fillers or reinforcements in thermoplastic composites, a fundamental understanding of the structural and chemical characteristics of wood is required. Wood is the secondary xylem of trees, shrubs, and woody lianas (vines). Although the physiological function of wood is similar among different groupings of trees, significant differences are found in the basic anatomical structure of the broadest groupings of gymnosperms (coniferous trees or “softwoods”) and angiosperms (broad-leaved trees or “hardwoods”). In addition, there are anatomical differences in wood structure among the various species of trees. These structural differences may have effects on the use of these materials in composites. Wood cell walls comprise three major organic constituents, namely, cellulose hemicelluloses, and lignin. In addition to these structural polymers, numerous other organic materials (“extractives”) may be present within the wood. The chemical composition of wood varies between species. The basic characteristics of anatomy and structure combine to impart variations in permeability, bulk chemistry, and surface chemistry. Characterization of particle size and shape, as well as surface tension characteristics as indicators of wettability, becomes important as we try to understand how these biopolymeric materials will behave when introduced into synthetic polymer systems.
Extinction Vulnerability and Selectivity: Combining Ecological and Paleontological Views

▪ Abstract Extinction is rarely random across ecological and geological time scales. Traits that make some species more extinction-prone include individual traits, such as body size, and abundance. Substantial consistency appears across ecological and geological time scales in such traits. Evolutionary branching produces phylogenetic (as often measured by taxonomic) nesting of extinction-biasing traits at many scales. An example is the tendency, seen in both fossil and modern data, for higher taxa living in marine habitats to have generally lower species extinction rates. At lower taxononomic levels, recent bird and mammal extinctions are concentrated in certain genera and families. A fundamental result of such selectivity is that it can accelerate net loss of biodiversity compared to random loss of species among taxa. Replacement of vulnerable taxa by rapidly spreading taxa that thrive in human-altered environments will ultimately produce a spatially more homogenized biosphere with much lower net diversity.
Intraoperative Injection of Radiocolloid for Sentinel Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer

Preoperative injection of radiocolloid for axillary sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer is uncomfortable for patients. This study evaluated the reliability of radiocolloid injection as determined by sentinel node identification rate and positive sentinel node biopsy rate, after the patient has been anesthetized in the operating room as compared with preoperative injection. Methods: After institutional review board approval, a retrospective cohort of patients with breast cancer who underwent sentinel node biopsy from January 2005 through December 2010 was evaluated for analysis. Patients who received intraoperative injection of radiocolloid were compared with those who received their injection preoperatively. Patients with incomplete pathologic staging or having received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. All patients received radiocolloid injections into the retroareolar tissue; some also received intradermal injection directly over the tumor. All injections contained 37 MBq (1 mCi) in 0.5 mL of filtered (0.22-mm) 99mTc-sulfur colloid. Results: Over the 6-y study period there were 904 sentinel node biopsy procedures, and 165 patients were excluded from analysis. Of the 739 sentinel node biopsies that were analyzed, 647 had preoperative injection of radiocolloid and 92 had intraoperative injection. The overall sentinel lymph node identification rates were similar for the 2 groups: 93.5% for the preoperative injection group and 94.6% for the intraoperative injection group (not statistically significant). The identification rates remained comparable for both groups when analyzed by T stage of the tumor. The average number of sentinel lymph nodes removed was similar between preoperative and intraoperative injection: 2.60 and 2.70 nodes, respectively. The overall rates of positive sentinel nodes were comparable for the 2 groups: 25.6% for the preoperative injection group and 26.4% for the intraoperative injection group (not statistically significant). When analyzed by T stage, the positive sentinel node rates remained similar between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The sentinel lymph node identification rate of 94.6% for the intraoperative injection group was similar to other published sentinel lymph node identification rates (96%–100%). The positive sentinel lymph node rate was also comparable to that of published series. Intraoperative injection of radiocolloid for axillary sentinel node biopsy appears equivalent to preoperative injection and is a less painful experience for breast cancer patients.
A Region of the Arabidopsis Lhcb1*3 Promoter That Binds to CA-1 Activity Is Essential for High Expression and Phytochrome Regulation

We have previously characterized a protein from Arabidopsis thaliana, called CA-1, that bound to a specific region of the Lhcb1*3 promoter. This binding activity was of interest because the sequence to which it bound is included in a portion of the promoter that is sufficient for phytochrome regulation and because the activity was absent in photomorphogenic mutant det1 seedlings (L. Sun, R.A. Doxsee, E. Harel, E.M. Tobin [1993] Plant Cell 5: 109-121). We have now directly tested whether the nucleotide sequence to which CA-1 binds is required for regulation of the transcription of this gene by phytochrome. A mutation that abolished CA-1 binding in vitro was introduced into a 1.15-kb segment of the Lhcb1*3 promoter, and both the wild-type and mutant promoter fragments were fused to a uidA reporter gene and used to stably transform A. thaliana. Ten different homozygous lines were examined for phytochrome responsiveness for each of the two constructs by assaying beta-glucuronidase activity. The wild-type construct showed normal phytochrome responsiveness. The mutant construct showed no phytochrome response, and the overall level of beta-glucuronidase activity in etiolated seedlings was decreased by about 2 orders of magnitude. We did not detect a response to a B photoreceptor other than phytochrome itself for either the wild-type or mutant construct. We conclude that information essential for both a high level of expression and phytochrome responsiveness is contained in a 27-bp region to which the CA-1 activity binds.
Management of pain in Parkinson's disease.

Pain is a common symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and accounts for substantial morbidity in up to 80 % of patients. Despite contributing to disease-related discomfort and disability, pain in PD frequently goes underacknowledged and undertreated in clinical practice. Although the exact underlying neurophysiology is unclear, there is increasing understanding of the role of the basal ganglia in somatosensory processing, as well as involvement of additional brainstem structures and non-dopaminergic pathways; appreciation of these mechanisms has implications for treatment strategies. Categorizing painful symptoms based on their clinical description into musculoskeletal, dystonic, radicular-peripheral neuropathic and central pain categories provides a useful framework for management. Importantly, these symptoms should be evaluated in relation to motor symptoms and dopaminergic therapy. A multi-disciplinary approach is recommended as follows: physical therapy, liaison with pain management and consultations to rheumatological, orthopaedic and neurosurgical services should be considered.
The SPHERES Navigation System: from Early Development to On-Orbit Testing

The MIT Space Systems Laboratory has developed the Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) facility for the testing of formation ight and autonomous docking algorithms inside the International Space Station (ISS), in NASA’s reduced gravity aircraft and in a 1-g laboratory environment. To provide SPHERES with reliable and accurate position, velocity, attitude and angular rate estimation, an innovative state estimation system based on ultrasound transmission has been developed. An extended Kalman lter (EKF) processes time-of-ight data collected by ultrasonic receivers, as well as angular rate measurements provided by gyroscopes, to compute the state estimates required by the satellites when maneuvering. To increase the robustness of the system, the EKF has been augmented with a fault detection capability that uses the lter innovation (residual) to diagnose measurement errors. Two versions of the algorithm were successfully implemented and used on the SPHERES facility onboard the ISS during a series of ve test sessions, from May 2006 to November 2006. This paper describes both versions in detail, along with diculties encountered during the implementation on the hardware and their solution. Results from experiments performed in the ISS to validate the algorithms are also presented.
Genomic evidence for adaptation by gene duplication

Gene duplication is widely believed to facilitate adaptation, but unambiguous evidence for this hypothesis has been found in only a small number of cases. Although gene duplication may increase the fitness of the involved organisms by doubling gene dosage or neofunctionalization, it may also result in a simple division of ancestral functions into daughter genes, which need not promote adaptation. Hence, the general validity of the adaptation by gene duplication hypothesis remains uncertain. Indeed, a genome-scale experiment found similar fitness effects of deleting pairs of duplicate genes and deleting individual singleton genes from the yeast genome, leading to the conclusion that duplication rarely results in adaptation. Here we contend that the above comparison is unfair because of a known duplication bias among genes with different fitness contributions. To rectify this problem, we compare homologous genes from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We discover that simultaneously deleting a duplicate gene pair in S. cerevisiae reduces fitness significantly more than deleting their singleton counterpart in S. pombe, revealing post-duplication adaptation. The duplicates–singleton difference in fitness effect is not attributable to a potential increase in gene dose after duplication, suggesting that the adaptation is owing to neofunctionalization, which we find to be explicable by acquisitions of binary protein–protein interactions rather than gene expression changes. These results provide genomic evidence for the role of gene duplication in organismal adaptation and are important for understanding the genetic mechanisms of evolutionary innovation.
Selective growth of an InGaAs QW active layer in a photonic crystal optical microcavity

The use of an InGaAs quantum well as the active layer of a photonic crystal microcavity is problematic in that the perforation of the quantum well creates nonradiative recombination sites. We propose to eliminate this problem by spatially restricting the well to exist only in the photonic crystal defect region. By inhibiting growth of the quantum well in the region that will be etched during the formation of the photonic crystal, we anticipate greatly diminished nonradiative recombination. The crystal is grown by a three-step metal-organic chemical vapor deposition growth process employing nanolithographic selective area epitaxy for the quantum well active layer followed by a second lithographic layer and a dry etch process to form the photonic crystal. The quantum well is designed to luminescence between 1025 and 1050 due to growth enhancement effects created by the selective area epitaxy. The photonic crystal parameters are designed to vary the photonic bandgap over this range.
Homozygous/Compound Heterozygous Triadin Mutations Associated With Autosomal-Recessive Long-QT Syndrome and Pediatric Sudden Cardiac Arrest Elucidation of the Triadin Knockout Syndrome

Background—Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) may result in syncope, seizures, or sudden cardiac arrest. Although 16 LQTS-susceptibility genes have been discovered, 20% to 25% of LQTS remains genetically elusive. Methods and Results—We performed whole-exome sequencing child–parent trio analysis followed by recessive and sporadic inheritance modeling and disease-network candidate analysis gene ranking to identify a novel underlying genetic mechanism for LQTS. Subsequent mutational analysis of the candidate gene was performed with polymerase chain reaction, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography, and DNA sequencing on a cohort of 33 additional unrelated patients with genetically elusive LQTS. After whole-exome sequencing and variant filtration, a homozygous p.D18fs*13 TRDN-encoded triadin frameshift mutation was discovered in a 10-year-old female patient with LQTS with a QTc of 500 milliseconds who experienced recurrent exertion-induced syncope/cardiac arrest beginning at 1 year of age. Subsequent mutationa...
Methane Ice on Triton and Pluto

Near–infrared spectra (0.8–2.5 μm) of Triton and Pluto reveal six absorption bands attributed to the methane molecule. Additional considerations of temperature, spatial variability on the surfaces of these bodies, and the character of the absorption bands indicates that frozen methane is the principal contributor to the spectral signatures observed. Triton shows an additional absorption band which is tentatively identified as molecular nitrogen, probably in the liquid state. The red color observed for both of these objects in the photovisual spectral region (0.3–1.0 μm) may result from photochemical derivatives of methane and nitrogen, known from laboratory work to have such coloration.
A simple cam-operated light intensity control.

A simple, inexpensive, and durable light intensity control is described. This cam-operated device produces simulated sunrise and sunset with incandescent lamps. New cams can be easily made to change the duration of the day-night cycle, the duration of sunrise and sunset and the degree of intensity change.
A hierarchical policy specification language, and enforcement mechanism, for governing digital enterprises

This paper is part of a research program based on the thesis that the only reliable way for ensuring that a heterogeneous distributed community of software modules and people conforms to a given policy is for this policy to be enforced. We have devised a mechanism called law-governed interaction (LGI) for this purpose. LGI can be used to specify a wide range of policies to govern the interactions among the members of large and heterogeneous communities of agents dispersed throughout a distributed enterprise, and to enforce such policies in a decentralized and efficient manner. What concerns us in this paper is the fact that a typical enterprise is bound to be governed by a multitude of policies. Stich policies are likely to be interrelated in complex ways, forming an ensemble of policies that is to govern the enterprise as a whole. As a step toward organizing such an ensemble of policies, we introduce a hierarchical inter-policy relation called a superior/subordinate relation. This relation is intended to serve two distinct but related purposes: first, it helps to organize and classify a set of enterprise policies; second, it helps regulate the long-term evolution of the various policies that govern an enterprise. For this purpose, each policy in the hierarchy should circumscribe the authority and the structure of those policies that are subordinate to it, in some way analogous to the manner in which a constitution in American jurisprudence constrains the laws which are subordinate to it. Broadly speaking, the hierarchical structure of the ensemble of policies that govern a given enterprise should reflect the hierarchical structure of the enterprise itself.