cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced angiogenesis of modified porcine small intestinal submucosa with hyaluronic acid-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles: From fabrication to preclinical validation

Hyaluronic acid-poly(de-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (HA-PLGA NPs) were synthesized to stabilize the porous structure of porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS), to improve surface biocompatibility and to enhance performance in tissue regeneration. HA-PLGA NPs were characterized for size, zeta potential, surface morphology, and HA loading. Human microvascular endothelial cells responded to HA-PLGA NPs and HA-PLGA modified SIS (HA-PLGA-SIS) with elevated cell proliferation. HA-PLGA-SIS significantly enhanced neo-vascularization in an in ovo chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis model. The angiogenic capability of the newly fabricated HA-PLGA-SIS was tested in a canine bladder augmentation model. Urinary bladder augmentation was performed in beagle dogs following hemi-cystectomy using HA-PLGA-SIS. The regenerated bladder was harvested at 10 weeks post augmentation and vascularization was evaluated using CD31 immunohistochemical staining. Bladder regenerated with HA-PLGA-SIS had significantly higher vascular ingrowth compared to unmodified SIS. This study shows that HA-PLGA NPs may represent a new approach for modifying naturally derived SIS biomaterials in regenerative medicine.
Nitrogen doping of ZnSe and CdTe epilayers: a comparison of two rf sources

Nitrogen is the most promising dopant for p-type ZnSe, and is attractive for CdTe p-type doping, but unwanted compensating centers have limited the maximum achievable carrier densities in both of these material systems. One important factor is the nitrogen source. The characteristics of the nitrogen source (i.e., ratio of charged to neutral species) influence both the nitrogen incorporation rate and the types of centers which may be produced in epilayers. We have performed a study of ZnSe:N and CdTe:N using two different rf plasma sources: an Oxford CARS-25 and an EPI Unibulb. The EPI source has a very high efficiency for producing atomic nitrogen (∼70%) while maintaining a very low total ion content. Both sources gave a high incorporation of nitrogen; however, Hall measurements indicate that compensation is still a problem in p-type doping of these materials. A detailed liquid-helium-temperature photoluminescence study has been performed to monitor changes in the defect structure produced using different source operating parameters.
Gradient Convergence in Gradient methods with Errors

We consider the gradient method $x_{t+1}=x_t+\g_t(s_t+w_t)$, where $s_t$ is a descent direction of a function $f:\rn\to\re$ and $w_t$ is a deterministic or stochastic error. We assume that $\gr f$ is Lipschitz continuous, that the stepsize $\g_t$ diminishes to 0, and that $s_t$ and $w_t$ satisfy standard conditions. We show that either $f(x_t)\to-\infty$ or $f(x_t)$ converges to a finite value and $\gr f(x_t)\to0$ (with probability 1 in the stochastic case), and in doing so, we remove various boundedness conditions that are assumed in existing results, such as boundedness from below of f, boundedness of $\gr f(x_t)$, or boundedness of xt.
Explanation and artificial neural networks

Abstract Explanation is an important function in symbolic artificial intelligence (AI). For instance, explanation is used in machine learning, in case-based reasoning and, most important, the explanation of the results of a reasoning process to a user must be a component of any inference system. Experience with expert systems has shown that the ability to generate explanations is absolutely crucial for the user acceptance of Al systems. In contrast to symbolic systems, neural networks have no explicit, declarative knowledge representation and therefore have considerable difficulties in generating explanation structures. In neural networks, knowledge is encoded in numeric parameters (weight) and distributed all over the system. It is the intention of this paper to discuss the ability of neural networks to generate explanations. It will be shown that connectionist systems benefit from the explicit coding of relations and the use of highly structured networks in order to allow explanation and explanation components (ECs). Connectionist semantic networks (CSNs), i.e. connectionist systems with an explicit conceptual hierarchy, belong to a class of artificial neural networks which can be extended by an explanation component which gives meaningful responses to a limited class of “How” questions. An explanation component of this kind is described in detail.
Use of pelagic prey subsidies by demersal predators in rocky reefs: insight from movement patterns of lingcod

Allochthonous subsidies of energy and nutrients can affect community structure in patchy marine habitats, including rocky reefs, and their ecological consequences may depend on the mechanism of energy transfer. Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) are demersal predators that trophi- cally link nearshore rocky reefs with offshore pelagic hab- itats through consumption of pelagic fishes. We quantified lingcod habitat use and movement patterns to make infer- ences about the temporal and spatial conditions under which lingcod may acquire pelagic prey. Lingcod maintained small home ranges (21,272 ± 13,630 m 2 ) within a rocky reef in the San Juan Archipelago, Washington; eight of nine individuals used rocky habitat exclusively. Depths occupied by lingcod (0-50 m) coincided with pelagic fish distribution on the rocky reef; however, diel patterns in lingcod activity varied inversely with occurrence of pelagic fishes on the reef. Our findings suggest that the pelagic subsidy to ling- cod is not strongly mediated through directed off-reef for- aging by lingcod.
Synthesis of an advanced intermediate en route to the mitomycin natural products.

An advanced intermediate in our planned synthesis of mitomycin C has been acquired in nine steps from tert-butyl glyoxylate. The aziridinyl pyrrolidine and quinone subunits are coupled regioselectively to arrive at an enamine that is prepared for C10 homologation.
Optical bistability and cutoff solitons in photonic bandgap fibers

We present detailed theoretical and numerical analysis of certain novel non-linear optical phenomena enabled by photonic bandgap fibers. In particular, we demonstrate the feasibility of optical bistability in an axially modulated nonlinear photonic bandgap fiber through analytical theory and detailed numerical experiments. At 1.55µm carrier wavelength, the in-fiber devices we propose can operate with only a few tens of mW of power, have a nearly instantaneous response and recovery time, and be shorter than 100µm. Furthermore, we predict existence of gap-like solitons (which have thus-far been described only in axially periodic systems) in axially uniform photonic bandgap fibers.
Association between germline single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, obesity, and breast cancer disease-free survival

Obesity-related hormones and cytokines alter PI3 K-AKT-mTOR pathway activation in breast tumors contributing to poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and decreased responsiveness to tamoxifen and trastuzumab. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes in the PI3 K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway may act as genetic modifiers of breast cancer DFS. We analyzed the association of 106 tagging SNPs in 13 genes (ADIPOQ, IGF1, INS, IRS1, LEP, LEPR, LEPROT, PIK3CA, PIK3R5, PTEN, TSC1, TSC2, and AKT1) in the P13K-AKT-mTOR pathway with DFS in a sample of 1,019 women with stage I–II breast cancer. SNPs significantly associated with DFS in any genetic model (additive, dominant, or recessive) after correcting for false discovery rate (FDR = 0.10) were included in Cox proportional hazards multivariable analyses. After adjusting for race/ethnicity, age at diagnosis, tumor stage, and treatment, rs1063539 in ADIPOQ, rs11585329 in LEPR, and rs2519757 in TSC1 were associated with improved DFS, and rs1520220 in IGF1 and rs2677760 in PIK3CA were associated with worse DFS. The associations were not significantly modified by the type of systemic treatment received or body mass index. The SNPs were not associated with tumor characteristics such as tumor size, lymph node status, nuclear grade, or hormone receptor status. In this study, germline SNPs in the PI3 K-AKT-mTOR pathway were associated with breast cancer DFS and may be potential prognostic markers. Future studies are needed to replicate our results and to evaluate the relationship between these polymorphisms and activation of the PI3 K-AKT-mTOR pathway in breast tumors.
Dilute solution viscometry of single polyester fibers

Abstract Efflux times were measured for dilute solutions of short lengths of ten single polyester fibers by micro capillary viscometry using a 50-μl charge. Limiting viscosity numbers (intrinsic viscosities) and molecular weights were calculated for each fiber by a single-point method. Efflux times were measured for three of the fibers after they were subjected to two different laundering procedures and outdoor exposure. The viscometric method was unsuitable for fiber identification but was shown to be highly discriminating for the comparison of fibers of similar commercial origins.
Comparison of amino acid digestibility of feedstuffs determined with the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay and the standardized ileal amino acid digestibility assay

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare amino acid digestibility of several feedstuffs using 2 commonly accepted methods: the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay (PFR) and the standardized ileal amino acid assay (SIAAD). Six corn, 6 corn distillers dried grains with or without solubles (DDGS/DDG), one wet distillers grains, one condensed solubles, 2 meat and bone meal (MBM) and a poultry byproduct meal were evaluated. Due to insufficient amounts, the wet distillers grains and condensed solubles were only evaluated in roosters. Standardized amino acid digestibility varied among the feed ingredients and among samples of the same ingredient for both methods. For corn, there were generally no differences in amino acid digestibility between the 2 methods. When differences did occur, there was no consistent pattern among the individual amino acids and methods. Standardized amino acid digestibility was not different between the 2 methods for 4 of the DDG samples; however, the PFR yielded higher digestibility values for a high protein DDG and a conventionally processed DDGS. The PFR yielded higher amino acid digestibility values than the SIAAD for several amino acids in 1 MBM and the poultry byproduct meal, but it yielded lower digestibility values for the other MBM. Overall, there were no consistent differences between methods for amino acid digestibility values. In conclusion, the PFR and SIAAD methods are acceptable for determining amino acid digestibility. However, these procedures do not always yield similar results for all feedstuffs evaluated. Thus, further studies are needed to understand the underlying causes in this variability.
Radiolabeled biomolecules with 186Re: Potential for radioimmunotherapy

Abstract Rhenium-186 has been theoretically determined to be among the best therapy radiolabels due to its unique half-life, paniculate and γ emissions and chelation properties. Traditionally, rhenium chelates have been synthesized by the tin reduction method at low pH which frequently produces denaturation of acid labile proteins. A comparative study has been carried out to assess three techniques of reducing 186ReO−4 in order to label biologically active macromolecules (i.e. human serum albumin (HSA), anti-human serum albumin antibody (HSA-Ab) and a monoclonal antibody to T-cells [T-101]). These experiments showed that stannous and dithionite reduction methods provide for an overall labeling yield of between 5 and 18% with an associated immunoreactivity of 12–40%. The hypophosphorous acid (H3PO2) reduction method, however, yielded no usable radiolabeled product. The preparation of 186Re-DTPA-HSA produced an 18.2% radiochemical yield (7.4 × 106 Bq/mg) and 40% retention of binding affinity. Using the stannous or dithionite reduction methods for the radiolabeling of HSA-Ab and T-101 resulted in a relatively low yield (9%), but the labeled product retained binding affinity of 12–25% with Protein A.
Diluents for Bovine Semen. XI. Effect of Glycerol on Fertility and Motility of Spermatozoa in Homogenized Milk and Skimmilk

Summary When 10 or 13% glycerol was incorporated in skimmilk diluent by gradual addition to partially diluted semen at 5 C, spermatozoan livability during 14 days of storage at 5 C was higher (P Four field trials involving 21,676 inseminations were conducted to compare the fertility of semen diluted in milk with that diluted in milk-10% glycerol. Homogenized milk was used in two trials and fresh, unfortified skimmilk in the other two. The combined data showed that addition of glycerol significantly (P
Energy Bands of Hexagonal NiS

Energy bands are calculated for hexagonal NiS using lattice constants and crystal potential appropriate to the metallic phase. Group theoretic results for $s$, $p$, and $d$ bands in the NiAs structure are obtained, and the calculation is performed using a first-principles tight-binding method. The energy band structure is characterized by a $3d$ band about 3 eV wide, hybridized with a broad $s\ensuremath{-}p$ band, indicating $s\ensuremath{-}d$-type conductivity. The Fermi energy lies just below the top of the $d$ bands and the density of states exhibits a strong sharp peak about 1 eV below the Fermi energy. Since the energy bands suggest considerable structure in the low-energy region of the reflectivity, selection rules, polarizations, and energies for some of the spectra are presented. The band structure is discussed in terms of the metal-to-semiconductor transition which has been observed for hexagonal NiS.
Magnetic Source Imaging of Abnormal Low‐Frequency Magnetic Activity in Presurgical Evaluations of Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: Regional cortical dysfunction associated with epileptogenic activity was predicted from interic-tal localized abnormal low frequency neuromagnetic activity (ALFMA) using Magnetic Source Imaging (MSI). ALFMA can be detected in patients who show no interictal spikes. Methods: A large array biomagnetometer was used in a blinded, rapid screening protocol. The MSI procedure required no alteration in epileptic medications. MSI results were compared with the presumed epileptogenic region as determined by a consensus of standard techniques, which included MR and electroclinical monitoring. Results: One or more sites of localized abnormality were detected by MSI ALFMA in 29 of the 33 epileptic patients. ALFMA mapped with MSI showed a 48.5% specificity with respect to the presumed epileptogenic region. MSI ALFMA was in agreement with the final consensus as often as was ictal noninvasive video EEG monitoring, and was exceeded in specificity overall only by invasive ictal video EEG monitoring, which was required for conventional localization in 21 of the 33 patients tested with MSI. Conclusions: ALFMA measurements with MSI may augment the array of noninvasive methods used for reaching a consensus for epilepsy surgery.
Comparative Toxicity of Gonyaulax monilata and Gymnodinium breve to Annelids, Crustaceans, Molluscs and a Fish

SYNOPSIS. Toxicities of laboratory cultures of the dinoflagellates Gonyaulax monilata and Gymnodinium breve were compared using fish, annelids, crustaceans and molluscs. Toxicity was evaluated as mortality over a 48-hr test period in 100%, 75% 50%, 25% and 10% concentrations of dinoflagellate cultures. Responses of the assay animals indicated that the dinoflagellates do not produce the same toxins. Effects of the toxins seemed uniform within each major group of animals tested. Fish were most sensitive to both G. breve and Gonyaulax monilata; crustaceans were resistant to both; annelids and molluscs were more sensitive to G. monilata than to G. breve.
A simple micromanipulator for multiple uses in freely moving rats: electrophysiology, voltammetry, and simultaneous intracerebral infusions

An inexpensive, easily fabricated micromanipulator is described that can be used for single-unit recording or voltammetry in freely moving rats. The basic design is configured around the standard coupling system between a plastic syringe and corresponding needle hub. The device can be used with glass or metal microelectrodes for electrophysiology or carbon-fiber or carbon-disk microelectrodes for voltammetry. With either recording technique, the micromanipulator also can accommodate a 33-ga infusion cannula, which allows drugs to be administered directly to the recording site. The entire assembly is lightweight and can be used with a head-mounted amplifier system for relatively noise-free recording.
Achieving success in rural development: toward implementation of an integral approach

Starting from an analysis of the reasons for failure of previous “integrated” approaches to rural development, we propose here a conceptual framework for an “integral” approach better in tune with current opportunities for and constraints on rural poverty reduction. The approach is centered on the process whereby well-being is determined, linking household asset positions, the context where the assets are used, pathways from poverty through specific livelihood strategies, and well-being outcomes. This in turn identifies entry points for policies and programs to improve the well-being outcomes that consist in interventions to: increase access to assets, improve context, provide social protection, and achieve social incorporation of the rural poor.
HIV infection following motor vehicle trauma in Central Africa.

The prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during international travel is gaining increased attention. In this report, a 32-year-old man acquired the HIV following a motor vehicle accident in Rwanda. During the accident the patient received multiple lacerations and was covered with the blood of similarly injured and bleeding passengers. This exposure through lacerated skin to the blood of persons with a high probability of being infected with HIV demonstrates an unusual mode of transmission and emphasizes the importance of HIV prevention during travel and of motor vehicle safety. ( JAMA . 1989;261:3282-3283)
PAF Makes It EZ(H2) for β-Catenin Transactivation

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Park and colleagues (Jung et al., 2013) show that PAF (PCNA-associated factor) binds to and hyperactivates transcriptional function of β-catenin in colon cancer cells by recruiting EZH2 to the coactivator complex. PAF-β-catenin and PAF-PCNA interactions are competitive, raising the question of whether β-catenin might regulate PCNA-dependent DNA replication and repair.
Magnetically Striped Relativistic Magnetohydrodynamic Winds: The Crab Nebula Revisited

Previous relativistic pair plasma MHD wind models of the Crab Nebula indicate that the ratio of the wind's Poynting flux to particle kinetic energy flux must be very small. However, many current theories of pulsar magnetospheres and pulsar observations suggest that the spin-down luminosity should be primarily electromagnetic in origin and outward transport. For an oblique rotator, the asymptotic wind magnetic field near the rotational equator should consist of stripes of alternating toroidal field. A simple model of an initially high-sigma striped MHD wind is developed which describes the reconnection annihilation of the opposite polarity stripes as the wind flows radially outward. The initially dominant Poynting flux is converted into particle thermal and directed kinetic energy well within the inner standing shock which terminates the superfast wind.
Numerical modeling of moored buoy systems

Numerical modeling techniques for a single-point moored oceanographic buoy system are described. These techniques are now in use to analyze the requirements for buoy/mooring systems. The differential equations of the line motion can be solved either with the method of characteristics or with a linearized perturbation theory. Buoy dynamics, described as rigid body motion, can be modeled with the aid of experimental information. The results of numerical modeling are compared with actual measurements of buoy motion and line tension from deepwater mooring of General Dynamics thick-discus shaped buoys. The results indicate that the method of characteristics provides a good simulation of buoy/mooring systems with respect to buoy response and line tension.
Multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors and synchronous ileal carcinoids

Background A 74-year-old African-American male presented with a 3-day history of hematemesis and melena. The patient reported no abdominal pain, constitutional symptoms, bright red blood per rectum, constipation, or diarrhea. His physical examination and medical history were unremarkable except for benign prostatic hypertrophy. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 3 × 2 × 2cm smooth round mass in the cardia, 2 cm distal to the gastroesophageal junction. Biopsy of the mass revealed an ulcerated tumor composed of spindle cells. Immunohistochemistry showed positive staining for a number of biochemical markers, including KIT, Ki-67 and smooth muscle actin, but was negative for the markers S100 and desmin. A gastric-wedge resection revealed an ulcerated 4.5cm mass in the stomach, and exploration of the abdomen revealed two ileal carcinoid tumors, jejunal diverticula and reactive mesenteric lymphadenopathy. Investigations Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, biopsy, CT scan, immunohistochemistry, DNA microarray analysis and quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. Diagnosis Multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumors occurring concomitantly with ileal carcinoids. Management Gastric-wedge resection and segmental resection.
Solubility of oxygen and sulfur in copper-iron mattes

The concentrations of oxygen and sulfur in unsaturated and magnetite-saturated Cu-Fe mattes were measured as a function of oxygen and sulfur pressures and iron metal weight fraction of the matte (W Fe = wt Fe/(wt Fe + wt Cu)). The liquid matte samples were equilibrated with streams of gas of known pressures of S2 and O2 at 1468 K. Empirical correlation equations were developed to describe the experimental results. The correlation for oxygen in unsaturated matte is wt pct O = 2.50P O 2 0.200 P S 2 -0.142 (1 + 9.0W Fe 2.19, and in magnetite-saturated matte it is wt pct O = 0.14 + 2.39W Fe + 12.0W Fe 2 for 0.001 <P S 2 ≤ 0.01 atm and it is wt pct O = −3.06 + 2.39W Fe + 12.0W Fe 2 − 1.60 logP S 2 for 0.01 <P S 2 < 0.023 atm. A single complex equation ofP O 2,P S 2, andW Fe describes the sulfur concentrations in both unsaturated and magnetite-saturated mattes.
A SCREENING TEST FOR THE POISSON PROCESS

This paper presents a statistical test of the hypothesis that a time series has been generated by a Poisson process with a stable, but undetermined, intensity. The test has the virtues of easy application and economy with respect to data requirements.
Direct-detection wind-speed Doppler lidar systems

Direct detection Doppler lidar systems for tropospheric wind speed profiling are considered, concentrating on the spaceflight application. A precisely developed model for the fringe imaging technique is extended to the case of the aerosol signal with a significant Rayleigh background. An analytic model for the Doppler precision of an edge technique analyzer with dual filters, offset in frequency, is developed, also with provision for the Rayleigh background signal. The two models are compared to recent modeling results from McGill at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and good agreement found. The less rigorous analytic models developed here offer insights into the design and limitations of fringe imaging and edge detection Doppler analyzers. In particular, a requirement here offer insights into the design and limitations of fringe imaging and edge detection Doppler analyzers. In particular, a requirement for wide wind speed dynamic range implies low sensitivity for he edge detection technique, but not for the fringe imaging technique. The fringe imaging and edge detection techniques are compare for relative precision, for lidar signals of specified amplitude. A detailed conceptual design of a spaceflight Doppler wind lidar system, employing a very large optical collector in order to obtain adequate backscatter signals, shows that the fringe imaging analyzer is a factor 10 superior to the dual-etalon edge detector.
Increased Mortality of Older Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective To examine the relationship between age and mortality in ARDS patients and evaluate the importance of factors that increase the mortality of older ARDS patients. Design Prospective inception cohort study. Setting Community-based referral hospital. Patients Two hundred fifty-six ARDS patients identified from May 1987 to December 1990. ARDS was defined by the following: (1) PaO 2 /PAO 2 ≤0.2; (2) pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ≤15 mm Hg; (3) total static thoracic compliance 2 O; (4) bilateral infiltrates on chest radiograph; and (5) an appropriate clinical setting for ARDS. Main outcome measures Comparison of organ failure, incidence of sepsis, patient demographics, arterial oxygenation, and level of support in those 55 years and younger and those older than 55 years of age. Withdrawal of support in patients who died. Results Seventy-two of 112 patients older than 55 years (64%) died vs 65 of 144 patients 55 years and younger (45%) (p=0.002). Examination of patient groups using age identified older than 55 years as a “cutpoint” above which mortality was greater (p=0.002). Older nonsurvivors did not differ from nonsurvivors 55 years or younger with respect to gender, smoking history, ARDS risk factors, ARDS identifying characteristics, APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation), number of organ failures, or the incidence of sepsis. In the 48 h prior to death, nonsurvivors 55 years and younger had more organ failure (3.4±0.2 vs 2.8±0.2; p=0.03), higher fraction of inspired oxygen (0.82±0.03 vs 0.68±0.03; p=0.008), and higher positive end-expiratory pressure levels (13±1 vs 8±1; p=0.001) than older nonsurvivors. Despite more severe expression of disease, only 32 (50%) nonsurvivors 55 years and younger had support withdrawn. Significantly more nonsurvivors older than 55 years (73%) had support withdrawn (p=0.009). Even in the absence of chronic disease states, withdrawal was more likely for patients older than 55 years (21/51) than in those 55 years and younger (3/32; p Conclusions Mortality is significantly higher for patients with ARDS older than 55 years. Decisions to withdraw support are made more often in ARDS patients older than 55 years. These data suggest that age bias may influence decisions to withdraw support.
How a standards-based mathematics curriculum differs from a traditional curriculum: with a focus on intended treatments of the ideas of variable

Analyzing the important features of different curricula is critical to understand their effects on students’ learning of algebra. Since the concept of variable is fundamental in algebra, this article compares the intended treatments of variable in an NSF-funded standards-based middle school curriculum (CMP) and a more traditionally based curriculum (Glencoe Mathematics). We found that CMP introduces variables as quantities that change or vary, and then it uses them to represent relationships. Glencoe Mathematics, on the other hand, treats variables predominantly as placeholders or unknowns, and then it uses them primarily to represent unknowns in equations. We found strong connections among variables, equation solving, and linear functions in CMP. Glencoe Mathematics, in contrast, emphasizes less on the connections between variables and functions or between algebraic equations and functions, but it does have a strong emphasis on the relation between variables and equation solving.
BALAS: Empirical Bayesian learning in the relevance feedback for image retrieval

This paper is on user relevance for image retrieval. We take this problem as a standard two-class pattern classification problem aiming at refining the retrieval precision by learning through the user relevance feedback data. However, we have investigated the problem by noting two important unique characteristics of the problem: small sample collection and asymmetric sample distributions between positive and negative samples. We have developed a novel approach to empirical Bayesian learning to solve for this problem by explicitly exploiting the two unique characteristics, which is the methodology of Bayesian Learning in Asymmetric and Small sample collections, thus called BALAS. In BALAS different learning strategies are used for positive and negative sample collections, respectively, based on the two unique characteristics. By defining the relevancy confidence as the relevant posterior probability, we have developed an integrated ranking scheme in BALAS, which complementarily combines the subjective relevancy confidence and the objective similarity measure to capture the overall retrieval semantics. The experimental evaluations have confirmed the rationale of the proposed ranking scheme, and have also demonstrated that BALAS is superior to an existing relevance feedback method in the current literature in capturing the overall retrieval semantics. antics.
Guidelines for digital scientific presentations.

Abstract In the world of scientific and professional presentations, the digital age has made an immense transformation. With these advances, digital media can be used to assist and enhance communication without losing the message. This article discusses guidelines for the presenter of scientific presentations with digital media. (J Prosthet Dent 2002;88:649-53.)
Sebaceous carcinoma presenting as a unilateral papillary conjunctivitis

Abstract Purpose: To describe a previously unreported presentation of sebaceous carcinoma, an aggressive tumor that often presents insidiously with minimal symptoms and nonspecific signs. Methods: We report a 71-year-old man who presented with unilateral ocular irritation and ipsilateral, idiopathic, papillary changes of the superior palpebral conjunctiva. The patient underwent incisional biopsy of the palpebral conjunctiva followed by full-thickness excision of the involved eyelid. Result: Histopathologic examination established the diagnosis of sebaceous carcinoma. Conclusion: Unexplained asymmetric, papillary changes of the palpebral conjunctiva should arouse suspicion of sebaceous carcinoma.
An exploration of attitudes toward female genital cutting in Nigeria.

Female genital cutting (FGC) continues to be widespread particularly in sub-Saharan African countries. We use data from the 1999 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to consider factors that influence attitudes toward this procedure held by Nigerian women aged 15–49. We test four models: model 1 explores whether attitudes are consistent with a view of FGC as a social convention associated with marriageability of women. Model 2 examines the impact of modernization factors such as education and urbanization. In model 3, the influence of media and community activities are considered. Model 4 includes all of the factors in the three previous models. We find strong support for considering FGC a social convention. Modernization has minimal impact on attitudes about FGC mainly through its influence on the social convention.
Cardiac arrhythmias in systemic amyloidosis: correlation with echocardiographic abnormalities

To determine the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients with systemic amyloidosis 24 hour electrocardiographic monitoring was performed in 27 patients with primary amyloidosis and in 6 patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy. All patients underwent echocardiographic studies. Despite a high prevalence of conduction disturbances on standard electrocardiogram, clinically significant bradyarrhythmias were rare (one patient). Complex ventricular arrhythmias (multiform, paired or repetitive beats) occurred in 14 patients (47%) with primary amyloid and 3 patients (50%) with familial amyloid polyneuropathy. The presence of cardiac arrhythmia correlated with heart failure and, more strongly, with an abnormal echocardiogram. There were four sudden deaths, all in patients with abnormal echocardiograms and complex ventricular arrhythmias. These findings suggest that complex ventricular arrhythmia on Holter monitoring is common in cardiac amyloidosis and may be a harbinger of subsequent sudden cardiac death.
Sodium and water movement across the urinary bladder of a urodele amphibian (the mudpuppy Necturus maculosus): Studies with vasotocin and aldosterone

Abstract The urinary bladder of the mudpuppy exhibits in vitro a transepithelial p.d., up to 120 mV (serosa positive) and a short-circuit current (SCC) of 100–300 μA/100 mg tissue weight. These values are higher in spring than in winter and are reduced by NaCl in the bathing solutions, suggesting the presence of a control mechanism. SCC is depressed by the absence of sodium from the mucosal side of the bladder, by ouabain, and by amiloride and thus probably reflects Na transport. As in toads, amphotericin B increases SCC, but in contrast to these anurans, vasotocin, cyclic-AMP, and theophylline have no effect. When mudpuppies are injected with aldosterone, SCC across the bladder is increased in vitro, an effect comparable to that described previously in toads.
Bioavailablility of penclomedine and systemic exposure to 4-O-demethylpenclomedine in patients receiving oral and intravenous penclomedine

Purpose: Oral administration of penclomedine was investigated based on preclinical studies indicating that an oral schedule of penclomedine treatment may prevent the neurotoxicity observed in phase I studies of an intravenous (i.v.) formulation, possibly by reducing maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of the neurotoxic parent species. Methods: Penclomedine was administered i.v. (200 mg/m2) and orally (250 mg/m2) in alternate sequences to patients with solid tumor malignancies. Plasma concentrations of parent drug and the principal metabolite, 4-O-demethylpenclomedine, were determined by a reversed-phase HPLC assay. Results: Penclomedine was detectable in the plasma of all patients within 1 h of oral penclomedine treatment and Cmax was reached within 1 to 4 h. Consistent with the hypothesis that an oral schedule of administration may circumvent neurotoxicity, a paired data analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in Cmax values following oral administration (P=0.017). However the magnitude of this reduction was highly variable. Similarly an extensive range in the relative exposure to both parent drug and metabolite were observed. The bioavailability of penclomedine ranged from 28% to 98% (median 73%). Conclusions: Oral penclomedine does produce systemic exposure, but substantial interpatient variability in absorption and systemic exposure is present which may limit the clinical role of the oral route of administration.
Effect of low levels of exogenous progesterone on puberty in beef heifers.

Abstract Twenty eight prepuberal Charolais-Angus cross heifers approximately 15 months old and averaging 334 kg were implanted intravaginally with either a placebo (control, 9 heifers) or progesterone containing implant (treated, 19 heifers). Implants were left in place 3 days. Seventeen heifers (8 controls and 9 treated) retained implants. Plasma progesterone concentrations were
Seeding and Propagation of Untransformed Mouse Mammary Cells in the Lung

The acquisition of metastatic ability by tumor cells is considered a late event in the evolution of malignant tumors. We report that untransformed mouse mammary cells that have been engineered to express the inducible oncogenic transgenes MYC and KrasD12, or polyoma middle T, and introduced into the systemic circulation of a mouse can bypass transformation at the primary site and develop into metastatic pulmonary lesions upon immediate or delayed oncogene induction. Therefore, previously untransformed mammary cells may establish residence in the lung once they have entered the bloodstream and may assume malignant growth upon oncogene activation. Mammary cells lacking oncogenic transgenes displayed a similar capacity for long-term residence in the lungs but did not form ectopic tumors.
TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF CHROMOSOME OBSERVATIONS IN CARIBBEAN SPECIES OF LANTANA (VERBENACEAE)

Chromosome numbers and, in most cases, meiotic configurations are provided for 12 taxa and 5 morphological intermediates of Lantana collected in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Florida, the Lesser Antilles, Puerto Rico, and Texas. Reported for the first time are Lantana bahamensis, n = 1 1; L. microcephala, n = 12; L. leonardiorum, n = 1 1; L. odorata, n = 12; L. reticulata, n = 24; L. subcordata, n = 1 1; L. urticifolia, n = 11, 22. Numbers differing from previous reports were obtained for L. involucrata, n = 12, 24, and L. trifolia, n = 27. Triploids indicate the natural occurrence of hybridization between diploid and tetraploid taxa. Bivalents are formed regularly, except in the triploids and in morphologically intermediate tetraploids. These reports confirm that Lantana is based on at least two numbers, x = 11 and 12, and that the genus comprises polyploid complexes in each of these basic lines. The polyploids are weedier and more widely distributed than are the diploids. Chromosome numbers and configurations aid in the delimitation of diploid foundation species and in the recognition of naturalized
Analytical approach to determination of safety of milk ingredients from hyperimmunized cows.

Abstract Bovine milk-derived ingredients from cows hyperimmunized with a variety of antigens have been available experimentally or commercially for several decades. Although the safety of milk is rarely questioned, an assessment of ingredients derived from the milk of cows hyperimmunized with a proprietary bacterin (S100) was made to determine that these ingredients share the human food safety profile traditionally ascribed to regular milk. The critical elements in this determination are: (1) quantitative determination of the difference between S100 and regular dairy ingredients, (2) comparison of exposures resulting from proposed uses to background exposures already in the American diet, and (3) corroborative results of controlled clinical trials comparing safety outcomes from consumption of S100 with those of conventional dairy ingredients. Comparative analytical data reveal that the only difference between S100 and conventional dairy ingredients is significantly higher active (undenatured) immunoglobulin G (IgG) (61–79% vs. control Grade A fluid and powdered skim, respectively, p
Assessment of an optically stimulated infrared emission from image intensifier tube photocathodes

Anecdotal evidence suggested that bright, night-vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible, green cockpit displays could cause a veiling luminance in night-vision goggles (NVGs) and degrade visual performance. The mechanism suspected of causing this veiling luminance was an infrared emission from the image intensifier tube photocathode stimulated by visible, NVIS compatible light. This paper describes an effort to measure this stimulated infrared emission from three different image intensifier tubes. Measurements of the emission were analyzed with respect to tube age, the wavelength of incident illumination, and illumination angle of incidence. The emission was found during certain combinations of light wavelengths, angles, and intensities. However, results suggest that this phenomenon is not sufficiently strong to cause observable veiling luminance in NVGs.
Cadaveric donor lobar lung transplantation for patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as bridge-to-transplant

The total number of lung transplants reported to the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation registry continues to increase steadily. In the US, the lung transplant volume has increased from 1172 in 2004 to 1822 in 2011 since lung allocation score system was implemented in 2005 while the overall 1-year survival after transplantation has not changed significantly. One of the most common reasons why lung offers are declined is size-mismatch. Size-reduced lung transplantation including non-anatomical lung volume reduction and lobar lung transplantation is an advanced surgical technique to alleviate donor organ shortage. Living-related donor lung transplantation almost disappeared in the US, but alternatively, we perform lobar transplantation using cadaveric donor lungs. With recent advances in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) technology and surgical experience, ECMO has been used before, during and after lung transplant surgery successfully.
OPC modeling by genetic algorithm

Optical proximity correction (OPC) is usually used to pre-distort mask layouts to make the printed patterns as close to the desired shapes as possible. For model-based OPC, a lithographic model to predict critical dimensions after lithographic processing is needed. The model is usually obtained via a regression of parameters based on experimental data containing optical proximity effects. When the parameters involve a mix of the continuous (optical and resist models) and the discrete (kernel numbers) sets, the traditional numerical optimization method may have difficulty handling model fitting. In this study, an artificial-intelligent optimization method was used to regress the parameters of the lithographic models for OPC. The implemented phenomenological models were constant-threshold models that combine diffused aerial image models with loading effects. Optical kernels decomposed from Hopkin’s equation were used to calculate aerial images on the wafer. Similarly, the numbers of optical kernels were treated as regression parameters. This way, good regression results were obtained with different sets of optical proximity effect data.
LibQUAL+™ as transformative experience

Opportunities for meaningful change exist with any new experience. Occasionally, these opportunities can have a significant effect, either as a catalyst for change, or via the process of experience itself. The most powerful experiences are those that generate new ideas, and possibly new behaviors or approaches to service. LibQUAL+™ is unique in that it provides both the opportunity to rethink a library’s service program, as well as a process that compels library staff to consider the importance of, and respond to, user perceptions in the improvement of library services. This paper suggests that when libraries decide to participate in LibQUAL+™, they should use the experience as a critical first step in a longitudinal analysis of library collections and services. With the commitment to listening to users and rethinking the service program, the LibQUAL+™ process is inherently transformative.
Activation of a caspase-dependent oxidative damage response mediates TGFβ1 apoptosis in rat hepatocytes

Activation of transforming growth factor-beta type 1- (TGFbeta1) mediated signaling occurs in response to cell injury affecting stem-type cells and hepatocytes in liver. In this work we used WB stemlike liver epithelial cells and p53-defective CWSV-1 nontumorigenic rat hepatocytes to investigate the possible roles of caspases and oxidative stress in TGFbeta1 signaling. TGFbeta1 significantly increased the level of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE), a stable product of lipid peroxidation. In addition, TGFbeta1-treated cells exhibited activation of caspases that accompanied by enhanced cleavage of the caspase substrate poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP) and induction of apoptosis. WB cells were twice as sensitive as sensitive as CWSV-1 cells to induction of TGFbeta1 apoptosis. TGFbeta1-apoptosis was significantly reduced when cells were treated with TGFbeta1 in the presence of inhibitors of caspase-1, -3, -8, and -9. Importantly, in addition to suppression of apoptosis, treatment of cells with the caspase-3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK in the presence of TGFbeta1 suppressed the formation 4-HNE and restored mitotic activity. Together, these data suggest TGFbeta1 induces activation of a caspase signaling cascade that includes an oxidative damage response, PARP cleavage, and apoptosis that do not require intact p53 in rat hepatocytes.
FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY AND AUTORADIOGRAPHY OF COLCHICINE-INDUCED MICRONUCLEATED CELLS.

COLCHICINE inhibits mitosis in plant and animal cells1. When colchicine-treated tissue-cultured cells are stained with acridine orange fluorochrome and viewed by fluorescence microscopy, an impressive result of its activity is seen as a morphological disorganization of the nuclei2 and subsequent formation of micronucleated cells. X-irradiation causes a similar effect3. The origin of micronuclei may be accounted for either by fragmentation of the interphase nucleus4 or by formation from chromosomal material5. Results of a previous investigation6 favoured the chromosome-fragmentation hypothesis but did not exclude the nucleus-fragmentation hypothesis as an alternative pathway. The sequence of nuclear changes which followed colchicine-treatment of cells was examined by cytochemical staining procedures with acridine orange fluorochrome7: when stained preparations are viewed by fluorescence microscopy, DNA- and RNA-components of the cell fluoresce shades of green and red, respectively. The biochemical integrity of colchicine-induced micro-nucleated cells was explored by autoradiography with tritiated thymidine.
α4β7 integrin/MAdCAM-1 adhesion pathway is crucial for B cell migration into pancreatic lymph nodes in nonobese diabetic mice

Although B cells are crucial antigen-presenting cells in the initiation of T cell autoimmunity to islet beta cell autoantigens in type 1 diabetes (T1D), adhesion molecules that control migration of B cells into pancreatic lymph nodes (PanLN) in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of human T1D have not been defined. In this study, we found that B cells from PanLN of 3-4-week-old female NOD mice expressed high levels of alpha(4) integrin and LFA-1 and intermediate levels of beta(7) integrin; half of B cells were L-selectin(high). In short-term in vivo lymphocyte migration assays, B cells migrated from the bloodstream into PanLN more efficiently than into peripheral LNs. Moreover, antibodies to mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1) and alpha(4)beta(7) integrin inhibited >90% of B cell migration into PanLN. In contrast, antibodies to peripheral node addressin, L-selectin or LFA-1 partially inhibited B cell migration into PanLN. Furthermore, one intraperitoneal injection of anti-MAdCAM-1 antibody into 3-week-old NOD mice significantly inhibited entry of B cells into PanLN for at least 2 weeks. Taken together, these results indicate that the alpha(4)beta(7) integrin/MAdCAM-1 adhesion pathway plays a predominant role in migration of B cells into PanLN in NOD mice. Thus, specific blockage of alpha(4)beta(7) integrin/MAdCAM-1 adhesion pathway-mediated B cell migration may be a potential treatment for T1D.
Web mining: Machine learning for web applications

L'A. examine la recherche sur l'apprentissage automatique et les techniques de recherche d'information traditionnelles, et leurs possibles applications pour les systemes de fouille sur le Web. La fouille du Web est entendue comme la decouverte et l'analyse d'information utile sur le Web, domaine d'etudes a la croisee de la recherche d'information, la recherche sur le Web, l'apprentissage automatique, les bases de donnees, la fouille de donnees et la fouille de texte. Les etudes sur la fouille du Web se repartissent en trois categories, selon que l'on considere le contenu du Web, sa structure ou son usage.