cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image processing in medicine

This article is divided into two parts: the first is an opinion, the second is a description. The opinion is that diagnostic medical imaging is not a detection problem. The description is of a specific medical image-processing program. Why the opinion? If medical imaging were a detection problem, then image processing would unimportant. However, image processing is crucial. We illustrate this fact using three examples ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and, most poignantly, computed radiography. Although the examples are anecdotal they are illustrative. The description is of the image-processing program ImprocRAD written by one of the authors (Dallas). First we will discuss the motivation for creating yet another image processing program including system characterization which is an area of expertise of one of the authors (Roehrig). We will then look at the structure of the program and finally, to the point, the specific application: mammographic diagnostic reading. We will mention rapid display of mammogram image sets and then discuss processing. In that context, we describe a real-time image-processing tool we term the MammoGlass.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
In Situ FT-IR Study of Rh−Al−MCM-41 Catalyst for the Selective Catalytic Reduction of Nitric Oxide with Propylene in the Presence of Excess Oxygen

Rh-exchanged Al-MCM-41 is studied for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by C{sub 3}H{sub 6} in the presence of excess oxygen. It shows a high activity in converting NO to N{sub 2} and N{sub 2}O at low temperatures. In situ FT-IR studies indicate that Rh-NO{sup +} species (1910--1898 cm{sup {minus}1}) is formed on the Rh-Al-MCM-41 catalyst in flowing NO/He, NO + O{sub 2}/He and NO + C{sub 3}H{sub 6} + O{sub 2}/He at 100--350 C. This species is quite active in reacting with propylene and/or propylene adspecies (e.g., {pi}-C{sub 3}H{sub 5}, polyene, etc.) at 250 C in the presence/absence of oxygen, leading to the formation of the isocyanate species (Rh-NCO, at 2174 cm{sup {minus}1}), CO, and CO{sub 2}. Rh-NCO is also detected under reaction conditions. A possible reaction pathway for reduction of NO by C{sub 3}H{sub 6} is proposed. In the SCR reaction, Rh-NO{sup +} and propylene adspecies react to generate the Rh-NCO species, then Rh-NCO reacts with O{sub 2}, NO, and NO{sub 2} to produce N{sub 2}, N{sub 2}O, and CO{sub 2}. Rh-NO{sup +} and Rh-NCO species are two main intermediates for the SCR reaction on Rh-Al-MCM-41 catalyst.
Formation of the first low-mass stars from cosmological initial conditions

We simulate the formation of a metal-poor (10^-2 Zsun) stellar cluster in one of the first galaxies to form in the early Universe, specifically a high-redshift atomic cooling halo (z~14). This is the first calculation that resolves the formation of individual metal-enriched stars in simulations starting from realistic cosmological initial conditions. We follow the evolution of a single dense clump among several in the parent halo. The clump forms a cluster of ~40 stars and sub-stellar objects within 7000 years and could continue forming stars ~5 times longer. Protostellar dust heating has a negligible effect on the star formation efficiency, at least during the early evolutionary stages, but it moderately suppresses gaseous fragmentation and brown dwarf formation. We observe fragmentation in thin gaseous filaments and sustained accretion in larger, rotating structures as well as ejections by binary interactions. The stellar initial mass function above 0.1 Msun, evaluated after ~10^4 years of fragmentation and accretion, seems in agreement with the recent measurement in ultra-faint dwarf spheroidal Galactic satellites of Geha et al. (2013).
Oriented Bacteriorhodopsin/Polycation Multilayers by Electrostatic Layer-by-Layer Assembly

The purple membrane (PM) containing bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is a promising biomaterial for many potential optical and optoelectronic device applications. Organized, heterogeneous assemblies using polycationic poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDAC) and PM fragments have been successfully constructed by the spontaneous alternating adsorption of PDAC and PM. The fabrication process of the multilayers was followed by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and ellipsometry. The results indicate that the deposition process is linear and highly reproducible from layer to layer and that a monomolecular film of PM may be obtained in each PDAC/PM bilayer by controlling the adsorption time. Second harmonic generation measurements from the composite films gave a second-order susceptibility x 121 of 8.1 x 10 -9 esu and confirm that the PM fragments are arrayed with a high degree of orientation and acentric polar order in the films. Atomic force microscopy images provided the surface morphology of sequential layers of PDAC and PM fragments. Relative PDAC/PM bilayer thicknesses of 55 A were observed, and the homogeneity of the layers was found to improve as the number of layers increased.
The supplementary motor area of the raccoon

Abstract 1 An area of excitable cortex on the anterior sigmoid gyrus, anterior bank of the cruciate sulcus and adjacent mesial surface of the hemisphere of the raccoon appears to correspond to the supplementary motor area as defined in several primates, the porcupine and and the rabbit. 2 The main similarities are its location rostral and medial to the precentral motor area, the lability of the responsiveness of this area in relation to depth of a anesthesia, the somewhat higher excitation threshold, and the general somatotopic distribution of hindquater, forequarter and face movements in the caudal-rostral dimension. 3 The main differences from the supplementary motor area as defined in subhuman primates are the prominent bilateral influence in which the raccoon resembles man, and the juxtaposition of the 2 systems at the head and forequarter as well as at the hindquarter. 4 The supplementary motor area of raccoon, as of monkey, fails to show the ‘extinction phenomenon’, which characterizes the precentral motor field in both species. This allows the supplementary motor system to respond readily to stimulations delivered in quick succession, while the extinction of responsiveness for many seconds following electrical stimulation of the precentral area in both species renders that system refractory to repeated activation.
A rapid batch assay for cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase.

Abstract A simple new assay for cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase has been devised. The assay uses tritiated cyclic AMP as a substrate and measures the radioactivity present in the reaction product 5′-AMP. The samples are spotted on PEI-cellulose and then washed batchwise with 10–12 m m LiCl. Under these conditions, over 99,9% of the cyclic AMP is removed, while about 50% of the 5′-AMP product remains. The assay is very rapid and is sultable for hundreds of samples. The assay has been used for following cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity from Myxococcus xanthus on native polyacrylamide gels and for screening mutagenized colonies for enzyme activity.
Progesterone increases levels of μ-opioid receptor mRNA in the preoptic area and arcuate nucleus of ovariectomized, estradiol-treated female rats

Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) play different roles in generating the preovulatory surge release of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Results of our previous studies suggest that at least some of these steroid-specific effects may be mediated by β-endorphinergic neurons. However, it is also possible that E2 and P differentially regulate responsiveness to opioids by altering μ-opioid receptor gene expression. To test this hypothesis, we used quantitative in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) to measure the effects of E2 and P on μ-opioid receptor mRNA levels in cells of the preoptic area (POA) and arcuate nucleus (Arc). We examined several groups of animals in the morning and afternoon on the day of LH surge release: (1) 1-week ovariectomized (OVX) rats with or without E2 treatment sacrificed between 09:00 and 09:30 h (48 h after E2 capsules inserted); (2) OVX with or without E2 treatment sacrificed between 15:30 and 16:00 h; and (3) OVX with both E2 and P treatment sacrificed between 15:30 and 16:00 h (≈54 h after E2 and 6 h after P administration). We found that E2 had no effect on morning or afternoon levels of μ-opioid receptor mRNA levels in either the POA or Arc. In contrast, P treatment increased afternoon levels of μ-opioid receptor mRNA in both regions. These findings indicate that differential effects of E2 and P on LH-RH release may be mediated by steroid-specific effects on μ-opioid receptor gene expression in neurons of the POA and/or Arc.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of coumarin anticoagulants L: Physiologic modeling of S-warfarin in rats and pharmacologic target-mediated warfarin disposition in man

The anticoagulant warfarin exemplifies a type of drug that exhibits high affinity to pharmacologic target sites of limited capacity, resulting in unusual concentration-dependent distribution and elimination properties. The time course of warfarin concentrations in the serum, liver, kidneys, muscle, and abdominal fat of male Sprague-Dawley rats was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography after IV injection of a 0.25 or 1.0 mg/kg dose. The rats were preclassified on the basis of their serum free fraction of warfarin; animals with free fraction values of approximately 0.004 and 0.01 and corresponding differences in elimination half-life were selected for study, yielding four experimental groups. Several rats of each group were sacrificed periodically over approximately 80-240 h for determination of drug concentrations. S-warfarin concentrations in serum declined apparently exponentially over at least one order of magnitude. During this time, concentrations in all other assayed tissues declined much more slowly. In another experiment, S-warfarin concentrations in serum and liver were followed for approximately 50 days after IV injection of a 1 mg/kg dose. This revealed a terminal, very slow elimination phase in serum nearly parallel to the decline in liver drug concentrations. Simultaneous physiologic modeling of all data (30 equations) using ADAPT II (Biomedical Simulations Resource, Los Angeles, CA), with intrinsic clearance, the dissociation constant of the warfarin-high affinity binding site complex, and two binding parameters for the (unassayed) remainder tissue compartment as parameters of unknown value, yielded very good fittings and parameter estimates with relatively small standard deviations. The unusual dose-dependent accumulation characteristics of this type of drug during continuous infusion are demonstrated by computer simulation of published results of warfarin infusions in rats. Utilization of a model premised on similar target-mediated drug disposition also allowed characterization of data from the literature for racemic warfarin pharmacokinetics in man.
Homologous recombination in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius: genetic assays and functional properties.

HR (homologous recombination) is expected to play important roles in the molecular biology and genetics of archaea, but, so far, few functional properties of archaeal HR have been measured in vivo . In the extreme thermoacidophile Sulfolobus acidocaldarius , a conjugational mechanism of DNA transfer enables quantitative analysis of HR between chromosomal markers. Early studies of this system indicated that HR occurred frequently between closely spaced mutations within the pyrE gene, and this result was later supported by various analyses involving defined point mutations and deletions. These properties of intragenic HR suggested a non-reciprocal mechanism in which donor sequences become incorporated into the recipient genome as short segments. Because fragmentation of donor DNA during cell-to-cell transfer could not be excluded from contributing to this result, subsequent analyses have focused on electroporation of selectable donor DNA directly into recipient strains. For example, S. acidocaldarius was found to incorporate synthetic ssDNA (single-stranded DNA) of more than ∼20 nt readily into its genome. With respect to various molecular properties of the ssDNA substrates, the process resembled bacteriophage λRed-mediated ‘recombineering’ in Escherichia coli . Another approach used electroporation of a multiply marked pyrE gene to measure donor sequence tracts transferred to the recipient genome in individual recombination events. Initial results indicate multiple discontinuous tracts in the majority of recombinants, representing a relatively broad distribution of tract lengths. This pattern suggests that properties of the HR process could, in principle, account for many of the apparent peculiarities of intragenic recombination initiated by S. acidocaldarius conjugation. Abbreviations: HR, homologous recombination; MMR, mismatch repair; OMT, oligonucleotide-mediated transformation; PT, phosphorothioate; ssDNA, single-stranded DNA
Escherichia coli endotoxin depresses left ventricular contractility in neonatal lambs.

ABSTRACT: We evaluated the effects of Escherichia coli endotoxin on the peripheral vascular hemodynamics and myocardial function of the newborn lamb to understand how gram-negative endotoxemia can lead to cardiovascular collapse in newborn infants. Fifteen lambs, 0–3 d old, were acutely instrumented with a micromanometer-tipped catheter and two pairs of ultrasonic crystals to measure left ventricular (LV) pressure and LV anterior-posterior and septal-free wall dimensions, a fluid-filled catheter for monitoring aortic pressure, and an electromagnetic flow probe to measure systemic blood flow. Cardiovascular performance was evaluated by measuring or deriving the following variables: mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), LV pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, LV dp/dt, end-diastolic area, arterial elastance, and end-systolic elastance (the slope of the end-systolic pressure-area relationship) as an index of contractility independent of loading conditions and heart rate. Once instrumented, nine lambs received endotoxin, 0.5 mg/kg i.v., and six animals, serving as controls, received a saline infusion. Of the endotoxin-treated lambs, five survived the duration of the study (120 min from the beginning of the endotoxin infusion), and four died by 90 min from the beginning of the endotoxin infusion. No significant changes in any of the cardiovascular variables occurred in the control group. A significant decrease in MABP was seen in all endotoxin-treated animals by 45 min after the beginning of the endotoxin infusion. MABP decreased by 52% from baseline in the survivors and 38% in the nonsurvivors. In the survivors, the MABP stabilized with saline boluses, whereas in the nonsurvivors MABP continued to decrease until death. In the survivors, end-systolic elastance remained stable, and, despite changes in afterload, LV dp/dt also remained stable throughout the study. In the nonsurvivors, the end-systolic elastance and LV dp/dt exhibited a progressive decline until death, with the changes in the end-systolic elastance preceding the changes in LV dp/dt. End-diastolic area and stroke volume remained stable during the study in both groups of endotoxin-treated animals, decreasing in the nonsurvivors just before death. Because the changes in end-systolic elastance and LV dp/dt clearly preceded the decreases in end-diastolic area and stroke volume in the nonsurvivors, we conclude that the myocardial depression in the nonsurvivors was primarily due to depressed myocardial contractility, not decreased preload.
Effects of Precipitation on UHF Wind Profiler Measurements

Abstract Horizontal winds in the presence of precipitation were measured routinely with a UHF (405 MHz) Wind Profiler. The profiler had five beam-pointing positions so independent measurements of horizontal winds could be compared to determine relative accuracy and precision. Large precipitation fall speeds are shown to cause very large errors (on the order of tens of meters per second) in the horizontal wind estimates when those fall speeds are not properly included in the estimates. But when the precipitation fall speeds are properly included, the errors are much smaller (2–4 m s−1), approaching those of clear air (1 m s−1). The decrease in the precision in precipitation is attributed largely to horizontal nonuniformity in precipitation from one antenna beam to another. A 4- or 5-beam profiler can detect conditions of horizontal inhomogeneity by virtue of its ability to make independent measurements of the winds from horizontally separated scattering volumes.
Experimental analysis of the nature of social context in captive groups of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)

The nature of social context as a factor affecting grouping behavior is experimentally examined in captive groups of squirrel monkeys by recording the effects of systematic removal and return of individuals on the distributions of non-agonistic interactions and prolonged (huddle) contacts among the remaining group members. Observed changes in the distributions of these interactions among the remaining individuals are analyzed in terms of the age-sex class of the individual(s) removed, age-sex distributions of the individuals remaining, and the classes of dyadic relationships severed by the removals. Results indicate that, at least so far as these spacing-related behaviors are concerned, (1) the social environment does not act as a configurational whole on the grouping behavior of individuals, (2) the effect of social context on grouping behavior may be analyzed as the effects of specific dyadic relationships upon others, and (3) not all dyadic relationships significantly affect all others in a social group, i.e., not all of the social environment is relevant to the interactions between all pairs of individuals.
Biological processing of nanostructured silica in diatoms

Abstract The most outstanding example of biological processing of silicon occurs in the unicellular algae known as diatoms. The diatom cell wall contains nanostructured silica with features exceeding current manufacturing capabilities, reproduced with exactness in vast numbers. Such structures must result from specific molecular interactions between cellular components and silicon, and larger scale movements of the intracellular compartment where silica polymerization occurs, the silica deposition vesicle (SDV). New insights into diatom silicification have arisen from recent characterization of the molecular components involved. We have isolated genes encoding silicic acid transporters (SITs) responsible for transport across the cell’s lipid bilayer membrane. The SITs are the only proteins shown to specifically interact with silicon, and a major goal is to identify amino acids responsible for silicic acid recognition and binding. Long-chain polyamines, both free and peptide-attached, apparently induce silica polymerization in diatoms. These compounds have not been shown to have direct control over the formation of larger-scale structure, but observations suggest some involvement. Movements and molding of the SDV during silicification, driven by the cytoskeleton, are major determinants of silica macrostructure. We have applied and are developing techniques to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying diatom silicification. This investigation could inspire biomimetic approaches, or lead to the specific manipulation of silicified diatom structures for direct application in nanostructured materials syntheses. These materials are not limited to being silica-based; recent work using shape-preserving displacement reactions has converted diatom silica into an inorganic metal oxide, while maintaining the detailed silica morphology.
Protein kinase A isozyme switching: eliciting differential cAMP signaling and tumor reversion

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase types I (PKA-I) and II (PKA-II), composed of identical catalytic (C) subunits but distinct regulatory (R) subunits (RI versus RII), are expressed in a balance of cell growth and differentiation. Distortion of this balance may underlie tumorigenesis and tumor growth. Here, we used PC3M prostate carcinoma cells as a model to overexpress wild type and mutant R and C subunit genes and examined the effects of differential expression of these genes on tumor growth. Only the RIIbeta and mutant RIalpha-P (a functional mimic of RIIbeta) transfectants exhibited growth inhibition in vitro, reverted phenotype, and apoptosis, and inhibited in vivo tumor growth. DNA microarrays demonstrated that RIIbeta and RIalpha-P overexpression upregulated a cluster of differentiation genes, while downregulating transformation and proliferation signatures. Overexpression of RIalpha and Calpha, which upregulated PKA-I, elicited the expression signatures opposite that elicited by RIIbeta overexpression. Total colocalization of Calpha and RIIbeta seen by confocal microscopy in the RIIbeta cell nucleus supports the opposed genomic regulation demonstrated between Calpha and RIIbeta cells. Differential expression of PKA R subunits may therefore serve as a tumor-target-based gene therapy for PC3M prostate and other cancers.
Functional Reconstitution of ESCRT-III Assembly and Disassembly

Receptor downregulation in the MVB pathway is mediated by the ESCRT complexes. ESCRT-III is composed of four protein subunits that are monomeric in the cytosol and oligomerize into a protein lattice only upon membrane binding. Recent studies have shown that the ESCRT-III protein Snf7 can form a filament by undergoing homo-oligomerization. To examine the role of membrane binding and of interactions with other ESCRT components in initiating Snf7 oligomerization, we used fluorescence spectroscopy to directly detect and characterize the assembly of the Snf7 oligomer on liposomes using purified ESCRT components. The observed fluorescence changes reveal an obligatory sequence of membrane-protein and protein-protein interactions that generate the active conformation of Snf7. Also, we demonstrate that ESCRT-III assembly drives membrane deformation. Furthermore, using an in vitro disassembly assay, we directly demonstrate that Vps24 and Vps2 function as adaptors in the ATP-dependent membrane disassembly of the ESCRT-III complex by recruiting the AAA ATPase Vps4.
Intermolecular pi-to-pi bonding between stacked aromatic dyads. Experimental and theoretical binding energies and near-IR optical transitions for phenalenyl radical/radical versus radical/cation dimerizations.

The high symmetry and stability of phenalenyl systems, both as the planar π-radical (P•) and as the π-cation (P+), are desirable characteristics of prototypical aromatic donor/acceptor pairs that encourage their use as (binary) models for the study of intermolecular interactions extant in stacked molecular arrays. Thus, quantitative ESR spectroscopy of the paramagnetic P• identifies its spontaneous self-association to the diamagnetic P2, previously characterized as the stacked π-dimer by X-ray crystallography. Likewise, the rapid cross-association of P• with the closed-shell P+ leads to the stacked π-dimer cation P2•+ with the “doubled” ESR spectrum diagnostic of complete (odd) electron delocalization. These π-associations are confirmed by UV−vis studies that reveal diagnostic near-IR bands of both P2 and P2•+strongly reminiscent of intermolecular charge-transfer absorptions in related aromatic (donor/acceptor) π-associations. Ab initio molecular-orbital calculations for the π-dimer P2 predict a binding e...
Aquatic safety of Lagenidium giganteum: effects on freshwater fish and invertebrates

Eleven freshwater species were exposed to a zoosporeproducing fungus, Lagenidium giganteum, with the goal of determining species sensitivity with standard and new test procedures. The tests included standard, 4-day acute exposures of cladocerans (Ceriodaphnia dubia, Daphnia pulex, and D. magna) and the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Standard 7-day chronic exposures of C. dubia and a 7-day embryo-larval exposure of P. promelas were also conducted. New, 4-day acute, methods were developed for mosquitos (Aedes aegypti), chironomids (Chironomus sp.), oligochaetes (Lumbriculus sp.), cyclopoid copepods, snails (Physa sp.), hydrozoans (Hydra sp.), and ostracods. To assess L. giganteum zoospore (z) infectivity, each test included daily bioassays with the mosquito (A. aegypti), a target organism. Four-day A. aegypti LC50s ranged from 81 to 516 z/ml. Ceriodaphnia dubia acute test LC50s were as low as 6700 z/ml and the 96-hr LC50 from the chronic test was near 6250 z/ml with reproductive impairment at 12,500 z/ml. Daphnia sp. were also susceptible, with LC50s near 7700 z/ml for D. pulex and 9400 z/ml for D. magna. Chironomus tentans was infected at concentrations of ⩾5000 z/ml, but mortality was low and an LC50 could not be calculated even after exposures to 50,000 z/ml. The 7-day, early life stage test with P. promelas produced reduced larva growth in most treatments. Several species (Hydra sp. L. variegatus, ostracoda, copepoda, Physa sp.and P. promelas) were not affected in acute tests at exposures of 50,000 z/ml. The data show, contrary to many reports, that L. giganteum may affect some nontarget aquatic species. The key to successful laboratory tests is monitoring and maintaining the zoospores' infection capacity.
Inattention to History Yields Faulty Conceptions of Nazi Leaders

Harrower (1976) as well as Miale and Seizer (1975) partly base their analyses of the Nazi leadership on the contention that Hjalmar Schacht, Minister of Economics for the Third Reich, was a typical Nazi. Those analyses are called into question by the contention that Schacht was not a Nazi at all. Further, it is argued that the failure to understand Schacht is not the only misjudgment made by the two sets of authors. The same literature that suggests Schacht was not a Nazi indicates that the theses of Harrower and Miale-Selzer are too simple.
The Effects of Procrastination Interventions on Programming Project Success

In computer science, procrastination and related problems with managing programming projects are viewed as primary causes of student attrition. Unfortunately, the most successful techniques for reducing procrastination (such as courses in study skills) are resource-intensive and do not scale to large classrooms. In this paper, we describe three course interventions that are designed to be scalable for large classrooms and require few resources to implement. Reflective writing assignments require students to consciously consider how their time management choices impact their classroom performance. Schedule sheets force students to actively plan out the time required to solve a programming project. Email alerts inform students of their progress relative to their peers as they work on an assignment, and suggest ways to improve behavior if their progress is found to be unsatisfactory. We implemented these interventions in a junior-level data structures course and analyzed data from 330 students over two semesters. Separate analyses of reflective writing responses, schedule sheet contents, and e-mail alert contents are discussed, along with student opinions about the value and effectiveness of each treatment. We found a statistically significant relationship between the time when work is completed and its quality, with late work being of lower quality. We found that one of the three interventions had a statistically significant effect on reducing late work: e-mail alerts sent to students to make them more aware of how they were doing with respect to expectations were associated with both a reduction in assignments completed late, and an increase in assignments completed at least one day early. This result was found despite the fact that students reported subjectively that e-mail alerts were of marginal utility.
Using asymptotic results to obtain a confidence interval for the population median

Almost all introductory and intermediate level statistics textbooks include the topic of confidence interval for the population mean. Almost all these texts introduce the median as a robust measure of central tendency. Only a few of these books, however, cover inference on the population median and in particular confidence interval for the median. This may be due to the somewhat complex nature of the problem. This paper attempts to popularize a method that is conceptually and computationally simpler than the currently used methods in textbooks and has the promise of being more accessible to elementary/intermediate level statistics students. The method is conceptually simpler, because its development parallels that of obtaining a confidence interval for the mean and it involves concepts that are well-covered in elementary courses. It is computationally simple, because its major computational component is a smoothing method that is widely available in statistical software. For the latter reason, the propose...
Using Negotiation and Coordination in Multi-Agent Intelligent Cooperative Information Systems

Users of future Intelligent Cooperative Information Systems (ICIS) will be able to have their queries answered from a variety of diverse database and knowledge-based sources. In order to allow these existing knowledge-based software systems to work together in a cooperative fashion, several key techniques from the field of Distributed Artificial Intelligence (DAI) will be required. Specifically, this paper looks at negotiation as a means of coordinating “agents” in multiagent cooperative problem solving (CPS) systems. A novel form of incremental negotiation called knowledge-based negotiation is presented. Agent conflicts are resolved through a negotiation process which makes use of shared agent knowledge representations called shareable perspectives. The combination of two shareable agent perspectives forms an interagent issue relation which relates the agents to a single domain object by means of agent relevant domain aspects. The pairings of interagent issue relations are grouped into a relational network which is maintained by a third-party arbitrator agent. The arbitrator uses this relational network to develop alternative suggestions for the conflicting agents during mediation. The arbitrator reviews the negotiation dialog for relevant issues between the agents and then searches the network for relations that are known to exist between the agents. The arbitrator presents these relations to the agents who use them to identify and rank other possible viable alternatives which they might not have considered earlier. If agents still do not agree (mediation fails), binding arbitration techniques are employed. Both arbitrator agent mediation and arbitration algorithms are described with examples. The resulting research is implemented as the Designer Fabricator Interpreter (DFI) System which integrates diverse agent knowledge of the construction domain into a “what-if ” tool used to critiquing connection designs in buildings at preliminary design time.
Partial-response coding, maximum-likelihood decoding: capitalizing on the analogy between communication and recording [History of Communications]

Signal processing and coding technology for digital magnetic recording is the core technology of the channel electronics module in a hard disk drive (HDD) that processes signals read from magnetic media. In this historical review I focus on what is now widely known as partial-response, maximum-likelihood (PRML) technology, which takes advantage of the inherent redundancy that exists in signals read out of magnetic media; its theoretical foundation goes back to 1970, and it capitalizes on the analogy between high-speed data transmission and high-density digital recording, and that between a convolutional code and a partial-response signal. The first PRML-based product was introduced by IBM in 1990, and PRML technology soon became the industry standard for all digital magnetic recording products, ranging from computers' HDDs and tape drives to micro hard discs used in PCs, mobile phones, and MP3 players; use of the PRML principle has recently been extended to optical recording products such as CDs and DVDs. Its improved version, called NPML (noise-predictive, maximum-likelihood), and variants have been adopted by the HDD industry since 2000. Today, a large number of communication and information theory researchers are investigating use of advanced techniques such as turbo coding/decoding to further improve the density and reliability of both magnetic and optical recording systems.
CMOS charge-metering microstimulator for implantable prosthetic device

Charge-metering microstimulator has been shown with higher charge accuracy, less charge-imbalance, and higher power efficiency than conventional current-mode and voltage-mode stimulators. In this paper, a discrete-time charge-metering microstimulator is proposed for implantable prosthetic device. Design techniques like half-clock sampling, high-voltage isolation, integration folding, and periodic discharging are proposed. Low power design is applied through system and function blocks. CMOS 0.18 um process was used with 1.8 V supply voltage and 50 uW power consumption.
Characterization of CD8+ Effector T Cell Responses in Volunteers Immunized with Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Strain Ty21a Typhoid Vaccine

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) strain Ty21a remains the only licensed attenuated typhoid vaccine. Despite years of research, the identity of the protective immunological mechanisms elicited by immunization with the Ty21a typhoid vaccine remains elusive. The present study was designed to characterize effector T cell responses in volunteers immunized with S. typhi strain Ty21a typhoid vaccine. We determined whether immunization with Ty21a induced specific CTL able to lyse S. typhi-infected cells and secrete IFN-gamma, a key effector molecule against intracellular pathogens. We measured the functional activity of these CTL by a (51)Cr-release assay using 8-day restimulated PBMC from Ty21a vaccinees as effector cells and S. Typhi-infected autologous PHA-activated PBMC as target cells. Most vaccinees exhibited consistently increased CD8-mediated lysis of targets by postimmunization PBMC when compared with preimmunization levels. We also developed an IFN-gamma ELISPOT assay to quantify the frequency of IFN-gamma spot-forming cells (SFC) in PBMC from Ty21a vaccinees using an ex vivo system. Significant increases in the frequency of IFN-gamma SFC following immunization (mean +/- SD, 393 +/- 172; range 185-548 SFC/10(6) PBMC; p = 0.010), as compared with preimmunization levels, were observed. IFN-gamma was secreted predominantly by CD8(+) T cells. A strong correlation was recorded between the cytolytic activity of CTL lines and the frequency of IFN-gamma SFC (r(2) = 0.910, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this work constitutes the first evidence that immunization of volunteers with Ty21a elicits specific CD8(+) CTL and provides an estimate of the frequency of CD8(+) IFN-gamma-secreting cells induced by vaccination.
Interictal scalp electroencephalography and intraoperative electrocorticography in magnetic resonance imaging-negative temporal lobe epilepsy surgery.

Importance Scalp electroencephalography (EEG) and intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) are routinely used in the evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging–negative temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) undergoing standard anterior temporal lobectomy with amygdalohippocampectomy (ATL), but the utility of interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) identification and its role in outcome are poorly defined. Objectives To determine whether the following are associated with surgical outcomes in patients with magnetic resonance imaging–negative TLE who underwent standard ATL: (1) unilateral-only IEDs on preoperative scalp EEG; (2) complete resection of tissue generating IEDs on ECoG; (3) complete resection of opioid-induced IEDs recorded on ECoG; and (4) location of IEDs recorded on ECoG. Design, Setting, and Participants Data were gathered through retrospective medical record review at a tertiary referral center. Adult and pediatric patients with TLE who underwent standard ATL between January 1, 1990, and October 15, 2010, were considered for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were magnetic resonance imaging–negative TLE, standard ECoG performed at the time of surgery, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Univariate analysis was performed using log-rank time-to-event analysis. Variables reaching significance with log-rank testing were further analyzed using Cox proportional hazards. Main Outcomes and Measures Excellent or nonexcellent outcome at time of last follow-up. An excellent outcome was defined as Engel class I and a nonexcellent outcome as Engel classes II through IV. Results Eighty-seven patients met inclusion criteria, with 48 (55%) achieving an excellent outcome following ATL. Unilateral IEDs on scalp EEG ( P = .001) and complete resection of brain regions generating IEDs on baseline intraoperative ECoG ( P = .02) were associated with excellent outcomes in univariate analysis. Both were associated with excellent outcomes when analyzed with Cox proportional hazards (unilateral-only IEDs, relative risk = 0.31 [95% CI, 0.16-0.64]; complete resection of IEDs on baseline ECoG, relative risk = 0.39 [95% CI, 0.20-0.76]). Overall, 25 of 35 patients (71%) with both unilateral-only IEDs and complete resection of baseline ECoG IEDs had an excellent outcome. Conclusions and Relevance Unilateral-only IEDs on preoperative scalp EEG and complete resection of IEDs on baseline ECoG are associated with better outcomes following standard ATL in magnetic resonance imaging–negative TLE. Prospective evaluation is needed to clarify the use of ECoG in tailoring temporal lobectomy.
Protein stability: electrostatics and compact denatured states.

Abstract Globular proteins can be denatured by changing pH and ionic strength. Much recent evidence has led to the surprising conclusion that there are two acid-denatured states: one highly unfolded and the other more compact, sometimes called the "molten globule." Here we describe a molecular theory for electrostatic stability of globular proteins based on the properties of the constituent amino acids: oil/water partition coefficients, pK values of the titratable groups, and their temperature dependences. Predicted denaturation temperatures vs. pH are in good agreement with experiments of other workers on myoglobin. The theory also predicts two populations of denatured species, one open and the other more compact, with densities in the range found experimentally for molten globular states. In addition, it predicts a phase diagram (stability vs. pH, ionic strength) in good agreement with experiments of Goto and Fink [Goto, Y. & Fink, A. L. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 945-952; and Goto, Y. & Fink, A. L. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 214, 803-805]. The well-known salt destabilization of myoglobin has been generally considered evidence for ion pairing, but the present theory, based on smeared charge repulsion, explains the salt destabilization at low pH without ion pairing. In addition, for myoglobin the theory predicts salt stabilization at high pH, as observed for beta-lactamase by Goto and Fink.
Safety and Efficacy of Transition from Systemic Prostanoids to Inhaled Treprostinil in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease characterized by increased pulmonary pressures and chronic right heart failure. Therapies for moderate and severe PAH include subcutaneous (SQ) and intravenous (IV) prostanoids that improve symptoms and quality of life. However, treatment compliance can be limited by severe side effects and complications related to methods of drug administration. Inhaled prostanoids, which offer the advantage of direct delivery of the drug to the pulmonary circulation without need for invasive approaches, may serve as an alternative for patients unable to tolerate SQ/IV therapy. In this retrospective cohort study we collected clinical, hemodynamic, and functional data from 18 clinically stable patients with World Health Organization group I PAH seen in 6 large national PAH centers before and after transitioning to inhaled treprostinil from IV/SQ prostanoids. Before transition 15 patients had been receiving IV or SQ treprostinil (mean dose 73 ng/kg/min) and 3 patients had been on IV epoprostenol (mean dose 10 ng/kg/min) for an average duration of 113 ± 80 months. Although most patients who transitioned to inhaled treprostinil demonstrated no statistically significant worsening of hemodynamics or 6-minute walk distance, a minority demonstrated worsening of New York Heart Association functional class over a 7-month period. In conclusion, although transition of patients from IV/SQ prostanoids to inhaled treprostinil appears to be well tolerated in clinically stable patients, they should remain closely monitored for signs of clinical decompensation.
Alligator attacks on humans in the United States.

Objective Encounters with alligators are increasing in the United States. Both severe injuries and fatalities can occur from an alligator attack. This study provides information on alligator attacks reported in the United States as well as infections that are commonly associated with alligator bites. Methods In order to collect information on the number of alligator bites, nuisance calls, and estimated alligator population of each state, calls were made to wildlife offices in all southern US states, and an online search for lay press articles was performed. Detailed information was available from Florida and is presented regarding the types of injuries and the activities of the victims at the time of the injuries. Results From 1948 to August 1, 2004, 376 injuries and 15 deaths have been reported in the United States as a result of encounters with alligators. The number of nuisance calls as well as the alligator population is increasing. Conclusions As the human population encroaches on the habitat of alligators, attacks and nuisance complaints increase. A uniform reporting system among states should be developed to obtain more complete information on alligator encounters.
Spectrum of Aortic Valve Abnormalities Associated With Aortic Dilation Across Age Groups in Turner Syndrome

Background— Congenital aortic valve fusion is associated with aortic dilation, aneurysm, and rupture in girls and women with Turner syndrome. Our objective was to characterize aortic valve structure in subjects with Turner syndrome and to determine the prevalence of aortic dilation and valve dysfunction associated with different types of aortic valves. Methods and Results— The aortic valve and thoracic aorta were characterized by cardiovascular MRI in 208 subjects with Turner syndrome in an institutional review board–approved natural history study. Echocardiography was used to measure peak velocities across the aortic valve and the degree of aortic regurgitation. Four distinct valve morphologies were identified: tricuspid aortic valve, 64% (n=133); partially fused aortic valve, 12% (n=25); bicuspid aortic valve, 23% (n=47); and unicuspid aortic valve, 1% (n=3). Age and body surface area were similar in the 4 valve morphology groups. There was a significant trend, independent of age, toward larger body surface area–indexed ascending aortic diameters with increasing valve fusion. Ascending aortic diameters were (mean±SD) 16.9±3.3, 18.3±3.3, and 19.8±3.9 mm/m2 ( P <0.0001) for tricuspid aortic valve, partially fused aortic valve, and bicuspid aortic valve+unicuspid aortic valve, respectively. Partially fused aortic valve, bicuspid aortic valve, and unicuspid aortic valve were significantly associated with mild aortic regurgitation and elevated peak velocities across the aortic valve. Conclusions— Aortic valve abnormalities in Turner syndrome occur with a spectrum of severity and are associated with aortic root dilation across age groups. Partial fusion of the aortic valve, traditionally regarded as an acquired valve problem, had an equal age distribution and was associated with an increased ascending aortic diameters.
The Net Delusion: The Dark Side of Internet Freedom . By Evgeny Morozov. New York: PublicAffairs, 2011. 432p. $27.95.

Since early 2011 there have been significant changes in North Africa and the Middle East. Zine El Abidine Ben Ali had ruled Tunisia for 20 years, and Hosni Mubarak reigned in Egypt for 30 years. Yet their bravest challengers were 20- and 30-year-olds without ideological baggage, violent intentions, or clear leaders. Political change in these countries inspired activists across the region. Some tough authoritarian governments responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, others with policy concessions, welfare spending, and cabinet shuffles. The groups that initiated and sustained protests had few meaningful experiences with public deliberation or voting, and little experience with successful protesting. These young citizens were politically disciplined, pragmatic, and collaborative. Where did they come from? How do young people growing up in modern, entrenched, authoritarian regimes find political inspirations and aspirations? Are digital media important parts of the contemporary recipe for democratization?
Current status of cardiac surgery in the abciximab-treated patient

Abstract Background . Early surgical experience with abciximab and other glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists suggested a tendency toward excessive bleeding in patients treated with these agents. With increased use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, cardiac surgeons have become aware of their hazards, as well as potential benefits, during and after cardiac surgery. Although published experience with the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor abciximab is limited in scope, it suggests management guidelines for urgent coronary artery bypass grafting in abciximab-treated patients. As more urgent and elective surgical data are presented, a clearer picture of true bleeding risk will evolve. Methods . Two large retrospective studies examining reexploration for postoperative bleeding have identified risk factors, including advanced age, preoperative renal dysfunction, and operation/reoperation other than coronary artery bypass grafting. Other risk factors for transfusion requirement and increased morbidity and mortality are emergent operation, postoperative coagulopathy, and prolonged bypass time. Results . To minimize real and perceived bleeding effects, some authors have suggested delaying operation until platelet function has normalized, employing platelet transfusion in patients in whom delay is not possible, and exacting heparin management during cardiopulmonary bypass. Later reports have not noted increased bleeding when incorporating these modifications plus early platelet transfusion, if required. Further experience with abciximab removal and reversal may also ultimately reduce or eliminate excess transfusion requirements. Conclusions . Surgeons should work closely with perfusionists and anesthesiologists on issues of heparinization in the abciximab-treated patient. The apparent paradox of preserved platelet numbers and depressed platelet function with abciximab use has led to speculation about a role for this agent and other shorter-acting GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors for "platelet anesthesia" during cardiopulmonary bypass. With careful surgical care, GP IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists can maintain and improve beneficial outcomes.