cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Noise tolerant dendritic lattice associative memories

Linear classifiers based on computation over the real numbers R (e.g., with operations of addition and multiplication) denoted by (R, +, x), have been represented extensively in the literature of pattern recognition. However, a different approach to pattern classification involves the use of addition, maximum, and minimum operations over the reals in the algebra (R, +, maximum, minimum) These pattern classifiers, based on lattice algebra, have been shown to exhibit superior information storage capacity, fast training and short convergence times, high pattern classification accuracy, and low computational cost. Such attributes are not always found, for example, in classical neural nets based on the linear inner product. In a special type of lattice associative memory (LAM), called a dendritic LAM or DLAM, it is possible to achieve noise-tolerant pattern classification by varying the design of noise or error acceptance bounds. This paper presents theory and algorithmic approaches for the computation of noise-tolerant lattice associative memories (LAMs) under a variety of input constraints. Of particular interest are the classification of nonergodic data in noise regimes with time-varying statistics. DLAMs, which are a specialization of LAMs derived from concepts of biological neural networks, have successfully been applied to pattern classification from hyperspectral remote sensing data, as well as spatial object recognition from digital imagery. The authors' recent research in the development of DLAMs is overviewed, with experimental results that show utility for a wide variety of pattern classification applications. Performance results are presented in terms of measured computational cost, noise tolerance, classification accuracy, and throughput for a variety of input data and noise levels.
Fungi that produce mycotoxins: conditions and occurrence.

The occurrence of mycotoxins, in agricultural commodities is a worldwide problem with almost all commodities being potentially susceptible to contamination under the proper conditions. The genera of fungi most implicated are Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium, although the potential for toxin production varies considerably within any given species.
Ultrastructure of epithelial cells in human periodontal ligament explants.

The ultrastructure of epithelial rests of Malessez from explants of human periodontal membrane has been described. They differ from the resting cells seen in vivo in areas of the epithelial-connective tissue junction, in their abundance of cytoplasm and increased number of lateral cell processes, by the marked alterations in number, arrangement, and morphology of organelles and inclusions; evidence of pinocytotic or reverse pinocytotic processes, and random areas of apatite formation. These findings provide further proof that the cell rests may remain viable upon completion of root formation. Apparently they are able to respond to environmental stimuli through an alteration in their enzymatic and protein synthesizing machinery. The arrangement of the organelles in cultured epithelial rests suggests protein utilization by the cells themselves and possibly also as a contribution to continuing alterations of their surrounding basement lamina.
Fly pupae as attractant carriers for toxic baits for red imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Eight laboratory-reared ant species were fed baits of house fly, Musca domestica L., pupae treated with hydramethylnon. Two fire ant species, Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis geminata (F.), and Pheidole morrissi (Forel) were killed; average percentage of mortality of the five other species was <20%. In contrast, all species that were fed the commercial fire ant bait containing hydramethylnon (Amdro) died or were adversely affected. In the field, applications of house fly pupae and eye gnat, Hippelates pusio Loew, pupae dipped in acetone solutions of fenoxycarb significantly reduced population indices of the red imported fire ant, S. invicta , compared with commercial formulations of fenoxycarb (Logic) and hydramethylnon (Amdro). Field observations showed that the pupae of either species can be carried or moved by one or two worker ants. The smooth, hard cuticle of the pupae make them easy to handle and apply with application equipment. The current cost of house fly pupae is considerably more than the cost of a granular carrier, pregel defatted corn grits. However, if mass-production methods reduce this price differential, fly pupae could become an effective and more species-specific fire ant bait carrier.
Volunteer opportunity at Office of Science and Technology Policy

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is accepting applications for its fall 2013 student volunteer program. The application deadline is 11:59 P.M. Friday, 28 June.
Compact 90° trench-based splitter for silicon-on-insulator rib waveguides

Compact silicon-on-insulator (SOI) rib waveguide 90° splitters based on narrow, high-aspect ratio (~10:1) trenches are designed and experimentally demonstrated. The splitter area is only 11 µm×11 µm. Splitter optical performance is investigated as a function of both trench width and refractive index of the trench fill material. We examine three trench fill materials, air (n=1.0), SU8 (n=1.57), and index matching fluid (n=1.733), and find good agreement between experimental measurement and three dimensional (3D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation. A splitting ratio of 49/51 (reflection/transmission) is measured for an index fluid-filled trench 82nm wide.
Analysis of hydroxylated and N-dealkylated metabolites of terfenadine in microsomal incubates by liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry.

Abstract This report describes an assay for the H1-receptor antagonist, terfenadine, and its two primary metabolites, terfenadine alcohol (TOH) and azacyclonol (AZ), using positive-ion, electrospray ionization–liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The assay was developed in support of kinetic studies of terfenadine oxidative metabolism in human liver and intestinal microsomes, which required quantification of incubate metabolites at low nanomolar concentrations. Terfenadine metabolites were extracted from basified microsomal incubates into methylene chloride. Reconstituted extracts were subject to liquid chromatographic separation on a cyano-reverse phase column. The [M+H]+ ions of terfenadine, terfenadine metabolites, and internal standard were monitored in the effluent by quadrupole mass spectrometry. The assay demonstrated linearity over an incubate concentration range of 5–250 and 12.5–1250 ng/ml for the metabolites and the parent drug, respectively. The respective limits of detection and quantitation for all three analytes were 1.5 and 5 ng/ml of microsomal incubate. Replicate analysis of quality control samples exhibited intra-day coefficients of variation ranging from 3.3% to 7.8% for the three analytes. The corresponding inter-day coefficients of variation ranged from 4.2% to 8.6%. The reproducibility and sensitivity of the assay, combined with the selectivity of mass spectrometric detection, should allow an accurate kinetic characterization of terfenadine oxidation mediated by the high affinity CYP3A enzymes in human liver and intestinal microsomes.
Neutrino propagation in color superconducting quark matter

We calculate the neutrino mean free path in color superconducting quark matter, and employ it to study the cooling of matter via neutrino diffusion in the superconducting phase as compared to a free quark phase. The cooling process slows when quark matter undergoes a second order phase transition to a superconducting phase at the critical temperature ${T}_{c}.$ Cooling subsequently accelerates as the temperature decreases below ${T}_{c}.$ This will directly impact the early evolution of a newly born neutron star, should its core contain quark matter. Consequently, there may be observable changes in the early neutrino emission which would provide evidence for superconductivity in hot and dense matter.
Deficits and money growth in the United States 1872–1983

Abstract This paper reports empirical evidence on the relation between government budget deficits and the growth of high-powered money in the United States. High-powered money growth appears to be positively related to war spending during periods when such spending is a substantial fraction of GNP. There is little evidence that the growth of high-powered money is related to the non-war government deficit, measured either in cash or in real terms, after controlling for the level of overall economic activity.
Conformation of a clathrin triskelion in solution

A principal component in the protein coats of certain post-golgi and endocytic vesicles is clathrin, which appears as a three-legged heteropolymer (known as a triskelion) that assembles into polyhedral cages principally made up of pentagonal and hexagonal faces. In vitro, this assembly depends upon the pH, with cages forming more readily at low pH and less readily at high pH. We have developed procedures, on the basis of static and dynamic light scattering, to determine the radius of gyration, Rg, and hydrodynamic radius, RH, of isolated triskelia, under conditions where cage assembly occurs. Calculations based on rigid molecular bead models of a triskelion show that the measured values can be accounted for by bending the legs and a puckering at the vertex. We also show that the values of Rg and RH measured for clathrin triskelia in solution are qualitatively consistent with the conformation of a triskelion in a “D6 barrel” cage assembly measured by cryoelectron microscopy.
The “Underclass” Revisited: A Social Problem in Decline

ABSTRACT:In the early 1980s, widespread concern over the social conditions of inner-city neighborhoods gave rise to a literature on the “underclass.” A team of researchers led by Isabelle Sawhill, then of the Urban Institute, crafted a controversial operational definition of the underclass and found a rapid rise in the number of neighborhoods classifying as underclass in the 1970s and, to a lesser extent, in the 1980s ( Mincy and Wiener 1993; Ricketts and Mincy 1990; Ricketts and Sawhill 1988). The increasing prevalence of the underclass was linked to the increasing spatial concentration of poverty ( Wilson 1987). However, the concentration of poverty decreased in the 1990s ( Jargowsky 2003; Kingsley and Pettit 2003). This article reexamines the underclass measure in light of the change in concentrated poverty and finds a dramatic decline in the number of underclass neighborhoods in the 1990s.
NUCLEATION AND GROWTH OF APERIODIC CRYSTALS IN ALUMINUM ALLOYS

Les phases aperiodiques icosaedriques et decagonales dominent les structures des alliages Al-Mn solidifies rapidement parce que leur comportement de germination et de croissance differe beaucoup de celui des phases a l'equilibre. La fusion en surface par faisceau d'electrons peut etre employee pour produire une grande etendue de conditions de solidification dans lesquelles, il est possible d'observer les differentes etapes des processus de germination et de croissance
Efficient Threshold Monitoring for Distributed Probabilistic Data

In distributed data management, a primary concern is monitoring the distributed data and generating an alarm when a user specified constraint is violated. A particular useful instance is the threshold based constraint, which is commonly known as the distributed threshold monitoring problem. This work extends this useful and fundamental study to distributed probabilistic data that emerge in a lot of applications, where uncertainty naturally exists when massive amounts of data are produced at multiple sources in distributed, networked locations. Examples include distributed observing stations, large sensor fields, geographically separate scientific institutes/units and many more. When dealing with probabilistic data, there are two thresholds involved, the score and the probability thresholds. One must monitor both simultaneously, as such, techniques developed for deterministic data are no longer directly applicable. This work presents a comprehensive study to this problem. Our algorithms have significantly outperformed the baseline method in terms of both the communication cost (number of messages and bytes) and the running time, as shown by an extensive experimental evaluation using several, real large datasets.
The effect of oxygen and stress state on the yield behavior of commercially pure titanium

Abstract Titanium alloys containing a majority volume fraction of the low temperature HCP α-phase have been known to display yield and creep strength asymmetries when deformed under uniaxial conditions at room temperature. This behavior has only been documented in materials alloyed with significant concentrations of aluminum (
Scattering Cross Sections of Polygonal Cylinders

An E- or H-polarized plane wave is diffracted by an infinite cylinder whose uniform cross section is a convex polygon. The magnitude of kd where k is the propagation constant and d any representative cylinder dimension, is assumed large. Then if the scattering cross section is expressed in inverse powers of kd, general formulas are developed for the lowest-order term immediately following the geometric term. These formulas are shown to yield the known results for diffraction by a wide strip and their use is illustrated for the case of a cylinder of equilateral triangular section.
Recurrent Pneumothorax in AIDS Patients with Pneumocystis Pneumonia: A Clinicopathologic Report of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Spontaneous pneumothorax associated with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS patients has been reported with increasing frequency; however, little is known about the causative histopathology. In the past year, we treated three patients with documented PCP subsequently complicated by multiple spontaneous pneumothoraces. All patients underwent open surgical repair. In contrast to traditional pathologic finding? of PCP in AIDS, histologic sections of lung from each patient consistently demonstrated an extensive interstitial inflammatory process with destruction of lung tissue primarily involving the periphery of the lung. Subpleural necrosis with bleb formation as well as bullous changes persisted even in the absence of an alveolar filling process. We conclude that the mechanism for pneumothorax in PCP is spontaneous rupture of necrotic lung tissue occurring in a subgroup of AIDS patients in which the interstitial inflammatory response to Pneumocystis has been accelerated.
Error-Related Negativity Predicts Reinforcement Learning and Conflict Biases

The error-related negativity (ERN) is an electrophysiological marker thought to reflect changes in dopamine when participants make errors in cognitive tasks. Our computational model further predicts that larger ERNs should be associated with better learning to avoid maladaptive responses. Here we show that participants who avoided negative events had larger ERNs than those who were biased to learn more from positive outcomes. We also tested for effects of response conflict on ERN magnitude. While there was no overall effect of conflict, positive learners had larger ERNs when having to choose among two good options (win/win decisions) compared with two bad options (lose/lose decisions), whereas negative learners exhibited the opposite pattern. These results demonstrate that the ERN predicts the degree to which participants are biased to learn more from their mistakes than their correct choices and clarify the extent to which it indexes decision conflict.
Improved Broadband Liner Optimization Applied to the Advanced Noise Control Fan

The broadband component of fan noise has grown in relevance with the utilization of increased bypass ratio and advanced fan designs. Thus, while the attenuation of fan tones remains paramount, the ability to simultaneously reduce broadband fan noise levels has become more desirable. This paper describes improvements to a previously established broadband acoustic liner optimization process using the Advanced Noise Control Fan rig as a demonstrator. Specifically, in-duct attenuation predictions with a statistical source model are used to obtain optimum impedance spectra over the conditions of interest. The predicted optimum impedance information is then used with acoustic liner modeling tools to design liners aimed at producing impedance spectra that most closely match the predicted optimum values. Design selection is based on an acceptance criterion that provides the ability to apply increased weighting to specific frequencies and/or operating conditions. Constant-depth, double-degree of freedom and variable-depth, multi-degree of freedom designs are carried through design, fabrication, and testing to validate the efficacy of the design process. Results illustrate the value of the design process in concurrently evaluating the relative costs/benefits of these liner designs. This study also provides an application for demonstrating the integrated use of duct acoustic propagation/radiation and liner modeling tools in the design and evaluation of novel broadband liner concepts for complex engine configurations.
Incubated reminiscence effects.

Reminiscence, the recall of material that was not successfully recalled on a previous attempt, was examined in three experiments as a function of the intertest (incubation) interval. Incubation intervals inserted between successive recall tests resulted in increased reminiscence, but the effect was seen primarily in the first retested minute. Neither the duration of the initial test (1–4 mm), nor the incubation activity (maze problems vs. rest) affected this incubated reminiscence effect. The results support models in which recall tests cause output interference, but incubation intervals reduce it.
Emergence neophobia correlates with hippocampal and cortical glutamate receptor binding in rats.

Previous work from our laboratory indicated that emergence neophobia is highly correlated with perforant path long-term potentiation (LTP) in rats. In the present study, we examined the relationship between hippocampal and cortical α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors and emergence behavior in rats. Emergence neophobia was assessed in an exploratory task that provided a choice between a novel alley and a familiar nest box. Quantitative autoradiography using radiolabeled ligands specific for the AMPA subclass of glutamate receptors was performed on frozen brain sections. Both [3H]AMPA and [3H]CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitro-[3H]quinoxaline-2,3-dione, an AMPA receptor antagonist) binding in the dentate gyrus (stratum moleculare), hippocampal area CA1 (stratum radiatum), and the parietal cortex overlying the hippocampus were significantly correlated with emergence behavior. The correlations indicated that neophobic rats, which had longer latencies to enter the novel alley, made fewer entries into the alley, and spent less time in the novel alley during a 10-min test than their neophilic counterparts, had higher levels of AMPA receptor binding. These results suggest that individual differences in specific hippocampal AMPA receptors reflect variability in a specific class of hippocampal-dependent behaviors.
The Care Transitions Innovation (C-TraIn) for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Adults: Results of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Despite growing emphasis on transitional care to reduce costs and improve quality, few studies have examined transitional care improvements in socioeconomically disadvantaged adults. It is important to consider these patients separately as many are high-utilizers, have different needs, and may have different responses to interventions.
High-performance and low-cost ion sensitive sensor array based on self-assembled graphene

The ion sensitive sensor array (ISSA) based on layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled graphene presented in this paper is capable of detecting different ions selectively with advantages of high sensing performance and low cost due to graphene inherent properties and self assembly technique. According to the conductance change of graphene, the detection limit of ISSA is down to 1 µM, much better than one dimensional carbon nanotube (CNT) sensors. The response time of ISSA is 15 seconds.
Phospholipids in Guinea Pig Spermatozoa Before and After Capacitation In Vitro

Summary: Phospholipids of guinea pigs spermatozoa were examined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Two types of spermatozoa were compared: fresh epididymal (uncapacitated) spermatozoa and epididymal spermatozoa preincubated in Ca2+-free medium for 17–18 hr (capacitated spermatozoa). Determination of lipid phosphorus revealed that the total phospholipid content of spermatozoa did not change significantly during capacitation of spermatozoa. HPLC analyses of choline and ethanolamine phosphatides, lysophosphatides, and sphingomyelin revealed that the relative amounts of these phospholipids remained unchanged during capacitation. In contrast to spermatozoa, phospholipids in the medium surrounding spermatozoa reduced by 20% during capacitation of spermatozoa, suggesting that spermatozoa may utilize extracellular phospholipids as possible energy sources during their capacitation. Zusammenfassung: Phospholipide in Meerschweinchen-Spermatozoen vor und nach der Kapazitation in vitro Mittels der Hochleistungs-Flussigkeits-Chromatographie (HPLC) und der Dunnschicht-Chromatographie (TLC) wurden die Phospholipide der Meerschwein-chenspermatozoen untersucht. Es wurden zwei Typen von Spermatozoen verglichen: a) frische Nebenhodenspermatozoen (nichtkapazitiert) und b) Nebenhodenspermatozoen, die vorher in Ca2+-freiem Medium fur 17–18 Stunden inkubiert waren (kapazitiert). Die Bestimmung des Lipidphosphor deckte auf, das der Gesamt-Phospholipidgehalt der Spermatozoen sich wahrend der Kapazitation nicht signifikant anderte. HPLC-Analysen der Cholin- und Aethanolamin-Phosphatide, der Lysophosphatide und des Sphingomyelins ergab, das die Relativ-Werte dieser Phospholipide unverandert bleiben wahrend der Kapazitation. Im Gegensatz zu den Spermatozoen sind die Phospholipide in dem die Spermatozoen umgebenden Milieu um etwa 20% wahrend der Kapazitation reduziert; das legt es nahe, das die Spermatozoen die extracellularen Phospholipide als mogliche Energiequellen wahrend der Kapazitation verwerten konnen.
Learning to predict information needs: context-aware display as a cognitive aid and an assessment tool

We discuss the problem of assessing and aiding user performance in dynamic tasks that require rapid selection among multiple information sources. Motivated by research in human sequential learning, we develop a system that learns by observation to predict the information a user desires in different contexts. The model decides when the display should be updated, which is akin to the problem of scene segmentation, and then selects the situationally relevant information display. The model reduces the cognitive burden of selecting situation-relevant displays. We evaluate the system in a tank video game environment and find that the system boosts user performance. The fit of the model to user data provides a quantitative assessment of user behavior, which is useful in assessing individual differences and the progression from novice- to expert-level proficiency. We discuss the relative benefits of adopting a learning approach to predicting information preferences and possible avenues to reduce the negative consequences of automation.
Eosinophil expression of transforming growth factor-beta and its receptors in nasal polyposis: role of the cytokines in this disease process.

Purpose: Nasal polyposis (NP) is characterized by an increase in inflammatory processes including fibrosis. Because transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) has been proven to induce fibrosis, we hypothesize that TGF-p and its receptors are present in NP and influence polyp development. Materials and Methods: To test this hypothesis, we evaluated distribution (immunohistochemistry) of TGF-β isoforms (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) and its receptors [(TGF-β(RI) & TGF-β(RII)] in NP from 36 NP patients and in five normal sinus tissue specimens obtained from septoplasty/inferior turbinectomy. Tissue levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and protein content was determined by Bio Rad assay (Bio Rad, Richmond, CA). All tissue levels of TGF-p wer normalized and expressed as pg of TGF-p per mg of total protein (pg/mg TP). Results: Immunohistochemical studies showed eosinophils as the major cells positively staining for TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, TGF-β(RI), and TGF-β. In fibrotic sections, increased staining of eosinophils, fibroblasts, and mononuclear cells was found for all three isoforms and both receptors. Evaluation of tissue levels indicated mean levels for TGF-β1 in the NP were 11.64 ± 22.12 pg/mg TP versus normal control mean 44.36 ± 22.12 pg/mg TP. TGF-β2 mean levels were 11.46 ± 23.73 pg/mg TP versus normal control mean of 2.03 ± 1.13 pg/mg TP. NP showed decreased expression of TGF-β1 and enhanced expression of TGF-β2 isoforms with presence of their receptors. Higher levels of TGF-β2 correlated with an increase in previous polypectomies perhaps indicative of severity of disease (P ≤ .0001). Conclusion: Our studies show the presence of the TGF-β isoforms and receptors in NP tissue. The results support our hypothesis that the eosinophil continues to be a pivotal inflammatory cell in NP, a differential regulation may govern the activity of TGF-β in NP, and hence, the TGF-β family of cytokines and receptors likely play a key role in controlling NP formation.
Factors Affecting Puffing and Sensory Characteristics of Extruded Egg Products

Abstract Puffed egg products were prepared from dried egg white and dried whole egg solids that were rehydrated to various moisture levels and whipped for various times. Specific gravity of the batter was determined after mixing. Samples of batter were extruded onto a pyrex pie plate and heated in a General Electric microwave oven for 2 min. Measurements included volume of puffed products, volume index (puffed volume/batter volume) and moisture content of the batter and finished product. When using egg white solids, the volume index was significantly higher from batters rehydrated to 50% moisture and mixed for 16 min. Optimum puffing characteristics were obtained with an egg white batter specific gravity of .80 to .85. Puffed products from whole egg solids were observed to have the highest volume when rehydrated to a batter moisture content of 40% and mixed for 16 min. Mixing whole egg batter to a specific gravity of .90 produced optimum puffing ability. Moisture content of puffed products was observed to be higher in products made from egg white solids than that observed from whole egg solids. In another study, the effect of various levels of modified corn starch on puffed egg products was investigated. Hardness, mastication, and residue values were significantly decreased, and flavor and acceptability values improved with higher levels of modified corn starch in puffed egg white products. Hardness of puffed whole egg products was significantly increased and acceptability was improved by higher levels of modified corn starch.
Spatial and Temporal Variabilities of Sediment Delivery Ratio

Sediment contribution of specific areas of a watershed is an important consideration, but one that is often overlooked, when developing watershed management plans. Understanding sediment delivery to the watershed outlet is one method for identifying high contribution areas. In this study, a new methodology for calculating individual subbasin sediment delivery ratio (SDR) was developed within the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for two Michigan watersheds. Subbasins with the greatest SDR had two defining characteristics: high erosion rates and close proximity to the watershed outlet. The impact of best management practice (BMP) implementation (no-tillage and Conservation Reserve Program) on sediment yield reduction at the watershed outlet was compared for two targeting methods (SDR and erosion rate). Identifying SDR of individual subbasins for implementation of BMPs is more effective method for addressing water quality concerns at the watershed outlet than the widely used targeting high risk erosion areas. Watershed SDR was found to be highly variable on a monthly basis, due to changes in sediment yield, which is in turn affected by factors such as precipitation and surface runoff. Finally, watershed SDR calculated using the physically-based SWAT model was compared to four empirically-based areal relationships with SDR. While some area methods reproduced the SWAT-SDR, the variations between areal methods indicate that more detailed physical characteristics should be considered in watershed SDR calculation.
Desmoplastic and spindle cell melanomas express protein markers of the neural crest but not of later committed stages of Schwann cell differentiation.

Background: The rare desmoplastic and spindle cell variants of malignant melanoma exhibit histological and biochemical features suggestive of early Schwann cell differentiation. These features include a spindle-shaped morphology, neurotropism, and the expression of the low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR). Methods: We evaluated by immunohistochemistry (using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues) nine desmoplastic and three spindle cell melanomas for the expression of peripherin, p75NGFR, neural cell adhesion molecule (CD56/N-CAM), and growth-associated phosphoprotein-43 (GAP-43). Peripherin is expressed in the neural crest and in neurons, but not in cells committed to the Schwann cell lineage. p75NGFR and CD56/N-CAM also are expressed in early neural crest cells, but persist in unmyelinated and early premyelinating Schwann cells. GAP-43 is expressed in unmyelinated Schwann cells, but is downregulated in the later premyelinating to promyelinating stages of cells committed to the Schwann cell lineage. Results: Peripherin was expressed in 7/12 (58%), p75NGFR in 4/12 (33%), and CD56/N-CAM in 6/12 (50%) of the desmoplastic and spindle cell melanomas. GAP-43 was not expressed (0%) in any of the 12 melanomas (χ2, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Desmoplastic and spindle cell melanomas express protein markers common to cells of the neural crest and to neurons similar to the immunophenotype previously reported for epithelioid cell melanomas. The expression of peripherin and the lack of expression of GAP-43 further define that these rare subtypes of melanoma do not recapitulate the later committed stages of Schwann cell differentiation.
Intravascular HbO2 saturations, perfusion and hypoxia in spontaneous and transplanted tumor models

Clinical trials utilizing strategies to manipulate tumor oxygenation, blood flow and angiogenesis are under way, although limited quantitative information exists regarding basic tumor pathophysiology. The current study utilized murine KHT fibrosarcomas, spontaneous mammary carcinomas and first-generation spontaneous transplants to examine heterogeneity in vascular structure and function, to relate these changes to the distribution of tumor hypoxia and to determine whether fundamental relationships among the different pathophysiological parameters exist. Three methods were included: (i) immunohistochemical staining of anatomical and perfused blood vessels, (ii) cryospectrophotometric measurement of intravascular oxyhemoglobin saturations and (iii) fluorescent detection of the EF5 hypoxic marker. While a distinct pattern of decreasing oxygenation with increasing distance from the tumor surface was observed for KHT tumors, striking intertumor variability was found in both spontaneous and first-generation transplants, with a reduced dependence on tumor volume. EF5 hypoxic marker uptake was also much more heterogeneous among individual spontaneous and first-generation tumors compared to KHT. Although mammary carcinomas demonstrated fewer anatomical blood vessels than fibrosarcomas, the proportion of perfused vessels was substantially reduced in KHT tumors, especially at larger tumor volumes. Vascular morphology, tissue histological appearance and pathophysiological parameters differed substantially between KHT tumors and both spontaneous and first-generation tumors. Such differences in vascular structure and function are also likely to correlate with altered response to therapies targeted to the vascular system. Finally, spontaneous differentiation status, tumor morphology, vascular configuration and function were well preserved in first-generation transplanted tumors, suggesting a close relationship between vascular development and function in early-generation transplants and spontaneous tumor models. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tracking with scintillating fibers

The parametric performance of scintillating fiber tracking elements is reviewed and compared with recent measurements. Topics include performance of scintillation materials, single-clad and multiclad fiber waveguide structures, optical splicing, and photosensors. A brief description of fiber trackers utilized in several experiments is provided, and an extended bibliography is included for detailed reference.
The Influence of Visual Aids on Detecting Early and Late Decelerations in Maternal-Fetal Heart Rate Patterns:

The present study examined how well individuals could differentiate between two different types of signals (early and late decels) in maternal-fetal heart rate tracings with and without the use of a visual aid. Twenty-one undergraduates twice viewed 80 simulated images under four different signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios. Further, the late decels were delayed in 4-sec increments. In one block of trials, the images were presented without a visual aid, and in the other block a visual aid consisting of a large turquoise crosshair was overlaid on the images. The results indicated that lower S/N ratios and shorter onset delays made signals more difficult to distinguish. However, overall levels of accuracy were significantly higher when the visual aid was present. These results provide initial evidence that utilizing visual aids can enhance the ability to detect critical signals in maternal-fetal heart rate patterns.
Similar Effectiveness of Boceprevir and Telaprevir Treatment Regimens for Hepatitis C Virus Infection on the Basis of a Nationwide Study of Veterans

Background & Aims We investigated the real-world effectiveness of triple therapy regimens against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and compared rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) between telaprevir-based and boceprevir-based regimens in a population-based study. Methods We analyzed data on all patients in the Veterans Administration healthcare system who were infected with HCV genotype 1 and began treatment with pegylated interferon, ribavirin, and either boceprevir (n = 3696, 83%) or telaprevir (n = 759, 17%) from June 2011 to February 2013. Results Patients treated with telaprevir were more likely to have baseline characteristics associated with not achieving SVR than patients treated with boceprevir. Fewer than half of patients eligible for short-duration regimens (28 weeks for boceprevir, 24 weeks for telaprevir) successfully completed treatment (37% for boceprevir, 27.5% for telaprevir); ∼25% discontinued early, and the remaining patients were treated for longer durations. Of the patients who were supposed to complete 48-week regimens, only 35% of boceprevir-treated and 34% of telaprevir-treated patients completed >44 weeks. The rate of SVR was 51.5% overall, 42.7% among patients with cirrhosis, 56.8% among treatment-naive patients, 64.2% among prior relapsers, 31.7% among prior partial responders, and 29.8% among prior null responders. There were no significant differences in rate of SVR between patients given boceprevir or telaprevir in the entire population or among subgroups. The most important predictors of failure to achieve SVR were IL28B genotype, high viral load, black race, diabetes, high aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index or FIB-4 scores, low platelet counts, or low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Erythropoietin use was not associated with SVR. Conclusions In a nationwide analysis of veterans with HCV genotype 1 infection, rates of SVR were similar for those treated with boceprevir vs telaprevir. However, rates of treatment completion and SVR in real clinical practice were substantially lower than those in clinical trials.
Influence of neonatal practice variation on outcomes of late preterm birth.

Objective Examine variation in short-term outcomes of late preterm births (340/7–366/7 weeks) between a university teaching hospital, teaching community hospital, and nonteaching community hospital. Study Design Review of maternal and newborn data from a random sample of late preterm births at three hospitals in North Carolina from 2008 to 2009. Outcomes included length of stay, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, respiratory support, antibiotic exposure, phototherapy exposure, and hypoglycemia. Results We analyzed data from 331 singleton late preterm newborns: 93 (28.1%) from a university teaching hospital, 110 (33.2%) from a teaching community hospital, and 128 (38.7%) from a nonteaching community hospital. Mean gestational age did not vary between hospitals. NICU admission, exposure to antibiotics, and phototherapy were more common at the university teaching hospital after controlling for risk factors, yet length of stay was shortest at the university teaching hospital and longest at the teaching community hospital after adjustment. Conclusion Practice variation contributes to differences in length of stay, NICU admission, and exposure to antibiotics and phototherapy among late preterm newborns. Differences in practice during the birth hospitalization may affect outcomes and health care utilization (e.g., readmission) after discharge.
Strategies for working with elderly clients: a qualitative analysis of elderly client/nurse practitioner communication.

Purpose To describe communication between nurse practitioners (NPs) and elderly clients. Data Sources A qualitative study using a focus group composed of 6 NPs and in-depth interviews of an additional 6 NPs who provide care to elderly clients in a variety of settings. Conclusions The NPs described a framework of critical thinking, termed hypervigilance, which they enter before and during an interaction with an elderly client. Specific communication strategies were identified that increased the likelihood of compliance with or adherence to treatment regimens for elderly clients. Implications for Practice Hypervigilance is descriptive of actively working to merge nursing practice with traditional medical primary care practice. This finding raises the issue of the difference in practice between physicians and NPs in regards to communication with clients.
The Apparent and True Sugar of the Blood of Lactating Cows Fed Rations of Varying Fat Content

Summary In experiments with six milking cows the substitution of part or approximately all of the fat of the grain mixture by an isodynamic amount of starch was without effect upon either the apparent or true sugar in the whole blood or plasma. The mean values for apparent sugar were 51.22 ± .26 mg. per 100 cc. whole blood and 53.60 ± .41 mg. per 100 cc. plasma. The mean values for true sugar were 28 ± .22 for whole blood and 33.72 ± .40 for plasma. The correlation coefficient between apparent blood sugar and milk yield was −.2399.
A class of asymptotic-preserving schemes for the Fokker-Planck-Landau equation

We present a class of asymptotic-preserving (AP) schemes for the nonhomogeneous Fokker-Planck-Landau (nFPL) equation. Filbet and Jin [16] designed a class of AP schemes for the classical Boltzmann equation, by penalization with the BGK operator, so they become efficient in the fluid dynamic regime. We generalize their idea to the nFPL equation, with a different penalization operator, the Fokker-Planck operator that can be inverted by the conjugate-gradient method. We compare the effects of different penalization operators, and conclude that the Fokker-Planck (FP) operator is a good choice. Such schemes overcome the stiffness of the collision operator in the fluid regime, and can capture the fluid dynamic limit without numerically resolving the small Knudsen number. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the schemes possess the AP property for general initial data, with numerical accuracy uniformly in the Knudsen number.
Platform Subsidence Mechanisms and “Eustatic” Sea-Level Changes

Abstract The boundaries between major world-wide sequences of sediments on continental platforms are due primarily to either eustatic changes or to systematic uplift of the continental interior. If thermal contraction of the lithosphere controls basin subsidence, basins would continue to subside during times of low eustatic sea level. Calculations indicate that significant gaps in the geological record could be produced by modest eustatic sealevel changes even in rapidly subsiding basins. For example, a 95 m withdrawal could have produced the sub-Devonian unconformity in the Michigan Basin. The vertical amplitude of eustatic variations can be determined directly from the depth of paleotopographic valleys (135m for sub-Pennsylvanian of Illinois Basin) and from the present elevation of sediments deposited during highstands (300 m above present sea level). The Illinois Basin aparently continued to subside during the sub-Pennsylvanian regression.
PROBIT: a computer program analysis.

Abstract A computer program is described that automates retrieval, probit transformation, statistical analysis and graphic display of data collected in the assay of cytokines or cytotoxicity.
The Wine Economy of Tenerife in the Seventeenth Century: Anglo‐Spanish Partnership in a Luxury Trade

M /rUci of the terrain of the seven Canary Islands is either arid or forbiddingly mountainous. But along Tenerife's northern coast the 5oo-metre line (the altitudinal limit for sugar, wine, and banana cultivation) retreats inland-at Orotava almost 5 kilometres inland. And in the seventeenth century these cramped but fertile mountain slopes, terraced to prevent soil erosion and watered adequately by rainfall and springs, yielded a preponderant share of the entire archipelago's exportable wealth. In i6oo Tenerife accounted for 62 per cent of the total taxes on trade in the Canaries, and its share had grown by i688 to nearly go per cent.1 Likewise, the population of the archipelago was concentrated in Tenerife. One can estimate that the population of the seven islands grew from about 35,000 in I587 to 93,000 in i678 and that over half of the islanders lived in Tenerife at the later date.2 Tenerife's growing population and predominant share of the archipelago's trade resulted in part from geographical advantages, but also from a human victory over geographical obstacles. The prevailing winds and currents made the return voyage to Europe from the Canaries a difficult one for sailing ships. The fleets of Seville's monopoly trade to America, for example, followed the route of Columbus throughout the sixteenth century, stopped at the archipelago on the way west but seldom returned to Seville or Cadiz via the Canaries. The Azores became the Canaries des retours for the American fleets.3 And yet in the sixteenth century the Canarians were already outgrowing their role as mere victuallers of American-bound ships and were tying their export economy to the pulse of older and larger European markets to the north. Hundreds of ships sailed out from Europe to the Canarian ports and then returned north, battling the prevailing north-east winds, withstanding the dark and dirty weather of winter seas, to carry the rich produce of Tenerife to old and established European markets. Tax records, port books, and merchant letters, unexplored in previous studies of the Canarian economy, reveal that this trade was encouraged by the growth
Eddy correlation measurements of submarine groundwater discharge

Abstract This paper presents a new, non-invasive means of quantifying groundwater discharge into marine waters using an eddy correlation approach. The method takes advantage of the fact that, in virtually all aquatic environments, the dominant mode of vertical transport near the sediment–water interface is turbulent mixing. The technique thus relies on measuring simultaneously the fluctuating vertical velocity using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter and the fluctuating salinity and/or temperature using rapid-response conductivity and/or temperature sensors. The measurements are typically done at a height of 5–15 cm above the sediment surface, at a frequency of 16 to 64 Hz, and for a period of 15 to 60 min. If the groundwater salinity and/or temperature differ from that of the water column, the groundwater specific discharge (cm d − 1 ) can be quantified from either a heat or salt balance. Groundwater discharge was estimated with this new approach in Salt Pond, a small estuary on Cape Cod (MA, USA). Estimates agreed well with previous estimates of discharge measured using seepage meters and 222 Rn as a tracer. The eddy correlation technique has several desirable characteristics: 1) discharge is quantified under in-situ hydrodynamic conditions; 2) salinity and temperature can serve as two semi-independent tracers of discharge; 3) discharge can be quantified at high temporal resolution, and 4) long-term records of discharge may be possible, due to the low power requirements of the instrumentation.
Methylene: a paradigm for computational quantum chemistry.

The year 1970 has been suggested as a starting date for the "third age of quantum chemistry," in which theory takes on not only qualitative but also quantitative value. In fact, each of the years 1960, 1970, 1972, and 1977 is of historical value in the unraveling of the structure and energetics of the CH2 molecule, methylene. What took place for methylene, namely the establishment of credibility for theory, has subsequently taken place for many other molecules. Three important roles for quantitative theory are outlined: (i) theory precedes experiment; (ii) theory overturns experiment, as resolved by later experiments; and (iii) theory and experiment work together to gain insight that is afforded independently to neither. Several examples from each of the three classes are given.
Production of Australian Red Claw Cherax quudricarinatus in Polyculture with Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

— Australian red claw crayfish Cherax quudricarinurus were cultured in monoculture and in polyculture with male Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloricus in nine 0.02-ha earthen ponds. Red claw with an average weight of 7 g were stocked in all ponds at 2/ m2. Tilapia with an average weight of 19 g were stocked in six ponds at either 0.5 or 1/m2. A sinking 32% fish diet and dry alfalfa hay was provided to all ponds as feed and forage. After 135 d, red claw survival was similar (19–24%) in all treatments while average weights were 76 g in monoculture and 48 g in both polyculture treatments. Lower than expected survival was a result of stress caused by poor shipping conditions. Tilapia survivals were similar (84–90%) in all ponds and had an average weight of 403 g when stocked at 1/m2 and 444 g when stocked at 0.5/m2. Red claws are generally considered non-aggressive, especially when compared with other clawed crustaceans. This lack of aggressiveness is suggested as a cause for decreased growth in polyculture with tilapia.
A model for the carbon activity in nqnstoichiometric thorium carbide

Abstract The Rees formulation of nonstoichiometry is adopted together with a vacancy/single carbon atom/C2 group model to calculate the hitherto largely unknown carbon activity in ThCx for 0.0 ≲ x ≲ 2.0. The form of the carbon activity isotherms from ThC0.9 to ThC1.95 closely resembles the experimentally determined isotherms in the U/C system. Based on the occupation of two kinds of sites, the present formalism also generates an asymmetric shape of the miscibility gap between ThC and ThC2 as found in both the real Th/C and U/C systems.