cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optical implementation of neural networks

An adaptive optical neuro-computing (ONC) using inexpensive pocket size liquid crystal televisions (LCTVs) had been developed by the graduate students in the Electro-Optics Laboratory at The Pennsylvania State University. Although this neuro-computing has only 8×8=64 neurons, it can be easily extended to 16×20=320 neurons. The major advantages of this LCTV architecture as compared with other reported ONCs, are low cost and the flexibility to operate. To test the performance, several neural net models are used. These models are Interpattern Association, Hetero-association and unsupervised learning algorithms. The system design considerations and experimental demonstrations are also included.
Synthesis and reactivity of nonstabilized diazo sugars

Abstract 1,6-Anhydro-4-deoxy-4-diazo-2,3-O-isopropylidene-β- d -lyxo-hexopyranose (4) is a stable crystalline compound readily accessible by an improved synthetic procedure. It has been used as a model for evaluating the reactivity of the diazo group, when not stabilized by an adjacent carbonyl function, in a rigid chiral matrix. A range of carbene-type, electrophile-promoted, and 1,3-dipolar reactions were evaluated, leading to 4,4′-alkene dimers, 4-deoxy-3-enose and related derivatives, 4,4-dihalo compounds, 4-spirocyclopropane derivatives, 4-spiropyrazole structures, and by skeletal rearrangement, branched-chain anhydropentose structures having a bicyclo[2.2.2] skeleton.
Isolation of adult canine venous endothelium for tissue culture.

In order to provide autologous adult endothelial cells for the production of cell-lined artificial vascular prostheses, we have developed a method for harvesting large numbers of cells with minimal contamination by other cellular types. In this technique, the vein to be stripped is isolated, removed, and everted over a stainless steel rod. After washing, the vein is incubated in trypsin-EDTA solution followed by collagenase and the endothelial cells flushed off with a stream of culture medium. With care and appropriate timing, the endothelium can be selectively removed leaving the underlying basal lamina intact.
Disparity in use of orthotopic liver transplantation among blacks and whites

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease. Limited data exist on the access of minorities to OLT. The aim of this study was to determine whether disparities exist among black and white OLT patients. Data were collected from the United Network for Organ Sharing on black and white 18-70 year-old OLT waiting list registrants (n = 29,013) and OLT recipients (n = 15,805) between 1994 and 1998. Standardized transplant ratios were generated by comparing the racial distribution of OLT patients with the US population. Demographic and clinical characteristics of OLT registrants were compared by race. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of time to OLT and the likelihood of dying or receiving OLT within 4 years, controlling for severity of illness and other factors. The standardized transplant ratio for black OLT recipients (0.65) was significantly lower than the standardized transplant ratio for white OLT recipients (1.05). Blacks were younger and sicker than whites. After adjustment for severity and other factors, time to OLT among recipients did not differ by race (P >.05). Blacks were more likely to die or become too ill for OLT while waiting (P <.001). Blacks were less likely to receive OLT within 4 years (P <.001). In conclusion, adult blacks were underrepresented among OLT patients. Although waiting times were similar once listed, black race affected outcomes while awaiting OLT. The process of referral and evaluation for OLT should be investigated further.
A multimedia presentation toolkit for the World Wide Web

This paper describes the design and implementation of MPRES, a Multimedia Presentation Toolkit for the WWW. The WWW has seen phenomenal growth over the last couple of years. It has become a vast repository of multimedia information that is accessible to virtually anyone having a browser. MPRES is a multimedia presentation system that allows a user to compose and render a presentation consisting of objects referenced by their URLs (Uniform Resource Locators). It uses the concept of dynamic documents to render on a WWW browser, a sequence of multimedia scenarios, having objects of types such as audio, image, plaintext, HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) document and animation. MPRES Author, the authoring subsystem, allows the user to interactively test and compose such a presentation, using the Netscape Navigator to collect multimedia resources from the WWW. A presentation database stores the presentations and provides a convenient frontend for accessing them. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons,Ltd.
Light adaptation of the frog's 580 cone system: A comparison of receptor and ganglion cell sensitivity changes

Abstract In order to examine the locus of cone system adaptation, we have compared steady-state increment threshold curves for the 580 cone system at the ganglion cell to our previously recorded steady-state increment threshold curves for the 580 cone receptors (Hood and Hock. Vision Res . 15 . 545–553, 1975). In order to make explicit the assumptions which must be made when comparing the responses from two retinal levels, this study assumed a simple linear-connection model. This model did not describe our results, and in fact, the ganglion cells appeared to lose less sensitivity with steadystate light adaptation than the receptors.
Effect of ventilation on cerebral oxygenation during exercise: Insights from canonical correlation

We tested hypothesis that cerebral deoxygenation near maximal exercise intensity is mediated by hyperventilation, via hypocapnia-induced reductions in cerebral blood flow, by utilizing canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to determine the relative influence of cardiopulmonary changes on cerebral oxygenation, as assessed by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Twenty-three subjects performed incremental exercise tests under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Changes in ventilation (V (E)) were strongly correlated with end-tidal CO(2) (P(ET)(CO)(2)) and NIRS after the respiratory compensation point (RCP) (r(2)>0.97). However, in contrast to our expectations, CBF velocity (CBFv) shared the least amount of variance with NIRS measurements (r(2)<0.56) and the reduction in CBFv was not accompanied by a reduction in cerebral blood volume. These results demonstrate that while cerebral deoxygenation was associated with hyperventilation, it was not solely explained by hypocapnia-induced reductions in CBFv. CCA revealed that a relative increase in the venous contribution to NIRS explained a larger amount of variation in cerebral oxygenation than reductions CBFv.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY LAWS REVIEWED

Imposing legal responsibility on parents for the antisocial behavior of their children has long been tempting to legislators. The serious problems inherent in such laws are presented in the following appraisal, excerpted with permission from the Pittsburgh Law Review, Volume 30 No. 3.
Potentiation of foot shock analgesia by thyrotropin releasing hormone.

Abstract Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) interacts with both opioid and non-opioid systems in mediating hypothermic, hypoactive, cataleptic, respiratory and analgesic effects. While TRH neither antagonizes opioid analgesia nor alters pain thresholds itself, it blocks neurotensin analgesia. Different forms of pain-inhibition in rats can be activated by selectively altering the parameters of shock: while analgesia induced by 20 inescapable tail-shocks is not reversed by naltrexone, exposure to 60 or 80 shocks does elicit naltrexone-reversible analgesia. The first experiment examined whether intracerebroventricular administration of TRH (0, 10, or 50 μg) would alter the elevations in tail-flick latencies in rats induced by 20 or 80 foot shocks and found that TRH significantly lengthened the duration and magnitude of analgesia induced by 20 and 80 foot shocks in a dose-dependent manner. The second experiment extended these findings to the writhing test, a visceral pain test. While the number and duration of writhes of vehicle-treated rats exposed to 80 foot shocks failed to differ from baseline values, TRH (50 μg)-treated rats exposed to 80 foot shocks displayed significant decreases in the number and duration of writhes. The third experiment indicated that the differential effects of naltrexone upon analgesia induced by 20 or 80 tail shocks were not apparent when foot shocks were employed, precluding a definitive statement that TRH may be involved in the modulation of both opioid and non-opioid forms of analgesia.
Bohm's formulation in imaginary time: estimation of energy eigenvalues

Bohm's hydrodynamic formulation of quantum mechanics is employed to solve the diffusion equation. Quantum trajectories are found to behave differently in imaginary time, exhibiting caustic singularities. A wavefunction repartitioning methodology is introduced to prevent the imaginary-time crossing events, leading to stable evolution that does not suffer from the numerical obstacles that characterize Bohmian dynamics in real time. Use of an approximate technique based on trajectory stability properties to solve Bohm's equations in imaginary time leads to an accurate prediction of the energy of a low-lying eigenstate from a single quantum trajectory.
Science based information metrology for engineering informatics

Engineering informatics is the discipline of creating, codifying (structure and behavior that is syntax and semantics), exchanging (interactions and sharing), processing (decision making), storing and retrieving (archive and access) the digital objects that characterize the cross-disciplinary domains of engineering discourse. It is absolutely critical that a sharing mechanism should preserve correctness (semantics), be efficient (for example, representation, storage and retrieval, interface), inexpensive (for example, resources, cost, time), and secure. In order to create such a sharing mechanism, we need a science-based approach for understanding significant relationships among the concepts and consistent standards, measurements, and specifications. To develop this science, it is essential to understand the interactions among the theory of languages, representation theory, and domain theory. Creating the science of information metrology will require a fundamental and formal approach to metrology, measurement methods and testing and validation similar to the physical sciences.
Production of electrons from alkaline earths in flames: Equilibrium and kinetic considerations

Electron concentrations produced by calcium, strontium and barium in atmospheric-pressure hydrogen-nitrogen oxygen flames have been measured by the microwave cavity resonance method, and enthalpy changes and equilibrium constants obtained as follows: Download : Download full-size image Discrepancies between Second Law and Third Law values of ΔH00 are interpreted as indicating kinetic limitations in the ionization reactions. The results would be consistent with upper limits to the pre-exponential factors in the rate constants for the above reactions of about 2 × 10−10cm3molecule−1sec−1.
Removal of a Thin Liquid Film From a Flat Surface Using an Axisymmetric Impinging Jet

On presente une theorie simple permettant de prevoire la vitesse d'amincissement d'une couche liquide visqueuse recouvrant initialement une surface plane rigide soumise a l'action d'un jet. Etude experimentale confirmant cette theorie
Increased prevalence of chronic autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis in children and adolescents with vitiligo.

Background An increased prevalence of autoimmune (Hashimoto's) thyroiditis in adult patients with vitiligo has been described. This association has scarcely been studied in children. Objective We sought to assess children and adolescents with vitiligo for autoimmune thyroid disorder and to identify any predisposing factors of this association. Methods In all, 54 children and adolescents (23 boys, 31 girls; mean age 11.4 years) with known vitiligo were studied by physical examination and laboratory studies. Results Four patients with vitiligo were already known to have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In 9 of the remaining 50 patients, autoimmune thyroiditis was revealed at the time of the investigation. Of the 54 patients with vitiligo, 13 (24.1%) had autoimmune thyroiditis as compared with 9.6% of school-aged children from an iodine-replete area of Greece ( P =.002). There was no association between thyroiditis and clinical type of vitiligo, age at onset, mean duration of vitiligo, or sex. Conclusions Hashimoto's thyroiditis is 2.5 times more frequent among children and adolescents with vitiligo than in a healthy age- and sex-matched population. It usually follows the onset of vitiligo. We propose that children and adolescents with vitiligo should be screened annually for thyroid dysfunction, particularly autoimmune thyroiditis.
In situ thermographic observations on the compression behavior of a relaxed Zr-based bulk-metallic glass

Using an infrared camera, the plastic deformation of a relaxed Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10.0Ti5.0 bulk-metallic glass in a moderately high strain rate compression was observed in situ. The specimen exhibits an inhomogeneous deformation, which is manifested by serrated plastic flow, shear banding, and obvious work softening. Shear-banding operations were observed throughout the plastic deformation. Shear-banding operations started before the nominal yielding; shear bands could not block each other, but their interaction seems to accelerate the plastic deformation. A significant increase in the specimen’s temperature was observed due to shear banding.
Study ofl-tryptophan corepressor binding to mutatedE. coli tryptophan repressor proteins by optically detected triplet-state magnetic resonance

Phosphorescence and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) measurements have been carried out on the tryptophan (Trp) residues ofEscherichia coli Trp repressor protein (W Rep) and its two single Trp-containing mutants, W19F and W99F. The enhanced resolution afforded by the W19F and W99F mutants allowed us to characterize the triplet state of boundl-Trp corepressor using phosphorescence wavelengt-selected ORMR spectroscopy. We find that at 77 K the 0,0 band peak wavelength ofl-Trp is shifted from 405.5 nm in the aqueous solvent to ca. 410 nm when bound to the corepressor binding site. This red shift of the phosphorescence along with a corresponding increase in the zero-field splittingE value and narrowing of the ODMR linewidth characterize a binding site that is less polar, as well as more polarizable and homogeneous, than the aqueous solvent. This conclusion is in agreement with the X-ray crystallographic structure of the holorepressor protein that places the indole chromophore of the bound corepressor in a cleft in which it is sandwiched by the side chains of arginines 54 and 84.
Large-scale multimedia content analysis using scientific workflows

Analyzing web content, particularly multimedia content, for security applications is of great interest. However, it often requires deep expertise in data analytics that is not always accessible to non-experts. Our approach is to use scientific workflows that capture expert-level methods to examine web content. We use workflows to analyze the image and text components of multimedia web posts separately, as well as by a multimodal fusion of both image and text data. In particular, we re-purpose workflow fragments to do the multimedia analysis and create additional components for the fusion of the image and text modalities. In this paper, we present preliminary work which focuses on a Human Trafficking Detection task to help deter human trafficking of minors by thus fusing image and text content from the web. We also examine how workflow fragments save time and effort in multimedia content analysis while bringing together multiple areas of machine learning and computer vision. We further export these workflow fragments using linked data as web objects.
Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome involving tumor metastasis. Case report.

This report is an example of tumor metastasis to the temporomandibular joint and its effect on pain, restriction of jaw movement, and the subsequent inability of the patient to function normally. Neoplasm is not the usual etiology of myofascial pain dysfunctionsyndrome and the muscle sparm component of this patient's jaw dysfunction was emphasizedby the relief of symptoms from the use of symptomatic reversible type therapy (tranquilizer, muscle relaxant, and heat). There was an overlay of stress-tension factors in this case history that contributed to the muscle spasm symptoms of the patient. There canbe other etiological factors in jaw dysfunction associated with TMJ pathology such asdevelopmental anomalies, trauma, arthritis, and neoplasm, but as a group they comprise only about 5% of TMJ dysfunction problems (D.M. Laskin, personal communication).
The role assignment model nearly fits most social networks

Abstract Role assignments, introduced by Everett and Borgatti [Mathematical Social Sciences 26 (1991) 183], who called them role colorings, formalize the idea, arising in the theory of social networks, that individuals of the same social role will relate in the same way to individuals playing counterpart roles. If G is a graph, a k -role assignment is a surjective function mapping each vertex into a positive integer 1,2,…, k , so that if x and y have the same role, then the sets of roles assigned to their neighbors are the same. We show that all graphs G having no astronomical discrepancies between the minimum and the maximum degree have a k -role assignment. Furthermore, we introduce and study a natural measure expressing how close an onto map f : V ( G )→{1,…, k } is to being a k -role assignment of a graph G =( V , E ), and show that almost all graphs nearly have a k -role assignment.
Mechanodelivery of nanoparticles to the cytoplasm of living cells.

Nanotechnology has opened up the opportunity to probe, sense, and manipulate the chemical environment of biological systems with an unprecedented level of spatiotemporal control. A major obstacle to the full realization of these novel technologies is the lack of a general, robust, and simple method for the delivery of arbitrary nanostructures to the cytoplasm of intact live cells. Here, we identify a new delivery modality, based on mechanical disruption of the plasma membrane, which efficiently mediates the delivery of nanoparticles to the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. We use two distinct execution modes, two adherent cell lines, and three sizes of semiconducting nanocrystals, or quantum dots, to demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness. As the underlying mechanism is purely physical, we anticipate that such “mechanodelivery” can be generalized to other modes of execution as well as to the cytoplasmic introduction of a structurally diverse array of functional nanomaterials.
Process development for waveguide chemical sensors with integrated polymeric sensitive layers

ABSTRACT Due to the proper optical property and flexibility in the process development, an epoxy-based, high-aspect ratio photoresist SU-8 is now attracting atten tion in optical sensing applications. Mani pulation of the surface properties of SU-8 waveguides is critical to attach functional films such as chemically-sensitive layers. We describe a new integration process to immobilize fluorescence molecules on SU-8 waveguide surface for application to intensity-based optical chemical sensors. We use two polymers for this application. Spin-on, hydrophobic, photopatternable silicone is a convenient material to contain fluorophore molecules and to pattern a photolithographically defined thin layer on the surface of SU-8. We use fumed silica powders as an additive to uniformly disperse the fluorophores in the silicone precursor. In general, additional processes are not critically required to promote the adhesion between the SU-8 and silicone. The other material is polyethylene glycol diacryl ate (PEGDA). Recently we dem onstrated a novel photografting method to modify the surface of SU-8 using a surface bound initiator to control its wettability. The activated surface is then coated with a monomer precursor solution. Polymerization follows when the sample is exposed to UV irradiation, resulting in a grafted PEGDA layer incorp orating fluorophores within the hydrogel matrix. Since this method is based the UV-based photografting reaction, it is possible to grow off photolithographically defined hydrogel patterns on the waveguide structures. The resulting films will be viable integrat ed components in optical bioanalytical sensors. This is a promising technique for integrated chemical sensors both for planar type waveguide and vertical type waveguide chemical sensors. Keywords: SU-8, oxygen sensor, waveguide, silicone, ruthenium, polyethylene glycol, lithography.
Identification of Armillaria species in California.

AbstractMating experiments were conducted with 30 California isolates of Armillaria species to determine their intersterility grouping. Basidiomes were collected from a variety of coniferous and ha...
Drug repurposing and the medicinal chemist

Drug repurposing is an approach to finding new uses for older drugs and has been gaining popularity in recent years. The role of traditional medicinal chemistry in the context of these efforts is considered.
Apoptosis and mitosis as prognostic factors in pathologically staged N1 nonsmall cell lung cancer

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to establish whether spontaneous apoptosis or mitosis has prognostic value among patients with pathologically staged N1 nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treated with surgical resection with or without adjuvant therapy. Methods and Materials: Material from 173 patients who had resections between 1970 and 1988 was analyzed for apoptosis and mitosis. There were 128 men and 45 women, with a median age of 61 years. There were 86 squamous cell carcinomas (SQ), 73 adenocarcinomas (AC), 3 large-cell carcinomas (LC), 6 SQ-AC, and 5 unclassified. Patients were observed from 2 to 209 months (median 27). Actuarial methods were used to assess survival and freedom from distant metastasis. Results: In NSCLC, apoptosis was found to range from 0.2% to 2.8% (median 1.0%) and mitosis from 0 to 1.8% (median 0.4%). Tumors having higher levels of apoptosis also had higher levels of mitosis ( p = 0.001). The values of neither apoptosis nor mitosis depended on size, location, differentiation of tumors, age, performance status, or weight loss of patients. However, the values of apoptosis depended on tumor histology in that high values (greater than or equal to the median) were more frequent in SQ (49%) than in AC/LC (29%) ( p = 0.01). The overall survival for NSCLC patients, which was 33% at 5 years, did not depend on the level of either apoptosis or mitosis. The 5-year survival of patients having SQ was higher (43%) than that of patients having AC/LC (21%) ( p = 0.03). Patients with high apoptosis showed significantly better 5-year overall ( p = 0.008) and DMF ( p = 0.0012) survivals in the SQ group compared to the AC/LC group. High mitosis compared to low mitosis was a significantly better predictor for 5-year survival (62% vs. 29%, respectively) ( p = 0.035) in the SQ. However, high mitosis was a significantly worse 5-year DMF survival predictor compared to low mitosis: 13% vs. 56%, respectively ( p = 0.05) in AC/LC. In the multivariate models for AC/LC, mitosis remained a significant predictor of 5-year distant metastasis ( p = 0.025) controlling for treatment groups ( p = 0.042), whereas apoptosis was an independently significant predictor of 5-year distant metastasis ( p = 0.010). Conclusion: Squamous cell histology predicted significantly better 5-year overall and DMF survivals compared to AC/LC. Apoptosis was correlated with mitosis. Although apoptosis or mitosis did not predict survival ro DM, high apoptosis or mitosis predicted significantly better survival in SQ and significantly worse survival in AC/LC with regard to overall and DMF survivals. In the multivariate models for AC/LC, apoptosis alone or mitosis with variable treatment was a significant predictor of 5-year distant metastasis. Thus, pretreatment levels of apoptosis or mitosis might be useful for predicting treatment outcome of SQ and AC/LC subsets of NSCLC when analyzed separately and for predicting metastatic incidence of AC/LC.
An Advanced Design Extended Range Marine Navigation System

Theoretical studies and field tests led to specifications for and subsequent development of an all weather, 24-hour operation, range-range type marine navigation system capable of reliably operating much farther from shore than previously available systems of this general type. It utilizes a single, relatively narrow band VHF or UHF channel, specially designed matched-filters, low-noise solid-state circuitry, and computer control to derive real-time position information in a semiautomatic manner at ranges up to 250 miles from shore.
Application of a three-field nonlinear fluid–structure formulation to the prediction of the aeroelastic parameters of an F-16 fighter

Abstract We overview a three-field formulation of coupled fluid–structure interaction problems where the flow is modeled by the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian form of either the Euler or Navier–Stokes equations, the structure is represented by a detailed finite element (FE) model, and the fluid grid is unstructured, dynamic, and constructed by a robust structure analogy method. We discuss the latest advances in the computational algorithms associated with this approach for modeling aeroelastic problems. We apply the three-field nonlinear computational framework to the prediction of the aeroelastic frequencies and damping coefficients of an F-16 configuration in various subsonic, transonic, and supersonic regimes. We consider for this purpose both the popular two-dimensional typical wing section model and a detailed three-dimensional FE model of the structure, and compare in both cases the obtained numerical results with flight test data. We comment on the advantages and shortfalls of both approaches, and on the feasibility as well as the merit of the three-field formulation of nonlinear aeroelasticity for the extraction of flutter envelopes.
Opposing effects of pituitary leukemia inhibitory factor and SOCS-3 on the ACTH axis response to inflammation

We have shown that leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 are expressed in the hypothalamus and pituitary and that LIF induces proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and...
Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide polymerase inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is ubiquitous, affecting approximately 180 million individuals worldwide and around 3.2 million in the United States. While peginterferon and ribavirin alone continue to be used, the treatment landscape for patients with genotype 1 has recently changed to include one of two protease inhibitors: boceprevir and telaprevir. Despite this, effective therapies for chronic HCV for all genotypes represent a largely unmet need. Areas covered: Sofosbuvir, formally labeled GS-7977, is an HCV NS5B nucleotide polymerase inhibitor that has entered multiple Phase III trials. Phase II trials demonstrated that treatments including sofosbuvir have higher sustained virologic response rates for genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 in comparison with treatments that include only peginterferon and ribavirin. In addition, the side-effect profile of sofosbuvir and ribavirin dual treatment has an improved tolerability in comparison with treatment regimes that include interferon-based ...
Limited stair-climbing ability and weight control in family medicine patients.

Objective: To assess the association between self-assessed stair-climbing limitation and weight control among family medicine patients, after adjustment for age, gender, marital status, body mass index (BMI), and co-morbidity.Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 840 adult family medicine patient records drawn from a large family medicine department in Rochester, Minnesota. Weight control was measured as no change or decline in BMI over approximately 1 year.Results: Adjusting for co-morbidity and other confounders using multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that limited stair-climbing ability was unrelated to weight control over approximately 1 year. Instead, patients with BMI ≥ 30 were more likely to control their weight (p<0.01), and age exhibited a non-linear relationship with weight control. The odds of weight control were lower for patients between the ages of 36 and 45 years than for those aged 18—35 years (p<0.01).Conclusions: In our sample of family medicine pati...
Micromeres are required for normal vegetal plate specification in sea urchin embryos

Vegetal plate specification was assessed in S. purpuratus embryos after micromere deletions at the 4th, 5th and 6th cleavages, by assaying expression of the early vegetal plate marker Endo 16, using whole-mount in situ hybridization. After 4th cleavage micromere deletions, the embryos typically displayed weak Endo16 expression in relatively few cells of the lineages that normally constitute the vegetal plate, while after 5th and 6th cleavage micromere deletions the embryos exhibited strong Endo16 expression in larger fractions of cells belonging to those lineages. When all four micromeres were deleted, the embryos were severely delayed in initiating gastrulation and sometimes failed to complete gastrulation. However, if only one micromere was allowed to remain in situ throughout development, the embryos exhibited strong Endo16 expression and gastrulation occurred normally, on schedule with controls. Additional measurements showed that these microsurgical manipulations do not alter cleavage rates or generally disrupt embryo organization. These results constitute direct evidence that the micromeres provide signals required by the macromere lineages for initiation of vegetal plate specification. The specification of the vegetal plate is completed in a normal manner only if micromere signaling is allowed to continue at least to the 6th cleavage stage.
An alternativemodel for interconnect low-k dielectric lifetime dependence on voltage

Low-k dielectrics used in interconnect systems of advanced microelectronics devices tend to degrade faster than gate oxide under electric field. As spacing between metal lines shrink, degradation models like the E-model, which are used to extrapolate time-dependent dielectric breakdown under constant voltage stress conditions back to operating voltages, give too conservative lifetimes. This paper suggests a simple model to explain the nature of the field-and current-induced degradation. It is based on observations of trapped charge and leakage behavior as a function of time under a constant voltage stress. This model predicts that as the stress voltage is lowered to a typical operating regime, the lifetime increases dramatically, and that using a more lenient radic(E )-model for lifetime prediction is still safe.
Electrophysiological Evidence for Reversed Lexical Repetition Effects in Language Processing

Effects of word repetition are extremely robust, but can these effects be modulated by discourse context? We examined this in an ERP experiment that tested coreferential processing (when two expressions refer to the same person) with repeated names. ERPs were measured to repeated names and pronoun controls in two conditions: (1) In the prominent condition the repeated name or pronoun coreferred with the subject of the preceding sentence and was therefore prominent in the preceding discourse (e.g., "John went to the store after John/he . . ."); (2) in the nonprominent condition the repeated name or pronoun coreferred with a name that was embedded in a conjoined noun phrase, and was therefore nonprominent (e.g., "John and Mary went to the store after John/he . . ."). Relative to the prominent condition, the nonprominent condition always contained two extra words (e.g., "and Mary"), and the repetition lag was therefore smaller in the prominent condition. Typically, effects of repetition are larger with smaller lags. Nevertheless, the amplitude of the N400 was reduced to a coreferentially repeated name when the antecedent was nonprominent as compared to when it was prominent. No such difference was observed for the pronoun controls. Because the N400 effect reflects difficulties in lexical integration, this shows that the difficulty of achieving coreference with a name increased with the prominence of the referent. This finding is the reverse of repetition lag effects on N400 previously found with word lists, and shows that language context can override general memory mechanisms.
Upregulated autocrine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor‐2 loop prevents apoptosis in haemangioma‐derived endothelial cells

Summary Background The autocrine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 loop is required to maintain the transformed phenotype of many tumours, in part, by preventing apoptotic cell death in response to many different stimuli. However, it is unclear whether constitutive VEGF/VEGFR-2 activation in haemangioma-derived endothelial cells (HaemECs) can lead to a general suppression of apoptosis. Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate whether the autocrine VEGF loop promotes HaemEC survival via its receptor, VEGFR-2. Methods HaemECs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were serum-starved for 12–48 h. Cell apoptosis was measured. The potential mechanisms of VEGF/VEGFR-2-induced HaemEC survival were investigated, and the role of the autocrine VEGF/VEGFR-2 loop in preventing propranolol-induced apoptotic HaemEC death was also analysed. Results Compared with HUVECs, HaemECs showed increased resistance to apoptosis induced by serum starvation. Upregulated VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling in HaemECs induced an autocrine signalling loop, which resulted in Akt activation. Furthermore, this activation of Akt was necessary for VEGF/VEGFR-2-induced protection against serum deprivation-induced HaemEC apoptosis. In addition, Bcl-2, which functions as an anti-apoptotic factor and direct downstream target of PI3K/Akt, was decreased by the inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR-2, which led to an increase in caspase-3 activity, caspase-9 activity and HaemEC apoptosis. Moreover, HaemECs acquired greater resistance to propranolol treatment than HUVECs, whereas inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling in HaemECs sensitized these cells to propranolol-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that upregulation of the autocrine VEGF/VEGFR-2 loop can induce general resistance to apoptotic stimuli in HaemECs.
Patent pools and innovation in substitute technologies—evidence from the 19th‐century sewing machine industry

Patent pools, which combine complementary patents of competing firms, are expected to increase overall welfare but potentially discourage innovation in substitutes for the pool technology. This article exploits a new historical data set on changes in patenting and firm entry for a clearly defined pool technology and substitutes in the 19th-century sewing machine industry. This analysis reveals a substantial increase in innovation for an�albeit technologically inferior�substitute technology. Historical evidence suggests that the creation of a pool-diverted innovation toward an inferior substitute technology by creating differential license fees and litigation risks.
Effect of whole pelvic radiotherapy for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer treated with radiotherapy and long-term androgen deprivation therapy

Purpose To evaluate the effect of whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) in prostate cancer patients treated with RT and long-term (>1 year) androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Methods and materials Prostate cancer patients with high-risk features (Stage T3-T4 and/or Gleason score ≥7 and/or prostate-specific antigen level ≥20 ng/mL) who had undergone RT and long-term ADT were included in the present analysis. Patients with bowel inflammatory disease, colon diverticula, and colon diverticulitis were excluded from WPRT and treated with prostate-only radiotherapy (PORT). Patients were grouped according to nodal risk involvement as assessed by the Roach formula using different cutoff levels (15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%). Biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) was analyzed in each group according to the RT type (WPRT or PORT). Results A total of 358 patients treated between 1994 and 2007 were included in the analysis (46.9% with WPRT and 53.1% with PORT). The median duration of ADT was 24 months (range, 12–38). With a median follow-up of 52 months (range, 20–150), the overall 4-year bDFS rate was 90.5%. The 4-year bDFS rate was similar between the patients who had undergone WPRT or PORT (90.4% vs. 90.5%; p = NS). However, in the group of patients with the greatest nodal risk (>30%), a significant bDFS improvement was recorded for the patients who had undergone WPRT (p = .03). No differences were seen in acute toxicity among the patients treated with WPRT or PORT. The late gastrointestinal toxicity was similar in patients treated with PORT or WPRT (p = NS). Conclusions Our analysis has supported the use of WPRT in association with long-term ADT for patients with high-risk nodal involvement (>30%), although a definitive recommendation should be confirmed by a randomized trial.
Laboratory Analyses and Near Infrared Reflectance for Predicting In Vitro Digestibility of Rye Silage

Abstract In vitro dry matter digestibilities were determined for 62 rye silages selected from samples analyzed by the Virginia Tech Forage Testing program. Results from seven standard analyses and digestibility estimates from near infrared reflectance data (Neotec FQA51) 1 were tested for predicting in vitro digestibility of rye silage. The best single predictor of digestibility was acid detergent fiber with a coefficient of determination of .70 and standard error of estimate of 4.95. Inclusion of crude protein and crude protein plus calcium improved prediction (coefficients of determination .75 and .77). Prediction by near infrared reflectance resulted in a coefficient of determination of .59 and standard error of 6.7. Acid detergent fiber or acid detergent fiber plus crude protein would be useful predictors of rye silage digestibility. With software and calibration procedures provided by the manufacturer, the near infrared reflectance technique has limited capability for predicting digestibility of rye silage. Coefficients of determination (.79, .85) and standard errors (1.26, 3.26) for crude protein and acid detergent fiber indicate near infrared reflectance could be employed for predicting these components.
Who Contributes? Checkbook Participation, Class Biases, and the Impact of Legal Reforms, 1952-1994

The changing demographic trends of voter turnout have been a focus of great debate. Nevertheless, voter turnout is only one avenue through which citizens participate in electoral politics. Although the number of citizens voting may have declined since the 1960s, other forms of participation, such as financial contributions, have increased in terms of the number of citizens engaging in such activity. We find that although class biases in financial contributions are great within each election, these biases demonstrate no consistent trend toward increased or decreased class biases in financial contributions. The extent to which any specific election is skewed along economic class lines results largely from the behavior of those at the highest income levels. Finally, we find little empirical support that legal reforms designed to increase the base of campaign contributions have had any significant impact on who contributes.
Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Candida albicans Versus Non-albicans Candidemia in Nonneutropenic Patients

Background:Candidemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients.Objectives:To describe the epidemiology of and risk factors for non-albicans candidemia (NAC) in nonneutropenic adults and the impact of NAC on patient outcomes and treatment cost.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis comparing demographics and risk factors for Candida albicans candidemia (CAC) versus NAC in 144 nonneutropenic patients with candidemia over a 6 year period (1997–2002) at Detroit Receiving Hospital.Results:Candida species distribution included albicans (50%), parapsilosis (13%), tropicalis (10%), and glabrata (13%). Predominant species varied by patient care unit, with C. glabrata more common in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) and C. parapsilosis in the burn ICU. In multivariate analysis, NAC was associated with the absence of antibiotic use at the onset of candidemia, recent history of solid tumor, and male sex, NAC was not associated with an increase in mortality or length of st...
Designing an Online Virtual World for Learning and Training

Online virtual worlds are being rapidly adopted for entertainment, commerce, and social networking purposes. This paper describes the efforts and challenges of using these platforms for learning and training purposes.
The in‐culture of the DO

(1993). The in‐culture of the DO. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 78-86.
Synchronization for broadband OFDM mobile ad hoc networking: Simulation and implementation

Broadband wireless services are typically considered usable in limited mobility conditions (fixed access or at pedestrian speeds). In this paper, we present a method for time and frequency synchronization of broadband OFDM for mobile ad hoc networking systems, where each node randomly and rapidly changes location. The proposed method is robust in Rayleigh fading and is computationally tractable for low-power digital signal processor (DSP) implementations. The synchronization method uses a pseudo-noise (PN) preamble sequence, provides low probability of false detection, low probability of missed detection, and exhibits a low peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). We show that the power spectral density (PSD) of the PN-based preamble, after the digital up-converter shaping filter, fits into a spectral mask similar to that of the OFDM traffic signal's PSD. Efficient implementation is demonstrated using frequency-domain equivalent processing on a fixed-point Texas Instruments DSP and a floating-point Motorola G4 PowerPC with Altivec.
Transition Design: A Proposal for a New Area of Design Practice, Study, and Research

AbstractFundamental change at every level of our society, and new approaches to problem solving are needed to address twenty-first-century “wicked problems” such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, depletion of natural resources, and the widening gap between rich and poor. Transition Design is a proposition for a new area of design practice, study, and research that advocates design-led societal transition toward more sustainable futures. This reconception of entire lifestyles will involve reimagining infrastructures including energy resources, the economy and food, healthcare, and education. Transition Design focuses on the need for “cosmopolitan localism,” a lifestyle that is place-based and regional, yet global in its awareness and exchange of information and technology. Transition Designers would apply a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and natural systems and the Transition Design framework proposes four key areas in which narratives, knowledge, skills, and actio...
Automatic Versus Human Navigation in Information Networks

People regularly face tasks that can be understood as navigation in information networks, where the goal is to find a path between two given nodes. In many such situations, the navigator only gets local access to the node currently under inspection and its immediate neighbors. This lack of global information about the network notwithstanding, humans tend to be good at finding short paths, despite the fact that realworld networks are typically very large. One potential reason for this could be that humans possess vast amounts of background knowledge about the world, which they leverage to make good guesses about possible solutions. In this paper we ask the question: Are human-like high-level reasoning skills really necessary for finding short paths? To answer this question, we design a number of navigation agents without such skills, which use only simple numerical features. We evaluate the agents on the task of navigating Wikipedia, a domain for which we also possess large-scale human navigation data. We observe that the agents find shorter paths than humans on average and therefore conclude that, perhaps surprisingly, no sophisticated background knowledge or high-level reasoning is required for navigating the complex Wikipedia network.
“Muckraking in History”: The Role of the History of Science in Kuhn's Philosophy

This paper analyzes the development of Kuhn's metaphilosophical position concerning the proper relationship between the history and the philosophy of science. I reconstruct Kuhn's model of scientific change presented in Structure as having the logical status of a Weberian explanatory theory; the philosophy of science and the history of science were of equal importance in its development and defense. However, Kuhn's metaphilosophical position changed in the 1990s, when he gave primacy to philosophy over the history of science in response to the challenge new sociology of science presented to his views. I analyze Kuhn's seldom discussed ‘first principles’ and argue that the locution should be understood as marking this metaphilosophical shift. Kuhn's project in his last writings was to develop epistemology and metaphysics capable of withstanding relativism and of selecting cognitive internal historiography as the appropriate historiography for the philosophy of science. I sketch the contours of this project...
Development of a Self-Assembled Nanoparticle Formulation of Orlistat, Nano-ORL, with Increased Cytotoxicity against Human Tumor Cell Lines

Fatty acid synthase (FASN), the enzyme that catalyzes de novo synthesis of fatty acids, is expressed in many cancer types. Its potential as a therapeutic target is well recognized, but inhibitors of FASN have not yet been approved for cancer therapy. Orlistat (ORL), an FDA-approved lipase inhibitor, is also an effective inhibitor of FASN. However, ORL is extremely hydrophobic and has low systemic uptake after oral administration. Thus, new strategies are required to formulate ORL for cancer treatment as a FASN inhibitor. Here, we report the development of a nanoparticle (NP) formulation of ORL using amphiphilic bioconjugates that are derived from hyaluronic acid (HA), termed Nano-ORL. The NPs were loaded with up to 20 wt % weight of ORL at greater than 95% efficiency. The direct inhibition of the human recombinant thioesterase domain of FASN by ORL extracted from Nano-ORL was similar to that of stock ORL. Nano-ORL demonstrated a similar ability to inhibit cellular FASN activity when compared to free ORL, ...