cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gold Catalyzed C−H Functionalization Polycondensation for the Synthesis of Aromatic Polymers

Homogeneous gold (Au) complexes have demonstrated tremendous utility in modern organic chemistry; however, their application for the synthesis of polymers remains rare. Herein, we demonstrate the first catalytic application of Au complexes toward the polycondensation of alkyne-containing comonomers and heteroarene nucleophiles. Polymerization occurs through successive intermolecular hydroarylation reactions to produce high molecular weight aromatic copolymers with 1,1-disubstituted alkene backbone linkages. Clear correlations between the rate and degree of polymerization (DP) were established based on catalyst structure and counterion pairing, thus enabling polymerization reactions that proceeded with remarkable efficiency, high reactivity, and exceptional DPs. The reactivity is broad in scope, enabling the copolymerization of highly functionalized aromatic and aliphatic monomers. These results highlight the untapped utility of Au catalysis in providing access to new macromolecular constructs.
Estradiol Enhances Anorectic Effect of Apolipoprotein A-IV through ERα-PI3K Pathway in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius

Estradiol (E2) enhances the anorectic action of apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV), however, the intracellular mechanisms are largely unclear. Here we reported that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was significantly activated by E2 and apoA-IV, respectively, in primary neuronal cells isolated from rat embryonic brainstem. Importantly, the combination of E2 and apoA-IV at their subthreshold doses synergistically activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These effects, however, were significantly diminished by the pretreatment with LY294002, a selective PI3K inhibitor. E2-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway was through membrane-associated ERα, because the phosphorylation of Akt was significantly increased by PPT, an ERα agonist, and by E2-BSA (E2 conjugated to bovine serum albumin) which activates estrogen receptor on the membrane. Centrally administered apoA-IV at a low dose (0.5 µg) significantly suppressed food intake and increased the phosphorylation of Akt in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with E2, but not in OVX rats treated with vehicle. These effects were blunted by pretreatment with LY294002. These results indicate that E2's regulatory role in apoA-IV's anorectic action is through the ERα-PI3K pathway in the NTS. Manipulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling activation in the NTS may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and the treatment of obesity-related disorders in females.
Lenity Before Kisor: Due Process, Agency Deference, and the Interpretation of Ambiguous Penal Regulations

When interpreting punitive regulations that are ambiguous, lower courts face a seemingly stark choice: Either they follow the Supreme Court’s instruction in Kisor v. Wilkie and defer to the enforcing agency’s typically more severe interpretation, or they rely on the venerable rule of lenity—also endorsed by the Supreme Court—and adopt the less severe interpretation. This choice need not be made: Kisor deference and lenity do not clash when properly applied because these two doctrines operate at different ambiguity thresholds. Lenity tips in favor of defendants when a regulation’s meaning is subject to “reasonable doubt,” whereas agency deference only applies when a regulation is “genuinely ambiguous”—a more searching standard. Lenity, therefore, must apply before agency deference. This order of operations makes sense both of the doctrines and their justifications. Lenity’s constitutional underpinnings—in particular, the due process requirements of “fair notice” and conviction “beyond a reasonable doubt”—take precedence over the lower-order policy rationales behind agency deference.
Genomic and epigenomic active vitamin D responses in human colonic organoids.

Active vitamin D, 1α,25(OH)2D3, is a nuclear hormone with roles in colonic homeostasis and carcinogenesis; yet, mechanisms underlying these effects are incompletely understood. Human organoids are ...
Instructor Presence and Student Satisfaction Across Modalities: Survey Data on Student Preferences in Online and On-Campus Courses

Post-COVID-19, many, if not most, college and university instructors teach both online and face-to-face, and, given that online courses historically have higher attrition rates, designing and facilitating effective online courses is key to student retention. Students need online and on-campus courses that are well designed and facilitated, but even well-designed classes can be ineffective if students feel lost in the course or disengaged from the instructor. We surveyed 2,007 undergraduate students at a public, metropolitan university in the United States about the best and worst classes they had taken at the university. The resulting data revealed important consistencies across modalities—such as the importance of clear instructions and instructor availability. However, students responded that instructors matter more in face-to-face courses, where they can establish personal relationships with students, whereas assignments “stand in” for instructors in online classes. These findings support the need for increased faculty professional development in online course design and facilitation focused on student experience as well as faculty expertise.
Simulations of photon migration and image formation in highly scattering media

A computer model has been used to simulate transillumination imaging of a sharp edge in the center of a highly scattering object. It is shown that the width of the edge-spread-function of an infinitely absorbing edge increases with the migration time of the photon in a nonlinear fashion. Furthermore, the spread function is offset with respect to the edge: the offset is linearly related to the migration time. The effect is explained in terms of the nonlinear nature of the imaging process. >
A Sceptic’S View

Two positions that concern the origin of life on earth and the possible existence of extraterrestrial life are compared. In one view, life on earth is considered to have started with the prebiotic synthesis of replicating RNA molecules. Life elsewhere, if it exists, is likely to have a biochemistry much like our own, and is therefore restricted in its origin to earthlike worlds. As such planets may be quite infrequent in their occurrence, life may also be quite rare in the universe. This position is often stated with conviction, but it goes far beyond the skimpy evidence available. It is therefore termed “the believers’ view”. The pessimism inherent in this position has served to quench enthusiasm for planetary exploration and efforts to detect extraterrestrial life.
Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior fro the Human Skeleton

Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior fro the Human Skeleton. Clark Spencer Larsen. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. 461 pp.
Phase Distortion Correction for See-Through-The-Wall Imaging Radar

See through the wall (STTW) applications have become of high importance to law enforcement, homeland security and defense needs. In this work surface penetrating radar is simulated using basic physical principles of radar propagation. Wavenumber migration is employed to form 2D images of objects found behind a wall. It is shown that this technique cannot properly image with the wall present because of an unknown phase delay experienced by the electromagnetic waves as they pass through the wall. Two approaches are taken to estimate this phase by looking at the direct backscatter signal from the wall. The first is a dual phase approach, which uses a non-parametric technique to find the phase at every frequency. The second method is a dual frequency approach. The two frequencies are close enough together that the reflection coefficients are approximately equal. This approximation allows for more observations than unknown parameters. The surface reflection coefficient, back wall coefficient, and phase are simultaneously determined using an iterative, non-linear (Newton-Raphson) successive approximation algorithm. Comparisons are performed for a simple scenario of three point scatterers with and without phase correction.
Comparison of techniques for reinforcing stone molds used to construct facial prostheses

Dental stone molds are convenient for fabricating facial prostheses, but they tend to break when repeatedly used to make duplicate prostheses. This study investigated the use of an inexpensive plastic mesh, die hardener, and PVC pipe segment to reinforce stone mold test samples that were broken in compression on an Instron testing machine. The samples reinforced with PVC pipe surpassed the load limit of the Instron machine. The samples reinforced with both die hardener and mesh were 13% more resistant to breakage than the control samples made of stone alone. Samples reinforced only with mesh were 3% weaker than the control samples.
Calculation of minority-carrier mobilities in heavily doped p -type semiconductors in the dielectric-function formalism

An alternative approach for the calculation of minority-carrier mobilities is proposed. This approach is based on the self-consistent-field (SCF) method, and it combines elementary excitation theory with an appropriate transport theory beyond the relaxation-time approximation. Detailed information on elementary excitations of majority holes at finite temperature is obtained from the spectral density function (Im[-1/\ensuremath{\varepsilon}(q,\ensuremath{\omega})]) derived by the SCF method. Also, the finite lifetime of holes has been incorporated and a suitable form for the coupling of longitudinal-optical phonons, plasmons, and single-particle excitations is described. We have calculated minority-carrier mobilities for p-type GaAs and p-type Si, which show excellent agreement with available experimental data for a wide range of hole concentrations. Suggestions for improvements to this approach are described.
Lu–Hf zircon evidence for rapid lunar differentiation

Abstract Zircons from the Apollo 14 polymict breccias 14304, 14305, and 14321 crystallized from highly incompatible-trace-element enriched sources over an extended period of early lunar history from 4.4 to 4.0 Ga. These zircons contain the least radiogenic 176Hf/177Hf yet observed in lunar samples, consistent with their source magmas containing a component (KREEP) that evolved during chemical differentiation of a global lunar magma ocean. The initial 176Hf/177Hf isotopic compositions of the zircons as a function of their crystallization ages suggest separation of the KREEP source, and thus crystallization of the lunar magma ocean, by ~ 4.48 Ga to no later than 4.38 Ga.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Immunosuppressed Hosts

Diseases and therapies that reduce cell-mediated immunity increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease. Extrapulmonary NTM disease, including disseminated, skin, and catheter-related disease, is more common in immunosuppressed than immunocompetent patients. Mycobacterium avium complex remains the most common cause of NTM infection, but rapid growers including Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium chelonae, and Mycobacterium fortuitum play an important role in skin and catheter-related infections. With the exception of antibiotic prophylaxis for AIDS patients, the prevention of NTM remains difficult. Management is complicated, involving restoration of immune function and removal of catheters in addition to treatment with species-specific antibiotics per current guidelines.
Fluctuations and intrinsic pinning in layered superconductors.

A flux liquid can condense into a smectic crystal in a pure layered superconductor with the magnetic field oriented nearly parallel to the layers. If the smectic order is commensurate with the layering, this crystal is stable to point disorder. By tilting and adjusting the magnitude of the applied field, both incommensurate and tilted smectic and crystalline phases are found. We discuss transport near the second order smectic freezing transition and show that permeation modes lead to a small nonzero resistivity and large but finite tilt modulus in the smectic crystal.
Interrater Reliability of the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury in Youths With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Mulcahey MJ, Gaughan JP, Chafetz RS, Vogel LC, Samdani AF, Betz RR. Interrater reliability of the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury in youths with chronic spinal cord injury. Objectives To evaluate the interrater reliability of the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) in children with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), and to define the lower age limit at which the examinations have clinical utility. Design Repeated measures, multicenter reliability study. Setting Two U.S. pediatric specialty hospitals with recognized SCI programs. Participants Children (N=236) with chronic SCI. Interventions Subjects underwent 4 examinations by 2 raters: sensory tests (pin prick [PP] and light touch [LT]), a motor test, and a test of anal sensation (AS) and anal contraction (AC). Main Outcome Measures A 2-way general linear model analysis of variance was used for analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for PP, LT, motor, AS, and AC. Results No child younger than 6 years completed the examination. When examined as a function of age, interrater reliability for motor, PP, LT, AS, and AC was moderate (ICC=.89) to high (ICC=.99). There was poor reliability for AS (ICC=.49) in subjects with complete injuries but moderate reliability for all other variables. There was moderate to high reliability for classification of type (tetraplegia/paraplegia) and severity (complete/incomplete) of injury across age groups. Conclusions The ISNCSCI does not have utility for children younger than 6 years. For children older than 6 years, interrater reliability of PP, LT, and motor examinations is high.
Rejuvenating SIRT1 Activators

Whether the red wine component resveratrol directly activates the NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase SIRT1 has been debated. A recent study by Hubbard et al. (2013) strengthens the case that SIRT1-activating compounds (STACs) function as positive allosteric regulators of SIRT1 and thereby regulate mitochondrial function.
Development of a small gravity gradiometer for the detection of buried objects

A gradiometer based on a microwave sapphire resonator is currently under development at the Applied Physics Laboratory. Its principle of operation is based on measurements of classical spring-proof mass displacements, which are converted to phase shifts in the output signal of a sapphire microwave resonator transducer. A prototype accelerometer used in the gradiometer has already demonstrated a figure-of-merit sensitivity [Q/(df/dx)] of 3.9 X 102 MHz/micrometers . The proposed design of the gradiometer we detail in this paper focuses on producing a simpler and more compact instrument. Results of a theoretical study on its ability to detect buried objects are also discussed. The problem of detection is challenging because of the instability of the downward continuation of a discrete set of surface gravity gradient measurements. Thus, detection capability depends on the size and density of the grid of measurements as well as the mass and depth of the buried object. Strategies for optimizing data collection and analysis are presented. Gradiometer is potentially useful in detecting buried objects such as mines since it is a totally passive measurement system which does not have to contact the ground directly. However, since the gravity gradient of a point mass decreases as a function of the cube of the distance, there is a strong advantage in having the instrument and the buried object as close to each other as possible.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Quantum Change in the Fragmented Metropolis: Political Environment and Homeless Policy in New York City

The dominant paradigm for understanding urban policy change has long been that of “incrementalism.” The incrementalist argument is that institutional fragmentation reduces coordination, and thus discourages what might be called “nonincremental” or “quantum” change. This article seeks to test the incrementalist understanding of urban political change. Is it possible that under certain circumstances fragmentation can encourage quantum change? We will test this possibility with an analysis of homeless policy in New York City. Briefly put, over the last 25 years homeless policy in New York City has developed in a series of quantum jumps with dramatic, short-term changes in funding, administration, and policy “philosophy.” Policy change followed this trajectory even though New York City's political environment is notoriously fragmented. This pattern contradicts what incrementalism would predict, and therefore suggests that that paradigm must be modified. Urban politics, this study suggests, can sometimes display the nonincremental, entrepreneurial, and “ideational” characteristics that have been identified as typical of the national “new politics of public policy.”
Electron Donor-Acceptor Interactions and Photo-Induced Electron Transfer of Organometallic Compounds

An electron-transfer process is represented in its simplest form as $$D\, + \,\,A\, \to \,D{ \cdot ^{ + \,\,}} + \,A{ \cdot ^ - }$$ (1) in which an electron is transferred from the HOMO of the electron donor (D) to the LUMO of the electron acceptor (A) in one single (overall) process. [For simplicity, the electron donor and acceptor are written here as uncharged and diamagnetic, which is not always the case.] The formulation described in equation (1) does not, however, take into account the interaction between A and D over the diminished intermolecular distance in which the electron is transferred. The corresponding interactions between the products (A·− and D·+) must also be considered in a more comprehensive account of the electron-transfer process. Accordingly, Scheme I depicts the interactions between donor and acceptor in terms of the precursor (electron donor-acceptor or EDA)
Training through Distributed C2 and Simulation Systems

Coalition Armed Forces have used simulations to enable training for some time and in recent years training through distributed simulations have been proven as a means to conducting training. This paper introduces a number of challenges in integrating Live, Virtual Constructive Simulations for Training and introducing the Command and Control (C2) systems to provide mission planning and rehearsal capability as well as augmenting support to operations with real feeds from the wider battle-space network and operating picture. The paper will provide examples of current approaches, future architectures and technology trends that may hold an answer to the challenges of distributed training in defence.
Environmental dependence of the performance of resistive plate chambers

This paper reports on the performance of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) as function of the gas flow rate through the chambers and of environmental conditions, such as atmospheric pressure, ambient temperature and air humidity. The chambers are read out by pads with an area of 1 × 1 cm2 and 1-bit resolution per pad (binary readout). The performance measures include the noise rate as well as the detection efficiency and pad multiplicity for cosmic rays. The measurements extended over a period of almost one year and are sensitive to possible long-term aging effects.
Atrial septal defects of the secundum type

Summary Small interauricular shunts can be tolerated by the human heart through a long life and hence do not require surgical clcsure. In contrast, large interauricular shunts in which pulmonary blood flow is elevated considerably above that through periphery of the body should be subjected to surgical closure of the septal opening. The methods which we prefer to use in accomplishing such repair include employment of a pump oxygenator under normothermic conditions, use of extracorporeal circulation, cardiopulmonary by-pass, and approach to the congenital anomaly through the right auricle. In most instances a primary closure can be attained; occasionally it is necessary to use onlay of some foreign material to patch over defects which are very large or which have septal margins which are very thin. Postoperative observations on surgically-treated patients have shown striking improvements in health and in cardiao function; physiologic studies have demonstrated marked reduction in work of the right ventricle. These results can be obtained at a surgical risk which is very low. It is clear that surgical closure of an interauricular septal defect should be undertaken before vascular changes have appeared or have reached any troublesome degree. In a series of 166 patients operated upon for atrial septal defect, in 28 of whom there were also anomalies of drainage of pulmonary veins, the surgical mortality from all causes was 3.6 per cent. In patients in whom there was no associated mitral disease or pre-existing failure, the operative mortality was virtually zero.
Analysis of fcc crystals in two singular orientations in (1 1 0) channel die compression

Abstract Analyses of fcc crystals in two singular orientations in (1 1 0) channel die compression – lateral constraint directions ( 1 1 ¯ 2 ¯ ) and ( 1 1 ¯ 1 ¯ ) (the ‘Brass’ orientation) – based upon rigorous multi-slip kinematics and a set of slip-systems hardening inequalities ( Havner, 2005 ) are presented. Previous analyses of three orientation ranges in (1 1 0) compression, also based on these hardening inequalities, are briefly reviewed. Both the earlier results (2007–2008) and the current predictions, as regard (i) load-axis stability, (ii) finite crystal shear in the horizontal channel plane, (iii) either lattice stability or lattice rotation about the (1 1 0) load axis (dependent upon orientation), and (iv) lateral constraint stress, are compared with available experiment. The theoretical results are consistent with the gross scale, finite deformation behavior of fcc crystals (aluminum, copper, and Permalloy) in various orientations.
Non local force constants due to electron-phonon coupling in a charged graphite layer

Abstract We show that non local force constants are present in a charged graphite layer due to the electron phonon coupling. These force constants are computed including estimates of non adiabatic effects. On this basis we propose an explanation of the splitting of the E 2 g 2 Raman active mode between boundary (charged) and internal layers of graphite intercalation compounds in the limit of large stage.
Performance comparison of two low power wide tuning range VCOs in 90 nm CMOS

Two 90 nm CMOS low power wide tuning range VCO designs are presented. A Dual Delay Ring VCO has a tuning range of 63%, consumes 6.5 mW at 6 GHz, and has a phase noise of −92d Bc/Hz at 1 MHz offset at 6 GHz center frequency. A Relaxation VCO has a tuning range of 183%, consumes 0.9 mW at 6 GHz, and has a phase noise of −83 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset at 6 GHz center frequency. The supply voltage is 1.2 v.
The moment equations for three-group systems

The moment equations for determining the chemical shifts of three-group systems are examined qualitatively and quantitatively. The nature of the solutions depends upon the parameter ϱ = 〈Δω3〉/〈Δω2〉32. There are three critical values of ϱ that separate real and imaginary solutions, and formulas are given that permit their calculation for any three-group system. At a critical value, the moment equations have double roots. Satisfactory values of the chemical shifts can be obtained provided ϱ is not one of the critical values, but large errors arise as ϱ approaches a critical value.
Diffusion tensor imaging detects and differentiates axon and myelin degeneration in mouse optic nerve after retinal ischemia.

Abstract Both axon and myelin degeneration have significant impact on the long-term disability of patients with white matter disorder. However, the clinical manifestations of the neurological dysfunction caused by white matter disorders are not sufficient to determine the origin of neurological deficits. A noninvasive biological marker capable of detecting and differentiating axon and myelin degeneration would be a significant addition to currently available tools. Directional diffusivities derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have been previously proposed by this group as potential biological markers to detect and differentiate axon and myelin degeneration. To further test the hypothesis that axial (λ ‖ ) and radial (λ ⊥ ) diffusivities reflect axon and myelin pathologies, respectively, the optic nerve was examined serially using DTI in a mouse model of retinal ischemia. A significant decrease of λ ‖ , the putative DTI axonal marker, was observed 3 days after ischemia without concurrently detectable changes in λ ⊥ , the putative myelin marker. This result is consistent with histological findings of significant axonal degeneration with no detectable demyelination at 3 days after ischemia. The elevation of λ ⊥ observed 5 days after ischemia is consistent with histological findings of myelin degeneration at this time. These results support the hypothesis that λ ‖ and λ ⊥ hold promise as specific markers of axonal and myelin injury, respectively, and, further, that the coexistence of axonal and myelin degeneration does not confound this utility.
Workplace diversity in the United States: the perspective of Peter Drucker

Purpose – The emergence of diversity in organizations is typically traced to the 1960s when legislation was enacted in the USA to prohibit discrimination against ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, and religion. However, Peter Drucker found that workplace diversity had its origin in the aftermath of World War I. In response, this paper aims to address the historical evolution of workplace diversity through the lens of Drucker.Design/methodology/approach – The paper traces the historical evolution of Drucker's perspective on workplace diversity and the circumstances that catapulted him to advocate for understanding and valuing diversity in organizations. Further, it uses passages from Peter Drucker's published accounts to illustrate his understanding of demographic trends and how these trends impacted the competitiveness of the organization and management of workplace diversity.Findings – Drucker's early life experiences influenced him to become a tenacious advocate for workplace diversity. As a refl...
Applications of microcomputers in automated process planning

Abstract Two microcomputer based computer aided process planning systems are developed to assist small- to medium-sized companies implement automated process planning (APP). Micro-CAPP is a variant process planning system used to manipulate a large manufacturing knowledge database. Micro-GEPPS is a semigenerative process planning system which simulates a process planner's experience in order to automatically generate operation sheets. The operation and structures of both systems are discussed and a perspective direction for the development of APP is also presented.
Vascular endothelial growth factor and immunosuppression in cancer: current knowledge and potential for new therapy

Two decades of research into the role of immunosuppression and angiogenesis in tumor biology have revealed multiple links between the two. Vascular endothelial growth factor, originally thought to be solely involved in vascular growth and permeability, has emerged as a significant agent of immune tolerance in the tumor microenvironment. This review examines two major elements of this field: the research behind the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in immunosuppression, especially as pertains to dendritic cell function; and the subsequent research into the potential for using antiangiogenic therapy to both starve tumors by hypoxia and enhance the response of tumors to immunotherapy. Several strategies tested so far have yielded incomplete, yet promising, results.
Carotid Rete and Brain Temperature of Cat

The plexus of arteries which make up the carotid rete in the cat seems to be able to modify the temperature of central arterial blood as it enters the cranial cavity.
SU-FF-J-83: Inaccuracy of Fixed Threshold Segmentation for PET

Purpose: Several automatic segmentation methods have been developed to aid physicians in drawing tumor contours from PETimages. Our goal is to compare the consistency of current methods for delineating in vivo tumors and uniform objects in phantom. Method and Materials: We compare three published methods, each based on a single threshold value per scan, for segmenting objects in experimental or Monte Carlo simulated PET scans of cylinders and spheres with uniform activity concentration in a phantom, and for segmenting tumor volumes in the torso from 20 patient PET scans. Results: For uniform activity objects in phantom, segmented volumes generated by the 3 methods differ from true values by more than a factor of 2. The segmented volumes are within a factor of 3 and 4 of the true volume when the objects are larger than twice the PET resolution. Between the methods, the segmented volumes differ by up to 78% and 93% for objects in zero and non‐zero background respectively. These differences are close to the volume change caused by adding a single voxel layer to the surface of the object. The discrepancies between the different segmentation methods are even larger for segmenting in vivo tumors where volume differences larger than a factor of 10 were observed, far larger than the single voxel enlargement effect. Conclusion: Threshold value based segmentation methods can be used only as a rough guide for tumor delineation and then only after adapting to each clinics PET scanner and procedures. Among the probable sources of inaccuracy are various patient dependent factors including tracer uptake non‐uniformity. This suggests that effort in analyzingPETimages should be shifted towards providing accurate quantitative information to the physician to improve confidence in target delineation amidst the various phenomena affecting the PETimage. Supported in part from NCI Grant P01‐CA59017.
High-speed humanoid running through control with a 3D-SLIP model

This paper presents new methods to control highspeed running in a simulated humanoid robot at speeds of up to 6.5 m/s. We present methods to generate compliant target CoM dynamics through the use of a 3D spring-loaded inverted pendulum (SLIP) template model. A nonlinear least-squares optimizer is used to find periodic trajectories of the 3D-SLIP offline, while a local deadbeat SLIP controller provides reference CoM dynamics online at real-time rates to correct for tracking errors and disturbances. The local deadbeat controller employs common foot placement strategies that are automatically generated by a local analysis of the 3D-SLIP apex return map. A task-space controller is then applied online to select whole-body joint torques which embed these target dynamics into the humanoid. Despite the body of work on the 2D and 3D-SLIP models, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time that a SLIP model has been embedded into a whole-body humanoid model. When running at 3.5 m/s, the controller is shown to reject lateral disturbances of 40 N·s applied at the waist. A final demonstration shows the capability of the controller to stabilize running at 6.5 m/s, which is comparable with the speed of an Olympian in the 5000 meter run.
Need Reduction and Primary Reinforcement: Varied Goal Situations as Reinforcement in Maze Learning of Rats

(1960). Need Reduction and Primary Reinforcement: Varied Goal Situations as Reinforcement in Maze Learning of Rats. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 139-143.
Quantitative measurement of afferent layers in the ferret inferior colliculus: DNLL projections to sublayers

In the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (IC), afferent projections are aligned with dendritic arbors of disk-shaped cells, forming fibrodendritic layers. One feature that may serve as a guide for study of the intrinsic organization of the IC layers is the segregation of certain inputs to bands and patches within the layers of the central nucleus. In this study, we used Phaseolus leucoagglutinin as an anterograde tracer to examine the projections from the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus to the contralateral IC in adult ferrets. The labeled afferent projections distributed along the IC layers in a series of bands where there were dense endings and interband spaces where there were few if any endings. Branches of individual labeled axons that were reconstructed distributed within a single afferent band. Measurements of both the terminal density distribution and the optical density across the band were similar indicating that afferent bands were approximately 85 μm thick. Quantitative measurements of the labeled afferent bands will enhance comparison with other afferent projections and analysis of afferent development and plasticity.
Effect of annealing on the structure of injection‐molded PEN

The influence of annealing at temperatures where thermally activated crystallization rates become significant on the structural variations in the injection-molded polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) was investigated. In these studies, two distinct shear crystallized layers are observed. The shear crystallized layer near the skin forms during the filling stage, and the second shear crystallized layer forms during the packing stage but remains optically unobservable until the annealing takes place. Upon annealing, additional layers with larger crystallite sizes form around these preformed highly oriented layers. The α and β phases were observed in both of the shear crystallized layers. The β phase is generally grown either under high deformation fields or under quiescent conditions at high temperatures.
Somatostatin biosynthesis and release in the hypothalamus and pancreas of the rat

Abstract Somatostatin has been localized in several cells of neuroectodermal origin by immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay and is presumably synthesized and secreted locally, thereby fulfilling some of the characteristics of a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator.1,2 Recent studies in perfused dog pancreas and isolated rat islets indicate that somatostatinlike immunoreactivity (SLI) is secreted from D cells and its presence in the human cerebral spinal fluid implies release from peptidergic neurons.3–6 That peptide biosynthesis occurs by ribosomal mechanisms followed by posttranslational enzyme-mediated cleavage eventuating in peptides destined for secretion has been well established.7 Although nonribosomal synthesis of conventional neurotransmitters occurs and has been implicated in the synthesis of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone,8 most evidence favors their biosynthesis through cleavage of large molecular weight precursors.9,10 The mechanisms of biosynthesis and release of somatostatin have not been elucidated. We present preliminary data in the rat consistent with the notion that hypothalamic neurons and the pancreatic D cell synthesize and release somatostatin through posttranslational scission of precursor polypeptides.
Negotiating Adaptation: Norm Selection and Hybridization in International Climate Negotiations

Adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change is a rapidly developing area of policy and the subject of active negotiation at the international level under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This article applies theories of norm evolution to the adaptation negotiations. It proposes that the history of these negotiations can best be understood as a contest between two proposed framings that can be roughly characterized as “adaptation as development” and “adaptation as restitution.” These two framings have some similar and some contradictory implications for policy. The article shows that the major areas of consensus and controversy around adaptation in the UNFCCC negotiations map closely to these areas of similarity and contradiction, respectively. Though the “adaptation as restitution” norm is relatively disadvantaged on many measures of norm-fitness suggested by previous authors, it nevertheless appears to help explain the development of adaptation institutions both within and ...
Factor XII bridges coagulation and fibrinolysis again

In this issue of Blood , LaRusch and colleagues demonstrate that uPAR, the well-described cell-signaling receptor for uPA, also functions as a cell-signaling receptor for coagulation factor XII. Together, factor XII and uPAR constitute a proangiogenesis system.[1][1] Students of coagulation enjoy
Beyond Aesthetics: Assessing the Value of Strip Mall Retail in Toronto

Many city planners are increasingly focusing on urban design guidelines to shape future growth. However, the social implications of this type of planning rarely appear in city plans. Toronto's new planning policies are shown to establish a polarized view of the city, focusing on aesthetic concerns rather than the use and users of spaces. Interviews with small business owners and local planners were used to establish the benefits of, and threats to, strip malls. The findings reveal that strip malls provide affordable retail space for small businesses not available elsewhere and the spaces are seen as highly desirable by many ethnic business owners. This paper highlights some of the problems associated with design-centric planning.
Zidovudine adherence among individuals with HIV infection

The objective was to investigate the relationships among health beliefs, attitudes, and zidovudine compliance in individuals with HIV infection. A survey was administered to 52 individuals with HIV infection. The survey items, which reflected concerns expressed about zidovudine, were generated based on barriers to and benefits of zidovudine and the perceived susceptibility to and perceived severity of HIV as described by the health belief model (HBM). These items were expressed as attitudes and beliefs. Items were subjected to factor analysis, and survey results were correlated with laboratory data to predict adherence to their prescribed medication-taking regimen. Data indicated that 42.3% of the subjects were compliant with zidovudine. Factor analysis identified four dimensions: problems taking and scepticism about zidovudine; degree of concern about HIV; perceived severity of HIV; and physical barriers to taking zidovudine. Logistic regression analysis (forward conditional entry) identified those who w...
The Optical Water Quality of Cannonsville Reservoir: Spatial and Temporal Patterns, and the Relative Roles of Phytoplankton and Inorganic Tripton

ABSTRACT Longitudinal and temporal distributions of optical properties, and the relative role of selected light attenuating constituents in regulating light penetration, in Cannonsville Reservoir, NY, in 1995 are documented. The analysis is supported by field measurements of light penetration; die angular distribution of irradiance (reflectance); and the spectral quality of penetrating light; laboratory measurements of turbidity, chlorophyll, gelbstoff, and microscopy-based individual particle size and elemental chemistry, and calculations of absorption and scattering coefficients and their components. Longitudinal gradients in attenuating components, and therefore optical properties, prevailed along the main axis of the reservoir; light attenuation and the relative role of scattering decreased with the approach to the dam. Large temporal variations in optical characteristics occurred. These dynamics were mostly controlled by variations in phytoplankton biomass in spring and early summer, when the reservo...
Heat transfer of phase-change materials in two-dimensional cylindrical coordinates

Two-dimensional phase-change problem is numerically solved in cylindrical coordinates (r and z) by utilizing two Taylor series expansions for the temperature distributions in the neighborhood of the interface location. These two expansions form two polynomials in r and z directions. For the regions sufficiently away from the interface the temperature field equations are numerically solved in the usual way and the results are coupled with the polynomials. The main advantages of this efficient approach include ability to accept arbitrarily time dependent boundary conditions of all types and arbitrarily specified initial temperature distributions. A modified approach using a single Taylor series expansion in two variables is also suggested.
Diagnostic and extent of disease multigene assay for malignant thyroid neoplasms.

BACKGROUND Approximately 30% of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of thyroid nodules are indeterminate, nondiagnostic, or suspicious. The purpose of the current study was to determine the accuracy of novel candidate diagnostic markers to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid neoplasms, and to predict the extent of disease. METHODS A real-time quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of 6 novel candidate diagnostic and extent of disease marker genes (extracellular matrix protein 1 [ECM1]; transmembrane protease, serine 4 [TMPRSS4]; angiopoietin 2 [ANGPT2]; TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 [TIMP1]; ephrin-B2 [EFNB2], and epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]) was used in 126 thyroid tissues. To evaluate the performance of the scoring model for the diagnostic markers in combination, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was determined. RESULTS The levels of ECM1, TMPRSS4, ANGPT2, and TIMP1 mRNA expression were found to be independent diagnostic markers of malignant thyroid neoplasms. The AUC for the 4 diagnostic genes in combination was 0.993 with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 94.6%, a positive predictive value of 96.5%, and a negative predictive value of 100%. In 31 thyroid nodule FNA biopsy samples, the scoring model had a sensitivity of 91.0%, a specificity of 95.0%, a positive predictive value of 92.9%, and a negative predictive value of 92.3%. The multigene assay correctly classified 93% of tumors into the correct risk group (low-risk vs. high-risk) with a sensitivity of 78.9% (true positive in high-risk tumors), specificity of 92% (true negative in low-risk tumors), positive predictive value of 87.5%, and negative predictive value of 92%. In 11 malignant thyroid nodule FNA samples, the extent of disease scoring model correctly identified 3 of 4 high-risk differentiated thyroid cancers and 7 of 7 low-risk differentiated thyroid cancers. CONCLUSIONS This novel multigene assay is an excellent diagnostic and extent of disease marker for differentiated thyroid cancer and would be a helpful adjunct to FNA biopsy of thyroid nodules. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Detecting moving targets in clutter in airborne SAR via keystoning and multiple phase center interferometry

Without motion compensation, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images of the ground are generally blurred. In 1997, MITRE reported the development technique called the Keystone Process for removing the range migration caused by the radial velocity component of each pixel's movement within the scene, whether moving or stationary with respect to the ground. When applied to multiple phase center phased array radar data, this first pass process allows for automated detection of moving targets via phase thresholding. Once detected in phase space, the moving targets can be individually and automatically focused using the procedures previously reported. Automated positioning of the detected target within the formed image is then accomplished (georegistration). We can easily detect and accurately georegister bright (large radar cross-sections) moving targets using a phase threshold technique reported herein. However, we have found that, for smaller targets, the phase differences between the cells containing the moving target can be greatly distorted by the presence of strong ground clutter. Only after the ground clutter is cancelled will the phase difference be sufficiently dominated by the target response to allow accurate geopositioning. Herein we describe one technique whereby the clutter may be cancelled by using multiple phase centers.
Venice and its opera house: Decadence and hope at the Teatro La Fenice, 1866–1897

In the last third of the nineteenth century, the Teatro La Fenice in Venice found itself in an artistic and organizational crisis. Administrational problems, failed impresarios, and the refusal of the city to pay subsidies all contributed to this. New research highlights the connection of the dire situation of the opera house to the image crisis of the city of Venice, and shows that the eventual destiny of Venice as a tourist spot contributed to an improvement of the state of the Teatro La Fenice.
Assessment of specific risks for the recurrence of deep vein thrombosis: a case report

Introduction Venous thromboembolism is a multifactorial disease defined by multiple interactions between genetic and environmental components. It is managed by oral anticoagulation with warfarin sodium (Coumadin), a drug that targets the vitamin K epoxide reductase to prevent the recycling of vitamin K epoxide to the reduced form of vitamin K. The reduced form of vitamin K is an essential cofactor in the formation of active clotting factors II, VII, IX, X and regulatory factors protein C, and cofactor protein S through gamma-glutamyl carboxylation. The duration of Coumadin treatment, three to six months or life-long, should be based on the individual risk for recurrent deep vein thrombosis and on the associated increased risk for bleeding complications.
Uptake and utilization of aromatic d-amino acids in Escherichia coli K12

1. 1. The general aromatic amino acid permease system of Escherichia coli K-12 efficiently mediates the uptake of the d-isomers of tyrosine and tryptophan. Little or no transport of these d-Phenylalanine is transported by this sytem and by an additional one which does not require the product of the aroP gene. 2. 2. Mutations which lead to an ability to utilize d-tryptophan or d-tyrosine do not alter the transport capability with respect to either the relevant d- or l-isomer. Some, but not all, mutations leading to d-tryptophan utilization are accompanied by elevated levels of an aromatic d-amino acid deaminase. 3. 3. Although mutational lesions in the general aromatic permease lead to a loss of ability to utilize d-tryptophan for growth, d-phenylalanine is active as a nutritional supplement in strains lacking the aromatic permease. 4. 4. In E. coli, d-tryptophan transport is inhibited by l-tyrosine in two ways: first, through direct competition for a carrier system; second, through repression by l-tyrosine of the general aromatic permease, d-Tryptophanistherefore ineffective as a nutrient in the presence of l-tyrosine, unless cells harbor a newly identified mutation, term FYO.