cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Origin and reduction of wakefields in photonic crystal accelerator cavities

Photonic crystal (PhC) defect cavities that support an accelerating mode tend to trap unwanted higher-order modes (HOMs) corresponding to zero-group-velocity PhC lattice modes at frequencies near the top of bandgaps. The effect is explained quite generally by photonic band and perturbation theoretical arguments. Transverse wakefields resulting from this effect are observed (via simulation) in a 12 GHz hybrid dielectric PhC accelerating cavity based on a triangular lattice of sapphire rods. These wakefields are, on average, an order of magnitude higher than those in the 12 GHz waveguide-damped Compact Linear Collider copper cavities. The avoidance of translational symmetry (and, thus, the bandgap concept) can dramatically improve HOM damping in PhC-based structures.
Inclusive Fitness and Human Family Structure

The implications of sociobiology, and especially of “inclusive fitness” or “kin-selection” theory, to human family structures are explored. Kin-selection theory provides a model to formulate testable hypotheses predicting cooperation and conflict for categories of kinsmen; it also suggests an alternative way of looking at incest, endogamy, exogamy, rule of descent, and type of marriage in terms of such biological concepts as mating strategies, inclusive fitness, parental investment, and sexual dimorphism and bimaturism. [sociobiology, kin-selection theory, inclusive fitness, family structure, marriage]
Transesophageal echocardiography in the management of right ventricular bullet embolization from the left brachiocephalic vein.

r f ( m t i p B m BULLET EMBOLIZATION to the heart is a very rare occurrence that provides a diagnostic and therapeutic quandary. Although whether and how to intervene remain debatable, deciding on a care plan depends on accurate localization of the foreign body. A case of bullet migration from the left brachiocephalic vein to the right ventricle is presented. Preoperative and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) proved essential to successful treatment.
Jewish Performativity on Sex and the City

Abstract This article examines the character Charlotte York from Sex and the City to argue for the performativity of Jewish identity. During season six, Charlotte converts to Judaism; throughout her conversion and ensuing Jewish life, Charlotte is forced to reiterate Jewishness on her person in order to mark herself as Jewish. Because of the normative assumption of Christianity on television and in real life in Western culture, Charlotte’s Jewishness is rendered invisible except in the moments when Jewishness is being performatively constructed. By comparing the performativity of Jewish identity to the performativity of LGBT identity, which are argued to be similarly performative constructions of identity, this article works to create a Jewish-LGBT community and an understanding of similar difference.
Cyclic Voltammetry at Monolayer Covered Electrodes: The Effect of Monolayers on the Reduction of Cytochrome c

A theory is presented to account for the characteristics of cyclic voltammograms (CVs) at monolayer covered electrodes. It is shown that CVs of reversible systems can exhibit peak separations of gr...
THE PARADOX OF THE PREFACE AGAIN

MR. LACEY (Mind, 1970, pp. 614-615) contends that my solution (Mind, 1968, pp. 122-123) to Mr. Makinson's paradox (Analysis, vol. 25, pp. 205-207) is incorrect. He states that " in a way Hoffman is right, but for the wrong reason ". Mr. Lacey writes that statements 'SI ' and '32' each have a probability of 2/3, which permnits the hypothetical author to say 'Probably SI and probably S2 but probably not both SI and S2'. Thus, Mr. Lacey solves the paradox quite simply by introducing 'probably' at appropriate places. But my solution does the same thing. I state that ' SI ' and ' S2 ' are believed on the basis of the collective evidence for their truth, 'E2 '. To clarify the point at issue, let ' E2 ' consist of independent grounds ' GI ' and ' G2 ', such that' SI ' is credible on ground ' GI ' and ' S2 'is credible on ground ' G2'. The contention that a belief is (rationally) credible concerns the logical relationship of the belief to the ground that constitutes evidence for it. To say that a statement ' P ' is rationally credible coincides with saying that ' It is probable that P '. Accordingly, when I write that the hypothetical writer believes but does not know ' S1 ' and 'S2 ', I do what Mr. Lacey does when he inserts ' probably' before ' SI ' and ' S2 '. To be sure, Mr. Lacey demonstrates the probability of '-(S1 S2) ' by introducing the calculus of chances. His solution to Mr. Makinson's paradox is thereby achieved more economically than mine, for mine requires introducing a ground besides ' Gi ' and ' G2 '. Nevertheless, my solution is correct. For 'El 'and' Gi 'and ' G2 'are mutually exclusive, so it is perfectly sensible of the hypothetical writer to believe 'S1 ' on ground ' GI ', ' S2 ' on ground ' G2 ', and ' -(S1 S2) ' on ground ' El '. Having defended mnyself against Mr. Lacey's charge of error, it is only fair to add that I prefer his solution to mine on aesthetic grounds.
The solar aurora theory

IN the very interesting lecture of Mr. Lockyer upon the recent solar eclipse which has just appeared in NATURE, he says, speaking of the green line layer above the hydrogen, “Here obviously we have, I think, merely an indication of another substance thinning out, in spite of the extraordinary suggestion which was put forward that the corona was nothing but a permanent solar aurora.”
Perioperative Anemia in the Elderly

Anemia is characterized by less than the normal number of red blood cells (RBCs) (as a result of underproduction, increased loss, or destruction) or decreased quantity of hemoglobin (Hgb) in the blood, thereby reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Dexmedetomidine versus standard therapy with fentanyl for sedation in mechanically ventilated premature neonates

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl for sedation in mechanically ventilated premature neonates. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational case-control study in a level III neonatal intensive care unit. Forty-eight premature neonates requiring mechanical ventilation were included. Patients received fentanyl (n=24) or dexmedetomidine (n=24) for pain or sedation. Each group also received fentanyl and lorazepam boluses as needed for agitation. The primary outcomes were efficacy and frequency of acute adverse events associated with each drug. Days on mechanical ventilation, stooling patterns, feeding tolerance, and neurologic outcomes were also evaluated. RESULTS There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between the dexmedetomidine and fentanyl patients. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group required less adjunctive sedation and had more days free of additional sedation in comparison to fentanyl (54.1% vs. 16.5%, p<0.0001). There were no...
On Hawking's A Brief History of Time and the Present State of Physics

In recent times, there has been a healthy resurgence of interest in the development of contemporary theoretical physics and cosmology, not only in the community of scientists, but also among philosophers and historians of science and the lay readers of scientific subjects. A foremost publication that has helped to increase this popularity was the book by Hawking [1988]. Hawking's book presents a particular point of view toward a fundamental explanation of the universe, based on some speculative ideas in physics, thence implying his view to be the final answer! Indeed, Hawking says that 'there are grounds for cautious optimism that we may now be near the end of the search for the ultimate laws of nature' (Hawking [1988], p. 156). Such claims have been made before by scholars and others, repeatedly throughout the history of science, each time not too long before some major upheaval of the scientific ideas that were claimed to be the final principles of the universe! The primary problem that such attitudes have always fostered, as it does today (an attitude that I am sure was not intended by Hawking), is that encumbered by a professional approach of dogmatism, thereby making it very difficult for any scientist to pursue avenues of investigation that may deviate from the alleged truths of the universe!' What I believe is most intriguing about Professor Hawking's book for the professional physicists and cosmologists, as well as the philosophers and historians of science, is its promise of delivering total understanding of the universe!
Three Component Velocity Field Measurements in the Stagnation Region of a Film Cooled Turbine Vane

The showerhead region of a film cooled turbine vane in a gas turbine engine involves a complex interaction between mainstream flow and coolant jets. This flow field was studied using three-component laser Doppler velocimeter measurements in a simulated turbine vane test facility. Measurements were focused around the stagnation row of holes. Low and high mainstream turbulence conditions were used. The spanwise orientation of the coolant jets, typical for showerhead coolant holes, had a dominating effect. Very high levels of turbulence were generated by the mainstream interaction with the coolant jets. Furthermore, this turbulence was highly anisotropic, with the spanwise component of the turbulent fluctuations being twice as large as the other components. Finally, there was an interaction of the high mainstream turbulence with the coolant injection resulting in increased turbulence levels for the spanwise velocity component, but had little effect on the other velocity components.Copyright © 2001 by ASME
Reproducibility and accuracy among primary care providers of a screening examination for foot ulcer risk among diabetic patients

Background.A clinical examination has been shown to stratify patients by risk for diabetic foot ulcer; it is unknown whether primary care providers can reproducibly perform this examination. Methods.One hundred forty-seven consecutive diabetic patients at six Veterans Affairs Medical Centers received a structured history and physical examination of the feet from each of two primary care providers; 88 of these patients were also examined by a foot care specialist. The examination consisted of a previously validated four-component diabetic foot ulcer risk stratification examination and a vascular disease history and physical examination. Results.Seventy-nine percent of patients were assessed as having elevated risk for development of foot ulcer. Interobserver agreement for risk stratification was moderate (κ = 0.51; 95% CI 0.40, 0.62). The agreement for individual components of the stratification examination was variable, with κ statistics ranging from 0.36 to 0.91. Primary care providers had good sensitivity and specificity for most components of the examination (compared with foot care specialist's examination as the criterion standard), but frequently were unable to identify pedal pulses [sensitivity 0.52 (95% CI 0.41, 0.61)] or foot deformity [sensitivity 0.51 (95% CI 0.46, 0.56)]. Conclusions.A validated risk stratification foot examination for diabetic patients is reproducible and largely accurate when performed by primary care providers.
Differential regulation of ENA-78 and GCP-2 gene expression in human corneal keratocytes and epithelial cells.

RESULTS. Exposure of HCECs to either IL-1 or TNF- stimulated a more than 4.5-fold increase in ENA-78 RNA and protein synthesis without stimulating a significant increase in either GCP-2 RNA synthesis or protein production. Exposure of HCK to IL-1 stimulated a 10-fold increase in ENA-78 and GCP-2 RNA synthesis and a more than 300-fold increase in ENA-78 and GCP-2 protein production. In contrast, exposure of keratocytes to TNF- significantly enhanced ENA-78 RNA synthesis, resulting in a more than 68-fold increase in ENA-78 protein synthesis without significantly enhancing either GCP-2 gene expression or protein secretion. CONCLUSIONS. ENA-78 gene expression is significantly enhanced in both HCECs and HCKs in response to either IL-1 or TNFstimulation. In contrast, GCP-2 synthesis is only inducible in IL-1–stimulated HCKs. The results suggest that GCP-2 gene expression is more tightly regulated in diseased or injured corneal tissue than is ENA-78 gene expression. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:3432–3437) DOI:10.1167/iovs.030095
Effect of chemical composition on rheology and mechanical properties of asphalt binder

Abstract Asphalt binder imparts most of its characteristics to the asphalt concrete mixture and also dictates several forms of distresses in asphalt mixtures and pavements. The chemical makeup of the asphalt binder dictates its rheological and mechanical properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the relative concentration of different polar fractions on the rheology and tensile strength of asphalt binders. Two different binders were separated into four (SARA) fractions based on their polarity. The fractions were individually doped in the original binder to produce four derivative binders from each of the two parent binders. Dynamic shear moduli and tensile strengths of the asphalt binders were measured using a dynamic a shear rheometer (DSR) and a tension–compression machine, respectively. The results show that an increase in the concentration of polar fractions resulted in an increase in both the stiffness and tensile strength of the binder. Addition of more polar fractions resulted in a substantial increase in stiffness at lower frequencies of loading but this increase was not as substantial at higher frequencies of loading. Observation of the failure surfaces from the poker-chip test also revealed that binders with higher polar fractions that had higher stiffness and tensile strength also had higher number and smaller size cavities that resulted in crack nucleation and failure. The findings from this study can help better understand the behavior of aged and chemically modified asphalt binders and also engineer better performing binders for pavement applications.
High serum-free light chain levels and their rapid reduction in response to therapy define an aggressive multiple myeloma subtype with poor prognosis

Serum-free light chain (SFLC) levels are useful for diagnosing nonsecretory myeloma and monitoring response in light-chain–only disease, especially in the presence of renal failure. As part of a tandem autotransplantation trial for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, SFLC levels were measured at baseline, within 7 days of starting the first cycle, and before both the second induction cycle and the first transplantation. SFLC baseline levels higher than 75 mg/dL (top tertile) identified 33% of 301 patients with higher near-complete response rate (n-CR) to induction therapy (37% vs 20%, P = .002) yet inferior 24-month overall survival (OS: 76% vs 91%, P < .001) and event-free survival (EFS: 73% vs 90%, P < .001), retaining independent prognostic significance for both EFS (HR = 2.40, P = .008) and OS (HR = 2.43, P = .016). Baseline SFLC higher than 75 mg/dL was associated with light-chain–only secretion (P < .001), creatinine level 176.8 μM (2 mg/dL) or higher (P < .001), beta-2-microglobulin 297.5 nM/L (3.5 mg/L) or higher (P < .001), lactate dehydrogenase 190 U/L or higher (P < .001), and bone marrow plasmacytosis higher than 30% (P = .003). Additional independent adverse implications were conferred by top-tertile SFLC reductions before cycle 2 (OS: HR = 2.97, P = .003; EFS: HR = 2.56, P = .003) and before transplantation (OS: HR = 3.31, P = .001; EFS: HR = 2.65, P = .003). Unlike baseline and follow-up analyses of serum and urine M-proteins, high SFLC levels at baseline—reflecting more aggressive disease—and steeper reductions after therapy identified patients with inferior survival.
Efficient first-principles simulation of noncontact atomic force microscopy for structural analysis.

We propose an efficient scheme to simulate noncontact atomic force microscopy images by using first-principles self-consistent potential from the sample as input without explicit modeling of the atomic force microscopy tip. Our method is applied to various types of semiconductor surfaces including $\mathrm{Si}(111)\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}(7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7)$, ${\mathrm{TiO}}_{2}(110)\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$, $\mathrm{Ag}/\mathrm{Si}(111)\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}(\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3})R30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, and $\mathrm{Ge}/\mathrm{Si}(105)\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2)$ surfaces. We obtain good agreement with experimental results and previous theoretical studies, and our method can aid in identifying different structural models for surface reconstruction.
Magnetic properties of La2Ni7

Abstract The magnetic properties of La 2 Ni 7 are examined. Single-phase hexagonal La 2 Ni 7 is found to order antiferromagnetically at T N = 51 K. The Curie-Weiss temperature is positive ( θ = 70 K). Metamagnetic behavior is observed. The metamagnetic field at 4.2 K, which is about 61 kOe, indicates a large sublattice anisotropy ( K s ⪢ 1.6 × 10 6 erg cm −3 ). The metamagnetic fields for other temperatures are proportional to the sublattice moment. Hexagonal La 2 Ni 7 is shown to exhibit itinerant exchange coupling properties and is thus an itinerant antiferromagnet. The sign of exchange coupling is found to oscillate in the RNi x compound series as a function of the number of d electrons per transition metal. The data for rhombohedral La 2 Ni 7 indicate that this compound is ferromagnetic.
Endothelium in hepatic cavernous hemangiomas does not express the hyaluronan receptor for endocytosis

The liver contains two distinct endothelial cell types: vascular and sinusoidal. Although cavernous hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the liver, vascular or sinusoidal endothelial cell differentiation has not been described. An endocytic receptor responsible for the uptake and degradation of hyaluronan is present in the sinusoidal endothelium of the liver. The hyaluronan receptor for endocytosis (HARE) may therefore be a useful marker for sinusoidal endothelial cell differentiation. Using monoclonal antibodies specific for HARE, CD31, and factor VIII, we completed an immunohistochemical study of the endothelial cells of both hepatic cavernous hemangiomas and of nonneoplastic human liver. The anti-HARE monoclonal antibodies showed diffuse strong staining of nonneoplastic liver sinusoidal endothelium. No staining of nonsinusoidal endothelium or the endothelial lining of the hemangiomas was seen with anti-HARE. In contrast, diffuse strong staining for factor VIII and CD31 was present in nonsinusoidal endothelium and cavernous hemangioma endothelium. Neither factor VIII nor CD31 staining was present in the sinusoidal endothelium. In conclusion, the endothelium of hepatic cavernous hemangiomas demonstrates vascular but not sinusoidal differentiation based on the absence of HARE and presence of CD31 and factor VIII.
Chronic oral VP-16 for recurrent medulloblastoma

Chronic oral VP-16 (Etoposide) is a chemotherapy regimen with wide application in oncology and documented efficacy against germ cell tumors, lymphomas, Kaposi sarcoma, and glial brain tumors. Eight patients ranging in age from 4 to 36 years (median 7.5 years) with locally recurrent medulloblastoma were treated with VP-16. No patient displayed evidence of cerebrospinal fluid dissemination, distant brain or spine parenchymal metastases, or extraneural metastatic disease. All patients had previously been treated with surgery (gross total resection, 5; subtotal resection, 3), craniospinal radiotherapy, and platinum-based chemotherapy (adjuvant, 3; salvage, 8). Each cycle of therapy consisted of 21 days of VP-16 (50 mg/m2/day) followed by a 7 to 14 day rest followed by an additional 21 days of VP-16 (50 mg/m2/day). Complete blood counts were obtained weekly. Neurologic examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging scan with contrast were performed prior to each cycle of therapy. Treatment-related complications included: partial alopecia (5 patients); diarrhea (4); weight loss (3); anemia (2); neutropenia (4); and thrombocytopenia (4). Two patients required transfusion and 1 patient received antibiotics for neutropenic fever. All patients were evaluable for response: 3 demonstrated progressive disease after the first cycle of VP-16, 3 had stable disease (range 4 to 6 months) and 2 had partial neuroradiographic responses (8 and 10 months). Median duration of response and stable disease was 6 months (range: 4 to 10 months) in 5 of 8 (62.5%) patients. Chronic oral VP-16 is a well-tolerated and relatively non-toxic chemotherapeutic agent with demonstrated activity in locally recurrent medulloblastoma.
Xenophon and the alternative to realist foreign policy: "Cyropaedia" 3.1.14-31

The dialogue Xenophon stages at Cyropaedia 3.1.14-31 constitutes a sophisticated theoretical treatment of Greek foreign-policy motivations and methods, and offers an implicit rebuttal to Thucydides? realist theses about foreign relations. Comparison of this passage to the historians and Attic orators suggests that Xenophon was attempting to systematize conventional Greek conceptions: the resulting theoretical system, in which hybris is regarded as the main obstacle to interstate quiet, and control of other states depends not only upon fear but upon superior excellence and the management of reciprocity, is likely to approach closer than Thucydides? theses to mainstream classical Greek thinking about foreign relations.
Pacific Ocean deep sea surface height fluctuation

The Pacific Ocean deep sea height data around latitude 20 N from Jason-1 satellite was analyzed in terms of standard deviation (std) and fractal dimension during a 90-day period that included the coronal mass ejection event of 2003 Oct 29 where a peak solar energetic particles of about 30,000 pfu was measured. The surface height standard deviation series was observed to have two peaks that corresponded to two typhoon events of Oct 25 and Nov 26, 2003. The cross correlation of the height-std series and average-height series showed a positive correlation with time delay. The fractal dimension of the height series peaked on Nov 1 (fractal dimension ~1.96 with a background 90-day average of ~ 1.81) and no corresponding peak was observed in the other time series data. Computer simulation of the fractal dimension of a finite random series suggested a standard deviation of about 0.071. Annual and long-term trends of the fractal dimensions were also found and investigated. The possible contribution of coronal mass ejection to the surface height series fractal dimension and the height correlation to chlorophyll were discussed.
A comparative analysis of human IgM rheumatoid factor degradation by purified elastase and total granule extracts from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

A modified digestion system using radiolabeled IgM rheumatoid factors (RF) and unlabeled IgG was used to examine IgM RF digestion by human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) elastase. Upon molecular sieve chromatography, the radioactive fragments coelute with fragments produced by elastase digestion of an IgM protein having no RF activity. The fragments represent an Fab2-like fragment, an Fab-like fragment, and small peptides. Utilizing this same system, digests were performed at both acid and neutral pH to compare the proteolytic action of purified elastase on IgM RF (Ove) to the action of the total granule extract (TGE) from human PMN. At pH 4.5, purified elastase exhibits low-level protease activity, producing a slightly degraded IgM fragment with a molecular weight of about 800,000 daltons. In contrast, TGE at pH 4.5 completely degrades IgM RF to small peptides. At pH 7.5, the fragments produced by TGE digestion of IgM (Ove) coelute with fragments produced by elastase digestion under the same conditions. Thus elastase appears to be the major granule protease active in IgM RF degradation at the pH characterizing the inflammatory site.
Chronotropic Incompetence May Impact Exercise Capacity in Patients Supported by Left Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose Chronotropic incompetence (CI) is common in advanced heart failure (HF) patients. However, its prevalence and significance in patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is unknown. This study sought to determine whether CI is predictive of exercise performance in this patient population and whether it may be overcome by rate-responsive pacing (RRP). Methods and Materials A prospective study of LVAD patients undergoing a cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed. CI was defined as the inability to achieve 80% of the maximal age-adjusted predicted heart rate. Clinical and CPET data were collected and analyzed according to the presence of CI. Results Thirty-six patients were enrolled. Mean age was 58.3 + 13.1 years, 77.8% were men, and 61.1% were bridge-to-transplant. Thirty-one (86.1%) exhibited CI following LVAD placement. The severity of CI was correlated with the peak VO2 (r=0.38, p=0.02). There were no differences between those with and without CI with respect to age, gender, cardiomyopathy type, diabetes mellitus prevalence, disease duration, beta-blocker use, or time on mechanical support. Seven patients had a second CPET with activated RRP 36 + 33 days after the first test. In 4 patients RRP resulted in a higher heart rate and in these patients peak VO2 improved by an average increase of 1.4 + 0.8ml/min/kg. Conclusions CI is common among patients with advanced HF following LVAD placement. The severity of CI correlated with exercise performance in LVAD patients. RRP represents a possible intervention to improve exercise performance. [ figure 1 ]
Do Authoritarian Institutions Constrain? How Legislatures Affect Economic Growth and Investment

This article explores why authoritarian regimes create legislatures and then assesses their effect on economic growth and investment. In authoritarian regimes more dependent on domestic investment than natural resource revenue, the dictator creates a binding legislature as a credible constraint on the regime's confiscatory behavior. In regimes dependent on natural resource revenue, the nonbinding legislature serves as a mechanism for the dictator to bribe and split the opposition when he faces credible challenges to the regime. Using data from 121 authoritarian regimes from 1950 to 2002, the results indicate that binding legislatures have a positive impact on economic growth and domestic investment, while nonbinding legislatures have a negative impact on economic growth.
Curriculum: A Janus Look 1

1This paper was given as the opening paper at the Third International Curriculum Conference l1967r and is published by courtesy of the Schools Council.
Two Arguments from Sider's Four‐Dimensionalism

Theodore Sider's Four-Dimensionalism1 is a well-organized and clearly written book that is chock-full of important arguments. Both friends and foes of the views defended by Sider will benefit enormously from careful study of the book. I am going to focus on just two of Sider's many arguments for FourDimensionalism: his argument from vagueness, which I take to be the most important and powerful argument in the book, and his argument from time travel, which I find to be the funnest to think about.
Reversal and consolidation of activity-induced synaptic modifications

Persistent activity-induced synaptic modification is generally regarded as the cellular basis for developmental refinement of neuronal connections and for learning and memory. It has long been recognized that synaptic modifications can be reversed by subsequent stimuli. Recent in vivo studies indicate that reversal of synaptic modifications is a natural process that can be triggered by physiological activity. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of hippocampal synapses in adult rats was reversed as rats entered a novel environment. LTP of retinotectal synapses in developing Xenopus was also reversed by subsequent spontaneous activity. Repetitive stimulation with spaced patterns, however, can overcome this reversal, leading to stabilized synaptic modifications. The requirement of spaced stimulus patterns for stable synaptic modifications could ensure appropriate refinement of developing connections.
5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine and depsipeptide synergistically induce expression of BIK (BCL2-interacting killer).

Abstract DNA methylation and histone acetylation are main epigenetic events regulating gene expression, serving as anticancer drug targets. A combination of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine with the histone deacetylase inhibitor depsipeptide synergistically induces apoptosis. To characterize genes involved in this process, we measured expression of 376 apoptosis-related genes with microarrays after treatment with the two inhibitors alone or in combination. The pro-apoptotic BIK (Bcl2-interacting killer) was the only gene synergistically upregulated in all four cancer cell lines tested (A549, PC-3, TK-10, and UO-31). BIK induction was confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blots. Histone acetylation of the BIK promoter region increased with depsipeptide treatment but was not further affected by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine. In summary, synergistic upregulation of pro-apoptotic BIK—previously shown to suppress tumor growth—appears to play a critical role in anticancer effects of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine plus depsipeptide.
In vitro evaluation of topical fluorides for overdenture abutments

Abstract Statement of problem. Topical fluorides are effective, yet none have been developed specifically for root or dentin surfaces. Purpose. This study evaluated the ability of several commercial topical fluorides to protect overdenture abutments from in vitro acid demineralization. Material and methods. Twenty extracted teeth from persons aged 50 to 70 years were prepared for overdenture abutments. The teeth were sectioned to provide 40 buccal and lingual halves, covered with nail varnish except for windows on the occlusal and root surfaces, and randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 specimens, which were cycled for 6 hours in acid demineralization, washed, and then held 17 hours in a remineralizing solution for 18 days. Before each cycle, the specimens were treated with either Karigel, Karigel-N, or a NaF solution. The control group was treated with fluoride-free solution. Results. The depth of the artificial lesions on the root surfaces showed a statistically significant dose response. On the occlusal, there were no differences in lesion depth between the various topical fluorides and the control group. But there was a dose response when the remineralized band was subtracted from the lesion depth. Remineralization bands in the occlusal lesions were not evident in the control group, but were present in the fluoride groups. Conclusion. This study suggests that higher concentrations of NaF are more protective for overdenture abutments. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;78:309-14.)
VLSI implementation of vector quantization using distributed arithmetic

A new full search vector quantization (VQ) encoding algorithm under mean square error (MSE) criterion is introduced using adaptive distributed arithmetic (DA). The MSE computations in VQ can be converted to inner product computations which can be efficiently carried out using DA. However, the conventional wisdom of storing all possible combinations of codevectors requires an extremely large memory which makes DA unrealistic for VQ. In the new algorithm, the combinations of the input vector are stored in a memory and the codevectors are used as addresses. This dramatically reduces the memory requirement of VQ using DA so that a VLSI design becomes possible. A VLSI structure for the implementation of this distributed arithmetic VQ (DAVQ) algorithm is proposed. It is estimated that a single chip using 1.2 /spl mu/ CMOS technology can perform a real-time exhaustive search VQ of 256 16-dimensional codevectors for video compression of CIF format at 30 frames/second.
Targeting FLT3 to treat leukemia

Introduction: Approximately 23% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients younger than 60 years of age carry a mutation in the transmembrane domain of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) gene (FLT3/internal tandem duplications [ITD]). In normal karyotype AML, the presence of a FLT3/ITD mutation is associated with poor prognosis, as mirrored by a high risk of relapse even after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The poor prognostic impact along with the observation that FLT3 is frequently overexpressed in the majority of AML cases has formed the platform for the development of FLT3-targeted strategies. To date, several FLT3 kinase inhibitors have been investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. However, as of yet, none of the studied FLT3 inhibitors has received FDA approval for routine clinical use in AML. This is in part due to the ‘off target’ effects observed with most inhibitors when administered at concentrations needed to achieve sustained levels of FLT3 inhibition, which are required to e...
Biomarkers in renal transplantation

Identifying surrogate markers of renal allograft outcome and biomarkers of acute and chronic graft injury is a critical issue for the transplant community. Measurement of serum creatinine and biopsy remain the current gold standards for the evaluation of renal allografts. These tests have significant limitations in predicting which patients are destined for immune tolerance or immune-mediated graft loss, and aiding in the management of long-term immunosuppression. The goal of biomarkers is to diagnose rejection early, determine prognosis and tailor immunosuppressive therapy in a noninvasive, cost-effective manner. Biomarker research has focused on primary areas of kidney injury, the tubules and the cells that infiltrate them. This article reviews biomarkers currently under investigation in the setting of renal allograft transplantation.
Influence of Category Size and Target Set Size on Unconscious Priming by Novel Words

In support of their argument that unconscious priming by novel words is critically influenced by target set size, Kiesel, Kunde, Pohl, and Hoffman (2006) report priming from novel words when target sets were large but not when they were small. The present experiment examined the possibility that target set size interacts with category size. (In both experiments in Kiesel et al., category size was large.) In the present experiment, with a small target set, novel-word priming did occur when categories were small (farm animals, fruits) but not when categories were large (larger or smaller than a computer monitor). This finding suggests that, contrary to the position advanced by Kiesel et al., priming when target sets are small involves a mechanism other than preactivation of perceptual features belonging to the target set.
Handling Triple Hidden Terminal Problems for Multi-Channel MAC in Long-Delay Underwater Sensor Networks

In this paper, we investigate the multi-channel MAC problem in underwater acoustic sensor networks. To reduce hardware cost, only one acoustic transceiver is often preferred on every node. In a single-transceiver multi-channel long-delay underwater network, new hidden terminal problems, namely multi-channel hidden terminal and long-delay hidden terminal (together with the traditional multi-hop hidden terminal problem, we refer to them as "triple hidden terminal problems"), are identified and studied in this paper. Based on our findings, we propose a new MAC protocol, called CUMAC, for long delay multi-channel underwater sensor networks. CUMAC utilizes the cooperation of neighboring nodes for collision detection, and a simple tone device is designed for distributed collision notification, providing better system efficiency while keeping overall cost low. Analytical and simulation results show that CUMAC can greatly improve the system throughput and energy efficiency via effectively solving the complicated triple hidden terminal problems.
Plasma and Hepatic α-Tocopherol in Cattle Following Oral or Intramuscular Supplementation, ,

Blood and hepatic tocopherol concentration following i.m. injection or oral supplementation was studied in nonlactating dairy cows and pregnant beef heifers, respectively. In Experiment 1, cows received a single i.m. injection of either 4500 IU of d-alpha-tocopherol or 4500 or 7500 IU of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Plasma and liver tocopherol concentrations were recorded before and up to 4 wk postinjection. In Experiment 2, heifers received either 0, 1000, 2000, or 4000 IU of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate daily in the ration for 3 wk. Serum and hepatic tocopherol concentrations were measured before, during, and 3 wk following supplementation. In Experiment 1, level of tocopheryl acetate given influenced plasma and hepatic tocopherol concentrations. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentration was greater in cows given unesterified tocopherol than an equivalent amount of tocopherol acetate. There was a quadratic relationship between plasma and hepatic tocopherol concentration. In Experiment 2, increasing dietary intake of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate failed to increase markedly tocopherol levels in serum or liver. There was no relationship between serum and hepatic tocopherol concentrations. Prior to the trials, serum levels in Experiment 2 were less than plasma levels in Experiment 1, but hepatic levels were greater. Physiological state can influence the relation between circulating and stored reserves of tocopherol, and circulating tocopherol concentration may not be a good indicator of its reserves.
Fanconi Anemia D2 Protein Is an Apoptotic Target Mediated by Caspases

FANCD2, a key factor in the FANC-BRCA1 pathway is monoubiquitinated and targeted to discrete nuclear foci following DNA damage. Since monoubiquitination of FANCD2 is a crucial indicator for cellular response to DNA damage, we monitored the fate of FANCD2 and its monoubiquitination following DNA damage. Disappearance of FANCD2 protein was induced following DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner, which correlated with degradation of BRCA1 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), known targets for caspase-mediated apoptosis. Disappearance of FANCD2 was not affected by a proteasome inhibitor but was blocked by a caspase inhibitor. DNA damage-induced disappearance of FANCD2 was also observed in cells lacking FANCA, suggesting that disappearance of FANCD2 does not depend on FANC-BRCA1 pathway and FANCD2 monoubiquitination. In keeping with this, cells treated with TNF-α, an apoptotic stimulus without causing any DNA damage, also induced disappearance of FANCD2 without monoubiquitination. Together, our data suggest that FANCD2 is a target for caspase-mediated apoptotic pathway, which may be an early indicator for apoptotic cell death.
Consuming fire ants reduces northern bobwhite survival and weight gain

ABSTRACT Northern bobwhite quail, Colinus virginianus (L.) (Galliformes: Odontophoridae), population declines are well documented, but pinpointing the reasons for these decreases has proven elusive. Bobwhite population declines are attributed primarily to loss of habitat and land use changes. This, however, does not entirely explain population declines in areas intensively managed for bobwhites. Although previous research demonstrates the negative impact of red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on northern bobwhites, the mechanisms underlying this effect are largely unknown. To meet the protein demands of early growth and development, bobwhite chicks predominantly consume small insects, of which ants are a substantial proportion. Fire ants alter ant community dynamics by often reducing native ant diversity and abundance while concurrently increasing the abundance of individuals. Fire ants have negative effects on chicks, but they are also a large potential protein sour...
Ovulation Induction by Gonadotropin and Prostaglandin Treatments of Rhesus Monkeys and Observations of the Ova

Mature female rhesus monkeys were treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMS), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCC), and prostaglandins (PCE,, PGE2 and PCF2n) to develop a reliable method for inducing superovulation. Optimal results followed daily i.m. injections of 100 I.U. PMS on menstrual cycle Days 4, 5, 6 and 7 followed by 200 I.U. PMS on Days 8, 9, 10 and 11, 4000 I.U. of hCG on Day 12 and 5 mg of either PGE, or PGE2 on Day 13. This treatment resulted in 1-29 ovulations in each of 38 animals and only 1 animal failed to ovulate upon initial exposure to this regimen. Most ovulations occurred between 24 and 48 h after the PC injection; therefore, 36 h after PC was taken as the estimated ovulation time for subsequent insemination experiments. The gonadotropin treatment alone and, followed by S mg PGF2n, resulted in ovulation induction in only 2 of 5 monkeys and 1 of 3 monkeys, respectively. Sperm, obtained by electroejaculation of rhesus males, were washed and surgically introduced directly into the uterine cavity of 22 monkeys at intervals before and after the estimated ovulation time. Only 14 of 76 ova recovered at varying intervals after insemination exhibited superficial light microscopic evidence of penetration or fertilization; however, upon ultrastructural analysis the occurrence of normal fertilization could not be confirmed. Ultrastructural features, e.g. degenerative changes in ovulated ova along with aberrant orientation of the meiotic spindles in secondary oocytes obtained from follicles prior to ovulation, were consistent with the idea of prolonged retention of oocytes within follicles prior to their release in these experiments. Data suggest the possibility of asynchrony in ovum maturation and ovulation induced by gonadotropins and E series PCs.
A Gate-Delay Model for High-Speed CMOS Circuits

As signal speeds increase and gate delays decrease for high-performance digital integrated circuits, the gate delay modeling problem becomes increasingly more difficult. With scaling, increasing interconnect resistances and decreasing gate-output impedances make it more difficult to empirically characterize gate-delay models. Moreover, the single-input-switching assumption for the empirical models is incompatible with the inevitable simultaneous switching for today.s high-speed logic paths. In this paper a new empirical gate delay model is proposed. Instead of building the empirical equations in terms of capacitance loading and input-signal transition time, the models are generated in terms of parameters which combine the benefits of empirically derived k-factor models and switch-resistor models to efficiently: 1) handle capacitance shielding due to metal interconnect resistance, 2) model the RC interconnect delay, and 3)provide tighter bounds for simultaneous switching.
Stage-specific transcription during development of Aedes aegypti

Background: Aedes aegypti is the most important global vector of dengue virus infection in humans. Availability of the draft genome sequence of this mosquito provides unique opportunities to study different aspects of its biology, including identification of genes and pathways relevant to the developmental processes associated with transition across individual life stages. However, detailed knowledge of gene expression patterns pertaining to developmental stages of A. aegypti is largely lacking. Results: We performed custom cDNA microarray analyses to examine the expression patterns among six developmental stages: early larvae, late larvae, early pupae, late pupae, and adult male and female mosquitoes. Results revealed 1,551 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) showing significant differences in levels of expression between these life stages. The data suggests that most of the differential expression occurs in a stage specific manner in A. aegypti. Based on hierarchical clustering of expression levels, correlated expression patterns of DETs were also observed among developmental stages. Weighted gene correlation network analysis revealed modular patterns of expression among the DETs. We observed that hydrolase activity, membrane, integral to membrane, DNA binding, translation, ribosome, nucleoside-triphosphatase activity, structural constituent of ribosome, ribonucleoprotein complex and receptor activity were among the top ten ranked GO (Gene Ontology) terms associated with DETs. Significant associations of DETs were also observed with specific KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway modules. Finally, comparisons with the previously reported developmental transcriptome of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, indicated that gene expression patterns during developmental processes reflect both species-specific as well as common components of the two mosquito species. Conclusions: Our study shows that genes involved in the developmental life cycle of A. aegypti are expressed in a highly stage-specific manner. This suggests that transcriptional events associated with transition through larval, pupal and adult stages are largely discrete.
Xiao Ren Ren : The “Little People” of Yunnan

Xiao ren ren are widely known in Yunnan province, China, at least at the mid-elevations where Han Chinese and Yi people predominate. The phrase means “little men” or “little people” (xiao, little; ren, man or person, the redundancy being an idiom to indicate lots of men or people, which the standard plural form renmen does not necessarily connote). Xiao ren ren are typically glimpsed or experienced after dining on inadvertently undercooked, blue-staining boletes of uncertain identity. The people of Yunnan seem almost universally amused by the xiao ren ren rather than fearing them or revering them.
The Psychology of Chance Encounters and Life Paths

Psychological theories have neglected the fundamental issue of what determines people's life paths. The central thesis of this article is that chance encounters play a prominent role in shaping the course of human lives. In a chance encounter the separate chains of events have their own causal determinants, but their intersection occurs fortuitously rather than through deliberate plan. Some fortuitous encounters touch only lightly, others leave more lasting effects, and still others branch people into new trajectories of life. A science of psychology cannot shed much light on the occurrence of fortuitous encounters, but it can provide the basis for predicting the impact they will have on human lives. An analysis is presented of personal fac- tors and milieu properties that govern the branching power of chance encounters.
Physical and biochemical properties of the euphausiids Thysanoessa inermis, Thysanoessa raschii, and Thysanoessa longipes in the eastern Bering Sea

Euphausiids are an integral part of the Bering Sea ecosystem, linking primary production to upper level trophic levels as both consumers and prey. Species native to this region extend over a range of geographic provinces and serve as a critical component of the movement of energy through the food web. As one facet of the BEST-BSIERP Bering Sea program, we determined the proximate composition and essential allometric relationships of multiple species of euphausiids collected over three years in the eastern Bering Sea. Three euphausiid species were examined: Thysanoessa inermis, Thysanoessa raschii, and Thysanoessa longipes. While the three species were similar with respect to size, T. inermis had the highest average wet and dry weights per size class, as well as highest carbon and caloric concentrations. Among the three species, T. inermis and T. longipes had similar lipid concentrations, with T. longipes showing higher average lipid concentrations. Empirical equations were developed to describe fundamental relationships between length, weight, PC/PN, and calorie and lipid content for the three species over the full range of sizes encountered in the study area. Such relationships increase our understanding of how euphausiids contribute to the carbon budget and energy input in the eastern Bering Sea system and help to define realistic parameters for ongoing and future modeling efforts.