cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subject Gaps Revisited: Complement Clauses and Complementizer-Trace Effects.

This study investigates how filler-gap dependencies associated with subject position are formed in online sentence comprehension. Since Crain and Fodor (1985), "filled-gap" studies have provided evidence that the parser actively seeks to associate a wh-filler with a gap in direct object position of a sentence wherever possible; the evidence that this same process applies for subject position, is, however, more limited (Stowe, 1986; Lee, 2004). We examine the processing of complement clauses, finding that wh dependency formation is actively attempted at embedded subject position (e.g., Kate in Who did Lucy think Kate could drive us home to?), unless, however, the embedded clause contains a complementizer (e.g., Who did Lucy think that Kate … .?). The absence of the dependency formation in the latter case demonstrates that the complementizer-trace effect (cf., ∗Who did Lucy think that could drive us home to mom?; Perlmutter, 1968) is, like syntactic island constraints (Ross, 1967; Keshev and Meltzer-Asscher, 2017), immediately operative in online structure building.
M. G. K. Menon (1928–2016)

During the morning hours on Tuesday, 22 November 2016 Mambillikalathil Govind Kumar Menon passed away at his residence in New Delhi with his wife, Mrs Indumati Menon (nee Patel) attending by his bedside. My heart goes out to Indubehn who had been his partner and companion for over 65 years - mere words cannot express our deep feelings of this loss or assuage the pain of separation Indubehn and their two children, Preeti and Anant Kumar are feeling at this time.
iRiSC: Iterative Risk Sensitive Control for Nonlinear Systems with Imperfect Observations.

This work addresses the problem of risk-sensitive control for nonlinear systems with imperfect state observations, extending results for the linear case. In particular, we derive an algorithm that can compute local solutions with computational complexity similar to the iterative linear quadratic regulator algorithm. The proposed algorithm introduces feasibility gaps to allow the initialization with non-feasible trajectories. Moreover, an approximation for the expectation of the general nonlinear cost is proposed to enable an iterative line search solution to the planning problem. The optimal estimator is also derived along with the controls minimizing the general stochastic nonlinear cost. Finally extensive simulations are carried out to show the increased robustness the proposed framework provides when compared to the risk neutral iLQG counter part. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first algorithm that computes risk aware optimal controls that are a function of both the process noise and measurement uncertainty.
Targeted inhibition of the novel gene EG-1 blocks tumor proliferation.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5517 We recently discovered a novel gene and named it EG-1 (endothelial derived gene-1). Previously, we have demonstrated that the expression of EG-1 is significantly elevated in the epithelial cells of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer. We have also shown that EG-1 stimulates cellular proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that inhibition of EG-1 blocks cellular proliferation in vitro and in vivo. As endogenous EG-1 expression was knocked down by specific siRNA's, human breast tumor cellular proliferation was significantly inhibited. A subcutaneous xenograft assay was carried out in a nude mouse model. We found that mice injected with MCF-7 human breast cancer cells infected with siRNA lentivirus had significantly smaller tumors, in comparison with those injected with cells infected by control lentivirus carrying an empty vector alone. Furthermore, rabbit polyclonal antibodies against EG-1 resulted in significantly decreased in vitro proliferation of MCF-7, T47-D, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-361 human breast cancer cells, in comparison to treatment with pre-immune rabbit serum. These observations suggest that the novel gene EG-1 may be a potential target for successful cancer therapy.
Dense sensor networks that are also energy efficient: when 'more' is 'less'

In this paper we compare the energy efficiency of wireless sensor networks sampling a continuous sensor field in two different types of deployment, which we refer to as the high density (HDSN) and the low density (LDSN) sensor network architectures. In the LDSN, a set of sensors with high resolution are critically deployed at sampling locations so that each sample is nearly uncorrelated and is transmitted to the central node in a separate channel. In HDSN, a simple zero-crossing detector is used at each sensor and the sensor field is reconstructed at the central node with the zero-crossing information extracted from the sensors' observations. By proposing a scalable data collection protocol for HDSN, we show that the reconstruction performance of the sensor field at the central processor can be achieved with low complexity at the same bandwidth and energy cost. Therefore, the longevity of the sensors is increased due to the reduced per node energy consumption and the reduced computational energy for the data representation at each sensor. Furthermore, we claim that the system versatility and fault tolerance of HDSN makes it a better alternative to the LDSN architecture.
Antibiotic disc susceptibility tests for rapid presumptive identification of Gram-negative anaerobic bacilli.

A method for identification of gram-negative anaerobic bacilli is described. Based on differences in susceptibility to paper discs containing 10 μg of colistin, 60 μg of erythromycin, 1,000 μg of kanamycin, 1,000 μg of neomycin, 2 units of penicillin, and 15 μg of rifampin, these bacteria may be placed into five groups. Other tests such as colony morphology, production of pigment, growth in bile, esculin hydrolysis, and reaction on egg yolk-agar may be used for further identification. The susceptibility tests are rapid and simple to perform and are helpful in characterizing gram-negative anaerobic bacilli. They are not intended for use in predicting clinical effectiveness of the drugs utilized.
Polyhydroxynaphthoquinones : Preparation and hydrolysis of methoxyl derivatives☆

Abstract The conditions for selective methylation and hydrolysis were studied for a large number of polyhydroxynaphthoquinones. As a result it has become possible to predict the course of these reactions and therefore utilize these derivatives for readier separation and identification of naturally occurring echinoderm pigments.
Parent- and Self-Reported Social Skills Importance in Autism Spectrum Disorder

While social skills are commonly assessed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), little is known about individuals' and families' beliefs regarding importance of these skills. Seventy-four parents and their children with ASD rated social skills importance and severity, as well as ASD-specific deficit severity. Parents and youth rated social skills as important overall; however, parents reported assertion and self-control to be more important than their children did. Severity and importance did not correlate overall. However, parent-report of responsibility deficits and importance were positively correlated, while youth-report of assertiveness deficits and importance were negatively correlated. Finally, ASD-specific social deficits were positively correlated with parent reported importance, but negatively correlated with child reported importance. Social skills importance ratings merit consideration in ASD assessment.
Potential RNA polymerase II-induced interactions of transcription factor TFIIB.

Abstract The ubiquitous transcription factor TFIIB is required for initiation by RNA polymerase II and serves as a target of some regulatory factors. The carboxy-terminal portion of TFIIB contains a large imperfect direct repeat reminiscent of the structural organization of the TATA-binding component (TBP) of TFIID, as well as sequence homology to conserved regions of bacterial sigma factors. The present study shows that the carboxy-terminal portion of TFIIB, like that of TBP, is folded into a compact protease-resistant core. The TFIIB core, unlike the TBP core, is inactive in transcription but retains structural features that enable it to form a complex with promoter-bound TFIID. The protease-susceptible amino terminus appears to contain components responsible for direct interaction with RNA polymerase II (in association with TFIIF) either on the promoter (in association with TFIID) or independently. In addition, core TFIIB (but not intact TFIIB) extends the footprint of TBP on promoter DNA, suggesting that TFIIB has a cryptic DNA-binding potential. These results are consistent with a model in which TFIIB, in a manner functionally analogous to that of bacterial sigma factors, undergoes an RNA polymerase II-dependent conformational change with resultant DNA interactions during the pathway leading to a functional preinitiation complex.
Recent developments in the measurement of ultrashort laser pulses using frequency-resolved optical gating

Frequency-Resolved Optical Gating (FROG) is a technique for measuring the intensity, I(t), and phase, /spl phi/(t), of arbitrary ultrashort pulses. FROG operates a multi- or single-shot basis and has measured pulses from the UV to the mid-IR, from many /spl mu/J to a few pJ, and from several ps to 9 fs. It has many applications and, for example, is now being used to perform spectroscopic measurements. Recent developments include the use of an artificial neural network for rapid pulse retrieval and the use of spectral interferometry in conjunction with FROG to achieve the rigorous measurement of pulses containing less than a single photon (on a multishot basis).
Increased fetal glucose concentration decreases ovine fetal leucine oxidation independent of insulin

Fetal leucine oxidation rate is elevated during fasting of the ewe. Euglycemic hyperinsulinemia causes the leucine oxidation rate to decline. However, it is unclear whether this is a direct effect of insulin or is secondary to increased insulin-mediated glucose utilization. To better delineate the mechanism of decreased oxidation, we suppressed fetal insulin secretion by somatostatin infusion. Glucose was infused at a variable rate to achieve glucose concentrations 125 and 150% of basal. Leucine rate of appearance (Ra) was determined by infusion of [15N, 1-13C]leucine. Fraction of leucine appearance oxidized was determined by [1-14C]leucine infusion and determination of fetal 14CO2 excretion. Each fetus was studied during ad libitum maternal feeding and after a 5-day complete maternal fast. Changes were noted in fetal leucine oxidation, which declined from 8.4 +/- 1.2 to 5.0 +/- 0.8 mumol/min in the fed state during glucose infusion. Basal leucine oxidation was elevated during fasting (11 +/- 1.5 mumol/min, P < 0.05) and declined to 8.0 +/- 1.4 mumol/min during glucose infusion (P = 0.056). Leucine carbon Ra was unchanged by fasting and by glucose infusion; leucine nitrogen Ra declined in the fed state only. Leucine oxidation was inversely correlated with glucose concentration (oxidation = 12-0.26 x glucose concentration, r = 0.42, P = 0.004). Leucine oxidation was not correlated with insulin concentration (r = 0.2). Changes in fetal glucose concentration may alter the pattern of utilization of essential amino acids, independent of changes in insulin and insulin-mediated glucose utilization rate.
Low Dose Fructose Ingestion during Gestation and Lactation Affects Carbohydrate Metabolism in Rat Dams and Their Offspring

This study examined whether drinking fructose or glucose water with a balanced diet affects pregnant and lactating rats and their offspring. The animals were divided into three groups and drank tap water, 100 g/L fructose water or 100 g/L glucose water. The fructose-fed dams ate significantly more food but drank less water than the glucose-fed group. On d 19 of pregnancy, the fructose-fed dams had significantly heavier livers and significantly higher plasma glucose and insulin concentrations than dams consuming tap water. Five days after litters were weaned, dams fed fructose had the heaviest body weights, significantly higher plasma glucose concentration compared with the group receiving tap water and significantly higher plasma triglyceride concentration compared with the glucose-fed group. Weanlings of the fructose-fed dams had significantly lower plasma glucose concentration but a significantly higher plasma insulin concentration than the weanlings of the group receiving tap water. These findings suggest that intake of fructose during gestation can cause hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in dams and, at weaning, greater weight gain in dams and hyperinsulinemia in offspring. These abnormalities in dams and weanlings could be the result of insulin resistance.
The Grillini in Italy: New Horizons for Internet-based Mobilization and Participation

This article looks at the case of the Grillini movement and its emergence on the Italian political scene, and discusses its contribution to the growing literature on the increasing opportunities offered by the Internet for social movement participation and mobilization. My findings are that the movement is successful in both mobilizing and promoting open debate and participation because of its policies and its use of multiple, and fairly open platforms for participation and horizontal decision-making. The Grillini have been able to conciliate the characteristics of newly emerging, Internet-based, ‘internetworked movements’ as well as the more conventional use of the Internet on behalf of well-established social and political movements. They have been able to do so by articulating issues and mobilizing on a national scale, with an increasingly large bureaucratic elite, while retaining a vibrant, partly online- and partly offline-based public sphere and decentralized organizational forms. My conclusion is t...
Assessment of families with mildly handicapped and nonhandicapped preschoolers

Abstract This exploratory study examined parenting and child problem behavior differences between families of preschoolers with and without mild handicapping conditions. Sixty-five families of preschoolers with mild handicaps were compared with sixty families with nonhandicapped children by means of the Parent Behavior Checklist and the Child Behavior Checklist. The results indicated that mothers of the mildly handicapped sample had lower developmental expectations for their children than did mothers of the nonhandicapped sample. Parents rated their preschoolers with mild handicaps as displaying higher levels of internalizing and total behavior problems than did parents of nonhandicapped preschoolers. Increases in parental discipline were related to increases in parents' ratings of children's externalizing behavior for all families. The implications of these findings for school psychologists relative to developing individualized family service plans are discussed.
Dose perturbations by high atomic number materials in intravascular brachytherapy

Abstract Purpose. In intravascular brachytherapy, use of high atomic number materials, such as contrast agents and metallic stents, can introduce significant dose perturbations, especially for low energy photons. The purpose of this study is to investigate dose perturbation at the interfaces of high atomic number materials and tissue. Methods. To investigate this issue, the radial dose functions across the interface between different materials and soft tissue were calculated by using Monte Carlo simulations. Various interfaces, including contrast agent to water, stainless steel to water, and bone (simulating a calcified plaque) to water, were investigated for photon energies between 20 keV and 1 MeV. Results. It was found that the dose to water near the interface is enhanced considerably by photons of energies between 0.020 and 0.200 MeV. For example, the maximum dose enhancement factors for the Hypaque–tissue interface ranged from 2.2 to 18.3 for photons in this energy range. The enhancement factor is almost equal to 1 for photon energy between 0.400 and 1.000 MeV. It appears that the maximum enhancement occurs around 60 keV. For 60-keV photons, the maximum dose enhancement factors are about 18.3, 18.7, 19.1, and 3.1 for Hypaque, Omnipaque, stainless steel, and calcified plaque, respectively. The dose enhancement decreases exponentially with distance from the interface. The affected tissue thickness is dependent on the photon energy. As expected, the higher the photon energy is, the larger is the affected tissue thickness. Depending on the type of interface and the energy of photons, the dose enhancement distance (defined as the thickness receiving more than twice the dose without interface) ranges from 1.3 to 72 μ m for photons of energy from 0.020 to 0.100 MeV, respectively. Conclusions. The existense of high atomic number materials could introduce significant dose enhancement at the interfaces between these materials and tissue. This dose enhancement can be higher than an order of magnitude for photon energies around 60 keV, and should be considered in evaluation of the efficacy of intravascular brachytherapy.
A Study of Undergraduate Student Intent to Minor in Business: A Test of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Undergraduate students are becoming aware of the edge that a business degree presents in the job hunt, yet many cannot justify the additional resources spent in obtaining a second major. A minor in business circumvents this constraint. The authors build on previous research into the motivations of students to choose a business minor by using Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior as a theoretical basis for indentifying the factors that might influence their intention to minor in an area of business. A survey administered to 617 nonbusiness undergraduate students, and subsequent analysis, supported Ajzen's theory that attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms all were significant predictors of intention.
Automatic collation: A technique for medieval texts

A considerable amount has been published on the subject of computer-aided critical editions, i.e., the use of the computer to compare texts or manuscripts and to indicate variants. It is logical, therefore, before presenting my own work, to review this prior work in terms of its usefulness for medieval prose texts. Although another area of computerized activity, the determination of manuscript filiation has recently received some attention, that work is dependent on prior accurate determination of variants and deserves a separate study.1 Because it is beyond the scope of the present subject, it will not be dealt with here.
Major differences among chemopreventive organoselenocompounds in the sustained elevation of cytoprotective genes

Cytoprotective enzyme elevation through the Nrf2-keap1/ARE pathway has been promulgated for cancer prevention. This study compares the redox insult and sustained cytoprotective enzyme elevation by organo-selenocompounds and sulforaphane in lung cells. Sulforaphane, elicited a rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and drop in glutathione (GSH) at 2hrs, nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 at 4hrs, and a GSH rebound and elevation in NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), thioredoxin reductase (TR1), and glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) at 24 hrs. Selenocystine elicited a similar 24 hr response, despite lesser earlier time-point changes. 2-Cyclohexylselenazolidine-4-carboxylic acid effects were similar to selenocystine’s but with a larger Nrf2 change and the largest 24hr-increase in GSH and GCL, TR1 and NQO1 of any compound investigated. Selenomethionine elicited a similar acute rise in ROS, but lesser depletion of GSH, no 4hr-increase in nuclear Nrf2, only minor 24hr-elevations in TR1 and NQO1 and a GCL elevation insufficient to elevate GSH.
We take inaudible brain signals and make them audible

A neuroscientist and a musician explain what led them to build a device that is both brain scanner and musical instrument
Palaeopathology in late Pleistocene and early Holocene Central Plains bison: dental enamel hypoplasia, fluoride toxicosis and the archaeological record

Abstract Multiple formative agents are cited for dental enamel hypoplasia (DEH) in modern and fossil mammals. Here, four late Pleistocene-early Holocene bison assemblages from the Central Great Plains are analyzed for DEH and other bone pathologies to investigate the possible influence of chronic fluoride toxicosis, a condition that may have presented a long-term source of duress for prehistoric bison and devalued them as nutritional resources to human hunters. Although DEH is present in all the analyzed assemblages, the lack of corroborating dental and post-cranial anomalies consistent with chronic fluoride toxicosis speaks against it as a primary factor of DEH formation or general ill health in these bison. Rather, maternal nutritional stress, weaning, and seasonal forage condition are invoked as probable promoters of DEH formation. Other identified abnormalities are discussed in reference to their contribution to reduced feeding efficiency and lameness, as are their roles in developing palaeoecological models applicable to archaeological questions about ancient human lifeways.
Calculation of electron-loss-to-continuum cusps: An algebraic approach

An algebraic approach for evaluation of the bound-free transition form factor $〈{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{v}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}|\mathrm{exp}(i\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{Q}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{r}})|n,l,m〉$ between arbitrary hydrogenic initial states $|n,l,m〉$ and continuum final states $|{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{v}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}〉$ in the low-velocity limit $v\ensuremath{\ll}\frac{Z}{n}$ is developed. This form factor determines the initial-state dependence of the electron-loss-to-continuum (ELC) cusp in the Born approximation. The method extends the well-known algebraic O(4,2) approach for bound-bound transitions to lowlying continuum states by exploiting the continuity across the ionization limit. A correspondence between scattering states and Rydberg bound states is established using the fact that the Runge-Lenz vector $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{A}}$ and the velocity vector $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{v}}$ become collinear near the ionization threshold. The present method takes explicitly into account the dynamical symmetry of the Coulomb field. We use the result for a systematic investigation of the doubly differential cross section and the shape of ELC cusps as a function of the initial state, its binding energy, the target, and the projectile velocity (${v}_{P}$) within the Born approximation. Comparison is made with recent experimental data from our laboratory for highly charged projectiles. We find qualitative---and sometimes quantitative---agreement with the data.
Subjective Aspects of the Art of Decision Analysis: Exploring the Role of Decision Analysis in Decision Structuring, Decision Support and Policy Dialogue

The paper argues that, until very recently, decision analysts have devoted relatively little attention to the processes of problem formulation and subjective judgement in handling ill-structured strategic decision problems. Therefore, following a brief review of existing varieties of decision analysis, a modified policy dialogue' model of decision analysis is presented which integrates decision analysis with decision aids and decision support technology. This model is developed using as an illustration strategic problems drawn from the insurance industry. The paper concludes with some suggestions for the successful application and implementation of decision analysis.
Classic Articles in Special Education Articles That Shaped the Field, 1960 to 1996

There is little consensus regarding which articles have shaped the field of special education and are therefore classics. To begin to address this issue, this article uses an objective, data-based procedure to identify the 50 most frequently cited articles in general special education journals (i.e., Exceptional Children, Remedial and Special Education, and The Journal of Special Education) over the last 40 years. These articles address the major trends in the field of special education, such as school reform, inclusion, and mainstreaming; families and early childhood education; and assessment and classification of students with disabilities. From among these 50 articles, 10 are subjectively identified as classics that have shaped the field of special education. A rationale is provided for the selection of each of these articles.
Helical Twisting Power of Steroidal Solutes in Cholesteric Mesophases. Carbonate Esters of Cholestkerol and Dicholesteryl Compounds

Abstract The alkyl carbonate esters of cholesterol have a helical twisting power P which saturates quickly with chain length, in accord with a model attributing this twist to the effective length of the alkyl chain along the nearest C—O bond. However, compounds having a very small P, such as cholesteryl 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl carbonate, appear to change chirality according to the environment. Dicholesteryl compounds have anomalously large P, suggesting a more complex interaction such as structural disarray or bridging of helicoidal arrays.
Effects of Correctional-Based Programs for Female Inmates: A Systematic Review

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of interventions for incarcerated women. Method: The researchers use a two-model system: the risk-reduction model for studies analyzing interventions to reduce recidivism rates, and the enhancement model for studies that target psychological and physical well-being. Results: Incarcerated women who participate in substance abuse interventions appear less likely to reoffend than those who do not participate. Enhancement model studies report mixed results. Overall, psychological-oriented interventions and substance abuse programs improve mental health symptoms and substance use among participants as compared to control or comparison groups. Results for HIV prevention programs are ambiguous, and parenting skill programs show no significant effect. Conclusion: Results highlight interventions that appear useful with female inmates. More rigorous research is needed to address many of these evidence-based interventions.
Guidelines for Transfusion: A Way to Decrease Transfusion

SUMMARY Transfusion practice must be audited to comply with regulatory and quality standards. The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires evaluation of transfusion practice as a part of continuous quality improvement. Transfusion guidelines are written by each institution, usually by a blood utilization committee, and then reviewed by the committee, which is composed of transfusion medicine and peer members. These guidelines should contain criteria that would make a transfusion easily justified without further investigation. In addition, they should include clinical criteria that render transfusion appropriate, even if the proscribed triggers are not met. Guidelines serve as a means of evaluating transfusion practice, not as transfusion indications. In addition to concerns about transfusion transmitted disease, there are also growing numbers of reports of increased morbidity and mortality due to transfusion itself, which is known to mediate inflammatory cytokines. With new safety measures, regulatory requirements and changes in demographics, there are less eligible donors, resulting in concerns over the adequacy of the blood supply. With the long potential life span of pediatric patients, preventing adverse transfusion outcomes that could have long-term consequences is important. There are a variety of pharmacologic agents and new technologies available to decrease the need for blood products, reducing risks from transfusion, while preserving the supply of banked blood. Transfusion guidelines are an integral component of any program to help an institution evaluate how well it adheres to acceptable, safe practice. There are many publications written by expert consensus panels that set down adult transfusion audit guidelines and a few that specifically address pediatric guidelines. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence-based data in the pediatric transfusion literature. This paper will look at data to support the use of conservative transfusion practice and then discuss the creation of guidelines and how they can help, in a comprehensive program, to decrease or even abrogate the use of blood products. Where specific data for pediatric transfusion exists, it will be presented.
The intergalactic medium and galaxy formation

Recent observational and theoretical investigations of the intergalactic medium (IGM), defined as the component of the baryon-electron matter which now occupies the space between galaxies and which filled the pregalactic universe, are reviewed. Topics addressed include the Gunn-Peterson constraint on the history of the IGM, the mean mass density of the IGM at high redshift, requirements for ionizing the IGM, the observed quasar contribution, the thermal and ionization history of the IGM (quasar photoionization, stellar sources of the ionizing background, and alternative sources such as protogalactic shock radiation and the decay of exotic particles), and the hydrodynamical evolution of the IGM. Typical results from observations and numerical simulations are presented graphically.
Role of positron emission tomography scanning in evaluating gastrointestinal neoplasms

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is rapidly evolving into a useful imaging modality for early and accurate detection of malignant tumor sites. Several recent studies have documented improved efficacy of detecting recurrent colorectal and hepatic (primary and metastatic) tumor sites with a sensitivity ranging from 92% to 100% and an accuracy of 90% to 96%. PET-FDG imaging using 2-[ 18 F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose has been found to be superior to computed tomography (CT) in detecting recurrent colorectal, hepatic, and abdominopelvic recurrent tumor sites from different primary cancers. PET-FDG imaging can be a cost-effective tool in the screening of patients with an elevated carcinoembryonic antigen and/or equivocal CT findings and suspected colorectal cancer. The role of PET scanning using FDG or C-11-5-HTP or C-11-L-DOPA appears promising in pancreatic carcinoma and functional endocrine tumors. Further studies are being carried out to assess the role of PET scanning in other gastrointestinal cancers.
Thermal emission polarization

Existing polarization-based image understanding techniques use information only from reflected light. Apart form incandescent bodies thermally emitted light radiation from elements of a scene in the visible spectrum is insignificant. However, at longer wavelengths such as in the IR thermal emission is typically quite prevalent form a number of scene elements of interest. FLIR imagery of both indoor and outdoor scenes reveals that many objects thermally emit a significant amount of radiation. Polarization from thermally emitting objects has been observed as long as 170 years ago from incandescent objects but since then there have only ben a limited number of empirical investigations into this phenomenon. This paper present a comprehensive model for explaining polarization of thermal emission from both rough and smooth surfaces, in agreement with empirical data, that can significantly enhance the image understanding of FLIR imagery. In particular it is possible to discern metal from dielectric materials under certain conditions, and from an accurate model for thermally emitted polarization it is possible to predictively model polarization signatures form CAD models of importance to automatic target recognition.
Parent and neutral loss monitoring on a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer: screening of acylcarnitines in complex mixtures.

A novel and practical technique for performing both parent and neutral loss (P&NL) monitoring experiments on a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer is presented. This technique is capable of performing scans analogous to the parent and neutral loss scans routinely applied on tandem-in-space instruments and allows for the screening of a sample to detect analytes of a specific compound class on a chromatographic time-scale. Acylcarnitines were chosen as the model compound class to demonstrate the analytical utility of P&NL monitoring because of their amenability to electrospray ionization (ESI), their unique and informative MS/MS fragmentation pattern, and their importance in biological functions. The [M + H]+ ions of all acylcarnitines dissociate to produce neutral losses of 59 and 161 amu and common product ions at m/z 60, 85, and 144. Both the neutral loss monitoring of 59 amu and the parent ion monitoring of m/z 85 are shown to be capable of identifying acylcarnitine [M + H]+ ions in a synthetic mixtur...
Astronomical hypersensitization techniques applied to photomicrography: Kodak Technical Pan Film 2415

SUMMARY Kodak Technical Pan Film 2415 is a valuable recording medium because of its unusually fine grain and high resolution. Hypersensitization techniques developed by astronomers can increase its normally low speed several-fold in the range of exposures commonly employed in microscopy. The speed gains are even larger for very long exposures such as those encountered in fluorescence work. Troublesome effects from reciprocity failure are virtually eliminated. When active development is added to hypersensitization, well-exposed negatives can be obtained at ISO indexes as high as 1600. As in astronomy, the same general techniques can be applied to a wide variety of emulsions.
Spreading of uncrossed retinal projection in superior colliculus of neonatally enucleated rabbits.

Dutch-belted rabbits were enucleated shortly after birth and allowed to survive 14–26 weeks. In some animals, the second eye was then removed and the distribution of retinal axons studied. It was found that while there was no evidence of axonal sprouting in the lateral geniculate body, uncrossed retinofugal axons had spread throughout the lateral half of the superior colliculus, in areas normally innervated only by the contralateral eye. Other animals were prepared for electrophysiological recording, to see if neurons in the area of new axonal growth could be activated by light or electric shock to the optic nerve. Only four of 70 neurons tested could be driven by light, and only two of 26 tested could be driven by shock. All responsive neurons were judged to be located within the limits of the normal ipsilateral projection. It is concluded that while anatomical evidence of spreading of the uncrossed retinal input has been shown, the functional significance of this new growth is yet to be demonstrated.
Exploratory analysis of global cosmetic industry: major players, technology and market trends

Abstract Humans for time immemorial have used cosmetics, an industry dominated by a few major players. The study reviews main characteristics of this industry and also the key players in the world marketplace. Comparative financial and SWOT analyses provide an enhanced understanding of the industry. In addition to technology and innovations, current conditions and trends in the cosmetic industry are explored. The study also analyzes in depth the impacts of globalization on this industry.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs: Examining Limitations and Future Approaches

Prescription drug abuse is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are a popular initiative among policy makers and a key tool to combat the prescription drug epidemic. This editorial discusses the limitations of PDMPs, future approaches needed to improve the effectiveness of PDMPs, and other approaches essential to curbing the rise of drug abuse and overdose. [West J Emerg Med. 2015(1):–0.]
Localization of extratemporal epileptic foci during ictal single photon emission computed tomography

We obtained single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans with technetium-99M-hexamethyl-propylene-amine-oxime in 11 patients during 12 extratemporal partial seizures (9 simple partial, 3 complex partial). Ten ictal SPECT studies in 9 patients showed a focal region of hyperperfusion, which agreed with electrical seizure onset in 5 and with clinical seizure localization in 4 in whom ictal electroencephalography was not localized. Contralateral cerebellar and ipsilateral basal ganglia hyperperfusion was seen in 3 patients with a frontal lobe seizure focus. Ictal hyperperfusion was well circumscribed, unlike the diffuse hyperperfusion changes reported during temporal lobe seizures. This observation may indicate a different degree of seizure spread in temporal as opposed to extratemporal epilepsy. Because electroencephalographic localization is often elusive in extratemporal seizures, ictal SPECT may be very helpful for the localization of extratemporal foci.
Is teleworking for the millennials

The telework option has been noted by researchers as a way to save costs and increase productivity for organizations; allow flexibility, savings, and relieve stress for employees; and be environmentally friendly for society. While research has examined generational attitudes regarding work, there are limited studies on the expectations of this newest workforce, the Millennials (born 1981- 1999), and even fewer concerning their attitudes towards teleworking. This study looks at the Millennials' attitudes toward autonomy, work/life balance, perceived computer competence and its relationship with telework preference. Using a survey instrument, a sample of Millennials and non-Millennials (GenXers, Baby Boomers and Traditionalists) were scrutinized to determine their preferences by group. A sample of 263 university students, faculty and staff represented 195 Millennials and 68 non-Millennials. Partial support was found for the effect of autonomy and work/life balance toward the preference to telework. Based on our results, Millennials do not seem to prefer teleworking. However, our analysis of differences between males and females depicted greater interest in males.
Overexpression of BCL-2 results in activation of the AKT/NF-kB Cell survival pathway

Abstract Introduction: BCL-2 is the prototypic anti-apoptotic protein regulating the process of programmed cell death (or apoptosis) in response to external stimuli. Overexpression of BCL-2 is common in a variety of cancers and has been shown to confer resistance to the apoptotic effect of chemo- and radiotherapy. This is presumably mediated by the effect of high BCL-2 levels on inhibition of cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, which is thought to be a central mechanism for the induction of apoptosis. However, there is increasing evidence that the anti-apoptotic effect of BCL-2 overexpression may be mediated by other pathways. The purpose of this study was to identify other cell survival/anti-apoptotic pathways activated by BCL-2. Methods: The MIA-PaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cell line was stably transfected with the cDNA for BCL-2 as well as the empty eukaryotic expression vector (Control). Resistance to apoptosis was determined by MTT assay. Western blotting using phospho-specific antibodies was used to detect activated cell signaling pathways. Cell cycle analysis was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). NF-kB activity was measured using a luciferase reporter construct. Results: Overexpression of BCL-2 did not alter cell growth rate, cell cycle distribution or spontaneous apoptosis. BCL-2 overexpression did confer resistance to the apoptotic effect of a variety of chemotherapeutic agents when compared to the parental cell line. Cells that overexpress BCL-2 demonstrate increased activation of AKT, an important kinase involved in cell survival signaling. Furthermore, NF-kB, (a downstream target of AKT, also shows increased activation. Conclusion: Overexpression of BCL-2 confers apoptotic resistance in pancreatic cancer cells by diverse mechanisms including alteration of the traditional mitochondrial pathway as well as activation of endogenous cell survival pathways such as the AKT/NF-kB pathway. Therefore, due to the diverse consequences of BCL-2 overexpression, targeted therapy to reduce BCL-2 levels may be a novel and potent method to overcome the apoptotic resistance that is the hallmark of pancreatic cancer.
Ineffectiveness of dietary protein augmentation in the management of the nephrotic syndrome

The nephrotic syndrome is a consequence of altered permselectivity of the glomerular basement membrane resulting in urinary losses of albumin and other serum proteins. Although dietary protein augmentation increases albumin synthesis, it has not been shown to increase serum albumin or muscle protein. Dietary protein was increased from 8.5% to 21% in pair-fed rats with Heymann nephritis and resulted in an increase both in albumin synthesis and urinary albumin excretion, but not in serum albumin concentration or in total albumin pools. The increase in dietary protein was 8 times greater than the resulting increase in urinary protein excretion, but nearly all of the additional ingested protein was catabolized to urea and excreted in the urine rather than used to augment growth. Dietary supplementation with protein has no obvious beneficial effect on nutritional status of nephrotic rats.
Influence of the metamaterial geometry on ultra-strong light-matter interaction

We present a comprehensive study on the influence of the metamaterial geometry on ultra-strong coupling to intersubband transitions. The spatial overlap of a metamaterial cavity mode and quantum-well region shows the strongest effect.
Minimizing injuries and enhancing performance in golf through training programs.

Context:Golf is a popular sport, particularly in older populations. Regardless of age and skill level, golfers risk injury to the back, shoulder, wrist and hand, elbow, and knee. Because of the unique compressive, shear, rotational, and lateral bending forces created in the lumbar region during the golf swing, the primary sport-related malady experienced by amateurs and professionals is low back pain. Extrinsic and intrinsic injury risk factors have been reported in the literature. A growing body of evidence supports the prescription of strength training routines to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury.Evidence Acquisition:Relevant studies were reviewed on golf injuries, swing mechanics, training routines, and general training program design. The following electronic databases were used to identify research relevant to this report: MEDLINE (from 1950–November 2009), CINAHL (1982–November 2009), and SPORTDiscus (1830–November 2009).Results:Injuries may be associated with lack of warm-up, poor ...
The politics of development

Global poverty and inequality, in the context of current capitalist crisis, will remain a daunting challenge in the twenty-first century. This reality will unleash an era of postdemocracy bedeviled by multifaceted meltdowns in political, cultural, and economic structures. The outcome will be a catastrophe that will be beyond any human intervention unless we think self-critically and fast. This chapter seeks to theorize the main processes that thwart the rational-humane logic of development in the “post-American world.”
Near-surface enrichment of zooplankton over a shallow back reef: implications for coral reef food webs

Zooplankton were 3–8 times more abundant during the day near the surface than elsewhere in the water column over a 1–2.4 m deep back reef in Moorea, French Polynesia. Zooplankton were also significantly more abundant near the surface at night although gradients were most pronounced under moonlight. Zooplankton in a unidirectional current became concentrated near the surface within 2 m of departing a well-mixed trough immediately behind the reef crest, indicating that upward swimming behavior, rather than near-bottom depletion by reef planktivores, was the proximal cause of these gradients. Zooplankton were highly enriched near the surface before and after a full lunar eclipse but distributed evenly throughout the water column during the eclipse itself supporting light as a proximal cue for the upward swimming behavior of many taxa. This is the first investigation of the vertical distribution of zooplankton over a shallow back reef typical of island barrier reef systems common around the world. Previous studies on deeper fringing reefs found zooplankton depletion near the bottom but no enrichment aloft. In Moorea, where seawater is continuously recirculated out the lagoon and back across the reef crest onto the back reef, selection for upward swimming behavior may be especially strong, because the surface serves both as a refuge from predation and an optimum location for retention within the reef system. Planktivorous fish and corals that can forage or grow even marginally higher in the water column might have a substantial competitive advantage over those nearer the bottom on shallow reefs. Zooplankton abundance varied more over a few tens of centimeters vertical distance than it did between seasons or even between day and night indicating that great care must be taken to accurately assess the availability of zooplankton as food on shallow reefs.
Recognition Of Similar Objects Using Tactile Image Array Sensor

In this paper, the usefulness of applying the complex as well as ordinary moment features for similar object recognition using a tactile array sensor has been explored. Some complex moment invariants have been derived and implementation of those features has been conducted. With those moment invariants, we can eliminate the effect of lateral displacement and rotation from the tactile images. Through the generation of a decision tree and the utilization of the complex moment features, the shape of the similar objects from the tactile array sensor can be identified.
Aortic stenosis in hypoplastic right heart syndrome, associated with interstitial deletion of chromosome 2

This report describes a rare case of moderate to severe valvular aortic stenosis in the setting of severe tricuspid stenosis, pulmonary atresia with intact interventricular septum and right ventricular dependent coronary circulation. We discuss the clinical, hemodynamic, echocardiographic and angiocardiographic findings on this rare case and comment on accompanied malformations, with its possible association observed to the interstitial deletion of band q22 or q24 of the long arm of chromosome 2.
The Surrealist Compromise of Boris Poplavsky

T he artistic legacy of Boris Poplavsky (1903-35) remains one of the most obscure pages of the story of Russian literature in exile. Until today, Poplavsky's poetic collection Flags (Flagi, 1931) has been regarded as representative of his early, surrealist writings.1 But the term "surrealism," as used by most students of his art, is problematic, for it denotes any artistic exploration of dreams, shocking images, and the unconscious.2 In my study, "surrealism" refers to the artistic program of Andre Breton's group-the original and only meaning of the term familiar to Poplavsky. Furthermore, the recent discovery of Poplavsky's poems in the archives of Il'ia Zdanevich and Nikolai Tatishchev shows that Flags is simply the first published collection of Poplavsky as an "emigre" poet. Although he had not published before joining emigre literary life in 1928, outside emigre circles he had made two abortive attempts with his collections rhe Gramophone on theNorth Pole (Grammofon na severnom poliuse) and The Dirigible of Unknown Destination (Dirizhab' neizvestnogo naprav/eniia).3 These newly found poems challenge the accepted view of Poplavsky's artistic evolution. Defining surrealism with no relation to the program of Breton's group, Simon Karlinsky suggested that, after the publication of his "surrealist" collection Flags, Poplavsky gave up surrealism "out of deference to the Parisian school of fashionable existential angoisse that became dominant in the emigre literature at that time."4 In this article, I will contest this common view of Poplavsky's poetic trajectory. I will argue that, against the backdrop