cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-intensive analytics for predictive modeling

The Data Abstraction Research Group was formed in the early 1990s, to bring focus to the work of the Mathematical Sciences Department in the emerging area of knowledge discovery and data mining (KD & DM). Most activities in this group have been performed in the technical area of predictive modeling, roughly at the intersection of machine learning, statistical modeling, and database technology. There has been a major emphasis on using business and industrial problems to motivate the research agenda. Major accomplishments include advances in methods for feature analysis, rule-based pattern discovery, and probabilistic modeling, and novel solutions for insurance risk management, targeted marketing, and text mining. This paper presents an overview of the group's major technical accomplishments.
Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in inflamed esophageal and colonic mucosa in a pediatric population

Abstract Objective: Increasing evidence suggests that nitric oxide participates in the pathophysiology of intestinal barrier function/dysfunction and inflammation. Increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein expression have been observed in colonic mucosal biopsies of adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is unclear whether iNOS induction is specific for IBD or a reflection of nonspecific mucosal inflammation. Furthermore, the characteristics of iNOS mRNA expression in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal disorders remains ill-defined. Our objective was to examine the relationship between iNOS mRNA expression and gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation in a pediatric population. Methods: Esophageal and colonic mucosal biopsies were obtained during endoscopy. Total RNA was isolated from these biopsies and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed (35 PCR cycles) using two 20-bp primers that amplified a predicted 372-bp conserved iNOS mRNA fragment. Results: Biopsies were obtained from 29 children (22 boys; mean age 10.6 yr [range 1.7–16.5 yr]). Endoscopic and histological findings included normal esophageal mucosa (n = 3), esophagitis (n = 10), normal rectal mucosa (n = 2), ulcerative colitis (n = 10), and Crohn disease (n = 4). Evidence of iNOS mRNA was detected by PCR amplification in six of 10 patients with ulcerative colitis and in two of four patients with Crohn disease. However, iNOS mRNA was not amplified in any esophageal biopsy or in rectal mucosa biopsies with normal histology. Conclusions: These data indicate that upregulation of iNOS mRNA expression in colonic mucosa is a feature of IBD in children. iNOS mRNA expression is not upregulated in esophageal mucosa or in the absence of colonic inflammation. Further studies designed to determine the site- and cell-specificity of iNOS mRNA upregulation in mucosal biopsies from children with IBD may further illuminate the pathophysiology of these disorders.
Opiates for chronic pain : present American controversy

This paper will describe the background for the present enthusiasm to prescribe opiate/opioid medication freely for all chronic non-malignant pain complaints. It will present within this context, some case reports of unusual problems associated with this practice. Then a brief review of the prescribing practices for opiate/opioid medication in the Pain Center at the University of Washington will be given and finally, some unusual observations of sensitivity to low dose methadone in chronic pain will be presented for consideration
How Web 2.0 communities solve the knowledge sharing problem

Contemporary knowledge management research assumes that people are reluctant to share their personal knowledge for the benefit of others. Yet in certain Web 2.0 communities, there is an abundance of knowledge sharing, not a scarcity. This paper explores a new approach to studying peer-based knowledge reproduction that examines the detailed socio-technical practices of knowledge sharing in the Web 2.0 world.
A Chemical Genetic Screen for Direct v-Src Substrates Reveals Ordered Assembly of a Retrograde Signaling Pathway

Using an ATP analog that is a specific substrate for an analog-specific allele of v-Src, we identified several novel cytoskeletal substrates that control actin assembly processes. A screen for less abundant v-Src substrates revealed the scaffolding protein Dok-1 as a direct substrate of v-Src. Further studies suggest that v-Src phosphorylation sites on Dok-1 are critical for its binding to RasGAP and Csk, negative regulators of Src signaling. This results in the downregulation of growth-promoting signals of the Src family kinases and the Ras pathway. Identification of the direct substrates of v-Src leads to a model for the precise order of assembly of a retrograde signaling pathway in v-Src-transformed cells and has provided new insight into the balance between those signals that promote cell transformation mediated by v-Src catalyzed tyrosine phosphorylation and those that inhibit it.
Radioisotopic Studies of the Glandular Contribution of Selected B Vitamins in Saliva

Radioisotopes of riboflavin, biotin, and folic acid were parenterally administered to marmosets to determine whether the salivary glands contribute to the vitamin content of saliva. Examination after injection showed that there were measurable amounts of each test vitamin in all samples of pilocarpine-stimulated saliva obtained from the test animals.
A PERSISTENCE MODEL FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE URBAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS

A considerable amount of effort is expended encouraging students to enroll in higher education programs. It is, therefore, disappointing to all concerned when students fail to complete their programs. It is even more distressing when one particular group of enrollees is identified as failing to persist with their studies at a disproportionately high rate. This was the issue faced by Kennedy‐King College during the early 1990s. The African American male, nontraditional student (either more than 24 years old, or part‐time enrollee, or live off campus), was identified in this category with the withdrawal/departure behavior becoming a serious and increasing problem. Kennedy‐King College is a non‐residential, two‐year community college located in a neighborhood of Chicago that is predominantly African American (97%), low income (70% below the poverty level), with a comparatively high crime rate and a public school system that has been described as “somewhat ineffective.” More than 30% of the students are resid...
Immunochemical and related interactions with dextrans reviewed in terms of improved structural information

Structurally diverse dextrans from Leuconostoc mesenteroides and related bacteria have been used extensively in fundamental immunochemical studies such as induction and characterization of anti-dextran antibodies, as well as in studies of their interaction with pneumococcal antisera, normal bovine serum, concanavalin A, dextran-binding myeloma immunoglobulins and hybridoma antibodies. The inherent lack of specificity of structural data obtained by POSA and general lack of insight into other limitations of these analyses has often led to inaccurate and superficial interpretations. Proper interpretation of past and future studies necessitates pointing out previous inadequacies of dextran structural data and detailing more recently acquired structural information on the dextrans. Unambiguous terminology has been achieved by a new system of linkage symbols that includes the designation of structural positions, such as (1----3; l)- and (1----3; b) as linear-chain and branch-point positions, respectively. Results of immunological studies are reviewed. Improved interpretations and correlations are made on the basis of structural data from MSA and several other techniques which have become available on the dextrans.
Enhancement of frying oil stability by a natural antioxidative ingredient in the coating system of fried meat nuggets

Cottonseed oil containing commercial antioxidants was used for continuous (a 2-day time period; < 24 hr) frying of beef nuggets that were batter-breaded with either 100% commercial coating mix or a coating system containing defatted glandless cottonseed flour (GCF). Analyses of oil samples revealed that oil used for frying the nuggets with the GCF-containing coating was less susceptible to lipid hydrolysis and oxidation and color-darkening. GCF in the coating also minimized lipid oxidation in beef nuggets fried in the oil at various stages of heating time during the 2-day frying operation. Results indicated that GCF in the coating not only could enhance the oxidative stability of fried nuggets but also could decrease the breakdown of the frying oil.
Preoperative radiographic parameters predict long-term renal impairment following partial nephrectomy

Purpose We analyzed radiographic parameters describing anatomic features of renal tumors to identify preoperative characteristics that could help predict long-term decline in renal function following partial nephrectomy.
Thoracic Dust Exposures on Longwall and Continuous Mining Sections

Abstract Past data on the prevalence of symptoms of chronic bronchitis and decreases in pulmonary function indicate a potential problem due to deposition of coal mine dust in the bronchial airways. Difficulty with dust control in certain jobs indicates that chronic bronchitis may continue to be a problem. Compliance with the respirable dust standard does not equally limit the thoracic dust exposure of all miners. Coal mine dust size distributions indicate that thoracic dust levels may be as high as five times respirable dust levels in some work areas on continuous mining sections and seven times respirable dust levels in some work areas on longwall mining sections. The largest thoracic dust generating sources are the longwall shearer, shield support advancement, and the continuous miner. The worst case scenario for thoracic dust exposure occurs on bidirectional cutting longwall mining sections where some mine personnel are very likely to work downwind of the shearer and/or support advancement for a signif...
Comparison of chlordiazepoxide and food deprivation in rats on a fixed-ratio satiation schedule

Abstract The effects and interactions of injected chlordiazepoxide HCl (CDP) and food deprivation in rats conditioned on a food-reinforced fixed ratio 10-satiation schedule were studied. Increasing the duration of food deprivation had no significant effect on the achievement of satiation. Decreasing the duration of deprivation produced significant decreases in responding for food pellets. Administering CDP elicited increases in responding for more reinforcements at all deprivation levels tested. The CDP effects were attributed to the disinhibition of the mechanisms regulating satiation.
Supervisor and Employee Race and Sex Effects on Performance Appraisals: A Field Study of Adverse Impact and Generalizability.

Performance appraisals of nonmanagement employees of a large supply organization were analyzed for effects of employee and supervisor race and sex. Total race and sex effects accounted for less tha...
Spaceborne GPS remote sensing for atmospheric research

The global positioning system (GPS) is based on a constellation of 24 transmitter satellites orbiting the earth at approximately 21,000 km altitude. The original goal of the GPS was to provide global and all-weather precision positioning and navigation for the military. Since this original concept was developed, several civilian applications have been conceived that are making use of these satellites. GPS/MET is one such application. GPS/MET is sponsored by NSF, FAA, NOAA, and NASA. The goal of GPS/MET is to demonstrate the feasibility of recovering atmospheric temperature profiles from occulting radio signals from one of the 24 GPS transmitters. On April 3, 1995, a small radio receiver was launched into a 750 km low- earth orbit and 70 degree inclination. As this receiver orbits, occultations occur when the radio link between any one of the 24 GPS transmitters and the low-earth orbiting (LEO) receiver progressively descends or ascends through the earth's atmosphere. With the current constellation of GPS transmitters, approximately 500 such occultations occur in each 24-hour period per LEO receiver. Several hundred occultations have been analyzed to date, where some type of confirmational data has been available (i.e., radiosonde, satellite, numerical analysis gridded data). In this paper, we present a brief outline of the method followed by a few typical temperature soundings that have been obtained.
A new gingival retraction impression system for a one-stage root-form implant

Displacement of soft tissue adjacent to an implant abutment is arduous. Currently, gingival retraction cord is used before making an impression for cement-retained implant restoration. This article presents a new impression system for a cementable abutment/implant. The advantages of a cement-retained implant crown are described. This system provides efficient and accurate impressions.
Ganglioside–liposome immunoassay for the detection of botulinum toxin

A rapid and highly sensitive receptor immunoassay for botulinum toxin (BT) has been developed using ganglioside-incorporated liposomes. Botulism outbreaks are relatively rare, but their results can be very severe, usually leading to death from respiratory failure. To exert their toxicity, the biological toxins must first bind to receptors on the cell surface, and the trisialoganglioside GT1b has been identified as the cell receptor for BT. Therefore, in this study, GT1b was used to prepare the ganglioside-liposomes by spontaneous insertion into the phospholipid bilayer. In a sandwich-based, hybrid receptor immunoassay, BT is detected as a colored band on a nitrocellulose membrane strip, where BT bound to the GT1b-liposomes are captured by anti-BT antibodies immobilized in a band across the strip. The intensity of the colored band can be visually estimated, or measured by densitometry using computer software. The limit of detection (LOD) for BT in the lateral-flow assay system was 15 pg mL(-1), which is comparable to the limits of detection achieved with the most sensitive assays previously reported. However, this rapid assay can be completed in less than 20 min. These results demonstrate that the sandwich assay using GT1b-liposomes for detection of BT is rapid and very sensitive, suggesting the possibility for detecting BT in field screening, simply and reliably, without the need for complex instrumentation.
Electrolytic Oxidation of Aromatic Amines

The electrolytic oxidation of anilines at a rotating platinum electrode in acetonitrile in the presence of pyridine involved a two electron change and formed azobenzenes. Evidence for the mechanism was the voltammetric behavior of hydrazobenzenes, p‐phenylenediamine and 4,4'‐dimethoxyazobenzene and the formation of azobenzenes in macroscale oxidations. The behavior of anilines in the absence of pyridine was more complex since the amine acted as a base and formed a salt which was not easily oxidized. Exceptions were the weakly basic o‐nitroaniline, p‐nitroaniline, 2,4‐dinitroaniline and the reversible systems, o‐phenylenediamine and p‐phenylenediamine; two electrons were involved for these examples.
Lagged average forecasting, an alternative to Monte Carlo forecasting

In order to use the information present in past observations and simultaneously to take advantage of the benefits of stochastic dynamic prediction we formulate the lagged average forecast (LAF) method. In a LAF, just as in a Monte Carlo forecast (MCF), sample statistics are calculated from an ensemble of forecasts. Each LAF ensemble member is an ordinary dynamical forecast (ODF) started from the initial conditions observed at a time lagging the start of the forecast period by a different amount. These forecasts are averaged at their proper verification times to obtain an LAF. The LAF method is operationally feasible since the LAF ensemble members are produced during the normal operational cycle. To test the LAF method, we use a two-layer, f-plane, highly truncated spectral model, forced by asymmetric Newtonian heating of the lower layer. In the experiments, a long run is generated by the primitive equation version of the model which is taken to represent nature, while forecasts are made by the quasigeostrophic version of the model. On the basis of forecast skill, the LAF and MCF are superior to the ODF; this occurs principally because ensemble averaging hedges the LAF and MCF toward the climate mean. The LAF, MCF and ODF are all improved when tempered by a simple regression filter; this procedure yields different weights for the different members of the LAF ensemble. The tempered LAF is the most skillful of the forecast methods tested. The LAF and MCF can provide a priori estimates of forecast skill because there is a strong correlation between the dispersion of the ensemble and the loss of predictability. In this way the time at which individual forecasts lose their skill can be predicted. The application of the LAF method to more realistic models and to monthly or seasonally averaged forecasts is briefly discussed. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0870.1983.tb00189.x
Excessive Weight Loss in the Athletic Adolescent A Diagnostic Dilemma

Differentiating anorexia nervosa (AN) from excessive weight loss in the otherwise healthy, athletic adolescent may be difficult. We report the maximal work capacity, hormonal secretory patterns, and psychological assessment of a 14-year-old male runner who induced excessive weight loss and partially recovered. At 17% below previous body weight (28% below ideal weight for height), he had significant resting bradycardia (38 bmp), low maximal heart rate (167 bpm), depressed VO 2 max, and prepubertal 24-hour LH and testosterone secretory patterns in the presence of late pubertal genital development. The diagnostic dilemma of excess weight loss due to food aversion in the normal athlete versus anorexia nervosa with running as a symptom was resolved by psychiatric evaluation. A disturbed body image, marked feelings of inadequacy, and depression were discovered, which are findings consistent with AN. Diagnostic criteria of AN and the possible implications of a subnormal maximal heart rate are reviewed.
Studies on interaction of timolol, hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride in the rat.

SUMMARY 1. The acute effects of hydrochlorothiazide, amiloride, timolol and their combinations on diuresis and arterial pressure were studied in rats. 2. Timolol did not modify the diuretic and saluretic effects of hydrochlorothiazide and/or amiloride and had no diuretic or antidiuretic effects alone. 3. At a single dose of 1 25 mg/kg, p.o., timolol alone had no antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats. 4. The antihypertensive effect of hydrochlorothiazide + amiloride+timolol was significantly greater than with any of the drugs alone.
An Unusual Cause of an Enhancing Retroperitoneal Mass

We report an important and unusual cause of an enhancing retroperitoneal paracaval mass. Ten years after vena cava filter (VCF) placement, a 3.5-cm mass was found juxtaposed to the right kidney and vena cava. Open exploration demonstrated a venous variceal mass with perforation of the VCF through the wall of the vena cava, requiring vena cava resection and graft replacement. This is an infrequently described, potentially misleading and dangerous complication of vena cava filters. Better guidelines for such filters would be useful. We recommend an open approach in settings that could require similarly complex reconstructions.
Validation of neutron transport calculations in benchmark facilities for improved damage fluence predictions

Abstract Neutron transport calculations play a vital role in the determination of the amount of radiation damage accumulated by reactor pressure vessels, and hence are an important factor in establishing reactor lifetime. Benchmark experiments are required to evaluate the validity and limitations of transport calculations. A comprehensive benchmark program is currently supported by the US NRC and several European organizations to test various aspects of the overall fluence calculational procedure. This paper summarizes the needs and requirements of the overall benchmark program. Results and conclusions of some current benchmark experiments are reviewed. Finally, some approximations in transport calculations which need validation, but which are not addressed in current benchmark efforts, are discussed.
Real-world tracking system performance evaluation

Preliminary tracking system design and analysis is typically done using simulated data in which the target truth is known and many techniques have been developed for evaluating performance under these conditions. However, there is a notable lack of any consistent approach for evaluating tracker performance for real data in which there may be an unknown number of targets of opportunity whose trajectories are not known. In addition, the background clutter/false alarm environment may be unknown so that an important analysis task is to determine the most accurate background models. This paper proposes a set of criteria for evaluating the tracks that are formed using real data collected in the field in the presence of an unknown number of targets of opportunity. These criteria include duration, update history, and measures of kinematic and data association consistency. A scoring method is developed and the use of these criteria for system design is discussed.
Applying wavelet-transform on Internet-based radiologic brain images

Wavelet-transform compression creates high-quality images of small file size by tuning its compression ratio between 10:1 and 80:1. We applied the wavelet-based compression technique to radiologic brain images on the Internet for image display purposes. Wavelet transform compression reduces file size up to 50%. Wavelet transform compression offers the advantage of retaining complete color information in digital images and faster Internet transmission than traditional Joint Photography Experts Group (JPEG) files of equivalent file size. The application of wavelet-based compression technique decreases storage requirements for images on Internet servers.
A dual effect of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication on the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-dependent Akt pathway

We have recently shown that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can undergo a productive replication in porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs). Here, we further demonstrate that PRRSV activates the host’s phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent Akt pathway (PI3K/Akt) to facilitate its replication in Mo-DCs at 90 min and 4 h after infection. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt by treatment with a PI3K-specific inhibitor (LY294002) prior to PRRSV infection reduced virus replication. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K/Akt by LY294002 at 90 min and 8 h after virus infection still significantly reduced virus production, suggesting that virus replication may be dependent on the activation of PI3K/Akt. Interestingly, PRRSV inhibited PI3K/Akt at 12 h after infection. Heat-inactivated virus failed to inhibit PI3K/Akt, indicating that virus replication is essential for this inhibition. Overall, PRRSV replication exhibits a dual effect on the PI3K/Akt pathway in which both time-dependent activation and inhibition of PI3K/Akt are observed.
IDENTIFICATION OF HYDRAULIC PARAMETERS IN LAYERED SOILS BASED ON A QUASI-NEWTON METHOD

In models for one-dimensional unsaturated flow in layered soils based on the general flow equation, non-linear coefficient functions appear. The inverse problem consists of the identification of parameters in models for these coefficients. In this study, parameters are identified for layered soils. The general flow equation is solved iteratively, adjusting the values of the parameters until the solution matches a set of in situ water content data. The optimization method is based on a quasi-Newton method with Richardson extrapolation. Data sets of different size and with various degrees of perturbation are used to investigate existence, uniqueness and accuracy of parameter estimates. To stabilize parameter estimates, a weighting procedure is proposed based on the values of the water content data. The correspondence of parameter estimates, based on relatively small sets of unperturbed data, to the true parameter values indicates a high degree of numerical accuracy of the method. Parameter estimates based on perturbed data sets suggest that ill-posedness of the estimation problem is a matter of data insufficiency and modeling errors, rather than of data error alone.
Molecular evolution of antibody cross-reactivity for two subtypes of type A botulinum neurotoxin

Broadening antibody specificity without compromising affinity should facilitate detection and neutralization of toxin and viral subtypes. We used yeast display and a co-selection strategy to increase cross-reactivity of a single chain (sc) Fv antibody to botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A). Starting with a scFv that binds the BoNT/A1 subtype with high affinity (136 pM) and the BoNT/A2 subtype with low affinity (109 nM), we increased its affinity for BoNT/A2 1,250-fold, to 87 pM, while maintaining high-affinity binding to BoNT/A1 (115 pM). To find the molecular basis for improved cross-reactivity, we determined the X-ray co-crystal structures of wild-type and cross-reactive antibodies complexed to BoNT/A1 at resolutions up to 2.6 A, and measured the thermodynamic contribution of BoNT/A1 and A2 amino acids to wild-type and cross-reactive antibody binding. The results show how an antibody can be engineered to bind two different antigens despite structural differences in the antigen-antibody interface and may provide a general strategy for tuning antibody specificity and cross-reactivity.
(1+1)-dimensional SU(N) static sources in E and A representations

Here is presented a detailed work on the (1+1) dimensional SU(N) Yang-Mills theory with static sources. By studying the structure of the SU(N) group and of the Gauss' law we construct in the electric representation the appropriate wave functionals, which are simultaneously eigenstates of the Gauss' operator and of the Hamiltonian. The Fourier transformation between the A- and the E-representations connecting the Wilson line and a superposition of our solutions is given.
Planned postradiotherapy neck dissection: Rationale and clinical outcomes.

Objectives: In this study, we examine pathology results and clinical outcome for patients with locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) who present with advanced neck disease and undergo planned postradiotherapy neck dissection. Study Design: Review of all patients with SCCHN treated with primary radiation (or chemoradiation) and postradiotherapy neck dissection at the University of Wisconsin between 1992 to 2005 was performed. One hundred seven neck dissections were identified in 93 patients, 79 unilateral and 14 bilateral. All major treatment and outcome parameters were examined with particular emphasis on the postradiotherapy neck dissection. Results: Thirty of 107 neck dissection specimens (28%) showed evidence of residual carcinoma on pathologic review. The mean number of lymph nodes identified at neck dissection for the entire cohort was 21 per specimen (range, 1–60) with 1.3 nodes per positive neck dissection demonstrating residual carcinoma. No correlation was found between the type of neck dissection performed and the presence of residual nodal disease. Eighty-two evaluated patients (93%) remain free of regional disease recurrence, whereas six patients have subsequently manifested neck recurrence. Four of the six patients who developed regional recurrence showed residual carcinoma in their neck dissection specimen. Five of these patients underwent comprehensive neck dissection (levels I–V); one underwent selective neck dissection (<levels I–V). Conclusion: Approximately one-fourth of the patients in this series showed pathologic evidence of residual carcinoma in the neck at the time of postradiotherapy neck dissection. The majority of these cases showed microscopic residual carcinoma in a single lymph node. Although in the early postradiotherapy setting, we cannot accurately predict the viability and growth potential of microscopic residual carcinoma in lymph nodes, these findings, combined with the modest overall morbidity of selective neck dissection, suggest that planned postradiotherapy neck dissection should be strongly considered for patients presenting with advanced neck disease. This remains a prevailing clinical practice at our institution.
The politics of corporate model building

A recent survey by Social Systems, Inc., indicates that since 1970 over 1000 corporations in the United States and Canada have begun developing and using corporate simulation models. However, the percentage of corporations that have experience with corporate models remains relatively small. Why aren't more corporations using these models today? Why are the corporate model users restricted to the larger corporations? Are the primary constraints impeding the use of these models technical problems, computer hardware problems, software problems, or political problems?
High performance solid state storage under Linux

Solid state drives (SSDs) allow single-drive performance that is far greater than disks can produce. Their low latency and potential for parallel operations mean that they are able to read and write data at speeds that strain operating system I/O interfaces. Additionally, their performance characteristics expose gaps in existing benchmarking methodologies. We discuss the impact on Linux system design of a prototype PCI Express SSD that operates at least an order of magnitude faster than most drives available today. We develop benchmarking strategies and focus on several areas where current Linux systems need improvement, and suggest methods of taking full advantage of such high-performance solid state storage. We demonstrate that an SSD can perform with high throughput, high operation rates, and low latency under the most difficult conditions. This suggests that high-performance SSDs can dramatically improve parallel I/O performance for future high performance computing (HPC) systems.
Retinoic acid activation of peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor δ represses obesity and insulin resistance

Retinoic acid (RA) was found to be a ligand for peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) as well as the classical RA receptor (RAR). Carrier proteins that move the RA from the cytosol into the nucleus are the fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5), activating PPARδ, and the cellular retinoic acid-binding protein II (CRABPII), activating RAR. The ratio of FABP5/CRABPII concentrations determines which receptor is activated. By activating PPARδ, RA was found to induce expression of genes affecting lipid and glucose homeostasis, in particular, leading to expression of the insulin-signaling gene PDK1 and improvement of insulin action. Hence, RA stimulates lipolysis and reduces triglyceride content. In vivo, obesity has led to downregulation of adipose PPARδ expression. RA implantation into obese mice has caused upregulation of levels of PPARδ and consequent weight loss as well as increased expression of PPARδ target genes, including the insulin-signaling gene PDK1.
Gap metric problem for MIMO delay systems: parametrization of all suboptimal controllers

We consider the problem of robustness optimization in the gap metric for MIMO systems with a scalar time delay. We present an algorithm for the parametrization of all suboptimal controllers. In our algorithm the AAK theory plays the central role. Using this approach, suboptimal controllers can be found by computing solutions to certain infinite-rank operator equations. We show that these equations can be solved numerically by modifying the two-point boundary-value problem approach reported earlier for the computation of optimal robustness radius. We present a numerical example to illustrate the procedure.
The technological gatekeeper

The present study identifies a two-step flow process of communication mediated by technological gatekeepers for scientific and technical fields characterized by dynamic information environments. Peer identification and a supervisory recognition of the phenomenon validate the gatekeeper finding. Certain characteristics of this study differ from previous research. The external communication needs of military in-house researchers are mitigated greatly by the infusion of technical information into the laboratory which is a part of the everyday activities of the organization. Gatekeepers are differentiated by topic and not the media monitored. Finally, the gatekeeper phenomenon is implicitly recognized, even though the development may be spontaneous; development that results because either the formal media leave a void in information needs or that engineers are not trained in the use of the formal information sources. In either case, the technological gatekeeper is a natural response to an information need.
A Measurement Study on Link Capacity of a High Stress IEEE 802.11b/g Network

The paper presents results from a link capacity measurement study conducted over an IEEE 802.11b/g network with highly stressed radio propagation conditions in a football stadium. Existing capacity studies for IEEE 802.11 networks have considered either stationary or statistical multipath fading channel conditions. In an environment with a high density of people and movement such as in a football stadium or a subway station, the radio characteristics vary much more vibrantly, and their impact on network capacity is not well understood. As a first step to better understand such network characteristics, the study examines the throughput of a mobile terminal over the stadium network in the presence of varying radio conditions due to movement of people and concurrent transmissions by other IEEE 802.11 devices. The study uses a novel approach to quantify network utilization by the experiment terminal as well as other contending terminals, using a recorded packet trace. From the measured utilization, throughput, and signal strengths, key observations made include the fast variations in signal strength due to crowd movement, through put's dependency on signal strength and chosen link rate, and contention with other terminals. Based on the findings, the paper discusses useful insights for performance assessment, protocol enhancements, and improvements in measurement methodology for such networks.
Magnetic super-resolution

Magnetically induced super-resolution (MSR) disks have been proposed to overcome the diffraction limit. This paper reports an MSR disk which has exchange-coupled magnetic double layers. An in-plane magnetization film is used as a readout layer in the magnetic double layers. The MSR disk can be overwritten by a magnetic field modulation recording method. An areal density of 2.2 Gbit/in/sup 2/ was obtained with a currently available optical head having a 680 nm wavelength laser. Besides, the disk had high recorded-data-stability in continuous readout of 5/spl times/10/sup 5/ revolutions with a laser power of 2.5 mW, and it also kept a high signal quality after a continuous erasing test of 2/spl times/10/sup 5/ revolutions with a recording laser power of 6.5 mW.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant pleural mesothelioma

Extrapleural pneumonectomy was introduced in the 1940s for the treatment of extensive infections of the lung and pleural space. Over the past 20 years, the extrapleural pneumonectomy technique has been modified and applied to the treatment of locally advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma, achieving substantial reductions in mortality. The current mortality rate of 3.4% at the Brigham and Women's Hospital has permitted us to expand our use of this operation to treat locally advanced lung cancer and thymoma. The extrapleural pneumonectomy technique consists of five basic steps: (1) Incision and exposure of the parietal pleura: (2) Dissection of the tumor and parietal pleura from the chest wall, diaphragm, and mediastinum: (3) Division and control of the pulmonary vessels and bronchus followed by lymph node dissection: (4) En bloc resection of the lung, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm; (5) Reconstruction of the diaphragm and pericardium. Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a complex and challenging operation. Accompanied by a 60% minor and major complication rate, it requires a unique management approach to achieve 3.4% mortality. Primary contributing factors to the reduction in mortality include a reduced operative time of 3 h, refinements in operative technique, and improved selection of patients. The technique discussed below is the culmination of 20 years' experience with malignant pleural mesothelioma at the Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA.
Is the Fundamental Science of Macroeconomics Sound

Recently, Ben Bernanke has argued that in the events leading up to the financial crisis, mistakes were made, but they were primarily engineering or management mistakes, not mistakes in the fundamental science of macroeconomics, which he sees as sound. This paper argues that Bernanke is wrong and that standard macroeconomics has not recognized, and still does not recognize, the limits of science and of formal modeling when studying something as complex as the macro economy. This failure to recognize, and adequately convey to policy makers, the limits of our scientific understanding of the macro economy, has led standard macroeconomics to combine fundamental science and policy applications in ways that undermine both. This paper advocates a classical methodological approach, which Keynes followed as well, that strictly separates fundamental science from policy analysis. Policy does not directly follow from models; it follows from reasoned analysis which uses models, but which combines models with institutio...
A fast algorithm for the optimal state assignment of large finite state machines

A state-assignment procedure is presented that uses only abstract complexity criteria and produces assignments that are not targeted toward particular implementations. It produces networks similar in complexity to those obtained by contemporary methods but is an order of magnitude faster, because it does not use computationally expensive logic synthesis algorithms to predict the effect of assignment on synthesis. Assignments for finite-state machines typically took about 10 minutes on a VAX 11/780. >
Efficient fine-grained data access control in wireless sensor networks

Recent advances in distributed in-network data storage and access control have led to active research in efficient and robust data management in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Although numerous schemes have been proposed this far, most of them do not provide enough attention towards exploiting user hierarchy and sensor heterogeneity, which is quite a practical issue especially when deploying WSNs in mission-critical application scenarios. In this paper, we propose an efficient secret-key cryptography-based (SKC) fine-grained data access control scheme for securing both distributed data storage and retrieval. In our design, secret keying information for data encryption and decryption are constructed based on the scheme of Blundo et al. [1] with information-theoretic security. To further enhance the security strength, we then propose an efficient user revocation scheme based on the idea of blinded Merkle hash tree construction. Extensive performance analysis shows that the proposed schemes are very efficient and practical for WSNs.
Critical analysis of active shielding methods for space radiation protection

From time to time over the past several decades, designs utilizing active methods involving electromagnetic field configurations have been proposed for the purpose of protecting spacecraft crews from harmful space radiations. Designs affording protection from either solar energetic particle event protons or galactic cosmic rays or both have been proposed. Often these analyses are predicated upon simplified or even incorrect assumptions regarding the incident radiation spectra or their associated radiation risks and limits. At times the proponents of these designs make very optimistic assumptions about the abilities of the scientific and engineering communities to overcome existing technology gaps needed to move their designs from paper to practice. In this paper, various active shield methods proposed over the past several decades are reviewed and critiqued. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methods are presented. Shortcomings in the analyses of their shielding efficacies, where they exist, are described.
Automatic search for fMRI connectivity mapping: An alternative to Granger causality testing using formal equivalences among SEM path modeling, VAR, and unified SEM

Modeling the relationships among brain regions of interest (ROIs) carries unique potential to explicate how the brain orchestrates information processing. However, hurdles arise when using functional MRI data. Variation in ROI activity contains sequential dependencies and shared influences on synchronized activation. Consequently, both lagged and contemporaneous relationships must be considered for unbiased statistical parameter estimation. Identifying these relationships using a data-driven approach could guide theory-building regarding integrated processing. The present paper demonstrates how the unified SEM attends to both lagged and contemporaneous influences on ROI activity. Additionally, this paper offers an approach akin to Granger causality testing, Lagrange multiplier testing, for statistically identifying directional influence among ROIs and employs this approach using an automatic search procedure to arrive at the optimal model. Rationale for this equivalence is offered by explicating the formal relationships among path modeling, vector autoregression, and unified SEM. When applied to simulated data, biases in estimates which do not consider both lagged and contemporaneous paths become apparent. Finally, the use of unified SEM with the automatic search procedure is applied to an empirical data example.
Changing times for pediatric keratoplasty.

S uccessful pediatric penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is the holy grail of modern day corneal surgery. Although the anatomic results of traditional pediatric PK surgery are reasonably good, visual recovery is less impressive. This problem is a multifactorial one, but certainly postoperative astigmatism is a major factor. The effort it takes to ensure a good outcome in pediatric PK is tremendous—for the parents and the surgeon. Surgery is complex, and postoperative management is rigorous. It is no wonder that few corneal surgeons choose to venture into this arena. The time is right for advances in pediatric PK. Recent developments suggest that advances in adult keratoplasty may be ready for use in children. The articles by Fernandez et al and Jeng et al in this issue of the Journal describe single cases of successful Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in children with acquired endothelial dysfunction. In the Fernandez article, a 9-year-old patient is described as having corneal decompensation after several intraocular procedures and long-term use of an aphakic contact lens. The other case is a 2-year-old patient who developed corneal decompensation after complicated cataract extraction. Both groups are to be commended for attempting this surgery in children. DSAEK is currently in vogue for management of endothelial dysfunction in adults. It offers a number of advantages over traditional full-thickness PK. In this technique, the diseased endothelium is removed by stripping Descemet’s membrane from the host cornea. It is replaced by a partial-thickness donor button containing healthy endothelium on a thin layer of posterior stroma. Once the donor button is well-positioned, an air bubble is used to maintain tissue apposition temporarily (24 hours) until the donor endothelial cells begin pumping to secure the tissue permanently. The patient must lie flat for the bubble to be most effective. In DSAEK, the anterior layers of the host cornea remain undisturbed, thereby reducing postoperative astigmatism. As a result, visual recovery is much more rapid than after traditional PK (6-12 weeks rather than 6-12 months). In addition, the entry wound is smaller (4-5 mm) and made in the sclera, thus reducing the chance of post-
Before L.A.: Race, Space, and Municipal Power in Los Angeles, 1781‐1894 David Samuel Torres‐Rouff. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2013.

Before L.A.: Race, Space, and Municipal Power in Los Angeles, 1781-1894 David Samuel Torres-Rouff. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2013.Examining Los Angeles's first century, David Samuel Torres-Rouff seeks to understand and complicate previous histories of Los Angeles and western urban history in Before L.A. The multiple and contingent intercultural negotiations that Torres-Rouff illuminates represents "an effort to break through that facade to reveal the complex world of nuance, unexpected moments, and numerous contingent choices that characterized Los Angeles from its Spanish founding in 1781 through the 1894 fiesta" (8). Torres-Rouff demonstrates that the intercultural negotiations of a frontier borderlands established a template to both honor and obscure the history of Los Angeles from its founding as a Spanish mission pueblo to a burgeoning metropolis by the twentieth century.Violence undergirded and served as an exemplar of the social, cultural, and physical inter cultural negotiations of late eighteenth and nineteenth century Los Angeles. Navigating an array of nested relationships involving familial and economic ties between Mexican Californians and European American immigrants, race-based violence served to create a shared, local Los Angeles identity in the face of multiple national racial ideologies. Legal and extralegal violence erupted during the 1847 destruction of the Gabrielino-Tongva Indian village, the 1871 anti-Chinese massacre, as well as the publicly sanctioned executions and publicly sanctioned lynchings throughout the mid-nine tee nth century. At each of these signal moments of violence, Torres-Rouff argues that each also represented instances of intercultural cooperation which created a uniquely Los Angeles racial order that was enacted by civic and business-minded Mexican Californians and European American immigrants.The structure of municipal governance and the concomitant impact on Los Angeles's built environment provide Torres-Rouff with a fertile site of investigation into Los Angeles's contested and negotiated past. He investigates the development of municipal governance that both highlights and obfuscates Los Angeles's contested and convergent intercultural practices. Water represented the most important municipal issue that faced Los Angeles. As the management of water changed from Spanish and Mexican Californian communal consideration by the alcaldes, ayuntamiento, and zanjero to a commodity to be exploited by private citizens and businesses, Los Angeles underwent a spatial and material transformation that reflected racial and economic fragmentation. By the late nineteenth century, the development of new residential and business districts receiving unequal access and infrastructure for supply water demonstrated that "[t]he new infrastructural and experiential realities of life on Los Angeles's streets had progressed to the point of reordering local racial hierarchies" (257). …