cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fault density, fault types, and spectra-based fault localization

This paper presents multiple empirical experiments that investigate the impact of fault quantity and fault type on statistical, coverage-based fault localization techniques and fault-localization interference. Fault-localization interference is a phenomenon revealed in earlier studies of coverage-based fault localization that causes faults to obstruct, or interfere, with other faults' ability to be localized. Previously, it had been asserted that a fault-localization technique's effectiveness was negatively correlated to the quantity of faults in the program. To investigate these beliefs, we conducted an experiment on six programs consisting of more than 72,000 multiple-fault versions. Our data suggests that the impact of multiple faults exerts a significant, but slight influence on fault-localization effectiveness. In addition, faults were categorized according to four existing fault-taxonomies and found no correlation between fault type and fault-localization interference. In general, even in the presence of many faults, at least one fault was found by fault localization with similar effectiveness. Additionally, our data exhibits that fault-localization interference is prevalent and exerts a meaningful influence that may cause a fault's localizability to vary greatly. Because almost all real-world software contains multiple faults, these results affect the practical use and understanding of statistical fault-localization techniques.
Studying Space: Improving Space Planning with User Studies

How can libraries best assess and improve user space, even if they are not in a position to undertake new construction or a major renovation? Staff at New Mexico State University used a variety of ethnographic methods to learn how our spaces were being used as well as what our users considered to be ideal library space. Our findings helped us make high-impact changes to public spaces while staying within a modest budget and a tight timeline. We used many of the same methods after our redesigns to evaluate our efforts and plan for future improvements.
BIBO Stability of the Discrete Bilinear System

Abstract The discrete-time bilinear system is investigated for bounded input bounded output (BIBO) stability. The general state-space model is considered and two different sufficient conditions are established for BIBO stability. The bound on the state vector is also found for each case. The direct-form realization of the bilinear system is considered as a special case and a sufficient condition is derived for its stability. The necessary and sufficient condition is established for the stability of the second order system. The derived conditions are useful for finding the range of the input sequence in order to guarantee a bounded output sequence. The results are illustrated with several examples.
Structure-Function Studies of Detergent Solubilized PTH1R-GαSβγ

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven-transmembrane signaling proteins that bind and activate heterotrimeric G-proteins by facilitating the exchange of GDP for GTP. The structural and functional consequences of GPCR-G protein binding have been well studied and include a high-resolution structure of the agonist-GPCR-G-protein ternary complex. However, this work has been performed almost entirely in Family A GPCRs, and have not including the pharmacologically relevant peptide binding Family B GPCRs. The Parathyroid Hormone Receptor Type 1 (PTH1R) is a prototypical Family B member that couples with multiple G-proteins including GαSβγ. The PTH1R is a key regulator of extracellular calcium and phosphate homeostasis, and is important in bone healing and regeneration. Structural studies of PTH1R and its lipid modified cytosolic binding partner GαSβγ have been limited by an inability to obtain high yield purifications of either of these proteins. An additional challenge is to obtain purifications conditions that provide detergent compatibility for PTH1R-GαSβγ complex formation. In this study we have successfully identified conditions for high yield purifications of both PTH1R and GαSβγ. Both proteins are 85 - 95% monodispersed in detergent conditions as measured by Dynamic Light Scattering. Radio-ligand binding experiments demonstrate that the proteins are functional. Furthermore, pull-down experiments show the formation of the PTH1R-GαSβγ complex. This complex is formed primarily through interactions of PTH1R with the GαS subunit, with βγ showing little binding in the presence of agonist. Truncation mutants of the PTH1R were also purified for use in identifying GαSβγ essential binding sites. Taken together, this system provides one of the first models for studying the direct interaction of a Family B GPCR with its cognate G protein. Structural studies using isolated proteins are being pursued for x-ray crystallographic study.
LogicScope: automatic discovery of logic vulnerabilities within web applications

Logic flaws are an important class of vulnerabilities within web applications, which allow sensitive information and restrictive operations to be accessed at inappropriate application states. In this paper, we take a first step towards a systematic black-box approach to identifying logic vulnerabilities within web applications. We first construct a partial FSM over the expected input domain by collecting and analyzing the execution traces when users follow the navigation paths within the web application. Then, we test the application at each state by constructing unexpected input vectors and evaluating corresponding web responses. We implement a prototype system LogicScope and demonstrate its effectiveness using a set of real world web applications.
Codelivery of antigen and an immune cell adhesion inhibitor is necessary for efficacy of soluble antigen arrays in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are typified by the misrecognition of self-antigen and the clonal expansion of autoreactive T cells. Antigen-specific immunotherapies (antigen-SITs) have long been explored as a means to desensitize patients to offending self-antigen(s) with the potential to retolerize the immune response. Soluble antigen arrays (SAgAs) are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA) cografted with disease-specific autoantigen (proteolipid protein peptide) and an ICAM-1 inhibitor peptide (LABL). SAgAs were designed as an antigen-SIT that codeliver peptides to suppress experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of MS. Codelivery of antigen and cell adhesion inhibitor (LABL) conjugated to HA was essential for SAgA treatment of EAE. Individual SAgA components or mixtures thereof reduced proinflammatory cytokines in cultured splenocytes from EAE mice; however, these treatments showed minimal to no in vivo therapeutic effect in EAE mice. Thus, carriers that codeliver antigen and a secondary “context” signal (e.g., LABL) in vivo may be an important design criteria to consider when designing antigen-SIT for autoimmune therapy.
An experimental/theoretical approach to modelling the viscous behaviour of liquid lubricants in elastohydrodynamic lubrication contacts

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental/theoretical approach to modelling the viscous behaviour of liquid lubricants under elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) conditions. The main feature of t...
Socioeconomic Disparities in Mortality After Cancer Surgery: Failure to Rescue

RESULTS Patients in the lowest quintile of SES had mildly increased rates of complications (25.6% in the lowest quintile vs 23.8% in the highest quintile, P = .003), a larger increase in mortality (10.2% vs 7.7%, P = .0009), and the greatest increase in rates of FTR (26.7% vs 23.2%, P = .007). Analysis of hospitals revealed a higher FTR rate for all patients (regardless of SES) at centers treating the largest proportion of patients with low SES. The adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) of FTR according to SES ranged from 1.04 (0.95–1.14) for gastrectomy to 1.45 (1.21-1.73) for pancreatectomy. Additional adjustment for hospital effect nearly eliminated the disparity observed in FTR across levels of SES. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Patients in the lowest quintile of SES have significantly increased rates of FTR. This finding appears to be in part a function of the hospital where patients with low SES are treated. Future efforts to improve socioeconomic disparities should concentrate on hospital processes and characteristics that contribute to successful rescue.
The technique of extraction of intraocular foreign bodies

Lose no time as infection may have time to set in or fragment may become embedded. X-ray is not needed for magnetic foreign bodies in the majority of cases. 1. (a) 70 to 80 per cent can be pulled forward from the posterior part of the eye, through the vitreous, around the lens, into the posterior chamber by a good giant magnet. 2. (b) If imbedded in the wall of the eye, this is impossible. Then localization is essential. There are three important means: (1) careful study of the path of the foreign body; (2) x-rays, which give pretty close localization but not so precise that one can be sure to cut down exactly on the foreign body; (3) for exact final localization, a short tip of a good hand magnet applied to the sclera tentatively and systematically over the suspected area. The tip is pressed lightly on the sclera and then lifted a couple of millimeters and again applied and lifted. The slight bulging of the sclera and the slight sensation of attraction reveal the exact site of the foreign body. Access to the posterior part of the eye is possible, as in operations for separated retina, by temporary section of a rectus muscle and the use of a good retractor (nonmagnetic). Cutting through the wall of the eye by the thrust of a Graefe knife may cause damaging hemorrhage. To avoid this use a diathermy knife. It is not necessary to probe the vitreous with the magnet or even to penetrate the vitreous if the foreign body has been precisely localized. Application to the lips of the wound suffices if the magnet is a good one. Avoid a giant magnet for foreign bodies that are within 2 or 3 mm. of the magnet. Avoid extensions applied to the giant magnet to act as hand magnets. After extracting diasclerally, apply a ring of diathermy micro-punctures around the site of the scleral wound to forestall separation of the retina. Results, especially late or end results, of extraction by the anterior route with the giant magnet are much better than final results with diascleral extraction by the old method, still widely used. Statistics are not available for the more modern technique here described. Details of technique for foreign bodies, magnetic and non-magnetic in different parts of the eye—cornea, anterior chamber, posterior chamber, lens, vitreous, imbedded in the wall of the eye. Importance of good light. Six causes of failure: Most important is inadequate equipment. What constitutes adequate equipment and how to test it. Hand magnet in contact should pull a fragment well over 5,000 times its weight. Giant magnet at 20 mm. should pull a fragment well over fifty times its weight. Obviously, a magnet pulling fifty will fail oftener than one pulling eighty.
An examination of the self-medication hypothesis via treatment completion

A long-held clinical belief is that many of the mentally ill seek relief from their symptoms through the use of alcohol and other illicit substances. The notion of self-medication became formalized in the literature via the self-medication hypothesis (SMH) of addictive disorders (Khantzian, ). This study attempted to examine the role of treatment completion for the SMH by examining 696 participants in a dual diagnosis program. Logistic regressions were conducted using mental health demographic variables on drug of choice. In addition, this study extended previous research by employing a path analytic process and examining the complex relationships between these variables in the context of treatment completion. Results indicated little support for the presence of self-medication in this sample.
Lectin Binding Sites on the Luminal Surface of Ependymal Cells of the Rat Spinal Cord: Implications for Neuropathological Investigation

Twenty fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled lectins were applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of rat spinal cord to delineate the specific lectin binding sites on the ependymal cells. Only two lectins, Solanum tuberosum agglutinin (STA) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), were found to bind intensely to the ciliated surface of rat ependymal cells. Inhibition studies indicated that terminal N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid were abundantly present on the ciliated surface of ependymal cells and accounted for the binding of these two lectins. Experimentally induced hydromyelia was accompanied by a loss of lectin binding sites on the ependymal cells. These data show that STA and WGA represent potentially valuable new histochemical markers for ciliated ependymal cells.
Self-reactive T cells in murine lupus: Analysis of genetic contributions and development of self-tolerance☆

Our understanding of the immune mechanisms that lead to systemic lupus erythematosus has been greatly advanced by the availability of murine models which display both serological and clinical features of the human disease. Studies have demonstrated that CD4+ T cells are required for the full expression of disease in these mice. (NZB × NZF)F1 mice exhibit a lupus-like disease (elevated levels of IgG antinuclear antibodies and a fatal glomerulonephritis) that is not characteristic of either parent. At least three gene loci have been identified in NZW mice that could potentially contribute to a T cell-dependent autoimmune disease, including the T cell receptor α- and β-chain gene complexes and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The NZW T cell receptor β-chain complex appeared to be particularly unusual in that the Cβ1, Dβ2, and Jβ2 gene segments have been deleted. However, an analysis of (NZB × NZW)F1 × NZB backcross mice revealed no association of disease expression with the presence of this allele. There was also no correlation of disease incidence with the presence of the NZW T cell receptor α-chain allele. In contrast, nearly 90% of the backcross mice with the NZW MHC expressed severe autoimmune disease compared with 12% of the mice that did not carry this haplotype. Additional studies strongly suggested that the gene(s) within the NZW MHC is the only dominant NZW genetic contribution to F1 disease. We also determined if self-reactive T cells are able to escape thymic tolerance in autoimmune New Zealand and MRLlprlpr mice. In nonautoimmune mice expressing I-E, T cells utilizing Vβ17a and Vβ11 encoded domains have been shown to be clonally eliminated in the thymus. Similarly, Vβ8.1+ and Vβ6+ T cells are tolerized in nonautoimmune mice expressing Mls-1a. These T cell subsets were quantitated in the lymph nodes and spleens of (NZB × NZW)F1, (NZB × SWR)F1, and MRL-lprlpr mice before and after the development of lupus-like disease. The results indicate that peripheral T cells in these mice, including the massive CD4−, CD8− T cell population in lpr mice, have been modified by normal mechanisms of tolerance such that potential self-reactive Vβ specificities have been eliminated in the thymus.
A three‐dimensional simulation of a coronal streamer

A time-dependent MHD simulation was used to investigate the magnetic topology of an idealized streamerlike configuration in three dimensions. Starting from an initially current-free multipole field and a transonic flow, a quasi-steady, streamerlike configuration forms. The simulated streamer exhibits a closed magnetic field region bounded by a current layer and surrounded by open fields. This helmet region is surmounted by a current layer, with an enhanced density in the closed field and current sheet regions. The simulated streamer has a finite longitudinal extent, with the closed field region primarily confined to the center of the structure.
Collagen gel contraction as a measure of fibroblast function in carpal tunnel syndrome

Noninflammatory subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) fibrosis with nerve compression is a prominent feature of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Studies have shown that SSCT matrix synthesis and material property changes in CTS are associated with increased activity of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. The aim of this study were to (1) investigate the ability of SSCT fibroblasts from CTS patients and unaffected individuals to contract a collagen gel ring and (2) determine how the addition of TGF-β1 affects this ability. SSCT fibroblasts from three normal cadavers and three age-matched female patients who had undergone surgery for CTS were used. Results showed patient cell-seeded gels had a significantly higher contraction rate (p < 0.001) than control cells, and fully contracted gel rings possessed a significantly higher tensile strength (p = 0.003) and stiffness (p < 0.001). Furthermore, TGF-β1 significantly intensified contraction rate (p < 0.001), tensile strength (p < 0.001), and stiffness (p < 0.001). In conclusion, SSCT cells from normal donors and CTS patients contract collagen gel rings differently, and this ability is affected by TGF-β1 treatment. This cell-seeded collagen gel model may be useful for developing new methods of stopping or eliminating the effect of TGF-β1 on the SSCT fibroblasts and surrounding matrix, which might aid in the identification of medical treatment for CTS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 574–580, 2015.
Achieving MAC layer fairness in wireless packet networks

Link-layer fairness models that have been proposed for wireline and packet cellular networks cannot be generalized for shared channel wireless networks because of the unique characteristics of the wireless channel, such as location-dependent contention, inherent conflict between optimizing channel utilization and achieving fairness, and the absence of any centralized control.In this paper, we propose a general analytical framework that captures the unique characteristics of shared wireless channels and allows the modeling of a large class of system-wide fairness models via the specification of per-flow utility functions. We show that system-wide fairness can be achieved without explicit global coordination so long as each node executes a contention resolution algorithm that is designed to optimize its local utility function.We present a general mechanism for translating a given fairness model in our framework into a corresponding contention resolution algorithm. Using this translation, we derive the backoff algorithm for achieving proportional fairness in wireless shared channels, and compare the fairness properties of this algorithm with both the ideal proportional fairness objective, and state-of-the-art backoff-based contention resolution algorithms.We believe that the two aspects of the proposed framework, i.e. the ability to specify arbitrary fairness models via local utility functions, and the ability to automatically generate local contention resolution mechanisms in response to a given utility function, together provide the path for achieving flexible service differentiation in future shared channel wireless networks.
Alterations in mitochondrial morphology are associated with hyperthermia-induced apoptosis in early postimplantation mouse embryos.

BACKGROUND Previously, we showed that teratogens such as hyperthermia activate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in day nine mouse embryos. Activation of this pathway involves an initial release of cytochrome c from intermembranous spaces of the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic cytochrome c then activates a caspase cascade resulting in the orderly demise of the cell. In addition, we showed that teratogens activate the mitochondrial pathway in cells of the neuroepithelium, but not the heart. METHODS To further investigate the role of the mitochondrion in teratogen-induced apoptosis, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to compare mitochondrial morphology in cells of the neuroepithelium and heart of control and hyperthermia-treated embryos. Because we know that the apoptotic pathway is activated some time during the first 5 hr after teratogen exposure is initiated, we assessed mitochondrial morphology at 1, 2.5, and 5 hr after day nine mouse embryos were exposed to hyperthermia (43°C, 15 min). RESULTS In neuroepithelial cells of the prosencephalon, abnormally-shaped mitochondria were observed at the 1 hr time point and thereafter, whereas loss of cristae and shrunken mitochondria were noted at the 5 hr time point. In contrast, no obvious changes in mitochondria of heart cells were observed at any of the time points monitored. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that teratogen-induced cell death in neuroepithelial cells is temporally correlated with alterations in mitochondrial morphology, whereas the absence of cell death in the heart is correlated with a corresponding lack of change in mitochondrial morphology. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
“Oligozoospermia,” “azoospermia,” and other semen-analysis terminology: the need for better science

The Greek-based terms used to describe semen-analysis abnormalities (e.g., "oligozoospermia" and "azoospermia") are unscientific, have overlapping definitions, and are often misinterpreted. The best course is to abandon these vague and difficult labels and simply report semen analyses quantitatively.
Rare events in cancer recurrence timing

Tumor recurrence due to acquired resistance to anti-cancer treatments poses a major clinical problem in treating cancer. One major cause of drug-resistance is the acquisition of random point mutations in the genomic sequence of cancer cells which confer resistant phenotypes. Despite an initial response to treatment, emergent drug-resistant subpopulations often eventually drive the recurrence and regrowth of the tumor. The timing of such cancer recurrence is highly variable in patient populations, and is governed by a balance between several factors such as initial tumor size, mutation rates, and growth kinetics of drug-sensitive and resistant cells. To better understand patterns of cancer progression in patient populations, we are interested in the mechanisms driving early or late cancer recurrences. In previous work, we modeled the dynamics of recurrence by considering escape from a subcritical branching process, where the establishment of a clone of escape mutants can lead to total population growth after the initial decline. Here, we study and characterize the rare events leading to early or late crossover time, defined as the time at which the total cancer population first becomes dominated by the emerging resistant cell population. In particular, using this model we investigate algorithms for estimating the probability of early crossover events, which are correlated with early tumor recurrence.
Clustering Tandem Repeats via Trinucleotides

Tandem repeats in DNA sequences are extremely relevant in biological phenomena and diagnostic tools. Computational programs that discover these tandem repeats generate a huge volume of data, which is often difficult to decipher without further organization. In this paper, we describe a new method for post-processing tandem repeats through clustering. Our work presents multiple ways of expressing tandem repeats using the n-gram model with different clustering distance measures. Analysis of these clusters for chromosome 1 of the human genomes shows that the clustering of tandem repeats according to 3-grams yields well-defined clusters. Our new, alignment-free method facilitates the analysis of the myriad of tandem repeats that occur in the human genome and we believe that this work will lead to new discoveries on the roles, origins, and significance of tandem repeats.
Effect of Medical Treatment in Stroke Patients With Patent Foramen Ovale Patent Foramen Ovale in Cryptogenic Stroke Study

Background— Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with stroke, but there are no randomized studies to evaluate the efficacy of antithrombotic therapies. Methods and Results— The PFO in Cryptogenic Stroke Study was a 42-center study that evaluated transesophageal echocardiographic findings in patients randomly assigned to warfarin or aspirin in the Warfarin-Aspirin Recurrent Stroke Study. In this study, 630 stroke patients were enrolled, of whom 312 (49.5%) were randomized to warfarin and 318 (50.5%) to aspirin. Of these, 265 patients experienced cryptogenic stroke and 365 experienced known stroke subtypes. End points were recurrent ischemic stroke or death. PFO was present in 203 patients (33.8%). There was no significant difference in the time to primary end points between those with and those without PFO in the overall population (P=0.84; hazard ratio 0.96; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.48; 2-year event rates 14.8% versus 15.4%) or in the cryptogenic subset (P=0.65; hazard ratio 1.17; 95% CI 0.60 to 2.37; 2-year ...
Fluorescence in Organized Assemblies

This article provides an overview of the general properties of organized assembly (ordered media) systems such as aqueous surfactant and bile salt micelles, lipid and surfactant vesicles (liposomes) and cyclodextrins (CDs) and summarizes their utilization to enhance the performance of analytical fluorescence measurements. In many instances, organic molecules and metal complex species, when included within a CD cavity or solubilized and bound to surfactant aggregates, exhibit enhanced fluorescence. This gives rise to improved detectability of such analytes. The altered microenvironment within the organized medium is capable of impeding the interfering action of other species (inorganic or organic) present in the sample matrix. This often can improve the selectivity of the analytical method. These benefits of improved sensitivity and selectivity arise from the compartmentalization, isolation and shielding of the excited singlet state of the guest analyte from quenching and nonradiative decay processes as well as prevent side reactions that otherwise can occur in bulk solution (or sample matrix). In addition, organic solvents or time-consuming extraction steps can be avoided owing to the increased solubility of the nonpolar organic or inorganic reagents and/or analyte molecules in water in the presence of the organized medium; allowing for the use of an aqueous medium to perform the procedure. The possibility of conducting reactions and forming fluorescent organic or metal chelates in micellar (or other organized) media that are not observed in a bulk homogeneous solvent system serves to expand the scope of chemistries that one can consider using to design/develop new, unique and improved fluorescent assays. Numerous representative examples of fluorescent methods for determination of both organic and inorganic analytes are provided which serve to illustrate the advantages and benefits accrued from the use of the micelles, vesicles, liposomes or CDs in such procedures. Some experimental considerations and cautions to keep in mind when utilizing organized media are also delineated. An extensive reference section is provided so that the interested reader can easily refer to such for more detailed information on these systems and topics.
Brief paper: An alternative Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov lemma and some extensions

This paper introduces an alternative formulation of the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov (KYP) Lemma, relating an infinite dimensional Frequency Domain Inequality (FDI) to a pair of finite dimensional Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMI). It is shown that this new formulation encompasses previous generalizations of the KYP Lemma which hold in the case the coefficient matrix of the FDI does not depend on frequency. In addition, it allows the coefficient matrix of the frequency domain inequality to vary affinely with the frequency parameter. One application of this results is illustrated in an example of computing upper bounds to the structured singular value with frequency-dependent scalings.
General equation for the precession of a gyroscope

Abstract The equation of motion due to Schiff for the precession of a gyroscope is generalized, in the limit of weak fields and low velocities, to an arbitrary distribution of gravitating matter in motion. A puzzling term in the formula is explained by the Thomas precession of the comoving telescope. We also determine the general gyroscope equation of the Brans-Dicke theory. Both equations are found to agree with the known results for a rotating spherical shell. An electromagnetic analog, which is useful for calculations is established. Perturbing effects acting on a gyroscope onboard a near-earth satellite are worked out for the Einstein theory.
Volatile organic acids and microbial processes in the Yegua formation, east-central Texas

Geochemical and microbiological evidence indicates that viable microorganisms produce and consume volatile organic acids (VOA) in the Yegua formation. Acetic and propionic acid concentrations in mudstones range from 200 to 1270 and 20 to 38 nmolgdw ˇ1 respectively, whereas concentrations in sands are 50‐200 and less than 20 nmolgdw ˇ1 . VOA concentrations in sediments and in laboratory incubations suggest net production of VOAs by microorganisms in mudstones, and net consumption of VOAs by SO4 reducing bacteria (SRB) in sands. Notably, SRB activity is mostly confined to aquifer sands. Vertical diAusion and advection were modeled to estimate acetic acid transport from aquitard to aquifer. Assuming that SRB completely respire the acetic acid transported into the aquifer (3.2 mmoll ˇ1 ma ˇ1 ), the CO2 production rate in the aquifer sands is 5.3 mmoll ˇ1 a ˇ1 . This slow mineralization rate of in situ organic matter is within the range for deep aquifers, and probably accounts for the long-term survival of microorganisms in oligotrophic environments. Finally, the microbial communities in Yegua sediments appear to exhibit a loose commensalism, with microorganisms in aquitards providing VOAs for respiratory processes (i.e., SO4 reduction) in
Gene expression profiling of aging in multiple mouse strains: Identification of aging biomarkers and impact of dietary antioxidants

We used DNA microarrays to identify panels of transcriptional markers of aging that are differentially expressed in young (5 month) and old (25 month) mice of multiple inbred strains (129sv, BALB/c, CBA, DBA, B6, C3H and B6C3F(1)). In the heart, age-related changes of five genes were studied throughout the mouse lifespan: complement component 4, chemokine ligand 14, component of Sp100-rs, phenylalanine hydroxylase and src family associated phosphoprotein 2. A similar analysis in the brain (cerebellum) involved complement component 1q (alpha polypeptide), complement component 4, P lysozyme structural, glial fibrillary acidic protein and cathepsin S. Caloric restriction (CR) inhibited age-related expression of these genes in both tissues. Parametric analysis of gene set enrichment identified several biological processes that are induced with aging in multiple mouse strains. We also tested the ability of dietary antioxidants to oppose these transcriptional markers of aging. Lycopene, resveratrol, acetyl-l-carnitine and tempol were as effective as CR in the heart, and alpha-lipoic acid and coenzyme Q(10) were as effective as CR in the cerebellum. These findings suggest that transcriptional biomarkers of aging in mice can be used to estimate the efficacy of aging interventions on a tissue-specific basis.
“They Never Did Me Any Good”: Welfare-to-Work Programs from the Vantage Point of Poor Women:

Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews with poor women living in Philadelphia, I explore welfare recipients' experiences with and assessments of welfare-to-work programs provided by labor marke...
Conditions for tracking in networked control systems

In this paper we obtain information theoretical conditions for tracking in linear time-invariant control systems. We consider the particular case where the closed loop contains a channel in the feedback loop. The mutual information rate between the feedback signal and the reference input signal is used to quantify information about the reference signal that is available for feedback. This mutual information rate must be maximized in order to improve the tracking performance. The mutual information is shown to be upper bounded by a quantity that depends on the unstable eigenvalues of the plant and on the channel capacity. If the channel capacity reaches a lower limit, the feedback signal becomes completely uncorrelated with the reference signal, rendering feedback useless. We also find a lower bound on the expected squared tracking error in terms of the entropy of a random reference signal. Examples and simulations are provided to demonstrate the results.
The shavenoid Gene of Drosophila Encodes a Novel Actin Cytoskeleton Interacting Protein That Promotes Wing Hair Morphogenesis

The simple cellular composition and array of distally pointing hairs has made the Drosophila wing a favored system for studying planar polarity and the coordination of cellular- and tissue-level morphogenesis. The developing hairs are filled with F-actin and microtubules and the activity of these cytoskeletons is important for hair morphogenesis. On the basis of mutant phenotypes several genes have been identified as playing a key role in stimulating hair formation. Mutations in shavenoid (sha) (also known as kojak) result in a delay in hair morphogenesis and in some cells forming no hair and others several small hairs. We report here the molecular identification and characterization of the sha gene and protein. sha encodes a large novel protein that has homologs in other insects, but not in more distantly related organisms. The Sha protein accumulated in growing hairs and bristles in a pattern that suggested that it could directly interact with the actin cytoskeleton. Consistent with this mechanism of action we found that Sha and actin co-immunopreciptated from wing disc cells. The morphogenesis of the hair involves temporal control by sha and spatial control by the genes of the frizzled planar polarity pathway. We found a strong genetic interaction between mutations in these genes consistent with their having a close but parallel functional relationship.
Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With N1 Nodal Disease Does Not Compromise Survival

Background We evaluated if sleeve lobectomy had worse survival compared with pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with N1 disease, which may be a risk factor for locoregional recurrence. Methods Patients who underwent pneumonectomy or sleeve lobectomy without induction treatment for T2-3 N1 M0 NSCLC at a single institution from 1999 to 2011 were reviewed. Survival distribution was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the effect of resection extent on survival. Results During the study period, 87 patients underwent pneumonectomy (52 [60%]) or sleeve lobectomy (35 [40%]) for T2-3 N1 M0 NSCLC. Pneumonectomy and sleeve lobectomy patients had similar mean ages (60.9 ± 10.7 vs 63.5 ± 12.7 years, p = 0.30), gender distribution (69.2% [36 of 52] vs 60.0% [21 of 35] male, p = 0.37), mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second (66.3 ± 15.9 vs 63.5 ± 17.6, p = 0.47), stage (61.5% [32 of 52] vs 62.9% [22 of 35] stage II, p = 0.90), and tumor grade (51.9% [27 of 52] vs 31.4% [11 of 35] well/moderately differentiated, p = 0.17). Postoperative mortality (3.8% [2 of 52] vs 5.7% [2 of 35], p = 0.68) and median (interquartile range) length of stay (5 [4 to 7] vs 5 [4 to 7] days, p = 0.68) were similar between the two groups. The 3-year survival after pneumonectomy (46.8% [95% CI, 31.8% to 60.4%]) and sleeve lobectomy (65.2% [95% CI, 45.5% to 79.3%]) was not significantly different ( p = 0.23). In multivariable survival analysis that included resection extent, age, stage, and grade, only increasing age predicted worse survival (hazard ratio, 1.03/year; p = 0.03). Conclusions Performing sleeve lobectomy instead of pneumonectomy for NSCLC with N1 nodal disease does not compromise long-term survival.
Signaling Pathways Involved in Translational Control of Protein Synthesis in Skeletal Muscle by Leucine

Numerous reports established that in skeletal muscle the indispensable branched-chain amino acid leucine is unique in its ability to initiate signal transduction pathways that modulate translation initiation. Oral administration of leucine stimulates protein synthesis in association with hyperphosphorylation of the translational repressor, eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), resulting in enhanced availability of the mRNA cap-binding protein eIF4E, for binding eIF4G and forming the active eIF4F complex. In addition, leucine enhances phosphorylation of the 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1). These results suggest that leucine upregulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle by enhancing both the activity and synthesis of proteins involved in mRNA translation. The stimulatory effects of leucine on translation initiation are mediated in part through the protein kinase mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), where both insulin signaling and leucine signaling converge to promote a maximal response.
New Host Plant Associations and Distribution Records for Tortoise Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) from Southern Africa

Abstract New host or distribution records are presented for 14 species of tortoise beetles from South Africa and Zimbabwe: Aspidimorpha haefligeri Spaeth, A. tecta Boheman, Cassida ancorifera Boheman, C. circumflexa Spaeth, C. dorsovittata Boheman, C. innotata Boheman, C. lacrymosa Boheman, C. lueboensis Spaeth, Chiridopsis nigrosepta Fairmaire, Laccoptera cicatricosa (Boheman), Notosacantha badia (Boheman), N. junodi (Spaeth), N. nervosa (Spaeth), and N. vogeli (Weise). Cassida circumflexa Spaeth, collected in Zimbabwe, was previously only known from the type locality along the coast of Mozambique.
Universal Source Coding

The basic purpose of data compression is to massage a data stream to reduce the average bit rate required for transmission or storage by removing unwanted redundancy and/or unnecessary precision. A mathematical formulation of data compression providing figures of merit and bounds on optimal performance was developed by Shannon [1,2] both for the case where a perfect compressed reproduction is required and for the case where a certain specified average distortion is allowable. Unfortunately, however, Shannon’s probabilistic approach requires advance precise knowledge of the statistical description of the process to be compressed - a demand rarely met in practice. The coding theorems only apply, or are meaningful, when the source is stationary and ergodic.
Thomas Aquinas: A Pioneer in the Field of Law & Economics

St. Thomas Aquinas addressed a number of economic questions, especially in Summa Theologica, II, II. 1 Among the topics covered were the division of labor, property rights, the just price, usury, the labor theory of value, trade and insider trading. Most of his economic ideas have been either improved upon or discarded by modern economic thinkers. Very little of what he says on economics has remained unchanged over the course of time. Unfortunately, some of his ideas that have been (rightly) discarded by most economists are still being used as the basis of policymaking by politicians and government officials. And some of his ideas that were basically correct (such as his view of insider trading) have been discarded by them. This article summarizes and discusses Thomas' views on economics and political economy.
How Reliable Is Self-Reported Body Position during Sleep?

Many patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit worsening event indices while supine. Positional therapy is an option if indices normalize in non-supine sleep. Although several methods are...
Utilization of a fos-lacZ plasmid to investigate the activation of c-fos during cellular senescence and okadaic acid-induced apoptosis

C-fos is an immediate-early gene that is induced by external stimuli and is possibly involved in initiation of DNA synthesis by such stimuli. In these studies, we used the murine c-fos promoter coupled to a lacZ reporter gene to study fos induction in senescent and quiescent cells. In transfected, quiescent, immortal Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells (10W), serum stimulation induced the expression of the fos construct to the same extent that DNA synthesis was stimulated. In contrast, in transfected normal cells that have a finite life span, we observed that the cells failed to display upregulation of fos-lacZ in response to serum in individual cells as they senesced. High doses of the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid (160-1000 nM) also induced fos-lacZ expression in quiescent immortal cells; however, induction of DNA synthesis and expression of fos-lacZ were not coordinately induced as a function of okadaic acid concentration. Low concentrations of okadaic acid (0.16 nM) induced DNA synthesis but not fos-lacZ expression, indicating that induction of DNA synthesis by phosphatase inhibitors may bypass, at least quantitatively, the requirement for c-fos induction. At the levels of okadaic acid that induced fos-lacZ expression, cell death, rather than DNA synthesis, was observed. The cells died by apoptosis, thereby implicating a signaling pathway that includes c-fos induction in this process.
Perioperative Complications and Long-Term Outcomes After Bypasses in Adults with Moyamoya Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Surgical revascularization for adults with moyamoya disease (MD) includes direct, indirect, or combination bypasses. It is unclear which provides the best outcomes. We sought to determine the best surgical management for adults with MD by comparing perioperative complications and long-term outcomes among 3 bypass types. Methods Literature databases were searched for articles reporting revascularization bypass outcomes for adults with MD. A pooled analysis of all qualified studies and meta-analysis using only studies reporting direct comparisons of 2 bypass types were performed. Overall odds ratios (ORs) comparing 2 bypass types were computed and publication bias was assessed. Rates of perioperative and long-term hemorrhage and ischemia and favorable outcomes were compared. Results Forty-seven studies were analyzed; 8 had level 1 or 2 evidence. Pooled analyses showed that perioperative hemorrhage rates were significantly (P = 0.02) lower with indirect compared with direct (OR, 0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002–0.55) or combined (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.002–0.53) bypasses. Meta-analysis showed that direct bypass was better at preventing long-term hemorrhage than was indirect bypass (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09–0.79; P = 0.02). Pooled analyses showed that direct is significantly better (P Conclusions Overall, our analyses suggest that direct bypass with or without indirect augmentation provides the best outcomes for adults with MD.
The Legislative Research Into Circular Economy At Home And Abroad

Because the traditional line economy brought about many terrible results to our society, develop information economy and circular economy are very popular in the world from nineties of the twentieth century. Many western countries take measures to legislating, especially in Germany and Japan , they have formed comparative perfect jurisprudences. So we can learn that from western countries it's very important to establish a perfect jurisprudence in order to implement circular economy. Nowadays our legislative practice about circular economy is in the primary phase, so we should learn from western countries and enact a series of laws, in that way we can establish a perfect jurisprudence in China.
Design of Batching Belt Scale Controller

The batching scale to measure has low accuracy and big error.Based on AT91SAM7X256 microcomputer as the primary control chip,a batching scale controller was deasigned.The operating principle of the batching scale was introduced,realizing the cumulant control.The characteristic of AT91SAM7X256 single chip microcomputer was made full use of by bathing scale adopting two-channel data collection.Hardware circuit was designed,furthermore,the software for batching scale controller was designed adopting PID control algorithm,with the characteristic of novel circuit design,measuring accuracy reaching 1% and error less than 0.01 t.
Attempts to infect T lymphocyte-deficient mice with Babesia species of cattle.

Nu/nu, nu/+, splcnectomised nu/nu and Lasat mice were inoculated with freshly collected bovine blood infected with Babesia divergens and B major. There was no evidence that either parasite became established in mice but II divergens persisted in mice up to 10 days whereas B major lasted only one day. II divergens infection generally persisted longer in splcnectomised mice but absence of thymus made no apparent difference to persistence of infection. II divergens underwent morphological changes in mice to vacuolated and ring forms.
Pax-6, Eyes absent, and Prox 1 in eye development

Eyes in different systematic groups including arthropods, molluscs and vertebrates probably have a common evolutionary origin. As a consequence of this, related genes are used for regulation of the early steps of eye development in different organisms. In this review, I briefly summarize data on three gene families which might be essential for eye development across species: Pax-6/eyeless, Eya/eyes absent and Prox/prospero with emphasis on our contribution here. Mechanisms of eye formation and the generation of different types of eyes in the course of evolution are discussed.
Environmentally Smart Nitrogen Performance in Northern Great Plains’ Spring Wheat Production Systems

Experiments were conducted in Montana to evaluate Environmentally Smart Nitrogen (ESN) as a nitrogen (N) source in wheat. Plots were arranged in a split-plot design with ESN, urea, and a 50%-50% urea-ESN blend at low, medium, and high at-seeding N rates in the subplot, with four replications. Measurements included grain yield (GY), protein (GP), and N uptake (GNU). A partial budget economic analysis was performed to assess the net benefits of the three sources. Average GY varied from 1816 to 5583 kg ha−1 and grain protein (GP) content ranged from 9.1 to 17.3% among site-years. Urea, ESN, and the blend resulted in higher GYs at 3, 2, and 2 site-years out of 8 evaluated site-years, respectively. Topdressing N improved GY for all sources. No trend in GP associated with N source was observed. With GP-adjusted revenue, farmer would not recover investment costs from ESN or blend compared with urea. With ESN costing consistently more than urea per unit of N, we recommend urea as N source for spring wheat in Northern Great Plains.
Neuropsychological Correlates of Childhood and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders: Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Externalizing disorders have been defined as those disorders in which overt behavior is present (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000). Externalized disorders are characterized by numerous dysfunctional behaviors, which pose difficulties in management in the social and psychological aspects of the child’s life. The externalized disorders to be reviewed include Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and conduct disorder. Severe neuropsychiatric disorders, including Tourette syndrome, are discussed here because of the similarities in the brain areas that are implicated and in the neurotransmitter systems that are thought to be involved. Many of the symptoms of ADHD and frontal lobe dysfunction are also found with autism and Tourette syndrome. Biochemical and neuropsychological models of these disorders will be discussed in more detail in the following sections, including the effects on these neuropsychiatric disorders on the psychosocial and academic functioning of children.