cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transport Monte Carlo: High-Accuracy Posterior Approximation via Random Transport

In Bayesian applications, there is a huge interest in rapid and accurate estimation of the posterior distribution, particularly for high dimensional or hierarchical models. In this article, we propose to use optimization to solve for a joint distribution (random transport plan) between two random variables, $\theta$ from the posterior distribution and $\beta$ from the simple multivariate uniform. Specifically, we obtain an approximate estimate of the conditional distribution $\Pi(\beta\mid \theta)$ as an infinite mixture of simple location-scale changes; applying the Bayes' theorem, $\Pi(\theta\mid\beta)$ can be sampled as one of the reversed transforms from the uniform, with the weight proportional to the posterior density/mass function. This produces independent random samples with high approximation accuracy, as well as nice theoretic guarantees. Our method shows compelling advantages in performance and accuracy, compared to the state-of-the-art Markov chain Monte Carlo and approximations such as variational Bayes and normalizing flow. We illustrate this approach via several challenging applications, such as sampling from multi-modal distribution, estimating sparse signals in high dimension, and soft-thresholding of a graph with a prior on the degrees.
DROID-SLAM: Deep Visual SLAM for Monocular, Stereo, and RGB-D Cameras

We introduce DROID-SLAM, a new deep learning based SLAM system. DROID-SLAM consists of recurrent iterative updates of camera pose and pixelwise depth through a Dense Bundle Adjustment layer. DROID-SLAM is accurate, achieving large improvements over prior work, and robust, suffering from substantially fewer catastrophic failures. Despite training on monocular video, it can leverage stereo or RGB-D video to achieve improved performance at test time. The URL to our open source code is this https URL.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of RhoA activities of single breast tumor cells in a 3D environment revealed by a machine learning-assisted FRET technique.

One of the hallmarks of cancer cells is their exceptional ability to migrate within the extracellular matrix (ECM) for gaining access to the circulatory system, a critical step of cancer metastasis. RhoA, a small GTPase, is known to be a key molecular switch that toggles between actomyosin contractility and lamellipodial protrusion during cell migration. Current understanding of RhoA activity in cell migration has been largely derived from studies of cells plated on a two-dimensional (2D) substrate using a FRET biosensor. There has been increasing evidence that cells behave differently in a more physiologically relevant three-dimensional (3D) environment. However, studies of RhoA activities in 3D have been hindered by low signal-to-noise ratio in fluorescence imaging. In this paper, we present a FRET technique in conjunction with a machine learning-assisted cell segmentation method to follow the spatiotemporal dynamics of RhoA activities of single breast tumor cells (MDA-MB-231) migrating in a 3D as well as a 2D environment using a RhoA biosensor. We found that RhoA activity is more polarized along the long axis of the cell for single cells migrating on 2D fibronectin-coated glass versus those embedded in 3D collagen matrices. In particular, RhoA activities of cells in 2D exhibit a distinct front-to-back and back-to-front movement during migration in contrast to those in 3D. Finally, regardless of dimensionality, RhoA polarization is found to be moderately correlated with cell shape.
Transient analysis of distortion and coupling in lossy coupled microstrips

The transient response of lossy coupled microstrips is studied using the spectral domain approach (SDA) to compute rigorously the dielectric losses. Transient coupling is formulated in the frequency domain using an even/odd mode approach. Results for pulse distortion on a semiconducting substrate are presented showing how losses reduce the signal amplitude without significantly distorting the shape. Distortion due to even/odd mode coupling was the dominant distortion mechanism, while coupling due to differences in the modal attenuation constants had a secondary effect. >
Software-defined cooking using a microwave oven

Despite widespread popularity, today's microwave ovens are limited in their cooking capabilities, given that they heat food blindly, resulting in a nonuniform and unpredictable heating distribution. We present software-defined cooking (SDC), a low-cost closed-loop microwave oven system that aims to heat food in a software-defined thermal trajectory. SDC achieves this through a novel high-resolution heat sensing and actuation system that uses microwave-safe components to augment existing microwaves. SDC first senses the thermal gradient by using arrays of neon lamps that are charged by the electromagnetic (EM) field a microwave produces. SDC then modifies the EM-field strength to desired levels by accurately moving food on a programmable turntable toward sensed hot and cold spots. To create a more skewed arbitrary thermal pattern, SDC further introduces two types of programmable accessories: A microwave shield and a susceptor. We design and implement one experimental test bed by modifying a commercial off-the-shelf microwave oven. Our evaluation shows that SDC can programmatically create temperature deltas at a resolution of 21°C with a spatial resolution of 3 cm without the programmable accessories, and 183°C with them. We further demonstrate how an SDC-enabled microwave can be enlisted to perform unexpected cooking tasks: Cooking meat and fat in bacon discriminatively and heating milk uniformly.
Atomistic Mechanisms of Binary Alloy Surface Segregation From Nanoseconds to Seconds Using Accelerated Dynamics

Although the equilibrium composition of many alloy surfaces is well understood, the rate of transient surface segregation during annealing is not known, despite its crucial effect on alloy corrosion and catalytic reactions occurring on overlapping timescales. In this work, CuNi bimetallic alloys representing (100) surface facets are annealed in vacuum using atomistic simulations to observe the effect of vacancy diffusion on surface separation. We employ multi-timescale methods to sample the early transient, intermediate, and equilibrium states of slab surfaces during the separation process, including standard MD as well as three methods to perform atomistic, long-time dynamics: parallel trajectory splicing (ParSplice), adaptive kinetic Monte Carlo (AKMC), and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC). From nanosecond (ns) to second timescales, our multiscale computational methodology can observe rare stochastic events not typically seen with standard MD, closing the gap between computational and experimental timescales for surface segregation. Rapid diffusion of a vacancy to the slab is resolved by all four methods in tens of ns. Stochastic re-entry of vacancies into the subsurface, however, is only seen on the microsecond timescale in the two KMC methods. Kinetic vacancy trapping on the surface and its effect on the segregation rate are discussed. The equilibrium composition profile of CuNi after segregation during annealing is estimated to occur on a timescale of seconds as determined by KMC, a result directly comparable to nanoscale experiments.
Acceptable Premises: An Epistemic Approach to an Informal Logic Problem

Part I. Acceptability: Dialectical and Epistemological Considerations: 1. Why do we need a theory of acceptability? 2. Acceptability and presumption 3. Factors determining presumption: basic considerations 4. Epistemological considerations: acceptability, deontology, internalism, justification Part II. Statements, Belief-Generating Mechanisms, and Presumptive Reliability: 5. What types of statements are there? 6. Necessary statements and a priori intuition 7. Descriptions and their belief-generating mechanisms 8. Interpretations and their modes of intuition 9. Evaluations and the moral faculties 10. Taking one's word: the interpersonal belief-generating mechanism Part III. Practice and Perspective: 11. An outline of the practice of epistemic causistry 12. Theoretical considerations: a common sense foundationalism.
Diagnostic Molecular Virology: Current Practice and Future Trends

Molecular methods are now firmly established as new diagnostic gold standards for most of the clinically important viruses. Molecular methods have changed the face of clinical virology and created new opportunities for laboratories to impact diagnosis and management of patients with viral infections. This chapter discusses the thoughts and impressions on the current practice and future trends in diagnostic molecular virology. Real-time PCR methods have largely replaced conventional, end-point PCR methods in clinical laboratories, with the attendant benefits of speed, broad dynamic range and increased precision for target quantitation, and reduced contamination. Multiplex, real-time amplification methods are limited to three to four different targets by the small number of available fluorescent reporter dyes. These new uses for hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load measurements provide motivation for patients to complete therapy and permit the individualization of therapy duration. There has also been significant progress in the development of specifically targeted antiviral therapy for hepatitis C, such as NS5 polymerase and NS3/4 protease inhibitors. Phylogenetic genotyping has a more limited role in the clinical management of patients with chronic hepatitis B than it does in patients with chronic hepatitis C .
Solving the Precautionary Paradox: Policy Approaches to Improve Measurement of Greenhouse Gas Sources and Sinks

Atmospheric concentrations of several greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), are increasing due to human activities and contributing to potential global warming. The “precautionary principle” states that scientific uncertainty should not justify inaction to prevent threats of serious damage from climate change. Paradoxically, the primary objection to proposals to include the non-CO2 GHGs in emissions limitation policies has been the claim that their sources and sinks are too scientifically uncertain. Information on GHG sources and sinks is not fixed, and policy approaches can encourage emitters to help improve information on GHGs sources and sinks.
Development of Industrial Robot Control Schemes Utilizing Imaginary Robot Model

A canonical transformation for simplifying robot dynamics modeling has been developed. This is a nonlinear transformation methodology converting robotic system equation into an exactly linear one with Brunovsky canonical form, as well as a significantly simple nonlinear feedback formulation. For its realization, a hand position vector in an imaginary robot model that has been introduced for interpretation of the canonical transformation method is to be chosen as an output function in robotic control systems. This paper develops a control scheme based on the imaginary robot model to realize accurate, robust and real-time optimal control with lower computational complexity for robotic systems.
The Effect of Individual Attributes on Student Preferences for Industry Specific Employment

Job choice attitudes of 645 graduating baccalaureate hospitality students involved in various stages of the employment search process were investigated in this study. Individuals were asked for the...
CHAPTER 5 – Genetic Programming in Ovarian Development and Oogenesis

Failure of germ cell development is associated with complete ovarian failure, resulting in lack of secondary sexual pubertal development (primary amenorrhea). A decreased number but not a total absence of germ cells is more likely associated with premature ovarian failure, presenting with infertility or secondary amenorrhea. Yet complete and premature ovarian failure may be different manifestations of the same underlying pathogenic and etiologic processes. Many different genetic mechanisms are pertinent to the processes m chromosomal abnormalities, Mendelian mutations of autosomal or X-linked genes, and polygenic/multifactorial factors. In the absence of the Y chromosome, the indifferent embryonic gonad always develops into an ovary. Germ cells exist in 45,X human fetuses. Oocyte development initially exists even in 46,XY phenotypic females, such as in infants with XY gonadal dysgenesis or the genito-palatocardiac syndrome. Oocyte development in the presence of a Y chromosome is also well documented in mice. Thus, the pathogenesis of germ cell failure in humans can be deduced to be increased germ cell attrition. If two intact X chromosomes are not present, ovarian follicles in 45,X individuals usually degenerate by birth.
Thiotepa, Busulfan, and Cyclophosphamide: A New Preparative Regimen for Autologous Marrow or Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in High-Risk Multiple Myeloma

Forty patients with multiple myeloma received thiotepa (750 mg/m2), busulfan (10 mg/kg), and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) (TBC) followed by autologous bone marrow or blood stem cell support. Granulocyte-Colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was administered to accelerate hematopoietic recovery. Sixty-five percent of all patients responded to this treatment. Eighty-eight percent of patients transplanted in partial remission had a further reduction of the myeloma and 53% achieved a complete remission. Forty-eight percent of patients with refractory myeloma responded. All responding patients transplanted during partial remission or with primary refractory myeloma remain free of progression for a period of 4 to 24 months post-transplant, but the remission duration of patients treated in refractory relapse was short (4 months). Five of 24 patients transplanted with marrow and none of 16 receiving blood stem cells died of treatment-related complications. Use of blood stem cells resulted in more rapid granulocyte and platelet recovery. We conclude that TBC is an effective, relatively well tolerated, preparative regimen for patients with multiple myeloma.
Using experience-based learning in game playing

This paper describes some initial experimental results in the use and limits of applying experience-based learning techniques to the area of game playing. A system (GINA) has been developed that uses experience-based learning to improve its own base performance level for the game of Othello. A variety of traditional (non-learning) Othello game playing programs have been collected to provide a rich source of ‘‘experiences’’ for GINA. An initial set of experiments has been designed and run in an attempt to understand better the strengths and weaknesses of experiencebased learning from the point of view of skill refinement (taking less time to perform at a given level of play) and from the point of view of skill enhancement (higher quality play). Preliminary results suggest that in this context experienced-based learning can be a highly effective means for improving both the speed and quality of play without having to accumulate experience bases of intolerable size.
Topics in Hadronic Physics

Hadron production cross sections are calculated in the perturbative QCD frame work. Parton distribution functions are obtained from a strip-soliton model. The fragmentation functions are derived from the Lund model of string breaking.
Nonlinear Variational Asymptotic Sectional Analysis of Hyperelastic Beams

A nonlinear sectional analysis is developed for modeling beams made of hyperelastic materials and subject to finite deformation. Exploiting the fact that the cross-sectional dimension is much smaller than the wavelength of the global beam deformation, the three-dimensional hyperelasticity is rigorously reduced to a one-dimensional nonlinear beam analysis and a two-dimensional cross-sectional analysis featuring both geometric and material nonlinearities. The deformation gradient is directly used to enable the capability of dealing with various types of hyperelastic material models defined by the strain energy function. This new theory can predict phenomena from both material and geometric nonlinearities of beam-like structures, such as the trapeze and Poynting effects. The present theory is implemented using the finite element method in variational asymptotic beam sectional analysis, a general-purpose cross-sectional analysis tool that deals with composite beams. Examples are used to validate the theory an...
The Strategic Consequences of Alliance Discord

Students of strategy are all familiar with Sun Tzu's advice to divide an enemy from his allies, and Napoleon's boast that if he had to make war he preferred it be against a coalition. 1 These refle...
Multiscale analysis of document corpora based on diffusion models

We introduce a nonparametric approach to multiscale analysis of document corpora using a hierarchical matrix analysis framework called diffusion wavelets. In contrast to eigenvector methods, diffusion wavelets construct multiscale basis functions. In this framework, a hierarchy is automatically constructed by an iterative series of dilation and orthogonalization steps beginning with an initial set of orthogonal basis functions, such as the unitvector bases. Each set of basis functions at a given level is constructed from the bases at the lower level by dilation using the dyadic powers of a diffusion operator. A novel aspect of our work is that the diffusion analysis is conducted on the space of variables (words), instead of instances (documents). This approach can automatically and efficiently determine the number of levels of the topical hierarchy, as well as the topics at each level. Multiscale analysis of document corpora is achieved by using the projections of the documents onto the spaces spanned by basis functions at different levels. Further, when the input term-term matrix is a "local" diffusion operator, the algorithm runs in time approximately linear in the number of non-zero elements of the matrix. The approach is illustrated on various data sets including NIPS conference papers, 20 Newsgroups and TDT2 data.
Investigation of Cable Deterioration Inside Reactor Containment

The deterioration of polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride cable materials in the containment building of an operating nuclear reactor has been investigated. Since the maximum dose experienced by the cable materials was only 2.5 Mrad during about 12 yr of operating life, the extent of material degradation was surprising. Laboratory aging experiments on the two materials established that the cause of the material deterioration in the plant was radiation-induced oxidation. The degradation rate was correlated with local levels of radiation intensity. It was determined that strong synergisms of radiation and elevated temperature, and also dose-rate effects, lead to the surprisingly rapid degradation rates found with these materials. It is concluded that in the design of laboratory methods for aging and qualification testing of organic materials for use in a nuclear plant environment, the possible occurrence of dose-rate effects and synergisms needs to be taken into account.
Genetic Control of Ovarian Development

During embryonic development, ovarian somatic cells embark on a course that is separate from male somatic cells and from indifferent precursor cells. While the former aspect of ovarian development is well known, the latter has not received much attention until recently. This review attempts to integrate the most recent work regarding the differentiation of ovarian somatic cells. The discussion of the parallel development of the testis is limited to the key differences only. Similarly, germ cell development will be introduced only inasmuch as it becomes necessary to draw attention to a particular aspect of the somatic component differentiation. Finally, while postnatal ovarian development and folliculogenesis undoubtedly provide the ultimate morphological and functional fitness tests for the ovarian somatic cells, postnatal phenotypes will be only referred to when they have already been connected to genes that are expressed during embryogenesis.
Developmental abnormalities of the permanent dentition in prehistoric Ohio Valley Amerindians

The frequencies of developmental abnormalities in size, shape, number of teeth, and enamel formation are presented for a sample of 389 prehistoric Ohio Valley Amerindians from the following cultural complexes: Glacial Kame, Adena, Ohio Hopewell, Cole, Fort Ancient, and Erie (Whittlesey Focus). In addition, the magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry is determined for each tooth and for individuals of these groups. Tests of association indicate complexes with Late Diffuse economic adaptations (Glacial Kame, Adena, Hopewell) exhibit significantly higher frequencies of numerical abnormalities of M3 and M3 enamel pearls, while Late Focal complexes (Cole, Fort Ancient, Erie) exhibit a higher frequency of severe, general linear enamel hypoplasia. The magnitude of fluctuating asymmetry is, however, generally the same in the Late Diffuse and Late Focal groups. The occurrence of two rare abnormalities with large genetic components, essentially limited to one Hopewell and one Adena mound, raises the possibility that the individuals interred in these mounds are biologically related. Since it is widely held that mound burials represent a status class of the population, it is likely that the Late Diffuse sample is biased in favor of a number of highly select population segments each of which contains biologically related individuals. Accordingly, the lower frequency of severe, general linear enamel hypoplasia in Late Diffuse groups is hypothesized as the result of the more advantageous circumstances expected for high status individuals, and the higher frequencies of numerical abnormalities of M3 and M3 enamel pearls are hypothesized primarily as the result of mitigated selection on masticatory complex integration, and/or a biased sample. Comparisons with the deciduous dentition show the permanent teeth exhibit higher frequencies of developmental abnormalities. This result is explicable in terms of the more favorable developmental environment of the primary teeth, or a stronger developmental canalization.
Morphological diversity under controlled conditions for the Halophila ovalis-H. minor complex and the Halodule uninervis complex from Shark Bay, Western Australia

Abstract The wide range of leaf types that occurs within the populations of Halophila and Halodule in Shark Bay, Western Australia, was studied for plants under laboratory conditions. In the Halophila ovalis-H. minor complex, two types of plants appeared in the cultures, a large-leaved variant that is similar to typical H. ovalis (R.Br.) Hook. f. and a small-leaved variant that is more similar to H. minor (Zoll.) den Hartog. In Shark Bay, the two variants were not clearly separated because both produced leaves that varied in size, degree of waviness of leaf margins and intensity of anthocyanin pigmentation. In the Halodule uninervis (Forsk.) Aschers. complex, two types of plants, wide- and narrow-leaved variants, appeared in the cultures. In Shark Bay, the narrow-leaved plants differed in leaf width in muddy and silty microsites, but were always narrower than the wide-leaved variants. Only the narrow-leaved Halodule plants produced anthocyanin pigmentation both under field and laboratory conditions. The studies under controlled conditions indicate that the highly diverse leaves in Shark Bay result primarily from environmental influences on two types of Halophila and two types of Halodule.
Regulation of the heat shock transcriptional response: cross talk between a family of heat shock factors, molecular chaperones, and negative regulators

Our cells and tissues are challenged constantly by exposure to extreme conditions that cause acute and chronic stress. Consequently, survival has necessitated the evolution of stress response networks to detect, monitor, and respond to environmental changes (Morimoto et al. 1990, 1994a; Baeuerle 1995; Baeuerle and Baltimore 1996; Feige et al. 1996; Morimoto and Santoro 1998). Prolonged exposure to stress interferes with efficient operations of the cell, with negative consequences on the biochemical properties of proteins that, under ideal conditions, exist in thermodynamically stable states. In stressed environments, proteins can unfold, misfold, or aggregate. Therefore, the changing demands on the quality control of protein biogenesis, challenges protein homeostasis, for which the heat shock response, through the elevated synthesis of molecular chaperones and proteases, repairs protein damage and assists in the recovery of the cell. The inducible transcription of heat shock genes is the response to a plethora of stress signals (Lis and Wu 1993; Morimoto 1993; Wu 1995) (Fig. 1), including (1) environmental stresses, (2) nonstress conditions, and (3) pathophysiology and disease states. Although changes in heat shock protein (HSP) expression are associated with certain diseases (Morimoto et al. 1990), these observations leave open the question of whether this is an adaptation to the particular pathophysiological state, a reflection of the suboptimal cellular environment associated with the disease, or serves to warn other cells and tissues of imminent danger. The protective role of HSPs is a measure of their capacity to assist in the repair of protein damage. Whether in prokaryotes, plants, or animals, overexpression of one or more HSPs is often sufficient to protect cells and tissues against otherwise lethal exposures to diverse environmental stresses including hydrogen peroxide and other oxidants, toxic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and ethanol-induced toxicity (Parsell and Lindquist 1994). In vertebrate tissue culture cells and animal models, elevating HSPs level, either by modulation of the heat shock response or by constitutive overexpression of specific heat shock proteins, restricts or substantially reduces the level of pathology and cell death (Mizzen and Welch 1988; Huot et al. 1991; Jaattela et al. 1992; Parsell and Lindquist 1994; Mestril et al. 1994; Plumier et al. 1995; Marber et al. 1995; Mehlen et al. 1995; Mosser et al. 1997). This has led to the recognition that HSPs, via their chaperoning effects on proteins, protect cells from many forms of stress-induced cell damage and could influence the course of disease.
Nodular sarcoidosis of the liver and spleen: Analysis of 32 cases

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomographic (CT) appearance of nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis and its association with stage with chest radiography and clinical status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (21 women, 11 men; aged 25-68 years) with nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis were evaluated. CT findings were described along with chest radiographic stage, clinical status, and level of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). RESULTS: Nodules were small, multiple, and of low attenuation. Organomegaly was common. Abdominal adenopathy was present in 76% of the patients. Chest radiographs were normal in 25%; 61% had stage 1 or 2 radiographs. Abdominal or systemic symptoms were present in 66%. ACE level was elevated in 10 (91%) of 11 patients tested. No change in chest radiographic stage was noted in 74% of patients with follow-up radiographs. CONCLUSION: Nodular hepatosplenic sarcoidosis is associated with organomegaly, adenopathy, and symptoms. Nodules were not associated with advanced lung diseas...
Pseudo-Random Unitary Operators for Quantum Information Processing

In close analogy to the fundamental role of random numbers in classical information theory, random operators are a basic component of quantum information theory. Unfortunately, the implementation of random unitary operators on a quantum processor is exponentially hard. Here we introduce a method for generating pseudo-random unitary operators that can reproduce those statistical properties of random unitary operators most relevant to quantum information tasks. This method requires exponentially fewer resources, and hence enables the practical application of random unitary operators in quantum communication and information processing protocols. Using a nuclear magnetic resonance quantum processor, we were able to realize pseudorandom unitary operators that reproduce the expected random distribution of matrix elements.
Targeted reinnervation to improve prosthesis control in transhumeral amputees. A report of three cases.

Controlling an upper-limb prosthesis is challenging for transhumeral amputees. A central problem is the inability to move multiple prosthetic joints at the same time. With a body-powered prosthesis, an amputee uses shoulder motion to sequentially move the prosthetic elbow and lock it in place before switching to operation of the wrist, hand, or hook. With a myoelectric prosthesis, surface electromyographic signals from the residual biceps and triceps are used to control a motorized arm. Again, sequential control is required, as the biceps and triceps can only operate one joint at a time. The use of these prostheses rarely becomes intuitive. The patient is forced to use chest, shoulder girdle, or upper-arm muscles to move the prosthetic elbow, wrist, and hand in a slow, complex, and burdensome manner. Often, expensive prostheses are left untouched in the patient's closet because the sequence of movements that is required to effectively use the prosthetic arm actions does not occur in a workable time frame for the patient. Use of a prosthetic arm will become more intuitive and facile if the nervous-system signals that formerly controlled arm movement can once again be used to direct the movement of the prosthesis. To date, most efforts at neural control have focused on brain-machine interface strategies in which electrodes implanted in the cerebral cortex1,2 and on peripheral nerve interfaces make use of electrode arrays placed in the amputated nerves of the arm3,4. These systems face the challenges of weak signals, signal instability over time, potential infections from implanted devices, implant-device failure, and difficulties with extracting the electrical signals to detectors outside the body. The ideal interface between patient and prosthesis would not break, become infected, need a power source, or require repeated trips to the operating room. Through the process of …
Induced macroconidia formation in Neurospora crassa.

Es wird eine Methode zur Kontrolle diverser Umwandlungsstadien bei Neurosporen beschrieben: Umbildung wachsender, vegetativer Hyphen in luftige Hyphen, von diesen in Conidientrager und Macronidien. Wahrend der Produktionsperiode fur luftige Hyphen (5–6 h) bildet jede Kultur ca. 3 × 107 Conidien (32 mg Trockengewicht/3 h). Die Methode ist besonders brauchbar zum Studium morphogenetischer und biochemischer Begleitphanomene bei Wildtypen und Mutanten.
Outcomes research in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: lessons learned from the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis clinical assessment, research, and education database.

Objective To examine the care of patients with ALS following the publication of the standardized recommendations for the management of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) published in 1999 by the American Academy of Neurology. Methods Specific aspects of ALS patient management have been evaluated serially using a national Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinical Assessment, Research, and Education (ALS CARE) database to encourage compliance with these recommendations and to assure continuing quality improvement. Results The most recent analysis of 5,600 patients shows interesting epidemiological observations and treatment trends. Proper management of many ALS symptoms has increased substantially since the first publication of the guidelines, and awareness of pseudobulbar affect has increased. Other recommendations are underutilized: Only 9% undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, although this procedure was recommended in 22% of patients; and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation was used by only 21% of patients despite being associated with improved 5-year survival rates. Interpretation This observational database has been a useful tool in monitoring compliance with the standard of care for patients with ALS and may have resulted in greater adherence to guidelines. Ann Neurol 2009;65 (suppl):S24–S28
Operating room start times and turnover times in a university hospital

Study Objective: To measure the start time for the first case of the day and the turnover times for subsequent cases in the operating rooms (ORs) at an academic hospital. Design: Prospective study. Setting: ORs at a university medical center. Patients: All patients undergoing an operative procedure that started between 7 A.M. and 5 P.M. weekdays for the period January 1, 1989, through June 30, 1989. Interventions: For each patient, the following times were recorded: OR ready, patient enters OR, anesthesia induction complete, surgery start, surgery end, patient leaves OR. Measurements and Main Results: Patients were brought into the OR just before the scheduled start time. Surgical incision was made 21 to 49 minutes after the patient was brought into the OR. Room turnover time (time from patient in to patient out) was almost uniformly 36 minutes. Patient turnover time (time from end of surgery in one patient to end of induction of next patient) was generally 1 hour. Turnover times were shorter for those ORs in which primarily monitored anesthesia care was provided and longer in ORs in which patients routinely required invasive monitoring. Conclusions: The scheduled start time for the first case of the day was generally the time the patient was brought into the OR. Because of the variable amount of time required for anesthesia induction and surgical preparation and draping, incision occurred 21 to 49 minutes later. The time between cases when no surgery was occurring was significantly longer than room turnover time because of the need to wake up one patient and induce the following patient. Because of a lack of standardized definitions, there is probably a strong perceptual difference among anesthesiologists, OR nurses, and surgeons when viewing start and turnover times. At our own teaching institution, shortening turnover times would increase the amount of elective OR time available, but the impact would not be significant because the number of procedures done per OR each day is low.
Note on the Nature of the Transition of a System in a Non-equilibrium State to a System in an Equilibrium State

The transition of a fluid from a non-equilibrium state to an equilibrium state is characterized not only by the disappearance of the entropy production but mainly by the disappearance of the organized currents, because the gradients present in a non-equilibrium system. Their disappearance is necessary to obtain a maximum entropy in the equilibrium state.
A Heterospecific Leucine Zipper Tetramer

Protein-protein interactions dictate the assembly of the macromolecular complexes essential for functional networks and cellular behavior. Elucidating principles of molecular recognition governing important interfaces such as coiled coils is a challenging goal for structural and systems biology. We report here that two valine-containing mutants of the GCN4 leucine zipper that fold individually as four-stranded coiled coils associate preferentially in mixtures to form an antiparallel, heterotetrameric structure. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the coinciding hydrophobic interfaces of the hetero- and homotetramers differ in detail, explaining their partnering and structural specificity. Equilibrium disulfide exchange and thermal denaturation experiments show that the 50-fold preference for heterospecificity results from a combination of preferential packing and hydrophobicity. The extent of preference is sensitive to the side chains comprising the interface. Thus, heterotypic versus homotypic interaction specificity in coiled coils reflects a delicate balance in complementarity of shape and chemistry of the participating side chains.
Ultrasound-enhanced diffusion through isolated frog skin.

Abstract The effect of ultrasound on the transport of oxygen across excised frog abdominal skin has been studied. Samples were mounted in an exposure chamber in which the Ringer's solution on one side was saturated with oxygen while the other side of the skin had a low initial oxygen concentration. They were treated with ultrasound at 1, 1.5 and 2 W cm−2 SATA c.w., respectively, and increases in the rate of oxygen transport were observed at all intensities. These increases ranged from 38 ± 4% at 1 W cm−2 to 55 ± 8% at 2 W cm−2. Variation in the pulse lengths from 25 to 200 ms and a constant average intensity did not affect the rate of transport significantly provided that the temporal intensity was constant. Since the peak acoustic pressure within the pulse increased with decreasing pulse length and increasing acoustic pressure increases the probability of cavitation occurring, the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon is probably not cavitation.
Infant and child survival in Shaanxi, China

In the past several decades China has witnessed an unprecedented decline in infant and child mortality. While China's success in reducing infant and child mortality has been ascribed to the unusual level of government intervention, there is evidence that change and variation have been, and are, influenced by socioeconomic conditions, familial relations as well as biosocial determinants. This study investigates these influences using retrospective report from 1985 survey in Shaanxi province. The study reveals that social revolution in Chinese families is the mediating force linking the broad societal forces and biosocial determinants with infant mortality; whereas social transformation of the Chinese society has a consistent effect on infant as well as child mortality.
Effect of stage of development on chemical yields in smooth sumac, Rhus glabra L.

Abstract Smooth sumac ( Rhus glabra L.) has been identified as a potential source of polyphenols, oil, and polymeric hydrocarbon for the chemical industry. The effect of stage of development (prebud, full bud, full flower and seed set) on acetone extract (‘polyphenols’ and ‘oil’) and hexane extract (polymeric hydrocarbon) yields was studied in two Beltsville, Maryland (USA) populations in 1982 and 1983. Most extract was found in the leaves, but a substantial amount was also present in stem tissue. Leaf fraction acetone extract yields were generally highest at the full-flower stage and stem yields were generally highest at the seedset stage. Leaf fraction hexane extract yield was highest at the seed-set stage whereas stage of development had no consistent effect on stem fraction yields. For Population 2, there was a fairly strong inverse relationship between yields of leaf fraction acetone and leaf fraction hexane extract both years, and, for Population 1, a fairly strong direct relationship between yields of stem fraction acetone extract and stem fraction hexane extract in 1982. Data indicate that harvesting at the full-flower stage would maximize acetone extract yields, whereas harvesting at the seed-set stage would maximize hexane extract yields.
Intracavitary echoes in patients with mitral prosthetic valves

In routine echocardiograms on Datients with mitral prosthetic valves we observed pecular intracavitary echoes within the left ventricle. The echoes aDDeared as very fine lines which seemed to move toward the transducer during diastole and away from the transducer axis with systole. The echoes were seen best with the transducer near the cardiac apex and angled superiorlv and medially so that the ultrasonic beam was essentially in the long axis of the moving prosthetic ball. Of the 35 valves studied in 30 different patients, 13 echo-cardiograms demonstrated the abnormal echoes and 22 did not. The presence of mitral insufficiency, atrial fibrillation, systemic emboli, and warfarin sodium were roughly equal in the two groups. A higher percentage of patients with a hemoglobin less than 11 gm%, other prosthetic valves, cloth covered valves, low platelets, and functional class III-IV had the abnormal intracavitary echoes. The only patient without a prosthetic valve who has had similar echoes had disseminated intravascular clotting. Although this study does not clarify the origin of these abnormal echoes, the data suggest that they originate from small particulate matter such as tinv fibrin clots from the prosthetic valve.
Comparative Survival, Growth, and Reproductive Development of Juvenile Walleye and Sauger and Their Hybrids Reared under Intensive Culture Conditions

Abstract Survival and performance characteristics of intensively cultured purebred walleyes (Stizostedion vitreum) and saugers (S. canadense) and hybrids of walleye females × sauger males (W × S) and sauger females × walleye males (S × W) were compared. Among juvenile fishes reared in tanks for 84 d, W × S hybrids had significantly greater (P < 0.05) weight gain, length gain, and condition factors than either purebred walleyes or S × W hybrids, whereas purebred saugers grew slower than the other fishes. The W × S hybrids exhibited less aggressive behavior and were not as negatively affected by routine disturbances and handling as the other fishes. Hybridization had no effect on mean egg survival from fertilization to hatch (78.0% for walleyes, 79.2% for W × S hybrids, 50.3% for saugers, and 48.0% for S × W hybrids). Mean successful habituation of pond-reared fish (40–60 mm total length [TL]) to intensive culture conditions ranged from 67.5 to 91.0% survival after 28 d, but differences between the species ...
29 School Bus-Related Injuries in St. Louis Children.

Yearly there are 26,000 collisions involving school-buses with approximately 17,000 resulting injuries. According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration, 96% of these injuries are minor or moderate. This injury data is an estimate derived from a national probability sample. Although most injuries are not critical, issues of morbidity, injury perception, and utilization of healthcare resources must not be overlooked. This descriptive study addresses the types of injuries related to riding on a school bus involved in a collision. The objectives are to create a local database of school bus collisions, to identify variables associated with injuries, and to compare local trends with national estimates. Data were collected prospectively over 24 months. Patients 3 to 18 years seen in the Emergency Unit (EU) of St. Louis Children's Hospital for an injury occurring while riding on a school bus were included. Qualifying patients were questioned about the injury and the collision. Patient charts were reviewed to obtain information missing from the original contact: length of stay, diagnosis codes, and external cause of injury codes. IRB approval was obtained. Data were analyzed by frequency and Pearson chi-square testing. Of the 153 patients enrolled, 49.7% were male, 87.6% were African American, and 65.4% were 6–12 years old. Approximately half of patients had an intervention in the EU, including pain medication, radiographic or laboratory studies, wound repair, or casting. The most common diagnosis was contusion, occurring in 33% of subjects. A surrogate marker of perceived injury, any intervention in the EU, was chosen as the dependent variable because of the low number of severe injuries (2.6%) and because perception of injury is likely an important factor in determining EU use. Factors significantly associated with having any intervention in the EU were age over 12 years, seatbelts not used or not available, any pre-hospital intervention, and icy conditions. Race, gender, prompt arrival after the collision, mode of arrival, time of day, and seat location on the bus were not associated with having any intervention. Although severe injuries are uncommon in school bus collisions, many patients are evaluated in the EU. Perception of injury, as measured by intervention in the EU, was significantly associated with older age and lack of seat belt use. Future studies are needed to evaluate the significance of these findings.
Gastrointestinal bleeding: Secondary prophylaxis for variceal bleeding.

Variceal rebleeding frequently develops in patients with cirrhosis after an initial episode of acute variceal hemorrhage. The best prophylactic treatment for variceal rebleeding has not been clearly identified. Several studies have been performed to determine an optimal approach but no agreement exists about how best to treat these patients.
Identification of the O-linked glycosylation site of the human transferrin receptor

The human transferrin receptor is a glycoprotein containing three N-linked and one O-linked glycosylation sites. Tryptic digestion of the receptor, followed by chromatography on BioGel P-2 and reverse-phase HPLC, yields a glycopeptide (amino acids 101-120) containing the O-linked site. Amino acid sequence analysis reveals that the site of O-glycosylation is Thr-104. Mass spectral analysis is consistent with the presence of a Gal-GalNAc core with predominantly two sialic acid residues.
Coordinate extinction of melanocyte-specific gene expression in hybrid cells

Whole cell hybrids and microcell hybrids between mouse fibroblasts and pigmented Syrian hamster melanoma cells were analyzed for coordinate regulation of melanocyte-specific gene products. Extinction of pigmentation was observed in whole-cell hybrids and in a microcell hybrid containing a single mouse chromosome (mouse chromosome 1). Analysis of melanocyte-specific transcripts using reverse transcription, combined with the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), demonstrated that tyrosinase,trp-1,trp-2, and microphthalmia transcripts were all absent in unpigmented whole-cell hybrids and in the monochromosomal unpigmented microcell hybrid. A pigmented subclone of this microcell hybrid, however, re-expressed the tyrosinase,trp-1,trp-2, and microphthalmia genes. These data suggest that all of these genes are coordinately extinguished by a single fibroblast locus. Since the only fibroblast chromosome detected in the unpigmented microcell hybrid was mouse chromosome 1, these results also suggest that the extinguisher locus affecting the expression of the tyrosinase,trp-1,trp-2, and microphthalmia genes in hybrid cells is located on that mouse chromosome (or on a fragment of another chromosome present in the unpigmented monochromosomal microcell hybrid but undetected in our analyses). In contrast to the results with the melanocyte-specific genes mentioned above, transcripts for the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (mcir) were present in the monochromosomal unpigmented microcell hybrid (although absent in the whole-cell hybrids). This suggests that regulation ofmcir gene expression is distinct from regulation of the other melanocyte-specific genes.
The Spirit of the Kuna Yala

The Spirit of the Kuna Yala. 1991. Produced by Andrew Young and Susan Todd. 60 minutes, color. Purchase (video sales only) $445.00; rental $75.00, from Filmakers Library, 120 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016 (212–808–4980).
Routing bandwidth model for feed forward neural networks on multicore neuromorphic architectures

Specialized multi-core architectures can provide significant speedups for neural network applications. In this study, we examined the on-chip routing network bandwidth requirements for such architectures processing large multi-layered feed forward neural networks in a pipelined manner. Two on-chip routing network topologies were examined: mesh networks and hybrid bus-mesh networks. Two routing bandwidth models were developed for each network topology: one examined sending neuron outputs from one layer to the next, while the other examined the streaming of synaptic weights from off-chip memory. The model was validated through several simulations studies. For both mesh and bus-mesh interconnection area and power of the on-chip routing network was estimated using the Orion on-chip network tool. Our results show that in multi-core neuromorphic architectures, a bus-mesh interconnection requires less routing area and power compared to a mesh interconnection. We also observed that the accumulated bandwidth requirement in the on-chip network to access off-chip data is much greater than bandwidth required to send neuron outputs between cores.