cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flexible reasoning about patient management using multiple models

This paper reports on the Heart Failure Program, which uses multiple models and multiple reasoning operators to provide patient management information for physicians. The program uses a causal probabilistic knowledge base of pathophysiology for reasoning diagnostically, a quantitative physiologic model for reasoning about the effects of interventions, and a case base for an alternate form of diagnostic reasoning. Using these knowledge bases are reasoning operators to turn patient data into evidence for causal reasoning, using the evidence to assert specific physiologic states, generating a diagnosis or differential from the causal knowledge base or from the case base, using the current diagnostic state to determine what further information would be useful, using the diagnostic state to suggest therapies, predicting the possible effects of therapies, and using the diagnostic hypotheses or the effect predictions to generate graphical explanations for the user. By combining the models and reasoning methods, each potential use of the program benefits because each operator provides conclusions that simplify the task of other operators. The result is a program with uses in many phases of the patient management process.
A relation between the Jacobian and certain generalized Wronskians

The purpose of this note is to call attention to an interesting identity involving the Jacobian of a set of functions and certain of its generalized Wronskians. This identity provides a compact solution to an interesting geometric problem and has been helpful in extending the work in [ I ](see [2], [3] for related results). Let the first partial derivatives of 4 = (4,(t), . . . ,4,(t)) be assumed to exist at a point t = (t,, . . . ,t,). Let J denote the Jacobian of +the determinant of the matrix [ J ]whose kth row consists of the components of d4/dtk, and let Wj denote the determinant of the matrix constructed from [J ] as follows: Its first row consists of the components of 4. Below this we append in order, the rows of [ J ]omitting the jth one. These determinants belong to a class called generalized Wronskians of 4 ( [ I ] p. 74, [2]pp. 129-132, [3]pp. 138-141). We claim that if ~ $ ~ ( t ) + 0,
Acoustic order parameter mode spectroscopy in superfluid 3HeB

Abstract Recent observations of acoustic attenuation and velocity in superfluid 3 He-B have revealed two order parameter collective modes of the BW-state. The dependence of the mode frequencies on temperature, pressure and magnetic field is reviewed. Identification of the modes from data is discussed, including possible corrections to weak-coupling predictions suggested by recent theoretical work. These modes can be conveniently viewed as Cooper-pair excited states classified according to total angular momentum. Measurements of the lifetime of these states is presented with a comparison to theory.
Measurement of the atomic site specific binding energy of surface atoms of metals and alloys

Abstract The binding energies of surface atoms in kink sites of several metals, Fe, Co, Ni, Rh and Ft, and an alloy, Pt3Co, have been measured from a kinetic energy analysis of low temperature field evaporated ions. Data are collected from atomically well defined surfaces. The binding energies of metal atoms measured are found to agree with the cohesive energies of these metals to −0.11 ± 0.16 eV. The binding energy of Co atoms in Pt3Co, either in ordered or in disordered state, is 0.65 ± 0.17 eV higher than that in Co metal whereas that of Pt in the alloy is about 0.1 eV lower than in Pt metal.
Initial Assessment of Effects of Diabetes and Advanced Age on the Construction and Efficacy of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Based Tissue Engineered Blood Vessels

Tissue engineering, the use of a biodegradable scaffold with incorporation of a cellular source, particularly with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown great promise in developing blood vessel grafts1. Vascular tissue engineering not only combats the important clinical need for bypass grafts but also has the potential to advance current approaches by limiting intimal hyperplasia, thrombosis, and extended cell culture times2–5. However, despite significant progress in this field, many preclinical evaluations of tissue engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) utilize cells from donor bases that are either non-human or from humans that are healthy1. It is therefore unclear if cells from compromised donor populations are able to function effectively as the cellular component of TEBVs. This is particularly important for MSC-based TEBVs as they rely heavily on cellular processes to remodel in vivo to a native-like structure, with the current hypothesis being that MSCs stimulate the migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the adjacent vascular walls6,7. While some studies have noted that cellular dysfunction exists with the presence of certain conditions8–11, it is critically important for the field of TEBVs to evaluate human cells, specifically those from patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease such as diabetics and those of advanced age.© 2013 ASME
On the defect structure of acceptor-doped α-Nb2O5

Abstract The defect structure of acceptor-doped (aluminum or chromium) α-Nb2O5 was investigated by measuring the oxygen partial pressure PO2 (10°-10−18 atm) dependence of the electrical conductivity at 1000 and 1050 °C. The observed data were proportional to P O 2 −1 4 for PO2 P O 2 +1 4 for PO2> 10−4 atm. The absolute values of the electrical conductivity in the acceptor-doped samples were found to be lower in the n-type region compared with the values in the undoped α-Nb2O5. The conductivity values were observed to increase with the acceptor concentration in the p-type region with a shift in the conductivity minimum towards a lower oxygen partial pressure. The effectiveness of aluminum and of chromium as acceptor impurities in α-Nb2O5 was found to be nearly the same.
Color naming by boys and girls.

The present study describes a field experiment conducted to test the hypothesis that color naming varies for 56 adolescent boys and 39 girls. No standard color chart such as Munsell, Pantone, or Crayola was used. Instead, subjects identified 15 computer-generated color samples assigned a score based on the scale devised by Rich in 1977 of four color descriptor categories. Findings differed from those of most previous studies, in which women aged over 16 years showed a more elaborate color vocabulary than men. Among the 14- to 16-yr.-old subjects, there was no significant difference in color naming.
Antiferromagnetic magnons in diluted triangular and kagomé lattices.

Numerical results are presented for the local field distribution and the distribution of linearized magnon modes in diluted triangular and kagom\'e lattices. A nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic Heisenberg spin Hamiltonian is assumed, and the linearization is carried out with respect to classical ground states obtained by means of an energy-minimization algorithm. In the case of the triangular lattice, the density of states associated with a 20% vacancy concentration is used to calculate the magnon contribution to the specific heat. With an exchange integral inferred from the Curie-Weiss constant, quantitative agreement is obtained with the experimental results for ${\mathrm{La}}_{0.2}$${\mathrm{Gd}}_{0.8}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{2}$ reported by Ramirez et al. over the interval 0.1 K\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}0.2 K. The behavior of the diluted kagom\'e lattice is compared with that of the triangular array. In contrast to the latter, the local fields in the diluted kagom\'e lattice take on the discrete values 2JS, JS, and 0. In the case of a 14% vacancy concentration, the distribution of magnon modes resembles that of the fully occupied array with a noncoplanar ground state. The relevance of these results to the behavior of ${\mathrm{SrCr}}_{8}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{19}$ is discussed.
The timing of androgen ablation therapy and/or chemotherapy in the treatment of prostatic cancer

The effect of varying the timing of androgen ablation alone and in combination with chemotherapy on tumor growth rate and host survival has been studied using the serially transplantable Dunning R-3327 H rat prostatic adenocarcinoma as a model. These studies have demonstrated three basic points: 1) When either androgen ablation or Cytoxan chemotherapy are given as a single agent treatment, they are both most effective when given as early as possible; 2) when androgen ablation is combined with Cytoxan chemotherapy, it is most effective when both therapies are begun simultaneously and as early as possible; and 3) when androgen ablation and Cytoxan treatment are begun simultaneously and early, it is possible to increase survival above that found for either treatment when given optimally as single modalities (ie, such simultaneous early treatment enhances the individual therapeutic effectiveness of both treatments).
Bayesian analysis of multivariate survival data using Monte Carlo methods

This paper deals with the analysis of multivariate survival data from a Bayesian perspective using Markov-chain Monte Carlo methods. The Metropolis along with the Gibbs algorithm is used to calculate some of the marginal posterior distributions. A multivariate survival model is proposed, since survival times within the same group are correlated as a consequence of a frailty random block effect. The conditional proportional-hazards model of Clayton and Cuzick is used with a martingale structured prior process (Arjas and Gasbarra) for the discretized baseline hazard. Besides the calculation of the marginal posterior distributions of the parameters of interest, this paper presents some Bayesian EDA diagnostic techniques to detect model adequacy. The methodology is exemplified with kidney infection data where the times to infections within the same patients are expected to be correlated. Cet article a pour objet l'analyse de donnees de survie multivariees dans un perspective bayesienne utilisant des methodes de chaǐne de Markov Monte Carlo. Metropolis, ainsi que l'algorithme de Gibbs est utilise pour calculer les distributions marginales a posteriori. Nous proposons un modele de survie multivariee puisque les temps de survie au sein d'un meme “groupe” sont en correlation en consequence d'un effet de bloc aleatoire de fragillite. Le modele des hasards conditionnels proportionnels de Clayton et Cuzick est utilise avec un processus a priori structure en martingale (Arjas et Gasbarra) pour le hasard de reference rendu discret. A part le calcul des distributions a posteriori marginales des parametres d'interet, cet article presente certaines techniques bayesiennes de diagnostic EDA pour detecter l'insuffisance du modele. La methodologie est illustree par des donnees sur l'infection du rein ou Ton s'attend a ce que les temps avant les infections chez les meme patients soient en correlation.
New Chemotherapeutic Approaches in the Treatment of Lyme Borreliosis

1. It was demonstrated that while B. burgdorferi may be sensitive to relatively small concentrations of penicillin and ceftriaxone, the organism is killed slowly. This implies that, as in syphilis, prolonged blood levels of these drugs may be necessary in order to ensure cure. In contrast, the activity of tetracycline is more rapid in its action but is more dependent on drug concentration achieved. Unfortunately, the MIC and MBC for some strains are at or above the peak level achieved under optimal conditions. 2. Increasing the concentrations of penicillin or ceftriaxone above the MIC for the organism has little effect on the rate of killing. In contrast, the killing by tetracycline can be augmented by increasing concentrations of the drug. 3. Ceftriaxone is more active than penicillin, as measured by MIC, against the five strains of B. burgdorferi tested. 4. Ceftriaxone was efficacious in the treatment of Lyme borreliosis, which was recalcitrant to penicillin therapy. In a randomized trial comparing ceftriaxone to high-dose penicillin therapy, ceftriaxone was significantly more efficacious than penicillin in the treatment of the late complications of Lyme borreliosis.
Reformulating Markovian processes for learning and memory from a hazard function framework

Abstract With the development of stimulus sampling theory (SST), William K. Estes demonstrated the importance of Markov chains for capturing many important features of learning. In this paper, learning and memory retention are reexamined from a hazard function framework and linked to the stochastic transition matrices of a Markov model. The probabilities in the transition matrix are shown to be discrete hazard values. In order for the stochastic matrix to be a homogeneous Markov chain, there is a requirement that the transition matrix values remain constant. Yet for some learning and memory retention applications, there is evidence that the transition matrix probabilities are dynamically changing. For list learning, the change in hazard is attributed in part to differences in the learning rate of individual items within the list. Even on an individual basis, any variability in item difficulty whatsoever is enough to induce a change in hazard with training. Another analysis was done to delineate the hazard function for memory loss. Evidence is again provided that the hazard associated with the loss of memory is systematically changing. A Markov chain is not a suitable model when there are dynamic changes in the hazard. However, for both the learning and memory applications, a general Markovian model can be used, where transition probabilities are a function of trial number or interpolated event number. Finally, a more complex, four-state application is considered. This application is based on the Chechile, Sloboda, and Chamberland (2012) multinomial processing tree model called the IES model. The IES model obtains probability estimates for the representation of target information in memory in terms of four possible states—explicit memory, implicit memory, fractional memory, and non-storage. Stochastic matrices for the IES model are provided and are shown to yield new insights about implicit memory.
Evidence for cycloheximide acting as a glutamine analogue in plant tissue

Abstract In growing maize root tissue [14C]asparagine formation is inhibited and [14C]glutamine accumulation stimulated by treatment with cycloheximide or glutamine analogs such as azaserine. In contrast, puromycin enhances the accumulation of [14C]asparagine but not [14C]glutamine. Cycloheximide and puromycin alone inhibit protein synthesis. This is interpreted to mean that the alteration in amide metabolism following cycloheximide treatment is a direct result of the antibiotic acting as a glutamine analog. While cycloheximide is often the cytoplasmic protein synthesis inhibitor of choice due to its potency and rapid action, its assumed specificity of action in eukaryotes is doubtful.
Search for microaustralites in deep‐sea sediments less than 20,000 years old

Several authors have proposed that australites fell less than 20,000 years ago. We searched for microtektites in the tops of 46 deep-sea cores and were unable to find evidence for a microtektite layer less than 20,000 years old. Either the australite fall was not accompanied by microtektites, or the strewnfield did not extend into the area searched, or the australites fell about 0.77 Ma ago as indicated by their radiometric ages.
Pain site and impairment in individuals with amputation pain.

Abstract Marshall HM, Jensen MP, Ehde DM, Campbell KM. Pain site and impairment in individuals with amputation pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2002;83:1116-9. Objective: To determine the association between pain site and pain interference with activities of daily living (ADLs) among persons with acquired amputation. Design: Survey. Setting: Community-based survey from clinical databases, flyer postings, and an advertisement in the inMotion magazine. Participants: Persons with lower-limb amputations (N=478). Interventions: Six or more months after lower-limb amputation, participants completed an amputation pain questionnaire that included several standardized pain measures. Main Outcome Measures: Numeric rating scale measures of average phantom limb, residual limb, and back pain and pain-related impairment as measured by a modified version of the Pain Interference Scale of the Brief Pain Inventory. Results: Phantom limb, residual limb, and back pain intensity ratings, as a group, accounted for 20% of the variance in pain interference. The pain intensity ratings associated with each individual pain site made a statistically significant contribution to the prediction of pain interference with ADLs even after controlling for the pain intensity of the other 2 sites. Conclusions: Pain in each of 3 sites (phantom limb, residual limb, back) appears to be important to pain-related impairment and function. Measurement of the intensity of pain at each site appears to be required for a thorough assessment of amputation pain–related impairment. © 2002 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Synaptic plasticity in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission following chronic memantine treatment in an in vitro model of limbic epileptogenesis

Chronic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) blockade with high affinity competitive and uncompetitive antagonists can lead to seizure exacerbation, presumably due to an imbalance in glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission. Acute administration of the moderate affinity NMDAR antagonist memantine in vivo has been associated with pro- and anticonvulsive properties. Chronic treatment with memantine can exacerbate seizures. Therefore, we hypothesized that chronic memantine treatment would increase glutamatergic and decrease GABAergic transmission, similar to high affinity competitive and uncompetitive antagonists. To test this hypothesis, organotypic hippocampal slice culture were treated for 17-21 days with memantine and then subjected to electrophysiological recordings. Whole-cell recordings from dentate granule cells revealed that chronic memantine treatment slightly, but significantly increased sEPSC frequency, mEPSC amplitude and mEPSC charge transfer, consistent with minimally increased glutamatergic transmission. Chronic memantine treatment also increased both sIPSC and mIPSC frequency and amplitude, suggestive of increased GABAergic transmission. Results suggest that a simple imbalance between glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission may not underlie memantine's ictogenic properties. That said, glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission were assayed independently of one another in the current study. More complex interactions between glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission may prevail under conditions of intact circuitry.
Using size exclusion chromatography-RPLC and RPLC-CIEF as two-dimensional separation strategies for protein profiling

Bottom-up proteomics (analyzing peptides that result from protein digestion) has demonstrated capability for broad proteome coverage and good throughput. However, due to incomplete sequence coverage, this approach is not ideally suited to the study of modified proteins. The modification complement of a protein can best be elucidated by analyzing the intact protein. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, typically coupled with the analysis of peptides that result from in-gel digestion, is the most frequently applied protein separation technique in MS-based proteomics. As an alternative, numerous column-based liquid phase techniques, which are generally more amenable to automation, are being investigated. In this work, the combination of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) fractionation with reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)-Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR)-mass spectrometry (MS) is compared with the combination of RPLC fractionation with capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF)-FTICR-MS for the analysis of the Shewanella oneidensis proteome. SEC-RPLC-FTICR-MS allowed the detection of 297 proteins, as opposed to 166 using RPLC-CIEF-FTICR-MS, indicating that approaches based on LC-MS provide better coverage. However, there were significant differences in the sets of proteins detected and both approaches provide a basis for accurately quantifying changes in protein and modified protein abundances.
Medium energy elastic recoil analysis of surface hydrogen

Abstract We describe a technique for the detection of light mass constituents at or near the surface of a material using two microchannel detectors to time the individual recoils. Sensitivity to hydrogen is demonstrated by probing samples of Kapton, hydrated titanium, and wafer grade silicon with 270 keV helium, neon, and argon ions. Because the detector is sensitive to particle velocity rather than energy, recoil atoms and scattered ions are easily distinguished. Processes which affect the system's sensitivity to hydrogen are identified and a value for the hydrogen detection efficiency is established. The method may realize a number of advantages over conventional elastic recoil detection, including the elimination of the absorber foil, heightened sensitivity, and improved depth resolution.
Stress localization in the RNA backbone: a mechanical footprint for predicting base-backbone tertiary contacts.

Abstract A physico-chemical basis to understand the site-specificity of intramolecular nucleophilic attack in RNA self-splicing involves the identification of vulnerable backbone regions in addition to determining the proper placement of attacking groups. In preliminary relevant work we have introduced the decisive concept of structure-induced localized absorption of stress by backbone degrees of freedom. In this way we implemented a mechanical approach which incorporates the consensus structural information as a constraint and correctly identifies reactive sites as strain hot spots. In this work we turn this approach into a predictive tool to search for structural constraints which are necessary to localize strain at pre-determined splicing and cyclization sites. In particular, we identify tertiary base backbone contacts regarding them as appropriate constraints to the backbone mechanics. To implement our approach we introduce an effective Hamiltonian which governs the exploration of backbone conformation space by energetically penalizing structural distortions. We show how this Hamiltonian singles out specific regions of stress associated with reactive sites. As an illustration, we apply this working principle to a specific ribozyme, the cobI5 intron, for which the tertiary interactions predicted to be functional in 3′ splicing have not been previously determined experimentally. To establish the predictive value of our approach, we identify the tertiary contacts that should be present in the cobI5 intron to serve as scaffolds stabilizing the conserved P10 secondary interaction and to introduce ribose conformational rigidity necessary to localize strain precisely at the 3′ splicing site. Guided by our computations, the purported interactions are confirmed using deoxyribose substitution probes.
Optimizing redundancy using MDS codes and dynamic symbol allocation in mobile ad hoc networks

We consider the design of a network in which packet transmissions between two nodes are to be guaranteed a certain probability of success. There are N independent paths between the two nodes, each path having a fixed probability of success (perhaps representing an a priori estimate of the security of the path). The original message is encoded using a maximum-distance separable code. We find the minimum redundancy and optimal path symbol allocation for the 3-path case based on a desired success probability and the path success probabilities. Two algorithms are presented for determining the minimum required redundancy - an exponential time algorithm (MRAET) and a polynomial time algorithm (MRAPT). We show that MRAET is optimal in several cases, and that both algorithms perform very well.
Brushlets: A Tool for Directional Image Analysis and Image Compression

Abstract We construct a new adaptive basis of functions which is reasonably well localized with only one peak in frequency. We develop a compression algorithm that exploits this basis to obtain the most economical representation of the image in terms of textured patterns with different orientations, frequencies, sizes, and positions. The technique directly works in the Fourier domain and has potential applications for compression of highly textured images, texture analysis, etc.
Accuracy of computer-interpreted electrocardiography in selecting patients for thrombolytic therapy

Abstract A prehospital computer-interpreted electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained in 1,189 patients with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin during an ongoing trial of prehospital thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction. Electrocardiograms were performed by paramedics 1.5 ± 1.2 h after the onset of symptoms. Of 391 patients with evidence of acute myocardial infarction, 202 (52%) were identified as having ST segment elevation (acute injury) by the computer-interpreted ECG compared with 259 (66%) by an electrocardiographer (p Prehospital screening of possible candidates for thrombolytic therapy with the aid of a computerized ECG is feasible, highly specific and with further enhancement can speed the care of all patients with acute myocardial infarction.
The Potential Role of Immunoconjugates in Targeting Cytotoxic Agents To Brain Tumours

Advances in surgical, radiation and chemotherapeutic techniques for the treatment of tumours of the CNS have not improved the prognosis of this type of cancer. Furthermore, the CNS represents a unique challenge to traditional chemotherapy because of the blood-brain barrier, the variety of tumours present within the CNS and heterogeneity within a given tumour type. Monoclonal antibody technology has provided a variety of new agents to explore as possible therapies for cancers. The use of antibodies to target isotopes, toxins, drugs or enzymes to brain tumours is currently being investigated.
To Intervene or Not to Intervene: A Biased Decision

Alliances are related to the occurrence of conflict. A theoretical model predicts how alliance reliability affects the occurrence of conflict in the international system. Suppose that two nations are at war. The intervention of a third nation into this war affects the likely outcome. Nations prefer to fight wars that they expect to win. Nations are more likely to involve themselves in wars in which they anticipate allied support. Estimates of alliance reliability are obtained and used to demonstrate that nations consider alliance reliability when deciding whether to become involved in conflict. For example, nations with unreliable allies are more likely to surrender if attacked than are nations with reliable allies. Alliance reliability affects the occurrence of war. Unfortunately, whether an alliance is honored is only observable when a war actually occurs. The author discusses the sampling bias that this creates.
Two distinct mechanisms of immune suppression by antibody.

THE humoral immune response is controlled by a complex regulatory system. Antigen-reactive B lymphocytes receive essential stimulatory signals from helper T cells (or macro-phages) and inhibitory signals from another class of T cells, suppressor T cells. The end product, antibody, also has a regulatory role in that it inhibits antibody production. The latter is not unexpected because antibody represents a solubilised copy of the B lymphocyte's recognition site for antigen, and could thus interfere with the recognition of antigen. The theory that antibody inhibits antibody production by masking antigen1 cannot explain, however, the observation first made by Sinclair et al.2,3 that an antigen-unrelated part of 7S antibody, the Fc portion, determines its inhibitory activity. We show here that Fc-dependent antibody-mediated immune suppression is reversed by factors that substitute for helper T cells, while Fc independent immune suppression, active only in high concentrations of antibody, is not affected by helper factors. We conclude that Fc-dependent immune suppression by antibody affects the cooperation of T cells and B cells but not recognition of antigen, and we attribute Fc independent immune suppression by high concentrations of antibody to masking antigenic sites.
Periodically conjugated solitons in dispersion-managed optical fiber

Abstract We present an analysis of long-distance propagation for short optical solitons in a nonlinear optical fiber incorporating the effects of periodic phase conjugation and dispersion management. The analysis includes the Raman self-frequency shift, third-order dispersion, and nonlinear dispersion. The periodic conjugation compensates for the group velocity dispersion, self-phase modulation and Raman self-frequency shift; we show that stable pulse propagation results from the the balance of the (negative) third-order dispersion and the nonlinear dispersion. Judicious choice of the dispersion map negates perturbations due to linear loss; the analysis predicts parameters for the dispersion map that minimize pulse distortion.
3D nano/microfabrication techniques and nanobiomaterials for neural tissue regeneration

Injuries of the nervous system occur commonly among people of many different ages and backgrounds. Currently, there are no effective strategies to improve neural regeneration; however, tissue engineering provides a promising avenue for regeneration of many tissue types, including the neural context. Functional nerve conduits derived from tissue engineering techniques present bioengineered 3D artificial substitutes for implantation and rehabilitation of injured nerves. In particular, nanotechnology as a versatile vehicle to create biomimetic nanostructured tissue-engineered neural scaffolds provides great potential for the development of innovative and successful nerve grafts. Nanostructured conduits derived from traditional and novel tissue engineering techniques have been shown to be superior for successful neural function construction due to a high degree of biomimetic character. In this paper, we will focus on current progress in developing 3D nano/microstructured neural scaffolds via electrospinning, emerging 3D printing and self-assembly techniques, nanobiomaterials and bioactive cues for enhanced neural tissue regeneration.
Replication as Regulation

Debate among political scientists over replication is comparable in many respects to controversy among policy analysts about the ends and means of regulation. Proponents of replication seek to provide the collective good of freeflowing information and to sanction the negative externality of sloppy scholarship. Similarly, opponents of replication claim property rights in the data and variables they have created through hard work and ingenuity. As with disputes over regulatory policy, the fundamental sticking point is whether the benefits of mandatory replication to the community of political scientists outweigh the costs of compliance to individuals. Pervasive evidence
Direct observation of the Gouy phase shift with single-cycle terahertz pulses

Summary form only given. Advances in the generation and detection of terahertz (THz) radiation have made it possible to investigate many of the propagation characteristics of wide bandwidth single-cycle electromagnetic pulses. In particular, the effects of diffraction on the temporal profile of such pulses has received attention both theoretically and experimentally. Recently it has been pointed out that the Gouy phase shift of electromagnetic beams should result in a polarity reversal for a terahertz pulse as it passes through a focus. In this paper we report the first clear and unambiguous observation of the Gouy effect with single-cycle terahertz pulses.
Continuous cultivation of fission yeast: Analysis of single‐cell protein synthesis kinetics

A fundamental problem in microbial reactor analysis is identification of the relation between environment and individual cell metabolic activity. Population balance equations provide a link between experimental measurements of composition frequency functions in microbial populations on the one hand and macromolecule synthesis kinetics and cell division control parameters for single cells on the other. Flow microfluorometry measurements of frequency functions for single-cell protein content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe in balanced exponential growth were analyzed by 2 different methods. One approach utilizes the integrated form of the population balance equation known as the Collins-Richmond equation, and the other method involves optimization of parameters in assumed kinetic and cell division functional forms to fit measured frequency functions with corresponding model solutions. Both data interpretation techniques indicate that rates of protein synthesis increase most in low-protein-content cells as the population specific growth rate increases, leading to parabolic single-cell protein synthesis kinetics at large specific growth rates. Utilization of frequency function data for an asynchronous population is in this case a far more sensitive method for determination of single-cell kinetics than is monitoring the metabolic dynamics of a single cell or, equivalently, synchronous culture analyses.
Knowledge centric operations: implications to future command and control

Over the past 50 years, the military services have evolved from a platform-centric approach to the emerging network-centric warfare. As we continue to progress in the information age, the authors postulate network-centric warfare will evolve into information-centric warfare (some evidence suggests this evolution has already taken place.) This paper proposes the next step in warfare, transitioning from network-centric/information-centric to knowledge-centric warfare. Network-centric warfare is built around human and organizational behavior - a new way of thinking in terms of information linkages. Its end result is combat power that can be generated from effectively linking or networking the warfighting enterprise. Its premise is the ability to push "information to the edge." Once this premise becomes institutionalized, warfare will utilize the proven attributes of network-centric/information centric warfare to go to the next, logical, evolutionary step pushing of "knowledge to the edge". This next step transforms network-centric warfare's "power to the edge" to knowledge-centric warfare's "power of the edge". This paper discusses the basic tenets of network/information-centric warfare and how its attributes form the basis for knowledge-centric warfare as well as the command and control implications of a knowledge-centric environment. A brief discussion of the required technologies is presented
Contextual interactions determine whether the Drosophila homeodomain protein, Vnd, acts as a repressor or activator

At the molecular level, members of the NKx2.2 family of transcription factors establish neural compartment boundaries by repressing the expression of homeobox genes specific for adjacent domains [Muhr et al. (2001) Cell, 104, 861–873; Weiss et al. (1998) Genes Dev., 12, 3591–3602]. The Drosophila homologue, vnd, interacts genetically with the high-mobility group protein, Dichaete ,i n a manner suggesting co-operative activation [Zhao and Skeath (2002) Development, 129, 1165–1174]. However, evidence for direct interactions and transcriptional activation is lacking. Here, we present molecular evidence for the interaction of Vnd and Dichaete that leads to the activation of target gene expression. Two-hybrid interaction assays indicate that Dichaete binds the Vnd homeodomain, and additional Vnd sequences stabilize this interaction. In addition, Vnd has two activation domains that are typically masked in the intact protein. Whether vnd can activate or repress transcription is contextdependent. Full-length Vnd, when expressed as a Gal4 fusion protein, acts as a repressor containing multiple repression domains. A divergent domain in the N-terminus, not found in vertebrate Vnd-like proteins, causes the strongest repression. The corepressor, Groucho, enhances Vnd repression, and these two proteins physically interact. The data presented indicate that the activation and repression domains of Vnd are complex, and whether Vnd functions as a transcriptional repressor or activator depends on both intra- and inter-molecular interactions.
Islam and Large-Scale Political Violence: Is There a Connection?:

Are Muslims especially prone to large-scale political violence? From Montesquieu to Samuel Huntington, prominent modern analysts of politics have regarded Muslims as unusually inclined to strife. Many other observers have portrayed Islam as a peace-loving faith and Muslims as largely pacific.Yet scholars still lack much hard evidence on whether a relationship between Islam and political violence really exists. Precious few studies adduce empirical evidence on whether Islamic societies are actually more or less violent. This article assesses whether Muslims are more prone to large-scale political violence than non-Muslims. The authors focus neither on terrorism nor on interstate war. Instead, they investigate large-scale intrastate violence. The article makes three contributions. First, it offers useful data on Islam and political strife. Second, it investigates whether Muslims are especially violence prone. Relying on cross-national analysis, the authors find no evidence of a correlation between the propo...
Target Site Selection by Tn7:attTn7 Transcription and Target Activity

The bacterial transposon Tn7 inserts at high frequency into a specific site called attTn7, which is present in the chromosomes of many bacteria. We show here that transcription of a nearby gene, glmS, decreases the frequency of Tn7 insertion into attTn7, thus providing a link between Tn7 transposition and host cell metabolism.
Chaotic dynamics on large networks.

Many systems in nature are governed by a large number of agents that interact nonlinearly through complex feedback loops. When the networks are sufficiently large and interconnected, they typically exhibit self-organization and chaos. This paper examines the prevalence and degree of chaos on large unweighted recurrent networks of ordinary differential equations with sigmoidal nonlinearities and unit coupling. The largest Lyapunov exponent is used as the signature and measure of the chaos, and the study includes the effects of damping, asymmetries in the distribution of coupling strengths, network symmetry, and sparseness of connections. Minimum conditions and optimal network architectures are determined for the existence of chaos. The results have implications for the design of social and other networks in the real world in which weak chaos is deemed desirable or as a way of understanding why certain networks might exist on “the edge of chaos.”
Difficult endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in cancer patients

Abstract Endoscopic drainage of malignant biliary obstruction can be challenging. For patients in whom conventional wire-guided cannulation or precut attempts are unsuccessful, an endoscopic ultrasound-guided approach may be helpful. Concomitant duodenal strictures occur in 10–20% of patients with malignant biliary obstruction from pancreatic cancer. Gastric outlet obstruction due to a duodenal stricture can be relieved either by endoscopic gastroduodenal stent placement or gastrojejunostomy. In this setting, simultaneous stenting of the bile duct and duodenal strictures should be considered. In this review article, we highlight the issues involved in performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with malignancy and present a review of literature describing techniques to overcome the challenges.
Endovascular therapy in prevention and management of coronary-subclavian steal.

Abstract Background The optimal management of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) who have proximal subclavian artery stenosis (SAS) is not well established. SAS may lead to flow reversal through a patent in situ internal mammary artery graft, resulting in myocardial ischemia (coronary-subclavian steal). We review our experience in prevention and management of coronary-subclavian steal. Methods The medical records of patients who received treatment of symptomatic coronary-subclavian steal were reviewed. Patients who underwent subclavian artery revascularization before CABG were also included in our review. Patient demographic data, findings at presentation, imaging and treatment methods, and short-term and intermediate-term results were analyzed. Results Over 4 years, 14 patients with combined subclavian and coronary artery disease were identified. Nine patients had angina (n = 8) and/or congestive heart failure (n = 2) after CABG (post-CABG group). Four patients underwent treatment of SAS and one underwent treatment of recurrent stenosis before or during CABG (pre-CABG group). Among this pre-CABG group, one patient had symptoms of left arm claudication; the other four patients had no symptoms. A blood pressure gradient was commonly noted between both arms. An angiogram confirmed the proximal location of SAS in all patients, and established the presence of flow reversal in a patent internal mammary artery graft in the post-CABG group. Operative management consisted of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting of the subclavian lesion in 11 patients, PTA only in 2 patients, and carotid-subclavian bypass grafting in 1 patient. No known perioperative complications or morbidity was encountered in either group. Mean follow-up was 29 months, during which stenosis recurred in two patients, along with associated cardiac symptoms. In both patients repeat angioplasty was successful, for an assisted primary patency rate of 100%. Conclusion PTA and stenting to treat SAS appears to provide effective protection from and treatment of coronary-subclavian steal over the short and intermediate terms. A surveillance program is essential because of the risk for recurrent stenosis. Continued follow-up is necessary to determine long-term efficacy of this treatment compared with more conventional surgical approaches.
Does the fimbria have an embryologic origin distinct from that of the rest of the fallopian tube

Objective To propose a new theory describing the development of the fallopian tube fimbria. Design Case series report. Setting Metropolitan tertiary care children's hospital. Patient(s) Two girls, aged 12 and 20 years, who presented with pelvic pain. Intervention(s) Magnetic resonance imaging, laparoscopy with salpingectomy, and pathologic analysis. Main Outcome Measure(s) Description of a novel theory regarding the embryologic development of the fallopian tube and its fimbria. Result(s) In two non–sexually active girls the cause of their pelvic pain was found to be a hydrosalpinx associated with a discontinuous fallopian tube in which the fimbriated end did not directly communicate with the remainder of the fallopian tube. Conclusion(s) The two cases of pure congenital fallopian tube atresia, the presence of fimbriae in patients with mullerian (uterine, cervical, and vaginal) agenesis, and the role of the fimbria in ovarian-like and peritoneal cancers, support a novel hypothesis that the fimbria of the fallopian tube may arise separately from the rest of the tube.
Effect of Dopants on Zirconia Stabilization—An X‐ray Absorption Study: III, Charge‐Compensating Dopants

X-ray absorption spectra at the Zr-, Y-, and Nb-K edges of ZrO[sub 2]-YNbO[sub 4] solid solutions have been measured at 10 K to determine the local atomic structures. Both Y and Nb cations substitute for Zr in the cation network but maintain rather different local oxygen coordination from Zr. In tetragonal zirconia solid solutions, Y adopts a YO[sub 8] structure with a bond length of 2.32 [angstrom]. This is the same as the structure found in ZrO[sub 2]-Y[sub 2]O[sub 3] solid solutions, confirming the previous conclusion that Y is not associated with oxygen vacancies. Nb has an NbO[sub 4] structure with a bond length of 1.90 [angstrom]. This is shorter than the Zr-O[sub I] distance of 2.10 [angstrom]. The strong Nb-O coordination increases the bonding disparity between Zr-O layers, thus increasing tetragonality. This is similar to the trend previously established for ZrO[sub 2]-GeO[sub 2] solid solutions. Severe distortion of neighboring cations around the undersized Nb, similar to that previously found for undersized Fe[sup 3+] and Ga[sup 3+], is also observed. At higher temperatures, local Y-Nb cation ordering occurs at a concentration below the solubility limit, similar to the Zr-Ge ordering reported previously. This cation ordering mechanism allows the charge-compensating Y-Nbmore » pair to stabilize the tetragonal structure but increase tetragonality.« less
Delayed Dissemination of Lyme Disease Spirochetes from the Site of Deposition in the Skin of Mice

To determine whether the agent of Lyme disease disseminates in vertebrate hosts directly after deposition by an infecting tick, a 6-mm disk of skin was excised from the sites where nymphal Ixodes dammini ticks infected by Lyme disease spirochetes, Borrelia burgdorferi, had fed. Infection in each mouse was tested by examining xenodiagnostic ticks that had engorged on these mice 4 weeks later and by serologic testing. Generalized infection was aborted when the site of inoculation was excised within 2 days after the infecting tick detached but not after 2 weeks. In contrast, all mice became infected when the bite site remained intact. Spirochetes could be cultured from the tissues around the site of attachment solely when the sample was ablated within a week after infecting ticks detached. These observations suggest that infecting ticks deliver the agent of Lyme disease directly into the skin and that such spirochetes multiply locally for some days before disseminating to remote sites.
Measuring climate change on Twitter using Google’s algorithm: perception and events

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis of whether more complex and emergent hashtags can be sufficient pointers to climate change events. Human-induced climate change is one of this century’s greatest unbalancing forces to have affected our planet. Capturing the public awareness of climate change on Twitter has proven to be significant. In a previous research, it was demonstrated by the authors that public awareness is prominently expressed in the form of hashtags that uses more than one bigram (i.e. a climate change term). The research finding showed that this awareness is expressed by more complex terms (e.g. “climate change”). It was learned that the awareness was dominantly expressed using the hashtag: #ClimateChange. Design/methodology/approach – The methods demonstrated here use objective computational approaches [i.e. Google’s ranking algorithm and Information Retrieval measures (e.g. TFIDF)] to detect and rank the emerging events. Findings – The results shows a clear signifi...
Upregulation of the GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor during anoxia in the freshwater turtle brain

The freshwater turtle brain survives anoxia by decreasing its energy expenditure. During this anoxic period there is a sustained release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This study investigated whether there was a corresponding change in the binding properties of the GABAA/benzodiazepine (GABA/BDZ) receptor. Turtles (Trachemys scripta) were subjected to a 100% N2 atmosphere for up to 24 h. After exposure, the cerebral cortex was dissected out, and saturation binding assays for GABA/BDZ receptors were performed using the radioligand [3H]flunitrazepam. Control turtles had a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1.97 +/- 0.54 nM and a receptor density (Bmax) of 2,404 +/- 221 fmol/mg protein. The Kd showed no significant change over 24 h of anoxia. However, significant increases were seen in Bmax after 12 h (21%, P < 0.05) and 24 h (29%, P < 0.01) of anoxia. We suggest that a long-term upregulation of GABAA receptors occurs in the anoxic turtle brain that acts to increase the inhibitory effectiveness of the released GABA and thereby contributes to anoxia survival of the turtle.