cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The estimation of L∞ diffusion coefficients in the parabolic equations

Abstract The estimation of diffusion coefficients having only L ∞ bounds in parabolic equations is considered. Existence is obtained within a more general class of parabolic operators by means of G -convergence. The corresponding semi-discrete problems are related to the original problem.
A Natural Walking Monitor for Pulmonary Patients Using Mobile Phones

Mobile devices have the potential to continuously monitor health by collecting movement data including walking speed during natural walking. Natural walking is walking without artificial speed constraints present in both treadmill and nurse-assisted walking. Fitness trackers have become popular which record steps taken and distance, typically using a fixed stride length. While useful for everyday purposes, medical monitoring requires precise accuracy and testing on real patients with a scientifically valid measure. Walking speed is closely linked to morbidity in patients and widely used for medical assessment via measured walking. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) is a standard assessment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Current generation smartphone hardware contains similar sensor chips as in medical devices and popular fitness devices. We developed a middleware software, MoveSense, which runs on standalone smartphones while providing comparable readings to medical accelerometers. We evaluate six machine learning methods to obtain gait speed during natural walking training models to predict natural walking speed and distance during a 6MWT with 28 pulmonary patients and ten subjects without pulmonary condition. We also compare our model's accuracy to popular fitness devices. Our universally trained support vector machine models produce 6MWT distance with 3.23% error during a controlled 6MWT and 11.2% during natural free walking. Furthermore, our model attains 7.9% error when tested on five subjects for distance estimation compared to the 50–400% error seen in fitness devices during natural walking.
Recent progress in the development of solid electrolyte batteries

Solid electrolyte batteries may be loosely defined as power sources within which the transfer of the ionic species between the cathode and anode plates occurs by migration through a solid as opposed to a liquid phase. Within this definition one may include those systems which have, for example, a gaseous depolarizer and which can not therefore be classified in the strictest sense as "all-solid" batteries. Again, it should be pointed out that the use of the term "solid" does not imply that such systems may be thought of as "dry". Indeed, there is a considerable volume of evidence, which will be mentioned later, to indicate that no solid electrolyte system which has been developed to date can operate without the presence of a trace liquid phase. In spite of these limitations, however, solid electrolyte systems have a number of quite unique advantages which can not be as readily fulfilled by present day state of the art liquid electrolyte units. For example, such systems can be assembled into extremely rugged configurations and may thus be used in applications which require a battery that will withstand acceleration forces of the order of several thousand times that due to gravity coupled with spin rates of several hundred revolutions per second. Further, with liquid electrolyte batteries one is limited to that range of temperatures between which the electrolyte freezes and boils and also with loss of the electrolyte on long term standby processes of evaporation and leakage. To a large extent such problems may be avoided by the use of solid electrolytes though for those systems which utilize a gaseous depolarizer one also encounters problems associated with the sealing of the unit. Perhaps the most the use of a solid miniature batteries important advantage associated with electrolyte is the ease with which may be produced. As a general statement it is true to say that the power requirements of electronic devices are continually being reduced by the development of more sophisticated micro-electronic circuit components and hence if the advances made in these areas are to be utilized to the fullest extent there must be a corresponding reduction in the size of the power source. With the present day liquid electrolyte systems, however, the problem of containment of the liquid phase constitutes an increasingly greater problem
The effects of the crystallinity and crystal size on the physical transitions of polypropylene

Abstract The results of experimental expansion tests carried out on polypropylene (PP) samples having different,crystallinities and the same crystal size, or vice versa, or both these parameters differing, were made in the temperature range from - 100 to +200°C. These showed the melting temperature to be independent of crystallinity and to be determined by the crystal size. The glass temperature depends on the crystallinity and the average linear dimension of the crystals. A change in the melting range and the increase in specific volume during melting are both functions of the original crystallinity of the sample.
Evolution of Enzymatic Activities of Testis-Specific Short-Chain Dehydrogenase/Reductase in Drosophila

The testis-specific gene Jingwei (jgw) is a newly evolved short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase in Drosophila. Preliminary substrate screening indicated that JGW prefers long-chain primary alcohols as substrates, including several exotic alcohols such as farnesol and geraniol. Using steady-state kinetics analyses and molecular docking, we not only confirmed JGW’s substrate specificity, but also demonstrated that the new enzymatic activities of JGW evolved extensively after exon-shuffling from a preexisting enzyme. Analysis of JGW orthologs in sister species shows that subsequent evolutionary changes following the birth of JGW altered substrate specificities and enzyme stabilities. Our results lend support to a general mechanism for the evolution of a new enzyme, in which catalytic chemistry evolves first followed by diversification of substrate utilization.
Effects of combined systemic alcohol and central nicotine administration into ventral tegmental area on dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.

Background: Alcoholism is associated with a higher incidence of smoking. The mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway is believed to play an important role in the reinforcing effects of both ethanol and nicotine. This study was undertaken to determine whether simultaneous administration of systemic ethanol and microinjection of nicotine into the ventral tegmental area (VTA) would result in exaggerated release of dopamine (DA) in the shell region of nucleus accumbens. Methods: Microdialysis was applied in awake, freely moving adult male Wistar rats, and DA concentration in the dialysate was measured by HPLC-electrochemical detectors. Results: Systemic administration of ethanol or microinjection of nicotine into VTA resulted in a dose-dependent increase in DA release (extracellular DA concentration). Simultaneous administration of lower doses of nicotine and ethanol resulted in an additive effect on the released DA. This additive effect was not observed with higher doses of nicotine and ethanol. Administration of the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine into VTA completely blocked ethanol-induced DA release. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that the reinforcing effects of ethanol are at least partially mediated through the nicotinic receptors in the VTA. Furthermore, administration of selective nicotinic antagonists may be of therapeutic potential in reducing the rewarding effects of ethanol. The data also suggest that the combined effects of ethanol and nicotine on the “reward pathway” may be a contributing factor to the high incidence of smoking in alcoholics.
Proximal Forearm Fractures

Abstract Unfortunately, the literature has little guidance for revision elbow surgery. This article attempts to supplement what is known in the literature with the author's anecdotal experience. With this article, it is the author's hope that the reader may learn from his or her successes and his or her failures without having to discover them first hand. There is good reason for angst to overcome surgeons looking at radiographs depicting a traumatized proximal ulna or radius. Surgeons know that there is a good chance they will be seeing these patients for a long time.
Inferring the incidence of industry inefficiency from DEA estimates

Abstract Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is among the most popular empirical tools for measuring cost and productive efficiency within an industry. Because DEA is a linear programming technique, establishing formal statistical properties for outcomes is difficult. We model the incidence of inefficiency within a population of decision making units (DMUs) as a latent variable, with DEA outcomes providing only noisy and generally inaccurate sample-based categorizations of inefficiency. We then use a Bayesian approach to infer an appropriate posterior distribution for the incidence of inefficiency within an industry based on a random sample of DEA outcomes and a prior distribution on that incidence. The approach applies to the empirically relevant case of a finite number of firms, and to sampling DMUs without replacement. It also accounts for potential mismeasurement in the DEA characterization of inefficiency within a coherent Bayesian approach to the problem. Using three different types of specialty physician practices, we provide an empirical illustration demonstrating that this approach provides appropriately adjusted inferences regarding the incidence of inefficiency within an industry.
Time Since Common Pedigree Ancestors with Two Progeny per Individual

Constraining individuals to two progeny (versus Poisson distribution) increases the time since a pedigree (nongenetic) common ancestor, but the time still increases logarithmically in the population size. This is confirmed by simulations for discrete generations and rigorously for expected time with a modification of the Moran model. Selfing increases the expected time since a common ancestor with both the Poisson progeny distribution and two progeny per individual. As selfing approaches one, the time since a common ancestor asymptotically approaches infinity with two progeny per individual, but only twice the population size with the Poisson progeny distribution. Regular systems of inbreeding with two progeny per individual can either increase or decrease the time since a common ancestor as contrasted with random mating with two progeny per individual.
The freezing of marine sediment for subsequent extraction of adenosine triphosphate

Abstract Samples were collected from two intertidal sediments to test the effects of rapid freezing in liquid N on the preservation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Experiments showed that this technique results in no significant loss of ATP relative to immediate extraction of samples. Furthermore, quick-frozen samples stored at −70°C for wk maintained their in situ concentrations of ATP. The technique was used to measure the ATP concentrations in fecal casts of a deposit-feeding invertebrate. Freezing samples in liquid N is a convenient technique for preserving field collections for subsequent analysis in the laboratory.
Tyrosine-rich crystalloids in pleomorphic adenoma: SEM findings and partial biochemical characterization

The rare tyrosine-rich crystalloids (TRC) of salivary gland pleomorphic adenoma (PA) give a positive Millon reaction indicating the presence of tyrosine. Their varied histochemical reactions, however, suggest a more complex composition. Two cases of TRC were encountered in a series of 144 PA (1.4%). Both were studied with several histochemical stains, and one tumor particularly rich in TRC was further examined with transmission and scanning electron microscopy and subjected to biochemical analysis using fresh-frozen tissue. TEM showed amorphous, electron-dense masses with no discernable internal structure. SEM revealed a geodelike structure of radially arranged, interlocking plates. Amino acid analysis of normal parotid, tumor with TRC., and a similar tumor without TRC indicated a slightly elevated level of tyrosine and arginine in the tumor with TRC. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of tissue dissolved in sodium dode-cyl sulfate revealed dense banding corresponding to polypeptides of a relative molecul...
Effects of pancreatic polypeptide and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on rat ileal and colonic water and electrolyte transportin vivo

Two gastrointestinal peptides, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pancreatic polypeptide, suspected of being associated with symptoms of WDHA syndrome (pancreatic cholera) were tested on the rat small and large intestine for their effects on water and electrolyte transport. Intravenous infusion of VIP (14.3 μg/kg/hr) inhibited net absorption of water and electrolytes in the ileum and reversed net absorption to net secretion in the colon. In contrast, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (52 μg/kg/hr) did not inhibit absorption or stimulate secretion. These data indicate VIP causes colonic secretionin vivo, an effect previously shown onlyin vitro, and that bovine pancreatic polypeptide (at this dose) is not a secretagogue in the small or large intestine of the rat. Thus, while consistent with VIP being a contributory agent to the secretion of pancreatic cholera, the data do not support the notion that pancreatic polypeptide might be a causative agent in this syndrome.
Structural Basis for the Inhibition of Mammalian Membrane Adenylyl Cyclase by 2 ′(3′)-O-(N-Methylanthraniloyl)-guanosine 5 ′-Triphosphate

Abstract Membrane-bound mammalian adenylyl cyclase (mAC) catalyzes the synthesis of intracellular cyclic AMP from ATP and is activated by stimulatory G protein α subunits (Gαs) and by forskolin (FSK). mACs are inhibited with high potency by 2 ′(3′)-O-(N-methylanthraniloyl) (MANT)-substituted nucleotides. In this study, the crystal structures of the complex between Gαs·GTPγS and the catalytic C1 and C2 domains from type V and type II mAC (VC1·IIC2), bound to FSK and either MANT-GTP·Mg2+ or MANT-GTP·Mn2+ have been determined. MANT-GTP coordinates two metal ions and occupies the same position in the catalytic site as P-site inhibitors and substrate analogs. However, the orientation of the guanine ring is reversed relative to that of the adenine ring. The MANT fluorophore resides in a hydrophobic pocket at the interface between the VC1 and IIC2 domains and prevents mAC from undergoing the “open” to “closed” domain rearrangement. The Ki of MANT-GTP for inhibition of VC1·IIC2 is lower in the presence of mAC activators and lower in the presence of Mn2+ compared with Mg2+, indicating that the inhibitor binds more tightly to the catalytically most active form of the enzyme. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-stimulated emission from the MANT fluorophore upon excitation of Trp-1020 in the MANT-binding pocket of IIC2 is also stronger in the presence of FSK. Mutational analysis of two non-conserved amino acids in the MANT-binding pocket suggests that residues outside of the binding site influence isoform selectivity toward MANT-GTP.
Unraveling immunity to γ-herpesviruses: a new model for understanding the role of immunity in chronic virus infection

Murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (γHV68) infection is a new model for understanding how immunity and chronic γ-herpesvirus infection inter-relate. γHV68 is closely related to the human Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus and is associated with tumors, vasculitis of the great elastic arteries and splenic fibrosis. Advances in the past year have provided an even stronger foundation for believing that γHV68 infection of normal and mutant mice will become the pre-eminent animal model for understanding γ-herpesvirus pathogenesis and immunity. γHV68 latency has been characterized employing new assays for quantitating cells carrying the γHV68 genome and cells that reactivate γHV68 and for detecting the presence of preformed infectious virus in tissues. These advances have fostered the first steps towards a molecular definition of γHV68 latency. It appears that γHV68 shares latency programs with human γ-herpesviruses — including the loci for gene 73, v-bcl-2 and the viral homolog of the G-protein coupled receptor. This provides candidate antigens for analysis of the role of T and B cells in regulating latency. Multiple cellular reservoirs for γHV68 latency were uncovered with the demonstration that γHV68 latently infects macrophages in addition to B cells. A critical role for B cells in regulating the nature of γHV68 latency was discovered and the mechanism was shown to be via alteration of the efficiency of reactivation. Studies of the response of CD4 + and CD8 + cells during acute and chronic γHV68 were performed. These new studies provide key building blocks for further development of this novel and interesting model system.
The effect of pressure on charge separation in photosynthetic bacterial reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas viridis

Abstract Reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas viridis were studied as a function of pressure using picosecond difference absorption spectroscopy. High pressure increased the rate of electron transfer from P + H − L Q A to P + H L Q − A , measured by the decay of the transient optical absorption of H − L in the 650–700 nm wavelength range, from (181 ± 17 ps) −1 at 0.1 MPa to (127 ± 16 ps) −1 at 120 MPa. At 240 MPa the decay became biexponential with a fast component (198 ± 66 ps) −1 of 33% amplitude and a slow component (7.8 ± 1.4 ns) −1 of 67% amplitude. At 350 MPa the fast component was undetectable and only a slow exponential decay of (4.1 ± 0.3 ns) −1 was observed. The slow component is attributed to the charge recombination process P + H − L Q A → PH L Q A .
Method and Apparatus for Precision In‐Line Sampling of Distillate

Abstract In this short note we present a method and describe a simple apparatus for use with simple, fractional, and steam distillation operations in which the operator requires a precise measurement of instantaneous distillate composition as the distillation proceeds. There are many examples in which such a measurement will play a critical role. One such example is in the measurement of boiling or distillation curves, where one desires an explicit measure of distillation process temperatures as a function of distillate volume fraction. The ability to augment temperature‐volume distillation curves with composition information is very helpful. The optimization of critical distillation conditions for the separation of sensitive solutes is another example in which instantaneous distillate composition is of value. The purification of reactants before a reaction is still another example. In all of these cases, it is the instantaneous composition that emerges from the condenser that is needed, rather than the i...
Tumor PO2 changes during photodynamic therapy depend upon photosensitizer type and time after injection

In this study, the vascular and tissue oxygen changes induced by photodynamic therapy in the RIF-1 tumor were examined, using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry. Two photosensitizers, including verteporfin (BPD-MA in a lipid-based formulation) and aminolevulinic acid-induced protoporphyrin IX (ALA-PPIX), were investigated with optical irradiation, sufficient to induce sub-curative damage in the tumor tissue, and the transient changes in PO(2) and vascular perfusion were examined. A large increase in tissue oxygenation (from 3 up to 9.5 mmHg) was observed when treated with ALA-PPIX based photodynamic therapy, which lasted during the treatment and a small residual increase that returned back to baseline levels by 48 h after treatment. With verteporfin-based photodynamic therapy, one group of animals was irradiated 15 min after injection and exhibited a small decrease in oxygenation relative to pre-irradiation levels. The second group was irradiated at 3 h after injection and exhibited a large increase in the average PO(2), (from 3 to 15 mmHg) by the end of the treatment. These observations indicate that photodynamic therapy significantly increases tissue PO(2) under certain treatment conditions, with the potential cause being either increased local blood flow or decreased local oxygen metabolic consumption due to cellular damage.
Noise Assessment of the Double-Bubble Aircraft Configuration

*† This paper provides an examination of the noise emissions from an innovative aircraft, the D8 double-bubble conceptual design as developed by Pr ofessor Mark Drela of MIT, during the course of the NASA sponsored N+3 project to meet aggressive goals for fuel burn, nitrogen oxide emissions, noise, and field length. In this paper, noise analyses are provided for two versions of the D8 conceptual aircraft: the D8.1, which uses current aircraft technologies, and the D8.5, which uses technologies that could be available in the 2035 timeframe. Because of the design concept and the technology sets that were incorporated, the D8.1 and D8.5 could achieve noise levels that are respectively 43 and 60 EPNdB below the Stage 4 limit. The methods used to der ive these noise estimates are given alongside the low-noise design technologies that were utilized, pertinent design trade-off studies, and comparison to a similar sized, modern tube-and-wing aircraft. The intent is to allow for a better understanding of how the D8 concepts can achieve these noise levels. Although the D8.5 did not meet the N+3 noise goal, it did achieve a step change from current aircraft noise levels.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION

Based on an address delivered at the meeting of the Professors and Research Section, National Council of Churches, St. Louis, Mo., Feb. 6–8, 1970.
Recognition of maternal calls by parentally naive Gallus gallus chicks

Abstract The ability to respond promptly to a stimulus presented for the first time is a valuable asset for a precocial organism. Although the responses they give do not correspond perfectly with those elicited in the wild, parentally naive red jungle fowl chicks are able to discriminate between maternal feeding and distress calls. Discrimination is observable on the basis of differential vocalization and gross movement patterns. The feeding call elicits cessation of calling and locomotion, whereas the distress call promotes sustained vocalization and an increased amount of locomotor activity. Expression of the complete response to each call probably depends upon presence of appropriate visual and auditory stimuli. Comparison of responses given by feeding call-trained chicks and distress call-trained chicks indicates that vocal responding is probably affected by training experience. Orientation of the chick with respect to the position of the sound source is not consistent under either of the stimulus conditions.
Lipids and eicosanoids in fibrosis: emerging targets for therapy.

Purpose of reviewLipid mediators including the lysophospholipids, sphingolipids and eicosanoids have long been implicated in inflammation, cancer and numerous other diseases. Over the last decade, new research suggests a role for these mediators in fibrosis.Recent findingsRecent developments in the
Distinguishing modulated oscillations from coloured noise in multivariate datasets

Extended empirical orthogonal functions (EEOFs), alternatively known as multi-channel singular systems (or singular spectrum) analysis (MSSA), provide a natural method of extracting oscillatory modes of variability from multivariate data. The eigenfunctions of some simple non-oscillatory noise processes are, however, also solutions to the wave equation, so the occurrence of stable, wave-like patterns in EEOF/MSSA is not sufficient grounds for concluding that data exhibits oscillations. We present a generalisation of the "Monte Carlo SSA" algorithm which allows an objective test for the presence of oscillations at low signal-to-noise ratios in multivariate data. The test is similar to those used in standard regression, examining directions in state-space to determine whether they contain more variance than would be expected if the noise null-hypothesis were valid. We demonstrate the application of the test to the analysis of interannual variability in tropical Pacific sea-surface temperatures.
Characterization of an experimentally induced inner ear immune response

Objective To determine the effects of a sterile immune response on the structure and function of the cochlea. Methods An immune response was created in guinea pigs by systemically sensitizing the animals to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and subsequently challenging the inner ear with the protein. Animals were allowed to survive for 1 to 5 weeks, after which the cochlea was evaluated histologically. Hearing was measured by auditory brainstem response before the inner ear challenge, during the survival period, and prior to sacrifice. Results Inflammatory cells infiltrated the cochlea from the circulation. Surface preparations and plastic sections of the organ of Corti 1 and 2 weeks after the initiation of the inflammation demonstrated degeneration of the sensory and supporting cells in cochlear turns containing inflammatory cells. Good preservation of structures was seen in the more apical cochlear turns with little or no inflammatory cells. In cochleas from animals that survived 5 weeks, most of the infiltrated cells were cleared after undergoing apoptosis and the inflammatory matrix in the scala tympani began to calcify. Hearing loss was moderate to severe depending on the amount of inflammation. Conclusion Although in general the immune response serves to protect an organism from infection, these results demonstrate that bystander injury associated with local immune responses in the cochlea, an organ incapable of regeneration, causes permanent cochlear destruction and hearing loss.
Window of Opportunity: Using the Interruption Lag to Manage Disruption in Complex Tasks

Interruption is a fundamental human problem. Past research has focused on how people resume an interrupted task after attending to some unrelated secondary task, ignoring interruptions that are an integral part of overall performance. In many settings, such as air traffic control or invehicle navigation, people must integrate the processing of the interruption itself and the resumption of the interrupted task. An experiment was conducted to investigate how people manage interruptions in a team decision-making task where interruptions are an integral part of overall performance. One strategy proposed for managing interruptions is the "rehearsal strategy." It was expected that people who rehearsed where they would resume the task would be able to overcome the disruption imposed by interruption. The results indicate that people instructed to use this strategy behaved differently than those who were not instructed. However, instruction did not improve performance on interrupted tasks and may even have been detrimental.
The endo-antral syndrome: an endodontic complication

Infection of pulpally involved teeth near the maxillary sinus sometimes spreads into the sinus and causes serious complications. This pathological complex, involving both antral and periapical tissues, is referred to as the endo-antral syndrome (EAS). It includes diagnostic difficulties, treatment considerations, and occasionally persistent pathological antral alterations after nonsurgical endodontic therapy. Surgical measures are occasionally required to stimulate healing and preserve the teeth.
Odorant-specific requirements for arrestin function in Drosophila olfaction.

The ability to modulate olfactory sensitivity is necessary to detect chemical gradients and discriminate among a multitude of odor stimuli. Desensitization of odorant receptors has been postulated to occur when arrestins prevent the activation of downstream second messengers. A paucity of in vivo data on olfactory desensitization prompts use of Drosophila melanogaster genetics to investigate arrestins' role in regulating olfactory signaling pathways. Physiological analysis of peripheral olfactory sensitivity reveals decreased responsiveness to a host of chemically distinct odorants in flies deficient for arrestin1 (arr1), arrestin2 (arr2), or both. These phenotypes are manifest in odorant- and dose- dependent fashions. Additionally, mutants display altered adaptive properties under a prolonged exposure paradigm. Behaviorally, arr1 mutants are impaired in olfactory-based orientation towards attractive odor sources. As the olfactory deficits vary according to chemical identity and concentration, they indicate that a spectrum of arrestin activity is essential for odor processing depending upon the particular olfactory pathway involved. Arrestin mutant phenotypes are hypothesized to be a consequence of down-regulation of olfactory signaling to avoid cellular excitotoxicity. Importantly, phenotypic rescue of olfactory defects in arr11 mutants is achieved through transgenic expression of wild-type arr1. Taken together, these data clearly indicate that arrestins are required in a stimulus-specific manner for wild type olfactory function and add another level of complexity to peripheral odor coding mechanisms that ultimately impact olfactory behavior. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2005
Instructional design for the active: Employing interactive technologies and active learning exercises to enhance library instruction

In a variety of instructional scenarios, librarians at The University of North Carolina have been working to engage students with the use of interactive technologies combined with active learning strategies in attempts to enhance learning of information literacy concepts. This paper describes the successful use of this approach in not only increasing student engagement, but possibly learning outcomes as well. Practical examples of our use of class response systems (clickers), interactive whiteboards, wireless slates, and digital cameras in conjunction with active learning environments are discussed in the context of both upper and lower-division classes. Our study, using a clicker group and control group in information literacy sessions for English Composition II classes, revealed a four-point increase in information retention in classes using clickers and discussion compared to classes taught using more traditional methods of instruction. Assessment data collected from experiments provides evidence that these technologies coupled with active learning methods are capable of delivering not only improved student engagement and participation, but also increased learning outcomes in some cases. The results of these experiences shed light on the potential impact that implementation of interactive technologies with a shift in pedagogy can have on student engagement and learning of information literacy concepts.
Computational Aspects Related to Inference in Gaussian Graphical Models With the G-Wishart Prior

We describe a comprehensive framework for performing Bayesian inference for Gaussian graphical models based on the G-Wishart prior with a special focus on efficiently including nondecomposable graphs in the model space. We develop a new approximation method to the normalizing constant of a G-Wishart distribution based on the Laplace approximation. We review recent developments in stochastic search algorithms and propose a new method, the mode oriented stochastic search (MOSS), that extends these techniques and proves superior at quickly finding graphical models with high posterior probability. We then develop a novel stochastic search technique for multivariate regression models and conclude with a real-world example from the recent covariance estimation literature. Supplemental materials are available online.
Positron emission mammography: initial clinical results.

Background: Evaluation of high-risk mammograms represents an enormous clinical challenge. Functional breast imaging coupled with mammography (positron emission mammography [PEM]) could improve imaging of such lesions. A prospective study was performed using PEM in women scheduled for stereotactic breast biopsy.
Unmet expectations: the brain minds.

Addiction research has become increasingly focused on how addictive drugs affect neural signaling within the brain's reward circuitry. New work shows that the frustration of not receiving drugs when they are expected can also affect the inner workings of reward circuits.
Subsurface cisterns in the Purkinje cells of cerebellum of Syrian hamster.

Three types of subsurface cisterns were observed in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum of the Syrian hamster. The type-1 cisterns are subsynaptic, related to axosomatic synapses, and are separated from the postsynaptic cell membranes with distances of 400–800 A. These are probably modified rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. The type-2 cisterns are closely apposed to the surface membranes of Purkinje cells, and have very little intracisternal space except at the dilated lateral edges. The type-3 cisterns are similar in structure to the type-2 cisterns but in addition are closely associated with mitochondria. The type-2 and type-3 cisterns appear between one and two weeks after birth and are still present in adults, having almost the same frequency of occurrence. Thin cell processes opposite the type-2 and type-3 cisterns are considered to be glial cell processes. The morphological details of these types of subsurface cisterns are described here, and their possible functional significance is briefly discussed.
A conceptual dependency parser for natural language

This paper describes an operable automatic parser for natural language. The parser is not concerned with producing the syntactic structure of an input sentence. Instead, it is a conceptual parser, concerned with determining the underlying meaning of the input. Given a natural language input, the parser identifies and disambiguates the concepts derivable from that input and places them into a network that explicates their inter-relations with respect to the unambiguous meaning of the input.The parser utilizes a conceptually-oriented dependency grammar that has as its highest level the network which represents the underlying conceptual structure of a linguistic input. The parser also incorporates a language-free semantics that checks all possible conceptual dependencies with its own knowledge of the world.The parser is capable of learning new words and new constructions. It presently has a vocabulary of a few hundred words which enables it to operate in a psychiatric interviewing program without placing any restriction on the linguistic input.The theory behind the conceptual dependency is outlined in this paper and the parsing algorithm is explained in some detail.
The Thermal Conductivity of Liquids.

This note briefly summarizes new results on the thermal conductivity of liquids which will be described in greater detail in a forthcoming number of the Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The results are of two kinds: in the first place measurements of the effect of pressure on thermal conductivity, and in the second place a theoretical expression for thermal conductivity. The apparatus used in the measurements was a radial flow apparatus, in which the liquid was contained in the space between two concentric metal cylinders; the axis of the inner cylinder was a source of heat which flowed out radially across the layer of liquid. The temperature difference between the outer and inner surfaces of the layer of liquid was measured, and the thermal conductivity calculated in terms of the dimensions and the temperature difference. The method is particularly adapted to the measurement of substances of low conductivity like liquids, and gave results of much regularity and consistency. It is adapted to give not only the changes of conductivity under pressure, but also the absolute values of conductivity. The accuracy of the results is probably a few tenths of one per cent. Fifteen liquids were measured in all. Many of these were the same as those for which I have previously deterniined the various thermodynamic properties under pressure.1 The pressure range of this work was that usual to all my high pressure measurements, namely 12000 kg./cm.2.; the measurements were also made at two temperatures, 30? and 75?. Not only do the measurements give the pressure coefficient of conductivity, which has never been measured before for liquids, but also the temperature coefficient at atmospheric pressure, for which there are only a few discordant previous measurements, and the temperature coefficient of the pressure coefficient. The new experimental results are contained in table I. The results for each liquid are given in two lines, in the first line are the results for 30? and in the second those for 7 ?. In the first column of figures are the values at atmospheric pressure of the absolute conductivity (in ordinary units, gm. cal. per cm.2 per sec. per degree C. per cm.), in the second column the ratio of the conductivity at 6000 kg. to that at atmospheric pressure, and in the third column the ratio of the conductivity at 12000 kg. to that at atmospheric pressure. The general results may be summarized as follows. At atmospheric pressure the conductivity decreases with rising
OFMspert: inference of operator intentions in supervisory control using a blackboard architecture

The authors proposes an architecture for an expert system that can function as an operator's associate in the supervisory control of a complex dynamic system. Called OFMspert (operator function model (OFM) expert system), the architecture uses the operator function modeling methodology as the basis for the design. The authors put emphasis on the understanding capabilities, i.e. the intent referencing property, of an operator's associate. They define the generic structure of OFMspert, particularly those features that support intent inferencing. They also describe the implementation and validation of OFMspert in GT-MSOCC (Georgia Tech-Multisatellite Operations Control Center), a laboratory domain designed to support research in human-computer interaction and decision aiding in complex, dynamic systems. >
Neighborhood functions alter unbalanced facilitation on a stress gradient

Abstract The stress-gradient hypothesis states that individual and species competitive and facilitative effects change in relative importance or intensity along environmental gradients of stress. The importance of the number of facilitators in the neighborhood of a potential beneficiary has not been explored. Evenly distributed and stress-correlated facilitation and the increase in the intensity of facilitation with neighbors as linear, logarithmic, and unimodal functions is simulated for two hypothetical species, both of which improve the local environment. The mutualism is unbalanced in that the establishment of one species is enhanced by neighbors more than the other. Compared to no facilitation or evenly distributed facilitation, the stress gradient produces more edges in the spatially advancing population, more overall intensity of facilitation, and more individuals further advanced into the area of higher stress; the more enhanced species has increased population relative to the other – to the point where they are equal. Among three neighborhood functions, little difference exists in outcomes between the linear and logarithmic functions, but the unimodal function, which shifts peak facilitation intensity to fewer neighbors, increases the above state variables more than the differences between the even and stress gradient facilitation scenarios; the population of the beneficiary species exceeds that of the other. Different neighborhood functions change the effects of spatial pattern on the biological outcome. The unbalanced mutualism may be important where additional species alter the basic interaction in the high stress area of the environmental gradient, such as ecotones where the spatial pattern becomes central to facilitation.
From political economies of war to political economies of peace: The contribution of DDR after wars of predation

Can disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) be a means to ‘jump start’ a transition to a political economy for peace? This essay considers the key groups targeted in DDR – individual fighters, middle-level officers and leaderships – and each element of a DDR campaign with a focus on political economy issues. This leads to suggestions for reorienting some elements of DDR campaigns to place more emphasis on looking after middle-ranked officers, for the international community to place much emphasis on an often under-resourced part of the process, reintegration, and for more parallel attention to dealing with illicit economic activities.
Phylogeny and Geological History of the Cynipoid Wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipoidea)

Abstract The geological history of the wasp superfamily Cynipoidea is reviewed, with the description of various new taxa, being mostly in Late Cretaceous amber from New Jersey and Canada. The various fossil lineages are incorporated into a phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily, and their implications for understanding the evolution of the group are explored. The following new taxa or taxonomic changes are proposed (authorship of all taxa is Liu and Engel): Protimaspidae, new family; Stolamissidae, new family; Stolamissus, new genus; Stolamissus mirabilis, new species; Proliopterinae, new subfamily; Proliopteron, new genus; Proliopteron redactus, new species; Goeraniinae, new subfamily; Goerania, new genus; Goerania petiolata, new species; Micropresbyteria, new genus; Micropresbyteria caputipressa, new species; Anteucoila, new genus; Anteucoila delicia, new species; Jerseucoila, new genus; Jerseucoila plesiosoma, new species; Syneucoila, new genus; Syneucoila magnifica, new species; Tanaoknemus, new gen...
Integrated management of cutleaf teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus) along roadsides in Missouri, USA

Cutleaf teasel is a biennial, invasive weed found along roadsides throughout much of the central USA. Long-term management should, ideally, integrate chemical and cultural practices. Research in Missouri along Interstate Highway 70 was initiated to combine chemical applications with overseeding perennial grasses. A field experiment was carried out with a split-plot design (four replications), where the main plot factor was herbicide applied, and the sub-plot factor was grass species overseeded. Herbicide treatments comprised dicamba + diflufenzopyr, aminopyralid, triclopyr, and metsulfuron. Grass species included tall fescue + buffalograss or Canada wildrye + buffalograss. Cutleaf teasel coverage was reduced from 79% to 93% for all herbicide treatments except triclopyr, 5 months after the last herbicide application. Seedling counts of cutleaf teasel were lowest for aminopyralid by 6 months after the last herbicide application. The herbicide programme that provided >90% cutleaf teasel control and resulted ...
Netrin-1–α3β1 integrin interactions regulate the migration of interneurons through the cortical marginal zone

Cortical GABAergic interneurons, most of which originate in the ganglionic eminences, take distinct tangential migratory trajectories into the developing cerebral cortex. However, the ligand–receptor systems that modulate the tangential migration of distinct groups of interneurons into the emerging cerebral wall remain unclear. Here, we show that netrin-1, a diffusible guidance cue expressed along the migratory routes traversed by GABAergic interneurons, interacts with α3β1 integrin to promote interneuronal migration. In vivo analysis of interneuron-specific α3β1 integrin, netrin-1–deficient mice (α3lox/−Dlx5/6-CIE, netrin-1−/−) reveals specific deficits in the patterns of interneuronal migration along the top of the developing cortical plate, resulting in aberrant interneuronal positioning throughout the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of conditional α3lox/−Dlx5/6-CIE, netrin-1−/− mice. These results indicate that specific guidance mechanisms, such as netrin-1–α3β1 integrin interactions, modulate distinct routes of interneuronal migration and the consequent positioning of groups of cortical interneurons in the developing cerebral cortex.
Characterisation of receptor-specific TNFα functions in adipocyte cell lines lacking type 1 and 2 TNF receptors

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) is a multifunctional cytokine that exerts a myriad of biological actions in numerous different tissues including adipocytes through its two distinct cell surface receptors. To address the role of each TNF receptor in the biological actions of TNFα in adipocytes, we have developed four new preadipocyte cell lines. These were established from wild type controls (TNFR1+/+R2+/+) and from mice lacking TNFR1 (TNFR1−/−), TNFR2 (TNFR2−/−) or both (TNFR1−/−R2−/−). All four new cell lines can fully differentiate to form mature adipocytes, under appropriate culture conditions, as judged by cell morphology, expression of multiple adipogenic markers and the ability to mediate agonist-stimulated lipolysis and insulin-stimulated glucose transport. In wild type (TNFR1+/+R2+/+) and TNFR2−/− adipocytes, TNFα stimulated lipolysis and inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose transport as well as insulin receptor autophosphorylation. In contrast, these activities were completely lost in the TNFR1−/−R2−/− and TNFR1−/− cells. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that TNFα-induced lipolysis, as well as inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose transport are predominantly mediated by TNFR1 and that the presence of TNFR2 is not necessary for these functions. This new experimental system promises to be useful in dissecting the molecular pathways activated by each TNF receptor in mediating the biological functions of TNFα in differentiated adipocytes.
Liver transplantation for Wilson's disease

Abstract Background/Aims: As has been the case with other metabolic diseases of the liver in the last decade, orthotopic liver transplantation has been applied to the treatment of Wilson's disease with increasing frequency. The experience at the University of Pittsburg with orthotopic liver transplantation for Wilson's disease is reported. Methods: Between February 1981 and December 1991, 51 orthotopic liver transplants were performed on 39 patients (16 pediatric, 23 adults) with Wilson's disease. Twenty-two patients were transplanted because of a presentation co-existent with fulminant hepatic failure. Seventeen presented with chronic advanced liver disease with (n=9) or without (n=8) associated neurologic dysfunction. Results: The rate of primary graft survival (n-39) was 73% and patient survival was 79.4%. No patient mortality occurred beyond 3 weeks post-orthotopic liver transplantation. Survival was better for those with a chronic advanced liver disease presentation (90%) than it was for those with a fulminant hepatic failure (73%) presentation, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: 1) Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for Wilson's disease presenting as fulminant hepatic hepatic failure; 2) orthotopic liver transplantation should be considered for patients with Wilson's disease with advanced, chronic liver disease for whom no other therapy is possible; 3) orthotopic liver transplantation only partially corrects the underlying metabolic defect of patients with Wilson's disease and converts the copper kinetics from that characteristic of an individual affected with a homozygous disease to that of an individual who is an obligate heterozygote, thereby effecting a phenotypic cure.