cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive input-output linearizing control of a continuous stirred tank reactor

Abstract In this paper, we report the application of two different parameter adaptation schemes used to improve the performance of input-output linearizing control of an exothermic continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The first technique is based on ensuring the stability of the control system in the sense of Lyapunov when there are variations in the parameters appearing linearly in the linearizing control law. The second approach considers recursive least squares for parameter estimation independent of the control system stability. When the reactor is subjected to conditions of extreme parametric sensitivity and unstable operating conditions in the presence of variations in the process parameters, the parameter adaptive approach to linearizing control exhibits satisfactory behavior in terms of offset free regulation and improved performance.
Toward a Better Understanding of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Search and Seizure Rates

Abstract Recent studies demonstrated a consistent research finding that compared to Caucasian motorists, Black and Hispanic motorists were significantly more likely to be subjected to personal and/or vehicle searches during traffic stops, but significantly less likely to be found in possession of contraband. Explanations for these findings were typically based on speculation regarding officers' racial animus, bias, and discrimination. Unfortunately, very little is truly known about the reasons for these disparate patterns in police behavior. This article presents an alternative explanation for the reoccurring findings of racial/ethnic disparities in searches and seizures, based on research findings regarding the accuracy of clues of deception and suspicious behavior taught to officers through highway criminal interdiction training. These research findings are used to develop a hypothesis that could account for the patterns of racial/ethnic disparities in search rates. The implications for future research and policing policies based on this hypothesis are discussed.
On the weak limit of the largest eigenvalue of a large dimensional sample covariance matrix

Abstract Let {wij}, i, j = 1, 2, …, be i.i.d. random variables and for each n let M n = ( 1 n ) W n W n T , where Wn = (wij), i = 1, 2, …, p; j = 1, 2, …, n; p = p(n), and p n → y > 0 as n → ∞. The weak behavior of the largest eigenvalue of Mn is studied. The primary aim of the paper is to show that the largest eigenvalue converges in probability to a nonrandom quantity if and only if E(w11) = 0 and n4P(|ω11| ≥ n) = o(1), the limit being (1 + √y)2 E(w112).
The effect of forced choice on color discrimination

Color discrimination ability was measured at four spectral regions usually named blue, green, yellow, and red. Two methods, temporal forced-choice and phenomenal report, were compared. Data suggest that for color discrimination, phenomenal report is a preferable technique.
The devil's staircase: the electrical engineer's fractal

A description is given of an experimental technique for rapidly and accurately measuring the devil's staircase, a structure of frequency lockings in a periodically forced nonlinear oscillator. This technique uses a personal computer, a programmable oscillator, and a frequency counter. The authors analyze the method, discuss its limitations, and present experimental results for two simple test circuits. >
Inhibition by pyridoxal-5′-phosphate of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor binding to synaptic membranes of cat cerebellum

Abstract The binding of [ 3 H]γ-aminobutyric acid to cat cerebellar membranes is reversibly inhibited in a competitive manner by pyridoxal-5′-phosphate present during the binding assay. Structural analogues of the inhibitor have no such effect. If, on the other hand, the membranes are preincubated with pyridoxal-5′-phosphate followed by the addition of sodium borohydride, a rapid, irreversible inhibition of subsequent γ-aminobutyric acid binding is observed. Since pyridoxal-5′-phosphate is known to inactivate certain enzymes by reacting with essential lysine residues, the present results suggest that such a lysine residue may be present within the γ-aminobutyric acid receptor.
Cellulose Fermentation: Effect of Substrate Pretreatment on Microbial Growth

The effects of chemical, physical, and enzymatic treatments of rice straw and sugarcane bagasse on the microbial digestibility of cellulose have been investigated. Treatment with 4% NaOH for 15 min at 100 C increased the digestibility of cellulose from 29.4 to 73%. Treatment with 5.2% NH3 could increase digestibility to 57.0% Treatments with sulfuric acid and crude cellulase preparation solubilized cellulose but did not increase the digestibility. Grinding or high-pressure cooking of the substrate had little effect on increasing the digestibility of cellulosic substrates by the Cellulomonas species.
Obesity, brain natriuretic peptide levels and mortality in patients hospitalized with heart failure and preserved left ventricular systolic function.

Abstract Background An inverse relationship between brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and body mass index (BMI) has been described for patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. In this study, the association of BMI, BNP levels and mortality in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved LV systolic function (HFpLVF) was investigated. Methods One hundred fifty consecutive patients (98% men) who were hospitalized with HFpLVF and had BNP levels measured on admission were analyzed. Patients were divided into categories of BMI: normal (BMI 2 ), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m 2 ) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ). Relevant clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and all-cause mortality were obtained through chart review. Results BNP levels were significantly lower in obese (median = 227 pg/mL) and overweight (median = 396 pg/mL) patients compared with those with normal BMI (median = 608 pg/mL, P = 0.003). Higher BMI predicted BNP levels of Conclusions An inverse relationship between BMI and BNP levels exists in patients hospitalized with HFpLVF. Higher BMI is associated with lower mortality, whereas higher BNP levels predict higher mortality in male patients with HFpLVF. These findings should be confirmed in a larger multicenter setting.
Breast cancer knowledge and attitudes toward mammography as predictors of breast cancer preventive behavior in Kazakh, Korean, and Russian women in Kazakhstan.

To explore differences in breast cancer knowledge and attitudes toward mammography for women representing three ethnic groups (Kazakh, Korean, and Russian) and to determine how these factors affect breast cancer preventive practices in Almaty City, Kazakhstan. A cross-sectional, descriptive study design was utilized. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 500 women in Almaty City. A combination of descriptive (ANOVA) and multivariate analyses (structural equation modeling) was used to estimate differences in respondents’ breast cancer knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Findings indicate that women may be influenced by their clinicians’ advice to engage in breast cancer preventive practices. Multivariate models suggest that breast cancer knowledge and attitudes toward the effectiveness of mammography are significant determinants of breast cancer preventive practices among study participants. Clinicians should encourage women to engage in breast cancer preventive practices. Clinical and public health interventions should be aimed at both women and healthcare providers to use mammography as a tool for early detection of breast cancer in Almaty City, Kazakhstan.
A method for determining the optimum transform for covariates of the Cox model with application to 3680 cases of intraocular melanoma

Abstract For most applications of the Cox Model, a simple exponential relationship is assumed between covariates of this model and relative force of mortality (λ). A method has been developed to examine this relationship in detail for data sets that contain a sufficient number of deaths. This method was applied to 3680 cases of intraocular melanoma with 1178 deaths over 20 years of follow-up, using largest tumor dimension ( L TD ) as a predictor of tumor-related death. Results indicated that the transform λ = exp{ β log L TD }provides a closer approximation to observed mortality for this data set than the more traditional λ = exp{ βL TD }. Additional applications to mathematically generated data sets revealed a close correspondence between λ estimated by this method and the λ programmed into each data set.
Branes, Calabi-Yau spaces, and toroidal compactification of the N = 1 six-dimensional E8 theory

Abstract We consider compactifications of the N = 1, d = 6, E8 theory on tori to five, four, and three dimensions and learn about some properties of this theory. As a by-product we derive the SL(2, Z ) duality of the N = 2, d = 4, SU(2) theory with Nf = 4. Using this theory on a D-brane probe we shed new light on the singularities of F-theory compactifications to eight dimensions. As another application we consider compactifications of F-theory, M-theory and the IIA string on (singular) Calabi-Yau spaces where our theory appears in space-time. Our viewpoint leads to a new perspective on the nature of the singularities in the moduli space and their space-time interpretations. In particular, we have a universal understanding of how the singularities in the classical moduli space of Calabi-Yau spaces are modified by world-sheet instantons to singularities in the moduli space of the corresponding conformal field theories.
In vitro host-pathogen interactions of Pinus elliottii calli and Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans

Establishment of dual cultures of slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii) with vegetative propagules of Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans (FMS) was only partially successful. In contrast, the response of slash pine callus to FMS culture filtrate was significant. The in vitro selection for FMS resistance using culture filtrate and slash pine callus or plantlets merits further investigation.
Role of indium-111 labelled platelet scintigraphy in the management of thrombocytopenic patients with malignant neoplasms

This study was done to investigate the role of indium-111 labelled platelet scintigraphy in the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with malignant neoplasms. The study involved 20 consecutive patients with thrombocytopenia associated with malignant neoplasms or hematological disorders and without evidence of underproduction of megakaryocytes due to chemotherapy or bone marrow infiltration by the malignancy. Splenic sequestration of platelets was evaluated by measuring splenic uptake of 111In-labelled platelets, and findings were correlated with the outcome of splenectomy and medication. Of the 20 patients, 13 had splenic sequestration of platelets. Seven of the 13 patients underwent splenectomy; six of these seven patients experienced a complete response. The other six patients received medication only and showed no response. Of the seven patients without splenic sequestration of platelets, five received medication, and four of them responded to it. 111In-labelled platelet scintigraphy has a role in selecting appropriate therapy and predicting its efficacy in patients with thrombocytopenia associated with malignant neoplasms.
Infrared thermography and numerical study of vaporization characteristics of pure and blended bio-fuel droplets

The combustion dynamics and stability are dependent on the quality of mixing and vaporization of the liquid fuel in the pre-mixer. The vaporization characteristics of different blends of bio-fuel droplets injected into the air stream in the pre-mixer have been modeled. Two major alternate fuels analyzed are ethanol and Rapeseed Methyl Esters (RME). Ethanol is being used as a substitute of gasoline, while RME has been considered as an alternative for diesel. In the current work, the vaporization characteristics of a single droplet in a simple pre-mixer has been studied for pure ethanol and RME in a hot air jet at a temperature of 800 K. In addition, the behavior of the fuels when they are mixed with conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel is also studied. Temperature gradients and vaporization efficiency for different blends of bio-conventional fuel mixture are compared with one another. Smaller droplets vaporize faster than larger droplets ensuring homogenous mixture. The model was validated using an experiment involving convection heating of acoustically levitated fuel droplets and IR-thermography to visualize and quantify the vaporization characteristics of different bio-fuel blends downstream of the pre-mixer.
Congenital broncho-biliary fistula

Abstract A sixth case of congenital bronchobiliary fistula is reported in a 3-week-old infant. This is the fourth surgical success and the youngest patient reported.
Lymphokine-mediated activation of human monocytes: neutralization by monoclonal antibody to interferon-gamma

Purified natural and recombinant human immune interferon (IFN-gamma) were found to activate human monocytes from peripheral blood to exert enhanced cytotoxicity against human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells. A marked monocyte activation was observed at low concentrations (1 and 10 U/ml) of IFN-gamma. Marked monocyte activation was also obtained with two lymphokine preparations, produced in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBM) cultures induced with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or by combined stimulation with PHA and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). The component responsible for macrophage activation in such lymphokine preparations in the past was considered to be "macrophage-activating factor" (MAF). When monoclonal antibody specifically neutralizing IFN-gamma was added to these lymphokine preparations, all MAF activity disappeared, indicating that IFN-gamma is the sole protein showing MAF activity in these preparations.
MicroRNA modulation of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in cardiometabolic diseases

The regulation of the metabolism of cholesterol has been one of the most studied biological processes since its first isolation from gallstones in 1784. High levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and reduced levels of plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are widely recognized as major risk factors of cardiovascular disease. An imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species can oxidize LDL particles, increasing the levels of the highly proatherogenic oxidized LDL. Furthermore, under pathological scenarios, numerous molecules can function as pro-oxidants, such as iron or (high levels of) glucose. In addition to the classical mechanisms regulating lipid homeostasis, recent studies have demonstrated the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as regulators of lipoprotein metabolism, oxidative derivatives of lipoprotein, and redox balance. Here, we summarize recent findings in the field, highlighting the contributions of some miRNAs to lipid- and oxidative-associated pathologies. We also discuss how therapeutic intervention of miRNAs may be a promising strategy to decrease LDL, increase HDL, and ameliorate lipid- and oxidative-related disorders, including atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Chronic zinc deficiency in mice disrupted T cell lymphopoiesis and erythropoiesis while B cell lymphopoiesis and myelopoiesis were maintained.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of chronic zinc deficiency (ChrZD) on T and B cell lymphopoiesis, myelopoiesis and erythropoiesis in mice.Methods: Young adult mice were fed a zinc adequate (ZA) or ChrZD synthetic diet for 34, 45, and 50 days. The cellular composition of the thymus and marrow were determined to assess the impact of ChrZD on lymphopoietic and hematopoietic processes using flow cytometry. Body weights, serum zinc and corticosterone (Cs) were monitored.Results: For ChrZD mice growth was reduced 10% and serum zinc declined 15% by d 34 compared to ZA mice. By d 50 a 25% decrease in growth and 70% depression in serum zinc was noted though there was never any significant reduction in diet intake. Corticosterone rose 2.5 fold by d 34 and remained elevated in ChrZD mice indicating induction of the stress axis. At d 34 the thymus of ChrZD mice was normal but by d 50 there was a 50% cell loss and a 10% reduction in the proportion of Pre-T cells. Most importantly there...
Lyric analysis of popular and original music with adolescents

The purpose of this article is to inform readers of the various objectives that are met when using lyric discussion and analysis as poetry therapy with adolescent participants. In contrast to other forms of poetry, which adolescents often initially see as impractical or dull, music is an easily accessible tool that can be used to both build client–therapist rapport as well as provide material which the patient can easily enjoy and relate to. The article details information on how to properly utilize lyric analysis in poetry therapy, such as song selection and its benefits, the pros and cons of individual vs. group analysis, patient preferred music, and working with lyrical content with an overall negative message. The article later documents specific types of psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues that many teenagers struggle with on a daily basis. Topics discussed include depression, grief and bereavement, delinquency, issues within the family unit, communication, lack of self-identity, and subs...
Decreased NAA in Gray Matter is Correlated with Decreased Availability of Acetate in White Matter in Postmortem Multiple Sclerosis Cortex

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which leads to progressive neurological disability. Our previous studies have demonstrated mitochondrial involvement in MS cortical pathology and others have documented decreased levels of the neuronal mitochondrial metabolite N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) in the MS brain. While NAA is synthesized in neurons, it is broken down in oligodendrocytes into aspartate and acetate. The resulting acetate is incorporated into myelin lipids, linking neuronal mitochondrial function to oligodendrocyte-mediated elaboration of myelin lipids in the CNS. In the present study we show that treating human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with the electron transport chain inhibitor antimycin A decreased levels of NAA as measured by HPLC. To better understand the significance of the relationship between mitochondrial function and levels of NAA and its breakdown product acetate on MS pathology we then quantitated the levels of NAA and acetate in MS and control postmortem tissue blocks. Regardless of lesion status, we observed that levels of NAA were decreased 25 and 32 % in gray matter from parietal and motor cortex in MS, respectively, compared to controls. Acetate levels in adjacent white matter mirrored these decreases as evidenced by the 36 and 45 % reduction in acetate obtained from parietal and motor cortices. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced NAA levels in neurons may result in compromised myelination by oligodendrocytes due to decreased availability of acetate necessary for the synthesis of myelin lipids.
Tissue determination using the animal cap transplant (ACT) assay in Xenopus laevis.

Many proteins play a dual role in embryonic development. Those that regulate cell fate determination in a specific tissue can also affect the development of a larger region of the embryo. This makes defining its role in a particular tissue difficult to analyze. For example, noggin overexpression in Xenopus laevis embryos causes the expansion of the entire anterior region, including the eye1,2. From this result, it is not known if Noggin plays a direct role in eye determination or that by causing an expansion of neural tissue, Noggin indirectly affects eye formation. Having this complex phenotype makes studying its eye-specific role in cell fate determination difficult to analyze. We have developed an assay that overcomes this problem. Taking advantage of the pluripotent nature of the Xenopus laevis animal cap 3, we have developed an assay to test the ability of gene product(s), like noggin or the eye field transcription factors (EFTFs), to transform caps into particular tissue or cell types by transplanting this tissue onto the side of the embryo 4. While we have found either Noggin protein treatment or a collection of transcription factors can determine retinal cell fate in animal caps, this procedure could be used to identify gene product(s) involved in specifying other tissues as well.
Dielectric-waveguide strain gauge: a theoretical study

We present a theoretical analysis of the strain dependence of bend loss from a multimode slab dielectric waveguide formed in the shape of an arc of a circle. This dependence suggests its use as a strain gauge. We calculate the strain sensitivity of this gauge as a function of the core–cladding index difference, bend radius, and arc angle. The method that we use is a geometrical-optics analysis modified to account for the curvature of the boundary between the core and the cladding.
Using Groundwater Models to Evaluate Strategies for Drinking-Water Protection in Rural Subdivisions

Problem: Groundwater contamination is a concern in rural residential subdivisions where numerous septic systems and private wells are sited in close proximity. Although most state codes regulate the construction and location of private wells, these regulations do not usually account for site-specific conditions that may impact drinking-water quality. Purpose: Groundwater models provide a technical basis for delineating groundwater flow to domestic wells. Despite their widespread use in the hydrologic sciences, planners and developers rarely have access to such models. We aimed to assess existing regulations for domestic wells and septic systems and illustrate how groundwater models can be used to evaluate strategies for additional drinking-water protection in unsewered residential subdivisions. Methods: We developed groundwater flow models for two subdivisions in southern Wisconsin, analyzed the results, and disseminated them to local officials, developers, and residents. Results and conclusions: Models o...
Reliability and validity of some handedness questionnaire items

Abstract A group of college students filled out a handedness questionnaire; a month later they were asked to perform the tasks mentioned on the questionnaire and then to fill out the questionnaire again. Twenty-three items have been scaled for reliability and validity and for the frequency of right hand preference by predominantly left handed people. On these bases, certain items are recommended for inclusion on future handedness questionnaires.
Factors of PTSD: Differential specificity and external correlates

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has been found to be a multidimensional disorder most likely consisting of four distinct symptom dimensions. Many studies have investigated the fit of two competing structural models of PTSD (King et al., 1998; Simms et al., 2002). However, little research has been done on the utility and differential external correlates of these dimensions. Meta-analysis was used to find the correlations between dimensions of PTSD and five external variables (depression, anxiety, panic, substance use, and trauma history), and multivariate analysis was used to find the unique contributions of each dimension in predicting each variable. It was found that the Simms et al. (2002) model better divides PTSD symptoms into specific and general factors. The relative specificity of each factor is discussed.
In Situ X‐Ray Absorption Fine Structure Measurements of LaNi5 Electrodes in Alkaline Electrolytes

In situ Ni K-edge and La{sub m}-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements of LaNi{sub 5} electrodes supported on hydrophobic carbon black-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layers were carried out in strongly alkaline electrolytes as a function of the state of charge. The Ni K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) for the material in the discharged (and uncharged) and charged states were essentially identical to those reported earlier for crystalline LaNi{sub 5} before and after exposure to gas-phase hydrogen, respectively. The Ni K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of the most prominent shell yielded average Ni-Ni nearest neighbor distances of 2.52 {+-} 0.02 {angstrom} for the charged compared to 2.47 {+-} 0.02 {angstrom} for the discharged and uncharged electrodes. For the La L{sub m}-edge XANES, the white line was found to be significantly more intense for the charged than for the uncharged LaNi{sub 5}, an effect consistent with an increase in the density of empty d-like states just above the Fermi level on hydrogen injection.
The evaluation of benzene and phenol biodegradation kinetics by applying non-structured models.

The biodegradation kinetics of the aromatic hydrocarbons benzene and phenol as single substrates and as a mixture were investigated through non-structured model analysis. The material balance equations involving the models of Monod and Andrews and representing the biodegradation kinetics of individual substrates in batch mode were numerically solved. Further, utilization of a benzene–phenol mixture was described by applying more sophisticated mathematical forms of competitive, noncompetitive and uncompetitive inhibition models as well as the sum kinetic interactions parameters (SKIP) model. In order to improve the performance of the studied models, some modifications were also proposed. The Particle Swarm Global Optimization method, coded in Maple, was applied to the parameter identification procedure of each model, where the least square method was used as a search statistical criterion. The description of the biodegradation kinetics of a benzene–phenol mixture by the competitive inhibition model was based on the information that the compounds could be catabolized via one metabolic pathway of Pseudomonas putida F1. Simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data and proved the robustness of the applied methods and models. The developed knowledge database could be very useful in the optimization of the biodegradation processes of different bioreactor types and operational conditions.
Pitfalls in the management of patients with primary hyperoxaluria: a urologist’s perspective

The primary hyperoxalurias are rare, inherited diseases which commonly manifest early in life as urolithiasis. As these patients often present to the urologic surgeon, it is imperative that urologists understand the typical presentation, diagnosis, and management of urolithiasis associated with primary hyperoxaluria. In this review, the pertinent epidemiology and pathogenesis as they relate to the diagnosis and natural history of the disease are discussed. The literature on therapeutic options for primary hyperoxaluric patients with calculi is examined, and treatment strategies are suggested.
Intramolecular dephasing in pyrazine: deuterium isotope effect and further tests of theory

We present picosecond time-resolved results on the fluorescence decay of jet-cooled pyrazine-d_4. The decay is pseudo-double exponential and quantum-beat-modulated. The data for pyrazine-d_4, as well as for pyrazine-h_4, are rationalized using radia tionless transition theory. Finally, the connection of the picosecond dynamics to the frequency domain spectrum of pyrazine eigenstates is made.
Effects of early life exposure to ultraviolet C radiation on mitochondrial DNA content, transcription, ATP production, and oxygen consumption in developing Caenorhabditis elegans

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is present in multiple copies per cell and undergoes dramatic amplification during development. The impacts of mtDNA damage incurred early in development are not well understood, especially in the case of types of mtDNA damage that are irreparable, such as ultraviolet C radiation (UVC)-induced photodimers. We exposed first larval stage nematodes to UVC using a protocol that results in accumulated mtDNA damage but permits nuclear DNA (nDNA) repair. We then measured the transcriptional response, as well as oxygen consumption, ATP levels, and mtDNA copy number through adulthood. Although the mtDNA damage persisted to the fourth larval stage, we observed only a relatively minor ~40% decrease in mtDNA copy number. Transcriptomic analysis suggested an inhibition of aerobic metabolism and developmental processes; mRNA levels for mtDNA-encoded genes were reduced ~50% at 3 hours post-treatment, but recovered and, in some cases, were upregulated at 24 and 48 hours post-exposure. The mtDNA polymerase γ was also induced ~8-fold at 48 hours post-exposure. Moreover, ATP levels and oxygen consumption were reduced in response to UVC exposure, with marked reductions of ~50% at the later larval stages. These results support the hypothesis that early life exposure to mitochondrial genotoxicants could result in mitochondrial dysfunction at later stages of life, thereby highlighting the potential health hazards of time-delayed effects of these genotoxicants in the environment.
To bud or not to bud: the RET perspective in CAKUT

Congenital anomalies of the kidneys or lower urinary tract (CAKUT) encompass a spectrum of anomalies that result from aberrations in spatio-temporal regulation of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and molecular signals at key stages of urinary tract development. The Rearranged in Transfection (RET) tyrosine kinase signaling system is a major pathway required for normal development of the kidneys, ureters, peripheral and enteric nervous systems. In the kidneys, RET is activated by interaction with the ligand glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and coreceptor GFRα1. This activated complex regulates a number of downstream signaling cascades (PLCγ, MAPK, and PI3K) that control proliferation, migration, renewal, and apoptosis. Disruption of these events is thought to underlie diseases arising from aberrant RET signaling. RET mutations are found in 5–30 % of CAKUT patients and a number of Ret mouse mutants show a spectrum of kidney and lower urinary tract defects reminiscent of CAKUT in humans. The remarkable similarities between mouse and human kidney development and in defects due to RET mutations has led to using RET signaling as a paradigm for determining the fundamental principles in patterning of the upper and lower urinary tract and for understanding CAKUT pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of studies in vivo that delineate expression and the functional importance of RET signaling complex during different stages of development of the upper and lower urinary tracts. We discuss how RET signaling balances activating and inhibitory signals emanating from its docking tyrosines and its interaction with upstream and downstream regulators to precisely modulate different aspects of Wolffian duct patterning and branching morphogenesis. We outline the diversity of cellular mechanisms regulated by RET, disruption of which causes malformations ranging from renal agenesis to multicystic dysplastic kidneys in the upper tract and vesicoureteral reflux or ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the lower tract.
Uptake of organics by aerial plant parts: A call for research

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to call for additional research on the uptake of organics by aerial plant parts. We establish two preliminary correlations for predicting the air-to-vegetation transfer of organic chemicals. Given the limited data data, however, it is impossible to conclude which relationship is more accurate. Regardless, the correlations demonstrate the potential importance of considering foliar uptake of organic chemicals as a source of vegetative contamination and subsequent human exposure.
People, partnerships, packaging, and programming: 4Ps to success: a portrait of Alastair Morrison

When the Fall-2013 academic semester was in full swing, I was contacted by Metin Kozak, Editor-in-Chief of Anatolia: An International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Research, to write a portrai...
Controlled trial of bright light for nonseasonal major depressive disorders.

Psychotropic drug-free hospitalized veterans with nonseasonal major depressive disorders or depressed forms of bipolar disorder were treated with light for 1 week. Twenty-five patients were randomly assigned to bright white light treatment (2000-3000 lux), and 26 patients were randomized to dim red light placebo control treatment. Unlike those treated with dim red light, those treated with bright white light showed declines in three measures of depression during treatment. Partial relapse appeared within 2 days. A global depression score showed a statistically significant (p = 0.02) difference favoring bright white light treatment. Two bright-light-treated patients became mildly hypomanic, but side effects were mild. Improvement was not correlated with patient expectations; indeed, patients expected somewhat greater benefit from the placebo. Patients treated in summer responded as well as those treated in winter. Baseline electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep stage data (e.g., rapid eye movement; REM latency) did not predict treatment responses. These 1-week treatment results suggest that bright light might produce benefits for patients with nonseasonal depression. Bright light should not be recommended for routine clinical application before additional assessments with longer treatment durations are done.
Clonal differences in response to T cell replacing factor (TRF) for IgM secretion and TRF receptors in a human B lymphoblast cell line

A number of human B lymphoblast cell lines were tested to find a suitable model for induction of immunoglobulin-secreting cells (ISC) by T cell replacing factor (TRF). Partially purified TRF was size fractionated from the conditioned medium of irradiated (1000 rds) human spleen cells stimulated with pokeweed mitogen. IgM line SKW 6 showed high levels of TRF-stimulated immunoglobulin secretion and was chosen for cloning experiments. Clone 11 had a very low level of ISC with or without TRF (less than 0.1% ISC). Clone 4 had low background numbers of ISC (0.2%) and showed the highest degree of stimulation by TRF (to 6% IFC). High secreting clone 8-2 (6%) was not stimulated significantly by TRF. These clones had the same HLA-DR antigens, and their levels of ISC and sensitivity to TRF were relatively stable over three months of observation. The TRF preparation also had strong helper activity for normal peripheral blood B cell differentiation. TRF activity for both normal B cells and clone 4 cell line was absorbed by all 3 clones, but not by a pre-B line. This suggests that the effector molecules for normal B cell and cell line differentiation were the same. The three typical clones corresponding to nonresponding, responding, and high rate-secreting B cells provide basic models for analyzing B cell receptors for TRF and the biochemical effects of TRF during B cell differ entiation.
Did medicated salt hasten the spread of chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum

With acknowledged difficulties in achieving satisfactory compliance rates for the large-scale delivery of many antiporositic drugs, the use of medicated salt has often been seen as a useful way to improve the level o f treatment in target populations. Iodinated salt is said to have contributed to a decline in endemic goitre, and salt medicated with chloroquine and/or other antimalorials, or with diethylcarbomazine, has been widely used in public health programmes against malaria and filariosis respectively. In this article, however, David Payne suggests that chloroquinized salt programmes may have been a major factor in promoting chloroquine resistance in Plasmodium falciparum.
Heterogeneity of intraductai carcinoma of the breast

Fifty-one women (29 to 75 years of age) with 55 cancers (ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) were studied by comparing biopsy specimens with mastectomy specimens. Presentation, histologic type, nuclear grade, microscopic duct counts, multicentricity, and microinvasion were correlated. Forty-seven percent of the cancers (26 of 55) were detected by mam-mography, 18% (ten of 55) were incidental to benign disease, and 35% (19 of 55) were palpable or exhibited nipple abnormality. Incidental tumors were all DCIS, averaged seven ducts, and showed no residual tumor during mastectomy. Mammographic lesions averaged 117 ducts (31% (eight of 26) were DCISM and 42% (11 of 26) were multicentric). Most comedocarcinomas that showed a high incidence of microinvasion were in this group. Clinical lesions averaged 110 ducts (42% (eight of 19) were DCISM and 68% (13 of 19) were multicentric). Three had nodal metastases. Mammographic and clinical tumors in the quantitative range of the incidental group (50 ducts) showed significant differences from it for all variables studied. Histologic and quantitative study of these tumors is necessary to best guide treatment. Incidental tumors, however, may only need observation.
Direct psychophysical scaling of the olfactory pleasantness of diluted n-amyl acetate*

A category and two magnitude scales were constructed from observations of 12 Os who judged the pleasantness of a geometric dilution series of n-amyl acetate. Pleasantness varied inversely with concentration and had a short subjective range for a fairly typical range of stimulus concentrations. Scales resembled power functions with negative exponents of .110 to .126. A concave upward relationship between the two types of scales, which was also found in previous experiments involving hedonic and oiliness attributes, suggests a nonprothetic continuum, although evidence was mixed.
Synthetic strands of cardiac muscle. Formation and ultrastructure.

Spontaneously active bundles of cardiac muscle (synthetic strands) were prepared from isolated cells of 11–13-day old embryonic chick hearts which were disaggregated with trypsin. Linear orientation of the cells was obtained by plating them on agar-coated culture dishes in which either grooves were cut in the agar film or a thin line of palladium was deposited over the agar. The influence of cell-to-cell and cell-to-substrate interactions was observed with time lapse cinematography and the formation of the synthetic strand was shown to involve both random and guided cell movements, enlargement of aggregates by accretion and coalescence, and the compact linear arrangement of cells along paths of preferential adhesion. Electron microscope investigations of these strands showed that a dispersed population of heart cells organized into an inner core of muscle cells and an outer sheath of fibroblast-like cells. The muscle cells contained well-developed, but widely spaced myofibrils, a developing sarcoplasmic reticulum associated in part with the myofibrils and in part with the sarcolemma, an abundance of nonmembrane bound ribosomes and glycogen, and a prominent Golgi complex. Numerous specialized contacts were observed between the muscle cells in the strand, e.g., fasciae adherentes, desmosomes, and nexuses. A distinct type of muscle cell characterized by its pale appearance was regularly observed in the strand and was noted to be similar to Purkinje cells described in the adult avian conduction system and in developing chick myocardium. The present findings were compared with other observations of the developing myocardium, in situ, and it was concluded that, by a number or criteria, the muscle cells of the strand were differentiating normally and suitably organized for electrophysiological studies.
A formal automated approach for reverse engineering programs with pointers

Given a program S and a precondition Q, the strongest postcondition, denoted sp(S,Q), is defined as the strongest condition that holds after the execution of S, given that S terminates. By defining the formal semantics of each of the constructs of a programming language, a formal specification of the behavior of a program written using the given programming language can be constructed. In this paper we address the formal semantics of pointers in order to handle a realistic model of programming languages that incorporate the use of pointers. In addition, we present a tool for supporting the construction of formal specifications of programs that include the use of pointers.
Where the cell cycle and histones meet

Since the discovery of mammalian cyclin E and the Dtype cyclins in 1991, much effort has been devoted towards elucidating their role in G1 progression and S phase entry. Key to this endeavor has been the identification and characterization of substrates for cyclin E–CDK2 and D-type cyclin–CDK4 and cyclin–CDK6 complexes. Whereas there appears to be only one critical substrate of CDK4 and CDK6, the list of CDK2 substrates continues to lengthen in line with the realization that the principal mediators of cyclin E–CDK2 action are yet to be identified. The papers by Ma et al. and Zhao et al. in this issue bring a new dimension to our understanding of cyclin E–CDK2, by showing that NPAT, a previously identified CDK2 substrate, links the cell cycle to histone gene transcription. This provides us with the beginnings of how the action of CDKs is linked to the periodic synthesis of histones in mammalian cells. These works illuminate our picture of how the cell cycle control elements may influence multiple biosynthetic processes as integral to S phase as duplication of the genetic material itself.
The sense of diachronic personal identity

In this paper, I first consider a famous objection that the standard interpretation of the Lockean account of diachronicity (i.e., one’s sense of personal identity over time) via psychological connectedness falls prey to breaks in one’s personal narrative. I argue that recent case studies show that while this critique may hold with regard to some long-term autobiographical self-knowledge (e.g., episodic memory), it carries less warrant with respect to accounts based on trait-relevant, semantic self-knowledge. The second issue I address concerns the question of diachronicity from the vantage point that there are (at least) two aspects of self—the self of psycho-physical instantiation (what I term the epistemological self) and the self of first person subjectivity (what I term the ontological self; for discussion, see Klein SB, The self and its brain, Social Cognition, 30, 474–518, 2012). Each is held to be a necessary component of selfhood, and, in interaction, they are appear jointly sufficient for a synchronic sense of self (Klein SB, The self and its brain, Social Cognition, 30, 474–518, 2012). As pertains to diachronicity, by contrast, I contend that while the epistemological self, by itself, is precariously situated to do the work required by a coherent theory of personal identity across time, the ontological self may be better positioned to take up the challenge.
Inter-species pathway perturbation prediction via data-driven detection of functional homology

Motivation: Experiments in animal models are often conducted to infer how humans will respond to stimuli by assuming that the same biological pathways will be affected in both organisms. The limitations of this assumption were tested in the IMPROVER Species Translation Challenge, where 52 stimuli were applied to both human and rat cells and perturbed pathways were identified. In the Interspecies Pathway Perturbation Prediction sub-challenge, multiple teams proposed methods to use rat transcription data from 26 stimuli
Generation dispatch under large penetration of wind energy considering emission and economy

Wind, as a renewable energy source, has been generally applied as a means to reach emission reduction goals as a result of increasing concern regarding environmental protection. Although wind generation does not directly produce harmful emissions, its effect on the generation dispatch of conventional plants can actually cause an increase in emissions especially during low and medium energy demand periods. This paper presents an interactive bi-objective programming with valuable trade-off approach for solving generation dispatch which considers environmental and fuel costs inherent to large scale penetration of wind energy. An effective encoding/decoding scheme combined with simulated annealing-like particle swarm optimization is applied for the optimization methodology, thereby dramatically improving search efficiency and solution quality. The proposed approach can provide a valuable trade-off Pareto-optimal solution by following the preferences of decision makers. The non-linear characteristics of power generators and their operational constraints, such as generation limitations, ramp rate limits, prohibited operating zones, and transmission loss are considered for practical operation. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed approach were demonstrated through an IEEE 30-bus test system study. The experiment showed encouraging results, suggesting that the proposed approach was capable of providing higher quality and a wider range of Pareto-optimal solutions such that the decision makers can be presented more flexible and reasonable choices.
Mechanisms of Structural Remodeling in Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension

1. Anthony G. Durmowicz, MD* 2. Kurt R. Stenmark, MD* 1. 2. *Department of Pediatrics, Developmental Lung Biology Laboratory, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Explain the physiologic consequences of structural remodeling in chronic pulmonary hypertension. 2. Describe the two primary components of the structural changes that occur in the pulmonary vascular wall during chronic pulmonary hypertension. 3. List the substances produced by endothelial cells that are affected by hypoxia. 4. Describe the potential consequences of changes in hemodynamic stresses on endothelium. 5. Delineate the primary changes in smooth muscle cells that occur in pulmonary hypertension. 6. Describe the signaling pathways that regulate responses of smooth muscle cells to stimuli. 7. Delineate the mechanisms by which hypoxia stimulates proliferation of fibroblasts. Pulmonary hypertension may arise in the neonate and young infant from a multitude of disease processes involving both the cardiac and respiratory systems. Common causes include congenital heart disease with increased pulmonary blood flow, diaphragmatic hernia with associated lung hypoplasia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and idiopathic persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Regardless of the cause, chronic pulmonary hypertension is associated with maladaptive changes in pulmonary vascular structure and function (remodeling). These changes prompt further rises in pulmonary artery pressure, limit responses to vasodilator therapies, and if persistent, lead to cor pulmonale and death. Clearly, an understanding of the mechanisms contributing to vascular remodeling is necessary to design optimal treatment strategies. Unfortunately, no laboratory model of pulmonary hypertension duplicates all of the pathophysiologic changes seen in the various types of neonatal and pediatric pulmonary hypertension. However, hypoxia is a common pathologic stimulus in the neonatal period that modulates both pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary blood flow and often is associated with pulmonary hypertension. Importantly, hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in neonatal animal models reproduces many of the characteristics seen in neonates and infants who have severe pulmonary hypertension. These include severe hypoxemia with right-to-left intracardiac and ductal shunting of blood, altered pulmonary vasoreactivity, and dramatic …