cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image segmentation evaluation: A survey of unsupervised methods

Image segmentation is an important processing step in many image, video and computer vision applications. Extensive research has been done in creating many different approaches and algorithms for image segmentation, but it is still difficult to assess whether one algorithm produces more accurate segmentations than another, whether it be for a particular image or set of images, or more generally, for a whole class of images. To date, the most common method for evaluating the effectiveness of a segmentation method is subjective evaluation, in which a human visually compares the image segmentation results for separate segmentation algorithms, which is a tedious process and inherently limits the depth of evaluation to a relatively small number of segmentation comparisons over a predetermined set of images. Another common evaluation alternative is supervised evaluation, in which a segmented image is compared against a manually-segmented or pre-processed reference image. Evaluation methods that require user assistance, such as subjective evaluation and supervised evaluation, are infeasible in many vision applications, so unsupervised methods are necessary. Unsupervised evaluation enables the objective comparison of both different segmentation methods and different parameterizations of a single method, without requiring human visual comparisons or comparison with a manually-segmented or pre-processed reference image. Additionally, unsupervised methods generate results for individual images and images whose characteristics may not be known until evaluation time. Unsupervised methods are crucial to real-time segmentation evaluation, and can furthermore enable self-tuning of algorithm parameters based on evaluation results. In this paper, we examine the unsupervised objective evaluation methods that have been proposed in the literature. An extensive evaluation of these methods are presented. The advantages and shortcomings of the underlying design mechanisms in these methods are discussed and analyzed through analytical evaluation and empirical evaluation. Finally, possible future directions for research in unsupervised evaluation are proposed.
Abstract 5331: GenomeSpace: An environment for frictionless bioinformatics

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Over the past several years, cancer genome characterization initiatives such as The Cancer Genome Atlas and the International Cancer Genome Consortium have produced an explosion of genomic data. These efforts, together with the proliferation of repositories for small-molecule screens and large-scale data production efforts to discover the breadth of genomic variation in humans, offer a new era of potential for the understanding of the basic mechanisms of cancer and identification of novel treatments. Comprehensive analysis of these datasets requires the coordinated use of Web-based applications and data repositories, desktop analysis tools and visualizers, and single-purpose algorithms. However, the effort required to transfer data between tools, convert between data formats, and manage results often prevents researchers from utilizing the wealth of methods available to them. Many integrative genomics and translational “bench to bedside” discoveries are possible with combinations of existing tools, but the necessary transitions between them puts them out of the reach of most researchers. GenomeSpace, http://www.genomespace.org, is an environment that brings together diverse computational tools, enabling scientists without programming skills to easily combine their capabilities. It aims to offer a common space to create, manipulate and share an ever-growing range of genomic analysis tools. GenomeSpace features support for cloud-based data storage and analysis, multi-tool analytic workflows, automatic conversion of data formats, and ease of connecting new tools to the environment. A set of six “GenomeSpace-enabled” seed tools developed by collaborating organizations provides a comprehensive platform for the analysis of cancer data: Cytoscape (UCSD), Galaxy (Penn State University), GenePattern (Broad Institute), Genomica (Weitzmann Institute), Integrative Genomics Viewer (Broad Institute), and the UCSC Genome Browser (UCSC). Its open architecture has driven its adoption by a number of additional tools, including ArrayExpress, Cistrome, the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia, Project Achilles Portal, and Multiple Myeloma Genomics Portal, with new tools and resources being released regularly. We show how researchers can use GenomeSpace to effortlessly combine the capabilities of all of these tools in several cancer research scenarios. Citation Format: Michael M. Reich, John Liefeld, Marco Ocana, Donkeung Jang, James Robinson, Peter Carr, Barbara Hill, Thorin Tabor, Helga Thorvaldsdottir, Aviv Regev, Jill P. Mesirov. GenomeSpace: An environment for frictionless bioinformatics. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5331. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5331
Alternative to Ritt's pseudodivision for finding the input-output equations of multi-output models.

Abstract Differential algebra approaches to structural identifiability analysis of a dynamic system model in many instances heavily depend upon Ritt’s pseudodivision at an early step in analysis. The pseudodivision algorithm is used to find the characteristic set, of which a subset, the input-output equations, is used for identifiability analysis. A simpler algorithm is proposed for this step, using Grobner Bases, along with a proof of the method that includes a reduced upper bound on derivative requirements. Efficacy of the new algorithm is illustrated with several biosystem model examples.
Risk and relevance

Conventional wisdom is that incomplete development efforts have no value. This accountant-driven approach precludes reasoning about the ongoing return on investment for ongoing development efforts. This talk lays out a framework for quantifying the ongoing investment risk and value for ongoing development efforts. Further this talk discusses the implication of applying the framework to the governance and management of development projects and organizations.
Resolvents for weakly singular kernels and fractional differential equations

Abstract The solution R ( t , s ) of the resolvent equation (1) R ( t , s ) = B ( t , s ) + ∫ s t B ( t , u ) R ( u , s ) d u , where B ( t , s ) denotes a given weakly singular matrix, is obtained by means of fixed point mappings. The result is a series that begins with some singular terms after which the remainder of the terms defines a continuous function. In particular, the resolvent is calculated for the kernel B ( t , s ) = λ ( t − s ) q − 1 of the scalar Abel integral equation of the second kind (2) x ( t ) = a ( t ) + λ ∫ 0 t 1 ( t − s ) 1 − q x ( s ) d s where 0 q 1 . It is then used to derive closed-form formulas for the resolvents corresponding to q = 1 / 2 and 1 / 3 . Furthermore, a closed-form formula for the resolvent for B ( t , s ) = λ s ( t 2 − s 2 ) q − 1 is derived thereby demonstrating that the results of this paper apply not only to kernels of convolution type but also to those of non-convolution type as well. Finally, the resolvent for the kernel of (2) is used to find a general solution of a linear fractional differential equation of Caputo type.
A bump triangular dynamic factorization algorithm for the simplex method

A dynamic factorization algorithm is developed which algebraically partitions the basis inverse in such a manner so that the simplex method can be executed from a series of small inverses and the basis itself. This partition is maintained dynamically so that the additional memory required to represent the basis inverse reduces to this series of small inverses for in-core implementations.
Applying soft computing methods to improve the computational tractability of a subsurface simulation–optimization problem

Abstract Formal optimization strategies normally evaluate hundreds or even thousands of scenarios in the course of searching for the optimal solution to a given management question. This process is extremely time-consuming when numeric simulators of the subsurface are used to predict the efficacy of a scenario. One solution is to train artificial neural networks (ANNs) to stand in for the simulator during the course of searches directed by some optimization technique such as the genetic algorithm (GA) or simulated annealing (SA). The networks are trained from a representative sample of simulations, which forms a re-useable knowledge base of information for addressing many different management questions. These concepts were applied to a water flood project at BP's Pompano Field. The management problem was to locate the combination of 1–4 injection locations that would maximize Pompano's simple net profit over the next 7 years. Using a standard industry reservoir simulator, a knowledge base of 550 simulations sampling different combinations of 25 potential injection locations was created. The knowledge base was first queried to answer questions concerning optimal scenarios for maximizing simple net profit over 3 and 7 years. The answers indicated that a considerable increase in profits might be achieved by expanding from an approach to injection depending solely on converting existing producers to one involving the drilling of three to four new injectors, despite the increased capital expenses. Improved answers were obtained when the knowledge base was used as a source of examples for training and testing ANNs. ANNs were trained to predict peak injection volumes and volumes of produced oil and gas at 3 and 7 years after the commencement of injection. The rapid estimates of these quantities provided by the ANNs were fed into net profit calculations, which in turn were used by a GA to evaluate the effectiveness of different well-field scenarios. The expanded space of solutions explored by the GA contained new scenarios that exceeded the net profits of the best scenarios found by simply querying the knowledge base. To evaluate the impact of prediction errors on the quality of solutions, the best scenarios obtained in searches where ANNs predicted oil and gas production were compared with the best scenarios found when the reservoir simulator itself generated those predictions during the course of search. Despite the several thousand CPU hours required to complete the simulator-based searches, the resulting best scenarios failed to match the best scenarios uncovered by the ANN-based searches. Lastly, results obtained from ANN-based searches directed by the GA were compared with ANN-based searches employing an SA algorithm. The best scenarios generated by both search techniques were virtually identical.
Inclusive scattering at large transverse momenta in a renormalizable theory

Inclusive scattering at large transverse momentum ${p}_{T}$ has been studied in pseudoscalar meson theory by summing the leading logarithmic diagrams. The diagrams analyzed have a two-blob, peripheral blob, or crossed two-blob structure. Explicit low-order calculations indicate that these sets of diagrams give the leading $\mathrm{ln}s$ contribution, where $s$ is the center-of-mass energy squared. The main results are as follows: (1) To within logarithmic terms, order-by-order perturbation theory gives the result expected from dimensional analysis; (2) the summation of leading logarithmic diagrams gives a ${{p}_{T}}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ power law times a function of $\frac{{p}_{T}}{{(s)}^{\frac{1}{2}}}$, the center-of-mass scattering angle ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}$, and the variable ${\ensuremath{\xi}}_{s}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{\mathrm{ln}[1\ensuremath{-}(\frac{5{g}^{2}}{16{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}})\mathrm{ln}s]}{5}$; (3) there is a strong relation to deep-inelastic scattering and to light-cone methods; (4) in all cases the spectrum falls for large, fixed ${p}_{T}$ and increasing energy; and (5) crossing symmetry is explicitly realized.
The Elaboration Theory of Instruction: A Model for Sequencing and Synthesizing Instruction.

This paper describes a novel instructional model for sequencing, syntheizing, and summarizing subject-matter content. The importance of such models is discussed, along with the need for a significant change in the role of subject-matter structure in instruction. A “zoom-lens” analogy is presented to facilitate an understanding of the elaboration model of instruction. Some basic concepts and principles upon which the model is based are described. The basic unvarying components of the elaboration model are described. And finally, some variations in the model for different kinds of goals are described. The elaboration model follows a general-to-detailed pattern of sequencing, as opposed to the hierarchically based sequences derived from Gagne-type task analyses.
B physics with CDF: Recent results and future prospects

Abstract Using data collected during the 1992–1993 collider run, we report on measurements of the B0, B+, and Bs lifetimes. We also present our revised measurement of the Bs mass. Production studies involving inclusive modes decaying into J/ψ or ψ(2S), semileptonic decays involving D0 or D∗+ mesons, and fully reconstructed B mesons are also presented. We present the prospects for future work with this data, as well as that being collected in the 1994–1995 collider run. Upgrades to the detector and estimates of physics capabilities for future collider runs are also presented.
Space Shuttle Large Format Camera Photography And Resource Management

In October, 1984, the Space Shuttle Challenger carrying the Itek Large Format Camera took 2134 photographs of the Earth's land, oceans, and clouds. In this experiment, the precision cartographic large format camera was used to take vertical aerial photographs on a strip of film made up of four different emulsions. An exceptionally cloudy weather system in North America and Europe caused most of the primary photography sites to be obscured. Many photographs were therefore taken of secondary sites. The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service participated in this experiment by identifying many photographic test sites in the United States. When the mission was flown, most of the National Forests selected were obscured by clouds. The Forest Service is interested in the potential uses of the photography in resource management. To the extent possible, the photographs of the National Forests areas have been evaluated. The imagery is suitable for some management activities and is currently being used. During the evaluation, all imagery worldwide, was examined, and a list of potential uses was developed. With increased use, more applications will be developed.
Spectroscopic investigation of the tetrachloroboltate(II), -nickelate(II) and -cuprate(II) salts of 2-,3- and 4-acetylpyrinidium cations

Abstract Tetrachlorocobaltate(II) salts of 2-acetyl-, 3-acetyl- and 4-acetylpyridinium ions as well as tetrachloronickelate(II) and -cuprate(II) salts of 3-acetylpyridinium ion have been prepared and characterized primarily by spectral methods. The latter two transition metal chlorides gave chlorometallate(II) salts with the 4-acetylpyridinium ion, ut only 2-acetylpyridine complexes of these two ions could be isolated. The infrared spectra suggest polymeric species for both of the nickelate salrs as well as [4-AcetPyH] n [CuCl 3 ] n based on the low energy of their ν MCl bands and the thermochromic nature of [3-AcetPyH] 2 [NiCl 4 ]. The spectral and thermal properties of the three cobaltate salts indicate that they are very similar and that their distortion from tetrahedral symmetry is small. The ESR and electronic spectra of [3-AcetPyH] 2 [CuCl 4 ] confirm it to have D 2d symmetry while suggeting that [4-AcetPyH] n [CuCl 3 ] n does not involve the well characterized Cu 2 Cl 2− 6
Photophysical properties of novel Ru-complex probes for two-photon dissolved oxygen imaging

Oxygen-sensitive hydrophobic indicators encapsulated in poloxamer nanomicelles are quantitatively demonstrated to preserve the oxygen-sensitivity and the two-photon induced phosphorescence in a ruthenium-complex indicator, thus providing for economical dissolved oxygen imaging probes.
Phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography using an Vernier-tuned distributed Bragg reflector swept laser in the mouse middle ear

Phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhOCT) offers exquisite sensitivity to mechanical vibration in biological tissues. There is growing interest in using PhOCT for imaging the nanometer scale vibrations of the ear in animal models of hearing disorders. Swept-source-based systems offer fast acquisition speeds, suppression of common mode noise via balanced detection, and good signal roll-off. However, achieving high phase stability is difficult due to nonlinear laser sweeps and trigger jitter in a typical swept laser source. Here, we report on the initial application of a Vernier-tuned distributed Bragg reflector (VT-DBR) swept laser as the source for a fiber-based PhOCT system. The VT-DBR swept laser is electronically tuned and precisely controls sweeps without mechanical movement, resulting in highly linear sweeps with high wavelength stability and repeatability. We experimentally measured a phase sensitivity of 0.4 pm standard deviation, within a factor of less than 2 of the computed shot-noise limit. We further demonstrated the system by making ex vivo measurements of the vibrations of the mouse middle ear structures.
‘Karelian fever’: The Finnish immigrant community during Stalin's purges

(1993). ‘Karelian fever’: The Finnish immigrant community during Stalin's purges. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 45, No. 6, pp. 1091-1116.
Solid-state 55Mn NMR spectroscopy of bis(μ-oxo) dimanganese(IV) [Mn2O2(salpn)2], a model for the oxygen evolving complex in photosystem II

We have examined the antiferromagneticly coupled bis(μ-oxo)dimanganese(IV) complex [Mn(2)O(2)(salpn)(2)] (1) with (55)Mn solid-state NMR at cryogenic temperatures and first-principle theory. The extracted values of the (55)Mn quadrupole coupling constant, C(Q), and its asymmetry parameter, η(Q), for 1 are 24.7 MHz and 0.43, respectively. Further, there was a large anisotropic contribution to the shielding of each Mn(4+), i.e. a Δσ of 3375 ppm. Utilizing broken symmetry density functional theory, the predicted values of the electric field gradient (EFG) or equivalently the C(Q) and η(Q) at ZORA, PBE QZ4P all electron level of theory are 23.4 MHz and 0.68, respectively, in good agreement with experimental observations.
Effect of DNAase I on muscle tropomyosin polymerization

Abstract DNAase I, an endonuclease which interacts with G-actin, also effects tropomyosin polymerization. With chicken pectoralis or bovine cardiac ventricle tropomyosin, DNAase I both prevents tropomyosin from polymerizing and disrupts already formed tropomyosin filaments. DNAase I and filament tropomyosin can also form a precipitable complex. In the electron microscope, the complex is observed as irregularly margined stellate-shaped structures with a maximum size of 9 μm. Isolated DNAase I-tropomyosin stellate complex consists of a 2:1 molar ratio of DNAase I and tropomyosin, suggesting that each tropomyosin subunit can bind DNAase I.
A comparison of the osmotic, sodium, and chloride concentrations between the urine and hemolymph of Penaeus setiferus (L.) and penaeus stylirostris stimpson

Abstract 1. 1. The osmotic, sodium, and chloride concentrations in the urine and hemolymph are compared in P . setiferus and P. stylirostris at salinities ranging from 10 to 40‰, 2. 2. Isosmoticily of the urine and hemolymph indicate that the antennal glands are not important in osmotic regulation. 3. 3. At all experimental salinities, the urine is hypoionic to the hemolymph with respect to sodium and isoionic to the hemolymph with respect to chloride.
Purification of soluble rice bran fiber using ultrafiltration technology

Abstract Defatted rice bran (DRB), an excellent source of soluble rice bran fiber (SRBF), is a byproduct of rice bran oil extraction from whole rice bran. The common process for purifying SRBF extracted from DRB, dialysis and alcohol precipitation, is a complex process. Ultrafiltration technology was evaluated as an alternative process. Membranes of molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) 1, 5, and 10 kDa were used to purify the SRBF at 100 kPa. The apparent viscosity and °Brix of the SRBF solution increased after ultrafiltration, which demonstrated that the SRBF solution was concentrated during the ultrafiltration process. The apparent viscosity of the retentate collected in the ultrafiltration unit with the 1 kDa MWCO membrane had a higher ( P
Improving performance of openSHMEM reference library by portable PE mapping technique

Reducing data communication cost is a critical performance consideration and the need is more acute when using libraries like the OpenSHMEM Reference library which has to sacrifice some performance optimizations for portability. Being a Partitioned Global Address Space library the OpenSHMEM reference library provides more control over data placement, yet, some communication intensive applications would benefit from the libraries prior knowledge of its communication pattern. In this poster we discuss a low cost portable methodology to provide PE re-numbering to facilitate maximum on-node communication. We validate our method using the well-documented 2D heat transfer application.
Complement-fixing antibodies to human growth hormone and sheep interstitial cell stimulating hormone.

PREVIOUS reports from this Laboratory1–3 have shown that human growth hormone (HGH) and sheep interstitial cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) produce, in rabbits, precipitin antibodies that are specific to the respective hormones. Immunochemical techniques have been used to characterize these hormones as well as to perform quantitative determinations of small quantities of the hormone. Haemagglutination inhibition has also been used to study and detect HGH in human serum4. The purpose of the present investigation was to study HGH and sheep ICSH by another immunochemical reaction, namely, complement fixation. It may be noted that the complement fixation method is capable of determining quantitatively as little as 0.01 µgm. of the hormone and is an objective procedure which is more reproducible than the haemagglutination technique.
An algorithm for lossless smoothing of MPEG video

Interframe compression techniques, such as those used in MPEG video, give rise to a coded bit stream where picture sizes differ by a factor of 10 or more. As a result, buffering is needed to reduce (smooth) rate fluctuations of encoder output from one picture to the next; without smoothing, the performance of networks that carry such video traffic would be adversely affected. Various techniques have been suggested for controlling the output rate of a VBR encoder to alleviate network congestion or prevent buffer overflow. Most of these techniques, however, are lossy, and should be used only as a last resort. In this paper, we design and specify an algorithm for lossless smoothing. The algorithm is characterized by three parameters: D (delay bound), K (number of pictures with known sizes), and H (lookahead interval). We present a theorem which guarantees that, if K ≥ 1, the algorithm finds a solution that satisfies the delay bound. (Although the algorithm and theorem were motivated by MPEG video, they are applicable to the smoothing of compressed video in general). To study performance characteristics of the algorithm, we conducted a large number of experiments using statistics from four MPEG video sequences.
No enemies in the neighborhood: absence of inhibitory neighborhood effects in lexical decision and semantic categorization.

The effect of neighborhood density on visual word recognition was found to be facilitatory for words but inhibitory for nonwords in 3 lexical-decision experiments. However, the facilitation virtually disappeared when the task was changed to semantic categorization (animal vs. nonanimal), despite the presence of a strong frequency effect. None of these experiments showed a consistent inhibitory effect of a higher frequency neighbor. The absence of inhibitory effects suggests that competition does not play a key role in visual word recognition. The data also suggest that the neighborhood density effect is not an access effect but is a task-dependent effect instead. Language: en
Glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit functions synergistically with progesterone to stimulate differentiation of cultured human endometrial stromal cells to decidualized cells: a novel role for free alpha-subunit in reproduction.

Glycoprotein hormone-free alpha subunit is secreted by the pituitary throughout the menstrual cycle and by the placenta during pregnancy. We showed previously that free alpha subunit stimulated PRL secretion from term pregnancy decidual cells, suggesting a function for free alpha in pregnancy. However, no role has been ascribed to free alpha in the normal menstrual cycle. Using an in vitro model, we examined the role of alpha subunit in regulating human endometrial stromal cell differentiation (decidualization). PRL and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1), specific decidual secretory products, were used as markers of decidualization. We found that alpha subunit acted synergistically with progesterone (P) to induce more rapid decidualization with higher output (2- to 6-fold) of PRL and IGFBP-1, compared with P alone (P < 0.01). The effect of alpha was dose dependent, with stimulatory activity starting at 0.05 ng/ml and reaching maximal levels at 1-2 ng/ml. These levels correspond to seru...
The nursing faculty shortage: Is there hope?

The present nursing faculty shortage is linked to the general nursing shortage. Without enough nurse educators to teach the increasing number of nurses that are needed, the health of U.S. residents is at stake. This article examines progress made on solutions proposed over the past decade such as increasing graduate and certificate programs for nurse educators, more aggressive recruitment of graduate students into faculty roles, and delayed retirement of current faculty. Potential new solutions are proposed. These include: fast-track bachelor's of science in nursing to doctor of philosophy curricula; recruiting advanced practice nurses (APNs) into faculty roles with arrangements made for clinical practice time; raising the image of nursing education as a prestigious career; developing national certification for nurse educators; and partnering with health care agencies. Linking the general nursing shortage with the faculty shortage may provide a stronger case for public policy and funding initiatives. There are signs that some initiatives are working. Present faculty need to maintain a culture of hope while potential solutions are being implemented.
Trends in systematic nonparticle yield loss mechanisms and the implications for IC design

Semiconductor industry yield trends from the 500 nm generation are described that illustrate traditional random defect yield loss mechanisms have been found to be less and less important relative to the yield loss caused by systematic and primarily non-particle mechanisms as semiconductor processes have moved to sub-wavelength lithography. While part of the reason for this is the continued particulate defect reduction success due to better equipment and fab procedures, a more important reason is the increase in systematic mechanisms driven in large part by the rapidly increasing process complexity and decreasing process parameter “windows” required as processes moved through the generations. In this paper these yield loss trends are reviewed and projected to the 130nm and beyond technology nodes, and the implications for effective IC design and design methodology discussed.
Impact of mariculture on microbial diversity in sediments near open ocean farming of Polydactylus sexfilis

Abstract A chemical and microbiological investigation was performed to determine ecological impact in sediments below a new offshore mariculture operation on the southwest coast of Oahu, Hawaii. Sediment samples collected directly below the fish enclosures were compared with sediment collected 300 m upcurrent. Total organic carbon was 25–37% higher in the control compared with cage samples and ammonia was 30–46% higher in cage samples. Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) counts were 36% higher in cage sample sediments. Genomic 16S rDNA was PCR amplified from total DNA extracted from sediments and analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Similar gradient profiles for control and cage samples were observed. Cloned 16S rDNA libraries for species sampling and determination indicate similar and diverse bacterial communities. Bacteria belonging to the γ- Proteobacteria class were frequently represented and atypical or pathogenic bacterial species were not detected. A mathematical model developed for prediction of organic material deposition suggests that while currents will reduce fecal loading and feed deposition beneath a cage, there is expected to be sufficient nutrient addition to impact those sediments. Time series or statistical information on the current field beneath the fish cages are needed to apply the model for predicting locations of high deposition. This would contribute to the development of a comprehensive monitoring program that would sample multiple locations over time to generate an accurate and comprehensive depiction of the environmental impacts of this new and expanding commercial endeavor.
Regulation Of Blood Flow And Microcirculation Resistance In Rabbit Bladder

ABSTRACTPurpose: Human and animal studies have shown that filling, contraction and emptying produce cyclical changes in bladder blood flow. The mechanism of these hemodynamic changes remains unclear. We studied the regulation of bladder blood flow in the rabbit model.Materials and Methods: A total of 18 male New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized. Arterial pressure, intravesical pressure, and dome and base blood flow were measured simultaneously in the empty bladder, at 25 and 50 ml. intravesical volume, and after draining. These measurements were recorded before and then after intravenous administration of atropine, phentolamine, propranolol, L-arginine or N-nitro-L-arginine. Changes in dome and base microcirculation resistance, and blood flow after treatment were compared with those recorded before treatment.Results: In the empty bladder dome microcirculation resistance was greater than at the base and base blood flow was greater than at the dome. Filling increased dome microcirculation resistance,...
Endonuclease V of Escherichia coli prevents mutations from nitrosative deamination during nitrate/nitrite respiration.

Abstract Endonuclease V (Endo V) of Escherichia coli participates in the excision repair of hypoxanthine and xanthine (deaminated adenine and guanine) in DNA. It thereby reduces the mutagenic effects of nitrous acid by attacking lesions caused by nitrosative deamination. Nitrosating agents may be produced endogenously when E. coli is grown in oxygen-poor cultures, during which nitrate and nitrite replace oxygen as preferred electron acceptors. In this study, the protective effect of Endo V was observed under such conditions. During micro-aerobic growth, an nfi (Endo V) mutation enhanced the frequency of nitrate- and nitrite-induced A:T→G:C and G:C→A:T transition mutations, which are consistent with a defect in the removal of DNA hypoxanthine and xanthine, respectively. Similar effects were observed in saturated, aerobic cultures but not in well-aerated, logarithmically growing ones. A narG (nitrate reductase) mutation blocked the mutagenesis of the nfi mutant by nitrate but not by nitrite. These results differed from those of previous studies in which cell suspensions generated an exogenous nitrosating agent from nitrite, but not from nitrate, in a reaction that was narG-dependent. Nitrate/nitrite metabolism is also known to generate endogenous alkylating agents through N-nitrosation. However, an nfi mutation did not appreciably enhance mutagenesis by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, suggesting that the mutator effect of nfi is not due to a defect in alkylation repair. The overall results indicate that Endo V functions during normal growth by helping to repair nitrosatively deaminated bases in DNA, which are by-products of anaerobic nitrate/nitrite respiration.
A Solvent Directed Synthesis of Mixed-Valence Cobalt(III,II) Compounds

Abstract The cobalt(III) complexes, [Co(acac)2(amine)2]X, have been reported for a variety of amines and counter ions, X. While synthesizing a series of thiocyanato complexes, two complexes, [Co(acac)2(pyr)2]SCN and [Co(acac)2(4-Mepyr)2]SCN, were observed to undergo a reaction (Equation 1) forming green products in chloroform and acetic acid solution. These products have been characterized as [Co(acac)2(amine)2]2Co(NCS)4, which contain paramagnetic Co(II) and diamagnetic Co(III) moieties.
When is a Distribution Rule Just

Innumerable scholars have addressed issues of justice. Disciplinary boundaries, however, have often separated discourse on the topic. This article compares selected philosophical accounts of justice with social psychological theory and empirical research on the same. At the core of such comparisons is the distinction between prescriptions for a just society and actual empirical beliefs about what is fair. This distinction colors the analysis of the paradoxical relationship between justice and self-interest evident to some extent in both philosophical and social psychological accounts.
Ionization states of some unidentified lines in nitrogen.

The charge components of a nitrogen ionic beam accelerated by a Van de Graaff machine and sent through a carbon-target foil were deflected by means of an electrostatic field. The resulting Doppler shift permitted the identification of the ionization state of a number of unidentified lines in the spectrum of nitrogen. These lines do not fit into the known energy-level schemes of nitrogen ions. The possibility that they stem from multiple-electron-excitation levels is discussed.
Acceleration of Rate of the Early Chick Embryo Heart by Visible Light

IN the course of an investigation of the control of the heart rate in the early chick embryo it was noted that under certain conditions exposure to visible light accelerates the rate. The following report presents a study of this phenomenon. There are many reports in the older literature of effects of visible light, unrelated to ultraviolet radiation, on cellular activity. Cessation of amoeboid activity when Pelomyxa was suddenly exposed to light was noted in 18791, and has been extensively studied more recently2,3. Activity of cells in tissue culture is affected by exposure to light; amoeboid activity of lymphocytes in frog spleen explants4, and the rate of beat5 of explants of 6 day chick embryo hearts and of cilia of explants of frog throat epithelium, are all modified by growth of the cultures in visible light. Recently, there have been reports of increased metabolic activity6 and of accelerated growth rate and early hatching7,8 in chick embryos from eggs incubated in permanent light. The stimulation of the chick embryo heart rate to be reported here was obtained in the visible range without addition of dye or photosensitizing agents.
Adaptation as process: the future of Darwinism and the legacy of Theodosius Dobzhansky.

Abstract Conceptions of adaptation have varied in the history of genetic Darwinism depending on whether what is taken to be focal is the process of adaptation, adapted states of populations, or discrete adaptations in individual organisms. I argue that Theodosius Dobzhansky’s view of adaptation as a dynamical process contrasts with so-called “adaptationist” views of natural selection figured as “design-without-a-designer” of relatively discrete, enumerable adaptations. Correlated with these respectively process and product oriented approaches to adaptive natural selection are divergent pictures of organisms themselves as developmental wholes or as “bundles” of adaptations. While even process versions of genetical Darwinism are insufficiently sensitive to the fact much of the variation on which adaptive selection works consists of changes in the timing, rate, or location of ontogenetic events, I argue that articulations of the Modern Synthesis influenced by Dobzhansky are more easily reconciled with the recent shift to evolutionary developmentalism than are versions that make discrete adaptations central.
Computation of the impedances of nonuniform lines by a direct method

The impedances of nonuniform or tapered lines are computed directly by solving a first-order nonlinear differential equation of the Riccati type. Special cases which include the uniform line, the exponential line, the Bessel line, and the Heaviside-Bessel line are discussed. A general reversion method for solving the nonlinear differential equation for the line impedance is discussed.
Behavioral Differences Among Rainbow Trout Clonal Lines

Salmonid fish show considerable geographical variation in morphology, physiology, and behavior. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying this variation could be useful for enhancing aquaculture stocks, identifying unique populations for conservation, and determining the genetic factors underlying natural adaptation and domestication. As a first step toward the genetic dissection of salmonid behavioral diversity, we examined variation in behavior patterns among four clonal lines of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) derived from geographically diverse source populations with different domestication histories. Clonal lines were crossed with two outbred (i.e., not homozygous) females, and the resulting progenies were reared and tested under identical conditions. Clonal line had significant genetic effects on mean swim level, hiding, foraging, startle response, and aggression level. Multiple comparisons suggest that domestication history of the source populations had a strong influence on these behavior patterns. Progeny of two clonal lines derived from populations reared in captivity for over 100 years exhibited reductions in predator avoidance behavior patterns and increases in aggression compared to progeny of two clonal lines from more recently domesticated populations. These results will facilitate future investigation of the genetic factors underlying population variation in these behavior patterns influenced by domestication.
Liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric quantitation of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and two metabolites in pharmacokinetic study plasma samples

Abstract A sensitive method for the determination of Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolites, 11-nor-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid and 11-hydroxy-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, in rat and guinea pig plasma was developed using high-performance liquid chromatographic separation with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection and a simple liquid–liquid extraction technique. The mean recoveries for Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid, and 11-hydroxy-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol were 96, 92, and 85%, respectively. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for all three compounds was 5 ng/ml and the limit of detection (LOD) was 2 ng/ml. This assay method utilizes the increased sensitivity and selectivity of mass spectrometric (MS) detection and a simple extraction step for the determination of Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol and its metabolites in plasma, and thus yields a more efficient pharmacokinetic analysis method than has previously been described.
A Method for Comparing Vector Network Analyzers

We present a method of comparing two distinct vector network analyzer systems by taking the differences in calibrated S-parameters over a set of test devices. The maximum magnitude of all S-parameter differences in the ensemble of data provides an estimate of the upper bound on the system differences for the set of test devices measured. If the maximum ensemble difference is greater than the repeatability limits, either the residual errors in the two systems are not negligible, or they do not agree. We demonstrate our method here by making comparisons between two commercial frequency-domain network analyzer (FDNA) systems and by comparing an experimental time-domain network analyzer (TDNA) to a commercial FDNA.
The role of cation-dependent chloride transporters in neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury

Background Altered Cl- homeostasis and GABAergic function are associated with nociceptive input hypersensitivity. This study investigated the role of two major intracellular Cl- regulatory proteins, Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and K+-Cl- cotransporter 2 (KCC2), in neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI).
Cervical epidural blood patch--A literature review.

Objective Epidural blood patches (EBP) are rarely performed at the cervical levels, primarily due to fear of neurological complications such as spinal cord compression. We reviewed the literature to provide an evidence-based review of performance of cervical EBPs, with a specific focus on indication, technique, safety, and efficacy. Design A comprehensive electronic literature search was done to include studies that reported on performance of cervical EBPs in patients with CSF leak at the cervical level. Data regarding indication, level of CSF leak, level of cervical EBP, volume of blood used, efficacy, and complications were collected. Results A total of 15 studies, reporting on 19 patients were included. All patients presented with a headache that increased in the standing position, and improved in the supine position. All patients were identified to have a CSF leak at the cervical level. Eight patients first underwent a lumbar EBP, without complete, long-term relief. All these patients, along with 11 patients who did not undergo a lumbar EPB prior to cervical EBP, reported complete, long-term pain relief. EBPs were mostly done in the prone position, using imaging guidance. An average of 5–8 mL of autologous blood was injected in the epidural space. No major neurological complications were reported in any patient. Conclusion The review suggests that cervical EBP can be performed for cervical CSF leaks associated with positional headache without a significant risk of serious adverse events. Classification of Evidence. Our review provides Class II level of evidence that cervical EBPs are safe and effective in reliving positional headache due to CSF leak.
Contributions to the Theory of the Barnes Function

This paper presents a family of new integral representations and asymptotic series of the multiple gamma function. The numerical schemes for high-precision computation of the Barnes gamma function and Glaisher’s constant are also discussed.
Constitutional Tax and Expenditure Limitation in Colorado: The Impact on Municipal Governments

Tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) have become a pervasive influence on local government fiscal affairs. Explanations for the spread of TELs suggest that voters thought local government was growing more than needed. Thus, TELs were intended to constrain growth and reduce the size of local governments. This article's purpose was to determine the impact of two separate kinds of TELs, one a property tax measure, and the other a comprehensive revenue and expenditure limit, upon the growth of municipal governments in Colorado. Using a panel data set on municipal budgets (1975–1996), the article demonstrates three major points: 1) the effectiveness of a TEL in achieving reductions in local government revenue and spending growth depends upon the nature of the TEL; 2) the comprehensive TEL did effectively constrain growth and reduce local government reliance on the property tax, despite the local options for exemption; and 3) TELs do not have uniform impacts among governments of different population.
An analytic investigation of the superconductor quasiparticle mixer in the low power limit

The properties of an SIS (Superconductor-insulator-superconductor) mixer using a slightly nonideal junction, with finite local oscillator (LO) power, are determined by analytic expansion of the equations of the quantum theory of mixing. The result is that the conversion gain using any reasonably good quality SIS junction is essentially equal to that using a perfect junction. Quite to the contrary, the minimum noise temperature is controlled by the leakage current of the junction: the increase in the minimum added-noise temperature over the quantum limit T/sub Q/=h omega /2k is given by delta T/sub Q/=(h omega /k) square root I/sub 0/I/sub 2//I/sub 1/; this minimum requires that the LO voltage across the junction is V/sub LO/=(64I/sub 0//I/sub 2/) /sup 1/4/h omega /e. (I/sub n/ is the current measured on the unpumped I-V curve of the junction at voltage V/sub 0/+nh omega /e). Therefore, although an SIS mixer using an ideal junction can reach the quantum noise limit only in the limit of zero LO power, even the most nearly ideal junctions require a considerable LO for best sensitivity.
On Error Analysis in Arithmetic With Varying Relative Precision

Recently Clenshaw/Olver and Iri/Matsui proposed new floating point arithmetics which seek to eliminate overflows and underflows from most computations. Their common approach is to redistribute the available numbers to spread out the largest and smallest numbers much more thinly than in standard floating point, thus achieving a larger range at the cost of lower precision at the ends of the range. The goal of these arithmetics is to eliminate much of the effort needed to write code which is reliable despite over/under flow. In this paper we argue that for many codes this eliminated effort will reappear in the error analyses needed to ascertain or guarantee the accuracy of the computed solution. Thus reliability with respect to over/under flow has been traded for reliability with respect to roundoff. We also propose a hardware flag, analogous to the “sticky flags” of the IEEE binary floating point standard, to do some of this extra error analysis automatically.
Hedgehog signaling antagonist GDC-0449 (Vismodegib) inhibits pancreatic cancer stem cell characteristics: molecular mechanisms.

Background: Recent evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies has demonstrated that aberrant reactivation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway regulates genes that promote cellular proliferation in various human cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, the chemotherapeutic agents that inhibit activation of Gli transcription factors have emerged as promising novel therapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer. GDC-0449 (Vismodegib), orally administrable molecule belonging to the 2-arylpyridine class, inhibits SHH signaling pathway by blocking the activities of Smoothened. The objectives of this study were to examine the molecular mechanisms by which GDC-0449 regulates human pancreatic CSC characteristics in vitro. Methodology/Principal Findings: GDC-0499 inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis in three pancreatic cancer cell lines and pancreatic CSCs. This inhibitor also suppressed cell viability, Gli-DNA binding and transcriptional activities, and induced apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage in pancreatic CSCs. GDC-0449-induced apoptosis in CSCs showed increased Fas expression and decreased expression of PDGFRa. Furthermore, Bcl-2 was down-regulated whereas TRAIL-R1/DR4 and TRAIL-R2/DR5 expression was increased following the treatment of CSCs with GDC-0449. Suppression of both Gli1 plus Gli2 by shRNA mimicked the changes in cell viability, spheroid formation, apoptosis and gene expression observed in GDC-0449-treated pancreatic CSCs. Thus, activated Gli genes repress DRs and Fas expressions, upregulate the expressions of Bcl-2 and PDGFRa and facilitate cell survival. Conclusions/Significance: These data suggest that GDC-0499 can be used for the management of pancreatic cancer by targeting pancreatic CSCs.