cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Random Penetrance of Mutations Among Individuals: A New Type of Genetic Drift in Molecular Evolution

The determinative view of mutation penetrance is a fundamental assumption for the building of molecular evolutionary theory: individuals in the population with the same genotype have the same fitness effect. Since this view has been constantly challenged by experimental evidence, it is desirable to examine to what extent violation of this view could affect our understanding of molecular evolution. To this end, the author formulated a new theory of molecular evolution under a random model of penetrance: for any individual with the same mutational genotype, the coefficient of selection is a random variable. It follows that, in addition to the conventional Ne-genetic drift (Ne is the effective population size), the variance of penetrance among individuals (e2) represents a new type of genetic drift, coined by the e2-genetic drift. It has been demonstrated that these two genetic drifts together provided new insights on the nearly neutral evolution: the evolutionary rate is inversely related to the log-of-Ne when the e2-genetic drift is nontrivial. This log-of-Ne feature of e2-genetic drift did explain well why the dN/dS ratio (the nonsynonymous rate to the synonymous rate) in humans is only as twofold as that in mice, while the effective population size (Ne) of mice is about two-magnitude larger than that of humans. It was estimated that, for the first time, the variance of random penetrance in mammalian genes was approximately e2 ≈ 5.89 × 10–3.
Male Genital Tract

Ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating the male gential tract. Normal scrotal anatomy can be readily visualized using grayscale imaging, and Doppler provides valuable additional information regarding blood flow in the setting of pain or palpable abnormality. The prostate gland and seminal vesicles can also be assessed. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography are useful in assessing tissue vascularity and stiffness in certain conditions affecting the testes and paratesticular structures. In this chapter, imaging techniques, normal development and anatomy, congenital anomalies, inflammatory disorders and tumors of the male genital tract are discussed.
FETI and FETI-DP Methods for Spectral and Mortar Spectral Elements: A Performance Comparison

We investigate the numerical performance of several FETI and FETI-DP algorithms, for both spectral and mortar spectral elements on geometrically conforming discretizations of the computational domain.
Current Developments in Big Data and Sustainability Sciences in Mobile Citizen Science Applications

Sustainability Sciences Studies is an interdisciplinary approach towards understanding how to develop a culture of conservation. This culture of conservation can be viewed from many different aspects, from the individual person's decisions to larger community's impacts. In all of this, we see large quantities of data in a push-pull relationship with each other, with stakeholders needing to have access to real-time generated data sets and analytics from populations as large as a metropolitan community and be able to respond to as well as disseminate information to these populations. In this paper, we present a survey of the literature in these areas. The pervasive and diverse nature of big data in these fields demonstrates the need for data scientists to collaborate to identify ways to address the common and disparate needs that different projects may have in relation to big data. We also briefly present a platform and implementation the Sustainability Studies Mobile Toolkit (SSMT) and Geotagger that seek to address some of these needs.
Behavioral treatment of hysterical dysphagia in a hospital setting. A case report.

Abstract A behavior therapy procedure was implemented to increase oral caloric intake in a patient with hysterical dysphagia, following esophagectomy and cervical esophagogastrostomy reconstruction. A marked increase in caloric consumption occurred in response to the behavioral intervention during hospitalization and follow-up, while the complaint of dysphagia followed a more persistent course leading to further psychiatric care. The etiology of the hysterical symptom and the factors contributing to its maintenance and treatment are discussed.
Mutant of Escherichia coli K-12 Defective in d-Glucosamine Biosynthesis

A mutant was isolated from a derivative of Escherichia coli K-12 after mutagenesis with N -methyl- N ′-nitro- N -nitrosoguanidine. This mutant contained normal levels of 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose-6-phosphate ketol-isomerase (deaminating) (EC 5.3.1.10), but no detectable activity of l-glutamine:d-fructose-6-phosphate amino-transferase (EC 2.6.1.16). It required either N -acetyl-d-glucosamine or d-glucosamine for growth, and went into rapid lysis when the supply of these compounds was exhausted. In medium containing 11% sucrose, the cells were converted into spheroplasts in the absence of d-glucosamine. Images
THE URODYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP OF RENAL PELVIC AND BLADDER PRESSURES, AND URINARY FLOW RATE IN RATS WITH CONGENITAL VESICOURETERAL REFLUX

AbstractPurpose: We define the relationship of renal pelvic and bladder pressures with varying urinary flow rates and bladder fullness in unobstructed rats with and without vesicoureteral reflux.Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (180 to 250 gm.) were evaluated for vesicoureteral reflux followed by simultaneous and continuous renal pelvic and bladder pressure monitoring during bladder filling cycles.Results: The incidence of congenital right vesicoureteral reflux was 25% (14 of 57 rats, below bladder pressure of 40 cm. water). The renal pelvic pressure was significantly higher in rats with reflux compared to normal rats only at very low urine output when the bladder was 90% full or greater and when the urine output was moderate with the bladder 50% full or less. For all other urine outputs and degrees of bladder fullness, there were no significant in pelvic pressure between rats with and without reflux.Conclusions: Renal pelvic pressures in the refluxing and nonrefluxing collecting system of rats ...
Carbon nanotube - actin hybrid assemblies

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have unique electrical and chemical properties that make them viable candidates for diverse applications ranging from biology and medicine, to electronics and identification. Also, CNTs can be integrated with biomolecules and used as scaffolds for biosensors. However, these biosensors generally have lower detection capabilities due to their limited flexibility and placement in specific locations. In this paper we investigate the immobilization of actin cytoskeletal protein onto CNTs. Actin is a eukaryotic globular protein that serves as scaffold for molecular motors involved in cell motility. Our results indicate that actin monomers attach to CNTs. Moreover, the attached protein is still functional and able to polymerize into actin filaments. Further integration of CNT-actin filament assemblies with molecular motors hold promise for developing “mobile” biosensors to be used for selective placement, sensing and detection.
Palestinian Ṣulḥa and the Rule of Law

Abstract Palestine’s alternative dispute resolution process, the ṣulḥa system, is utilized in the vast majority of civil and criminal disputes. Despite the popularity of the ṣulḥa process, there exists, to date, no international legal assessment of such proceedings. This article assesses Palestinian ṣulḥa’s adherence to international rule of law standards. Using rule of law theory to assess the fairness, equity, and accessibility of the ṣulḥa system, this article determines that Palestinian ṣulḥa proceedings satisfy the major requirements of international rule of law standards.
T cell non-MHC-restricted antigen-binding molecules secreted or associated with the cell membrane are antigenically distinct

Some T cells produce membrane-associated or soluble molecules which bind nominal antigen specifically (TABM) and effect immunoregulation or events similar to cell-mediated hypersensitivity. We have used polyclonal antisera raised against an azobenzene arsonate (ABA)-specific TABM secreted by an ABA-specific T cell hybrid or against TNP-specific polypeptides produced by immunoregulatory T cells to identify the expression of soluble (secreted) or membrane-associated TABM. Ascites fluid or culture medium containing a T cell hybrid or T cell lines, respectively, contain TABM recognized only by an antiserum specific for the secreted T cell hybrid (ABA-specific) derived TABM. Conversely, an antiserum that recognized the TNP-specific polypeptides detected cell-membrane associated TABM but did not bind TABM secreted by the T cell hybrid or cell lines.
Drying of plastics with time-varying surface concentration: Experiments on slabs and application to equipment analysis

Drying of hygroscopic plastics in preparation for molding or extrusion is characterized by very low moisture levels in the polymers and by very low humidity in the drying air. In these circumstances, diffusivity is essentially independent of moisture concentration but surface concentration will vary with time in the general case. An exponential surface concentration/time function is derived from fundamentals and applied to the solution of the diffusion equations for slabs and spheres. Under ideal drying conditions, the solutions reduce to the elementary case in which cs = cf for θ > 0. For non-ideal drying, the exponential factor b in the surface concentration function appears in the solutions of the diffusion equations. Experiments on slabs were used to verify the analysis since ideal or non-ideal drying conditions could readily be set up with molded slab samples. Experimental drying curves are in agreement with theory. To complete the analysis for engineering applications, equations for counter flow heat transfer in the dryer hopper are derived and combined with the diffusion solutions to generate dryer performance data.
Inhibitors of calcium-dependent enzymes prevent the onset of afterdischarge in the peptidergic bag cell neurons of Aplysia.

Abstract Experiments with isolated bag cell neurons of Aplysia have produced evidence that changes in neuronal excitability may be brought about by the activation of calcium dependent enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein kinases. We have now examined the effects of agents which have been shown to inhibit several calcium-dependent enzymes on the properties of bag cell neurons in situ. In response to brief electrical stimulation the bag cell neurons of Aplysia generate an afterdischarge during which they release neuroactive peptides. We have found that the ability of stimulation to trigger an afterdischarge in the bag cell neurons is inhibited by trifluoperazine (TFP, 50–100 μM), N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-napthalenesulphonamide (W7) (25–50 μM) and calmidazolium (40–100 μM), each of which has previously been shown to inhibit calmodulin-dependent enzymes and the calcium-phospholipid-dependent protein kinase in the bag cell neurons. Further analysis of the effects of TFP showed that this inhibition occurs at concentrations which do not inhibit synaptic transmission or the endogenous bursting of another neurosecretory neuron, R15. Secretion of neuroactive peptides from the bag cell neurons was measured both electrophysiologically and biochemically. No attenuation of secretion could be observed at concentrations of TFP below those which inhibited the initiation of afterdischarge. Our results indicate that these agents inhibit secretion from these neurons primarily by inhibiting the onset of the afterdischarge and are consistent with the hypothesis that a calcium-dependent enzyme plays a role in triggering the stimulus-induced transformation in the electrical properties of these neurons.
Neutrophil lactoferrin content: Variation among mammals

Lactoferrin (Lf) in blood and/or marrow neutrophils was semiquantified using indirect immunofluorescence technique in nine mammalian species. Neutrophil iron-binding reactivity (NFeBR), which corresponds primarily to Lf, was also visualized and semiquantified using functional cytochemical (FeNTA-AF) technique at the light microscopic level in these nine and in an additional fifteen mammalian species, and in selected species at the ultrastructural level. Neutrophil immunoreactive Lf was positively correlated with total cellular and granule content of NFeBR among these nine species, and with previously reported concentrations of neutrophil Lf quantified by radioimmunoassay. Relative levels of Lf in neutrophil extracts from rat, hamster, and human were confirmed using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Relatively high levels of immunoreactive neutrophil Lf and/or NFeBR were observed in carnivores (ten species) and primates (six species). Among rodents (five species), the levels were variable, and the artiodactyls (four species) studied had low levels. These results demonstrate that neutrophil Lf levels vary widely among mammalian species. In addition, FeNTA-AF technique provides a rapid means of evaluating animals for relative quantities of neutrophil Lf.
An efficient real-time FPGA implementation for object detection

In this paper, we present an efficient real-time FPGA implementation for object detection. The system employs Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) algorithm to detect keypoints on every video frame and applies Fast Retina Keypoint (FREAK) method to describe the keypoints. One-to-one feature matching is performed between the descriptors of objects in the library and the descriptors of the video frames, to ensure a high object detection accuracy. Our experiments demonstrate that our FPGA-based design is fully functional and it can process video frames with 800×600 resolution at 60 fps. The proposed FPGA design is 23 times faster than the same algorithm implemented on Intel Core i5-3210M CPU.
Petersson norms and liftings of Hilbert modular forms

Abstract We prove the algebraicity of the ratio of the Petersson norm of a holomorphic Hilbert modular form over a totally real number field and the norm of its Saito–Kurokawa lift. We prove a similar result for the Ikeda lift of an elliptic modular form. In order to obtain these we combine some results on local symplectic groups to generalize a special value of the standard L -function attached to a Siegel–Hilbert cuspform.
Real-Time and Robust Estimation of Biodiesel Blends Based on Fuel Consumption and Crankshaft Torsionals

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel which produces lower exhaust emissions compared to its petroleum-based counterpart, diesel. While all of the emissions are less for biodiesel compared to diesel fuel, nitrogen oxides (NOx ) increases. To meet the emissions requirements by engine manufacturers, information about biodiesel fuel must be provided for engine control system to be able to compensate the increase in NOx emissions caused by using biodiesel. Moreover, biodiesel blend information can be useful to improve performance on the biodiesel fueled engine. Biodiesel blend estimation based on fuel consumption and produced engine torque is investigated in this paper. This strategy is fitted in a robust adaptive estimation structure for achieving a robust estimation. Sensitivity analysis has been done to check the robustness of the estimators against measurement errors.Copyright © 2011 by ASME and General Motors
Regional Oxidant Modeling of the Northeast U.S.

The development and application of a photochemical model capable of simulating regional transport of ozone and its precursors are the focus of an extensive program now in progress at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This model, the Regional Oxidant Model (ROM) is designed for use in evaluating the effectiveness of various emission control strategies on a regional (1000 km) scale. The first model application will be for the Northeast U.S. where various studies have demonstrated the occurrence of widespread episodes of high ozone concentrations.1,2 The purposes of this paper are to describe the basis and structure of the ROM including design and implementation considerations and to present some preliminary model results.
PENDS: an approach to modeling and retrieving “pending” information

Recently there has been tremendous interest in temporal data modeling. The scope of most proposed temporal models has been restricted to historical, or past data. We believe that a complete temporal database must deal with historical data as well as data relating to the future (pending data). In this paper we expand the previous work on temporal modeling by introducing the 'pending' dimension. We also specify a (pending) query and update language, which is an extension of the GORDAS ER query language. We use an inventory management environment and show that our model and query language can handle complex pending situations.
Identification of arginine as a precursor of endothelium-derived relaxing factor

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) is a major endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) released in response to vasodilating amines, peptides, proteins, ionophores, and nucleotides. EDRF is an important regulator of smooth muscle tone and platelet aggregation and adhesion. Histamine and acetylcholine relax the intact norepinephrine-constricted guinea pig pulmonary artery by an EDRF-dependent mechanism in a medium free of amino acids. N omega-Monomethylarginine (N-MeArg; 0.25 mM) inhibited this relaxation by 64-73%. Inhibition by N-MeArg developed rapidly and was immediately and completely reversed by excess L-arginine but not by D-arginine or by citrulline. N-MeArg did not diminish relaxation induced by nitroprusside, an NO-generating agent, indicating that N-MeArg acts on endothelium rather than on smooth muscle. These observations strongly suggest that, in the intact guinea pig pulmonary artery, EDRF originates from enzymatic action on the guanido nitrogen(s) of an endogenous pool of arginine. This is strikingly similar to the origin of reactive nitrogen intermediates in activated macrophages.
Synaptogenesis: A Balancing Act between Excitation and Inhibition

Recent studies have implicated a number of membrane-associated proteins, including the signaling pair neuroligin and β-neurexin, in synapse formation, suggesting that they govern the ratio of inhibitory and excitatory synapses on CNS neurons. These findings, together with data indicating that the genes encoding neuroligin and PSD95 are altered in autism patients, suggest that a molecular understanding of complex neurological diseases is within reach.
The Meaning of Life (Events) Predicts Changes in Attachment Security

Building on prior research, which has failed to find consistent effects of life events on change in self-reported adult attachment security over time, the present study tested the hypothesis that it is the meaning people attach to events, rather than the objective features of events, that is associated with changing levels of security. Participants engaged in an 8-week daily diary study, during which they completed daily self-report measures of attachment security, negative life events, perceptions of loss associated with events, and mood. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that perceptions of greater interpersonal (but not achievement) loss associated with life events were significantly associated with greater insecurity on a day-to-day basis, even controlling for objective features of events and for mood. Trait levels of security did not moderate this association. Results are discussed with regard to social-cognitive models of attachment security and the utility of understanding the meaning of life events to understand how attachment models may be confirmed or disconfirmed.
Laboratory Evaluation of a Commercial Microbial Control System

A new product, the 3M Brand Microbial Control System for monitoring the reproducibility of Bauer-Kirby susceptibility tests, was compared with standard ATCC strains of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results are presented from four independent laboratories in which all obvious protocol variables, excluding media and personnel, were identical. Evaluation of the system revealed that the commercial procedure was simple to implement and efficacious and produced results equivalent to those derived from ATCC control strains of E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa.
Isolation and characterization of a mouse subtelomeric sequence.

A mouse subtelomeric sequence, ST1, was generated from genomic DNA of the mouse HR9 (129/Sv origin) cell line by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a single telomeric primer. ST1 was cloned and characterized: it is composed of 670 bp of novel DNA sequence flanked on each end by inverted telomeric hexanucleotide repeats (TTAGGG)n. PCR amplification from BALB/c mouse DNA using this single primer gave the same major product. Southern analysis and PCR using internal ST1 primers confirmed that the ST1 sequence is present in mouse genomic DNA. In situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes of SJL origin mapped ST1 to many, if not every, mouse telomere. PCR experiments using different combinations of the telomeric, minor satellite, and ST1 primers indicated that some ST1 copies are adjacent to minor satellite sequences, that telomeric and ST1 sequences are not generally interspersed with minor satellite sequences,and that ST1 and the minor satellite have a consistent and specific orientation relative to each other and to the telomere.
Parathyroid hormone modulates the response of osteoblast-like cells to mechanical stimulation

Mechanical loading stimulates many responses in bone and osteoblasts associated with osteogenesis. Since loading and parathyroid hormone (PTH) activate similar signaling pathways in osteoblasts, we postulate that PTH can potentiate the effects of mechanical stimulation. Using an in vitro four-point bending device, we found that expression of COX-2, the inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase, was dependent on fluid forces generated across the culture plate, but not physiologic levels of strain in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells. Addition of 50 nM PTH during loading increased COX-2 expression at both subthreshold and threshold levels of fluid forces compared with either stimuli alone. We also demonstrated that application of fluid shear to MC3T3-E1 cells induced a rapid increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Although PTH did not significantly change [Ca(2+)](i) levels, flow and PTH did produce a significantly greater [Ca(2+)](i) response and increased the number of responding cells than is found in fluid shear alone. The [Ca(2+)](i) response to these stimuli was significantly decreased when the mechanosensitive channel inhibitor, gadolinium, was present. These studies indicate that PTH increases the cellular responses of osteoblasts to mechanical loading. Furthermore, this response may be mediated by alterations in [Ca(2+)](i) by modulating the mechanosensitive channel.
EFFECTS OF EARLY OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION (OME) ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT AT 3 AND 5 YEARS. • 763

EFFECTS OF EARLY OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION (OME) ON COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT AT 3 AND 5 YEARS. • 763
A new paradigm for calculating skin dose

Abstract Purpose Most institutions model breast epidermis with a surface contour and record the maximum dose on the external surface of the patient. The objective of this study was to compare the external surface contour (ext) model of the skin with our current volumetric model for skin for radiation treatment planning in accelerated partial breast irradiation brachytherapy. Methods and Materials A literature search was conducted to identify studies measuring breast epidermal thickness. Clinical plans were performed with a 2-mm contraction of the external surface contour. This 2-mm contraction of the external surface contour was used to approximate breast epidermis thickness. Then, the external surface contour was expanded 5 mm outside the external contour of the patient for the second skin model. Maximum doses from the two models were recorded and compared. Results The average breast epidermal thickness from five studies was 1.68 mm. Mean percent difference between skin and ext + 5 mm for balloon plans, strut plans, and all plans was 10.1%, 14.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. Differences in doses between the two skin models were statistically significant (p Conclusions The volumetric skin model was validated because the average breast epidermal thickness was 1.68 mm. The surface model for skin may underestimate the dose delivered to the epidermis by as much as 23.8%. The external surface contour method does not accurately represent the dermatologic skin thickness of the breast as the skin is modeled as a surface rather than a volume. These discrepancies may skew correlations of dose to skin and toxicity determinations.
THE EFFECT OF THE MOTHER'S VOICE ON THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (A) AND tcPo2 OF VERY PREMATURE INFANTS

THE EFFECT OF THE MOTHER'S VOICE ON THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (A) AND tcPo 2 OF VERY PREMATURE INFANTS
Detection of human exposure to saxitoxin and neosaxitoxin in urine by online-solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Saxitoxin (STX) and neosaxitoxin (NEO) are potent neurotoxins that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). PSP typically occurs through the ingestion of bivalve shellfish that have consumed toxin producing dinoflagellates. Due to initial presentation of symptoms being nonspecific, a clinical measurement is needed to confirm exposure to these toxins. Our group has developed an online solid phase extraction hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) method for the analysis of STX and NEO in human urine with tandem mass spectrometry. A unique feature of this online method is the incorporation of a new synthetic 15N4-STX labeled internal standard used for quantitation. Manual sample preparation time was reduced by approximately 70% for 98 urine samples as compared to a previously reported method. The lowest reportable limit for STX was improved from 5.0 ng/mL to 1.01 ng/mL and from 10.0 ng/mL to 2.62 ng/mL for NEO. Three analysts validated the method with 20 calibration curves total over 30 days with precision and accuracy within ±15% for all QCs. This new online method rapidly identifies STX and NEO exposure with improved sensitivity, which can facilitate the work of public health authorities to confirm the cases of PSP, complementing the many shellfish monitoring programs worldwide.
Hydrodynamic Co-Localization of Molecules in Supported Lipid Bilayers Detected by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry

Here we report on the use of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to study the hydrodynamic co-localization of membrane components in supported lipid bilayers formed by the fusion of multi-component giant unilamellar vesicles to oxidized silicon substrates. In these experiments, hydrodynamic drag forces arising from flow above the supported lipid bilayer (SLB) results in the directed motion of molecules protruding from the SLB. In this particular case, protrusion of the cholera toxin B into the aqueous layer serves as a handle for the directed motion of its natural ligand, ganglioside GM1, and any other molecule (i.e. cholesterol) strongly associated with it. Orthogonal isotopic labeling or fluorination of every lipid bilayer component allowed generation of molecule-specific images, using a nanoSIMS, that map the lateral re-distribution of molecules in a lipid bilayer as a result of hydrodynamic flow. Furthermore, simultaneous detection of up to seven different ion species, including secondary electrons, allowed generation of ion ratio images whose signal intensity values could be correlated to composition through the use of calibration curves from standard samples.
Willingness to Participate in a Parental Training Intervention to Reduce Neurocognitive Late Effects Among Latino Parents of Childhood Cancer Survivors

The purpose of the study was to examine correlates of Spanish-speaking Latino parents’ interest for participation in an educational intervention to improve learning and school success in children with cancer-related cognitive and behavioral late effects. Participants included 73 Latino caregivers of school-age children who are survivors of brain tumor or leukemia and at risk for cognitive late effects. The parents completed a battery of surveys relating to interest in and barriers to intervention participation, as well as measures of parental knowledge and beliefs and their children’s cognitive functioning, and health-related quality of life. Results showed that the majority of parents expressed interest in participating in the proposed 8-week intervention, with over 90 % indicating interest in learning more about improving grades, making learning more exciting, being a role model, and the impact of cancer on memory. The factors most strongly related to interest in intervention included lower maternal education as well as perceptions of greater child cognitive difficulties and lower health-related quality of life. The barriers most highly endorsed by the most parents were difficulty paying for gas, child care responsibility, and too much stress in other parts of life. Also highly endorsed as barriers were statements relating to the child’s lack of interest and need for services (i.e., my child is doing fine). These findings are consistent with the Health Belief Model wherein decisions to engage in health-related behaviors are made by weighing the potential benefits relative to the costs and barriers.
Sight and Sensibility: Evaluating Pictures edited by lopes, dominic mciver

Preface Introduction 1. The puzzle of mimesis 2. The 'air' of pictures 3. Good looking 4. Drawing lessons 5. Moral vision Afterword References Index
Identifying differentially expressed genes in cancer patients using a non-parameter Ising model

Identification of genes and pathways involved in diseases and physiological conditions is a major task in systems biology. In this study, we developed a novel non-parameter Ising model to integrate protein-protein interaction network and microarray data for identifying differentially expressed (DE) genes. We also proposed a simulated annealing algorithm to find the optimal configuration of the Ising model. The Ising model was applied to two breast cancer microarray data sets. The results showed that more cancer-related DE sub-networks and genes were identified by the Ising model than those by the Markov random field model. Furthermore, cross-validation experiments showed that DE genes identified by Ising model can improve classification performance compared with DE genes identified by Markov random field model.
Dynamics of an elastic satellite—ii

Abstract This investigation is concerned with the determination of effects of elastic deformation on the stability of a rotating satellite composed of two elastically connected, inertially identical, unsymmetrical rigid bodies. Following a stability analysis, examples are presented to demonstrate effects of elasticity on vehicle motion, to illustrate various types of instability, and to point out that the performance of the system can be highly sensitive to dimension and spin rate changes.
Integrative problem solving: the policy sciences as a framework for conservation policy and planning

The articles in this special issue offer a discussion and application of the policy sciences framework—as elaborated by Harold Lasswell, Myres McDougal, and their collaborators and students—within the domain of conservation policy and planning. As we note below, scholarship within the policy sciences has remained vibrant over the past two decades, especially as it relates to environmental affairs. In this introductory note, we provide an overview that highlights the origins of the special issue, links the articles conceptually under the policy sciences umbrella, and briefly summarizes each of the four contributions. This special issue began as a symposium organized by Rich Wallace at the 2006 annual meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology held in San Jose, California. Under the aegis of both that society’s Social Science Working Group (SSWG) and the Society of Policy Scientists, the symposium sought to demonstrate how the policy sciences’ theory and methods facilitate knowledge integration and problem-solving drawing from multiple disciplinary perspectives (for information on the SSWG see http://www.conbio.org/ WorkingGroups/SSWG/; for information on the Society of Policy Scientists, see http://www.policysciences.org/sops.cfm). While much has been written about the need for interdisciplinary integration, few approaches or frameworks within the broadly defined realm of policy studies provide systematic guidance on how to achieve this type of integration in practice. The eight papers presented at the symposium—four of which are included in this issue—highlighted how analyses informed by the policy sciences can provide key insights useful in advancing the goals of conservation science, policy, and planning. Specifically, the cases emphasized the interplay between the natural science that forms the basis for understanding conservation problems in a technical sense and the social processes that underlie human actions that cause conservation interventions to succeed or fail.
Primordial helium recombination. III. Thomson scattering, isotope shifts, and cumulative results

Upcoming precision measurements of the temperature anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background at high multipoles will need to be complemented by a more complete understanding of recombination, which determines the damping of anisotropies on these scales. This is the third in a series of papers describing an accurate theory of He i and He ii recombination. Here we describe the effect of Thomson scattering, the $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ isotope shift, the contribution of rare decays, collisional processes, and peculiar motion. These effects are found to be negligible: Thomson and $^{3}\mathrm{He}$ scattering modify the free electron fraction ${x}_{e}$ at the level of $\mathrm{\text{several}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. The uncertainty in the ${2}^{3}{P}^{o}\ensuremath{-}{1}^{1}S$ rate is significant, and for conservative estimates, gives uncertainties in ${x}_{e}$ of order ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. We describe several convergence tests for the atomic level code and its inputs, derive an overall ${C}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$ error budget, and relate shifts in ${x}_{e}(z)$ to the changes in ${C}_{\ensuremath{\ell}}$, which are at the level of 0.5% at $\ensuremath{\ell}=3000$. Finally, we summarize the main corrections developed thus far. The remaining uncertainty from known effects is $\ensuremath{\sim}0.3%$ in ${x}_{e}$.
Inhibition of cocaine-induced sensitization by the δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole

Abstract The influence of the δ-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole upon sensitization to the locomotor activating effects of cocaine was assessed. Activity in response to a challenge dose of cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was significantly increased in rats which had received cocaine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for 3 days as compared to those which had previously received saline. The repeated administration of naltrindole (0.3–3.0 mg/kg, s.c.) alone did not affect activity. However, in animals which had received both naltrindole and cocaine for 3 days, no sensitization to the locomotor activating effects of cocaine was observed. These data demonstrate that the selective blockade of δ-opioid receptors modifies the development of cocaine-induced sensitization and suggest an important role of δ-opioid receptor systems in modulating the development of drug-induced sensitization.
Backcountry hiking and optimal timber rotation

This paper examines the effect of backcountry hiking on the optimal rotation periods of several species of trees. The paper begins by showing how theoretical models of timber rotation in the presence of externalities can be used to describe this situation. Following this, empirical rules for harvesting timber based on common forest data are computed for five species of trees. The paper proceeds by simulating the optimal social forest management regime when both timber and amenity values can substantially alter the rotation period of timber.
EFFECT OF METHYLENE BLUE ON THE ABSORBANCE OF SOLUTIONS OF HAEMOGLOBIN

The effect of the i.v. administration of methylene blue dye on haemoglobin oxygen saturation, measured by a pulse oximeter was investigated. The absorption spectra of various concentrations of haemoglobin, oxyhaemoglobin and methylene blue were compared. The amount of 660-nm light absorbed by methylene blue was sufficient to cause a factitious haemoglobin desaturation as measured by the pulse oximeter.
Bioassay of Ataractics Against Lethal Action of Mescaline in Mice

Summary1. It has been demonstrated that chlorpromazine, perphenazine, proclorperazine, promazine, thiopropazate, promethazine and reserpine are effective antagonists of mescaline-induced mortality in CF1 mice. 2. No significant protection was found with use of sodium phenobarbital, meprobamate, benactyzine, atropine, hydroxyzine, ethoxybutamoxane, SY-21, diphenylhydantoin, trimethadione, lysergic acid diethylamide, serotonin, amphetamine, morphine, pyrilamine, diphenhydramine, iproniazid, pilocarpine, and arecoline. 3. It is suggested that the protective effects of the ataractics against mescalineinduced mortality are centrally mediated.
Electron microscopy study of tin whisker growth

The growth of tin whiskers formed on sputtered tin layers deposited on brass was studied using electron microscopy. The occurrence of whiskers appeared to be largely independent of the macroscopic stress state in the film; rather it was microscopic compressive stresses arising from the formation of an intermetallic phase that appeared to be the necessary precursor. Whisker morphology was a result of whether nucleation had occurred on single grains or on multiple grains. In the latter case, the whiskers had a fluted or striated surface. The formation of whiskers on electron transparent samples was demonstrated. These samples showed the whiskers were monocrystalline and defect free, and that the growth direction could be determined.
Experimental Escherichia coli epididymitis in rabbits.

Abstract We describe an experimental model of bacterial epididymitis in New Zealand white rabbits. Inoculation of 107 colony forming units of Escherichia coli in a retrograde fashion into the vas deferens reliably produced clinical, bacteriologic, and pathologic epididymitis. Inflammation was maximum at two weeks and subsided by one month without treatment. E. coli could be reisolated from the epididymides for up to two weeks post inoculation. We detected loss of spermatogenesis in both the ipsilateral and contralateral testes and the appearance of antisperm antibodies subsequent to the infection in some animals. There were 2 cases (11 %) of histologic bilateral epididymitis after unilateral inoculation; one of these had bilateral clinical epididymitis with E. coli recovered from both epididymides at two weeks.
Searching high and low: a review of the genetics of bipolar disorder.

Objectives To review the methodologies and findings in the genetics of bipolar disorder (BPD), and to suggest future directions for research. Methods Reports of family, twin, adoption, linkage, association, cytogenetic, and animal model studies, and segregation analyses in English, were identified from multiple MEDLINE searches. Hand searches were carried out in bibliographies from review articles. Results Family, twin, and adoption studies have provided strong evidence for a genetic etiology in BPD. Early reports of linkage of BPD to DNA markers at several chromosomal sites have not proven robust, perhaps because of the complex nature of BPD inheritance. However, linkage findings in the 1990s, on chromosomes 18, 21q, 12q, and 4p, have provided leads that are being pursued through both genetic and physical mapping. No gene has yet been definitively implicated in BPD. Conclusions Strategies for increasing the power to detect BPD genes include: (1) dividing the phenotype into genetically meaningful subtypes to decrease heterogeneity: and (2) ascertaining a very large family sample--a multicenter study now in progress will collect 700 bipolar I sibling pairs. BPD may result from several genes acting in concert so that new multilocus statistical methods could enhance the capacity to detect loci involved. Family-based association studies using a very large number of newly identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may allow for more efficient screening of the genome. As the Human Genome Project approaches its goal of isolating all genes by 2003, the data generated is likely to speed identification of candidate BPD genes.
Robust Design and Analysis for Quality Engineering

Quality engineering. Analysis of quality information and quality improvement effort. Fundamentals of designing experiments. Orthogonal array experiments I. Orthogonal array experiments II. Parameter design for continuous data. Parameter design for discrete data. Alternative parameter design and other considerations. Parameter design for dynamic characteristics. Tolerance design. Response surface design and analysis.
Literacy and Cerebral Palsy: Factors Influencing Literacy Learning in a Self-Contained Setting

This study was conducted as an ethnography of one self-contained classroom at a school for children with cerebral palsy. The five students were severely multiply disabled, exhibiting differing degrees and combinations of physical, visual, speech, hearing, and perceptual impairments. All were diagnosed as having severe reading disabilities. The purpose of the study was to describe and explain those factors that impacted on literacy learning within this setting. Data collection involved nonparticipant observation, interviews with teachers and administrators, videotape analysis and examination of student records. Factors identified as facilitating literacy learning were (a) the room as a text-rich environment, (b) the latitude often given students to govern their own literate behavior, (c) the regularly conducted storyreading sessions, and (d) the constructive use of computers. Factors identified as hindering literacy learning were (a) restriction of instructional time, (b) overreliance on individual instruc...
Oxidation of ascorbic acid by lipoxygenase: effect of selected chemicals.

Abstract The ability of soybean lipoxygenase to mediate ascorbic acid oxidation was examined. The oxidation of ascorbic acid was dependent on the concentration of linoleic acid, ascorbic acid and the enzyme. The optimal conditions to observe maximal enzyme velocity included the presence of 800μM linoleic acid, 500 μM ascorbic acid and 25 nM soybean lipoxygenase in 50 mM Tris buffer, pH 8.3. The reaction displayed a K m value of 100 μM for ascorbic acid and an average specific activity of about 460 nmol/min/nmol enzyme under the optimal conditions. The effect of ascorbic acid on the lipoxygenase-catalysed co-oxidation of xenobiotics was also evaluated. Ascorbic acid markedly decreased the rate of oxidation of test xenobiotics by the lipoxygenase. In contrast, the rate of ascorbic acid co-oxidation was enhanced significantly by the presence of xenobiotics, which are co-oxidized simultaneously by lipoxygenase through the formation of free radicals. Superoxide generation was not observed during lipoxygenase-mediated ascorbic acid co-oxidation.
Ground Communication Facility (GCF) upgrade task for Deep Space Network

The GCF upgrade task for NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) is described. The DSN is a multimission telecommunications and radiometric data facility used to support space science, exploration, and applications by communicating with spacecraft and observing other radio sources. The GCF upgrade task is a six-year project designed to increase the data rate throughout capacity from 280 kbps to 2.272 Mbps from each tracking area to JPL, and 224 kbps from JPL to each tracking area. This would be accomplished by using a selective automatic repeat request error correction scheme in all throughput data.
Spontaneous Network Activity in the Embryonic Spinal Cord Regulates AMPAergic and GABAergic Synaptic Strength

Spontaneous network activity (SNA) has been described in most developing circuits, including the spinal cord, retina, and hippocampus. Despite the widespread nature of this developmental phenomenon, its role in network maturation is poorly understood. We reduced SNA in the intact embryo and found compensatory increases in synaptic strength of spinal motoneuron inputs. AMPAergic miniature postsynaptic current (mPSC) amplitude and frequency increased following the reduction of activity. Interestingly, excitatory GABAergic mPSCs also increase in amplitude through a process of synaptic scaling. Finally, the normal modulation of GABAergic mPSC amplitude was accelerated. Together, these compensatory responses appear to increase the excitability of the cord and could act to maintain appropriate SNA levels, thus demonstrating a distinct functional role for synaptic homeostasis. Because spontaneous network activity can regulate AMPAergic and GABAergic synaptic strength during development, SNA is likely to play an important role in a coordinated maturation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic strength.
Automation of an electrolytic cell for the treatment of oily wastewater

An automatic control system was installed and evaluated on a pilot plant for the electrolytic treatment of oily wastewater which was in operation at an automotive transmission plant. In this continuous process, the wastewater passes through a porous iron chip bed anode where the oil emulsion is demulsified by electrolytically dissolved iron, forming an oil-rich floating sludge and oil-free water. The control system maintains a low effluent oil concentration by adjusting the anode current, and hence the amount of iron dissolved, in response to deviations from a set-point of effluent oil content, as sensed with an in-line turbidimeter. The current automatically assumes the newly demanded value within about 6 to 10 munutes of a step increase or decrease in effluent turbidity. The system controlled the treatment of the widely varying plant wastewater continuously for 30 days, with no intervention or control adjustment and with a minimum of daily maintenance.
Positional disorder in Josephson-junction arrays: Experiments and simulations.

We present the results of measurements on proximity-effect arrays with deliberate positional disorder, characterized by a parameter ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{\mathrm{*}}$. This system provides an experimental realization of XY magnet with random Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. In measurements of resistance versus perpendicular magnetic field, R(${f}_{0}$), we find strong evidence for a critical field ${f}_{c}$\ensuremath{\propto}1/${\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{\mathrm{*}}$ beyond which phase coherence is destroyed. Our Monte Carlo simulations show evidence for reentrant behavior in the helicity modulus Y, but with Y always finite at the lowest temperatures. Such a critical field and reentrance were predicted by Granato and Kosterlitz.
Narrative Transportation in Radio Advertising: A Study of the Effects of Dispositional Traits on Mental Transportation

This study examined the impact of 3 individual traits—namely need for cognition, vivid mental imagery ability, and transportability—on one's psychological transportation and ensuing belief change subsequent to listening to a narrative radio advertisement. The study demonstrated that both vivid mental imagery ability and transportability tend to significantly influence one's degree of transportedness. Moreover, the study showed that a higher degree of transportedness leads to a more potent persuasive impact on one's affective and conative responses to narrative radio advertising.